From outside the grove comes the sharp, shrill cry of a hunting osprey.

“Oooo!”  A happy croon bursts forth from Robin as she tilts her head at the sound.  With a chuckle, she bounds off in that direction, completely distracted once again.

Siege kneels as Robin approaches.  His head is bowed.

Robin blows a quick kiss to Vere and then plops herself down into a crouch in front of Siege.  Cocking her head, she tries to peer into the man’s eyes.  Vere would notice that the girl just pulled herself up short of a run-and-hug.
            “Siege?”  Robin’s voice is soft.  “Listen.  You definitely get a say, but from my end, I’d far rather have you as a friend than a worshipper.  What do you think?”

Vere smiles at her as their eyes meet, then waits quietly as she speaks to Siege.  He glances behind her to see if his mother and sister are also approaching, and if so he bows to them as they draw near.

Siege looks up, but doesn't stand.  "I can revere your divinity and still be your friend, if you wish it, Goddess.  Ours is a people used to living with their gods close at hand.  Vere is both my companion in the order, and a demi-god."

The priestess are moving away, towards the central tent where The Lady has been staying.  The Lady is on Avis' arm, and to Vere's eye she looks tired.

“Works for me.”  Robin chirps with a smile as she folds down into a sitting position.
            “Listen, Siege, I wanted to make sure I got a chance to speak with you while I was here.  To thank you.”  The Goddess is rosy with warmth.  “I don’t know if this world will ever truly know how much it owes you.  But I do.  Your winds changed my course from what would have most likely been a brief flight ending horribly, to a flight - that while it still may end horribly - will be full of glory and joy while in the air.”
            She looks up at Vere with glowing eyes.

There is an answering light in his eyes as he gazes at his love.

Looking back to Siege, she continues.  “You will always hold a very special place in my heart for that.  Thank you.  Very much.”  And in the end, the girl can’t contain herself any longer and throws herself on Siege to catch him in a big hug.

Siege is surprised, but not totally off-balance while Robin hugs him.  He looks to Vere, probably for advice on how to deal with Robin.

Vere smiles at him, a hint of sympathy in the look.  But what he says is, "Robin, Siege, we have things we must discuss with the Queen and Princess Avis."  He sets off after the two women, counting on his beloved and Siege to follow.

Robin pulls back from Siege to look fondly after Vere.  “Talk, talk, talk.”  She murmurs with an ironic grin.  She winks to Siege, bounds to her feet and off after Vere, she goes.

The Lady and Avis bow to Robin.

She waves cheerfully back.

When he draws near them he says, "Mother, Avis, there are two remaining matters of state business I need to discuss with you."  He pauses a moment, considering his mother's condition, then continues, "If you would prefer, Mother, perhaps you would wish Avis to deal with them, after you return to your tent to meditate?"

She smiles, motherly pride evident in her look.  "You're a good boy, Vere.  Tell me what you need to discuss with me."

He give a nod of his head, just short of being a bow.  "I wanted to offer two suggestions, Mother," he says.  But his eyes flick to Avis as well, and he nods to her also.  "The first is military.  I think it would be wise to pull back into a purely defensive position while the Lady Robin and I seek information on the true nature of the invaders.  If, as I suspect, they are a serious enough threat that the Lady Robin will feel the need to put an immediate end to the struggle going on among her people, then I think it would be simpler to do if we've already made a show of good faith.  To go along with that, I'd suggest using whatever spies we have among the traitor's forces, and the people on the islands where she holds sway, to spread the word that the Lady Robin has returned to the Isles."  He smiles thinly.  "And to point out that the disaster at Lady's Town was punishment for Vianis daring to try to imprison the daughter of Ysabeau."

Something flickers in Robin’s eyes at that but she decides to hold it until later.

Avis nods.  "We've blamed them for it and they us, but it will help to have the Goddess Robin to vouchsafe our claim."

The Lady looks at Siege.  "Is it safe and prudent to do as my son suggests?"

Siege nods.  "It is, Lady.  There are a few operations that are concluding, but the enemy will not attack us if we hold off on new missions for a week or so."  He looks at Vere.  "It won't be more than a week or so, will it?"

Vere smiles.  "If so, then I have badly miscalculated and things have gone
wrong."

"Secondly, I am of the opinion that the information we have on the invaders indicates a strong possibility that they have an ultimate destination of Rebma, possibly to attempt to wrest a sword of power from someone.  I am sending my Tanist to warn the Queen of Rebma, by way of King Corwin of Paris," he turns to Robin and bows at this point.  "By the power of my Lady's grace," he says as he straightens up, his eyes meeting hers for a second.

“Sure,” the Goddess chirps.  Though the glimmer in the back of those green eyes says that it had better be by her grace.  ‘Cause if it’s by her effort it will involve steel pointy bits, the delightful crunching of bone and a male scream-symphony.  Robin really doesn’t like Corwin.

Then he turns back to his mother and sister.  "The Ambassador of Rebma in Paris will consider the matter more seriously if it is brought to her by a woman of power and authority," he explains.  "And not merely a man, however well-born he might be.  And, as I had mentioned before, I think the Isles and Rebma have much in common, and could benefit from an association.  This would be a chance for an ambassador to be sent from the Isles, one of your nobles, who could bring this warning as a gesture of thanks to the Queen for allowing me to recruit the sons of Rebma for the defense of the Isles."

Robin nods supportively, though her eyes narrow as she wonders how deep a debt to the soggy ones her love owes.

Avis looks up.  "Mother, we should send E'enfall.  She would be a good representative."

The Lady nods.  "An apt choice.  I will have her notified.  I assume they will leave before you?"

Vere nods.  "Indeed.  They will need us to send them to King Corwin.  Castor will act as her guide and guard, he is ready to leave as soon as she can prepare for the journey.  Please make it clear to the Lady Priestess that Corwin rules Paris in his own right, he can be an arrogant man if he thinks he is not being treated with proper respect."

‘If.’  The ironic snort echoes back to Robin before she realizes that she’s the one who uttered it.  With her eyes wide, the Goddess covers her nose and mouth with an embarrassed hand, and waves the diplomatic types onward in their discussions.

E'enfall is sent for.  She trembles in the presence of the Goddess and drops to her knees.  She will take on the holy mission of carrying the message, and is convinced that she must respect the brother of a Goddess in his own realm, no matter how odd it may be.

(OOC - I'm assuming that we will have moved back to the Queen's pavilion by the time E'enfall arrives, there's no need to keep Corvis standing while waiting for all of this.  Castor had been told to prepare to travel and to await us at the Queen's pavilion, so he should be there by the time E'enfall arrives, yes?)

[sure!]

Vere steps aside with Robin and says quietly, "I am presuming a bit, my love.  I presupposed that you will be willing to allow me use your trump of King Corwin for this purpose."  He smiles.  "I further presupposed that you would prefer me to be the one to contact him, rather than to do so yourself."

“Absolutely right on both counts, my love.”  Robin murmurs back with a bright smile.
            “Remind me, though.  A little later - in private - I’d like to discuss the ‘disaster at Lady’s Town.’  ‘Crushing defeat’ I can understand.  Maybe even ‘massacre.’  But ‘disaster?’”  Worry slinks through her eyes.

Vere nods.  "We will talk," he says quietly.  Rejoining his mother and sister he waits for E'enfall to be given her instructions, then asks her,  "How long will it take you to prepare for this journey, Priestess?  The travel time to King Corwin's realm will be instantaneous, and besides you and Tanist Castor I could also transport a small retinue, if you so choose."

"A priestess of the Children of Danu is ready at all times to follow the will of the Goddesses.  I can leave immediately."  She seems to mean it.

Robin nods with a smile to E’enfall.  The Ranger Goddess absolutely approves of that kind of ‘get it done’ attitude.

Avis says "A short delay to write a letter of introduction from The Lady to the various Monarchs would be required.  Pick two women to join you, and determine the supplies you need.  You may be gone for some time, on the Goddesses business."

E'enfall nods and asks for permission to go gather her team.

[We can gloss the "they make preparations" bits if you all are ready, unless you want to discuss other matters.]

[OOC - Only one little thing to take care of while the priestess is off putting her travelling party together]

Vere bows to his mother and Avis, and takes Robin by the arm and moves a little ways away from them.  "Before I actually send them through," he tells Robin, "It might be politic to contact King Corwin and let him know that I've volunteered him to provide transportation."  He smiles at her.  "Might I borrow my lady's trump of our uncle?"

“Okay,” Robin says though she scrunches her nose as she digs out the Trump case and hands the leather pouch to Vere as the combination of Trumps and Corwin is too icky to deal with.

Vere stares at her for a moment, a small smile on his lips, and then as he takes the cards from her he murmurs, so low that no one other than Robin can hear, "You have no conception of how tempting it is to kiss your nose when you do that.  My reputation would never recover."

She looks at her love with eyes purposely big and green and all-too-innocently asks,  "My nose isn't worth your reputation?"
            Then breaks into gigg - yikes! - snickers and gestures for Vere to continue his Call.

He opens the pouch and quickly locates Corwin's card.  He focuses on it, willing the image to come to life before his eyes.

There’s a brief pause.

"Vere, son of Gerard, your Majesty.  I regret disturbing you."

Pause.

Vere bows.  "Two things, sir.  First, I have information which you might find of interest, and I would be grateful if you could pass it on to King Random as well.  Secondly, a favor, which relates to the information.  The information first."
            "My mother's war against her treacherous Chancellor has taken an interesting turn, as the rebels and our ancestral enemies have formed an alliance with peoples from the far east.  These people, in turn, are being pushed from their homes by invaders, and evidence suggests the invaders are from another world altogether.  While it is possible they simply follow a natural shadow path, my suspicion is that their leader is a Lord of Chaos or a member of our family.  Alas, I have only third-hand reports of the invaders, but I am preparing to investigate further.  What I have been told is that their insignia is a fang, the warriors serve their leader with fanaticism, and they expect to be led by their leader to a watery hell, to recover a stolen sword, so that their lord may fight against his brother in recompense for a previous wrong done him."
            Vere tilts his head to one side, considering.  "I have theories, of course," he says, "But for now that is all in the way of actual knowledge."

Robin steps a little away from Vere as he begins to speak.  The girl probably doesn’t even notice the small throwing knife that has appeared in her hand.  Certainly it isn’t on her mind as she unconsciously rolls it around her fingers.
            What is on her mind is hard to say.  Certainly one ear is cocked toward Vere’s conversation, and at least half of her is listening to make sure that Vere remains Vere.  Whhhhiiiiccchhh so far he doesn’t seem to have any difficulty being.
            Other parts of her mind are drifting around loosely until her green eyes settle on The Lady: seemingly so old and so frail.  And Gerard yet far from his recovery.  A small frown moues the girl’s lips.  She rather likes Gerard - most of the time.  Which is good for her.  It would be a shame if time stole the love for which he had broken a promise to her father.
            Robin’s eyes narrow a bit and she calls - lightly, lightly in this damaged place - upon the blue fire that is her heritage.  Gently, she checks to see if Gerard’s hand is already upon The Lady.  Or if perhaps, Robin herself might bolster the woman’s ‘luck’ with regards to her health.
            (OOC - Can Robin reduce the probability of a heart attack or stroke or disease?  And can she make it more likely that fatigue poisons will be syphoned away more effectively, bolster her immune system or other good medical things that I don't have the knowledge for happen, etc?)

[Probability manipulation works best with short term, very well defined events, like coin flips.  Positives are easier than negative, too.  While Robin could stop John Candy from having a heart attack in front of her, she can't stop the years of neglect and abuse that led up to it, and she won't be able to concentrate on it forever.  She might be very useful in an operating room, but general medicine is not well suited to short term probability manipulation.
            Ditto for immune system bolstering or fatigue recovery.  You may do some good, but it's hard to say.  There are certainly magicians in the family who can do these kinds of things, like Folly.  OTOH, it can't hurt.  Unless the shadow is really broken.]

Robin calls upon the pattern and it answers her, quickly.  Here, far from Ladystown, she senses no damage.  Only the barest taste of something far from here that is not right.  She doesn't think it can affect what she does.
            She attempts to bolster the Lady's health.  Robin does not know if it will work, but she makes the effort anyway.  Perhaps she is answering The Lady's prayers.  That is what Goddesses do.
            The Lady stops and looks over her shoulder and, seeing Robin and Vere, smiles.

A bit surprised by Corvis’ glance back, Robin drops the narrowed eyes and vanishes the knife.  She smiles back and tosses a friendly wave to The Lady.  A shrug finds its way to the Goddess’ shoulders, classically curses come more easily to her than blessings.  Perhaps that’s one of the reasons her father sent her here.

There is a pause in Vere’s conversation.
            Then, “Primus, that it is in fact a member of the Family who leads them.  Were it a Lord of Chaos I suspect the descriptions of the troops would be more that the invaders were monsters or demons, and less that they were warriors from a far place."
            "Secundus, that they are heading for Rebma, and their invasion of the Isles is simply a part of their journey.  I base this upon the rumors that the invaders expect to be taken to a 'wet hell' to fight.  In addition, the similarities between the Isles and Rebma, which were my reason for recruiting my warriors from there, make it a logical step upon a path to Moire's domain."
            "And, Terminus, that the sword he seeks is either yours, Bleys', or a third sister sword to those two."

Robin looks back to mid-yak boy.  A quiet chuckle ripples through her frame.  *This* is something she'd better get used to.  And in a hurry.
            The girl's hands flutter a bit as she tries to think of a 'Vere's talking' hobby.  Botherin' Siege doesn't seem like a good idea as he's probably interested in the yak.  Eventually a small carving knife and a small smooth-ish stick find their way into Robin's hands from her variety of pockets, pouches and sheathes.  Leaning
comfortably back against a pillar of the pavilion, Robin gazes out over the sea and whittles idly.

Robin cannot help but hear Vere speak to Corwin:
            "I have not seen the device myself," Vere answers.  "I have spoken with someone to whom it was described as resembling a fang.  It could quite easily have been a horn instead.  Huon..." his eyes narrow as he concentrates for a moment, then he shakes his head.  "The name has not been mentioned in my presence," he says.  "Who is, if I may ask?  And are you suggesting that he is our invader?"

After a brief pause Vere says, "Ah."  He considers for a moment, then says, "This does make Rebma appear to be his goal, then, or at least a first step along whatever path he is following.  I wonder..." he trails off, then continues, "Was their dislike between him and my father?  Do you think it safe for me to approach him?  After all, it would be impolite for me not to welcome an uncle to my homeland, and to assist him in leaving with all due dispatch.  And he is not the only one to dislike Prince Bleys, after all."  His eyes flicker briefly to Robin, then return to the card in his hand.

One corner of Robin’s mouth ticks in a dark smile.  Mentioning Bleys around her while she’s wielding a knife - she’s just gotta love Vere’s sense of humor.  Unfortunately, it also sounds like Vere’s gathering more momentum toward his ‘Invader as Family Member’ theory whereas she’d prefer to keep theory-free until she’s in the middle of it.

Pause.

Vere talks without changing expression.  "Understood," he replies.  "I do not speak of giving aid against Prince Bleys, your majesty, I merely seek to determine the risks I would be running in meeting with Prince Huon.  I would be happy to carry a message for you, if you wish, and of course I shall report back to King Random with what I learn from any such meeting."  His eyes narrow slightly.  "What I do not wish is for the Isles to become the battleground in a war between Princes of Amber."

Short pause.

"Indeed.  If I am correct about Rebma being the destination of this army, I feel it my duty to send a warning to the Queen.  If for no other reason, then because I owe it to my men, and their love for their native realm.  My mother wishes to send an ambassador to meet with Rebma's ambassador in Paris, and possibly to continue on to Rebma.  And, of course, to convey my mother's respects to you, the brother of her husband, as well.  Might I ask to transfer the ambassador and her retinue through trump to you?"

Whittle, whittle, whittle.  Robin isn’t so much carving as letting the wind and the sea and the sound of her love’s voice express themselves through her hands.  While some part of her mind stays on guard for Vere, the rest of her sloughs restfully away just leaving a means to translate moments into wood and space, line and shape, texture and movement.

"The ambassador is preparing, she will be back soon.  By your leave, I will contact you then?"  Vere waits for a dismissal, then turns the card over, breaking the connection.

He looks to Robin with a smile.  "Come, my love," he says, gesturing to her.  "Walk with me, we will discuss what King Corwin has told me."

“Okay,”  Robin chirps, snapping back into focus.  The little knife and little stick disappear absent-mindedly into a pouch and Robin skims over the shavings to Vere.  Looking carefully into his eyes, she expresses her satisfaction that he is still he with a nod.
            “You can keep that if you’d like.”  She says gesturing at the Trump. “I’m not as strong as my father yet, and would rather be pushed off the cliff.”

Vere nods and makes the trump vanish.
            "You hear the discussion of Prince Huon?" he asks, as they walk away from the others, gaining some privacy.  "A brother of our fathers, banished for slaying another brother.  There are other reports that he has assembled an army, and marches through shadow.  His emblem is a horn.  It seems logical that he is the leader of the invaders we now face."

“Logical?”  Robin rubs the side of her nose.  Logical isn’t really a Robin word.  “I’ll grant that it’s likely, given the way Danu is attractin’ family this time of year.  But I still want to stay loose on my mental wings.”  She smiles up at him.
            There’s a fine line between dangerously ignorant and flexible and Robin knows she jumps all over it all the time.

"Indeed."  Vere nods.  "You are correct, it could be dangerous to predicate our actions on an unproven assumption.  However, should our talk with Paidraig's  superiors, and possibly with prisoners, lead to the verification of this theory, I am seriously leaning towards travelling onward to meet with Huon.  He has no reason to wish me ill.  His anger, according to Corwin, should be expected to center on Bleys."

“Ummmmm.... I’m hating myself for saying this, but has anyone told Bleys that a brother who has the good sense and fine discretion to hate him is marching through shadow with an army?”  Robin’s face wrinkles up and she sticks out her tongue.

Vere grins.  "One assumes that the old alliance between Corwin and Bleys still holds to the point that the former would inform the latter of this event.  Although I confess I did not actually inquire."

“Okay, then.  It can be Corwin’s fault if Bleys gets jumped.”  Robin’s dark smile indicates how very much she likes that idea.

“Anyways, I was figuring on talking to the leaders of the invaders anyway.”  Though Robin must admit that her definition of ‘talking’ is a little... broader than most people’s.

Vere nods.  "We shall face him, or them, together," he says.

“Great.  Think your.... our priestess is ready to go yet?”  Robin looks around.  She’s obviously reaching her limit on the talk and plan stuff and wants to get going.

"Let us find out," Vere says, taking her arm in his and turning back towards his mother's pavilion.

The party is ready to go through, including both Tanist and Priestess and party.  A few others, both priestesses and soldiers, are with E'enfall and Castor, wishing them well.  Castor has a few last minute notes for Vere regarding the Children of Lir.  The Lady gives E'enfall a few notes as well, but they are very general.  Soon there is nothing more to be done in preparation.
            The contact and transfer go off with the normal rainbow flash of light, and the party is gone to Corwin.

The Lady smiles at Vere.  "I've always found that fascinating.  Your father didn't like it much."

Vere returns her smile.  "I also find it fascinating, and hope to one day understand it.  My beloved, I believe, shares Father's opinion." He turns his smile to Robin as he slips Corwin's card into his pouch.

“Yep.  They’re icky.”  Robin confirms with easy confidence.
            She smiles back to Vere, different strengths make for a better partnership.  She nods in satisfaction at the speed and efficiency with which the transfer took place.
            “Soooo,” the slap of gauntlet on thigh betrays restlessness, “long enough for Padraig to spread the word?”

"I believe so," he answers.  He bows to his mother and sister.  "We shall depart now," he tells them.  "We will return from our scouting mission as quickly as possible."

Robin waves cheerfully to Avis, Seige and the Lady and turns to go.

Vere waits for Robin to take her leave, then takes her arm as the two turn and walk away.  "On to Kourin, and back to Padraig immediately, I think," he says.  "It seems to me we have spent enough time planning and talking, it is time now to act."

“Thanks, love.  Not rushing you too much, I hope?”  Robin bumps him fondly with her shoulder.

"Indeed not."  Vere smiles, and adds, "Left to myself, I will continue talking and planning long after the time for action has arrived.  It is a failing of mine that you have no doubt not yet noticed, but I thought the time had come to warn you of it."

“Sweet lovely man,” Robin coils her arm around his, “you’ve already ‘warned’ me three or four times, I think.  Proving the point rather nicely.”  She chuckles fondly and the green eyes that turn up to meet Vere’s are full of bubbling happiness.
            That flares up into impishness.  “Let’s race!”  Robin releases his arm to start running towards the golden dragon and her rider.

Vere blinks, caught completely by surprise.  For a moment he hesitates, glancing around at the dozens of people near enough to clearly see them.
            And then he shakes his head, and with a laugh chases off after her, pushing himself as hard as possible to overtake, and if, possible, pass her before she reaches their goal.

Hearing Vere’s laugh and footsteps behind her, Robin lengthens her stride.  She’s not coyly ‘catch me, catch me’ running.  She means to take advantage of her surprise start and athletic lifestyle to win.  Though honestly, Vere’s laughter is a win either way.

Robin arrives first at Hoshith, who has been watching intently.  Vere arrives behind her, and it's clear to both of them that she's a sprinter and he's a distance runner; he's barely winded while she takes some time to catch her breath.  A longer race might have been closer.

"Remind me to bring Hoshith if I ever decide to race either of you," says Kourin.

“Joy in (pant) movement.” Robin winks to Kourin as she waves to Hoshith.  Whether that movement is above feet or wings doesn’t seem to matter to the girl.  She turns to Vere and kisses him soundly.  “Thank you love.”  Deep sincerity thrums through her voice.

"I shall challenge you to a marathon some day," he replies with a smile.  “Perhaps then I shall have a chance at victory."

"And I shall accept." Robin chirps happily. After all, a marathon gave her even more time to chea... strategize says her happy grin.

Vere pulls her to him in a fierce hug and holds her quietly for a long time, luxuriating in the moment.  Then he releases her and turns back to Kourin.

"We are finished here, Queenrider," he says  "We can return to Padraig now, and thence to his superiors, hopefully to finally begin setting the end of this war into motion."

Kourin nods and gestures to Hoshith, who kneels before them.  "I'm amazed you got out so quickly.  What's your secret, Robin?"

“You just saw it, Kourin.”  Robin chuckles.  “Be polite but run like hell.  Thank you, Hoshith.”  The Goddess’ voice is bouncy with excitement as she scrambles into position.

After they are settled, Kourin and Hoshith take them into the rushing air, the flapping of the great dragon's wings alternating with the air streaming past them as they rise.  They reach a few hundred feet in the air and Kourin says "Hang on!" and takes them through.

The blackness.  Not black, really, nothing. no thing.  All Vere and Robin can hear is their own heartbeats.  They feel nothing; not the wind, not the dragon beneath them, not each other, only the cold of nothingness.  It lasts for...