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Ruger · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 66

Releasing his mother absent mindedly, Altair turns to face his brother. Altairs misty eyes shoot daggers at Jardein. There is still much sadness in his face, but anger rises in his eyes.

"How dare you claim this place. Perhaps you do not feel it as my home, but it is my birthright." His voice shakes as he speaks, seemingly uncertain which emotion to portray.

Altair's steps echo loudly and unevenly as he approaches Jardein. "You may call it impossible, but my presence here clearly shows that you use the word lightly. You speak or protocol when your brother returns? Where are the loving arms, brother? Where is the joyous return of the kings brother?"

They stand face to face now, Altair's face gone completely void of emotion. He says nothing for a moment, but then barks sharply and suddenly. "Do you FEAR me, brother?"

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 8:09 am Post subject:

Jardein shifts back as Altair approaches him, becoming gradually frightened of him with his every step. His eyes plead Altair as they fill with tears.

"You are him... Altair, my brother! I-I, of course this is your home! Your face hasn't changed in-in so many, many years, you see!... I could not comprehend... Do you see?" His tone is apologetic as he seems to be pleading forgiveness.
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Ruger · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 66

With an extended hand and malicious grin, Altair backs down slightly. "Take the hand brother, it is a sign of good faith."

"There is much we need to discuss, but you do not appear ready for business. One hour should be sufficient for you to put everything together. In the meantime, who can show me where to get something to eat?"

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 4:29 am Post subject:

Jardain looks as worried as Altair expects. He takes his hand nonetheless and says, "I will send for food and refreshments. Be kind to our mother, will you, Altair?"

The King leaves the room and Lord Pelague follows close behind.

The Queen Mother grabs at Altair's clothes and continues her laments and cries of joy. "Please be kind to your brother, Altair... He's been so kind to me. I... I think he knew the King was not your father, yet he always saw you as his blood brother. Be kind to him the way Brand was kind to me."
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Ruger · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 66

Altair reaches a hand to his mother's face, attempting to keep her calm. He smiles at her and speaks, "Mother, please do not be worried. I am more than grateful for how Jardain has taken care of you, and Rien. Compassion will be shown, and I will not forget him."

"After all, the blood of our fathers may not be the same, but your blood is shared between us."

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 12:24 am Post subject:

"Thank you, Altair." His mother relaxes in his arms and she feels so frail and light. She sighs and seems to be falling asleep in his arms.

...

A few minutes later, there is a knock at the door.
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Ruger · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 66

Altair's eyes dart around the room to find the chair again. He leads her there gently and sits her. After being sure that she has found comfort, he heads to open the door.

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 6:04 pm Post subject:

A group of servants bearing all sorts of foods, noblewomen and men that were dismissed by Jardein and a small group of guards awaits outside the double doors.

Jardein makes his way through the crowd as it parts to let him through. He sports a warm and genuine smile, walks to Altair and puts his hand on Altair's shoulder as he walks him to large lounging cushions. He exclaims, "My brother! Let us rejoice in your return! There! We will rejoice in your company, and tonight, a feast will be given in your name, Altair."
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Ruger · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 66

After a look of confusion, Altair also takes on a jovial complexion.

"There is no other place for me brother!" He relaxes against the cushions and grabs a bite. "You are too kind brother. Certainly my home has been well taken care of by such a gracious man."

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 5:19 am Post subject:

"Let us drink to that!" King Jardein answers. The group quickly settles into the throne room and Altair's mother is left sleeping in the chair, leaning against fluffy pillows. The noise of the people setting trays of food and serving drinks does not disturb her slumber.

Altair is offered the finest foods and drinks available, as well as an elaborate water pipe with four hoses, offering the sweet fragrance of orange trees in bloom. The throne room soon turns into an impromptu jovial gathering of the royal brothers. Altair is celebrated and toasts in his honor are made, though, as Jardein had proclaimed, the first toast was for Rien.

Altair receives the attention of many people, astonished at his youthfulness and charm. He is reacquainted with people he knew in his youth, but for the most part, he is introduce to the new power players at the court.
Incidentally, two eligible courtesans pay particular attention to him, sharing a drink and asking him questions about where Altair had disappeared. They are introduced as Rosa, daughter of the Lady of the Star Marches, and Aurelia, the daughter of the Prince-Duke Renard.

Rosa is young and pretends to be quite naive. She is charming and knows it and easily reminds Altair of an encounter with a Chancellor's daughter back in Amber. She has dark brown hair, soft features, a lovely smile and dark colored eyes, green perhaps.

Aurelia is another heavenly creature, though she is more reserved than Rosa in her approach of the new, seemingly available bachelor. She is short and petite, has long, smooth reddish brown hair, bright blue eyes and a shy but lovely smile. She has a soft voice and her eloquence is poetically inspired.

Both ladies are dressed in flowing silks. Rosa red, Aurelia sky blue.

Jardein watches Altair closely from across the open space, sharing a smile and raising his glass, but it doesn't take much for Altair to know he is already plotting something.
People have overflowed from chairs onto comfortable pillows and lounge lazily about.

Rosa asks, "Why do you tease me, Prince Altair? Tell me in plain words if this Amber holds your heart!" She leans into Altair's personal space. A scent of fresh, fruity roses. She knows her theme well.

Aurelia fills Altair's cup again, awaiting his answer.
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Ruger · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 66

Altair exchanges joyful expressions with his brother, raising his glass in return. The party of the room masks the war behind the two brother's eyes.

He smiles sweetly to the two girls, enjoying their company. "Amber has my heart in a way that Rien does not, but this is still where I grew up. And despite all I have seen since my time there, I have not found any girls quite as lovely as the two of you. I look forward to getting to know you two more than I get to know any knew face here. Amber's sunsets are beyond words, but the radiance in both you makes it look sadly common."

His eyes dart between the two, doing his best to keep his intentions for the two of them unclear.

"But before I get to explore either of you, or allow you to explore me further, I must ask a few questions. How are the lands to the South? Is there still trouble there? And what of the forests surrounding the kingdom? There was a bit of unrest there during the late King's reign with bandits and wild beasts. Forgive me for political talk, but I have been gone from home for so long that I feel I must quiet my past before beginning anew with getting two know you two beauties."

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2008 12:14 am Post subject:

Aurelia blushes and takes his hand into hers and places the wine cup, letting her hand linger over his for just the right amount of time. Her game is quieter than Rosa's, who smiles broadly at Altair's compliment.

Rosa answers simply, while leaning back to reach for the bowl of grapes, "King Jardein has successfully brought peace to the realm, your Princeship. I have grown up not knowing of any conflicts other than several short campaigns in the south when I was little..." She laughs, "I'm afraid speaking with the King's generals could bring you up to date on the border situations more than I could."

Aurelia intervenes, making eye contact with Altair and speaking in her soft spoken voice, "I believe that the Kingdom has vastly expanded since you've left, Prince Altair. While you were away, your brother has had the time to strengthen certain alliances and helped form a new kingdom that works hand in hand with our silk trade. I am not aware of any current conflicts that would affect Rien in any way. I hope this is helpful somehow."

Rosa says, "Tell us of your travels, Prince Altair. I cannot imagine Amber is a nearby place. You must be weary to have traveled so long and so far away." She moves closer and puts her hand on his shoulder, rubbing it slightly and without much of any strength at all.
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