Gahad IC

[Ezeze]

The Gahad IC Thread
The Gahad OOC Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=15807317)

The Human Kingdom of Gahad is a large one. King Joshua of the House of Daniel is in his fifth decade of life and second decade of rule after inheriting from his father, King Ian, who had reigned justly for nearly half a century. The House of Daniel has ruled peacefully in this way, passing the crown from eldest son to eldest son, for seven generations and already King Joshua's oldest son, Crown Prince Michael, has an infant son of his own ensuring the line for many years to come.

The stability has been good for the city of Gerosh, home to the Royal Family's primary palace. It's a bustling place, surrounded by acres and acres of farmland which, vast though they might be, would be insufficient to support the huge population that lives there were it not for the lively trade carried on with other cities.

However, Gahad is at war with the neighboring nation of Urmay. King Joshua is away leading his soldiers and will be for some time, leaving his City and Lands in the hands of Crown Prince Michael who has been proving himself equal to the task.

Edward
It came as a surprise last year when King Josha left you behind at the palace instead of taking you and your men with him to war. You suppose it shouldn't have - in some parts of Lehi your name is still used to frighten naughty children, and the King has become more sentimental in recent years, more careful with his words and more respectful of life. He has even stopped hunting with you. You think it must have something to do with growing old, or the birth of his grandson, or some combination there of.

Paradoxically as the King's interest in hunting has waned, the Prince has only become more involved in it. In his youth the Prince has almost always prefered scholarly pursuits and you think perhaps this new interest of his is primarily to convince others (and himself) that he is worthy of the title that he is destined to inherit

Prince Michael has conducted himself well this past year or so, though no true test has been presented. He hunts with you as often as twice a month, often bringing with him members of court he feels he needs to garner favor with. He isn't a remarkably gifted hunter, but you understand the intricacies of court well enough to "supplement" his kills at times when he needs to be truly impressive. Perhaps that is why he has brought you so far into his confidence. He will often ask your opinion on matters large or small. Sometimes he follows your advice, sometimes he doesn't, but he continues to ask all the same.

Today, you are hunting with the Prince and as strange an assortment as comrades as ever you have seen. Prince Raymond Hagan III who is the Prince's brother in law, Commander Luca of the City Guard, and King Joseph's bastard half-sister Iria, who fancies herself "Lady Iria of the Tower." Your impression is that this is more a social affair than a political one.

Raymond
You've been at court in Gerosh for many years now. When you first escorted your sister through the great halls she was scared, but she has come to be happy here; especially since the birth of her son and your nephew Prince David. That he is such a healthy, happy child brings her - and you - a great deal of joy.

The only dark cloud in your lives has been that damned woman, The Queen Mother Ahaziah. She and her cronies sneer at the both of you, and at young Prince David, and seizes every opportunity to make you feel unwelcome in your own homes. You've discussed this extensively with Prince Michael and it seems, in recent years, that the old bat has finally let up just a little. She has become more reclusive, staying to herself within the temples on the palace property, having her companions come to her there.

Acting as confidant and body guard to your sister, her husband and their young child has been as rewarding an occupation as you could have imagined - if difficult and time consuming. This morning Price Michael has invited you on a hunt along with the Master of Royal Game Edward Norwich, Commander Luca of the City Guard, and King Joseph's bastard half-sister Iria, who fancies herself "Lady Iria of the Tower." You've joined him happily, leaving your sister with her ladies back in the safety of the palace.

Fidel
The palace at Gerosh is a good place, where all of the good gods are given respect. You've been here a number of months, now. At first it felt like a transgression to be using your magic on the rich and powerful as opposed to the meek and helpless but you have learned, in no short order, that power does not protect one from infirmities of the body and the wealthy need your words of comfort as much as anyone. You've done good work here, keeping a large number of people hale and hardy. You believe the other priests are considering offering you a more permanent position, and you aren't completely certain you'd refuse.

It's early morning now and you have a long day ahead of you but Abbot Grange, an elderly man with a long beard that all but brushes his knees, pulls you gently aside before you can leave the temple.

"Father Fidel" he says, speaking in a quiet voice. "Only a few moments ago, a runner arrived with a grave piece of news. King Joseph has died at the front lines of the conflict with Urmay. It's imperative that the Prince learn of this as quickly as possible. He is set to begin a hunt soon, on the Northern edge of the city. Will you accompany me?"

Luca
Your immediate superior, Senior Commander Sebastian, has made no secret of the fact that he despises you. He's of he belief that only nobility should hold station such as yours, and your humble origins set his teeth on edge. You thought perhaps it was an olive branch when, two years back, he argued for your family to be moved into more comfortable housing on the Palace Grounds, but if so then he quickly forgot it.

He has been more of a pain than normal, lately, to the point where he now actively makes it difficult for you to do your job. He lies to you about Watch meetings, speaks to those under your command without informing you, and has issued orders in your name without consulting you first. It has gotten bad enough that you have complained to the Prince about it. He seemed more interested in the matter than you believed he would be, and invited you to accompany him on a hunt the very next day in order to discuss it.

Iria
Your life has been dull as of late. Your mother moved back to the elven village from wince she came three years ago, shortly after the birth of the young Prince David, saying that there was nothing for her here and hadn't been since the death of her Ian. She invited you to accompany her, but you have grown up on the palace grounds. Your family is here - you wouldn't even know the elves waiting for you in your mothers village. So here you remained.

For a while, the Queen Mother Ahaziah continued to make life difficult for you but in recent years she has grown more tolerant of your presence, if not necessarily friendly. She has also withdrawn somewhat, and now spends a great deal of her time within the temple on palace grounds. Courtiers sometimes visit her there, but not unduly often.

Since Prince Michael - you suppose calling him your nephew would be most accurate - has begun to rule the country in your half brother's absence he has had less time for the scholarly arguments and discussions that he very much enjoyed having with you at a younger age, and both his child and your newest niece are too young yet to have any such conversations. Queen Consort Jessica has expressed a low, reliable dislike for you if not necessarily active hostility and the Princess Rue, though friendly, has very little interest in magic.

The lack of companionship has left you quite bored and, perhaps sensing this, Michael has invited you to accompany him on a hunt this morning. You suspect that this was at least partially at the behest of Princess Rue, who fancies herself a matchmaker and just a few days ago very subtly asked your opinion of the game master Edward Norwich, who is near your age and both an accomplished druid and soldier. He has come along on this excursion, long with Prince Raymond Hagan III and Commander Luca of the City Guard.


It's early morning and Prince Michael, Master of Royal Game Edward Norwich, Prince Raymond Hagan III, Commander Luca of the City Guard, and Lady Iria of the Tower have gathered on fine steeds with bows and arrows at their disposal at the Northern edge of the palace grounds, overlooking a lush green forest, for the purposes of spending the day hunting together. A servant, unarmed but carrying packs of food and good wine, rides slightly behind politely staying out of the way.

[Cooldanman22]

Luca awakes the scheduled day of the hunt bright and early giving himself time to prepare. He sharpens his knife and makes sure his bow and rapier are in good condition. After donning his best armor and saying goodbye to his family, he walks towards the palace grounds, thinking to himself,"I hope everything goes well, I've never been hunting before..."

When he arrives he says hello to his fellow hunters and calmly stands against a wall, waiting for the actual hunting to begin.

[iTookUrNick]

Edward woke before sunrise to make sure everything is in order for the morning activity. Most things have been prepared in advance of course, and his helpers are used to the job, but it never hurts to be through.

On the other hand, it it quite likely that none of the members of today's party are keen to measure themselves in an actual hunting experience, and the wind is carrying the taste of rain for the late afternoon. His only objective today is provide something to shoot at while they talk politics, and possibly bring something home to show off at dinner. The two might or might not be related.

When everyone is assembled he makes his usual speech when hunting with first-timers:
"Good morning, ladies and gents. The air is perhaps a little brisk, but it will get better as we ride. A few guidelines to follow during our time together: I'll be at the front, leading the group to likely targets, and I expect everyone else to follow. Please call your shots as a courtesy to your fellow hunters.
There will be no wandering off without telling me first, and definitely no galloping in the wood chasing a pray. We are all here to enjoy ourselves, and we will as long as we all remember not to take any unnecessary risks. If no one has any questions to ask, we can proceed".

[Lazy Genius]

Raymond Hagan III, or simply Ray to people that have come to know him, wakes early this morning, doing his exercises before even getting dressed. He does these things extensively, if not obsessively, but is humbled by the peace and quiet this brings him before the rush of a busy day is thrown at him. Also partly necessary to keep his almost square build muscular as it is, the excercises wake him up like nothing else ever could. After a good, solid breakfast, almost good for two men his size, he takes his much-trusted shield with the Ezekial house Crest on it and puts it on the same old place on his back it always is, and gets to taking his mount out of the stables for the hunt when he and the Prince, whose side he hasn't left since breakfast, stumble upon Edward as he does his regular speech for the hunt.

Haven't I heard that one before? Smiling a bit at his own joke, he stays in the background with the preperations, and always keeps half an eye on Prince Michael out of habit. Before making sure the saddle and stirrups on his heavy-set horse are sturdy, who has a similar build as himself, he patiently waits for the others to get ready and puts his own preferred ranged weapon of choice strapped to the saddle. In addition to having a Sword always sheathed at his side, it's times like these where he wished he could just take his Lance with him instead of taking the bow always ready for such hunts. "Actually Edward, I have a question, if I may be so bold; did you have a particular prey in mind for this afternoon or did you aim on hunting nigh anything that comes in our path?" Though the wording could come off as accusatory, in its lack of imagination or forethought it almost assumed in Edward, gruff Ray was clueless to this and he posed it as a genuine query out of curiosity.

[iTookUrNick]

Edward's aim was indeed on hunting almost nigh anything that came in their path, and did not expect this bunch to question him on it. His scar suddenly itched. However, being a hold had at this game, he answered unfazed: "I was thinking his highness might enjoy hunting some deer this morning. I am of the opinion that birds are best left to falconers, but my eagle and I could certainly find some fowls for you to try your hand at if you'd like. As for wild boars, I'd advise against the idea, although I believe we have a few boar spears stashed away with the rest of the supplies".

[Cooldanman22]

Wondering to himself where the other person meant to join them was (Iria), Luca waves to Edward and Ray and says "I've seen you two around the palace, but I don't believe we've properly met. Nice to meet you, I'm Luca, Commander of the City Guard" offering his hand for a shake. His right hand, which, after being cut off, was replaced with one made of metal.

[scrimscraw]

Sunrise found the the palace temple empty except for the quiet preparations of the priests for the day's rites and the meek form of Fidel Pietrose saying his daily prayers.

"Pelor, Pholtus, Rao, and the other good Gods of the host, thank you this day and every day for your healing Light which you empower me to yield in the service of the world.

Boccob, let me remain always in my pursuit of knowledge of all things regenerative, mundane and magical, that I may temper my ability to wield this Light.

Fharlanghn, the Great Strider, though I have remained in this place many months, I still ask for your blessing and praise you for your protection on the pilgrimage I make to spread this Light."

With a quick bow to altar and a smile to the priests, Fidel departs the temple as quickly as his walking staff will allow. Before he is even outside he begins sorting through the patients he will have to attend to this day and preparing his spells.

Upon being stopped by the Abbot, he greets him with a small, genial smile, which quickly draws back into a grimace and his eyes, whose permanent droop make him lok constantly tired, flutter shut for a moment. "Grave news, indeed. Let us hurry to reach the young liege before he departs." Leaning heavily on his staff, Fidel begins to walk north as quickly as he can. "Do the other members of the royal family know yet?"

[Ezeze]

Prince Michael smiles at Edward's reply those boar spears haven't been disturbed for a while. Let them lie a while longer - deer are more than adequate for this morning.

We can set out once Iria gets here. She shouldn't be much longer.

Edward
Your Fey, who calls himself Vinrel, hisses to you when Luca goes to introduce himself. He's never been invited on one of these hunts before - and for good reason! The tool would as soon stab you in the back as look at you. He's not trustworthy, I say!

Fidel
No. They do not know yet. The messenger asked to see me directly, and it's well he did. Only he, you and I know at this point. It would be unseemly to allow the Prince to be caught off guard.

There are horses in the stable. We will inform him ourselves and no one else before him.

Abbot Grange calls out to a young boy to make the horses ready. He runs off quickly, while the Abbot prods along behind at a pace more suiting his age.

[scrimscraw]

Fidel nods and regains his slight smile, although it does not quite reach his grave eyes. "I see. Although I am happy to go with you, may I ask why you have chosen me to accompany you?"

[Ezeze]

Fidel
You were near by. Ask fewer questions.

You find the stable easily enough. The boy Abbot Grange sent ahead helps him onto his horse first, then holds the reigns steady for you.

[Cognomen]

Iria, a tall and somewhat handsome woman with a striking (and, to some, embarrassing) physical resemblance to King Ian despite the golden eyes and pointed ears that mark the elven side of her heritage, walks hurriedly towards the group from the direction of her tower. Her wizard's robes, a brocaded purple today, billow behind her as she moves. She is clearly flustered at her lateness (those who know her well know that lateness is an unfortunate habit of hers - one which has not endeared her to certain more punctual members of court). Her raven, Thought, keeps pace with her.

As she pulls up to the party she inclines her head deeply in the proper reverences to Princes Michael and Raymond and to the Princess Rue. She also nods to the others present courteously enough, though her eyes are, as to be expected, on the ruling Prince, her student (for such is how she still thinks of him, despite how busy he's been).

"My deepest apologies, everyone, my lord. I lost track of time studying that fascinating passage from Ibn-Ayut's Hashradim, about the ancient time-scholars of - you know the one; we spoke of it not long ago." Fascinating stuff, Ibn-Ayut, but undoubtedly this was not the occasion to deliver a treatise.

She takes a moment to catch her breath and looks around for the horse normally brought for her use. Recognizing it among the animals present, she moves towards it. A young stableboy's offer to help her mount it gets a slight scowl and a "don't be silly" before she climbs aboard on her own (if a bit awkwardly given the robes). Once in the saddle, she steadies the horse in a practiced enough way, having gone on periodic outings of this sort during her childhood at court. She checks a few buckles, and makes sure the crossbow she brought with her is properly fastened to the saddle (she has no real intention of killing anything with it, since she's not particularly interested in studying birds at the moment, but it might look good to make an effort).

Meanwhile, Thought settles himself on her shoulder, and throws his beady gaze around at the assembled party. If he has any thoughts, he keeps them to himself.

[iTookUrNick]

Edward shakes hands with the new guy. As he does so, he shakes his head a little, as to clear his mind. He even manages a smile, albeit his eyes remain attentive. "We'll see how he fares today, Vinrel" he thinks.

"All right, now that everyone is here we can proceed. We ride in double file, you'll swap places throughout the morning as you see fit. I'd like to ask Prince Raymond to help me and close the file today, as long as this does not inconvenience him terribly".

He then spur his horse to a pleasant ambling gait, letting his companions sort themselves as they please. Soaring above them, his eagle gives a piercing scream, guiding towards the forest and their prey.

[Ezeze]

Wait - just a moment, Edward.

Prince Michael turns the horse he is sitting on with a graceful movement and stares back towards the way you came. He shields his eyes. At first it's unclear what he is looking at, but it presently becomes obvious to everyone as two riders on horseback approach at a run.

As they get closer you recognize one of the riders as Abbot Grange, a man of steadily advancing years with a long, white beard going to his waist. He's riding at an impressive speed for someone of his age.

The second rider is Father Fidel, a healer who has come to stay at the palace only recently but who has already made a good name for himself as a man of patience, compassion and discretion.

Edward
You ain't going hunting today, f***khead.

Speaking of f***king, that bastard bitch Vinrel chuckles dryly at his own joke totally wants in your pants. You should hit that.

[Lazy Genius]

Ray shakes the hand of Luca firmly, and smiles at the man in a confused manner as he grips the hand completely made of metal. He absorbs it into his own, and tries not to deform it with his strength as the firm grip quickly tightens out of surprise."Ray, Royal Guard," he manages to say in a normal voice. Though he could do with a more extensive description of who he is, he despises self-glorification and decides this is adequate enough. When Iria makes he delayed entrance, he turns his head slightly, but not enough to exclude the Prince from his peripheries. When he notices who it is, he steps back a bit to enable himself to turn more in her direction while keeping an eye on the Prince. He returns the courteous gesture stiffly, recognizing the King's face in hers but also noticing her elf heritage, confusing him thoroughly.

When Edward had decided that they'd best be off, Ray seems perfectly content to take the place beside the servant staying on the background, so he could do exactly the same. This plan, however, doesn't take off as the Prince delays them for two approaching riders. The riders Ray recognizes, and he mounts his own ride as they approach, simply to be at the same level as the rest, to better observe the goings on. An old abbot and a crippled healer in a hurry to meet the Prince, this can't be good. After quickly analyzing the possible reason for the pair of men coming here, Ray decided two very important things. One; they're not here to kill the Prince, Two; they have urgent news, and urgent news is never good news.

[iTookUrNick]

Chains
I'll just go ahead abd ignore that last part, you psycothic freak.
Edward face shows all his frustration at the latest interruption, but it vanishes quickly enough. If things are going to turn from bad to worse, as they often tend to do when distraught messengers gallop frantically towards you, one might as well accept his fate with dignity. He recalls his bird and waits with the others for the riders to come to them.

[scrimscraw]

Lagging a little behind Grange, Fidel struggles to both keep the horse at the same speed and to keep it under control. As the two arrive, Fidel dismounts unsteadily and bows to the nobility. "Your majesty, we... Fidel begins, but trails off and steps back, deferring to the Abbot to deliver the news he is unsure of how to phrase.

Also, I realized I forgot to put up my prepared spells for the day, so back in the temple:

0- create water, resistance, read magic x2, detect magic
1- goodberry, sanctuary x2, lesser vigor, healthful rest
2- close wounds x2, stabilize, benediction

[Ezeze]

Go ahead, young man Abbot Grange encourages Father Fidel to keep speaking. It's strange to hear the Father, fast approaching middle age, referred to as "young" but no one can doubt that the much senior Abbot has earned the privilege.

The Prince needs to know this.

and with that, Father Fidel finds himself under the full intense and concerned scrutiny of Prince Michael.

Edward
Hey. Hey Edward. How do you know when a dwarf has raided your pantry?

[scrimscraw]

Fidel nods and steps forward to address the king. Your Majesty, the king...your father, has fallen in combat against forces from Urmay. His voice cracks and wavers as he reaches the end of his sentence, and his gnarled hands tremble. I...I am sorry.

[Ezeze]

Edward
Only the bottom shelves are empty!

Prince Michael's normally expressive face goes blank for a number of seconds. His eyes are pointed in Fidel's general direction, but it's clear he's not seeing him.

Iria
You've seen the Prince's face go blank like that before, when he has received unexpected news and is trying to process his way to the correct result. The expression remains, however, for longer than ever before.

[Cooldanman22]

Looking towards the grieving prince, Luca quietly says "I'm... I'm so sorry for you loss m'lord."

[iTookUrNick]

Edward stifles a coughing fit into quietness.

"This is a grave matter indeed" he says. He shakes his head again, then continues: "but if true, we must return quicly to the palace and secure your rightful place as the new king. This is not the time for inaction: you might need time to grief, but the realm needs stability above everything. You have to concentrate and decide who among those who wait back at the palace might have some political scheme in place, or take advantage of this situation. Also" he adds, as an afterthought, glancing at the rest of the people assembled "your enemies, both external and internal, might try and seize this opportunity to kill you, so stay alert and make sure you can trust the people around you."

Chains
There, I made a pun in bad taste, just the way you like it. Now get off my back!
Also, I instruct my eagle to defend the prince and shriek in case of danger.

[Lazy Genius]

Rest in Peace, Your Highness. Shooting a quick prayer up, mumbling a bit as he does, Ray then looks around him, at the reactions of the others. If any of the faces weren't surprised, he'd have to have a word with them later, when the Prince, soon to be King, was safe and sound. Of course, Ray did this subconsciously, focusing on the Prince himself, "I think what's best for us to do now is make sure preparations are being made for your coronation, my liege. I am grieving with you, as you well know, but unless the public already knows," here he looked at each of the people gathered in turn, making eye-contact with each, "there will be time to make arrangements and give the realm a smooth transition." Before he turned his attention away from the Prince and towards all that had gathered, he made sure he had a hand on his still-sheathed sword, should anyone make an attempt for the Prince's life.

Chains
That's a readied action to draw a weapon or move should any danger arise; one of the gathered draws a weapon or someone comes out of hiding respectively. (someone draws -> he draws; someone comes out of hiding -> he moves) In both cases, issue a Fighting Challenge to the perpetrator.

Also, in the small chance that the Prince does die, what is the line of succession presently, and would Ray know this with his Know (Nob + Roy) +7? (the last one so he can send someone to protect the next in line after the Prince)

[Cognomen]

Iria, despite her court-raised royal bastard's lifetime of training controlling her facial expressions, is unable to hide her shock at the news of the death of the King - the death of her brother, who, though he could never officially be acknowledged as such, was her brother nonetheless, had followed their father in protecting her, and with whom she had been close. Thought, sitting on her shoulder, feels his mistress' pain and lets out a long caw that somehow manages to express pain. The raven then launches himself off her shoulder to circle above, looking for potential threats.

After a momentary struggle with herself and some rapid blinking of her eyes, Iria smooths her facial expression - she'll grieve later, in private, away from the eyes of people whose opinion of her she's only too familiar with. She looks to Michael. At the sight of his expression, her brows draw down a fraction, a subtle echo of a much greater internal worry.

She guides her horse closer to his - close enough to speak quietly only to him. She takes this privilege as his former tutor, fully aware that some present members of the court may disapprove of her approaching him at this particularly moment. Her voice is pitched too quietly for her words to be clearly understood by anyone not within the immediate vicinity of the new King.

Chains (and anyone in the immediate vicinity of Iria and Michael; I'm not sure of everyone's exact position):

"My king," she says simply, quietly, hoping her student - her nephew, in fact - will hear the care in her voice. "I share in your grief, as I trust you know. The master of game is, however, correct; you will be urgently needed at the palace."

[Cooldanman22]

Quietly to himself, Luca says "He was a good man... and may he rest in peace" Then, to Micheal "I agree with Edward, we must get you back to the palace at once, You can grieve if you wish but you must always stay alert. Now is the most likely time for anyone who wants the throne for them selves to attempt to take your life."

Riding closer to Micheal, Luca says "If you would like, I could come with you to help fend off any would be assassins within the next few weeks. My adventuring days have made my eyes aswell as my ears quite keen."

[Ezeze]

Raymond

If any of the faces weren't surprised, he'd have to have a word with them later

Roll a Sense Motive check for this.


As far as the Royal Succession goes; very first in line should King Michael die would be his son, your nephew, Prince David who is at this moment three years old and (to your knowledge) safe and happy with his mother, your sister, Princess Rue.

Following that would be Prince Michael's other siblings, in preference of gender then of age. So his brother Ferdinand would be next. After that, his older sister Melissa. You aren't entirely sure where either are right now (unless you want to give me a Knowledge: Royalty check), followed by Joshua's youngest daughter with Queen Jessica whose name is Princess Ashley. She is younger still than Prince David - only about two years of age.

Edward

Edward stifles a coughing fit into quietness

So I was just gunna let you have that but, uh, Raymond is actively looking at faces.... :smallamused: So roll a Bluff check to pass off your giggles as a coughing fit.

Only those of us gathered here and the messenger know what has happened, your highness Abbot Grange intones in response to Ray's question. And the messenger is locked in a comfortable room with good food and a bottle of wine.

Prince Michael smiles slightly, then reaches out and squeezes Iria's hand. Thank the gods for good council. Yes, we have to control how this is seen both outside and inside the castle. He looks squarely at Father Fidel and instructs Send a priest each to the Queens - my step mother and grandmother. They deserve to be told before we ring the bell. My father was as much theirs as mine.

The bell he is referring to is in the temple tower. It rings a short melody every day at noon. It rings for much longer in the event of a birth, marriage or death within the royal family.

Then he turns to Luca. Your grievances with Commander Sebastian will have to wait. For the moment, I need you to go and tell him that there will be a large ceremony at the palace grounds tonight. Don't tell him of its nature until the bell tolls, but we will require half a dozen guardsmen within the Grand Hall.

Iria, I know you are grieved as much as I, but can you please go to my Majordomo? Tell him only that Prince Michael orders him to meet me in my private quarters. I'll need to set him making arrangements for a coronation and, in a few days, a funeral.

Iria
You know who he is talking about. Majordomo Williams is a solid, practical man who takes great pride in a job well done. He would most likely be in his quarters, this early in the morning, which abut the administrative offices. He treats you exactly as he'd treat another member of the Royal Family, even though you are sure he understands the circumstances of your birth.

Raymond, please accompany me to inform Rue.

Now, for the first time since he began issuing orders, the Prince King looks a little uncertain of himself. He addresses the question am I forgetting anything? To those of you gathered in general, but his eyes rest on Edward.

[iTookUrNick]

Chains:
This is so going to fail: [roll0]
To the hitchhiker: Ok, never mind. It looks like we might need your talent for mischief after all. Any Ideas?

Edward takes a moment to collect his thoughts before speaking. He seems weary, as if it his age had suddenly become apprent to him. "Well, as much as it pains me to say so, I believe it would be best for you to extend your... protection... to the Queen Consort Jessica and to the Princess Ashley. Right now, General Adrian is sole commander of the entire Gahadian army. We all know the General as a man of honor, but even discarding the possibility of his own initiative (which we should not), anyone could use the Queen and the Princess as leverage to enact a military coup.

That's all I've thought so far. If anything else comes to mind, I'll let you know immediately."

[Ezeze]

Raymond
Unfortunately you can't add rolls into posts :smallannoyed:

The priests aren't shocked - but they are both very sympathetic. You don't think Father Fidel expected to be put on the spot like that.

Iria is every bit as upset as King Michael. It makes sense - she's family, after all.

Edward isn't very expressive. You think he must be a very private sort of person. But nothing about his reaction is out of place.


Prince Llem, last you knew, was at the front lines with his father. As for Princess Melissa - you remember there was a huge curfuffle a few years back when the Nobleman she married had the whole thing annulled, but you can't seem to think of why or where she went after that.

[Lazy Genius]

Reacting to Michael immediately, Ray nodded and said, "very well, Your Highness." He then listens to what the others have to say, even the private words to Michael he hears by default and notes them personally. Nodding to himself when Edward speaks of the unlikely military coup, Ray assesses where the royal family is and if he know who has what amount of Royal guard with them at the moment, before preparing himself to get going with Michael to tell his sister the bad news. He frowns a bit as he thinks of the line of succession and seems concerned by the rather young age of the next after the man next to him. Better safe than sorry.

[Cooldanman22]

Ok m'lord, I shall go inform Sebastian of the ceremony. May I borrow one of these horses so I can get there more quickly? If his answer is yes, then Luca rides to the Guards Headquarters, and if not, than he Runs there as quickly as he can.

[Ezeze]

Edward
Just play it cool.

Yes, take the horse. In fact, you should all probably take your horses.

The young king considers Edwards words for a moment, then says I don't like the thought but, yes, we need eyes on my stepmother. I know now better than ever how... out of character a person can behave if they think it's in the best interest of their child. So, Edward, go with whomever Fidel decides should visit Queen Jessica. I want to emphasize, though, that you are to be eyes only. Do not harm them, and try not to scare them.

King Michael gallops off with Raymond, leaving Iria, Fidel, Abbot Grange and Edward in the field overlooking the forest.

Luca
The guard's tower is literally on the opposite edge of the palace grounds, on the south side nearest the bustling city, built into the wall separating the two. The comfortable if modest cottages that house the Watch's high officers - including yourself and your family - aren't far off.

It takes nearly 20 minutes to get there, even on horseback.

The door is a solid oak one, with strong iron hinges to support its weight. If barred from the inside, it could withstand assault for a considerable amount of time. You're sure either Commander Sebastian or someone who knows where he is is inside.

Fidel, Edward, Iria
I am not so old that I can't do the work in front of me Abbot Grange declares. I shall be your second priest, Fidel. Shall I visit Queen Jessica and you Queen Ahaziah, or vise versa?

Raymond
The Prince's private abode is not terribly far off. All of you will have to move into the palace proper, you suppose, before this is all over but for the last few years Michael, Rue and young Prince David have lived in a well appointed home not too far to the North of the great hall. A second home, smaller but no less well appointed, stands near by. That is where you sleep most nights. It was built specially for you when you and Rue came to stay, exactly to your specifications.

The Prince ties his own horse to a post just outside his door, but doesn't wait for you to do the same before he enters his home. Inside, on a hard wooden floor strewn with soft woven carpets and pillows, you see your sister Rue playing with small, stuffed toys with your nephew. A hand maiden stands not too far off, ready to attend to her mistress if needed. You think her name is Susan, and if you remember correctly Rue is quite fond of her.

Michael? Rue looks up, surprised but not startled I thought you were out hunting today?

Michael walks over to his wife, then kneels and kisses her I was, then I learned of some bad news. The King has died in the fight with Urmay. Would you mind terribly moving yourselves upstairs, or perhaps out into the garden? Very soon this place is going to be flooded with well wishers and funeral planners and people who want me crowned quickly.

The King is very-business like in his approach. While he speaks Rue wordlessly scoops up David, who keeps a hold of a stuffed bird you are given to believe is his favorite toy, and hands him to her hand maiden. Susan bows and ushers the tike upstairs. It's only then that Rue pulls Michael gently, by the hand, over to a couch pushed against the far wall. He doesn't resist and soon finds his face buried in the crook of his wife's neck.

Your sister runs her fingers through her husbands hair as, in the privacy newly afforded him, he begins to cry because his father is dead.

[Cooldanman22]

Rapping his knuckles on the door as hard as he can without injuring himself, Luca shouts "It's Luca! I bring urgent news from the prince for commander Sebastian!"

Then he thinks I really hope that he doesn't think I'm making this up and pull some sort of trick, that man hates me so

[Ezeze]

Luca
There is silence for a few seconds after your pronouncement, then a newer guardsmen opens the door. You don't remember his name, but all his friends call him Flabs - strange, since the young man is tall and very skinny.

"The, uh, Commander isn't here."

(ooc: Give me one Sense Motive and one Spot check, please :smallbiggrin:)

[Ezeze]

LucaThe guy is clearly lying. But more than that, you can see in the reflection of the shields along the wall behind him that Sebastian is sitting in the great room. How the man got to a higher rank than you you'll never know - probably his blood, you think he's a distant (very distant) relative of someone married into the Royal Family.

Your immediate superior is surrounded by four of his favorite cronies, cards in hands with a respectable pool of coins in the center of their table. Apparently, since you were to spend the day out hunting, they decided that they got the day off too and are hanging about playing poker. That explains why "Flabs" was here to begin with, despite being a rookie - his guileless face probably means he's been bleeding coins since he sat down to play with them.

So Senior Commander Sebastian, who is your commanding officer, sent a rookie to the door to lie for him and say he wasn't here despite your proclamation that you have news from the Prince. What do you do?

[Cooldanman22]

Luca asks the man known as flabs May I come in then? I need to ask if anyone knows where he is. This is quite urgent.

[scrimscraw]

Fidel shakes his head. You have been in the service of the court here for quite some time, yes? I think it would be better for Queen Ahaziah to hear the news from one who has known her longer. Nothing will prevent her grief, but you are best qualified to comfort her. With effort, he remounts his horse and turns to face Edward. Shall we ride?

[Ezeze]

Luca
Flabs thinks for a moment, then turns over his shoulder and shouts "Hey! Has anyone seen Commander Sebastian?" You make a mental note not to send him undercover any time soon.

He waits barely any time at all before turning back to you and saying "Noope. No sir! No one here knows!" It must be hard, you think, to be sent by one superior to lie to another.

Fidel, Edward, Iria
Abbot Grange inclines his head slightly. As wise a choice as any. Queen Jessica resides within the Palace proper, her room is adjacent to the King's. I'm sure your companion he indicates Edward with his hand knows the way if you do not.

He then turns his horse back the way he came and rides off, presumably to do has bidden.

[Cooldanman22]

Luca says in a very serious tone As your superior, I demand you move out of the way and allow me to enter.

[iTookUrNick]

"Let's go and get this over with." said Edward, matter-of-factly. "If the gods are good, we'll find nothing but heartfelt grief"

[Ezeze]

Luca
Flabs hesitates just a moment longer, but then steps aside.

Luca Sebastian sneers when you come inside I'm glad it didn't take you all day to outsmart our greenest recruit. This draws a laugh from his cronies.

Fidel, Edward
As Abbot Grange stated, Edward knows where the Queen consort's rooms are.

You go in through a side entrance, since it's closer and the grand double-doors which face the gate into the city are a pain to open and shut due to their sheer weight, through the kitchens which are large but quiet in the early morning, and into the Grand Hall.

The floor in the Grand Hall is solid wood, polished to a shine and as covered with soft woven carpets as the walls are with tapestries. The tapestries depict important moments in Gahad's history, with the grandest on the far wall away from the double doors depicting King Daniel, the first of his house, on horseback holding a shining sword above his head while a mass of faceless people bow to him. This hangs above a raised platform which is home to two thrones, one sitting slightly above the other. Others are equally epic and flattering to the family. One shows a man who looks very much like Daniel, holding a sword similar to his, battling a grotesque looking woman whose hands are wreathed in fire atop a tower. A third shows a man and woman, presumably once again belonging to the historical House of Daniel, both radiantly beautiful dressed in wedding garb before a third figure in priests formal robes. You're sure a historian, or perhaps the Majordomo, could describe in detail the story each tapestry is taken from, but that is not what you are here for right now.

At the back-left and back-right of the hall are grand staircases which curve up into the side, allowing entrance to an open balcony with several hallways jutting away from it. It's down one of these hallways that you come to a landing within a tower. Up two flights of stairs, through another doorway and you come to a truncated hallway with a sitting area and three doors. Edward, having been here before, knows that the one on their right leads to Queen Jessica's bedchamber. You can hear a baby crying, and someone moving about inside.

[Cooldanman22]

Sebastian Luca says this is no time to joke, the prince needs you to know there will be a large ceremony at the palace grounds tonight, and that he needs a half dozen guardsmen within the Grand Hall. The prince demanded I not tell you why until later

[scrimscraw]

At the door of the Queen-Consort's room, Fidel looks at Edward, nods, and moves to knock on the door. Before his hand strikes the wood, however, he hesitates and withdraws it. Taking a deep breath, he draws himself up and knocks three times with surprising firmness.

[Ezeze]

Luca
Sebastian's eye narrow and he's practically shouting when he speaks. Listen here, brown-nose. Don't think for a second that a little canceled hunting trip with his royal highness he sneers the words gives you the right to issue orders to ME. He finishes off the drink in his hand, then slams it down with a thud. One of his 'friends' shoots him a glance and he grunts angrily.

He stands up, and walks over to where you are standing. He grabs Flab's arm roughly and turns him so that he's only a few inches from the poor guy's face, you've failed here today! Expect latrine duty for the next gods forsaken month!

Then he turns to you I'll see for myself what the Prince wants! Give me your horse. That is an order.

(ooc: Give me a Sense Motive check)

Fidel, Edward
A feminine voice calls out one moment!

There is a little more shuffling about, and then Queen Consort Jessica opens the door herself. She's wearing a plain dressing gown and her long brown hair is thrown back in a messy bun, but she is still obviously beautiful. She is no older than Prince King Michael - King Joseph was a solid 20 years her senior. Behind her, in a room full of pastel-colored fabrics and cushions that look wonderfully comfortable, another woman - presumably a handmaiden - is gently rocking a fussy two-year-old who is continuing to cry.

She doesn't quite know what to make of the two of you. Is something the matter?

[Ezeze]

Luca

Sense Motive: 7

Sebastian is obviously taking his anger at you out on poor Flabs.

[iTookUrNick]

Edward's eyes sweep the room, taking it all in without conscious effort. More and more he is slipping back into old habits in this time of tumoil. Hopefully it will be all over soon.

"We are sorry to bother you so early in the morning, your highness" says Edward, sensing further esitation from the man next to him at the sight of the baby. "I'm afraid he good Farher has very important news for you. Private news" he adds, looking pointedly at the handmaiden. "If that's not too much inconvenient, could you dismiss your handmaiden for a few moments?"

Plan of action:
If the handmaiden gies out with the baby, Edward will excuse himself as well and follow her out, saying he wishes to give the two of them the privacy they deserve. If she leaves the baby inside, he will respectully remain by the door.
Should the Queen wish to keep her handmaiden by her side, Edward will take a good, appraising look at her and still insist as much as it is polite for her to leave, but give the final world on the matter to the friar.

[Ezeze]

Fidel, Edward
The Queen seems to focus slightly, then she nods. She turns around and addresses her handmaiden. Mary?

Mary nods, settles the young princess into her crib, bobs a curtsey and shows herself out closing the door behind her.

Queen Jessica distractedly wanders over to the crib and gently rocks it, Princess Ashley still crying inside. She looks at Edward again, then seems to recognize him Oh, I know you. You're the... umm.... The Game master! That's right. Joshua is very fond of you.

Edward
Oh gods. She's a complete air head!

[Cognomen]

Iria squeezes Michael's hand back, tears starting up at his words only to be blinked back by her pride in the courage he's showing. She smiles at him. "Indeed, my king. I will go find Williams immediately."

That said, she gets caught up for a short moment in the conversation between Edward, Fidel, and Abbot Grange. It breaks off quickly and she wheels about, clucks her horse into a trot and then into a gallop, heading for Majordomo Williams' quarters, next to the Palace's administrative offices.

Thought rides the wind above her, cawing. Occasional words drift down from on high: "Death! So dead!" Afraid the raven might give away the news to people who haven't yet heard it, Iria looks up in alarm and telepathically orders him to stop; he flies the rest of way with only the occasional traditional non-linguistic caw.

When she trots her horse into the yard closest to the administrative offices, she climbs down without too much trouble (carefully unfastening her crossbow from the saddle and back onto her belt). Now which door leads in the direction of Williams' quarters...? Ah yes, that one. Thought lands heavily on her shoulder and ruffles his feathers as she prepares to go in.

[iTookUrNick]

Chains
At least she remembers our name. What more would you ask of her?
"At your service, your higness. It is very kind of you to remember answers Edward, with a bow But pay me no heed right now. I'll be here by the door".

[scrimscraw]

Stepping further into the chamber, Fidel look from Jessica to the baby and back to Jessica again, and his face again falls. Queen Jessica, we have been sent here by the prince to deliver grave news. I am so sorry...your husband, the king, has fallen in battle. As he delivers the news, Fidel struggles to maintain eye contact with the Queen, and his hands clench on his staff as if he were holding on to a branch in the middle of a raging river.

[Ezeze]

Iria
The administrative offices are a huge block of buildings that have been added on to in recent years. The insides look like a library; shelves upon shelves are stacked with paper. A few desks are scattered around, dwarfed by the bookshelves that dominate most of the area between floor and ceiling.

When you knock on the door a older man with bags under his eyes but a polite smile on his face opens it for you.

"Ahh, Lady Iria. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

Fidel, Edward
Oh. The Queen Consort looks lost in thought for a moment, then repeats herself. Oh... Her face falls and she stares down at her daughter, still crying - though it's a healthy shriek, normal to healthy babies. Was he... Was he with my father, when he died?

[Cognomen]

The Majordomo's office looks so much like mine, Iria thinks, not for the first time, as Williams opens the door. Mine might actually be slightly better organized. That's an odd thought; her solar at the top of her tower is a maelstrom of books. Her brother used to tease her about it.

Majordomo Williams stands, his expression polite, waiting for her to speak. Normally, the sight of the respectful old man, who actually treats her as of she is of rank, would bring a smile to Iria's face.... but not today. She is still under the first shock, which is helping, but she is still hard-pressed to smooth out her features.

She finds herself literally wringing her hands - she's never done that before, and she makes herself stop and breathe once, so that when she speaks her voice will be steady. She is not to tell the Majordomo what has happened, and so she must hide her feelings. She's good at that.

"Majordomo Williams." There, her voice is steady. "Prince Michael has sent me to ask that you meet him in his private quarters, immediately. He has need of you."

Still on her shoulder, the bird squawks. "Need!" The wizard shushes him. At least he's simply parroting right now, instead of broadcasting information far and wide...

[Cooldanman22]

Luca gives Sebastian the horse, apologizes to Flabs, and then follows Sebastian on foot.

[Lazy Genius]

Raymond took the cue and left with the King once he had finished talking and rode beside him, if a little behind to react better to directional changes, even though he knew where they were going, but mostly to show deference. Once they arrived, Ray quickly dismounted and bound his horse the same way. He arrived a little after the King did, just seeing his sister dismiss Susan and her Son, Crown Prince David. He nodded subtly to Susan, acknowledging her presence, as she turned to leave, and turned his partly focused mind into a fully focused mind on the King.

Upon witnessing the spectacle, Ray was moved deeply. Even though he was the Queen's Sister and Personal Bodyguard of the King, he could feel no other way than that we was imposing in on this personal moment. Rather than quietly leave as he otherwise would have tried if he was imposing on private moments, he did feel that his status and familiar ties gave him right to be there. So in the end, after a little internal conflict on what to do, he decided it was best just to do his duty as best he can. The thought that another grieving person in their midst would probably only make their grief worse nailing him to the ground. Even with his immovability, there was no escaping a single tear running down his cheek.

I decided that Humble won over family ties as it has before. And meh, because I like rolling:
[roll0] Ride DC20 Since I forgot the +2 Synergy I get from my 5 ranks in Handle Animal, that's a success. :smalltongue: (corrected on sheet now)
And let's say a bluff check to pass the tear off as sympathy, rather than personal grief? [roll1]

[Ezeze]

Iria
Immediately? The Majordomo's brows furrow in confusion and worry. He appears on the cusp of questioning you further, but then seems to decide against it. He bows low - exactly as low had any member of your family been in your place, you know for sure - and excuses himself to see to the message you brought with a polite word of parting my offices are at your disposal, My Lady.

Luca
Flabs seems completely downtrodden and your quick apology seems to do nothing to remedy that.

The walk all the way back across the Palace grounds to the Prince's Quarters will be much longer on foot you realize, and Sebastian will likely arrive many minutes ahead of you.

(ooc: Unfortunately, this means you are going to spend a few posts just walking. I'll let you know when you arrive)

GM Use Only!
[roll0]
[roll1]

CSB[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]

Raymond
The Prince's grief comes and goes. He stands, excuses himself upstairs to wash his face. Once he is gone you and your sister stand alone in the room. She crosses to you and wraps her arms around you in a long hug. Your grief does you credit. I am sorry you have to hide it. Her voice is gentle and understanding.

Your sister leaves your side and goes upstairs, presumably to be with her son. Prince King Michael comes downstairs shortly after and, King though he might be, gets to work straightening the room in preparation for visitors.

As predicted, it's not long before they start knocking at the door. The first is Senior Commander Sebastian of the City Guard riding atop, you can't help but notice, the same horse Commander Luca left on not an hour ago.

Your Highness the man says with a curt bow Luca said I should come speak to you, though he didn't say what about.

He did, did he?
(ooc: Can I get two Sense Motive checks from you, please? :smallbiggrin:)

No matter. There is to be a ceremony tonight. A large one, in the Grand Hall - and I require half a dozen guardsmen to attend in uniform.

Yes, your Highness. If I may, what sort of ceremony?

If you'll stay a while longer, you can find out.

The Commander looks confused, but does as bidden.

The next to arrive is the Majordomo, who bows and speaks more respectfully. He asks no questions as the Prince describes the sort of ceremony he'll need in general terms - a meeting in the Grand Hall of as many as four hundred important guests invited from about the city, followed by dinner for as many in the Large Dining Room.

[Lazy Genius]

When the King excuses himself and his sister comes to his comfort, Raymond succumbs to the perils of his occupation and what he now has to witness and bear. "Thank you, just make sure David stays safe, for his sake, yours, Michael's, and not lastly the Kingdom's." Conveniently leaving out that it's for his sake as well, he goes on outside to call one of the Royal guards, Colonel Hans, to him, and made orders. "Since the rest of the day Prince Michael and Princess Rue will be in the same place, Dan and Luke are excused for the rest of the day. Captain Jeff should go and find out how much protection is needed for the grand hall when the event is to be had, and when he has, report his findings to me. Send Major Gerard inside with me.

When these orders were executed, with Major Gerard and ray each flanking one side of the doorway, Ray becomes as silent a mountain as any good bodyguard should be, and his years of experience give him the edge in not annoying the people entering with unnecessary pat-downs and body searches, as his trained eye and knowledge expunges the need for such. With this in mind, Ray stands by the door when there's anybody in the room with the Prince, and by the window looking out when someone's expected, or there's nobody else in the room with them. Major Gerard should, if correctly following orders, flank the door at all times, even with nobody else but the Prince and Ray in the room, a trained eye at the Prince the whole time.

If it's relevant, Colonel Hans is one of the four who qualifies to become General in Ray's or Ethan's stead (Ethan's the one in charge of the King's contingent, out in the field at the moment, or came back with the messenger).

Chains
I am making a lot of assumptions and taking a lot of liberties with all this, organisation of the Royal guard and whatnot. If any of it is not to your liking, or conflicts with what you had shaped, or for any other reason whatsoever, let me know and I will forget the whole thing. I just thought that it'd be best to have a structure ready when Ray issued orders.

[Ezeze]

The morning is long and, though it's only a little after ten when the mournful toll of the Church Bell announces the Death of the King, it feels like much later to many of you.

It seems like the entire palace is busy from that point on. People not rushing to prepare a feast at the last minute are trying to prepare themselves for the feast.

Iria
It's not long after the bell has rung that Majordomo Williams finds you once again.

Lady Iria he bows low. The Prince has informed me of the circumstances of tonight's gathering. I am sorry for your loss. Williams' words are filled with sincerity.

I don't know how familiar you are with the ceremony involved with crowning a new King, my Lady, so I shall try to explain why I have visited you more fully. It's a short affair - purposely so, I believe, so as to not overshadow the old King's funeral which traditionally happens three days after.

Before a gathering of his people the new King accepts a sword from one of his generals to symbolize his right to lead them, a bouquet of white flowers from a member of the Royal Household to symbolize his legitimacy, and finally the crown and a blessing from a priest.

In the past it has been tradition for the new Queen Mother to give the new King the bouquet but, well given that Michael's mother passed away more than a decade ago and that Queen Jessica will be preoccupied caring for young Princess Ashley, I hope you do not take offense my Lady that I suggested yourself for the role and Prince Michael approved the idea.

If you accept, I can arrange for you to speak with the Master of Etiquette regarding your ceremonial duties.


Raymond
(ooc: You never made those Sense Motive checks, so I'm going to assume you failed them. You get no new information.)

Hours after the bell has been rung Majordomo Williams pulls you aside. He speaks to you in a very business-like manner.

Sir Raymond, did the Prince talk to you about being his Swordsman?

He hadn't.

No matter. I shall explain. The Crowning Ceremony has three important parts to it; the King must receive the blessings of his family to rule, the blessings of his generals to lead them, and the divine blessings of the Good Gods. I believe he requested Lady Iria represent the Royal Family, and the Priests will decide amongst themselves who shall crown him, but finding a General - well, you understand there is a war going on. There are none still remaining at the palace.

Instead, the Prince has suggested that you fill the role. If you'll excuse a humble man for speaking out of turn, it's an honor to be asked. If you accept I can arrange for you to speak with a Master of Etiquette regarding your duties.

Fidel
The interview with Queen Jessica progresses awkwardly. She asks a number of questions to which you simply do not know the answer, and by the time you excuse yourself from her chambers you feel quite the fool.

You report to Abbot Grange, and the two of you climb the bell tower to ring the bell. As you climb, he speaks to you.

Hear me, Fidel, for I have not been truly honest with you.

It is strange to say, for a man of my station within the church, but I have never really been devout. The Gods have never before bothered to include me in their plans, nor speak to me in any manner other than through their holy writings. I have represented them within this great country, but never truly believed they had any more to do with us than we might have to do with a colony of ants living in the dirt beneath our feet.

So understand that I am not speaking in allegory when I say that Heironeous himself appeared to me in a dream last night. He warned me that a time of great turbulence was to come upon this Kingdom and that you - here he forcefully turns you to face him, his hands surprisingly strong for a man of his advanced years - you, Fidel, would be called upon to help see us all through.

Abbot Grange lets go of you, his moment of passion passed, and he seems to your eyes a very tired old man. I have not always been the servant the Royal Family needs, but there is something I can do about that yet. I can pick my successor well. From now on, Fidel, you are in training as the next Palace Abbot. When I pass, you shall take my place. I think you have much potential before you, and it seems the Gods themselves agree. Tonight, at the Crowning Ceremony, it will be you who places the crown on King Michael's head.


Edward
Vinrel is many things, but he's not wrong. Queen Jessica is dumb. Really, really dumb. And you get to spend the day with her and her brat, who seems to perpetually cry, all while Vinrel makes crude jokes about what your recently deceased friend must have been getting out of the marriage. Joy.

Father Fidel's interview with her is short and awkward. More often than not he doesn't know what to say, and she asks a number of questions he clearly doesn't know how to answer.

In any case, once Fidel leaves the Queen insists on visiting Queen Mother Ahaziah. You stand off to one side while the two sit together within the temple where Ahaziah spends most of her time.

(ooc: Can I please get one of each of the following; a Sense Motive check, a Listen check and a straight Wisdom check?)

Luca
By the time you've arrived at the Prince's home Commander Sebastian has come and gone. Michael confirms that, yes, he spoke to Sebastian and promises he'll do something about the man when the ceremony is over. Maybe a hanging he grumbles to you, but he's being facetious. Either way, you feel pretty confident that after this particular run-in "Senior Commander" Sebastian is going to find himself out of a job in the not too distant future.

[Lazy Genius]

Raymond stood the whole day, one hand on his sword-hilt, the other at his side, elbows out to make his bulk seem even bigger. Major Gerard, inside with him, oversees the happenings with him and when Ray's approached by Majordomo Williams, Ray seems a bit surprised, and while he knew the ceremony, he's never witnessed it, only a Lehi crowning of his little brother once, but not Gahad's. When confronted with the proposition, Ray has a hard time hiding his horror at standing in front of so many people, being in the spotlight. He hates standing in the spotlight, being the center of attention, despises it, in fact. But for the husband of his sister, the man he's protected with his life for so long, he'd do it. Next to this, risking his life for the same man seemed like a piece of cake, but he'd do it.

He nods slowly, his jaw set. "I'll do it. I'll have to make some arrangements within the Royal Guard before I can leave my post, but I would be more than willing to visit a Master of Etiquette, if that means I won't make the King, and myself, look like a fool." When he finished, he contemplated soemthing for a while, then asked, "have you any idea why Michael didn't ask the Royal Guard Marshall instead, or is that something to ask him personally?" When he got a satisfactory answer from the Majordomo and received directions to a Master of Etiquette, he turned to Major Gerard.

"When I leave here, I'll order Colonel Hans take my place, and you wait for Captain Kasper to come inside in your stead. You then take Colonel Hans' place outside." Once he got that done, he made sure he had no more obligations in the Prince's house, first and foremost by checking with the Prince, and went outside. Outside, Colonel Hans almost came to Ray indignantly for leaving his post. Though this does him credit, Ray silenced with a wave of his hand. "Go inside with Captain Hans and take mine and Major Gerard's posts, I'm going to prepare myself for the coronation." Once he got that out of the way, he mounted his horse and rode to the Master of Etiquette, finally composed of the shock about what he was going to do.

If the same policies apply in regards to the dismissal of the Marshall and General of the King the way I originally proposed, when would Ray have time to make the appropriate promotions within the Royal Guard to replace the people lost? (2 Colonels -> Generals, 2 Majors-> Colonels, 2 Captains -> Majors, 2 Lieutenants -> Captains, and 2 new employees that were previously in training from the City Guard.)

[iTookUrNick]

Chains:
Joy indeed... Maybe things will get better with the queen mother. She always had a fondness for me any my methods...
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[Cognomen]

When Majordo Williams finds her again, Iria is seated in a ridge-back chair near one of his windows, scribbling notes in her small notebook between bouts of muttering to get her mind off grief. Fading tracks on her usually impassive cheeks pay testament to the effects of the ten-o'clock bell. Her voice has the slightest hint of panic in it as she speaks alone. "Poor sweet Josha, who gave me so much, gone with those bells - everyone else'd had their way, they'd have packed me off - don't worry, Iria, Michael will protect you too, and the kingdom. Stay calm. Think about what needs to be done. So much needs to be done. Must not forget to give instructions to Naxos. Tell my students." Thought stands on the table next to her, picking at office supplies and occasionally whispers into her ears; she seems to find whatever he's saying comforting.

She snaps out of her reverie at the sight of Marjodom Wlliams, who, as always, is far too polite to let on that he overheard her. The King's death is not news to him anyway, as that becomes clear. When he bows low she bows her head to him graciously - despite herself, all her attempts not to care, she's always been grateful to Williams for treating her a king's daughter. She was one. She would never inherit, she knew that - and she'd seen the throne up close enough not to covet it - but she was the daughter of a king, and the brother of a king, and now the aunt of a king, pointy as her ears may be.

She listens attentively to William's explanation, until she starts to realize where he's getting to with the suggestion of her as flower-bearer. Her eyes get wider briefly in surprise before she draws them down again. Ah, the key word he spoke: legitimacy. It rings in her head. She is illegitimate, as everyone knows - and, gods above, were they actually asking her to perform a ritual legimitizing the king at the hand of his bastard aunt? What was Williams thinking? What was Michael thinking? The Queen Consort actually disliked her - the new Queen might be fine with it, Iria thought - at last mostly - but what would Jessica think, no matter how busy she was, seeing the bastard ward she'd lever liked given that role in the wedding? (On the other hand, part of Iria crowed at the memory of decades of petty slights; it might be worth if for Jessica's disapproval alone, and the disapproval of all those other busibodies.) But what would the courtiers think, the politicians, the gossips? It suddenly occurrs to Iria - could she become more legitimized, and therefore both more sought after and in more danger? She doesn't like that thought.

She sands up and arranges her paper into a pocket of her cloak. "Thank you not only for the use of your office but most especially for your kind words, Majordomo. It means a great deal to me. My - king's loss is a hard one. I only hope to be able to serve my neph - my student as well as I can in years to come." ""So many years," squawks the bird. She shushes it and it leans down to her ear again and says something else, to which she nods.

She turns back to the Majordomo. "I am more flattered and touched than I can say, Majordomo, both at the kindness and respect you show by suggesting to me the honored role of flower-bearer, and King Michael's grace in accepting is truly a thing to be grateful for." She hesitates slightly, rather wishing she could confide a little about her fears to this kindly man, but really this discussion should be saved for Michael - whose final decision this is, anyway.

Except gods only knew where Michael was right now. She sighed. "This etiquette lesson - will it take long? The King has need of me. And on that note, good sir, have you any idea of his schedule this morning?" Urg, etiquette. Iria has never had much patience for pomp and circumstance; she didn't do very well in it even as a child (but then, her long and so un-Gahadin nose was buring in a book more often than not.

[Ezeze]

Raymond
If the Majordomo registers your fear, he is polite enough not to comment on it.

I believe, Sir Raymond, that Michael wishes to favor you for your bravery and loyalty - though you know as well as I do that the King often keeps his own council.



The Master of Etiquette is, put simply, a windbag. He smiles politely when you arrive and bows at exactly the appropriate angle for someone of his station to greet someone of your station.

You're not sure how a man can spend three hours talking about a twenty minute ritual, but he manages it. The jist of what he says, however, is as follows;

The crowning will take place on a platform. You'll be expected to stand there before the King makes his entrance, in armor with a ceremonial sword. When he turns to face you, you are to take a knee and say "I, Sir Raymond, recognize you as my true and rightful King. I offer you my sword for you to command unto the end of my days." You offer him the ritual sword, hilt first. He'll place his hand on the pommel, say he accepts your service and bid you stand.

The ritual continues for a while longer, but the extent of your duties during that period is to stand to the side and look regal and imposing (which you do well, if you do say so yourself).

The only really interesting moment of your conversation comes when the Master of Etiquette leads you to the Royal Treasury and places the sword in your care. The pommel is a simple, sturdy, double-sided affair - it's the sheath that really catches your eye. It's carved of a solid piece of oak coated in dark stain that makes it feel smooth as well as heavy. Set into its side as if grown there are rare jewels in a pattern that resembles the House of Daniel's family crest - a tower against a grey sky.

The Master of Etiquette very gently reminds you that you are to carry this sword and no other weapons - to do otherwise is bad luck and bad manners, symbolic of a Knight who is withholding some portion of his loyalty. He also requests that you not draw the weapon, but that's more practical than anything else as you and he are inside in a rather cramped room. The ceremony, he notes, also doesn't require that you draw the weapon. There is no reason to go swinging a naked blade about.

Edward
Queen Jessica seems to take a great deal of comfort from Queen Ahaziah's presence. She hands the old woman the wailing toddler and, after a little coddling from her grandmother, Princess Ashley stops crying (you think for the first time since that morning) and falls asleep.

Queen Ahaziah, for her part, seems to grieve less when she has the baby in her arms.
What a little angel she coos. Fussy, but her father was much the same. She calms right down if you stroke her cheek like this.

It doesn't work when I do it Queen Jessica complains. I think you must be using magic.

This elicits a smile from Queen Ahaziah, though you don't think anything could make the poor woman laugh right now. It's always a shame, when a mother outlives her child. I could take her tonight, if you want. I won't be going to the coronation in any case - I don't think my poor old bones could tolerate that much standing.

That's understandable, you think, and the girl would certainly be safe with here in the temple.

Footsteps from outside alert you before a large man pushes through the temple doors. He walks past you with a sneer and goes to kneel next to Queen Ahaziah.

Your Majesty he greets her with her head bowed. I came as soon as I could. I am glad to see you - and Princess Ashley - safe.

Master Edward has been taking care of us, haven't you Edward? Queen Ahazian smiles at you. Have you met Commander Sebastian of the City Watch?

You've seen him before and have an overwhelming impression of him as a brown-noser to his superiors and a bully amongst those in his charge, but you must confess that you've never spoken to the man for more than a moment. If Queen Ahazia seems so taken with him, it's possible that you've misjudged.

You should kick that guy's face in. Seriously. Save someone else the trouble.

Iria
I realize, Lady Iria, that the subject of legitimacy might be a... well, a sore one for you.

To your knowledge, that is the most allowance he has ever made for your parentage

But I urge you to think not of the symbolic meaning of the flowers, but rather of whom is typically asked to fill the role that is requested of you. King Michael's mother has been dead thirteen years, and now his father as well. He finds himself an orphan far too young. You've been there his entire life, and have had an active role in shaping him as a man. I assure you, my lady, that neither he nor I meant any insult in asking this of you. the Majordomo's words are, as before, filled with sincerity.


As for the Etiquette lesson - well, the ceremony its self takes less than twenty minutes, and your role in it would be over in less than three but the Etiquette Master is a through man

Windbag squawks Thought, catching you by surprise. Williams smiles slightly.

and it might be better to see him sooner rather than later, as the Prince has also requested that Sir Raymond be instructed of his place in the ceremony and he is prone to Stage fright.

Michael, for his part, doesn't truly have a schedule this morning. He finds himself needing to do everything at once, and it is no small accomplishment, I think, that he seems to be doing just that.


Icarus Smith
You're going mad, you're sure of it. You managed to hold it off for centuries and centuries but, nope, the solitude is going to do you in.

Wait. That thin, bespectacled guy who talks to himself all the time is in the treasury again and... Who is that? That guy is a frigging walking BRICK! The bespectacled guy is handing you to the walking brick and... He's got his hand on your pummel.... Yesss....

What? No! The bespectacled guy is telling the brick not to swing you! He's got to swing you, or you wont be able to talk to him!

[iTookUrNick]

Chains
"Thank the Gods for Queen Ahaziah. The baby shuts up as soon as she is in her arm. If only she could do the same with Queen Jessica, there would be peace at last.
Uhm, this it's not a very tactful thought" Edward muses by himself "was it mine or yours?".
As to underline this last, private comment, a large man bursts into the room, filling it with his obnoxious presence. Such dramatic entrance is met by the Queen Mother with the smooth tranquility, and Edward is so rapt by the performance that he almost misses his cue to enter the conversation.

Edward decides to give the man a chance, not in small part due to the queen's attitude towards him. At the same time, he's learned to trust his gut feelings, and he will keep a close eye on him, and probably inquire after him as soon as he leaves.

"We might have spoken a few times in the past, your highness, but I do not think we have ever been formally introduced before. Our assignments tend not to overlap" says Edward, almost apologetically. Then to the man, offering a hand to shake: "It is an honor to make your acquaintance, even in such troublesome circumstances. We are lucky to have a man of your competence in charge of our security.". Since nothing untoward reached public knowledge in the recent past, reasons Edward, it's probably not a stretch to say so, and the man will might appreciate the gesture.

[Ezeze]

Edward
You're Edward? Sebastian says, incredulous. I was expecting someone bigger. He doesn't shake your hand.

Kick his ass!

I mean, you were that guy on our side back when we were fighting Lehi, right? You did good work. Queen Ahaziah has her "diplomat" face on and is being politely noncommittal. Queen Jessica seems to be unclear what 'work' Sebastian is talking about - but you're not. The death toll you and your boys racked up, well, it was high...

It's no wonder we haven't met, though. I was out on the front lines in that war, not skulking around town wells, and I don't really have any cause to meet with our head gardener. I do men's work.

I've changed my mind. Smile, walk away. We'll poison him later.

[iTookUrNick]

"Ahah, yes indeed" says Edward smiling, talking to the man but referring in his head to Vinrel's comment. He spreads his unshaken arms.

"What can I say, I stick to my strengths: I'm arguably a better gardner than a frontline fighter. The job has its perks too: quiet work environment, ample spaces, better food. Less chance of having my ass handed to me by the enemy. But I guess that's a matter of preference..."

"But enough of that" adds Edward, not giving the man a moment to reply. "We do not want to keep you from your duty. I'm sure a manly man like you has plenty of more pressing matters to attend to, especially on a day like this. I'll stay with the ladies here, at least until the ceremony"

[Ezeze]

Edward
Sebastian smirks as if you'd proven something he already knew. He bows to the Queens under your care taking the opportunity to say the men under my command will not fail you, your majesty before leaving the way he came. Queen Jessica seems much revealed once he is gone.

[Ezeze]

Edward
Unfortunately, all of the poisonous plants you know of in the area are out of season. You collected and preserved some for Iria to study a few months ago, but you're pretty sure she'd want to know why if you asked for them back.

[Cognomen]

Iria scowls at Thought's outburst and scolds him via their telepathic link before turning her attention back to Williams. She smiles genuinely at the Majordomo's words, knowing them to be sincere. For a moment, she's so moved by what he's just said that she has to fight to suppress further tears. She takes a couple of seconds to collect herself, then speaks. "My gratitude to you for such kind words, Majordomo - and please, do not think that I believed either you or Michael intended any insult. I know you both too well for that. My only concern is what people may very well insinuate, or spin to their own ends."

She sighs at that last thought before smiling again, a bit tremulously. "But of course I am very honored by the King's choice... and, truth be told, hate-mongers be damned, grateful that you suggested it to him." She pauses briefly. "You are a kind man, Majordomo. I have often thought it."

A wave of resolution then passes across her face and she stands up straighter. In a flash, at least for this moment, she appears her usual self - proud bearing, difficult-to-read face, and all. "Well, then. I shall go learn proper etiquette. Ah - but I should have a message delivered to my assistant."

She pulls her notebook back out of her pocket, scribbles something in it with the nearest ink pen, and rips the page out before twisting it into a scroll small enough for Thought to carry. The raven senses what she wants and steps awkwardly across a table over to her, opening his beak. Iria hands him the note. "All right, Thought. Naxos should be in the laboratory at this hour. Don't argue and don't play any pranks; this is already a difficult enough day." The raven tilts his head at her, squawks something unintelligible given the paper in his mouth, then hops to the nearest window and launches himself out of it.

"Gods save me from familiars with sibling rivalry," she mutters to herself before turning to Williams again. "Apologies, Majordomo. I was going to ask - where can I find the etiquette master?"

Chain:

The note simply states that Iria will be busy all day and that given the circumstances Naxos may take the day off if he wishes, though she expects to see him at the coronation ceremony with everyone else. It ends with a reminder that he should find a clean robe and brush his hair first.

[Lazy Genius]

Raymond listened with all the respect he could muster for the three-hour explanation of a ritual that took about one-tenth of that time. Having gathered the information he needed from the long-winded talk, he noted there were two things still unanswered, mostly about apparel, "I'm not supposed to be keeping others weapons on me, but would my shield be okay? I am after all, still the bodyguard of the Crown Prince, even when he becomes King, until I find a suitable new officer for the job." This may require for him to promote someone to his current position and take the position of Marshall in consultation with the current, or not, but in either case, he'd have a helmet to annotate his precise rank. "In addition, would it be necessary for me the have the helmet of station within the Royal guard upon my brow or would that also seem like I'm hiding something?" At last, he had made a small, minor statement noting he disliked the length of this explanation, and moreover the fact that every minor thing had a greater meaning. But he had made it posing a genuine question of concern, as he did not want to mess this up. "Lastly, when I identify myself, do I just say who I am, or do I fully identify my name, heritage and function?"

When at last he was done,the questions done for and answered, sword in custody and all, he decided to go and see the current Marshall and relieve him of his duties after he's install Raymond as next to fill the function. After a minor conversation with the man pertaining to specifics, mostly talking about what would happen and that he would need to find a place to live outside the Palace Ground, he went back to the Prince's Estate to tie up some loose ends. When he arrived there, having the Black Helm of Office on his head for the first time, he couldn't help but feel a little proud of what he'd attained in his life, in favor of how he'd been born. "Colonel Hans, I hereby promote you to the station of General of the King of the Royal Guard. You are to promote anyone in your contingent into new positions as is necessary to replace vacant positions, I will appoint two new Lieutenants. These Lieutenants will be one in the Crown Prince's Contingent now renamed the King's Contingent, and one for the King's contingent, now reassigned to the young Crown Prince's Contingent."

After his first official act as Marshall of the Royal Guard, he paused, handed now General Hans a helmet with a purple plume on it, the one Ray had been using not an hour before, and waited patiently for him to put it on while he looked in proudly. Hans was the Major serving under Ray as Colonel, and was now the General serving under Ray as Colonel, so he felt another traitorous tinge of pride at this event. After some and the possible reaction of General Hans, Ray asked him. So, General Hans, how do you feel?"

[Ezeze]

Compared to the first half of the day, the second half goes astonishingly quickly. Busy hands, it seems, make time fly.

Iria
The Majordomo points you in the correct direction and you find the Master of Etiquette with no issues. For all of Majordomo's warnings about the man being longwinded he seems to speed through the information you need; you will be dressed in black as is befitting someone in mourning for their lost king. You will stand to the left of the platform with a large bouquet of white azaleas - those specific flowers, apparently, are symbolic of abundance.

First the King's Swordbearer will present. Then, when he has returned to his place on the right of the platform, you will move up and say "I, Lady Iria of the Tower" (he uses your assumed title here, and insists you do the same for the purposes of the ceremony) "recognize you as my legitimate King - as the son of Joshua, who was son of Ian, whose lineage can be traced back to Daniel the Uniter, and to his father Isaiah Witchbane. May your reign be long and prosperous." You will offer the flowers and Michael will place his hands on them but not take them from you, because following your proclamation he will kneel before whomever the priests have chosen to represent them to receive the blessings of the good gods and the Crown.

Once the Etiquette master has finished he sends you off to have a gown fitted. Being in a room surrounded by expensive fabrics and jewel encrusted mirrors, waited on hand and foot and fussed over by some of the most talented seamstresses the Kingdom has to offer makes you feel a little glamorous despite yourself. By the time they have finished it's the beginning of evening, only a little before the ceremony is slated to start. The head seamstress apologizes for the "rush job" but you can't tell - the gown is gorgeous, with a generous lace veil that matches its embroidery.

You realize that you haven't had opportunity to check to make sure that Naxos is ready as you are ushered into the Great Hall, bouquet in hands (or, to be more precise, arms - the thing is huge!) and are revealed to see him, well dressed enough (but not more than that), milling about the crowd.

Raymond
A shield would be fine, as long as you keep it out of view and it doesn't obstruct your ability to kneel (you are sure you can manage that). Clothing will be provided for you - all black, as is befitting a man in mourning for his lost King - the helmet would be inappropriate. "Sir Raymond" is all that is necessary for the purposes of the ceremony. The thought was, first, to keep the ceremony short by having the participants speak no more than necessary. Second, this is an exaltation of the new King, not of his servants; some humility is appreciated.

You barely get any time at all to speak to General Hans. Instead, a matronly looking woman finds you and quickly rushes you off to be bathed and dressed by seamstresses who, despite insisting that you've "got nothing I haven't seen before" seem to stare just a little longer than is strictly necessary while performing the alterations on the clothing you are to wear. Hans, diligent as he is, brings you your shield and you are dressed with it strapped to your back and the beautiful sword at your hip in time to be thrust up onto the platform in the main hall, to the right if the Lady Iria (who you almost got to hunt with this morning), awaiting the new King's entrance.

Edward
When it comes time for the ceremony the Queen Mother insists on staying in the temple with the baby Princess Ashley. She sends you on your way, however, to bathe and dress before the festival. It wouldn't do for you to miss it. Decency forces you to separate from Queen Jessica for a short while - her Ladies in Waiting will not permit you to enter her dressing room, and you have to see to your own garb for the night in any case.

When next you see Queen Jessica she is dressed completely in modest black suitable for a widow. She takes your arm delicately and allows you to escort her to the Grand Hall where a crowd has already gathered. Courtier after courtier approaches to offer their condolences, and she clings to you as if afraid she'd be swept away otherwise.

Luca
You spend your day trying, fruitlessly, to run your Guardsmen. It seems every time you issue an order Senior Commander Sebastian comes in behind you to contradict it. When it's finally time for you to bathe and dress for the coronation you can't help but think with hope about the promises the Prince has made you that he will deal with Sebastian. You look forward to him being King, so you can be rid of that pain in your ass.

Fidel
Abbot Grange proves impossible to argue with. The Gods, he says, have made their demands and are not to be swayed. Faced with such an undeniable force of personality you find yourself inevitably swept into your duties as Crown-bearer. You stand, in long black robes suitable for a priest deep in mourning, on the platform in the Grand Hall overlooking a large crowd awaiting the King's entrance.

All five of you find yourself in the Grand Hall as the Coronation threatens to begin. Lady Iria, Sir Raymond and Father Fidel stand on the main platform - a large, wooden thing stretching between the two staircases to the upper balcony about three feet off of the main floor. All three of them are dressed in regal black clothing. They hold a bouquet of white azaelas, a sword in a polished oak scabbard and a heavy shield made of metal, and the polished, jewel laden Crown respectively. Abbot Grange stands respectfully at Fidel's side, and three Guardsmen stand near the back of the platform. Two more stand at each staircase, respectfully blocking entrance to the upper balcony and, by extension, the Royal Family's private quarters.

The staircases themselves are regal affairs with curved steps and solid handrails. Along all of the walls and behind the central platform hang tapestries depicting key moments in the Royal Family's history. All of them are beautiful and flattering.

(ooc: I would like a Wisdom check from each of you. If you have anything with you other than your formal clothing and what I've described you as carrying, say so now!)

[iTookUrNick]

Edward's attire for the ceremony is unsurprisingly similar to his normal clothes, albeit more refined. His hides are covered by somber dark green clothes embroidered with leafy patterns in black and brown. He has given his left arm in support of queen Jessica, who seems to be on the verge of being swamped by courtiers. Some of them he knows personally, but they exchange no more than a nod of recognition, for it would be impolite to do more than that. To some others he is known only as the gamekeeper, and they seem surprised to find him at the queen's side.
In his right, he holds a carved staff to help his walk (not that he needs the help, mind you). Hidden under his hides, not really accessible without some fidgeting with the straps but on his person nonetheless, he has stored his sling and shots and his emergency healing wand. He had considered bringing along his best looking shield, maybe strapped on his back over his cloak, but decided against it, since it would have stood out of place with him no longer serving in the military. All in all, he muses, he could go to war like this, as long as he did not mind irremediably ruining the satins.

Making their way against the flow of courtiers, the queen and Edward take their places on the main platform, slightly on the side as not to detract from the main event. High above the hall, on the sill of a half-open window, his eagle America stands watch on the proceedings. Edward has decided that he will mirror Iria's choice on wether or not to have animals on stage, and he knows her raven is too well trained (or stubborn, he can't tell) to act as distressed as he should be in the presence of the other bird.

Too bad about the "flowers". And no, I will not bother Iria about it for the moment. If nothing else, that would makes things too obvious.
[roll0]

[Lazy Genius]

Raymond Hagan III could understand the humility perfectly, and was more than pleased he didn't have to say that much, less is better, in this case. When the woman finds him to fix his clothing, he goes along without a problem, and when he is bathed and subsequently dressed he carefully, and almost ceremoniously disarms himself. First, he dispatches his own shield from his back and lays it down on a nearby table crest facing up. Second, he dislodges the javelins he had also strapped on his back individually and places them down side by side next to the shield. He then loosens the belt he had around his waist that held his sheathed sword, lays it down on the other side of the shield and, after ample warning to the seamstresses, unsheathes it, swings it once or twice to test its weight again and cadually tested the edge without cutting himself before putting it back in its sheath. Finally, after doing the same with the ceremonial sword and the curved dagger sheathed inside the shield, he puts the once-again sheathed ceremonial sword horizontally over the top of his shield. But not before carefully visually examining the unsheathed ceremonial sword.

After the whole thing is done and he's once again dressed and he has his shield, making a point of leaving the curved dagger out of its normal sheath, he transferred the sheathed ceremonial sword to his belt, with an easy to remove buckle so he could easily hand the King the sword while it was still sheathed. He then slowly and purposefully walked into the hall of the ceremony, and once on the balcony, in the correct spot for him to carry out his part quickly, flawlessly and most of all humbly, he placed his feet firmly on the ground, meaning to stay unmoving and alert for the whole thing, excluding, of course the part where he was meant to do something.

So, Wisdom roll coming up:
[roll0]
Tell me if I missed anything, and Ray has just the ceremonial sword and his shield, along with the clothes of course.

[Snacs]

Raymond

The ceremonial blade in Raymond's possession slips out of its expensive sheath with barely a whisper. Despite being of an older design (longer and heavier at the point), it cradles perfectly into the hand, as sure and light as the rest of Raymond's arm. The swing is silent and quick, the motion smooth and natural. This was a sword a soldier used, and a good one at that. Why it sat in the equivalent of a closet instead of in use was baffling for anything but the vagaries of royalty. Even the edge was still sharp, unnaturally so for its lack of use and radiating a deadly efficiency.

"--Dost thou desire to show off thine new toy to a few chambermaids? How droll. Is this then mine new purpose of existence? To be a pretty bauble to entice the fairer sex? Though I must doubt yonder seamstress wouldst need any showing of mine 'glory' to lure to thy bedchambers, for she hath been staring at thine thighs and sighing most wistfully for some minutes now ." The dry tone rasps with sarcastic bite like the unfolding of old scrolls in Raymond's mind, more startling perhaps by the sound of it than the subject matter.

The female voice is husky with age, it's inflection ancient but understandable as it continues to fill Raymond's head with acerbic comments, regardless of the man's reaction."One wonders if it hath the requisite cunning to understand mine words. " The voice chuckles darkly, though it is tinged with what sounds distinctly like worry, as if not being heard at all would be a terrible thing indeed...

[Lazy Genius]

Icarus Smith
Holy Crap, you're the sword?!

In the middle of the ceremonious disarming of himself, Raymond was clouted with a voice in his mind, and it was immediately made clear by the way it spoke that it was the sword he was holding, the ceremonial sword he was meant to present to Michael in the ceremony. Except 'ceremonial' sword was not at all a correct description of it. Venerable and sagacious would be much better suited to describe the sword, along with possibly acerbic. Though all these qualities could describe the sword's personality, disregarding that it was a splendid sword still, and Ray, ever the soldier, could not help himself from appreciating that, even with all that it she had said. Though the sword spoke very formally, Raymond could do the same, and while he despised it as much as he despised his noble birth, he wouldn't be fazed by simple word choice.

"Though I hath the intellect to fathom what precisely it is thou art saying, I detest the manner in which it is brought. Furthermore, the approach to my actions that discerned them as display purposes is incorrect, I had merely the intent to show deference to mine weaponry. With this new discovery, thou warrants it even more so." This whole exchange took place while Raymond was still testing and swinging the sword, and he paused a little while before he sheathed it again, and when he did, he communicated once more with the sword. "I much prefer a more informal manner of communication, and, might I add, I am under the impression that making me hostile to your cause doesn't gain you anything." he wondered a stray thought about what he should be calling the sword now that it had spoken(!) to him, but he disregarded it, as it wasn't his sword and he was presenting it to the future King nonetheless. So without further ado, he sheathed it and put it down like he had been planning, if a little delayed.

When he had put it down, he immediately locked eyes with the seamstress of which the sword spoke and kept his eyes bored at hers until she met them, then smiled warmly to not make her too ashamed, though he shook his head ever so slightly, but with clear intent.

Bluff roll to have Raymond not seem too startled, this is more to the seamstresses than to the sword, as the latter will most likely infer he's taken off-guard regardless.
[roll0]

[Cognomen]

Iria makes her way through the front of the room with the enormous bouquet in her arms and a confusing mix of feelings suffusing her. Grief for her half-brother (though the business of the day has kept that from really kicking in), combined with having spent so much time this afternoon being a center of attention (in a positive way, for once) and with her pride in Michael (as well as her fear for him), makes every step surreal; she feels as though she's reading about all this in a book, more than she is experiencing it. The sight of Naxos brings her back to reality a bit as she notes with relief that he's not completely disheveled. She's yet to fully manage to convince him of the importance of appearances.

Thought, having been firmly instructed not to interfere in the ceremony in any way, perches on the sill of a window near that of Edward's eagle. As is always the case when Thought is in the presence of the other bird, Iria can feel his smugness at being able to hide his instinctive fear of birds of prey, combined with his anxiety. She spares a second to look up at him and convey telepathically that she's proud of him, and she'll be even prouder of him if he stays quiet. She adds that he's also much more likely to get a treat later.

Having arrived at the dais, Iria climbs up the steps and stands in her allotted place, her bearing as regal as she can make it - and, right now especially, that's pretty d*mn regal, her illegitimacy notwithstanding. Despite her eyes and ears, her resemblance to Joshua (and to a lesser extent Michael) is particularly striking today. As she waits for the ceremony to start she's reminded of Joshua's coronation and thinks more vividly of her brother than she has in several hours. Once again she has to struggle briefly to keep her composure, to smooth her features; she hides her face behind the bouquet for a moment, pretending to fuss with the flowers a bit, in order to do so. When she lifts her head again, she once again looks grave as befits the occasion, but is in control of herself.


I'm probably way too late for the requested Wisdom roll, but just in case:
[roll0]

[Snacs]

Raymond

The sword continues to 'talk' even once sheathed, though that faint worry now permeates its tone.
“No? Nothing? Hath thy tongue been struck dumb by mine words? How like a horse a soldier may be, to have naught but stuffing between thine ears! Lo and such luck! Or dost thou simply ignore me, too muddle-headed to accept such a wonder thou hast found?” The sword continues to grumble, clearly not 'hearing' what Raymond thought, though its words continued to rustle inside his mind unabated, even when Raymond steps back to lock eyes with the inquisitive seamstress.

[Lazy Genius]

Icarus Smith
More disgruntled, almost aggrivated even, with this second string of wordd after he'd tried to explain himself, less so befuddled and confused. When the words came even when he'd sheathed and let go of the sword, he smiled a bit to himself when his back was turned to it, deciding to ignore it until he was dressed and ready to enter the hall for the grand cetemony where it was needed. When finally he did speak, he muttered more to the sword specifically than possibly in himself or to someone else in particular. "Since you obviously seem to think you know me, I'd say I'm entitled to know to who or what I showed my unyielding respect to before. Since I'm, sadly, not merely a soldier, but a prince who could've been king. A wonder indeed, but not a very imaginitive one at that, being compared to a horse has been done less favorably."

I rather hope this doesn't spell trouble If it did, no harm in continuing the conversation that seemed so one-sided before. "Besides, used for it's purpose, even, as you say, being used as a pretty bauble would probably be better than completely forgotten, no? After this, possible threat, mostly statement of fact, Raymond continued into the hall of the ceremony as planned.

[Snacs]

Raymond

"Ah, so it -can- speak. Wonders shall naught but cease it seems. And Royal too? Mine opinion ist now doubly reinforced. Thou art noble-blooded hmm? As much alike to a horse indeed. Though mayhaps some noble of equine parentage might complain of the comparison." The voice in Raymond's head chuckled derisively. Still, the insults lessened as he continued to walk.

"Mine purpose is as undecided as thine, 'prince who could have been king'. Whether thou art noble born or forged of steel makes no difference. I have had mine fill of being the pretty bauble." The sword quipped in a cool, prim tone.

As Raymond passed beneath the huge tapestries lining the Hall a disinterested sniff filled Raymond's mind.

"hmmph..such garish designs, and what lackluster attention to historical detail."

[Ezeze]

After a few awkward moments the band starts up and Prince King Michael enters the Grand Hall through the main doors. He's dressed in velvety black robes that absorb light. They make him look rich and powerful will still allowing for his period of mourning. His entourage is modest - it's merely himself, Princess Queen Rue, a Nanny with young Prince David gurggling happily on her hip, Abbot Grange and four well-dressed Guardsmen who gently but firmly usher people aside to allow them to cross the hall to the Podium upon which most of you are standing. Once he has passed, a few guardsmen put their backs into closing the great, oak doors so that the ceremony can proceed unhindered.

Rue and the Nanny take their place at the back of the stage.

Michael steps up towards the front of the stage and, before anyone else can react, one of the guards standing behind him steps forward, draws his sword and lunges at the new King, catching him below his rib and leaving a substantial gash.


Everyone, please roll initiative.

Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/TheGrandhall_zps8aa08dd5.png
The party and all named NPCs (Michael, Rue, the Nanny, Grange and Jessica) are designated by a circle the color of their Speech and the first letter of their name (or, in the Nanny's case, the letter N). The Nanny has Prince David.

The light gray circles are unnamed nobles.
The red circles are men in guards' uniforms.
The platform is about 5 ft off the ground.
The big black holes in the wall are closed doors.
The stair-looking things are, well, stairs - two each from the ground floor up to the platform, then circular ones from the platforms up to the Royal Chambers.

[iTookUrNick]

Initiative:
Of course the coup is at the coronation...

My [roll0]
I don't know if the eagle goes in my turn or her own. In case it's the latter: [roll1] + 2 (wrong modifier) = 14

Edit: see, as I said I fail rolls across the board, without prejurdice...

Correct in your post: lunges, substantial.
Also, for your reference, there are online services such as roll20.net (http://roll20.net/) that lets you map out encounters in a more visually appealing manner and probably with less trouble.

[Lazy Genius]

Initiative:
So much for Ray's days of functioning as the High Commander of the Royal Seven...
[roll0]
Let's see if this does anything for me, because incidentally, this is the day Raymond Hagan III has been living towards for several years. And now in mere moments he gains and probably loses the chance to save the life of his brother(-in-law) King... :smallfrown:

[Cognomen]

Initiative:


[roll0]

Ooo, stabbings. (Or should I say eeek, stabbings?) And oh, will Iria be kicking herself for not casting Detect Thoughts on the crowd.

[Ezeze]

In response to the first solider stabbing the King, others from around the hall begin to draw their swords. You become immediately aware of how trapped, pinned-in you are. Two of them, on the right side of the hall, swing and two unprepared nobles are skewered. The Prince looks alive, but badly wounded.

Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/TheGrandhall1_zpsf582db21.png

(ooc: Iria! What are you doing? :smallbiggrin:)

[Cognomen]

Iria, over the top of the huge bouquet, sees the guard move forward and stab Michael with a clarity that will haunt her, later, if she lives through this. She drops the flowers automatically and they scatter across the podium in a shower of white petals. A half-second glance shows her the other guards drawing weapons, and she finds herself moving before she's even conscious of deciding what to do, of realizing what's happening, of thinking at all.

As is often the case when things are happening fast or she is thinking fast, time seems to slow down. As she moves, she can feel herself calculating the effect spread of Obscuring Mist, which is already bubbling up in her mind along with a conscious assessment of the situation. Michael. The baby. They'll want to kill both. Iria registers violent movement in the crowd out of the corner of one eye. They'll want to kill us all.

By the time she's finished that short thought, she finds herself having darted around the wounded Michael so that she's between him and Fidel, near Queen Rue and the Nanny holding Michael's son. The guard who stabbed her nephew is so near she can see every twisted detail of the grimace on his face. She's in the midst of lifting her hands for the gestures needed to cast the spell, and then the words are spilling out of her mouth and she's casting.

A thick mist billows out and up from where Iria now stands, spreading very quickly in a twenty-foot radius across much of the platform and well into the audience. Inside the cloud, the wizard finishes speaking the words of the spell, focusing as hard as she can despite the commotion.

Up above, Thought screams wordlessly and launches himself off his windowsill, making a direct line for his mistress.


Free action: Drop the bouquet
Move action: 30 ft to K5
Standard action: Cast Obscuring Mist in a 20-ft radius. (SR: no. Saving throw: none.)

ETA: At Iria's level, the mist will last 3 minutes.

Thought: I'm not sure where he is on the map, but he'll fly as far as he can (40 ft) towards Iria - hopefully he's close enough to land on her shoulder this round.

[Ezeze]

DM ONLY


[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]

A thick cloud of mist rolls over the podium, making it impossible to see further than the length of your arms (ooc: attacks against targets within 5 ft suffer a 20% miss chance, further than that 50%, roll a 1d100 along with any attack rolls)

A second guard, weapon drawn, charges at the king from the side. Michael manages to take a single step back at the last possible second, and the sword misses him by a hair's breadth.

There is a commotion at the back at the podium that none of you are in a position to see

One of the guards standing behind Raymond takes a swing at him. The clumsy swing lands only because the treacherous man caught him off guard. It's a blow that would have felled a lesser man, but Raymond is no stranger to pain.
(ooc: Raymond, take 8 damage)

Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/TheGrandhall2_zps90963e61.png

(ooc: It is now Raymond and Icarus's turn.)

[Lazy Genius]

Rage, Frenzy, call it whatever you like, it doesn't help him, Ray's not a barbarian or anything of the sort...

Raymond, finally aware of all that had happened and unusually slow to react to it, is outraged. This is his job, this was, and still is, his responsibility. And thus, it is his failure. The mist, though useful it could've been, is a nuisance to Ray like nothing else and in his blind rage he almost suspects Iria of scheming with them and he's even more outraged by this. He jumps forward, drawing both the ceremonial sword and the shield from his back, suddenly much more armed and armored than before, right after he feels and ignores the pinprick in his shoulder.

"FOR THE KING!!"
Simultaneous with this bellow, powered by his feeling of powerlessness, he slashes the sword that was uncannily and inconspicuously suited to the purpose at the first guard that stabbed King Michael, or at least near the place he used to be. Following that, he tried to look around him to see if anyone else was going for the King, and if they did, that they would meet with his sword first.

Free Action: 5ft step to I4
Move Action: Draw sword and shield
Swift Action: Challenge Guard #1 as per Fighting Challenge: +1 to Attack and Damage vs him.
Standard Action: Attack Guard #1:
[broll=Attack]1d20+7[/roll]
[broll=Damage]1d8+4[/roll]
[broll=Miss Chance]1d%[/roll] 1-20 hits, 21-100 misses
'During my Action': Assign Guard #15 as Shield Block target, +1 AC vs attacks from him.

HP: 24/32
AC: 14, 15 vs Guard #15

Have fun with this one guys, Icarus:
I left the choice of revealing yourself to everyone open to you, you choose if you want to be known to everyone or just Ray. :smallwink:

[Lazy Genius]

Crap, I made the code for the rolls bad so I could preview my post, then forgot to make them valid again:
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2] also did this wrong; hit on 1-80, miss on 81-100

[Snacs]

[Edit: Accidently Edited instead of quoated>_<]

[Ezeze]

To those who can see it, Raymond's strike at the guard seems less a blow and more a wave of steel, fire, force and vengeance that all but obliterates the guardsman.

DM Only!
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

[roll6]
[roll7]

Any triumph he might have felt, however, is gone in an instant as another guardsman quickly steps up behind him and plunges his sword through his back.



(ooc: Take 8 damage, Ramond. Also, please note this damage on your character sheet! If you make me keep track of your hit points as well as those of all the NPCs I'm playing I'm liable to get a little... Cranky :smallamused: ...

Edward, it's your turn :smallwink:)


Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/TheGrandhall3_zps180a36c0.png

[iTookUrNick]

The disaster played in front of his eyes like a play at the theatre, but it was only when a sudden mist engulfed him that Edward snapped out of inaction.
He curses his sluggish reflexes in his head, as well as his own stupidity (a simple divination could have avoided all this!), he whistles, calling his eagle to defend him, and steps a little deeper into the mist.
He lets go of the Queen Mother arm and tells her, quietly but firmly: "Stay close. Try and stay alive". No time for tact, apparently. Then he begins his spell, hoping against hope that his reinforcements will not be late to the party.

Chains
Edward steps in... K8, I guess, and start casting SNA II (dire bat).
The eagle hoovers above him and readies an attack to strike anyone trying to strike her master.
Obviously I can't control Jessica, but total defense next to me sounds like a plan if she can manage it.
Can the hide skill do anything for me right now? Let me know if any roll is warranted.

[iTookUrNick]

Few people can see it, but as Edward completes his spell something large enters the scene. A monstrous bat the size of a pony appears hovering behind one of the guards surrounding Ray and strike viciously at him with its fangs. However, despite its enhances senses, he misses his mark, giving out a frustrated screech.


Cast: SNA II (converted the Camouflage spell prepared).
Duration: 6 rounds.
Position: H-I/6-7 (large creature). Flanks Guard #3, whom it attacks.
[roll0]
[roll1]. Hits on 1-80. But apparently rolling is not my thing...
[roll2]

Dire Bat
Pertinent modifiers: Augment Summoning, Ashbound. Flanking.
Size/Type: Large Animal
Hit Dice: 4d8+20 (38 hp)
Initiative: +6
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares), fly 40 ft. (good)
Armor Class: 20 (-1 size, +6 Dex, +5 natural), touch 15, flat-footed 14
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/+12
Attack: Bite +10 melee (1d8+7)
Full Attack: Bite +10 melee (1d8+7)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: —
Special Qualities: Blindsense 40 ft.
Saves: Fort +9, Ref +10, Will +6
Abilities: Str 21, Dex 22, Con 21, Int 2, Wis 14, Cha 6
Skills: Hide +4, Listen +12*, Move Silently +11, Spot +8*
Feats: Alertness, Stealthy
Alignment: Always neutral
A dire bat has a wingspan of 15 feet and weighs about 200 pounds.

Blindsense (Ex)
A dire bat uses echolocation to pinpoint creatures within 40 feet. Opponents still have total concealment against the bat unless it can actually see them.

Skills
Dire bats have a +4 racial bonus on Spot and Listen checks. These bonuses are lost if its blindsense is negated.

[Ezeze]

DM's Use Only! (no peeking!)
Before 19 - Guards Four, Five and Ten
19 - Iria
Between 19 and 15 - Guards Three, Eight, Nine, Twelve, Fourteen and Fifteen
14 - Raymond and Icarus (in whatever order they choose)
Between 14 and 5 - Guards One, Six, Seven, Eight, Eleven, and Seventeen
4 - Edward
After 4 - Guards Two, Thirteen and Sixteen
0 - All of the other NPCs (because I don't want to keep track of them individually )

2
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

16
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll9]

10
[roll10]
[roll11]

The Dire Bat bites, hard, into the guardsman beneath him. The man is bloodied, but standing.

No! Rue's voice screams. She's out of view for a few, horrible seconds, then appears running in Raymond's direction, Prince David is in her arms wailing like a banshee. She sees him engaged with three soldiers in full armor and pulls up short, not knowing what to do next.

Mistress Iria! Naxos's voice is filled with panic, but he quickly composes himself. Leaving his Mistress to fend for herself - she is, after all, far more capable than he is - he darts to the South, rolls up his sleeve and casts a spell normally reserved for entertaining children. A spray of color extends from his finger tips and, remarkably, all four guards at the huge front gate go bleery-eyed and fall over (ooc: Spellcraft check can tell you what spell it was). This way! he shouts, and those nobles who can see and hear him rush to do just that but even unguarded the big double doors are heavy and don't move right away.

Oh my gods, what do we do? Queen Jessica cowers beside Edward, unable to see anything beyond her reach.

Despite Raymond's noble efforts holding off the King's assailants, one manages to rush past him, using the cover of the mist and putting one of his allies between himself and the seasoned soldier. Edward's Dire Bat manages a swipe at him as he passes, but his claws clink off of the man's armor. He comes face to face with King Michael, hesitates for only a second, then a rough swing of his sword beheads the wounded man. Raymond, Iria and Rue are all close enough to see everything, and the last lets out a piercing wail of despair.

The King, then, is dead having never gotten to wear his crown. The young Prince King David of the House of Daniel is crying loudly in his mothers' arms, and it falls to our intrepid heroes to get them to safety.

(ooc: It's your turn, Iria.)

Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/TheGrandhall4_zps949f3b44.png

[Ezeze]

Still DM's use only!
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Cognomen]

Iria feels the warmth of a few droplets of blood against her face before she can even register Michael's beheading. Then she does register it, in one almost endless second, as she stares at her nephew's disembodied head. She's jolted back into time by the feeling of Thought landing on her shoulder, his claws digging in. Her thought and his are almost in unison. No time. Run!

Iria steps closer to Rue, grabs the queen's arm to get her attention and speaks urgently, trying not to be overheard and desperately hoping that Rue will listen despite her panic. "We must run. I'll make you invisible. Quiet David. If he stays visible, give him to me. Run for the side door." Gods above, let the spell work and let Rue trust her.

Thought jumps off her shoulder as she raises her free hand again to cast, keeping the other on Rue's arm. The words of magic spill over Iria's tongue as screaming and the clash of weapons can be heard through the mist.

Meanwhile, Thought is winging his way towards that side door, where he starts swooping down at the guard repeatedly -- not quite attacking, but trying to get the man to move away from the door.


Five-foot step to K4.
Free action: speaking
Standard action: Cast Invisibility on Rue (and David, if he happens to count as the sort of held thing that would be affected... if only the spell could deafen his screaming). Will save negates. SR yes. At Iria's level the spell will last 3 minutes.

I'm gambling by not casting defensively for fear of losing the spell, but here's a concentration check in case Iria provokes an AoO from one of the white squares (or needs one otherwise): [roll0]

A touch attack roll in case that's needed to grab Rue's arm: [roll1]

Meanwhile, Thought:
25 ft to P8
Iria's instructed him to harass the guard (swoop at his face) without actually attacking him. The idea is to try to drive the guard away from the door. In case an attack roll is needed for Thought: [roll2] (that becomes +4 if he uses his claws; damage is listed as 1d2-5)

Alright. Hope I haven't made too many mistakes in this one.

[Ezeze]

Rue listens intently to Iria. She trusts her, and seems aware of the danger she and her son are in. With a few words and a gesture of her hands, Iria makes the Queen and King vanish from view in the mists.

(ooc: Can I get a Bluff check from Thought, please?)


Rolls, DM Only!
Before 19 - Guards Four, Five and Ten
19 - Iria
Between 19 and 15 - Guards Three, Eight, Nine, Twelve, Fourteen and Fifteen
14 - Raymond and Icarus (in whatever order they choose)
Between 14 and 5 - Guards One, Six, Seven, Eight, Eleven, and Seventeen
4 - Edward
After 4 - Guards Two, Thirteen and Sixteen
0 - All of the other NPCs (because I don't want to keep track of them individually )

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll]1d8+2

[roll2]

[roll3]
[roll4]

[roll5]
[roll6]

[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll]1d8+2

Caster! cries one of the guards outside of the mists. Take him out!

Iria's spell seems to have worked. One of the next voices calls out I've lost the Queen and the brat! Don't let her out!

From his position at the edge of the mists, Edward alone can see
Two of the guards, from the left side of the hall, make a beeline for Commander Luca. The first swings at him and misses, but the second steps up and slashes his sword down across his back leaving an angry red gash.

Raymond finds himself flanked by two guards. They both take swipes at him. The first misses landing a terrible blow due to the fog. It leaves Raymond free to dodge out of the way of the second blade, which bites only air above his head.

(ooc: Raymond and Icarus, it's your turn. Nothing you can see has changed since the last map, but if you really need one wait until later this evening when I can post one :smalltongue:)

[Cognomen]

Bluff check for Thought: [roll0]

ETA: Hmm. I have a feeling he may need some human help.

[Lazy Genius]

I was kind of waiting for a new map, but I'll just go now, going to bed soon and a busy day tomorrow.

Ray yells again when the King loses his head, and while he's losing his voice if he keeps this up, he ignored the pleas by his vocal chords and screamed again when the new King disappeared. Somewhat of a stranger to magic, Raymond didn't realize they merely went invisible and not disappeared.
"AAAAAAAAH! NOOOOOOOOOO!!"
With this new realization, he finally got the message that the fight was probably hopeless, as he was already surrounded by three guards, and a fourth one on the way that was no longer busy with the now headless ex-King Michael. He took a tactical step back and focused more on his defense,attacking the guards nearest him, keeping himself between the guards and the rest of the people on the stage. He then lashes out with the sword once again, before attempting to smash his shield into the other guard near him. The end result of his movement and actions was that Raymond was guarding the spot that Michael was standing before he was beheaded and standing over his headless body like the enraged protector that he was.

5ft step to J5
Swift Action: Issue Fighting Challenge to Guard #16 and switch Shield Block target to the same person.
Full-Round Action: Fighting Defensively (using an action point to 'boost defense') attack the guard in I5 with sword, guard 16 with shield.
[roll0] (normally +6, -4 for defensively, -2 for using shield as well)
[roll1]
[roll2] (normally +6, -4 for defensively, -2 for using it in conjunction with sword, +1 for challenge)
[roll3] (+1 is 1/2 Str bonus, +1 from challenge)

Also, for his position, think this kind of thing:
http://images.wikia.com/jamescameronsavatar/images/5/5d/Neytiri_protects_Jake.jpg
Hmm, forgot miss chance, but I probably didn't hit anything anyway...
HP: 16/32
AC: 18, 19 vs guard #16

[Snacs]

Raymond

"It is time we left, I believe. All Thy shouting hath only alerted our enemies to thine presence."
The sword's tone is remarkably reserved, filtering into Raymond's mind even through the haze of his anger.






Chain

Casting Backbiter on the closest enemy. Unless his/her weapon's magical it just happens

[Ezeze]

DM Only!
Before 19 - Guards Four, Five and Ten
19 - Iria
Between 19 and 15 - Guards Three, Eight, Nine, Twelve, Fourteen and Fifteen
14 - Raymond and Icarus (in whatever order they choose)
Between 14 and 5 - Guards Six, Seven, Eight, Eleven, and Seventeen
4 - Edward
After 4 - Guards Two, Thirteen and Sixteen
0 - All of the other NPCs

6,7,8 - 6

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

Only Iria is close enough to see, within the mists
Two guards appear from beyond your range of sight. They both thrust swords through Father Fidel, who dies confused and befuddled.

Those guards at the gate remain slumped against the walls, knocked out by Naxos's spell.

Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/TheGrandhall5_zpsff5ae17b.png

(ooc: Edward, it's your turn. Roll the Bat's attack as well.)

[iTookUrNick]

Hearing the cries coming from the stage and seeing the guards converging on Luca (competent enough, albeit out of his depth) and Naxos (the kid has potential but likely no future), Edward comes to the realization that despite the best efforts of himself and a few other brave people the engagement is lost and it is time to cut losses.

"Escape. Follow me. This way" says Edward answering Queen Jessica's plead. He speaks quickly, dryly, like a man who implicitly believes that others will follow his commands.

He conjures a wisp of flames in his palm, and the same appears in one of the eagle's talons above him. They make for the side door, ready to strike any enemy in their way. As they arrive at the door, just outside the range of the mist, they find a guard swatting furiously at a bird: Thought. Both Edward and America try and take advantage of any distraction on his part to land a hit.

Meanwhile, the bat continues to fight in the main chamber, keeping guards occupied there as long as he is able. He strikes viciously at the same target as before, having felt the taste of his blood. His orders are to fight to the death, clearing a path towards the door.

Ed casts "produce flames" (3 minutes, 1d8+3 damage).
Ed and the eagle move together towards the door, keeping close to each other.
When they get to the guard, Ed delivers his touch attack as part of the casting action, while the eagle makes a standard attack with the flaming talon she got for free using the share spell feature.

Ed:

[roll0](touch attack)
[roll1]
Eagle:

[roll2](regular attack)
[roll3] + [roll4]
If the guard goes down, have Ed usher QJ through the door.

Meanwhile, the bat has 5 turns left. He strikes again. Target is once again Guard #3, flanked with Ray (who I believe stepped to J5):

[roll5](regular attack)
[roll6]
Just for the sake of completeness, let's see if Ed recognizes Naxos' Color Spray :smallsmile: [roll7]

[Ezeze]

Edward
The spell Naxos cast was Color Spray. It's an elementary spell many young students of magic like for its flashy colors. It's not normally as effective as it was - he got very lucky.

Edward lashes out at the guard at the door like (pardon the pun) a bat out of hell. He draws his attention from the Raven clawing at his face too late, and both Edward and America get clean shots in. The guard crumples to the side of the door unconscious but, as a man with Edward's experience can tell, not yet dead.

Simultaneously his Bat takes a hold of the wounded guard between him and Raymond and bites down on his head, taking it clean off. You don't need Edward's experience to tell you that he is definitely dead.

DM Only
Before 19 - Guards Five and Ten
19 - Iria
Between 19 and 15 - Guards Eight, Nine, Twelve, Fourteen and Fifteen
14 - Raymond and Icarus (in whatever order they choose)
Between 14 and 5 - Guards Seven, Eight, Eleven, and Seventeen
4 - Edward
After 4 - Guards Two, Thirteen and Sixteen
0 - All of the other NPCs

[roll0]
[roll1]

[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]

[roll5]

[roll6]
[roll7]

Those unconscious guards at the large double doors are trampled beneath the feet of panicky nobles and servants trying to escape. A larger man in ripped clothing manages to push his way to the doors and, with a great heave, forces them open. People start to flood out that way.

Seeing Edward take down his friend, one of the guards charges him. He slashes at him with his sword and barely misses, cutting a tear into his fine clothing instead.

Edward can't see very much, but Jessica seems to have followed him.

A different guard, perhaps the same one to have shouted orders to "get the caster," wades through the crowd towards Naxos. He swings his sword at the unarmed boy, leaving a nasty gash along his arm.

The guard nearest Raymond goes to attack him, but the most remarkable thing happens - rather than hitting Raymond, his blade bends backwards and skewers him through the shoulder. He lets out a yelp of surprise and pain
(ooc: Unfortunately, none of the spellcasters are close enough to see what happened)

Luca tries to defend himself from the attacking guardsmen, pulling daggers that he had hidden somewhere in his cloak. He stabs out at the one who planted a sword in his side, but his daggers chink harmlessly off of his armor.

Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/TheGrandhall6_zps35b14482.png

(ooc: Iria, it's your turn!)

[Cognomen]

Finally able to think about her self-preservation once Rue and the baby have vanished, Iria begins to mutter the words of another spell. She is concentrating so hard that when Father Fidel is killed in front of her she doesn't even blink; she watches the two guards, her gaze unwavering, and finishes speaking the phrases that might protect her a bit.

Once she's done she spends half a second weighing the odds. She last saw guards in the general direction of the steps down to the main part of the hall, but in order to avoid the steps she'd have to jump or climb down from the platform in this d*mnable gown, with bad visibility and people fighting around her. On the other hand... swords and a dead priest. She wonders whether Rue was able to get off the platform, but there's no time for worry.

Iria's off across the stage, veering a bit to her left to keep away from the guard currently engaged with Raymond (...and a huge bat? she finally registers the presence of the huge bat; one of the other magic-users is still alive, then; good). When she gets to the edge of the platform, she slows, squints down through the mist, thanks the gods she's always been a tomboy, and jumps [OOC: or climbs].


Lots of stuff going on:

Standard action: Cast Mage Armor on herself. She's not casting defensively.
Concentration check, if needed: [roll0]

Move action: This is tricky. Iria starts by moving 10 ft from K4 to L6, assuming nothing is occupying L6. If she can see something in L6 when she gets to K5, she goes forward through K6. Either way, once she gets to the edge of the platform, she attempts to get down by climbing (if there's anything to hold onto) or jumping. If there's a railing or something in the way she'll have to go to her left, but I assume stopping and looking around would take up the rest of her turn. If she can climb/jump down successfully, she heads for the door (I'm aiming for O-P8). I figure the best she can do right now is get to roughly N-O7... if there are no obstacles and she doesn't fall etc.

Climb check: [roll1]
Jump check: [roll2]

No doubt I've made a mistake somewhere in all this :smalltongue:

[Ezeze]

When Iria darts to the right she comes unexpectedly face-to-face with a guardsman. He seems surprised to see her and, when she pivots away, he misses her in the mists. She hops over the side of the banister, past a few scared and lost noblemen. Heading towards the door she finds herself following Queen Jessica, who seems to in turn be following someone else though the fog is too thick for her to see.

Another guard steps up to Raymond, slashing at him. Raymond catches the thrust neatly on the blade - something he couldn't have done if he had extended himself fully.

DM Rolls! Shhh!
Before 19 - Guards Five and Ten
19 - Iria
Between 19 and 15 - Guards Eight, Nine, Twelve, Fourteen and Fifteen
14 - Raymond and Icarus (in whatever order they choose)
Between 14 and 5 - Guards Seven, Eight, Eleven, and Seventeen
4 - Edward
After 4 - Guards Two, Thirteen and Sixteen
0 - All of the other NPCs

5,7,8 - 5
17
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

15
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

9
[roll6]
[roll7]

14
[roll8]
[roll9]

Iria and Edward are now both close enough to see
The two guardsmen flanking Luca lash out at him. At the last second, one of them turns his sword sideways - hitting the man with the flat instead of the blade and knocking him unconscious. As he slumps over, he disappears behind the mass of bodies between you and him. You can no longer see him.


Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/TheGrandhall7_zps98743c9b.png
(ooc: Raymond, Icarus, your turn!)

[Lazy Genius]

Working off of his parry from the guard most recent to attack him, Raymond looked the man in the eye, whispering a quiet challenge, "not today you don't." Immediately thrust back at the man with his blade, hoping to catch him less aware of the oncoming attack, aiming for a vital part. Pivoting on-hundred-and-eighty degrees he then smashed his shield into the guard at his back, before swinging his blade at this guy as well, hoping to have disoriented him enough with his shield to get a cut off at his neck.

Finally, he looked around himself, seeing if there were any other threats to him, and realizing that everyone was gone, his sister with his nephew, Iria who was around Michael, Edward, who undoubtedly called the Bat into existence, and other guards to attack him. They're gone? They're all gone? Finally able to come to terms with this new situation, he grumbled to himself that at least he was still alive. One positive note, though it wasn't for lack of trying, he had suffered a stab to his shoulder, and his clothes were torn where he had received another stab to his stomach. He had seen that sword coming out of his chest and back out his back.

I just need to get out of this damned mist, can't see a thing. Panting, he calmed down and said, "Of course you're right, though where to leave to is unclear." Suddenly, with a flash of genius, he saw the bat, the size of a horse, and his training and experience told him he would be able to ride it, if not fly it. Like an acrobat, he attempted a jump to the creature, and landing this jump on one leg only, he pushed himself onto it and jumped again, attempting to mount it as quickly as he could, because it was prudent to waste no time at all. Once on the back of this giant flying creature, he directed it with his knees to move up and to its right, to get a clear view of the hall from over the audience's floor.

Swift Action: Fighting Challenge to guard#15
Full-Round Action: Full Attack: Using 1 Action Point to get another Attack at highest BAB, not sure if in this case I'd get another attack with both weapons or no, but if yes:
Attack guard#15 with shield as well:
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2] 1-80 hits
Attacking guard#15 with sword:
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5] 1-80 hits
Attacking guard#16 with shield and sword
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8] 1-80 hits
[roll9]
[roll10]
[roll11] still 1-80 hits

Free Action: 5ft step to I5, into the bat's space, so I can attempt a quick mount as another Free Action: [roll12] DC20 (-1 from ACPenalty from shield, if fail; I'm not mounted, still in I5) Guide with Knees is no action and DC5 ride check; automatic succes.

If something attacks the bat (if for instance the bat moves away and provokes an AoO), here's a ride check, in place of the bat's normal AC: [roll13]

[Lazy Genius]

Lol, that first Ride check went wrong, I meant to do 9-1, but that didn't work, to I put 8, but the 9 was still there:
[roll0] for fast mount; DC20

[Snacs]

Raymond

The sword goes silent as Ray leaps towards the Bat, saving comments for when a lack of concentration on the man's part could spell death.


Chain

Casting Backbiter on the closest guard that can try and interrupt Ray riding the bat.

[Ezeze]

Raymond lashes out at the guards around him with limited success with the sole exception of the strike he makes with his shield against the Guard to his South. the metal plate makes a sickening crunch as it connects the already wounded Guard's nose, causing him to double over in pain. (ooc: You brought him down to 0 exactly, he is Staggered and only able to take a single action per turn - which means he doesn't get an AoO)

Raymond's attempt to casually sling himself over the bat's back is unsuccessful (ooc: You must complete mounting the bat with your Move action next turn).

Turning his back on the guards near him, however, leaves him open to an attack aimed at him by the guard to the North. He swings but his sword bends back on itself as he does so. It would have hurt him badly had he not been wearing armor, but as it is it chicks harmlessly off of his chain shirt.

DM Rolls!
Before 19 - Guards Five and Ten
19 - Iria
Between 19 and 15 - Guards Eight, Nine, Twelve, Fourteen and Fifteen
14 - Raymond and Icarus (in whatever order they choose)
Between 14 and 5 - Guards Seven, Eight, Eleven, and Seventeen
4 - Edward
After 4 - Guards Two, Thirteen and Sixteen
0 - All of the other NPCs

5,7,8 - 4

9



15
[roll2]
[roll1d%
[roll1d8+2


One of the Guards from the left part of the room pushes forward to where his ally is engaged with Naxos. His momentum carries him forward and, with a sickening crunch that can be heard across the room, he plunges his sword clean though the young apprentice then lets the now-limp body slide off of his blade and onto the floor.
(ooc: NPCs can get Crits too :smallfrown:)


A guard appears next to you, Edward - he clearly just jumped down from the stage behind him. He has a sword in his hand, but seems as surprised to see you in the mists as you are to see him!

Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/TheGrandhall8_zpsb0db3173.png

(ooc: Edward, your turn!)

[iTookUrNick]

The situation is getting worse second after second. Edward shoves his fiery palm in the face of the guard in the south, then steps forward and opens the door, while America lashes violently at the same target.

Ed signals the ladies to try and make a run for it.

Meanwhile, the bat lunges toward another guard, waiting impatiently for Ray to get on.
2nd round of produce flame.
Ed: roll1d20+3, roll1d6+3, then 5ft step towards the door and opens it.
America: full attack on the guard. If the South guard goes down, make remaining attacks against the North guard. Miss chance if needed. Then 5ft step with Ed.
roll1d20+6, roll1d4 + roll1d6+3
roll1d20+6, roll1d4
roll1d20+1, roll1d4
Miss chances if needed (probably not): roll1d100
roll1d100
roll1d100
The bat (4 turns to go) attacks the guard on the south side (the staggered one) then readies himself to fly Ray don the hall at the earliest opportunity
roll1d20+10, roll1d8+7

[iTookUrNick]

Rolls:This is what happens when you cut and paste late at night. Anyway...

2nd round of produce flame.Ed:

[roll0], [roll1], Edit: it's a critical threat!
then 5ft step towards the door and opens it.
America: full attack on the guard. If the South guard goes down, make remaining attacks against the North guard. Miss chance if needed. Then 5ft step with Ed.

[roll2], [roll3] + [roll4]
[roll5], [roll6]
[roll7], [roll8]
Miss chances if needed (probably not):

[roll9]
[roll10]
[roll11]
The bat (4 turns to go) attacks the guard on the south side (the staggered one) then readies himself to fly Ray don the hall at the earliest opportunity

[roll12], [roll13]

[iTookUrNick]

Rolls2:
Confirming critical threat. Come on! :)
[roll0] :smallfrown:

[Ezeze]

Edward wreaths his hand in flames and grabs the face of the man who attacked him. A lucky jerk-reaction on his part is all that keeps his face from being melted off entirely - not that it saves him as America swoops in for the kill.

Within the mists, the Dire Bat turns and easily finishes off the wounded guard.

DM Rolls
Before 19 - Guards Five and Ten
19 - Iria
Between 19 and 15 - Guards Eight, Nine, Twelve, Fourteen and Fifteen
14 - Raymond and Icarus (in whatever order they choose)
Between 14 and 5 - Guards Seven, Eight, Eleven, and Seventeen
4 - Edward
After 4 - Guard Two
0 - All of the other NPCs


5,7,8 - 3

It seems, for the moment, that the guards have not noticed that Edward has the side door open. Jessica stays close believing (not without cause), that he will protect her.

Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/TheGrandhall9_zpse90108c1.png

(ooc: STUFF IS HAPPENING THAT YOU CAN'T SEE! MUWAHAHHA.

Iria, it's your turn.)

[Cognomen]

Iria takes a second to get her bearings, then pushes her way forward through the mist. Someone's back is between her and the door -- is that Jessica? it is -- so Iria goes around it. With shocking suddenness she finds herself stumbling out of the mist. Wary of being caught out in the open, the half-elf stays very close to the fog bank as she makes her way to the now-open door. She sees Edward fighting, which explains the bat, and yes, that is definitely Jessica behind him. Iria motions the Queen Mother towards the door and thinks of Rue.

"Your Majesty, we must flee," she says, looking at Jessica but pitching her voice up slightly. She hopes Rue is near enough to hear her and that the younger Queen will understand that Iria's speaking to both women. "Stay between Edward and myself."

Thought comes down from above to land on her shoulder again. Iria can feel how distressed he is. It's not just about the general situation, either, and she wonders who else has been killed. She can feel Thought sending a mental image her way, trying to tell her, but she fights it off; this is not the time. She orders the bird to help Edward if at all possible, and he takes off again.

She waits for an opportunity to get through the door. While she does, she stretches her arms out a bit, seeing if by any chance Rue is close enough to touch.


I'm assuming Edward is blocking passage through the door, so just a 15 ft move action to P10. I'm also assuming Thought landing and taking off again take up all his available actions for this round.

[iTookUrNick]

When Edward, who is giving his very best to holt guards off as it is, sees the hesitation of the two women in front of him, he says sharply, only restraining himself from expressing all his annoyance with extreme effort: "You two, what are you waiting for? Come on, get inside, quickly!"

[Ezeze]

DM Stuff (no peeking!)
Before 19 - Guards Five and Ten
19 - Iria
Between 19 and 15 - Guards Eight, Nine, Twelve, Fourteen and Fifteen, Sebastian
14 - Raymond and Icarus (in whatever order they choose)
Between 14 and 5 - Guards Seven, Eight, Eleven, and Seventeen
4 - Edward
After 4 - Guard Two
0 - All of the other NPCs

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

No sooner has Queen Jessica fled through the side door than a booming voice announces

I am Senior Commander Sebastian of the City Guard. Lay down your weapons!

Iria and Edward turn and see Sebastian, as announced, standing in the open doorway. Two of his favorite lackies are with him, dressed in different colors from the guardsmen you are fighting.

Sebastian strides forward and crosses swords with the conscious guard nearest the gate, allowing a flood of panicky nobles to escape behind him. His flunkies move up to stand next to him, swords drawn but unused.

The guard fighting Raymond steps back, disappearing into the magical mists.

Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/TheGrandhall10_zps04b6627f.png

(ooc: Iria! Edward! Will you both please roll a check for me? It's doing to be 1d20 + your wisdom modifier + any ranks in sense motive + your BAB.

Raymond! It's your turn (which also means it's Icarus's turn). You must spend your move action getting onto Edward's Bat. I would also like a Sense Motive check from both of you.)

[Lazy Genius]

Well, I was going to go with a standard action to attack one last time before getting on the bat, but this'll do. Here's a Sense Motive:
[roll0]

When Raymond heard the voice and saw the guardsman retreat, his immediate gut reaction was grief for not being able to finish the fight fair and square, but later, relief as there was now no more need to. He mounted the great bat, with no attempt at speed, and whilst doing this, saying in a low voice, still panting a little bit, "Let's agree to one thing, if nothing else; women are the fairer sex." Then, in an even lower voice, he continued.
(Icarus)
"I just never thought I was worth their time."
When atop the bat, he let it take him above the battlefield, making an active effort to look around as much as possible, what was left of the nobles, and more importantly, the Royalty of Gahad. In this rush of being on a flying mount for the first time, Ray seemed to completely forget he was still wielding the sword, as well as his trusty shield.

When atop the bat (and it takes its readied action to move), active spot and listen around the hall, since Ray's now out of the mist again, wherever that may be. :smalltongue:
[roll0][roll1]

[iTookUrNick]

Ed's Roll
[roll0]
I'm not sure what this (terrible) roll represents, but I'm not waiting to find out. Next stop for me is the temple.

[Ezeze]

Raymond!
The guard wasn't scared, nor was he even really surprised. To him, this is proceeding all according to plan.

[Cognomen]

Iria's roll:


(When will I learn not to use Wisdom as a dump stat?)
[roll0]

[Snacs]

Raymond

"Hmmph. Clearly Thou hast not spent much time amongst women." The sword spoke as the bat broke though the mist, its blade gleaming dully in the light.

"And Thou hast not yet proven thine worth in mine ey-...mine esteem quite yet. But Thou art not entirely useless. Though that is a discussion for another time. For now, escape hath more import!" The sword's raspy chuckle carried.
"Mayhaps best to follow yonder young witch. " Raymond's strange new equipment offered, still unsheathed and clasped in Raymond's hand as if it had been there his entire life.




Chain

Casting Detect Magic and keeping an eye out for anything magical coming at us.

[Ezeze]

Before 19 - Guards Five and Ten
19 - Iria
Between 19 and 15 - Guards Eight, Nine, Twelve, Fourteen and Fifteen, Sebastian
14 - Raymond and Icarus (in whatever order they choose)
Between 14 and 5 - Guards Seven, Eight, Eleven, and Seventeen
4 - Edward
After 4 - Guard Two
0 - All of the other NPCs

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]

[roll9]

A few of the guards knocked unconscious by Naxos's spell seem to be coming around. They're still disoriented though - and seem even more so looking up at Sebastian driving back their comrades.

Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/TheGrandhall10_zps04b6627f.png

(ooc: Edward, your turn!)

[iTookUrNick]

Chains
Great! if we are lucky they will all kill each other and make the world a better place, right? A man can dream...
Despite his strong personal dislike for the man, Edward is pleased to see Commander Sebastian coming to the rescue. However, he has no intention to stick around and greet him. He leaves the great hall and starts running with Queen Jessica through the rooms towards the temple, dreading what they might find there.

Meanwhile the bat is airborne and is flying at full speed out of the main gate of the hall, whooshing above the heads of the guards locked in combat.

Actions
Simply run x4 for both Ed and the eagle (120ft) and the bat (200ft). The bat has 3 full turns left.

[Ezeze]

Edward ducks back through the dinning hall, through the kitchens and out through the servant's entrance in a few strides of his long legs. He sees Queen Jessica ahead of him, presumably with the same idea - she's running towards the Temple where the Queen Mother Ahaziah (hopefully) has young Princess Ashley.

Edward
Vinrel, who has been oddly quiet during this whole thing, finally speaks up
Don't follow her! Get out of here! ****s going down, we're not really sure who is going to end up on top, and half the court's got a reason not to like you!

Raymond gets whisked out of the Hall, flying over Sebastian's head practically close enough to reach down and touch him.

Peasants continue to flee from the scene of the massacre, and a few blows aimed at Sebastian fall short.

(ooc: Iria! It's your turn! You may be the only one who knows that Rue and Prince David are still alive! What do you do?)

[Cognomen]

Iria grasps the edge of the door as Jessica and Edward dash by her ... but she hesitates on the threshold. Where, by the gods, is Rue? Iria can't hear her -- or Prince David. Thought takes the opportunity to land on her shoulder again. He pecks urgently at her hair. She can tell he's still trying to tell her things, but she does her best to ignore him and is left mostly with an impression of his anxiety and how badly he wants her to run.

She speaks out loud, as clearly as she can without shouting, hoping against hope that none of the guards will notice (either the clearly hostile ones or these new arrivals). "If you are near, your Majesty, follow me and then put a hand on my arm. You must. Follow." We must escape. Everything in her is echoing Thought in urging her to flee... but, Iria tells herself, if the spell wears off Rue while the young woman is in this room she will be killed, and the young Prince with her.

Iria ducks through the doorway but stays just on the other side, trying to hide behind the door itself and throwing glances everywhere to get her bearings. She waits for a moment, feeling very exposed, forcing herself not to dash back into the slaughterhouse (or, for that matter, away from the slaughterhouse) and desperately hoping for a sign from Rue.

[Ezeze]

Sebastian and his lackeys continue to trade blows with the guards nearest the door.

(ooc: Iria, since you're still in the hall for another turn and specifically spending your actions to look around, go ahead and give me another Sense Motive + BAB roll.


Raymond! You are outside on a giant bat, sword still in hand! What are you going to do? )

[Cognomen]

Hokay, another Sense Motive + BAB roll from Iria!


[roll0]
I just realized I rolled 1d20+2 last time... apologies. I seem to've been looking at Iria's total attack bonus on mythweavers instead of her BAB :smallsigh:

[iTookUrNick]

After the initial sprint, Edwards slows down to a more careful pace. The warning from his "subconscious" rings true in his mind. What good would it do get himself killed by his carelessness? Who said that a "Good" person must barrel through every situation without regard for himself? Surely a little self preservation goes a long way in maximizing one's chances of helping others... still, it feels wrong not to take at least the time to check on the queen before going to ground and make contact with some of his colleagues, trying to sort out this whole mess. Hopefully with such a nice weather the Old Queen and the baby will be in the garden, where he can take a peak without anyone noticing.
As you said, I do not have any reason to go back, but I would not mind seeing QJ safely reunited to her child, and possibly seek what wisdom the Old Queen might offer. This of course only if the situation permits discretion, otherwise I will make minimal preparations and leave (again, discretion is preferred) or just leave outright.

Ed:[roll0][roll1]

[Lazy Genius]

Raymond, now outside, flying his way out of combat, fleeing, as it were, for the first time in his life. He thought it disgraceful, honor-less, and most of all, disloyal. He failed, failed completely, in his service to the Late-King, and the King-for-seconds, his nephew. Even his sister is dead, and he was fleeing like a common man, a coward. The heartache this all gave him, the deaths and his own disloyalty, almost was enough to do him in, but Raymond Hagan III of Lehi is a strong man, both in muscle and in mind.

With this in mind, he felt like a prisoner of himself, a prisoner of his own actions, more so, a prisoner of his own actions long before he came here. During the ride on the bat, the ride out of the palace hall, Ray had a lot of time to think, and furthermore, used this time to think and thought a lot as well. While thinking, he directed the bat to move on to Hans' residence, or wherever else Ray knew Hans to be at the time, and slung his shield back on his back, and the ceremonial, which was proving less and less to be purely ceremonial, back in its sheath.

First and foremost, it is prudent to secure the line of succession and secure their safety. Which, incidentally, Hans could be instrumental to, if he hasn't died or betrayed anyone. With this in mind, the second item on Ray's priority list was to find out if Hans was still loyal, though he had little doubt that he was, for matter of timing, Ray would do this first. Once the bat had landed and Ray dismounted, he went in search of Hans if he was there.

If the case, he addresses him in an angry sort of voice, which was made a bit more fearsome by the blood smeared all over his face that was twisted in internal conflict. "HANS! Where were you the past half hour, did I not put you in charge of the security in the Main Hall during the coronation of Michael!?" Though it pained him to do so, he assumed the worst and went to a great length to try and avoid mentioning the massacre, or even referring to it in any kind of way before he had gotten an answer from Hans. The tone he put on almost made it sound like he blamed Hans for this whole thing.

Intimidate check to try and surprise/scare Hans into giving a truthful answer (not the usual 'make him your friend' kind of thing), and bluff to hide his misery/emotions in general.
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Ezeze]

Edward
The Temple is filled with activity - quiet, serious activity. Priests rush back and forth, mostly towards the Palace proper. It seems that they've heard about the massacre.

Queen Jessica doesn't stop running until she's through the main doors. You follow close behind - the crowd around you making it easier than you would have thought to sneak in after her. Neither of the Ladies speaking there seem to notice you.

You don't catch the first part of the conversation, but you are close enough to hear
...it was just awful! I'm so glad she's safe. Presumably Jessica, close to tears, is talking about the young Princess Ashley, who she is now cradling in her arms. The Princess is still sleeping, blissfully unaware of what has just happened barely a hundred feet from this spot. I didn't see most of it. Thank the Good Gods Edward was there - and that Sebastian showed up when he did! It could have been so much worse.

Poor dear. Queen Mother Ahaziah rests her old hand gently on Jessica's head, and runs her fingers though her hair in a soothing gesture. Of course. Our soldiers are loyal, and well trained. We'll see both Edward and Sebastian are rewarded for their bravery. Tell me, did you see what happened to Michael, or to Rue and David?

No Jessica sobs. There was this mist. You couldn't see anything that was happening!

Was there? Hmmm. Queen Ahaziah ponders this with a frown. Well, we will know soon enough. Stay here with me for now. There is nothing we can do. Not yet. So it is better to stay out of the way.


Raymond
Hans is not hard to find. At least, his body isn't.

It's laying on his floor, half undressed - apparently whoever is responsible caught him in the middle of changing into more somber attire - with his sword not far from where he lay. So he died fighting. It's terrible, of course, but some part of you takes comfort in that. At least he wasn't a traitor.

You've seen enough battle fields to take a guess at how long someone has been dead. In this case, it couldn't have been more than an hour. It's entirely possible that, when he brought you your shield, you were the last person to see him alive. The last person aside from his killer, of course. Or - more likely, judging from his wounds - killers, plural. You find some comfort in that, too; he fell to superior numbers and not just a dagger in the back.

The blow which most likely killed him ripped his stomach open. A painful way to die, and slow. There is no comfort to be found there.

(ooc: Ramond, please give me one Spot and one Wisdom check. Icarus, just a Spot check from you.)


Iria
The battle between Sebastian's crew and the Traitorous Guards is hard fought, but Sebastian is clearly winning. Every swing he takes forces his opponent further away from the main double doors though which survivors are fleeing. Go! He yells to no one in particular as nobles and servants alike rush past him. I will handle these men!

You don't see the Princess Rue but something tells you she is alive. It may well be time to flee, before the same cannot be said of you.

[Snacs]

Chain


Just the spot check for now:
Spot: [roll0]

[Lazy Genius]

A spot check and a wisdom check coming up:
[roll0]
[roll1]

I don't quite know what this is for, but I'll leave it at these checks for now.

Edit: BE-A-UTIFUL! :smallcool:

[Ezeze]

Raymond
Bleeding out through a stomach wound is a horrible, painful, slow way to die. If you knew Hans at all - and it seems as if you did - then he was a brave man that would have used his last moments alive to send you a warning, or a message, if he possibly could.

No sooner as the thought occurred to you than you notice, on the far side of Han's body, something written in dried blood. More blood has since pooled over it but, crossing the room to your fallen comrade (for you now believe he remained loyal to the end) you can see;

Raymond, Icarus
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/WritteninBlood_zpsb9699d2e.png

[iTookUrNick]

All things considered, despite the unusual activity in the temple, things are fairly quiet: the attack was meant to take out the soon to be king and his son with a single surgical strike, not wipe out the entire Gahadian court; there seems to be no surprise attack on the rest of the palace compound. However tragic it might have been, it is not as bad as Edward feared, and he is almost relieved.

As to what to do next, he is uncertain. His "instinct" tells him to leave, hide and reevaluate the situation from a more defendable position. His logical side is begging to take the time to formulate an hypothesis to explain all that happened. His emotional side is still in shock and needs time to recover, but does not relish the thought of delivering bad news to the old queen.

He decides not to make his presence known, and starts walking unhurriedly away from the two women, but his conscience stops him. His sense of duty pushed him to follow the queen here, to make sure his miscalculation did not cost lives. The same sentiment demands now that he informs them of what happened in the mist (that he knows of) and of the danger they still are in. Plus, he could use a hug himself right now, even if the thought does not enter his conscious mind.

He reverse his course once again and brings himself near the two women. When they notice him, he bows slightly and joins them with a grave expression on his face.

"The mist was a idea of lady Iria, and a good one at that. Unfortunately, it was not enough to save your grandson. As for his own son and wife, from what I overheard they seemed to have succeeded in evading their assassins inside the mist, but I do not know if they manage to escape danger in the end. In any case, I am sorry for your loss: it truly is a trying time for you and the realm both.

But make no mistake: we are all still in danger, for surely such an attack must have been planned with the help of someone inside the palace, someone whose identity i cannot begin to fathom. It would do well to keep one's guard up and one's senses sharp.

As for me, I unsure on what I will do next. I feel like my own wisdom is failing me in this matter, so I need to find someone who is wiser than I am. I have a mind to discuss the matter with lady Iria and Prince Raymond, who both performed acts of great valor today and whose loyalty I am certain of, and perhaps seek counsel from my old teacher, hoping he can answer the questions I cannot. I would also take that opportunity to glean more information about the state of the current war and the whereabouts of next person in line for the throne". Speaking mainly to the old queen, he adds "You know I have always respected your own counsel as well. If you have any suggestion for me, I would love to hear them".

[Lazy Genius]

Further confirming his suspicions, this dried up blood enrages Raymond, but doesn't surprise him, the actions displayed in the Palace hall do nothing to confirm what he suspected and Hans knew, but it makes sense. It would seem great to appear a savior to the survivors, and at the same time making sure the deed is done by being present. With new-found courage and energy, Raymond goes outside to look for a horse to ride, but not before first shooting a quick prayer to whichever God Hans preferred, the first in a long, long time.

Once outside, Ray finds a horse, most likely Hans' own horse, and rides back to the Ceremony Hall from which he has just come, spurring his mount to go fast, as fast as he could go. Not weighted down by armor, Ray stands in the spurs, riding faster than he's ever done. But once near the palace hall, he realized that even though leaving would be another act of disloyalty, he'd be more useful if he lived longer. Being cut down now by the very man he hoped to confront wouldn't help anybody, in addition, his hope that Michael's brother is still alive goes a long way to make him not fall to the floor, beaten.

So though he's at the entrance to the hall again, he stays a good while away. If my guards were treacherous, and the so is the city's, what soldiers do I have to send in protection of the new King? Making up his mind, he heads for the temple, first and foremost to find people who he trusts, truly trusts, second to find people who can send a message to the front-line. Of course, it doesn't hurt that people there might be able to patch him up, but that hasn't crossed his mind.

Icarus, Chain:
Speech that can be inserted at any juncture and likely not to make any sense to the people he crosses and who might hear:
"You're entirely right, I haven't spend much time among women, war and duty does that to you."
"What's worse, I know I'm probably not worth your time, but I owe you my life, for that, I am thankful."
"Witch, what witch? You mean Lady Iria, who called up the hindering mist? All that's done is prevent me from saving Michael!"

[Cognomen]

Iria hesitates a second longer, but between this persistent feeling that Rue is still alive, the continued sounds of killing coming through the door, Thought's intense anxiety (he's beating his wings in distress, trying to get her to run), and her own desire to escape to someplace safe... well. She mutters a low curse in Draconic, offers up a quick short prayer for Rue's safety to the gods she's never even been sure she believed in, then pushes herself away from the door and runs through the dining hall and into the kitchens, looking for the nearest way out as Thought follows behind her on outspread wings. At the servant's entrance she pauses briefly, leaning against a wall to rest for a moment.

Her tower. She isn't sure what she'll do now, she needs to stop and think, stop and think -- so many possibilities, so many emotions, are cascading through her mind that she can't parse them, can't even identify all of them. She needs to get to her tower. Without being seen, because gods know everyone in this miserable place could have been in on that horror, the death of her nephew -- but she pushes that particular image away. I'll get to the Tower. I'll get to the Tower, then I'll see.

The thought of the Tower brings her to wonder what happened to Naxos -- He was in the crowd, wasn't he? I saw him. Did what I asked, put on a clean shirt. Thought chooses that moment to land on her shoulder again. Where is that foolish boy? Did he-- But her train of thought is cut off as a telepathic image sent by the raven unfurls in her consciousness and she sees, in a flash, a few key moments of what happened by the main doors.

...Oh.

She comes back to herself a long moment later and discovers that she's stumbled nearly half the distance towards her tower with no memory of anyone she may've encountered on the way. She's hugging the wall of a courtyard. The air is full of indistinct noises. She brings a numb hand to her face and the fingers come away wet. What? Blood? ...No. Tears? She stops in her tracks, staring at those fingers. She feels a deep rage, a bone-deep rage, start to rise up in her.

I am going to find out who did this, did this to my family. I am going to find them, and then I am going to kill them. The thought is grim, and a little clinical, and absolutely sincere.

She starts moving again, purposefully, towards the one place here that can really be said to be hers. This time, she makes every effort not to be seen as she slips through the Palace.


Hide: [roll0]
Move silently: [roll1]

[Ezeze]

Edward
Ahaziah studies you carefully. It's clear she puts a lot of thought into her response before she begins;

Edward. You have done great and terrible things for Gahad, and for my family. For that I am eternally grateful.

You say you are sure of both Iria and Raymond's loyalty. Reconsider. It seems to me that you cannot know how they acted when hidden by a shield of magic - a shield that you say was created by the wizard. I am not so certain that they can be trusted.

I ask you, as a favor to an old woman, not to reach out to your fellow Druids just yet. Not until the heads of those responsible for this travesty are on pikes on our walls. We have lost two Kings today, and I would not have this news travel to our enemies until we can show our strength by taking our own revenge.

She reaches out gently, and takes your hand in her own.

We have both seen too much violence in our lifetime. It is our duty, as leaders, to put our own confusion and pain aside to do what is right for those we lead. You understand that, Edward, I know you do. It is why I feel I can speak to you so candidly.

She seems ready to say more when Raymond enters the Temple.

Edward, Raymond and Icarus
Raymond enters the Temple and sees the Queen Mother Ahazia, Queen Jessica holding the Princess Ashley, and Edward together quietly talking off to the side.

As he nears them Ahaziah, who seems to have been saying something, cuts short abruptly and looks up at him

(ooc: Sense Motive checks from Edward, Raymond and Icarus.)

Iria
No one bothers you as you make your way across the lawn to your great Tower. Either they don't notice amongst the confusion or have other things to see to.

You have barely found the door when a disembodied voice whispers Iria?

Wait, no, not disembodied. That's Rue's voice. I didn't know where to go. There might be people waiting at our home, and I wasn't sure how long your spell would last...

I didn't go inside, though! I was worried your room would be bewitched. Did you see my brother, Raymond? Is he alive?

[Lazy Genius]

Though I'll gladly make the rolls, wouldn't it be much faster if you'd make them, Chain, and immediately tell us the result?
[roll0]
Like in the case of reactive rolls like this, all it does in my opinion, if we have to roll ourselves, is slow down the game, but that's just my two cents.

[Ezeze]

Ahaziah fixes her gaze politely and attentively on Raymond.

[Lazy Genius]

Last one before I head in for the night and start another busy day.

Upon seeing Queen Ahaziah, Raymond walks up to her as steady as he can after riding so fast and the battle before that, and immediately falls to his knees and bow his head, but speaks in a clear voice. "I am sorry my Queen, I have failed you. Your grandson is dead, and so far I know so is your grandson." Waiting for a response only minimally, he looks up at her and immediately starts with new plans to protect the newest King. "With the line of your grandson Michael done, we should see to his brother, at the frontier of this war, his safety as well as his coronation." When he's done talking, he strokes the shoulder that was stabbed lightly, returning with a bloodied hand, but strokes it clean on his robes casually. He keeps on his knees until Queen Ahaziah invites him back up, if ever.

Tell me if I've mixed up NPC's, but at this point I think I'm talking to the Mother of Michael's Father, and I told her that Michael and David have perished, and that Michael's brother is the next King and at the front-line (or whoever else is "next after David and at the front-line", I forget, it's late).

[Ezeze]

Ahaziah doesn't seem inclined to bid Raymond stand.

Your gesture is well received, Sir the way she says the word Sir has bile in it, and in tone it could easily be replaced by a number of much less flattering titles. But Sir Edward has already informed me of my Grandson's death on your watch. According to him, however, David and your sister yet live - though we do not know where they have fled. Finding them will be our first priority once the traitors have been squelched and the wounded tended to.

I assure you that my remaining living Grandson will have much better protection than that which you might provide.

Queen Jessica flinches slightly at Ahaziah's merciless tone, but says nothing in Raymond's defense. She preoccupies herself with gently rocking her daughter.

(OOC: If you remember, Ahaziah doesn't like you. At all.)

[iTookUrNick]

Edward mulls over Ahaziah's words while she discharge her frustration at Raymond.
The man is covered in blood, some of which clearly his own, but that is proving not to be enough to move the queen to sympathy. And despite her clear bias against him, she might be right about his involvement: a random mook fells the king, then the king's conniving bodyguard kills the mook in return and destroys any chance of finding out who ordered the attack. It makes so much sense. But then perhaps it would not be wise to fill this man in on the fact that the king son might have escaped, as the queen is doing right now. Clearly in her anger she let it slip... unless she said it to bait him into trying to finish the job, and expects me to realize that and prevent it from happening... or maybe I am reading too much into this. There are surely other guards involved that we might question. That is, unless that idiot captain kills them all to show his manhood... Beside, what kind of man would strike at her own sister's husband? And what could he possibly want, he who had given up a kingdom already? Even factoring in the possibility that I am missing a critical piece of the puzzle (say: Michael being about to discover that he is not David's father, thus ruining a plan carefully thought out since the last war) it all seems a little farfetched.

Then there is lady Iria to consider. Her choice of spell makes perfect sense when fighting superior numbers, but her reaction was quick. Perhaps too quick: had anyone but the first guard struck when she cast her spell? Certainly few, if any. Perhaps she knew what was going to happen and was a little too eager to do her part, regardless of her side. That makes sense as well: she's a diviner, knowing things in advance is her specialty. The question is probably the opposite one I've been asking myself then: is it naïve to think she did not know in advance what would happen? Probably, if you have a healthy dose of paranoia... so she knew and did nothing to prevent it... but then her raven helped me escape, and she urged Queen Jessica to flee... but it could have been just a way to get us out of the way while they searched for the young queen and her baby, for in fact she did remain behind, and for what?... Mother Nature, give me strength! If I do not do something here I risk pulling a muscle in my brain...

To finish the pretty picture, the Old Queen has asked me not to reach to my fellow druids. She's completely right, of course: our allegiances are as varied as Nature herself, and the news would travel quickly. Not only to our enemies, but among our own people as well. Someone might decide their claim is good enough to take a shot at the throne, or at least at a regency, for even if David is alive, the realm will be ruled by a regent until it comes of age. Or was it a council of regents? This political business it's really not my thing, but whit this compelling need for secrecy it appears I'll just have to try harder myself.
Edward decides the poor man has been put down enough, critical mission failure notwithstanding. He decides to interject, feeling a little like a pupil interrupting his teacher:

"Well, hopefully better than the one you did provide today, son. A more spectacular failure is hard to imagine". In his mind, Ed would now smile and put an arm around the man, but it is quite hard to do that when towering over his kneeling form, so he decides to go for a reasonable tone instead. "Why don't you sit down on one of those benches and let one of the priests tend to your wound while you tell me what happened from your point of view, so that we might try and see how did everything go so wrong?"

[Snacs]

Raymond



"An excuse used by many Men and women. And poorly given too."The sword seems to find the conversation amusing, the dusky voice in Raymond's mind warm with mirth.

"Time is something that I hath in plenty, boy. Thine worth? Nobility are such muddle-headed fools to ponder such things."
Raymond's new piece of talkative wargear seems generally upset at the thought, though it's unclear why. AS Raymond enters the Temple the sword continues on, answering his last question.

"Yes, the witch. It hath been ages since last I spoke to a sister of the Art.Far more important than yonder Brood-Hens." Voice going dry with derision as they approach the Queen Mother and Queen.


"Ah, now that spite is the same as Isaiah's line indeed! How pathetic, to speak to a follower so. It is almost surprising the lot hath not been murdered in their sleep yet! Well, not so surprising, that bloodline hath always been adept at the art of treachery. Care young Noble, Thy Queen is beget from dark dealings indeed!" The sword seethes in its expensive scabbard hanging on Raymond's elaborate dress belt, totally silent to Edward and the assembled royalty. It goes silent after that, though its voice had mingled with the Queen-Mother's insults for most of the conversation.




Chain

Prestidigitation on Raymond. Lets make him look spiffy.:P

[Ezeze]

Edward
Even as you look Raymond seems to be less covered in blood than you originally thought. In fact, he seems almost clean. Certainly cleaner than you, covered as you are in the blood of guardsmen foolish enough to stand in your way. How strange.

[Lazy Genius]

With his being put-down further by the Queen (great-grand-)Mother, Raymond snapped. Though he has been hard on himself, and rightly so, and has been beating himself up for failing his task, he decided that he was the only one with the privilege to do so. Right then and there, he made up his mind; He was going to be harder on himself than he'd ever been, and subsequently aim to perform well on all tasks he takes upon himself, but he wasn't going to take SH*T from anyone else. I give up my Kingdom, risk my life for a Brother King, and this is how I get treated? By someone not even of royal blood? I think not.

All this happened in a short moment and it happened while the Queen was talking to him and putting him down and while there were more voices in his head still, putting her down. When she finished, he stood, slowly but deliberately, and stretched himself to his full length, not exaggerating, but definitely appearing larger than he usually would. He then spoke with a powerful, booming, but very clear and calm tone. "Now you listen to me, Queen Mother. I am Raymond Hagan III of the House of Ezekiel, Rightful King of Lehi. I gave up all of that, to come with my baby sister, who was to be wed to the crown Prince of a nation previously at war with ours. I swore myself to protect this man, all for the betterment of the alliance. I have been doing this for eight years, while I only fought in the war against Gahad for one." Pausing, he cracked his neck and rolled his shoulders, mostly to intimidate Ahaziah, but partly to stretch the tendons so recently used, and made it appear it had merely the latter purpose. then continued, "during the entire span of these eight years, you have not been even cordial with my baby sister or me, once. Not even when she gave birth to a son of the House of Daniel, a House you have married into, mind you. And now, when I come before you humbly, assuming I have failed completely at my task, as well as the death of my beloved baby sister, the Queen Mother, and her son, my nephew, the King, without time to mourn any of them, and you have the guts to insult me and make me out for traitor?"

Along with this eloquent monologue, Ray used some very evocative hand gestures with his giant hands to add emphasis to certain words. He also added titles and used specific naming conventions to do the same, making a point out of the fact that she's officially a Queen Mother, just like his sister. He also called his sister his 'baby sister' to add more emphasis to the love he felt for her. Finally done with his speech, he sat down on the bench that Edward had pointed to and sat up straight, still almost the same size as the person he'd addressed just before, even with his sitting form. He let his wounds be tended to, clearly marking him into the 'wounded' category, rather than the 'traitor' category, and further making this point, said quietly and calmly. "I happen to know who is the traitor in this scenario, but without trust my voice will be lost to the misconceptions he's weaved." In the end, he put himself in a vulnerable position where he needed trust. Though he'd hoped he made a point out of who he is and what he's done, instead of letting her opinion be ruled by prejudice alone.

[Lazy Genius]

That's an Intimidate roll if I ever saw one:
[roll0]

C'mon, c'mon, c'mon...

[Ezeze]

Princess Ashley wakes up and starts crying in a loud, high-pitched, distressed way. Poor Lady Jessica seems entirely out of her depth trying to calm the wailing infant, and she's unlikely to get any help from the cowed Queen Mother.

Ahaziah's facial expression remains stoic, unchanging. Her eyes fix on the floor and she says nothing and makes no move to stop the priest that quietly sets to work bandaging Raymond's wounds.

The priest - a small, mousy man who doesn't make eye contact - eventually mutters "I apologize, Sir Raymond" his tone has a great deal more respect in it than Ahaziah's did. "The Gods have never seen fit to grant me powers beyond those any student of medicine might have. If you'll stay here tonight, however, I can look after you and perhaps more magical healing will be available come morning - at the moment, priority has been given to those near death." He speaks meekly, and is only just audible over the screaming infant.

Icarus
Raymond just announced to a room full of people that he knows who the traitor is. Not only that, he has announced that he knows who the traitor is and that he hasn't told anyone else!

Protecting this idiot might be more than you can handle, but you feel specially motivated because he hasn't told anyone else about you, either. If he dies, it might be another century before anyone else swings you.

You've never before been so grateful that you don't sleep.

Edward
Raymond just announced to a room full of people that he knows who the traitor is. Not only that, he has announced that he knows who the traitor is and that he hasn't told anyone else!

This guy is an idiot. I think letting him get killed is the best possible thing you could do for humanity as a whole. It wouldn't do anyone any good to let stupid like that breed.

[iTookUrNick]

Edward, who had been following the young man's indignant speech with growing admiration, groans inwardly at that last statement. He is like a rhino: strong hide and powerful charge, but reliant on a small bird to perceive the dangers that lurk around him. Except that there is no bird to guide the prince, and the lions are on the prowl and smelling blood (albeit surprisingly little blood: how did he managed that? did he take a few lessons from lady Iria recently? And not even then, for he would have seen him cast.)

Under normal circumstances, Edward would not dream to interfere with the natural order of life in such a blatant manner, and would simply return the body to Mother Earth after the assassins had done their job. However, he is not oblivious to the all-important instinct of his own self preservation (something the prince seems to lack as well), and right now it is demanding to take any step necessary to uncover the name of the traitor in the palace. Thus, after the priest has moved on, he fishes out his healing wand from an internal pocket of his armor (note to future self: do not put emergency wands in hard to reach places) and starts speaking to the prince in a more confidential tone. Meanwhile, America watches intently from above.

"Calm down son, I got you covered. You'll be feeling better in a minute (literally)." he says, putting a hand upon his shoulder and visiting the wand's magic upon the prince. "Nobody has called you a traitor" though they surely implied you are either a traitor or incompetent at your job, if not both "and whatever other grievances you might have with other members of your family, it would probably be best to resolve them in a less troubled time.

Now, you've made a bold claim. And by bold I mean you must be out of your mind to say such a thing so openly, while implying at the same time that such a secret would die with you. So if you really care about doing the right thing, as I think you do, and about your sister and nephew, should the Gods see it fit to spare their lives today, you will tell us what you know and how you know it. I can't promise I will believe your words, but I can assure you I have no preconception against you. And I also believe that after what happened today I do not need to prove myself to you, do I? concludes Edward, referring to the giant bat that had made a bloodbath in the mist and carried the prince away to safety.
One charge of Lesser Vigor will heal 1 Hp/round for 11 rounds. Depending on how Ray feels after that, Ed might give him another shot. :smallwink:

[Lazy Genius]

With the one charge, Ray'd be back up to 27/32 after it expires, with another 5HP left until max HP.

This is exactly how Raymond intended it to be, painting a target for those unfaithful to the crown, making people who are faithful feel the need and want to protect him. And it worked. Not only did the priest and Edward tend to his wounds, he got Ahaziah to either realize that he's much more significant than before, in a worst case scenario, or in the best case got her to see things from his point of view. "Do not worry, a logical and fair priority. And thank you." He said to the priest when he apologized. To Edward, he said "Not in so many words no, but was implied. I do trust you completely, and I would fathom that it is not unlikely you have no reason to distrust me." Using a lot of double negatives was exactly Ray's plan to make clear the language of court deals in a lot of inquiries, indications and implications.

Disregarding the part about having no interest in self-preservation, Raymond continued in a low voice, though loud enough for the Queen Mother and Lady Jessica to hear, as well as Edward. "The hunch about this man grew in combat, when a combatant I was facing retreated as if part of a plan, as if his retreat was not out of fear, nor was he surprised. His retreat was orchestrated." He deliberately avoided the name for the moment, drawing their attention before the big reveal. "Then when I encountered the slaughtered body of my second-in-command, I noticed he just had time to write something down for me, and anyone who cares to find. This message said the same name as the man who entered the hall when my combatant retreated." Finally, in a row growl or rage, he uttered in a deep bass voice "Sebastian."

If all was as he had thought, and hoped it wouldn't be, Ahaziah would at this juncture try to interject before he says the name, but if she doesn't that might just mean she's more crafty than scared, nothing else. If, however, Edward was who Raymond thought he was, and there had been absolutely no reason to make him think otherwise, Edward would either believe him immediately, or believe him after Ray's assassinated. In this worst case scenario, Sebastian would still not get away with it. In the best case scenario, Edward, as well as Ahaziah, would believe him, and proceed to fervently look and ferret out Sebastian and make him stand for his crimes, plus, he'd get to live. These thoughts were all going through Ray's head when he was done, and while he was smart enough to think of plans like these, the wisdom to change them on a whim or even figure out if someone was lying he lacked, but this was purely because he'd been fighting more and more and spending less and less time at court. This would change.

Finally, with enough energy to do something else than say something useful to the current situation, he showed, in a moment of apparent weakness, his sensitive side. "You are certain of this? My sister and nephew yet live?" He said this quickly, not at all like the controlled deliberate speech he'd just made, and grabbed a powerful, strong hold of Edward's arm, though not quite with crushing strength, still merginally controlled. Looking directly into the man's eyes as he said this, his own watering, verging on tears.

Some stuff is happening, and at this point, Ray's plan is going right as it should have been. He's not an idiot, just not very wise. :smalltongue:

Also, grapple check? (just for funsies of course, he's not actually grappling Edward)
[roll0]

lawl, such timing...
Icarus:
Sorry, but I couldn't help but think of the sword when ITookUrNick mentioned the bird. :smallbiggrin:

[iTookUrNick]

So not an idiot, not really, just an idealist. It's hard to tell them apart. And yet, Edward does feel a tinge of envy at the man's tranquillity at the prospect of a just death. Is it not that the mark of true wisdom? So said Ed's mentor, though he never saw the appeal in it.

"Alas, son, i cannot give you certainty, only hope. You should ask to lady Iria: she was closer to the action, she might know more, one way or the other.

As for the name of the traitor" continues Edward, a strained smile on his face " I fear I cannot simply take your word for it, and for the worst of reasons. I want to believe you, you see, because I hate that man's guts, but that means I cannot trust myself to judge your words fairly and objectively. I hope you understand what I am saying. However, I will certainly keep my eyes open in that direction, and perhaps try and find something more substantial to corroborate your story."
BTW, you got quite a string grip in that arm, son. Have you ever considered rock climbing? :smallbiggrin:

[Cognomen]

At the sound of Rue's voice, Iria is washed by such relief that she fears she might faint, and briefly holds herself against the stone of the Tower. "Rue! Thank the gods! I feared you were dead. Quickly. We must get inside."

The door to the tower has an exterior lock, but, when she looks at it she sees what she expected, which is that Naxos forgot to lock it this morning. She feels a flit of annoyance, and then ... He left it to go to the coronation. To go to his death. She pauses, takes a deep breath, and opens the doo. Through it is the tower's antechamber, from which rise the stone stairs that curve their way up around the circumference of the building. It is dim, the only light being the thin shafts tilting down from occasional arrowslits.

Iria steps over the threshold but no further, carefully not touching what looks like a simple welcome mat. She hunts along the wall for a small niche that would be hard to see if you didn't know where it was."You were right not to come in. There are several traps." Ah, there's the button. That trap's disarmed. She ushers the invisible Queen into the room and closes the door before reaching for a cup sitting in a much more prominent alcove. From this she takes a smooth round stone. She mumbles something over it and it begins to shed a warm yellowish light.

"Come," she says. "We must get you some place to sit, and wait for you to become visible, and plan what we will do." Thought caws. "Plan! Make a good plan!" Iria motions for Rue to follow her and climbs the stairs, the light from her stone making odd patterns across the ancient stone walls as she climbs.

At the fourth landing, she stops, and walks into her solar, her study, her main room -- the center of her existence, even more than the sleeping chamber below. Seeing it makes her think of Majordomo William's comfortable room this morning; both rooms are dominated by books and papers. Iria's huge desk, turned away from a broad window showing a magnificent view so that she can benefit from all the light, is covered in books and papers and pens and tools of her trade and of knowledge -- pens, inkwells, compasses, mapmaking tools, scrolls, book binding equipment, alchemical materials, feathers, little knives, rules, protractors -- a panoply of intellectual equipment. Other tables around the room, scattered in front of and between the massive overflowing bookshelves, are also covered in things, many useful, many decorative, and most, in their own way, beautiful.

Iria shows Invisible-Rue to a comfortable chair along one wall, then walks across a very precise line along the great circular carpet her desk sits upon before lifting a small panel up from that desk, hunting around for another button, and pressing it down as well. "There. That should be the last of the traps. But be careful not to touch anything strange without asking."

The wizard makes her way to a side table set with decanters and goblets and various alcohols as well as softer drinks. "Your Majesty, please, would you like something to drink? Water, at the very least? She thinks of something and turns to stare in the general direction of Rue's face. "But you asked me of your brother Raymond." She thinks. She caught glances of Raymond in the mist, but had her mind on other concerns. She speaks slowly. "I saw him fighting valiantly. Yes, I believe it was he who slew the guard who killed Michael. Others as well, I believe. I was distracted and did not see what happened to him in the end." Her mouth twists. "I am sorry. We must hope we were not the only ones able to escape. In fact -- try to think. Where would Raymond go, do you think, if he escaped? Remember that he won't have seen you, and may believe you dead."

Iria runs her fingers through her hair and grips it, looking about as tense as she ever does. For a moment she seems to forget Rue is present. "Gods," she mutters. "What a nightmare. Who do I, who do we trust now? Do we trust anyone? But we must know what is happening before we move." She mulls over particular people. Raymond, if he survived...? He fought, but she barely knows him beyond a lot of exchanges of head-nodding, and he was her nephew's bodyguard - and as that bodyguard, he failed. She doesn't know at the moment whether he was involved in the plot, but in terms of being a bodyguard, at least, he failed, and her nephew died.

That left Edward, alive and perhaps trustworthy enough to contact. She knew him a bit better, as he'd been one of the childrens' other tutors. He was an intelligent man, and had clearly fought bravely in the hall. Someone other than her needed to know of Rue and David's survival; it would have to be Edward. He might bring the traitors down on them if he turned out to be involved, she supposes, but....

She moves with purpose to her desk, finds a parchment and pen, scrawls a quick message and curls it into a thin tube which she ties with a ribbon before using sealing wax and her signet ring to seal the ribbon shut with the blue tower that serves as her mark. "Come here, Thought, please." The bird has been pecking at corn obviously kept for him in a small basket in one corner. He comes hopping over, fluttering his way up to the table. A few sheet sheets slip to the floor - the Ibn Hayyat she'd been reading this morning, so very long ago. Thought sticks out a foot and she carefully ties the missive to it.

"Allright, Thought. You know what to do." The bird caws. "America-man!" He takes a few more awkward raven-steps towards the window and then launches himself out of it, telepathically sent by Iria to look for Edward and his eagle, and to give him the message.

Chain:

The message reads, in Iria's small spidery writing:

The two packages that had disappeared earlier have been brought to me and are currently safe. Future uncertain. Please exercise extreme caution before conveying this message to anyone. Your advice would be much appreciated; if you can do so without risking yourself or attracting undue attention, please visit at your earliest convenience. Please burn this.

It is not signed with anything other than Iria's wax symbol.



Iria sighs, watching the bird fly away, and starts to feel the weight of what has happened today fall on her. She collapses into her desk chair and puts a hand over her eyes for a moment. After another moment, she reaches across for her spell book and pulls it before her.


Figure Rue is overdue to reappear, at this point...

Earlier, down the stairs, Iria cast Light on that stone. Cheaper than burning torches...

[Ezeze]

Iria
It's not long before Rue and David reappear. David is awake, alert and looking around with curiosity. It's clear that Rue has been crying - her eyes are red and puffy - though she isn't any longer. She doesn't respond to your offer of a drink.

My first thought she starts, more meekly than really befits a Queen is to find my brother Raymond. If he's alive. She seems on the verge of crying again, but doesn't. I know that I can trust him with my life, and even with things more valuable than that the way she looks down at her baby makes it clear that she is talking about David.

She looks a few seconds longer before speaking again it's remarkable. He has been quiet this entire time. If I didn't know better I'd swear... I swear he understood that he had to be strong for his mommy. She tears up. Did you know that I had never met Michael before the marriage ceremony? My father had assured me that he was a thoughtful, regal man who acted like a gentleman, and he was all of that. But I never expected him to be so gentle as well. So kind, or considerate of those around him. He worried it was a weakness, that he'd be mocked for it at court - that is why he took up hunting, but he never really liked it. It was too violent for him. She cries for a moment - short, quiet sobs that rock her entire body. We didn't choose each other, but we loved each other, and now he's gone.

Then she stops crying, wipes her eyes with the arm not holding David and pretends she had never mentioned Michael. After we discover what has happened to Raymond perhaps David and I should go into hiding. We could go back to Lehi. My brother the King would welcome us, I'm sure. Or there are some ladies at court who I am close with who are spending time at their estates further North. They may not be as trustworthy as family, but they are much closer - geographically speaking.

Ahaziah finally speaks again. These charges have to be taken seriously. I cannot simply take your word against Sebastian's, Raymond, no matter how thoroughly you seem convinced. Then, even if you can prove your suspicions, so many of the men in the Guard are loyal to him, personally.. Again the Queen Mother is interrupted mid-sentence when one of Sebastian's favorite lackeys (you can't recall his name just now) enters the Temple. He bows low before the Queen in the same manner Sebastian did earlier that day and reports

Your majesty, the rebellion has been quelled. Commander Sebastian has sent me to officially report the death of your grandson, King Michael, of the Abbot Grange and of nearly two dozen other nobles of import who we are in the process of identifying. He sends his condolences and apologizes that he cannot visit in person - he is escorting the prisoners we have taken to the cells beneath the palace to await your judgement and that of the Good Gods. My condolences for your loss.

The priest who moved to assist Raymond looks panicked, but Ahaziah's face is completely unreadable as she responds well done, Sergeant. I will see the prisoners shortly.

[iTookUrNick]

The exchange is brief, but provides solid background against which one ulterior, unexplored possibility appears. Queen Ahaziah is certainly a power not to be trifled with, easy to underestimate as an old crone but still quick of mind and wieelding the respect of many. Furthermore, she might have a motive that is second to none: her deep hatred for the line of Ezekial. If her demeanor is just a façade, and it is now quite apparent she is capable of putting up a very convincing one if she wishes, then it is possible she orchestrated the whole thing to avoid having Lehian blood on the throne of Gahad, something to which she had been vehemently opposed since the last war. Still, having one's own son and grandson murdered in the span of days takes some serious venom, as well as the certainty of loyalty from those involved. Bottom line: unlikely, but a disturbing thought.
Ed racks his brain to see if there is anything he could gain by asking a question or making a move right now, but the encounter is over before he had the chance to come up with anything clever.

With the lackey out of earshot, Ed speaks again to the Old Queen: "I had not realized you would be called to pass judgment in this situation. What are you going to do?"

[Ezeze]

I had not realized either confesses Ahaziah. She thinks a moment.

But then our law says that it must fall to either the King - or, in his place, a member of his family - to pass judgement over treason or sedition, and even if we could find the King, he is far too young to do anything of the sort.

I can hold off passing judgement while the two of you search out proof of what Raymond claims - yes, the two of you. Edward, you've earned my trust as much as anyone on the palace, and Raymond will likely pursue this line of inquiry regardless of what I say and I'm short enough on men to find myself unable to refuse his help in any case.

Normally someone of Sebastian's birth and rank has the right to hear these accusations against him but, given the nature of the crime and how many men loyal to him are at hand, I think it best he know nothing of what we've discussed here.

Go. Bring me proof of what he has done, and after that we can worry about how to bring him to justice.

[iTookUrNick]

The last sentence sounds like a dismissal if he has ever heard one, so Edward bows with respect to the new (albeit temporary) ruler of the palace.
"We will, your majesty. may the gods watch over you".
To Ray he sends an inquiring look, conveying something akin to "So, are you coming?", before proceeding toward the exit, eagle in tow above him.

[Snacs]

Raymond


"I do not know if thou hath only recently lost all thy wits...or if thine Mother dropped thee as a child." The sword mutters into the silence that follows Raymond's soliloquy. The words in Raymond's mind sound incredulous.

"Quick. Hand me to yonder ugly one talking to thee. Or better yet the witch from earlier. Before thine bravado gets thee killed and mine thoughts alone in this be-cursed sword!" It almost sounds panicked, though it calms as no one immediately skewers Raymond on the tip of a spear. The sword drifts off and seems to turn its own thoughts inwards, going inert as Sebastian's lackey enters.


"So all thy must accomplish is to prove that the more favored man of the hour hath slain thy lord? Well, I'm sure the task shall be an easy one! Luckily thou hath me, though mine understanding of Courtly politics is somewhat....lacking. Sarcasm is laced in the sword's tone, though it has pledged to help...whatever that entails.

Chain
Detecting magic because

[Lazy Genius]

If there was nothing else in the world that would have concerned Ray, he would be a happy man at this moment. He knew who the traitor was, and while not everybody believed him, or didn't want to believe him, he had been given a chance to prove he was right. But this wasn't the case, he had more things to worry about and concern him than just the rightful justice of a traitor. Regardless of if Sebastian is proven the traitor he is, Gahad will be in disarray, with either young David, bless his soul may be he alive, at the throne or a man currently at war, who has his mind on war, on the throne.

While these ruminations go through Raymond's head, a dialogue outside of him, and a different monologue inside of him are going on, and being lucky as he is, Ray manages to follow all of these completely. Her? Pass judgement, that's something to look forward to, she hasn't been ruling this country for decades. Raymond rolled his eyes ever so slightly when Sebastian's lackey had exited and made a mental note of his face, so as not for forget him.

When suddenly Ahaziah again assumed control and was making commands, Ray grew a bit annoyed at the power she assumed she held. Though Raymond had no more power here, in fact, decidedly less, it infuriated him. Edward then made a move to leave, and Ray quickly stood up and followed after him, pacing himself with his big strides so as not to walk ahead of the man. When they were out of earshot of Ahaziah, Ray started talking.

"I will not demand anything of you, but any news you have regarding my baby sister, at any juncture, I would like to know as soon as possible. Further, I would like to point out that I'm currently under the impression my knowledge of courtly politics is superior to yours, if it comes down to it, I thus think I should be left to do the talking, but correct me if I'm wrong." That last part he added mostly to the benefit of a third party involved in the conversation that Edward knew nothing about, and which, to the third party, was a perfectly clear message.

"And lastly, I propose we begin our quest at the cells beneath the palace, the prisoners there will be highly likely to know more, unlikely as that may sound." And if they don't, then they've probably been locked up before this happened, which would mean they're the real Royal Guards. Regardless of what Edward does, Ray heads to the cells, though not regardless of what he might say.

Icarus:
At this point it seems like all you're trying to do (still no name given) is alienate Raymond more and more... though Ray isn't keen to being bullied and from the clues given him knows how to 'handle' the sword as in; the silent treatment.

In any case, you aren't the sword, but merely trapped inside it?

[iTookUrNick]

Edward aknowledge the other man presence and speech, but his mind is still wirking on the puzzle they have been tasked with solving.

"Sure, we can start there. It's as good a place as any, tough I do not fancy spending any length of time there, least someone decides that I should be made to accept it as a permanent accomodation...


By the way, I've given some more tought to what you said, and I've come to the conclusion that you are probably at best only half right. Even if capt. Sebastian is the one responsible for today massacre, he lacks a real motive (that we know of, at least). Someone else must have given the order to strike. Woudn't you agree?"

Not for the last time today he wished he had some way do gain an edge on their enemies. Was there some magic that coild help them in this situation?

[Ezeze]

Edward and Raymond have no sooner left the temple than America looks skyward and caws, loudly.

In a few seconds it's clear why - a raven piratically dive-bombs Edward, pulling up at the last second before collision to rest on his shoulder instead.

Quick inspection reveals the reason for Thought's (for that is now who Edward is sure it is) awkward flight. Tied to its ankle is a rolled piece of parchment that seems to have been interfering with its wings. The poor thing is simply not accustomed to being a messenger pigeon, though it played the part dutifully.

Thought pecks at anyone other than Edward who tries to relieve it of its burden.

The note is lined with the thin, spidery hand-writing of someone long accustomed to using a quill;
The two packages that had disappeared earlier have been brought to me and are currently safe. Future uncertain. Please exercise extreme caution before conveying this message to anyone. Your advice would be much appreciated; if you can do so without risking yourself or attracting undue attention, please visit at your earliest convenience. Please burn this.

It is not signed with anything other than Iria's wax symbol.

[iTookUrNick]

Edward sees America tensing for the intercept and then relaxing again. Friendly creature incoming, then. It turns out to be Thought, once again outside of his comfort zone today. He has a message tied to his ankle: Ed removes and reads it carefully, considering its true meaning; then gets near a torch and burns it to ashes as instructed. While the parchment is burning, he speaks to Ray:

"On second thought, there is someplace we must visit before gong to the prison. We need a few tools to help us collect the information we need. Also, there's a couple of packages with no clear destination that need sorting out..." Ed hopes the metaphor will not be lost on Ray, who seems quite set in his path. "Trust me on this, it's going to be time well spent."

To the raven, then: "Make way"..

[Lazy Genius]

Considering the query Ray had just made of Edward, and the message highly likely to have come from Iria, the meaning of this was not lost on him, and Ray was immediately relieved, though he showed little outward sign of it. The 'no clear destination part' did him in and made it clear to him. "Lead the way then, Edward, the prison can likely wait, I don't infer they prisoners'd be going anywhere anytime soon."

Officially, we'd need bluff and sense motive checks with the usage "Deliver a secret message" with a bluff check for the deliverer and sense motice check of the reciever of DC 15 or 20, but meh, I'll work with this.

Also, as the post said, regardless of what Ed does, but not regardless of what he says, he would've continued on his path. :smallwink:

[iTookUrNick]

"Indeed, I reckon they wouldn't mind the wait" says Edward, smiling.

"By the way, we might want to get you into some kind of armor, just in case. Maybe on our way back to the prisons?"

Well, it was kind of obvious. Make-believe spies level kind of obvious, probably.

[Ezeze]

Rolls
[roll0]

The sun sits on the Western horizon, threatening to sink. With your lives not presently in danger, other survival instincts begin to reassert themselves - namely, hunger. Neither Iria, Raymond nor Edward have eaten anything since before dawn. They've been too busy, and it hasn't been a priority because there was supposed to be a feast after the coronation.

(ooc: You're fine for the moment, though your characters are hungry. You've got about an hour in-game before I start imposing mechanical disadvantages :smallwink:)

Edward
Clouds have bunched up in the sky towards the South. You can expect heavy rain tomorrow morning, though it'll probably exhaust its self by evening and leave the next two days or so relatively clear.

Vinrel has been surprisingly quiet. But now he speaks up Do you remember that flash of fire in the mists during the fight? You didn't, but even as Vinrel mentions it the scene replays in your mind - a bright light, obviously of magical origin, that split the fog for only a few seconds before it closed in on itself again.

And the dirt and grime disappeared off Raymond in front of your eyes. Something is going on. Your boy here is hiding something from you.

[iTookUrNick]

Chains
Well, now I do. But what makes you believe it was Raymond who made that fire, Vinrel? Surely Iria is a more likely candidate, isn't she?
As for the episode in the temple, you might have a point. Although I hear there are some clothes on sale that clean themselves by magic, it would be quite extravagant for Raymond to make such a vanity purchase...
No, it is indeed possible that he is hiding something. Perhaps he has been replaced by a disguised arcanist? That would explain the lack of armor for one, and the erratic behavior... well, you don't need magic to explain that today... uhm...

I wish to hear the little guy's comment before proceeding, but I've provisionally decided I'll cast Detect magic when we get at the bottom of Iria's tower. If he asks, and only if he asks, I'll say it might be useful to see magical traps or clues she might have left for us (which is technically true) and take a peek at the guy: any effort to stay out of my sight or any Illusion auras on him will mark him as highly suspicious, and I will confront him about it immediately (or summon a hippogryph first maybe). If nothing sparkles, we will have better intelligence inside the tower...

Or maybe not. Yeah, scratch that. It is quite a far fetched possibility. Maybe I'll start with a sense motive check if appropriate (you can roll it if it is needed, +4 modifier).

Also in the cards: invisibility!
After walking briskly for a while, each men brooding in their own thoughts, Ed breaks the silence:
"Rain is coming tomorrow, I hear thunder. Or was that my stomach?". The sentence falls kind of flat: levity is not Ed's strong suit, even in more favourable circumstances. "Still, we should probably eat something. Also, if there is anything we need to see that the rain will wash away, we'd better see it tonight".

[Lazy Genius]

Raymond seems perfectly content with staying silent and lost in his own thoughts, until Edward interrupts him. "If neither, it was probably mine own stomach." He makes the comment as a means to relieve the situation of possible tension, but not for any comical effect. It is clear to him that there is nothing comical going on at this juncture. "As for rain, I wouldn't know anything of tracking, but I can show you my second-in-command's body and the required courage for him to write the crucial message down, the message providing proof, at least in some way, of guilt. This message written in the man's own blood, rain might make it illegible." He consciously stayed as vague as possible when he mentioned the proof of Sebastian's guilt, as he meant for nobody else to hear who's guilt they were trying to prove before they had actually proven it, but he was sure Edward understood it. Though the message Hans had given Ray was inside, he thought it deserved mention, so he mentioned it.

If nothing else happens, Ray will just follow Edward and (hope to) see his baby sister and nephew king.

[Ezeze]

Edward
I just think you're being too trusting. Not that I care what happens to you, monkey-brain, but this job is pretty cushy.

(ooc: I'm confused. Are you or are you not casting Detect magic?)

Edward stops Raymond at the tower's threshold. The door is unlocked and swings open easily, but the Druid knows better than to simply walk into a wizard's abode.

When Iria first asked him to visit her tower she gave him careful instructions; don't come in. Don't step on the welcome mat. Knock heavily and call out, she (or, later on, Naxos - may the Good Gods guard his soul) would come down and let you in.

[iTookUrNick]

I don't know! Should I listen to Vinrel? I do nothing for the moment :smalleek:
"Though, tell your mistress we are down here, awaiting further instruction."

To Ray; "We are invited, but it always pays to be careful when dealing with wizards. Even harmless-looking ones like Lady Iria"

[Ezeze]

Edward

I don't know! Should I listen to Vinrel? I do nothing for the moment :smalleek:

And that is why Vinrel counts as a flaw :smallamused: because I get to whisper things into your ear that just make so much sense....

[Cognomen]

Up in the Tower, Iria is still sitting a bit slumped in her desk chair, her spellbook open in front of her. She's not reading it yet, though; instead, she nods in a tired way as the younger woman speaks. When Rue begins to cry over Michael, Iria's eyes redden briefly, but she doesn't allow herself the luxury of openly grieving - not yet, not yet. Too many things to do, too many things to figure out. Things to know. Information to gather. Plans to lay.

"Indeed, he never liked hunting," the wizard agrees on the subject of her nephew. "When he was little, he'd come here to hide, sometimes, when the master of hunt was looking for him. He was always a gentle boy. Like his father, really." Though Joshua hid that part of himself better, Iria thinks. She looks at David and manages a smile. "He was brave, however, as I see his son is brave." She sighs and gets up, walking to the window to get a look at the sun setting. "Such a bloody day," she mutters to herself, looking out at the sky. Thought has been transmitting bits and pieces. He has found America; now Edward; Edward is with Raymond; now the men are coming; now they're here.

Iria turns back to face the room and moves gracefully to five or six different spots in the vast solar, where she lights richly-colored lamps (with no unusual means other than tindertwigs, Rue may notice) in order to beat back the encroaching darkness. She finally notices that she's hungry. "We'll all need food, I should think," she mutters to herself as she heads for the staircase down. "Your brother is here, Majesty," she says more loudly, for Rue's benefit, before climbing down the stairs to the entry level. The door is already open, she sees, with figures beyond it.

"Gentlemen," she says evenly, her direct gaze on both Edward and Raymond. "I am most glad to see you both. Please, come inside quickly." Iria reaches for the little alcove in the wall and disarms the trap briefly so that no one will be skewered. "Go up to the fourth level; that door is safe."

[iTookUrNick]

Edward lets Ray go first, sensing the man's eagerness and anticiation as they climb the stairs. Rather, on the way up, he adresses their host:

"I must say, lady Iria, that I am quite impressed with your performance today. Quick reflexes, keeping your head and coming up with a solid strategy, acting selflessly in the face of danger: you would have made a fine commander in the field, if you had any aspiration to be one. I can also attest to you being an exceptional teacher: today your pupil fought with the courage of a lion and the tenacity of a wolverine. He saved the lives of many, and you should be proud of him."
Edward keeps looking upward, giving the woman behind him some space, in case she needs it. He himself had been moved by the young boy man's actions today, and he immagined it would only be worse for someone as close as her.
"We all lost something, someone today, but no one has lost as much as you have. It might not be of much confort to you right now, but I am sorry for your losses, and I extend to you my sympathies. My symparhies and a chance to make those responsible pay for what they did, should you be inclined to help us pursue the issue."

[Snacs]

OOC

I need to stop hitting 'edit' instead of quote. >_<

[Ezeze]

Iria's tower may have once housed as many as half a dozen people, but it recent years it has been left exclusively to her (and, for a time, to her apprentice).

As such, she has sprawled out amongst its rooms. The room she leads you to may have once been a bedroom, but now it's a cozy sitting-room filled with a couple of plush couches, a hard oak desk with a comfortable chair, and book shelves lined with tomes in various languages. There is an intricately woven carpet on the floor upon which Rue had apparently been playing with young King David before Edward and Raymond announced their entrance from below. When they enter the sitting room she is standing, alive and well, with her son burbling happily on the floor next to her.

[Lazy Genius]

Raymond slowly enters the tower. Slowly, but obviously eagerly, and his speed increases as he hears the sound of King David, the baby king, son of his baby sister. After hearing the formal exchange between Edward and Iria, Ray's impatience got the hold of him and he charged his sister. "RUE!" He charged her completely unlike he charged the guard, and when he reached her, grabbed her into his arms and spun her around, lifting her clean off the floor. When finally her put her down, he had composed himself and spoke to her. "So, you aren't hurt at all? And how about David?" When he asked about David, he turned to the little King and crouched down to squat by him and hug him, as well.

When, in the end, he'd done all that, he finally joined the conversation that had been going on before he had greeted his sister. "Mine own sympathies as well, and if you are indeed so inclined, we should go check something out after we've had something to eat, and before it starts to rain. Which it will, I've been told." He looked at each of the people gathered in turn, deliberately, and then continued. "So I propose we go and get something to eat and discuss specifics, or not, as the case may be, over dinner. I'm starving."

[Ezeze]

Raymond! Rue hugs her older brother tightly, and steps back when he crouches down to play with David. The young King gurgles happily at his uncle.

We're fine, thanks to Iria. Rue says. I'm so glad you're alive too. I... I wasn't sure.

Her face displays a complex series of emotions - joy that Raymond is alive, a memory of the fear that he wasn't, despair for the loss she has suffered today, and a small measure of peace that she can feel somewhat safe with her big brother here. But whatever she's feeling, what she says is Food does sound good.


Things have been so hectic, I think it has been at least a day since I've had anything solid. I think it safer, though if - for the moment - as many people as possible think that David and I are dead. At least, until we know who would want to rectify that.

I was discussing with Lady Iria the possibility of David and I fleeing. It'd be a temporary measure but when we don't know who to trust, well, if whoever wants us dead can get the guards to strike down their king they obviously have a lot of power here.

[Cognomen]

A look of deep pain crosses Iria's features at Edward's mention of Naxos. Naxos' death seems to be the one she can feel most sharply, so far... perhaps because the deaths of Joshua and Michael are those of family, are such a shock, are so fresh, but perhaps also because, her liminal family status aside, she's lived her life aware of the dangers of being royalty. He was just a boy, he wasn't even one of us, what did they gain by killing him...? As she's been doing for hours now she shuts off that train of thought before it can balloon into the full grief and rage it deserves, but something about Naxos' death seems particularly absurd... and the memory Thought send her, of the boy's heroism, the insane beautiful courage of using Dancing Lights - Dancing Lights! - against four guards, comes vividly into her mind again as tEdward mentions Naxos' heroism. Iria feels a moment of fierce pride in him.

She arms the trap again and speaks, as evenly as possible, as they climb the stairs. "Thank you, master Edward. You are very gracious. Your understanding is much appreciated. Indeed, this has been a day beyond description. My family... and Naxos. I am prouder of him than I can say." She pauses for a second, then adds, more softly, "I hope the heroism of his death will be of some comfort to his parents." Oh gods, his parents. I have to write to them. She clears her throat and adds, raising her voice so that Raymond can hear her, "but please, don't discount your own valiance today. I saw Prince Raymond's incredible bravery through the mist, and your conjuring helped save us all... not least Queen Jessica, who no doubt owes you her life."

As Iria enters the room behind the two men (pausing briefly to rearm the trap on this door as she does so), she witnesses Raymond's exuberant reaction to seeing his sister alive, and the ghost of a smile passes across her face. At least I did somethingright... oh gods, and then it hits her; Detect Thoughts. Detect Thoughts. All she had to do, all she had had to do, was cast Detect Thoughts on the crowd when she walked in, but in her distraction, thinking of her brother... she feels faint, and catches herself against the wall, her vision going black for a second.

Well. She is a trained mage, she has been a mage for many years, and she is capable of pulling herself together quickly. I have a choice now: I can either stand here and lose my mind, or I can push away my guilt, my guilt, until we're safe, my guilt, and then... Thought, on her shoulder, senses her distress and pecks timidly at her hair to express sympathy, worry. She pets him absent-mindedly. No time, Iria, no time. Safety. We must find safety. We must find who did this.

She focuses soon enough to hear Raymond's final words and Rue's response, and walks across the room once again to the table with the drinks. "I agree we must eat, but I remind you we have no reason to believe we are safe in the palace." She pulls a hand down her face, thinking. "Perhaps one of the servants can be trusted to fetch food...? I keep very little here; I order from the kitchens." She looks up at the men. "The two of you have been out and about. What is your feeling on the situation in the palace? Are the other Queens safe? Were you able to discern anything about what happened? Can we be reasonably assured of our safety if we leave this place? I can disguise myself, but I cannot disguise you all, and I am nearly out of spells for the day."

Iria glances at her spellbook. "And there's that. It is vital that I prepare spells again as soon as possible, for all of our safety. This will take some time." And try to learn some of the ones I've set aside... curse me, why didn't I do that earlier? My d*mned obsessions with obscure philosophers.

She finally remembers what Rue just said. "Then there is the subject of Queen Rue and young King David. It does seem to me that they may be safest spirited out of this place, if we can determine someone who can be trusted to safeguard then. Perhaps the two of you" -- she clearly means Rue and Raymond -- "can suggest viable options among your friends. I admit I am hesitant to send Rue and David back among your people, if only because of the potential political fallout, particularly if David stays in exile long and could therefore be perceived as not entirely Gahadin. Our own family has a few members who might be trusted, I think, in the country, far from here. I will draw up a list."

She suddenly seems exhausted by all this talking and thinking, and pours herself a couple of fingers of brandy (something she's been dying to do for over an hour) before going back to her desk chair and sinking into it. Her face is suddenly paler than before, the stress and the grief beginning to catch up with her. She downs her drink in two gulps, much faster than usual.

"Pain," says Thought forlornly, pacing across her desk.


Sorry about the super long post. I wanted to catch up, basically.

[iTookUrNick]

Edward, to answer lady Iria's questions and proposals:
"If you exclude the temple, where the wounded are being treated as we speak, the palace is incredibly quiet. There is some sort of self-imposed curfew, nobody wants to be out alone in the night. The guards responsible have been taken into custody and are waiting in the dungeon for the Old Queen to pass judgment.

The same Queen tasked Ray and me with finding evidence regarding the involvement of an influential court figure in the plot to assassinate King Michael and his family. The task is obviously time-sensitive, as whoever orchestrated this entire operation will not delay in cleaning up after himself, and finding his (or her) identity, possibly including some hard evidence of the deed, is the only real way of providing safety to those involved.

Of course, I am not suggesting we all go and leave Queen Rue and her baby alone here, especially considering this place is likely to be searched sooner or later by whoever is after the two of them, provided they still wish to finish their work. Nor we can simply bring them along with us while we look for clues, nor send them away on their own. Perhaps our best option would be to hide them somewhere unexpected. Or, if you think you could pull it off, we could organize a fake transport with an illusion of Rue and David, in the hopes of luring our enemies into a trap. I am feeling the weight of the long day we all had, so I do not have a suggestion in that regard, but feel free to contribute.

I think our best bet is finding a traitor willing to incriminate his comrades in exchange for a lessened sentence. This is where you will be invaluable, if you agree to join us: we need you to divine a likely target and help us sift between truth and falsehood.

If you do not need an inordinate amount of time to refresh your spells, go ahead. In the meantime, we'll fetch us dinner, as it would be foolish to expect any kind of service at this juncture, and use the opportunity to ask some of the servants about anything unusual that they saw or heard: they are almost everywhere, rarely noticed... I think it would be worth trying.On the way Ray will show me a clue that he told me about. How does all this sound?"
Edward, to answer lady Iria's questions and proposals:
"If you exclude the temple, where the wounded are being treated as we speak, the palace is incredibly quiet. There is some sort of self-imposed curfew, nobody wants to be out alone in the night. The guards responsible have been taken into custody and are waiting in the dungeon for the Old Queen to pass judgment.

The same Queen tasked Ray and me with finding evidence regarding the involvement of an influential court figure in the plot to assassinate King Michael and his family. The task is obviously time-sensitive, as whoever orchestrated this entire operation will not delay in cleaning up after himself, and finding his (or her) identity, possibly including some hard evidence of the deed, is the only real way of providing safety to those involved.

Of course, I am not suggesting we all go and leave Queen Rue and her baby alone here, especially considering this place is likely to be searched sooner or later by whoever is after the two of them, provided they still wish to finish their work. Nor we can simply bring them along with us while we look for clues, nor send them away on their own. Perhaps our best option would be to hide them somewhere unexpected. Or, if you think you could pull it off, we could organize a fake transport with an illusion of Rue and David, in the hopes of luring our enemies into a trap. I am feeling the weight of the long day we all had, so I do not have a suggestion in that regard, but feel free to contribute.

As for food, ordering here might be a good idea, provided that we order for three people, not four, as that would be a dead giveaway. Perhaps we could use the opportunity to ask some of the servants about anything unusual that they saw or heard: they are almost everywhere, rarely noticed... I think it would be worth trying.

If that fails, I think our best bet is finding a traitor willing to incriminate his comrades in exchange for a lessened sentence. This is where you will be invaluable, if you agree to join us: we need you to divine a likely target and help us sift between truth and falsehood.

If you do not need an inordinate amount of time to refresh your spells, go ahead. In the meantime, we'll ask for dinner, and Ray will show me a clue that he told me about. How does all this sound?"

[Ezeze]

Under normal circumstances, Iria and her tower are attended by a revolving staff of servants attached to the building as much as to any one person. Normally, they bring food in the morning and evening (with the kitchens open at any other time during the day) and take away the last meal's dishes and anything else that might need cleaning when they go.

But these aren't normal circumstances, and it seems foolish to expect someone to attend specifically to you given the events which just transpired. It might fall upon the assembled nobility to venture to the kitchens themselves - and perhaps to return with some portion of the food prepared for the feast which is never going to happen.

[Cognomen]

Iria listens with great care to Edward's words, nodding occasionally. At the mention of an influential court figure being responsible, she draws her brows down and nearly interrupts, but stops herself. (Thought, being rather less gifted with self-control, shrieks "Traitor!" and is ignored by his mistress.)

When Edward mentions the time she'll need to prepare spells, she grimaces and sighs. When he's finished she speaks.

"Thank you for the information. I admit I'm relieved to hear that there is not continued fighting on the palace grounds, but... you said an influential court figure. Do you have any idea who this might be?" Talking about this, Iria's expression briefly goes rather murderous before she smooths her face out and continues, absent-mindedly passing her now-empty glass from one hand to the next.

"You are absolutely right about Rue and the baby. They cannot stay here; it is too dangerous. Somewhere unexpected..." She trails off, thinking, then speaks again, a bit slowly. "That is an excellent idea. It is possible I could contact my mother for help - I imagine it would occur to few people that the Queen may have been hidden in an elf community." Iria grimaces. "The problem is that I myself have never been there, and am not at all sure they would welcome outsiders, even at my mother's urging. I must also admit to not having access to any powers of illusion sufficient to creating the false images you suggest, which is unfortunate. All I can think is that we will need to somehow find an escort that is trustworthy." Thought makes a sound that sounds very much like a snort and Iria shoots him a flat look before finishing her thought. "I would suggest you, Prince Raymond, but I have a feeling you would prefer to stay here to help investigate...?". After she trails off she pinches the bridge of her nose and thinks briefly again before continuing. "What of the druids you are affiliated with, master Edward? Might one of your contacts, someone trustworhty, potentially provide hiding or advice on the subject?"

Iria continues before really giving Edward time to respond. "But we should eat before making this decision, I think. Only ordering for three is an excellent idea." She sighs. "As for preparing spells, unfortunately I cannot do it quickly; I will need to sleep first. But I still have two that could be very useful tonight - one in particular would in fact allow me to divine whether someone was telling the truth. I think I had indeed best join you after we eat. I can only hope I will be able to return here afterwards and spend the appropriate amount of time resting and studying. If you are agreeable to the idea, I suggest one or both of you" -- she clearly means the men -- "go to the kitchens; I should stay here to provide protection until you get back. When we all leave the Queen and the baby alone, there will be further traps I can set."

She sighs again and pushes herself to her feet with her hands on her desk. "Prince Raymond, any thoughts? It seems to me that the hunt master's plan is as sound as possible under the circumstances. Qeen Rue, any thoughts from you?"

[Ezeze]

I don't like the idea of going any where without Raymond Rue admits, bluntly. She turns to her brother, then continues

I know you feel you have failed today, but there is still a King. Keeping him safe is a matter of duty and of family. I don't have the authority to order you to do anything, but consider this; there is still hope for justice as long as David is alive. If something happens to David, though, no amount of justice can bring him back.

[Lazy Genius]

Raymond stayed quiet, contemplating the discussion in his head, going through all the options again and again, and finally spoke. "You have a point, Rue, and in fact, considering what has happened today, I wouldn't want you to go anywhere without me either. As for the dinner fetching thing, it is a good opportunity to show Edward the clue I have found." Though not a stupid man, Ray was a man of few words, and needed few words to express himself, and seemed almost curt for it. He turned to leave then, and, remembering the various traps, turned back to Iria before he got very far. "Could you then disable the traps my lady Iria, so Edward and myself can go about our business quickly, I'd hate to arrive there only to find out all the food's magically disappeared."

During the time Iria was dismantling the traps, he turned to look up at the group again, snapping back to reality and out of his thoughts, "I do know who did this, with definite certainty, the only matter left to do is prove that he did this and bring him to justice. That's what the clue is for, as part of said proof." He made a point of saying this with certainty, so that there was to be no debate about the truth of this matter. He also made a point to be patient in letting Iria take care of her traps, they were important to them, after all, not just the nuisance they were proving themselves to be now.

After he let Iria dismantle the traps, he started to move down again, only to turn back again, and once more embrace his sister and nephew along with her. "I'll be back soon, I won't let anyone hurt you or David, not as long as I can help it." He then rubbed his hands over David's crown of hair, one meant to have a real crown placed on it, and turned to go. This time when he turned to leave he didn't turn, or even look, back again, he was a man on a mission, a mission that needed to be fulfilled, one that needed to be carried out rather swiftly, as there were hungry people waiting for him now, as well as a rotting corpse still lying undignified in the open.

[Ezeze]

Raymond, Edward and Icarus
It's a short trip from Iria's tower to the garrison where many members of the Royal Guard (not including Raymond, who has a private abode nearer to the late Prince's home) stay when at the palace.

When Raymond throws Hans' door open the smell of a rotting body assails his and Edward's nostrils, temporarily pushing the thought of food from their minds. A few strides bring the men to the center of the room where the body of a soldier, half-dressed in formal mourning garb, lies on his side with a long gash down his stomach - clearly the mortal wound through which he bled out.

Though the pool of blood on the ground is marred with footprints (likely from Raymond's first trip here) there is still clearly a bit of writing half obscured by a puddle of blood which pooled where the corpse originally lay.
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/WritteninBlood_zpsb9699d2e.png

Iria
Raymond and Edward have not been gone more than ten minutes when a loud, strange voice calls up from the front of your tower

Lady Iria! I would like a word!

Rue freezes and pulls David close. She looks at you with fear in her eyes and gestures towards the door, indicating that you should answer.

[iTookUrNick]

So, this is the big proof, then. Ed heart sinks a little, not solely because of the tragedy (about which he can do nothing right now). He frowns and shakes his head a little, looking around the scene:

"Son, I see now how you got your information, and I am glad I believed you, but this hardly solid evidence. In fact, we would be hard pressed to present this as circumstantial evidence, considering the name is not even legible anymore. I can see nothing else of use here, short of interrogating the corpse itself. Maybe we should see the high priest about it, but even then it could have been the work of an henchman."

Still, not wishing to leave any stone unturned, Ed searches around a little for any clue that might have been left behind.
Feel free to roll anything on my behalf for the clue thing, if appropriate. If not, we are probably going to the kitchen next.

[Ezeze]

Obviously dissatisfied with the evidence at hand, Edward begins looking more closely around the rest of the house.

Edward
[roll0]

The room is torn apart by the fight. You can see from the tracks that this man was assailed by more than one attacker, but Raymond clearly has no training in crime scene investigation - he has stomped all over the place, making it difficult to pin down things like exactly how many attackers there were. You estimate between three and six, though.

The most valuable piece of information comes when you step into the next room (which is the kitchen) and see, shattered on the floor, two plates. They are a fair distance from the nearest cupboard, they must have been dropped there. But look as you might you don't see a second body - nor, for that matter, any signs of a second struggle.

[Snacs]

The sword on Raymond's hip is silent through most of the reunion, though it compliments Iria as the girl speaks.

"See? Mine judgement ist sacrosanct. Thy sibling lives thanks to yonder witch. A promising thing indeed." The voice is warm with pleasure at being right.

"But now we must speak on some matters, Raymond of House Ezekiel. Thy sister and her progeny are important to thee, yes? Thou need not answer, of course it is such. The witch hath professed choices, now mine own must be heard. There is a place known to me. A place few would dare tread..." The sword stops speaking for a long minutes as Edward and Raymond traverse the palace grounds.

"Mine duty is to thy life, since thou'st wields me. Thick-headed royal thou might be, but wielder of mine edge all the same. Take thy sister East Raymond. I shall guide thee, and none shall suspect where thou hast gone, for it seems all here hath forgotten of me. Tis better plan than trusting in the kindness of those that hath more...mortal, concerns." As Raymond and Edward enter the scene of Han's death the sword goes quiet, having said its peace.

After a few minutes though the voice in Raymond's head gives a small noise of surprise as the Edward talks.

"Ah? Ah! Quick, draw me and place me point down against yonder corpse. Quickly now! Our ugly scarred companion hath given me an idea." A disconcerting chuckle emanates from the sword.

[Cognomen]

For Rue's sake, Iria tries to hide her alarm at the strange voice. She looks around the room quickly. The heavy curtains on the large window behind her desk? Are they big enough to hide the Queen? ...No, Iria, don't be foolish. If only the armoire in the corner weren't stuffed full.

"I'm going down to see," she says, picking a dagger (a real weapon, though she normally uses it to open letters) off the aforementioned desk and handing it to Rue. (Gods, I don't even know if she can use this thing; I barely can. "Try to keep David as quiet as possible; I can't make you invisible again today. If there's a problem I'll delay whoever's there as long as possible. The door to this room is trapped. I'll be back as soon as I can."

She leaves the room with Thought on her shoulder, careful to reset the trap on the door as she exits, mentally rifling through the meager list of spells she has left today. When she gets to the front door, she takes a deep breath, draws herself up to her full height, puts on her most imperious expression, and pulls it open, trying to keep herself at least partially sheltered by the heavy wood without looking like she's trying to hide.


FYI, towards the end of the fight she cast Mage Armor on herself with a duration of 3 hours given her level. I have a feeling it's probably still active, but reaching the end of its range...?

[Lazy Genius]

Raymond brings Edward to the scene silently, letting the picture speak for itself, and listened. Listened closely, and when Edward came back from the other room, Ray said, "interrogating the corpse, you say?" While saying this, he draws the sword he'd been carrying with him since the ceremony, and placed the point gently in Hans' corpse. Let's see where this takes us... He makes sure that Edward is here to see what comes next, and waits for him as necessary, and does it slowly, but deliberately.

Now I'm lost, what can you do that helps us in this regard? Though the place sounds like a nice option.

[Snacs]

The sword pierces the dead man's chest easily. After a long, tense moment Hans twitches, fingers clutching at air and eyes fluttering open. His lips part and his jaw works with a groan. The dead man wraps his hands around the blade carefully and speaks in the same voice he had when he once lived.

"Ask two questions, and I shall answer."






"Thou shalt only receive two answers, confer with the scarred one and choose good questions" The sword's voice is thick and syrup-y with the whisper of magic, though it still appears as the plain, serviceable blade it always has in Raymond's hand.

"Mine own suggestion, refrain from questions that can be answered simply."


Are you asking these questions In character and out loud or out of character?:O And like I said, who knows, Raymond's not asking enough questions!:P




Casting Speak with Dead. I am not automatically relaying their questions, but I'm not asking anything until they voice them.

[Ezeze]

Iria
The man you see at your door is not in a guard's uniform (probably a smart move, given today's events) but you've seen him in one before.

Lady Iria he says, politely My name is Albert. Please forgive the intrusion. Commander Sebastian sent me to collect you. He has questions for you, regarding what happened in... on the podium, this afternoon.

You're not in any trouble! He says, quickly. He seems scared of you, though he is trying to hide it. He was sent, seemingly alone, to collect a wizard from her tower. That might scare anyone with a limited understanding of magic. It's just, because of the fog, not many witnesses... You understand.

So the man is here for you, then. He probably doesn't know that you have Rue and David safely locked away in your tower. The longer he stays the more likely he is to find out, but if you go with him the question of whether or not you can successfully lie to Sebastian arises.

(ooc: if you lie, accompany it with a Bluff check :smallwink:)

Edward
[roll0]
You recognize the effects of the spell, though Raymond made neither the gestures nor spoke the words to intone it.

It's called Speak with Dead and it's, well, it's necromancy - a practice abhorrent to the Good Gods (and to Obad-hai, who you revere) and against nature's cycle.

[iTookUrNick]

"What the..." says Edward from the edge of the door. Too late, though. He did not see nor hear the spell being cast, only grasping the meaning of his word when the full effects of the spell manifested: the corpse animates and speaks, sending a jolt of revulsion through Edward's spine.

He does not approach, wary, his brow contracted in a frown. In his book, someone capable of conversing with the dead is just a small step away from having them up and running about. Was this what his "instincts" were warning him about?

"This is the third time today that I've seen you do things you are not supposed to be able to do, and this one is particularly troubling. Perhaps it would be best if you explained yourself first, and quickly, for we have yet to decide upon the questions we need answered."

[Lazy Genius]

Raymond's a smart man, not a very wise man... :smallwink:

And it was an OOC question, answered by your post.Raymond, who seems strangely at ease, looks casually at Edward, and his face immediately takes on a more concerned expression. "I'll be happy to answer your questions, in a more private setting, but right now we have a matter of getting the information we need." He kept his sword-arm completely still, in lieu of moving the sword-point further through Hans' chest, making new cuts. He then thinks of the questions they might want to ask, gathering the most information possible from them.

"I'd say we want to ask a question in the form of 'tell us everything that happened here 10 minutes prior to your death'. And one question pertaining to a specific individual we both know of." He purposefully made this a bit ambiguous, but understandable to Edward, in the off-chance that there were people listening. Though in the chance that there was someone listening, they probably already knew too much anyway, but any information kept from prying ears is good.

[iTookUrNick]

No Iria
Edward might not be entirely confortable with the current situation, but he is nothing if not pragmatic. He decides to take things in stride and think about the questions first, and worry about the questioner later.

"Well, then. I will let the matter drop for the time being, but I will have you know that I am more than a little disturbed by that.

Moving to the matter at hand, I've been in the kitchen and I what I saw suggests that two people were dining together tonight here, but only one body remains. The other might either be a whitness or one of the killers.

I'm telling you this because, as far as my knowledge goes, answers from corpses are rarely as detailed and informative as one might wish, and the more direct the question is the clearer the answer one gets. Perhaps we should start with the identity of the killer, and depending on the answer maybe inquire about that other person that was here..."

[Lazy Genius]

Raymond, though still as he his, shifts his weight during the discussion on the questions. "So you suggest for the first question something like 'What is the full name and title of all the people that were involved in the battle today resulting in your death?' and for the second something akin to 'What was the full name and title of the person here with you right before the attack on you (other than possibly me), and what was the nature of the relationship with this person?' That would be specific enough, I recon."

[iTookUrNick]

"Something along those lines, yes. I'm afraid I only have an academic knowledge of the functioning of the spell, never having used it myself... Let's start with the question about the name of the killers, or killers. We should probably make our final decision about the second question after hearing the answer to the first"

[Lazy Genius]

Ray nodded at this comment from Edward and turned his head back to the corpse on the floor. "My first question is thus: What are the full names and titles of the people directly involved in your death?" Though he tried to be specific, he also didn't want any possibly valuable information to be excluded by the wording of the question, so made it direct as well, to get the most useful answer possible, at least in his eyes.

Everything that Ray says and is after the ':' is the question, just in the case it wasn't obvious yet. :smalltongue:
The weekend is over once more, and I will default back to my busy week schedule of few posts, assume I'm okay with Edward's possible second question if it's along the lines of what Ray has already said as an option for such.

[Snacs]

The sword takes a moment after Raymond gives the first question, clearly mulling it over for weight or any flaws. After a moment it 'speaks', though only Raymond and the Corpse can hear.


"Awake fully corpse, and attend thy current purpose! Whom was it, by Title and House and Name, that hath slain thee and laid thy body low?"

[Ezeze]

Han's voice comes from his corpse - an eerie sight, given how obvious it is that the man is dead.

I was slain by the Commander Sebastian, and by a number of men with him whose names and ranks I do not know.

[Cognomen]

Chain only:

Iria keeps her features imperious despite this unexpected and very badly timed development. She does put on a look of irritation and disdain for the man's benefit. "Does the Commander intend, then, to answer my questions regarding what he may or may not know of the disaster that befell us this afternoon? For his sake, I certainly hope so." She fixes the messenger with a cold gaze, her pale face made paler by grief and stress. "Wait here. I shall need to change briefly"-- she's still wearing the gown splattered with her nephew's blood-- "but it will take no more than three or four minutes. Do not come inside; the room is trapped."

She leaves the nervous lackey at the foot of the stairs, closing the door in his face, and bounds up the staircase as fast as she can, stopping along the way in her actual bedroom to gather up a set of her usual wizard's robes -- the red brocade with the intricate geometric gold-thread designs, she thinks, remembering all the blood. What does the pompous bloody fellow want? Is this a trap? Oh Gods, I had no time to prepare new spells, no time-- She heads to a drawer and pulls it open, revealing a hodge-podge of those alchemical ingredients and potions she keeps in here rather than upstairs; she hesitates over these briefly and then slips a valuable potion of invisibility, a vial of cure light wounds, and a small smokestick into her belt pouch. She then checks to make sure the massive armoire in the corner of this room is as empty as she remembers it, and yes, apart from a couple of moth-eaten old robes, there is room for the Queen and the baby to hide if need be.

Iria then heads up the stairs to Rue and David. After stepping into the room she hastily explains the situation to the Queen, then sets her features in a grim expression. "To be blunt, Rue, I do not trust Sebastian's motives in wanting to question me, because I trust very, very few people today. I will come back as soon as I am able... if they do not imprison me." Or kill me."You must stay here with David. As you know the front door is trapped. The mechanism is simple; do not step on the welcome mat, but look for a tiny alcove in the wall to the left of the door and push down the button inside it until you hear a click. Only open the door to myself, your brother or Edward."

Iria takes a deep breath, looking around to see if she's forgotten anything. Her eyes light upon her spellbook. If only... but no, there's too great a risk they might take it from her. Instead, she picks up her only other dagger (generally used inappropriately to cut her food) and slips it out of sight behind her belt pouch. "All right. The door below this one is unlocked; in that room is an armoire big enough for you and David to hide in if you can hear anyone other than us entering. You can also reach the roof by climbing the stairs. Naxos has a pigeoncoop up there - he was breeding them - and there are various pieces of junk you could hide in or behind." She pauses for breath. "Leave the window to this room open, and the downstairs room if you can. If something happens to me and Thought can get free, he will come to tell you what has happened."

She reaches for the younger woman's hand and squeezes it. "Your brother and Edward will be back soon, with food. I will return as soon as I'm able."

With that, Iria is down the stairs again, dressed much more like herself, feeling both angry - how dare this petty soldier-beaurocrat disturb her, today of all days? - and worried (could he have been involved somehow? It was so well-organized, so planned; it must've taken many people and great preparation).

When she gets down to the front door again, she opens it, gives her haughtiest look to the servant before stepping across the mat, then casually resets the trap in such a way as to make it look like she's just reaching for her keys. Once outside, she locks the door, and turns to the lackey. Thought, on her shoulder, screams at him wordlessly.

"Well," says the wizard, "Take us to your master."

[Ezeze]

Albert waits patiently for you to get your things - not least because he is now quivering in fear of you. He doesn't respond to your questions, assuming from your tone that they were rhetorical in nature.

Rue pays close attention to your instructions. The woman might not be as smart as you are (of course, few people are) but she's intelligent enough to recognize how important what you're saying is, and to do what you say. When you squeeze her hand she squeezes back; With Sebastian, take on an air of haughty superiority. Pretend that you're better than everyone else because of your parentage - he responds to that kind of thing - but agree with whatever he says if you possibly can. If you make him think you're 'on his side' he won't look as deeply at you. She takes the opportunity to pull you in for a quick hug thank you. Be careful. We'll come for you if you're not back by sunset.


When you return Albert is waiting almost exactly where you left him. He leads you, quickly and in silence, to the Guards' barracks on nearly the opposite side of the palace grounds, built into the wall nearest the city proper. When there he opens the door for you, announces your presence to Sebastian (even though he is less then ten feet away at a round table in the empty common room) and hurries off, presumably relieved to be away from you.


Ah, Lady Iria Sebastian says with a smile. He stands for you, as is proper for a gentleman welcoming a lady, and pulls a chair out for you near his. You notice that he is wearing armor and has his sword still strapped to his hip. It's not a plaything and he's not an amateur - you're quite sure he could kill you with it, should he need to. Please excuse the intrusion. I find myself needing to speak to many people in a very short amount of time.

Assuming you sit, he returns to his own chair and continues speaking without giving you much chance to respond. If you don't mind, my lady, I'd like to ask you a few questions about this afternoon - and about this morning. I am given to understand that you were originally scheduled to go hunting before dawn with the then-Prince and a number of others including Commander Luca. Is this true?

[Cognomen]

Iria has always believed Rue to be an intelligent girl -- she would have made a good pupil, if her birth had made her fate any different -- and so she takes Rue's advice regarding Sebastian seriously. She nods, gives a hint of a tired smile at Rue's promise to save her if need be, then pecks the Queen on the cheek and is down the stairs and off with Albert. She holds herself even more straight than usual as they walk, glad these particular robes are clean and that thus, with her height and her alien ears and her aristocratic profile, she can count on cutting something of an impressive figure in her wizard's finery.

When she is ushered into Sebastian's office she gives the commander a barely-visible fraction of a nod in acknowledgment, maintaining the imperious expression she's been wearing since she left the tower. "Indeed, Commander, I expect you do," she says coolly at his explanation of how many people he must see. She sits at his indication, gracefully and regally, her bearing that of someone of the highest birth, never mind her elven mother.

She listens to Sebastian's question and then nods, her expression still coolly imperious. "Yes, indeed I was. You are always well-informed, Commander. ...How unfortunate that you were not informed of what was to occur this afternoon." From Iria's point of view, this man, at the very least, has lost her her nephew and contributed to this disaster through incompetence, and, in the worst case, was part of the conspiracy against the royal family. She finds she cannot entirely hold her tongue.

Thought makes a low sort of mmmmmmring noise, odd for a raven, but Iria has been silently exhorting him to stay as silent and dignified as he can, and for the moment he does, gripping her shoulder and training one gleaming eye on the Commander.

[Ezeze]

Iria
Sebastian glares at you with anger in his eyes. You fear for a second that he'll physically lash out at you. Instead he says, with uncharacteristic coolness Yes. How unfortunate that I'm not blessed with the magical ability to see the future. Alas, I am only a guardsmen and not some powerful wizard.

He doesn't give the dig time to land. Instead he continues but as I was saying. We have reason to believe that my immediate subordinate, Commander Luca, was behind the plot that lead to Michael's murder. I wanted to confirm that he was there this morning when Michael was informed of his father's death, and so had time to issue these orders He holds up a number of closed scrolls which we found on the guardsmen we captured. They bear his signature, which we tested against previous orders that he'd issued.

[Cognomen]

Iria doesn't seem physically frightened by Sebastian's anger (though Thought spreads his wings momentarily, nearly knocking his mistress in the head). She does wince internally at the reminder of her own failure, and allows herself to look properly chastised for a brief moment before smoothing her features and regaining her dignity. She spends a second berating herself for not following Rue's advice before responding, her tone still poised (despite her opening apology), though a bit less cool than before.

"My apologies, Commander. I spoke in haste. My nephew and grandnephew's deaths have affected me badly, as I'm sure you'll understand." Perhaps the reminder of her relationship to the former King will help repair the damage; her impression of Sebastian has always been that he's easily impressed by such things.

But now to move on to the question of Luca, and whether Sebastian is being truthful... and onto trying something magical the wizard has only tried once or twice, years ago during her training: casting a spell while pretending not to. Time for serious concentration, Iria. The half-elf frowns deeply in apparent concern at Sebastian's information, mutters something that she hopes will sound like a muffled imprecation, shifts in her seat as if tense and makes a quick gesture meant to look like an expression of surprise or disgust. "Commander Luca! By the Gods!"

Then it's time for serious mental compartmentalization: attempting to hold a conversation while trying to divine the Commander's thoughts. Iria hears herself speaking while keeping her eyes on the man, straining to pick up on his thinking. "Luca - yes, I remember him there this morning. He offered condolences." Afraid of losing the spell, she doesn't speak further for the moment, or ask to see the papers.

OOC:
Ok, I hope this isn't completely insane, though I suspect it is - I can't tell if it's potentially against the rules, either. I have no idea what concentration DC would be in this situation, but here goes nothing.

Concentration check: [roll0]
Bluff, if needed: [roll1]
Diplomacy, in case that might help: [roll2]

If the spell works Iria will attempt to hold it for the full three rounds needed to detect surface thoughts, so here are more Concentration checks in case by some miracle this works and those are needed:
[roll3]
[roll4]

ETA: :smallfrown: Oh well. I guess it was worth a shot?

[Ezeze]

Iria


Sebastian
[roll0]
[roll1]

Iria
[roll2]

You attempt to pass your casting off as a harmless gesture. It's difficult, and you fumble it when you change the pronunciation of a few key syllables, but worse - you don't fool Sebastian.

With surprising speed and unexpected ferocity he lunges across the table, grabs your wrists and pulls you forward. Your ribs hit the table's edge when he slams your arms down against it. It hurts - you'll probably have bruises there later - and he leans his body weight into the grip he has on your wrists, holding them immobile.

Instinctively you try to pull back on your arms but it's like trying to bend steel. You are thoroughly trapped.

As violent as his actions are, Sebastian doesn't yell. Instead he leans in until his lips are very close to your pointed ear and whispers very calmly; you're a highborn lady. I'd like to treat you gently, and with respect, as a man of my station should. But I can't do that if you go trying to cast spells at me.

So, here is what is going to happen. I am going to let go. You are going to sit, and you're not going to try any more magic trickery, and I am going to go get you some food - because I'm sure you're hungry you actually are quite hungry, now that he mentions it, but your ribs also ache from the table's edge and your dignity is frayed and we're going to have a very civil conversation in which I ask some polite questions and you give some polite answers. Do you understand? He doesn't let go just yet. Instead, he gives you time to respond.

[iTookUrNick]

"Well, it's nice to have direct confirmation. We'll have to make a rrangements to preserve the corpse, just in case. A devil's advocate could argue that Sebastian got wind that Hans was plotting to kill the king, confronted him and slain him in self defense, before hurrying to the great hall to try and save the day... Thoughts?

Regarding the second question, I'm still hoping to find a witness to the scene, but if you came up with a better question go ahead and ask."

[Cognomen]

Iria is smart enough to stop struggling after her first instinctive attempt; she obviously can't do anything against the man physically. She hears Thought screech as she's attacked and he flaps off her shoulder, and she manages to send him an instruction to quiet down, not to provoke. She then finds that she is beyond fear, now -- in fact, her reaction as she goes passive is white-hot rage so encompassing that she cannot think at all for a moment, and she barely hears Sebastian's words. He may have nothing to do with what happened today. His claim that it was Luca may be true. But he is the Commander of the guards who betrayed her family; he is the first person to successfully attempt violence on her person today, which irrevocably mixes him up with the assassins in her mind; the dignity that is so painfully important to her is intolerably bruised; she is going to kill him.

But she does hear his words, and if there's to be any killing of anyone (except her, if she's not more careful) it's certainly not going to be now, much as she'd like to melt this brute's face off. So she responds, mastering her voice so that it stays deadly calm, so that the man won't have the satisfaction of hearing a waver he might misinterpret as fear.

"Indeed, Commander, you have made yourself quite clear. If you will let me back up, you will have your answers -- and food would be most welcome, thank you." From her tone, you'd never know she's pinned to a table; speaking of the food, she might've been responding politely to the fulfillment of a request she made herself.


I don't know if any rolls are needed here? Just in case:
Bluff: ]1d20+1
Diplomacy: [roll0]

[Lazy Genius]

Raymond mulled over the answer of the corpse unsurprised, and looked to Edward in disbelief. "A devil's advocate could say that, but it would be blatant lies, and moreover a waste of question if we ask such. I therefore recommend the following as our second question: 'What was the full name and title of the person here with you right before the attack on you (other than possibly me), and what was the nature of the relationship with this person?' as I suggested before." Raymond tensed a bit when he said this, almost made angry by the comment Edward had made. He took a small step to the man when he finished speaking, but quickly remembered the sword still in his hand and stuck in Hans' chest, then stepped back again. "I also know for a fact, that Hans' loyalty was unquestionable. His death has only confirmed this for me."

Though we're not doing much else other than talk, it helps me stay in character if more than speech is incorporated into the IC post, as otherwise we might as well have the discussion OOC...

[iTookUrNick]

"Of course it would be a bunch of lies. What else would you expect from someone who has the word devil's in his job description? Still, the burden of the proof rest on the accuser, and we must make sure to cover all possibilities. That's all.

Go ahead and ask your question.I was not suggesting otherwise, but merely pointing out the possibility, so we might be prepared if it comes up."

[Ezeze]

Edward, Raymond, Icarus
OOC

What was the full name and title of the person here with you right before the attack on you (other than possibly me), and what was the nature of the relationship with this person?

As phrased, this would be two questions.

Iria
Sebastian releases you and leaves you, alone, in the guard's main hall.

(ooc: I'm going to give you the opportunity to do stuff! You don't have to take it :smallwink: but it's there)

[Lazy Genius]

Raymond nodded in grim determination and approval when Edward confirmed his thoughts. So, Hans, our second question is: 'What was the full name and title of the person here with you right before the attack on you (other than possibly me), and what was the nature of the relationship with this person?' He said this as he turned back to Hans, and his face twisted as he was suddenly once again aware that the man was, in fact, dead.

[Snacs]

"The spell allows but two questions, and thou hast already asked one of them. Not three questions" The sword's voice reminds with a sigh in Raymond's mind, and goes silent as it waits for a better idea for a question.


I really couldn't think of how to word that question any better in a way that helps us from what you gave<_<.

[iTookUrNick]

"It's not working. Try and rephrase it to: 'What was the full name, title and relationship to you of the person here with you right before the attack on you (other than possibly me)?"

[Snacs]

"Whom, by title and House and business, didst thou speak with other than Sebastian and Raymond prior to thy slaying?" The sword said finally.

[Ezeze]

Raymond, Edward and IcarusA few seconds more pass when Hans says nothing, then

No title. No house. A nurse.

Then the corpse seems content to say nothing.

[Cognomen]

Iria sits, composed, dignified, with her hands folded neatly in front of her... until Sebastian leaves. Then she's on her feet, quickly exploring the room and letting off a little steam. She lets herself briefly fantasize about caltrops and acid orbs and magical flames and what all those things could do to the big man, but quickly pushes those thoughts away. All right. What's here? A big table. A closet. Steps. Very little else. I could escape. He didn't lock the door; I'd have heard it. "Leave!" squawks Thought, pacing up and down the table, bobbing his head at her in an urgent way. Iria shushes him. He knows exactly where to find us, Thought. And he'd find Rue; no one must find Rue until I know who we can trust.

In her circuit of the room, Iria pauses in front of the closet, tempted to try opening it. No. Not enough time. She makes her way back to the table, looking down at the scrolls Sebastian earlier claimed hold the proof of Luca's treachery. Luca. Really. She hadn't known Luca terribly well by any means, but it's difficult to imagine the man coordinating this -- not that anything that's happened today has been less than absurd.

Iria picks the scrolls up and examines them closely, wishing she had more experience studying forgeries. While she's at it, she mumbles a couple of magic words to herself and makes a pass over the paper, hoping to sense whether anything arcane has happened to it.


Cast Detect Magic on the scrolls (since Detect Magic involves a 60-ft cone, I assume she'd be casting it on part of the room, as well? but the scrolls are her focus). She'll keep it up as long as it takes in order to get as much information as possible (if there is any info to be had) -- unless she hears Sebastian about to come back in, in which case she'll immediately drop the spell.

Some checks that seem potentially useful:

Appraise: [roll0]
Decipher Script: [roll1]
Knowledge (local): [roll2]
Spot: [roll3]

[Ezeze]

Iria
The scrolls are not magical. In fact, nothing in the room is magical. This isn't particularly odd; magic is fairly rare.

There are two scrolls. One, dated about three weeks ago, is a fairly standard order regarding a change in routes signed by Luca.

The second is much less ordinary. There is no date on it.


The King is dead and his Bastard Son is set to ascend the throne tonight. For the memories of those we lost in the Lehi conflict, we cannot allow the usurper, the false king with his traitorous queen, to hold the crown! We will strike this afternoon before the sacred jewels ever touch his tainted head!

In the name of Gahad! In the name of the True King!
-Commander Luca

And the signatures of the two are completely identical, no matter what form of scrutiny you use.

[iTookUrNick]

"Ok, we have a possible witness we should seek out. Let's stop by the kitchen, grab some food and go back to discuss priorities together. Our time is not limitless, and my stomach is rumbling"

[Lazy Genius]

As soon as Hans had answered the second question, Raymond retrieved the sword and re-sheathed it at the place now almost reserved for solely it after using it not-so-ceremoniously earlier that day. He then shifted the position of his shield to a more comfortable one, and turned back to Edward. "Seems like a sound plan; food then back to my sister for conversation." Unless Edward objects, Raymond quickly got a blanket from Hans' bed and draped it over the man, so serviceable even in death, and marched out of the room and on to the kitchen in his usual pace, once more forgetting not everyone had such a large step.

Raymond's speed is still 40ft (and he's hustling), so unless you want to run half the time (or rather, one-third of the time), you'd better have Edward say something to him. :smallamused:

Why do this? Because, well, it seemed enough like Raymond to do so. :smalltongue:

[Ezeze]

Edward, Raymond and Icarus
(ooc: I'm going to jump a little bit, if that's okay.)

It's a fairly short walk from the Royal Guard's Barracks to the Great Dinning Hall. The front lawn is still littered with wounded and priests are going back and forth between them. Somber looking men and women are working to move the bodies and servants dash about doing gods only know. So once again it's easier to go through the back door.

The kitchens are eerily empty. You get them to the dinning hall without incident. There the food that was supposed to be a feast and celebration for the new King is instead being consumed by tired, thoughtful and morose people of all ranks either eating alone or in small groups. You are not the only ones packing up dishes to take elsewhere and no one is really paying attention so you can gather up enough food for five without causing a fuss.

From there the walk back to Iria's tower is uneventful as well. But when you knock and call for the Wizardess it's Rue who lets you in instead.

Oh, thank the gods you're back she says. A guard came a little while ago and took Iria for questioning. She hasn't been gone for too long, but I told her that if she wasn't back by sunset we'd come for her.

At this point, sunset is half an hour or so away.

[Lazy Genius]

Halfway through walking back to Iria's tower, Raymond realizes he was walking a bit too fast for Edward to keep up comfortably and slowed his pace. Having arrived at the tower, and finding that his sister had to grant them access, he looked concerned. "Has anyone else come here since that time? Did anyone see you here?" He immediately moved inside after Rue had disarmed the traps and made to close the door as soon as Edward had entered. He went upstairs then, wary for the traps they encountered the first time.

[Ezeze]

Edward, Raymond and Icarus
Moving inside you notice that Rue's got a dagger tucked into her belt. Well, that's good at least. Maybe. If she knows how to use it.

I don't think anyone has seen me? And no, no one else has come since.

The guy that came and asked for her was really polite about it. If we rush to Iria's aid and she's not in trouble she might find herself in trouble very quickly. If she needs us and we don't show up, though... Rue lets the sentence hang, unwilling to finish it.

[Cognomen]

Iria furrows her brows as she examines the scrolls and, very carefully, determines them to be -- as far as she can tell -- authentic. Or, at least, the signature on the damning scroll certainly seems to match Luca's signature on the older scroll. If only I'd ever had enough reason to see his signature to know for sure that both of these are actually his. Thought squawks something that sounds like commiseration. He flits here and there in the room, looking for food.

The wizard puts the scrolls down where Sebastian left them and slowly makes her way back to her seat, thinking. So. It's perfectly possible Sebastian is telling the truth -- or believes he is, anyway. Gods damn it, I wish I'd been able to pull off that spell. She winces at the memory, feels another flash of hot rage and humiliation, and again briefly indulges in a fantasy involving applying flames to certain sensitive parts of the Commander's body before turning her attention to the real problem at hand.

Michael a bastard -- ridiculous. How could anyone believe that, given how much he looked like his father...? I remember Tatiana holding him after he was born. But she's been dead a long time, I suppose, and the dead are easy to slander. Iria grimaces, looking across the table at the scrolls and suddenly feeling very tired. The living, too. Whose interest would it serve to accuse Michael of illegitimacy? ...Well, anyone who wanted to usurp his throne, obviously. Would Ferdinand do such a thing? She passes a hand across her eyes in fatigue. Why bother with false claims when you can just kill people straight out? ...Oh, Iria, you know no one wants life to be that simple.

Thought hops to stand on the table near Iria and tilts his head, looking at her with one eye. "Gotta leave here," he says. "Hungry." She feels him nearly mention the baby before remembering that he's not supposed to; she nearly scowls at him, but then sighs and pats his head with one finger. Thank you for being so good today, Thought. I'll give you a treat when we go home, I promise.

Meanwhile, where is that man? Is ever coming back? Her stomach rumbles.

[iTookUrNick]

"This is less than ideal" comments Edward at the news. He's still a little winded after matching Ray's pace, even if the distance they travelled was not long. "Ok, change of plans: finding and extracting lady Iria is our top priority. Chances are she's in the city guard HQ. We should start from there."

[Ezeze]

Iria
Sebastian gives Iria time to cool off; maybe he is smarter than he appears at first glance.

When he comes back in he holds in front of him a large platter of food - meats, cheeses, vegetables and bread - and places it before you. After he does so he takes a small piece of meat, chews and swallows it. He doesn't comment any further before he sits across from you with a polite smile on his face.

Edward, Raymond and Icarus
Alright. Rue nods But, uh, what if she's not in trouble? Maybe you guys should come up with some sort of cover story to explain why you are looking for her? Something with a little bit of urgency and weight to it, so anyone who has her can't just tell you to come back later, but something that's not easily verifiable either...

[Cognomen]

Iria's ribs smart again at the very sight of Sebastian and it takes a bit of an effort to keep her face smooth, but, of course, she's had years of practice hiding her true feelings. She notes his gesture regarding the meat, looks him in the eye, and gives a fraction of a nod. "Thank you, Commander." Her tone remains as neutral as she can make it.

He only tasted the meat, so gods know whether the rest of the food is safe, but the sight of it makes her even more conscious of how much she's starving. Sebastian doesn't need to resort to poison to kill her, and she finds she doesn't care much right now about the various other reasons someone might have for poisoning her. Still, Iria avoids the cheese and vegetables, as tempting as they look, and improvises a sandwich, piling a generous helping of meat onto some of the bread.

Despite her hunger she thinks she manages not to be overly indecorous about bolting the first few swallows. After she's eaten those, she slows down enough to hand Thought a cold cut and address the officer. Speaking with her hands is an old, old habit, but she tries to keep them still, to make no gestures that might be interpreted as spellcasting. She keeps herself busy with the sandwich and indicates the scrolls with her chin.

"As I imagine you knew I would, Commander, I took the liberty of examining those in your absence. That is a very disturbing document indeed, and I am shocked. Is there any indication of where Commander Luca might have heard such slander about the King? I suppose he might have invented it himself, but why?"

[iTookUrNick]

"That is a valid concern. Let's think of something on our way, Ray. Please stay put, your majesty"

[Lazy Genius]

As reluctant as Ray is to leave his sister alone, again, he decides that there's no other way and starts to make his way downstairs and leave again, but not before physically saying goodbye to his nephew and sister in the appropriate manners. Once downstairs and outside, he begins talking, "I suppose a possible excuse could be that we need her help with interrogating the prisoners, as she has magical abilities to detect if we're being lied to." When he finishes speaking, he adjusts his pace as he finally realizes Edward had to run to keep up with him, but doesn't make it any slower than necessary.

[Ezeze]

Iria
Sebastian pales. You read the what now? He pulls the scrolls close, protectively. Alright, maybe you were giving the man too much credit. He continues anyways I don't much care where Luca heard what. I only know that the common-born rat is a traitor and that he's going to hang for it.

What I want to do right now is to establish a timeline for where the man went and what he did between hearing of King Joseph's death and executing Michael's murder, to find any accomplices he had. So tell me what you know.

Edward, Raymond and Icarus
Rue seems upset to once again be unable to help, but she doesn't question the wisdom of the plan. She lets the two of you out past the traps again, then rearms them behind her.

[Cognomen]

Iria is, fleetingly, a little surprised by Sebastian's own obvious surprise at her examination of the scrolls -- she is a diviner, after all, and he seems relatively canny -- but she tries to hide it. She nods at his question and chews thoughtfully, going back over the events of the morning in her mind (and handing Thought, who's already scarfed down his beef, another slice). "Indeed, Commander, that seems only reasonable. It has been a chaotic day... let me see." She pauses for a moment to chew another bite and order the events of the morning in her mind.

At this point, Iria sees no reason to lie to Sebastian, so, when she speaks again, everything she says is the truth as far as she can remember. "Father Fidel came to tell us of King Joshua's death just before we set out, as I'm sure you know. I remember Luca offering his condolences right away." Her mouth twists bitterly. "He seemed sincere, the wretch." Did Luca really do this? If so, did he plot it alone?

She takes a deep breath and keeps going. "I turned my attention to my nephew, as one might expect. He issued various instructions. Luca offered to come back to the palace with him..." she trails off, hunting for Luca's exact words, then goes on. "...in case of any 'would-be assassins.' Those were his words." Michael had also said something about Luca's grievances with Sebastian, hadn't he? Iria isn't sure why, but she decides to keep that particular tidbit to herself unless Sebastian asks about it. "The King demurred. He ordered Luca to go tell you there would be a ceremony at the Palace tonight, and a number of guardsmen would be required in the Grand Hall. Luca then asked to borrow a horse, and left in the direction of the Palace. King Michael asked Master Edward and Father Fidel to inform Queen Jessica, and then he and Raymond rode off in turn."

Iria finishes her sandwich and eyes the platter of food as she concludes, stress and grief warring with what's left of her hunger. For the moment, she doesn't take anything more. "The King had ordered me to tell Majordomo Williams to meet him, so I rode for the Palace myself. I did not see Commander Luca again, or the King, until the ceremony."

[iTookUrNick]

"I would rather not have tipped off our opponents on the fact that she can do that, should they be ignorant of it, but it is probably the strongest argument we can muster."

[Lazy Genius]

Raymond looks a bit distant when he says the next part, though perfectly focused on both walking at a brisk pace and keeping conversation. "I do agree it is information they need not know, but also possibly information they already know, and as you have said, our best excuse to get her out of there peacefully." Once they'd agreed on their course of action, Ray kept walking to the barracks of the city guard uninterrupted, though when he had his hand to the door to knock, he looked back and said quietly "Of course, actual conversation is never a bad thing if it helps our cause." He seemed deep in thought as he said this, as if having a quarrel with himself, and then knocked on the door quickly, expressing a sort of urgency.

[Ezeze]

Iria
I see. You've been very helpful, my Lady.

Sebastian remains silent for a moment then begins speaking again in a slower, more deliberate tone. Lady Iria. I regret the need to have been rough with you earlier. Though you are a powerful spellcaster and I know little of magic... No, that does not excuse my behavior. I apologize. It would pain me deeply if you did not feel safe in my company, or did not feel that you could come to me for protection if you needed it. We were both shamed by what happened in the Grand Hall today and shame begets anger, but if we start fighting amongst ourselves...

He is cut off abruptly by a knock at the door. With a quick excuse me he raises from the table and crosses the room to answer it.

Everyone

Sebastian, in full armor with a sword at his side, answers the door to Raymond's knock. Seated at a table behind him with a platter of food is the Lady Iria who can in turn see Prince Raymond and Master Edward standing in the doorway.

Is there a problem? Has something happened? Sebastian asks with worry in his voice. Heralds at such a late hour rarely bring good news, and after the events of the day...

[iTookUrNick]

Edward is about to answer, but decides against it. Judging from earlier interactions, he suspects Ray would stand a better chance of successfully interact with the captain. He stands ready to support the knight if the opportunity arises.

[Lazy Genius]

Raymond, completely unsurprised the by aura of innocence worn so naturally by this man, was unfazed. "Yes, in fact, there is a problem, and yes once more, something has happened." This was all he said before he entered the room without further invitation and let Edward in after him. He didn't so much as try to reach for his own sword, just to seem more trusting and give Sebastian more reason to believe his cover isn't wasted. Once inside, he went to stand by the table, with his own body roughly between Iria and the man, before he spoke again.

"However, we need lady Iria on a matter relating to our ongoing investigation into the murderers of the King." He then, slowly, turned to lady Iria and explained in slightly more detail. "We need some questions answered and think that with your help we have the best chance of them being answered correctly." Though he purposefully made everything he said as vague as possible, so as not to be untrue and have someone catch him on lying, but so that it could still be construed by Sebastian as something he could help with, possibly triggering him into helping them.

Comments on Ray's vocal expressions: Sebastian is the Problem, and something has happened is literally just about always true.
'a matter relating to our ongoing investigation': We need info about Sebastian
'some questions answered': like "what does he know?" and "what is he doing."

:smalltongue:

[Ezeze]

You... Your investigation of the King's murder? Sebastian's voice is filled with rage and incredulity. It's understandable, this is technically his jurisdiction.

The guard wheels back on his heels to keep Raymond within his sight, turning his back on Edward in the process. By whose orders? You are exceeding your authority, Prince. He spits the title at Raymond, a reminder that he is not of Gahad - regardless of how long he has lived here.

Edward
Didn't Ahaziah explicitly tell you guys not to let Sebastian know that you were investigating, since he's got a lot of pull in the armed sections of the palace's residents?

Just saying.

[Cognomen]

Iria lifts a delicate eyebrow at the sight of her two recent companions (is that slight relief on her face, just in passing?). She carefully folds the napkin with which she'd been eating it and places it on the table as Raymond comes to speak to her.

"Indeed," she says, nodding slightly, when the Prince is finished. Is he trying to tell me Sebastian is the problem? Very interesting.She is about to continue when Sebastian interrupts indignantly. She rises from her chair but does not make a move to leave the room.

Instead, she smooths down her robes in a studied manner. "Surely, gentlemen, it is only understandable that, as among those most concerned, we should all be keen to solve this case. Of course, one understands the proper channels wish to be respected, but, as the Commander just conveyed to me, I do hope we can all work together." She looks at Thought and he flaps his way to perch on her shoulder. "In any case, I am afraid that as far as I'm concerned, good sirs, my powers have been essentially exhausted for the day. They will be of use to no one's investigation until I have had extensive rest and the chance to study in my tower."

She looks at Sebastian. "Commander, if I may take my leave? You, of course, know where to find me should you have further questions or if I may be of some further use."

[iTookUrNick]

Frack. This is not what Edward had in mind when he thought Ray would handle things better. Something must be done to defuse the situation, and possibly reassure Sebastian that his position is secure. He speaks in a conciliatory tone.

"Gentlemen, please, let's all keep our composure. Captain, you are of course correct in your indignation: this is your jurisdiction, and the case is yours. No one, not even the Price here, denies that.

However, the tragedy that befell our nation today bear heavily on Prince Raymond's shoulders, as he was tasked with protecting the king. The queen regent granted him permission to personally look into the matter as a chance to redeem himself, and perhaps make peace with his failure. She did so because she thought the prince would so anyway, so rest assured that Ray is not trying to take your place in this!

Chance willed that we overheard your messenger mentioning your success in capturing the rogue guards. We thought it would be a good idea to come here for information; your position makes you a likely source of information regarding the culprits. At the same time, lady Iria witnessed the incident from a vantageous position, and we thought she could help clear a few details. Since she did not answer her door, we came here, as we would have done if she had."
I think I managed not to lie at all within my speech, even if I certainly cut it close.

[Ezeze]

Sebastina exhales heavily. To Edward's explanation he simply replies I see. Then he turns to Iria.

You may, of course, take your leave My Lady. Might I escort you back to your tower? The walk is a long one, and it will probably be dark before you arrive. The man seems genuinely eager to be of assistance.

[Lazy Genius]

Raymond tried to act completely unsurprised by the man's outrage, and when Edward explained the situation in as sensible a way as possible, Ray was relieved the more cunning of the two of them had decided to attempt to resolve his anger. When he almost mumbled "I see" Ray kept looking at him, a bit intrigued, yet happily surprised that he was so timid all of a sudden. At once, when he proposed to walk Iria to her tower, he felt he had to cut in. That's not a good idea, let's put a stop to that. He then spoke with the same solid voice as before, as if uninterrupted.

"Actually Sebastian, I feel we should have the honor of escorting my lady Iria to her home, we will have things to discuss in any case, and we're heading out regardless."

Wait wait wait, wait wait wait, wait wait; His jurisdiction? How is the murder of a Royal not in the jurisdiction of the head of the Royal Guard, but instead of the City Guard? Do tell. :smallannoyed:

[Cognomen]

Sebastian wants to walk her home? Where Rue is, and might answer the door? And now Ray is jumping in as if to fight Sebastian for this dubious honor, making Sebastian more likely to persist? Iria needs to put a stop to this immediately. She raises another eyebrow at the men, trying to keep her face essentially blank, with a hint of tired amusement. (She's so tired, in fact, that, despite her annoyance, the amusement isn't even all that fake. They're arguing over who should protect her on the walk home, the day she was nearly slaughtered onstage with much of her family? Really?)

"I appreciate your concerns for my safety, gentlemen, but I assure you, though I am undoubtedly depleted by today's events, I am far from defenseless. If anyone attacks me he will regret it, and I would far prefer to take myself home. An evening walk alone to contemplate the day's events would be most welcome; in any case, it is my custom to walk the grounds after dinner." This is the truth, and any of the men present may have seen her doing so on more than one occasion.

She pushes herself up from the table. Thought squawks and shuffles his wings, adjusting to her movement and resettling himself on her shoulder. "In any case, gentlemen, should you have more questions, you all know where to find my tower." Turning away from Sebastian so that he won't see her, under the guise of fiddling with her robes a bit more, she shoots Edward a look she hopes will convey that he and Ray should meet her there in a little while.

[iTookUrNick]

"The lady hath spoken, and it would be unseemly not to heed her words. We shall thus adjourn this meeting for the time being, and convene here again on the morrow."

With that, Edward opens the door to lady Iria, chivalrously showing her forward with a bow and a poised arm.

[Cognomen]

Iria nods at Edward's courtesy, and looks to Sebastian to make sure he won't stop her from leaving alone.


Assuming he doesn't, she'll be heading straight back to her tower.

[Ezeze]

Sebastian inclines his head slightly - not a bow, but a gesture of respect to be sure. As you wish, My Lady. I hope you don't doubt the sincerity of what I've said. His tone and posture are those of a model gentleman.

He then turns his attention to Raymond with a glare on his face. As for you. I shall answer any questions you have in the morning. Get out.

[iTookUrNick]

Ed does not wait to be asked twice. He puts a hand on Raymond's shoulder and maneuvers the pair out of the room.

[Cognomen]

"Indeed, Commander, I shall." Iria acknowledges Sebastian's courtesy with a fraction of a nod; her face remains impassive.

Once she's out the door and away from the Commander's gaze, however, that changes, and a deep scowl etches herself on her features, visible periodically in the light from lanterns or torches. Thought launches himself off her shoulder and flies towards home; a couple of screeches of "Bad man! Bad man!" can be heard floating down from the night sky before he makes it to the open window of the tower study.

Iria walks briskly (even angrily), addressing Edward and Ray as she goes. She pitches her voice to avoid being heard by anyone else who might be near. "Gentlemen, let us get to my tower; we have much to discuss, but not out here."

Once she gets to the tower, she opens it and deal with the traps, careful to reset them after the two men enter (assuming they come in with her). She makes her way quickly up the stairs to her study, hoping to find Rue safe and sound.

[Ezeze]

Rue is indeed safe, and is happy to see that you are the same. She welcomes you, then mostly stays out of your way - perhaps partially because of the scowl on your face.

[iTookUrNick]

Edward looks about little until he spots what he was looking for:
"Ah, finally. We are about to discuss matters of great import; shocking revelations will be made. It would not do to go through that on an empty stomach". He smiles to the others, passing the food around, then finds a chair for himself, careful not to disturb the stacks of written parchment lying around.

To the young queen: "Thank you for waiting on os for this meal your majesty: we are honored for your kindness, even if we must counsel you to put opportunity before properness in times such as these."

To Lady Iria: "I assume, by virtue of your 'friendly chat' with the captain, that you are the bearer of the most interesting news among us. Would you care to share first, or would you rather hear from us first?"

[Cognomen]

Iria lets out an audible breath of relief at the sight of Rue safe and sound, and nearly hugs the younger woman (remembering, in time, the presence of the men and the rules of decorum). "Thank the gods you're safe. That brute of a Commander assures me he is my ally" -- she grimaces in distaste and briefly places a hand to her ribs -- "but I feared people's reluctance to come here wouldn't stop him from having the tower searched. Did anyone come while we were gone? We must get you and the Prince to safety as soon as possible."

She makes sure the door is locked and the traps are reset, accepts a small portion of food with a murmur of thanks, and sits behind her big desk. "Thank you - Sebastian offered me food, but it seemed safest not to eat much of it." Her training in basic politeness kicks in, and she gestures towards the drinks table in the corner. "Please, everyone, serve yourself whatever you'd like. Also, Master Edward, Prince Raymond, I must thank you for coming to find me -- I believe I was in danger, at least in moments."

She nods at Edward's question about telling her story first and starts speaking, taking a bite once in a while as she does so. "Indeed, it was a most disturbing meeting. Sebastian claimed to want my account of what happened when we received the news of King Joshua, and -- after manhandling me, I might add -- he showed me a parchment, apparently signed by Commander Luca. It contained slanderous claims about King Michael and the order for his assassination. I examined it along with another order signed by Luca that Sebastian had with him. The signatures appeared authentic, nothing looked tampered with, but I'm not familiar with the man's handwriting."

Thought prances across the desk and squawks at Iria -- ah, right, I promised him a treat. She pulls open a drawer and rummages around, coming up with, randomly enough, an egg. She puts it in the bird's general vicinity, ignores him while he delightedly pecks it open, and keeps addressing the other humans. "The documents seem quite damning, but there's something I don't trust about Sebastian. I tried to read his thoughts, but he detected my attempt, put a violent stop to it and threatened me with further mistreatment." Rage passes across her face at the memory, then fades as she focuses again.

"I didn't tell him, but I remembered Michael saying something to Luca this morning about how Luca's concerns or grievances with Sebastian would have to wait. Do any of you know what that might have meant? Are the two men rivals? And there was an odd thing - I looked at the scrolls while Sebastian was out of the room, and when I told him I'd done so he seemed oddly alarmed." She takes a breath. "I believe that sums it up. It is unfortunate I couldn't read his thoughts. I take it from your words, Master Edward, that you gentlemen made some discoveries?"

[iTookUrNick]

"Indeed, your tale is quite disturbing. From what I remember Sebastian has always been unpleasant, but never impolite, and by what you are telling me he sounds positively agitated. It might be a good thing for us, forcing him into making a mistake, except that people make some rash, and possibly dangerous, decisions when cornered.

As for your question, I am afraid I did not interact with Mr. Luca myself, being concerned with the hunt first and the news of the king's death shortly thereafter. By the gods, was that only this morning? It feels like a lifetime ago. Father Fidel might have been in a position to better follow the conversation, but alas he did not make it either.

Now, back to our own tale: our experience was probably less filled with anxiety, but not less shocking. Prince Raymond here led me to the lodging of his colleague in the Royal guard; he goes by the name of Hans, I'me sure you know who am I speaking about. Well, we found his dead body, having scribbled part of the name 'Sebastian' with his own blood on the ground. A cursory search of the area revealed the presence of another person, probably friendly, at or before the time of death.

Then, and I'm only stating out the facts here, the prince improvised himself high priest and questioned his friend's corpse, learning that the killer was indeed Sebastian, and that a nurse might have witnessed the encounter. I will leave it to the prince to clarify some of the more puzzling details, if he decides to do so."

[Lazy Genius]

Where Iria nearly hugs Rue, Raymond did, and had no such qualms as to stop him from doing so. The way he initiated the hug, arms spread walking straight toward her, almost made it hard for Iria to dodge the hug and be forced into it as well. "Good to see you're alright, sister." When this was done, he went over to the young King, if not entwined with Rue, and tickled him a bit, before drowning him in a hug as well. Finally, he listened to the start of an influx of information.

When Iria thanked the men for coming to her aid, Raymond waved it away,and said, "no thanks are in order my lady," then continued to listen attentively, and with growing anger and resentment toward Sebastian. He manhandled her? The animal! He stays quiet, however, and lets Edward do the talking to explain what they had stumbled upon, as all that they had seen, or at least almost all, was old new to him.

[iTookUrNick]

Edward lets his last sentence hang a little more in the silence, hoping to prod the prince into sharing his own accounts of the events and fill in some of the blanks. The prince seems a little distracted, possibly because he already knew what was being said, and has perhaps missed his clue.

[Cognomen]

Iria, done with her food, folds her hands on the desk in front of her and listens carefully as Edward tells his tale. She raises an eyebrow at Edward's description of Sebastian as unpleasant - in her limited interactions with him before today, the Commander had, if anything, seemed sycophantic. Of course, I may be a bastard, but I'm a royal bastard. She grimaces in understanding and shared emotion at Edward's expression of surprise that Joshua's death was just this morning - Will I ever have time to grieve? My brother, my nephew, my apprentice...

The wizard's grimace turns into a frown of faint alarm as Edward explains about the body and the name scrawled in blood. When the master of hunt gets to the part about questioning a corpse, however, the alarm stops being faint; both of her eyebrows climb up into her hairline and she starts, nearly standing up before making herself settle back down into her chair. She's so (visibly) shocked that she can't muster any speech for a moment as Edward's words ring in the air.

When she finally does speak, it's to Raymond, and while she is controlling her tone it's obviously a strain to do so. "I ... see. I had no idea you were adept in the art of magic, Prince Raymond, much less possessed of powers as strong as that which Master Edward describes. And necromancy...?" She cuts that sentence short, not wanting to offend, but she has a horror of necromancy. She chose long ago never to study or engage in it, and has trouble hiding her distaste for and fear of it. Still. Maybe in this case it was useful. ...And, honestly, she finds that despite her revulsion, her eternal curiosity has kicked in (how did he do it?).

She speaks up up again. "I must admit I am very curious about your methods. I am not familiar with this school of magic and would enjoy conversing on the subject, if we ever find the time and you are willing -- but, for the moment, can you tell me more of this event? Is the spell involved reliable -- can the corpse's report be trusted? Can the body be made to speak again in the presence of further witnesses, so that we may gather people around us if Sebastian must be opposed?"

[Ezeze]

He hurt you? Rue returns Raymond's hug, then goes to fuss over Iria I had no idea he'd be so cruel to a Lady. I should have never let you go. I'm so glad Edward and Raymond were able to get you away from him safely.

I don't believe anyone has come near the tower since you left, but I've mostly been staying away from the windows.

When the topic of necromancy is broached Rue falls silent. She goes and sits next to Raymond near where David is playing with a small stuffed animal Rue must have had with her (it certainly doesn't look near strange or eldritch enough to be one of Iria's things). She seems content to quietly await her older brother's response. Necromancy is not well thought of within Gahad particularly and wizards of that school feature prominently in fairy tales and stories meant to make children behave. Other human kingdoms tend to be slightly more lenient of it, however, and neither Rue nor Raymond is actually from Gahad.

[Lazy Genius]

When necromancy is spoken of in relation to Raymond, he nods slowly and stays quiet for a long moment. He accepts Rue's company and puts an arm around her. He then stayed in this position for what seemed like an eternity, but finally he stood up, slowly retrieving his arm from Rue again, and while all of his imposing form is still present, he let his shoulders sag and seemed to finally take a more relaxed, almost non-vigilant stance. When he speaks, it is deliberate and slow, each word articulated, almost exaggeratedly so. "While it should be no secret that there was indeed a Necromancy Spell cast on dear Hans, it should be noted that this was not cast by myself."

"I don't believe I've ever told you what my function in the War was, when it was fought? I think now is the time to do so. I started out as a soldier, a man of the sword, though I still was a prince, I had no other function, even if I was treated differently. Only one fateful day one man landed a cut deep into my right shoulder, I still have the scar of it. Any other man, they would've forsake his arm, but I was a prince, and everything had to be done to try and make sure I could keep my arm. In the end, I did, but I wasn't able to use it for several months. I refused to let this bar me from combat, but that's another story. Over the course of those several months, I spent time with the priests, and they taught me a thing or two about the Divine."

He paced the room slowly and made gestures with his hands while talking this whole time, and paused when he said 'Divine'. At which point he unsheathed the sword he had been carrying since this morning, and while talking, extended it, hilt-first, to Iria. "Though clearly I know my fair share of Divine magic now, the spell was too powerful for me to cast myself. I would like to now present you with the caster of said spell, you can direct all questions regarding it to her." He presented the sword, hilt-first, as the apparent caster, and gave no further explanation, though he did hint that he wasn't foreign to magic himself.

Oh noes, it's backstory elaboration.
The other story (about refusing not to go fight), is the reason he likes to fight with his shield more now than with his sword. Sometimes he doesn't even wield a sword if he knows he's going to do a lot of casting.

Anyway, I hope this can clear things up a bit, also for the players, not just for the characters. :smallwink:

[iTookUrNick]

Edward follows the explanation carefully, past the man's recollection, and with a note of concern in the end. He is not surprised that a third party was responsible for the feat of magic, but he did not expect an object, and a sentient one at that! Yet, he is no stranger to alien intelligences that speak inside one's head, and he feels he would be a better judge of the object's motives; in addition, he would probably be in a better position to witstand any ill effect it she might throw their way. He might be wrong, of course.

"Do you mind, friend?" he asks, exending one arm but not touching the sword. "I agree it's usually ladies first, but in this case I feel I would do well to make a preliminary inspection..."

If allowed (let's just assume so), he puts his hand on the pommel and tries to feel the spirit of the sword. If not, no biggie.

[Snacs]

For a moment the sword sits in Edward's hand, gleaming with sharp intensity. Well-weighted and well-made yet seemingly just a well-crafted blade. But before Edward can complain it shifts, the weight tipping suddenly in his grip. The druid finds himself holding a tall staff of polished, dark heartwood, capped at either end by stout, intricately carved steel filigree.


A dry tone, raspy like the unfolding of old scrolls fills Edward's head.

"Ah, thou hast the Gift. Not the Arcane of course, but thou is forgiven for thy failings"The voice is feminine and husky with age and humor.

"Many a year it hath been since one with the Gift held me. Though, wouldst mine wishes be realized yonder Witch should fit far better."A low chuckle bounces around Edward's head.

"But pray, inspect at thy leisure. Perhaps thou shalt find thyself enamored? No? Well, it hath been many years since I hath had the proper attributes for such dalliances. So, ask thy questions Grove-walker."

[iTookUrNick]

Edward's surprise at the weapon's unusual behavior is visible, the arm holding it jerking outward, but he does not let go. He brings it back more slowly, feeling the warmth and smoothness of the wood with his other hand. A faint smile reaches the edge of his mouth as he speaks.
"Well, I could certainly come to appreciate such exquisite item, but apparently she's more interested in you" he says, extending the weapon toward Iria "Go ahead, she seems fairly... I wouldn't say harmless... benign?"