In the Dungeons

Bleys in Chains

As Durus enters Bley's cell to check on the prisoner, he encounters Gizette, with tears on her cheek, holding in front of her a red rose, looking at it with some degree of shock...

Durus glances around to make sure Bleys is actually in the cell. Assuming all else is as it should be, Durus clears his throat to make Gizette aware that someone has arrived.

-- ChrisLightfoot - 18 Jun 2007

"Durie. My god, Durie, it's happening again!" Gizette whisper/shrieks in horror. "Bleys? Love? Please, no. Not again." And she breaks down into sobs.

-- LeslieLightfoot - 18 Jun 2007

Durus stands, stunned, for a moment. Then he gathers Gizette into his arms - a surprisingly gentle and consoling embrace for one so strong, and reassuring in its solidity. Surely, with such a protector, no harm can befall one such defended. The huge man waits for Gizette's sobs to subside, then speaks softly, barely over a whisper. "If you will, tell me what transpires."

-- ChrisLightfoot - 18 Jun 2007

"Oh, Durie." she moans softly. Then quickly, frantically, Gizette checks her own clothing carefully and (assuming she finds no rose) looks up at Durus with a sad smile. "It seems the hysteria is actually my own."

“I… it was a long time ago, Durie. Before you were born. Roses.” Gizette lifts the flower with trepidation. “My father, some of my siblings… they began to act strangely. With appetites… and emotions larger than usual. Obscenely so. And they all wore black roses.” A look of sickness crosses Gizette’s face.

“I first noticed with my beloved.” Loving and sorrowful eyes turned toward the chained Prince. “We were… familiar with each other at that time but not openly so. There was trouble in Khalidan and he came to my rescue. As a God. An angry arrogant righteous and violent God of Amber… It was both beautiful and terrifying to behold.”

“Hijinx ensued, Durie,” she looks back up at him, “that ended with both of us in the Abyss.” The girl shudders against him. “Benedict killed him that day. I-I… don’t want that to happen again. And, and, and… I don’t know what to do to stop it.”

-- LeslieLightfoot - 18 Jun 2007

"Roses..." Durus says, his eyes sighting not on Gizette, but on memory for a moment before he re-focuses. "A boon of the Unicorn."

The General strokes his chin as if he had a beard, and Gizette has a momentary impression of a Durus with a more severe countenance: long wild hair, mustachioed, a rough ridge sprouting from the bridge of his nose to a crested forehead. As soon as the sense appears, it is gone.

"I am aware of your paramour's earlier conflict with the King. I am not party to any knowledge as to why Benedict chose now to capture Bleys - unless he was rounding up as many of the family as he could find - nor any involvement of the roses in our current situation. And yet, there appears to be evidence that they are...." He cocks his head at the flower that Gizette holds.

-- ChrisLightfoot - 18 Jun 2007

“It’s changed him, Durie. Made him pliable… loyal.” Gizette’s face twists in disgust. “And yes. The last roses were boons of the Unicorn as well.” She leans against Durus sadly.

“Benedict must be struggling mightily. To not kill us. To restrain his temper. His sister… Poor man.” she shakes her head. “How long will it before there is a rose for me…”

-- LeslieLightfoot - 18 Jun 2007

"You...found this rose on Bleys just now?" Durus looks over at the captive Prince. "Benedict may have placed it there. Is the change to Bleys permanent? What did Bleys do to warrant it?"

Durus shrugs, a movement like the swell of a mighty wave. "So many questions to ask in a time of such sorrow. Answer as you will. But I assure you, the King does not wish to kill any of you. To my consternation, he is willing to do so if he cannot secure your alliance. My advice is to offer that alliance, freely, so that he feel no need to have a guarantee of your behavior - whether it be hostage or rose of power."

-- ChrisLightfoot - 18 Jun 2007

“Durie…” Gizette sighs, “Benedict and Amber have my loyalty always. And my love. They do. It’s just… it’s just…”

She licks her lips. “I… I’ll see what I can do about this army in Chaos. Because I wish no harm to come to Amber and because it’s the right thing to do. But I won’t ‘destroy’ it because I… I’m not a destroyer, Durie. And even more so, because I can’t let my beloved be held hostage against my deeds forever more.”

Gizette drifts sadly back toward the chained Prince. “Bleys? Love? Is there an army in Chaos? Raised against Amber?”

-- LeslieLightfoot - 18 Jun 2007

(If this were an FTF sequence, Chris would make a snarky comment here about Gizette not having a pet name like "Bleyie" for Bleys )

-- ChrisLightfoot - 18 Jun 2007

With the red rose removed from his person, Bleys seems more alive and responsive.

"Yes. What do you want me to say? Our brother is... mad. Even if the unicorn is protecting him, even if this is what she wants, this isn't right. How can you consider giving him your allegiance? HE KILLED ELISON! Your sister and mine, a kinder more reasoned person than I have ever known. If he could not restrain himself with the one who vacated the throne for him, how well could we possibly fair? How well could the younger generation fair?"

"I will not sit idly by and let Him ruin the throne of Amber. I will not allow it to happen... but... I had hoped that you, love, could be spared from any involvement, and if not for Julian, I think that would still be the case..."

sigh "I don't want to see the downfall of Amber either, but I truely believe that I am acting in the best interests of the people, of our family, even of the unicorn, though she may fight us with her champion."

-- BenBernard - 19 Jun 2007

"Do not say anything yet, Gizette," says Durus. "Bleys, you may state your opinion of the King - I may even admit to the reason of some of your arguments - but I recommend you think carefully before any admission of actions against Benedict."

-- ChrisLightfoot - 19 Jun 2007

Gizette closes the lips she had opened. She looks over at Durus and then back to Bleys, her brow furrowed, her eyes confused. Gizette has always known that she wasn't the sharpest tool in the Royal shed. And she's definitely feeling it now.

-- LeslieLightfoot - 19 Jun 2007

"I can do no more. Benedict has placed me on the chopping block, and I must rely on the kindness of family to see me through. If I die for this cause, then so be it. I believe strongly enough to risk my life. You two must make your own decisions. Look in your hearts and see if a crown can produce loyalty stronger than simple decency."

-- BenBernard - 19 Jun 2007

"Prince Bleys, with all respect, it is not your place to judge whether Benedict is "ruining" the throne - any more than I could tell you how to run House Candent. Benedict is the rightful King of Amber, where you have not resided for centuries; not since your confrontation with him before King Oberon's murder. Face facts. You lost then. You have lost now. The future is no different. There is no dishonor in admitting defeat.

"You have not the right nor the power to gainsay the King. Opposing Benedict further will avail you nothing; acknowledging his rightful rule - even if you disagree with his policies - will gain you everything, starting with your life.

"And make no mistake: he will kill those who rise against him. Will that be better for Amber? Yes, his reactions are sometimes extreme; yes, he may be in need of some healing of the spirit; yes, we are living in a dark time. But if we are to come through this soul's midnight and seek the bright future the Unicorn intends - which I believe lies beyond our current troubles - we must unite behind her chosen one. I would prefer that all my relatives live to see it.

"Fortunately, this decision is not in your hands at the moment. Gizette has already pledged her loyalty to Benedict and Amber. This gives you time to consider your choices. I suggest that one which leaves you with your life" - Durus looks at the chains holding Bleys - "and your faculties" - a glance at the rose in Gizette's hands - "is your only reasoned option."

The General holds his hand out to Gizette. "I believe you have something of mine?"

-- ChrisLightfoot - 19 Jun 2007

(Um, okay, it looks like we kind of posted at the same time, but I think it still works. Over to Leslie.)

-- ChrisLightfoot - 19 Jun 2007

Gizette drops her eyes in embarrassment and fishes the dungeon keys out of her pocket. “Durie… I… “ she licks her lips. “I owe you an apology, General Valens.” Her voice firms up and she meets his eyes as she hands the keys to Durus. “I was not aware of all the circumstances and thank… Well, I hope I haven’t gotten you into too much trouble with the King.” The girl quickly changes what she was going to say out loud.

-- LeslieLightfoot - 19 Jun 2007

The General takes the keys and efficiently pockets them. "You have not caused any additional trouble. Your example led me to petition the King for better treatment of the prisoners; so you may rest assured they will receive proper care. This was one accomodation I was able to wrest from him. Yet Benedict allowed that he relied on me - more accurately, he said he was relying on my compassion to assist in negotiations.

"On that subject, it is vital we take steps to minimize casualties during this crisis. Can you make inquiries via house Candent regarding who is in charge of this reported army? While I am a destroyer, I prefer combat only when honorable or necessary. If this army were to be disbanded, then its destruction would no longer be an issue.

"I would also appreciate you approaching Aife." Durus' eyes squint in - irritation? admiration? definitely mixed feelings - as he says her name. "She must have contacts through House Hendrake, and if anyone knows the armies of Chaos..." He lets the inference remain unspoken.

-- ChrisLightfoot - 19 Jun 2007

“I’ll do what I can to avoid a war, Durie. And I’ll probably be bumping into Aife sooner or later, but General? She doesn’t “have contacts in House Hendrake”, she is of House Hendrake. You saw that. And I’m not. Sooo…” Gizette shrugs, she doesn’t know if she can explain it to someone who hasn’t walked on the striped side for a while.

-- LeslieLightfoot - 19 Jun 2007

"I know," Durus replies, ignoring any misunderstanding - or needless elaboration - of Aife's relationship with Hendrake. "But the wheel must start turning. Move whatever you can.

"I am also concerned for Sakura, and what she will do with her father imprisoned. Please reassure her of his treatment; but you know the King may not be merciful despite any cooperation on her part.

"If you can think of any other avenues of approach, do not hesitate to suggest them. Please inform me of any progress, or contact me through Princess Fiona."

-- ChrisLightfoot - 19 Jun 2007

Gizette winces at the mention of Fiona. “Fi… may not be talking to me for a while, Durus. But I’ll keep in touch. Uhhhhh, can I see Jules, too before I go?”

-- LeslieLightfoot - 19 Jun 2007

"I have no orders to the contrary, and do have approval to check on his physical condition."

Gizette lips twitch in a sad smile. “Thank you, Durie, I appreciate it.”

Turning back to Bleys, Gizette stifles a sob. “Beloved? I’m sorry. I’ll be back. I… I’ll manage something, I promise.” With a cry, she throws herself on the chained Prince and kisses him desperately, passionately, forever. Eventually, Gizette tears herself away from her lord and follows Durus out of the cell, the rose still clutched in her hand.

-- LeslieLightfoot - 19 Jun 2007

Julian Fried

Durus shows Gizette out, carefully locks Bleys' cell, and strides over to the door of Julian's. He checks to make sure all is as is should be inside, then opens the door. "Prince Juuuuulian." The name is drawn out, as if the General were pronouncing it for the first time, or if he almost spoke a different word. "You have a visitor."

-- ChrisLightfoot - 19 Jun 2007

“Jules? Jules, are you okay?” Gizette peeps around behind the mountain of Valens.

-- LeslieLightfoot - 19 Jun 2007

(Given the difference in size of the actors - let alone Durus' extra "Amber" bulk - I can totally vizualize that. )

-- ChrisLightfoot - 19 Jun 2007

Julian lies unconscious... someone was down here "questioning" the prisoner... To be more precise, he has been worked over, hard, but shows no signs of a deteriorating condition; he is definitely going to fully recover. If you check on him (to discover his condition), you will also find a red rose on him.

-- BenBernard - 20 Jun 2007

Without saying a word, Durus begins to bind wounds, splint bones, and salve bruises. He does not touch the rose; but will interpose his hand if Gizette moves to remove it.

-- ChrisLightfoot - 20 Jun 2007

She does so try, but respects Durus' gesture and sets about helping her nephew care for her brother. Under her breath, she mutters from time to time. "Jules. Dammit Jules. You stoopid-head." And other such imprecations.

After Julian has been made as 'comfortable' as he can be, Gizette turns wet eyes to Durus. "One more, Durie. If it's within your duties. I'd like to pay my last respects to my sister, please."

-- LeslieLightfoot - 20 Jun 2007

Elison in State

Wiping his hands on a cloth, Durus nods. Again, he ushers Gizette out of a cell and locks the door. Carefully lifting a torch that his hand nearly covers, he leads her up the winding stairway from the dungeon depths.

Just before they reach the cellar level of the castle, Durus turns left, down a darkened corridor that leads to a series of catacomb-like stone chambers. There, lying on a cold stone slab, are the mortal remains of Princess Elison. A sheet has been draped across the body, which has been respectfully arranged with feet together, arms crossed across chest. No other sign of reverence are present, however; as if pains were made to avoid desecration, but not show undue respect.

Wordlessly, Durus lights a sconce against the funereal gloom. His hand brushes the Unicorn pendant he wears, and he moves aside to let Gizette enter, remaining near the doorway like a gargantuan guardian to some martial underworld.

-- ChrisLightfoot - 20 Jun 2007

(Ben - Just assuming here, because I think I recall Durus giving some orders to have Elison's body removed. This is where they would take it if they were on their toes, and how they would treat it. Who knows, Benedict could break down tomorrow and declare a week of mourning with processions through the city.)

-- ChrisLightfoot - 20 Jun 2007

Indeed... but that would be tomorrow ;). Carry on!

-- BenBernard - 20 Jun 2007

A sad croon slips past Gizette's lips as she steps into the room. With a nod of thanks to Durus, the girl pads quietly to her sister's side. Gently, she turns back the sheet to reveal Elison's face and upper body. Tears begin to flow from Gizette's eyes.

Taking one of Elison's cold hands in her own, Gizette finds herself on her knees beside the slab. She presses Elison's hand against her forehead and begins to rock back and forth, crying silenty. She had failed her, she had failed her sister. And now she was dead.

-- LeslieLightfoot - 20 Jun 2007

The General remains carefully emotionless; for if he were allow himself to feel, the conflicting emotions would tear him apart. If Durus had released Elison as Gizette had asked, Elison would be alive right now. Well, perhaps - Durus had intended on releasing Bleys as well, due to the manner of his capture, but was forestalled by Benedict's appearance. Durus did not know Elison, but the King proclaimed that she was a traitor and deserved to die, and had already carried that sentence out himself. Yet Benedict had only exiled Elison for the murder of King Oberon; surely a more heinous crime than merely supplying an insurrection.

Durus carefully mortars the brick wall between his conscious thought and these lurking feelings. Now is not the time to lower that defense.

-- ChrisLightfoot - 20 Jun 2007

Gizette sits back against the slad, Elison's hand still in her own.

"Durie? I... I don't know what to do. Or even if I can. Or if anything's possible. Or if I want to pay the cost for Elison." Gizette forces herself to a stop. She's babbling again and she knows it. "But I know I won't have the chance to answer those questions if I let Ben bury her soooo... Tell Ben I still love him, I'm still loyal, I'm just trying to prevent a fraticide from sitting on the Throne of Amber."

With that, Gizette whips out her Trump of House Candent as fast as she can... (and I'm guessing with the characters' relative warfares I should stop there. )

(OOC - Who came up with the 'chapter' headers? They're hysterical! )

(That would be me - your punning bear. )

-- ChrisLightfoot - 20 Jun 2007

Durus takes a huge step forward, placing his hand on Gizette's shoulder. It is not an attack or a restraining hold; it just indicates that unless Gizette wants to take Durus along, Gizette isn't going anywhere. "That sounds like a good-bye. It is insufficient explanation to what you intend."

-- ChrisLightfoot - 20 Jun 2007

Gizette looks up at him, a little stunned by the landslide that is Durus moving in on a small woman seated on the floor. She speaks very carefully, trying to narrow the craziness down some. "I want to take Elison's body home with me. So I can preserve it. And then, when I get a few other chores taken care of - investigate exactly just how dead Amber's pre-eminent sorceress really is and see if there's anything I can do about it." She certainly seems willing to invite him to Candent if he wants to go.

-- LeslieLightfoot - 20 Jun 2007

Durus chews that over for a moment, connecting the inquiry into Elsion's revival with Gizette's comment about fratricide. His expression lightens considerably. "Would House Candent welcome me...let me rephrase...accept me as an envoy of the King of Amber? I believe his instructions to me extend to that authority."

-- ChrisLightfoot - 20 Jun 2007

Gizette smiles up at him. "You would be accepted, General Valens, as representative of the King of Amber and you would be welcome, Durie."

-- LeslieLightfoot - 20 Jun 2007

The General smiles warmly. "Very well. Whenever you are ready. I tire of haunting dungeons and catacombs."

-- ChrisLightfoot - 20 Jun 2007

Gizette stands up, slides her arms under Elison's body and cradles it to herself in such a way that she can still see her Trump. She makes a quick check to make sure that Durus' hand is still covering her shoulder. And (GM willing) Trumps to the courtyard of House Candent.

-- LeslieLightfoot - 21 Jun 2007

Yep, that's exactly what happens

-- BenBernard - 21 Jun 2007

In Candent

Gizette and Elison’s hair lifts in the breeze that surrounds the three; a light-hearted laughing wind that flutters and dances around the open courtyard, carrying with it the scent of green growing things. Under their feet, dazzingly red and gold marble is laid out in an intricate parquet that picks out a glorious mosaic sun. Walls of upward flowing water surround the large courtyard, gently misting the moving air. Overhead the sky wheels slowly, half a midnight black studded with brilliant stars, half candy-striped in bands of bright saturated colors.

Gizette closes her eyes for a moment, concentrating. Then smiles to Durus. “Welcome to my home, Durie. Uhhhhh, have you been to Chaos before?”

-- LeslieLightfoot - 21 Jun 2007

Durus regards the multi-hued sky. As he looks up, again comes the image of wild hair, stirring in the candent breeze, and the huge man's canines seem more pronounced, his brow wider. "Not that I am aware of," comes the General's cryptic reply.

-- ChrisLightfoot - 21 Jun 2007

(evidently the permissions got screwed up a little bit and people have been able to read this node, so I'm just going to let everyone see this node, let me know if you want it otherwise )

-- BenBernard - 21 Jun 2007

(OOC - I don't mind. If people want to slog through all of this, they are welcome. )

"Okay." Gizette concentrates again. "I've asked the House to move some of the more... local-style rooms out of the way. And we're already pretty much running in 'Ordered Guest' mode. But you might want to slightly careful before going through any unfamiliar doorways. Sometimes the housedemons let their senses of humor run away with them, and an emissary from the King of Order might make a tempting target." She smiles up at him. She's not at all worried about Durus' safetly, merely his dignity.

"Okay, first stop - the Hospital." Gizette gestures for Durus to follow her and steps toward one of the walls of water.

-- LeslieLightfoot - 21 Jun 2007

Durus follows, eyes subtly scanning for threats in this unfamiliar environment. It's not that he expects any - it's just that his long-established habits kick into play.

-- ChrisLightfoot - 21 Jun 2007

At Gizette's approach, the wall of water parts like a curtain being drawn aside. Beyond lies an unending stretch of veldt, tall grass waving in the wind. The occassional acacia and baobab tree is silhouetted against a stunning sunrise that floods the world in red and golden light. Gizette sets off down a dusty path at a cheerful jaunt.

"This is the Nexus," she tells Durus. "I've had the House put little stone cairns at the intersections to help you navigate. Now, since I'm in residence, it looks like this. When Bleys is here, it'll probably be some sort of marbled hall. He likes those sorts of things." Gizette smiles to Durus, then her smile falters as she remembers where her Lord actually is. "Anyway, the cairns will remain as long as you are here whatever the rest of the room looks like."

The trails branches shortly thereafter and, at the intersection, a small pile of round red stones lies glittering in the grass. Gizette trots onward. And the sky moves in. While the clouds and sunbeams still look like their miles overhead, it's obvious that they're not. The grass recedes, the horizon sweeps forward. Until suddenly Gizette and Durus are walking down a round bluish tunnel that opens ahead into warm golden light.

“You know, Durie, if you’d be more comfortable as something else… it’s perfectly all right here.” Gizette, Lady of House Candent in Chaos, looks up at her nephew with concerned eyes.

-- LeslieLightfoot - 21 Jun 2007

Durus flashes a lopsided grin. "It's not discomfort, more...genetics? My appearance is slightly different in the universe - the Shadow - where I was born. I also tend to adapt to local conditions, and the environment here is encouraging a shift. Since it will discomfit no one, I will not resist, and...readjust if the result seems inapropraiate."

-- ChrisLightfoot - 21 Jun 2007

"I'm sure it won't be a problem, Durie." Gizette says with utter confidence. Then a furrow crosses her brow. "Y-- forgive me if I'm being too forward, Durie, but you've walked the Pattern, haven't you?"

As she asks the question, the circle of light approaches until it is revealed to be just that - a circle of golden light. With a nod toward, Durus, Gizette steps through and into the Hospital. It is a long open room with a plush green... maybe alive? floor. The walls are of some opalescent material that seems particularly reactive to the warm natural light that fills the room from no visible source. Smooth curves define all the lines of the room. Within niches in the walls there are resting places formed up from the walls and ceilings. Not so much beds as really really comfortable couches. Despite its oddity, there is an undeniable vibrancy about the place and it is as far from a sterile hospital as it is possible to be and yet still remain indoors.

(OOC - And I'll let Ben decide if there's anyone else in there. )

-- LeslieLightfoot - 21 Jun 2007

"Of course. It is common knowledge in Amber. Curiously, my sensitivity to...what my old science officer might have called a "morphogenic field" did not arise until after I had assayed the Pattern." In the sourceless light, Durus' skin seems a bit more ruddy, and there is a definite ridge now beginning to define a "T" shape from the bridge of his nose and branching over each eyebrow.

-- ChrisLightfoot - 21 Jun 2007

Actually Fiona is there, still recovering from her fight with Gizette and Solomon, she isn't conscious right now, and you would have to ask a doctor / orderly as to how she has been.

-- BenBernard - 21 Jun 2007

Gizette carries Elison's body over to one of the couches. Gently laying her sister down, the girl arranges the corpse with her feet together and her arms at her side. With a sad sigh, Gizette steps back and gently strokes the wall of the niche.

Colors begin to swirl within the opalescent walls and soon the niche around Elison is a deep lucious crimson, shot through with gold filament and ornate black sigils. The smell of cinnabar incense begins to drift on the air and the serene sounds of a small wind-chime tinkle lightly on the ever-present breeze. Small niches have formed in the wall, one of which now contains a cunningly-wrought bone incense burner. From the ceiling overhead depends a dancing mobile of silver astrological signs and is responsible for the serene chiming. Gizette reaches down to Elison's feet and from the couch itself pulls a magnificent coverlet of shimmering purples and reds, colors that seem to dance in a slow procession of beauty as the Lady of House Candent tucks the blanket under Elison's chin and brushes back her hair.

"Don't give up, sister. I'll figure something out." She promises.

Turning back to Durus with a sigh, she says, "I need to check on our other guest as well."

"Nicodemus?" she calls, summoning the House's resident medical demon.

-- LeslieLightfoot - 22 Jun 2007

"yeees, Lady?... Your sister? I'm very sorry, she is dead, Lady. What? She was dead when you brought her here! Oh, the other one... yes, Lady. She is fine, recovering well. Oh I don't know when she'll wake up, Lady, could be days..."

The wiry, nervous wreck of a demon looks at you hopefully "Is there anything else, Lady?"

-- BenBernard - 22 Jun 2007

“No. Wait! Yes. Would you tell the Unseen One to seal the Master’s study? And I’ll need to talk to Click-clack about the hole in our security. That’s aaallll...” Gizette cocks her head as she thinks about it, and then nods. “Yep, that’s all for now.”

As Nicodemus vanishes, Gizette bites a thumbnail in worry. “Days?” she peeps. “Oh, my. Okay. Yikes.” Gizette mumbles to herself as she thinks.

-- LeslieLightfoot - 22 Jun 2007

Durus stands at Fiona's side, regarding her with an odd expression. His skin is visibly tinted red now, and his brow ridge bumpy and prominent. Two nubs of horns have appeared high above his temples, and there is a fringe of black hair at the back of his skull. "I've not seen Fiona laid low like this before." He turns to Gizette, revealing an emerging dark goatee. "Can you tell me how this came about? Does the King know he is without his communications officer?"

-- ChrisLightfoot - 22 Jun 2007

Durus’ emerging self doesn’t seem to phase Gizette at all.

“It was kind of an accident… well, intentional but not really.” Gizette waves a helpless hand. So much of what she does falls into that nebulous category of ‘seemed like a good idea at the time.’ “And I’m pretty sure Benedict knows. I mean, it’d be kind of hard to miss…”

“Okay, please, please, please let there be a rose.” Gizette murmurs as she searches Fiona as thoroughly and respectfully as she can.

-- LeslieLightfoot - 22 Jun 2007

(Hmm. It will be interesting to find out if Fiona was rose-bound to Benedict or serving of her own free will, uninfluenced. Ben?)

-- ChrisLightfoot - 22 Jun 2007

No, no rose for Fiona.

-- BenBernard - 22 Jun 2007

“Ooohh, no.” Gizette croons sadly as she slumps backward. Her eyes sparkle with tears momentarily, which she roughly brushes away with the back of one forearm. “Okay,” she whispers to herself, obviously psyching herself up. “Okay.”

“Durie? I have no idea what’s going to happen next, so please listen closely. I’m going to try and help Fiona heal. But even if that goes well – things could get very, very... exciting for me right afterward.” Gizette’s eyes drift to the side and she takes a deep breath. When her eyes come back to the General’s, she tells it like it is.

“Durie? I dunked Fiona. Hard. And since she was fighting me at the time, she’s got every reason - and right - to believe that I kidnapped and assaulted her. That really wasn’t my intention - please believe me.” The girl pleads. “But if Fiona comes out of this fighting, she might very well smash me like a bug. And I wouldn’t blame her. At all.”

“If that happens, will you please tell her that I REALLY didn’t mean her any harm? I was panicked by Elison’s call and by being chased and, and, and I... ‘rescued’ the wrong sister.” Gizette’s eyes dart to Elison’s corpse and she gulps madly. Turning back to Durus, she rushes on. “I truly, truly thought that Fi was being coerced and I truly hoped that by getting her away from Amber and away from Ben’s influence, she might be... free.”

“Now, having experienced the King’s methods of... persuasion, I am TERRIFIED that I have not only rescued the wrong sister – I may have rescued the wrong Fionan!” Gizette voice rises in a cry and she struggles to bring herself under control. “Anyway, please tell her - if she leaves enough of me left - that I would be glad to help out if that’s the case. Because cages meant to keep Fionas out, might not work so good against Gizettes. Though I do think that Ben is starting to get wise to me by now.” She pats Durus on the arm, the mountain of a man who keeps showing up when Gizette’s trying to sneak around in close quarters.

“From yourself, General,” Gizette asks formally, “I would ask that if I do come to grief during this enterprise that neither myself nor my guest be removed from House Candent against our wills. And...” she shrugs sadly, “if things get really exciting, please... my House and its denizens are innocents in this affair. I would rather they didn't come to harm during the wars of the gods." She finishes with a faltering smile that fades quickly.

-- LeslieLightfoot - 23 Jun 2007

Durus' eyebrows lift toward his jagged brows as Gizette speaks, and by the time she finishes, his face shows equal parts concern and confusion.

"In reverse order...your house and its inhabitants are safe from Benedict's wrath - as safe as anyone ever is - unless they are actively involved in rebellion against him. That doesn't stop people from being caught in the middle. Just ask Remulus."

Gizette nods her understanding sadly.

"As far as Fiona is concerned," Durus continues, looking down at her recumbent form, "I'm not sure I processed everything you said, but I believe I have the gist of it. If you intend to rouse her now, I will stand by, and do all I can to make sure her revival does not lead to an exchange of violence; physical or otherwise. If she is to recover consciousness on her own in a few days, wouldn't it be best if that occurred in her own chambers in Amber?"

-- ChrisLightfoot - 23 Jun 2007

“Uhhhhh, I’m still not wholly sure what her feelings are concerning Amber. And I’d like to give her the opportunity to be able to speak somewhere else. I’m hoping that... well, that between the two of us being here, she might feel like she has some options.”

-- LeslieLightfoot - 23 Jun 2007

"Very well. Although I believe she has already made her choices, perhaps she will feel she may speak more freely so far from the King's doman. You may proceed."

-- ChrisLightfoot - 23 Jun 2007

“Thank you.” Gizette nods. The girl strokes the wall of the niche where Fiona rests. Opalescent colors swirl before settling into a cheerful seafoam green. The scent of the ocean gently wafts into the niche and the ocassional call of sea-birds can be heard.

“Oh, wait” Another stroke calls forth a niche containing a glass (?) jar of arcane design and blown with protective runes within the structure itself and engraved into the lid. Taking the jar, Gizette unscrews the lid and drops Bleys’ rose inside. A shiver and nose-wrinkle of distaste accompany her actions. She replaces the jar in the niche and says, “House? Please keep this somewhere deep and secure. Do not release it to any other than the Master or myself.”

The niche smooths away, taking the jar with it.

“Okay...” Gizette glances once at Durus, taking in her nephew. Then she steps to the head of Fiona’s couch. Placing her two hands along the sides of Fiona’s head, Gizette bends over until their foreheads are in contact. And she concentrates.

-- LeslieLightfoot - 23 Jun 2007

Durus watches, sure that there must be some safer way to rouse Fiona - but not coming up with one at the moment.

-- ChrisLightfoot - 23 Jun 2007

(I'd like to handle this event FTF tonight :))

-- BenBernard - 23 Jun 2007

Works for me!

-- ChrisLightfoot - 23 Jun 2007