[After we had to cancel a session, Cort sent out this email as a sort of tie-up for the Oleai story arc. The webmaster has taken the liberty to do a few minor edits for typos and the like, but otherwise this is it.]

A week and a half has gone by since the conflict in Arden and it's dramatic conclusion. The troops have been withdrawn from Helmwind and slowly life is slowing back down to a wary but relieved peace. Whatever other chaos may wait in the wings, at least this matter seems to be closed.

Random has kept people busy and, for the most part, away from himself. He looks tired, but his voice and his command is firm. He is King Victorious and celebrates with his people, even if the smile on his lips never seems to make it to his eyes.

With Benedict removing the troops from Helmwind, Maladin was been assisting with the orderly removal of the Oleai from Arden and acting as a military liaison between the two forces. Galen seems to be organizing things at the moment, although the Oleai do not seem to be an overly organized people. However, moving off in battalions or casually in groups of one or two, they are leaving for Helmwind where the Pattern virus await them.

Dalen recovers in her bed for the most part, able to move for some distance at least in her wheelchair, although walking she suspects is still a week away at best. She is considered hero by some, possible pawn of the enemy by others; in any case she is now known. She will never be that obscure little bar maid again.

Rhyss has helped here and there as needed but has in many ways glided through this as she has most of her adventures in Amber. A participant but somehow also aloof. An entity that observes, a mind that watches, and waits.

Len has spent time assisting the virus distribution, seeing it's spread through the air and water of Helmwind and testing for side effects. He is still an enigma to many. For a fairly low ranking ambassador from a controversial new-comer to the Golden Circle he is at the center of a distressing number of vital affairs, and has friends in the highest circles of power. Like Dalen he has lost his shield of anonymity and is now watched, analyzed, perhaps even feared.

Aaron is officially on retreat, recovering from his monumental Pattern sorcery during the battle. Unofficially he has spent a great deal of time with Fiona and Llwella, who, between bouts of cat-fighting, are attempting to find a way to "get this *&$#@ing Pattern Geek out of my Sword".

There is a small ball being held in the evening, an event for the upper nobility and some diplomatic guests. Random has asked that you all come a bit early and sit with him as the Oleai committee makes it's final report.

When you arrive, Random seats you down in the large conference room adjacent to the Court Ball room.

"The court ministers assigned to the Oleai situation will be making their reports shortly. While some issues will continue past this meeting, this is pretty much the final significant report and I felt you should be here, given your involvement."

Random pauses a moment, the lines around his eyes becoming more pronounced. His tone becomes professional, detached. "As you know, we have circulated the story that Vialle has gone to visit her sister Riane at her manor house in Rebma, and she and Moire have assisted us in maintaining that illusion. At this time, with the threats facing Amber, we can not distract the people with ... " His voice cracks almost imperceptibly. "With issues that could lower the public moral. I'm sure you can see my reasoning here and the need for continued secrecy.

"Both Rebma and Amber have agents working on Vialles disappearance. When..." his voice trails here, and then the word again, but with a deliberate emphasis "When she is found and rescued, we will address the subject of disclosure again."

He continues quickly, before anyone can speak.

"I'm going to invite the ministers in now, please hold your questions until the end of the reports."

He moves to the door and opens it, several officious looking people stride in, papers in hand. Once they have settled one of them stands and begins speaking.

"Your Majesty, Honored Guests. . . This report will conclude the Oleai situation, and with it this emergency committee. Further inquiries will be handled through conventional channels. I thank your Majesty for this chance to serve both Him and the Crown.

"The Oleai have finished their departure from Arden and with the exception of Helmwind currently have no troops within the veils of Amber or the Golden or Silver Circles.

"Their response is..." the Minister pauses for a moment, "unusually optimistic. For a race of people bent on our total destruction not weeks ago, they seem... almost pleasant, even friendly. I must confess, my Lord, the more I get to know these people the more alien they're ways seem. While the current turn of events is positive, I think it behooves us to remember how quickly the tide of opinion turned in our favor, and how quickly it could possibly move back.

"In possibly related notes, an outbreak of a new fever has been reported in the outlying areas surrounding Arden. The Oleai claim no biological agents were used in their attack and our informational resources would tend to support that claim. Theories vary, it could just be an unfortunate parallel shadow of the Helmwind Pattern virus or the energies released during the battle could have had unfortunate side effects. In any case, we believe we have contained the infection, utilizing the authority granted the military commanders by the martial law status of Amber during the crisis. It would be the suggestion of this committee that those powers be extended while the extent of the outbreak is analyzed."

Numerous reports follow, outlining troop deployment, expenditures and the minutiae of returning the levies to their homes. After a time, even details as important as these blur.

The last of the ministers has spoken and Random thanks them and motions everyone up and out the door. "We have a party to attend, and nobles to impress." He leads you through the door and across the hall to the Noble Ballroom where you enter amid a flair of fanfare, your names announced along with the Kings. Random is King again, his bearing confident and his smile sure. He strides across the room, the crowd parting before him with swirls of Brownian motion. Upon reaching the musicians on the far side he steps up on their small stage and turns to face the assembled nobility.

"My good Lords and Ladies. Today we celebrate the making of friend from foe and the dawn of a new chapter of peace for our Eternal city and the Oleai. It was a peace wrought with strong arms, quick minds and fierce determination. And most especially an unwavering dedication on the part of five individuals to the idea that our peoples must learn to communicate with the open hand, and the open mind. We have already seen the awarding of our generals for their valor in these recent battles, I would now like to take a moment in this more celebratory environment to award these five in their battle for understanding."

He gestures to Dalen, who is wheeled forward by a page.

"Dalen, you who came to us as a mystery and we are happy to count as friend. Yours was the unwavering voice of cooperation in this conflict, the bridge between two worlds where none believed one could exist. To you I award the Order of the Unicorn Ascending and the Title of Marquis. Welcome, Lady Dalen, where ever you may have been before, you will always have a home here."

He hands Dalen a gold and silver crafted pin of a Unicorn rampant before a starburst and the page wheels her to the edge of the stage, facing the crowd. He gestures Maladin forward.

"Maladin, my friend, once more I am . You are the military man who was able to also see the road of peace. Your vision serves Amber well. To you as well, I award the Order of the Unicorn Ascending and publicly confirm you as a Military Adjunct to the Royal Family of Amber. You are our shield and our blade."

He hands you your pin and gestures you to join Dalen. Then he pauses a moment, holding a third pin like the others.

"One of those I award could not be with us tonight. He is still recovering from the massive efforts he put forth in his defense of this keep and those it shelters. Lord Aaron, I award you the Unicorn Ascending, you are a credit to your blood." He holds it up as he speaks this, then tucks it back in his robes.

He then gestures to Len and Rhyss, beckoning them forward.

"Lentaro Dojangi, Rhyss, your roles in this conflict serve as an example to all of us and any who would walk in the light, free of fear and hatred. To you I award the Commendation of Valiant Conduct and full Citizenship in the Kingdom of Amber. Welcome, dear and honored friends, you better us by your presence."

He turns and gestures to the five of you lined up by the stage as the room swells with applause. After the roar has died he speaks again, "And now, my good Lords and Ladies, we have much to celebrate, let the festivities commence!"