Post-Patternwalk Patter

The room is quiet now. Jerod gone after Vere.

Merlin has had a ghostly chat with thin air.

Celina stands with Corwin.

Corwin's attention was on Jerod until the very end of his walk, when he vanished in a flare of silver light and power from the center of the Pattern. As Celina approaches, he turns politely towards her.

"Nothing wrong. I was satisfying my third eye." On impulse, she reaches out to touch his hand, adding the tactile sensation of Corwin's llaya to her memory before she closes everything back down.

It is soft like the rose petal and prickles like the thorn. Cold like steel, and hot like the sparking fire of the Power across the room. It is no wonder that Moire wished to bear a child to this man.

"You..." She never finishes.

"We will talk on the walk back upstairs?" Celina asks her father.

Corwin nods agreeably.

She considers how many ways she does and does not like where she is now. She offers, "I'd be pleased to have a conversation about what my responsibilities are to you and Paris, your majesty. And perhaps just what sort of.... guest I'm going to become here. Jerod said you were within your rights to protect me from myself as well as other hidden dangers."

"I think that will depend on what you want. If you've walked the Pattern, even if you are new in its skills, you have a great deal of freedom and power. There are ways to imprison a Pattern initiate, but none I'd care to try on my own child. So I return your question: what are your intentions?"

Merlin has gone very still.

Laughter is her first response.

Corwin waits this out.

Then his expression seems to prompt a bigger gust of hilarity. This is cut short when she gets dizzy from the strength of it. The air is still wrong. She steadies herself with a hand on her father. "Oh... the thing... you all..." she stops and takes a deeper breath.

"Wicked. You all do it. Answering questions with another question. Jerod. Yourself. Even Merlin." She glances over her shoulder at her brother. "I am not laughing for any spite. It just struck me that you are all related. It's charming in a..." silly mannish way. "...way I hope will become familiar to me."

Merlin relaxes a little at this response.

A glance at the Pattern sobers her a bit more. "There are mysteries to be solved. I'm... not happy about the Tritons both protecting me and yet wanting to hurt me, too. I want to understand their slavery, if that's what it is. Or their deep honor to Moire, it that's what it is. I also want to know my..." Words fail her again. She turns a bit more looking at Merlin. "Brother."

Merlin is still looking at both of them. He starts to reach out to Celina, but hesitates.

A spark seems to run up her spine. She shivers.

Celina swings back to Corwin. "You don't know me or need me, your majesty. I can only complicate your new kingdom and never fit here. The waters of your city do not run deep enough, I fear. Yet my brother has deep waters. He knows of arcane arts I've never seen. He could ward me and watch for you and your pledge to Moire to protect me would be satisfied with honor." She rushes on. "It isn't that I don't want to stay here. I will if that's what you want. It's just that everything seems so twisted right now. I feel I should honor you, but I don't know the way of it."

Looking at him, she takes the hand she touched earlier and lifts it in her own. She kisses the back of it as a gesture of fealty.

Corwin turns his hand beneath Celina's and brings his other hand to cover hers, so that her small hand is in both his larger ones. "It's a little early for you to make any decisions for the long term. But Paris will become what we make of it, and that can be your home if you wish. It's common for scions of the blood to wander for some time. If you and Merlin want to travel in Shadow, you should. Or would you rather go first to Amber?"

Celina leaves her hand, and her promise in Corwin's hold. She looks to Merlin without changing her stance. Her words are for both of them now. "Amber? What is that to me?" She meets Merlin's gaze to see if he can give her a hint about his feelings for Amber.

Merlin is staying carefully neutral in his expression.

[Celina]
"Paris may have more meaning--even as a blank sort of confusion--for at least those who have made offer of my care are here. Things call to me here and ask to be tasted. What promise in Amber? More names and faces I don't know? More intentions to cross with Moire's plan for me? More power working subtle destiny that began centuries ago? I think to be underfoot no matter where I go--except back to Rebma--where no one thinks I should be."

She nods to Merlin. "I'd as soon follow on my brother's destiny and learn a thing or two about what chills his currents--and offer him to learn mine."

Corwin says to Merlin, "Then I would say much depends on your choices, son."

Merlin gets very big-eyed in response to his father's words. "I have not yet made any decisions about what I should do. I am obliged to remain here until Jerod and Vere leave, at least, but after that ... I do not know. I had no immediate plans to leave, but perhaps I should if it is safer."

To Celina he adds, "I had planned to spend some time here and some in Amber, where I have friends, but how much and when I should travel were not my immediate concerns. If we are to travel together, I will want your help in making those decisions. And there are--dangers--to traveling with me, just as there are dangers to you in Rebma. You may want to reconsider your decision when you understand the risks."

With a slow sort of surprise, Celina looks to Corwin and gives him an arch look tinged with humor. "Merlin is not safe. I'm not safe. And you are going to give us our own lead in where we next lay our heads. Somehow this is very different than Jerod led me to believe--and I like it. Are things usually this dull around you, Father?"

Corwin nods, looking oddly pleased at the thought. "I had guessed they would settle a little after--everything--but I can see I was wrong in that."

She looks back at Merlin and grins. "Brother, we are a matched set. Both gifted with overmuch hostile concerns by all lights. I am very willing to aid Jerod and Vere if that is what you infer. They plan to go to Rebma--I can at least tell them what trivia I know. It may help.

"Then I can help you and certainly you me. As I said last night, we can certainly accomplish some things together that neither will know apart. More, it seems you know more about things already in motion. If Amber is on your list of places to be, then so will I go. If you need time in Paris beyond Vere and Jerod's departure, why that will give me time to wring true confessions from our dear father regarding the wiles of Amber men."

She glances with good humor at Corwin. "I wouldn't think you'd let me go off without such wise counsel?"

"I would think your tutors in Rebma had taught you all you needed to deal with Amber men," Corwin says, only half in jest.

Celina flushes.

Corwin winces slightly at her blush. Merlin just looks a little confused, then disgruntled.

"Finally," Celina lets go Corwin's hand and crosses to Merlin, "I feel it will make a difference if there is at least one person with you that can wrestle off female dangers without scuffing her honor." She pauses long and wipes the smile off her face. Merlin needs to know she isn't teasing. "I love learning new things. Perhaps those dangers you hint will be things better quelled by two. I promise to be a good student."

"In most things, I am still the student," Merlin replies seriously, "Trump and Pattern, and even in sorcery, I am still the rankest amateur. Even compared to other youngsters like my cousins, I have much to learn. But if you wish to travel with me, Celina, you are more than welcome."

"How can he," she nods over her shoulder back to Corwin, "let us go off anywhere together? We both claim to be students with much to learn." Then she smiles. "On the other hand, how can he not? Amateur or no, we are actually two sides of tomorrow. Yes, I wish to travel with you. Even more, I'd love to have you travel with me. Both things imply a freedom I didn't think I'd have.

"Last night, I thought I was the only one who didn't know my enemies; who didn't have a clear idea of how to take care of them. I felt tangled in ethereal chains. Today, I'm wiser by a fin's width. And still tangled."

Merlin nods. "I think all of us are tangled just now. It shall be our study to untangle ourselves."

"Well said. A good beginning." Celina responds gently.

She half turns, looking at the dark stairway back up. Then Celina glances at the Pattern. "I'm not walking that thing. I have nothing to prove... today."

The Seaward lass nods at Merlin then at the stairway. "Shall we? Are you hungry? I am." She looks at Corwin. "Father?"

"Yes, let's go back up. I think there has been enough proving on the Pattern for one day," Corwin agrees.

Celina smiles and makes so bold as to slide an arm through Corwin's left and then invite same to Merlin's right.

Thus entangled, they depart the sparking chamber. I can do this. No stopping. Keep going forward.

After several hours of deep sleep, Vere finally awakens to find himself ravenous. He rises and dresses, pausing to regard himself in the mirror in his room. He strokes his right temple with a bemused smile, murmurs, "My lady," and leaves his chambers.

He makes his way back to the dining room, and asks a servant if it would be possible to have food served. Bread, fruit, meat, and lots and lots of water.

Then he settles down for a large meal, and waits to see if anyone interesting chances to pass by.

As Vere is completing the first course of his repast, Alice Roth joins him. "How are you, Lord Vere? Bill said you were going to do something very difficult this morning. Apparently you worked up quite an appetite."

Vere stands and bows slightly as she enters the room. "I am quite well, Lady Roth," he answers. He waits until she sits before he resumes his seat, then continues. "Very well, indeed. There was a..." he pauses, tilting his head slightly, consideringly. "....a family ritual," he finally finishes. "Difficult to describe, but quite important. It is quite pleasant to have it behind me, rather than before me." He gestures inquiringly at the food in front of him. "Would you care for anything?"

Alice, if she's the perceptive sort, will probably notice the two locks of colored hair over Vere's right ear, which were not there when she last saw him. One auburn and one grey, they stand out distinctly against Vere's black hair.

"Oh, no, thank you," Alice says to the offer of food. "I had lunch an hour ago." If she notices the streaks of color in Vere's hair, she's too polite to say anything. "Carl said it had been a very busy morning for you all, and that the kitchens should be ready to feed an army on short notice. I think he's with the Rebman delegation right now."

"Ah," says Vere. "Yes, I imagine there is much to be discussed there." He waves the matter aside with a gesture of his hand. "If I may, Lady Roth, I should like to ask you of Paris. I have not yet seen much of it, and I fear that certain family duties are going to force me to leave shortly, so I shall not have leisure to explore this intriguing city. Could you tell me of it?"

"I haven't explored this city much yet. Bill took me to the other Paris, the one where we came from-- the one in our "shadow"--when we got married. It's a lot like this, although Bill says that Carl remembers it best from our grandparents' time. They've cleared out the warrens in front of Notre Dame in our Paris, for instance. Except," Alice says with a rueful smile, "I suppose this is 'our' Paris now."

She briefly describes the physical layout of Paris, centered on the Louvre and Notre Dame,with some emphasis on the Left Bank, which is apparently where Alice and Bill spent quite a bit of time during their honeymoon.

Vere listens with intense interest, clearly enjoying her company and her description of the shadow city. He asks several questions, satisfying himself that the city she is describing seems to be the same one described in many of the books of the library of Amber - primarily books that Nestor had told him Princess Florimel had contributed.

It will be during this that Jerod arrives, having rested after his walk and looking for a meal. He spies the pair at their sitting and heads over, waiting for Alice to finish her talk. Vere and Alice will note that he is armed, but Vere will notice that it is a blade he has never seen before. Similar to normal blades that Jerod carries but with a ruby set into the handle near the guard.

Vere rises and inclines his head as Jerod approaches. "Your Highness," he says with a welcoming smile.

"Room for a third?" Jerod asks, looking at one of the chairs.

Alice, who rose when Vere did, gestures to Jerod to take it. "Please join us," she says. "I'll send for something else from the kitchen. Carl said you'd want something when you came down, too." She moves off towards the door.

Vere bows slightly as she leaves.

Assuming that there is no objection, Jerod settles himself in. "Congratulations on the walk." he says to Vere. "I'd say welcome to the family but that can sometimes be construed as a challenge." and he smiles.

Vere laughs lightly as he sits back down. "I take your meaning and thank you for it," he answers. His eyes linger on the sword for a moment, and a frown briefly chases the smile away from his face. After a second he smoothes the frown away, and deliberately resumes a calm expression.

Jerod growls a little, good heartedly, at Vere's comment. "Call me your highness again and I'll smack you one." he says, making a courteous bow to Alice before taking his seat. "I trust I'm not interrupting anything?"

Jerod has noticed Vere's expression but does not seem concerned by it. If anything he seems quite pleased about something.

"Lady Roth was telling me of another city of Paris, where she and her husband travelled some years ago," Vere says. "King Corwin would appear to have been fond of it."

"It's where Corwin was for some time when he had lost his memory, after he and my father had their...falling out." Jerod says. "That particular shadow was his home for a couple of centuries I gather. Flora kept an eye on him during that time, until he got sucked back into the old family games. I visited it myself in more modern times. I could see part of the reason why he might have chosen it as a model for this place."

"So how are you doing? Did the urge to disappear on your own strike you after you finished your walk?"

Vere nods. "It did, indeed. I contemplated going directly to the Isle where I have heard my mother now marshals her forces, to see firsthand and immediately what the situation truly is. I considered returning directly to Amber, thinking there might not be time to attempt to recruit in Rebma." He chuckles. "And I confess, I briefly even entertained the idea of returning directly to my mother's throne room, to see the expression on the usurper's face when I appeared there, bypassing whatever wards her sorceresses and Witch-Queen allies have put in place. Wisdom prevailed. Other than that, the walk was most ... interesting. And enlightening." He idly strokes the two streaks of color in his hair. "Do you happen to know whether His Majesty has spoken with anyone in Amber since this morning?"

"I wouldn't be able to say. I've not spoken with Corwin since you finished your walk." Jerod says. "Is there some concern?"

"No concern," Vere clarifies. "I was merely wondering if news that I had successfully completed the walk had yet been delivered. I do not anticipate that there is any concern as such over whether I would survive, but still it seems that it is my duty to see that the information arrives as quickly as possible."

"I'm sure Corwin would have notified your father of your successful completion." Jerod says, collecting a peach while waiting for the arrival of more food. "Corwin gets along fairly well with Gerard. And it gives Corwin an opportunity to advise others that his Pattern is ready to receive initiates. I'd almost recommend he charge entry fees."

Vere smiles in quiet appreciation of the jest.

[Vere] tilts his head to one side, considering Jerod's words. "It strikes one as unusual that you would not speak to the king at all on the way back," he observes. "Might one assume this indicates that something occurred to prevent such speech?"

"You mean like me hopping onto the Pattern after you disappeared." Jerod says, taking a bite of the peach.

"Ah," says Vere. "Yes, something like that." He regards Jerod silently for a moment before continuing, "You have walked both. Did you perceive a difference?"

"Except for the four Veils, no." Jerod says. "Nor did I expect anything radical. Anything too distract would have resulted in me becoming a small charcoal briquette.

"I have an experiment to try, in the next day or two, to see if there are any differences. I am curious as to what will happen when I summon the Pattern to mind. I want to see if I can summon each one of the images."

"Interesting," Vere states. "I would be quite interested in the results if you care to share them." He takes a long drink of juice, then moves to a slightly different topic. "The more obvious uses of Pattern are not possible within Paris itself, as I understand it. However, I am interested in beginning to put theory into practice as quickly as possible. Are there any exercises that you would suggest, which are possible while we remain within this very real city?"

"None that I would recommend at the moment." Jerod replies. "I suppose you could try summoning the image of the Pattern but it is very draining. It is also very dangerous. I only do it if I'm in the same condition as I would expect to be in if I were to walk the Pattern. Given Uncle Corwin's endurance, he could probably do it in his sleep." and he stops to think for a minute. "On second thought, he probably does do it in his sleep."

Vere nods, accepting Jerod's superior experience in this matter.

Jerod takes a moment to remember something before proceeding. "Last night, when Celina arrived, you were staring off into space again. Just like when we had our little trip to the house in Amber. What's that all about?"

Vere chuckles again, and it might occur to Jerod that he can't recall ever having heard Vere laugh so often in such a short time. "I clearly remain something of an enigma," he observes. "How delightful." He cuts a piece of ham and eats it thoughtfully before answering.

"A completely different situation," he finally answers. "Last night was merely a combination of wishing to allow the new-found princess a bit of privacy, while running odds in my head as to whether she is truly who Queen Moire said she is. There are so many other possibilities, after all. She could be a daughter of Martin, for instance. Or, begging your pardon, the result of a diplomatic overture between Moire and your father. Numerous other possibilities occurred to me, along with reasons why Moire would hide them and why she would choose to try to use Princess Celina to cement a relationship with Paris." He shrugs slightly. "Upon consideration, I believe the probabilities to fall in favour of her being exactly who we have been told she is. Do you concur?"

"So far." Jerod says. "In regards to Martin being her father, it would have been possible but unlikely. He had been gone from Rebma far too long and had no desire to return - under any circumstances. That he made his way to such a hostile environment as Chaos tells me something of his desire to be separated from family. Celina would had to have been much older to qualify as well. Even the most extreme vagaries of time dialation I've seen would not allow for her to be her current age. There are one or two uncles who might fit the bill as parents but they tend to keep their distance from Rebma. That leaves our aunts Llewella and Deirdre being the top candidates. I would adjust your probabilities not to include my father in calculations where liaisons with Moire are concerned. Despite the rumours of court, he had no interest in the Queen. Even his overtures to her Court after his coronation were limited to finding a good husband for my sister Cambina. He was looking for Martin to fill that role."

"Thank you, this clarifies the situation somewhat." Vere's eyes take on a distant look for a moment, then he shrugs off whatever considerations had momentarily distracted him. "Have you decided upon a date for leaving for Rebma?" he asks. "While I would be interested in a chance to see Paris, and would also appreciate a chance to make brief excursions through shadow to gain some control of my new abilities, I confess that I feel something of a sense of urgency about my mission."

"Three days." Jerod says, looking vaguely predatory as he spots an orange (his favorite). "I have a similar interest in Paris, plus I have a small bit of work to be concluded with Merlin that we had agreed to at the outset of our trip here. Plus I want to see if anything else comes up from the Rebman contigent or Celina about the current situation beneath the waves before I head out."

"Three days," Vere acknowledges. He butters a muffin, and gestures for Jerod to take the orange. "Very good. If, by any chance, you have time during that period, I would be grateful if you would be willing to assist me in bringing my swordplay back to where it should be. I have neglected that skill woefully for the last several years, but, alas, I fear it shall be needed soon."

Jerod smiles, the predatory look not fading. "As a matter of fact, I was going to be looking for a sparring partner for tomorrow. I need to practice for the return to an underwater realm. Venesch and my father helped me develop a method of simulating conditions underwater that will be useful. A little practice to bring me up to speed."

"Indeed?" Vere smiles slightly. "Perhaps if you are fighting as though you were underwater, and I am not, I might even be an amusing opponent. In any case, I shall be grateful."

He pauses for a moment before beginning a new topic. "I was wondering if you thought it might prove useful for me to approach Lady Ravenna on the subject of my mission to Rebma, to seek her wise advice and counsel. I could explain the reasons why I need troops, and my belief that my mother the Queen will be interested in trade relations once her current war is over. While I, as a male son, obviously cannot negotiate, I can promise that The Lady will look favourably upon trade with a realm that has aided us. And, surely, a realm that produced three children of Oberon cannot be of little account?" He searches Jerod's face. "Could such an approach produce a beneficial result?"

"I'd wait." Jerod says. "The Lady Ravenna will have enough on her hands with news of Celina, and unless she sends back word of your case, she will have little impact on what the Queen might have to say concerning your request. I might be paranoid but I'm leery about giving Ravenna any chance to call home. I'd rather come back with as little fanfare as possible. Once I'm back, I'm certain my mother will make sure the fanfare part changes.

"Consider an alternative approach. You've described your mother and your mother's chancellor...sorry, ex-chancellor. Consider how you would have to gain their approval, without relying on your relationship as family. I wouldn't start it with a request for troops either. A desire for good relations is the way to start, a seeking of trade and mutual benefit. That's when you bring up the comment...we just have this one small problem to deal with."

"Once you have developed your argument, add in the following elements if you believe they are valid. You're the son of Prince Gerard and Queen Avis. Use the Queen term even if you don't think it's appropriate. Titles are important in Rebma. Your kingdom's background with female rulers will help a little but don't rely on it. Women may appear to get along better than men but a Queen will still view another Queen as a potential rival, not a compatriot. Just like a King views another King."

"You may use our association as you see fit. It might help but I'd be cautious to garner her mood before using it. Watch her as to how she behaves towards me when we return. That should give you a point from which to proceed. Assuming she grants an audience to hear your case, get to the point quick. Show her the benefits and the costs, especially the benefits. Any good ruler will see the costs immediately and focus on those first. You've got to sell your benefits."

"I see." Vere frowns. "As usual in an emergency, the best way to proceed is the way that takes more time than can be allocated for the task at hand. I lack the time necessary to establish myself in Rebma, and must act precipitously." He idly breaks open a boiled egg, drops some salt onto his plate, and rolls the egg back and forth in it. "Tell me, what are the things Rebma seeks from a trading partner? And what of her nobles and merchant houses? How can I show the Isles to best advantage?"

"The same as Amber." Jerod says. "She is a trading community as well. Manufactured goods, raw materials from the surface. This afternoon I'll write up a listing of items that are commonly traded as well as the more highly prized items. We can go over it in more detail and you can explain what you feel the Isles has to offer."

"Thank you," Vere says. "Yes, that would be excellent."

"You're going to make your impression fairly quickly. If you can impress on Moire that the Isles have the potential to be a good, stable ally with only a moderate amount of aid on her part, then an immediate deal will be unnecessary. Detailed negotiations can take place later. That's what we have the bureaucrats for. Keep that in mind Vere. I know you like the details and you like having things planned out to the smallest detail if you can. But that's not the way rulers work. When you tell Moire what you need, don't just speak from here..." Jerod says, tapping his forehead. "...speak from here as well." and he taps his chest.

"Paint the picture of home so she can see it in her own mind. Let her hear what you feel for your people. Let her feel it for herself. Make her want to be part of it. Then you'll have your chance."

Vere nods, slowly. "I see. You have my gratitude, Jerod, these were just the things I needed to know." His gaze grows distant for a moment, and then he says, "And by speaking of the heart, you remind me of an obligation. May I ask you a very personal question? Do you know whether the relationship between your Rebman sisters and their father was untroubled in the recent past? So often parents and children cannot express their love for one another, and this can lead to misunderstanding and bitterness."

"Why do you ask?" Jerod inquires, leaning back, a polite Valmont smile on his expression.

Vere gets the impression he has touched a part of Jerod's life he does not share much, something he guards jealously. Vere doesn't think he's in trouble, but rather that Vere has asked a question and Jerod will want to know why Vere's curious...and won't let up until he finds out.

"We met upon occasion, Demond and I. As you will recall, I was there when he and Conner returned, and he was my guest at the Naval that day, before returning to the castle. Perhaps this formed a bond of some kind. Or perhaps he simply found me a man who was known to keep his own counsel. In any case, upon one occasion Demond spoke of his daughters to me. Not much, you understand, merely the longings of a father to have his daughters know that he loved them." Vere gazes at a point somewhere just over Jerod's left shoulder. "Understand, he had drunk quite a few glasses that night. It was..." Vere frowns slightly, as if trying to remember the date precisely, "I would not say that it was shortly before his death, although it was also not too long before it." He shrugs. "In any case, as a man will when he has drunk much, he seized upon his companion of the moment. And requested that I see to it that his daughters knew how much he loved them. I told him that they would not heed the words of a stranger, and that it was up to him to show them his love, through his words and action." Vere's eyes meet Jerod's. "But, as the event occurred, he never got the chance to do so, if there was even any cause. So I am left not quite knowing whether I have a duty or not, and not knowing if these were merely the mental wanderings of a man not at his best. I turn to their brother, therefore."

Jerod listens quietly without nodding, absorbing the information. "I find it curious that he would make such a comment to a member of the Family. One normally only passes such a message when it is anticipated that one will not be able to deliver it themselves. One might surmise that he had suspected his own death was imminent."

"Mmmmm," Vere replies nocomittally. "In any case, it seems to me that such a message would be best coming from a member of their own family, rather than a stranger."

"In this case I would disagree." Jerod says. "He did not entrust me with such a message even after I had spoken with him at his estate. He may have had reasons for doing so that I am unaware of. He might have felt a stranger would make the message more pronounced, as opposed to compliant pleasantries from a close relative."

Vere frowns slightly. "I would wager that when you saw him at his estate he did not empty some..." he tilts his head to one side, as though remembering, "..some six glasses, one after the other. I would doubt he even remembered having asked this of me, within a few minutes of having asked it. And I made no promises to him. Still, I would feel happier regarding this matter if I knew that either his daughters already knew that he loved them, and there was thus no need for the message to be carried, or else it was delivered to them. And, despite what you say, I cannot help but think that sisters of yours would respond to a stranger delivering such a message with suspicion, and would immediately wonder what he sought to gain. Especially if I am seeking a favour from the Queen of Rebma, do you see?"

"Hargar'el and I had a very pleasant visit, but you are correct in that he did not get hammered in my presence. I suspect he might have wondered why I was there and whether I was intend on collecting any long overdue vengeance on him for any suspected involvement with the redheads." Jerod says. "As such I was more interested in securing his services in dealing with any treachery from Bleys's pirates. I thought that if a connection existed it would have made things easier in that regard, given his connect to Gateway and Conner. And if Hargar'el was looking to make a good name and keep from being implicated in the traitorous category, he could work extra hard to prove himself to Random. Still makes me wonder who decided to get rid of him.

"As for my sisters' knowledge of him, what I gather is that they knew he cared for them. He made an effort to remain involved in their lives longer after he had parted from my mother. Both my sisters are somewhat older than I am so he has been around them for awhile now.

"Your concern about my sisters' suspicions might have some validity you are not in my presence. They know me well enough to know that if I suspected your intentions towards them, you'd be isolated or dead before you could blink. I would not read too much into it the situation though. They will accept your words if you are honest. And seeking the favor of the powerful is never wrong, even if many who do not understand the nature of politics might see it that way. It's only wrong if you seek their aid to use it against them."

"I too grew up in a royal court," Vere points out. "And I understand full well that appearances can be as important as reality." He considers for a moment. "It does raise an interesting point. Might your mother or your sister Loreena be an aid to me in my quest, and should I seek them out when I arrive in Rebma, before or after laying my suit before Queen Moire? Clearly, this would require your support."

"Either might be of help, depending on the Queen's current disposition towards them." Jerod says. "We'd have to see whether they are on the outs with Moire. I wouldn't anticipate that being the case, but I will keep my options open until I can see what's happening for myself."

"And there still remains the mysterious situation involving Princess Llewella's townhouse, Conner, and the Tritons," Vere adds. One eyebrow lifts just a little.

"I'll be looking into that." Jerod says. "I don't like what I've heard so far."

"If there is any aid that an uninformed outsider can give, do not hesitate to ask," Vere offers. "An ignorant stranger can be expected to wander accidentally into places where a native could not go without arousing suspicion. And an inquisitive man from the surface will no doubt speak to many people on many topics, out of mere naivety."

"I hope you're ready to pub crawl." Jerod says with a smirk. "I'll be needing to do just that to find out part of what I want. I'll need to speak to Celina first to get more details on what happened to her.

"We'll just have to make sure you're aware of what to do if Tritons appear, or the watch."

Vere's shoulders abruptly relax, he slouches slightly in his seat, and his face assumes an open, friendly expression. "Oh, madam officer," he says, "I am so very glad to see you. I am Prince Vere, a guest of the royal family, and I fear I have become lost. I do not wish to be an imposition, but would it be possible for you to find someone to show me the way back to the palace?"

"That will help to start." Jerod says.

Vere straightens, and reaches for his glass of juice again, his expression returning to its normal calm appearance. "I trust you will advise me of what I should add," he says. "As for Tritons, there I confess myself without any clear idea of how to behave. From the analysis I have seen of their physiology, I suspect combat is not a viable alternative. And I have found nothing regarding their psychology."

"Fighting tritons is usually a last resort." Jerod says. "I'd do it if I had no options but it would be bloody to say the least. They're big, nasty and very tough. Which makes me wonder what's up with Celina and Mr. Roth. The attack they suffered must not have been a concerted one. If it were, they'd be chum."

"Sir William mentioned problems with Tritons last night," Vere says. "I did not follow up on that at the time. There was an actual attack? One presumes the Queen would not have requested such a thing, which leads weight to the argument that she no longer maintains the same level of control over them that she did at one time. Were their chains loosened with Oberon's death, do you think?"

"Martin and I discussed that possibility previously." Jerod says. "Now that Celina is on the scene, I'm wondering if maybe the chains might not have been loosened a little bit earlier, by dear uncle Corwin."

"Indeed?" Vere's raised eyebrow invites elaboration.

"A theory...nothing more." Jerod says. "Let me speak to Celina first. If it proves to be nothing, I'd prefer not to bring it up. Too many speculations muddy the waters."

Vere considers this odd sentiment in silence for a few moments, his expression clearly indicating that the idea of "too many speculations" is a foreign one to him.

Finally, he decides it's simply a polite way of saying Jerod doesn't want to discuss the situation at this time.

(actually, Jerod still remains concerned that too many speculations is a risk because of the ability to impose your will on the reality around you...or put bluntly - making your dreams come true...:)

Vere will figure this out soon enough.

"Quite," he says. He tilts his head to one side and muses quietly, "I have been wondering something about the Pattern in Rebma. Was it an exact duplicate of the one in Amber? If so, one wonders if it is still the same, or if it now resembles the one in Paris?"

"Rebma's was an exact match, except for being reversed." Jerod says. "I have never seen it but I was informed of this by my father and Random. He explained a few things about his situation while he was my father's guest.

"I would assume that it would remain the same as the one that was in Amber. If it were to have changed, that would imply that the Rebma we go to is not the original. That is not an avenue of thought I wish to pursue."

Alice comes back with a tray for Jerod. There's a bowl of hearty stew, some fresh bread, hot from the oven, and a fresh pitcher of ice water, all of which she sets on the table. "There's more food coming up. If you have half your uncle's appetite, I know you'll eat it all."

"Ah, you are a blessing upon the land, especially to a hungry nephew of the king." Jerod says with a smile. "I shall endeavour not to disappoint you."

Vere stands and nods as Alice approaches, a friendly smile on his face. As she doesn't seem to be intending to sit, he remains standing.

She lowers her voice and says, "Bill told me about Carl's daughter. Do you think it would help if I talked to her? If Carl had a wife, it would be her place, but he doesn't ..." Alice looks at Jerod. "I don't know very much about Rebma, just what Carl and Bill have said, but I gather some things will come better from another woman."

Vere looks at Jerod, too, his body language making it clear that he considers any questions concerning the Rebman daughter of Corwin to be Jerod's area of expertise, not his.

Jerod has not stood since Alice has approached and as she speaks, he notices Vere and makes a deliberate look at Alice's chair, preferring that she sit if she remains. Court may demand a precise form and response but out of it, Jerod much prefers people to be at ease.

Alice sits down when Jerod looks at the chair. Perhaps she was expecting a short answer.

Once Alice sits down, Vere does as well. He still has a slight smile on his face.

"I doubt it could harm anything and probably would do much more to help." Jerod says. "I might be able to answer some of her questions about what's outside of Rebma, but I'm not sure I could put her at ease. And that's more important right now."

He looks at her for a moment. "You've known Corwin...I mean, Carl, a long time?" he asks. "You could answer any questions she has about him better than I could. All I know is what I learned from my father, others. Filtered at best."

"Bill would be better for that. He's always gotten along very well with Carl, even before all the strangeness started. I knew him even then, but he wasn't my friend so much as a friend of my husband's. Not that I haven't always been fond of him, just that ... well, New York is a little different from Paris. Either one," Alice adds for Vere's benefit.

Vere nods his understanding.

To Jerod, she says, "I'll talk to her, though. Even if I have to refer her to Bill for some answers. And some I think even Bill won't have; it's not like we ever thought our neighbor was secretly a ruler of the universe. And I'd been counting on him as an extra bachelor for my dinner parties."

Jerod chuckles. "Well, I suspect he'll still be the bachelor for awhile yet. And I'd be very interested to see your next dinner party and how it turns out, though I think I probably won't be around for it.

"Thanks for offering. I'm sure Celina will appreciate it."

Vere appears to be mentally judging the relative merits of two apples, before finally selecting one.

"It'll be my pleasure," Alice says. "I'll take some time in the next day or two to talk to her."

She changes the subject. "How long do you boys think you'll be staying in Paris? Are you off for Rebma in the morning, or will you stay a few days?"

"I leave when my cousin does," Vere replies. "I should fear for my chastity, travelling to Rebma on my own." He takes a bite of the apple he has selected.

"Just tell your Rebman seducer about Robin." Jerod says, deliberately selecting an excellent slab of cheese as part of his meal, sniffing at it before smiling. "I'm sure you can provide suitable stories about what she'll do to anyone who might cross her path."

He looks over at Alice for a moment. "I'm figuring to leave in three days. Merlin and I have something that we had talked about and I'd like to visit here for a time. Get a feel for the city and its people."

"Three days is hardly enough to start that project," Alice opines, but she softens the apparent rebuke with a smile. "Still, if you have business in Rebma, I can understand the need to hurry. I think Lady Kaia, the Rebman who came with you, is anxious to get back home."

"She has been a long time amongst the infidel." Jerod says quietly with a smile, before he speaks up. "It will be good to see the spires of home once more."

Vere sits quietly, merely listening as they talk.

More food arrives for Jerod not long afterwards, and Alice is called away to deal with other household business.