Trip to Delveen
Michael James Watson
Escaping from the Regorian room she slips up to her nook, finding her white already waiting, turning the pages of a book. As she moves to her seat she sees a trump sitting on a pillow with a note beside it. "From some places you can see everything."
Amber Bronkhorst
Lovingly Alex scratches the head of her white little dragon. She looks over to what he is reading. "Are you managing with the book?" Taking a seat and seeing the trump card she takes it in both hands. First studying the artwork. Wondering if she can recognize it now she has seen more work of others. She turns it around looking at the back. Then turning it face forward she stares at the card studying what she can see in the picture. Repeating what the note said. "From some places you can see everything." She looks at her dragons. "I wonder....." she focusses on the card again. With a slight grin Alex adds asking her pseudodragons. "Are you as curious as i am? I wouldn't mind seeing more. Let alone everything." Having gathered her bag around her shoulders and her dragons close to her. Alex stands and looks at the trump. Giving a 'hell why not' thought and focusses her mind to open the location trump. "Lets see what this is" When it opens Alex steps through.
Michael James Watson
Arriving in the center of a round about in the center of town she notes the area is cleared as if they expect trump arrivals. on the other side of the road are cafes with out door seating. They all look wet. Looking west she sees the massive hand looming over the village. It holds a ring that feels very much like a portal. In it the galaxy spins slowly. People sitting in the cafes are staring at the Galaxy. Waiters move around them taking orders and such. small silent vehicles similar to golf carts come and go on the road in a normal fashion. A man in a black jump suit decorated with several patches approaches. "Traveler, Greetings and Welcome to Delveen. To you have reservations for lodgings? "
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex herselfs just takes a moment to stare at the spinning galaxy in the ring. It takes a moment till she snaps her gaze away. Shaking her head. She looks at the trump and tugs it in her bag with the rest of the cards. Smiling soft at the man in tje jumpsuit she replies "Greetings and thank you. Uhm no i do not believe i have reservations this was a bit of an impromptu decision to travel. Would it be possible to arrange lodgings still? Or is reservation required?"
Michael James Watson
HE chuckles, "Well if you want to stay at the Château d'Artigny reservations are needed! But there are many lesser lodgings though most don't have as good a view. I'm Officer Cadal. You say this was an impromptu visit? Curious. MIght I inquire your station giving you access to Delveen? You look rustic, sorry, I man, non-technological.. "
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex smiles at the assessment of Alex her looks. "You can say rustic. I generally do sleep outside in the forests so rustic would apply. It is a pleasure Officer Cadal, i am Alexandra. And as to my station i am not certain to what you are referring to. I somewhere doubt my rank at home would be applicable here. As for acces someone left me an invitation of sorts and curiosity won. " She looks at her three little dragons how they are doing. "So any affordable lodgings would be great even if the view isn't fantastic." She adds with a bright smile.
Michael James Watson
"Rank has its privileges. I don't know about any invitations. As for lodgings, the Auberge Normande is reasonable. Though, as a rustic as it were., i assume you don't have electronic currency. Come to my station at the Cafe Malsi and I can change your local currency for a Delveen debit card. Does where you are from use gold? Briar Oak? Mithril? Rearden?"
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex smiles and nods "Oh yeah of course ranks help with that, but i doubt Second Warden for Arden says much here." She rubs her neck a bit awkwardly. Then hearing about electronic currency she looks even more awkward... realizing she never set foot outside the more rustic shadows... by wishes of mom but still... "Oh yes i have some Goldwings i think. So yeah that would mean gold... if you could help me out that would be great thank you. Guess thats what you get for impromptu traveling eh."
Michael James Watson
He stands straighter though not at attention. "Goldwings... Warden...Second Warden of Arden? That would make you a.....ah.... royal of Amber.. A moment." He walks off and pulls a radio from his belt and speaks into it in a language she doesn't know. He steps back, "Please wait, m'Lady. Arrangements are being made. " A few moments pass and while being polite he looks around and tries not to engage in conversation. A trump gate opens at the spot she arrived in. A Man in brown pants and a tan shirt, largely covered in machine oil and grease steps through. He looks at Alexandra and nods. Briefly a blue aura surrounds him and he is completely clean. He runs a hand through his hair. He walks over, nodding at the attendat who nods and leaves. "By the Trumps of Amber i would say you are Alexandra, daughter of Brand...my pleasure to meet you, I am Warrick, son of Corwin and Deirdre, Crown Prince of Avalon. Welcome to Delveen, a shadow of Avalon"
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex looks a bit bothered by the reaction. Hmm perhaps she shouldn't have told him. But she calmly and patiently waits. As Warrick introduces himself she smiles and inclines her head "Hello, thank you for the welcome, pleasure to meet you as well. Yes Alexandra, daughter of Brand..." It does feel weird not to say her mothers name as usually that is what she says first. "My apologies if it isn't right for me to be here. But to be fair i could not resist. And i believe my little friends became a bit dusty in the library. " She nods her head to her three pseudodragons. "I do hope Officer Cadal will recover from the shock. "
Michael James Watson
"Can I see the trump that brought you here?" Taking it when she hands it to him. "Ya... figures. My work. Most of my trumps are Avalon based but i made a few when i was in Amber. Unless i miss my guess these were in the card box in the Library of Amber. As for it not being right to be here, think nothing of it. I wouldn't have given the king the cards had i not intended on them being used. Of course he hasn't come here. So, use my name at any of the establishments here. Warrick's Tab. Feel free to spend wildly. Oh...may i see a card out of your King Random's deck? The card for Paris in Avalon"
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex does show him the trump wondering if she'll get it back. "It had a note with it no clue who left it for me." Hearing his request she nods and finds the trump he asked for holding it up for him to see. "That is also Avalon right? " She keeps it up between two fingers. "And thank you, that would make staying for a bit alot easier. Perhaps i should also aim for some clothing less... rustic." Alex chuckles as she says it.
Michael James Watson
He chuckles, "Less Rustic.. Father was thinking of Paris in the early 1900s when he forged the pattern. We tend toward a lot of trains and factories in places." He raises a small blue sign of Avalon. Running it over the card he nods,. "There. The card is active now. Only a few of the KDR cards are. Enjoy Delveen. When you get some time, visit the center of things"
Amber Bronkhorst
Under her breath she repeats his words. "Forged the pattern." Almost in awe of the accomplishment. Takimg the card she smiles gratefully. "Thank you! And the center of things i assume that swirling galaxy is what you mean? I had no specific plans. Sooo i got all the time i want i guess... " Running her hands over her leather riding pants she shrugs "Well i have never been further out towards technological worlds. Mom kept me pretty closeby the technological age of Amber. So yeah not used to the machinery. " Alex chuckles with a familiar hint of awkwardness.
Michael James Watson
He looks at the swirl ,"Ah, no... That's a different center. I meant the center of Avalon. That is the Dalveen multiverse. A thousand shadows converge there. See the viewers? Its an effect of Dalveen.". He walks to a cafe. Recognized immediately he take two good seats. Coffee and wine is brought. "You see, if you stare at the galaxy you can sort out the world in the universes. There are thousands of guide books. You stare, will it, and you find the world. Then you Find a person. You can watch them as they go about their day or deeper, become them, feel what they feel as they live out their lives. "
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex follows Warrick to the cafe and takes a seat with him. She takes out her notebook where she had placed the little note in that came with the trump card. She shows it to Warrick. "Now this makes sense then. But it is not everything... it is only from here right what you can see? Delveen or even Avalon?" She glances to the swirl of worlds. "But yeah i will also visit Avalon quite curious about it to be fair. But also about this place. " She looks at Warrick frowning. "So seeing people in their daily business, living their lives.... to be fair sounds a bit creepy. Why would one want to do that? Would it not be a danger to start to want not to live your life but that of another?"
Michael James Watson
"Its a recreation. Seeing people in their lives. Just like theater. All things exist. Delveen only looks upon those worlds in those multiverse but that's countless lives. One sees many years of a life in a few days. It effects their boredom a give variety and diversity. A person can only stay so long till their mind rebels. Sadly for you and I that could be centuries for obvious reasons. It is nice to take a break from ones self sometimes."
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex looks over at the watching people. Then to the galaxy and following back to Warrick as he speaks. "Alright yes in that context i understand as theatre can also inspire or teach new things so can watching a life from another. " She then frowns slightly and looks in silence to Warrick with a serious tone and a caring look on her face. "If one is content with ones life, there is no reason for a break. So would the break be a mere escape, instead of a fix for the underlying issue of why the break might be needed..." Alex takes a cup of coffee and sips "Could be highly addictive even as the need to escape would only increase. "
Michael James Watson
"Good heavens....'.𝘐𝘧 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵?'...A content Amberite? I guess everything does exist in a set of infinity. Even one as poorly planned as Avalon. Are the plays of Bacon, Shakespeare, Bleys, and Asorte' just training exercises? The books of Hienlien, Felda, Milton and and Dumas' just instruction manuals? Do you take no joy? I was born after Patternfall of course but have lived an eon or two since. THink me but a cousin a day older. Perhaps living an eon would be education enough to sit back and enjoy a nice relaxing lifetime. Such is what Delveen is for. And spying."
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex laughs takes a sip and nods "Well yeah. I might be young as you indicate, but i am quite content with my life. Even after meeting certain family members." She says with a slight chuckle thinking back on why she escaped the library. A smile forms "No the plays are not just lesson they are there for joy and entertainment as well . Just like the books. I take great pleasure in reading books. We actually make it a regular thing now, teaching my little dragons to read. " Alex.puts her cup down and places her chin in the backs of her hands folding her fingers, clearly enjoying the talk. "All i am saying i can see the downfall of this type of entertainment, as many forms have. And this might not be the one I prefer. And i can appreciate time off, relaxing. I did not immediately rush back to my duty in Arden. Though i do absolutely enjoy fulfilling my duty and responsibilities. Which do not include spying... i am apparently to honest, not sneaky enough to be a spy." An amused chuckle escapes Alex.
Michael James Watson
"O͛h͛ ͛t͛o͛ ͛b͛e͛ ͛i͛n͛ ͛A͛v͛a͛l͛o͛n͛,͛ ͛n͛o͛w͛ ͛t͛h͛a͛t͛ ͛w͛a͛r͛ ͛h͛a͛s͛ ͛c͛o͛m͛e͛.͛ "Well, Daughter of Brand, I would say your contentment must have skipped a generation. Lucky for you. I am afraid wanderlust was coded into my genes. As well as a touch of madness. I'll let you decide whose side i got that from. At least i don't have a propensity for fleas like Tender or to wild shapechanges like Ghost." "Though.....will you watch with me? I think i know why you are here."
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex smiles a warm friendly smile. "Perhaps it is madness why i am so content. As you say i am a child of Brand. " Her fingers run over the spot which used to burn or itch when the abyssal mark was reacting. "It is by the guidance of my mom who taught me loyalty, duty and the contentment in life." "Hmm yes your parentage is... interesting. But to decide from which side you got certain things i would have to first meet both sides." Looking up at the ring with the galaxy she nods and turns her gaze to Warrick. "Ah in for a copper.. right. You have to instruct me what to do though i am not as.. uhm how you say it. Magically intuitive as my father." "What do you think i need to see then? You have me curious. or is this one of those things that you won't tell me but have to show me? also any idea of who send me this way? As i did find it in my chair in my reading nook."
Michael James Watson
He sips his drink then nods, "I have an idea who wanted you to have it and its not my call to question it. As for this place, its just a twist. Stare into the spinning galaxy. Think of something-A humanoid world with a river flowing over smooth stones cutting through a peaceful meadow far from people" As she looks the galaxy fades away to a view of a meadow with a small stream, fish leaping in it, an 8 legged bear swatting fish to the ground, turning and eating them. "Another one" The image changes to a bluish meadow filled with bright red and yellow flowers. A stream falls down a number of rapids to a lake surrounded by tall red trees with blue leaves. "Ok, now, a city of medium sized, morning, a family struggles with packages and animals through crowded streets. " The image is of a city like 1600 London, horses and wagons. Two older boys walk ahead of a man leading a horse and two heeled cart, pulled by a 6 legged pony. A pregnant woman and two small children sit in the seats. Behind them a small basket with wrapped packages. The crowd around them moves rapid;y and the boys make a path enough for the wagon. A hawker with a bundle of long poles sells his wars. The husband steps to him and purchases two. They seem to be getting through, with patience. "Now, a battle field.. a space battle. Medium sized, over a desert planet. " THe field shows pitch black skies, and circlular space ships flit about, firing at each other, " "See? Its a matter of applying ones will and one can see where such a thing occurs. Many people study to find certain things. Other places are known and watched often. Some sporting events are very popular. Crowds will sometimes come here to watch."
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex watches and follows Warrick's instructions. Curious about the scenes she sees. After the last scene of a space battle she nods to Warrick, takes a sip of her drink. "I see. Curious. So there are so many things to see. How would i know what i am supposed to see? " Turning full to Warrick she cocks an eyebrow. "So who do you think left me the trump? It has me curious. As to what i am suppose to watch." "I am all for learning new things, and following istructions.... but i do like to know from where they come. " Staring back at the spinning galaxy. "Doesn't take away it is not amazing. "
Michael James Watson
"Where they come from? The pattern of Avalon I suppose. For all I know there is one of these in the shadows of Amber. It just so happens we found ours. Shadow has its preferences. Its paths of least resistance. Amber was founded in an orderly manner. The shadow realms that are are easier to walk to are orderly ones. A casual shadow walk will present world with an high order of normalcy, shall we say? And the Jeweled Road cut across the most stable reals, the path of least resistance. Corwin created Avalon out of desperation, in flight for his life, pursued by the wall of Chaos while being hunted by his mad brother. Those of us in the craft are in awe of his accomplishment. Avalon sprawls its power into wild countries. There is no Jeweled Road here. No east road. Every land its own challenge. "
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex sips slowly listening to Warrick. Nodding as she listens. "Well i was more refering to where the orders or the suggestion of me coming here and what i have to watch come from. I doubt that would be the pattern of Avalon right? I have no relation with it. So to say. " Taking out her notebook and drawing tools she starts to doodle. "Now i too am amazed and in awe of what he accomplished. One of the stories i have read multiple times when off duty." A slight chuckle escapes her as a thought pops up. "Funny how that story seemed so far away but i am here now in a shadow linked to Avalon... but then again the royal family seemed very elevated in my world view as well." Alex looks up at the swirling galaxy and without looking starts sketching. "Sorry my mind goes weird ways sometimes. But it is curious the jeweled road does not cross here. I would have thought it would connect somewhere in the sway of Avalon."
Michael James Watson
"Orders or suggestions that you come here? Well I am sure i don't know. No offense meant but I have not heard your name spoken in our court nor is it listed in a rolls of Records. Of course our rolls are short. Corwin, Deirdre, Merlin-son of Dara, Rene-son of Moire, Barret-son of some filthy tavern slut who never bothered to tell anyone she had birthed a bastard and tossed him on to the nearest outbound ship. " He turns and looks at Alex with a slight smile, "Of course that's not his title, Lord Barret of Tortuga, Scion of Corwin." "Then there are Deirdre's lot. Geryon Baskerville, born before patternfall. Then the furry branch that includes Tender, daughter of Fleece and Ghost, son of the Serpent of Chaos. " He stops and smiles, "Then there is me. Prince Warrick of Avalon, born in wedlock, in the fullness of majesty, crown Prince of Avalon, Maran of the Bear, Duke of the Rue Falrikaala, Docent Royal of Delveen, and manager of the Rockfish Jiffy Lube and Automotive Repair clinic. Its the later that you found me at when i was summoned. I am in the middle of an engine rebuilding. " "As for the Jeweled Road, It comes through some portions of the outer parts of the Avalon Sway but not to anyplace substantial. We have a major embassy at the Waymet at Ill de Lona in the county of Cumbrit. Its our connection to the Jeweled Road."
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex laughs at the introduction of Lord Barret. "No of course that wouldn't be his name. " She looks at what she is drawing turns the page and starts a new drawing. "And here i am Daughter of Fres Mira and Brand... following a white rabbit it seems, by just stepping throigh a trump left for me by... someone." She looks at Warrick with a smile. " sorry i thought you said, that you knew why i was here.... if i misunderstood, my mistake. Doesn't make the trip less pleasant. " Taking a sip before continuing on drawing. Going to a new page she starts to sketch Warrick's face. It's a habbit. "Engine rebuilding, that sounds like dirty work. Not that anything is wrong with that. My favorite pasttime is camping out with fresh game roasting and a good book."
Michael James Watson
"I do love a nice camp out.. ah.. Show us Jessel, below the falls, royal domains, south of the hunt camp." The globe shows a waterfall of bright blue water, falling a few hundred feet, bubbling down a wide stream. "That is Jessel Falls. Nobles arrange to hunt the wild boar there. 7' at the shoulder and able to roll most sedan cars. Care for a closer look?" "And by the way, i only suspect why you are here."
Amber Bronkhorst
Looking at the beautiful scene Alex smiles.. Hearing the description of the boars she looks a tad confused.. "I understand the size and they are big boars but the reference to cars means nothing to me. As i had said. Mom kept me always close to Amber and that level of technology." She turns to look again and meanwhile picking up her drawing things putting it in her bag to focus on the scene. "That sounds great! Yes closer look sounds good."
Michael James Watson
He stands, gently urging her to her feet. "If one has the training, Delveen is a trump. A sedan is a medium sized motorcar for 5 people. It drives faster then a race horse. " Holding her hand he steps through. Thinking of it it had not occurred to her before but people were popping in and out. The air smells slightly minty and the water mist fills the air with a sense of health and vitality. He withdraws a firearm with a large barrel. Her experience with firearms is small but an inch and a half bore is in the shotgun range. But this looks like a magazine driven automatic.1.25 caliber . He hands it to her. With it are 3 additional clips "I suspect you have a blade of some kind or a bow, but keep this just in case. 8 rounds. Things kicks like a horse. The Jessel pigs have a thick skull. Aim for the upper chest. We might not find any but better safe then sorry. " A man in blue and silver livery runs up. "Prince Warrick! What a fine surprise? Can we be of help? " He shakes his head, "Privacy will do. Anyone else in the range?" HE nods, "Hagbard is in the vicinity. Down stream" Warrick nods and the man leaves. "Mother worries. She set it so any of the servant class know where i go."
Amber Bronkhorst
In quite a surprise she stands up and follows not realizing to be able to travel in person. When arriving the surprise changes to a moment of awareness just being aware of her surroundings the mist on her skin the scents. A wide smile forms this place is lovely. Getting handed the gun she looks at it and makes sure she won't accidentally pull the trigger. With a nod she answers "I have blades and am quite skilled with the bow. " Seeing the exchange of short conversation between the man and Warrick Alex grins. "Mothers will always worry, it is their way of showing love."
Michael James Watson
Warrick walks along, coming to a rive edge. Kneeling, drinks with his hand he looks up. "Pure water. This water is the basis for all the best potion making in Avalon. We do a lot of that."
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex kneels next to Warrick and takes a hand of water up, she first lets it run along her fingers back in the river, then taking up another hand she tastes the water. "THat is amazing, " a soft laugh, "i am amazed quickly. Strange for someone being able to travel to an infinite number and types of worlds. But i hope to keep my wonderment with me as long as i can. Warrick this place is really beautiful. " Curiously she looks at Warrick "What type of potions do they make here? Like do you mean just concoctions or genuinely potions?"
Michael James Watson
"Depends on the wizard. Some make snake oil. Some make whiskey. Some make magic. Some make soup. They're all potions."
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex frowns a bit. "Soup and whiskey sound like food and liquor. Nothing wrong with thay. A good whiskey is never bad to have and good soup can keep you going.... but wouldn't call them potions. "
Michael James Watson
"Semantics. Whats a potion? A liquid that delivers some effect. Does it have to be sparkly, taste like sewage, and make you dramatically different? Whats whiskey? A rough tasting liquid that makes you tell the truth. In vino veritas. Anyway, I didn't bring you here for pure water. I brought you here to demonstrate the portal. ITs an Avalon thing. And, having used the portal, you can call upon it to take you back. Its sort of a temporary trump. "
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex laughs "Alright you are right. I can just be to much of a wiseass sometimes. " She then stops amd stares at Warrick. "A portal? How interesting." Alex stands up and smiles big. "Alright then i would love to see it ."
Michael James Watson
He turns and waves, and a smaller example of the hand holding the universe appears. Instead of the universe is a view of the village with its viewing cafes. Warrick nods and the motion delivers the pair back to the table they left. A waiter brings over a tray of meats and cheese. Warrick says, "We didn't bring back any trade goods. Next time." The waiter leaves after having his unasked question answered anyway.
Amber Bronkhorst
Aftwr they arrived back where they left Alex just looks confused. "How did you?...." She looks back to the big hand holding the universe and then back to Warrick "Does it bring you anywhere you wish or only specific places, like where you started from? " Looking back at the leaving waiter. "Trading goods? Ia it custom to bring some from the place you visit?"
Michael James Watson
He picks up a piece of cheese and a bit of sausage. Smiling. "Its curious...Meeting you here. I thought it just a view of possibility in shadow. Prophecy can be like that. Glimpse, distractions, disillusions, and potency. Its nice to get my foot into one of them so early. If you survive, one day we shall have ourselves a lovely war. For now I'll leave you. Mother wishes to see you. She didn't call me, nor tell me because she perceived you. She knows the prophecy too. Since my foot is in ours, she knows the part she plays. You, sadly, are the dictator of cusp, the knife that cuts. You'll have to move without the prophecy till it sees fit to tell you itself. Till then, order the veal. Remember to tip the waitresses." He looks up into the universe and fades away into it.
Amber Bronkhorst
While listening Alex looks more and more confused, or shocked. The only words she mutters before Warrick leaving is. "What.. Prophecy??" So then she just sits there alone at her table. Slightly confused, looking after where Warrick went. Not wanting to forget what Warrick had said she notes it down in her little note book near the facial sketches she had made of Warrick by now. If the waiter does come by she orders some food and stronger drink. Whatever is recommended. And places it on the tab of Warrick with a good tip as he instructed her to do. ALex does allow herself the time to think and sketch a bit. Write some notes down... Deirdre had noticed her.. well not weird. she would be strong and probably has eyes and ears all over the place. Prophecy..... it sounds heavy, but to be honest alot of prophecies, fortellings and oracles are told about the family. With that thought she calms her nerves a bit. If it is important it will come onto her path. Deep in thoughts she continues to draw and write. Feeding her pseudodragons bits of food if they are hungry. After a while drawing, Alex gets up looks at her dragons and smiles. "How about a walk around? I need to think on those words of Warrick... dictator of cusp...." She shakes her head, pays the bill with a generous tip. And goes on a stroll about.
