Arias Previous Chapter: AL001 - Homecoming

Oct 09, 2008#2
I fall asleep with the familiar connection between me and Epee in my mind. I have mixed dreams from my experience, of both the good and bad memories of growing up. All in all it is a very restorative sleep though, through what was left of the day into the next morning.

When I wake I am famished. I am not sure how long it has been since I ate last thanks to all that has happened. My first thoughts is to go to the kitchen in search of some breakfast and then perhaps see what I may be able to get my father or Aunt Fiona (If I can find either of them) to tell me about from what I heard, saw, and experienced the day before.

Oct 09, 2008#3
Your father is gone, and you are not surprised to find out he was gone before sunrise on whatever business drives the man. You don't hear any of his dogs, so you imagine he has them with him. That usually means hunting.

Fiona has left you a note, that was delivered with your breakfast.
She wrote:

Dearest Aria,

I am so pleased to see you are doing well. You sleep now, but the restoration seems more than complete.

I can hardly begin to tell you how glad I am that we were able to convince your father to take you and Epee across the Pattern. The energies of the Primal Order can not be denied, and it confirmed what I told you. It was your blood that pulled you through. It was the same element in your blood that will have been activated within Epee now making her a part of your reality.

This may not make sense to you at the moment. But I will be glad to explain it in further detail if you like. You are beloved to all of us Aria, and like your name, you are music to this family. We could not suffer your loss. Please think of us often, and if you should ever be in any need, do not hesitate. Your father informed me that Brand was able to get you there in a timely fashion before your fathers and your energies were exhausted. I know his intentions mirror my own, in wanting to be there for you.

What is important to one of us, should be important to us all. Being able to save Epee became important to us, because it affected you. You are far from a little girl, though it appears your father may not yet see that. I dare say all men have these blinders permanently affixed. Should you, or your precious pet, need anything, even if it is just to chat. Please contact me. I am sending you my trump, from my own deck. Care for it, and return it when you get your own replacement. Give your father my best.

May you dwell forever in Amber,

Aunt Fiona

Oct 09, 2008#4
I take my breakfast to the library to eat, it is much cozier than the dinning hall. As i eat I read the letter from Fiona, a little confused. Exactly why she feels the need to a deeper relationship I do not know. I am certain she has something up her sleeve though.

Once I finish eating I take Epee to the stables and have a horse saddled so I can ride out into the forest so Epee can transform and hunt. I know she must be as famished as I was.

It is great to see her in her magnificent tigress form. I give her a huge hug and scratch her behind the ears before telling her to go get her own breakfast. I sit under the tree my horse is tied to and just listen to the familiar sounds of the forest. The urge to climb as I once did as a child is too strong to deny.

Once up in the tree I can see around a great bit. The Valley, River, Port, and City. The most magnificent site would be the castle, but to me the forest feels much more like home. I sit perched high on a branch waiting for Epee to return and watching to see if I might also see the return of my father, figuring that to be highly unlikely, but one never knows.

Oct 09, 2008#5
Epee's transformation is not without excitement and trepidation. The first time you get to see your old friend. A bit of fear sets in, as you look her over. At casual glance, no one would be the wiser to any difference. But your relationship with Epee is anything but casual. Small things jump out at you at once.

Epee looks younger. Her claws are a solid black, without any hint of the normal white edges from use. They are fresh, and unfortunately dagger sharp; if you don't get them ground down soon, she'll shred any wood floors in the cabin or elsewhere. Her rear hips are shaped somewhat differently. You use your hands, and find them to be somehow a touch wider. Her eyes... The windows to her soul.... are thankfully the same. You peer into them, hugging and loving her return to you.

You don't see the return of your father, but one of his hunting birds, a fine peregrine, soars by so close you swear you could touch it. While the birds can travel for great distances, you are confident he is close by.

Oct 09, 2008#6
Once Epee returns I have her transform back to sword and ride back to my father's hunting lodge. While walking Pattern was draining, it was also a revitalizing experience. Especially after then a good night's sleep and some breakfast.

Suddenly I get the craziest of ideas. I go back up to my rooms and climb up into my rafters like when I was ten. With a small dagger right below my name I carve a new one:

Epee

Why I hadn't thought of it decades ago when I had carved my own I don't know. Perhaps because our connection wasn't quite as strong yet. Perhaps because as soon as I had finished my own name I heard it bellowed by my father.

Once done I sit on the beam to admire my work. Epee is written much neater than Aria Lynn was with the passage of time my carcing has gotten better. I can feel Epee purr as she is attached to my side, well aware of the fact that her name is now under mine on the rafter even if she cannot see it.

I begin to comtemplate contacting Aunt Fiona. I have a myriad of questions I would like to ask her and don't know where to begin.

ct 09, 2008#7
[ooc: SG resists all temptation to have Julian walk in... Oh, I so want to...]

Your own meanderings are not for long, as you can hear the dogs sounding your fathers return.

In short order, he will be coming through the door. You can hear a bustle of activity from the four men who both serve and alternately ride with him using the hunting cabin as a form of headquarters. One of these men sleeps in a hot rack in the middle of what you consider, "the library" of the hunting cabin. A vast collection of maps and tubes with a scattering of books on walls, and the occassional weapon in a corner.

Oct 09, 2008#8
Hearing the return of my father takes me out of my thoughts. I begin to climb down from my high perch in the rafters and hope I can be quicker at climbing down than my father at climbing the stairs. I do not know if his reaction to seeing me so high would be the same as when I was ten, but it is also something I do not want to find out.

Heck, even if he catches me as I just reach the floor all he needs to do is look up to see Epee's name next to my own to know exactly what I was up to. What was I thinking?

Epee mentally nudges me...if I allow her to transform that may be enough of a distraction, but not that he would be happy about that either. I tell her no, that is most certainly not an option as I somehow lose my balance on the last rafter and let out a little scream, more of delightful mischief than fear, as I fall onto my bed.

Oct 09, 2008#9
You land with a bounce and a satisfying creek of the wood bed legs on the wood planks of the floor. No doubt shaking a bit of dust loose on whomever is below.

Your father does not come upstairs, but you can hear the satisyfing opening and closing of the door to the cabin. He never slams the door, but somehow the rhythm is right, and you know it is him.

You wait for an, "Aria," to be called, but none comes. You search your memory, but can not find a time when you recall him yelling out to you. It is probably part of his own self-discipline. You debate waiting in your room, but no it would probably be pointless. It's been years, how much time do you really want to wait?

You can hear the opening and closing of the door to your fathers private chamber on the first floor. Unfortunately your rooms aren't above it, so you have no chance of trying to figure out what he is doing in there.

Oct 09, 2008#10
I quickly run down the stairs to my fathers door and knock. If I can't get some time with him right now I can always try aunt Fiona, but I would much prefer to ask the questions I have for my father first. I know that any he answers he will do so truthfully, I just don't know if he will actually answer any.

I try to listen at the door to see if anyone is in there with him as I wait for a command to enter or for him to open the door. Of course, I try to listen without looking like I'm listening. Epee tells me I need to work on my spy skills and when I "shh" her I do so aloud without thinking about what that may look like to anyone that may be able to see me.

Oct 09, 2008#11
If your "shhhh" draws glances you don't notice it since you are facing the door. You can definately hear your father talking to someone, but his voice while not being loud, must be raised because you can't hear the other persons responses. You do not have to wait long, as your father answers you with a "Come in Aria."

You wonder how he knew it was you, but then again, he often knows things like that. Arthur looks up at you from a rug at the end of a massive bed. You can't help but suppress an inward chuckle as you recall seeing a movie in a shadow recently about a tall peace loving man in which a comedic extra states "A man would have to be a spry one, to catch his wife in a bed like that." It briefly crosses your mind to wonder if your mother ever came here to this cabin. You file it away for a later time.

Arthur does not get up to greet you, and you see no one else in the room.

"How can I help you Aria?" You have his full attention, without even entering the room. You often get this in even a crowded room from many men. Somehow having the full attention of your father carries more force than even the largest of rooms filled with those admiring you. Perhaps it is because with each of them, you were the one being pursued. Here, in Julian's presence, you are less sure of yourself, somehow smaller. Somehow you are still that ten year old, despite your advanced years. You wonder if that will ever pass.

Oct 09, 2008#12
I walk over to Arthur and start scratching him behind his ears.

I look at my father, "Who were you talking to?"

Not really caring all that much, I have so many other things I want to ask him, but always feeling unsure of myself when I am near him. Never sure if I will live up to his expectations...wondering just what those expecatations might be.

"Never mind." Before he gets a chance to answer, if he was even going to.

"What exactly is Epee?" I feel her growl at my side when Iask the question, a curious response, but one I know my father is completely unaware of. Perhaps she growled because of my attention to Arthur.

"To be perfectly honest with you father I am far from a little girl any more. There are things I want to know, things I feel I have the right to know. I'm just not sure you're all that willing to tell me yet and I don't know what to do to prove that I am."

I spit the whole thing out rather quickly before I lose my nerve. After just being high in the rafters of the ceiling of my bedroom and feeling very much like the ten year old girl that was pulled over her father's lap I am finding it difficult to feel like the grown woman I just said that I was. I keep my eyes focused on his though, hoping that he cannot sense the way I feel.
This message was last updated by the player at 11:05, Thu 03 Dec 2020.

Oct 09, 2008#13
Julian's eyebrow raises as if considering the outburst for a moment.

A small smile quirks the left side of his face, and he makes a graceful gesture with his right arm motioning you towards a covered seat. "Come in Aria, close the door."

You can feel your face go a touch red, as you recognize the silence behind you. Everything came to a stop with that outburst. Oh brilliant Aria, way to show him I'm all grown up, you think to yourself. Managing what grace you can, you close the door and proceed over to the worn red cushions in the sunlight of the window. Age has taken their toll on the color, but they are soft and comfortable. You settle yourself. [ooc: do you pull your legs up on top like a little girl, or do you 'pose' with your legs down like a princess has been taught. Body communication can change things.]

Julian goes over, and grabs what appears to be an enormous wood chair with a high back and armrests. It looks like Gerard could sit in it quite comfortably, and you wonder if perhaps he had while you were ill.

"You have questions my dear. I have answers. But that is a touch of an informal approach." Julian keeps moving while communicating. His suspenders are down, allowing the long sleeved white undergarment to be free and loose. The black pants are unremarkable, and appear to be some sort of undergarment as well. "Red wine, or white? We have a brief time before dinner."

He brings you over your selection in an elegant wineglass that seems almost out of place in the rustic hunting cabin. You wonder again about the almost feminine accoutrements of the master sleeping chamber... a womans touch? He then has a seat in his chair, its enormous back making him seem small by comparison.

"I would prefer a conversation. Directives are for children and underlings. 'Q' and 'A''s are for interrogations and times of war. I was thinking of something more personable." He waits to see if you have a question, and noticing the smile the wine brings, he returns it with a mirror image on his own face. You recognize it instantly; you have his smile. "It is Bayle's Best, aged for over 100 years. I save a bottle or two out here for special occassions. And I was speaking with Gerard. He sends you his best."

"Now my daughter," He clears his throat. "Excuse me. Now, Aria, what shall we talk about?"

Oct 09, 2008#14
As I first sit I am the model of all that is prim and proper. But as I take the glass of wine I begin to relax and curl my legs up "Indian style" in the window-seat. The red of the wine is much deeper than my bright red of my shirt. I take a sip as I watch my father and begin to wonder exactly how not to be his little girl.

I do feel the need to apologize though for what must have seemed like a lecture. What was going through my mind. If it wasn't for him I would have lost Epee, and here I am, having to have had his help just the day before acting as though I am so completely grown up that I do not need the help and guidance of my father.

A deep blush rises to my cheeks, "I'm sorry father, I did not mean to burst out with such a childish tirade."

"Epee... I really would like to know about her. All I have even known was that she is a gift from you and she has been a most excellent protector. Did you find her in a shadow? Was she made? What exactly is she?"

I can feel the warm effects of the wine working with each sip, which is doing more to relax me as well as feel braver to ask what ever questions may come to mind. A thing which may not truly be in my best interest.

"And Aunt Fiona, exactly what should I think about her?"

I feel the flood of so many questions, I'm not sure when to stop or if he is even going to answer any of them. I can still see in his eyes I am his little girl and who can blame him, he has yet to see me in any other light. I feel as though I have acted the fool since I arrived in forest Arden. Heck, it was less than an hour ago I was climbing a tree, and then once more the rafters of my bedroom. I can at least hope that he is unaware of those events. What has made me feel like such a kid again?

Oct 09, 2008#15
Julian nods, while listening, his movements were graceful, but his entire body language lets you know his focus is on you, and only you, as if every other thing in the universe had simply fallen away.

Julian takes a slow drink of the wine, and sitting forward engages the conversation and you more fully. "Epee is more than I know. Simply put, whatever Epee was, she is something more now. It would be like asking iron ore, where it came from, what it is, and howit works. Once the ore has been forged it becomes steel, and in this example, a sword. It is no more the loose elements of its earlier form than you are simply a ten year old girl climbing trees." His eyes are bright, and you can not tell if he knows of your earlier escapade or if he is just making a simple ironic connection.

"Epee, like yourself, may have many of the characteristics of her formative years, but she is something more now. She is not just connected with you, she is a part of you and of your reality. With your ability to shift shadow means that you can find her, even if she is somewhere else, even if you think she might be destroyed. Probability may be stretched to the limits, but it will always be in your favor, as you are always in mine." He does give you a small smile now.

"As to your aunt Fiona," the smile moves away from his face, "I can not tell you what to think about her. I can only tell you what I think of her. And what I think is that she is as shallow as the ocean. You can no more see the depths of her motives than you can swim directly down to Rebma."

Oct 10, 2008#16
My own smile fades and my brow wrinkles as I think.

"Aunt Fiona made a comment about testing my DNA when I first got here. Trying to find answers. She said the reulsts were interesting, or different, strange." I try to wrack my brain, so much of it was focused on Epee than on anything that was truly happening to me.

"How is it I actually got into my bedroom? I don't remember much after my arrival into the forest."

I stare at my father intently, wondering if he will give away any hint of things he knows with his eyes than he may be willing to with his words. How much does he really know about me? I know he aimed at protecting me quite fiercly when I was younger, but more recently he seems to have had other things on his mind and I have been able to do more because of it.

I also wonder if in the adventures that I had the past couple of decades if I have even done anything that would have made him proud. If he is aware of anything that I have done regardless. The people I have met. The experiences I have had. There is so much more to me now than there was when I was ten, obviously, or even than just ten years ago. So, why is it when I am with him I still feel like such a child?

Granted, the actions of the past week are nothing to brag about. I was nearly killed by the people of a shadow that I grew up in, that perhaps I am too attached to. I nearly got Epee killed as well. And when all is finally well again I am running around the forest climbing trees as well as the rafters of my bedroom carving names.

I look down into my wine glass and ask, "What is going on around here? I know that what ever it is has some how brought about the events that happened at the Savannah. Is all alright in Amber?"

Oct 10, 2008#17
[This one may not be as smooth as the original... something happened and it was swallowed by Chaos, so I have to type a new one]

Julian levels his gaze at you. "Those are quite a lot of questions Aria. Let me see what I can do to answer them for you." His tone is patient and soothing.

"I don't see it as particularly important, but to address how you came here I can offer some insight. These woods are under the command of their Lord and Protector, your father. As such, your arrival was brought to my attention. My men brought you to the cabin, and I was the one that carried you to your rooms above." A bird flits by outside the window, catching your eye. The pause grows long, and when you meet his eyes again, he continues, "What I find most interesting was that Trump you possess that brought you to Arden. I have never seen it's like before. would you care to tell me about it? Or any of the others I had the opportunity to witness?"

"As to the rest of the questions, they all focus around the one thing that is a constant. Family."

"You asked about Fiona's DNA results. I have no idea what they were, or even that there was one. What is more interesting, is that she knew of your illness. I never summoned her here, the only person I contacted was Gerard. Fiona showed up slightly thereafter."

"You may not realize this yet, as you are young. But our family has a way of showing up at the most opportune, and the worst of times. It isn't always apparent which type of situation it is at first glance. But the situation will dictate your response, as it did mine. Fiona was able to practice her arts and assist Gerard and I in speeding your recovery. Indeed, she was the one to contact Brand, which saved your life."

"Something I am extremely grateful for." He gives you a smile.

Oct 10, 2008#18
I swallow a gulp of wine. I was aware that my father did not know of the trumps that I had. In my escapades through shadow I have meet many, some that are mostly likely cousins, and some that just have an adept ability in some kind of power or another.

I've come across a trump artist or two in my time. Inderproof comes immediately to mind and I hope that my father cannot read my thoughts as I think of him. Not that I was ever in a lasting relationship with Inderproof, but he had an appeal, and his gifts were enduring.

I find honesty to be the best policy when dealing with my father, but I will have to gauge just how much of it to tell him.

"There was a certain trump artist, he gave me a few trump as a gift for one of my birthdays. I have found them to be quite useful really. They are of a few of the people I have met, Arden, and the Savannah."

I quickly try to recall all the trump in my possession. Forest Arden, the Savannah, Inderproof (my friend and trump artist), my father (I wonder what he thought of the one I had done), Epee, Mark (oh, the stories I could tell, but no sense in opening old wounds)...and of course I now have one of Aunt Fiona, but that wasn't in my deck at the time. Hopefully none that would raise too many questions.

"Aunt Fiona mentioned that a DNA test was done, I suppose I will have to see if she is willing to tell me any more about that. I really have no idea why she would do that, or what brought her here shortly after me. There is really something I do not like about her though."

I stand up and start pacing. I knew my questions would bring up his own questions. I haven't seen him in about 4 decades. At first I just enjoyed traveling shadow, learning. Then I began to study specifics, I wanted to train myself. I always assumed he was at least somewhat aware of what I was doing, where I was. Twenty years has been too long though. Other forces, other family members most likely, have been at work during my absence.

I stop pacing and stand directly in front of my father, since he is still sitting I actually have to look down, to look into his eyes,

"A lot has happened since I was last here. A lot has happened since I was last at the Savannah and that was a mere forty years or so ago."

I supress a slight grin, if forty years seems a short span of time to me I have no idea what my father thinks of this, a blink in time perhaps.

"I have grown. I have learned things. I have, " I pause, not sure how to broach this subject, I doubt a father wants to ever hear this from his daughter, "become a woman." That is a double edged statement if ever there was one, but it was certainly valid in every way imaginable. There are truths spoken, and then there are truths heard. I hope he hears the lesser, and easier thing, of a daughter wanting to stand on her own. And I hope he doesn't ask any awkward questions.

I turn to look out the window.

"Yet, right now I feel more like a child. There were warning signs I should have noticed sooner on the Savannah, should have reacted to quicker, but I felt safe there. I wanted to be able to feel safe there. I have no idea why considering it is also the shadow my mother died..."

My voice breaks away as I once again take my seat at the window, finishing my glass of wine I just stare out the window up at the trees. Perhaps my father wasn't the best person to try to confront with all that is on my mind.

Oct 10, 2008#19
Julian stands, and moves back to the bar. He sets his wine glass down.

"So you are." You can not be sure what the tone of his voice conveys. He tends to convey more to you than to others, but without the visual ques, you are somewhat in the dark as to his motives. You wonder if this is how others feel when they are around him most of the time.

"I shall be speaking with Fiona at greater length. I suggest you continue to rest. You look tired." Ther is a knock on the door." Judging by the sound, dinner is ready." He turns, facing you and offers his left arm in a formal gesture "Shall we?"

Oct 10, 2008#20
I nod, rise, and link my arm into his.

I am both relieved and disappointed that the time for the evening meal has arrived, certain that my father is none to pleased with what he has learned.

We dine in relative quiet. Just a few discussions of some of his past hunts as I share some of my own. All in all there really is a lot we have to catch up on, the timing just seems to be off.

Once we have finished eating though I am dismissed, much like an errant child being sent off to bed. At least I had gotten dinner. I go to my room and find the trump of Aunt Fiona that I had just gotten this morning and start to think.

Perhaps it is time to see what kind of chat she wishes to have...

I finally decide it is time to see just what my Aunt Fiona wishes to discuss so I concentrate on her trump.

Oct 11, 2008#21
Reaching out in the manner that your father had taught you so many years ago, you begin to feel the coolness of the card. Seeing the crisp lines become softer, almost non existant. You begin to apply the subtle style nuances you had learned from those precious days with Inderproof. You bring memories of Fiona to mind, the last time you saw her, the style and tone of her letter, and the image seems to go from a two dimensional being until the laughing smile on her face is all too real. The face on the picture turns to you, "Who... Ah, Aria!"

The image fades, and the vision is clear. You are looking at your aunt before you. She is seated in a library.
"Yes my dear, I see you received my card. Lovely. I figured a smart woman like yourself had received some education in our family Trumps."

Oct 11, 2008#22
I return Aunt Fiona's smile, "Yes, I am aware of how to use trump. I was wondering if you had any time to talk. I have many questions from the last couple of days."

My foremost question is about DNA testing, of course, so I hope she is willing to answer that. If she is willing to chat at all at the moment. Granted, I am also wondering how she showed up shortly after me, and wonder if I will be able to reveal anything beyond what she actually answers. I can read my father, somewhat, but I am much closer to him, I don't know my aunt Fiona anywhere near as well.

Perhaps I can find out a bit of what she actually knows of me as well...

Oct 11, 2008#23
[ooc: a conversation this important deserves to be roleplayed out.]

"How precious. Of course you do dear. I am never too busy for family, especially of the stronger persuasion." She gives you a knowing smile.

"Would you prefer me to bring you through?"

Oct 11, 2008#24
With the invitation Aria reaches out to be take through the trump.

She looks around studing the room her aunt is in. Where to begin. She doesn't want to start out with a barrage of questions, it would be rude.

She looks at her aunt and smiles, "Thank you for arriving in my time of need. My father said you were key in helping me recover."

While aunt Fiona is aware that I have walked Pattern for a second time, even if I did require help this time, and am therefore, as she said, of a stronger persuasion, I am hoping that I can use my young naiveness to learn more from her than she is willing to admit...but hopefully not be so truly niave to give her information than I wish as well.

"I was a bit curious about the DNA test you had mentioned though."

Oct 11, 2008#25
"DNA testing my dear. Oh, you mean the bloodwork that we had run on you. Yes. It was actually thanks to your uncles as much as myself."

"Your uncle Gerard could not very well stay here tending to you, and be elsewhere having your blood tested for poisons and bacteria. So, while he tended to you, and your father showed concern, we acted as runners, using the family trumps to reach and move across shadow and have the blood tested for what was causing you illness."

Oct 11, 2008#26
"Yes, well, you had mentioned something you found strange in my DNA"

I am wondering if my aunt had spoken more than she was willing to and is hoping I had forgotten. I doubt she realizes I noticed her pull something from the rift when I had Epee transform back to a sword as well. But, that is not something I think I can push at the moment.

"I was really just wondering what you thought was different about it, enough to comment on was all."

I try to look innocent with a bit of worry about having something different about my DNA.

"It isn't anything I should worry about is it?"

I try to read anything from my aunt's expressions. This is going to be way more difficult than reading my father, I just hope I can learn something.

Oct 11, 2008#27
"Oh, I see what you are getting at my dear." Fiona smiles warmly. "I wasn't referring to anything that was unusual about your DNA specifically. The poisoned dart was affecting you, and I thought to try and have it tested. As with many poisons, it contained a Bacteria that we ran very sophisticated tests on. DNA is something in all living things, and can often be used as a weak point. We were hoping to fight the poison on a level that would kill it by understanding the DNA."

She reaches over and pats the back of your hand. "So there is absolutely nothing for you to worry about my dear. I'm sure that with some time and testing, we can work up something against it. But in the end, it was the mere ..." she pauses for a moment as if trying to find the right word, " durability of an Amberite that overcame it!"

"I'm sure your father was very proud of how you were able to overcome not only the sickness, but the courage you took in traversing the Pattern with his help. Not to mention the devotion you showed to your pet by being willing to traverse the Pattern for it!"

Fiona leans forward to you and whispers, "Don't let anyone tell you any different dear, but I 'know'" she emphasizes the word, "that your father would have done no less for that horse of his... Mortan... Morgan..."

"Oh, what was his name again? ... I always think its frankenstein... but don't tell him I said that!" she says laughingly.

Oct 11, 2008#28
"Morganstern," I reply with a bit more disdain than I had intended. I find it difficult to believe she cannot remember the name of anything.

"Yes, I know he would have, that is why I mentioned Morganstern."

I pause, not sure how to ask this, "How did you know that I had arrived in forest Arden anyway?"

Oct 11, 2008#29
Fiona doesn't pick up on the tone of disapproval, or doesn't engage it. Her smile seems genuine, and born of the mischievous nature of sharing ssecrets with another woman.

"I didn't know that you had come to Forest Arden dear. At least until you had just mentioned it. I only knew that my neice was injured when Gerard had told me. He of course had found out through your father, which is only natural, the two of them being full brothers."

She leans forward and lowers her voice again, putting her hand on your knee for a moment, "Your father has always been funny about that." Then she leans back and resumes her normal tone. "I do hope you don't have those same feelings, do you dear?"

Oct 11, 2008#30
I smile, "I do not know any of my aunts and uncles well enough to gage my feelings. Perhaps it is time to change that."

I surpress a yawn, "Although I am afraid it is getting late and I should retire for the evening."

I reach for my trumps to find the one of forest Arden again and wonder if my father has noticed my abscense and if he has whether or not he will care...of course it may depend on finding out where I have been.

"OH, Aunt Fiona, I did notice that it appeared as if you pulled something through the rift when Epee changed back to her sword form. Perhaps you would be willing to tell me more about that when next we get a chance to talk?"

Oct 12, 2008#31
[I'll reply to that last bit in sections.]

Fiona continues to smile when you comment about getting to know the family. "Indeed dear, if you judged any one of us without taking the time to know us it would just be reflections of your own suspicions. Or worse -seeing as you don't seem to have a mean bone in you- you could overestimate some of us!" At this her smile is the warm one of an aunt telling her favorite neice a secret again. "You'll have to learn to judge each one of us on your own."

Fiona's expression turns to concern when you mention your tiredness. "Of course Aria. I understand. Would you like me to ask brother Gerard to take a look in on you, I don't mind at all!"

[toss me your response in the next post]

Fiona looks at you more care in her voice after you question her about the item. "I did indeed. I believed I saw shadows moving on the other side, and I grabbed one. Or so I thought anyway. When I examined where I had put it later, it was gone! I would have sworn that my hand had actually grasped something though! I suppose even an Amberites mind can get senile after a time."

"You don't suppose that's what happened to old Dworkin do you?"

[Fiona waits for your response]

When Fiona sees you with a trump deck, she raises her hand to her chest, and with a look of surprise says, "Oh my!" "Are those Trump Cards Aria? I hadn't realized that any of the children had inherited old Dworkins gift! May I see them?"'

Oct 12, 2008#32
"I don't think we will ever know what happend to Dworkin."

I look at my deck and at Aunt FIona and smile, "I met someone. I only have a few trump actually, he drew them for me when I asked for a gift. I had found that there are shadows out there with some different powers and different ways of traveling through shadow. I would love to share some of my adventures with you at another time."

I begin to concentrate on my trump of Arden.

"I am sure I will be fine Aunt Fiona, no need to worry Uncle Gerard. I just had a busy day and I think I just need one more good night's sleep."

All in all I am really just nervous about getting back before my abscense is noticed and as Arden comes into focus I smile at my Aunt,

"Have a good night,"

I reach out with my mind, touching the all too familiar scene, and establish a connection back home using my trump of the Pathways of Arden.

Oct 12, 2008#33
"As you wish dear." Fionas smile falters ever so slightly, obviously less than pleased at the abrupt turn down to both her offer of assistance, and then the ever so cold icing of denial by refusing to let her see your Trumps. You are forced to wonder if you are quickly making an enemy of someone who seems genuinely concerned.

The passage is an easy and familiar one, as you step through to your private area. You start on your path back towards the house, and get no more than 20 yards before the sensation comes over you that you are being watched. Your examination of the surrounding area reveals nothing.

Oct 12, 2008#34
I proceed to my father's cabin with caution. I wonder who would be brash enough to spy on me here. I put my hand on Epee who is also keenly aware of someone elses, or something elses pressence.

I figure the best option is to continue to the cabin though, but ready to unsheath Epee at any sign of attack...

Oct 12, 2008#35
There is a familiar and reassuring silence to Epee. Not the silence imparted of her being sick, but the gentle undercurrent of her presence without the warning of impending threat to you.

After a moment or two, your own sense of foreboding fades, and you are sure it is just your emotions getting the better of you after a bit of a tense time with Aunt Fiona. While things had been kept civil, you were on guard the entire time, and now, surrounded by the freedom of these woods, you realize just how tense that moment had ended up.

Upon arriving at the cabin, you find that no one is there. Not unusual, since this is a hunting cabin, and the odds are strong that Julian is either out pursuing his favorite, 'sport,' or checking on the security. The few stories you had from him on growing up seemed to always revolve around seeing enemies where there were none. He takes his role as Defender of Arden far too seriously at times. You had asked him in your youth to tell you of one of the battles of some invading army to Arden so that you could hear all about his heroism. You were sadly disappointed to learn that no such event had happened since you had been alive.

As he hasn't volunteered anything different, you have no reason to believe anything has changed. Perhaps Julians duties have just become a hollow task he fulfills out of habit and ritual.

Oct 12, 2008#36
I head up to my own rooms to get ready for bed. I lay Epee down and let her transform to sleep beside me. Once in my nightgown I climb into bed and quickly drift to sleep. I feel oddly comforted while staring up into the rafters before closing my eyes.

I have decided that after breakfast I am going to see if my father is willing to return to the Savannah with me to investigate. If he is not I am sure that Aunt Fiona will. Especially if I let her check out my trump deck first.

I think it will them be time to spend some time here. Time to learn more about my aunts and uncles like Fiona said.

Oct 12, 2008#37
The morning call comes early, as the window shades were not drawn. You have to remind yourself that this is a hunting cabin, and not one of the royal establishments from shadows you were in recently. There are no servants to come and draw blinds while you sleep and after you wake.

You stretch out, and are pleased when you place your feet out of bed and onto the soft fur of Epee. She feels the mental contact as much as your feet on her, and stirs begrudgingly. When you don't stop rubbing on her, she moves her head back to lick your toes, and you draw them up quickly before she can get you. You can't help but giggle as you score a point by not letting her get your feet.

Epee moves away from the bed, and before your feet are even on the ground there is a knock on the door. Was he waiting for you?

A somewhat familiar voice, one of your fathers men, calls through the door asking if you are decent, and can he bring in the wash water.

You change Epee back to a sword, with a shushing noise to her, and then bid him enter. The man, in no servants attire by any means, puts down a pitcher and basin with one hand, and some towels and soap from the other. "Your father said to tell you that your clothes are in the armoire over there. He directs an arm to indicate the solitary piece of furniture on the far wall. "Will there be anything else Lady Aria?" You can hear the dissatisfaction in the mans voice having been reduced from whatever role he fulfilled with your father in this 'mans world' to bringing bathwater for his leiges daughter.

Oct 12, 2008#38
I can't help but grin a little at his disdain. I shake my head, "No, feel free to go about what ever it is you normally do, I can take care of myself."

I quickly wash and change, I find a red top with black pants. This is most certainly not the time for dresses and skirts. I then head down stairs to see if my father will be joining me for breakfast...or if he is already out and about...

If I don't see him I suppose I shall just ask Aunt Fiona. Granted, after upsetting her last night by not letting her look at my trump deck I will wait for what would be considered a more decent hour at court before contacting her. It's a good thing I did turn in early last night.

I find a decent array of breakfast choices on the table, probably more than my father's usual affair because of me.

Oct 12, 2008#39
Julian is standing near the fire arrayed in his gleaming white armor. A cup of steaming coffee in his hand. Today mustn't be a hunting trip, at least not one for beasts of the wood.

A feeling overcomes you as you walk down the stairs. Here in the house with your father. Like a childhood fantasy come true. You grab a plate, pour a cup of coffee, and begin to decide on what to eat, when he speaks.

"You look well this morning Aria."

"I'm feeling much better," you say selecting a furry orange fruit from a bowl near the center of the table.

"Good. Have you given any thought to how long you will be staying?" And the childhood fantasy shatters to reality. You can't tell if it's the armor, or just the delusion you suffered, but you see him as a cold and distant man. The fires light is warm, but you can't tell if he is using it to warm a cold spot inside him where his heart should be, or if it is just trappings to make the room and this conversation more comfortable.

Oct 12, 2008#40
"Actually I was thinking about going back to the savannah to see if there is anything I can do," I sit down and sip my coffee looking for any kind of response.

"I was hoping you may want to come along, perhaps the two of us would have better luck."

I decide then not to tell him if his answer is no I am going to ask aunt Fiona. I also am not sure if I should return here...depending on what I find at the savannah. Perhaps it is time to stay at Castle Amber if I wish to stay longer. That would certainly make it easier to get to know more of my aunts and uncles...which ever ones may be currently staying at the castle as well and not about in shadow.

"If all can be made well at the savannah I may stay there a while, if not, well, I haven't really figured that much out yet."

I bit into my fruit and take another sip of coffee. I also wonder why he is dressed in his armor, but do not actually ask that much.

Oct 12, 2008#41
"The Savannah doesn't seem safe for you at this time Aria. I realize you are over the illness, but there is little need to go back there, and certainly no need for you to be statying there."

"Even if I were to say yes to you going back there, I can not attend you this day. I have been called to a meeting that has more importance than mere shadow."

As if on que from a director off stage, the large grandmother clock hanging on the wall clicks and begins the mechanical whirring and chiming indicating the top of the hour. Julian sets his coffee mug on the table, and begins gathering the final few things to leave.

Oct 12, 2008#42
"Well father I have a few shadows that I have visited that I would like to return to, I'll get out of your way by this evening."

I get up having finished my own breakfast, walk over to my father, rise up on tip toes to give him a little kiss on the cheek.

"First I will take Epee out to have some breakfast."

I figure once Epee has eaten I will contact Aunt Fiona to see what she says. I know the savannah is just another mere shadow, but it is where I grew up, it is where the few memories I have of my mother were created, it is where my mother died...I realize that if I say anything about wanting to still go and investigate I may get stuck here whether my father wants me around or not.

I pat Epee and and head toward the door.

Oct 12, 2008#43
"No need to be, 'out-of-the-way' dear. In fact, you are welcome to stay here. You still haven't had a chance to review everything with me from the Savannah, and I am interested to hear what has developed that put you in the dire situation in which you arrived here."

He leans forward accepting your kiss, and then moves to hug you, but reconsiders. Perhaps he is thinking of what enameled plate armor would feel like against soft skin and silken shirts.

"I'm sure there is much for us to discuss, tonight when I return. Shall we say seven-ish?"

Oct 12, 2008#44
I think to myself, damn it, now I'm stuck here. The last thing I want is to go to the savannah with or without anyone and not make it back here.

I smile, "That would be fine. I just didn't want to impose on you too much."

I figure I can still see if Fiona would be willing to investigate the savannah, perhaps tomorrow. Not to mention I know she is interested in my trump. Plus, it would be intersting to see if she is going to this same meeting that my father is. Hence I head out to the forest so that I can let Epee transform and run around, hunt if she desires, and just get some exercise for a bit.

"I will see you then father."

Oct 12, 2008#45
Julian leaves, and you quickly move over to the window. You peek out from a corner and watch him gather his men, giving commands, and bring out that behemoth Morganstern. With an efficiency born of practice they mount and head out through the gates, a pack of at least a dozen hounds running along with him and his men.

Oct 12, 2008#46
I run upstairs and grab my trump deck. Epee's exercise can wait. I find the one aunt Fiona gave me and begin to concentrate on it. I figure that if I am willing to let her look at my trumps she will be quick to let me come chat, if she isn't too busy. Hopefully it's not too early for her, but I want as much time as I can have before having to be back to meet with my father.

Oct 13, 2008#47
Settling on the edge of your bed, you stare at the photo. There is a distinct difference in the feel of this new card, and the ones you are more familiar with. Almost as if this one is a crude tool compared to the instant memory recognition you feel with your own.

The picture is more distinct this time, and you drive it with the memories of your last conversation you had with Fiona in the library.

There is delay after delay in which you continue to apply the techniques you had been shown. Finally the miniature painting in your hand, turns its head to you, and the lips move Fiona's voice comes across, "Wait."

You feel something across the trump, but it isn't quite a connection. After another moment or two your mind is just beginning to wander to things of the day, and what you will be doing, when the figure comes more alive again, and changes from the demure colors to a living red head, your aunt. She is dressed in a fine white outfit, with matching tops and bottoms.

"Good morning Aria. You are looking well." Fiona wears her hair up today, and pulled back into a braid. It is strikingly different from yesterday when her hair flowed over her shoulders.

"What a pleasure it is to see you again my dear! I trust all is well? Or is this call something other than social?"

Oct 13, 2008#48
"Oh now, all is well Aunt Fiona. I am feeling much more rested, so I figured we could continue our discussion. I know you were interested in seeing my trump cards."

I go through the trump at my aunt's invitation, the past few days I have been getting a lot of practice with trump.

Immediately I hand her my trumps, hoping to start out making her happy, feeling that I trust her, even if I really have not made up my mind yet.

"I was also wondering if you would be willing to investigate the savannah with me. Perhaps we can figure out what is going on there." I ask as she is intently examinging my trumps.

Oct 13, 2008#49
Fiona welcomes you across. You arrive into her private study in Amber. You recognize the layout as the sitting and entertaining area just inside some of the larger bedroom suites. Fiona's has some dark wallpaper with gold trimwork. The furniture seems to be handcrafted pieces finished in a dark walnut, and the cushions are a tan and gold weave bringing out the lightn accents all around.

"It is good to see you again dear." Fiona takes your hands and leans forward giving you a kiss on each cheek. The pleasantries being observed, she offers you a seat across from her. A beautiful walnut coffee table sits between you. "Would you like something to drink or eat my dear?"

As if on que a servant enters the room with a tray containing a carafe of coffee, two small cups, cream, sugar, and a plate of breakfast pastries. Pouring you each a cup, she sweetens it to your liking and accepts your offer to look at your trumps.

"They are a most unusual design. You say you picked them up in shadow dear. What was the artists name?"

When she finds out there is more than one of you, she tells you it would be a delight to be able to contact you in similar fashion, and asks you if she may have one. Further, she explains that she is willing to sit for a trump portrait by your friend if you would like to then have a trump of her to keep rather than borrowing her own.

"The savannah dear? What is that?" She continues to examine everything on the cards from the flexibility to the similarities between trump duplicates.

Oct 13, 2008#50
[ooc: npc actions cleared with story guide prior to write-up]

"There is a trump there of the savannah. It is the shadow that I grew up on. I believe it is where my mother was from originally, but I am not sure really. I know little of her, she was killed when I was 7 and father does not speak of her."

I sip my coffee, grateful for a second cup, and even choose a pastry to nibble on.

"It was at the savannah that I was attacked before coming to Arden. I had been away exploring other shadows for about 40 years and something happened while I was gone to the point that I was attacked upon my return. Things have changed far more than I had expected in that amount of time. Perhaps there is something more I could find out with your help"

I question aunt Fiona about what I remember, but she doesn't recognize the people scenarios or the darts I describe. She does offer to try a different route, and asks me to extend my hands into hers. This makes me think of the fortune tellers I saw in New York, and I unconciously look to the coffee cups wondering if any grounds are visible.

My aunt smiles warmly, and I lay my hands in hers. "It's a bit like telepathy she says. You just start telling me about what you remember, and your mind will fill in the details."

I am a little wary of someone reading my thoughts, but my desire to know more about what happened wins out. Not knowing where to begin, I start earlier, so she can understand the changes in the Savannah I am referring to.

"I can remember being a child," I begin. I tell her about the flashes of people and places leading up to one of the most traumatic scenes of my life. "I see my mother's death." Fiona asks one or two questions, guiding the conversation, and I describe the few visits from my father, and my return to Amber. She asks about where I've been in shadow, but I don't see the relevance and she skips over it.

"Tell me about your return to the Savannah Aria."

I begin the final journey of the moments that almost ended my life where it began, the attack. I tell her about my questioning of the leader. And finally going through my trump to Arden.

Once the contact is broken Fiona replies, "I did not notice anything of signifigance my dear."

I would say it was an incredible waste of time, but in talking to her, having her hold my hands I somehow feel much better. Having someone older than me, listening to me, caring just about what I have to say felt like. Well, it felt like family. A family I had never known. She smiles at me in that tender way she has, and releases my hands. The moment gently fades, but the feeling remains. Family.

I return to my breakfast and after another sip of coffee I start thinking about Inderproof, who made my trumps. "Mmm, well, the gemtleman that made those for me is named Inderproof. There is one of him there as well. I actually haven't contacted him since we met in shadow."

I reach over to thumb through my trumps and show her the savannah as well as Inderproof and then search through the ones of myself, "Here, you may have this one of me."

I hand Aunt Fiona a trump of me and look through the ones of myself. I am not missing one.

"Even my father doesn't have a trump of me," I pause, "well, at least not that I am aware of."

Oct 12, 2008#51
"What a delightful expedition Aria! I can see so many possibilities. I'm sure your father would dearly love to have a trump of you, so that would be an even better reason to meet him and have a sitting. You could replace the ones that you are giving away." She pats the trump you gave her. "I dearly appreciate this gift Aria. I can't tell you what it means to me!"

"You really are my most favorite neice!"

"You may not realize that, as one of the princesses of Amber, when I am here I do tend to have a busy schedule my dear." She sees the look in your eye and continues, "But perhaps there is something I can do for you. You seem to really want me to go. The fact that you were attacked while you were there last, means that we will have to prepare. I certainly am not dressed for it."

Fiona continues to sip her coffee, and tries one of the pastries.

Oct 12, 2008#52
"Oh yes, I did not expect to go in there not prepared. I was thinking that perhaps tomorrow. Time to get ready, do what needs to be done, clear your own schedule as needs be."

I finish off the pastry I was eating and my coffee, "I am glad you like the trump, I will have to see if I can get into contact with Inderproof and perhaps you and I can go visit him. I hate to say for sure without knowing what he is up to of course."

I stand, preparing to leave, "For now I must be off though, I have not let Epee exercise yet today, I so wished to get a chance to chat before anything else occured today. I do apologize if I had awoken you, I realize it was still a bit early."

I go through my trumps and find the one of Arden yet again, there is certainly enough space there for Epee to run around and hunt if she needs to.

Oct 12, 2008#53
You bid your aunt goodbye, and disappearing in a rainbow of color arrive in the Pathways of Arden.

The glade is empty, and no one is around.

Oct 12, 2008#54
I lay Epee down and allow her to transform, once I give her the usual scratch behing her ears and tell her to go run for a bit. I will be around, I want to take a walk and think about all that has transpired.

(With Epee off, I do carry a dagger on my side. Epee is on the left, my dagger on the right)

I wonder what more my father wants to talk about. I hope that Aunt Fiona will be able to arrange something to investigate the savannah tomorrow. I wonder if I should try and contact Inderproof for a visit with Fiona...hmmm...

After walking around for about 30 minutes or so I decide to climb a tree and see if I can spot Epee.

The forest is relatively quiet. Peaceful. I could get used to this.

Oct 12, 2008#55
Time passes, as you listen to the birds and sounds of the wind in the trees. It is vastly different from your time growing up on the Savannah, where there were no large forests concealing and speaking with the breezes. Yet somehow it reminds you of home, the peaceful stillness.

The roar of Epee' shatters the stillness of the forest, and while a few birds take flight, the other smaller sounds go silent. A predator has announced itself. The contact is immediate, and Epee' lets you know that she has tree'd her prey, and it is human.

Oct 12, 2008#56
I swing down quickly from my perch and race towrad the sound of Epee's roar.

"What is it girl?"

Upon reaching her side I look up into the tree to see just who she has run up it.

Oct 12, 2008#57
You don't have to run far. A tree not 20 meters into the south area of the woods beyond the glade reveals Epee looking up. Her tail swishing back and forth anxiously. She looks to you, her large eyes blinking, and then moving back to the man higher up.

You recognize the garb instantly. He belongs to Julian.

"I scented him some time back. He doesn't seem to be hunting us, and he hasn't made a move towards that bow he carries."

The man, seeing your arrival calls out, "I am one of your fathers men! This tiger is yours, is it not? Call it off."

Oct 12, 2008#58
I look up into the tree and shake my head. I cannot believe my father is spying on me, well, yes I can.

I scratch Epee behind her ears, "Come girl"

We head back toward the hunting lodge, I allow Epee to stay in her tigress form. I realize my father may be upset, but he took his hounds with him, and I am in the mood to have at least some kind of intelligent and friendly companionship.

Perhaps if my father's man follows us I will ask him exactly what his orders are...with Epee in the form she is he may just answer me even...

Oct 12, 2008#59
The man climbs down the tree while you are still visible, seeing that the tiger, like Morganstern with Julian, is docile to your control.

"Hai! Wait up! I wanted to say, 'thank-you'!" He jogs gingerly to catch up. It is surprising how quietly and quickly he moves. Epee picks up the thought, and tells you she could have heard him from half way across the forest.

Oct 12, 2008#60
I smile at Epee, knowing her sense of hearing is much keener than mine.

"Of course, Epee would not harm you if you mean no harm to me. Exactly what were you doing wandering about Arden?"

Epee growls at my side, knowing that it will startle the man even though he knows in the back of his mind without a word from me Epee will be harmless to him. It can be nice to have a tigress as a companion. Of course, no one here knows how deadly she can be when I use her in her sword form as well. I have learned a lot through the years.

"Do you know where my father went? I'm sorry you got left behind. Perhaps we could saddle up a couple of horses and have a hunt of our own."

I am hoping I can perhaps befriend him enough to at least leak a little information that he may not otherwise.

Oct 12, 2008#61
The man closes to within about ten feet before Epee' lets out her growl. At that point, he expands the distance to about twenty feet.

"I am one of Julians Protectors, sworn to guard and watch these woods. It is my duty."

He pauses as you angle a second open line at him.

"Ummm... I do have my duties to attend to... Where were you coming from? You don't look dressed for the hunt you describe."

When you ask about Julian, he does not hesitate in telling you that he does not know where Julian went. "I answer to him, not the other way around." While his voice holds no scorn, you can not tell if he is just stating the simple order of their relationship or something more in the way of subtle sarcasm.

"I am Galoro."

Oct 12, 2008#62
"Please to meet you Galoro," I extend my hand for a shake.

"Ah no, I am most certainly not dressed for a hunt, but I can change in a jiffy if you wish to go on one with me. I was just walking around the forest with Epee, she needs exercise after all."

His question confirms that he was left behind to keep an eye on me, not the forest. I'll be damned if I am going to tell him what I was really about. It's not my problem he can't follow me through trump, and he may just accept that I was really just roaming the forest. Of course, he may have seen me leave and return through the trump, but I doubt he will push that furthur, he may be under orders to keep an eye on me, but how hard would he actually want to push for an answer from me.

I smile and ask once more, "So, what do you say about a hunt?"
This message was last updated by the player at 11:29, Thu 03 Dec 2020.

Oct 12, 2008#63
He seems a bit taken aback, as if unsure exactly what he should do.

"A hunt in the day usually requires flushing things out. My lord, your father, has the hounds, and I wasn't assigned a mount. Begging your pardon Lady Aria, but I don't know that you were either, even if there are any left in the stables."

You do know that Julian has fewer mounts than men, since many of his men serve different duties. You have no idea how many would be left, since you hadn't checked any inventory of your fathers things, or the number of men he has here. You also know that the hunting cabin does not house all of Julians men. Many are expected to be in the woods at various locations. Arden is vastly too large for Julian to 'defend' on his own.

Oct 12, 2008#64
"Well, we will make it work."

Back at the cabin I change into more appropriate hunting attire and find a bow and arrow before meeting back with Galoro.

"Come, Epee can flush the game and we can just enjoy a little hunt."

I am hoping that if I spend most of what is left in the day with Galoro he will report as much to my father and forget to mention that he lost me for about an hour or so in the morning.

All in all it is an enjoyable time. I get little info from Galoro, but I did not expect him to tell me much. We return with a few pheasants just before sun down. , and Galoro definately seems to be acting more open by the time of your return, and even smiles a few times. He seems mightily impressed by Epee's skills. When he remarks that, "Epee is as good as any dog he has ever hunted with," her growl puts him to rights. He comments on the fact that it is almost as if she could understand him, but you give nothing to confirm or deny his suspicions. He keeps a wary distance from Epee on the return trip, walking on the opposite side of you from her.

There should be just enough time for me to wash up and get dressed for the evening meal.

Once cleaned up and in an appropriate evening gown I tell Epee to remain in my room as I head down the stairs to dinner.

Oct 12, 2008#65
Your arrival back at the cabin is timely. Just barely after six.

You can tell by the activity that Julian and his party have already returned. His men moving about tending to the horses, and other tasks necessary to keeping the hunting lodge running smoothly.

Galoro breaks company with you, and moves to the stables, telling you he will have the birds properly dressed and prepared for the meal tonight or tommorow depending on the cooks plans. Your time with him was most pleasant, and without a doubt reminds you of your time with friends in Sanctuary, hunting and purpose driven.

You enter the cabin, asking after your father, and are told that he is out tending to Morganstern. Dinner will be served at promptly seven. Hearing your voice, a familiar face comes out from the back. It is the man Julian had bringing you water this morning. "Is there anything I can get for you Lady Aria?"

Oct 12, 2008#66
I smile, "No, really, I can take care of myself."

I hate to make him feel put out having to play at being a lady's maid.

Epee obediently stays in the room when I head down to dinner. It is actually quarter after seven as I walk down the stairs, since I can hear the clock chime. I should be able to figure out what Galoro told my father once he sees me...unless he is upset because I am a bit late. Although, he did say sevenish this morning...

If Galoro mentioned my disappearance this morning I begin to wonder what my answer should be...

Oct 12, 2008#67
"Aria." Julian stands, followed by all the men of the table, as you descend the stairs.

"How good of you to join us." He moves to the side, motioning to a chair and holding it out while you are seated. He sits by your side, and the rest of the men return to their places.

Two men begin bringing out one or two of the dishes that had to be kept in the kitchen, and the rest begin removing the covers from the dishes. Julian bows his head, and offers a traditional blessing of the Unicorn for the abundance provided, and for the health of those surrounding the table. He then serves you some of the bird, and a light helping of the potatoes, and something that looks like a thick cheese over something resembling cauliflower, before serving himself.

You observe that while his men put food on their plates, no one began eating.

"Please Aria, enjoy. We do not stand on ceremony here." His words bely what your eyes convey, and you wonder if your presence is the cause of it.

The men's conversation is light, and when your father takes the first mouthful, they begin to eat without delay. The wine is nice, but nothing compared to what you shared with your father in his private chambers.

"So how was your day today Aria? Anything eventful in your journeys?"

Oct 12, 2008#68
I notice that once he and I begin eating so do his men.

Smiling I reply, "Oh nothing unusual, Galoro and I just went for a hunt. I really must apologize for being late for dinner, but I do not believe that any of your men should have to play at being a lady's maid," I pause as I take another bite of food, swallow, "or baby sitter for that matter."

I put my fork and knife down and look innocently at my father as I wait for a reply. I feel a bit braver than I should, with his men at the table I know he will control himself. Granted, they will not be around all night. I still have no idea what all Galoro reported though.

Oct 12, 2008#69
Julian gives you a charming smile that you can easily imagine must have won over your mother. It crosses your mind to wonder if he practices it.

"A hunt. How grand! If you had mentioned the desire, I would have enjoyed going with you. Galoro," who is not present at dinner, " must have been an excellent guide. He showed me your birds. I did not realize that you had taught Epee how to hunt and fetch game."

Oct 12, 2008#70
"Well, you looked as though you already had plans this morning. I needed something to occupy my time after all."

I am greatful for times spent at court in other shadows. I feel as though my father's hunting lodge is as formal as any court, and I am sure it is because of my prescense.

I take a sip of wine and begin to eat once more. Wondering how long he will chose to ignore my remark about baby sitting. Most likely till will we are alone.

"Epee, and I, have learned quite a lot over the years."

I mention a few of the people I have met on my travels, some of the training I had recieved on various shadows. Hunting being the main one I focus on since I know that to be my father's passion. I do not mention exactly what it was we hunted, but I tell him all about Ashley and her skills.

Dinner seems to be winding down quickly and my stomach churns as I realize it won't be long before my father and I will be left alone.

Trying to keep a conversation going I ask him, "So what did you do today?"

Oct 12, 2008#71
"I had the opportunity to visit with family. It seems to be the moment in time that is bringing everyone together." He raises his glass to you acknowledging your part in the matter. It is good to be able to reach out and connect with those of similar mind and spirit is it not?

He places his silverware on his plate, and the cooks that brought the dishes begin clearing his. With a few more comments to the men, they begin excusing themselves, being certain to offer their gratitude for your presence at the nights meal.

All too soon you are left alone with your father. The other men, a few of which remain in the main hall, but away from the table have dispersed. Julian offers to continue the conversation over an evening constitutional.

Oct 12, 2008#72
A walk through the forest at night with my father sounds lovely. There are a few butterflies in my stomach though as I accept his invitation.

"Should I fetch Epee to join us?"

Not that I ecpect him to agree, I feel as though I should ask wanting to feel some kind of safety between us.

"She is just upstairs in my room."

Oct 12, 2008#73
"No need my dear. I believe I am quite capable of handling whatever should come our way."

He escorts you to the door, and outside.

"I'm afraid my abrupt switch to a walk may sidetracked my earlier question. Have you had the opportunity to reach out to anyone since you've been here?"

Thoughts tumble through your mind. Could Julian be referring to Galoro, Aunt Fiona, Gerard, or any person in your trump deck, Epee since you healed her or something else entirely?

Oct 12, 2008#74
While I realize that he is probably quite aware that I trumped somewhere I reply,

"No, I haven't really had a chance to do much. My main focus has been on Epee, her recovery. She is different now."

I describe the changes I have noticed in Epee and suddenly remember her nails, the floors must be scratched and I somehow think that my father did not miss that while I did not pay any attention to it.

"I have enjoyed climbing the trees again, like when I was young. And the hunt with Galoro was quite enjoyable. But that really sums up my past couple of days."

I am hopeful that he is unaware of my disappearing through a trump. My answers should suffice if he is not aware, but I am certain that Galoro saw me this morning as well as last night. Where should I say I have been? I know he does not like aunt Fiona, but how will he feel about our chats? He also told me to get to know her myself and make up my own mind.

If Galoro doesn't know enough, or saw closely enough, perhaps all he knows is that I disappeared and climbing up into the trees may be just enough of an explanation to that fact.

Oct 12, 2008#75
You maintain your privacy at the possible cost of putting a father on guard against his daughter. You pass along some of the ways that are wide enough for a horse and easily allow the two of you to walk side by side.

"It is good to see you happy. I had not realized that climbing the trees meant that much to you. There were not many where you lived on the Savannah."

"If Epee is hunting again, she must be feeling better. The changes you describe are... unusual. One can not specify just how an inanimate object is altered by the Pattern. Artifacts reflect their creators, and in this case you are Epee's having taken her across the Pattern and made something new, that is also a part of you.

"I would no more fear her changes, than you would fear me."

"What are your plans over the next few days. Would you care to hunt some more? Your conversation at dinner said you are avid about it, and there are many things here for a good hunter to pursue."

I glance at my father, "Fear and respect can sometimes be mistaken one for the other."

I stop walking, which causes him to stop as well. He is right, while there have been times that I have feared consequences I have never actually feared my father.

"Last night and this morning I went to see Aunt Fiona. She gave me a trump of herself that I used. Somehow I have the feeling that you already know this though. Well, at least that I had trumped somewhere. Galoro seems to have been watching me rather closely after all."

Before he can respond I add, "I have given her trump of myself as well."

There, it is all out in the open now.

"Who is it that you got to visit with?"

Oct 12, 2008#77
Julian stands in place listening to you. As he gazes forward, beyond the pair of you, it is difficult to judge his reaction. having witnessed so many people, you feel you can read body language easily. But your father is not the type of person you have had to read before. His calm reserve was the subject of many of your mother's stories. Now you wish he would react. His silence reminds you too much of the long absences back on the Savannah. Not even the servants, the baby-sitters, could tell you when he would come back for you.

"Both fear," he starts, "And respect are healthy in the right amount. Both can keep you alive. I have failed you if I have not taught you enough of the one, and too much of the other."

He takes a deep breath as if considering what the correct reaction is. "Family is often the solution to many problems we experience. I am sure you realize this after your own ordeal recently. Unfortunately, it is also the source of most of those same problems."

"Galaro was not watching you. He was however watching for you. There is a distinct difference. You came into Forest Arden in a way that has never been done before. Using a Trump that has never been witnessed. The mad mage Dworkin who first created has been missing for time out of recall. Then my daughter shows up, on my doorstep, dying. No idea how she got here, but carrying a handful of cards painted to resemble and feel like the family trump."

"You may choose to forget that I am the Defender of the Forest, but I can not. Perhaps I should have taken the card from you when you arrived, but... I didn't. I suspected it's Trump-like ability, but could not make it work. While I chose to leave them with you, I did feel it necessary to locate the exact spot that it went too, on the off chance my hunch was correct, hence Galaro's presence to identify a potential weakness affecting the realm."

You wonder if that is the reason why Galaro seemed hesitant to come with you. It would be a difficult call for any sentry to make. Guard a potential access point, or go with the individual who doubtless used the access point, and try to find out more information.

"Your decision to embrace your aunt Fiona will doubtless have unforseen results. Your giving of a trump to her is... also unexpected. Your aunt Fiona is, beyond a doubt, the wisest of us in the ways of sorcery, and may be able to help you with understanding their abilities beyond anything I could teach you."

You are not sure if your father is finished, but he begins walking, and you go along with him. You are determined to remind him about your question before returning. You will not let him treat you like a little girl, and ignore you. It is some time, before he speaks again, and this time it is to comment on one of the constellations. You give him a reply, something casual about their shape. You have a feeling that there is something between you, and aren't sure how to cross the barrier.

Soon your walk, and your time alone will be at an end. You feel like you spent more time on this walk then you have in a lifetime. It isn't exactly true. When you were in Amber, you hunted together. But time alone, like now, where you were the only focus hasn't happened since the weeks following your first Pattern walk. It seems like a lifetime ago. It was a lifetime ago by mortal standards.

Whether it was your patience he was testing, or just the need to organize things in his head, he stops once more. You can feel something at the fringe of your thoughts, a familar presence. "I was visiting my brothers Gerard, and Caine. I needed to talk with them about what happened to you. Something as dark as the thing that was pulled from Epee, could be bad timing. But I am not one to leave loose ends. As you realize from Galaro."

"Beyond the next bend is my home Aria. And for that matter yours, if you choose to stay. That room will always be there. You, however are an Amberite. And few of us stay together and close for overly long periods. Your cousin Martin is proof of that. I respect your choice to stay distant, and find out who you are these many years. I understand it. But I do not have to accept it."

His tall visage turns now fully on you. The starlight reflects readily off his white shirt, and makes his hair seem as if the night itself were something tangible around his face. His height has never changed, but somehow his words make him enormous, as if you were no more than a leaf falling from a tree somewhere in these woods. You recognize the presence now as the faintest tinge of Epee's awareness, just outside of your reach, and a crazy thought runs through your mind of a tree falling in the forest, and no one can hear it fall... or hear you yell.

"I want one of those Trumps of you, the ones that work, like you say you gave your aunt Fiona."

Oct 13, 2008#78
My eyes fill with tears, so I turn my face away. I am a bit curious as to why he could not make my trump of Arden work, it has now worked for me three times, and the first time saved my life. I wonder if it has anything to do with how Inderproof made them.

I wipe away the tears that have begun to flow, "I would actually like to stay, for a little while at least. All though, I do not want your men to feel put out by my presence."

I pause, for a short while, before looking up at my father once more, while I was able to hide the emotion in my voice it is not so easily done on my face,

"Of course you can have a trump of me father, I would love knowing that you can reach me whenever you wanted or if you ever needed me. I'm sorry I stayed away as long as I did, but there was so much I needed to find out about myself...and to learn."

I glance around quickly before embracing my father in the tightest hug I can manage. Careful not to stain his shirt with any makeup that may be running thanks to my crying. I hold him for a minute, and can feel his uncertainty as to how to respond, before I finally let go.

"I would like to find out just what has happened on the Savannah, I do think there is an outside force at play, and I'm not sure if it was aimed specifically at me for some reason...Of course, I would also love to go on a hunt with you as well. There is a lot that I would like to do."

I do wonder about Galoro, “I’m sorry about pulling Galoro away from his duty, but I was rather upset when I thought you left someone there to baby sit me.” I smile, hoping that perhaps I can get Galoro out even just a little bit of trouble.

And with that I start heading back toward the hunting lodge, almost skipping like a child. The first thing I want to do is get to my room and find the best trump of myself for my father. Oh...and I should probably check the floors and have Epee transform back before anyone gets too upset, or Arthur happens upon her, or her him...

Oct 13, 2008#79
Julian heads back to the cabin with you, and at the door you seperate. While you head inside, and he bids you a good evening, he tells you he wants to check some things around the grounds, see on his men, and the like, and heads off towards the stables.

Upstairs, Epee looks up from in front of your bed, and stands to greet you. Her mental complaint about the room being as restrictive as a sword sheath reminds you of who and what she is. That, and you need to allow her to go outside, NOW.

Taking her out, and through the lower door, you quickly head to the woods. Epee lets off at the pace of the hunting cat she is, and you enjoy the opportunity to be once more under the stars, and hearing the trees. Your passion for the horses you rode in shadow leads you back towards the stables.

As you come closer, you can hear your fathers voice talking. Not wanting to interrupt, you approach more carefully. By the sound, he is just outside the stables at the far end. His voice is strong, and you could easily make it out if you were to approach a bit closer to the edge nearest him. Whomever he is talking to, must have a softer voice because you can't hear it from here. A woman perhaps?

Oct 13, 2008#80
I approach as quietly as I can, as close as I can to see if I can catch any of the conversation. It is easier to pick up my father's side than whom ever he is talking with. I venture in a bit closer to see what I can find out, I figure if anyone notices I can just say I was going to go for a ride.

Oct 13, 2008#81
You can make out Julians voice clearly talking, and you know you should be able to hear the other person at least murmuring. The area seems brighter than the starlight, or a lantern would be, and you risk a quick peek. Sure enough it's a trump connection your father is speaking through.

"No, I don't think she knows anything at the moment, but it likely won't stay that way for long."

There is a suitably long pause while he must be listening to the other person.

"We'll have to keep her close than. I have some plans in that regard to keep her active, but suspecting nothing. She'll be busy for a while."

Another pause.

"No. We'll keep it in the family. Too many outsiders, and there are too many loose ends. We risk discovery, and she is already asking me questions. I don't trust lying to her, or I don't trust what I will tell her, I'm not sure there's a diff-" Julian stops abruptly. "We'll talk later."

The extra light reflected on the ground dissapears, and you know he has severed the trump contact. You are fairly certain he hasn't heard you, as you don't think you made any noise. Your position is rather revealing if he comes this way.

To complicate matters, you can sense Epee nearby. She must have circled around back near the stables, her eyes picking up the light source even more readily than your own. What's that they say about Curiosity and cats?

Oct 13, 2008#82
I sneak back a couple of steps and tell Epee to head towards me. If my father noticed my presence I can still say I wanted to go for a ride, but just as he is reluctant to lie to me, I don't think lieing to him works that well either.

I can only hope that I was not the reason he cut short his discussion.

Oct 13, 2008#83
You hear the bushes, and the familiar sound of steel being drawn out.

Then it stops. "What are you doing here." No reply.

You can't imagine who it is. Epee comes around the corner from near where your father was, and peaks around at you, while you squat down low against the wall.

Julian walks around the corner. Right behind her. "Aria."

"I thought I had seen you off to bed. Now you send Epee to spy on me?" His voice has taken on an edge that you don't recall hearing since the time of Mark. "What have you heard?"

Oct 13, 2008#84
"I assure I did not send Epee to spy on you, she just needed to get out after being stuck in my room all evening."

Obviously going for a ride now will not work for a cover.

"As for me, I heard your voice and was just, well, curious," I smile, hoping that I can calm him even just a little. One of the worst thing any child can do is get caught spying on a parent.

"I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to spy either, but it is a habit I find hard to break I suppose. So, how do you plan to keep me busy, and why?"

I want to ask who he was talking to as well, but figure that would be really pushing my luck. I motion Epee to my side and rest my hand on her head, the connection helping to calm my nerves.

Oct 13, 2008#85
Julian looks at you, and his brows furrow. The last time you saw that look was when you were playing a four-player game of chess and his brothers had him pinned. You wish a simple game were all that is at stake now, rather than a precarious relationship with your father where approval and disapproval, love and distance, hang in the balance.

His tone remains the same, sharp like his blade. "Your timing is unfortunate." He reaches his left hand up, and rubs his brow. You've seen that characteristic before on shadow dwellers, but never on your father.

"Being a girl and lacking the influence of my guidance has made you something more devious in nature then. You will break the habit, and you may as well forget this conversation took place. Plans change Aria."

It seems as if he is done talking there, as he lets a long pause come in. Then as if a thought has been formed, he continues, "People rarely do. We are capable of being what we see ourselves as. If you see yourself as a spy, than so be it. I shall choose to see myself as a tolerant father at this moment, believing I can be more than an individual subjected to the indecent act of an inept spy."

"Go to bed Aria. And take your tiger with you. It's upsetting my horses."

Julian turns around, and walks away from you into the night. You doubt he is quite finished with the conversation you interrupted, and you are more curious than ever at how it might now change.

Oct 13, 2008#86
I reach my hand out, but stop.

"I'm sorry, I really...," I pause as I am speaking to his back, "I'm off to bed now sir, if you wish to speak further I will be in my room."

And with that I take Epee and retreat back to the cabin, up to my room, and climb into bed staring up at our names in the rafters. Hopefully he will cool off and perhaps decide to talk further. Sleep is slow in coming.

Aria Lynn's adventure continues in
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