A little place to call her own:

Small but luxurious, the bungalow was a comfortable but quaint home.  Tanique settled into a chair, thinking about her errands.
She needed to find a hunting quarry for her father that might give him a challenge, find something to enhance her evening gown, and, perhaps, find something to entertain the visiting Chaosians.

It was time to go shopping.

Gathering up some supplies, Tanique headed for the stables, and readied her mount, Thunderstrike.  Saddling up, she headed for the plains, going up into the clouds.  Once there, she started summoning a storm cloud that would let her move into the vast kaleidoscope of Shadow

Where to ?

Tanique is looking for a large shopping complex,  hopefully one having a good sale.
Hopefully ome that has an intelligent creature good at hiding amd looking for a nice vacation,  as well as fun magical accessories, maybe something cloud like

Breaking through the clouds a city comes into sight that she feels will answer those wishes.



The place seems to be a stop over location for mages and magical beings looking for a place to rest, trade and by things. The air is charged with magic. There are entertainers some whom are performing magic acts and those involved in nonmagical endeavors. Jugglers, fire and sword swallowers, conjurers and precognitionists and palm readers.

Inns with stunning views. Hanging gardens literally hanging over the side of clouds, a zoo of semi mystical creatures as well as more mundane animals takes up the southern side of the expanse.

There are shops many seem personally owned not like the mass market shops she has seen on some worlds. The style of clothing here seems to cater to those with fanciful or magical tastes. She can easily find something to wear within the many shops that line the streets.

Armored large humanoid owl like beings seem to compose the military or police forces and she can see them on many a street corner keeping the peace.

At a small clothing shop within the city of Afiera.



"Hello, how may I help you ?"

Tanique smiled at the shopkeeper.
"I'm looking for accessories,  or some kind of covering, that will dazzle the most discerning people "

Maeve, "Can they see in color, or black and white?  I have all sorts of things even some bioluminescent garments."

She leads you to some manequins and some shelves with silk like materials and some of these dresses, scarves and hats as well as other items like gloves are incredibly beautiful.
Some are made for non humans but she steers you of course to the ones that would work for you once she knows you are the one who will be wearing the apparel.

The tall blonde nodded
"Definitely in color, so something that hits the entire visible spectrum, and perhaps more,  would be preferable "

Within a couple of hours several dresses have been modified to be a perfect fit for Lady Tanique. She finds thankfully gold is accepted here as are a few different forms of payment.
Maeve seems to do the weaving of the silks herself and is very skilled and fast at it.

Tanique tried to get silk thst would change colors, or perhaps even make a moving picture.

Maeve will collaborate then with one of the other shops to get Lady Tanique the clothes she wishes looking saddened that she cannot fully answer the demands of the customer on her own.
When it is done though She has the scintillating clothing she wished.

(Find me the clothing in pictures and send me the links)

https://images.app.goo.gl/coapDacsfwggHRpj8

PM


After a few hours with purchase in hand you head back out on to the streets of Afiera. What shall you be doing now ?

Remember you can describe to me what kind of creature you're looking for, in general sentient beings are not usually happy to be hunted.

Tanique looked for somewhere that hired mercenaries

It takes a while of asking around as this seems to be a mostly peaceful outpost. Finally she asks a rather imposing looking human mage who directs her to part of the city where there are various body guards and other men at arms that can be hired.

There are a small variety of beings here for hire including some of those owl men, human guards and a smattering of other humanoid beings. Most can be hired out in small groups.

Tanique was looking for an individual or small group that had good outdoor skills, who might be willing to play a "Most Dangerous Game" scenario with a master hunter.
She could negotiate for how potentially lethal the game was, and have healing on hand

She weeds through a few groups right away that say they are bodyguard or location guard only. Others seem hesitant at your proposal. It seems like finding someone here will not be something until she is directed to someone who doesn't work among the guard for hire though who might fit what she is looking for.

She finds herself before a large cabin near the zoo. A light smoke rises from the chimney.

She knocks on the door

The door opens and a large ape of a man? is standing there.

"Hello young lady." His eyes move to your bags, "Are you selling something?"

Tanique looked up, and up, and smiled

"Hopefully buying something, perhaps.  I'm looking for an adventurous soul who wants a challenge "

"Mmmmm ? Come in we can talk inside.  What kind of challenge? Chess I am quite good at chess."

He makes way for her to enter a rather nice looking but rustic home something almost reminding her of places her father might have save it doesn't have any mounted heads on the walls or taxidermized animals.

He walks over to a table which is sized for him so sitting at it is almost like being a little girl in comparison to an adult sized table.

There is indeed a chessboard at the table.

Tanique looked at the chess board in admiration.   The game had been popular in her father's country
 Taking a seat, she smiled.
"I was thinking more about a full contact game of 'Hide and Seek', and I'm looking for someone,  or something, that would be a challenge for my father, who fancies himself a master hunter"

"A master hunter ? Hide and seek you say ?" His eyebrow ridge rises.

"I presume though always a danger in doing so, that you would want me to be the one to hide ?"

"Oh my name is Ashton, how thoughtless of me, and you are ? Can I offer you something to drink ?"

Smiling, Tanique nodded
"I am Tanique, of the Great Crech, rider of thunder and Mistressof Storms.
It's a pleasure to meet you.
And tea would be lovely, if you have any"

"That is quite a title, and tea is certainly available." he gets up and shuffles about setting a pot of water to boil. He shows her several blends of tea none of which she has heard of save for one which her father has in Arden.

He sits back with her at the table, "So Tanique, of the Great Crech, rider of thunder and Mistress of Storms, are you any good at chess ?" He smiles showing wide flat teeth.

Tanique smiled demurely
"Well, I've played a game or two, though I'd hesitate to overestimate my skill"

Ashton starts setting up the board.

"Your father he must really enjoy hide and seek to send such a lovely young woman to look for people to play with. Most out grow that as they get older and move on to other passtimes."

He gestures to the board, "Your my guest, ivory or ebony ?"

Tanique chuckled
"It's a surprise for him, actually.  I'm not even positive he'll enjoy it, and might not be willing to play the game.  Though that will have no effect on the compensation for the participants i hire. "
She looked at the board
"I'll take ebony, just to make things interesting "

He nods and lets you go first as he moves to check on the pot of water.

"So, this is a surprise, is it a birthday present kind of something to bring back his youthful days maybe ?"

OOC: my apologies.   I thought white went first

Tanique made a move, and grinned impishly
"Not really.   He's a hunter now, going after dangerous creatures who wander into his home territory.  He fancies himself a skilled hunter, not without reason,  and i thought he'd love a challenge "

"Dangerous creatures, Ooooooh then I know the type. So then you're thinking perhaps I am a dangerous creature that will give your father a challenge? Hunters are not as fun as young boys playing hide and seek young lady. They tend to like to take trophies and stuff things to show off to their friends.

He pours the water into cups and sets out the various teas in little metal containers with holes and a tiny chain.

"Is that more along the lines of what you were thinking?"

He moves his piece.

Tanique smiled kindly
"I was not specifically thinking that you were a dangerous creature that could be hunted, just that i was sent here from the main business mall to inquire further, so perhaps you knew where i should go.   And, rest assured, if the quarry of this hunt were a sentient creature, there would be rules in place about trophies and such.  Perhaps an artificial trophy could be provided if anyone felt the need for souvenirs. "

"I would hope so !" He twiddles his thumbs.

He lets his tea steep for a while.

"So you are not into hunting yourself, more into thunder and storms eh ?" He looks across at her with his large hazel eyes with gold flecks.

Tanique shrugged,  looking at the board
"I'm not not into hunting.  I just like the searching more than the finding, I'll admit."

"That is a rare trait for one to enjoy the search more than the finding. Though I have known a few in my time that have shared that sentiment. I myself like finding a good fruiting bush or nice fresh stream though we might be thinking different things."

Move by move it becomes apparent he rather is good at chess in fact very good at chess.

He refreshes your tea and his.

"So, you must practice a bit of magic to find yourself here in Afiera, does your father also possess magic ?"

Tanique nodded at the conversation, concentrating, at least a little, on the game
"Father has magic in a roundabout way.   He is no sorcerer, thinking such things are needless distractions, i suspect.  He's more about being in tune with his surroundings and confronting his environment head on"

Ashton seems to ponder that taking a longer then normal amount of time then he had been on his next move.

"I do know of many creatures, though a lot of them are friends. There are some creatures that are no ones friends. Do you think your father may be up to something like a manticore?"

Tanique paid close attention to the game, suspecting that the next moves might be important

"A manticore might be perfect.   Traveling by ground as well as air, and able to attack with range and close up, and a tough opponent.   A good package "

Ashton nods, "Very few can handle such a creature young lady. That is why I asked if you think he is up to it. Who is your father by the way ?"

Now that she is more focused on the game she is able to see that he has either missed some moves that could have won the game for him or chosen not to take them. She is leaning more towards him possibly drawing out the game or playing more for the fun of it. Though she is not sure his body language is hard to read.

Tanique does her best, based on the times she's played chess in Amber, to stretch out the game as well.  Though she tries to keep herself one or two moves away from winning.

"my father is Prince Julian of Amber"

The game stretches and as Tanique starts to play to her skill she catches Ashton off guard and makes some gains before he recovers. He smiles, "Oh, oh you lured me in." He chuckled in a deep gruff sounding laugh.

When she mentions Julian he straightens.

"JULIAN ! Pah so thats it ! He wants a rematch does he?" His eyes flash with perhaps anger.

"Are you really his daughter?" He looks Tanique over squinting a bit.

Tanique blinked in surprise and gave a hesitant smile
"You know my father?  What was your last interaction like?"

He sniffed the air a bit.

"Yes, I know of him, little prince dark hair, well big prince now apparently. Has some annoying big brothers Eric and Cor something." Ashton scritches his chin.

"He was one of the children I played hide and seek with. He caught me once when I was relieving myself and so wasn't at my most watchful." He grinds his teeth a bit.
"Your father made a big deal about it and said I needed to train him how to hide in the woods. You know you should lead with; I am from Amber." Ashton goes to refill his tea and finds the pot empty.

"I'll be back." He fills the pot again with water setting it to heat up.

"I taught him some of my skills, not all. He wanted to best his brothers at some dumb sport, I am not sure what. He kept wanting a rematch with me, since he felt like he cheated, catching me going to the bathroom so to speak. It was not in the spirit of things but wasn't exactly cheating. I left because he kept pestering me the way children do. Honestly, I thought it would be the last I would hear from him. Though a friend tells me he is doing well, has armor and a mighty steed now. I guess, I am happy to see he has a daughter. Would have been fun playing hide and seek with you. At least now I know how it is your so good at chess."

Tanique smiled shyly,  though she blushed at the man's talk of relieving himself in the woods.  Granted, Tanique was no spoiled city girl, amd was trained in the rigors of outdoor survival, but hearing about personal details from a stranger was a bit embarrassing.

"If you do not wish to play these kinds of games again, i completely understand "

"You really didn't know who I was before coming here?" His eyebrow ridge rises.

"I would have thought you sought me out, heck I would have thought the well not a young prince anymore, how old is he now fifty ?"

Tanique shrugged
'As much as i do not hide my titles and parentage, i also try not to rely on them for my reputation,  preferring to let my actions speak for me.  Likewise, I'll admit that i didn't know you, and am pleased to meet you now"

He tugs at his lower jaw a bit and sits down to continue the game and conversation.

"Manticore is a beast your father and I spoke of. They occasionally came into the Kingswood in that kingdom he lived in. Nice forest one of my favorite has a unicorn occasionally prances around in it. I might be old but I haven't lost all my skill." He makes a deep growling sound that seems pleasing.

"Lad has probably forgotten about me, though he was pretty sharp if not a bit annoying. Fine I will play hide and seek with Julian again, ah Prince Julian he would correct me." He gives a deep bellied laugh.

"No killing, and give a man some privacy when he needs it. I can only imagine he has gotten better, I would like to see how he has turned out for old times sake."

Tanique smiled broadly
"That's wonderful to hear, sir.  Would you like a cabin set up in our woods for your use?  The woods of the Crech aren't quite as primordial as the Arden, but they're quite lovely and homey"

"Yes, that would be good, I would like to get used to the area." He renewed playing the chess game with focus.  "So, when will this take place ?"

He leans back after making his move and looks across at her.

"What will you be doing during this time ?"

Moving her piece, Tanique nodded
"The party we're hosting, where he's invited, should take place in a week.  If you want to give me three or four days to prepare, I'll have a quaint bungalow ready for you.  I'd hoped to watch my father in action, to be honest. "

"A week? I had better go see this place sooner than a few days. I can afford to rough it." He pats his stomach which does not seem flabby at all.

"How about after this game, you take me to see the place hmmm ?"

The tea kettle starts whistling and he totters off to get it. Coming back to refresh their cups.

The game comes down to the line and it seems like Ashton might win as he has twice had your King in check though you have gotten out of it.

Hoping to make a good impression, Tanique goes for the win

Try as she might the game ends with Ashton getting her in a checkmate she can't get out of.
He looks at her expression almost ready to defend himself it looks like.

Tanique saw her fate and laughed lightly
"A fine game, my friend.   It was a pleasure "
She held out her hand

Ashton smiles back and shakes her hand.

"I have gotten a little rusty, friends don't come by as often as they used to, to challenge me. You gave me a good game, Lady Tanique of the Storms. I hope we get to play again some day. I do so enjoy a game of chess, before I moved here living out in the wilds you have plenty of time on your hands so me and the other members of my band became really good at this game."

"Your father as I remember was keen at it and had me play a real slow game with him, I suspect he was playing against someone else and wanted to see how I would play my pieces." he chuckles.

"I have no need to pack, I should be good as long as it is not a long trip to get where we are going, though I should pack a lunch."

"Let's head out, then"
She grinned

He packs a lunch and fills a canteen. He also seems to have a folded-up travel size chess set.
He puts the tea pot away after cleaning it and the cups up and setting them to dry.

Ashton then opens the door for her.

She notices for a big guy he makes no or very little sound.

Tanique smiled at her host and headed out to return the favor.   She headed back towards home, trying to keep the storms mild for her new guest

"This is how you travel? Now I know why you call yourself, Lady Tanique of the Storms."

He watches and catches a leaf caught in the wind and laughs.
"Ha, now this is a nice trick !"

Tanique smiled at him
"Thank you,  i find it invigorating to travel this way.  Tell me more about your home, though.   What is it like there?"

"Well where you found me isn't really home, though it is a nice place where I am in semi-retirement. I am not quite the creature I used to be in my youth." He laughs.

"My real home is in the primordial wilderness around Ygg. There Me and my band roamed and went out from for years. It was a good life too. Then storms came much, much worse storms then this." he motions all around him.

"They swept through everything and we all tried to make it back to Ygg. Not all succeeded." He looks down for several moments in silence.

"Ygg was not bowed by those storms, no the great tree held and we with it. It took time before we felt safe enough to travel again. Though our love for the woods is always with us. All kinds of wild lands though we prefer places with trees."

Tanique nodded with sympathy
"I love a good storm, but I understand how bad it can be when a particularly bad storm causes damage,  especially to the Shadows.  I wonder of that was one of the great storms caused by the kerfuffle between Amber and Chaos?  I'm glad Ygg was still there.  I always liked that old tree"

"Oh it is a beautiful tree. I am glad you have seen it and know about it. It's a wise old tree too if one is willing to spend time with it. Though since you know of Amber's royal woods then you have an understanding of what my home was like, much the same really. Though perhaps those royal woods are a tad more majestic in scope from what I recall." He nods silently.

Tanique nodded, smiling almost shyly
"the wokds around the Crech aren't quite up to the grandeur of the Arden, but i think you'll enjoy them well enough "

"Are there storms there a lot, this Crech you speak of ? Mild like this is no problem but big storms could be problematic to both hunter and huntee." He tugs at his lower jaw again.

Tanique shrugged
"The storms are usually somewhat mild, though much is dependent upon the mood of our queen.  If the gathering she has planned is displeasing to her, there might be some severe weather.    Would you like me to arrange for a possible shelter for you, or would that just make things more interesting?"

"A shelter might be nice, though that would certainly draw your fathers attention. He was good even in his youth. He had falcons and they were special. He probably doesn't know I realized that but yes, they were probably tattle tales. So I will go without and make do though if there is an extended bad storm, I would rather like you to come get me rather then flooding or some winds to carry me off."

Tanique laughed lightly
"Don't worry,  my friend.   If there are any particularly bad storms that seem too much for company, I'll come get you."

"Good to know. I Am glad that you think about the people you hire. Some employers don't care one bit about that kind of thing. So this is another kingdom hmmm ? You mentioned your Queen. Is this another royal wood?"

Tanique smiled
"Yes, I suppose so, though my queen cares m.k ore about the skies than the trees.  But we take good care of the land as well"

Ashton licks his palm and slicks back the hair on his head.

"So this queen, is she single?  I am an eligible bachelor." He waggles his eyebrow ridge. His wide smile sat upon his face and it was hard to tell if he was joking.

Tanique grinned at the playful primate.

"Since your game with my father is involved with her diplomatic gathering, i suppose she would want to meet you, to sort of get final approval of the festivities.   I wouldn't dare presume to know her taste in consorts, but i suspect she's too busy with the realm to socialize "

"Well, she would need to be someone who likes guys with chest hair." He pats his chest and chuckles. "It will be interesting meeting your Queen anyway. I usually shun society, but I have relaxed a bit as I have gotten older. By the way, I like your horse it is pretty special as far as I can tell I have never seen one like it."

Tanique looked at Thunderstrike with pride.
"Yes, my steed is very special.   They're more of a friend , really.   But there are similar horses in my kingdom, though I've spent years perfecting and training Thunderstrike"
She smiled
"Queen Morrigan is a good ruler.  Firm bit fair.  But she has a large personality and doesn't always feel the need to be subtle, so if she gets to be a bit much for you, just let me know and I'll move you to quieter surroundings"

"Thunderstrike, nice name. Do his hooves sound like thunder sometimes ?"
He watched the horse as they floated along on the currents.

"As for your Queen, yeah for a big guy I am more subtle then brash and outspoken. So probably best I stay near you when I meet her and hopefully, she doesn't think me some pet or monster. I have had people think me a monster for years. Though the very people I would try to disavow of this thought would monstrously subject me to tests and possible autopsy to study me or prove I exist. People can be funny that way sometimes. I am glad magic types are different, a bit more open minded."

Tanique patted her steed lovingly
"Yes, Thunderstrike can be a silent as a zephyr or as thunderous as a hurricane, depending upon what I need.  Queen Morrigan is hardly the type to assume anyone who looks different from us to be a monster, but I'll do my best to make sure we do proper introductions,  regardless "

Ashton nods, "Hmmm an open minded ruler, that will be different. Well alright I look forward to it. Those are some high mountains up ahead. Have some cousins who love mountains like that. Looks kind of cold."

Up ahead the mountains that contain the cretch rise and they are incredibly majestic and high capped with snow and high ridges. Storms rage around various places along those ridges. The way begins to clear for her and her companion as she gets closer but it is cold very cold and the air gets more rarified as she rises in elevation to go beyond the mountains.

Tanique chuckled lightly
"Well, perhaps 'open minded' was a bit of an oversimplification.   Perhaps 'indifferent to species' might be more accurate. "

Looking at the skies ahead, Tanique focused on moderating the weather for the sake of her Traveling Companion.
"I'm not generally bothered by the cold, but I'll try to steer us past the worst of it"

Billions? Trillions? of frozen crickets or locusts caught up in the storms  blow against them as they pass lower into a less intense and cold level and into the Crech beyond.
The beautiful valley comes into view. Many colorful flags on this side of the mountains flap in a much lighter breeze.

Melting snow leads to little rivers and lakes. Lush fields and forests fill the lands below.

Tanique winced in embarrassment as they were pelted with bugs.  It probably wasn't that much out of the ordinary, but it was still creepy and gross.


She led them into the valley.
"Welcome to the Crech"

Ashton is pulling the bugs out of his hair and looks around once they are on the other side of the mountains.

"Say, this looks nice and considerably warmer than a moment ago. Do you mind if we land?"

Tanique nodded
"Absolutely,  we can land.  I understand that a walk through the woods can be as invigorating as flying through the skies "

"Well, I guess I am just used to being on the ground. It's fun to see the world the way a bird does for a while but I have always been used to feeling the dirt below my feet."

Once down he scrunches up his toes and bends down to pat the ground.

He walks around for a while. "Yeah that's what I am used to and those woods there they seem large enough, are those the ones I will be working with ?" He looks off towards the woods within the Crech.

Having thought about this for a while, Tanique led the way tonthe area she'd chosen for the Hunt.

Tanique will lead Ashton to the area and when she looks for him to talk she can't find him.

Tanique chuckled
"Oh, very good!!!  I'm impressed "

Ashton steps from behind a tree that looks like it would be too thin to hide him and yet it does. "Had to see if I was still in practice. You have a nice place here, really nice I like it. It has a very natural feel to it. Lot's of birds I noticed in the trees, is that normal?"

He stretches a bit and pats a nearby tree.

Tanique smiled
'Yes, Avian life is plentiful here.  Queen Morrigan is very fond of birds.  We all are. "

"Well everyone can't have flying horses I guess so birds are the next best thing." He smiles again. "Ok give me a day or two, I will meet you here. I need to get used to things, or do you think it is best if I meet the Queen first ?"

Nodding in thought, Tanique smiled
"Yes, I think it would be polite to at least say hello.  If she's too busy, we can return here"

Ashton went along with Tanique to the castle and after some time not so very long she was ushered in to see Morrigan.

"OH! has the diplomat from the Courts arrived already? He's a tall one."

Morrigan studied them, "Lady Tanique, you wished to see me?" Her eyes looked to the both of them.

Tanique smiled and curtsied
"Queen Morrigan,  i wanted to present Ashton, who will be helping me with the Hunt with Prince Julian.  With your permission, I'll let him get accustomed.to the woods around here."

"Oh, did I ok that? I must have ok'ed that. Alright I will let my people know, shall I make some diplomatic chambers ready for your father as well? Or will he be roughing it as they say?"

Her eyes then shifted to the rather large harry figure in the room, "Welcome to the Crech, Ashton. I hope you enjoy your stay in my lands. If you have need of anything speak with one of my ravens and they shall try to assist you."

The many large ravens in her chamber silently sitting and eyeing the two make it clear she may mean real ravens. Lady Tanique certainly knows that to be the case.

Ashton gives the best courtly  bow he can, "Thank you, Majesty."

Tanique smiled
"it might be best to have some guest chambers ready for Julian.  He likes to rough it occasionally, but prefers to do so at his whim, not when others deem it so.
So it best to have options."

"Very well, easily enough accomplished. You Lord Ashton ? Do you require rooms ?"

She looks at the man thing creature that Lady Tanique brought shaking her head almost imperceptibly.

"I am alright with roughing it your Majesty. Thank you very much for your concern though. I do appreciate it." He rises from his bow.

"Is there anything else Lady Tanique ?"

She looks pointedly at the Lady of Storms.

Tanique smiled and gave another curtsey
"That was it, Your Majesty.   I thought i should introduce an outsider before letting him roam the woods in your kingdom.  I'll leave you to your planning "

"Good thought on that. Such a large gentleman would have gained my attention eventually and I would have been quiet curious considering the other guests we will be having shortly. Alright then your free to go. Lord Ashton enjoy your stay, I hope your hunting games with Prince Julian go well."

"I rather hope they do as well, Majesty. It was nice meeting with you and I will try and leave as little a foot print as I can while on this visit." He then turns to Lady Tanique.

"Okay. let's get you to the woods"

Back in the woods you drop Ashton off and he starts to blend in with the woods and get used to the setting.

What now for the Lady of Storms ?

Tanique looked around the area for more natural wonders or native creatures who might be shown off to their visitors

The Crech has a great variety of Avians though it also has occasional creatures who are brought in by various storm lords and ladies either intentionally or not as they ride in on the storms they control. Besides the unique creatures not native to the Crech the woods house a variety of more primordial animals like those from Earth's Mesozoic era. The Megafauna era.

Tanique tries to arrange some sets of birds who can fly in formation, like a feathery explosion of fireworks

It will take some training on her part as well as time but she can certainly do so.
She has some of the skillset necessary to make this happen.
Gathering up the birds with the right colors she wants along with training them will fill her days for a while.

In reply to Shadow of the One True GM (msg # 111):

She does some research on how to do a splendid presentation,  then got out a trump that her father had given her, trying to contact him

"You have my attention be quick about it." He answers the trump curtly.

Tanique chuckled
"I can try later if this is a bad time.  It's important but not urgent"

"Ah Lady Tanique, go ahead I had not realized it was you."

He is in his lacquered white armor and from the way he is moving most likely astride a horse.

Tanique nodded, understanding her father's social foibles

"Queen Morrigan is having a large gathering, from across the multiverse, including the Courts of Chaos, amd she wanted representation from Amber there as well.  You were given priority, but you can also bring some of your siblings, especially the more entertaining ones like Gerard."

Gerard is entertaining ? Well I suppose in certain circles. When is this? As I am busy at the moment with a rather obnoxious problem my father left to Bleys and of course he is no where to be found. Just like a red head."

"the plan is for the end of the week"

"A week, I will get back to you. I will have to see if it is feasible."

He gives some orders to some men not related to his conversation with you. Seems militaristic orders.

"Very well.  Alright, have fun with your hunt. Father, and I'll look forward to hearing from you soon"

When she says hunt the corners of his lips almost  almost curl upward.

"Talk soon, daughter."

Tanique smiled and ended the call

Later much later while in the midst of training her birds she recieves a trump.

She answers
"Hello?"

"I find that I am able to make the social affair. You will need to draw me forth closer to the event. I will contact you when I am ready." He looks at her appraisingly.

"You look well."

Tanique smiled and nodded to her father, blushing with pride
"Thank you,  Father.   I've been working hard on my equestrian skills and my woodcraft.
I'll summona proper traveling storm when you're ready.  "

"I meant the more direct way." He holds up his trump.

Tanique grinned
"Sounds boring, but I'll do it."

"Contact you then."

You see armored men not just rangers in the backdrop of the trump as he speaks with you.
It is evening with a reddish hued sky.

Tanique nodded
"Okay. have fun!"

She sees Benedict walk in.
There are no words spoken between the brothers but Julian nods to her and let's the contact fade.

Tanique blinked in surprise as the trump faded.

"Was that Uncle Benedict?  Wow!!  This MUST be serious!"

Several days later midafternoon a contact comes again.

Tanique answers

"Hello?"

"I am free for a few days, bring me forth." Julian is in view leading Morgenstern and with a pair of hell hounds at his side.

Tanique reached her hand through, looking curiously at the animals

Julian escorted his animals through the trump.

Once through he looked to Tanique and clasped her shoulders, "Your looking well Tanique. How is your mother ?"

Tanique smiled at her father, always amazed with how impressive he seemed to be without even trying.
"Mother's been busy, as usual.  Working on the Borderlands to make sure everything is safe."


"My apologies.   I'm realizing that I forgot to mention this to Tanique's mother. I think i was assuming she'd already know, being a high ranking offical. Can we assume i told her, if not?

"Some day we will leave our posts as border guards, and the kingdoms will need to find someone else. That won't be for some time though. I hope to see her while here. How is your" The next part is said with a bit of disdain, "rather exuberant sovereign?"

He says a command and the dogs sit. Morgenstern eyes Tanique with those odd almost dead eyes of his though she knows very well how spirited and alive Morgenstern is.

Tanique smiled wryly
"She's a bit busy amd distracted by the festivities.   Speaking of which, is there anyone else coming with you?"

"No, Benedict wanted Gerard to stay, since I would be coming here. Florimel showed some interest did you want her to attend?

He looks at all the birds, "Working on specialized falconry?"

Tanique smiled and shrugged
"I would love to see Auntie Flora.  Her tea parties were some of my fondest memories as a child"
She smiled at the birds.
"Yes, I'm working on a bird spectacle for the Chaosians, and it's been a lot of fun.  There are a few more surprises as well"

Julian grunts slightly at the mention of Florimel and tea parties but grunts louder at the mention of the Chaosians.

"So the children of the pit show up yet ?"

Tanique grinned
"Not that I'm aware.   They're on their own schedule"

"Alright, I will need a stable for Morgenstern, it is preferable if nearby stalls are empty. A place for my dogs and a room for myself. We can talk once the small things are taken care of."

She nodded
"Follow me"

Tanique went to the stables

Morgenstern complains Julian tugging at his lead.

"Behave!" the large horse? stopped it's struggles and entered the stable.

The dogs were more compliant with where they were given to stay, and she knew from long experience they regarded Julian as their Alpha.

Once he was within the chambers set aside for him he said, "Dalt has made a nuisance of himself again. So I cannot stay here long. That is why Benedict is back and cross training his soldiers with my rangers. I thought you should be aware of it, even though you take the air route into Amber usually."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:11, Sat 04 Feb 2023.

Tanique grinned
"Well, I would never want to have a  trip to Amber to become boring.  The next time i visit, I'll be on my toes"

"Dalt is dangerous and prone to take hostages, if not kill a member of the family outright. Benedict and my rangers know you so at least you don't have to worry about getting blown out of the sky. So less boredom my daughter more for your own safety."

Julian will set his bags down.

"So, yourself, how have you been? Keeping yourself busy?"

Tanique nodded
"Yes,  busy training and practicing.   There's so much to learn"

"You should have plenty of time. There is indeed much to learn and many places to gain an education. If you wish to learn more warcraft, return with me to Amber when we are done here. I am sure you can learn more from me, and even pick up things from Benedict if you stay. If Dalt does attack there will be even more family to face him."

Julian looks around, "Could you get a mannequin for my armor, and some drinks. We can toast to being together again, and if possible get your mother to be part of that."

Tanique calls for the stable staff to bring a mannikin armor stand for her father, also sends messages out to her mother.

"Shall we head inside for drinks?"

"So, what interests have caught your attentions of late? I have not seen you for a time even if the differences in the hour are not much betwixt this place and Amber."

When set up and the manequin is arranges he takes a moment in privacy to change out of his armor into a regular suit of white and black.


This message was lightly edited by the player at 23:38, Sat 04 Feb 2023.

Tanique has drinks brought

'I've been getting m'l ore interested in hunting and tracking,  trying to perfect the skills I've learned from you and others, even if I'm less inclined to take trophies.  I even have a sort of non lethal Hunt planned for you later, if you're interested. "

"What? What do you mean non lethal hunt? Sounds more like wild life photography than."
He gazes at her for a long moment waiting for her reply. He leaves his drink untouched for the moment.

Tanique grinned
"Not so much Hunting a Quarry, as a competition between Hunters, seeing who can find whom first.  Hunting intelligent prey, who is, as you can understand, also a guest here "

"Yourself, or one of these Chaosian folk ?" Now he takes a drink. His eyes show that classic no emotion though he is steadily looking her way.

"I may be interested in such pursuits."

Tanique smiled innocently

'Ah, but that would be telling, Father dear. "

"Well then you tell me when your ready, but don't spring such things on me admis a social function or I shall be displeased. If the hunters are hunting one another what if they spot one another that kind of nullifies the sport unless there is something else to it."

"It is obvious, you think your being clever so I shall allow you to do so. For now."
He took another long drink, "Not bad for shadow fare."

Tanique nodded, and made some mental notes to prepare them for fake combat.

A knock at the door comes.

Tanique answers her door

"Hello hun, a little birdie, oh who are we kidding a rather annoying cawing birdie told me your father was here. I should be upset if he is here and does not take the time to make his presence known to me." She sniffles and looks past Tanique.

"Julian!" She moved to embrace him.

"How are things in Arden ?"

The two seem to talk about their mutual border defenses and events.

Tanique hugged her mother, and then let her and her father talk, eager to learn from them.  She found their interactions fascinating

They will eventually acknowledge you again.

Julian pours everyone a glass.

"To family I am not inclined to kill as my first reaction."

Ellika shakes her head, "While I can drink to that, you should include said family in the toast. Though I suppose when we first met." She grinned almost an evil sort of thing.

Tanique chuckled
"I suppose it's best to make sure we don't get too complacent "

The trio clink their glasses.

The married couple asks to have some time alone.

Tanique blushed a bit but smoled at her parents and left them in Julian's room


She left to go.to the Armory, to look into non lethal combat options

Perhaps some kind of chalk bags?

There are various practice and dueling weapons and items in the armory.
An older raven is in here maintaining the weapons and armor and keeping the place clean.
He greats her and helps her pick out some items.

"Pleasure to assist you Lady Tanique."

What's the best and most interesting items

Gavvery, "Well Lady Tanique, if your running training exercises the wooden weapons are good for scoring hits that don't leave lasting injuries. We also have some arrows that have small packets of powder in the heads that leave a mark indicating if they hit. One of the Lords brought them in to mimic a game he had seen on some world."

He picks up one of the pikes and cleans and sharpens it while talking.

"We have always had breakaway lances though, that is more for showy displays, your not doing one of those for the Chaosians are you?"

"You might ask for one of the more magically inclined to come up with something for you."

Tanique shook her head
"No, it's for my father to play hunt a skilled adversary from shadow.  I'm not sure he'd appreciate magic, though.   I think he feels its cheating.  The arrows might be perfect,  though"

Gavvery nods, "I shall have quivers full of the arrows ready for you, do you know what kind of bow weapons will be used ? It matters for what I will gather up for you."

'Would it be too much of a bother to make some for bows and some for  crossbows?"

Gavvery to Tanique, "Not at all Lady Tanique, I shall make sure you have a variety then. I will get on it right away unless Queen Morrigan has some other task for me, which I doubt one never knows though."

He stops what he is doing and begins on preparing the quivers and bolt holding boxes for whatever event Lady Tanique is planning with her father.

Tanique smiled
"Thank you so much, Gavvery!  You're the best!"

Gavvery looks proud at the compliment, "Thank you, Lady Tanique. It is nice to know I am appreciated." He stands up taller as he works.

He fills the bolt boxes first and looks to see if the Lady stays or moves on with her day.

"I'll send word when they might be needed.   Thank you again. "

She heads off, working on other details of her day

Where to next for our heroine ?

If the birds are trained enough, she'll head out into the woods to keep Ashton in the loop

"What a mock battle ?  I'm a lover not a fighter, Lady of Storms. When did the contest change?" Ashton tugs at his lower jaw more than is even normal for him as he paces.

"Bows, I have never used bows to hunt." he wears an uncomfortable look on his face.

"It's not a battle per se, but part of the hunt.  So Julian has a non lethal way to hunt his quarry.  And you can have one as well.  Not to hunt, but to play the game "

"I don't entirely know how I feel about it. You should have told me about this before bringing me here. I was just going to hide and have him seek. Though I would rather get hit with dust then a sharp piece of metal I admit."

"Im good with my hands, not with bows even if people have used them against me in the past. I have a distaste for them." Looking stressed he leans against a tree and folds his arms. He looks lost in thought.

Tanique nodded, looking contrite
"My apologies, sir.  There is a bit of compromise between what my father will take part in as well.  He's a bit fussy at times.  But we can change things a bit if you like?"

"Ahhh, I should have known. Even as a boy your father wanted to play with pointy things. Probably because of those troublesome brothers he spoke of all the time. I have to confess, I don't even know if I could hit anything with a bow." He looks up at Tanique.

"I have seen others and it doesn't seem to be as easy as half of them act like it is. I usually throw rocks, I am good at that. Can take down a deer at quite a distance but bows, never really tried them."

Tanique smiled
'Well, in that case, i can certainly make something similar, perhaps light sand bags full of colored powder that might have the same effect "

"Now those I can throw. As long as they have some weight to them it should be fine. So what exactly are we talking about here? Are we going to chase each other ? I guess I could do that, just so much better at hiding. Won a few trophies in my day." He smiles more relaxed now.

Tanique smiled sheepishly, shrugging in embarrassment
"I'll admit that this is my first time organizing something like this, so I presume I'll forget some things i need to do.  I suppose the original idea was just for you to hide from Father, but he expressed concern about that being a tad lackluster for him.  So I'm trying to jazz thingd up."

A large unkindness of ravens flies over the woods.


Ashton stretches a bit, "Hmmm, yes that seems to fit what I remember. Your father always liked to up the game. He was always very competitive." Ashton looks up noting the ravens.

Tanique looked up, momentarily extending her senses to see of the bird upheaval was normal or a warning of something

"If you'd rather decline the Hunt, I'll understand, Ashton, and no hard feelings "

The birds do seem stirred up though not in panic. You sense something disturbed them and set them to flying.

Ashton says, "No it's worth it to see the kiddo again. See how he turned out you know. I mean obviously it's been a while and a lot longer in that Amber place then where I have been spending time."

Tanique smiled and nodded
'Very good then.  I should go check on something, but is there anything else you need in the meantime?"

"Flip flops." he let's his words linger in the air a while, then busts out laughing.
"I am kidding Lady Tanique of the Storms. They probably don't make them in my size."
"I will be around this area when you return with your sack bombs for me."

Ashton then moves between the trees and soon amazingly is unable to find conventionally.

Tanique smiled and gave a curtsy of respect to the empty air, the  turned to go investigate the bird disturbance

She made a mental note to get chalk bags and big flip flops made, estimating the size needed

Leaving the wood she sees ravens circling the castle most likely reporting to Morrigan about whatever disturbed them. It would be hard to see if not for the great numbers of them.
After a time of observing they seem to settle.

She sees a strange figure perhaps a very specialized servant of Morrigan moving rapidly along the road towards the castle. It is somewhat intimidating in appearance rather then the whimsical look she is used to seeing.

link to a message in this game

Does Tanique think that this is significant or just normal business for the realm?

Curious,  Tanique will follow the servant

You wake the next morning and see rainbows outside your window in addition to the light of the rising sun.

Tanique sings a joyful song to the rainbow