The Meeting and the Lesson

Flora took me by the hand to lead the way.  "We're going to have dinner in his rooms, to give you two privacy and time for catching up," she said as she pulled me along hallways and corridors.  I'll admit that I wasn't paying so much attention this time, as my mind was focused on the anticipation.

We eventually came to a stop in front of a door that looked like all the others.  Flora knocked and it was answered by a young man who was probably a little younger than me.  He bowed and stepped back, allowing us to enter. Flora, still having a hold of my hand, pulled me inside.

"I will inform His Highness of your presence," the young man bowed again and left us alone.

I took note of the focus of the room which was a large painting of a city skyline at night.  It looked very futuristic.  Back home, even the largest city did not contain so many lights.  There were a couple of other paintings hanging up as well--one looking serene with florals and the other depicting a hunting scene.

I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, taking in the smells, cataloging them and committing them to memory.  I opened my eyes again.  I figured I should be nervous, or excited, or even jittery, but I was finding myself very calmed despite knowing that the man of the hour would appear in just moments.

The servant reappeared and indicated that I was to follow.  It was almost like my feet had a mind of their own as I did so, following him into the next room that looked a lot like my own living room, except there was a very big fireplace.

Standing next to the fireplace was a handsome, dark-haired man that I recognized immediately, even though the card did not do him justice.  My father, Prince Eric of Amber.  My breath was caught in my throat and I couldn't speak.

"Tabitha," his voice sounded and he stepped forward with his arms out.

"Dad," I murmured and met his outstretched arms, my voice tied in a knot and the emotions reaching the surface.  At long last.  The emotions were threatening to break through as he hugged me.  I desperately wanted to freeze that moment in time forever, but the hug ended and he stepped back to give me a once over of his own.

"Can I get you anything?" he broke the silence and reached for his glass he had left on the mantle.

"I'm good thanks," I politely refused.  I was also looking him over.

"I can't believe I'm finally here," I said quietly, keeping the tears at bay.  "There's so many questions to ask and so much to tell."

"Sit, sit," dad gestured toward a couch. "We have lots of time."  We both sat down.  "So where do you want to start?"

Start?!  Oh, my.  Without really thinking about it, I did it again.

"Well!  Let's just start anew, shall we? What would you like to know about me? --or do you know all about me already?  Do I have a mother? --any siblings?  Flora showed me ppictures of all your sibs on the way over--oh, we had a great time shopping!  She also told me that you were just wrapping up a war?  So what is it that you do--anything in particular?  What pastimes do you like to pursue? What do you do for fun?" [breath] What's your favorite music?--most favorite thing in the world?--oh, dear, got ahead of myself again!" I caught myself with a hand over my mouth to stop rambling.  I gave him a nervous smile and pointed my eyes downward.

"Sorry.  I get real talkative when I'm excited," I explained.  "I ramble."

Flora had quietly taken up a seat behind us. I could see her out of my peripheral trying to hide an amused smile behind her hand.  Dad seemed to be taken aback for a moment as he simply stared and blinked a couple of times.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa.  Slow down, honey," he said gently with a reassuring smile.  "We really do have lots of time, so let's try one question at a time, okay?"  He suddenly brightened up.  "Ooo.  I know, how about we exchange questions?  You know?  You ask me a question, then I'll ask you a question.  How's that sound?"

I found myself blushing.  "Okay, that'll work," I began to formulate questions in my head again.  "Well, let's see..."  Having to pin down just one question was suddenly putting me on the spot.  I has a million questions, but I didn't necessarily want to start with the angst-filled, hard-hitters like "Why did you do what you did?" and "Why didn't you come for me sooner?"  Sure, I was curious, but when it came down to it, I found I really didn't care so much.  It happened, I grew up and I was here now.  I was trying to formulate a question of a lighter topic, but I couldn't figure out where the heck to start.

"You first," I offered.

He chuckled.  "Alright.  I'll answer one of yours first.  Let's see," he thought for a moment.  "Ah, yes.  We'll make it two for one.  You do have a brother, Connor, but he doesn't come around very often.  And sadly, your mother died shortly after you were born--not because of giving birth to you.  She was in an accident."  He paused, as if remembering something.

So I have an older brother, but I got the idea that I wouldn't be meeting him anytime soon by the way dad had merely mentioned him.  I was curious about my mother, but I figured that would be a way more serious topic for another time.

"Okay, my turn to ask," he pulled himself out of his thoughts with a sparkle in his eye.  "What do you like to do for fun?"

Aack!  I suddenly felt on the spot like it was some kind of interview.  What did I do for fun?  Now that I was giving a little thought to it, the answer was kind of depressing to me.  I didn't really have anyone to share "fun" with.  I had to amuse myself.

"Well, I like to do outside stuff," I began vaguely.  "I like being outdoors.  I suppose shopping falls into that category, but today was the first time really doing that and that was lots of fun." I answered truthfully and the fired the question back at him.  "How about you?"

"It looks like you've finally found a shopping buddy," he turned to Flora for a moment before retraining his attention on me to answer the question.

"Hmm.  What do I do for fun?  Well, there are several things I enjoy.  One would be fishing, another would be reading, and then music and dance.  I would say those are my top three."  He paused, thinking of his next question.

"What's your fondest memory of growing up?"

I could feel my insides plummet.  I really hope that my face did not show my displeasure with this question.  Thinking back to my childhood, it wasn't exactly a normal one.  In fact, most of my growing up was painful because I was without friends, but I had somehow managed to not let that get to me.  I had Grampa and Gran and they were my world.  The memories with them were all good.  I was missing them.

"Holidays.  When I was still young enough to believe in the Christmas Magic, Gran and Grampa would go through the trouble to keep the magic real.  Little things--like finding half-nibbled cookies and half drunk milk the next morning after having left them out the night before for the Christmas Saint, and finding half eaten carrots that his reindeer supposedly ate--things like that.  Gran and Grampa did everything they could to make all the holidays special," I was smiling with the warmth of the memory, but felt the now familiar tug of homesickness.  Aware that the mood could potentially head south in a hurry, I fired off a more "light" question.

"So what kind of music do you like?" I was smiling, ready for any crazy answer he might throw out, but I really wasn't ready.  I was seeing a rather mischievous grin on dad's face, as if he knew what my reaction might be.

"Have you ever heard of Rock'n'Roll?" he asked.  He might as well have said it in a foreign language.

"Rock'n'Roll," I tried it on my tongue.  It sounded rebellious.  Did it involve rocks?  What instruments were involved?  What's the Roll-part?  I wanted to ask these questions next, but realized that all these questions could be answered if I could hear it.

"Can't say that I have.  What's it sound like?"

Dad's smile just about split his face.  Flora rolled her eyes and stood up.

"I will excuse myself at this point.  I have no desire to have my ears assaulted today," she announced in a huff, but I could see the humor behind her eyes.  She let herself out, leaving Dad and I alone.  Dad had gone to a cabinet across the room and was fiddling around.  He closed the cabinet, turned around and as he took a step back towards the couch, a noise promptly erupted that made me want to cover my ears, but I caught myself.  I listened, and amazingly enough I was able to pick out a tune and music.

"Wow!  I didn't know you could get music to sound like that," I commented and continued to listen with both of my feet tapping along.  It was like nothing I had ever heard before.

"I'm glad you like it," he was still smiling, apparently pleased with my reaction.  "Now I think it's my turn.  Something a little more serious.  "What do you think about finding out that you're a princess of Amber?"

"Well, I don't think it's really sunk in yet.  I kind of feel like I'm on holiday of some sort.  It's kind of like a childhood dream come true and I'm not ready to wake up yet," I replied truthfully.  "Kind of surreal, really."

Quick check.  Nope.  I'm sure it would all hit me in the morning.

"My turn," I said thinking hard.  "Biggest pet-peeve?"

"Ooo.  That's a good one.  My biggest pet-peeve is disrespect," he answered without hesitation.  "That's a really broad term that covers several others, like insubordination, for example.  What about you?" He had his head tilted to one side in curiosity.

This one was easy.  "Not being taken seriously--I understand I'm still young, but when older folks talk to me like I'm ten or like I don't get it--that drives me up a wall," I replied.  "I've got another fun one.  What makes you feel the most alive?"

Dad's eyebrows went up at this one.  "Wow.  That's a good one, too," he remarked as a servant came in and rang a little bell to signal that dinner was served.

"Ah, dinner.  Let's continue while we eat," he said and headed for the door.  "I would have to say I feel most alive when I'm in my glider, soaring high above the ground, just like the birds."

Fly?  Glider?  and Rock'n'Roll.  I was feeling like a bumpkin, but I kept my mouth shut in that sense for fear of sounding like one, but doggone it, I just couldn't help myself.

"You can fly?" I caught up to him and we sat down at the table.

"I certainly can," he smiled.  "And you can too, if you're willing to try."  Servants were beginning to pile the table up with platters containing our feast.

"Alright.  I believe it's my turn to ask," he said leaning back to allow a tray to be set in front of him.  "A little more serious, now.  Have you finished your schooling?"

I began to laugh at the very thought, but caught myself.  School for me was a not-so-good memory.  It was the only time I ever interacted with anyone even close to my age, and even then, that was a painful experience.  The social aspects of it all I was very willing to forget.

"Kinda depends on how you look at it.  I can read and write and do the math-thing," I began, remembering how much I dislike the math-thing.  "I did the school thing for a while, but then I was home schooled after....I turned fourteen.  Gran made sure I had the culture and being "well-read" while Grampa saw to the life skills, like running a farm and defending yourself with a sword.  Once I turned seventeen, I guess they thought I had enough."  I was looking at him with an expression I was hoping was saying "And I hope you think it's enough."

"Good.  I'm sure it was excellent prep work," he nodded.  "We'll get you properly trained in martial skills and proper court skills soon."  I must have had a look of displeasure on my face as he jumped right back in to get my mind off of it.

"I think it's your turn," he indicated as he lifted his fork to his mouth.

"Okay," I began with a sip of water. "How about animals?  Are you an animal lover?--of the pet variety?"

"No, not really," he shook his head.  "I mean, I like animals, but I'm not really a pet person."  I could feel my stomach take a dive.  That wasn't exactly an answer I was hoping for.  I mean, if you look at it from a certain point of view, I'm part-pet--heck, I could be my own pet!!

"Well, you seem to be more relaxed and at ease.  What do you say we just have a regular conversation, hmm?" he asked.

"Sounds good to me!" I chimed, but was still mulling his last answer over in my mind.  I was suddenly worried a little bit.  Do I tell him about the wolfy-part, do I not tell him?  I put my attention to the plate of food in front of me that I suddenly seemed to have lost an appetite for.  Dad didn't really seem to notice--probably a good thing.  He continued to eat a little more before speaking again.

"So how much did Flora tell you about the family?" he asked.

"Not a whole lot.  I got a brief intro and she showed me some pictures of my aunts and uncles and told me a little about them, but that was really about it," I replied.  "I'm guessing there's a whole lot more people, but she didn't have their pictures available--cousins, I'd guess." I shrugged and tried to take another bite, but I had lost my appetite completely.

"Tabitha," he began in a tone like one Grampa and Gran would use when I was in trouble.  As a reflex, both my hands were on the table on either side of my plate and my eyes fixed on his face.  Sheesh!  I had been in the man's presence for barely an hour and I was in trouble for something already?

"I should have been more specific.  I would like to hear what Flora had to say about my brothers and sisters," he said carefully.  Oh.  Was that all?

"Okay," I thought back to earlier in the day an it all came out in another infamous rush.  "She didn't throw out any gossipy tid-bits if that's what you mean.  I got the basic run down of who was full siblings, that you're the oldest of your set, that you don't get along with your brother Corwin, I think she said his name was.  I should try to avoid Fiona just to stay on her good side.  I think she admires--Brand was his name--something about a brilliant mind.  Llewella, the one with the green hair, likes to be alone and that Random is the baby of the bunch.  That was pretty much it, honest."  I was looking at him for a reaction.  This seemed to be satisfactory because his smiley self returned.

"Good. Though I wouldn't exactly agree about Brand having a brilliant mind.  But she is right--you would do well not to aggravate your aunt Fiona.  She can be very temperamental.  And for Corwin, true, we've had our differences in the past, But I think we're beyond that now."  He paused to take a drink.

"You said she showed you pictures," he pulled out a plain wood case.  "Did they look like these?"  He held up the top card that was of Flora.

"Yes," I nodded with recognition.  "Very much like that."

"And did she explain what these cards are for?" he asked.

"No," I shook my head and then ventured a guess.  "Some kind of tarot?"

"Close, but not quite," he took the cards out and shuffled through them.  He pulled out one that I recognized from earlier--the one of him.

"You can keep this when we're done," he said as he pushed his plate aside.  I did the same, as I was definitely no longer hungry.

"These cards are called Trumps and they are a means of communication as well as travel," he was leaning on the table now, watching me for a reaction, to see if I was getting it at all.

"Magic?" I asked, my interest peaked.

"Of a sort," he nodded.  "Let's see how well you can pick it up."  He stood up.  "We'll start small.  You stay where you are and think of something you want to say or ask.  Really concentrate on it while holding the card.  I'll leave the room and I'll come back in a few minutes."  He headed for the door and paused.  "Remember, concentrate."

Concentrate.  Okay!  I began to wrack my brain for a question.  So I decided to keep it very basic and simple.  I held the card in both hands, thought of my question, and began to concentrate very hard...

Where did you go?

Dad promptly returned, rubbing on his temples.  "I was just down the hall a few steps.  And you don't have to try as hard as that," he announced as he resumed his chair.

I guess I came on a little too strong.  I suppose I was trying too hard, as I so desperately wanted to please.

My head was tilted to the side as I gave him an inquisitive look.  "Sorry," I set the card down in front of me.  "I suppose I don't know my own strength," I offered.  "Did you want to continue?"  my elbows were now resting on the table and I was fidgeting with my charm bracelet, looking to see if he was up to more "punishment" as I seemed to have already given him a headache.

"That's alright," he returned with a grin.  "I was expecting it, so you didn't knock me on my butt."  He reached out and touched my arm reassuringly and gave me a wink.

"It takes practice, but you have a natural capacity, so that's a good start," he said reassuringly.  "Now let's try a couple more experiments, hmm?"  I smiled back.

"Alright.  Just rest your fingers of one hand on the card," he instructed.  I sat up and did so.

"Okay, good.  Now focus on the image.  Forget I'm sitting here and focus on the card.  Don't push or force it.  Oh, I know!  Pretend like you have to study the card so you can recite every last detail without looking at it.  That should be easier for you I think."

I smiled at this.  I began to study the card intently as I had been wanting to do since Flora first showed it to me.  I fell to studying every detail of the card--his face, his clothing, his weapon, the background he stood against, the bordering of the card, and how cool it felt beneath my fingers.  The rest of the room and everything around me seemed to fall away as I continued my study and I committed the card to memory.  I could feel a distinct tingle in my fingers and at the base of my skull.  I did not pull away.

To my amazement, the card before me began to change.  It seemed to come to life, showing him seated at the table we were at, staring intently at me.

"Pretty cool, huh?" I saw him ask next..

"Whoa.  That's a pretty neat trick," I said in genuine appreciation.  "What else does it do?"

"Indeed," he grinned.  "This is the best part."  He got up out of his seat.

"I'm going to leave the room again.  Give me a couple of minutes before concentrating on the card," he instructed and left the room.

I did as instructed, waiting as long as I could.  I picked at my plate of food and let my eyes wander the room again.  when they came to rest upon the card again, I put my fingers back on it and began to concentrate again.  As before, there was the sensation of the card going cold and that tingle in my fingers and the back of my head.  The scene on the card changed to him standing in what looked like the hallway.

"Good.  Now stand up and reach for my hand," he ordered and extended his toward me.  I was slightly taken aback at this, but extended my hand out toward him as he asked.  It was a very strange request, but I had learned that it was always best to ask the questions later, as half the time, they were already answered by the time I got to the end.

It felt like I had just plunged my hand into a bucket of iced water, and I wanted to pull back but right then, I could feel his hand grasping mine.  He seemed to be pulling me toward him.

"Good. Keep coming to me," he instructed.  I could feel my pulse begin to race, but I kept on going.  The sensations were alarming to say the least.  My "fight or flight" response was wanting me to run, but I managed to keep my head and continued on.  Now it felt as if I was submersing myself into that cold ice water, then the sensation turned clammy.  The next thing I knew, I was standing with dad in the hallway.

That was just too freaky.  I'm not sure how to describe it.

"So what do you think?" he was grinning from ear to ear.

Truthfully, I was on the verge of a panic attack, but seeing as I was still okay and in one piece, I didn't give in to it.  That was the strangest, the freakiest, the weirdest, the coldest, the scariest--.  I found my breath and pulled myself together.

"Funky," I began slowly, trying to find a word that would sum it all up. It finally sunk in as to what had just happened.  Now come to think of it, that was pretty neat!

"That was a pretty cool trick," I said with a smile.  He chuckled at my reaction.

"Yeah, it is pretty cool," he affirmed.  His smile then slipped and he got serious again.  "Now the bad news.  Activate the card again."

"Okay," I responded and began again without question.  My effort came with a price--just as I made contact again, a shooting pain went through my head.  I gave a yelp as I dropped the card and found myself holding my head, using the wall for support and fighting back an impulse to want to bite something in retaliation.  I gave dad the most reproachful, disapproving look I could muster.

"What was that?" I growled.  I gave him a pouty, little puppy dog-eyed look of "I'm confused" to see how much sympathy--if any--I'd get.

"Ow," I said dully.

"Are you alright?" he asked in concern, but was going into an explanation before I could answer.  "As I said, that was the bad news.  You can be vulnerable to a very serious attack through the cards."

Like this makes perfect sense to me, I thought sarcastically.

"However," he paused for effect.  "There is more good news.  You can learn to take precautions and defend yourself from such attacks."

Be still, my beating heart, the sarcasm went on in my mind.  I kept my tongue stilled, having a feeling that sarcasm did not go over well with him no matter the circumstance.

"That's part two of the lesson.  Come on.  Let's go sit down and we'll go over some basics."

"Okay," I replied slowly and stooped to pick up the card from where it had fallen.  I rubbed my temples again, partly to chase away the lingering effects, and partly to see if he was even looking.  He simply nodded and we went back to his sitting room and sat down again.

So without bogging you down, my dear reader, with all the intricate details, we topped the evening off with my lesson of Trump defenses.  It was a LOT to take in, but I managed.  Part of me felt like we had been at it for days--or was it only moments?  The subject matter was interesting at the very least.

"Very good.  You've got it," he said at long last with a yawn.  I wasn't sure to feel relief or just be happy at that moment.

"I think we've covered everything we can cover here tonight," he stood and stretched.  I had the feeling that this would be continuing on the morrow, but I wasn't caring--much.  Sadly, I think this lesson-thing got a little more business-like than I would have liked.  Instead of talking some more and getting to know the real me, he was ready to dismiss me for the evening.

"I'll have someone take you back to your rooms, unless you think you can find your way," he offered.  What, he wasn't going to even walk me back?  Normally, I would feel way more slighted at this, but I was still feeling very overwhelmed with all the new experiences I had been experiencing all day.  Besides, as for getting back to my rooms, I'm sure I could I could track my way back.  My nose hasn't let me down yet.

"I think I can find my way back with no problem," I found myself saying as if I was trying to prove something (--what, I have no idea, I can assure you!)  "If I get lost, I know who to call." I held the card up and waved it a little.  I impulsively tried one last time for a reaction as I went up to him and gave him a warm squeeze.

"G'nite," I paused briefly and began heading for the door.  I then found myself riveted to the spot.  I just had to get this off my shoulders, and before I realized it, I was going off in a huge rush all over again.

"Dad, I know it's my first night here and all, and I really appreciate the lesson--it was seriously fascinating!  Seriously! But I can't help but feel like something is amiss--maybe I'm tired, or something, and I know we had made some small talk earlier and yes, you did ask me some questions about my upbringing, seeing as you weren't there for the last bunch of years, but it seemed cursory, and then, forgive my saying, but you seemed to jump right into business before I had a chance to truly settle in.  I woke up this morning just plain Tabby and now I find out I'm royalty.  Still trying to shift gears here!  It's an awful lot to ingest here--I mean, I've got my very own servant--not that I'd know what the heck to do with her, and I think I'm doing okay with her so far, but I'm not talking about her, I mean to talk about me a little bit.  I guess I'm just trying to say that maybe there's plenty of time for learning trumps and whatever else.  I mean, I noticed that neither you or Flora never really asked me anything personal--not that I want to get overly personal or anything, but all I've learned about you so far is that you are a prince, you like to fish, read, listen to rock and roll and fly like a bird once in a while.  As for me--well, me in a nutshell--sometimes I think I'm a nutcase!  I love to run for the heck of it because that's what makes me feel the most alive.  I consider myself to be a little more nocturnal than most folks and I also consider myself to be quite a tomboy. Grampa kind of considered me special enough to treat me as he would a son--he's taught me how to handle a sword, did you know that?  I'm not half bad, really. And I confess that this is the first time I've really worn a dress--I usually like to be as casual and as comfortable as possible--all this gussying up--I've never set foot in a salon or a boutique or a fancy restaurant before today!--that was awesome fun, but not something I'm entirely used to--getting the royal treatment!  Grampa and Gran did the best they could bringing me up and I'm happy with that.  They were happy to let me be me--they encouraged it, so long as I managed to keep myself out of trouble.  Gran never tried to press the issue of trying to get me into a dress--I can't begin to tell you how vulnerable I feel in this thing!  Up until now, they were my world.  The only human friends I've ever had--well, Okara, but she was more of a teacher.  All my other friends were of the animal variety, thank you--and I wasn't a loner by choice!  I got so royally teased for being different--not that I so really cared.  I've had a few things happen to me just over the last few years.  I found I had strength I didn't know I had and not that you'd ask, but I do have a bit of talent with certain magics and other things that I'm sure you'll learn of soon enough.  I mean, does it not strike you as off that my eyes aren't normal?  Flora for all of her attention to detail never brought it up and I found it odd.  Do you guys know something that I don't?  Not that it bothers me any, because it doesn't.  Really, I'm cool with that.  So do you think that for tomorrow instead of lessons right away, we could have some fun?  You know, you could show me how you fly, or we could listen to more of that rock-stuff, or I can show you some stuff I know? or maybe meet the rest of the family?  Okay.  I'm done rambling now.  And maybe you could walk me back?  No big if you've got other things to do--I can sniff it out, I'm an excellent tracker--bet you didn't know that, either?"   I was smiling warmly at him, waiting for a reaction.  I wasn't upset in the slightest, but it certainly felt good to get that all out!  Dad simply watched me curiously throughout this little speech and gave a smile and a chuckle when I had finally come to the end.

"I certainly hope you feel better," he chuckled again.  "But you are right.  I jumped ahead.  But I am concerned for your safety.  You understand that, I'm sure.  And I would be happy to walk you back to your room," he offered his arm which I took and we headed back out into the hall.

"You look lovely in that dress, but it is pretty obvious that you are not comfortable.  You don't have to wear dresses if you don't want to," he began.  I smiled at this.

"But I'll give you fair warning," he continued.  "There will be formal occasions that may require a dress.  For the most part, though, you can dress however you are comfortable.  As far as your servant goes, I thought it might be helpful for you to adjust.  If you are not comfortable with her, you can dismiss her.  Though Flora may be disappointed.  And I know more about you than you would think.  I know about your tracking skills and your sword arm and if you are interested, I can arrange for lessons to improve you further," he said and then lowered his voice to a whisper.  "I also know about your other talents." He gave a wink and a nod.  I felt so relieved!

"Oh, thank goodness!" I instantly threw my arms around him and felt my knees go momentarily weak.  "I was so wondering!  But that's all good!"  Oh, I can't begin to tell you how relieved I was feeling just then!  I couldn't stop smiling again.

"I don't want to know how you know--I'm just glad you know!"  I allowed myself a little yawn and then stifled it.  "Well!  It's been an interesting evening to say the least!" I realized then that we had reached my door.  "What a day!  Thanks for the lesson and thanks for the food.  I had a lovely time!  Good night!"  I reached up and gave him a little peck on the cheek before turning to the door.  He was wearing a warm, pleased smile on his face.

"You're welcome, Tabby.  Goodnight."

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