Editing Volume Two: The Adask War Wizard (section)

====<big>Tesara of Amber, King Random's Consequences, Kyr Dorna</big>====

*'''Michael James Watson'''
Realmer wakes to find Tesa sitting cross leg on the bed. Silently she is looking at each card in the deck. She has a few cast around but it doesn't appear to be a tarot reading.  "These feel cold. Not frozen but cold. A couple feel burning hot. Some, I hear mumbling or talking.. I'm not in the deck. What does that mean?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles and stretches and says, "Good Morning." Then drops the Defensive Psyche Ward Spell around her bed and continues.  "They are cold because your Psyche is more aware of them and their powers, and they are fully powered Trumps, not just contact. The burning hot ones are blocked most likely; purposefully by the person depicted, I would say. You not being in the Deck could mean that the image to be depicted has not been approved by the King yet and... or... there is a political reason it has not showed up yet. The reason you hear mumbling is because you are listening in on the conversations of someone depicted on the card you are touching or focusing on. I am sure if you focus lightly on just one, you could hear what is being said... but be very subtle so as not be detected. And only listen for a few moments, then stop... this is all new to you. And a bit advanced for just walking the Pattern and having no training in Pattern Powers or Trump Powers or Trump Artistry and its abilities."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Wait, you said burning hot... that might also mean they are trying to reach you and you are innately blocking them, perhaps it has something to do with this place. In any case, proceed cautiously; opening a Trump Contact is also opening up your mind to possible attack, both overt and subtle."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I've had a deck of these most my life, the playing card sized ones, you know. I never gave much thought to the named ones. Only slightly more to place trump's because of playing Galaru. Walking the pattern was intense but these... make it real."  Gathering the cards and putting most away.  "I'm hungry. Where every we are, I assume we can't get Breakfast? Then clean up some the regular way. Then I want to start learning these fast. For protection."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"'Wherever we are', is in Adagalasck. We are at the king's residence on the West Stair. We will be staying here for a couple of days to a couple of weeks, depending on our needs. Finndo sent us here, as he thought it would be a safe place for you to adjust to your new powers; he is concerned that your grandfather, Av Reet, might try to steal your powers from you. He sent us here because of some of the particular conditions here that make it hard to get into the realm and even harder to get out."  He stretches to get the kinks out from sleeping in the chair all night.  "There are many options available for breakfast. If you choose to dine in I can conjure up a meal, I have magical dinnerware that will provide a random choice of food, or I'm sure we can have the staff bring us something to eat. Or if you prefer to dine out, I'm sure there is a kitchen and dining hall here somewhere here, or we can go into the city for breakfast. However, I do recommend if we are dining out that perhaps we should clean up first. There's a bathing chamber just down the hall."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
One modification-Realmer would know about Galaru. It is an extremely popular card game similar to Tonk and uses the major arcana of face trumps and place trumps to form trios, quads, in runs of numbers. It is a common game on the level of gin rummy, canasta, or whist. Less common then bridge, more common then Rook.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Adagalask? I should have known hmmmm,...it has a feel, doesn't it? A sense of something.. We aren't in Blomsia.. The air smells different, Earth.. We are further west, aren't we? I'll bathe.. Lets see if we can find someplace that makes that potato and onion fritter thing with the green sauce and eggs.. Loved that.. I'll go bath and be right back...Unless its your intention to bathe me?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Excellent timing. We were just getting cleaned up and preparing to go breakfast in the city. Toss your gear in a corner for now, I will be speaking with Julian after breakfast about moving us out of my mother's suite and into a suite of our own. There is much that has transpired since I last spoke with you in my apartment in Amber. Let me catch you up while Tesa finishes bathing."  Realmer gives Gangdis an abbreviated version of the events since they parted.  "So it seems our young Tesa is a Powerhouse in the making and already has enemies and people vying for her attention and Powers. And though you are my Elite guard, I will be needing you to keep an eye on her more than me."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Ya, ok. But.. You have to call Benedict this instant. He told me to brook no dely. Used the word, Savy"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"It shall be done" he says as he pulls out Benedict's Trump and focuses to make contact.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The trump opens quickly. An angry Benedict says, "I am the calm one. The king said: 'You handle this, Ben, or I might make his guts into garters, savvy'."  He moves aside and pushes a woman in a brown and green doublet of a Dreana style through. Her hair is black, her expression serious, her rapier a no nonsense military style.  The trump contact ends.  She looks at Realmer, gives a very slight nod of a bow. "I am Kyr Dorna ag Brolic. I may be addressed as Kyr Dorna. Kyr is a Dreanan title equal to Sir. I am a Ward of the Sword. Amber Elite Order... Where is Tesara of Amber?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer exchanges a glance with Gangdis then looks Kyr Dorna in the eyes and says. "I am Lord Relmopator of Amber, you may call me Realmer. This is my Elite guard, Sir Gangdis of Casowell. Tesara is down the hall bathing at the moment."  He points in the direction of the bathing chamber.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She nods, "Yes, Lord Realmer, I am familiar with you and your rank. I know Sir Gangdis, though he is now more fit for service then the last time he was in the Elite Barracks for Inspection. His rank allows him too much laziness"  She immediately turns and leaves the room and heads to the baths.  "Care to make bets on who draws first blood? I got waylaid while getting ready.. The king and Benedict were quite angry. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I'm sure they are. But I had to do what I thought was right. And Tesa needs the powers for her own protection, and if for no other reason than that, I feel justified in my decision. And I think Tesa will draw First Blood. The real question is, how messy is it going to get?"  He chuckles then listens for the sound of fighting.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Gangdis shrugs, moves his stuff ready to go to other quarters.  "No bet. I know Dorna more then a little. She is of a fanatical group in Dreana. Wards of the Swords are children, orphans, of soldiers who died fighting in the endless Dreana political battles. Her father was a minor noble, a guardsman, and left no family behind. The Wards are raised with a fanatical devotion to duty. Which barely differentiates them from other Dreanans. Non-military Wards become grooms, cooks, personal servants, maids, and others that deal with the persons of the Dreanan nobles. Any noble house..." he looks over at the table.."Is that brandy? oh blessed be. My mug needs charging." He walks over and pours some brandy in the mug and sighs when it fills on its own.  "Anyway.. Any noble house may make Wards of the Sword but the charming Dorna served in the actual royal family's service in their Wards. She excelled in dueling rapier work. There is a lot of that in Dreana. She distinguished herself enough to be entered in the royal house military. She was knighted after some assassination attempt and that's why she used the patronymic 'ag Brolic'. Makes her something of a member of the family like a friend of the family who is called uncle or a favorite hound. She applied to Amber and served in the Seventh Legion, First Cohort-Duelists. She distinguished herself on Calrabon by slaying one of those giant bears they have single handedly, defending some royal children i think. Connections. She was sent to Rasak, then entered in the Elites. Did protective duty for Yalla Ganth, then Henry, Fiona's son, till he went into Chaos with his father Mandor. She's too serious to consider sleeping as anything other then dereliction of duty. I would feel sorry for Tesa if it wasn't so funny"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Fanatical. Staunch. Proven. The Lord Marshall sure knows how to pick 'em. Well, when the rest of us are drinking and playing cards, one thing is sure; Kyr Dorna will be on duty, guarding her charge."  Realmer chuckles but is also quietly impressed by Benedict's choice. A no nonsense, serious minded, get the job done, Elite Soldier is exactly what this group needs, especially now.  "I don't feel sorry for Tesa, I feel sorry for Dorna. But only a little. They will learn to work with each other... or around each other... or Tesa will learn to ignore Dorna completely... all in time."  "Over the years, we have become friendly, Gangdis, and my lifestyle and activities have allowed for you to become a bit lax in your duties and I allowed it to happen and I am not complaining. But things are bit different now. I need you at your best; always keeping a watchful eye, expecting attack or ambush at any moment, ready to pounce in an instant. The game has change, the stakes are higher, and our ante is already in."  He pulls out his Yellow Mandalay Stone, holds it in his hands a moment, then presses it to his forehead, to clear his mind of lingering sleep. Then he decides to temporarily place it in Satura's Ring. He tells the Psyche of the Ring to 'morph' to allow the Stone to become a part of its design in each of its forms, but NOT to permanently bond with the Mandalay Stone. Then he presses the Yellow Stone into the Ring, replacing the large 'black sapphire' which has two smaller 'black opals', one on either side of the larger center stone, all set into a ring of the purest platinum.  "I don't hear yelling... cursing... or the sounds of fighting... it must be going well..." dramatic pause "...or Kyr Dorna is already dead and Tesa is still washing up."  
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Gangdis produces his personal flask, pouring a few drops of steaming coffee in to see the tankard charged.
"People underestimate Benedict's sense of humor because his other sensibilities slap them in the face. He thought it was very funny assigning me as your Elite. Oh he made it sound like coming out of my comfortable retirement was an honor and since i am suddenly young he can tell people he did it to revitalize me, but..."
He spikes his coffee with brandy.  "as for needing me at my best, Vampire of the Dungeons, you have it or else I would still be at my manor house with my brewing carboys, and my sweet house maids, drinking and letching myself toward death. Instead I am young, fit, attentive, and pissing off the ambitious Elites who now covet such an adventurous posting. They just don't understand how dangerous exciting and adventurous postings can be. As for Dorna...She is not prone to jealousy nor vainglory. Proper to the point of madness. If I'm in the barracks showers trimming my toenails I don't need her dropping Sir this and Sir that's at me.. Tesa will likely be annoyed then amused, seeing her as a challenge of various sorts. If she is in danger though, Dorna is a ferocious one. I know Yalla about killed her."  Sipping, adjusting his bowler hat, "So remind me what kind of things we'll be fighting these days?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I'm well aware of Benedict's sense of humor. And regardless of what you think, your posting to me was not completely a joke. Benedict did come to me shortly after your posting and asked me to do what I could to get you interested in life once again. The revitalizing was more of a coincidence, I believe. And I am glad to have you at your best, we may need it."  "As for what we may be facing, that could vary greatly. If we face Av Reet of the first brood, we could be dealing with hordes of Djinn, Dufiro of Air, and Air Elementals. If we face Tesa's father, I have no idea what we will be up against as I am unfamiliar with his minions, style and tactics. And there is a possibility we may get involved in a few local skirmishes with the forces that are still resisting King Julian's rule. Lord Trualta is having some problems out near the East Stair and my stepmother Uxtrasa is trying to Rally the forces still loyal to my father, Hagalta."  "Once we leave Adagalasck and begin traveling in Shadow again, we could face Dufiro and Elementals of Fire and Earth as I may have an outstanding enemy by the name of Uzgata, a Masoja of Rage and War."  "While here in Adagalasck, I intend to train Tesa in everything I can regarding the use of her new powers and do it as quickly as possible. Hopefully we won't be here any longer than three weeks. I have also made a deal with King Julian to teach him high order sorcery in exchange for his protection and hospitality while we are here. When we are done here, we will be returning to Ambir at the request of Finndo then after that business is taken care of I will be working with Fortunadas for a short period of time to take care of a problem with some Freemasons. Then I will be seeking out my grandmother, Verna the Primal Adask... there is much she knows are many matters I need to discuss with her."  Realmer Cox his head to one side and strains to listen for noises in the direction of the bathing chamber.  "Still no sounds of fighting, I sure hope that means it's going well."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"You don't want to see Verna. She is far from helpful. Do I smell Coffee?"  Satura enters in a subdued kimono, braiding her hair.  Gangdis removes his flask and pours a cup, "Its Caine's navy coffee so it might be too strong."  "Sir, you could feed me coffee syrup and I would be pleased. I became a fan of the beverage in my youth. My father would bring it from shadow from time to time.. I smell brandy too please. " Gangdis obliges.
She walks to Realmer..."My mind is clearer today.. Its wonderful to see you in the flesh, not as a phantom in my mind. Have you seen your father lately? The time to open old wounds seems to have come upon us."  
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles broadly as his mother enters the room; it's good to see her up and about, and cogent.
"Mother, it is so good to see you, and see you well."  He stands and moves to embrace her in an affectionate hug.  "The last time I saw my father he was in a prison cell in the dungeons of Castle Amber. He called to me while he was sitting the Oracle of Night and begged for my help. I went to rescue him and brought him to Amber; he was put in a secure cell for everyone's protection. Though I do still hear rumors that he is gathering forces in the Black Zone... but sometimes rumors are old and news travels slowly."  "And as far as grandmother being helpful or not helpful, that is yet to be seen. There is much that I wish to know about my Heritage and my specific genetic line and Racial powers and I believe she has the answers. Grandfather indicated that she had sealed some of my Powers away from me at the time of my birth. But recently, Finndo indicated that it was grandfather that sealed my powers, and because he was angry with grandfather, he unlocked some of those powers for me. Now I must figure out what those powers are and come to grips with how to use them."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She approaches and puts her hands on both sides of his face, pressing her forehead to his.  She whispers, "you have grown so much...."  She sighs, takes her mug and sips.  "My mind... is scattered.. It is hard to focus..
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer places his hands over his mother's, then with a sleight-of-hand trick he slips Satura's Ring from his own finger on to one of hers.  "Wear this for a while, mother. I have made a recent addition to it that should help Focus your scattered thoughts."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She smiles, "Its been a long time since I saw this... "  She steps away and sits beside Gangdis. Looking at him she laughs softly.  Looking to Realmer she says, "You've done well without me.. Trinkets won't help me focus.... The Pattern might. You feel like a wizard, but your hands seem those of a warrior. Your father would have been proud... your real father, not the one who planted you in me. That one has part of my mind. Hidden.. Only he knows where. I can feel the blackness coming.. I will sleep. I feel your power. Adask... are a race of the Fey, born in Chaos. Verna wants you to have only her powers. So she suppressed them in Hagalta, and me, and you, and one of your sisters.. But the young one, sweet Drixtra, she fought and lost to. Drixtra had her full powers at birth. By the time Verna came for her it was too late. Her circle was too powerful even for my mother. Even in the crib the dark fey whispered to her. Hagalta let them. She will seek Fey artifacts to control them.. Its the dreams Hagalta whispered in her ears.. Its what he screamed in Dwynwen's ears. Insanity is a communicable disease. You catch it from your relatives." She slumps in her seat asleep.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
After Satura falls asleep, Realmer shakes his head sadly.  "I thought the Mandalay Stone would help, at least for a time."  He slips the Ring from her finger and replaces it on the middle finger of his right hand. He looks to Gangdis.  "I have only vague memories of the man my mother calls my real father; Sir Kandith... from my earliest years. I recall the smell of metal and oil, leather and horse upon him. He wore armor and carried a sword... his hair was dark. He was away fighting for the kingdom most of my childhood until he died in combat. Mother was devastated when she heard."  Realmer shakes his head and comes back to the present.  "She said Hagalta has a piece of her mind, hidden away..." He briefly wonders if it might be hidden in his Hagalta's Heart Stone... but is wary to bring it out here and now to examine it... perhaps later.  "But that will have to be a quest for another time. And my sister's lust for Fey Artifacts could be a problem or an asset... time will tell, but good knowledge to have."  Realmer uses a series of Cantrips to clean himself head to toe, clean his mouth and teeth then freshen his breath, scent himself faintly in pine, and finally brush out his hair then braid it into a single thick strand coming from the back of his head.  "Speaking of my sisters; you have been living in Amber since your rejuvenation, I assume. What do you know or have you heard about them and their doings? And speak freely; I won't take offense at anything you tell me."  Realmer checks over all of his gear; smooths his Robe, adjusts his weapons belt, pulls out each blade to inspect the edge then sheaths checking each is set for an easy draw, pats his Bone Wand on his right hip, checks a few pockets then nods... then he pauses for more than a moment, then smiles; Rasak conditioning.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He thinks for a moment.  "Well, Dwynwen is the most visible. She has been a lady in waiting for the queen. Vialle has had her at most public events and she is rumored to be on good terms with Helene du Sarn and the Urien pack. The gossip is that they like her despite her not joining them in...well... joining them...She spends a good deal of time with Dame Margot. And with Arloxedra. She tends to be quiet. Will avoid answering questions about the past. It gives her an air of mystery. Not to put a fine point on it but you and she are the two highest ranked Adask in Amber. Except Hagalta, who is notorious, not notable."  He pause for drinks, looking unwilling at first to go on.  "As for Drixtra, she spends time officially as a lady in waiting to Princess Fiona, maybe her apprentice. She isn't liked by a lot of the nobility. Nasty rumor has her as a lover to Fiona, as well as a couple elites, though all deny it. She has ditched her Elite repeatedly. Spends a lot of time riding. Is seen among the Rangers and is known, been caught, flagrante delicto, with Duncan, the new Warden of Arden. She hasn't exactly fled Amber, but has been seen as far as Diego Raks. She also is rumored to mix with CHAD regulars. That rumor is varied and really ugly. Worse is that its probably true. She has made a bit of a reputation as you might guess that feed into some of the less savory beliefs about the fey as sexually adventurous and not very picky about it. Fey are big gossip these days. Between Donovan defying the King over the Arden Stone and Fey from Golden Circle worlds and other nearby shadows coming to Amber just to see it, there is a lot of talk about them. Fey Royals from Acadia, Thelusia, Adasona, and Sagalina's Downside have all come to see the stone and pay court to Tatiana. Its all pretty low key so far but gentry who had either forgotten or never knew there was a a Fey Court are now talking about it. Drixtra is mixed up in the Swirls. Fey Swirls are starting to make themselves visible in the cities."   He looks uncomfortable but continues.  "She has had several very public rows with the staff of the court. Not the least being with Dame Margot and the Queen. Bleys thinks she's hilarious. Has taken her to the Theater a couple times and to Thin Whip's. So Fey Swirls mixing at Thin Whip's and with the theater crowd, with a few of the royal family, could be trouble.”
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He stands, takes out the green tankard for a pull.  "Since you ask, I should tell you another collection of rumors...Hagalta, Satura, Dwyn, Drixtra are all in the Trump deck, but the cards don't work. Yours does work. Hagalta walked the pattern without permission and Random made him an outlaw for it. There are a lot of rumors that the Hagalta clan is aiming at supplanting the Oberon line. That includes you. And you just 'snuck' someone into getting the pattern, who happens to be one of 'your' people. I know its ridiculous but I'm on the inside of 'your' faction too. So is Dorna now. You may not want to trust her. And again not to put too fine a point on it, you purposefully fostered a dark and dangerous public perception for decades as the Vampire of the Dungeons, coming up only when your presence was demanded. It doesn't matter if all that us bullshit and hype, it's got a grip on the thinking of the general public. Lots of them live on gossip and rumor and rag sheet journalism."  Listening to Gangdis he hears something in his voice,a confidence and command he never had when he was just an old drunk elite. Realmer starts seeing why the drunk old war hero was pushed on him and pushed to grow young. Why he is suddenly in Benedict's staff, and Random's Privy council and Drum council.
It occurs to him that all things considered, random might well replace him with a new elite.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
While Realmer ponders Gangdis, Tesa enters the room, wearing an Adagalask style kimono, freshly bathed. Behind her walks Kyr Dorna.  "Realmer, will you please explain to this woman that I don't need a babysitter? She is being purposefully obtuse."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Sorry, Tesa, but you're a member of the Family now; and all Family Members are assigned a personal Elite Guard."  Realmer nods his head in the direction of Gangdis.  "Whether you like it or not, and whether you like her or not, is irrelevant. Sure, you could ditch her repeatedly, but that is only going to piss off her, Benedict, and King Random. And if you ditch her often enough, King Random and Benedict will find a way to make it impossible for you to ditch your Elite. As your partner, I advise that you find a way to adjust to her constant presence. Who knows, one day she may prove helpful, like Gangdis here. Though he has only had the rare opportunity to protect me from bodily harm, his knowledge and experience has proven to be most helpful and useful."  He turns to Gangdis.  "And thank you for the information and your candor, Gangdis. Though the rumors and gossip spreading about me are pure troll shite, I can see how the public might view my actions of the last several decades in a less than positive way. And I can see how some of my future plans may add to that less-than-positive image. Perhaps I should do something about improving my image with the people of Amber."
He pauses a moment as he ponders the situation.  "But first; breakfast. Let's head into the city and find a nice eatery."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa nearly shouts, "She took my clothes! Bitch is only alive because my knives were not on them when she moved them! She had this laid out!! This ridiculous outfit!!!"  "Lady Tesa, as you may not know, the common attire for unmarried women, in the realm King Julian rules from is the Furisode kimono. Out of deference to your likelihood to engage in battle, I have seen the sleeves were cut specifically with knife work in mind. I've allowed you to retain your boots since while local conventions deem sandals appropriate, boots of a certain style are also used. If you wish to offend King Julian during your audience today I shall make it clear to him in person that I had appropriate attire ready but you chose to ignore it in order to make as great as possible offense to him, his court, his people, and the world he rules. It is your choice."  "And, LORD Relmopator, She may 'ditch me' as much as she likes, but King Random sent me prepared for her to behave childishly. I carry a device taken through the pattern and connected to her. It will allow me to locate her within the realm, and follow her out of it. And if I chose, it will make a very large bell sound above her head until she touches the device to silence it. I will not be replaced, and I will not be ignored. If Sir Gangdis wishes to take his obligation drunkenly it is his choice and you are the one to make complaints of his behavior to Prince Benedict. Now, Lady Tesa, I assume you want to arm yourself. Let us see about that. I am sure the King will call for you soon."
Tesa looks wide eyed at her then Realmer.  Tesa, "Well? Are you going to do something about this or am I going to kill her?"  Gangdis takes a drink and says, “If you strike her down, She shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.”
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks to each of the three as though he wishes to say something to each but is not sure whom to address first; his mouth opens but no sounds comes forth. He closes his mouth. He arches his right eyebrow. He looks to Gangdis first and points with the index finger of his right hand.  “I got that reference. That's a 'quote' of some sort and you just stole it... and you might be right.”  He turns to address Tesa and smiles then sighs.  “No, Partner, I am not going to do something about this and you are not going to kill her. You are going to handle the matter yourself. How you handle the matter is up to you, but remember, you are also a member of the Royal Family of Amber, and sometimes must conduct yourself as such, Lady Tesara. No long lectures this time, Partner.” He gives her a slight bow of respect, Lord to Lady, then turns to look at Dorna.  “You are disruptive to the dynamic of this group, but you're new. I'm sure you will learn to fit in quickly and be more helpful and less disruptive. It is commendable of you to advise Lady Tesa on her attire for her upcoming audience with King Julian but it is her Lady's choice to make how she dresses and who she offends, KYR Dorna, not yours.”  “So... if you're off to see the King...” he turns to Tesa, “I guess breakfast is on hold...? And how do you know Tesa has an audience with King Julian, Kyr Dorna?” Realmer asks as he turns to face her once again.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dorna smiles, "Educated guess and timing. Lady Tesara walked the pattern on the permission of King Finndo. He informed King Random. I was summoned by Prince Benedict. I was taken to Vulsara, at 60 to 1 in Amber, and had the recorded feed of 9 years worth of Rasak and 1 year of Adledross, implanted. When i returned King Random had spoken to King Julian, informing him of your arrival. He said he would seek you out and speak to you and Lady Tesara in the morning. It is morning. I am guessing the audience is soon. Let us be clear, sir. I belong to four groups. I am a Ward of the Sword of Dreana, First of the Seventh Legion-Duelists, the Knights of the Elites of Amber, and the protective detail of Lady Tesara. Whatever group you may think I belong to is a misunderstanding on your part. I do not take orders from you. I barely take suggestions from you. Unless King Random, Queen Vialle, or Marshal Benedict tell me otherwise, those are my standing commands. Within the scope of Lady Tesara needs, i shall cooperate, but be clear where my loyalties lie. oh... and the quote is from one of the space programs Prince Benedict enjoys so much."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa goes pale...."Ah.. You watched everything that happened at Rasak and Adledross?"  Dorna makes a short nod. "Yes, as if from a bird a stone's throw above your head, sound included."  Tesa looks at Realmer. "Did...ah... you see these... ah... images?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"No, Tesa, I saw no such images, for you or anyone at Rasak or Adledross. And I was not aware that such existed until now. Your private life is still private from me."  He turns back to Dorna. "Impressive form of specialized training and information gathering for your assignment. And an impressive list of Groups. But I was using the term 'group' loosely, to refer to 'us', nothing official. And the misunderstanding is yours; I was not giving you any orders as I know you are not under my command nor in my employ. And I really wasn't giving suggestions either; more like advice. And thank you for the origin of the quote; I recall the movie now, something about Mentalist Warrior Monks in a technological setting in outer space and the overthrow of an Evil Overlord's empire."  "So, breakfast on hold... audience with the King... thought that was tomorrow... guess I better dress the part too."  Having lived in Adagalasck for many years and having traveled and studied their/his culture and society, Realmer has his Robe Shift to look more appropriate to the occasion and region, but still in his personal colors.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Thank you for the clarification, Lord Relmopator. As for the dramas, I am familiar with them because I did a tour on Vulsar base. It did not suit me. High Technological disciplines were not suited to a duelist. But I have the implants still. Though Prince Benedict and King Vance call them Bionic communication nodes now. That is why Prince Benedict removed me from the Protective services of Lord Henry Mandorson. So, I shall stand ready, Lady Tesara."  Tesa looks at her and says, "My name is Tesa Resa."  Dorna says, "Your birth name was Baroness Theresa di Solvi, your name on the ledgers of York is Tesara of York. In Amber it is Tesara of Amber. I accord you the rank of Lady because the king told me he would handle that in time but to accord the rank absent of the accolade. Because you have attended Rasak i might also call you Sir Tesara if you prefer."  Tesa turns and walks out the door saying, "Knives...I am going to need my knives" Dorna follows her.  Gangdis chuckles, "I'm going to stick to my garb if you don;t mind for now. If Julian wishes to take offense that's his hanging issue"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer rolls his eyes at both Tesa and Dorna as they leave the room. He looks to Gangdis and shrugs.  "Wear what you like. I don't think Julian really cares. Dorna is making a bigger thing about this than necessary. And I think she is part of my punishment for sneaking Tesa onto the Pattern."  He gives Gangdis a half smile and another shrug.  "This is going to be a really long day." He sighs.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Gangdis pours a shot of brandy for the both of you.  "Around Random's 20th, he made the call to the kin. IT was about 9 years before you came to town. Two of the people that came were Doria and Desri, children of Benedict by Lintra you know. Well he thought they were a punishment on him. Bleys was in his drunk phase and it was not clear if he wasn't leading a few of the cousins, including Doria and Desri, into trying to seize the throne. It was a complicated play as it turned out by Maylon Hendrake and Darnuthas rasaka afuras to test Random. I was in the library when it was at its most dangerous. It looked to all of us that Bleys was trying to maneuver Random into war with Chaos. I was just a drunk in the library, off duty, unobserved. But Random and Doria quarreled bitterly till he said something that I think about a lot. More so since traveling with you.  He said, "Look, I may have to kill a brother in the next half hour, ok? I will think about if I need to imprison a niece later. Setting priorities, my dear, is a requirement of kingship."  "Perhaps Random is multitasking and setting priorities. he has a new Amberite who appeared out of no where and a troublesome cousin who brought her, and his lackadaisical elite. Dorna is an elegant way to tweak all of us. It is also a way to show respect to the Dreanans, an annoying people, that Random respects them by using one of their celebrity elites. Dorna is known to have been taken as a lover in her youth by no less then Markosi Brolic. So, priorities"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I see your point, Gang... fresh out of Rasak and I sneak someone onto the Pattern, someone King Random has had a vision about, a vision I was also in; a dark vision. Plus the dark public image that I fostered and my unusual associates... I can see how it must all look from the outside. I see why Dorna was given this assignment." His sighs. "This is going to be an adjustment for all of us. But perhaps it will be for the best... time will tell." He picks up one of the shots of brandy and shoots it down.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Perhaps that is it exactly. If we bend first, conform a bit where needed, maybe she will loosen up a bit. Plus it could help with our image. Getting Tesa to go along with this might be difficult."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He nods, "Perhaps, rather then bending her to our will, we should bend a little toward hers?"  "Tesa is a mimic if she needs to be. A hell of a liar. She will make do. I've known Dorna's type for centuries. Only a few did not break. But I've spent a lot of time on Dreana in the past. I tend to agree with Bleys. Dour fucks. Ridged backs is their way of life. I have only met a few i liked and Dorna isn't one of them.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, let's see how Tesa gets through her first audience with a King and Amber Royal. And whether she offends anyone or attacks Dorna. And I suddenly recall dealing with someone much like Dorna during my Adventuring Years; a Paladin named Vladimir... really uptight, took everything way too seriously and personally.. and he was always watching me, the Necromancer, like a vulture waiting for its food to die."
He peers down the hall, then looks towards the door leading out of the suite.  "I sure hope we can get this over with quickly and painlessly; I am rather hungry and looking forward to the egg dish Tesa described."
Realmer pulls out his Green Mandalay Stone with his right hand then cross-body draws his Bone Wand with his left hand then has it Shift into the Scrimshawed Bone Staff. Then he places the Green Stone into an eye socket of a carved skull at the top of the staff then tells the Staff to bond with the Stone and incorporate its powers. He then gives the Staff some directives on how he wants its Shifted Forms to look; the Staff and Wand will have green vines wrapped around them, the other undead animal and monster forms will be bone and vine (like the Necrobotany).