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Part 26a: The Circle
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Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
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... and step out into the city, in a quiet corner of a busy marketplace.
The city is large, constructed mainly of a grey stone, and most of the
rooftops gleam pale blue in the light of the afternoon sun. It is
built on the slopes of a mountain range which parallels the
shore. Above and behind it a dense forest rises to the snowline
of the high peaks. Watch towers stand up in the snow, standing
guard over the city below.
This, then, is Cadiniagart.
A few things are different from the last time Cyan was here. The
place seems less festive for one, though the tattered and burned
remains of flags and banners still adorn many of the buildings.
Speaking of burning, the air smells strongly of smoke, as if a large
fire has only recently been extinguished. A glance toward the
harbour, and the source of the smoke is obvious. Many of the
ships have been put to the torch. Smoke still rises in thin
streamers from some of the charred timbers that jut up above the water.
With a start, Cyan realises that Kalika and Jack are not the only ones
who have been tricked by time. For all her travel across Shadow,
it seems that only four or perhaps five days might have passed here.
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
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Jack slipped through the gate first, looking
around he took all of the sights and smells in. The brine of the ocean
made him feel right at homes as he looked around “So this is
Amber ? It's not looking to good, is there a war here?” he asked Cyan
as soon as she crossed. Funny this was it was not quite how
he pictured it, but somehow he felt as if he should know it. He
reaching out with his tendrils he began to search for the material he
would need to build a new weapon. The more exotic materials first, they
were the most important, the rest he should be able to do just about
anywhere.
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
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Cyan stares around herself, hesitantly, shielding her ruby eyes against
the sun. Her glance in Jack's direction is just as
cautious. "This...is Cadiniagart, where I met everyone, and we
discovered the cube. You recall? It is...or was, to be part
of the Golden Circle," she continues quietly, "the Worlds who trade
with Amber, before, so they say, Prince Blaez slew their king."
Cyan frowns, considering. "It appears that less than a week has
passed since then! Little has changed, save there have obviously
been riots." Her voice drops, further. "I wonder who is in
charge of the city, now. I suggest we go to an Inn at which I am
known...I trust the owner, he was a good man when I was here, last."
I hope nothing has befallen him.... But Cyan's thoughts
are drawn inexorably towards what Jack had stumbled around before they
left. What had he meant? In the bathroom? Oh
yes...that.
Wht does he think of her? He seems hesitant to her, uncertain. Jack
has just lost his love, for all that he can barely recall her.
The feelings are still there - I can see that! And so...I make
him uncomfortable, with my own feelings...curse me for a fool, my heart
is on my sleeve. Kia saw what I did not say, and she barely knows
me. But Jack...he is a man, and I thought he would miss it.
Men often do.
Kalika stands between them, a small, laughing woman with pale hair. Cyan gives Jack a wan smile.
What is she to do?
Find the Inn. The Blue Rose, and Donovan. As
she shifts, staring about her, searching for a landmark by which she
might find the Inn, Cyan's foot rings against something lying on the
ground before them....
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
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Jack looked at Cyan confused
for a moment “Oh? Okay now I remember. . . Your tale this is where is
all started, where everyone met.” He looked at the things Cyan just
kicked and knelt down a smile spreading on his face “The Sword
looked just like the one I learned on.” He picked it up taking a moment
to strap it to his back along with the unstrung bow and quiver of
arrows. Then shouldered the bundle of armor. “Okay, lets go check on
your friend, it’s probably best not to hang around in the street for to
long.” He glanced around but kept his movements casual and easy,
looking as if he belonged there.
He fiddled with the one last thing he had from when
they found him, his signet ring. Absent mindedly he reached out and
swatted Cyan on the ass playfully “Lead on McDuff.”
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
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Cyan, now looking around for more landmarks after watching Jack pick up
his small arsenal, jerks violently and spins, one hand coming up in a
practiced (oft used in bars and inns) motion to drive into Jack's
jaw. She jerks the blow to a halt, holding it back just in time,
and steps back flushing brilliantly. Berd, on her shoulder,
hisses loudly, first at Jack, then at Cyan. Oddly, he seems truly
angered, and his anger is more 'instinctual', rather than reasoned.
"Berd, Berd! Please!" Holding her head for a moment, Cyan
stares with rueful, ruby eyes at Jack. "Um...my apologies,
Jack. I AM sorry." Uncertain as to the nature of the man's
rather...forward gesture, she wonders if it is common in his
World. "I have played in many inns and wine houses, and people
are seldom shy of attempting to take advantage - it has become a
reaction, you might say." Abruptly she relaxes and begins to
laugh. "I am sorry, sorry...I know you did not..." Cyan manages
between gasps, shaking her head.
As if Jack is some dockworker, attempting to take liberties!
Berd blinks once or twice, much as a dog would when the mood changes
drastically, and growls once, at nobody in particular. Then the
miffed drake curls back up on the Bard's quivering shoulder, closing
his eyes.
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
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For
an moment Jack blinks in surprise, the drakes extreme retraction
and Cyan’s fist stopping right in front of his face. “Liberties?”
he said as he stood there in shock, and then burst out laughing.
“No, no it’s my fault.” he said struggling to control the laughter,
“Far too many afternoons of playing college football, I didn’t not even
realize what I was doing and yes you should have hit me for my
absentmindedness. Teach me to go around swatting team mates on the ass
to get them moving. If I do it again just deck me and get it over with
for being a big galoot.” He smiled at her, it was perhaps the first
honest, if somewhat sheepish smile she had see on him in a while. There
was even a hint of crimson blush in his cheeks.
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
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Cyan doesn't quite understand what Jack means by 'football', but
realizes it is a game. She shakes her head, still laughing
quietly. "Well, do not concern yourself. I understand, it
was a mistake." The endearing smile, the flush on his face, all
of it bespeaks his worry and embarassment, and she claps him on the
shoulder. "Do not worry," Cyan repeats. "I take no offense!"
Something that he would do with a teammate. His friends, on a gamefield. Male friends, no doubt.
Her heart sinks a bit at the confirmation, but, as Cyan has reminded
herself in the past, better a friend than nothing. Much better.
Berd shifts on her shoulder, letting out a tiny chime.
"Perhaps," she says diplomatically, turning Jack in the direction of
the Inn, "you might consider doing it like this, on the
shoulder." A faint smile touches her face, growing as she
continues. "Certainly you will be dealing with other women in the
future, and I would not see you dig yourself into such a deep
hole. And there may be men, as well, who might misinterpret the
gesture." The Bard shrugs. "It seems...more wise," she
finishes.
Banishing her heavy feelings to the depths of her heart, Cyan throws
her free, right arm around Jack's higher and wider shoulders, and
begins to walk. "It is a wonderful day, Jack, even with the scent
of ash and smoke. Be at ease."
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
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Jack smiles and lets her lead him
through the crowd, bring up a hand and resting it lightly on Cyan’s
back. “It’s a great day Cyan,” He said falling in time with her stride.
“I’ll note your words, but there are not many I would feel comfortable
enough around to do something like that to. Only a dear and trusted
friend, someone I felt I could be myself around. I am truly sorry if I
offended you Cyan, you as well Berd. I should have thought.”
“If I needed some things. . . Some special items. Do you think Berd
could make them for me?” He asked “Or at least the individual
components. If it set out the details of what I needed?” He let
out a sigh “Cyan, was it always just you and Berd? Don’t you remember
your parents at all?”
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
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The two...friends...wander through the crowd, Cyan feeling more secure
and at ease than she has in a while. The casual gesture of Jack
and the amusement that followed has put her mood to rest, and while
things are not as she could wish between them, she feels...content.
It makes her grin with her customary wildness, glancing around at the people, studying them as much as she can.
"No offense, Jack - as I said! I understand completely - it was
merely a casual thing, and my reaction grew from my experiences within
this sort of pub," she says, pointing to a rather seedy place to their
right. A man staggers out, and vomits in the gutter moments
later. "Berd took his reaction from me, I think, and then became
terribly annoyed at me for reacting that way, especially towards
yourself." His arm is warm around the Bard's waist, even through
the constant coolness of her clothing. She gives him a quick
squeeze. "It is good," Cyan confesses, looking up into the sky,
her topaz eyes kindling as they catch the light of the sun, "to travel
with a dear friend."
A rock skips ahead of them, casually kicked by one of her feet.
"Berd can attempt to bring forth whatever you desire, Jack, even to
exotic materials. It was he who produced the metals to make Kirilindë, though he did not forge it or lay enchantments upon it - we merely hallowed it with the energies of the palanquet when it was completed by the smiths of Nargothrond. Speak your desires, and we shall see what we can find."
Her tone drops and she grows more pensive. "My parents...Berd
found me wandering lost in the forests when I was very young. I
cannot recall my parents, and have not been able to do so, no matter
how hard I try. I fear the memories are gone. Possibly
something terrible happened to them, and to me. We already know
that I...well, you have seen me, when things become desperate."
A flash of memory.
...light dancing in the air, like a curtain drawing aside...the
glittering waterfall, forming the shimmering pool in the sun's
rays...fascination drawing her closer...a splash, and something rising,
shining, like a bejeweled insect... flitting to hover before her, wings
like gossamer as they beat frantically in the sun...clever, glittering
eyes, the glitter fading...a child's hand, reaching out...a child's
voice, high, wondering, without fear...'Bird! Bird!'...
Cyan shakes her head. Berd snorts a puff of cold, green smoke in
his sleep. The drake coughs, rolling over slightly and cracking
an eyelid to stare up at the sun. "Ack. Dragon, your
breath...."
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
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As they walked through the war torn
smoky city Jack kept casting sideways glances at Cyan. Listing to the
musical quality in her voice, watching the way the sunlight played in
her coppery hair and the sea breeze caused the loose strands to
dance. The way her eyes were ever changing and the feel on the small of
her back through the thin silk. He listens to her talk contentedly,
though he felt guilt at his enjoyment , and blushed lightly at her
comment of dear friends. “I’m am sorry you never knew your parents.” He
cherished his own parents very much and felt a loss for her.
“I’ll draw up what I need for Berd to see, a dull
diagram.” he said as they walked up to the Inn, Jack stopped Cyan short
of the door pulling her to the side. He had to deal with this and
he had to deal with it now. No telling when they would get the chance
again, it felt like it was inside of him and might burst.
“Cyan,” Jack said hesitantly, casting his eyes down “You were there
fore me after the torture, filling me with tender love and caring,
giving me a reason to live. You know how I feel about you. . .” He
looked up and met her eyes, reaching out to touch her cheek.
“Everything is so crazy. One minuet I think I know
how you feel, the next I have no idea. . . I am getting such mixed
signals from you, The kiss in the bathroom and then you ran away. . .
So please understand if I have this wrong. I- I can never be any good
for you Cyan. . . Everyone I care fore dies. My power is my curse, they
killed Angel because I had power, Kalika dided without me by her side
like I should have been because of my power. I would not see the
pain and death come to you that way. Please don’t care for me, don’t
let me into your heart. Find you some nice bard to settle down with, or
a farmer, but don’t care for the Jack of Shadows. It will bring you
only pain.”
Jack leaned in and kissed her as passionately as she had kissed
him in the bathroom, only to break it pull away and step into the inn
so he would not have to hear what kind of fool he had just made of
himself.
As he stepped into the in two words escaped his lips as a whisper “Forever Jacui.” It was for the best though. . . wasn't it?
Wasn't it?
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
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Shock. Stunned amazement. I know how he feels? How?
Cyan stares at Jack with growing consternation and worry as he speaks,
her colour rising. Once, she opens her mouth to interrupt, but he
forges on.
Then he's stepping closer, even, and...things get very confusing.
Full of heat and bitter confusion, Cyan can only give in to the
embrace, for the short time it lasts. And it is short, all too
short, for Jack breaks away, leaving her staggering on the street,
reaching for support.
But Jack IS gone, and she has to settle for the doorframe.
The Bard stands, stunned into immobility as Berd, chiming with concern,
peers into her face, then launches from her shoulder, swooping into the
inn. Confusion becomes embarassment as his words sink in,
embarassment becomes irritation, and irritation explodes into full-out
anger. So - he thinks he knows - he would tell her - the choices
she makes - her messages are mixed - would he?
There is a silent and invisible emotional explosion that sets Berd,
inside the taproom, up to the rafters in scrabbling panic, to peer down
with worried eyes.
Opalescent eyes flashing, Cyan stalks into the room after Jack,
clapping one hand down on his shoulder as the...the...man! enters the
taproom. "You cannot walk away from that, Jack of Shadows," she
says sharply, halting him and spinning him around. "What, I am a
child, who cannot look after herself? I cannot choose my own
path? I cannot risk my own being? You would tell me where
to place my heart? I think not! You say Kalika died alone
because of you, because of your power? Kalika chose her
path! You cheapen her choice, by claiming responsibility!
Your enemies killed your Angel, not you! You cannot take that
responsibility from them, either! I wander where I choose, Jack
of Shadows, and I choose what I will, not what others toss to me like a
bone, saying 'go love a Bard', or 'go love a farmer'!
Pfft!" Her head shakes, snapping the long, weighted braid.
"As if I could! As if one would love me! I have not the
courage to be a farmer!"
Stepping closer, she narrows her shining eyes. "And I give you
mixed-up messages, you say? What of you, Jack of Shadows?
Your mind has not been clear! You speak of things, and do
others. You feel one way, and then feel differently! Pain
is still bright within you - how am I to respond to what you feel,
sometimes, when at other times there is something standing between
us? Do I know you lean to me in truth, or because of...what is
that stupid word...rebound? You have suffered great loss, I feel
it still, and then you say I give mixed-up messages? You, who
lean to me, then pull away? What am I to think, when a spectre
haunts your thoughts as well? And I blame you not for that!
I would never expect you to forget her, nor ask, but this is different
- you still burn with pain in your heart! I would give you
nothing but time, and indeed, I hoped for nothing but friendship, for
it seemed that anything else was denied me from the very beginning!"
Leaning closer, Cyan drops her voice slightly. "And you dare tell
me that you would be no good for me? You, who have no idea of
your own worth? You have been loved by two women before, Jack -
so they were poor judges? Was Kalika such a fool? Was
Angel?"
Control slips, and the Bard's trained voice begins to rise. "In
truth, can you not see yourself for what you are? And to think
that YOU can judge what is good for ME? Perhaps I am young!
Perhaps I am a child! But my heart is my own, Jack of Shadows,
and I throw it at the feet of whom I chose, be he one to cradle it, in
his own time, or simply trample it where it lies, saying 'I shall tell
you to love another, because it will protect you from hurt!'"
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Berd
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Berd fills the ringing silence in the taproom with a faint, interrogatory chirp.
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
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Cyan stalks to the bar, jerking over a stool and seating herself.
She turns burning ruby eyes on the bartender. "Scotch, if you
would, Bartender." Only then does she pause to see where she is,
and to whom she speaks.
Berd flaps down after a moment, landing on Jack's shoulder, and wraps
his tail around Jack's neck, giving a small jerk and letting out a
commiserating warble. His breath comes out in a cloud that
ignites, silently, and burns away.
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
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As luck would have it, Cyan's feet have led her true, even as her mind wandered far and wide.
The Blue Rose still stands, it seems, for that is where they are.
True, she doesn't remember that window being covered by a board, and
there is a tad less furniture than on her last visit, but the building
itself seems structurally sound.
Apart from herself, Berd and Jack, there are only a half-dozen customers in the taproom.
She doesn't recognise the man behind the counter, but he is friendly
enough, and quick to serve her. Probably driven by raw terror.
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
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Jack stood before Cyan’s fury in stunned
silence , even still blinking in surprize when the bar man serves
her. He almost takes the silent hint from the drake, to let
Cyan’s anger burn away. He just cant quite stop himself. Silently he
walks up behind the Cyan and reaches out for her shoulder, but
something in him stops before he touches her. “Kali chose, not to
be there, not to come for me or even bother looking.” he realized that
choice and what it meant.
He let his hand rest lightly on Cyan’s shoulder,
“You chose to be there for me, to bring me back from the brink of
death.” his hand slipped away from her shoulder and Jack stole lightly
to the door. Good choice or bad, right or wrong. He felt it was best to
give Cyan some time so he slipped out of the bar stopping just outside
the door to lean against the wall. “Jack you Fool!” he cursed himself
softly.
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
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Cyan's hand fists around the small glass when Jack speaks, and she
stares straight ahead, sapphire eyes blind. She sits in silence,
twitching slightly when his hand rests on her shoulder, then slumps as
her keen ears catch the sound of boards creaking, as Jack slips away in
the silent bar. Slowly, once the door closes, the Bard raises the
glass to her lips and drinks down the scotch. Reaching into her
moneypouch, she fumbles around. Had Berd...? Not all of
them. With a dull thap, she places a gold coin, from this city,
down on the bar.
"Another," Cyan whispers to the bartender. "And leave the bottle,
if you would." Scotch. Foul stuff, to her, but she did not
wish to sample the brandy at this time.
She did not wish to get drunk, either. There has been too much of that, in her past. Menengroth
fell...Cuthalion slain by the Master of Doom, far away, and Mablung cut
down at the gates...spirits curse on the Lord of Fetters, curse him in
the void where he was thrown. That had been a bad time for Cyan, to be sure. The Naugrim took the Heavy-handed, and the Iron of Death bit deeply into Strongbow.
"You chose to be there for me, to bring me back from the brink of death.” Yes. And I would do it again, and again, should it be needed.
Moodily (as is her wont, in the midst of a fine, foul humour), Cyan
rolls the gold coin back and forth on the bar, makes it vanish, then
dances it along the fingers of her other hand, waiting for the
bartender to return.
Jack will disappear, you fool. Leave you, now, after that. But she's paralyzed, unable to get up and follow. Unable to follow, and discover the truth. Fear. I am not a brave woman, I suppose, but is there not a limit? Was he simply giving me time? Or...?
"Donovan," Cyan says aloud, then glances at the bartender. "Is
Donovan well?" Sudden worry touches her, for the Innmaster who
did so much for them, at his own risk. The state of the bar jumps
out to her eyes, then. Things have not been placid, here.
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Berd
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Berd wobbles back and forth on Jack's shoulder as the man leans against
the wall, and stands up on his hind legs, his neck stretching to bring
his eyes down level with Jack's...upside-down. He utters a
single, miserable peep, his eyes still dull with a metallic sheen.
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
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Jack let himself stand there leaning
against the wall, blinking as the drake looked in his eyes. “No
Berd not flee.” he said softly “Just giving Cyan some time. I know she
will calm down quickly, so I’ll just give her time.”
“What do you mean, Your wish, want, desire not,
negatory? If you are asking me not to go, don’t worry. I’m just
going for a walk. . . Perhaps you should go back to Cyan Friend
now.” Jack looked away from the drake “It will work out for the
best Berd, everything will work out for the best.”
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Berd
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Berd nods, bobbing his little head.
The little dragon, however, glances worriedly at the door to the Inn,
then curls up on Jack's shoulder, tail wrapping around Jack's
neck...gently. He immediately goes to sleep.
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
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“Hey you scaly cigar lighter, wake up” Jack
says stepping away from the wall “How about a little of the local
coinage.” With that Jack walked out into the market place, still
searching this world over with lens and tendril to see if it shown any
sings of tampering. It was time to go to work, time to fine what he
needed. He could talk to Cyan later.
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Berd
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Berd's eye pops open for a moment, and the drake stares at Jack,
seemingly incomprehending. Then a faint glitter appears, for a
brief instant, in the dull, metallic depths. A hint of jewel, and
brilliance.
It fades, almost immediately, and the drake begins to snore as the
eyelid shuts. But there's a pouch at Jack's waist that feels
fairly heavy.
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
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Jack wanders the streets of Cadiniagart, observing that there are a
good number of people about, many of whom seem to be involved in
cleaning up and repairs, and those that are tend to be wearing shackles.
There are also frequent guard patrols, but they seem to be more
interested in signs of overt trouble, rather than stopping every
passer-by for questioning. Occasionally they will halt and check
the chains of one of the work parties before continuing with their
patrol.
"Welcome back, Harp Mistress." Donavon has entered the Blue Rose, and is suddenly standing beside Cyan. "I'm
glad ter see yer still in the land of the living. Things've been
a mite hairy round here, these last few days. Come ter bless us
with some more of yer music, have yer?"
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
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"Donovan!" Cyan starts up from her seat, amethyst eyes shining
with delight. "Fabulous! I was concerned that ill-fortune
had taken you." She glances around, noting the lack of
people. "Perhaps...yes, perhaps I might well do that - I had not
planned on staying long, but certain events have necessitated me
remaining for a time." Assuming Jack ever comes back, that is....
Her fingers itch. It has been far too long since she played the
harp, seriously. Before her injury...but her hand feels natural
now. Relaxed, and at ease.
First, though..."But speak to me, Innmaster. What has transpired
in your city?" Cyan waves a hand expressively, then takes another
sip of the scotch. Go easy, Cyan. That did not help the once you attempted it, and it will not help now. "Has there been any news of the sorrowful business that took place when last we met?"
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
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Jack looked around, looking for
anyone that may be paying to much attention to him. “Berd wake up, we
may have a problem. Someone is watching me through my own lens.” He
whispered and started casually making his way back to the inn, quickly
and inconspicuously as he could. He attempted to break the world record
for nonchalant walking, as he retreated back to the inn and Cyan.
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Berd
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Berd snorts, breathing a small gust of fire that, had Jack not cut his
hair, have necessitated some barber work to clean things up. He
sits up and looks around blearily, then yawns.
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
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Donavon looks towards the others in the taproom, then back at Cyan, before speaking quietly, "Well,
Mistress, as yer well knows, at first the rumours spread that the old
king and all his sons had been brutally done in by this 'ere Blaze
feller. Fer a while things were pretty bad, 'specially if'n yer
was a furriner. Then it turned out as one of the princes was
alive. Seems he were wounded an' his advisors had him hid away
fer a few days, until it were safe ter show himseln"
A shrug, and then Donavon continues, "If'n
he'd showed himseln sooner, maybe a deal less blood would've bin
spilled. But leastways, he were crowned three days since.
First thing he does is appeal fer calm, and second thing is ter promise
most of the prisoners in the Royal jail pardons if they 'elps wiyh the
clean up."
"So things's gettin' back ter normal, I reckons."
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
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"He sounds like a just and fair ruler," Cyan begins, a little
hesitantly at Donovans obvious concern about speaking too loudly, but
then warming up. Thank the spirits one of them survived.
"And, perhaps, a wise one. One may hope. As for the
assassin - was it, indeed, Bleys of Amber, or did the new King give
witness against that supposition?" she continues, quietly, her sapphire
eyes fixed on Donovan's face as she unlaced her harp case from her
pack. Another drink poured from the bottle, and Cyan picked up
the glass after settling the case in her lap, one hand caressing it
carefully.
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
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Jack dropped the lens and hurried on,
accepting Berds offer. He ran the last few steps to the in bursting
through the door. looking around. Quickly he strode the distance from
the door to Cyan to the bar, an intense look on his face. His
hand fell on her shoulder and he leaned in and whispered for long
moments.
He glances at the innkeeper with a sheepish
smile not really distancing himself from Cyan “You don’t have coffee do
you?”
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Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
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Cyan's head snaps around when Jack whips into the Inn, and her face
settles into a wary expression. That fades, though, and she
stands, her eyes searching behind him, harp case placed on the chair as
one hand snatches up Kirilinde, leaning against the bar. The tension in his body fairly screams to her, and it howls a single, long note of trouble.
And not, I'll wager, to do with 'us'.
Problems are shelved, then pushed back further when Jack whispers to her. "Rauko," the Bard hisses. "Your pardon, Donavan," she says to the Innmaster, smiling weakly. Always bringing trouble to his doorstep. "If not coffee, might we have some strong tea?"
When the man moves away, she gestures to Jack and then one of the
stools, sitting herself, facing him...which coincidentally gives her a
peripheral view of the door and boarded window. Leaning forwards,
she speaks in a low, hissing whisper that doesn't carry - people
observing might very well think them arguing, and given their entrance,
it seems a good cover for the truth.
The Bard chews thoughtfully on her lip, and glances to Berd, the drake still more than pleased to be sitting on Jack's shoulder.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Tea? Why, yes... I'll be but a few minutes." Donavon hurries through to the back room, while the other customers sit
back to enjoy the fight that they feel certain is about to errupt
before their very eyes.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd preens, obviously getting himself back to his lazy state of
being. For an instant, something sparkles in his eyes, then it is
gone.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack frowned and shook
his head a troubled look finding a home on his face. He could not
control his voice as well as the bard so he leaned so that his lips
were right by her ear and whispered softly. All worries of anything
between them set aside for the moment, yet still willing to feed the
image.
Jack leaned back a fraction and
regarded Cyan’s eyes with his own blues, looking to see if she would
understand his worries or would reject them.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Making a cutting gesture with her hand, Cyan half stands, opening her
mouth in preparation for a razored attack. Pausing, the Bard
sweeps the barroom with furious, topaz eyes, and then sits down,
stabbing a finger into Jack's chest several times, her voice dropping
back to a low, angered hiss.
With a sniff, Cyan turns her head away for a moment, blinking furiously, then looks back to Jack.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack’s face went hard and unreadable as he sat there in the face
of Cyan’s anger. Doing his best to conceal himself in that hard cold
look, with anger hidden beneath the surface. He started removing armor
from the bundle Berd had created for him even as he leaned in and
whispered again.
Jack bit his lip holding back as much as he could, this was not the time or place for a fight with a team mate.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Furious, Cyan slaps one palm down on the bar, turning away from Jack
and pouring herself another drink. The ruby-eyed Bard drinks it
down, coughing once, then spins back to face him, jaw clenched, eyes
burning and face flushing.
"Donovan!" Cyan cries, standing up, slapping down several gold coins
(far more than the price of the tea, the drink - for which she has
already paid - a meal, and a room), and searching for the
Innmaster. "My deepest apologies...I must leave. Someone has reminded me that, no matter the situation, I have certain
responsibilities...." This with a foul look towards Jack.
"I hope this will be enough - likely I will return tonight, and
hopefully I will gain a moment's peace to play...if that is not too
much to ask?" she finishes acidly, giving Jack another razored look.
Turning away from the bar, Cyan storms from the room swinging her pack onto her shoulder, Kirilinde in hand. Berd clings desperately to her shoulder, claws sinking
into her silk shirt, wings snapping out to keep his balance.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack faced the bards acid looks and
venomous words with a confused hurt look of his own, frustration and
anger held barley beneath the surface.
"Red heads!" he muttered shaking his head and shooting the bartender a pleading look as if to say Kill me qick and put me out of my misery. He picked up his tea and downing it in one quick gulp.
“Nnnnggggah!” came the muffled cry as his hand clamed over his
mouth and hot tea scalded his throat, the cup clattering down on the
bar.
“Sorry.” he croaked an apology and took off after
Cyan, trying to hold his outraged throat, hold the bundle of
remaining pieces of armor and trying ineffectually to get more in
place on his body. “Wait up you daft girl.” he called as he
disappeared behind her out the door. Thinking With a row like that they are going to think we are an ol' married couple.
Jack caught up to her in a few steps leaning in close and whispering something into her ear.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Stalking along the street, Cyan gives Jack an aggrieved glance as he
catches up, jerking away from him and muttering something nasty under
her breath - it sounds like a private rant.
Gripping Jack by the arm, Cyan pulls him to a stop beside a wagon,
where two men offload cabbages to a shopkeeper. "At least put
that on," she mutters, angrily, folding her arms and pacing.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack struggles into his armor doing a
little hopping dance from time to time, and almost falling on his ass
once. “Okay, come on!” He snapped irritably at Cyan, “Let’s get this
over with. Sooner we can get this done and I can get away from you the
better.” He snarls at her.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Brilliant topaz eyes snapping with irritation, Cyan moves to straighten
one piece of armor, then nods. "Good enough," she mutters,
shaking her head and tapping the centre of Jack's chest, as if testing
the armor.
With a grimace, the Bard waves her hand towards the cobbled road.
"Shall we continue, then, if you are finished?" she inquires, her voice
edged, but not furious. The little Drake, for his part, sits up,
staring around and beginning to take an interest in the city.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack sighs and nods a little dejectedly “Yea, this
way. . .” he started off in a direction, seeming morose now, lost in
though. He looked tired and emotionally drained at the prospects of
what to was come and where he and Cyan now stood. He did
not even try a real response of any sort, it had all been said.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack leads the way, up the hill, past the marketplace, and further
up. Eventually it becomes obvious that there can only be one
destination. The royal palace of Cadiniagart.
The palace is heavily fortified, standing at the end of an open plaza
which affords a clear view of anybody approaching the gates.
Those gates are closed and guarded, as Cyan and Jack can plainly see
when they reach the plaza.
They stand off to one side, pretending to read the pronouncements and
news posted on a notice board. All of them date from before the
rioting it seems, and most deal with the forthcoming alliance with
Amber. Many of them have been defaced.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"And there you have it," Cyan mutters, grounding Kirlindé's
scabbarded tip on the cobbles, and staring up at the palace. "Our
problem...lies within. In more ways than one." She glances
at the defaced signs. "And it appears that Amber is not
precisely...poplular at the moment. I wonder if this is due to
rumor or royal decree?"
Glancing around, she notes the height of the walls, the sturdiness of
the gates, the fierceness of the guards. "Well, we shan't be
breaking in through the front door," the Bard murmurs, and it is
uncertain whether she is joking or not. Berd's casual appears
makes the latter likely.
Likely.
"There will be a back door, of course. Not for escapes, but for
garbage. We might attempt that route. Or..." Cyan
peers through the gates, trying to garner a good sense of what lies
within. "If you or Berd can move your awareness within the keep,
and show me an image, with a half hour or less, I will be able to put a
simple palanquet together that will enable our access."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Damn” Jack says softly pulling his cloak tightly around him he
leans over and says something to Berd quietly. Still seeming to look at
the proclamations.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan coughs, once, nodding, and wanders around in a circle for a
moment, batting the dust from her boots with her gloves. She runs
fingers through her riotous hair, then gives up with a shrug.
Berd yawns crackingly, almost directly in Jack's face, and then a tiny
thread of silvery mist flows from his open mouth, slipping in under
Jack's cloak. It feels...very strange.
After the brief dusting, the silk of Cyan's clothing shines brilliantly
and cleanly in the sun, while the darker parts are deep and tidy.
She begins to tuck the gloves back into her sash, then thinks better of
it, pulling on the thin, midnight blue items.
Berd preens briefly, then coughs up a small, burning orange cloud that
settles over him. When it vanishes, his entire body sparkles,
save for his eyes.
A tiny flicker in there...a brief twinkle of light. Then another.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack smiles at Cyan letting the cloak fall open to
reveal fancy filigreed armor with inlaid gold leaf metal work. The
white silk tabard with red trimmings and the royal coat of arms, A wolf
and a Liocorn, on a black field with red tracing and three silver
buckles. Jack reached out and put a gentle hand on Cyan’s shoulder for
a moment speaking softly to her, a mischievous glint in his deep blue
eyes.
Jack turned to face the castle gates looking them over letting all of
his finery show and standing tall and proud. He was a royal. “Come
along Mistress Cyan, we have introductions to make.” He
looked into her eyes one last time, with an odd look in his eyes, as if
he wanted to reach out to her though he couldn’t.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan survey's Jack in his new finery, nodding slowly. "You wear
that well," she states, meaning it. Reaching up, the Bard puts
her own palm down on the back of his hand, resting on her shoulder.
"As you wish, your Highness," Cyan states quietly, staring at Jack with
her amethyst eyes. "As you wish. I shall announce
you. For what purpose are we here, other than diplomacy?
The forging of relations? I am certain these people have not yet heard
of Andara."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd grins toothily, looking Jack up and down. The drake sniffs the air for a moment, then peers at the man, more closely.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack nodded and spoke softly for a last moment.
“Yes,” Jack said “the forging of
relations is the goal Mistress Cyan. As you know we have been traveling
lands distant from Andara for some time now. Both to fulfill my whims
as an explorer and initiate diplomatic relations lands far
and wide. Trade agreements, alliances the kind of thing that will
strengthen my place in the family and my bid for the throne of Andara
by profiting both sides.”
He nodded towards the gates still standing tall and
proud, as if somehow above it all. “Is there anything else you
need to be refreshed on before you lead the procession and announce our
presence?”
Jack glanced and Berd and spoke in hushed tones again
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan, her face rapidly beginning to resemble her hair in shade, turns
towards the gate. "Very well, your Highness...I will recall the
information about our horses. I might just express a certain
disapproval of your travelling methods...." A thin, coppery
eyebrow raises towards Jack as Cyan regains her equinamity.
"So you're a bit of a rogue Prince? Exploring? Well and
good, well and good...It might be best if you deal with all questions
regarding your homeland's particular customs as I...well, I am not well
versed in such knowledge."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack again speaks softly to Berd and Cyan leaning close to the Bard
Jack leaned back a from Cyan a bit still speaking
quietly “Any thing else Mistress Bard, or shall we stand here and draw
attention all day. If anything else come up that you feel I need to
know, I am certain you can have Berd forwarn me.”
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
The colour, falling, now rises again in Cyan's face, and the Bard steps
back away from Jack, one hand coming up - to rest against his chest, or
to press him back?
It's uncertain which because Berd chooses that moment to bite her, fiercely, on the ear.
"Ow! Wretched-" Shaking her head, Cyan stares ruefully at Jack and whispers something, quickly.
Then she turns towards the guards. "Shall we?" with a small wave
in their direction. Should Jack acquiese, she walks confidently
beside him, towards the guards.
Berd, on her shoulder, grins toothily and for an instant the tiny sparkle in his eyes intensifies.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
As Jack and Cyan cross the open space before the gates, they get the
unpleasant sensation that people are staring at them, many with
unconcealed hostility in their eyes. It is also noticeable that
people seem to be moving aside for them.
When they get to within roughly fifty feet of the gate, the guards suddenly spring to a wary attention.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack half nodded giving a
shallow bow, “Indeed we shall.” and he walked regally by her side down
to the gate. He watches the reaction of the people, quietly
reading them and the guards passively. Relying on Anadaryan training as
old as their time it’s self, made stronger by travels though countless
worlds of hell.
Yet his thoughts wandered ever so slightly
back to Kalika and the Wolfblade flowers that now grew on the slopes of
Mount Faust. Things he had intended to share with her, that he would
now never be able to. Hunter would have so enjoyed running with the
wolf packs of the preserve. his smile became a little sad again.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan smiles thinly for a moment. She continues to walk, but her attention strays, amber eyes unfocusing slightly.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack snapped back totally to the
present, seeming to take no notice of the people looking at him. He was
a prince and he was above it as he continued to walk forward embodying
the royal house of Andara.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
As the people in the plaza quieten, Cyan and Jack hear the sound of feet marching behind them. Lots of feet.
The marchers stop just behind the pair, and a red-haired woman steps around to face Cyan, "Well-met,
Bard, how fair you since last we met? I see you still have your
little friend, but this other... I don't know him, yet, do I?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Stunned, Cyan wavers for a moment, apparantly hesitant. She is - but not for only one reason.
The Bard looks Fiona directly in the eye. It isn't easy - she has
to look down quite a ways to do so. "Princess Fiona," she begins,
loudly enough for the gate guards to hear. "It has been some time
indeed. Chance seems to have my paths cross with royalty.
May I present to you Antoine Domenique Lavonte, Prince of Andara, here
to greet the new ruler. Prince Domenique, I would present to you
Fiona, Princess of Amber." Cyan gives a little bow and steps back
slightly.
Even as this occurs, a rapid flow of information is exchanged between Berd and Cyan.
There is simply too much at stake right now to play games. If it
can be done in secret, so be it. If not...let the bones fall
where they may.
Cyan straightens from her bow, and looks inquiringly at Jack.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Thank you Mistress Cyan.” Jack had heard of
this one, a princess of. . . Of. . . Of Amber! Had something to do with
Kalika, Kalika preformed some service for her. He couldn’t remember
what. His eyes met Lady Fiona’s for a fraction of a second before he
bowed a slow graceful bow. “Enchanted.” he said as he gave the sweeping
bow. “Most call me Dominique, but my friends call me Jack. ” he said as
he swept back up to meet her eyes again for a millisecond before
changing his focus and looking to Cyan.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Fiona (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"A pleasure to meet you, and I hope we shall be friends... Jack."
Her attention goes back to Cyan, "I
see your small, and handsome, friend has learned a few tricks. We
obviously have much to speak about. Where are your other
companions, are they about somewhere?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan cocks an eyebrow over a lambent, topaz eye, nodding her head to the side. "Excuse me, Prince Dominique."
Turning back to Fiona. "I fear my friends and myself parted ways
some time ago. I could not, in good faith, abandon my own
responsibilities, and thus find myself here."
Berd preens happily, a faint sparkle appearing in his eyes.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack gave an ever so
slight nod to Cyan before turning his attention back to Fiona. “Friends
it is your Highness. Forgive my rudeness, but it sounds as if you and
Mistress Cyan have some pleasantries to catch up on. I understand that
no one royal or may hold the attention of a wandering bard. I belive I
shall attend to the boring matters at hand of my announcement, while
you reminisce with the bard and hear the latest news and bardic
lore of lands near and far. Somehow. . . ” His eyes sweep over
the procession behind Fiona “I don’t think you yourself need any
announcement here.”
With short shallow bow Jack backed away a
step before turning and strolling for the gates in a care free yet
dignified manner. Unless stopped.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Fiona (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Fiona's eyes widen almost imperceptibly, but that is her only sign of reaction to what she has been told."I
see. Nevertheless, I do have duties to attend to here. If
the Prince and yourself are not at liberty to become part of my
retinue, still I would invite you both to join me for tea, at your
earliest convenience. I'm sure you have many fascinating tales of
your adventures on the road."
Behind her, Jack speaks to the guards, who after some discussion, study
of his heraldic arms, and so on, finally decide that he is indeed a
prince, and that he can pass.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Down by the gate Jack could be heard “Not Endora, Andara. . .Endora’s a witch, Andrar’s my country.”
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan bows, sapphire eyes dark in the sunlight. "It would be our
pleasure to join you for tea, your highness, as soon as Prince
Dominique has completed his introductions to his Majesty...I do indeed
have several tales to tell that you might find amusing."
Cyan turns back to the gates, striding up to where Jack is currently
discussing things with the guards. "How is it that you fellows
keep a Prince from entry? I've half a mind to inquire as to your
names and seconds," she states, the very picture of bristling
annoyance. "Send for someone of rank, if you would; the Prince
has had a long journey, and a Princess approaches next!"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack bit back a smile and took Cyan by the arm
speaking softly to her as if helping calm her down. As they
waited on someone to attend them and lead them where they needed to go.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Still frowning at the guards, Cyan taps her foot impatiently, amethyst
eyes flickering with annoyance. Berd, on her shoulder, curls up
into a ball, obviously exhausted.
Not that it's a surprise.
Berd raises his head and glares at Jack for a brief moment, then goes back to sleep.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The guards finally open the gate for Jack and Cyan, then there is a
brief wait, during which Fiona and her entourage are allowed entry,
with considerably less difficulty than the Prince of Andara.
Eventually they are taken to a suite of rooms in the furthest possible
wing of the palace, which would seem like an insult to Jack's status,
save that Fiona and her group are given rooms in the same corridor.
The suite comprises a sitting room, four bedrooms, and a
bathroom. The sitting room has a broad window which gives a good
view of the ocean, and a ship flying the flag of Amber at anchor just
beyond the harbour.
From up here, the damage to the city is more obvious.
Before he leaves, their guide enquires if they would like refreshments?
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
As they are led to the
rooms Jack comments several times on the interesting architecture and
art. Going so far as to stop and as the poor soul that had been
assigned to lead them about the history or significance of some of
better sights. Once in the room Jack tunes to their
porter and says “If possible I would like for it to be arranged
for me to tour your lovely castle while we await and audiance with the
King. In the mean time I believe we have an invitation to have tea with
the Princess that arrived after us. What was her name again?” the look
that came over him was one of someone trying to remember something that
was on the tip of his tongue. He waved his hand dismissing the
thought since he was having problems with it. "Did you reqire anything
Mistress Cyan."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan whips away the window where she has been studying the ship and the
ocean. "Hmm? My apologies...brandy would be good, thank
you," the Bard replies, going over the conversation.
Berd hops off her shoulder onto a couch, settling down on a large
pillow and immediately beginning to breathe more deeply. Cyan
stares at him sadly for a moment, emerald eyes worried.
"Ah...Fiona, your Highness. Princess Fiona."
Berd bestirs himself enough to crack an eyelid.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack walked over to the Cyan resting a hand on her
shoulder for a moment again for a moment, he could not hold back a soft
smile. “Brandy it is Mistress Cyan.” He looked to the Porter and nodded
“Brandy for me an the lady and some food.” If nothing else the drake would eat
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan raised one thin, copper eyebrow at Jack, nodding slightly.
"Food, of course. Small things - cheese, sliced meat perhaps...."
The Bard slowly turns, her ruby eyes probing the room carefully.
"Perhaps I might play you something, your Highness? While we
wait? It has been long since I have done so, and I would test the
strength of your gift to me."
To any listener, that might be construed to refer to her harp. Jack and Cyan know differently.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“That would be delightful Mistress Cyan,”
Jack replied casually a smile playing at the edges of his lips “I can
not recall if I have ever heard you play.” Jacks slid his fingers
across the bards shoulders before letting them fall away.
“A song would help ease the tension
and while away the time until we may meet with their King to negotiate
alliances or have Tea with Fiona.” Jack said softly before moving
away to a divan and sitting down,
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"As...as you wish, your highness," Cyan says, turning away from
Jack. She fumbles, briefly, with the harp case strapped to her
pack, but manages to release it quickly enough.
The case, resting in her hands, seems to bring a small change to the
nervous young woman, and she relaxes, slightly, smiling faintly in
Jack's direction. "Well then, Prince Dominique," Cyan begins,
opening the case and lifting out the shimmering instrument. "What
sort of music would you desire?"
Her fingers dance along the shining strings, and the harp sends forth
an unearthly sound, clearer, brighter than it should, the notes dancing
around the room like crystal. In the sunlight, where Cyan moves
to perch upon a stool, the silvery metal of the body flares like flame,
catching the light and throwing it back, and the strings shift into a
rainbow of colours. Inlays in the body are dull, strangely enough
- a cold, greyish metal that does not seem to shine.
"A martial song, perhaps?" For an instant, the chords march
through the room with strength and purpose, determination matched with
spirit. "Oh...I think not. There has been enough of that
lately, and it suits not your purpose here. Perhaps a ballad of
travel and adventure?" Now the song shifts and twists, sweeping
high, then dropping low, cascading through the octaves and
chords. "But then, we have had a long journey recently."
Cyan ponders for a long moment, her eyes gone dark, deep amethysts in
her pale face.
Berd's head comes up for an intant. No, no food yet. It drops back down.
"Perhaps," the Bard muses, "I should sing of love." This is
chancey, she knows. Jack may not take too well to this,
but...they are the best songs, of course. "I will sing to you of
the Onehanded and his love, the Nightengale; and the trials and
tribulations through which they lived, until they finally came together
to live a single Mortal life by the grace of the One and the Lords of
the West."
The song begins - the playing of the harp is light and alien, and
Cyan's perfect pitch and vocal range is stretched to its limit...but
not beyond. While not english, thari, or any other common tongue, the language is familiar, reminiscent of certain words. Kirilindë. Palanquet.
Other phrases Jack has heard Cyan utter, in the past. And despite
his lack of concentration, the story told is easy to understand, for
the patterns of the music, the cadence of the words, those tell
everything. The details are unimportant. It is the theme
that speaks to the listener, and this song speaks well when sung by
Cyan.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
In no more than ten minutes, the servant returns with a tray bearing a
bottle of brandy, two fine crystal goblets, and a covered silver
platter, which is revealed to hold an assortment of snacks - bite-sized
pastry packets, each bearing a pastry silhouette which represents its
contents; a fowl of some description on some, or a fish, an animal that
could be anything from a rabbit to an ox, and some kind of fruit or
vegetable.
All of the pastries are piping hot.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack closed his eyes
leaning back and let Cyan’s melody fill him. He had heard many good
singers in his lifetime and many more soulful melodies, but none
could compare. Even before the castle stewards had knocked and brought
in the meal at the end of the song, Jacks eyes had snapped open
and he tensed for an instant relaxing again.
“Thank you.” Jack said dismissing
the stewards with a wave. He smiled at Cyan, “That was truly great
Cyan, you are a bards, bard.” He stood and moved over to pour her a
glass of brandy. Forgetting himself in the moment, he brought it back
over to where she sat and served her, though he handed the crystal cup
to her with polished flair. “There we can’t have you strain
yourself and be unable to play for me again.” He smiled an easy smile
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Thank you, your Highness," Cyan bows from her seated position, then
accepts the snifter. "I must tell you that my talents pale
against those of the Golden Hand, or Daeron. But I have been told
that my skills compare favourably with those of the Eldar, and that my
natural talent is exceptional." Gracious words, she thinks, taking a sip of the fiery liquid.
And this is fine brandy.
"Berd!"
The dragon freezes, snout about to bury itself into the food.
Slowly, Berd's head turns and he scratches under his neck with a
claw. ...nothing to see, here...just sniffing....
Shaking her head, Cyan stands and walks over, touching Jack on the
shoulder as she steps past him, and quickly fills a small plate,
putting it down on the soft cushion beside the dragon. "I fear
his manners drop sharply when he is like this." The dragon gives
her a dirty look, and immediately sets to.
"It would take a great deal more than that to strain me, Jack.
While I am no Finwë Noldofinwë, nor Corwin of Avalon, I have played for
a day and a night before giving way to the greatest of the Eldar, who
it is said will not falter over a week, should they choose to exert
themselves." With a quirky smile, Cyan moves to her seat again,
taking a sip from the snifter and watching Jack with brilliant topaz
eyes.
"Shall I continue? I might play the song of the Fall of the City
of Stone, that nonetheless brought forth the most splendid of mariners,
from the Second Union. Else I might sing of Greycloak, and the
Spirit he loved, the parents of the Nightengale of my last ballad."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Yes, pleas continue Mistress Cyan,” Jack
said with a nod and moved over to sit beside her “Play for me the song
that thrills you the most. I find that A player plays the best when
they love the piece. Not to mention I would love to hear music that
inspires you. . . And not just for the insight, but for the smile it
might reveal showing upon your countenance as well.” He smile
looking at Cyan as if studying her “Though I must admit, I feel
ever so guilty hoarding you talents. Perhaps we should let others here
your songs as well. Music is meant to be shared.”
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan frowns, briefly, and her eyes glitter like emeralds, burning with
green fire in their depths. Shaking her head, she takes another
sip of the brandy. With narrowed eyes the Bard watches Jack for a
moment, sitting on the chair beside her stool, then smiles, whatever
had disturbed her vanishing like smoke. "Of course. The
city in the stone, then. From hope of rebirth, to love, to
despair, to terror, and to hope renewed, and love."
A touch of the strings, and the room fills with music.
"By all means, your Highness - call whom you wish." Cyan laughs
quietly. "But I fear we know few people in this land - the only
one with whom I am familiar are certain innmasters, and the Princess
Fiona. We have met before, her and I."
Giving vent to a ringing belch, Berd looks up from the glistening plate
and stares around blearily. For a long moment his eyes glitter
like jewels, then they dull, and the drake falls heavily on his side
and curls up in a ball.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan's music drifts through the suite, beautiful and haunting, and only
slightly marred by the snoring accompaniment of a certain drake...
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack looked to the Cyan moving his hand to rest on her
shoulder “Hold for a moment Mistress Cyan this song sounds one of
length, you mentioned the Princess Fiona. Yes Let us check in on her
and see if she would like to hear your magic melodies again. Lets us go
visit her, that we may share your gift of song.”
Jack stood and extends his hand to Cyan graciously offering to help her up. "Shall we away?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Pausing, Cyan blinks several times, detatching herself from the
music. "Princess...Fiona? Certainly. I do know her,
and they did place her just down the hall from us. Gift of
song? Careful, Prince Dominique - you'll turn my head." The
Bard laughs, smiling from under her riot of hair, topaz eyes shining
with amusement.
Reaching out, she takes Jack's hand, her harp going into its case. The case is slung, and her foot hooks Kirilinde carry-braid, flipping the sword up so that she may catch it by the wooden scabbard. "If your Highness will follow me?"
"I believe it was out here," Cyan states, leading Jack to the door,
"and down the hall to that door...Berd?" The little dragon sighs,
flapping over to land on the Bard's shoulder. Cyan leads Jack
down the hall, pausing to examine a painting of a beautiful landscape,
before bowing to the guards outside Fiona's door.
"Good afternoon, Gentlemen. His Highness and I were wondering if the Princess Fiona was admitting visitors."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Fiona (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Fiona's suite is larger, allowing space for a larger entourage.
It is furnished to the same high standard as the sone shared by Cyan
and Jack though. From the corridor, the pair are let into a guard
room with two smaller doors leading off from it, one to each side, and
a larger door, guarded, opposite the entrance.
Beyond the guarded door, Jack and Cyan find thems elves in the familiar arrangement of sitting room, bedrooms, and bathroom.
Fiona is there, waiting for them, attended by a single guard.
"Welcome, both of you. Sit, please." she indicates two vacant chairs, and moves to a third herself.
The guard follows her, and when she sits he is standing behind her
right shoulder and within easy reach.
"Help yourselves to tea, and you may speak
freely, I have taken certain... precautions against our being spied
upon. Simply put, anybody eavesdropping on our conversation will
believe they hear only casual chatter and gossip."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
As they walked over Jack had briefly said “Why
Miss Cyan, is that coyness and flirting? I would have never expected
such of you. . . Of course you know that does not mean to stop
either.” then they were in front of the guards and being ushered
into Fiona’s chambers.
“Thank you your Highness.” Jack said giving a
shallow bow to Fiona, then glancing at Cyan “Ah well, all my smoothness
already undone and bested with ease and grace Cyan.” he added with a
shrug. He stood letting the women sit firs before he himself took a
seat. “I believe you wanted to see us princess Fiona, saying there was
much to discuss, perhaps we should start there. Or perhaps we should
start with Cyan telling the whole tale as my memory is not what it used
to be.”
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
With no chance to respond to Jack, Cyan merely follows the guards into
the suite, giving him a quick glance with her ruby eyes. She
stares curiously about herself, wondering at the opulence - the Bard is
ill-used to this sort of quarters.
When she finally stands before Fiona, Cyan bows. "Thank you, your
Highness," she whispers, sitting down after pouring herself a
cup. She will need it, Cyan knows. A quick nod to Jack for
his politeness, and then Cyan grimaces. It
appears I will be telling the tale yet again...and I do not have the
stomach for the litany of pain and death. And yet, if I do not
recall, how can people know what has gone on? How can we give
meaning to the sacrifices?
With another nod to Jack, Cyan composes herself. "Yes...it might
be best for me to tell, as I was there from the beginning. Jack
can correct me, should I err."
Closing her eyes, the Bard prepares, summoning her memories of the past.
Then she begins.
"Ares was our guide as we left the Forest of Arden...."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack sat quietly through the
whole tale finding as many revelations in it as Fiona, possibly more.
Nodding quietly from time to time, the tale was a reminder of the
gravity of the situation, the loss both he and Cyan had endured.
Yet something more he puzzled out of it all combined with what memories
he had. Not only did he realize potentially how little time any of them
may have left. He remembered Kalika and the way she embraced life
to it’s fullest, living in the moment and holding each moment as if it
were the last. The simple life of a Chunchee warrior. . .
Realizing she lived on not just in Kia, bit in himself as well.
He would honor her and try to live life more like she did. With the
successful battle against the Archon’s, they now had powerful enemies
themselves. Who knew when the next strike would come against the two
remaining seekers.
The tale like so many told the best and worst of people,
inside himself he saw paranoia and frustration at the games the group
had played on each other. He did not like these traits in himself, he
would not let them so rule him again. Though questions arose, was Ares
real name David? Certainly Ares was more of the earned title of the
man. Achived by the place he took in that world. The mentions of the
arrogance over the term shadow, made anger well inside if Jack.
Reflections or not, they were people. They felt pain and joy! They had
dreams and hopes! They were not shadows to be toyed with at a whim. He
was not a shadow, he was a man!
In the end he let that go for another time as his face held a
thoughtful expression through out the story. Lost in it, as things fell
into place in his mind. The Broken one eyed god, the destroyer of
worlds had to be stopped. But how do you face someone so
powerful? It was so huge an undertaking that it seemed almost
impossible. They had not even had the chance to heal the breaks of the
Archon’s world. What could Jack do to help so many, when he was but one
tired old man.
Al he could do was honor Kalika, live in the moment and continue the war.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Fiona (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Fiona listens with care to the long tale, while the guard stands behind
her shoulder. Her attention is, seemingly, focussed entirely on
Cyan, his seems to be on the space between Fiona and her two visitors.
Every so often Fiona stops Cyan so that she can ask for clarification of some point or other.
Finally, with the tale done, she leans back in her chair.
"Well, it appears to me that this situation
stretches far beyond what we had suspected. With other
information we have received from... " the guard coughs, and Fiona scowls, "
... from sources at the Courts of Chaos, it appears that whoever is
behind the assassinations here is also behind attempts to destablise
their own trade and support treaties. At first we suspected that
somebody was trying to rekindle the war between Amber and Chaos in
order to take advantage of the confusion."
"Now, though, it appears that the apparent destablisations may be, in
point of fact, attacks in their own right. Interesting, and
worrying."
"Would you two be interested in continuing this, if I could find you additional assistance?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Over.
The long story told, the tale complete. Up to a certain point, of course. The Now.
'...and we turned to see you, your Highness.'
Jack has been so quiet, lost in his thoughts. Cyan feels a
painful ache, thinking about what the man must be going through, to
again hear his story, all of the pain, the loss, and yet...not fully
recall it.
But resolute. She could feel it, like steel within him, flexible yet strong.
Fiona's offer comes as no surprise, and yet...Cyan drums her fingers,
staring up at the guard for a moment. Reaching down, she sips at
her tea, taking a quick glance at Jack.
"I had not planned on abandoning this fight. It threatens all,
and it seems that everything, everything is at stake. How could I
walk away from it?" The Bard raises one eyebrow over an amber
eye. "I would continue. We came to give you this
information, your Highness, not to set aside this journey. To do
so would be to dishonor everyone who has suffered thus far, and
ourselves, and abandon those who will suffer in the future."
Leaning back, she picks up her teacup again. Despite her
training, the Bard's voice is raw - heavy emotion has its own
effects. Berd, for his part, looks up from the sugarcubes, and
ambles over. "What aid would you propose? As you have
heard, we have had difficulties with others - it is a failing of ours,
in part, though a lesser one from where I sit."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack stirred with the fingers of his
hand touching one another in a steeple in front of him. “Cyan is
right princess Fiona” He said looking up at the fiery haired Amber
woman. “We will continue as we must, for . . . Because we have to. Help
would be nice, I am not certain how we can continue without it. However
we have had such troubles in the past that it has threatened to rend
the group asunder. We need help so badly, but if people can not work
together then we are worse for it. Any way Cyans reasons are the
correct ones, but I don't think ther is a choice any more. After that
attack they will certainly be hunting us."
Jack face half fell and resignation set in.
“It. . . It is important to hear your thoughts on these matters you
Highness. As Cyan asked, what directions you feel we might take? Is
there any information that you can share with us may help.” He
hesitated a moment “I suppose you shall be setting an Amber in charge
and leadership of this now?”
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Fiona (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Things are a little... tense at home." again the guard clears his throat, but this time Fiona ignores him completely, "I
would rather give the responsiblity for this to trustworthy
people. There are currently a handful of our agents in the city -
"
*Ahem*
" - and I will order them to travel with you and offer what assistance they can. They will not be placed in command - "
*Cough*
" - of your quest, but they should be considered equals."
"After all, Julian trusted - "
*Cough*
Fiona turns her head, and a wicked grin spreads across her features, "You really should get that throat seen to... Brother!"
The guard, who's expression had been merely dour previously, now looks thoroughly annoyed. "Need I remind you, Benedict," Fiona goes on, "that you are here merely for my protection? King Random assigned me to be in charge of this mission to Cadiniagart, with full discretionary powers. Well, I have chosen to exercise those powers!"
"This is a grave error. Tacti - "
Fiona ignores him, and turns back to Cyan and Jack, "Please
forgive Benedict, he is annoyed because he went to all the trouble of
concealing his absence from Amber, and now I've let it slip to two
people that I firmly believe I can trust. Just like the foolish
woman the big oaf believes me to be."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack listens watching as the
interplay between Fiona and the Guard becomes one of Brother and
sister. At that point his face takes on a slight perplexed look, which
is dismissed quickly enough. He himself does not know of anyone named
Benedict, not surprisingly. Though if he was sent to guard Fiona and
she is not someone to be trifled with. Well Jack does not even
begin to imagine how dangerous this man may be.
Jack gave a shrug “No I will not out your ruse, I
have no reason too even if I wanted. I’d be more then happy to welcome
the help, trusting your judgment in agents. As long as Cyan agrees. .
.” His eyes swing from brother to sister casually.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Benedict.
Cyan HAS heard the name. Once, twice, perhaps? Song of a
man with legendary skill, a ghost general...but nothing more than
that. One of the Princes of Amber, obviously, here
incognito. It follows that his face is not well known - if it
were, people might recognize him. Thus, Fiona, definitely
recognizable - the stalking horse, with Benedict as her silent
shadow. Two for the price of one, and taking either would likely
make that price high indeed.
No, these Lords of Order were not simple, easily living up to their reputations, little that Cyan knew of them.
Something startles Berd and he sit up on Cyan's shoulder, staring at Fiona like a surprised cat.
"Hush, Berd. Nor will I, your Highness," she states
quietly. To cover her surprise and a certain discomfort, Cyan
sips at her tea. Then she continues. "I have no qualms of
sharing this duty with others...no qualms save one. Times past we
have had difficulty with those in our group, with the lack of sharing
of information. Now, I do not wish to go back to any bargain or
forcing people to tell all. But we do need to know in whose hands
we place our lives - it will be difficult enough to have such a group
agree on a course of action, without knowing a little of each
other. I am not adverse to telling all of my background, all of
my strengths, but I would at least know something of those with whom we travel. Preferably from them - better that they choose what they wish to say."
Giving demands to a Princess. Cyan almost shakes her head in disbelief, but keeps her emerald gaze on Fiona's own brilliant green eyes.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack shakes his head and reaches out to put
his hand on Cyan’s. “No Cyan, we will deal with this quid pro qoe. . .
tit or tat. I hate doing it that way, but we have tried the other. Now
we will bring in only those who earn our trust and respect into our
circle. Telling them all only if they tell us all.” Jack had grown
grave and serious. “I despise doing it this way, and feel that
the only way to make decent plans is to know what each member of the
team can do. As well as knowing what each knows. However, no offence
meant your Highnesses, most of the Ambers and Chaosites I have met so
far would not know honesty or teamwork if it bit them.”
“We have the advantage in of a greater wealth of
information for trade if it comes down to it. For those that accept it
and join in freely, we will freely share. Those that lie or deceive we
will ostracize. Those that share only a bit will only receive an
equitable return. It is the old game of the prisoners dilemma, and it
is how we should play it if you want my opinion. Dealing
with each member separately, giving each only their dues in respect and
trust. This one I must stand firm on Cyan, please do not fight me on
it.”
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan drums her fingers on the arm of her chair for a moment, then sets
her teacup down. "As you wish, Jack," she states quietly.
Division, now, would not be a good thing.
Giving him a quick smile to tell him that she is not angered (rather, her anger is not directed at him), the Bard stands, carefully pulling her hand free.
Irritation spikes her, and she paces the room, pausing to stare out the
window at the ocean. Berd, seated on the back of her chair,
watches her carefully, and then turns to look at Jack.
Tiny sparkles, barely visible, now dance in his eyes.
"I might yet tell them of myself," Cyan states quietly, from the
window, staring out into the sun with dark, sapphire eyes. "This
is too important. But I shall listen to you, Jack, and judge
whether or not I should speak of my own strengths and weaknesses at the
time. Their choice will be their own."
A shrug, then. "So. It is decided, but as you say, I like it not at all."
Berd sniffs the tea, then begins to drink it down. The little
dragon finishes, then sneezes, and the definite aroma of mead fills the
air. Berd sits back looking satisfied, and studies Fiona with a
certain curiousity.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack stood and started pacing as
Cyan spoke, “Yes I know Cyan” He said in soft understanding tones
“look at it this way, perhaps we will be lucky and they will not
play games. . .It should be alright if you tell them what you do Cyan,
besides it suits your nature and I would not want you to see you go too
far against your nature. For that matter I have no real problem
telling them what I do. Put your best foot forward kind of thing. You
and I both know it’s not what you can do, but what you do with it. That
and if we can’t work together that far we may as well give up on it
now.”
“However we shall only share what we have found
out from the past quest, those vital clues and such with people that
come clean and earn total trust. Step into the inner circle of trusted
friends so to speak. Treating them with the respect and trust they earn
on an individual basis. Otherwise we hold the aces to trade as needed.
Treat people as they treat you, if honest, open, kind and unfostered.
Match it freely, if not match that as well. It is fair and even. . .a
trade of honest and cooperation for the same.”
“You know me I can always find an
interesting and important fact or two, for the coin of trade. Lexy
would not have known about the church if I had not told everyone. Quid
pro quo. . . Trading and negotiating. Hopefully we will not have to use
it, and will all be happy campers. Who could ask for more?”
‘We will be reasonable, I promise.” He stopped and
touched Cyan’s shoulder “Thanks for trusting me on this
one.”
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Fiona (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The "guard", Benedict, gives Jack a scornful look at his assessment of
the behaviour of Amberites, but holds his tongue. If Fiona wants
to make a complete mess of this business, then let her...
Fiona herself listens to the conversation between prince and bard with
little interest, a smile spreading across her lips occasionally, only
to fade just as quickly. For most of the time her attention seems
to be on the drake. Once, her eyes suddenly open wider, and it is
her turn to look surprised, but only for an instant.
Berd merely looks smug.
Finally the Princess of Amber speaks, "Very well, Bard, since you have put it so clearly." Her tone seems faintly amused, but there is no longour any humour in her eyes, "I will strongly recommend that these agents give you all reasonable cooperation, since
this matter does seem to be too important to let my own personal
feelings on being dictated to interfere."
"Remember though, that in future I may not be so forgiving."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan moves to sit down across from Fiona again, pushing the teapot
aside and putting Berd back on her chair. The dragon gives her a
quick glance, but then puts his head down and begins to snooze, keeping
one eyelid cracked slightly to watch Fiona. No hostility, there;
merely a hint of wariness.
"I must apologize for our comments regarding Amber and Chaos.
They were based on our experiences with one or two people from each
place," Cyan notes, quietly. That was rude, no question. "No insult was intended - after so long on the road, we have entered the habit of speaking our minds."
She pauses, thinking over very carefully what she planned to say
next...then tossing it aside. With a shrug, the Bard
continues. "As for the discussion of terms...you did ask if we
would wish to continue, if you could find us assistance. I will continue
with this, alone, if need be...but I see no need to put up with the
sort of difficulties with which, after listening to our story, you must
be well acquainted. Worlds are being destroyed, millions of
people are dying! We have no time or care to concern ourselves
with individual secrets. We have shared all of our information
regarding the threat - I can only hope that your agents will understand
the gravity of the problem and set aside their own concerns."
She shrugs. "If not, well, we shall deal with that issue when it
arises. If my demands for cooperation smack of rudeness to you, I
understand, though it is necessity that drives them. As I said,
millions have died, and likely billions more will do so in the future."
The threat she doesn't address. Fiona has taken mild insult, and
it behooves her to remind them that she, too, requires respect.
Cyan can understand that - in Fiona's place she might well do the
same. It doesn't change what the Bard said, though, and that she
would say the same, again. But Jack has decided we will do this differently, and my way failed us. We shall try his.
"I understand that Amber has had difficulties, and yet we have heard
nothing of them - it might help us to know under what kind of pressure
you find yourselves. Each and every clue is a link in the chain,
leading us back to the Enemy."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Cyan is correct,” Jack lowered his
eyes “I must apologies for the comment on Ambers and Chaosites, I have
had little experience with either them. Though that experience has at
times been trying to say the least. What’s more is I must apologize for
any slight I may have given either of you personally. We will not with
hold any pertainet information of the quest from you or the courts of
Amber, as we have not withheld any information from you. Thank you for
your understanding.”
Jack swept a bow only looking at them again as he rose from it.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Fiona (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Fiona sighs, and looks to Benedict, who merely grunts noncommitally. His sister seems to take that as a "yes" though, "Very
well, but this is to go no further than these four walls. Few
people, even in Amber itself, know the full truth of this... "
She stands and starts pacing back and forth as she explains the situation.
Fiona returns to her seat as she finishes speaking, "So now you know how bad things have become for us. Only those of us in this room, plus Cain and Random know these facts."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack nodded in acknowledgment
“This Cain you mentioned,” a
small worried frown showed on Jack, he continued putting together
pieces he had just heard in Cyan’s tale “It is the same Cain that
had a agent here in this City? Cain’s agent was there for Cylla’s
murder, Cylla was from a land called Cainia, ‘The green land.’,
with an name similar to Cain’s own. The hand with the Pure patterned
tattooed on it was in Cainia, and Cain’s agent had a odd geometric
trump. . .Plankquet tattooed on his arm. You are having trouble
with the mystic card of contact and Cain is privy to it all. Something
of a expert on these Trump things is he? I am not certain what
all of this means, perhaps something, perhaps nothing.”
Jack shrugged and chuckled . “I am
not pointing fingers, some one could be trying to frame him,
coincidence perhaps?” It was half question half statement “Or
maybe someone is trying to call him out, bait him so to speak.” Jacks
look became one of befuddlement “It is not my place to say,
perjase I am just lost on a wild tangent.” Jack paused a moment here
“Are You and Prince Benedict going to deal with matters and
investigations here at the castle. Seeing if the new King is working
for the Broken God and dealing with the small orb that has been placed
here? Or would you rather we delve into it, before exploring other
leads that we have?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan's face sets as Fiona speaks.
Cyan rises and begins to pace, studying her feet, waiting to see if
Fiona will acknowledge her request. "Beldin," she states, emerald
eyes flashing at the memory. "Caine's agent was Beldin. I
have a sketch, back in my room. As for the King here, events
spiral out of control out in the Myriad Worlds. This world is
'slow' - we have been gone for a month, and less than a week has
passed. It would be better were we capable of continuing, but if
you need this threat dealt with first, we can."
Berd watches the bard pace for a moment, glances at Benedict, standing
behind Fiona's chair, and then looks at the ground with a
'what-can-you-do' expression on his draconic face.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Fiona (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Fiona considers her response carefully, then, "Very well. You are the nearest thing we have to experts on this
scheme. It makes far more sense for you to continue as you have
been. Benedict and myself will deal with the situation
here. We have as much information about this orb now as you
do. You are to continue as you have been, investigate this plot,
and strike at the enemy whenever you get the opportunity."
"The information you have given us so far is certainly interesting enough that it's clear where your main usefulness lies."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Forgive me your highnesses, there is something I
must check on. I must see if there have been any orbs planted closer
to, your Amber. Cyan, the floor is yours. ” Jack became quiet and
thoughtful again steepling his fingers, letting Cyan deal with this for
a moment. He knew how to find Amber by the attempt before. . . Now was
time to see.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Of course, Jack," Cyan replies quietly. She then turns back to
the Lords of Order. "That makes good sense, your Highness," she
muses. "There is yet time, I take it, before your agents return
to here, or you are to meet them? Jack and I can spend it poking
about in this palace - I doubt we shall be missed, with the new King
most likely discussing the situation with yourself. I do not know
if we will discover anything of substance," she says, with a faint
smile for the royalty, "but I suspect we will at least be able to warn
you of the sphere's exact location."
"As for returning to travelling the Myriad Worlds," she muses, frowning
thoughtfully, "we will continue to harry the Enemy on any and all
worlds we find It, and attempt to discover the truth behind Its
actions. We may accomplish little more - we come into this game
late, your highness. I must give our Enemy a certain, grudging
respect for Its planning at least, to have come so far without
detection. Until now."
It is far, far ahead of us, Its plans already ripened almost to
fruition. We are desperately attempting to plug a riddled dike
with our fingers, while cracks run through the walls. World by
world will fail - there are simply too many. We MUST discover
their centre, find the fulcrum upon which we may lay a lever to topple
them completely, or at least destabilize their balance.
"We must stall them, hurt them, and run them in circles until an
opening presents itself," she mutters, sapphire eyes dark with cold
anger, "and then strike. Most likely that strike will come from
yourselves, your Highness - the Lords of Order, or Chaos. But who
can say? Mayhap it might come from us. Stranger things have
happened."
Berd's head comes up, and he cocks one scaled eye ridge at Cyan for a moment.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Fiona (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Fiona stands and crosses to a table. There is a small box on the
table, and she opens it with a key that simply appears in her
hand. Removing a deck of cards from it, she searches through them
briefly before returning to hand one of them to Cyan. "I have no use for this one, I have other ways to achieve the same effect that I would use it for."
The rest she replaces in the box, and seals it once more.
"The agents are under instruction to return to
the ship, once they have concluded their investigations. I will
send a message that they are to be redirected here. Until that
time, feel free to conduct investigations of your own."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Other ways.... Interesting. Cyan glances at Berd for a moment, and wonders if they are similar to his own. Probably far greater, she thinks.
Berd, for some odd reason, looks affronted.
Taking the 'Trump', Cyan looks it over very carefully. The Artist
was skilled...very skilled, far more than herself, Leonardo, or even
Kendall. Unicorn on the back. Cyan stares at the Trump,
studying the energy play in it without bringing that energy to the fore.
Then she bows, slipping the Trump into her pack, rather than in with her palanquet.
Amethyst eyes flick to Jack for an instant, but the man is still
busy. Shrugging, the Bard turns back to the Royal pair.
"Is there aught else you require of us, your highnesses? Or
perhaps anything more you might tell us - perhaps you have seen
something within the story we have told that we have not." She
leans forward. "What of the Pattern on the Arm, at the
Church? Might you know from whence this arm hails?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“The orb here is deep below the palace.”
Jack said eyes closed and his voice was soft and distant. Falling
silent again for a long time as he surfed the worlds that formed
circles are Amber “There- there looks to be another orb in one of the
worlds near Amber and here, but none in Amber it’s self that I could
find.” Jack’s eyes opened, he had not even realized he had closed them.
Looking around the room and taking it all in again “Investigate here
until your agents are ready? okay.” He finished with a nod pondering
what to investigate here.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan, noting that Jack sounds uncertain, shrugs her shoulders.
"We have many things here we could investigate. I would like to
take in the place where the murders happenned - such things leave
psychic resonance, and we might get a better idea of what occurred, or
even discover something 'familiar'. Then there is the new 'King',
though I doubt we will discover much about him. Examining the orb
might be a good idea as well. If only we knew more about
them!" The Bard shakes her head in annoyance. "We should
have captured one from the battle...it might have been useful for
study. Well, that is nothing that cannot be remedied. A
quick discussion with Prime might liberate some answers."
Pondering, Cyan taps her lips with one finger, amber eyes
shadowed. "Of course, it seems that each orb may have a different
method for capturing energy. With the first, it was the
Gatherer. Yet, for all of the Worlds Jack has surveyed, there has
not been another like it." The Bard shudders at the thought of
that terrible being, and the possibility, no, the likelyhood of there
being more than one. "It is possible that the orbs, while not
being individual, belong to certain orders,
each with its own ability to steal, for different energies or different
reasons. I would definitely like to study this orb. A
creature such as the Gatherer would attract your attention, in Amber,
likely in an instant. This world would necessitate subtlety."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Fiona (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Ah yes, the Pattern on the arm... " Fiona muses, "I
have seen such things before. Often their presence drives the
wearer mad. It is not a common practice here in Amber.
Those who can use the Pattern don't need such a focus to do so, and
those who need a focus are not generally strong enough to use it
safely. There are a few exceptions, but the Pattern is usually
restricted or limited in some way in those cases."
"One thing you have said did puzzle me; this... Gatherer you spoke
of? You said that it had been there for a long time, and yet the
orb had been placed there within living memory. Could it be that
the two were not connected, save that the orb was feeding
opportunistically from the beast? Perhaps the Gatherer
represented a more easily-used energy source?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan frowns. "That...could be the case. Perhaps the Orb is
something that merely feeds on the most powerful source of fuel, or
finds the most efficient means of siphoning availible in a world.
Then it would make sense that it would 'link', somehow, to the
Gatherer." Cyan shudders. "Perhaps it somehow fed energy TO
the Gatherer as well, enabling the creature to grow to its moutainous
proportions, to better facility the siphoning. Give a little to
get more in return."
An unpleasant thought.
"As for the arm, I can tell you that the power it wielded was
tremendous. A complete...what is the word. Blackout!"
Cyan snaps her fingers. "That. Even Lexy, a shapeshifter,
found herself unable to control her body. That sounds most
impressive to me - not merely interdicting Sorcery, or the use of the palanquet, or the manipulation of reality, or the control of one's own body...but ALL of these very different forms of power."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack Crossed his arms and leaned
casually against a wall to keep from pacing as he listened. He had not
even thought about something like that of the hand and quietly mentally
kicked himself a few times for it. A small frown playing across
his face. “I had considered that for the Gatherer, the orbs seem the
same with the same properties and energies. Yet they are in a wide
variety if worlds and circumstances. It makes a certain sense, I can’t
help feeling that there is something big we are overlooking. . . So
Cyan are you ready to go do what I do best? Poke, pry and prod, picking
at things?”
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Turning her head to Jack, Cyan gave him a wide grin, excitement dancing
in her topaz eyes. "I am always prepared, Jack; I expected no
less."
Berd groans and covers his snout with his wings. Reaching down to
the back of the chair, Cyan sweeps him up, the little dragon squwaking
irritably, and dumps him on her shoulder. Berd scrabbles, finds a
clawhold, and settles down, hissing. "Oh, stop. You've
eaten, you've slept, there's mischief afoot, and you want to sleep
more?" Berd visibly perks up, his curiousity aroused.
Turning back to Fiona and Benedict, the Bard bows, Berd 'standing' on
her shoulder and mirroring the motion. "Your Highnesses, unless
there is more of which you wish to speak, Jack and I should take this
time to discover all we can of the sphere, and the nature of our Enemy,
here."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack eyed Cyan for a moment pondering the young
world traveler, before extending his hand to her. “Then come my dear,
this thing isn’t going to figure it’s self out standing around here.” Nor will I figure you out here
He gave a shallow to the royal bother and sister.
“Thank you for everything, do not worry Lord Benedict, you are just
another guardsman to us now. Until we are properly introduced.
Lady Fiona, I am afraid that I may have to put on a public display of
not liking you to distance myself from you. Forgive me, your trust and
assistance has been invaluable. If nothing else now that someone knows
about what is going on. . . We if anything should befall us as it
befell our friends, then you at least know. I walk out of here with a
lighter heart, because of you and your trust.”
Once Cyan took his hand he led her out into the hall, back towards their suite.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
'My dear'? Wondering what cleverness Jack is up to, Cyan
takes his hand, having already given her bows. But his words
neatly summerize her own feelings, and she smiles gratefully to the two
august personnages before Jack tugs on her arm, getting her moving from
the room.
Once in the hall, she breathes a sigh of relief, but remains mindful of
watchers. "That was uncomfortable. I cannot believe...well,
enough of that." Amethyst eyes shine with relief, though, and her
conversation with Jack continues on another level.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
A small frown plays across Jacks face as they came
out into the hall. “You can Say that again mistress Cyan,” He said
softly “How ever did you become involved with such a dubious element as
that?” He said entering the door of their room. As they entered
he stopped and turned to face Cyan, taking her other hand in his as
well. Standing there he watched not just here ever changing eyes, but
the way they changed. Watching to see how they changed, slow or fast,
instant from one to the next or a gradual wash of color. A smile foud
it’s place on him as he looked into her eyes.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"It is a rather long story, Prince Dominique," Cyan states, waving her
free hand casually in the air, "and not worth the telling while
irritation burns. I fear I would not do it justice...or, perhaps,
too much justice. Diplomacy is of importance, after all."
Standing there, with both hands clasped in Jack's, Cyan blinks topaz
eyes and wavers uncertainly. Berd, still on her shoulder,
suddenly slides his head around, almost settling it between theirs,
staring at Cyan with one eye and Jack with the other. A touch of
starlight dances within his dull orbs.
A flourishing wave of the hand indicates the door and, coincidentally,
nearly bats Berd on the side of his head. The dragon puts out one
clawed foot, reaching tentatively towards Jack as if considering
crossing the gap and sitting on the shoulders of the man, much as a cat
might. "Well, your Highness - shall we take a tour?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack nodded knowingly after blinking back at the drakes eye to
eyes intrusion. “Enough of that distasteful matter then,” Jack
slid his hand up Cyan’s arm to rest on her upper arm forming a
bridge if Berd wanted to come over.
His smile had became friendly and honest in
it nature, “I believe we shall mistress Cyan, lead on.” Jack said ready
to continue sliding his hand back down to hers either way. If Berd had
chosen to come over to his solders or changed his mind.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd casually wanders over to Jack's arm, grinning broadly. He
glances at Jack for a long moment, and Jack can see that, despite the
expression, there is little mirth in that gaze. Appraisal would
be a better word.
Moving towards the door, Cyan leads Jack, glancing down at the floor
for a moment, a rush of colour spilling over her cheeks. It's
rather obvious that she is completely flustered. "You...we have
no need of a guide, I would say. If you have been through one
palace, you can generally find your way around any of them."
Opening the door, she pauses, searching Jack's face. Then, shyly,
Cyan leans in and brushes her lips across his before slipping out of
the door, staring at him with bright, opalescent eyes.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack came along with Cyan the smile growing
at her blush and frustration, she gave him a hesitating kiss that was
gone far to quickly. “Yes besides a guide would only be. . . Well a
guide would be a third wheel.” He flashed her a playfully wicked grin
and slipped his arm around her waist. Not at all worried about it as
one might expect. Royalty all to often could get away with things,
especially in distant lands. “Where shall we visit first?”
Jack reach up and stoked Berd, flashing the drake a grin “What do you
have to say for yourself little drake? Any thoughts on the matter? No?
Our ever silent little friend. What would you like to see Berd?”
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan looks down at the arm dubiously as they walk. It's a first
for her. Well, not the first time she's had someone's arm around
her waist. It is, however, the first time she's had someone's arm
around her waist that didn't end with someone flying over a bar, or
through a table, or into a group of like-minded men, or....
One disadvantage to singing for your supper was that it usually happened in Inns. Sometimes patrons got rambuncious.
Well, I haven't thrown him through a window YET, that is.
Given how comfortable she found herself, it didn't seem likely for the future, either.
"Visit. First." Unable to help herself, Cyan cranes her
neck to look down the hallway, behind them. "Well...perhaps we
might simply wander, your Highness. I've heard tell of many a
castle where the waters of the bay flow into caverns beneath them -
perhaps we might examine those? Or head up to the highest turret?"
Berd turns his head, slowly, to regard Jack fully. For a moment
he stares with dull eyes at the man, then his eyes flare brilliantly,
flickering and dancing. The weight on Jack's shoulder seems to
increase, but doesn't; it is a spiritual weight, the big man
realizes. Then the light dies down...leaving a sparkling within
the drake's eyes that, this time, does not fade away completely.
"Ah!" Cyan crows, happily. "He begins to return, Jack, more strongly," she explains.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack lead them down on deeper under the Palace, a
meandering rout like a lazy river. Enjoying it all as a warm smile
played on his face. Stopping here to look and lingering there to
discuss the nuances of art and architecture. Though he was not an
artist that made the magic cards, he was an artist and sculpture by his
own right. Just two people and a drake out for a lazy after noon stroll.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Down now, into the secret places that exist beneath any great fortress,
places long forgotten by most, and unvisited by those who
remember. In a long, vaulted chamber where barrels are stacked in
columns that look like the pillars of some ancient city of giants,
shrouded with cobwebs that seem as ancient as the stone of the mountain.
The floor is covered with an inches-thick blanket of dust that has lain
all but undisturbed until lately, and there it is that they first see a
sign that somebody has been this way, but has not returned, at least
not by the same route. A single line of footprints leads away
into the darkness beyond the light of the lantern which the pair had
appropriated. Small prints, a woman perhaps.
As they continue onwards, there seems to be an eddying air current, which quite by chance erases all trace of their own passage.
Further still, and the walls are now natural, unworked stone, and on a
ledge by their path lays a crate bearing the single word: "JACK".
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
By now Jack is not talking, voices carry in funny ways in
places like this. Echoing away into the darkness to untold ears. He
stopped short when he saw the crate looking at it a moment or two
before being driven forward out of curiosity.
Jack sent before quietly prizing the lid off with a dagger. He took his
old armor and staff from the crate, changing into it on the spot and
putting the new Armor back in crate. Some how he felt whole again with
it on, he had not even remembered what it had looked like until he had
seen it again. His old pack at his side again and he was ready after
looking through it to see what all was there.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan rambles, talking about distant lands, forgotten events, arguing
with Jack on occasion, and pulling him in the other direction when he
would go one way and she another. Her lambent eyes flicker,
taking on many hues during their walk, all of them as bright as her
frequent smile.
She eyes the tracks suspiciously. "See, there. We are not
the first. Who may have come before? Cylla, who was in this
world not five days past, your Highness! Placing an orb, before
falling to Beldin's blade?" That said in a faint whisper, pitched
to Jack's ears alone. But then a laugh as they spot the
Crate. "Not to worry, Prince Dominique! I sense a small,
scaled hand behind this - and Berd tells me he has been 'working hard'
since we arrived, for just this purpose. A small surprise for a
worthy prince - and armor that better suits than the jewel-encrused
finery you wear."
The Bard watches as Jack draws on his armor, and when the man turns
back to her, Cyan wipes tears from amethyst eyes. "So you were,"
she laughs, "when I placed my foot upon your back, to keep you from
flying into the Gyre. With the staff, in any case - your armor
you had packed." Stepping forward, she reaches up, touches his
cheek.
Berd huddles on her shoulder for a moment, looking oddly disturbed,
then seems to shrug it off, as if realizing something. Leaning
forwards, he rests his 'elbow' on Cyan's brow and drops his chin into
one, clawed foot.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack stopped and looked at Cyan as she
stroked his cheek. Fighting to keep a straight face and he bounced
between shock and amusement and whispered “You sit on me?” the grin
broke. “If you do that Berd won’t be able to put me to sleep. Nothing
could get me to sleep if you did that.” He never could leave a
tender serious moment well enough alone.
Jack wiped away a tear from Cyan’s eye yet again. “Yes, Jack again.
Though I don’t think you ever told me about planting your foot in my
back.” Jack refocused on Berd “Of course Berd, you always have my
deepest gratitude, you who have trusted, believed and helped every step
of the way. You have been there helping more then any of us Berd. My
words alone can never thank you enough Drake, no words can thank you
enough for everything little one.I’m so relived you are feeling a bit
better now ” He moved his hand over to stroke Berd. "I will make
you the best meal you have ever had ever had once we have the chance."
“Come let us see where she went and find the orb. Who knows what else
we can find out.” as Jack whispered he twirled the staff around his
hand once idly. Though he hid away the fact that once they found it
they might have to call Aaron, if the Amber man knew anything about how
to destroy the orb. Well they would have to utilize it.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan's thin brows knit together for an instant, and her touch to his
cheek became more than a pat, less than a slap. "You," she
chides, "must always dance with demons, yes? You and Berd, two of
a kind, and do not think I cannot see this." But her tone of
voice is fondly exasperated, and the small smack is light.
Sniffling once, she allows Jack to wipe away the tear from under her
topaz eye, and smiles faintly. "When we first found you,
Jack. We needed to keep you from being torn from the ground, by
the Djinn, and I put a foot upon your back and held you there, while we
faced them."
Berd adopts a properly humble mien, nodding sagely, and spoils it by
leaning into the rub. The drake's eyes shimmer and dance again,
not as brightly as they did before the Nexus, but far more than the
nothing of before.
"Indeed," Cyan whispers, the place seeming to press down on her.
Caverns, fell creatures...it is a good thing she spent so much time in
Menegroth, in her youth. "Let us continue with our search."
Taking Jack's hand, she leads him after the footprints.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
As they moved on the comparison to Berd
brought on a flash of Cyan stepping on Berd’s tail and various other
sundry happenings. Though Berd gave as good as he got with so many nips
to the ear that Cyan no probably had her ears pierced all of the way
round. Jack was thankful that the smack on the face had been playful.
Those diamond eyes got a bit frightening when directed at you.
One of these days he was going to have to learn to watch his mouth. In
the mean time he was going to have to remember that he asked for this.
Instead his mouth jumped open again and he asked “You want to Tango?”
with a wry grin. as they followed the footprints hand in hand.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Tango. Do I wish to tango. Two to tango. Is it a
dance?" The name sounds familiar, perhaps taking its root from Tanguo, a ritualized courtship dance in one of the Worlds Cyan has visited in the past.
She peers ahead with bright, emerald eyes that are nonetheless unable
to penetrate fully the shadows ahead. "Berd - could you search
ahead for us, seek out our quarry?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack rolled his eyes and whispered back, “Yes Cyan,
you know Tango, dance, cut a rug, whip a merry jig, let loose and kick
up your heals.?” Jack did an impromptu pirouette “I must always dance
with demons, so I asked you to dance. Dancing with demons. . . ” Jack
trailed off at the last deflating a little as he realized his thunder
had been stolen.
. . . As still they followed the footsteps.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
It is just there.
One moment nothing, the next, a tiny creature, no taller than the
length of Cyan's recently restored finger, and seemingly composed of
dust and shadows and motes of light, with wings of spider gossamer.
It whirls about in the air, flies twice around Cyan and Jack, then disappears down the tunnel in the blink of an eye.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Pfft. If there is a demon in this, it is you, Jack," Cyan states
with amusement, giving him a small push. It's like shoving a
wall. "It is the first I have heard of 'Tango', as such, but I
would give it a try, if you would only demonstrate. I am not a
poor dancer, you might say."
Then there is a flare, a brilliant streak, dancing around them, and
away. Cyan jerks, then stares at the shining creature with bright
ruby eyes that catch its light, and watches it streak away into the
darkness ahead. She blinks once, smiling at the sight, and turns
her head to look at Berd.
"That was yours?"
Berd takes a moment to investigate under his wing, scratching at something there innocently as Cyan picks up the pace a trifle.
"False modesty is as bad as bragging, mentor-mine."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack jumped as the little streak took
to wing, hands flailing at the air ineffectually as he tried to
bat it down. He found out as Cyan spoke to the drake that he had not
managed to say the magic word in his moments of surprise. It was
definitely not please that came to mind as a word. He had never been
big in little flying buggies, but his time traveling the worst shadows
had taught him to fear these critters. He remembered the plague
carrying swamp bugs back on Echellyion had almost killed him. He had
seen plagues of Croaki that could strip the flesh from a mans bones in
seconds and there infernal buzzing drove a madness that was on par with
the Gatherers. Then there was the deaths moths that hypnotized
being with their scent and the beat of their fluttering wings, about a
foot in size, once the person was out they would inject eggs inside of
the host that would gestate there. The host never survived and it
was as painful a death as there was. . .
Even after the fairy was gone and Cyan had
said it was Berd’s doing Jack shivered a last time dancing a
little jig. Swarms of little flyers were as dangerous a thing as
he had seen and he plain reacted badly to them. “That little hellion,”
Jack snapped and pointed at Berd is the deamon.” He ran his fingers
through his hair and tried to play it off casually “Going to give me
such a case of nerves.” he muttered but reached up and stroked
the drake to show that he was not truly miffed. “Tango, with me? I’d
love to show you Cyan. . .” his mood changed now faced with that, how
long had it been since he had danced? “Tonight well find someplace
where the music is great and the food is better. Someplace where they
know how to use spices. I’ll dance with you to your hearts content.”
He hurried along keeping up with Cyan as he sent lens and tendril ahead
to see what awaited them behind door number 1. His excitement growing
on so many levels as they pressed forward.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan laughs, not in mockery, but rather in surprise. "'Tis only a
fairy, Jack of Shadows. One would think that you, of all
people...well, perhaps it isn't all in the name, is it?" She
nudges him in the ribs with an elbow. "Not to worry. I
shall protect you from the evil, glowing beast!"
One finger taps Berd on the nose reprovingly, and the little drake
snaps at it, once, before settling down with a grumble. "Oh, I
know all about his deviltry, Jack. I have suffered it all the
life I can recall. As for a dance," the Bard continues, eyes
shadowed in the dim light, "normally it is I who plays the music.
I would not be adverse to being one of the dancers...with the right
partner." She gives Jack a look of wide-eyed innocence. "I
trust you know where I might find one?"
Booted feet splash through puddles as they hurry onwards, searching for the door.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The tunnels twist and turn, divide and merge, and Jack's sensing of the
orb leads them true. Here they find a bootprint in the mud at the
edge of a pool, here the stub of a candle, and once they pass an arrow
scraped on the wall. All sure signs that they are on the right
track.
Finally they stand before the portal, a heavy door, solid wood bound
with strips of iron. The iron is inscribed with runes and
sigils. There is an iron spike driven into the wall beside the
door, but no key hangs from it...
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Interesting," Cyan notes, tapping the portal once with a finger.
"Berd, if you would?" An eyebrow rises over an amber eye.
The little fairy scoots aside, hovering around Berd's head, then
flitting away from Jack. Berd studies the portal thoughtfully,
chirping once.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Tis only a fairy?” Jack mocks softly back.
“Once I came upon this world, it was beautiful. I though the breaks had
finally done me good. Long story short being fairy shot is no fun at
all, it took weeks for the asses ears to revert back to my own.”
He stopped a moment looking at Cyan with surprise And she says she does not like being coy? “Cyan dear, I think that Berd and I are not the only ones that have a
bit of deviltry. I do suspect that you have a pair of horns holding up
that angelic halo of yours, keeping it cocked at that rankish angle.”
Jack chuckled softly “I don’t know about the right partner, but I was
kind of hoping you would dance with me.” he added with his knowing
smirk “Of course you could all ways dance with Berd, failing that there
would probably be a line of men queuing up for the chance to
dance with you. I’m surprised your dance card isn’t full and I will
have to beat the others off if you grace me with your company.”
He stopped and picked something up having
noticed Cyans eyes honing in on it. The boot print, was it
Cylla’s? He as liking this less and less.
As they come to the door a puzzled frown
shows on the shadow man, “I can see the flows of energies that is
indicative of an orb, but I can’t see inside the room Cyan. It is
warded against me, both tendril and lens. Perhaps like the
church?” He poses uncertain “I could try and jump through the door
along a micro break. . . However I am hesitant, I could wind up as part
of something like the attacks on the Archon’s world if I can not see
where I am going. Not to mention it may be warded against that as well.”
Jack reaches into his old pack and pulls
out a small leather bundle, unfolding it to reveal a masters set of
lock smiths tools. “Something is there, Cyan. . . Something is waiting
for me.”
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"You will have to tell me these Fairy you have experienced, Jack...but
this one is certainly not of the same nature," Cyan states
quietly. She shrugs, grinning for a brief moment. "As for
the demon's horns, I have never claimed to be of the angelic
sort. Merely straightforward and honest. While I have
danced before, there have never been lines, I must say. And there
is no doubt in my mind that you will prove equal to the challange of
keeping my 'dance card' empty for the night."
Putting out a hand, Cyan halts Jack from approaching too closely to the
door. "A moment, Jack. Berd will attempt to sense the
presence of the trickery of powers while I examine this to ensure no
blades spring out to sever your fingers." Giving him a quick
smile, the Bard turns back to the door. Her ruby eyes grow more
serious as she begins going over the rock around the door, then
examining the lock, not appearing the least bit discomfitted by the
appearance of the lockpicks.
"Best that we do this the 'old fashioned way', as an acquaintance of mine used ot say."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The door is pronounced safe by both Berd and Cyan. There doesn't
seem to be any ensorcelment or gimmickry anywhere in or around it, and
so Jack sets to work, delicately probing and teasing at the lock, until
finally there is movement. With a grating sound, metal moves upon
metal, and the latch lifts, allowing the door to swing gently inwards.
A large bronze key lays on the ground just beyond the doorway,
verdigised and pitted by age. There is a sharply-curved corridor,
swinging away to the left, and there is something around that curve
which pulses with a dull red light.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd comes off Cyan's shoulder, fluttering in the air behind her, but
silently. Cyan's blade is free of its scabbard in an instant, and
for a heartbeat, rainbow light fills the air. "Jack," she
hisses. "'Ware! There is deadly danger here."
Slipping forwards, the Bard moves closer to the door, to be capable of
striking down whatever might emerge without placing herself as a
target. "Hang back - use your abilities to see what awaits," she
suggests, probably unnecessarily.
An instant later, the tiny 'faerie' flits away, down the pulsing corridor, and 'peers' around the corner.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jacks mental walls went up
immediately, he winces and steals himself as if faced from a
weight before them. He pulled his own sword free from the staff before
tucking the staff into his belt and reaching out for Cyan’s shoulder
again. “I can hear them calling, ‘Come to us.’ over and over Cyan.
There is a Psychic wind or pressure welling up out of there.
“Let’s get that Key, just in case.” he added reaching out with the
length of his sword he tried to slide the key back to this side of the
doorway without crossing the threshold himself.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The tiny sprite flashes away down the passageway, slowing at the curve
until it comes almost to a complete stop, then edges forward, inch by
inch...
Jack, the key freshly retrieved, remains near the door. He leans
on the air like somebody miming the effects of a strong gale, and
focusses his attention beyond the portal...
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Did you see, Jack? Something in the room, surrounding the Orb,"
Cyan hisses, eyes darkening to deep sapphire. Ahead, the sprite
has vanished. Berd lands on the Bard's shoulder, and hunkers down
slightly, crooning fearfully. "What can we do? Discovering
what it is seems impossible at this distance. We might...MIGHT
have to move closer. Peer around the corner ourselves."
Berd narrows his eyes, and they glitter more brightly.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“I- I hear you.” Jack said softy his hand fell away from Cyan’s shoulder as the big man went pale.
“W- wee Willie Winkie runs through the town,
Upstairs and downstairs in his night gown”
Though the voice was soft and distant he looked
agitated as he stared distantly ahead. His foot moved forward a step
though it was a lifeless step us a zombie from a B-grade movie.
“Burning flame, my soul to claim.
Wheels of fire, fortunes dire.
Drink of the well and go to hell.”
His face now a twisted mask of fear and pain, looking as if he was
trying to pull back where he stood despite stepping forward, his free
hand started scrambling desperately for his back and a whimper
escaped his lips. as he whispered "HAOURR NAAACHOCHT HESH NABROLIN
VERRICHT"
Jack stepped forward again.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan's obsidian eyes widen with horror, and one hand flicks out to
catch Jack's arm, drag him back. "Berd!" With that, she
threw everything she had into assisting Jack.
'You will not!' her mind cried out, struggling to capture the attention of Jack's spirit. 'Jack, no! Jack of Shadows, come back and fight! Do not let them take you - please, stay with me!'
All the while, as she pulls him back from the door, the Bard keeps her
sword's point between herself and the open portal. The key! Jack has the key!
Berd, pulling away from her shoulder into the air, snarls savagely,
with a sound reminiscent of a buzzsaw, revving up. His eyes begin
to blaze, now, like stars.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack blinked and looked around
at the touch of Cyan’s hand and mind. “Cyan, can’t your hear them? They
are calling to me. . . They have been trying to call to me since before
we opened the door. The pressure is getting so bad. . .They call to me
but the pressure. . .Pain. . . They want to hurt me. . . Hurt me like
before. . . Pain. . . hurt. . .It’s them Cyan. . . They’re back for
Jack. ”
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd's eyes are blazing like twin suns as he attempts to resist the forces pushing and pulling at Jack and discover what those forces are.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"No, Jack!" With Jack hesitating, Cyan is able to pull him back
from the door. "Listen to Berd! It is not the
Archons!" Keeping the door in her peripheral vision, the Berd
looks Jack in the eyes, her own ruby gaze focused and open.
"Listen to me - it calls to you for another reason. Let me show
you!"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack’s brow knit in confusion “Not the
wheels?” he asked breathing heavily for long moments “’Kay. . .I’m
good.” he said despite the tremble. “Let’s see what she has
done.” he was not moving forward yet, but he was ready to when
Cyan was.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I will go first, Jack...I feel no call, no pressure." Taking his
hand in hers, Cyan squeezes it, forcing a smile. To see Jack so
torn...painful, that, almost too much to bear. It brought back
too many memories of how he had been when she tore him from the
Archons' grasp. Of the pain, the torture he had suffered.
"Stay with me, though, and defend my spirit with Berd," she whispers, squeezing his hand again. Her other hand holds Kirilindë rock-steady.
Inching forward, Cyan passes through the door. Berd settles on
Jack's shoulder, humming quietly, and rubs Jack's temple with his head
for an instant before staring ahead, eyes glittering.
Moving to the corner, Cyan pauses, frowning. The pulsing light on
her catches for a moment, then slowly begins to alter as her shirt
darkens slightly, dancing lights begining to flicker with the indigo
shadows like stars. Slowly she peers around the corner, exposing
only what she had to to allow one, emerald eye to study what lay there.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack fought off the brief intense
fear and memory that the pressure had triggered, his natural drive and
curiosity clearing his head to a point. The need to be there for Cyan
helped as well.. Sword in one hand and his other in Cyan’s hand. He
linked his mind with hers to protect them both as they started to move
forward. Feeling his curiosity burn inside of him despite
struggling under the pressure, he peeked around the corner right behind
Cyan.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The orb is there, in the centre of the room, reflecting the crimson light sullenly.
All around it, lines of liquid fire swirl and dance across the floor,
filling all but the gloomiest and most distant recesses of the chamber
with a ruby light. There is a pattern there, Cyan realises, but
the glow is not constant, flaring here and dying down there, flowing
across the design, and spiralling in towards the heart, where the orb
rests.
And there are the breaks. Wide lines where the light never flows,
but rather skips across, almost as if, on some level, the two sides of
the break are adjacent to each other.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack moved past Cyan
and walked closer to the Pattern kneeling down before it five meters or
so away. From this point he surveys it. “See the glow and sparks?” he
pointed “The orb seems to be causing the Pattern to act as if someone
is on it. I don’t think a mere object could do that. . .” He continued
to watch the pattern, the pressure was heavy on him at this point and
the strain could be seen “I can’t tell if the voices are
coming from the Pattern or the orb. I- I think the pattern is not many
voices. . . The call. . . An interplay with the orb. . . .Calling me?”
“We need to try and contact Aaron
again. . . He had said something about the orbs. If he knows something,
it could be vital at this point.”
Jack licked his lips and focused on the Voices, speaking out loud as well as a psychic level. I hear you and I am here! What do you want of me? he said to the Pattern and the orb.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Be careful, Jack," Cyan whispers, cautioning him (unnecessarily, but
what else is she to do?). First she takes a look around the
chamber, checking to make certain nothing will simply leap out and
attack. Then, should all be safe, her sword forms a rainbow arc
in the air, disappearing into the battered, wooden scabbard.
Staying close to Jack, Cyan drops her pack and worries out her
sketchbook, flipping until she reaches the sketch of Aaron. Berd...ward Jack. Make certain nothing strikes at him.
Standing with one hand on Jack's shoulder, she concentrates upon
Aaron's sketch. "I will make the attempt." With a sigh, the
Bard begins, focussing hard. Aaron of San Anyn.
Still on Jack's shoulder, Berd spares her a glance for an instant, then
goes back to watching the interplay of powers before him.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Careful?” Jack said wincing under a
new wave of pressure as he watched the orb drawing power from the copy
of the drawing of power. “We have an orb in the middle of this
worlds fractured pattern, interacting with it in strange ways. Probably
drawing power directly from it, eating it as sure as the Gatherer.
Voices are calling me. Waves of power are washing over me that remind
me of the Pain if the Archon’s.” Jacks voice sounded distant as he
spoke softly.
“If I was careful I’d walk away from
this, dooming untold worlds” He half glanced back to Cyan “I’ll be as
careful as I can, same goes for you dear. Let’s pull back and close the
door before you contact Aaron.” Though he says it he contined to
focus on the Orb and Pattern trying to get a better bead on the voices
and comunicate.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The chamber is empty, so far as Cyan can tell, though there are dim alcoves where anything could be hiding. The flow of power in the room is almost
overwhelming to even the ordinary senses, scrambling them; colours can
be smelled, sounds can be seen...
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd hisses angrily, fanning his wings on Jack's shoulder. He glares at the Broken Pattern with eyes that dance like fire.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack glanced to the drake on his
shoulder “Yes Berd, someone walked this pattern, sliding the breaks.
They placed the orb in the center. . .Now the Pattern calls to me. It’s
what’s been calling, it needs my help, it doesn’t want to die. The orb.
. .The pressure, is the orb trying to stop it from getting my help
Berd.” Jack rose reaching up he carefully took Berd from his shoulder
and handed him to Cyan.
He spoke to Berd but looked in Cyan’s
eyes. “Sorry little one, this path I must walk alone. Get Aaron,
anything he knows could be life or death. “ In this case mine since I wouldn’t suggest anyone else trying this at home. Jack waked to the pattern stopping at his edge and looked back at Cyan
“Don’t worry, it will be alright.” He lied to convince everyone. Let’s see what we can do.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack gets a fleeting sensation, an image of a woman, as he hands Berd to Cyan.
Cyan pauses in her concentration as Berd lands on her shoulder, and she
looks up, pale, crystaline eyes terrified. "Jack-!" The
Bard takes a step after him, then pauses, hand outstretched. She
swallows back her cry, her request, and nods. I...would have him treat me no less than this - how can I demand otherwise?
But it hurts to see him walk to the edge of the Broken Pattern; Cyan
reads body language like most people read books, and Jack's is that of
a man nerving himself up for a life and death struggle. Slowly,
she follows to where he stands, placing her hand on his
shoulders. "You...you are the Master of the Broken Pattern,
Jack," she says in her ringing, Bard's voice, holding back the
fear. "You will prevail."
A prayer, more than a statement of fact.
Leaning forward, Cyan kisses Jack lightly on the lips, then harder, the
flickering, awesome cracked pattern flaring and burning behind them,
outlining their silhouettes in lurid fire. Releasing him, the
Bard steps back, one pace, then two. Then she nods, raising the
sketchpad with grim purpose.
Aaron! An adept of the Pattern. One who might, MIGHT be able to do something should aught go wrong. Aaron of San Anyn, hear my call! On her shoulder, Berd adds his own strength to the sketch, his own arcane powers.
Cyan bites her lip, glancing up for an instant to see Jack's form,
limed in satanic light, standing at the edge of the deadly, seductive,
shattered Pattern.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack stands poised on the edge of the Pattern, ready to step into the maelstrom of forces which swirls and leaps across it...
Cyan, her heart in her mouth, tries to contact Aaron. But from what jack has said, the Amber man may not even be alive...
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack half glanced back at Cyan when she called his
name. Then she was there kissing him, a kiss which he returned fiercely
for it’s brief moment. Then it was time for him to face this.
Jack looked out across the pattern one last time,
mapping the route through the breaks. He mentally prepared
himself as best he could. People often died even under normal
conditions with a fractured pattern. It wasn’t always the strongest
that survived either, worse yet this was not the best of
conditions. Someone or something would be trying to stop him, to
see that he died in this effort
A last look back at Cyan he gave a smile thumbs up
and a wink, hoping to ease her tension if nothing else. He had not
trusted himself to speak, not right now. Yet her faith in him made his
heart swell with pride. Then he stepped out onto it low sparks
broiling up around his foot. Too late no going back now. . . he
brought the other foot forward. The light from below playing
eerily across him and his cloak billowing in half real psychic breezes
blowing up from that on which he trod. As he moved forward
he half remembered a dream that must have been prophetic. A dream in
which he faced an Archon and the Broken God on a broken pattern. “I
will prevail. . . “ He repeated her last words, before whispering
“I must prevail, you need me.”
He pressed on each step he fought for driving the sparkes around his
feet higher. Each step bringing him closer to the break that would ease
the pressure that built as he pushed towards the first Veil.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd stares at Jack for a long moment, watching as the man sets foot on
the Broken Pattern, seeing the coruscating sparks rising around
him. Then he turns his eyes away, the dancing lights within them
spreading, growing, as he puts forth his strength.
He can feel the presence, now, and if he can feel the presence...
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack's last words come to Cyan, and she struggles to control her fear
for an instant. The emotion spikes deeply and the colour
continues to fade from her eyes, leaving pale, washed out
emeralds. She opens her mouth to speak-
'Cyan? Is that you? If it is, I'd be more than happy to know where you are! Is Jack with you? What's your situation?'
Interruption. Aaron, of course.
"It is Aaron!" she cries to Jack - too late, for he has taken to the
Pattern. But something might yet be salvaged. Setting aside
all ill-feelings (this is too important for such pettiness), she
returns her attention the the lost son of the Amber, hoping that he
might this time be reliable.
'Aaron, it is Cyan. I have little time - Jack says you have
information regarding the Orbs. Jack faces one, now, upon a
Broken Pattern, and we require any knowledge you have, to better be
able to destroy it before it steals power...possibly from the Pattern
itself,' she realizes, 'aloud' to Aaron. If there is a link between the Broken Pattern and the original....
'If you wish to come to us, you may, though it may be temporary,' she warns. 'The danger is great, though.'
The Bard cannot begin to imagine what might happen if Jack fails -
perhaps nothing at all. Perhaps...worse than that.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack had no idea what he was going to do as he
started his struggle walking the broken pattern, lost, clueless and
just moving on out of sheer bloody-mindedness. That had changed within
the first few steps on the pattern possibilities were coming to him
now, things he might be able to do. As always he would do what he
did best, pick at the problem until an answer came.
He now looked more like the demon Cyan had
called him in jest, bathed in the pulsing sickly ruby light of the
assaulted pattern. “Yes Cyan?” he called back, yelling
above a psychic mish mash that probably his mind alone could hear.
“Bring Aaron please,” At this point he would have been willing to take
help from even Sea-Zane. A lot could probably be said about Aaron the
Amber man, but he probably had a broader understanding of the pattern
than Jack. Shadow Jack was more specialized. “We could probably use all
of the help we can get now dear.”
Jack continued talking as he moved deeper into the
red, the term alone was enough to send a shiver down his spine.
Each step becoming harder as he fought against mental and physical
pressures. It felt like the showers of crimson sparks around his feet
were wet cement instead of light and power. “ First I'll see if the orb
is anchored into the Pattern and how well.” he called out to her
voicing his plan “Then, well it’s sitting in the center of the Pattern,
perhaps I can use the pattern to port it someplace. . . Someplace else.
If that does not work I don’t know. My ideas are more and more far
fetched after that, so less likely to work.”
All of the ideas scared him so far Will I have to teleport
myself with the orb? Is this bonding me to that thing as I walk? Can
Aaron even lay foot on this Pattern without messing up his own? he
wondered , knowing fully well how nasty a prospect teleporting was.
There were things out there worse than a quick death, and most of them
could be found by porting from the center of a flawed pattern.
“No matter what happen Cyan, remember you owe me a dance!” He shouted
back trying to focus on something positive. Finding hope that all would
go well.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Do not contact it unless you must!" Cyan cries across the curtains of
fire flaring between her and Jack. It is an awesome, terrible
sight - the man dancing across the breaks in the Pattern, his own body
flaring and burning with the power that courses through him, brought up
by the energies in the ruby arcs beneath.
For an instant, Cyan focuses upon him, concentrating...trying to feel what Jack is doing, the only way she knows how.
Then Jack calls out to her again, and she laughs wildly over the
burning, feedback cry of the broken pattern. "Of course! A
Tango, and you will teach me!"
You will teach me, Jack! So finish your walk!
Then Aaron is there, and she feels the touch of his hand. There is a surge of grim strength,
'We are stepping through. I believe we may have the answer you need.
And, not surprisingly, a feeling that her warning has been brushed
aside, as immaterial. Cyan's eyes narrow, still violet aspected
crystal, then widen slightly.
He brings company. Again. This thought is tired and
wry...and utterly shielded from any senses Aaron might have; shielded
both by herself and Berd. Cyan keeps her spirit separate from
Aaron as she feels his hand clasp around hers. Carefully, she
draws him through, bringing him into the cavern, and catches a glimpse
of what lies behind him. Berd, in an instant, makes a connection
through the contact, and passes the information to Cyan. He was here! she realizes, surprised.
But that is not the only shock, for Aaron has changed.
Drastically. The Bard takes it in for an instant, then turns to
point to the Broken Pattern, and the form who navigates it, like a
sailor finding his way through stormy reefs.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron steps through, and releases Cyan's hand. The man removes his
sunglasses and with one grim eye glinting against the rippling light of
the Broken Pattern, takes the situation in.
With a firm nod, he takes his granddaughter by the hand and directs her
attentions to Jack and the Broken Pattern before them. When he speaks
to her, it is with the quiet voice of a practiced poet. It's an old
voice, one he hasn't spoken with in quite some time.
"Gaze upon this now, my blood. Do you see the great sphere that sits in
the center of this strange formation? That is the same type of sphere
that dared destroy our world. These spheres, and the controllers of
them, are what my comrades and I fight against."
Gently lowering Chrissie's hand, Aaron stepped towards the Broken Pattern and looked upon it as one would gaze upon an enemy.
His mind was working out what could be done about such a situation. He
had knowledge on the orbs. Considerable knowledge, in comparison to
what he once knew. Now, though, now he wasn't sure whether all of it
would work.
"Jack!" he yelled, hoping he could reach his old comrade. "Don't try to
touch the orb with your power. It could backfire and send you straight
into one of the breaks in the Pattern!"
He paused, his eye narrowing as he considered all of his information.
"If this orb reflects the ones I have seen in the past, then it
actually has a miniature Pattern controlling it within its center!"
Glancing behind him at his granddaughter, he considered, and remembered Ishmael...
He turned, knelt upon the floor of the cavern, and stuck his only hand deep within the pocket of his jacket.
As it emerged, it clutched the only map he had of the great sphere's inner workings.
It was another orb. Small, black, perfect.
And inactive.
"Damnit. Cyan!" he yelled, his voice full of grit and concentration.
"Did you or Jack actually think about what he was going to do once he reached the orb?"
Perhaps... just perhaps, Aaron could guide Jack into the center of the
orb... but the only way Aaron knew of destroying it would be to use the
blood of one who was actually bonded to the orb. And that's only if the orb didn't reject him and send him sailing into the darkness of the Broken Pattern.
And they'd still need blood. His family's blood.
Lin.
Ishmael.
Chrissie.
Scarred face looking up for an answer from Cyan, he glanced at his granddaughter, and clenched his fingertips against the orb.
He would not sacrifice her!
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd stares first at Chrissie, then Aaron, with narrowed eyes.
Something is obviously disturbing him about the two of them, but right
now is obviously not the time. The little dragon goes back to
surveying the Broken Pattern, taking a brief moment to flutter up to an
outcropping.
Cyan stares at Aaron for a long moment as he speaks of the orb.
They were all there when Lazarus attempted to touch the Orb with his
Logrus, and was sent flying for his temerity; she doubts Jack will make
that attempt, hopes he will not. But as for there being a Pattern
within the Orb...her brilliant, ruby eyes widen at that, catching the
light, and she turns, a wild surmise touching her for a moment. Pattern. If there is Pattern within it...Pattern on the arm... Again, not now. Now was the time for the task at hand.
And Aaron carries another, in his own hand. Dull and dark.
The source of his knowledge, no doubt. "It is impossible to study
from here! And every moment, it draws more power from the Broken
Pattern - five days, Aaron, since Cylla was slain! Five days,
only! And this has been going on, obviously, for not much longer,
for the footprints in the dust- Never mind! The fact is
that there is no TIME to wait - Jack felt he has the means, but if you
have any insights, now might just be the time!"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Just as swiftly, the orb vanishes into his jacket once again. Like a
hidden treasure, shown to only a few... as if to teach a lesson.
He rises just as fast, and stares at Cyan with his clean cut yet
startlingly disfigured gaze. His face was dark with anger, yet his eye
was sad, so sad, as if he was repeating a single image over and over
behind it.
"You do not understand the type of sacrifice it takes to destroy these
orbs!" he yelled, and then turned completely around and approached the
Broken Pattern.
He speaks, his voice a bare whisper in comparison to the din his proximity to the abomination created.
"My Pattern is perfect. The Broken Pattern cannot compare to the
Pattern itself. Should I walk this with my friend upon it, I cannot
comprehend what would occcur. Perhaps it would mend it... perhaps the
Orb would refuse us both. I cannot risk it. Not at all!"
Would he dare yell it? What more could he do? He only had one answer in destroying the orbs.
"Only one bound to the Orb's Pattern by blood can destroy them!" he yelled, and then turned again to look at his granddaughter.
His face, sillhouetted by the glow from the Broken Pattern, was a mask of restrained agony.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack came to the first break, just beyond it was the first veil.
Standing next to the river of darkness, sparks now dancing around his
knees. He turned around and looked grinning at the Amber man; the
crimson light casting an alien look across the shadow mans face. The
grin may have looked wild, but there was now a surety about Jack. He
stood there cloaked in an inner calm as well as pattern fire.
If Aaron says there is no way to do something other then that, then there must be countless choices that will work. “Aaron?” He called back casually with the knowing smirk “Good to
see you ol’ bean! How are you doing today?” He even favored Crissy with
a smile. “Brought someone with you? Bully for you!” Jacks wry chuckle
echoed across the chamber “I see you are still thinking straight, I
suppose you can’t help it being a being of the pure pattern. Still it
would help if you thought outside the box.”
With that Jack stepped off the pattern into the inky blackness
of the break before him. In the blink of an eye he vanished!
Only to appear from the crack a second later on a deeper path within
the pattern, having been swept along the break. “See I do not cross the
veils, they would probably kill me. I go around them using the
darkness. . . You must learn to think around a problem Amber man.” He
stood there a bit more grinning back at them. “You have on you an orb,
correct? How do you turn it off and on? After all who said we have to
destroy it? We just have to neutralize it! There are infinite worlds
Aaron, that means so many answers as to be almost infinite, think
crooked, not straight! Think your way around the problem!”
Jacks attention turned to Cyan, “That’s right sweets! TANGO!!!!” He
bowed to her and blew her a kiss before continuing on towards the next
break and the center. With a wave as he turned back to the task
he shouted “Never play by the opponents rules! Never fight fair!
Berd!?! Does that or Aaron’s orb have any flow of Psychic energy?”
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack's voice seemed to calm Aaron somewhat, and he took a deep breath as he considered the situation in a clearer manner.
Turning to the Broken Pattern, Aaron extended a hand out to the great sphere at its center.
"I've probed my orb with the Pattern, and it is still inactive. I have
no idea how to turn it on, but if I tried it, I believe the orb I have
would immediately begin absorbing my power. I dared not risk it."
He wasn't surprised, totally anyway, about Jack's manipulations of the
breaks within the Pattern. He'd seen the Shadow form before. And yet,
it eased Aaron's tensions a little. The fact that the breaks hardly
phased the man showed much for Jack's strengths. He almost laughed.
"I also touched an orb, a great orb, on San Anyn with the Pattern, and
got a right crack in the head from it. I learned my lesson regarding
that! However, the small orb I have on my person seems to be totally
silent. I couldn't detect anything at all from it. Someone turned it
off."
Turning, he once more removed the orb from his jacket and tossed it to Cyan.
"See if Berd can get anything out of that, but don't try to manipulate it! If he turns it on, it may start absorbing his power, and I'll be damned if I see him drained!"
His attentions were divided between Jack and Cyan, but he did pause for
a moment with his eyebrow raised over his good eye as he looked to his
bard.
"'Sweets?' That's a new one, isn't it? Oh, we have a lot to catch up on, you lot and I."
Finally, he turned to Jack and nodded.
"Hurry up, you ass! You really don't want me to come out
there after you!" Despite the minor mirth in his voice, he was still on
edge. He didn't like the orbs, and he certainly didn't like his own
answers.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Unable to help herself, Cyan breaks into laughter at the backandforth
between the two men. For an instant she pites the girl, standing
there, lost and confused amidst all of this madness. But there is
little time for such things.
"Aaron, are all orbs aspected to your blood, bound to it? I doubt
it! I would not say that your blood would harm this one - Jack is
correct, we need to think on alternatives before navigating such dire
straits!" Her hand snaps out like a cobra striking, the
sketchbook gone, and takes the orb from the air. Berd, giving
Aaron a mildly insulted look, bends his head towards it, eyes
glittering and dancing with points of light. "Berd knows his
ways, Aaron - fear not that he will attempt to 'activate' your bauble!"
Jack, she thinks wonderingly, is the King of Crooked
Thinking, with his Court Jester, Berd. I am a straightforward
person - this is work for those more clever than myself!
"Jack," Cyan shouts, sapphire eyes reflecting the jags and loops of
power rising off the Broken Pattern around the shadowy man dancing the
breaks, "have you ever considered what might happen if two orbs came
together? I think that is one of the 'dire straits', but we
should consider it! For the future!"
Along, apparantly, with Tango.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Chrissie (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Chrissie is stunned, to say the least. One second enjoying a nice ride in the country, the next... here!
There is a woman with red hair, and a weird little... dragon?
Worse though is the demon jumping about in the red flames that light up
the room. It looks human enough, but surely nothing human could
survive in there. I steps out of the fire, into an area of
darkness, and the girl is so startled, as it vanishes and reappears,
that she drops her new backpack, and something shatters inside it.
She graps hold of Aaron's sleeve, and there is an edge of hysteria in her voice as she asks, "Grandpa Aaron... where are we?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Grandpa?! Cyan turns a horrified look at Aaron for a
moment, ruby eyes wide. This...is his granddaughter?
HERE? Ruthlessly, she strangles her fury - this is no time for
such things. "Aaron, you may wish to remove your granddaughter
from this area!" the Bard cries over the hollow roar of the Broken
Pattern, fumbling at her waist with her free hand. The orb goes
into Berd's claws, the little dragon cupping it with difficulty, but
managing to somehow look sly while holding it.
Cyan comes out with her palanquet deck, riffling through it madly, going by feel.
"Hearken!" she cries. "Jack - there is a shadow behind you, on
the Pattern - is that your ally?" Well does Cyan recall the dark
creature who once spoke through Jack to her. "Aaron and Jack,
both, listen, for Berd has made a discovery!"
The little dragon grins, still holding the quiescent orb in both front
feet, claws wrapped carefully around it. His eyes burn with
light, now.
With a snap, Cyan draws a card, holding it out to Aaron. "For your Granddaughter, to send her to safety if need be!"
It is the palanquet of her home, in the mountains. Not her own world, but familiar to Aaron, and safe.
Turning to Chrissie, for an instant, Cyan gives her a wild smile.
It's meant to be reassuring, but probably isn't. Her words,
though, are pitched perfectly for the girl to hear. "Fear
not! Your Grandfather will let nothing happen to you."
A slight shift puts Cyan a little closer to Aaron...coincidentally
keeping more of herself between the Broken Pattern and the girl.
"Right now," Cyan shouts to Jack (and Aaron, obviously), "we have no
time to decypher the operation! Attempting to 'deactivate' the
Orb might cause worse to occur, but it may be our only hope! But
to do that, we must crack the shield, somehow, to allow Berd his entry!"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“That’s a fine kettle of fish Aaron,”
Jack shouted “not even a ‘Hi, how ya doin Jack?’ just a “Hurry
your ass up!’ ” He spun looking around for the shadow Cyan had
mentioned, the tip of his lite sword dancing in the air. “Ally?” He
moved farther back from the darkness of the break. “What are you
talking about Cyan!?! WHERE IS IT!?!”
He sought to see in shadow in the red flames of the Pattern, as he
fought to make it to the next break. His hope right now resting on
keeping ahead of anything behind him.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron reaches first, for Chrissie's hand, and pulls her close to him.
"My dearest, these people are comrades in arms of mine. They've helped me far more than I've helped them."
His eyes glazed over for a long few moments, and as clarity returned to him, new knowlege and a nod of understanding followed.
"I understand, now. Actually, I had considered as much. Those with the
blood of Amber can only walk the Pattern. Since the orbs were created
with a Pattern form, it doesn't surprise me that it was similar."
Despite that comment, he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding
in. He had learned much, but he knew that he needed to learn how to relax once in a while and let someone with more insight take control.
With a shrug, he returned his attentions to Cyan and Jack. Taking the
Trump out of her hand, he gazed upon it until it became cold.
Passing his severed wrist over it and closing his eyes, he shut off the connection.
"I will greatly consider the implications of pulling Chrissie into
another reality. Should anything absurd start occuring, I'll be sure to
take her, you, Berd and Jack, if I can, along for the ride."
A flutter in his heart and head, and he felt her eyes open. Aaron
warmed to the feeling of Arianne, like a comfort against the chaos
around them.
"'Tis been a very long time lady bard. I see your
old injury at the hands of my master has been healed! That does my
heart well to see such a thing."
Then her attentions rose, her mind encompassing that which Aaron too
beheld. A narrowing of blue eyes. A setting of thin lips into an even
thinner line.
"This is a tool of the beings who almost attacked
us, Aaron? Those entities of circular light? I long to remove them as a
threat," she hissed. "They harmed my ancient home as none have in the past."
Had he removed his blade, Aaron knew that Ilsefranvir would have been covered in frost, her voice was so cold.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Jack - if you cannot see it, perhaps my senses are fooling me. I
have only sensed a shadow, pacing you!" Cyan cries over the crashing
sound of the Broken Pattern. "Put it from your head, and focus on
your travel! Keep your footing - I shall warn you if aught
threatens!" Her heart leaps into her throat as Jack continues his
walk; has her attempt at warning him become a painful distraction?
"Not so long for us, Arianne," Cyan replies to Ilsefravnir,
not finding it odd in the slightest. "Jack found a means to heal
my hand, and I am the better for it. The Orb is a weapon of the
Archons, but their place of power lies in ruins - we took battle to
them, and drove them from the land of glass, steel, and spiders."
Flicking her emerald gaze back to Aaron, Cyan holds a frown from her
features. "It has been little more than a week, if that, since
you left - how long for yourselves?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack advances across the Pattern, skirting the Veils by the simple
expedient of stepping into the breaks. The fire rises around him
until he resembles nothing more than a column of flame himself, almost
lost amid the glare of his surroundings.
A second form, more shadow than light walks almost beside him now...
Jack prepares to step into the centre, into where the orb sits, but there is a whisper from just behind him, which is somehow heard clearly above the
cacaphonous sound of the Pattern, even by those beyond its rim...
"Wait, Jack of Shadows! Go not one step further!"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"There!" Cyan shouts, pointing at the other form. At the same time, Berd's head swivels towards Jack.
At the voice, Cyan freezes. Her sword is out, but of no use -
what use is a sword against a shadow, across the Broken Pattern?
She stares at the figure, probing with all of her ability, attempting
to sense any trace of palanquet about it. "Heed it, Jack!" the Bard cries out over the feedback wail. "Stop where you are!"
One hand fumbles in her pouch, coming out with Jack's palanquet a moment later. "If need be, I can bring you here without effort!"
Berd's eyes turn on the shadowy figure, and begin to glitter more
wildly. He crouches on Cyan's shoulder like a large cat, a
witch's familiar.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
"You took the fight to our enemies?" Aaron's eyebrows, or the remainder
of them anyway, rise as he looks first to Cyan, then Jack. "Amazing. I
wish I could have been there."
A shake of his head, a sigh, and Aaron shrugs as he cast his mind back into the distant past.
"For us, it's been five... maybe six years since I left the group at the cabin, Cyan."
Then his attentions are diverted by the voice that whispers to Jack
from the Broken Pattern. Ilsefranvir remained sheathed, though, as
Aaron focused himself upon the scene before him. Again, Berd had
satisfied him with knowledge of the orb, but it did him little good.
For now.
He would have prepared the Pattern in mind, for he had
recently found that setting it upon things had assisted him greatly.
However, he didn't dare do it over the Broken Pattern, especially in
the presence of the Orb. No. The Broken Pattern, and anyone or anything
that could walk upon it, were Jack's subjects.
"A friend of yours, Jack of Shadows?" Aaron asked, cocking his head up and gesturing to the strange being in the distance.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack raise his free hand signaling to
his friends to hold as pattern fire danced so high it obscured the
world around him. He had realized the futility of this particular
gambit even as Berd confirmed it. Yet there were other gambits, for
other times. He knew how to strike a second blow against the Broken
God, and a serious blow it would be. With Aaron’s help this could be
made much easier. “Stay your hand Cyan I’m alright for a moment, but be
ready to pull me out.” He did wonder where she had gotten another
palanquet of him after giving the last to his daughter Kia. Still his
was not to reason why, his was just to do or die.
He glanced up at Berd for a moment
His gaze came back to rest on the shadow. “Who are you dread shade and
would it be alright if we discuss these matters someplace quieter, like
off this worlds pattern?” the tip of Jacks sword had dropped to the
ready at rest fencers position. “My friends think they can pull me back
off this thing. Can you follow?”
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Shade
-----------------------------------------------------------
"'Shade', yes. But 'dread'? Ah...
your words cut me to the quick, old friend. That you could speak
thus to one who has, for so long, had only your best interests at
heart." the dark figure, limned in flame, replies.
"I regret that, were we to step off this
design, then I would be unable to manifest at present. Things
were, as you are aware, different at one time."
"As luck would have it, today our goals and interests coincide. You want to destroy the orb, I want to keep you alive."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Five or six years. What in the Worlds has he been doing?
Cyan shrugs off that question. Time enough, later. She
sighs when Jack makes his intentions clear: to stay on the Broken
Pattern and speak with this dark shadow. Yes. I know that voice.
Be very careful, Jack. Ruby eyes flicker with concern
as the flames reflect within them, and Cyan snaps her blade back into
its scabbard, waiting to see what will come next. I cannot sense anything about the Orb. I cannot cross the Broken Pattern. A sudden thought comes to her, and she studies the shadowy form intently.
Berd, for his part, continues to study the quiescent Orb, held in his
front claws. At times he narrows his eyes, staring through the
fires at the Orb that has lodged itself in the heart of the Broken
Pattern. Once he chirps irritably as Cyan shifts nervously, the
Bard too caught up in the interplay at the Broken Pattern to care.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
For a moment, Aaron considered taking Chrissie away, to Cyan's cabin
off in Shadow. This was because he knew only a minor fraction of their
current situation, and this strange entity added only more to his
subtle doubts.
Staring intently at the pair upon the Broken Pattern, Aaron posed a question of his own.
"It's well and good that this being has your continued lifespan as his
best intention, Jack, but is there more to this?" he raises his one
hand and gestures with his missing one at the twin flames before him.
"Who the hell is he?"
"Subtle," Arianne commented.
"Thank you," was his response in kind.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“So Jack,” Jack said eyeing the
shadowed version of himself that had slowly swam into focus in
the haunting glow of ruby Pattern fire. Though it was not a shadow in
the term of the Amber’s, no it was all too real “Is this how Peter Pan
felt? What’s the deal? Our patron wants me here, it wants me to help
it. . . I don’t see much of a direct way to do so at this moment my
faith full Shade.”
Jack stood talking with a warped version of
himself, the differences other than the night and day differences if
light and dark. They were small, yet they were stark. The boyish glint
of mischievousness in Jack’s smile was more of something overtly wicked
in his Shade’s. So it was that Jack came to stand before his own ghost,
haunting himself as he always had. Yes it was him that he stood
before, yet it was not. There were as different as it came. . .
He nodded and looked back to Berd, “Yes Berd, I thought I’d stand here
and talk to myself for a bit. You know they say a wise man will pick
the sharpest person in a room to talk to.”
He turned his attention back to his
ghost, “So do you or the Pattern have anything that can help us get
that thing off of it, any insights, information or anything to offer
Jack? Or is it all up to me to take care of this? Not that I am
not appreciative of you aid, you have always been helpful to me in your
own way haven’t you?”
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
As Cyan watches with worry, taking a moment to listen to Aaron speak,
Berd settles back on her shoulders with amusement glinting in his
eyes. They flick towards Jack for a moment before settling back
on the one Jack names Shade.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Shade
-----------------------------------------------------------
The second Jack smiles, and for a brief instant some trick of the
flickering light (or perhaps something more) lends him horns of
shadow. "This
Pattern is already Broken, Jack, what are a few more breaks to such a
thing? If you drop a crystal goblet on a stone floor, and it
shatters into a hundred pieces, does it change anything if somebody
then treads on some of the pieces and breaks them into a hundred more?"
He walks past Jack, into the centre, and regards the orb for a while. "Of
course, such speculation is wasted on you. You will always do
what the majority believe to be right. You, who have the ability
to come to a world like Cadiniagart and take it for yourself, one man,
ruling over thousands through fear of what he can do, but you will
never do that. Ah... to see such gifts wasted on aiding the weak
and foolish animals who live, grubbing in the dirt of these places." A hand reaches out, as if to touch the surface of the orb, but halts just short of the surface. "Magnificent, is it not?"
Then, turning away from the orb, to face Jack, "Enough...
There is a difference between us Jack, and it is this: although neither
of us fears death, only I am right not to do so. I am a part of
you, though in this place and at this time, I can appear before you in
phyical form."
"If I die here, and you survive, all that dies is my physical
body. The essence which is ME will return whence it came, to the
hidden places in your mind. If you die, then we both die."
"If you have a plan in mind, or are relying on those fools to give you
one, then I will execute that plan, and hopefully preserve you as my
final refuge."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd's grin slips, fractionally; it would be a first, to startle
Cyan. Unfortunately, she's still staring at the
conversation. For an instant, the Drake almost
looks...puzzled. As if at something long lost, something familiar.
The smile returns, as quickly as it had faltered.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Berd" Jack called out"How quickly is this orb breaking down the Broken Pattern?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
The little dragon blinks once, then turns lambent eyes on the Pattern
in question, the dark, silent orb dropping from his talons...straight
into Cyan's outstretched hand.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Shade
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Ah... still taking advice from the talking handbag, I see. Nice to know some things don't change."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan starts at the cold, sarcastic words. It is Jack...were Jack turned widdershins, and darkened by six shades.
A pun, there, but the Bard doesn't feel much in a joking mood.
She keeps her mouth shut, though, hoping not to antagonize the
creature. Insults would only make things more difficult, and
right now Shade is professing to offer assistance.
If a gaur reaches to assist you, let it pull you from the cliff before kicking it in the nose.
Berd's eyes roll towards Jack, and he considers, briefly. For the
moment, he ignores Shade's words - time enough for them, later.
Right now, there is no time. None at all.
Cyan's pale face whitens. "We have time enough to talk, but no
time to sit and discuss this over breakfast! Sir Shade - what do
you plan? Berd can attempt to open around the root, but that, in
iteself, might destroy the Broken Pattern!"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Shade
-----------------------------------------------------------
A sinister chuckle, "My
plan? My Dear Bard, I thought YOU were the heroes? My plan
was to follow Jack's plan, while he stood far enough back not to be
killed should anything go wrong."
The dark Jack inclines his head to one side, and says in a tired, resigned tone of voice, "Yes, Berd, we are trying to go as fast as we can. But it's hard when your other half is a half-wit."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron's eye didn't widen, rather it narrowed with a dangerous stare
affixed to the orb before him. His thoughts immediately turned to
Chrissie, and he once again considered Cyan's Trump.
Let's see. Dump Chrissie at Cyan's cabin and have her hate him for
leaving her there for God knows how long, or watch her stand there with
a huge question mark over her head and then die as the world collapses
around them.
Yep. Decision made.
"Cyan," he spoke, and his voice was gentle, "I believe I'll return my
previous statement and take your request to heart." Turning to his
granddaughter, he took her by the hand and sighed.
"Look dear, I'm afraid I'm going to have to take you somewhere safer.
Trust me when I say that it's certainly a better place to stay than
here." As he looks upon her, Aaron's face is one of true disappointment.
"Man. I really was hoping to get to know you better, sooner."
Then, he straightens, strength once more returning to his voice.
"But I'm thinking of your safety as my only priority. Please forgive me
for this, but I don't believe we'll be apart long. Where I'm taking you
will have pretty much everything you need, for as long as you're going
to be there. And I hope it won't be too long."
He took a breath and looked into her eyes, knowing his scarred face left much to be desired.
"Do you understand?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Be careful Jack ol’ Shade.” Jack said. “Who is the more foolish,
the fool or the fool that follows him.” He turned away from the center
and called to Aaron “Amber man, do not send her away. If this does not
work then we still find another way. Be ready to hell ride out of here
Aaron, if this does not work we are going to need to find something out
in the worlds and you will have to lead us fast.”
He looked over at Shade and added “If you will step into the center
Shade and try and shift this into the micro break I will open. I am
going to hit it with a couple of power words, just to see. I doubt any
this will work, but it’s the quickest thing I can think of without
going out into the worlds. Be ready Shad I am going to try and Jump it
through a micro break, you may have to try and help move it. .” . Then
he focused all of his will on the orb, everything he had and tried to
revert the orb back to it’s dormant state, hitting it with all he had. “Askiir! Jack’s shout and rapid fire psychic burst’s aimed at the orb reverberated around the chamber as his hands danced in the air!
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan looks to Aaron for a long moment, then nods. A good decision, I think....
"Time will pass more swiftly, there," she says quietly. "How much
more, I cannot say, except...I will send Berd, have him lay his will
upon the world to slow it, and bring him back. Hopefully your
Granddaughter will not have to be there more than a day." Her
topaz gaze falls on the girl. "Then we will come to take you
back."
Her eyes widen at Jack's words, and Cyan spins to face the Broken
Pattern, thrusting the card into Aaron's hand. Berd hesitates for
an instant, then focuses his gaze on the Orb, eyes dancing.
Caught between fear for the girl and desperate worry for Jack, Cyan
half-draws, Kirilinde's
rainbow light spilling out over the room, a dim counterpoint to the
lurid flares and bursts rising from the Broken Pattern. Cyan's
other hand fumbled along the edge of her palanquet deck, finding one, particular card by feel and drawing it...Berd, of course.
She can send Berd using the sword, if necessary.
Jack might just succeed. He stands on the Broken Pattern, in the area of his greatest power....
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack is there, in his place of Power, and the forces he brings to bear
on the orb are awesome. Surges of psychic energy batter against
the metal surface, causing it to ripple like water.
When Jack makes the final gesture, the orb shifts, and a second one
appears for an instant near one of the breaks, only to vanish
immediately.
Shade applauds slowly, "Good effort. Of course you're lucky some of that didn't just bounce straight back, the way Logrus does."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
A smile slid across Jacks face, yes he was
lucky it could have blasted him across the room. Still he had done
something that Lazarus had not! “The surface of the orb rippled, the
metal it’s self had rippled!” Jack said softly “There is
reaction, interplay and potential in this.” He examined the orb through
his lens, looking for any weak pints. Trying to figure out the flows in
it casing. Seeing if a concerted attack in one area might leave a
weakness in another. Especially if used in conjunction with the dark
power of the brakes themselves, force feeding that ill energy from the
breaks into the orb, intertwined with the positive energy of the
pattern.
“Cyan, Open the trump to your world!” Jack called out “Send Arron’s kin
through. . .” The tone in Jacks voice is grave and final “You, Berd and
Aaron stand by the open gate. Leave me if anything goes wrong! I mean
that! If anything goes wrong Aaron, you Grab Cyan and leap through that
gate for all you are worth! This could be bad. . . This could be
explosive.”
Jack licked his lips “I am going to Attack the orb
with the pure energy of the breaks. Probably use a power word or two as
well. Aaron if you see the orb ripple hit it with Arianne at what seems
to be the weakest point, that would either be the point of my attack or
the opposite side. You might put a little of your own blood on
Isles blade to try and confuse the orbs process. It will try and
absorb the blood and repulse her Chain Blade. It may not help at all
but it my be what makes this work. Let me know when you are all ready.”
He looked over at Cyan and tried to smiled reassuringly
“I’ll be alright love, just bail if anything goes wrong. Just get out
of here, okay?”
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan shakes her head at Jack's order. "I think not, Jack of
Shadows. I have defenses that neither you, nor Aaron
possess. Aaron may use the Palanquet to send his granddaughter away, but I am not capable of forming a
'gate', as was Kendall! I will have to be here to take you with
me!" She draws Kirilinde all the way, now, the blade
flaring with light for an instant. "My key is here, and I will
need to stay to be of assistance should you or Aaron require succor!"
As she speaks, her shirt begins to deepen in colour, rainbow flickers
dancing across it. The hue slowly shifts towards midnight as
tiny, sparkling stars begin to appear within it, her sash, her gloves,
and the rest of her clothing.
"I would say that my defenses will allow me to stand longer than you
might think," Cyan continues, a grim smile lighting her face as her
eyes begin to brighten, glittering topaz in the burning fire of the
Broken Pattern. "The power of my palanquet will sustain me - do you forget?"
At that instant Berd launches himself from her shoulder, flitting
through the energy pouring from the Broken Pattern, high enough that he
is safe from it, and then falls like a rock, landing upon Jack's
shoulder with a chiming cry.
"And there is my anchor to you, Jack - should something go awry with
you, you have Berd's protection, as Aaron will have mine! The two
of you are the blade - we shall be your shield! And Berd will
attempt to gain as much information as he may during your attempt!"
Her voice drops, slightly. "If there is aught I can do to assist,
did you really think I would leave? Would you?" Moving to
the side slightly, she holds out one hand to Aaron without hesitation,
waiting for him to send Chrissie through if he and she so choose....
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack doubted if Isle would reach this far, it looked like he was not
getting any help from there. “Shade attend me, we will need to work
together to do this. Your very nature may help me, pull this off.” As
Jack navigated the broken Pattern back to the far end a break that made
it to within two feet of the orb. As he traversed the breaks he called
out to Cyan. ”Just have the palanquet to mind Cyan, it’s the escape
rout if needed.Though I doubt you could pull me and Berd from this
pattern if anything goes wrong. I’m not even certain what Berd
can do if it goes to hell in a hand cart. That thing does not seem to
assimilate the energy in the breaks, I don’t think it can. I’m going to
use a tendril to set it up on a direct connection with the heart of the
<b>Dark Well</b. That energy is destructive as it comes, it is
the heart of everything vile and corrupt in the worlds. I’m going to
try and break or corrupt the rob with it. There could be a cataclysmic
back lash of this dark energy, of epic proportion. Just get you and
Aaron out if anything goes wrong, Berd you should really go as well.”
Once Jack was at the far end of the break he sent a tendril streaming
down into the darkness of the break. Farther and farther in the
twisting currents of corruption, deeper that he had ever had before.
Immense pressures building up against his mind from the link as he
traverse the flows of the hellish energies, pushing on to the hart of
darkness in the deep well. “Shade, join with me. . . I am good with
currents, but this is your world. Guide me to the hear of darkness
inside the dark well.”
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Taking the card from Cyan, Aaron turned to glare at Jack for a moment.
"I'm trying to make a solid decision here, damn you! Stop pulling me in a million directions and pay attention to your own ass!"
Taking a deep breath, he finally cast his gaze upon the card with much more effort, and made the contact with Cyan's home.
"Cyan, in five minutes' time, use my Trump to call me back. Five of your minutes." A sigh, then: "If you can."
Before entering through the Trump, Aaron turned back to Jack.
"Five minutes, do you hear me? Give me FIVE minutes!"
God. Jack really didn't understand how his Pattern worked, did he? Even if Aaron started Hellriding on the aftershocks of a shattering world, it
would probably take much more concentration that he'd be able to gather
to get them anywhere safe. Walking worlds with the Pattern was an art,
a flowing, calculated art. That flow also included down and dirty
Hellriding.
And none of it was easy.
Well, whatever the case, he'd made his decision. Taking Chrissie by the hand and not looking back, he moved.
Five minutes.
...and then they were rainbows.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan bites back the first rejoinder to Aaron's words that jumps to mind
- something cutting about 'minutes or years' - and merely nods, her
hand dropping. Then Aaron and his Granddaughter are gone, and she's merely staring at empty space. With a thin smile, she turns her emerald eyes back to Jack.
"I hope he respond when I call!" the Bard shouts across the raging
pattern on the floor. "Jack, what you mean to do is give this Orb
a terrible bout of indigestion, as far as I can see - it will likely
absorb the power of the Dark Well..."
Absorb.
"Wait," Cyan says, frowning. "Why...why does it absorb energy of
one kind, but not another? I would be very, VERY curious to see
how it reacts to your strike, Jack of Shadows," she continues.
"For it rejects the Logrus. Perhaps I am getting mixed up,
but...." The Bard drops that line of thought for now, continuing
to focus on her defenses, staring at Jack as he prepares for his one,
brutal strike. At her side, one hand clenches, violently.
Then she slowly moves to her pack and begins going through it, coming
out with the sketchbook again, and flipping to Aaron's sketch; once
there, Cyan picks up Kirilinde again.
"Jack," she warns, "you owe me a dance."
On Jack's shoulder, Berd blows a raspberry into the man's ear (it
quickly becomes obvious why Cyan has been known to explode into fury
when he does this), and settles himself more tightly, claws digging
into armor for a good grip.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Shade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Shade focusses his thoughts on aiding Jack, guiding the man through the twisting maze which lays beneath the Broken Pattern. The nightmare realm which is the Dark Well. Here all pain and torment and misfortune originate.
"There you see it, Jack, the core of your insanity and of my life. The thing which resides in the Dark Well."
A pause, and then Shade speaks again, "And now, I must bid you farewell, Jack of Shadows, until we meet again... which we will."
The umbral form raises a hand in salute, then, "Dominique - KROLAK!"
The raised hand becomes a fist and slams into Jack's face, and sends
him staggering back, sprawling on the edge of the Break, while Berd
flies clear to avoid falling into the abyss.
Shade turns then, gazes at the orb, "Here's something you can't do yet, Jack... " and he murmurs a word. A crack appears in the surface of the orb,
and suddenly it shatters into a thousand parts, shards of metal flying
outwards in all directions, and a pulse of energy which knocks Cyan off
her feet, and sends Berd spinning across the chamber.
When the reverberations fade, the Pattern is there still, but the
Breaks are much less prominent. Jack sits on the Pattern, blood
soaking into the sleeve of his shirt as he holds it to his broken nose.
Cyan slowly scrambles to her feet, while Berd hisses indignantly from where he sits near the wall.
Of Shade, there is no trace.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
After the initial strike to the nose
and shock of the blast, Jack sat there on the edge of the break holding
his nose. He didn’t remember sitting up, he was just sitting when the
smoke started clearing and the dust started settling. The odd
thing was he started to laugh a deep rolling laughter as he clutched
his broken nose tears still welling in his eyes from the pain. “Oh you
dirdy bich!” He called out still deeply laughing at the irony at having
his keaster kicked by himself.
“It’s ha’d to bee dha’ miffed ad you’self,”
Jack said his voice taking on nasal tones now. “I mean dhose are da
breaks.” and his laughter redoubled. Though he had been beaten, upstaged, out shown and had both him and his friends insulted by the Shade Jack. The good thing was they would meet again and then there would be round two, or would that count as round three or four?
Jack stood and finished his walk to the center of
the pattern, staggering and holding his outraged nasal orafice. Then
very anti-climactically walked off of the pattern now that the orb was
gone. “Looks like we ged thad dance, bud id may have do waid for a bid.
I’m cerdain thad will have been nodiced, how lon undil we have
com’paady?”
Still holding his nose his face all scrunched up with just the simple pain of trying to talk and breath.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd's hissing drops off as the drake, upside-down, slowly slumps to
the floor onto his head, his back haunches folding over. If one
looks very carefully, one might see the sparkles in his eyes...spinning.
...the smell of burnt hair in her nose, ringing in her ears, and her
eyes focussing...grit under her gloves and knees, skidding beneath her
boots...the taste of blood in her mouth.... "Jack!"
Making her feet, Cyan anxiously looks for her companion, to find him
sitting on the Broken Pattern, laughing. This does not,
necessarily, mean all is well with Jack. "Jack!" Sprinting
towards him, she manages to stop, arms windmilling, just in time to
avoid stepping on the Broken Pattern. There's blood on his face,
and for an instant, her heart stops. It's his nose, his nose! Just like what's dribbling from her bitten lip.
Relief floods her as Jack makes it to the center. He's alive...with a broken nose. Perhaps I should give Shade the benefit of the doubt the next time he...arrives.
"Jack, how will you come here? Berd? Berd!" The
little dragon shakes his head with an 'ahbubububub' noise, and glances
up, eyes clearing. "Is anyone coming? Jack, quickly, over
here...oh, curse it, I must inform Aaron." Motioning Jack over,
urgently, Cyan picks up her sketchbook and begins to concentrate on
Aaron's image.
The Dark Well...Jack's insanity...what lies beneath the Broken
Pattern, fighting to come up through the breaks. Why? From
whence does it spring?
And...thanks to Shade, we have succeeded! The Orb is destroyed!
This Orb. Cyan knows they cannot simply wander from World to
World, finding and destroying all of the Orbs. There were
thousands in the warehouses. Presumably thousands more have
already been deployed....
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Doh!” Jack said as he finished casually walking off the
pattern. Then with a wince he yanks his nose back in place. “Doh Cyan
we can’d rud, bri’g Aarod back. However dhe people here deed to know
what happed.” It sounded like Jack had a killer cold and as he got
closer she could see many little scrapes and nicks from the blast.
Though his armor had taken the worst of the blast, that and the fact he
had been laid out on his ass.
“We had ta’ked ad deh price must be a traidor or
chag’li’g. . . If we do’t led deh pebol know whab happ’ed, den dey blab
id on Aber and Fioda. Dere wid be a war. . .You hab a gif’ wid words
Bard, an dey need to know dey trut’. Aarod ad me will keep dem
off of you while you speak.”
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
...a flutter, a gentle prodding, and then he reaches...
...and Aaron is there, in their midst. He looks somewhat sad, but that
emotion vanishes from his features as he takes their situation in once
more.
The first thing he sees is the orb, or the lack of both that and Shade, and he yells "Success!" before taking in Jack with a questioning
look. A chuckle cracks open to release a single, loud "HA!"
"It seems there is justice in the universe." a comment
which is swiftly covered by: "I'm very proud of you, Jack. Your powers
have certainly risen higher than I'd imagined."
Handing the Trump of Cyan's cabin back to her, he held her attention.
"Chrissie will stay there until I return for her. I hope, once we get
things settled in this place, that I will be able to go as soon as
possible," followed by a sigh. "After I tell you all of my
misadventures."
Looking to Jack and suppressing another small chuckle, he gave the man
a half smile that looked somewhat out of place on his scarred face.
"Are you alright there, Jack? Can you breathe? Believe me, I know what your situation is like." A shake of his head, and he looked back to Cyan.
"What's our plan, dear bard?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
When Jack steps off the Pattern, Cyan fights an urge to run to
him. She is, after all, struggling with a severely out-of-date
sketch of Aaron, and it's taxing her abilities with the palanquet to their maximum. "I know Jack, but it will not be easy...I have
a gift with words, but we have no evidence, we have no
standing...really, we have no credibility. The people will not
believe it - this 'Prince' will seem like a godsend to them, and
without proof, no matter how truthful my words, they will choose
security over fear and chaos." The Bard sighs, once. "We
can try. I will try. But I must find if there is a power
beyond the Prince - a council of Lords, advisors, a church...."
Contact does come, and suddenly Aaron is there.
Releasing his hand, Cyan snaps the sketchbook closed, dropping it in
her pack. Berd woozily crawls 'aboard'. With a snap of her
fingers, she takes the palanquet from Aaron, and passes it to
Berd. The little dragon sticks it under his wing; when he
stretches a moment later, the card has vanished.
With a sigh, Cyan takes in Jack's injuries. "And you...you will need rest." The Bard stares at Jack's nose. "I like that not at all...."
Another sigh, this one deeper, and then she turns her attention to the
new arrival. "Yes, Aaron, but recall that a day here could mean a
week there." Frowning, Cyan glares back at the Broken Pattern,
amber eyes catching the flickers of dying light in tiny, golden
flares. "Our plan is to report the news to Princess Fiona,
somehow, and to expose the Prince as a traitor or a false ruler, if at
all possible. Failing that, we have some leads on which to follow
up. And yes, we would well enjoy hearing the story of your
travels...and what took you from us at such a desperate time, and why
you have been so long absent. And why you have chosen to
return." There is an edge to her voice in that last; an edge of
distrust and anger, but the request itself is sincere.
Turning back to Jack, Cyan shakes her head, and puts a hand on each of
his shoulders. "Jack," she asks quietly. "Do you trust me?"
At those words, Berd immediately puts his head under his wing. Cyan gives him another sour look.
At that moment, there is a tiny flare of light nearby, and a dancing,
shimmering figure appears in the air, no larger than a palm. It
hovers, lights sparkling about it, before shooting off, down the
hallway, away from the Broken Pattern.
"Must you be so ostentatious?" Cyan murmurs to Berd while awaiting Jack's answer anxiously.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack pulled a piece of
his old shirt out of the pack with one bloody hand, tearing it off. He
brought it up to his nose and wiped away the blood. As the blood
was wiped away it revealed a nose that looked as if it had been broken
a long time ago, not scant minuets. It was easier working with his own
breaks, they were part of him, he knew them like old friends.
Blowing the last of blood out
of his nose he spoke and the worst of the nasal aspect was gone.
“Justice Aaron?” he asked “Your. . .attempts at humor are more than enough universal justice for any crime anyone
could do. . .Cruel and unusual punishment.” Jack chuckeled at the
banter “Though my power has risen, it hasn’t risen that great Amber
man, I wouldn’t expect miracles or anything of me and that was a dammed
foolish thing for me to try if I say so myself.” He tweeked his bent
nose a last time "And I think I did say so."
“Of course I trust you Cyan,I trust you implicitly,” He said as
she came up bracing an arm on each shoulder “Why, what are you planing?
I’m tired but I don’t need rest yet. I had though of the lack of
evidence and the fact that if the Prince of this place is an insider,
hell be actively working against us for getting rid of the orb. I am
going to start trying to find him mentally and find out if he is
working for the broken god. I’ll also find the next in line of
succession, he would be the most likely to help us so he could have his
chance on the throne. Especially if the prince is a dupe, traitor or
changeling. Why? Do you have a plan Cyan? Do you think we should run
for the moment and come back into town from the outside? Or are you
planing to use me as the proof and a scape goat?”
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan laughs, quietly, reaching out to tap the end of Jack's nose.
"I had forgotten your ability to do that...no, Jack, in reality I
wished to know if you trusted that any pain caused by me suddenly
reaching out and setting your nose would be for good reason." For
an instant, amusement sparkles in her amethyst eyes. "It hurts
twice as much later. You two are not the only ones to have noses
broken, and it would not have been the first I have mended. 'If
it t'were done, best t'were done quickly.'"
Releasing Jack's shoulder, she decides not to address the issue of
Aaron's humour. "Your plan to find the next in line is a fine one
- I fear I am not much for court intrigue," she confesses, "and I will
likely stumble about like a blind woman for a time. But hunting
down the Prince, that may prove difficult. He...or it...will no
doubt know what has occurred or at least suspect. There will be
men heading in this direction, soon, and he will surround himself with
defenses...or flee." Cyan slowly shakes her head. "We may
yet find ourselves facing Archons...but whatever the case may be, he
will not be idle. Search, and swiftly, while Berd hunts ahead of
us to see if there is aught lying in wait!"
A brief frown. "I would rather not use anyone as proof and
scapegoat, for the time being...such plans should only be used as a
last resort, as they have a nasty habit of turning in your hand.
I could tell stories...but now is not the time."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Don’t forget the price to pay with that little trick
Cyan.” Jack said smiling at Cyan’s amusement “There is now a
break of badness floating around here someplace Cyan, no telling
where it will land. We had better get out of here and find some place
to clean up and blend into the general gender again. We will have to
work this out on the fly, and no doubt we will work it out. Lead us out
of here fast mon ami.” He gave her a wink
“I’ll try to find the prince my way.” With that
Jack reached out tendril and lens, contacting simpler minds of the
staff were needed in his search for the prince. Out into the world
around them to find out what was going on with the royal and hopefully
establish his guilt or innocents.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Back from the darkness, into the light. A long walk for the
saviours of a world, no cheering crowds to line their route, nor
fireworks to illuminate their progress. Just the sounds of their
own footsteps, and the inconstant glow of a tiny sprite, dancing in the
distance.
From cavern and tunnel, to chamber and passageway they ascend.
The sprite guides them easily through the labyrinthine domain below the
palace, onwards and upwards.
Finally they emerge, through secret ways, into the palace itself.
And find panic striding through the halls.
People are everywhere, screaming and wailing and crying that the world is coming to an end.
Smoke is drifting through the corridors.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Leonardo
-----------------------------------------------------------
~~~ Bard Cyan of Nothing, this is Leonardo Henri
Cezanne of Escher calling. I realize it has been awhile, or
perhaps it has only been so for me since I don't know how fast time
flies in the City of Cadiniagart. I didn't hear back from you
regarding my last message left at Serenity so I thought I would chance
a collect call, will you accept the charges?
Sorry.. a bit of phone humor there, on a more serious note
congradulations on your recent victory over the Archons. I was
wondering, would you and Jack be interested in a repeat performance on
a "deathworld" style planet with a lethal ecosystem and Archon-looking
beings forcing slaves to build "transmitter" shaped structures?
Plenty of opportunities for "heroic death" and "glorious sacrifice"...
I thought I would ask you both since I didn't want to jump the gun and
hog all the fun for myself. I do hope I didn't call at a bad
time. ~~~[/i]]
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan paces down the hall, Berd on her shoulders, beside the two
men. Chaos surrounds them, but right now they have a clear
purpose. She keeps her eyes open, though, in case she sees
something she cannot ignore. Someone in danger would certainly
qualify.
Abruptly the Bard raises her hand. "Stop, please. There is someone...palanquet. Possibly Prime?" No one else holds one of her cards.
The tiny faerie wings back to flit around Berd's head before landing
atop it, holding on carefully. Berd keeps his own eyes open,
hunting for problems and threats to the citizenry as well.
Contact accepted...a rush of words, some of them incomprehensible. Collect call?
"It is Leonardo Henri Cezanne," Cyan states, sapphire eyes blinking
with some surprise. Berd narrows his own eyes for an instant.
A moment later, Jack, Aaron and Arianne find themselves offered a
'conference call', as Leonardo might put it. It is up to them if
they choose to accept....
"Leonardo, I greet you," Cyan returns politely, aloud but only loud
enough for Jack and Aaron to hear. Even someone at a spyhole,
right beside them, would find it impossible to understand her words,
what with the rumblings, the shouts, and the chaos in the
background. "Our situation is rather...difficult at the
moment. You say you have found a world where beings similar to
the Archons have enslaved the populace? I fear that heroic death
and glorious sacrifice are not part of my own, personal agenda, but I
must say that your talk of 'transmitters' intrigues me." Well
does Cyan recall the 'transmitter' the Archons nearly used against them
during the War. "At the moment, we find ourselves entangled in
similar business - an Orb has been destroyed, but we now track a
possible ally of the Enemy."
She pauses to look to Jack and Aaron. "What say you,
gentlemen? We have business to conclude, both here and with each
other. After that, though...transmitters. This is something
new."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack steps over and rests a hand on Cyan's shoulder.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Definitly Bard" Jack spoke softly "Information on transmitters could be of major use, we should check it out.
Find out from Leon how we are supposed to get back in touch with him and ask him if he has
heard anything about the Calisto project that I managed to get out of the Archon."
Leon had given Cyan some possibile information freely, it would not hart in Jacks eyes to
give him a bit in return.As long as the exchange kept going and stayed fair. "It seems our to do list grows again."
Tranmitter's, the Church, finding a way to take care of all of the orbs, just to mane a few.
Oh yes they had so many things on their to do list it was not funny in the least. Perhase
with Fiona's agents they could make the best out of their numbers dividing to take care of tasks.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I agree with Jack." Aaron says with a nod.
Flatly gazing out at the chaos around them, Aaron frowned. Would the
populace of this world rather prefer that the orb drain the soul out of
their reality, as it had started on San Anyn and the world of the
Gatherer?
A grim smile and a shake of his head at his own thoughts before he
returns his attentions to his comrades. Cyan's previous comments
towards him had not gone ignored, nor had the venom in her voice.
Oh, he had much to pay for, but... well, Aaron had gotten
used to payment. Especially those that included interest. He didn't
hold her feelings against her in the least.
First thing was first, though.
"Let's decide on the most important aspect of our mission, first." he
said, once more checking the hallways in case anyone aggressive
approached. "I suggest we finish our work here, get settled with
eachother, and then link up with Leonardo if the times allow it. One or
the other may become more important, but we'll make those leaps when
those cliffs approach."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
OOC - Oh, I wouldn't say venom. Just an edge. :)
Cyan nods to both Aaron and Jack, her emerald eyes growing distant again.
'Leonardo, have you heard aught of a 'Project Callisto'? It is
something we have heard, in name alone. Something important to
the Enemy. We will need to contact you - I can use your drop box,
but it seems a most inefficient manner. Perhaps Berd can contact
you, or, given time, a half-day or so, I can have a palanquet prepared. Right now we find ourselves rather too busy-'
- by now the contact is likely sufficiently close that Leonardo can see where she stands, hear the screaming, the shouts -
</i>'-and we have urgent difficulties with which to deal.
After this, we would like to discuss matters with you - explain some
things we have discovered, find out more of your own discoveries.
These 'transmitters' interest us - they may well be similar things to
what we have seen before. I am beginning to understand - Worlds
are being used to construct various portions of the Enemy's
needs. Each world is specialized to a particular task, and if
discovered, will not give away the entire game. In addition, this
level of specialization allows the worlds to speed up
production...enough! I have speculated too long. Was there
more, Leonardo? How shall we get in touch with you, when our
present difficulties are concluded?'</i>
Her discussion with Leonardo is carried to the others by Berd, and
deposited at their mental 'doorsteps' in small packages. No
actual mental link is necessary.
Berd, for his part, stares around lazily at the confusion about him, much as a cat might.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
OOC - Oh, I wouldn't say venom. Just an edge. :)
Cyan nods to both Aaron and Jack, her emerald eyes growing distant again.
'Leonardo, have you heard aught of a 'Project Callisto'? It is
something we have heard, in name alone. Something important to
the Enemy. We will need to contact you - I can use your drop box,
but it seems a most inefficient manner. Perhaps Berd can contact
you, or, given time, a half-day or so, I can have a palanquet prepared. Right now we find ourselves rather too busy-'
- by now the contact is likely sufficiently close that Leonardo can see where she stands, hear the screaming, the shouts -
'-and we have urgent difficulties with which to deal. After
this, we would like to discuss matters with you - explain some things
we have discovered, find out more of your own discoveries. These
'transmitters' interest us - they may well be similar things to what we
have seen before. I am beginning to understand - Worlds are being
used to construct various portions of the Enemy's needs. Each
world is specialized to a particular task, and if discovered, will not
give away the entire game. In addition, this level of
specialization allows the worlds to speed up production...enough!
I have speculated too long. Was there more, Leonardo? How
shall we get in touch with you, when our present difficulties are
concluded?'
Her discussion with Leonardo is carried to the others by Berd, and
deposited at their mental 'doorsteps' in small packages. No
actual mental link is necessary.
Berd, for his part, stares around lazily at the confusion about him, much as a cat might.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron's eye widened in surprise. If Cyan's speculations were correct,
and they felt eerily proper in that regard, they would have to act on a
much deeper level than he had anticipated initially.
With a sigh, he continued to listen.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd, sitting on Cyan's shoulder, abruptly yawns.
Hardly surprising, actually, even given the circumstances.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
A smile slid across Jack’s face as
he though of something down right wicked in nature. Perhaps some of
Shade was showing though since he had essentially sent his mind on a
‘Dip in the Dark Well.’ As Aaron had said so long ago. What ever it was
Jack was thinking crooked again. . . They had no proof, they had
nothing but words and a story. Still there were those that would accept
words and a story on faith.
It was time for Jack to work quietly in the
background. . . He stood behind Cyan, his bloodied face passive and
mildly bored, mildly amused and distant as another world. As his
consciousness flows about the castle searching for what or who he needs.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Leonardo
-----------------------------------------------------------
~~~ Hmm... no I don't recall any information on
a "Project Callisto"... although I have heard of something called "The
Church of One" which is linked to our mutual foe. In fact the
"High Priest" of this new religion which seems to be sweeping my home
Shadow is a man named "Tarquin" who seems to be able to summon Archons
or things very much like them. He's also the one behind the
transmitter construction.
As for contact... well I suppose I could always join you unless you
feel my presence there would merely cause further agitation to what
looks to be an already highly disruptive and disorderly
situation? It is a shame that you didn't check the "drop box"
since some of what I have to tell you is already written into a message
there.
I suppose if you need to contact me, you can take this Trump Card of
Hunter. He's been with me for awhile ever since he got wounded
and I helped to heal him. By the way, we just recently learned of
the passing of his Mistress Lady Kalika... offer my condolances to His
Highness, I know he and the Wolf-Lady were close.
Just contact Hunter when you're ready to talk some more, he can
alert me and I'll establish contact with you... assuming you don't want
to do this face-to-face that is. Sound Ok with you Cyan? ~~~
Leonardo hands out a Trump Card with Hunter's image on it, ready for Cyan to take.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Nodding, Cyan reaches out, but does not take the card...yet. 'My
thanks for the information, Leonardo - your problems are certainly
connected to what threatens all of the Myriad Worlds. We should
be able to assist with that, given time. I will check the drop
box, soon, and give you the information we have...' Her mental voice trails off for an instant, and then Cyan gives the equivalent of a mental shrug. 'As
to whether or not you will come, that, of course, is up to you. I
will bring you here, if you wish, but only if you believe your presence
will not cause...further agitation, as you put it. I can only
leave that in your hands, for I do not know your mind. But the
choice, as I state, is yours. Choose swiftly, though' she cautions, not impatiently but with growing concern, 'for I regret I have no time for debate.'
The Bard leaves her hand out for either card or grip.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Leonardo
-----------------------------------------------------------
Leonardo looks off to his side for a moment, the conflicting emotions
playing across his face are only partially visible as he resolves his
internal debate and makes his choice. Leonardo turns back with an
unreadable expression on his face as he grabs Cyan's hand and is pulled
through to his new location. "Well
the long distance rates were killing my bottom line as it was...
besides somethings are best handled in person don't you think?
Thanks for the hand out Cyan, though I hope I have not made an error in
judgment?"
Leonardo looks around him at the chaos and confusion. He notices
what looks like the Amberman Aaron... though certainly the man has seen
better days. Leonardo nods to Aaron saying, "Ahh
I see I'm not the only prodical son returned to the fold... though I
think perhaps my time away was a touch kinder and gentler to me than it
has been to you Aaron."
Leonardo then turned to see a man he vaguely recognized as being Jack,
though probably more from the air of confidence and pride and power
than from actualy physical resemblance. Leonardo smiled slightly
at Jack and said, "Hmm...
though it seems His Highness has truly put the time apart to best use,
you are looking much better than when we last parted Your Highness and
I hear you've tapped into some VERY potent sources of power
lately. I am sorry to hear about Lady Kalika's passing, it was a
bit of a shock even to Hunter."
Then as if an idea had just occured to him, Leonardo pulled out Hunter's Trump and said to himself, "And
speaking of my old trusted companion... Hunter please come and join us,
it just wouldn't be the same without you by my side ol' boy."
Leonardo opened the Trump connection to Hunter and offered the wolf his hand to help him through.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
As the talk had moved to Kalika and hunter,
Jack smoothly controlled his emotional reactions though they ran deep
for a myriad of reasons. Not just locking them away but cleanly
integrating them with himself. By the time the artist stepped out
Jack was a strange blend of casual, at ease and politeness, there was
something undeniable just under the surface. Jack smile became
something reminiscent of Kalika’s feral smile, a little wild but tinged
with the polish of Shade.
He gave a short shallow bow to the man “You
seem to hear a lot of things Cezanne. You have my condolences on the
subjugation of your world, unfortunately it will probably only be
a matter of time until the breaks devour it.”
Any one else and Jack would have told them to just call
him Jack, but he would not correct the artist error. It only proved how
little the artist knew of him. All of the while Jack continued
searching the castle and the world around them with psyche and his
pattern tools.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Leonardo
-----------------------------------------------------------
Leonardo bowed his head slightly and said in a friendly tone with a smile, "Ahh...
as always, you have a way with words Jack. But as much as I'm
touched by your deep felt concern for the welfare of Shadow Escher, you
may rest you mind at ease for the moment.
You see, I never said that the structure being built was actually
located on Escher... merely that this Church of One was gaining
influence there and that the Church is tied in somehow with the
Enemy. No the transmitter I was talking about must be located
elsewhere... for my home is no "deathworld" and I intend to keep it
that way.
Besides... if THX is to be believed, you have a real knack for dealing
with Archons. Granted his world required a bit of spring cleaning
afterward but there's no argueing with results after all."
Leonardo took a look up in the sky and then at the panic everywhere before turning to Cyan and asking with a raised eyebrow, "I
take it, this is not the normal state of affairs for this Shad... um..
World then? I suppose the sky doesn't always look like that,
eh? Just out of cusiousity, whose handiwork would that be
then...The Enemy's? If so, is there a plan at work here for
dealing with the threat?
Sorry for all the questions, I'm just trying to get up to speed and playing a bit of catch-up at the same time."
Ah yes... how comforting to be back among the silver-tongued...
truly embraced once again to the bosum of our merry little band.
It seems the wolf girl's death touched ol' Jack more than he cares to
show... I wonder if it has cast a "shadow" over his designs on Cyan and
vice versa? Then again... "out of sight, out of mind" I
suppose... or perhaps "any port in a storm" would be more accurate.
And speaking of storms... this is sure one humdinger of a "natural"
weather phenomenon. I wonder what the cause of this is? Why
is it that I no sooner show up, even offer my condolance and show him
the respect of his title, and he's at it again with the jabs?
Am I supposed to take heart at his breaks comment or is it that
HE's so "broken" he no longer cares about other people's pain?
Still if he or the others know how to strike back at The Enemy and The
Enemy is threatening Escher... I suppose any hardship is worth bearing
to save my home.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The group makes their way across the palace, ignoring the servants and
guards who pass them, through halls and passages, courtyards and
guardens, until they find themselves back on familiar territory; the
halls near their suite.
Cyan maintains the link with Leonardo as information is
exchanged. Berd suggests diversions when his sprite discovers the
way ahead is choked with people or blocked with rubble. Aaron, a
stranger here, strides along with the others, his face set in a mask of
grim determination, wanting to see this situation resolved so that he
can bring Chrissie back to him.
Jack seems distracted, only half there, as if his attention is elsewhere...
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
This was a mistake, Cyan ponders to herself, trying desperately
to resist the urge to rub tired, ruby eyes. She glances at
Leonardo, walking along beside them, and then to Jack. I should have kept contact, only. Now he is here, and problems begin between them already.
"We shattered an Orb, and this is the result of the release of
power. In addition, there may be aftershocks from the shattering
itself." Is this the break occurring, or something else?
The thoughts are her own, kept close to her spirit. Berd has ceased to link the group.
"Currently we seek either to find the new Prince, who may be in league
with the Enemy, or...ah." Spotting their suite, Cyan nods
once. "Perhaps we might find answers now. At least we know
where we are. Jack, have you discovered anything? Berd,
could you inform Princess Fiona of our whereabouts?"
Berd, studying the changed sword on Aaron's back with some interest,
glances around at Cyan for a moment, then sighs. The little
dragon blinks once, twice, then narrows glittering eyes.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Leonardo
-----------------------------------------------------------
Leonardo misses a step and stops for a brief moment to look at Cyan in surprise as he says in a wary tone, "Fiona!?
As in Princess Fiona of Amber? You mean the Princess is here in
this Sha.. World... in this City even? I don't suppose her
presence and the discovery of the Orb and the Prince of this realm
falling under suspicion are all just eerie coincidences?
When you last attacked the Archons on Prime's Sh.. World, in addition
to the "transmitter" did you also destroy an Orb associated with
it? If so did that event have a similar effect as this
"storm"? Have you discovered a "transmitter" here on this...
World?
You know... I would be careful getting too close to the Amberites on
this one Cyan, no offense Aaron... I'm speaking of Oberon's kids, the
direct decendants and as such those directly in line for the
Throne. Let's just say that I think this One who is being worshipped by the cult on Escher is one and the same with The Enemy.
What was unsettling was that the "sermon" regarding his orgins struck
me as being just crazy enough to sound like a branch of the Amberite
Family Tree... maybe some long, lost or abandoned branch/sibling.
I don't suppose you've heard or seen of any direct links between Amber
and The Enemy?"
What the hell is a member of the Amber Royal Family doing here on
this Shadow? How do the recent events play into their hands... if
Fiona is here, then I know somebody's strings must be getting
pulled! If we're not careful, we'll end up as the newest set of
marrionettes dangling at Amber's whim... then again some people's
strings are easier to tug than others.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
"There it is!" Jack said softly "So Leon, religious
controll is not subjugation? Then again the man who wears the princes
face was about to make
a state religion here as the world was being destroyed. Because I care
about this world as well as yours I deal with this changeling."
"This way!" Jack turned and started to run
down the hall, chaing the trail of the prince "Fiona is that way." He
pointed absentminded, "There are five more people that way, all have
the feel of substance to them. This way is the Changeling ." As he ran
down the corridor "Berd I need your help. . .He is this way, can you
make sure the path is clear and safe?" with that Jack was off
giving chase to the false prince, leaving a trail of unanswered
questions for dealing what was real, here and now. The chase!
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
As the group picks up the pace, Berd, sitting on Jack's shoulder, grins
toothily. His eyes begin to burn as Cyan breaks into a run,
glittering and dancing like diamond dust.
The little faerie hovers before him for an instant, and Berd breathes
on it - it explodes into a shower of flickering lights that shoot ahead
of the group, fading into nothingness.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Leonardo
-----------------------------------------------------------
There it is indeed... never one to let something go... how
refreshing to see that the more people change the more they stay the
same. But it is useless to spar with this one, when he loses his
taste for the "game" he just goes off on his own... and for the time
being I need his "talents".
But someday... someday my dear, dear Jack... someday your worth will be
used up and my need for you will be at an end. Then, and only
then... will I be free to truly "let the games begin".
Leonardo's thoughts as usual were not displayed in his facial
expression or body language. Instead he merely showed a warm
smile and replied in a friendly tone, "Ahh...
religious subjugation was what you meant, how silly of me to miss that
point. Then again... I don't tend to use the words "devour" and
"breaks" when discussing philosophical domination, so it was an honest
oversight on my part.
But I certainly concede the point to you Jack... you win again, as
always. And, I am truly glad to hear of your genuine concern for
all people... though that resolve may be sorely tested during your next
challenge. But you've faced loss before and overcome it
admirably, I have no doubt you shall do so again in future."
Leonardo found himself once more "following Jack's lead"... no doubt a
state of affairs he would have to reconcile himself with for the
foreseeable future. And of course, once again... he had given
more than had been returned... yes things were back to "normal" it
seemed. Leonardo instructed Piece to form around his left hand as he ran after Jack and then he began to
test a few different configurations until he found one that he liked.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Enough!" Cyan hisses. "Both of you - we have more important
things with which to concern ourselves than the bandying of
words!" Her teeth lock for an instant as she throttles everything
else she intended to say.
"As I have stated, Leonardo, we are effectively charged with our
mission by the Lords of Amber, and this is one of the 'Golden Circle'
worlds that has just lost its ruler. Hardly surprising that we
might find one of the Princes or Princesses here," the Bard notes after
a moment, in a calmer tone. "And good luck, too, that we had the
opportunity to make a report."
"As for the transmitter on the Archon's world, no, we did not seek out
an orb - the transmitter in question was to be used to strike back at
us. The world on which the Archons and Spiders laboured was used
to manufacture orbs - it would hardly make sense for them to destroy
the world used to create their weapons. A transmitter,
here? Not yet."
She continues to run, her voice remaining level and even despite the
exertion. "As for an Amberite connection to our difficulties, we
have seen some evidence...but none that implicates the Royal Family
itself. Perhaps, as you say, a splinter group, or dissatisfied
member. Tales and stories in the Myriad world...an arm that bears
the symbol of order upon it, linked with the Enemy...in any case, I
cannot see any choice but to get involved with the royal family.
The Myriad Worlds themselves are in peril."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Leonardo
-----------------------------------------------------------
Leonardo had a nonplussed expression of innocence on his face, after
all he had not chosen to start throwing barbs nor had he said any
unkind words in Jack's direction... to the contrary he had been only
cordial and appeasing. In fact the harshest thing he had said was
directed at Aaron and one would have to be liar to argue that the
Amberman had not seen better days.
With a sigh and shrug, Leonardo replied in a slightly hurt but mostly calm tone, "Forgive
me Cyan for discussing matters other than those that pertain most
directly in the here and now. However to my knowledge this world
has no formal connection with Amber, otherwise I should be more
familiar with it.
Also I was not aware that it was all that common for Amber Royalty to
take direct hands in matters such as these... but then perhaps your
knowledge of Amber is more extensive than mine as I've never spent a
great deal of time within the Golden Circle.
As for the transmitter... well I thank you for the knowledge that the
one on Prime's World was meant to be a weapon, I had not known
that. But does that mean there are still Orbs on that World...
Orbs that could be sent to other Worlds?
The reason I ask about a Transmitter here... is that I would think it a
very likely destination for our changeling Prince to be headed
for. Especially now that the Orb has been destroyed and all hell
seems to have broken loose."
Leonardo did not seem the least tired by the exertion from running and he added in his usual calm, friendly tone, "As
for the Amber Royal Family... well I merely wanted to warn you that one
or more may be directly involved. I do not say that we can
divorce ourselves from them... but one Amberite may not speak for the
whole Kingdom.
Even if she does, that does not mean one is not being used as a pawn in
multiple other "games" being played. But I'm sure I am worried
over nothing, no doubt you all are as aware of this as anyone and have
taken precautions."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I was already dropping it Cyan," Jack said evenly, giving away nothing Yes I was already dropping it, if the man wants to twist words rather then , than that is his problem. Jack simply shut-up. He would not debate the differnces in religious
and other subjugation. The fact was that there was probably already an
orb on Leons world. Twisting words and playing games rather then
dealing with it. . .Well, Jack just was not going deal with the man. He
would let Cyan do that. . .
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd hums quietly to himself, his eyes staring off into the distance.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan continues to move forward, following Jack (and Berd's) lead.
"As for the Orbs on the other world, I shall have to speak to Prime in
order to ascertain their disposition - I feel it likely that Prime has
begun their dismanteling, but it might be useful to have one or two
more for study purposes."
"As for the royal family of Amber...." Cyan shrugs. "My
knowledge of them is obviously much less than your own - I have spent
no time in the actual city, itself, nor do I have the benefit of your
tutoring. But I have heard so many reports from so many people,
in so many different fashions, I fear I will have to trust my own
impressions. Thus far, they are cast in a mostly favourable light
- the ones I have met, in any case." The Bard smiles
brilliantly. "I rather like Princess Fiona - she seems to be a
decent enough person. Certainly she was willing enough to come
here and investigate herself - as you, I have no idea if that is the
norm."
"It does make sense that our quarry will be heading for a
transmitter...to summon aid, I wonder, or to transport himself from
here?" The Bard shrugs again. "No way to know until we
arrive."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The corridors now are clearer, less rubble, and even in the areas where
there are people, there always seems to be an open path through the
middle of them at exactly the right moment...
Finally, the last hall opens into a circular chamber with a wooden
spiral staircase winding upwards around its circumference. The
floor is choked with rubble, and there are places where the stairs have
been torn away. High above the cloud-filled sky is visible
through the partially smashed remnant of a wooden platform which had
once spanned the width of the shaft, and it is clear that this was once
a lofty tower, until something tore the pinnacle from it.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The corridors now are clearer, less rubble, and even in the areas where
there are people, there always seems to be an open path through the
middle of them at exactly the right moment...
Finally, the last hall opens into a circular chamber with a wooden
spiral staircase winding upwards around its circumference. The
floor is choked with rubble, and there are places where the stairs have
been torn away. High above the cloud-filled sky is visible
through the partially smashed remnant of a wooden platform which had
once spanned the width of the shaft, some two hundred and fifty feet
above its base, and it is clear that this was once a lofty tower, until
something tore the pinnacle from it.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack started pacing the long strides of his run and simply
said "He's about 200 feet up in that tower,omething is holding him in
place for the moment." Othere then that he saved his breath for running
up almost 16 ir 17 stories worth of stairs. Though he was pacing
himself a bit, he was not slowing down that much.
To much could go wrong between here and aprehention. And one who
did n't want to make the run didn't have to but he was not
backing down.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Berd!" Cyan snaps, and the little dragon vaults off her shoulder,
spiralling up ahead of them. As he does, he breathes out a cloud
of vapours that begins to fill the stairwell, sinking down to the level
of their feet along the broken steps.
Jumping a broken away section, Cyan curses horribly under her
breath. "Of course...at the top of a flight of stairs. Why
not on a plain?" Then she saves her breath for the running.
The vapours begin to thicken under her pounding feet....
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
He attempted to pay attention, but his thoughts were upon his
granddaughter. Hours here could mean weeks there, as Cyan had said.
Then Leonardo was in their presence, and to the man's comment, Aaron
merely grinned darkly. A frightening thing from a man of his physical
persuasion. The commentary between that man and Jack had given Aaron a
chance to relax. Had he been that tense when facing Jack again? Odd,
that, but the conversation reminded Aaron, if only by argument, of how
he used to be.
Selfish. Antisocial. Aggressive. Power hungry.
The eye narrowed. Better to die than relive ancient history and the prices paid.
They reach the remains of the tower, and Aaron is there, gazing upwards.
"Classic. I was hoping to get some exercise. I'd gotten into something
of an exercise routine a while ago, and I was hoping to continue at
least some of it." A firm nod. "This should help."
And he's there, following Cyan up upon the misty trail of her drake's indigestion.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Leonardo
-----------------------------------------------------------
The "chase" did not seem to be tiring Leonardo at all though he did not
move quite as fast as the others and soon both Cyan and Aaron had
passed him as the other three all raced up the stairs. Even
Hunter had raced on up ahead leaving Leonardo behind.
Leaoardo paused at the base of the spiralling stairs and looked upwards
with a grim smile on his face. As the others continued to race up
the stairs and avoid the damaged steps, Leonardo shrugged as he raised
his left arm upwards. Focusing on one of the more solid and
sturdy support beams roughtly 100 feet up, Leonardo sent his command to Piece.
A small grappling claw formed and was shot out and upwards towards the
support beam. A thin high tensil strength line was attached to
the grappling claw and flew upwards as well.
Within seconds the claw had contacted the beam and attached itself
securely with the ascension line held taunt and firm to the gauntlet
around Leonardo's left hand. Leonardo sent another mental command
to Piece and soon he was rapidly rising up though the open center of the spiral
staircase along the quickly recoiling ascension line, passing the
others going up and around the stairs.
Up, up and away... last one up is a rotten egg. Of course the
first one up might be dead... so no crowing until survival is assured!
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd, far ahead of the others, winging madly up, watches the 'grapple'
clamp on something just below him as he climbs with vague
interest. Then he turns his attention back above, probing with
his abilities, seaching for signs of the Enemy, even as the 'fog'
continues to thicken on the stairs.
Below, Cyan 'tests the waters', her foot bouncing off the smokey ground
above the stairs, then again above...empty space, where there once was
a broken section. "Run on the fog!" she cries to the others,
perspiration appearing on her brow. A wild laugh escapes her at
Aaron's words, and she glances at the man now passing her, his greater
endurance driving him up the stairs like a machine, Jack behind him,
passing her as well. Amethyst eyes flash. "Oh, I think this
will do your heart good, Aaron," she shoots to him as she runs, rancor
gone now as they sprint up the stairs towards danger. "Go!
I follow!"
Her eyes lock forward again, and their hue begins to fade.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack's feet pounded on the flagstone and
Drakes fog as his legs pistoned. He didn't have the reation time of
Cyan or endurance of Aaron but he had shear muscle in spades.This
pushed him on towards the top of the tower and the fake prince.
Though he did slow down as he passed a gap in the wall and watched Leon
asending, he thought a wicked thought for just a moment. Though hurt
and infuriated by the artist he just could not draw himself to send the
man plumeting to the earth below, or at least into a manure pile.
Though a 200 foot fall would have been the perfect accident. For
as much as the Artist's every words were calculated to bring out the
worst, in everything and everyone around him.
Jack could not do it, not here, not now, not like this. The man
was supposed to be an ally. Jack promised him self to resolve matters
between them as soon as this was done.
That thought was stored away for later as he continued pounding up the stairs.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Higher, and yet higher.
Leonardo reaches the half way point and clambers onto the staircase, ready to begin the second stage of his ascent.
Above him Berd sweeps around the curve of the spiral, reinforcing the
structure, while below him the three runners continue to climb.
A strange cry echoes down the tower, shaking some more debris loose,
and Berd suddenly veers out into the empty air at the heart of the
stairwell...
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Leonardo
-----------------------------------------------------------
As Leonardo passed the others working their way up the stairs and
landed on the steps at the halfway makr, he had taken note of someone
or something coming down. Leonardo shouted down to the others, "I
believe your shapeshifter Prince is on his way down... though by the
looks of it, he does not seem happy about his choices! Prepare
yourselves, for he has the look of extreme agitation and it is
reflected in his many forms!"
Leonardo prepared himself to react to any changes in situation as he
looked for both the best spot for an ambush as well as another solid
beam to use as an anchor.
Well perhaps events will allow the others to save their breath,
certainly these stairs would be enough to take the fight out of most
people... then again neither this "Prince" nor the others would qualify
as "most people". Why does this shapeshifter descend now after
working his way up I wonder? Does this "Prince" have connections
to the Courts... for surely they are the masters when it comes to
adapting one's form to fit the circumstances!? But... to what end
would the Courts be playing such petty games with so insignificant a
place?
Piece[/i] as a "lasso". The idea is that the Prince is
working his way down the spiral stairs, at one point he must be direct
opposite but above Leon's position. Leon would shoot out a line
to wrap around the Prince and pull him quickly towards Leon's position
while the shapeshifter is bound as much as possible. This would
work similarly to how Boba Fett used his "smartrope" to wrap around
Luke Skywalker in Return of the Jedi.]
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
There was a hiss, and a very familiar ringing sound filled the air.
Ilsefranvir now rested in Aaron's hand, and the weapon had changed.
Drastically. Yet the Amberite didn't seem the worse with the loss of a
hand, for he held her with a firm but somewhat gentle control.
Yet attentions were less upon Aaron and his ensorcled blade, and more
upon the entity that existed somewhere beyond and above. Slower now,
Aaron led the group up the stairs, his one eye tracing a path beyond
him and keeping ever constant watch for threats. He side-stepped up the
stairway, making sure his fellows followed his pace.
Aaron's face was a silent mask of determination. He did not speak, but his single eye said enough. Approach with caution!
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan studies Ilsefravnir for a moment, noting not only the changes in the blade, but in Aaron's
stance, as well. Her ruby eyes narrows, and she nods, once. So. More HAS changed than first meets the eye...and that was quite a bit. Is it possible...?
She nods to Berd's image of the shapeshifter, slowly descending the stairs; the ugly picture draws a grimace to her face. What monster is this, taking two steps forward then another back? Leonardo's warning comes a moment later. Aaron is ahead of her, and has Ilse drawn and readied; she leaves Kirilinde sheathed for the nonce.
Also interesting to note was the distinct lack of Herzkreig....
Berd, high above, comes in to a gentle landing behind the shapeshifter, glancing up the stairs from whence it came.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26a - The Circle. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Sorry Aaron,” Jack said even though his
sword was out and ready with a soft whisper. “Each, must work in their
area of strength truly work as a team. Let Cyan by your side and work
with her. Take care of her for me.” Though Jack wanted nothing more to
move forward side by side with the Amber man, he knew his efforts were
best used elsewhere. Stepping behind Aaron he let Cyan past so they
could work two by two if needed.
With that he went ahead and snared the tendril he had in
waiting around the nightmare thing. “Let’s see what the prince really
looks like.” with that his hand made a quick pass. . . .
===========================================================
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