Foxtrot has arrived.

>> A portal opens up and out pops a fox-woman.

Hiko the Firechilde waves

Corrine says, "Trisha! ^_^"

Shizumaru says, "Yo."

Hiko the Firechilde exclaims, "Issa here!"

Hiko the Firechilde suddenly GLOMPS onto Corrine with no warning what so
ever, startling her. @.@

Corrine meeps!, jumping a bit, but then hugging her niece back after being
glomped.  "Hi!"

====================================
====================================

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Right... let's get some stuff established: Hiko
had the contaminent removed by Dr. Tofu."

Corrine says, "Right. Meanwhile, Corrine asked Dr. Tofu how long it'd take
for Hiko's body and eye to heal naturally."

Great Grand-pa says, "It will take about fifteen or so years, he thinks."

Great Grand-pa says, "Eyes heal slowly, even for those who can heal them
at all."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "And Hiko asked Mia to check her brain for
psychic backdoors."

Corrine says, "*nod* Corrine relays this information to Hiko when she
wakes, and offers an invitation for her to stay in Ember for that period
of time, where it'll pass faster than in Amber, since she shoved up the
differential so that Ember could get repaired before evening passed in
Amber that day."

Rod has connected.
>> Evil spelled backwards is live, and we all want to live, don't we?
Rod says, "'lo"
Rod says, "Phil, got yer package today"
Rod asks, "talk about late, huh?"
Corrine exclaims, "YAY!  Package Finally There!  Merry Christmas, Rod!"
Shizumaru has disconnected. >> Shizumaru bows, says, "Gomen nasai. Mou
ikimasu," and runs off.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How long in Amber time, Corrine?"

Corrine says, "Given it was early afternoon there... say before dinner in
Amber?  4 hours, max."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Oh hell, auntie... I'll do it.  How long would
we spend time in Ember?"

Corrine says, "Well, I was thinking 20 years, approximate.  Your eye will
take 15 years, and if the military and the city has been rebuilt
sufficently, we can go back immediately thereafter.  If not, 5 more years
should be sufficent to get us defensible again and at a state where we can
assist Amber and Rebma."

Corrine quirks a smile.  "Besides, this can give you some time to -really-
look through that book you snagged, and if there's anything else you want
to learn, just ask.... Pyricorn and Unicorn -knows- I need to improve my
own mind." She lets out a sigh.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'd like that."

Hiko the Firechilde sighs and hugs Corrine, thinking wistfully of the
Green Knight...  it's been so long since she last saw him.

Corrine nods, and smiles, and returns the mainfestation ring to Hiko. 
"And here... I'd like you to have this again.  Offically, this time." She
hehs a bit, and hugs Hiko, somewhat suspecting what she might be thinking.


You page, "Oh, would it be okay to let Trisha know where the Ember files
are now, since Hiko'll be there for 15-20 years?  At least the stuff that
would be public-known...." to Akemi. Akemi pages, "It's got all public and
private info jumbled together still, so it needs to stay concealed until I
finish dividing it up and make a public page." to you. You page, "Ah, okay
then. *nod* No problems." to Akemi. You page, "I can easily relate public
info if needed." to Akemi.

Hiko the Firechilde spends the next twenty years healing, learning
Fire-based magic from the mages of Ember, training more with the Heart,
reading that friggin' book, and sparring with Corrine upon occassion.,

Corrine spends the next 20 years taking courses to Improve The Mind(tm),
courtesy of Mia, Catherine, and Hiko if she so desires; learning and
expanding her Trump Skills based on what she learned and hypothesized
during the Cross-Universe adventure; points out to Hiko that there's some
mages in ember (like Mia) who know Ice Magics too; as well as the
Prophesies of the Pyricorn if she wants a diversion from the Book of Fire.

Corrine and Hiko also get fincredible tans.  (Unless Hiko sets something
up to keep from tanning so much.)

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Are the Pyricorn prophecies as strange as the
Unicorn ones?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Nope... I want the tan."

Hiko the Firechilde grins.

Rod says, "runs in the family......"

Corrine says, "Well, there's 'Origins', which tells how the kingdom came
to be.  There's 'Elements', which goes into many digressions on the 5
elements where a supplicant tries to find out which one is the most
importaint, but the wise man insists ALL are importaint... and then
there's 'Revolution', which folks generally haven't made much sense of
until -just- recently."

Corrine says, "There's 10 other chapters, all filled with your standard
Prophetic yumminess."

Hiko the Firechilde skims the Prophecies of the Pyricorn as well,
cross-referencing them with the Red Book and what she's remembered from
the Unicorn Prophecies.

There's copies of the Unicorn Prophesies in the Royal Library of Ember,
for what it's worth, in case she needs to re-reference them.

Hiko the Firechilde crossreferences, HARD, and Trumps Travis, using her
not-inconsiderable charm powers to get him working on stuff for her.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Near the beginning of the 20 years... giving
him four hours to research."

Great Grand-pa says, "OOC Since only four hours will pass in Amber during
your fifteen years, there's not that much he can do, you know :)"

Corrine OOCly says, "Fortunately, though, Ember has its own research
librarian... Dr. Schtalubaugh."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Yeah, I know.... Dr. WHO?"

Rimu-chan OOCly says, "The guy from El Hazard? o.o"

Corrine OOCly says, "Whom, Corrine, notes, is much like a former librarian
of Amber who had an unfortuitous accident with a series of bookshelves
going domino-effect in the castle library."

Corrine OOCly gives a cookie to David.

Corrine OOCly says, "Short guy, long gray beard tied at the bottom, bushy
moustache, wide eyebrows, wears red and white robes.  Also heads Ember's
Royal Academy."

Hiko the Firechilde leaves Travis with the idea of where to begin
researching, then works with the good Dr., while staying the heck away
from the stacks as they research off and on.

Corrine OOCly says, "Anyway, he's in charge of the Royal Library, 3
stories of circular bookshelfed atrium goodness on one corner of Castle
Ember.  Lots of light, and the skylight features a pyricorn framed with
roses."

Corrine OOCly says, "Don't worry, -these- stacks are bolted down. :)"

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "I hope so."

Autolyca has connected.
Autolyca exclaims, "Howdy!"
Corrine OOCly 'lo, Jeff!

Corrine OOCly says, "There's a small magical library attached to one of
the main library's wings... there's also a Royal Reading Room, with spare
decks of Corrine and Gabrielle trumps, writings from the Royal Family and
Nobles and Staff, etc.  Corrine's recently added a book detailing her
adventures across the various Realities, to go with her book on the
PreHistory of Ember, and some other stuff she's done."

====================================
====================================

Foxtrot has connected.
>> We have arrived, you may kiss my foot, now.
Foxtrot has disconnected.
>> Byeeee!  It was really fun!

Corrine OOCly says, "Sproing?"

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Dad needs the phone lines... brb in
about thirty?"

Great Grand-pa says, "OOC Waah, okay."

Foxtrot has disconnected.

>> Byeeee!  It was really fun!

Corrine OOCly says, "Works for me...."

You page, "Well, this gives you time to work on prophesies for Hiko -to-
cross-reference. :)" to Akemi.

Rod says, "lemme tell ya, it feels weird getting christmas wrapped
packages a month late....."

Rod says, "great stuff, phil, fab work"

Corrine OOCly hehs.  "At least you -got- them... and yay!  Glad you enjoy.
^_^ Trump folks in good health."

Rod says, "am I the only one who tried to resist singing KMDF's 'Doctorin'
the Tardis' when Hiko said 'Dr WHO?'"

Great Grand-pa laughs.

Corrine snrks.

Dara actually had that playing when she said it. :P

Corrine OOCly says, "Now, THERE'S something I hadn't considered for Ember.
 DArn. ;)"

Rod says, "I need to find the Homer Simpson version of that song"

Dara says, "What, Phil? :)"

Corrine OOCly says, "Either one or many variants of the Doctor popping in
and/or out of Ember... or a Cross-shadow Tardis."

Rod says, "ew."

Dara says, "Now that is an idea ... *looks at Dara's sheet* Hm."

Rod says, "i just dig the song. o.o"

Corrine OOCly says, "I suppose one -could-, if one wanted to go overboard,
draw a parallel between the Eye of Harmony and the Logrus..."

Great Grand-pa says, "OOC Travis' next-gen char will have some Whoovian
elements."

Great Grand-pa says, "OOC Among other things, having attended Panopticon
University :)"

You page, "In any case.... Merry Christmas." to Rod.

Rod pages, "gratis, P" to you.

Corrine OOCly says, "Oh Boy. :)"

Dara says, "..."

Great Grand-pa says, "OOC Some of his character's contributions are
already in the Shadow section of the Places page."

Corrine OOCly says, "Ahhhhhh -hah-.  That's what they're doing there,
then."

Shizumaru has connected.

Great Grand-pa says, "OOC He's doing a LOT of shadow writeups."

Corrine OOCly 'loagain, Droo.

Corrine OOCly needs to go and get back up to speed with his Ember Lava
Circle writeups.  Grumble.

Shizumaru OOCly says, "Oh, I reserve the Frostspire writeup for the
nextgen. :)"

Great Grand-pa exclaims, "OOC Okay!"

Great Grand-pa asks, "OOC Oh, have you thought any about your next-gen
char, Drew?"

Great Grand-pa says, "OOc I'm trying to get enough vague info so I can
make vague plans :)"

Shizumaru OOCly says, "A little. I'd like for him/her to be Shizu and
Rimu's kid. ;)"

Corrine says, "Gee.  I'm so surprised. :)"

Shizumaru OOCly biidahs.

Shizumaru OOCly says, "And I'll likely take the character from the Last
Blade cast."

Dara . o O ( Rimumaru? :) )

Corrine OOCly says, "Of course, I'm one to talk. ^_-;"

Great Grand-pa reads an In Nomine page and laughs so hard he falls out of
his chair.

Corrine OOCly says, "Hmmmm?"

Great Grand-pa says, "OOC You have to have lived in Austin to understand
the joke, unfortunately."

Corrine OOCly says, "Awww."

Great Grand-pa says, "OOC As one of the In Nomine books presents a writeup
of Austin, where I lived near for four years."

Corrine OOCly nods.

Shizumaru asks, "What happened to Trish?"

Great Grand-pa says, "OOC Her dad needed the phone line."

Shizumaru says, "D'oh."

Corrine OOCly says, "She shall be back hopefully within 30."

Shizumaru nods.

Corrine OOCly says, "which was 10 minutes ago, thereabouts."

You page, "Oh yes: ["... If you or any member of your team gets stuck in a
Shadow, Corrine will deny any knowledge of your actions.  Unless you make
the big sad pouty-eyes at her.  You know she just snaps when you do the
pouty-eyes thing." "...Who put that in there??" "This Trump Will
Self-Destruct In Five Seconds." "...erp."]" to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "Heh." to you.

Tybalt teleports into the room.

Tybalt has arrived.

Corrine OOCly says, "'lo, Merc."

Great Grand-pa says, "Howdy, Merc."

Rod says, "hrm..."

Gabrielle says, "Yo."

"Kasumi, will you...."   "Y-yes Ota-san?"   "Will you be one of my 100
wives?"  "..."

Great Grand-pa hehs.

Foxtrot has connected.

>> We have arrived, you may kiss my foot, now.

Finn asks, "Going for that Solomon thing?"

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Back!"

Gabrielle notes that Shaft wouldn't be in this situation if he practiced
safe sex.

Shizumaru says, "Hey, Trish."

Corrine OOCly says, "Yay!"

Rod asks, "hey, is there an amber rule against polygamy?"

Corrine OOCly says, "So, last we were, Hiko was doing ReeeeeeSEARCH!"

Hiko the Firechilde laughs uproariously.

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Hiko's got Mad Research Skillz."

Gabrielle says, "Yes. It's called 'if you expect Kasumi to not bash your
skull in with a frying pan while you sleep.'"

Rod says, "okay, okay, no 100 wives of shaft o.o"

Great Grand-pa says, "Heh."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "You don't get to be Gendou, the second
cumming..."

Rod exclaims, "oi! a man can dream!"

Great Grand-pa says, "Hey, even Gendou only had one wife at a time...now
mistresses, that's another matter."

=====================================
=====================================

Hiko the Firechilde puts her nose back to the grindstone.

Hiko the Firechilde researches, and researches, and researches... 

Hiko the Firechilde makes notes to call a family meeting once she gets
everyone back in Amber before everyone scatters again... and once they
recover Miki, Shizumaru, Rimururu and Tsuwabuki.

Corrine checks in on Hiko every so often, in between her running a Kingdom
and all, and answering questions when asked.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "It's so confusing, Aunt Corrine..."  She shares
some of the more obscure notes with her.  "What do you think they mean?"

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Heh... chew on that, John."

Autolyca OOC night all! Sleepytime
Great Grand-pa exclaims, "OOC G'nite, Jeff!"
Shizumaru OOCly waves.
Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Night, Jeff."
Autolyca has disconnected.

Corrine says, "Hrmmm?" She looks at the notes presented.  "Personally,
I've always favored trump fortunes, but I'll admit some of the Pyricorn
writings are scarily on the ball for what had happened..." She sits
nearby, scratches her head near her tiara, and reads...

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Damn... does this mean I have to page
them to Phil now?"

Great Grand-pa says, "OOC You probably should just publically say them so
they can go in the public record :)"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "It's this one that I have the most confusion
with... I'll give you my notes on the others later:"

Corrine nods...

Hiko the Firechilde reads.  "'Water douses Fire, Fire burns Wood, Wood
bursts through Stone, Stone contains Air, Air ripples the water.'"  She
turns a page.  "And, 'The elements are a circle which cannot be broken. 
Do not forget that.'"  She looks at Corrine.  "I think it's a clue as to
how to close the Gate, once it opens."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Which means, I'm going to be compiling
all the notes I've gotten on the Prophecies into one, then sending them to
ALL of you when I see you ICly."

You page, "Okay for Corrine to recite the two Elements quotes I came up
with, as well?" to Akemi. Akemi pages, "Yes." to you.

Corrine hrms...  "Could be, now that I think about it... though I think it
also runs with the general theme of 'Elements', in that none of them are
dominant, and that -all- of them are needed to survive."  She quirks a
slight smile.  "It's always been one of my favorite chapters.  I'll admit
I hadn't thought about it directly in reference to the Gate, but it does
remind me of another sequence in there..."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Hmm?"

Corrine closes her eyes, and recites: "Fire Destroys Wood, it burns and
consumes. Water Destroys Fire, smothering it cold.  Air Destroys Water,
evaporating it dry. Metal Destroys Air, sealing away breath.  Wood
Destroys Metal, eroding its substance." She opens her eyes again.  "Which
is pretty much the same sequence as what you've pointed out... but perhaps
it could refer to a specific defeat?"

Corrine asks, "Since that was the Supplicant who makes that statement in
the chapter.  Who was yours attributed to?"

Hiko the Firechilde checks.

Hiko the Firechilde shakes her head in disgust.  "Just one of the High
Priests of the Temple... a long time ago."

Corrine sighs.  "Damn.  More a commentary, then.  You might want to check
with the current High Priestess, Shayla-Shiela, though she's a bit of
spitfire and doesn't always like being bugged.  Catherine was -around-
since the beginning, she might have insight on that." She sighs. 

Great Grand-pa checks for lag.
Corrine OOCly does not think he is lagged.

Hiko the Firechilde sighs, and closes the book.  "We're not getting any
closer to finding out any useful information."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Absorbing... it's a LOT of stuff."
Rod asks, "?"

Hiko the Firechilde nods.  "I'll write up my notes in the morning... and
then we return to Amber?"

Corrine mmms, and nods.  "There's only so much you can sift through before
it starts to blur in the head, yes..." She chuckles a bit. "... I can get
the same way at staff meetings."  She looks sheepish, and then nods. 
"That works."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "I'm gonna cut/paste all this crap
together and send it to you, Phil, okay?" Hiko the Firechilde OOCly 
smiles sweetly at the GM. Corrine OOCly says, "Neg probs with me." Great
Grand-pa smiles back sweetly OOC :)

Corrine then grins.  "I think you'll give more than a few folks a
surprise, what with that tan you've cultivated." She winks.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "It's the new look all the Harad women are
wearing... perhaps we need to get Mother up here."

Great Grand-pa says, "OOC The Oven Fresh look :)"
Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Which means you need to do a Tanned Hiko
pic, Phil.  <grins>" Corrine OOCly grins.  "BEACH PIC!" Hiko the
Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Yeah!  With bikinis!" Corrine OOCly says, "Hiko,
Juri, and Corrine in swimsuits... Gabrielle in the bacground near the
border of shore and dunes, lighting a beach bonfire...." Great Grand-pa
says, "OOC Heh." Hiko the Firechilde OOCly  moves that to the top of the
pics list. Shizumaru OOCly o.o;

You page, "And I should assume, in 20 years, the city's nicely rebuilt and
the miltary got its act back together again?" to Akemi. Akemi pages, "Yep,
the city's back up to snuff." to you.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Anyway, back to Amber?"

Corrine chuckles softly, smiling.  "Oh, -believe- me, Hiko, I'm looking
-forward- to giving sis the full tour of the place." She winks.  "She'll
always have a place here if she wants it, as will you.  If nothing else,
she can try out the bowling alley we've got."  She grins.

Corrine says, "And yes.  While you get things transcribed, I'll
resynchronize the time rate with Amber's, since the city's repaired and
the military's back up to spec."

Corrine gives Hiko a warm hug.  "So, see you tomorrow, then?"

Hiko the Firechilde nods, and retires to transcribe her notes, and makes
copies of them.

Corrine goes to make final preparations for her to head back to Amber...
-again-... and hopefully THIS time NOT be overrun by Horny Bison.

You page, "Oh, can we assume Corrine by now gave Hiko full instruction on
how to use the manifestation?" to Akemi. Akemi pages, "Yes." to you.

Hiko the Firechilde also frets, wondering if the Green Knight has been
healed and the Bison evicted.

============
============

[Sidebar: Other thing's Hiko's learned while up in Ember... ]

You page, "Oh yes... During this, Corrine's given Hiko full instruction on
how to use the Gabrielle Manifestation... basically, as long as the
connection can be reached between Gabrielle and Ring, it can tap the Fire
DemiJewel powers, either run by Gabrielle, or by Hiko directly if she has
the skills." to Foxtrot.

You page, "When activated, she can gain a psiboost as needed (at least,
that's how Corrine tends to use it), boost Pattern-Powered magics of the
Fire/Electricity type, and the weapons forms can have a -switchoffable-
Fire Pattern damage mode.  Fire Pattern Aura on the blades/surfaces of the
melee weapons, and Fire Pattern or Trump Energy projectiles from the
ranged weapons (Crossbow, Pistol, Carbine Rifle, Longbow.)  And I suspect
Hiko got a full set of Ember trumps, including Gabrielle, since I can't
see corrine NOT doing that." to Foxtrot.

Foxtrot stops prodding inn--- guilty authors and says, "Who are in the
Ember Trumps?" (to you)

You page, "Effectively Corrine's full staff.  She made sure to paint
-physical- trumps of them for Hiko, not the Gabrielle-made trumps, since
Gaby-made trumps go 'poof' (evaporate) in water -- they're made out of
flame." to Foxtrot.

Foxtrot stops prodding inn--- guilty authors and says, "Who's in her
staff?" (to you)

You page, "Regent/Secretary/Assistant -- Catherine of Pariseau (who looks
a LOT like Catherine of Amber, if she'd been able to grow up fully and get
a tan.).  Morgenstern, Warden of the Corona (the Fire-Arden analouge). 
Pirotas, asistant Warden.  Haruka Arisugawa, Marshall of Ember (who looks
like Haruka of Harad, if she'd had Juri's eyes and hair color, and a tan
-- YES, Corrine knows this, and would have told Hiko that she -did- almost
brainfault when they first met...)" to Foxtrot.

You page, "... Lord Lonz -- Lord High Chaimberlain.  Dr. Shatulubaug --
Royal Librarian.  Arshes Nei -- Wyvernmaster (Dragon air force).  Lady
Funaho -- Mistress of the Revels.  Johann Pariseau -- Castellan (and
Catherine's father).  Lord Katsuhito -- Steward of Ember City.  Lady
Sasami -- Admiral of the Plasma Fleet.  Lady Ayeka -- Admiral of the Lava
Fleet.  Lady Ryoko -- Admiral of the Space Fleet.  Mia Asua -- Court
Magist and Chairwoman of the Magic Guild.  Priss Asagiri -- Court Bard. 
Eowyn Arisugawa -- Commander of the Palace Guard (who, again, looks like a
tanned twin of Eowyn of Amber, Corrine and Juri's oldest sister who died
on the ice of Lake Harad)." to Foxtrot.

You page, "... Misaki -- Royal Bodyguard.  Lord Tenchi -- Commander of the
City Militia.  Dr. Tofu -- Royal Dr + Alchemist.  Kino Makoto -- Royal
Chef.  Godai -- Royal Tutor.  Kyoko -- Head Chambermaid.  Sakura -- Royal
Nurse.  Shayla-Shiela -- High Priestess.  Jessica de Alkirk -- Assistant
Priestess (and daughter of Morgenstern, the Warden).  And them be the
major office-holders. ^_^" to Foxtrot.

Foxtrot stops prodding inn--- guilty authors and says, "Oi... lotsa
staff." (to you)

You page, "Yup.  Corrine's subconcious/unconcious had some pretty weird
ideas when it influenced the repair of Ember's Pattern. :) At least,
that's the going theory for some of the folks there looking/acting like
those she'd known in shadow, or being DAMN close to her deceased family
members.  They're not the same, COrrine will be the FIRST to admit that,
but at times, it's uncanny." to Foxtrot.

============
============

Great Grand-pa asks, "OOC So, can we assume you head back to Amber?  And
what ya gonna do once you get there?" Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says, 
"Enter the hardest body contest?" Great Grand-pa says, "OOC Hehe." Hiko
the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Actually, I want to check up on the GK
first."

Corrine OOCly says, "Meanwhile, Corrine will let the neice make time with
the GK, and check in with Yuriko, to let her know how things went in
Ember, and see if there was any fallout from Drake's return after the Fake
Jewel was destroyed.  Oh, and preps made for her and Hiko to head out to
search for the missing folks."

Corrine OOCly says, "Oh, and of course Misaki came along."

Hiko the Firechilde tries her trump of the GK once she gets back to Amber.

The Green Knight answers.  He's up on a horse alongside some river in
Arden.  "Good evening, my lady fair."   He looks you and down.  "I see
you've been visiting the sun."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Yes... the kingdom of Ember still stands.  Your
brother says hello..."  Her voice grows small.  "Are you well?"

He nods.  "I am as well as thee, my lady fair.  I feel restless as Spring
turns into Summer and the shadow of war falls upon us, but I have seen
many a worse season.  The Lady Wasyuu is mad, but it is a healing madness,
strange to say."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "She's mad?  Not mad like Aunt Wakaba...?"

He continues, "And those damnable bison are finally gone."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What was the significance of the spear and the
mushroom circles I found that were also not part of this reality?"

He says,  "The fires of genius burn within her, but fire sometimes cares
not what it consumes, my lady fair."

Hiko the Firechilde gets real quiet.  "I suppose it doesn't."

Cocking his head, he looks thoughtful for a moment, then says, "Things
carried along by the bison, I think.  A strange creature, the Questing
Beast is."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Indeed..."

Hiko the Firechilde sighs.  "I've missed you, and I'm starting to get
scared.  I don't like war.  I never have."

He says, "I have seen many a storm in my time.  In time, they pass, but it
doesn't make the enduring of them while they rage any the easier.  Can
thou spare some time to come and stay with me, that I might strive to take
away thy cares?"  His voice shakes a little with hopefulness and
anticipation as he says that, despite his effort to maintain his stoic
bearing.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I think I'd like that."

Hiko the Firechilde holds out her hand.

He reaches out and takes your hand, pulling you through and into his arms.
 Which doesn't work so well when you're on horseback.  You both topple off
the horse and into the nearby river.

Hiko the Firechilde laughs, sitting up in the river, water streaming down
her face.  She is very well tanned, and wearing a light purple shift, as
it gets real hot in Ember and she didn't change before trumping.

The Green Knight smiles and splashes water in your face.  "Water douses
Fire," he says, grinning.

Hiko the Firechilde leans forward and kisses the Green Knight.  "Fire
warms the heart."

He wraps you in his strong arms and whispers, "Let me be the fuel for your
fire."  and then things get rather X-rated and best skimmed over in a
family show. :)

Lots of black bars appear and the screen gets awfully pixelated.

Shizumaru OOCly averts his eyes.
Rod OOCly Shaft's advice to the Green Knight at their wedding reception
"She digs that 'master my master shit, y'know what I mean?'" Corrine OOCly
just awwwwwws. Dara . o O ( OOC: Gods, this is so sweet ... I'm getting
cavities from just watching. x.x ) Shizumaru OOCly says, "Don't worry,
Brem. Rimu and Shizu'll give you diabetes later." Hiko the Firechilde
OOCLY says,  "If you can get over the reality that it's Gege playing
Rimu..." Shizumaru OOCly says, "He ain't, anymore."

===============
===============

[Sidebar: What Corrine was doing while Hiko and the Green Knight were
making out...]

Akemi pages, "Yuriko tells you that Drake left his keys with Nabiki, told
her to run everything until he comes back, walked the Pattern and
vanished.  No one knows where he is." to you.

You page, "[Corrine facepalms.]" to Akemi.

You page, "[Corrine] Which pattern did he use?" to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "The one here in Amber." to you.

You page, "Hrm.  Okay for Corrine to head down to the pattern chamber and
ask the Pattern where Drake went? *wl*  She doesn't have much -other-
options right at the moment, since it's her waiting on Hiko." to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "You can certainly try :)" to you.

Hiko the Firechilde leans forward and kisses the Green Knight.  "Fire
warms the heart."

You page, "Eh, Corrine'll try, and when it doesn't work out, she'll see
what she can do about FINALLY having dinner with Anthy and Yuriko if
they're both available, as she'd promised earlier several weeks back. 
Bsically to kill time and relate stories and gather info on how folks are
doing and holding on..." to Akemi.

You page, "And check with Chef Bork on any rumors heard in the past weeks
of various doings." to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "Okay, going down and talking to the Pattern doesn't do
anything." to you.

You page, "Darn.  Ahwell.  Remind me to noogie Juri of Avalon at some
future date." to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "Well, you could walk it and ask it to send you where it sent
him." to you.

Akemi pages, "If you really want to know." to you.

You page, "Mmmmm, nope.  Corrine's priority is to assist Hiko and stuff...
Walking the pattern to find out can be done later, if needed." to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "Okay, you have a dinner with Anthy and Wakaba.  The current
body count--Tylor is knocked out, Saionji is in Harad, Drake is missing,
Derith and Miki are missing, Wakaba is in Rehab, Shaft is off somewhere,
Shinobu is in Therin, Michelle is here in Amber, Nanami is working on
Wakaba, Makoto is doing his duties, Juri is out at sea." to you.

You page, ""Take me to Drake", etc.  Which she won't do, since she wants
to relax a tadge more before going mission-oriented again.  So this
basically means out of the Royal Family -- Juri's gathering her fleet
still, Miki's unknown status, Drake's vanished, Derith's unreachable,
Kozue's vanished/unknown status, and Saionji's still in Harad, the rest
--- oh, okay. And I think you mean Yuriko for the first. *wl*" to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "Yes, I did." to you.

You page, "*nod* Corrine relates some of what she learned, and the
immidate plans to retrieve Shiz and co, hopefully... and the pledge of
-some- form of Ember support if needed.  Oh, and corrine will likely idly
muse about her differences in duties, new ones supplanting old... and the
realization that after this crisis is passed, she's likely to resign her
position as Warden of Arden, and pass it onto another... and she already
has an idea on who to nominate for the post and to serve as Assistant
Warden for a bit to learn the ropes. ;)" to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "Yuriko nods.  "Yes, I think your duties will lead you down a
new road."" to you.

You page, "[Corrine] To put it mildly, Yuriko... *she considers* Was the
transition as bad for you, your highness?  Do you still miss sailing the
sea?" to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "She nods.  "I always wanted to be in charge when I was
younger, but now...I sometimes wish that Tylor and I could just hop on a
boat and sail away." she looks embarrassed to admit it." to you.

You page, "[Corrine chuckles softly, and rests a hand on Yurkio's.  "Know
the feeling, Yuriko.  I'm starting to suspect that's why father took
jaunts out into Shadow on occasion... to get away from the power plays and
administrivia." She smiles a bit, sadly.  "But that's neither here nor
there."]" to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "Anthy smiles enigmatically at that, but says nothing. 
Yuriko nods.  "Indeed.  I will do my duty, and it is doubled with my
husband fallen into his own mind's depths."  She shakes her head.  "And
there is no heir, if he does not recover.  We cannot afford a disputed
succession."" to you.

You page, "[Corrine purses her lips, and nods.  "Yeah." She closes her
eyes.  "At least, up in Ember, I've already had it put down in writing
that if I fall, Catherine gets the kingdom... -hell-, she ran it for me
before I got there for 500 years, she's 10 times the Queen than I am...
but damn, I'm grateful for her being there all the same.  Gabrielle gets
it if Catherine passes away, but it's not likely she'll take it, I think. 
And the Red Knight and I..." She blushes ".. have yet to have any
-physical- children.  Well, yet, anyway."]" to Akemi.

You page, "[Corrine] Still no improvement on how Tylor's been doing? *her
face shows worry and concern*" to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "Yuriko sighs.  "Not yet.  Fuyutsuki is still working on
him." to you.

You page, "[Corrine] Damn.  That's a long time.  *she squeezes Yuriko's
hand, warmly.*  Well, he -should- pull through, Grandfather and the
Unicorn willing. *she smiles a bit* .. he does through everything
-else-..." to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "Yuriko smiles wryly.  "The man seems indestructible."" to
you.

You page, "[Corrine] He's the oldest of us by far... damn straight he's
got -something- going for him. *she quirks a smile*" to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "Yuriko smiles wryly again.  "But acts the youngest."" to
you.

You page, "[Corrine chuckles a bit.  "Perhaps that's his secret."  She
winks.  "But, ahwell..." She shrugs, and finishes the rest of her dessert.
 "I had best head for bed... Hiko went off to be with the Green Knight,
perfectly understandable," *she blushes.  Muchly.* ", and tomorrow we plan
to gather more information and head off to find Shizumaru and the rest of
Hiko's group as soon as possible."" to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "Yuriko nods.  "Good luck."" to you.

You page, "[Corrine nods.  "Thank you.  By the Unicorn, Pyricorn, Alicorn,
and Narwhale, we're going to need all the Luck we can get." She stands and
bows to the other two ladies, smiling a bit. "See you soon?"]" to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "Anthy says, "I hope so."" to you.

You page, "[Corrine nods, and heads out, mumbling something about "(...as
long as I don't get intterupted by any Questing Beasts AGAIN...)" under
her breath.]" to Akemi.

===============
===============

The screen fades up on Hiko, shiftless, but covered in the Green Knight's
cloak, on her back snuggled up next to him.

The sun winkles down through the trees, eventually forcing you to awaken.

There's a bunch of fruit bushes by the creek you didn't remember being
there before.

Hiko the Firechilde casts a spell to warm herself as she dresses,
immediately drying her clothing as well.

Hiko the Firechilde looks around for the Green Knight?  "Love?"

He gets up, yawning.  "Good morning, my lady fair."

Hiko the Firechilde leans down to kiss him.  "I'm sorry, but I must go.  I
cannot stay here, though I want to.  We need to find Shizumaru and the
rest."  She looks downcast.  "I feel so ashamed for leaving them like
that."

He gets up and goes over and gets some fruit for each of you. 
"Breakfast," he says, then replies to what you said.  "Mistakes are better
mended than regretted.  We all fail sometimes."  He rubs his head.  "Such
as being trampled by bison."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'm sorry for that, too..."

Hiko the Firechilde looks very contrite.

Hiko the Firechilde takes a fruit and bites into it, the juice running
down her chin.

It is quite luscious, sweet and tangy.  And rather messy.

"It was not your fault. I should have been more careful.  Bison are not so
bad, if one is careful," he says, eating carefully.  "I shall throttle the
Beast if he does it again, though."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'd love to watch."

Corrine OOCly says, "TEAR 'M APART!  WOOHOO!"

Hiko the Firechilde smiles.  "I must be going."  She kisses him again,
quite thoroughly, and caresses his cheek.  "I will return to you."

He says, "My heart will always be with you, my lady love.  Arden never
forgets."

He reaches out and plucks a rose from a remarkably handy bush, and passes
it to you.  "Carry this and think of me."

Hiko the Firechilde puts the rose in her hair, and kisses him again. 
"Always."  She walks off quickly, tears brimming, but never falling, as
she activates her trump to the courtyard.

Bink, you're in the courtyard.

Hiko the Firechilde flags down a passing servant or someone and asks if
they've seen Nanami.

The servant looks at you dubiously.  "You really want to see her?"

Shizumaru OOCly snerks.

Hiko the Firechilde blinks.  "Is she ill?"

The servant blinks.  "She's Nanami.  Well, nevermind, your funeral.  She's
down in the basement, treating Princess Wakaba's illness."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Is Wakaba back?"

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Does that mean Ota-san is back as well?"

The servant nods.  "She's contracted some sort of horrible illness out in
Shadow, or so I understand."

The servant thinks for a moment.  "I have not seen Prince Ota in quite
some time."

Hiko the Firechilde thinks.  (No better time for a debriefing...)  "Is
Nanami-san taking visitors?"

The servant says, "I don't know, as I try to avoid her myself, under any
condition."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Why is that?"

The servant looks at you dubiously.  "She's a grade-A bitch."

You see several other passing servants glance over at the man, and simply
turn and run away as fast as they can.

He continues, "If I had a Silver Moon for every person she's hit in the
head with a tray or chewed out for not reading her mind, I could buy Amber
and build a giant statue of someone stomping on her."

Hiko the Firechilde blinks...  

You page, "And then after that, Corrine heads to bed, Breakfasts the next
day with Misaki, and then I think the two of them head off to find Hiko,
after checking with the stables to make sure they've got the usual
horses." to Akemi.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I don't think Nanami-san is all that bad as you
say..."

"Not to mention she's the daughter of the traitor queen.  She should have
been exiled, at least, and probably killed before her bad blood drives her
to try to destroy Amber like her mother.  I'm surprised the old King
didn't do it, but I guess he thought the old adage was true."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Old adage?"

Corrine OOCly looks at that servant.
Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "I'm just waiting for Nanami to show
up..."

The man taps his forehead for no discernable reason.  "Keep your friends
close and your enemies closer."

Corrine OOCly calculates how fast it'll take for him to be catapulted
THROUGH Kolvir at mach 5.

Hiko the Firechilde nods thoughtfully.  "I see."

The man continues, "Still, if you ever want to really send her off her
rocker...just ring a cowbell near her.  She will jump through the roof." 
He grins like a five year old contemplating kicking over an ant hill.

Hiko the Firechilde smiles.  "What happens then?"

Corrine OOCly , somewhere, facepalms.

"Oh, she just completely freaks out.  Half the time, she starts mooing
like a cow, and the other half, she'll just lose it totally.  Best to run
afterwards, though."

Hiko the Firechilde smiles.  "Well, can you tell me where she is?"

He calms down a bit.  "Oh, she's in the basement with Princess Wakaba. 
Probably 'treating' her with leeches and burning oil, no doubt.  Down near
Wakaba's lab, I think."

Hiko the Firechilde nods.  "Thanks, good sir."

You page, "Hm... okay for Corrine to catch up with Hiko?" to Akemi.
Akemi pages, "In a bit.  Going to have fun with her and Nanami first" to
you. You page, "Gotcha.  I await your cue. :)" to Akemi.

Hiko the Firechilde departs, making her way down to the basement.

Asking around, you finally get directed to the right room.  The door glows
with magic.  You can hear Nanami saying, "Repeat after me.  I am not an
Onion."

"I am not an Onion."

Corrine OOCly breaks.
Shizumaru OOCly says, "..."
Rod says, "OOCly HAHHAHHAHHAHA"
Hiko the Firechilde OOCly  puts her back together.

Hiko the Firechilde knocks slightly.  "Nanami-san?  Are you busy?"

Corrine OOCly says, "[Wakaba] "My name is Wakaba Tenjou.  I own a Mansion
and a Yacht.""

You hear footsteps, and then Nanami walks out THROUGH the door without
opening it.  "Ahh, there you are," she says.  "Did you find your mother?"

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Not yet... why did you send the other Juri?"

Nanami looks vaguely embarrassed.  "Sometimes one makes due with what one
has available."

Hiko the Firechilde smiles.  "It's the thought that counts... is that the
'real' Aunt Wakaba in there?"

You page, "Oh, and yeah, if possible, Corrine would have updated Juri (her
Juri) about the current situation, and probably the same with Juri-Av...
the one by trump, the other face2face." to Akemi.

Nanami nods.  "Her brain is a tangled mess. I'm going to be in there for
days cleaning it all up."

Nanami shakes her head.  "I warned her a long time ago to be careful about
anything she found out in shadow, but I guess she didn't listen."

Shizumaru OOCly waves out to sleep.
Corrine OOCly later, Droo.
Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Night."

"But then, neither of Anthy's children are very smart."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What happened?"

Shizumaru OOCly says, "...Ota-niisan, she is insulting our mother."
Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Gramma, really..."
Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Unless....???"
Rod says, "OOCly somewhere out there, Ota sneezes."
Shizumaru OOCly says, "Nanami just said that neither of Anthy's
children...." Shizumaru OOCly says, "Oh well. Later, all." Hiko the
Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Oh..." Great Grand-pa says, "OOC G'nite, Drew."

She says, "Oh, Wakaba put on a spikard controlled by Annadil and he took
her over through it."

Hiko the Firechilde looks chagrined.  "I had one of those once."

Nanami shakes her head.  "Wizard's first rule--always look a magic ring
over thrice.  Then have someone else put it on the first time."

Hiko the Firechilde nods.

Nanami says, "What happened to it?"

=============
=============

[Sidebar: That Damn Brooch...]

You page, "OH!   Yes, I AM reminded.  WhaT WAS the analysis of the brooch
Annadil dropped way-back-when, when he busted in to try and have Utena
kill us?" to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "So far as they can tell, it's just a brooch." to you.

You page, "Huh.  Weird.  That's entirely the kind of thing you'd -expect-
to be magical.  Any writing or identifying marks on it?  "If Lost, Please
Returned To The Man With The Most Mack"? or somesuch?  ID's on metal
content/composition/origin?" to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "It's made out of a weird alloy of gold and bronze." to you.

You page, "Hrmmmm... -now- we're getting somewhere.  Do Ember's
mettelurgists have seen the like before?" to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "Nope." to you.

Akemi pages, "It is handmade, they're sure of that." to you.

You page, "Okay, that's wonky.  Any weird chemical/electrical reactions
when induced to the metal... *nod* ... gotcha.  So nothing
magical/Logrussy/Patterny/Trumpish in it, apparently... not conjured at
all, I imagine?" to Akemi.

You page, "Corrine would've tested her Pattern Sight on various and sundry
things to get used to the feeling, and that would have been something she
looked at." to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "Pattern Sight reveals some residual logrus, probably just
the result of being carried by a logrus user a lot." to you.

Akemi pages, "And it's 'Real" to you.

Akemi pages, "Ie, it came from metal mined either near Amber or near The
Courts" to you.

You page, "*nod* Nothing as intense as something charged by Logrus within
it, or such. And Hrmmmm... That means either coming from Amber or the
Courts, yes.  I imagine she had mine samples pulled from ember and nothing
came up, yes?" to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "They demonstrate they could make something similar, but it
doesn't prove much." to you.

Akemi pages, "They think it could be made to hold a mild electrical charge
if you really wanted to." to you.

You page, "Right.  More likely came from the Courts, given who was
blipping -wearing- it, but proof would require taking the Brooch and
seeking through Shadow to see who actully made it or who would have the
skills to make the same." to Akemi.

You page, "*nod* Curiouser and curiousier... almost a primitive battery?"
to Akemi.

You page, "Or just a one-shot static charge?" to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "Possibly designed to hold magically summoned electricity,
although it would make a poor battery, as there's nothing preventing the
charge leaking." to you.

You page, "Hmmmmmmm.  More a capacitor in a sense, for temp storage for a
quick burst later." to Akemi.

Akemi pages, "Or possibly, it could be a decorative piece of jewelry." to
you.

You page, "Right. *wry look* Annadil doesn't -quite- strike Corrine as the
kind of man who'd wear jewlery for jewelery's sake, but she'll keep it in
mind." to Akemi.

============
============

Hiko the Firechilde says, "The Unicorn transformed it for me."  She holds
up her hand.

Nanami's eyes widen slightly as she examines your hand, then pulls out a
pair of glasses and puts them on.  "And how did you convince him to do
that?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I, er, didn't... he appeared to me after I
walked the Pattern... in his Grove."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I suspect the reason why he did was so at leat
one of the Icons would not fall into the wrong hands."

Hiko the Firechilde blinks.

Nanami nods and frowns.  "Strange.  So why did you want to talk to me?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Well... I was wondering if you'd heard word of
Shizumaru and the rest yet."  Her look is hopeful and repentant.

Princess Nanami frowns deeply.  "Not the hint of a shadow of a clue.  So
how did you get away?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I was attempting a teleport in the middle of
the fight, trying to bring her back with me, but she kicked me in the
groin, and I lost my grip on her arm."

Princess Nanami asks, "'Her'?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "The priestess I met at the Keep of the Five
Worlds."

Princess Nanami says, "So, you teleported out, abandoning the others."

Hiko the Firechilde looks chagrined.  "I was going to go back for
them...."

A mental light suddenly clicks on in Nanami's head, and she starts to look
very coldly angry.  "If they prove to be dead, I will make you rue the day
you were born."

Hiko the Firechilde starts getting angry.  "I'm already rueing the day I
ever set foot here...  I didn't want any of this!"

You page, "Merp... okay for Corrine to come in on this?" to Akemi.
Akemi pages, "Yep." to you.

There comes the sound of footsteps, and a sharp whistle.  "*Fwheeet!* 
Ladies!  Please!"

Hiko the Firechilde turns her head sharply.

That whistle, as it turns out, to be attached to a Corrine, followed by
her Misaki, looking at both Nanami and Hiko.

Princess Nanami spits, "And we'd probably be better off with....Corrine,
go away, we're having a fight."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Butt out, Auntie..."

Corrine pinches the bridge of her nose, closing her eyes.  "Mistakes were
made.  We're working to correct them.  If you -wish- to continue verbally
slinging it, go ahead, but it's not going to serve any purpose save
venting."  She shakes her head, sighing.  "Anyway."

Hiko the Firechilde glares at Nanami.  "I will make amends."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I swear it on my unborn child."

Corrine sucks in a quiet breath, but otherwise says nothing.

You page, "Can we say Corrine knows Hiko's pregnant by this point, gvein
the 20 Ember years?" to Akemi and Foxtrot. Foxtrot stops prodding inn---
guilty authors and says, "Sure..." (to you) Foxtrot stops prodding inn---
guilty authors and says, "They also compared Knight love techniques after
a night of much giggling." (to you) Akemi pages, "I'd assume she mentioned
that at some point." to you and Foxtrot. You page-pose, "Aerianne coughs
and blushes.  So does Corrine, though in Corrine's case she grins. ^_-" to
Foxtrot.

Princess Nanami says sharply, "If he is dead, I will see you eaten by
crows."  And then she snorts and steps through the door again.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "He will not die."

Corrine nods, quietly.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Let's go, Aunt Corrine... and find out how we
can get back there safely."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I remember Derith saying he could make a
Pattern Gate... where is he anyway, and what did you find out about the
fake Jewel?"

Corrine nods, and starts leading the way back up.  "I think I've figured a
way... the big question is wether Shizumaru and the rest have been
captured or managed to escape or... other." She quiets a bit.  "My first
thought was to get outside Arden and then Hellride for Shizumaru... if
he's still at the Keep, it'll take us there, if he got out, we'll be
following him."

You page, "And assuming Corrine's asked about those... I take it still No
Word from Derith/No Clue (even when asking Queen Moire)... and any reports
on the remains of the Fake Jewel?" to Akemi. Akemi pages, "It rapidly
crumbled away after being broken. And still no word on Derith." to you.
You page, "And could Corrine Fire-Gate to a desired location like what
Hiko's describing using the Fire DemiJewel?" to Akemi. Akemi pages, "You
could mind-walk the Demi-Jewel and teleport to a location...if it had fire
in it.  Very draining, though." to you.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I can make a detection spell.... I think."

Corrine then sighs.  "The fake jewel crumbled away... we barely got
anythign from it left.  As for Derith -- still no word.  I even tried
asking Queen Moire."

Corrine says, "And to add to things..." She starts ticking off on her
fingers " ... Tylor's still unconcious and being worked on by grandfather.
 Saionji's in Harad.  Miki's missing at the moment,  Wakaba is... well,
down there.  Shaft's off somewhere in Shadow.  Shinobu's in Therin,
Michelle's in Amber, Makoto's doing his job, and Nanami ... well, you
already know."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Miki's with Shizumaru and Tsuwabuki."  Her
voice is glum.

Corrine says, "And -still- no word on Kozue." She eyrolls, and then looks
down at the inset ruby in her bracelet.  "I -could- try Mind-Walking the
Fire DemiJewel and attempt teleporting to their location... but it'd only
work if the location -has- fire in it.  And I haven't practiced it much...
mostly because it nearly knocks me out when I try."  She sighs, and rests
a hand on Hiko's shoulder.

Corrine says, "Then, we go and find Shizumaru and the rest.  Hellriding
seems to be the best split of alternatives... how long did it take you to
get to the Keep in the first place, and by what route?"

Hiko the Firechilde shakes her head... "Two weeks, by sea."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I think I still have the 'ship in a bottle'
King Tylor gave me."

You page, "Hmmmm... I am remembering a Questing Beast Running for a
certain Castle in the distance through a Jungle from Arden... could that,
in possibility, have been the Keep?" to Akemi. Akemi pages, "Possibly." to
you. You page, "Hrmmmmmm." to Akemi.

Corrine nods.  "That'll prove useful, then... hrmmm.  you know, there's
probably more than one approach to the Keep.  I -know- I felt a massive
Fire behind one of the walls... did you see similar elemntal ties on their
outsides as well?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "The Keep is surrounded by Five Shadows, one for
each element..."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I know I could create a fire-free bubble and we
could teleport to it."

Corrine nods... looking thoughtful, as if she's dredging up a memory. 
"You've seen it on the outside, I surmise... could you give me an image or
two, mind to mind, of what it looked like?  I want to check a hypothesis."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Then, I might be able to psychically sense if
they're still there... hopefully they've figured out by now that I'm not
returning.  I told them to meet me back on the parapet in an hour..."

Corrine hehs a little bit. "And it's been a lot longer than that, yes."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "We didn't see the Fire shadow; we approached it
from the forested side."

Corrine says, "Even better, Hiko."

You page, "(basically, I'm trying to maneuver things so that we -don't-
get screwed. ^_-; And just get moving to the actual rendevous of the
group.)" to Akemi. In a page-pose to you, Akemi nods

Hiko the Firechilde nods, then makes mental contact, sharing her approach
to the Keep with Corrine.

Corrine accepts the contact, appreciating the route with a Warden's and
Artist's eye... and compares the imagery with what she had seen when
Sparky had taken pursuit of the Questing Beast... months ago?  Decades? 
It's all relative... is the castle from the past and the Keep in the
present visually the same?

Akemi pages, "It's some other place entirely." to you.
You page, "Ahhh." to Akemi.

Corrine's face falls.  "DAmn.  well, there went that hypothesis.  Thought
the Questing Beast had been trying to lead Sparky to the Keep... guess
not."

Corrine says, "there should still be a wooden route to it though, I'd
think..."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Sparky?"

Hiko the Firechilde recalls the briefing King Tylor had given her.

Corrine smiles slightly.  "My Golden Dragon, Sparky.  I inherited him from
father when he died... He brought Sparky to Amber when I was young, and I
was the only other person who get close."  She chuckles softly.  "Used to
drive mom up the wall when I'd come back in from the stables after mucking
them out and tracking stuff all over the halls."

Corrine says, "The dragons Arshes Nei uses and flies are emplated off
him."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Two weeks by regular shadow walking, too... but
a hellride would work as well."

Corrine nods.  "Which was what I figured.  If we Hellride for Shizumaru,
and if the route changes, we'll know he's escaped.  If not... well, we
scout the keep and prepare for a -real- assault."

Hiko the Firechilde nods grimly.  "I might even bring the cow."

Rod says, "OOCly okay, that goes in the quotes."

========================================
========================================

Corrine OOCly says, "Oh, how are folks holding out?"

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Ready to drop... <sigh>"

You page, "Does corrine know about the Cow?" to Akemi.

Princess Nanami says, "OOC Well, if you're tired, we should stop."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "We've got a plan... this is good."

Corrine OOCly nods.  Plans are good.  "rendevous tomorrow?"

Princess Nanami says, "OOC I'm not sure if I'll be on; we'll ahve to see."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Erm... yeah..."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "I'd wanted to go kareoke-ing tomorrow
night."

Corrine OOCly says, "Ah, so.  Thurday, then?"

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Date."

Corrine OOCly says, "This works out for me, mind."

Corrine OOCly says, "Oh."

*** Foxtrot goes OOC. ***

Corrine OOCly says, "Friday? *hopeful look*"

Hiko the Firechilde pushes Phil out the door.  "Go to sleep... it's later
for you than it is for me.  And yes, Friday."

Corrine OOCly says, "Cool, then. *wl* Meep.  Night!"

Corrine OOCly waves to all, and heads out.

Dara says, "G'nite."