February 25, 2002

Eric is seated deep within the pluch fabric of one of the great chairs in the room, a number of papers in hand. He peruses them, caught deep in study.

Lisle did ask someone, perhaps Eric's secretary, for an appointment. Even so, she shows herself in, closing the door behind her. Quiet, except for her greeting, "Father."

Eric mumbles something incoherently as a greeting. After a long moment, he tears his gaze from the parchment at hand. "Mm? oh, yes. Come in, Lisle."

Eric says "Shall we be brief?"

Lisle says, "We shall."

Lisle sits near him.

Lisle says, "I have discovered somethings about Novus Ordo from Niccolo. Alyssan and I are planning on finding this place, but not going. Still, from what I have learned from Niccolo we thought you should know our plans.

Eric says "aye, this seems worth knowing indeed. Do go on, daughter."

Lisle's hands rest to either side of the chair. "It seems it is beyond the golden circle, just past earth, and not so far as De'alund. But Niccolo cautioned me in the gravest manner that the place was very dangerous. Ghosts, he said, old and ancient evils. A cold place. He told me more, too. But suffice it to say, Alyssan and I plan to go beyond the golden circle, taking some guards with us. Then use the pattern to search out shadows near to Novus Ordo -- so discover the dangers of this place before we look any nearer."

Eric's brow furrows more and more, steadily creasing his forehead into an expression of concern.

Eric says "You needn't take any guards, if you plan not to set foot there.""

Eric says "Employ the Pattern, and pray take heed of Niccolo's warning."

Eric says "You may find that your points of reference mean little, when actually searching this place out, Lisle."

Eric says "And that from afar, via the Pattern, you shall be safe enough."

Lisle says, "I should like to assay the pattern before we go, too." She shakes her head, "We want to take the guards as it is likely we will both be concentrating very much on searching. Just to have someone to watch our backs. We will be in shadow, afterall, and there are more dangers than the ghosts of Novus Ordo."

Lisle says, "But Aye, we shall take care."

Ericfrowns at that.

Eric says "Just what are you afraid of?"

Lisle smiles a very little, a subtle thing. "Caution, father, just caution. It is my sister's wish, and she is the one who knows of such things, and how much of our attention this will take."

Eric says "Regardless, I am reluctant to post any of Amber's guardsmen with you at all. We live in interesting times, and I require their presence here, lest we receive any unbidden surprises from those agressors in Chaos."

Eric says "I have charged you and Alyssan, 'tis true, but 'tis also true your charge is no official business of Amber, but my own."

Eric says "Thus, if you wish a safe haven to cinduct yourselves... may I suggest that it is time Alyssan has shown you Novosibersk?"

Lisle says, "Oh, father, Alyssan and I both have our own men. I didn't mean I wanted to take the Amber Guard."

Lisle's eyes brighten a little, "I have my own guardsmen from Begma, a militia of a hundred and fifty or so, and a commander with them. I'm sure what they do for me is out of regard, not military respect. Alyssan's men are Kashfan. However, if you prefer we taken others, that is fine, too. And no, I do not think I have ever heard of Novos.. oh wait. Yes. Sir Alaric I think has mentioned?"

Lisle says, "Personally I think we should take our own men from Begma and Kashfa. It seems so much more apart from Amber, or yourself, that way."

Eric says "I wouldn't trust either cadre of men. Begma and Kashfa are far from stable."

Eric says "You expose yourself the the whimsies of the current political scene in each realm."

Eric says "Nay, forget those plans, daughter. Take your sister's hand and visit Alaric's homeland."

Eric says "Your sister is much revered there, and every man in the land would lay his throat open to sharpened steel to protect either of you."

Lisle says, "I don't know. I have been in Begma through four leaders and my men have always looked to me...." She trails off, clearly surprised. "That being the case we will go there first."

Eric says "Now that I know your scheme I must insist upon it."

Eric smiles a bit.

Eric says "Besides, it is nigh time you made your presence felt there."

Eric says "Then Aweiren should know the daughter of their god."

Lisle says, "Aye, I'll tell her. She will probably wish to see you herself afterward, though." A hand combs through the fall of her blonde hair, self-conscious. "Maybe your people won't find the youngest so fair as the eldest. But I confess I'm curious about this place. I'll be glad to go with my sister."

Eric keeps smiling. "Then I am pleased."

Lisle smiles generously. She says, "Is it possible I should walk the pattern before we go? Or shall I wait?"

Eric says "Rather eager to lay your very life upon the sureness of your stride, aren't you?"

Eric says "I realize it is necessary..."

Lisle says, "I am not looking forward to assaying the pattern again. But I think I'll be of more help to my sister if I do it sooner rather than later. And as I told you before, I can think of nothing else. But I'm willing to wait, without unhappiness, if you'd rather."

Eric says "I want to consider every last detail, Lisle, but I shan't interrupt your scheme. It is important, I know."

Eric says "Allow me a few days' time."

Lisle says, "Aye. In the mean time Alyssan and I will prepare to journey."

Eric says "She has a trump of the locale, I believe."

Eric says "and so shall you."

Lisle says, "All right then." Lisle stands, giving an elegant curtsy in the way of departing.

You say "I will speak to my sister."

Eric rises, producing a card.

Eric offers you a trump of Novosibersk. Type '+deck/take Eric' to accept the trump or '+deck/notake Eric' to reject the offer.

Trump added to your deck as 'NOVOSIBERSK'.

Eric says "Guard that well, Lisle. There are but few."

Eric says "And never should it fall into the wrong hands."

Lisle takes it, turning it so she can look at it better. "I have had to guard other cards that others might have used for harm." She slips it in her pocket, "I'll take care of this one."

Eric dips his chin to that.

Lisle says, "I bid you good morning, father." Lisle is in high spirits -- there is such a light in her eyes.

Eric says "and I, you."

Eric settles back into his chair and resumes the perusal of the document at hand.

Lisle exits, soundless but for the whisper of skirts and the click of the door.

You walk through the burnished golden double doors.

End of Scene