Poker Knights

Once his Trump call with Robin is completed Vere will ask a page to carry a message to the king asking for a meeting at His Majesty's convenience.

"Yes, my Lord. Will I find you here, or elsewhere when I return with his majesty's answer?"

Regardless...

The page moves off, tapping on a rail as he goes.

It is a short while later than a different page returns, "His majesty's complements and please attend him in the throne room."

Vere thanks the page and goes directly to the throne room. He enters cautiously, as one never knows what the king might be up to.

Folly enters the lavender Green Room, takes a seat at the desk, and concentrates on Benedict's card.

The image solidifies reasonably quickly, and Benedict asks "Who?"

"Folly," she replies simply, matching directness with directness. "I call at Random's behest with news he felt was... best shared immediately."

Benedict is on horseback, riding past an orchard. He's neither in a hurry nor dawdling. "I see. What news?"

"You've heard about the recent rescue of several previously unknown cousins from the Klybesians? The mother of one of them, a child of Lucas named Misao, has come here and is talking to Random now. He says she is already known to you: Kimiko, from..." Folly hesitates, making sure she has the place-name right. "Hikariguni?"

"She's not from Hikariguni. That's a shadow we set her up in after some problems in Chosan. So Kim has come to Xanadu? How exceedingly interesting." He pulls up his horse and dismounts, handing the bridle to someone Folly can't see.

"Would you do me the favor of bringing me through?"

"Of course, Uncle." Folly holds out her hand to him and brings him through the contact.

"I believe she's talking with Random now, in the throne room," she says with a gesture toward the door once he's safely through.

"Thank you, niece. As long as she's not talking to Corwin. They never got along."

He steps through the door.

Folly stands for a moment listening to snatches of conversation in the next room... and her eyebrows go up... and then she shakes her head and returns to the desk. She finds stationery, a pen and ink, and other necessary materials, and writes:

Dear Ember,

I hope you are well. I was recently doing some historical research in the castle library, and the librarians suggested that some of the volumes I sought -- in particular some of my cousin Cambina's historical writings -- had recently been in Vialle's possession and are not yet returned. Do you know where they've ended up? In addition to my interest in her writings, I'm sure Nestor is anxious for their return. I would appreciate any insights you can provide.

Thank you!

Warm regards,
Folly

She does not have her own seal to hand, so she presses the wax with a blank stamp and then lightly sketches a little swan into it with her fingernail.

She slips out to find a page to deliver the note before returning to the throne room.

Kim follows Brita as they walk through the corridors towards Misao's quarters. They arrive and Kim looks around, but does not touch anything. "May I have a moment alone?" She stands, hands tucked in front of her, and waits.

Brita regards the Lady Kim steadily for several beats. She glances quickly around the room, inhales as if she is about to speak, then breathes out and bows before retreating to the door. "I Will Wait," she says, before stepping into the hall. She lean leans back against it.

Brita feels the effort of someone attempting sorcery, most likely not successfully. A moment later, Kimiko steps back out of the room.

Kim doesn't explain anything. "Thank you. I wish to be returned to my home now, unless the King will release his prisoner to me for punishment."

Brita nods in acknowledgment and says "The King will Take Time to Determine a Proper Punishment – it May Be to Release the prisoner to You, But there are Many who were Wronged by his Actions. Would You Wait for a Time Here to Await Cousin Misao's Return? I Chose to Go Home when My Trial was Complete. It seems Logical that Cousin Misao Did Also, but I Would Not wish Either of You to be Chasing Tails and Missing Each Other. I Did Not Know Cousin Misao Long, but I Could Attempt a Sketch to See if We Could get in Contact. Or a Sketch of Your Home to Contact Someone There if You Can Describe a Location for me."

Kim is calm and still and waits for Brita to finish speaking before she replies. "I am sure the criminal has done much harm, but I expect your King to deal with me fairly. I yielded my capture to your prince to avoid unnecessary bloodshed between us, but I do not yield my claim. I will press it in person, and relay my request to the King to be returned to my home.

"I do not wish a painting to be made of my home or of myself. It is not acceptable."

Brita bows to Kimiko, “No Offense was Intended, Just a Mode of Transport and Communication.” She cocks her head to the side, “But the Painting in The Gallery is Still Acceptable? I Could Ask that It be Removed for You.” Brita gestures down the hall and begins moving back towards where Random was located. She will flag a page down with, “The Lady Kimiko Wishes to Speak Again with The King, if He is Still Available in the Throne Room. If Not, Please let Us Know When and Where He Will be Free.”

The page nods her understanding departs, dashing through the castle once out of immediate view. Kim follows Brita's lead.

"It is a painting, no more. I am surprised it was moved here from Amber."

"Our Uncles Can be Surprisingly Sentimental," Brita notes. As they progress, she asks, "How did the Monks Take Cousin Misao? Two Other New Cousins were Also Captured, but it is Not Clear How the Monks are Finding And Trapping Our Kin. Our Uncle Huon was Also Taken, but That May have Been By Design to Protect Others in His Care."

Kim frowns. "They opened a sealed cave that led to my home. I suspect they had been there for some time, and I do not know why they chose this time to strike. It is a thing I would learn of the monk I captured, before he is executed."

This is the most talkative Kim has been. "I intend to close the way more forcefully when I return."

Brita nods as if this is a given. "It Would Help to Also Understand How They Came to Have a Path to Your Home. How Did They Know to Open It? Where Did the Path Start? You Could Also ask The King if We Can Assist in Unmaking the Path for you."

Kim bows, slightly towards her. "Thank you for your kind offer," she says. Brita doesn't think she wants to take The King up on Brita's offer.

A Page opens the door and announces Brita and Kimiko.

Random is standing near the throne. He's holding the ankles of Lark, who is standing on his shoulder.

Kim bows to Random.

From atop his shoulders, Lark bows to Kimiko. Random holds her very steady, and she only sways once.

"Ah, Kim, I heard you wished to speak with us again. How was your tour of your child's chambers?"

Kim is clearly battling with her impulse to say something about Lark. She wins. "It was kind of you to have your niece show me, your Majesty. Now I wish to return to my home."

Random nods. "That's fine with me. I'll tell them you were here when I see them again."

Kim takes a breath. "Your Majesty, I have no way of returning without your assistance. May I request that you send me back to my home?"

Random looks as if he's surprised. "We're not that formal in my court, not unless there's people around. You should call me Random. Anyway, I was wondering why you came to announce your departure. But I understand your problem.

"I've sent for someone who can take you home, and they should be here soon."

She bows. "Thank you, your Majesty."

Lark waves at Brita.

The door opens and Vere enters. Random is standing near his throne, holding on to Lark's ankles, as she stands on his shoulders.

"Ah, Vere, have you met Kimiko? She is an old friend of ... several of your kinsmen."

He turns to Kimiko. "I was expecting someone else, but perhaps you are already familiar with Prince Vere? His father is Gerard."

She looks at Vere. "He favors his father. We met briefly when I captured the miscreant responsible for stealing my child. I wish to also press my suit for you to return him to my custody and just vengeance."

Random sighs. "I'll let you know, but probably not."

Lark reaches down and pats the King on the head.

"Thank you, Lark. Vere, what can I do for you?"

Vere nods a greeting to Kimiko and Brita, and smiles at Lark before turning his attention to the king. "Simply making a formal report that my mission to Paris is complete. I can give you details if you wish, or..." he smiles, "... I could prepare a detailed written report. I have also spoken with Robin, and have information on the current situation in Pontus."

As Vere is speaking, the door opens to reveal Jerod. One of Random's secretaries appears to whisper something to which Jerod nods an affirmative before entering. He nods to Random but remains in the background so as to not interfere. He is conspicuously absent his new sister and daughter.

"I am only accepting reports in Iambic Pentameter this week, if you're up to the challenge." He turns to Jerod. "Hello Jerod, I'm apparently doing round-robin court today. Well, not actually round Robin, but you know what I mean."

Kim is a study in frustrated control. She's doing her best not to lose her composure.

Jerod chuckles. "Of course, your Majesty. I shall await my turn with great anticipation."

He does, however, not proceed with any questions but drops back into Court mode, waiting patiently for his time to discuss "Family business" as he had previously mentioned...meaning Kim won't be around to hear it. His expression is one that is studiously neutral towards Kim's frustrated control...which Random can probably figured means he's vaguely amused by her trying to deal with Random but not enough to actually show it.

Vere tilts his head to one side as Jerod speaks, then with a bow to the king he says:

"To aid the queen of fair Rebma I went
My King's Command, also mine own desire
To prove my dear sister, despite reports
Was not in foul treason herself ensnared
Nor were my folk in aid of fallen Moire
Or dark souled monks who sought through arts arcane
To pierce the lore that through the Unicorn
Upon the heirs of Oberon of old
Has made of them a dread and mighty force.
Success I now with most glad words do tell
Of capture of the hated and despised
One known as Chew, who long has been desired
A foe, as well the king doth know, now caught.
But more, in mine own quest to seek the truth
In dark reports of plots, intrigues and plans
Right glad was I to lay to rest all fears
And give report back unto Paris' throne
The sister of my blood was not at fault
And such suspicion could be laid to rest.
Now then, I stand before the King my liege
To find what task he would me now take up
So best to serve the realm, to serve the king."

Random at first looks bemused, then attentive, then seems to be rooting for Vere to nail the whole thing.

"Bravo!," he shouts at the end, applauding. Lark pinwheels her arms a bit, but stays atop the King's shoulders. "It's only the month of Horseman, and already I have a candidate for the declamation of the year." He smiles at Vere.

"I dunno yet, let's finish up the other business and see."

Brita, after acknowledging the Lark Crown with a bemused smile and a small wave, has been quiet. She acknowledges Vere and Jerod as they each arrive with a nod.

Jerod returns the nod with a polite smile.

"Our Guest has Met her Child, the Crow girl, Sire.
But Not her Other Child who Is still Out," Brita reports.

From the back room, Benedict sweeps in.

"Right on time," says Random, not turning.

"Your majesty," says Benedict, giving at least passing royal courtesy.

"Kim," he says to their guest.

She glares at him, then nods. "I beg the favor of a return to my home in Hikariguni."

"I hear you have another child," says Benedict.

She waits a moment. "Misao," she replies. "They were kidnapped by your enemies. They invaded Hikariguni. They are too young to leave home."

"That's for the King to say," says Benedict. Random shrugs.

Kim returns to her original request, which comes out more like a demand. "Then send me home, that I may continue my search for them."

"What of your other daughter?," he asks.

Kim seems confused about his interest. "The Warrior? She is feral. I wish you well with her."

"I speak of our daughter. Lilly."

If Jerod's expression could become anymore studiously neutral, it would become the neutrality defined as the measurement against which all Shadow would be measured. As it is, he has learned more in 30 seconds concerning Kim's family connections than he might have ever been interested in....along with the inevitable questions that he is sure will arise from those connections.

As it is, he remains in the background waiting to see who speaks up...or if Benedict follows through to remove Kim back to her home.

Vere is perfectly still, no expression on his face, no bodily movement to distract the attention of the speaking parties. A pivotal scene that could well have come from one of his beloved romance novels is occurring right in front of him, and he doesn't intend to miss a single nuanced word, movement, expression or silence.

On hearing Kim call Tricksey feral, Brita goes stiff but, before she can jump to her new cousin's defense, she is silenced by hearing Cousin Lilly's name. Her face runs through a gamut of emotions - surprise, confusion, revulsion - before she finally ends up shaking her head while staring at Kim and saying "You are Worse than Auntie Freyja!"

Kim looks briefly from Brita to Random, and then turns towards Benedict. Brita thinks she has annoyed Kim. "I will allow you to take me home. You may tell me of your daughter as we proceed."

Benedict looks at Brita. "Call on me in Avalon after my return, I would speak with you."

He turns to Random. Random seems to be trying not to laugh. "With your permission, Sire."

"Permission to.... Oh!, yes. I'll want to hear a full report when you're finished. In iambic pentameter."

Benedict bows to the King and holds an arm out to Kimiko. She takes his arm and they head for the main door.

Vere gives a formal bow and says, "Fare well, Lady Kimiko. It was an honour to meet you."

Brita bows briefly to Uncle Benedict in acknowledgment of his directive.

Kimiko acknowledges both bows as if they are for her. She is 50% right.

After he has escorted the baffling Lady Kim out of the room, Brita turns back to Random. "My Brother Does aWait Your Direction. What Would You Wish done In Shadow Tyrell? Should I Call Him Back Here, Your Majesty?"

Random looks at her for a second. "It's vexed us twice now, hasn't it? It seems like we should station an ambassador there. We can find someone we trust but would be happier to see less of. But that's not Conner.

"Yeah, call him, he's free to go, or to come back here. If he's found anything interesting about the place, it would be nice to know."

Folly slips in a side door while Random is talking. Lark waves at her from her perch on Random's shoulders.

Folly grins and blows her a silent kiss.

"What else?, I'm having a two-for-one sale," he says, looking from Vere to Jerod.

"I have a couple of items but I will cede the floor to Vere for the moment." Jerod says.

Vere nods to Jerod. "Thank you, cousin. Your majesty, I have a report from Robin on the status of her mission. First, she was able to send Lady Morgne to Rebma, and Lady Laudine and Sir Ywain to Paris, as planned. When she arrived in Arden she found it on a war footing. Firelilies are over-running Arden and are spreading to surrounding shadows. The paths they make are quickly followed by forces of the Green. The Rangers are barely holding their ground against them. Julian is requesting reinforcements and supplies from the throne." Vere nods to Random. "I would assume you have already heard from him on that. Julian has also charged Robin with shoring up the surrounding shadows to try and trap the Green in Arcadia. That and a response to the firelillies are works currently in progress."

Vere tilts his head to one side momentarily, then continues. "Robin and Penthelisea then set out for Pontus. On the way they were attacked by the forces of a goddess of Arcadia. They defeated her forces, and the goddess did not remain. Robin reports that shadow is now resistant to the Green.

"She also reports that Pontus itself is showing signs of Green infiltration, with at least two active firelily trails into it. The Queen of Pontus has assigned sixty mounted warriors including a couple of named heroes to aid the Rangers of Arden. Robin reports that more aid is needed. Specifically, someone able to aid in manipulating shadow to assist her would be of value. She expects to be in Pontus for a few more days depending on how long it takes the Amazons to mobilize their troops. Once ready she will lead them back to Arden, then continue working on shoring up shadows."

He smiles. "She also reports that she is working on developing a strain of firelilly eating moths." He bows. "This concludes my report on Robin, sire."

Random looks annoyed at the mention of firelillies and moreso about them being in Pontus.

"Those things. Well, I'm open if Julian's protege wants to genetically engineer a bug to eat 'em all. I mean, what could go wrong?" He lifts his eyebrows, as if he doesn't really believe his own statements. And yes, Julian would like some support, but it's hard to imagine who could provide him forest-ready troops that wouldn't end up being targets of the green themselves.

"I'd ask you to get her recommendations on how to resolve matters, but I it sounds like she's taking matters into her own biogenetic hands."

He sits down on the throne and Lark immediately scrambles to balance on the top of it. Random takes the opportunity to slouch sideways across the armrests.

"Vere, if you would ask Julian what help he could use, we can find a way to get it to him. In fact, if he doesn't need you to fight, you can take that mission yourself if you want it. Sorcerers, Efreet, some of Jovian's dragons, whatever makes sense. Probably not Rebman tritons, but hey, if they are up for it, they're supposed to be remarkable fighters."

Random turns to Brita. "Maybe Conner should go kidnap some Monks who are good at genetic engineering and have them figure out a way for us to fight the firelillies.

Brita, who has been pulling out her Trumps and moving slowly towards the side room Folly exited from while listening to the reports, grimaces briefly at the thought of engaging with the monks in Any way. "Cousin Robin is Creative Enough Without the monks. I would Not Trust their Assistance." She bows briefly to Random. "I Will Call My Brother Now," she says before ducking into the side room. She leaves the door partially open and remains near it to hear further conversation as she concentrates on her brother's image.

Folly looks like she's weighing something in her mind, and settles on calling out after Brita, "Come find me when you're done, if you don't get called away Elsewhere...?"

Vere nods at the king's words. "Your Majesty."

Random rolls his head around and it stops when he gets to Jerod. "I'm still processing that last bit, mentally, but I'm pressing onwards. Want to tell me about your daughter?"

"Her name is Cordelia. Her mother is..." and Jerod stops, pausing to parse thoughts. "...was named Marissa. Cordelia is half-vampyr. She was discovered by Merlin and Celina in a mausoleum under Paris while chasing down a lead from Bend that a daughter of Rebma was in the hands of the monks. She had been there since she had last died." he says, his expression as matter-of-fact as if discussing the weather.

"Once I met her, I knew who she was, even though there should be no logical reason for how she was born. The vampyr of that shadow don't reproduce that way, and her mother died a short time after I met her. I built Marissa's tomb and placed her there so I'm pretty certain on that point."

"It's been busy the last little bit chasing down the monks and grabbing Chew so I haven't been able to talk to Cordelia in detail about her past...only that her mother returned from the dead...which apparently they can do...and that she neglected to mention to me. But based on events prior to the Sundering it could not have been at any point then so Marissa must have returned around the Sundering when I could not go into shadow to check on her tomb. Cordelia's apparent age would approximately fit for the time frame based on how far out in Shadow they were...time scale was around 5 to 1."

He looks at Random directly when he speaks now. There is no challenge in his expression, just the look of a father speaking to another father. "Whether or not she can walk the Pattern is not something I'm concerned with. She's my daughter, and I claim her and all the responsibilities that go along with that. I would ask that you accept her into the Family, subject to the usual requirements of fealty and all."

Folly raises her hand, tentatively. "Like maybe not biting the villagers? Or does she do that? The legends where I'm from--" She hesitates, scrunches up her face, and then waves her hand as if she's decided that description is irrelevant. "Anyway, I'm quite fond of some of them. So if she has any... ah... special needs, let us know how best we can help meet them without posing any more threat to our residents than... you know, an average member of this family."

Vere watches Random while Jeord is explaining his daughter. A very small smile crosses his face at Folly's words, but he shows no other reaction.

Random listens to the telling with rapt attention, only occasionally reaching up to steady a small child balancing at the top of his throne. He doesn't look first, somehow. He just puts a hand or a foot up when it's needed. "That's ... quite a tale, but since you've got the Weir in the family as well, It feels like you're going for the full set of horror movie monsters.

"What's next, are you going to tell me about your mummy?"

This gets a smile from Jerod. A vampyr lover, a half-vampyr daughter, a Weir sister and a Weir sister who was a partial seer/prophetess... yeah, he's got a collection.

The king pauses for a moment, and tries to put on a more regal face. "She's welcome, of course. Any daughter of yours is welcome at our court and to family. I don't know if she can walk the Pattern or not, but that's not a barrier to being one of us."

"Thank you uncle. I appreciate that." Jerod says, meaning it.

"And I was going to beg a favor from you, concerning Cordelia." looking at Folly. "I was wondering if maybe I could introduce her to you...and your merry band of do-gooders. A way to see a different side of life from what Twilight would have offered. If Cordelia is anything like her mother, she would not feed unless absolutely necessary, and there may be other options...I know she likes tea apparently."

"I'd like that," Folly says, "if we can find a safe way to make it work. My merry band is sort of obliquely what I wanted to talk to Brita about. And both of you," she says, indicating Jerod and Vere, "if you've got a minute after this."

Vere nods his agreement to this.

Jerod pauses for a moment, which can allow enough time for Folly to make note of his request as she wishes before he looks at Random. "My last big question uncle is about a guest we have....I understand there is a Moonrider in residence. I would like your permission to speak to her...there is something that Cordelia said in passing, not about Moonriders or Tir, but just something that made me think about them."

"And another opinion on First would be useful," Vere adds to the king. "I like her, and am even inclined to trust her, but I am often not sufficiently suspicious."

Folly smiles. "I like her, but I am right there with you on not being sufficiently suspicious. Or perhaps of wilfully giving the benefit of the doubt even when there are reasons to be suspicious." To Jerod, she adds, "Your sister's sister may also be interested in talking with her. I think..." --and now she looks at Random-- "the Moonriders and Weir are related...?"

Random nods. "Well anyone who gives us trouble is probably related, somehow. It's like 'what a co-incidence, I am also a son-of-a-bitch!', but more specifically In this case. Jerod, this one's yours to answer, isn't it?

"Anyway, maybe we can ask your sister and her brother about First. That might give us a less-than-rose-colored impression of her."

Vere nods again.

"After returning the Weir to Weirmonken, my conversations with Count Valis indicates that Weir and Moonrider are of a common origin point, with that origin being Tir, and the Queen, for whom they blame their situation on." Jerod says.

"The social structure of the Weir appears similar to what I've heard about the Moonriders. Not all Weir are in fact shifters, they represent a minority of the population of their nation with the vast remainder being the support base of the nation as it were, farmers and artisans and such. That minority aspect is also something that I want to discuss with First...its origins especially for the Moonriders.

"It would be logical that if someone had information on First as an individual, it would be one of their opposite number. I can query Rowen prior to meeting with First to obtain additional information.

"Does anyone here have any pertinent details they'd like to share that might not have been widely circulating on First after their arrival here?"

Random looks around, "Well I've probably spoken with her less than anyone in this room, except for Jerod. Somebody else go first."

Lark looks down from atop the throne. "She's bendy."

Random looks up and nods.

Jerod smiles at Lark's comments, liking her as always. He looks around to see if anyone else has any comments.

Vere smiles a small smile, then it slips away as he turns to Jerod. "I do not think there is anything about First-to-the-Fray that I know that I did not mention at the meeting of Cousins. Daughter of the Marshall, granddaughter of the Queen of Air and Darkness, bearer of the Pattern Blade Tizon. Claims that her desire is to find a way to end the conflict between our peoples. For what it is worth, I believe her."

"So do I," Folly says. "I think we also already knew she's floated the idea of diplomatic marriage as one way to end the conflict."

[Random]
"Me, three, but I'm also convinced that she has no plan and is playing it by ear. Which is completely reasonable if you have no fear of your opposition. I've run the 'let's get captured, we may learn something' as a plan myself. But it also means that she's going to run with whatever she thinks is th best plan of the moment. So we want to make sure she thinks that that is the one that benefits us..."

Brita concentrates on the image of her brother as she lingers in the side room.

When Conner answers, her first question is "Brother, How Much Time has Passed for You?"

The image forms and Conner can be seen in the middle of a street market. He is holding a skewer of grilled meat and vegetables in one hand and a metal can in the other. Conner steps to the side out of the crowd and turns to the side. Brita can see over his left shoulder the person he was heading toward in the crowd, Misao.

"It has been a few hours since we last talked." Conner approximates. "What news from Xanadu?"

Conner is out on the streets of Tyrell, wandering. There's only so much internet/social media scrolling an Amberite can do without getting super bored, and Conner has passed his limit. Now he's looking for more information, and perhaps more noodles, than he can get in Tricksey's nest.

"Did You get Lost in the Poke-A-Man and Go Game that Cousin Tricksey showed Us? It Looks to be Much Longer than 'a Few' hours, Brother," Brita says, smiling wryly at her brother as she glances at the busy street beyond him. Then, "Oh! Our Cousin Misao! Lady Kimikosan was Most Displeased to Not Find Her Youngest Child, But she was Also Oddly Dismissive with Her Second Child - Our New Cousin Tricksey! And Then she has A Third Child - Cousin Lilly. Uncle Benedict Came to Lead Lady Kimikosan back to Shadow Hikariguni. He Wants me to Seek Him in His Realm Avalon Soon." Conner can probably intuit her trepidation at that last bit.

"So many children from the same shadow Mother." Conner remarks. "Unusual in our family to be sure." Conner muses for a moment. "It is an honor if our Uncle Benedict wishes you to seek him out. Shadow Tyrell is on a series of Shadowpaths leading to the seas of Avalon. I was tracking them back there when I got caught up in things here. This might be a good jumping off point if you intend to travel in Shadow to Avalon."

Misao is in their humanoid form, with more masculine features, but still recognizable. They have adjusted their clothing to blend in with the people on the street and now wears a black shirt, black pants, and a long tailored black coat. Their hair is silver and short. (OOC: think Lt. Joshi in Blade Runner 2049, but masculine and more battered.). They appear to be eating noodles at a street vendor's stall.

"Would You Travel With Me to Complete your Tracking?" Brita asks. "I would Need to Alert Our Uncle of my Drparture, but I Could Go Shortly. I Should Also Alert King Random that Cousin Misao is Found."

Misao looks up and spots Connor. Looking around to see if they're being watched, they quickly finish their noodles and then cautiously approach.

"Konneru-san, yes? Hisashiburi desu." They bow slightly and wait for a response.

Conner nods to Misao's greeting. "I speak to my sister Brita through the cards. Bide a moment." Conner returns his attention to Brita. "I would be happy to have you join me." Conner replies. "I had planned to work with Merlin on a sorcerous work. We would have to work in a shadow location and perhaps you would be interested in being a third pair of hands in the endeavor."

"I Would Like to Travel With You Again," Brita's smile is enthusiastic. She has begun to move back through the doorway into the throne room. When she has regained Random's attention she nods in agreement with Vere before interjecting, "Uncle Random, My Brother Conner has Found Cousin Misao in Smokey Shadow Tyrell. He has Offered to Accompany Me to Visit Uncle Benedict. We Could See if Cousin Misao Wishes to Travel With Us."

Random turns his head, not quite owl-like, but with remarkable flexibility. "So, what do you think Benedict wanted you to come see him about? Because I have an idea and but I want to hear what you think, first."

Vere's face becomes even more inexpressive than usual.

Brita expression does not look like a deer caught in the headlights - it is more of a tundra moose when confronted with an unexpected intruder. Does she bolt or charge? "I Have No Idea." Charge it is. "The Ways of Your Brothers Still Eludes Me."

Random raises his eyebrows. "They can be subtle, but often choose not to be. Consider that he was leaving with Kim on his arm and he came immediately, dropping whatever he was doing when we told him she was here.

"And do you happen to recall what you said to Kim just before he invited you to come visit?"

Brita nods, "I Said She was Just Like Auntie Freyja." She shrugs. "She Is, Although Auntie Freyja only has Two Daughters, so Lady Kimiko-San is Worse."

Vere sighs, very quietly.

Brita nods along to the voices in her head and then says, "Ah! So Uncle Benedict Wishes to Know More about Auntie Freyja?"

"Gotta say, now I kinda want to know more about Auntie Freyja," Folly says. The glint in her eye as she shoots a look at Random is... playful, perhaps? ... but it's a wry sort of amusement.

Jerod, as always, remains the study in neutrality even as he parses out the various bits of information that have been coming out. He does marvel though that apparently Dad was somehow worse... which he finds oddly amusing given the nature of Family.

Random smiles at the sound of Folly's voice, but addresses Brita. "I'm sure he'll let you know whatever is on his mind when you get there. Maybe give him a few days to wrap up whatever he's doing at the moment."

He looks over at his nephews. If he was about to speak, he's interrupted. He has a look on his face of bemusement, and slouches back into the throne. "This thing needs better lumbar support."

Random holds up a finger to his kin. "Ossian, I'm Random everywhere. Or at least I am when I'm anywhere. Do you need a rescue?"

At the word "rescue", Jerod tilts his head slightly though his remaining body posture does not change. He waits patiently to see if more dire action is required.

Vere relaxes fractionally as the conversation moves away from Brita and Benedict's interaction, and tilts his head in interest as he watches Random's side of the trump conversation.

Folly casts a glance at Lark perched on top of the throne and prepares to help her down if she needs to get out of the way quickly.

Random relaxes and keeps speaking. He waves off any would-be rescuers.

"Well, that's a fun surprise. You probably shouldn't stay there too long, in case her mum shows back up.

"What do you mean a changed personality? Changed like Dara ate part of her personality? Or changed like 'got disillusioned about her options in Xanadu and decided to retire to being in charge of the shadow where her adopted kids lived' changed?"

Random looks around, and eventually, up.

"I think I want her father's opinion on what we should do for her, but I don't see any need to alienate the woman, except perhaps alienate her from her prior bad companions..."

Vere's head remains slightly tilted as he enjoys the mental puzzle of trying to put together the clues from Random's side of the puzzle. A woman Ossian has come across in his travels, a relationship with Dara, mention of adopted children, Random's comment about the woman's father...

Folly, meanwhile, looks like she might have a pretty good guess who they're talking about. She frowns with concern.

Random keeps speaking to Ossian through the Trump.

"If she wants to talk to me, that's great. Last time I talked to her, we didn't know who her parents were. Keep your trumps handy and don't mess with Dara if you can avoid it.

"We probably need someone to watch that place for us, because if she left Meg there, she'll be back. Whatever happens, this is exactly the kind of thing you should share with your uncle-king when you learn something. Well done, so far."

Brita is whispering quietly off to the side, relating the play by play to Conner. Finally she says, "I Do Not Know if I am Dismissed Yet, Brother."

Random is temporarily distracted, but doesn't drop the trump call. He puts up a finger, a "I heard that! Yep, if you want to be."

Vere nods slightly when he hears Meg's name, but does not react otherwise.

Brita grins at Random's ability to juggle multiple tasks. She bows to the king and after a brief consultation with the voice in her head, will disappear into a rainbow's shadow.

Random shrugs. "If she can, it's a trick she knows and we don't. You probably should ask Merlin. He might know."

Then he closes the connection. He stretches up and grabs Lark by the ankles. "Off we go," he says, lifting her down.

"OK, thanks for sticking. Hopefully you all resolved everything while I was talking to Ossian. Anything left on the royal plate?"

"Nothing on my side uncle." Jerod says. "I have an intro to make Cordelia on the Rebma side so I'll be around for a couple of days. Assuming nothing odd happens, I'd like to complete the walk downstairs after that."

Vere spreads his hands in a negative gesture and shakes his head marginally.

"No, nothing immediate," Folly says to Random, then turns to Jerod and Vere. "But I would like to touch base with the two of you about something, if you've got like five minutes."

She holds out her hand to Lark; apparently this is not so private that junior members of the court are unwelcome. If her cousins are agreeable, she will lead the way to a nearby room.

Random slides out of the chair. "I'm gonna go beat some goatskins."

Jerod nods to Random for his suitably "royal" departure from the throne, cause only Random could do that and get away with it as still being royal before following Folly out.

"Uncle," Vere says as he gives a respectful nod of the head. He follows Folly and Jerod.

Folly leads the way to a nearby room and then turns to face her cousins. She does not immediately sit, although she gestures to the comfortable chairs in the room in case Vere and Jerod would like to do so.

"So," she says. "Martin has asked me to step up as a Knight-Commander and take over some of the day-to-day running of the Order of the Card. The brief is the well-being of the King -- and by extension the well-being of the Realm. It is also, of course, a means to honor those who saw to the well-being of the former realm while our cousins were off fighting in Chaos.

"I've got ideas, but I also wanted to touch base with those of you who were in Amber during the war to make sure I'm not missing anything. Jerod, I believe you have previously declined the honor, and Vere, I don't recall whether you've ever even had it extended to you. But you both are undoubtedly deserving, if you're interested. And I'm also interested in hearing other ideas of whom we might include -- and that extends to non-cousins. Especially those who've made it to Xanadu and are likely to continue to serve her as they did Amber. You both were involved in places I wasn't; I expect you'll have thoughts on people I might otherwise miss."

"I will be happy to offer advice, cousin," Vere answers. "But my oath regarding Father's health forbids me from accepting any rank or title until he is once again able to stand on his own."

"I understand," Folly says. "May that day come soon."

Jerod settles into one of the offered chairs. "I can think of a few people who might be suitable. As for myself, I might consider it in the future. I declined originally when Martin offered it because the Card is a good thing as I see it. A break from the old days, a way to lay out a new path. Me being part of that early on could have been an issue...even dead, Dad's name casts a very long shadow. The Card needed to be able to stand on its own merits.

"That said, I'd be more than pleased to help and I see a benefit in being an interested outsider. I can say or do things that others of the order might be constrained by due to their oath."

"Good point," Folly says, nodding. "I welcome your perspectives -- both of you. Unsurprisingly, my first thoughts for expanding membership were some of the community organizers in the 'Army of Good Works'. But I'd like to see representation from other areas too. Who comes to mind for you -- either specific individuals, or categories we should consider?"

"I think to provide advice on that front, I'd want to know what your vision for the Order. Martin had his, but defending the King and preserving the Realm is like making a vision statement. It's lofty, but how do we put it that into motion is the question. Since you're going to be the new head, the Order will evolve according to how you see it working." he says.

"So..." and he smiles. "How do you see it working? What do you want it to do?"

"And is your vision of the Order to be one of martial knights who can fight to protect the King and the Realm, or one of talented individuals who use their skills for the Good of the Realm?" Vere asks. "They are not incompatible, but if you try combining the two purposes I foresee the potential for internal schism in the future."

Folly answers without hesitation, "Definitely the latter. Rock -- er, I mean, Ruby -- is more about the martial side, so I see this as the complement. You know, protecting against threats you can't necessarily whack with a big stick, like poverty and hunger. And fostering things that are good for the general prosperity of the realm, like arts and education.

"I'm less sure about the actual organization part, though. Where I'm from, this sort of thing was mostly honorary for previous meritorious service. And at least some of that probably isn't a bad idea. But maybe also providing some structure so those already doing the good work can more easily work together, with a few more resources. But, like, I don't know what being a 'squire' would look like in that model, or if a different sort of structure would be better."

She frowns. "I was hoping to read up on the history of knighthoods and knightly orders in Amber to get some perspective, but apparently Cambina's histories had been checked out. I'm trying to track them down."

Jerod frowns slightly, wondering who might be looking over his sister's works, but doesn't consider it a major issue, given that her research was good material.

"Based on what you're thinking, you don't want a knightly order." Jerod says. "You need a civilian counterpart, something that relies on good will, political influence and the support of the people to great causes, which in turn supports the King and the realm.

"Knightly orders rely on military power to ensure stability. Dad had me looking over stuff in Shadow years back and I ran into these groups called NGO's. They have an organizational structure with oversight personnel and functional groups. The oversight and executive give the marching orders and ensure the functional groups are on target.

"You'd never find them in Amber under Grandfather, he wouldn't have allowed them based on how they operate. But you could use something like them...a group with official recognition by the Crown. Individuals could receive official awards for their distinguished service on very public projects that would tie into the good works to be done, or in the case of Amber during the Regency, recognition of past efforts.

"Since it's not a military organization, it poses no disruptive threat on that front. Since you'd be in charge, you're essentially chief executive and you pick the people you want for your board for oversight and day to day activities. That way you know they have your vision for the future. Random would know what these groups are like, given how much he's travelled so any tweaking could be done to fit his vision of Xanadu.

"As a starting point of course."

Folly nods thoughtfully. "'NG' for 'non-governmental', I'm guessing? So this wouldn't be exactly that, but I see what you're getting at. That's not a bad starting point."

Vere tilts his head to one side. "Are we looking at a confraternity?' he asks. "Minus the religious aspect, of course."

"Yeah, what was the deal with the Order of the Unicorn?" Folly asks, as if that's the logical next question. "That seems to have gone spectacularly off the rails, and we definitely don't want that."

"That happens, I've noticed, when things start to get mystical or mythical." Jerod says. "Your Army of Good Works will be more grounded, more goal driven. It will adapt to the needs of the times, and as it reaches each goal, it can improve itself, change its focus to a new goal. To deal with new social ills that will rise accordingly."

Vere's eyes go out of focus as he considers. "I wonder..." he muses quietly, "I wonder if the Order of the Unicorn became the foundation of the Klybesians. It sounds as though it could well have been a relatively small set from 'we must use our gifts to protect the people' to 'we must find a way to share our gifts with the people.'"

"I'd gotten the impression it had, from a conversation with Corwin," Folly offers. "Something about whatever got the religious orders kicked out of Amber being the same thing that got Caine kicked out of the succession, although he didn't know the precise details. And he and Florimel wondered whether Caine had 'fallen in with them again' -- which I took to mean the Klybesians as a continuation of his old Order. But I don't know any more details than that."

"I would think perhaps in that situation it was not Caine that was the problem but his son Abel." Jerod says. "And if he defends his kids the way he defends Amber, Oberon would have most certainly tossed him out of succession."

"Corwin said that whatever Abel did was the reason that Oberon took his Pattern sword away and gave it to Bleys." Vere smiles very thinly. "I received the impression that Abel is not a subject to raise with Uncle Caine."