MorningMissivesAndRequestsMorning Missives and RequestsWith Varuna and Ykanga keeping watch over it, Priya, and Ostegos can relax in comfortable sleep for the rest of the night, and without interruption, so they do. The night is peaceful, without any dreams beyond the usual muddle of nocturnal entertainment. Certainly nothing that might be classified as precognitive or important. With this, sleep is restful. However, the morning comes all too early, and it comes bright and early with a knocking on the outer chamber door. "Shall I?" Ostegos mumbles, struggling toward wakefulness. "Please." I mumble, refusing to reliquish the warm lazitude that still encloses me. With eyes closed, I listen to the rustle of sheets and the tread of his heels on the floor.
The mental voice of Varuna comes quickly to Priya's mind."There is a young man dressed in green and gold outside of your quarters. His bearing and dress suggest that he is a servant of some sort, perhaps a page." Varuna replies. "The Spirit Guard and I have not noted any sort of activity from the mirror itself. However, not long after you and the Guardian retired to sleep, it seemed to briefly resonate with the traces of use of some sort of arcane activity elsewhere in the Castle. This occurred not as an activity intitated by itself, but rather as a stringed instrument might vibrate in resonance to a powerful sound wave striking it." "There was also one esoteric attempt to ascertain our natures from a different party within the Castle." Varuna replies. Priya can hear the door to the suite, distantly, open and a low conversation between Ostegos and, presumably the page. "Mmmm..." Interesting. And not surprising.
Given that it may be short-lived, I take a few breaths to enjoy the way my body feels heavy against the bed. The sense of security as it holds me. From here, I cannot fall. I relax, still listening.
Priya hears the soft words between Ostegos and the page end, and then hears the door close and the soft footsteps of the former guardsman back toward Priya's bedchamber. .....How.... Precise. Which is somewhat amusing and almost worth a smile before the thought drifts away. I enjoy a moment of stillness before the thoughts return. *Then we shall know who has such interest soon enough.*
The thoughts drift away on the breath and I listen to Ostegos returning, waiting now for what this visit was about. With her eyes closed, Priya's other senses, mainly hearing, stand in to alert her that Ostegos has returned to the bedroom, and has come over to her side of the bed. "Milady." Ostegos clears his throat. "Priya." he adds after a moment with a touch of self-amusement. "You've been given an invitation to attend Court this morning." "At least, I think its an invitation." Ostegos adds after a moment. "Well. That makes it sound interesting." I stretch, yawn and open my eyes, hauling myself up to sit on the bed and face him. "Since a poorly worded invitation is unlikely, shall we say it is with dubious intent?" I cock my head, waiting for his input, and then slide from the bed to make myself ready for this event. "Perhaps you are better able to interpret it than I. I have scant experience with the language of such missives." Ostegos replies. He offers Priya a scalloped-edge card. "Greetings and felicitations to Priya Luur, envoy pro-tem from Moire, Queen of Rebma. On behalf of his Majesty, Random, King of Amber, I extend to you his greetings, his invitation and his strong and ardent desire for you to witness and attend the formal Court to be held today, starting at one bell prior to Midday." "Henden, Chamberlain of Amber, for his Majesty, Random, King of Amber." "Ardent desire for you to witness and attend the formal Court....." I tap a finger on the edge of the card, the faint sound pacing the rhythm of my heart. "Witness what, I wonder... and formal, no less." "Something important and significant." Ostegos opines. "Perhaps something he thought would be insulting for you to miss, or perhaps something meant to send a message." I set the card aside opening the wardrobe and giving the clothes inside a very critical examination. I select a dark dress, layers of sheer fabric in dark blue, dark gray and a deep purple. Soft, sensuous fabric in serious colors, like a storm cloud over deep water. An elegant dress, cut to be alluring and perfectly fitted. Metallic, beaded straps glitter faintly as I lay it out on the bed and turn to my jewelery box. "Let it never be said that I do not rise to a challenge." My clothing selected, I lead the way to his wardrobe, selecting an outfit for him that suits my own. Ostegos looks at the formal uniform-like wear, in a matching storm blue and purple, that Priya has selected for him. "This appears not to be Rebman formal wear." he notes wryly. "But not quite what we've seen on the guards, either." "No..." I agree, "While you may be comfortable as the guard, that is not an accurate definition, you are more here and I wanted something that reflected that." I consider the clothes, draping them against him. The heavier fabric makes the colors much darker than my own, but better to compliment than to match and saturated color is associated with strength. Ostegos smiles. "Indeed. I am not well versed on these matters. But it is certain your abilities far outstrip mine. "Grow up at one Court or another and it's in your best interest to learn how the games are played. You cannot imagine how many times I wished to be a guard. To have a rank, to have everything clearly and cleanly defined. To be like a school of fish, everyone in uniform and equal and at a glance, anonymous. But, such was not my lot, so I studied hard for the hand I have been dealt." "Perhaps. Still. it is hard to imagine you as one of a faceless many." Ostegos admits. Satisfied, I return to my own room to wash off and dress for Court. *When the mirror began to resonate with whatever other power was active... for the purpose of hypothesising, could it be presumed that the mirror would react to mirror magic near at hand?* I query Ykanga and Varuna as I dress, part of me preoccupied with other things. Ostegos darts into the facilities after Priya to make ablutions and clean himself up prior to dressing himself. He stays out of the way as Priya dresses and queries her two artifacts.
"Ready?" "Yes" Ostegos agrees, straightening out one last bit of his outfit. Locking the door behind me I slip my arm through his for the walk down the hall. "I do hope we get breakfast. I get somewhat short tempered if left hungry too long." Ostegos matches stride with Priya as they make their way away from their quarters. The servants and staff of the Castle buzz hither and yon like darting angelfish in a coral reef. "Given that the hour is well short of this one bell short of Midday." Ostegos observes. "Perhaps we should be more proactive in finding our own breakfast? I wonder where guests and visitors do eat. Or perhaps we should try and find one of the Princes?" "A member of the family would be quite useful. A familiar servant or guard would be as well." I look around for a face that matches a name I know. It takes a little walking for Priya, and Ostegos to find a familiar face. There are a significant number of guards and servants, but none of them are of the same stock as those they dealt with the previous evening. Finally, luck or providence give Priya and Ostegos good fortune as they venture down one of the wider corridors. Speaking to two servants about something is a very familiar face: Noys. She looks up as Priya and Ostegos approach, and dismisses the servants with a few unheard low words. "Greetings to the both of you." she says pleasantly. "I'm glad to see the two of you are fit and fine this morning." Ostegos dips his head. "Princess." Noys good naturedly smiles and then regards Priya. "Princess." My voice is an echo, following Ostegos. "It is good to see you. I was looking for an easy way to get a quick meal before Court... We have not eaten and I do not have a firm time for when we are expected..." I watch her, quietly feigning concern. Noys regards Priya for a moment. "It would be a shame for you to wait around the halls for several hours awaiting entry into Court with ravenous stomachs." she says with a smile. "We have a fair amount of time before Court actually starts, and a somewhat shorter time before petitioners, witnesses and attendees are permitted into the Great Hall." "I have not had more than some fruit so far." Noys adds, thoughtfully. "If you are amenable, we might break our fast together, or else I can show you to the meal room set aside for visitors to our Castle." "Your company would be welcome." I smile in answer and allow her to lead the way. "Do you know what is on the agenda today?" Noys doesn't reply immediately, as she concentrates on navigating a sudden throng of servants in green and gold, headed the opposite direction and breaking like a stream on the rocks of Priya, Noys and Ostegos. She finally shakes her head, raven hair held up by hair picks remaining perfectly in place. "While I am fairly well connected with the doings of his Majesty's court." Noys smiles slightly. "You will remember that I was recently out of the Castle for an extended period." "However, I can make some intelligent guesses based on past experience. Even if, as the saying goings, past performance is not necessarily a guarantee of future events. I *can* offer you my speculations if you like." "Through here." Noys says, passing into, and through a smallish room. "This room is strictly for family, we'll be in the room next door, for family with guests." She passes through one of the other doors and into a rectangular room set with several circular tables. Servants hover at the other door to the room, waiting for Noys, Ostegos and Priya to need their services. "Curious. I would arrange things the other way, so that guests were not passing family..." I muse on the arrangments, following the Princess. "And I think speculation is a suitable topic for otherwise idle time." I smile in answer to her offer, taking a chair at the table she selects. Noys waits for Priya and Ostegos to be seated at one of the tables, and then she gestures for one of the servers to attend them. "To answer your point." Noys says. "With this arrangement, it is easy for the family to keep an eye on who their relations bring as guests. Such curiosity would happen anyway, in this manner it is made public." Noys shrugs. "And if someone wanted to be truly private with a guest, they would eat en suite." Three servants, two female and one male come forward: the man carrying a tea set, one of the ladies carrying a pewter pitcher and the other carrying nothing. "I'll begin with my usual, Clarisse" Noys says to the unencumbered servant. She pauses and then looks at Priya and Ostegos. "Two eggs, toast, ham. Fruit." "You may pour, Lila. Leave the pitcher." she adds to the woman with the pitcher, who pours a thick brownish liquid into a tumbler. She nods to the first one. "Set it down, Northam. We'll handle that ourselves." Noys raises the glass to her lips and takes a sip. Northam and Lila have withdrawn, while Clarisse has remained, and looks to Ostegos and Priya expectantly. "Whatever the chef would prefer to have himself, or herself. I am willing to trust they know what is best this morning." "I am not going to argue with Priya." Ostegos. He smiles to Priya and then looks at Clarisse. "Two." Clarisse looks a little surprised. "Very good, then." Once Ostegos has chosen and the woman has departed, I pour a drink from the pitcher and examine the contents, by smell first, then taste. The smell is of dairy, although it is not of a color of the milk of any mammal that Priya is familiar with, in or out of the water. The taste is similar to cow's milk, but there are other flavors as well. Chocolate, and some other hints of flavors that Priya can't place. After seeing her reaction, Ostegos pours, himself. Similar enlightenment crosses his face as he sips it. Noys makes no comment, simply taking a sip of her tumbler now and again. "In that regard, the arrangement makes sense." I return to the topic of conversation. "I oft times forget the maneuvering within the Court and Family." "It would be a mistake to discount such maneuverings, even in placid times." Noys replies. "And even if the rulership of Amber is placid now, Priya, there are other things that, to use a Rebman metaphor, roil the waters. Recent arrivals to court. Recent events in and around shadow. Such things make Amber a most complex social environment to maneuver in." "You're not really a creature of Rebma's court, are you, Priya?" Noys asks. "Not entirely, no, but the majority of my life has been spent at one Court or another." I shrug. "Elements might be wildly different, but some things remain the same, regardless of ruling family." Sadly, it is often the most distasteful things that remain constant. "You've spent time in Golden Circle courts." Noys says. "It sounds like the more diplomatically inclined of my family might have seen you. Pollux? William? Martin, you know already of course. Asteria?" "Excepting those born in Rebma, I have only recently met any of Amber's royal family, and I do not believe I have met Princess Asteria at all. A good deal of my time has been preoccupied with studies." A good deal was also preoccupied by my mother's court, but that is not a detail I feel inclined to share at the moment. Noys gives a nod. "You'll see much of the family that is here at Court. Introductions afterwards can be arranged, if you like." Noys says. "Although the bolder of our family will have no compunctions in coming up to introduce themselves." "Having only just arrived in Amber, I have a great deal to learn and even most current events to catch up with." I take another sip of the unusual drink and lift the mug toward Noys. "Would you tell me what this is?" "Something I get the kitchens to make for me." Noys says with a smile, raising her tumbler and taking a sip before continuing. " Ch..." she regards Priya and Ostegos. "Cow's milk, with chocolate, cream, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon and a little bit of beaten egg." "It's a cross of chocolate milk and eggnog." Noys says. "It is rich." Ostegos comments. "Something lighter will be served with the meal." Noys says. "I'm sort of cheating a bit by having this since its considered a winter beverage." Noys says "and we're now in Spring. It's fortunate I am on good terms with Michael and his staff." The scent of food wafting from the doorway suggests that breakfast is about to be served. "No matter where you are, it is always good to be on good terms with those who reign in the kitchen." I enjoy the drink, glancing toward the kitchen door. "Indeed." Noys agrees, as servants bring in food. The promised eggs, toast, ham and sliced bananas are on Noys' plate. "Its especially useful for getting victuals for expeditions." A glass pitcher of juice, apple from the smell, is placed on table before plates are unveiled and placed before Priya and Ostegos. On each plate is something that smells similarly of the eggs that Noys has, except these preparations are round, and Priya can see ham and other things embedded in the browned, (grilled?) preparations. "What are these?" Ostegos asks. "What you ordered." Clarisse says, in a deadpan tone. She pauses, and then looks at Priya. "These are frittatas. They are the chef's own favorite dish, from his homeland, that he himself would and will prepare for his own consumption." "Enjoy" she says, ready to withdraw. "Thank you." I address the woman but most of my attention is on the food. "This looks quite interesting." I select a bite, wondering what sort of homeland this might be from. I take a moment to enjoy the meal, and then turn my attention to our hostess. "Are we ready yet to speculate, or is it too early in the meal for chatter?" "You are in Amber, Priya." Noys says in response, cutting up her egg in neat portions with a fork and knife. "I think Aunt Florimel has a set schedule on speculating chatter in a meal. For the rest of us..." Noys takes a forkful and chews it thoughtfully. "One mouthful is usually enough to do so. And now that has been satisfied, so go right ahead and speculate at me." Ostegos in the meantime looks at the frittata a little suspiciously and then begins to eat it, slowly and carefully. I address my food with interest, but less hesitation than Ostegos, taking small bites that allow polite conversation. "I was wondering what topic pertinent to Rebma might be on the table since the King made it so clear that my presence was required." Hopefully she wasn't expecting more small talk on my way to what I wished to know. Noys is clearly polished and practiced at eating while speaking, clearing her plate at a decent pace, while still responding at a conversational rate. She shakes her head slightly at Ostegos hesitancy, and turns back to Priya. "I can think of several reasons why his Majesty would ask for you to be there." Noys says. "Let's start with the basic. Even though Rebma has declared independence, this is a new enough event that his Majesty may still be following the forms and rights of Rebma's vassalage. As such, Rebma has the right to have a representative present when Court is in session." "That said, I think there is more to it than that." Noys continues, lifting a forkful of egg. "Uncle Random wants you to see and hear something, to bear witness. As you say, a topic pertinent to Rebma. A declaration in return regarding Rebma's independence. The naming of an envoy to your realm. Something along those lines." "I very highly doubt." Noys adds "that he intends a declaration of War or Sanctions." "Good." Ostegos says, pausing in his now more enthusiastically eating of his food. "From what Priya has shown me, war against Rebma would be difficult and bloody and a logistical nightmare for both sides." "To bear witness sounds somewhat like a challenge..." I muse, taking time to eat. "And yes, war would be costly for all involved and with other possible conflicts we can ill afford more." I address Ostegos' comment and let a moment of silence pass. "Did Meriel get settle in last night?" Noys pauses a moment before nodding. "Yes. She's been entrusted to cousin Martin for the nonce. No doubt he has gotten her a room with a large bathtub. Or, perhaps, he managed to talk the King into giving her a room with running water." "She's a guest of his Majesty in any event now, I should imagine." Noys pauses and considers Priya thoughtfully. "Although he might exact a price from her to do that." Noys sips her apple juice. "So, aside from his Majesty asking you to Court, how long do *you* plan to remain up here?" Noys enquires. "The duration of my tenure here is dictated by the Queen or until my patience for it wears thin and I insist on something else. I have no immediate plans but shall deal with matters as they arise." Noys regards Priya. "This is no doubt wrapped up with the matter of Triton's health and well-being? Although if I had to make a guess, its not the only factor?" she asks inquiringly. "The lack of a current emissary and Triton's well-being are the only matters that have been discussed." I finish another bite and sit back with my drink. "If the queen has anything else in mind, she has not seen fit to mention it." "Her Highness is not considering making you the permanent emissary from Rebma to Amber, is she?" Noys enquires. "Your abilities on that river world seem to suggest, to me anyway, that your suite of abilities would be wasted in a permanent position in the Castle." "Unless." Noys continues "her Majesty would allow you a large freedom of action." "Restricting the lady is unwise. Like a current, she seeks her own freedom on her terms." Ostegos puts in. "And the Queen appreciates that fact as well." I murmur in answer to Ostegos' comment. Ostegos gives a small nod of agreement. "I do not believe I will be the emissary, nor do I desire a permanent post." I look up at Noys. "I expect she will take some care in choosing Rebma's new delegate since the previous Charge D'Affaires was clearly not up to the task and the position is more important than before." "I should think that the position would be made into a full Ambassadorship." Noys replies. "If Rebma and Amber are going to go on divergent paths, different destinies and no longer bound by fealty, then really, a true Ambassadress is what Rebma should send here." "And" Noys says. "Amber is going to need to send one to Rebma in turn." "Yes. Moire has indicated that she is awaiting that discussion." Noys nods. I spend another moment concentrating on my meal. Most of it is finished and I take the last few bites I want before pushing the plate aside and leaning back with my drink. "Perhaps that is a topic that can be discussed after events the King has planned." "Perhaps." Noys says with a slight smile. Her own plate is mostly clean, and Ostegos' own is completely clear at this point. "I have been accused of discussing politics almost as much as, oh, Pollux." Noys smiles slightly. "Not that either of us are single minded on the subject." I offer a slight smile in answer to her own, but do not comment. "There is something else I would like to discuss and act on with you, after Court, on a completely different topic, if you are willing." Noys then says "Mirrors." "Mirrors?" I find this an interesting change of topic and wonder why she did not choose to discuss this with Meriel. "What do you wish to discuss?" "It's occurred to me." Noys says "that since I've met you and seen you at work, Priya, that someone of your knowledge of Rebma and mirrors, and more importantly, your arcane talent, might be well suited to look at something with me that crops up in Amber from time to time." "There is a Hall in the Castle that appears in different places and times, a phantom that yet is real enough to allow passage into it." Noys says. "Its one of the mysteries of the Castle, and after a period of quiescence, has started appearing again as of late." Ostegos furrows his eyebrows and regards Noys curiously. He mouths the word "what?" "A Hall of Mirrors." Noys says. "I have heard rumors of such a thing. They always seem rather far-fetched but interesting enough to think about, and it is something that does not seem to reflect in Rebma. Although, we may have enough mirrors that one hall would not be sufficient." I glance at Ostegos to see if he has ever heard of such a thing. Ostegos furrows his eyebrows, in thought and recollection. "While you were speaking with the King." Ostegos says, as if picking his way through a coral reef. "I overheard the guards talking about some sort of Hall appearing 'much more often than usual'." "Yes." Noys says with a nod. "It *has* been appearing more often than it previously did. That is part of the reason why I would like to speak of it at length." "And, perhaps, manifest it for study," Noys finishes. "It's manifestation can be triggered?" I find that at least as unusual as the Hall itself. "It would be interesting to see this.. though I suspect we will not have ample time to do so before Court." Although... it would make the wait much more entertaining.... "I don't claim to be able to manifest it at all." Noys says hastily, shaking her head. "It does seem to manifest more often near beings who are real." Ostegos quirks his eyebrows at this and looks at Priya as if for explanation. I make note of the expression, but do not comment. "I was theorizing." Noys continues "that you or Meriel, as Rebmans, might get it to appear if you stay around long. However, while Meriel knows more about mirrors, you are much more of a general esoteric expert. Or so I deduced from our time in shadow." "I suspect I have a much broader range of experience than Meriel," I consider the matter of the Hall a moment before adding, "but, when you say, 'stay around long' do you mean in one place, or simply as a general fact? I have patience, but there are limits." "Though it would be quite convenient if it chose the hall outside my quarters... I do appreciate a short walk to points of interest." "I mean stay around in the Castle." Noys clarifies. "I've never heard of someone managing to get it to appear in front of them. The usual way it manifests...at least as it did for me, is to find the entrance while passing through the Castle. Or, as it is more commonly done, stumble across the entrance while passing through the Castle. I can hope, though, that you might attract the Hall's attention." "Its more often viewed on the second and third floors." Noys adds. "Although reports have had it appear on all four floors." "Curious. I shall be alert for its appearance." Since I have no idea what more she might wish of me, or what she might believe I can do, I leave it at that and look for the woman to refill my cup. Clarisse comes forward with Priya's subtle signal, refilling the cup without a word, and Noys as well, and withdrawing just as quickly and subtly. Noys reaches into a purse and pulls out a trump card and offers it to Priya. "I've spent so much time explaining the concept that I didn't explain what I wanted you to do if you should actually see the Hall. I want you to trump me." "You want to go in it with her?" Ostegos asks. "Well." Noys says. "Yes, Ostegos. I do. Three minds are oft better than two." She takes a sip of her cup. "I have a theory about what the hall is that I hope that your patroness, associated with mirrors and the arcane as she is, can help me prove." "Care to share the theory with those you wish as conspirators? And are you counting Ostegos and I to reach three, or is there another who will be joining us? Assuming the Hall cooperates, of course." I had hoped Amber would be interesting beyond her politics. It seems my hope might be satisfied. "I had made an assumption that you would be as difficult to prevent from following into the Hallway as it is difficult to remove a determined barnacle." Noys says. Ostegos regards her for a long moment, and then decides to simply give a nod. Noys takes a last sip of her glass. "As far as others joining us, that might be entirely situational." Noys says, turning to Priya. "As far as my theory, I am not the arcane expert some of my family are, or *you* are..." she says. "However, a portion of the Castle that appears irregularly, and only responds to Real people rather than random passers by suggests that the Hallway is actually semi-sentient, or at least has a psychic intelligence, and portrays things that relate to the people who experience it." "With more family members existing than ever, this would correlate with the more common appearances of the Hall as of late." "That is a workable theory." I accept the card, pausing to examine the art before putting it away. The card is a rich design, of Noys in an intimate setting, with a snowy's winter's night visible in the window of the room in which she is depicted. "Or perhaps it is the number of family in residence?" I offer that possibility as well. "Which makes me wonder how it will respond to someone not of the family trodding along its length." "I am uncertain" Noys admits. "I did say that the Hall doesn't seem to manifest for staff. As far as what might happen, that's where the boundaries of knowledge lies." Noys looks up at a baroque looking clock which reads 10:30 "Now, though, I think I need to prepare for Court. To break my fast with the both of you." she nods to Priya and Ostegos. "was a pleasure." "Likewise. We shall see you soon." I remain seated as she leaves, giving her time to exit the outer room before I turn to Ostegos. "I should visit Triton before Court." With naught but the sounds and present of the staff in the distance, Ostegos looks around and then gives a nod. "Yes, we should see to him." Ostegos agrees. I thank our server, offer additional thanks to the unseen cook, and head to the infirmary. "Hopefully the young prince is feeling better, but has not yet made a fuss about it." "Perhaps an experience with death and the beyond has cooled the impulsiveness that seems to be in his character." Ostegos says, once thanks are made and the two are by themselves in one of the Castle passageways. "It certainly would tend to make *me* less liable to go charging off." Ostegos observes. "I expect there will be a lesson learned, though I've no reason to think he'll learn the lesson I expect." "So my own teachers and tutors have sometimes told me." Ostegos replies wryly in a slightly self-effacing tone. The trip to the Infirmary is without incident. When Priya and Ostegos arrive, one of the nurses moves quickly to intercept them at the threshold. "You'll be pleased to know that his highness the Prince has fully awakened." the nurse says brightly. Behind her, Priya can see Triton is making up for not eating for a while by putting in a possibly unhealthy amount of food away. "Keeping him under control, however, might be more your department." the nurse says. She slips to the side, permitting access to the Prince more intent on devouring the food in front of him than anything else. "It is an art." I give a woman slight nod and a sympathetic glance as I pass her. "Good morning." I address the Prince, standing just back from the foot of the bed until he replies. Triton takes a measured three seconds of chewing and swallowing, before looking up at Priya and Ostegos. "Priya Luur. It would be terribly non-Rebman and non Amberian of me to call you so, but perhaps I should refer to you as my guardian angel." He touches the side of his head with his hand. I bow politely, accepting the compliment. "Your little procedure seems to have had the side effect of increasing my appetite." he says. "Aside from hunger, and the reluctance of the staff to let me out of bed, I should say that your efforts on my behalf have been completely successful." "I am glad you feel better." I approach the bed, keeping my voice low so that the conversation remains only between us. Ostegos stands guard, back a few paces, not privy to Priya;s words. Pointedly, his eyes look over the infirmary as Priya speaks to Triton. "Though I do hope you will allow the staff to dote. I would hate to see my work undone and your mother thinks this may be the best place for you to remain for the moment. More for what you may witness, than simply to keep you from falling into more trouble. Or it could be she wishes you to be underestimated.." I have little more to offer him, and I am reluctant to speak in more depth in a place that is not more private. I try to express both points in tone and expression. Triton purses his lips, as if he were eating something sour, such as one of the ceviches often employed in Rebman cuisine in place of arcane-fueled cooking. "We should speak more in a private place." Triton says. "Suffice it to say here that I think that Mother wants me to stay put and out of trouble." Triton says. "I had hopes of actually attending Court and determining just what Uncle Random is going to do with this lump of seaweed dumped into his lap." "I don't suppose you and your stranger from a strange land aren't going to Court, are you?" Triton inquires. "My presense has been very pointedly invited, indeed, almost required, to attend this morning." An arch of brow, a tilt of head, a slight emphasis and I trust he catches that there is something afoot. "I will most certainly keep you informed." Triton gives a nod and a silent look to suggest that would be very much appreciated. "Also, the Queen says there is a party headed for Amber. Neither she nor I know who, but she has asked me to find out. I would be grateful for whatever you may hear in that regard. I am certain the staff will catch rumors once the news reaches the castle, and you should have little difficulty charming it out of the nurses in attendance." I offer a slight bow. Ready to depart if he has nothing more, but willing to stay a few minutes more if he does. "A party headed for Amber. Mother does have her special sources." Triton says. "Speaking of sources..." Triton looks to make sure that they do have relative privacy. "I overheard one of the servants chatting up one of the servants here." "Mother has *another* Rebman emissary here?" Triton says in a questioning tone. "Not that I am aware of. I returned to Amber last night with Merielle, who is from Rebma. I suppose her presence could cause such talk, especially since she is on good terms with Martin." I wait, wondering if that is, in fact, what has generated the rumors. "Merielle." Triton furrows his eyebrows and shakes his head after a few moments thought. "I don't think that I know her, even if she is friends with Martin." Triton says. "However, I did hear that another Rebman was in residence, one without a stalwart companion from..." He glances at Ostegos. "Wherever you found him. I can't place his shadow of origin." Triton shrugs. "Anyway, I figured that since you were about as inclined to diplomacy and politics as a hermit crab is to walking around naked, I figured that this other Rebman was the *real* Ambassadress to replace Ap Nerys." "I would not describe Merielle as diplomatic. So while it is not something I have a taste for, she is not going to be Rebma's emmissary and I continue in the position." I shrug, mimicing the Prince's earlier gesture. "You have my sympathies. You do not need me to tell you, though, that my mother will not allow an untenable situation to last forever. And if you make it known that acting as a temporary ambassador to Amber is untenable..." Triton cocks his head. "I have no doubt that her Majesty will find another current for you to swim in." "I am certain she will. But be assured that I have several things to entertain me and no reason to insist on leaving. Quite the opposite really." I smile, leaning forward slightly. "I am making the very best of where I am, as I think you should. Hopefully we will both benefit from the challenges." Triton's eyes raise. "I had forgotten, Priya, that you work quickly to find things for yourself to do. Then, whilst I recuperate and remain relatively quiescent..." he gives Priya a sincere nod that he is speaking truth. "I look forward to the unexpected pleasure of having you in the vicinity." "Four Rebmans in the Castle." Triton muses. "Her Majesty, you, me, and this Merielle. It's almost like we should create a Little Rebma somewheres." he says, with a touch of a formerly long lost smile. "Perhaps I shall speak with the Chef about ethnic additions to his menu." I smile in answer. "And now, unless you have another matter, we should depart. Since it is likely to be interesting, I do not wish to be late and find all the best vantage points taken." "No, go, enjoy Court, as much as it can be enjoyed. I suppose if I were not playing at being a wounded dolphin, I might actually have to attend." Triton muses. "Oh, and if you are serious about talking up the chef, go see Michael. He runs the kitchen, some call him the second King in the Castle. I never got along with him. Maybe *you* can charm him." "Michael." I nod, wondering if this was the same cook who prepared my breakfast. "We shall see if I am up to the task. Perhaps he will take the preparation of a proper Rebman meal as a challenge worth rising to." "Good luck, Priya." Triton raises his hand to his forehead and gestures toward Priya with it. It's not quite a Rebman bow, but the closest one can get while in a bed, above the waves. "Thank you." I bow in answer and quietly depart. "To Court." I glance at Ostegos and turn in that direction once we are clear of the infirmary. Ostegos finishes his conversation with the nurse and returns to Priya. "To Court" he agrees and falls into step beside her as Priya makes her way through the tangle of corridors that eventually lead to the hall that ends in the anteroom of the Great Hall of Amber. Already people are queued up and preparing to enter an already-crowded anteroom... Backlinks |
