Celina moves slowly downward and settles into a TaKhi meditation sit. She controls her breathing and flushes out anxiety. Breath is the key to shock. She takes her time, working for a few minutes.
Conner floats over and sits beside her, waiting.
Finally she looks up at Conner. "I cannot but agree. The Master of War, a living legend, envies our challenge." She shakes her shoulders as if shrugging away a curse, or a noose about her neck. "You know more about war than I am likely to learn in the next five years. I suggest you work directly with Llewella, Jerod, the wizards of Rebma, the elite units, and of course the Tritons in planning our defense. Jerod may not be available for weeks or months. Don't wait for him.
"Oh my heart," she looks down at her laced hands. "Rebma help me."
Conner reaches out and folds his hands around hers. "Brave heart, Celina. Rebma will help you as will Xanadu and Paris if we but ask. The shark has yet to smell blood in the water and we have time to prepare. I will coordinate the defense of Rebma as best as I can. I may even seek advice from Huon as he is the most recent person to consider Rebma's defenses from an invader's point of view." Conner squeezes Celina's hands. "You do not stand alone, Majesty."
Celina nods. "We do not stand alone. True. And I shall stand with my Pattern, whatever comes.
"Conner, there are oral histories regarding the Eye of Rebma. Do you know them? I did not last year before we returned to Rebma."
Conner shakes his head no. "I have wanted to seek answers of the Archivists but did not want to tip my hand about why I wanted to know. What have you heard?"
Celina nods again, "Wise." She leans far forward and does something that arches her spine as she slides her palms down her legs to grip her toes, then she sighs and releases into a casual sit. "Well, the oral histories conflict. The Archivists keep all versions, even the ones they are told not to repeat by a queen, but now that I am queen, I can at least lay them all out for consideration.
"The mirror is magical, though the History does not confirm what sort of magic made it. Personal observation tells me it is not Chaos sorcery." She looks straight at Conner. "Has anyone ever detected your use of it? Because the story is that the sight of the Eye is imperceptible, which is not true of normal mirror craft."
"Yes, but I'll tell my tales after yours." Conner smiles.
She goes on, "It is said the Eye has cast lightning down on enemies, destroying them completely at a distance. The Eye does not answer or speak, but understands oral direction. It would be worth confirming this bit: the Eye can look on sleepers and move into their dreams, possibly to steer a dream at the request of the user. The Eye can be stubborn, and moral. Use it for evil and evil will return upon you----like a reflection geometry that slips from warpage, or exhaustion. The Eye may show you something that is Needful rather than Desired. And isn't that a kettle of fish?
"Further, there are hints of the power affecting the user over time. Strangeness may cling to the user, or changes, or even disabilities. The Eye was wielded by Moins, and an oral legend says it showed her the place to found Rebma. However, the more popular versions of the founding of Rebma do not mention the Eye at all. Do you see anything in all that you would dispute or support?"
"Quite a bit of both as it happens." Conner nods. "To start with I have had my scrying detected twice to my knowledge. Once Valeria trapped the Eye using a circle of mirrors and I was unable to close the connection until she chose to release it. Another time, I used the Eye to look in on Paige and the twins and Bleys detected the scrying and then disrupted it. So it is clear that those of skill and those prepared can interfere with the workings of the Eye. Of course, we also have the example of Dara and Chantico detecting your scrying attempt and not mine. I think it is safe to say that sensing the use of the Eye may be harder but clearly not impossible.
"As for the powers of the Eye, I have never attempted to command it by voice." Conner admits. "I have transmitted my voice to the location of the scrying. As such, I do not see why I could not use it as a conduit for other sorcery such as lightning or mental magics. I have also tried to use the Eye as a focus for temporal scrying and the images generated were not those expected. I do not recall seeing false images during a simple scrying attempt however. Of course, how would I ever know for sure."
Conner raises his arms above his head and stretches. "Now, let us add some empirical evidence. According to Brennan's Astral sight, which he shared with me on the battlefield so I have seen this as well, the Eye is Real and it appears to be a frozen affine of Chaos. It is in essence a portable Parting of the Veil but for sight only." Conner pauses to allow Celina to comment.
"Parting of the Veil for Sight, Ordered Mirror, Dreams, and probably Sorcery," Celina offers the slight correction. "Brennan's input is interesting, but as I don't know Astral Sight, I cannot ask how he knew it was a Affine of Chaos in stasis. However, that might tie back to the notion I had that the Eye was present at the creation of Rebma. If the Dame Nedra sent warrior affines, or a spy, to find out what Moins was doing, and it became trapped in the creation of Pattern, then we'd have something like what Brennan saw." She looks at Conner. "Our Loreena put much research into these tales of the Eye before her access to the Archive ended. And I still don't know more about where she is."
"Her interest in the Eye is curious." Conner agrees. "I seem to recall being told that Moire sent her to search for it. Apparently it has been hidden either in plain sight or practically her nose all this time. Aunt Llewella gave it to me during my time as First Secretary. When I asked her recently where she got it, she said that hung on the wall in her mother's rooms. I find myself curious when she found it there and took it." Conner waves away that idle thought. "Here is another interesting observation. If you view the Eye when it is in use, you will see a tendril of energy coming from the Eye going off in a direction that has nothing to do with the source of what you are scrying. Merlin attempted to track that back to its source but I wasn't able to keep the device for long enough. I blacked out in fact. Merlin's hypothesis was that the Eye was linked to another artifact."
"Moire spent considerable time on Pattern related things, and at a guess, many of her agents died due to that. Moire does not fully inform her disciples. Loreena would have known to be cautious and gather what information she could." Celina offers her opinions without shades of emotion clogging her appraisal. "The bit about hanging on the wall in Moins room is rather exciting. And tells us that Moire has missed many important clues about Pattern events."
She turns her gaze on Conner, excitement simmers in her tonal shift, "So.... what if that artifact linkage is to the other item that was likely present at the creation of Pattern? Could we get a glimpse of the Sapphire's location from the Eye?"
"I don't know." Conner replies simply. "I have scryed for people and for places but never for an item no matter how Real." Conner replies. "Accuracy of the scrying is also dependent on a clear mental image of the object of the scrying. I am also leery of using the Eye in the vicinity of Moire. Still, it may be worth the attempt." Conner reaches into an inner pocket of his vest and pulls out the Eye. He passes it to Celina glass side down. "Before that though, why don't you give me your assessment of this from a mirror user's perspective."
Celina starts to say something as Conner slips the mirror towards her, but his words stop her. She nods once.
Celina does not take the mirror immediately. Conner sees her staring at it first. She senses for the Llaya coiled within. Then she passes her hand about the Eye still in his grip, defining the Eye or tracing its edges within inches of the actual item. Her movements are extremely slow and very even, not ritualistic, but almost a caress.
It has, she can sense, the kind of Realness that a person or a real object has.
She takes it then, sliding it across the top of her bare thigh, face down. She examines it for its Mirror geometry, seeking any flaws, and all its edges without engaging the surface of it. Legend notes that mirrors may be tricked out with a minor surface compliment connected to the major obvious surface. She checks for this deception.
It is smooth like the facet of an expertly-cut gemstone. Celina does not think the hand of a craftsperson ever touched this face.
Nothing surprising to this point, Celina leans down and kisses the back of the Eye. She tests if there is some sentient reaction to her touch. Is it cool like a Trump?
It isn't cool like a trump, nor is it sentient. She is convinced that there is more to the mirror than she can see and hold, but she doesn't know why she thinks that.
Finally, she moves the mirror into a user position, but turned away from Conner, to guard him. She examines the lines and power of the Eye from an acute angle with her mirror skill. Attacks from Mirrors usually must respect the geometry at right angle to the surface. She does not believe the Eye is hostile, but she must be cautious.
She does not try to scry.
Celina’s first observation is that the mirror has a bluish tinge to it. It’s subtle, and very hard to notice in the water, but as a skilled mirror user, she sees that she is not seeing a perfect image. The second is the sorcerous connection to the Mirror is exactly that. Her ordered mirror magic conflicts directly with the sorcerous power of the mirror and each is lessened.
Celina thinks that using it as a practitioner of the reflecting arts would be counterproductive. It would be worse to fight this than to use any other glass for mirror magic, and the results would be poorer.
Conner will notice intrigue slowly replacing caution in Celina's features.
"This is not what I expected from your descriptions," Celina begins. "Brennan may be right that this was once alive, but the mind it may have had is asleep or locked down." She turns it flat again and passes it back to Conner.
Conner accepts the Eye and returns it to its carrying case.
"It is a device of Sorcery, not mirror. It seems to be formed from a pure ideal. I cannot say that it was ever crafted by hand. The shape is too perfect---particularly the back side. It might be interesting to do some precision measurements to see if there is any asymmetry to it. There is also some sort of expanded dimension to it, as if the Eye here is part of a great Beast elsewhere. The connection might lead to the affine? This could explain the mathematical rear surface, as we see something that only exists as a magical connection."
Celina looks at Conner, "In point of fact, the Eye is not a good medium for mirror work. The chaos within it is strong enough to nullify much of what I might try. I withdraw the suggestion that this could be connected to the Sapphire. You understand?"
"Curious, isn't it?" Conner nods. "The greatest mirror of Rebman legend has nothing to do with mirrors as you know it. Celina, who is considered the founder of Mirror work? Is it attributed to Moins or another?"
"I have been curious regards the same," Celina answers promptly, "and it seems to trace back through Llewella and Moire to Moins and those she taught. Also note that mirror craft can be enhanced and abetted by those who do not understand the work, as we saw with the Paris mirror Moire instructed be built. Mirror compliments Pattern."
"Intriguing isn't it?" Conner muses. "The Eye and the tradition of trial by magic indicate a Chaosian even sorcerous tradition in the founding of Rebma yet out of it comes a new Ordered power unknown elsewhere." Conner grins. "So knowing what you now know about the Eye, how would you go about protecting yourself from it with Mirror work?"
Celina weaves the water a bit with her fingers. Her hands describe a dance in three dimensions. "I'm not sure I'd do it that way. Sorcery would be likely more efficient. However, you have reasons for asking, so.... I think I would be most wary of the undetectable aspect of the Eye's sorcery. So I would build a mirror beacon where the geometries worked against concentration, draining the will of the scrying person. Usually this would not be portable, because you'd craft the geometry to provide a safe zone for your own mirror work in a room, while anyone trying to observe the room would have to deal with the harsh beacon."
Celina looks at Conner. "Basically, I'm describing a 'murk the water' scenario. Mirror would not directly try to oppose the stealthy observation, but the observation might be ....painful. Then you could conduct business with some surety."
"Valeria once used a circle of mirrors to trap the Eye." Conner replies. "I was unable to to break the connection until she let it be broken. As we now know that mirror and sorcery do not mix, I find myself curious if this was a Ordered trap against my Chaosian mirror, or if the mirrors were merely props for a sorcerous trap. I will admit that while I asked about how a mirror worker would guard against the Eye, I am really more interested in how I would undo their precautions."
"Ah, Conner, if only we had time to make a roster of test cases. We could further the art of scrying quite a lot." Celina laces her hands and sets her chin balanced upon them. "With the Eye, I think you would have trouble with Mirror precautions. The device itself does not have the concepts and you do not yet have the mirror geometries. My practical advice would be scry locations with the Eye, get into position to look at the people you wish to observe. This may put you outside of protective geometries. You were stuck because you went right to the defended place. If you knew Valeria was in a certain area or building, it seems the Eye might be able to walk you close enough to view things without centering on the defended target."
Celina shrugs. "Use the flexibility of sorcery in the moment. Mirror requires advanced fortification." She looks to see if that advice is more helpful.
Conner nods. "Improvising is what we do best." Conner sighs out a spray of bubbles. "So then to the future. Do you think it wise for me to trek into Nedra once more in search of the other end of Brennan's tale?"
Celina thinks on that quite a while, then offers, "Well, as your cousin, I'd advise a follow up on the twin Heirophants and make sure they are dealing with their internal business. If we could heal the rift even a little, it would centralize authority and put another obstacle in for anyone trying that attack route. Diplomacy is more your forte than mine."
Conner nods. "I can but try. This hunt for the agents of the Dark Mother does require our attention."
Celina looks at him. "And as queen, you are too valuable to me to put you right into the gap in our defense. Rather let us mirror the problem: how would we make the use of Nedra a trap where we could tear the attackers to bits? Assume they are sending a force that way, provide for long distance oversight of it, build some hidden deterrents that would make the cost too high. For it seems to me a battle in the area of the Dame of Tritons might suddenly remind her of why Rebma agreed to a truce. I'd rather the battle was started by someone else."
"That actually gets at the heart of why another journey may be necessary. Nedra is a big black box with very little detail. I can't plan traps, countermeasures or observation without knowing the lay of the land. That means either exploratory missions on our end, or depending on enlightened self-interest on the part of the Tritons and the Dragon to guard our flank." Conner runs a hand through his hair. "The best we could do on our end would be constant observation of the kelp forest to monitor what enters and exits."
Conner pauses for a moment. "Based on the Heirophant of Nedra's description, traveling deeper into the kelp forest takes you into zones more and more Chaotic until you meet the Dragon herself at the heart of things. Inferring from Brennan's intelligence would indicate that the same would be true passing out of Nedra on the other side until you were elsewhere. If traveling through Nedra requires traveling through the Dragon's domain, that might be enough deterrent right here. But if it can be skirted or if the Dragon could be enticed into a bargain?" Conner shrugs. "I think is says much that whether it was Moire or Dara that raised this force it got sent at Benedict and not at us. It could mean it was a path of least resistance as much as a higher priority target."
Celina shifts to face Conner. "Yes. Nedra is a mystery. Let us examine and understand what it can teach us. However, most of what you have said is that Nedra belongs to the Dragon more than us. I agree that it is a deterrent, perhaps a large one."
"To be willing to face Benedict, instead of a young queen of Rebma, by sneaking through the Kelp? Well, that seems good for us. We are thinking alike in this. As long as we control the route from Nedra to Rebma, and understand how to make it a painful route to hurt us, I think that is good enough. However, I like the idea of a monitor that is refreshed so it is not a thankless task. We could also speak to our Tritons about patrols. For certainly, I'd like to know more about the Dark Mother cult. It would seem that if the cult was going to attack us in force, it would also come from Nedra.
"We could discuss recommendations from you for a special troop, or entitlement, to keep quality people involved in the monitoring tasks."
"If the deserted outpost we found is any indication, whoever was formerly posted there took the posting as a punishment or a waste of time to be taken seriously." Conner nods. "My main concern about using Tritons is the whole worry about a fraction of them being subverted by this Dark Mother cult." Conner frowns slightly. "I need to speak with Teukros. He was there when Khela summoned these Tritons to her banner. I think we need to know more about that."
Celina nods, "That's good. I'd like to be part of that conversation. I know many of the city Tritons but I haven't spent the time with the Tritons who rallied to Khela, or served her since her childhood. That's wrong. I feel I should speak to as many of them as possible, even if it is just to have them know my voice and understand my care for the old oath. Where the honor of the paxblade is concerned, you are First Speaker. So tell me if you'd rather do this without me."
"They are bound by oath to sword and scepter. Let's talk with him together." Conner replies and goes to find a swimmer to send out a request for Teukros to attend them.
Teukros arrives, and swims into the presence of Celina and Conner.
He is still not very talkative, but perhaps moreso than many tritons. "Your Majesty. General."
Celina nods, "Well met, Teukros." She smiles and lets Conner take the lead.
"Thank you for coming Teukros." Conner nods. "We need some information about the Sons of the Dragon from the Kelplands that rallied to Queen Khela's call. What can you tell me about how and where you met them?"
Even for a Triton he seems stoic. "They moved freely in and out of the city, because no one noticed the difference between any of us. I met them in the Temple, when I was a mere porwigle."
Celina nods, noting to herself that a recitation of the life cycle of a Triton would be a good thing to memorize. "Were these Tritons carrying news from the Kelp, or acting as messengers? Or was it just common for the Kelp Tritons to mingle because they would not be noticed?"
"I do not know, Majesty. I was young." He seems inclined to leave it at then, but then adds. "It has never been common."
Celina gives Conner a look that clearly says 'not common = good'.
"So how did Khela meet these Sons of the Dragon?" Conner asks.
"I passed her request to the temple and they arranged it." He seems to be really making an effort to remember to speak. "It was suggested by me when she had recovered the token."
Conner furrows his brow. "Did she or you ever visit the Kelp Beds of Nedra?" Conner asks.
He makes the slow undulating movement that is the nearest a 17 foot long fish-man has to a nod. "I have. Not on her behalf, directly. I was invited. To witness of my life with her."
Conner perks up a bit at that. "Who invited you?" Conner asks.
Celina watches and learns the body language and social adaptation of the Triton. She enfolds calm and is attentive to nuance. She keys her sense of connections to the give and take between Conner and Teukros.
Teukros once again turns his neck. "I do not know. The request was relayed through the Temple. I testified to an audience of priests. A single monk was my interlocutor. No others spoke, nor did that seem unusual. We are not talkative even amongst ourselves."
Celina nods once and holds her questions. Conner certainly will see the temple normally has had a good communication system in place. What has changed to upset the Nedra Heirophant, could it be Huon's attack prompted additional changes in Nedra?
"What was your testimony to the priests?" Conner asks. There was no place for fancy rhetoric here after all.
Teukros takes a moment to gather his thoughts. "I answered the monk's questions. I told him of Khela and the Lady of the Neapward Banks. I told him of Cassia and Livinia, who were pushed from the stair for daring to favor our liberty. I told him of Martin and Jerod. I told him that Khela had the paxblade, and could be persuaded to break with the past.
"As the Hierophant instructed me, I told him that the temple would support a reconciliation."
Conner nods at that. "What message were you given to return with?" He asks.
Celina leans forward just a bit. This is more interesting than she expected.
"I was told that the Dragon did not disapprove," Teukros replies. "but that each son must chose as he felt the Mother wished him to choose."
He pauses, and adds. "The temple, of course, followed the Mother-Dragon's will."
Conner says nothing for a long moment and then asks, "What do you know of the Cult of the Dark Mother?"
Teukros slashes the tip of his tail, but soon calms it. "It was a perversion, and does not reflect the true will of the Dragon or her sons." He pauses, as is his wont. "Some say it comes from above the waves. None who belong to it are ever taken alive."
Celina eyes Conner with a Significant (tm) Look.
"Teukros, when I visited the Kelp Forest of Nedra, I was granted an audience with the Hierophant. I told him my tale of having a Triton ask for me at Khela's camp before our raid on Rebma to convince your brothers to join us. The Hierophant said that it was a false prophecy and that the Cult of the Dark Mother must be active among the Sons here in Rebma. Have you or others seen any sign of this?"
Teukros seems surprised by this. “I would have guessed it was from the darkest interior kelp-forest, General. Dark Tritions thrive in the Dark, not the light. But if The Hierophant said those things, they must be so. The city, so close to the surface and the light, is not the Dark One’s place."
"Agreed, Teukros, and we must work to keep it so." Conner nods. "I do not want to think that any that came from Nedra to aid us might be working against us in secret but we must allow for the possibility. I ask you to be our eyes and ears among your fellows. Talk about this with those you trust. If the Cult is here, we must find them and tell Rebma's Hierophant so that they can be dealt with."
Celina nods once. "Thank you for your honor of the Oath, Teukros." Celina looks to Conner to see if he needs more from the Triton.
Teukros bows.
Conner allows Teukros to leave. "It is a shame Tritons are too large for spying. I can't imagine interrogating one that didn't want to talk." He comments wryly. "As interesting as all of that was, I don't think it got us anywhere is deciding what to do next."
"It gave me two things I did not have before the interview," Celina relaxes and laces her hands. "It gave me further appreciation for how deftly you communicate with Otherkin, and it put in my mind that we are seeing the edges of a plot within the balance between Order and Chaos." Celina goes on, "Who benefits if the ages old oaths between Rebma and the Mother of Tritons are weakened? Benefits if the Sapphire Throne is overturned by battle and rage against the honor and service of the Tritons? Set aside Gateway or other powerful factions that do not hope to have a long enough view of Order and Chaos. Would the transport of Dark Tritons, say out of shadow, be possible for Gateway? Only, I think, with the utmost incentives from a larger player."
Celina suggests an answer, "It would be one of the Hundred Families inside Rebma itself---unlikely--- or it would be Family hoping to walk more easily into a shattered Rebma filled with strife. Except Family as we know is desperate for holding things together after war. And with a different Queen on the throne, the Hundred would be fairly exposed if they continued to use distasteful pawns like Dark Tritons. But who would not be exposed? And who would not be known to be Family? And who might find shadow paths to allow heretics to gather arms, or misuse doctrine, and yet not tip off the Nedra Temple or the Rebma Temple to the slow poison in the waters of the Dragon Oath? Family. Not the Family we know, but the Family we have yet to acknowledge or define. The Sons of Klybese, who must have something to do with our blood." Celina nods at Conner allowing him to stretch and investigate her conjecture as he wishes.
Conner mulls this over for a moment. "It is too tempting to take two unknowns and make one the cause of the other." Conner opines. "Though it would not surprise me if Family was at the root cause of all this. Besides, if we take the story told to Brennan somewhat at face value then we have the known quantities of Moire and Dara somehow involved is this hazy area of dreams and waves. Still, there must be shadow paths in Nedra that need finding. While I was a guest of the Dey of Longtides in the Land of Peace, I was told a tale of a marid that traded with the Tritons and what I only now realized is the most intriguing part of the story is that the Trtion sought out the marid. That implies shadow travel or a ubiquity of water spirits heretofore unknown."
Celina nods slowly. "Yes access and travel is key. I agree. Well, you are right about the temptation of unity. Family fills my thoughts these nights. Perhaps the Marid know something of the paths of the Dark Tritons?"
"I would have to travel to the Land of Peace to find out." Conner replies. "More to point though, the Marid's sound much like the monks in terms of trading information. Were I to seek answers from them, it would likely get back to them somehow. This is why I keep coming back to Nedra and seeking paths in Shadow as Brennan did."
Celina looks at Conner for a moment. She sighs. "Conner, I shall agree. But Brita is gone now and, as with Brennan, there is no Trump I can give you. However, you have the Eye. Tell me what campaign you would plan to undertake."
"As much as I suspect that travel to Nedra will be necessary eventually, I am loathe to return without something to offer the Hierophant there as a pressing reason." Conner says at last. "So I suggest a visit to the Land of Peace with a visit to the Marids. Thalia knew to find them for information. One of their number found the Tritons and another traveled with one of Bleys's agents. I keep coming back to the notion that the Land of Peace is connected to Shadow through more than Bleys's association with the place. I think that bears investigating. But I will need to bring information to trade or power to bargain with. Something tempting that won't weaken our position. That is the tricky bit. The last time I traded a rough family tree to them for information. Fortunately, my own knowledge was incomplete at the time. Several family member were omitted. I think they should remain so."
"So what if you told them more specific packages of information that may even benefit us?" Celina counts on fingertips, "There is Moire's abandonment of the throne. Offers of alliance might come if knowledge of an old queen fled the throne were known? There is your alliance with a Pattern Sword. You don't need to tell them her name."
"Well with her on my hip, I can hardly hide the last one." Conner smiles. "My worry is leaving behind a perception of weakness. Will the tale of Moire's abandonment prompt others to target the fledgling Queen? Still, I cannot predict the unforeseen. Circular logic will only make me dizzy."
"Then tell me what you know of the Land of Peace's hierarchy and legends of leaders," Celina responds. "For I think if you couch the legend of Khela's reinforcement of the abandoned city, speak of Llewella's defense, your own perspective of battle, and then neatly avoid the Pattern Room Crisis, or Pattern's judgement of Khela while explaining that the new Queen perished from her wounds gained while taking on the mantle, and having been so wise and humble to have prepared a successor.... they will but love your version of events."
"I can spin a good yarn." Conner nods. "More to the point though, what do you want me to keep secret? The loss of the Jewel, for example?" He offers.
"Yes, you must be truthful, but omit things," Celina agrees and lists what she considers Conner has already in mind, "The Jewel, the Pattern, Khela's death circumstances, the blood golem attack Huon arranged, and basically stories that lead to stories of the Pattern and its secrets.
"In this manner, you make Art, Conner," Celina smiles a bit strangely, looking younger. "There is no one that would do this better."
"Well it is called the art of diplomacy after all." Conner chuckles. "Thank you for the compliment. It does help in those moments when I wonder if I doing the right thing."
Celina gives Conner her formal blessing, a kiss on the third eye, and send him off on his quest.
Few would pay the woman heed, dressed in plain clothing weaving her way through the markets - a merchant, undoubtedly. Maybe a messenger or noble's servant. Someone with purpose and haste in their step. One of a hundred faces noticed and immediately forgotten.
It's a guise Silhouette has worn many times before in Shadow, one she is comfortable with.
Nor does she travel unprepared, having spoken with Lamell, confirming the possible dangerous of this venture. One person already missing for asking the right questions in the wrong way. The stilettos at her hip were an obvious deterrent, yet certainly expected of someone carrying coin or valuables on their person.
But it was the Unseen that comfort her the most. The spring-blade nestling against her wrist, cool metal on flesh. Her dark corset that appeared knit from normal fabric, yet tempered by magic to resist any 'misfortunes.' The collection of tools - mundane and arcane - concealed in the weave of her cloak, in case she encountered non-human obstacles.
Her only regret is leaving her new 'pets' behind. They could have been most... useful. But, as Celina stated, her Purpose was not Blood. At least, not yet.
She crosses the street toward a large building - where a gathering of men in servant's uniforms milled around in front of an open gate. Ignoring them, as they ignored her, she strides through the gate and into the garage beyond. Several covered sedans and larger litters rest there, waiting to be used.
Silhouette enters the building through the side entrance, searching out the largest office. Again, her confidence marks her as someone who belongs there, even if her face is unfamiliar. When she finds the manager's office, she slips inside and closes the door behind her.
The manager is a lanky, tall woman, cursed with a mannish face. She glances up from her desk, mouth working soundlessly.
"Greetings," Silhouette says, sitting down across from her. "I believe you might assist me in a question I have. And I am certain that said assistance will benefit you as well. Illumination will cost you nothing. Ignorance will cost you much. Please nod, if you understand."
The woman nods, still scowling. "I am jealous of my reputation for discretion, ma'am. A good reputation is worth far more than a single profitable transaction, and a far-seeing woman might reject what others would leap upon." She pauses, and looks down at her desk.
"You may ask, but assume that if it is about my clientele, I value them more than you."
"Answer truthfully, and you shall have more clientele than you know what to do with," Silhouette says softly.
She steeples her fingers, silently summoning her heightened perceptions - studying the woman's pulse and visual accessing cues for falsehoods. "Recently, Lady Lorenna left Rebma in quite a hurry. Someone arranged her transport. Who contacted you? And what was the final destination of that transport?"
The woman laughs harshly and looks at Silhouette more closely. “Is this an official inquiry from the palace then? Speak more plainly and I will give you what little help I can offer.”
Silhouette cocks her head, "It is an 'unofficial' inquiry, as it allows me far more... latitude during the investigation." She leans forward, resisting the growing urge to open the smug woman's throat and let the light in. Barely.
Instead, she smiles softly. "Lady Lorenna fled from her estate. I wish to know how it was arranged and by whom. And to where she was taken, be it inside or outside the city. I doubt such an arrangement would be easily forgotten."
The woman nods. "Almost certainly not. It was arranged by her sénéchal, and my lads only dropped it off. It's normal for someone renting a carriage for an extended trip to use their own staff. I don't really have boys to spare. This business needs carriages, but it succeeds or fails on having good porters. You can ask my lads, but it's unlikely they know anything."
She pauses, and her lower lip slowly slides out as she thinks.
"You'd be best to ask why it was allowed out the gate at all, if the Palace did not wish that to happen."
Silhouette relaxes slightly. "Indeed. Has the carriage been returned, by chance." It's doubtful, but she'd be remiss in not asking.
She doesn't quite shake her head. "It has not. Should I send word to the palace when it is returned?"
The woman smiles, thinking Silhouette may be about to leave.
"No. On the unlikely chance it does, send one of your trusted men to me directly," Silhouette says, providing the woman with her shop's address. "And, if you hear anything else that might be of interest, there is coin in it - monetary and political."
She rises from her chair, "I will direct my clientele your way, in compensation for your generous nature today." She places a tidy sum of coin before her. "We shall speak again, I'm sure."
"Thank you, Lady," the woman replies. "We are loyal servants of the crown." It's unclear who the 'we' is. Perhaps she has a daughter.
When Ossian is done with the war council, he goes back to his rom, washes his face, and then pulls out the Silhouette sketch. He looks at it for a few seconds, smiling, before attempting the contact.
"It's Ossian."
Dressed in a dark corset and cloak, Silhouette appears to him - a shadowed alley way behind her. Beyond the liquid gloom, a rather unsavory section of Rebma.
She pulls back the hood enough to reveal her exotic features. "How may I serve you, Ossian."
Ossian smiles "By spying on the Klybesians, I guess. How long will you be in Rebma?"
"Until you require me, cousin," she replies with a sly smile. "I can come to you whenever you wish it. My current mission is secondary to the Klybesian threat."
Ossian looks genuinely moved by this. "We might want to talk to Tomat, the monk, before leaving. Otherwise I'm set, I think."
Silhouette nods lightly, "He accompanied Cousin Signy when she arrived here. I believe she left him in the Queen's care when she departed. Do you wish to join me, so we might approach Celina together?"
Ossian smiles. "I will dress for getting wet, then. Back in a minute."
When Ossian calls again he is dressed after slightly outdated Rebman fashion, bare-chested. Sil might note that he is not very muscular for an Amberite.
When he steps through he says "I will try not to tear the fabric of the multiverse this time."
Silhouette's fingers linger in his hand, a wry smirk on her hooded face. "Why stop now, my dear? Creation could use a good tearing, I think."
Ossian grins, lighty stroking Silhouettes fingers with his thumb.
She stares at him for a moment, "I found your absence... unpleasant."
"I will take that as a compliment. I think we will enjoy this.
"What time is it here?"
"Midday," she says. "The Queen should still be available."
She pulls back her hood, dispelling the illusion of her being a lowly merchant. "And forgive the garb and armament. I'm hunting. But my quarry can wait, for now."
Extending her arm, "Do you know the city, or shall I lead?"
"I have been here, but I don't know it well, so please" he says as he takes her arm.
"Would it be rude to ask what you are hunting?"
"The most dangerous prey," she says plainly. "Family."
She turns them away from the darkened coral passages and back into the streets filled with people and bio-luminescence. "One of our cousins slipped away during Rebma's Interregnum. She like has information vital to the Queen. Though, I suspect she is beyond our reach now, if not already consumed."
Silhouette smiles, "How was your trip?"
Ossian grins again "It was grand. I got to see Jerod smash a monastery with his powers. He really is much more of an artist than he would confess to." he frowns "The added grief of Reid's death does give it sophistication.
"Although I would have liked to catch more monks."
"You need to use better bait next time," Silhouette says plainly. They walk for a moment before the hint of a smirk curls the corners of her lips.
"Jerod and I do not see eye-to-eye, but I respect his skills. And that is enough."
She brushes her fingers over Ossian's hand, smiling nervously. "I promised your father that I would protect you. I doubt he believes I can do so, but it is a promise I shall keep."
Ossian frowns for a second. "That's ... thoughtful of him. Maybe I should be grateful that he cares. I am grateful that he asked you, though.
"We should probably identify our strengths and weaknesses, so we know what will be dangerous to us.
"Have you any weapon against sorcery?"
Silhouette considers this as they turn onto the main road toward the palace. "I am a Preceptor, Ossian, and thus skilled in forms of sorcery. I know defensive arcane arts, as well as offensive. However, I prefer to counter sorcery through technology. Better to kill a witch at a distance."
"Good that we have several options." Ossian nods. "The reason I ask is that the monks had at least one fairly competent sorceror. I was able to slow him down, using Pattern, but not satisfactory.
"Of course, Trumps are my forte, but they are hard to use in a fight."
"Ah, but they allow for easier movement. And freedom of movement is key to military success," Silhouette says.
"How, may I ask, did you utilize your Pattern talents against him?"
"I changed reality to make it less susceptible to sorcery." Ossian grins. "We actually have to control that I do not crash your technology if I use Pattern."
He frowns. "Do you have any items you could show me?"
Silhouette nods, "Of course. We can go to my shop, if you like. I have several items there, including some improved rifles. Although, I would prefer that remain between you and I."
Ossian's eyes shine. "But of course."
She alters their course, heading toward the upper markets. "Can Pattern be used to strengthen certain facets of Reality? Ever since I walked the Pattern, I've wondered if I could incorporate its influence into my designs."
Ossian smiles. "It can, but it might also make the design more susceptible to changes in Reality.
"There are ways to really incorporate the Pattern in things, I guess, as with the Pattern blades. But the cost of that is very high.
"Did you have anything specific in mind?"
"My various Mechanika," Silhouette says. "At the moment, they're limited in scope and range. If they were imbued with higher functions - reasoning, thought - as well as the ability to traverse Shadow without tedious paradigm adjustments, well... the possibilities are absolutely delicious."
Ossian frowns. "That sounds well beyond my capabilities, at least. But I imagine there are parts that can be manufactured only in special environments."
They turn a corner into a peaceful square, featuring expensive shops and restaurants. She leads them toward one with a green door and a large glass window. Just beyond the window, dresses of exquisite design are displayed - scintillating spectacles that are more flesh than fabric. There's an airlock beyond the green door, allowing them to return to the world of Air; The shop itself is a wide, open space populated with further wonders. "My shop," she explains.
Silhouette leads them to the desert-warm second floor, "And this is my home. Please makes yourself comfortable. I have a man's robe, if you'd prefer to remove your wet clothing."
"I'd love to." Ossian says. "How are your machines powered? I think that is the most critical part."
Silhouette briefly leaves the room, returning with a long robe. "Here you are," she says, smiling. She's changed into a flowing gown of gold and green - her hair tied back to dry.
"The heart, if you will, of my Mechanika are their accumulators. A chamber that produces either a thermodynamic or electrochemical effect to power the creature's clockwork innards," Silhouette explains, walking over to her workbench. Sitting there is a bronze aquatic creature out of some primordial nightmare - all teeth and violence. Its glass eyes flick toward her, as if weighing whether she is predator or prey.
"For Rebma, I've had to create a methane-powered accumulator. The creature utilizes the gasses from rotting matter to power itself, as well as provide buoyancy. Far too many kinks to work out yet."
Ossian takes the robe, goes behind a chair with a solid back, turns his back to Silhouette and undresses. Then he puts on the robe.
He turns around again, smiling "Ah. I imagine the accumulators are the critical part when shadow shifting. Unless protected by some kind of strange sorcery, they could easily stop working. It is so easy to slip into a Shadow where chemistry works differently.
"I know from mixing paint."
"There are arcane aspects to them," Silhouette says. "Although, with my new perceptions, I may be able to attune them correctly to compensate for more subtle Shadow-shifts. However, this is not always intuitive. I've noticed there are hidden rules in some Shadows. Rebma for example. Forms of combustion that should work, do not. My rifles operate perfectly, yet high explosives seem... suppressed. Vexing, to say the least."
She goes to the kitchen to make them some tea. "Might that be the influence of the Family?"
Ossian laughs. "Of the little I have heard from the kings, they seem to design their kingdoms exactly so that rifles do not work."
Ossian examines the machines some more. He obviously is good with his hands, but not very experienced with mechanics. After a while he is satisfied. "Now I at least have an idea what not to do when shadow shifting."
The Machine clicks and whirs softly as it is examined. In truth, it does not appear as if it should move at all - let alone be tracking him with its unsettling eyes.
Silhouette returns with two cups of green tea - offering one to Ossian. "If required, I can develop weapons to fit most paradigms. From Antiquity to modern day arms. I expect we'll be requiring both personal and siege level weaponry?"
Ossian gladly accepts a cup of tea. He seems more interested in how the light is reflected in the tea surface than the taste of the tea. "Personal weapons for sure. But you never know. It's probably wise to have heavy weapons available also.
"First we investigate that hospital, and look for Dr. Chew."
"I'll craft a body pistol for you. Best for close quarters and concealment," Silhouette says, studying him. The edges of her forest-shadow eyes crinkle, a hint of anxiety.
"Will you be staying at the castle?" she asks, another question behind the words.
Ossian looks at her with a slightly sly smile. "If I got an invitation to stay somewhere else, I might take it."
Silhouette smiles, relieved. "Well then, please consider yourself invited to remain with me. I promise I do not snore."
Ossian smiles back. "I'll be delighted to."
Silhouette touches his hand, returning the smile. "Then it is settled. Consider this your home." Her hand lingers for a moment, then drifts away.
"Please feel free to utilize my spare draft table, as well as the art supplies, should you require them."
She walks over to the kitchen area, calling back. "When would you like to travel to the castle, if at all? I can simply send a messenger to Celina."
Ossian laughs. "We should talk with that monk, and I bet Celina would be disappointed if I didn't at least say 'Hi' when I am here. So really, whenever fits you."
Ossian looks at the art supplies, humming to himself "I never gave you a Trump of me, did I?"
Silhouette smiles softly, nodding. "You provided me a sketch. I still have it. Cherish it. I did not wish to expend its power lightly."
She goes to her work bench, picking up a wax-tablet. She quickly jots down several lines of text. "I'll have my assistant take this to the castle. I'll return briefly."
She exits the room, returning some moments later empty-handed.
"You have an assistant? I never bothered. It's hard to find anyone who can mix the right colors."
He smiles "I'll make a full Trump for you whenever there is enough time. I have been doing sketches for a long time now."
How is the lighting in the room?
The lighting is bright and warm, undoubtedly to allow for Silhouette's finer work.
Silhouette will notice how Ossian unpacks his Trumps and holds some of them in different angles, as if to see how the colors are changed by the light.
She shrugs lightly, "She provides me an air of sophistication, apparently. She's dutiful, pleasant, and keeps her tongue. But, in truth, I could tie my messages to a surly cod and expect the same result."
Drifting over to the kitchen, she begins rummaging around, collecting ingredients for a light supper. "I expect we'll be called to the castle at breakfast. So, I suggest we retire not long after dinner."
"That sounds good to me. I left Paris late." Ossian unpacks the Trump sketch of the control room in Greenwood. Does it look intact?
"I do have a probably unsafe Trump entry possibility for Greenwood. I wonder if we should use it, or use it for surprises."
Silhouette looks up from her chopping, "Indeed? It may come in useful when we travel. They are undoubtedly expecting us to do...something. Taking them by surprise would be to our advantage."
She cocks her head, "Can you make Trumps of various locations? Say this room?"
Ossian smiles. "Yes, but I have to know the place well to be able to do it quickly. And I would not make one of a place in Rebma without asking the queen first. It could be used to transport an army."
From Silhouette's expression, Ossian may as well have just recited the greatest love poem in Creation. She stares at him for a moment, eyes sparkling like polished gems. "You can transport an entire army via Trump? To a location you've attuned yourself to? My, my that is a delicious concept."
She returns to cooking, "If the entrance to Greenwood is dangerous, perhaps we should hire - or commandeer - some troops? A small unit with specialized skills. Unless you believe we should keep this incursion as small as possible."
"We would have to train them of course. On how to be transported via Trump. " Ossian says "I was not thinking of invading Greenwood, but it is a possibility. But I'd rather catch Chew than frighten him away with an army."
"True," Silhouette says. "Yet, even if we do not utilize them against Greenwood, it might be appropriate to have a strike team trained in Trump movement. This operation will require a scalpel, as much as an army."
"A strike team sounds good. Too bad Jovian is gone. You would have liked him. Do you have any source of recruits? There are plenty in Shadow."
Silhouette nods, "The Broken Swords are an excellent unit. I've employed them on several times to fulfill the Grand Design. Finding them, however, may prove difficult. Their home Shadow moves."
She continues her food preparation, dipping her finger into the boiling sauce. It should scald her - badly - but, instead, she remains unharmed... tasting it and nodding in satisfaction. "Does one use their control of the Pattern to find loyal troops? Or is it easier to seek out Shadows with suitable wealth, in exchange for services? Forgive my ignorance. I've not explored my skills yet."
"I know other people have found troops. Corwin and Bleys for instance. I would bet their Pattern skills are better than ours," Ossian adds. "I think finding wealth is easier, but loyal troops are of course better."
"True enough," she replies. "If we could find some religious zealots, it would make life easier for us. They serve for the pleasure of serving."
She collects their plates and crosses the room, "Dinner is ready... I didn't know if you react well to spice, so kept it mild."
"Let's see what we can get in Shadow then" Ossian says. "I do eat spicy food, but I suspect we are not working on the same scale here." he adds, grinning.
What is served?
The dish is a white fish with bell peppers and tomato served over braised seaweed. There were two bowls of rice, as well. Despite her claims, it smells aromatic and has some real fire.
Silhouette sits down and serves him some iced tea. "When I was in the slave quarters, some nights they'd feed us this collection of fermented vegetables. Cabbage, cucumbers, scallions, and such with peppers and ginger. Most of the children couldn't eat more than a few bites, so I'd eat their portions." She smirks, "The juice was an excellent de-greaser for cleaning dragon innards. Just never get it on bare skin."
Ossian laughs and tastes the food slowly and carefully. "This is nice, I like it," he says, with a hint of tears in his eyes.
She grins over her glass.
"I guess raising an army would take some time. Which is always precious. But getting troops might be important enough. Do we go for a small company?"
"A small company of specialists," Silhouette says. "Broken into squads for various operations. Mercenaries or conscripts. Both have their benefits."
Ossian nods. "I'll try to Pattern up some conscripts. That's a fun challenge."
Silhouette smiles softly, "Challenges are always welcome. They test who and what we are. So says the Grand Design. I am glad I may share this challenge with you."
Last modified: 17 June 2015