TheRegentHasLeftUsIndex | Time Under Chaos | Game Logs | TheRegentHasLeftUs The Regent Has Left UsContinued from IngreyMakesDiscoveries and TheReturnOfTheRegent Their way took them through the long corridors of the formal State apartments of the Castle -- and past the Court of the Ambassadors. In the distance, a short woman in a dove grey and lavender trim dress turned the corner. The soft click of her boots on the marble floor echoed through the vaulted hallway. A castle guard briskly followed at her heels, his manner uncomfortable -- apparently uncertain of his role, be it shepherd or turnkey. As the short woman approached, she paused, having caught sight of Tasha. Violet flames glowed in her eyes, outlining her face with a sickly luminescence. "You," she whispered, but the word carried like a shout. "Do you have any idea what you did? What were you thinking!?" Solitaire Helgram descended upon them, the liquid shadows coiling at her feet. Claudio slowed, and at the same time turned slightly so as to place himself a little in advance of the young woman he was escorting -- between her and what could easily be perceived as a threat. At the same time his other hand tightened a bit on his walking stick. His eyes were fixed on the approaching Solitaire. Tasha's first thought as she saw Tear was relief that her friend was all right, but it quickly turned to dismay as she heard the harshness of her tone. Certainly she wasn't talking to her? She looked around her in confusion to see whom it might be that Tear was so angry at, but seeing on the Ambassadress besides her, and reasoning that Tear would never speak so to someone in such a position, she had to miserably conclude it was something she herself must have done. "Tear? Whatever are you talking about? The trump connection closed before we could follow you through.... and your friend Goran brought us... me... here, but he and the Princess have both left me, and... I didn't know if you would be going home tonight, so I asked the Ambassadress if I could stay at the Embassy with her... I won't go if you don't want me to... I didn't know that would upset you so!" Tasha practically wailed the last, and then burst into tears. It was just too much. Solitaire noticed Claudio's defensive manner, smiling strangely when she noticed his walking stick. Her right hand made a subtle, but arcane gesture, but otherwise she made no threatening moves. Indeed, Tasha's tears dampened the flames in her eyes, leaving behind faint embers. She chewed her lip and sighed. "Tasha," she said, a little firmly. "I'm not talking about any of that. You. You brought the Duke to my home. He's a dangerous man. And you brought him to my home. Now Sparrow's mind is ensorcelled under a Dark Binding. A Binding the King probably believes I had a hand in. The woman I knew and befriended. The woman entrusted into my care is gone. She's nothing more than. A stupid pet now. The King thought we should just kill her. To end her suffering." She stepped forward, tiny fists balled up. "What were you thinking bring the Duke to my house? You're lucky he didn't kill us both." "No! He... he would never... kill...us... me!.... He..." Tasha blubbered between sobs. "I don't know... Sparrow... and I'm sorry... if your... friend... got hurt." however, her embarrassment at crying turned to anger, which gained her some control of her spent emotions, and she glared at Tear, "It's not my fault! He's your family!" Solitaire snorted. "This is Amber, Tasha. The most dangerous people here typically are your family. You'll learn that. Just like I have." She opened her mouth to continue, only to shut it again. She pinched the bridge of her nose, reigning in her wild emotions. "But, I guess. You're right. You didn't know any better. I shouldn't blame you." She looked up at her friend and managed a rueful smile. "I'm sorry I snapped at you, Tasha. Too much has happened tonight." Tasha nodded, sniffling, as Tear spoke, and at the apology, she flung herself onto Tear with a grateful, though, tearful, smile, to give her friend a hug. "I don't know anything about how they do it here in Amber. But at home your House -- your family -- is everything! You're the only friend I have here! I am so sorry to have caused you any grief. I really thought I was helping in bringing you some family -- you seemed so very alone." Solitaire blushed brightly, awkward with the sudden embrace. But she relented and hugged Tasha in return, almost sisterly in her show of emotion. She sniffled too, brushing an errant tear from the corner of her eye. "It's okay, Tasha. It's okay. We're still friends. You didn't know. How could you? I didn't even know until. Tonight." She shivered with revulsion, as a grisly image flashed behind her eyes. She managed a smile, "Best intentions and all that, huh? It's forgotten." At this point they became aware that two new people were approaching down the corridor -- The Counsellor Ingrey Wererathe and a lieutenant in Chaosian uniform. When Tasha went forward to embrace Tear, Claudio had moved next to the Ambassador, while continuing to watch the two young women. Now he glanced toward Ingrey and the lieutenant. As Ingrey and the lieutenant strode up to the conversation between the two ladies, a slight look of relief came across his face as the apology was tendered and Tear and Tasha seemed to reconcile. Ingrey turned toward Claudio and Paloma. He gave a bow to Paloma. "Your Excellency." He then gave a bow of respect to Claudio. "Lord of Barimen." "Counsellor," Claudio returned the greeting with equal formality, suppressing the impulse to look around for his father. Ingrey then turned toward the ladies. "Baroness," he said with a bow toward Tear, with a slight smile. The smile was noticably carried as he turned toward Tasha to address her. "Lady of Minobee." Tasha disengaged herself from Tear, as if caught doing something shameful, and ducking her head at the greeting, she replied, "I am glad to see you returned, sir. Did you find Lord Jurt?" Ingrey gave a short shake of the head. "Alas, I did not. I did find interesting evidence of his fate, but his current whereabouts are unknown." Solitaire gazed up at Ingrey, her lip quivering for a moment, before hardening to stone. "Counselor Ingrey," she said. "It pleases me to see you well." Ingrey nodded to Tear. "And you, Tear." He then turned toward Paloma and sobered his expression. "His Highness Duke Helgram returned to the Barracks, your Excellency," Ingrey said. "And has tasked me to deliver an ultimatum to his Majesty King Merlin." He looked toward the group. "Do any of you know his current whereabouts?" With surprising force, Tasha blurted, "He left! Can you believe it? He left and he made Captain Morgan his Regent!" Ingrey tried not to show his surprise. His eyebrows quivered but he said nothing. Solitaire stiffened at this, unable to contain her shock. What was the King thinking? Was he even thinking at all? She wrung her hands and then dried them on her dress. This could be a good thing. Captain Morgan appeared to like her. Well, more than the King certainly did. That might work to her advantage. She turned to address her escort. "Thank you, sir. I think you can go now. Please tell Princess Flora that I am in the company of Counselor Wererathe and will return shortly." Solitaire smiled faintly at the others. "If we are to speak of family matters. Maybe we should do so. Elsewhere?" "Which family?" Claudio queried mildly. Tasha frowned, not knowing the answer to that question, but she directed herself to Paloma instead almost plaintively. "Yes, Ambassadress, somewhere else... You were taking us to the Embassy? Are we still going there?" "We are," said the Ambassadress. "I cannot speak for the Baronness and the Counselor." She was watching them both thoughtfully. Solitaire smiled faintly. "I meant those of Chaos." She gazed up at Claudio. "I'm assuming you're one of us, sir. Every time I've seen you, you are in the company of a notable Chaosian. If I speak in error, I do apologize." "No, you're quite right," replied Claudio. "I arrived in Amber only a few weeks ago." She moved closer to Ingrey, her eyes pleading. Ingrey gave Solitaire a reassuring smile and then looked at Paloma. "I am honor bound to deliver my message to..." Ingrey paused and crinkled his mouth as if disbelieving the thought. "Captain Morgan, the Regent. After that duty, I would be pleased to join you all there. If you would prefer not to wait, I can simply trump your Excellency once the message is delivered." "May I join you, Counselor?" Solitaire said hopefully. "I should report to the Regent. He may need to know more. About my uncle. If he is to respond to this. Ultimatum." She lightly touched his arm, falling in beside him. "And then we can all discuss this with the Ambassador." "You may join me if it is your wish. And as you say, you need to report to the Regent, as I do," Ingrey replied. He gave a bow to Paloma. "I will contact you shortly, if you are soon to depart for the Embassy. And in any event, I will see all of you again, with hopeful alacrity." He gave another bow, this to Claudio and Tasha. "If you don't find us fast asleep," Claudio responded with a slight smile. "Of course," Ingrey said with a nod. "I do want to speak to you, however, at some point in the near future, regarding your talents." Claudio acknowledged this with a slight inclination of the head. Recalling how he and Ingrey had first met, he wondered if the diplomat was referring to Claudio's artistic abilities or the ones he had displayed in their card game. Tasha nodded, hardly able to concentrate on the conversation as her mind clouded with fatigue. But she couldn't help but look from Ingrey to Tear with concern, and offer, "Be careful... with Captain Morgan." She frowned not able to put her finger on what it was exactly that was bothering her. "He is not..." She shook her head, "Just be careful, please." Solitaire smiled; perhaps her first genuine smile all evening. "I'll be careful," she said. "You should get some rest, Tasha. You've had a long and eventful day." Her violet eyes settled on Claudio, a bashful warmth coloring her pale cheeks. "It was nice to meet you again, sir. Maybe next time. We can exchange names." Her gaze drifted to Tasha and back, "Watch over her for me, will you?" "I shall do that," Claudio promised. Solitaire provided Paloma with a respectful bow. "Ambassador. Always a joy sharing your company." So said, the young baroness squeezed Ingrey's arm, "I am ready when you are, Counselor." "I am." He looked to Paloma and bowed. "Until later, boss." He broke his formality with not only the unusual title, but also a grin. His eyes motioned to the Lieutenant. "Come, Lieutenant," he said, indicating for the Chaosian soldier to follow him and Solitaire. Paloma gave a little cough. "I am not entirely sure whether appearing with either the Baroness or a Chaosian guard will sweeten whatever message the Duke has sent." "Indeed not, your Excellency," Ingrey replied with a nod. "Unfortunately, given the seriousness and sourness of the Duke's message, it is one that no amount of sweetening will leaven. I consider the Lieutenant's one a positive one in regards to driving the Duke's message home." "And yes, your Excellency," Ingrey continued, "we should discuss his Lordship's message and what it means for us...but not here, in Castle Amber. I will brief you once I join you at the Embassy, on our own ground. If the others are awake, they should hear this as well." He looked to Tasha and Claudio and gave a nod. "Under those circumstances, I daresay I'll still be awake," said Claudio. Paloma nodded in a manner that could only be described as grimly. Tasha wondered at this, not having a clue as to why anyone would be worried about what the Duke had to say to the Regent that would worry them all. The Regent wasn't a Chaosian working against Chaos... he wasn't a Chaosian at all. "Thank you, sir," Tasha took Claudio's arm demurely, as her training took over and turned to follow the Ambassadress. She glanced at the cain in his other hand and asked, conversationally, "Can you not shift away your disability, Mr. Claudio? Would you like me to do it for you?" Ingrey looked to Tear. "Her Excellency does have a point. You may not wish to speak to the regent under these circumstances. It might spoil your introduction. First impressions and all that. I would be happy for you to accompany me, if it is still your wish." Solitaire smiled plainly. "Regent Morgan and I are well acquainted, actually. Indeed, he and Master Jurt dined at my home this afternoon. He's asked my opinion on matters such as this before. I'm sure he would like to know more of the man with who he will deal." Tasha muttered, a bit petulantly, "I did, too. I dined with them as well..." but not loudly enough to interrupt Tear's discourse with Ingrey. "But Ambassador Paloma is correct. The presence of an armed guard may not be. Well accepted, tonight. Perhaps we should have him escort the others instead." Tasha looked at the guard and frowned. Oddly, the scent of him and the sight of the uniform he was wearing made her feel a tad hungry. Her violet eyes drifted over to Paloma, crinkling with curiosity. "Unless this was a subtle attempt to speak with me privately, your ladyship. Which I realize we must." "Indeed," said Paloma. "If only to establish that if subtle diplomatic attempts are made, it is not considered a tactful response to point them out to all present in the room." Ingrey made a conceding nod of the head to his superior's guidance and wisdom on the matter. "Perhaps, Mr. Claudio could take me to the Embassy then, and the rest of you go together to see Captain Morgan?" Tasha suggested. "I shall return to the Embassy," said Paloma. "Where, Counsellor, you will report to me at the earliest opportunity. For the moment ... I consider it preferable that there should be some ... disconnect between any message that Duke Helgram might wish to deliver and myself as Ambassador. Baroness, I have given you my warning -- that if you choose to remain, you may well be associated with the Duke and with the message that is being delivered. But you are old enough to make your own choice -- to stay or to come with me." "Maintaining Ambassadorial Independence on this matter seems prudent," Ingrey allowed. "I will trump you as soon as the business with the Regent is done." Until that point, Solitaire had been firm in her convictions. She gave Ingrey a betrayed look and then nodded in defeat. "Fine," she said. "I'll go with the Ambassador. But I think it a mistake." She glanced up at him. "If you see Goran. Tell him where I am. And tell Captain Morgan that I am at his disposal. My loyalties lie with my home. And he should know that. Princess Flora has prepared a room for me in the castle. That's where he can find me." Sullen and quiet, she fell in behind the others and waited for them to lead the way back to the embassy. Paloma nodded to Claudio and Tasha, inviting them to follow as she headed towards the door. Claudio again offered his arm to Tasha as he prepared to follow the Ambassador. "Is the Lieutenant coming with us or going with Ingrey?" he queried. "The Lieutenant will accompany those going with her Excellency to the Embassy," Ingrey replied, looking to the Chaosian officer. "Watch over her Excellency and those with her, and I will join you once the business with the Regent is concluded." He then motioned for Lt. Houshi to follow Paloma, Claudio and Tasha. "Thank you, sir." Tasha took Claudio's arm demurely, as her training took over and turned to follow the Ambassadress. She glanced at the cane in his other hand and asked, conversationally, "Can you not shift away your disability, Mr. Claudio? Would you like me to do it for you?" Claudio shook his head. "It would not be advisable, Lady Tasha," he said gently. "The full medical explanation will have to wait until we see Dr. Corrino again, but the limb is not capable of shifting. I do appreciate the offer, though." Ingrey looked toward Tear. "Her Excellency as always sums up matters very well indeed. Come with me, and Morgan will see you as associated with the message. Despite protestations of those in Embassies for millennia, its often to disentangle the messenger from the message given." Until that point, Solitaire had been firm in her convictions. She gave Ingrey a betrayed look and then nodded in defeat. "Fine," she said. "I'll go with the Ambassador. But I think it a mistake." She glanced up at him, "If you see Goran. Tell him where I am. And tell Captain Morgan that I am at his disposal. My loyalties lie with my home. And he should know that. Princess Flora has prepared a room for me in the castle. That's where he can find me." Sullen and quiet, she fell in behind the others and waited for them to lead the way back o the embassy. (Continues in IllMetInAmber) |
