9 March, 2002

You stare at the image of Brand...

You have established contact with Brand.

The image of Brand is pacing. He appears distinctly disgruntled about something. "Yes, Lisle?"

To the image of Brand, Lisle says, "Hello Uncle. It is Lisle." Her eyes have such a light.

To the image of Brand, Lisle says, "If this is a bad time, I can call back later. But I've been thinking so much about these experiments." And she cannot stand it any longer, apparently.

To the image of Brand, Lisle seems as though she's trying to be polite, but is anxious.

The image of Brand brushes aside Lisle's concern. "Were it a bad time, I would not have answered. A change of venue is what I need."

To the image of Brand, Lisle says, "Will you come to me Uncle? Or shall I come to you?"

The image of Brand says "Where are you now?"

To the image of Brand, Lisle says, "In a city that rests against a river. It's spring."

The image of Brand says "It will do."

You offer to pull Brand through.

Brand grasps your hand and you pull him through.

Lisle stands on a balcony that overlooks a meandering river, chestnut trees swaying in a slight spring breeze. It's cool but not cold. She begins to say something, but changes her mind, "You seem dismayed over something. Is it anything I can help with?"

Somewhere(#9238RFU)

Long avenues of cafes and ageless chestnuts, automobiles of World War I, the City of Light shines morning and night, bridges glitening in sun and lamplight alike.

Contents:

Brand

Brand glances out over the city, his manner lightening to a small degree. "I daresay I spot a Champs-Elysees." Looking back to Lisle, he answers, "Not unless you have developed a method of reversing time or unetching the mark of years."

Lisle says, "You do indeed, Uncle. Isn't this fabulous? I love this city, only this city is better than the one I grew up near. The people are friendly." She considers, sitting, and pouring wine, "A difficult thing, that. Reversing Time."

Brand says, candidly, "I find it interesting that this city strikes a chord with you or, for that matter, with your father." He moves to the other side of the balcony to examine that view, too restless to settle into a chair. "As for the other matter, reversing the effect of a single reaction is not difficult. It is the agglutinated weight of experience upon experience that shapes the soul."

Lisle lifts a glass to Brand for him to take. Her own is full. "Oh, dad doesn't come here. I don't think. I was born in Venice. Another earth city." She nods to that, "I see what you mean. I've acquired some new knowledge on how such things might be accomplished. But aye, its the memory that might count. Are you trying to undo the past, uncle?"

Brand shakes his head to Lisle's question as he accepts the glass. "I am aware of the futility of that pursuit. It would, however, simplify a duty I have freshly acquired."

Lisle asks, "Something as regards the crown? She looks hopeful, maybe, but definitely curious. Whatever filled her mind before she trumped Brand has changed pace.

Brand regards Lisle over his glass. "Despite sundry recent events of uncertain import which you may imagine I take an interest in, it is rather more personal than that, Lisle."

Lisle says, "You seem distressed. Is it something you can speak to me of? Or something I had best not press you on? Truly, uncle, in all the time I've known you you've never seemed this way."

Brand answers, "You have not known me long. Still, this is a first even in my experience. Let us discuss instead the reason behind your call."

Lisle says, "Oh. Oh!" She is more playing with the wine glass than drinking, "I've been thinking of these experimentes. I think we should plan them. I think we should do this thing -- you remember, two things sent to occupy the same point in shadow at the same time? I think -- nearer the courts?"

Brand says "I do recall." He sips from his glass. "How close to the courts did you intend? While the probability they would notice is not high, you do realize they are liable to be particularly sensitive to apparent Amberite activity at this time."

Lisle's posture is very straight, eyes alive with interest, bright blue and impassioned, "Oh, not -in- the courts. But it seems to me if we are to see any effect at all we should go to a place where shadows are freer to change. Of course, nearer Amber has its appeal too."

Brand says "For the first few attempts, I recommend a locale distant to any place of interest, to minimize the likelihood of external interference. After the initial observation of effects, if any, we can decide how to proceed and where to proceed."

Lisle says, "Somewhere in between then? I guess that's a good idea. If there's a disaster, we don't want anyone noticing. So I think we should stand in separate but nearby shadows and send birds. I've never had to do it that precisely though. And it would be better of the thing wasn't animate, I think, so there's no, well, decisionmaking on the part of the object."

Brand halts his pacing. "Agreed. However, I expect the timing of arrival to be the most difficult aspect. That factor is not wholly under the control of the sender, and the media is inconstant."

Lisle draws her finger around the rim of the glass, making that pleasantly hollow sound, the echo of music, or perhaps just the hint of it. "I've never tried to send an inanimate thing. I imagine some practice is in order. Perhaps we can shadow find a place where its more accurate that way." She flashes a brilliant white smile alive with excitement, "We could follow our hearts, afterall."

Brand shakes his head. "Such abstract properties are not so easily discovered. With time, it may be possible to fashion a fitting place, but that endeavor would take considerable effort. Not only the endpoint but the neighbourhood of Shadows in its vicinity would require modification -- these extensive alterations are likely to bias the results."

Lisle says, "I think I might try it though. I have acquired new insight into the pattern. Doesn't it seem worth the effort? I mean, it -is- a little idealized to be sure, but otherwise the two things might not ever meet."

Brand sips again before he replies, "It is reasonable to expend some time in search of a favorable location. Unfortunately, I do not foresee having the leisure myself for a while. Do you feel capable to undertake this task?"

Lisle says, proudly, "I do. Well, I have a few things to do in Amber, too. I'm trying to be supportive of my father. But I'm sure I'll find time to do this thing." Especially as she won't be able to sleep for thinking of it. Then she leans forward, voice hushed, "What do you speculate might be the outcome?"

Brand states, firmly, "Be cautious in your explorations, Lisle. You have not been traveling long, and there are dangers for the unwary." He swirls the wine in his glass with an emphatic gesture. "My suspicion is that the fabric of the universe as laid down by the Pattern does not admit neatly tied knots of the kind which you propose and will conspire to prevent them. If, in fact, we find a place where this is not the case, then I can argue for a range of results ranging from naught to a cataclysmic tear in said fabric."

Lisle seems a bit disappointed, sitting back in her chair with a bit of sag in her shoulders, an academic slouch that makes blonde elegance more casual, less stiff. "I will be careful, I assure you. I have no desire to run into trouble in shadow. I've been enough trouble to my father for a lifetime." As if it wasn't for Eric -- god knows what she'd be up to. She adds, "And aye, I've thought the same. I have made arguments on either side and can defend each, making all my theories pretty lame, I think. Is there, do you think, a universal theory of shadow?"

Brand's mouth quirks. "The answer to that question would depend on what it is that you wish to describe with such a theory."

Lisle waves a hand, a bit emotional over the whole thing, "Equations, mathematics, ~something~ so that one could predict -- one could plan an optimal path with sh adow, or creating ... I don't know. Somehting that describes the nature of shadow as it varies with a single parameter -- the distance 'tween Amber and the Courts."

Brand shakes his head. "Not in that sense. There is no single meaningful parameter which applies. Distance in Shadow is subjective, after all."

Lisle says, "I hear people refer to it as a single dimension. Do you think there are multiple dimensions involved? Or does it defy mathematical description? Afterall, even the will of an Amberite has to be quantified in someway." She says this with passion, very hopeful.

Brand snorts. "People are simple-minded. There are an uncountable quantity of variables involved in the transition from one Shadow to another. Some elements can be modelled, but not naively."

Lisle says, dreamily, "Wouldn't it be wonderful, though, to figure out the exact interrelations? I confess I hope we can do just that, and that these experiments wil be the first thing... I mean, if you cannot occupy the same place with two things, then we know shadows are somehow unique."

Brand says "The relations between Shadow are not only subjective but mutable by those possessed of the ability. Any theory must take this into account."

Lisle says, "Well, shouldn't will eventually be quantifiable? Like a force?"

Lisle is more musing than insisting, as if its an idea she hasn't worked out.

Brand says "I believe otherwise. Inspiration and insight are not subject to enumeration. In general, the mind is not sufficiently simple for the mind to comprehend in full, even if some of our relatives are counterexamples."

Instead of vast disappointment its his ending remark that makes her laugh, a smile as deep as summer with dimples at the corner of her mouth. It strikes the night with a note of joy, understanding too. "I have to agree largely. I mean, this is way beyond anything I've tried to understand before and makes the shadow laws of physics where I grew up seem simple -- in the light of comparsion anyway. But I cannot help at least -thinking- about it."

Brand says "As a physicist and a worker of the arcane -- one and the same often enough -- Lisle, you appear oddly married to the notion that all is subject to analysis. Have I not demonstrated that there are many paths to an end?"

Lisle says, "Aye, uncle, you have. But even the design of a spell can benefit from forthought, and plenty of it, don't you agree? I don't say I can quantify shadow. I only like to think about it -- think about patterns. I cannot give up on the idea all together." Truth be told she can think of little else.

Lisle has to admit though, with a bit of shyness, "I must say I've found more inspiration lately in intuition," as if this is unexpected.

Brand nods with understanding. "I advise you to take what free time you have to walk in Shadow, to observe not only the expected but to strive for what you have never encountered. Your passion for patterns must take a second seat, temporarily, to a quest for acquaintance. Then you will be informed to formulate theory."

Lisle says, "Yes. I have wanted to explore this more. But I finally feel I can take care of myself against everyone but our relatives. And even some of those. I will do this thing as time allows. I have found places in shadow to practice sorcery, but those often take quite a while to walk to from Amber."

Brand inquires, "What was it that gave you your confidence?"

Lisle says, "Caivar dying, I guess. Or, the consequences of it. I think I felt so lonely afterward, I reached such a low point, that all I could do is rise from the ashes like a pheonix. I think its OK, now, though. I mean, being without him."

Brand asks, "In what way did this cause you to decide that you were able to handle yourself?"

Lisle says, "Because I relied on Caivar for everything. So when he died I had to either die, too, or change. I changed. I realized that he'd relied on me, too. That I was stronger than I thought. That I wasn't just an ornament -- I feel like that sometimes in Amber."

Lisle seems somewhat shamed to admit this.

Brand's mouth curls. "Amber, for all of her splendor, is inhabited by those who have little appreciation for the exercise of reason."

Lisle smiles at her uncle, with real affection, "Aye, uncle, and that you've worked with me all this time helped too. It's been over a year now. And I know you rarely tolerate fools. I can, I mean, I really can defend myself reasonably well. I'm independent."

Brand says, lightly, perhaps jesting, "I am pleased that I have had results. To nurture a kindred spirit is a small repayment of my sins."

Lisle flashes another brilliant smile. She seems happier than she has in a long time. "I think so, though I also think my dad likes to pretend I'm /not/ studying with you." Lisle, who is not usually prone to giggling laughs with a joy somewhere near it. "Did I tell you that he once told me that sorcery doesn't work in Amber?"

Brand appears amused. "No, you had not. I confess disappointment that he has not seen fit to approach me directly at any point to speak of you. No doubt he bides for an auspicious moment that may never come."

Lisle says, "I know that he's wished it, my Aunt says so. But he's so tired just now. I know he really doesn't object. Because when he does object he does it very straight-forward. He says, "Lisle, no," and she manages a pretty good imitation of an imperious Eric. "I think its just beyond his ken and he's not sure what to think of it."

Brand says "It is more likely that he has made some approximation of a cost/benefit analysis, whether formal or no, and come to the conclusion that I am at present more of an aid than a hinderance to your development."

Lisle says, "And he would be right. I think when I felt my worst, I always had the lssons you gave, and the joy from having my eyes opened to new things. Sorcery was so difficult for me to understand at first. But I suspect you're right about that. It would be like him. I hope you see him, though. He's a different man. Calm, but so tired. He doesn't seem as unhappy as he once did."

Brand appears openly curious about this description of Eric. "In what sense do you consider him tired?"

Lisle says, "Perhaps tired isn't the right word. Perhaps its thoughtful. I mean, he was always thoughtful and serious, but there were times he'd smile. Like when he taught me to play chess. Maybe its just a youngest daughter lamenting that everyone gets her father's time but her?" She makes fun of herself, maybe, enigmatic smile shows it. She lifts the wine bottle, offering to refill Brand's glass.

Brand consents to the refilling. "Your father has had little to smile about in recent years, though there was a time his smile was known wherever he was."

Lisle says, "Is that so?" She looks very eager to hear more, "I'd love to hear stories of what dad used to be like. I mean, I remember something, like when I was littler. But they seem dim dreams."

Brand leans against the back of a chair. "What would you like to hear? All those stories date from before the fragmentation of the family, of course."

Lisle says, "Oh, any little trifle about my father when he was happy would be interesting. Of course, things haven't been good between us until recently. He hated Caivar."

Brand takes a few seconds to consider, but presently says, "One year, when Oberon still ruled in Amber -- a moment." He pauses for several more seconds, then se ts his glass on the table. "I fear, Lisle, I must postpone this until the next t ime we meet."

Lisle looks a bit disappointed, but of course defers to her uncle. "I'll look fo rward to it, Uncle. Meanwhile I hope your personal troubles smooth. And of cours e, I am at your disposal if you need help."

End of Scene