Parties in the dungeon
Michael James Watson
Several weeks pass and something like orderly business takes place. The Rangers have offices and staff in the city and Duncan and Alex deal with the mundane details of running a military line of defense. There are numerous requests to transfer in and out of the Rangers. This is unusual, and is commented on by Gerard and Benedict, because the Rangers have typically been fairly insular, gaining members from the children of its own ranks or hand picking people they meet. The opportunity for members of the army and navy to just transfer in is new. Duncan also has to make decisions that may change the Rangers for ever. He wants a standing army and he wants to raise the number of the Rangers. Does he recruit? He has a large number of soldiers from Golden Circle kingdoms eager to join but Julian never allowed that. Julian also didn't have a standing army. Brand and Fres take their honeymoon in Brand's apartment in the castle. He also replaces his twin bed in the dungeon with a kingsize which dominates the cell. He asks for, and gets, permission to use the cell beside his for a lounge/kitchen. They start hosting nightly dinner parties in the deepest dungeon level. Attendees include Bleys usually, Flora, and Dalt. Gerard a couple times. Of nobility Cynchild Motius and Dame Margot are frequently in attendance. Several elites visit. Ones mostly who did his service in the ancient past. Crispy turns up and it turns out in his youth Crisy was an Elite, whch was known, and served Brand, which was not public knowledge Duncan escorts Alex when she wants to attend. The dinners seem pretty normal, with talk about the old days and old holidays and family dinners. Brand makes a point of not talking politics or teaching magic during the dinners. He talks of artists in shadow. Places he's seen. People he met. Fres is her usual entertaining self but is clearly letting Brand talk. t with glow orbs and no-smoke torches the room is dungeon bright.
Amber Bronkhorst
At first it jus tseems odd to host parties in the dungeon. but then again, Alex's parents are a bit odd. She does enjoy the nighthly parties, though she will not attend all of them Alex is regularly seen, perhaps her curiousity helps with showing up. And with Duncan near her Alex feels like she can handle alot more. This time she brings even a small gift. Handing it to her mother with a smile. "Since more and more parties are hosted here, i felt like giving you and dad something to liven up the place a bit. This is a peace lily it grows in darkeness has a lovely scent and can live in places like this. "
Michael James Watson
Fres says, "Thank you dear. We'll make sure it has a nice spot to grow. Thank you for coming down for the soirees. They are a bit macabre but then so are well. We plan to have thse monthly as time goes by. This first push is just to get visitors to know we are down here. Brand can only be in the castle, so his apartments mainly. He has to spend time here daily. And he can go to Brightedge but that risky. A lot of city folks hate him too. He has centuries ahead of him to make amends. But for now, its the cell and his quarters. "
Amber Bronkhorst
"Yes, i get that Bright Edge for now is dangerous. Or well cause alot of unrest. I think you planned it quite well, be here, where he has to be anyway. Make sure you have some fun things to do. Like these parties. " Alex her eyes travel to Brand she nods slowly "I do not know if people will ever fully forget or forgive which he had done. Hating is easier then forgiving. Seeing beyond a persons past transgressions takes alot strength of character. " Turning back to her mother Alex smiles soft. "but enjoying the married life? and i am curious has your again mother in law visited?" She asks half jokingly
Michael James Watson
"She has sent a request, rather then barging in. I know what you mean about never forgetting. Finndo was before my time but even he hasn't been forgiven. " The night Alex talks to Fres is a light group. Brand, Bleys, Fres, Duncan, Alex, Karieena, and Crispy-Ciprian Vitalijus. The conversations go in the dungeon with Fres and Alex in one area. Kareena near the stairs. Brand, Bleys and Duncan near a fire.
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex nods to her mothers comment about Finndo "Those with such godlike powers like this family.... one drops quickly of a pedestal. And to return on top of it is nigh impossible. But perhaps for the better. as it hopefully does humble the one having done the wrong doings to not do such again. " Alex looks at her drink and raises an eyebrow "Hm perhaps i should slow down on that one.. but htey are thoughts that have been coming to mind alot. So anything else new going on that you know of mom?"
Michael James Watson
"Well, We were the big news. Its calming downs a bit. And of course there is always something....oh.. oh wow...." Turning to see what got her attention she sees a new person sitting at the table with Duncan and Bleys and Brand. A big man, braod shouldered. Almost black curly hair. He has a big smile but an air of command. Brand and Bleys are wide eyed in astonishment. Duncan is standing, moving away looking terrified. The man looks casual and comfortable, and his big laughing voice tries to calm the red heads. Bleys pours a tankard of ale and the man drinks it down with relish.
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex nods agreeing as that indeed was the biggest news recently the marriage of her parents. Funny as it is not the first time and possibly not the last. Surprised at her mom's distraction she looks as well. Not recognizing the man but seeing Brand and Bleys their reactions and Duncan looking terrified she quickly shoots a glance to her mother hoping she will hear an explanation who this is. Not daring to talk as her voice can probably be heard at the table the men are sitting at. She does keep an eye on Duncan as well seeing if she can get him to come close to her. as he is backing away anyway.
Michael James Watson
Fres stands puts her hand on Alex's shoulder. "This is going to be ugly. " As she starts to walk over Arlo appears. He walks up behind Bleys and Brand. THe man stands, taks a step over. Looking Arlo in the face he bows, saying something softly. Rising up, he and Arlo embrace solidly
Amber Bronkhorst
Hearing her mother she asks a quiet "why? Who?" But as Fres moves forward Alex decides to stand behind a bit, seeing then Arlo appear. And the scene unfold. She tilts her head. And with an artist eye she starts to look at resemblances, It is obvious this man is family. Only family causes this reaction among each other. It couldn't be Eric... isn't he dead? Though she does look for resemblances between Arlo and the man. While observing she quietly moves towards Duncan if he is standing at a good pace away from the scene.
Michael James Watson
Duncan grabs he hand pulling her beside him. The man steps up, "Fres! You look like a blushing bride of a mere hundred years. If anyone can swat this lad in line its you! " He envelops her in a bear hug. "Imagine! You might have been Queen of Amber if things had been different!" She laughs, "They would have had to be very different, Eric. There was always Astrid. Alaxandra..." She extends her hand and grasps it, pulling it and her. "Eric, this is my daughter Alexandra. Daughter of Brand and mine." He smiles, "Indeed, i can see it. Your steel, his hair. " He extends a hand.
Amber Bronkhorst
Happy she found Duncan and he sought contact with her she silently stands beside him watching this going on. She is just shocked. Then as her mother pulls Alex beside her she kind of does the reluctant kid groan but doesn't add the words to it. Recovering from the shock hearing the man's name is indeed Eric she does her best to plaster on her polite and warm smile again. No reason not to be friendly right... right? As he mentions her hair she mutters under her breath. "only since recently" But Alex does extend her hand as well to grasp Eric's hoping she will have it returned intact.
Michael James Watson
He laughs, "Recently? I would guess whitish blond as was Fres' color of choice for so many years. And you are with Duncan? Before the Unicorn?" Duncan coughs, "ah... no..Not before the unicorn.." He laughs, puts a hand on Alex's should, "Oh I know! I know! Come, Sit! Let us drink and be merry, speak of tall ships, bright swords, and dead kings! The pattern has given me 2 hours and i don't want to waste a moment. Son! Pour me more of that strong Margot ale! Let us toast as father and son as I should have done when blood was in my veins not stardust"
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex's face betrays her by forming a slight blush. But with sheer willpower she gets her blood flow under control in her face. At the question of before the unicorn she shakes her head. She looks at Duncan with a bit of weird look. As Eric puts his hand on her shoulder she frowns at how real it feels. And looking up at him (assuming he is quite a bit taller)) She studies his face. How many times can you study a dead mans face. She just allows her to be guided to the table a bit flabbergasted by the whole situation... though the strong urge to draw this comes to mind. Looking at Arlo she frowns hoping he is doing okey "Need help Arlo? If you want to stay i can get more." Figuring he doesn't get that much chances to talk to his father.
Michael James Watson
Arlo smiles and moves a barel over and starts pouring. Eric says to Bleys and Bband, "Remember that time we took one of Gerard's sailboats and sailed it down to the Far Isles? A week at see with no cares but getting to the Isles befor the rum ran out! " Brand and Bleys laugh fondly, remembering...
Amber Bronkhorst
As the drinks are poured and the men talk Alex just sits back listens and with her sketchbook resting on her knees she is fully focused on drawing. Even a smiling Arlo won't escape her pencil.. But she does let the men mostly talk whatever could she add... Though she does enjoy seeing those present genuinly enjoying themselves
Michael James Watson
Alex notices karieena trying to catch her eye
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex noticinh she looks at Karieeena wondering what she wants to say or show. She takes up her tankard and takes another inder the guise of refilling she steps.closer to Karieeena.
Michael James Watson
KArieena takes the tankard but looks almost bashful. She carefully, and out of sight of the others, hands something to Alex. Taking it she equally carefully glances down to see in her hand, Karieena's signature trump deck.
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex tries to stifle a chuckle she shrugs.
Gesturss with her eyes and head.
Looking at the deck then at Karieeena and then towards the table
She then leans closer tl her with a grin and a barely audible voice.
"Isn't that the game asking yourself? "
Michael James Watson
"Its awkward... but it would be quite a coup....I was asking if you thought it proper for me to ask? I don't want to do anything to embarass you."
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex laughs soft she gives Karieeena a friendly squeeze on the shoulder. "Oh Karieeena i embarrass myself enough i do not need you for that.. go ask... how many chances would you get for this. " She takes a big drink from her tankard relieved it is nothing severe. As she wat hes Karieeena a thought passes by.... We are as a royal family just like famous musicians or actors, of whome some deem themselves god-like. She shakes her head to get those thoughts out... now its just time for fun.
Michael James Watson
Karieena aproaches and stands beside Bleys. Eric turns, "Well, Elites have gotten a lot prettier I will have to say. He looks to Bleys, "Remember Cash Gangral? What a monster. So, who are you?" Bleys says before Alex has a chance, "She's Sir Karieena of Camolin. Dalt found her in one of the Camelot shadows. She quite good with two handed blades., Alexandra's Elite." Eric nods, "Was there something on your mind. Sir Karieeena?" She stammers, which surprises Arlo and Bleys, who know her. "Well, your majesty, you see, there are these trump decks.." She looks up, raising her chin, to meet the eyes of the larger man. Bleys starts howling with laughter. Karieena steps back but Bleys grabs her arm."Sorry.. Its a great idea. " He withdraws a deck and explains the game to Eric who looks confused then starts laughing. "Well trust Random for such an idea! Is there a quill about?" Brands does a production and Eric signs KArieena and Bleys' decks.
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex smiles at Karieeena happy with Bleys and generally the rest their reactions. She is surprised though with Karieeena her stammering. But then agajn how many times do you actually see Eric. Alex stands back watching and smiling.. Fighting her thoughts away of famous people with illusions of grandeur and awesome powers... Perhaps she is like her father with darker thoughts... her head slightly tilted hands holding her tankard watching. ~why did the pattern bring Eric forth now. He seems to be in high spirits. Is it because my parents are throwing parties so close to the pattern it wanted to join in. The pattern is on itself a form of sentient. ~ Almost on automatic pilot she takes a drink. Smiles and softly laugbs when others do ~Though there are heroes within the family, not all are bad... Eric for his faults did die for Amber because he wanted the best for it. Deirdre died fighting Brand.... Now they are here drinking laughing and one that swore her life to defend these famous people feels to embarrassed almost to ask for an autograph.~ By now he frown had probably grown fighting harder and harder to keep her smile up... to hide it she takes another long drink from her tankard. The dark cloud of thoughts hanging over her redhaired head. After a moment Alex shakes her head to get herself out of her thoughts. She then says with a grin pointing to the decks. "Well there you go not many can say they have one signed by Eric." She winks to Karieeena being genuinely happy for her. "Bet Hannah will be jealous."
Michael James Watson
Eric stands, looking every inch of the legend he is, the king he was," Isn't that the point though? To inspire jealousy? Admiration at the bravery to ask a dead king for an autograph? Bleys, remember that time you, Caine and I were on that world...ah...Shostata? " Bleys nods, "Wing racing. " He looks to Alex, " A flat wing with a chemical propelant. Blades in the wing tips. Wings were launched from a dirigible, and the pilots had to manage the volume of propellant, who was in the lead of the race, defend or attack other wings, and get across the finish line first. Some pilots went for speed, some went for eliminating other pilots, especially in small groups. But they had to cross the line to win. Race courses had different obsticles; hills, thermals, volcanos, boiling lakes. Pilots could use the wingtip blades to damage the wings or the pilots of other vehicles. And they had to get across the line to win. Brutal sport but the world had a huge culture of sportsmanship. Very few pilots actually died and the world had a But if they didn't make it across the line it didn't matter and get across the line first. I wonder why i never took Random there? He would love it. It really is his kind of thing." Brand says, "He found it anyway." Eric laughs a legendary laugh, "Now we think of ways to ingratiate ourselves to Kid Random? Even I? Funny. But i have a sense of the Unicorn's reasons. Its not that he was less bloodthirsty then the rest of us but he always felt bad about it afterwards. Risked himself to help others with no hope of reward often. Like his attempt to rescue you, Brand, from your co-conspirators. One of who we are having drinks with?" Bleys said, "Are you here to rile us up? Eric says," Arlo? Do you have access to my room? I assume you do. Can you get me the silver box with the thelusian engraved trimming?" Arlo stands and trumps upstairs. Eric frowns, sits, "No..I am the image of Eric that walked the pattern moment before the battle Eric died in. And since then the Pattern has generated me many times and I remember those times. I remember speaking with Vander at my tomb. Random and I speak often and teh words i say i sometimes don't know. The pattern speaks through me. In return, i get to do a little business." Arlo returns. Eric opens the box and there is a rack of 10 red knives. He pulls some out. Hands one to Brand, Bleys, Arlo, then Alex. He smiles, and hands one to Karieena. He then passes one to Margot, Flora and the others present. "A gift. They were just sitting up there and wasting away. "
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex frowns for a moment at Eric. She is amazed by his kingly regal and impressive stature. But the worss he brings out makes her frown. She mutters a few words soft some might overhear some might not. "Yeah like false gods..." She shakes her head again and listens calmly to the explanation of Bleys about wing racing. She nods now and then indicating that she is listening. At Eric his words she raises an eyebrow. This time she keeps her mouth shut though. She watches Arlo trumo away and stays in the same standing back position she previously held. Forcing a smile on her lips again she inhales deep to let her negative thoughts go and then says in a more lighter tone. "Must say was indeed curious to why you are visiting this little get together. Though for the sheer reason of shsring drinks telling stories and fun seems good enough reason to me. " Seeing Arlo return and the knives being handed out Alex raises an eyebrow but inclines her head in thanks. "Thank you. "
Michael James Watson
Eirc sits, "I am here because the pattern wishes me to. I have visited Brand many times, have I not? We have had many conversations about the nature of the universe. The nature of false gods. The greed for power we both suffered for and died for. The nature of duty. I won the game Oberon set us to play. I ruled Amber for 5 years. I wasn't a good king. But i hope history writes that i died a dutiful one. The pattern thinks i am one of the few worthy to be Brand's confessor. This time though, I am here because being the Speaker for the Pattern I can ask it favors from time to time. I've watched these parties and decided i wanted to attend at least one. And it gives me a chance to dispense my worldly treasures. " Margot says, "I appreciate the gift but its been a long time since i needed a fighting knife. And the last time i did battle i crushed a Wierman with a cast iron skillet." Everyone laughs, including Eric.
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex looks at Eric and nods with a serious look on her face as those or the troubling thoughts she is dealing with. A deep inhales and exhale gives her a bit of thinking space. "Well i must admit one thing my parents can do is throw good parties. " She wanted to add more but decides that her bringing down the mood was not an okey thing to do. So instead of muttering more thoughts laughs at Margot her remark about the skillet and nods appreciative. "Well to be fair Dame Margot i concider all tools in your kitchen and hands as potential weapons.. i remember the day you chased a bunch of us young guards away as we had taken some food not meant to be taken... Pete had a bruise on his rear for a week. " She leans back takes a sip and grins. "Good times.good times..."
Michael James Watson
Margot starts to speak but Bleys interupts, "Oh Margot, tell her or I will. Your cooking plan......She's family now and Karieena is unusually closed mouth even for an Elite..." Margot frowns, "Spoilsport... Alex, nothing is cooked in my kitchen unless it is larger then needed. 25 to 30%. I make something and the best part of it goes on the platter for service. But the rest is for the kitchen staff, Elites, wandering family, guests, tourists, and eventually the pets. Over-making is built into my cooking and the cooking of people i have trained. But if they know that, then those people would have a spoon in everything I made. So making it a game means it happens less often."
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex laughs and nods "Ah i see well you got is good scared the living daylight out of us. And as i recall after that we always asked first." She smiles "Your secret is safe. I won't ruin the fun you can have with now and then scaring the fresh guards or elites." Alex then looks at those gathered... "So anyone else got some interesting stories? Already heard the drunken seatrip in a stole vessel.. the wing races... " She looks at Duncan with a grin. "You got some fun stories?" If other stories are told Alex will just sit back and enjoy the tales of the past. Her father and uncles reminiscing. She does play with the newly gifted knife feelings its weight and balance. Alex usually does this with new weapons. This way she decides what place it will get on her belt.
Michael James Watson
As the evening winds down it ends up being just Brand, Fres, Bleys, Alex and Duncan. Karieeena was given permission to retire by Eric who has no authority to issue orders. Yet she goes. Eric puts a hand on Alex's shoulder and leads her away from the small group. "Alexandra, may I give you a piece of advice before the pattern takes me away again? I have no idea when I will be back and so while i have the chance, I'd like to mention a couple things."
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex walks along with Eric. A bit surprised the now dead King of Amber has advice for her. When they are a bit further away she nods. "Yes of course any advice... well good advice is welcome. What do you want to mention?"
Michael James Watson
"Amber has had dragons before. In the age before the rise of the kingdom this realm had dragons. The First Brood fought in lands that one day had other names but Vox lived for a thousand years on Kolvir. Many of the tunnels beneath the castle were carved in antiquity by young dragons. There are caverns on Kolvir Dragons lived in for a thousand years. Vox considers this his homeland and only grudgingly allows others to live here. They were gone before i was born but there were reasons. Be careful of Duncan and his dragons."
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex looks a bit surprised on the news dragons were here before, she nods hearing the name Vox, as Duncan had told Alex about her. But only briefly. With a slight worried from she asks "You said be careful of Duncan and his dragons. But is it not so that Duncan has created this army of dragons for Amber. He said so on arriving. It is to do as the King bids. " She tries to keep a hushed tone. "Of what are you worried?"
Michael James Watson
"The stone remembers. It may not like the return of the dragons."
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex looks confused... "The stone? Do you mean the jewel? Something else? Kolvir itself? " She leans in a bit closer so her whispers can be heard only by Eric. "And why warn me? What can i do to protect Duncan? "
Michael James Watson
He smiles, "The Jewel, Kolvir, something else... they are all the same." He fades away in sparkling light that looks like he was walking the pattern
Amber Bronkhorst
Wanting to say something she opens her mouth but seeing Eric fade away in the sparkling light she closes her mouth again. Silently watching where Eric stood ... Alex does wonder about what he had said. Was this perhaps a mistake of the King. And Duncan. Should Alex watvh out for Duncan for his safety or dhat of those around him.... So many questions. After moments of thoughts Alex goes back to the rest of the guests.
