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Post by Admin on May 16, 2021 7:19:51 GMT
"Yes, Martin. And Llewella, and you, and- well let's just say that those princes do enjoy their time in my land and care little for the consequences until it becomes convenient for them.
"I will say this for Random: he never rubbed his indiscretions in my face like your father did when he sent that pissant Merlin here for an extended visit."
Lorelei has never heard her mother talk this way. Must be the pregnancy scare and how Lorelei has never before called her from a cheap motel bedroom in the company of a strange man.
"Now tell me what that 'king' is blathering on about."
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Post by Brian on May 16, 2021 8:51:10 GMT
I roll my eyes and fumble in a pouch and pull out a cigar. Annoyed but I'm willing to go on with it for the time being. I move of to Shelly and whisper in her ear " might be wise for you to try that drink down stairs."
He returns and turns to Lor.
" You should probably open with the goods on the Antelope being stolen by Deiga. I'm not sure the rebels there are going to turn them over freely."
I shake my head and return to working on my cigar " Or Coy who was part of the nonsense in Castle Amber controled the minds of people and formed an Angry mob that nearly murdered you."
I surely am not sounding a little contemptuous of the Queen of Rebma as I say that.
" And since we have him being involved in taking out Random and his Queen....And took out a major port and Trading hub in the golden circle shortly after Gerard pasted away.....its possible the events in Deiga and Amber are linked to the events in Kashba....And if we have a pattern of 3 events we could have a pattern of more that we are unaware of that your mother may be."
I most definitely aren't speaking with contempt in my tone right now.
" If I am right Amber's in a weakened position and even excluding Coy and whomever he works for people may be apt to behave as fools. A Golden Circle that's unstable until Amber asserts itself again....and something they seem apt to do badly." I mouth the cigar and wait for the Queen to address Lor. And her foolish way of Addressing her own daughter also hasn't annoyed me. Not at all.
I look at Lor. " I've went to the people if Deiga and Amber. I offered to be helpful to them in their times if need. Ayalos has focused on its internal affairs. Your mother seems apt and driven to convince me perhaps I shouldn't decide to change that posture."
The IMPLICATION I would impregnate her daughter also CLEARLY isnt boiling in the back of my mind as I hear her tone to her daughter as well.
" And again you made the association I am one of the people of Kolvir. That association is not one I'm making you might want to see clear your mother understands that...best to not start things from a posture of ignorance and grievance....though your mother seems to be indicating to me maybe that's how you lot do business out here. And maybe I should follow suit."
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Post by Lorelei on May 16, 2021 23:50:24 GMT
Why did she get stuck between two such forceful personalities? Lorelei takes a deep breath and sets her expression firm. She is going to reframe the scene playing out before them before it degenerates into a possible war.
"King Brian can move through Shadow under his own power. That in itself makes him a person of interest, possibly of Oberon's Blood, but not definitively. It is unknown if others of his land share his abilities. He does, however, possess many traits one expects to see in the younger princes of Amber; the sometimes infuriating need to be *THE* *Alpha* *Male*, the desire or at least eager willingness to commit violence, and an insistence on interacting with others in the cultural framework he grew up within however inappropriate that may be based on where he is or to whom he is talking."
"He has witnessed the turmoil in Amber caused by Gerard's loss in the taking of Kasaba by hostile forces, Random and Vialle's deaths in the explosion at the castle, the tampering with the minds of the inhabitants and underlying foundations of Shadow Deiga by the impostor Coy. He sees Amber as currently being in a weakened state. And whatever happens in Amber is reflected in Rebma..." When mentioning Random, she just barely keeps the sneer out of her voice.
"In his own clumsy way, he is offering to help..."
"And if he ~were~ ever to lay hands on me, in that way, without my permission, he would desperately need to acquire the ability to breath water... And if that isn't enough, I have my sword..." .
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Post by Brian on May 17, 2021 0:01:46 GMT
Why did she get stuck between two such forceful personalities? Lorelei takes a deep breath and sets her expression firm. She is going to reframe the scene playing out before them before it degenerates into a possible war. " King Brian can move through Shadow under his own power. That in itself makes him a person of interest, possibly of Oberon's Blood, but not definitively. It is unknown if others of his land share his abilities. He does, however, possess many traits one expects to see in the younger princes of Amber; the sometimes infuriating need to be *THE* *Alpha* *Male*, the desire or at least eager willingness to commit violence, and an insistence on interacting with others in the cultural framework he grew up within however inappropriate that may be based on where he is or to whom he is talking." " He has witnessed the turmoil in Amber caused by Gerard's loss in the taking of Kasaba by hostile forces, Random and Vialle's deaths in the explosion at the castle, the tampering with the minds of the inhabitants and underlying foundations of Shadow Deiga by the impostor Coy. He sees Amber as currently being in a weakened state. And whatever happen in Amber is reflected in Rebma..." When mentioning Random, she just barely keeps the sneer out of her voice. " In his own clumsy way, he is offering to help..." " And if he ~were~ ever to lay hands on me, in that way, without my permission, he would desperately need to acquire the ability to breath water... And if that isn't enough, I have my sword..." .I laugh a bit at that....there is a smile on his face. "My dear I have standing rules with my wife if I were to have dalliances outside of marriage. I'd at least need her permission and she probably would be upset at me if I went after you even with her permission." I laugh again. "She would probably approve of Shelly now...but that would be awkward in a different way. And if you are right I am at best a cousin.....worse I could be a brother. Hardly the sort of thing I would do." There was a displeasure in his expression at that last bit....not AT her...but at the idea of him befouling some one who was a kinswoman. Even if he doesn't seem to want to acknowledge that just yet. The idea of taking a Kinswoman's wife seems more loathsome to him. I smile again my tone being more polite. "As she said. I am offering to help. If I see my way through these affairs and return to my Ayalos and I build the future we want there you and I might have to work togther dozens of times. I would much rather provide a service to you in good will. Because the sickness on and In Kolvir will flow down into the waters where you rule and out to the rest of the golden circle. I'd rather things not wash up on my shore. So we have a common interest and we are out here working in the thick of the mess. You have matters of the throne to attend to. I would be happy to work with you to our common interests. I rule over a land where we deal fairly with people. I understand that concept is alien in your land."
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Post by Lorelei on May 17, 2021 1:33:17 GMT
"Fairness is not an alien concept, 'though it does become a bit skewed to an outsider's perspective because of who and where we are. The True Patterns are the light. We are the prisms the light must pass through as it flows out to create the Shadow Worlds, each a little less like the source than the ones that preceded it. What makes one special out there in one Shadow is often lost when moving to a different Shadow. What makes us special endures no matter where we go. This, and very long lifespans, often leads to excessive egos... and can lead to less than ideal treatment of others. This is why many have a poor opinion of most of the princes of Amber..." .
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Post by Brian on May 17, 2021 1:40:18 GMT
" Fairness is not an alien concept, 'though it does become a bit skewed to an outsider's perspective because of who and where we are. The True Patterns are the light. We are the prisms the light must pass through as it flows out to create the Shadow Worlds, each a little less like the source than the ones that preceded it. What makes one special out there in one Shadow is often lost when moving to a different Shadow. What makes us special endures no matter where we go. This, and very long lifespans, often leads to excessive egos... and can lead to less than ideal treatment of others. This is why many have a poor opinion of most of the princes of Amber..." . "I am an outside who came to become King of a land known for its distrust and suspicion of outsiders. And I am speaking with equity and reason to other outsiders. Fairness isn't about the difference of you and another......its how you choose to shape your *Light." He lights his Cigar for emphasis. "I was raised by a man and woman in shadows, I then went to another world in shadow and was raised in the house of another man in shadow. I choose to become king to stop the suffering and torture of a woman in Shadow by an abomination claiming itself to be a god. And I killed said abomination. All of those things are *Shadows* as you say. But they shaped the man I became and the light that came through me." I take a long drag. "Being unfair, cheating and wronging others....its about how you worsen yourself."
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Post by Admin on May 17, 2021 16:28:03 GMT
#s://i~ibb~co/m0mP1nk/Moire~jpg "So this king wants to help, does he? Is he looking for assurances from Rebma? Or an alliance? I can't see how either would work. I don't know the man other than by a few tall tales that have drifted in from his equally unknown land. Is he brave? Is he honourable? Can we trust him to rule his country well? He seems more interested in hedonistic revelry with young women than in his wife and duty.
"And what of Ayalos? Does he have an army? Does he have ships? Is the place defended? What does it produce? Can it withstand a siege, and for how long? All of this information and much more besides must be learned and verified before I'd risk even one of my people in the defense of Ayalos.
"And how are we to communicate? Where are your emissaries to my realm? How about ambassadorial staff? Or do you intend to follow my daughter around like a puppy hoping for the chance to talk through a mirror?
"Get your house in order, king, and then we can consider talking about help and mutual support."Moire's attention turns to Lorelei. "If you have finished with your little vacation in Deiga then it is time for you to come home. You went, you saw, and you helped destroy. That's about enough for now, don't you think? Come back and resume your education and then in a decade or so you will be allowed out again."
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Post by Brian on May 17, 2021 16:50:04 GMT
#s://i~ibb~co/m0mP1nk/Moire~jpg "So this king wants to help, does he? Is he looking for assurances from Rebma? Or an alliance? I can't see how either would work. I don't know the man other than by a few tall tales that have drifted in from his equally unknown land. Is he brave? Is he honourable? Can we trust him to rule his country well? He seems more interested in hedonistic revelry with young women than in his wife and duty.
"And what of Ayalos? Does he have an army? Does he have ships? Is the place defended? What does it produce? Can it withstand a siege, and for how long? All of this information and much more besides must be learned and verified before I'd risk even one of my people in the defense of Ayalos.
"And how are we to communicate? Where are your emissaries to my realm? How about ambassadorial staff? Or do you intend to follow my daughter around like a puppy hoping for the chance to talk through a mirror?
"Get your house in order, king, and then we can consider talking about help and mutual support."Moire's attention turns to Lorelei. "If you have finished with your little vacation in Deiga then it is time for you to come home. You went, you saw, and you helped destroy. That's about enough for now, don't you think? Come back and resume your education and then in a decade or so you will be allowed out again."I smile at Queen Moire " At the moment I am not asking for defensive agreements. My concern is not internal and territorial defense....its about contagion. If we have enemies weaving throughout the Golden circle and stabbing in its heart...we may need to act to prevent external instability in other domains cause a cascade of problems. Amber's ability to project force is damaged. It will recover but I dont want to pay the consequences of allowing that void to fill." I take a long exhale. " Working with outsiders in a formal matter is a large ask. But if there is a crisis and I have to turn the energy they have spent fighting each other and driving it outward and people fight in common cause with us pragmatism would win the day. I have a standing army that's new. I instituted it. We have a non standing army that's loyal to me. They will probably fight. Subordinate lords can add forces as well. We have boats but if this requires a truly massive fleet with my soldiers I'll be taxing my boat builders to their limits. I can debrief your daughter on the basics. And frankly she would serve you best at the end of the spear innall this."
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Post by Lorelei on May 18, 2021 4:59:40 GMT
"In the time I have had to observe him, he seems honorable," Lorelei answers. "I would require more examples to judge whether his apparent bravery is a core trait or the by-product of recklessness. He is intelligent, 'though his demeanor mostly obscure its presence. I cannot say how well he performs in other areas."
"Deiga was an unintended stop; the result of Shadow-Storm damage to the ship and their bureaucracy over ownership of the vessel after Captain Barret was lost during the pirate attack. And as you heard, you might want to inform aunt Llewella that the cargo she had aboard the Antelope is effectively lost due to the uprising... My presence or absence would have affected only a handful of lives, and even then only marginally, but not the course of events." Her tone had gradually become stiffer as she spoke these words. In a visible effort to relax, Lorelei takes a deep breath and slowly exhales...
"Mother... it was always my intention to return home once I have accomplished what I set out to do. Someday it will be my duty to lead our people - hopefully a great many years from now - but to be even half as respected as you are, I must establish a history of following through, not bending as kelp does with any little change in the current. My duty, unless you intend to place Martin upon the throne... Speaking of, do you wish for me to search for him while I am out here?" .
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Post by Admin on May 18, 2021 5:25:30 GMT
The Queen smiles at this.
"Is that discretion or inexperience, dear? One is a valuable trait in a leader, the other a sure path to ruin."
"Your aunt's cargo wasn't your responsibility at first, but once you learned of it, then it became your duty to see its safe delivery to Kasba. A shame that it was lost. Llewella will be most displeased with you and your companions.
"But are you ready to leave Rebma? In the short time you have been away, you destroyed a large portion of a city with your magic, got stabbed through the chest and nearly died, then ran into the Embassy for protection leading a mob of anarchists to its door. Hardly an auspicious beginning to your history.
"Don't worry about Martin; others more skilled in Shadow-work have been employed to recover him."
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Post by Admin on May 18, 2021 16:49:52 GMT
#s://i~ibb~co/m0mP1nk/Moire~jpg "You were wise to build up your army, Brian but you will need more. Lots more. And you will need those ships either from the hands of your people or purchased from somewhere else.
"Supply Lorelei with a dossier about your land. Once it gets delivered to me I can begin the process of finding some agreement between us."
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Post by Brian on May 18, 2021 19:50:20 GMT
#s://i~ibb~co/m0mP1nk/Moire~jpg "You were wise to build up your army, Brian but you will need more. Lots more. And you will need those ships either from the hands of your people or purchased from somewhere else.
"Supply Lorelei with a dossier about your land. Once it gets delivered to me I can begin the process of finding some agreement between us."" Your reputation for Wisdom holds well." I laugh softly. " if this problem is what I fear it may be we may need others mobilized. Right now you are in a better place to do that. And I am a young man who just entered the game of immortal sovereigns....being greedy isnt a good opening position."
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Post by Admin on May 19, 2021 15:00:46 GMT
"Brian, of course I will lead our efforts," Moire laughs.
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Post by Brian on May 19, 2021 21:29:24 GMT
"Brian, of course I will lead our efforts," Moire laughs. I snicker at her. "These are people who know you we will need to reach out to. If we do have to invade people's lands proactively well...you have a reputation that can be utilized on those people who trust you and I can be utilized on those who don't as an outsider. Just because you probably have a wing of your closet older then me doesn't mean I don't know how things work.Like I said right now we agree there is a problem and we agree working togther can see us both to the sort of ends we want. I view this as me being a Junior partner in this relationship and benefiting from your experience and wisdom and connections if it comes to that. And you have the benefit of my being in the field pushing things around while you operate from the throne. I had to unite a land known for Feuds and an inability to be United. I know how to play the game."
He exhales a bit. "You were a breath of fresh air to deal with. Benedict, Fiona, and the folks in Deiga all seemed a bit....off their game. But like I said. My people have been isolated and xenophobic. But Island people often are until circumstances force themselves to change. Then they end up being used to a more external and imperial focus. Hopefully transitioning their energies won't lose the core spirit of the Aylosian people."
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Post by Lorelei on May 19, 2021 23:30:06 GMT
Lorelei really doesn't have much to say at the moment. Anything she says at this point to defend herself from her mother's barbs will be used out-of-context, again, and interpreted in the worst possible light before being used as further justification for treating her as a child. It's true that the queen had already lost one daughter, and she was only trying to protect the other, but to go so far as to imply that Lorelei was not capable and required constant supervision... that just made her blood boil. Spending her entire life in the Court, however, had taught her how to keep her feelings off her face when she so wanted.
"If that is all, I suggest we allow the Queen to be about her business..." The lack of tone in Lorelei's voice speaks volumes to the perceptive. If there is no descent, she closes the connection and puts her mirror-compact away... .
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