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October 30, 2002 |
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Gideon Club Study...
Damen's eyes glaze over. "Are you being tru... oh never mind."
She wanders over to the sofa by the fireplace and fishes through some cards, "Lemme see ..." Yosannah stares at the image of Stone...
To the image of Stone,
Yosannah says "What are you doing?"
The image of Stone answers, "Chillin'.
Going to go buy me a Dalt in a bit. What are you doing?"
To the image of Stone, Yosannah says "A
what?!"
The image of Stone says "A Dalt. You
know. Big guy. Lion rending a Unicorn."
To the image of Stone, Yosannah yells,
"Yeah, I know who he fucking is."
Riva appears, grasping Damen's hand.
To the image of Stone,
Yosannah says "I don't get how you think you're gonna buy him."
Riva starts, wincing. She bites off any
comment and absently tugs at her bodice. Damen quirks an eyebrow up
at Yosannah's outburst. "Don't mind my better half...she's off her
medication." Damen says "Still pretending to be a lady, Riva? You
look becoming." Riva snorts. "Thanks." she sighs and her eyes
unfocus. "Hold on, work." Damen nods.
The image of Stone says "I'm
not sure either. But he's up for auction. So I figure, what the hey."
To the image of Stone, Yosannah
considers, "Can I come?"
The image of Stone shrugs, "Sure. Works
for me. You going to bid too or just watch?"
To the image of Stone, Yosannah says "I'm
gonna hang with you and watch, of course."
To the image of Stone, Yosannah says "Let
me tell Damen and then," As if she were on the phone, "I'll call you
back. Okay?"
The image of Stone says "Sure, chat with
you in a bit."
Riva looks irritated. "It's not a good
sign when employees call me 'just to chat'." she mumbles, looking
tired despite the cosmetics.
Damen smirks, "I believe I used to do
that. But to business....what can I do for you, Riva?"
Riva says "but you were never my
employee, were you?" She shrugs and pops her neck loudly. "I'm just
checking in. It's been terribly quiet in your corner, and I'm
checking to make sure things are alright."
Damen nods with a faint smile. "Things
are always quiet before a storm, are they not?"
Riva says "More often than not, yeah."
Damen chuckles, "The same holds true to
me." He shrugs then, "But I don't plan on moving forward with my
thoughts until I gather a few elders under my wing."
Yosannah hops off the couch, "Hey
Damen.."
Damen looks to Yosannah, "Yes?"
"I'm gonna go out with Stoner. There's
some auction in Amber or some such thing." She finally notices Riva,
"Oh, Hey."
Riva lifts a chin to Yo. "Konnichiwa."
Yosannah shakes her head at Riva, "No
thanks, I just ate."
Damen nods, "Ok. Should I wait up for
you?"
Yosannah nods, "If you want. Or give me a
call when you're done and maybe you can partake as well."
Damen nods with a smile, "I'll do
it...although I'm not normally welcome in Amber."
Yosannah leans toward him and kisses him
lightly. "I'm sure nobody will mind. I'm gonna call him back."
Damen nods, turning back to Riva.
Yosannah stares at the image of Stone again....
The image of Stone says
"Heya. That was quick."
To the image of Stone, Yosannah says "I
said I'd call right back. Ready to pull me through?"
Riva arches an eyebrow. "What kind of
thoughts?"
Damen smiles, "Some I may share with you
once I have made a few assurances with the elders."
Riva says "Elder...relatives?"
Damen nods, "All and the above."
Riva nods and hrrms. "This doesn't have
anything to do with Niccolo or Avalon, does it?" continues,
apparently persistant as ever.
Damen smiles, "No. I have no designs for
Avalon. And Niccolo is a waste of the air he breathes."
The image of Stone offers to
pull Yosannah through....
Stone's Room - Castle
Amber...
"So?"
Stone says "So, we're going to Begma."
"Begma. I haven't been there in a while.
Sounds like tons of fun."
Stone readies his trump and says,
"Ready?"
"Sure, should I hold your hand?"
Stone says "On the first date? You're
such a wanton woman."
"Let's go."
Stone takes your hand and looks at his
Trump....
Crippled Monk Inn...
This establishment is two
buildings ajoined from reconstruction. A long bar stretches across
and behind the wooden beams that support the second floor. There are
only two entrances into and out of this old building, one from the
street, anoddly narrowed door, the other behind the bar leading back
into the kitchen. Across from the door is the bar, to the left stairs
leading above. To the far right of the double structure is a large
stage-platform, Dalt chained, hands and feet together and chained to
two steel bolts in the floor. Dressed in a green doublet with a lion
rending a unicorn emblem. The man's eyes carry a vacant look about
them. Several feet to one side of Dalt is a sturdy podium, erected to
the height of six feet. Above the stage is a railed balcony, two
guards with crossbows standing at the ready. Another pair flanking
each side of the stage below, to compliment the pair on the floor
blocking entry to the platform. Four others stand at the middle and
two opposite corners of the room, all heavily armed and armored to
match the posts outside the building.
A variety of drinks and food are served,
the quality poor and the price raised for this affair. Rumour has it
this sailor-frequented tavern does not provide the type of sustenance
a noble could survive. Perhaps the wreak of death around the area,
poorly covered by heavy spices, is proof.
Zane stands at the bar with hood drawn.
The tavern is filled with people and smoke. Large trunks of valuables
are guarded by the local noble's guards. The rooms are not yet
packed, but are becoming increasingly filled. The noise level at this
point, still remains at respectable. Elektra leans against a wall,
just observing all around her. She isn't very social at this
point,but she isn't being impolite either.
Stone enters the bar, Yosannah by his
side. He glances around, "Lovely decor." he comments.
Yosannah moves close to Stone and
mumbles, "Is this the place?" She looks around.
Stone points to Dalt, chained to the
floor. "If it isn't then there are Dalts aplenty here in Begma."
Yosannah looks at the figure chained to
the floor, "Shut the hell up. Look at that."
Elektra turns her head at the sound of a
familar voice, she nods in Stone's direction, "Stone." she says
manner of a greeting.
Stone looks towards Elektra and grins,
"Hey there stranger. Heard you were back in the fray as it were."
Brian sits at the edge of the bar, near the stage, watching over the
esteemed guest and the rest of the room. A half smile is offered to
those as they enter and pass by in greeting.
Elektra smiles at Stone, "So to speak."
she looks around "Curiosity got the better of me tonight. And I know
the ole cliche...about killing the cat." she winks.
Stone wanders to the bar itself and says,
"You serve Diet Coke here?" to the bartender. He then says to
Yosannah, "See, what'd I tell you."
Yosannah tags along, "You're always
trying to tell me stuff. What did you tell me this time?"
The bartender grunts at Stone and puts a
jack of ale in front of him. It smellsworse rather than better.
Elektra nods to Yosannah as well in greeting. She then turns her head
has she notes Ryker entering, she nods to him as well.
Ryker's steps from around the corner of a
building down the docks, some seventy yards down the way. He remains
there for now, squinting at gathering. He then hands it to Yosannah
telling her, "Here, let me buy you a beer." Yosannah takes the
bottle.
Elektra keeps her spot against the wall,
observing the comings and goings.
Yosannah leans close to Stone and
whispers, "This is a crock, isn't it."
Ryker enters the room with a habitually
dour expression. Brandon up nods towards Zane, and leans agains the
back wall of the bar near the door.
Stone nods, "It is, but it'll be
interesting to see who shows up and what they do."
"Good, I was get'n worried for a minute
that you were all like... serious about this. 'Cause, I'm sure that's
not Dalt. Er, right?"
Dalt remains chained upon the stage, not
moving much other than an infrequent twitch. That vacant stair lands
on none. Brian lifts his glass of milk to Ryker, as the previously
lingering noble finally disappears.
Stone whispers "Well there are two
choices. Either that is Dalt and we're going to make a killing. Or
that's not and he is. Either way, should be fun." Y
osannah laughs, "Good point."
Elektra nods to Brandon as he too takes
up a spot in her proximity. Ryker considers those gathered, paused
there momentarily, fists on his hips. Brian gets a deeper squint,
wrinkles deep, along with a faint, vague variety of nod. After a
time, he heads towards the man, holding back greetings even for those
he recognizes.
Slowly the smokey, enlarged room begins
to fill up. Many conversations taking place, except for amongst the
armed guards, be it those of the house or those of the nobleman
standing watch over the trunks of goods. Stone glances over at
Brandon, looking him up and down for a moment. Stone whispers "You
recognize him? I think he's doing Sun stuff these days."
Brandon meets stone's glance, also
looking him up and down in responce. This turns into more of a nod.
Yosannah nods at Stone, "Yeah, you met
him once before too. Way back in the Spring. I think he stopped by
the club once." .
Brian bares a broad, white toothed grin
at Ryker's scrutiny. Familiar. He drinks more of his milk, waiting
for the man's arrival. Ryker stops before Brian.
Stone whispers "Ah. Good thing you're
here to remember this stuff. Did I like him?"
"You were indifferent. The way you are
with most people. IF, i I am recalling him correctly, that is."
Brandon's eyes dart between Stone and
Yosannah.
Ryker is neutral. He mutters to Brian,
"Familiar looking..."
tone gives a nod to Brandon, one to
Ryker, and then ends his gaze at Jack. Scott offers a small salute to
Brandon. Grins at Jack as he releases his hand. Catches sight of
Ryker and begins to head towards that way.
Stone whispers "How about that guy?
Jack's his name."
"Jack Jack. Seems familiar. But I don't
know him personally. Do you?"
Stone gives a smile towards Jack as he
chats with Yosannah. Stone whispers "He's one of those Chaosians that
spends too much time in Amber to be healthy. Like me, I guess."
Scott walks up next to Ryker and mutters
something to him. Then turns and walks away.
"Oh, My God! You're chaosian" She smirks,
"Hot fudge from the news room."
Brandon lays his head back against the
wall, looking at the celing for a moment. Once he seems satisfied
that it wont fall on him or whatever it is that he is doing, he looks
back to the people around. Stone and Yo getting the most attention.
Yosannah whispers to Stone, "I think he's
checking you out."
"It's because I have a really nice butt."
"I was gonna say something about your
ass, but I figured I'd try and be serious."
Jack looks to Yosannah and raises an
eyebrow. He gives her a small nod. Yosannah winks at Jack and then
turns back to Stone, "So what are we waiting for."
"More rich people to show up?"
"What constitutes rich in these parts"
Stone whispers "Lots of Trumps?"
"Of who? Do you mean just randon ones? Of
anybody?!"
Ryker heads up the boulevard, west.
Yosannah gulps at her beer. The nobleman take longer to quiet, trying
to shove their way to the front. The guards quietly working to keep
the peace. Yosannah inclines her head toward Stone as she watches the
fiasco, "are those the richies?"
Brian scans over the crowd, as if noting
everyone features. A nod given to a man in the back, his post now
moved to the door, closing it but not barring it, "Good Evening
Ladies and Gentlemen. I am your host," he inclines his head to the
crowd, "Brian Learty. I bid you welcome."
Yosannah raises her beer bottle in toast
to their host. Brandon follows Yo's example, and raises his emtpy
hand softly. The example set by Yosannah is followed onward, by some.
Others find it preferrable to spit on the floor. Some stomp their
feet. Elektra glances over at Stone as she crosses her arms once
again over her chest, before turning her attention toward their host.
Brian displays a wide grin once again, waiting for the silence to
resume.
"As you are all gathered here, we choose
to auction," a hand lifted towards the man chained on the stage,
"Dalt of Amber." A moment given, "If you believe to have found
yourself in the wrong tavern, please be excused now." At the back of
the room, one of the more intoxicated begins vomitting at the mention
of Begma's previous King's fate. He quickly stumbles towards the
door. The guard opens and propells him out. One of the girls sprinkle
lyme across the mess. The door is further kept open, as someone is
dragged through the crowd against their will. The noblemen part,
allowing the passage and not questioning anything. Muttering takes
course again.
Jack calls out, "Four silver pennies, two
for you and two for the Ferryman, and that's two more than what he's
worth."
Yosannah smirks lightly.
A nervous laughter raises from the crowd,
at Jack's comment. Several other rejoiners are offered, by the larger
of the men. Mercenaries, sailors, or merchants by trade instead of
the prevailing noblemen. Brian knocks the gavel once again against
the podium, waiting for quiet once more to ensue.
"And with that, we shall begin wagers.
The rules are simple, gold may only be used to supplement and cast
the balance against the rivals. Trumps, unique weapons, or enchanted
items are those that count." Brian gestures across the stage, on the
opposite side of Dalt. "My men will inspect the valuables as the last
bids are accepted. If unacceptable or unauthentic, you wager your
life and the bidding will begin again at whomever offers next first
bid. Even should it be lower."
Yosannah continues to hold a beer bottle
in her hand. With the other hand, she stifles a yawn. One of the
drunk sailors from the back bellows, "Who the fuck cares?"
Brian's grin is nothing less than
dangerous. "This is not story time, child." He holds up his hand and
knocks the gavel once again. "Bidding begins. May I hearthe first
bid."
Jack calls out, "Five trumps." Brandon
glancs to Jack, "To where?" Jack admends, "And four silver pennies."
Elektra smiles at Stone and orders a beer
from a passing server. Ryker returns, rubbing his jaw with the back
of a hand.
Brian corrects. "Silver is not an
acceptable fund. Gold or platinum." He clears his throat, "Five
trumps is the current bid. Who will up the wager."
Yosannah notices an exchange between
Stone and Elektra. She whispers to Stone, "Hey, whose date are you.
Eesh. Easy with the google eyes."
Ryker murmurs, "Five trumps. Someone has
too many for their own good." Ryker lifts his chin a bit, attention
on the people, mostly ignoring Dalt.
Stone inquires, "That five Trumps sellers
choice? Or buyers?"
Claudia keeps to a place in the back,
where she can see without getting in the way.
Stone whispers to Yosannah "Careful or
I'll bid you. Five Trumps and I'll raise you one Pestilence."
She grins, "You might get some takers, my
friend."
One of the milling noblemen stands atop a
table, offering, "Five sets of fitted armor, with axes of power."
From behind Dalt, one of the judges
calls, "What sort of power, Kahil?"
Santiago considers the item for sale
intently, scratches at his beard again. Thoughtful.
Kahil announces, "Detection of gold and
strong quality to crack rock with a single weak strike. The likes
that children can work with. Or if given to barbarians the like that
will shatter boulders."
Scott bids, "One ring of levitation and
two hundred gold." He smirks, "Don't even have to be a mage to use
the ring."
Brian looks from the man in the center,
back to the judge. Given a nod, Brian looks back over the crowd. "The
bid -- " His words cut off and he looks to the judge, whom shakes his
head. Towards Scott, "The bid is five suits of armor with axes. Would
you care to up the bid, your last was unacceptable."
Scott says calmly, "He's not worth more
than what I bid." The crowd balks and laughs at the comment. Many
sneer and hiss at Scott, murder in their eyes. The crowd obviously
mixed in their feelings and reasons for bidding.
Santiago says "Three swords, of ivory,
gold and steel, four vases of porcelien sof fine that you could read
through it, a single ruby, the size of a fat mans thumb and the
mummified hand of of a priest of a serpent which cures you of the pox
when worn. And a set of playing cards with naked ladies on them." A
moment... "Ah. And three gold coins."
Aaron can't help but laugh at Satiago's
cards being offered.
Santiago says "They are being very
attractive naked ladies."
Brian looks back at the judges, whom all
nod. Turning back he announces, "The bid is set by the jovial
Hendrake. Would anyone care to up the bid?"
Yosannah mumbles to Stone, "It was the
naked chicks that sold em on that bid."
Stone nods to Yosannah, obviously
agreeing. Ryker rubs his mouth. Makes his way without hurry towards
Stone and Yosannah. Yosannah nudges Stone and indicates Ryker's
approach.
From atop a table near Santiago,
"Hendrake Swine! Chaosian Scum!" And launches himself at the man over
several other people milling around idly. As his feet leave the
table, a crossbow bolt smashes through his shoulder blade, sprinkling
blood over the bystanders.
Elektra just continues to lean against
the wall, watching and drinking her beer. She watches Ryker pass and
nods regardless of wether or not it is acknowledged.
Jack says, "A magic ring to bind one's
being to his given word, a cloak of protection against elemental
magics, five trumps, and four pieces of silver."
Scott leans over to Jack. "They don't
want silver."
Santiago cocks a brow at the fallen man.
"Well, we be doing our best." Pokes him with a foot. The man produces
a groan "Eh. Still alive."
Brian watches the blood letting with
impassivity. He announces, "The child's bid is unacceptable. Will any
raise the bid?"
A circle now cleared around the man lying
upon the floor, spilling blood from both shoulder and broken nose.
Its life draining out of him.
Aaron says "I'll spot gold for silver on
the last bid. To make it acceptable.
Brian nods. "Accepted." Y
osannah tugs on Stone's jacket. Stone
glances at Yosannah. She whispers, "Are they just gonna let that man
bleed to death?"
Aaron pulls out a small pouch oot of his
sachel and offer it to Jack. Dalt twitches upon the stage, expression
still blank.
Ryker whispers "Nothing brings the
vultures out like an auction, eh."
Scott slips something to Jack. Santiago
leans down, and, with a grunt, yanks the bolt from the mans body. He
absently packs the wound with cotton "Then I be matching the bid with
my previous offer, plus the contract for an elderly castrato, a good
few years of singing being left in him, a trained monkey, five more
gold coins and this crossbow bolt, that, since it has wounded a man,
can doubtless be being used for dark and terrible magics, yeah?" a
moment "And also the book of erotic poetry."
Yosannah smiles at Ryker. Stone glances
around, waiting to see if anyone else bids. He nods to Ryker as well.
One of the many merchant's bids is drowned out by Santiago. The man
gawks at Santiago.
Brian announces, "The bid has been
raised. Do we have another offering?"
A guard, standing besides a noblewoman
lifts his voice: "One unit of lancers. Men, horses, armor and
lances."
The room falls hushed for a moment,
before an uproar takes over. Brian looks towards the judges, whom are
hastily discussing the matter. A skinny man slips from the stage,
through the crowd, approaching the soldier and his mistress. A lulled
conversation takes place for a few moments, before the skinny man
makes his way from the woman back towards the judges. Further
discussion ensues, papers changing hands.
Yosannah whispers to Ryker and Stone,
"What's going on? What are they doing?"
Elektra's gaze passes over the room,
coming to rest briefly on Stone, Yosannah,and Ryker before returning
to the matters in the front of the room.
One of the judges announces, "The bid is
accepted!"
Brian goes on, scanning the crowd. "Will
any raise the bid?"
A squat noble hollars, shaking his fist.
"2 units of foot soldiers."
The skinny man is once again dispatched
from the judges, into the crowd. To speak with the squat noble.
Santiago hmms "I will be adding, then, to
my previous offer, container of potent aphrodisiacs, a fine
telescope, with work done by fine arquaeli craftsmen, ten more gold
coins, a fine race horse of the reputable pedigree, a dagger that was
used to stab the youngest son of Finndo and still has some of his
dried blood up on it, thus making it a valuable piece of amberite
history and pair of my own underwear, autographed by me, which may be
likewise sold to any discerning young lady for a fairly solid
amount."
Claudia shifts her weight to her other
foot and leans back against the wall, smiling. Yosannah squints at
Jack's offer. Aaron chuckles on this. Elektra tilts her head and
raises a brow at Santiago, before shaking her head and going back to
her beer. Brandon laughs softly.
Santiago says "Indeed, you could be
doubtless hiring two divisions of soldiers with such
funds."
Ryker whispers to Yosannah and Stone,
"What, no bidding from you two."
"Are you kidding? What would I do with,"
Yosannah motions at 'Dalt', "that?"
A judge steps behind Dalt, the captive's
fingers twitching as the man passes. Instructions given to Brian.
"The trinkets are not found in value
comparatively to Kahil's lancers," is announced by the towering black
man.
Jack says, "Ten thousand gold worth of
Sapphires. Plus my previous offer."
Scott raises his voice to bid. "A private
island in the Golden Circle that was given to me by Lady Marian of
Amber...and two hundred and fifty gold."
The skinnyman makes his way back up to
the stage. An unhappy coversation takes place. A gesture made by one
of the judges, to one of the guards within the balcony. A crossbow
bolt soon flies into the squat noble, whom bid with foot soldiers.
Ryker glances at Scott. Aaron applauds lightly, golflike in style to
Scott. The crowd once more skirts away from the man falling into the
floor, crosbow bolt protruding from his chest.
One of the judges calls over towards
Scott, "What proximity to Amber are these lands?"
Scott answers Brian, "Half way between
here and there but off the beaten sailing path."
Jack looks at Scott, "You got one of
those too? Did you -actually- go there yet?"
Scott nods to Jack, "Yeah."
Ryker whispers to Yosannah and Stone "I
may have to buy that off Scott myself, later."
Yosannah nods.
The skinnyman is once more dispatched,
this time approaching Scott.
Yosannah whispers to Ryker and Stone,
"You guys, This is boring me and I'm getting tired. I think I wanna
head home."
Stone whispers, "One sec."
Ryker whispers "Your patience is the
length of my pinky, Yosannah."
She smiles at Ryker, "I'm the MTV
generation, Ryker. What can I say."
Stone whispers "Which is longer still
than the length of something else of yours."
Ryker murmurs, "Please." Moves away from
the pair, finding himself a more scarce spot.
The skinnyman considers Scott for a
moment. "Submit your proof to be evaluated by the judges."
Scott reaches into his overcoat and
withdraws a parchment. Hands it over to the skinnyman. Santiago drums
his fingers on his swords pommel, thoughtful. The skinnyman accepts
the paper and brings it back up to the judges. They examine the
script.
Stone whispers to Yosannah, "Did Damen
and Romneous ever work out their Banished Sun argument?"
"No. I mean. I think Damen thinks it's
worked out. But who the hell knows. Oh, great. Look who just showed
up to ruin the party."
Jasra wanders downs the boulevard, ending
up here.
Santiago says "A unique idol in the shape
of a hideous god of distant shadow that is having the power to be
driving it's owner mad if he be contemplating it's mysteries too
long?"
Elektra sets her bottle upon the tray of
a passing wench, she then shifts her weight to her other leg and
crosses her arms again, watching.
Brian gains a nod from the judges
standing on the opposite side of Dalt. Brian announces. "The bid of
one island is accepted. Would anyone wish to up the bid?"
Ryker leans against a sparse spot of
wall, which is only moderately so. Arms cross as he observes.
Yosannah, obviously getting very
restless, whispers to Stone, "If you don't want to drop me off, I can
get myself home."
Stone whispers "If you want to jet now,
feel free. Just warn Damen I might be doing something fun. If I do
I'll tell him about it later."
"Yeah. Okay. Thanks for bringing me out.
I'll let him know and I'll talk to you later."
Stone gives Yosannah a nod and then
raises a hand, clearing his throat. Yosannah fishes around in her
pocket.
Jasra enters the tavern, two royal guards
at her side. Her crown gleams nicely in her hair. "One penny." She
calls out, with a smile.
Scott looks over at Stone. Yosannah
ignores Jasra's bid as she keeps digging in her jacket pocket. Stone
then waits, quietly, for Jasra's bid to be dealt with.
Yosannah ah ha's as she pulls a card
forth, "Found it." Yosannah regards Stone, "You aren't going to bid,
are you?" to Stone.
The locals and judges fall silent
immediately at Jasra's bid. Brian levels his gaze upon her and
explains, "Copper is not an acceptable bid." Clearing his throat,
"The bid still stands at one Golden Circle Island. Going twice."
Stone whispers to Yosannah, "Maybe. Maybe
not."
Ryker murmurs, "This should get
complicated." Gets a few nods from locals around him.
Jasra coughs slightly. "Actually, my bid
is: one penny and I do not have everyone in this building killed
outright. And your next words out of your mouth, boy,should be, Yes,
Your Majesty."
Yosannah rolls her eyes for Stone's
benefit, "I'm outee. I can't take this anymore. See ya."
Santiago grins cheerfully, his hand goes
to his blade as he eyes Jasra and her two guards.
Stone adds towards Brian, "I do have a
bid by the way. When the matter of killing me is settled."
Yosannah concentrates on the image before her...