Interview at the EmbassyIndex | Time Under Chaos | Game Logs | PreGameLogs | Interview at the Embassy One fine day in Amber, as Tear was having lunch between classes at the University, sitting on the rock, she received a visitor. The visitor was in the livery of the Embassy of the Courts and dressed in the royal colors of Chaos, gold and purple. She stopped a few meters from Tear and Tanstaafl, and curtsied, her hair purple streaked with gold like her clothing. "Solitaire Helgram?" the messenger enquired softly of the girl. Tear, caught in the middle of chewing her salmon sandwich, blinked dumbly at the messenger. Two thoughts played through her mind. One: Why would a messenger from the Chaosian Embassy be seeking her out? And Two: Where could she get cool hair like that? "That's Baroness Helgram, Grapes," Tanstaafl said; yelping when Tear thumped him in the head a second later. The messenger looked faintly confused at Tanstaafl's words. "I'm sorry," Tear said. "That's me." It wasn't clear if the apology was for Tanastaafl's rudeness or the fact she was the one the woman sought. "Can I help you?" "Baroness." the messenger corrected, and bowed. "I bring an invitation on behalf of Ingrey, Minister-Counselor and assistant to the Ambassador Paloma Baccaran." "He begs the opportunity for you to meet with you, at the Embassy at your earliest convenience." Tear blinked in shock. "Me?! But. I'm. Me! What could he possibly want?" She looked down at Tanstaafl as if he might know. He simply shrugged his furry shoulders, "I'm constantly surprised that anyone would want to talk with you, so how the hell should I know?" Tanstaafl ignored the glowering looking and instead stole the last of her salmon sandwich. Tear sighed deeply and then hopped down from her boulder. "Well, now is a good time, I guess. Classes let out early and I can skip my lab. I mean, how many ways can you manipulate a bowl of water, right? It's just a matter of surface tension and stimulating its… you probably don't care what I'm saying do you? Sorry." "I am conversant with basic sorcery, Baroness, as any good member of House Chanicut should be." the messenger said proudly. Tanstaafl groaned, "Don't encourage her, Grapes. She'll use up all the oxygen on this mountain top prattling as she does." Tear sighed faintly, but didn't disagree. Instead, she smiled at the young messenger; pleased to find someone with a working knowledge of her favorite subject. She slung her cloth bag over her arm and smiled up at the messenger. "I've never been to the Embassy. So, we'll follow you, shall we?" "If you wish to see the Minister-Counselor now, I would be pleased to conduct you to him." The still nameless messenger said, and bowed again. "It is not a difficult or onerous walk." Tear nodded, "Please? And to whom do I have the honor?" She fell in beside the woman, gazing up at her hair enviously. "And is that natural or dyed? It's very fetching. I've been thinking of trying a new hair color. In fact, I'm just about finished researching an Alteration spell that could do just that. And other things too. My shape shifting is still rather… lacking. Just enough to keep me from turning into marinara sauce when I summon the Logrus. So, I've always been envious of other Chaosian women." "My name is Nyoma of House Alspring." the messenger identified herself. "It is the custom of those in House Alspring to shift so that their House Colors are displayed on their person. However, as I am in the employ of the Embassy, by custom, I am technically an associational member of the House Royal, and thus wear Corrino's purple in my hair to mark it. I shifted it that way." "Fantastic!" Tear chimes. "You're so lucky, Nyoma. You've got an alluring name and can shift. I can't wait until I can do that. There are a few things I'd like to change and tweak." She glanced down at her willowy body and sighed. "Does the increased metabolism fade eventually? I'd like to have a figure… but everything gets burned off if I even breathe. It's not fair really." Tanstaafl coughed from his place on the rock. "Ummm… hello?!" Tear glanced over her shoulder and turned her nose up. "You can walk, hairball. And no stopping or I'll leave you behind." The furry familiar grunted in protest, but humbly followed in their footsteps. Nyoma took an easy pace as she continued to lead Tear through the streets. "I have not had the honor of navigating the Logrus." Nyoma explained at one point, as the complex of buildings that made up the Embassy came into view and grew larger. The Embassy was made of three large buildings connected by skyways. "The Minister-Counselor did not tell me overmuch of your ability, but your preternatural prodigious skills, Baroness, are well known and respected." Nyoma said. For Tear the trip was one of intrigue and wonder. She'd never been in this section of the city before. Of course, she knew about it. She was a noblewoman after all. But to see its grandeur for the first time felt overwhelming. Tear's ear turned crimson at Nyoma's comments and she suddenly found the flagstones very interesting. She gave a weak sigh. "Please call me Tear, Nyoma. And for the record, people exaggerate. I simply 'see' the Logrus better than most," she said. "But my experience with its true potential is somewhat lacking. So, my basic skill overshadows the true breadth of my knowledge, I suppose." "Sort of like an idiot savant," Tanstaafl snorted, "With emphasis on the idiot." He deftly dodged Tear's kick, prancing out of the way with his fluffy tail held high. "Don't be so smug, Fuzz-butt," Tear snapped, "Or I'll have you turned into someone's muffler for winter." She smiled embarrassedly at Nyoma and continued along the way to her meeting. Nyoma did not seem to know how to respond to the banter between Tanstaafl and Tear and awkwardly lapsed into silence for the remainder of the short walk up to the building that she led Tear towards. A large seal, of the Throne of Chaos, hung above a covered passage that began a few feet away and ran for a dozen yards before ending at a pair of large doors. These doors opened of their own accord as the messenger led Tear and Tanstaafl toward them, revealing a corridor that, aside from a few blank doors and small side ways, led straight to a large room. This large room had a large bank of windows that let in the sunlight to the black marble floor below. A large bronze statue, a depiction of the Serpent itself, was the other dominant feature in the room, not counting its only living occupant. With dark hair and clad in purple and gold, he wore the full mantle and cloak of his office and he gave a graze of the head once Tear, Nyoma and Tanstaafl entered the room. "Baroness, Minister-Counselor Ingrey Wererathe." Nyoma said, gesturing to the man halfway across the room. The little woman followed half-heartedly, lost in the embassy's stateliness. Architecture never ceased to fascinate her; Chaosian architecture in particular. She took note of the automatic doors, trying to see if their movement was mechanical or magical in nature. However, the statue of the Serpent stole all thoughts from her mind. She paused; staring up at it with wide eyes. Of course, she'd seen it before on a smaller scale. Its prevalence was unquestionable in Amber. But to she the Serpent so close and large-as-life, Tear felt a shiver go down her spine; neither fear nor excitement. The feeling was… familiarity. It stirred something inside her; a memory perhaps? Nyoma's introduction caught Tear's attention. A smile quirked at the corners of her lips as she regarded Ingrey. She curtsied as best she could in her school uniform. "It is an unexpected pleasure, Minister," she said. "I'm sorry I didn't have the chance to dress more appropriately." "Nonsense. You dress as you wish." Ingrey said, giving a bow and crossing the distance to meet Tear, Tanstaafl and Nyoma. "As my loyal messenger has indicated, I am Ingrey Wererathe. And you are Baroness Solitaire Helgram, often called Tear. And your companion." Ingrey gave a nod to Tanstaafl. "is as welcome as you are here in the Embassy. After all, as a Chaosian yourself, the Embassy is intended to be a slice of home within the Kingdom of Amber." Tanstaafl glanced around unimpressed and then found an expensive chair to curl up in and shed on. He began licking his sore paws, muttering something about 'animal abuse." Tear straightened her skirt and smiled up at Ingrey. "Thank you, Master Wererathe," she said with another ungainly curtsy. "It is very beautiful. I've never seen much. Of Chaos. This is all rather new to me. But I'll visit more now I've been invited." Ingrey gave a nod to Nyoma. "You can return to your post, Nyoma. Thank you for your service." Nyoma bowed herself, and turned, quickly disappearing into one of the corridors that ended in the large room. Tear waved goodbye to Nyoma and then gulped audible as the woman left her alone with Ingrey. She shifted nervously, glancing around for a chair to sit in. After discovering Tanstaafl having laid claim to the closest one, she pushed her tote bag beneath its legs and chose to stand instead. "Nyoma mentioned you needed to speak to me, Master Wererathe," she said. "Have I. Done something wrong?" Ingrey looked at her uncertainly, and then shook his head. He didn't quite laugh, or even smile, but he seemed amused at the notion. "If you did something wrong, even if I were chosen to be the person you spoke to, we would not be having a casual conversation like this." Ingrey said. "No, I don't know of any fault of yours that would even come under my bailiwick." Tear let out a relieved breath and relaxed slightly. She dried her palms on her hips and continued to listen; studying this handsome fellow with those expressive, violet eyes of hers. "The reason I asked you to come here, Solitaire, besides the pleasure of meeting you is that I have been given something to give to you. However, given the person who asked me to give it to you." Ingrey lowered his voice. "I find myself slightly uncertain to its provenance, and so I suggest we retire to my office to give it to you." "Afterwards." Ingrey offered. "Assuming all goes well, I can treat you to some real Chaosian cuisine here at the Embassy. And the three of us can chat further on lighter subjects." "Oh," Tear said, blinking in confusion. She started to speak, then stopped… tapping her chin with a long finger. Her tongue poked out at the corner of her mouth as she fought to think of who might give her a gift; let alone one a Chaosian minister might believe to be suspect. Then she said an apparent nonsequitur. "Tear." Ingrey blinked uncertainly. She smiled faintly, brushing her bangs from her face. "Call me, Tear." "Tear, not Tare." Ingrey tried experimentally, although it seemed to be for her benefit rather than any unfamiliarity with the dialect. With a distant expression, Tear scooped up a much-perturbed Tanstaafl and abruptly stuffed him into her tote bag. "Tail! Nose! Spine!" he protested, but she simply ignored him and carried the bag at her side. "You could hav…," but his complaint stopped mid-sentence when Tear touched her brow and mouth with her right index finger. His huge ears flicked as if listening to something, then he lowered his head back into the bag. "After you, Master Ingrey," she said, offering her host an unsure smile. "Master is not a title I am accustomed to." Ingrey said, in a conversational tone, as he led Tear toward the rear of the meeting/entrance hall, and then up a large helical staircase without railings that extended upward several floors. "The consequences of working in a bureaucracy is that while the pay may not improve overmuch, my titles have improved over the years. And thanks to various relations with shadows, I have a number of *different* titles, depending on who is addressing me and where I stand." "If you wanted to be perfectly correct and exact, I would be addressed, here in the Embassy, for instance, as Minister-Counselor Ingrey Wererathe." Ingrey explained. "On the other hand, all diplomats in the service of his Majesty the Emperor at the rank of Counselor or above can, if they are the senior officer present, be addressed as Ambassador, and some do prefer to simply address me as Ambassador." "Ambassador," Tear repeated with a nod. She gave him a gentle smile, having warmed to him as they walked. His voice calmed her despite the unusual circumstances under which she currently found herself. In many ways, he spoke in the same fashion she did about sorcery. This connection gave her a sense of ease. "I like the way you talk," she said. "Thank you." Tanstaafl, however, wasn't impressed. He struggled with the stairs, grunting and puffing as he carried the rear. Tear smirked back at him, "That's what you get for eating so many sweets." The fennec spurted something foul in Romany that caused her to half gasp/half chuckle. Ingrey stopped his forward progress on the staircase, and blinked momentarily. He turned and looked down to regard Tanstaafl. "In what language did you just speak?" Ingrey asked him curiously. "I do not believe I am overfamiliar with it." Tear smiled up at Ingrey, "Romany, sir. I fear he has recently gotten into my Shadow Earth dictionaries. I am trying to learn as many of the European languages as I can for…" A blush colors her cheeks. "Well. For my own reasons," she said, crinkling her nose. Ingrey nodded appreciatively. "Anyhow," she continued, "Tanstaafl has found several… colorful expressions. Not worth repeating." Tanstaafl snorted, "Well, I don't know about that." "But /I/ do," Tear scowled at him. She turned back to Ingrey with a meek smile. "I can teach you some politer terms if you wish, Minister." "At some point, I may have the time to collect on that offer." Ingrey said with a nod. Soon, Ingrey led Tear off of the staircase and down a hallway of ordinary looking doors, until a door larger than most of them at the end of the hall beckoned. Ingrey stepped up to it, knocked once, and opened it, revealing a hexagonal shaped room, behind which was a young pale-skinned woman with jet black hair and a severe looking outfit in gold and purple sitting behind a comma shaped wooden desk. Her eyes looked up at the entrance and gave a nod to Ingrey and Tear. "Any messages, Ren?" Ingrey asked the young woman. "None, sir." Ren replied. She gave a respectful nod to Tear. "Baroness, its a pleasure to meet you. May I offer you anything?" she inquired. Tear went around the desk and shook Ren's hand warmly, "Hello. Some tea, please? Oolong, if you have it. And only if it's no trouble. That's a beautiful outfit, Ren." "Thank you." Rensselaer said with a smile. She blushed softly when she realized she'd been shaking Ren's hand too long. "Sorry," she said, putting her hands behind her back and finding a place to stand. "It's quite all right." the secretary said cheerfully. "I presume you will want something fresh brewed rather than fetched by esoteric means." Ren continued. "We have a variety of teas and coffees imported from shadow. I am certain that Oolong is available." "Shall I fetch your usual, sir?" Ren asked Ingrey. Ingrey nodded. "Thank you, Ren. We'll be in the meeting room." Tear grinned warmly at Ren. "Thank you, madam. Don't go through too much trouble though." She paused, tapping her chin. "Umm. If. You have. Pastries? Could you bring some? It will make things go easier." She gestured toward Tanstaafl. "He can't talk if his mouth is full." Ren seemed nonplussed at this. "I will obtain a selection." she said. She paused and then smiled. "So that one of the correct size can be obtained." Tanstaafl bristled his tail and gave the woman a glare, which came out fur-fluffingly cute despite his best efforts. "Oh. Humor. Yes, I'd heard about that once." Tear winked at Ren, suppressing a chuckle. "Thank you, again." Ingrey finally gestured toward one of the two doors in the foreroom. "This way. It will take a little while to have the tea, we can wait until its available before we deal with the gift, if you prefer." "No, no," Tear said. "I'm rather curious about this… gift." She followed him, struggling to match his pace due to her tiny legs. "May I ask who the benefactor is? I've never gotten a gift before. Not like this anyhow." Ingrey did not go far, opening the door to a meeting room of some sort, with a circular table with eight black chairs. On the table was a small package, 6 inches wide, 9 inches to a foot long, and almost flat. It was labelled "Baroness Solitaire Helgram" "The gift is from the sorceress Fiona." Ingrey explained, as he gestured to the package sitting alone on the cherry wood table. "And it is for that reason why I would urge some caution as you open it." "Or as we open it." Ingrey continued. "While you may have privacy if you wish, and I would be happy to withdraw and let you inspect your gift alone, I would suggest that you open it in my presence. The choice, however, is yours to make." Ingrey explained. "No, no," Tear said, examining the box with wide eyes. "I think it best I open it now. And I have no secrets to hide." She ran a delicate finger along the package's edge, her nose wrinkled in confusion. Carefully, she began to undo the wrapping and folded it on the table with frugal care and attention. Ingrey watched Tear unwrap the package carefully, with hard blue eyes that never seemed to waver in color. The box stared back at her for a moment, as if daring her to open it. Tear crossed her arms once, and then crossed them the other way; chewing the corner of her lip. Her violet eyes sought Ingrey's. "Why do you think I should be cautious of opening it? Does Princess Fiona have something against me?" "You mean, other than being the favorite sparrow of the man she used to diddle?" Tanstaafl snorted, leaping up onto the table to get a better view. He sat at the far end of the table, to prevent his fur from being singed by the potentially exploding package. Ingrey spared a glance from the package to return Tear's look. "Irregardless of your companion's impolitic words, he has a point. You are the acknowledged protege of someone with whom Fiona has had relations, and a not satisfactory conclusion." Ingrey continued. "She might be seeking any number of things by means of a present, ranging from direct harm to seeking her own influence over you. Like the Prime Minister himself, I urge you to think and act with critical judgement with respect to anything she does, or gives you." "Now, let us see what she has had me bring to you." Tear blushed brightly and tugged on her ear. Her expression remained one of confused innocence. She truly did not understand why something as simple as a gift from a stranger would cause such consternation amongst people. "Well, our relationship has always been one of mentor and student," she said. "There's no reason for her to get jealous of that." Ingrey did not answer immediately, his eyes focused on the mysterious gift. She slowly opened the case, revealing a velvet interior lined with silk. Curious, she pulled the silk back to uncover a pair of spectacles. Gold-rimmed, the glasses were surprisingly dark, but highly polished. The lenses were oval and very small; easy to look over when worn. "Oh," Tear said, smiling softly. "Reading spectacles." Her lip curled up in curious smile. "I'm a tad young for glasses, I should think." Tear picked them up and turned them over in her fingers. "Oh look! There are runic inscriptions etched along the rim. You can barely see them, but they're there." She showed them to Ingrey, apparently very pleased with this odd choice in gifts. Ingrey hovered his hand without touching them. "I've learned some sorcery, of course, as any gentleman of Chaos should." Ingrey said. "It is apparent to me that these spectacles are heavily enchanted." "It would not be surprise if their enchantments were of an visual bent, perhaps." Ingrey was about to continue, but then there was a knock at the door. Tear, currently fascinated by the glasses, was about to comment with she heard the knock. "Come in, Ren. It's safe." Ingrey said. The door pushed open, and behind a metal car, Ren pushed. On the top shelf of the cart was a tea set, with two pots, one ceramic and one copper, with a variety of condiments. On the second shelf was the sweet sight and smell of pastries. Without being prompted, Ren began unloading things onto the table. For the tea were a variety of things to add, from lemon slices to sugar. "The ceramic pot is your Oolong, Baroness. Sir, yours is in the copper of course." Ren explained, as she unloaded the tray of donuts, cruellers and other pastries onto the table. "Food!" Tanstaafl barked happily, padding across the table like blur. Tear's hand snapped out and made an arcane gesture. A controlled gust of wind made the fennec leap back, sneezing and covering his muzzle. The wrapping paper skittered down the table as well, almost going over the edge. "Manners, Tan. We're in high company," she said, picking up two crullers and setting them on a plate for him. She nodded to Ren, "Thank you, m'lady." "Enjoy, Baroness. Sir." The Vangrast bobbed her head respectfully to the two of them and withdrew. It did little to appease him. He glared up at her, his ears curled back. "You can cause brain damage by shooting air up an animal's muzzle, did you know that?" Tanstaafl griped. "Then you should be in no danger of injury," Tear retorted. He flicked his tail indignantly, "I have eating to attend to; otherwise I would come back with something witty." Tear set the glasses back down in their box by pure force of will. And then, amazingly for her status, she began serving the tea and pastries for Ingrey. She smiled softly up at him, "Lemon? And yes, I can see that they are definitely magical in design. A divination spell of some sort. I'll need to examine them more closely, of course. Mr. Smacking Lips over there made me disrupt my Seeing." "The copper pot has a blend that I have grown accustomed to. Te' Draconis. Strong and dark, and." Ingrey showed a face of amusement. "brewed with the aid of a dragonet. I take it with sugar, lemon and a little bit of the cream." "Ah. You're like my uncle, then," Tear said, smiling as she fixed his cup. Her eyes twinkled at the mention of the dragonet. "A dragonet? Truly? Oh, I do so wish I could see it. My exposure to Shadow creatures has been solely pictures in books. Other than the demons in the Scar, of course. "It's like this place. Rather embarrassing to admit really. I see this wonderful building. And I know I should understand its underlying truths. Because it was built by people of my blood. But it still feels. Foreign." "The dragonet is not very intelligent, which is fortunate, because it is relatively dull work. Some find him cute, though." Ingrey admitted. "Meeting him could possibly be arranged." "And we must need make the Embassy more welcome to you." Ingrey added. "I'd like that very much," Tear said, blushing with honest thanks. She let out a faint sigh and placed Ingrey's cup before him. After serving Ingrey, she began to serve herself. "So, you have arcane training, as well? How much? If I can ask, that is. I know people. Don't like to talk. About such things. If you know what I'm rambling about." "I only have some moderate training in sorcery, per se." Ingrey said, taking a bite of the donut that Solitaire had given him. He closed his eyes slightly. "And I have not essayed the Logrus, as you have. I have journeyed down a somewhat different esoteric path. But I can't claim to be a master of it." He took a sip of his own and then put it down, waiting for Tear to serve herself, and the fennec. Tear sat down across from Ingrey, drinking her tea black. She held the cup in her hands; an unconscious defensive mechanism. "How do you mean? Have you studied the Black Path?" Her smile grew behind the shield of the cup. "I think it's a fascinating skill. But I chose another path. Or rather, it chose me, I suppose." Ingrey shook his head, took another sip of his tea. "I do understand being chosen byt one's own ability, rather than by one's interests. My skill and journey are neither Logrus, nor the Black Path, but something allied but...different." Ingrey took another bite of his pastry and regarded Tear. "Different?" Tear said, her violet eyes glittering with curiosity. She set the cup down and leaned forward. "If it isn't one of those then…" A blush colored her cheeks and her gaze dropped embarrassedly. "I'm sorry. I'm being rude. Sometimes. I forget myself. Not everyone wants to share their life. Or their secrets. Forgive my bluntness." "Some things aren't to be shared lightly." Ingrey said. "No apology necessary but it is accepted irregardless." Tear retrieved the glasses and settled back in her chair. She turned the spectacles over in her fingers, examining the runes on the golden frame. Her eyebrow rose with a hint of recognition. "Hrm. I wonder," she muttered. Without a hint of fear, she opened the glasses and slipped them on her tiny nose. The smoky glass obscured her eyes for a moment as she began to rummage through her tote bag. She removed a frayed tome and opened it on the table. The book appeared to have been made from some kind of seaweed paper, an odd yellowish color inscribed with octopus ink. "Ancient Rebman," Tear explained, turning the pages gingerly. Ingrey bent over, looking at the book, nodding. As she did so, the smoky lenses began to glow with a ruddy light. It created an eerie image; a cute young woman with eyes that burned like embers. Tear let out a triumphant giggle, "I knew it!" "What do you see?" Ingrey asked. "The Rebman script, but in Thari," Tear announced. "The glasses are translating the pages for me." She clapped her hands and wiggled her feet excitedly. "Heh heh. No more wasting hours of translation and guess work! I can simply copy and learn all those texts I've been struggling with. Oh, what a wonderful gift. It's a linguist's dream." Tear took off the glass and let out another delight laugh. She put them away carefully and then virtually leapt on Ingrey, hugging him tightly. "Thank you!" Ingrey was taken a little aback by Tear's enthusiasm, but his arms returned the hug, even if it wasn't quite as vivaciously. He gave a nod and the beginnings of a smile once she released her embrace. "That is indeed a linguist's dream. There are other professions that might find such a gift useful as well." Ingrey said. "Such as mine for instance." He did smile, a bit ruefully. Tear stepped back and smiled up at Ingrey adoringly. "Really? Well, yeah. I guess it would wouldn't it? You dealing with different cultures and all." She scratched her head for a moment; her pink tongue poking out at the corner of her mouth as she strained with a thought. "You know what? Maybe that's how I could repay you and learn more about my Chaosian side," she announced, clapping her hands. It must have been a rather good idea from the way her face lit up. Ingrey blinked in surprise and gave a glance to the eclair devouring Tanstaafl for his take. Tanstaafl's whiskers twitched as he made the fennec approximation of a shrug. "Like /I/ know what goes on in that melon head of hers? Get real, bub." He plucked another pastry off the tray while Tear wasn't looking and returned to his gluttonous silence. "Why don't I come and translate things for you? It will help me improve my language skills and save you plenty of time. And I can learn more about the whole baroness, Chaosian thingie. What do you think? Sir?" Ingrey considered this a moment and then his smile widened. "As it so happens, there is a program that Her Excellency and I are trying to set up a internship program for young Chaosians in Chaos to foster a greater awareness of what we do and Amber-Chaos relations. In your case, it would be a reversal of sorts, giving you more of a grounding in Chaos culture rather than knowledge of Amber." Ingrey's eyes grew bright. "I will certainly bring the idea forward to Her Excellency." "She may forbid it, given the power of your patron, but *I* certainly favor your idea. It would be of mutual benefit. And your bonded companion could continue to enjoy our pastries on a regular basis." Ingrey offered a half smile. "Oh really?" Tear grinned. "Yes. Yes. That would be…" "Delicious," Tanstaafl finished for her; his vast ears now attentive. Tear sniffed impatiently and gave Tan 'The Look.' He wasn't impressed, so she refocused her attention on Ingrey. "It'd be wonderful. And it'd be nice to meet some of my peers, I suppose. I. Well. I've been rather sequestered. So I don't know many Chaosians. Not really know them." She returned to her tea. "So. What is Her Excellency like?" Her big eyes glimmered with curiosity and a bit of hero-worship. Ingrey took the opportunity to sip his stronger brew and gestured with a free hand. He smiled slightly as he began to see how much Tear's body language and reactions to him had changed since the Interview began. "Her Excellency is from House Baccaran, and it is perhaps a lack of your Chaosian education that you don't understand what that means. It means that diplomacy, negotiation, and dealmaking come as naturally to her as the arcane arts come to you." "I once amused a Shadow dignitary who asked me the very same question you did, Solitaire." Ingrey continued. "I told her that, if she negotiated with Lady Paloma and thought that she had come ahead on the negotiation, to count her fingers, toes, hands and children afterward." Ingrey took a sip of his tea before finishing. "And she hates liars and dissembling, and those who refuse to budge from their positions. She thrives on being able to negotiate. So, just giving her what she wants does not make her happy, either." Tear warmed her tea as she listened to his fascinating words. Her eyes glimmered with curious innocence. Indeed, as Ingrey studied her reactions, he could tell he was dealing with a true tabula rasa when it came to Chaosian politics. But she was sucking up the information like a sponge. She smiled at his joke; going so far as to glance down at her left hand and wiggle her fingers. Ingrey chuckled. Finally, she gave an understanding nod and tapped her chin. "So. Chaosians prefer to enjoy the art of diplomacy, whereas Amberites prefer to achieve the end result as efficiently as possible?" Ingrey smiled, somewhat good naturedly and shook his head. "House Baccaran prefers to enjoy the art of diplomacy, but different Houses have different proclivities. Not every House likes the Art of Negotiation, and some positively abhor it." Ingrey cocked his head slightly and his face took on the mien of slight disapproval at something. "What subjects, Tear, are you learning, besides Arcane ones, at the University?" Tear immediately recognized the look of disapproval; being wholly familiar with it after almost eleven years as Mandor's pupil. As such, she immediately internalized this look, thinking she'd done something wrong. A distressed frown formed on her face and she began shifting in her chair. Blushing with embarrassment, she began to stutter. "Sir? I. Classes? Well. Other than the arcane? Does alchemy count? I'm properly trained in the Artes Liberales, as well as linguistics. I speak only a few dozen languages with any fluency, though. Time is. Well. Short. You know? "OH! And medicine too. I. I. I'm training to be a chirurgeon." Ingrey held up a hand to calm Tear. "Relax, Baroness. I do not direct my disapproval at you, but rather at the curriculum that you have been directed into. I find it somewhat...unbalanced." Tear blushed embarrassedly, despite this reassurance. She retrieved her teacup and stared into the dark liquid, as if seeking solace or answers to unspoken questions. Whatever insight she found in the depths of her teacup, she did not share it. Ingrey regarded her for a moment. She was a pawn, and it would be far too easily to manipulate especially with her budding interest in him. She deserved better. And if the Prime Minister had too much to occupy himself to do so, then why not a Minister-Counselor from the Embassy? "This is what I propose, for a young Chaosian lady of quality such as yourself should have time for other things than endless learning of a narrow field of subjects. Even the scions of your House Helgram in the Courts know the value of perspective and of looking at other things, or nothing at all, in order to allow their arcane studies to better percolate and resonate." Ingrey reassured her with a mild smile and continued. "Irregardless of whether Her Excellency allows you to intern and aid me in the translation of documents, from time to time, you shall come here, with Tanstaafl of course, to learn, to experience and to regain some balance. Some visits will be nothing more than a relaxing lunch free of thoughts of lynchpins and alchemical formulae. Others, I will slowly introduce you to the part of your heritage that you are solely lacking." "Agreed?" Ingrey asked. "Really?" Tear said, unsure. She cocked her head and regarded him for a moment. Her hand went to her ear, tugging on it as she considered what he'd said more deeply. Finally, she gave him a slight nod. "'Kay," she said. "I think I'd like that. Perspective is very important. And you're right. I don't have much. Perspective, that is. I've been going over mama's notes and writings again. And she talks about all these wonderful things. Chaosian things. But I. I haven't a clue what she means. You say the name of my House, but to me it means. Virtually nothing. Ingrey schooled his reaction this time, given how the mildest stance of disapproval had affected the girl. "Maybe I'm afraid too know more. Even though I know I should." Tear hunched her shoulders. "I'm a half-breed, after all. So, I'm like Amber City. Two worlds in one form. And I don't know how to be either one. I know Master Mandor wants me to become a great sorceress. And he trains me hard. But I willing throw myself into the work to avoid thinking about. Who I am. What I am. And why people hate me so." She sniffled and glanced away. "I don't know why I'm telling you this. I'm sorry. You've been so kind. And what do I do? Blubber like a fool." Ingrey smiled. "I am a diplomatic officer. I understand discretion, confidence and counsel very well, they are part of my work and lifeblood. Unless I miss my mark, you are saying things that you are usually afraid to air and voice to others--are you not?' Ingrey gave Tear a look of sympathy and understanding and then took a sip of his tea and regarded her further from over its rim. Tear nodded hesitantly. "I guess, I'm just rambling," she said quietly. "And a little overwhelmed by your generosity. Today was not something I expected. I thank you for that Minster Ingrey. My dearest friend suggested I learn more about myself too." Tanstaafl snorted under his breath, "Snake." Tear ignored his comment, as if she'd heard it a dozen times before. She smiled apologetically, "I'm sorry, Minister Ingrey. You're a powerful official with far more important things to do than listen to a silly school girl. As it is, I've probably kept you far too long from your duties." Ingrey shook his head, smiled and stood. "Nonsense. Have you already forgotten that *I* summoned you here, because of the request of the Lady Fiona that I give you your gift? So while it was a pleasure to meet you, Baroness, and the first of I hope will be many visits, I can classify the visit completely under the aegis of my business. But perhaps you would prefer to return to the University now?" Ingrey asked. Tear got up and straightened her uniform. "I just worry that I've taken too much of your time, as it is. And I do need to get back to my experiments. Logrus conduits are highly unstable. So, I need to finish double checking my equations. Before I conduct the test." She went over and took Ingrey's hand, squeezing it warmly. "Thank you for bringing this to me. If I write a formal thank-you, can you get it to Lady Fiona? This was most unexpected. And I have to send her something in return. One of my clocks, perhaps? Or would she prefer a music box?" Ingrey shook his head. "The Lady Fiona has asked for much discretion in her gift to you. She made it clear to me that it would be safer if I did not engage her in entreaty for quite some time. So I would counsel you to hold off your thanks. If and when I should have the opportunity to speak to her again, I will convey your thanks, but I suspect." Ingrey took a final sip of his tea. "It might be years before I am able to do so." Tear's eyebrow rose and her nose crinkled. "Years? But. I. The gift. How. Strange." She tugged on her ear, considering this further. The answers continued to elude her, even as she finished the last of her tea. "Come. Let me see that you are returned safely to the University now that our meeting is included." He gave a look to Tanstaafl. "I would suggest that you do not take the extra pastries, if we would prefer your companion to remain a quadruped rather than globular in form." Tanstaafl licked the cream from his muzzle and paws indignantly. "I'll have you <lick> know <lick> that I have <lick> a surprising good < lick> metabolism, bub." He stood up slowly, trying to suck in his pastry-laden gut. He was lucky he could lift his tail; his belly notwithstanding. He lifted his black nose snottily and waddled behind them. Ingrey regarded Tanstaafl casually but did not comment. Tear nodded and stood up. She collected her things together and move to Ingrey's side. As they walked, she glanced up at him; timid and curious. "Should I be worried about this, Minister Ingrey? The gift I mean. Master Vi…" She caught herself and blushed with nervous embarrassment. "One of my mentors told me to trust nothing and no one. It seems strange that I can't thank Lady Fiona for her kindness." "Vikund." Ingrey filled in as he began to lead her out of this room, and back out of his offices, toward the entrance hall. Tear regarded Ingrey with sudden nervousness. She touched her ear, glancing away. Somewhere behind them, Tanstaafl muttered, "Snake." Tear flinched, her ears turning bright red, but she said nothing; letting Ingrey continue. "Lord Vikund may be many things and say many things, but he does have a point, Solitaire. To paraphrase a favored saying of mine." Ingrey continued. "No denizen of Chaos is entirely who he or she appears to be. Not the King, not the Prime Minister, not Vikund, not Fiona, and not even me." Ingrey then regarded her gravely. "And not even you, either." Ingrey added. "You will have to learn when to try and when to trust. The path to learning that...is the path of a lifetime." "Bide, Tear. Not everything is solved, or comes to fruition in a day, including your relationship to Fiona Clarissasdottir. Do all of your spells work instantaneously, without any time to form their currents and networks of power?" "The majority of them," Tear admitted. "Only the ones with complex formula still take me a minute or two. But I have the Logrus to handle that problem. And soon enough…" She paused and regarded him for a moment. A frown darkened her features and she balled her fists in frustration. "See? I just. I can't. I can't not answer a question. You've been so very kind to me, Minister. But I should have lied to you just then, shouldn't I have? It's all very confusing. And frustrating. Why must I lie to someone I like? Vikund tells me not to trust people. But that's what causes all the problems we have. "Trust is the core of diplomacy. My mama wrote that in her journals. What are we without trust? Even if it is misplaced?" "It was a poor example and only meant as such." Ingrey muttered and then spoke louder for Tear's benefit. "Trust is important in diplomacy and in life--but Trust is sweetest and best when earned, Tear." Ingrey paused as they began heading down stairs and then continued. "Two aphorisms from my profession you should take to heart when it comes to Trust." Ingrey continued. "First we Try and then we Trust." "Trust, but Verify." "I am honored you have shown such trust in me already." Ingrey blushed slightly. Tear paused and smiled up at him; a goofy grin forming on her lips. "You earned it, Ingrey. By all that you've done today. And I sense it has been genuine. That's refreshing. As is getting to know a man of my Blood. Outside of the Master, of course. You're softer than him. Fewer sharp edges." Ingrey did not laugh, but there was amusement by the compliment all the same on his face. She reached over and patted his hand. "Thank you, again, Minister. I'll consider your words until next we meet. And even though I can't bring my benefactor a gift, I think I'll make you a nice clock for your desk." She nodded to herself; the decision made. By this point, Ingrey and Tear were back by the statue of the Serpent in the Hall where they had met. Ingrey nodded. "I would be happy to accept and appreciate such a gift." Ingrey paused, and then had a twinkle in his eye as he continued. "And if such a clock is made to the exacting standards that I know you are capable of, young Baroness, then Her Excellency herself may wish to send you a thank you note for sending me a gift that makes it more difficult for me to miss meetings because of supposedly losing track of time." Tear laughed warmly, folding her hands in front of her bashfully. "I'll make certain the clock is always five minutes early. That way you'll always have some lead time before you're expected to a meeting. Madame Hoodwink just gave me some wonderful driftwood from Saloun. With a little polish and stain, I think I can make you something pleasing." She paused for a moment, staring up at him intently. Her violet eyes flickered oddly in the midday light and then she gave a little nod. "Water. Definitely." Ingrey furrowed his eyebrows at Tear's cryptic comment but did not press her about it. "Rensselaer would have seen to it that the Embassy carriage is waiting outside to take you back to the University." Ingrey added. "Thank you again," Tear said, cradling the gift in her arms. "You've truly made my day, Minister." She strained to stand up on her tiptoes and lightly kissed him on the cheek. Before her timidity returned in an overwhelming wave, the young woman rushed off to waiting carriage. Behind her, the éclair-laden Tanstaafl tried to keep up. A moment later and they were gone. Ingrey stood by the statue of the Serpent for a few moments, until Tear and Tanstaafl were gone and away. He then cast his eyes up at the head of the Bronze Serpent for a moment, and gave it a nod, as if agreeing with it in some fashion. The Minister then turned and headed back toward his office, and the other duties of his day. EOT
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