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Logging Started: 11/19/2000 at 21:32:47
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Hiko the Firechilde exclaims, "Yep... let's gaaaaame!"

John the Ultimate Whitey says, "Okay, we'll start with Hiko, and likely I
should be able to work in Shaft a bit later, since he was going to be
heading back to Amber."

Juri asks, "Ready, Hiko?"

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Ready... last time, we left off... still in
Corrine's palace, ne?  Or did we go back to Amber?"

Juri says, "You're still in Corrine"

Juri says, "Corrine's palace."

Juri says, "Juri was about to trump back to Amber, unless you have
something you want to do here first."


Hiko the Firechilde says, "Not I.  We go back to Amber.  I've got research
to do."

*** Foxtrot goes IC. ***

Hiko the Firechilde nods to Juri and looks at Gabrielle.  "We need to
return to Amber...  I'm sorry, but we can't help right now."

Gabrielle noddles. "Okay!"

Hiko the Firechilde looks to Juri again.  "Maybe we should contact King
Tylor again?  See what the situation is back at home?"

Juri says, "A good idea.  "

Gabrielle exclaims, "Ooo, oo! I can do that!"

Juri says, "As I need to ask him how I can best help in the wars anyway."

Hiko the Firechilde smiles at Gabrielle.  "I'm sure you could, but maybe
we should do it ourselves."

Gabrielle exclaims, "Nonono, this is SPECIAL! "

Gabrielle says, "Hold out your haaaaannnds....."

Hiko the Firechilde blinks at Gabrielle, then Juri.

Juri blinks and holds out her hand.

Hiko the Firechilde holds out her hand, too.

There's a flash, a *pop*-ing noise, and pieces of jewelry drop into Juri
and Hiko's hands. Hiko is holding a gold ring with rubies on it, and Juri
a gold-and-red Rose Signet ring with crossed swords on it.

Hiko the Firechilde looks at the ring.  "This is... gorgeous."

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Examine ring.

hat."
Juri smiles and pats Gabrielle on the head.  "Thanks for the nice
present."  She puts it on.

Akemi pages, "It's a manifestation, which links the bearer to the
Gabrielle construct across Shadow.

Hiko the Firechilde puts hers on, too, smiling.

Aerianne pages, "it looks like:
http://www.eyrie.org/~aerianne/ember/tokens/douze-token.jpg , fyi. :)" to
you.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Any more rings, and I'll need a second hand."

Akemi pages, "It lets Gabrielle communicate with you and feed you
power/information." to you.

Gabrielle says, "Yay, no I can call King Tylor for you!" She rubs her
hands together, and sparks fly from them. "SHAZAM!"

Akemi pages, "Also, Gabrielle can manifest herself through the ring
(project a solid light body for herself)" to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Like chibi-gabrielles?" to Akemi

A Trump Gate opens.  You see Tylor on the other side of the gate, holding
a foot long sandwich...well, it was footlong, but it just got cut in half.
He bites down and chews.

Juri bows to the King.  "Umm, should we call you back later?"

Hiko the Firechilde bows to King Tylor.  "Hello your Highness... have we
called at a bad time?"

Vash sticks his head through the trump gate.  "This doesn't happen every
time you steal food from the kitchen, does it?"

Tylor shakes his head, swallows, then says, "Hi there, everyone.  How are
you two today?"

Hiko the Firechilde blinks.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "We're fine, your Highness.  We found Corrine,
but lost her again.  Her new allies are going to be continuing the
search."

Tylor shakes his head.  "Corrine never USED to vanish all the time.  Or
did she always do it when I wasn't looking?"  He looks thoughtful.  "So
what are you two planning to do next."  He looks at Gabrielle.  "Did you
have another daughter, Juri?"

Vash says, "Would anyone else like a sandwich?"

Gabrielle giggles. "Nope! I'm Gabrielle, Princess of Ember!" There's a
*poof,* and Gabby is wearing a miniature version of Corrines dress.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I need to do some more research in the Royal
Libraries."

He bows to Gabrielle with a flourish.  "A pleasure to meet you, your
highness."  He turns to Juri.  "I will be needing you to go kick some
people in the head soon, sister."  She nods.  He turns back to Hiko.  "I
will tell Travis to assist you."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Can you pull us through?"

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Yay!  New toys!" to Akemi

Gabrielle says, "OOC: It's a Trump Gate. You can just walk."

Tylor nods.  "Yes, but don't be too loud; Vash and I are conducting a
covert raid on the kitchens, and liberating a midnight snack."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "I didn't KNOW that, okay?"

Juri says, "OOC Umm, I said a Trump Gate opened up, Trish."

Hiko the Firechilde nods, then walks through.

Hiko the Firechilde OOCly  thwaps herself.  "So you did."

Juri follows you.

In the kitchen, Vash is busily making sandwiches as Tylor talks to you.
It's dark and quiet; must be night here.  You have impression Ember must
not have a real 'night.'

Gabrielle waves goodbye to Hiko and Juri and Tylor and Vash. "Bye girls!
Bye your highnesses! I'll tell Mom where you went when she finishes with
the Ravager Beast!"

Hiko the Firechilde whispers, "How many days have passed since we last saw
you?"

Juri exclaims, "Thank you, Gabrielle!"

Gabrielle says, "And when you see Ota-san, tell him he's better call or
visit!" She shakes a fist at the air, and then the Trump closes.

Tylor says, "You've been gone about a day."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I take it the negotiations with the ambassadors
went well?"

Tylor nods.

Tylor says, "We need to send forces to deal with a massive fleet and army
moving against the Isle of Emeralds.  The Sea Peoples are on the move
again.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Sea Peoples?"

Hiko the Firechilde realizes that she's hungry, and starts to make herself
a sandwich.

Tylor says, "The Sea Peoples are a group of oceanic nomads who launched a
major attack on us a few years ago.  We drove them off, but it looks like
they're coming back for a second round.  With Kozue having run off into
Shadow with half our fleet, I need Juri to organize a new fleet and take
it to the aid of our allies on the Island of Emeralds."

Juri frowns intensely.  "She took half the fleet?"

Tylor nods.  "She took the Shalomar fleet and sailed off into shadow with
it."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Is she all healed now?  Or is she sulking?"

Tylor says, "She is healed and sulking."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Ah, I see."

Hiko the Firechilde finishes making her sandwich and sits down to eat.

Tylor sighs.  "I fear she may have fallen under Annadil's influence.  Or
possibly her anger is about to make her do something crazy."

Vash finishes his footlong.  "Would you like something, Juri?" he asks.

Juri says, "Give me a six inch roastbeef, please."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Tell us all the news... what's gone on  since
we left?"

Juri goes and waits for her sandwich.

Tylor says, "Well, let's see.  Drake and Nanami managed to rescue Yuriko
from the coup in Kashfa, but Wakaba seems to have fallen under Annadil's
sway and is running around somewhere in Shadow."

Tylor perches on a stool, alternating eating and talking.  "Shinobu is
having fairly good luck against the Therin army, although she's worried
because there's rumors some army is marching through shadow to reinforce
them."  Bite, chew, swallow.  "Ota just got back successfully from his
quest."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "That's great!  Where was the Sword?"

Tylor says, "I haven't talked to him about it yet, but I understand it was
in the shadow where Gil-Galad was being held captive, so he managed to
rescue Gil-Galad as well."

Juri perks up.  "So Gil-Galad was alive after all?"

Hiko the Firechilde nods, and smiles.  "He's the uncle who was an elf,
correct?"

Tylor nods.  "I assumed he must have died, but he's been rotting in a cell
for centuries instead."  He turns to Hiko after taking another bite of
sandwich.  Crumbs fly as he says, "Half-elf.  His mother was Findulias, an
elf-maid."

Juri nods.  "One of Father's mistresses."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Findulias?  The woman who was in the squid?"

Juri shakes her head.  "A mere coincidence of name.  As I understand it,
that Findulias isn't even from our universe.  And she didn't look like
Gil-Galad's mother, either.  Not much, anyway."

Juri asks, "Where is Gil-Galad now?  I will probably go see him tomorrow
before I begin my naval duties."

Tylor says, "He's asleep by now, I think.  He's become a lot quieter and
more subdued than he used to be; in the old days, he would probably just
now be finishing going drinking, but he turned in right after dinner."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Having to deal with the possibility of multiple
shadows is bad enough.  But multiple universes?"  She shakes her head.  "I
think I feel like I could sleep, myself."

Tylor finishes off his sandwich.  "It does get rather confusing."

Vash says, "Shadows from other universes?  What?"

He looks rather confused.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "It's all very confusing to me, too..."

Hiko the Firechilde yawns.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Another day, then?  I think I can work better
on a good night's rest."

Juri nods

Juri says, "It has been a long and tiring day.  Goodnight, everyone."

Hiko the Firechilde makes her farewells, then goes back to her chambers.

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Fast forward to the next day?"

Juri says, "OOC Yep.  You go home, you sleep, you rest, you wake up
refreshed."

Hiko the Firechilde takes the time to rerack her spells, then seeks out
the Royal Libraries.

AND the Librarian.

Ook!

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Not that one!"

You head down to the library without any problems after getting some
breakfast.  You find Travis busily showing a flock of children around the
library.

Hiko the Firechilde waits patiently, looking around to see if Snickers is
around as well.

Something brown and furry streaks past you, chasing a dustbunny.

Hiko the Firechilde smiles and calls out, "Is that you, Snickers?"

Snickers shouts, "Yes," and vanishes among the stacks.

Hiko the Firechilde giggles, and sits down to wait for Travis to finish
with the wee kiddies.

Travis, the Royal Librarian finishes giving the children the highlights,
then suggests they watch Snickers play as an introduction to the odder
hazards of research in the Library. "And what can I do for you, Miss
Hiko?"

Hiko the Firechilde bows to Travis.  "I'm in need of much research,
particularly into the Unicorn Prophecies."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Any books you can point me towards?"

Travis, the Royal Librarian nods. "An intriguing subject, particularly to
those with a mystical bent."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "It's sort of become relevant."

Travis, the Royal Librarian picks up a book titled _Sayings of the
Unicorn_, by Nostradamus. "This one is an interesting one to start with,
although it doesn't get much above third-grade level."

Hiko the Firechilde takes the book.  "I was also wondering if you had any
books about the Icons?"

Travis, the Royal Librarian says, "_Getting Horny_ is, alas, a very
informative book crippled by a sense of humor that never managed to leave
the gutter."

Travis, the Royal Librarian says, "_Prophecies for Dummies_ has a couple
of useful bits in its section on the Unicorn, but only worth a quick look
in passing."

Hiko the Firechilde blinks.  "I see."  She adds it to her stack.

Travis, the Royal Librarian says, "As far as the Icons go... there are
some bits in a couple of the books on famous magical artifacts."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How famous are they?  Who created them?"

Travis, the Royal Librarian says, "Takashi's _Artifacts of Near Amber_ is
a good place to start."

Hiko the Firechilde takes that book, too, and realizes that she might need
a bag or a cart or something.

Travis, the Royal Librarian says, "The origins of the artifacts are lost
in antiquity. The Temple of the Unicorn held them for quite some time, and
they have gained a modicum of fame from that."

Travis, the Royal Librarian says, "The Dorians stole most of them during
the Day of Darkness, but the Temple of the Unicorn would still be a good
place to investigate further; they have a couple of books that I haven't
been able to obtain copies of."

Travis, the Royal Librarian says, "One final book to check would be
_Unicorn Augurium_." Travis heads back into the stacks to look for it.

Hiko the Firechilde nods at Travis' back, then starts to speed read,
absorbing the material quickly.

There is a rending crash from back in the stacks, and a huge puff of dust
rises above the level of the shelves. It sounded like a large stack of
books just fell over on someone.

A few moments later, a rather dusty librarian emerges, holding a book by
his fingertips. "I believe this is the one you want.

As tends to be the case with prophecies, the books are dense and often
confusing and seemingly contradictory.  And some of them are only obvious
after the fact, such as 'Fido will assault the City of Flames when the
Phoenix rises from the Ashes'

Hiko the Firechilde shakes her head as she reads, looking up at Travis.
"Are you okay?"

Travis, the Royal Librarian shrugs and grins wryly. "Happens all the time.
You get used to it."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Not hurt?"

Travis, the Royal Librarian says, "When your books are often a little
sentient, they want to get out for some fresh air once in a while."

Hiko the Firechilde blinks.

Travis, the Royal Librarian says, "Nope. Just picked up some dust."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Okay... well, I think this should help."

Hiko the Firechilde hefts the books.  "I'll send them back once I'm done
making my notes."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "And can you tell me how to get to the Temple of
the Unicorn?"

Travis, the Royal Librarian nods, and gives her a set of directions that
gets her there quickly, and takes her by some interesting sights along the
way.

Hiko the Firechilde goes back to her room to finish speed reading the
books.

Okay, you sit down and read through the books.  What specific topics are
you looking for clues on?

*** Foxtrot goes OOC. ***

Hiko the Firechilde says, "the exact nature of the prophecies, who set
them forth."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Any info on what the Heart can do, why it's an
artifact.  How it works."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "How the five work together to open the Gate."

Juri says, "OOC Righto."

There are many different sets of prophecies, collected by various oracles
and high priests of the Unicorn over the years.  The Prophecies of the
Unicorn proper, were delivered by Fuyutsuki to the first High Priest; he
claimed that the Unicorn wrote them.

The Icons' origins are unknown, but it is known that together, they can
close the Forbidden Gate (Indeed, only they can close the gate).  The keys
to OPEN the gate are different, and rumored to consist of the two Pattern
Blades and two matching Logrus Foils.

All that's known for sure about that is that the keyholes in the gate look
right to hold swords and foils respectively.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What about how they work independently?"

Each of the Icons grants some degree of power related to the element it is
linked to:  The Bag of Winds controls Air, the Sword of Truth cuts through
anything and reveals lies, the Heart of Fire creates flames and passions,
the Cup of Life brings healing and controls water, and Seed of Hope
controls and sustains plants and brings renewed hope.

They're easiest to use if you first attune yourself to them, which can be
done through prolonged study, or by walking the appropriate Pattern with
them.

And they tend to work best for those with strong minds.

Hiko the Firechilde smiles to herself.  "And I know where to find a Fire
Pattern, too."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Anything else?"

A lot of the books tend to repeat each other, or tell anecdotes about past
uses of the Icons.  None of them explain how to use them to close the
Gate, they just say it takes all of them, used together, by the Five
Children of the elements, who will come to Amber shortly after a new king
is crowned.

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Any cool notes about the Heart?"

The heart has been used on three notable occasions.  During the 500 AY
celebrations, the HP of the Unicorn used the Heart to set off a fireworks
display that lasted for three days without stopping.

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "HP = High Priest?"

Yes.

Queen Haruka used it at the battle of Kolvir Pass in 657 AY, immolating
thousands of Cimbri with a single burst of flame.

Esme Pariseau OOCly says, "Yay Mom!"

Tybalt waves little 'Go Harad' flags.

And it's rumored that Gendo used it to help cause Catala to collapse after
the assassination of its king (Queen Sakura's brother) by inflaming the
passions of the Royal family of Catala against each other.

Hiko the Firechilde nods to herself as she reads.

A particularly corrupt High Priest of the Unicorn was also rumored to have
used it to help him seduce women.

Shaft says, "OOCly good thing shaft doesn't know about this toy......"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Right... I think a visit back to Ember is in
order."  She writes a quick note detailing what she's going to do and has
it sent to Juri, then activates the 'douze' ring.

The heart is said to work best in amplifying already extant passions--ones
the wielder doesn't feel or that the target doesn't feel are harder to
enhance.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Ember = Fire pattern, ne?" to Akemi

Akemi pages, "Exactly!" to you.

Gabrielle pops into existence in the library. "Hi hiiii!"

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Hi, Gabrielle!  How are you?"

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "AND, I'm back in my room."

Gabrielle says, "Skippy! So, this is Amber?" Gabrielle morphs into about
twenty chibi-Gabby's, who scamper about the room.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Yep!  This is Amber... well, my room to be
precise."  She looks at the smaller Gabbys with amusement.  "How do you do
that?"

One of the Gabby's jumps on top of your head. Well, first I access my
Pattern, and backfeed it into my Trump poewrs, then calculate..." The
explanation takes about five minutes, and gets more complex and vague as
it goes on.

Hiko the Firechilde nods and starts to feel her eyes cross.  She
interrupts quickly.  "Er, Gabrielle... can I ask a favor of you?"

Gabrielle says, "Sure!" She recombines into one person. "Whaddya need?"

Gabrielle says, "I make stuff blow up reaaaaallllll good......"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I don't need stuff blown up.  I was wondering
if you could transport me to the Fire Pattern in Ember.  I need to attune
to this artifact."

Gabrielle giggles. "Of course I can, you big silly."

A sheet of fire appears across one wall of your room. You notice your ring
begin to glow a bit.

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Which one?"

Then it peels back into a Trump Gate, showing the Fire Pattern of Ember.
(The one Gabby gave you.)

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "is that the pattern chamber?"

Gabrielle says, "Uh-huh! It's me!" She gigles. "Aren't I PRETTY?"

Hiko the Firechilde blinks.  "You're the Pattern?  I though Corrine said
she was your mother?"

Gabrielle exclaims, "She is!"

Hiko the Firechilde blinks some more.

Hiko the Firechilde decides to process that knowledge later.  "Okay... do
I just walk through the Gate?"

Gabrielle exclaims, "Yep! I'm very user-friendly!"

Hiko the Firechilde walks through the Gate.

You're in the Fire Pattern Chamber.

It's like the ones you've seen, except turned ninety degrees.

There is a man here in red armor, standing near the doorway.

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Is it the Red Knight?"

He nods to you.  "Greetings, Princess Hiko."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Are you the Red Knight?"

Gabrielle says, "Daddy!" She flashes across the chamber and GLOMPS! "WAI!"

He nods again.  "Yes, I am known as the Red Knight."  He picks up
Gabrielle and hugs her.  "And this is my daughter."

Hiko the Firechilde smiles.  "I wonder if my child will look like her."

The Red Knight looks thoughtful.  "Your child should have dark hair, like
you and the Green Knight."

Hiko the Firechilde nods.  "I am here on an errand.  May I walk the
Pattern?"

"Most certainly."  He steps out of the way.  "I am just here because I
fear there may be problems during the reconstruction."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Reconstruction?"

He says, "Much of Ember City was levelled in the battle, Lady Hiko.  There
is much damage to be healed."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'm sorry... I was responsible for some of
that."

Esme Pariseau OOCly says, "(at least it's better than the LAST time it got
Fido'd...)"

"You fought to save us, Princess.  I do not blame you."

Hiko the Firechilde bows again.  "Thank you."  She waves to Gabrielle and
the Knight.  "See you when I get done."

Hiko the Firechilde puts her foot upon the beginning of the Pattern and
begins to walk.

"You know," Gabriele says idly, now that it's to late, "I don't think a
pregnant person has ever walked a Pattern before."

Hiko the Firechilde sighs.  "Thanks for telling me, Gabrielle."

The Red Knight says, "Her body will insulate the child.  She should be
fine, I believe."

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "D'oh!  I was about to ask about that,
but forgot...

Hiko the Firechilde walks on.

You walk the Pattern. It's a very, very draining experience, and by the
time you reach the middle, you're exhausted.  But you make it without any
trouble.

Rod pages, "does hiko know she's preggers, btw?" to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Yep." to Rod

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Huh... should I have taken the Heart out
while I did it, or is having it in the satchel okay?" to Akemi

Akemi pages, "You're not sure; the sources didn't say.  You can feel a
link to it now, though." to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Okay... that shoud do it then, ne?" to
Akemi

Akemi pages, "You think so." to you.

Hiko the Firechilde gets to the middle of the Pattern, and sighs.  "Send
me back to the Red Knight!"

Swish.  You're back to the Red Knight and Gaby.

Gabrielle claps. "Yay!" She waves a tasteful little 'GO Hiko!' pennant.

Juri says, "OOC I'm gonna need to cut fairly soon, as I'm tired, and it's
late, and I want to finish off COAEG18"

*** Foxtrot goes OOC. ***

Shaft says, "OOCly ah, well, can shaft another day"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Okay... I can go to the Temple some other
time."

Juri says, "OOC Hopefully, we can do Shaft tomorrow or Monday when you
have it off."

Esme Pariseau OOCly says, "Yay!"

Hiko the Firechilde grins.  "Two patterns under my belt now!"

Aerianne pages, "Heh.  Pity Corrine doesn't know about the Wood Pattern
yet -- she's got the other 4... ^_^" to you.

The Red Knight stares at you for a second, then relaxes and laughs.
"Going to try and walk all five?"

Aerianne pages, "(though by now I think she SUSPECTS... she just doesn't
know where it is yet. :)" to you.

Gabrielle says, "Ooooooooooo. I think only Gran'pa has done that."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Yeah... I'd like to try for all five."

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Heh.  I know where the Wood Pattern is.
Was the first one I walked." to Aerianne

Aerianne pages, "Oooooo.  Coool." to you.

The Red Knight nods.  "Corrine has walked almost all of them, but yes, I
believe Gabrielle is right in saying that only Fuyutsuki-sama has walked
all five."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What does walking each Pattern symbolize?"

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I mean... do you gain any inner knowlege in
doing so?"

Aerianne pages, "(I know, OOC, where Wood is, but Corrine doesn't IC.)" to
you.

Gabrielle says, "Well, _I_ gain inner knowledge from YOU." There's a
thundercalp, and a fifty-foot tall Gabrielle face fills the chamber. "I AM
THE GREAT AND POWERFUL OZ!"

The Red Knight smiles knowingly.  "There are things which must be
experienced, not told.  But yes, there are things to be learned.  To walk
all five is to imprint yourself with the five elements, the totality of
the pillars of order.  But there are things beyond and above those pillars
which one can then pass on to."

He pats Gabrielle on the head.  "Dear, don't frighten your cousin."

Hiko the Firechilde steps back, surprised.  "Like what sort of things can
you tell about me?"

The Red Knight says, "When you gaze into the Pattern, the Pattern also
gazes into you.  When you brand yourself with the Pattern, the Pattern
knows what it is branding."

Gabrielle reverts to normla size, and begins spewing facts; bra size, age,
weight, history of lovers, status of pregnancy, etc.

Foxtrot lowers the prod and grins.  "Does she know about Batousai-san?"

Esme Pariseau OOCly says, "This is Corrine's daughter.  Scared now?"

Shaft says, "OOCly i was scared before, thank you"

Gabrielle says, "Oh, and you posses the Blood of Chaos, making you a union
of the Order/Chaos bloodlines."

Akemi pages, "You don't know.  :)  Although she doesn't spew off that
information." to you.

Hiko the Firechilde exclaims, "Okay, I get it..."  She hears a certain
name and winces.  "That's ENOUGH!"

Gabrielle says, "Beyond that, I can't tell you a thing." She smiles
innocently.
The Red Knight says, "That's enough, Gabrielle."

He sighs.  "She's a very ebullient child, and sometimes she can get a
little out of hand.  Sorry, Hiko."

Gabrielle giggles for the umpteenth time. "I am all the wonders of
creation."

Hiko the Firechilde smiles faintly.  "Yes, you are.  You are a very nice
Pattern, and a very nice girl."

The Red Knight says, "I would suggest, should you do a tour of the
Patterns, that you finish with the Air Pattern."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Why that one?"

"It is the most difficult to walk, and there are things I believe you will
wish to see there after you have seen the others."

Hiko the Firechilde nods...

"For it is there that the Forbidden Gate stands."

Hiko the Firechilde nods.  "And that's the Gate Annadil wants to open."

He nods.  "The Gate of Revolution.  It requires the combined power of
Amber and Chaos to open the gate.  And the five elements to close it."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What do you know about how to close the Gate
once it's opened?"

Gabrielle floats serenly in the air, playing with the Battle-Action
Figures Gran'pa gave her.

Esme Pariseau OOCly breaks down laughing.  Corrine, meanwhile, in another
time-frame, does not know wether to go Awww or facepalm.

Castle Brandenburg floats about nearby.

The Red Knight says, "The Icons must be borne together to the Chamber of
Revolution, and used there to close the Gate.  Which means you could only
shut the gate when Tir'na-nog is actually in the sky--on a clear night
with a full moon."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "But how do you do it?"

"It has never been done, for the gate has never been opened that I know
of.  Each child must bear their own Icon, I know that.  And they must
first attune themselves to it.  But the exact process....only
Fuyutsuki-sama knows if anyone does."

Gabrielle says, "Gran'pa knows EVERYTHING."

Hiko the Firechilde smiles.  "Well, this Child is ready... and with that,
I take my leave.  There are some priests I need so see, and maybe I'll
talk to Fuyutsuki-san again."

The Red Knight bows to you.  'Good luck, Lady Hiko."

Hiko the Firechilde bows in return.  "Farewell."  She pulls out her trump
of the Castle Amber courtyard and steps through.

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Cut here?"

Juri says, "OOc Cut here."

Esme Pariseau OOCly Yay!

Tybalt says, "Woo hoo."

Tybalt wonders what other PC's he can con into walking the Fire Pattern.



[CONTINUED ANOTHER DAY]


Akemi pages, "Want to do some gaming?" to you and Shizumaru.
Shizumaru OOCly says, "Both of us together?"
Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Why not?  Unless one of us is ahead of
the other timewise."
Shizumaru OOCly says, "Actually, considering my travel time after getting
the Seed back, I may be a bit ahead of you."
Juri says, "OOC You're close enough to each other that I think this is a
good time for you to finally run into each other."
Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Cool... I can take him to Arden to help
him with the Seed."
Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "IIRC, I just trumped back to Amber after
talking to the RK?"
Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Hold for logging...."
Shizumaru OOCly says, "Cool. I may pause intermittently, as I am on the
job. :)"
Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Okay...  I can handle that."
Juri says, "OOC Okay, we'll pretty much start with Hiko trumping into the
courtyard as Shizumaru is crossing it"
Juri says, "OOC Nice and simple :"
Shizumaru OOCly says, "Okay. :)"
Hiko the Firechilde grins.
*** Foxtrot goes IC. ***
*** Shizumaru goes IC. ***

[BEGIN SESSION]

Hiko the Firechilde trumps into the Castle courtyard.
She looks around, then spies a figure in the distance...  "Cousin
Shizumaru?

Shizumaru walks through the courtyard, looking decidedly happier than he
was the last time he was here. He pauses at the sound of his name, and
looks about. "...Cousin Hiko? Ah! How have you been?" He changes direction
and walks over toward her.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I'm good.  How are you?"  She looks him over.
"I hear you were having problems with the Seed?"

Shizumaru smiles. "I had been, yes...but it is finally back. Kept in a
safe place until it is needed...." He pauses. "That may be soon, actually,
as I plan to attune myself to it shortly."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Wonderful!  I know exactly where you need to
go.  Want me to take you there?"

Hiko the Firechilde smiles.  "I've got a friend at the Wood Pattern.  I
believe you've met him already."

Shizumaru blinks. "Ah...now? Well, actually...." He stops and tilts his
head. "...why not? I believe I am ready by now." He nods and smiles. "The
Green Knight. Of course. Just let me get the Seed, and I will join you."

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "How does the Going to Arden thing work,
anyhow?  I just think of it, and there I am?" to Akemi
Akemi pages, "You just concentrate and BAMF" to you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I like BAMFing.]

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Time is of the essence, Shizumaru.  With all
the instability in the kingdom, our enemy can strike at any time."

Shizumaru nods. "I will hurry." He dashes off, and soon returns with the
Seed. "Shall we proceed?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "We shall.  Take my hand."

Shizumaru takes Hiko's hand.

Hiko the Firechilde concentrates, bringing up an image of the clearing
next to the Wood Pattern.
An image in her mind, that is.

You appear in the clearing at the entrance to the Wood Pattern.  The
forest is very thick and old here, and quite beautiful in late spring.
And then, off in the distance, you hear the sound of...cows?  They're
mooing loudly and angrily.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I've already attuned myself to the Heart...
what's that?"

Shizumaru takes a deep breath, savoring the fresh air. "Ahhh...ah? That
sounds like...cows."

Hiko the Firechilde wonders how far away they are.

Shizumaru looks around, trying to spot them.

[Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Spotting the cows, Drew?"
Shizumaru OOCly nods.
Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "There's a pun in that..."]

You can't see the cows, but they're getting closer.
"MRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Hiko the Firechilde looks for some trees to climb.

Shizumaru does the same.

Gosh, you wouldn't find any trees to climb in ARDEN, no sirree...

[Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Any sturdy enough or tall enough, silly
GM."
Shizumaru OOCly c.c
Shizumaru OOCly says, "And one that would provide a good viewpoint."]

You both quickly climb up some trees.  Soon, the herd of angry bison show
up.  They begin milling about, looking up resentfully at you.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Hey!  What's the matter?"

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Yes... I like talking to animals.]

Shizumaru peers down at them curiously. "I do not believe I have offended
any livestock lately, but I suppose I may be wrong."

[Shizumaru OOCly tries to score another point on the quote page.
The Prof grins at Drew. "You never know..."]

They begin butting the trees with their heads.  The trees begin to shake.

Hiko the Firechilde cups one hand and shouts.  "What's the matter???"
The bison continue to moo loudly and angrily.

[Akemi pages, "There's something unnatural about these bison, you can
sense." to you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "They not speaking to me???  Wai!" to
Akemi
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Examine bison.]

Shizumaru calls out to Hiko, "Do you think you could summon the Green
Knight and ask him why they are here?"

[Akemi pages, "They look like ordinary bison, except they seem to be
cooperating suspiciously much." to you.]

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I don't think these are your normal herd of
bison...  I don't think that these bison should be here."

Hiko the Firechilde pulls out her trump of the GK and activates it.

[Rod McCarthy says, "I'm just waiiting for one of them to do a Bison
Torpedo."
Rod McCarthy says, "Sorry, street fighter flashback"]

Shizumaru prepares himself to jump to another tree if necessary.

The trees shake more and more.

Hiko the Firechilde throws up an invisible shield.

[Akemi pages, "The Green Knight answers the trump.  "Good day, m'lady.""
to you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hello, dearest.... help?" to Akemi]

Shizumaru starts tree-hopping, using his umbrella to glide if necessary.

Hiko the Firechilde points at the ones surrounding her and Shizumaru's
trees.  "Sniper's Flame!  Back, ye beasties!"

[Akemi pages, "You can't use a trump and cast spells at the same time." to
you.]

Hiko the Firechilde takes back that last page.

Hiko the Firechilde takes back that last action, I mean.

[Akemi pages, ""What is the matter?" he asks.  "I see the tree is shaking,
but there shouldn't be an Earthquake."" to you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Bison.  Lots of them.  They're not
answering me.  Where are you?" to Akemi
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I fear they may not be from around
here.]

Shizumaru asks, "Any response from the Green Knight?"

Hiko the Firechilde is talking to him right now.

[Akemi pages, ""Oh yes, the Questing Beast left a herd of angry, horny
bison lying around the forest when he abducted Corrine a few weeks ago.
They've been ravaging her rangers ever since.  Would you like me to pull
you out?"" to you.]

Hiko the Firechilde gestures towards Shizumaru.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I've got a guest... could you come to
us instead?" to Akemi
Akemi pages, ""Allright."" to you.]

[Mercutio pages, "You just try to use one of Gabby's nifty functions?" to
you.]

Shizumaru settles down on a tree for a moment, and gets his trump of
Corrine out, but does not activate it yet.

Hiko the Firechilde reaches through and pulls the GK through the trump.

Hiko pulls the Green Knight out of the air.  The branch he and Hiko are on
promptly snaps, forcing both of them to catch a lower branch that puts
them ALMOST within reach of the bison, who whack the tree harder.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "This is not pleasant..."

Hiko the Firechilde points with one hand at the bison below her.
"Sniper's Flame!"

You fry a bison to ash.  There is an awful silence.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "And this isn't the same beast as the Squid I
saw recently?  Or is that the Ravaging Beast?"

Shizumaru yells out, "Cousin!" He snarls, and casts around for a pinecone
or something to throw. But he stops after Hiko blasts one of the bison.
And sweatdrops lightly.

The bisons' eyes turn red.

Hiko the Firechilde exclaims, "Yeah, and the REST of you might get the
same, so back off!"

Hiko the Firechilde meeps internally.

The Green Knight says, "Ahh, I see, these bison are from another
universe."

[Demetrius watches Horny Bison invade TAMD.]

Hiko the Firechilde says, "They can go BACK as far as I'm concerned."

The Green Knight says, "Which is why I haven't been able to find them
before.  I'm afraid I'm powerless over them."

Shizumaru blinks. "Another universe?" He thinks back to his recent trip.
"I hope I did not somehow lead them through the Cave of Worlds," he
mutters.

The bison back up, drawing away from Hiko's tree.  In the process, they
knock down several trees.

[The_Prof pages, "Been nice knowing you... :)" to you.]

And then bullfighting music begins to play.

Shizumaru says, "..."

Shizumaru trumps Corrine.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Transform douze to gun.]

The Green Knight turns to Hiko, "I would suggest doing something to get us
OUT of here."

[Akemi pages, "Okay, but don't forget, guns don't work close to Amber." to
you.]

Hiko the Firechilde aims at the bison closest to her.  "DEEP FREEZE!"

Oddly, you don't seem to be able to contact Corrine.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Okay, transform to crossbow.]

You freeze a bison in a block of ice.

[Akemi pages, "No problem." to you.]

Shizumaru arghs, and puts the trump away. "Maybe we should get back to the
Castle and regroup, Cousin."

Sadly, there are several hundred of them.

Hiko the Firechilde narrows her eyes.  "I need two hands for this next
one...."

And then they charge your tree, piling up on top of each other in a mad,
frothing mass of bison, like something from a horror movie.  There is a
great crack, and your tree begins to topple.

Hiko the Firechilde eeeks! and jumps free.

Shizumaru yells, "Trump back to the Castle! Just go! We can come back
later!"

Hiko the Firechilde unleashes the crossbow and shoots bison as she falls.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Kinda busy here... meet you back there?"

Hiko lands on the back of a bison.  The Green Knight, not very nimble in
his heavy armor, simply falls among them like  a rock.

Hiko the Firechilde OOCly  meeps again.

Many bison get shot up, and there are trampling noises at work.

Hiko the Firechilde exclaims, "No!"

Hiko the Firechilde holds on with her knees and aims at a large group.
"Rings of Fire!"

Shizumaru answers, "All right! But...." He curses, and tries to jump
closer, to get a good view of where the Green Knight landed.

A group of bison get fried.  The ones around the one Hiko is sitting on
try to butt her legs.  Now the bison are surging around everywhere.

[Vixxy asks, "I'm fighting Horny Bison.... how did I know this was gonna
happen eventually?"
Chris B. asks, "Are they horny for you?"]

Hiko the Firechilde shoots more bison with her crossbow.

Like the ones around where the GK fell.

Hiko the Firechilde calls up another spell, aiming it at the ones around
her.  "White Noise!"

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Thank god for spikards.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "The douze ring was mainly a
shapeshiftable weapon, ne?" to Akemi]

Bison die in droves.  Shizumaru begins bouncing tree to tree, then drops
down among the Bison and manages to pull the Green Knight up from among
the horde.  He is unconscious.

[Akemi pages, "You can also use it to contact Gabrielle and get her to use
her powers through the manifestation." to you.]

Shizumaru yells, "Meet me in the Courtyard!" He uses his trump to escape
with the GK in tow.

Hiko the Firechilde growls, and calls Gabrielle.

Hiko the Firechilde is also holding on for dear life...

There's a *pop*, and Gabrielle appears riding a bison next to Hiko,
wearing a cowgirls outfit. "Hiiiiiiii!"

The bison keep trying to shake Hiko off.

Shizumaru would bogleg if he had the chance to.

Esme Pariseau OOCly says, "Don't worry, Shiz, before too long you'll
likely -get- your chance."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Hi, Gabrielle!  I need some help.  Can you
transport these bison into the sea?  They're not playing nice."


[User got disconned and couldn't get back online for a long time.  Note: I
remember saying something like how they were pets of the Ravager Beast's.]

<Gabrielle> You mean like that?

<Bailesu> Okay, silence settles over the forest as the bison finish
vanishing.

<Bailesu> OOC Notes that Drew cannot get on here; he has no IRC at work.

<Hiko> ooc: Am I still sitting on one?

* Hiko oocly nods.

<Gabrielle> "OOOOOOO! Taking Mom to another world was NOT NICE!" Giant,
flaming Gabrielle looks around for something else to burn.

<Gabrielle> She points, and an ancient redwood reduces itself cleanly to
ash.

* Hiko nods at Gabrielle. "Um, Gabrielle? Could you take your frustrations
out on other things?"

<Bailesu> OOC all the bison are gone; you nearly fall through a trump gate
into 'The Shadow of Bison Stew' with it.

<Gabrielle> >POP<

<Hiko> "These trees belong to your uncle..."

* Gabrielle returns to her normal state, breathing heavily and sweating.
"I feel better now."

* Hiko leaps free and rolls when she hits the ground.

* Hiko nods to Gabrielle, lying on her back. "Thanks, Gabrielle."

* Gabrielle looks around. "The trees are pretty... but won't they burn
easily?"

<Gabrielle> "I feel like I should burn them..."

<Hiko> "They usually do... I can't think of what you could burn, but
please not the trees?"

<Hiko> "Why do you want to burn them?"

<Gabrielle> "I don't KNOW!" Gabby stomps her foot angrily.

* Hiko awkwardly gets up and pats Gabrielle's shoulder. "It's gonna be
okay. We'll get your Mommy back."

<Gabrielle> "I can't FEEL her anymore!" 

<Gabrielle> "It's like there's a big hole where her mind's supposed to
be!"

Hiko freezes. "Could you always feel her before?"

<Gabrielle> "Yes! She was always in the Castle, or with Daddy out where
he's Warden, and now she's NOT, and I don't know what to DO!" Gabrielle
sniffles a little.


[And... back to Kawaii]

[Esme Pariseau OOCly tries to summon Trish.
Hiko the Firechilde exclaims, "Yaaaaaaay!!!!"
Esme Pariseau OOCly says, "... wow.  it worked."
Esme Pariseau OOCly says, "Didn't even have to pull out the GK plushie."]

Hiko the Firechilde pats Gabrielle's shoulder again...  "We'll think of
something," she says, a bit weakly.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I need to make sure the Green Knight is okay.
Can you find Shizumaru?"

Gabrielle sniffles a bit more. "Thankyo." She blinks., and looks gratified
at something nonthreatening to do. "I think he's in AMber.  We should go;
I don't think this place likes me very much."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Why not?"

Gabrielle says, "I don't KNOW!" Gabby looks to be on the verge of tears,
and keeps opening her mouth try and articulate something she can't quite.

Hiko the Firechilde awkwardly gathers the girl next to her in a hug.
"Let's go find Shizumaru."

Gabrielle sniffles into Hiko's shirt. "'kay..."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Where do we start?"

Gabrielle waves a hand despondently,and a Trump Gate opens.

You can see Shizumaru and the Green Knight on the other side.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Thank the gods... are you okay?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "All the bison are gone."

Shizumaru blinks, and looks up from a trump card he has in his hand.
"Cousin? They are gone? Ah, good. I am fine. The Green Knight will be all
right, as well. He just needs some time to rest."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Is he awake?"

Shizumaru shakes his head. "No, he is still unconscious. I would rather
not wake him prematurely--we should let him sleep and try to figure out
what happened, in the meantime."

Wasyuu says, "He'll probably wake fairly soon, I think.  He seems tough as
a log."

Hiko the Firechilde nods to Gabrielle.  "I need to see him.  Please come
with me?  Maybe ... Grandpa can help us find Corrine."

Hiko the Firechilde sighs with relief.

Gabrielle nodds sullenly. "'kay."

Shizumaru nods, then says, "Please give me a moment," before turning back
to the trump.

Hiko the Firechilde is clearly at a loss as how to deal with Gabrielle.
She pats her shoulder again and nudges her.  "Ya wanna come with me?"

Shizumaru puts away his trump and turns to Hiko. "What is happening, now?"

Gabrielle says, ""Gran'pa is nice," she says. It seems like acquiescence.
"

Hiko the Firechilde picks up Gabrielle and walks through the Gate to where
Shizumaru is.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "This is Gabrielle.  She's Corrine's daughter."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Corrine's been taken to another world, and we
have no idea how to find her.  That's why she hasn't been answering any
Trump calls.  I saw her briefly, but we were engaged in battle, and she
got taken away again."

Gabrielle holds onto Hiko, looking depressed.

Wasyuu pats Gabrielle on the head.  "Would you like some candy?" she asks.

[Vixxy exclaims, "Ya know.... finding Corrine would be a job for.....
SHAFT!"]

Shizumaru blinks repeatedly. "...oh. I see. Er." His brow furrows. "I
should like to help get her back...."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Not so fast, Cousin.  You need to attune
yourself to the Seed first.  That shouldn't take too long."

Gabrielle says, "Yes, please." She smiles tremulously at Washuu.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "There are so many things we don't know about
the Icons.  I know how to use mine... somewhat.  And I'll be you don't
know how to use yours."

Shizumaru nods grimly. "I understand."

Hiko the Firechilde boosts Gabrielle a bit.  "We need to take care of some
business here first, but then Cousin Shizumaru will help you find your
mother...."  She breaks off her sentence, a worried look crossing her
face.

Wasyuu hands a box of snickers.

[Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Not the cat, I hope."
Meow.
The candy bar, not the pet.]

There's about eighty one inch long mini-snickers bars in it.

Gabrielle gets down off Hiko. "Oooooo." The prospect of sugar seems to
perk her up.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I wonder if that's what he wants us to do.
Scatter, and defeat us one by one."

Hiko the Firechilde pauses.  "Has anyone heard from Nagisa or Mikage?"

Shizumaru shakes his head. "I have been gone from Amber for a number of
weeks, out of contact from them."

[Shaft says, "OOCly A month ago! ^.-"]

Wasyuu says, "From what I understand, they're off on a mission for Queen
Moire of Rebma."

Wasyuu says, "Hunting pirates or some such thing."

Shaft wanders into the infirmary with a large bruise on his head.

Hiko the Firechilde exclaims, "Ota-san!"

[Vixxy says, "Hee hee... let the Gabby drooling commence."]

Shizumaru blinks, and turns. "Ota-niisan?"

Gabrielle s-lo-wl-y looks up from her big box of snickers.

Hiko the Firechilde blinks.   "'Ota-niisan'?"

Shaft pauses and stares at the two of you.  "Oh.... hey, whasap."

OTA-SAN!!! WAIIIIIIIIII!!!!

Shaft notices Gabrielle and groans

Hiko the Firechilde stares at Ota and Gabrielle.  "I take it you've met?"

Gabrielle _zooms_ across the room and GLMPS shaft at full speed.

Shizumaru glances at Hiko. "Apparently...I am actually Utena's son," he
says, sweating a bit. "A long story, which I can relate at another time."

Shaft says, "aw Shi-" *WHAM*

Shizumaru just kind of stares. o.o;

Shizumaru has not quite registered the fact that Gabrielle is Corrine's
daughter, by the way.

Gabrielle hugs Shaft's prone form like she's never hugged anything before.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'd love to hear it when we have more time."

Shaft says, "Can't.... breathe......."

Hiko the Firechilde is sorta gaping and gawking.

Shaft taptaptaps on Gabrielle's shoulder

Hiko the Firechilde gathers herself and crosses to where the GK is lying
and takes his hand.

Gabrielle relaxes her grip and looks up into shaft's eyes. "You left
without saying goodbye, Shaft." She pouts cutely. "But I forgive you."

While he doesn't wake up, he does gently squeeze your hand, perhaps
instinctively.

Shaft facepalms.

[Vixxy the Vixen giggles.  "Did a runner on her, hmm?"]

Shizumaru scratches his head. "I suppose there have been a few stories
that I have missed, myself...."

Shaft turns to Washu.  "Just gimmie somethin' for this lump an' I'll be
outta your way, doc."

Shaft stares at Shizumaru for a moment.  "Man, don'cha hate it when your
mamma spontaneously procreates...."

Shizumaru twitches slightly. "...I suppose so, Niisan."

Gabrielle is glued to Shaft's arm, smiling happily.

Hiko the Firechilde blinks slowly, squeezing the GK's hand.  She looks up
at Washyuu.  "Do you think a healing spell would work?  Or does he just
need rest?"

Shaft eyes Gabrielle nervously.  "So, er... what the hell you doin' down
here?"

Gabrielle says, "Cousin Hiko brought me to save her from Horny Bison!" She
smiles.

Wasyuu says, "He just needs sleep."

Shaft stares at Hiko.  "Where's that crazy girl been bringin' you?!"

Wasyuu says, "He was heavily bruised, possibly a mild concussion, but my
treatment should fix his concussion in no time."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Crazy?"

Hiko the Firechilde pats his hand gently, then leans down to give him a
kiss on his forehead.

Shaft patpats Gabrielle's head.  "Now if anyone brings ya to animals
that're a liiiiittle too friendly, you just tell'em 'no', okay?"

Hiko the Firechilde turns to Ota.  "Who are you calling crazy?  They were
pets left from the ravager beast."

Gabrielle giggles. "Okay, Ota-san!"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "They started attacking us."

Shaft nods at Hiko, very slowly.  "Okaay, ravager beast, whatever y'say,
cousin."

Gabrielle exclaims, "Its true!"

Gabrielle exclaims, "It was a big, angry squid, with knobbly tentacles!"

Shizumaru listens in bemusement.

Shaft patpats Gabrielle's head again.    "Of course it is.  Now Washu, if
you can gimmie a magical head-lump remover...."

Shaft says, "and Tentacled thangs, Gabrielle, are a no-no."

Hiko the Firechilde glares at Ota.  "I am telling the truth!"

Wasyuu hands Shaft a potion bottle labelled 'Bump Remover'.  "Just drink
this."

Shaft raises his hands defensively.  "Hey, I ain't sayin' you're lyin, am
I?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I don't like the patronizing tone in your
voice."

Gabrielle climbs up Shafts arm and whispers in his ear.

Shaft blinks

Shaft nods at hearing Gabrielle's words.  "Ooooh, okay."

Gabrielle drops back down and beams. "It was neat!"

Gabrielle says, "Hey, did you know that Hiko has the blood of chaos, just
like you?"

Shaft turns to Hiko.  "I see, I see, glad y'feelin better, Cousin."   He
then turns to Washu.  "Now the last time I guzzled your shit, you had me
drinkin' unicorn piss an' mud.  TELL me this is-"  He pauses at
Gabrielle's words.  "Say wha?"

Hiko the Firechilde sighs.  "This is serious, though.  Corrine has
disappeared, into another UNIVERSE and I've met a woman who looks like my
mother but is *not* a Shadow of her."  She cocks her head at Gabrielle's
words.  "My father was from Chaos?"

Gabrielle nods happily. "Or your mother!"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "You've met my mother, Gabrielle."

Shaft elbows Shizumaru. "Y'know, the rate this thang's goin', she'll end
up bein' our half-sister."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I know who my father is."

Hiko the Firechilde clenches her jaw slightly.

Shizumaru shakes his head slowly. "I make absolutely no guesses at this
point, because they would likely be wrong."

Shaft opens the bottle and sniffs cautiously.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "In all my research so far, I never knew that he
was a Chaosian... it does explain a lot."

Gabrielle claps her hands, and weird magical diagrams of Hiko and Shaft
appear. "See? Right here. Blood of Chaos." She points at black squiggles
that look just like a bunch of other black squiggles.

Shaft blinks.  "Wha?"

[Foxtrot lowers the prod and grins.  "Does that mean that I can eventually
shapeshift?"
Akemi pages, "If you are indeed Chaosian, yes :)" to you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Gabby could be wrong?" to Akemi
Akemi pages, "Even the Pattern isn't all knowing :0" to you.
Akemi pages, "But she's rarely wrong." to you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Right.  Still, Ludovicus as a
chaosian... explains his hatred of Amber.]

The bottle smells like Pepsi.

Shaft shrugs and holds the bottle to Gabrielle.  "Tell me what's in this."

Hiko the Firechilde nods.  "I'm gonna have to check the records again."

Gabrielle squints at the bottle, and spouts a long series of chemical
codes.

Shizumaru finally seems to realize that he hasn't been introduced to
Gabrielle. "Hello...Gabrielle, is that your name?" he says, smiling.

Hiko the Firechilde falls into deep thought.

[Shizumaru OOCly says, "It's about time that Shizu finds out his favorite
auntie has a kid. And has become queen of Ember. And a whole bunch of
other things. o.o"]

Shaft stares at Gabrielle for a moment, shrugs, and downs the bottle in
two gulps.

Gabrielle beams. "Uh-huh! I'm the Princess of Ember!"

Shaft exclaims, "AAAAAAAAAGH!"

It tastes like Pepsi.

Shizumaru smiles and bows. "My name is Hisame Shizumaru. I came from
Lipun, and am a prince of Amber."

Shaft scowls and tosses the bottle away.  "Shit, tasted like PEPSI."

[Shizumaru OOCly laughs.]

Shizumaru flinches slightly at Shaft's outburst, but tries to ignore it.

Shaft blinks slowly and scratches his skin.

[Esme Pariseau OOCly says, "Clear signs that Wasyuu's a quack.  Her
alchemical potions taste like bad soft drinks."]

The bump on Shaft's head starts to shrink.

Then Shaft's skin starts to turn purple.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Oh my..."

Shaft exclaims, "WAAAAAAAASHUUUUUU!!!!!!!!"

Gabrielle giggles. "You're cute when you're purple," she coos.

Shaft pulls out a trump, then pulls a large mallet out through it.

Wasyuu looks at Shaft, then frowns.  "Oh wait, I used that flask to
rebottle the last of my Sipping Logrus after it escaped the bottle it came
in."

Shaft exclaims, "I'm PURPLE!"

Shizumaru twitches again. "Ah-ha...so. How do you know Aunt Corrine? I
heard her being mentioned while you and Hiko were takling earlier."

Shizumaru is doing his best to to be thrown off-track by Shaft's Colorful
Adventures.

[Shizumaru OOCly says, "Not to be thrown off track, that is."]

Shaft says, "how can I go put the mack on-"  He pauses and glances at
Gabrielle for a moment, thenn turns back.  "How'm I supposed t'go out like
this, woman?!?!"

Gabrielle gigles. "She's my mommy, silly! The Queen of Ember!"

Shizumaru stumbles.

Shaft asks, "an'what the hell is sippin' logrus?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I've been trying to figure that one out myself,
Cousin."

Shizumaru asks, "Pardon me...did you just say that you are Aunt Corrine's
daughter, and that she is the Queen of Ember?"

In the background, Shaft throttles Washu.

Gabrielle exclaims, "Uh-huh!"

Shizumaru looks very thoughtful.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Something wrong, Cousin?"

Shizumaru finally says, very slowly, "Yes, I have been missing out on a
lot of information, it seems."

Wasyuu says, "Sipping Logrus is made by distilling Logrus Tendrils."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Well, unless you have something better to do,
we can trade stories at the pub near the castle."

She continues, "It's slow brewed in fast-time shadows for millenia."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Or at least as much as I know."

"And it has hideously unpredictable effects on people who bear the blood
of chaos, but haven't learned to shapeshift properly."

Shaft's bump is now gone completely.  His hair turns plaid.

Shaft THROTTLES Washu.  "FIX THIS, WOMAN!!!"

Gabrielle looks curious. "Did  you have the Old One 'eyed Serpent blend,
or the more piiquant Thelbanes Tears blend?'"

Wasyuu makes gurgly noises.

[Dancing Ed OOCly says, "Well, plaid probably goes better with purple than
pink did..."]

Hiko the Firechilde tries not to stare at Ota too much.

Shaft exclaims, "I cannnot GO to the CASTLE like THIS!"

Shaft asks, "How LONG does this LAST?"

[Dancing Ed OOCly says, "Just tell 'em Washu sent you. They'll
understand."]

Shizumaru is still nodding slowly. "That sounds like a good idea...I will
be there later. Perhaps I can bring Rimururu-san along. I need to show her
around Amber."

Wasyuu says, "You're in the castle, Shaft.  Oh dear, the mind-warping
effects must be kicking in."

Wasyuu says, "Well, I finally get to study the effects of this on a
chaosian, so it's not ALL bad!"

Shaft suddenly gets an idea.  "Hey, Gabby, zap me to your kingdom for ten
seconds'n bring me back.  That oughta be... what, a couple'a hours?"

Gabrielle says, "Okay!" She snaps her fingers.

Shaft says, "'least I'll get my tan back...."

Shizumaru is just not looking at Shaft, for fear of having his train of
thought derailing completely.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Well, which do you want to do first?  Show your
friend... Rimururu-san around?  Attune the Seed?"

[Shaft exclaims, "OOCly AAAgh!  Shaft not there for nut jokes!"]

[Shizumaru OOCly says, "Rimu's still getting her trump portrait done,
right?"]

Hiko the Firechilde finally succeeds in getting her brain back on track.
"Now that the bison are gone, we should be able to do it fairly quickly."

Shizumaru answers, "Attuning myself to the Seed. Rimururu-san is having
her trump portrait done, still, and will probably be a little while
longer."

[Shizumaru pages, "You may notice a faint blush appearing on Shizumaru's
face when he mentions Rimururu." to you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "And I think I know how to get Shizumaru
in that compromising position... can we say Heart-inducement?" to Akemi
Akemi pages, "Heh." to you.
Foxtrot lowers the prod and cackles.]

Shaft appears again.  He now has several bath buckets hanging off him.

Shaft says, "don't ask."

Hiko the Firechilde nods, then smile at Shizumaru, doing a double take at
Ota.  "..."
Shizumaru says, "Do not worry, Ota-niisan. I will not ask."

Gabrielle says, "Oh yes, that's right.... they finished rebuilding it."

Wasyuu says, "Hmm.  I could attempt to purge you of the Sipping Logrus."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How is the reconstruction going on?"

Shaft mutters, "Guess I'll go find some chicks that don't mind the Dr.
Seuss look...."

Hiko the Firechilde (don't think about Ota... you'll just blow a brain
cell again)

Shaft grins maniacally.  "Hey, Yumi's a mage, yeah.... she might fix
this....."  He rifles through his trumps to find Yumi

Shizumaru picks up the Seed of Hope again, looks at it speculatively. "So,
Cousin Hiko...what will I have to do, exactly?"

Shaft mutters something about whooping God-Ass and getting rewarded with
plaid.....

Gabrielle asks, "Yumi?  That's a woman's name."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "We need to go back to Arden."  She pats the
Green Knight's hand again, then gets up.

Shaft blinks and patpats Gabrielle.  "Why don'cha go help Hiko'n Shizzy
there, baby?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'll tell you what you need to do when you get
there."

Shaft says through his trump contact, "Hey, you'll never believe what
happened t'me, baby...."

Hiko the Firechilde looks speculatively at Shizumaru.  "I wonder if you're
strong enough.... do you trust me?"

Shizumaru moves to follow Hiko. He pauses, then bows to the others in the
room in parting. "Very good, Cousin. Let us go."

Shizumaru blinks at Hiko. "I...should I have a reason not to trust you?"

Shaft says, "hey, shizuie, c'mere a sec."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "No... I just--"  She looks around.  "We should
go."

Hiko the Firechilde concentrates on Arden, and the clearing and takes
Shizumaru's hand.

Shizumaru does not hear Shaft, however, as he's already off elsewhere with
Hiko.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "We reappear in the clearing?" to Akemi]

Shaft blinks and looks at Gabrielle a moment, then rolls his eyes as
Shizumaru and Hiko depart.  "Well, his loss."

Shaft pokes Gabrielle.  "You didn't cut off my trump, did you?"

[Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Need to do a split scene here, ne?"
Shizumaru OOCly says, "What were you thinking of, Rod? o.o"
Shaft says, "OOCly I was thinking of a) plaid  b) sex   c) Dr. Seuss"]

Gabrielle blinks. "I can cut off Trumps?"

Gabrielle smiles innocently at Shaft.

[The Green Knight says, "OOC Hai, we'll need to split the group."]

Hiko the Firechilde and Shizumaru reappear in the clearing in Arden.

[Shaft asks, "OOCly and shaft is done for the night, right>?"
The Green Knight says, "OOC Pretty much, yeah, Rod."
Shaft OOCly sits in the peanut gallery and watches o.o]

Shizumaru looks around cautiously for any signs of bison. Just in case.

There are no bison here.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Gabrielle teleported them all away to a
different shadow... she's got amazing Pattern powers."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Most likely because she IS the Pattern."  She
holds up a hand.  "Don't ask me to explain."

Shizumaru sighs in relief. "Ah. Well, no, I will not ask. Too many things
to ask about at this point."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "To walk the Pattern takes great strength of
mind, and from what I remember of seeing you at Kozue's duel, you don't
seem to be very strong...  Pardon me for being blunt."

Shizumaru flushes slightly. "I...understand." He sighs. "I had been
meditating in order to strengthen my mind in preparation of walking the
Pattern. I hope that will have been enough."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "The Green Knight helped me when I walked the
Pattern here for the first time.  I was hoping he'd be able to do the same
for you."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I wonder if I could do the same for you...
that's why I'm asking if you trust me."

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hey... what would happen if I took the
Heart with me through the Wood pattern?" to Akemi]

Shizumaru blinks a few times. "Really? Oh, I see...." He nods. "I do trust
you, yes. I have not known you for long, but we have already faced a
number of things together. I believe we are on the same side."

[Akemi pages, "Nothing bad will happen." to you.
Akemi pages, "It might have weird side-effects, though :)" to you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Like what?" to Akemi
Akemi pages, "You'll have to find out :)" to you.]

Hiko the Firechilde nods and points at the archway.  "There stands the
Wood Pattern.  We can walk it together.  But I think I need to put the
Heart away before I walk it.  I'm not sure what affect attuning it to the
Wood Pattern would have, and I don't think I want to find out."

Hiko the Firechilde pulls out her trump of King Tylor.

Tylor answers.  "Good morning, Hiko."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Hello, your Highness.  How are you doing?"

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Are you busy right now?"

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "This would be the perfect time for the
Embran KT to show up, btw--- <clamps a hand over her mouth>" to Akemi
Akemi pages, "Heh." to you.]

Shizumaru waits patiently, regarding the Seed and the Wood Pattern
thoughtfully. Let's hope it goes okay.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Could you do me a favor?  I need you to hold
something for me... put it in the Vaults, even."

He nods.  "No problem.  What is it?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "It's one of the Icons.  I need for it to be
safe while I do something."

"Alright."  He holds out a hand.  "I'll take it down to the vault after we
finish eating."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Is it lunchtime?  Who's there with you?"

[USER DEATHLAGGED BEYOND ALL REASON, SESSION CONTINUED ANOTHER DAY]


Hiko the Firechilde peers around to see if she can see who King Tylor's
eating with.

"It's just me and Utena and Yuriko," he says.

Hiko the Firechilde nods and holds out the Heart to King Tylor.  "Could
you hold this for me, while I help Shizumaru attune his Icon?"

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "It would be just my luck if KT turned
out to be a fake.
Akemi pages, "Heh." to you.
Akemi pages, "Well, you trumped him, so the odds it's a fake Tylor are
fairly low." to you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "But (and this is ooc knowledge) a fake
Tylor answered Nagisa's call.
Akemi pages, "As I said, the odds are low :)" to you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Ah-hah....  <thbbbpts>" to Akemi]

He nods and takes it.  "Certainly."

Hiko the Firechilde smiles.  "We should be coming back for it soon."

Hiko the Firechilde bows and closes the trump connection.

Shizumaru has been waiting quietly for Hiko in the meanwhile, and finally
walks up to her. "So that is your Icon...."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Yep... it wasn't easy getting it, either.
Almost burned my hand and arm off because it was booby trapped."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "My foot, too.  Luckily, my shoes didn't burn
away."

Shizumaru blinks. "That must have been unpleasant." Then he stops and
looks down at the Seed of Hope. "Then again, my experience in getting this
was also rather unpleasant, to say the least."

Hiko the Firechilde grins, remembering her time in teh City of Brass.
"C'mon, time's a-wasting, and we can exchange stories later."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Shall we?"

Shizumaru nods. "Of course."

Hiko the Firechilde takes Shizumaru's hand, and leads him along the path
and under the archway and onto the path of the Wood Pattern.

The Wood Pattern is like walking down a path through the forest which
twists and bends, with pine needles for a floor, and trees vaulting up
around you.  You feel a definite jolt when you take your first step.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "What about me?" to Akemi]

Shizumaru blinks, then concentrates on moving slowly and carefully.

Hiko the Firechilde keeps her hold on Shizumaru's hand, letting him go at
his own pace.

[Akemi pages, "You also feel a jolt." to you.]

The air is warm, and birds sing, but every step slowly becomes more
difficult as you press forward.

Shizumaru proceeds deliberately, step by step by step.... He keeps his
eyes on the pathway just before him, not looking right or left beyond what
is about to come. Sweat drips down his face, but he does not move to wipe
it away.

It reminds Shizumaru a bit of his trip to Lord Totoro's home, really.
Although Hiko is rather older than Mai.

The air gradually grows warmer, and then you come to a place where the
branches come together, nearly blocking the path.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Big jolt or minor jolt?  Because I've
walked this pattern before.]

Hiko the Firechilde says, "The first veil..."

Shizumaru faintly murmurs, "I remember this," more to himself than
anything. He presses on slowly.

Hiko the Firechilde lets Shizumaru lead.

[Akemi pages, "Walking the Pattern is never easy." to you.]

Shizumaru moves forward, and gradually forces his way through the first
veil. Carefully, but with determination.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I agree.... but I've done it twice, so
far.]

Hiko the Firechilde pushes through after, her brow furrowed.

As you brush through the branches, you feel a rush inside your head, a
surge of half-forgotten memories of your childhood, of happy times and
sad.

[Akemi pages, "It doesn't get any easier :)" to you.]

Tears start to stream down Hiko's face, and she wipes them away with one
of her sleeves, her hand clenching around Shizumaru's.

And now the air is hot, and animals can be seen frolicing beyond the thick
growing trees.  Birds sing loudly, and the trees show their full
splendour.

Shizumaru almost wobbles, but grits his teeth and maintains his balance.
That was expected, from his research into the Pattern, but not easy to
handle. "Mother," he whispers.

With every step, you remember your training as a martial artist, and the
times of your young adulthood.

You keep going, and your head begins to throb.  Your body will hold out,
you're sure, but your brain might be another matter...  The path begins to
curve and doubleback on itself.

And then you come upon the second veil.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Both of us?  Or just him?" to Akemi
Akemi pages, "Your brain is fine, thanks to high psyche.  the pain is a
minor annoyance." to you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Thought so.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Can I lend him psychic strength?" to
Akemi
Akemi pages, "Yes." to you.]

Hiko the Firechilde whispers to Shizumaru.  "How're you doing?"

Shizumaru twitches. "My head hurts. I am...having a little difficulty
assimilating all the memories." He pauses. "Would using a power word be a
good idea right now?"

The veil draws nearer as you keep walking.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "If I remember right, Power Words use your life
force to sustain it... I'm not sure if you want to do that."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "If you let me, I can help bear the brunt of
it."

[Akemi pages, "You think power words won't work well on the Pattern,
either, as it tends to negate magic" to you.]

Shizumaru nods. "I would appreciate it.... Thank you, cousin."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Plus, power words might not work well on the
Pattern, as they tend to negate magic."

Hiko the Firechilde holds Shizumaru's hand tightly and insinuates herself
into Shizumaru's mind, acting as a buffer.

Shizumaru relaxes slightly, and approaches the next veil.

The second veil passes, bringing back memories of the day your life
forever changed, when you fought the Silver Armed Man.

Shizumaru grits his teeth again. "I will find Mother," he mutters,
repeating his promise.

The air begins to chill, cooling from hot to warm to cool as you walk
along.  The leaves are brightly colored, but falling to the ground,
littering the path, now, and the animals are less energetic.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "What kind of memories are filtering
in?" to Akemi
Akemi pages, "You can't see much more than bits of the memories, as you
have to focus most of your attention on giving him strength and not
screwing up yourself." to you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Right...
Akemi pages, "And the memories well up inside his mind; they don't crawl
in through your buffer." to you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Okay.  Wasn't sure how this was working,
only that I could do it.]

Memories of your experiences in Amber well up now, strange and confusing
place, strange memories and stranger people.

The visions for which you hung upon the Tree of Wisdom rise up as well.

Hiko the Firechilde blinks and concentrates on her own footing.

[Akemi pages, "You get some really WEIRD flashes from those, as he seems
to be remembering being Gendo..." to you.]

Shizumaru smiles grimly. The tests he passed to gain the Seed.... These
are, in their way, good memories for him.

Hiko the Firechilde really blinks this time...

You feel the elation of your gaining the seed as the road bends and
twists, turning and turning.

Shizumaru's voice comes faintly. "...is something wrong, Cousin?"

And then branches rise up before you, the third veil.

Hiko the Firechilde mutters, "Talk later, walk now."

Ice coats them.

Shizumaru nods and falls silent, and presses onward to the their veil.
And as you brush through them, you remember discovering the seed had been
stolen, and ice coats you as well.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "And me?" to Akemi
Akemi pages, "Hmm.  You probably have a flashback to one of your less
pleasant experiences with your little buddy the Battousai here." to you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Ick.]

Shizumaru shivers slightly, but brushes off the chill and continues to
focus on making his way through.

Hiko the Firechilde shivers, and tries to brush away the ice from her
face.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I meant, is the ice on me, too?  I'll
just assume it is.
Akemi pages, "Ahh.  Not literal ice; emotional ice." to you.]

Now the road is ice covered with dead leaves and pine needles, slick to
the touch and tricky to walk on.  The trees are brown and seemingly dead.
The animals are silent.  And all your failures of your life rise up to
taunt you.

Hiko the Firechilde grits her teeth, swearing voluminously under her
breath.  "......getyoufuckerfindwhereyoucamefrom...."

Times wondering about the father you never met.  The disappearance of your
mother.  Your near-defeat by Venir 2.0.  The theft of the Seed.  Killing
all those knights in the Cave of Worlds...

Your body is tired, but it's the mental pain, the regrets, the fears,
which make it hardest to go on.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "How much mental juice do I have left?"
to Akemi]

Shizumaru grits his teeth so hard that his jaw locks. He counters the
memories of those failures with his later successes. Yes, he lost the
Seed...but he got it back. His mother is still missing--but he will find
her. The knights...he will make reparations someday, surely. Surely.

[Akemi pages, "You still have goatloads of mental juice.  Having Buttloads
of Psyche has its privileges :)" to you.]

Hiko the Firechilde pours more strength into her buffer for Shizumaru,
giving him a little mental pickmeup as well.

Shizumaru growls. "It is not over...I will not give up."

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I love having BUTTLOADS of Psyche...]

And then the final veil rises, wet branches, dripping water to the ground
below.  Pushing through it is like shoving through a wall.  And then the
resistance gives and you tumble to the ground, inside the Wood Pattern,
feeling the Seed pulse in your hands like a heart, wishing you could take
a nice, long nap.  There's an open area here about fifty feet across with
a slight mound in the center.

The air is nice and warm.

The birds sing and the sun shines down.

Shizumaru blinks owlishly, peering around. He does not stop walking,
though, unsure if the walk is completed, and moves toward that mound.

You can feel a link to the Seed now, and more peace of mind to go with
your exhaustion.

Hiko the Firechilde looks around... is this the same place where she met
the Unicorn?

Shizumaru says, ever so faintly, "Can I stop yet? Is it finished?"

Hiko the Firechilde smiles.  "Winter has ended... life returns to the
forest."

Yes, it is, but the Unicorn seems to be out at the moment.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Life is an eternal cycle of growth, maturity,
death... and we are at the center of it all, here in Arden, here in the
glade of the Unicorn."

Hiko the Firechilde squeezes Shizumaru's hand.  "You did wonderfully."

Shizumaru is still walking, almost zombie-like. "Life, indeed.... Thank
you, Cousin."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Um... we're done."  He pulls her along.  "I
said, we're done now."

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Can I give him a little mental wake
up?" to Akemi
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I don't think he's very strong mentally,
is he?" to Akemi]

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Are you okay, cousin?"

Shizumaru nods and says, "Oh." He takes a few more steps, then releases
Hiko's hand, and pitches forward. "So tired."

[Akemi pages, "He's not very strong mentally, and right now, he's
exhausted." to you.]

Shizumaru curls up on the ground with the Seed like a giant acorn plushie
and closes his eyes.

Hiko the Firechilde kneels down, and hauls Shizumaru up against her.
Supporting Shizumaru's head, and wrapping her arms around him and the
Seed, she cradles his head on her breast.  "Take us to the infirmary at
the Castle Amber, now!"

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Mission accomplished.  ^_^" to Akemi
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hee hee!" to Akemi]

There's a blink and you're back in the infirmary, sitting on one of the
beds.

Shizumaru yawns, slumps, and breathes in that deep, measured rhythm of a
sleeping person.

Hiko the Firechilde slumps backwards at the sudden teleport, toppling over
onto the bed.  "Medic!"

Wasyuu comes over.  "You two been off having fun?"

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Not quite... he's exhausted, poor boy... do you
have a quiet place where he can lie down and not be disturbed for at least
twelve hours?"

Hiko the Firechilde nudges him slightly.  "Shizumaru... can you hear me?"

Wasyuu says, "The infirmary's full of beds; I'm sure he can sleep here
just fine.  Or I could help you take him up to his room.  Wore him out,
did you?"

Shizumaru snores softly in response.

Hiko the Firechilde blushes.  "It wasn't like that."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I think he might feel safer in his room.  Do
you know where it is?"

Wasyuu nods.  "I know everything."  She helps you pick up Shizumaru.
"Let's go."

Hiko the Firechilde supports him on the right side, looking for a pocket
or a pouch she can put the Seed in.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Well?  Does that count?" to Akemi]

Shizumaru gets carried. While he is, for the most part, rather relaxed, he
does maintain a deathgrip on the Seed. It would take some doing to pry it
loose from his arms.

The Seed is over a foot across; it's too big for a pouch.  But you can put
it on his stomach as you carry him.

Okay....

You soon get him up to his room and put him in bed.

Hiko the Firechilde supports his head and arms, arranging the Seed on his
stomach.

[In a page-pose to you, Akemi noogies you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Well????  Or do you want more?" to
Akemi]

Shizumaru mutters some words softly, mostly unintelligible. But you may
hear 'Mother', perhaps, and 'Rimururu'.

Hiko the Firechilde writes a quick note: I'll make sure no one disturbs
you as you sleep.  I'm off to do research on the Icons, and I'll try and
find out how yours works.  I'm proud of you, Cousin.  -- Hiko.

Hiko the Firechilde leaves the room quietly, and strides towards the
courtyard, taking out the Trump of King Tylor as she does and activating
it.

Shizumaru @sleeps.

[Akemi pages, "I have feeling I must be forgetting something." to you.]

Shizumaru sleeps.  And sleeps and sleeps.  We'll get back to him. [spoofed
by Michelle]

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Forgetting what?" to Akemi]


[PAUSE SESSION]

Michelle pauses game to discuss Pattern stuff with drew.

Shizumaru OOCly says, "Sure thing."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCly  pauses as well.

Okay, Shizumaru sleeps, what you gonna go do, Hiko?

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Go to the temple of the Unicorn and talk
to the priests there about the Icons."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "But I need to get it back first."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Hence, trumping King Tylor."

Tylor eats your brain...oh, wait, no, he just takes your trump call.

Hiko the Firechilde OOCly  thbbbpts at the GM.

Shizumaru OOCly snerks.

Hiko the Firechilde bows.  "Your Highness."

He smiles at you.  "Princess Hiko.  Come to get your heart back?"

Hiko the Firechilde nods.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Yes... Shizumaru's sleeping now, and I wanted
to talk to the priests of the Unicorn about it."

He reaches into his trenchcoat and pulls it out, passing it to you.  "I've
been given hearts before, but this was perhaps the most impressive one I
ever gave back."

Hiko the Firechilde smiles, reaching for it and putting it away.  "I'm
sure Yuriko would love to hear that."  She winks.  "I'll also tell the
Green Knight you said hi."

Tylor smiles.  "I haven't given Yuriko her heart back yet, you see.  I had
to keep that one for myself."  He frowns a bit.  "I understand the Green
Knight is in our infirmary."

Hiko the Firechilde closes the connection with a laugh, and sets off for
the Temple (after getting directions from a guard(.

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Whoops...."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Player error."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Yes, we had some trouble with the guardians the
Beast that originally took Corrine left, but Gabrielle was able to take
care of them."  She quails.  "Not before he got trampled by them."

Tylor shakes his head.  "I always thought the Green Knight was
invulnerable so long as his pattern lasted.  But then, I have never really
studied the lore of Patterns."  He cocks his head listening to something.
"I have a request to make of you in turn."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Yes, your Highness?  These were not natural
bison."

"Long ago, I stumbled upon a rather unusual tower in shadow.  I've come
into some evidence which may indicate it is being used as a base by some
of Annadil's forces. I'm hoping you can find time to investigate it."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Where is this tower?"

He says, "About two weeks travel from Arden.  It stands on a cliff with
fire to one side, a chasm of air on the other, and a sea of water in front
of it."  He shakes his head.  "A very strange place, and filled with a
weird energy that drove me away the time I visited it.  Gave me the
creeps."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "If it can drive you away, what makes you think
I can get close enough to investigate?"

Tylor says, "You possess one of the strongest minds I've ever seen, and
well, I've never been an expert in such things.  And you possess a spikard
and the Heart of Fire.  If they together are not sufficient to the task,
then I suspect no one but Derith or Fuyutsuki would be able to make their
way to it."

Hiko the Firechilde nods.  "I'd want some muscle going with me.  I'm not a
great fighter."

He nods.  "Ramon isn't doing anything, and I think Shaft is lounging about
drinking somewhere.  And purple too, from what I hear, but I'm sure it's
just a phase."

Shizumaru OOCly sniggers.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I think the two of them have worked before.
Maybe having both of them with me would help."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Would you ask them for me if they'd come with?"

He smiles.  "I'll lean on them for you.""

Hiko the Firechilde bows.  "If that's all, I need to be getting to the
Temple now."

He nods.  "Have fun in the library.  Don't let the priests convince you
the rite of rutabagas is necessary."  He waves bye.

Hiko the Firechilde waves, and closes the connection, NOW, asking for
directions and making her way into town, to the Temple of the Unicorn.

You make your way down to the Temple of the Unicorn, a grand and beautiful
cathedral of white marble and stained glass in the gothic style.

A young tonsured priest greets you at the door.  "Blessing of the Unicorn
upon you, traveller."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "The Blessing of the Unicorn upon you, good
priest.  I require some assistance."

"With your pregnancy?"

Hiko the Firechilde blinks.

"I take it you have a different problem?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Um, not yet.  I'm only a few weeks along, if
I've counted correctly."

He nods.  "So how may we aid you?"

The_Prof pages, "That's right, I forgot you're gonna be a mommy. :)" to
you.

[Rod McCarthy says, "I am going to actively avoid anyone short of mom and
the king for a while, thank you o.o"]

Hiko the Firechilde says, "It's a research problem.  I've been asked by
King Tylor to come here to do research on the Icons."

He nods.  "Let me take you to Brother Abelard."

[Vixxy asks, "What if the King asks you to accompany your cousin on a
mission?"]

Brother Abelard turns out to be a middle-aged man in saffron.

Rod McCarthy says, "in that case, don't have a choice"

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Bits of Sirena are creeping in.  I'm
lying to minor lackeys...]

[Demetrius says, "It's sad how Hiko would have to be the stable,
intelligent one for that mission."]

[Akemi pages, "Heh." to you.]

Brother Abelard asks, "How can I be of assistance, Princess?"

Hiko the Firechilde bows.  "I'm told you're the one to see about research
into the Icons?  The Prophecies have stated that we five childen are the
only ones who can close the Gate, but I have no idea how we're supposed to
do it."

Brother Abelard says, "Well, it's never actually been done, so not much is
known about how it could be done, although I can share various works of
half-baked speculation with you."

Brother Abelard says, "My own suspicion is that it would probably require
you all to form a psychic link to each other, to coordinate your efforts."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Is that what it says in the books?"

Brother Abelard takes you round the library, gathering various books as he
talks.  "In some of them.  Others claim that keyholes will open up, or
that a giant cow will come out and eat them, or..."

Brother Abelard hands you more books.  "One of the problems is that no one
knows what's on the other side of the Forbidden Gate or what happens when
it's opened."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Which books do you lend credence to and why?"

Brother Abelard asks, "Are you familiar with the speculations of Steven of
Langobard?"

Hiko the Firechilde looks frantically for a cart to put the books on.

There are no carts, only Zuul.

Brother Abelard waves about 'The Fruitcakes of Doom' for a moment, then
puts it back on the shelf.  "I tend to incline to the theory that opening
the Gate would destroy the Pattern and the Logrus."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Seriously... cart or no cart?"

There are no carts, only Zuul.

Brother Abelard says, "Well, that's part of the problem. About a quarter
of the books we can dismiss as fruitcake theories."

Brother Abelard says, "For example, the theory that you use the icons to
make fruitcakes to close the gate is UNLIKELY to be true."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How do you see that?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "About the Pattern and the Logrus, I mean.  Not
the fruitcakes."

Brother Abelard says, "Well, the Gate has to be opened using weapons
connected TO the Pattern and the Logrus.  Which means the Gate either will
be powered by them or will do something TO them."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "So, using the Icons would involve negating the
powers of the Blades?"

Hiko the Firechilde looks for a desk to set the books on.

There are several reading tables.

Brother Abelard says, "Anyway, the Icons don't draw on Order or Chaos, but
on the Elements for power."

Brother Abelard says, "So they can keep functioning even if Order and
Chaos lose strength.   Or so I speculate"

Hiko the Firechilde mumurs to herself.   "That's as good a theory as any."

Hiko the Firechilde puts a lot of the books down on the tables and goes to
follow Brother Abelard.

Brother Abelard hands you twelve different commentaries on the Prophecies
of the Unicorn.  "Now, where is Fear and Loathing in Amber..."  He starts
running his finger along the spines of various books.

He hands you three more books.

Hiko the Firechilde blinks at the large amount of books on the tables.
Even with the speed reading skills....  "Can I send out for refreshment
while I read?"

Brother Abelard says, "Yes, you can."

Brother Abelard says, "Another one of the great mysteries is why the Gate
is in Tir'na-nog."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What's the prevailing theory?"

Brother Abelard says, "To reduce its accessibility."

Brother Abelard says, "After all, Tir'na-nog doesn't exist most of the
time."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Cloudless day, during a full moon."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What's the crackpot theory?"

Brother Abelard nods.  "Exactly.  It reduces the time frame within which
anyone could open it.  Others think perhaps the Gate has some sort of
power over dreams and that's why it's in Tir'na-Nog, the Dream Castle in
the Sky."

Brother Abelard says, "Indeed, I've known some to speculate that it spends
most of its time in the place where dreams happen, wherever that is."

Hiko the Firechilde nods, too.

Brother Abelard says, "Some have speculated that if the Gate is open, the
Castle will become the reality, and all that we know will be reduced to
but dreams and mist as it is now."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "And then what would happen to Amber if that
were to happen?"

Brother Abelard says, "I suppose it would appear in the sky under
Tir'na-nog whenever the moon was full, but fade away to mist the rest of
the time.  Or maybe when the moon wasn't full..."

Brother Abelard says, "Whatever the results, it would be bad."

Hiko the Firechilde nods slowly.  "I see."

Brother Abelard says, "Of course, Rileve the Blue used to argue that
Tir'na-nog was the primal pattern of which all others were just
reflections, and that's why it holds the Gate."

Brother Abelard says, "He believed the tools needed to draw a new Pattern
were locked away behind it."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "A new Pattern... what would that do?"

Brother Abelard says, "We can only speculate, but it would radically
reshape the face of Shadow."

Brother Abelard says, "Casting it in its maker's image."

[PAUSED FOR ANOTHER DAY]


Akemi pages, "I can pretty much summarize your research findings for you
by page, though." to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Please?" to Akemi

Akemi pages, "Ahh, sorry.  Doing too many things at once." to you.

Akemi pages, "There's only a few things which all your sources agree
on--The Icons work best in the hands of the Children, and they have to be
used together to close the Gate.  It remains unclear how anyone knows
this, though, as the Gate has supposedly never been opened." to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "But HOW??????" to Akemi

Akemi pages, "No one seems to have a clue.  The Gate has never been opened
and all five have never been used in unison." to you.

Akemi pages, "There's a lot of metaphysical speculation on--what the gate
is, what is behind it, and what opening it will do." to you.

Akemi pages, "It seems to be known that Fuyutsuki either won't, or can't
discuss the subject, except to say it is BAD." to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "How abou how each one works
individually?  Like how the Heart had several anecdotes about its use.

Akemi pages, "They all seem to work on the basic principle that you have
to attune yourself to it, either through extensive meditative exercises,
or by walking the Pattern with it." to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Riiiiight, but what do they do?  Bloody
scholars, rassum-frassum...

Akemi pages, "The Sword of Truth reveals the truth and is a Pattern Blade.
The Bag of Winds has power over wind and weather.  The Cup of Life
controls water and brings healing.  And the Seed of hope controls green
and growing things and brings hope." to you.

Akemi pages, "Gendo used the Cup and the Bag several times to destroy
entire fleets." to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hope, Passion, Truth, Healing... and
Weather?" to Akemi

Akemi pages, "Queen Yvette is said to have used the Bag of winds to make
beautiful, delicate cloud sculptures." to you.

Akemi pages, "Some of the books believe the cup of life may have been
responsible for Queen Haruka's extended lifespan, which remains a disputed
issue." to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Extended?" to Akemi

Akemi pages, "The average Amberite lives around 400 years.  The royal
family has muchly extended lifespans, and those who walk the Pattern seem
to have extremely extended lifespans.  Tylor is 862, but looks 30, for
example.  However, Queen Haruka showed no signs of aging at a normal rate,
but rather stayed around 30 for most her reign, only dying because she was
murdered." to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "My gramma, right?" to Akemi

Akemi pages, "Your Grandma.  The cause of this is unknown, although Queen
Anthy seems to have the same life extension as well." to you.

Akemi pages, "She's known to have been especially adept in handling the
Seed of Hope; this is usually thought to be because she possessed Vilya,
the Spikard of Wood." to you.

Akemi pages, "Which was lost when she was murdered." to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Is there a spikard of flame?'" to Akemi

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "So I did research all night?  And
returned to the castle in the morning?" to Akemi

In a page-pose to you, Akemi nods.  You'd probably keep reading until they
threw you out when they closed up for the night.

Akemi pages, "You've never heard of a spikard of flame, but you haven't
studied spikard lore much." to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Okay, so they threw me out at night, and
i went back to the castle, slept.  Next morning, I went down to the
infirmary to see how the Knight was doing.

Akemi pages, "I'm not done yet telling you stuff you found out :)" to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "You're not?  Okay... continue.

Akemi pages, "There's several schools of thought surrounding what happens
if the gate opens--" to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I'm not getting ANYTHING useful... or
things at least that Hiko would consider useful.

Akemi pages, "One school holds that whoever opens the gate would gain the
ability to create their own Symbol of Power like the Logrus or the
Pattern." to you.

Akemi pages, "A second school believes the Logrus and the Pattern will
both be destroyed when the Gate is opened, and it will be up to whoever
opens them to create something new to take their place." to you.

Akemi pages, "The third school believes that the opener will become the
Master of both Logrus and Pattern." to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "THAT would be interesting.  All three
sound bad when you think about who wants it.

Akemi pages, "The fourth school believes something is imprisoned beyond
the gate and will simply come out and eat whoever opens it and go on a
rampage." to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Fido?  Skippy?" to Akemi

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Who are these four schools.

Akemi pages, "They basically represent trends of thought you see as you
read many different books; some of them include living scholars you could
go talk to." to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Like who?  And who are teh living ones
affiliated with?" to Akemi

Akemi pages, "There's also a fifth school which argues that the Gate won't
actually do anything at all, and a sixth school that argues that the Gate
actually opens into the Logrus." to you.

Akemi pages, "Two of the living scholars are priests of the Unicorn, you
read a book written by Touga which argues the third theory, and a fellow
who argues the fourth theory lives in Harad City." to you.

Akemi pages, "There's a lot of argument as well over whether the Gate
predates the Pattern or the Pattern formed around it." to you.

Akemi pages, "And who could have made it, if it's the case." to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Which of the Patterns is the oldest?
why are there so many?" to Akemi

Akemi pages, "There's another good question.  Scholars argue over whether
Fuyutsuki drew all five, or if four are a reflection of just one of them."
to you.

Akemi pages, "Some of them point at the five icons and how each icon and
each pattern reflect an element and argue that five had to be made in
order to establish order over all five elements." to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Them damn scholars... ^_^" to Akemi

Akemi pages, "Some scholars believe there's a sixth pattern somewhere, and
the five we know are all shadows of that primal Pattern.  Indeed, some
scholars think the Primal Pattern is what is on the other side of the Gate
of Revolution." to you.

Akemi pages, "Others argue that the Air Pattern must be the first one,
because it's the only one different from the others...it has the gate and
the others don't." to you.

Akemi pages, "Several of the books claim that the White Knight who defends
the Air Pattern is said to know more of the Gate's purpose, but has
refused to say anything until 'The Knight of Air and Darkness comes to
claim his heritage'" to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Ah... lots of Knights around...

Akemi pages, "Yep." to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "How many?" to Akemi

Akemi pages, "How many Knights, you mean?  Each of the Patterns has a
Knight which defends it." to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Okay... Gray defends which one?" to
Akemi

Akemi pages, "And the Prophecies of the Unicorn seems to make reference to
nearly another dozen Knights of various kinds." to you.

Akemi pages, "White--Air.  Blue--Water.  Grey--Metal.  Green--Wood.
Red--Fire." to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Okay.  ^_^  Hey, if Corrine's the Queen
of Ember now, do I get to be Queen of the Forest?" to Akemi

Akemi pages, "Heh.  Well, I suspect Hiko will be Warden of Arden by the
time of the Next Gen Game, since Corrine can't really do both jobs and
you're pretty ideally suited to it :)" to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "SUGOI!" to Akemi

Akemi pages, "Getting back to scholars rambling...Some of the 'something
which eats people is imprisoned by the gate' argue that the beast
imprisoned is some enemy of the Unicorn and the Serpent which they
cooperated in imprisoning, which is why it takes both the Logrusfoils and
the Patternblades to unlock the prison." to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Wow.... you've got tons of info on
this...

Akemi pages, "It's a central issue of the campaign, ya know :)" to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I see... are you glad someone finally
asked?" to Akemi

Akemi pages, "Yes, although there's one big issue no one still hasn't
thought of :)" to you.

Akemi pages, "Another thing a lot of the sources try to speculate on is
what exactly existed BEFORE the Logrus and the Pattern, and which one is
older." to you.

Akemi pages, "After all, if Fuyutsuki drew the Pattern, he had to have
come from somewhere, and something had to exist for him to draw it
on...but everything that exists is sustained in existence by the Pattern,
or so it seems..." to you.

Akemi pages, "So some scholars think some aspect of the Pre-Pattern
civilization may be behind the Gate." to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "PrePattern civ?" to Akemi

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "You glad someone's finally asking?" to
Akemi

Akemi pages, "Well, scholars speculate some sort of civilization must have
existed before the Pattern which Fuyutsuki came from, though what it could
have been is unknown." to you.

Akemi pages, "That's about the sum of the information." to you.

Akemi pages, "Although I can give you some more anecdotes about past uses
of the Icons." to you.


[GAME CALLED ON ACCT. OF NPC FIGHTING]


Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Okay... where did we leave off again?"

Ramon says, "OOC You'd just finished doing a lot of research."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "What time is it when I finally get out
of the Temple?"

Ramon says, "OOC Pretty late at night.  You're there until they kick you
out, and you could easily spend several more days reading everything they
have."

Hiko the Firechilde sighs to herself as she finally gets ushered out.

It is VERY late, and she decides to take a walk back to the castle,
mulling over what she's learned.
Hiko the Firechilde says, "No one knows what the Gate hides, no one knows
how to close it once it's open"

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How in the WORLD did Annadil find out?"

The heavens do not give you an answer, unfortunately.

Hiko the Firechilde mutters to herself as she walks back to the castle.

It's a looooong walk up those stairs, and by the time you reach the top,
you're pretty worn out.  You also discover some annoying person has shut
and locked the gates.  There's a sentry up on the walls, who looks down at
you.  "We don't want any," he says.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'm a guest in the palace."

He pulls out a sheaf of papers.  "Name?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Lady Hiko."

He rifles through the papers.  "Hmm, you're not on my guest list.  You
sure you got the right castle?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I think so unless I'm in the wrong Shadow, and
I doubt I am."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Ask King Tylor; I've been doing research for
him."

"The king tends to get rather annoyed if I wake him up in the middle of
the night, you know."

"And you might sneak in while I was gone."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Alright... I guess I can wait 'til morning..."

He nods.  "Righto."  He goes back to gazing out over the countryside.

Hiko the Firechilde thinks, "Of course I could just trump in, but that
would be also suspicious."

Hiko the Firechilde thinks, "And that would be the last thing I need."

Hiko the Firechilde calls up, "Is there any place near by where I can find
decent lodging?  Some place safe?"

"There's about twelve million inns down in the city, and most of them are
fairly safe, so far as I know.  There's a little place just inside the
gate, called The Blue Dragon.  Quite nice from what I hear."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "They take guests this late at night?"

He says, "People show up at all sorts of odd hours around here."  He looks
down pointedly at you.

Hiko the Firechilde smiles a tad sheepishly.  "It was a lot of research."

He says, "I'm sure that if you have money, they'll be happy to give you a
room."

Hiko the Firechilde searches her pockets.... only to find them empty.

Hiko the Firechilde curses mildly.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I forgot that I don't have ANY money at
all... :P" to Akemi

Hiko the Firechilde smiles her biggest smile.  "I don't suppose there's
ANY one up at this time of night who could vouch for me?  Like Misato?"

Akemi pages, "Heh." to you.

The guard says slowly and carefully, "I can't leave my post to go around
asking if anyone knows you.  That's how evil soul sucking chaosians slip
into the castle and eat all the Jello."

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Well, actually, I've still got the
Efreet credits, but that won't do any good here.

He continues, "And then Nanami straps me to the bell again.  No thank
you."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Can't you get one of the other guards to call
for Misato?"

He waves his arms about.  "You see anyone else?  Everyone else is off
chasing some dog."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Dog?"

"Some dog tried to climb up the wall, and everyone's gone off after it;
must be halfway round the mountain by now.  Damn werewolves think they can
just go around marking their territory on people," he grumbles.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Werewolves?"

Hiko the Firechilde looks around a bit fearfully.

You hear a distant explosion.

Hiko the Firechilde swivels her head towards the sound.

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "From what direction?"

Off to the far right, around the curve of the mountain.

Then you hear some cheering.

Hiko the Firechilde wishes she could see what's going on.

And then there's silence.

The guard says, "Hmm, sounds like they got it."

Hiko the Firechilde thinks to herself again.  "I have no money, I can't
trump into the courtyard, and everyone's probably asleep."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Did Misato go with everyone else after the
werewolf?"

"I'm sure Misato's in bed right now.  Just a dozen or so of us and Bob the
Mage."

Hiko the Firechilde nods slowly.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Are there any hostels that would take me in
until I can get the money wired to me or messangered over from the
castle?"

He says, "What's a hostel?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I guess not."

Hiko the Firechilde sighs.

Hiko the Firechilde nods.  "I'll just... Oh, I don't know."

A group of guards carrying a baked dog come into sight, walking round the
curve of the mountain.

Hiko the Firechilde looks towards the group.

The guards come closer, wearing their uniforms.  Two of them are carrying
the rather charbroiled looking husky.  As they draw closer, one of them
yells, "Blake, open the gates!"

He looks down at them, "How do I know you're not all werewolves now?"

One of the guards looks very annoyed.  "Blake, open the damn gates or I'll
climb up there and..."

Hiko the Firechilde smiles.  "Looks like no one's getting in tonight..."

"Hah!  You can't fool me!  Now I KNOW you're a werewolf!"

Hiko the Firechilde blinks.

"Only a werewolf could climb up this wall!"

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Examine the annoyed guard.

Akemi pages, "The annoyed guard is tall and skinny with short blond hair
and brown eyes.  He seems to be an ordinary human." to you.

The guards form a huddle and start whispering among themselves.

Hiko the Firechilde eyes them with interest.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "My sword going off?" to Akemi

Akemi pages, "You sense no particular danger." to you.

The guards then notice you.  "Hey, who are you?" one of them asks.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'm a guest in the palace doing research for
King Tylor."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Everyone who can vouch for me is asleep."

Hiko the Firechilde looks up at the guard.  "And he won't let me in, which
is good, but I need a place to sleep and I have no money."

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Examine the guard.

Akemi pages, "The one up on top of the wall?" to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Yep... the one they called Blake.

"Oh, he's just a moron.  And ever since Nanami strapped him to the inside
of the bell and rang it to celebrate King Tylor and  Queen Yuriko's
anniversary, he's been sort of paranoid."

Akemi pages, "Dark haired, handsome but fearful looking, somewhat
muscular, seems to be an ordinary human, no enchantments on him." to you.

[I just now realized that I did this twice, and I have no idea why]

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I can understand paranoia, with what's been
going on lately."

Blake says, "Go away werewolves, or I'll call the guards on you!"

"Blake, you freak, we ARE the guards!"

Hiko the Firechilde bursts out into laughter.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Just for Hiko's paranoid sake, examine
the rest of the guards with me, and the werewolf carcass, too.

Akemi pages, "They all check out as human.  The werewolf checks out as not
quite dead yet, though they clearly think it is." to you.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Excuse me, gentlemen...."

"Hmm, what, ma'am?"

Hiko the Firechilde pushes her way past them to the werewolf carcass,
reaches for her silver dagger and plunges it into the heart of the beast.

It screams and howls as the dagger strikes home, then goes limp and turns
into a scaly humanoid with purplish scales and pink eyes.

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "I guess I don't need to use the Power
Word on it, hmm?"

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "It dead now?" to Akemi

Blake shouts, "Ahah!  Going around turning things into demons?"

Akemi pages, "It's pretty dead now." to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Good.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Demon, you say?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "More like shapeshifter to me."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Or is that the same thing?"

"Close enough."

Bob the mage steps forward and points a wand at Blake.  "Let us in or I'll
turn you into a turnip again!"

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How many have you had recently?"

"Threatening an officer of the law!  That's illegal you know!  Don't make
me call the guards on ya!"

The guard says, "We get something trying to crawl into the castle about
every night, since the crisis started."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Beginning with the theft of the sword, right?"

Bob waggles his wand at Blake.  "Don't make me use this!"

"Ever since that duel between Princess Kozue and Lady Madoka, really."

Ramon says, "I'm not afraid of your magic twaggler!" Blake shouts down.
"You couldn't ensorcel your way out of a pile of dead noodles!"

Hiko the Firechilde sighs.  "Don't remind me of that... I almost got
possessed."

"I'm not afraid of your magic twaggler!" Blake shouts down.  "You couldn't
ensorcel your way out of a pile of dead noodles!"

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "O.o.... you know, some of Hiko's
paranoia's coming back, with Sirena's propensity to lie.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "It's a shame I couldn't play her insane
longer... that was fun.

Akemi pages, "Heh." to you.

Bob waves his wand.  There is a poof of smoke and Bob turns into a turnip.

Blake begins laughing hysterically.

Hiko the Firechilde blinks, and examines Bob the Turnip very carefully.

Another one of the guards sags and sighs.  "Not bloody again.  I keep
telling him that spell doesn't work right."

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Examine spell, to see how to undo it.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "He one of the castle mages?"

Akemi pages, "You think you can undo it pretty easily." to you.

"He's our night watch mage.  He's good at blowing things up, but not much
good at any other magic."

Hiko the Firechilde thinks to herself and points at the turnip.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Okay, undo the spell, if I can.

He turns back into Bob.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "That should do it..."

Blake says, "Go back to chaos, all you werewolves!  And tell them Blake
the magnificent repelled your foul assault!"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I think you forgot a lynch pin somewhere."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "What time is it again??"

Bob says, "Maybe I should have been wearing my copper amulet to do it
right."

Ramon says, "OOC It's about 1 AM at this point."

Hiko the Firechilde purses her lips.  "Perhaps."

Blake does the Superior Dance.

Hiko the Firechilde yawns.  "I'd love to jaw outside the castle all night,
but I'm exhausted, and I need a place to sleep.  Is there anywhere I could
stay until morning, and have King Tylor or Princess Juri send some money
to pay for my lodgings?"

Jeff-kun OOC Wonder if Blake is a cousin of Joxer's

The guards say, "Oh, just wait a little longer and we'll get this moron to
let us all in."

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Not yet." to Rod

Blake says, "I HEARD that!  If you call me a moron again, I'll summon the
guards!"

Hiko the Firechilde nods... then stifles a laugh.

Ramon says, "Go ahead!  SUMMON THE GUARDS!  SEE IF I CARE!" one of the
guards shouts.

Hiko the Firechilde calls up.  "Didn't you say all of them were out here
tracking the werewolf?"

Blake begins ringing a very loud bell.  "Intruders!  Intruders!
Werewolves impersonating guards and some woman are trying to get in!"

Hiko the Firechilde looks at one of the guards.  "Is he soft in the head?"

Blake says, "Hah!  It's obvious the werewolves must have killed you all
and taken your place!"

Hiko the Firechilde looks around again.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "You sure they're ordinary guards?" to
Akemi

The guard says, "Blake's never been the same since the bell incident."

Akemi pages, "They seem human to you.  And their minds aren't very strong,
so it's not likely they're tricking you." to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Okay.

"Being used as a bell clapper...not fun."

You hear movement inside the castle.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I can imagine... what did he do to get that
kind of treatment?"

"Oh, he let someone into the castle who turned out to be a chaosian
infiltrator."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Ouch... I think he may have gotten off
lightly."

A woman pops into view on the ramparts.  It's Nanami.  "Blake, you moron,
why are you ringing the bell in the middle of the night?  I'm trying to
SLEEP."

Blake points down at all of you.  "Look, werewolves!"

Corrine of Amber OOCly says, "... oh dear."

Hiko the Firechilde waves to Nanami.  "Hello auntie."

Nanami looks down at Hiko blearily.  "I suppose you have something to do
with this, do you?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Not at all.  I was just coming back from a late
night research session."

Hiko the Firechilde points to the carcass.  "The guards found another
Chaosian... and your man up there seems to think we've all been turned
into werewolves."

One of the guards says, "We had to chase down a chaosian, and Blake locked
the gates behind us and wouldn't let us back in, your ladyship."

Nanami looks as though she's eaten something very sour.  "Wonderful.  Are
you a werewolf?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I should think not.  I don't think they are
either."

The guard says, "No, ma'am, I'm not a werewolf."

"Good," Nanami says slowly.  "None of you are werewolves.  I'm happy to
know that."  She looks at Blake.  "Open the gates."

Nanami says, "And bring the Chaosian inside."

Blake nods nervously and goes and turns the crank which opens the gates.
The guards haul the dead Chaosian inside.

Hiko the Firechilde follows the guards inside.

One of the guards says to Nanami, "It tried to climb the walls, but we
spotted it in time, fortunately."

Nanami heads down from the wall to join Hiko and the guards, casting her
best 'You will be dealt with in the morning when I'm awake enough to think
up something sufficiently nasty' look at Blake.

Blake stays up on the walls.

Nanami nods.  "Good job.  Burn the body as standard, and make sure Makoto
is informed that we had another attempted intrusion."

"Yes, Ma'am, will do."

Four of them take it off to burn it; most of the others go back up on the
wall.

Nanami turns a sweet smile on Hiko.  "And what have you been researching
so late, dear niece?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Some stuff for King Tylor.  And then I'm off on
a mission."

Nanami rubs her eyes sleepily.  "Mmm.  That's nice.  Everybody's going off
on missions.  Where are you headed?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Not sure yet.  Only that it's supposed to be a
strong hold.  I have no idea why they're sending me."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I think I might need a few people coming with
me."

"Mmm.  Probably something incredibly vital to make sure that Amber isn't
destroyed by our enemies," Nanami says, yawning.  "That's nice.  I'd send
my son with you to absorb blows, but he's already going with Ota and Keiko
to retrieve our prodigal."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Prodigal?  You don't mean Uncle Touga?"

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Is there anyone else you'd suggest to accompany
me?"

Nanami says, "Mmm.  No.  Wakaba."  Nanami's sour expression increases at
the mention of Touga.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Ah... Wakaba... I hear she's been turned?"

Nanami says, "They're going to find her, knock her out and drag her back,
where we can hopefully get the icky nasty Chaos influences out of her
silly little head."

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Wait... I do know that right?" to Akemi

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "It's hard to figure out what I kno ICly
and what I don't know.

Nanami asks, "Mmm.  Something like that.  Have you any idea just what you
will be up against on this mission?"

Hiko the Firechilde nods... and shakes her head.  "That's why I was doing
research.  I haven't the foggiest.  King Tylor had some quick words with
me while I was out with Cousin Shizumaru.  I suppose I'll get briefed
tomorrow... er, today."

Akemi pages, "Heh.  I think you know that IC" to you.

Nanami looks thoughtful and slightly more awake.  "Well, a good policy is
always to choose companions who have strengths you don't."

Hiko the Firechilde nods.  "Ota-san is very skilled at arms, which I am
not."

Nanami nods.  "Yes, but Ota's occupied with looking for Wakaba.  How about
Shizumaru?  I understand he's good with a blade.  And with that umbrella
of his.  Or has he been dispatched on a separate life-or-death mission?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Last time I saw him he was deeply asleep and
exhausted.  I think he may have overdone it... I'm not sure if he'd be up
to a mission so quickly."

Nanami snorts.  "Men are lazy by nature.  They need to be spurred into
action.  Besides, he's a member of our family, which means he's
resilient."  She thinks some more.

Nanami says, "Well, you could see if Derith isn't busy.  Or Miki--his
duties aren't exactly onerous, unlike, for example, mine."

Hiko the Firechilde nods, and waits for Nanami's assessment.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Are both pretty skilled in stealthy missions?"

Nanami pauses, then says.  "And as long as I'm loaning my people out for
dangerous missions into Shadow, I suppose you could borrow Tsuwabuki."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I don't believe I've met him.  Is he another
cousin?"

Nanami says, "Tsuwabuki commands the Trained Bands for me, but I don't
really need him at the moment, since I'm here to do it myself."

Nanami asks, "Tsuwabuki is a good man on a stealth mission, and Derith has
his Rebman Inscrutability Skillz; you've seen how he pops up suddenly when
he's not expected, haven't you?"

Hiko the Firechilde nods.  "I'd love all the help I can get.  And I'll see
if Cousin Shizumaru is up to traveling with me."  She grins.  "I haven't
been near Uncle Derith a whole lot, so I'll just take your word for it."

"Of course you will."  Nanami sniffs.  "I'm eminently trustworthy and
honest as the day is long."


[PAUSED, HIKO GOES TO BED AFTER MAKING MORE IDLE CHIT CHAT AT ONE IN THE
MORNING.]


Hiko the Firechilde wakes up the next day, reracks her spells, and goes
downstairs for breakfast, hoping to catch her mom around.

You sleep soundly and wake the next morning.  What's your game plan?

Hiko the Firechilde OOCly  points to the above.

Ramon says, "OOC Doh, hulk blind :)"

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Hopefully catch my mom and ask her what
she's gonna be doing, plus ask advice on missions."

Juri is nowhere to be seen at breakfast.

A drowsy Nanami is breakfasting with Makoto.  Drake is eating with Misato,
and Miki is here with Madoka.

Hiko the Firechilde blinks, then pulls one of the waiters aside.  "Have
you seen Princess Juri?"

"No, ma'am.  I understand she's gone down to the fleet."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "And the Fleet is where right now?"

"I don't know, Ma'am."

Hiko the Firechilde nods, then looks around at who's in the room again,
and where.

Lots of people you don't know are here.  You can see Drake and Misato
having breakfast.  They seem quite cheerful.  Miki and Madoka look a bit
glum at their table.  Nanami keeps nearly falling face-first into her
cornflakes, while Makoto periodically catches her head.  He looks amused.

Hiko the Firechilde goes over to Miki and Madoka.  "You mind if I join you
two for breakfast?"

Miki says, "Sure, join us."

Madoka says, "I don't mind."

Miki is having pancakes and oranges.  Madoka has a large bowl of mixed
cereal, fruit, and milk.

Hiko the Firechilde sits down and starts to eat.  "I haven't seen you two
in a long time.  How are you?"

Madoka coughs.  "I have a bit of a cold.  And we've had to delay the
wedding until all the wars are over."  She sounds irritated by this.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I'm sorry you're not feeling well, but well, a
war is a war."  Her own face betrays a bit of intense emotion.  "Things
like engagements and life tend to get in the way."

Miki says, "I am worried there may be another raid on Nedra.  My brother
told me that some undersea marauders attacked, and I'm worried they'll
return in force."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Nedra?  Where's that?"

Miki says, "It is Derith's home, a beautiful coral forest which surrounds
and protects Rebma as Arden protects Amber.  He is its warden.  I have
visited many times; it is wondrous to behold.  We had been thinking of
holding the wedding there, as Derith had invited us to do so."

Hiko the Firechilde nods.  "And where is Uncle Derith?"

Miki says, "I believe he is with the Mystara Fleet, bringing it north to
protect the approaches to Amber."  His face clouds over.  "Kozue has gone
renegade with the Northern Fleet, it seems."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Mother's supposed to be with the Fleet, too.  I
was hoping I'd be able to talk to her before she left."

Miki says, "I think Tylor sent her out into shadow to recruit a second
fleet, since one of ours has now run off with my sister in one of her fits
of pique."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Tylor's going to send me on a mission, too.
I've only got the vaguest of details."

She leans forward.  "To tell you the truth, I'm terrified."

Miki glances over at Madoka.  "It's not that cow again, is it?"

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Cow?"

Madoka throws a strawberry at Miki.  "Why are you so worried, Hiko?" she
asks with concern.

Miki shakes his head.  "If you have to ask about the Cow of the Atlan
Tepes...you don't want to know.  So where is he sending you?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Why is this the second time I've heard about a
cow?"  She smiles at Madoka.  "I've never been a part of anything like
this, and I'm terrified of screwing up."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Hold, while I drag it up from my files."

Miki says, "The Cow...let's not think about the Cow."  He pulls out his
stopwatch, clicks it, then puts it away.

Madoka asks, "Didn't you go on a quest for your Icon?  Surely this can't
be worse than that."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "That wasn't that bad, but Mother was with me.
I could ask her for guidance."

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I can't find it in my files... where
exactly did Tylor want to send me?" to Akemi

Akemi pages, "To a shadow he'd visted before, where realms of fire, wood,
metal, air, and water came together at a strange keep filled with energies
that drove him away when he'd visited it.  He believes Annadil controls
it." to you.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "His Majesty wants to send me to a place where
he'd been before once, but was driven away by the mystical energies."  Her
face takes on a set look.  "He thinks Annadil controls it."

Miki says, "He doesn't expect you to go by yourself, does he?  What sort
of place is it?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Of course not!  Me?  A neophyte on a tactical
mission?  I'd want all the help I can get."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I have no idea.  I was hoping I could talk
Mother into going with me to the briefing, but she's not here."

Madoka gives Miki a look

Miki looks back at her, then purses his lips.  "I wouldn't want to see you
having to go on something like this by yourself.  Especially not into the
territory of someone like that.  I would be willing to go with you."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Would you?"

Hiko the Firechilde looks very relieved, then looks at Madoka quizzingly.

Miki says, "There will be little need for a master of the revels until all
this is done.  I have some skill with the sword, and a moderate talent for
Trumps."  Madoka coughs into her cereal.  "And it has been a while since I
have had a real adventure."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Is this okay with you, Madoka-san?"

He reaches over and pats Madoka's hand.  "You should go see Dr. Wasyuu."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Are you okay, Madoka-san?"

"I would like to live, thank you."  She turns to Hiko.  "I don't mind.
It's just a nasty cold and some sinus drainage."  She takes a swig of
water.  "Drives me nuts around this time of year."

Hiko the Firechilde nods...

Miki asks, "When do you plan to leave, Hiko?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Anyway, once I was done with breakfast, I was
going to look up King Tylor..."  She looks at Nanami once.  "When I saw
Nanami last night, she said she would ask one of her men, Tsuwabuki, to
join me as well."

Miki nods.  "Ramon's father.  Yes, he's a good man."

Hiko the Firechilde nods slowly.  "Would three people be enough?"

Miki says, "If we intend to be stealthy, the fewer the better."

Hiko the Firechilde nods slowly as she considers this, and looks down at
her near empty plate.  "I don't think I have much appetite.  I'm just too
nervous about this."

Mercutio pages, "You can just Trump juri, y'know. Or use Gabrielle." to
you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "If Juri's on a mission, I don't want to
jeopardize that." to Mercutio

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "And I want to meet the other characters,
too." to Mercutio

Madoka says, "You'll regret it later when you're hungry."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I can eat almost anywhere... and I will pack
some rations to go."

Miki says, "She's old enough to decide if she needs to eat."

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Why are people forcing me to eat?  First
mum, then Madoka... any minute now and I'm gonna start not trusting the
food.

Akemi pages, "Cuase you're a young and growing girl :)" to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Young my ass!  I'm as old as Nanami!" to
Akemi

Akemi pages, "To them, you're young :" to you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hey!  I'm still as old as Nanami!" to
Akemi

Akemi pages, "Hehe." to you.


[PAUSED AGAIN, FOR GM AND PLAYER TIREDNESS]


Miki asks, "OOC Okay, Hiko, you were about to go see Tylor, right?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Yeah... and Miki was going to go with me."

Hiko the Firechilde finishes her breakfast and wipes her mouth.  "No time
like the present."

Hiko the Firechilde gestures for one of the servants.  "Have you seen King
Tylor this morning?"

The servant says, "No, m'lady, but he's probably up in his quarters."

Hiko the Firechilde nods.  She turns to Miki.  "Should we get
Tsuwabuki-san first?"

Miki trumps Tsuwabuki and pulls him in.  Tsuwabuki is revealed to be a
young looking fellow, somewhat short, with short blond hair and a weedy
looking moustache in a Trained Bands uniform.

Hiko the Firechilde bows to Tsuwabuki.  "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "What does the uniform look like?"

Miki says, "OOC Blue uniform with the unicorn rampant in gold.  18th
century style dress uniform."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "As if I know what that looks like...
^_^"

Miki says, "OOc I don't know the proper terminology to describe it in
detail."

Miki says, "OOC And if I did, you wouldn't know what I meant :)"

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "heh."

Jeff-kun says, "OOC lots of ruffled lace"

Hiko the Firechilde OOCLY says,  "Thanks, Jeff."

Miki says, "OOC He's pretty well covered up and elaborately dressed.
Heavy, long coat, many layers."

Tsuwabuki bows to you.  "Good day."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Did Nanami speak to you this morning?"

Tsuwabuki nods.  "Yes, she told me you will be going on a dangerous trip
and she wishes me to assist you.  I will do my best."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I thank you for your assistance."

Hiko the Firechilde pulls out her Trump of King Tylor.  "Your Highness?"

Tylor answers.  "Ahh, good timing."  He holds out a hand to you.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Do you mind if I bring Uncle Miki and Tsuwabuki
as well?  They've said they would help me."

He says, "That's fine.  You'll likely want some help."

Hiko the Firechilde looks over her shoulder at the two.  "You ready to be
pulled through?"

Miki and Tsuwabuki nod, each putting a hand on one of your shoulders.

Hiko the Firechilde takes King Tylor's hand.

Tylor's study is quite full now, as Derith, Utena, a secretary none of you
know, Shizumaru, Tsuwabuki, and Miki are all crammed into it.

Oh, and Hiko too :)

Keiko exclaims, "OOC:  And Wotan!"

Hiko the Firechilde nods to the people she knows, bows to those she
doesn't know and looks for a place to sit.

Shizumaru turns to see the others arrive. He smiles to them and quietly
says, "Good morning."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Good morning Shizumaru-san.  You're well rested
now?"

Tylor sends the secretary to bring in more chairs.  Soon, you all can sit.

Hiko the Firechilde sits near Miki and Tsuwabuki.

Shizumaru nods. "Muchly. Thank you again for helping me in the Walk,
Cousin."

Derith is glaring at Tylor as everyone trumps in, but the expression
vanishes as he nods in greeting to everyone, hidden behind his usual
neutral demeanor

Shizumaru takes a seat near the King.

Hiko the Firechilde smiles.  "It was necessary."

Tylor is in his usual cheery mood.  "Derith, you're familiar with the Keep
of the Five Worlds, right?"

Miki says to Derith, "Hello, Brother."

Derith says, "Hello, Miki.  I trust you are well?"  He turns to Hiko, "And
neice.  You have been keeping busy, I hear."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Yes... I haven't been this active in a long
time."

Derith waves to the servant to bring drinks around, including a Rebman
brandy for himself.

Derith settles back in his chair.  "This could take a while in the
telling, so please, be comfortable."

Once done with the chairs, the secretary rings for someone to bring
drinks.

Shizumaru has some tea. It's too early in the day for sake, at least for
him.

Hiko the Firechilde takes a glass of water, and settles back.  She thinks,
"What is everyone doing here?"

Derith looks at Hiko with a small smile, as if he can hear every thought
she has. ;)

Hiko the Firechilde smiles back at Derith.

Miki gets tea as well.  The servant returns with drinks for everyone, even
people who didn't tell him in time what they wanted get what they want.

Hiko thinks to herself, "I dislike eavesdroppers."  And slams up a psychic
barrier.

Akemi pages, "You sense his mind is stronger than yours." to you.

Akemi pages, "Although you can keep him out unless he forces matters." to
you.

Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "No duh!  He could tell what I was
thinking without even TOUCHING me or making eye contact.

Derith begins.  "When I was younger, I took to traveling among Shadow.  I
was preoccupied with honing my abilities with the Pattern, using what I
learned and performing experiments to expand upon that."

Shizumaru listens quietly, sipping his tea as Derith speaks.

Hiko the Firechilde pays careful attention to what Derith says.

Derith sips his brandy.  "I took risks back then that make me shiver to
consider now, with what I know.  Be wary of moving too far, too fast with
the Pattern, young ones. It can be deadly."

Derith says, "In my wanderings, I began to notice an... oddity in Shadow.
It is hard to describe."

Derith reaches into a drawer and pulls out two decks of ordinary cards,
not trumps.  They have different backs, one blue, one red.  He takes a few
blue cards and sticks them in the red deack, then shuffles them.  You can
see a flicker of blue among the red backs.

Derith says, "It was like that, a flicker of something that was out of the
ordinary in the structure of Shadow."

Hiko the Firechilde nods, puzzled.

Being rather lost, Shizumaru simply continues to listen quietly. Still
sipping his tea.

Derith says, "Naturally, I sought out this phenomenon, curious to learn
more."

Derith says, "It was difficult to find, as if it existed in some kind of
blind spot.  I began to suspect that it was in some way like Amber,
resistant to the workings of the Pattern.  I could not really seek it out,
I had to seek out the resistance to my Shadow Walk.  Go in the direction
that was the most difficult."

Derith says, "Eventually, I found the Keep of the Five Worlds"

Derith says, "It is... a construct of Shadows.  Five of them, each
representing one of the five classic elements--Fire, Water, Air, Metal,
Wood--that have been forced together.  The five shadows meet under the
keep, feeding their power, their conjoined energies, into it."

Hiko the Firechilde nods... then spots the connection and frowns.

Derith says, "My arrival did not go unnoticed... something was odd about
the place, like it was trying to plant barbed metal hooks into my mind if
I lowered my shields even a little..  A fiery apparition appeared before
me, claiming to be 'Bargle the Infamous' and ordered me to leave at once."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How long ago was this?"

Derith shrugs.  "Hard to say.  I spent some time after that in fast and
slow Shadows."

Hiko the Firechilde nods, and keeps her counsel.

Derith says, "Maybe a little over a century ago, by Amber time"

Derith says, "In any event, I refused his demands, of course."

Hiko the Firechilde nods.

Derith says, "He sent his creatures after me.  Strange, unearthly
constructs of pure energy.  They were cold to the touch, rainbow-hued,
always shifting in shape."  He pats the hilt of Greyswandir. "My sword
passed through them like ghosts, though they seemed to fear its touch.  I
tried to press on, but it seemed he had a limitless number of them, and I
could do nothing to seriously harm them, so I retreated.  I always meant
to deal with him another day, but other concerns arose... like the death
of our father," he nods to King Tylor, "and the chaos that surrounded his
passing."

Tylo