Undertow — Andrew Character Quiz
Andrew, Son of Fiona
© 2004 Val Conder and Simone Cooper
Quiz:
1) How do you feel about the fact that your parent is extremely powerful compared to yourself and, even moreso, compared to shadow dwellers?
Well it answers a lot of questions he had about his abilities. He hasn't seen that much evidence of misuse as yet. Feels sort of like Clark Kent in Smallville, except that his parent(s?) are alive.
--simone:
Yes, Fiona's attitude is quite different...--val:
He's come to see this. It bothers him, but he knows he lacks the experience to judge her. Can only hold fast to his basic moral code. Is beginning to understand why some Amberites...and possibly Chaosites...spend time in shadow. Oddly enough, you can relax more here... a little.1a) Have you adopted their attitudes or rebelled against them?
He likes people and treats them with the respect he would want to be shown... Shadow parents taught him that...
2) How do you feel about the fact that Amber is denied to you, at least "until you're ready?"
He has seen glimpses of it, and understands it can be a dangerous place. He can wait. In the meantime he is learning what he can to get ready. Studying history of Amber and the Courts and other things.
--simone:
You have ready access to the Corwin version of pre-Patternfall events.3) If your Amber parent could be different than they were, what one thingwould you most like to change about them?
This is a hard one. Maybe that she would openly acknowledge me, that we could do more together.
Now, more that she would open up at times and talk to him about herself, and what made her what she is... Andrew has a strong natural empathy, and he cares about her... Realizes she needs to do this of her own will..
--simone:
You're not sure what it is that holds her back from doing this. Clearly, with some war building in the background (Patternfall, as it turned out), there was danger, but you don't know if that is what made her keep you out of Amber. Now that Patternfall is over, she has still mostly kept you out, except for a few, select events that Random arranged, like the 10 Year Anniversary of his reign and the end of the war.That was when you met your cousins, albeit briefly.
Actually, after the war, Fiona did open up to you more. Her infrequent communications became more thorough and seemed more genuine. You sense something seems to be changing or healing in her.
--val:
Andrew is relieved by this, and responds to it. Tries to learn more mostly by listening to others... He has a talent of remaining unseen while in plain sight... just sitting still and blending in... people ignore him and forget he's there.--simone:
Andrew figures Fiona is _never_ going to forget he's there. Fiona has talked quite a bit over the past ten years since Brand's return about her duties to the Crown; how much Random needs her help; how she's having to prepare him and help him with the handling of the Jewel and so on. Perhaps this sense of purpose outside herself is what is helping her.4) What would you most like to do with your Amber parent, in an ideal world?
Maybe that we could just sit and talk more. Get to know her as a person... There are marvelous depths there and he's only scratched the surface. Go hiking, picnic, work out... she's very fast at hand to hand...
--simone:
But, you sense, not very _interested_ in it.--val:
She has other ways of protecting herself... He does look for Masters who can teach him chi healing and control... One good thing about an Amber life span is that you have time to learn so much... and then find there is so much more... He is a perpetual student with a photographic memory.5) Do you respect or fear your Amber parent?
Respect more than fear... She has all these incredible gifts, and she's never used them to hurt him, but he knows the power is there. Has trouble believing this woman, who shames most Playboy centerfolds, is old enough to be his mother... She's everything he every wanted in a sweetheart and so much more. Is more than a little bit in love with her...
But the fear is there, well concealed, but present. Does not want the two of them to ever end up on opposite sides.
--simone:
This is probably true of any of the Amber bloodline, yourself included eh?Fiona shames a lot of people. You realize after a while that she is not well-loved in the family, though the rifts seem to be healing now the war is well and truly over.
--val:
How do you mean shames them? He will listen and try to learn what caused the rifts... Will ask her straight out if need be. Maybe she wants to talk about it.--simone:
At least in the past she has seemed very able and willing to bring out a person's weakest traits or most glaring failings. In anger she has used the briefest moment of conversation to wither a person. You know what that feels like.6) What do you want most from your Amber parent?
Wishes at times their relationship was something that allowed more...intimacy, but accepts what is. If he has her love and acceptance this is enough...
He does wish he could change her attitude toward shadow a little...
--simone:
She doesn't even indulge you in this. She just seems to believe you'll get over it.7) Finally, tell us who you think would be a good Amber parent for your character.
I think Fiona will be fine as mother. Father... A chaos lord? Uncle Bleys? There has to be a reason she won't tell him. He respects her wishes here, but can't help wondering why...
--simone:
Have you asked her? She certainly has never volunteered such information.--val:
Hopes she will tell him, but this may have been part of her pain. She may have been raped or seduced... though God help anyone who tried... The father may come forward one day.--simone:
So far the indirect approach has produced no volunteered information.* * *
other writings: Background Quiz Andrew and Rio Andrew and Bleys "Everest Muses" Undertow log "About that Avatar thing...", Unicorn's Avatar?, Ebb Tide log