RebmanAtLibertyIndex Rebman At Liberty "Relatively." Priya finally answers Ostegos' comment but then turns to the Begman diplomat. "It was a pleasure to meet you, and I hope we have opportunity to meet again in the future." She offered a polite, cordial bow, but did not rush to depart. Ambassador Quist responds to the bow with one of her own. "It was a pleasure to meet you as well. There is sometimes no telling when his Majesty here will hold court, but if you have any questions, my quarters are likely close to yours and I am easy to find." "Thank you, and if Rebma or myself might be of assistance, I hope you will feel comfortable seeking us out." Priya inclined her head and then moved toward the door, having no particular business to be conducted at Court. Ostegos follows alongside Priya, leaving the presence of the Begman diplomat. There is a bit of a crowd at the door, and small pools of conversations, dealmaking and eddies of social interactions. Leaving those behind in her wake, Priya and Ostegos can make their way out of the Throne Room, and once in the antechamber where the pre-Court meeting was taking place, she can consider herself swimming free. At liberty. "Now..." Priya murmurs, continuing forward at the same pace. Unhurried, but direct as she returns to her quarters. Ostegos quirks an eyebrow and follows alongside silently. She did not dally, taking a spot directly in front of the mirror and pouring energy into it, seeking her Queen. One hand rested firmly on her hip, the only visible sign of irritation. Ostegos busies himself with something, unobtrusively and out of sight, as Priya works on the mirror. It takes about sixty seconds of concentration before the image of the Queen of Rebma appears. In her chambers, the watery scene beyond looks like a far grander version of the room in which Priya currently sits. She smiles slightly and nods. "What news, Priya?" "Triton does well and has cooperated nicely with the directive to remain where he is, however, it would have greatly aided my efforts to deal with Meriel if I had known she was a member of Amber's royal family before this morning's session at Court." It was a factual, polite, direct report and when she'd finished, Priya waited for the Queen's response. "She was named as a member of the Royal Family?" Moire says after a moment's pause. The look on her face is sour, as if she just finished eating a too-overdone seviche. "I had not anticipated that they would accept her so quickly or so easily." "Was she claimed by any of the Amber Royal Family as their own?" "She claimed her lineage, daughter of Mirelle, daughter of Paulette, and Princess Mirelle did not protest." Priya replied, head tilting slightly as she watched the Queen, interested in the nonverbal cues. The Queen betrays no look of surprise as Priya names Meriel's lineage. It's clear to Priya's reading of her that the Queen expected Meriel's lineage to be named as such. Instead, the look of sourness on her face continues to dominate her features. "I did not anticipate that she would actually claim her daughter, given circumstances." Moire replies after a moment. "I suspect that her brother had some influence over Princess Mirelle in this matter." "It will be inconvenient if Meriel tries to remove all the mirrors placed around the Castle, don't you agree?" Moire says, in a not-quite rhetorical sounding question. Not being someone who used them, Priya didn't find it inconvenient at all, but said no such thing to her Queen. "I suspect many are already absent. Certainly there were none to be found at Court this morning. However, given my brief time with Meriel, I observed her using other reflective surfaces in place of mirrors and I would find adaptation easier than convincing the King to leave the mirrors in place. Removing her Sight and use of them would likely be easier." Knowing what they were used for, Priya saw no logical point from which to begin a dialog with the King regarding them. Unless Moire had something else entirely in mind. "Denying *her* Sight is one thing." Moire says after one point. "It is the Sight of Rebma that I am more concerned about. Although it is useful to have you in place keeping an eye on events, you have made it clear that you would not do so forever.And it would be something of a waste of your talents." The Queen pauses for a moment. "Still, with a removal of mirrors, I trust you will be alert to tell me of things that thanks to Meriel's sabotage We might now otherwise...miss. And perhaps the talents of your bodyguard might be useful in this manner as well?" "He is observent." I agree. "If we hear anything that may be of interest to you, we will, of course, pass the news along. For the remainder of this day, I think I would like to revisit a new aquaintance to see if there might be more there to learn. She is of an elder race, calling us as Rebmans the children of Mael and seeming to hold hostility toward Amber." The word Mael clearly gets a brief look of surprise from Moire which tamps down quickly. It's clear to Priya that the name is known to the Queen. " Preparations will be brief, but I expect I will be gone the rest of the day and into night judging by yesterdays unfolding. Also, the group that approached Amber where Chaosian with a petition against the House of Amber in regards to Prince Jayson." I fill in the details and finish with the news that another newly named member has been named as my counterpart, and that she came with her own troubles with Chaos. Then I wait to see if the Queen has any objections to my plan or questions. "We had such high hopes for Jayson; it is a pity that his actions have caused the Chaosians to stir.." Moire says. "I will have to have others keep an eye on them. If this Aura is coming to Rebma, she might draw the Chaosians down here in turn. This would displease Us." "Since they have an affinity for the element of water, her concern is that they may already be lurking in Rebma. I assured her that we would not be amused to find that the case." "You spoke truthfully." Moire agrees. "Proceed with your plan to meet this acquaintance and keep me informed on what you learn." she continues, returning to the subject. "Be wary, Priya. Members of Elder Races like the Dragons, or the Sidhe, are never to be treated with lightly." "I will be cautious." I assure the Queen, offering a bow and expecting the connection to end, but taking no action until it does. The image doesn't disappear in a dissolve. Instead, the image suddenly distorts, as if Priya was looking at an image in a pond into which a stone is dropped. By the time the distortions end, the image of the Queen is replaced with that of Priya, and the room. When we are alone again I send a page with instructions for a well stocked picnic basket, providing written instruction for all the details, as well as menu suggestions, though I admit the chef may have better ones depending on what he has on hand to use. "I am very briefly off to speak with Father. You may wish to change and await our afternoon meal. When I return, I will change and we will be off to meet Tamora once again. Or at the very least, see if she is interested in speaking." I shrug, having no control over that last. But at worst, he and I will have a quiet afternoon away from the castle. "The Jaghut creature from that shadow." Ostegos says with a nod. "Perhaps with a less adversarial and confrontational meeting like the last one, a meeting might be more fruitful than the last one. Was this your idea, or the Queen's?" he asks. "Mine. The Jaghut's words woke faint memories of a time when I had no words of my own and Mother still lived with us in Rebma. I have questions, and for better or worse, I desire to have them answered." "Answers are often a necessary burden to take on." Ostegos says, in a clear quotation from some one or some text. "Indeed. Some being more of a burden than others." She was curious about the text he was quoting, but left that conversation for another time. I return to my bedroom, taking a set of small crystals on silver chains from their pouch. Putting the necklace on, I set the pebble sized piece in my ear while the other dangles down. "Father." I intone the word, adding the necessary power to cause it to activate. While I wait for him to answer, I set about changing my clothes. Detouring slightly from what I told Ostegos, but I may yet leave Amber. There is an unusual and definitely uncharacteristic buzzing sound and vibration in the crystal as the activated crystal sends out, seeking the crystal to which it has been attuned. Father once explained that they worked by something called "arcane entanglement", the crystals harmonizing with each other and allowing voices to pass from one to the other by the Law of Contagion. The buzzing goes down to a minimum, background sound when the voice of the Court Sorcerer of Rebma, Priya's father Minos, answers. "What news, daughter?" "Less news than questions." Hair unpinned, I change into a simple tunic style dress and return the other to the closet while I talk. "Mostly questions about things I barely remember, if that piques your interest, and I would very much like to talk, but home instead of here." If he is not home, he can be so quicker than I if he is not otherwise engaged and I wait for his answer before taking action. "I can be home quickly, if you find it so needful to speak now, Priya." Minos replies after a moment. "I was just on my way to Sabala's Archive, but I can put that off until after our conversation." "Things you barely remember." he repeats the phrase Priya used. "We should say no more until we meet." "I will meet you at home shortly." Returning the crystals to their pouch, I select the clothes I will wear to meet with Tamora, laying they at the foot of my bed, and then I make certain there are towels handy. Ostegos promises to have everything in readiness once Priya returns from the meet. Satisfied that everything is in place for my return, I drop the pins into place to complete the spell that will return me to my bedroom at Father's house. As the pins fall into place and the teleport sets off, Priya feels something go amiss as the teleport shuttles her away from Castle Amber. As light from the sun is bent when it strikes the water, the vector of Priya's teleport spell feels like it undergoes some sort of refraction as it engages. Priya notices that this refraction is accompanied by the same strange sound she heard in the conversation with father. When the teleport spell comes to a conclusion, Priya arrives, but not in her father' house in Rebma. Furthermore, she is not in Rebma at all. Instead, she is standing on the roof of a building. Looking around, it looks like she is somewhere in the City of Amber, standing on the top of one of the administration buildings, possibly the Mayor's Hall. Given the size and privacy of the roof, no one has yet noticed her strange mis-landing. "I am not in the mood for this."
The connection comes through to the Staff. Just like the connection with Father, though, there is a strange undertone to the mental connection between her and the Staff.
The reworking of the spell is relatively simple and easy, given that the major work in setting the destination variables was already did with the first attempt. By the time that Priya has finished the teleport and is ready to go, a matter of only a few minutes, she gets a mental message. It's not Varuna, or more precisely, not only Varuna. It's Ykanga, instead as primary.
I am quiet a moment, surprised to hear a voice from Ykanga and wondering what it means that she has chosen this over the metaphorical images that have previously passed for communication, and the silence that preceded that. As if she wakes. It is a disquieting notion. "We ignore it for now. My primary concern is with getting home." I answer, turning my back to the castle. "Help me make the necessary adjustments." This time, Varuna responds. *It shall be done. Adjustments necessary are minimal.* Accounting for the refraction the wards cause, I retune the spell and cast, trying again for Father's house. It seems that being away from the Castle, even if on a roof in the city, is far away enough that the effect of the wards described by the Spirit Guard and the Staff no longer impede Priya's plans. or her progress. The scene of the roof in Amber city dissolves and disappears. In Rebma, in her bedroom at her father's house, a certain number of molecules of sea water gracefully move out of the way as the teleport spell deposits her in the desired position, midway between the bed and the door. The scent of the water fills her lungs, the comforting feel of the water's pressure, and the full immersion in her element all point to one thing. Priya is home. Downstairs, she can hear a familiar bustle of activity from, undoubtedly, her father preparing food and drink for Priya's expected arrival. For a moment I relax, wallowing in the familiar sensations, but then it is back to the business at hand.
That decided, I head downstairs to meet with father. He isn't hard to find and I pause for a hug before looking at what he's been busy with. Father has been, as he normally does, been fussing with something to eat for the two of them. Artfully arranged already by the time Priya reaches him, the snack appears to be 10 scallops, served in their shells, seviche style, with some kelp and watercress plated along with him. I help him carry it out to the sitting room, where we've so often taken meals alone, and make myself comfortable in my usual chair. Saying nothing until he is also seated comfortably. Father smiles as the food is set, Priya sets herself, and Father does as well. A bottle of strong Rebman wine has been open for some time, allowing the water to mix and dilute the syrup into a more potable beverage. He pours two glasses, and regards Priya. "So, daughter, what was so important to speak to me about as to draw you away from the Queen's mission up in Castle Amber?" Father begins, reaching for one of the ten scallops. I accept the glass of wine and settle back into the chair. "I wish to know about Mael. Very specifically what he means to you and I." I take a drink in the silence that follows, watching Father over the rim of the glass as I do. Father gives an unforced look of surprise at the mention of Mael. He says nothing for a moment, taking a sip of wine. "I would have possibly told you in time. Of all of the children that I have had, you, Priya, have had the most promise." Father begins. He takes another sip. Of all the children? I can feel my brows arching, a vaguely annoying sensation that cannot distract me from listening. "You know that there are powers older than Amber, races older than the Thari of Chaos. Some of which might be properly, by power or by self definition, be called Gods. Most of these Gods are asleep, no longer exist, or have passed onto other planes." I nod, knowing most of this though I've never had very much interest in the gods. "Mael was and is one of these Elder Gods, a Primal Power of the Sea. Older than Rebma, older than Amber, older than Chaos. Mael is a sentient manifestation of the Primal Power of the Ocean." Father looks gravely at Priya. "And Mael is I." I am very glad that I did not waste time and effort theorizing, because I am quite certain I never would have guessed that answer. Returning Fathers regard, I lower my glass to the arm of my chair. "That flies in the face of everything I've been led to believe about my family here, but it would put you in a position of being able to explain Warrens and possibly why the Deck of Dragons named me Magi of the House of Shadows, unless House has more to do with disposition and occupation than lineage?" I ignore that my heart has abandoned its usually even measure to go galloping along as I select a scallop and garnish it with a bit of watercress. Fortunately, chewing is automatic, and I taste neither the meat nor the wine I wash it down with as I try to digest what I've heard. Minos is clearly taken aback by Priya's reply. As much as Priya might be surprised, he is surprised in turn. He doesn't answer for a few moments, and takes a sip of wine instead. He considers this. He finally puts down the glass and folds his hands into a steeple, fingers touching. He regards Priya. I wait in silence, numb with the effort of disregarding thoughts as quickly as they come to me in an effort to stay present only in this moment. The glass remains in my hand, but I make no effort to drink from it, all of my energy directed to quieting the noise inside my head. "I think, before I answer those questions." Father replies. "that I need to know just where you learned about Mael, the Deck of Dragons, Houses and Warrens." "From a Jaghut named Tamora." My voices sounds strange to my ears. My reply terse where normally conversations with father are much more relaxed. Free exchanges that have in the past often been as much word games as conversations. But now I find myself doling things out much as I had with the Jaghut. It is an unpleasant realization, but I set it aside with all the other thoughts and once again wait, no more animated than the chair I am sitting in. "A Jaghut." Father says. He takes a sip of wine, looks thoughtful and sighs. "A relatively rare race in this age, but not so rare that I would be familiar with any individual one remaining. It does explain where you would encounter the old Ways, including the Deck" he says. "Well." he says. "It seems that this Jaghut has seen fit for her purposes to enlighten you. At the very least, I can ensure that you hear some of the truths from me, rather than from her. A Jaghut, especially if she is a Jaghut Tyrant, would not casually tell you these things without hope of gain on her part." "Let's begin with the deck, Priya." Father continues. "I have not consulted mine in quite some time, but perhaps I should do so, and soon, especially given what you have said about you being placed within it. It would be easier to explain it with an actual layout. Shall we do so now? Or would you prefer more direct answers to your other questions, first?" "Warrens, for example." he says, taking a scallop and biting it. I stare at the man, trying to decide, and then settle on the diversion the cards would provide. "The deck seems like a reasonable place to begin.' I reply. "I believe the Jaghut was as open as she was because she is not yet secure in her place. But it was not so much what she said, as the dim memories her words stirred that brought me to you." "Ahhh." Father says, with a smile of enlightenment. "Your story begins to make more sense. Still..." he rises and leaves the room. Priya hears something open and close, and then father returns with the larger-than-trump cards. Like the Deck that Tamora owns, the cards radiate a minor amount of power. Father begins shuffling the cards and then places it on the table between him and Priya. "The Deck is a tool for divination, for reading, and for taking the state of certain powers." Father begins. "While you can hold a question or thought in your mind, greater considerations always show themselves through in your reading, even if you aren't interested in them." "There is something even older than the deck, the Tiles of the Holds. I have no access to such power, and it is a raw magic that would only manifest itself far away from Amber and Rebma. Or Chaos." Father says. Like Mother's realm. The thought lingers, briefly twining with the notion that greater consideration make themselves visible. So useful. "Let's see what the first card or two has to say, shall we?" Father says. He turns over the first card. Priya recognizes the turned over card immediately as the staffed and hooded figure that Tamora identified as her, the Magi of House Shadow. Father looks a little puzzled. "It seems she spoke true. You have inadvertently taken a position in the deck." "Perhaps your acquisition of the Staff has solidified your position enough for the Deck to take note of you. Especially given your bloodlines, on both sides." Father speculates. "Houses are not a matter of bloodline, they are a matter of position and temperament and role. I suspected as much. The truth of a person being more important than the family associations alloted to them. It also means that if if you want to learn Warren magic, as the Magi of House Shadow, you would have a natural ability to learn and draw power through Meanas, the Warren of Shadow and Illusion." "How fitting." Most especially since it seems the bulk of my life has been exactly that. Illusion. I notice the wine glass in my hand and sip, waiting for the next card without additional comment. "Very well." Father says. The next card is a card Priya has seen before, the Obelisk. "We're seeing the Present in this reading, as things stand here." Father explains. "This will be educational for both of us, then." A third card. A king, crowed in light. "King of High House Light. Amber, in the modern interpretation. This must be Random." he says. "I suspect he must have set some things in motion today, I would expect." "Yes..." I muse, wonder if it ties with something that occured at court and suspecting not as I lean forward to view the cards more closely. A fourth card. A Queen, but sitting in shadow, on a Throne. Not precisely Dark, but composed of the same shadowy feel as the Magi. The card has landed in clear opposition to the King. Father looks up at Priya. "I expect that this is our Queen Moire. I wonder if she knows." A fifth card. Again, a card Priya has seen. The young woman of innocence. The Maiden of Light. Decidedly closer to the King than the Queen. "Someone you know." Father says. "Someone Rebman. She stirs." "Merielle." I reply. "She was of Rebma, but she has sworn oath to Random and taken a place in their family. According to Tamora, she has ties to the Twins." "I see." Father says. "So Oponn came up when Tamora showed this to you...and to Merielle." he surmises. "Since this reading revolves around you, I don't expect this next card to be Oponn, but we shall see what is last..." And he stops with a sixth card which lands right next to the Maiden, and below the King It is of a man in plain clothes, with roughly made statues all around him, carrying tools. "The Builder of High House Light. An uncommon card. He's allied to the Maiden...and descended from the King." Father furrows his eyebrows and regards Priya. "Prince Martin, perhaps?" "Yes. He enjoys machines and such." I recall the construction that accompanied him at Court. "This card suits him, then." Father says. He stops and regards the table. "A reading for you, but it seems to have encompassed the major Rebmans in Amber. Except one, Queen Vialle herself." Father stares at the cards, pensive. "The Deck is an artifact, and even if I shuffled it right now, you would draw the right card for the spread according to what holds in your mind, and what holds in the situation." He taps the deck. "Would you like to try a seventh card? Or begin anew? Or perhaps we should move on..." he stops, takes a drink and regards Priya. "Perhaps because I have just been in their company?" It seems as plausible a reason as any, though I suspect that is the least of what the Deck considers. If I were the Deck, I would concern myself more with what was in the future, than the past. I consider the cards, wondering at the logic, and reach for the seventh card, wanting nothing more than to complete the spread Father has already begun. The card is not cool like a trump, but there is a slight, almost electric tingle to the deck as Priya reaches for the card. The card depicts a hooded figure decked out in a manner somewhat similar to Priya and her role as Magi, but the implication here is Darkness and Ancient Power, rather than simply Shadow . That tingle and feel leads Priya to want to place this Queen card near to the Builder, the Maiden, above them, in a clear role of protection and perhaps tutelage. "I had expected you to draw the Queen of High House Light--Vialle." Father says. "This is not Vialle's card, unless she has aspects neither of us can guess. This is most unexpected." "The card is not in opposition to yours." Father continues. "In fact, if you look carefully at the way you placed the card, I think this may be someone who you have at least a tangential relationship with." "But who....?" I ponder the possibilities, hesitate, and reach for another card, not having a clear idea and wishing to see if the Deck would offer additional clues. "I don't..." Father says, and then quiets as Priya reaches for another card. It doesn't spring to her hand, but there is the cool sensation of the deck-artifact's power as the card naturally comes up and turns over. This time it seems to be the card that Father expected. A Queen enthroned, in light. Vialle. The way that Priya puts down the card puts her as close to the Builder and the Maiden, Martin and Meriel, as it does the Magi, Priya. Priya can in a sense feel the tension between the two Queen cards on the spread, though. "This gets more and more of a web of cross powers and purposes." Father says. "We started this looking at people revolving around you, past, present and future, and the Deck keeps spinning on that." "It also looks like there is a brewing conflict between the two Queens." he adds. "You see?" "Yes. That would be ...unfortunate." But is not my focus at the moment, and I focus on the mysterious figure as I reach for the next card. "It would be unfortunate, and counterproductive." Father agrees. He watches as Priya reaches for the next card. The card comes coolly to Priya's hand and turns over. It's a figure done in the light style of the Builder and the Maiden, but this one is dressed as a swordsman, dashing with a sword. He goes right next to the dark figure on the spread as if he were a sibling, husband or lover. "Changing the focus to illuminate the position of someone already played. Something intuitive, or something the Jaghut showed you?" Father asks. "It seemed logical." I reply, studying the cards. "I know him." Father says. "That's the role that has been taken by Queen Clarissa's son, Bleys." "That would mean the dark arcane person representing the House Dark Magus, the one you have a tie with and is sponsoring Martin and Vialle, is probably Princess Fiona." Father adds. "She has offered mentorship." I indicate the card which does most likely implicate Fiona. "I took the opportunity to ask a question or two, but have not pursued the offer. Given the tension between the Queens, which she may well have a hand in, I doubt I will." Father looks over the arrangement of cards for a long moment before regarding his daughter. "It is clear that she has some sort of role in this tension. Minor or Major is not precisely clear, given how strong this tension is and how it affects the principals." "As far as the mentorship..." Father continues "it would be a pity to lose such an opportunity. However, being further caught in the riptide between Queen Moire and Queen Vialle would not be wise." "I am likely to be drawn in, but I would rather not complicate the issue further." I regard the cards a moment, tempted, and then turn away from them. "I believe I would like to discuss Warrens now." "Warrens" Father gathers up the cards, a slew of bubbles in their wake as he puts them back in the deck, and the deck goes away. He also pauses enough to refresh his drink, and Priya's and spears a scallop to eat before sitting back down. "Thousands of years ago as Amber marked time, before the Pattern, and to an extent, before the Logrus, Shadow was a very different place, daughter." Father begins. "Some of what we might call Primal Shadows were in themselves shadows that could be tapped for power, shadows that provided energies to sorcerers and magic workers. These shadows were both sources of power and places in their own right, although many of them are not overly hospitable for extended periods." "Sorcerers would attune themselves to a warren or two based on their race, and their proclivities and ties. More powerful sorcerers would attune themselves to more warrens. A very good sorceress might attune themselves to a half dozen, or more." "After the rise of the Great Powers, some of the shadows that made up the Warrens were changed beyond recognition, to the point where they could no longer function as Warrens. A few were shattered and only pieces remain. Others...the knowledge was mostly lost and forgotten. But a fair number of those Warrens are still there, waiting to be tapped and used." "Would you like to see the use of one?" Father enquires. "I believe Tamara invoked hers during our ...visit. It was an odd sensation, and yes, I would like to see another one." There is a great deal to learn by comparing things and I wait attentively. "Omtose Phellack, I would guess." Father muses. "A Jaghut's primary Warren. I do not have access to that one, its a Jaghut one alone. I do have a few others that are *my* specialty." Father stands and steps away from the table. He half closes his eyes, and as he stands there, the color of his eyes turns suddenly and sharply a deep blue, almost black. Priya starts to feel a strange sensation, as if she were no longer in Rebma, but rather was within the waters outside of the protection of the bubble. Pressure has increased, salinity has definitely shifted, and the oxygen levels of the room have shifted from the overoxygenated waters of Rebma to the more moderate levels within the waters outside the City. I lean forward, focused on him but with eyes half shut and my focus as much inward as out, examining the sensations and the flow of power. There definitely seems to be a flow of sorcerous and more than sorcerous power that Father is using. Its sorcery on the most basic of level, in that it takes from other shadows and from the ambient environment. In comparison to the more mannered sorceries that Priya is familiar with, these currents are much more elemental and primal in nature. And then, gradually, these effects reduce, and decrease, even as Father's eyes turn toward a more natural color. And, then, finally, a couple of minutes after it has begun, the effects are completely gone. "Ruse, the Path of the Sea" Father says. "Had I held the Warren open longer, I could have brought something through to here, but I did not wish to disrupt the house unduly." "No..." I murmur the reply, still focusing on the lingering sensations, "there are many things that should not be allowed into the house." I remain as I am, looking for the trick of it, the key, that might allow me to tap into the same source. The lingering sensations give Priya a few more moments of study. Father seems content to sip his drink for the moment after his explanation and his demonstration. This gives Priya her chance. What must be the solution occurs to Priya even as the last ebbs of the energy drain away. These Warrens, as father said, are places as well as ways to conduit power for their greater-than-sorcerous effects. Finding a way to reliably tap into them is much like reliably being able to teleport. One must *know* the destination. If Priya wishes to unlock and learn a Warren, be it the one Father demonstrated, the one he intimated she was linked with via the Deck of Dragons, the one that the Jaghut showed, or any other, the way to reliably attune to that Warren and unlock the ability to harness its magic would be to travel into it. And I can do that. I contemplate my options and decide that I do not wish to attempt such an effort from within Castle Amber. Nor do I wish to try from any place in Shadow that I currently know, and it would be a useful thing to have accomplished before I meet with the Jaghut. Here, seems like the place. "May I see the Deck again?" "I may have to see to getting you one of your own." Father says with a slightly amused look as he pushes the deck in the direction of Priya. He regards her as the deck sits in front of her. After a moment to spear another scallop, he continues. I contemplate the deck a moment without touching it. "Its a trivial task for the Master of the Deck to conjure new ones, but I have no idea who he, or she, may be. I'd have to do a reading to know if there even is a Master at present. There isn't always someone in the office." "Hmm... How would a new one be appointed?" "Now that is a question those of us who are familiar with the Deck have wondered for thousands of years, Priya." Father responds. "The Deck seems to make the selection, and the criteria are obscure at best." "I met one of the Masters of the Deck, a long time ago." Father adds. "He was about the most unlikely candidate one might imagine." "All the better to prevent people from finding him I imagine." The Shadow is the focus, not simply my card, nor the one that apparently represents the Princess Fiona, but the House itself. Something ...intrinsic. Certain I have that sensation firmly in mind, I reach forward and turn over the top card. Placing it face up on the table. Regarding the deck closely, I focus now on Ruse, the Path Father employed, and when I am certain I have that, I reach for the next card. With the reading on the Warren of Shadow, the House of Shadow, Priya's reading and desires bring to the top and turned over a new card in the same style. With that shadowy background, Seven large, dangerous looking hounds stare hungrily from the card. They don't look like the famous hellhounds of Prince Julian of Amber, or the Weir of Weirmonken. These hounds all are individual looking, although six of them share yellow eyes, but in general they look much larger than any dog or wolf have any right to be. Father looks slightly alarmed at the turn of that card but says nothing. Priya's concentration and turning of the second card turns over a more familiar one to her, once that she saw in the reading with the Jaghut. Oponn. The Twins of Chance. Having seen them once, they are not a surprise, even if they are not what I expected. It is the hounds who bear thought. Have they a Master I will need to contend with? "Is there a proven way to attune to the Warrens? And is there anyone left you would trust to attune me? If there is not, I may have my own method." Father looks thoughtful at Priya's question and regards the question for long moments. He finally answers, a stream of bubbles exhaled. I take a sip of my wine and another bite of food in the silence. Giving Father the time he needs to consider. "The proven method is to travel into the Warren itself." Father says. "Once there, attuning oneself to the mana flows of the Warren is relatively straightforward for someone already skilled in sorcery. The proving and forging of the link to the Warren is completed by opening a path back from the Warren into one's home shadow. Traveling through that path completes the attunement." "I should have guessed." Father says "that once I showed you Warren magic, that you would want to learn it. Aside from myself, and I would not be the best teacher given my nature and the limited Warrens I can access, I can think of few people who would be suitable teachers, besides your own previous arcane experience." That was not as helpful as I'd hoped. "I confess that my intent was attune to the Warren before we sat down to talk. It has just turned out that the journey will be much shorter than anticipated." I look once more at the hounds and more importantly, the Shadow where they exist. Now, it is more a matter of safety and timing than options. I do not meet his gaze as I take a last sip of wine and put the empty glass on the table. Father folds his hands together. He seems to recognize that something has changed between the two of you, and not entirely for the better. "Thank you." I stand, smothing clothes that do not show wrinkles and offer a small bow of my head, a gesture that feels both awkward and necessary. There should be more. it is not as if there is a shortage of questions, but I am not certain I wish to press for answers now. I have quite enough to think about and I am no longer comfortable thinking here. Which strikes me as being very sad. "You're welcome." he replies, standing himself. There isn't awkwardness apparent in his voice, but the intonal shift suggests that something, indeed, is different now. The knowledge revealed has changed the currents between him, and Priya and Father, whatever you call him by, now. "Be safe, Priya." Father adds. It doesn't sound quite like a formality. "It is always a consideration." I manage a small smile and turn away as I address Varuna.
And the house of Minos, also known as Mael, fades silently away and is replaced with a scene of the world above. Priya is outside of the interior of the Castle, but relatively close to its entrance, as its guards react to her arrival with curiosity and a keen sense of observation.
How inconvenient.
I give the guards a cursory nod and begin the walk to my room. I would much rather have been able to sit to think, but the walk will have to suffice. Preoccupied, I pay scant attention to my surroundings or the people I pass, more concerned with returning to my rooms quickly and changing than in socializing with anyone. Walking with little recognition of the outside world, Priya does not engage the inhabitants of the Castle. And, perhaps, in recognition of this, Priya is similarly unmolested by staff or anyone else. Her journey back to the suite is spectacularly uneventful.. The journey does allow her the opportunity to drip dry from her visit to Rebma somewhat. When she enters, Ostegos is here, sitting at a desk, finishing the remnants of some food. He looks up, alert at Priya's return. "I just returned myself from working out with some of the guards, Priya. And decided to fortify myself afterwards." Ostegos says. "How was your time with your father?" "Interesting." I pause, consider the plate in front of him, and change my mind about the rest of the afternoon's plans. "I will be ready to depart soon. We will not need the basket until we have returned, and then, only if this journey goes well." "Basket." Ostegos says dully. His eyes widen, and then he nods. "It shall be ready as needed." Priya can hear him hurry toward the door to the suite. I say nothing of my conversation and return to my room to change, making ready for a trip into Shadow, complete with pants like the lander men wear and a sizable steel knife with little magical investment. Dressed, I sit at the foot of the bed and absorb what I have been told. It is with some unease that my attention turns to Ykanga.
This sudden uncertainty, this doubt, leaves my stomach queasy; something I ignore as I resist the urge to rip the necklace from my throat and fling it across the room. There is a few seconds of silence in the room before there is an answer of any kind. The response is calm, unemotional in tone, and partakes a little bit of the vocal patterns of the Staff, and of Priya as well.
The logical response is needed. That she exhibits habits learned from Varuna is interesting, but something I view positively.
Ykanga pauses only a single moment before speaking.
Oh. I consider this a moment. Even if the history is fabricated, it is not far off what my previous understanding.
Another pregnant pause from Ykanga before answer.
Ykanga pauses again. *My evolution continued when you gained the Staff from your counterpart in Ostegos' universe . I also believe that it was the acquisition of the Staff that made your transformation into a person in the Deck complete.*
"Quite probably." I muse. Thinking on that, I retrieve Varruna and walk out to the main room to sit. Ostegos has not yet returned from his errand for the picnic as Priya enters the main room.
I pause, allowing my companions to respond.
There is a pause. Varuna answers.
I pause, more to think than because I am finished.
I lean into one hand, engrossed in the current topic and quite happy to leave the other one behind. This time, Ykanga clearly takes the lead in answering, with a clear authority and confidence in the Spirit Guard's mental voice.
And at this point there is a knock at the door. Ostegos enters, now armed and cleaned up, and with the promised basket. He stops and closes the door with a soft click and says nothing as he watches Priya arrayed, seated, in the main room. Contemplating my options, and how I wish to proceed, I do not answer the the knock, but nod and stand as Ostegos enters.
Which, I realize, is truly the answer to the question. Varuna chimes in. *Given the possible dangers and distractions of this shadow Warren, having Ostegos' martial abilities on overwatch would increase the probability of your overall success.* Then that is decided. I fall into step alongside Ostegos, directing the conversation to him now. "There is little I wish to say here at the castle and I am likely to be distracted more often than not. When we reach the stable, please arrange for horses. I can ride, but prefer an animal willing enough to hustle when asked but otherwise content to move along at an easier pace. Something that does not startle easily, if such a creature exists." "Even the horses that are for the benefit of guests in the Castle seem to be well mannered and well bred animals." Ostegos says, turning and smoothly walking alongside Priya. "I foresee no difficulty in obtaining riding animals for the purpose. "Where are we going?" he asks. "Our initial destination is no place in particular, but I have something I wish to research and I cannot do it here." I look around at the halls and then turn my attention back to where we are going. My interest now is in leaving quickly. "Very well." Ostegos agrees. Without further ado, and at an increased pace, Ostegos follows alongside Priya. Few are giving the pair any attention, and getting out of the Castle Gate is simple and straightforward. Ostegos takes the lead at this point, heading toward the stables at an increased pace. Ostegos speaks with the stablehands, and soon comes out with two horses, both pale looking mares of very similar appearance. "These are Julia and Claudia." Ostegos explains. "The stablehands said they are from a shadow called Antioch. I don't know what that means, but they assured me that they are for guests in the Castle and of sweet temperament. I just had to sign a chit and promise to return within the day." "If we turn out to be gone longer, I am certain we can pay whatever fine they may levy." I accept assistance to mount and spend a moment making certain that I am comfortably seated. Once Ostegos is readied I turn the animal and indicate that I wish Ostegos to go first. Riding clear of the castle grounds will be simple enough, but I do not relish the thought of navigating through the city. As herd animals, I am trusting mine will wish to keep up with his and make the task of keeping up simpler. The city is of some small interest. There is a blood mage and Trump artist some where here working her craft, but mostly I simply wish to be free of it. With Ostegos upon Claudia, and Priya seated upon Julia, the ride down the mountain is not exactly slow and plodding, but it is rather sedate and steady. Neither mare seems content to gallop at at headlong pace as the switchback road slices back and forth down the mountain, toward the city. Buildings resolve into focus, and a choice of routes appear for Ostegos and Priya. Certainly the bulk of the city lies ahead and straight. A route toward Arden and the south skirts some of the outer edge of the city. However, there is also a road that eschews the city altogether, and heads away from it. Ostegos slows his mount slightly as the choices come into play, to allow Priya to make the choice. "The road away from the city. There is no reason to pass through Arden or the city." I gesture to what I hope is the quieter road and give the horse a nudge in that direction. "All right." Ostegos says agreeably. The road away from Castle and city is relatively quiet. The city remains stubbornly persistent in vision for some time before Priya can start to make her wishes and plans known. Once we are out of sight of the castle and the city, I turn my attention to the Shadows and the changes I will need to make to get to where I wish to be. An island in a lake large enough to be a sea. Not too arid or rough, but sparsely populated. A low hill that slopes down to the sea on one side, to valleys and more hills on the other. A good place to build a house, with a private inner courtyard that holds a deep pool that feeds into the open water all around. A Shadow like an alley between larger Shadows. Narrow and easily over looked. Something that can be gated and locked to keep out undesirables. Priya's experience with this is quite limited and it is perhaps that inexperience that makes her wishes extremely slow to manifest. Perhaps its some other factor that Castor could tell her about or Fiona, or some other of the Amber Royal Family. Maybe its some consequence of what Moire had done, or the peculiarities of the strange design in Ostegos' homeland. In any event, Shadow seems almost reluctant to respond to Priya's wishes. Changes come slowly, and forced, Priya relegated to push at the changes to make them happen. Is it so hard for the Amberites? Or just this hard when they first do it? Still, the daughter of Minos is not unskilled in matters arcane. And in the end, although its very different than magic, this is still arcane, and it follows rules. It has structure, order, and putting herself into the right mindset and executing the changes finally makes them happen. The area around Priya and Ostegos starts taking on the characteristics of a seashore...no a lakeshore, but a large lake. Priya and Ostegos continue to ride and ride, the sun sinking toward the horizon as the changes and desires slowly, every so slowly, come into being. By the time Priya and Ostegos ride down a hill toward the promised house, the lake seems to stretch on three sides for what seems like forever. The weather and climate are cool, but the pines and firs are lush, green and well watered. Built of the wood that composes the island, as well as the dark basalt that composes the backbone of the island, a house with the promised and desired courtyard stands proudly in the setting sun, the dying light showing the subtle hues in the dark stone and wood that comprise Priya's shadow of desire. If Priya knew of it, she might recognize the architecture of the house as vaguely Grecian. Mediterranean, certainly. The only road to this shadow is the road she and Ostegos ride upon, a single overland point of entry. "Gods." Ostegos says. "You knew this was here,waiting for us, or...." he shakes his head in wonder and doesn't finish the sentence. "My understanding is, as much as it may have existed before, it was created by my desire for it to be here waiting for us." I dismount, happy to be off the best and using my own legs again. "We will rest a moment before we continue on." "Yes" Ostegos says with a nod, getting off his own horse to stretch his legs and look about in wonder. He runs a hand over a nearby pitch pine tree and continues to look in the direction of the house. "We will take time to explore when we return. Unless my understanding is incorrect, the house is mine." "Excellent. I look forward to it." Ostegos says. I turn my attention now to Ykanga and Varuna. *Will we need the animals, or is the attunement best done without them.* I would suspect without. As much as it might be physical, I do not believe distance to play as much a role in the Warren as it did with the Shadow walk. *It would be preferable to enter the Warren by yourselves* Ykanga says. *For the purpose of attunement. If you were using the Warren for travel, you would wish to take the mounts* There is a pause, and Varuna chimes in. *It is possible that the horses will attract unwanted attention from hungry denizens, and there is no strong benefit to their presence, save if you wish to explore the Warren.*
I work with Ostegos to strip the animals and then set out a bit to eat while he secures them. It is a restful place to lounge in the shade of the trees, with a lovely view of white rock, sand, and sapphire sea. The breeze is as soft as the sound of the waves lapping at the shore and adds to the comfort the shade provides. Ostegos has apparently done wonders in getting the chefs of Castle Amber to provide for the meal. The food is good, hearty and filling. The effort of the shadow shifting seems to have given Priya an enormous and unbridled appetite. Fortunately, there is enough food to sate both her and Ostegos. Her companion remains quiet, allowing the soft rustle of the trees, the sound of the shore and the tranquility of the place to remain in place of conversation. When our meal is done I dust off my hands and sit up. Closing my eyes and clearing my thoughts for a moment..
Priya feels a surge of power from the two artifacts bound to her, ready for their power to be focused to her will. I turn my back to the sea and light, focusing into the depth of the little grove where the shade is deepest and call to mind the feel of the world behind the Hounds. The same darkness that surrounds the image of the Magi of that same House. "We are going to Meanas." I say it aloud as much to clarify my thoughts as inform Ostegos, adding to our gathering of Power and pushing toward that intention. Ostegos nods and moves to stand beside Priya. His strength is silent but palpable, but is soon overborne by the currents of shadow energy that course from the Staff and the Spirit Guard, into and through Priya. That spot. There. In the grove. It first comes as a sound. The sound of a large piece of parchment being torn. At the exact spot where the sound occurred, in the deepest part of the shadow, blackness, darkness appears. Like an impenetrable black stain, this darkness spreads from the tear, the rent in space, time and shadow, forming a roughly losenge shape of this blackness. The edges are hard to define, fractal, changing, uncertain. But the gateway, for this is certainly what it must be, is somewhat larger than Ostegos or Priya. Neither of the horses, certainly, could step through.
I do not need told twice. With a quick touch to Ostegos' arm to make certain he is with me, I walk to the Gate, take a deep breath, and step through. I have little in the way of expectation, but I find one hand up, at ready, and a singing of power at my fingertips ...just in case. And so Priya, and Ostegos cross. The latter crosses a moment before the gateway closes, ending its connection between the world and the warren. Priya and Ostegos have crossed, and now stand within Meanas. Meanas, or at least this area, looks much the same as the island hideaway. At first. There is a coastline of some sort, a building in the distance in a position analogous to the house. The sky is overcast, in that way that suggests that it will always be overcast. The world is shadow, and darkness, with a heavy emphasis on the former. Priya will note that there is a scattering of something on the ground not found on the island. Bones.
And just as Ykanga finishes the mental message, Priya hears the baying of a unseen hound, some distance away. And from the sounds of it, a large one. So much for avoiding the hounds. I look to the sound and glance at Ostegos. "This place is reputed to be as much about illusion as darkness. The hound may be more than it seems and combat may not be the only answer." "All right. It might not even be real and there is more than strength of arms to use here." Ostegos says. "Got it." "Oh... I suspect it is real enough..."
I glance once more toward the sound and then tune it out, focusing instead on the sky and land around me. Shadows and more shadows. A place betwixt the darkest and the light. I long ago accepted that I do not possess the brightest soul, and who better to know the darkness, than the dark? But it is so much more complicated than that. I lower the defenses that hold me separate from everything around me. Even the walls that keep out those I would hold dear. In alignment, white and black sit next to each other. Not really so different from each other. To their right and left, all the way around, are the infinite shades of gray. The compromises. Reason. What could be, what might be. And in this place there is no room for the fanaticism of the nether ends of being. No rigid moral code to punish each infraction, heedless of compassion. No fear of everything that is not of itself. No mindless destruction for the want of suffering, or cruelty for its own sake. Inbetween, where everything else exists, we can be guided by a moral code and still accept the unfortunate reality that at times, the ends do justify the means. A place necessary in its ambiguity. The power behind Thrones. As unbridled as bridled. Ever shifting. An ultimately indestructible, delicate balance. No matter how the pendulum might swing, those here eventually swing it back the other way, and no matter how the Lordly and Vile might rail against us, they would weep in our absense for nothing they build can be sustained without all the shades of gray to fill out their framework and they would be locked in an endless, fruitless dance. I dive into the Shadow like I might the waves. Testing the texture, the taste of everything it is and allowing it to fill me. There is in the end nothing so ubiquitous as Shadow. There is little in the world that is pure light, or pure dark. But what lies between the darkness and the light, between illumination and darkness, is shadow. Grey. And in Shadow, where light and darkness collide, things are uncertain, have a certain level of unreality to them. A certain level of illusion. So as Priya reaches for the Shadow and takes it into her, there is a taking in of illusion, of the unreal, of the potential of false image, false sound and false senses. She begins to feel the shadows, textured like ground glass, and to slip through them was to feel a shivering ecstasy that is unfamiliar to Priya, and perhaps a little bit addictive. And she feels what it would be like to use this Warren. The game of illusions played with light, dark, texture and shadows, crowing victory when it succeeded in its deceit. I move my hands, arms lifting slightly, enjoying the viscosity of the sensation. This is something that could be so easily wallowed in. Something possibly empty that could be perceived as sustaining. Something so easily treacherous. A long sought goal comes suddenly to mind, as if the sands of that hourglass ran suddenly short. A lifetime that might now be answered. I realize I'm smiling, but the feeling is something rather different than joy. The howl grows louder, and closer, although still unseen. And then a voice, distorted, reverberating, and deliberately difficult to pinpoint speaks. A male voice, or so Priya thinks. "Magi of High House Shadow. Greet me." "Who seeks my attention?" I turn, a languid movement as I look first with my eyes and then with other senses to see who speaks and where they might be.
Finally, though, in the distance, a man sized shadow, darker than the surrounding light, can be seen striding up from the building that stands where Priya's house in shadow stands. Beside him, like a loyal companion, is a large hound, similarly obscured and difficult to resolve as more than a silhouette.
Ostegos still stands at a martial stance, and Priya can feel Varuna's energies continue to crackle in readiness. "Shh..." I direct my attention to Varuna as my hand brushes Ostegos' arm, bidding him lower his weapon. Both Varuna and Ykanga lower their activity level noticeably, although the latter still remains slightly wary and active, in Priya's perception. Ostegos loyally lowers his blade, but he stares hard at the shadow addressing Priya. "Greetings Shadowthrone, or Your Majesty, if you prefer?" I step forward to meet the advancing pair, reorienting us though still at Ostegos' side. "The name Osric is known to us, as are many of the House of Amber. Be you the same?" "I will not stand on titles with someone who seeks to fully join my House." Shadowthorne/Osric replies. "To answer your question, Magi, when I was living, until the marriage was dissolved ab initio, I was the second born son of King Oberon and Queen Cymnea." I nod, that is the Osric I was referring to. And then the shadow wavers into a semblance of appearance . Shadowthorne/Osric is a tall thin, man, somewhat over six feet tall. He has short hair, and is dressed in tones of dark grey and black. He looks over Ostegos briefly before looking at Priya. Even solidified, Shadowthorne/Osric seems like he is ready to blend into the shadows and disappear at any moment. (Casting Call: Christopher Eccleston) "You, however, bear the imprint of the Pattern as well." he continues. "Although it is not as strong as I might have expected. What is your name and lineage?" "My name is Priya Luur, I am not of the House of Amber. My father is Minos, Court Sorcerer for Queen Moire of Rebma. The imprint is weaker because the Pattern I traversed does not reside in Amber or Rebma." "How unexpected." he replies. "Very unexpected." I offer what explanation he might wish for what he perceives and turn my attention briefly to the hound, and then the realm around us... very much interested in trying to open the gate, but doubting I will be given a peaceful opportunity until he is finished with our conversation. Osric says nothing else and steps backward a pace. After a few moments, the Hound moves backward as well, blending into the shadows. Both are still there, still watching, but both are silent. Ostegos gives Priya a glance and turns to look hard at both witnesses with a hard and skeptical look. The realm has changed slightly since the arrival of the Hound and the King of Shadows. The shadows are a little thicker, a little more palpable. Perhaps a little more real? It seems to Priya that their presence adds a new element. It is as soon as she finishes this analysis that Osric/Shadowthorne speaks again. "There has not been a fully empowered member of House Shadow besides myself and the Hounds for far too long." he says, his voice reverberating and slightly distorted. "Should you accomplish what you seek to do, Priya Luur, a visit at some future date would be welcome. Working together would be advantageous to both of us and our goals. Proceed." He then folds his hands together. Priya can feel a slight shift and emanation of power from him, and although she doesn't know what he is precisely doing, its low impact, but clearly tied to this power, this warren. Splendid. Because everything is always easier with an audience. I bow respectfully, but turn away from the man and concentrate on the power at hand. Opening a Gate is frequently a complicated task and I wish to get this right on the first try. The texture of the place, the sound it made when the first gate was opened come to mind and I focus on the strants, the warp and weft of the veil that holds this place separate from all others. Rather than carelessly trying to force it apart, I comb my attention through in opposite directions, slowly working a box-like opening where the strands are stretched more than torn. A quiet opening I intend to seal behind me with little scarring. Priya can, for the first few moments, feel the gaze of Shadowthrone and the Hound on her, and just as much, she realizes, Ostegos is NOT staring at her. With that in mind, it takes a little longer, perhaps two minutes in total, to work the opening. It takes coaxing, prodding and skill to make it work. Skills that she learns from the ground up, teaching herself the art of shadow and illusion. But make it work she does. Its a hole in the warp and weft of shadow, betwixt this place and her getaway shadow. The hole is exactly her height and breadth and no larger. And it is about as large as she thinks she can make it without the whole opening collapsing. That is not satisfactory. I can accept that being subtle allows only for my passage, but I need something larger and if subtle will not grant me what I wish, and I will be most blunt. Except, illusions are rarely any such thing. But light will cut the darkness, and I work to divide the shadow into its pieces, an arch of light and dark divided into an arbor large enough that we may both pass through. Subtlety can give way to brute force. While subtlety seems to be devoted to the passage of just herself, quickly and without hope of others passing, a more applied and direct use of Priya's budding power proves to be much more efficacious in creating what she wants. Its not easy, although Priya expects it will get easier in time. In the end, Priya creates an archway. Oh, the bounds of the arch are indistinct, chaotic, and frayed, just like her passage that allowed herself and Ostegos to enter into Meanas. But this archway is much larger than the subtle passage. Ostegos could easily fit, and Priya feels she can hold the passage to allow the two of them, and probably more, if it were needful, to pass through. Her time is not unlimited, but she has a few moments to see her handiwork stand proudly. A staccato set of three claps of applause come from Shadowthrone/Osric as the gate out of the Warren stands waiting. "Until next time." I turn, offering a polite bow to the Lord of this realm before I usher Ostegos through and return to our original point. As soon as Ostegos steps through, closing the rift between Meanas and her shadow is easy. The control is easier now, the lines of power now established. The power of the Warren is now hers to command. Beneath the trees, with the sun low on the horizon, the breeze and the sound of the surf rolling in softly from the sea, I am able to relax again. The quiet moment, released from the need to do anything more, how tired I am catches up with me. The long ride and the creation of the gate having drained my strength much more that I would like to admit. "Priya?" Ostegos finally says, looking at her. "I need to rest." I look to the horses, but they should be safe here, and gesture to the house. "We can acquaint ourselves with the main area and finish our meal, and then I will be finding a bed. I expect one with a balcony." I add, heading for the house at a casual pace and wondering just how what I wished has manifested. The horses seem content to graze on the grass as, with the afternoon sun's light illuminating their path, Priya and Ostegos can make their way to the promised house of wood and basalt. Built in a rhombus shape, the front door of the house opens onto a short hallway that leads to the desired and imagined inner courtyard. A pool is in the middle of this courtyard, a rough hewn affair. The light of the afternoon sun allows Priya and Ostegos to see that a side of the pool opens up into an underwater passage of some sort, heading in the direction of the ocean. The house itself is two stories in size, with the bedrooms and resting areas on the second floor. The largest of the bedrooms, on the corner of the second floor, does indeed have a balcony that faces the ocean in a panorama that would allow it to see the sunrise and sunset alike. Gazing at the pool, my skin crawls, the dust from a hundred Shadows clinging to me. "I think, as important as a meal and nap, is a bath." "The place seems ready for you to do so." Ostegos agrees. I find a towel in a nearby closet, leave my clothes on a lounge chair and step into the water. The stones all around still hold the heat of the day and the water is warm enough to be relaxing. There is a hint of current, the tide changing down on the shore, but the pool is calm and I sink down, slowly running my hands along my arms and shaking out my hair. There is a taste of brine, but the water is fresher than I expected... hinting at an underground spring, else the body of water beyond is as much lake as sea. Something to explore another day, perhaps. Ostegos does not join Priya,instead seemingly content to explore and investigate the house in more detail. Cleaner, I return to the steps and climb out to retrieve my towel. One of the lounge chairs still catches the sun and I sit there, towel wrapped around me, to eat some of the remaining bread. Mostly I find myself dozing and debate giving in and sleeping here or hauling myself up the stairs. A view of the sunset would be nice. "I found supplies and other things here." Ostegos says as he comes up on Priya, wrapped in the towel. "Food, spare clothing, and other gear. We could stay for weeks here if it was needful." he says. "The practice dummy" he adds "was a particularly nice touch, Priya." He pauses a beat. "I suspect the sunset here is going to be amazing." ""When one builds a retreat, all needs should be accounted for." I smile and then turn my head to look toward the sun. "Yes... it should be." I reach up to take his hand, wishing assistance now that I have lain so comfortably. I like that the bed sits in the middle of the room, all other elements arcing around it so that nothing obstructs the view. I abandon the still damp towel in favor of a blue silken robe. The material is as soft as the sheets and I settle in, propping myself up on the pillows to watch the sunset and patting the bed to invite Ostegos to join me. Ostegos must have found some other method of cleaning himself while Priya used the pool. He strips most of his clothes down to his tunic and takes Priya's offer. The subtle scent of something like pine and soap is on his skin and in his hair as he props himself next to Priya. "If I knew how time ran between here and Amber, we could stay. But I think we will only have until morning. This trip, at least." "This trip at least." Ostegos agrees. He doesn't say anything for a few moments, letting the sinking sun, framed in the light. "Perhaps" he finally says. "lessons in fully utilizing your imprint might be in order to perfect the finding and managing of places such as this." Ostegos shrugs. "Although I think you did pretty well with your own implacableness, Priya. Just like in that Shadow place." "Thank you. I find, if I am persistent enough, and willing to experiment freely, that I can find solutions to most of my challenges. Lessons with the imprint would be useful, but finding someone proficient I would trust ..." I shrug. "My options are limited, though I do have an offer from Princess Fiona." Ostegos nods quietly, I relax, watching the sky change colors, and let my head rest against his shoulder. I do not know what he found, but the earthy tones suit him. He shifts subtly in the bed, to give Priya a little more room against him. As both Priya and Ostegos hope, the solid blue sky slowly gives way to a palette of colors as the sun strikes the horizon and reds, golds and purples replace a monochromatic sky. Step by step, moment by moment, darkness creeps from the opposite pole, over the house, as the sunset progresses, and night falls. I accept the non-verbal invitation, making myself more comfortable. There are any number of conversations that could be had, but discard them, content to watch the sky in silence. At least until the colors begin to loose their luster. "If you could ask anything, what would it be?" In the privacy of the house, and the relatively saftey of the Shadow, seems like an appropriate time for such a conversation. The darkness conceals our expressions, allowing for some distance. So close, tension and small movements will still betray emotions if they run too strong, but neither of us seem in the mood for that. Ostegos temporizes with a "hmm", letting the sound of the non-word take the place of an immediate answer for a few moments. In the darkness, his expression is difficult to read, but the slight shift of the head indicates that he has moved it to regard Priya. "There are many things that I might ask. Past. Present. Future." Ostegos finally says. "A good soldier knows that its a curse to ask about the last, and the present is obvious to those who observe. That leaves the past. I've met your father...and the meeting that has set you on a new path." Ostegos says. "However, something is missing from what I know of you, Priya. And I would fix that." Ostegos pauses and then says. "Tell me about your mother's side of your family." I had lifted my head to regard him, eyes adjusting to the dark, and now I settled against him to think. This is not something I discuss. Father knows what he knows, I told him what was relevant upon my return, and have never found it necessary to utter a word on it since. How then, now, to approach it? All my first thoughts are discarded. They are incomplete and dishonest in that. Finally I settle on a narrative, setting the frame larger than simply my mother. Ostegos almost opens to speak in the interregnum but Priya's voice stills him. "Tir na Nitika is called the Eternal Realm. A blessed place where magic is strong and mortals only enter when they are invited. It is divided into nine provinces. A great river forms in the wild mountainous lands at its heart, dividing eastern realms from western before it is, in turn, divided into two rivers, pouring around a giant mountain and into the sea. The mountain is thus made an island, with a tail of islands curling around the mainland. The mountain was once a volcano of ferocious power and from it the other realms were born, hence this eldest place is called Tir Na Rachana, the Realm of Creation. Each realm is ruled by a queen. My mother is Mausumi, Queen of Rachana. She had intended to bear a seventh son, but was cursed with me, and was the last Queen to fall under the heel of the High Queen. Unfortunately for the High Queen, I am my father's daughter and I chose to leave before I was enshrined at the palace as decoration and hostage. But even exile has its cost. Each turn of the season, one of my brothers takes my place. So, if I return, I forfeit his life without knowing who it may be. And so, we meet on distant shores. They are quiet, usually solemn moments beyond where the Queen can see, though some of my brothers are very good at being jovial. If you meet them, do not take everything they say at face value because more than one has the heart of a trickster." Ostegos does not say anything for a long moment. In the dark, his fingers creep to a position on Priya's shoulder. "I had imagined, somehow, that you came from a realm beneath the water, like Rebma. Somehow, I thought you were completely some sort of water spirit. This Tir Na Rachana you come from sounds much more like my realm than Rebma." "In Rachana, as many live in the sea as on the land. The seat of the realm is an open, garden like city that flows down the shoulder of the mountain, into a crescent shape harbor and then into the depths where the light does not reach. In that regard, Amber resembles my home, though Amber is a fragmented, limited place in comparison, for Rachana flows in and out of the sea at each of the islands, the city beneath the waves linking those that are above them." "Hunh." Ostegos comments with an impressed sound. "And Thera, as you remember, sits on a number of concentric islands above the sea. There seems to be similarities." "Indeed." Ostegos pauses and then switches subjects. "This High Queen. She took the other realms by conquest and deceit? She is an usurper?" "When the Queens wrest control from the Kings of old, it was given that they should each hold the High Seat by turns. It was decided in many ways, and the time of turning was equally variable. Sometimes the High Queen fell from favor and was challenged, other times she grew feeble and her health demanded that she be spared further duty. This one dabbled in prophesy and a vision declared that she would be replaced by one of the Daughters of the Realm. The words caused no trouble to the others who saw it as fitting. Each of them would be replaced by their daughters. But they did not know that the newly crowned Highness did not intend to relinquish her throne. She invited the Heirs to her court, boasting of a lavish party that she may come to know them each better. None saw reason to refuse, but then word was sent that the daughters would not be returning. The Queens went to High Queen's court, demanding answers and saw their daughters, beautifully adorned, smiling, blissful, and almost entirely bereft of their minds. They were assured that any attempt to remove their daughters would be lethal and the one who did not heed this warning was allowed to leave. Her daughter perished on the steps, bewildered that her mother had done this to her. No one has since dared to try. As the years have gone, the High Queen took to claiming all the daughters as they came of age, not simply the eldest. Given the wars that once plagued the land, Kings are not allowed at the High Table, and so, when the Queens now die, their realm will lose its vote and fall into her domain. Mother, once pitied for having no daughter, became the last to fight freely. Now they all have collars around their necks." "It will fit with your view that the sea was my escape. It was more my element then hers and none, even those of my mother's house tasked with my capture were my equal. No doubt it helps that I was more motivated to escape than they were to return me, but small as I was, I had a head start and Father's magic to guide me." "Yes." Ostegos says. He pauses a moment. "I had no idea." Ostegos says finally. "that you were an exile from your mother's land in such a stark manner. Any who would observe you might see that you have, and relish, your independence from the Queen who sits in Rebma. I suspect its one reason why you are valuable to her in that manner; I understand the politics of it." Ostegos says. "But to have your mother's homeland so tasked..." "I know not what could be done or it would be done." Ostegos says. "I only know that such a tyranny is an awful thing." "In this moment, there is nothing to be done, but the time will come, and I will validate her fear." I feel calm in the certainty of that. "In the meantime, I wait, I learn, I gather what I may need for the task ahead. Queen Moire herself has been a source of many lessons. If any of the Queens had been as strong as she, the Realms would not have fallen into such hard times. The focus must be the Realm, the larger picture, and that sometimes demands personal sacrifice of the highest order." I say this with some understanding of the toll such expenses take. Another lesson from the Queen I serve. "I understand." Ostegos says, after a moment or two thinking about Priya's words. "The change in your homeland to the rule of this High Queen took time. She did not do it overnight. To effect her removal is something that might take as long, if not longer." "Unless I am a greybeard too old to lift my spear at that time." Ostegos says. "My spear-arm is yours to wield in such an undertaking." He continues after a thought. I give his arm a squeeze. It's not the one he mentioned, but I appreciate the offer. "Are you as long-lived as the Princes and Princesses of Thera?"Ostegos asks, as his hand brushes against Priya's skin at the base of her neck. "I got the impression that the royal family of Amber were, if not deathless, extremely long lived." "Very long lived. You are right in that none of us are true immortals, we can all be killed, but after awhile there is no point in counting the years. Father is older than Moire and mother, who I think may be close in age. Yours will likely be longer than you expect. From what I have seen, proximity can be dangerous, but also tends to stretch the lifeline." "Life is danger." Ostegos replies. I sigh, staring into the velvet darkness and listening to the waves. "As for the High Queen.... when the time comes, her removal will be as quick as it will be violent. I do not intend to be political, or diplomatic, my only concern is limiting the bloodshed to a chosen few. I only wait because I cannot afford to fail." "Yes" Ostegos says after a moment. "It is said that the best battle is the one that is won before the first sword is drawn or the first javelin is cast. I never imagined you were a warleader, especially given that your counterpart is not. But you may look the same, but you are not the same person. But for as long as you will have me, Priya, you will have me." He reaches over and kisses Priya's forehead, and then kisses again, lower, brushing her lips with his. It seems the mood might have changed. The gesture seems sentimental, though, at such moments, one is often forced to wonder if the change is truly in the other person, or only in your own perception. "That could be a very long time. Life can oft times be complicated, but I am not known for being fickle." And I would admit that we are a comfortable pairing. I remain as I am, feeling indulgent even if I am too tired to instigate or harbor any intimate notions of my own. "Good. Neither am I." Ostegos says with satisfaction. The sentimental gesture, if that is what it is, does not seem to be a prelude to anything further. Be it Ostegos' own reluctance, or his sensing of Priya's state of tiredness, or if the kiss was simply a gesture holistically complete in and of itself, Ostegos simply shifts his position slightly, and does not seem intent on deepening the romantic pursuit. Content with that, and no reason to resist the warm feeling of lassitude that has stolen over me, I close my eyes to rest. I have faith that I can leave watching the house to those in better condition and if events turn and they do need me, Ykanga can wake me quickly enough. Otherwise, morning will come soon enough. With conversation over, and the stress and striving of the acquisition of the Warren now behind Priya, rest does seem a very welcome, and indeed, irresistible thing. It takes only a couple of minutes of closed eyes before Priya falls into a deep slumber. And so the night passes. Priya's rest, spurred by her level of tiredness, is restful. As far as dreams, fragments, intimations, and impressions of shadow, darkness and overcast landscapes lie cheek by jowl in her nocturnal narratives. When Priya does awaken, morning light is starting to filter into the room. As Priya awakens, the next thing she notices is that there is no sign of Ostegos. However, there is the smell and sizzling sound of someone cooking somewhere nearby. "The man knows the way to this woman's heart." I sit up, savoring the smells a moment before rolling to sit with my legs over the edge of the bed. It's warm enough that I do not need additional clothes, but I find a dressing gown to exchange for the clothes I slept in, and head for the kitchen. There are indeed additional spare clothes to be found, including a dressing gown, and so adorned, Priya can find her way through a couple of rooms to the kitchen. Dressed in a new shirt and short pants, skin and hair glistening from beads of water, is Ostegos. On a griddle, he busily is cooking several piles of food: what looks to be fried eggs, red beans, and rice, along with a pair of round discs of flatbread. He busily maneuvers and handily is cooking all of the ingredients, humming a song to himself, wrapped up in his work. I perch at the edge of a stool to watch, waiting until he is finished or for a moment when he does not have his hands full to make my presense known. It wouldn't do to startle him. If Ostegos truly is less than oblivious to Priya's presence, watching him prepare the food, he is at least making a very good effort at focusing on task. And perhaps there is something to showmanship to the entire affair, since he efficiently layers the toasted flatbreads with the eggs, beans and fried rice. .He places the first on a nearby plate, and garnishes it with a dollop of what looks like sour cream or perhaps yogurt. His song is also finished as well. "Breakfast?" he says with a smile,turning and offering Priya the plate. "Yes, thank you." "I may not be at the level of the skill of your father, but you learn in the military that basic cooking can alleviate the tedium of camp food." "Everyone appreciates a good meal, and you seem to enjoy the task. My cooking skills are limited to artfully arranging food that can be eaten raw, but I have been badly spoiled." I take my plate to the table, amused. "You are welcome to continue that tradition." There is a need to return to Amber, but I do not rush the meal, taking time to enjoy the quiet and calm of life here. Such domestic scenes have been scarce of late, and will be again, so it is worth indulging for the moment. When it is time, I am certain the trip home will be much faster. Ostegos chuckles and fixes a plate for himself. "Having a taste for raw food in Rebma." Ostegos says between bites. "is no bad thing, from what I have seen thus far." he says. "Besides raw food, and food cooked in acid, it seems that you would survive within Rebma just fine without being spoiled." "However, as you say." Ostegos continues "it is to your fortune that I have some basic skill." He takes a forkful of a cut up piece of his dish. "I wonder if the Prince does, as well." he muses. I have not spent time on such speculation and I'm rather surprised to hear Ostegos do so, but I shrug. "I do not know. As often as Royals are insulated from such activities, they frequently have unexpected interests and opportunities and are usually unchallenged when indulging in them. For all we know, he embroiders." Not that I can imagine the man attempting to do any such thing, but the thought is amusing. Ostegos laughs. uproariously. He takes the opportunity to recover from the jest to rise, obtain glasses and fill them with juice for both Priya and himself. "I suspect that, with a lifetime measured in centuries, or longer." Ostegos says, returning to his plate of food "a palette of hobbies, interests and plans would be a necessity. Or, baring those, perhaps long term research projects or the like. The Long View." The soldier shrugs and returns to his food. I nod in agreement, wondering what entertainments Father has pursued. "So" Ostegos says after devouring about half of his remaining food. "Now that you found this retreat, you just remember what you did to get here again?" "I am not certain. I think each time I return it should be easier to reach, but I do not think I need to return by the same path. It is something that will bear exploration and may warrant conversations with Princess Fiona if Castor cannot answer my questions sufficiently." "So you could take a boat here, or a ship here, and still come here in the end?" Ostegos says. He pauses for a forkful of food before continuing. "That would be most appropriate. And perhaps even easier. From what I suspect, though, the Prince might be more inclined and capable of showing a sea-route than the Princess. She's also frankly more intimidating." he adds. The description is amusing. I am certain there are people who find Father intimidating. Perhaps it is the comparison that makes the Princess less so. "What do you think she knows about...where we went?" Ostegos adds. "At the very least I would expect her to know that such places exist. Given who rules, she may well know that one by name and aspect. She may even have a warren at her disposal." I shrug. "A sorceress of her age, with her resources, should know a great deal. I would attempt to limit the conversation to Shadow travel and the theoretical molding of Shadow." I tilt my head and reach for my drink. Limiting the conversation could be a trick in and of itself. "I think." Ostegos holds a forkful of food in midair as he answers. "that might be a wise course. She doesn't have to know everything that you do. Although trading information, from what the guards told me, seems to be a sport amongst the Amber royals." "Guards and soldiers, at least, seem to be the same in any world." he adds with a tone of relief. He chews the forkful of food thoughtfully. "Yes. A fact I appreciate." I chuckle, in worlds full of often difficult people, it is nice to have a group with fairly predicible views and concerns. Ostegos gives an appreciative nod of the head at Priya's observation. I finish the meal, taking time to enjoy it, but not lingering overly long. "That was good. Thank you. If you will see to the horses, I see to the dishes, a moment to change and we should be ready to return." "You're most welcome." He pauses a beat. "Certainly. I'll see to our preparations for our departure." Ostegos rises, and departs. Without much delay or trouble, chores can be done, clothes changed, and possessions gathered. Unless Priya has something special else in mind first, when she reaches the entrance to the House by the Sea, the horses, packed, fed, watered and ready stand with Ostegos awaiting the delights and surprises of the return journey. I cast one look back over the house as we ride away, lingering long enough to take in the full view with the ocean beyond, and then turn all of my attention to the journey ahead. I do not push the horses, but I do make as direct a route as I can back to the castle and Amber. With the last look to the House, Ostegos rides alongside Priya as the shadow falls away, and the task of shifting back toward Amber can begin. The shifting goes fine at first, moving away from the House. However, Priya finds that the same paradigm as getting to the House does not quite work for Amber. All roads lead to Amber, but it seems that getting there requires more work and thought than getting out. How does Priya wish to proceed? What does she do?
"It seems I have additional questions for Prince Castor." I frown at the road, as if it were guilty of deliberately thwarting me. A silly notion, but at the moment I do not have the patience to fully work things out. "How so?" Ostegos asks. "Returning is a different challenge." "Who knew?" Ostegos says in reply. In the meantime, the contact to Varuna gets a response.
Fixing the path seems to at least clarify for Priya just what is going on. It seems that once you leave Amber, you can take any road you like, and shift anywhere you wish, as witness her arrival in this shadow. Getting to Amber, though, is actually harder. It seems clear to Priya that the trick is to align goals and paths properly, or at least, given her level of attunement and experience with the Pattern, that is what she needs to do. After nearly an hour of shifting, progress has improved, although the changes have become more incrementally harder. It takes more effort to make changes, and the changes are smaller. A fraction of a sky change. A slight change in plant color. Changes in various towns and counties. Still, armed with her persistence, Amber is approaching. What's even more certain is that the direct overland route to Amber leads through one and only one major obstacle. If Priya wishes to enter Amber by land, she will have to navigate Ostegos and herself through Arden. An interesting prospect, but I have run out of patience. I stop the horse, make certain Ostegos has stopped with me, and address the Staff. "Varuna, when you are ready, please implement the teleport."
And softly and silently, without any fanfare, Priya, Ostegos and their horses disappear from the road in shadow... And with equal lack of fanfare, they reappear inside of the Kingdom of Amber. In point of fact, its the evening here , and their horses are positioned at the now familiar junction of roads leading into the city, east and out of Amber, and north and up the mountain to Castle Amber. "That has considerably shortened our journey." Ostegos says in admiration. "I am very fond of efficiency." I smile and set the horse in motion again. Another little while and the animal can return to its stable, which I'm certain it realizes as well because it is moving more briskly now. "A model of efficiency." Ostegos says admiringly. "Once the animals are returned I wish only a moment to change and then I need to see if Triton is up and about. I will also likely need to touch base with Moire. Hopefully no one has missed us." "An emissary from a nearby realm and her Ally." Ostegos says. "I would be afraid if our absence was unduly marked upon, save if there was some sort of dinner or social function that we were expected to attend, and did not." "It is doubtful." The climb up to the Castle is without incident, and the two horses are returned (gratefully, perhaps) to the stable. Evening has fallen in Amber, and Castle Amber has settled into evening activities. "Triton, or Moire first?" Ostegos asks as they leave the stable for the waiting entrance to the Castle. "Triton. If the Queen asks how he is, I should have an answer." "Agreed" says Ostegos, and follows. I return to our rooms, change to clean clothes and, once refreshed, take the short walk to the infirmary. By the time Priya and Ostegos have made their ablutions, clothes changing, and reached the infirmary, they are presented with a small puzzle as a capstone for their efforts. None of the staff seem to be able to provide an answer, either, when asked. The bed that housed the Prince of Rebma these past few days...is empty. "I suspect he did this without a word... in which case, the Queen Mother will not be amused." I grumble quietly to Ostegos, but make no comment to the staff as I depart. "I think not." Ostegos agrees, as he follows Priya out.
Ostegos takes the lead in Priya's travels as point man. In the meantime, Priya's attention is on the Staff and the Spirit Guard and her path.
With Priya's thoughts set on Varuna, Ykanga and the preparation needed to reach the wards of the Castle, having Ostegos as a lead proves to be more than just a theoretically good idea. At one point, a messenger, racing through the hallways is caught by the guardsman and, with a pivot, set down beside Priya. Had Ostegos not been there, a collision between the young man and Priya would have been more than likely. If there are other incidents, they are of a more minor nature, and not noticed by Priya. Its also possible that Ostegos acting as an outrider has prevented many incidents from reaching that level. Safely in our room, I take a comfortable seat and seek the meditative state that will allow me to reach them. Ostegos busies himself with something. Priya doesn't know what it is, and soon, such matters are beyond her ken and perception. Instead, the life of the mind is what occupies Priya's attention, fully. "I seek again the son of Moire and your Prince Corwin. If he is held in duress the magics I will wish to employ may run counter to your defenses. I do not wish even accidental conflict, so come instead to ask your aid, in at least providing me with passage through the wards should I need it." The Genii crosses its arms and considers this for a moment. On Mon, Sep 7, 2009 at 17:23, Bridgette Ruggles<[email protected]> wrote: "The limitations of the geas placed upon me and my brethren will not allow a blanket approval of such things of course." the entity responds. "However, I am given some latitude, and given that you are working for the interests of the Amber Royal Family, your request falls within that latitude." The rest of the Genii, turning their attention briefly to Priya, give bare nods in agreement with the speaking entity. "Permit me access to the fabric of the spell as you release it, and I will allow you to cast the spell in this instance." "Does this suit, Sorceress?" "It will. Thank you." I speak aloud, linking each plane verbally, though I cannot fully interact. "Ostegos, I need to reach the roof." "Right. I saw the staircase when we went up to see the King." Ostegos says. I stand, my attention as badly fragmented as before in an effort to keep the etherial plane and the Genii in sight, while using what remains of my periferal vision to navigate physically. When he joins me, I place one hand on his arm, trusting him to guide me as he did before. For steadiness and increased stability, Ostegos links his arm through Priya's arm. It's light, but its more of a contact that the hand on the arm. The soldier is clever, though; the gesture gives minimal obstruction to Priya's range of motion for her hands, permitting her to work her sorcery without too much difficulty. With peripheral vision and this physical aid, Priya can manage to continue the preparation for her spell work as well as keep her attention on the etheric plane and still manage to get around. She is vaguely aware of Ostegos' motion, but his brisk pace does not stop until several staircases are climbed, and both he, and Priya emerge out onto the roof of the castle. The flat roof of the castle is dominated by large globes that sit at each point of the pentagon. Crenellations run along the castle roof between those globes. More importantly, Priya can see the Genii here, their shapes as they cover the roof of their castle in slow motion. In a sense, swimming through the air, they might remind Priya of Rebman dancers as they orbit in three dimensions. And more important still is the mental voice of Varuna that arrives at that moment.
"Then we begin." I lay out the webbing of the spell for the Genii to see. Our initial intention is just to see where the Prince is and have a word with him. If that goes poorly we will need to open the conection wider to allow us to retrieve him as we did Ostegos' original royal family. I wait for the Genii's response patiently, studying them. The Genii study the spell that Priya's artifacts have manufactured. After a few moments, there is an emotional note of assent from the nearest of the wards. "Go ahead" The Genii urges Priya. And with that, the spell can release. Keyed to Triton, the spell might take a long time to run if Triton is truly far away from here. And with a lot of competing spells for the mana, the spell just might fail from lack of power before it found Triton. However, Priya's luck is fortunate. The spell finds Triton, quickly and easily. Triton is not distant from the Castle. He is still in the shadow of Amber. In point of fact, he is still on Amber mountain. Priya's spell indicates that Moire's son is above her...at the peak of Kolvir, as a matter of fact. "Interesting. It seems our missing son of Moire hasn't gotten very far." Rather than waste time, I open the spell to a portal so that Ostegos and I may join him. The Portal spell is a trivial task, and without much delay, both Priya and Ostegos can step through and onto the top of the mile-tall mountain that overlooks Amber harbor. Standing on the first step of the three steps is Moire's son. Triton. He turns toward Priya as the elliptical form of the Gate lights up and she and Ostegos step through. He smiles slightly. "Well, hello Sorceress." Triton says. "Although it will only be available for a few hours, have you come, too, to climb the stair into Tir?" He pauses a beat and smiles wider. "Or has Mother sent you to drive me back to the reef of my bed?" "Neither." I reply, stopping a comfortable distance away. "I came only to be certain that you were well." I look up toward the sky. "I am as well as I can be." Triton replies before Priya continues "Might I ask what you seek in the city of dreams?" "What does anyone seek in Tir?" Triton replies with a grin. "Answers. New Questions. Visions. Any and all of these is what I might be after..." He pauses and regards her speculatively. "Come with me and find out." Triton offers,suddenly. He jerks a thumb in Ostegos' direction. "He should stay behind. But you might come with me, Priya. Especially given what's happened to you." What's happened to me? I arch a brow and stare at him, amused. Triton looks at Priya serenely and patiently. In the corner of her vision, Priya can see Ostegos study Triton with a critical eye. "I am afraid, Prince Triton, that I have limited use for visions. Unless they reveal something startling new and are truly enlightening, they tend to cause confusion and unproductive concern. More often than not, such things send people on wild chases that net nothing but water." I look to the dream city, admitting that it is tempting. "That's a rather grounded point of view." Triton says "especially for the daughter of the Court Sorcerer of Rebma. While I've always known that you were practical, I didn't think that you were so." Triton pauses and looks thoughtful before smiling. "staid." He then shrugs. "You do have a point, of course, but when one lies in the midst of a tangle of currents, a vision is sometimes the best way to decide which way to swim. Which is where I float now. I had thought that you might be the same. In fact, I might have been disappointed if you and your friend didn't come here to check up on me up here." That fact that he has lowered himself to something very close to name calling is almost amusing. "Your mother is concerned with your well-being, and therefore it falls within the realm of things I need to be concerned with as well." I shrug, not wishing him to make over-much of it. "As for visions being the best way to make a decision... I will have to disagree. I find it much more productive to contemplate the matter and be fully honest with myself than rely on something outside to determine the course of my life. As for being in a tangle..." I shrug again. "That is only short-term. I will be clear of whatever you perceive around me in short order and, ultimately, at least in the short term, I know exactly where I am going and use most everything in my path as a stepping stone to reaching that goal." "It is a matter of clarity and refusing to be distracted by day to day events. Finding a worthy goal for yourself is a noble pursuit, but you should not rely on what you see up there to determine your course." That he might is worrisome... "Well reasoned." Triton says. "As I expected. A life of quiet contemplation, however, is one that does not seem to be in my blood, and thus my nature. I am the son of my father, and the son of my mother as well, as while nuture can overwhelm nature...my nuture has only reinforced my nature." He shrugs. "And so I will continue with my decision." "I commend you for knowing your path, Priya." Triton adds with a touch of fondness. He looks away from Priya and Ostegos, and at the moon, which is rising above the water. The ghostly city, and the stairs that lead to it, are forming out of the silvery, insubstantial moonlight. Priya can see that Ostegos, instead of watching Triton, has turned his attention to this spectacle instead. "However it may seem, I do not lead a quiet life, but contemplation can be done in brief moments, stolen or made." I follow his gaze to the phantom city. "Will you not be deterred from this?" Triton furrows his eyebrows. Priya can see him look at Ostegos briefly out of the corner of his eye and then focuses completely on Priya. "I had not expected such a strong reaction from you." Triton looks at Priya carefully. After a moment or two, Triton continues. "The only way you might deter me, I think, is if you offer some sort of alternative.I hold no skill at using a Trump deck, as my half-brother, or my father might." I can only shake my head. "I have few Trump and have never studied their art, so that is not an option I can offer you, and I think you may be too impatient for the introspection I employ." I look back up to the city. It should not be a risky endeavor, but difficult nontheless to explain to the Queen that this was the last place I saw him. "What sort of introspection, Priya?" Triton asks after a moment. He looks at the city for a moment, as Priya does, and returns to looking at Priya and Ostegos. He smiles thinly "There is still a few minutes to change my mind." "I cannot teach you everything I know in a short amount of time and much of what I do has taken years of practice. But if you are willing to be trusting, I might be able to act as a sort of filter. Helping you go through the things you perceive... though the experience may be more intimate than either of us wants." I admit the last, sensing that there may well be things I do not wish to know. It leaves me staring up at the city again and, in truth, I am not certain why I feel so reluctant, unless I have some concern over what I might see. Most things I may not wish to think about. Triton looks thoughtful for a moment, saying nothing. The silence is peaceful. "I trust her with my life." Ostegos says to Triton, interrupting it. "All right." Triton says. "I think I can sacrifice a month in any event." He turns to look at Priya and grins. "Offer accepted." "Perhaps we should do this back in the Castle?" Ostegos adds. Backlinks |
