Her hair blows freely in the harbor breeze. It is very long, hanging almost to her waist and glows with a deep copper-red color. It is fast becoming tangled in the wind. Her eyes are a deep green with copper flecks in their depths which match the color of her hair. The eyelashes surrounding them are dark and long. The skin on her face, in fact all the skin that is visible, is very pale. It is as if she has never spent any amount of time in the sun. It can also be seen that much of her exposed skin has faint paint stains on it in many different colors. She wears no make up, except for a hint of color on her lips. She doesn't need to; she is very beautiful. Her body is thin (almost anorexic) but well shaped. There is a definite curve to her figure.

The clothing that she wears looks as if it came from the Salvation Army. Her jeans are faded and ripped. Holes show on the knees and the pockets have been ripped off the back. They hang low on her hips and are very loose. The shirt that she wears is just the opposite. It looks as if it would be a better fit on a child of younger years. The bottom of it comes to just below her rib cage. Her belly-button is pierced with a small silver ring. Her footwear has also seen better days. The boots that she wears are cracked black leather and there are numerous knots holding the laces together.

She steps onto the docks and looks back up at the ship as the Captain brings her baggage on down. The look of relief on his face is very apparent as he hastily sets down her few bags.

Caprice smiles at him while handing over a small bottle of what smells like turpentine. "This should get the paint off the walls of my cabin," she says. The Captain smiles back....tightly and, without saying a word, marches back up the gangplank to his ship.

She then turns back towards the city with appraisal and expectation in her eyes.

The poor city of Amber has seen too many wars and too few good times lately...

That said she sees a depuation awaiting her and there are several guards and some members of the Royal Family there to greet her...

Princess Zariya, Princess Sabine, Prince Laszlo.

A guard helps her from the gangplank as servants bring the luggage off...

"Your Highness, may I present Princesses Zariya and Sabine and Prince Laszlo

Zariya is a tall woman, measuring in at over 6'. She is dressed warmly--very warmly--for this time of year, with a thick dark brown cloak over a lighter brown jacket. Her breeches, gloves, and boots are black. The clothing is simply cut, casual. The hood of her cloak is thrown back, despite the cold in the air. Her dusky skin is slightened reddened from the cold. She is wearing her black hair in a tight braid; nary a strand is loose. She might be considered beautiful if one favors a severe look. She wears no make-up. (OOC: It is winter in Amber, though it's probably warmer than this post might lead you to believe. Zariya is from the desert, so for her it's damn cold while others might find it 'brisk'. Still not sure on the climate of Amber exactly, but I'm paralleling it to N. America. Of course, right now in Rapid City, we hit a high of 70 degrees today. *shrug*)

Zariya inclines her head to Caprice slightly. "It is a pleasure to meet you," she says, with a slight accent.

Standing next to Zariya is another tall Princess, topping out at 5'10". Sabine stands in a relaxed pose and is dressed in all black leather; tall boots, tight pants and a long duster that whips in the wind. Her midnight hair is loose and billowing behind her like a banner, on a calm day it would reach her waist. The only spark of color are her sapphire eyes and the silver glint of her many weapons.

She offers a wave to the newcomer and lights a clove cigarette.

Laszlo is a blond haired man with green eyes, a shade under six foot tall. He wears black trousers with a gold stripe running along the seam with a forest green jacket, the polished gold buttons showing the emblem of the Postmasters. The jacket is done halfway up, a cream ruffled shirt issuing from it, on which rests a shiny medal. He is wearing an ornate sabre and the golden spurs of the Order of Ganelon, which jangle on his mirror-finish high black boots. He watches the new arrival with detached interest, and moves slightly so the cigarette smoke blows away from him on the breeze.

As Zariya, Sabine, and Laszlo are introduced, Caprice turns to each and smiles in greeting. "I am happy to finally be here and to get the chance to meet others of my family. I have looked forward to this for a long time," she says as she sits down on the wooden planks and pulls paper from the knapsack. She reaches back in and pulls out a piece of charcol. Her eyes rest briefly on the three standing in front of her as her hand moves quickly across the paper.

"I have so many questions to ask of you, "she says as she continues to draw. "First and foremost, now what? I have no idea what is expected of me. I dont even know where I am to be staying." After looking critically at what is on the paper, Caprice tears it into three parts and stands back up. "Here," she says as she holds out one part to each. "I didn't think to bring gifts for anyone since I wasn't sure who I would be meeting but I hope these will be sufficient." The drawings are an almost perfect rendition of Zariya, Sabine, and Laszlo done in shades of grey. "When I have all my supplies unpacked and a studio of some sort, I can do better copies for you if you wish."

Sabine steps forward and takes her image with an expectant look - she'd really like to know how others see her. A sooty brow raises as she looks at the drawing and she carefully gives the paper to a servant with instructions to deliver it to her rooms unharmed. As the quaking footman backs away, Sabine's countenance flows back to her usual relaxed grin and she offers Caprice a hand up off the planks.

"Now? Now we drag you through this burnt out shell of a city to the castle, where I'm sorry to say we both have to change into court clothes...." Sabine claps her on the back.

Laszlo accepts to proffered drawing with a nod and smile. "Thank you," he says. "I'm sure His Majesty will also be delighted to receive his own resplendent image in charcoal. Though truthfully the gift he requires from you is fealty and service, nothing more, nothing less."

Zariya accepts the rendition as Sabine and Laszlo did, looking at it for a moment before passing it to her handmaiden. "Thank you," Zariya says to Caprice, smiling very slightly. "Your family most eagerly awaits to meet you as well," she continues to say. "Cousins, uncles and aunts, and perhaps a sibling; but Shahinshah--our Grandfather--most of all. The arrival of new family members is always an event. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. That is why we are here to welcome you to Amber."

"I guess it's time to get going then," Caprice replies as she picks up her knapsack once more. "I am eager to see where I will be staying and to get the chance to meet all the family members. As for questions, like I said, I have many."

Caprice starts to move down the docks, talking all the while. "I am most curious about my other relatives. How many are there and what are they like?" She stops and turns back towards Zariya, Sabine, and Laszlo. "Do any of you happen to know how we are related? I have no idea who my parents were and I was wondering if I should be calling you brother, sister, or cousin. What can I expect when we reach our destination? What will be expected of me as a new addition?"

"I don't even know any history about Amber," she says, smiling slightly. "Perhaps now is a good time for me to keep my mouth shut and listen to you three while we head to wherever we are going. Please, lead the way."

"Cousin is always a safe bet," Laszlo replies amiably. "As for how many, well, I've lost count. Perhaps we should wait until His Majesty has spoken before we speculate on your origins. He likes to spring surprises on his children. You will be brought before the king shortly, so I advise you answer his questions clearly, courteously and succinctly, and stand up straight. You will likely be granted some land to look after, and some civic duties, but let's not look too far ahead. First you have to run the gauntlet of my beloved uncles and aunts. Won't that be fun," he adds the last with an implied but unsaid "NOT."

Zariya glances at Caprice again, taking her in head to heels and nods, "Cousin to all of us here, I would guess, with that red hair. We were not told who your Amber parent is."

Sabine falls in line with them and starts smoking. "Off to the castle then?"

Zariya nods again, "Yes."

She lets Laszlo and Sabine lead the way if they want, and falls in step with Caprice, though there is a sizeable space between them. "There are numerous cousins present, and more arriving every day. It seems that you are part of a new group of Amberites, so you will not be alone in your ignorance of Amber. As for history..." she trails off and looks around the harbor absently as they walk, "Amber's history is long. His Majesty has only recently come back to Amber and we are trying to rebuild the country to it's former glory."

Caprice follows alongside Zariya, speaking as she walks, "I am glad to know there are others that will be going thru this also."

Zariya makes sure there is a few paces space between the two of them. If Caprice comes closer, she stiffens slightly as she walks but doesn't move away.

"I can already tell that my time here is going to be very interesting. I gather from his tone of voice that all is not sweetness and light between the various relatives...." she glances over at Laszlo. "Is it as bad as he implies?"

"It is worse," Zariya says flatly, "but only between a few relatives. Most cousins are indifferent to each other. For example, I currently am not 'butting heads' against Laszlo, but a year ago..." She shrugs slightly, letting the sentence trail off. She gives a small, quick smile to Laszlo if he turns around. "A year ago was a completely different story.

Laszlo returns the smile warmly.

"One thing you will learn quickly is that you come with your own set of allies and enemies by the merit of whose child you are," Zariya continues. "It does not matter what you say or do; you will be judged on virtue of your blood alone."

"So I am to be judged by my relationship to a parent that I never knew and who did not have a hand in raising me?" Caprice looks genuinely confused at that. "I would much rather be judged on my own merits and flaws. I am who I am. My blood is an accident of fate and does not begin to define who I am. I will not tell you that I am perfect but I am far from a bad person. I do not take advantage of people and I do not lie. May I ask that the three of you judge me on what you have learned during this meeting and on my future behavior?

"I will," Laszlo replies.

"I will try," Zariya replies, "but I do not guarantee anything. It will not take long for newcomers in Amber to drift to one faction or another." She pauses, looking over Caprice again. Her gaze lingers on Caprice's hair for a moment before her eyes turn straight ahead again, "As for being judged on your blood, that is simply the way it is here. Old prejudices are hard to overcome-- especially for the elders, our aunts and uncles--and few even bother trying. The ones that do try," Zariya grimaces here, as if she suddenly tasted something bad, "generally make a mess of it."

"Yet, seeings how this "prearranged judgement" is how it's going to be, according to what you say, I will hope for a "good" bloodline. If that doesn't seem to be the case, I will just have to rise above it," Caprice glances over at Zariya, giving her a quick smile to show that she is just attempting to lighten the mood a bit.

"No one can choose their relatives," Zariya replies with a small nod, as if repeating an axiom.

Her demeanor turns serious after that as she looks fully at Zariya. "Thank you for telling me about this. It will help me to understand better the people I meet here."

"You might wish to ask Laszlo and Sabine their opinions on it," Zariya replies, gesturing to the two cousins with them. "Laszlo's mother is Florimel and Sabine's father is Random--if I am not mistaken. They have a better perspective on such things than I do, as their parents have a more neutral standpoint on familial matters. My father is Caine, about whom I am sure you will hear many, many interesting rumors. However, in the distant past, he shot Brand, forever causing a rift between the two bloodlines. To my knowledge, not one of their sons or daughters were able to jump the fence, so to speak."

Sabine looks over at Caprice and shrugs, "Best you can hope for is that your parent stays out of your life, as far as I can tell."

This text is copyright © Lana Gjovig, Kim Ingleston, Holly Miller, and Alan Wake; "Amber" is copyright © Roger Zelazny; "Amber" the diceless RPG is copyright © Phage Press. No copyright infringement is intended.

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