Raevyn and Arrotel

[Wired*Nun]

Raevyn wordlessly cleans up, scrubbing and scrubbing again as if to wash off blood that never actually touched her...not physically, anyway. Gathering her supplies, she heads down to the gardens, wishing she could shift shadow a bit here to lighten the bite of the chill wind. Still, it's clear and the sun is warm, and she finds a nook shielded by wall and hedge.

Partway into a simple watercolor of the winter view, she hears Gerard's familiar, heavy footfall coming 'round the nearest fence. "Hello, hello?" he rumbles.

[LynMars]

Raevyn pauses briefly, then keeps on painting, taking a deep breath before speaking, the crisp air pleasantly sharp in her lungs. "Hi, Dad. Over here."

[Wired*Nun]

"Hmmph. Such a welcome." Gerard steps up to her from the side, peering around at her work. His massive hand rests lightly on her shoulder, somehow tentative. He doesn't speak, but takes the hand away after a moment, standing silently, letting her speak in her own time.

[LynMars]

Raevyn puts the brush down, looking over what she's done so far. "Hrm...not too sure about this one. I guess you heard about what happened at the Keep. I know you asked me to tell you first, but...Well, I didn't. There wasn't a battle going on either, though. I still need to try and get a hold of some of the others, make sure they're all right...I feel like I screwed up somehow, despite some of what we did accomplish there, before it went downhill."

She pauses a bit, staring down at her hands. "I didn't know it'd be like that. I knew it could be terrible, but...I don't think I'm cut out to be much of a warrior. I didn't like feeling the way I did when I thought I'd killed Elress."

[Wired*Nun]

Gerard squats down, carefully, his massive frame holding his head at the same level as hers, seated. He puts his right hand on her left, covering it completely. Still not looking at her, he says quietly, "No one ever does...but you did what you thought you had to. You defended yourself. They captured you, which means they were the agressors. You did nothing wrong. She put herself in that position. You are not to blame."

[LynMars]

Raevyn frowns a little, looking at her hand in her father's much larger one. 'Giving me the pat answers in short sentences, not looking directly at me...He's disappointed, upset. He should be; I disobeyed his request, got myself stuck in a prison, nearly...And now...I wonder what he thinks of having weak, meek, little me for a daughter, one son so much more like himself dead...'

Without even really thinking about it, she pulls her hand away. "I know. I'll be okay, really, I just need to process it all. And find out if Josh, Roland, and the others are safe now, too. We still need to find out about Joss. Things got so crazy so quickly, our mission was sidetracked."

[Wired*Nun]

"Joss..." Gerard stands, crosses his arms, and begins to pace. Raevyn know this is a sign that he is frustrated. "The others are still not forthcoming about the investigation. Random stonewalls by saying the investigation is not complete, Fiona mouths her half-lies, Flora oozes sympathy. They all treat me as if I will explode from distressing information." His frown is bitter.

"Why do they think I have so little self-control? Desperately afraid I will disrupt their petty plotting and maneuvering. Raevyn, I don't think they even want to find out what happened. If they did, they would have never let Siodmak out of that cell. They wanted to find out what he would do, where he would go. They wanted to use the situation. They don't give a tinker's damn about you, or me, or him..."

He squats back down suddenly, in front of her, demanding her full attention. Putting his hands on her shoulders, he says earnestly, "I have to find this out - and even Benedict won't stand up to them. He says it's not the right time. So I need your help. You and your friends...your cousins. But what do I need to do to get them to help?"

[LynMars]

Raevyn shrugs. "I don't know...They may just be willing to help, or at the least gain the favor. Not many of them that like the political games, either, I think. I just don't know." She slumps a bit. "We've been through so much, it seems, yet have known each other only briefly, really. Too many things I don't know about them. But I think they would be willing to continue this search, for a few personal reasons, at least, maybe."

"I want to know what happened, and how the Keep and the Maze tie into it. I want to know why Joss died, and then..." She trails off, finally shrugging, or trying to with his hands there. "I don't what I'd do if I found the person. I mean, I met Lu--Rinaldo recently, and while the circumstances were odd and hectic, it wasn't like anything I had thought before, you know?"

[Wired*Nun]

The puzzled look on his face is mirrored in his voice. "I don't understand what you mean...you met Rinaldo, and what wasn't what? But no matter what, I'm going to have to go around the others this time. I can do some of it myself, but I know my deficiencies. If you can, can you think about setting up a meeting with as many of the others as you trust? Sometime in the next few days, after you feel rested enough?"

[LynMars]

"I...It's hard to explain, I guess. And not important. Just...silly childish ideas I can't hold to anymore."

"I'll try to find them. Josh was removed from the fighting early, I think, and Roland may still be there. Kat's looking for something...I'll give everyone and myself some time. Just tell me what you want done, Dad, and I'll see what I can do, and if I can get help from any of the others."

[Wired*Nun]

Still looking puzzled, he shrugs. He cares, but he can't understand...and he has a lot on his mind...

Putting on a resolute expression, he says, "I'm going to go work on my cabin in Arden - remember where you came to me after this all started? Call me or come there, with as many of your cousins as you trust. Don't tell anyone, and ask them not to tell anyone - I mean anyone. The walls have ears around here. We will talk about it when you all get there."

He leans down and kisses her on the forehead, patting her awkwardly on her shoulder, then pauses a moment, as if unsure of what to do next.

Finally, he says simply, "I'm sorry," and walks slowly off.

[LynMars]

"Don't be, Dad. None of this is your fault. I'll call you when I've gotten some people together. I'll give them a chance to rest first, though. Some of them may need more than others." She looks at her partially completed painting, chewing on her bottom lip slightly, thinking. 'The first person I should try to find is Josh, make sure he's okay. I can check for him in Jorden if his Trump doesn't respond.'

[Wired*Nun]

"Not sorry like that. Just...sorry your mother is gone...sorry I can't be everything you need. Don't know."

[LynMars]

'Maybe I'm not the only one feeling out of sorts and inadequate for some things...I just never thought he would think that...'

She gets up and quickly walks after him, putting her arms around his waist and hugging as tightly as she can. "I miss her too, but we do okay. I'm all right, Dad, and we'll get this all sorted out. Don't worry about anything."

[Wired*Nun]

"It's a parent's job to worry, Rae. You'll find out, sometime...but not too soon, all right?" His smile seems a little forced, but his hug is not. He doesn't break it for a long time, and she feels so...safe, there against his massive body.

Finally, though, it's time to go. One more stroke of her hair, then he goes, to the palace, then his cabin.

[LynMars]

Raevyn watches him walk away, waiting until he's disappeared back into the palace. She turns back to her painting, studying it. After a bit of debate, she sits back down and picks up the brush again, not stopping until she's finished her little project.

She takes everything inside to her room, letting the painting sit where it can dry. She reads more of The Great Book of Amber until dinner time, when she cleans up, puts on a simple blue dress, and after a deep breath, heads down to the family dining room. 'Best way to find out about how some of the others are faring, is to hear what everyone else is saying...And I need to see if it's as bad as what Dad said.'

[Wired*Nun]

Lunch is on the sideboard, and Flora is assembling a plate of lean beef and raw vegetables. Seeing Raevyn, she smiles and says, "Come on over and help me be good." Pointedly turning her back on a lovely cheesecake under glass, she puts down the plate and pours herself a healthy slug of red wine. "I heard about your little spat with Elress...nice shot, little bitch got just what she deserved." Half the glass goes in a couple of gulps, then she leans back, catlike, and crosses her legs. Taking a broccoli floret in the tips of her fingers, she rests her elbow on the wrist crossed over her chest and nibbles delicately.

[LynMars]

Raevyn smiles, though at mention of Elress it becomes a bit forced. "I'd help you be good, Aunt Flora, but I myself am feeling the need to be a bit indulgent." She picks up the glass cover and helps herself to a slice of that cheesecake once she has a sandwhich assembled, adding some fruit if there is any.

"As for Elress...I'm glad I didn't kill her, anyway. I've never really spoken to her, so I don't know what she was doing with Siodmak, or why. I guess that'll all be answered soon enough, though."

Reavyn refrains from wine herself, settling on tea instead, and has a seat. "Heard anything about my other cousins involved in that mess at the Keep? I slept for ages, it seemed, and then did some painting. Haven't had the chance to check in with everyone and get the full story."

[Wired*Nun]

"Well, as a very famous role model of mine once said, 'When I'm good, I'm really good, but when I'm bad, I'm better.' She will have some questions to answer. She'll be lucky to get off with a conviction for extreme stupidity...but I don't think that will be all. Other cousins? Let's see, Heldrik is upstairs, Arrotel spent the night and left in the morning, Agraynel walked the pattern a few days back and hasn't been heard from, Katarzyna left on a horse this morning, Roland is apparently alive somewhere in Shadow, Elress is in a cell, Siodmak is in parts, and everyone else is more or less unknown. Can you fill in any of those blanks?"

[LynMars]

"So Heldrik and Arrotel are all right...Good. Let's see...Josh was in the conflict, but was apparently Trumped out during it, after an injury or something...not too clear there. Luke showed up partway through, as he has some personal interest in the Keep; but last I saw was dealing with Siodmak before Benedict arrived, last I heard was still there though probably not for long. Landon I still don't know about, I'm sorry...Though I can say speculations concerning Dunstan's status were correct. He was injured as well, but I think Luke was going to take care of him and Jasra--like, really take care of, not...Anyway, that's about what I know about it."

'I should try to get a hold of Heldrik, at least, and if Arrotel is still nearby...I don't know them too well, but I can at least feel them out, see if they can or will help Dad and me.'

[Wired*Nun]

"All in all, quite a day's work, don't you think? All right, more than one day..." She resumes eating, and thinking it seems for a bit.

Flora's eyes flick to the door, as if noticing someone walking in. When Raevyn turns, all she sees is a boot departing the way it came. Flora shrugs. "Guess he's not in the mood for feminine conversation." At Raevyn's question, she says, "Martin. He's...how do they say nowdays - 'wack,' anyway. Spoiled rich kid syndrome, in my opinion. Not that it ever hurt me..." That giggle again. She's sure in a good mood...

[LynMars]

"Oh, well, that's too bad for him, I guess." She lets herself grin in response to Flora's giggles, then tilts her head almost inquiringly, still smiling. "You seem in fine spirits today, Auntie, which is always nice. Get some good news, or just letting your natural charms free rein? Either way, it's a nice change from my recent meals; all work and planning and...It's nice just to relax a little."

[Wired*Nun]

"Oh, part of it is Elress' and that awful Siodmak's comeuppance. Other than that...I don't know. Lots of goings-on, I guess...keeps me from realizing how boring it all can be...I keep telling myself I'm going to go back into shadow, perhaps to Earth - you can't imagine the night life in that place, the things to do and places to go. But if I leave here...my position slips. I have to make a decision, sometime, just give it up. But someone needs to do my job...for the good of the realm. Can't expect Random to carry it all." She looks suddenly serious. "I'm not the ditz most people think, you know, any more than you're a wilting flower. We just do what we have to do, and I have to keep this place from falling apart sometimes. Maybe in a few years one of you youngers will pick up some of it."

[LynMars]

Raevyn smiles. "I never thought of you like that, Flora. A few years ago I thought I wanted to be like you, but realized I just could not compare." She takes a bite of her sandwhich. "Vacations are never bad, things may not fall too far apart in the interrim...Who knows?"

Rae looks at her partially empty plate. "I should get going soon, as nice as this is. I have some people to talk to, others to find. So easy to get scattered."

[Wired*Nun]

"Oh, thanks for making me feel better anyway. Will you be sticking around for the trial? Good thing we don't have a bunch of technicalities to get in the way of swift justice. Off with her head, I say! Can you see me as the Queen of Hearts? I think I'd be rather good." Another round of giggles leaves Raevyn wondering. Is she in love? Just got a new pony? Did Fiona get demoted?

[LynMars]

"You seem rather pleased by these events. Or is it something else? I think I must be missing out on something interesting...again." She sighs a bit. Then she shakes her head and smiles, finishing off the cheesecake. "But that's okay. You'd probably tell me it was over my head anyway." Rae gives her aunt an obviously fake pout, with just a hint of the infectious silliness underlying it.

[Wired*Nun]

"Oh, dear, no, really, it's nothing I can put my finger on. I'll stop now. It's just that the day seems a little brighter today." In truth, Raevyn, now that she thinks about it, can feel the same - something is in the air, something a little giddy. She thinks about the stories her father told her, and others, whispered tales of the Hall of Mirrors and the idea that the castle itself was alive. Maybe it's happy?

[LynMars]

"Well it is a rather lovely day...The whole palace seems a bit brighter. Collective relief, perhaps." She stretches a little as she pushes back from the table. "And I think that was enough for now; can't be eating too much, especially of the sweet stuff, right?" She grins. "Unless you want my boring company longer, I have other things I could be doing other than bothering you, Auntie." Again, just enough silliness in her tone, helped along by how fun it actually has been, barring the few comments about Elress and Siodmak, subjects Raevyn finds somewhat distressing.

[Wired*Nun]

"Oh, come round any time, whenever you need me." Well, she didn't actually ask me to stay, so... Raevyn makes her adieus, and walks out of the dining room, patting her stomach and glancing around, trying to decide which thing to do first.

[LynMars]

Raevyn wanders a bit, enjoying the afternoon air and general feeling around the palace, surrepticiously watching people to see if Flora's mood is mirrored elsewhere.

Eventually, she'll ask where Heldrik's been staying and make her way there, knocking when she arrives, unless someone's discovered his departure and tells her so.

[Wired*Nun]

Actually, yes, everyone seems to be quite chipper today. There's just something in the air...but it's not spring!

It isn't too long before she stands before Heldrik's room's door, but knocking brings no response.

[LynMars]

Rae tries again, and for a little while, but soon gives up on reaching Heldrik this way. 'Other things to do. Try again later.'

She writes out brief notes for Heldrik, Kat, and Arrotel, mentioning that she'd like to chat at their earliest convenience, and after dating the notes, has them left in the respective rooms by the servants. Then she retires to her own room and gets what few supplies she has together. After some consideration, she shuffles out the card Josh gave her and studies it.

'If he's there, or has been recently, it'll be easier to get a hold of him. If not, I can make a brief stop remembering the time change, and use it as a starting point for myself. Need a place and time to rest and paint and get myself together first...Maybe practice some on my own...Then get people together and meet with Dad.'

Unless she gets quick word that any of her other cousins are in the palace and available to talk, she'll try to Trump to Jorden, if possible.

[Wired*Nun]

She feels the Trump reaching for Josh, encountering some kind of ward that eventually lets her through, then a synchronization that brings Josh into focus. He's wolfing down a huge meal in the kitchen of Jorden she remembers so well, and he drops his fork and reaches for her reflexively, his mouth full of food. A forces swallow, and predictably, he croaks her name. "Raevyn! Come here?"

Assuming that is her intent, she is shortly standing in his kitchen, enfolded in a more-than-brotherly hug that threatens to break brushes, if not ribs.

[LynMars]

Raevyn steps through and smiles as she returns the hug. "I'm glad you're okay; I'd heard something about you were hurt, but hadn't gotten any clear word." She pulls away some--if she can--and grins up at him. "Looks like everyone's okay, then. The only one left at the Keep last I'd heard was Roland, tying up loose ends there. What do you know of how it all went? I can tell you what I know of it, if you want to hear."

[Wired*Nun]

"Okay, I guess. Umm, not killed, you mean. I don't know much, I made the mistake of trying to fight them with sorcery. I should have taken the time to bring up Pattern, and clobbered them with that. It might have even worked." He sits back down, slowly, and gestures at the food in front of him, as if to say, help yourself.

"We should have gone in together, instead of piecemeal. Then again, maybe with more time we would never have gotten in. I don't know. They came in too much force. Something wierd happened outside the Keep, though. They had five hundred infantry racing for the gate, but they got annihilated in an enormous explosion. I still have no idea where that came from. Maybe Dunstan. Maybe he burned off all his Fount energy with that, and that's why they got him. Anyway, my - umm, I mean, I got clobbered by the Chaosites, and Lester got me out. I woke up at my mother's, then came back here when I was strong enough to get up. And that's about it. Time is at maximum, and soon I'll be good as new." He paints on a smile, then looks down in embarrassment and begins to eat again.

[LynMars]

Raevyn sits, and takes some bread, tearing at it, but not really eating. "I was able to bring Jasra back, then Heldrik, Arrotel, and two others with them came to help. I was in the Fount chamber briefly..." She shivers a bit. "I got Dunstan out to his mother, then..."

Here she hesitates, suddenly very conscious of the blue bracelet still on her wrist. "I had to help with the Maze; the battle wasn't going in our favor and they couldn't have it as well as the Fount, but...Siodmak, Elress, and one other appeared, and there was a fight...I almost killed her...Then I was captured by the strange man, just as Benedict arrived. I ended up in a cell with Kat, somewhere in their holdings, until Benedict arranged for our relese."

"Siodmak is dead, and Elress recovers and will likely be put on trial once she can talk. Heldrik was injured but was recovering in Amber last I knew, though I couldn't find him a bit ago. Arrotel and Kat left Amber after resting some. I don't know about the companions Arrotel and Heldrik brought, or Kat's men."

She looks back up from the somewhat mangled hunk of bread. "When we were released to Benedict, it was General Larsus who did so, head of the House, I believe. There were a lot more of them there, and it looked like they were setting up to stay for a very long time."

[Wired*Nun]

"Hmmm..." He keeps looking at his plate, in thought now instead of embarrassment. "I always knew she would get herself in too deep..." he mutters. "Bad companions, bad choices, bad end. Hmmph." He looks up, chuckling. "That's why they all think I'm boring. Always trying to do the right thing. Martin was always poking fun at me for not wanting to do all that stuff...massive partying, setting up shadows so we were rock stars, crap like that. And she always wanted more. Never happy with all we have. All this..." He gestures, palm up, around him, "...or whatever your own version of paradise it is." He snorts, shrugs.

"Sorry, where were we. Oh, yeah, the present. Raevyn...I could have died. You too. Is this all worth it? Don't you ever just want to...stay out of the game?"

[LynMars]

She goes back to fiddling with the chunk of bread. "I was never really 'in the game' to begin with, not until Dunstan contacted me and this whole mess started. Now..." She looks over at him. "We still haven't found out what happened to Joss, or why. Dad wants to know, but everyone else seems to be sweeping it under the rug. He wants to talk to some of us; I think he would like help, and doesn't feel like he'll get any from his own siblings."

"I want to take some time resting up, do some painting, just...try to forget some of that fight...But then I should try to contact some of the others, and take them to see him, at least hear what he has to say."

She looks back down again. "I was hoping you'd come along, but if you don't want to, I'd understand that, too. You've already been hurt once during this...And it's probably, I think, going to lead to more of those 'games' you dislike..."

[Wired*Nun]

"Not wanting is not the same as not willing. I'll help you. I know how much Joss meant to you, even if you didn't know him long. Maybe...never mind. You - we - can stay here as long as you like. Four days in here is only an hour in Amber, so I can heal and you can...heal. Paint, relax, recover." He looks in her eyes. "You know how I...what I...I would do for you. Don't think you're taking advantage of me. Don't think you owe me. Just take it for what it is, whatever that means to you. Take me for a friend...I can wait for...well, I can wait." The mixture of pain and hope in his eyes is almost unbearable.

[LynMars]

Raevyn's not quite able to help the blush that creeps up. "Thanks, Josh," she replies quietly. She looks away, drops the mangled piece of bread onto a plate. "Um, some time to rest would be good. Maybe practice that handy Trump technique you taught me, a few other things...The quiet and lack of argueing and debate will be nice, too." Rae looks back at him and smiles softly.

[Wired*Nun]

"No argument here." The gentle joke passes without comment, except for his clear blue eyes. "Rest all you like, as you are able. I just got up, this is breakfast..." he grins at the mess of plates. I was going to go for a swim...the ocean is going to be unseasonably warm for a couple of hours, want to join me? If you don't have anything suitable, I'm sure Colleen can adapt something poste-haste." The smile this time is playful, almost as if daring her...

[LynMars]

Raevyn grins in return, teasing back. "I'm pretty sure we can find something appropriate. But what will everyone think when I swim better than you?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Oooh, a challenge! Look out, dolphins, here we come!" He gets up and yells, "Colleeeeeeen!" When she appears in a hurry, he says, "Get this lady something for swimming, please, and show her somewhere to put her things.

"Of course, sir," she says, and shuffles Raevyn off to the sewing room, where she quickly puts together swim clothes of whatever makeup Raevyn wishes. Interestingly, she has some oddities like spandex and neoprene - looks like Josh imports some things...of course he does, judging by the food and spices! duh...

Changing, she deposits her supplies and clothes in the same room she had before and grabs a big towel. Coming back to the kitchen, she sees Josh in some canvas trunks, looking like a sailor going for a swim off the rail. He has a towel, too, and says, "I'll have some stuff delivered - for now, let's run down!" He dashes out the door and down the grassy hill toward the strand a couple of hundred yards below, and plunges in. The day is warm, and so is the sea. The water is clear as glass, and fishes in flourescent colors come in schools to nibble at the couple's toes.

[LynMars]

Rae chases after Josh in her modest new suit and plunges into the water, letting herself forget all the stress of the last week or two as she swims down, down, down....and back up to the surface quickly, floating for a bit on her back, breathing in then out deeply, enjoying the almost familiar smells, colors, and feelings of the ocean water and the happy memories of playing with other cousins and childhood friends. She smiles brightly, looks for where Josh is, and immediately proceeds to start a splash fight.

'No watching one's words, gauging them against someone else's; no argueing, no need to lie or keep secrets; no fighting...Just what I needed after these last several days...'

[Wired*Nun]

The water combat lasts until a dolphin comes up under her, gently. Its skin is rubbery, and the flip of its tail makes the biggest splash of the fight. Down in the clear water she can see several of the creatures, circling and frolicking. Twenty yards away, one breaks water, to fall back with a spray. Josh's laughter lifts her as surely as the salt water, and she floats on her back, bouyant, relaxed.

Tens of minutes pass, the bath-temperature water cradling her like a womb, the feeling unlike anything she has ever felt, except perhaps, the lassitude after physical release...and even that isn't this...

All good things must...and when it ends, she feels refreshed, awake, relaxed. He is already sitting on the soft grass just above the narrow beach, on a blanket, with a bottle and glasses. "Mead," he says when she joins him. "Honey wine. I cut it with bubbly water from the springs nearby...it's a great summer drink, and I have declared summer today." The sun is warm, but not hot, the wind gentle, the sea soft, the mead refreshing, the company...congenial. Josh lays back, grabbing a fluff dandelion and flicking tufted seeds into the air.

[LynMars]

Raevyn leaves the water, stretching, making her way over to the blanket and sitting down, taking a drink of the mead and looking out over the water. 'If every day is like this, I may not want to leave...Except I'll have to eventually. But other things can wait; right now is 'me' time, time to relax and hang out and just let it go awhile...'

She shifts around, laying on her stomach, chin propped on her crossed arms, watching the dolphins play not so very far away, until they either go away, she and Josh go off to do something else, or she falls asleep.

[Wired*Nun]

She does fall asleep, to awake later to see Josh's back as he sits staring out to sea. At her movement, he looks over his shoulder with a smile. "Welcome back. The storm is coming in soon. I think it's going to sleet, what with the warm spell I made. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction, they say. Or, more like, there ain't no such thing as a free lunch."

He lays back, to stare at her from the ground a foot away, head turned left. "Good thing we're so close to home," he says softly.

[LynMars]

Raevyn sits up and stretches, nodding. "Yeah...Thanks; this was a lovely afternoon. I really do appreciate it." She draws her knees up, wrapping her arms around her legs, watching the changing weather.

"If you don't mind too much, I have a question I've been meaning to ask. You don't have to answer it, if you don't want to, it just...Kind of worries me, I guess."

[Wired*Nun]

"Ask away," he says, getting up. "But we better do it while walking, if we want to stay dry and warm." He begins gathering up the bottle, glasses and blanket, and when finished, will lead them up the hill to his house.

[LynMars]

Raevyn nods and helps, then walks along, chewing her lip as she thinks about it. "It just...I've been wondering...Have you been sleeping okay? I mean, you always seem so out of sorts in the morning--more than most people--and that time in the Keep...Is there something I can do to help?"

She get a little red-faced. 'That didn't come out quite the way I meant for it to. Hope he doesn't get too angry.'

[Wired*Nun]

Without looking at her, he answers, chewing his lip. "I never sleep the way normal people sleep. I have to be completely exhausted, and even then, it's a fitful thing. I usually stay up for two or three days at a time. I can drug myself...that doesn't always work, either. I've done everything I can think of to figure it out. I've consulted more learned people than I am. I don't like what they tell me...It's just something I have to live with." He hangs his head further, as if ashamed.

[LynMars]

Rae frowns as he speaks, concerned, then smiles again as she reaches over and squeazes his arm. "It's okay. I didn't mean to pry, it just worried me a little." She tilts her head, thinking of something else. "How long has it been going on--if you don't mind again? I don't mean to be so nosey..."

[Wired*Nun]

He shakes his head. "Ever since Patternfall...ever since my father slew Brand...you get it? I don't want it to be that. I don't want to believe I can never be...umm, normal. And now you know...it's one more thing people can use against me."

He laughs, a shaky, thin thing. "That's not even the worst of it. I have... hallucinations. Nightmares, to the tenth power. What's worse...I can't always control myself, my...abilities, when I have them. I'm dangerous." He turns to her, his face cracking, eyes bright and mad.

"My mother knows some techniques that help, and she can watch over me...but who wants to live with their mother the rest of his life? So I made this place...fortified it every way I know how...and it's the only place I can rest. The only place the Curse can't reach me."

[LynMars]

Raevyn almost steps away at the look in his eyes, but stops herself. "That's terrible...I'm sorry, Josh." She steps forward and gives him a hug. "I won't tell anyone, and I'll try to help, too, if I can. Well, if you want me to..."

[Wired*Nun]

The threatening clouds burst then, a chill rain that soaks them instantly, a deluge to mirror the frost in her soul. "There's nothing I want more..." he murmurs, his face buried in her hair. "I'm afraid to say something stupid, so..." he whispers, "I'll just say right now, thank you, and...I need you." His body shudders with his breathing, and she realizes he is holding back sobs, not very successfully. So alone...

[LynMars]

Raevyn continues to hold him, shushing him a little, letting him cry if he wants to, thoughts churning. What Roland said in the room in the Keep comes back, but she pushes it down for now. 'He needs someone, a friend, support...I'm not sure about anything else yet...just so little time...but still...'

She pulls away a bit, puts her hand to the side of his face, smiling softly. "We should get inside, out of this rain..." Her smile broadens a little, but her voice stays gentle. "Colleen will scold us both, you know."

[Wired*Nun]

He lifts his head to the storm, letting it wash away unborn tears. "Yes, it is cold, isn't it?" Turning, they walk upward, arms around each other, and for now, at a certain kind of peace.

Entering his house, Pierre is waiting to take their boots and wrap them in absorbent blankets. "I've taken the liberty of running baths for you both, and there are hot drinks in the upstairs sitting room. Is there anything else?" His words are punctuated by a flash and a clap of thunder, striking somewhere close.

"I'm for a bath, I'll meet you in the sitting room," Josh says. "If there's not a fire already going, can you lay one, Pierre? Thank you so much." Squeezing Raevyn's hand, he heads upstairs, trailing droplets of water.

[LynMars]

Raevyn nods in agreement and watches Josh go. She smiles at Pierre. "Thank you."

Then she heads for her room and that warm bath. She enjoys it as thoroughly as she did the swim in the ocean earlier. When she's done taking her time there, she dresses again in a sweater and heavy skirt and heads to the sitting room to meet with Josh again. 'Vacation in Jorden, good idea. Will have to spend time practicing, painting, relaxing...Then back to business eventually...'

[Wired*Nun]

Josh is already in the sitting room, poking at the newly-crackling fire. The rain and lightning outside thunders counterpoint to the pine pitch popping inside, and she is halfway across the floor before he notices her and turns, putting down the poker.

"Quite the nor'wester. Shows there are limits to even private shadows...at least, my limits." He takes her hands in his, and sits down on the sofa, already warm from the radiated heat. "I'm glad you're here. I'm glad I told you my...my secret, I guess you'd say. I know you'd never use it against me." He looks anxiously at her, as if pleading with her to confirm his assertion, then down at the four hands between their four knees. "I'm not very good at all this. My mother is the only woman I ever really talk to, and the only one who knew. Knows. Whatever." A deep breath and shining eyes...hope, fear, need, ache... don't know if I want to plunge into this pool...don't know if I would drown...

[LynMars]

Raevyn smiles gently and squeezes his hands. "I told you, I won't say a word, to anyone. And I'd never use something like that to hurt; I will try to find ways to help, though." She looks toward the fireplace briefly, chewing on her lip a little, now at a loss of what to do or say.

[Wired*Nun]

Josh seems the same, unable to figure out what to say next - but it doesn't seem to matter. After minutes and minutes, he finally drops her hands, and seems nervous again, poking at the crackling fire. Putting the poker down again, he stares at it, hunched over. He starts cracking his knuckles, one by one, over and over, as if n=in nervous habit.

"I'm not sure what do plan on next. I'm not good at figuring things out with other people. I'm not a leader...I'm probably not even a good follower. We can stay here for as long as we want...but we still have to find out what happened to your...to Joss. I know that. Is that still what you want? I'll help!" He turns to her eagerly, looking for some kind of direction. Fifty years old and yet still acting like a kid sometimes...

[LynMars]

She smiles. "That would be wonderful...I came here...Well, mostly to see that you were all right, and to relax a bit, get some work done somewhere safe and quiet. And...to ask if you'd come along to meet with Dad; he wants to get a few people together, try to find out what happened, since he doesn't think any of his siblings actually are trying...or care." She tries to stay neutral about it, but some sadness and maybe a tiny bit of bitterness come through.

[Wired*Nun]

"Of course, of course I'll come. I'll...I'll do my best. I need to do my best, I mean...I don't know. It's something I can grab ahold of, you know? Something to do, that can do some good." He looks at his hands, and stops with the knuckles.

"All right, well, until then...until then..." He looks at her, as if at a loss.

"What do you remember about my father? Can you tell me about...anything about him? That you remember, that you did, anything? To add to my collection of memories, I guess?"

[LynMars]

Raevyn smiles and settles back on the couch, beginning to speak about what she recalls of Caine's visits to Cyrian as she grew up; the sailing, the parties, the encouragement and pointers as she'd developed her art. The visits were infrequent, but so much interesting stuff had happened she clearly remembers most of them, from at least when she was five years old or so.

Later on, there was the return trip to Amber, meeting the rest of the family--some of the others she'd met once or even twice during infrequent visits for varying reasons--swearing fealty, walking the Pattern. After that, Caine's lessons had gone from encouragement and discussion of varying styles to real instruction on the intricacies of Trump; her first working Sketch had been of her uncle.

She'll say as much as she recalls right then, until she can't think of anything else to add.

[Wired*Nun]

They talk into the late evening, there on the couch, by the fire. It seems only natural that they should touch, accidentally, incidentally, sidewise there in the glow. It isn't long before Josh's hand rests on her forearm, as if by chance, but the heat from his palm warms more than just her flesh. He is kind, and...innocent, in a way that seems unfamiliar to Amber.

Like my father.

Time spins off into distances as he tells her tales of Caine to match her own, times spent hunting pirates in the Golden Circle, discovery of their Art, the philosophy of Trump and Pattern. If it weren't for curious, half-felt gaps in his stories, she would be content and fully at peace, but there is something he is leaving out, even while not deceiving. More secrets...

[LynMars]

Raevyn listens, enjoying the tales of her uncle's and cousin's exploits, noting the gaps and pauses.

'There are things he's not telling me...Not unusual, really; even Dad does the same thing at times. Maybe some day...'

As the hours grow late--or early, depending on one's outlook--Raevyn stretches a little, and smiles at him. "This has been wonderful. Thank you, again, for letting me stay here for a bit. It's getting late though; we should be getting some sleep. Need to break out the brushes and paints tomorrow; I can't seem to spend much time not being productive in some manner. This was lovely 'day off' however. Good night, Josh."

She pauses, thinking for a very brief moment, then stands to go.

[Wired*Nun]

He smiles. "This was productive," he says softly. He reaches to embrace her, her head against his chest if she does not resist. "Good night." Then, he is again standing, shuffling his feet a little, watching her go. "Night." he repeats quietly, to himself it seems, and sits back down to stare into the dying flames.

The next morning finds Josh out. "For a stroll, he said," Jaime says, finishing a sandwich. "A strenuous stroll, probably," he says around a mouthful. The studio is open, however, with everything she needs to paint.

[LynMars]

Raevyn returns the hug, then heads to bed. "See you in the morning, Josh."

When said morning arrives, however, she's somewhat disappointed he's not there for breakfast. She nods to Jaime at his explanation, getting herself a large meal of eggs, bacon, fruits, and juice before heading up to the studio.

She can't help but smile at the studio; only an artist would have paid such detail into the creation of such a wonderful place. She sets up an easel and considers; start with a set of Agraynel as she got to know her a little better during the meeting in Jordan, and then, if no one interrupts her, Heldrik

[Wired*Nun]

When she finishes the set of Agraynel, Josh steps into the room. "I felt you working, I didn't want to interrupt you until you were done," he says quietly. He looks relaxed, fresh, hair still damp from the shower after his exercise. He walks over to stand behind her pulling her hair back, massaging her neck and shoulders gently. The confidence he exudes is palpable...something's happened. Something...good. He smiles at her sudden look, and winks.

[LynMars]

"You seem to be in a good mood; have a good workout?" She smiles back up at him, and then looks at her set critically. "Much better than my previous attempts, I think. But now I'm kinda hungry. Lunch?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Yes, I agree. N-not that the earlier ones were bad or anything. Lunch is an idea..." He waits while she washes up and they walk downstairs to the kitchen. The day out the window has settled into overcast with a slight drizzle, but there is sun upon the waters, and it may be breaking up soon.

Bowls of stew and bread and sliced apples make a simple meal. Josh smiles while he chews, looking at Raevyn's face. It almost makes her uncomfortable, this attention. Part of the meal gone, Josh finally speaks.

"I'd really like to get moving on...on what you talked about, finding Joss' killer." Something tells her this is not simple impatience. He knows something...

[LynMars]

Raevyn looks at him, considering. She nods, slowly. "I'd like to make a few Trumps of Heldrik, but they can wait, especially as doesn't want any made of him--which I admit, makes me a little nervous. With no way to call him or even just check in on him readily, it leaves so many openings for trouble. We were lucky to get a hold of him to help at the Keep. For all the good it did there..."

Rae shakes her head. "Did you find some sort of clue, or recall something in a new light, about what happened?" She asks quietly. "We should leave soon, yes, and gather a few of the others to meet with my father. I know where, so that won't be difficult."

[Wired*Nun]

"No, no, don't put off your Trumps. I just mean, in the morning or something. Just thinking out loud, I do that. We should be prepared..."

One eyebrow goes up at her question, and a slight smile. "I think so, yes, but I don't want to talk about it until we get everyone involved together, especially Gerard. He should hear it from me...but if you really want, I'll tell you first. If you think that's wise..." That uncertainty again, as if he overvalues my opinion...maybe something about depending on his mother so much for so long, for even his sanity.

[LynMars]

"Oh, I see. Yeah, morning would be best, maybe. I still debate on who I ought to call; any suggestions? And...I can wait until we see Dad, I guess. It's okay." She smiles at him, then continues eating.

[Wired*Nun]

"Well...I like Roland...and I know you like Katarzyna, and I really have nothing against her, so...she just makes me nervous, for some reason. Other than that, I'll leave it up to you. I have a friend, too, that may be helpful...Lester's looking him up. But we may have to go get him."

[LynMars]

"Kat makes you nervous? She's really nice to me, friendly...Roland I would like to call, yes. Hrm. As for the others...I'm not so sure; I don't know them as well. I got along all right with Gray before, but you and Roland didn't, and her condition can be...troubling, though I think she tries not to be. I don't know Arrotel that well, or Heldrik. I'm still not sure of Landon's location or that he'd get along with some of the others--like Roland--easily. There are a few other cousins I know by reputation, but that's all. So...looks like it may just be the same group of us, plus your friend if Lester can find him, I suppose."

[Wired*Nun]

"Maybe we should talk it all over with those we are kind of sure of and your father, then see if we need anyone else...I guess it depends on if it's more of an investigation or a...ummm...retrieval of the guilty party for justice, I guess you'd say. I guess it will be up to you and Gerard whether you want to claim vendetta if the chance comes..."

[LynMars]

Raevyn considers that for a moment. "I...hadn't really thought of it. I just want to find out what happened, and why. I guess some kind of answer, and some form of justice for it, is what I'm looking for. Maybe. Dad...He may be looking for revenge. I just hadn't given it much thought beyond finding out, you know?" She looks down, toying with a loose string on the hem of her shirt.

[Wired*Nun]

"Well, vendetta is sanctioned revenge...as you know, Rinaldo got away with murdering my father. Hell, he got promoted, and they sanctioned his elevation to the throne of Kashfa. All to buy stability for Amber..." He sounds suddenly bitter. "And now he's apparently one of the prime movers in this whole Maze business, and maybe he's even involved in Joss' death...personally, I'm not too upset Jasra and company got bumped out of the Keep. Things were looking a little too much like Brand's Immediate Family, Inc. there for a while. Maybe that will put a brake on his scheming..." During this diatribe, his face has taken on an almost demonic cast, and she can see some of the fires of hatred show, just briefly, in this man who might be...something to her, sometime. What if I had lost my father, and been left with a mother from Shadow...and under a curse for years? What would I have become?

After a fading scowl, his face returns almost to normal, but cast in stone. "I do know that I want more justice done to Rinaldo than has yet been. He deserves to die, but I'm not going to perpetuate the cycle of violence. He doesn't deserve a throne propped up by Amber, I'll tell you that much...even if Vialle likes him." His hands are now clenched, and he visibly forces himself to relax.

"I'm sorry."

[LynMars]

Raevyn reaches over and puts her hand on his arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. "It's okay; I...think understand."

"I don't want more violence, or death; we've seen too much of it already. I just want answers."

'Will I still think that way if it comes to it? I like to think so...'

[Wired*Nun]

"Answers always lead to more questions. I want a reckoning, and I want to be free of this curse, and I want...I want a lot of things that maybe I'm not going to have, but I'm willing to give it a good try. In any case..." he trails off, looking into some inner distance. "In any case I want to get going, as illogical as that may seem. Go ahead, finish your project, I'll do a couple I've been wanting to do for a while, then let's leave in the morning?"

[LynMars]

"Maybe you're right...I don't know." She shakes her head. "Just so much to think about, so much to do..." She stands quickly and offers a strained smile. "I think I'm finished eating for now. I'm going to get back to work. Leaving in the morning sounds fine; we can call who we need to then, too."

She starts to head out of the room, back to the studio. 'Painting will help me calm down, feel better...'

[Wired*Nun]

Josh follows, wiping his hands and putting down the towel he was using for a napkin. Raevyn notices something she perhaps hadn't noticed before. Josh's hands are free of callouses - almost like a baby, or a man who's never done a hard day's work in his life.

In the studio, he sets up his own supplies and easel, turning away from her apparently to avoid disturbing her by his scrutiny, and paints along with her, something larger than a Trump. No hint of forces disturb her own contemplations, so he's probably just painting.

[LynMars]

'Odd. I know he knows how to use a sword, and that among other things leaves callousing...It may be time in Shadow healing, or some kind of medicine...'

She paints the Trumps of Heldrik, trying to not look over at whatever he's working on. The enforced concentration of Trump work helps clear her mind of the myriad things she'd rather not think on and deal with until she absolutley has to.

[Wired*Nun]

Minutes, hours later, she finishes, the five fronts of Heldrik gazing jauntily back at her. They reach for her, in her state of concentration, and, as she somtimes must, she passes a hand in front of her eyes to break her concentration.

Glancing over, she sees Josh slumped over, apparently having fallen asleep in his chair. His chest is rising and falling strongly, and so she doesn't disturb him right away...

[LynMars]

Raevyn looks critically over the new Trumps until she has to break away, leaving them to dry. She looks over at Josh and smiles a little. 'That's good; he gets so little restful sleep...And he's kinda cute when he makes that face...' Curiosity gets the better of her, and she creeps over to see what he was painting, moving well enough around that she doesn't disturb her sleeping cousin.

'We will have to go in the morning...And face all the things I've been hiding from here...Can I? It's all so much...I don't know if I Can deal with it all...' She bites her lip and shakes her head, looking at the paitning Josh was working on.

[Wired*Nun]

The painting is of a large butterfly in the forground, floating over a landscape, perhaps several hundred feet in altitude. Trees and animals dot the background, but the center of the piece is the human head on the butterfly, looking back over its shoulder as if to say, come on! Keep up! It is her face...

[LynMars]

Raevyn bites her lip, looking at the face of the butterfly. 'What...Wonder what that means...I...'

She glances at Joshua, back to the painting. 'It is beautifully done; it's just...' Feeling a bit odd in her stomach now from peeking in on his work, she turn to leave the studio; if she makes it out, she closes the door quietly behind her and goes to her room, where she tries to lay down but ends up alternating between staring at the ceiling and pacing around the room.

[Wired*Nun]

Finally, she falls asleep, and dreams of the butterfly, as if she is her, and yet not, fluttering above the landscape, flying...transformation comes, and she is an eagle, a hawk, a condor, a roc, flying ever higher until the wax on her wings melts and she plummets down, down, to be caught by a great taloned beast, cradled gently and set on the ground, to grow butterfly wings and flutter upward once again, full circle.

In the morning, she looks in to the studio, to find Josh finishing up the backs of some Trump...hers, it seems. "Umm, hope you don't mind. I woke early, just thought I'd save us some time. Good morning, love," he says belatedly, and she wonders about that last descriptor. He seems relaxed, confident, in control, as he wipes his hands and kisses her on the forehead. Her arms come up reflexively, but the embrace fleets past as he moves around the room, bleeding off energy.

"I'd like to set off as soon as you can pack up and be ready, all right?"

[LynMars]

"Morning...Um, no, not a problem at all...And sure, I can be ready in no time. Breakfast first, though; don't wanna start on an empty stomach, you know." Raevyn replies, trying for cheerfulness. She glances around quickly for the painting that triggered the dreams before turning to go again, to the dining room this time, head spinning a bit.

'Did I wake up in some alternate Shadow or something? Or...It's so odd; there seem to be many sides to him at times, and I never know which it's going to be at any given moment; brooding, shy, vengeful, caring...I'm confused...Maybe when we get to Dad's place, and with the others, things'll calm dow--who am I kidding...? This was a nice reprieve, but things are liekly going to get very hectic again, very soon. And I'll have to think about things I haven't been again...'

[Wired*Nun]

The painting is still where it was painted, without change. Maybe he wanted me to see it; maybe he doesn't care...no, he always seems to care. Maybe he knows if he hid it, it would be even stranger.

"Breakfast is good, it's laid out in the kitchen. I can be ready in ten minutes; I've given instructions to the staff, and in any case, they will be in near-stasis. Give me a ten-minute warning, all right? Do you have any preferences about how to travel? I was thinking we should Walk out an hour or two, then Trump through...to who? Your father?"

[LynMars]

Raevyn pauses at the door and nods. "Sure, I'll let you know...And yes, to my father's. That sounds like a plan; Walk, then Trump. All the more reason for breakfast. See you in a bit." She smiles back to him, then goes to eat a large breakfast of eggs, pancakes, fruit, bacon, and biscuits, with juice to wash it down.

She eats idly, watching out the windows, mind wandering; to the dream from the night before, to the recent past tumultuous events, to what Dad could say when they arrived.

[Wired*Nun]

The bustle of the household masks her musings. Soon, she is looking at empty plates, and waving off offers of more from the staff. What's left to do? Do it, girl, then call Josh and let's go...

[LynMars]

Raevyn sighs, then squares her shoulders as she stands. 'No more hiding...Time to get back into things...'

She heads to her room, double-checking her already-light travelling gear--mostly consisting of her art supplies. She puts on a light shirt and trousers, and walking boots and picks up her things. She heads to the studio to collect the finished Trumps, and see if Josh is still there, unlikely as that is. If not, she heads down to the courtyard. If he's not there, either, waiting to go, then she'll send someone to find him and say she's ready to go.

[Wired*Nun]

Josh is out at the stables, saddling up their horses. He brightens upon seeing her, and ducks under to tighten the belly strap of her mount. "Mostly ready, now. That's all you have? Here, I have something for you. I made it myself."

Sliding it out from behind his belt, she sees him holding a slim dagger, fit for her hand, in a leather sheath. Taking her left hand, he turns it gently palm-up and extends her arm, brushing her sleeve back. He fastens the sheath in place with the straps, then flips down the sleeve. "I know you're not much on weapons, but this might help you sometime, if only to cut your food...in any case, it's a gift, so you gotta wear it, right?" He smiles at her uncertainly, a little defiantly, as if daring her to refuse.

[LynMars]

Raevyn grins back, then steps forward to give him a hug. "Yes, of course I'll wear it. Thank you, Josh." She lets go and steps back, patting her horse before leading her out into the sun. "All ready to go then?"

Out of habit more than anything, she double checks all the strappings just before mounting. She also takes a little time to admire the dagger and sheath, before looking back at him. "What to lead the way, or shall I?"

[Wired*Nun]

"You go on and shift, I'll keep an eye out." A furry head pops out of one of Josh's saddlebags, and Lester says distinctly, "Eyyyyye owwwt, meee tooo." He winks at Raevyn, then goes back in to the bag. Soon, distinct snores can be heard from the sack.

"Cheeky bastard. Just showed up again, like he knew we were leaving. Probably did, somehow. Just head for wherever, it doesn't matter. I want to be sure nothing is watching and we get out clean."

[LynMars]

Raevyn giggles a little at Lester, then nudges her horse forward.

Raevyn rides along at a leisurely pace, through fields and pastureland, edging away from Jordan; a slight change of crops, different plantlife and creatures. Soon the scenery segues into high-grass prairie land, dark blue-green grasses rippling like waves in the wind.

A creek winds its way past, brush and trees appearing along the banks. The water runs deeper and slower, becoming a wide, brown river. The trees have grown larger, spreading out and covering the landscape, places cleared for farmland and busy riverside villages. Steamboats roll up and down the waterway as Raevyn turns inland a bit, the river turning the opposite way to the distant ocean, the salt smell just a hint in the wind.

The forest gets thicker and wilder, foliage shifting to jungle-like, a narrow roadway of cracked and moss-covered flagstones leading to a cleared area where a ruined pyramid-temple sits. The courtyards are overgrown, the outbuildings collapsing, as the jungle tries to reclaim it all, stone by stone.

Raevyn draws rein, looking at the crumbling structure and listening to the sounds from the trees. "I think this should be far enough; we've been riding awhile now. I'll try and call Dad."

She draws her Trump of Gerard, focusing on the familiar figure, willing the contact.

[Wired*Nun]

"I agree. I shut down a couple of sneaks, but nothing aimed at us directly." He looks around the ruins, and nudges Lester, who has been riding on the saddle in front of Josh. Lester leaps down and disappears into the rubble.

Contact with Gerard comes, the sea behind his shoulder rising and falling - or perhaps it is Gerard who is rising and falling. "Who? Hello, Rae! What happened, did you forget something?" Right, it's only been a short time outside of Jorden...

[LynMars]

"No, don't think so, Dad; just a Shadow who's time I forgot. We can come through to you, or we can try to meet you at the cabin. We have horses, though, and looks like you're aboard ship."

[Wired*Nun]

"I got an interesting call from one of my captains, who's been surveilling an unknown vessel that wandered into Golden Circle waters. I can go to the cabin now and bring you through...best not to bring horses aboard a ship if we can help it." The broad smile matches his broad face, and someone who doesn't reach to his shoulder whispers something quietly towards Gerard's ear. He shakes his head in response, and says, "Give me a half hour to write out orders, and then call me. If I don't hear from you in a while, I'll call you." If there's nothing else, he will wave away the contact.

Josh looks expectantly at Rae when she is done, reminding her that he only heard half the conversation.

[LynMars]

Raevyn nods. "Okay; not a problem." She puts the card away and looks at Josh. "We have a half hour or so to kill; something came up, and he's aboard ship right now. Doesn't want to bring the horses through to that."

She looks around. "Well, we could eat, but he'll likely just feed us again right away...May as well have a look around here, see what there is to see. It'll occupy the time waiting, anyway."

[Wired*Nun]

Searching idly around, the ruins appear to be just that - nothing remarkable, beyond their stark and melancholy beauty. Animal and bird noises echo among the fallen walls and still-standing temples. Lester appears, leaping up to perch on Josh's leather-armored shoulder, aping a grin and giving the thumbs-up.

Calling Gerard, he answers sitting at a large, rectangular rough-hewn table outside his cabin. Benches made of split logs provide seating; the cabin in the background looks to be more or less complete.

"All quiet on the Western Front, today." He stands, extending his hand, and if there are no objections, he brings them all through. "Horses over there," he says, gesturing at a roofed, one-walled structure obviously made to shelter riding beasts. Bales of fresh alfalfa give off sweet aroma, and their mounts' noses quiver with anticipation. Gerard's Percheron is nowhere to be seen...but then, he probably Trumped right here; Colossus must be in the Castle stables.

Horses tended to and saddles on the rail, the three sit down with wooden cups of wine, a surprisingly good white for this rustic setting. Bread, sharp cheddar cheese and apples round out the ploughman's lunch.

Before beginning, Gerard prays and makes the sign of the Unicorn, something Rae has seen him do only infrequently. A shade defensively, he says, "Well, you never know how much She sees or hears...and sometimes, when you can't figure something out...all you can do is pray." Josh looks awkwardly down at the table for a moment, and it occurs to Rae that she doesn't know what his stance is on religious or spiritual issues. Most of her family take the Unicorn to be a powerful and enchanted being, a demigod if you will, something to be respected, but not something to be worshipped. Still...at least She's something real, we all know exists, as opposed to the various gods of Shadow.

Raising his head and smiling gently at his only child, he says, "So tell me what...whatever you came to tell me?" He begins to eat as she replies.

[LynMars]

"Well, I haven't contacted any others yet, exactly; fast-time shadows, wanted to give them a bit more chance to be clear of the Keep, maybe resting themselves. I can just as easily Trump them from here...But I do want to find out what happened to Joss and why, and Joshua is at least willing to help with that. I'm not going to wait for someone else to maybe find out what happened in their spare time; they don't care as much, and have their own issues to worry about anyway. Some may be willing to help, though it may mean owing them later. But that's all right.

"The Keep didn't pan out, really, so far as information; but we may have gained some trust from Dunstan and Jasra--even if we weren't able to hold their home for them. So somehow, someway, we'll have to find a new lead in this. Is there anything you can think of at all, Dad? Some hint or clue or old connection you didn't before?" She glances at Josh. "You were there, too, working with the magic...Anything you've thought of since?"

[Wired*Nun]

"No," says Gerard, "I don't know. But someone with access to the Keep had to have done it, because of that bullet. And that narrows our list of suspects. I can think of a few...Dunstan, Jasra, Rinaldo..."

"Dara and her cronies, maybe - they could have probably sneaked in from time to time, preparing for the takeover attempt," muses Josh.

Gerard counters, "Siodmak...I still think he had something to do with it, but now that he's dead, we can't find out. I find it strange that Benedict killed him without questioning him fully..."

"Or maybe he did," responds Josh. "We don't really know how long he took or what happened before Benedict killed him...or actually, if he's even dead. I mean...it's easy to find a shadow and chop off its head...maybe Benedict knows more than he's telling." Josh meets Gerard's eyes, then drops them as he sees the anger in them.

"I can't believe Benedict would have anything to do with killing my son," Gerard says angrily, his voice rising.

"But that doesn't mean he's not hiding something, even if only to fool the others and investigate it his own way," Josh mumbles, looking at the big man from under furrowed brows. Looking up, he asks, "Have you gone to him directly?"

"No...no...I have to trust Benedict, or I can't trust anyone. If he's keeping secrets, it's for a good reason. We have to do it our own way. But I'm too obvious. Daughter, you are going to have to do it. And you, Josh. I know more about you than you think...and I think you need to do this. So help her find out...please."

Josh looks somewhat perturbed by this statement, but raises his chin and squares his shoulders. "I'll...I'll help Raevyn find his killer. I will. For...for both of you."

[LynMars]

Raevyn absently fiddles with the bracelet at her wrist a little, and smiles to Josh. "Thanks. Hrm...We may be able to try Jasra and Dunstan again, since we didn't really get the chance to talk after pulling her out, with the attack and everything...We could try talking to Benedict. If we approached it right, maybe we could learn something. We will likely need some help, though, depending on where some of this searching may take us." She bites her lip and tries to think.

[Wired*Nun]

Raevyn receives a Trump call from Arrotel.

[LynMars]

Raevyn glances at the two men. "Excuse me..." She turns away from the table, and accepts her cousin's call...

[moving to Arrotel's current thread for the call]

[LynMars]

Raevyn answers soon enough; she's wearing light travelling clothes and is in a rather rustic cabin setting. She smiles warmly and speaks softly. "Hello, Arrotel; glad to see you're all right after all of that trouble. I was thinking of calling you soon, you know; have some things I'd like to discuss with you and a few of the others, if you're interested. But that can wait a little longer, what can I do for you now?"

[Icebird]

"Nice to see a friendly face again, yours in particular. I was actually hoping you could put me in contact with Josh- I need to speak with him about a shadow. Sad to make a call just for that, but I did."

He adopts a goofy immitation of Raevyn's voice as best he can, and says
"Cosmic switchboard, how may I help you?"

[LynMars]

Raevyn laughs. "Good one. Yes, Josh is here, and I was thinking of calling you up soon anyway, so this is somewhat fortuitous, I think. Would you like to come through to talk, or shall I just 'put him through'?"

[Icebird]

"No, I'll come through."

Stepping through, he smiles at all three of them and gives a small bow to Gerard.

"My business is already concluded and I merely need to find out how, so it can wait. What did you want to talk about?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Until later, son," says Benedict unbidden, as Arrotel steps through. Oh, yeah, well, so much for courtesy...

Gerard raises his eyebrows at Arrotel, then looks at his daughter. "Will there be any more t'be having? I'd rather only tell things once."

While Raevyn is deciding on that, Josh nods at Arrotel. "Did you want to talk to me?"

[LynMars]

Raevyn thinks a moment. "Maybe Katarzyna...I rather enjoy her company, and she's good with a blade, and stategies. Could try at least. Then we can discuss all this at once. If not her...We'll see. Though perhaps Arrotel's help would be enough."

She pulls out her Trump of Kat and focuses on the painting, wondering what her cousin has been up to since they were ransomed.

[Pygysys]

"Hello?" Kat asks aloud as she opens the Trump contact.

It's also visual on her end, thus allowing Raevyn to see elements of a small boat and lots of water. She's dressed in her normal clothes; the uniform she and the Orphans wear.

[LynMars]

"Hello, Kat; good to see you again. I was wondering...We got sidetracked, badly, in our search for answers into Joss' death, and I want to take up that particular quest again--even though it may lead back to the Keep, and maybe Dunstan...And I was wondering if perhaps you'd be interesting in lending your help. I'm with my father right now, and a few others; we could tell you more if you were willing to come, if it wasn't too much trouble, or you weren't busy..."

[Pygysys]

Kat chuckles, "You know it's funny you should mention the Keep, Raevyn, I'm about to sail into port."

Moving back to her seat, Kat carefully sits down whilst keeping an eye on the soldiers at the wharf.

"Two of my men were captured when the Keep fell and I thought I'd make an enquiry about having them released. I'm glad you contacted me though, I've wondered about that situation. I'm eager to find out the who's and the why's also. However, I am predisposed at the moment. Allow me to follow this through to it's conclusion and I'll join you in hunting down those answers you seek."

Kat makes a quick calculation, trying to estimate cross-shadow timezones. "Give me a day? My Trumps were not returned to me upon our release, spoils of war and such, so I can't contact you unfortunately. Will that suit?"

[LynMars]

Raevyn nods. "I'll try to keep in mind the Keep's usual timeflow, then. If you do manage to find out anything while you're there...Well, keep it in mind anyway. We'll also see about getting you replacements sometime, soonish. Thanks, Kat." She smiles to her cousin.

[Icebird]

To Josh- "Yes, about several things. Vampires and Sorcery and trumps, oh my. I was, or am, preparing to visit the Changed, to see if I can assertain the fate of one of them. Benedict thought that you might know more about the place- Dorcus? No, something like that."

"The other reason is that of Sorcery." Arrotel makes a vain attempt to summon a sea serpent, but instead gets a headache.

"I am a shadow sorcerer of not inconsiderable skill, but I cannot so much as raise a light anywhere else. I am missing some trick or other, and I was hoping you could tell me what it is."

[Pygysys]

Kat grins, "You're welcome, Raevyn. I doubt I'll even get through the front door to be honest but if I do discover anything, I'll let you know. I'll speak with you in a day's time then."

The contact is then cut by Kat as she returns to the matter closer to hand.

[LynMars]

Raevyn nods, and puts the Trump away. She turns back to the men. "Kat's busy at the moment, though wants to get in touch again later. She's trying to get her captured men back...I thanked her for consideration, but before I could offer help, she cut it off. I'll try her later, and we'll see then...For now, we'll see what Josh, Arrotel, and I can do, I think."

[Wired*Nun]

"Hmm, Doracus," Josh says to Arrotel, an absentminded look in his eyes. He begins to chew his lower lip, then goes on, "Ummm, yeah, I know a little about that place. Got stuck...ummm, nevermind. Anyway, I could probably help you with it - them. Whatever. As far as sorcery...well, you gotta learn the ins and outs of sorcery in more than one shadow - in fact, how to adjust things to any or all of them. Like, learning chess and finding out you suck at Go, kind of."



She turns back to the men. "Kat's busy at the moment, though wants to get in touch again later. She's trying to get her captured men back...I thanked her for consideration, but before I could offer help, she cut it off. I'll try her later, and we'll see then...For now, we'll see what Josh, Arrotel, and I can do, I think."


"All right," rumbles Gerard. "This to be it then, I'll give you my commission and you can get on with it. That is, assuming you -" he nods at Arrotel - " want in on the action." While he speaks, Josh sits down next to Raevyn, taking her wrist in his hand and covering the bracelet she wears with his palm, rubbing it from time to time with his thumb and tip of his index finger, eyes closed.

"I still want to know what happened to Joss. That's pretty much it. I still think Brand's kin had something to do with it - Jasra, Rinaldo, that new kid of theirs. They all have tricks like that, and they had the Keep. I think that Siodmak was in on it somehow, maybe by way of Elress, and I think Benedict got something out of Siodmak before he died, if he did die. And I also think that somehow, that takeover attempt by Dara and her cronies was just a little too strangely timed to be unconnected, or even that whole outcome with House Hendrake and Merlin and all that crap. Gods and devils, it's all so twisted!" he roars, slamming his fist on the table, rocking it almost off its mountings. "I'm not the man to sort this all out. it needs someone of quicker mind. But I will support you in every way I can. Just ask." He stops, to look at them all in turn.

[LynMars]

Raevyn jumps when Gerard slams into the table--using the startlement as opportunity to pull her wrist away from Josh.

She looks up at Gerard. "Our options seem to be, then, to look further into either Dunstan and that group, or Siodmak." She thinks for a moment. "We could possibly question Elress about what he may have told her--if she can speak..." She tries not to wince at the memory.

She turns to Arrotel. "At this point, you'd know more than Josh or myself about Siodmak and anymore leads there may be on that angle, while we have more about Jasra and Dunstan. I don't know how much more they'll be willing to cooperate, though, with the information exchanged before and then the whole mess at the Keep...Even if we did help pull Jasra out of her...condition." She thinks, trying to make sense of the many tangled lines.

[Icebird]

"I don't presume to know anything solid, but I think it was someone in Amber who did it. I had an... interesting experience in Tir-Na-Nogth, and I don't know any other way to interpet it. No one that I'd point a finger at in specific, though. Or even mention, if I had any better ideas." He looks up at the sky while speaking, apparently hoping to dodge any lighning that may strike the area while he accuses the elders of a plot.

"I'v got nothing more to go on on that end either. Last I saw Sid, I told him he was dead, then trumped out in a hurry."

[Wired*Nun]

Gerard, after a few moments to see if anyone is going to make a decision or reach a consensus, apparently decides to make it for them.

"I will brace Benedict at some point soon. That's something I should take care of. To go back to Jasra and Dunstan means dealing with Rinaldo, which is to me the course most fraught with uncertainty. Too many political ramifications to predict. Perhaps you should try to get to Elress and see what you can find out from her. And don't worry about being gentle, if you take my meaning. She intimidates easily, from what I understand; use that fact."

Josh lifts an eyebrow and says, "I think we can come up with something scary. She is a sorceress, and has a reputation for volatility, so we'll need to be prepared to counter such things...so as the Prince has said, don't be afraid to slug her if she starts anything funny. As for you, Arrotel...we can get you trained up in Real sorcery whenever you like, in my home. We can even go there now, and a couple of weeks spent there will be only a few hours in most other places. Or, we can do it later."

[Icebird]

"I would appreciate that a great deal. And now would be good. I can't tell you how useless I feel right now. Everyone else can throw fireballs or swing a sword, and all I could do to help was throw playing cards."

"Will we have to ask someone after a means of getting to her, or does someone here already have one? I wouldn'd mind poking around the maze more, either."

[LynMars]

Raevyn looks at Arrotel and shakes her head. "I can't use magic, nor am very good with weapons myself, but as others have pointed out, I have other talents. And I hear that your avian partner has helped out more than a few times." She considers. "I'd like to talk to Elress, or try to, anyway. Get some answers from her, maybe. And I think I can talk to Jasra or Dunstan, or even Rinaldo...Whenever we're ready for that. Or while you two are practicing sorcery."

[Icebird]

"Learning shouldn't take long, if we go to fast-time. My though was that we should speak with Elress first, if only to gather information to barter with the others in the favorite family game."

[LynMars]

Raevyn nods. "There's plenty of time for training, and we'll just be gathering information for now. All sorts of ways to handle that; details can be worked on a bit more later...But starting with Elress, I think, may be the way to go. Not sure why, but it seems right."

[Wired*Nun]

"All right, then be on with it," says Gerard with a smile. Picking up a last hunk of cheese, he stuffs it in his mouth as he rises, then washes it down with the last of the wine. "I've got to finish this cabin sometime." He kisses Raevyn on the cheek, shakes the hands of the men, then turns deliberately back to his work, leaving them standing by the table.

Josh shrugs and looks around for some cue to what they will do next, pulling out his trumps in the meantime, shuffling one out and showing it to them with a raised eyebrow. Elress.

[LynMars]

Raevyn nods to Josh. "I'm not sure if going to her directly will work or not, but if you can get through to her, by all means try."

Rae considers something for a brief moment. "I don't know if she's still at the castle as a prisoner or not; probably best to check on that first, and arrange something rtaher than just hop on in to where ever she is. But it is likely our best starting point right now. Unless you have other ideas, Arrotel."

[Icebird]

Arrotel nods at Rae's comment.

"No, none. Perhaps you would like to check in about her status at the castle while Me and Josh head for a suitable shadow? Neither one will take long, if we bend time appropriately. Better to try normal channels than step on someone's toes, I think."

[LynMars]

Raevyn nods. "If Josh'll let me borrow that Trump for the meantime, in case she has left, if that's what you want to do. I can trump to the palace, ask if she's about and able to take visitors, and go from there. Meanwhile, you guys can get some work done. May work; too many people may intimidate her, make it more like an interrogation. Or confuse things with extra questions."

[Icebird]

"Then it's agreed." Arrotel turns to Josh. "You said that you have control over time in Jordan, or we can find someplace here-abouts."

He follows wherever Josh chooses, flexing mental muscles weakened from disuse and prepares to twist reality again. He smiles.

"The magic I'm used to is harder to control than it is to access. I nearly burnt a city once, when I lost control. I doubt it's as impressive in scale here as it was at home, but I'm ready."

[Wired*Nun]

Josh acceeds to all of this with his usual good nature. Handing the Trump to Raevyn, he says somewhat unneccessarily, "Keep mine handy, right? Just in case. And I'll stay here until you go, just to...to make sure everything is all right." He bites his lower lip for a moment, giving her that hangdog look. "Go on, give it a try. Arrotel, we'll take care of that as soon as she's safely off."

When Raevyn concentrates on Elress' Trump, she gets the impression that Elress is there, but blocking - weakly. Elress' psyche is leaking past the block, and she is badly distressed. Fear, anger, shame, insecurity, bitterness, all manifest themselves so strongly that Raevyn can't help but feel them.

[LynMars]

Rae nods to Josh and smiles to him before focusing on the Trump. As she gets the emotions bleeding through the block, she suppresses a wince. Rather than force herself past the block just yet, she breaks the contact and instead pulls out the Trump of Amber castle. 'May end up being a little roundabout, and may have to get through anyway if she has been moved, but we'll try civility for now, may help things along just a smidge...'

Assuming that it works, she steps through to the palace, looking around for a servant. "Excuse me, can you tell me which of my aunts and uncles are here currently? I need to speak to one of them about some business."

[Wired*Nun]

The palace functionary answers Raevyn smoothly, "His Majesty, the Princesses Florimel and Fiona, and Prince Bleys are currently residing. Of any others, I have no certain knowledge, though it is said that Prince Corwin was here earlier in...uncertain company." He makes a small bow, as if to say, "Will that be all?"

[Wired*Nun]

Josh and Arrotel look at each other and shrug as Raevyn rainbows away. "Artists," Josh says with a self-deprecating laugh. He looks over at Gerard, working on caulking the log cabin, hammering peat moss into the cracks. "I never liked manual labor all that much, so you want to get out of here and start working on that sorcery?"

Telloth bites Arrotel's ear, somewhat hard, and says, "You are the flocking bird, not I," which roughly translates as "You had better not decide you don't need me."

Pulling out a Trump, Josh holds out a hand for Arrotel's, and assuming he accedes, they are soon back in Jorden.

"This isn't going to be easy. Gods know it wasn't for me, and I had m- ...I had a good teacher to help me. I've never taught anyone Sorcery before, really, but I'll teach you what I know, and try to get you going..."

Hours turn into days, and Telloth spends a lot of time hunting in the surrounding area while Arrotel bends his will and mind to magical lessonings. He finds Josh a patient teacher, and the environment pleasant.

[LynMars]

Raevyn nods. "Thank you." She considers for a moment. "Where can I find my uncle Bleys, specifically? Any idea where he was last? I'd rather not bother his majesty if I don't have to."

'This could get tricky, perhaps a bit rough, but she is his daughter...'

[Wired*Nun]

"I believe he is in the Japanese garden, milady. Shall I show you the way?"

Led or on her own, Raevyn finds her way eventually to the gardens in the far rear of the castle grounds. Passing under the torii, she proceeds down the path, boots sounding on the wooden walkway. She comes upon Bleys sitting on a low stone bench, staring at a sand sculpture. The raked sand resembles ripples in a pond, surrounding the rocks.

Bleys takes a deep breath, and says without turning, "Are you looking for me, or for serenity? Both here, if you desire."

[LynMars]

Raevyn thanks him and goes herself to the gardens, regarding Bleys for a moment before walking up and kneeling beside the sand sculpture, eyeing it, noting the aesthetics. "Then I suppose both would be my answer, for a few reasons. How have you been, Uncle?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Troubled, if the truth be told. You've caught me in an uncharacteristic mood, so better make the best of it." His head turns to face her, without a corresponding body movement. That face reflects some inner pain.

[Icebird]

Rubbing his ear, Arrotel smiles.

"Of course not. It's easy to get distracted sometimes, but I'm glad you're always here to bring me back if I get lost in life."

Arrotel is reasonably quick learner, but he has little patience for his own fallacies.

"Where I come from, all it takes is effort, not so much time. All this sitting and preparing!"

[LynMars]

Raevyn frowns a little, staying by the sand. "What is it that's troubling you so much, Bleys?" She looks back at the sculpture. "But if you'd rather be alone, my question can wait for now, or I can even ask someone else."

[Wired*Nun]

Rubbing his ear, Arrotel smiles.

"Of course not. It's easy to get distracted sometimes, but I'm glad you're always here to bring me back if I get lost in life."

Arrotel is reasonably quick learner, but he has little patience for his own fallacies.

"Where I come from, all it takes is effort, not so much time. All this sitting and preparing!"

Josh replies, "Patience is the essence of good sorcery, I was repeatedly told. The better you prepare, the better you will execute. While there is a, a place for improvisation, those who rely on it eventually fail...or so I have been repeatedly warned." He smiles sheepishly. "I must confess I haven't been strongly tested in that regard..."

The lessons continue, and the days run into weeks of study, camraderie, and pleasure. Local girls of stature high and lowly flirt their availability to the Lord's new companion, should he desire their company. One in particular catches Arrotel's eye, an otherwise plainly pretty brunette with an infectious laugh and perfect skin, called Chamille. Daughter of a prosperous cheesemaker, she oohs and ahhs over Telloth when they visit the shop from time to time to pick up Jorden's finest cheddars or tilsits.

[Wired*Nun]

Raevyn frowns a little, staying by the sand. "What is it that's troubling you so much, Bleys?" She looks back at the sculpture. "But if you'd rather be alone, my question can wait for now, or I can even ask someone else."

"Just...family problems, in a way I cannot ignore nor compartmentalise. I find myself torn between two right things, being forced into wrong actions, and I cannot for the life of me find the solution. And, having kept my own counsel for so long, I find none to render me theirs in time of need. At least, none that is of any help, or is appropriate to consult...of which, with respects, sweet child, you are the latter...meaning, of course, that I will not burden you further. Just hope for an old dodger that he will sometime regain the certainty of righteousness that always bouyed him before."

"So," abruptly changing demeanors to reflect bright interest, "what brings you out to this place of contemplation? Can I assist your cause?"

[LynMars]

"Well, I do hope you find some solution to your dilemmas, Uncle. I also hope I don't compound them further. I came out here to ask about Elress, how her healing is coming along, and if...it'd be all right to maybe see her. There's...something I feel I need to discuss with her." Rae doesn't look at him, studying her clasped hands instead, a small part of her noting she needs to trim them soon as she waits for some response, and hoping Bleys' famous mercurial streak is a bit more suppressed than usual.

[Icebird]

"Everyone fails eventually, planning or no. Those who try and stick with a plan make failures worse, while improvisation can always make the best of a bad situation. It's like running and walking; you run too much, and you're always tired, but if you walk all the time, you'll sometimes be late."

"Ok, stupid analogy. But you get my point."

Arrotel smiles at everyone, but quietly ignores most of them. He spends a good bit of time walking with Chamille, or sometimes sitting on the beach. She's someone pleasant to be around and talk with, but nothing more. He doesn't speak of his heritage, saying only that he's an beginning sorcerer whom Josh has agreed to mentor.

[Wired*Nun]

"Well, I do hope you find some solution to your dilemmas, Uncle. I also hope I don't compound them further. I came out here to ask about Elress, how her healing is coming along, and if...it'd be all right to maybe see her. There's...something I feel I need to discuss with her." Rae doesn't look at him, studying her clasped hands instead, a small part of her noting she needs to trim them soon as she waits for some response, and hoping Bleys' famous mercurial streak is a bit more suppressed than usual.

Bleys shrugs. "She's...she's what she is, always a handful. Physically, she's coming along. Something has got her locked away in her residence in Rebma, though. I haven't heard from her in some time, but that's not unusual. I keep tabs, and as far as I know she's moping or something. I wouldn't worry too much. She goes through these cycles of depression and mania. If I wasn't so certain of the strength of the Blood of Amber, I'd think she was bipolar." He smiles a strained smile. "But that can't be, can it? We're the perfect center of the universe here, free from all the ills common to man..." He shakes his head, as if to throw off the mood.

"You can visit Rebma any time, as a member of the family. They will not interfere with you, as long as you don't violate any laws...or anyone's daughter!" he says with a spark of his usual humor. "Or, alternately, you could take the form of a Rebman and pass more or less unseen...I don't know how familiar you are with Rebman dress or custom. Or, I could contact her for you and send you through by Trump...all depends on the approach you want to make." He looks at her expectantly.

[Wired*Nun]

Arrotel and Josh finish up their training, both of them getting anxious to get back to the action after their interlude.

After a good night's sleep and breakfast, Josh looks across the crockery and says to Arrotel, "I'll call Raevyn, see what's happening, though only a few hours will have passed, if that."

Raevyn receives a Trump call from Josh.

[LynMars]

Raevyn nods. "Trump warning may be better than just dropping in on her, thanks. I've visited Rebma a couple times with Father and Llewella before, so I'm familiar enough with it...Excuse me, Uncle."

She turns slightly to the side to take the call.

"Yes, Josh? I was just talking to Bleys, about to go see Elress. How're you and Arrotel doing?"

[Wired*Nun]

Raevyn nods. "Trump warning may be better than just dropping in on her, thanks. I've visited Rebma a couple times with Father and Llewella before, so I'm familiar enough with it...Excuse me, Uncle."

She turns slightly to the side to take the call.

"Yes, Josh? I was just talking to Bleys, about to go see Elress. How're you and Arrotel doing?"

"All done here...Arrotel has the basics down, and I'm getting -- we're getting," with a glance at Arrotel, "anxious to get on with things. Can we come through?"

[LynMars]

Raevyn thinks a moment, nods. "Sure, I'll bring you here." She extends her hand to pull them through, if they're ready to return to Amber.

She then glances sideways at Bleys and smiles apologetically. "Sorry for the interuption. I'll get down to Rebma on my own in a little bit, thank you. Where can I find her residence down there? Or should I ask them once I get there?"

[Icebird]

Arrotel nods to Bleys.

"Always a pleasure. Excuse me for a moment."

He gets a far away look in his eyes, calling Telloth.

"I'm in Amber right now, if you'd like to come through. I don't think Josh changed the time, and I'd hate to see you next as a..." He says something in raptor, roughly translatable as "molting-with-age flightless old dove."

[Wired*Nun]

Raevyn thinks a moment, nods. "Sure, I'll bring you here." She extends her hand to pull them through, if they're ready to return to Amber.

She then glances sideways at Bleys and smiles apologetically. "Sorry for the interuption. I'll get down to Rebma on my own in a little bit, thank you. Where can I find her residence down there? Or should I ask them once I get there?"

"If you are determined to go openly, find the Pink Coral - it's a taverne - , and from there, go uphill one block, look for the Street of Dreams, go uphill again, it's the second dwelling on the right."

At the arrival of Josh and Arrotel, Bleys leans back and adopts a more rakish pose - perhaps appropriate for dealing with the men of the family. "Welcome, nephews. I am glad to see you all running in packs, the world has grown strange and dangerous of late. Joshu...a...you don't have any problems waiting for you in Rebma, do you?" At the strange pronunciation of his name, Josh's eyes narrow and he looks sharply at Bleys, his hand twitching for a moment, as if wanting a bladelet in it...

The moment passes, if it ever was, as Telloth arrives on a rainbow. Bleys' gaze shifts deliberately to the bird, smiling a genuinely admiring smile. "You know, that's one of the few things I rather like about your uncle Julian...his taste in birds...and that's quite the bird, if I may understate my case. And speaking of cases, I think I have a case of wine that needs inspecting." Bleys stands, leaning forward to kiss Raevyn's knuckles, shaking hands deliberately with each of the men, stroking Telloth's feathered knee briefly. He sketches a salute and bow, then vanishes in a swirl of fog.

That wasn't an ordinary Trump departure...showing off as usual...

[Icebird]

Arrotel smles as Bleys leaves.

"I've always loved theatrical exits. What news of Elress?" He turns to Josh. "Trouble in Remba? Anything we should know before we go? I'd love nothing better than to take us straight there, when we are ready to leave."

[LynMars]

"You seem to have speeded time quite a bit; I haven't even seen her yet. I was speaking to Bleys, finding out where she is and in what state before barging in on her. Going to need to handle her carefully--after all, I did almost kill her, she may not be too eager to help."

Rae watches warily when Arrotel asks Josh about Bleys' comment about Rebma; she knows how secretive and private he is, and being asked about something he may not be willing to discuss may put him in a bad mood.

[Wired*Nun]

"Oh, no," says Josh absently to Arrotel, his gaze elsewhere. "I have no trouble in Rebma, save a certain disinclination to hang around with my cousin Martin...not like we're enemies or anything, but we're just very...different." He shruggs. "As for Elress..I dont much like her either, but her greatest failing is that she's always been someone else's tool. She rebels against those who want to help her, and runs to those who use her...except for Agraynel, I haven't seen an Amberite touched with so much of stu...ummm, bad judgment." He shruggs again. "Whatever. I feel for her, but she seems to deserve whatever she gets. If she runs true to form, she'll just spit in our faces, but I guess we should try."

I'd love nothing better than to take us straight there, when we are ready to leave

"Ummm...if you mean what I think you mean...and you want to test out your new skills...well...how about you go on ahead and Trump us?" Josh is clearly unwilling to trust their transport to Arrotel just yet.

[Icebird]

Shrug. "Your buisness, as long as it doesn't get us into trouble with you." Arrotel grins at Josh's hesitancy to let him transport them. "Sure. Probably a better idea anyways, come to think of it."

[LynMars]

'I can never tell how he's going to react. Sometimes things will make him angry, though he tries to hide it, sometimes, he blows it off...'

"Well, shall we then? I think the sooner the better. If Elress can or will tell us anything, then we can get on with looking into what happened to my brother." She looks at Josh. "Do we want to Trump--I think you have one of her, right?--Or do we want to ride to Rebma rather than drop in on her? I'd kind of prefer the latter, I think."

[Icebird]

"No good to rush things, especially when I've never done this specific spell before. If it goes well, I should be standing just outside Remba. Telloth, perhaps you'd better stay here, above the water. Unless you want to try your hand at being a fish, of course."

After a few moments of concentration, Arrotel casts a spell.

[Wired*Nun]

Arrotel finds himself flying through the air, landing with a spash in the ocean. Coming up for air, he sees the rocks that mark Faella-Bionin about fifty feet away. Swimming and walking out of the water, he is glad that it is sunny and not too cold, as he strips off his wet outer garments.

[Wired*Nun]

Arrotel disappears with a flash and a pop, and Josh shakes his head. "Bleedover...he mutters. "I've never taught anyone sorcery before...I don't think I'm much of a teacher. But I didn't want to discourage him...even though I have a Trump of a secluded spot in Rebma, and one of the beach at the mouth of the Oisen below Garnath, which is not too far off."

[Icebird]

That could have gone worse. No paint in waiting to dry off, if we're just going to get back in.

Arrotel walks a few paces, making sure that a swimmer has forgotten his towel on the sands nearby. If it fails to appear, he breaths a sigh of relief and pulls out his trump of Raevyn.

Assuming contact is made (and he doesn't find a towel)... "I missed by a little bit and hit the ocean, but it's all good. Come through?" He offers his hand.

[LynMars]

"Well, I'd imagine it's like many things, you have to practice to get better at it. Arrotel will likely improve, too; you at least got him started on the right track, yes? So, shall we use one of your Trumps, then? If you want to keep your secluded spot to yourself, though, that's all right; I'd understand."

Raevyn clasps her hands behind her back, looking up at him expectantly.

[Wired*Nun]

Josh answers, "Raevyn, thanks for all your discretions...but I trust you. If I really didn't want you to know about something, I wouldn't even refer to it...and feel free to ask me...whatever, just because I haven't told you something doesn't mean I won't...it's just a reflex sometimes, y'know?"

Arrotel feels the resistance familiar to Amber proximity, and finds no towel. That and the familiar stack of rocks confirm his location.

Raevyn receives the Trump call from Arrotel.

[LynMars]

Raevyn blushes a little. "Thank you, Josh. I'll try to keep that in mind." She blinks, feeling the familiar Trump sensation. "Looks like Arrotel didn't blow himself up anyway; see, not so bad a teacher!" She jokes, as she opens her mind for a response.

"Arrotel, how'd it go? Where are you now?"

[Wired*Nun]

Assuming contact is made (and he doesn't find a towel)... "I missed by a little bit and hit the ocean, but it's all good. Come through?" He offers his hand.

:?

[LynMars]

Raevyn nods and glances back at Josh, reaching to take his hand so they can both go through to where their cousin is now, by that familiar stack of rocks. She eyes Arrotel. "Missed, huh?" She smiles. "Shall we then?" Unless anything else comes up, she heads for the stair that should be by the rocks to descend into Rebma.

[Wired*Nun]

Descending into the water marked by the rocks, the three feel warm water envelop them - no, not precisely warm, but not cold either. Overcoming the natural feeling of drowning is a matter of moments, and soon they are descending the wide stair.

Some time later, the torches which announce the city come into view, and shortly after that, Rebman constabulary. Being known, at least by face, they go unchallenged, nods and salutes from the guards being their main acknowledgement. Arrotel does notice one fellow entering a low shell-shaped structure, perhaps a guardhouse, when they are sighted and identified. Wouldn't be surprised if our arrival is being announced ahead even now...

[LynMars]

Raevyn enjoys the feeling of the water surrounding her, lifting her hair to float around her head. She pauses by the guards at the city entrance and politely asks for directions to the Pink Coral tavern Bleys mentioned. If given, she thanks the man and looks at the other two. "Shall we continue on with our errand?"

[Wired*Nun]

Presuming Arrotel's agreement, they proceed onward down the winding paths to the city floor, then upward to the Pink Coral as directed. The tavern looks ordinary, in a Rebman sense - seemingly built of pink coral, as the name would suggest.

"Sahll we go inside for some liquid courage, or confront the dragon forthwith?" Joshua says with false heartiness. He seems to be covering up some nervousness, though it doesn't seem to involve the environment around them.

[LynMars]

"I'd rather go on, if you don't mind. See Elress, hear what she has to say, and hope it's useful." She looks to Arrotel for any agreement or disagreement.

'I wonder if Josh is worried about Elress' reaction to us, or something else?'

[Icebird]

"Let's go ahead now, and hope the dragon's breath doesn't work underwater."

Arrotel is only too happy to see that Josh is nervous, that he is not alone.

Must be the whole breathing-water thing. No real reason to be anxous... That's it. I'm just not used to the water.

[Wired*Nun]

Josh shrugs, with a weak grin. He gestures up the street and to the right, where the Street of Dreams awaits them. Walking up the hill and to the right, they stop in front of a townhouse, covered in some form of kelp growing like ivy on its facade, waving gently in the sea breeze. Its tiles are a blood crimson, with trim of mother-of-pearl. There is a wrought-bronze gate and a short, steep walk to the door.

"Well, umm, want me to go first and knock, or...?" He looks reluctant, but gamely willing.

[LynMars]

"Well, she does know you a bit better than us. It may be better if I hang back a little, at least at first. Let's not dally out in front too long like a bunch of stalkers, though. Go on, try it."

'I wonder if she'd even accept an apology...It's really not like I was trying to kill her...We'll see, i suppose. I just hope this isn't all for nothing, and she's willing and able to tell us something about Joss' death.'

[Wired*Nun]

"All right." Josh trudges up the stairs like a man condemned, to raise the anemone - shaped knocker on the door. Letting it fall, he waits a moment, then tries again, thrice.

Just when he looks like he will turn away in defeat, comes a scratching at the peephole. One eye later, the door opens a crack. Josh dips his head and murmurs something quietly to the darkness, then something else. Eventually, the portal widens, and he waves the other two forward.

Inside, the parlor is dimly lit, dressed out in what must be shades of crimson, looking black in the faint sealight coming through the curtained windows. A woman sits in a chair, wrapped in a quilt, wearing a turban-like headcloth which covers one eye. A falcon sits on the chair-back above her, and rustles its wings in slow motion, the abnormal atmosphere reducing the motions of its pinions in dreamlike quality. It gazes at the visitors with one eye cocked.

Chin on chest, petulant or weary, the figure before them does not offer them seats. Instead, the voice is bitter.

"What the hell do you people want?"

[LynMars]

Raevyn manages not to fidget in her discomfort. "Elress? I...I just wanted to start off by apologizing. I didn't mean to cause such harm to you; I wasn't careful enough. I hope your recovery has been going well."

She pauses, trying to determine the best method of continuing--and to give the other woman time to respond, if she chooses. 'It may not be pleasant if she does decide to reply, but that's all right...'

[Wired*Nun]

She lifts one hand to her head, then lets it fall. "Hard to be careful when you're being kidnapped, eh? Or trying to...so I got what I deserved. I always get what I deserve, and more, just like my parents tell me whever they get the chance...I always make the stupid decision, always the sucker, and I always get my teeth kicked in for it. Whatever. Thanks anyway, but I don't really want your sympathy, or any of the rest of it. I just want to be left alone." But then why did you let us in...

[Icebird]

"We all have our portion of cosmic misfortune to bear. Perhaps you're just getting it out of the way quickly, all at once. Due for a bit of good luck soon, eh?"

Arrotel puts on a small smile, then gives up trying to cheer up the mood...

Couldn't keep my mouth shut, could I?

...and does a good impression of wanting to melt into the wall.

[Wired*Nun]

Leaping to her feet, Elress grabs Arrotel by the tunic and propels him in the direction of the door. "Get out! Get out, get out, get out! All of you shits, just leave me the fuck alone!" Releasing him as soon as he is pushed in the direction, she begins striking out at the others with her fists, forcing them to defend themselves or be bruised. The bird leaps off its perch and flies into the air, beating her wings against the visitors' heads as if to help her mistress drive them away. "I don't want you here! I don't need you here! I don't need anyone! GET! OUT!"

If the three don't force the issue, she will push them out the door, slam and lock it.

[LynMars]

"Elress, wait, I wanted to ask you--" Rae covers her face and backs off as Elress flies at them, the bird beating around her head, oddly agile in the water. She is forced back and away, out the door that she allows, at least to slam in her face.

"Well, not the most hospitable, is she? Not your fault, Arrotel. She's...Not well, I think. Just means we have to find another avenue of investigation--or wait until later and try her again, when she's calmer."

[Wired*Nun]

"Umm, yeah," says Josh. "I was afraid of this, but...well..." He looks down at his feet, then up at Arrotel. "I don't your joking helped, even if you meant well. Maybe we should let Raevyn try later, alone. Woman to woman, you know?" He looks sideways at Raevyn.

[LynMars]

"That may be better; was my original intent, but you boys wrapped up your training quicker than I expected. in the meantime, we probably ought to find a place to stay while we're here. They've probably been informed of our arrival at the palace, we should probably at least do the polite thing and say hello, shouldn't we?"

[Wired*Nun]

"I suppose," says Josh doubtfully. "Or maybe we should just Trump on out of here and come back later...I mean, you come back later. Or something, I don't know. I guess we...someone has to talk with her. I'll wait for you, Raevyn, or do whatever you think best." He seems out of his depth all of a sudden, no pun intended. Maybe it's the whole women thing...he seems to be uncomfortable around women, especially strong ones.

[Icebird]

"Of course it didn't help. It never does. You might think I'd learn to keep my mouth shut, but I never do." Arrotel stares at the ground, kicking lightly at the coblestone street.

"I'm in favor of leaving now, before anything else shitty happens."

[LynMars]

"Sure. Let's go on then, and I can come back later, I suppose." Rae sees she's been outvoted, and rolls with it. She takes out a Trump of Amber. "May as well go back to the palace, have dinner, see if there's anything interesting going on there." If no one objects, she'll start using the card to take them to Amber.

[Wired*Nun]

Josh does not object. In fact, he seems positively happy about the idea of getting out of there. Once there, he says, "One of us can draw a Trump back to the front of her house, if need be. It will save us some bother..."

[LynMars]

"Sure, not too much of a problem," Rae replies, maybe a bit distracted. She shivers a little as she drips. "For now, let's all get chaged out of these wet clothes, and meet up again for dinner, all right? I'll see you guys later." She quickly turns away and starts heading for her room, if neither tries to stop her for any reason.

'This is not a promising start to this. Can I even manage this at all? I don't want to let Dad down, but I don't know that I can do this.'

[Wired*Nun]

Josh is left a bit puzzled, glancing at Arrotel, reaching for the towels that servants rush to bring. Another servant throws more towels on the floor, stacked nearby apparently for just such an instance. "Well...whataya wanta do?" Josh asks uncertainly.

[Icebird]

"Learn about The Changed. I get easily distracted, but it is still my ultimate intention to go there," Arrotel says drying off. "The library seems like a good place to cozy up for a while, if you'd like to join me. No one to offend their, either." He takes a tentative step in the correct direction. "If you've nothing else you want to do...?"

[LynMars]

Raevyn heads up to her room and changes into warm, dry clothes. She ponders how to get through to Elress as she brushes out her hair, leaving it loose to air dry. She sets up her materials to start sketching the outside of Elress' home to return later, but sits staring at the pasteboard instead, thinking.

'What if I'm going about this the wrong way? There's something I should be doing, something that will resolve this, but I don't know...I should get together a full Family Deck. I need to do a proper spread, sit back and think about this. I feel like I'm treading water with no land in sight as it's going now.'

[Wired*Nun]

Josh replies to Arrotel, "I don't...think you'll find much about Doracus up there, but you're welcome to try. Once you're done up there, look me up...I might be able to dig something up from my own sources. You got my Trump, right?" Drying off, he moves off into the bowels of Castle Amber, leaving Arrotel to head up to the Library on his own.

At the Librarian's desk, the man there purses his lips, looking sceptical. "Changed... Doracus... let me see..." Opening up a cabinet behind him, Arrotel is surpised to see what appears to be a computer of some sort revealed. The librarian puts in keywords and runs a search, coming up with exactly one entry.

"Encyclopaedia Chaotica, volume 32. Let's go find it, shall we?" Leading Arrotel to an enormous double shelving, he pulls out volume 32, and hands the massive leatherbound tome to the young Lord. "Page 764, I believe."

Placing the book on a nearby table, Arrotel turns to the indicated page. The slim entry reads:

DORACUS: Secondary Aval Plane. Fief-holding of Grand Duchy of Hendrake. Natives human norm. One unique factor: alleged introduction of demonic power type II (modified) resulting in subclass of Vampire-like beings termed variously "changed," "embraced," "taken," or some variation therto. Powers include ability to mask from detection, life drain, induction of paralysis, mental control, limited shapechanging. Anti-Hendrake insurgency began simultaneous with appearance of Changed, ongoing.

Hmm, obviously a bit out of date, but only a bit.

[Wired*Nun]

Taking up her Tarot and full Trump deck, Raevyn contemplates who to put in to the mix. The more I put in, the more possibilities it encomapsses, but the more complex the spread, the more difficult it is to interpret and avoid being misled.

[Icebird]

Useless, as well as out of date.

Taking the book over to a well padded chair and sitting down, Arrotel flips through a few pages, seeing if anything catches his notice, while surreptitiously looking around for any other relatives currently in the library.

Time to dig up a bit of the family's favorite game. Wish I had a shovel, though.

[Wired*Nun]

None of the Family is in the Library, though Arrotel recognises Lord Rein, royal poet and musician, apparently researching something in a corner, books piled and scattered, jotting notes from time to time.

[LynMars]

Rae does a quick inventory of what she has in her own collection so far as Trumps, including the newer ones of Heldrik and Agraynel. 'I'm going to need at least three others for this, that all play a role...Two I may be able to retrieve from a common deck, though I do prefer my own work. The other I'll have to do myself.'

She starts to work on a Trump of Dunstan. She'd like to start on Elress and Luke as well, but those may have to come from other sources if she doesn't have the time. All three play a role, however, along with her other cousins, her father, and Jasra.

[Trump list finally updated too.]

[Wired*Nun]

Several hours later, Raevyn has her Trumps done, and drying. If she's careful, she could probably cast a decent spread before she goes to bed.

[LynMars]

I am still likely missing some key player, but that's always going to be the case, and can never be helped. She thinks to herself, picking up her cards and settling on the floor crosslegged.

She removes Caine, Jorden, and Neptune House, then shuffles the rest and begins flipping them out onto the rug in front of her. If the reading's too muddled, she'll remove a few that appear peripheral or that seem to throw things too far off or cause too much chaos in the reading, re-adding when needed. She's very cautious of the work put into the newer Trumps created earlier, handling them all delicately.

Depending on how much fiddling she does with the reading, she may go to bed a lot later than she originally meant.

[Icebird]

Well, dinner is prabably a better place for it anyways.

Arrotel sets the book gently on the chair, and exits the library quietly. Finding a small and unnoccupied sitting room off the hallway, he pulls out Jush's trump and concentrates. If he gets through...

"You were right, nothing interesting in the library."

[Wired*Nun]

Arrotel sees Josh sitting in a room furnished in immaculate farmstyle, with painted cows and chickens and other pastoral scenes scattered about the background. "Well, no surprise there. I find that Amber's library is woefully inadequate compared with...some others I know of. But I've come up with a few things anyway, want to come through and talk about it? The timeflow is better here anyway."

In the middle of the call, Arrotel gets the sensation he is being Trumped in turn by someone else. Josh seems to sense it as well, cocking his head. "Expecting someone? Or maybe it's someone eavesdropping." Josh's right hand moves to his belt while his left describes a short sigil in the air, leaving a glowing aftertrail.