House of Cards Contributions Log

Until we meet again

posted by Blake at 06:23 PM, October 14, 2003 | Filed under : Fiction | Comments and Followups

Just before the closing of Faiella-Bionin.

“How long?” she asked, as her hands moved to tuck a stray lock of his hair into place, settled her hands upon his shoulders as Jerod adjusted his court dress.

“I’m not sure.” he replied, his fingers slow as they worked to finishing dressing. “I’m hoping not too long. The army is going to move out soon. Uncle Gerard will no doubt be busy with his role as Regent. But no one appears to be able to provide a time line. Oberon’s not saying anything.”

His fingers refused to work the buttons and Jerod grew frustrated. Carina smiled a little, reached up to playfully swat his fingers away. “You never could button up this one.” she said teasingly, worked the small buttons without trouble.

“I’m sure that tailor did it to me deliberately.” Jerod said, scowled for but a moment. “Cursed me with buttons too small to use. That or Lamell did it. Put a spell on them, so they shrink when I try to put them on. I knew I should’ve let him win that game of Pods.”

“Oh, I think you had it done deliberately.” she said, pouted a little as she finished. “So I’d be the one to have to put them right and then I’d be too close to get away.”

“Really? It would appear my plan has been discovered then.” Jerod says, the slow smile forming into a grin, putting his arms around her before kissing her, pulling her close, the urgency from their love-making diminished but not dead. Replaced perhaps by something else. Need, or a reluctance to let go of what has happened.

Even as the kiss ends, Jerod holds her close, their foreheads touching, wanting her close, needing her close. He pulled back only a fraction, fixed the image of her face, her eyes, the wave of her hair in the water. He noticed the necklace that she wore, the tourmaline pendant fragment he had picked for her, their first outing together. Just like the one she had given him first, staking her claim to him as was proper custom. He knew he should let her go, pick up the sword belt. But he did not wish to.

She looked back as he studied her, a sad smile on her lips, seemed to hear the struggle in his heart as love warred with duty. She knew him too well. She lowered her gaze a bit, hid her eyes a moment, knew her own struggle where he was concerned. She did not wish him to go. She looked back up after a moment. “Duty…” she started to say.

“Duty…” he said as she spoke, and then stopped before he laughed as she laughed, the finality of the moment setting in. He let her go then and she reluctantly stepped back, moved to the chair to pick up his swordbelt for him.

He took it from her, strapped it on carefully. When he was done, Jerod looked at her, watched again as her hair waved lazily in the currents. He reached out to take her hand, brought it to his lips before clasping it in his hands. “I will miss you, my Lady.”

“And I will miss you, my Lord.” Carina replied, squeezed his hand in reply. “Please take care of yourself.”

He nodded, a grim sort of smile on his face as he let go of her hand, walked slowly to the door. He put his hand idly in his pocket, felt something there that was not there before and took a moment to fish out the leather wrapped pouch. He stopped as he passed a large sea-fern, the fronds hiding her for a moment…

*****

“Where is that historian?” Rilsa inquired, stepping from the entry foyer into the recitation chamber proper. “I thought Lamell said she had made arrangements to be available today?”

“He did.” Jerod replies from his place near the chamber entrance, looking around curiously. It was his first visit back home since his father Eric had brought him to Amber, well on two years ago. The once remembered stones of home were familiar once again though he was returned but only a few days prior. “No doubt Lady Constancy is busy going over her memory exercises.”

“Lady Constancy no longer performs the historian’s duties.” a voice replies, a woman’s voice. Jerod turned, a barrier of fern leaves blocking his view of the speaker. The plants were carefully tended to form a wall on either side of the stairs leading down into the chamber. “I would pleased to assist you, your Highness and your Grace.” the voice continued as Rilsa turned to see the speaker.

“We are honoured you have be able to accomodate us so quickly, historian.” Rilsa said, motioned Jerod to come forward. “We know how precious your time is.”

“It is my honour, your Highness.” the woman continued. “We exist to serve.” Jerod moved forward at his mother’s beckoning, a subtle hint of soft shining green visible as the fronds waved slowly in the current.

“And we are grateful.” Rilsa replied. “May I introduce my son, Jerod.”

“My lord Duke Jerod.” the woman replied as Jerod turned the edge of the frond barrier, took his first glimpse of her. A young woman, no doubt older than Jerod from her mannerisms but lovely in a simple court dress, red and black dominating. As he took in the image of her, shining hair of soft emerald green reflecting the light from the chamber’s overhead mirrors, she continued. “I am Carina, the Queen’s historian.”

Jerod stopped beside his mother, took a moment before replying as he looked at Carina. If his pause was a bit longer than might be expected, it is perhaps that he was merely searching for the proper form of address. Or perhaps something else. In any event, he posed a striking difference to his mother, dressed in her white to his black and silver Amber court uniform, sword at his waist. Even the color of his beard and long hair, bound by a ring of black narwhal ivory, marked him as exotic, a surfacer without a doubt though he moved with the ease of one born to a life under the waves.

“My lady.” Jerod replied politely with a smile, bowed slightly with respect, his mother’s lessons of politeness and courtesy long ago absorbed as part of his character. “I am most grateful for the time you have made available and on such short notice. If there is anything I can do in thanks for your efforts, you have but to ask.”

Carina smiled in reply. “As before, we exist to serve, Lord. How may we serve this day?”

“My son has need of the histories concerning the outer fringe realms.” Rilsa said. “The economic policies of the day and the historical figures involved in the first development of trade in those regions with Rebma.”

Carina nodded, his gaze distant for a moment. “I am sure we can accomodate you, your Highness.”

“My thanks historian.” Rilsa said, turned to Jerod. “I’m afraid I must leave you now. I have matters to discuss with the Queen. I should be done before the evening meal.”

“I’ll be there mother.” Jerod said, nodded to her as she departed before he turned back to Carina. “Shall we begin?”

****

“That was the abortive formation of the first merchantile league then?” Jerod offered as Carina nodded at his statement, watched as he breathed a heavy sigh, ran his hand through his hair.

“Perhaps we could take a short break, my Lord.” Carina offered. “We have been going over the histories for some time now. You have absorbed a considerable amount. Sometimes it is wise to let the mind filter what it has learned.”

Jerod nodded, hearing the wisdom as he leaned back on the chaisse. “There’s just so much to learn. So little time it seems.”

“We will endeavour to help you as best we can my Lord.” Carina said.

“Thank you.” Jerod said. “And call me Jerod please.”

“Of course, Lord Jerod.” Carina said.

Jerod smiled. “No. I’m sorry. Just Jerod. I’m afraid I’m still not used to this whole situation of Lord this and your Grace that.”

“Of course lord…Jerod.” Carina said, paused for a moment before continuing. “You have done admirably well for such a short time. The histories are normally easy for the basic elements, but when one begins assimilating the more advanced elements, they tend to take longer.”

“I have a good motivation.” Jerod said, smiled a little. “I promised my father I would pick up some information for a trade delegation that I will be joining next month. It was a way to get him to agree for me to come back home.”

“Your father. Prince Eric?” Carina asked, Jerod nodding his affirmation. “He was reluctant to allow you to return home?”

“Not really.” Jerod said. “Dad has a lot of things lined up for me to do. He’s a firm believer in working vacations. He figured it would do me well to pick up some additional information. Give me a different perspective before I head out. I am just hoping I can pick up enough fairly quickly. That way I can actually have a vacation.”

Carina nodded, watched him as he spoke. “And what would you do on your vacation?. If you do not disapprove of my asking?”

“I don’t mind.” Jerod said. “Amongst other things, I want to go to the Tourmaline Cave Falls. I have not been there since I was a boy. My mother’s advisor took me there when I was eleven. The phosphorescence Waves were fully active and everything was glowing I remember.”

“It is rare to see the Falls in such form.” Carina said. “The Waves come only rarely. The last time was three years ago.”

“Lamell says another Wave form is building. It should be at full strength in a few days. I have that long to be ready with my lessons.” Jerod said.

“Then we must make certain you are ready.” Carina said. “It would not do to have your vacation spoiled on account of work.” as Jerod nodded his agreement.

“My lor…” Carina started, then stopped. “Jerod. You said if there was anything you could do in thanks for my help. I was wondering…if you would consent to see if there is a spot available at the Falls?” She stopped when she is finished, pale hazel eyes looked at him. “The Falls are difficult to reach even on good days. And during the Waves, there are so few spots available, the best ones taken by the royal family and their entourage. I have never seen the Falls thusly, and I was hoping…” as she stopped, her voice trailed off.

Jerod smiled, without pretense. “You offer much with your knowledge and wisdom. It is hardly surprising that you should ask for something equally valuable. It would be shameful of me to refuse. I will make sure you have a spot.” he said. “In fact, I think you should accompany me as my guest, my Lady. That way it will be a very enjoyable evening. And it means for certain you can go. My mother might have someone for me to escort. This means I get a hand in choosing who.”

Carina smiled, a little surprised it seemed by his generosity. “I thank you for your graciousness, my Lord. I’m sure it will turn out to be a lovely day Jerod.”

“I will hope so. I would be very disappointed Carina, if you did not enjoy yourself.” Jerod said, paused for a moment to look at her, seeing her in a new light it would seem, a beautiful woman instead of the historian. The revelation gave him pause for a moment, let him appreciate her beauty and her intelligence. She noticed his reaction and glanced downward momentarily, the silence becoming a long pause between them.

“Perhaps we should begin with the next segment?” Jerod offered, breaking the silence.

Carina nodded in agreement. “A wise course. The next era has some tricky parts. We might wish to refresh our drinks first before we begin.” she said, poured for both of them from the carafe to one side. She re-settled herself again to begin the next lesson, a little closer than before.

****

The cloud crept over the cliff face, swirling in the dim currents, illuminating as it descended into the depths. As it reached the escarpment face, it began to glisten and sparkle. A few moments would pass as the illumination grew brighter, the cloud interior beginning to swirl, pulled towards the cliff face, the tourmaline fissures that beckoned to the microscopic plankton making up the cloud. A siren’s song only they could hear, a siren’s lure to lead them to death before an admiring audience.

As the cloud entered the tourmaline fissues, the crowd paused, the collective breath anxiously held. A moment later it was released as the cliff face exploded in colour, the reds and blues subtly shifted in the ocean depths, the cliff face rippling through the colour spectrum. The ripples continued for several minutes as the cloud descended further into the cliff recesses, more of the plankton dying in their frenzied interaction with the minerals seeping from the tourmaline.

Jerod watched with fascination as the spectacle continued before him, though distracted somewhat by Carina’s prescence, her hand on his arm as his guest. He looked down for a moment, watching her as she gazed intently upon the display. She had worn her hair high, held in place by a trio of silver pins. Her dress was elegant in simplicity, a formal gown of dark ruby red material. Not nearly as expensive as those worn by the many nobles and courtiers in attendance, though from the glances of others, the distinction would not appear to have been noticed. Jerod frowned for just a moment, wondered how many enemies Carina had made this day. The son of Rilsa was a prize in Rebma, one certain to grant favour to the woman able to garner him as a consort.

The frown vanished when Carina looked up at him, a smile on her face as the wonder of the Falls washed over them. Jerod smiled in return, unconsciously, happy seeing her thus. He turned a bit to let her move closer as they return to watching the Fall, his hand resting upon hers, heedless of the attention one might garner in public.

As the Fall ended and the shimmering faded, the royal entourage rose to depart, the courtiers and flankers moving out to prepare their return to the palace. The conversation of the crowd was eager and animated as Jerod turned to walk slowly with Carina, reluctant to return. He found he had enjoyed this day very much and did not wish it to end. That Carina walked equally as slowly told him as much.

“Do you require some assistance Jerod?” Lamell said, coming up behind them. Jerod turned to see his mother’s advisor, ever faithful, always watchful. “You seem to be dropping behind. Your mother will wonder if something is wrong.”

“The perogative of the working vacation.” Jerod said. “You try to stretch it out as long as possible.”

Lamell smiled. “Of course. When your mother asks, I will tell her the historian is detailing more of the Fall’s history. Good evening Jerod. Lady Carina.” he said urbanely before he moved off.

“Does he always address you so?” Carina asked.

“You mean without the Lord this and that?” Jerod said. “Only in private. Lamell is a very good retainer. He knows exactly how to behave and when. And when to speak his mind.”

“Many of the younger ladies of court speak of him in whispers.” Carina said, watched Lamell’s departure. “They say he is not suitable as an advisor.”

“You mean because he speaks up?” Jerod asked, noted Carina’s nod. “And I suppose they prefer their men dumb and silent.”

“Is it not that way above the waves?” Carina countered. “That the men of Amber prefer their women foolish and filled with idle thoughts. Unwilling or maybe unable to think for themselves. Women who find their place in life by virtue of the husbands they marry, the power that men hold.” There was passion in her voice, quiet though she was and she turned to look at Jerod, no fear in her eyes.

“Sounds very similar to here.” Jerod said. “Men who are little more than muscular trophies for women in power. Pretty ornaments paraded around at ceremonial functions, to show how important their wives are because they have such pretty husbands.” There was passion equal to her own, though no antagonism. If anything, he would seem to agree with her.

“So you believe it to be justified above the waves because of what happens here?” she asked.

“I believe it justified nowhere.” Jerod said.

“Curious. It is not what I might have expected.” Carina said, paused a moment before they began their walk again.

“Oh? Tell me then. What did you expect when you met me?” Jerod asked.

“I was uncertain. There are many stories of you, but as always the stories must be sifted for the grains of truth. Your mother is very good at protecting your reputation. There are always rumours and half-truths. The more scurrilous ones soon find their owners suffering from one form of malady or another. There are some who say you are little more than a stepping stone for your mother, suitable for marriage to another of the nobility or a foreign kingdom. Useful for maintaining the Queen’s lines of support. Others say you are a typical male, taken away to your father’s homeland so that you will not learn anything that would not be countenanced by your male peers.” Carina said, her expression focussed on him. “I think though they are all wide of the mark. You bear yourself little in the ways they would expect.”

Jerod stopped now, looked at her intently. “How old are you?” he asked suddenly.

Carina smiled, the focus slipping away. “Old enough. I was first introduced to court in the service of Morganthe, as a lady in waiting. I was there when Martin was born.”

“That old.” Jerod said, nodded. Carina did not seem offended at his comment. “My mother told me of Martin. He left long before I was born. I never had the chance to meet him. What was he like?”

“Your mother might be a more suitable person to ask of that.” Carina said, a momentary sadness entering her gaze. “Those were not pleasant times.” Jerod nodded, not wishing to open old wounds.

“So how do I bear myself?” Jerod asked.

“Like you are very young.” she said, a teasing smile on her lips, watched as he blushed a little. Then she became serious again as she answered his question. “You are well trained for your role. You watch everything around you. There is much of your mother in you, and your sisters. I see some of your eldest sister in you. The words of others are not the weapons they might hope to use against you. You have learned to armour yourself against them. You see advantage when it presents itself, and learned to search when it is hidden. You are young still, but even the orca’s young are formidable and not to be trifled with.”

“And there is something else. You are not wholly of Rebma, though you were raised here. Your heart lies in two places. Here and Amber. They fill the space that lies within. I see the influence of another, your father, on your heart. And your hands. The callouses on your hands are those of hard work, of struggle. He takes nothing for granted and he wishes you to act the same. He wished you raised here first, didn’t he?”

Jerod nodded. “Dad knew that being who he was…who my mother was, would not be easy on me. He knew I would need to live in both worlds, know each world intimately, because in the end I would belong to neither. My mother knows the same. I think each in their own way, though they agreed to work together in my education, I think both have tried to show me what was best in their lives, their societies. They want me to pick one or the other. I realized after my first year in Amber I could not. They are both part of me. To choose one, is to abandon the other. There is too much good in each to lose what the other offers.”

“That sounds very sad.” Carina said.

“I suppose it might, though I have found it mostly to be much the opposite.” Jerod replied. “I think it has given me the best of both worlds. The bad in both worlds is remarkably constant, but the good makes the greatest impression. I can appreciate what each offers without giving up anything of who I am.”

“So each offers something of value to you?” she asked, as their walk stopped near a secluded grotto.

“Yes.” he said, turned to face her. “Each person according to their own merits, and not the position that their society would dictate for them to fill. I can appreciate that in both men and women.”

“I was hoping you would say that.” Carina said, smiled as she stepped in, took his jacket lapels in her hands to pull him forward as she kissed him. For a bare moment, Jerod was surprised, though it faded quickly and he pulled her closer as the kiss deepened.

“And what are you thinking now, my Lord?” Carina asked, eyed the groto thoughtfully.

Jerod followed her gaze, then smiled. “I’m thinking that it is good I can appreciate a strong woman, my Lady.”

****

The sea-ferns parted once more with the current as he looked past them, saw Carina once more as she watched him, not having moved from her spot. He smiled sadly, then nodded gravely. “I will return soon.” he whispered, turned to go lest his strength fail him now. He does not see the tears that fell in his wake that the sea washed clean from her face.

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