This transcription of our pre-game amusements was made by Monica Visinsky, with some additions from the quotemaster. There is also a small collection of highlights available. Enjoy!
It starts with Lucas vision card:
[A young man in black jeans and a loose white shirt holds a
few coins, a pair of dice, and a condom in his outstretched hand.
One corner of his mouth is pulled up into a faint smile, and his
eyes twinkle.]
"This is me. This is what I'm about. Unless there's sport,
cash, or a good lay involved, I'm willing to bet you're not worth
my time."
"That's you? Hey, you told me your name was Kyril!"
Gerard's daughter Solange says, half-accusingly. She's
grinning, though.
Lucas: "I meant symbolically, dear. However, I've never been
one to pay attention to those silly restrictions about sex with
family. What are
you doing tonight?"
Here things split up a bit. Solange and
Lucas carry on their conversation here.
GM: Wait until he meets Paige ...
Paige: "I've got a reputation to uphold as the
campaign slut, you know..."
Steve: He won't get a look in with any of 'em once they've
met Daeon. ;-)
Paige: "Who looks at them? Paige knows that touch is
a much more reliable sense, the eyes can be easily deceived, but
running her fingers along his... skin? Well, that'll tell her all
she needs to know."
Steve: Daeon might agree, though perhaps he'd also add
smell and he certainly wouldn't denigrate the aphrodisiac
qualities of vision - but I don't think that changes my original
statement. ;-)
Jovian: You're all wet, bror. The ladies worth having go for the
strong, faithful type. Being always on the make is a major turn-off
-- sneer about my being a Boy Scout all you want, but women seem
to like trying to corrupt me. ;-)
Lucas: Yes, but I'm not looking for 'ladies'. I'm looking for hot
steamy sluts of either gender that want to have freaky sex all
night. These ladies you speak of get classified as 'sport fucks',
in the off chance that I'm looking for a challenge.
Daeon: Sluts, ladies, girls? Who cares? A woman's a woman; when
their big enough, they're old enough and none are too old if
there's even a little juice left in them ;->
Brita: I'll give you some 'sport', Lucas", says Brita as she
draws a sword....
Lucas: I believe this confirms my lack of interest in 'sport'. I
believe I might have better success, and as much enjoyment, from
coupling with a bear trap.
On the other hand, Daeon... you're not too bad looking. Do you
swing both ways?
Daeon: Well a man of my build can't help swinging a bit...Oh! *You*
mean 'what are my sexual proclivities?' Well, I've never done it
with a bear trap...a bear, possibly.
Lucas: While that's not what I meant, I think I know the person
of whom you speak."
Aisling: Don't leave Daeon out of it, by all means. It would most
assuredly be interesting to find out how long it takes for
Amberite males to regenerate certain personal bits of their
anatomy, and we'll need a comparison to make this really
scholarly. ;)
Daeon: About two years, in my case. But you'd better be aware of
the full ramifications of your actions... the last time this
happened, millions suffered as a result.
Lilly: Oh, I'll take Daeon... my blade against his any day. It's
always fun to put a man in his place." Lilly says with just
the hint of a grin.
Daeon: <chuckle> If you know where my place is, then by all
means put me in it. As to crossing blades; I do not trust metals
as so many people do but I'd love to wrestle with you, lady?
Lilly blushes, "I am afraid that wrestling is not my sport.
If you are not prepared for an honorable duel, then my time here
would be wasted."
Daeon: "Mmm! I think we might waste your reputation but
never your time." Daeon leers. "But why all this talk
of violence? Wouldn't you rather I sang to you?
Lilly: "I think not, but I thank you for the offer."
Daeon: "Let me know if you change your mind," Daeon
leers knowingly, "I know just the song for you."
Lilly simply nods and sheathes her sword, retreating back away
from the gathering crowd. Daeon follows her retreat intently with
a half smile and a knowing glint in the eye.
Meanwhile, watching the game:
Solange: "Anybody else want some popcorn?" Solange
offers, settling down to watch the diversion.
Paige: "Don't know. Pain can be fun, but I've never been
much of a voyeur." Paige smiles and shrugs, taking the seat
next to her cousin. "What the hell, I'll do most anything
for popcorn."
Brennan: "I'm no sadist, but as a student of theater, I
enjoy a good farce. Three guesses which team comes out ahead. And
make mine with extra butter, please."
"So let's see if I've got this right," Paige ticks off
the points on her fingers,"One, Brita's gonna Bobbit Lucas
and Two, Lilly's gonna do the same for Daeon. Three, Aisling's
taking the empirical notes. Guess that leaves us alone snuggling
here with the popcorn." Paige smiles softly at Solange.
"Of course, this could be pretty comical, too. My money says
this is the first time Lilly's ever seen a man's sword if you
know what I mean." Paige chuckles.
Brita, hearing sideline comments, says "I have no intention
of 'Bobbit-ing' Lucas. He might need his brains in the days ahead....Ooops,
did I say that out loud?" ;)
Solange grins. "This out to be entertaining, then. Hey,
Jerod, Jovian? You two have mostly stayed out of this. Want to
watch our cousins cut each other to ribbons? Paige and I brought
popcorn." She looks around. "And where's my brother,
Vere?"
Jovian?: "Aww, you blew my surprise," says the man in
flying leathers, carrying a large tray of small fruit pies.
"Never heard it called *that* before!" leers Daeon
Jerod: Popcorn, huh?...Hmmm... well, I might stay if there's a
plate of nachos and dip, but it would have to be good dip...just
in case we're disappointed by the ...umm...festivites."
Vere:"I don not mean to be unsociable, Sister, Cousins. But
such jesting, while no doubt amusing, is not the sort that I am
accustomed to indulging in. I hope none will be offended if I do
not join in."
At this point, Ossian elegantly swings down from his coal-black
destrier, brushes his hair out of his eyes and bows: "Good
afternoon ladies, cousins, etcetera. I wouldn't eat those pies
without a decent glass of wine!" He starts producing tall,
painted wine glasses out of his saddle bags.
Daeon holds out his flagon.
"Ah, we even get the chance to compare. Your choice and mine."
Ossian pulls out two bottles from the now probably empty saddle
bag.
"You want some of mine, too?" Daeon seems surprised but
shrugs. "All right but I think you're making a mistake."
He takes a leather flask from his belt, pours a thimble-sized
capful and hands it to Ossian.
"You better sip it; it's a bit of an acquired taste."
Despite the miniscule quantity, the incredibly aromatic fumes
probably sting Ossian's eyes as he raises it to his lips. [I
can't say for sure 'cos I don't know your elements.]
Ossian sips the wine and coughs (OOC: now you learned something..)
"Well, I admit making a slight mistake. The mistake was
thinking you had wine to share."
"Well I warned you! The piss you people drink just doesn't
have much effect. The last time I tried to get drunk on Amber
beer, I sank fifty pints without even getting tipsy. This stuff's
ambrosia, a pint of this puts hairs on your chest and a nail in
your coffin." Daeon takes a swig, shakes his head and smacks
his lips. "Whoa!" he croaks.
[Again, I can't be sure but Ossian's probably feels a little
dizzy in a few minutes. :-)]
Ossian continues "Anyways, does anyone know what this, eh,
entertainment is all about?
Daeon:"Entertainment's about enjoying life - you're a very
sad person not to
know that."
"As far as I know, this entertainment about to take place,
is rather of the enjoying death type. But then I might be wrong."
Ossian responds.
"If it involves death then it's not entertainment - though a
certain sick type of person might be 'entertained'." Daeon
sounds particularly scathing. "Death is often necessary,
vital even, but as a necessity, not for 'fun'."
Ossian turns back to Daeon "Not fun? Oh, you might be right
in a way. But certainly it can be beautiful, especially duels."
Daeon looks at Ossian as you'd look at a man riding a square-wheeled
bicycle, corks his flask and edges in the direction of away.
"Let's see if I can sum up," Solange offers. "I
mistook our cousin Lucas for someone I'd met in Shadow, and got
propositioned. When I didn't immediately accept, Paige took that
as her cue to flirt, and that led to some further preening from
Daeon and Lucas, which offended cousins Brita and Lilly, who then
offered to separate Lucas and Daeon from certain portions of
their anatomy. It promised to be a good swordfight, so I got some
popcorn, which Paige consented to share with me, and then Jovian
brought out a tray of bubbly pies..."
Paige: "You know, all this talk reminds me of puny Shadow
men who talk the talk, but have to buy flashy cars because they
can't walk the walk. There's a direct relationship between the
cost of the car and the size of their manhood. Higher cost =
smaller <ahem>
"Both Lucas and Daeon seem like they're shopping for Ferrari's..."
"A furry arris? No thanks, already got one....What's a car?"
Inquires Daeon, playing with his weapon - a flint knife, before
anyone asks.:-)
Jerod, ignoring Daeon's remark: "So the logical conclusion
from this might be that the remaining Amber males who are not
engaging in the verbal testosterone flinging are walking the
walk?" says Jerod, chuckling from the sidelines.
Martin is also snickering. "Jerod and I, of course, were
raised in Rebma, and you all know what they say about Rebma men.
Paige sighs. "Implying, they have the foresight to not make
poor first impressions. They are so hard to overcome." Paige
shakes her head.
Jerod: Ah... a wise course of action indeed...let us hope that
all participants involved (irregardless of gender) are capable of
doing so... :)
Jerod: "It will be interesting to see how this all pans out....I'd
sell tickets, but I'm pretty sure I'd have to takers..."
Merlin certainly wouldn't. He seems a touch... disturbed... by
the tenor of the discussion.
Paige pats the back of Martin's hand and smiles. "Ignore
the, dear cousin. They haven't gotten it, yet."
Jerod: But why do you sigh, Paige? You are disappointed far too
easily...:)...it is clear you've not spent time amongst our fair
city under the waves... the women who rule there have come to
appreciate the interplay of men and women, and the benefits of
raising such as those who bear the blood of a Prince of Amber. A
bit of investigation on your part may prove quite...beneficial?...a
little time with Martin would not prove to be uncomfortable I
suspect...:)
Paige: My poor Jerod, that was a sigh of longing, not
disappointment. Trust me, I'm glad to know men who appreciate
such interplay and are willing to ...investigate, wasn't it?"
"But forget Martin, let's talk about other Reb-men. I'll
bring the dip if you bring the nachos."
Merlin rolls his eyes.
Jerod: "An honor indeed to be considered of greater interest
than Martin, who is certain to be heir to the throne...I am but a
poor nobody without status or position...surely you would find me
of little interest and discard me without hesitation in favor of
someone more worthy and important."
Paige: "Oh, really not that much more of an interest, just,
well... Been there, done that."
Jerod: "ah,...perhaps it is best then that I not waste the
time of one so well travelled....:)...I would not wish to be
responsible for the infliction of disappointment upon anyone."
Martin comments: "He's clever -- already knows the best way
to get Paige to do anything is tell her no." He's still
laughing.
Jerod is quite shocked at such a comment..."I would never
dream of deviously manipulating another person's feelings and
interests for some kind of long term gain on my part... I am,
after all, the son of Eric..." Pause "Okay...let's
rephrase that, shall we...."
Paige smiles at Martin. "I'll wipe that smile off your face,
young man..."
Jerod interjects "But a smile brightens the world around it,
for all to see...:)..."
"Perhaps when it belongs to a lovely lady," says Martin.
"But mine doesn't please, so I'll hide it in some of this
pie everyone is talking about."
"You're welcome to share some of my pie, dear." Paige
purrs.
Daeon nudges Martin and winks: "Word to the wise; before you
eat that pie, better give her a good shag - etiquette."
Jovian calls out to Lucas (watching him neatly dodge a swipe from
Brita's sword): "Call me when you grow up or tire out, but
don't call me when a husband with an angry mob behind him has you
cornered."
Lucas responds from across the room "I haven't had an angry
mob in years."
"Then I suppose," Jovian drawls, checking his watch,
"that you're juuust about due."
Lucas: "Possibly, especially if they find out about those
choir boys."
Jovian: "Any question, guys, on why I'm still wearing
leather in high summer?"
"No question, Jovian, just intrigued," Paige says as
she appraises the fine craftsmanship... and the pants, too.
"I've *never* had a problem with an angry husband myself, I
always just invite him to join us."
Jovian: "Likewise the wives?" with a casual glance
Solange-ward. Solange puts on her best "who, me? I'm sweet
and innocent!" look.
J'rim smiles back at Paige (he still hasn't quite gotten used to
Jovian) "It's a service to be of pleasure to you, my lady,"
after a sardonic backward glance at the two victims-to-be.
Paige laughs loudly as she looks over the tray...
He takes one of the little fruit pies from the tray (without
making a crack about tarts, thank you) and holds it forward at
waist level. "Have a bubbly pie?" he asks.
"I'm not sure what it is, but it smells sweet." Paige's
eyes appraise the figure in the flying leathers. "Is it as
tasty as it looks?"
"How will you ever know unless you have a taste?" he
smiles back, giving Paige a frankly appreciative look-over that
stops short of leering.
Paige smiles back and takes a bit of the bubbly pie, licking a
bit of escaped fruit filling from her lips. "Mmmm."
"Ever considered being a model?" Paige asks Jovian
innocently, as she samples more of the pie. "I'd *love* to
paint you."
Over her shoulder to Solange, "Preferably with body paints."
Jovian sits down between Paige and Solange, bringing the tray of
pies with him.
"Oooh, bubbly pies!" Solange says happily. "Ouch!"
(this after she burns her fingers on one.)
"Silly, you shouldn't just stick your finger in your pie
like that," Jovian chides, picking up the dented one by the
edges. Sotto voce, he adds with a wink, "That's my job."
Solange grins, albeit with a blush, and doesn't answer, except to
pull a handkerchief from her pocket and wrap it around the bubbly
pie. (A lady always carries a pocket handkerchief...)
As Ossian reaches for a pie, Solange warns "Watch out,
they're hot. What'd you bring for wine?"
"I had those bottles lying about. I think it is made out of
some kind of flower, having a somewhat sweet and fruity but still
not too heavy taste."
"Do you always eat popcorn when watching swordfights, or are
we starting a
tradition?"
Solange shakes her head. "Neither, I think -- it's just that
since nobody's actually going to be killing each other on this
one, that makes it a sporting event, and
spectator sports and snack food seem to go together. Don't you
think so?"
Aisling calls out "Jovian, don't worry. you get to be the
control."
Jovian: "Damn. If I'd known you were into the control thing,
I would have brought Carenath's riding harness...."
Aisling throws back her head and laughs. "Let's just say it
wouldn't work and leave it at that, shall we?"
Paige's interest is piqued. "Do tell more," she
whispers in the ear of Jovian's flying cap.
(Apart from the fact that he does not wear his helmet indoors, so
his spiky brown hair is free for the ruffling....)
"Not much to tell," Jovian replies offhandedly but
intimately. "Some lengths of wherhide leather strapping,
some strategically placed buckles...the possibilities abound.
Though if you're thinking in that direction, a drawerful of silk
scarves is nicer - more subtly sensuous, and they don't leave
marks."
"I love a man who knows what he's talking about, but why
would you worry about marks? Afraid your flying buddies might
notice?" Paige asks with a glint in her eyes. "I
promise to be gentle..."
"I'd be more worried," he replies, taking her hand that
isn't holding the pie, "about defacing this elegant wrist."
He punctuates the observation by nibbling the pale skin of its
inner surface.
Paige purrs softly at the touch of his teeth as she closes her
eyes and a small shudder ripples through her body. There's a
sparkle there when she opens them and asks, "Did I ever
mention my desire to become a member of the Mile-High Club?"
"Hmmmmm," Jovian purrs against the soft skin at his
lips. "You know, in 35 years riding a dragon, I never got
around to trying that. Could be interesting." He smiles, and
nips just a bit.
Again the small shudder of pleasure. She runs the fingers of her
other hand through his spiky locks and pulls his head towards
hers, "Well, we'll have to find some time then. Won't we?"
"And perhaps a Shadow with soft land," Paige suggests
with a bit of laughter. "Just in case you fall out of the
saddle."
"She's incorrigible," comments Martin, "so you
ought to stop 'incorrigin' her. Either that or you two should get
a room."
"I'm still trying to decide which one of them is the mark,"
says Cambina.
"Ignore them, dear." Paige says to Jovian reassuringly.
"He means nothing by it, though if I didn't know him better,
I'd think he's jealous." Paige sticks out her tongue at the
peanut gallery in a very unladylike way.
Martin replies affably, "I'm just concerned for our cousins
whose tastes may not run to watching." His glance takes in
Merlin, Brita, and Lilly.
"I suspect that the others are not the die-hard
exhibitionist-type interested in the shallow cheap thrill to
sustain an otherwise hollow existence." adds Jerod,
chuckling a little.
Jovian turns to Lucas "Choir boys, eh? Well that's a step up
from last time anyway."
Lucas: "Not necessarily. The last time was a virginal
sacrifice that I just couldn't see going off to the great here-after
as a virgin. She was of something resembling consenting age,
which is a step up from the choir boys, but I think I'd get a
better lynch mob out of the angry church officials."
Jovian: "Not to mention the masses who prostrate themselves
before the gods you thus offend. Makes for a pretty lively
holiday."
Vere speaks up:
"Pardon me, I might be misunderstanding. Are you merely
speaking of the fact that these misguided people do in fact
worship the gods who ask this sacrifice, and thus they, the
worshippers, will be offended by the rescue of the sacrifice, or
are you indicating a tacit approval of this form of sacrifice? I
do not mean offense, I simply do not understand exactly what you
are saying."
Lucas explains "I didn't say that I rescued the virgin. Only
the virginity."
Vere responds "But surely the intent was to save the victim?
Although I can see that it might leave the person in a difficult
position, having been an intended sacrifice and then rendered ...
unsuitable. And of course the ones who sought to perform the
sacrifice might well simply choose another, unless something were
done to make this impossible. A difficult situation all around."
"Had to destroy the village in order to save it,"
Jovian observes drily, and not kindly. Solange favors him with a
sympathetic and rueful wince.
Lucas shakes his head "No... no... the intent was to just
rescue the virginity. They didn't find out that the sacrifice had
been spoiled until after the ritual failed."
"Ah. I see. That seems somewhat ... callous." Vere
pauses for a moment. "But perhaps you are jesting with me.
Obviously I cannot know
what truly occurred, and you have already shown your interesting
sense of humour."
"My brother's a fine and honorable man," Solange tells
her companions at the picnic table, "but I think they must
not have sarcasm where he was raised."
"That or he's in more dire need of havin *his* virginity
rescued than the poor girl was," Paige offers.
Vere inclines his head slightly in Solange's direction. "I
assure you that I am familiar with sarcasm, Mother was adept at
it. I do admit, however, that I do not always recognize it
immediately. Further familiarity will no doubt remedy that
deficiency."
This page was updated 27 apr 2002.