Leaving Bill's room, [Celina] crosses to where Orseas stands. A glance tells her that the corridor is empty for the moment. Without meeting his eyes, Celina wraps her arms suddenly around the heavy waist of the triton and holds him fiercely for a moment shivering. Celina is silent until the physical reaction is past--until she can face the galleries again and move off to report to the Queen.
He holds her in his arms, and swims in a small circle, slowly wrapping her in his tail, although he does not completely enclose her.
She backs away, then meeting Orseas reaction. "I beg your indulgence--- but I needed that fair Orseas. I don't like to impose on your steady presence-- but the idea of being carted off by those bruising hands...." She shakes her head.
He does as well.
"We need to see the Queen now. My duties are a complete failure. My escort service proabably at an end. Let us go before something else in my past decides to bait me yet again."
Orseas forces himself to straighten and indicates that he is ready. As you are led in to see the queen, you note that she is having tea with Loreena. "Come in my dear," says Moire, "and tell us of your outing."
"Your majesty--"
"Sir William is a most congenial envoy and we have made much progress in understanding each other. The Paris of King Corwin sounds as if it has much in common with the vitality and appreciation of artistry that Rebma is famous for.
"My tour of the city this morning brings disquieting news.
"I believe that Sir William is quite taken with the similarities of our deep city to Paris. He has strong feelings about his adopted city, and his wife has taken an important position there already as King Corwin's Head of Palace Interiors. He used a term specific that I've not heard before.
"His interest in the history of our city is great. We went through streets looking for monuments to the past. These I was not expert in so it was a nice bit of discovery for us both. We had a busy morning and found much of the older portions of the city that reminded him specifically of Paris."
Celina pauses her to judge the Queen's attention to these points. Her eyes linger on Moire's expressive mouth a moment more and she begins again.
Loreena is mad about something. Sulky. The Queen seems to be waiting quietly. She sips her tea, hiding her expression.
"Near lunch we were in the down section of the city. We stopped for lunch as suggested by Sir William. I was most nettled to have some words with the master of the caf about his reluctance in Orseas joining us at the table--that last a specific request of Sir William.
"I have to note that Sir William also found the man's attitude irritating. Perhaps I'm just unschooled in this, your Majesty will correct me in my ignorance.
"We had lunch. Sir William attempted questions of Orseas about the triton community. Our worthy Orseas was less forthcoming on this--and Sir William was thoughtful enough to pass on the subject." She hesitates here. "Though I think there is something here I do not understand. Sir William was disappointed, or even irritated that he couldn't get Orseas to be more obliging. We did not discuss this." She checks the reactions of Loreena and Moire.
"After the meal, Sir William was just about ready to ask questions of me about the tritons when we were stopped by three of them. Tritons. Masked." Celina takes a slow calming breath of sweet water. She pushes the anticipation of being thrashed by the powerful tritons away once again. "They refused to speak to me, or answer for their business with us. They moved to do us some physical intent, which was interrupted by the arrival of the elder Atrios. They were startled by his arrival, as were we. But Atrios held their attention, demanding that they disperse.
"Sign language passed between the tritons. I've never seen its like before---." She stops, sorry that she can't describe it better, for it occurs that Moire might be able to read what words passed between Atrios and the ruffians. Spiny cuttles. I am really useless at this.
Celina swallows the deprecating thought. "Atrios argued the bravos out of whatever they intended. What more this means I don't know."
"Then the elder came to us. He--" Celina gestures with her hand, touching her own chin. "--took hold of my chin and told me I was 'not safe'. That I must leave Rebma. He was clearly not talking to our party, but directly to me. I said something--," she squints, "--that I was as safe as I might be elsewhere. He denied this and told me to leave the city. Learn. And then return."
Celina's skin has gone cold, and now she notices this and tries not to react.
"The watch came, and Atrios departed quickly before they could hail us. This is the sad result of my tour, Queen Moire. There is no fault to Sir William in this, I am sure. What part of my past offends the tritons, I can't imagine." She stops. What else can I say? Just be silent and take what is coming.
Celina goes down on one knee. "Sir William is safe again in his quarters. I am invited to visit Paris. He wishes to see much more of our city. I suggest his desire to do so would be good for further investment in his interest in our joint friendship. I await your judgment, your Majesty."
All in front of Loreena, no less. Celina simmers in despair.
"Sit child. Loreena, pour the girl some tea.." [Moire] waits while this is done.
Celina is not sure she's heard this correctly for a second. Loreena manipulating the tea set finally gets her off her knee and into a chair.
"Sir William will reflect his monarch, and Corwin, King of Paris, is a romantic. They are prone to headstrong and impractical urges of the type that may be considered admirable in the young, but which do not make good public policy. The tritons are Rebma's peculiar institution and we do not look to Paris for guidance in dealing with them."
Sitting like a doll in a surreal setting, yet wild shadowy thoughts tumble through her mind behind a blank face. 'Deal with them'. What in the world have they done? What transpires here?
"I shall have a talk with Atrios. It has been some time since I've seen him. Perhaps his advice is good. Yes, it solves several problems I am facing. Loreena has informed me that a personal matter has arisen that will prevent her from leading the mission to Amber. I shall send you instead, and Sir William can deliver my return greetings to King Corwin.
"There now, that works out nicely, does it not?" Her lips turn up and she looks from Celina to Loreena, inviting agreement.
Amber? Spines, no! Celina clamps down on any reaction. Loreena's posting to me? That's just what I need. The whole court will think I've knifed her hamstrings.
Too late then, Celina realizes that she must show some reaction, even if it means some truth. "I am not qualified to stand in Loreena's stead, your Majesty. My age, my familiarity with Amber and her wiley princes is inferior in all ways. Why as soon put an oyster before them on a bridal night." Damn, that wasn't near the right thing.
Celina looks to Loreena. I should have let her speak first. Will she favor Moire's judgment and leave me to shark-bait? Certainly, I'm bait in either case. Why can't you go, you silent slitherer? Spines!
"I'm sure grandmother wouldn't assign you any task that is beyond your means, Celina, although only you can truly judge your limitations."
Yes, again I am the floundermouth. Thank you for the lesson, you sulky cold-skinned spine-kissing slitherer. Celina nods to acknowledge the point against her.
Loreena smiles, unable to keep her smugness in check.
Moire's lip twitches. "In light of Atrios' comments, I believe I shall give you very loose instructions, indeed. If you travel on to Amber will depend on whether King Corwin has returned. If he has not, your talents be called upon to reach Amber and deliver my greetings to him there."
Celina nods again, easing her breathing now, doing the proper centering.
"You will leave as soon as the trade mission is ready, then. I anticipate that it will be ready in a week to ten days. Rilsa may also have a letter for Valeria that you shall take." She looks at Loreena, who is still looking somewhat sulky. "Loreena will introduce you to the trader who will accompany you to Paris."
"Of Course, Grandmother." Her voice is smooth, and Celina wonders if she is just playing at being upset by this turn of events.
"I will be most attentive to Lady Loreena," Celina confirms. "Her advice will be a treasure and guiding light."
"Do you have any questions, my dear?" asks the Queen.
Questions? Air of Amber. Questions?
Orseas won't be able to go. I'll be alone. With strangers. All hand-picked by
Loreena.
Celina matches gazes with the Great Queen Moire, Majesty of Rebma and Sovereign of the Seaward Kingdoms. She smiles. "Many questions, your Majesty, though I think I would trade half of them for your blessing. Will there be military people slipped into the party as aides? May I study Loreena's personal notes on the original mission brief so I may best put the amberites at ease? Is there a message for Queen Vialle? A message for your kin Martin and Jerod? If Sir William desires, may I carry personal words to King Corwin from him? Is my departure secret, I'd like to send a message to my aunts."
At least tell them not to spend money on my funeral. If there's a body. Celina tilts her head in polite attention to the Queen.
"My sister can handle affairs in Amber, and she may have additional messages for you to carry if she has returned to Paris." It is clear from her tone that she isn't convinced that you are quite up to the task of delivering messages. "However, the Parisian part of the mission is to make available a high-level representative of the throne for those traders we are sending to Paris. A moderator and a voice of access, to allow them some leverage in negotiations. It shouldn't be too difficult, I expect that you'll mostly be a figurehead and that Lady Ravenna will handle the difficult parts. You will merely be there to add the Royal Imprimatur."
Moire adds "Leave a note to your aunts with Loreena and she'll see that it gets delivered when it is appropriate. And Sir William will be able to deliver his own words as he is to accompany you."
It takes closer to two weeks than one for the trade mission to be ready to depart for Paris. Celina is busy with her new duties, and spends more time with the hated Loreena and not-so-hated (at least not yet) Ravenna.
Loving the extra days for what else might be accomplished, Celina makes a few provisions for Orseas. She writes a long recommendation on his service and steadfast courage. She also gets in more practice than usual on her meditation and breathing. There are fears about sipping air that she wants to quiet.
Celina does have time to send a letter to her aunties and handle a few other personal affairs, but not enough to see Bill. Loreena has taken over escort duties and is squiring him around the city. On those occasions when Celina does see her, usually in company with Moire, Loreena looks so transparently triumphant that Celina begins to wonder whether the trip to Amber is some sort of punishment. It's a long week.
At low ebb, Celina fantasizes alternate worlds where Loreena is acting the victor because the figurehead position is -exactly- the one Loreena really wants and her only avenue now is to make it seem a punishment for Celina. Unfortunately in sleep Celina dreams of a world where she is left in Paris among strangers with little idea of what she has done wrong. A few times, she wakes weeping and missing Khela and feeling betrayed.
At the end of [the week], Moire bids her and Bill farewell in a public audience, and sends them on their way up the stair to Paris.
The return journey is much as the journey down that Bill described at dinner the first night. Perhaps two days' travel in the tunnels, at first underwater and then only damp, where Celina takes her first breath of air.
Nervous, the first warm sip of it makes her dizzy. It seems so insubstantial that she can't believe so little substance can sustain her. Squeezing Bill's arm, she pushes away panic. Barely. She breathes again and again.
After a few minutes, with someone to keep her steady, she adjusts to taking the thinness into her chest.
Most of the others, including Ravenna, are experienced surface hands, and offer tricks and tips to make things easier.
Bill repays her kindness in teaching him the trick of eating underwater by teaching her the trick of eating and drinking above it when they stop and take a break. He mentions that he has a letter from Moire to Corwin, and asks her if she knows the contents. When Celina admits she doesn't, he asks her if she's ever heard of a play called Hamlet.
"I could wish I did, as it seems it would be some help." Celina is trying hard to be helpful. She discovers that 'stoic' is not her strong suit.
The damp tunnel eventually opens out onto some flowing water--a river, which Celina recalls from her studies--but at about the place where they sight the night sky, they are met by some guards. Bill establishes his bona fides with them, and the party is escorted out into the starlight.
The sky is very big.
And Celina feels very small but resolute. She is breathing air and exiled for reasons that seem all too arbitrary, but she isn't going to stay down. There is a future somewhere in this.
The guards lead them through some buildings along paths that somehow remind Celina of Rebma and yet do not, ultimately arriving at a large brownish building with many windows. It is a palace rather than a castle: not defensible. Although perhaps more so without the possibility of attacks in the third dimension.
Waiting in the doorway of the palace is a woman, with hair the color of spun gold, that rarest of shades almost never seen in Rebma. She has eyes only for Bill, and he greets her with a kiss when he arrives at the steps. "Honey, I'm home," he says, deadpan.
"So you are, Bill," his wife Alice, for it can only be she, replies.
"Lady Celina, Lady Ravenna, this is my wife, Alice Roth. Alice, this is Lady Celina, Queen Moire's ward, and Lady Ravenna, also in service to Moire." Bill names the other members of the delegation as well.
Lady Ravenna offers a polite courtesy to Alice, and the junior members of the delegation bow.
"I'm pleased to meet you, and in the name of our Queen, I thank you for this welcome." Celina courtseys.
Bill asks, "Can we get them settled in rooms? And maybe a bite to eat?"
"Yes," says Alice. "Carl rode in this afternoon with his son and two of his nephews. I'll let him know you're here." She speaks quietly to a young boy dressed in the black that Corwin's servants favor and sends him off into the palace.
Alice brings Bill and the senior members of the entourage into a waiting room where they can sit down and rest their weary legs, and sends other servants scurrying for food and to prepare the necessary rooms. The trade goods and other luggage are carried off to their prospective chambers by servant, both Rebman and Parisian.
Before the promised light refreshment can appear, the page returns and says to Alice, "His Highness says that if Sir William and the Ladies Celina and Ravenna are not too tired, he would like to speak with them."
Ravenna, who is not a young woman, declines the honor in favor of rest, but she seems to expect Celina to go in her stead. Bill rises to attend on his lord. If Celina agrees to join them, Bill offers his arm to the younger woman.
Jerod looks at Corwin. "I would ask a favor if you can fulfill it. Can you instruct someone in how to recognize those of the blood? I have a sneaking feeling it will be a talent that will come in handy shortly."
Vere waits with considerable interest for the answer to this question.
Corwin starts to speak when he's interrupted by a knock on the door. Merlin answers it to admit a boy dressed in black, which is what passes for livery in Paris these days.
"Your Majesty," the boy says to Corwin. He bobs his head to the three other princes (for all three of them are, in one kingdom or another) "Mistress Roth sent me to tell you that Sir William has returned from Rebma, with Lady Celina and Lady Ravenna and their entourage."
This is one of those few times that Jerod will be surprised - Vere knows it takes a lot to surprise him.
Corwin nods. "Tell Madam Roth to have chambers readied for them, and dinner if they need it. I will speak to Sir William and the ladies if they are not too tired from their travels."
The boy repeats the message to be sure he has it, and bows to the king and the princes.
"Ravenna?" Jerod says, once the boy has departed. "So Moire has sent a trade delegation it seems. It would seem we'll get the chance to see if my theory is correct then."
Vere sets his not quite empty glass of brandy down and waits silently to see what other interesting events are about to occur.
After the boy leaves, Jerod digs into a pocket and pulls out a small leather wrapped packet, opening it carefully. He looks at the contents for only a moment before taking it out and putting it on. He stands up as he does this.
After a few minutes, Bill Roth arrives. He's a tall, dark-haired fellow who's wearing what probably was not a drip-dry suit before he went to Rebma. He looks tired, but something about his smile lines suggests that he probably has quite a sense of humor when he's not beat. In one hand, he's carrying a sealed letter.
Corwin is a tall, handsome, dark-haired man in black clothes trimmed with silver. There is a younger man with him, taller and slimmer, but otherwise very like him.
Jerod is standing when the guests arrive. He is a thirtyish- something man, dressed in a black and silver Court uniform with the crest of Amber's royal court upon it. He could almost be called handsome but it would not fit it seems - perhaps because he does not feel it is so.
Around his neck, he wears a silvered Marina necklace with a small baguette shaped piece of tourmaline in a silver channel setting.
Vere is standing quietly towards the back of the room. He is a tall young man, just under 6 feet in height, wearing a loose blue robe bound by a thick black leather belt. His long black hair is worn loose, and his short beard is neatly trimmed. His eyes are currently grey and watchful.
On Bill Roth's opposite arm is an aqua-skinned young woman. A guess would say that she is young to be the trade veteran, Ravenna. Jerod will know that Celina is not a native Rebman for her height is average, but her face and form are robust rather than fey. She might be sixty-six inches tall, with strong sleek shoulders and a curvy pair of legs. Her attire is purely court Rebman, a silver netted sheathe with fine amber beads that are matched by beaded silver earrings. Her eyes are bright green with restrained emotions.
High-water insight: she works too much at breathing, drawing long sips of the air, and overinflating her lungs.
And Celina knows that Jerod is Rebman as well by the nature of the love token necklace he is wearing.
Celina stifles her surprise to see the marina. That this striking man is beloved of an important woman of Rebma is not something she expected to see.
Corwin greets Bill with a warm clasp. "Bill. I'm glad you're back. You'll have to tell me all the details in the morning; tonight, we're just enjoying an after-dinner drink."
Corwin takes Celina's hand and bows over it.
Celina watches the man's poise with intensity. The fingers are already warm, and run warmer in Corwin's light grasp.
Bill says, "I'll be happy to do that after I've eaten dinner. Now I know why Alice always put on extra when you had dinner with us. Something about your lifestyle really leaves a man with an appetite. Carl, this is Lady Celina. She's Queen Moire's ward."
Bill continues: "Celina, this is Carl, that is King Corwin of Paris, and this is his son, Prince Merlin. And those two gentlemen must be his nephews."
"Your Majesty. This is a pleasure. Please excuse Lady Ravenna as she was burdened most during our trip and will see you tomorrow. Rebma is welcomed." Celina finds herself glad that the formal phrases come so easily while she contemplates the incredible feeling of being suspended outside herself. All these royals are more attractive than she imagined given their foul reputations.
Merlin gives a bit of a bow by way of greeting.
"Mr. Roth." Jerod says, using his nodding bow, using the "Earth Shadow" honorific he remembers from his brief travels there.
"Your Highness. So very nice to meet you." Celina nods to Merlin's bow.
Corwin says, "Welcome to Paris, Lady Celina. That's Prince Jerod, my brother Eric's son, at the bar, and this is Lord Vere, my brother Gerard's son."
She makes a slight facing turn to Prince Jerod. "Your Highness. An unexpected pleasure."
Jerod returns the introduction with a nodding bow, an action which seems for him to be a comfortable second nature.
Yet another facing to Lord Vere. "Lord Vere. I'm honored."
Vere also nods a silent greeting to Roth and Lady Celina.
Jerod frowns just briefly before moving back for a moment as Bill presents Celina to Corwin and introductions are made, moving to the bar to study the drinks there for a moment before picking a couple to mix.
Once he is done, he returns to await Corwin completing his intros, a fizzy drink in hand. He does not take a sip of it.
Bill says to Corwin, "I've also got a letter for you from Queen Moire. She said it was very important, and that you were to read it immediately." He produces the letter, wrapped in oilskins, from the breast pocket of his jacket.
"If you'll excuse me for a moment," Corwin says and takes the letter over by the fire, where the light for reading it is better. Bill goes with him.
Celina skips a reply, none being required. She merely nods as the King asks to be excused.
Merlin, suddenly left with the position of hosting prince, says, "You must be tired from your journey, Lady. Please, let us sit down." And he proceeds to do so.
Celina has no doubt that this is a good and safe suggestion. She smiles at Merlin.
Jerod moves slightly, making notes of the chairs to make sure that Celina has a comfortable one. Assuming she sits, once she has done so, he offers her the drink he has in his hand.
Celina's face lights. She licks her lips--suddenly thirsty and tired and worried again. Moire would not approve of weakness in front of King Corwin. Her eyes track to where the King stands and she makes a decision. "Your Highness is kind. I do feel the need of something wet." She doubly insures that her hand is steady and takes the glass.
"It will help." he says with a smile, before finding his own chair.
Vere leans comfortably against a wall near the chairs, standing quietly where he can see all three of the seated individuals, as well as the King and Roth. He has a polite smile upon his face, but it's impossible to read anything of his feelings in his face or stance.
Corwin breaks the seal and begins reading the letter.
Lady Celina's nervous energy is apparent in the way her eyes keep trying to place each man in the room. She tracks from Merlin to Vere to Jerod and then to Corwin and Bill, stopping only to regard the drink.
Once he has completed his perusal of [the letter], Corwin passes it to Bill Roth and looks over at the group with an expression of bemusement. He doesn't seem exactly displeased. It's more as if he's a bit shocked and taking a moment to decide what to do next.
Celina smells [the drink], then sips. "A kindness I will be pleased to recount," she says and sips longer a second time. Her tongue plays at the flavors and newness of it. When she can moisten her lips again; "It does help." She nods.
Celina will find the drink to have a slight ginger flavor (whether she is familiar with ginger is up to the player)...with just enough bite to require her to not take long breaths when she's drinking it...which should help slow down her breathing...:)
"I'm glad it does." Jerod says, after waiting a suitable period to ensure Vere has a chance to speak up and having acquired his chair back. "My father gave it to me the first time I ventured above the waves. It can be a trying experience even for the most hardy."
"You mentioned Lady Ravenna will be joining us tomorrow. I trust your journey the trip was uneventful? It will be good to see her again. It has been some time since I've seen anyone from home."
"The trip seemed uneventful for such a prestigious event," replies Celina to Jerod. "I'm sure Lady Ravenna will be pleased to see a familiar face here in Paris. It does make things a bit easier." No, do not talk about how hard this is. You are head of Moire's delegation, not an exile.
One of Vere's eyebrows lifts fractionally, and he tilts his head slightly to one side. Other than that, his expression does not change.
Bill finishes reading the note and looks over at Corwin. Then he looks at the group of youngsters and then back at Corwin. He shakes his head.
Celina sips the ginger drink again and licks her lips. "The drink is excellent. I will have to recommend it to everyone in our delegation." She studies Prince Jerod, so ranked by King Corwin, no less. She take stock of his ease and the display of the marina.
Jerod is bound to return to Rebma. He makes a show of it. Well, at least Moire will have recent word of events. So much I don't know. Lord Vere, son of Gerard, it seems neither of these men are the talkative sort. So serious, so armored. Well, there is always Corwin's son, who must play the host.
Celina eases the drink to her lap and guards it with both hands. "Prince Merlin, what I have seen of Paris promises much. Are you familiar with its precincts or are you a recent arrival?" Her voice is steady.
"I am newly come myself," says Merlin. "I have been here before, once, only briefly. And most of that time was spent on business. I plan to take some time to explore the city over the next few days. Perhaps you will join me, Lady Celina?"
Before Celina can answer, Corwin says, "Merlin." It's a summons.
The young prince stands, murmurs, "Excuse me, please," and attends on his father.
Celina sighs and smiles. She sips again at the drink.
Jerod watches as Merlin departs. "It would appear you've brought important news." Jerod says to Celina. "Something other than a request for trade negotiations perhaps." and he smiles a little as he leans forward a little. "Anything you might care to share?"
Vere shakes his head slightly, the polite smile on his face turning into something more honest, and slightly bemused. For a moment it looks as though he is going to speak in response to Jerod's comment and question, but then he appears to change his mind and remains silent. The main focus of his attention now appears to be Jerod and Celine, but without being obvious he keeps Corwin, Merlin and Roth in his field of vision.
Lady Celina laughs lightly. Jerod's words are so openly at odds with the sense of her mission that she enjoys a moment of actually telling him everything including her life's story. "Why Prince Jerod." She leans forward and tilts her head coquettishly. His eyes are so clear. His composed face such a study in strength reserved. "Would I were to confide such to you, would you pledge to carry the secret all your days as token to our long and deeply tragic feelings for each other? Would you visit me faithfully in Queen Moire's caverns of inquiry?" She purses her mouth as she finishes. "Or at least send flowers and chocolates from Paris?"
Celina winks at Lord Vere and doesn't hide this from Jerod. "I'm sure that his majesty will share news apropos."
"As a Duke of Rebma, I would do my utmost to cherish our longstanding friendship, for all eternity." Jerod says with a grin. "As the good queen's faithful grandson, I could hardly do less."
"Still and all," Vere says quietly, "It does no harm to speculate upon what Her Majesty of Rebma has written concerning one of the two of you that takes His Majesty of Paris so greatly by surprise."
"I wonder if her Majesty has been wielding her mirrors again." Jerod muses. "It should be interesting no doubt, assuming Uncle Corwin decides to share it. Everything Hargar'el told me makes me think that I will find some interesting situations when I get there. Mo doubt mom will be in there somewhere as well."
He looks over at Celina. "Would you have any information as to my mother, or my sister Loreena? I would be grateful for any word of you that you might be able to provide."
Celina holds her face as stone. 'One of the two of you'? Jerod, possibly, and of course, but me? What is Vere saying? Other than introduction, why would Moire tell King Corwin anything about me?
Jerod's words catch up with Celina's own sorting thoughts. "Certainly. I do participate in the same circles as your honored mother and sister. When last I spoke to them, they were both quite well. The Queen is no less radiant than ever, and this is quite reflected in her daughter and your sister," Celina smiles at Jerod, "As it is in your own countenance. Never have I met such luminous and intense people since leaving Seaward. Princess Rilsa is constantly in demand at Her Majesty's council. Even as I left, Duchess Loreena had taken on new duties at the Queen's behest. Lady Loreena was involved in seeing to Sir William's comfort and education about Rebma. Queen Moire is quite interested in everything about Paris--and made every effort to open Rebma to Paris' Ambassador."
Jerod nods as Celina speaks, a slight smile on his face as she describes his family, amused perhaps at the comments being made about them. And him - Celina might begin to suspect that flattery, like spite and sarcasm, have little impact on Jerod. His family are many things but politics and "luminous" are words that he would never associate with them. Based on Celina's comments, Jerod begins to wonder if his sister Loreena was put out to monitor Bill because his sister Valeria was not available for the task.
In any event, he will find out soon enough.
Celina nods. "In short, your highness, your relations are very well and will no doubt be excited that you plan a return." She studies Corwin and Merlin with Bill, then allows her green eyes to settle on the mysterious Lord Vere again.
'...takes His Majesty of Paris so greatly by surprise.' All right, Lord Vere. You've baited me with the King's surprise. Now how did you fathom it involves me? From whence comes your information about a girl from the Seaward?
"Lord Vere, are you just arrived in Paris as well? May I assume then you all traveled here from Amber? What news of the Eternal City?"
Jerod takes a sip of his drin and looks over at Vere to await to his reply. That Jerod did not seemed surprised at Vere's comment, or his apparent knowledge of the contents of the letter are evident.
Vere nods his head in a respectful assent. "Indeed," he says, "I have spent the last several years in Amber, Lady Celina. She rejoices in her new King, and looks forward to the time when she may once again resume relations with her beloved sister, Rebma. For actual news of the city and her people, of course, you can seek no better source of information than Prince Jerod, who deals with the folk of Amber more closely than I, who am little more than a scholar."
Jerod hides a grin behind his drink.
"I admire scholars greatly. I once hoped to be one." Her tone suggests a sadness at his humility regarding scholars.
Vere tilts his head slightly at this statement, and a hint of blue seems to enter his grey eyes.
Celina misses Jerod's grin, but it is clear that Vere defers to Jerod. Feeling all the more like two sharks are being polite about who gets to bite first, Celina puts the best face on it. She turns her questioning eyes back to Jerod.
"There appears to be no mystery to your expertise, your highness. I am glad to hear King Random is well. I hope that Queen Vialle enjoys the same." Celina pauses. Should I play at silences too? Must I turn every question into a deflection to Ravenna? That's probably expected. Spines, this all feels like it is coming apart already. I forget that topsiders prefer their women silent. I've probably offended them.
"The Queen has many duties of late." Jerod replies, dropping a tidbit to test the waters. "His Majesty has left her in charge as Regent while he attends to other important matters. I have no doubt the realm is in capable hands, having seen her efforts during the Regency under Prince Gerard. I regretted having to leave my friend as I did, but I would not have done so had I not felt she would do well. And she would have been quite displeased with me had I not taken the opportunity to return home to see my family. Moire's choice for a wife to Random was very good. I must remember to tell her so when I see her next."
Jerod does not appear to be offended by anything that Celina has said. He appears to be quite comfortable around her, nor does he appear to believe she should be quiet.
No. I cannot be a doll sitting prettily in a chair while she is plied with vague chatter. They can expect I'm tired, but Jerod speaks well of Moire, which speaks well of her choice of me to be here. It's confusing to guess their ways, but perhaps they are not deliberately a part of my confusion. The thought of learning new things kept me invigorated. Yet how to express my curiosity without seeming a child?
Celina puts her drink aside. She tests her grip on the chair arms, only then pushes to her feet. "Well, such a long day," she looks at Jerod, then Vere. Handsome. Such eyes. Their gazes paint me with such energy, I might think I would glow with the lamps shuttered. This should not be but it is. I should have noticed sooner. There is something wrong about all this--about me. "I don't know that food would be my best choice right now--if you gentlemen have things to discuss. I ought to see if Lady Ravenna has been settled." Her tone is clean of inference.
Celina eyes the King and his two men across the room. She waits a beat to see if something more is coming from that quarter.
"I'm sure once the King has decided to advise us of the situation, we can arrange to have you settled as well. I would be honoured to escort you to your room, if you would permit it. I can provide some small advice concerning suitable dishes topside for one new to the realm." Jerod says, before turning to Vere. "Unless you'd like the honour Vere. Apologies for jumping forward if I've stepped on any toes, but being close to home..."
Celina hears strength and heart in what is being said. Is this part of the play they are putting on? Are they so polished they can fool her like this?
Vere nods to Jerod, a small gesture that yet seems to imply a bow. "Indeed, your highness, apologies are far from necessary." He turns his gaze back to Celina and gives that deferential nod again, "One hopes not to have offended in some manner, Lady Celina. I have not been given proper training in Rebman manners, and fall back upon silence as a hopefully acceptable substitute. As I hope to have an opportunity to speak with Her Majesty in the near future, I would greatly appreciate any lessons on proper etiquette."
Jerod nods and seems pleased, though only Vere would probably know the reasons why.
Lessons? Asking me? Little starfish, they are wriggly. "Offended? Not at all. My dryland experience is not great, Lord Vere. This meeting seems rich in promise--and perhaps I am tired. I do not wish to impose by breaking into your evening." She looks at both men. "Let me be honest. You almost seem to have rehearsed for me. It is not your silences so much as your uncanny ability to seem partners in a dance I do not know. If it were just me, I'd puzzle over your manner but it isn't of course, I am charged with the Queen's business and I do not think I ought to be trifled with."
Having spoken with firm and quick manner, Celina suddenly realizes she is over-breathing again. She swallows, waits while keeping eye contact with Vere.
"But then--," she steps closer to a small table in case she needs to lean, "I think I am mistaken to believe you would take such liberty. I am not Moire, nor could I be that Radiant, but perhaps I should damp my enthusiasm to see Her treated as if She spoke through me."
"Yes. Consider me a poor reflection of She who sends you warm greetings." Celina smiles without regret.
Vere nods seriously, and appears about to speak. But before he can do so his eyes flick to the approaching king, and he gives a slight bow and remains silent.
All three of the letter-readers are now looking at the lady. Merlin looks quite affected by the contents of the note--astonished and pleased and upset all at once, perhaps.
Last modified: 22 November 2003