Editing The Beach at Adledross West (section)

==Dawn on the beach at Adledross West-Coffee and contemplation.==
Relmopator neither seeks out nor summons any, but welcomes all that come calling. He says little, choosing to be succinct in word and sincere in sentiment. He remains near the center of the open-air sitting room on the beach, watching and listening and sipping his brandy as his thoughts drift back over the past year on Adledross and the previous years on Rasak. 

He remains standing until well after all have departed the beach, then he sits down on the couch, alone with the world and his thoughts. He sets Bob on watch then lets out a sigh as he settles into the comfortable cushions; now his thoughts shift to the future; the return to Rasak, his return to Amber, the things he intended and intends to do upon return... much has happened... much has changed within Realmer. He has experienced much since leaving Amber, and has learned more than he thought he would have from attending a course for Elite Soldiers. He chuckles quietly as he realizes that now he is an Elite Soldier as well, by training, if not in title. But that is all that really counts, in his book. 

He drinks to himself and watches the stars and thinks on future plans until twilight, then he stands and watches the dawn on this world of war one last time.

As dawn starts peaking over the eastern sky, but dark still reigns a thin figure comes and settles down beside you. Smoking a cigar Benedict nods as he settles. He carries two mugs and a large thermos.

"You did well, cousin. I told the Adledross not to change the command of the troops like they would have normally. I wanted to gauge you. See how Fortunadus and Alexandir took to taking orders. See how that Chad adventurer Carston managed as a leader. He was a run of the mill fighter on Tosa. He grew dramatically coming to Amber. The effect of those who stay too long in Amber.”
He puts the cups down, pours coffee from the thermos.

“Fortunadus and Alexandir are already immortal but they too are effected. Proximity to power for the power hungry. Fort is a facilitator, and a clever one. One does not become what he is without diverse talents and a degree of greed for power. They come from a shadow of Amber that once had a Shade pattern of its own. They could only reach powers so far.  They had both reached the pinnacle of their ability to become more powerful unless they did as Tolknor did in forging not just one, but two primal realms. But Random brought them to Amber and now they can gain power there. Alexandir didn't learn anything here or at Rasak he didn't already know except to gauge you and I himself. But I got to see him in action too. Impressive. He's a shadow of Osric. I can smell my older brother's rank stench of arrogance. But arrogance earned. Alex is going to be trouble. For many reasons.”

He sips coffee, taps off his cigar.

"He has entered into a relationship it seems with Tesa. Interesting. You brought a strong talented street thief to Rasak. A Snikura Assassin. I can't allow that relationship to continue but I can not split it up. You must. Tesa has her own lineage problem. She is the daughter of a creature named Conf of Shadows, a Tosian but not of the crowd that became gods by the World Stone. He was the mightiest thief in shadows, a venerated one, long before Tolknor, Fortunadus, and Alexandir began adventuring. He has always been able to come to Amber. And once, long before Patternfall he met Mirelle, Random's full sister. They shared madness together. Tesa was the result. 

Early on Mirelle bound Tesa to Gangdis. For protection, its why they are so fond of each other. Conf took Tesa from Mirelle and put her in a city called '''Sanctuary'''. Miserable place, but it teaches resourcefulness. I had no idea till she was at Rasak. But somehow Alex senses it. He is not above toying with woman's affection if it means marrying into the House Bariman. Fathering a child of the blood. Of course Tesa doesn't know she is kin but I know her father does. And her father reveled in Mirelle's madness.  He is crzy as well in a more orderly manner."

He starts a second cup.

“I don't mean do it tomorrow. But keep an eye on her. Beware the Wargod of Tosa."

Realmer takes the second mug after Benedict has filled it with coffee, then he pours the last of his brandy into the mug. As he is about to toss the empty bottle aside, he recalls Percy's words to 'keep the bottle', so he re-corks it with the Trump bust of Percy he carved himself, here on Adledross, then slides it inside his satchel. He sips the spiked coffee as he listens to Benedict's words.

“You are the second person this day to warn me of the relationship between Alex and Tesa, and to advise me that one day I must split them up. I was unaware that she was Family, but I am aware of who her father is; Conf and I had a conversation many years ago, by my reckoning of time, while I was residing in the Embassy on Adagalasck as Amber's Ambassador. He informed me then that she was his and that he had plans for her and that one day he would reclaim her and I was not to interfere. He also said that if I wished to speak with him that I should stand in the shadows and whisper his name and that he would hear me. I was not aware that he was her father at that time; I learned that here on Adledross after we all got our memories back and Fort and Tesa had a spat.”

Realmer takes a drink of his spiked coffee then continues.

“I like Tesa, even though I know she is only using her association with me to gain power and status. I think I will always be keeping an eye on her. And I shall be wary of Alexandir, but I know his type; I have dealt with Demigods and Minor Gods during my Adventuring Years... though this is a bit different than that, but all Gods have their weaknesses, this I have learned. And I have gauged him as well this past year. And Fortunadas too, and... well, basically everyone. After arriving on Adledross I was informed early on about some of the motivations and ambitions of some the notables under my command, so I watched and studied them as a good Commander should; learning all I could. Then I studied them as a cautious Adventurer would and as an Amberite should by reflex; wary of double deals, ulterior motives and possible ambush. I learned much from them all and from this place... mostly, to keep things hidden, never show all your cards and to expect the unexpected... or was that Random's poker games... either way. And though I may have been gauged by them as well, they did not see my full potential; this place limited that somewhat... and the fact that Reggie and his entourage never returned; I had something wicked planned for them... perhaps one day in Shadow...”
He lets the thought trail off as he drinks some coffee.

“Oh, and speaking of King Random, I was advised to inform him that Alex's time on Rasak and Adledross have not made him loyal to Amber but have only created within him a greater interest in the power of Amber. And that his ambitions are still strong. And Percy has told me that one day you and Alex will face each other on the field of battle and that I should not be present when that happens. Somehow, it's as though he sees the future... or is really good at reading the signs, but whatever it is or isn't, he said he is unsure of the outcome of the battle to come between you two.”

Realmer takes a moment to gulp down the rest of his spiked coffee then refills his mug from the thermos and inhales the aroma before continuing.

“I know that King Random wants me to join him on the Jeweled Road after I leave Rasak, but as I stated before leaving Amber, I have some important personal matters to attend to before that can happen. One of them is walking the Pattern and using its power to take me where I need to go; I may be gone a long time, or not; it will depend on the Time Flow where I end up. But first I must visit with Julian and Ninaatres to inform them of their inclusion in Random's inner circle and of Adagalasck's inclusion in the Golden Circle, assuming they have not been informed of such already. I can't wait to see the look on Julian's face when he sees the Graduation Dagger on my belt.”

Realmer smiles and chuckles at the thought then drinks some coffee from his mug, savoring the flavor.