[ota] And thus he returns- much delayed

[heartafterheart]

Ceiro's return to Heart Castle was much later than he'd told others it would be. He'd left with the intent to be gone no more than two days. And then those days had passed him by with such speed it as hard to find the time to send a letter that he'd be some time yet

Comments

[maidenthespade]

She had promised Julien she would speak to Ceiro about incursions at the Outposts. It is not difficult thing. She rather likes the Heart Royals. Morning finds her deep in the Spade wine cellars. She chooses a Sassicaia, but returns it to its rack when she spies another vintage. Ceiro has ties with South America, yes?

It is not much later when, bearing the 2007 Concha y Toro Carmín de Peumo Carmenère, she knocks politely on his door jamb.

"Good morning! I hope you are not believing those stories about Spades bearing gifts. I saw this and thought of you."

[heartafterheart]

To say he is surprised would be a bit of an understatement. Three Royals- all in he course of his morning. He hasn't even spoken to Judith, yet- changed, trimmed his beard, showered....

"I do not make it a habit to believe in silly stereotypes, My dear. And I cannot imagine wine as much of a Trojan horse, either. It would be such a waste." He takes the bottle though, with a charmed smile as he turned it slowly in his hands. "A fine wine, Katya, but now I really must ask what it was I did to deserve it. I dare say my brother-in-law was never much for sending me odd gifts."

Though, that did remind him. "I don't suppose he'd be up for a visit, would he? I have to inquire about a date that best suits him."

[maidenthespade]

She taps the bottle with a finger. "They would be very tiny, very drunk Spades, yes? As for gift, it is custom where I am from. I thought you would prefer wine to horilka."

"I am sure he would enjoy visit. He has little nephew to spoil now, after all. I will tell him you asked." She settles into a chair. "I am sorry I cannot say this is purely social call. I have come to ask if Heart outposts have experienced problems of late and learned when I arrive you have just returned from them?"

[heartafterheart]

Three for three it seems. If he were alone, he'd have let his shoulders sag and rubbed his head. When Judith had made him King, he honestly hadn't expected all the headache that came with it. He'd sought to be loved, for sure, to have fun and enjoy life...but...

"And if I say there was some trouble, would you then take your leave with that as an answer?" He asked, more tired than anything as he set the wine down on the desk. Raising a hand he shook his head slightly. "Forgive me- it has been a long day." And Alexander had hardly made it better. "There was an incident at out Outpost, but that is all I can safely say I know."

For the moment.

[maidenthespade]

Poor Ceiro. Was this why Julien had not wished to meet with him? She can well imagine their Ace behaving so.

"There is nothing to forgive. I had hoped to pool information. From what we know, there has been trouble with Diamond and Club outposts as well as ours. It follows you have experienced same problem?"

She studies him thoughtfully. One must give to receive in return. It is unfortunate Spades have never been seen as givers.

"I do not believe this is attack on any one Suit. It threatens entire Deck." She leans forward for emphasis. "Our outpost was attacked."

[heartafterheart]

"Yes, yes...I am aware, My Lady." Ceiro said with a sigh. Others were always in a rush to point out the obvious- as if they could influence a mind completely with only enough emphasis.

"A home was burned, and I am afraid that is all that I can give in that regard at the moment. There are more unanswered questions than not at the moment, and I do not care to rush in to find them. My people are working to unearth as much as they can." He dearly hoped he was not going to be repeating his conversation with Alexander. Though, for what it was worth- the Spades were rarely opposed to lifting a blade to defend what they waned.

"As soon as we know more, however, I will be sure the word is passed on."

[maidenthespade]

"Please, call me Katya." Her lips quirk into a smile. "Why do I have feeling this is not first such conversation you have had today? I am sorry to add to your burden," she says, settling back in her chair, "but I have come to share information not to demand it." She is fighting against past experience and poor reputation. Well, she is not Julien, nor is she David. In time others will see that.

"I am sorry to hear of your difficulties. I hope your people incurred no injury?" Opening her purse, Katya extracts a file folder and slides it across to Ceiro. Inside are several blown up photos. "We were attacked; several of our people killed. This man took his own life to escape capture. Note the tattoo."

[heartafterheart]

"Does it show?" He asked, offering a slight smile as he sat beside her. "Alexander and Ashley have both stepped in to discuss these things." But neither had come with information- rather they came asking for it. It was, at least, refreshing to hear someone offering to give as much as they were given.

Looking at the file though, Ceiro frowned as he ran a finger over the tattoo- one he'd told of before. "It would seem our cases are linked, then, my dear. We have managed to detain a man with a very similar tattoo.

"None were injured, but it was mere luck in that matter. Had the family been home, the story might well have been different." He said after a moment. "The culprit returned, or at least someone did. We managed to detain him for the time being. He...has a similar tattoo upon his chest."

[maidenthespade]

Perhaps part of her still thinks as Ten. You must be willing to give to receive. "We believe our attacker took poison. I am sure you cleared him of weapons, but closer inspection might be in order."

She eyes Ceiro carefully. She is about to drop bombshell. "I bring more troubling news, my friend. We have new Arcana visitor--The Tower. He goes by Burke Turis. Our source does not think he is welcome guest." Fires made good distractions. She had used same tactic when in Iran to pass through enemy zones unnoticed. "Tarot is not popular in my country, but I am familiar with deck. Lightning figures into the Tower symbology."

She would very much like to speak to the detainee. But she is almost certain Alexander blustered at Ceiro already. "When--if--you question him, may I request an observer? I understand he is your guest, but the matter impacts us all."

[heartafterheart]

He was starting to feel the urge to tell them all 'no' and to 'get out'. They all came with the same idea, but different words. And Katya words were almost as if she thought he put the whole Deck in danger if he denied her.

"I will have to go greet this new Tarot," he said after a moment, resisting the urge to rub at his temples as he leaned back. This was so much not the life he'd ever intended upon, and he vaguely wondered why Fate had chosen him to lead it. "And I will think on the observer. I do not want to ruin whatever chance there is of him speaking, you must understand." And too many people, too many faces eagerly waiting for him to speak...would not inspire the fellow to speak at all.

[maidenthespade]

They have dead to bury and bereaved families to care for, victims of man who bore same tattoo as his prisoner. He will forgive her if she believes two attacks on two different outposts and by same people means threat to Deck.

She taps the photo of the dead attacker with each word. "Michael. Cheng Min. Ilsa. Samuel. Rebecca. You will be forgiving me if I am distracted. I have condolence letters to write." She had placed Cheng Min in the guard herself. He had been so proud.

She doesn't bother to hide the sadness--nor the anger--at what had been done to her people. "My years off Deck show, I fear. I had thought separate room where observer could not be seen. I see that would not work."

[heartafterheart]

"You have my sympathies, My Lady." Ceiro sad softly as he watched her, "but my answer will not change. What little chance that he will speak might well be lost with too many around. I will not risk it. No more than I will condone harm to come to the man." If he gave up on his ideals now...

No. For better or for worse, he had made the choice to conduct his business in this manner. He would do himself and his people a disservice if he allowed the others to convince him so easily to give up on what he thought right and ethical.

"When we know more, we will inform you." And that was all, really, he would say on that matter.

[maidenthespade]

It is unfortunate she arrived after Alexander and Ashley. Those encounters and Spade reputation have not helped her. Had she mentioned harm to his prisoner? No. Had she acquiesced to his wishes? Yes. Prejudice cannot be overcome in a day.

"Thank you, My Lord." Katya sighs and pushes the hair from her face. "Your sympathy is appreciated. And now I must leave you to attend to those letters. I do not relish my task, but I am coming to see rulership often means doing that which we would rather not do."

" I am sure you will appreciate a moment's rest and perhaps a meal after your journey. My regards to your lady and little son."