Pathfinders Assemble!

[rubyrubyruby]

The Grand Salon has been commandeered for the purpose of the Pathfinders tonight. Bathed by light from the bank of windows, a large table has been manuevered into place. There aren't any chairs nearby, so that folks can meanders around said table freely. It is dominated by a large map of the sea lanes to and from Amber's waters. Rough guestimates on directions towards sea-paths are noted via markers and figurines. Smaller parchments of lesser shadowpaths are also there, positioned near the transit points to Amber's dominion. An assortment of jigsaw pieces emptied from cosmological puzzle boxes.

Ruby is there looking over the large table. A studious looking scribe is nearby, in a heated discussion about finances. The parchment he holds bears slashes and circles, his attempts to do some accounting while speaking with another merchant who sells provisions for long journies. An assortment of other adventureous looking sorts linger at the edges of the room while they gobble like turkeys over past troubles and present concerns.

There are many people in and out of the Salon, so it is perhaps a bit harder to keep track of who's supposed to be here, and who's gawking. One of the latter is Jessica, who's not been formally invited, as she has yet to join the pathfinders proper. Dressed in storm-grey captains garb, she doesn't look out of place, which allows her to get closer to look over the table and it's myriad of magnificent maps.

Quietly and well-mannered, Clive slides into the Salon. He sticks to the outer edge of the room first, making sure he's at least seen enough to be counted for attendance. They do that at official meetings, right? As he is looking everyone over, he gives a nod of greeting to Merrisol and Ruby each as his attention passes over them. Still not quite engaging and making sure to weave a careful path through the others lingering about the edges and swapping some manner of war stories.

Merrisol is orbiting the main map table with slow measured paces, letting his fingertips trail the edges. He holds a squat tumbler of something siphoned from the available drink cabinet, probably brandy. "Jessica," he greets as she approaches the table, "Good evening." The last bit is extended to Clive in response to the nod. As shadow reps trickle in among the peripherals of the Corps, he goes to park himself in a nearby settee which could seat one more, though the impression there is that it's a saved space.

Maggie enters with slow, even steps, her boots almost soundless on the carpet. Her hands rest easily with her thumbs tucked into the top of her belt. There are a variety of sheeths and holsters along that span, all conspicuously empty. Taking in those already here, her gaze settles on Merrisol and her eyes light up. The smile that he is offered is full and warm, if fleeting. Moving toward the map table, she tears her gaze from him to study what has been set out there.

Yvonne comes racing into the area like the palace is on fire, an event belied by the good natured grin on her lips. She starts slowing down very quickly as she enters the actual room. This is facilitated by the fact that her shoes are in her hand and she's not trying to run in the heels.

Martin arrives, fashionably late. Better late than never! He looks hopeful that someone has drinks. He offers a two fingered peace sign, lest anyone think he's there for nepharious purposes. You never know, not everyone knows who he is. "Hey, what did I miss?"

Merri is just getting settled in the settee, drink in hand as he drapes his elbow over the backrest. His gaze leaves the main stage/table, and treks across the salon to the doorway, noting the next arrivals with casual interest. When one of them turns out to be Maggie, he busts out a wider smile, and shuffles to rise again. And then there is a bouncing figure in shiny white, and he fumbles his brandy a bit in startled recognition. "Hey," he utters Yvonne-ward. And then there is Martin. "Hey.. hey," hey, he only has the one drink?

Gravity takes hold, slowly changing Clive's orbit around the room and drawing him in. Quick! Check if it exactly matches the fibonacci sequence! "Evenin' Captains." Getting in a bit closer, his eyes dip down to the maps to give them a quick gander. A new entry steals his attention away and he gives another nod to Maggie, "Evenin' Captain." Ah, but then the liquor cabinet draws his attention and his course changes entirely. Yes, the Palace is much more tolerable with a drink in hand! Eyes lock onto a bottle of rum and he sets to pouring a very healthy glass immediately upon arrival.

It never gets old, the grandness of the palace Salon. At least it hasn't for Sidonie's second time inside. She enters quietly, her boots making little sound on the plush pink carpet. She pulls down the lower hem of her vest, mostly fidgeting, really, as she scans the room for familiar faces. And she spots a few! She beams Maggie, Merri, Clive and Ruby a warm smile in turn, then starts to make her way around, first to the drink station for a snifter of brandy, stopping for a moment to give Clive (and his glass of rum) a wink, then the rest of the way around to the table. Merri in particular gets a grin, as she is pleasantly surprised to see him so soon! "Evening," she says to them and all at the table.

Maggie's own smile grows as she spots Merrisol's reaction to her entrance. There is a softness to her gaze, though it modulates when she sidesteps Yvonne to avoid being bounced off of like a bumper car. "Evening." That is initially to Yvonne, but she expande it to include Martin, Sidonie, Ruby and Clive as well. Moving after Clive, she too claims a glass of rum, though probably an enemic one by comparasson. Once that is in hand, she moves to the settee to settle next to Merrisol.

Jessica nods in response to Merrisol's greeting, a slight smile on her face. But she is mostly focused on the table, though she steps back slightly to give other's a chance to go over the papers scattered over. Eventually she takes a few more steps back to look over the other people of note... or at least notable.. in the room.

The recent arrivals and the movements of people orbiting or schmoozing is distracting to Ruby's attention span, and so she tries to catch the eyes of those offering a greeting or hovering. The doors to the Salon remain open for the fashionably late, and to allow pipe smoke somewhere to escape.
Ruby removes her knuckles from the table where she's been leaning. She raises her voice to address to room at large. "Alroight. So lets get started."

Martin is just some guy. He sidles over to Merrisol and slings an arm over his shoulder. A feat to be sure, given their differences in height. "Does that drink have a brother?" He asks hopefully. When Ruby speaks he looks crestfallen. No drink for him. He waves at the group as a whole.
Yvonne's ready grin becomes more solid as she recognizes people. She drops her shoes to the floor and stops running about the palace bare foot. "Hi!" She says to Merri as looks about to spot the drinks but doesn't go to one because it's time to assemble! She hands Martin a flask from his room. " I took over your room." She solidly steps toward the table to see what is going on and listen to what has to be said.

And another familiar face! Clive lifts two fingers to his brow and fires off a salute-of-sorts toward Sidonie, waiting for her to join him at the liquor before saying, "Hey there, Doc. Fancy seein' you here." He clinks his glass against hers and then moves off to a less trafficked area of the room. As Ruby starts talking, he goes silent and listens in while doing his best to blend into the background.

Keryk had in fact never been to the Royal Salon, having spent little time in the palace outside of it's library. So it took him a fair amount of time to find, though he hardly seemed to mind as he finally slipped into the room, shutting the door behind him as he looked about. He held his hat in one hand, a leather case in the other. Taking in the gathered crowd with raised brows, he gave a nod and light bow to the room. "My apologies for being late. Some minor technical difficulties at the shop, but everything's fine." He approached Ruby, giving her a more formal bow. "Greetings to you, Captain Incarnate. How might I be of service? Both my skill and the Fairly Dauntless are at your disposal."

What a great clubhouse the grand salon is turning into this evening! Merri's gaze stays on the move, revisiting Yvonne and then Martin, offering more articulate greetings, "Liege.. and Lady Yvonne, it's been quite a while.." And then back over to Maggie when she comes over to claim that reserved spot on his chosen settee. "Hullo, Hotstuff," he bends slightly to offer her a kiss, but finds instead a semi-headlock from Martin! They just about end up all three upon the two-seater settee, and the brandy.... doesn't spill, thank the lucky prince! Ruby is calling for attention by the time they get themselves sorted out. Merri lifts a saluting wave as he spies Sidonie, and silently points out both the liquor cabinet and the available seating arranged nearby.

After clinking glasses with crewmate Clive, Sidonie settles on an inconspicuous spot that still leaves her with a good view of the table and of the towering Ruby. She takes a sip of her brandy, watching expectantly, then notices Martin, who she recognizes. She flashes him a smile, and to the newly arrived Keryk as well.

Ruby rattles off quick trio of howdy-doo's, "Welcome, ahoy, Allo. Just about tah flap me lips on tha subject."
She speaks to the room at large. "I ain't one for grandiose-ity, just practical-ity. Pathfinders leadership was offered an I accepted, on condition I could do it plainly. I be blunt, an not much for slyness, truth. Results are tha priority. Way things are gonna goo, I not expect you to doo somethin for nuthin. Dangerous important work, an you be com-pen-sated. Some 'o you gots more years, and some been down bloody paths I ain't never set sail or toe on yet...an tha's gonna be respected, roight? Pathfinders be a diverse lot, an tha be bloody strong, loike damascus steel. Whether you afflicted with Oberon's bloodline or not, there will be great success if we all make tha effort for tha greater good. We can make things Golden, Truth." She sweeps her arm across the top of the table where the incomplete puzzle of places and paths. Among them: Cibola (a small barricade). Minos (a lovely carved boat near that route). Pathi (A quick charcoal question mark at the edge of the table on a scrap of paper - lightning bolts and fireballs radiate like angry emoji's). New Kitezh. Begma (A few scraps of paper ineffectually obscure the name used on the map, like someone was trying to remove the place from existence)
"This'll all be familiar tah some 'o you. More a web than a bloody circle, if you ask me. All 'o these 'ave...~issues~."

Martin accepts the flask from Yvonne. "Well that's good!" He approves of what Yvonne mentioned about his room. "I'd hate it if something happened to the memorabelia we collected. He praises Merrisol's saving the brandy with a wiggle of his eyebrows. For now he doesn't need additional drinks but he keeps keen awareness of where the brandy is. He graciously lets Merrisol out of the headlock so he can greet Maggie only to wrap his arms around Ivy in a tight hug. He smiles around and begins to seriously liste to Ruby.

Maggie is fully intending to accept that offered kiss when Martin squelches her husband's approach. Ducking a bit to avoid spilling her drink, she resettles with some caution. The settee is a dangerous place to sit. Offering Merrisol a semi-frustrated half-laugh along with a win-some-lose-some shrug she lifts her rum to give it to Martin if he prefers it to brandy. Turning as Ruby speaks, she notes Jessica and the new person. Jessica is offered a grin and a wave while the newcomer is studied in his turn. Hearing Ruby's opening speach, she listens, nodding here and there. Though she does note when Martin's drink wishes are answered by Yvonne, it is a peripherial sort of thing.
From afar, Sidonie hahas at the description of the table! Bad Begma! Angry Pathi!

Yvonne accepts embraces and greetings, taking note of new arrivals, and people she may not know yet. She seems mostly interested in Ruby's announcement and the maps. She stays quiet for now giving the floor to one that called the meeting.

Keryk grinned at his fortuitous timing and nodded, listening as Ruby laid out her general gameplan. He set his case down and went to help himself to the drinks, settling against a wall to listen as their leader spoke. To the others in the room he gave a warm, acknowledging nod, though keeping quiet at the moment.

Merrisol doesn't mind how it all ends up, now that cozy sitting with Maggie has been achieved. He streeetches his arm up and around her, cinema-style, murmuring briefly. He observes Martin and Yvonne for a curious second, and looks up to offer a nod to Keryk's arrival, squinting a bit to recognize the fellow in just plainsclothes. He then turns his attention back to Ruby and the array of maps and playing pieces, and waits for the meat of the issues.

Ruby hinges her jaw from side to side. "Tha three biggest Oliphants in tha room be..." She gestures to Cibola, New Kitezh and finally Pathi. For a moment her finger was being drawn to Begma like a dowsing rod, but was jerked away to the arcane question mark radioactive with magic spells. "If every femme tries tah ride a single Oliphant, as big as it is, we not all fit...an besides, tha other 'phants meanwhile keep tramplin things? We send teams 'o folks tah all 'o them. We organize intah ~cells~. I recommend any attempts tah recon troubled paths be with at least 2 Patternwalkers if possible, just in case. Bring folks tha be assets, loike navigators, map charters, natives 'o tha realm, warriors...per'aps even sorcerers...an those tha 'ave survival instincts. If you need a ship or resources, it can be arranged."
She pauses to suck in another breath. "New Kitezh a problem because they still don't gots a stable path, an gettin there be difficult unless you gots at least two or more Pattern-folk. They owed a new path, an tha previous attempt unfinished."
"Pathi can't decide what in Bog's name it up tah, as far as I can tell from gossip an lip-flappin. There be interest from tha Crown tah get tha nipped in tha bud swiftly, despite Pathi not tha sort 'o place tah beg for assistance."
"Cibola is a problem. Anyone thinkin 'o usin tha path should 'ave good reason, an warn away unless there be dire reason. I 'ave an inklin 'o what may 'elp, so will be personally tacklin Cibolan shadow-node in tha near future."

Maggie leans into Merrisol when his arm settles around her. She does not try to hide her pleasure in the gesture, eyes shining behind her lashes. Listening to his murmur, she lifts a quick reply somewhere amid the speachifying. But, as the details begin to come out, she settles more firmly where she is, her eyes flickering from face to face as Ruby lays it down. Each person is given a brief, if intent look before Maggie looks back at Ruby to hear the rest.

Keryk nodded, scratching at the scruff on his unshaven chin. His eyes were drawn specifically to the icons that marked Pathi and Begma, lip twitching into a grin as Ruby studiously ignored it's existence. Taking a drink, he returned the curious gazes of others, taking a moment to speak. "Cibola and New Kitezh I'm afraid I know nothing about. Pathi... well, I was there. I wouldn't mind trying to go back."

Yvonne stays near Martin after his hug, since he's got the flask now but she seems very interested in all the shit that has to be fixed and the things that are going wrong. She still manages to keep her smile in place, but it flickers here and there as she hears about troubled spots.

Martin lets Yvonne go and finds a place to get comfortable with her next to him. He seems to agree with everything Ruby's said so far, he listens to Keryk and nods. "Action is required, certainly for Kitezh. Ruby, perhaps some education as well into what nodes are exactly. I'm not certain everyone here is aware of what they are and how they figure into a shadowpath or making a shadow stable." He flicks his gaze around the room every now and then. Studying people he doesn't know.

Merrisol smiles over a private remark, briefly abstracted in thought. He finally gets to sip his unbogarted brandy then, mellowing out slightly while he attends Ruby's spiel. A glance at Keryk when the gent leans toward Team Pathi, however in terms of ranking interests, Merri appears to agree with Martin about New Kitezh's priority, although Ruby's personal stake in Cibola also piques his curiosity. He nods with slow emphasis to the suggestion that some Pathfinding 101 might be in order for the new members.

Ruby puts her hands on her hips and purses her lips sternly at the map. "I not dare touch on Minos yet, but at least gettin there not 'as 'orrific as these others." She swerves for a moment and adds, "Since 'Nosians such fans 'o fancy names, when like minded femmes an blokes get together tah brave these 'Paths, we give tha ~cells~...or task forces...brave names 'o your choice. I seen such things be a real glue tah 'old together crews at tha worst perilous moments."
Back to the problems at hand, she nods to Keryk. "Sounds like you leanin towards tha Pathi problem, an if your eyeballs 'ave rolled over tha place before, you'd be an asset. I b'lieve Shao was eager tah risk 'is goldfish doin some recon an needs warm bodies. An there moight be others 'ere with ships an Oberon's 'eritage tha also feel a strong pull towards tha land 'o xeno-arcanists."
Ruby peers over towards Martin and crooks the corner of her mouth into a lopside grin. "Aye, my thoughts as well. An tha's a good idea about edu-cation. If you could spread some 'o tha wisdom, it can only bene-fit this an future actions. An avoid...uh...~issues~." She swallows.

Maggie's gaze flickers to Keryk, but beyond that stays on Ruby. She sips her rum, a thoughtful look settling over her. The glass is not lowered immediately, the liquid amber and gold within shudders slightly. When Martin is called to illuminate the weirdness that are nodes, she slips a glance his way briefly. Another sip is claimed before the glass is set on her thigh, fingers remaining about it to keep it from slipping.

Martin had a good long swig from his flask. "Nodes are landmarks, but it isn't as simple as that. They're not generally very stable areas so you can't just shadow shift back to them if you fall off the path. You have to do everything a certain way. For instance if directions say you have to eat at joes and specifically order the nine hells chilli with onion rings and a side of cherry pie.. you have to do that. Else, you are not on the path. When a new path is laid down, such as the one in Kitezh, similar requirements are necessary. We cannot just go off on our own willy nilly. We have to have a clear plan, clear focus and everyone has to do the same thing. No exceptions. Otherwise you're creating five different paths and none of them will stay stable."

It is only as Yvonne is listening to Martin talk that her smile finally loses it's edge completely and she starts to get a little of a perspective for the task before the Royal Pathfinder's Society. She looks around the room, but her look is more one combined with 'holy shit' and 'we do do this'! and only a tiny fraction of her natural enthusiasm comes back leaving her looking a little deflated. All and all, she appears content to stay focused on the taking in new information mode.

Martin continues now that he has everyone's attention. "The center of the pattern is not a quick fix to transport one to a node either, but good luck trying. Shadowpaths tie everything together and extend Amber's destiny. Making the pattern more powerful. The more frayed they are, the less powerful Amber is. Usually the nodes are places of power and that's not a coincidence. The point is that shadowpaths are not created just by gonig back and forth between two points. It's doable, but shaky and unlikely to remain a solid path. Think of the nodes like two points in a straight line, then everywhere between them isn't a straight line because reality is bending between them so that you can get from one place to the other in a shorter amount of time."

Keryk's brows rose at this information and he nodded, taking out a pad to start making notes in earnest. "Hmm... I will have to be on the lookout for pattern walkers to add to the crew. My vessel is... unconventional, and only works in Shadow, but should suit with the right navigator or two." As the explanation was laid out he scrubbed a hand through his hair, frowning slightly. "Hmm... at least one of them will need to be experienced. I gather I'll be acting more the hauler on this one. With luck my cargo will know what they're doing." He smiled and shrugged. Looking to Ruby, he seesawed his hand back and forth. "Too be fair... what I saw of it was underwater and as it was rising. And everything was on fire, I was playing music on a gun... it was really not that great of a look. I'll gladly help wherever ah... sea travel is less than ideal. My ship can be moored to a sailing vessel and easily towed, then set loose over land."

Maggie listens to all of the talking. Martin's explaination wins him a bit of a sobering smile. "That sounds tasty, Martin. I just wish that the nods that I have experienced were that civilized. But, remember who put many of them down." Her attention turns to the others, "What can make it difficult is that the proper motions one must go through to pass a node successfully are not documented. They are passed down from walker to walker by word of mouth, generally. But, if we are setting down new paths, we have the opportunity to change that. Documentation is going to be key if we want our paths to stick. When Martin says that everyone needs to do the same thing, he is not exaggerating."

Martin chuckles at Maggie, "Well, you've clearly never had Joe's Chilli if you think that's civilized." He's just teasing though. He winks at her. "Yes, documentation is key. As well as education." He glances at Keryk. "Maggie's right, they're usually not as simple as ordering the right thing in a diner and I'm sure your vessel will come in handy." He nods at Keryk. He looks back to Ruby. "Speaking of documentation being the crutch our generation has to deal with." He picks up his waterproof pack and rumages inside. He pulls out a long tube and sets it on the table. "Lesson One: Our ancestors did not know how to take notes. Note the lack of notes. Merrisol, do not have kittens because of the lack of notes. You've seen this before. This is a map that was found in Dworkin's study. This is a map of Amber and Shadow as it was." Then he's makes a gesture which indicates he's done with his explanation for the moment.

RPG: Martin declares that he owns this token:
-------------------------------------------------------------------[ 327 ]----
Author: Zakalwe Held By: Martin
Date: Mon Nov 12 10:01:14 2007 Focus: 0
Title: The Old Map
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Token Description
An old map or diagram. It is remarkably precise (though remarkably vague) and on strangely smooth and resilient paper. The symbols and lettering on it seem nonsensical.
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RPG: Martin used the following +declare targets: Grand Salon - Royal Palace
Martin says, "http://wiki.roadtoamber.com/other-places"

Merrisol keeps his gaze on the collection of maps while Martin bestows his Patternly knowhow upon the group, and smiles appreciatively over the Rebman prince's easily-digestible language. He then side-eyes Keryk, gleaning hints from his describing an airship of some sort. When Martin concludes with a reveal of an entirely more puzzling map than the hodge-podge of charts assembled by Ruby, he pauses, then settles back into his seat with a single nod. "Better late than never, or rather, better we make and use our own notes rather than blindly rely on the word of the ancients," he drawls. "I prescribe to a different philosophy of travel, personally. However I will offer a Pattern team undersea support for their vessels, logistics, and general Go-For. Anything that doesn't require royal blood, really."

Ruby blinks rapidly as Keryk offers his first hand account of Pathi amongst Martin's Node-unload. She chews on her lip and resists shuddering over unknown quantities of Keryk's craft, saying to him, "You moight 'ave tah doo just tha. From what Martin 'as explained, an Maggie just confirmed, there be an important symbolism tah some 'o these twists an turns on tha path: Bendin tha knee or jumpin tha shark, drownin a Jonas or singin part 'o a saga...if we don't doo tha same dance, things get con-vo-luted." A muscle twitches under her left eye. "An tha's real important, what's been said...Tha Paths be linked tah Amber's destiny. Everythin I done, it all about strengthen things." she says like she's trying real hard to sell a second-hand horse carriage. "There come a toime soon when we need Amber tah be resilient an able tah take a punch. Aye, unity, focus an..." she sighs and admits, "...a record." She reaches forward and tugs open the tube to pry forth the strange parchment, spreading it, and anchoring the corners with impromptu figurines as paperweights. Squinting at the map, she rasps, "Bog's barnacles balls...what are we lookin at?" She winces at Martin's esoteric map. "Aye, blind reliance 'o ancient things just get us intah tha same messes as Elders. Course, if they can offer a nougat 'o warnin on certain things...I all for not bitin intah wormy fruits."

Martin laughs softly. "As far as i can tell it's a map of how the shadows are related to Amber. It could also just be a doodle Dworkin drew on an off day to mess with his grandchildren. Anyway. You can sort of see that the big yellow diamond is Amber. Then there's rebma below and tir above. The red lines are likely supposed to be some kind of string connecting everything, don't ask me that's what I've heard. I don't think anyone's ever translated the symbols at the top. If they have I don't remember. At any rate, this type of crap is what has put us in this position. By the way, I nominate Merrisol as note-keeper. Also, Ruby, our cousins need incentive. It's unfortunate but true. So you can tell them they can come to me for training as long as they have not done anything actively against Rebma. For every time they do something to further your cause they can come tell me about it and will receive training in Pattern if that is what they wish. Or I can further along their fighting skills."

Keryk nodded thoughtfully. "Seems like I will have to do just that. In the meantime, I'm happy to act as part of a scouting party wherever we arrive. In the meantime I'd quite appreciate if I could do a bit of tagging along if no one minds. I'm not terrible on a ship and my own has a workshop, so I can always make things as needed. But the last time I traveled the pattern was with Zachary and that was neither the smoothest nor the most educational trip." He looked to Martin's map, fascinated but confused. His brow furrowed and he shook his head. "Nothing I can make out. But early days yet."

Maggie purses her lips a little, but nods agreement with Merrisol being chronicler. She glances at Martin, then adds, "I would be willing to make trumps for people. I can do individuals or locations, though those take a while to paint." After a moment, she adds, "Any time you go to Martin for training, send me a note and I will paint you a trump."

~Second scene starts~

Ruby had ventured to a corner of the room to have a short time-out, disguised as an imaginary trump conversation. Some of her stuff is thrown over one of those chairs all pushed to the edges of the room to deny froo-froo's from sitting on their cabooses near the map table. She fishes out flask and spins off cap with a flick of her calloused thumb. Bottoms up.

"Right! Let's re-review the current timetable and compare it against the logistics reports when we get back. I don't want any wrinkles right now!" Ashby de'Mandrake wanders on into the Grand Salon, giving it a quick glance with a pair of lively blue eyes before he pivots on a heel to turn and face the staffers trailing behind him, taking notes as they go. His cape flies up into the air at this sudden motion before resettling, even as he brings a hand up to snap off a crisp salute, "I'll be back in a bit for the meeting! You go on ahead! Good work, everyone!" Whipping back around with his cape back up in the air, his eyes lock immediately onto Ruby as his long legs carry him on into the room with purpose. "*Captain* Incarnate! How good to see you again!"

Ruby manages to get a swishable amount past her pursed lips as she turns eyes on Ashby. Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, she expells a breath. "Yer Dukeness." Eyes nearly watering from the lava burn down her throat, she appends, after a squint and acknowledging special hats, "Still alive an kickin?"

Over to one side of the main table, half-slouched in a settee, is Merrisol with a rummed-up coffee and a small stack of ledgers for company. He props one open on his lap while transcribing selected entries onto a smaller pad. As the noise level rises notably with Ashby's strident call, the Rebman sits up a bit to look about.

There's a lack of sand, but otherwise Ryika arrives in a swirl of Alhambran silks into the grand room. She glances around the room, taking in the people and the maps more than the elaborate decor and splendor of the room. She waggles her fingers in a wave towards were Merrisol is having a moment with his ledgers. "Morning, Papa."

"So the rumors say!" The Monsdrake's grin is as large and devilish as ever at this and he claps two hands together in amusement! Approaching the middle of the room, he gives the maps a quick glance to size them up, snorts some amusement at the status of Begma there, and then returns his gaze to Ruby. "Or should I be calling you Rear Admiral?! Congratulations on that! But! I wanted to stop in and see how you were making out! As always, House Chantris stands ready to assist the Crown in this endeavor! Anything I can do, I am happy to, of course! Most especially for you!" The sitting-up-Merrisol grabs his attention and his eyes light up again, "Warden! How fantastic to see you again! How *does* the day find you!" Ryika's voice has him spinning about and then the *real* theatrics begin. The hat is pulled off to press to his chest, a hand is tossed flamboyantly off to the side, heels click together, and he drops down into a low bow with eyes on her all the while.

Keryk looked up from where he sat by a window, making notes while fiddling at something with a small multitool. He looked up, eyebrows raising at the entrance and gave a curious look to Ashby at the introduction he'd been offered from Ruby. When Ryika came in as well he shut his book and sat a bit straighter, looking to between herself and Merrisol and setting his widget on top of a book on cartography. He gave them both a nod in greeting.

Ruby props her drink on one of those fab windowsills, like a cretin. Ruby's eyes drag about the notable individuals. Ashby's offer of assistance has her purse her lips again as she suckles on a notion. "'Arder tah float Admiral in front 'o Incarnate, but it in front 'o Captain it be well earned amongst 'Nosians at least. Well...I never loike tah take 'andouts. If Chantris wants tah count their craftsmanship as shipwrights an storm-sailers, or some resources towards the R.P.C., I wouldn't say naw. Not if it counts towards tha greater chance 'o success. Just sayin tha moight catch me some flak with 'Nosians but...Competition should always be encouraged. Y'know...friendly competition, Truth."

"And good morning to you as well, Ashby. Please, be at your ease." Ryika's smile is warm, and easy as she includes everyone in that greeting, and recommendation. She has no qualms about going to fetch herself a coffee, apparently perfectly willing to face the palace with a lack of alcohol in her cup, but not uncaffinated. "I admit that my thoughts are a tiny bit distracted with matters outside Amber, so I have lost track of the details of what this meeting is covering."

Merri stares at Ashby for a moment to place their very brief acquaintance in a yellower room of the Palace. "Duke Chantris," he tips a reserved nod to the Mons of many allegiances. "Swimmingly, sir." The attention commanded by Ryika's entrance includes his, the endearment getting a warmer smile. He shuffles paperwork off his lap in preparing to stand, setting his cup in its saucer at the side table. "Hullo, Ry." He glances to Keryk with a nod and a quick check to see if he is already familiar with the Regent-Consort.

"And congratulations to you as well!" Ashby pops back up and tosses his hat, with a bit of spin to it, off onto a piece of furniture near the entrance to the room. A sharp bit of laughter echoes throughout the room as he reacts to Ruby's reply, nodding emphatically as he turns back around and begins making his way toward the liquor. A frown forms as he spies the state of the brandy after Martin had had his way with it, but he makes due with what remains. "Too true, too true!" A hand escapes as he tosses it into the air in a dismissive sort of manner, "Oh, come now! That's no sort of competition at all! We can let them think that, of course! But, I can even help with a solid crew if an... existing boat might require it!" Swinging back around, he slides in closer to Merrisol and Ruby while leaning forward to peer at the maps again, sizing it all up like a General in the command tent. He looks over to Merri, then the maps, then looks back to the Warden as something clicks in his brain and his eyes brighten with the remembrance, "You know, Warden, I think you may not have been yourself when you attended the Mandrake party, come to think of it! Well then! It's good to meet you at last!" Blue eyes then glance up to Keryk as his grin widens with some mischief and he fires off a wink in his direction.

Keryk returned the look gratefully and with a shake of his head, standing as he looked to the both of the newcomers. Grinning at Ashby, he offered a bow. "Ah! Now I believe I know who you are sir. My apologies Duke, and congratulations on your recent nuptials." He looked to Ashby and Ryika. "I am Keryk Cathcart, of Chantris." Beyond that he offered no other titles, though he wore a silver custos' sword and the golden gear of a Begman engineer. "A pleasure to get to meet you at last."

Merrisol pauses over Ashby's prompt, then affects a facial shrug with his brows and mouth. "I see. Some parts of my Lost Year were not well documented. It's like Amnesia all over again," he smirks, offering a more genial nod. "Captain Merrisol works. The Warden title means nothing above the waves, and saves on confusion this close to Arden." He leans back to retrieve his coffee cup, and subsides to monitor the new arrivals to the salon.

Raphaela enters, late (odd thing for those who know her. Punctuallity is one of her petty peevses), hugging a notebook and apologizing as she tucks a tress that in hurry escaped her braid that keeps overgrown bangs away (bangs. bad idea). "My pardon, I have been delayed beyond expectations." she bows apologetically to the group. "Raphaela de Sorgo, for those who I had not had chance to meet."

Ruby offers a weak smile to the room at large. The kind usually reserved for drinking unpurified water from another realm's river. She clenches her abs and clears her throat. To Ashby she rasps, "Well, any sort 'o assistance be grand." Her voice should lower conspiratorially, but it actually raises like an Aunt gossiping at a family gathering. It carries. "Truth be told, I be a wee bit worried 'o tha previous reputation 'o tha Pathfinders from years gone by. There still some skele-tons, not tah mention a divide between Oberon's bloodline...an those tha don't fuss with tha pattern." Ruby uses Merrisol as an easy example and gestures with a swirly finger towards the Rebman. "We only be strongah if we 'ave more diversity...even gills." She offers an augmented gassy smile for a non-existant photo op.

The mention of his marriage has Ashby de'Mandrake brightening even further, if such a thing is possible! The eyes sparkle with delight! His grin grows still wider! The chest puffs with a bit of pride! "Ah! And to you as well, Lord Keryk!" A grave expression washes over Ashby as he nods understandingly to Merrisol, "Ah, as one who has been afflicted by such things, I do apologize!" But, talk of Wardens brings his grin back in short order, "Hah! Can you imagine someone confusing you with Prince Julian! My word!" A sharper nod is given, a sip of brandy stolen, and then he continues, "Captain Merrisol, it is!" The Duke's head whips to the entrance and he exclaims immediately, "Baroness! Good to see you!" This conspiratorial tone from Ruby draws him in closer with steps that seem more at place on the theaters of Montevalno. "Oooo! Fascinating! Well, I've seen you in action in the field and have every confidence in you! The work is important and I rather like the notion of steady paths for travel and trade out on the waters, so House Chantris stands at the ready, of course! Write me anytime with what you require and I'll see what I might be able to do! I'll see about getting you a Trump to hand off for a team who might need a boost in a pinch, hmmm?"

Ryika brings her coffee cup over to nudge in next to Merrisol, fairly well assuming that she's welcome, even without asking. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Keryk, and Raphaela. I think that we've supposed to have met time and time again, but Captain Merrisol's not the only one missing time, and feeling like an amnesiac all over again."

Jess returns to the Grand Salon in less than style, simply passing the entrance and looking around. She circles the room again, reviewing everyone present with a curious eye.

Keryk smiled and nodded to his business partner as Raphaela entered the room, raising a hand in greeting. "Raphaela! It's been too long since we caught up. Which we really should do. But it's good to see you again." Grinning at Ashby, he nodded in agreement when the Duke of Chantris spoke on the house's desire to assist. He looked to Ryika and nodded. "And to you miss. I don't recall it, but then if I didn't, how would I?"

Ruby offers greetings to Ryika and Raphaela when she aligns herself more in the here and now. "Aye, Ashby. Trumps do come in 'andy in those dire situations. Your charge 'o tha foight brigade was impressive. Sure as sure you could boost a troubled team via morale or strength 'o arms." She bobs her head three times, and gestures to Ryika and then Raphaela, "Aye, good tah see you again Ryika. Takin a small break from tha recent Alhambran poli-ticks and powder kegs? An good tah see Baroness from Sorgoo. I 'ear you've both 'ave 'istory with R.P.C. already, so tha's grand."

For her part, Jessica moves to the table while introductions are travelling around, taking a closer look at the maps and scraps provided.

Ryika winks to Ruby. "Just don't tell Alhambra that their Noor has snuck out the back door for a few hours, hmm? Thank goodness for mirror travel, it makes this possible." She is willing to settle back, watching people and drinking coffee. "I have worked indirectly with the RPC in the past, although I expect with my current positions, I am likely more of a patron than a potentially active member these days."

Gazing across the salon when Raphaela makes her appearance, Merrisol stops his coffee-drinking and smiles in welcome, though when he figures out she is here as an inducted member, he looks more than pleased. So gonna choose that PokeRaph! He starts to speak, but it does seem like standing with the Duke Chantris and Ruby means contending with nonstop jabber. He turns to appraise Ashby once more upon learning of further qualities over which they might sometime bond. He glances at Ruby again, then back to Ashby, then over and down to Ryika as she joins, to slip his free arm around and cup her shoulder for a warm squeeze of greeting. "For a disparate lot of outta-timers, I suppose we have managed fairly well.." he ventures, though reserving some curiosity for Ruby's comments regarding Alhambran politics.
As Jessica comes closer to the table, he angles her a nod.

Raphaela kind of twitches at Ashby's exclamation and smiles at people as they speak or otherwise come in focus, nodding to Keryk's note on meeting up. She offers to Ruby "As someone in charge of trade and a fleet, also wanting to inspect and test Sorgo seals on shadowpaths, I am very glad to be here if I may be of any assistance."

"Of course, Captain Merrisol! Strong spirits and destiny!" The movement continues straight on past Ruby with Ashby nodding his head and waving with some sense of modesty. Or maybe an attempt at it! As he passes behind her, he lifts the snifter of brandy back up again to drain it in a swift and smooth motion, reappearing around the other side of her with an empty glass that he leaves on the table. "Excellent! Good Hunting, to you and yours, Captain Incarnate! With a team such as this, I am sure those paths will be set in no time!" A finger is brandished and hoisted up high at this declaration, all the while he surveys the group assembled. His hat is collected and his other hand fishes out a Trump, which his attention then turns to. "Be well, everyone! There is no problem we cannot conquer together!" With that, he flattens into two dimensions and disappears with a flash of rainbow!

Raphaela does not roll her eyes. It is a success story.

As talk of trade and fleets went on, Keryk joined Jessica at the maps, looking them over. He couldn't help but chuckle at Begma before turning his attention to the Pathi marker, brow furrowing slightly as he started flipping through his notes.

Ruby blinks away the afterimage of Ashby's exit. "What 'e said. By degrees. There certainly be an adventure in sortin out tha differin reports, rumours an she-said 'e-said. It almost loike tha Pathfoinder be erected from tha ground oop. Logistics will take some wrestlin. We keep it simple an efficient as we can for teams an cells tha attack these problems. Team 'OcusPocus, Team frozen-nubbins an Team Bleed...Uh, s'pose they need better monikers. If you just want tah pa-tre-o-nize tha efforts tah one or more 'o those, this can be done. I be a strong supporter 'o trade in all forms. Beyond tha destiny flippityfloo talk, trade between realms ensure tha real 'ealth 'o Amber."

"Really Captain Incarnate? That's what you started with for 'Team' names?" Jessica shakes her head with a smile, "These details are all very interesting." The redhead in dark waves her hand over the maps, "But do we have any idea where Pathi ended up? I heard rumors of storms and cities rizing from the waves, but does anyone know where it actually ended up, or are we casting through the entire circle for it?"

Keryk looked up from the maps and grinned. "I'm not so sure they do Captain Incarnate. I quite like Team HocusPocus myself. Much better than being on Team Frozen-Nubbins." He chuckled, looking to Jessica at her question and scratching his chin. "I'd say the answer to that is... roughly? We were there... Shao and I were already discussing trying to find a way to get back. Certainly that nexus point itself shouldn't be too hard to find. It was connecting Kitezh, Tanus and Begma above the space of Pathi. That must leave... something to track." He looked around the room and shrugged, no pattern walker himself. He thought for a moment. "Speaking of fleets and such... how long would say the delay is communicating between ships? Seconds? Minutes? Instantaneous?" He looked from Ruby to Raphaela.

"And the health of the Corps too," mutters Merrisol to Ruby. "Speaking of commerce. When you accept ship and crew donations, be clear on whether that includes all provisions and danger wages for an extended shadow journey." On that gloomy logistics note, Merrisol excuses himself from the table and Pathi discussion to return to his settee with the jumble of finance ledgers.

Raphaela says "Network of pathways is all a net keeping things together, I have no doubt over that." she nods to Ruby "I can't claim vast knowledge on shadow paths and shadow manipulation, but I learn quick, and maybe eI can offer something from my perspective one never knows." she then headtilts to hear the answer. "What the hell are frozen nubbins?" she mutters to herself in the meantime.

"It occurs to me that I probably am not supposed to admit this, but I have absolutely no idea what the Pathfinders are currently doing." Ryika comments thoughtfully to the room at large. "I really need a cheat sheet, or possibly just a translator on what's going on, and what needs doing. Possibly also in terms and sentences suitable for a small child, which I suspect is all my brain is currently accepting, unless we're discussing djinn." She gestures vaguely over things.

Ruby flutters her lips and gestures non-committally with her hands. She mangles an invisible piece of playdoh and rolls it towards the Pathi discussion participants. "Depends on tha method you use. I know Chantris 'as ways tah give a ~dry Willie~ tah earholes from some distance, an there be other tricks, but if it be by Trump, then it be as instant as it can be. Trumps ain't infestin tha fleet, an depends on tha people venturin forth. It ~would~ be good tah 'ave someone tha can communicate while others be pattern-shiftin, fightin off 'orrors or sailin. Someone make a note 'o tha..."
Ruby yammers to Ryika, "Pathi, Kitezh an Cibola 'ave shadowpath problems. First one doesn't 'ave one and won't admit tah wantin one, second was gettin one an then tha effort stalled out, an tha third one be bruised so visitin it be loike sailin through tha bloody apocalypse. We ain't focusin on one path. Eggs are bein spread intah multiple baskets, because 'onestly...some will feel more strongly for one realm than another."

Jessica nods to Keryk and Ruby's status, "I have no memory of any of them, but I have found that my heritage ties me to Pathi, so I am more interested in that than the others." She shrugs slightly, "But I am a child in these matters. I have barely walked the Pattern, have no knowledge of the deep nature of shadow or the walking of paths."

"I have not found many other methods of communication that poke the inside of your brain other than trumps. Most wait for you to notice that there is something waiting for you, or hope that someone is right there waiting for a message." Ryika comments on the topic of communicating between ships. "Travel for a single person, mirror mages are the fastest.. usually. Except when we're not, but that's a whole other school of fish." She frowns a little, listening to Ruby. "Kitezh is still a challenge? I remember working on that one.. feels like forever ago now. Hunh. Good to know. Is there value in coming at Cibola indirectly via Alhambra?"

Keryk was already making a note of that, nodding as he started sketching in his notebook. He seemed to leave the conversation for a bit, working out an increasingly large number of ideas. Finally he sat down, eyes half glazed over and pencil flying as he doodled. Something Jessica said at least seemed to snap out of it, and he looked to the woman briefly, then Ruby. "As to that... I know another in a similar situation, though he's not connected with the Royal Pathfinders." He paused and looked shifty eyed. "Yet... anyway... I might also have someone who can help rectify that. Offer some lessons in pattern walking." He shrugged and scratched at his hair with his pencil, gurning a bit as he stared at his notebook. "I think I'd like to take a crack at communication. I already know someone more than happy to stay back at base and keep watch over everything. Hell... he might love this." He made yet another note. "Hmmmrrmmm... also also also... traveling by land. Or over land. Overwatch positions... hmmm." And there he went.

Ruby has a mental hiccup and Merrisol's previous comment about commerce enters her forebrain. She squints and then nods. "Aye, sometimes voyages do tend tah...take some toime. Anyone on Pathfoinder busy-ness not doin this for charity. Not expect anyone tah risk their lives without gettin somethin out 'o it. I provide what I can, an current resources provide what they can. With successes, I 'ope tah deepen them resources."

"We need a diplomatic corp as well." Jessica adds, pulling out a set of notes, not for any of the problem paths, but for Minos, "There are two cultures on the route back to Minos, one antagonistic, the other perhaps a bit 'too' friendly." The redhead drops the note again, "We need to consider that at different stages along the way, we need people that are talkers as much as fighters."

Ruby comments on Cibola, "Possibly? But tha problem be tha Node in tha center 'o tha Path. 'Ealin tha bruise be easier than makin a new path...an recent appraisal 'o tha path suggests tha leavin tha bruise is sendin 'orrible ripples tah reflections 'o Cibola. Tha trickle down is disasterous. Ignorin it will make it worse. I've chosen tah tackle Cibola with a group personally."
Ruby says, "Talkers be an asset. We should use tha Ambassador's tah Amber whenever possible, as tha be in their wheelhouse an authority. When in tha field, if you don't 'ave them, then 'ave tah make doo with silver-tongues on board."

Ryika nods to Ruby. "I've been hearing rumours. I had wondered if coming at it from both sides, so to speak, might offer some perspective." She quirks a half smile. "If I am present, I dare say I qualify as a 'talker', far more than a fighter." She coughs lightly. "Possibly not so much to Minos, however." She glances to Jessica and nods in agreement.

Raphaela offers "Talking is my forte. I can keep track of who is who and in which order to talk to them and how to levarage."
Raphaela lifts a finger and excuses herself to a corner to scribble herself.

From his current head space, Keryk gave a brief shudder at the mention of Cibolan waters and what might lay within them. He frowned at that, making yet another sketch and flipping the page over. He eyed Ryika and Jessica, specifically the latter. "I don't suppose you happen to be a musician, would you? We'll need... well... frankly a big, brass band wouldn't go amiss..." More notes, more notes. He finally set the book aside and brushed his jacket off as he stood, making his way over to the drinks cabinet. He smiled at Raphaela, grinning as she headed off herself. "Hmm... I suppose I should actually start thinking about putting a regular crew together. And start training other pilots as well." He tapped a finger against his chin. "Cibola... Kitezh... Pathi. Hrmph. The last two were linked somehow..."

Jessica shakes her head, "Musician? I can carry a tune, but my artistic talents lie elsewhere." She nods, "I have a ship, the Storm Chaser. Not large, but she doesn't need much crew. I've been exploring the outer shadows a bit."

Nodding absently, Keryk returned to the maps, taking a sip of his drink. "Hmm... next time you do, mind some company? I have a few devices I could stand to test in a few of the deeper shadows." Grinning, he shrugged. "A tune should at least be enough for communication purposes, and likely not even that. I tend to be on the lookout for potential flight candidates."

Merrisol closes up the books and quietly putters about, restacking them in the filing box that was brought to the salon for meeting purposes.

"You communicate long distances via music?" Ryika asks curiously of Keryk, sipping from her coffee and coming closer. "I know precious little about the depths of Chantris, something I really need to fix. So much to learn, never enough time." She shakes her head at both of them. "What's an airplane?"

Keryk grinned, shaking his head. "Can't say I know what an airplane is either. But I have an aethership..." He looked to Ryika. "Which is piloted by playing music. The communication idea is a different project. But I'm hoping to train more people to captain it, so I can start building more. I had the idea that if each team had at least one aethership they could bring with them, it would make scouting a good deal easier, as well as carrying resources overland. Only so much of the trip will be by sea, after all. They might help improve communication between those who make for land and those who stay on the ship. Though... that's still not what I meant." He chuckled. "That's going to be more about resonance, and seeing exactly how far certain ideas can be taken when you're dealing with a seperation of an entire Shadow. But localized communication... I think I might be able to manage that. I've done it before, if crudely."

"I don't know exactly how it works, but it's this flying ship that doesn't use a balloon and has fixed wings." Jessica shakes her head, "The further into shadow you go, the wierder stuff you find. I am a Sailor, and as I said, I don't like how enclosed they make you feel." She considers Keryk's explanation, "Those do sound interesting, but did I not hear you make a comment that such things do not work in Amber? That would limit their usefulness in this endeavor."

"Hrm." Ryika considers the notion of an aethership piloted by music, and flying ships with fixed wings. "I'm Queen of Banyan, weird is fairly standard for my life." She smirks just a touch, a hint of a chuckle before she settles more serious again. "Are you looking to enhance the music and resonance? Must be, if we're talking cross-Shadow. Communication gets complicated quickly, purely by virtue of my own flavours of skills, I tend to rely on mirrors more than most, but that is not wholly helpful to others. The distinction between skills in different places makes it very complicated and makes trumps so very popular."

Keryk nodded. "In Amber? Yes. At the moment that's not a rubicon I've managed to leapfrog. Though I could design one that could work just fine on the water. I have every intention of doing so, if I can pull together all the resources I need. Then... well... But in Shadow it works perfectly well. The Fairly Dauntless was built in Tanus and has been over multiple shadows since. Partly how we got to Pathi." He smiled. "If it makes you feel better, she's got an observation deck you stand up on. Heck, on a nice day or if you really need to see where you're going, you can captain from up there. You just.. have to be really comfortable with heights and trust in the harness."

The heavy metal custos's eyebrows went up clear to his hairline at that announcement, slapping a hand over his face. "My apologies for not having greeted you more appropriately your higheness. I'll be the first to admit that my head tends to be filled too often with my research. As to your question... of a sort. In terms of communication, I speak of resonance mostly because it's the word I thought up most immediately. Quantum entanglement might be better? Basically, each ship has a device. Each other device corresponds to a particular... symbol, marking... what have you. Set it to the right marking and start writing. The... resonance on the other end spells it out. It's a method of communication already in existence, but this would be easier for anyone to use. And more importantly, anyone could easily be trained in their use. A mix of Begman technology, cross shadow mechanisms and well... some creative messing about on my part." He looked a bit sheepish at that. "At any rate, I think I could train a fair few operators if given the chance. Not that I've taught much before." He shruged.

"Heights is not a difficulty for me. I rather enjoy them, when I am not trapped inside a little box." She offers a slight bow to Ryika, "Forgive me, but where is Banyan your majesty? I thought I had learned all the Golden Circle shadows."

"It is fine, Keryk. I do not wear any outward symbols of that .. or currently any other rank that most would recognize. I left my regalia in Alhambra, or in Banyan, as is appropriate." Ryika turns to Jessica at her question and gestures. "It is not a Golden Circle Shadow. It is a place were, until relatively recently, it was beyond where pattern walkers coudl shift to, at the edge of shadow just before all becomes Chaos.. It has been under Corwin's control for quite some time, and he is King there, and as his wife, I am Queen." She gives a little shudder at the mention of 'really comfortable with heights' and 'trust in the harness'. Clearly someone is probably not the former and unlikely to be the later. "That sounds absolutely /fascinating/, Keryk. I would love to see that in action."

Keryk's eyes got a bit wider, even as he shook his head and laughed. "Oh lord I need to pay more attention to the city I live in... but as you say Ryika. I've never been one for titles myself." He thought about that. "Though in school I figured out this great stuff to make your hair do what you want, and for a while people were calling me Your Royal Bouffantiness. Yet heavy is the head that wears the crown. That stuff was super, super flammable..." He rolled his eyes and went on. "I doubt you'll be surprised to know I've never been to Banyan. I've only seen Alhambra by air myself. And only at night when people were less likely to notice. But I'm always more than happy to take people up and around. Show them how it works. Some knowledge of Begman engineering may be required to safely and fully pilot though." He shrugged helpessly there.

Jessica considers Ryika's explanation of her various titles, and her bow is slightly deeper, "And this makes you Lady Regent of Amber. A powerful woman on many fronts." She smiles, "I don't think my name has been bandied about yet. Jessica, of Minos and and supposedly Pathi, though I have never been there."

Keryk looked to Jessica, rather curious. "You can understand the language? Make use of the Arcanis Terms and Commands?" He chuckled. "My wife is Pathi as well, and she's been monitoring my progress. Unfortunately that's been halted a bit while I get myself up to snuff as a custos."

"As much as I would be delighted to have more people visit Alhambra, perhaps if you could not visit by air just right now while we're in a bit of a .. challenging time in Alhambra." Ryika coughs softly. "Yes, I am Lady Regant of Amber, and if we're truly playing this game, I recently became Noor of Alhambra." She flashes a bright smile. "I can't let my husband have all the fun.. or possibly just not all the work." She nods to Jessica and smiles. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Jessica. I have only visited Minos when it was having its own hard times." She holds up her hands to Keryk. "I have no desire to pilot, but a ride would be lovely, sometime."

"I can only 'sense' magic somewhat. I have had no training in Pathi, nor even been formally tested." Jessica brushes her fingers through her red hair, "But I am of Oberon, and it was Bleys who convinced me to walk the pattern... so I should be able to learn the arts, given time."
Melina enters the room and looks about at those gatherered all of whom she's met at least once and approaches Keryk and those he converses with, giving a polite curtsey to ryika "your highness, cousin, mistress jessica. good evening to you all"

Keryk nodded, chuckling. "Of course. By night it's hard visible as anything more than one additional star in the night sky. But I do tend to keep her grounded for the most part, and try not to scare any of the native populace." Grinning, he took a sip of his drink and toasted Ryika. "Happy to, happy to. Maybe I can convince you and your husband to invest. But I am always certainly happy to show off." He nodded to Jessica. "Well, my own studies may not have been as furthered as I'd like them to be, but if you ever want another head to put together with yours over Arcanis or Pathi, do let me know." He grinned as Melina entered the room and raised a hand to her, patting his cousin on the shoulder. "Melina's been in one of my airships. You had fun right?"

"Good evening Melina." Ryika greets the woman as she enters and then laughs softly to Keryk. "Alhambrans.. some of us at least.. follow the stars very closely. I promise that your trips have been noted, if you appear as an additional star in the sky. Still, to see a machine in the air during the day would end poorly. Alhambra is not very.. open minded about magic." She takes a sip from her coffee and there's a flicker of a smile. "Well, being of the blood of Oberon doesn't automatically open up every path, but those damnned bloody birds are stunningly useful."

"I have heard that I have many paths open to me by walking the pattern, and that does not even count my Pathi Blood and smithing skills I could advance." Jessica shrugs with a wry grin, "In fact, having no memories, I seem to be overwhelmed with options.. all of which take time."

Keryk chuckled, if a bit ruefully and sighed. "Indeed. Still, while pattern walking is limited to the line of Oberon, Arcanis is, at least, not limited to the Pathi. Or... not entirely." He nodded. "Time and time and more of it. But a fairly easy commodity to come by." Looking to Ryika, he frowned a bit at that but nodded. "Hmm... not something I'd considered, but something I will from now on. And definitely no flying during the day, unles it's over Begma." He scratched his chin. "Hmm... seems perhaps I've chosen two of the fields most likely to worry someone. Ah well, ever onwards and upwards to something new, right?" He chuckled at Melina, shrugging. "The harnesses definitely. And maybe get a few more of those little baggies if he ever tries to take another crack at it."

"Absolutely. Walking the pattern opens up all sorts of options, so very many that are not open to those of us who are not of the blood." Ryika agrees and her expression turns sympathetic. "I have to admit, there was some portion of me quite grateful to determine that I could not be of the family, as it gave me more focus as I was reclaiming who I was, but still. There are those of the blood of Oberon who feel that it is the be all and end all and opens ALL paths.." She nods to Keryk at his words and then gives a shrug. "Few remember the Star Charters, or Alhambra's skills with the stars. We are, at the moment, rather few and far between in Amber. The djinn lines are better represented."

"Time is not easy to come by." Jessica says to Keryk, "It is slow to arrive, and you never have enough of it." Ah the complaints of youth. But the redhead takes an interest in Ryika's comment about the Alhambran's magics, "Are these Star Charters like the use of Chart and Compass that the Minosian's use?"

Melina sighs "so many ancient cultures to learn of. all connected but many perfectly hellbent on pretending we're not. I'm somewhat cursed with the belief that no one bloodline nation has inherent superiority over another. makes me a bit of an oddball

The talk of Oberons and those that are not, draws the attention of others in the room for the meeting. Nothing too blatant like Body Snatchers opening their mouths and howling with pointed fingers, or the room falling silent, but rather more glances towards opinions being offered. Arched eyebrows, thoughtful expressions, nursing a pipe or drink. There's generally two camps, the have's and the have-nots.

Keryk raised a brow curiously at Ryika, catching on something she said. "Star Charters? You map the skies above Alhambra? Is this somethng anyone can learn, or a matter of blood?" He looked a bit hopeful but mostly just interested. "I have been considering the matter of Shadow cartography for a while now, both in terms of traveling through the pattern and in specific shadows themselves. Though there's only so much I can do on my own at the moment." He grinned at Jessica and shrugged. "Oddly enough, I tend to find that while there might not be enough time, it's always around so long as I have something to do with it. And I find I have plenty to do all days. Though I would hardly mind more. Maybe one day I'll figure out how to make that happen." He laughed, grinning at his cousin. "Not such an oddball. Blood is blood, and that's all well and good. In many ways it defines us in Amber and in Shadow, but blood is not all. As they say, 'Blood is thicker than water, but water is what you choose.' And while blood can define us, it certainly shouldn't be all that does so. And while perhaps some things are truly only carried within the blood, blood only gets you so far. No matter who you are, talent, skill and hard work have to get you the rest of the way. If you actually want to do anything with yourself..." He frowned, flushing slightly at his little lecture and taking a drink.

"Time is something you probably have quite a bit of, truthfully. You can have an awful lot of all the things you're looking for, but you cant' have them all at once." Ryika comments to Jessica with a little shrug. She considers Melina's words and then her smile is gentle. "I know where my skills and abilities lie. I make no secret that I am not of Oberon's bloodline, for the best really, when one considers my husband, and there are things that I cannot do. Cannot know. Does that make me inferior? Many say yes." She manages not to turn and look at those who glance, but her words might be taken as such. "Sometimes it is hard to hold onto one's sense of accomplishement in the face of it, but the worlds cannot be inhabited by Oberon spawn alone, no matter /how/ much the family tries."

Ryika turns to the question of the Star Charters and nods slowly. "We do map the skies above Alhambra, and most other places that we visit, yes. The mapping can be learned, the ability to travel using the stars is one of blood. We are few, those of us who continue that tradition, but yes. I should think that your Charts from Minos would be akin, but not quite the same. I have never compared the two, to be truthful."

"I won't deny I am happy to have the power to travel shadow from my connection to Oberon." admits Jessica, perhaps addressing the crowd or just continuing the conversation, "But the ability of those who do not have that benefit of chance to accomplish much the same results." She shakes her head, "I think they are the people who should be admired... hard work and dedication..."

Melina laughs "You think like me cousin, but that is not the reality of life in Amber. Not choosing a side is to have doors on both sides firmly slammed in your face. To hold the middle line of any division for long, you have to be a bit crazy or believe the fate of everything is at stake if we don't start prioritizing our similarities over our differences. I firmly believe the latter and may well be the former

Keryk nodded, looking rather pleased with the answer from Ryika. "Then I'll definitely have to consider an extended trip to Alhambra. By... conventional methods, I promise." Grinning, he looked to Jessica then and shook his head. "It's not about starting with more or less. It's simply applying what you have. Like you said, there are plenty of ways to get through Shadow. But in the same way that if I don't learn them, I can't make use of them, if someone who bears the blood of Oberon puts no effort into extending the abilities it offers and training them, what difference does it make? How are they any different from me in that regard. So I guess you are right. Hard work and dedication is what should truly be admired." He scrubbed a hand through the back of his hair, taking another drink to hide his face. "Hrm... And on the other hand, if you do decide to take that route and exercise those abilities, they're INCREDIBLY useful, and should be put to best use, hopefully in a way that brings something better for as many people as possible." He frowned at Melina's comment, almost close to a pout and shook his head again. "Double hrmph. And a pshaw besides. What sides are there to even pick? I am either for the what...? ... rule of the line of Oberon? The idea of them? One or two in particular? Or entirely against? Says who? And I am a Begman dear cousin. One now studying the secrets of Arcanis. Doors that are shut are doors that require tactical knocking. Sometimes that knocking goes boom, but I'll get the door open." He shrugged. "Maybe I am like you. I know the stakes. They've been shared with me on more than one occasion." He shuddered at a passing memory. "But I think there should be... greater reasons than that to cooperate. I have them certainly. I'm sure others do. It would be bloody mass hysteria otherwise." He snorted, looking up and around at the collected individuals and whatever stares he might get and shrugged. "Eh. I've called a heretic so many times the word's lost all meaning."

"I travel shadow too." Ryika points out to Jessica. "I do it differently, and sometimes not as efficiently.. so far the one thing that I routinely harass my spouse or in laws for is sending messages with pattern birds. That trick is almost enough to make me envious. Almost." She winks to Melina. "I think the life of a diplomat is learning how to hold both doors open, just a smidge. It's not an easy task, that's certain. So many think in terms of Others." She glances over to the doorway where a courtier in black and silver loiters, politely waiting to catch Ryika's attention and she nods, rising to her feet.

"You'd be welcome in Alhambra anytime, Keryk. If you do wish to arrive in slightly less conventional manner, contact me at the Palace in Alhambra, or at least my people there. Please do visit, I would welcome the distractions at the moment. Take care, all of you." Ryika sets her coffee cup down. "Good night." She moves to exit the room, the courtier falling in step next to her, and passing along a message as they walk.

Jessica glances out the window, "I should be heading out. I do have a meeting with the Pathi ambassador in the next few days, so will speak to her about our project. We've been discussing working on shadow paths from Amber to the Circle... but what if we start on the other ends? Figure out how to start in Pathi and work our way out from there."

Desmond passes the Lady in Alhambran dress. He gives her a respectful nod as she passes. He casts a curious, observant look at the gathering. Raising an eyebrow at the snippets of conversation he has caught his gaze centers on the fellow wearing the glasses, and carrying the cane.

Keryk smiled at Ryika, chuckling. "Happily, though I hardly mind. I would love to make the visit. I'll send a message before I do. Even if I arrive by conventional methods, my methods in general are hardly conventional." He chuckled, bowing to the woman. "Be well Ryika. It was an honor and a pleasure to be able to speak with you this afternoon." He smiled at Jessica. "Do say hi to Ambassador Autumn for me, would you? I'm still working on drawing up my proposal. Though i think that is an ingenious idea." As Ryika left and Desmond came in, Keryk smiled at his fellow custos, raising a hand. "Desmond! Good to see you again. How have you been?

Melina gives a slight bow to the departing Ryika "Good night your highness" she hms at Jessica's suggestion "well that would depend on being able to find the other ..."she pauses and spins at the sound of desmond's name flashing the man a smile "good evening"

Desmond gives a bow of greeting to the gathering, and says, "Katherina, as always it is a pleasure, and an Honor." He turns his attention to Keryk, "Hello, my Begman friend. I couldn't help but hear the questions you asked. So I will answer. Yes, Yes, Yes, No, and you have my sympathy for having to call that place your homeland." He gives the Custos a stern look for a moment, and then winks.

Kery snorted and shook his head, reaching over to clasp Desmond by the arm. "Desmond! Good to see you again. And I'm glad someone has answers." He chuckled. "Also, I was born and raised in Amber. I -choose- to go to Begma and study their technology. So there." He laughed again at the look and wink. "How have you been? All is well I hope?"

Melina grins and nods as if she's followed the whole thing "Only one or two, that's generous of you. It's always a pleasure to see you as well." she looks tired but the is air of confidence sbout the woman today as if a weight of some kind has been lifted from her shoulders

Desmond returns the clasp, and grins, "I'm well, and you look none the worse for wear. Looks like you've gained weight since I've seen you last." Turning to Melina he gives her a once over, "You alright Envoy? Anything I can assist with?"

Keryk looked down at himself and chuckled, shrugging. "Muscle maybe... though I eat a bit better now that I have someone making sure I bother regularly." He grinned. "I'm glad to hear it. Doing alright all in all, thank you."

Melina smiles "It has been a long few days. I went home to Lyonesse but it turned out well. My sister has earned knighthood. It was no small task. I am quite proud. It is good to see you

Desmond's look at the Solaris is a mixture of happiness, and curiousity. "It's good to see you too Katherina. I hear a story in there somewhere." He shakes his head, "That will make her more insufferable than she already is, you know?" He looks to the two of them. "I do apologize for intruding upon your gathering. But I heard voices, and..." He shrugs.

Keryk nodded, smiling at his cousin. "Wonderful news! I'll have to stop by sometime to offer my congratulations in person. And I'm glad that everything's gone well. It does indeed sound like a tale." He shook his head to Desmond. "Not all. For the most part our meeting has ended for the moment. We all have our projects and roles. A matter now of filling them properly."

Melina blinks "You find my sister insufferable. Take care, sir. We /do/ share blood, but she's still grinning. I should be getting some rest, however. Good night"

Desmond bows to Melina as he gives her a grin, "Rest Well, and May The Unicorn Be With You."

Desmond watches the Solaris depart with a detached gaze, and then turns his attention upon the Begman. "So, how is your swordplay these days?"
Keryk grinned at Desmond. "Getting rather a good deal better I'd say. Not perfect of course, but I'm moving far faster and my timing's improved enormously. Of course, swords are hardly all I fight with." He winked and took a drink. "But doing well thank you. I go through my paces regularly with Sullivan and Isobel, and I feel I'm well on my way to earning that golden sword. For now... I use my own equipment mostly.*

Desmond glances at the man's gear. "I see. Well, to each their own. You may get tagged one day though. And some of that stuff doesn't work in the places your ward may go. A sword, or a knife is pretty much useful everywhere." He shrugs, "It's not a critique, just an observation."

Keryk nodded. "Oh I well know. And thankfully at least, my sword is still useful as a sword, even if it won't function in any other way." Because swords were full of other functions. "Without my gear I'm not helpless. It's just what I have on hand. Though carrying a spare, mundane blade wouldn't be a bad idea really. Before and after I get my dragon blade."

Desmond nods, "Sounds like you are thinking straight. You said you were pursuing Arcanis. That's laudable, but it also doesn't hurt to have an ace or two up the sleeve. I believe you have that covered."

Keryk chuckled, shrugging. "I've the sort of mind that makes me want to be an engineer. Redundany and back up are my watch words. As I am also a Chantris, and not so foolish." He smiled, nodding. "I try to be as versatile as possible, within my bounds. I attack at the range I wish, as I wish, as often as I can. Keep my opponents guessing and wondering where I'm coming from."

Desmond laughs heartily. "You would make a good member of the Royal House." He steps back, and gives a slight bow. "My Friend, it's been a pleasure to talk to you. We must do this again, soon. Regretfully, I must take my leave of you for now."

Keryk chuckled, shrugging. "Well... I am a bit? By marriage at any rate. He nodded and patted Desmond on the shoulder. "Be well my friend. It was excellent to see you again. The royal pathfinders are preparing for journeys out, and I could use someone who knows Pathi and the Pattern. Trying to find people willing to learn a bit of Begman engineering so I can train others as pilots as well."

Desmond turns and starts to leave. "Call on me if you find yourself in need Ker. May The Unicorn Be With You."