Breakfast in Amber: The DocksIndex | Time Under Chaos | Game Logs | Breakfast in Amber - Docks It was daybreak in Amber. Slightly later than daybreak in point of fact, for the Ramblin' Queen had paddled its way back into harbour as the sun was rising. Now the passengers, some sleepy and others wide awake, were saying their goodbyes and making their way off the vessel. Carriages were drawn up, reading to return the guests to whatever house, embassy or castle they called home. It was possible, of course, for certain of the visitors to trump their way back to the Castle, but some years ago, Merlin and Morgan had discovered a small café, most frequently used by dockers and crusted sea salts, right on the docks itself which served the best cooked breakfast in all Amber - with thick slabs of bacon*, plump pork sausages, fried tomatoes, fried eggs, mushrooms (cooked in butter and their own delectable juices), fried bread, black pudding, lambs kidneys and similar delights. Here, Merlin declared, was the perfect place to end a night on the Queen, and it had become traditional for the King and his entourage to eat there. Where the King leads, of course, society follows - and much to the bewilderment of old Jack Taroes, the Greasy Spoon had suddenly become *the* place to have breakfast in Amber - much to the displeasure of the aforementioned dockers and crusted sea salts who found themselves rudely displaced. Jack Taroes, a dour man, showed his appreciation of this sudden influx of high society trade by putting checkered tablecloths on all the tables (and then forgetting to wash them), and little white vases, designed to hold a few flowers (which he forgot to fill). Apart from that, the Greasy Spoon remained exactly the same in all but its clientele. Now the guests were disembarking. At the head of the gangplank that ran from the main deck to the quayside stood Goran, with Allegra and Vincenzo. Allegra and Goran were on duty to bid polite farewells to the guests. Vincenzo was ostensibly there to do the same, but Goran (like the rest of the staff) suspected that the Head of Security was carrying out a head count to make sure everyone left that arrived the night before. Among the guests, Mandor, looking sleek and serene, like a cat who's had all the cream, sought out Ingrey. It was not policy for Chaosians to trump publicly within Amber, save in an emergency and, having offered Ingrey a ride to the Queen the night before, Mandor was now clearly prepared to return him to the Embassy. Merlin was looking even more self satisfied than Mandor, as he leaned against the railing, watching the docks and waiting for Morgan. "Have you seen Chadders?" was his first remark to Morgan. "How does he look? We should take him to breakfast and discover all. Larissa's already headed back to the castle. Well, Taroe's sausages are hardly vat reared, are they?" Morgan chucked, then nodded his had. "Here he comes," he said. Chadwick strolled up the docks from where the Rambling Queen had pulled in. He was as cheerful and buoyant as ever, waving at strangers and smiling to all. Suddenly he spotted Merlin and Morgan. A quizzical look came over his face and he approached, giving only a brief nod to Morgan. "Your Majesty? May I ask a question?" Morgan returned the nod with a nod of his own, and a smile. "Ask," said Merlin expansively. He raised an eyebrow at Morgan. "Between us, I think Morgan and I know the salient points of the Ramblin' Queen. Oh, and etiquette. Wouldn't do to forget etiquette." "Nice girl," Morgan said reminiscently. "I'll always remember her." Chadwick, having never heard of a girl named 'Etiquette,' raised an eyebrow to Morgan before continuing. "What is the purpose, in the game known as 'Twister,' of baby oil? The cover didn't show its use." Morgan covered his face with a hand, and his shoulders began to shake. It was hard to tell if he was sobbing or laughing, as he made no noise. "It increases traction," said Merlin blandly. "What the cover doesn't say is that things can sometimes become ... sticky. So you didn't play yourself?" "It looked... Lily suggested that it would not be the best game for us." He shook his head as some elements of the evening fell into place. "We played a mystery game instead." Morgan had regained control of himself by then, and he looked up with a smile. "Did you enjoy yourself?" he asked. "Lily seemed like a nice girl." "Oh, yes. A sterling example of womanhood," Chadwick responded with enthusiasm. "I cannot imagine a lady of more depth and character!" He smiled broadly and gave out a sigh. Morgan smiled and looked at Merlin. Merlin had taken out a small dagger was was using it to clean his nails. "So you'll be seeing her again then, eh, Chadders?" he asked casually. "Only, many of these gorls, they like a little attention, don't they, Morgan? Flowers. Chocolates. The odd diamond. A nice presentation case with their favourite narcotics tastefully arranged. That sort of thing." Morgan nodded. "Most girls like presents," he agreed. "It shows you care." He reflected back on the night. There had to be something that she would like. He nodded to the others after some concern. "I hadn't thought of a gift," he finally responded, "and I do intend on calling on her again." "It was a first date," Morgan said. "Flowers. Send flowers. Maybe a lily, so she knows you're thinking of her." Chadwick thought on this. "It sounds a bit... done. I'm sure a gentleman has called on such a lady as she... beneath her, of course, but definitely a woman who attracts callers. Someone has probably thought of Lilies." He bit his bottom lip. "Mother has books on this sort of thing, and she loves it when I take an interest in the minutiae of protocol... I imagine I shall have a good answer to this issue within hours of returning home." Merlin finished with his nails. "I'm sure you will," he said. "And your mother is just the person to advixse you. Now - how about we go and grab breakfast before heading back to the Castle?" He started to stroll towards the gangplank. Morgan fell in just behind and to one side of Merlin, eyes idly flicking around, to all appearances just sauntering after his cousin with no concerns. One hand rested easily and naturally on the hilt of his sword. Chadwick followed them, having no previous engagements. He was eager and interested, wondering at the fine dining that the King might enjoy in Amber city. The splendor of the evening had his expectations soaring. They had descended the gangplank now, and were beginning to move across the open docks. "Dam'," said Merlin. "Mandor's decided he wants a word. Do you think we can pretend we haven't seen him?" "Sure we can," Morgan replied easily. "But since we're walking to breakfast he can just catch up with us, and he'll be more annoyed, and thus annoying, then, and whatever it is he wants to talk about will interfere with breakfast." "He probably hasn't had breakfast," Chadwick said cheerfully, "we could probably get him something. He wouldn't be mad about that, if we ask him ahead of time... and we're quick." All attention was on the Ramblin' Queen. On the ship, people were engaged with the disembarkation, apart from the staff preparing for their meeting, and Petra, up on the top deck, the table laid for a breakfast for two, had an excellent view of that and the docks beyond as she awaited the arrival of Vikund Anansi. Petra stood at the railing, watching the passengers disembark when Vikund arrived. She moved away towards the table before he had a chance to cross the distance. Vincenzo, who always made it a point to loiter around their breakfast meetings to try and perfect killing with a look, was absent for a change. They were completely alone on the deck. She turned to face him before she sat down, cradling a cup of coffee in her hands. She had found time to change into a pair of brown leather trousers and an off white poet shirt that he was fairly certain was one of his. The iridescent Etruscan jewel glimmered over her heart where it hadn't been before. Her hair was loose, falling in rich, thick waves around her shoulders. Even after what had to have been a stressful night, Petra still managed to look even more breathtaking then she had earlier on the stairs when he arrived. He had been given plenty of reason to think she would be angry. Her expression gave no indication one way or the other. But her eyes,in her moss green eyes he could see nothing but a fatigue that went beyond the physical. "I don't even know where to start, mi amo." She sighed and ran her fingers back through her hair. "But I know where I need you to start. Dire le parole che devo sentirmi, mi amante." "Good morning," he said, for the moment ignoring the question. Vikund took his seat and studied Petra as if seeing her for the first time. He was never usually short of a smile for her, but this was Amber, and he was still a player in the Great Game. He poured himself a cup of coffee and sweetened it, though she knew well enough he preferred it without. He stretched out his hand, reaching for hers. "Tell me," he said simply. She simply looked at him for a long moment, her eyes lightening even as he watched and shifting to amber. Perhaps he remembered the last time that had happened and what she said it meant. Perhaps not. A lot had happened since then. She took his hand and then her seat. She gazed out over the docks, collecting her thoughts. "It's taking an unbelievable amount of self control on my part right now to even stay in Amber," Petra said finally. "Part of me wants to sign this boat over to Ramon, take my people, and go home." Her intense gaze moved back to him. "But I cannot. Something greater then that keeps me here." Petra quieted long enough to sip her coffee. "He's very... intense. Being alone with Mandor is unnerving; frightening, yet something about him is .." she gave a puzzled frown. "Intoxicating. I'm still not sure exactly what it is he wants from me, but he clearly wants something." She made a indistinct noise and shifted her gaze to her coffee cup. "And he is very partial to cats." "He wants you to feel intimidated, to put you on edge," Vikund replied. "He wants you to feel you are hiding something, even if you are not. To bolt and run would be to play into his hands," he continued, "and it would do Ramon no favours." She gave him a vague look of irration. Hadn't she just said she wasn't going anywhere? She was regretting not taking this to their castle in shadow, where they could say what they wanted without all the sidestepping. She set her coffee aside and wished for something stonger. "Try to relax. The Prime Minister has many other things to concern him. I promised to do what I can to protect you and your people, and shall." He paused to sip his coffee, watching Petra carefully. "Has Vincenzo given you a breifing this morning?" Petra snorted. Relax. That wouldn't be happening. Not here. He paused to sip his coffee, watching Petra carefully. "Has Vincenzo given you a breifing this morning?" "Only in a most basic way while he walked me up here," she replied with an impatient gesture of the hand not holding still his. A faint rainbow of color washed across the surface of the jewel around her neck. Petra took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Ramon seemed anxious for my attention, but he has to wait for the meeting like everyone else." "By the way...Is there some particular reason why you didn't warn me Mandor was planning on surprising us last night?" she continued calmly "If Morgan hadn't managed to give us what little warning he did, I would have been even less amused. Of course, he then went and offset those karma points by trashing my deck, the impudent git, but at least he tried." "I had no way of warning you without Mandor knowing," Vikund replied, selecting some toast and dividing it rather unnecessarily. "He did not forewarn me of our destination, and by the time I knew it was too late. I don't want the Prime Minister to start believing my loyalty is to you and not to him. I need to save such risks for a real emergency." Petra leveled her best 'this is not over' look at the man across from her, but chose not to say anything else about it for the time being. He glanced around then, as if something had caught his eye, but it was only the breeze. "I am keeping you from your rest," he said. "Perhaps I should call later in the day, when you've had a chance to catch some sleep? Unless you'd rather I stayed, that is. I don't mind waiting until your meetings are concluded." "I think the idea that I am going to get any sleep this morning is very optimistic on your part, mi amante," She closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. "I would rather you stayed," she admitted when she opened her eyes. "It will be a few hours before I can even attempt to sleep, and hopefully the staff meeting will actually calm me down without resorting to that bottle of green liquor that eats through the carpet. But it is really up to you. Obviously you will do what you want in the end." She reached for an enameled cigarette case and then changed her mond, instead giving Vikund her complete attention. "But, in the meantime, stop playing with your food, and eat something," she said with a slight smile. "How was your evening with all the excitement going on? I'm sure I missed all manner of things." Vikund shrugged. "There was the usual pairing off. Chadwick seemed to enjoy his evening with Lily, so his mother might eventually be mollified. Larissa stayed out of the way, and the rest played out as expected. Antonia was in a snit as usual, but I'm sure you'll hear all about that. I think I'll stay if only for the post-mortem," he smirked. "Oh, and I believe Ramon and Portia are duelling again, unless Vincenzo has warned them off." He began to eat more heartily then, as if the prospect of a fight enlivened his appetite. Petra groaned. "Again? What did he do now? Nevermind.... I'm not sure I would want to know. At least it will keep him out of Antonia's hair today. The last time they dueled, it took them all over the blasted ship. Over the rails, down the stairs, through the halls, jumping over tables. I was surprised he didn't try swinging from the chandelier." She sighed. "Portia really did a number on him, and then Vincenzo did too. I wouldn't mind so much if they would stop dragging me into these things. I mean, really. Have you ever seen me fence? No, of course not. It's embarrassing. Especially with all professional level duelers onboard. Vincenzo keeps threatening to make me work with his people so I don't stab myself in the foot." Everything seemed to be going smoothly. To one side of the boat, the sunlight sparkled on the water ... to the other, people were disembarking calmly and contentedly, some heading for their carriages, some for the Greasy Spoon (and even some for a couple of opportunistic establishments that - seeing the success of The Greasy Spoon - had opened up next to it). "Yes, I recall you making that observation when I got you a sword for our anniversary," Vikund smiled. "Still, it looks good on you. As an excellent dancer, there's no reason why you shouldn't have some aptitude with the blade. Many of the movements are the same." She stopped to smile at him, then waved a hand. "It isn't that I don't know how. They teach fencing at The Jade, afterall, and Vincenzo has tutored me in the art to keep me from being completely useless. I simply rebel against the expectations people have of me when I pick up a blade. I feel as if half the world is watching to see if I can live up to Benedict's name, and you and I both know that is just impossible. I'm not sure any of us could live up to that." "Expectation is a terrible burden to carry," Vikund said, "but I think people here have had time to realise you have plenty of other talents. Perhaps we should have a private match sometime, just for sport? Maybe it's just that you never enjoyed it before." "Perhaps the next time we can slip off to Schwansee," replied Petra. "More time, fewer witnesses to my performance." She smiled. "And I imagine the positive reinforcement is much more compelling then what I get here." "I agree, private performances are rewarding. They're so much more intimate," Vikund smiled. "What a treat it would be if you trounced them all the next time they fancied a duel on the Queen." Petra laughed out loud. "Do not encourage that scenario, amante. I am trying to get them to be more careful, though I'm sure the workers we hire to repair their damage don't mind at all." Vikund shrugged. "You employed passionate people. You can't expect them to behave all the time." "Besides," she smiled. "You, I think, would just like to see me to whip Vincenzo, si? In truth, so would he." "Would he?" Vikund enquired with a smirk. "Interesting choice of words, my lady." She rolled her eyes and sighed. "It is not Vincenzo one needs to concern themselves with in that area. I may have to take an advertisement out in the paper. Everyone *still* thinks things like that." "I know you were joking, and you do not usually allude to whatever sordid things other people do concerning myself and my chief of security, but it lost its humor years ago. All things considered, I'm a bit touchy on the subject of fooling around.." "Then let it lie," Vikund said affably. "I don't want you going into the meeting under a cloud. I'm sure there will be enough of a thunderhead in there already." She snorted, but then narrowed her eyes slightly in his direction. "Just exactly what did you do last night that has you so convinced it's going to be that bad?" "*Me?*" Vikund exclaimed, scandalised. "I am merely an observer. I only report what I see and hear. Perhaps I'm wrong. Perhaps Antonia's colourful language was just a moment's loss of control." He shrugged. "I daresay you'll find out." He smiled. "Just because I get blamed for everything doesn't mean I'm always responsible." "You know they say there is truth at the bottom of every myth," Petra smiled, then tsked. "And you should not, after all this time, continue to let Antonia get to you even a little, as she obviously has. She is never going to like you, you will never measure up, and she will never forgive you for what she perceived as your mistakes, and the slights to me she sees over three decades. She is Conraran. Specifically, she is Venetian. They have long memories and grudges that span generational lines. The only thing that exceeds that is their loyalty to family and friends, and to her, I am both." Petra smiled again. "But thanks to you, I have learned the most interesting curses and some ancient warding signs that I hadn't ever heard before. She refers to our anniversary as il Giorno di Nerezza. I have never worked out if I'm amused or annoyed by that." "Oh, but it wasn't just me she was annoyed with," Vikund smiled. "I seem to recall she said something like "Sto andando strangolare Petra di mattina" ." His accented Cornaroise was hardly perfect, but he made up for that in the delivery, and seemed quite pleased with himself. His accented Cornaroise was hardly perfect, but he made up for that in the delivery, and seemed quite pleased with himself. "We need to work on your accent," Petra observed pleasantly. "Perhaps Allegra would be willing to help you out." "And I can hardly blame Antonia for being annoyed with me," she continued with a shrug. "Last night was not the best night for me to be off the floor. I'm sure by the time the meeting starts, that will be all your fault," she smiled. "So I'm still in the clear. With Antonia, anyway. Now, I do expect Vincenzo is going to rain all manner of abuse down on my head, so I'm not to escape entirely." "Oh, and I was so looking forward to more broken crockery," Vikund smirked. "And I'm sure most of Vincenzo's ire will end up in my direction anyway. Oh well, I shall have to find some melodrama somewhere else later." He pulled out his pocket watch and examined it briefly. "What time is Dawn finishing? I had a mind to meet up with her at some point today." "The same time she always is, Vikund," replied Petra as she turned to gauge how far along they were in getting everyone where they belonged. "After the meeting. I think the stragglers are close to being off ship and then I imagine it will be about five... ten minutes after that before I can start. I'd say give her an hour." She turned back to him. "You are welcome to wait in the library once the meeting starts. New painting, new books." "You are the courteous hostess, as always," Vikund smiled, and took her hand, kissing it lightly. "I will arrange a meeting with her then, but it is you I shall be waiting for." "Smooth talker," Petra smiled. "I'll send her along to the library as soon as the meeting is over. Just have her bring you to my office when you're done. That way, no one will harass you about being onboard outside business hours. Security's liable to be just a tad touchy after last night." Everyone's attention was on the docks ... Including one solitary figure, waiting in the shadows.
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