“... as mining will occur on site of - or within close proximity to - the source hydrothermal vents, disruption of benthic organisms due to sediment plumes will be greatly reduced, if not eliminated. Furthermore, dewatering of ores on surface mining platforms will not be required, thus avoiding the discharge of nutrient enriched deep waters into oligotrophic surface waters...”
Rona, a young Rebman woman - green-haired and round of face - inscribes the ceaseless dictation into a wax table; only one of growing collection. She is dutiful and precise, traits her employer respects about all others. Her dark eyes follow the woman, circling around her like a shark - an engine of flesh and purpose. Occasionally, the land-walker pauses to lightly touch an elegant gown at the far end of the apartment - as if doting over some exotic pet.
“... To further reduce possible environmental contamination, it is my suggestion that sulfide deposits and polymetallic nodules remain the primary focus of these operations, rather than more accessible manganese crusts,” Silhouette continues, circling Rona once again.
“However, even these risks remain inconsequential when compared with the potential economic and military benefits offered by this form of mining. Accessibility and quantity alone will surpass that of any terrestrial-based mining venture. As such, Rebma will be able to effectively compete in, if not dominate, the rare mineral market, as well as gain true independence for production purposes. Progress will be inspired, the Grand Design served.”
Just as she finishes, a knock came at the door - much to Rona’s relief. Her writing hand feels like it had been caught in a grouper’s mouth for the last hour. With a nod from the lady, she sets the tablet aside goes to receive the evening’s visitor.
It is, surprisingly, a page. She announces that the Queen has summoned Silhouette and offers to lead the way. Behind Silhouette, the page can see that Rona is smiling.
Silhouette nods, “Of course.” She gives Rona a respectful smile, “Thank you. Please feel free to retire for the day.”
After collecting her shawl, she follows the page.
As anonymity is now out of the question, Conner arranges to meet Brita in a private room at one of Asir's best dining establishments who no doubt is already preparing the advertisement stating "caterers to the Royals of Amber". Conner looks with approval at the meal for four laid out and sips on a glass of wine while waiting for Brita to arrive.
Brita skirts around the man at the door on a ladder who is painting small gold crowns over the capital A's in the 'Arbour Archway' sign above the door and quickly finds the room and Conner. She has a big smile for her Brother but heads straight for the food. "How was Your Exploration, Brother? I Was Wishing you were With Me to Do the Talking with the Paresh Elder I found."
"I did more negotiating than I did exploring." Conner admits. "The government of Asir has agreed to put aside their legal claim against Huon and allow us to take custody. In return Rebma and Asir become favored trading partners with Asir getting the better end of the deal for a time. Getting Huon out of the Embassy is of course our own problem. What did you learn from the Paresh?
"They Believe that Uncle Huon Murdered Two of their Brothers - Cut off their Heads and Threw them in the Street. They Foresaw the Event and Prepared for it by Training a New Elder. They are Leaving the Matter to be Handled by the Magistrates of Shadow Asir." Brita notes as an aside, "They Know we are 'Water Crossers' as they Term us, and Hold no Animosity Towards Us in General, Just Our Uncle."
"They foresaw the event and did nothing but train a replacement?" Conner shakes his head. "There is nothing more useless than a fatalist prophet." Conner begins loading up a plate. "Well if they are leaving things to the Asir then they will have to be satisfied that the Asir are leaving things to us. Did the Paresh give any indication as to why Huon wanted to see the Paresh Elders?"
"He did Not Say Why they were Summoned, Just that they Were. It is Against their Religion to Not Follow a Prophecy. I Do Not Understand it Either," Brita notes.
"Perhaps we will get the answer we need from Huon though I doubt it." Conner shrugs. "Well that is a small matter compared to the task of removing Huon from the Embassy. As befitting the realm of Bellum it is an armed compound and I have some old intel as to its layout and forces within but nothing I feel comfortable basing an elaborate plan around. Ultimately, it comes down to whether we try talking first or skip right to the breaking and entering."
"It would be Better to Know Before we Intersect Uncle Huon what his Interest was in the Paresh?" The phrasing is a statement, but the tone definitely flows into a question. She looks at Conner with a smile in her eyes, "You are Of Course Perfect at Talking Through a Situation. It May be Best to Attempt That Approach First to Gain Insight. We could Learn some of the Lay of the Land or Potentially Start our Breaking and Entering if the Opportunity Arises."
"Perhaps." Conner nods. "It really comes down to how trapped Huon really is." Conner pauses a moment to take a bite of meat from his plate. "Huon shifted shadow right out of Castle Amber with the guards nary the wiser. He could be away from here in a moment if he chose to. So why hasn't he? Either there is something more going on here that prevents him from leaving or else he wants to confront us in a place he has prepared. Neither possibility lends itself well to walking in the front door with a smile, however proficient I may be with that technique." Conner grins.
"I had Not Thought of the Fact that Our Uncle is That Devious," Brita shakes her head in disgust. "So, What can we Do to Be More Devious? Can we Shadow-Shift In to His Location and Surprise him? Perhaps That is the Reason for the Killings - a Diversion to Imply to those Here that he is Imprisoned and Under Control. Maybe he Isn't Here at All."
"I think we should attempt to find out don't you?" Conner smiles. "I've worked with some manipulations of Space to scout out areas of interest. Now Huon has been guarding himself against mirror workers by trying to stay in areas of extreme light or darkness but I have a few ideas about using some Energy tricks to try and find him using a radar like approach basically. Are you up for a little scrying and spying sister?"
"Certainly, Brother," Brita grins back at Conner. Going more serious, Brita notes, "I Found My Father by Searching for the Well Created by his Ordered Presence. It is More of a Generic Search. Perhaps searching Indirectly for the Effects of Another Ordered Presence might Bypass whatever Guards Our Uncle has to Protect Himself?"
"It would certainly be a novel line of attack." Conner agrees. "It is worth a try at least. Take the lead on this one, my sister, and I'll assist where I can."
"When I Searched for My Father, I Called to My Blood, My Beginnings. Our Uncle is Not as Close as Lord Vidar to Me, But the Principle May still Work." Brita is thinking out loud at this point. She begins asking Conner for information about the location of the Embassy relative to where they are now.
She begins gathering items from around the dining room as they talk. She picks up Conner's wine glass and a second on the buffet. She dumps Conner's remaining wine and uses some water from one of the pitchers and some quick whispering of her Goddess Power to purify the glasses of the last vestiges of the wine and any other contaminants. She knocks the stems off the two glasses - gently so as not to damage the bowls of the glasses themselves.
She dumps a pile of fruit out of a large bowl, approximately 20" in diameter, cleans it with a cloth, and fills it with water. She then scrapes some mud and dirt from her boot and adds it to the water, swirling it in. As she does this, she directs Conner to clear a small low table in front of the seating area and when it is clear, she places the bowl of water on the table. "To Represent the Island," she states. Conner may note that she is careful to make sure the surface of the water is always rippling either by swirling the bowl a bit or dipping a finger in the water now and again.
She floats one of the modified glasses in the water, keeping the other in reserve for a moment. "To Represent the Well We Create in Shadow Asir," she points to the floating glass first. "And the Potential Well of Our Uncle," she nods to the one set aside.
She uses a cleaned knife to cut prick her finger and places a drop of her blood in one of the glasses and then (after cleaning the knife again) asks Conner to do the same but has him put his blood in both glasses, explaining that - being male - his blood will represent Uncle Huon, if he is Present, as well as Himself here in this room. She has Conner kneel on one side of the table, holding the glass of Huon at the ready to await her signal.
Brita then kneels in the other side of the table, her hands cupped against the sides of the bowl. Her eyes are closed and she does not appear to be moving her hands, but the water in the bowl is gently swirling. Brita envisions the island as she has seen it - on the maps as they travelled here, during the walk from the Harbor to the Armory turned Embassy, to the Paresh Temple, and finally here to the 'Arbour Archway with the two little crowns. The glass bearing their combined blood stirs oddly, moving against the gently swirl of the water until it comes to rest as if it suddenly dropped anchor. The glass has settled itself about five inches off center in the bowl, closer to Brita than Conner and near her left hand.
"Place Our Uncle's Well on the Island," she tells Conner. As Conner gently eases the glass into the water, it is buoyed by the gently swirling water and begins to move.
Conner watched his sister's crafting with interest, helps as he is bid, and looks on with interest to see what happens next.
Brita concentrates on her spell, and for a moment it seems as if the glass is moving deliberately, but it never settles and just moves around the bowl.
After a few minutes, Brita huffs out a disappointed sigh. "It's Not Working," she notes in disgust. "I'm Not Powerful Enough. So Now What?" She looks up at Conner expectantly.
"Well we are in the near shadows of Amber and Rebma." Conner shrugs. "No doubt that made finding order against an ordered background more difficult." Conner reaches under his cloak and pulls forth the Eye of Rebma. "Brennan and I developed a method of far seeing while we were exploring some caves under Kolvir. Essentially we remove the distance between our eyes and where we want to look and we get to see it from here. Of course, the trick is that Huon has been trying to stay in bright light or darkness to avoid such seeing." Conner looks up at his sister. "Do you work with the principle of Astrality sister? Brennan uses it to see to the true nature of things and would be useful to determine family from non."
"I Have Not," Brita notes, touching the side of her nose. She is distracted by the mirror. "Will That be Safe for Us?"
Conner presses the mirror against his chest reflective side in. "It is a potent prop was used in sorceries of Space and I have been able to see and reach into places I am certain I would be unable to without it. However, I do know that is linked to somewhere or something else in Shadow and that it can be affected by mirror working. So it is Safe? Not absolutely but I feel its inclusion is worth the risk."
Brita gets a distracted look. "Someone Calls," she notes as she reaches out a hand to her brother.
Conner slips the Eye back under his cloak and takes Brita's hand.
Brita smiles at Conner as she opens herself to the Trump Connection. Who Calls?
The scene that forms for Brita and Conner is Celina in shades of sea, leaning forward towards the Trump. She sits in Air. Conner knows of the Cloud Chamber where Rebma holds back the sea. "I had a Need to see you Well." Celina replies with a big smile. "It had been overlong in my mind. I was concerned that Huon was not where or when he said he would be. Shadow always provides complications."
Brita glances at Conner for his input but answers, "We have been Working to Determine if Our Uncle is Where he is Supposed to Be Now." She lifts an eyebrow at Conner, clearly asking him to elaborate.
Having determined that her cousins are both well, Celina relaxes enough so Ambrose and Silhouette are informed things there are not dire. She keeps her attention on Brita, as it is her Trump, even as she waits on Conner.
"It will not surprise you to learn that things were not exactly as we were led to believe." Conner's smile is a little strained. "Upon our arrival at Asir, we discovered that Huon was last known to be in the Bellum Embassy. However, we also discovered that he murdered two members of the sect known as the Paresh and was wanted for their murder by the authorities of the Asir. The Bellum Embassy has offered Huon asylum and has refused to turn him over to the Asir authorities. Thus, Asir and Bellum are preparing for war with each other." Conner reaches out of frame and pulls a wine glass into view. He takes a brief sip and continues.
"I have made a deal with the government of Asir on Rebma's behalf. In return for some trade concessions, Asir will put aside its claim on Huon and allow Rebman justice to pursue its claim. So all that remains is remove Huon from an armed Embassy that does not wish to give him up. It occurred to us that this might be an elaborate delaying tactic with Huon not even being present here because a Prince of Amber could walk away from all of this if he wished. So we were attempting some sorcery to confirm if Huon was actually here on Asir." Conner takes another sip of wine. "How are things with you?" Conner adds.
Celina waits in the dry Cloud Chamber. Her hair is down and loose, her expression is thoughtful and distant. Her clothing is a black netted lounger. A surface man would describe she wears but a translucent black cloak. There is no food prepared nearby. In her hands, her Trump deck shuffles and shuffles; faces slipping past faces in slow soothing order. She makes no note of the card's proud colors and dashing poses. Her thoughts are deep on the City itself.
As for weeks now, she listens to Rebma whenever there is no official duty or personal regime to occupy her. She works at judging her own distance from the Pattern in the depths below. Even as she mentally sketches the Pattern lines upon Rebma's glassite walls and floors. This lends a sad dreamcast to her eyes and a razor chill to the palm of her right hand.
Celina looks up from the Grand Curve at the first scratch on the door. "Welcome, enter," her voice has a landsider husk.
If it is Ambrose and Silhouette invited as she has asked, she smiles and nods to seats. She gives them moments to adjust in passing the threshold and the sudden change in buoyancy. Celina offers, "I have a thought to share and favors to ask. I wonder if there are things I can do for you in exchange." She places the deck on the table at her elbow and looks at her Family.
A page brings in Ambrose, the young man following in the girl's wake. Ambrose has partially adapted to Rebman customs: he's wearing the skintight trousers and has accommodated some of the styling that he's seen in Conner's clothes to his own tailoring, although his is a little less draggy in the water than what Conner was wearing. His colors seem to be dark, not unlike his brother's. Ambrose's hair is still loose, and it would float free in the water.
"Your Majesty," he says, and offers a flourishing bow that would never work properly anywhere else in Rebma.
"Cousin," she smiles at him. "I hope you have found many interests in Rebma. Silhouette will be here shortly."
As if on cue, Silhouette arrives. She has chosen somber colors today, accented by a translucent shawl of greens and blues. With a curtsey, she smiles up at Celina. “Your majesty. I am yours.”
She gives a polite nod to Ambrose, recalling him from her arrival in Rebma.
Celina offers, "I have a thought to share and favors to ask. I wonder if there are things I can do for you in exchange." She places the Trump deck on the table at her elbow and looks at her present Family.
"I am at your command, Highness," Ambrose says, although that may be formality. Then again, he's the son of Brand; it may be the necessity of dealing with a mad father.
Silhouette bows her head to Celina, “I am your servant, milady. In all things.”
Her eyes drift to the Trump deck, a curious expression rising to her features. She’s only seen these in passing, and her fascination with them has only increased with time. It takes a moment for her to pull her attention back to Celina.
Celina nods and gestures with palms to them, opening, "I want to be frank. Rebma is in a dangerous position right now, most of that is our history, some of it is the shock of losing two queens in short order. To older families here, Moire abandoning the city is probably the worse shock. To more liberally-minded families here and in Seaward, having Khela triumph only to be suddenly dead must make them doubt what could come next. Losing a third queen would be a catastrophe. For these reasons and many more, I need to stay Here. I need to be at my city's beck and call. I need to be...." Celina looks at the room, not her guests, "....listening and touching and learning. I need to bolster the Order of Rebma."
Celina looks to them again. "However, I also want to help my Family through a dark time. Chaos presses us. Powerful creatures sense our weakness." She looks at Silhouette with the same eyes that invited her to ply her trade in the water of the Court. She looks at Ambrose with hope. "Here is the value I offer. I am going to do a Trump reading of my needs. I am willing to let you see it done. To ask questions about it after I do it. I am not asking you to tell me what experience you have with the cards. My purpose is to share Order and Understanding of Rebma. Your greater understanding of my present will increase the strength of Rebma's future. And perhaps something interesting will come from it. You can decline to participate with no ire on my part." Celina arches an eyebrow, one hand moving to rest and the other sketching a question in the air giving them their turn.
Silhouette nods her head, “I am more than willing to participate in this ritual, milady. Understanding and Enlightenment are at the core of my Purpose. However, my familiarity with the Trumps is decidedly lacking.” She gestures at them, “The way you speak... do they contain Oracular qualities, in addition to allowing trans-Shadow communication?”
"They do, if you have the talent to read them," Ambrose says. "If you want the lend of the face cards I have, you may borrow them for the reading. I have them with me." He reaches for a pouch on his belt. "What question do you want to ask? My father set great store by reading them at times."
Celina taps the deck on the table while still speaking to her cousins. "I will ask what I need to do for insight into Granddam's Pattern City. I feel things here have strayed from the right course and I have no intention of trying to makeover the City into something it wasn't meant to be. I want it to thrive." She sweeps the cards into her hand and shuffles them again. "Ambrose, feel free to examine my deck and lend cards to it that I do not have. That would be welcome."
She nods to Silhouette. "I shall show you the ritual of how this scrying is done. It is of use to have Ambrose familiar with the process and offer his own reading of what the cards reveal for me."
Silhouette leans back on her heels, smiling faintly. "As this divinatory process does not require ethylene intoxication, it is far superior to most I am accustomed to." She turns her attention to Ambrose, observing his use of the cards and what they might reveal.
Ambrose shuffles through the deck, handling the cards as if they were old friends.
He pulls out several cards, which he offers to Celina to add to the deck: Brita, Lucas, Ossian, Paige, and an older woman that Celina doesn't recognize but has a family resemblance to Solange. She may choose which cards to use and which to set aside.
Celina nods at the cards offered, but sets aside Lucas. She almost sets aside the older woman, but decides to include it. After all, she is looking into older women's thought realms here. She shuffles again and concentrates on her question a few moments. Then she says it aloud and turns over the cards one by one in a pyramid as Folly has taught her. "What actions shall I take to align me with Moin's Rebma and the Pattern?"
Celina shuffles the cards together and sets them out in a pyramid: three vertically-aligned cards in the bottom row, two vertically-aligned cards in the center row, and a single capstone card across the top on its side.
Bottom row:
The Creator, reversed
The Fool, reversed
Striking the Dragon's Tail, reversed
Middle row:
Trickery, reversed
The Soldier, reversed
Top row:
The Phoenix, sideways
Ambrose looks at the cards drawn and says, "Hmmm."
Celina is shaken. She stares at the cards as they accumulate, getting rather excited if the increasing speed of her turning them over is to be taken as some sign.
Celina points at the bottom row, first card. "The Past, Silhouette. Our Queen who died in battle, the card indicates that she may not have died because of her wounds, but because she lost faith. It could also refer to Moire leaving the realm she could not master."
Her finger slides to hover above the middle of the bottom row. "The Present, a lack of connection to the matter. I am not vested in the Pattern to the degree required to further progress. This is the heart of the matter."
Celina looks at the Dragon's Tail. "This is propitious indeed. The Future, Recognition of the Grand Design. This Present and Future would suggest that I am on a course that is well aimed to get what I asked about."
Her hand drifts up to point at the middle left. "The support of my endeavor. Trickery, reversed. A strong indication that I shall undo deceitful plans or that things that were hidden will unravel in my favor."
"Opposition to my question is next card position. Soldier, reversed and all that goes wrong when Obedience is the only watchword. That could be the Tritons blocking me. I think not though because they have accepted the change of terms. More likely it is those loyal to Moire who will not change. They may not be able to stop me after all, say the cards, but they will try their best. Blind to consequence."
Silhouette nods, “Or, it could be blind faith to out-dated traditions. Soldiers are ruled by duty and honor. When taken to the extreme, it weakens them. I have noticed that this Family does tend to clutch onto its tenets like drowning men to a piece of wood. Perhaps it is time to let go.”
Celina eyes the top of the pyramid. "Phoenix. This has appeared to me already. In a previous reading it probably meant myself for various reasons. Here it means rebirth or die. Which is no less than I already knew. Folly will be pleased." Celina smiles a bit and memorizes the card layout. She looks at Ambrose and gestures to him and then the cards. "First, any questions from Silhouette? And then perhaps Ambrose will tell me what he makes of the symbols."
It is the final card that draws Silhouette’s true attention. She lightly touches the Phoenix, outlining its wings with a slender fingertip. The water around her body appears to shimmer, as if some great heat burns within her. “My blood is that of the Phoenix,” she says softly. “Consumed by flame and reborn from the ashes. I would not presume to play some deeper role in this, but I find odd that this continues to appear in your readings.”
Ambrose looks at the cards while Silhouette and Celina speak momentarily, and then looks up at Celina. "I have never read the cards in the Mirror City before. Do you know what meaning that has for the reversed cards?"
"I do not," Celina shakes her head. "However, we do not have more left-handed children than Amber, we don't read right to left, our antecedents are the same as Amber's, and we hardly ever grow young instead of old." She grins. "I think the mirror properties of Rebma are part of the mystery for certain. I cannot comment if it involves Trump. It certainly involves Philosophical Geometry. It may involve Order. Just tell me what it would mean to you in any Ordered realm."
Silhouette glances between them, and then gives a polite cough. “May I ask something? As my entire life has been lived in Shadow this question is likely based on ignorance. If Rebma is now connected with Paris rather than Amber, does its status as the ‘Mirrored City’ still apply? Or would this metaphysical shift also be reflected on some level within its paradigms?”
"Unclear. Nor did my father make clear how it would apply in the first place. I don't think he expected me to read in Rebma." Ambrose offers Celina a rueful smile; many things have not passed as his ambitious parent expected, a sentiment he clearly imagines she understands.
Silhouette gives a respectful nod, falling into silent thoughtfulness as Ambrose begins his interpretation.
He looks at the cards and begins to speak.
"The past, the Creator reversed. A lack of the nurturing principle. I compare this to Amber's estate following the death of our grandfather. While I do not see Rebma in a decline at this time, I don't know what Rebma was like before Moins died, either.
"The present, the Fool reversed. As you say, Celina, lack of connection to the realm in the mystic sense, presumably the Pattern. Possibly the missing regalia as well.
"The future, Striking the Dragon's Tail, reversed. I connect this to the Sons of the Dragon--perhaps this is a warning against provoking that old mystery.
"Now for the second row, my father taught me that the two cards could be the Virtue and the Fault--the supporting and opposing principles--or the two competitors. I incline to this interpretation and see yourself and Moire as competing for the heritage of Moins, which you must win to properly align yourself with Rebma.
"For yourself, I see Trickery, reversed. The subterfuges of our parents' generation laid open and revealed." Ambrose glances sidewise at Silhouette for a moment. "Revelations. Heritage divulged. My father's papers translated--although that's probably not a matter for Rebma as much as an example. You come in and sweep clean the corners of this place, shining a light on matters Moire wants kept hidden.
"For Moire, I see the Soldier, reversed. She demanded blind obedience." Here it is Celina he looks at, the statment not a question but his expression carrying one. He moves on without leaving any time for Celina to answer it. "This speaks to her demands and her methods of moving people as pawns: yourself, Prince Martin, Queen Khela, even King Random and Vialle. No explanations, just orders, with death or exile the price of disobedience.
"And finally the Phoenix, which is as you say, rebirth or death. But does it mean you or the city?" And there he ends his reading.
"Yes," Celina nods, "I certainly consider both me and the city possible meanings....even both together." She inclines her head to Ambrose. "Thank you. Well... you see how delicately things are poised." She seems to include both Ambrose and Silhouette in that.
Silhouette examines the cards again, "You must take decisive action to demonstrate to everyone, Rebman and Outsider, that the Interregnum is at an end. Otherwise, doubt will creep into the hearts and minds of your subjects. And avarice will inspire your enemies to take action against you. Otherwise, they shall steal your fire and the Phoenix will not rise again."
She taps the Dragon Tail's card, "Draig Talamh - the Earth Dragon - a Spirit of Deep Wisdom. Perhaps this Future indicates not some mundane adversary, but a more esoteric one. Acting without wisdom and clarity waking a sleeping dragon." Her finger moves to the Trickery card. "Here lies your strength, Celina. Seeing the hidden forces aligned against you. And understanding that the old ways are not necessarily the correct ones." Her finger then taps the Creator and Soldier cards, in turn. "And here. Rebma's weaknesses. The totalitarian regime. Crushing Inspiration and Enlightenment. Inciting Stagnation through fear and apathy."
She tilts her head, smiling at her cousin. "You must become Rebma's Mother, Celina. Guiding wisely and inspiring; be all-knowing and compassionate, yet firm when required. But allow your children to grow and learn of their own accord." She smirks, "Or, allow them to believe so, as any mother would."
Ambrose frowns about halfway through this recital. "By your leave," he says to Celina, and then turns to Silhouette. "Why do you call the dragon a spirit of wisdom?"
Silhouette tilts her head, blinking -- as this would be obvious to one of mystical leanings, such as her cousin. With an inward shrugs, she says, "When I was growing up in the Slave Pits, it was Draig Talamh that Enlightened me to the Grand Design. As I studied her teachings, I learned that the Iron Dragons are perfect reflections of Order. More specifically, its Earth Aspect. Draig Talamh represents the hidden potential within us all; protecting the inner wisdom that must be brought forth through study and labor. Just as one might mine precious metals from earthen depths."
She folds her arms, "From your reaction, as well as that of others, I suspect that the terminology possesses a far more sinister meaning to those of the Pattern."
Dragons have been Destruction Spirits in Celina's experience, not Order. But she waits for Ambrose's response.
"I don't know your Draig Talamh, but every dragon I've ever known or heard of, like the Half-Giants, is what used to be a Lord of Chaos, bound in a single form by the power of Order at the beginning of time as we know it. You might learn something from a dragon--I certainly have learnt a great deal from various lords of Chaos, and I'm not the only member of this family who has--but I'd take its wisdom with a significant grain of salt," Ambrose says.
Celina nods. "Did your knowledge of the Grand Design come from portents, or visions, or a whisper in the night? If you care to share, give me some idea how the Dragon enlightened?"
Silhouette ahs, and then provides a slight nod. "Portents? Visions? No. I learn from Observation. The dragons I speak of are creatures of clockwork and iron, not flesh and blood. And yet, they are very much alive. They are constructed in the forges of Babilu - the Shadow I was sold in. I built them. Worked and lived within them. I watched inanimate materials combined, welded, molded... only to become living, thinking constructs. Perfect unions of spirit and element. Every individual part working in unison to create life from lifelessness.
"And through studying them, I became Enlightened. I realized if Creation was structured in the same manner, true Order could be achieved. Each part, each aspect working to attain Perfection. That is the essence of the Grand Design."
She blushes slightly, "Draig Talamh, truth be told, remains more metaphor than entity. After all, we tend to create Gods to explain the unexplainable. She represents that spark, that instant when steam and clockworks became sentience and life. She is regulating force behind the Natural Order, the machina mundi. Her Works allow us to witness the grandeur of Creation.
"That said, I am sure such superstitions will fade with further Enlightenment."
"I should hope so," Ambrose says. "Being a god is hard and annoying work and I wouldn't be sorry if the entire annoying set of superstitions involving them died out."
Silhouette smiles slightly at this, "As much of the Family possesses the perceptions of Gods, I can only imagine their viewpoint is somewhat jaded on the matter."
"Sounds like I'm charting dangerous waters. Yes. There is something like a god, but more like a guardian, someone who shall preserve the land, and its Order. And I cannot be jaded about it. Not at all. It is not in my nature to be jaded about the future." Celina looks between Ambrose and Silhouette. "It isn't in me to be worshiped. However, observation is a good place to start such ambitions of being Guardian to the City. Any words of wisdom for me about avoiding the annoying superstitions, Cousin?" She smiles at Ambrose.
"I don't think you have those in Rebma, but I suspect the position of Queen involves a similar sort of responsibility for things you can't control." Ambrose offers Celina a wry smile, which he turns on Silhouette. "I've been a god--no, correction, I am a god, and will be for generations yet until our uncle the King breeds the religion out of the Uxmali people. And even then, I will always be the Feathered Serpent."
Despite the fact that they're in an enclosed room, there's a slight wind behind him, one that ruffles the Trumps. Neither Celina nor Silhouette can see anything that he did to trigger it.
Silhouette tilts her head at this, examining Ambrose with a clinical eye. The disturbance appears to trouble her, but not for reasons one might suspect. She gives a nod, more to herself than anyone present.
Celina notes that Gods come in Family flavors and that there is enough synergy for Order to look the other way for a few seconds in Rebma. She gathers up the card layout. "Silhouette, you have asked me a number of important questions while you were here. You've also tried to make some changes to further Order. These decks are precious, but I am willing to lend it to you for a single reading here and now if you would try it."
Silhouette bows her head reverently, “Thank you, my Queen. You honor me.”
Gingerly, she takes the cards, shuffling them and dividing them into three, before shuffling once more. She closes her eyes and speaks aloud, “What role must I play to best serve Rebma’s return to Order?”
So saying, she plucks six cards from the deck – creating a pyramid, as Celina had moments before.
The cards land as follows:
Bottom row
The King, reversed
Winter
The Eagle
Middle row
The Soldier
The Dragon, reversed
Top row
The Priestess
Silhouette raises a brow at the reading, “The Dragon appears yet again. As well as the Soldier.” She glances between her cousins. “I shall refrain from interpreting these for the moment, as the symbology of these images likely differs from our experiences. I would ask your views first, as you possess more experience with them.”
Ambrose shakes his head. "By tradition, the querent should interpret first."
Celina nods.
Silhouette wrinkles her nose at this, before giving a surrendering shrug. “Very well....”
She examines the cards more closely, running her slender fingers over them in intricate patterns - as if drawing connections to each. After a few moments, she gives as a nod to herself.
“Again, these observations are based on my personal mythology,” she says before beginning. “First, my Past, beginning with the inverted King. A symbol of tradition and authority. His word is Law. However, an unjust King’s authority may destroy his people. I suspect that Mother may have abandoned me to answer Oberon’s demands, thus condemning to slavery. This leads into Winter. Traditionally, a time of reflection and renewal. The transition from one stage of life into the next. A fine description of my current state of affairs.
“These two cards culminate into The Eagle - a symbol of intelligence, insight, renewal, and courage. Seeing the world from above. In Rebma, I shall find Enlightenment.”
Her hand drifts upward. “The Soldier, upright. Duty. Honor. Service to a higher authority. You, Celina.” However, a frown touches her lips at the next card. “The Dragon inverted troubles me, but does reiterate a nagging suspicion. Former beliefs oppose me. Tainted wisdom opposing The Eagle. As such, I must find true Enlightenment upon the Pattern before the Dragon hinders my Good Works.”
She smiles at the Priestess card, “The culmination of my service to you. Daughter of the Mysteries. Preceptor of the Grand Design. It is a role I am well-suited to.”
Celina looks at Ambrose and smiles. "I'll take the hostess' prerogative and comment last."
Ambrose nods. "Very well," he says. He glances at the cards and begins pointing them out one by one, with his attention split between the cards and Celina, as if Silhouette's presence is something of a distraction.
"In the querent's past, I see a cruel master, perhaps in slavery, as mentioned, or something like it. Something that bent, if not broke, her spirit, and in context of the other cards in the reading, probably having to do with religion.
"Winter suggests a maturing out of the childlike mentality of a slave, and the future with the Eagle suggests further knowledge, as the untruths the querent has internalized are discarded along with the attitudes of slavery.
"The two opposing forces here, again, not necessarily virtue or fault, but the opposition of the querent's duty to her faith and principles as she has seen them and the emotions she feels at a challenge to her worldview, especially when it comes from those with a superior knowledge that she cannot hope to equal at the present time.
"And finally, the Priestess," which Ambrose rotates with a fingertip until it faces upright from his position, which makes it properly sideways to the rest of the card. "Representing in this case the possibility for the querent to gain wisdom from the information she learns or for her to continue to wallow in shallow understandings of greater metaphysics. Madam," he says, and bows to Celina, and then turns to look at Silhouette, eyebrows slightly arched, as if he expects some commentary on his reading. Probably negative.
Celina eases back in her seat, giving Silhouette a chance to respond before she too, reviews the layout of cards.
Silhouette remains positively still - like a clockwork doll someone forgot to wind. Then her eyelashes flutter, as she realizes they are waiting for her to refute Ambrose’s assessment. “The Grand Design teaches us that only through Enlightenment may we progress toward Perfection. Any Precept knows that answers - true answers - many times are not amiable with prior beliefs. And yet, they must be accepted nonetheless. Wisdom inflicts a great price upon us all.
“To deny Truth is to embrace Stagnation. Teach and I shall learn, even if it requires me to dispose of cherished concepts.”
A thin smile curls her lips, “But only a fool does not question. For knowledge remains forever tainted by Perception.”
"We are eager as we are young. We do not know our limits, but we have assumptions about the ground we stand on that may involve our lack of imagination or opportunity...." Celina could easily be talking about herself or all of them present, "or lies carefully composed for us to learn."
Celina looks at the cards. "In the past, everything was dictated and results were without regard for you, Cousin. You were held in misfortune and you had little results that moved you out of this.
"Then, sudden insight. You became effective. You took control. Events around you bent to your will."
This sparks a wistful smile on Silhouette’s lips.
"Which led to a situation where you were counted a superior mentat among the shadows. You prospered." Her eyes have followed the cards at the bottom. She looks to the mid row.
"You took up Duty. You found a situation that promised new opportunities with Huon. You believed that this was the path of Enlightenment. You were raised up, but....."
She looks at the Dragon. "... the cards say the Cunning path led you false. In fact, your feelings have changed dramatically. You are now prepared to throw yourself in a new direction, but that move may be driven by the loss of Duty rather than continued Virtue. It could turn out well, if you are more careful."
Celina regards the Priestess. "In the outcome, everything you hold dear. If you succeed, your wishes will bear fruit. If you fail to choose well, your desires will be rendered moot. You will be thrown down."
Celina smiles. "Not quite as dire as my reading, but none-the-less somewhat forbidding I feel."
Silhouette smiles at Celina, “The insight provided will be most useful in the coming trials, I am certain. If nothing else, this intriguing ritual provides one with focus. Clarity. When time allows, I would learn more of these Trumps from you. How they are connected to the subtle weavings of Fate.” This she says to Ambrose with some respect.
“But, until such time, I believe my scholastic attention must remain on Rebma and its Queen’s best interests."
She nods to Celina, "After this, do you still wish to employ my services?"
Celina nods. "That has already been decided. These auguries do not sway me to reconsider. If anything, the opposite." Celina looks at Ambrose and then Silhouette again... continuing with Silhouette. "I've heard nothing from Conner or Brita. They went to find Huon at the place in shadow he requested he be escorted from to serve his recompense in Rebma. Have you heard anything from Huon, Silhouette? Is there some trouble?"
“No, my Queen,” Silhouette says, genuinely surprised. “There have been no messages returned to me at this time. And, until further notice, I have no method to convey a message to him.”
She tilts her head, “I wonder if he has been utilizing me as a delaying tactic.”
"Do explain what it is you wonder....." Celina eases into a much more relaxed pose, something about her shoulders makes it seem her bones have decided to ignore physics.
Silhouette straightens her back with liquid, allowing Celina the perfect profile of her as she speaks. “I healed his injuries. I provided him a respite from pursuit. Then, he sent me as a messenger to the Family hunting him. Knowing full well they would have to honor old traditions regarding surrender. His instructions to me were vague, his means of communication sporadic. He requested odd instructions for his retrieval from Shadow, causing further delays. Focus remains on the lost lamb, rather than the roaming wolf. Allowing him more time to recuperate.
“What if he is playing the dangerous gambit of false surrender? Regain his strength and then strike as we chase him around Creation. It would erase any chance of reconciliation should he lose again, but he is a rather brazen fellow. Perhaps his allies may have bolstered his courage once again.”
She shrugs faintly, “It could simply be a delay in travel or circumstance. But you may wish to consider all possibilities, my Queen.”
Since Celina has already had these thoughts, she is studying Ambrose's reactions. She does not hide the fact that she does so.
Ambrose doesn't seem particularly surprised by any of these ideas. "By your leave," he says to Celina.
Celina nods once to Ambrose. She seems to enjoy his polite informality.
He takes the trump deck and separates out his own cards, offering one face-down to Celina. "If you wish to know what Brita is thinking, you can ask her at your leisure." It's not a challenge, but Celina isn't the only one taking measure in this room.
Celina gathers the deck again with her left hand. She reaches for his offer with her right. The cadence is not rushed, but she moves quickly with clean swift gestures.
[Assuming the exchange of face-down cards here.]
"I invite you both to stay for this," Celina gives them a moment to protest or make some excuse to withdraw.
Celina turns over the card. She studies the warmth of Brita's face. She smiles. She touches the deepness of the Trump. "Brita? It is Celina in Rebma."
Silhouette watches in silence, eyes focused on Celina.
As the Trump begins to shift, Celina hears the echo of Brita's voice asking Who Calls. Conner is at Brita's side. The scene that forms behind Brita and Conner is of a wood embellished room. Brita appears to be seated on the floor. "Your Majesty," Brita acknowledges and Celina senses the bow in the tilt of the background. "You Have Need of Us?"
The scene that forms for Brita and Conner is Celina in shades of sea, leaning forward towards the Trump. She sits in Air. Conner knows of the Cloud Chamber where Rebma holds back the sea. "I had a Need to see you Well." Celina replies with a big smile. "It had been overlong in my mind. I was concerned that Huon was not where or when he said he would be. Shadow always provides complications."
Brita glances at Conner for his input but answers, "We have been Working to Determine if Our Uncle is Where he is Supposed to Be Now." She lifts an eyebrow at Conner to elaborate.
Ambrose is waiting to see whether Celina means to pull him into the contact or ask him to join. (It hasn't occurred to him that she might not know how.)
Having determined that her cousins are both well, Celina relaxes enough so Ambrose and Silhouette are informed things there are not dire. She keeps her attention on Brita, as it is her Trump, even as she waits on Conner.
"It will not surprise you to learn that things were not exactly as we were led to believe." Conner's smile is a little strained. "Upon our arrival at Asir , we discovered that Huon was last known to be in the Bellum Embassy. However, we also discovered that he murdered two members of the sect known as the Paresh and was wanted for their murder by the authorities of the Asir. The Bellum Embassy has offered Huon asylum and has refused to turn him over to the Asir authorities. Thus, Asir and Bellum are preparing for war with each other." Conner reaches out of frame and pulls a wine glass into view. He takes a brief sip and continues.
"I have made a deal with the government of Asir on Rebma's behalf. In return for some trade concessions, Asir will put aside its claim on Huon and allow Rebman justice to pursue its claim. So all that remains is remove Huon from an armed Embassy that does not wish to give him up. It occurred to us that this might be an elaborate delaying tactic with Huon not even being present here because a Prince of Amber could walk away from all of this if he wished. So we were attempting some sorcery to confirm if Huon was actually here on Asir." Conner takes another sip of wine. "How are things with you?" Conner adds.
Celina looks surprised at 'murdered two members'. She increases her concentration on Brita as a result, not wanting any surprise or distractions to take her out of the Trump connection.
"Conner, I'm just so glad to find you both well. I don't want you... or Rebma drawn into some sort of war with shadows because of some trickery from Huon. We said we would pick him up at the Embassy. We didn't say we'd rescue him from murder.... so continue to use your superb discretion."
With her free hand, Celina gestures to Ambrose and Silhouette to come closer. She points to her wrist pulse point for the hand holding the Trump. She then lays two fingers across that pulse and points to Ambrose and Silhouette again, inviting them to touch her there.
Celina braces her psyche for the sudden touch of two strangers to her currents.
"I have no news from other family. I have Ambrose and Silhouette with me. They are assisting me with advice as a favor. I expect they'd like to listen in since this is so much more exciting than daily life in my court." She grins. "Remember, Huon is most likely present because he said he would be there and you journeyed there thinking mostly about him as your destination. If he is playing a deep game on us, he'd be leaving as soon as he knows you are there. That would almost keep him within his word, if he could later claim it was too dangerous to meet. It is good that you've negotiated most of the danger away already. You should be able to leverage that."
Ambrose lays his hand on Celina's wrist and enters the contact. His presence is strong here, stronger psychically than anyone in the call with the exception of Brita. Had his gifts not been apparent before, they are now. "Cousins," he says, but Conner and Celina feel that most of his attention is focused on Brita.
Silhouette blinks curiously at her cousin’s behavior. With a nod, she lightly touches Celina’s wrist with her warm fingers. The weaving of presences catches her off-guard, but she recovers quickly. “Kalispera, cousins.”
Conner greets each new arrival with a smile which is seen and felt in the connection. "Greetings, cousins. We were just discussing how to determine if Huon is indeed here where he is supposed to be. Going and looking for ourselves would require infiltrating or raiding an armed embassy so we were trying to devise something sorcerous, subtle, and otherwise sibilant." Conner chuckles.
Brita smiles warmly at Ambrose, nods at Silouette, and says "Greetings. It is Good to See You." She focuses on Silhouette and asks, "Cousin Silouette, What is Your Opinion on whether Our Uncle may have Brought Us Here as a Ruse before Fleeing? Did he Seem Sincere in his interest in Returning to the Family?"
Silhouette returns the nod, “During our last conversation, Huon appeared genuine in his desire to redeem himself in the Family’s eye. Albeit more for personal survival than penance. His behavior also suggested a falling out with his former allies. He recognizes that surrender remains his best opinion. Even acknowledging this would test his prickly nature. As such, I believe this lends validity to his intentions.
“It would also afford him a future opportunity to slip a dagger between his brother's ribs.”
She brushes a strand of dark hair back, “That stated, I would remain cautious, Cousin Brita. He may be placing you in danger to distract the Family long enough to accomplish an as-yet-unknown goal.”
Celina adds, "My experience in talking to Huon is that he values Sincerity and Cleverness and things Not Said."
"Makes sense. He sounds like the kind of man my father would have enjoyed working with." This is not, the more sensitive in the contact feel, any kind of a compliment. Ambrose frowns. "Why do you not go in, cousins? You are princes of Amber, and gods to boot. Need you be so indirect? You could just go in, drag him out, and bring him back for punishment."
It's a serious question on Ambrose's part.
"I think it comes with the red hair, cousin." Conner replies. "Coming at problems from unexpected directions with previously unknown resources is the way we do things." He grins. "Now if you'd like the serious answer, I can give you two. The first is that I have been too long a diplomat to violate the sovereignty of an Embassy lightly. A direct raid here could jeopardize the safety of every diplomat and trader Amber, Rebma and Xanadu has in the shadow realms."
Conner takes another sip of wine. "The second is because I don't like rushing into battle without knowing what I'm getting into. I've fought Huon on the battlefield. If he is unwilling to go, I don't know if Brita and I could subdue him. If he is willing to go, then why is he holed up in the Embassy? He could have escaped himself with little effort. So either he wants to stay where here is or there is a force strong enough to hold a Prince of Amber against his will in there. Either is a good enough reason to spy out the land before rushing in." Conner concludes. "No doubt we'll rush in anyway but forewarned is forearmed as they say."
Brita's smile beams her pride at her brother. "Growing up with My Uncle Loki, I have Learned to Not Rush In with what is Obvious. More Often than Not what you Saw was Not what Was."
"I wanted to know things were moving forward and you two were all right. That seems to be true. I want you both safe before I want Huon in custody. All else will follow." Celina nods at Silhouette. "Huon loses a negotiator and I have gained an ally once you return with him."
Silhouette nods lightly, “Connor’s words hold wisdom. It is possible that Huon may wish for us to drag him forth and offend the local population. Perhaps even gain him allies. No, an aggressive approach at this time would result in several negative consequences; all which would impede our Purpose. More information is required.”
She cocks her head, “What are the locals politics, cousins? What advantage -direct or indirect - could Huon gain from causing this rift?”
Brita shrugs and glances at her brother. "I Hate Politics and I Only Spoke with the Local Cult Leader who was Cleaning Floors when I Arrived."
"That is what I cannot figure out." Conner replies. "The main political fallout is a potential war between a faction of Bellum and the island of Asir. As Bellum's main industry is war, this would be a disastrous turn of events for Asir. I don't see any direct advantage for Huon in destroying Asir. Indirectly, this would destabilize trade for Amber and Rebma and perhaps act as a distraction to other plans." Conner shrugs.
Silhouette cocks her head at this, as might a predatory shorebird spotting movement in the water.
"So the sooner we sift deep enough to clear these issues and present our mission to Huon the better it sounds," Celina says softly, still thinking.
"Indeed," Ambrose says. "But Huon is not a long-time diplomat from what I know of his family history. It's entirely possible his motive was 'they made me angry'."
Silhouette gives a wry laugh, “Indeed.” She folds her hand behind her, “Prince Huon’s pride is a disservice to him. If people interfere with his designs, he generally responds in an unfavorable manner.”
Brita glances at her brother with a slight shrug of 'we're back were we started'.
Silhouette leans forward, "Would it be of assistance should I join you there, cousins? With the Queen's permission, of course. I do not know if I might be better suited to lure him from hiding, as it were."
Celina smothers a spark of inspiration at this offer by Dolphin but watches Ambrose closely for a reaction.
Ambrose's reaction is hard for Celina to divine; he has a great deal of subtlety and control over what he shows in the contact. But from his facial expression alone, she has a sense of wariness.
Celina stirs and says, "Conner and Brita may call us again as a reserve. We could quickly add strength of arms through the Trumps." There is a scratch at the door, but Celina will not take her eyes from the call in progress. Softly she says to Silhouette and Ambrose..."bide just a moment."
She shifts her tone, "Enter now."
A young girl opens the door, and stares at the door jamb as the door glides open, eyeing the watery edge in the door opening. She takes a deliberate step forward and crosses into air with her best Court face on. Crossing the room, she holds out a packet to Celina. "From the Lady Llewella, your Majesty."
Celina reaches with her off hand, taking the sealed envelope. "Thank you, Xverty. That is all."
Xverty bobs a curtsey and withdraws.
Celina nods to Conner and Brita. "I have a message to read and cannot think to hold this and put my attention elsewhere as well. Is there anything else we can do for you now? Please do call on us again if you need some muscle or extra war paint."
"I have Nothing Further, Your Majesty," Brita notes formally. She will let Conner respond before breaking the connection.
Silhouette glances at Celina before giving a faint nod. She remains silent as the conversation closes.
"Nothing at the moment, Majesty. With good fortune, the next Trump we make will inform you that Huon is in your custody. Farewell, Cousins." Conner smiles.
Celina returns the borrowed card face down to Ambrose. "Thank you. Would you both stay a moment while I review these messages?"
"Of course," Ambrose says.
Celina realizes quickly that one of these is for Ambrose once she looks at it. She passes the sealed oilskin packet over to him and concentrates on the one addressed to her. She smiles to see Brennan's Tower signet, understanding that he has used the Trumps to pass something to her aunt. She hopes he arrived well in Avalon. She breaks the seal and opens the tube inside.
"Queen Celina," it reads, with appropriate other honorifics...
I trust this letter finds you well. Fletcher and I have arrived safely at our destination in Avalon, and find ourselves in good company. I will not be returning immediately, for reasons which will be clear shortly; I believe Fletcher will be remaining for similar reasons, but his decision is his to make. I have consulted with Uncle Benedict on several matters of importance to Rebma. Benedict advises against reliance on mirrors for communications as being insecure, by which I infer that he regards the contents of this letter to be as sensitive as I do. Be careful with the information within.
First, on the matter of Huon and his incarceration. I believe we have the right approach: Benedict urges some level of restraint in dealing with him. The balance to be struck is how much freedom and comfort to allow him so that he does not decide to run free, but without giving him too much scope for mischief, or to work his way into a position at the court. I am convinced that we can do little better in this regard. Benedict convinced me with a simple question-- consider what treatment you would resist and what you would tolerate in his position.
Brennan being Brennan, that transmitted question is at the end of a leaf, giving Celina time to ponder before turning to the next.
Whereupon I realized that, of course, we can no more hold Huon truly against his will than Brand was able to hold me. Therefore, let his prison seem as wide as the ocean and as mild as a summer morning. A comfortable country estate with servants and minders seems a reasonable starting point. In the same vein, Benedict counsels that there is little we can do if he truly sets his mind to communicating with others. If Benedict admits he could not prevent it, it cannot be a good use of our time to worry about it. Make it a term of his incarceration that he reveal any communications and attempts at same, and think of a punishment later.
Second, on the matter of relations between the realms. Benedict is content to maintain exactly the relationship that Avalon and Rebma have had for the past several centuries-- non-interfering, largely non-interacting neighbors. Some of this is based on the personalities and dynamics of a former era-- Benedict, Moire, and Oberon-- and need not concern us terribly much. But the personalities of this era are not yet known, and from Benedict's perspective, not yet settled. It may be quite some time before Benedict considers the current state of affairs as anything like a status quo. To that end alone, Benedict desires that the Triton guards remain.
That is not his only concern, however. Avalon is, as I am coming to understand, a crucible of Benedict's military science. It is populated with tribes and people and nations and neighbors in constant conflict. It is the nature of the people in that place to press against Benedict's realm, and against each other, to attack, raid, and conquer along any vector presented to them.
Brennan still being Brennan, this also falls naturally at the end of a leaf so that Celina may think her own thoughts before proceeding.
Thus, my third point: Moire. Considering the nature of Avalon and its placement with respect to Avalon, I find it much more plausible than before that Moire or an agent may be here. Rebma is as much a myth to Avalon as the reverse, and populated with tribes eager for raids and plunder. You can see the direction of my thoughts, I am certain: If she is here, she is in a land where it will be easy to attract a band of hardened raiders with the promise of plunder; she retains the means to open the way from here to there; she may retain the ability to command a force of Tritons in your own realm.
When discussing this with Benedict, he allowed that it was possible, and may explain some recent events in Avalon, but it is not a certainty. My hunch is that it is true in some part-- if not Moire, then an agent. And if any part of it is true, then she must be near to Rebma. Thus, I remain in Avalon, to assist Benedict and Lilly, and to see what is to be seen of this matter. And also, it becomes imperative that you understand the nature of your control over the Tritons, the limits of it, and the contradictions of it. When push comes to shove, who will they obey? And what is to be done if we cannot know the answer, or do not like the answer we discover? I would that I were there to help investigate that matter, but I feel I am more valuable here for the moment. My hope is that Ambrose remains in Rebma, and I would suggest you discuss these matters privately with him. His insights in all such matters are valuable.
Finally, some other smaller matters: We have no Trumps of each other. It is possible I may be able to procure one of myself while in Avalon, and pass it to Aunt Llewella as I have passed this packet. I hope also that Brita may be able to create one of you, or of me. She knows she has my permission, but I know time presses us all. Think carefully on who you might allow to make a Trump of you, and perhaps we can discuss it through less secure channels.
Sir Brennan Brandson, Knight Commander of the Order of the Ruby.
She reads quickly through the many vellum pages. Her expression moves through several passes of concern and relax.
"Brennan and Fletcher are well." Celina rolls the pages closed, inserts them into the tube again, looks up, and nods at Ambrose and Silhouette. She doesn't expect to see Ambrose reading his packet, but she will wait if he still is.
Ambrose is, in fact, still reading his. From what the two women can see of the parchment he's reviewing, it's full of complex swirls and glyphic figures that neither of them can decipher. It is no language that Silhouette has ever encountered before. (And probably not Celina either, unless she's been shown it by Brennan.)
Silhouette remains stock-still, eyes forward. She remained politely silent while the pair read their missives.
Celina waits on Ambrose. Once he finishes and looks up, she addresses them both. "I have a feeling that Huon's situation will be more complex and dangerous than he wanted us to believe. It might be that his first step to getting on my good side is to 'rescue' Brita and Conner from some situation he created for that purpose. So while I do not ask lightly, I hope you will both be available to Trump through to help them. If that does not suit you, I will not take offense."
Silhouette bows her head reverently, "I am Yours, my Queen. Whatever you desire, it shall be done."
"I was willing to go through to Brita and Conner if I were needed. My brother's letter doesn't change that. Although there are matters I will need to consider herein," Ambrose adds. "I will need to study his notes further before I can make them of use to you, Majesty."
That sounds pretty good to Celina, she smiles. "Well thank you both. I hope it is not required, but in the scheme of...scheming, I'd rather send a pair of agents and overwhelm whatever situation is developing over there if my friends ask for help. I feel we are now prepared as best we can. Let me know if you have any additional ideas on that front. The Court resources are at your disposal."
Celina indicates by rising that her agenda is done and they can comment their own business now if they have anything further.
Silhouette smiles faintly, “When the opportunity arises, Majesty, I would request access to information regarding Asir and Bellum. Asir’s military capabilities, in particular. Even if our cousins extract Prince Huon from his current situation, the ramifications thereof will persist. It would be advantageous to prepare for such an eventuality. Destabilization of Rebma and Amber at this time would be counterproductive to the Grand Design. It may also be advantageous to your current political standing.”
She laces her fingers together, “Although you’ve defined my current role, I might still be of use to you in other regards. I am adept at shifting the balance of power to the powerless. When it serves the Greater Good, of course. And, at the very least, this Knowledge would assist me - should you choose to send me to assist our cousins."
"Yes." Celina sounds husky again. It appears it is her 'thinking deep currents' voice. She holds some mix of mental currents for a long pause. "I'll speak to the Archivists about giving you our knowledge regards Asir and Bellum. Then I will ask them the same thing myself. Then you will explain what they've shared from your own learning. Then we will compare notes."
She smiles. Wide. It is not a nice smile. Certainly it isn't a Celina smile at all.
Silhouette returns the smile. A shiver passes through her, but not from the cold. "My thanks, Majesty. I look forward to serving you in this regard. At the very least, it may provide us deeper insight into Huon's current Purpose. With your leave, I shall begin my research immediately."
A pause, then she smiles again. This expression is softer, vaguely human. "Shall I await you in my chambers tonight, then? Unless another arrangement would be more to your suiting."
Ambrose, who is still in the room, clears his throat quietly, an act much easier to accomplish in a space with air than it might be elsewhere in Rebma.
Celina says, "Please give me some time to contact the archivists. But expect to begin soon. Tonight I will be engaged on the business of Court. Come see me tomorrow, Silhouette."
Silhouette curtsies, "Of course, Majesty. As always, I am your servant."
Taking this as a dismissal, Silhouette nods to Ambrose and heads for the door back to the aquatic realms of the city.
Last modified: 4 November 2012