Re: Cathedral of Light (Reena and Casca)

**David** Fri Dec 23, 2011 4:42 am

Prospero nods to Reena. "More interesting than you know. Have you ever seen their life before? To be honest, I'm so very much hoping the answer is yes."

Reena Fri Dec 23, 2011 5:04 am

"Certainly I have. Don't all of us who can walk between worlds come across these Tarots on our travels? Different designs, images of heroes, gods, forces of nature, some powerful others not, all reputed to have some ability to divine the future."

Reena flips over the Ace of Cups revealing the red and black unicorn image.

"However, in all my travels I have never seen this backing design. What do you find to be interesting about these particular cards?"

**David** Fri Dec 23, 2011 3:11 pm

"The backing, yes, very suggestive in its way," agrees Prospero. He uses the key in his hand to point to the portrait card in Reena's hand. "This lady--she is quite lovely don't you think? I find her expression rather sad."

Casca Fri Dec 23, 2011 6:08 pm

David wrote:Valentine glances slightly around before continuing to tell Casca what she knows.

"The forces that might aim at her have vast resources at their disposal, but are for the most part otherwise occupied. Also, for reasons of policy they will not wish to appear guilty of her death. Instead they will probably seek to hire or recruit some kind of assassin. I will be honest with you--the assassin they may well use include supernatural beings. That is not terribly likely, however. Primarily they would wish to be discrete. More likely, they might try to frame another for the deed. Factions within Uberwald are often violent, but not on a large scale. Our father is the King, and as such by far the wealthiest and most influential individual in the land. However, the vast majority of Uberwald remains under control of several major families. Were enough of them to unite, they might challenge his rule. Again, that seems unlikely. He is an old man, with no son. I however," here she doesn't quite blush, "have a suitor of rather more influence than some find comfortable. A foreign prince to whom I have pledged my hand. He in fact has no interest in Uberwald's throne for himself. Many do not believe that. Fortunately the feuds between the noble families insure such an alliance is virtually impossible. But at least in theory some might try to alter the balance of affairs by spurring my father into action. In fact, I believe it is rather my betrothed's enemies who might target my sister with their ire. They view her connections outside the kingdom as more threatening to their goals, and her friendship to Fernand is well known." She pauses. "They may also seek to simply kidnap her. I'm sorry, but part of the problem is Fernand's enemies. Either one might seek to harm Mircalla, but neither can expend too many resources towards that end."

Casca's mouth quirks in amusement.

"Well that certainly clears things up."

He sits quietly for a moment, digesting the information.

"So, it seems enemies of your family, potential rivals to your father's power, seek to capture or kill your sister because of her personal politics. These enemies have knowledge of other worlds, as do your family. To achieve this, they may use supernatural means or creatures to achieve their goals. These enemies also view with displeasure the power and potential prestige of your betrothed. In this regard, are you also as much of a target as she? It would certainly seem probable."

**David** Fri Dec 23, 2011 7:58 pm

Valentine gives Casca a rueful smile. "That...pretty much sums it up, yes. But yes, I am far more of a target--but I am far from unprotected. Mircalla is not so much. I don't believe she is a primary target of anyone. On the other hand, if someone does try to kill or kidnap her you seem like an excellent choice of bodyguard."

Casca Fri Dec 23, 2011 8:41 pm

David wrote:Valentine gives Casca a rueful smile. "That...pretty much sums it up, yes. But yes, I am far more of a target--but I am far from unprotected. Mircalla is not so much. I don't believe she is a primary target of anyone. On the other hand, if someone does try to kill or kidnap her you seem like an excellent choice of bodyguard."

"How is it that you are protected and she is not? Have you skill with the blade or the mind? If an assassin's blade comes for your back, how will you defend yourself? I am simply curious, as skill usually is shared amongst family. This situation sounds quite distinctly different."

**David** Fri Dec 23, 2011 9:18 pm

"Well," Valentine responds to Casca, "to begin--my sister and I are very different people. No the least is that Mircalla took holy orders. She is a Holy Sister of the Unicorn." At this she touches the medallion hanging around her neck. "Any violence against the Holy Sisters would be...extraordinary...in Uberwald. It almost never happens. Which is why I think it nearly impossible any threat to her comes from home. Fernand's enemies, however--they have no such compunction. On the other hand, they have less reason to attack her. Myself, I am far from unprotected in a host of ways. My own bodyguards surround us at this very moment. Nor am I unarmed. But Mircalla--she always felt a religious calling. Were she being robbed, I think her in little danger. Against a determined assassin...well, that is why I searched out a man with your abilities."

**David** Tue Dec 27, 2011 2:00 pm

Prospero's gaze on Reena is very, very intense. She notices the much paler shade of blue with one eye over the other. Yet it doesn't seem to be a cataract or anything like that.

A bell tolls in the Reliquary Hall, marking the hour. Thirteen. In response, Prospero looks up and around a little. He does a tiny take. Blinks. Smiles oddly.

"I had no idea you'd brought one of your uncles with you."

Casca Tue Dec 27, 2011 11:04 pm

David wrote:"Well," Valentine responds to Casca, "to begin--my sister and I are very different people. No the least is that Mircalla took holy orders. She is a Holy Sister of the Unicorn." At this she touches the medallion hanging around her neck. "Any violence against the Holy Sisters would be...extraordinary...in Uberwald. It almost never happens. Which is why I think it nearly impossible any threat to her comes from home. Fernand's enemies, however--they have no such compunction. On the other hand, they have less reason to attack her. Myself, I am far from unprotected in a host of ways. My own bodyguards surround us at this very moment. Nor am I unarmed. But Mircalla--she always felt a religious calling. Were she being robbed, I think her in little danger. Against a determined assassin...well, that is why I searched out a man with your abilities."

Casca's gaze is intense. "What protections do you have, Valentine? I have a number of years experience, and your protectors must be very good at disguising themselves. I am half tempted to test them, just to discover the veracity of your claim. Regardless of my curiosity, again I ask, why do you not employ such subtle protections for her? Is there some other reason you have chosen me? my protection would be rather overt and likely to gain her attention, which you seem to wish to avoid."

**David** Tue Dec 27, 2011 11:41 pm

Valentine sighs. "I am not at liberty to discuss my protection," she tells Casca, "but I can tell you they are resources provided by my ... friend. While they are extremely effective, they are not in unlimited supply. Hence our decision to employ a different method in guarding my sister whom we believe to be a lower priority target. Honestly, we hope your visible presence will serve as a deterrent. We would much rather Fernand's enemies seek to strike at him through me. Meanwhile, may I ask what you would desire in return for your services?"

Reena Wed Dec 28, 2011 4:36 am

"I had no idea you'd brought one of your uncles with you."

??

Reena masks her surprise with a casual shrug and wave of her hand.

"I wouldn't say that I brought him with me, but rather that with a family as large as mine, and with a world as odd as this, there is a good chance of bumping into one of the brood when you come to visit. You know how it is with my people, we are always traveling around and poking our noses into Shadow affairs."

She casts a quick look around the room looking for a man who has the bearing of an Amberite. In the direction Prospero looked she sees a man in local garb, seated and talking to a young woman with dark blond hair wearing red. It is Bleys. He looks older, as if he'd been through a great deal. And he's shaven his beard. But other than that, the man is the spitting image of Bleys.

She thinks she sees one man fitting her criteria, even dressed in the local garb he has the look of someone not in awe of the local relics, someone who has seen objects of greater majesty on far different worlds. She doesn't recognize him but gambles on his being the person Prospero referred to. Reena raises her hand in a short salute to the man.

"Pay him no mind. For now. And let us continue our conversation.

"Yes, she does look sad. Maybe it was a poor artist who painted the picture and couldn't quite get the expression of boredom on her face and settled for the more hackneyed sad look."

While talking she thinks: How was he able to discover a member of the family? Was it the same logic that I used or can he smell us? Or is it an aura? A Pattern glow?

Casca Fri Dec 30, 2011 6:18 pm

"What do I desire? That cannot be easily defined, Valentine. What do I desire from you, for this service of protecting your sister? Uniqueness. Purpose. I have seen so much over the years, spilled the lives of so many on fields of battle, watched the light fade from many a foe's eyes. I am numb with it. I refuse to die, but I need new experiences to wake me up from this ennui that surrounds me."

He pauses, again perusing the crowd.

"I wish to know if you have been to the place called Amber, and if so, how to get there. I have heard, and searched, but never found that mystical place. I don't expect you to draw me a map, for I know it is much more complicated than that. If you know the way, show me. If you do not, then help me find it. I have heard rumor that there are beings there who command the very fabric of reality. What they wish for, what truths they seek, they find. I need to know why I am. Why do I live on when so many do not. The years weigh on me, Valentine. I may look a man in his prime, if scarred, but I have lived hundreds of years. I have seen empires rise and fall, fiery leaders with burning ideas and dreams rise up above the masses, only to see them crumble when their descendants can no longer feel the dream."

Casca laughs roughly, as if he does not do it much. " 'Tis simple really. I want to know the meaning of my life." He snorts. "Perhaps these beings in Amber can assist me in that endeavor."

**David** Fri Dec 30, 2011 6:50 pm

Valentine blinks and stares at Casca for several seconds.

"Perhaps I can offer you more than you think," she says. "My sister is at this moment in the realm of Amber, a representative of our father. Uberwald has traded with the Eternal City for many generations. Indeed, one reason for seeking out your services is because for the moment she must be safe--within Amber's protection as the daughter of an ally. My hope was for you to meet her halfway between Amber and Uberwald."

"I can and will promise to have you escorted to Amber itself, which is the source of the faith my people hold," here she touches the unicorn medallion. "I'm sure Mircalla will want to show you the Shrine in our capital city, a place where the Unicorn herself appeared before the founder of her Order and gave a prophecy. The waters there are said to heal, not only flesh but sometimes the soul as well. It can hardly do you any harm, and certainly en route between this place and the very land you seek."

Casca Sat Dec 31, 2011 2:26 am

"Then it is a deal. I agree to your terms. How do your people finalize agreements? Signatures upon paper, mingling of blood? Simple handshake?"

Casca smiles.

**David** Sat Dec 31, 2011 2:30 am

"We give our words," says Valentine to Casca. "And sometimes shake hands." She extends her hand to him.

Reena Sat Dec 31, 2011 4:15 am

Bleys. I've never met the man but I have seen his likeness on the Trumps and around the castle. Not sure why he's looking so rough. What has he been up to?

"I see no need to introduce my uncle to our affairs. At least not yet. Now what were you asking about this trump card?"

Reena is beginning to become bored with Prospero. The man has talked but not answered any of her questions. And the shadow of Grimm, while interesting in it's way, doesn't concern her as much as the appearance of Bleys. As much as she downplayed the coincidence of his being at the cathedral she assumes something other than chance brought them both here at the same time.

I'll keep an eye on them for now. Bleys doesn't seem to be aware of my presence here - there are no trumps of me, as far as I know, so he probably doesn't even know I exist. If him and Blondie leave then I'll brush off this Prospero character and follow them. From what I know my uncle isn't the kind to go slumming it. This change of look probably means something is up.

**David** Sat Dec 31, 2011 7:39 am

"Good Lady Reena," says Prospero, leaning in slightly, "you have been so patient. Listening to my wandering words. Would you believe I meant a great deal by them? But in truth, I fear to tell anyone too much. Doing so may have killed someone I loved." He places the key before her on the table. "A gift. Find its twin and you will have earned my gratitude. And when next you see him, ask Dworkin what the gratitude of Prospero is worth. You will hear from me again. A parting thought--be very careful of the crimson unicorn. Very careful indeed."

With an incline of his head, Prospero rises from the table and makes for the exit, his dark robes pulled around him as if he were suddenly cold.

Casca Sat Dec 31, 2011 11:20 am

Casca stands and extends his hand as well, clasping Valentines in his own calloused palm. "Our agreement is sealed then. Where shall I take up my vigil, since she is currently ensconced in Amber?"

His heart quickens at the words. In Amber..

Reena Mon Jan 02, 2012 4:32 am

Reena laughs as she watches the man shuffle away through the crowd. Our kind love putting on an air of mystery then walking off with dramatic pronouncements. He did, however, leave me a few things to ponder..

She ordered a cool mint tea from a passing vendor and gave the key an examination while sipping. Never keeping her eyes off Bleys and the woman for more than a moment at a time.

'When I find it's twin'? Prospero has me much mistaken if he thinks I am going to run off and do his bidding. But then again, what am I going to do? Follow Bleys and get caught up in his affairs? Head back to Amber and ask Dworkin about Prospero? Steal the Trumps in this cathedral?

Or I can sit a watch. Maybe Bleys will get into a sword fight and I can watch the action - or even steal the cards while everyone is distracted. C'mon uncle, show me some of that fighting prowess I've heard so much about.

[[OOC: Did Prospero leave the piece of amber in the key or did he pocket it while Reena looked over at Bleys?]]

**David** Mon Jan 02, 2012 12:15 pm

The key is black and covered with a filigree of dark silver. Its teeth have an unusual shape, more curved than Reena is used to. And within the piece of amber set into the key she now can view the insect much more clearly. Looks not unlike a butterfly, albeit small, but with its wings folded back like now the shape of those wings look rather like a heart.

Reena's mint tea tastes much as it does everywhere. The cup is an odd shape, tall and narrow with a small flare at top and bottom. Glancing around she notes this is evidently the norm here.

**David** Thu Jan 05, 2012 3:48 pm

As Casca stonds, so does Valentine. "The halfway point is an island called Gont. We travel from here to Uberwald, then from the capital to Gont by ship. A tiny crack opened some years ago, connecting Grimm to Uberwald. Shall we go? It isn't far. Is there anything you wish to retrieve?"

Reena can clearly see the Bleys and the blonde woman in red stand, seemingly getting ready to go somewhere. The latter moves in such a way that she can see the medallion hanging around the young woman's neck. A medallion Reena has seen before. Or its like. Worn by particularly devout Followers of the Unicorn.

Casca Fri Jan 06, 2012 1:39 am

Casca shakes his head, scanning the room. "Nothing of import. I carry the important gear with me and am ready to leave as soon as you are."

He shifts his back slightly, checking on the reassuring weight of the thin pack he wore under the pilgrims robes, strapped to his lower back. He resists the urge to rub the bracelets again, as it had been a bad habit that nearly cost him his life a few worlds ago, when a particularly canny foe had noticed that it was a reassuring move he did often enough and tried to separate them from him, something that ended up with the foe's head separated from his shoulders.

**David** Fri Jan 06, 2012 7:50 pm

Reena can see Valentine gesture towards "Bleys" as if to bid him follow.

Which is precisely what she's doing. "As it happens, the crack that leads to Uberwald is within walking distance. If you will follow me?" Assuming Casca does so, he will find her confidently heading out of the Cathedral and up the street several blocks. She turns right, ending up before too long at an inn with a walled garden. When she enters, the horned innkeeper smiles and waves at her.

Reena Fri Jan 06, 2012 8:47 pm

Seeing her uncle and the woman rise Reena gulps down the rest of her tea, pockets the key and gets up and blends in with the crowd.

Let's follow them for a bit. If Bleys has gone undercover out in shadow a little knowledge of mine could prove useful in Amber. If he's looking for trouble that could double my entertainment. Although those Unicorn worshipers tend to be a prudish, boring bunch.

The trail leads to an inn. Reena watches the two enter.

Am I spying on a hookup? No, the priestesses of the Unicorn don't get into that much fun. Then again, if Bleys is in disguise maybe the blond isn't really a cleric?

If I had better luck they would have gone to the inn I'm staying at; that way I could gather up my weapons and traveling gear, if needed. Now I only have the dagger hidden in my boot.

Most likely they have gone in there to get their gear and will be out soon.Still...a chat with the innkeeper might shed some light on what they're up to.

Preparing herself to be charming Reena enters the building.

**David** Fri Jan 06, 2012 9:15 pm

The innkeeper glances at Casca, then at Valentine, who nods. "Time to leave" she says simply and hands the horned man some coins. He in turn takes the money, then gestures to a servant, another horned individual (this one much younger).

As Reena enters, she can see Bleys and the blond woman in red exiting towards the walled garden in back, led by a horned young man who looks to be in his teens.

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