Editing Volume Two: The Adask War Wizard (section)

====<big>Sanctuary, Tesara of York, King Tolknor of York</big>====

*'''Michael James Watson'''
Reaching a hand and pulling through Realmer sees a dark woody tavern filled with people clustered in small groups minding their business. tavern wenches move about from table to bar. A central hearth provides warmth to all and a feel of cold wind comes from windows both shuttered and boarded up. Once the giant hall might have been well made but that was a century past. 
The curtained booth is open to the room enough to allow few surprises. Among the guest are soldiers looking of the dirty mercenary/brigand type. Men down on their luck and down to their last copper. Thieves professional and amateur. Women clearly of the whore trade do business, occasionally a hand under the table while a hand above holds dented tankards. the place has the feel of desperation and danger.
A clinical eye lets him note a pair of solders not as drunk as they seem as hidden guards. He notes the presence of a beautiful vampire woman and two soldier guards at a table to the other side. She raises her eyes to meet Realmer's. She nods and raises a glass of wine to her lips in recognition. He sense a tap on his psyche quickly withdrawn hoping to not have made offense.
Behind the bar is a very large man with the body of a wrestler or a soldier past his prime. He cleans a tankard while refilling orders from the wenches. He is missing a thumb but misses nothing else within his domain. Seeing you arrive he takes a handsign from Tesa and sends a pitcher of dark questionable but potent ale over. Tesa takes a tankard off the wall and fills it. 
A fireplace behind the bar roasts meat on skewers. the central hearth is warm with a dozen or so cast iron pots. He sees a woman with two youngish children enter from a side door, letting in a brief freezing wind to the stuffy chamber.. The kids carry wood while she carries a pair of pots. Looking to the bartender she says, "One Thump..We've wood." He nods. The kids pile the wood among other scavenged sticks and sit close by the fire. Rough soldiers make room for them and the lady sits next to them, putting the pots in the hearth.. the wench brings two mugs of milk and a mug of wine. 
A shield over the bar is a bar sinister in red on a checkered field of black and gold. The charge is a angry looking unicorn. He notices other representations of the unicorn displaying their clearly male gender.
Tesa pushes a small snuff box open, pinches a bit and puts it before her teeth.
“Krrf...a local poison. Sort of a cross between hashish and cocaine. Welcome the the Vulgar Unicorn”
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"This place reminds me of the Green Griffin in Greyhawk City, the old one that is, before the fire burnt it down and Damien rebuilt it."
He eyes the lady vampire and gives her a look at that says he felt her psychic contact and she should not do that again. He looks over the room and carefully brings up the pattern before his eyes as a lens to look through, making sure to remain subtle as he looks over the occupants of the room.
"The last time I saw you, you were standing on a beach on Adledross and you seemed happy to be in Alex's company. I had intended to ask you to rejoin me as my traveling companion once we left Rasak. However, after seeing you with Alex I figured you had other plans. But seeing you here, now, I get the feeling things have changed. Care to tell me about it?"
Realmer takes a Tankard off the wall and fills it with the dubious looking ale. He takes a swallow, expecting it to be exceptionally harsh and prepares himself appropriately for the flavor.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The ale is strong, potent as any wine. Possibly proofed with grain alcohol. A loaf of bread is dropped off in passing as if its tablefare. it smells strongly of Russian baked bread cooked in meant broth.
"Alexandir is a force of Nature.. Like a tornado he ravaged me like flatlands. oh, he didn't take me by force really. He has a magnetism that is hard to avoid if her puts it on you. He wooed me and I fell hard for him. We kept it from the Army taking time along the way in private. He talked of making me queen of Tosa. I tried to avoid that but it was hard. Then i told him i was missing the plumbing for child bearing and he spent hours talking about how to reverse that. I was tempted... But it was all he talked about at the end. I realized it was all that was important to him. Fort told me of his other wives. How they have been barren. How he has one son, Caland. After centuries of trying including using technological methods. Fort says he thinks its a curse but none of the Tosians were interested in seeing Alex with a real dynasty but its all he thinks about. His legacy.. I told him i wanted no part of it.. at that he got...insistent.. I intend to stay clear of him till he finds a new playmate. Since I came to Amber at Gangdis' call I have had a lot of experiences.  Its time for me to return to my roots for a bit."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Not forever, nor really for very long. But for me to really accept what I've learned i need to use it in the places i was weak and dreamed of power.. Many things to do in this land alone for one such as me."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, that sounds like Alex all right; only interested in himself and his legacy. Alex is going to be a problem for many people, for many reasons, and for many years to come. But those are problems that we will all have to bear as time comes to pass. In fact, Alex has become a recent and hot topic of discussion amongst the King's advisors. There is much concern that he may make an attempt to conquer Amber and sire a king for her throne."
Realmer takes a swig of the strong ale then continues.  "I can understand why you are staying clear of him. And I can also understand your desire to get back to your roots and Center yourself, considering all that has happened to you in the last several years. I would hope though, that once you have done what you need to do and have found yourself once again, that you will seek me out and be my traveling companion once again. There are many things I feel you need to know, and I think it's just about time someone told you. And that someone is going to be me, and I'm sure I'm going to raise someone fire over it and possibly be punished, but I'm willing to take it."  He takes another swig, then pulls out a cigar and lights it with a flame for his fingertip. He exhales multicolored smoke.  "But before I tell you these things, there are a few things I would like to know first. The problem with your female Plumbing... are you sure there is actually a problem? I don't mean to pry too much, but, have you been magically or medically examined and diagnosed? Or are you just making an assumption based on the fact that you have never gotten pregnant? And this next one might be a bit of a sore subject, but do you know who your parents are? What have you been told and what have you learned on your own?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She looks aside, then back, makes a hand gesture near Realmer's chest and does a produce of one of your cigars. He felt no sense of magic but more a trick of slight of hand, if the cigars were not magically protected they arrived. Lighting it with a cantrip.  "Snikura had me spayed. The way they put it was they took the baby out of the playground. It can be fixed but I've no intention to do so. Its set up so even clerical healing and regeneration won't fix it. Shapechange would if i was of a mind. Snikura sometimes use sex to get at a target and a pregnancy afterwards would be awkward."  She stands and walks to the hearth to an elderly woman, blind looking, and whispers to her. The woman whispers back. She passes over a few silvers into her hand and takes two small cast iron pots. Walking back over she pushes one across. She follows it with an iron spoon with a stone handle.
"Beef. Mostly goat."  She digs in with enthusiasm. Like food from her youth.  "Parents. That's a riot... I know who claimed me. If he is my father or not is irrelevant. He is my patron spirit and I consider him thus. My mother was a whore of the maze. She could be Blind Nema there whose stew we are eating, or old Carly over with the soldiers surviving on handjobs for wine. Or maybe Ischade the Vampire bore me in one of her human periods and that's why she has treated me so well in the past. Of course i think she might be thinking of me as livestock for a future meal. I was catching rats as soon as I could walk and contributing them to the beggar's pots in Downwind. When i was old enough to respond to suggestions I had more money. If I had parents they were the street, Ischade, One Thumb, even a few of the Stepsons. The stepsons are why i came back here. Dolon is the commander of the Stepsons now. A puffed up merc. A sissy.. but he fronts the band. ah Stepsons are a police force from Ranke, the capital. Not really responsible to Prince kitttycat, the local Ranken governor. But 5 I know are in Service to Jubal, an ex-slavemaster and now the crimelord of Sanctuary.  He had his men and those 5 stepsons make use of me for a week or so before my patron had me sent to Snikura. Once i returned i plotted.. I got a few of Jubal's hawkmasks but not all of them. Around then i met Gangdis and went soft for a time. Now, I'm home, and hard. I've debts to pay before I go anywhere. Savvy?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer tries the stew, recalling his days as an Apprentice at the University of Magic in the City of Greyhawk; though he was not copper-less, most of his monies were spent on Spell Components and magic related sundries, leaving little for food, so plain and simple meals of less than quality ingredients were no stranger to him.
"Yes, I understand the need to payback ones 'debts'. And I will not prevent you from, assist you with, nor berate you for, doing what you need to do, however you need to do it. As I said, I understand the need for payback."
He eats a couple of bites of stew then washes it down with the potent ale.  "Since the Snikura have altered your reproductive system in a way to make healing and regeneration useless, then your current level of mastery over your Shapeshifting Abilities won't be enough to affect what they have done. And since you're not interested in fixing it, even advancing those abilities will not automatically fix what has been done, it would take some effort on your behalf to make it happen and stay that way. And in a way, I am glad to hear you cannot have children and do not want to fix it so you can; you will understand why shortly."  Another few bites of stew, a couple more swigs of ale, he relights his cigar and takes a couple puffs then releases the Lynchpins for his Privacy Spell, making the booth they are sitting in completely impervious to eavesdropping of any sort, including Magic, Trump, Pattern, Logrus, etc. Another puff then he continues.  "I just put my own Privacy Spell on this booth, so what we say now cannot be overheard or scryed; even if there was something in here doing so already. Firstly, regardless of who raised you or whom you consider to be your 'parents', your actual parentage is quite important. Critically so. I believe it's the reason why Alex has such a great interest in you being the mother of his child. I also believe it's the reason why Benedict has made you such an odd and generous offer; not to woo you, but to watch over you."  Another puff, he refills his tankard and drinks, then puffs again.  "Secondly, your mother is not of Sanctuary, or of the streets. She is of the Amber Royal Family, of the line of Oberon, a full sister to King Random; she is Mirelle. I have never met her, but it is said she is a frail and broken creature. She is charming, lovely, and outrageously funny. But she is also sad, suicidal, and for unknown reasons her dementia is untreatable. As I understand it, she was not mad before she met your father and birthed you, only after."  "Thirdly, your actual father IS the man you call your patron, and much more than he lets on to be... and is quite pivotal to this whole matter. He is the son of Av Reet, actual first born, and fully legitimized, son of Oberon, but banned from Amber; I know not why. His son, your father, is technically still in good standing with Amber, and should anything happen to King Random and his son and heir, Martin, then due to a long and twisted line of genealogy, and rules for succession, and a few other factors, the succession to the throne could fall to him. But as I understand it, your patron is not interested in ruling Amber, for reasons unknown... but Alex, on the other hand is quite interested in Amber and in establishing his Legacy, and should he marry you, and you somehow bear his male offspring, that child could sit the throne of Amber. And that is why, I believe, so much attention is being turned your way."  "Now, being that I am loyal to the Crown and Amber, I am supposed to steer you away from Alex, or anyone looking to rule Amber, for that matter, so that those circumstance cannot happen."  "Being that I spent most of my early years as an Adventurer, and still tend to fallback on those tendencies and traits, when in doubt; I would advise you to always check for traps, keep a wide assortment of spells memorized, look up as often as you look behind you, and always carry rope... but otherwise, do whatever in all the Hells you want, life is short and there's not always a Cleric around. I've mellowed some since then."  "However, as someone who has traveled with you, taught you and learned from you, trained beside you and fought beside you... and someone who has grown to care about you, and who occasionally wants to protect you from things, but never shield you from them... well, I advise that you first arm yourself with information, which I have just done. I felt it was important that you know 'who you are' so you can prepare yourself accordingly, and why there was the sudden interest in you by two very powerful men."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I also want you to know that I met your father, years ago on Adagalasck, at the Embassy on the North Stair. He introduced himself and told me he was your patron. He said I could avail you of your skills and train you as I like, but one day he would call for you, and I am not to interfere. He said you are his and he has plans for you. It was later that I learned he was you father, then later still who your mother is, then recently this twisted succession issue and your possible involvement. He also told me that if I wished to speak to him, I could whisper his name in the shadows and he would hear me; which is why I have not spoken his name and will not for the time being, as I do want want him listening in. I am sure this is all information he would be upset about you knowing."  "Aaaand, I am reluctant to bring this up, but I think it's important as it's part of you and who you are. Before your mother went mad, she bound Gangdis to you in someway, to watch over and protect you. I'm not sure if that bond goes both ways though, but I noticed you are fond of the old guy... who's young again."
"So, when you finish what you have to do here, I would hope you would still consider my offer to travel with me on my adventures; even after all I have told you. Not because I'm trying to manipulate you into doing or not doing something, but because I enjoy your company and your skills compliment mine well... aaaand... because I care about you. And because there is still more I can teach you and learn from you. Aaaaand, the look on your face tells me now might be a good time to finish my stew and listen."  Realmer sets down his cigar and picks up the iron spoon by its stone handle and eats the stew from the small cauldron in front of him.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She sets the cigar down, casts the extinguish cantrip. Taking her Nasty Place knife out she slits the cigar lengthwise and opens it. Sprinkling the interior of the Urala cigar with krrf, she rolls it back then casts Mend on it. Lighting the tip with finger fire she inhales the now fortified cigar deeply for several puffs. The Smoke's color looks somehow sinister.  “That's a lot to swallow. But I've swallowed a lot of things in my life. Not sure I believe you but I suppose the question is am I bold or foolish enough to try and prove it? My first question would be are you sure of all that? The Gray Man is a known trickster, the god of thieves is not above lies to further his cause. But it would seem a foolish thing to lie about if he spoke to you. And you don't need to worry about mentioning his name. He watches me.”  Inhaling a few times she concentrates on the knife, twisting it through a few hand passes. After a few it shifts shape to a thin blade and thin handle, an assassin's blade similar to her Snikura blades, a thing for easy stabbing and throwing. She seems a bit startled at the Shapeshifting blade but examines it pleased.  “well, that's interesting. I was told the knife could take other forms.”  She ponders.  “Gangdis came along at a time of my life when I might well have been swallowed whole by this place. Snikura die violently. I was about to embark on murders when he first showed up. Then he took me to another shadow where my talents as a thief were more useful then my skills as an assassin. I was in that world, so similar to this one, for a decade till he came to get me and bring me along on your adventures.”  She inhales.  “I have debts to pay. To you. To Gangdis. To the Grayman. To Benedict. Maybe even to Random.  She casually throws the knife to stick in the support post quivering, a thought and it comes back to hand to be thrown again and recovered again.  She pulls her satchel up and fiddles into it. Removing a deck of cards she starts going through them. She pulls Mirelle's card and another. The deck is clearly one of the ubiquitous non-magical copies found in gift shops all across shadow, the lesser copy of the deck royals have of the King Random's Deck.
“Maybe to this Mirelle. And to this man.“  She puts a card up of a man in Italian dress. “Do you know this man, Giovanni? The book says he is a full brother of Mirelle and Random... He rescued me from a fix. When Jubal's men had me for a week. He came in to the warehouse laughing, saw me. The men threatened him and he laughed. He waded into them and killed probably 20. The 10 or so who escaped are the ones on my list. 5 I have taken.. leaving the 5 hawkmasks and the 5 crooked stepsons. I owe this man too. He gathered me, took me to the Church of the Ilsigi Gods and left me in their care.”  “So...Debts. Lives owed and lives due. Which first? Curious though.... This is my Sanctuary. Barely a month has gone by since I was spirited away by Gandis. All my debts are fresh. Its as if time went slowly while I was away. Knowing what you tell me, could that make this 'MY' shadow?”  “Say it is. Say I decide to leave the debts here to brew awhile. I would want to come back after a time to be sure time passes slowly when I am gone from this world. If what you say is true, I think only one thing will prove it. Walking the pattern. DO I have the courage to test that on your say so and on the word of the Gray man? Will Random let me? Or will you sneak me into a pattern someplace else in shadow? At this point, I only half believe you.”
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, that was a lot to swallow. And I know how you feel; I also had a lot of twisted family information come unto me after I had arrived in Amber. And even more after visiting Adagalasck... our family has a lot of that. And I understand you not believing me; you have trust issues. In fact, our whole family has trust issues. And with good reason."  "As to my sources and the information, most of my sources on this matter I would consider to be reputable and the information from those sources I would consider to be factual; I don't believe I was misled. However, at least one of my sources on the matter may not be as reliable as the others, but the information I gained from that source was mostly corroborated by my reputable sources."
"As far as any debt you feel you owe me, consider it paid in full, or nullified, or whatever you like. I didn't do the things I did for you because I was looking to be repaid or to garner favors of any sort. I did them because I like you and I want to see you succeed in life, and so that you would have skills and abilities to defend yourself when needed from those who would try to use or abuse you."  "As for Giovanni, I have never met the man personally and I know as little about him as you do. As for this being your personal shadow, that is entirely possible. Especially considering that time seemed to move more slowly while you were gone but then seemed to speed up once you got here. The only way to know for sure is to test it. When you leave this place, keep in your mind that you want time to move very slowly compared to Amber, spend a little time away, then come back. Then, you could try to speed up time here, leave and then come back again. That should give you the answer you are looking for."  "And you walking the Pattern... I was considering that before I came here to tell you these things and I am still strongly considering it as we speak. It would help you be better armed to deal with powerful issues and powerful people as they come into your life. And, it is your Birthright. To be honest, I'm kind of surprised you haven't been brought into the family fold yet. But there could be a reason for that. Perhaps it's because most of this information may have only recently come to light. In fact, that could be the whole reason I am here with you now. And maybe the reason I was told all of this information."  Realmer ponders this a moment as he finishes his stew then relights his cigar and takes a few puffs.  "I am considering taking you to the Pattern of Ambir, a failed shade of Amber but with a fully intact Pattern. Only two people have access to the Pattern Cavern there; it is sealed with no possible way of accessing it without using transport Trumps, or Pattern transport. Those two people are me, and my grandfather, Dworkin... your great-great-grandfather. I'm know I will catch hell for doing so, but I would like to take you to Ambir to see if you are capable of walking the Pattern there. You should be able to, being that you are of the Blood of Barimen. But the choice is yours alone to make."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
“Death on a fake pattern and death on the real one is just as dead. So I shall just say this. Conf has told me that if I die I shall become much like he is; a ghost, a phantom. So if you lead me astray, Amberite, I shall haunt you for a very long time!” She smiles playfully.  “Perhaps your necromancy will resurrect me though. So in the mean time we...”  She stops talking and looks toward the door as a dozen men in red tabards enter the Vulgar Unicorn.  One Thumb says loudly, “Pheres! I'm paid up with the Stepsons. Sync himself was in here yesterday. So your tab is open again.. Let me get a booth over on the west of the fire.”  The rugged man in black hair and beard with the red tabard says, “I know Sync was in here. Why do you think we came here to drink, One Thumb? Your Fine ale? We want the black rum barrel and those chickens and don't fucking take your time with it or we'll see what kind of handjob you give with 4 fingers!” The men laugh and move to a large table and booth.  A group of 6 more enter and walk to push a group off a table by the hearth, including the woman and 2 kids who quickly grab milk and pots before they came to the table.  One of the later says “Hey! Don't go running off, Vicky! Come earn a few silvers.. Hell, Louse here will give you a couple coppers for the girl for a few minutes! I'm sure there is something she can do to earn it! ” The group laughs.. The ones at the table join in.
The patrons of the hall start shifting away from the group as the group's drinks arrive.  Realmer sees the look of death in Tesa's eyes he has rarely seen before.  The first group laughs loudly among themselves. 5 of them stand and walk directly to Tesa and Realmer's table.  As they do the rest of the red tabarded Stepsons turn to watch. One Thumb and 3 of his guards start to intercept them but are blocked themselves by the group at the hearth.
The leader, the one called Pheres stops before the table.  “Tesa, your bodyguard isn't here now. You are under arrest for murder. You will hang pretty.”  Tesa growls, “You raped me for a week. That's a hanging offense too, Pheres.”  He smiles, “You have any witnesses to that? I seem to remember giving you a few coppers. So its our word against yours. Wonder whose word Kittycat will take? Now, tell your girlfriend here goodbye and come along quietly for a nice easy death.”  Tesa stands pushing the table out a bit. “No thank you. I choose a bloody messy death.”  Her hand flicks and the Nasty Place blade sinks chest deep. The blade cuts through the munition grade chainmail. It pauses a moment before returning to her hand to return to stick in his chest.
She leaps up pulling the table, to ride the edge up, leaping to throw her legs around Pheres and twist him in a Rasak karate move, pulling him to the ground beneath her. Two daggers in her hands repeatedly stab the dead Pheres in the eyes.  A second stab to the the testicles with the Snikura shaped Rasak knife slide into the Stepson behind the dead man. Two non-Rasak Snikura knives fly into the eyes of a man on either side of the now neutered man.  The rest of the stepson stand pulling short swords.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
When Tesa comments about haunting him, he playfully replies, "There is no one I would rather be haunted by."
When she stops talking and he sees why, he knows there is going to be trouble, so he sends a thought to his familiar, who has most likely been hiding in the shadows of the rafters since arrival: ~Bob, trouble's coming; be ready if we actually need the help~  When the look in Tesa's eyes turns deadly, he knows exactly what kind of trouble it's going to be. He sends a thought to his Bone Staff, leaning against the outside of the booth within easy reach: ~Hex, when I draw my daggers, turn into a skeletal dog with glowing red eyes and come to my side, then await my command~  When Tesa's first dagger flies, Realmer instinctively reaches for his daggers, impressed by his newly trained reflexes. When the table flies up and Tesa leaps upon the Stepson, he stands quickly, draws both of his Nasty Place daggers, left held backhand, right ready to be thrown.  He recalls that he said he would not get involved in her revenge, but it was 18 to 1... 17 now, and not all of these men were her rapists, surely... ouch, double ouch, 15 to 1, still rather an unfair fight... but he waits to assist Tesa in her rampage only when she needs it...  However, if anyone tries to attack him, he will evade the attack(s), relying on his Invulnerable Robes to keep him safe if he is not fast enough, then he will kill the attacker(s) quickly, with precise and lethal slashes, stabs or throws, to critical parts of their body, using his intimate knowledge of the human body and his new Rasak training to their fullest.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Standing over the dead Pheres she kicks the stepsons on either side, the ones screaming with Snikura daggers in their eyes, solidly in the sacks making them fall and scream instead.  Turning she says, "Ask them to surrender if you like, Partner. Two are off my list and none of the rest are here.. But they are a kind and us Wrigglies are just sluts and servants to them. And watch-out on the magic. That draws attention from the local Hazards."
She moves to face the last of the arresting 5 duel dagger against short sword. He backs away defensively, but aware and armed, his defense looks good to Realmer as Tesa pairs off against him.  The others are moving forward carefully. Realmer nots two in the back raising crossbows.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer focuses on the two crossbow men, he throws the NP blade in his right hand at one, then throws the NP blade in his left hand at the other. He throws each blade with great strength, aiming for the right eye of each man, intending to sink the blade deep enough into the eye socket to penetrate into the brain and kill his opponents.  "Partner... I like the sound of that." He grins. "I don't think there's any point in offering them surrender, they don't look the type that would. Besides, this way is a lot more fun."
He recalls his NP daggers back to his hands as he prepares for the next attacker.
"I surely have missed death threats and tavern brawls."  He lunges at the closest Stepson, knocking his short-sword aside with the NP blade in his left hand, and sinking the NP blade in his right hand deep into the man's chest, between the ribs and slightly upwards and inwards towards the heart.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
One Thumb starts yelling "Take it outside, dammit!!! Rat, Scamp! Go get Sync now!”  Tesa moves to face the on coming group. AS they move toward her she shifts, smashing a bottle to the ground emitting strong smelling retching smoke that quickly obscures them. She falls to the ground and lashes out with her razor edged knives slashing at the back of ankles, cutting tendons and muscles as well as destroying the integrity of two leading men's boots.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Realmer notices two men from the corner stand and throw two hands each of thin throwing knives into the obscuring smoke.  Other patrons are quickly running for the door or up the stairs.  A warrior on the second steps up, looking down, raising a crossbow and shoots into the smoke.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
As the men fall in the settling retching smoke she slides over the fallen slitting throats and stabbing eyes.
Realmer feels a presence of great magic beside him, though the sound it makes comes out of the shadow of a sconce and post, "Snikura..What think you Relmopator, seeing how the Snikura fight? Silently disable and blind. Poison. Distract. Cut tendons. Pierce manhoods. Break knees. The Snikura are assassins to be sure but more often then not they leave their victims disabled but otherwise alive so they will obey the commands of the order rather then face them again. She will make a fine Amberite."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The man Realmer killed falls aside and leaves the path to the left open for his movement.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer doesn't bother to look in the direction of The Voice, as he knows it is most likely Conf. Instead he focuses on the combat before him.  The NP dagger in his left hand flies at the nearest man, sinking deep into his throat. As he moves to his left through the opening left by the dead man falling to the floor, he sends a thought to his bone staff, now in the form of a skeletal dog with glowing red eyes. ~Hex, move to the other side of the room and help those two in the back corner throwing knives.~  He advances on the next closest Stepson, slashing deeply into the wrist of his weapon arm, moving past him he stabs backwards striking the same man in the back or shoulder. He recalls his other NP dagger to his left hand as he advances towards two stepsons standing near to each other. He moves between them, evading their attacks and slashing for their throats if possible, their bellies if not.  Then he sends a quick thought to his familiar. ~Bob, go outside and keep watch and let me know when their reinforcements show up.~  He then looks about for his next adversary.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
four leave the smoke and move hard on Realmer.  The two throwing knives throw another round then run toward the door to blend in with the exiting crowd. The Crossbowman pierces a chest of one of your four who stumbles but is still in the mix.  Tesa slides out of the smoke, and grabs a shovel in the hearth and digs in, tossing scoops of hot coals. The smelly oil, both slippery and smelly, erupts in flames.  Vicky reaches into the hearth and grabs cook pots and throws them into the smoky mess of soldiers trying to avoid fire, smell, knives, blades crossbow bolts, only to be hit by cook pots.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer rushes the four men. He evades and parries their attacks as needed. His movements are a blur as he repeatedly stabs and slashes at the four men around him, no longer going for the quick kill, now that their numbers have dwindled to a more manageable amount. Instead he strives for bloody, painful incapacitation. When the four men can no longer fight, he looks for his next opponents as he sends a thought to his familiar.
~Bob, any sign of those reinforcements yet?~
*'''Michael James Watson'''
~Nothing yet. Spectators. Rumor flies fast. Wait... About a mile away. a trio of heavily armed men on horse. The bar runners are not half way to them. Must be magic that warned them.!~
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The group scatters to avoid fire, 4 moving in Realmer's way shocked at the degree of bloodshed in a usually cowardly tavern in a cowardly city.  The Crossbowman shoots an iron bar near the door with a metal twang that catches Realmer's attention long enough for a glance. He sees the bar fall into slots, barring the door from opening. By now the hall has emptied of disinterested parties.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa parries and moves to swing up a swordsman's right arm, slamming the needle tipped blade hard into the soldier's underarm evoking a furious howl and she yanks and mixes a Snikura move to press the blade into a joint and a Rasak move to swivel the arm out of its socket.  The smoke clears quickly.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Realmer finishes his group and sees one standing before him in shock, and two near Tesa.
One in plate armor under his tabard sits in the booth still, sipping from a tankard, watching.
Ischade and her three companions sit at their booth still watching with interest.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer licks the blood from one of his blades as he stares deeply into the eyes of the shocked man. He makes psychic contact with him and then gives him a Psychic Command.  "Drop your weapons and run!"
Then he looks to the two facing Tesa and moves towards them casually.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
THe man turns and starts to flee. Seeing the man in armor he stops.. Something passes between the and the man takes a seat in the booth.  Tesa takes one, leaving the other for Realmer but a crossbow quarrel pieces the odd man out's skull, causing him to fall to the ground.  She looks to Realmer with a bloody wicked grin unlike anything he has seen on her.. "Haha... Partners it is" Turning she looks at the man in the booth.  Tesa says, "Balshir. Sorry about your men. But..."  Ballshir raises his hand, "No need. I'm glad to be rid of them.  Sometimes we can't be choosy, especially in this asshole of the Empire. The weeding out process is brutal but necessary. Submit a bill for your cleaning if you like. Though I have to admit you look hellishly tougher then you were the last time i saw you"  "You walked out, letting them have me. Tell me why I shouldn't kill you?"
He smiles, "Why? Because Tempus will be here in moments and you know how he feels about sweetmeat and rape. Who is your ah...boyfriend? Girlfriend? Where was the big guy with the fuzzy beard?”  Looking to Realmer he says, "So, sweetheart, my name is Balshir. Second in command of the Stepsons under Sync and Tempus. Who and what are you?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"A bad man, and someone not to be trifled with. But you may call me Realmer."  He cleans the blood from his NP blades with a Specialized Clean Cantrip, a hard flick of his wrists outward, before sheathing them both. Then a wave of his hand, head downward, Cleans the blood from his Robes.  "The only reason you live is because she" his head tilts towards Tesa, "hasn't decided whether to kill you or not. Now that I know you were involved in this matter, AND responsible for the men under your command who were more involved..." he pauses briefly for effect, "any credibility you had went out the door with the bystanders. When Tempus arrives, he can speak with me about the matter, should you die before hand."  Realmer mentally summons his Skeletal Dog (Bone Staff) to his side, then brings up the Pattern, not visible to others, and looks through its Lens at Balshir, then glances at the Lady Vampire and her companions, then back to Balshir. He leaves the Pattern Lens 'up', as he may want the vision or Power easily accessible later.... or sooner.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Looking on Balshir, realmer sees he is anointed and dedicated to a shadow god of some sort, able to draw longevity and powerful healing. He has some combat related protective magic but nothing major. His blade in its sheath is magical, probably deadly damage. The other soldier is devoid of all magical protections as were the others.  Glancing at Ischade he sees her smile at his regard. He tells immediately that she is a vampire of a deep Chaosian form, possibly from one of the Black Zone worlds. Raised before her and only visible with the sight of the pattern lens is the sigil of the Woven Logrus, and a strong one. It holds several spells in the frame that appear defensive but a couple are elemental attack spells. She has some imprint you are unfamiliar, a strong low order one which holds a collection of resurrection abilities and create undead abilities. What leaps to Realmer's attention is a necklace she wears, looking like its around her neck, chaining down around her belly then to her ankles. Its has a Masoja Dufiro of Death and an Avasa Dufiro of Guard bound into it. His experiences and conversations with Reggie and Fort makes him certain of the Dufiro races involved.  Balshir says, “Tell me Realmer, are you her Left side partner or is she yours? Is the Band new?”  Tesa laughs, “No, its not a Sacred Band like you and Satin. But if it mattered I am his Left Side. He is of more rank then I by all observations. But in this world, I am the native. I've been traveling. I've gained much out in the universe. I'm back though. Tell Kalik and Danat that I am looking for them and they better figure out a way to buy me off. Tell them to tell Jubal I want 200,000 gold talens to call off the vendetta on him. Tell him what you saw here and what happened to Pheres' command. In the mean time, we will be leaving.”  Balshir nods, “Very Well, Tesa. And Realmer, please come see me sometime so we can become better acquainted.”
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks to Balshir and says: "Unlikely; I only associate with quality people."  He turns towards the vampire lady, makes eye contact, then bows his head respectfully to her with a smile. Then he moves to stand beside Tesa.  "Ready when you are, Partner. Shall we use the door, or make a more stylish exit?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Lets use the door. There has been enough commotion. The crossbowman seems to have disappeared and i had hopped to chat with him."  She moves to the door. Outside One Thumb is trying to talk customers down.
She walks and turns quickly to get out of sight. Leading the way she moves into the shadows. Realmer notices a slight tinge around here making her less noticeable if in a bit of shade.  Walking among the alleys and tight roads she walks up into an apartment building. Walking fast up 4 stories she moves to a door. Pressing on a hidden latch several times the door opens.  Inside is a small room with a single bed piled with pillows and rumbled blankets, table. There are a dozen chests and a small cooking area.  "Home sweet home"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Upon exiting the Vulgar Unicorn, Realmer touches the Skeletal Dog and it Shifts into a Bone Wand, which he slips up his left sleeve.  When Tesa darts into the shadows, Realmer alters his appearance to try to blend in to the local scene and be less recognizable. His skin darkens into a deep tan, his hair turns black and his eyes look a more normal brown in color. He alters his Robe to look like well used, dark tanned leather armor but leaves the weapons the same.  When they enter the room, he sends a thought to Bob: ~Stay out here and stay hidden; keep an eye on things.~  Since there are no chairs, Realmer sits upon a chest.  "Reminds me of the room I stayed in after graduating the Magic Academy; minus the cooking area. Quaint.  Now, what were we discussing before we were so rudely interrupted? Ah, yes; dying on the Pattern, haunting and Necromancy."  Realmer chuckles as he pulls out two fresh cigars and offers one to Tesa.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She declines.. Walking to look over her meager pantry.  "You know whats funny? Pattern, parentage, newly dead stepsons, Rasak, Amber, you, Gangdis.. and now that I am here, what do I really want? One of the small home replicator units from Vulsar. Priorities..."  She opens a chest and withdraws a few glasses and a bottle, pouring a thick liquor. Then mixing water in it till it looks vaguely purple. It tastes like a malted berry drink.
"I guess I'm overwhelmed. Its a lot to take in. But in a way its not a surprise. I didn't have a regular childhood. Nor a normal adulthood. There has been a lot of interference.. Hints. Conf has been watching for my whole life which means he let terrible things happen to me. You say i could walk the pattern, I believe you. I'll take the risk. What next?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Next, I give you a good look over through the Lens of the Pattern; to confirm something and strengthen both of our resolves. At some point, I might need you to lower your Psychic Defenses and let me in, but it shouldn't be necessary."   He brings up the Pattern and looks her over quite thoroughly, looking for traces of Pattern, certainly inactive; if she is a descendant of Oberon, then they should be there.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"What exactly did you hope to see? Its well covered."  Turning Realmer sees a tall man, with dark red hair in a purple smoking jacket and white suit shirt with light purple stripes holds a martini glass, smiling. He swirls a finger and another appears on the table. A chest slides over for him to sit. He waves to a chest for you.
“She is cloaked as heavily as I can mange and you are nowhere near capable of seeing anything you had not seen before. But ask, and I'll answer. This time.”
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I was looking for traces of Pattern, to confirm her heritage. I don't want her destroyed, should she walk the Pattern."  Realmer sits on the proffered chest, does not take the other martini, and does not lower the Pattern.
"In person this time?! Hmm. Well Met, Conf. But will you answer truthfully? It matters not; what you say will tell me much regardless."  He relights his cigar and takes a puff then asks:  "Is she actually your daughter and an Amberite of the Royal line of Oberon? Will she live... in her current corporeal form, if she attempts to walk ANY Pattern? If she dies upon any Pattern, will she 'become a ghost, like you', or just be destroyed?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She leans to the side and falls asleep.  He chuckles.. "Conf? Close.. He's my grandson, on his mother's side. And sort of my son and niece. His genealogy is complicated as is my own. We are suitably far away enough from true Amber that i am not breaking my accord with your Random. My Random, my predecessor on the throne of our Amber, is currently driving a Mustang Shelby with one of the only surviving shadows of our primal Amber inscribed in its chassis. My Random is traveling with another of my grandchildren. Seek them as Hazarda and Timothy Elhue."  He sips his martini till its dry. He takes the olive and eats it. An onion appears in the glass as it refills.  "As for my great granddaughter. Her genealogy is more complicated then most. As Oberon knew, the more generations the more likely madness. Though my bloodline has a head start on that. Here."  Handing a parchment over to Realmer.  "The Green are your Amber side. The Purple is my Amber side. The blue are primal beasts. the gray are shadow dwellers. And at the tip of the funnel of madness is sleeping beauty over there."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"My estimation is that she is eligible to walk your Amber, My Amber, my Plymouth, my York as well as the symbol of the Wind the Djinn revere and the Waters of the Elephant and the attunement of the Grove of the Unicorn and at least two Jewels of Judgment. And its your intention to test walk her on Ambir, Dworkin's Forge."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Want a stronger drink?"  He pours out a line on rose colored pink powder and inhales it. Shaking his head, looking around as if trying to surprise shadows.  "Yes.. yes.. its Bat Country ahead for her.  Oh, and she is heir to Conf's shadowjacking powers and his connection to the shaded places of the multiverse."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I beg your forgiveness on the confusion of identity; I had assumed it was only Conf that was watching and listening to Tesa. So, that was you in the shadows back at the Vulgar Unicorn and not he."  He pauses a moment, looking over the parchment.  "Then, Well Met, Tolknor; a pleasure. I am Lord Relmopator of Amber... but I'm sure you already know who I am. A very interesting lineage; two different Realities, three Primals... and I thought my lineage was odd. And that is a lot of Imprints and attunements... I'm a bit jealous. And yes, it was my intent to take her to the Pattern of Ambir; I felt she may need the Powers from the Imprint to protect herself from Alexandir or Conf or others, until I could get her to walk the Pattern in Amber."  "But now I'm thinking I'm just being played and that taking her to Ambir is exactly what... you... Conf... others... or perhaps even Tesa, want to me to do. Perhaps I shouldn't take her, for her protection."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
“Fair point. But let us be clear; She will need to walk something first. Manipulation, second guessing, blind ambition and arch-villainy aside someone is going to be pissed wherever she starts. If you think you are being played, well, that's true in many different ways, we all are after all. So assuming everyone has their agenda where does her best path lay? Her paths in York are open to her. Plymouth is a squiggle, my first failure realm, and is a potent construct. Akin to Regor or Azcala in Power and scope but on a lower level. Ambir is anon the most pure of the true Amber shades because of the reasons for its creation and differentiation from the true Ambir. Its proximity is why Dworkin does his artifact creations there. The Pattern of Amber is a good choice but it will announce her presence to her kin unless she walks a minor shadow of it like Vulsara or Diega, or even Cynasure. My Amber's shadow in the Shelby can't be walked by anyone who does not already have the imprint but other versions of it such as the one at Fantalin might work."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"The grove, the wind, the water, all are in her future but not as first imprints. York is open to her and available. So when it comes to where to take her you will advise her so where do you think she should go? Given paths to all of them are open if the price is right."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I think her best path lies in Amber; the strongest and most pure of Sigils. After that, it should be her decision if she wishes further Imprints or attunements and what they should be. It was my intent to use her Ambir Imprint as a stepping stone to the Real Thing. Once I know she can walk the Pattern I will speak with the King and get permission for a proper Imprint. I'm not sure why hiding her presence is so important, but a slightly lower Imprint is possible, for sure. But Ambir is the only one that does not have Pattern Guards, so no need to sneak, payoff, subdue or kill... then, perhaps Fantalin, if Amber is out, for a more pure Imprint. After that... give her time to get used to her Powers. Then when she asks, should we still be traveling together, I will advise her of her options and help her research each... but she will make her own choices. I am not looking to manipulate her for my own or others agendas."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Ambir certainly has a pattern guard. A very good one. You have never seen him because he knows Dworkin gave you not just permission but its stone. He respects your ownership of the shade. When you go there next. Call him out"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer puffs on his cigar, then reaches over to the table and takes the drink that Tesa made for him, the purple one, and drinks half of it down. Then puffs his cigar. He still has not dropped the Pattern and is still studying both Tolknor and Tesa. Though he is being blocked, there must be something he can read or gain from studying them.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"You know much, Tolknor. Do you know his name?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Yes. I agree that Amber is her best first path. Her connection is more direct. Her York side is even more complicated then that parchment due to my paradoxes."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Then it will be Ambir, to get a foothold, then... Amber or Fantalin. So, what is your interest in Tesa, if I may ask? And why now? Or is our conversation the only reason. Familial and Parental love and caring are rare, and rarely sincere, in my Family, for sure... I'm sure it's similar in your case."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Well, she has a great ass....
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer laughs out loud and says, "She does indeed." Then continues to chuckle as he puffs his cigar
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He walks to run a hand in her hair.  “The fact is that I'm always concerned about how the genealogy of powers works. One never knows how they will manifest. Some mighty powers appear with no reason. A function of the blood of chaos is what i assume. I am a founder of realms, as is Dworkin, and we can't be sure. Conf's shadowjacking is an example. I have no idea how it generated. But is it hereditary? It seems to be. I had a son who was born incapable of walking my pattern. Died on it. Oberon's first brood is full of nightmares with unrepeated powers. Born undead. Mindless power channels. Affinity to spiders. Fleece.-Powerful and cunning but with an animal mentality....Oberon and I spent a long time together, with Adrian, trying to understand it."
Walking back and settling down onto a chest.  “Tesa has a large collection of issues not the least being linkage of three Primals. She seems to have inherited shadowjacking. Its developing slowly but as with Conf it seems instinctive. There is a degree of fuzzy to her sometimes when she moves in shadow. Conf can transport across shadow by stepping into shade. He can hear his name spoken in shade. Of course he has a million years or so of experience. Tesa will take time developing the skill and as her partner i would guess you will be able to help her develop hers.”
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"There are a few dangerous members out there I don't understand. Timothy Elhue has an affinity to music. He is a paramount guitarist and is wildly good at nearly all musical instruments, but he also has a developing ability like Conf's where he hears things spoken while music is playing. Ghost is a son of Deirdre and the Serpent, so a child with the potential of an Oberon, Satura, or Hagalta. Lark Harooon. Houk-A hooka and an extraordinary mimic. Vek-a product of the Benedict-Lintra project is a snap Shapeshifter and has observational memory that is beyond the norm.. All powers I don't quite understand. And a cluster more. Hagalta. You. Your sisters. Your mother.  "And most unfortunately...Tonacat. That's a major problem as you can imagine. I don't know how or when and even my time vision and time travel can't pierce the veils around him but he has walked the pattern of Amber. He has a power equal to Oberon. But he is not of the line of Dworkin. Yet, he walked the pattern of Amber. He walked the one that now resides in Vulsara while it was deep in the abyss during the eon he was locked out of Azcala. If that makes him an anomaly or if that makes all the Azcalans able to walk the pattern, i don't know."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"So, now what, Tolknor? You wanted her to walk a Pattern or the Pattern, you knew what I had planned... so why are you here? Now?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"As an aside, you should know Conf has walked the pattern of Amber. His daughter should have no trouble with it."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks thoughtful for a few moments, then speaks softly, as though he is half-way lost in thought.
"And now you have come to me... to gauge me??? To influence me??? To advise and inform??? Perhaps all or none."  He looks less thoughtful and more focused. "If you've come to gauge me, then I tell you truthfully; I have no agenda for her. I have no ulterior motives. I like her company and her skill-sets and only want her to travel with me when she will and to train her in what she wants to learn that I can teach and to learn from her. And yes, the more she wants to learn from me the more she is likely to travel with me longer, thus I get what I want... but I am not trying to influence her. She goes where she wants, when she wants... even more so if she walks the Pattern." He chuckles. "And if she wants the Imprint of the Pattern, it is her Birthright, so she should have it. And it is good to know for certain she can walk the Pattern... and that Conf has already." Realmer nods his head towards Tolknor and finishes his purple drink.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He laughs. “Oh you have an agenda, my dear. If it is only to see her not manipulated it is still a worthy one. Sadly I am about to manipulate her fairly strongly. So far I have only watched her from afar. Conf and I argued when he sent her to Snikura. I told him it would only make her more likely to be harmed rather then to keep her safe, but he is her father and I am just a meddlesome old grandfather. He and I have spent a lot of time arguing over the years. Its one of the reasons he was never part of my Camelot. He was always a bit apart. “
He walks to Tesa and places hands upon her. A warm sense of magical energy floods the room. He steps away after a moment.  “Be strong of bone and sinew, Daughter of York. Breathe in water and grayish smoke. Live in the fires of the earth and the vacuum of space. Let your hands hold great powers and fear no possession of them. Know that you are loved by your meddlesome grandfather. I mark thee, Tesara of York. Let your foes fear thee and your friends adore thee.”  Tesa rolls over in her sleep.  Returning to his drink, 'Now you. I came to regard thee and I have. Indeed you have many a complicated path to walk ahead of you. They look like millions of tangles vines ahead of you to me. If I am to influence you I do it only by word. My accord with Oberon stands even though he rests. I shall not put foot to his realm or hand to his kin save those kin to me. So here are the words I give thee;”  “There is a squirrel in Azcala. It is trapped by its own folly. Even Primal Beasts can make foolish choices.”  “You have a sister who is deeply involved in folly herself and she will drag the Fea of Amber and of the Adask into folly with her.”  “It was I who spoke to thee in the Vulgar Unicorn. I saw that her nature was going to come into its own there. While I disapprove of the Snikura I see now Conf was right to send her there. It suits her nature. I saw that it was time for her to receive my blessing and I chose to allow you to witness it.”  “Conf's paramour Pakaloa may have been Mirelle. Even I am not perfect and much about Conf's own powers keep him obscured to me, apart from me. If she was then it was at a time when her own madness was enough to obscure her face, her place, and maybe even her bloodline. I am a connoisseur of madness and would like to see her in the flesh. I may be able to help her. But Random keeps her locked up in the dungeons and I can not lay hands on her there.”  “Tesara can walk the pattern because of Av Reet and he will know when she does. He is a creature of a mercurial nature. While not precisely evil, his actions might be seen as such. Beware of him. Let him not come to Amber. Meet him in shadow if he must be dealt with. It will not offend Oberon if he is slain and his mother will not come to defend him. Isara who bore him perished and the primal Djinn is someone else now. It is fortunate when she passed that Av Reet did not take on her mantle. He would have ruled in Amber by now had he become the Primal Djinn.”  'Lastly, call out the Pattern Guard of Ambir. It will amuse me and annoy him. He is one who is wound so tight a surprise invasive high colonic could not relax him. He could use some annoying.”  “Ask me one last time if you like. I shall try to answer. But quickly because Tesa awakes soon and will not remember sleeping and must not know I blessed her. She must not know what passed between us.”
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I thank you for your information and candor, Tolknor. But as you say; we all have agendas, benevolent or malign, so I can only take you at your word. And since you can see things in Time... let me ask; Will Tesa get pregnant and will her child sit the throne of a conquered Amber? And is that Amber, MY Amber or yours? I was told of a Vision that several people had when they sat the Oracle of Night and now I wonder if what they saw was not exactly what they think it is."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I see paths that lead to her sitting Amber in some state. It would be best if I kept my hands off those vines till they concern me. Alexandir desires her because he too has sat oracles and seen her. He spoke to me of her the first time he saw her in Amber. I looked in and saw the collection of vines that tangle into her. Its a pity. Alex is cursed. He doesn't know it. He will have only one child. If I must i shall take Alexandir in hand. I have also told Random what Alexandir's True Name is.. However, the vines do not require that the child be his, just that he rule through him. One strong branch though is clear, it will be entertaining and I imagine will make Random very nervous and me very amused. Should it occur, or one of many vines near it, my accord with Oberon will be satisfied. I will have a hand in the blood of Oberon's Amber even as he has blood in mine. Tell me, has she ever been in the presence of Prince Martin?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Not that I am aware of. She has never mentioned him to me."  He pauses and gives Tolknor a playful smile.
"I see some of those agendas popping up."  He chuckles and stands, then bows respectfully. "Again, Well Met, Tolknor."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Well Met by Madness. Rose Tints my world, keeps me safe from my trouble and pain."  As he fades a sense of him moving in a manner Realmer has never seen. Glimpses of Tolknor in many shapes and forms, as he time travels from the world of Sanctuary.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer says, "How unexpected that was." Then smiles and looks over at Tesa then waits til she wakes, then he will study her a bit, before speaking.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa rouses, "I must have been more tired then I thought. I had the most curious dream. It was like one of those flat illusion shows. Movies.. But.. really strange music.. A morality play about aliens and ....its fading... time is fleeting... Was I asleep long? Did you sleep too?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"You nodded off as I began the exam; you were only out for a few minutes... guess the adrenaline high wore off and you crashed. And no, I didn't sleep; I just finished and now know that you can walk the Pattern in Amber. However, I think we should start with Ambir; that will get you a toe hold to a greater Imprint later. I will certainly catch hell for this, but I believe this is the best way; hopefully the least amount of hell to pay, because it is Ambir, and a greater chance of getting you a more pure and powerful Imprint after catching said hell. So, what say you, Partner? Are you ready to dive in? Or would you like a day or two to think things over?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"More reason to move then stay. We want to gauge the time thing. I think if we..." She stands, stretches her arms, inhales deeply.  ”I must have slept well I feel... great. Refreshed. Maybe having two off my list is a weight off my mind. Especially since one was Pheres. The sooner we are off planet the less likely we are to have local trouble anyway. Lead on."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Gather what you need then stand close; we are not Shadow Walking or Trump Traveling. Place your hand on my shoulder when I say. Bob, get in here; we're leaving the special way."  Realmer brings the Pattern to mind then walks it, focusing more on the subdued Imprint of Ambir that lies beneath the more powerful Imprint of Amber; when he reaches its center, he pulls out the Ambir Jewel and focuses upon it, upon the Pattern within its depths... he walks its Pattern as well, then once at its center he speaks softly.  "Tesa, touch my shoulder."  When he feels her touch, he transports himself, Tesa and Bob to the Cavern that houses the Pattern of Ambir.