We spend more time on strategy and preparation for the upcoming move on the Black Watch Citadel.

Discuss with Uncle Brand the bag that protects Trumps from detection (loaned to Andre by Vramin), and how it might be accomplished. Very informative discussion on how trumps can be detected, and protected from detection. He offers to "show" me the details mentally, (not my idea of a good time, but if he really wanted to forcibly mess me up mentally he wouldn't break a sweat).

He begins to take me to his base off in shadow, but when asked I demurr to actually go TO his base. He parks me nearby, and goes and get what he needs from there on his own. (what I dont know, cant be forced out of me, and provides plausible deniablity)

while marking time in shadow, I decide to call Aunt Llewella. I get a feel for the time differential, and find out how long it is to Cousin Mel's coronation. That is something I DO NOT want to miss.

When he comes back for me, we sit and eat..then he "shows" me the trick of hiding all trump effects from detection, at least those that are in my possesion, and how to detect an alarm set for trumps. As far as i can tell he didn't mess around in my mind while he was there. I do provide him with a self-trump of myself, given to his assistant of course. Just in case he needs to contact me, and as a token of the favor I now owe him for the knowledge he gave me.

We part ways, him to head back to Chaos for more of what he was already doing, and hopefully to prepare for the Rescue, Me to the Turkish-style 4x shadow where I have my main Trump Studio. I Trump Jade and let her know about the coronation, and she lets Andre know. (still in chaos? did I pull her through so she can reach Rebma from here? i dont remember)

I then spend a couple accelerated days finalizing the trump of a perfect long-stem white rose with just a touch of pink on the petals. The trump imbues the rose with trump energy, and it should not fade, though it can be destroyed. I box it up for presentation, then head for Rebma for final preparations (got to find an apropriate wardrobe..ok, an apropriate set of trunks) I grab the sword, box it for presentation and work on my speech.

Geez, where did the little 15 year old cousin go? It doesnt seem like that long since we met, Gerard introducing us after I came to Amber and walked the pattern. And the trouble we used to get into on festival days.. Mel and Myself with Martin, Tyler, and Thera when they werent out stuck in shadow building paths.

Coronation time, the Family is out in force. Awesome spectacle, and luckily no one was stupid enough to make a play on any of the family to ruin the day. After her formal investment, and prior to her starting the process of accepting fealty from the Rebman Nobles, I formally presented her with the Rose and Sword, urging her to rule Rebma with both as she needs them.

As the festivities begin and various and sundry Family members depart with and without "friendly company" I decide to head for a warm beach with plenty of peace and quiet. I really dont feel at my best in polite company with just a speedo and jewelry, especially in a formal setting.

Today we witnessed a grand Coronation, Soon we face possible battle in a rescue attempt, let this night be spent in the arms of a willing Naiponese lass, on a secluded beach with the sweet smell of cherry blossoms in the air.