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Post by Admin on Oct 30, 2022 2:41:32 GMT
It was probably a good time to leave Kashfan waters and traders. No shipping to speak of these days, and harder and harder to find a good crew in port with the weather being so tempestuous. Add to that Rinaldo now being called 'Good King Rinaldo' and a favourite in Flora's court; things were becoming less and less enjoyable in this reach of the Golden Circle.
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Post by Dirk on Oct 30, 2022 2:48:59 GMT
Dirk quietly sails in to port. He docks his ship and heads for the nearest bar. He seems to have plenty of coin and a non descript shadow accent to his voice. After consuming quite a bit of booze he leaves. In near by shadows,the kind made by blocking light not the kind that are reflections of Amber, a black panther hides and watches the goings on.
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Post by Admin on Oct 30, 2022 3:09:32 GMT
Continue...
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Post by Dirk on Oct 30, 2022 3:16:37 GMT
After a few days of skulking about, Dirk appears again and heads towards the Upper City to get a good look at the Castle and grounds. He isn't visibly armed but has the standard boot knives and a dagger under the right sleeve of his shirt. Dirk does seem to be left handed. If he meets any young ladies in passing, Dirk is mildly flirtatious. He goes shopping for a hat and something leather and studded that might pass as a collar.
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Post by Admin on Oct 30, 2022 4:08:11 GMT
Ardenson and Sons Milliners supplies the hat, Bastings Leather the collar.
The castle has been blown up twice in recent months but rebuilt as before, aside from walls no longer covered in ivy, moss, and lichen.
"A fine sight, is it not?" his uncle Bleys says from an outdoor table at a nearby cafe. One of the few places in town that will still serve the rebel prince.
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Post by Dirk on Oct 30, 2022 4:27:46 GMT
"Yes sir, I suppose it is " Dirk says rather nonchalantly almost like he has no clue who Bleys is. "I wonder what the inside looks like. I did hear of the great library inside and that this land's ruler is quite a vision and delight." He looks at Bleys and gives him a warm smile.
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Post by Admin on Oct 31, 2022 3:30:48 GMT
#s://i~ibb~co/CW3jzFV/Bleys~jpg "Alas, the library is no more since Leonil visited Amber. Most do consider Florimel to be delightful. Most, but not all.
"Few are strong enough to brave this weather seated on a patio. Come, nephew, sit and share a drink with me. You'll find that we will be quite private," Bleys says |
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Post by Dirk on Oct 31, 2022 4:15:57 GMT
Dirk sits down with his uncle, "It's a pleasure to meet you. What is the state of the Kingdom? And how should one of such lowly status as myself go about joining polite society?" He runs his fingers through his hair and calms down a bit. After all his uncle hasn't bitten him yet.
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Post by Admin on Oct 31, 2022 5:58:39 GMT
#s://i~ibb~co/CW3jzFV/Bleys~jpg "Straight to business, eh? No preliminary bantering while we try to determine how far we can trust each other and how much stock you can put in my tale?" Bleys replies with a chuckle. He pours Dirk a glass of wine from the bottle. "Bayle's best, although it is Bayle himself who claims so. Judge for yourself."He takes a sip and tries to suppress a wince. "In situations like this, it is more customary for you to tell me what you have been up to and why you'd sail your ship into the harbour where any tar could easily identify it." |
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Post by Dirk on Oct 31, 2022 12:36:56 GMT
"I didn't have any witty banter and snappy repartee prepared after all I didn't plan on meeting any of my aunts or uncles so soon."
Leaving the matter of trust right out of the conversation, Dirk sips the wine and adds "I prefer rum. As far as your other questions go, I was in the cargo shipping business and that stopped being profitable so I decided to pay the land of my parent a visit." He sips more of the wine, "I hope that's not going to be any trouble for you."
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Post by Admin on Nov 2, 2022 4:19:15 GMT
#s://i~ibb~co/CW3jzFV/Bleys~jpg "The cargo shipping business, eh? I'm sure Flora and the Kashfan ambassador will have something to say about that line of business."He calls for the waiter to bring rum. "I don't suspect any trouble with your being here. I like keeping the family close to hand." |
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Post by Dirk on Nov 2, 2022 8:26:33 GMT
As Dirk waits for his rum, "I don't see any need for Aunt Flora to be told about my cargo shipping business since I am starting a long term hiatus. What else should I know about the status quo here? How does one gain a proper introduction to the family? Blah blah blah... the usual questions... But on a more important note, How are you and what plans are you contemplating involving me in as your pawn?"
When the rum comes Dirk drinks deeply and quickly to quench his thirst. He chuckles a little awaiting Bleys's reply.
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Post by Admin on Nov 5, 2022 4:59:50 GMT
#s://i~ibb~co/CW3jzFV/Bleys~jpg Bleys laughs too. "Plans? Those days are over for me, and I've seen the mountains of paperwork Flora deals with and have no wish to be tied down to a desk day after day.
"There is no doubt she already knows you are in town and what you have been doing all these years. We all underestimated how much attention she had been paying to Oberon all those years ago; she has a canny knack for rule and an uncanny instinct for learning what's happening, which doesn't bode well for your stay in Amber. Random and then Flora has spent years negotiating with Kashfa and Begma to iron out their conflict. Your name had been brought up by both sides and has been a nasty thorn for both of them. How your connection to the family was revealed, I can not say.
"It might be best to go up to the castle now and take your lumps as soon as possible. Depending on the noise from the Kashfan ambassador, your ship might be impounded by Calvera." |
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Post by Dirk on Nov 5, 2022 6:08:18 GMT
Dirk finishes his drink and says "Well then dear Uncle I am grateful for your companionship but I will take your wise advice and head to the castle to make a proper introduction. Please speak kindly of me at my funeral. I am sure Aunt Flora is going to kill me."
A long gaze is cast towards the castle as Dirk readies himself to face the consequences of his actions. "I'll be taking my leave, with your permission of course."
He takes his leave and starts to walk towards the castle. As he walks his new hat ends up on his head and the new collar goes around his neck. "I am so screwed." is said in a soft whisper over and over as he gets closer to the castle.
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Post by Admin on Nov 5, 2022 6:56:37 GMT
#s://i~ibb~co/9T7z5vz/Begma-Ambassador~jpg The crowds grow larger as he gets closer to the castle. Past the first wall, the people stream in and out of the castle to his left, and in and out of the Church of the Unicorn to his right. It is a rare sight to have the church be so busy. It usually sits mostly empty aside from a few foolish monks and nuns. Somebody must be funding the place again. The castle guards are cold but courteous as they let him enter. "I'd pull the brim down a bit further if I were you, Lord," one guard says to him The great foyer is stuffed with people. All different styles of dress, different colours all taking n different languages but Thari is heard most of all. Admin the press he hears someone call out his name. A tall, portly, and somewhat sozzled delegate zig-zags towards him, his path diverted by every waiter that passes carrying a drink tray. "My boy, my boy, my dear boy!" he says trying to reach for Dirk's hand and missing. The man wears a sash with the Begman crest sewn to it. "Excellent work, my boy! really helping us out with the Kasfans. Now back to get your reward? he slurs. Then begins to shout. "Everybody! This is the guy! This is -" |
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