Landon and Rebis

[Tamarind]

"There is already significant evidence present to point to the presence of a Logrus Master at the scene, the problem that has just occurred to me is that merely by speaking to any of a few dozen witnesses they can learn that there were three other strangers present also - I do not know how well known to them you are Landon but it seems unlikely they would fail to recognise you Corwin from even a sketchy description..."

How to surmount this problem?

[Wired*Nun]

Corwin smiles. "We've already been forgotten, there in that shadow. All except for your lovely companion, whom I thought you might like to remember everything...The Lake People will not even remember they had a Touchstone, and the Shore People had even less understanding to alter. I believe you are correct; the evidence of Logrus use and Primal Chaos will probably be sufficient. This is what comes from devious thinking, I can get TOO clever. I would suggest that we retrieve her and perhaps place her in a protected slow time for a while, until Amber turns its eye from there. She will hardly notice. In fact, Landon, if Helena wouldn't mind a guest..."

[Tamarind]

"An interesting solution - and an effective one. If they question it at all they will likely ascribe it to an effect on the Shadow of the removal of the 'broken pattern'..."

"I am grateful that you did not alter Sal'wey's memories, I would appreciate the chance to explain this turn of events to her myself. With your leave I will go now and remove her to a suitable shadow I know, some considerable distance hence. Once she is secure there I will return to the Shadow that held the Touchstone and wait for Fiona or Bleys...then when they arrive I can 'escape' to you via your Trump?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Actually, I really don't think you need wait for them, and endanger yourself. As you pointed out, just the residual evidence should be enough. I think I shall just ask Coral to keep an eye on Lakeshore, observe from a distance, and track whomever it is until they are satisfied with their investigation. See, this is why three heads are better than one." He pours himself another two fingers, and sips it slowly.

[Tamarind]

Rebis seems a little relieved,

"Indeed. I admit I did not relish the thought of that encounter...in that case I shall return in a short while."

He stands and bows slightly,

"Landon, Corwin."

A frown creases his features as he concentrates harder...

[Wired*Nun]

As Rebis tries to summon the Logrus, he encounters an insurmountable resistance. The Logrus is there, but he just can't reach it. Its as if it is attached to an unimaginably huge rock, which cannot be picked up.

"Rebis...the powers of Chaos are annulled here. The powers of the Primal are also greatly attenuated. Both of these are for my, and my Pattern's protection. Let us walk for a moment." Standing up, he leads the others outside, through his front garden, around and up the hill, to the plateau where stands the enormous ash tree. A handful of ravens sit in it, and one departs as they approach. Under the tree is the red '57 Chevy, the like of which Rebis has never really seen...it looks quite a strange and exotic device to his eyes.

Behind it glows a sight that makes Landon shiver, and sends a wave of fascination and longing through Rebis. The great shining Pattern, inscribed in the rock on which they stand, hammers at Rebis' mystic senses with unmistakable power. Only the Logrus ever made him feel this way before. The Touchstone was a pale imitation of this...purity.

"I call it Aurora, after the Roman Goddess of the Dawn. Rebis, Aurora, Aurora, Rebis. He is a friend. Aurora, please send Rebis to his true love, in Lakeshore."

That thing is done. Rebis stands within Sal'wey's dwelling, and catching sight of him, she throws herself into Rebis' arms, covering his mouth with hers, her eyes never closing as they meet his from above.

[Tamarind]

Wonder at his first encounter with a Pattern and regret that in his awestruck state he did not think to greet Oggsyldra are displaced as he sees Sal'wey...Long moments pass, joy mingled with relief in his eyes as he holds her close, all thoughts of Patterns and trees utterly banished...

[TreyKincaide]

Landon looks over at Corwin, "I'll be going back to Rome, if it pleases you." His demeanor stoic, Landon stands there looking out over the Pattern.

Why ask for opinions when you've already made your own preparations? What are you playing at Corwin? Nothing has been accomplished today except you've reminded me how I dance to your strings.

[Wired*Nun]

Corwin leans over, punches Landon's shoulder lightly. "Is that what you want to do? Indulge me for a moment more. Aurora already knows you - it was the Eric, as much as anything was."

Landon feels the power before him, and a ghostly hand appears, larger than life, in front of Landon, raised as if in greeting, then vanishes. "Aurora is sentient, but young, a new being. The Eric's human qualities were mine, and perhaps, from a few others...I believe you have a friend, if you want one. Coral also, and me. You might feel that this is impossible, unless we were equals, and free. Let me point out that there are no equals, and freedom is something measured by degrees."

"As Rebis has a choice before him, so do you as well. You can help me in the task I have set for myself...or you can take your wife and child, and go your own way, with my blessing. I do not want a servant in this endeavor. I want a partner. I want..." The man in black and silver turns away..."I need a friend. One who joins me willingly. I cannot unmake who I am, or what I feel I must do. I can only hope to try to right some past wrongs..."

This is about you and Eric, too, isn't it, Corwin? Making things right between you and him, by befriending his son...that pain must run deep indeed...

[Tamarind]

After a time he draws back and looks at her, concern clearly visible, his eyes still looking into hers,


"My love, I know much has happened and people are no doubt behaving strangely - I can explain but there is not much time in which to do so...we must shortly look to leave this place for others of my family will be coming to investigate what has happened. They cannot find you here or they will learn what has truly transpired - it is important that they think one of my kind, of Chaos, was responsible rather than Corwin and the others"

Sal'wey is clearly distraught as she speaks,

"But - you are the Promised One, sent to heal our people and our land. Now you say that these others are greater even than prophecy? That you want to take me away from our people, and our responsibilities? What will they say? How will we be thought of if we run? What authority could we command as cowards, no matter how sensible that course may be?"
She pushes him away as a cry of anguish is torn from her,

"Why will you not stand with me and defend this place, and our love?"


Rebis' pain is clearly visible as she pushes him away, he keeps his eyes on hers as he speaks, desperately trying to reach her,


"Because it is only our presence here that endangers them, my love. If we leave, only until they have gone I assure you, then the danger leaves with us – once they are satisfied and have moved on we can return…but if we stay we endanger everyone here…and the others also”


After a pause, she speaks and Rebis’ fears are dispelled,

“I will tell my closest advisors that the Promised One has great enemies, and we must go to battle them now, and do not wish to bring the battle here. This, I believe, is the course of wisdom I must follow." Another fierce kiss, and then she holds him at arm's length.


Flowing once again into watery form he takes her hand in his as she leads him out of the dwelling to meet with her advisors...

[TreyKincaide]

Landon walks over to the car and takes a seat. "You know, I was just getting ready to say screw it before you said that." Landon looks out over Aurora quietly before rubbing his eyes. "The kid didn't realize that I was arguing with myself. Fuck, I have as good a reason to hate you as anyone else--better than most." Landon pauses, "Do you have any idea how damn frustrating it is to keep realizing that I don't?"

Landon sighs, "I don't. Guess that makes me a bit of a fool."

"Look, I can't say that I agree with the way you've gone about things, and I'm certain to dislike actions that you're going to take, but I'm here for the duration."

[Wired*Nun]

Sal'wey leads Rebis to the Chamber of the Five, where two men and two women wait. To Rebis, and to the others, she says, "These are the greatest Mages of my people. As on the hand or the foot, we are five, the better to accomplish great things. In any decision, we seek consensus of the Five. My father has passed into the Great Beyond and so I assume his place as First Magus. Does any here gainsay me." This seems to be a formality, as all bow their heads in negation.

"This man is he of whom you have heard, Rebis, the Promised One. As the Prophecy declared, he has come to heal our land, Lake and Shore together. In fact, it is already done! But the doing was too much for my father, and the T-, the time came for him to Pass."

"The Promised One has great enemies, and we must go to battle them now. We do not wish to bring the battle here. Therefore, we shall depart this place for a time. Lake and Shore are in your hands; you must treat respectfully with the artisans of the Shore, as my father always did; and provide them with such magicks as are ours to give, as my father always did. So it is spoken,"

"-So let it be done," comes the response of the four present.

Sal'wey turns to Rebis, and says, "The words and blessing of the Promised One would be welcome indeed."

[Wired*Nun]

"Look, I can't say that I agree with the way you've gone about things, and I'm certain to dislike actions that you're going to take, but I'm here for the duration."
"Hatred hurts only the hater. It's a flame that gives you drive, but burns from the inside until you are hollow." He breaks into his unique smile. "Middle-aged wisdom. Guess it only took me a few centuries to grow up. Hope you do better. I'm glad you decided to stay."

He goes around and hops in the car, fishing for cigarretes in the glovebox. "This is why I still love Paris, even now, you can smoke anywhere."

Open, withdraw, light, drag. "When Rebis comes back - if he comes back, but I think he will - hopefully his lady and Helena will get along. I can make sure the water is compatible with her physiology. If by some chance they become inseparable, I can easily move your residence to Lakeshore, or simply set up a permanent gate between the two places for easy travel."

"Is there anything else you want of me while we're waiting? Part of the fun in having all this power is getting to use it on others' behalf. Information, too, if you still have questions."

[TreyKincaide]

"Well, Information is always useful. I don't know what questions to ask at the moment, though, aside from 'What are we going to do if Bleys and Fiona come here poking around' and 'What aside from what's in your written accounting can you tell me about Eric'?"

Landon takes a smoke.

"As far as power goes, Oh Great Genie of the Chevy, I have 2 requests. First, I've been trying to figure out to obtain a higher order initiation with Pattern for a while now so that I fuel my minor Sorceries. I'd feel a hell of a lot less like a pinata on the next run if I could put up my own protections. Secondly," Landon says with a grin, "it's been a long time since I've been to Shadow Earth, and I'd kill for a Coke."

[Wired*Nun]

"They can't get here. Did you read my book? The two primal Patterns protect themselves quite well against intruders. Still, I stay here as much as possible. As a corporeal, living being, I am somewhat more...flexible than a Pattern is."

"About Eric...I could tell you stories for days. We weren't always at odds. When I was younger - until my teenage years - he was very kind to me, and I idolized him. Then, as time passed, the rivalry started. I took the Pattern, went off into shadow for over a year, came back...and everything was different. He wanted me to still be his little brother, and I wanted to be grown up. Not worth repeating that tale of woe."

First, I've been trying to figure out to obtain a higher order initiation with Pattern for a while now so that I fuel my minor Sorceries. I'd feel a hell of a lot less like a pinata on the next run if I could put up my own protections. Secondly," Landon says with a grin, "it's been a long time since I've been to Shadow Earth, and I'd kill for a Coke.""Wow, two hard ones at once. The Coke is harder than you think, because Aurora would have to reach into the Primal's area to get to Shadow Earth to retrieve a real Coke. Next time I am there, I can bring one back and then it can be duplicated. The higher initiation," he says thoughtfully..."if you mean attunement to the Jewel, that's not possible right now, being where it is. If you mean walking the Primal Pattern, that's also kind of problematic right now."

"Walking my Pattern...it's tricky. The easy answer is, only blood of my blood can walk it, just as only the blood of Dworkin could walk the original. Your relationship to me is close, but nowhere near close enough normally. However, Aurora will cooperate with me. It would still be like getting a heart transplant - without strong drugs, the body rejects the invader. You would be rewriting your Pattern imprint with a new one - this could be painful, and damaging. It could kill you, and that's assuming you don't die outright for having the wrong blood. I would strongly advise against that, unless there were some desperate circumstance. So, maybe the best we can hope for is to get you access to the Primal Pattern sometime. Perhaps Dworkin can be persuaded."

[TreyKincaide]

"Don't worry about the Coke. I can skip it. So much for the Power Cosmic." Landon says jokingly. "I don't think I actually know what I'm asking for. There are tricks that I've heard described -- in your books, by Merlin, etc. Hell, I've seen Heldrick concentrate and disappear. Merlin hinted that Sorcery could be powered by a Power, but it was beyond my ken, and Flora's favor only stretched so far."

"Eh. Don't worry about it. Probably just being paranoid."

[Tamarind]

"I would pay respect to Pi-il'awan, who gave everything to achieve this healing. He had a vision of a Lake and Shore united, working together to produce a better world for all. He believed in this and he believed in me, when even I did not. Here and now I affirm to you that I will work with Sal'wey, my beloved, to bring about his vision, to bring harmony to the Lake and Shore and defend the people from all threats."

As he speaks the power flows into him and he reaches across Shadow, latching onto the haven he remembers. Destination found he takes Sal'wey's hand and they are gone, only a shimmering in the air to mark their passing.

[Wired*Nun]

"Those things will come, in time, Landon. Tricks like that are far from the be-all and end-all. I survived for centuries with my wits and my sword on Shadow Earth. One thing power teaches you is the limits of power. Merlin...well, he had a far different education and training. Yet, you both are sorcerers...and he trained you, so what is it of his you envy? How old are you? Old enough to know that some things just come with age, I hope. When the time is right, the chance will come."

[TreyKincaide]

"I envy Merlin nothing save, perhaps, the ability to know his father. We are much similar him and I--both raised to be of use to someone only to have the blinders removed thanks to you. Yet, I would not trade places with him nor Random for all the Power in existence. Much to Flora's dismay I'm a poor leader indeed--at least where family is concerned. This much of my limits were made known to me recently. I'm old enough to accept that. I'm old enough to know my heart. I'm old enough, Corwin, to remember you on Shadow Earth without your memory. You forgot to mention that during your time there you were almost 20 times stronger than the strongest Earthly man and that Flora meddled in your affairs."

"I must admit you have me somewhat confused at this point," Landon states with a confused tone in his voice. "You asked me what I would of you and turned to lecturing. You ask for a friend and then treat me like a child. The last attempt showed me exactly how little I was protected and if Rebis had tried to kill me, I'd be dead. You cannot blame me for wanting a bit more of an assurance when it's my ass on the line. Wits and a sword that's already being put to use are to little avail when my movement is limitted so. If you will not grant me this thing, at least grant me the ability to know the Magic of the Shadow ahead of time, all I need really, so I can weave my own magics before setting on the design's destruction and put my mind at rest. It'll allow Rebis and you a bit more leniency watching my back while giving me the ability to appreciate the irony of using protections that the Pattern grants to thwart its designs."

[Wired*Nun]

"I'm sorry, Landon, I thought I was providing you with information rather than lecturing. I'll try not to do it again, but I won't promise. But I don't think I am treating you like a child. Like a younger brother, perhaps, at least, that's how I see it. We all want to keep our younger family from making the mistakes we did. We all know we will only be partly successful."

"As for our last endeavor...I was overconfident. It will not happen again. In the future we will scout out our target shadow, allow you to get used to it...if we can. There is merit in speed and surprise as well. In fact, if you want, we can switch positions. I will erase the next broken Pattern, and you can watch over me."

[TreyKincaide]

Like a younger brother, perhaps, at least, that's how I see it.
"I don't mind, Corwin. I'm just not a big fan of the 'You'll understand when you're older' schtick. If it's something I need to figure out on my own just say so. I'll never understand if I don't live to be older otherwise. If a younger brother I am, then we both must take care not to repeat past mistakes you in Eric's place and me and yours this time around."

"After our "trial" run, I feel I can deal with the job you gave me. Since we now know that I can stop for a short amount of time as well as step away I'm not as worried about fending off physical threats that somehow get past you. My only concern rested in a shadow sorceror blasting me to bits. I asked about powering Sorcery with Pattern so that I could use magic regardless of not having time to experiment. My protections will block Sorcery, Trump, Logrus, and even Pattern. It's a short cut method that uses the power of Shadow to sustain Pattern Defense that most of us have leaving me free for other things."

[Wired*Nun]

...then we both must take care not to repeat past mistakes you in Eric's place and me and yours this time around."

This brings a belly laugh, his hand upon Landon's shoulder. "Touche, Landon, touche. You are perceptive today."

My protections will block Sorcery, Trump, Logrus, and even Pattern. It's a short cut method that uses the power of Shadow to sustain Pattern Defense that most of us have leaving me free for other things."

"I try to leave all that fancy magicking to Merlin. He was always a lot more cerebral than I am. If you say you need it, or can do it, I believe you."

[TreyKincaide]

"Well, was there anything else?"

[Wired*Nun]

"Eager to get on your way? Or back to Helena? I'll ask Coral to do a Trump of her for you, and one of you for her, if you like. I'll send you back; enjoy your R&R. We'll wait until Rebis finishes up his business, and until the heat is off. That will probably be a few days. Let me know if you get bored, or if you need anything."

[TreyKincaide]

"A bit of both actually. You said this place was protected from intrusion. What about Rome? If not, I'll need to take care not to play around too much lest I attract unwanted attention when we're laying low. Otherwise, I'm sure between Helena, the sites, excercise, and studies I'll be able to keep myself well entertained in the meantime."

"Salut, mon capitain."

[Wired*Nun]

"Your Rome is well-protected. I don't want you to feel trapped - in fact - let's go there now and I'll teach you how to manipulate that shadow. That way you get some of what you wanted - some further knowledge of Pattern lore - and you are that much more independent and self-sufficient."

Hopping out of the Chevy, Corwin gives it an affectionate pat. "Present from Merlin, you might say." When Landon follows, the two are swept again into the tunnel and deposited at his doorstep in Rome.

After greetings from Helena and Arthur, Corwin begins to walk about the town talking as he goes. Arthur follows happily at their heels. It seems Corwin is restless, and likes to move as he explains.

"Forgive me if I lecture, here, but I need to teach you, and that's going to involve some of it. First, I'd like you to try to alter..." and he goes on, explaining the ways and means, the metaphysical Pattern-levers and knobs, so to speak, to change this shadow's openness or closedness, susceptibility and malleability, to Powers and sorcery. Available sorcery, time flow, probability manipulation...

[TreyKincaide]

Landon follows along doing as Corwin wishes noting differences between the way that Flora had shown him in the past and Corwin's style. He asks the appropriate questions at the appropriate times and proves to be an apt pupil. For the most part he leaves things the way they were with a few tweaks here and there until he has a better idea of what he wants.

After the instruction Landon pauses looking pensively at his companion, "I have what I hope to be an unnecessary question. What are we going to do if Rebis sells us out to our investigator in order to secure himself a place in Amber? Assuming that Fiona or Bleys wouldn't kill him on sight, it could put a definate wrench in our plans. Young or not, Rebis is from the Courts where politics is all but an art form. If he's eager enough to walk the Pattern and find Martin, we could be in a world of trouble. I hope my concern is unfounded, but I'd consider the option were I in his position. In any case it's always best to prepare for the worst."

[Wired*Nun]

"I've thought of that...and if he does, it will still help us. Amber is being pressed on many fronts right now - diplomatic, mystical, psychological, perhaps even military. Nothing too overt, but enough to keep Random very busy. They don't have the resources to act against us, in this place of my strength. They don't have the resources to guard all the Broken Patterns cast by the Primal. They don't have the Jewel to repair any Broken Patterns, nor do they have an attuned individual they can coerce. Dworkin was wise, after all. At least, he made the best of a bad situation. I know how he feels."

"So, they may know in general what we intend - but there are dozens of Broken Patterns. They can't guard them all, or even many of them. They can't afford to oppose us and risk losing any of its family members - at least, not any Elders. We should be able to handle any younger ones, hopefully without injury."

"And I'm still counting on good old Random to know how to play poker. He and I saw eye to eye for a time. Let's see how we do now."

[TreyKincaide]

Landon nods thoughtfully. "Random might be reasonable, but it's the rest that give me pause. At the very least we'd have to turn to guerilla tactics--hitting hard and fast before retreating here to safety making things ever slightly more difficult leaving us without proper time to scout ahead."

He shrugs in agreement, "Regardless, there are ways around this eventuallity, so it's not pressing."

Landon looks over to Corwin, "It's been awhile since breakfast. Let's grab a bite to eat, and call it a day."

[Wired*Nun]

Corwin bows and smiles. "I would be honored to eat at your table."

Helena sets out a lovely Mediterranean spread, fussing over the men and chattering with her new serving-girls. She eventually succumbs to Landon's entreaties to sit down, where she nibbles and makes pleasant small-talk, radiating admiration for her husband.

"Well, thanks a lot, that was a nice change from Coral's organic gardening kick. Take all the time you want. We'll get back together when we need to. You have my Trump, so keep in touch." With that, he walks out the gate, and into the sunset.

[TreyKincaide]

After enjoying an after dinner drink and smoke, Landon steps out into the lawn and rough houses with Arthur a bit. He retires for the evening finally falling asleep contently to the sound of Helena's rhythmic breathing.

The next morning and there after Landon wakes up fairly early and calls for Arthur. "We have work to do my friend."

He takes a brisk morning jog with his friend before returning for breakfast. Afterwards, he practices in the yard until lunch. He spends his afternoons in the library requesting to not be disturbed unless it's of terrible importance. Landon relies on Arthur to wrest him from his studies in the early evening there after he devotes the rest of his time to Helena. They alternate between going out on the town and staying home. He ends his days with a long, satisfying visit to the bath houses.

Landon quickly falls into routine and all but forgets his current woes. Until given reason otherwise, he'll continue in this fashion for as long as he is able.

[Tamarind]

It seems they have relented, for now at least. Let us see if we can learn where we are hmm, little friend?

Careful not to stray closer to the artefact, Rebis moves cautiously towards the cavern entrance, alert for any signs of activity. Taking a last look at the artefact and cavern Rebis commits the details to memory then turns and proceeds carefully towards the light source ahead

I wonder if this is the "new power" that Corwin and Landon referred to, "Maze"...it certainly seems to have sufficient potency and is clearly different to both Logrus and what I know of Pattern...

[Wired*Nun]

The opening leads to another large cavern, with a floor of petroleum-smelling black substance. A large storage tank of some sort sits on a frame, with pipes leading from it, through machinery, to lamps which apparently run on the fuel stored inside. One of the lamps is lit, the other dozen or so are not. There is another opening in this cavern and evidence that it has been used for wheeled vehicles and horses. This tunnel is dark. There is a table and chairs in one corner, as well as a locked cabinet of a very functional sort. There is also a small outhouse, used for bodily functions judging by the smell, in the farthest corner of the cavern.

[Tamarind]

Hmm. I wonder if I was brought here by accident rather than design after all?

After a brief look around this new cavern he heads over to the dark tunnel,

Only one route open it would seem...pity there's little light. Perhaps there will be more lights further up, if not I can risk Logrus or Demonform...

Keeping close to the right-hand wall he heads carefully down the dark tunnel, listening for any sounds. If the tunnel goes on more than a hundred paces without sign of light then he'll shift into Demonform to take advantage of the better night-sight it affords

[Wired*Nun]

Shifting to demonform, he finds that the tunnel still fades to complete and utter blackness. Still, his improved hearing and armored form make him feel better, and he hears nothing but his own footsteps and breathing.

A quick cantrip causes a faint light to appear floating in front of him - fainter than a firefly, but enough for him to navigate and avoid stumbling. There is no reaction to this tiny spell, and he walks forward more confidently.

Almost a mile later the tunnel begins to lighten slightly, and he lets the firefly expire. Approaching the end of the tunnel, he stops about fifty feet away. Rebis can see a bluish sky with clouds, and feels a stiff cold breeze. There seem to be guards or watchers of a humanoid sort outside, but they seem to be complacent and looking outward rather than in. Probably not expecting anyone to come from within...

[Tamarind]

I do not wish to alarm them at this stage but I don't want to be defenceless either...hopefully the extra distance will prevent any backlash this time

Bracing himself for a possible response he reaches for the power, forming the complex, roiling Sign before him before shifting back into human form and stepping into the middle of the tunnel, arms held loosely out to his sides as he calls out in a friendly tone,

"Greetings!"

[Wired*Nun]

The two guards, garbed in trousers and corderoy jackets, swing their firearms his direction. Glancing at each other, one says something interrogative in an unknown tongue, presumably to Rebis.

[Tamarind]

Ah. They may understand me but I cannot understand them it would seem...

Without moving he continues in a friendly tone,

"Hello. I'm afraid I don't speak your language, I mean you no harm though. I am a traveller and would welcome the chance to exchange news"
Still smiling he tries the above in a number of tongues that might be known here, starting with some of the "trading languages" Suhuy and Ashlurien taught, moving on into some of the commoner Demonic tongues just in case.

As he does so he analyses the sounds and forms of the guard's words, comparing them with Thari and other tongues, looking for points of similarity

It seems that Thari is well known around Chaos and the Pattern's reflections but less so elsewhere...interesting.

[Wired*Nun]

Nothing Rebis tries seems to facilitate communication, but the two men lower their weapons, seeing that Rebis appears to have none.

One pantomimes that Rebis should sit down at a table under an open-sided roof, while the other enters a small building or guard shack. This building has a wire leading to a pole and onward to other poles, down the mountainside. A means of communication, or energy transmission? The man with Rebis takes a pot off what appears to be a liquid-fueled cooking device and pours two cups of hot something, giving one to Rebis. It appears to contain tea of some sort. The man pours milk and sugar into his, stirs and drinks.

[Tamarind]

Rebis smiles and thanks him, taking the proferred cup and adding milk and sugar in the same amounts before taking a small sip.

I can at least learn what I can of this place by observation whilst we attempt to communicate...

Whilst attempting to elicit further communication from the guard as they share tea he uses his Logrus-enhanced senses to observe the surroundings, passively noting the nature of the Shadow and the artefact

If we can keep talking I should be able to pick up some of his language...

[Wired*Nun]

There is something odd about this shadow. It is something at the edge of Rebis' mind, something he cannot quite grasp...perhaps it is an effect of the artifact inside the mountain...

A short time later, the other man comes back out of the guard shack and sits down, getting himself a cup of tea as well. They seem content to wait, and try to talk to Rebis in other languages they seem to know. Unfortunately, none of them seem common to both parties.

[Tamarind]

I wonder if whomever they've summoned will be able to converse? If not I may be able to create a weave to facilitate understanding...

Meanwhile he enjoys the tea and continues to study the linguistics of their tongue, working up from basics such as pointing at objects and repeating their names hoping that such will start to reveal the pattern of their language.

After all all tongues descended from Thari originally so there should be similarities - the more I hear the easier it should become

He also remains alert for any changes in power in the vicinity and continues to study the feel of the Shadow, again resisting the urge to probe more deeply with tendrils - at least for now.

[Wired*Nun]

In a couple hours, Rebis has a very basic vocabulary of a couple of dozen or so nouns and verbs of the men's language. It's not hard to grasp the basics, though the usages seem to be inconsistent. Not being a linguist, Rebis is not really sure how this compares to other shadow languages, and everyone in the Courts, to include demonkind, speaks Thari or some variant thereof. This language has almost no relation to it as far as he can see.

[Wired*Nun]

A clattering from the guard house summons the man back. A few moments later, the man says something to his companion, then gestures for Rebis to come with him. They begin walking down the road, whcih is quite easy, as it is flat and a gentle downhill grade. Rounding the mountain, Rebis can see the green pastureland and hedgerows of the island they are on, waterin the distance. A couple of miles below, he can see a large town and small seaport. The road seems to be the only one of this black-surfaced type, other roads being gray, presumably cobblestones, or dirt.

Twenty minutes of brisk walking brings them to the gates of a large mansion or lodge, where they are ushered in through quiet, carpeted hallways. People dressed in strange clothing avoid staring at Rebis equally strange clothing. Soon, Rebis is shown into a room with deep green wool carpet, where wait three people. A portly fellow dressed as the locals, one that might have been a Chaosite by his dress and manner, and a slim girl with a pale face and dark hair.

[Go to the Heldrik thread]