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Ian · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 521 Location: South Carolina

"If I can get some clarification on a point here, you say that the rightful owner will always be the nobleman having last lived or currently living in the estate, correct? If this is so, why do you say you will claim the North Tower based on right of strength?"

"I just want to be clear on this before we proceed."

Ian eagerly awaits the answer.

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 2:28 pm Post subject:

Captain SIgmer'Lune raises looks at Ian for a moment then answers, "Because these lands are outside of the King's jurisdiction, those of noble blood may claim them and hold them as they wish. The 'right of strength' is the famous edict to that law... In other words, "If you can take it, it is yours. If you can hold it, it is yours." I expected you might know of this already... Does this cause a problem for you, Lord Ian?"
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Ian · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 521 Location: South Carolina

"I'm just wondering which King made this rule up. Especially given our proximity to Amber, I would imagine King Oberon's laws would be in force here. You see, what I'm trying to avoid is that one day, Daniel, the rightful Lord of Windbourne, is going to return here. If the precedent is set that might makes right is the order of the day, Daniel can raise a huge army. Being a Lord of Amber, I can do the same thing. I just don't want any violence if it can't be helped."

He turns and looks at Flora and smiles.

"I'm generally not a peaceful man. I get sent places when certain individuals need to move from the alive side to the dead side. But here, I see an opportunity for your people, and based on Brek and Nok and your own fine self, you seem like decent, good people. I have also dined with the Ashelts, and they seem to be good, decent people as well, and lovers of knowledge."

"Does that clarify my thought process any? And I guess I don't know your King. Who is your King?"

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 8:19 pm Post subject:

"King Swayvill of Chaos," he answers. "An amiable resolution is what we are looking for as well. I am sure something can be arranged where everyone is happy. As you are already aware, Windborne is a great and powerful place and these windy hills and mountains have the advantage of propelling my men far across these lands if controlled properly. Lord Ashelt will be able to confirm to you that although we have been agressive in our take-over, we have killed no one yet, and I don't wish for this to change. If Lord Daniel can participate in the current negotiations, I am not opposed to it. On the contrary... This place is large and can easily accomodate me and my garrison. We are prepared to watch over these lands and protect them from harm."
"I did not realize that King Oberon claimed these lands as his own or that Windborne's proximity to Amber can influence my King's laws... The Ashelts will certainly confirm this, I expect."
"Either way, my offer stands, whether Lord Daniel wishes to participate here peacefully rather than see us murdered or bothered to raise an army."
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Ian · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 521 Location: South Carolina

"I hope you can understand my concern. Oberon would be worried that King Swayvill could use a place like this, close to Amber, to launch an attack. Amber has no such outposts near the Courts of Chaos, to the best of my knowledge. If you don't mind my asking, how were you able to move through the Shadows?"

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 7:44 pm Post subject:

Captain Sigmer'Lune continues to speak over the strong winds, saying, "I believe I understand what your worries may be. I would hate to involve King Oberon in such benign matters. Is it that Windborne holds more importance than what's been in front of me the whole time? Likewise, I very much doubt that King Swayvill will be focusing on this place. He has other means to Amber, as you probably already know. Lord Ashelt and myself stand outside of this conflict. Perhaps it would be wise to consider failing to mention these lands to our respective Kings, for if this place came under their attention, no parties involved would benefit from living here."
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Ian · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 521 Location: South Carolina

"It's important to Daniel." Ian answers.

"Yes, those 'other means' Swayvill is using are rather extraordinary. How was that managed, if you aren't giving away a state secret?"

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 3:05 am Post subject:

"I would be a powerful man if I knew... Part of the reason we have chosen this place is because the Black Thread does not stretch here."
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Ian · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 521 Location: South Carolina

"The Black Thread, of course. Where I crossed over it, it was a road. Very nasty."

He looks thoughtful for a moment, then: "Do you and the Ashelts have any common foes? I'm getting ready to go speak to them and I'd like to see the two of you have common ground. Also, you only need one tower? Or should they set some other land aside for the rest of your people?"

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 2:43 am Post subject:

"I cannot claim to know the Ashelts very well. Lord Horlass, our former employer, was not involved with the Ashelts either. I am afraid that we can only offer scouting and protection on their territory in exchange for the North Tower."

The Captain nods and says, "The North Tower is enough and is also the highest. Additionally, I believe it is the opposite of where the Ashelts actually reside." He pauses for a moment, then asks, "Is Lord Daniel residing elsewhere for long periods of time? Perhaps we might be of service to him as well if it all turns out well."
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Ian · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 521 Location: South Carolina

"That of course, will be between you and Lord Daniel."

He looks at Flora to see if she wants to add anything. She knows he is ready to go to the Ashelt's.

Inwardly, he can't believe he's become a diplomat.

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Sat Sep 13, 2008 5:31 pm Post subject:

Flora adds, "Lord Daniel is my son and I'm sure I can talk him into being as reasonable as you have been thus far, Captain. In fact, it is possible he may bestow a greater title upon you when he returns to claim these lands... It won't be for quite some time and it will not require you to break any promises between the Ashelts and yourself, once we get the two of you meeting to discuss such arrangements. Thank you for your time and willingness to compromise." She smiles at the Captain, then at Ian.

Captain Sigmer'Lune responds by smiling at Flora and bowing his head at her, then Ian just a bit longer.

...

Flora stands up and turns to the estate and points to the tallest tower, no longer being circled by the bird soldiers, "This is the tower you refer to as the north tower, is it not?"

The Captain stand up and confirms she is correct.
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Ian · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 521 Location: South Carolina

Ian bows to the Captain as well. "We will speak soon, Captain."

He walks to Flora and they head to the Estate, to speak with the Ashelts.

"This trip keeps getting weirder and weirder. Or maybe I should say curiouser and curiouser."

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 11:41 pm Post subject:

Flora looks serious as they make the trek back to the Windborne Estate.

She answers him, "It's true that things are not quite what I expected..."

After a moment or two she asks, "I am not keeping you from something else, am I, Ian? This whole thing might... take a while to resolve. I only meant for you to escort me here so if you feel you're better off serving Amber elsewhere, I don't mean for you to be obliged to me..." She lets that thought trail off as she displays an impossibly adorable pout.
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Ian · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 521 Location: South Carolina

"Well, there is a foreign film festival I wanted to catch...and um, well, I think horse racing season..."

He grimaces. "I think you know I have nothing to do. I'm persona non grata in Amber. Eric would send me out to look for a perpetual motion machine if he could. Since your father left, or vanished, or was done it, I hope not, I've had a lot of time to myself. You see how April and I get along. We don't, and it kills me. I'd do anything for April. I'd probably toss you off a cliff if she asked nice." He smiles ruefully.

"Mom never has contact with me." He shrugs.

"I'm not feeling sorry for myself, I'm...grateful that you asked me to come with you. This has been interesting. Meeting people from Chaos, travelling with you, fighting something that is a threat to Amber."

He kisses her softly and lightly, more friendly than amorous.

"And stop that pouting. That shit doesn't work with me." His grin is ear to ear now, and she can tell he truly is enjoying himself, despite all the unknowns and uncertainty.

"I told you I was with you until we're done or you don't need me or I'm dead. Shall we visit the Ashelts and continue Ian's education in diplomacy?" He offers his arm.