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Post by Admin on May 5, 2021 4:42:48 GMT
Continued from: amberunleashed.freeforums.net/thread/74/citys-flame-bri03-eiv05-kat05?page=16The tunnel runs mostly straight under the city through clay and silts, hard-packed sand and gravel, sometimes twisting to avoid huge boulders buried in the muck. Bracing timbers hold the ceiling up, and tree roots burrow through the walls. A few times, the passage runs through the remains of buildings inundated by river silts ages ago. Embassy works have kept the floor clear and smooth, so there is little difficulty pushing Shelly the full distance. The walk is less kind to Lorelei as she is out of breath and her chest is in great pain from her wound. Two guards stand at the exit. Beyond them is a hillside meadow. They can see a few farms spread across the surrounding hills and a road winding through the valley under the wan moonlight. People walk or ride carts away from Deiga, fleeing the violence; a busy road, but not so much so that another few newcomers couldn't join their ranks under cover of the night. Near to the adit, shielded from view of the road, is a rickety, old cart attached to a pair of spavined, half-starved mules. "The best transport we could find, your highness'," one guard says. |
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Post by Lorelei on May 5, 2021 8:14:40 GMT
Lorelei smiles at the guard, even if it is a bit forced. "Under the circumstances this ride is quite luxurious. Thank you..."
She climbs in the back and helps to load and position Shelly as best as she is able.
To Brian she says, "Using the Shadow-paths is fine, but concentrate on putting distance between us and this blighted place. I shall attempt to move us through Shadow as soon as sufficient strength has returned."
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Post by Brian on May 5, 2021 16:30:00 GMT
Lorelei smiles at the guard, even if it is a bit forced. " Under the circumstances this ride is quite luxurious. Thank you..." She climbs in the back and helps to load and position Shelly as best as she is able. To Brian she says, " Using the Shadow-paths is fine, but concentrate on putting distance between us and this blighted place. I shall attempt to move us through Shadow as soon as sufficient strength has returned." . Brian cocks a curious eyebrow at Lor " You and Shelly both rest in the back." When Lor takes to rest he begins to work. As the mule and cart clip forward Brian start to whistle a tune (( the tune is Mo Ghile Muir)) as he sings the road becomes less dusty trail. Eventually turning first to cobblestones and then cut red bricks. The roads have fence posts at their sides at first and then fence posts with thick hedges. The flood of refugees thins out next down to no refugees. And the road above them has a canopy of magnolia trees. And lastly a sign ahead indicating a port city in the distance. In the distance steam and coal smoke can be seen in the direction of the port
There was a scent of Apples and apple pollen in the air and there were quite a few bee's harvesting pollen in the air with a pleasent buzz.
As they take a side road off the main road it winds a bit. The apple and honey smells intensify as does the scent of baked goods. There is a large fenced in Orchard. Around the orchard is a wooden fence decorated with skulls of Raven's and Crow's that are painted in vibrant colors.
[ Home of the Free Company OF Ravens Established in the year 1369 a place for all tired Soldiers, Explorers, travelers, and adventures who travel under the Raven's banner to find their rest.] is written on the sign hung from the top of the gate.
Working in the farm and the Orchard are older men. 40s, 50s, and 60s. Men who have seen combat. Some women as well. They are harvesting apples and other crops. Some of them are taking it to a bake-house. For preparation. Their are clay Jugs emblazoned with a Raven Emblem. This is hard cider even those who don't know the local script can tell such things. There are bunk houses along the Orchard property where the men work. There is also a Inn House and something that is bigger then the Inn House. On the front men and women in their 60s, 70s, and 80s sit. They don't do work. They likely are unable to do so physically.
All the folk you see milling about would likely be deemed "Steampunk" in style or early to mid Victorian. What technology is visible seems to give one that Impression. Though here a blend of technology and animal power is still used so the technology may be new or they may not be blessed with resources. The Houses and buildings in the 'Home' are all made of similar Brick to what was found upon the road. The roofs seem to be some sort of treated wood.
Brian pulls the cart and the donkey to the Inn.
As he does that he leans back over the cart to Lor
"We should rest here for the night. If your strong enough in the morning you could try moving us somewhere."
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Post by Brian on May 5, 2021 16:38:23 GMT
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Post by Lorelei on May 6, 2021 0:15:09 GMT
Lorelei had lightly dozed for the early part of the trip, but later noted that while they were not on any Shadow-path she could discern they were moving through Shadow... The place they finally arrive seems pleasant enough...
In response to Brian's comment, she replies, "If I manage to access my spells hung upon the Pattern, I know I can move us... at that point it will be a matter of how long my strength holds out. And if I can access my spells, I can accelerate the healing process... that means we will need some dry clothing for Lady Shelly to change into, afterwards... This place looks like it can provide there."
Carefully Lorelei climbs out the back of the cart, holding onto it until the pain induced nausea passes...
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Post by Brian on May 6, 2021 1:07:44 GMT
Lorelei had lightly dozed for the early part of the trip, but later noted that while they were not on any Shadow-path she could discern they were moving through Shadow... The place they finally arrive seems pleasant enough... In response to Brian's comment, she replies, " If I manage to access my spells hung upon the Pattern, I know I can move us... at that point it will be a matter of how long my strength holds out. And if I can access my spells, I can accelerate the healing process... that means we will need some dry clothing for Lady Shelly to change into, afterwards... This place looks like it can provide there." Carefully Lorelei climbs out the back of the cart, holding onto it until the pain induced nausea passes... . Brian shakes his head.
"No need to push yourself just yet. I figure we stop here; rest, eat something, and gather information. Maybe we find ourselves a person with some talent and experience who might know more about where we are going. And possibly some folks who might be able to help you and Shelly mend some more."
Brian goes to the back and helps Shelly from the cart. He sighs softly and turns to Lor and he speaks softly. "Also i'll check on her vitals. Truth be told if she doesn't improve at a certain point I may need to risk the chance you accidentally turn her into a Mermaid. "
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Post by Lorelei on May 6, 2021 1:41:37 GMT
"Of course, food and rest first," she says. Managing a weak smile she adds, "You know, while Lady Shelly might disagree, being a Mermaid makes managing the wardrobe much simpler..."
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Post by Brian on May 6, 2021 1:47:29 GMT
" Of course, food and rest first," she says. Managing a weak smile she adds, " You know, while Lady Shelly might disagree, being a Mermaid makes managing the wardrobe much simpler..." . There is a momentary glance of annoyance while he sizes you up then a soft laugh.
"Perhaps I'd find you more agreeable then the folk of Amber."
He thinks for a moment. "How do you deal with divided loyalties?"
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Post by Lorelei on May 7, 2021 1:17:35 GMT
"You would find 'most any Rebman more agreeable, I suspect," Lorelei answers. "Whether or not an individual possesses the old blood, with its fortitude to survive the cold and the crush of the deep, all true Rebmans, as opposed to those who simply live there, share certain traits; our warriors can meet the the gaze of Oberon's progeny and not back down, and our women possess great vision, compassion, and mystery. Magic is deeply embedded in our collective souls. This draws many to the use of Mirrors and the occasional prophesy," she elaborates with only a brief, slight smirk. "There are even paths where the Tantric and Mystic Arts merge. And, of course, our sensibility, or modesty if you prefer, in attire is legendary amongst the irrational surface dwellers."
Lorelei tilts her head slightly, giving Brian a long observant stare. Her body language stating that none of what she just said is a boast, merely a retelling of what is...
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Post by Brian on May 7, 2021 1:24:37 GMT
" You would find 'most any Rebman more agreeable, I suspect," Lorelei answers. " Whether or not an individual possesses the old blood, with its fortitude to survive the cold and the crush of the deep, all true Rebmans, as opposed to those who simply live there, share certain traits; our warriors can meet the the gaze of Oberon's progeny and not back down, and our women possess great vision, compassion, and mystery. Magic is deeply embedded in our collective souls. This draws many to the use of Mirrors and the occasional prophesy," she elaborates with only a brief, slight smirk. " There are even paths where the Tantric and Mystic Arts merge. And, of course, our sensibility, or modesty if you prefer, in attire is legendary amongst the irrational surface dwellers." Lorelei tilts her head slightly, giving Brian a long observant stare. Her body language stating that none of what she just said is a boast, merely a retelling of what is... . "Being around such women makes me want to turn into a fish." I laugh a bit. "But you miss my meaning. I mean the two families. How do you deal with the conflicting loyalties of that?" |
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Post by Lorelei on May 7, 2021 1:46:13 GMT
"Divided loyalties? My mother is Queen of Rebma. I am her only living child. While Martin is my elder sister's child, he chooses to absence himself from the Court. Those of Oberon's blood - aside from Llewella - are my aunts, uncles, and cousins with no claim toward Rebma's throne. Rebma is tied to Amber as its reflection, not as one of its Shadows; we too have a True Pattern. As long as unchanging Amber endures, so does Rebma... While Rebma may survive Amber's destruction, it would not do so unscathed..."
"And it is three families, not two... My half-brother, Merlin, of my father's blood is King of the Courts of Chaos..."
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Post by Brian on May 7, 2021 1:56:52 GMT
" Divided loyalties? My mother is Queen of Rebma. I am her only living child. While Martin is my elder sister's child, he chooses to absence himself from the Court. Those of Oberon's blood - aside from Llewella - are my aunts, uncles, and cousins with no claim toward Rebma's throne. Rebma is tied to Amber as its reflection, not as one of its Shadows; we too have a True Pattern. As long as unchanging Amber endures, so does Rebma... While Rebma may survive Amber's destruction, it would not do so unscathed..." " And it is three families, not two... My half-brother, Merlin, of my father's blood is King of the Courts of Chaos..." There is a long stare as she speaks he mutters under his breath. "Chuirfeadh bean den sórt sin fear ar bith ag iarraidh iompú ina Bhradán"
He eventually nods. "I suppose in your own way you gave me the answer I was looking for. Duty and all that." He shakes his head. "Sadly my meetings in the Palace of Amber did not do good report on the rulers of Amber. I will say our traveling companions at least gave a decent report on themselves."
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Post by Lorelei on May 7, 2021 2:33:54 GMT
"Salmon? Are you planning to go fishing?" she asks.
"You must understand, Amber's Elder generation have spent literal centuries under Oberon's manipulations. Save for the few that escaped his grasp, they had no choice but to become a bickering, spoiled, manipulative, back-stabbing nest of...," Lorelei pauses to take as deep a breath as she can currently manage. "Most of the survivors have begun to grow out of that phase, and they had sense enough to keep their children away from the worst of it all."
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Post by Brian on May 7, 2021 2:37:29 GMT
" Salmon? Are you planning to go fishing?" she asks. " You must understand, Amber's Elder generation have spent literal centuries under Oberon's manipulations. Save for the few that escaped his grasp, they had no choice but to become a bickering, spoiled, manipulative, back-stabbing nest of...," Lorelei pauses to take as deep a breath as she can currently manage. " Most of the survivors have begun to grow out of that phase, and they had sense enough to keep their children away from the worst of it all." . I chuckle a little bit. "Its an old story that in Ayalos is an old saying. Local flavor."
I nod and take the answer seriously. "Doesn't quite answer that question but its good enough of of an answer I suppose." He carries Shelly. "Lets see if we can get some service to get you to tended to,"
I have a ponderous sort of frown on my face. ~ There are likely never going to be the answers. But its probably why they are spoken of so poorly more often then not."
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Post by Lorelei on May 7, 2021 3:12:02 GMT
Lorelei gives the stable-boy a couple of silver coins to tend the cart and mules. She hopes to make it into the building before he notices it is her image stamped into the coins.
At the threshold, she holds the door to make it easier for Brian to carry Shelly inside.
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