#log 51

you ever get that feeling right before a fight starts where the imaginary music gets intense and one of the autobots starts saying something inspirational and you realize you’re probably about to be the example of what happens when you stand too close to the main character

--[ Pattern Chamber ]-------------------------------------[ Royal Palace ]----

   A room the size of a ballroom, looking like it may have once been a      

   natural cavern but crafted from the living rock to hold what it now      

   contains. The floor is black and looks smooth as glass although it is    

   not slippery to walk upon. And looking like it is embedded within the    

   floor rather than upon it, is a single elaborate design comprised of      

   arcs and turns, short straight lines, long sweeping curves, shimmering    

   like the cold fire that it is, quivering, making the whole room seem      

   somehow unsubstantial. You can almost see the words "Start Here,"        

   somewhere way to the back where the crafter set down a single line to    

   delineate the beginning.                                                

                                                                               Those of the royal blood of Amber can attempt to walk the Pattern.        

   Such attempts are rumored to be deadly to all others.                    

   Alec, Dirk, and Harper are here.                                        

--[ setting, views, lhelp ]---------------------------[ Exits: N Pattern ]----

Setting by Walter at Sun Jul  3 10:57:11 2011: Karm Wards have been placed around the Pattern Chamber door. One is to block access to Caine or Henrik (Walter's c0o) and the other against active uses of Chaos Magic (Walter's bxo).

Dirk chuckles. "So there you go? Start walking and don't stop til you hit the middle. No matter what."

Harper edges into the room after the gentlemen. Her eyes are wide and her mouth is sort of open in astonishment. "That? Wow. That is amazing."

Alec nods and eyes the pattern, looking a bit doubtful. "Got it," he says, and he approaches where the pattern seems to naturally start, his steps slow.

Dirk says "Go on."

Harper looks over to Alec, noting his expression, "Hey. Have faith in yourself, okay? You're strong and amazing. Go for it..."

Alec glances over at them and grins. "Don't worry. I've got this." He then begins his walk.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You begin to walk the Pattern. When you set your foot upon it, it's outlined by blue-white sparks, and you feel as if a current is passing through your body. With the next step, there is a crackle, and you feel your hair begin to rise.

After some dozen paces, you feel something akin to a black barrier before you. It is the First Veil, and to get past it requires terrible effort and concentration. Then, the pressure eases.

You are now well into the Pattern, and you continue to traverse the lines of fire until you feel another barrier begin to rise. It is the Second Veil. You try to overcome the resistance. It is like walking through glue. Raising and lowering your feet takes head-throbbing heart-pounding effort. Then, suddenly, the going is easy again.

In ten paces more, a swirling filigree of fire confronts you. It becomes devilishly tricky to stay on the Pattern. It requires all of your agility and focus to walk the line. You are relieved when you emerge and march along the Grand Curve.

You are dizzy by the time you pass the arcs that lead to the Final Veil. It becomes agony to move.Darkness nearly overcomes you and you can barely keep the Pattern in focus. And to take the last step is like trying to push a concrete wall.

But you've done it. You have successfully negotiated the Pattern.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--[ Center of the Pattern ]--------------------------------[ The Pattern ]----

   To stand in the center of the Pattern is to have triumphed over          

   adversity. The lines of blue fire that mark the grand design, which so    

   recently were a struggle to walk along, surround this hallowed place      

   in arcs and whorls.                                                      

                                                                               From here, one may transfer oneself to anywhere within Amber, to the      

   center of one of the other Patterns, or to certain places of power.      

   Alec is here.                                                            

--[ lhelp ]--------------------------------------------[ Exits: Transfer ]----

Harper stays near the wall, her hands tucked into her pockets. They stay there while she watches her friend move through the stages. Words? She has no words for what she is seeing. Other than... utter terror, perhaps.

Alec finishes his intense walk and stops in the center. He looks exhausted from his efforts and a bit overwhelmed, maybe even confused. Still, he grins and waves at Dirk and Harper. "Now what?"

Dirk says "Got my trump?" Dirk is yelling.

When Alec reaches the center of the Pattern after such a struggle, Harper cheers, fists drawn from her pockets to pump the air on his behalf. Now what? She turns to Dirk, a brow lifted questioningly.

Alec nods and digs out Dirk's trump, holding it up as though proving he has it. "You going to pull me out of here, then?" he asks.

Dirk nods "Yep."

Alec focuses on the trump.

Dirk pulls Alec through to him and punches him on the shoulder. "Hey Kiddo."

Harper's grin is wide and warm though she does not move from her leaning spot against the wall. "Congratulations, Alec." Curiosity grows in her gaze and she almost tentatively adds, "Are... you okay?"

Alec doesn't dodge the punch this time and gives Dirk an exasperated look. At Harper's question, he looks her way and smiles wearily. "I think I'll be fine," he says. "That took a lot out of me, though."

Dirk nods "Its exhausting and kiddo, don't give your old man that look."

Harper lifts that brow again as the reaction to Dirk's punch. Her smile remains, though it gains a faintly whistful air. Now, Dirk's reaction chases the whistfulness from her and she laughs quietly, "Perhaps this calls for a celebration?"

Alec nods. "A celebration that involves some sitting down, I hope," he says with a grin.

Dirk nods "Lots of drinking and sitting."

Harper blinks and takes on an 'oh, so innocent' look, "I thought maybe a foot race to Arden and back." Then, with a slight tilt of her head, she adds, "Or time at the Mead Hall? Your choice..."

Alec grins. "I'll pass on that race, but you and Dirk are welcome to it. And the Mead Hall sounds good. It's been a while since I've last been there. And it's actually where I met dear old dad over here for the first time, and as a drunk cat."

Harper nods once... then laughs, "A drunk cat... Wow." Pushing from the wall, she turns toward the door, then blanches, "Uh... Alec? You might want to let Dirk go back up the stairs, then trump him again. Going up after what you went through might be painful." There were stairs to get here. Many, many, many steap and spiraling stairs with no hand rail to save someone from a deadly fall.

Dirk nods and laughs "oh yeah."

Dirk takes off running up the stairs.

Dirk heads out the door into the tunnel.

Dirk has left.

Harper laughs and winks at Alec, then takes off after Dirk.

Harper heads out the door into the tunnel.

Harper has left.

You concentrate on Dirk's Trump...

-[ The Mead Hall(#2089RJ$0) ]------------------------------[ Amber City ]----

   Rectangular tables provide community seating, flanked on either side      

   by long benches; both are constructed of oak and sanded with a nice      

   finish. Walls angle inwards halfway up to maze of wooden rafters, the    

   ceiling open in the center over a large firepit in the middle of the      

   room.                                                                    

                                                                               The mead is served by apron-wearing wenches who are both voluptuous      

   and flirtatious. Several varieties of the fermented beverage are          

   available (see 'menu') and poured from kegs lifted on tripods in the      

   back of the room; each barrel is imported from Kitezh and represents      

   the finest alcohol produced by their meadery.                            

                                                                               A low and curtioned doorway leads out to the streets of Amber.            

   Alec, Dirk, and Harper are here.                                        

--[ views, places ]-------------------------------------------[ Exits: W ]----

Harper walks a little behind the other two, though she does hurry ahead to open the curtain to let the others go in first. She has been fairly quiet since leaving the Palace, though when looked at, she would appear at ease. "After you..."

Dirk pokes Alec along "Hurry up chicken butt."

Alec walks past her and then pauses. "You okay, Harper?" he asks. He looks at Dirk and grins. "You're more than welcome to go on ahead and get drinks ordered for us."

Dirk keeps poking "Wouldn't want to interupt your conversation." Dirk does just that.

Harper laughs at Dirk's teasing Alec, but sobers a little when addressed. "Me? Yeah, I'm fine. Really oddly proud of you for doing this. It had to be scary. Heck, it was scary to watch. Wondering if you remembered anything new and... thinking about the last time that I was here." She nods into the room, then, "Come on. I think a drink is called for." Still, she pauses a moment, "Thanks for asking, Alec."

Dirk teases Alec, "You want a drink for you and your girl?"

"It was scary to do, to be honest," Alec says. "And, no, I haven't remembered anything new just yet. I'm both disappointed and relieved about that. And... the last time you were here?" He tilts his head. "You're welcome, tho-" he cuts himself off at Dirk's comment and blinks at him in startled surprise. "My what now?"

Dirk ignores Alec and waves the two of you over for a seat. "Have a seat on the chair and a drink on me."

Harper nods once, "Yeah. I used to play here a lot. Sort of harp for my supper... Bef..." And she stops, turning those ultra-wide, ever-blue eyes at Dirk. For a moment, she remains still, but then starts to giggle. Alec is offered a quiet grin and a light touch on the shoulder. "Ah, parental wishful thinking..." Dirk is shadowed a wink and she heads for his table, "But, no. I am not Alec's girl." Claiming a chair, she leans an elbow on the table, "If I am anyone's girl... which I doubt... since I don't do that possessive thing, it would be Johann's."

Dirk is ignoreing Harper too. "So Alec, how does it feel to be an inmate in the crazy farm."

Alec glances at Harper. "You and Johann?" he asks as though to confirm. He follows after Harper and takes a seat with Dirk. "I'm not sure how I feel about it, but it's good to know that I'm not alone in thinking all these royals are a little crazy," he says, then adding, "and even some of those who aren't royal are pretty out there..."

Dirk says "Son you *are royal*"

Dirk punches Alec on the shoulder "chickenbutt."

Alec sighs and makes a face as though he's just bitten into a lemon. "I like to pretend I'm not, though. It helps keep me sane." He nods in thanks to Harper and then takes a drink from the offered tankard. "And why do you keep punching me?"

Dirk says "I can punch you, lean on you or hug you. Choose one."

Dirk adds "Choose one chickenbutt."

Harper nods to Alec, but does not interrupt the discussion. She hides a grin behind a sip from her tankard, resting the other hand on the table. Finally, she offers, "The punches are kind of dude-like. Probably less invasive than the other options. If you want my two coppers."

Alec rubs at his shoulder. "Well, since I'm developing a near permanent bruise, I'll take the hugs or the leaning. I've already figured out I'm not into pain thanks to Cat. And... don't tell me that Chickenbutt is your new nickname for me..." He grimaces.

Dirk nods "Moxon is badgerboogerbreath so you get to be chickenbutt, Unless you have another nickname you're ok with."

Harper tilts her head at that, the surprise in her gaze a flash of sapphire, "I had forgotten that you use that one for him." Taking a sip and a swallow, she adds, "Thank you for not nicknaming me, Dirk. I am not overly fond of them”

Alec sighs, looking resigned to his fate. "Well, at least it's better than Monkeyboy, he mutters. He looks to Harper. "Aren't you lucky... By the way, Harper, I was wondering if you'd have the time to teach me a bit about using a bow. It's already been proven that I can't throw an axe very well, so maybe I'd be better off trying something else."

Dirk says "Monkeyboy chickenbutt. that is your new full name."

Alec grins. "Well, it's a better last name than what I've currently got, at least."

Dirk reaches over and gives Alec a very hard punch. "I am a good dad you dork."

Harper winks once, but sobers a bit at the request, "Of course. We can start whenever you are ready. The bow is an important tool for a Ranger. I am, honestly, better with the bow than anything else... So I am usually long-range support. Unlike your dad, here. He is an astonishing close-range fighter. I would recommend learning about hand-to-hand from him. As for your last name, I like Dirkson. It is very Kitzeh." Turning to Dirk, she queries, "Do they do that in Minos, too?"

Dirk nods. "Yep, its more like I am Gerardson and so forth. It works for me."

Alec hisses at the lastest punch and resumes his rubbing. "Yes. Excellent father material. Parent of the year. Proves it through abuse." Still, he grins. "And I'm learning that. The old man has been showing me some of his tricks. But I'd definitely be interested in learning how to shoot arrows sometime, between my lessons with Uncle Moxie, though, of course."

Dirk smiles "I only punch the ones I love. The rest I decapitate." He chuckles and drinks mead, lots of mead.

Harper listens to the two some more, the hiss getting some attention and sparking a wince. Another drink is taken as she considers the two. Finally, she smiles and sets down an empty tankard. "Any time, Alec. I'll get together some fletching supplies as well. You should make your own arrows if you want to. If not, there are plenty for sale. But, I use specific feathers in mine so my arrows are recognizable." Pushing the tankard away, she rises, "Excuse me, though? I need to get back to Arden. Congratulations, Alec. And you, Dirk. See you both soon, I hope."

Alec nods to Harper as she leaves. "Thanks for coming," he says. And he looks back to Dirk. "And I suppose I should be grateful, then..."

Dirk nods "Yep you have good friends."

Alec grins. "For that and not being decapitated. The punches aren't so bad in comparison."

Dirk says "that is just a joke. I don't decapitate family. Sometimes I want to but I don't do it."

Alec shrugs. "Shame. Some of them really seem to deserve it." He takes a drink from his tankard. "I'm thinking about doing a bit of traveling," he says absently. "I'm not sure when, but I've met a lot of interesting people from nearby lands. It makes me want to explore."

Dirk nods and says "Have fun with that and keep in touch."

Alec nods. "I will," he says. "I just don't really want to go alone. I guess I'll ask about, see if anyone else wants to explore."

Dirk nods "I suggest you stay out of Lyonesse though."

Dirk says "And I might go with you if you want?"

Alec gives a sheepish grin. "Too late. Harper's invited me to go out to Lyonesse, and I've accepted. Though, I wouldn't mind a bit of father son bonding. Yeah, sure. Let's go exploring together."

Dirk nods and sighs "Just stay out of Albion."

Alec nods. "I'll try but I make no promises."

Dirk says "You will stay out of Albion or I will kick your ass. Igraine and I have peace because she leaves me alone and I leave her alone. Don't break that."

"Uh, noted," Alec says. "Who's Ingraine?"

Dirk says, "The black queen of Albion. Not a person to mess with for sure."

Alec raises an eyebrow. "What, did you sleep with her and then forget to call?"

Alec is ready to dodge a punch.

Dirk says "No she just killed my brother n law." No punch for this one.