Editing A Favor, A Gun and a Request.

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''
  · 
Having said her goodbyes Alex puts her trumps away again at the sight of the forest near them. 
She mounts Scully and with her three pseudodragons around and hanging on her, Alex decides to take a little walk. 
She is in no real rush but hearing Duncan is not there with the rangers makes her feel a little bit urged to return faster to Amber and Arden. 
She waits till they are deep enough in the forest, surrounded by trees. 
Taking her surroundings in she starts to change little things. The sky above the treetops. Shifting it a bit more towards that of Amber. 
The trees, as they walk they grow and change to the trees common in Arden. The smells. The Scent of the forest ground of Arden, the feel of the air in Arden. 
As she rides Alex slowly but surely changes the details to the Arden she has grown to love. 
Thinking of going back home does make her smile and one of the songs the rangers sing comes to mind. Humming it while she focusses on her surroundings.
Shifting the forest around her until it is the familiar Arden, her second home, as bright edge will always be her first.

'''Michael James Watson'''

She finds herself riding in a deep forest and the dragons flitting about playfully. She notices red likes to swing in and light brush on fire and white comes behind to extinguish the fire. Alex realizes the white breathes ice.
As she shifts shadows she feels again the wonder that has over taken her life. Her previous life goal of maybe one day becoming a Ranger, having an honorable turn as a soldier and an Elite, and participating in the CCC with her mother has been replaced by walking shadow as a member of the royal family, companioned by psuedodragons and a top-teir ranger horse, with her own Elite, and soon the job or leading the Rangers is a change unimagined in her wildest dreams.
Turning a corner she sees a building covered in vegetation. The grounds look well gardened and in the distance she sees lush farmlands. Hands work them and there is a sense of song about the place.
Near the road are about 20 strong wagons all being filled with sacks and baskets of produce of many kinds. Humans work them and talk loudly and friendly. Their skin colors vary wildly. They are clearly Rebsans. Thier leader is a tall man, almost 7.5' in light chain. Seeinmg you he walks to the road,a few steps, and waves.
"Hail Amber!!"

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex rides calmly focused but seeing the antics of her dragons does make her laugh now and then.
The thoughts of her previous lifegoals and how her status had changed so drastically keeps her busy for a while.
Hearing the people their song and seeing the people work she halts for a moment.
With the leader stepping to the road and waving Alex raises her hand in greeting as well.
"Hail Amber, greetings to you. How fare things?"

'''Michael James Watson'''

"All goes well. We are almost ready for the trip into Arden. I see you walk shadows to the True Realm. I apologize that i do not recognize you. I am Brundilt Candola. The Brundilt of the Fief of Markal. We are preparing a caravan for the West Arden Cohort, the Seventh Horse. Its vegetables, and fruits this time. Ah, I know it is imposing, but the Rebsan route to the Seventh Horse will take us 6 days. If...a shadowwalker could take us in the direct route to Amber from the main crossroad of Rebsan up ahead it would deliver us to Western Arden in 2 days. I know its a terrible imposition but much of this food is perishable and the sooner they get it in their ice lockers the longer it will stay fresh."
He looks a bit ashamed to ask but a number of the loaders suddenly take interest in the possibility of a shorter trip.

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

(Assuming Alex knows what they are talking about)
Alex smiles amd shakes her head.
"You would not recognize me as i am fairly new to the family, though i am not new to the Rangers.
My name is Alexandra, and well met Brundilt Candola "
She nods ahead

'''Michael James Watson'''

"In a tenth of the sun. " He smiles, and laughs a little, "Brundilt of Fief Markal. Excuse me for laughing, "its not meant crudely. But, in Rabsan a Brundilt is like a Landowner, a rank equal to a knight but mercantile rather then military. My name is Candola, my rank is Brundilt. As a Brundilt I am not a legitimate military target for warring clans. I could drive my caravan through a battle and both sides would pause if i but called out that a Brundilt wished to pass. " He laughs.
"I know we seem ridiculous to you of Amber. But we are what we are."
"I am going to Arden so it is not out of my way or an inconvenience just as well to take you along. When can you have the carts ready?"

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex smiles and shakes her head
"Nothing ridiculous what i hear. Happy to hear that in battle you are safe from being collateral damage. Seen it happen to often in war . "
She dismounts to.give Scully a rest.
"Thank you.for explaining, i am always happy to learn, Candola."
After a moment of checking where her three pseudodragons are and making sure they are not causing trouble. Alex continues.
"And ridiculous would be thinking only one way of conduct is the correct way. In an infinite amount of people and worlds there is an infinite amount of right ways."
Alex laughs and rubs her neck awkwardly.
"Sorry been overthinking alot during my trip. So i am a bit vague."

'''Michael James Watson'''

He nods, "As you say lady, many ways. Our way is a farming way. Markal is in the nation of Ubalat. Rabsan entire is a Golden Circle Kingdom so that makes me bold enough to ask for aid. I hope a short detour into Arden will not delay whatever urgent business returns you to Amber?"

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex smiles her warm kind smile and inclines her head.
"No worries, i am fine with you asking for aid. And of course helping out. And honestly it does not delay me much eventually i need to be in Arden."
Her fingers run over the horsehair braid around her wrist with a slight smile, new to the family and already in such a rank. Even if not all are impressed with her filling it.
"I need to announce to the rangers i am back then go to the castle then return to fulfill my duty with the rangers."
A slight laugh.
"No urgency or rush just alot of back and forth. So do you need help loading up?"

'''Michael James Watson'''

His eyes go wide, "Loading? By the unicorn, m'lady it would never occur to me to have you load wagons! You must be new to the family! Prince Julian once led a caravan i was a young drover on. I doubt he looked at the wagons, little lone consider loading them. Your guidance is help enough. We are nearly ready anyway. Just some family farewells. Nothing strenuous. I will make a strong teas tonight in honor of our shortened passage and would be joyous if you would share it with me. "
He looks over and makes some hand gestures. The people suddnely notice Alex and pick up their pace

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex as usually feeling slightly awkward again chuckles a bit.
"You are right i am fairly new to the family but i would still offer my help loading up if i was a few decades older."
With a soft bow of the head she accepts the invitation gracefully
"Thank you for the invitation i would love to share a drink with you. Please let me know when you need to set up camp for the night. I would hate to go on longer then you all are prepared for."
Seeing people pick up pace Alex blinks a few times. So weird people rushing for her. She waits with mounting Scully untill everyone is ready to head out.

'''Michael James Watson'''

A child comes over with a carrot. "Would your horse like an stick fruit?"
Scully sniffs eagerly, leaning his head down to practically nudge the girl till she hands it over. He scarfs it and chews in delight. The girl laughs.
Candola walks over, picking her up and trowing her playfully over her shoulder. "Were you bothering the lady. little turnip?" He flings her around playfully. Alex notices that his movements and her responses are similar to moves that are used at Rasak for teaching acrobatics.
In a short time they are ready to leave.

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Seeing the girl Alex smiles. If she would say Scully wouldn't agree with her anyway and take the carrot, so she just lets it go.
Shaking her head she says to Candola.
"Oh no she is not bothering at all. I think Scully is very fond of her now. His love is quickly fueled with carrots. "
Watching their movements for a bit she just smiles. She herself might not have been trained like this in her youth but Fres did teach her other things... the thought of her mother gives Alex a sudden pang of homesickness.
When everyone is ready Alex mounts Scully and nods to Candola that they can move out and start the travel to the western part of Arden.

'''Michael James Watson'''

The road is easy and the path is clear for an amberite. Alex feels the tugs that the merchant would have to had followed and sees why the road would be longer. Candola talks about the places along the way they wold have stayed. Clearly the road is in the shpere of the Amber sway if not quite Amber yet.
She turns a corner of a road and sees a longdownhil that goes into a shadow very near Arden in Amber's northwest. At a crossroad is a small tavern. Candola says this tavern would be 5 days of travel from Markal istead on one long day. And the inkeeper has a hearty lambstew thats been on the stove for a thousand years!
Sitting at a table, smoking a long pipe is Random, looking a bit roadweary, as if he has been on a long messy, though not bloody trip and has just now found a place to rest. Seeing Alex he waves with a smile.

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex smiles at Candola listening to his tales and his explanations of the route and such. She enjoys travel but she enjoys travel even more with good company filled with stories.
When they enter the tavern and Alex sees Random she looks surprised for a moment, turning to Candola she excuses herself
"Please start without me i'll join you shortly but can't deny his request to talk no?" She nudges her head towards Random with a smile.
Walking over to the table she politly inclines her head. As he is still the king of Amber and she will show proper respect.
"Uhm hello, coincidence running into you here. Is there something going on i could hepl with?"
she gestures back to the group she came in with.
"I was on my way back to Amber and Arden to talk to you, and take up my place again, with your permission as second Warden. Untill of course Duncan returns. "
Noticing she starts to ramble still not used to regarding Random as her uncle instead of her King. Alex rubs her neck and inhales. But does not continue speaking. As Random already looks weary enough.

'''Michael James Watson'''

He looks up, smiles, ruffles a deck of cards in his hands.
"Help me? Well, I am waiting for them to get my bath ready. They have a lovely rock pool outback. Its being heated up now. Once its ready they have a brace of partridge, a pitcher of iced rum, and a loaf of hot buttered buns. So.. if you want to wash the road dirt off with me I could use an attendant. You know, for those hard to reach spots. And since you and I are not related in anyway, its not an issue. After that, if you would be willing to introduce me to the king of this realm, that I am apparently a shadow of, that would be delightful."
From the deck he shuffles out an iron spike that clatters on the table.
"Maybe we can sink that in the ground someplace. Nice psuedodragons by the way. I guess they are new?"

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex is shocked at first, she then, lets out her breath she has kept in.
"You are a shade Random. Right. of course. "
Looking at the spike she looks with a slight scowl on her face.
"Hm so another one that can't pull their own weight. The creatures becoming to much to handle? I will not help you with sinking that thing in the ground except in your own backside to have you ride it back to where you came from.
As for the bath no thank you, that would just be weird. "
Her stance changes a bit more stern, straight, one of a warrior, a soldier or in this case defender of Arden.
"Where did you come from? How far is your shade away? You seem quite weary of travel so must have been some ride. "

'''Michael James Watson'''

He laughs, "Its only wierd if I were the Random who rules here. Deary, Its Jax. I just came from Beasthold. Took some doing i tell you. Swapping the spike was easy but making the bitch of a piece of iron lead me here against its will was a bitch. It belongs in your Arden. Which, luckily., i can now reach thatnks to you and this spike. I should have just found a manticore and rode it here. Beasthold is a mess by the way. Your Finndo is there and he is angry as hell. Queen Deirdre is none to pleased either. As for not being able to pull my weight, Thats a matter of opinion. "
"Now, since we have been properly reminded of each other, lets rethink the bath. The tavern keeper is waving. I'll be a perfect gentleman right up to the moment you ask me to not be a perfect gentleman. Oh, the spike is all yours either way. Come along"
He gets up and starts walking ot he rear of the tavern, disrobing as he goes

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex looks at Random/Jax who then had ditched his dreads and all.
She picks up the spike first. It would be dangerous to leave that laying about.
She looks back at him angrily she should have kept an eye on that spike.. but things went so chaotic back there.
Then it sinks in what he says.
"Wait what?! Finndo is there? Why? what happened?"
Seeing him walk off she groans and begrudgingly goes after him, she does need answers after all.
Trying to catch up to him she asks again
"what happened after i walked that pattern? HOw are things a mess?"

'''Michael James Watson'''

He climbs into the tub. She notices that short as he is, he is still equipped like a Prince of Amber.
"Tavern keeper! Another tankard and another towel please!!! Now, you had questions?"

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

AFter a quick glance Alex turns her back to Jax. not wishing to look any further, And it just seems wrong.
She looks slightly sideways but not meeting his eyes
"What happened after i walked the pattern? And why is Finndo there? Who called him?

'''Michael James Watson'''

"Well, your Arlo pretty much acted like king of the land. Queen Deirdre was sort of left dangling since she can't walk the pattern in her castle it seemed like it wasn't hers anymore. Arlo started issuing orders. Calling experts. Deirdre objected. Then Finndo arrived. Finndo pretty much ignored everyone, walked the pattern, and then sort of setup house there. Looking like a giant erupting monsters.. Deirdre doesn't have the power to control that pattern. The pattern in that castle she DOES have authority over doesn't jump at her beck and call. And ts a lower shade. Lower in fact then mine. According to Finndo its a 35% shade that just HAPPENs to have a very pissed off FULL pattern in its basement spitting up monsters. The castle also had another construct of interest-A Woven Logrus. Finndo says that might be why the pattern is angry. The universe came into being and put all these constructs together. "

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex listens and after Jax is done she softly groans... as it did sound ample reason for that Deirdre to be pissed.
"So you said Finndo is angry as hell, why that?
I can understand why Deirdre is pissed.
And that Arlo was giving orders i get.
And when did you leave? Did anyone notice you takibg the spike? "

'''Michael James Watson'''

"I didn't say Finndo was angry. I said thatFinndo said that the proximity to the pattern of a Woven Logrus inscription might be why the PATTERN is angry. You know, if you let me wash of some of your road dirt it would probably help your hearing. I never met the Finndo in my shade but his stoicism is legendary. Your Finndo has some kind fo deal with your Random. He, Arlo- power brokers. I know the kind. Dangerous. "
HE walks across the pool, water steaming around his chest. "As for anyone noticing me steal the spike. Please...No one, and I mean no one, sees that kind of thing unless i WANT them to see it.".

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

As Jax is in the tub she dares turn a bit more around.
Looking at Jax she sighs.
"Well, thank you i got the answers i need. If they are true or not i don't know. I can verify then later. For now. I am escorting a group to Arden so i will return to them. "
She pushes her hair away which is only getting more curly with the steam and humidity in the room.
"Have a lovely bath and i hope to not see you again."
With that she turns her back to him again. Shakimg her head slightly.

'''Michael James Watson'''

He say to her back,"I'll give your regards to the king myself then. I intend to use your name as a reference when I seek employment with him. Wouldn't it be easier to just take me to him yourself?"

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex throws her hands up in frustration, how she was musing her change of status and life before she now starts to feel the downside of the responsibillites and the implications of the wrong decisions.
"FINE! Go bathing washing... there... We leave tomorrow with the caravan i first guide them to where they need to go. You stick near me and i will guide you further to where you apparently are dead set on going to. "
Rubbing the temples on the sides of her head she groans.
"I need a drink and smoke.. see you when you are done then. "

'''Michael James Watson'''

he chuckles and whistles a little mechanics song.

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex leaves the room with the pool and she goes to the common hall where probably the Rabsans still are.
She waves to them and gestures Candola that she will be there shortly but first she takes out her trump deck. While Jax is still in the bath she figures to at least give someone a headsup a shade of Rnadom is here.
She takes out Arlo his trump as he has been present there and busy with it. Even if he left all of a sudden. Trying to contact him.

'''Michael James Watson'''

The trump opens to a cavernous chamber lit by werelights. There are creatures carving around the great hall. He looks at the trump, "Alex? Are you in trouble again? I'm sort of in the middle of something and having you come here isn't an option."

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex blinks again and then hastily answers
"Oh no, no trouble. Just wanted someone i trst enough give a headsup. That Jax guy is here..... and with here i mean a few steps away from Arden.. he wishes to see the King.."
She exhales the rest of her breath as she has been talking fast.
"Just wanted to give someone a heads up. "

'''Michael James Watson'''

He stops as a statue with round feathers just over 2' tall walks up to him. Arlo explains teh structure and shape of and interior alcove. A number of smaller statues come up carrying books.
Arlo turns back, "Ah... you brought a Shade of Random to the shadow of the true Random?"

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

"No i found him here. He walked himself. Used the iron spike to get this far.
I am not very keen on taking him with but letting him run free isn't a good idea either i think.
I knew this whole beasthold mission wasn't done yet."

'''Michael James Watson'''

He sighs..."Ok.. Well, not your fault. And for your information the Beasthold mission isn't ever going to be done but your part is. My advice to Random was make Queen Deirdre of Beasthold a Golden Circle queen or a Duchess of Amber. Bring the whole kingdom into the fold. Its too dangerous to leave untended. As for your part, brilliantly done. It won't be forgotten. Wait..." He concentrates a moment.
"I had one of the spike and took it to Amber. hmmm. let me kick it upstairs. Keep and eye on him and wait for a call."
A few minutes later she feels a trump contact

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex sighs slightly relieved that her part of the mission is done. Well enough at least.
She nods and as Arlo breaks contact she checks on the bathroom/poolroom if Random/Jax is still there.
When she feels the contact she accepts it expecting it to be Arlo.
"Hey Arlo, done kicking?"

'''Michael James Watson'''

"Caine. Pull me through quietly"

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex looks surprised and curses herself for yet again not first checking. She turns quietly to a darker corner in the hallway and extends her hand.
She has at least some experience in subtleties from Caine's son Chris.

'''Michael James Watson'''

Caine steps across and quickly moves to Jax. Raising a large caliber pistol he puts it inches from Jax's nose.
Jax seems unsurprised. "Do you think this is the first time i've had a gun aimed at my head? Hell, its not the first time I've had Caine aim a gun at my head. So shoot or sit and have a drink.”

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Jax might seem unsurprised but Alex is but the surprise quickly makes place for an uncomfortable feeling she crosses her arms in front of her, not in a defying or closed gesture more a self comforting gesture. She is not much for this type of violence.
But she keeps her mouth shut. Knowing better then to discuss such a thing with Caine.
She just looks back and forth between Caine and Jax. Keeping her young pseudodragons close to her.

'''Michael James Watson'''

Caine says, "Its not the first time i've pointed a gun at Random either. Though i've only done it once since Patternfall. Its cathartic doing so now. Perhaps shooting you will make me less angry at my king."
Jax chuckles, leans forward and deals 3 hands of 5 card draw. He conjures 3 collections of chip stacks.
"So feel free to shoot me in the leg then. I'm not planning of jogging anytime soon. In the mean time, the ante is a copperwing. White are a copperwing, red are silverwings, and blue are gold wings. 10,10,10. 5 card draw, jacks or better progressive. I assume you have played cards with your Random?"
He sits, picks up the cards, "Yes I have."
They look to Alex, waiting for her to take a seat

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex calmly though slightly uncomfortable watching the exchange seeing Jax deal. Caine sit, and them expecting her to sit she sighs and in her sigh she mutters "i am not trained for this."
She sits down though and takes up her cards...
"I haven't played with my Random.... and i pribably never will I always have the worst luck."
Alex looks between the two of them and shuts her mouth before she starts to awkwardly ramble again.

'''Michael James Watson'''

Jax says, "If you think its luck then you'll always lose. Poker is war, with drinks and cigars. Think of the table as a battlefield. "
Caine chuckles. "Figures that's why he wins so much"

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex looks almost surprised at Caine his chuckle. Had she ever heard him express something other then sterness. But then again also in her gaurd duty and elite duties she kept away from certain people.
She studies her cards for a bit.
And is ready to play when the gentleman are.
"Hmmm a battlefield is a battleifield. This js a game of chance. Though it has the need of tactics it still depdnds highly on the cards you receive unless you count them cards. "

'''Michael James Watson'''

Caine says , "A battlefield is only a game of chance if you didn't plan well."
Jax says, "Book of Benedict, chapter 1. Plan to win, Plan to fail. Poker isn't a game of chance. There are certain elements that are available. You have 5 circumstances in your hand. Know what circumstances you want and how you will respond to each as you take the draw. Then its not chance. Its not as if you draw two cards and one is a 3 of hearts and the other a bucket of salmon in calrabon sauce. They are both going to be cards. What will you do if you get a 3 of hearts and 8 of diamonds? A 6 of spades and a 2 of clubs? A pair of Aces, a pair on kings? If you know what you'll do for every combination, its just a matter of what wins and what loses, percentages.."
As play goes on Alex seems to be winning more then her usual. Thinking of it using her warfare she does better.

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex actuallu dares to enjoy the game as they are playing. Though keeping in mind well enoigh that Caine has come over for a reason.
But fair enough she does play and she does listen to the advice given.
She wonders what the plan is by now of Jax and of Caine. To ask flatout is a really bad idea. So for now she just plays cards, watches the two men and wonders.
At a point after new hands are dealt, Alex does ask.
"So has Xandra reported back in any way or form? Or was she still so very angry about the situation?"

'''Michael James Watson'''

Jax chuckles and say,"Xandra....at a certain point I remembered I wasn't responsible for her. I stole the spike and left. She may be your shade but she could use more of your common sense and less of her batshit crazy."
Caine smiles, "Ok...that was worth the price of admission. Lets finish this hand and ill take you to Amber"

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex can't help but chuckle at Jax his remark.
"Well she and i had very different upbringings clearly. Mom had made sure i was properly trained as a soldier and serving Amber. Knowing full well my heritage would come to light one day."
Alex then turns to Caine. Seeing him smile would be one of the first times for her... but she says nothing of it. She just inclines her head.
"Alright then, so i am done here? I can go back to what i was doing?" She looks back at the Rabsan group she had guided.
She then turns back to Caine.
"Does Random wish a report from my side that you know of? If so i'll go directly from Western Arden to Amber."


'''Michael James Watson'''

Caine say,"I suspect Random will manage to find you in Arden. Its that big forest in the north. Duncan isn't as good at hiding as Julian is and you hide even worse. My guess is he will be at Castle Adrian when you arrive to take up your command, niece."

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex looks at Caine for a long while... she the nods and smiles
"Well yes that sounds absolutely logical and true. Then if you will excuse me, dear uncle."
The last she says with a slight smile she can't help it but it still feels so weird.
Alex then nods to Jax
"Jax, good luck, though i figure you do not need luck. "
She then stands nods again to both and turns to the table with the Rabsans. Releasing a long sigh. Happy to be done with that part.

'''Michael James Watson'''

As she is almost out of ear shot Alex hears Jax say," She has Deidre's ass in both shadows."
Caine says," Shut up and deal."

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex hears, and with a slight hesitation she continues to walk, shaking her head. Muttering some comparisons between Jax and animals.
SHe then seeks the table where Candola is at if they had not already retreated for the night.

'''Michael James Watson'''

The Rebasans have all gone to bed but she sees Candola in a corner of the inn. He stands as she approaches. "Its late, and we have an early morning. But I was hoping to get a word in. With a personal request."

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex nods and smiles
"Of course ask. I'll see what i can do for you."

'''Michael James Watson'''

He sits, pours coldish ale a second tankard and pushes it to her and pours one for himself.
"I am not a rich fiefholder but i do well since Markkal is on a strong trade route. I do what i can for my people as a good Lord should. I have a son and a daughter in the Ninth Legion. Among my bannermen there are 7 other hiers of Rabsan in the Ninth. We have some in the Third Fleet but my mind is not on them tonight. Promition is difficult because we Rebsans tend to serve in the Ninth Legion and the Third Fleet because we don't socialize well with others. We know this but its been exaggerated over the centuries because a a few troublesome peoples. The Asdarl and the Kunkoi for example will fight over breezes and they will fart the breezes themselves. They do the Punch Game which Prince Gerard has outlawed at sea. Its unfair to the rest of us to be denied opportunities because of them."
He sighs and takes a big drink, building up nerve.
"These 9 children, well, they are all in their 30s you know, have all served almost 10 years each, of the 20 years at least that they'll serve under the Amber flag. As I did. Its our tradition. But...I would like to apply to the Rangers in the names of these members of my fief. We have spoken about this for years. 9 members of the Markal. In ages past my people have asked to serve in the rangers but Prince Julian hates us. Since Prince Julian left Amber it has been spoken about greatly among the Rebsan that we might have new opportunities to serve Great Amber. These 9 wish to join the Rangers but after the appeals were made..we have heard no response..I hope that as you return to Adren that you will look on these appeals with favor."

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex takes up the tankard. Drinking and listening to his request.
After he is done talking she remains silent for a moment lights a cigarette and offers one to Candola. No clue jf he smokes.
After a few minutes after she exhaled the smoke Alex answers carefully.
"What i can do for you is indeed check in on the appeals. My position as second Warden is at the moment questionable as it depends what the wishes of the King are.
But i surely see what had happened with the appeals and bring it up again in favor of your people having at least a chance to join. "
A slow drink and pull on her cigarette she smiles.
"I know this might sound like a horrible political fueled answer, but as i said i cannot make promises. But i will check and bring it up with the Warden. "

'''Michael James Watson'''

He nods, "That is all I ask. I do appreciate that fortune brought you by at such a time. We Rebsan are our own worst enemies. We fight if provoked. "
He pulls a pipe out and lays open a tobacco pouch. It smells heavily fruity as if the leaves are fruit leaves, dried and prepped. He fills the pipe, lights it, and a strong herbal scent comes from it.
"I was inspired to ask becasue of your new rank and because i saw you with Prince Caine. He is a strong supporter of ours. He even had his personal flagship attached to the Third Fleet for centuries. He said of us that most people have a fight or flight insticnt. But Rebsans have a fight or bite instinct. " He laughs at it like a joke though ALex, knowing Caine, thinks it might be more snarky.

'''Amber Bronkhorst'''

Alex smokes and while inhaling she looks back at where Caine is sitting playing cards with Jax. She scoffs slightly a combination of a chuckle and her thought of knowing what Caine probably meant.
She does respect Caine for his skills and strengths but she won't ever see eye to eye in his ways of conduct probably....
Turning to Candola Alex shows her familiar smile again.
"I'll see what i can do.
But i do not know for sure what my standing with Caine is. I hardly know of many of the family but i'll discover in time.
And yes it seems that fortune was at your side for having me change my mjnd on certain things.... perhaps i should take the long route more often "
A slight laugh.
"When i was done with my mission i had the choice to trump back to Arden or take the scenic route, at the last point i changed my mind to take the scenic route. "
Alex laughs
"Eh it is late and i am rambling again. We should retreat for the night, like you said early morning tomorrow. And luckily only a little way to go yet. "
Alex finishes her tankard and cig.
"After you reached your destination i am immediately continuing on my journey. Have a few things to discuss deal with and check up on."
The last she says with a warm smile.