Editing Volume Two: The Adask War Wizard (section)

====<big>High King Julian, his Titular Queen Ninaaratres & their daughter Sadashi</big>====

*'''Michael James Watson'''
The long corridors display an elegance unusual in other parts of Adagalask. The lights are glowing rather then candles. The colors are in red and whites.  Tesa, Realmer, Gangdis and Dorna are led to a great hearth with long couches on either side.   Nearest the fire is Julian in a montsuki kimono in purple over white. A katana sits near his hand. In a corner is a large hairy man in Arden Ranger's attire. He seems familiar.  Julian rises, bows, waves to the seats, stepping up to take Tesa's hand and forestalling an awkward bow, guiding her to the seat closest to the fire on the sofa across from him. He takes his seat again.  Julian waits, knowing he must speak first.  
"Tesara....I am your Uncle Julian... it is sometimes awkward when our family gathers.. ah, Gangdis, Please do not take offense but this is a family meeting. Please take the terrifying Dorna over to discuss security arrangements with my majordomo. No.. you do not have permission to object, Dame Dorna."  Dorna looks angry but does as bidden.  Julian waits till they have gone and turns to Realmer, "Dorna ag Brolic? If Random's request to arrest you and Tesa when i saw you wasn't enough seeing her here would do. So... where shall we start? You have come into my realm, there for family custom demands you answer first."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
“Perhaps I should start with the series of events that put the both of us in your Realm, King Julian. As you know, Tesa was traveling with me when I first came to Adagalasck and continued to work with me during my stay. When we left, I got permission for her to attend Rasak as a form of payment for her loyal service and in the hopes she would continue to work with me in the future. While there, she met Alexadir kos Korag and they became involved. The night before the Graduation Ceremony on Rasak, while sitting on the beach on Adledross, Benedict joined me and we talked of many things until the sun rose. One of them was Tesa and her family line; I was unaware she was Family until that night. He also addressed concern over Alex getting involved with her, though he did not say why specifically.”  “After leaving Rasak and arriving in Amber, I met with King Random and we spoke at length about Tesa's genealogy and her ties to the Amber Family Line. He also expressed some concern due a Vision he, and others, had had while sitting the Oracle of Night. A vision involving Tesa, Alex and myself in some way. I had planned to contact Tesa after graduation but talking with Benedict and Random gave me a little more motivation to do it sooner rather than later. And so I did and so I joined her in Shadow. Then Tolknor arrived, put Tesa under a Sleep Spell, and then told me much about his great granddaughter's lineage, playing the role of doting great grandfather the whole time, then he left.”
“With the sudden family history lessons from the Lord Marshall and King Random and all this attention from powerful people suddenly falling upon Tesa, I thought the best course of action would be to arm her with her Birthright to help her defend herself against those that would try to use her. So, I explained to Tesa about her being Family and about walking the Pattern and let her decide. And since I have access to a Pattern, I took her to Ambir, where we met Finndo who was guarding the Pattern. He said Dworkin had given permission for Tesa to walk the Pattern and so she did. Finndo talked with me and also talked about Tesa's family line, and much about Av Reet. Then, when Tesa reached the center of the Pattern, Finndo sent us here, to Adagalasck, where he said we would be relatively safe, as Av Reet was not likely to come here due to the ease with which Stair Realms can be sealed.”
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He whistles softly, "Random, Benedict, and Av Reet? That's a rough introduction. And you side stepped Random's customary orientation too. No wonder he's mad. I guess my question is are you seeking asylum, Tesa? That is probably Random's first fear. Benedict's is that you will take service with Av Reet. Arloxedra's first fear is that you will lead Conf to the throne of Amber. Conf is something of a pet peeve of Arloxedra's. What say you, Tesa?"  She looks around, "to be honest, i am looking for someplace to sleep for a month without fearing assassins or new kin. I never thought much of family and now i have more then i can comprehend."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer suppresses a chuckle and tries to hide his smile.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Julian looks at Realmer and nods, tries to suppress a laugh and fails. he has a soft laugh but Realmer realizes its the first time he has ever heard him laugh, and possibly the first time he has ever heard of him laughing.
He says, " I understand that feeling entirely. It's the reason Random put out the Call to the Kin, in 5220 or so. We had Martin, Merlin, Arloxedra, Derek, Truman, Duncan, Galvar, and Elayne that we knew about of the cousins. Then in short order we had Doria, Desri, Vance, Geryon, Mark, Stryker, Rene, Nicholas, and Zachary. That was when Random got Delwin to return too. Then we had Rinaldo and Dalt show up. "  He pauses for dramatic effect as tea is brought. Green tea.  "Then the sweet as vinegar Maylon Hendrake showed up with her Heirs and Spares page and revealed that Chaos had the Benedict Lintra line. That was too much then. But in time Osric and Finndo turned up alive as did Elfwine, Adrian and ...on and on.. It is a bit much"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks to Tesa and say apologetically, "I'm sorry for making you grow up sooner than you may have wanted to. But it was going to happen sooner or later, and I thought sooner would be better."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa scowls, "I'm not a child. I never had a childhood.”  Julian says, "Well maybe you will now. I've had several and I am hardly the most adventurous of our breed. Random had childhoods till the day he walked into Flora's house in Westchester to join his banner to Corwin's. After that it was a close thing for him. He survived returning to Rebma, attempting to assassinate Eric, and fighting the battle of Patternfall. Our kind does not have a decade of youth, a decade of teenage years, and then embark on adulthood. We grow as need makes us. We become childish when circumstances allow us. Our race was born in Chaos, Tesa. You think your youth was hard? Filled with abuses? Talk to Vek Hendrake. That's kind of what i consider the line for hard childhoods. I've thought a lot about this recently."  He turns as a young woman enters. Bright purple hair, pale Adask skin, bright green eyes. She wears a kimono with purple and green floral patterns . She wears a wakizashi and tanto at her waist as Julian does. Rising, he takes her hands and seats her beside him.  "Relmopator, Tesara, allow me to introduce my daughter Sadashi."  She gives a slight incline of her head as she sits next to Julian.
"My mother Ninaartess will be joining us in a moment. Welcome to Henexumia."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
When Julian rises, Realmer uses the Rasak Battle Sign Language and makes a quick gesture to Tesa to 'stand' as he rises to his feet with Julian. Once Sadashi and Julian are seated, Realmer sits glancing at Tesa then back to Sadashi and Julian.  "Well Met, by Moonlight and Magic, Princess Sadashi. And thank you for welcoming us here. I look forward to seeing your mother again; it has been many years since last we spoke."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Sadashi inclines her head, looks to Julian, "My father tells me that you both spent a great deal of time over in Blomsia at the North Stair. My mother speaks highly of you, sir. Though she speaks carefully. I suspect she does not tell me everything. I've spent time there of course, and met Ambassador Roth often. He tells wonderful tales about the Family of Amber. Especially of Prince Corwin. I look forward to meeting them but mother says they will have to come here to make that occur. Do you think this possible? "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"If I have learned one thing, Princess, it is that in this Great Multiverse we live in, anything is possible. And I am pleased to hear that The Mistress of the North Wind still speaks well of me. It has been many years since I came to Adagalasck and met your mother and Opened the Way. Times were more tumultuous back then... not like now under your father's rule."  He smiles and bows his head politely to Sadashi and Julian.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She looks at her father, smiles, "Oh he is a benevolent tyrant to be sure. He has allowed me weapons training, wilderness craft, and small sailing ships, but not sorcery. Still, he has allowed me to takes the Spiral of the Four Winds though that was really mother's say "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Your father honored me and also graciously allowed me to take the Spiral of the Four Winds, for my service to him and Adagalasck. I bear the Mark proudly and use the Sigil wisely. When one day you do learn Sorcery, it will hold your Spells well; it is a sturdy framework."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
From the door a voice says, "Yes it is. And it will become stronger. Much stronger. We know where the Red Sword is. All we need now is the will to take it."  Ninaartes enters the room, dressed in the the black and white designs of the North Stair.  "To do that we need people of an adventurous nature. Do you know any?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer stand when Ninaartes enters the room and bows slightly.  "Queen Ninaaratres; it is good to see you again. And I know many adventurous people, but whether they are available is another matter. I, myself, have other commitments that may keep me busy longer than you may wish to wait. My apologies. I'm sure you recall Tesa, from our time traveling across the lands of Adagalasck and in Blomsia. Or, as she is now more formally known; Lady Tesara."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She nods, "I do remember Lady Tesara. I wondered what the riddle of her magical genetics were at the time. Shadowed with the intent to hide them. They are more clear now. Welcome Lady Tesara."
Tesa bows, "Thank you, your majesty. I find it strange to be accorded such rank. I guess i will have to grow into it."  She laughs, "Yes, you will. And that should include knowing that if you travel with someone you have a right to sway them when offers such as mine come along. But not today.. Now, please, let us break our fast in earnest."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
As breakfast goes by Julian takes Realmer aside, "You have a real problem with Random. He is pissed purple but he is practical. I've a suggestion on what to do if you want to mend those bridges. I've a passel of royals across the world, young, and they have some very unusual ways of thinking. I want to bring a little outside understanding. Would you help me set up a branch of the University of Fantalin? What i had in mind was general sciences, cosmology, history of various realms, and the Royal Rights course. Diaga has a campus, So does Calrabon. I'm sure Aries will agree. If we set it up and let it be known that Tesa and Sadashi are attending it, Random might be calmer when he gets here?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"A most excellent idea, Cousin. I have been pondering how to make amends with King Random. And I have also been pondering how to bring some of the more radical factions of Adagalasck, especially those still loyal to Hagalta, into the new age. It would seem that Education is the answer. Aries has already asked me to teach at Fantalin so I'm fairly confident he will agree to a new campus here, especially since I will be involved. If I may make additional suggestions... add Magic Studies, both Theory and Practical Use. And teach both Low and High Order Magics. Most importantly, make the general studies courses available to all, not just the royals, the privileged, the wealthy and the gifted."  "And yes, it might indeed calm Random's ire. I will contact Aries soon and begin the process. Do you already have a location in mind?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"First step of the West Stair, just outside the city. The realm is of good temperature, one sun, one moon, a couple roving weather systems. About 8 million sq kilometers. It has a few good cities in the 200k range in a later renaissance level technology. About what Amber was under Oberon. They could use some Urban improvement. There is a lot of back and forth between the stair realm and the city so it won't surprise them when your crews show up. The immediate city inside the gate is where it will be best. There is a collection of 20 manor houses in the eastern district that are the property of the crown. You can have them all. I have a contact with the mole people Random used to put in plumbing in Amber. I'd suggest getting construction crews from Vulsar. For anything between the locals and the crown use Sadashi. She is efficient that way. make sure she attends classes. SADASHI! " She looks surprised but walks over.  "Yes?"  Julian says, "Realmer has agreed. So, as of now he is Dean of the Adagalask University and you are his ward. Behave now." Julian turns and walks away quickly, towards Nina.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks surprised for an instant, then as Julian quickly walks away, Realmer narrows his eyes at his retreating form and the look on his face is one of both irritation and admiration. Then he smiles, looks to Sadashi and nods his head respectfully. Then he follows King Julian back to the seating area and addresses him.
"Of course, I graciously accept the position of Dean and the Guardianship of my new Ward, Majesty, and all the responsibilities there in. But my responsibilities will be many and I will not always have time to watch over my new Ward, in the way Tesara is watched over by Dorna and I am watched over by Gangdis. Will the Crown of Adagalasck be providing a personal bodyguard for Princess Sadashi, or is that also one of my new responsibilities?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Sadashi says, "I do not need a bodyguard, dammit!"  Tesa says, "I said just the same thing!!"  Nina says, "Indeed? How did that work out?"  Tesa smiles, "Dorna is outside the door I would guess. Ah...King Julian, Queen..."  Julian says, "Tesa, unless we are in court or having a formal function were are family. Julian will do.."  She nods, "ok, I suppose if I had attended the Royal Rights course I would know that. Well then, Julian, why not make a package deal. I'll be Sadashi's body guard. Dorna seems fit enough to look out for both of us and frankly unless Sadashi is a ninja there is a good chance I'm a better fighter then she or Dorna. We can keep each other up on our schooling and complain about our parents together."  Sadashi, who may not have given Tesa second glance till now, looks at her, leans her head to the side, then looks to her parents with wide interested eyes."  Julian looks to Realmer, "What do you think?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer raises an eyebrow and smiles at Tesa's sudden interest in helping out and her interest in Sadashi... and Sadashi's sudden interest in Tesa as well... perhaps a peer thing, being they are both female and of the same general age.  "I think it's a creative solution, to be certain. And as the Dean I can make sure they share the same classes and schedules. But Dorna will not be responsible for watching over Sadashi, Tesara, you will be; you just made an offer to the King to accept the responsibility of bodyguard for his daughter. Dorna's responsibility is to watch over you and no one else. But I'm sure she'll watch the both of you regardless."  "And Tesara; since Sadashi is my Ward, as her bodyguard you will take orders from me regarding her protection and safety, but I am open to suggestions, as you know. Are we clear, Partner?"  "And Sadashi, as your Guardian, I expect you to respect my wishes in regards to your education and your safety. And if Tesara is trying to protect you from harm, then you are to listen to her if she gives you orders. Is that understood?"  
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa agrees, "I know that if you go all out to order me to do anything there is probably a good reason for it. So it sounds fine."   Sadashi smiles, "Have I ever argued with you before?"  Tesa smiles broadly, visions of mischief dancing in her head.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer gives Sadashi a stern look, and means it.  "THAT, was not an acceptable answer, Sadashi; THAT was a question. It is considered rude to answer a question with a question. Especially when evading answering. Now, will you please answer my question appropriately."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"If you give me an order I am sure you are not doing so without cause. So I will follow it. But ordering me to be your scullery maid will be ignored. But in situations of danger I would of course comply. I will not comply to an order beneath the dignity of a princess of the realm, sir. Such and order I a m certain my mother and father would not approve of either."  Julian says, "You might be surprised, dear, what indignities i might allow, if appropriate."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer nods to Julian and then Sadashi.  "I most certainly would not order you do anything beneath your station, unless it is appropriate, Princess. The University of Fantalin has Rules and Codes of Conduct for all students, regardless of station. And appropriate Disciplinary Actions for offenses committed against those Rules and Codes. I assure you, you will be treated fairly as a student and my orders as your Guardian will be just and justified. And thank you for your clear and detailed answer, Sadashi, it is appreciated. I'm sure Tesa will tell you that I am usually easy going and not a harsh disciplinarian, unless I need to be. I look forward to getting to know you, teaching you what I can and learning from you what you are willing to share."  He bows respectfully to Sadashi then turns to Julian and Ninaartes.  "Is there anything else Your Majesties' would require of me in regards to the University or the Guardianship of your Daughter? And what is the name of that Realm off the First Stair? And the name of city the University will be located in? And is the Time Flow there faster than that of Adagalasck? It would certainly be a benefit for several reasons; planning and construction time, time needed to set up curriculum and staffing, time students spend at the University vs time spent away from their homes... I'm sure you see my point.”
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Julian says, "The city, realm, and step are called First Step. They have an economy of names. They are almost as bad with money as the Dreanans. Getting local help in construction might be tricky because they don't use clocks. So unless you tell them to show up at dawn, dusk, or noon they are pretty much impossible to plan on. Time relations are tricky. These days Adagalask is roughly 101 to Amber but it changes. First Step is 5 to one Adagalsk, but it changes. Time being flexible is a common thing here."  Nina adds, "Its in the fundamental principles of the Sigil. Flexibility of Time. It has to do with the sigil having been forged on a piece of Calmir's Kangular. Time flexibility"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, the currently faster Time Flow of both First Step and Adagalasck compared to Amber will be more than helpful. I believe I will stick with Construction Crews from Vulsar; for punctuality, reliability, speed and durability of construction. And I believe the first building constructed with contain a clock tower."
He chuckles then continues.  "Once I, we, get approval for a Fantilin Campus, we can begin the rest. If you will allow me a few minutes to contact Aries, I should be able to get the stone rolling, officially."  Realmer steps a bit away from the sitting area but not likely out of earshot and certainly still easily visible. Because Realmer does not have a Trump of Aries Colbrese, he draws out a glass sphere from an inside pocket of his Robe, holds it in his left hand and performs the required Ritual to contact him via the Trump Power of the Spiral of the Four Winds.  He uses the Yellow Mandalay Stone in the Ring on his right hand to boost his efforts. First, he clears his mind, then he thinks on Aries Colbrese; the Dean of Fantalin at Thelusia, the man who welcomed him to the University when he first came to Amber, the man who took him to meet Hagalta for the first time, the man who was there when he learned his mother still lived, received her Ring and learned who had kidnapped her. Then he pictures Aries face in his mind as he stares into the glass sphere, focuses his Psyche, then Incants quietly: 'By the Four Winds of the Spiral; North, South, West, East.' Then with his right hand he traces The Spiral in the air around the glass sphere, starting away from the sphere, on the outer edge of The Spiral and spiraling his way to the center, the glass sphere, which he touches as the tracery of The Spiral ends and Contact is made.
[ I took some liberty with the description for how the Spiral Trump Power works. You vaguely mentioned a 'ritual' needed to create a holographic image in the glass sphere for contact and transport... soooo.... I thought I would make it up for you]  “Aries, it's Lord Relmopator of Amber. It has been some time and it is good to see you. I have considered your offer to teach, but have found, perhaps, a better offer... or more precisely, an offer I could not refuse. King Julian of Adagalasck would like to open a campus of the University of Fantalin in a Realm called First Step just off of the West Stair in Adagalasck. He wants me to be the Dean and arrange the construction and setting up of classes and faculty and such. I was hoping you would approve of this and help out with some plans for a campus, documents on the Rules and Codes of Conduct, courses offered, detailed cirruculms for those courses, and... well, you get the idea. And any and all recommendations for Faculty would be more than appreciated. Oh, and anything you have on the Powers of Djinn or the summoning of Masoja of Air Dufiro would also be greatly appreciated. I promise, I will teach at Fantalin Thelusia one day, but it seems I have been roped into this whether I like it or not.”
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Well, this is a surprise. I've been thinking of you recently. You are in Adagalask? Quite a place i hear. And YOU are to be the DEAN? Interesting. I will discuss the matter in person. The method you are scrying with doesn't include transport. Let me call you back on a Trump. Adagalasak--10ish to 1. Give me a few hours your time. Then expect my call. Fair enough?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Fair enough. I'll be expecting your call."  Realmer breaks contact and puts the glass sphere back into a random pocket, then he draws out a Trump from his sleeve and keeps the subject hidden from view, then he contacts Fort. Once contact is established he communicates mentally only.  ~Fort, I feel bad for shirking my duty and pushing it all on to you, but can you take care of the Masons in Dakota without me...? Or perhaps, contact me once you find them and I will join and help as needed...? I have been waylaid in a Royal way and I cannot get out of it. Though the Time Flow is faster here than Amber, and possibly faster than the Shadow the Masons are located in, I am still concerned about leaving the matter unaddressed for too long and I am unsure of the exact length of my obligation here. I hope you understand.~
*'''Michael James Watson'''
~I'll manage it. No worry~
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
~Thank you, Fort. Contact me later with the details.~  He breaks contact and returns to the group and slips the Trump back up his sleeve.  "I have spoken briefly with Aries, and he wants to discuss the matter in person. He will be contacting me within the next few hours to transport here for negotiations. Perhaps we could tour the location before he arrives, perhaps even bring him there."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Nina says, "Aries Colbresi is coming here? Really?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, that is what he said. He knew I was in Adagalasck and said he wanted 'to discuss the matter in person'. ".
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Julian looks curiously at Nina who says, "Then we look forward to seeing him."  Nina walks to the far side of the room looking out the window.  Julian asks a few questions about staffing, courses, and suggests a few natives who might make good instructors.  Realmer feels a trump contact.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer feels it is far too soon for Aries or Fort, so he politely gives Julian the 'one moment' gesture, then pulls out his KR Trump Deck to see if he can tell who is calling. Regardless of identifying the caller, he will still be cautious allowing the contact.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
(I assumed Julian and he talked for an hour at least. )  Aries appears..."I am ready. Pull me through."
Stepping in he looks around, sees Julian first. "Julian, congratulations. How is the king business for you? It must be quite a change from Arden."  Julian shakes his hand, "Indeed. The responsibilities are very different. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Aries, welcome to the West Stair of Adagalasck. So, you wished to discuss the matter in person; well, here you are, let us discuss the matter."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Nina says, "No. I am shocked you dared set foot in my realm. Did you think your life so secure that i would not rend you? Find solace in solitude."  Aries disappears.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer stands slack jawed, looking from Nina to Julian silently.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Julian stands, "NINA!!! We discussed this. We rule together. You did this without discussing it with me!"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Nina scowls, "And he locked the door on Emilisa and I for 5000 years in Amber. That's 50,000 years here, beloved. Oberon convicted us, and he built the prison. You were there... Oberon declared us criminals and slung us into this place.. And Aries raised the bars and turned the keys. If Emiliesa had been here she would have slain him instantly, and you know it. He can suffer for a time. I will speak no more of this matter till breakfast tomorrow. Then, "looking at Realmer, "You may petition for his release. Sadashi, behave. Husband, I am going to visit my sister. I will be back tomorrow morning, maybe." She steps aside, becomes 2 dimensional, and disappears.  Tesa whispers,, "well, that sets the bar on family behavior."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks to Tesa and says: "That sets _A_ bar on Family behavior, not THE bar."  He turns to Julian. "I had no idea Aries was involved in the sealing of Adagalasck. If I had, perhaps I would have been more cautious in bringing him here. Do you believe Aries is in pain, danger or fear for his life?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Julian frowns, "Maybe. It breaks an agreement between us too. I can't see him. I'm going to go have an argument with my wife"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, this is awkward and uncomfortable" Realmer says to no one in particular.  He looks to Sadashi and smiles uncomfortably.  "Parents can be so problematic; my father is the difficult one in my family. But you may already know that."  He chuckles lightly.  "This may take some time... perhaps you and Tesara should get acquainted while I pace nervously."  Again a light chuckle, but a hint more nervous sounding this time.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Test says to Samadhi, "He may be at this till tomorrow. Why don't you show me the town. We'll see who of the three of us runs fastest."  Sadashi smiles,"I know a fine oyster restaurant. And I am a fine runner."
Test leads her out, cast a hand sign for Realmer to call her if needed."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer sends a thought to Bob: ~Keep your eye on them, stay hidden and if anything goes awry, let me know immediately... even if something seems suspicious, let me know.~  Realmer then pulls out the last unset Mandalay Stone, the Purple one. He tells his Robe to bond with the Stone and Shape Shift an Amulet for it, with a heavy link chain and simple round Medallion, both of Mithril. The Amulet is not separate from the Robe but part of it, so it will not fall away from Realmer's chest when he leans forward or moves around, preventing it from getting in the way, snagging on things or being easily grabbed. Though, at Realmer's desire, the Amulet may be pulled away from his chest, but never fully removed from the Robe itself. Then he places the Purple Mandalay Stone into the center of the round Mithril medallion.  Realmer knows that when Tesa and Sadashi ran from the room, Dorna would have seen them and followed, which means Gangdis would have seen them too and would certainly be coming to join him soon enough... until then, he paces nervously.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Gangdis enters laughing.  "Dorna may decide the best way to project Tesa is to keep her tied to a bunk. They walked off together with Tesa trying to explain what a tavern is and where one was here. So....what about the plan?”
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"The plan, Gang? The plan has changed so much since you left the room it barely resembles the original. That purple haired young lady you saw running out of here with Tesa is Sadashi, the daughter of Julian and Nina and my new Ward. Julian wants to open a campus of the University of Fantalin here in Adagalasck and he wants me to be the Dean. He suggested that it might be a good way to educate some of the Royals of Adagalasck and put me back in good graces with King Random. He also wants Tesa and Sadashi enrolled there. So, I contacted Aries Colbrese and he came here to discuss the matter. That's where everything went sideways. Nina apparently still bears a grudge against him for the sealing of Adagalasck thousands of years ago and she made him disappear... I am assuming she transported him off to some sealed stair realm somewhere. Then she left the room saying that perhaps she'll let him out tomorrow. Julian has chased after her to have an argument. The girls have run off to get acquainted and have some fun."  Realmer sighs heavily. "What have I gotten myself into, Gangdis?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Sadashi looks pale, even for an Adask, seeing her mother behave like that
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Gangdis thinks a moment. "I'll answer you but let me just see I have it right."  He drinks from his green tankard, " King Random is pissed you got Tesa on the pattern without his approval. King Finndo, an ex-king and apparently a behind the scenes power house did give permission which he may or may not have the right to do and thats a issue between Random and him. I was mostly Drunk during the Interregnum and the Repair and I attended Queen Margot's court. Finndo was like a dark angel protecting the realm but he and Osric spent most the time yelling at each other which made everyone hellishly nervous. Finndo is who got Margot drunk and convinced her if the universe was ending Amber needed a ruling queen at least once. He is who crowned her. He and Arloxedra nearly went to the mattresses over it though he was drunk as hell too. First time i ever saw two pattern wizards raise huge glowing Patterns against each other for battle. It was Elayne who stopped it. She kicked Finndo in the balls and gave Arlo the evil eye every husband fears."  Another gulp.  “Secondly, King Julian being such a pal dumped a massive years long obligation on you disguised as a way to calm Random down.”  “Third, he pushed a troublesome daughter on you to keep her out of his hair.”  “Fourth, Tesa volunteered to be the girl's guard. I heard that as she came out and dragged Dorna off with them.”  “Fifth, After Julian suggested creating a University of Fantalin branch here, you suggested Aries Colbriese as a conduit to creating it. When he arrived Queen Ninaartes banished him and then fled. King Julian was as shocked as you. So it sounds like Julian didn't know about her issues with Aires. I've known Julian for thousands of years. Stern, controlling, disciplined, but not unreasonable. He is clever enough to survive the politics of Oberon's court but he did it by mostly staying in Arden. However, it seems the idea of creating a university, in this world of all things, is a bit out of his reasoning circles. Did he come up with an idea that would have brought his wife's mortal enemy here? We spent a lot of time here once upon a time, and around her. She is easily clever enough to manipulate a straightforward thinker like Julian. She has him wound around her finger enough to make him abandon Arden and Amber for her. She may have told him flat out to get Aries here if thats what she wants and might have told him how.“  “Sixth, we have Tesa and Sadashi and Dorna out on the town.”  “It seems we have a number of hours before any of these resolves. I'd like to find someplace to drink heavily. This First Step city sounds like a good place to start. Gives us more time. So, shall we?”
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Just a point of clarification: Finndo said he got permission from Dworkin for Tesa to walk the Pattern. He also said that Dworkin was watching the whole thing. When I pulled Dworkin's Trump out I already felt as if Contact was already there, so that could confirm that Dworkin was watching and aware of what was going on. When I contacted him to make sure it was safe for Tesa to walk the Pattern, he said it was. But other than that, you got it all right on the mark. And the way you describe it, it sounds like I have been duped repeatedly as well as getting the Shite End of the Stick." He sighs heavily again and shakes his head.  "And yes; drinking heavily does sound like a good idea, but not necessarily a productive one... but visiting First Step and checking out the place AS we drink heavily is a purely genius plan. Yes, Gangdis, let's get out of here before anything else goes sideways and I get duped or dumped on again."  Realmer puts his arm around Gang's shoulders in a friendly manner and leads him out the room the way they came in. As he passes a guard or member of the household staff, he asks for directions on how to exit the premises and the direction of the West Stair.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
After walking, having some from the Green Tankard along the way, before entering the First Step he says,
"Ah.. Well...Which is more likely? Finndo got permission from Dworkin to let Tesa walk the pattern even though it is technically Randoms call to make. Meaning Dworkin did so knowing it would anger the king. Or...Finndo lied. I hate to speak ill of a King of Amber but I think he lied to you. The possibility of switching the blame onto Dworkin might amuse Finndo, who in my experience, is an ass."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well..... ..... it is entirely possible that Finndo lied about the whole thing... and even faked the Dworkin Trump Contact; he IS one hell of a Pattern Sorcerer by all accounts. And he openly admitted that he did not care if he pissed of the King or Dworkin... or anyone for that matter. And he did trick both Tesa and I, by lying, while we were at the Pattern, just for his own gratification and amusement.... yes, that man is DEFINITELY an Ogre's Ass."  "And Julian... I thought we had a better rapport; he said he was deeply indebted to me for reuniting him with his wife. However, if Nina is controlling him, which is entirely possible considering her Fey Powers, then all bets are off. It would explain a lot."   Realmer finds he is a bit agitated by the whole debacle and needs to calm his nerves a bit. He pulls out thin cigar, lights it with a flame from his fingertip and inhales deeply, then exhales multi-colored smoke. He takes a second drag, much larger than the first, holds it a bit, then exhales a huge cloud of rainbow smoke. He visibly relaxes as then continue their way down the West Stair to the first step and First Step.  "But... Nina seemed surprised that Aries was coming here and Julian did not. And Julian seemed very surprised and offended by Nina's actions. I do not believe Julian knowingly manipulated me into getting Aries here... but he certainly could have knowingly manipulated me into helping with the University and taking his daughter as a Ward... but the IDEA of the University does sound a bit out of his normal thinking... but he is a King now, and that can make one become very responsible and learn what it takes to run a Kingdom, so he could have come up with the idea on his own... but it did seem planned, for sure. And I could surely see Nina planning and manipulating the whole situation and Julian and me to get what she wanted."  He puffs a few times, exhaling multi-colored smoke rings.  "This day just keeps getting better and better" he says sarcastically. "Can't wait to see how the Citizens of First Step are going to react to us."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Well, lets start by not killing them."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"A very wise suggestion. Perhaps we shouldn't start any fights either. Nor be insulting."  Realmer laughs and takes another puff. Once arriving at the first step, Realmer will use his Spiral Power to shift them into the realm off of the first step called First Step.