January 4, 2004

Amber

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<Pinned to the bulletin board inside The World's End Bar>

To the Four Horseman, and any who would claim to be their ally, friend, or protector:

World's End is the battleground of the Spades. Enter at your peril, for you are my enemy. This will be my hunting grounds until War is delivered into my hands. If this fails, your homes and loved ones will be next.

-Joshua Spade, Prince of Amber, Bane of the Four Horseman

(P.S. Hugs & Kisses to everyone else)

............................................................................

Gideon Club - Study...

Riva raps on the door and steps in, dressed for war.

Yosannah sits quietly at the table near the window a cup of steaming tea cupped between her hands. Distracted, her attention lingers out the window.

Riva says "Hello, Yosannah. I'm not intruding, am I?"

Yosannah turns her head over her shoulder, noting Riva's voice before noting the woman. Her pensive expression turns to a light smile. "No. Just a little preoccupied, that's all." She gestures toward the adjacent chair. "Good to see you. Though you look as if you've been off in battle somewhere."

Riva says "No, just the web. The spades have declared war on the Four, and on me as well despite my repeated insistance his beef with Ryker is none of my business."

Riva moves to have a seat, mindful of her spikes as she sits.

Yosannah raises a brow, "They have? So it's official now." She shakes her head, subtle smirk forming at the corners of her lips. Her attention is redirected out the window again, "I suppose it was only a matter of time. I'm sorry if you feel as if you're being dragged into something that you had no involvement in."

Riva says "It's probably for the best, and certainly not your fault. Joshua wants Ryker captured, and it is my suspcion he wishes to have War for himself. Suspecting that, I suppose I cannot in good concious sit idly by. Also, I have always been of a mind to protect you, Nash, and Death's host. If he seeks destruction of the four rather than possession of war alone, it was inevitable I would become involved. Now that it is declared War, i suspect Nash is going to have ample cause to be cross with me. Since Joshua declared war on me, he declared war on my company. Since I have entire armies, it is stupid I would keep it to the peramiters listed in his declaration nameing the WEB as the battlefield, and possibly the homes and loved ones of those involved. Nash has repeatedly balked at the aspect of taking the battle to Erotic City, being full of civilains. I no longer see a choice." she frowns, "I was attacked by my own very pregnant mother in law, who too is now a target of both my husband and I. This is all most unfortunate."

Yosannah inhales deeply and then exhales slowly, "Joshua is selfish and narrow minded. Either he can't see the gravity of what it is that he is doing, or he doesn't care. Either way, that makes him careless and ignorant." She brings a hand to her chin and shakes her head again, thoughtful, "So the game is to take place in the WEB? Are those his words? As if we would be stupid enough to appear there alone." She considers, "And if we do not, he'll hunt us in our homes. Am I the only one who thinks he has underestimated the situation terribly?"

Riva says "Perhaps. I have long had dealings with the Spades, and they never suprise me. They have never chosen their battles wisely, and are not horribly creative. They are, however, fiercely loyal to one another, and well co-ordinated. That is their strength. They have *never* succeeded in any of their wars, not on Eric, not on Benedict, and they will not succeed now. However, that does not mean they cannot cause grevious damage. Don't underestimate them. I see no idea why the hell you'd want to go to the web *at all* with this mess, but you and Nash will do as you damn will please and doubtlessly come to harm as a consequence. Nothing I can do about that." a shrug. "And I can quote his note word for word, if you like?"

Yosannah raises a brow as the woman speaks though she listens quietly, waiting until Riva is finished. "I have no urge to instigate the situation further. I, for one, have no intention on visiting the WEB. I would, though, like to hear his message, as it were."

Riva rattles off the message, clearly memorized. "To the Four Horseman, and any who would claim to be their ally, friend, or protector: World's End is the battleground of the Spades. Enter at your peril, for you are my enemy. This will be my hunting grounds until War is delivered into my hands. If this fails, your homes and loved ones will be next. Signed, Joshua Spade, Prince of Amber, Bane of the Four Horseman. (P.S. Hugs & Kisses to everyone else)."

Yosannah is unable to supress a smirk at the note's last words, "Charming to a fault."

Riva says "I'm considering my reply, but am in no rush as my actions will speak clearly to him and the words are more for the audience."

Yosannah lifts the mug to her lips and mutters from behind it, "I agree." She sips and reflex for a long moment, "I must admit that I haven't spoke to Ryker about the situation. He has sent correspondance indicating that he is well and that his actions against Sarah were in self defense." She returns the mug to the table and traces a finger absent-mindedly around the rim, "Given her reputation and the behavior she exhibits in public, I suspect Ryker's version of events is probably most accurate."

Riva says "Likely. Calder must believe so as well, as he forbade her from acting against Ryker. Unforunately, there is nothing to stop her from acting against me. I will shoot her on sight, and I don't suspect anyone will fault me." she pulls out a cigarette and lights it, puffing before wonderign, "Did he explain his actions against Magnus?"

Yosannah shakes her head, "No. We have not discussed it. I suspect Magnus' attempted to exhert some influence over War and or Ryker and Ryker made it clear what he thought of such an arrangement." She smiles, "Much the same way you and Pestilence made your thoughts clear." She sips again, "As for Calder, I'm glad for his support. Minimal as it has been. Not that I blame him for keeping a healthy distance given the last crisis in the Courts. He's playing close to his chest and I suspect a good leader needs to do this. No doubt, however, he will no let Joshua create a repeat performance of the last crisis."

Riva says "No, He won't. Nash and I had a meeting with him not long ago, and he gave word of aid. It was informal and I expect little of it, but it is a step in the right direction. I continue to advise him that keeping the four out of people's grubby little paws is the best way to ensure chaos' prosperity. However, when I become a citizen I'll have to be further removed and publically more unbiased concerning the four."

Yosannah inquires, "And why is that? Do you think that your friendship with us will be forgotten? Or the service you gave us months ago?" Her tone is genuine.

Riva says "Over time. The reaction is negative, and unforunately opinions will matter when I take control of Chaos' armies. His majesty is taking a risk appointing me to the office, and it will be controversial to say the least. I will need to be more impartial, and reserved. I have little merit, so will have to tread very carefully not to damage what little I do have, and to build more. It's a figurehead position, so it's a very public job. One I'm not looking forward to, but am determined to make the best of."

Yosannah nods, not necessarily in agreement, but in understanding, "I see. In any event, I have also made effort to muster support on the Amber side of things. Tell me, what do you know of Jushua's relationship with the Regent, Princess Alix. Or is she queen now."

Riva says "She has been crowned, and my husband and I showed our support. Joshua was there, and I understand has a room there. Alix has made it clear that any of Amber blood is welcomed within Amber, this includes the spades. I wager Joshua is there largely to gain access to the pattern for his spawn. Alix's role, is a passive one. If you want brownie points, give her the person responsible for the Amber Riots. Better yet, speak with Stone. He has a few interests there and undoutbedly he has more sources than I do."

You say "I have spoken with the Princess some weeks back." She smiles, "Passive? Maybe a little. Sincere enough though. I have become quite close with her sister, Lisle over these last few months. She makes no bones about her dislike of the Spades. Joshua in particular. She and I have been working together in an effort to come up with a way to eliminate Joshua's use of pattern against us four. She has some thoughts regarding Magnus as well that seem as if they might be helpful."

Riva says "Lisle was the Spade's favorite target when they had their beef with Eric. They like that tactic. Can you give me details? I've asked for Prince Despil's assistance on some matters as well, so It seems there are no lack of resourceful people in your corner."

Yosannah considers, "I am something of an artist. The only way for me to thwart the use of logrus against my person, as you no doubt are aware, is through intense and continuous concentration. Which leaves one rather susceptible to other forms assault. " She crosses her arms atop the table, "You also know that Magnus has used his mastery of the logrus to summon me as he sees fit. Lisle believes she can conjure a pattern item that will block his ability to do so." And then, "As for Joshua's ability to weild manipulate shadow through pattern," she shrugs her shoulders, "That's something we have yet to address completely."

Riva says "Oh. I had been working on getting you one, but it seems you've already gotten on. It's not just Joshua, but Sarah. Sarah's skills are...considerable. She blocked Avim's tower. not even other walkers could get there. Anyway, pattern is something I know little about. My husband has the ability, not as great as Sarah's. He's tried to explain it to be a few times.." she looks chagrined, "but I can't seem to grasp it."

Yosannah smiles, thoughtfully, "I havent' gotten one yet, Lisle and I haven't caught up with one another recently. Where did you intend to acquire such a thing? Your husband?"

Riva says "I don't think he has the ability, but I suppose I could ask. I had thought to aquire one from Brand, who owes me, or perhaps make a deal with Prince Osric, for reasons I don't grasp, seems fond of me. I believe he has some things in the works, and I could likely offer assistance worth a pattern conjured item. I would normally keep such things for myself, but you have greater need."

Yosannah smiles, eyes closing for a moment, "Riva, you've become such an unexpected ally." She looks up at the woman still smiling, "Well, let's double our efforts. You never know, perhaps Lisle might find an easy time of duplicating such an item. If that's possible, I'll see that you get one."

Riva shrugs, "I'm just doing what I percieve to be neccesary. No mystery whenever the four are fussed with, there is trouble that leaks beyound anticipated bounderies. Sides, I like you and Nash, even if I'm not trusted and a pain in the ass more often than not." she grins. "Anyway, Brand is a hard man to catch, as is Prince OSric. I've invited he and his girlfriend over to my place for tea. Hopefully I'll get a response soon. I suppose worse comes to worse I could steal such an item. I'd see it returned, of course."

Yosannah lowers her gaze, letting a crooked grin escape her lips, "Of course." And then, "Osric's girlfriend. Is that Roxane? I've heard her speak of him on occasion. I believe the first time I was learned of the man was on a day he came to meet her in the WEB"

Riva says "Yup. She may not be the only, but she is the only I know of with regular interaction with the man. The last time I saw him was before Dwight shot me. He said something about not wishing 'our captain' came to harm." she makes a face, "I must have lost my collar, because it seems I'm a pet of sorts."

Yosannah sets her palm atop her mug, "Ah, I see. Roxane is an agreeable, timid thing. Somehow, they make for a strange pairing but I do not know Osirc. To each his or her own I suppose."

Riva says "Timid?" she shrugs, "I've not noticed her to be so, though there's no mistaking her for a proper lady. They seem well matched, as Prince osric himself is a laid-back, reserved sort of a good dispotion that I've noticed. I've had maybe two conversations with him that I can recall, and both were breath. I've had more with Roxane, but again, usually brief and polite chatter. I have no clue why either would waste any effort on my behalf, but they have." a shrug. "Ah well. The multiverse has many mysteries."

Riva says "What will you do in light of recent events?"

Yosannah exhales and raps her finger along the arm of her mug, "Ryker and I have to talk. That's first and foremost. He's refusing contact at the moment. I suppose I could force it, but there hadn't been an urgent need up to this point. That's changed now. And Joshua will pick us apart if we don't meet on the same page soon." She considers, "I'll be meeting with Lisle soon. And Stone. If Joshua intends on taking matters to the home front, he'll be making his way here no doubt. Banished Sun needs to be prepared as does Gideon. Members need to be advised."

Riva nods, "I understand Nash is of the mind to keep the Four united. He stated a belief that a threat against Ryker is a threat against all the four. Have you and he discussed such things?"

Yosannah offers, "We have. And I agree. Nash is not personally all that fond of Ryker and I. But we all do have a sense of self preservation given what we are. What we've become." She smiles, "I see doubt in Nash's eyes when he looks on Ryker and I. As if he's not certain we'll supply a unified front though I've promised him as much. Famine, on the other hand, is far easier to convince."

Yosannah adds, "People often think of us as four. But really, when you come right down to it, you're dealing with eight individual minds. Some more joined then others, but eight distinct minds none-the-less."

Riva says "I can see why he doubts with Ryker. As long as War and Ryker are at odds, I wager he's not likely to be anything but destructive."

"When Ryker and I first talked, he was extemely resistant. I can't say that I blame him. In many ways I can sympathise."

Riva says "I don't understand exactly what's going on with him, but Ryker is not someone I've ever been familar with. Despite that, his behavior does strike me as uncharateristic"

"Neither do we. And therein lies the problem."

Riva says "I do not believe it's anything anyone can do or understand save him. I suspect you four will have to back him up despite his destructive behavior, but I get a gut feeling that is all there is to be done."

Riva says "I do not envy him, or any of you. I am glad every day that I was spared the burden. It could just have easily been me in Ryker's position."

Yosannah turns her gaze out the window, crease forming at her brow, "True. And a burden it is."

Riva moves to rise, "I have a few meetings to attend to. Let those who need to know that my armies, and resrouces, at any and all of your disposal. I would rather be united, but for now am treating Joshua's declaratioon of war on me as independant of the four, which means I will reltaliate on my own free will until circumstance dictate otherwise."

"Thank you, Riva. I will let the others know. And I'll be in touch soon."

Riva nods and smiles, "Serpent guard."

 

Trump call...

Yosannah has established contact with Ryker...

The image of Ryker, distracted, greets without looking, "Yeees Pestilence?"

To the image of Ryker, Yosannah wastes no time, "I want to speak with Ryker."

The image of Ryker states, nose slightly lifted and his striking violet pupils lined with a red-rim in the iris, "Ryker is unavailable at the moment. If you'd like to leave a message, I'll see he gets it as soon as possible."

To the image of Ryker, Yosannah spats, "Don't play with me. You've no right doing what you've done and leaving the three of us to clean up after you."

The image of Ryker appears unconcerned. "And what precisely is it I've done."

To the image of Ryker, Yosannah shakes her head, "If you mean to take on the Spades then do it. But don't hide like a coward."

The image of Ryker snorts harshly. "Coward? You forget to whom you speak. Scordus harbored a cowards mind, with his unending insistence on hit and run tactics in the World's End. Ryker has no such qualms. We control a general's mind, now, and see the larger picture. Long term. You merely have not been privy to our vision." He continues, "Which is regrettable, and we apologize, but was unavoidable."

The image of Ryker, a little insistent, "So please be so well as to avoid uninformed accusations."

To the image of Ryker, Yosannah's gaze narrows as she regards you, intoning now rather then speaking, "Your vision? You are part of something greater. Your vision will fail if you proceed with it alone."

The image of Ryker spreads his hands, conceding, "I do not deny the validity of your words. I have already shared our brief but busy history with the others. Sadly, you were indispose elsewhere. And truly, the cause of our recent ... mmm, incidents, is Famine and his invariable insistence on diplomacy. We were only giving /his/ vision a fair chance."

To the image of Ryker, Yosannah's voice probes, "I do not speak of the others. You control a general's mind but you stifle Ryker's voice. You listen but you do not hear." Something of a crooked smirk peeks out from the corner of her frosted lips, "Does he test you? I would imagine that he does. He will never stop fighting you. You know that, don't you." She adds, "And in the end, You will give Joshua exactly what he wants. You will fail."

The image of Ryker says "Oh please. Listen but don't hear? Where to pick up this tripe. You know nothing of my control over Ryker. Bah." A hand is waved dismissively. "We have methods of dealing with Joshua. He can declare all he wants. The truth is, both Ryker and I have been shedding blood in the World's End since before the 'Spades' even existed."

To the image of Ryker, Yosannah says "You've confirmed my suspicions. You can't allow me to talk with Ryker. You can't afford it because you know you won't be able to control him." Her jaw works, as she projects, "But you'll be searching for a new host soon enough, War. If you do not come to an understanding with him you will waste him."

The image of Ryker shrugs. "Think as you will. We don't have the time or interest in arguing."

To the image of Ryker, Yosannah scoffs, "No? Ironic I think. In any event, I look forward to hearing this master plan of yours. And soon. Spade will seek us out. And I don't wish to stand alone when he does. Not on your account."

The image of Ryker insists, consoling, "None of us shall stand alone. Trust us, Pestilence. The Four shall meet soon."

To the image of Ryker, Yosannah begins to close the contact with so little as a parting word...

The Trump contact vanishes.