The building is too close to the docks to ever be fashionable and too far from them to be of use to the wealthy, it is an honest but unflattering reflection of the emptiness of the lives of the residents. Shabby and half-vacant, it looks like it doesn't know how it fell so far, so fast.
There are a few men sitting in the lobby. They watch disinterestedly as you pass by them.
Three flights up the light from the slightly grimy windows shows a name on a door.
May.
Investigations.
Reid knocks and a voice shouts back that it's open. Past an unoccupied and very messy desk is a door from which a yellow light feebly escapes.
Reid approaches the door, taking a quick mental inventory of what's recognizable on the desk (if anything) and says "Hello?"
Files, mostly. They're haphazardly stewn across the desk and the most prominent items on the top are an ash tray and several coffee stains. Stains from some beverage, anyway.
"Well, well, well." Says the woman who comes to the inner door. She slouches against it and looks at you. "One tries so hard not to get jaded about who might come through the door in this business, but it's been a long time since I've been this surprised.
"Surely you're not looking for me to investigate a wayward lover or missing spaniel. Drink?" She asks, almost rhetorically. "Your highness?" she adds.
Reid eyes the beverage stains on the desk curiously. "Whatever's convenient." He smiles then looks to see if there's an appropriately clear space for sitting.
There is a perfectly habitable overstuffed couch behind you. You notice that one arm of it seems dented in.
Reid sets his royal butt on the couch arm, trying it for a fit.
not quite. More like a head rests on it here, frequently.
[I have in mind a couch known as 'the naugacouch' that was a friend's sleeping place for two semesters...]
"To my knowledge, I'm missing neither dog nor lover... How are you at finding cities?" He arches his eyebrow as he makes the challenge.
"I think it's been a long time since anyone saw the city you misplaced, your highness. Unless you're looking for a different one."
Reid agrees. "The city of my youth is long gone. On the other hand, it seems a good chunk of the population of my current and adopted homeland has gone missing. A friend suggested that you had been following leads along those lines."
"I follow leads for clients, your highness. One of the things they pay me for is discretion. It wouldn't do to get a reputation as a mouthy broad who can't keep her trap shut. Not if I want to continue to live in the grand style to which I have become accustomed."
She finds two glasses and blows dust out of them. She pulls a bottle from a shelf. The bottle has no dust on it at all.
"And no better method to find a missing person than to not let anybody know they're actually missing? Discretion when, say, a wedding band goes missing. That I can understand. Missing people tend to impact more than just a single loved one. Most of the time, that is," Reid ponders.
"As to the matter of paying clientele, the Castle is bothered by the suddenly shrinking population. I'm sure we could help you find a style even more grandiose if you could help us."
"As to discretion, my clientele may need more than a hue and cry and some of them have reasons to keep their heads down. A dame like me, doing this for a living? You're not all they say you are if you think that there's no difference between my clients and ordinary people who can run to the Marshalls."
Reid shrugs. "It's my experience that there's no such thing as ordinary people..."
She pours two drinks. The stuff is light brown, stiff, and strong and you suspect could be used to clean wounds. or murder weapons. She belts it back as if it were water.
Reid sips his slowly, savoring it.
"Now, if the castle, or more importantly you, Lord Reid, are looking for an investigator, that is an entirely different matter. I'm sure we can work out an agreement that is mutually satisfactory. I've heard you pay well."
"I do indeed, for quality. But it wouldn't do to pay you double. If I knew who was missing, then I could say, 'What happened to so-and-so? Find out and I'll pay you.' Since we can't even confirm that there are people missing, saying 'First find out who's missing, then what happened to them...' I don't know seems like double effort, particularly if you already know who's missing based on your other open cases..."
"Ah, Do you pay a merchant less because he had the foresight to stock his warehouse against need? No, you pay him more, for his prompt delivery. The buying-price of the commodity is based on the marginal utility of the good to the buyer.
"I want your business, your highness, but not so badly that I'll compromise on price.
"Not unless you're suggesting some sort of long-term retainer, of course. Then there'd be a reduced rate."
She seems to enjoy dickering.
Reid prefers to be direct... "We can see where it goes. But, considering yourself hired, what do you know of the considerable population drop? Where are these people going?"
"Full price it is, your highness." She lifts her drink in a silent toast.
"It's all of the above, of course. The who is interesting, because it is the desperate and the poor and the man who can't pay his bills, but it's not just them. It's not just people who might have run away if we'd still had a seaport, and it's not just the careless, or the frequent traveller or the criminal. It's all of these, and moreso than others, but it's also the boring men and women who sell vegetables. Why would a dame who sells carrots decide she needed to disappear?
"Some of them I can find, if I look in Arden and Garnath, and I see where a fishing ship that sailed out too far might have stopped, but there's a risk that I'll go missing myself, and I'm not sure I can get back.
"As to the rest, I've got a theory about where they went, though. You know how things used to wander in from Arden? Monsters, I mean? I wonder if the missing people aren't monsters wondering in on whoever really owns Amber now."
She pours herself anther drink. You too, if you want.
Reid raises an eyebrow. "So the deed has shifted, you think?"
"I'm no religious kook, your highness, just a dame who has her head on straight. But I wake up in a cold sweat wondering if people are just going to where King Oberon is now."
She shivers, but Reid cannot tell if is is dread or perhaps desire that brings it on.
From an artist's aesthetic, Reid tries to determine if she does, indeed, have her head on straight...
"We're aware of that possibility and are actively investigating it ourselves. If, in fact, we are not where we are supposed to be, you can be sure that the family will do whatever it takes to get all the citizens moved safely. I don't expect it to be a small undertaking, either..."
"Hmm," she hmms. "Be that at it may" (and Reid thinks she thinks you've left off the codicil 'as long as it's convenient to the Royals'), "that doesn't explain all the disappearances."
"I don't think it's some suicide cult. It's like Amber used to be attractive to people and now it isn't. I'd guess that if the sea-paths were there, we'd be losing a lot more, and not gaining any. It's like this business with Garnath. Once upon a time, nobody in his right mind would have considered settling there. Now we have conflicts with the Rangers and settlers. I don't just think it's malaise. Something is different.
"I know a place in Garnath. I tracked a missing girl there. She ran off with a boy, of course. Her family didn't like his. I talked to them both in a sort of a primitive camp. When I went back there with her father, they'd fled into the forest." She frowns. "He didn't want to pay, since he didn't get his daughter back, but I don't want to be the next disappearance.
"I can take you there, your highness. There were a number of 'missing' people there whom I wasn't being paid to look for."
"Certainly. With my cousin Brita in the forest, I'm not too concerned about getting too far off track. We can go whenever would be most convenient for you." Reid offers.
May considers. "I think we should start in Garnath without her. It may be difficult enough getting answers with one royal person. A second royal who wears a crown badge and represents authority down there might be...even less welcome. We may want to be quiet if we're looking for answers. Your highness.
"We can leave tomorrow at terce. After you pay me."
Reid counts a reasonable number of coins from his pouch and stacks them on an open spot on the desk. "I'll meet you here, tomorrow, then."
And with that, he heads out.
May closes the door after him, waits for some minutes, and takes a long drink. Then she throws the bottle out the back window, where it smashes against the wall of the next building over. If Reid were still anywhere nearby, he would notice that this is not the first spot on that wall that has been so assaulted.
[May will be available on time when he arrives the next day. Do what you wish until then...]
Ossian will offer his arm to Flora when the party breaks up, if it seems that she's on her way back inside.
"This was an intersting morning. I wonder if I will ever be able to catch a larger fraction of all games that are played in this place."
Flora smiles indulgently at Ossian. "No one catches all the games that are played in this castle, Ossian. But it wouldn't be fun if they did."
"Of course not. I only wish I saw a little bit more. Paige, for instance, puzzles me more than ever. She argues peace and unity despite having own strong feelings."
Flora says, "Paige is learning that hot-headed shouting and confrontation won't win her friends among the ladies. She can be brassy and bold among the men, but if she wants the approval of the women, she will have to learn to play their game."
She chews on her lower lip, and appears lost in her thoughts for a moment. It's a very pretty spectacle. "And she was a little preoccupied, or she might not have given way so easily. I wonder what she was really thinking?"
Ossian really has to try hard not to become distracted by Flora's presence, and keeping the conversation going. Nevertheless, he seems to be able to keep his brain going while looking at something beautiful: "She has been pro women liberation at least until you returned. When you say it, she might have been a little preoccupied. But more than that, she even tried to calm things down, almost switching sides, as if she's suddenly become more careful."
Flora turns her dazzling smile on Ossian. "Perhaps it's occurred to her that the stakes are a little higher now that her aunts and uncles are home. That's something you seem to have picked up on your own, my little bluebird."
Ossian stumbles a little (when you don't look on where you put your feet...) "Have I?" he regains some of his composure:
"I mean, though it's too early to say, that things have stabilised a bit since the king returned."
"Of course things appear more stable," says Flora. "Everyone is assessing position, seeing who's ahead and who's trying to get ahead. Will they stay stable? Who knows?"
She looks momentarily serious. "My brothers play for keeps, Ossian. If they decide that they are best served by serving Random, stability will last. If they decide otherwise, it will go back to the way it was during my father's last years. Dancing on a knife-blade is not stable."
"Dancing on a knife-blade? I shall watch more closely, I think. Dancing, of most sorts, is one of my favourite art forms.", Ossian says, "What about the sisters?"
"Oh, my sisters, including the late, lamented Deirdre, are equally dangerous in their own way," Flora says seriously. "Except for me, of course. I am the milk of human kindness incarnate, of course. Just ask Lucas."
She can't hold the serious expression, though, and giggles. "Ossian, dear boy, I do like you. You ask such amusing questions."
Ossian chuckles, and then looks worried: "What's amusing with my questions?" This is said totally without anger or irritation.
As the last of the mornings guest made their way from the lawn, Lilly reached down and retrieved her sword belt. Fastening it on, she wandered over to the Queen making sure the queen heard her coming. It would not do to be scaring her. She thought of speaking first but decided to play the game Vialle's way. So she waited until the Queen acknowledged her presence.
Vialle turns back towards Lilly as Solace and the children go inside. Lilly notes that they take a different route than the one chose by Ossian and Flora.
"Shall we go inside?" she asks.
"As you wish." (And no this certainly could NOT be interpreted as I love you.) Being around Vialle was, in it's own strange way, good for Lilly. It forced her not talk when in times past she simply would have nodded.
As they began to move indoors, Lilly's mind began to race. There were many questions that needed answers. In an effort to begin acquiring them Lilly spoke softly, "I know so little of Rebma, only what my father has told me and any who know Benedict know that his observations can be at times a bit skewed." There is a slight pause as the girl reflects on the general usefulness of her father's perspectives. They had aided her on several occasions. "I would be interested to hear of their culture from one who understands it." Not that her father didn't of course. He just understood it differently.
Vialle considers for a moment. "I have heard it said in Amber that Rebma is a reflection of the city here, and I can see that in its form. But if they mean that of its culture, that's not exactly true. In Rebma, men still go to war, but women take the lead in politics, and they fight as well, if they wish."
She pauses. "You disapprove of how I handled things this morning, don't you?"
There is a pause as Lilly thinks on that for a moment. Then she answers, quite honestly in fact, "I have little to base approval or disapproval on. I do not know Amber, I do not know the best way to handle her inhabitants. For that reason alone I find it best to withhold judgment. At times the social intricacies of a situation do cause me momentary concern but generally that passes as I process the information I am given."
Any tenseness in Lilly's demeanor seems to be caused by a general uncomfortableness with being in any way intimate with anyone. It is not intentionally directed toward Vialle. The fact was Lilly tried very hard not to judge [her opponents] anyone too quickly. If anything, Lilly was trying to be open with the Queen. She felt it important to establish a good rapport between them.
Vialle says, "I am pleased, then, that you do not let your cousins' opinion unduly influence yours." She smiles at Lilly, obviously not meaning it unkindly.
Vialle leads Lilly to a small office and sitting room. She seats herself on the couch and gestures for Lilly to join her. "What information will you need to 'accompany' me, and provide for my security?"
There is a slight pause in Lilly's response as she puts her thoughts in order. This was the first duty of this sort she had undertaken after all. Even with that though her voice radiated with the confidence of one much more seasoned in such matters as she answered the questions. "Quite simply I need to be made aware of your schedule and I would like to be informed if there is a variation from them for any reason."
There is another pause this one of the more awkward variety. "Also, and do not wish to offend but I believe this is a question which needs to be asked directly, I will need to know how adept you are at compensating for your eye sight. If there comes a moment when I am engaged with an opponent I need to know how divided my attentions need to be." For all of it's awkwardness the question is sincere. The last thing Lilly wanted was to find Vialle in the middle of a sword fight because she simply didn't see it coming.
Vialle closes her eyes and cocks he head at this last question. "I have no idea how much I compensate, because I have always been blind. I can tell where people are by their scent, by the sound of their steps, and the like, but I have never been in a battle. I have no idea what it would be like." She shrugs, a bit awkwardly.
Lilly nodded. The action was of course an automatic response as she filed away the pertinent information Vialle had just given her. The knowledge that she had been born blind was important as was the fact that her sense of smell was heightened. Acute hearing was something Lilly had expected.
Changing the subject: "I don't know what my daily routine will be like until the coronation. There's so much to do that I can't imagine I'll be able to keep a regular schedule."
"That is perhaps a good thing. If your aids can not determine your schedule I doubt your enemies will be able to. I would still liked to be informed as much as possible. I would especially like to be told if you receive any unexpected invitations. It would probably be wise for you to be accompanied whenever you leave the castle. I will keep my schedule as flexible as possible to accommodate your needs."
"I appreciate that," says Vialle. "But, but do you really think that's necessary? I wouldn't leave the castle alone anyway--I don't know my way around the city as I do in the castle--but I can't imagine that anyone will actually try to hurt me."
"I hope it is not necessary but I think it is wise to be cautious. An enemy will see you as a direct line to the king. By assuring your safety we will be insuring the safety of your husband and I dare say the Kingdom as well." Lilly believed this was the most compelling argument to use with the Queen. Certainly she would not want to see her husband put into a compromising position. Vialle seemed vulnerable to most eyes. The idea that one of their enemies might try to kidnap and then ransom her was not at all far fetched in Lilly's mind.
That thought brings another to mind, "I would also like to meet the head of the castle guard."
"Venesch? I will have him summoned, if you like, or send a message requesting that he make time to meet you. He was the Captain under Eric and through the regency; I don't think Random means to replace him, if he wants to stay on," Vialle says.
"I see." Lilly says though what exactly it is that she is seeing is not readily apparent as she thoughts begin to race through her mind. After a bit of a thoughtful pause she continues, "A request will be sufficient. I do not wish to interrupt anything of importance."
"I will have it done," says Vialle. "Is there anything else I can do for you, to make your job easier?"
Lilly ponders this for a moment. A flicker of a smile crossed her face. Not having to dress the part of a lady would make things easier, in some ways at least. That was one case though of easier not being better though. Still if she was going to need to dress the part of a lady... "I have need of clothing actually. I left my home with very few possessions. Father managed to find me a few items during our journey but they are not in the style of Amber."
Vialle smiles. Here, at last, is a task that she can arrange to her satisfaction. "I will have some things made for you. You will need to be fitted--I will send my own seamstress to you for a fitting. You will, of course, have to choose your own colors."
"Thank you. That is most appreciated."
Vialle pauses, then asks: "Do you have any ideas for a costume for the masque?"
"In truth I have not given it much thought. I would like to be able to keep my blade at my side in an inconspicuous fashion." Lilly says in a very matter of fact way. Many arguments could be made for her being armed. Lilly knew them all. But when it came right down to it the real reason for her to be armed had nothing to do with any of them. Her sword gave her a sense of security. In some ways she was no better then a two year old who needed her blanket. Of course she would never admit that.
If Vialle has any idea of Lilly's feelings about the blade, she's too diplomatic to let them show. "That would be wise, although it's likely to give the game away to any who know you. I will think on it. Perhaps the colors of the clothes you select for court will suggest something."
At about this point, a page arrives with a message for the Queen. If Lilly has no other business, Vialle excuses her for the nonce.
Where does Lilly wish to go and what does she wish to do?
Liam meets Paige after she's said her goodbyes at tea.
"Steward Vent says His Majesty can see you in a half an hour, between two of his appointments," Liam tells her. "He's adamant that you can't run late or one of the ambassadors will be put off."
Paige smiles at the young man who not so long ago seemed a boy to her, resisting the impulse to ruffle his hair. "You're cutting quite the figure in that tabard, Liam. Poesy must be the proudest girl in Garnath."
"Perhaps while I wait, you could show me where my new quarters are?" Paige suggests...
[Fade to Paige returning from a visit to her new room...]
"Well, I suppose it could be worse," she offers. "And I'm thankful for what you've done to put it back in order, but don't go shirking other responsibilities to take care of me, you hear?"
Changing the subject, "I'm likely to offer Poesy a job. You think she'd be interested in moving closer to the City?"
Looking up at the door before them, she smiles, "Next you see her, you speak on it. Ask her to come see me."
Liam blushes, and nods. He leaves quickly.
Paige straightens her dress, fidgiting with her flat stomacher. A quick touch to the hair to ensure that no ruby locks are spilling out and she says, "I'll announce myself, thank you, Liam." A kiss on the cheek and she knocks on the King's Office door.
"Enter."
The King is wearing jeans and boots and a somewhat worn shirt. "Paige. Sorry for having to squeeze you in, but technically, I'm 'dressing' for my next meeting now." He grins. "If the castle servants have forgotten what it's like to have a King who makes unreasonable demands, I'll remind them."
Paige smiles.
He picks up a slender wooden drumstick and starts twirling it. "What can I do for you? Or did you just stop by to give me an excuse to play hookey and have a smoke break?"
"I wish it were something as simple as that Uncle," Paige answers looking her sovereign in the eye.
Random shrugs and pulls a lit cigarette from behind his ear.
She begins a bit uneasily, "I'll assume that in your time with the forces in Chaos and the return you had more than enough time to understand somethings about Uncle Julian's son, Daeon, Adonis, whatever he's calling himself."
He nods.
"To put things in their proper perspective, I'll also assume, being the most powerful man in the Kingdom and all that, that you heard about yesterday's encounter.
The King blows a single smoke ring.
"The long and short of it is, Merlin has scried the future and it seems that I'm to expect twins," she offers in an even tone.
Random coughs, once. He puts the cigarette down on the edge of his desk.
A hint of a smile curls Paige's lip for just a moment as she continues...
"Uncle Julian has suggested that his son is not fit to be a father to them, nor would be inclined for such duty. Other than Merlin, Folly, and your son, no one knows, and until I can speak with my father I'd like to keep it that way."
"Well, I certainly don't have quiet days, as King. Congratulations. I'll order the blackguard to do right by you, if you think it will help." You can tell Random doesn't. "But in any case, if you're half the woman I've heard, you'll be twice as good a parent as any of us ever were." He looks aside, obviously thinking of something distateful. "How reliable is this scrying?"
"Thank-you, Uncle. I don't have any reason to believe it flawed in any way, and your son took Merlin at his word. As to the former, I don't think that would be wise for anyone concerned," Paige says.
"I'm flattered that you think I can handle this, Your Highness, but I'm concerned that the fallout will affect you and how I can be of help to Amber," she says.
"The ladies of the Court," _and your wife_, " will jump at a chance to publicly crucify me. While I can endure that, I don't wish my children to be targets of their petty spite.
"I'm entertaining options, should you have any suggestions over the next few weeks, I'd be happy to hear them."
Random smiles and drums a quick pattern on the edge of the desk. "Don't worry about me or Amber, please. Or the biddies of the court. That'll sort itself out.
"If you want my blessing, you've got it. If you want my advice, I'd say don't do anything rash until after the coronation. There'll be plenty of time for rash acts later, and I think we may all have a different set of worries, then." Random is grinning.
"That's part of my worry, that this is going to make me a liability to... well, I suppose a Royal Edit to "relax" means I should," Paige smiles at the King, as if seeing someone else there for a moment. "Thank-you, for that and your blessing, Uncle."
"I know you must be going, so I must, but while I have your ear," Paige begins, "I'm collecting the list of worthies that might deserve a peerage for yourself and Aunt Vialle's review. I'd be thankful if after you've vetted the list that Admiral Worth's name was still on it."
"And no, it's not quid pro quo, it's that he's one of the hardest working and noblest men I've ever known and I'd like to see the Crown do right by him even if I can't. This recommendation would've come from me before all this or without all this," she says.
"I don't believe I'm alone on the Council in having a high opinion of Worth. If you'd consider it, I'd appreciate it," she finishes.
"Amber may up to her ears in peers, for a while, at least. Sure, he'll get one."
Random flips the burning cigarette up from the edge of his desk and catches it between his fingers like a drumstick. He takes a long drag.
"Paige? Can I ask you a question? You don't have to answer if it's too personal. It's about Martin. After I came back everyone was...all weird about him. I know...well, I know you know him better than most people. What's up with him?"
"You know Your Majesty," she titles him with a smile, taking the formality off it, "You're going to make me regret my decision to quit smoking."
"Everyone was all weird about him? How so?" she asks. //I don't want to overplay my hand or betray Martin's trust.//
"See, that's where you can help me. You knew him before he was outed in Amber, and during the time we were gone, and now. Nobody else has that perspective. But Martin seemed on edge when he left, Gerard was just... weird, that's the only way I can describe it. And Jerod kept hinting about something, but wouldn't come clean. Subtle like his father, that one..."
"We've not been as close over the last few years as we once were, you must know that by now," she hedges. She obviously has no desire to get into that.
"He's kinda grown over the last few years. I'd think that he's mentally more on a par with you and my father than he is with any of the cousins, save perhaps Reid. At least that's the mindset he has," Paige says. "Grandfather trusted him and, no offense meant, was probably the closest thing he had to a father figure. His loss hurt Martin... alot."
"But if it's something that Jerod's in on, I don't know. Maybe it's a Rebman thing. Perhaps Vialle can lend some insight. They were both part of Moire's Court, no?" Paige suggests with a shrug of her shoulders, _He's not totally confided in me either._
He sighs. "OK, I'll ask her. If you think of anything I should know, you know where to find me." He sounds slightly disappointed.
"Uncle, you can't expect me to come spill all my ex-boyfriend's secrets now, can you?" Paige asks with a chuckle.
"Maybe it's his concern for Folly and her old boyfriend Syd and how that's all going to work out," Paige offers quietly.
Random waits just too long for his answer to seem naturally paced. "Hey, I'm married now. And King of Amber."
"Yeah, and so was Grandfather, on and off for a few millennia," Paige says with a smile. "I'd be surprised if his children weren't half as lusty. I've had a few centuries to help prove that his grandchildren are.
"Well, where was he off to? Perhaps today's mood has something to do with his trip and something you missed in the last few years..."
Random seems relieved at the change of subject. Well, at least mostly.
"I sent Martin out to fetch that Army we've got stashed in Arden. A perfectly dull task that only my most trusted relative could be sent to do. Unless he had a run-in with one of my brothers or sisters, I don't know what could have bothered him. He's a pretty reliable kid, you know.
"Thank you Paige, I appreciate your help."
"Apparently you've not had the time to read all of Vere and Jerod's reports," she chuckles. "Eventually you'll see that I'm the quintessential redhead, annoying but, hopefully, indispensable.
"That's right, there are five of you, now."
"OK, who doesn't count?" she asks jokingly. "Brennan? For all he didn't seem to get along with his father, he seems cut from much the same cloth as my father. And even if Brita has gorgeous golden locks, don't think she's not one of us."
"I hope you're talking about the Army we brought home yesterday, not one we on the Council lost or overlooked during the Interregum."
He nods. "There's no telling how many armies we could lose in Arden. But I'd like to keep this one."
"Point well taken, especially since my father's with this one again." PAige bows slightly at the waist, "With Your leave, I'll make my exit and save myself a thrashing of Vent's tongue.
"Thank you, Uncle, for everything," she works her way around the side of his desk and gives him a kiss on the cheek. "I can see why she loves you."
And unless he stops her, she'll make for the door.
Picking up on a thread start long, long ago, Conner prepares for his cousin's arrival at the Naval to talk over the task of reorganizing the Navy.
Vere is heading over to the Naval for his meeting with Conner immediately after leaving Jerod, I assume it will be somewhere in the early afternoon when he arrives. As soon as he enters the Naval he will catch a Midshipman's eye and instruct him to inform Lord Conner that he has arrived. While waiting for a response Vere listens in on conversations and gets a feel for the club, curious about how things have changed with the return of Prince Caine and the imminent return of the Navy.
OOC: Insert GM blurb of Naval attitudes here.
About ten minutes later, Conner comes downstairs and greets Vere with a wide smile and hearty handshake. "Thank you for making time for me, Vere."
Vere returns the handshake and a slightly more restrained smile. "It was no difficulty at all, I assure you. Anything to ensure a smooth transition of authority back to those who deserve and desire it."
"Or whatever I'm doing." Conner agrees. "Come see my new office." He offers leading him upstairs.
Vere follows, remembering bringing Conner to the Naval upon his return to Amber and quietly amused at the turnabout in their positions.
Conner leads him up to a comfortabe looking office. A polished wooden desk is already neatly covered with stacks of papers. Conner leads Vere to a small table near the desk on which rests a decanter and two glasses.
"Care for a drink, cousin?" He asks.
"Yes, thank you," Vere replies. He follows Conner to the table, his gaze quickly scanning the top sheet of each of the stacks of papers on the desk as he passes in what appears to be an automatic habit. He waits for Conner to sit before taking his own seat, and then waits quietly for Conner to begin the conversation.
Conner pours two glasses of rum and passes Vere his. "Well as you know I've been seconded to Caine in integrating the Navy once more. Uncle has decided to take the easy part of taking the sailors in Arden and throwing them on boats." He smiles. "Leaving me with the paperwork, procedure and making sure the Crown's interests are seen too." Conner pauses. "Quite frankly I'm overwhelmed. So much to assimilate in a short time. I was hoping to get your opinion on the Navy's current status and needs."
Vere smiles. "I think many of our elders see our existence as an excellent opportunity to avoid onerous tasks they would prefer not to be saddled with," he says. He allows the smile to drop. "I prepared a full report on the current state of the Navy for His Majesty, it should have been passed on to Prince Caine, and thence to you. If it has not, please ask for it to be provided. There are a great many details in it, which I will not go over in detail now. To summarize, however, the fleet itself is in fairly good condition. We have had several years with no major tasks for the fleet other than repair, so the ships are in excellent condition. I suspect the largest problem that has to be faced will be the possibility of friction between the returning men and those who were left behind, especially those who have joined the Navy in the intervening years. There are some interesting questions of seniority. However, strong leadership should prevent any serious difficulties from arising."
Conner nods. "Battlefield promotions vs five years loyal service, and I know many of Gerard's salior will not like being under Caine. Still I think I can keep the bloodshed and attrition to a minimum." He takes a sip. "Admiral Winters has suggested that the trade routes be kept limited at first so as not to overtax the Navy in their role of protecting the merchant convoys and ramp up slowly to being a trade hub again. I happen to agree with his proposal but we'll have riots in the marketplaces when the merchant hear. I need to figure out just how much the Navy can protect without stretching themsleves too thin."
"M prefers a comfortable level of caution," Vere observes. "It is a valuable trait, and one that I believe is useful in tempering our Family's normal tendency to ignore practical concerns and limits. Has he yet mentioned to you his thoughts on the benefits from the fleet from the Land of Peace suffering a regrettable accident shortly after leaving our port?"
"No." Conner replies. "But Caine commented I should prepare to dredge the harbor soon. We presume M already has plans in motion."
"Fortunately for me I no longer need to concern myself with whether he might overreact to a perceived threat," Vere observes. "And hopefully the presence of a King in Amber once again will go a long way towards resolving many of the potential problems that have concerned me over the last several years." He takes a small sip of rum, and regards Conner for a few seconds. "Other than the details of ship maintenance and reports upon officer and crew performance, all of which are included in my report, did you have any specific questions you wished to ask me?"
"What would you do with the fleet from the Land of Peace?" Conner asks.
Vere takes another small sip and pauses before answering, "I see no need for precipitous action. We have taken precautions in the event that they attempt some desperate move against the city, but I seen no strong reason to suspect such a thing. Caution is called for, as it is when dealing with any strong force in the heart of one's territory, but they were invited here in good faith to trade with Amber, and I believe we should follow through on that promise. Gather trade cargos as quickly as possible, perhaps for the sake of form and their dignity arrange a brief formal meeting between their leaders and His Majesty, at which gifts can be given to them in exchange for the ones they offered him in our last meeting, and speed them on their way."
Conner nods. "Plausible, if we have the trade cargos to send." He takes a sip. "How have things been with your new duties?"
Vere regards Conner silently and without expression for a few seconds, then replies. "I have agreed to prepare a report on the returning troops, so that we will hopefully have full details on all dead and missing for their relatives and heirs. This will take most of my attention for the next couple of days. After that, I consider myself freed from any specific duties to the Crown, my duty to my Father takes priority. I believe that it is possible to locate a means of restoring his use of his legs, and I intend to do everything I can to force him to focus on this task. I have made no secret of this intention."
"And long past time someone did." Conner nods. "If I can be of any assistance, you have only to ask. I owe the Admiral that much." He says softly.
Vere nods an acknowledgement, and allows a brief flicker of emotion to cross his face.
"The report goes well, and my meeting with..." he pauses and then continues deliberately, "...Prince Jerod and the marshals of the city went well. I will be happy to summarize the results of that meeting for you, I think it is important that we all be aware of how information and orders will be flowing between the Castle and the City over the next few days. In addition, Jerod is requesting opinions on the touchy matter of pay for the troops. Are they to be paid for 5 days service, 5 years service, or some compromise between the two extremes? He needs opinions on this as soon as possible, as His Majesty must rule on this matter quickly. In additions, Jerod would like to continue our tradition of working dinners, and requested me to convey his invitation to you."
"Sounds like a fine idea to keep the dinners going." Conner nods. "Though I hope he wasn't planning on tonight. I'm dining with Paige this evening." He takes another sip. "I'll drop Jerod a note on the pay issue. And of course the short version of what went on will be appreciated."
Vere will proceed to give a condensed version of the day's earlier meeting with Jerod, Archer, and the marshals. [OOC - I assume you can just look back for a recap? Or do you need an actual recap here?] Afterwards he will pause for a few moments, waiting to see if Conner has any follow-up questions or comments.
"A thorny problem I agree." Conner nods. "I'd say a month's pay plus gifts, with guarenteed Crown assistance on any five year debts families may have racked up. Perhaps, an increase in salaries for the veterans to compensate but stretched out over time so the treasaury can take it."
"A fair compromise," Vere says. "Be certain that Jerod hears it before this evening." He regards Conner for a few minutes longer. "I have no wish to be unsociable, and normally I would wish to prolong our conversation. However, we both have a great deal to do in an extremely short amount of time. Is there anything else that needs to be discussed?"
"Nothing pressing." Conner replies rising. "Thank you for help." He says extended his hand. "And good luck on your quest."
Vere takes the offered hand and shakes it gravely. "Thank you," he says. He offers a final nod and leaves.
Last modified: 14 November 2002