Fitting for a Queen

Celina sends word to the Archivists that Silhouette will be asking for information about the history/trade and politics between Rebma and Bellum. They are to well-inform her cousin. Celina instructs the Archivists that this is a test of Silhouette's ability to understand Rebman culture and needs.

She doesn't mention it is also a test of the Archivists. She has been systematically testing them for weeks now, making inquires about traditions, the history of Moins' Court, the final battle where Moins died, and the stories they have of the original spoken contracts with the Tritons.

The archivists have been forthcoming, even if that sometimes means they have to tell the Queen that there is something they do not know. The further back they go, the more of that there is.

Celina requests a sit-down late snack with Llewella, sending the notice out after she has caught up immediate calls on her attention from Court.

She waits her Aunt in the royal bedchamber; brushing her hair.

By now, Celina knows each second of Khela's death by heart. She reviews it every night because it hurts so much. She cannot avoid it and so she will make the pain part of what she needs to be now.

The ritual brushing is longer and more complex than anything it might seem to be. The brush motions exactly copy the curves and paths of the Pattern itself. The repetitive strokes crackle in her mind's eye. She finds the meditation soothing. In many ways it is like sticking pins into her memories to watch them bleed a bit.

If the Rebman Pattern has a call to be used, Celina does not want to block that use because of her personal guilt and pain. That would not be the path of a Living City. Therefore the pain must become part of Life.

When Llewella arrives, Celina smiles and puts down the brush with trembling hand.

She gives Llewella the entire brief of the papers from Brennan. She leaves out nothing. When done, she does not ask for analysis of Uncle Benedict's statements about policy or Brennan's suspicions about Moire. Instead, she pauses and reviews to see if she's done an uninflected presentation of the material. Another exercise, since she has to speak at Court without revealing her own emotions....accidentally.

Celina nods once. Good enough. She runs her hand, now steady, through her shorter hair, noting that it seems to be growing out pretty fast.

"Llewella, I did not task my cousins, Silhouette and Ambrose, with the mission we discussed regards your mother. I wanted to. I still think that there are messages Moire would have tried to find and Failed to discover because she lacked Pattern eyes. However, the matter of losing a step on active events Trumped chasing after the past. I want to back up Conner and Brita with a strong hand as needed. You were right about all that. I thought I should say so."

Celina is done with that agenda. She's going to be as honest as she can with the people that matter.

Llewella reads straight through the letter. "Thank you, your Majesty, but I am merely an advisor and you are entitled to my opinions regardless of how you do or do not act upon them. It does not hurt my feelings if you have other priorities than the ones I counsel. Brennan's message is, barring the issue of Huon, of much greater import. I assume you wish my reactions to it? They are yours, of course."

The older woman pulls her hair behind her ear. It does not stay there.

"On his first point, I assume he is looking to assure that Brennan wishes to limit the court's exposure to Huon and thus his ability to influence it. Traditionally this is done by providing the relative with a nice townhouse and a Triton. I assure you this does not prevent her from leaving whenever she wishes or from communicating with supporters or being aware of other people's plots against the throne. I am fond of the old advice of keeping one's enemies close.

"The second seems prudent. Brennan is a man of prudent advice. Prudence is not always what a Queen should choose. Sometimes audacity is more valuable, but in this case, not attracting the attention of the sharks for the moment makes sense.

"My sister would be a fool not to have some agents in Avalon. She was not, so assume she does. She has a history of bringing outside arms to defend the kingdom, so if your father would not provide them, and she could not recruit them amongst the more thickheaded of his soldiery, Brennan's conjecture seems possible.

"And lastly, have a care who you let make a trump of you and who you let possess one. It is a window into your self, and both the carpenter and the person you share it with should be trusted."

Celina smiles and follows suit in discussing the advice Llewella offers. "He is gilding the lily. Brennan may have a reason to think I would like Huon to give me any excuse to punish him more severely. I agree keeping Huon close is better than insulting or ignoring him in a dark hole somewhere. I think he might get his own tower in the Palace; ...maybe even the Seaward Suites entirely at his disposal.

"Alas the Queen is not all that prudent. She would have to be wiser in years to lay any claim to that. So we will leave prudence to those more qualified to advise on it and she must listen well. I have spoken to Benedict. He has wished me well, which was more than I expected. I'd like to send my own set of eyes to Avalon, but then, I think Fletcher and Brennan will give me an idea of what they are seeing when they can. Perhaps that will suffice for now.

"Yes. Moire. Avalon. I've already doubled the guards on the Sacred Road and the Fire Gate. If you have other suggestions I'd like to hear them. Guards provide nice visible security. Something less visible would appeal to me but there will still be the appearance of strong defense. I'd like to devise a counter-attack scheme to be pointed at the Bionin. I assume Moire is going to try to get rid of me. I have no plans to leave and make things easy for her."

Celina pauses. "There are currently only three people that I would trust to make a Trump of me, Brita, Folly, and Merlin. None are available. So even though I am well disposed to Ambrose, I'm not getting into that for the near future.

"And speaking of my artful aspects," Celina shrugs, "I want to ask a difficult question: is there something immoral about me? My aunts raised me in a narrow set of values. Do I seem to be the kind of woman that should be pushed into bed as often as possible? Am I projecting 'come hither' when I am yet full of grief? You are experienced. What does the Court see in me so far?"

Llewella seems to be hiding her amusement with the last question. "The courts see a throne with no heir of the body of the Queen. They wish to solve this in the traditional manner. They are not thinking of your feelings, because they assume you will do what is best for the realm." She becomes more serious as she changes the subject. "They made similar suggestions to my daughter.

"The best idea I have for security of the road to Avalon is to have a way to collapse it quickly if you need to. Paris as well. If we do that and want it back, we have tritons with strong arms."

"Hmmmm. Two stage? Tunnel would contain and direct fire some distance. And folks don't expect fire under water. Then we collapse it if the fire doesn't do the job. I'll talk to the Court sorcerers. Have anyone you recommend who can keep their mouth shut?"

Llewella doesn't seem interested in the details of the plan. "Traditionally, the way to do that is to kill your architect, but it's not always necessary if you have a weapon like this: you might want to let word get out, to discourage anyone from prompting you to use it.

"Also traditionally, Tritons keep secrets well, but people don't."

Celina nods. "Well, some traditions are to be carefully respected. If you have no suggestions for sorcerers of good reputation, I shall assume there are none in the realm." She shrugs. "Thank you for coming to talk again. I wasn't all that worried about your feelings, Llewella. I do respect your advice, however. In telling you I had changed my mind, I was giving you insight into the process."

Llewella bows, in the Rebman fashion. "Thank you, your majesty."

Silhouette's list of irritations regarding Rebma broadens with each passing day. A list so varied that it's a wonder she hasn't begun developing a skin of nacre. The cold, of course, remains firmly entrenched at that top of this litany; the penetrating chill constantly distracting her thoughts. The various cultural and military oddities also trouble her, but they are to be expected when one considers the realm's elemental issues.

But currently vexing her, the city's firm embrace of oral traditions.

Granted, water and paper rarely agreed, but the presence of air-chambers should have provided modest allowance for script and scroll. A library, surely. Wax recordings, possibly. Or anything of substance. Any advanced culture realized that physical mediums were far superior to oral recordings, as the speaker invariably influenced the Knowledge with their opinions and beliefs. And memories were flawed, and invited garrulousness.

True, Silhouette herself had studied amongst the Katayans to become a King's Memory -- the living recording of speech and inflection of any given conversation. But such talents were rare, and required pure objectivity. Something lacking in most historians.

The lavender-haired woman across from her -- all pinched nose and droopy eared -- is most certainly lacking in this regard. While her historical knowledge is broad and varied, Silhouette senses the woman's cultural and personal biases slipping into the narrative. Tolerable for the moment. But this is compounded by the distracting Rebman conversational 'flow,' as meandering as any ocean current.

In short, learning history from a Rebman is not unlike sifting through ocean silt. Sometimes you discover treasure. More often you're left with a handful of whale shit.

Silhouette coughs, sifting once again. "You mentioned the underlying antagonism between Asir and Bellum?"

She practically sniffs, as if unsure why this would matter. "I mentioned the underlying antagonism between Bellum and everyone. Including most of the rest of Bellum.

"Asir is to be avoided, generally. The people are clumsy and selfish and they have scores of heathen religions that all contradict each other and make them hard to deal with.

"Luckily, nothing of serious note has ever happened in either place."

[OOC: I think she's reading from this book...]

Silhouette smiles thinly, “Until now.” She tugs lightly on her ear, reflecting upon the Asir spiritual leanings. Potential there, then. Manipulating a nation through religious avenues eased many difficulties, but invited other potential issues.

“The trade routes through this region. What goods would be disrupted by war? Which nation provides Rebma with the superior trade, and how would a power shift in the region affect Rebman society? Did the former Queen or the affluent families have any political ties to Asir or Bellum?”

The archivists looks confused, as if Silhouette had asked about the political ramifications of a war between two species of tree. "War between Asir and Bellum? They are both clients of Amber, and our trade with them goes through that city. Our biggest loss would be if Amber shunted refugees from the conflict in our direction. They are both airbreather lands and neither manufactures anything of great value. Bellum is a weapons exporter, but so are many places. Asir produces farmed goods: cloth and foodstuffs. Rebma and the Shells that matter to us would not be affected.

Silhouette tilts her head, “Refugees would be shunted here, rather than Amber or Paris? That seems an odd choice.” She considers this for a moment, moving the pieces in her head. That would be a long game, indeed, and full of uncertainties. She files this away, moving on.

"It has happened. It depends on the war," adds the archivist.

“Tell me of the last influx of refugees and the circumstances of that particular conflict,” Silhouette says. “How long ago and what were the motivation behind that incident? And did the refugees return to their homeland, or do they remain here?”

Her voice changes, as if she is reciting. "When the Riders of the Moon descended, before they were cast into Ghenesh, They took the city of Amber and looted it for three days before Oberon the King coaxed them onto the field by Jones Falls. Many from Amber fled here, and the King Himself sent his youngest children here for safety at the court of the Queen. The triton Atrios personally blocked the Faella-Bionin to prevent the Riders from descending.

“Are there any blood-ties with either court, be it Amber or Rebma?”

She looks as if Silhouette has asked if the courts were tied by blood to the kennels. "No, Lady. There is no history of such intermarriage." Silhouette isn't sure, but suspects that the archivist had a different word in mind, which she suppressed.

Silhouette nods to this, moving on. “Are there other political entities that would have interest in either shadow?”

Archivist Ekho sniffs. "The people of Bellum enjoy war, and invent one if they cannot provoke one. It's said that when they learned to speak properly, the first thing they did was officially change the name of their land to reflect this. The people of Asir are piously attached to their plethora of unlikely gods and demons, which not even they can keep straight.

"Were both to disappear, the common reaction would be applause."

Silhouette nods lightly. “Tell me of the last war Bellum declared and which Shadows were involved. And whom do they generally sell weapons to? Gateway, perhaps?”

The archivist sways slightly in place. The water moves in a slow current following her motion. It's so slight she may not even know she started it. "They sell to Amber, who takes their middleman cut, and then re-sells to anyone who is interested. I cannot tell you of Bellum's wars, because we would need several junior archivists just to keep current. Bellum is always at war with someone, and if they cannot find someone external to offend, they will simply fight each other. Their barbarian languages have no word for 'Peace'."

Silhouette nods, steepling her fingers against her lips to hide the smile. “I see. But Amber has fallen into collapse, has it not? Does it still operate as a political entity or has the center of power shifted to Xanadu? If so, will Bellum also need to alter their trading practices? Or are they so set in their ways that they refuse to change in this regard?

"Indeed, tell me of Amber's fall from power, as well. It must have caused a significant shift in political relations."

She looks up and then back down. "We have no information on how minor airbreathing nations fared following the sundering of the paths, nor have we sought such information out. If you find such in your travels, we would, of course, incorporate it into the archives."

Silhouette leans back in her chair, blinking mechanically. "You are a historian, yet you do not actively seek historical information from above the waves? Surely, Rebma cannot be so sequestered as to believe itself beyond the ebb and flow of temporal events. Cultural evolution stagnates without such Enlightenment."

The archivist smiles, but not kindly. "We find ourselves, Lady Silhouette, with our route to the airdweller's realm linked to Paris. Trade goes through there, and has only started in the past few tennights, after the battle with Prince Huon. Little relating to the surface is settled, and It will be some time before that changes from current events to historical information.

"We have no expert in the history or politics of the scores of minor trading partners of Amber, because they are not important. Amber and Rebma were complementary societies, with little interaction. They had their interests and we have ours."

Silhouette ahs softly, nodding. "Then, may I ask, the general history of Rebma's trade prior to the Sundering? Does this realm solely depend on the Faiella-bionin, or has it relied on other roads of export and import? Or is it generally self-reliant from the resources of the ocean surrounding it?"

She leans forward and smiles faintly, "I suppose my true question is this: How has this society survived for generations?"

She smiles back, on firmer ground."Ah. I wish you had asked more directly. The last few years have been difficult, when the Black Tides and the Disruption cut Rebma off from the Outer Shells in the Seaward, but Rebma can always survive alone in a way that even Amber cannot. Food swims to us, you see. But traditionally and now again, Rebma is the center of a powerful trading network that depends on her to send sea-captains across the double-dozen sea-bottoms to ports elsewhere.

"Rebma sits at the center, and takes her cut for the convenience of trade, and is the home of the greatest Trading Shells, and becomes rich by making everyone's worlds amd markets bigger and better.

"We intersect and make some minor trade in exotics with the surface-folks, but for the most part our trade routes and theirs are not the same."

Silhouette tilts her head, smiling faintly. “My last question. The nautical power of Rebma. Is it generally submariner or surface in design? I’m most curious how much of Rebman society exists above the waves.”

She nods and continues. "We are a sub-surface people. We maintain embassies with Amber and now Paris and traders travel back and forth as needed, surfacing in Amber, Paris, or Gateway. It has never been cost effective to trade beyond the trade-hubs. Most shells have no desire to have agents above the surface for protracted periods of time. Most of our kind consider it an undesirable posting." She pauses. "I presume surface dwellers feel the same way about Rebma."

Silhouette gives a faint chuckle, “It takes some... acclimatizing to.”

She taps the table, thinking. “Are there colonies of any type? Specifically, colonies with loyalties to the previous Queen? From your analysis, Rebmans do not stray far from the great city.”

She smiles at Silhouette's chuckle. "Most who leave the city come back, after a trading trip or a turn of duty in the seaward shells. We have no colonies as you might see in the great circle. The traitor Queen had her power base in the city, and was at odds with the Seaward. Queens Khela and Celina have strong Seaward roots, with the Shells of Narhval and Khrop."

“Moire’s reign did not sit well with the Seaward peoples?” Silhouette asks. “Might you tell me of her? How long did she sit on the throne? Did she make any sweeping changes to Rebma’s society? Or was her influence a minor one? I was told she had a firm hand over many of your nobles.”

The woman looks as if she is having difficulty coming up with an answer. "The former Queen occupied the throne between the reigns of her Mother and Queen Khela. She was a strong military leader and formed strong alliances which helped succor Rebma after the death of her Mother the Queen. Her base of power was necessarily based in the City, and she was close with many of the City's better families. It was mutually beneficial, but those who were not frequently in Rebma were not at Court and did not benefit from it as their Urban Peers did."

The woman's voice goes vary flat. "Queen Khela was, for example, exiled from Rebma for many years for her part in a... an incident involving a revolutionary group. The Seaward was, to the Court, a punishment. It is not currently considered so."

Silhouette raises an eyebrow, "Revolution? Please explain further. Does this group still persist? Or did it pass with her untimely end?"

The archivist looks impassively back. "I can explain no further, as the official history has been expunged and a new one has not yet been provided."

Silhouette maintains an impassive expression, but shocked inwardly. Expunged? Removing historical records typically means the very nature of said information could lead to further rebellion. How... interesting. Rebma’s secrets intrigue her more and more. Gears begin to click and whir, connections being made as tumblers fall into place.

“Tell me of the Tritons,” she finally asks. “When did they become bound to Rebma? Where did they come from originally?”

The woman is on more familiar ground here. "The tritons came from the Great Kelp Forest. They attacked Rebma without provocation or warning, doing much harm to the city and peoples of the Kingdom. They were defeated by Queen Moins, and a peace was created. The tritons you see here are the descendants of the hostages kept here to enforce the peace. They are bound to the Queen and those to whom she assigns them. Having a triton is a mark of high rank or great favor."

Silhouette nods, deeply intrigued. “And what of the Great Kelp Forest and Moins’s Peace? How long has this treaty remained in place? The tritons I have encountered appeared to have adapted to Rebma culture over several generations. Or, perhaps, they are simply long lived.

“Does Rebma have contact with the Tritons? Trade with them? Or do they remain silent in their forest?” Another pause. “They have a Mother. What part did she play in the Peace, if any?”

She holds her hands up under the barrage of queries from Silhouette. "Your interest is gratifying, but I cannot answer so many questions at one, My Lady, especially since several of them are likely to lead to further questions.

"We should start with the war, since it is the central issue between the forest and the city. The war was centuries ago. The tritons here are the descendants of those who were left here by their kind as surety of the peace, in exchange for the freedom for the rest of them. They returned to their forests and, except for the indentured ones. We never saw the mother, but they called themselves "Sons of the Dragon." They spoke for her, and the matter was settled with them for her.

"It was a hard-fought and costly war, and in the end, both sides retreated to their own places with a certain amount of relief, I suspect."

Silhouette nods to this, "From speaking to the Hierophant, I surmise that the relations are not entirely amiable, even with the passage of time. That the Mother might resume hostilities, if provoked."

She paused for a moment. "Is this why dragon worship unwelcome in Rebma? I'm told they are creatures of Chaos."

The archivist frowns, almost reflexively. "We know little of Dragons in Rebma, as we have not had direct interactions with them, and only indirectly when they tried to destroy Rebma and everyone in it. They are the enemy of all people, and worshiping them would not be well-regarded here. The tritons do so still, and it is a sign of their inherent evil nature. It is admirable when they can rise about their nature, but not a thing to count on."

"I see," Silhouette says, filing this data away. She taps her cheek, nodding sharp. "I believe you have answered my questions for today. If I might seek Enlightenment from you at a later time, I would be ever grateful. My deepest thanks."

"Please, do not hesitate to consult with the office of the Archivist if you need further information." Her smile is perfunctory, but her manners are well within the bounds of propriety.

Silhouette receives a breakfast summons from the Queen of Rebma for a 'fitting' on the Court gown in progress.

She follows the page to the Queen's own bedchambers where she finds Celina at breakfast in the library outer room of her suite.

Celina smiles and points at the sidebar of food without getting up. She has food in plenty in front of her already. "I hope you slept well. I suppose I think wrongly that your pending promises to Huon, that there are some yet for you to discharge, would prevent you from acting as part of a small strongarm mission to Bellum? But you volunteered to go after Conner and Brita. Tell me how that works."

Silhouette curtsies politely before drifting over to the buffet. She assembles a collection of items -- varied, yet slight in number. "My Queen?" she says at the question, confused.

She joins the young regent, "I promised to negotiate Huon's surrender to you. I have done so. That fulfills my Duty to him. I have offered him no further promises, although delivering him into your care can be construed as an axillary goal. This could necessitate my involvement in his retrieval, be it by peaceful measures or otherwise."

She spears something green and viscous, popping it into her mouth. "Furthermore, his continued 'freedom' endangers the Greater Good. It would be counterproductive to the Grand Design for him to remain at large. I am duty-bound to assure his return." A vague smile. "Finally, the King has offered me much, upon Huon's entrance into custody."

"Aha, forgive me, among the things I considered I missed those points." Celina chews and thinks. Finally she waves a hand in the general direction of Amber. "Well then, tell me why you embarrassed Ambrose in our meeting....." She smiles a bit and looks at Silhouette. "Meeting me in my chambers much later? Really?"

Silhouette offers a sly smile, "Since arriving in Amber, I've made a solemn promise to tweak a red-head's nose each and every day. I find the resulting effect highly colonic."

Her lips purse for a moment, and then she gives a soft laugh. "Truly? I hadn't considered that the suggestion would embarrass him. I meant no impropriety. We are not lovers, after all. Though, I most certainly long to be." She shrugs her slender shoulders, "No, I simply offered a locale best suited for a gown's fitting and casual discussion. If Ambrose was embarrassed, well then... that will just have to be an unintended indulgence."

"Well, we shall not be lovers if you use my desirability to leverage against our family," Celina's voice is mellow, "because unintended or indulgence, it counts against you with me. I hope to be a bit more inclusive even if it means I am....associated with untested and powerfully improper people. I don't even have a clear idea of how Ambrose was raised, and yet I seek favors and understanding with him. While it might be true that I shall see more of him if he is off balance, that would imply that he should offer me insights while I reveal little of myself. Keep in mind, you are in my Court, my Corner, little Dolphin, and that is something that makes us a team effort. Yes?"

Amusement twinkles in the emerald eyes of the Queen of Rebma.

Silhouette offers a smile, “Of course, my Queen. I shall choose my words more carefully in the future. And I apologize for any offense given.” She cuts another piece of fleshy substance. “You have embraced me into your Court,then? If so, might I be indulged with asking what pleases you today, Majesty? You have an aura about you.”

"When I set you the task of making the dress, it was with the understanding that you were to be part of things. I do not want a target painted on you. So your role is less obvious to Court Observers. You can be sure that you are watched however. The dress stratagem will only go so far. And I am unlikely to act the prima donna in order to make it last longer." Celina drinks a long swallow from a debulb.

"Today I am pleased to say I only had one nightmare last night," Celina decides to tell the truth. She hasn't really discussed her sleep patterns with anyone. "And the day itself seems promising. I rejoice."

Silhouette smiles at this, almost envious. "We dream as we die, alone." A slight shrug, then the smile returns. "I am gladdened that you could sleep somewhat peacefully. Morpheus's realm can hold so few pleasures for some. It is why I rarely venture there, unless I must.

"And, yes, this day does hold promise," she continues. "Both personal and worldly. Before I share my discoveries, what has transpired since last we talked? If, I may inquire, that is."

"Yes," Celina nods. "I instructed the archivists to make themselves available to you. I've done a lot of late nights with them, with lots of questions about history, trying to find the pattern of the healthy Rebma so I can steer towards something similar now." Celina puts down her plate and arranges the cushions, setting herself in comfortable fashion to give undivided attention to Silhouette.

"I did get word that Fletcher and Brennan are safe on their journey. I don't expect to hear much more until they return. I also reviewed the plans I had for Huon to be master architect in restoring the city damage and improving the downtide part of the city. I have changed my mind about him living downtide. I think he is history and I shall be asking him for lots of bed time history lessons. He shall be a good architect I think." Celina looks at Sil.

Silhouette smiles at this, “I believe he will be most pleased by news of new accommodations here. As much as I believe some hardship would do the man well, a pampered pet is typically the more pleasant one. And they are far less eager to bite the hand that feeds them.” She finishes her plate and joins Celina in a more casual manner. Her hand drifts over her smooth belly, wistful. “He does enjoy his indulgences.”

She tilts her head, “One bedtime story you might request... the Moon-Riders. They have manifested continually since my first encountering Huon. Snippets of information and history and myth continue to surface. Ever on the periphery of the conversation. Like rat whispers in the walls. I do not know what it means, but I do not believe in coincidence. Something stirs. And I fear your realm may suffer for it.”

Celina pauses. "Is there a reason you think Huon and Moonriders know of each other?"

Silhouette nods, “I believe they’ve had some form of history. He mentioned as such to me while we spent time together...” He voice drops an octave, becoming hauntingly masculine – her gaze distant, a doll’s eyes. “The champions of that place are implacable enemies of Amber, and even I would not be so unwise as to attempt to use them. It would either backfire or worse, succeed. Their goals and queen are ...not right."

Her eyes flicker, humanity returning. “However, his cagey nature makes me question his true intentions.”

Celina stares at Silhouette with a bit of wonder. Her cousin's inflections and mimicry of Huon were beyond what she imagined a woman might do. Then it hits her that Silhouette can without doubt do the same with Celina's comments from any conversation they have had. She rolls her shoulders trying to accommodate that discomfort.

"I see. Well. He can't very well make peace by making war now. From his own words, he realizes there are steps beyond which he cannot expect forgiveness. As long as we really take him back into family, he doesn't have to entertain how he might turn the Riders to his use." She nods once. "I shall ask him about the Riders. There are arrangements a queen must examine even if she dares not go there."

Celina smacks her palms together and grinds them against each other. "So tell me about explosives that function well underwater."

Silhouette tilts her head, offering a curious smile. “The design of any explosive greatly depends on its intended use; be it for military or civilian purposes. However, in either case, explosives will function well in an aquatic medium. Their destructive power, in many ways, is even enhanced.”

She folds her hands, smiling benevolently, “I have researched potential black-powder substitutes that could be incorporated here. Their functionality can easily be altered to suit any purpose. Also, I've formulated possible oxidizers and water-resistant compounds, but my lack of knowledge of Rebma’s paradigms prevented me for moving forward with this research. Our uncle’s brief timetable also hindered these efforts.”

"I must prepare for invasion and sudden betrayals with surprises, Cousin," Celina smiles. "So do sit a spell and give me the quick lessons in what you might do with resources and time. We may have time, we certainly have resources to aid you. And oh yes, we shall have some wonderful dress designs to cover for our chats. I do not particularly want to reveal you yet to my Court as more than a crafter of beauty."

Silhouette returns the smile, "Of course. Very wise, my Queen." She tilts her head, thoughtful. "I would require a thorough review of Rebma's military and civic abilities for a true assessment. However, I can say that your isolationism is both your greatest strength and your greatest weakness. Counterbalancing this must be your primary concern. Do so and Rebma will be a True Power."

She leans forward, "For example, I am surprised that our uncle did not utilize a sustained bombardment of the city prior to his invasion. Depth-charges would have crippled Rebma's military, allowing for an easy assault.

"Did he simply march his men to their death?"

Celina does a few mental dance moves puzzling variants on what a 'depth charge' would be. She frowns as she comes up with some horrible images. "If I wanted a solution based on the vast experience of all Rebma's military and civic abilities, I'd bribe a Rebman loyalist sorceror with great fame and position." Celina snorts, an unladylike gesture that Silhouette will likely never see in Rebma. "As it is, I'm seeing your fresh approach as a lever to create what no one will expect to see." Celina looks a bit tentative and says, "Tell me about depth charges then."

Silhouette offers a bemused expression, studying Celina for a moment. Then, with a nod, she says, "The depth charge is an anti-subsurface weapon, generally utilized to destroy underwater vessels or structures. A drum or similar device is packed with high explosives and dropped above the selected target, or in its general vicinity. A delayed fuse then detonates the device at a preset depth.

"Detonation creates a massive gas bubble, propagating out in a shock wave. This gas bubble also creates a void, which will then be collapsed by the surrounding water pressure. Cyclic expansion and contraction continues until the gas bubble breaches the surface. The shockwaves - primary and secondary - effectively tear the target structure or vehicle apart. Against flesh targets, this effect can be devastating, as organs and bones take the full brunt of the pressure waves."

She tilts her head, "This effect can be intensified by dropping multiple charges, thus creating a series of colliding pressure waves."

Celina swallows. Nothing like that had been used in any wars she'd heard of. Even the Black Trench War didn't have such brutal powers. "Ah, so what does the charge use for oxygen? A sorcery fuel? Or is this one of those things where necessary ingredients are translocated from the sky above into the explosion?"

Silhouette blinks at this, as if she hasn't considered such a possibility until now. A hint of a smile curls her lips, filing this away. "The oxidizer is typically chemical, not sorcerous. When designed correctly, explosives can even work in a complete vacuum. Unfortunately, the complex nature of various paradigms does require some study of each Shadow. In this case, I would utilize the oxidizers I designed for Huon's rifles. On a grander scale, of course."

She taps her bottom lip, thinking. "Tell me more about translocation? This sounds most intriguing."

Celina tucks the information about such chemistries away for future use. "The Artist can work in a few methods, some more delicate than others. Common use would be a 'straw path' from the weapon to a 400 meter height to snorkel in the air needed. Some more powerful uses would be actually pulling the air across space, true translocation. Much harder."

Silhouette smiles brightly, “How intriguing. Yes, there could be many possible uses for such magick. Weapons of various kinds could be developed along these lines. Perhaps even more powerful than the capabilities of technological armaments.”

She tilts her head, “For example, could you translocate a magma rift or underwater steam vent?”

"Yes, but also hard to move such mass. Liquids behave differently in translocation depending on their density. Air moves more freely. Water not so much, so it takes more energy and more concentration. Air follows into the new area more easily, while water wants to remain with its greater mass. Hot rock would be so much harder. Steam, well, that would be more excited than air and have more energy, so it probably would move more easily. Perhaps too easily. It would not draw more steam after it. So you would have to run the spell for longer to keep the steam moving. I'll have to experiment." Celina nods as if these are good questions.

Celina adds, "However, the danger in translocation is opening a tear which might rip. If control is lost or high energies are moving faster than you can manage, you could immolate yourself."

Silhouette leans back this time, tapping her chin thoughtful. “I have long studied the combination of magick and technology. Lessons learned from the construction of iron dragons and their ilk. Perhaps translocation could incorporated into my mechanika. For example, translocating steam into a weapon chamber, thus focusing its pressure. This can then be released in a single burst, firing a projectile at massive velocity. This would also eliminate the danger to the caster, and reduce the required spell time.

“Yes, experimentation may be required.”

Celina points to Silhouette. "You were going to tell me about your discoveries."

Silhouette nods, “I’ve been speaking with your archivists. It has been... an illuminating experience. It further compounded my worry regarding Rebma’s isolationist tendencies. I believe that may be your greatest challenge, my Queen. It is deeply rooted and will hinder Progress.”

She pauses, then tilts her head. “Did Huon’s conflict cause a refugee problem? Or did the attack occur too quickly?”

Celina shakes her head no. "We have a large number of prisoners. Not a refugee problem. What happened to shadows along his path here was a bit more harrowing. Why?"

“The archivist mentioned that Rebma served as home for several refugees in previous conflicts. The last invasion of Moon-riders, for example, caused a significant influx of refugees here,” Silhouette says. She pauses for a moment, then adds, “The Third Law – conceal your intentions – can be utilized to some degree with regard to refugees. Hide your troops amongst them, and then they can incorporate themselves into the charitable society. This is the Long Game.”

She tilts her head, “How are you dealing with the prisoner issue? Where are they being housed?”

"The ones that have been spoken for are gone away with Hannah," Celina responds. "There also holding grounds near the battle site for others not claimed but of possible interest to Gateway. From what you have said, you had little to do with the army. Just supplying equipment. We have identified the sorcerers that lived. Not many did. Do you have an interest?"

Silhouette nods at this, "I am always interested in those with arcane training. Enlightenment comes from many sources. I would be foolish to pass up such an opportunity. I can speak with them, if you desire it, my Queen."

She smiles faintly, leaning forward, "The prisoners. Were they mercenaries? Could their loyalties be turned toward another end?"

"No, except for the sorcerers, I do not think they were mercenaries. And perhaps it is unfair to say all the captured sorcerers were mercenaries. If you wish to speak with them, I would welcome your insights, especially if you ken there are 'Long Game' vipers in that number." Celina waits to see if Silhouette will ask for permission on this. The war sorcerers have not intrigued her, as their politics and methods were brutal and ineffective. But she is willing to encourage Silhouette to follow her intuition.

Silhouette gives a gentle nod, “I shall speak with them and provide you with my analysis, then. Were they from Gateway originally?” She touches her drink briefly, and then lets her hand drift away from the goblet. “Also, may I ask to what degrees I may go to, my Queen? I believe the time for half measures may be at an end. But this is your realm. Your philosophies and moralities define it, and its people should strive to adhere to them.”

Celina smiles. "That's the right thing to say. Can you work by it?"

Silhouette returns the smile, “Of course. I am yours, Celina.” She lets this hover between them for a moment, the smile warming.

“Have you decided how you shall take Rebma into the future yet?”

Celina nods once. "You are building your credentials in Rebma. You can go as far as you think it will suit your future. I won't be there to curb your efficiency. If I have to come down on you later for your judgements, then you lose face in my Court, my Cousin. I'd rather you had some cachet to spend before you got into negatives."

Celina adds, "I have decided about the future. I shall make it as interesting as possible."

Silhouette chuckles, offering a wry smile. “In many cultures, an interesting future is considered a curse, my Queen. Somehow, I believe that shall be different for you.”

Celina nods.

She brushes stray hairs from her cheek, “I will endeavor to compliment you with my actions and my decorum. Answers will be found and provided by these men and women, be certain of this. An, if they may be turned toward your ends, so much the better.”

A pregnant pause, weighing her next words. “Were you part of Khela’s revolution, cousin?”

Celina allows a thoughtful look. Silhouette feels quite comfortable if she crosses the line to talking about the deceased love of Celina's life. Celina sighs. "Perhaps you think I am much older, or you have not gotten the full story. Khela began her revolution before I was born. I fought in the battles Khela waged to grant Rebma relief from Moire's neglect and turn aside Huon. I followed her as Queen. What are you really asking?"

Silhouette listens, nodding slightly. “Ah yes. I forget the temporal differences here, compounded by longevity. I realize I do not even know how old you are, my Queen.” A faint smile.

“What I am asking is, Do you share Khela’s beliefs? Will you see that they live on? Or do you desire to be your own woman?”

Celina sighs and chews her lower lip. It takes a long time for her to settle on a response. "Let's say I followed Khela's flag of justice. I wanted a Rebma that was breathing and growing, not patching and retrenching. Let's say I never understood all her beliefs because in this culture, in this family, people do not ask you to understand them too well." Celina arches an eyebrow at Silhouette, inviting her to ask more about that as she likes. "I am the woman you see. The queen you follow. I cannot be anything else. But ask me again next year. I insist."

Silhouette smiles tenderly, pleased. "I pray that I have the opportunity to ask that question, Celina. It comforts me that you view beyond the dark waters of this realm. I believe that alone marks you as a Manifestation of the Grand Design, who will bring Enlightenment to Rebma."

The smile falters slightly, "And, yes. Our Family prefers acquiescence, rather than understanding. I doubt that will make my life an easy one. And why I feel more at peace with you than any other."

"So what has the King offered you, in return for what?" Celina sets aside her food tray. "Have you sworn to him?"

"Sworn?" Silhouette shakes her head. "No. l provided him with schema for a musical recording device. I also pledged my Duty to him, in the matter of Huon's surrender into your hands. In return, he will allow me to fulfill my birthright and walk the Pattern."

She smiles, "That Duty is now fulfilled. Why do you ask, my Queen?"

"Well, I have sworn, so I have an interest." Celina nods and it appears she feels Silhouette has given an expected answer. "I'm interested in how you will fit your oaths between head of reality and queen of Rebma."

"My loyalties are to the Grand Design, my Queen," Silhouette says. "The King has little interest in it. You, however, do. As such, it is you I shall serve. If you wish me to serve the King, then I shall do so. But my allegiance remains with you."

"The King has a greater interest in You and the Grand Design than you think," Celina smiles. "However, that is for you to discover and report back to me. Did you learn anything else from the Archivists, than that Rebma is Isolationist? Did they mention Chaos?"

Silhouette lifts her breasts, before letting them settle again slowly in the water. “I suspect his interest in me has more to do with these than my philosophy.” She shrugs, unconvinced.

Celina's eyes twinkle and she restrains a smile.

“Ah yes. They did, in their way. The conversation of Dragons came up, in reference to the Tritons. And, specifically, those residing in the Kelp Forest. I believe they worship them. Again, their affiliation with Chaos appears to be a main concern. This ties back to my conversation with the Hierophant and his reluctance to speak of the Mother. I wonder if their Matriarch is a dragon – or similar creature of Chaos.”

"There is every indication this is so, yes," Celina nods. "But you did not ask about Chaos and they did not offer such?"

Silhouette frowns and shakes her head, “Forgive me, my Queen. By this point in the inquiry, I believed I had outlived my welcome. I did not press further. However, I believe a Queen could obtain more ‘uncomfortable’ information than a vassal.”

Celina nods. "No, that's quite all right. The information isn't the important part. Understanding how you and the Archivists will interact is more useful. Dragons being a touchy subject we have discussed, but do not fear the Inquiry of the Archive, that is their passion. Fear their bias."

Silhouette gives a wry chuckle, “Of those, they have plenty.”

Celina smiles, "So one more point and then I can get to the day's court business. When Huon arrives things will get more interesting for me, the Court will watch him with extreme bias. The Court will expect me to be Fierce and perhaps Cruel. So you should not let the Court or Huon understand the True relationship we have pledged to each other unless you get something valuable for doing so." Celina pauses, then smiles again, "I expect Huon to approach you again. Either once he is settled in Rebma or just to check your balance and position here. He'll be testing me and looking to build his leverage in captivity. By that time, Huon should have told me who his allies were, and it might be that you need to take another trip to Xanadu somewhere in there as well. In short, I see you as a pivotal catalyst. Learn what you can of Rebma now, things will get harder soon and time will be short."

“You are very gracious, milady. My sincere thanks,” Silhouette says, bowing her head. “I will continue my education here, so your faith in me might be justified. And our relationship shall remain within our dominion. It is not for others.”

She pauses. Her gaze drops for a moment, an almost human expression of worry. “If he does approach me, my Queen, it may be for comforts he gained in the past. His pillow talk can be very... revealing. So...” She falls quiet, asking the question with her forest-dark eyes.

"Oh, Dolphin," Celina's voice is sad and husky. "Don't ask your Queen to rule over your bedroom. Don't even propose it. I will not forbid or mandate you share you body with Huon. I will not take offense that you think I might for some gain." Celina chews her lower lip. She shakes her head and pushes away painful thoughts. "Please just be careful. He knows so much more than you do. He will make of you a tool."

Silhouette smiles at her companion, wistful. She reaches out, lightly brushing her hand over Celina’s – hardly more than a disturbance of water touching her skin. “My Queen? I am yours. You rule me in ways I doubt you even understand. At least, not yet. But in time, I hope you will.”

She shakes her head, “I shall be careful. For you.” A pause. A half whispered word on her lips. “Us.”

"Do not ...." Celina pauses. She switches expression to something tender. "Thank you. I will sleep better for it." She laces her fingers together studying Silhouette. "Huon is dangerous and I don't expect that King Random has his plans in place for My Uncle quite yet. There are too many unknowns. Therefore he has 'allowed' me to make the first steps in bringing Huon back to something palatable to Family. While we can call on more experience advice from Xanadu and Avalon, we are on the front lines when it comes to the shark dance with Huon. I'm sure you had many pleasures from such a bold man, however, now we need to appeal to him for his pride of place, his future is at stake, and so is mine. My people can be cruel. If I cannot hold my own with Huon, I am done here and Rebma will fall. Order will suffer, but I'll be dead before I let that happen. Just so I'm clear about the stakes."

Silhouette nods lightly, squeezing Celina’s hand – her thumb brushing against the woman’s pulse. Her eyes never shirk under her companion’s studying gaze. “I know his ways and wants. And I would not complicate matters by muddying the waters, Celina. I am yours.” She smiles. “Please, do not fear for your Kaberio, my Queen. She has lain with tigers in her time – both paper and steel. She is familiar with their claws. And the cost they can inflict.”

She raises Celina’s hand, touching her knuckles with warm lips – the heat radiating off her flesh. “You are stronger than you believe.”

"Well then," Celina grins a little, trying to hide her upbeat response and failing, "I must believe so much moreso. The future calls for all my strength. I only get one chance." Celina turns her hand to pull Silhouette's knuckles close and kiss them. It is a quick kiss, but full of warmth.

At the touch, Silhouette purrs like a contented wyvern – all steam and fire. She does not pull her hand back, allowing it to remain in Celina’s delicate control.

"Stand ready. We have not heard more from Conner and Brita. If there is nothing from them soon, I'm sending you after them assuming some intrigue."

Silhouette nods to this, “Of course. I am always ready to travel. You have but to command me.”

She tilts her head, “Now that your gown is ready, shall my Duty be with the captured will-workers?”

"A gown is ready," Celina says running a thumb over Silhouette's hand in hers. "Your workshop will be quiet for a very short time. Other gowns must be born. You need some mundane activity there to cover your curiosity elsewhere. Feel free to ask and explore. I don't think the dress maker is interested in the Will Workers. So if you explore there, don't be caught at it."

Silhouette smiles softly, “Indeed. Even discussing the fashions of another Shadow might be a thin lie. I shall tread carefully, my Queen.”

She shivers again, her skin warming – like magma shifting beneath the surface. “Although I most enjoy your touch, Celina, I must warn you that the limit of my resolve not to kiss you is finite. And you approach the horizon with some expedience.” She chuckles, eyes sparkling.

Celina releases her cousin's hand with a smile. "Thank you for reminding me."

Silhouette’s lips hint at a playful pout.

"Another thing about the gown, you do good work. It shall be the envy of many." Celina nods once.

“Excellent. I am glad you are pleased,” Silhouette says. She pauses, considering for a moment. “My Queen. If, as I hope, this creates a stirring in the currents, might I impose upon you for further resources? Enough to open a shop.” She tilts her head. “Mayhaps, this was your intention. If my name grows as a fashion designer, it would place me amidst your allies and enemies alike. This could provide me with access to vital information. After all, few are more ‘trustworthy’ than one’s seamstress or hairdresser. And envy loosen tongues.

"This profession’s mercantile requirements would also allow me to move between Shadows with little notice. An added advantage for a court spy, yes?”

Celina thinks. "A shop....yes. That's good. Someplace that keeps you out of the Galleries of Court makes you more accessible and able to move yourself. We get you one through a few blinds. After I debut a few of your gowns, we can have you set up. Good idea." She smiles.

Silhouette dips her head, smiling gently in return. “Thank you, my Queen. I’ve found it is always best to hide in plain sight. I believe this would benefit you in many ways.” She leans back, “And, if you so desire, I might use the shop for meetings with your highness to discuss other projects, as she sees fit. With the continual movement of materials, it will be easy to obfuscate anything of a more... offensive nature. My craft sometimes requires items to be less than obvious when they change hands.”

Celina laughs. "Indeed? Hiding in plain sight for a queen does not involve swimming to a dress shop. However, I'd like your thoughts on disguise. How might I change my appearance so I could go about the city unknown?"

Silhouette tilts her head, thoughtful. “One technique for obfuscation is creating another persona. You may wish to impersonate a handmaiden or attendant, and allow her – as it were – to be observed regularly. As the court becomes more accustomed to her attending to mundane matters, she will slip from their minds, allowing you more freedom to move above virtually unnoticed. This plays upon the concept of selective attention. If you had a body double to maintain that attention elsewhere, it will deepen the effect.

“Or, you may alter your appearance completely. Dress as a man, for example. I suspect they are less... notable in Rebman society?”

Celina looks a bit stumped. "I guess above the waves I could put on enough clothing to be thought a man and walk that way. Down here?" She shakes her head. "Still, if there were some way it would work well." She turns the problem about looking at it from various necessity. She frowns. "Well, another thing to think about. Any other approaches?"

“Generally, it is best to study what facial features are most outstanding, and thus easily recognized. Then alter them accordingly,” Silhouette says. “Your eyes and lips, for example, catch the eye immediately. Very beautiful and distinctive. Thin the lips with make-up. Obscure the eyes with spectacles. Hide part of your face with an asymmetrical haircut, thus altering the contours. Lighten or darken your skin. Thicken your brows or add crow’s feet to your eyes to ‘age’ yourself. Create a faux beauty mark to draw attention away from your eyes.”

She smiles softly, “The trick is to appear at ease with your appearance. Hiding behind masks or scarves only draws attention to the face, and invites the possibility of recognition. You must been seen, and then immediately forgotten. And, in this way, you might be invisible in plain sight.”

Celina nods as this gives her a better idea of how such things should be properly done.

The smile broadens, “You must have some nefarious dealings at hand to so readily obscure such beauty, my Queen.”

Celina shrugs, "Hardly. I grew up with classically beautiful girls who had money and family. I never much compared to them. Did not think in myself in that class. And neither did others. Power is much more beautiful than eyes or lips. But I see what you mean. These are good ideas. Thank you. It may turn out that I'll need to hire a professional if I wish to disguise myself."

“I can lend some expertise, if required,” Silhouette says. “My business did require some familiarity with obfuscation, including that of a personal nature. I’ve traveled through many an armed camp as man or servant girl. That said, it might be best to find a trusted servant to assist you in this matter.”

She leans forward – a glint in her eyes. “And Power does lie in beautiful eyes and gentle lips. Court Attention at All Costs. Everything in the Courts is judged by appearance. That which is unseen is irrelevant.” She smiles darkly, “It is what you allow to be seen that matters, however. Always Conceal Your Intentions.”

Celina laughs. "My Dolphin... it is when you put always in your sentences that I am most aware you are lying....or should I say, concealing your intentions." She giggles.

Silhouette offers a wry grin, “Then, my Queen, you are learning.” She laughs softly, “But, I am sure, you can discover my intentions... when the time is right.”

Celina gathers her good humor back under its cover and looks steady at Silhouette. "Well, when the time is right, perhaps all disguises will be set aside. There may be some good in that, but there may be some bad in it too."

“We are forged by Truth,” Silhouettes says. “It is neither bad nor good. It is simply the Truth, and holds rewards and costs.”

She takes a last sip of her drink, “Our time shall come, Celina. And I am nothing, if not patient.”