Vash says, "OOC Okay, I'll go with plan B :0"
Vash says, "OOC which will let me use Shizumaru and Hiko, 
who can both play without fear of being called away :)"
Shizumaru OOCly says, "All righty."
Aerianne nods, and watches, if that's all right.
Vash says, "OOC That's fine."
Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says,  "Yay!  I can play with 
Shizu!"
Shizumaru OOCly o.O;;
Hehe.



[SESSION BEGINS]



That night, both of you get a good night's sleep.
The next morning, you both find invitations to breakfast 
with Juri.

[Hiko the Firechilde OOCly quirks an eyebrow... "I 
haven't even had dinner yet."
Vash says, "OOC I'm skipping ahead in time because your 
dinner will be boring, and all the other players are into 
the night or later."
Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says,  "Or did I go directly to 
bed after talking to Mikage?  Cause I was supposed to 
meet with Juri/Wakaba."
Vash asks, "OOC You were?  Was that your dinner plan or 
am I forgetting something?"
Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says,  "Yeah... but I could beg 
off on weariness."
Shizumaru OOCly waits for this to be resolved before 
posing. o.o
Vash asks, "OOC We can just say you had a nice dinner, 
and nothing exciting happened.  Unless there was 
something you particularly needed to talk to them?"
Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says,  "Not really."
Vash says, "OOC We'll just FF to breakfast then."]
Shizumaru reads the invitation, nods, and quickly washes 
up and dresses for the day. He takes his umbrella out of 
habit, his sword out of caution, and then inquires with a 
nearby servant on how to find Juri.  The servant directs 
Shizumaru to Juri's quarters.

Hiko the Firechilde reads the invitation and nods.  She 
gets dressed, choosing a knee-length skirt and the 
uniform jacket, putting both the gold dragon ring and the 
silver ring on, one on each hand, belting the dagger to 
her hip, but leaving her sword behind.  She finds her own 
way to Juri's quarters.  It's one of the few things she's 
memorized.

Shizumaru bows, thanks him, and follows his directions.

You both arrive at Juri's door at roughly the same time.

Shizumaru blinks, and bows. "Good morning, Cousin Hiko," 
he says, quietly. "Are you also breakfasting with Aunt 
Juri?"

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Yes, I am."  She bows in 
return, then opens the door.  "After you?"

"Thank you." Shizumaru steps inside, then calls out, 
"Aunt Juri? Good morning...."

Juri is seated at the table, reading a book.  She hastily 
stuffs it onto the second shelf of the trundle cart which 
holds the food, pretending it was never there.  Then she 
rises and nods to both of you.  "Good morning."

Hiko the Firechilde crosses to Juri and kisses one cheek.  
"Good morning, mother."

Juri kisss Hiko on the cheek.  "Good morning, daughter."

Juri says, "Good morning, nephew."  Juri gestures to a 
waiting servant, who begins serving pancakes.

Shizumaru smiles and bows yet again. It's quite a natural 
movement for him. "Thank you for the invitation, Aunt 
Juri," he says, softly. He looks on mutely as Hiko greets 
her mother, and a faint pang for his own mother strikes 
him. But he brushes it aside and advances toward the 
table.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Catching up on light reading, 
mother?"

Juri looks slightly embarrassed.  "Yes.  I felt the need 
to relax a little."

The servants pour everyone a nice glass of apple juice, 
and set out butter and jam for the pancakes, then put out 
bacon and sausage on plates, along with bowls of fruit.

Hiko the Firechilde sits down at the table, her hand on 
the table.  "I can understand that."  The silver ring is 
prominently showing, and she smiles.  "I've barely had a 
chance to relax."

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Oh, in that contact, I 
send this to Juri: Thanks for the gifts." to AkemiFoxtrot 
stops prodding and says, "When I kissed her on the 
cheek." to Akemi
Akemi pages, "She nods and smiles at you in response." to 
you.]

Shizumaru waits quietly for the food to be served. And he 
also waits for Juri to serve herself before taking any. 
He is still silent, loath to interrupt a conversation 
between mother and daughter, unless spoken to first.

Juri gets some fruit for herself, and some bacon, then 
begins putting butter and jam on her pancakes.

Juri asks, "Did you both sleep well?"

Hiko the Firechilde gets fruit and one pancake.  "Like 
the dead."

Shizumaru takes a small stack of pancakes and an 
assortment of fruit. "Very well, yes. Yesterday had been 
very eventful."

Hiko the Firechilde raises an eyebrow.  "Oh?  Do tell, 
cousin."

Juri says, "I understand you were attacked by monks down 
in the city, Shizumaru."

Shizumaru has a forkful of pancakes and quickly swallows 
before answering. "Yes. The...Monks of the Red Lotus, I 
believe, attacked Fuyutsuki-sama. They called him a 
heretic and tried to kill him for that."

Juri frowns intensely, gazes deeply into Shizumaru's eyes 
for a few seconds, then nods.  "Those maniacs again?  I 
thought we'd killed them all off."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Monks?  What are those?"

Shizumaru blinks at Hiko for a moment. "Ah...they are men 
devoted to a religious path and usually take on some 
kinds of vows in that respect."

Juri asks, "The Cult of the Red Lotus...Are you familiar 
with the story of the Shining One, Hiko?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I am not."

Shizumaru continues eating and listens with attention. 
He's unfamiliar with the Red Lotus himself.

Hiko the Firechilde looks on with much interest.

Juri begins cutting an apple into eigths as she talks.  
"Sind, for hundreds of years, was calcified with a caste 
system, with hereditary priests, and a highly ritualized 
faith."

Juri pauses to remove the core parts.

Juri says, "The Shining One was a prince, who decided to 
seek enlightenment.  He wandered off into shadow along 
the Unicorn Tracks, and returned years later to announce 
he had found the ten spoked wheel of enlightenment.  A 
way in which any one could achieve enlightenment without 
needing the priests."

Shizumaru nods slowly and bites into an apple while Juri 
continues her story.

Juri pauses again to take a bite of pancake.  She smiles 
at the taste, then pushes one of her pancakes to one 
side, cutting it into ten 'pie pieces'

Hiko the Firechilde nods, picking at her pancake.

Juri points to the pieces.  "Each of the 'spokes' was 
some sort of practice, such as 'right thinking', 'deep 
meditation', etc.  The result was religious turmoil, as 
the peoples of the cities flocked to the new faith, 
revolting against the priests.  In the end, however, 
nomads were called in by the priests and nobles to aid 
them, and the Shining One's disciples were driven from 
Sind for the most part."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Why would they attack 
Fuyutsuki-san?"

Shizumaru finally speaks up. "They accused him of being a 
heretic, of claiming 
to have created everything, when it was the Shining One 
who truly did so."

Juri says, "In the process, the pacifist teachings of the 
Shining One were turned by some of his followers into a 
militaristic faith, which conquered Siam.  The Red Lotus 
are a particularly fanatical splinter sect.  They now 
worship teh Shining One as an avatar of Rhama the 
Creator.  And believe he created everything, as Shizumaru 
said."

Hiko the Firechilde nods, then gets an idea.  "Anyone 
know what this Shining One is supposed to look like?"

Shizumaru nods and finishes off a pancake.

Juri says, "A bald man with a big belly.  They keep 
showing up every century or so for another shot at 
Grandfather."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Hmm, there goes that thought."

Juri takes a sip of her apple juice, then begins eating 
her apple.

Juri asks, "What were you thinking, Hiko?"

Shizumaru nods again, then speaks. "Fuyutsuki-sama 
managed to get some information from one of the monks we 
captured. That was indeed their intent again...but there 
was something else. A man in a golden mask directed them 
to the restaurant where we ate--even though we did not 
realize we would be going there until just half an hour 
before we went."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I was just wondering if the 
Red Lotus was connected to the bastard."  At Juri and 
Shizumaru's confused look, she amends her statement.  
"Annadil."

Juri frowns.  "It is possible.  It does seem quite a 
coincidence."

Shizumaru shakes his head, picking at the remnants of his 
breakfast. "You must tell me about this Annadil sometime. 
I imagine he is all our adversary...."

Juri says, "I can tell you he has been watching us for at 
least three hundred years."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "And he's a Bastard."

Juri finishes off her apple juice and gets another glass 
of it, then begins covering her example pancake with jam 
and butter.

There is no emotion in her voice, but you start to see 
that the apple Hiko's currently cutting is starting to 
look like it's gone through a Cuisanart.

Shizumaru sweatdrops quietly. "I...see." That's right, 
Aunt Wakaba had mentioned that Hiko had gone through some 
bad experiences with that man....

Juri notices, but doesn't say anything.  "He seems to be 
a shapechanger.  And he's skillful with sorcery and 
possibly trump.  He is probably allied with Chaos, but we 
cannot be sure."

Hiko the Firechilde looks down at her apple 
absentmindedly and spoons the mush onto her pancake.  

"Chaos?" Shizumaru takes a drink of juice. "I know little 
of Chaos, save that they are opposed to the order of 
Amber."

Juri says, "Few of us know much of Chaos."  She picks up 
an orange and points to the small circle at its top.  
"Imagine this is Amber."  She then traces along the 
surface of the orange, an ever widening circle.  "This is 
Shadow, spreading out from Amber."  She passes the 
midpoint with her finger, and spirals down it to the 
gathering point at the bottom.  "And this is Chaos."

Juri says, "As you move further from Amber, reality 
becomes more and more random, malleable, strange.  Until 
finally, you eventually reach the Courts of Chaos, 
huddled around the Abyss, which marks the end of 
reality."

Shizumaru watches, fascinated by Juri's example.

Juri says, "Those who dwell in Chaos are similarly 
malleable, shapechangers who wield strange powers over 
black ribbons that we don't really understand.  Legend 
speaks of the Logrus, a sort of Anti-Pattern, from which 
they draw their ribbon powers, and thirteen great houses 
who struggle for the Throne of Chaos."

Juri says, "And then, there is the legend of the Cave of 
Worlds."

Hiko the Firechilde nods, not really listening, but 
perking up when Juri mentions a cave.

Juri says, "A cavern beneath the Logrus, from which you 
can pass into any shadow you can imagine, with but a 
single step.  The Chaosians use it to get out into 
Shadow.  Trailing a ribbon behind them, which they use to 
get home by following it."

Shizumaru murmurs, "That could be a fearsome power. The 
ability to move so easily and quickly through Shadows."

Hiko the Firechilde nods again, not familiar with the 
idea of shadows just yet, but wanting that ability to 
move.

Juri nods.  "Chaosians can pop up just about anywhere, 
but they have a harder time getting home.  The ribbons 
can only be seen if you train in using the Pattern as a 
lens to look at things."

Juri says, "It's said to be a sure way to identify one, 
though."  Juri finishes off her food, and gets more 
bacon.

Shizumaru sighs softly. "The Pattern. I hope to be able 
to walk it soon, but I feel like I must prepare so much 
before I am ready."

Hiko the Firechilde is mentally taking notes.  "What's it 
like, walking the pattern?  I mean, I remember it... but 
I don't, if you follow me, mother."

Juri nods.  "I recently walked it again, so it is fresh 
in my mind.  First of all, imagine walking into a high 
wind, that gets stronger with every step.  Sparks shower 
upwards, you must ignore them and keep walking without 
ceasing.  As you walk, any spells on you are broken, any 
tampering with your mind is undone.  Diseases are purged, 
insanities heal.  For the pattern restores you to what 
you were intended to be.  But it also tests you strongly; 
every time you walk it, you must once again prove you 
have the strength of will to keep going.  Never try to 
walk it if you are tired or injured.  Or it may aggravate 
your wounds or even kill you."

Shizumaru makes mental notes himself. "I see...."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Insanities healed?"

Juri nods.  "When you finish walking the Pattern, you 
become as sane as you will ever be.  Lost memories are 
restored, your mind is healed of its infirmities."

Hiko the Firechilde's hand shakes.

Juri says, "Is something wrong, daughter?  Your hand is 
shaking."  She sounds a little worried.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "No, I'm fine."

Shizumaru frowns and looks to Hiko, ready to lend a hand 
if she requires one, somehow.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hiko remembers 
something Hiroshi said to her once, before he died in the 
raid.  'Sometimes I get the feeling that you're not all 
there, 'ko-chan.  Like there's a part of you that's 
missing.'  She had just put it down to deathbed rantings.  
Now she's not so sure." to Akemi
In a page-pose to you, Akemi nods]

Juri nods slowly, but still looks concerned.  "Alright.  
Anyway, walking the Pattern is fairly simple.  Just 
follow it to the center, and don't ever stop or step off 
it.  Or you'll die."

Shizumaru shudders lightly at that. "Even a small 
hesitation," he murmurs. "Yes. I will definitely have to 
meditate a lot, summon my will before I take this 
endeavor."

Juri says, "Once you reach the center, the Pattern will 
send you wherever you desire.  And you gain the power to 
walk through Shadow and find anything you can imagine.  
With study, you can learn to use it as a lens to examine 
things and learn what they really are, and do many other 
things."

Hiko the Firechilde murmurs, "Wherever you desire..."

Shizumaru pauses, and looks at Juri. "Even if you want to 
go to...a person, not a specified location?"

Hiko the Firechilde blinks. 

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Who would you want to go to?"

Juri says, "Yes, you could tell the Pattern to send you 
to your father."

Shizumaru face drops slightly. "My father is one, but 
also...my mother. She--she disappeared, shortly before I 
came here to Amber with Aunt Utena and Aunt Corinne."

Juri frowns.  "How did she vanish?  Did you see it 
happen?"

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "You don't know where your 
father is?  Hiko the Firechilde realizes that she's 
asking out of turn, and hushes up.

Shizumaru nods at Hiko, as if to say that he'll get to 
her in a moment. "Aunt Corrine believes that it was by 
trump. I did not actually see her go, as I was fighting 
the Silver-Armed Man at the time."

Juri nods, and frowns.  "Well, the Pattern could send you 
to her, or you could, once you walked it, seek her in 
Shadow, which while slower, also reduces the chance of 
ending up buried underground or in a shadow full of fire, 
or other possible disasters."

Shizumaru blinks several times, and nods. "Oh...I see." 
He hadn't thought of that, obviously. Not to mention the 
fact that walking the Pattern drains you quite a bit, 
too. He shakes his head, and now addresses Hiko. "I know 
that my father is Touga, but I have never met him. One of 
my goals, since I was young, was to seek him out and ask 
him why he abandoned my mother and me."

Hiko the Firechilde nods.  "That's an understandable 
quest."

Juri starts to say something, then does not.  She passes 
her empty plates to the servant waiting by.

Shizumaru glances at Juri, frowns when she cuts herself 
off. Oh well, shouldn't pry. He obligingly hands his 
plate toward the servant as well, then finishes off his 
juice.

Juri says, "I am inclined to hope he was not aware that 
your mother was pregnant."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Is there something wrong, 
Mother?  What's Uncle Touga like?"

Juri says, "Touga is a very complex man.  I think he was 
the most like Father of any of us.  For good and ill."

Shizumaru is silent for a moment. "I...am not sure if he 
did know at the time he left. But my mother did contact 
him, she said...says, after I was born. So I am certain 
that he did know about me."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Maybe he's a bastard, too and 
just didn't care."  She shrugs.

Juri says, "Touga, like our father, loved Amber above all 
things.  Including above family, at times."

Shizumaru's eyes harden, and he nods. "Certain things do 
point in that direction, Cousin Hiko."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I don't give much credence in 
the loyalty of fathers, cousin."

Juri says, "He could be petty, and cruel, and use people 
as pawns.  Yet, in the end, everything he did turned out 
to be good for Amber.  Well, almost everything.  And he 
had to slay his own mother because she tried to destroy 
Amber. "

Shizumaru looks out the window. "On the other hand, some 
of the fathers in my village were willing to die for 
their families, during a fire a couple years ago." He 
then goes silent and listens to Juri.

Juri sighs.  "I could not have done that.  If mother had 
destroyed Amber, I could not have brought myself to lift 
a finger."  She stares at her calloused hands.  "He was 
the only one who stood up to defend mine and Corrine's 
honor when Sakura had us branded traitors.  Yet, he 
treated women like playthings, toys for his amusement."

Hiko the Firechilde nods, considering.

Shizumaru scratches his head, looking mildly puzzled.

Hiko the Firechilde explains for Shizumaru.  "Mother and 
Aunt Corrine were betrayed by Sakura, one of King Gendo's 
wives.  Your father helped them regain their honor."

Juri asks, "I take it you have not heard the story of the 
Traitor Queen?"  She grinds her teeth not very subtly at 
the necessity of mentioning the Traitor Queen.

Hiko the Firechilde holds her mother's hand.  "Though why 
he did not come sooner to help you is something I cannot 
forgive."

Shizumaru shakes his head. "No, no, I know about...my 
grandmother, now. I was confused by my father's actions. 
Alternately honorable and despicable."

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Initiate contact.  
"Are you alright, Mother?" she sends telepathically." to 
Akemi
Akemi pages, "She nods psychically.  "I don't like to 
think about it, but I'll be fine. It was long ago, and 
the scars have faded, mostly.  I'm glad I don't have to 
tell the story again, though."" to you.]

Juri says, "Touga came as soon as he could.  He was never 
a very good fighter...if he had come for me directly, 
Ludovicus would probably have killed him."

[Hiko:  "I understand, Mother.  I am glad that Ludovicus 
is dead."
You get a very brief flash of her memory of killing him.  
"Words cannot express how relieved I was when he 
perished." 
Hiko smiles.  "You must teach me how to do that.  It 
sounds like it might come in handy someday." 
Juri: "How to fight, you mean?" 
Hiko nods. 
Juri: "I would be glad to teach you the art of arms, my 
daughter.
Hiko smiles, and breaks the contact. ]

Hiko the Firechilde nods at that.  She gives her mother's 
hand a squeeze and picks up another piece of fruit.

Juri says, "I understand you trained under a Lipunese 
master in the art of fighting, Shizumaru."

Shizumaru nods, glad for the change in subject. "Yes, 
that is right. I met Haohmaru-sensei several years ago, 
and has trained me in the arts since then."

Hiko the Firechilde looks at Shizumaru.  "How can you 
fight without a sword?"

Juri says, "Would you be interested in a friendly match, 
then?  I am interested in taking the measure of your 
mettle."

Shizumaru says, "Ah...well, I have managed to adapt my 
umbrella to a style of combat--it is less lethal than a 
sword. And I have also trained in unarmed combat." He 
stops, then turns to Juri. "I would enjoy that very much, 
Aunt Juri. I welcome the chance to face a new opponent 
and expand my skills."

Juri rises from the table, and gestures to the servant to 
clean up.  "Let me arm myself, and then I will meet you 
at the base of the stairs of the dueling arena.  Do you 
know where that is?"

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I think I'd like to watch.  
Shall I be your second, mother?"

Shizumaru shakes his head. "Aunt Corrine led us to the 
arena by trump. Someone would have to lead the way, or at 
least give me directions."

Juri nods to Hiko.  "I would appreciate that.  Hold on 
while I get my sword."

[Shizumaru OOCly says, "Yo. I'm about to face Aunt Juri 
in a friendly sparring match. :)"
Aerianne OOCly says, ""[Corrine OOC awwws, and doesn't 
know who to root for!]""
Shaft OOCly "You bitch."]

Hiko the Firechilde smiles.  "I've squired for my brother 
Nouma.  I shall squire for you."

Juri retreats into the interior of her chambers, then 
emerges now wearing a silver ring with a rose on it, 
similar to the one you've seen Mikage wear.  She is also 
carrying a long rapier with red runes along its blade.

Juri says, "I need to talk to Anthy about getting you a 
dueling arena key, Hiko.  Remind me later."

Shizumaru stands before Juri. "Shall we face off sword to 
sword, or may I use my umbrella as well, Aunt Juri?"

Juri says, "Fight in whatever manner you find most 
comfortable.  Now, follow me to the arena."

Shizumaru nods. "Thank you. I will use both, then." He 
turns and follows Juri toward the arena, memorizing the 
way as he goes.

Hiko the Firechilde falls into step behind Juri, behind 
and a foot to the right.

You pass through the maze of passages, then go down two 
flights of stairs to the ground floor.  As you follow 
her, you come upon Shaft, who has just finished walking 
Kasumi back to the castle.

Hiko the Firechilde nods.  "Hello, Ota-san, No-- Kasumi."

Shizumaru bows to Ota and Kasumi. "Hello, Cousin Ota, 
Kasumi-san. I trust your day today was more pleasant than 
yesterday evening."

Shaft yawns, scratching his back. "Hey, 'mornin, guys.  
Not a bad mornin, no..."

[Hiko the Firechilde OOCly reeeeally wants to use the 
'fucking NotDead Kasumi' line someday.]

Juri asks, "Good morning, Shaft.  Shizumaru and I are 
about to have a friendly match.  Would you like to come 
watch?"

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Was Ota-san there when 
Fuyutsuki-san was attacked?"

Shizumaru nods to Hiko. "Very briefly, yes. One of the 
monks tried to kidnap Kasumi-san, but Cousin Ota rescued 
her."

Shaft raises his eyebrow.  "You challengin' him?"  He 
cracks a smile.   "Take it easy on the guy."

Hiko the Firechilde smiles at that.  "You're a regular 
knight errant.  Or should that be knight on an errand?"

Shaft laughs at Hiko.  "Either or, cousin, either or."

Juri smiles.  "It's merely a friendly match."

Juri takes you to the entrance to the arena stairs, a 
door which resembles a giant stone rose.  She holds up 
the ring she wears, and a droplet of water erupts from 
the ring splashing onto the rose, which spirals open.

Shizumaru watches the process in fascination. "That...is 
interesting," he murmurs.

Shaft looks at Kasumi.  "Y'wanna watch the mornin' dual?"

Kasumi says, "I've never watched one of these before.  
Sure."

Shaft asks, "anyone mind if we watch?"

Juri says, "Come right along."

Shizumaru shakes himself out of his reverie, and 
continues following Juri. Looking around as he goes, of 
course.

Beyond the door is a garden full of flowers, in the 
center of which, a ten foot across pillar rises to the 
heavens, surrounded by a spiral staircase.  Music begins 
to play as you walk in.

Shaft, out of habit, hums along with the tune.

Juri strides determinedly up the spiralling stairs, which 
rise a good eight stories to the rose shaped dueling 
arena high above.

Juri moves swiftly, obviously used to these stairs.

Shizumaru stares upward as he goes, trying to fathom how 
far they must walk to get there.

The arena stands a good three stories above the roof of 
the palace.


[USER DISCONNED OR SOMETHING]


Juri then suddenly launches herself forward, moving in a 
blur, sword raised to strike down at your umbrella 
holding hand.

Shizumaru tries to spin out of the way, to deliver a 
swing at Juri's side with the umbrella.

Hiko the Firechilde stands by, watching her mother with 
great interest.

You swing out of the way, and the sword darts down and 
around to parry your blow, leaving you open for Juri to 
aim a kick at your left knee.

Shizumaru grunts as Juri's kick connects glancingly; he 
wasn't able to get out of the way quite fast enough. He 
brings his arms overhead to deliver a blow--but not with 
his umbrella, instead with the sword that he whips out 
from its sheath.

[Hiko the Firechilde OOCly could say someting nasty, but 
just points at 'whips out from its sheath' and lets 
imagination do its work.
Shizumaru OOCly says, "My imagination is either too pure 
or too tired or both. o.o; So don't explain, please."]

She grabs the tip of the Umbrella with her right hand and 
brings the sword up with her left to parry the overhand 
strike.

Shizumaru quickly follows this up with his own kick--
targeting the muscles of her thigh, which would take the 
blow better than her knee.

It's like kicking a rock, but she does seem to fail to 
anticipate it, and it knocks her back out of immediate 
contact with you.  She moves into a defensive position 
and seems to be contemplating her next move.

Shizumaru resheathes his sword with an easy, practiced 
move, and takes the umbrella again. His foot tingles 
slightly from the impact; that was unexpectedly solid. He 
hangs back a moment as well, then leaps forward, slashing 
in a tight arc with the umbrella, at Juri's rose.

Hiko the Firechilde exclaims, "Watch out, Mother!"

She parries the blow, pushing your umbrella aside with 
practised ease, which leaves you open for her to simply 
reach out with her right hand and grab at your rose.

Shizumaru's eyes widen, and lets the umbrella fly away, 
freeing his own hands to snatch at Juri's rose in 
response.

Juri snatches your rose, just before you can grab hers, 
as you didn't bother to defend your own rose.

Juri holds it up to her nose and smiles.  The music rises 
to a triumphant crescendo, then fades, and Tir'na-nog 
fades away above.

Hiko the Firechilde applauds, offering a sympathetic 
smile to Shizumaru.

Shizumaru sighs, and gives a small smile. "You have 
bested me, Aunt Juri. I see I must train more." He bows 
to her, conceding victory with grace.

Queen Anthy says, "The duel is finished, the struggle 
done."  She smiles at both of you.  "Would we had more 
duels like this than the one likely to be later today."

Juri says, "You fight very well, Shizumaru.  I see you 
were trained well."

Shizumaru bows to Anthy. "Thank you for officiating, 
Queen Anthy." He pauses, and nods. "Ah, yes...the duel 
between Aunt Kozue and Madoka-dono." He shakes his head 
sadly.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Another duel?  OH, the one 
between Madoka and Kozue?"

Queen Anthy nods.  "Likely a forgone conclusion, but I 
have been surprised before."

Juri says, "Madoka, sadly, cannot win, unless Kozue shows 
up hideously sick."

Hiko the Firechilde smiles.  "I don't know how good 
either of them are in combat, but I pray that Madoka 
wins.  I don't like the feeling I get from listening to 
Kozue."

Shizumaru moves to retrieve his umbrella. He picks it up, 
and leans on it like a cane. "I will be present to 
observe, if it is allowed," he says, quietly.

Anthy says, "I suspect the arena will be quite crowded 
for that match, given its seriousness.  I saw Madoka 
talking to Drake at breakfast.  Picking up last minute 
fighting tips, I suppose."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I think I'd like to see this 
duel also.  I don't know much about armed combat... or 
any kind of combat."

Juri says, "We shall have to rectify that.  As I'm sure 
Ota can tell you, it's a very useful skill."

Shizumaru looks at Hiko. "Observing battle is a good way 
to begin to understand. The best way is to train 
actively, of course."

You hear the sound of someone running up the stairs.

Shaft snores blissfully.  Kasumi, hearing them mention 
his name, pokes him nervously.

Shizumaru turns to look toward the footsteps. "Who is 
that?" he asks softly--not to anyone in particular.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "How did you start training?"  
She turns her head towards the stairs.

Ramon comes running up the stairs.  "Did I miss it?"

Anthy nods to him, and he sighs.

Juri says, "I was trained by my mother."

Juri says, "Queen Haruka was a valiant warrior."

"Ah, Cousin...Ramon?" Shizumaru dredges that name up from 
his memory; he's only met this cousin once so far. 
"Hello."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I was trained to do different 
things."

[The Editor takes the time to snicker at this remark, 
given that I wrote this before I RP'd the 'master' scene]

Juri nods.  "Well, it's never too late to learn."

Ramon sees Shaft snoozing.  "Hey, lazy butt, wake up!"

Shaft says, "wha... ha... oh, did I fall asleep?"

Hiko the Firechilde's face darkens.  Suddenly she 
realized why she was never trained in combat...

Shaft asks, "who the hell you callin' a lazy butt, 
shieldy?"

Ramon says, "Shaft is short for 'Garbage shaft', right?"

Juri rolls her eyes and ignores the two butting heads 
men.

Shaft's eyebrow twitches.  "You wanna start somethin', 
dumbass?"

Juri says, "If you wish me to teach you, Hiko, we can 
start whenever your ready."

Shizumaru regards Shaft and Ramon a bit nonplussedly. 
"Ah...perhaps there will be another duel before the main 
one today."

Shaft stands up and stomps over to Ramon, until only a 
centimeter is between them.  The two men glare at each 
other with maximum hostility.

Ramon laughs.  "You've got drool running down your chin, 
you know."

Hiko the Firechilde is drawn out of her reverie by the 
sheer waves of hate emanating from Ramon and Ota.

Anthy quietly extracts two more roses from somewhere, one 
yellow and one pink.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Ota-san?  Ramon-san?"

Shaft blinks, then wipes off the drool on his chin.  
"Hey, you want a piece'a me, let's go right here, right 
now."


Juri . o O (Nanami was probably talking about how Shaft 
does such good work for her and why won't he work for her 
again.)

Ramon cracks his knuckles.  "Bring it on!  I'll send you 
back crying to Bumpy."

Shaft grins at Ramon's words.  "Oh, so you gonna 
challenge me?  You gonna challenge me?  Huh?"  He pokes 
at Ramon's chest

Ramon shoves Shaft.  "Hell ya!  I challenge you!"

Anthy glides over, and pins the roses in place in one 
fluid motion, pink for Shaft and yellow for Ramon.

Hiko the Firechilde wonders if there is a bench where she 
can sit, or stands or something like that.

Juri gets to the side of the Arena.

Shaft says, "awright, that's it!"  He looks around.  "Cue 
the music!  Get the damn castle down here!  I'm gonna 
bust this fool's ass!"

There are benches around the edge for observers.

Juri laughs.

The music begins and the castle forms in the sky.

Ramon cracks his knuckles and gets into an unarmed 
fighting pose.

Shaft stomps off to one end of the dueling arena, getting 
into position, angrily humming the duel music.  "I'm 
gonna beat you so fast, y'grandkids'll be dizzy!"

Shaft draws his sword, then stares at Ramon.  "WHat's 
that?  You gonna bring knuckles to a swordfight, 
dumbass?"

Ramon says, "I'll whoop you so hard, Kasumi will have to 
use you as a dishrag!"

Hiko the Firechilde sits next to Shizumaru and watches 
with avid interest.

Ramon says, "Uh...I didn't bring my sword."

Juri tosses her sword to Ramon.  "Here you go."

Shaft rolls his eyes.  "Someone throw this boy a-  
thanks, auntie J."

Ramon moves into a fairly basic defensive swordform 
position.

Shaft gets into his swordfighting stance.  "You ready for 
a whoopin, fool?"

Ramon says, "You're the one who is going to get whooped."  
He then charges forward, sword over his head.

Juri shakes her head.  "Rule number five...never charge 
with your sword over your head."

Shaft charges forward, sword swinging from his side, then 
suddenly stops.  He points somewhere behind Ramon.  "Oh 
shit!  Aunt Nanami?!  WHat the hell you doin?!"

Ramon says, "Mom?  Where?"  He foolishly turns to look, 
leaving himself wide open.

Shaft lunges in with all the speed he can muster and 
slashes at the rose with a maniacal grin

The rose parts before Ramon turns back around, falling 
apart into petals.  The music rises to a crescendo, and 
the castle begins to fade.

Ramon says, "But...HEY!"

Shaft stomps around, roaring with laughter.  "Damn, you 
STUPID!"

Hiko the Firechilde stifles a grin, then bursts out into 
full snickers.

Ramon slumps, turns, and drudges off.

Juri frowns for a moment, watching him go.

Hiko the Firechilde looks around, then stops laughing a 
bit self-consciously.

Shaft says, "aw, c'mon, big R!  Don't get all pissy on 
me!  C'mon, man, I'll buy you a beer."

Ramon stops, then says, "See you down at King's later, 
then."

Shaft nods, still snickering.   "A'right, seeya, coz."

Ramon heads out, looking less depressed.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "King was the lovely lady who 
was your date at dinner, wasn't she?"

Shaft nods.  "Yeah, yeah, she was."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I remember her saying that she 
stocked Guinness.  It's been a while since I've had a 
pint."

Kasumi rises.  "I must be about my duties."  She bows to 
Shaft.  "Thank you for everything last night."

Shaft bows to Kasumi, something not a lot of people are 
used to seeing.  "Any time, m'lady."

Hiko the Firechilde smiles at Ota-san and Kasumi.

Kasumi then heads downstairs.

Anthy says, "The duel is scheduled for three o'clock, I 
believe.  I'm sure I will see you all then."

Shaft stretches. "Well, that's my stupid-fool-whoop-
assin' quota for the day.  What're you guys up to?"

Juri asks, "I was planning to go and talk to Drake about 
some matters.  Hiko, what are your plans for the day?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I didn't have any specific 
plans, but I feel the kind of thirst that only a pint of 
Guinness can quench."

Hiko the Firechilde smiles.  "Would you mind giving me 
directions to King's bar?"

Shaft says, "tell y'what, come on down with me'n Ramon.  
Maybe you c'n chill the guy out."

Shaft grins.  "I was just messin' with him, but the fool 
gets so uptight."

Juri kisses Hiko's cheek.  "Goodbye, then, daughter.  I 
will see you later."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I could understand, with him 
always being mistaken for a target."  She looks to 
Shizumaru.  "See you around, cousin?"  Shizumaru nods.

Anthy comes over to Hiko and Shizumaru, and hands each of 
them a ring like the one Juri is wearing.  "These are 
keys to the Arena, should you need them."

Hiko the Firechilde returns the kiss on the cheek.  She 
smiles.  "I'm not sure where to put it.  Before long, 
I'll have run out of fingers."  She places the rose ring 
on her right index finger, next to the gold dragon ring.

Anthy smiles and holds up her own hands, on which you can 
see a pegasus ring, a golden wedding band, a silver ring 
of intertwined roses, and a rose dueling ring.  "I know 
the feeling," she says.

And we will cut here, 'cause it's 3 AM for me, and I'm 
too tired to go on.



[THERE ISN'T ANY GOOD DEBRIEFING AFTER THIS ONE]







Juri-TAMD asks, "You ready to do something IC, Fox?"
Hiko the Firechilde says, "Well, yeah, but I'm supposed 
to go to King's bar with Shaft and Ramon."
Juri-TAMD says, "King's bar isn't open at 10 AM :)"
Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Okay... it's morning?"
Hiko the Firechilde says, "Going to gaming room."
Juri-TAMD says, "Yes.  You had breakfast with Juri, then 
had early morning sparring."
Aerianne pages, "Okay to watch?" to you.
Juri-TAMD asks, "OOC Hey, Scriv, you alive enough to do a 
scene?"
Nagisa says, "Hiya, Foxy lady."
Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Scriv?"
Nagisa says, "I would be, but my mom just called. She 
wants me to help my aunt buy a new PC."
Juri-TAMD says, "OOC AAAAAAAAAAA.  Right.  Well, there's 
other stuff I can do, too :)"
Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says,  "Well, I can hang with 
Shizumaru..."
Shizumaru OOCly says, "Hmm?"
Juri-TAMD nods OOC.  Was thinking of that.
Juri-TAMD asks, "OOC You up for doing a scene, Shiz?"
Nagisa says, "Sorry... "
Shizumaru OOCly says, "Sure, though I will probably have 
to duck out for a short bit, to let my parents make a 
phone call."
Juri-TAMD says, "OOC It happens, Nagisa."
Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says,  "Oh well, if I have to, 
I'll play by myself..."
Juri-TAMD says, "OOC Well, we'll start with both of you, 
and then see what happens."
Shizumaru OOCly be ready. o.o
Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says,  "Ready."


At the base of the stairs, Shaft suddenly remembers that 
King's bar won't open until late afternoon, so he says 
farewell to you, and tells Hiko to meet him later for the 
barhop.  Various other people scatter, leaving Shizumaru 
and Hiko together in the garden below the dueling arena.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "That was an interesting style 
of combat, Shizumaru-san."

Akemi pages, "Just as a reminder, Queen Anthy gave both 
of you dueling rings, which you can use to unlock the 
arena yourselves in the future." to you and Shizumaru.

Shizumaru closely studies one of the red rosebushes, then 
leans over, closes his eyes, and sniffs at one of its 
flowers. Mmmm. "...ah? Oh. I suppose it is...the umbrella 
is not one of your more orthodox weapons, I suppose. But 
it is versatile."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "May I see your weapon?"

Shizumaru takes a step back from the bush, and presents 
the umbrella to Hiko. "It is somewhat heavier than it 
appears," he says, as he passes it over.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "How heavy is it?" to 
Akemi
Akemi pages, "VERY heavy.  Hold on, lemme check yoru 
strength" to you.]

Hiko the Firechilde reaches for the umbrella.

[Oh yeah... now she's seducing mister innocent... may I 
see your weapon indeed. ;p
Hey! [spoofed by me]
Shizumaru OOCly kneecaps Nagisa.
Akemi pages, "You can only barely hold it at all." to 
you.
Akemi pages, "It seems to weigh a LOT" to you.]

Hiko the Firechilde's arm is pulled down heavily and she 
drops it onto her foot.  "Ouch!  Fuggindamnit!"  She 
pulls back, hobbling to a bench.

Shizumaru sweatdrops. "...my apologies, Cousin." He picks 
up his umbrella and helps Hiko over.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "You must be real strong to be 
able to hold that... thing."

Shizumaru tilts his head. "I believe that Cousin Ramon is 
stronger than I am. But...yes, it does take a certain 
amount of strength to be able to use Kirisame."

[Akemi pages, "Just for a bit of perspective:  Hiko's 
chaos strength puts her about at the strength level of a 
pro wrestler.  Someone with human couldn't even lift one 
end of Shizu's umbrella off the ground." to you.]

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Is that what you named your 
sword?"

Shizumaru pauses. "Ah, no. That is the name of the 
umbrella," he answers, tapping said item. "My sword is Ou 
Haraeno Maga Kami Shizumaru." He stops, mildly 
embarassed. "I did not name it--Haohmaru-sensei did."

Hiko the Firechilde shrugs.  "Sword, umbrella.  Same 
difference, ne?  What does it mean?"

Shizumaru nods. "Kirisame is 'cutting rain'." And the 
sword's name, Shizumaru's player doesn't know, 'cos he 
doesn't know what the kanji is. C.c;

Hiko the Firechilde nods.  "Where did you say you were 
from?"

Shizumaru turns to look out from the garden, in the vague 
direction of his homeland...or what he thinks is the 
direction. "From the islands of Lipun, to the east of 
Amber."

Hiko the Firechilde nods.  "I take it you're familiar 
with this Amber place?"

Shizumaru blinks a few times, looking back at his cousin. 
"Amber? You mean, here?" He shakes his head. "This is my 
first time here, really. I had been told about it a 
little by my mother, but not very much."

Hiko the Firechilde tilts her head, and rubs her foot.  
"Which one is your mother?"

Shizumaru's face falls. "My mother is Hisame 
Atsuko...daughter of Lord Hisame, a noble in the 
Emperor's court. She has gone...missing." He looks up at 
Hiko. "And my father is Prince Touga of Amber," he adds, 
just in case Hiko hadn't heard that fact yet.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Touga.  The one who left my 
mother to rot with a rapist."

[Juri-TAMD says, "OOC Ahh, the joy of unfair character 
perspectives :)"
Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says,  "Ain't it cool?"
Juri-TAMD says, "OOC Just keep in mind if you say that to 
Touga, he'll break your Jaw :)"
Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says,  "Hopefully, I won't be 
near Touga."]

A butterfly rises out of the flowers and flutters over to 
rest on the tip of Shizumaru's umbrella.  Shizumaru 
bristles slightly, but doesn't do much more, except to 
answer, "I do not understand my father. He left my mother 
as well, abandoned her after seducing her. And yet, he 
has done some honorable things...." He trails off, 
blinking at the butterfly.

It is a monarch butterfly, with orange and brown wings.

Hiko the Firechilde shrugs.  "Some things can't be 
forgiven.  I'm sorry if that offends you."

Shizumaru slowly moves a finger close to it, toward its 
wings, trying to brush them gently. He's suddenly deaf to 
Hiko, fascinated by the butterfly. "...hm?"

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Regular butterfly?" to 
Akemi
Akemi pages, "It looks like a regular butterfly.  Do you 
want to try using Broken Pattern Sight?" to you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Yeah." to Akemi
Akemi pages, "It's a butterfly.  It has strong Pattern in 
it, but that's only because it's an Amber butterfly.  
Everything you look at in Amber seems to have a lot of 
Pattern in it." to you.]

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Never mind."  She looks at 
Shizumaru and the butterfly.

Shizumaru touches a wing gently, then withdraws his 
finger. "What a beautiful creature," he murmurs.

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "You enjoy beauty, don't you?"

Shizumaru sits back again, still watching the butterfly. 
"The beauty found in nature, yes. The beauty bestowed by 
the kami." A faint smile touches his lips.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Beauty doesn't last."  She 
touches the butterfly herself, a small sigh escaping her 
lips.

Shizumaru sighs and shakes his head. "No, it is fleeting. 
So I try to appreciate it while it lasts."

"Beauty dies."  There is a wealth of bitterness in her 
voice.

[SHIZUMARU had to disconnect so his parents could use the 
phone.]

Juri-TAMD asks, "OOC While we wait, can you remind me of 
everything Hiko wants to do before she walks the PAttern 
and goes looking for the Lonely Mountain?"

Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says,  "Well, that's about it.  
Learning more about Annadil, Amber and the Pattern."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says,  "Trying to brief myself 
before going into the lion's den."

Juri-TAMD asks, "OOC Righto.  So Hiko will be basically 
continuing her library research?"

Juri-TAMD asks, "OOC Taking any other measures to learn 
about these things?"

Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says,  "Well, I want to talk to 
Utena sometime to learn about how she knows Annadil, if 
she does."

Juri-TAMD says, "OOC Okay, cool."

Juri-TAMD asks, "OOC Anything else?"

Juri-TAMD says, "OOC Once we get Nagisa to brief 
everyone, I wanna start getting everyone out into Shadow, 
so Evil can't take over while everyone hangs out in the 
Castle :)"

Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says,  "But Evil taking over is 
FUN!"

Juri-TAMD says, "OOC For Evil, anyway :)"

Aerianne says, "[Corrine] BOO EVIL!"

Shizumaru has connected.

Aerianne says, "[Corrine OOC fully admits bias in these 
matters.]"

Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says,  "Right, Droo.  Ready for 
the sex?"

Shizumaru OOCly says, "..."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says,  "Kidding."

Shizumaru OOCly c.c

Shizumaru OOCly says, "Okay, where were we...."


[Starting log again.]


"Beauty doesn't last."  She touches the butterfly herself 
and a sigh escapes her lips.

Shizumaru sighs and shakes his head. "No, it is fleeting. 
So I try to appreciate it while it lasts."

[Then I got disconned.  An omen of things to come.]

Dowager Queen Anthy says, "Beauty is fleeting, which is 
why we must strive to preserve it, but not mourn it 
unduly when it can no longer be saved."  She moves on to 
water a rose bush.  "So what will you two be doing 
today?"

Hiko the Firechilde turns to the Queen.  "I have no 
definite plans.  Cousin?"

Shizumaru looks upward, toward the light of the sun. "I 
am not sure, beyond attending the duel between Aunt Kozue 
and Madoka-dono."

Dowager Queen Anthy nods.  "I was going to ride down into 
Arden and have a picnic lunch.  Would you be interested 
in coming?"

Shizumaru tilts his head. "Arden? That is the great 
forest, right?" He smiles. Ah, another thing more 
familiar. "I would love to come."

Dowager Queen Anthy says, "Yes, Arden is the forest of 
which all forests are but a pale reflection."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Lunch sounds good."  She 
smiles faintly.  "Everything seems to be a pale 
reflection around here."

[Shizumaru OOCly says, "Ah, too bad Aunt Corrine isn't 
here. u.u"]

Dowager Queen Anthy takes you up to the kitchens and 
arranges for Chef Bork to pack food for the three of you, 
and then gets you horses from the stables.  You ride down 
the side of Kolvir, around the city, and into Arden the 
Great.

Hiko the Firechilde eyes her mount, wondering what its 
name is.

Dowager Queen Anthy soon leads you off the trails and 
into the depth of the great forest.  The trees tower high 
above you, a virtual ocean of ivy covered wood.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "It's been a long time since 
I've ridden a horse."

The horse smiles at Hiko, but says nothing.

Dowager Queen Anthy says, "Fortunately, it's an easy to 
remember skill, and these are gentle horses."

[Hiko smiles in return.  "Being contrary, horse?"
"Something like that."]

Shizumaru smiles at the great forest. Where before he had 
all but gaped at the wonders of Amber, here, with 
something he is far more comfortable with, he can simply 
appreciate things without having to goggle at them.

Dowager Queen Anthy pets her horse on the head.  "Dapple 
has carried me all across the golden circle, and 
Snowflake and Star have gone as far."

Hiko's mount whinneys at her.

[Hiko says, "Which are you, Star or Snowflake?"
"I am Star."
Hiko pats the horse on the neck as she rides.  "A 
pleasure to meet your acquaintance."]

Hiko the Firechilde pats her horse's neck.

[Hiko says, "What have you to say about this forest?"
"It's a forest.  Lots of nice grass here.  Hey, look, a 
deer!"]

You soon emerge into a clearing with a stream running 
through it.  There is a circle of ash here, surrounded by 
stones; clearly this is a common camping ground.

Hiko's horse seems to like whinneying  a lot.

Hiko the Firechilde turns her head in a direction, 
looking for something.

Shizumaru takes deep lungfuls of the fresh air, taking in 
the scenery as they go along. Once they reach the 
clearing, he glances at Anthy. "This place?"

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Hush.  There's a deer near 
by."

Dowager Queen Anthy says, "Yes, we often come here for 
picnics."

Hiko the Firechilde scans for deer.

You can see a deer watching you from the far side of the 
clearing.  It bolts as soon as you spot it.

Dowager Queen Anthy dismounts, whispers something into 
her horse's ear, then begins unpacking the picnic food 
and the picnic cloth.

Shizumaru nods, and dismounts. He moves over toward Hiko 
and offers a hand to help her down.

Hiko the Firechilde says, "Damn."  She accepts 
Shizumaru's hand and he helps her down.  "It's been a 
long time since I've seen deer."  A troubled look comes 
over her face.  "It was tasty."  She turns to Star.  
"Sorry 'bout that."

Star whinneys, then goes to eat grass.

["Deer scare easily; not a problem."]

Hiko the Firechilde smiles.  "I meant about the tasty 
part."  She goes to help Anthy spread out the cloth.

Shizumaru moves to join the two womean and help them.

Soon the picnic food is laid out, mostly chicken 
sandwiches and fruit with flasks of water and wine to 
drink.  Several birds settle in a nearby tree and begin 
to sing, and a cool breeze blows, just enough to make 
things comfortable.

Hiko the Firechilde looks up at the birds.  "I wonder if 
they take requests."

The birds look expectantly at Hiko.

Shizumaru lays his umbrella down and sits in seiza, then 
starts taking some food.

Hiko the Firechilde takes a glass of wine, and a chicken 
sandwich, but cuts off the crusts.

Hiko the Firechilde eyes them back, then whistles a 
complex arpeggio, followed by some trills.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I love being able to 
talk to the animals!  Was this your thing?" to Akemi
Akemi pages, "Yes :)" to you.]

For a while, you simply eat, and chat, and listen to the 
birds sing the tunes Hiko sets them to.

Hiko the Firechilde grins, teaching them a little ditty 
she'd heard sung around the palace.  Later on, you hear 
the birds twitter "Ina Gaddada Vida".

[Shizumaru OOCly says, "..."]

Anthy, once she finishes eating, weaves several crowns of 
flowers, puts one on, and hands one to each of you.  She 
also makes a tiny one for Chu-Chu.

Hiko the Firechilde looks at the crown in her hands, and 
puts it next to her.

Shizumaru regards the crown thoughtfully, then smiles. He 
turns and sets the one given to him on Hiko's head. "It 
is unbecoming to crown oneself," he says.

[The Tennessee Shad says, "Have them sing the new Ricky 
Martin song that's taken Chaos by storm - "Livin' La Vida 
Logrus'. ]

Dowager Queen Anthy smiles at Shizumaru's statement, and 
seems pleased.

Hiko the Firechilde picks the crown off of her head.  
"I'm not worthy of being crowned."  She hands it back to 
Shizumaru.

Shizumaru frowns, but takes it back, and then sets it 
down beside himself as well. "I see."

Dowager Queen Anthy frowns slightly, and there is a faint 
rumble of thunder in the distance.  Followed by hoof 
beats, drawing closer, the sound of a galloping horse.

Hiko the Firechilde gets to her feet and looks around as 
well.

Shizumaru blinks, and turns to face the sound. His hand 
strays toward his umbrella. "Someone seems to be in a 
hurry," he murmurs softly.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "What do I have 
racked?" to Akemi
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Oh fuggedabout it.  
Rack Flame Shield and Rings of Flame." to Akemi
In a page-pose to you, Akemi nods.  No problem.  With 
your ring, you can rack them in seconds instead of 
minutes to hours.]

Hiko the Firechilde gestures to Star.  "Come here."

Star comes over.

Dowager Queen Anthy rises, frowning.  "The Green Knight 
Comes."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Can you tell who's coming?"

Star whinnies

[Akemi pages, "It's a fast moving destrier." to you.]

Shizumaru gets to his feet, picking up his umbrella. "Who 
is the Green Knight?" he asks of Anthy, still continuing 
to stare in the direction of the approaching sound.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Could you outrun it if 
necessary?" to Akemi]

[The Tennessee Shad exclaims, "Wai! Green Knight fun!"]

Hiko the Firechilde murmurs to the horse.

["Yes.  Destriers are strong, but slow." ]

[Mercutio says, "Yay! Hiko can have a head-chopping 
contest with it."
The Prof says, "What, no yaks? :)"]

Hiko the Firechilde pats the horse on the neck and waits 
with Star, unusually still.

Dowager Queen Anthy asks, "Are you familiar with the 
story of the Queen of Spring, Shizumaru?"

The hoofbeats draw closer.

Shizumaru shakes his head. "I am afraid not, Queen Anthy. 
You will have to tell it to me."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I have one question.  Is it 
dangerous?"

Dowager Queen Anthy says, "It is dangerous to be the 
Queen of Spring, yes."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I meant the Knight, your 
Highness."

Dowager Queen Anthy says, "Potentially."

Hiko the Firechilde nods.

Dowager Queen Anthy says, "It depends on why he has come, 
but I suspect it bodes ill."

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Rack a Lightning 
Strike as well, and a Living Flame." to Akemi]

Shizumaru nods, and slowly shifts into a defensive 
stance, holding the umbrella slightly behind himself. "We 
shall soon see, I suppose."

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Oh, and an Ice spell." 
to Akemi]

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Would you come over here with 
me, Your Highness?"

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Um, did I bring my 
trumps with me?" to Akemi
Akemi pages, "Yes, you have your trumps." to you.]

The forest parts, and a knight clad in green platemail 
rides forth.  He rides a great destrier and carries a 
shield with a green tree on a blue background.

[The Tennessee Shad exclaims, "Yah! Yah! Fight! Kick his 
ass, Drooboy!"
Zankuro c.c;
Tea Master Trucido whistles. o.O
Vixxy says, "I'll just stand over here and let him get 
beaten up."]

Dowager Queen Anthy comes over to stand by Hiko.

Shizumaru stands there silent, speaking only if 
addressed. He'll leave Anthy to say anything to the Green 
Knight at this point, as she knows more than he does.

[Mercutio says, "Awww. that's no fun, Trish."
Vixxy says, "Who said anything about fun?  This is 
survival! ^_^"]

The Green Knight stares at each of you through a closed 
helmet that hides his face.  "The law of the forest has 
been broken."

[Rod says, "quick, darling, shove him towards the horse."
The Tennessee Shad exclaims, "Shit, it's Arden Vice!"]

He continues, "Who will stand forth as champion for the 
Queen of the Spring?"

[Tea Master Trucido asks, "Arden Vice?"
The Tennessee Shad shoves Drew forward.
Rod cues the music and passes out the white sportscoats
Vixxy exclaims, "Hide the weed!"]

Hiko the Firechilde whispers to the Queen

["Hiko asks, "What's this Queen of the Spring business?  
Who is she?"]

Shizumaru looks to Queen Anthy. "Please, tell us the 
story of the Queen of Spring--quickly, if need be."

[The Tennessee Shad says, "Yo, Shizy, the chick needs a 
champ, not an audience."
Siggie asks, "weed?"
Mercutio says, "Tonight, on Arden Vice; Julian and 
Benedict crack down on the Smurfs illegal bootlegging 
operation."{Note, the scary thing is that my spell 
checker recognizes the word 'Smurfs'}
Rod exclaims, "fight! fight! fight!"]

Dowager Queen Anthy says, "It is customary, in the 
Spring, to ride forth into the forest and to picnic, in 
order to renew the ancient compact which binds the land 
to us, and us to the land."

[The Tennessee Shad passes Siggie an Arden blunt.
Rod ponders being the Tyler Durden of Amber next time 
around....
Zankuro c.c]

Dowager Queen Anthy says, "We make crowns of flowers, and 
crown each other."

[The Tennessee Shad says, ""The first rule of Fight Club 
is don't fight Gerard, coz he'll kick your ass. Second 
rule of Fight Club is don't fight Bleys, coz he'll kick 
your ass. Third rule...."]

Hiko the Firechilde blinks.

[Vixxy says, "Oh shite."
The Tennessee Shad exclaims, "Yes! You've pissed off the 
Higher Powers by screwing up their ritual!"]

Dowager Queen Anthy says, "I should have remembered that 
you would not know of this custom, but it has been so 
long since I met anyone who did not know..."

Shizumaru looks toward Hiko, but then looks back to the 
Knight.

[Rod exclaims, "ta-daaaaa!"
The Prof says, "Hoo, boy."]

Hiko the Firechilde addresses the Knight.  "How do we 
make amends?"

Dowager Queen Anthy stares at the ground.  "To accept the 
crown is to accept the ancient compact.  To reject the 
crown, is to reject the forest."

[Zankuro eeks.
Rod exclaims, "quick, droo, wear the crown!"
The Tennessee Shad says, "It's a real un, btw. Should I 
have mentioned that you were rushing to doom? :)"
Tea Master Trucido says, "Wow."
Rod exclaims, "shiz'd make a great queen!"]

Dowager Queen Anthy says, "For most people, the forest 
cannot notice such an act."

[Vixxy exclaims, "Mike!!!!  You're not helping!"]

Dowager Queen Anthy says, "But for those who bear the 
blood of Amber, all our actions have consequences."

[Rod says, "and hiko still has a beer date wth ramon and 
shaft"
Zankuro kicks Rod.
Mercutio exclaims, "SHAFT!"
The Tennessee Shad exclaims, "Hohoho!"
Rod says, "that's right"
The Prof @foldspindlemutilates Rod.
Mercutio says, "Only one man can save them now."
Rod asks, "whaaaat?"
Vixxy says, "Actually, she does."
Mercutio exclaims, ".... WOTAN!"
The Tennessee Shad exclaims, "HO-JI-TO-HO!"]

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How do we make amends, O 
Knight?"

The Knight says, "You must reaffirm the ancient compact."

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hiko's first rule: 
Talk your way out of it.  Hiko's Second Rule: Run like 
Hell." to Akemi]

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "And how do we do that, Sir 
Knight?"

[Rod exclaims, "wear the crown, shiz!"
Vixxy exclaims, "Shuuuush!"
Tea Master Trucido says, "... For some reason, Droo... I 
get the feeling you're on your way to being 
Makoto/Princess Rune. c.c"
Zankuro says, "Hell no. c.c"
Rod exclaims, "WAHAHAHAHA!"
The Tennessee Shad exclaims, "WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Zankuro says, "The Queen of Spring needs a champion, not 
a friggin' stand-in. c.c"
The Tennessee Shad exclaims, "I REMEMBER this part!"
The Prof pre-emptively gags the peanut gallery.
Siggie puts on the Ride of the Valkyries.
The Tennessee Shad exclaims, "WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Vixxy says, "This is not fun. n.n"
Siggie covers Prof in peanut shells.
Zankuro mutters darkly.
The Tennessee Shad exclaims, 
"WAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Tea Master Trucido uses sign language to say, "You could 
be both champion and stand-in."
Rod says, "look, honey, just have Hiko shove shizumaru 
towards the knight :)"
The Tennessee Shad gasps.
Zankuro breaks Mike's ankle.
The Prof turns Rod into a small styrofoam dodecahedron.
Mercutio says, "Hehehehhe."
Vixxy the Vixen stomps over and hogties and gags Mike
Zankuro says, "Shut up, you're making me nervous. x.x"
Mercutio says, "Funny."]

There is a brief pause, as the Green Knight shuffles a 
bit uncomfortably.  Perhaps no one was ever reasonable 
about this before.  "Ummm..."

[The Tennessee Shad says, "There.... is a nonviolent way 
out, if i recall right."
Tea Master Trucido laughs!]

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I would like to be able to 
renew this compact.  Unfortunately, I do not know how."

[The Tennessee Shad says, "A compact, symbolic of the 
FRUITFULNESS of the land."]

Shizumaru looks back and forth between Hiko and the 
Knight, starting to feel very confused.

[The Tennessee Shad says, "Very old nature imagrey."
Zankuro says, "..."
Vixxy says, "I am NOT having sex with Shizumaru."
The Prof says, "Dear ghu."
Mercutio puts on the porno soundtrack. "Bom-bom-chicka-
bom."
Tea Master Trucido says, "..."
Zankuro ain't having sex wif no one. >.<
The Prof turns Mercutio into a small styrofoam 
dodecahedron and sends him in to recycling.
Mercutio says, "Nono, what you do is, you make John 
describe it. in detail."]

Dowager Queen Anthy sighs.  "The tradition holds that 
Gendo made the compact by having sex with an avatar of 
the forest."

[Tea Master Trucido says, "Well, damn. *laughs*"]

A sweatdrop runs down the knight's helmet.

Hiko the Firechilde steps forward.

Shizumaru falls down. "...excuse me?"

[Mercutio says, "This will make him so uncomfortable, 
he'll let you get awy scot-free."]

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Is that true, Sir Knight?"

[The Tennessee Shad says, "Who's da man? :)"
Tea Master Trucido says, "Or John could just take two 
aside, and say "Much Later...""
Rod takes this moment to wonder if the knight is a she 
under that armor o.o
Lesbian nature lovers! Next on Amber-At-Night! [spoofed 
by me]
Mercutio says, "In Mike's game, it was a big walkin 
plant. Like Swamp Thing."
Mercutio says, "Followed by the recntly-discovered 
classic, Florimel Does Phoenix."]

Very weakly, the Green Knight says, "Yes.  Or you can 
appoint a champion to do battle.  Should I win, you must 
wed me for a year and a day.  Should the Champion win, 
the Forest will accept your action and grant a boon."

[Tea Master Trucido says, "So, maybe, the Green Knight 
can hand out hallucinogenic tubers for BOTH Hiko and 
Shizumaru."]

Hiko the Firechilde smiles and turns to Anthy and 
Shizumaru.  "Go back to the palace."

Dowager Queen Anthy says, "..."

[Tea Master Trucido asks, "Um, wouldn't wed and sex 
pretty much be...?"
Tea Master Trucido laughs!
Mercutio says, "Not necessarily."]

Dowager Queen Anthy stares at you with a look of utter, 
total surprise.

Shizumaru scrambles to his feet and steps forward. "I 
would serve as champion to...what?" He turns and looks at 
Hiko. "Are you...are you quite serious?"

Hiko the Firechilde shrugs.  "A compact is a compact."

The Tennessee Shad says, "Aw, I was looking forward to 
the fight." Tea Master Trucido says, "So, watch the 
nupitals."
Zankuro says, "Gack. x.x;"
Vixxy says, "I'll bet you were."
Rod says, "I was lookin' forward to Shizumaru 1/2"
Zankuro asks, "Why the frig did you keep on thinking I 
was going to have to crossdress?"]

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "After the compact is made, am 
I free to return to the castle?"

[Tea Master Trucido says, "Well, you COULD have been the 
virgin sacrifice to the knight. u.u"
Zankuro shoots you all.
Rod says, "well, someone has to shoulder the 
responsibility, and it's unbecoming of a gentleman to let 
a woman shoulder a curse"
The Tennessee Shad exclaims, "Oh, just beat him up!"]

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hiko's Third Rule: If 
they catch you, submit until you can get away." to Akemi
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "And then kill them as 
they sleep." to Akemi]

The Green Knight gulps.  "The blood of Gendo runs true, I 
see."  He dismounts, stows his lance, and leads his horse 
over to Hiko.  "Let us away, then."  He glances over at 
Anthy and Shizumaru; you can see surprise in his eyes.  
"Yes, m'lady, you would be free to go wherever you 
desire.  And the face of Arden will smile upon you."

[Mercutio says, "yeah. He's a big wuss."
Rod says, "so assuming shizumaru was chivalrous....."
Mikage asks, "Perhaps a shadow Fuyutsuki?"
Rod says, "well, there goes beer down at King's :D"
Zankuro says, "Not THAT chivalrous, Rod. x.x; He has his 
own honor to uphold as well, you know."]

[Akemi pages, "It would be easier to just fight the Green 
Knight, you know :)" to you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "How would it be easier?  
No one dies, I get laid and I also get the boon of the 
forest?  I win." to Akemi]

[The Tennessee Shad says, "Wuss."
Tea Master Trucido asks, "Awww, poor Hiko. The Knight 
stowed his lance away. I guess you've gotta get it out of 
him, eh, Foxy?"]

Hiko the Firechilde waves, then reaches for a hand up.

[Mercutio says, "Oh, we should tell ALan about this."]

The Green Knight helps you mount the horse.

Shizumaru just keeps staring at Hiko and the Knight, 
barely able to keep his jaw from going slack. "..."

Dowager Queen Anthy goes over to Shizumaru and looks at 
him with a sort of "Mrrr?"

[In a page-pose to you, The_Prof sigh. One could wish for 
some dignity from the peanut gallery.]

[The Tennessee Shad says, "Man, Green Knights get all the 
chicks."
Tea Master Trucido says, "... For some reason, I'm 
suddenly picturing "St. George and the Dragon" here. Only 
with the poor Green Knight as St. George."]

[Akemi pages, "This sort of thing can easily come off as 
GM coercion, though, and I want to make sure it doesn't 
come off that way." to you.]

Shizumaru slowly turns toward Anthy, his eyes slightly 
dull with the total surprise. "...I was perfectly willing 
to fight him as Hiko's Champion in this," he mumbles.

[Vixxy says, "It's a win/win sitch.  No one gets hurt or 
wed for a year and a day, I get laid and also get the 
boon of the forest."
The Prof says, "It is a proper compromise, yes."
Tea Master Trucido asks, "What if you get pregnant with 
the fruit of the forest?"
Rod says, "that's all well and good, but I find this 
surprising to be IC for Hiko The Paranoid o.o"
Siggie says, "seedlings."
The Prof says, "Anthy has a certain... mellowing effect? 
o.o"
Vixxy says, "'S not like Hiko hasn't been pregnant 
before."
Mercutio says, "damn. *hands five bucks to John.*"
Rod says, "and here I was thinking hiko and shizzy were 
getting close,turns out the green knight bags her o.o"
Tea Master Trucido says, "Yeah, but you could have Tefe. 
o.o"
Vixxy says, "I LIKE Tefe."
Zankuro says, "Shizu ain't going after none of his 
relatives, Rod. c.c"
Rod says, "this is amber, they shag anything cute after a 
while"]

Dowager Queen Anthy nods to Shizumaru, and goes over to 
start picking up the blanket.

Hiko the Firechilde smiles at Shizumaru.  "I appreciate 
it, I do.  But it's not necessary."

Shizumaru stands there for a while longer, then moves to 
help Anthy to pick up the remnants of the picnic. 
Anything to do and keep his mind off of...this. Yes. 
Ohboy. He stops and regards Hiko, and nods weakly to her. 
"I suppose not."

Hiko the Firechilde turns to the Knight.  "Shall we?"

The Green Knight nods.  "We shall."

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hiko is also realizing 
that she needs more power.  Having a tie to the land 
would help." to Akemi]

[The_Prof pages, "I think you managed to boggle a few 
folks, though. :)" to you.]

Anthy and Shizumaru ride back to the castle, leaving Hiko 
and the Green Knight to ride deeper into the forest.

[Vixxy> Mercutio says, "Bom-bom-chiack-bom-chicak-bom-
bom."]

Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says,  "Now, everyone in the 
room.  GET OUT."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says,  "I want to RP this."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says,  "But it's not what you 
think."

Dowager Queen Anthy says, "OOC I'd think you have better 
things to do with your life than have TS with me, yes :)"

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I kinda want to talk 
to the Knight.  Post-coital, if you will." to Akemi]

[The_Prof pages, "I didn't like the way either outcome of 
the fight resulted in someone being coerced... this was 
the nice way to do it. :)" to you.]
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "EX-actly." to The_Prof]

[USER BOOTS EVERYONE ELSE OUT OF THE GAMING ROOM]

Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says,  "Okay, so after they 
have sex...."

The Green Knight says, "OOC you probably didn't need to 
kick out the non-players since we're not going to have 
Mad Passionate Sex :)"

Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says,  "I know, but I didn't 
want them to be a part of the convo afterwards."

Hiko the Firechilde OOCly says,  "I want to keep some 
things secret."


The Green Knight leads Hiko on what seems like an endless 
ride to a great clearing deep in the forest.  A single 
path leads out of the clearing, a wide road arched over 
by trees which looks remarkably like a tunnel.  The 
bottom of the path glows.

He looks at Hiko thoughtfully, then says, "The heart of 
the forest would be best, but I think you would be too 
tired afterwards."

Hiko the Firechilde smiles.  "I am only a mortal being."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "I get the impression that you 
normally settle the matter with battle.  Am I correct?"

The Green Knight nods.  "There are few who respect the 
ancient ways enough to pay with other things than blood."

The Green Knight looks into your eyes, then starts.  "The 
blood of Gendo, but the Mark of the Dragon...how odd."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "The Mark of the Dragon?  What 
does that mean?"

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "See?  This is very 
fruitful for me.  I get info!" to Akemi]

The Green Knight takes off his helmet, and stows it on 
his horse.  He is not very handsome, with squarely built 
features, although he does have deep green eyes that draw 
the gaze.  His hair is black and runs loose in a long 
black mane.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "We still riding, btw?" 
to Akemi
Akemi pages, "You've stopped at a clearing.  And he 
walked the whole way, letting you ride his horse." to 
you.
Akemi pages, "He seemed easily able to keep up with it." 
to you.]

The Green Knight says, "You have walked the Dragon's 
Scale, I can see, which sits beneath the lonely 
mountain."

[Akemi pages, "The clearing has an odd looking 'tunnel' 
through the forest leading off to the right, curving off 
into the forest." to you.]

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I remember being there.  It 
wasn't fun.  The man who brought me there made me walk 
it."

The Green Knight says, "We stand at the gates of the 
Pattern of Arden.  If you would clear the scales from 
your eyes, after we have done our duty, you might wish to 
assay it."  The Green Knight helps you dismount.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Would I lose any 
abilities gained by walking the Dragon's Scale?" to 
Akemi]

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What do you know of the 
Dragon's Scale?"

[Akemi pages, "From walking the Pattern, you mean?" to 
you.Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "The pattern of the 
Dragon's Scale, yeah." to Akemi]

The Green Knight begins removing his armor, a slow and 
clumsy process.  "The Dragon's Scale is a distant 
reflection of the Pattern of Metal.  It was broken by the 
eruption of Fire within the mountain.  Those who walk it 
gain the powers of Dragons, but also the banes of 
Dragons.  Fear, paranoia, secretiveness."

[Akemi pages, "Walking any of the True Patterns would 
convert your points in Broken Pattern into that many 
points of Pattern Abilities, so yes, you would lose some 
abilities." to you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "What exactly would I 
lose?" to Akemi]

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What are the powers of 
Dragons?"

Hiko the Firechilde thinks about her stash of coins back 
in her home Shadow and blushes.

The Green Knight says, "Power over fire and lightning and 
other energies.  To see with the sight of a Dragon, to 
walk the Dragon lines and travel through Shadow.  To 
reach out with the Dragon's claws to touch things from a 
distance."

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Basically, he's saying 
Broken Pattern stuff I'd lose, eh?" to Akemi
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "And my abilities to use 
fire?" to Akemi]

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "You mean my abilities to use 
fire?"

[Akemi pages, "Well, some of those would be replaced by 
equivalent Pattern Abilities.  Your fire abilities are 
actually sorcery and would not be effected" to you.
Akemi pages, "You have 25 points of Broken Pattern, plus 
6 points Blood of Amber.  This would turn into 30 points 
worth of Pattern and 1 point which would go to good 
stuff, because all Pattern abilities cost 5, 10, or 15 
points" to you.]

Hiko the Firechilde pauses in the conversation.  "Where 
are we?"

[Akemi pages, "The biggest thing you would lose would be 
not being able to rack spells on the Broken Pattern." to 
you.
Akemi pages, "Although you could use your ring to rack 
spells in itself instead." to you.]

The Green Knight says, "Your fire comes from your magic, 
rather than from the Dragon's Scale.  It burns within 
you, I can see you are indeed the Child of Fire."

The Green Knight finishes stripping down to a tunic and 
leggings.  "A dragon always guards the Dragon's Scale.  
Whoever masters the Dragon, rules the Dragon's Scale."

Hiko the Firechilde strips down to her tank top and 
underwear, then crosses to the Green Knight.

Hiko the Firechilde places a hand on the Green Knight's 
arm.  "I think I would like to walk the Pattern when we 
have completed the covenant."

The Green Knight says, "I will walk it with you, m'lady, 
then.  It is best to never assay such a thing alone."

The Green Knight smiles at you nervously, and then right 
as he kisses you, the network cuts to a commercial and 
cuts the next thirty minutes of film, except in the 
version shown on Cinemax.

In brief, it is unlike any sex which Hiko might have had 
before.  The Green Knight lacks technique, but it is 
rather like an explosion of raw passion.  And for a 
moment, you feel as if you ARE the forest, during your 
climax.  It is an uncanny experience.

Fade in on the Green Knight and Hiko, lying on the forest 
floor, clothing strewn about.

The Green Knight lies cuddled up to you.  He feels like 
his entire body is muscle and bone, though his muscles 
are relaxed now.  You notice that his hair seems to have 
turned green at some point when you had other things on 
your mind.

[Rod says, "wonder if this is a new one fer john o.o"
Rod thwaps Droo.  "YOU just couldn't be chivalrous, 
coulja."

Hiko the Firechilde sighs, holding the Green Knight to 
her chest, brushing his cheek lightly.

[Zankuro was about to step up to fight, but Hiko beat me 
to it. x.x
Rod says, "actually, I just wanted Shizumaru to get 
shagged "
Zankuro says, "You know that wasn't about to happen. c.c"
The Tennessee Shad wanted a good maiming, but nooooo....
Rod thwaps Droo
Vixxy says, "We'll get to the maiming later.  We haven't 
even received our quests yet."]

Hiko the Firechilde says, "So..."  She turns to the 
Knight.  "What happens next?"

The Green Knight smiles and murmurs some number, then 
says, "And now, you may ask a boon of the forest, and we 
will do our best to grant it."

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "A number?" to Akemi
Akemi pages, "It's the number of years since the last 
time this was done.  Which has been quite a while." to 
you.
Akemi pages, "Imagine not having sex for over a hundred 
years.  Then think how you'd feel afterwards." to you.]

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Anything?  Can I call a 
raincheck?"

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Hiko's not had any 
passion filled sex ever.  I think she understands." to 
Akemi]

The Green Knight looks at you, clearly not understanding 
what you mean.  "You want it to rain?"

Hiko the Firechilde laughs.  "No.  I mean, can I call on 
this favor at a later time?"

The Green Knight nods.  "Yes.  But you will need to ride 
into Arden to do so, or else we will not know your need."

Hiko the Firechilde nods.  "Then that is what I request.  
A favor, to be named later."

[Mercutio says, "then another five reconnecting things, 
then I game back here, where I'd automatically hooked up 
as soon as i stopped the cat playing with the cable."
Rod says, "this is where everyone pages merc 'EMAIL ME 
THE LOG'"

The Green Knight nods.  "Certainly."

Hiko the Firechilde traces a pattern on the Green 
Knight's chest.  "And possibly a repeat performance 
eventually?"

The Green Knight smiles broadly at that.  "As m'lady so 
desires."

Hiko the Firechilde gets to her feet and dresses slowly.

The Green Knight offers you the crown of flowers once 
more as he stands and puts on his tunic of brown wool 
with the green tree marked on it.

Hiko the Firechilde takes the crown with both hands and 
places it on her head.  She also kisses the Green Knight 
on the lips once.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "This the first time 
you ever had a player do this?" to Akemi
Akemi pages, "No one EVER chooses the sex.  You surprised 
me." to you.]

The Green Knight smiles and turns to point to the 
'tunnel' through the trees. "The Pattern of Arden begins 
there."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Do I take your hand as we walk 
it?"

The Green Knight nods and takes your hand.  His grip is 
firm, and you can feel the mind of the forest as he holds 
your hand.  The trees are watching you, and smiling 
benevolently.  The mind of Arden is slow to rouse, but 
powerful even in its slumber.

[Akemi pages, "This will give you some nice benefits in 
the long term  (and the short term)" to you.
Foxtrot lowers the prod and points to Hiko.  "She's 
calling the shots here, and she wanted to have sex with 
the Knight."
Akemi pages, "Hehe." to you.]

Together, you walk towards the tunnel.  The smell of 
green grasses rises around you as you step onto it, a 
gentle breeze of spring.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "She wasn't all that 
impressed with Shizu's fighting ability.  If her mom 
could beat him..." to Akemi
In a page-pose to you, Akemi nods.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "And she knows as sure 
as hell that she can't fight." to Akemi
Akemi pages, "And Anthy's no warrior :)" to you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "See?  Hiko's smart." to 
Akemi]

[ Rod says, "'Shizumaru, queen'a the forest.  S'got a 
nice ring, cuz.'  'SHUT UP, Ota-san.'"]

As you walk along the tunnel, the trees bloom and bird 
song fills the air.  Each step grows just a little bit 
harder.  Looking at the ground, which was barren, you see 
grass blooming where your feet touch it.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "We're walking the path 
to the pattern?" to 
Akemi
Akemi pages, "You're ON the Forest pattern :)" to you.]

Where the Green Knight's feet touch, the grass and 
flowers spring up even faster.

Hiko the Firechilde looks around in awe.  She's never 
seen so much green before.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Wow... this is 
easy..." to Akemi
Akemi pages, "It's based on Psyche and Endurance. You 
have goatloads of Psyche, your Endurance is high enough, 
and you're being helped by the Avatar of Arden/Avatar of 
the Wood Pattern" to you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Yay!" to Akemi
Akemi pages, "If you were gonna walk the Pattern, this is 
pretty much the ideal way to do it :)" to you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Yay! times two!" to 
Akemi]

The path gently curves leftwards, spiraling along.

Ahead, the path is nearly blocked by hanging, flowering 
vines, but the Knight brushes them aside with ease.  Now 
the air is warm, and the scents and sounds of summer fill 
the air.  It gets a little harder to keep going, but you 
keep walking.

Hiko the Firechilde squeezes the Green Knight's hand a 
bit apprehensively.

Animals play in the trees around you, squirrels and 
raccoons and owls and other creatures of the forest  The 
path begins to zig zag back and forth.

Hiko the Firechilde greets the animals, each by name.

The Green Knight says, "We have passed the first veil, 
and entered the land of summer."

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I don't want to lose 
the animal talking ability." to Akemi
Akemi pages, "It's not due to Broken Pattern :)" to you.]

The animals smile and hail you cheerfully.

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "What is it due to?" to 
Akemi
Akemi pages, "Can't tell you because it involves game 
secrets." to you.]

Slowly, the heat fades, and you come to another barrier, 
this time a great pile of fallen leaves you have to 
clamber over.  Your feet slip briefly, but the knight 
keeps you on your feet.  And now you pass to where the 
trees are turning barren, the leaves fallen.  Cicadas 
chirp incessantly, and a few forlorn animals hunt for 
food.  Only mushrooms can sprout here as you walk, as you 
pass through the fall.

It's becoming harder and harder to keep going, as if you 
were walking into a howling wind, but no wind blows.  The 
air is quite still.

Hiko the Firechilde tries to keep to her feet, but finds 
it difficult.

The Green Knight walks stolidly as if he felt no 
pressure, and matches your pace, his firm grip helping to 
keep you up.  

Fall fades into winter with no definite breaking point.  
Snow begins to fall, and the path turns to ice.  Heat 
flows into you from your ring, keeping you warm enough to 
handle it, but it isn't fun.  Both of you leave deep 
footprints in the snow and ice.  The trees are barren, 
and no life is to be seen.  The path curves and twists, 
spiraling ever deeper in on itself.

The Green Knight begins to be coated by snow, but he 
ignores it and keeps going.  
Hiko the Firechilde shudders, looking at the ice and 
snow.

The Green Knight says, "Winter marks the cycle's end.  
The sleep of life, the death which ends the year and 
marks new beginnings.  All must pass through its grip to 
find new life."

Ahead, hail falls like a wall.  You walk through it, 
pelted and battered by golf-ball sized hail.

Hiko the Firechilde winces, but keeps going.  To leave 
the path would be certain death.

And then the hail ends, and you step out into a great 
clearing.  A jolt runs through your body, nearly knocking 
you off your feet.  The clearing is ringed by forest 
which is again in the height of a green and pleasant 
spring.  The birds sing and in the heart of the clearing, 
stands a great white unicorn.

Hiko the Firechilde widens her eyes.

The Unicorn says, "Welcome to my grove, Hiko."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "I... thank you, Unicorn."  She 
really didn't expect this.

The Unicorn says, "I am glad that you have come, and 
surprised.  But some surprises are good."

[USER DISCONNED YET AGAIN]

His voice is like the raging of a river, and the singing 
of the trees.

The Unicorn says, "The Lion of Chaos roars and seeks to 
devour you all, the five Children.  You must be the flame 
to light the way for others.  They will need you."

Hiko the Firechilde nods.  "What must I do?"

The Unicorn says, "You must travel to the City of Brass, 
and find the Heart of Flame."

The Unicorn says, "Should the Gate of Revolution be 
opened, the Heart of Flame, and the four other Icons of 
the Elements, can close it."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "What are the other icons?"  
She pauses.  "And what of this Dragon's Scale?"  She 
smiles a bit nervously.  "I have so many questions, 
Unicorn."

The Unicorn says, "My pattern has cleansed you of the 
mark of the Dragon."

Hiko the Firechilde nods.

[Rod says, "Shaft gets a cleaned apartment.  Hiko gets 
pattern.  This is an example of what selective bonking 
can do for you in an amber game."]

The Unicorn says, "The Dragon's Scale has fallen under 
the sway of the Lion of Chaos."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "Can it be restored?"

The Unicorn says, "To free it of his power, someone must 
defeat its guardian and master it for themselves."

Hiko the Firechilde nods.  "And where is the City of 
Brass?"

[Akemi pages, "Tell him you paid points for Pattern just 
like everyone else :)" to you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "I certainly will NOT.  
^_^" to Akemi]

The Unicorn says, "You must travel to where the shadows 
burst into flames, and all about you is fire, and the 
efreet dwell in a city of brass in a sea of molten rock.  
That is the place."

[Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "Also, I asked what the 
other icons are." to Akemi
Akemi pages, "I know, but then you asked new questions 
and distracted him :)" to you.
Foxtrot stops prodding and says, "He's a friggin' 
Unicorn.  He can handle it." to Akemi]

He touches you with his horn, and the knowledge of how to 
shadow walk blossoms within your mind.

Hiko the Firechilde counts in her mind.  "Five icons, 
five children.  Which children and which icons?"

The Unicorn says, "For the Child of Air, the Bag of Winds 
must be found.  For the Child of Water, the Cup of Life.  
For the Child of Wood, the Seed of Hope.  And for the 
Child of Metal, the Sword of Truth."

The Unicorn says, "And for you, the Child of Fire, the 
Heart of Flame."

Hiko the Firechilde smiles.  "Would it be impertinent of 
me to ask who these children are?"

The Unicorn says, "Nagisa knows their names.  He is the 
Child of Water.  "

Hiko the Firechilde nods, remembering the blue-haired man 
at the dinner table.

The Unicorn says, "The dreamer Mikage, he is the Child of 
Air.  Valiant Ota is the Child of Metal.  And peaceful 
Shizumaru is the Child of Wood."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "And who is this Lion of Chaos?  
Why is he an enemy of Amber?"

The Unicorn says, "The Lion of Chaos is the son of Anno, 
who created the Logrus with the aid of the Serpent of 
Chaos.  In his lust for power, he has opened himself to 
madness, and now he seeks to make the Logrus the center 
of all reality, to open the Gates of Revolution that he 
might reshape the world."

Hiko the Firechilde says, "In his image."  The statement 
is less question than statement, though there's an 
element of the interrogative.

The Unicorn nods.  "He believes his vision is equal to 
the task of making his dreams the only reality.  But his 
dreams have become nightmares, and only chaos and death 
could come of him opening the gates."

Hiko the Firechilde nods, knowing much of nightmares and 
death. 

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "He came to me once, said I 
would be useful to him.  What do you think he meant?"

The Unicorn says, "Fire can light and heat and aid in 
creation.  But it can also burn and destroy.  I believe 
he sought to make you a force for destruction, a being 
who could only fear and hide and kill."

The Unicorn says, "So that when the time came, there 
would be no Child of Fire to stand in his way."

Hiko the Firechilde smiles.  "I have killed before, 
mainly in defense."

The Unicorn says, "We do what me must.  But once he was 
done with you, there would have been little left of you 
but a machine for slaying, that trusted no one."

Hiko the Firechilde nods, her eyes narrowed.  "Do you 
think he would notice this change in me?"

The Unicorn says, "He will know that his plans have 
failed.  But I do not think he ever prepared for the 
contingency that he could.  He is a very arrogant man."

Hiko the Firechilde asks, "How will he know?"

The Unicorn says, "Until you walked my Pattern, the ring 
you wore let him gaze into your mind.  "And should the 
need have arisen, he could have reached through it to 
touch your mind and twist it.  But he cannot reach inside 
my home."

Hiko the Firechilde looks down at the ring, shocked.  "Is 
it still linked to him?"

The Unicorn says, "Hold out your hand."

Hiko the Firechilde holds out her hand.

[ALL USERS GET DEATHLAGGED, SWITCHED TO IRC]

* Unicorn touches your ring with his horn. It reshapes 
itself into a red gold ring showing a flaming unicorn. 
The Unicorn then sags to his knees.

* Hiko kneels down to support the Unicorn.

<Unicorn> It is free of his power, but to alter a 
spikard...is not easy.  I will need to rest soon.

* Hiko looks to the Green Knight. "You will protect him 
as he rests as guardian of the forest?"

<Unicorn> The Green Knight nods.  "I will protect him, as 
is my duty."

* Hiko nods. "And now I can have the pattern send me 
anywhere I want?"

<Unicorn> "Yes, the Pattern will send you anywhere you 
desire.  And now you can walk through Shadow as well, to 
seek whatever you desire."

<Hiko> "I would like to go back to the castle."

<Unicorn> And with those words, you find yourself back in 
your quarters in the castle.

<Hiko> OOC Yay!
<Hiko> You too tired to run anymore?
<Unicorn> I can do a little more.
<Hiko> How much?
<Unicorn> What are you wanting to do?
<Hiko> I dunno... Well, can we do non PC stuff?  Like I 
want Corrine to make me a trump of the Green Knight.
<Hiko> Hey, if Shizumaru had chosen the sex, what would 
you have done?
<Unicorn> The Green Knight takes on a gender appropriate 
to the sexual desires of the person sleeping with him or 
her.
<Unicorn> As he incarnates both the male and female 
aspects of Arden (and the neuter--namely the plants :))
<Unicorn> I also would have had a heart attack at Drew 
making that choice.
<Unicorn> Corrine can start working on a trump.  It'll 
take her a while, though, because everyone keeps comign 
to her for Trumps :)
<Hiko> Well, who else can draw trumps?
<Unicorn> Miki and Fuyutsuki
<Unicorn> Fuyutsuki is in Shaft's basement, doing a trump 
for him.
<Unicorn> You could, however, seek out Miki.
<Hiko> Right.  A quick trip to Miki's?
*** Unicorn is now known as Miki]

<Miki> Asking around the castle, you find out that Miki, 
Drake, and Madoka left the castle together this morning, 
and haven't been seen since.  You could try Trump Calling 
him, however.

* Hiko pulls out her Trump deck and finds Miki's Trump.

* Miki answers the Trump Call. He looks a mess, dripping 
sweat, and not wearing a shirt. He's holding a rapier in 
one hand, and the sun blazes from behind him. "Hello, 
Hiko," he says.

<Hiko> Hello, Uncle Miki.  Is it a bad time?

* Hiko tries to look past Miki at his surroundings.

<Miki> "There isn't likely to be a better time for a 
while."

<Hiko> (What time is it, Amber time?)

* Miki seems to be standing in a courtyard of some place 
you've never seen. Drake is here, garbed similarly, and 
carrying Werewindle. He and Madoka seem to be sparring 
with swords; she's also not wearing much up top, though 
more than the men, and both she and Drake are dripping 
sweat. She carries a golden sword like Drake's. Oddly, 
she and Drake are moving at hyperkinetic speeds.

<Miki> It's about 2 in the afternoon, Amber time.  The 
Madoka/Kozue duel is in maybe an hour or two, you think.

<Miki> The sun visibly begins to set behind Miki at high 
speed, and Madoka and Drake run off out of sight, still 
moving like crazed weasels

<Hiko> "Goodness... the duel!  I forgot about that."

<Miki> What did you need to talk to me about?

<Hiko> "Are you sure--"  Suddenly she realizes something.  
"You're in a different Shadow, aren't you?"

<Miki> The sun sets, and it gets hard to see Miki except 
by the torches lit in the courtyard.  Various people 
bustle about behind him.

<Miki> Yes, I've gone to a fast-time shadow to help 
Madoka train for the duel.

<Hiko> "How do you think she's going to do against your 
sister?"

<Miki> An entire day goes by in the time it takes him to 
reply.  A day behind him, that is.

<Miki> Well, she's improving pretty quickly.  We've been 
training her for about twenty years now.

<Hiko> "Damn... but she's not ... special in the same way 
one of the blood of Amber is, right?"

<Miki> She doesn't have the blood of Amber, no.

<Hiko> "She'll need more of an edge than that."

<Miki> "But fortunately, Kozue can't really use the 
Pattern effectively against her in a Rose Duel."

* Hiko smiles. "I'll have you know that I'm rooting for 
your Madoka to win."

<Miki> "Thank you very much, Hiko.  I'm still hoping I 
can talk some sense into Kozue...but I fear she won't 
back down."

<Miki> "And we've armed her with the best weapon we could 
have made.  It's not as good as a real Pattern Blade, but 
it will have to do."

<Hiko> "A Shadow Pattern Blade?"

* Miki nods. "Wakaba helped us make it."

* Hiko grins. "Well, seeing as you have some time before 
the duel, could you do a favor for me? I think you would 
need to pull me through so I can describe the Trump I 
need made."

* Miki pulls you through.

<Miki> As soon as this happens, time around Miki seems to 
return to its normal flow instead of being hyper-
accelerated.

* Hiko smiles, and shakes Miki's hand. "I don't believe 
we've been formally introduced. I'm Hiko, Juri's 
daughter."

<Miki> It seems to be the middle of the night here at the 
moment.

<Miki> "And I am Prince Miki, son of Rei of Rebma and 
King Gendo."

<Miki> "May I ask who your father was, or is that best 
left unsaid?"

<Hiko> "If you recall the history of the Cimbiri Wars, it 
won't be hard to guess."

* Miki gets large eyes, then nods. "So who do you need a 
Trump of?"

<Hiko> "Ever hear of the Green Knight?"

<Miki> "Yes.  The Forest of Arden sometimes calls him 
forth."  

<Hiko> "I accidentally broke the Covenant and had to 
repair it.  Later, he said that I could have a boon, but 
would need to return to Arden to do so.  If I described 
him, do you think you could draw a Trump of him for me?"

<Miki> "It's difficult to draw an accurate trump from a 
second hand description. It usually connects to a shadow 
of the person.  However, if you're willing to share some 
of your memories of him with me, I could probably do it."

<Hiko> "It was rather... intimate."

* Hiko blushes. "Our encounter, I mean."

* Miki blushes as well. "Umm, well...I can try without 
that, but I'm not sure how well it would work...is there 
any way you could get him to come and pose for me 
instead?"

<Hiko> "If we were to go back to Amber, wouldn't you lose 
time with Madoka?"

<Miki> "Unfortunately, yes, I would.  Although Drake's 
doing most of the sword training, as he's better than I 
am."

<Hiko> "Would you mind coming back briefly?"

* Miki thinks. "Well, I can try. And if it doesn't work, 
after the duel, you can take me to meet him and I'll get 
him to pose."

<Hiko> "How long would it take to make the trump?"

<Miki> If he poses for me, one to two days.

<Hiko> "And if I share my memories?"

<Miki> If I try to make it from your description, perhaps 
a week.  But a week here is only minutes in Amber."

<Miki> If you share your memories, I can do it in about 
two days here, which would only be about a minute and a 
half back in Amber."

* Hiko blushes. "Um, I think I'd prefer the quicker way."

<Hiko> "I might be leaving right after the duel."

* Miki nods. "Alright. Let's go to my painting studio, 
and then I'll take the impression and begin painting."

* Hiko nods and follows Miki.

* Miki takes you to the studio. It's getting late, so 
we'll skim :) He sets up the stand, gets the paints, then 
has you sit down next to him on a bench and use your mind 
to feed him your impressions of the Green Knight as he 
paints. It takes about two days with breaks for food and 
sleep, and at the end, you have a trump card, which works 
when you test it.


Day 895:
I feel stronger, much stronger than I ever have before.  
All these doubts that once plagued me from the moment I 
walked the Dragon's Scale have disappeared.  If I could 
smile ruefully in a journal, I would.  There has been so 
much time lost, so many opportunities missed.  My fear 
and paranoia was the undoing of me.  I thank the Unicorn 
for sending Fuyutsuki to me, for showing me the beauty of 
the True City.  Make no mistake, though.  I will have my 
revenge upon he who has twisted me.  Looking over my 
notes, I see that I have called him 'Bastard' in the 
past.  Seeing the signs of my degradation disturbs me.  
He will pay for his crimes against my person.

However, if being a paranoid schizophrenic for all these 
years has taught me anything, it is not to lose an 
advantage if you have one.  All of my cousins, even my 
mother thinks me unbalanced.  Unless they were to look at 
me with Pattern sight, they would not be able to tell 
that I have walked it.  Mother would have to know of this 
development; the rest I will keep secret to myself as 
long as I can.  A sharpened sword does no good if the 
scabbard is rusty.