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Post by Admin on May 6, 2023 5:05:32 GMT
Edward knows the way to Jerome's home but finds the city's layout has changed since his last visit. There have been some civic improvements: statues and monuments to King Random and Prince Caine have been built, and others to Prince Gerard are still under construction. The quaint street filled with row houses that Jerome lives on has seen much damage from a battle not too recently passed. Cobblestone streets have been ripped up; a few buildings have been torn down or considerably damaged. Jerome's place is one of the lucky ones and was only slightly singed.
Jerome answers the door.
"Welcome back to Amber," he says with a rueful nod to all the half-repaired damage on the street.
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Post by Edward on May 6, 2023 5:54:12 GMT
Edward stands tall and proud. Obviously coming out as an outsider as he walks through the city of Amber. "I have got to try to blend in..." he says. Knowing all too well that he won't. At least not until he has a better sense of his surroundings and spends time with the working class. He grimaces as the thought of working with his hands...bruising and callouses. Dry calloused skin.
He shakes it off.
He moves through the streets he knows and remembers. Picking out place markers that would help him remember his friends home. After many a rise...he comes to a set of stairs that ascended up onto another tier or plateau of homes that belonged to the more "respectable" residence of Amber. "Now I remember....just up here on the left. I hope he isn't out to sea, else this trip would be a waste of time."
Edward adjusts his cravat and his suit to make himself feel better about how he presents himself. He knocks. He hears movement beyond the door and is greeted by a servant of some sort.
"Good Evening Sire. You have reached the residence of Jerome Coquin. How can I be of service to you.?"
"Symin, Please tell your master that Edward Fitzhugh has arrived and has requested his man. If you would like, I will wait outside."
Symin's face relaxes almost immediately. "No Sire, you should come inside and wait like a gentle man. Please enter."
Edward thanks the man and comes in. Hands over his walking stick and allows Symin to show him his waiting place. Preferably near the fire so he can have something to watch while he waits.
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Post by Admin on May 8, 2023 3:59:01 GMT
There is only a brief moment before Jerome comes into the salon.
"Edward, my boy, good to see you again. I am sorry for the loss of your father. We still mourn him."
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Post by Edward on May 9, 2023 3:45:46 GMT
"No Doubt, and I am sure you mourn him most of all."
"But enough of the pleasantries. I come seeking knowledge of Prince Benedict or grant an audience with Regent Flora. I know, they are tall expectations from someone such as myself. Still, I must try."
"I would prefer Prince Benedict. I would like the opportunity to learn from him as much as I can. However, I know I can learn from the Regent, but I may not be up to her standards and end up being a pawn in her game."
"Tell me what you know. And lastly...how can I be of assistance to you? Is there some trinket, bauble or pastry somewhere that you crave that you can't get here in Amber? It would be my honor to fetch it for you."
not entirely sure if Jerome has such a weakness, but the thought of creating, or knowing of such a weakness is an indulgence that Edward is willing to find out.
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Post by Admin on May 10, 2023 5:38:43 GMT
"The Prince is long gone from Amber, but the Regent is still in the castle. Many of your cousins, too, so I read in the papers. Princess Fiona and Prince Bleys also are about."
He mulls the offer for a minute.
"I do crave some Napoleon Cake, but it would be a long trip through shadow to find it, and it wouldn't survive the return in good shape. Ah, if you want a real challenge, then I would be grateful for a bottle of Nightberry wine. The real stuff that is only made in one hidden place near the Courts of Chaos."
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Post by Edward on May 11, 2023 3:27:22 GMT
He makes that face...I can't believe you said that...an obvious façade on the difficulties on acquiring such wine.
"Nightberry you say. I just might have to try some before I bring back a bottle. Just to make sure the vintage is worthy of your tongue."
he steps forward and issues the warning in a nonchalant, or throw away type jest. "I might even have to try a couple of goblets just to be sure."
He smiles. Jerome knew he would do anything for the man...but still, the thought of the dance of being in debt vs being family was sometimes a blurry line.
"Perhaps I'll have to find a place where I can have my cake...and my wine too."
"When I get back, you must introduce me to your Master of Arms. I feel that I may need a lesson or two in the near future. I suspect nothing, but I would rather err on the side of caution than be left unprepared."
While Ed and Jerome were talking, Ed will take notes of the décor and the theme. Sure, he expected it to be nautical in nature, but Lady Coquin may have her own taste.
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Post by Admin on May 11, 2023 5:35:43 GMT
Wherever the lady's tastes may range, this room is Jerom's. Decorated as Edward suspects: Bits and pieces from ships, ships in bottles, scrimshaw on the bone of a leviathan, Corwin's Jack captured during the failed invasion of Amber hangs above the door.
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Post by Edward on May 12, 2023 4:29:58 GMT
Edward will continue to create small talk. Hopefully as to not seem intrusive or seemingly bored. Jerome was indeed a friend and he intended to keep it this way. He will ask for a glass of wine as the brisk walk to Jerome abode made him slightly parched.
He will ask the usual things about Jerome's life, his work and his off-time. He truly wanted to catch up. Not that it has been a long time, but still. He was curious.
"Anything new in your life? Any covert missions coming up? Mind you, I know you won't tell me, but still...anything exciting going on? Anything I should be keeping my ear out for?"
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Post by Admin on May 13, 2023 5:51:54 GMT
"There's been nothing official yet, but I believe that I have been retired. Admiral Calvera has little love for those most loyal to your father. Not everyone is happy about that, but the man is determined to shape the fleet into his own image, and all us old guard can be damned."
He seems to be slightly emphasizing the words 'not everyone'.
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Post by Edward on May 14, 2023 5:28:47 GMT
"Are you ready to retire? I am not saying that you should...but rather...are you ready to slow down? Do you think Admiral Calvera is going to take the fleet in the direction that it needs to go?"
Ed mulls it over for a moment or two.
"I am sorry for you. A career man being pushed out when he still has so much to give."
"Do you like serving with him?"
Ed waits for Jerome to reply. His silence, or his voice will say the most. Does he cull his words? Or does he speak his mind...
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Post by Admin on May 19, 2023 4:43:48 GMT
"The admiral is harsh but not as cruel as his reputation says. The men were getting lax since the weather turned and no ships are sailing, so I guess he needs to ride them hard to maintain discipline. So I wouldn't say that I liked it.
"I can find a position somewhere once things return to normal and ships are asea again. Merchant fleet or in the navy of some other kingdom. What can you tell of King Rinado? I've heard that his seas are plagued with pirates so he may be looking for a captain of some experience."
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Post by Edward on May 22, 2023 5:40:25 GMT
Pirates were always a concern, even for the most seasoned Captain and crew. They fought dirty. "I am sure you will make a wonderful compliment to anyone's Navy if you so choose. I am sure Rinado would be ever so gracious to have you on their crew."
Ed continues to talk for another hour or so, recanting various moments in their life that he finds memorable. The good and the bad.
He thanks Jerome again for the visit and the conversation before he gathers his cane and makes his way for the door. "I am so sorry for keeping you this long. I know I have probably overstayed my welcome, but I DO so enjoy your company."
He departs, and his thoughts go immediately to Jerome's immediate future. Getting mustered out was a fact, but something that every person in any form of service must accept. Maybe this was his time, maybe it wasn't. At least he didn't seem depressed at the notion of going somewhere else where he can do some good.
Where to go...the hour is late. "There must be a pub around here somewhere....or maybe an Inn."
and he goes in search of such item. "Tomorrow I take a long walk."
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Post by Admin on May 24, 2023 5:13:30 GMT
It is not far to the Guilded Topmast, and within moments of arriving, he is seated with a beverage in front of him and a warm meal on the way.
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Post by Edward on May 25, 2023 5:12:36 GMT
He sips the cool beverage and lets the liquid quench his talkative thirst.
Come now Edward, you are being paranoid. They won't poison you. You are a Prince among the people, if anything, unknown.
He swallows and tries to identify the ingredients...or at least the stronger tones.
As the server walks by, He catches them. "Pardon me, but with whom do I speak about getting a room for the night, if available?"
"The Barman? Very well, Thank you."
So, Edward sits there for a few moments enjoying the refreshment before taking his ale to the bar and inquires about a room for the night.
Having received one of the last rooms, and because it is more expensive, it was available. He heads upstairs to find his room with his ale. Ed was ready to crash for the night.
He goes in, searches the room, and locks the door. He takes off his shoes and relaxes. "Napolean Cake....Where do I find Napolean Cake?"
He will repeat the question in the morning, but for now...he takes another drink and heads to bed.
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Post by Admin on May 26, 2023 5:37:30 GMT
The night is uneventful. The only disturbance is from the scathing of dragon's nails against the roof above. An old thing enjoys resting while wrapped around the golden mast protruding from the inn's roof. He must have slept poorly last night because he kept up the scratching for hours.
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