Talking with Grayson...

Well, I am glad to be able to write that my conversation with Grayson went well. For a time I was concerned that he would not listen to reason and that I would be forced to mentally compel him to return to Amber...or perhaps just throw his unconscious form over my shoulder and carry him back. Instead he behaved like a responsible young man, and saw the soundness of my reasoning. But again I get ahead of myself.

After chatting briefly with Clarissa, I asked Grayson if he wanted to walk for a bit outside. Quite naturally, he agreed.

It is a tad too warm in Avalon for my tastes, and its morals seem a bit...lush...for my tastes. Admittedly my long-sleeve, throat-high black dress didn't help matters in terms of the heat. Easy enough, however, to conjure a small wind spirit to keep me cool in this barbarous climate. I can't say I think much of a place where the people are forced to wear togas to deal with the heat. Living in a constant state of near nudity can't be healthy.

As we chatted about unimportant things, it occurred to me that Grayson is certainly Ariana's child. In all truth, he is most like her when he sighs, for then he conveys the sum of her ennui in a single breath. Unlike her, however, he is better at hiding the source of his pain...not by much mind you....

He takes after his father, physically, and I stand nearly a head taller than him, which for some reason tends to bring out an almost maternal instinct in me. I suspect he affects most women in that way. His height and his natural petulance probably cause most women to mother him; I doubt it will do much for his dating life, however. I wonder if he realizes this....

We chatted for a bit about Clarissa and Avalon, and the family, before I grew weary of the small talk.

"Grayson, I guess there's no tip-toeing around the subject much longer, so I'll ask you plainly. Do you wish to remain in Avalon or would you rather return to Amber?"

He frowned deeply. He had been walking with his hands clasped behind his back, and kicked a rock down the path before speaking. To my sight, his posture indicated all manner of contradictions. The hands implied restraint to me, but his other gestures demonstrated an obviousness to his emotions. He has been taught the gesture of hiding one's feelings, but not the spirit. Or perhaps he is trying to tell me something.

"I haven't decided yet, I guess," he answered.

His waffling didn't surprise me. "I'll be honest with you," I began, "I can't say I know either place terribly well, but even I can recognize the key differences. Avalon seems a more peaceful place...a home to scholars...much more stable and calm than Amber, which is full of its own violence and intrigue. I guess that's why I belong in Amber." I paused a moment to let my words sink in before I began again. "If you want to stay in Avalon, I'll do my best to convince your mother that it's for the best, and if you wish to stay in Amber, I'll do what I can to help make a place for you."

He paused and thanked me, but then looked troubled. His question didn't really surprise me. "But why are you being so nice?" he asked.

I laughed...couldn't help it. It's not as if he were totally my mental inferior, but they haven't taught him how to use his ability, and so his feelings are relatively transparent.

"A question worthy of a cousin," I replied animatedly. I spoke softly then, trying to convey my sincerity. "Because we're in much the same position, Grayson. Strangers to Amber, but children of the Amberites...raised in Chaos...in a different world...thrust into a place we neither trust nor understand." And then with a slight smirk, I added, "And both of us the prodigies of Jack...."

He noted the mention of Jack and smiled slightly.

He then added, "I'm glad that question didn't offend you, and that was the reasoning I had assumed." Reasoning indeed. It would be more accurate to say that I have explained my actions in such a way that follows his own rosy interpretation of the world. Any other cousin would have accused me of having ulterior motives, and perhaps been correct. In this case, I did have other motivations, but they were less important than my sincere desire to help this poor fool before he buried himself.

"Perhaps I'll stay here for a little bit before I attempt a return to Amber," he said, as we walked along.

I didn't want to disrupt an otherwise peaceful moment, but I needed to ask him about Jack. "You do realize what you've done, though? In inviting Jack to Amber...," I inquired.

His response started me. "Your attitude suggests that I don't," he answered.

An arch of my eyebrow, and a smile...he's a clever one certainly.

"I doubt he'd ever really hurt us...he likes us," I began. "Can't same the same for the others. Right now they're all preparing for the grand ball...where Ishmael and I will be given titles, Alex named Prince, and all the other grandiose nonsense. Can you imagine the trouble he'll cause? All the Golden Circle diplomats will be there...a good prank could cause a war that will last for decades. As much as I enjoy Jack's company, I realize that his freedom in Amber will only result in a great deal of suffering."

Grayson frowned and kicked another rock...took his time in replying. "I guess I didn't," he finally replied.

His fidgeting was beginning to wear on my patience, and so I stood in front of him to get his full attention. It startled him somewhat...as if he thought I were going to strike him. Strange reaction.

"Look, I'm not the best one to judge him," I said. "I like him far too much. I enjoy his pranks, however cruel...and can't help but laugh. I think you should talk to Fiona. She'll know what to do about Jack. It wasn't too hard for me to retract my invitation...maybe it'll be no problem for you, either. And if you tell her on your own, I doubt she'll be inclined to hold it against you much. She is Fiona, but she can be reasonable."

I stepped aside, and began walking again. Wanting to change the topic slightly, I asked, "So, what did Jack tell you about me?"

It took Grayson a moment to digest what I had said, before he answered, "He never mentioned you by name, but he did hint that he had another pupil in Chaos who was of Amber blood."

"That's what I thought," I replied. How annoying. I had hoped that he had at least talked of me...silly to require such evidence of my own importance. I should be glad. He could have bragged of bagging the daughter of Fiona, in much the same way Edwin probably did. Of course, I never slept with Jack, but there are many ways to conquer a woman, no?

I took a long look at him and began to plan. "You'll need to get some appropriate clothing...though I could conjure you something suitable if time becomes limited. Do you have a way to get back to Amber?"

He looked down at what he was wearing, and said, "No, not really."

I have to admit that I wasn't terribly impressed that he journeyed to Avalon and didn't even think to bring a means of return. Of course, that's assuming he wasn't lying to me. Certainly not unwise to keep concealed his own methods of escape. "Tell you what...let's go make our good-byes to Clarissa and the rest. I have a trump card of mother. We can trump to her directly. When you two are finished chatting, we can see to your clothes...."

I paused a moment...let the next comment build up its own drama. "Grayson...if you want me there while you're talking to mother, I'll stay...if not, I'll go run some errands and keep myself busy until you're ready...."

To this he just looked thoughtful and nodded. Getting no response from him, we continued back to the house. Just before we arrived, he cleared his throat. His response rather pleased me. "I think it would be best if I talked to Fiona alone." He didn't look happy about the idea, however.

I smiled at him and considered teasing him about her mother's powers. What's the worst mother could do, after all? Perhaps push your brain out through your ears. I decided against saying that aloud. Mother wouldn't appreciate it, and it wouldn't help the situation. Time enough for such fun later.

Recognizing that he needed some reassurance, I added, "She's not that bad...just don't lie to her...not even a little. If you're honest, and you aren't operating out of malice, then she'll be fair. After we arrive, I'll beg off to go run my errands. After you and mother are finished talking, ask someone for directions to my quarters. If for some reason I'm delayed, I'll leave instructions with my maidservant Elaine to help you procure suitable clothing. Don't worry, though, I have no intention of being late for my own confirmation."

And it occurred to me that I would be confirmed on this very night. Announced to the world as Duchess Dahlia. As if the name wasn't bad enough...the alliteration will only make it worse. I realized suddenly that I had said that aloud, and that Grayson had heard me. Oh well...they'll all know tonight. And so we entered the house.

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