Lunch in ClifftopIndex | Time Under Chaos | Game Logs | PreGameLogs | Lunch in Clifftop University Park had always been a place of contentment and anxiety for Solitaire Helgram. She relished sitting by the small lily pond, taking in the sun and warm breezes. Most of her lunches were spent atop a single boulder that overlooked a copse of willow trees. It was her sanctuary from the tedium of the classroom and laboratories. But it was also the favorite place for most of the other students as well. She tried to avoid them as best she could. Their disapproving or jealous looks ate at her heart and confidence. Was it her fault she was competing with people six to eight years her senior? Even if it was, did they have to go out of their way to insult her as they went by? In a university of thousands, she always felt horribly alone. Tear wondered what they'd think if they saw her with her visitor. If he came, that was. She folded her hands over each other and rested them on her lap. It became apparent that anxiety would hold sway this afternoon. Maybe agreeing to meet him here had been a mistake. Beside her Jeh'run busied herself with scratching Tanstaafl's ears; the fuzzy creature closing its eye in ecstasy. Her friend had agreed to watch over him while she had lunch with her companion. That way their short time together wouldn't be interrupted by his incessant questions. Jeh'run's bovine tail tapped against Tear's bare leg. "So, is he cute?" Tear's ears turned red. "Who?" "Your savior, your knight in shining armor," she said. Tear gazed out at the green park and winding paths for a familiar face; not finding it. "I suppose," she replied. Jeh'run rolled her eyes, "Oh come on. That was your first date - like - ever! And you 'suppose' he was cute?" "It wasn't a date! At least, he didn't think it was." "Pah. Men." Men and all their foibles were or particular interest to Jeh'run and she expounded on her expertise. A Huldu maiden, Jeh'run believed that if left unmarried, she would become wrinkled and decrepit. Tear doubted the validity of this particular belief, but Jeh'run had devoted herself to the study of men and how to capture them nonetheless. "Did you kiss him good night, at least?" "NO!" Tear exclaimed, thumping her friend's shoulder. Her voice had awoken Tanstaafl, because he chimed in. "Good, because otherwise I'd have to bite him in the-" "Hush!" Tanstaafl gazed at her incredulously over his glasses. "The ankle. What did you think I was going to say?" He and Jeh'run giggled together while Tear wondered if the pond was deep enough to drown herself in. She set her chin on her hands and sighed. /This/ was exactly why she hadn't wanted either of them here. But they'd insisted and she was too tired to complain. She hadn't slept for more than an hour and after five hours of Magical Theory this morning, her nerves were frayed. "He's coming," Tanstaafl exclaimed. "How can you tell?" Jeh'run said rubbing his belly. "I can smell his cologne. Same scent that was on Tear last night." Tear glanced up and sure enough she saw the tall, handsome figure of her 'savior.' She smiled softly, feeling a sudden rush of emotion. He'd come after all! "A little old for you don't you think, Tear?" Jeh'run said, following Tear's gaze. Tear glowered at her. "Behave. Both of you." She turned and waved to get his attention. "Master Vikund! Over here," she yelled, getting up and straightening her school uniform. Through her smile, she whispered to her companions, "I swear by the Serpent's Eye if you two play the fools I'll kill you both." Jeh'Run and Tanstaafl looked at one another conspiratorially and then both gave Tear innocent smiles, "We'll behave," they said in unison. Tear's heart sank even further into despair. She was doomed. He walked up to them and stood a moment smiling, hands on hips. He still wore the rapier, but no longer the hat or cloak. His jacket was woven, and flashed irridescent as he moved. He tapped a riding crop against his high black leather boots, though no horse was in sight. "Greetings, Baroness," he said. "Please do introduce me to your friends." Tear stood up too quickly and wobbled on her feet. She regained her balance and blushed brightly, "Master Vikund, you really have to start calling me Tear. But thank you. It's nice to hear the title for a change." Jeh'Run, whom had stood up as well and was currently cradling Tanstaafl, lightly swapped Tear with her tail. Tear shot her a look and then smiled. "This is Lady Jeh'Run Mithers and my companion, Tanstaafl." Jeh'run curtsied politely while Tanstaafl stared up at Vikund with his dark eyes. He gave a faint sniff, "Do you think it proper to keep a young lady up all night when she has classes the next morning?" "TAN!" Tear snapped, horrified. He flicked his tail cutely, "What?! He did, didn't he?" "Actually, I didn't," Vikund replied smoothly, "And the young lady is old enough to make her own decisions. I'm pleased to meet you both." "And since you insist on calling me Master," he added to Tear, "I shall insist on using your title," he smiled. "Now, since time is pressing, I suggest we make a move. We don't want you late for your afternoon session, do we?" Tanstaafl lifted his muzzle and gave a disgruntled snort, "Yeah, well... I'm pleased to meet you too. Damnit, he just /had/ to be nice." He buried his head in Jeh'run's chest and flumped. Jeh'run gave the couple a happy grin, "I'll take His Grumpiness for a walk, so you two can talk." She skipped away with a chuckle, her cow-tail trailing behind her. Tear sighed faintly and looked up at Vikund, "I'm sorry. He got very... jealous last night. And I forgot to bring him a treat as an apology for worrying him, so he was truly cantankerous all night long." She sat down on the boulder and gave him a timid smile. "I made finger sandwiches and some iced tea," she said. Her hands began to flutter like a wounded bird as she prattled. "We can eat here or. Walk first. Or. Well. Whatever you want. And if I stop calling you master, will you not call me Baroness. Please?" "Of course," Vikund replied with a smile. "Well I don't know about you, but I feel a few sandwiches and iced tea would fill a hole quite nicely. If we walk first we might be forced to rush it later, so better eat now." He unbuckled his sword and sat on the ground, looking after Jeh'Run and Tanstaafl. "I'm not familiar with House Mithers... are they a notable house? I would hate to commit some breach of protocol without knowing." Tear took out a blanket from the satchel at her feet and laid it out on the grass. She set out two pleasantly painted plates and cups as she spoke. "House Mithers? Oh no. It's very small. Part of Helgram only through a few political marriages. Otherwise their influence hardly extends past their home Shadow; Vellye. Jeh'Run's father thought she should come to Amber in hopes of securing a profitable marriage, as well as bringing some of its wisdom back home. So not to worry. "Besides Huldu maidens overlook most social mistakes. The tails make them very self-conscious and more accepting." She smiled softly and unwrapped the sandwiches from some cheesecloth. She patted the blanket for him to join her. "Come. Sit. I'll pour you some tea," she said, filling his cup. "How was your morning, Mast... I mean, Vikund." "Productive thank you, Tear," Vikund smiled, picking up the cup so she might more easily fill it. "I hope you haven't plundered your uncle's best china," he noted, eyeing the designs. Tear shook her head, "They're mine. I was able to find them in my cupboard. It's amazing what you can find when you open a cabinet." She gave a sheepish smile and finished pouring the tea. "Usually a bunch of grumpy ministers," Vikund quipped. Tear cocked her head, raising an eyebrow. And then she laughed, "Yes, I suppose you're accustomed to that." She put three finger sandwiches on his plate, "Crab, cucumber, and roast beef. I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I decided to just bring different kinds. I hope that's okay." Tear folded her legs beneath her and then waited for Vikund to eat. "Crab, to remind me of last night," Vikund said meeting her eyes, then duly ate. Tear's cheeks flushed brightly and hid her smile behind a cucumber sandwich. She watched him eat, enjoying the simplicity of just 'being' with someone. It felt particularly - odd - but appealing. Finally, she dabbed her lips with a napkin and leaned back from her plate. "Will you be returning to your duties this afternoon?" she ventured, refilling his tea. "Alas, I must. No rest for the wicked, you understand." Vikund replied. "Might I be able to pop by later? I have an appointment with your mothers' notes, you may recall." Tear hid her smile, giving a nod. "Yes, you may," she said. "Maybe I could make us a light dinner? If you want. To visit for a little while. That is." She smoothed her skirt and looked up at him. "I wouldn't want to put you to too much trouble, but yes, that would be lovely," Vikund replied. "Any particular time?" "Seventh strike?" Tear said hopefully. "I'll be back by then and have enough time to actually cook, rather than just lay out some cold meats and cheese. And I'll need a solid meal," she sighs. Her eyes flicker with a hint of fear. "Fire Manipulation today. I'm sure I'll have a burn or two by the end of it." She sipped her tea and gave a happy sigh. "This is nice. Thank you." "No, thank you," Vikund said with a bow of the head. "And seven strikes it is. At least Fire Manipulation is vaguely exciting. It's not as if you can nod off half-way through," he commented. "When do you get to Time Manipulation? That's a talent I could really do with," he smiled. "Well, I think I begin that lesson next semester," Tear said happily. "And I'm sure that Time is as malleable as any other paradigm, so... oh. You were kidding, weren't you?" She blushed brightly. "Sorry. Humor. Still haven't taken that course. It was an elective." Tear shrugged her shoulders and took another sip of tea. Vikund chortled, took a bit of another sandwich and reflected a moment. Washing it down with a few sips of tea he then asked: "What is it you want, Tear? Not today, tomorrow or next week. I mean, once your schooling has finished, and you have the powers at your beck and call. You could do anything you wanted to. What would it be?" "To be a mom," Tear said instinctively and then smiled faintly. Her hand moved to rest on her belly and she lowered her gaze. "But that's not really what you're asking is it?" Vikund raised his eyebrows. It was not perhaps the answer he was expecting. She shrugged her shoulders, looking out at the pond. "I want to use my gift for the good of Amber and Chaos. There's still so much hate here, but I don't know why. I can't be a diplomat, though. I'm not good with words. Not like you. So where does that leave me?" Her eyes finally meet his; all violet sadness and confusion. "I sense the Master wants something from me. He thinks I'm 'destined' for greatness, but never explains what that means. And I don't think I really want to find out. I'm just... scared. Of life. Equations and the Logrus are just so much~E easier. Precise. Simple. I can understand them. Relate to them. But life? No. Too complicated and beyond me." Tear sipped her tea and frowned. "I must seem rather stupid to you." "Not at all. You should not be so hard on yourself," Vikund replied. "You should also not allow yourself to be anyone's tool. Else you may end up like me," he smiled. "You need to think carefully about the path you have chosen, and what you may become. You are a trusting soul, but such powers as you will command will be sought after. You will not be able to please everyone." "Sorry, I do not mean to burden you with these dark thoughts," he continued with a sigh, "I will desist. For now, we will just be a lady and gentleman enjoying a quiet lunch together." He took a bite of another sandwich. Tear listened intently to his every word, nodding throughout. She worried her lip as she mulled this over, taking another sip of tea. Finally, she set the cup down and shook her head. "No. You're right. I should hear this part of life. And I need guidance in that regard. Books and spells are one thing. But..." She smiled faintly, "Is it rue I shouldn't trust my family? The Elders, I mean." Even saying so, Tear obviously feared the answer. To not trust... it was so bizarre. "Do not trust absolutely, that is the rule. Know when to pull back," Vikund advises. "I can help you somewhat in advising you, but even I am not beyond reproach. I have to serve the king and his ministers first and foremost. So next time a stranger comes to call, your first step should be to suspect a motive, not to give your complete trust. Trust should be earned." Tear frowned at this. She'd expected him to say so, but it still made little sense to her. The concept of forever being removed from people, even those closest to you, simply did not compute in her mind. But Vikund was watching out for her, he'd proved that by saving her the day before. She would heed his council. She smiled wanly, "And what should I watch for? When. When should I trust? You were watching me. Does that mean, I shouldn't trust you?" She bit her lip, fearing the answer. "I'm not saying don't trust anyone, I'm just saying that you should know there is a boundary beyond which you should not cross. Take an extreme example, if you befriended someone who happened to be in league with the rebel forces in Arden. If you passed that information on to the wrong person both you and your friend would be in very big trouble," Vikund replied. "I would not willingly betray you, Tear, but that does not mean your trust in me or anyone else should be absolute. If you have secrets, guard them well." "Oh," she said, nodding. "Yes. I see your point." She mulled this over for a moment, chewing the side of her lip. And then, the frown disappeared, transforming back into a tender smile. "Well, since I don't have any secrets, I should be fine, I guess." Even so, Vikund noticed she glanced over at her book now and again, as if this line of talk had stirred a thought in her head. She shrugged her shoulders and reached over for her bag, "Can I give you another sandwich? Or more tea?" "Tea would be fine, thank you," Vikund rpelied. "I think I have eaten sufficient for now." "So are you expecting your friends back soon?" He asked. Tear poured him some more tea and nodded, "They should be by to collect me promptly, I fear." She began to pack the plates up, leaving the scraps for the multitude of birds that inhabited the park. When she was done, she glanced up at him; a strange apprehension in her eyes. "You know most of the people featured in the Trumps don't you?" "Yes, I'm afraid I do," Vikund replied. "Whatever it is you want to ask, feel free." Tear nodded and smiled. "Then. Tonight maybe you can look at one? For me. Tell me who it is." She knitted her fingers and rested them on her lap. "When you come by for dinner. But it won't be the only thing we talk about. I promise." She chuckled softly, looking down at the grass. "You'll be my first, guest. Outside my uncle and auntie." "I shall try to identify your mystery portrait," Vikund agreed. "How did you come by it? Was it your mother's? If so, it may have originated in Chaos. I am less familiar with the nobles of that place, though I will try to help." "Perhaps I will leave you now before your friends return, and we can start afresh tonight," he continued. "Though there is one last thing I'd like to give you before I go, if I may." Tear was about to answer his flurry of questions, but then closed her mouth and gave a polite nod. She blushed deeply and gazed at him, "Give me something? But you've already given me so much." She got up on her knees and smiled. "What did you want to give me?" Vikund rose and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "That's for being special," he said with a smile. "Don't let anyone tell you differently." He got to his feet and brushed himself off. Tear let out a startled gasp and then blushed furiously. A torrent of emotions rushed over her features, finally coming to rest at shy contentment. For once, she would take and hold onto a compliment dearly. She touched her cheek and smiled. "Thank you, Mast…" she caught herself, remembering their previous agreement. "Thank you, Vikund." Grinning ear to ear, she finished collecting her things; drying out the cups with a cloth. Finally, she stood and gazed up at him. "Tonight then?" she asked. "Do you know where… to find my house?" "You'd best remind me," Vikund replied. "Five Corners, is it not?" "Yes," Tear said, "I live near the park. Oh wait… I'm being so stupid." She removed her red notebook from her bag and stood beside him. Her arm brushed his as she opened the book. The contact made her smile tenderly and she didn't break it; slightly leaning against him. The book appeared blank, as it had on their first meeting. "Five Circle. Map," she said. Immediately, the pages began flipping on there own, turning and turning. Indeed, Vikund noticed that there were more pages going by then could possibly fit inside the tiny hardcover. He caught glimpses of notes and diagrams, equations and architectural designs. And then the pages stopped, show a hand-drawn map of Five Corners. The penmanship was delicate, refined; undoubtedly Tear's. She point to the park and ran her finger along the page, showing him the streets to take. "You walk along Insling up to Willow, then turn left and walk until you get to Dancer's Alley. Cut through there to Barrow Square. I'm the grey two-story house with the ivy all over it." Vikund smiled warmly. "I can find that, thank you. A neat little book too. I hope you have updated the maps after your recent adventures." He gave her a wink to show he was only teasing. "Until tonight then," he said, and gave her a small bow. "Au revoir." Tear laughed and nodded, "I did it right after our da…" she stopped and then corrected herself. "After we met. And thank you. It was one of my first experiments." She held the book to her chest and stood up on her tiptoes to lightly kiss his cheek, "Thank you." And with that, she scurried off. (end)
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