Landon, Gray, Heldrik, Arrotel

[Thanos]

Once through the Trump a small motion and look from Heldrik sends the Orphans into reverse arrow formation around the group. With his cloak flung out behind him in a display of black cloth and gold trim billowing in the wind he takes point with Asmondson. As the group approaches the building Heldrik keeps an eye out for locations where ambush’s and snipers might take up residence and looks for the signs of such. Once inside the building Heldrik giving each of the people in the room a short looking over to make sure that there are no threats.

When the people in the room stop staring Heldrik almost visibly relaxes, but continues to remain vigilant eyes roaming the room in a regular pattern. Shortly there after when Gray starts giggling Heldrik will look down at her, mostly having missed the conversation in his concentration on security in this new place, and raise an eyebrow.

When she leans against his arm his face develops into a smile and his hand finds hers to give it a squeeze. Then its back to looking around and taking in the details.

[Wired*Nun]

How long might we be expecting to wait here?

"Oh, not long at all, my good man, a matter of minutes I suspect." True to his word, the concierge says, "The conveyance is ready, sir. This way."

Asmundson follows the man through a corridor to the front of the building, and into its front drive, paved with an amazingly flat black substance resembling, of all things (for those who have seen it before), asphalt. "It's called MacAdam, after the inventor. We snatched up the patent and intend to start making roads out of this new substance. It is an amalgam of petroleum oils, gravel, and sand, which, when properly laid, hardens into this wonderful surface."

An ominbus is waiting in the courtyard, large enough to seat everyone and more, pulled by a team of six draft horses. "We are also working on a steam engine small enough to power an omnibus like this, just as it does a train engine."

Loading up, the group proceeds several miles up a gently climbing road, and eventually, into a tunnel guarded by men with firearms. The driver lights lamps on the vehicle at all four corners, and makes his way at a walk down a long tunnel, finally debouching inside a cavern. He hops down and lights several gas lamps, which look to be fed by a large riveted gas tank mounted on blocks.

Even after the lamps are lit, the green glow from an opening on the other side is obvious. Shifting, moving, dancing, the glow is both attractive and repulsive, beautiful and worrisome, for the Amberites.

[Thanos]

Once out of the bus.
"Is anybody else feeling queasy?” says Heldrik tentatively.

Oh this is a bit different than looking at it through a lens. I wonder if I would have tried to move within 100 feet of the Flagstaff maze if the same feeling would have been present? Do I dare bring up the real pattern and take a look?

Heldrik will follow Asmondson warily towards the chamber, but stop if the uneasy feelings get to much worse.

[chalice]

Shortly there after when Gray starts giggling Heldrik will look down at her, mostly having missed the conversation in his concentration on security in this new place, and raise an eyebrow.
"Sorry," she whispers, between giggles. "Mother was lycan, you see, and ..." It's no good. Laughter gets the better of her again.

------------------------------------------------------------------



"Is anybody else feeling queasy?” says Heldrik tentatively Me, for one," Gray speaks through gritted teeth and has both hands curled into fists at her sides. She's staring at the light with revulsion; even a trace of fear.

It's wrong, all wrong. Hateful.

I will not lose control. I won't.

Her lips form the last thought as she repeats it to herself silently, digging her fingernails into her palms, resiting the urge to form claws, fangs, armour...to take some form that feels safer, stronger, more...appropriate.

[Wired*Nun]

[The feelings portrayed must be psychosomatic, as there is no particular physical cause for it.]

"Really?" says Asmundson. "I am sorry...I do not know why that would be. It fills me with joy and awe, myself. Perhaps your corresponding - Pattern, was it? - is jealous? I wonder what I would feel in the presence of your artifact? In fact, could I see it sometime?" He makes no move to go closer to the tunnel leading to the glow, obviously concerned with the welfare of his charges.

The Orphans finger the hilts of their swords and are looking around alertly, but do not seem to be experiencing any discomfort. Arthur is staring, fascinated, at the glow. "That's wierd, boss, kind of like that other thing you walked on. 'Cept that was blue."

[Icebird]

Arrotel seems to share none of the repulsion that the others feel- the welcoming and beautiful aspects drown out any worry he might be feeling.

"Odd. I feel the same as Asmundon. I have never really felt much devotion to the pattern- it has always seemed a tool to me, to be used, learned from and respected, but nothing more. Perhaps that is why this does not frighten me."

Or perhaps I'm simply more accepting of that which is new and strange.

To Asmundon- "If all works out well here in our mission, I believe that it could be arranged for you to see the pattern."

[chalice]

[OOC: yep, that 'mind over matter' thing just sucks if you're a shapeshifter]


"I wouldn't say I was devoted to the Pattern, either. But walking it almost killed me, and this reminds me of it. And of Jewel-light."

Gray seems to have herself back under control.

"Either way, aren't we supposed to take a closer look?"

[Wired*Nun]

"I was just waiting until you had decided you were fine to do so. Let us proceed, then."

Asmundson leads across the floor, towards the opening. Upon reaching it, the Amberites can see an enormous cavern, perhaps two hundred yards across. Inside is what Heldrik saw before. Pulsing, changing, shifting like a slow-motion wave of green glowing gel in an invisible swimming-pool, it defies explanation. There seems to be a starting-point partway around to the left.

[chalice]

"It's...absolutely incredible," Gray says to Asmundsen. "Have others of your Order walked it, or just yourself?"

[Wired*Nun]

"There are three now, but I was the first. The avatar selected all of us, for fitness for the Great Work I suspect. Once there are twelve initiates, and our training is complete, we will be given further instructions."

He steps toward the thing in the floor, and extends a hand. The nearest edge flexes outward, and touches his hand. A look of ecstacy comes across his face, and his whole body becomes limned in green for a moment. After a time he steps back, releasing the contact. "You see? Nothing to fear, as long as you are Chosen. If you are not, it will push you away, but not harm you."

[Thanos]

Heldrik looks to the left and looks to the right and then starts walking around the circumference of this new power getting a good look at it and feel from up close. Once he is sufficiently away from everybody else he puts his hand on his sword and pulls up the Sign of the Pattern to mind ready for a backlash, from the Maze. Heldrik has no hostile intent, just curiosity and concern.

[assuming he gets the sign up]
With a new perspective he continues around the cavern studying the Maze, but never trying to get on it or touch it.

[Wired*Nun]

From the others' perspective, the artifact extends a wave of itself, a glowing green pseudopod, at Heldrik, washing over him, then withdraws, leaving him standing with a bemused expression, almost a silly grin, on his face. His sword smokes and crackles, and green fumes rise from its length. The scabbard begins to burn, the nonmetallic pieces flaming and the metallic parts running and melting. Drops of metal land on his foot and begin to burn through, but Heldrik seems oblivious.

Asmundson gasps, then moves quickly toward Heldrik.

[Thanos]

[flashbacks]
…scented oils caress my nose as the expert hands of two enchanting woman massage my back. The knots and kinks fade into nothingness…a sunset touching the ocean reflecting an amber light to the clouds above turning them yellow, orange, red, and purple as a breeze gently brings the sent of lilacs with it…the first sip of coffee in the morning after smelling it brew…the brush of lips turning more passionate…the squeeze of a hand so familiar…


Ah………bliss such as this….so seldom…

[chalice]

"Heldrik!"

Gray springs to push him further away from the Maze, and to snatch the burning scabbard from him and fling it aside, heedless of the scorching of her own flesh.

"Heldrik!"

She shakes him, hard. If this gets no reaction, she strikes him sharply across the face.

"Wake up!"

[Wired*Nun]

Gray easily passes Asmondson on the fifty-yard dash, and Heldrik slowly comes to, feeling the burns on the top of his foot from the metal drops. The artifact is otherwise quiescent. Asmondson comes up puffing, and, reaching out to draw power from the Maze, he begins to chant some kind of spell, a look of concern on his face.

[Icebird]

Arrotel runs over, only a bit behind Asmundson. He looks very worried, until Heldrick wakes up, at which point his face lightens up.

"Interesting... What did that feel like? Other than the molten metal on the foot, I mean. It just reached up and engulfed you for a moment."

[Wired*Nun]

As Asmundson works his magic, the pain in Heldrik's foot deadens. "I've never seen it do that before, dear fellow, is your sword enchanted in some way? It seems as if their powers clashed. We are fortunate it was not more violent. I'd suggest getting it out of the way..." Asmundson remarks.

Heldrik realizes he now has an extremely sharp sword swinging around unshielded. The blade is of a reddish-gold tint, and contains a tracery of the Pattern...

[Thanos]

Heldrik seems dazed, but shaking him brings him out of it pretty much. He looks right at Gray’s face with wide eyes and says,
“Holly, what doest thou……” and then notices the Maze and Asmondson and Arrotel coming his direction at a quick pace.

“Ahhhouch”, he says and bends down to start pull his boot off, which takes a moment cause it’s a knee high. Off balance he lands on his butt, but does get his boot off quickly.

Looking up at the others he produces a small embarrassing smiles and says, “Well that’s what I get for invoking the Pattern for sight.” He seems to not answer Arrotel's question for the moment.

[Heldrik will accept any help that the others offer, and get the sword under control.]

[Wired*Nun]

Asmundson finishes his incantation, and says, "That will deaden the pain, and help it heal more quickly. Arrotel, would you help me carry him back away from Maze, and watch that blade, please." They carry him back to the entrance, and set him down for Agraynal to work her healing.

[chalice]

Gray kneels by Heldrik, examining the damage to his foot.

"I can fix this, but you'll have to relax and trust me," she says. "Can you do that?"



Eyes closed in concentration, Gray runs her fingers over the injuries, getting a feel for their nature and extent, then moves them to uninjured flesh, getting a feel for what [i]healthy is for Heldrik. Slowly and gently, she moves them down again, holding the feel of healthy and whole flesh in her mind, feeling it flow out from her hands to Heldrik's skin, quickening his own healing responses. There is a strange moment when it feels almost as if their flesh is flowing together...then the slow, light touch moves on, leaving tender but healed flesh behind it.

After as long as it takes, Gray sighs and opens her eyes and inspects her work. She looks tired; that seems to have taken quite some energy.

In a low, rather subdued voice, she asks :"Who is Holly, Heldrik...?"

[Icebird]

Arrotel will first draw the sword and set it aside, away from the Maze, then aid Asmundson with the carrying.

"Perhaps it will react more favorably to someone not carrying a pattern sword? I have heard that one with the true pattern imprint walking a broken one will retain his own image- this doesn't seem to be the same sort of thing, but it might be interesting to see what would happen if I walked it. I'm not about to go dashing off to try it without first experimenting more, but it would be interesting"

Dangerous, yes, but probably the best and fastest way to learn more since it seems we can't use the pattern to study it. Or we could call home for some advice...

[Thanos]

While he is being carried Heldrik tell Arrotel. “It felt good, like rapture, like….being punctured with joy.”
“Glad I moved away from you guys first or I might have stuck somebody with this,” he says indicating the sword as he wraps it in his cloak.

To Gray he says, “Thank you for the timely aid m’Lady, twas kind of you. Your help us much appreciated."

Relaxing Heldrik tries not to resist whatever Gray is doing. When she is done Heldrik is smiling at her.
[Gray asks about Holly]

Most of the blood in Heldrik’s face drains and after stammering for a moment, “…ahem, something we can talk about later perhaps?”

[chalice]

[Gray asks about Holly]

Most of the blood in Heldrik’s face drains and after stammering for a moment, “…ahem, something we can talk about later perhaps?”
Gray looks briefly stricken at the effect of her question and is quick with a

"Yes, of course."

Stupid, clumsy, I had no right to ask...

She returns her attention to the injury site, giving Heldrik the chance to get his expression and emotions under control.

"How does that feel? Afraid I can't do anything about your boots..." the ghost of a smile accompanies this rather feeble attempt at humour.

"Want to try standing up?" Getting to her own feet, she offers a hand to assist Heldrik.

[Thanos]

Heldrik smiles at her on the way up trying to be in good human and gives a little chuckle at her comment. Taking her hand he gingerly takes a step to find that things are as good as new or at least feels that way due to Asmondsons spell.
"Truly amazing Lady Agraynel. I am glad I have friends with such awesome talents to balance out my impetuous nature,” he says looking from Gray to Asmondson and finally to Arrotel.

[He looks at Landon as well if he came along with the others, but since he hasn’t had a chance to post I will leave it out.]

[chalice]

Gray looks at Arrotel.

"Are you really thinking of walking that thing? And - what do you mean by a broken Pattern?"

The latter puzzled question seems directed at the group as a whole, not just Arrotel.

[Thanos]

Heldrik looks concerned at Arrotel.

Arrotel dead upon the Maze and our primary mission not accomplished would likely loose my head and Landon’s from our shoulders at the hand of the Lord General. Very bad idea.

Ahems, “Arrotel, I think that it would be a very bad idea to walk the Maze. Blade or no blade we each carry the pattern within our very blood. We have come to do what we have been asked, which is to observe and report. I have already, with both pleasure and pain, established that it does not get along directly with Pattern. Lets not find out that it kills as well, OK?”

[Wired*Nun]

As everyone was dealing with the situation with Heldrik, no one was noticing Landon...until Arthur barks loudly (*HELP! GARROW HELP!*). The rest turn to see Landon fade into a rainbow, Arthur leaping into the effect to go with him. The glimpse of Landon they get shows him with a grimace of effort on his face, but it is too late.

The Maze did not react at all.

[Skip forward the obligatory trying by trump or any other obvious means to try to contact him. Finding him can be one of the goals of the whole thing, but later.]

[chalice]

[Skip forward the obligatory trying by trump or any other obvious means to try to contact him. Finding him can be one of the goals of the whole thing, but later.]
Just for the record, then: Gray turned to run towards Arthur as soon as he called for aid, apparently set on throwing herself after he and Landon, but was too late.

She then backs against one of the walls, staring in shock at the place where Landon was standing.

[Thanos]

Heldrik leaps over and retrieves his blade, rolling into a ready position. Once he sees that there are no other threats he takes a few steps closer to the group and says, "Well I have his trump, lets see if we can get him back or find out what is going on."
With that Heldrik tries to make contact. His brows furrow and after a minute or so a bead of sweet forms on his forehead, but nothing happens. With a sigh of defeat Heldrik looks at the others and for the first time he seems worried.
[Is the trump still cold?]
"Well then, does anybody have a trump of Flora, Amber, or an Elder on them. We have to let headquarters know that it seems Landon has been abducted. If not, I can get us there quickly, but you may not like it."

[Wired*Nun]

[yes]

[chalice]

[OOC: Ice, Thanos, what do you say to spending some of our 'ref-less'- time exchanging background info IC? As much as anyone cares to share, obviously. Since our characters don't know why Landon was taken, it would be good to know if anyone has personal, non-mission-related enemies who might come out of the woodwork and bite us...ooh, I love mixed metaphors...maybe Thanos could get us back to Amber and then we could kick off such a chat if you guys want to? What think?]

[Wired*Nun]

Or as I mentioned, you could join up at Jorden and get the whole group together for a bit...just a thought.

[chalice]

My suggestion was for some, not all of the time.

All meeting up would be great - I'm just not actually sure we have any way of contacting the guys in Jorden (not that we know where they are). Gray has a Trump of Eric, and that's it. Heldrik, as far as I know, has one of Landon. So unless Arrotel has a trump of Josh, Kat, Roland or Raevyn, I dunno how we contact them.

I think we can only get to the other group by going to Amber (or Benedict, who I assume can be contacted by Arrotel) first - which we would anyhow, to report Landon's disappearance. Someone there can then hopefully point us in the direction of the others...

[chalice]

"Well then, does anybody have a trump of Flora, Amber, or an Elder on them. We have to let headquarters know that it seems Landon has been abducted. If not, I can get us there quickly, but you may not like it."
Gray throws back her head and howls, a sound far more wolflike than human that subsides into a low keening. Still staring at the place Landon disappeared with eyes gone silver and wolf-like, she sounds like a dog fretting for its master.


It sems doubtful she even heard what Heldrik was saying.

[Thanos]

While Arrotel looks through his trumps, Heldrik puts away the one of Landon back into his breast pocket. Putting his sword into something near his belt it just disappears as he makes his way over to Gray. With a familiarity that is almost uncanny he puts his hand on the back her neck and gives her a rub up into her hair line and behind her right ear.
[assuming he doesn’t get his hand bit off]
“Its going to be alright, we will find him or get somebody who can,” he says with determination.

When Gray calms down , [if she calms down]
Heldrik’s demeanor turns from consolatory to hard and controlled as he looks over at Asmundson and the Orphans.
“We need to get the carriage ready for a hard trip, please attend to it.”

[chalice]

While Arrotel looks through his trumps, Heldrik puts away the one of Landon back into his breast pocket. Putting his sword into something near his belt it just disappears as he makes his way over to Gray. With a familiarity that is almost uncanny he puts his hand on the back her neck and gives her a rub up into her hair line and behind her right ear.

“Its going to be alright, we will find him or get somebody who can,” he says with determination.Gray leans into the comforting touch,and the keening subsides. Silver wolf-eyes shade back into human grey as she briefly leans against Heldrik, taking strength from their contact and the odd link between them.

After a silent moment, she straightens up and squares her slender shoulders.

"I'm sorry," she says, eyes downcast. "It's just...first my father gone, and now my brother..."

I'm afraid. I'm so afraid of being all alone again.

"I won't lose control again."


When Gray calms down
Heldrik’s demeanor turns from consolatory to hard and controlled as he looks over at Asmundson and the Orphans.
“We need to get the carriage ready for a hard trip, please attend to it.”"A hellride?"

[Icebird]

Arrotel seems too shocked to do anything, even breathe for a few moments. Then he shakes his head, glances at the maze and after a moments blinking, finally responds.

"No need for a hellride, at least not to Amber. I've got a trump of Benedict here, and he can probably get us anywhere we need to go that's well known pretty fast."

Panic later, calm now. I've now got two things on hold- both Joss' death and Landon's disapperance. Better deal with them soon, or I'll just break down, and probably at the worst time.

[chalice]

Gray finds a smile for Arrotel.

"Sounds good, cousin."

However, she looks to Heldrik for confirmation.


[OOC: which I am assuming is given]

[Thanos]

"The Lord General will do just fine, specially if he can give us an idea on where to go looking for Landon or give us a better idea as to whom his enemies might be. However, the latter I think Flora would be better suited to supply."

Yes, your father will be good. Hopefully he will know where we might go looking for Landon dearest. All this trumping about is giving me a case of nerves. It may be based on pattern, but anything that opens you up to direct mental contact is bound to get you geeked sooner or later.

“Something else we must visit is defending ourselves against another forced trump contact, which seems to have taken Landon. Arrotel, is there any way that we can pool our mental facilities to defend any one of us from being attacked via trump? Would one have to accept a call before others could help?”
[if there is, like a group holding hands or something?]
“We should plan then to help each other out immediately should any of us get a trump call.”

“Taking a worse case scenario approach, Landon was not alone in being hunted. Siodmak was rumored to be strong of mind and the way that Landon looked like he was being forced by someone. If not Siodmak then perhaps this chap named Dunstan whom the other group is investigating? Regardless we need to be prepared and have a plan for defense.”

“Asmundson, I am not sure how welcome you will be anywhere we might go forward considering the situation at hand. Just wanted to give you fair warning.”

[chalice]

"I suppose," says Gray, reluctantly, "that we can't be sure this isn't another game of Landon's. Or a test of some kind. But I don't think Arthur would lie to me...and he was calling for help." Hell of a lot of use I was, too.

[Thanos]

With a tone that is very flat, “If it is just a game, it will be the last I participate in. Calling wolf, when there is none will always bite you in the end.” Heldrik does not seem pleased at this possibility, but does give Gray a nod for bringing it up.

[Icebird]

Arrotel still seems a bit distant, but nods when Heldrick asks about the trump 'holding hands.'

"I've never done it, but if one of us alerted the others when we got a call, but before we accepted it, we could all group together. I've heard that this allows us to combine our efforts, and it has been done in the past, although usually when trying to push a contact through, instead of the other way around."

While saying this, he searches his pockets- there seem to be a rather large number, considering the type of clothing. Arrotel eventually pulls out the trump of Benedict, and concentrates.
[If it goes through, probably a safe assumption]
"Hi. Could you pull us, plus a shadow dweller with interesting powers through? We're in need of a fast ride home, and have some interesting and distressing information to share."

[chalice]

"At least Landon had the 'distress beacon' with him."

Gray moves to stand beside Arrotel and places her hand on his arm. She squeezes slightly, wordless concern for her cousin's shocked state evident, trying to give some small measure of comfort.

"I think you should come with us," she says, seriously, to Asmundsen.

Her free hand reaches out to clasp Heldrik's, and she prepares to go through the link.

[Thanos]

Heldrik motions for the Orphans to assume their normal trump passage positions.
[left hand on somebody to get pulled through, facing one to each flank and the rear, right hand ready to draw their blades]
Heldrik holds Gray’s and offers his own to Asmundson should he wish to accompany the group going forward.

Well at least this is somewhat exciting compared to my more peaceful existence back home.

[chalice]

[OOC: I am assuming we now go through to Benedict. That will have to move us into summary mode (as we have no actual Benedict)

Does something like:


'we go through, introduce Asmundsen and report on Landon's disappearance and the surrounding circumstances'

work for you guys?

When I say 'we report' I do, of course, mean ' Arrotel and Heldrik report, while Gray keeps quiet in the background' ;)

And what is our next move?]

[Shutter]

(Heldrik gets a Trump call)

[Thanos]

(Answered, I made a new thread for this so you can pull the others onto the same call if you like and we can do a conference type of thing.)

[Wired*Nun]

“Asmundson, I am not sure how welcome you will be anywhere we might go forward considering the situation at hand. Just wanted to give you fair warning.”
Asmundson replies, "I am confident, my good fellow, that you will be able to vouch for me in your realms. If, however, you advise me against going, or I shall be too much trouble I am perfectly comfortable here. After all, this is my home, and I am with my friends, my camerades, and my patron."


"Hi. Could you pull us, plus a shadow dweller with interesting powers through? We're in need of a fast ride home, and have some interesting and distressing information to share."
Benedict resolves quickly. It looks like he is in the field near Avalon. "If you wish," he says simply.

[Need to tell Asmundson whether he should come or not. He will defer to Heldrik as the apparent natural leader.]

When those who will, come through, Benedict says, "Do you need me specifically? Or simply a safe refuge?" [If so, we will go from there. If not, he will send the group riding back toward Castle Avalon, confident his son and associates will have no difficulties there, and will continue his field maneuvers with his troops.]

Some time after, Heldrik gets his Trump call.

[Icebird]

Unless Heldrick disagrees, Arrotel will bring Asmundson with the group to Avalon.

"Not you in specific, just a fast way home. Thanks."

Before leaving for the castle, Arrotel will give a very brief summary of the past time, leaving nothing important out. He'll also summon Telloth to Avalon.

[Thanos]

Heldrik does not disagree with having Asmundson along for the ride, just did his duty by him by warning about the dangers ahead.

[sorry if that was not clear]