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Nihilistic Mind

{ Finn, Faylinn, Arkadios and Rebecca meet in the Courtyard prior to Hellriding out into Shadow. }

[OOC: In the future, you can create your own scenes as needed, using the same format as I've shown with the past two scenes. Use { } to describe the scene at the beginning when necessary. We can also make this scene be implied if we want and have the four of you riding in Shadow... Let me know.]

Arden · Joined: 10 Apr 2008 Posts: 720 Location: Oklahoma

[Bein' half packed already has its advantages Smile

]

Rebecca stalks through the halls and takes stairs three at a time, snagging Pages on her way. She sends the first out to the Royal Stables to have Demon prepared for a trip; the second is sent to the kitchens for two waterskins and her usual 'I'm on my way out for a couple of days, pack some food' kit. The others follow her to her room. Rebecca changes clothes in between tossing things at them to take down to be packed on Demon, not giving a damn if some teenage boys have something to think about later that night.

Finn had mentioned Hellrides, and with his luck, she isn't taking any chances. Two of the Pages have the honor of carrying down her larger weapons - with a threat to be careful with those. A couple changes of clothes are already rolled into saddlebags in anticipation of a different trip, another bag is already packed with tools of her various trades that she may need, as well as the extra ammo she's kept untouched since she got here. One bag is kept empty for the stuff from the kitchens. Changed into all black from her boots to her hat, she straps on her loaded six shooter; every slot on the gunbelt holds a bullet. Snake is coiled and attached to her belt. A field knife goes into the boot sheath; a wicked hunting knife is strapped to her thigh. A bandoleer of blackened steel throwing daggers goes on last before she slips into her black all weather duster. The garment is a little heavier then it need be. But various hidden pockets hold a variety of other things in easy reach. The rifle from over the mantle in her bedroom comes off the wall and she checks it with a very satisfied air. It was almost like the old days back home.

Rebecca pauses on her way out after sending the Pages ahead. Slipping out her Trump deck, she removes a few cards. One goes in her boot, two more go into hidden pockets in her clothes. A moment of indecision and the deck goes into an inside zippered pocket of her duster. She is traveling with Finn, after all.

With a rifle over her shoulder and looking like the Wild West version of Death in the torchlight, Rebecca strides into the courtyard with Pages scattering before her like tumbleweeds before a storm. Her duster flares out as she walks towards the stables, where she can already hear Demon's restless fussing as he's led out into the courtyard.

"I'll take 'im from here," she says to the stablehands. "We're going to need Blake, and if Faylinn an' Arkadios have their own horse's here, well be needin' them too. If they don', jist get a couple fer 'em."

Arkadios · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 78 Location: Good old Yookay

The sound of boot heels echoing along the hallways announces Kade’s arrival a second or so before he comes into sight.

His manner of dress has changed little, although his boots are now suited to riding, a heavy black cloak now rests across his shoulders, otherwise he is as before, black hose with a red seam, a scarlet long coat with black cuff and collar, buttons done in gold, a white shirt beneath. At his side though he bears a blade, totally business like, a long heavy double-edged broadsword.

Behind him walk a pair of servants; one bears a bow and quiver of arrows, the quiver exquisitely decorated, the other servant carries a rather battered looking knapsack.

Seeing Rebecca is already present, Kade smiles and walks over, “It's always a pleasure to be early... given that I am so often tardy. “ he comments, he gestures for the servants to deposit their burdens nearby.

When they are gone Kade frowns slightly, “I meant no offense when I referred to you as Madam, might I call you Rebecca perhaps?” he asks, his voice is casual but there his eyes show some emotion, wariness perhaps.

Arden · Joined: 10 Apr 2008 Posts: 720 Location: Oklahoma

In the midst of tying her rifle holster to the back of her gold maned black horse, Rebecca turns at the sound of boot heels just long enough to see who has arrived before she checks the straps before holstering the gleaming metal barreled weapon of her homeland.

Then she turns to face him while taking the saddlebags from the waiting Pages around her. "I reckoned ya didn' mean it th' way," she says with an easy smile. "But back where I come from a Madame is an ol' married woman, or tha one runnin' tha whorehouse." She slings a set of saddle bags over Demon's back. "An' Rebecca's fine. It's my name, ya know."

Arkadios · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 78 Location: Good old Yookay

Kade makes an soundless 'O' with his mouth then smiles in response to Rebecca's explanation.

"Please call me Kade." he answers becoming more sober, "I assume I shall be provided a mount accustomed to shadow travel, I don't feel in the mood to break one in really."

With this he reaches for his belongings and moves them slightly to one side, Rebecca can see no particular advantage to the new position however.

Arden · Joined: 10 Apr 2008 Posts: 720 Location: Oklahoma

Finished packing her horse, Rebecca reaches into one of her many pockets and pulls out stick of cinnamon hard candy. Demon perks up immediately and starts nickering and nuzzling at Rebecca. "Back, horse," she chuckles, moving it out of reach. Unwrapping it, she finally gives it to the silly stallion. Demon munches with obvious glee.

"I take it ya got a lot of experience with horses?" she inquires of Kade. "Can ya handle a spirited one or are ya needing somethin' more docile?"

Ruger · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 68

Quick steps are followed by a fast moving Altair, who is scribbling upon a piece of paper. He is focused with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, but stops abruptly when he discovers that he has crossed paths with Rebecca and Kade. His look of surprise falls away quickly to be replaced with a look of urgency, though the two are hardly distinguishable beneath the hair in his face.

He removes the cigarette to speak, "Forgive my intrusion! Though I must say I am glad to have not missed the departure."

His hand moves unconsciously as he takes another drag and brushes his hair out of his face. His eyes wander around the area for a few seconds before settling on Kade and speaking again, "I do not believe we have had the pleasure. Kade, is it? I have heard of you, of course; but a face to face meeting has never occurred."

Either not caring for Kade's response or having a mind that wanders too much to care, Altair continues, "Where is Finn? I much desire to speak with him."

Arden · Joined: 10 Apr 2008 Posts: 720 Location: Oklahoma

Turning from her conversation with Kade, Rebecca looks vaguely amused at Altair. Behind her, Demon is snuffling around the cobblestones for the pieces of cinnamon candy he dropped. "He ain't down yet," she shrugs. "Takes him half an hour jist ta get his weapons t'gether. If yer ina hurry to speak with him, ya might check his rooms."

Ruger · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 68

[OOC: Altair, for the record]

Sighing, Altair looks up at the sky. "I am in no hurry and wish not to miss him."

He nurtures the last half of his cigarette carefully, taking in the full taste of the tobacco. The smoke flows heavily from the corners of his mouth, quickly dispersing in the air around him. He rolls up the paper he was writing on and slips it into his sleeve.

He laughs slightly, "You are quickly ready Rebecca. Do you find all courtly affairs so droll that you lead the way on all risky endeavors?"

Arden · Joined: 10 Apr 2008 Posts: 720 Location: Oklahoma

[::Cough:: I knew that...]

"Was already packed," she shrugged. "Not for this trip. But not much diff'rent." She pauses, reaching into her duster for her cigarette case. "That ain't 'xactly true, but close enough." She packs the cigarette against the case before putting the case away. A match is produced and struck on her boot like before. "An' ya know that I would rather do jest 'bout anyth'ng then deal with 'courtly thangs'. But Dad's a showman, I reckon."

Ruger · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 68

He seems to smirk at the comment about her father. "He is quite one at that. You may not find courtly things to be so out of your grasp, my dear. No matter of course, as this current predicament seems to provide opportunities for everyone."

He reluctantly allows the cigarette to burn out, crushing the dying embers underneath his foot. "What do you make of it all? A Shadow that very few care to think about holding off a threat that is spreading all of Amber thin. What do they have there? What are we really going to discover?"

Arkadios · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 78 Location: Good old Yookay

Kade nods in response to Altairs questioning his name. He listens quietly and finally comments, "Proof of the pudding Mr Altair."

Kade glances at Rebecca, shrugs then slowly moves around to give Demon an inspection, not too close though, he stays far enough back to avoid a hoof or a bite.

"Fine beast you have here." he remarks finally, "Perhaps a tad more spirited than I'm used to though."

Arden · Joined: 10 Apr 2008 Posts: 720 Location: Oklahoma

Demon gives Kade the eye while Rebecca flips a section of the black's golden mane over. "Demon's special. "Reckon Dad 'an Finn are about the only other's that could handle him. Well, an' Julian since he handles that great beast o' his." She gives him an affectionate pat before turning to Altair.

"We'll find out when we get thar. No use standin' 'round speculatin' in the middle of the dark." She adjusted her hat and flicked ashes off her cigarette. "If ya'll 'ill 'xcuse me, I gotta go find Kade a suitable ride."

With that she turns and her long legged strides carry her into the Royal stables to find an adventurous steed without Demon and Blake's tendencies for strong opinions.

Ruger · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 68

Altair seems disturbed by the lack of imagination, but quickly waves it off. "Of course, of course. We will know sooner rather than later, I would suppose."

With Rebecca gone, Altair turns his attention to Kade. "So new to Amber and already on such an important task. It is clear; however, that you are no stranger to conflict, both physically and mentally. Tell me, what is your reason for coming here in the first place?"

Arkadios · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 78 Location: Good old Yookay

Kade studies Altair, his face remains passive when finally speaks.

"Many reasons sir, curiosity being foremost among them... well, that and the preposterous belief that I might be fit to serve the court of Amber in some way." Kade answers smiling finally.

"Yourself?" he inclines his head in order to encourage an answer.