If it's between 8 am to 8 pm, 85% chance Laurence the librarian is in there, reading or dusting, ready to help you with your informational and/or literary needs.

I can't believe she doesn't have a favorite flower. Earth must be a strange place indeed.

Jade shook her head slightly in bewilderment.

==> From the Halls of Amber.

During much of the discussion (Jade, playing at trickster), Ballad’s manner suggests pensive consideration. She’d offered Jade a brief, luminous smile when she suggested bouquets, her chin lifted daringly: Go on. If there was a vibrant gleam of easy amusement—why, isn’t there almost always?

“I do like a message delivered by herb and blossom,” Ballad replies. Didn’t she seal the note she sent down to the cousins with a sprig of some herb? Given this new context, her cousins may presume that it probably meant something additional which went unremarked. “But my favourite flowers... I like them in crowns, or I like them wild. You know, utterly unconstrained. Evening primrose, violets, moonslippers, shepherd's hearts, black-hearted Jacks, cutthroat's purses, even thyme and dandelions. Do you know those little black flowers called sailor's remembrance, Jade, which grows down by the sea? But there may be a particular soft spot in my heart for a simple rose and,” (indeed, here there's a quiet introspection: a sense that, this time when she smiles, it is a private thing entirely), "I like a geranium."

"Yes, those are called Night Slippers to my people in Rebma. Those are nice and fairly unique. Morning glories, I think my favorite thing about them is how they open and close. Something magical in the simplicity of it." Then Jade blinks.

"Oh, you know how some nobles use fans for communication, kind of like ships but much more on a personal nature. Mayhap we could work out a coded language by floral arrangement."

“A private one, just for us? Let’s do it! Who knows when a way to signal ‘help’ or ‘under duress’ or ‘distract them’ will come in handy, here or out in shadow? What are the most important ideas we might want to convey secretly?”

"Something short and simple to convey. Just like you said. Perhaps something like safe here, Danger, Chaos Spawn, I seriously need your help, Search for me, and similar things like that."

*smiles* "I shall keep those in mind." he says addressing all three. "And I shall make sure to at least become familiar with the basics of the complex Amberian flower language."

Listens to Jade's suggestion. "That is a good idea.  We may even want to take it so far as to be completely unique to us, regardless of the flowers normal meaning.  Perhaps even pick a signature flower for ourselves that we can pair with the message flower or flowers so that we know who left the message."

"Signature flowers, sounds good. I will have to probably pick orchid since my favorite Lotus flowers are a bit hard to find."

“As I said, Jon-o: a private language, just for us,” Ballad says, when he says unique to us, regardless, etcetera. She gracefully lifts her pen again, finds a sheet of notes she does not mind adding to, sketches a square and in the square gamely writes down Jade's suggestions and her own:

Help, Under Duress, Distract Them, Safe Here, Danger, Chaos Spawn, I Need Help (she crosses draws a line from this to 'Help' and circles it, then draws two tinier lines: 'I' and 'your' for emphasis and question marks after them), Search for Me' then Signature Flowers: ???? Orchid = Jade

“I’ll compose a list. You all do so, too. Then we’ll figure everything out." Here's the starry edge of a smile. "Flowers that are easy to draw might be wise for some of these meanings, so we don't always need have them on hand. Perhaps we should go on a botanical hunt on the wild side of Kolvir? Troupe into the outskirts of Arden for a picnic and flower gathering."

Is anybody surprised at this point that Ballad, in charming extrovert mode (her only mode?), is ready to create a social gathering lowkey party out of creating a secret flower language? Probably not.

Jade nods, "Oh ! A pic nic, I have heard about those and would like to participate in one. I have never had the occasion too."

“What? No, truly? There were no picnics in Rebma at all for you? No excursions beyond the city and castle? We will picnic.”

Ballad's eyes crinkle at the corners. "I'll raid the kitchens and make one of my favourite picnic items." Is it a drink? Is it candy? Will it involve eating flowers? Only time will tell: Ballad puts on an air of inviting mystery! Cue the music!!

But now, speaking of social events: “If the day's getting on, should you three be hieing off to see Ezra now? I do need to do a little more reading, but I'll find you. Dining in the city? Perhaps I could wrangle a picnic for tonight on the mountain. What would make you happiest?"

Jade shook her head at the questions of pic nics.

Then she said, "Oh it will still be a full moon tonight, could we mayhaps have a pic nic near the stairs to Tir again. I enjoyed it last night, but I am also open to a nice sunny pic nic with a view of the sea."

*Nods* to Ballad, acknowledging his error *smiles* "You are amazing.  Thank you for taking this on." pauses for a moment at Ballad's mention of pictures. "Hmm, cards, perhaps we could have decks of cards of the various flowers and we can leave those" *chuckles* "Drawing is not my forte.  And decks of cards should be easy to replenish and replace." *grins at Ballad* "An excellent scholar, how is your artistry?  Could we perhaps get Ballad originals as our template?"

"I would be up for a pic nic under Tir-na-Nog again.  Consider it done, even if it just us." he says to Jade, but it is clear that Ari and Ballad ARE included.

"A deck of cards is a grand idea," Ballad replies. She sounds a touch surprised. And then, "Er, my artistic skill is sufficient. Let's figure out how many flowers will be necessary first, and go from there."

But then Ballad gives Jon a Look. The L in Look is somewhere between capitalized and not. Sort of, if a Look were a dagger one could unsheath, this is just the slightest kiss-bright gleam of metal. They are just going to be occasionally oil and water, these two.

She says, to Jade, "Why, sure! we can do the foot of the stairs of Tir-na-Nog'th again, as long as we keep the picnic on the ground. There may be other good vantage points for Tir-na-Nog'th viewing: roof of the castle, down in the valley, the Grove. And I think in the spirit of exploration some other post for a first picnic would be fun! Ha! Perhaps at the Faiella-Bionin?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:16, Mon 04 Jan 2021.

"Oh, I have never been to the grove ! You know where that is, please Ballad that spot would be just perfect. I so hope we catch sight of the unicorn." Jade gets a dreamy look again.

Jon raises an eyebrow in response to Ballad's look, as he is not quite certain what he did. "The grove sounds lovely and peaceful." *smiles* "What is everyone's preference?  I will head to the kitchen and request it, so that we have a nice Pic Nic meal ready for us when we return from the city."

“Then our current party is breaking, to be reconvened this evening?” Ballad says, both with a touch of wistfulness for she likes her cousins company (even Jon's, even with the Look), and a touch of yes, let's break this up, shoo shoo, I need to read, and a touch of yes party later huzzah! because Ballad likes a get together.

“I’ll send a note to let Lance know, if he wishes to take part. Do we wish to invite anybody else or do we want to stay intimate? Jon, my only request is that you bring a game for us to play.”

"I am alright with keeping it small and intimate."
Jade had an odd little smile.

*nods* To Ballad "A game. Hmm, that is a challenge" *grins mischievously* "But I will see what I can do." he stands "I'll meet you in the yard, let me get to the kitchens" he says to Ari and Jade before he leaves.

“I thought it might be," Ballad says, when Jon declares finding a game a challenge. His mischievous grin is matched by a glint. "Fare well; until later.”

Jade’s odd little smile deserves a response! Ballad — affectionate, at her most starry — swoons gracefully across the couch to bump her head against Jade’s arm, giving the green-haired princess the big blue eyes of soulfulness, before she pulls a face. Ballad's a clown.

Jade laughs, "Ok, ok were on our way."
She gets up to head to see Ezra.

"You are an officer and a gentleman!" Ballad says, having picked it up from who-knows-what-Shadow. She says it in this slangy way, and sweeps up to give Jade a hug before she (and Ariadne, probably?) leaves.


If Ariadne is also gearing up to leave too, Ballad tells the beautiful dark-haired woman. "You should show Jade that shop you found last night where we purchased our finery."

Ariadne nodded to Ballad

"That's a good idea "

“My ideas usually are,” Ballad says, with the spark of an intrepid grin; her eyes sparkle—she is both 100% serious and making fun of herself, you see. “Here’s another: You and I should do something together, just us! Explore the castle in search of parachutes or, er, go for a ride, or ax throwing. What weapon did that Xena use? Maybe we can find one of those to play with. Let me know.”

As she speaks, Ballad prepares to dive back into the books, re-filling her fountain pen with ink. Ballad favors smoke gray ink, the kind called noir, and if it can have a silver shimmer to it: more the better.

]

Ariadne chuckled, charmed by Ballad's personality almost despite herself
"That sounds like fun, Ballad.  I definitely would love to see more of this city, though I'm still healing up so i shouldn't push myself too hard.  Still, that sounds like a good time.    I think Xena was mostly a sword gal, though she had this razor sharp frisbee she called a 'shakra' that she tossed around.   But axe throwing could be fun.  Or archery.  My father taught me that as well when I was a kid. "

“It sounds as if your father wanted to make certain you were prepared for anything,” Ballad says. There's a quizzical cant to her head: “Have you had a chance to have a good talk with him or his relatives yet? Is he glad to be home?"

A lopsided qurik of her mouth, restrained exuberance: "But, you're right, archery is also a good time. What d'you say to tomorrow morning, just after breakfast? I'll arrange the details.”

Ariadne smiled ruefully
"Sadly, i haven't been able to get any quality time with him yet.  Since he's been 'trapped' on Earth for a few decades, he's been catching up with old friends and assorted relatives, most of whom apparently think they should let me mingle with the royal family before trying to take up my time.  But i hope eventually to get some time with him to catch up.     But meeting tomorrow after breakfast sounds great.  I'm a little rusty, but i always enjoyed archery, I'll admit. "

22:10, Today: Lance rolled 4 using 2d6-1 with rolls of 2,3.  Lance, perception, listening at library door.


  As Lance and Flora arrive at the library, Lance pauses to listen at the door before entering, not wanting to disturb anyone.  Not hearing anyone, he opens the door as he's asking the questions, not realizing that Ballad is in there studying.  ((OOC: If I'm correct, this entry happens after the trio of cousins has departed for the city.))

  "So, it sounds like there is a lot of personal preference in how one moves through the shadows.  That's good to know.  So, say I needed to find local currency, or a weapon, or find someone...all I'd have to do is make that circumstance fit the visualization and move to it, right?  But do things out in the shadows translate into each reality we pass through, or are they strictly localized.  Like, say I wanted to find a weapon of power, like Mjolnir or Stormbreaker or Excalibur...or say I wanted to find a place where I could control lightning...or change myself to have some kind of superhero power, or something like that.  Would any of that become a real part of me wherever I went, or would it be like engines and just be so much useless junk back here?  I mean, once I get done in Sonofashi maybe I'd probably want to find someplace where I could go and try to just get myself together and try to not agonize over her for a while... "

“Always admit what you enjoy,” Ballad replies, eyes crinkling at the corners, all rakish (but make it goodnatured) joie de vivre. “That’s my general policy. Maybe tomorrow we’ll enjoy the rarest and most coveted of all archery tricks—splitting the arrow.” Robin Hood aspirations are not bordered by shadow, or restrained by those who know Robin Hood.

“I'm going to do my best to arrive to breakfast on time, or early,” and Ballad does look a touch tired now, to the perceptive, "But if I don't quite make it, let's meet at the stables."

Ari chuckled
"You'd better let shoot first, then.  I had a few bullseye shots when I was a teen, but haven't done any serious shooting since.  I went on an archery date once, but i was a bit distracted."
She grinned impishly
"Go ahead and get some rest.  I'll find you tomorrow, cousin."
Just saying the word 'cousin' still seemed so exotic and strange.   But in a good way

(OOC: My dude, I have completely lost track of that sort of thing. People do things, I respond. Jade's been doing stuff in her private thread that I have no idea how it works timewise. Ballad just finished a discussion with Random that could have taken place 1 or even 2 nights ago for all I know. I'm the Pavlovian GM now-- stimulus, response, stimulus, response. The timeline doesn't make sense to me right now, and I've given up on making it do so, for the present moment.)




"More or less... There's actually a trick to making your currency and clothes and carriage shift to match the Shadow you're entering, but it's a bit more difficult..."




"It's a case-by-case situation every time. A magical sword that does fifty amazing things in its home Shadow will... be less likely to do all fifty of them in a different shadow... but you never know, it might. Or it might just be a sharp piece of metal elsewhere. It just depends."



"That is much harder. You could probably find a Shadow where you're capable of flying just by thinking about it if you tried, but that certainly wouldn't still work once you left that Shadow. Finding a Shadow where you can change yourself and make it stick when you left is not only tricky, but rather risky, and I... strongly advise against it. Brand found a place of magical power that somehow made him able to teleport anywhere without using the cards... but it made him insane, too. Well, extra insane. See what I mean?"



At this point, Laurence goes and happens to open the library door from the other side-- just in such a way that makes it seem like Lance was obviously attempting to spy at the door-- he half-falls inside.

(Lance gets 1 new xp point, and takes -1 on his next roll due to embarrassment, an increasingly familiar sensation.)

“Fare well, Ari! Have fun in the city! I will rest: or, at least, I will be the very picture of virtue today.”

Ballad executes a graceful salute with her pen, mirth (restrained, though) in her blue eyes. Once Ariadne has left, she briefly leaves her comfortable nest to find Laurence. "Say, Laurence, I have another topic of interest..."


But once she's found him and requested his aid in pulling the appropriate books, she retreats to the couch by the fireplace again and sinks back into study. For a little while. Because time marches on!

Laurence gets up, opens the door, and ... Lance falls through the door? The commotion is enough that Ballad looks up curiously from her page.

  "Oh, Laurence....I'm sorry, I was just trying to make sure we weren't going to be disturbing anyone."  Lance manages to stammer out.

  He looks around, and sees Ballad looking up from her studies.  The cat was already out of the bag, as it were.  He was sure that his conversation with Flora had not gone unheard.

  "Laurence, if you would be so kind, I rather urgently need any reference material we might have on a shadow called Sonovashi.  I'm not sure if the middle is spelled with a V or an F."

  He waves to his cousin, his breath catching and he nibbles on his lower lip. "Oh, Hi Ballad.  I, um, missed you at breakfast this morning.  I hope we're not intruding?"

Ballad was studying on the couch by the great marble fireplace: a spark of starlight, surrounded by quite a few stacks of books. There’s ink on her fingers. There’s ink on an earlobe, too. Maybe she didn’t hear much of the conversation in the hall—she was absorbed in her reading, it’s a big library (then again, maybe she did and she’s just good at hiding it?)—but she’s paying attention now. She waves back when he waves. A pause, and she sits up too.

“Hallo, Lance! Aunt Flora, what an unexpected pleasure it is to see you! My spirit rises. Rather urgently? What’s rather urgent about Sonovashi? And…” here, quiet ember of a smile—which is another way to say a suggestion. Ballad, who is immediately Engaged, leans forward, clasping her hands loosely. “…yes, I was sorry to miss everybody this morning, but I’m glad to see you! You’ve been such a secret. What have you been about today?”

  Lance looks to Flora  and says, “Mom, I need a minute or three to tell her, but please stay.  We need to finish what we were about, and there’s nothing That I’m about to say that you don’t already know.”

  He then walks over and kneels before Ballad.  Not just one knee, but both, hopefully showing her how significant this is.  He gazes into her eyes, and his voice trembles as he speaks.

  “Ballad, this morning I did something that I know you had wanted to be there for, but it’s actually good that you were not.  I pray that you will forgive me.  I....I walked the Pattern.”  His voice hold no pride, nor exuberance, just pain and exhaustion and fear and remorse.  “I had wanted you to be there too, but if you were, I’d likely have died.  As it was, I almost did.  Ballad, you consume my thoughts, and my heart, and you drive me to distraction.  Had you been present, I don’t think I would have been able to concentrate enough to make it through.  I did okay until the final veil, and that’s where the Pattern saw my weakness.  It showed me all my fears about you, and it overwhelmed me.  I stopped moving, and was beginning to burn.”

  He takes a deep breath, tries to blink back the moisture in his eyes.

  “It’s not all bad though.  As the flames started to burn me and I was looking into oblivion I found something within me that was stronger than my inner demons and the veil itself.  More than anything in all of existence I wanted to see you again.  That alone gave me the strength to try to move again, and I did.  Because of you, I made it through.”
This message was last edited by the player at 09:32, Thu 07 Jan 2021.

Mid-way through, Laurence walks toward Lance with a small stack of books, but then he registers what's being said and about-faces and walks back and pretends to be searching the shelves for some additional book.

Uh oh. What's this?? Lance is so very earnest as he approaches and goes to his knees. Ballad sits up straight again; her clasped hands stay loose, and her expression goes from engaged and interested to deer-at-twilight wary. There’s that sort of stillness, you see.

But once he begins speaking the wariness is replaced by an ah hah!—he means he walked the Pattern, doesn’t he? And he’s being very earnestly Lance in his apology? Aw! The ah hah! moment is chased by open-hearted congratulations—a quizzical cant to her sudden smile, only because he seems so gloomy about his accomplishment.

“But that’s wonderful!” says she, ardently! leaning forward to push on Lance’s shoulder, like, c’mon, fellow! Be happy! She means to reassure him that she isn’t at all mad! But—he’s got more to say.

I'd've likely died: Ballad raises a skeptical eyebrow.

Ballad, you consume my thoughts... Ballad flushes, then goes pale. She regards her hands, flicking a glance over when Laurence comes near, about faces, goes back to the stacks (no, come back!), then the glance goes back to Lance. Could her eyes be bluer? More like the sky of some fairyland where it is always evening?

Once he's done. "Enough of this, Lance. Enough.

"Which is it? You would have died because of me on the Pattern or you made it through the Pattern because of me? It can't be both. It must be one, or it must be the other. Do you think I like to hear this? Do you think I need to hear this? Why do you want me to hear this? Do you think I want to be cruel to you? I don't, so why are you forcing me into that role? Of course I forgive you for walking the Pattern without my presence. I only wanted to be there as support, I'm glad you're a proper initiate now--it's monumental, it's great. But I don't know that I'll forgive you for locking yourself into this, I don't know what it is. You're just cruel to yourself, and you're using the idea of me to be cruel to yourself, and I don't like it."

Pale, and now flushing again.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:09, Thu 07 Jan 2021.

  Lance stands, bows his head and says simply, “I shall trouble you no longer then.  I have errands to attend to for the King.   I just wanted you to know is all..”

  Cheeks burning at Ballad’s rebuke he turns away, looking for Laurence.  He needed to be anywhere but where he was now, whether Flora followed him or not.   Lance fully expects a lecture from his mother, but it would fall on deaf ears.

   He had a duty to fulfill, and infinite reality lay before him to get lost in with eternity to do so afterwards.  All he needed was a place to learn what he needed to know about Sonovashi to find his way there to fulfill his promise to the King.  He would leave Amber as soon as he was able.  He just had to hide his key to the Pattern room  assign a servant to see to getting his drawing of his coat of arms to the herald and go.  It would be quickest to leave by horseback, but he wasn’t sure what manner of  danger he’d be heading towards, so decides it best to go on foot.

  The grey men were out there, and it was against them that he would vent his humiliation.  He would find his own way to take them down.  He had spent his entire life on his own.  Why should things change now?   Maybe it was better this way..  He didn’t belong here.  He didn’t fit in with his cousins, and it was by his own doing.  Perhaps he had created the wedges between himself and the others.  He certainly had with Ballad.  Maybe it was for the best.

  Inwardly he was glad that Fiona had not been present during his brief stay, so there was no card drawn of him.  It would make him difficult to be found, if not impossible once he had finished up his business for Random.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:19, Fri 08 Jan 2021.

Lance stands; so does Ballad. This is a bit of a dance: He’s determined to leave, cheeks burning; Ballad is determined to block him, and as he likes Shakespeare and they've recently been speaking of A Midsummer Night's Dream, though she be but little she is fierce.

"No. You have already troubled me, it's too late in the evening, and you do not get to walk away from me." Too late in the evening is clearly some poetic slang of Ballad's. She will put both hands on his chest to stop him. "I want an answer to my questions. They are not rhetorical. And answer this one, too: Do you care what I want from you, or do you only care that you aren't getting what you want from me?"

  Lance stops.  "As you wish.  I would have died because of my own weakness, and it was you that saved me.  I can't imagine that you want to hear it, for I cannot imagine that you feel the same about me.  I don't think that you NEED anything from me, because you are wonderful and amazing, and you LIVE more in the moment than anyone I have ever met.  I do not think that you are cruel to me, we are just not in the same place in our lives.  It is MY issue that I have a difficulty accepting that, my weakness, and the Pattern highlighted that to me so very clearly.  I tell you what I feel because you are <b><b>important </b></b>to me, quite possibly more important than I am to myself.  Perhaps that is wrong of me, and something that makes me seem abhorrent, but I want you to know that which is in my heart.  Right now, I hate myself for upsetting you."

  He pauses a moment.

  "I do care what you want from me, but I am afraid that I will always fail you because my heart wants that which it cannot have, and I don't want to fail you."

Ballad’s patience gently, stealthily lets itself out of the library, the virtue having remembered an urgent appointment it has elsewhere—perhaps the same place the book Laurence is looking for happens to be. Without patience around, her temper is lost.

“I don't want you to fail either, Lance. But why won't you even attempt to scrounge up some inner strength and cease wallowing? Which is what I want you to do, along with never, ever going on your knees while your mother looks on to tell me how I would’ve caused your death but also I saved you."

Her eyes flash. "If you mope off into Shadow forever, or try to get yourself killed through reckless acts of foolishness, it won’t just be that you’ve ‘failed me’—it will be that you never tried. I don’t like it. Listen to me: I don’t like it. Just stop it. I posit you don't give a golden fig about me, really, Lance, just like you apparently don't give a silver fig for anybody else. It’s hard to have one’s heart broken, I know. I don’t want to lecture you; I want to be glad for you, that you’ve walked the Pattern, that you’re going to go on adventures! I want to look forward to hearing about those adventures! I want you to tell them to me, but without this side dish of ‘you consume me.’"

"Yet here we are. Listen. I’ll give you a quest of the sort they give out in my homeland. Are you ready? Here—go out into the world and return with self-assurance, but if you can't find that, see those drums? Find one like the largest, but make it the color of the night sky before daybreak—fill it with your tears. Once it’s full, water a tree with those tears. When the tree flowers, pluck a flower and bring it to me so I can wear it in my hair.”

A pause. Ballad's eyes flicker. "In the meantime, I cede you to the library. Laurence, please send the books I was reading to my room." Very dramatically, she gracefully twitches her skirt and prepares to sail out of the library. She pauses to curtsy to Flora. "Aunt, I am so sorry," she says, very earnestly.

The best thing about wearing a gown if you can't have a cloak is that it's just the thng for a dramatic exit. Exit Ballad.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:33, Fri 08 Jan 2021.

  Lance stands unmoving as if carved from stone.  Ballads words strike him like shards of ice, and the chill of them runs through his body.  He feels the tendrils of permafrost attempting to wrap themselves around his heart, and then in a flash of skirts she is gone.  He is left standing, staring numbly at the place where she had been standing.

  "And that's that.  I’ve never been fishing, you know." he says with a shake of his head.  He walks over and picks up one of the books, flipping through it.  He had intended to learn all he could about his destination before going there, but he was no longer interested in becoming a Sonovashi scholar, now all he wanted was a picture for reference and a quick exit from Amber.  He didn't want to face Ballad, was too mortified to ask Flora for advice, he just wanted to go and get his task for Random done.  He didn't know what he would do after that, but he had a feeling it was going to be one helluva flower.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:21, Fri 08 Jan 2021.

Lance finds a painting of a landscape in Sonavashi featuring two large windmills in front of a small mountain. He should at least be able to find the mountain using the techniques Flora explained to him.

  He shows the picture to Flora and asks, “is that a good likeness?  Will that give me a suitable frame of reference to get there?”  If she says it is, he begins staring at it, trying to burn the image into his memory.

  He would be leaving as soon as he could manage.  No doubt Flora was disappointed in him, and Ballad was furious.  He certainly didn’t want to hear any lectures from Jade, nor any backhanded pep talks from Jon, nor any disgusted looks from Ariadne.  Lance was pretty sure that any of the three of hem had more luck with women than Lance did.  Among the cousins he was the odd man out and he knew it, felt it.  Lord, did he feel it!  Like being that little kid in the orphanage watching the other kids around him being adopted out and he was left behind until he was old enough to get emancipated minor status, get a job, and move out.  His first apartment hadn’t been an apartment, it had been a beater 72 Ford Station wagon that he got for nine hundred bucks.  Privacy had been courtesy of pizza boxes taped to the windows.  It had been home for six months, and he showered at the school gym locker room.

  Lance had worked two jobs around going to school.  One at the ren-fair, one as a construction laborer.  The first he did for the sword fighting, the second actually paid decently.  The pop-up trailer he had bought six months later.  Huge upgrade.  By senior year he had some savings, and he was stating to make real money from the fair gigs, and the construction became part time.  He had earned his way.  He had done the chivalrous prom thing for the girl in high school, and then soon after gone on the road, his skills with a blade in demand.  He had made his way alone before.  He could do it again.

  At least Ballad hadn’t inquired further about Sonovashi.  Maybe she was angry enough at him to have forgotten the name of it.  Even if she hadn’t, he was sure she was pissed off enough that she would never follow him there.  She didn’t need him, and he was damned sure she didn’t want him.  She had Jon, and everyone else she ever met.  He had been a fool to think he was anything special to her, just a passing curiosity, a brief diversion, no more.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:29, Fri 08 Jan 2021.

"Yes, I'd say so. The city of the same name is just beyond that rise on the right, actually," says Flora.

"Milord may take the book with him, if he wishes," says Laurence...

  Lance shakes his head at Laurence’s offer.  “I’d rather not take it from the castle.  It’s more to carry, and I don’t want to risk anything happening to it.”

  He closes the book and hands it back to the librarian.  “Sorry about the ruckus.”

  Turning again to Flora he asks, “So, any other cautions, words of advice, or anything else before I go?   I’m not sure which route I’ll take, maybe I’ll even take the shortcut in the basement.”

"Lance. Do NOT walk the Pattern just to travel in Shadow for a non-emergency reason. You haven't even rested. Go to the stables-- when you're ready-- and get a horse." She pauses. "...Or am I presuming wrongly that you have experience riding?"

  "No, I can ride fairly well.  I've even jousted...although the lances were scored so as to break.  They didn't always, but still, I've got the general gist of that, at least." 

  Lance shrugs. "Can't dance worth a damn, and my singing is atrocious but that doesn't matter anyway.  I'll get some rest out in the forest, do a little camping, back to nature and all that.  I'll be off before lunch and I'll call you with your card each night if you want."

  He starts for the door and pauses. "I'm sorry if I've caused you any embarrassment.  I'll try to not do so in the future."

Flora's general expression suggests that she's more embarrassed for Lance than by him. "...I'm not ashamed of you, Lance," she says quietly.

  Lance gives Flora a hug with a whispered, “Thanks mom, you may be the only one.  I gotta go.”

  He releases the hug and makes a beeline for his room.

Flora sighs after Lance leaves the room. "...Well, that was dramatic." She glances around. "Anyone still here need me for anything...?"

Random leads Jade and Jon into the library. "Hm, Laurence isn't here. He must be at lunch break or something. Can't stay in here all the time..."

He turns to Jon and Jade. "So. Weirmonken..."

"Yes, we plan on making a trip there and if you need the pact checked we can do that for you."

*nods* "Rian told me that Redringer is somehow connected to a mystery/quest in Weirmonken, that my father never completed.  My intent is to complete that quest and see what I can do to help Weirmonken.  My hope is to convince them to be a friend and stronger ally to Amber."

(Psst-- it's Redring, the Knellsinger. But Random doesn't know that name.)

"I'm sorry, what? What's Redring?"

When Jon and Jade blink at him, Random looks a little sheepish. "I'm sorry, but I think you need to catch me up a little more. Imagine if you had 14 brothers and sisters, and each of you ran your own business. Then imagine, some time after one of your brothers died, a nephew and a niece came to you and said 'Hey uncle, if it's all right with you, I'm going to go and take Dad's Texor project his company was working on over to Earth and show it to Rami, as long as you don't mind.' Your first response would be 'The what now?' because you didn't really pay any attention to any details of what your brother was up to back in the day. It's like that."

"Oh Redring the Knellsinger is the Late King Eric's large blade. It's history is tied up with Weirmonkin. It might be how he handled the cursed people there. I do know it is very magical."

"Oh, that big sword on the wall in Eric's chambers? I remember seeing that once or twice... And... now that you mention it, I do recall it was supposed to be enchanted or something... But I didn't know it had a name... And I... don't... remember if I heard it was connected to Weirmonken or not, but of course Eric was always going there back in the day... Ah, Flora and I are the comparative babies of the family, so you have to understand that a lot of things were simply before our time... But I'll take your word for it what the sword's name is, and that there's a connection between it and Weirmonken..."

Random frowns. "Weirmonken is a member of the Golden Circle these days, so I normally don't go a year without hearing from them... But now that I think about it, it does feel like it's been a while since I heard from... Ye-es, perhaps someone'd better go check on... Especially considering that, um... Yes... How soon do you want to go? I want to talk to Julian about who should go with you..."

"Well, Prince Jon was thinking of walking the Pattern first. Which is probably best before we head there. I can be ready as soon as he is."

"Well, yes. So you're saying... you weren't planning to head to Weirmonken in the next 24 hours. Good."

*smiles* "Well, unless there was an emergency of some type.  Then I would head out a fast as possible.  Probably depending on someone to lead me through the Shadows or worse case a speed run of the pattern.  Neither is something I would look forward to, but I won't abandon my friends and family just because I can't get there on my own just now." he says with a determined and earnest air to words.

OOC: Yeah, but Redringer the Knellsinger rhymes! which is why I messed up the name :) LOL

Jade looked to Jon, "I was able to convince Lance to stay for your and Ariadne's Pattern Walk. It should be something we all get to celebrate together." She ended it with a bright smile.

"If there's an emergency of any type, make sure I know about it immediately. And if there's no emergency that comes up... promise me that you won't just pop over to Weirmonken or anywhere else weird when you get to the center of the Pattern..."

*Nods* "Yes, your Majesty." *smiles* "I have no place weird in mind, currently, to travel to.  So I can commit that my intention is indeed not to go anyplace weird."

Shifting in his seat. "So, Jade, why don't you explain what you've found and I will fill in with anything from Rian."

"Very well, I just wish that I could enable people to read the book that way they could see what I do." Jade goes through her purse pulling out the strange book.
"I found this in the library while doing research, actually it kind of called out to me. It is a book on Weirmonkin, though it's actual text is hidden and requires magic to see, even so it is written in an ancient dialect that takes a bit to puzzle through. I saw a piece of art depicting non other then Redring the Knellsinger. Since I know this to be Jon's blade now and remembered it to be magical I dedicated time to puzzling through the book."
She takes out her notes, "These are my notes on translation, they mention the blade and it's ties to that shadow. Your welcome to read them if you like. In summary I believe the blade plays a role in Weirmonkin's fate or something close to that. There is mention of unique magics in place there and your Majesty, you informed me of the curse that was rampant there at one time. I am just hoping the Gray Men do not try to recruit the cursed or form some type of alliance."

Random looks. "Yeah, I'm not seeing words." He flips a few pages. "Just the illustrations, in a vaguely woodcut style."



"Um. Yes. There were... and probably still are... some... Well I'm not sure they're originally native to Weirmonken, but they started to thrive in the forest there... Some monster-people. Some can take human-seeming form, some seem to spend all their time as beasts. They came and fought with Dad and Amber's forces more than once. Um. Julian would know more about them... Benedict would know even more. Benedict took them seriously as a threat back in the day, which should tell you something. Like Fiona, though, Benedict's... kind of hard to get a meeting with these days... You might want to start with Julian..."

"Alright, we can do that. I would rather be prepared then surprised by these beastmen. I won't have Redring the Knellsinger so I will need at the least some knowledge to help me. Jon, please bring your father's blade you might need it." She looked to Jon with a serious look a hint of worry on her face.

"Don't worry, Jade, I will do everything I can to protect you." he says sincerely before he *smiles and nods* "I have already received the quick release shoulder baldric for Redring so that I can carry it.  The only problem is that I can't wear my pack if we feel I will need it as the primary weapon.  Otherwise a need a few moments to remove my pack before I can draw it."

"Maybe you need a bag you can just carry at your side, or else just let one of your escorts carry your pack for you..." suggests Random...

"I should hopefully be able to hold off an attack for a few moments to allow you to draw your sword. Oh that reminds me I received word from mother about these Gray men. Lance passed on her words to me. She said they want to capture not kill us, and the second thing may be able to work to our advantage. They are telepathic and this is why they don't speak. Perhaps we can find something in shadow which causes telepaths pain, like something that causes deafening telepathic noise."

She nods about what the king said, "True, we could let one of the guards carry your pack."

"I've never met anyone in any Shadow who claimed to be able to communicate entirely mentally... But... thinking about it... When the gray men tracked me to one of Flora's houses in the Earth Shadow and Corwin and Flora and her dogs all stood there... The gray men knocked at the front door... And we waited, waiting to see if they would give up and go away or what... And Corwin asked about Flora's housekeeper or maid or whatever... And Flora said she didn't think the maid would go answer the door... But I didn't trust that, and I went and checked, and she was about to answer the door... I stopped her, and sent her to hide in her room... But... I had the impression that she might've been lured to go answer the door. Maybe they do have unusual mental abilities involving communication... maybe they can even suggest things to the suggestible..."

*smiles* "I will talk Maya about the belt and leg pouches option.  It is just the type of challenge she would like." *nod* "Back home, there are some denizens of the underwylds who seem to have such mental abilities.  But those are just rumors." gets a concerned look "That would also fit, with how they lured Jade into the alley.  This is something we will need to be mindful of."

"It was more that I was concerned. They had captured a woman and made her scream, that is what drew my attention. Still it is good to know they can influence people. I don't think they can influence our minds so easily or they would just convince us to go with them. I would indeed like to find things that could be turned against a telepathic enemy. Our family is somewhat telepathic but not to that extent that we have given up speech for it."

"Um, well, it's just a theory, right now... But I agree it's good to know they might be able to influence people..."



"I definitely agree. It might not work on royal Amberites at all. But it's still good to consider."

Jade nods and looks to King Random, "You had said that you would think on if you had any tips or tricks of the Pattern you might impart. With Prince Jon on the precipe of walking the Pattern this might be the perfect time to pass on any wisdom you have."

She looked hopeful and expectant.

"Ah. Well. That. ...Well... Do you already know how to do the thing with the birds...? Although I guess in your case it might specifically be a seagull or a pelican or something..."

"Thing with birds ? I don't know what you mean specifically."
She looks to Jon if he has heard anything of it.

"Wait is this like when Corwin looks for a blackbird of his desire and sends it off into shadow and a white bird of his desire and sends it off. Then one finds it's way to deliver a message to Eric, and the other shows him he arrived where he needs to be ?"

Random sighs. "Let's go outsid-- no, wait, I can't do it here in Amber.

But in other Shadows... there's a thing one can do where instead of you moving to another Shadow, you can sort of summon a bird from another Shadow to take carry a message for you, even to another Shadow. It's a bit hard to learn, but it can be done. It's easiest with birds. Even I can do it, so I expect for a sorceress like you, it might be even easier, Jade..."



"How do you-- oh, you've been reading Corwin's books, right. Yes, that's just the trick I'm referring to. I'm a little better at it than Corwin was... but not by much..."

(I was already writing a reply when you posted again so I just added it.)

Jade listens to the lesson as she loves learning such things.

"We could go to the Tower of Tirilaine, if you would like if that is far enough into shadow."

"Yes, that's far enough... But I'm a little busy today... Perhaps tomorrow morning...?"

Jade nodded, "That would be fine. I know in reading about it, that sounded like a wonderful little trick to know. Thank you, your Majesty." Jade smiled.

"All right, but I warn you, it's challenging to learn... Well, it was for me. Perhaps less so for you, considering..."

"We need to speak with Prince Julian anyway so this is good, we might see him at the tower. We could ask if he might not accompany us to Weirmonkin or at least give us advice about the beastmen."

Jon nods along following their conversation. "Hmm, I wonder if that is like the 'Messenger Animal' spell.  I'll have to remember to get a copy and have them review it."

"Oh, uncle, I do have a question, do you by chance have my Father's deck of cards?  He left Gerard's with us, which is back home.  But it might be handy to have his deck so that I can return the card and have an emergency contact for us."

OOC: Trying something new with his internal thoughts.  Especially since I don't have telepathy (?yet?)
This message was last edited by the player at 14:39, Tue 09 Feb 2021.

Jade stepped back brushing out one of the curls in her hair with her fingers.

"Ummmm. Those were given to Deirdre, as his closest relative, since we all knew darn well that he wouldn't have wanted Corwin to have them. She mostly gave them away to other siblings who might have been missing cards from their decks-- I think Flora was missing some, for example. Gerard was another one who'd lost a card or two, I think maybe... So... I'm sorry, but Eric's deck was split up amongst the rest of us..."

*nods* "Make sense to me." he looks thoughtful for a moment as he considers his next question. "Hmm, I will need to make sure I recover Uncle Gerard's card from home.  At least it is there as an emergency." he thinks to himself.
"Thank you.  It seems, that our team is going to be..." he pauses to think.

Random raises an eyebrow, waiting for the end of this sentence...

OOC: Sorry had to drop do to work.

Jon smiles, "Sorry, I need to organize my notes in my head." he then looks his uncle in the eyes and his posture becomes more erect and stiff, his whole demeanor becomes much more like you would expect from a soldier or other military official.

His tone is very crisp, clear and very militaristic as he speaks. "Right now, Jade, myself and Ballad. I was also going to ask Rory to join us.  If she wants to come Ariadne as well, she is a capable fighter.  Besides it would be good experience for us both walking shadow.  Beyond that, I am open suggestions, but assuming everyone agrees, I don't want a much larger group." *nods* then follows up "I can explain my choices if you like, Sir."

-----
Updated to correct for the timeline.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:10, Tue 09 Feb 2021.

(No problem; I, too, have had posts get interrupted like that...)



"I have no problem with your choices, as long as you and Ariadne have each walked the Pattern first. But I will definitely want to send a military force with you as well..."

*nod* "Understandable.  Yes, my intent is that this trip will take place after Ari and I have walked the Pattern. Also, I would ask that the security force be the minimal possible, Sir.  Since we are not certain of the situation, I don't want to spark anything by arriving with large force." Jon is still in the formal military mindset.

"...How about... 20 soldiers," Random proposes.

Jon thinks about this for a few minutes. "How about 10 instead, you Majesty. That is a 2 guards per member of the core team.  Which will give us 5 teams of 3.  Using a triangle formation would the teams to remain close to cover each other without hampering their ability to fight.  It also reduces the opportunity to split them up." he then makes a triangle with his hands as a visual example.

----
Corrected the example for where we actually are location :)
This message was last edited by the player at 18:26, Wed 10 Feb 2021.

(...Wait, what? Your math has lost me. How does 10 guards and 3 cousins equal 5 teams of 3?

Do you mean 2 guards for you 3 cousins and then 10 more, total of 15?

(Also, salt and pepper and a cup? Are we still in the library?))

Jade steps forward, "Begging your pardon Jon but, I would prefer the twenty. As we will probably split up. I for one am going to be doing research while there. That is a different thing then diplomatic work, or the actual adventuring that may occur in relation to Redring the Knellsinger. I might be able to convince Ballad to research with me, but I am not sure. Judging by this book research may even involve the use of magic."

OOC: Jon, Ari, Jade, Ballad and Rory = 5  Two Guards each = 10 guards total for size = 15 people.
Also good point, apparently I am hungry :)  Actually I got confused. I will remove the reference.

Jon looks over at Jade. "Well, we can definitely bring along extra guards, especially if you are going to be stationary.  No argument there." he looks at Random "Make that 14 guards, with at least 5 dedicated to guarding Jade.  That gives us at least 2 guards for Ari, Ballad, Rory and myself and 1 spare guard that can be assigned as necessary."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:37, Wed 10 Feb 2021.

"Yes, I accept that... But if there's anything that smells like an emergency-- or a trap-- one of you use a card to contact me, or someone of my generation..."

"Were you going to send Prince Julian with us, or keep him in his role as guardian of Arden ? I am fine either way and with these Gray men martialing according to Ballad I daresay I actually would rather see him keep his guard of Arden. I do promise to use the card of you I have if anything goes sideways your Majesty."

"I'll keep your preference in mind... but Julian may have his own opinion. I'll see when I talk to him about it..."

Jade nods.

"Of course, I just didn't want to place my own safety before the realm your Majesty."

*nods* "I was hoping we would be armed with a couple Cards as back-up and/or as an emergency escape route.  Thank you, Sir!"

Random makes a sympathetic face. "I'm afraid I can't spare any extra cards right now... unless some generous and talented little seagull makes one or more extra cards before the trip..."

*nods* "Understood, Sir." he looks around the library for a moment, you can tell the wheels of his mind are turning "It just means that Jade and Ballad, our most experienced Shadow Walkers, will need to be protected.  But it does not materially change anything." Jon smiles to reassure the King and Jade.

Random arches an eyebrow. "Well, nephew... that is part of why I wanted to send twenty men..." he says mildly...

*smiles* "I understand that, but a 25 armed people, literally popping in could cause concern.  But, ultimately, it is your call, sir. My thoughts are just that advice, suggestions and thoughts.  I will follow your orders, Sir." Jon's tone is respectful and neutral, like you would expect from any military advisor or commander.

"Well for a diplomatic mission involving several royals, a number of guards would not be out of place."

Message spell to Random,~I will provide what cards I can I still want to give them as a present and surprise, After Ariadne and Jon walk the Pattern.~

"If you two will excuse me, it seems there is a lot for me to do, to prepare for this trip. Prince Jon could you send Lord Rain by my chamber, I would like to just ask him of some Weirmonkin etiquette, if he knows of any. Your Majesty if I may have your leave ?"

*nods* "I will certainly send him you way, do you want him now?  I can send for him right away.  Otherwise, just give me a timeframe and I will have him visit.  I may join you as well, since it would help me as well."

"Certainly, if you wish to have an etiquette lesson with me in a little bit. That would be fine with me. Best to know how not to offend the people in Weirmonkin."

*smiles* "I agree.  But this will be the first etiquette lesson I've ever looked forward to." *grins* "But the company definitely helps."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:47, Fri 12 Feb 2021.

Jade's cheeks flush a bit. She looks to the King to dismiss them but is left looking down mostly to hide her face but she can't help but smile.

Random lets the cousins go when they're ready. "I suppose I'll wait and see what Julian advises about the number of troops," he muses.

(Rian can show up when you're ready. Do I need to make a new Location Thread...? Or...?)

No need, I put us in an old thread.


Jade curtseys and will head off to her room.

*Nods* "Make sense, Sir.  Also for consideration is the leadership of the expedition.  As I see it, we have at least two critical positions.  Security Lead and overall Expeditionary and Diplomatic Lead.  Especially since this will be an official Court of Amber expedition." *smiles* "I leave it to you, Sir.  If there is nothing further, I shall seek our Rian."

"The roles involved depend even more heavily upon if Julian is going or not..." Random almost-mutters. "You're dismissed, young ones..."

Gives Random a slight bow "Thank you, your Majesty." *grins* "I'll let you know about poker night."

Evening, or Day 5 (around 7pm):

  Lance makes his way to the library to return the books he has out already, and retrieve some new ones.  Hoping against all hope that none of his cousins are present he enters.  For a moment he remembers his last trip to the library, then shoves the memory back down. No, that was the past.  Just move on Lance.  You have more important things to do..

  In he goes.  He places the returns on a table for Laurence to find tomorrow, then begins looking for the things he wants to read over the next day or so.  He started with three subjects in mind, then added a fourth and fifth when it occurred to him.  Once he finds  (or is unable to find) his subjects of study, he carries his finds back to his room to read for the evening before hopefully getting another good night’s sleep.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:10, Sat 13 Feb 2021.

Day 5: Evening
As Lance is making his way back to the room, Jon spots him and calls out. "Hey Lance!  I didn't realize you were back." his tone and demeanor are genuinely friendly and happy as he quickens his pace.

  Lance turns, “Hello Jon, yes, got back last night and spent the day running errands in the city.  Just picking up a bit of reading material and calling it an early night.  How’s things with you?”

Jon is grinning as he catches up to Lance. "Well, Welcome back and Congratulations on walking the pattern." he looks Lance in the eyes "I hope you know that we would've been there to cheer you on." he says with a serious and genuine tone. "But, I am glad you were successful and it seems that your first mission was also a success."

As they walk the rest of the way to Lance's room. "I know you said that you planned a quiet night in, but why don't you and I go out and celebrate your accomplishments.  Both are worthy of celebrating.  Back home, there is usually a party when a new Ranger completes their first mission. And your family, so it seems right that we do it here as well." he is sincere and happy.  His posture is relaxed.

  Lance shakes his head. “I’m really not feeling up to partying tonight, gotta take a rain check on the offer.  Still not feeling quite up to my prime right now.  Probably a few more days of quiet recovery ahead of me.  I’m sure the other cousins are around somewhere and would love to go out and paint the town red though.”

  He adds, “Walking that thing was brutal, Jon.  Having any distractions while doing it can be lethal, so that’s why I did it when I did.  It’s not something to take lightly,  I know everyone wanted to be there, but even without anyone to distract me it was nearly the end of me. Afterwards, my mission didn’t go quite as planned because I just hadn’t prepared well enough for it, and was still pretty beaten up from my Pattern walk.  Ultimately it turned out more successful  than I had expected, but that was more good fortune than good planning.  I won’t be making the same mistake again on my next mission, which I’ll be off on as soon as I feel up to it.”

*smiles* "Thank you for the advice on the Pattern.  It will be most valuable." his tone is serious.

Jon then chuckles "Who said anything about redecorating the town in your color?" and is a bit confused "I was talking about just the two of us going getting some drink and some food and celebrating your success." he pauses. "Listen, I've gotten to know Ari, Jade and Ballad pretty well.  But you..." *sighs* "You have distanced yourself on purpose from not just Ballad, but the rest of us as well.  I don't know the whole story, but I want to."  he reaches out and puts a hand on Lance's shoulder "Lance, I want to try and understand and help you.  We are family, but I also hope we will be friends and comrades.  We should be able to confide in each other.  But we have to start somewhere.  And toasting your success is a positive foundation."

  Another shake of his head.  “I know you want to know the whole story and build this super tight-knit group, but I’m just not ready for that.  Having a family is very new and unfamiliar ground for me., and it’s going to be quite a while for me to get used to it.   You and Ballad and Jade and Ari have a chemistry, a bond, and that’s wonderful.  Right now, I’m better off working out my own things...the way I’m used to...alone.”

  He lets out a sigh. “I’m just not in much of a celebratory mood, and right now I just don’t feel like being around anyone.  Supposedly we have like millions of years ahead, so plenty of time in the future for hanging out,”

*sigh* "Yes, unless we get killed.  None of us are particular sedentary creatures so the odds that we could die do go up.  So that extended lifetime is not a guarantee." again Jon looks him in the eye. "Lance, the ONLY reason you haven't bonded with anyone, is because YOU refused to even TRY.  I don't know what happened between you and Ballad.  And if you don't want to tell me, that is fine.  But what is NOT fine is running away and cutting yourself off from people who want to know you and want to be there for you and want to care for you." his tone is becoming a less casual and definitely towards anger.

Jon's starts gesticulating with his hands as he starts. "Lance, people will only reach out so often before being ignored or discounted or worse being disingenuously dismissed.  I've tried being nice, friendly and understanding." *sighs* "but it seems you don't understand that and can't comprehend it. Or worse you are cowering away because you are afraid."

Jon's eyes narrow as he takes a breath his jaw clinches.  Jon stands up a little bit straighter, closer to a combat stance, Jon is definitely angry now. "So here is something you can probably understand.  On my honor as a Royal of Amber, I Jonathan Bishop Hawk, Son of KING Eric, challenge you to a duel to first blood and first light in Training Hall. Should you accept and win, I will leave you alone.  Should I win, you will join me at least twice a week." Jon pokes Lance angerly "Should you refuse, then you have no honor and are a coward!"

  Lance looks down at his cousin.  He seems to think about it for a second or two before replying.

  His tone drops low and dead even.  What he had to say was for Jon’s ears alone.  “No, Jon.  I’m not going to draw steel against any member of this family to prove some Unicorn-damned  point of honor to you or anyone else.  I reserve my fighting for the enemies of Amber, and that is to the death....so if you want to go stand in the practice hall at dawn and diddle yourself you’ll be there alone.  Before you go calling anyone coward and trying to besmirch their honor, you aught to think twice about it.  I’ve been out killing grey men and working for King Random while you do whatever the hell it is you’ve  been doing.”

  He stops for a second, decides against saying something truly shitty.  It was beneath him to do so.

  “I promised Jade that I would attend your Pattern walk because it seems very important to her that I do so.  Unless she tells me otherwise, I’ll plan on being there.  For her.  Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to continue what I was intending to do this evening, unless under the guise of wanting to be my friend you decide you want to threaten, assault, or insult me further.”

*laughs* "Lance it is you who's been insulting everyone and running away. You proved yourself a coward and besmirched your own honor well before today.  This just cements its." *grins* "And I have thought about it and you proved it was the only language you understand." sneers "Congrats on finally killing a Grayman." *mock applause* "That is quite an accomplishment."

*mirthless chuckling* "Working for the King Random, like that is something special or unique that only LANCE is doing." *slow applause* "If you had bothered to even try to get to know me or any of us.  You would KNOW what I've been up to and have been working on.  But no, you run away, using any excuse to ignore the people who have tried to get to know you." *sighs* "But fine, be that way.  Go feel sorry for yourself and fluff yourself up with empty distractions."

Jon turns to walk away.  "Oh, don't bother coming to the Walk. You are not welcome at that event.  Jade invite or not. But should you show up, then you have decided to declare me your enemy and an enemy of your version Amber. So be prepared to fight. And know that you have made me, you and you alone have made me your enemy.  And if it is to the death you want, then you shall have it." Jon's voice is unusually calm and even, his posture is a relaxed battle stance and his eyes shine with a cold fury.

Jon then walks away without waiting for a reply.

  Lance shook his head, not bothering to watch Jon go, or listening to his rant Lance opened the door to his room and entered, closing it somewhere mid-rant.  Jon clearly could just not accept being told no, despite being told twice nicely.  At least it had exposed the murderous little prat’s true colors hidden beneath his greasy-slick veneer.  Still, something good had come of it, he didn’t have to go watch Jon walk the Pattern.

Day 7 Shortly after noon:
Having had a bit of time, Jon stops by the library to research a bit about Medical techniques and Medicinal plants from across shadows.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:13, Mon 22 Mar 2021.

Ariadne walked into the library,  looking around.   She saw Jon and made a beeline for her cousin
"Jon?  Can i talk to you for a second?"

*smiles* when he hears Ari's voice and looks up at her. "Sure, we can sit over by the fire place." he gets up from the small reading table and heads up. "What is on your mind?" he is relaxed and genuine happy to see Ari.

Ariadne joined him in a comfortable chair by the fire.
"I just had a ...strange...conversation with Lance.  He was talking about you and he having some kind of confrontation,  and said it got really heated.  I wanted to get your side of the story "

Jon blushes slightly and nods "Indeed, the other night, I ran into him in the halls.  The first time really since he left Bloody Mary's with Jade.  He kept distancing himself or ignoring all of us and our attempts to include him.  I mean, except for Tir, we never excluded him.  But all of our offers of friendship were rebuffed or belittled or ignored." Jon sighs and sinks back into the couch. "So, I wanted to try reaching out one on one, because I understand how overwhelming a group can be.  And I wanted to celebrate his walk.  But again, he dismissed and belittled the attempt.  So, I thought he might be one of those bone heads who feel only honor matters or the type you have to fight before they are open to seeing you as a friend.  So I tried that, and he started to insult me, like he was better than me because he ran away started to "Work For the King, to earn his keep" and not "Mooch" off the Castle.  That was very insulting, because pretty much from Day 1, I worked to ensure that I utilized castle's funds as possible.  I used my father's holding outside of the Royal treasure.  I have even paid back what I did use.  I will even paid back Jade.  So, it just really make me mad."

Jon sits up, the flush in his cheeks is not so much from embarrassment but a bit of anger. "And so when I challenged him, he said he only uses his blades against the enemies of Amber.  He also said that he was coming to our walk.  And I rescinded that invitation, and basically said that if he should up, he was declaring me his enemy and an enemy to his version of Amber.  And I threatened to treat him as such.  I insulted him and called him a coward."

Then just as suddenly, the emotion clears. "But as I reflected on the event, I realized I had gone to far and acted inappropriately.  But I knew he would not see me to allow me to apologize.  I mean, he's been avoiding us for days and that was without any reason.  So I wrote him an apology and slide it under his door.  I also sent a copy of it to the King to be entered into the public record, which was the most enduring and public way I could apologize."  he gets up and heads over to a book that he was looking at which contains a copy.  Brings it back to Ari to allow her to read it.

"I don't know what it is like in your Shadow Earth, but where I come from, this is not something most Fae would be willing to do.  Because it makes it irrefutable that you messed up and that you admitted it.  But I felt it was worth it because that I how badly I errored."
Jon sinks back into the couch, very much defeated, but his tone is genuine, open and honest.

Ariadne raised an incredulous eyebrow
"Good grief, i keep forgetting how toxic testosterone can be sometimes.   'Enemy of Amber'?  He told me you'd said that,  and i was tempted to call him a liar because it sounded so bizarre.   That sounds like something out of some overdone melodrama. "
She sighed, smiling sheepishly
"I'm sorry,  that wasn't a nice thing to say.  I shouldn't be so judgemental about you non Earth types.  I'm sure our culture is as strange to you. "
She shrugged.
"Look, I'm not saying rhat we all have to be best buddies,  but you two need to get this behind you.  We've literally got mutual enemies out there trying to kill us, so we have more urgent things to worry about.   If you'd like, I can try to be a mediator for you."

Jon smiles warmly "I would like that to.  That is why I apologized and made it part of the public record.  So that there was no way for me to wiggle out that I was wrong and I admit it.  But Lance still doesn't seem interested in any to do with met at least.  I mean, he didn't even acknowledge that I sent him an apology.  Its not like I expected him to accept it, but to at least acknowledge it."

Smiling fondly as he recalls the conversation in the hallway. "You know, when the thing with the Axe happened and he ran out of the room.  I caught up to him and tried to reassure him that not all was lost.  I even explained how I thought he was going to be our cornerstone of our defenses, the one we rally around and who be there to defend us." *sigh* "I don't know how I so misjudged him and his potential."

*Shrugs* "I agree, we have lot of other things to worry about and prepare for. And I truly hold no ill will at this time towards him.  He may still make me angry, but I do not wish him anything but success.  So if we can at least be allies, that would be a positive step."

He meets Ari's eyes, the sincerity, honesty and determination is evident in his eyes and set of his jaw. "I'd appreciate that.  BUT, I don't want to cause you any trouble.  I do appreciate your offer.  But I am concerned that it might alienate you from Lance or cause a rift between you two.  And while we can probably work around his aversion to me, so long as he can work with you, Ballad and Jade.  But if there is a rift between to many of us, we could push him away and that would be tragic."

Ariadne shrugged
'Honestly,  it just sounds like you and he had a misunderstanding like me and Jade had when we first met.  Kind of like how she gets all freaky when i joke about the unicorn.   We literally come from different worlds.  We have to learn to put our ego aside and cut each other some slack"

*nods* "I don't disagree with that at all." he gives her genuine happy smile "You are my Earthian expert, so I will trust your advice in this matter."

Ariadne nodded,  smiling ruefully
'Unfortunately,  Earth is a large and varied place.  Lance, despite some similarities to me, has had a very different life on Earth.   More deprived and even abusive at times.  It left a terrible mark, I'm afraid. "

*nods* "I see. Earth sounds like a very dark place.  But it does help provide perspective.  Thank you.  I just wish, I knew how I could help him." the concern is evident on his face and his tone is compassionate.  "I will give him more space for now. But, I'm ready to make to put this behind us whenever he is." he says honestly.

Ariadne looked like she wanted to defend her home, but she chuckled and shrugged
"Yeah, Earth has wonders, but it has some serious flaws as well.  I wonder,  sometimes,  if my mother could have made it a better place had she lived.   Maybe it's up to me know."

Jon nods his agreement. "You will have my support, because what they did to Lance, you and surely many others is terrible." he gives her a warm smile "Thank you Ari.  I appreciate you help with this.  So one problem at a time.  So let's think of the solution and not the problem itself.  What would resolve the conflict?  Small steps most likely."

Ariadne shrugged
"Well, he's convinced that you're holding a grudge,  so if i can assure him that you want friendship,  that would help.  We need to get you guys sitting down to talk, perhaps with me as a moderator "

*chuckles* "I am not happy with him, this is true. But I definitely don't hold any ill will towards him nor do I wish him to fail.  So definitely no grudge here.  Just disappointment, more than anything." as he is talking you can see his facial expression changing as he parses his feelings towards Lance. "I'll be honest, though, I am still not sure I want him at the pattern walk because he still gives off a vibe of negativity.  And I am concerned that it could impact our ability to successfully complete it safely.<\Yellow>" he pauses "<Yellow>And I'm not sure I trust him now." Jon sighs and he slumps back into the couch "I don't think he will overtly try anything, so it isn't that.  It is not something I put my finger on at the moment.  And it could just be the differences in where we each come from."

Ariadne sighed and frowned in thought
"It sounds like both of you are having issues trusting the other person,  and i want to see if that's genuine or just a cultural difference.   I mean,  I've had professional rivals and other haters who wanted to sabotage my career,  but never anyone i was actually worried about as a sworn enemy,  so this is all strange to me."

*smiles* "I don't see him as my sworn enemy, nor do I wish him harm nor failure.  I don't feel that he will purposely sabotage my walk or try to harm me." *nods* "But, I don't trust him enough to have him there for it.  I wish I could explain it better." he sighs with frustration.
"I don't know, I think this would been easier if it occurred after the walks." he looks at Ari and smiles warmly "Thank you and I am sorry that this fell into your lap." he is relaxed, but alert and there is a tenderness to his expression as he speaks.

Day 4 Location: Amber

Jade walks down the halls till she is before the library and flings the doors open, "Ah Ha think you can hide from me huh !?!" She looks around the room in merriment and amusement.

The door flings open and--!

But there (right there) is Ballad: poised and startled into deer-stillness, arrested with her hand out as if she were just about to open the door, pale hair a-shining and evening (elfland) blue eyes wide.

A beat, and she flashes Jade a grin.

"I do think so, but I wouldn't dream of actually doing it," says she. "Are you playing a game with Ari and Jon?"

"Ballad !"  Jade hugs her.

"There you are, so are you coming to the concert ? I sent my agents out to find you." She flashes a bright smile at her golden haired cousin.

Jade was all made up for a night of courtly graces.

Ballad returns the hug with enthusiastic affection, a good hugger even overladen with such things as: a crossbow, a large trident dagger, her travel bag, a roll of paper, her drinking-slash-hunting horn (well, she's always wearing that!). She is a lovely scrap of fairyland, black and green stones gleaming in her pale braided hair, but she's definitely not dressed for castle lounging.

"Did you? Your agents did not find me, alas! Tonight?" Ballad sounds deeply regretful-slash-sorry, and looks it, too, with her eloquent gaze being what it is. "And I'm called away this evening by an old friend. But you! Why, Jade. You look like the sort of melody that will stick in somebody's head and they'll find themselves humming in spite of themselves, though. What's this concert? I'll walk with you a while."

And if this is acceptable to Jade, Ballad shuts the door of the library behind them.

There is a sorrowful look for a moment in Jade's big expressive eyes.
"Oh, I was truly hoping you would be there. It is Lady Lorelay's event a performer from Begma named Akwaeke. An artist of some note apparently. I was invited by a nice young man named Sandwyn. He extended his invitation to Ariadne who I think he has a crush on, and Jon, Lance and You." Jade was beaming again.

"Of course let's walk." Her eyes moved to Ballad's full arms.

"Need any help carrying those things ?"

Ballad laughs, goodnaturedly, although she still seems so sorry. "But oh no, now I've disappointed you; I hate to be a disappointment. I do my level best to be at the next concert, even if I must fight through a wolf wood and Sir Pine's family to do so." Fairy tale nonsense. "Promise you'll tell me all about the concert later? Where did you meet this nice young man? Do you think his crush is destined to be unrequited, or will Ari like him?"

Then she gives Jade a little shake of her head, looking down at her things. "Oh, no, thank you." Crossbow gets clipped in place, roll of paper gets slipped into her bag, everything gets put away so her hands are entirely free, and she gives Jade a sparkle-eyed look.

...And here's Odile returning to tell Jade where her other cousins are. (Lance not returned yet from shadow, but Jon and Ari finishing lunch in the dining hall.)

"Oh I will, I am sure it will be nice. It is a chance for all of us to be out in public well in noble public and see how we are received. I also know now that I shall have to keep a closet full of presents for various occasions just in case." Jade nodded all sage like and moved out into the halls with Ballad.

"Oh Sandwyn, he was in the shrine of the unicorn here in the castle. He is apparently Lord Rondovel's second son. I don't see why she wouldn't like him. He has  a cute mustache and he even has a basic understanding of the language of flowers !" Jade says excitedly.

"Well, the only thing I worry about is this Shadow Earth, it seems to be a really weird place Ballad. Look at Lance and how he acts, Ariadne thinks the Unicorn is just some silly supernatural nonesense. So maybe she might not like him. I really don't understand Earthers." Jade sighed.

"Still there is always hope right ! Also there is ties of family and her father is well received among the Rondovels. Which is nice, Ariadne was worried about him. I am glad she still has her father, and Jon his mother."

"Oh could you do me a small favor ? It's for Ari she is AMAZING with axes, I was wondering if we might not get her some fancy throwing axes ? John is also INCREDIBLE with his swords and me Im just a goof with anything pointy or blunt."

"Thanks Agent Odile, you have done excellent !" Jade gives Odile a warm smile.

I'm going to take a page out of the GM's book here. >.>



They stroll. It’s not a very long stroll from the library to the dining hall. Ballad’s eyes dance when Jade explains how she doesn’t see why Ariadne wouldn’t like a man with a cute mustache and basic understanding of the language of flowers. “How did you find that out?”



"I don't understand the mass appeal of Earth myself," Ballad replies, shrugging, all insouciance. "I want to visit because it's a historical curiosity, and, why, I like to travel to all manner of places. But it does seem to leave a mark." She pauses, too, glancing at Jade sidelong as if she'd like to say something, but doesn't really think she has the time to potentially debate religion. "As far as the Unicorn goes... I don't think it's silly to not believe in her, especially if you're from out in shadow. You'll run into many people who've never even heard of a unicorn. We know the Unicorn is real, and what she means to Amber. But why should everybody else?"



At still there is always hope right, Ballad smiles, just a touch wistfully. The wistfulness fades slightly when Jade says she's glad Ari has her dad and Jon his mother, because, after all, Jade is a little orphan girl, and her mother is far away, and she never had a father, just a narwhal. Ballad doesn't choose to comment on her own family (does she still have a mother? has she said?), but instead Ballad bumps into Jade and links arms, resting her head on the taller girl's shoulder.

"I am glad you have this family, Jade. I would be sorry not to know you."



"Who hasn't accidentally flung a sword at somebody standing behind one or got it caught in a chandelier?" Ballad says, with an airy wave of her hand. Then, "But certainly, let's get some throwing axes. Should it be an additional gift for You-Know-When?"

There's the dining hall door. Ballad slows her pace so Jade can answer.

"Oh he sent me a box with the gift of a small onyx unicorn with a gold pen horn. It was in a box sealed with the blue flowers you like and rosemary. There was a knowledge that was most amazing for a non florist to know. He thanked me with that for arranging a meet between him and Ariadne. He really must like her, it must be her boldness." Jade smiles wistfully.

"Why Ballad, the excuse of being from shadow even shadow earth is one thing, but she is royalty now and such a blasphemy could you imagine if Oberon were King still ? I don't know how King Random will react. I am genuinely worried about her being killed or imprisoned I mean please talk to her." Jade looked at Ballad prettily part pleading part in friendship.

Jade just beams when Ballad links arms with her, "Me too when it comes to you Ballad. I just love you all so much ! I had so much fun at Bloody Mary's even with that drunkard there. I laughed at the different songs and Lance and Jon stood up for me."

She stops a moment, "Oh no I might cry, I can't I just put make up on but Im just so happy to have all my cousins around."

"Yes that would be a great idea, and for Jon, I learned he uses a shield so I might get him a shield for his too. What do you think ?" Jade was holding back tears and avoided rubbing her eyes.

“But he doesn’t know her yet, just you?” Ballad asks, the blue of her eyes very clear and innocent. "Perhaps he was hoping you'd use the pen to write him a note?"

Then she says: “As royalty, we can explore all manner of philosophies, as it pleases us. Really, Jade, I would perish of shock if Uncle Random killed or imprisoned anybody for that, much less Deirdre’s daughter. But if it will make you feel better, I'll certainly talk to her.”

Here's the strike-spark of a sudden grin at Jade's memory of singing at Bloody Mary's. "You've reminded me, I want to go back and have another drink. Don't cry! Are you ticklish?" Ballad makes 'claw' hands, and says, "Rar," quite solemnly. Then, "I'm sure Jon would love a shield, if you gave him one. Maybe you can get him one made with his new coat of arms? But shh, I hear voices."

A wink, and she opens the door to the dining hall, ushering Jade in first.

"Of course silly he just met me, and he really wants to meet her, and you too. Though he seems interested in Ariadne more then anyone. Hmmm maybe it's my green hair." She lifts some of her locks looking at them.

"It would make me feel better, I know King Random seems nice I guess I worry a lot. It comes from always needing make sure things were folded correctly, cleaned to perfection which is pretty hard under water if you have never tried. I just want things perfect besides what if the Unicorn herself took offense ?" A new look of shock for a moment.

Jade smiled, "Yes I think so, I think I am." The threat of tickling made Jade laugh.

"Oh, that is an excellent idea, I shall do so." She bobs her head then gets quiet perhaps one last stray laugh before she is in through the door.

Day 5 - A couple hours before lunch.
Jon arrives at the library and looks for a librarian for assistance.

Once he has someone's attention. "Thank you.  I would like a list of and where to find all of the books and records regarding Weirmonken. And if we know who besides King Eric and Master Rian who might have practical experience dealing with Weirmonken?" he smiles

The librarian gives Jon a stack of books (about seven), each of which deals, in whole or in part, with Weirmonken. "Well, the next people I would think who would count as experts on that subject would be Prince Benedict and Prince Julian. Especially Prince Benedict, being hundreds of years older... but then again, he's much harder to get ahold of in a hurry. ...Historically speaking, that is..."

Laurence pauses. It seems like there's someone else he's thinking of, but not saying, maybe? (Charming roll, if you want to push...)

OOC: 17:58, Today: Jon rolled 7 using 2d6+1 ((5,1)). Charisma - Thank God for the +1.

"Thank you." he looks at Laurence, "Uncle Julian, Uncle Benedict,..." and smiles "Anyone else?  I want to make sure I am thorough.  I'm trying to earn a spot with Queen Vialle." he says honestly.

"Er, well..." says Laurence. "I, er... I mean... since the history of Amber and its wars is pretty much always family history... Ah... therefore, the older the witness, the better, information-wise... So, I mean... In this case, family-wise... If you see what I mean...?"

*nods* "Indeed, thank you." he smiles. "Laurence, you have been a great help.  Thank you very much for your guidance." he says solemnly and sincerely.

"Certainly, milord. It's my job to help, milord," Laurence says, relieved that all involved were able to get through that little interlude without too much difficulty...

*Nods* Jon takes the books and heads to his room, luckily it is not far from the library.

>>>>>From her room at the castle


Janessa heads down the hallway towards the Library, having dropped off her backpack and washed up in her room. She straightens her flannel button down over her t-shirt as she rounds the corner. She smiles as she spots Jon. "Howdy." Janessa says with a nod.

Jon stops, turns towards the voice and checking around to ensure they are referring to him.  He smiles, takes her in and his expression becomes slightly confused as he tilts his head as he processes the image. "Hello." he says friendly and gives her a partial bow. "I'm, Jon, and you are?" his tone is curious and friendly.

OOC: Not sure Jon would immediately recognize Earth clothing to determine that she is a cousin.

Janessa looks slightly surprised at the bow. "Nice to meet you Jon. I'm Janessa." She holds her hand out and scans him up and down, taking in his outfit. "I'mma gonna go out on a limb and say, son of one of my Aunts or Uncles?"

OOC: Based on the character description given, if he's wearing anything like that, she'd suspect he's related. Having spent a limited amount of time around Amber, she probably would have picked up some of the differences in the way different classes dress. In other words, she'd know he wasn't a member of the staff but wouldn't know he was related or just a noble.

OOC: Yes, that is what he generally wears in the castle.

Jon's eyes light up and his smile becomes bigger.  He shifts the books into one arm and claps her arm. "Yes, that would be a solid conclusion." he says with some mirth. "It is nice to meet you Princess Janessa."

As their claps ends he shifts the books back to both hands. "Care to follow me to my rooms, while I put these down?" he looks down at the books? "Then we can talk a bit in the hall and I can introduce you to Princess Ariadne, as I was meeting her for lunch."

Janessa returns his smile as she clasps his arms. "You can just call me Janessa." She chuckles. "Actually, since we're family, you can call me Nessa. All the family back home does." She looks down at his books and then to his face. "I would love that. Ariadne is another cousin?" Janessa thinks a moment. "If we stay near the Library, I won't miss my meeting with Uncle Random." Janessa smiles again. "Hopefully we can all have dinner together. He said there were cousins here from my neck of Shadow." She points to the books. "Need a hand with those?"

*grins* and he seems to physically relax when she does away with the formal titles "Nessa, that sounds perfect.  You can call me Jon." Jon nods "Yes, she is from earth..." he takes another look at Janessa "Which is where you are most likely from.?." he says questioningly.  he smiles at the offer to help with the books "Luckily, I am not far" and he points to he last door across from the library. "Which also means if we are outside my rooms, there is no chance you could miss Uncle Random." and starts making for his rooms.
"Did you just get discovered as well?  Most of us have only just found out about our connection to Amber Royalty about 5 days ago when we were attacked." he says conversationally.

OOC: Ariadne has worn Jeans before, so that is the connections he made along with your statement.

Janessa relaxes as well. "Yep, I'm from Earth. I'm from America, which is a country made up of states. I am specifically from the state of Wyomin." Her eyes follows to were he points. "Well that's handy." Janessa starts after him. "Oh. No, I've known for a while now. I'm not sure how long it's been in Amber time. Ya see, after I was rescued, I went to a fast moving shadow for months of trainin. I then spent a week here before I walked The Pattern. After that I went to learn shadow walking, which was a few days. Once I got back to Earth it had only been six and a half days." She leans against the wall next to his door. "Then I went back out into shadow lookin for some stuff I couldn't get easily at home. I was gone about three days, but it was only just the one on Earth. Then I got the call from Uncle Random." Janessa looks at Jon and shakes her head. "Time between shadows is a weird thing."

OOC: Just to make sure everyone knows, Janessa does speak with a southern drawl though she's from a northern state... blame it on her mother's southern accent, country music, cowboys, and ranch hands. Plus, folks from Wyoming tend to have an accent similar to a southern one...
This message was last edited by the player at 15:42, Tue 11 May 2021.

*smiles* "Wow, you've been busy.  You are like our cousin Ballad, she's been travelling Shadows for a bit as well." as the approach the room, he shifts the books and open the doors and walks into the anteroom and sets the books on desk. "I haven't walked the pattern yet, but it is scheduled for a few days from now.  Myself and Ariadne are last two of the five..." *smiles* "Er, now six of us to walk the pattern." he picks up a pitcher "Would you like some water?" he offers.

Basic Room Description:
The color scheme is Black and Red, reflecting the former occupant. A desk-table sits on a round, thick rug on the north wall of the sitting room. Beside it, a bookshelf holds volumes of political and military strategy. Another bookshelf, in the far corner of the sitting room, contains a wealth of volumes about history, novels of historical romance, and a collection of writings by authors named "Machiavelli" and "Locke."

There is a small Bathroom and closest between the ante-room and the bedroom, with the bedroom door closed.

Janessa matches his smile. "I'm a busy bee. Just the way I was raised, I guess." She steps into the room after him. "I haven't met Ballad yet, but hopefully soon." She looks around the room, arching an eyebrow as she does. "It's the hardest thing you'll ever do, but it's worth it." Janessa looks back at Jon and then back around the room, clearly confused. "So, the list of cousins is me, you, Ballad, Ariadne, and there are two others." As she lists them, she counts them out of her hand. One more of those looks at Jon and then the décor before settling back on Jon. "Yes, please." She says with a nod. "OK, I gotta ask. What's with the color scheme here? I only ask cause your colors seem more black and yella." Janessa gestures at him, indicating his outfit. "Not so much this." She finishes, pointing at a red tapestry while waiting for the glass of water.

*nod* "A good work ethic is a very handy thing." *chuckles* "Ballad is very interesting person.  Very independent and confident.  I like her a lot and I trust her."

As he sets the books down, "Correct, Jade and Lance are the other two.  Jade is from Rebma and Lance is also from Earth."  He then pours her a glass and hands it to her.

Jon laughs with genuine warmth and mirth. "Good observation." he teases, "Yes, my colors are Black and Gold, I have been adding hints of Red to honor my father." he then points around the room "Not this much, though." smiling he says "These were my father's room and I haven't had a chance to really go through everything here nor have I had a chance to redecorate to more my tasted and colors." smiles with a slight far away look "Jade will probably enjoy assisting with the redecoration when the time comes. She has an artist sensibilities."

He pours himself a glass and "And yes, both Ballad and Jade have warned us how dangerous walking the pattern can be.  That is is best to go into in top physical health and mentally sound." he says with genuine respect for the advice.

Janessa smiles. “When you grow up on a ranch, a good work ethic is instilled in you at an early age. After all, by the time I was seven, I was assistin' my adopted father with the feedin'.” She listens to him talk about their other cousins. “I read about Rebma! It sounds like an interestin' place. Hopefully, I'll get the chance to find out where on Earth Lance is from.” She takes a sip of water and chuckles. “You gotta be observant on a ranch. If you're not, you're more likely to get hurt.” Janessa looks around the room again. “It makes more sense now. Though the way you refer to your father, I sense he's not here anymore.” She looks at Jon. “If so, my condolences.” She raises her glass in a toast before taking another drink. Janessa sets the glass down and nibbles her lip. “I've got a question or two for ya. First one. You had mentioned earlier about being attacked. So, who attacked you?” The look on her face gives away that Janessa already has an idea of the answer.

*smiles* "My father...er step-father, trained me in the use of various weapons and armor from about age 8 or so. You had to be observant if you didn't want to lose your head and my father made sure that I put in the work.  Both have stayed with me." he chuckles at the memory. "So you are farmer?  What kinds of animals do you raise?"

"Thank you, I never knew my 'real' father, he died well before I was born.  My mother and her knight, my ah step-father, were stashed in Shadow.  So my father's life and death are more academic to me than anything emotional."

*smiles* "Direct, I like that." he leans against the desk "I will do my best to answer your questions." he takes a breath. "I and all of our other cousins were attacked by these "Greymen" who didn't speak, had thinker than average skin and bone spears/swords build into their bodies.  Most of us were attached by a pair of them." *sigh* "They were relentless and single minded in their approach."

Janessa pales slightly when Jon mentions the Greymen and sits in an empty chair. "I didn't know who my biological dad was growing up. My mother insisted we never talk about him, turns out it was to protect me. A lot good that did." She mutters the last statement as she shakes her head. "But I had Mike, who's my adoptive dad. He owns the ranch and taught me to shoot. One of the ranch hands, Cody, taught me how to use bows and arrows, some military type guns, and knives." She takes another drink. "The ranch isn't a farm per se. It's a cattle ranch. We've got a herd of about 100. There are still farm aspects; the garden, the dairy cows, and the chickens. My mother looks after the garden while the hands, myself, and my younger half-brothers look after the other animals and the cattle." She leans forward. "Your Greymen didn't speak either?" Janessa sighs and taps a nail against the rim of her glass. "That just supports my theory that they're telepathic." She leans back into the chair and takes a drink.

*Nods* "Similar story for the rest of us about our parentage.  Though, in my case, I was told but just didn't believe my mother.  I assumed she was lying and the Sean was my real father, but because he was just a 'retainer' to her family, they ran away together.  I didn't understand and still don't completely, understand that not just anyone can move through shadow..." his expression grows sad for a moment, then decides not to continue that train of thought "But in most cases, we were all seeming abandoned by one parent or another.  Some completely bereft of a parent."

*Nods* "Correct and our cousins confirmed the same in their recountings. It would make sense.  And they are able to travel through Shadow, which is most disconcerting.  Especially because we assumed that ability was limited to our bloodlines."

*smiles* "So you shoot too?  Then you and Ariadne will probably get a long she likes her 'guns' as well."

"I always thought my mother was keeping me from him." Janessa says with a shrug. "Hmm. Yeah, that is disconcerting." She takes a long drink and nods. "I do. I've got a outdoor shooting range set up back home. It use to be in the upper level of the stable, but I moved my horses out there from the main houses stables. Hopefully she'll want to visit."

Jon grins "I am sure Ariadne won't turn down a chance to shoot some guns.  I bet Jade would and Ballad might enjoy it as well.  I know I would, these guns sound like more powerful crossbows." a gleam of excitement is reflected in his eyes as he speaks.

*smiles* "Jade recounted that it sounded like the weapons Uncle Corwin brought to Amber."

He sits up and switches topics. "So, um, when I met Jade, she and I agreed to let the past be the past. So that we would not let the disagreements of our parents be carried on or taken up by us.  We will start with a clean slate.  I hope that you feel the same way."

Janessa smiles at his excitement. "Then we'll have to arrange a trip, but after the greymen threat is over. Don't need to tempt them with too many of use in a group. Then again, from what I've gathered from you and my own experience, they probably wouldn't risk going after us in a group." She finishes her glass and nods. "Well, that's a relief and I agree. No point in carrying their issues into our budding relationships!"


[OOC: Jon can tell she wants to ask something, but looks conflicted. She's not trying too hard to hide it.]

Jon smiles broadly and he visibly relaxes. "That is good to hear. And Jade will be thrilled as well." he leans back against the table "My father was King Eric.  And my mother is a member of the minor house of Hawk.  I wanted to ask about your parentage." he sits up "If that is too personal or too soon, I understand." his smile fades "And if you would be willing could you tell me about your encounter with the Greymen?"

Janessa nods. "Ah, Uncle Eric." She sifts slightly. "My biological Dad is Bleys." She sighs. "He told me a little about things before Uncle Random became King." She stands and refills her glass, drinks half in a gulp, refills it, and returns to her seat. "The Greymen attacked at night." She starts, staring off into space. "I was alone, star-gazing on my back porch, drinking a glass of wine. I noticed a weird flickering light by my rose bushes. It turns out someone had set fire to a patch of weeds. I had just put the fire out when I spotted an odd-looking man wearing a gray fedora, a black suit, and a long gray raincoat running full speed at me from out of nowhere. I managed to dodge his attack, only to have number 2 show up and cut my arm with his stupid sword." Janessa huffs and takes a drink. "I managed to climb one of my apple trees, which slowed them down. One tried coming after me, but I stomped his hand. That's when I noticed that 1) They weren't making a sound. Not a peep. 2) The swords were sprouting from the backs of their hands. That's when they broke out the lighter fluid and lighter and went to set my apple tree on fire. I hopped out of there and ended up twisting my ankle. When one of them charged at me, I got my knife stuck in his leg, and Bleys came to my rescue." She takes another drink and leans back into the chair. "Dad made quick work of them." She looks at Jon. "Similar to everyone else?"

Jon smiles "Uncle Bleys." he nods. Jon listens intently, his concentration is total focused on Janessa.  When she finishes "Similar to everyone else's story.  They captured a women and lured Jade into an alley. But yes, attacked us in pairs and usually a relative shows up in the nick of time.  Though Ballad was only attacked by one and she defeated her.  It is possible that the second one was defeated by the environ that Ballad was in when attacked, but those are the two big differences."

He stands up and paces a bit. "So, the disconcerting thing is how they were able to find us and how our family knew we were in trouble.  In my case, it was pure luck that Uncle Julian happened upon the Greymen coming for me as they traveled through shadow and he tracked them to me.  I was lucky, I was able to eliminate one and wounded the other.  I did not suffer any significant injuries.  So we know that we can defeat them in small numbers.  Because Ballad and I were able to.  But Ballad and I were in situations where we were more or less prepared for trouble. But I expect the same is true for all of us."

Jon stops and leans back against the desk. "Switching topics for a moment, Jade, Ariadne and I are training with Master Fenton on improving our combat skills.  I expect/hope that Ballad and Lance will join us.  I extend the same to you.  The goal is to improve our individual skills and then train with the Captain of the guard on coordinated fighting with all of us and in teams." *smiles* "Oh and we are trying to implement the 'buddy system' meaning that we always travel in pairs so that we always have back-up."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:32, Thu 20 May 2021.

"You and Ballad are quite impressive. As for my rescue, Dad said he's been keeping an eye on me off and on for a while." Janessa sips her water and nods. "If I had had one of my guns with me at the time, it might have been different." Her eyes follow him to the desk. One of her delicate red eyebrows raises at the topic change. She then chuckles. "Mike, my adopted dad, always says 'There's no such thing as too much self-defense'. He's ex-military, so he runs a tight ship as the saying goes. The 'buddy system' sounds like a wise plan."

*smiles* "Glad to hear it.  We should get you set up with some time with Master Fenton for evaluation.  That way he can help set up some training.  We all have different weapons that we are good with.  So the training isn't the same for each of us." *nods* "I'm glad your dad was near by.  I was lucky. Ballad now she is the impressive one. She was on her own expedition in a bog full of fog when the Greyman attacked her.  She was able to fend him off and finish him all without losing her way." there is admiration in his voice as he speaks of Ballad. "The buddy system was Ariadne's idea and now that there are six of us, it should be easier to implement once we've all walked the pattern." he frowns "Though I expect Lance and Ballad to be the most resistant to it.  Lance because he..." *sigh* "He just doesn't seem to WANT to be around us. I have an idea as to part of it, but it still doesn't explain why he seems to purposely make himself an outsider." Jon frustration is clear. He shrugs "Ballad on the other hand, she is like trying to catch a moonbeam.  She is very independent and self sufficient." *chuckles* "I can't wait till they get to meet you." he is genuinely excited.

It is easy to pick-up the respect he has for all of his other cousins in the short time he's got to know them.  And it is clear he is closest to Jade, Ari and Ballad. And Janessa can probably feel that Jon is comfortable with her.

"Yes, Ariadne said something similar about the 'guns' I look forward to trying them out.  Jade said Uncle Corwin has some that worked in Amber.  But they seem less reliable than a good bow or crossbow across the shadows."

Janessa nods. “An evaluation would be best. I could always use more training in knives and swords. My dad taught me the basics of swords, and I'm decent with knives.” She smiles, softly as he talks more about their cousins. “Hmm. Hopefully, they'll both see the reason, safety in numbers, and all that. You mentioned earlier that some had lost both parents. Would one of those happen to be Lance?” She takes a sip. “Cause that could partially explain his big independence streak. After all, he's only ever had himself to rely on if what I've seen of the foster care system is the same everywhere on Earth. Still, I am looking forward to meeting them too!” Janessa is comfortable talking to Jon, and Jon would be correct in guessing that she'd get along with the others. She finishes her second glass and sets it on a nearby table. “Guns can be less reliable. In the shadows where they even work, they can still jam or miss fire. Accuracy-wise, once you know what you're doing, they're on par with crossbows.”

Jon nods and smiles "Good we will get you in touch with Master Fenton.  And Ari and I have been running in the morning to up our stamina.  You are welcome to join us.  We usually start around six am."

*smiles* "Hopefully they will.  I worry about them both." he becomes a bit somber "Yes, I believe Lance was raised without a direct parent but had something called 'Nuns' who help raise him." shakes his head "Don't get me wrong, I admire independence and self-reliance, but Lance seems to purposely reject attempts at inclusion. Which is different, to me than being independent or self-reliant.  And that is what frustrates me. We have no pattern of abandonment or betrayal that would warrant purposely avoiding us.  All we've done is tried to embrace him and unconditionally include him when we've tried to plan things.

*sighs* "But enough, I apologize. I shouldn't have said anything. I may have already colored your impression of Lance and that isn't fair to you or Lance.  Again, I apologize." he says sincerely.

*nods* "That makes sense, though a repeating crossbow can jam as well, but I'd imagine that is easier to fix than a 'gun'."

*smiles* "Switching topics, how long are you planning on staying?  Because in about 5 days, Ari and I will be walking the pattern and Jade is planning a party.  Most of us will be there.  So those that are off in Shadow should be back and of course, you'll be able to meet Ari today.  I'm to meet her for lunch before we had into town."

Janessa nods. “I can do that. I will have to have a wake-up call until I get time sorted.”

A slight frown appears as she listens to Jon explain his interpretation of Lance. “I guess I have a unique perspective on the type of system Lance grew up in.” The frown disappears, and her eyes go distant, clearly thinking of a memory. “One of my best friends, Karen, grew up in that system. Now I know there are great and wonderful foster parents out there. Karen just never got them. She was labeled a 'problem child' at a young age and was bounced from one foster family to the next. Some weren't to bad, just meh. Some were downright hideous, didn't care about the kids at all, only in it for the money. Heck, one gave her back to the system while she was recovering from having her appendix removed. She was 10. So when I met her at 12 years old, she already had a giant wall. She went out of her way to push people away. Persistently bugging her to be my friend paid off. But she was different around me than everyone else. At 18 she aged out of the system and was suddenly homeless. We took her in. She eventually found a job as a member of a renaissance faire troupe after joining me at one in Nebraska. They wore her wall down the rest of the way, just being persistent and insisting on including her.” She chuckles and then sighs. “I asked her about her behavior once. She told me that she did it because then it was her leaving them, not them leaving her.” Janessa shakes her head and looks at Jon. “I did point out the flaw in that statement. You can't leave what you don't let in. So, maybe we just need to be a little more persistent with Lance. Which I can do!” She says with a big smile. “As for coloring' my opinion. Don't worry about it. I'm one of those who will always form my own opinion of someone, regardless of what I've been told or hear.”

She nods. “Yep, a repeating crossbow is a lot easier to un-jam than a gun. Safer too in some cases. One of the neighbor boys lost two fingers trying to un-jam his gun.” She shakes her head. “Bless his heart, but he really should have listened to his Paw.”

Janessa returns his smile. “Oh, I'm not sure yet. I still have to talk with Uncle Random and possibly Uncle Julian, who I haven't met yet. However, if there is going to be a Pattern walking and a party, count me in!” She glances around the room. “Uh, what time is it? I don't want you to miss your lunch date and I don't wanna miss my meeting' with our uncle.”

Jon smiles "Let me know where your rooms are and I can knock on my way out.  We usually met by the Stables."

Jon listen's to Janessa's story. "It could be similar, I am not sure. Unfortunately since he has made himself scarce, it is hard to try and include him in anything." *shrugs* "But I will keep your advice in mind."

Jon looks a bit relived. "I am glade to hear that.  I don't wish Lance any ill will nor do I want to unintentionally sabotage any relationships with our family."

Jon grins. "Good more the merrier for the Party.  Once Jade is back, I am sure she will be thrilled!"

At her question about time he stops and thinks "Not sure, but I don't think more than 30 minutes have passed." He pushes off the desk and sets down his glass.  "We can continue to talk in the hallway until Uncle Random shows up if you like."  He moves toward her and offers to take her glass.

Janessa hands him her glass. "I'm the second door on the left around the corner." She stands and stretches. "I should see Lance at the party at least, right?" She walks over to the door and steps out into the hallway. "Stepping out will also let Ariadne know you've got company. One you want her to meet at that!"

Jon smiles and nods, he puts the glass down on the desk next to his and follows her out of the door and leans against the wall.
Shakes his head "I don't know if he know about it yet. But I expect he will be if he is in Amber." *chuckles* "I was going to walk the Pattern the other day, but Ballad was not available and she wanted to be there for our walks.  So I delayed and then Jade asked us to carry an item for her on our walks to see if it gets imbued with power. And that is why the walk party is in 5 days.  Jade's item will be done the day before."

Walking down the hall was Ariadne.  She was wearing a somewhat feminine version of a men's outfit, which looked beautiful, but also easily suitable for fighting or riding.  She had a long(ish) sword on her left hip, and a long dagger on her right hip, and was wearing a half cloak that was dark colored like the rest of her ensemble.

She seemed lost in thought, but smiled as she saw Jon.
"Hello there, Jon, how's it going?"
She nodded to the woman he was with, curious but not wanting to pry.

Jon beams a smile at Ari as she approaches "The outfit looks good!  So far so good.  I have a research project from Aunt Vialle to work on over the next few days." he then push off the wall.  "Ariadne, this is our cousin Janessa.  She too is from Earth."  *grins* "Janessa, this is our cousin Ariadne." he says as he finishes the introductions.

Ari looked at Janessa with amused surprise.
"Another one, eh?  We are coming out of the woodwork, it seems."
She stepped forward, holding out her hand confidently and gave a wide smile.
"A pleasure, Janessa.  Happy to meet you.  Earth, you say?   What part?"
The short haired brunette chuckled wryly.
"That place is a regular vacation spot for the royal family, it seems."

Janessa turned to look at Ariadne when she spoke. Her mouth hung open for a moment. "Holy hell." She whispered. Janessa smiled and shook her hand. "You're Ariadne Arrington. I loved you in Fast Cars!" Janessa chuckles and shakes her head. "Sorry, fangirl moment. It's nice to meet you too!" She releases Ariadne's hand and flips the length of her ponytail back over her shoulder. "I'm from Wyoming, about 20 miles north of Cheyenne. Maybe there's something in the water back home?" Janessa says with a smirk.

Ariadne blinked in surprise at being recognized.  Despite her modicum of fame, she'd been growing used to being anonymous in this foreign land.  She chuckled wryly and shook Janessa's hand with a firm grip
"Always good to meet a fan, thank you.   And i guess all this medieval stuff gets old after a while, so the Elders of Amber like to head to the bright lights of Earth, I suppose. "
She cocked her head, nodding
"Wyoming?  Wow, I'm impressed.   I've heard that it very beautiful up there.  I had a producer once who had a ranch up there, and he wouldn't stop gushing about how picturesque it was."

Janessa chuckles. "I've got younger half brothers. Robert, the eldest of the two, is obsessed with the Fast Cars franchise. I had to take him to see the first couple, though I do enjoy them myself."

She gave a nod and beamed. "It is very picturesque. Though most of the famous people live up around Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, and the Tetons. I'm from the south-eastern plains of Wyoming, down around Cheyenne."

She looks, still smiling, at Jon. "I've been tell Jon here a little about home. Offered to have him visit my part of the ranch. We can do some shooting and some riding." Janessa looks back at Ariadne. "I'm extending that invitation to all my cousins."

Nodding,  Ariadne smiled wryly.
"I'd never planned to do much riding,  being more of a fan of motorcycles,  personally,  but since it's the main way to get around in Amber,  some more practice,  away from prying eyes, isn't a bad idea.    Thank you.  And I'd love to play hostess to everyone in Boston or Los Angelos, as well, if we ever get time to travel around. "

Jon leans against the wall and just watches and listens as the two cousins talk.

Janessa nods. "I can help with that. I've been riding since I was 6. Plus, I'm a ex-barrel racer." Her eyes twinkle at the invitation. "I've never seen either of them. Maybe we can take Jade and Jon here on a tour of Earth. See if we can't rope in Lance too."

*chuckles* "Jade is already itching to go to earth.  We both want to check out the autocycles as they sound really cool. Ariadne has told us bits about her earth.  So now that a third of us from there, a trip is all but certain.  And we want to see Ariadne's magical card work, since it has access all of earth's knowledge." smiles, feeling that he nailed all of his earth references properly.

Ariadne grinned playfully
"An actual Rodeo Queen?  I'm impressed.   Then I'm definitely in good hands.  But a fiepd trip to Earth definitely sounds like a plan."
She smiled sheepishly as Jon talked about Earth and looked at Janessa with a shrug
"I've been telling them about Earth culture and technology,  but , um, i suppose I've glossed over a little bit.  In my defense,  I've been very distracted while I've been here"

Janessa chuckles. "I wouldn't go that far. I've won a few but had to give it up after an injury a few years back. I just started taking it up again, since The Pattern healed my leg right up."
 She quirks an eyebrow at Jon. "Magical card?" Janessa says as she cocks her head to look at Ariadne (similar to a puppy). "Ah. Exploring the castle can be distracting. If you managed to get down to the city, I would also understand and be a little jealous about it."

Ariadne nodded to her cousin,  her expression curious
"The Pattern healed your leg?  So that was a recent thing?  I seem to remember always being a fast healer.  Though I'll admit that i never had this bizarre frame of reference of Amber.
Yeah, we've made a couple of jaunts into the city, which is like hanging out in a Renaissance Faire where everyone is WAY too in character.  There were a couple of rough spots, but mostly it's been positive. "

She chuckled sheepishly at the puppy dog look, and took something small from a leather pocket.
"This, i suspect, is the 'card' that he's talking about.  My cell phone.  I have been trying to describe it without sounding like I'm either speaking gibberish or that I'm just delusional,  but I'm having mixed results "
Ari held up a small cellphone in a protective case.

Jon nods "Yes, that is it." he confirms when she produces her phone. "In fact, after lunch we are headed into the City on an errand.  You are welcome to join us if you are done with Uncle Random."

Janessa nods. "I did deep damage when I was 18. My horse threw me when I tried to force her into a rattler nest. I went over the fence that separates our ranch from the neighbors and got my leg tangled in barbwire. The more I tried to untangle myself, the worse I made it. I ended up dangling in between the two fences for almost an hour." She shakes her head. "Thankfully, Mike and Cody were able to track me down once my horse made it back to the barn without me. They also were nice enough to not lecture me about forgetting the big three rules of ranching until after I was out of the hospital. I healed quick enough, but because of torn tendons I walked with a limp and my left leg was never quite right. Who knew, I just needed a nice stroll on the Pattern."

She smiles. "I happen to love Renaissance Fairs, though I have to go to Nebraska or Colorado to see one. One of my best friends works for one that traverses around the Midwest."

Janessa chuckles at the phone. "Ah, that explains it. Gibberish, delusional, or like you're trying to summon some kind of demon."

She looks at Jon. "I would like that if I'm available. I don't know what I'll be doing after my talk with him and possibly Uncle Julian."


((OOC: the italic is there to indicate sarcasm.))

Ariadne tapped her lip thoughtfully
"Yeah, we still need to do our "stroll" on the Pattern.  I suppose it's comforting to know it can heal an old wound like that."

Jon smiles "I agree with Ariadne, it is another piece to the puzzle that is the pattern." and his smile becomes a grin at Janessa's tentative acceptance. "We Hopefully Uncle Random and Julian won't keep you to long. And you can join us." He looks over at Ari "Please remind me to stop at a couple of weapon shops.  I want to pick up a new hunting knife." *chuckles* "Now that I've told you, I will probably remember on my own."

In reply to Jon (msg # 208):

Ariadne smirked at Jon
"Isn't that always the way it works, eh?  I suppose it's good to know that some things truly ARE Universal "

Janessa nods and pats her waist. "I always keep at least one knife on me. Though this one is more for everyday use and not hunting. When you come to visit, I'll see if Cody and Mike will show you the hunting knives they have collected over the years."

Jon smiles and nods "Yep, a good hunting knife can often mean the difference between life or death back home." he raises and eyebrow "A collection? Huh, I didn't realize there were that many variations."

Ariadne nodded,  smiling wryly
"If you'd asked me about seeing a 'hunting knife' collection a few years ago, I'd have maxe a discreet exit and run for the hills.  But recent events have definitely gotten me interested in that"

Janessa shrugs. "They're just variations of a typical hunting knife. Different lengths, different materials, different shapes. That kind of thing. Cody also has an impressive gun collection, but then he's ex-military, a Marine sniper. Mike's got a bigger knife collection. He's also ex-military, Air Force pilot."

*nods* "That makes sense." but looks stunned by her admission of background of her companions. "You have experts at killing aquatic creatures? Are you are war with Rebma in your Shadow?" and further "You also have powerful weather mages as part of your military?" he looks very impressed and a bit unnerved.

"Oh no!! I'm sorry, Jon. That's not at all…" Janessa takes a breath and sighs. "First, we are not at war with Rebma." She gives him a reassuring smile. "Promise. My shadow doesn't even know about other shadows." She thinks for a moment before continuing. "All right, so the Marine Corps and the Air Force are two branches of our military. The Marines are mainly land fighters, though some are air or water fighters. During times of war, the Marines are usually the first troops sent in and the last troops to come home." She takes a breath and thinks. "The Air Force does not have weather mages. I don't think there are any weather mages in the shadow. Anyway, the Air Force fights in the skies. Its pilots fly various kinds of aircraft armed with weapons. Their targets are usually on the ground and in the water. They also will deliver supplies to the other branches." Janessa smiles sheepishly. "Does that make sense?"

He looks confused "IF they fight on land, why are the called Marine? It sounds like the Rangers back home.  We are usually sent in first to scout and  reconnoiter and area before the armies move in.  We are also usually the last to leave, getting as much information as we can and ensuring as many who can make it out. Name aside that makes sense then." he does relax knowing that earth isn't at war with Rebma.

He considers her description of the Air Force "They sound like the Dragon and Griffin Riders back home.  Or the powerful Roc Riders.  They do the same thing.  But let me guess, they are using flying machines like akin the Autocycle and Motormobiles instead of animals, did I understand that correctly?"

He smiles "I'm glad you don't have any weather wizards, they are the worst to deal with."

Ariadne chuckled and shrugged
"One thing about Earth,  everything changes and evolves more quickly than in Amber, and that includes our language.  So sometimes our labels can be a bit misleading. "

Janessa nods. "What she said." She replies, pointing to Ariadne. "The do use machines to fly. In fact there's a base near by my home, I can show you when you come visit!"

*smiles* "Sounds good." he replies to Janessa. *nods* to Ariadne "Your Earth will be an education that is for sure."  He smiles again "I also can't wait to have you visit my world.  I think you will enjoy it."

Ariadne smirked
'Now I'm worried that Earth will be a let down"

Janessa nods. "You can find some interesting shadows out there, that's for sure."

*chuckles* "Not to worry, I am sure Shadow Earth will be cool fun.  Besides, we will have you and hopefully Janessa and Lance to show us around." he nods towards Janessa "Assuming the timing aligns."  He stands away from the wall. "Besides, it will be new and different and that by itself will be interesting."

Ariadne nodded with a smirk
'It will definitely seem exotic.   But I'm also looking forward to exploring other worlds as well.  I'll admit that I'm still having trouble wrapping my head around that idea.  Janessa, what kind of worlds have you seen so far?"

"Well, the first one I saw after walking the pattern was kinda like home, though the wildlife was not. Big talking wolves." Janessa explained. "From there I went to a shadow with nothing living but plant life. A comet hit it and killed everything." She begins to keep track of her fingers. "There was a post-apocalyptic shadow." She looks at Ariadne. "Think Mad Max." She looked at Jon. "It was a desert wasteland." Janessa explains to him before continuing. "There was one I'm going back to only to deal with my doppelgänger, who was not a nice person there. The occupants chased me, calling me a witch. Pretty much had to hellride out of there. Next, there was one that seemed to be nothing but a giant library. I want to go back to that one and don't. The books were writing themselves, it seemed, but there were ghosts." She involuntarily shivers at the memory. "Creepy. But oh, the available knowledge." Janessa chuckles. "Then there was the one I refer to as Candy Land. It's a bizarre, cotton-candy-looking wonderland with very large, talking, sugar candy-looking bugs. I promised Abysterwych that I would return there." The last line sounds more like she's making a mental note. "In the last one I visited before coming here, my doppelgänger was considered a goddess. So that was interesting." She chuckles. "I'm still hoping to find a shadow made completely of chocolate or one that the water is made up of different wines."

Ariadne listened intently, clearly impressed, but frowned in confusion
"Those shadows sound fascinating, but What's a doppleganger?  Is that some kind of evil twin?  And who's.....Abby..stir..wich?"

Jon looks impressed. "You've traveled about as much as Ballad. You both will hopefully be excellent teachers."

He acknowledges Ari's question with a nod and adds "It is like a simulacrum, correct?"

Janessa nods at Ariadne. "A twin would be a fairly accurate description. They look and sound just like you, but their personalities differ. I'm fairly certain they can't do what we can. I suspect because they don't truly have Amber blood in their veins." She chuckles. "Abysterwych is one of the talking candy bugs. I promised to come back when it was time for me to move on." She looks at Jon when he speaks. "I would love to hear about the shadows she's seen. I'm not sure what a simulacrum is."

*Nods* "Ah, I see.  Definitely not a Simulacrum." He smiles "A Simulacrum is a magical construct that is an image or representation of someone or something.  Some of them are animated and others are static."

*Nods* "I'm sure she will be interested in comparing experiences."

Ariadne shook her head,  chuckling
"That must have been a disturbing experience "

"Well, I never actually met my twins. Just got run out of one shadow because that one is a tyrant or something. The other I impersonated to get things. That one is considered a goddess, so it was interesting." Janessa says as she glances down the hallway. "Do yall hear footsteps?"

Ariadne frowned at Janessa's observation,  and turned to listen

*smiles* "It looks like Uncle Random is coming down the hall." he stands up "Ari, I'll meet you at the stables after lunch.  I realize I need to run a couple of errands first."  He gives a small bow. "Nessa, it was very nice meeting you, I look forward to getting to know you more and adventuring with you.  But for now, please excuse me."

Jon nods to Ari and heads off...

Janessa nods and waves as they depart. She moves to stand by the Library doors and waits for Random or Julian or both to appear.

Ari nodded to Jon as he left, then to Janessa
"I'm off to lunch.   They have a fairly simple,  old fashioned menu here, but it's all surprisingly good.  I know people who'd pay serious money just for the bread they bake here.  See you around,  Janessa."
She left

Random walks in. "Hello again, Janessa..." he says... "I've thought about riding out into Arden... but I've decided to use the cards instead. Your aunt Flora can always bring me, or us, back when needed. You up for another little trip via the cards...?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:42, Tue 06 July 2021.

Janessa smiles. "That's fine. Dad made sure I knew how the cards work." She walks over to him. "I got to meet Jon and Ariadne while I was waiting. I look forward to meeting the other cousins."

Random gets out a card, looks at it, does the usual typical "calling someone on a cell phone" vocal things that Janessa is coming to expect from a family member looking at a playing card, and then when he's apparently gotten the responses he wants, offers Janessa his hand...

Janessa waits patiently while Random makes his call. She takes his hand when offered with a deep breath to ease the nervous butterflies in her tummy.