Peril & Fame 2: Belhaim

[Nefarion Xid]

EEK

The blonde woman seemed authentically remorseful and tried to make eye contact with Kiyoko. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend. Kiyoko. If you ... your armor's fine. Your hair is amazing and you can wear whatever you like."

The slender man chuckled and affectionately put an arm around the blonde's shoulder's, finding her awkward situation charming. "I'm Arissa and this is my husband Mikael," she explained. "We're here on holiday from Oppara. Mikael is a Magistrate in the Royal Court."

The man smiled weakly and adjusted his enormously thick spectacles.

"Shall we find you some accommodations?"

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

She frowned slightly at her friend's words. She had often gotten the impression that Kiki's upbringing had been... harsh at best. She smothered the absurd urge to reassure the Tiefling with trite words or a quick squeeze of a hand. It was easy to forget but the inscrutable woman was much older than she was. Older, wiser, more intelligent, had better hair. She shrugged almost imperceptibly and replied in Skald once more.

(Skald) "Easy enough to keep a dagger on you." She had planned to stuff one down her boot even before her friend's warning. She was far from the inexperienced, self-doubtful girl that had arrived in Belhaim, though Kiyoko's mistrust gave her pause. She turned her full attention back to the golden haired beauty and her gentleman as they introduced themselves.

"Pleased to meet you both. I will gladly take you up on your offer, and look forward to our meal together." Her gaze widened to encompass Cass's mother as well. She had done worse for a hot meal than dress up and play poshie.

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"Well, we can take this for safekeeping in the hopes of returning it to Master Devarre," Cassandra explained, tucking the lockbox into her bag along with the singed boots. "I have what I need to scrye on him once I find a suitable mirror. Now, do we go east or west?"

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

Kiyoko bowed graciously. At least they hadn't pressed the point. "That sounds lovely, thank you."

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

Taking the proffered hand, Elias swept into a courtly bow and kissed it lightly. Rising, he nodded politely to the others in her company.

"The pleasure is mine, Lady Raissa. The magnificence of Castle Vallas is renowned throughout our fair empire, but the tales did not do your home justice."

Behind him, Elias was grateful to hear Ellarie rush to Kiyoko's defense, both for the unified front it presented and for the more diplomatic tone struck by the Skald. He had momentarily feared she might indulge in some bird watching. As the blonde and her bookish companion introduced themselves, he stiffened slightly.

"From Oppara? You must tell me the news then - it has been some time since I returned home."

[Nefarion Xid]

EEK

Lady Vallas smiled politely at Elias' compliment. "Aren't you sweet. When I first saw it, I was a bit scared. I still think it's a bit dreary and ominous, especially when the fog rolls in. I grew up in the south, you see. Quaint little place in the country. My bedroom had a big circular window just over the garden." She gestured up at the keep. "You can see, dwarves don't really understand curves. They think that if you want to make a circle, you just make a regular polygon with enough sides. They tend to get to thirty-six and say, "close enough"."

Her finger carried on along the neat rows of geometrically appropriate, defensible windows and razor sharp, perfectly level entablature until she reached the eastern edge of the mountain. There was the one window in the facade that was more than an arrow-slit, perhaps ten feet across, which looked to exit onto a small garden terrace.

"That was my first anniversary present," she said wistfully to everyone nearby. "I'm sure I had a more eloquent point, but suffice to say, marry a man who will knock a hole in his castle for you."

With that, she made briefly caught the eye of the guard and the whole company began to depart towards the keep.

Departing from his wife's side, Mikael wedge himself between Elias and Lysander to walk alongside the wizard. "It is Elias Apion, isn't it?" he asked. "We never had the chance to meet, but I knew your father. Not well, but he was a good man and I was very sorry to hear that his ship was lost. I don't know if you'll find it much of a comfort, but the Crimson Ring is ... well, they're hemorrhaging assets. Several of the investors have been arraigned for withholding taxes and money laundering. Boss Nassar is facing so many charges it would be easier to take a law book and cut out what he hasn't been accused of. Three of their captains are in for smuggling. The whole organization is falling apart and the few men who've gotten out of this cleanly are selling off everything that's left. Oh, you didn't hear this from me, of course ... but it's a buyer's market. If you were in the mind to put some of the dragon's money to use, I mean. We've got this beautiful Chelish interceptor in impound and it'll go on auction in a month. Gods know how Nassar got his greasy fat hands on such a fine ship, but they say it can outrun anything in the fleet."

Meanwhile, perky Arissa attempted to take the women by the arms. "Now, I must warn you that several eligible bachelors will be attending dinner. Only some of them are my brothers! Alexander certainly has a thing for raven hair."

"Alex has returned?" asked Lysander, butting in.

"Yes, just this morning. Oh, think you'll like him, Kiyoko."

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

Nodding along to lady Vallas' story, Elias took a moment to look over the keep's added window. To excavate the wall and install it was one thing, but he could only guess at the expense of the enchantments no doubt surrounding it to maintain the keep's defenses. A potent gesture indeed.

"I would expect no less of your husband's generosity, Lady Vallas, after your son's warm reception and your own hospitality. Your family is a monument to Taldan nobility."

Mention of a family quickly silenced him, the scarcely considered words sending Elias into an unpleasant reverie that only deepened as Mikael revealed his relationship with the elder Apion. Still, he smiled at the man's kind words, and news of the Crimson Ring's troubles added a vicious edge to the expression.

"I may take you up on that offer, sir. The ruinous hand of justice could ask for no more deserving target than that band of thieves."

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

The tiefling allowed herself to be guided along, wondering what the hair fixation was about. Perhaps there was a shortage in Taldor? Regardless, she faked a laugh. "I might! What is he like?"

[Nefarion Xid]

EEK

"I may take you up on that offer, sir. The ruinous hand of justice could ask for no more deserving target than that band of thieves."

"You and your coin would be welcome in Oppara, Sir Elias." Mikael touched his shoulder. "The city needs good people in high places. I didn't know your father as well as he deserved, but if you're even half the man he was, then you deserve a place in the Grand Prince's court, or at least ..."

Further scathing political commentary was cut short as his wife cut him a stern glance that faded into a pout. "Sweetheart, if you're going to commit sedition, you should at least have the good taste to wait until after dinner."

"She's joking. That's a joke. Sometimes people can't tell when Arissa's joking. I serve at the pleasure of the Crown." Flustered, Mikael pushed his glasses up. "I married her for her sense of humor!"

Quite pleased with herself, Arissa walked along with a smile and answered Kiyoko, "Well, Alex got his looks from mother. He's very serious." She frowned. "And he never likes the empty-headed beautiful women I introduce to him. I think he'd find either of you charming. Well, I suppose intriguing is a better word for it. I think he likes a challenge. Not to say that you're not charming. I don't ... let's get you cleaned up!"

Three hours passed and it was nearly seven before they were called down to dinner. Apparently, it was fashionable to starve your road-weary guests a little first. Everyone had enough time to bath and prepare themselves with the full attention of servants and accoutrements. Mikael generously offered for Elias to borrow from his wardrobe as they were almost exactly the same size. Kiyoko and Ellarie were provided with multiple makeup palettes and an assortment of jewelry for the evening. One dress in the castle was quickly adjusted to fit Kiyoko's frame, but it was a dreadfully unflattering lavender color with obnoxiously frilly sleeves.

Regardless of what they chose to wear, they were all summoned at the same time and escorted downstairs to a wide square antechamber. Two staircases led up to separate residential wings and the matching stairs down to mystery or storage. Much of the room was dominated by blue and green and gold Qadiran rug. Mikael and Arissa sat together on a midnight blue crushed velvet couch while Lysander and his parents spoke near the awning fireplace on the southern wall. Lysander looked much like a younger version of his father, though Tybalt had never had a red tint to his hair. They both had the same easy pleasant expression and one could tell from a distance that he was happy to listen to whatever it was his son was telling him. Apart from a leather doublet with an ermine trimmed mantle, he wore little of value and looked slightly under-dressed compared to his family.

Standing just off to the side of Lysander there was Alexander, one assumed. His short black hair looked as if had been combed back with a bit of oil and a meticulously sculpted beard framed his mouth and chin. Much like this father, he looked as if he couldn't be bothered to fuss with jewelry, although with his tall black boots and long dark green leather coat, no one would mistake him for a poor man. Likely at his mother or sister's urging, he'd selected a gold threaded waistcoast and an emerald ascot. As the party descended, he gave them a cursory glance, then returned his brother's boring story.

A servant brought around a tray of aperitifs, a blend of sparkling water and vermouth with a floating green melon ball and a curled rind garnish on the rim. Lysander was all smiles as he gestured for the party to meet his father and began making introductions. This time he got Kiyoko's name right.

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

In the hours leading to the party, Elias indulged in the ablutions the road had denied him, shaving carefully and receiving a quick trim of the hair from Philip. He responded to Mikael's offer of a dinner jacket with warm gratitude, but nevertheless declined. As any gentleman of his station, he traveled with more than one set of clothes, and as those that had grown grimy on the road soaked in the castle laundry Philip laid out a coat of rick brown velvet, accompanied by white shirt, black trousers, and a hunter green waistcoat embroidered with golden leaves. His boots cleaned and shined, his headband and ring polished, Elias descended to the great room. Seeing the assembled family and guests, he bowed respectfully to Prince Vallas.

"Prince Vallas, my thanks for your hospitality. Elias Apion, Defender of the Realm, at your service."

[Nefarion Xid]

"A pleasure, Sir Elias." He extended his hand. "It's always an honor to host heroes. I look forward to hearing about your exploits. If you'll forgive my saying, I believe you are our entertainment for the evening." It appeared he really meant the three of you as he extended his hand to Ellarie and Kiyoko in turn. He gave Kiyoko a long appraising look though.

Prince Tybalt held up his hands defensibly, as if anticipating something scathing. "You must think me a terrible father for not asking about Cassandra. Well, you're wrong," he laughed. "She's fierce. Free spirited like nothing I've ever seen before. But that doesn't mean I can't spare an eye for her, no matter how far she roams."

At that moment, Count Logaine Valere came trotting down the steps from the guest wing, still tugging on his lambskin gloves and fixing his cuff links. Somehow, he'd come by new clothes in the height of Egorian fashion with a long tailed charcoal grey coat, a black silk waistcoat and a midnight blue cravat pinned with a platinum lily. He was several seconds fiddling with his cuffs before he looked up and saw Kiyoko. His jaw dropped and he managed a half step back up the stairs before settling on taking great interest in the nearest tapestry and absconding with a drink. He then stood silently in the corner, nursing his cocktail with a stiff upper lip. Finally, Arissa and Mikael rose to meet him.

Two knights entered from the west. They'd traveled with the party the last few days, but until this moment, no one had realized that they were twins, nearly identical now that they'd both trimmed their beards and one pulled back his long chocolate hair. The one with long hair wore a braided goatee with a gold clip. The other had cut his beard down to what was likely on a week's worth of growth. It suited his strong jaw and the cleft in his chin. They dressed similarly to Alexander after passing their sister off to Arissa. The sister looked to be directly between Elias and Philip in age. She'd made a bold choice with her makeup sapphire blue eyes hadow to match her slightly-too-tight dress. It wasn't overdone, per se, just bold one -- especially when standing next to such a natural beauty like Arissa. Philip certainly seemed to notice her. She noticed the count and awkwardly made an attempt to stand beside him.

Tybalt found that he had momentarily lost attention. He offered, "Shall I introduce you? That fellow is a Chelaxian count, a guest of mine for some weeks now. And the twins knights in my service, Sir Aland and Erich. They've brought their little sister Alana."

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

Elias endeavored to control his surprise as Valere descended the stairs, his mind flashing once more to that cold morning. The blood upon the snow. The Count had escaped death, somehow, yet still he seemed to dog their steps. And even more strangely, he did not cry out, denounce them, or any of the other reactions he might have expected. A strange kindness, but not one that Elias would challenge.

"Sir Aland, Sir Erich, a pleasure. Might I introduce my cousin and squire, Philip Rendakis?"

He brought a hand up to Philip's shoulder, subtly encouraging the boy forward to bow as was proper.

"You made a sterling company on the road, sirs. I almost regret that Sa'di was never forced to face your charge."

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Ellarie had never worn make up before. She had taken a long bath, soaking until the steaming hot water became tepid. Now she stood before the large vanity with the cosmetics palette open, unsure of herself. She glanced about the room as if a handy manual might pop out and guide her. None were forthcoming however, and so she decided on the minimalist route and just dabbed on some rouge that brightened her face, and chose a soft pink gloss that filled out her lips.

She felt terribly frivolous, unable to imagine a world in which she fretted upon her rouge on a daily basis. She smiled at herself in the mirror as she donned her circlet and her blue dress that matched her eyes. She felt almost a thief as she chose a couple of pieces of jewelry that matched her outfit. Pleased despite the decadence of it all, she allowed herself to be fetched for dinner and descended the stairs to the antichamber.

She took Vallas's hand into her own as he extended it.

You're too kind Prince Vallas. It is an honor to be welcomed into your home and a pleasure to meet Lady Cassandra's family." She was trying her best to make a good impression. She strained to remember her manners from when her family would sometimes perform for noble patrons. Before she could offer entertainment by way of her lute, her eyes were drawn by a ghost. Not a ghost, a living man. But a ghost he should have been.

I know what you look like in death. This morbid thought bubbled to the surface of her mind even as she saw the Count shy away from Kiyoko. She felt sorry for him then. He was rendered a pitiable thing in his fear. No matter him thief and scoundrel.

She stared mute, too dumbfounded to speak as Elias continued to make pleasantries. In some small corner of her mind she admired his strength. She tore her eyes away from Valere and took a long sip of her drink.

She had heard that he was alive, of course. But actually seeing him was another matter entirely. She looked around furtively, hoping nobody had noticed her gaping at the man. She pasted a polite smile onto her face and turned back to the Prince as he introduced the knights and their sister.

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

Kiyoko had declined the terrible lavender auntie dress. She'd seen prostitutes wearing better garments in the streets of Eganoka, though she was academically aware that even royalty didn't necessarily have clothes on hand to suit a six foot tall woman with black hair, pale skin with olive tones, and red eyes. Instead, she badgered Ellarie into a through magical clean of her armor and attire while she turned the same attentions to herself in a mundane fashion. Now at the dinner, she could at least cut a far more impressive figure with the dirt and grime of the road washed away. The proper crimson of her oba, haori, and armor mountain links shone, allowing the sable storm motif and mithral highlights to pop. The matching enchanted binding that kept her spill of raven hair out of her face likewise framed the artfully messy mane. Her makeup was minimal - they didn't have much of the right shade and she had only a small amount of experience even applying it, but she did manage to use the bare minimum without making any amateurish-looking mistakes. She was confident in her natural looks, anyway. She went at it a bit more liberally with the perfumes, trying to mask her natural scent while not being cloying, but again went with a less-is-more philosophy so as to avoid choking the other guests.

At the introduction, she settled for holding her tongue from the more creative remarks, returning the handshake and offering the traditional bow from her homeland. "A pleasure, Prince Vallas. Your hospitality is noted and most welcome."

She didn't honestly care that much what these people thought about her, but for some reason all of this mattered to her companions. They'd done her a solid by taking off after Sa'di with her; she could humor them. Besides, it wasn't often she got to be this clean or eat this well, especially on the road. For that reason she went to dinner wearing the final part of her ensemble - her usual smirk. Then Valere arrived, and the evening went from dull to hilarious in a heartbeat. "You mean Count Logaine Valere? We've actually met before, and I owe him an apology. We got into a very heated argument back in Belhaim about cardinals, and it turns out that they are actually not migratory, rendering my position invalid."

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

She had taken a long sip of her drink before Kiyoko's greeting to the Count. It was either swallow or choke. She forced it down. As she recovered she turned to the Count.

"Yes, we have made the Count's acquaintance before. It is a pleasure to see you looking so well." She was vaguely surprised to find she meant it. She had never meant for him to die when she had lured him into the woods. Her smile brightened and she beamed at him as she realized that her mother's song that she had sung for him that day was now free of the guilty connotations that it had held for her after the incident.

[Nefarion Xid]

Valere put on a brave face and began crossing the room when addressed. "It is a relief to feel so well, ladies. Your concern for my health is touching. You remember my anemia, of course. Something about my poor constitution just hemorrhages iron." He'd nearly begun to speak through clenched teeth before there was a loud tap behind him.

At last the two remaining guests arrived for the evening. His appearance at the bottom steps startled a few in the room as the hard soles of his immaculately polished boots gave an unexpectedly clarion tap on the stone. Like Valere, he was dressed in vanguard Chelish fashion. At this moment in distant Oppara, two tailors were in a heated argument regarding the narrowness of his lapel with one adamantly supporting whatever dreadfully tame thing had been in style last season and the season before in Taldor. Everything was black from his gleaming ankle boots to his precisely hemmed trousers to the starched collar of his jacket, though his Zimari wool waistcoats was a sinful burgundy and his cravat two shades redder in crimson. The man himself might have passed for an Azlanti statue with his pale skin, high brow, sculpted jaw and slightly aquiline nose. He had full lips which turned down at the corners; it gave him the appearance that he was bored or unhappy until he smiled. He did smile and at once everyone was glad he did. Some noise between a laugh slipped through his teeth and the room went silent. All eyes went to the creature on his hand. He drew to the side and allowed her to descend to a rapt audience.

Whatever budding adolescent fancy Philip had developed for the young miss Alana was forgotten. The woman was stunning in a literal sense. Every part of her outfit, every part of her, had been dreamed up by a think-tank of bards with unlimited funding and a noble djinn on retainer. Her hourglass form had been poured into a shimmering strapless silk dress (the same burgundy as her partner's waistcoast) with a slip on to the left thigh. About her swan-like neck, she wore a gold, ruby studded choker that likely exceeded the combined value of every other piece of jewelry in the room. It was a tasteful distraction from her indecently framed decolletage and her bee-stung ruby lips. She wore her hair long and nearly wild; it had as much body as the rest of her and the color perfectly matched the man's cravat. One wondered if she styled it that way, or if it just did that on its own after she emerged from a lake with an enchanted sword. Her stiletto heels clacked into place and she raised her amber doe eyes expectantly at the room.

"Ah!" Tybalt's slightly too loud exclamation took him aback as well. "May I introduce our most honored guests, His Grace, the Duke Turel Meresin of Rothbourn and Her Grace, Elizabeth Roloviel-Meresin of Briarcroft."

The twins began quietly applauding and glanced to each other, obviously unsure if such a thing were appropriate. They continued.

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

Turning at the sound of the resounding footstep, Elias was momentarily stricken dumb by the appearance of the final guests. Somewhere in the back of his mind, his upbringing was screaming how impolite it was to stare, but he was hardly the only one. Eventually, the applause of the twins penetrated, and he recovered his composure. Stepping forward, he lowered himself in a courtly bow nearly as low as the one given his host.

"Lord and Lady Meresin, I am honored to make your acquaintance. My name is Elias Apion, Defender of the Realm, and these are my boon companions Ellarie Chapman and Kiyoko."

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

She had gone from a sort of glad shock to a mild alarm as the Count tread towards them purposefully. It was short lived however, as the loud click of boots drew her attention to the striking pair that descended to them.

What an odd party, she thought to herself. Every new arrival is more attractive than the last. She suddenly felt terribly under dressed and out of fashion. She inclined her head towards Kiyoko.

"Do you think there's time for more rouge?" But sadly there wasn't, as Elias took initiative to introduce them to the mesmerizing pair.

"An honor Your Grace." She performed a quick, shallow curtsy.

"I had no idea we would be dining with such esteemed guests." She smiled though felt terribly out of place much like a pebble hung amongst a string of pearls.

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

Something about the new arrivals set Kiyoko on edge. They hadn't done anything yet, but her experience with people that pretty was that either they were powerful enough to enhance natural magnetism and beauty to superhuman levels... or they had never been mortal to begin with. Her cousin's consort, for instance: Renshii Meida was described as "otherworldly... inhumanly beautiful," but that was if anything a byproduct of her close connection to her heavenly patron. That beauty translated directly to danger, as did her grandfather's human guise, as did her cousin's.

As did hers. Really, the pretty animals in nature were usually the poisonous ones.

Still, angering everyone here wouldn't improve anything, so when Elias introduced her, she took her own bow and momentarily slipped back into her native tongue. (Minkaian) "Lord and Lady Meresin, you have certainly made an impression. It is an honor." It took her a moment to realize that she'd used the wrong language, as well as that she'd used a tone more appropriate to her rare old visits to the court of Minkai, but at least she hadn't flubbed it or said anything insulting... on the off chance they could understand it.

[Nefarion Xid]

Castle Vallas

"Charmed," Turel said rather flatly, though his voice betrayed nothing of his pleasant countenance. He gave a slight nod of his head towards Elias, only as much was proper to acknowledge a knight. His eyes flitted once to Ellarie if only to prove she existed. "Darling," his lips hardly moved and he didn't take his eyes from Elias while he spoke, "How do we know the name Apion?"

Elizabeth had meanwhile stuck a finger to Kiyoko's cuirass, amber eyes studying her with great interest. Looking down, Kiyoko could see a small diamond had been glued to the dagger-like red nail on her index finger. Tap. Tap. (Minkaian) "No one told me we could wear our armor to dinner. I'm jealous! I didn't at all pack for the climate at all. I'd kill for sleeves." The corners of her mouth curled up to indicate she meant it in fun, though the rest of her lips remained pursed in a pouty circle. Her Minkaian tone and meter was flawless, though she kept her posh Opparan accent.

(Taldane) "I am jealous. I had a suit made for myself on a lark, but I didn't believe anyone who told me how heavy it was! I just don't have the constitution for it. I stubbornly staggered around in it for an hour before I collapsed and couldn't right myself. My servants had to peel me out of it! Oh, Turel hates when I tell that story."

"I do not," said Turel with mock offense. "I think it's endearing and it only proves you're human. Half human at least."

Elizabeth smiled and drew back her hair on the left side to reveal a gently tapered elven ear.

Elizabeth strikes you as if she might be a little drunk, or perhaps just high on life. Perhaps she's just used to doing whatever she wants with no one telling her no.

East of Sauerton

The party made good time out of Bellis. Since Crocker never tired and could carry the majority of the burden, they'd reach the outskirts of Sauerton in just four days. The road was a lonely one with only one manor home between the two towns. Lord Tensington managed a handsome little inn out of his ancestral home and was exceedingly happy to have guests, even curious ones. He was equally glad to tell the story of how his late father had bravely supported Andoran during the rebellion and how that had allowed them to keep their title and land. One supposed it was equally likely that the new government had simply forgotten that he and his ten tenets even existed. As a parting gift, packed charcuteries, jams, plum wine and more goat cheese than you could possibly eat before it spoiled.

Nearing Sauerton, the farmers planting wheat and tilling their fields for spring looked on nervously as the party passed. Some went as far as to withdraw to their houses. After an half hour of this, a party of five approached from the rear on horseback at a gallop. They didn't have their weapons out, but they did appear to be armed. As they neared, the lead rider called out in a lilting, dated sounding northern accent, "Oi! You lot! What's your business in Sauerton?"

[Othniel]

Cassandra

Pulling upon Cyril's reins and giving him a quiet word of command, Cassandra turned her mount around and slowly rode back toward the voice. "Good day!" the druidess greeted the leader cheerfully. "I am Cassandra Vallas, and these are my companions, Yandeath Hammerhead and Margot Boulanger. We have urgent business to the west, and wish to rest in Sauerton for the night. We mean no harm." Keeping her visible and resting upon her horse's neck, she spoke calmly, hoping the strangers meant no harm.

Diplomacy, go! [roll0]

[Nefarion Xid]

Sauerton

The lead rider, a young woman with a square jaw and damp brown hair, continued approaching at a slower gait, considerably more at ease. "What's out west for you? Olfden? Oregent? Nothing urgent happens in Olfden."

"And what in the Hells is that thing? It's scaring the oxen." She pointed to the cauldron.

Castle Vallas

"Turel, Sir Elias and his companions, along with my daughter, slew a full-grown green dragon that beset Belhaim in the south," Said Tybalt, clearly familiar enough with the other Duke use his given name.

"Triumphant!" Turel clapped Elias on the shoulder. "That's no small feat. You must regale us at dinner. But I think it must have been a relation of yours that I knew. Must have been involved in ... timber? Shipping? Is there much magical talent in your family, sir?"

"Are you from Minkai? Or has your family lived in Avistan for a while? There are rather a lot of transplants living in Oppara." Elizabeth continued to make conversation with a frown, growing visibly upset that Kiyoko had nothing interesting to say and hadn't laughed at her story. "I'd hoped you had been there recently. I'd be elated to hear news of the Empress."

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"That is a large mobile cauldron that serves as Margot's transportation and (I assume) her crockery. I really have not asked her more than that, as it seemed fairly self-explanatory, if a bit odd. We are bound for Darkmoon Vale," elaborated the druidess. "We are four days from Bellis, where a strange fog enveloped the town and a small group of spriggans attacked. We were assaulted by Spriggans just before reaching Bellis as well, and encountered more of them in the company of worgs, kelpies, and redcaps while on an errand for Master Elyin Ursage of Bellis. I have more news, but..." she paused, looking the young woman in the eye and lowering her voice, "Perhaps the rest should wait until we are in town and can speak with your Mayor, if we might be granted an audience? Tercio Andares, if I got his name right from Ursage."

[Nefarion Xid]

Sauerton

"Oh, no, sorry, miss, but the People's Assembly is in session now and Andares is our representative as well as our mayor. That's pretty common here in the north," the young woman drawled. While Cassandra hadn't said she was nobility, and the woman was unlikely to know the weight her name carried outside of Taldor, she'd apparently gleaned that the druid was someone important from her accent. Her brow furled and she wrinkled her nose as if she'd smelled something unpleasant. "Surely you don't mean you're going in to the Vale. Falcon's Hollow got moved to the south side of the river, few years back. It's not in the Vale proper anymore. On account of the Fey killing people."

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"I am afraid that is the very purpose of my errand to the Vale," replied Cassandra. "Is there anyone who acts in the Mayor's stead while he is away? And what was that about the Fey killing people? This may be more widespread than I thought."

[Nefarion Xid]

Sauerton

"It happens all the time, doesn't it?" The man who'd dismounted to water the horses from a canteen nodded matter-of-factly. "They killed the Gavel and a bunch of hardened mercenaries few years back. That seemed to scare most folks away and Codwin said they couldn't use the land no more. But nothing pays like like logging used to and boys are getting angry that farming's such poor work. So our new Supreme Elect says logging in the Vale is back on. It's been bloody. Folks go in to the Vale to try and take back what's theirs, but the faeries aren't having none of it. You go into that woods and you're dead women. Dead dwarf too."

"If you want to speak to someone in charge, the Deputy Mayor is in. Just ask for directions once you get to town." The woman looked around, anxious to return to work.

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"Thank you both for the information." Cassandra nodded to both of them and brought Cyril back around pointed to the town. "We shall seek out your Deputy Mayor. May your travels be safe." With that, she dug in her heels and prompted her mount to continue on.

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

"I am from Minkai, yes, and new to Avistan. I left before Amatatsu took power, however." Kiyoko sighed, frustrated by the turn of events. She'd hoped to arrive, have a nice meal, collect a reward, and be on her way. Instead there were a cavalcade of Opparan entanglements that she knew very little about and had very little interest in. Worse yet, the Super Guests demanded entertainment that she was ill-equipped to provide without offending someone in the room. She ultimately gave up and bluntly asked, "How is it that you know the Empress?"

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

Smiling as he received further praise, Elias still coughed awkwardly.

"Yes, well, so long as Sir Lysander does not mind enduring our tales a second time."

His smile faltered as Lord Meresin began to speculate on his family name, until he finally interjected.

"Perhaps you knew my late father Claudius Apion, my lord. He was much involved in Oppara's merchant trade. It is from my mother's bloodline that I inherited the Gift, though. She was an instructor at Kitharodian Academy. Alas, she disappeared at sea with my father more than a year ago."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead

Hammerhead followed nonchalantly behind Cassandra as she entered town, secure in his decision to let her do the talking with the armed militia.

[Othniel]

Cassandra

Cassandra rejoined her companions after her discussion with Sauerton's Deputy Mayor. She felt annoyed and impatient, and cursed the man's shortsightedness under her breath. "I have the distinct feeling that man would be just as happy to see the Fey slain and their woods laid to waste, after the useful lumber was extracted, of course. Little thought for their homes," she huffed. "So typical. Even my own family...well, we need not bother with them." She tightened the strap holding her saddlebags to Cyril a little too tightly, eliciting a snort, the horse seemingly sharing Cassandra's feeling of irritation.

"I did obtain some useful information, however," she said after a moment. "It seems some of the Fey in the area have been luring villagers into the woods with the villagers subsequently disappearing. Some man by the name of Kreed has been leading pogroms against the fey, which I am sure has only inflamed the situation. The mayor is likely lumping all Fey together - the way some of them might to do us, mind you - or he may know nothing more than what he has heard. Leaving aside for the moment those who we have met (or fought) the last few days, I have known Fey of varying temperaments and motives. I have no doubt that there are troublemakers in the mix, but there are sure to be peaceable Fey as well, wishing only to be left in peace." Cassandra looked at both Yandeath and Margot as if weighing something in her mind. "The further we go, the more dangerous it is likely to become, but I feel that if I can do any good in an attempt to diffuse the situation, I must continue. To that end, I propose we change our destination to the Silver Isle, another useful bit of information the Deputy Mayor shared. Apparently there is - or at least was - an embassy of sorts five years ago. I have something in my possession that may gain us entrance, perhaps even an audience with their Prince."

"I want to give you both the chance to change course if you will, though I suspect that at least you, Yandeath, wish to continue. We have an agreement, after all, though I would not blame you if you wish to depart. My words are mainly to you, Margot. I do not know your motivations, but you have helped us this far, and I would be glad of your continuing company."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead

As Cassandra shared her thoughts about the mayor, Hammerhead gave a rather resigned shrug.

"It's the same with people in charge wherever you go, Cassandra. All they're concerned with is how they can get the problem out of their backyard, no caring about whether it's actually solved. Nah, they're happy to leave that to the pawns."

He twirled Last Word and then nodded to her, a firm look on his face.

"In any case, you already know I won't leave you. Where you're going, there's gonna be a lot of nasty folk, of all species, and you'll need someone to help you break their heads. And for that, you need the best - so count me in."

Looking up to the sky, Hammerhead took in a deep breath.

"You know one thing I like about above-ground life? The sun. Lot of dwarves aren't so keen on the thing, but when it's out and blazing, and you can feel it shining down and warming you through to the bones? There's nothing like that below ground."

[Nefarion Xid]

Castle Vallas

"May I borrow you, Miss Chapman?" Valere appeared at her shoulder quite suddenly. "The pastry chef is inquiring about dietary concerns and wine pairings. I said I recalled you had a strawberry allergy but now I can't remember if it's strawberries or blueberries and ... well he refuses to touch the trifle until he hears it from you."

He gestured towards the kitchen and added a hopeful smile.

"Dietary concerns?" Elizabeth momentarily glanced towards Ellarie before returning her attention to Kiyoko. "Thank goodness. I thought you might be a vegetarian." She apparently thought it funny that the six-foot-tall red eyed woman in armor might abstain from meat. "I don't know the Empress. I'm not quite so well connected. But as I said, there are rather a lot of transplants in Oppara and many of them are reluctant to speak openly about this Amatatsu. I'm made to understand that she was the sole legitimate claimant to the Jade Throne, but her sitting there hasn't set well with many -- particularly the oni. I find the whole affair fascinating. I hoped you had an illuminating perspective on this as a ... I believe the term is kiga no tane?"

Lysander, who stood near his father, shook his head eagerly at Elias' supposition. "Of course not. And you shouldn't be shy about it. Killing a dragon is something you're allowed to brag about!"

"Claudius Apion. Yes," said Turel. "I recall your family was treated rather unscrupulously by the Crimson Ring. The Apion name was all over a ledger I acquired. I had wondered what became of them after their financial woes."

"His Grace has absorbed much of the Crimson Ring's legitimate assets. It's been quite the formidable endeavor." Mikael added from some distance away as he hadn't managed to shoulder his way in to the conversation.

A tiny frown formed at the corner of Turel's mouth. Perhaps he thought it an impolite topic, though he didn't want to deny his own business acumen. "Luck, more than anything. I just happened to have the capital at the time."

[zabbarot]

Margot sat atop Crocker, patiently eating a baguette while Cassandra went to speak with the mayor. Beignet slept curled up against a wall of the cauldron, and Miette hid beneath Margot's seat nibbling on his toes. When Cassandra came back Margot smiled and waved. "Ah... I am, as you might say, a leaf in the wind. I have no home to return to and I don't know where I'm going yet." Her usual smile faded. "I'm sure you've heard something of the political turmoil in Galt, yes? Well after one of the previous council leaders was outed as a hag there was a rash of witch hunts. My great great grandmother was a hag supposedly, not that I inherited any of her looks." She offered a weak smile. "It was a bit of a town legend. They burned down my home. My husband died in the fire trying to get my son and I out. We've been running since."


bluff

[roll0]

some of this isn't true :P

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Her head swiveled as she was surprised by Valere's approach. Her eyes went wide as she stared at him for a moment. Even if she wasn't exactly the easiest mark anymore, she suddenly felt very much like a vulnerable, unarmed woman. She blinked as she recognized her own fear mirrored in his own eyes and she managed a small smile that mostly failed to dispel the worry in her face.

"I would hate to hold up dessert." She said in concession as she spied the servants milling about the hallway and relaxed a small bit. Doubtless he did not wish to be alone with her as much as she feared being alone with him. She followed his lead with one glance back at Kiyoko and Elias, hoping they had noticed her new circumstances.

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

"No one really calls it that anymore, but yes." Kiyoko smiled. "If you want a minority opinion on Jade Empress Amatatsu, you've come to the right place. I could probably spend the whole evening talking about it, but..." she looked around, "Forgive me, celebrations at this level of the nobility in Minkai are very formal, rigidly structured affairs, and the few events I've been to in Avistan are sometimes described as analogous to a... 'hootenanny?' I don't know how much time remains before we are all seated to eat, and would hate to give you half a story. That's the only thing worse than no story at all."

[Nefarion Xid]

Castle Vallas

Elizabeth snorted daintily at the use of 'hootenanny'. Nearby, Turel slowly exhaled and the side of his lip curled for a half second.

"In Taldor we like to serve our guests an appetizing, lightly sweet alcoholic drink and force them to make awkward chitchat with strangers. Eventually you'll be seated, only to be teased with canapes and soup for an hour until the real food arrives." Elizabeth pouted, plucked the melon ball from her drink and nearly swallowed it whole. For a fleeting moment she glanced towards their hostess and looked very nearly embarrassed, but still pleased with herself at the same time. She began retreating to the corner and lowered her voice.

"You'll fit right in with high Taldan society, Kiyoko. You have all the attributes a woman needs to succeed in the Empire. You're young and pretty. Having accomplished that, you can say and do whatever you like and still be held in the highest regard. So, you're certainly free to speak your mind about Minkai and her new Empress. Most of these people couldn't locate your homeland on a map even if it resembled perky breasts."

Meanwhile, down the hall, Valere took Ellarie's arm and attempted to draw her into an alcove occupied with a nearly life-sized portrait of Cassandra. He whispered, "First of all: oooow!" He mouthed the word dramatically and stared daggers at Ellarie for a second. "I won't hold my breath for an apology, but right now I have so much more to worry about. You and your friends are something suspiciously close to heroes. I honestly don't have anyone else to turn to. Taldor is in grave danger and I ..."

He looked away, rolled his eyes and sighed before returning to her countenance. "And as cosmically unfair as this is, you are the only ones who may be able to save it."

Carpenden, Augustine Estate

A bit of investigation revealed that Lady Viola Augustine, an alleged fey expert, resided near the city center in a handsome four-story townhouse at the quiet end of a lane. A nearby signpost named the lane "Augustine", so the party felt confident they've arrived at the right place. Rapping on the door resulted in a long wait, followed by a bored greeting by a pretty young woman in a modest brown dress with lace up to her throat.

"Yes, good afternoon. How may I help you?"

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

Seeing Elizabeth be so irreverent did convince Kiyoko to relax and absorb the party. "What a shame. Minkai has much to offer. Moreso under the new management, truly." She paused for a moment and nodded to herself, deciding where to start. "The first thing to know of the Oni is that they do not hold any unified opinions, save one - they would all tell you that life is wasted on mortals. Their desire for experience without limit and ever greater amounts of vice and stimulation would make them fine adherents of... Zon Kuthon, I think? An Oni Zon Kuthite will never happen, though, because becoming one requires a the corruption of a Kami that has chafed too long under its divinely mandated restrictions or the rebirth of a mortal so irreverent as to spit into the face of heaven. Either way, no Oni would ever serve a deity, and certainly not a foreign one." It was surprising how easily the talk came to her, but Kiyoko had been blessed with an abundance of time to think about this while on her last mission for the Five Storms.

"Nor would their first desire be to serve another, but they can be compelled into something resembling a hierarchy - or at least a gang - by a sufficiently powerful Oni. Of course, once you have an Oni with Big Plans, they need mortal dupes, pawns, cats-paws, associates, opportunistic traitors, corrupted mind-slaves, and good old fashioned criminals to actually bring those plans together - because for all their hate of divine mandate, some laws are magical and real and cannot be casually tossed aside, at least in Tian Xia." Her usual smirk returned. "And that is most likely the source of displeasure for your... Opparan expatriates. The Five Storms were not the entirety of the Oni of Tian Xia, but they comprised the largest, best funded, best organized, and most entrenched group of them, and quite a few Minkaians were happy to have their patronage while those around them suffered for it."

Kiyoko shrugged, "their grousing will not turn into real action unless drastic changes occur. To have defeated Soto Takahiro and dear old Grandfather, Ameiko must have put together a coalition involving most of the nation's armies, its samurai elites, most of the socioeconomic strata, and she probably hired some ninja clans for good measure. As it turns out, supernatural hedonists make great corrupters and infiltrators but mediocre generals and worse autocrats. I imagine the vast majority of Minkai is quite happy with Amatatsu and the return of tax levels that they can pay without having to decide which of their children must die this winter. She might have even recruited the dragon living in the Imperial Vault. Plus she'd have total command of the Jade Throne, which Takahiro - you would know him as the Jade Regent - never quite managed. I'm sure what scattered Oni remain are unhappy about it, but they will content themselves with their personal vendettas and entertainments until they are put down by either the Empire, an adventurer, or a rival."

[Othniel]

Cassandra

Cassandra approached the building, hoping for an audience and even more for useful information. She wore one of her sets of finer clothing, having changed out of the worn traveling set she'd got used to recently. A few minutes with her beauty supplies left her feeling refreshed and revitalized. "Good day to you." Cassandra flashed a bright smile in greeting as the door opened, followed by a deferential nod. This was Andoran, not Taldor after all. "I seek Lady Viola Augustine on a matter of some urgency involving Fey matters, and I hoped she could spare me a few minutes of her time."

Diplomacy, go! [roll0]

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Her face quickly went from alarm to guilt back to alarm as Valere spoke. She poked her head from the alcove he had pushed her into. Seeing nobody paying them any mind, she quickly placed a magical sound barrier around them for privacy.

"Back up a moment." Though she heard the urgency in his voice, she was determined to take the chance to do what she never though she would get the chance to do.

"I am sorry. I don't expect you to believe me, but I never dreamed she would actually kill you when I led you out to those woods. It doesn't excuse my part in it, I would only say that three thousand gold was more money than I had ever seen at that point and I was alone and desperate. So if I am being perfectly honest with you while you are here, I would say no it didn't stop me from becoming friends with her. She and Elias are my only friends in the whole world. I love them so much. I'm not a Count. I didn't have anything." Her voice wavered as she realized she was babbling incoherently. Her eyes started to water and she rubbed the tears that fell from her cheeks.

"Oh no my rouge." She lamented as she sniffled.

"Anyway, I am glad you're alive. I'm afraid I'm a rather poor excuse for a hero, but tell me what's going on. I will help save Taldor if I can. This is where I keep all my stuff." A small smile flit across her lips at her weak joke. Despite her emotional reaction to her unexpected reunion with Valere, she was intensely curious and was fairly certain Elias would be interested in saving Taldor if it was in real peril. Kiyoko on the other hand, might take some convincing. Ellarie suspected her Teifling friend would find seeing the world burn terribly amusing.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead


*** In the past... ***


Margot sat atop Crocker, patiently eating a baguette while Cassandra went to speak with the mayor. Beignet slept curled up against a wall of the cauldron, and Miette hid beneath Margot's seat nibbling on his toes. When Cassandra came back Margot smiled and waved. "Ah... I am, as you might say, a leaf in the wind. I have no home to return to and I don't know where I'm going yet." Her usual smile faded. "I'm sure you've heard something of the political turmoil in Galt, yes? Well after one of the previous council leaders was outed as a hag there was a rash of witch hunts. My great great grandmother was a hag supposedly, not that I inherited any of her looks." She offered a weak smile. "It was a bit of a town legend. They burned down my home. My husband died in the fire trying to get my son and I out. We've been running since."


bluff

[roll0]

some of this isn't true :P


As Yandeath is incapable of rolling higher on Sense Motive than a 20, he falls for Margot's story hook, line, and sinker.
Hammerhead's face fell slightly as Margot told her story.

"I'm sorry for your loss, Margot. Even with our disagreements, I know I'd be sad if any of my family ha to sacrifice themselves in such a manner." He rubbed his hands. "I passed through Galt briefly, when I initially came out from the Five Kings. I will confess that what brief moments I saw of it I do not care to revisit."


*** Back in the present... ***

Having deigned to accompany Cassandra to the meeting, Hammerhead, lacking any traditional finery, had settled for buffing and polishing his armor to a mirror shine and combing his hair and beard as smoothly as possible. The Last Word was hefted upon his shoulder, and he kept his eyes forward, a professional look on his face.

[Nefarion Xid]

Ellarie

Logaine sighed heavily and pointedly, but there was a echo of sympathy in his exasperation. After a moment of reflection he reached into his breast pocket and produced a handkerchief for Ellarie. "Well, don't ruin your makeup. I still need it. Unfortunately, they'll know I lied to get you alone, so I'm going to need you to rub some of your makeup onto my shirt collar. Better they think we're kissing than conspiring. It will give Elizabeth something to stew over during dinner anyway. Turel is so damned cold he'll assume the worst unless until his wife convinces him otherwise."

"I don't know if I can accept your apology yet, but I'll give it time." He smiled wryly in spite of the statement. "By way of contrition, allow me to divulge a secret of mine first. I want you to believe what I say after."

He glanced quickly up and down the hall once more before nearly pressing her to the wall. "I've spent years perfecting this posh Westcrown accent," he whispered. "I'm not even from Cheliax. I grew up on a farm outside of Oregent. We grew cotton. The real Logaine was a depressed man who shut himself away in his castle on the shores of the aptly named Lake Sorrow. He died years ago with no heir. Lucky for me he also never filed the paperwork to receive his father's title. So, I am the Count Valere in a strictly legal sense ... which is the only sense that matters in Cheliax, really."

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

She took Valere's handkerchief and dabbed her eyes, careful to not disturb her makeup further. Her cheeks reddened as she though of Kiyoko and Elias thinking she had been making out with Valere. Until she could divulge to them otherwise.

"So Elizabeth and Turel are involved somehow?" She should have known from the looks of them. She suppressed a sigh, exasperated at her own trusting nature. She was still so eager to give the benefit of the doubt, even after everything. She hesitated and almost shyly held Valere to her for a moment as she rubbed her lips over his shirt collar until she was satisfied it was clearly visible.

"I think that will do." She pulled back what little she could in their alcove, her cheeks still more red than any rouge could make them. She listened to the man's revelation in amazement.

"I believe you." She looked up at him as she realized with some surprise that it was true.

"You're very convincing." Her lips curved into a smile until she remembered the whole saving Taldor thing.

"Tell me what we're facing and what I can do to help." She prepared to listen intently as some small part of her mind wondered of the events that had brought her here to this moment, potential savior of Taldor in the arms of a man she had help murder.

[Nefarion Xid]

Viola's House

The party was made to wait another ten minutes as the maid fetched her employer and explain the visitors. At length they were shown inside and directed towards the study on the right-hand side of the narrow house. Lady Viola was a woman of perhaps thirty with friendly blue eyes and dark brown hair which she kept pulled back in a simple ponytail. She was one of the rare people to look good in yellow with her truly beige skin tone. Her simple county dress was cut similarly to her maid's, though with a plunging neckline. She didn't rise, but gestured towards the two sofas and the refreshments waiting on the coffee table: iced tea garnished with lemon and wheat crackers topped with cream cheese, cold turkey, a bit more cream cheese and dot of cranberry preserves.

"Please sit. Enjoy yourselves. I haven't entertained in sometime and I believe I rather miss it." She smiled at Yandeath and asked, "You're not a Thranmurim, are you? There's a bit of a family resemblance."

Castle Vallas
Ellarie

"Oh." Valere's breathing had become shallow. He seemed a bit lightheaded, or he'd unexpectedly enjoyed Ellarie pressing in close to kiss his collar. Likely he hadn't lied about his anemia. "Where do I even begin? Your friend Elias -- I know his parents were ruined financially by a consortium known as the Crimson Ring. Among his many sinister machinations, Turel has been pulling their Crimson Strings for years. Turel buried their competition until they were the only smuggling outfit in the city. They grew fat and now they've been slaughtered. Everything they built is his. He's bought all of their assets legally since he controls the magistrates."

"I know because I work for Turel. He's the one who sent me to Belhaim to steal that book from Hunclay. Azmur Kell hired me, yes, whose idea do you think arranged for him to find me in the first place? I'm their slave. I don't know why Elizabeth insists on keeping me around, but she does. She's the reason I'm not still in that shallow grave. Apart from dying that one time, I've made myself invaluable. It's why I'm at this castle. I'm ... working."

"When the Grand Prince dies, there will be a war. You know that. Turel is counting on it. He's turned people against the Princess. After the factions exhaust themselves and tear the country apart, Turel will make an attractive alternative to the current dynasty. Even if the nobles don't carry him on their shoulders through the streets to the coronation, he'll make so much money off of the war he might as well be king."

He looked dazed and began to shake his head slowly. "What does it matter who the new monarch is? Turel isn't not a good man. He's not even a man. People adore him for his philanthropy and charm, but he's a monster. I don't know what sort of fiend he truly is, but I do know what he's done to people, what he's done to me. If I give him occasion to doubt my loyalty, he'll kill me and he'll kill my family; and if I'm lucky, he'll do it in that order."

Castle Vallas
Kiyoko

Elizabeth listened intently to her crash-course lecture on the Oni. At times she bit at her lip in a way that suggested she found the topic more than just engrossing. "I'm inclined to agree with the Oni, sadly. Humans are too short-lived and fragile to enjoy life. They suffer a little heart-break and they go all to pieces. Maybe they live to eighty and their heart fails them anyway, long after the rest of their body has. If you're very lucky, you get to be beautiful for a few years along the way." For a moment her eyes went distant and she touched at the corner of her eye. No wrinkles at all. Her skin was the sort of flawless that only magic could buy.

"I'll be turning thirty this year. Turel swears he'll buy me Sun Orchid Elixer for my fortieth birthday. He's been thirty and he says it's not so bad." There was a slight manic tone to her voice before she abruptly changed the subject. "There's a faction growing in Oppara. Something that's been there for a while, but has just become large enough to venture out of the shadows. Its servants are clever and are seldom captured when they run afoul of the law. One Minkaian woman they took in for burglary carried a katana. In another case, a throwing knife, a kunai, was recovered from an attempted assassination ... buried in a man's kidney. There is little to connect these incidences publicly, but when you have your finger on the city's golden pulse, you feel these things. The money is moving in predictable ways. If you're interested, I could pay you handsomely to investigate on our behalf. It would be a great service to Taldor as well."

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"Thank you so very much for agreeing to see us, Lady Viola." Cassandra lifted one of the glasses and took a few sips. "It feels much longer than it has been since I sat in a room such as this. My companions and I have spent much time in the wilderness or on the road these past few weeks. As I told your maid, my name is Lady Cassandra Vallas, of Castle Vallas which is located in the foothills of the Fog Peaks." After setting the glass back down, she smoothed out her clothing and paused as she gathered her thoughts. "My purpose in this visit relates to your knowledge of matters relating to the Fey, particularly those of Andoran. As I said, I am from Taldor, and while I have some passing familiarity with some of the Fey of Verduran Forest, it is not to the degree I should like. I have become aware of some sort of - well, uprising for lack of a better term - on the part of a number of Andoran's Fey inhabitants. My companion Yandeath here accompanied me from Belhaim where we had a part in destroying a dragon that was making trouble in those parts. I shall spare you the details, but this good dwarf's actions were rather valorous if I may say so."

She took another sip to wet her throat. "We encountered and repulsed a spriggan ambush not far from Bellis (where we also met Margot here), and when we reached the town we learned from one of their militia leaders there, a man named Elyin Ursage, that they had been assailed in similar manner. At Master Ursage's request, we sought out the Archdruid Devarre and brought him this news. He intended on leaving the next morning to contact Syntira, but asked us to seek out the location of a group of wardstones the purpose of which was to hold imprisoned in the Fellnight the Briar Queen called Rhoswen. Upon our arrival, we found a large force of spriggans and worgs encamped below the falls. Using my druidic talent of turning into an animal, I slipped by and investigated the wardstones. Unfortunately, a number of them had been removed and the passage to the Fellnight was open. I stepped inside for a few minutes, but decided not to tarry. Upon our return to our world, I returned to Master Devarre's cottage and found it burned down. I returned to my companions and we gave battle to the spriggans, routing them." Cassandra's next sip was followed by a troubled look. "The next morning we returned to Devarre's cottage once more to sift through the ashes. We brought news back to Bellis, where I attempted to scrye upon Master Devarre. Unfortunately, he is dead. We have taken it upon ourselves to complete his task, but along the way we have been met with news that it is difficult and dangerous to enter Darkmoon Vale. The Deputy Mayor of Sauerton reported further fey attacks in the area and suggested we seek out the Prince of the Silver Isle, and here I was pointed to you as one who has been there and might be able to offer us some insight and advice. I have a gift for the Prince, which I hope will get me inside, and perhaps even an audience."

Would like a sense motive check on her reaction to the news.

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Her eyes widened as Valere detailed Turel's role in ruining Elias's parents, though she was distracted by a growing concern for the Count's well being. He seemed rather dazed and short of breath.

"Are you feeling alright?" She placed her hand against the side of his face and wondered if anemia worsened in times of stress. Not being a healer, she didn't know, but she knew that he had previously been the lover of the innkeeper Talia. She couldn't imagine his discomfort was due to their forced proximity.

"If Turel was truly behind the Crimson Ring, then I'm afraid it's intensely personal." Her anxiety grew as she wondered if Elias might attack Turel in a rage if he found out his involvement. Could the three of them take on Turel? There was still too much about the man that she didn't know. Valere called him a monster.

"Can you tell me why you're here? What "job" they have you working on at the moment? Do you have any suggestions for us on how to proceed in foiling his plans?" She looked up at him as her hand still rested upon his cheek in an effort to soothe his distress.

"You have my belief and my willingness to try and help, but I'm afraid I'm not really the brains of the operation." Her expression turned to amusement as her lips quirked into a rueful smile.

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

The Tian-Min woman's eyebrow shot up at the mention of Sun Orchid Elixir. Assuming that Elizabeth knew what she was talking about - and the context implied that she did - it meant that Turel's resources dwarfed that of even your 'average' noble. Takahiro had possessed the plunder of eighty years of aggressive tax malfeasance and the inherited treasures of the Minkaian Royal Families, and even then purchasing the life-extending beverage would have put a notable dent in his finances. More than that, though, the purchase of the Elixer wasn't a simple exchange of payment for goods: six doses were made each year and blind auctioned worldwide. The highest six bids got their elixir; the losers got to wait until the next year's auction and pay up anyway. This sale, in fact, formed the bulk of the small country's economy.

Which meant that either Turel Meresin had national-scale resources to play with already, or else was blowing smoke but had so much money that Elizabeth found it plausible. Either way, it proved that the Meresins certainly could pay enough to make a job worth her time. Kiyoko even had a standard of comparison for the new group in Oppara - the Frozen Shadows had started out almost the same way in Kalsgard, though much earlier and with the backing of the Five Storms. It did raise the question of why Turel or Elizabeth would care. The tiefling elected to come at that question sideways, though. "Good pay makes for a good incentive. I wonder, though, what it is you'd like me to find out that your sources haven't already told you? We might have some cultural roots in common, but I don't personally know every Minkaian - and those that recognize me as Oni-Spawn won't necessarily open their hearts and minds to me over it, even if they did enjoy certain benefits under Takahiro's rule."

[Nefarion Xid]

Viola's House

"Stray?" Viola let out an unbecoming, sharp laugh. "What do you want to know about Stray? He's, um. Well. He's ... absolutely. I don't really know where to begin."

She made a token attempt to compose herself, but continued giggling. "If you're asking if two attractive women with gifts can buy a moment of his time, the answer is yes. Assuredly he'll speak with you. At you perhaps. Maybe not even in his true form. He loves to pontificate. I always thought he was fascinating, but many of my colleagues went so far as to call him annoying. The ones who were no fun themselves. If you're seeking his permission to enter the Vale, then that may be something entirely different. Queen Syntira's realm was recognized as sovereign territory until recently. Supreme Elect Druff and the new Assembly practically shredded the old treaty. As you know, the Fey are less than pleased. I think they have every right to protect themselves."

"I'm not really sure if I'm the one you should be asking about all this." She frowned sympathetically. "I lost my election, so I haven't been in contact with the Assembly this session. As for the Prince, well, I've known him to be melancholy, but last I heard, he's positively morose. I haven't seen him since last Autumn. He had always held the loveliest balls for the winter solstice. I was heartbroken when there were no invitations."

Kiyoko

"Well, Kiyoko," Elizabeth said, tapping her playfully on the breastplate, "I can't really trust any other Minkaian in the city. Any one of them might be working for the shadow already. Even if they aren't directly, they seem to be profiting from its existence. I'm reasonably sure you've never been to Oppara and I'm to understand you've spent the last few months traipsing around the forest killing dragons and bandits. I think you're worth a gamble."

Ellarie

The count huffed and raked a hand through his hair with a wan smile. "I'm fine, all things considered. I'm usually much better at these things, but here I am conspiring against the third richest man in the kingdom who's also a powerful sorcerer and probably some sort of devil wearing a skin suit."

"The reason I'm here," he explained, glaring sideways at the portrait of Cassandra, "Is to learn. Frankly, I'm to evaluate if Prince Tybalt will be of any use to us. Them. Or if his children might be convinced to not support the Princess in the coming war. I wish I could say that they're not in any danger, but ... Turel would find it advantageous if Alexander inherits the Duchy instead of his brother."

He hastened to add, "You can't act on that. Not here. Maybe you and your friends could take him in a fight. Maybe. But not in a place with so many people. Keep this from Elias. If you come to Oppara, I'll show you the proof that Turel manipulated the Crimson Ring. I really don't have much of a plan, I just ... I had to tell someone. I don't know if I can trust you, but I can at least be sure you don't already work for him and I know how strong you are."

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"I too believe the Fey have a right to protect themselves," agreed Cassandra. "Several years of my childhood were spent in the company of Fey, Lady Viola," she said gently. "You might say I have a vested interest in seeing the hostilities come to a peaceful resolution, for even though Andoran is not my home, what happens here may very well spill over into Taldor. And Taldor has troubles of its own, there is no secret about that. I am not convinced that the machinations of Rhoswen are a result of the troubles Andoran has been having with the Fey recently, though they may be tangentially related. I think perhaps that the evil Fey choose this moment to act whilst their non-evil counterparts have been engaged with these other important matters."

Cassandra sighed wearily. "I thought I had left politics behind when I left my father's castle. I must see this 'Stray,' as you call him. And then I must see Syntira, or at least bring word to her of Rhoswen's doings. If an Archdruid was cut down so easily, I dare not send others unless they be more capable than myself, though I have not yet been fully tested." The druidess' expression betrayed weary resignation for a long moment as she fell silent, considering what lay before her. Then it was gone, replaced with a smile. "I thank you for your time, my lady. If I am to see a Prince, I should like to make myself presentable. Perhaps you can give me the name of a dressmaker nearby with the skill and merchandise suitable to such an occasion. I could make something magical that would serve, but I much prefer the feel of good, quality clothing."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead


Viola's House

The party was made to wait another ten minutes as the maid fetched her employer and explain the visitors. At length they were shown inside and directed towards the study on the right-hand side of the narrow house. Lady Viola was a woman of perhaps thirty with friendly blue eyes and dark brown hair which she kept pulled back in a simple ponytail. She was one of the rare people to look good in yellow with her truly beige skin tone. Her simple county dress was cut similarly to her maid's, though with a plunging neckline. She didn't rise, but gestured towards the two sofas and the refreshments waiting on the coffee table: iced tea garnished with lemon and wheat crackers topped with cream cheese, cold turkey, a bit more cream cheese and dot of cranberry preserves.

"Please sit. Enjoy yourselves. I haven't entertained in sometime and I believe I rather miss it." She smiled at Yandeath and asked, "You're not a Thranmurim, are you? There's a bit of a family resemblance."
Taking a bite of cold turkey, Hammerhead gulped it down as Viola addressed him before replying.

"I'm afraid not, milady. Can't say I remember any Thranmurims, although knowing the old family profession I suppose it's possible we might have done business with them at one point. I don't blame you, though - at some point we dwarves all kind of blend together."

[Nefarion Xid]

Viola's House

"I'm sorry I don't have any insight about Rhoswen or the fate of the Archdruid. I'm afraid whoever told you that I was an expert on the Fey rather overstated things. I understand the political aspect well, at least our perspective as an Assemblywoman and the Prince's since we were ... friends. We got along quite well for the last few years and spent a lot of time together."

Volina paused long enough to steal one of the hors d'oeuvre. "I wouldn't concern myself overmuch with what you're wearing, Cassandra. Clothes won't impress him. Am ample bust might, he is a man after all, but he won't care what you're wearing. When you and your companions are prepared, I can take you too him. He gave me a magical stone that can be used to teleport to his castle once a week. I ... I don't know if he wants to see me, but if you bring him news of this Rhoswen, I'm sure he won't just turn you away."

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

"Ah yes," The tiefling grimaced, "that awkward moment when complete strangers are more trustworthy than your neighbors. What kind of pay are we talking about?"

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Her brows knit together as she chewed her lower lip in thought. Totally obliterating any last vestiges of the lipstick she had so carefully applied.

"Do you know who goes by the codename of Midnight, perhaps?" She craned her head from around him to peek out of the alcove and down the hall once more.

[Nefarion Xid]

Kiyoko

Elizabeth had a way of not showing her teeth when she smiled. Perhaps she didn't want to get lipstick on her teeth. It was then that Kiyoko realized the noblewoman wasn't wearing any makeup. "Enough to make it worth your while, surely. I'd like to retain your services for, we'll say a month to start. What do you suppose you're worth? Of course, you'd be free to keep any, um, magical accoutrements you liberate."

Before he could answer, a portly Galtan man emerged from the dining room to announce, "My lords and ladies, the first course will be served shortly. Please join me in the dining hall."

Turel divested himself from Mikael who had spent the last few minutes enthusiastically discussing the new pineapple tax. He turned to their hostess, saying, "Lady Vallas, I so look forward to this evening's selection. You've been such a gracious hostess and your dinners have never disappointed."

Ellarie

As the dinner announcement came, Valere just tapped his chest with a prideless half-grin before mouthing the word "Midnight". "I'll stall them a few moments if you want to reapply your makeup. Depending on how occupied Elizabeth finds herself after dinner, we may be able to see each other again." With that he turned down the hallway, batting at his collar with his handkerchief and tutting to himself.

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

"An interesting offer. I would need to discuss it with my companions first, of course, but I'm certain I could give you a definite answer before either of us departs the castle." When the heavy man with the heavy accent announced the imminent arrival of a heavy meal, Kiyoko smiled in a manner mostly free of smirk. "Ah, you seem to be a knowledgeable guide to these affairs after all. I shouldn't want to keep you from rejoining your husband, and it looks as though he's just freed himself from a most perilous trap. I'm sure we'll talk more over dinner." With that, she excused herself as graciously as she could and looked around for Elias - easy enough to spot near Turel - and Ellarie, who she couldn't quite get a bead on.

[Nefarion Xid]

Viola's House

After an errand, the party reassembled in Viola's study. The lady descended from her bedroom with a darkwood box carefully held to her chest. After they'd reaffirmed their plans, she set the box on her desk and produced a flat, smooth, river-worn stone and passed it to Cassandra. Under ordinary scrutiny, it appeared to be a small rock, suitable for skipping, and nothing more. Magical observation revealed complicated matrix of glowing green lines and the Sylvan word for "home".

"It is a one-way trip. He has the magic to teleport you anywhere in Andoran, but there's no guarantee he'll be willing. I suppose, if he refuses or doesn't see you at all, it's not such a long walk to Oregent. When you're ready, join hands in a circle and say, "Neth". The stone just needs to be on your person to work. I do expect it returned to me, regardless of what he says. I ... oh it's so bloody juvenile, but will you just ask him how he feels? He may be immortal, but I'm not getting any younger!" Viola huffed, plopping down into the leather chair behind her desk and pouting. Perhaps it would be best to press on before she changed her mind.

Once everyone was securely stowed as luggage or joined by hands, Cassandra uttered the activation word. It was as if the floor had fallen away. In an instant, Cassandra and Hammerhead felt as if they'd be hurtled sideways and down at tremendous speed. Their vision was torn from the well appointed study with its cherry wood floors. They fell sideways and in another direction their inner ear couldn't decide on, through the evening sky, over and into the Andoshen River, and finally into darkness. The whole process was over before they had time to vocalize their surprise, and before they could attempt to keep the footing that had never actual left them.

Wherever they'd ended up, it was still mostly dark, though dimly lit with an eerie, cold blue light. Before them was a grand, gently curving staircase. The gneiss steps had been polished to a mirror finish reflected the few lights in the room. Flanking the stairs, there were pale grey granite statues of nymphs set in playful and or seductive poses with their heads turned to observe people passing up the first steps. Each held an illuminated blue glass orb, one tucked against the crook of her neck, the other held at arms length as if she'd grown bored of the thing. The stairs ran straight to the second level and then parted left and right to ascend to the third. Tiny blue gems had been affixed to twisted, vine-like patinaed bronze fixtures that seemed to grow from or around the columns. Each only produced as much light as a candle, but there were hundreds of them. The entire foyer was open, with darkwood railing seperating each level from the yawning fifty or sixty-foot expanse in the middle. If there was a ceiling here, Hammerhead did not see it as it must have reached beyond his darkvision. Four sets of double doors could be seen from here, without traversing behind the stairs, two to the left and two to the right. They all looked to be made of darkwood and each had been carved with idyllic scenes of nature. To the rear, a fifth set of doors, darkwood like the others, but larger by several feet in all directions and left plain. There were windows on the first floor, but they appeared to be all behind drawn heavy cotton drapes.

The room remained uncomfortably silent while they retrieved Margot from the bag, though every movement echoed sharply.

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"That was exhilarating," breathed the druidess once the three stood safely before the dimly-lit stair. She gazed around in wonder, circling the area and examining the trio's new surroundings. "It is almost as if the entire place were holding its breath in anticipation," she remarked. "But of what, I wonder. I should have been delighted here in an earlier time, I think. Now it makes me feel...sad, like viewing a painting of better days." She almost wanted to laugh out loud, to give the place some mirth that it probably hadn't known in months, but thought better of it for the moment. "Come, whether it be good or ill, we should announce our presence, if it is not already known." Pausing a moment, she lifted the crystal at her belt and set Conall free. "Heel," she ordered the wolf, "Be good, be alert." Raising her hand, Cassandra cast a light spell upon her ring and started forward, toward the larger set of doors. "I shall knock and declare myself."

Striding forward slowly, but determinedly, Cassandra stopped before the doors and rapped thrice. "Lady Cassandra Vallas begs an audience with the Prince of the Silver Isle. I have two companions with me -" Conall gave her a look that spoke volumes, but she continued, "And I come bearing a gift and news of the Briar Queen Rhoswen."

Diplomacy, if applicable: [roll0]

[zabbarot]

Margot

As she emerged happily from the bag it was apparent that she had spent her time inside getting dressed up to meet the prince. Her hair was down and she was wearing a deep red lipstick. She cast a side-eyed glance at Cassandra, then spent another moment adjusting her dress and undoing the top button to show just a bit of cleavage. "What? You saw the pining in Lady Viola's eyes. He's probably gorgeous."

She waited a moment after Cassandra's announcement before slapping Crocker hard to elicit a nice gong effect.

[Nefarion Xid]

???

"Ruggedly handsome is the phrase people typically use." There was no telling where the voice had come from in the cathedral of a foyer. It was a bored, dusky sort of voice with an accent common to Chelish actors, something universally well received. "Of course he's rich and has a wonderful personality. At least his mother says so."

"Do you enjoy trivia, Lady Vallas? I love trivia. I just learned this one recently, but did you know that in Andoran there is a convention of knocking on a door before you enter a house? I was as surprised too! I try not to make a habit of it myself, but, well, I'm me and you're a lady! Tybalt is going to give you such a scolding when you come home."

The click of boots on stone could be heard on the second story balcony, along the right hand side, moving towards the exterior side of the room.

[Othniel]

Cassandra

Looking around again, the druidess tried to spot the speaker. "My father's behavior is something I have become accustomed to over the years," Cassandra replied carefully. Just how familiar with her background was he? "Our disagreement over my choices does not lessen my fondness for him. I am curious, however, as to how what you are referring to precisely."

"I find some trivia interesting, yes," she replied to the question, and turned to face the direction from which the steps sounded. "And while most trivia is by its nature unimportant, that is to say trivial, I have found that at times some piece of trivia may subsequently prove useful or important. Take, for instance, and item that is in my possession. I recovered it a short time ago from the horde of a dragon, and though I do not know how it came to be in his possession, I do know that from the information contained in the invoice that was with it that it came from an Oppara auction house. It appears that the Prince of the Silver Isle - in whose presence I presume to be standing - paid for the delivery of a painting depicting Queen Abrogail II of Cheliax. It would have taken far more research on my part, I deem, to discern your importance and whereabouts, were it not for this painting found in the dragon's horde. I must confess my curiosity regarding the situation of a Fey Prince living in Andoran wanting the portrait of the ruling Chelaxian queen, but it would be rude to put the question to you. Instead, I offer it as a gift in token of my sincerity in asking for your help."

[Nefarion Xid]

???

"I find some trivia interesting, yes, and while most trivia is by its nature unimportant, that is to say trivial, I have found that at times some piece of trivia may subsequently prove useful or important."

"Booored!" interrupted the disembodied voice.

"Take, for instance, and item that is in my possession. I recovered it a short time ago from the horde of a dragon, and though I do not know how it came to be in his possession ..."

"You're making me sad that I'm immortal! So bored ... "

"It appears that the Prince of the Silver Isle - in whose presence I presume to be standing..."

Inarticulate moaning.

"... a painting depicting Queen Abrogail II of Cheliax!"

"Next time, lead with that!" the voice pleaded. It seemed to be coming from directly overhead now. "So, what do I owe you? Is this like a cash on delivery thing? Am I supposed to tip you? I don't really carry a lot of cash on me. Look, all I've got is the Skull of Ydersius, the Moaning Diamond and some coupons for free back rubs from the nymphs. Oh, these expire soon." There was actually a faint shuffling of paper. "This one's for breakfast in bed. There's a little drawing of me with fuzzy bunny slippers. It's cute! You can't ... you can't see it, but it's cute."

[Othniel]

Cassandra

Like that, is it? she thought. Clearly the Prince had no appreciation for formality, which was fine with Cassandra. She shifted her stance slightly, relaxed her posture and quirked a small smile. Short sentences for a short attention span. "Viola called you Stray. She wants to know how you feel. Rhoswen may have escaped the Fellnight. Her Dark Fey are killing Fey and non-Fey alike. I wish to reach Syntira, and your name came up. I want freedom of passage into Darkmoon Vale. If there is anything you could do to aid me, I would be grateful."

Cassandra waited a moment and then switched subjects back to the painting. "I bring the painting as a gift, and demand no reward, but if you offered one that would be lovely." She hesitated. "What are the Skull of Ydersius and Moaning Diamond?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Castle Vallas

As everyone moved towards the dining hall, Lady Vallas hastened to take Turel's hand and lead him in first. Both of the southern doors that flanked the hearth in the atrium lead to the hall, a cavernous expanse with a vaulted ceiling and stone windows along the far wall, open to the evening air. This room likely hadn't been where the dwarves did their feasting, but the stonework was ornate all the same. The windows (arrowslits in reality, or merely ventilation) were bordered with a finely worked cornice in a raised geometric pattern that changed from light to dark, depending on the angle from which hey were viewed. The entablature was done in a similar fashion so that the room had an entirely different color scheme on either end. The hearth couldn't have been original as it was a handsome if Brobdingnagian darkwood piece from the Golden Age. The structurally unnecessary rafters likely dated to the same period. Banners from each noble house loyal to Vallas were hoisted to teach rafter. The bright colors and natural accents made the place seem much more accommodating. The table was darkwood as well, a monstrous thing complete with lion's feet, large enough to seat twenty without single touching elbow. Lady Vallas escorted Turel to the foot of the table while Tybalt made his way to the head with Elizabeth whispering something in his ear the whole way. Everyone else found their seat thanks to place cards.

Sir Aland, the one with the braided goatee, pulled out Kiyoko's chair and gave her a toothy smile. Philip stood awkwardly by his seat, reasonably confident that he should remain standing until the ladies had been seated, but at the same time visibly nervous about being separated form Elias. Lady Vallas and the Count both whispered something to him.

"Miss Chapman finds herself momentarily indisposed, if you'll pardon the delay, my lords and ladies," Valere announced, fingers delicately drumming on the back of his chair as he tried not to make the wait awkward. "Oh. I have a joke. You'll like this one, I think, Kiyoko. One sort of bird is so pious, it spends all day on its knees. Any guesses?"

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

The tiefling's eyes visibly narrowed at Valere's remarks concerning Ellarie. She didn't think the count could have overpowered the skald without making enough of a racket for her to notice, but if he'd used a potent enough poison or magic...

...then she saw the lipstick on his collar and barely stopped herself from laughing out loud, turning the impulse into a smile for what's-his-name, Braids McGee. Ser Garland or something? Perhaps she should have been more worried about the count's constitution giving out again. Good humor restored, she gave Valere's joke some thought. She suspected that the answer was a pun in Taldane, which was not her first language, but she worked it out quickly enough. "You'll be happy to know that I've been studying the natural sciences since our last meeting, Count. I believe you're talking about a bird of pray?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Castle Vallas

"I believe you're talking about a bird of pray?"

A courtesy chuckle came from the hostess.

"A good guess, but the bird I meant was Lady Jean Albercroft!"

According to gossip, last fall, Jean Albercroft, daughter of the esteemed Duchess Lorette Albercroft, was discovered, by her fiance, on the night before their wedding, enthusiastically and simultaneously, performing ******** on Sir Trenton Firth and his squire Bernard. The act has popularly become known as Albercrofting and the Duchesses is expected to die from embarrassment sometime this year.

Arissa, her husband, and their entire side of the table minus Kiyoko choked down her laughter. Alexander smirked through an otherwise stiff upper lip. Lysander and Elizabeth laughed the loudest. Turel wet his lips, bored and the hostess nervously laced her hands together.

Silver Isle

"Wow, you're throwing, like, a lot of stuff at me. Do you breathe or do you just talk? One thing at a time." the voice groaned.

"Lights. White, please!" The inexplicable command was followed by a startlingly loud snap of the fingers. At once, every light in the room turned from icy blue to pure white and the heretofore unseen chandelier exploded with radiance that illuminated the entire room. Sitting on the landing of the grand stairs, the light revealed a disheveled human man of thirty. While still decidedly handsome, he had a month old beard that didn't suit his round face, nor did his spectacles. He wore only loose fitting linen pants held together with a draw string, unless you counted the pelt of silvery hair on his chest. He looked dreadfully gaunt with dark circles beneath his otherwise beautiful emerald eyes. His ribs could be seen rather plainly.

The man carried a bowl of, from here, what looked to be scrambled eggs and a piece of toast. Using a mithral spoon, he shoveled bites into his mouth while explaining, "Ydersius is a god. Was one. Still is. Sort of. It's complicated. I've got his head in my basement. He's not much for conversation, but it's, ya know, it's a conversation piece. Some people go with a nice vase, I'm more of a giant snake god skull kind of guy. Thought about leaving it in Druff's bed, but then I thought, where am I going to get another snake god's skull? No where, right? You can see it if you like. There's a chance you'll go mad and he doesn't say much besides threaten you with a thousand years of torment. His servants will eat your children. The skies will blacken and the time of man will come to an end."

His left hand shot up to mime a snake talking into his ear, then cackling madly. The hand was silenced with a quick whack from his spoon.

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

She walked into the dining room amidst fading laughter, an embarrassed smile upon her face.

"Please excuse my tardiness." Her eyes went to Valere and her embarrassment seemed to grow. She couldn't think of any good excuse to have kept her betters waiting at dinner, and so she gave none. She simply nodded at their hostess and to Turel before she took the one empty spot between Elias and Valere. She tried to make herself inconspicuous and looked down at the table, her eyes glancing sideways at Valere and then Elias. This isn't awkward at all. She wasn't terribly good at convincing herself.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead

Hammerhead had kept his mouth shut as per usual when Cassandra started talking, as she was the more eloquent of the two - but as Stray revealed himself, he looked over the man's appearance with a touch of concern.

I've heard the fey are often a touch odd, but this appearance of his...

"Are you well, Prince Stray? I can't help but notice you look a touch disheveled."

[Nefarion Xid]

Silver Isle

Stray looked touched, genuinely appreciative of the dwarf's concern. "That's so kind of you to ask! No one asks me how I'm feeling anymore. It's always Stray, we need this. Stray, we need that. Stray, can we hide a snake god's skull in your basement? I like you. You're my favorite now. You were close with the cleavage and everything, Funsize, but the dwarf is my favorite now." The spoon pointed to Margot. "You may have your hammer back."

Suddenly grasping for where Last Word should be, Yandeath found nothing. A frantic visual scan of the room revealed that it was precariously balanced on the third story balustrade.

"I feel a bit under the weather, I will admit. I believe I've come down with a case of Autocratitis. It's really spreading these days. Unfortunately, the cure is an educated electorate, so it's likely terminal."

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

"Ah, I apologize for missing the punchline. Most of my time on this side of the world was spent closer to Kalsgard. Please excuse my ignorance kindly, but I am unfamiliar with the Lady Jean Albercroft." Kiyoko nodded her head, the closest thing she could manage to a bow while sitting upright at the formal setting, and tempered her growing irritation with the inside joke by noting that an uninjured and apparently unensorcelled Ellarie had joined them. "Is she highly regarded among Taldan nobility?"

[zabbarot]

Margot flushed deep red when the voice called her out and never really managed to regain her composure. Stray was really not at all what she expected though. He was so mopey, and kind of rude. Maybe that was their fault for showing up unannounced, but who makes a device to teleport people right into their foyer and gets upset when people use it? She was still trying to figure him out when he called her 'funsize'. Her ears turned bright red and her feelings were pretty much settled.

"Listen up, you mopey twit." She flew up into the air to get as close to eye level as she could manage. "We are here because people are being murdered by some pissed off fey and we would appreciate it if you could pull yourself together for twenty gods damned seconds to point us in the right direction. Then we'll be out of your hair and you can go back to bemoaning your many blessings."

[Nefarion Xid]

Silver Isle

"I'm being yelled at by a diminutive Galtan women who's the source of unresolved sexual feelings. This is just like primary school. Now just pinch my cheeks and say I'm not living up to my potential." Stray rolled his eyes and set his evening breakfast aside, then scooched along the step to move Margot out of his line of sight to address Hammerhead directly.

"I tell you about the skull for a reason. I need you to have some sense of scale here. I keep the skull of a god in a vault in my basement because I think it's funny to mock him. His corpse is still lashing around somewhere out there. His soul is trapped in the Boneyard, probably annoying Pharasma. Now, the only way to actually destroy this god who wants to exterminate all of us and make a billion creepy little legged snake babies, is to drag both is body to the Boneyard with his perpetually surprised looking stupid face and stick them back together. And THEN you murder him like you mean it! There aren't many ways to truly end a god, but beating them down on Death's front porch? That'll do it."

He stood and began making his way from the landing to the second story walkway where he passed behind a column and emerged on the other side as a vision of Fey nobility. The beard was gone, as were the dark circles beneath his eyes. His hair hung in boyish blond curls, tucked neatly beneath a mithral circlet with sapphires the size of robin's eggs. The linen pants transformed into a midnight blue robe flowing with black and silver lace.

"My position is not an unusual one, but perhaps one that is commonly misunderstood. I cannot kill him, nor can I allow him to exert his influence on the world." His outstretched hands bobbled up and down, balancing invisible weights. "You may seek Syntira still, but she will not be so kind to you as to teach you this lesson. This is the fate of all who play the game ... eventually." He gestured overhead and all around. "Impasse. Stalemate. Homeostasis. I share the same fate as Ydersius, though my tomb, my prison, has better lighting. You may not understand now, but if you live long enough, you will. Ask your father, Cassandra."

Leaning over to look at the party once more, he put his elbows on the railing. "So. With this labored metaphor living in the back of your minds, let us begin again. I shall presume you are intrepid, smart heroes with the best of intentions. You shall charitably assume that I am not mad. I shall invite you to my dining room and I shall feed you. We shall discuss my family drama and decide what should be done about Rhoswen. She won't be going anywhere for now, not with eleven of the Wardstones in place. Now, please, show me my painting."

[Othniel]

Cassandra

My father again. Cassandra wondered at that. Maybe her next visit home should be sooner rather than later.

At Stray's command, the druidess fished the tube containing the painting out of her bag of holding and flipped it open. Turning it over, she slid the rolled-up painting into her hand and started to unroll it. "Yandeath, help me with this, will you?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Castle Vallas

There was some polite nodding at Ellarie as she entered. Valere pulled her chair out. With everyone present, dinner began like a clockwork machine with two servers buzzing around with plates: a single large river oyster topped with a melange of diced tomatoes, chives, finely shaved horseradish and lemon juice.

"It's a sad tale, really," Lady Vallas began, addressing Kiyoko's inquiry, probably intending to curtail further discussion.

Raissa poked at her oyster, dislodging the meat from the shell. "She's been admitted to Liongate Hospital to treat her mania. It's tragic though, she had been the most eligible bachelorette in the Empire. Apart from Princess Eutropia, I mean."

"It's strange, isn't it?" ask Elizabeth. "They call it a mania, but that's just what they say when a woman entertains salacious proclivities as frequently as men. As if they were the only ones to enjoy it. If society would like to exclude women entirely, we'll get on quite well without you, but I would suggest men form some sort of support group. Perhaps if they all sat in a circle ..."

"But her fiance, darling. The poor boy was heartbroken," Turel offered sympathetically.

"Oh yes, an energetic woman is such a curse, isn't it?"

"Well, I bear my burden with equanimity. Gentlemen, may the gods smite you with such affliction."

Once again, Lysander laughed the loudest.

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

"Hear hear?" Kiyoko responded to Turel's 'curse,' either not knowing or not caring what her decision to respond implied. "Though perhaps it is less an affliction and more a symptom. I won't bore you with the elaborate proceedings of marriage in my homeland, but I can't help but wonder if Kalsgard might have a more enlightened view of such things (though not cuisine). There a woman is not judged by the quantity of her lovers but the quality. She may openly consort with the best of all partners, rather than let herself be debauched in secret by a singular example of questionable value."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead


Silver Isle

Stray looked touched, genuinely appreciative of the dwarf's concern. "That's so kind of you to ask! No one asks me how I'm feeling anymore. It's always Stray, we need this. Stray, we need that. Stray, can we hide a snake god's skull in your basement? I like you. You're my favorite now. You were close with the cleavage and everything, Funsize, but the dwarf is my favorite now." The spoon pointed to Margot. "You may have your hammer back."

Suddenly grasping for where Last Word should be, Yandeath found nothing. A frantic visual scan of the room revealed that it was precariously balanced on the third story balustrade.

"I feel a bit under the weather, I will admit. I believe I've come down with a case of Autocratitis. It's really spreading these days. Unfortunately, the cure is an educated electorate, so it's likely terminal."

Hammerhead could not help but look panicked as Last Word vanished from his grasp, although he calmed himself somewhat as he saw it was still present, although out of reach. He looked back over at Stray, and although some annoyance crossed his mind with Last Word out of reach it was tempered with sympathy.

"The masses will drag anyone down, truly. But surely you must still have some friends roaming around the world? Some sort of confidant?"

"Oh, and I'm going to need the Last Word back before I leave, incidentally."


Silver Isle

"I'm being yelled at by a diminutive Galtan women who's the source of unresolved sexual feelings. This is just like primary school. Now just pinch my cheeks and say I'm not living up to my potential." Stray rolled his eyes and set his evening breakfast aside, then scooched along the step to move Margot out of his line of sight to address Hammerhead directly.

"I tell you about the skull for a reason. I need you to have some sense of scale here. I keep the skull of a god in a vault in my basement because I think it's funny to mock him. His corpse is still lashing around somewhere out there. His soul is trapped in the Boneyard, probably annoying Pharasma. Now, the only way to actually destroy this god who wants to exterminate all of us and make a billion creepy little legged snake babies, is to drag both is body to the Boneyard with his perpetually surprised looking stupid face and stick them back together. And THEN you murder him like you mean it! There aren't many ways to truly end a god, but beating them down on Death's front porch? That'll do it."

He stood and began making his way from the landing to the second story walkway where he passed behind a column and emerged on the other side as a vision of Fey nobility. The beard was gone, as were the dark circles beneath his eyes. His hair hung in boyish blond curls, tucked neatly beneath a mithral circlet with sapphires the size of robin's eggs. The linen pants transformed into a midnight blue robe flowing with black and silver lace.

"My position is not an unusual one, but perhaps one that is commonly misunderstood. I cannot kill him, nor can I allow him to exert his influence on the world." His outstretched hands bobbled up and down, balancing invisible weights. "You may seek Syntira still, but she will not be so kind to you as to teach you this lesson. This is the fate of all who play the game ... eventually." He gestured overhead and all around. "Impasse. Stalemate. Homeostasis. I share the same fate as Ydersius, though my tomb, my prison, has better lighting. You may not understand now, but if you live long enough, you will. Ask your father, Cassandra."

Leaning over to look at the party once more, he put his elbows on the railing. "So. With this labored metaphor living in the back of your minds, let us begin again. I shall presume you are intrepid, smart heroes with the best of intentions. You shall charitably assume that I am not mad. I shall invite you to my dining room and I shall feed you. We shall discuss my family drama and decide what should be done about Rhoswen. She won't be going anywhere for now, not with eleven of the Wardstones in place. Now, please, show me my painting."


Cassandra

My father again. Cassandra wondered at that. Maybe her next visit home should be sooner rather than later.

At Stray's command, the druidess fished the tube containing the painting out of her bag of holding and flipped it open. Turning it over, she slid the rolled-up painting into her hand and started to unroll it. "Yandeath, help me with this, will you?"

"Gladly, Cassandra - although you can just call me Hammerhead. It sounds more... imposing's the wrong word. I want to say... cool?"

He then looked to Stray as he helped Cassandra with the painting. "Forgive my ignorance, Prince, but what game are you talking about? And how'd you come by the skull of a serpent god in the first place?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Silver Isle

Stray smiled for the first time since they'd set eyes on him, though there was little mirth in his eyes. He began to return to the landing, but as he passed behind the column again, he stepped out onto the third floor, headed in the opposite direction. Walking to Last Word, he picked up the weapon with a confused grunt and tested its weight.

"I can't believe you killed a dragon with this. Poor Svangi had a mother, you know. We all do, but not like her. Oh ho! I'm bold, but even I'd treat Aethervox with respect. She is, after all, at least eight hundred years old. So, it is fortunate for you that dear departed Svangi took a new name. Aethervox will not realize it was her son for some time yet. All the same, I would encourage you to purchase some form of acid resistance."

There was a ripple of shadow and wind and Stray appeared immediately in front of Hammerhead to hand over the maul. "Something to mull over while I prepare dinner."

Giving Hammerhead a long, knowing, sympathetic look, he stepped back to admire the painting. His eyes darted, obviously lost in the masterpiece, but he continued on with the previous questions all the same. "The skull was brought to me by an old friend who wished to keep it safe. How he came by it is a more dangerous secret than divulging its current location. It is a long tale anyway."

"The game," he smiled again, wanly, "Is the one we're all playing. You joined when you took Svangi's head, I'm afraid. You, me, my sweet black rose here," he gestured to Abrogail, "We're all on the board, vying for position and bumping each other off."

His eyes seemed to focus on something several feet behind the outstretched painting. "She is not classically beautiful. I think she celebrated her thirtieth birthday the day she turned seventeen. Our painter has given her fuller lips and corrected her eyes. The left actually sits a bit lower than the right. She cuts her hair at a slight angle to compensate and most people don't notice it." He turned to Cassandra and then Margot. "Do you think it's wrong to love someone so evil? I think they're the ones most deserving of love. Good people are happy because they deserve it. They're not the ones who need saving."

[Othniel]

Cassandra

The druidess listened as Stray went on. His words simultaneously intrigued and alarmed her, but she felt the need to know more, as always. Still, prodding at the dark secret of a dead serpent god's head struck her as a perilous path to go down, so she focused on the prince's following remarks. "I know little of love beyond my immediate family," Cassandra replied warily. "My closest companion has been the road since I was old enough to travel alone. Knowledge and experience are my twin passions, though I feel compassion for those suffering wrongs through little fault of their own and some urge to do what I can to prevent such things in my own small way." That was not really a lie, she reasoned, but it wasn't the co mplete truth either. For the villagers, woodsmen, peddlers, tinkers, and all others of the 'common folk' that many of her her fellow nobles scorned, she did feel something when they suffered. Some small amount of shared guilt perhaps, and a desire to help where she could. But it was also an excuse to experience life and meet its challenges, and when she thought about it a little more, Cassandra realized that preventing the untimely death of folk she did not know and never would was a way of preserving the world for herself to experience. If forces like Rhoswen's Dark Fey had their way, they would (she guessed) not stop until they had carved out their own realm in this world, building upon the corpses of non-fey races, good fey, and even the neutral variety who wished to be left to rule their own lives. To Cassandra, such a would sounded frightfully dull.

What little wisdom she had told her to keep this realization to herself, at least from her traveling companions. She refocused her gaze upon Stray. "I am not opposed to saving those who need saving," she said. "Assuming such a thing is possible in this situation. I know little of Rhoswen save what I have been told by the Archdruid Devarre. If she can be saved from self-destruction, perhaps there is much to learn from her, but I suspect that it may prove that her evil nature has festered too long for redemption, and the evil may have to be uprooted, if you will pardon the phrase."

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

Having enjoyed a spirited discussion on the wisdom of current import tariffs in Oppara, Elias took his seat feeling better than he had in some time. It was the warm glow of a proper Taldan upbringing, Elias imagining his mother and father's pride as he dined alongside some of the highest nobility in the land as an equal. That a man of Duke Meresin's stature had deigned to remember his father was especially touching. Elias' mood only faltered briefly as he noticed Ellarie's absence, the instincts of the past few years rear back from near-slumber as his eyes swung over to Valere. A parade of tragedy spun through his mind, but before he could act Ellarie had appeared. It was in relief more than at the quality of the joke that Elias laughed at Valere and Kiyoko's exchange, and he had a warm smile for Ellarie as they finally sat.

As dinner was served and the talk turned once again to the salacious rumors of the upper class, now his own, Elias felt a curious sense of vertigo. In this calm and comfort, he realized that it had been so long since he lowered his guard that safety had become almost alien. Here, safe in a bastion of honored stone, he had to cause to worry for the safety of his cousin. For the lives of his dear friends seated near him at the table. For the honor of his family name and the sanctity of their memory. For his own standing, so recently risen from pauper to knight of the realm. It was a few moments before he recovered to the sound of Kiyoko's voice, and realized what was being discussed.

"While such a judgement would doubtless reflect well on those couples at this table, give a thought to the poor hedge knight Kiyoko."

Elias raised a hand dramatically to his heart.

"We cannot all possess the spirit and silver tongue of a master bard."

He gave her a wide smile.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead


"I can't believe you killed a dragon with this. Poor Svangi had a mother, you know. We all do, but not like her. Oh ho! I'm bold, but even I'd treat Aethervox with respect. She is, after all, at least eight hundred years old. So, it is fortunate for you that dear departed Svangi took a new name. Aethervox will not realize it was her son for some time yet. All the same, I would encourage you to purchase some form of acid resistance."

"Something to mull over while I prepare dinner."

Giving Hammerhead a long, knowing, sympathetic look, he stepped back to admire the painting. His eyes darted, obviously lost in the masterpiece, but he continued on with the previous questions all the same. "The skull was brought to me by an old friend who wished to keep it safe. How he came by it is a more dangerous secret than divulging its current location. It is a long tale anyway."

"The game," he smiled again, wanly, "Is the one we're all playing. You joined when you took Svangi's head, I'm afraid. You, me, my sweet black rose here," he gestured to Abrogail, "We're all on the board, vying for position and bumping each other off."

His eyes seemed to focus on something several feet behind the outstretched painting. "She is not classically beautiful. I think she celebrated her thirtieth birthday the day she turned seventeen. Our painter has given her fuller lips and corrected her eyes. The left actually sits a bit lower than the right. She cuts her hair at a slight angle to compensate and most people don't notice it." He turned to Cassandra and then Margot. "Do you think it's wrong to love someone so evil? I think they're the ones most deserving of love. Good people are happy because they deserve it. They're not the ones who need saving."
At the revelation that the dragon he'd slain had family with a vengeful streak, Hammerhead felt a palpable lump in his throat.

If a dragon that old comes after me... I may have slain Svangi, but it was only through the help of Cassandra, Elias, and the others. I will need to prepare and drill with all my might, if what Stray says is remotely true.

He then nodded as Stray answered his previous questions, having nothing further to add until the prince examined the painting - and asked his question regarding love and evil people. Hammerhead rubbed the back of his neck, an awkward look about his face.

"I'm probably the wrong person to ask about that sort of thing, to be honest. My experience in matters of the heart is squat."

[Nefarion Xid]

Silver Isle

An uncomfortable look passed between Stray and Cassandra. Perhaps he found her answer unconvincing or trite. He returned his gaze to the painting for a moment longer and then gestured for them to roll up the canvas. "There's more than one kind of love, master dwarf. Rest assured, I harbor no romantic feelings for Abrogail. Truthfully, she doesn't deserve your sympathy and her story isn't a tragic one. She was always a brat. Still, she's a pleasant reminder. If I can at least try and understand her, I have an easier time with every other naughty creature in the world. If if Her Infernal Majestrix still sleeps with a stuffed owlbear doll, then maybe the world isn't all that bad."

He turned without another word on the subject and began to ascend the stairs once more. "Why does everything smell like sugar and vanilla? That child is not on a proper diet." He eyeballed Margot and her cadre, but didn't wait for a response.

"Enjoy the second floor. Do not stray beyond. You will find chambers in the east wing. Rest, wash. You will find the dining room to the west on your left. Dinner will be served in an hour. Probably. I don't actually own a clock. Spill no blood. Do not make eye contact with the duck. Kobolds are friends. And if you hear whiffling ..." he paused, "Well, there's nothing to be done about that, so don't worry."

As he reached the landing, he vanished from sight once more.

Castle Vallas

The men on either side of Kiyoko glanced to Elias, then to each other, then back to Kiyoko. Erich gave an silent scoff which went unnoticed by most at the table.

"You must explain Minkai's courtship rituals in detail some time, Kiyoko," Valere cooed over his water glass. "Where I come from, the way to a man's heart is through a long walk in the woods and deep conversation, the sort where you open yourself up and show what's on the inside. There can be no trust without vulnerability. It is a refreshing diversion from the backstabbing of Chelaxian nobility."

"The Count is from an old house," explained Tybalt, happy to have something to contribute. "Originally a Taldan line, the Valeres."

Lady Vallas looked relieved that the topic had changed. "These upstart nobles that clawed their way to power in the Thrune Ascendancy, they have no sense of propriety. It must be why they love their operas; like their dreadful actors, they merely play at nobility. Any semblance of decorum is merely a veneer to mask the ugliness that has infected their society."

"New money," hummed Turel. By now, the staff had begun to clear the plates from the first course and serve soup -- a puree of almonds and broccoli with coriander.

"Blessedly, my estate is the country. Not so far from Egorian as the cardinal flies, but entirely on the opposite end of the lake. And it's quite a big lake!"

[Othniel]

Cassandra

A few moments later, Cassandra once again found her voice. "I am not entirely sure what I was expecting, but that was not it," she said to the others. Still holding the painting with Yandeath, she took it back and gently rolled it up once more, storing it in its tube and ultimately back in her bag of holding. "I suppose I shall keep the painting until I find a suitable place to leave it," she muttered, and continued on almost to herself, though loud enough for the others to hear. "I have dined with royalty - most of them are pretentious fools, for what it is worth - and yet never met any Prince like that. I have to surmise that Fey Princes vary amongst themselves as much as the Eldest do: they are alike, and yet unalike. Unless, of course, Prince Stray is one of a kind."

Then she smiled. "Our venture here seems to be going well, though I would caution you both. He will likely be aware of what we say and do here, so be on your best behavior. I am going to freshen up."

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

If Valere was waiting for a reaction of guilt, shame, or introspection from Kiyoko, he'd be waiting until dessert, at least. The Minkaian smiled beatifically, like the ingenue from one of the very Chelaxian operas under criticism. "Ahhh, Count, I too enjoyed our last stroll through the forest," she chirped, blithely, "We should do it again sometime!"

Turning to the others, she considered - and wanted a medal from Elias and Ellarie later for keeping the scorn from her face and the mockery out of her voice - the new subject under discussion. "I'm afraid I can't offer much concurrence in terms of new versus old money. My own family's claim to power upset... well, every single Minkaian royal family and a solid majority of Tian Xia's gods. Oddly, this didn't stop Takahiro from ruling the nation with an iron fist for eighty years. He used to toss people who contested his claim to the throne into the Well of Demons and see how long it took for the enraged spirits of the dishonored ancestors to consume them. You'd think it would be the mightiest warriors that held out the longest, but it was really the little old monks who knew how to fall three hundred feet without breaking anything. One wizard tried to get cheeky and fly out, but that's what the Tomb Warden was for..." She paused for a moment, as though she'd accidentally gone off topic, though in reality it was nothing of the sort. "I think I've digressed, there. My point was really that titles are more mutable than anyone lets on. Even with the backing of the divine mandate, the true owners of the Minkaian throne very nearly lost it forever. Lacking godly assistance, one would expect that money spends the same way regardless of how new it is on this side of the world. Is that not so?"

[zabbarot]

Beignet blanched and drew his hood tighter around his head when he was mentioned. Margot, still feeling the rush of her outburst and imagined victory, glanced nervously towards him and made her way to the floor. When he was gone she replied to Cassandra, "After that ordeal I wouldn't be shocked if he was aware of what we say or do anywhere." She dove into Crocker to dig out fresh clothes for herself and Beignet.

"I trust he's gentleman enough to turn a blind eye while we freshen up though." She and Beignet followed Cassandra up the stairs towards the east wing.

[Nefarion Xid]

Silver Isle

Moving from the foyer to the east hall, Cassandra and Margot found a square hall with long, twined flights of stairs running up and down on to the left and right. Four columns stood in the center in the same clover style as the ones in the foyer. The vault rose to nearly twenty feet. The room was dark when they entered, but candle-like crystals tangled about the columns sprang to life in their presence, though they remained dim. The walls has been left nearly plain, thought the arches were wrought with a bas-relief meant to resemble the branches of a darkwood tree. At the end of the hall, the armor of a Hell Knight Commande was on display, grasping a cold iron fauchard. Drawing close enough to make out the placard, Cassandra read, "He died as he lived: screaming incomprehensibly". To the left a bow was mounted to the wall, which Cassandra realized was identical to the one that had been loaned to Ioseph -- the black bow of a Fury. The plaque confirmed this, adding, "Less furious than anticipated". On the right, also mounted, there was a helmet or skull of sorts, though it has a black metallic sheen to it. "Warmonger Devil's Skull: Didn't mong hard enough".

There was no dust here. In fact, the floors were immaculately kept. Still, the atrium felt disused and sorry for it. The lack of windows in what she gauged to be the house's principle stairs reminded Cassandra of home.

There were six doors, excluding the enormous double doors that lead back to the foyer. Stray had not indicated where one should go from here.

[Othniel]

Cassandra

I would not count on that, she told herself silently, though she hoped it was true as well. "Once we find a suitable room, I shall change as well. I am interested to see what further experiences this trip brings," she said, though not without a touch of homesickness. All castles to some degree reminded her of home, but here it was the windows that provided the strongest reminder. After pausing a moment to look at the displays, she opened the door to the left of the displayed longbow.

[Nefarion Xid]

Castle Vallas

Dinner progressed much in the same way. Valere gave up testing Kiyoko and politely helped Philip select the right fork and asked him a few questions about his studies. To Elias' surprise, he knew more than a little about spellcraft, though he maintained he was not himself a mage. Alexander said little; like his father he seemed to enjoy watching and listening. Joy wasn't the right word for it. Tybalt always had a pleasant look on his face if he wasn't smiling, but Alexander never did unless Turel said something funny. Despite being the guest of honor, Turel didn't demand much attention. He let other people talk and limited himself to a few charming observations and searingly cordial comment about Andoran's new Supreme Elect. Conversation was chiefly engineered by Lady Vallas and Lysander, the latter of whom insisted on a retelling on the events in Belhaim. Both Aland and Erich made a token attempt to flirt with Kiyoko, but turned their attention elsewhere by the time the entrees came out, clearly intimidated by or just disinterested in any woman smarter than them.

In the end, everyone withdrew to the great room and a dessert wine was served -- a not too dry, not too sweet pear wine with an extremely satisfying finish. Elizabeth was well into her third glass on top of what she'd had to drink during dinner, but showed no signs of it. At least, her default personality seemed to be slightly tipsy. She said nothing more to Kiyoko about business and it was possible she'd completely forgotten her between the wine and chocolates.

Near eleven, Tybalt excused himself, signalling that it was officially socially permissible to retire to your chambers and pass out. Kiyoko and Ellarie had been given one room and Elias and Philip were to share another.

Silver Isle

The chamber Cassandra entered was well lit with soft golden light provided by the chandelier and several candelabras scattered about the room. Unlike the rest of the castle, the light here appeared to be genuine flame feeding on beeswax candles. Once again, there were no windows, nor a hearth, but there was a warm and pleasant feeling to the room. It smelled faintly of oatmeal cookies and wildflowers. The paneled walls had been painted eggshell with gold tooling at the borders.

Seated on the array of violet chenille furniture were six female pixies, all dressed in a garish mockery of Andoran fashion. Each wore a bold colored dress with ribbons and lace to match their hair or gossamer wings. Most wore a few strands of pearls, but the one in crimson and black wore a lace choker with a garnet nearly the size of her fist. They drank white wine from human-sized glasses and nibbled at toasted pecans. Nearby, a quartet of grigs plucked at their tiny stringed instruments, providing pleasant if dull background music.

The pixies seemed not to notice Cassandra right away and continued on with their conversation (apparently discussing the lack of opera in Almas). After several seconds, the one in red turned to Cassandra and said, "I was not aware the Prince was entertaining this evening."

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

Kiyoko maintained her mask throughout dinner, though she was quite bored with her 'suitors' and the conversation continued to be self-indulgent among the Taldans. Whenever the time came to leave, she waited for Ellarie out in the hallway. When they finally had something resembling privacy on the way to their room, she spoke. "Quite the event, no? In my homeland, it is considered virtuous to say as much as possible with as few words as you can. Here, the opposite seems to be the case."

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Ellarie rolled her eyes at Kiyoko and flopped on her bed. She pulled a pillow over her head and screamed. She sat up and pushed the pillow off of her, the hair she had so meticulously groomed before dinner mussed and wild.

"And to think I used to be jealous of people like these." She waved her hand vaguely in the direction of the door.

"Did you see me leave with Valere? I thought he was going to try and murder me in revenge for the time I helped you murder him! But he didn't at all! And now there's this whole thing! And I have to tell Elias everything." She realized she was babbling and flopped back down onto the bed, re-covered her face with the pillow and screamed again. She pushed it away from her a second time.

"I've been wanting to do that all night!"

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"I beg your pardon, ladies," replied the Taldan woman. The corners of her mouth twisted into a faint smile as she looked at the scene. She dropped a curtsy before them and inclined her head. "I do apologize for the intrusion, but Prince Stray did say to 'enjoy the second floor.' I did not know anyone else was here, and...well...it is not every day one has the opportunity to explore the castle of a Fey Prince." She flushed a little in embarrassment, feeling rather like a small girl running wild in a new place, and who had just been caught. "I am afraid my companions and I arrived rather unannounced, nor had we planned on arriving so soon."

Behind her, Conall stuck his nose into the doorway, sniffing and licking his chops. "Get back, Conall!" Cassandra scolded the wolf, using her leg to push back the canine. "I am sorry," she apologized to the pixies. "He probably smells something interesting."

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

"If you want to wreak bloody vengeance, it isn't too late for that. I mean I have a sword and everything." Kiyoko strolled to the narrow window and looked out - the foggy hills that gave the area its name looked surreal, beautiful, and obscenely peaceful under the mostly-full moon. "There is nothing to envy. Those with the power and wealth to do whatever they please will first use it to construct a social system under which they may do no such thing. Only by inventing arbitrary new rules and restrictions can they assure themselves of their superiority by bamboozling those who lack the free time and education to master the secrets of the salad fork." She chuckled, turning back into the room, "whenever we do convene with Elias - and I would recommend tonight - we should try to exclude Phillip, I think. I do not trust an excitable fourteen year old boy, enamored as he was of Elizabeth's... ample charms, to know something neat and keep it a secret at the same time."

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Kiyoko's offer elicited an amused grin from Ellarie, who still lie prone on the bed. She turned her head to face her friend,

"It wasn't just nobility I envied. Anybody that had a hot meal waiting for them regularly was subject to my resentment I'm afraid. Until you and Elias came along." She pushed herself up slowly, her frustrated energy spent with her screams.

"I.. I don't want to keep anything from Elias, but I think I have to until we leave Castle Vallas." She drooped.

"As much as I'm afraid he won't forgive me for keeping this from him, I couldn't live with myself if he were to... do something reckless in the grief and fury this knowledge might cause him." She rubbed her tired eyes with her fists as spilled her fears to Kiyoko.

"I wouldn't want to live if he died because of me, even if he hates me for keeping this a secret from him, just for a day." Her voice was barely audible and she chewed on her lip in her anxiety as she worried upon the best course of action out loud.

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

Having moved to the great room, Elias bid Kiyoko and Ellarie a fond good night, and sent a protesting Philip up to bed. He himself, however, remained below to indulge in the news from Oppara, and the exalted company in which he found himself.

[Nefarion Xid]

Silver Isle

"Oh, he's fine. Come here, love! Let met pet you." The green pixie fluttered towards Conall, who began backing out of the room with his teeth bared. "So grumpy! Who's a grumpy puppy? You are! Hee hee!"

"Nysandre, you're hopeless! She tried to pet the hydra too!"

"Whatever happened to Chompy anyway?"

"I think he's still swimming around the underground river."

"Gods! What does he eat?"

"Kobolds, probably!"

"I'm going to tell Laurala you said that, you tart!"

"Keep your voice down anyway! If Stray hears you say something mean like that, he's going to give you one of his talks!"

"I'd be fine with that. Yelling makes him happy."

The one in yellow lobbed a pecan at the one in pale blue, sniping something in Sylvan that Cassandra didn't immediately understand in context. Soon yellow and blue were darting around the room howling at each other and grappling in the air.

"Ladies!" Red's exasperated, hissed scream silenced the room and blue stopped trying to shove yellow's head into her wineglass. "This is not appropriate behavior! And you're making us look bad in front of the tall folk!"

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

The tiefling leaned against the wall as Ellarie talked, crossing her arms and legs in a posture that seemed to suggest relaxation more than pursue it. She closed her eyes, too, but nodded her head at the right times to show that she was still paying attention, and the red irises snapped back into view when the skald finished. Though she fought to prevent it, one corner of Kiyoko's mouth turned up. "And what fell secrets could Valere have possibly learned in the three months since we officially fornicated him into a coma? Unless, of course, there was some coded message you picked up from the dinner that I missed completely."

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Ellarie's brows knit together into a scowl as she realized her friend wasn't taking her seriously. She threw her pillow at Kiki.

"Well we weren't making out. Just so we're clear on that. He did smell really good." She looked annoyed with herself momentarily.

It's been going on far longer than three months." She hissed in irritation and ran her hand through her hair, mussing it further.

"Elizabeth is the one who brought him back to life. He works for them. He's Midnight!" Her voice lowered instinctively as if she was afraid of being overheard, even in their private room. She leaned on the bed towards the tiefling.

"Turel wants to depose the current monarchy. But that's not even the worst of it. Not even close." She hesitated, mentally warring with herself.

"He's responsible for the death of Elias's parents." She finally sat back up and she spilled the remaining untold details quickly, before she could change her mind.

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"Heel, Conall," Cassandra urged her companion before turning back to Red. "I am sorry; I do not know what has come over him. He has been behaving strangely since we arrived. At any rate, I am Cassandra Vallas, this is my faithful companion, Conall, and these two are Yandeath Hammerhead and Margot Boulanger. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

The Minkaian let the pillow bounce off of her face before catching it. When she did, her expression had changed to the one she wore when hearing something that she didn't quite understand. Slowly, she climbed onto the giant bed and sat seiza, giving the Skald her full attention. "Alright, I can tell that's important, or that you think it's important, but why? Will the loss of the current monarchy be so terrible? Stavian is no prize. And... did Elias have plans involving his parents?"

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

She fought the urge to scream again. If she covered her face for a third time, she might never come back out. Instead she took a deep breath and took both of Kiyoko's hands in her own. She knew her friend was trying but she felt so alone in this terrible knowledge amongst them.

"I don't give a blasted donkey's arse about the monarchy, but we can not let the man who murdered Elias's parents gain control of Taldor. If for any other reason than revenge." She looked down at her hands which grasped Kiyoko's in them as she paused, considering.

"We don't live as long as you do, you know? Us ordinary folks. I'm sure Elias didn't have any plans for his parents other than to watch them grow old and live their lives out happily. And maybe turn them into grandparents someday." She shook her head.

"I don't know Elias's mind, but I do know that many people are actually quite fond of their parents. And his parent's deaths weigh hard on him, I've seen it in his face and heard it in his voice when he speaks of them." She realizes she's squeezing Kiyoko's hands and forces herself to loosen her grip.

"I haven't seen my parents in years, and if I learned somebody did to them what Turel did to Elias's parents, I would burn down the world to get to him and I wouldn't let anything get in my way." Her face was fierce in its sincerity but soon fell back into its anxious lines.

"I would want to know, if somebody knew." She chewed on her lip in distraction.

"I think I need to tell him." Her stomach flipped sickeningly even as the weight over her heart she had carried with her secret eased as she decided in trusting Elias.

[Nefarion Xid]

Castle Vallas
Great Room

Turel seemed to be savoring his wine. Elias could see his jaw wiggling back and forth between sips. "That's rather exquisite, isn't it? I didn't think I'd enjoy a pear wine, but I'll have to buy a case. Elizabeth certainly liked it. Mikael, do you know the vintner?"

"The steward didn't actually mention that, did he? Didn't want to offend anyone's delicate sense of patriotism, I suppose. It's foreign. My suggestion, actually. It's produced in unfortunately small batches by the Fey exclave in Andoran."

"Exclave?"

"Yes, it's sovereign territory that exists within the bounds of ..."

"I know what it means." There was strain in Turel's voice.

"Well, you remember the dispute four years back over the darkwood trade?"

"I cannot say that I do."

"Well, the wine, it's made on the Prince's island ..."

"Who?" Turel wrinkled his brow. "Don't ... don't answer."

"... bees the size of your thumb. Pear trees grow all year round ..." Mikael trailed off, defeated. He picked himself up and went to steal leftovers form the kitchen.

"Listen, Elias." Turel relaxed into his chair, wineglass forgotten on the small table beside him. There was a welcome warmth in the Duke being so familiar. "And I fondly hope you don't take offense to this: but your talents are wasted in Belhaim. I'm sure it's a lovely place with lovely people and between two and three lovely horses, but you're a man of extraordinary talent. I'm no magician myself, but I know a thing or two about spellcraft. It seems to me that if you're half as powerful as the stories indicate, then you've already secured you place among the top fifty arcanists in the realm."

Silver Isle

A chorus of "charmed" and "pleased to meet you" bubbled up from the pixies. The one in red buzzed over to Cassandra and took her hand. Well, finger.

"I'm Lady Isodore. That's Lady Nysandre, Lady Amaryllis, Lady Camellia, Lady Euterpe, and Lady Raisa." She didn't actually point them out, which left four of the pixies a mystery still.

"Charmed!" called the one with the wineglass over her head. The one in blue looked quite pleased with her work as she flicked the crystal with her nail and let it ring. "Ooooooooooowwww!"

"You three aren't here for ... I mean, I understand you two, but the dwarf? Is he some kind of masseur?" Isodore's porcelain face squished up with disgust for a moment before the revelation struck her. "Oh! You must be related to Thalin!"

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

Fondness for family was a thoroughly alien concept to the tiefling. If someone reported that her grandfather was currently rotting in the Well of Demons, she would laugh. Though... perhaps she was taking it too literally. She would certainly be upset if someone were to harm Ellarie or Elias, and to a lesser extent Phillip. In fact, her only believable responses to that happening would be stabbing, or lies followed by stabbing at a later date. There were times when she cared about their well being as much as her own, which was weird because she'd felt nothing like that with her original adventuring party.

Ellarie seemed to be suggesting that most people had that sort of relationship - or whatever you'd call it - with their relatives. It seemed to match the odd interactions she'd seen among the people of Kalsgard, and earlier among the lower classes of Minkai. Maybe that was more... normal, to use her word.

"Where I come from," Kiyoko began slowly, exploring unfamiliar territory, "families are not... they do not mean blood relations, necessarily, especially when talking about the royal families. They represent a unified will, vision, and reputation. The forces that bind them are powerful, or are supposed to be, but love does not necessarily enter the equation. The families here are much smaller, closer... but I think I can almost see it. I would certainly kill anyone attempting to hurt you or the Apions. Perhaps the three and a half of us have become something like a family ourselves?" Kiyoko shifted and whirled on her backside until she could flop down on her stolen pillow. It was a strange sensation - the bed was too soft for the road and too high to feel like a bed at home, but she wasn't sleepy yet anyway. "In any case, I suppose it depends on what you think the likely outcome is of telling Elias this news. I suspect he will want to kill Turel Meresin, yes, but will he do so in a blind rage or plan meticulously, as we have known him to? I can restrain him if you wish to respect his choices while denying him the bad ones." Her smirk had returned by the end of the sentence, though her offer was genuine.

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Ellarie listened just as carefully as Kiyoko had to her speak. She was quickly grasping that fondness for family wasn't natural in Minkai. Loving didn't come naturally to her and yet she had chosen Ellarie and Elias as companions and actually cared about them. She gazed down at her friend fondly as the tiefling flopped on her back.

"Yes, I would call you my family." A soft smile lit her face and she bent down and kissed Kiyoko's forehead. She sat back up and weighed their options regarding Elias at length.

"I think we can trust him to plan with a cool head. But have a big hug ready, just in case." She couldn't keep her lips from twitching into an amused grin at the thought of Kiyoko "hugging" Elias into submission. It would certainly be no laughing matter if it was actually required. Her grin turned into a chuckle despite her worries, or perhaps because of them.

"Perhaps there's a big group hug in our future! Just be ready!" She hopped off of the bed and cracked the bedroom door ever so slightly to peer out of it in the hopes that Elias might appear.

[Othniel]

Cassandra

Who was Thalin? "Actually, we are here on diplomatic business," responded the druidess. It was probably not wise to tell pixies too much of their errand. Who knew what they would do with the information? "Yandeath here is my companion on the road, though I know of no such person as 'Thalin.' Who might that be?"

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead


Silver Isle

A chorus of "charmed" and "pleased to meet you" bubbled up from the pixies. The one in red buzzed over to Cassandra and took her hand. Well, finger.

"I'm Lady Isodore. That's Lady Nysandre, Lady Amaryllis, Lady Camellia, Lady Euterpe, and Lady Raisa." She didn't actually point them out, which left four of the pixies a mystery still.

"Charmed!" called the one with the wineglass over her head. The one in blue looked quite pleased with her work as she flicked the crystal with her nail and let it ring. "Ooooooooooowwww!"

"You three aren't here for ... I mean, I understand you two, but the dwarf? Is he some kind of masseur?" Isodore's porcelain face squished up with disgust for a moment before the revelation struck her. "Oh! You must be related to Thalin!"
As Cassandra introduced them, Hammerhead gave a polite vow. "You all can just call me Hammerhead. Not sure I count as tall folk, although I suppose you could make the case that us dwarves have the gnomes and halflings beat." At the suggestion that he was related to Thalin, Hammerhead quirked an eyebrow. "You're the second group of people who've mistaken me for that. I don't know anyone named Thalin, sadly. My father was an only child, and he's named Yandea - Yandramri."

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

The tiefling sat up, "Before we do this... what proof do you have that Valere was telling the truth? This could very well be his revenge scheme: pitting us against the Duke in the hopes that one of his enemies will annihilate the other. It has a certain simple elegance to it, and it's really his only option since he cannot overcome us physically."

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

Listening as the Duke complimented his prowess, Elias could only stare intently into the depths of his wine while he formulated an answer. Eventually, he managed to tear his eyes away.

"It is very flattering that you'd think so, Your Grace. I must admit, while I remain somewhat fond of Belhaim my companions and I have found it somewhat...tame, after our adventures. I have my responsibilities there, of course, what land I have to my name, but that need not occupy all my time."

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

She moved away from the door and paced in front of the bed. What proof had Valere offered? She couldn't just say he seemed to be telling the truth, that would be ridiculous.

"Well.. he seemed to be telling the truth." She continued in a rush of words,

"He was terrified! Not of me, but of Turel! I thought he was going to faint just talking about him. In fact, he wanted me to promise that I wouldn't tell Elias about Turel until we were well away from here, he sounded pretty certain of our doom if we tried to confront him here. Why would he do that if he just wanted us dead? It would have been easy enough to just tell Elias first and not me. Oh! And Valere said he has proof of Turel's involvement with the Crimson Ring in Oppara. So we need to go to Oppara and see for ourselves." She had stopped pacing and was nervously smoothing the front of her dress with her hands.

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

"That's better than nothing," the tiefling admitted. "I would certainly want to see this proof of his before we do anything irreversible." There was a long pause before Kiyoko burst out laughing, "Hoo boy, listen to me talking like a rational adult. We'll jump headfirst into complex Taldan politics that we barely understand and smack the status quo with a big hammer. Stavian's had it coming and this Turel sounds like he's been cribbing notes from Grandfather. I bet he has a big elaborate scheme to deplete the monarchy and bring stability after a civil insurrection. Boring. Unforgivably boring. Let's topple 'em in alphabetical order."

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Ellarie joined in Kiyoko's laughter, though mostly from relief that she believed in Valere's sincerity. Or at the very least that she believed that Ellarie believed in Valere's sincerity and that was good enough.

"I never let a lack of understanding stop me from doing anything!" Her laughter trickled off before she went back to her post by the door.

"But we still need to tell Elias!" She anxiously awaited his return from dinner.

[Nefarion Xid]

Silver Isle

It was the blue pixie that answered, the one with long silvery-blue hair. All pixies had exaggerated features, but this one looked particularly doe-eyed. "Thalin Thranmurim was one of Stray's companions back when he was an adventurer and not proper l royalty. Tall for a dwarf. Black hair. Similar nose ... narrower. You look about the same age. You should ask him about Thalin. I was around for any of the fun!"

Isodore carried on with Cassandra. "Diplomatic business, hm? As you say." There was something haughty about the fairy's tone. Either she disliked humans or thought the party was beneath her station. "Well, you'll find the boudoir that way, if you're here to freshen up." She gestured to the door on the opposite side of the room. "That's Lady Viola's suite. The other guest suite is located on the right-hand side of the east hall, Master Yan-Yandramri."

"Oh, and if the duck's in there, just don't make eye contact."

Castle Vallas
Great Room

"You need not," Turel repeated. "As a man of burgeoning prestige, you will learn that these things can be delegated. With the money you'd earn from just one judicious application of your magical talents in His Majesty's service, I imagine you could retain the services of an exemplary steward for a few years. Don't let anyone tell you that loyalty can't be purchased, Elias."

He smiled, flashing his perfect teeth. "Would you like to meet the Grand Prince, Elias? I should think he'd be very interested in making your acquaintance."

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"Thank you," responded Cassandra, all smiles. "If I might ask, what is perilous about this duck? Prince Stray mentioned it as well. I should like to be prepared in case I do accidentally make eye contact."

Diplomatic request for information: [roll0]

[Nefarion Xid]

Silver Isle

Isodore wrinkled her button nose. "I'm not exactly sure, but it has been intimated that the duck is a Pit Fiend under the effect of a polymorph spell. Regardless, the animal has a singularly vile disposition and attempts to capture him have gone ... poorly. It's best to just give the animal a wide breadth. Just give him a snack and don't make eye contact. He hates that!"

Nysandre shuddered.

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

The young wizard did his best to hide his shock, but he could not stop his face from paling at the thought of being in the same room as the Grand Prince, let alone being introduced.

"I would be honored to be introduced to His Majesty. Though for so lowly a knight as myself...surely he has many more potent Peers of the Realm by his side?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Castle Vallas

"Yes," said Turel flatly, "There are many powerful casters in the service of our beloved Taldor. We always want more. Rest assured, Elias, you've already earned your place to stand beside them. You've earned a spot in the big game, man, now all you have to do is compete!" He let himself laugh a little. It was infectious.

"I want you to come with me to Oppara. There. I've said it. Think about it. Sleep on it. Talk to me again when you haven't so much wine in your system. But I count myself I'm an excellent judge of character, and I see in you someone who wants to do what's best for his country. I don't mean just to serve the monarch. I mean the people and the institutions that keep those people from falling into oblivion. Believe me when I say that there is a line, my friend, and it is uncomfortably thin. On one side, men like us. We uphold the laws. Our coin is society's lifeblood ..."

Turel's lecture on trickle down economics was interrupted by a hearty scream from upstairs. He leapt to his feet to utter a panicked, "Gods, that's Elizabeth!"

Kiyoko and Ellarie heard the same from down the hall.

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

Elias had felt a warm glow begin to build in his chest as Turel had spoken, only to find the feeling turn violently into cold dread at the sound of the scream. Leaping to his feet, he took only a moment to register Turel's comment before disappearing from sight in a flash of green-gold light.

Elias uses Dimensional Steps to reach the guest room hall, then proceeds to Elizabeth's room.

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"I shall take that under advisement, thank you," Cassandra repeated her usual social graces and took her leave, nodding to Hammerhead and Margot before heading through the door the pixie had indicated opened to the boudoir. "Shall we separate women together with Master Hammerhead to a room of his own?"

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

She had been so intent at her post at watch for Elias's return, that the sudden scream startled her badly. She jumped and uttered a yelp of her own before she collected herself, grabbed her sword and ran out the door towards the scream. As she left, she turned to Kiyoko with an annoyed grimace,

"You were right, I should have worn my armor!" She rolled her eyes at her friend. She supposed being wrong about things so often was worth getting to actually make that wrong choice, however she began to doubt that as she ran towards the apparent danger with only her blue dress to protect her.

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

The tiefling whipped past her, faster from training and magic alike as she tore down the hall. "I'll gloat later. Stay behind me and prioritize magic."

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

"You get to be right and have all the fun? No faaaair." She complained though she followed behind cautiously, not in a big hurry to wrong twice tonight.

[Nefarion Xid]

Castle Vallas

The first thing Kiyoko and Ellarie noticed when they emerged from their room was the house guard towards the stairs, slumped against the wall with his throat opened up like a trout. His eyes were still wide open, but judging by the wide circle of blood pooling around his legs, he'd expired already.

Valere threw open his door when they were nearly to Elizabeth's chamber. He was still wearing one boot and hopping awkwardly with his rapier ready. He was nearly as surprised as the gawking dead guardsman.

At that moment, Elias appeared from the ether with a sound like muffled crack of a whip. He took just a moment to regain his orientation and recall which direction was 'down' the hall.

Elizabeth's door was cracked when Ellarie got to it to fling it open. The room beyond was dim, lit only by a trio of candles in a silver candelabra on the writing desk in the corner. Another of Vallas' house guards stood in the center of the room, a glinting kukri in each hand. Blood spattered up to his elbow on the right and dripped from the blade. Elizabeth, down nothing but a silken black slip, cowered in the corner of the room, still shrieking and clutching at a hand mirror as an improvised weapon.

Kiyoko and Elias have won initiative vs the Bloody Guard

Silver Isle

By the time the party had arrived in the grand dining room, they found bowls of food already set out and Stray sitting at the head of the table. He'd changed his outfit once again, this time looking rather like an Andoran sailor with a blue coat trimmed in white with brass buttons and a black bandana tying back his messy hair. He leaned hazardously far back in his ornate darkwood chair with his boot propped up on his knee. With no visible support, it looked as if he had merely balanced himself on two legs. A diamond the size of his fist passed back and forth between his hands as he tossed it several feet into the air. The muted sound of howling wind followed it.

The drapes along the southern wall were drawn open, but the view through the windows was of an unrecognizable mountain range and it was apparently early afternoon.

"Show and tell," he declared, catching the diamond once more and pointing with it at Cassandra. "I'm showing you because I want you to trust me. Humans frequently make the mistake of not trusting me or at least underestimating me."

He tossed the diamond towards Cassandra, a rough cut but brilliant octahedron. A barely perceptible ring of dust swirled around it in the light. "Allow me to introduce you to Sairazul, the Crystalline Queen. You see, there used to be eight Elemental Lords. Now there are four, plus an enormous d8, and three big question marks."

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

Seeing the house guard standing with murderous intent, Elias reached out to break the man's mind.

Elias is casting Confusion so as to hit only the guard. DC 21 Will Save, please.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead


Cassandra

"I shall take that under advisement, thank you," Cassandra repeated her usual social graces and took her leave, nodding to Hammerhead and Margot before heading through the door the pixie had indicated opened to the boudoir. "Shall we separate women together with Master Hammerhead to a room of his own?"
"That would probably be best, yes."

Hammerhead then went off to his appointed room to buff his armor again, with no signs of the presumed devilish duck.

If you slaughtered a pit lord that had been turned into a duck, would it taste spicy?


***


Later, at dinner, Hammerhead looked on in a mixture of awe and caution as Stray presented the diamond that was once, apparently, an elemental lord.

"So this is what remains of Saraizul, then? What of the three question marks you mention? The fate of anything deserving of the title 'Elemental Lord' would hardly be an easy thing to put into doubt."

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

Familiar with the magic that Elias had broken out for the occasion, Kiyoko quickly circled to place herself between Elizabeth and the guard, drawing her no-dachi as she went. The tiefling knew that the man's tactical abilities had just taken a nosedive: not only would he not take advantage of her decision to flank him, but he'd be able to focus on little else once she attacked him. Unless he was some secret badass on par with Sa'di, his time was done.

Moving around and attacking. Accounts for Power Attack.

Attack: [roll0] vs. Flat Footed
Damage: [roll1]

[Othniel]

Cassandra

Gasping in surprise as she unexpectedly caught the diamond, the druidess held it up to the light. Eight? "Eight planes and eight lords, or four planes and eight lords?" Cassandra blurted out, eyeing the diamond in her hand. "I only knew of four and four. And what is a 'd8'?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Silver Isle

Stray tumbled backwards out of his chair, which remained upright for a moment before returning slowly to its proper position. He landed on his feet and began gesturing to the food.

"Our stocks are a bit low. We grow so much here, but we don't do any butchering. There's no dairy products either. Not much in the way of grains either. So ... I hope fish is all right? We have seared catfish with mustard, a walnut salad with honey vinaigrette and a white pinot noir. Not mine, but but I'm rather fond of it." He gestured to the wine bottle with a carrack on the label. "Please. Sit. Help yourselves."

The utensils all looked to be made of mithral and likely cost a fortune at some boutique in Almas. The dinnerwear was all darkwood, meticulously shaped single pieces of wood that would be indistinguishable from the table except for the royal blue place mats.

Stray returned to his seat once everyone had taken theirs. "A "d8" is an octahedral shaped die for gaming. Dice. Eight. Eight sides? Four elemental planes though. Not eight. Four sovereign pairs. King and Queen? The Lords were all blissfully blandly neutral for, oh, a billion years or so. Then mortals became trendy and drove them insane. Half diverged towards Good. Half Evil. The evil ones were smarter though and worked together, each sucker-punching the opposite element before they even knew there was a war on. That paper-weight is all that remains of Saraizul. A tiny token of her power. If her spirit resides in there, it's so muted and dim that I can't reach it. And it would be far beyond my power to set her free even if it was."

The perpetual gusting around the diamond was already irritating Cassandra. The sound had become one continuous, mournful moan.

Castle Vallas

Even with the spell clouding his mind, the mysterious assailant had the wherewithal to hack at Kiyoko as she moved to put herself between him and Elizabeth. The kukri clipped between the plates on her arm, doing largely superficial damage (11 damage).

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Ellarie arrived to see the bloodied guard slice at Kiyoko. Despite her friend's admonishments to stay out of the fray, seeing Kiyoko bloodied was too much and she rushed forward and fell into her rage as she swung at the guard.

"You stay away from her, you basterd!"

Raging, power attack
Attack 1
[roll0]
Damage
[roll1]
Elemental Rage Acid Damage
[roll2]

Lesser Ele Rage Power
Electricity Damge
[roll3]

Spirit Attack
[roll4]
Damage
[roll5]

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"Trust me, it is much better than trail rations," she responded, fork halfway to her mouth. Her pretense of societal decorum was rapidly deteriorating in the presence of the Fey Prince, and she was starting to feel more like the little girl sitting at the rough-hewn log table she'd spent several years at. Back then she'd listened to her Fey friend speak about the natural world and her relationship to it. There were mentions of the First World as well, though mostly off-hand comments and veiled remarks hinting at greater things. Setting her fork down, she concentrated on the diamond (which was distracting her with its gusting noise) and attempted to detect its magical properties. A brief searing pain filled her head and she was left with the bright afterimage of the diamond. "Ow!"

Cassandra set the gemstone back down and nudged it away from her. After a moment, she had a vague recollection of Stray gently admonishing her. "Yeah...yes." She blinked several times as her vision returned to normal. "What do you keep it for? Hoping for the day she awakens, or someone arrives who can free her?" She knew there must be some point to the information he was giving them, though she managed to resist pressing Stray to get to the point. It was never wise to rush someone more powerful than you, as a rule.

[Nefarion Xid]

Silver Isle

"Kalish XXII has fifty eight wives, one for each year he has reigned over the Padishah Empire. They say he has built a palace for each, but that's a lie because, while he has has sixty seven palaces, eighteen are for his favorite children and seven are all his. His favorite residence for his favorite wife is the Palace of Ten Thousand and One Diamonds. Therein, Alya resides, She Whose Beauty Outshines Ten Thousand and One Diamonds. The Palace is protected by the, wait for it, Ten Thousand and One Diamond Mamluks Who Never Sleep or Cheat at Poker. I lost count at five hundred something, personally. And at the heart of the Palace is the Diamond Vault, which is actually made of adamantine, but it holds Alya's wedding present -- a big piece of glass that I had made for, like, three gold."

With a flick of Stray's wrist, the diamond flew to him. He looked at it longingly for a few seconds, then lobbed it overhead where it clattered along the floor and eventually came to rest near the wall.

"So annoying! I literally can't make it stop moaning! You can hear the stupid thing when it's IN a bag of holding! How is that even possible!?"

He looked to Hammerhead, pleading for some sympathy for the slightly annoying but incomprehensibly valuable thing he'd just tossed.

"You know, I really thought I'd have a lot more uses for it. Like, mastery over the element of earth? It doesn't even. It just ... it's like three thousand cubic feet a day? That's nothing. That's ... that's like a koi pond. And, I mean, you can summon an earth elemental? But I don't even speak Terran so he just stands there. He's still there. Really. He's out in my garden right now. Just, just growing moss because I don't know how to make him go away!"

He grumbled a bit more to himself, then finally helped himself to some of the salad he'd prepared. "My point. I had a point. My point is that, when I tell you something is a bad idea, I need you to really believe me. I'm so in love with this vinaigrette. It's not too sweet, right? I mean I like things pretty sweet, but I was afraid it might overpower the watercress?"

"So," he gestured with his fork and a bit of red onion. "The reason you're here, the big all-encompassing important let-me-put-on-my-adventuring-pants reason you are here is because you want to accomplish ... what?"

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

The tiefling's eyes narrowed as the assassin continued to soak up damage. She waited until the others had made their moves before attacking again.

Spending four Stamina points to raise Kiyoko's attack values, and using the Combat Expertise stamina trick to make the final adjustment +1 to hit and +3 to AC (total AC 34). And Power attacking.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"The urgency may be somewhat lessened if Rhoswen cannot easily escape the Fellnight," Cassandra began slowly, as she brought her attention back to her actual purpose in being there and alternated between speaking and chewing. "But I did not explore beyond the entry into that realm. I do not know whether she is still there, or whether she escaped before we were able to replace two of the stones. There is also the matter of her forces: though we managed to scatter a large group of them, we do not know how many still exist." She shook her head as thoughts vied for supremacy in her mind. "I had intended to ask you for safe conduct to your mother to complete Devarre's intended journey and intended warning. I thought I might petition her to step in to stop the Dark Fey, but my fear is that she may not be willing to do so with things as they are in Andoran. I had hoped to ask her to do what she could to address that issue, but the political relationship between Andoran and the Fey living within its borders are less of my concern, and I find my sympathies lie more with the Fey than the Andorans. Perhaps I would feel differently in my own country." She left unsaid what little regard her father had for the Fey of Verduran Forest.

"There was something else as well, but...it is personal." Cassandra's cheeks colored slightly, and she avoided eye contact with her companions.

Diplomacy? Diplomacy! [roll0]

[Nefarion Xid]

Castle Vallas

Valere grasped for the nearest poser of Elizabeth's bed, still awkwardly trying to defend himself with his rapier while alternatively blinking furiously and gawking out into space. "Did ... did you get it? I heard a thud."

Kiyoko did indeed get it. She'd driven her blade from the guard's shoulder down into its chest. Within seconds of hitting the ground, the thing's form heaved and rippled, revealing an inky black body like a great hunched ape with too-long arms and a featureless bony white mask for a face. While Ellarie didn't recognize the creature, she knew of it and realized the vague description must fit -- a Faceless Devil, one of Hell's contract assassins. Most devils would deny they even existed. It appeared someone had wasted quite a lot of money just to have Elizabeth survive.

Turel arrived then, pushing through the doorway armed with nothing more than the neck of a broken wine bottle. "Gods! Darling, are you hurt?"

Elizabeth shook her head weakly from her corner, dabbing away tears with her wrist. "No. No, I'm fine. I was just getting into bed when I heard the door open. I thought you'd come to surprise me. But ... oh, it was a guard with a bloody knife ..."

"Guard?" Turel looked at the lifeless thing on the floor, baffled, "What in the Hells is that?"

"I'm fine. I'm fine by the way. I can see shapes again."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead

"And I'm mostly just along for the ride. Although, as long as we're talking about it-" Hammerhead turned to Cassandra, "I'm in favor of continuing onward toward Syntira anyway, assuming the Prince agrees to allow us safe passage. There is nothing to lose by asking, I feel. The more people aware of the potential danger, the better."

"As for the vinaigrette - if I'm being perfectly honest, it could use a bit more acid, but then again, I've always liked sour things, so I'm rather biased in that direction. It's definitely not overpoweringly sweet. I will say that I absolutely love the catfish."

True to his word, Hammerhead proceeded to snarf down more of the flaky, mustard-brushed whitefish.

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Ellarie grimaced at the creature in disgust.

"I've heard of these... things. Faceless Devils they're called." She realized she was pointing with her bloodied sword and lowered it.

"Contract assassins from Hell." She turned to Turel,

"Elizabeth is lucky we were so close by." Because somebody wants her dead. She didn't speak the obvious thought that followed her observation. It was also possible that Turel was testing them, and if so Elizabeth had likely never been in danger at all. Only the ill-fated guards on duty tonight.

"Somebody should inform Prince Tybalt about his guard." She went over to Valere and put her arm around him and rubbed his back.

"Are you alright?" She attempted to look concerned for her supposed lover.

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

"Shapeshifter." The tiefling flicked the blood from her blade, some shred of leftover dinner consideration causing her to angle it such that the splatter missed the room's other occupants and the good bedding. "It looked like a guard when we arrived. And speaking of... how do we know that you're the real Turel Meresin and not shapeshifter number two?"

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

At Kiyoko's question, Ellarie was back on alert and facing Turel from Valere's side.

"You want me to Dispel him?" She raised her hand to cast her spell at her friend's word.

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

"I do! And after that, the cavity search." Kiyoko's tone was light enough to be joking... but she also hitched her gauntlet up slightly, wiggling her fingers to make sure the fit was snug.

[Nefarion Xid]

Silver Isle

"Dwarves think everything is too sweet," Stray said dismissively, helping himself to some fish and an impolitely full glass of wine. "Big liver. Little pancreas. Helps with a subterranean diet. At least that was the prevailing wisdom in Taldor. I've personally never dissected a dwarf."

"You remind me of one of our politicians, Cassandra. That was not the parsimonious answer I asked for." He set his glass down and clasped his hands together. "Allow me to be concise. Queen Syntira has been informed of the breach. While she created the circle on this plane, we can do nothing to repair it. The stones are an anathema to our kind. I am, however, not without resources and I have already dispatched one of my vassals to replace the stone and once again conceal the circle. Rhoswen herself is not on this plane. Insomuch as I am aware, you and your companions scattered the expeditionary force and, since you at least replaced two of the stones, have prevented a proper invasion force from coming through. I'm guessing here, but if I had eight thousand years to cultivate an army out of shadow and briar, I'd send them in first before making my grand debut. For now, Rhoswen is not a concern. Congratulations. You have the thanks of my race and you shall be rewarded."

"Now, if you want to be brought up to speed on the current state of Fey-Fey and Fey-Andoran relations, I'm going to need much more wine. Maybe one of those big chalkboards from the Academy."

The prince paused, rubbing his temple and nursing his wine down.

"However, the pressing questions you haven't asked are, who wanted to release Rhoswen and why? You killed dozens of Spriggans. Did you find nothing in their camp that might clue us in to the identify of Rhoswen's confederate?"

Castle Vallas

Turel's lips formed into a thin, pained line as his jaw clenched, the only betrayal that Kiyoko's antics had irked him. "Ladies, thank you so much for coming to the aid of my beloved wife. If you have reason to believe that she is still in danger, then perhaps you will consider rooming with her tonight? Oh ... well, letting her room with you. Someone will have to clean this up."

Elizabeth had regained much of her composure and began crawling over her bed to avoid the giant black corpse on the floor. "I think I'd like that," she said with a weak smile while attempting to tidy her hair.

"Valere, be a sport and fetch Prince Tybalt. I fear his hearing is not so keen as ours."

However, at that moment, the jangle of armor could be heard from the corridor and Elias saw six guards sprinting towards the bedroom with Tybalt and Lysander in tow, both down to their small clothes with swords in hand.

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Ellarie fought against the growing alarm that was rising within her mind. Screw this guy.

"If a Faceless Devil accosts us in our sleep, we're going to be in trouble." She turned to Elias,

"Would you stay with us tonight as well? You and Philip? I think we should stick together for safety." She tried to keep her frustration from her voice, but truthfully she wanted to leave this horrid castle right now and never look back.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead

Hammerhead looked slightly ill at the thought of someone dissecting a dwarf, but said nothing otherwise. At Stray's final question, he pulled at his beard.

"Nothing that I can recall offhand, no. I think the only odd thing we found was that one dagger?" He looked to Cassandra. "Unless I've forgotten something."

[Nefarion Xid]

Castle Vallas

"I think that would hardly be proper." Turel wrinkled his brow at the notion of his wife sharing a room with one and a half men.

Tybalt's men began crowding the doorway, all of them properly outfitted with glowing ioun stones to light up the room. One recoiled in horror when he caught sight of the corpse and Tybalt pushed his way forward.

"Is everyone all right?"

"A failed assassination attempt, from the looks of it, Vallas," Turel said, raising his hands to indicate the immediate danger had passed, though there was still clear concern in his voice. "Kiyoko, Ellarie and Sir Elias rushed to Elizabeth's aid and she is unhurt."

"Gods, what is that thing?"

"Some manner of devil, apparently."

"What could such a thing be doing ... oh, Elizabeth, I'm so sorry. If anything had happened to you, I'd never forgive myself," shaken, Tybalt staggered out an apology and made his way towards the bed until he realized the woman's clothes were virtually transparent. He hastily averted his eyes, but continued to bleat out his sympathies.

"Tybalt, you mustn't blame yourself. Such machinations are beyond our power. Let us just count ourselves fortunate that our heroic friends were here. Kiyoko, would you be so good as to search the body? Perhaps there is something in his possession that might implicate who employed this monster."

The devil had no possessions spare the twin kukri, both unadorned pieces of blackened hell-forged steel.

Silver Isle

Stray extended his palm expectantly. He waited. "You ... you did bring the dagger, didn't you?"

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

"Ah, I am afraid that I am unwilling to leave Elias and his nephew unguarded in this situation, even to protect your lovely wife." The tiefling straightened, examining the weapons, "But for what it's worth, this creature was called or bound to this task, not summoned - meaning that the devil's contractor could be far away and as yet unaware that his minion failed in his mission. If worst comes to worst, we can dash down the hall again as quickly as we did last time."

[Othniel]

Cassandra

The druidess paled visibly as realization dawned. "I am afraid we sold it in Carpenden. It gave me an uneasy feeling just keeping an unholy blade, not to mention the fey-bane aspect of it, but I realize now that I should have put more thought into how I was disposing of it. I...also did not want to come here bearing such a weapon in case we were suspected of treachery against you or your people." Cassandra closed her eyes and thought back, picturing the dagger in her mind. "It was made of mithral, and the handle was shaped as a naked nymph with her arms raised overhead to grasp the bottom of the blade. It was in a darkwood case with a dark green crushed velvet lining and wrapped in black silk." Cassandra raised her eyes to meet Stray's. "We sold it to a thin man with a long, white beard and bald head, and long fingernails. He smelled...like licorice, of all things, and I believe he may have been blind in the left eye. I do not know if that helps, but it is what I recall."

[Nefarion Xid]

Silver Isle

"Well. That's less than ideal, isn't it?" Stray didn't seem too upset. He actually ate the rest of his fish before he continued. "The dagger itself isn't terribly important. Though, I will want to retrieve it eventually. What it represents is important. We are a race with long held traditions, after all. Gifting a powerful weapon is naturally the symbol of an alliance against a common enemy. Not the same person who broke the circle, I think. Whoever did that is smart and powerful enough to just see Rhoswen in person if they want to bargain. I think, it must be meant as a largesse, a signal for ... someone old enough to know Rhoswen before her banishment."

He rose, pinching the bridge of his nose and sighing deeply. "Whoever broke the circle wasn't fey. Whomever the dagger was meant for is. That narrows it down considerably. Leaving only ancient fey in this part of the world, and counting only those who could possibly be terrible enough to consider dealing with the Briar Queen, that means it was, in descending order of catastrophic implications, Number One: The Cold Riders who serve, wait for it," He threw his hands out for emphasis, "The Witch Queen herself, Baba Bloody Yaga! Number Two: The Ether Queen Frilogarma who rules the Candlestone Caverns. Or Number Three: My wretched bitch of an aunt, Ambrosia!

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"Of Baba Yaga and her Cold Riders, I know little save names and vague rumors. I have never even heard of the other two." The druidess clasped her hands and rested her chin upon them, elbows scandalously on the table. Her mother's sense of decorum and fine dining would have been offended, but by now Cassandra doubted the Fey Prince would care in the least. "Please, enlighten me," she asked, "though perhaps you should call for that wine you mentioned."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead

Hammerhead nodded his agreement.

"I'm in agreement. If we're going to discuss possibly going up against demigod-tier fey, I could use a stiff drink."

[Nefarion Xid]

Silver Isle

"Yeah," Stray sighed, "Give me a minute." He vanished in a swirl of smokey blue shadow and the dining room was silent again, if the party dared to speak candidly.

Almost exactly a minute later, he reappeared with two bottles of wine in one hand, a decanter shoved under one arm, and a brandy glass hanging on each finger of the other hand. "Sweet Sorrow -- ironically dry. Produced by a little vintner on the northern shore of Lake Sorrow. And this is my own pear brandy. Not too dry, not too sweet, not too heavy and shockingly free of pixie lipstick. Wonderful digestif." He poured everyone a glass of their choice and went back to his chair where he propped his boots on the table and leaned back with a very full glass of the peculiarly clear brandy. He stared at the ceiling while he spoke.

"The original Cold Riders were once like me, the hale and hearty sons of Eternal Monarchs. The Witch Queen captured dozens of them, tore open their chests and gave them frozen stag hearts, then brought them back to life with a kiss. They serve her eternally, wracked with hatred and love. And unfortunately, the ritual is easily replicated with any male, human or elf. In the two thousand years since Baba Yaga first appeared on Golarion, the Cold Riders have repeated the ritual hundreds of times to swell their ranks. Fortunately, they operate with a great deal of autonomy and needn't burden the Witch Queen with their day-to-day affairs. If they wanted to ally with Rhoswen, it's entirely possible The Crone doesn't know anything about this. Even if she did, she wouldn't personally interfere. Probably. Insomuch as I'm aware, she has not set foot on this plane in nearly four years. Probably. I won't pretend to know what she has planned. I only know she's incomprehensibly powerful -- the most powerful thing allowed by cosmic laws to set foot in this plane. The only reason she isn't a god is because she doesn't want to be one. Not yet."

He drank heavily. "So, we'll hope she isn't involved. That one's above my pay grade. Cold Riders, I can handle though. There aren't many of the old ones left and the young ones have a glass jaw. Just hit 'em with your hammer or set them on fire. Nothing special about them, apart from being unimaginable ****s. Go ahead and melt them if you get the chance, even if they aren't involved."

"Now, Frilogarma is about my speed. Like Rhoswen, she was such an intolerable sadistic bitch that they kicked her out of the First World and she set up camp in Darklands. Fantastic taste though. Really avant-garde taste in architecture. I'm not saying you should kill her, but she could really do with a bloody nose now and again so that she knows her place in the world. Unfortunately her place is kind of a buffer between the countless evil things in Nar-Voth directly below the Candlestone Caverns. The Deep Gnomes might fill that niche, but ..."

Stray rattled his head back and worth, wrestling with some internal dilemma before rocking forward suddenly and landing the chair with a crack. "How stalwart and determined are you lot, exactly? Scale of 1 to 10. Ten being Iomedae. Because if I send you to have a chat with Frilogarma, she's just going to give you what you want so that you'll leave her alone. Because, I mean, she's really good at what she does. She's like seven thousand years old and temptation and seduction is kind of her thing. She's had practice!"

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

It took every ounce of willpower Elias possessed to calm his breathing as Ellarie and Kiyoko casually attempted to dismantle whatever meager standing they had managed to accrue thanks to their successes. Did they not realize the opportunities they were setting ablaze with their indecorous conduct? How they were hurting themselves? How they were hurting him? Kiyoko he could almost understand, with her penchant for nihilistic natter, but Ellarie? Was she really so willing to cast aside the comforts of station after only a few weeks of enjoying them.

He felt an odd pain in his left arm.

"Ha! Please excuse my companions, Your Grace. Fighting devils does bring out the adventurers' humor."

His smile was strained as he looked over to his companions, likely due to his attempt to fit "please don't burn down every aspiration my parents ever had for me and my attempt to make good on my family name against all odds" into a single facial expression.

"I do appreciate the concern, Kiyoko."

His smile softened considerably.

"But between the golem and a few magical wards, I think Philip and I will be well-protected. Besides, we were clearly not the targets."

Does Elias smooth over his friends ruining his life?

[roll0]

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Ellarie watched with veiled dismay as Elias dismantled their attempts to pry him from Turel's dastardly grip.

"Riiiiight, death before impropriety. I always forget that, sorry. I'm new to this whole..." She swung her hand around her, trying to encompass the entirety of the castle,

"thing." She marched over to Elizabeth and took her by the arm.

"I was really thinking of you." She spoke to the frazzled woman confidentially.

"Kiyoko and I are heavy sleepers. Like as not to sleep through.. well a Faceless Devil assassination." She shrugged and patted Elizabeth's hand.

"But we'll keep you good and proper up until then. Just like the real Lady you are." She began to walk Elizabeth from the room and gave Kiyoko a "let's go" motion with her head.

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

"Standing guard for the night won't kill me," Kiyoko relented, "But I would like to speak with Elias first, at his convenience, concerning our wards.'" With that, she followed Ellarie out of the room.

[Nefarion Xid]

Castle Vallas

Rigidly composed as always, Turel patted Elias on the shoulder and held the other hand up towards Kiyoko, begging her to wait a moment. "It's no worry. I only meant that if you insisted on seeing to my wife's protection personally tonight ... well, your concern is greatly appreciated. Elizabeth will stay in my chamber tonight and I will call up my bodyguard from the town. I had given Keller the night off, but, well, no rest for the wicked, I see."

"Turel, I ..." further apologies were dismissed as Turel waved him off.

"I won't have another word on it. These things do happen in spite of all precautions. There is little we, as mortal men, can do about it." He paused a moment, then added softly, "Though, if you harbor any niggling concern about the safety of your own family, I may suggest a security firm. They come highly recommended."

"Mercenaries?" Tybalt balked.

"Contractors," Turel stressed, then beckoned for Elizabeth to take his hand. "We'll speak on it in the morning."

Elizabeth slipped past her husband to embrace Ellarie and Kiyoko in turn, whispering her thanks.

[Othniel]

Cassandra

Pixie lipstick? What? Cassandra chose the brandy as well, mostly out of curiousity, and sat in rapt attention. "Burn the Cold Riders," she repeated. "Check."

"How stalwart and determined are you lot, exactly? Scale of 1 to 10. Ten being Iomedae. Because if I send you to have a chat with Frilogarma, she's just going to give you what you want so that you'll leave her alone. Because, I mean, she's really good at what she does. She's like seven thousand years old and temptation and seduction is kind of her thing. She's had practice!"

"I will not say that I am immune to such risks, but I have taken certain precautions. My druidic training, for one, plus certain enchantments. If we take time to prepare before we leave, I can strengthen these or help my companions. Together these have helped overcome what was a susceptibility to Fey charms going back to my time as a child. Still, if we are to march into certain danger, perhaps we should put all our cards on the table, as the gambler's saying goes." Hesitating only briefly, Cassandra continued after a look at Hammerhead. "Ever since the time I spent among the Fey as a child, I have wanted to be more like them. Like you, I should say."

She gave a nod to Stray and continued. "Taldor and its courts and cities hold little interest for me, and I do not wish for the life of a prince's daughter, married off for an alliance to another house in a crumbling society. In its current form, Taldor's days are numbered, for good or ill. I would be away from the turmoil when it comes, or at least prepared to meet it on my own terms. If it were not for the fact that my family could be drawn into the trouble, I would not care. But I do. I feel pulled in two directions, but one side is winning."

"It started when I met a Huldra who called herself Rowan, though perhaps that was a nickname she fancied. I have attempted to emulate certain abilities by becoming a druid, but it is not enough. I would be an advocate - a defender, if you will - for Verduran forest and the creatures who live there. My father misunderstands them, blames Fey in general for the changes that happened to me, but I think I can make him understand eventually. Rowan hinted that there were ways a human might become more fey-like, perhaps even become one. She may have been serious or merely jesting. Such were her ways. But that would tempt me greatly."

"Before I seek out this Frilogarma, I must know: Is such a thing possible?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Silver Isle

"Yes," Stray said flatly, "And that's precisely what she'll offer you. She has no need of enchantments; she'll just give you what you want to earn your loyalty. Frilogarma good at making friends. The Ether Court would welcome a druidess and you would become as we are. As I said, she's lived more than seven thousand years, far longer than I, so she keeps all manner of secrets. A library of arcana too, unmatched in Andoran to be sure. And all the treasures of the earth -- enough to tempt a dwarf."

He paused to dig inside his coat, in the suspiciously deep pocket inner breast pocket. After going up to his elbow, he withdrew a lock of black hair, tied together with glittering silvery thread.

"I'll admit to a personal failing. I'm terrible at making friends and I seldom compromise. I'm a miserable bastard and I don't play well with others. I am a miser and a thief. What you ask, Cassandra, is not within my power to give and if it were I would not make it easy. But you will find a fast friend in the Ether Queen."

There was no more humor in his voice. He slid the lock across the table to Cassandra and said, "You are not the first to ask, Cassandra. Lord Abarta will hear you. Take his token and say, "I wish to strike a bargain.""

Stray said no more for a time, reclining once again into his chair and going deep into his drink.

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"I do not understand." Cassandra wore confusion upon her face, but she took the lock all the same. "You warn me of the Ether Court, suggest that its head may be behind this trouble with Rhoswen, and when I state my desire, suggest I bargain with one of their number. Why? Is there no other way?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Silver Isle

"Oh, it's perfectly simple. You're smart people and you're not my vassals. You're not beholden to me; you're free to do whatever you like." Stray touched a hand to his breast with smirk. "I want you to have an informed and complete understanding of this situation. It's complicated. Unless you're a sprite living in a hollow tree, the world is a complicated place! You knew nothing of the Ether Court until I told you of its existence two minutes ago, and at my word you believe that Frilogarma is a vile temptress. I could be unkind to you. I could tell you that Frilogarma is a liar and that she will not honor your bargain. She will. She will give you all that you want and she will do it gladly. Serving the Ether Queen will be easy. Do you enjoy dancing? She's very fond of dancing. Her ballroom is even larger than mine and she has so many friends to fill it."

He rose to pour a glass of wine, which he held politely as if expecting a guest.

"Please. Let her envoy speak on her behalf. You needn't take my word on the matter. You will find Lord Abarta exceedingly charming and very pleasant to deal with."

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"That is assuming we survive the dangers of the Darklands and actually reach the Ether Court," Cassandra groused. Her suspicions were aroused, though she didn't believe the prince meant them ill per se. "I believe it is some token of your trustworthiness that, unless my senses deceive me, you do not seem to be mobilizing forces to release Rhoswen from her prison and wipe out the non-Fey of Andoran. If you were and this were an elaborate ruse to throw suspicion from yourself, it would imply that you had something to fear from us, and from what I have observed, that does not appear to be the case."

"There is also Viola Augustine, who only warned that you enjoyed pontificating." Cassandra flashed a wry smile and continued, "That I have also observed. But I have the feeling that if she even suspected you might be behind - or even sympathetic to - any of the Fey violence against Andorans, she would have warned us. This she did not do. I believe her description of you was "morose." That implies that she believes you to be a relatively peaceful sort of Fey, which means you also probably do not support Rhoswen. From there it is a reasonable conclusion that you do not wish us ill. I could be wrong, of course. Perhaps we are but mice and you are the cat, sitting there enjoying the sport."

"Regardless, I am willing to seek out this Frilogarma if my companions are, however, you have not yet elaborated on the third possibility."

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Her frustration subsided as Turel revealed his plan to keep Elizabeth with him for the night. She docilely allowed herself to be embraced and murmured,

"Stay safe." Once the pair had departed, her eyes met Kiyoko's briefly before she walked over to Valere where he was sitting on the bed and rubbing his eyes. She took his face in her hands and gave him a quick glance over to see if he needed healing.

"Come here, are you alright?" Seeing he was fine, but only being a big baby, she smirked and released him.

"You'll be fine." Her voice was gentle despite her smirk but she was already turning to face Elias. She found she didn't know quite what to say all of a sudden and she approached him meekly.

"Kiyoko and I could use some help with the wards in our bedroom, please?" She kept up Kiki's pretense, unsure if they wanted Valere to know that Elias knew. Or Kiyoko either for that matter.

[Nefarion Xid]

Silver Isle

"Morose? Really? That's hurtful, Viola. Accurate, but hurtful." Stray set the wineglass down and sulked on the way to the windows. A wave of his hand caused the heavenly sphere to hurtle over the horizon and it was night. The crystal candles on the table all sprang to life sympathetically. Empty plates and silver began a parade out the door, carried by invisible hands. Cassandra felt as if she'd won a round of some game where she didn't understand the rules. Meanwhile, Stray continued to stare out the window.

"Ambrosia is a nymph, Syntira's sister. She is old, very old, but far less powerful than the Ether Queen. Unlike my mother, her patience for the people of this land expired long ago and she encourages violence. She has openly defied the Darkmoon Queen for years. Fortunately, this is not a democracy."

He turned to look over his shoulder. "You should seek her out first. She will not be forthcoming with me. Frankly, setting Rhoswen free out of spite and convincing a horny wizard to do the dirty work of breaking the circle is exactly the sort of thing I'd expect from her. Confess your disgust for humanity. You'll gain her confidence."

"I will go to Nar-Voth and speak with Frilogarma. We're cousins, you know? The shocking thing is, we get along wonderfully."

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"To be fair, Viola's remark was based upon what she'd heard. And she did ask after you; she wonders how you feel. I do not know what the lifespan of a Fey Prince is, but we humans are lucky to reach our seventh decade before sickness or ill chance befalls us. Certain...vigors...fade earlier. You should visit her; might do you both good."

"Now, I do not believe I said I felt disgust for humanity, generally speaking," continued Cassandra, returning to the topic at hand, and still full of questions. "Though I will admit to it on occasion. Honestly, do you expect me to be able to dissemble before your aunt. Speaking of whom, where can she be found?"

"And what of this?" Cassandra held the lock of hair up once more. "You offer one possible path and a token that you imply may lead me to what I want, and then decide to go yourself. You are a curious person!"

[Nefarion Xid]

Silver Isle

"Then practice lying!" Stray scoffed at Cassandra. "When you see Ambrosia, the only way to gain her confidence will be to say you detest humans as much as she. You need her to tell you who she tricked or seduced into breaking the circle to the Fellnight. If you like, tell her you met me and found me spineless and morose. Say I refused to give you what you want."

He gestured to the lock of hair, which then sailed through the air where it was caught and returned to the safety of his pocket. "She travels with a man named Namdrin Quinn and his carnival. They tour Andoran mostly, spiriting off with urchins and and disposing of a few louts in every town. They should be nearly to Falcon's Hollow. And Falcon's Hollow has a lot of louts. Grizzly business, but, well, raise your hand if you haven't thrown a bloody corpse in a river. Don't ... don't actually do that. Why are you even in here?" He sneered, suddenly pointing to the heretofore unseen pixie who was shoveling salad from the serving bowl into her mouth with one hand while the other was proudly raised overhead.

"Wha? The dwarf wasn't gonna eat it."

"Tall talk! This is tall talk for tall people! Get out! Which one even are you!?" Stray hurried towards the table, shoeing the white haired woman away.

"I'm your favorite and you know it, you complete ass!" As the pixie vanished from sight once more, the salad bowl began to float away and a cherry tomato bounce off Stray's forehead. He didn't bother to wipe away the smudge of vinaigrette.

"You see, as a Fey Prince, I command a tremendous amount of respect among my own kind. I will go to the Ether Court to see what Frilogarma knows. I never intended for you to go, I just wanted to see what you would do with the token."

[zabbarot]

Margot sat silently chewing on her food, which she had made a horrific abomination of*, while the conversation went back and forth. "If you'd rather not lie, I'll speak with her. I dislike enough people to pretend it's all of them." Her usual cheery tone was gone. She was almost solemn. Meanwhile Beignet mutely shuffled a tomato back and forth across his plate.



*The catfish was stripped of it's mustard coating and doused in entirely too much vinaigrette.

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"A tremendous amount of respect indeed." Cassandra could not hide the smirk that suddenly appeared. "I do hope I passed your little test," she said, not without a small degree of light-hearted sarcasm. "Though you could perhaps aid me in the lying part. I could increase the power of my bracelet to allow me to lie better, as you suggest, but I probably do not have the time to do both that, and complete the improvements upon Hammerhead's cloak. If I provide the materials, perhaps you could work on my bracelet for me?"

Diplomacy, go! [roll0]

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead

Hammerhead, who had remained silent as Stray talked with and tested Cassandra, let out a guffaw as the pixie invaded the dinner table and shoveled salad down her throat. Then turning back to Stray, he cleared his throat.

Probably for the best that Cassandra did the talking. I would have made an arse of myself with a test like that.

"Anything else we ought to know about Ambrosia? Bit of a sweet name for such a sour-sounding woman."

[Nefarion Xid]

Silver Isle

"If you'd rather not lie, I'll speak with her. I dislike enough people to pretend it's all of them."

Stray scoffed, "Don't worry. I believe you."

"If I provide the materials, perhaps you could work on my bracelet for me?"

"Yes, that can be arranged. It is a small thing. And, as I said, I do owe you a reward for interrupting Rhoswen's invasion and saving so many lives. I'm surprised you didn't seek out Lady Aphira for her gratitude, but allow my gifts to suffice." He smiled broadly. "If it is within my power to grant, you shall have it. Seek me out later after you've had some time to mull it over."

"Anything else we ought to know about Ambrosia? Bit of a sweet name for such a sour-sounding woman."

"She is family, after all. So, I would prefer you dealt with her gracefully. She may be a monster in your world, but we would weep for her. You must understand that insubordination is not betrayal. She has not wronged us." There was a disquieting titter in his voice. "She was a member of the Winter Court. When there was a Winter Court. Again, the doing of Baba Yaga and a tale for another time. Ostensibly, she would be vulnerable to fire, but I suspect she is old enough and wise enough to have found a way to compensate. Now, while I believe you have a reasonable chance of besting her in combat, and again, I sincerely hope it doesn't come to that, I would not underestimate her. Do at least attempt diplomacy and subterfuge. If you fail in that, whisper my name into Viola's Waystone and I will appear to help subdue her."

[Othniel]

Cassandra

Dinner, the night before

"Aripha! Oh, gods, I forgot! In all that has happened, it was driven from my mind." Cassandra nearly jumped up from her seat. Her face was a mask of worry, and she shot an imploring look at Stray. "I hope Palomir and Fira fare well still, and Vineroot. Please, if you can spare time, it would ease my heart to know someone was checking on them. Fira was so...so...wounded. In soul more than anything, I think. I should visit Aripha's court as well, eventually. If I am allowed," she added.

With Margot, Day 1 of Pixie

A day after being "graced" with the form of a pixie, Cassandra zipped into the bedroom she shared with Margot. She was partway through her daily session working on Hammerhead's cloak, and had paused for lunch. Though she wasn't fond of her smaller size (everything felt heavier), the wings were great. "So..." she began. "About dinner the other night. You seemed to change rather quickly when the subject of not liking people and lying came up. Or maybe it was merely one or the other. I did not want to pry, particularly in front of our host, but are you all right?" Cassandra hung in the air, and the only other sound was the delicate rustle of her wings.

With Stray, Day 1 of Pixie

She noticed Stray approach and take his throne from the corner of her eye. She zipped over to him and hung in the air at eye level. "You said you could change me back today if I wished. I do not wish that, at least for now. If I am to gain the confidence of Ambrosia, what better way than in fey form, even if I am not the real thing?" Hesitation. "Speaaking of which, if I fulfill this quest, would you be so kind as to point me in the right direction of my desire? I like the wings, but the size is...well, less than optimal. And this figure is just...not what I am used to."

[Nefarion Xid]

Silver Isle
Ballroom

What the pixies referred to as the ballroom seemed to double as a throne room. It was likely the living darkwood throne in the west could be moved, but not by any mundane means. The branches nearly reached the top of the domed ceiling forty feet above and the gnarled roots formed a set of uneven stairs up to where Stray sat lounging on a blue silk pillow.

"I could make you a pooka." His taunt didn't echo despite the emptiness of the cathedralesque chamber. The place had been built for music. "Though I suppose they're rather bottom-heavy too, what with the rabbit haunches and all. Maybe a grig. But I'll put the cricket part on the top as well."

He closed his eyes, nestling into the throne sideways and laying his head against the smooth armrest growths. "You've seen pixies, haven't you? They're built like Chelish opera singers. I suppose I had Raisa in mind when I cast the spell. Do humans really want to look like nymphs? They're all slender as a willow and their cheekbones could cut glass and so could their ... well I suppose it is cold in the river. You know the cruel irony of is that I'm related to all of them. They're literally all my great-great-great-great-grand-nieces. I can't even look at them without seeing my own mother."

"How about this: I'll get the fauns in here and we'll have a vote. Figure by democracy," he chuckled darkly, peeking at her from the corner of a half-open eye.

"I can't give you what you really want. What you think you want. I cannot increase your lifespan and I cannot truly make you Fey. I doubt Frilograma has that power either, to be honest. What you need is the favor of an Eternal Monarch, or the Eldest. Syntira may be sympathetic to your desires, and, if you serve us, she may reward you. Deal with Ambrosian in a satisfactory manner, and I may speak on your behalf."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead


***Upon meeting up with Cassandra once she has been turned into a 'pixie'... ***

Hammerhead's jaw dropped at the sight of Cassandra, her form having changed radically since he had previously seen her.

"Cassandra? What in Trudd's name happened to you!? I mean, I know at dinner you spoke about wanting to be a Fey, once, but!.."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead (Again)

At another time during their stay at Stray's palace, Hammerhead found himself in the company of several of the nymphs of the isle. Having been told earlier by Stray that nymphs would grant tokens of their favor to any who could impress them with a work of art, he cleared his throat and spoke.

"Fair nymphs, if you would be so kind as to lend me your ears. His Highness has informed me that you are partial to stories, to jokes, to poems. If you are willing, I would recite a traditional ode from my homeland."

Hammerhead then cleared his throat.

I haven't done this since I was a lad at school. Here goes nothing.

"Young and alone on a long road,Once I lost my way:
Rich I felt when I found another;
Man rejoices in man,


A kind word need not cost much,
The price of praise can be cheap:
With half a loaf and an empty cup
I found myself a friend,


Two wooden stakes stood on the plain,
On them I hung my clothes:
Draped in linen, they looked well born,
But, naked, I was a nobody...

Too early to many homes I came,
Too late, it seemed, to some:
The ale was finished or else un-brewed,
The unpopular cannot please,


Some would invite me to visit their homes,
But none thought I needed a meal,
As though I had eaten a whole joint,
Just before with a friend who had two.


The man who stands at a strange threshold,
Should be cautious before he cross it,
Glance this way and that:
Who knows beforehand what foes may sit
Awaiting him in the hall?.."

And Hammerhead continued to recite, as best he could, from memory.

Perform (Oratory): [roll0]

Excerpts from the Poetic Edda. Going for the Viking aspect of dwarf culture.

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

Still a bit queasy from the boldness of his companions, Elias was slow to respond to Ellarie's request. Had it been a handful of years earlier, he might have fled with some ill-conceived excuse to bury his head in a book and forget his troubles. But Elias was a man grown, a knight of his beloved Taldor, and these were his friends. Friends he had shed blood alongside.

"Of course, Ellarie. Please, lead the way."

He paused at the door, bowing low both to Tybalt and to the Meresins.

"Good night, Highness, Your Graces."

From there, he hurried to Kiyoko and Ellarie's room.

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

The tiefling raised a hand in greeting when Elias entered the room. "Well, if it isn't the man of the hour! The assassin-thing didn't hit you when I wasn't looking, did he?"

[zabbarot]

Margot sat on the bed, hiding in a nest of blankets. "People are awful, but that's not why I left. It's him. Prancing around with his stupid face and granting wishes..." The mound of blankets went quiet for a bit, but the steady rise and fall of someone breathing was obvious. "Can I show you something?" A hand reached out and dumped the contents of a small velvet bag on the bed in front of Cassandra. Two massive gleaming diamonds rolled out. Margot sat up and moved the blankets enough to show her face. "I've carried those for three years. I didn't tell the whole truth before. Those diamonds I collected to pay for a resurrection. There's something they don't ever mention in stories. People can choose not to come back. My son... I accepted that. He was only a babe. What reason would he have to leave heaven? But my husband abandoned me. He left me to the witch hunts of Galt. Beignet was... something foolish. I thought I could lure my son back myself." She started crying, "He liked sweets, but that's not my little boy. I don't know who's child that is. He's just trapped in that half-formed body of flour and sugar, and I'm too scared of being alone to free him." Sobs wracked her frame and she retreated back into the blankets. "I'm sorry... I think I've had too much to drink."

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Ellarie silently followed Kiyoko and Elias into the room the girls shared and closed the door firmly behind them. She leaned with her back upon the door for a moment, her face set in a distracted sort of determination. As Kiyoko welcomed Elias, Ellarie grabbed a nearby chair and placed it in front of the door, pressing it as firmly up against it as she could. She stood back and contemplated her work for before she picked up the pillow she had thrown at Kiyoko earlier and placed it atop the chair. Finally satisfied with her barricade, she whirled around to face them, very suddenly aware that her pulse was fluttering rapidly in her throat.

She took in her friends, Kiki in her crimson armor, and Elias in his finery. She had not had the chance earlier to appreciate how his green waistcoat brought out the green in his eyes. They were both presenting themselves honestly. In her fighting gear, Kiyoko looked every bit the killing threat she was, fierce and beautiful. Elias, for his part looked like the noble born gentleman he was. He had been in his element tonight. He truly belonged here, amongst people like these, the thought struck her with dismay. She was the liar here and yet it was up to her to reveal the horrible truth.

"I don't belong here. not really." Her voice faltered.

"This... isn't what I need to tell you. But I wanted to tell you. I wanted to be honest with somebody. This isn't me." She realized she was floundering and rubbed her arm across her eyes angrily.

"That's not really important, but I need you both to know that I'm honest with you even as I'm lying to the world.She blinked back the tears that threatened furiously. Had she ever been this exhausted?

"Elias, will you sit please? I have something difficult to tell you and I would like you to sit while I do it." She almost wished she had dragged Valere in here to tell Elias himself, but no. Her friend, her responsibility. She glanced at Kiyoko for a moment for some much needed support, waiting for Elias to sit.

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"No, humans do not all want to look like nymphs. I would be happy to remain myself...on the outside." She decided to drop that line of discussion. Stray did not seem inclined to sympathy anyway.

"I can't give you what you really want. What you think you want. I cannot increase your lifespan and I cannot truly make you Fey. I doubt Frilograma has that power either, to be honest. What you need is the favor of an Eternal Monarch, or the Eldest. Syntira may be sympathetic to your desires, and, if you serve us, she may reward you. Deal with Ambrosian in a satisfactory manner, and I may speak on your behalf."

She knew what she wanted, didn't she? Not to feel torn by two worlds pulling at her. The natural world and human society both had claims on her. She'd tried to placate both desires by becoming a druid, but that felt like a mere bandage. "Very well. I shall seek out Ambrosia, with or without my companions, though I do hope they choose to come along."

With Hammerhead

"A clever deception to fool Ambrosia," she said. "And...perhaps a bit of a joke on the Prince's part. But at least he agreed to improve my bracelet. That may prove indispensable to our cause."

With Margot

"I am sorry, Margot. I do not know what to say." Losing a child must have been terrible, Cassandra thought. She'd not yet had anyone that close die. It would happen soon enough, she figured. Her parents were aging well, but they would not last forever. Or perhaps Alexander or Lysander would be killed on patrol or in some stupid noble feud. Arissa would probably outlast them all, marry well and produce a dozen children for some stuck-up duke or something.

The druidess dropped gently onto the bed near Margot and gave her a look of sympathy. She hoped the horror she felt at what the woman had done did not show, and she remained silent for several long moments. "You can come with me," she said, finally. "After we have finished our business with the Fey and Yandeath's journal, you can come along with me for as long as you wish. I have a mind to visit my parents again soon, and I am sure they would enjoy having you. They love visitors."

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

"Honne and tatemae, the difference between a person's public and private self. It is widely recognized as a reality of life in Minkai. Ah, Ellarie, the nobles here don't 'belong' here, they're just more comfortable living this way." Kiyoko shifted, uncomfortable and not quite sure what to do to help her friend. "Still, if this bothers you, I'm happy to fill Elias in."

She turned her gaze to the wizard and laid it out bluntly. "I hope you didn't get too attached to your new sponsor. Turel Meresin may be plotting to plunge Taldor into civil war and reassemble the country in his image. He may or may not be some variety of fiend. He almost certainly is the one who ordered the fake assassination attempt tonight."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead


With Hammerhead

"A clever deception to fool Ambrosia," she said. "And...perhaps a bit of a joke on the Prince's part. But at least he agreed to improve my bracelet. That may prove indefensible to our cause."

Hammerhead sighed.

"Fey... Well, as far as improvements go, he also gave me this." He tapped his forehead. "Magical headband of wisdom. Should help to improve my strength of will - a necessary thing if you're going up against spellcasters who can do funky things to your mind."

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

The young wizard had stood watching Ellarie come to grips with what she had to say, part of him urging him to comfort the skald even as he knew it might only get in her way. As she asked him to sit, his head cocked in a perplexed motion, and he had not managed to take her advice before Kiyoko spoke. Elias' face remained grave as the tiefling unveiled her revelations, a mute stare his only response.

Then he burst out laughing.

It was a laugh he hadn't known he'd needed, months of pain and stress finally unleashed in gales of gasping frivolity. He clutched desperately to the back of his chair as it heaved out of him, eventually collapsing down with tears streaming from his eyes. He wiped them with a nimble finger, before waving aside further jokes.

"Hah, just when I think our circumstances are most dire you two provide the sweetest anodyne. You almost had me, Ellarie."

He gave the skald a wide smile.

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"That is what I hope to guard against with my bracelet." Cassandra touched the bracelet encircling her arm. "And it should help me lie better, to put it bluntly."

Day 3

"Weirdest castle ever," Cassandra mumbled into her pillow. Her dreams were filled with visions of her wandering the halls and encountering changing rooms. Her gaze was drawn repeatedly toward the stairs leading to the third floor, and she felt an urge to explore further up.

She sat up in the bed, which felt far too large with her newer, smaller form. Cassandra found herself having to be careful when moving in bed so as not to put pressure on her pixie wings. After she'd dressed, she left her bedroom and examined the area around the chamber to find that (predictably) nothing had changed. When her companions had likewise risen, she shared her dream with them and resolved to inquire about the third level. With that foremost in her mind, she went in search of breakfast.

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

As the wizard exploded into mirthful hysterics, Kiyoko blinked a few times before grinning and turning to Ellarie. "Wow, he's taking it really well. I mean, that's also my reaction whenever anyone suggests 'saving' Taldor (I'm just better at holding it in) but I'd expected a bit more indignation or disbelief. So, who's up for marking the best places to pillage during the civil war and then getting some snacks?" She raised a hand. "Show of hands? Ave Imperator! Lootin' time!"

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

She wasn't sure exactly what she had been expecting, but laughter certainly was not on that list. Her expression had turned from surprise to pity when Kiyoko chimed in in favor of looting the future wreckage of Taldor.

"I'm not against looting in general. Most of my gear has been acquired that way, in fact." Her smile was sheepish before she shook off the temptation to just go with this and pretend the whole thing really was a joke.

"Elias doesn't have all the facts yet. If he still wants to loot the ruins of Taldor after, fine I'm in. But I will never work for Turel regardless." She scowled and crossed her arms stubbornly.

"Elias, Valere is Midnight, the informant from Sa'di's camp remember? He is in the employ of Turel, in fact he is being blackmailed by him. The safety of his family being held for his continued cooperation. He believes his family will be killed if he doesn't do their bidding, just as Turel was responsible for your family's death when he was the head of the Crimson Ring." Her voice had gone from annoyed to gentle as she finally told Elias the terrible heart of the matter and braced for more laughter.

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

The tiefling nodded, only now catching on that maybe Elias didn't believe them when they said a respected member of the Taldan nobility was an extraplanar fiend literally hell-bent on tearing Taldor in half and reassembling the nation in his own image. In the mage's defense, it did kind of sound like the insane ramblings of a homeless man on the corner of a busy street, loudly expositing on the need to repent before the end times. Heck, there had been more than one vagrant in the avenues of Kasai shrieking about how Oni had infiltrated the government, defiled the Imperial Shrine, and placed their spawn upon the Jade Throne.

On the other hand, those doomsayers in Kasai had been right. Besides, Elias had met her in a town being shaken down by a dragon that was pretending to be a bigger, deader dragon, who had only been stopped by a collection of violent saviors from all over the world - including a pair suspected of murder until their victim came back to life, walked into the guardhouse office, and claimed that it had all been a comical misunderstanding involving a three way and low blood pressure.

In short, Kiyoko felt that Elias could stand to be a bit more credulous.

"Ah. Aha. You think we're joking, but I'm afraid I was serious about the assassination attempt. In fact, I think the assassin accomplished what he set out to do."

[Nefarion Xid]

Silver Isle

On the third morning of their stay in the fey citadel, the party found the dining room as they had the previous day. A bowl of fruit had been left on the table along with pecans and peanuts. The drapes were all drawn back and the windows faithfully reported what was outside, rather than the illusory scene of the unknown mountains. From here, one could see the twin bridges that spanned the river and the crystal blue waters flowing south to Almas. Despite the high vantage point from the second story of the castle, situated on a tall, rocky island, it was impossible to see beyond the cluster of darkwood which grew on both sides of the river. The forest beyond looked positively ancient and far more foreboding than the wood around Bellis.

The master of the castle was nowhere to be seen, though this wasn't unusual as the party had been made to believe that he was essentially nocturnal. After a minute, a smartly dressed red kobold tottered in with a bowl of scrambled eggs, plates, and forks. He looked expectantly at the guests, but said nothing.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead

Hammerhead scratched the back of his neck and looked at the kobold curiously.

"I don't think we've run into each other yet. Who might you be?"

Hello, Pun-Pun.

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"Good morning." More kobolds. This was the second group she'd met, and they seemed far friendlier than the first. Or, at least there weren't any humans to drive the point of conflict, she figured.

[Nefarion Xid]

Silver Isle

"It's Gresh, sir," said the kobold, setting down the eggs along with a jars of red and black pepper. "I'm the butler. I would have seen to your needs sooner, but no one informed me that we had guests. I thought you might enjoy something more hearty than what just grows on trees." His Taldane was excellent and he took great care with each word.

Stray appeared suddenly in a muted gust of wind and shadowy ether, nearly sending Gresh and his stack of plates into the floor. He had a croissant in his mouth and both arms were full of parcels and a mostly empty black sack. He set them on the table and chewed on his croissant while explaining. "I did the shopping. Be proud of me. Loads of flour, refined cane sugar, milk, chocolates, milk chocolates, and literally every croissant in Isarn. If that's not what a bag of holding is for, then I don't want to be right. It seems gouache to have an execution this early in the morning, but everyone was gawking at that instead of buying fresh bread like good Galtans. More for me."

"Oh, red meat too. Veal cutlets tonight, I think. I won't tell the nymphs if you don't. Gresh! So nice of us you to join us. We've had guests for three days now and I've bee doing all the cooking!"

"Yes, Your Grace, no one informed me that ..."

"Breaded with an onion sauce.

"The veal, Your Grace?"

"No, the guests. Yes, the veal! Yandeath looks like he's lost 20 pounds since he's been here. Get some mashed potatoes in the poor dwarf."

Stray nudged the kobold along and went about passing out still warm croissants.

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"I am proud. You left your castle and (presumably) interacted with people." She took a bite of the proffered croissant, finding that she filled up even quicker when eating in her smaller size. She wasn't that fond of food anyway, finding it merely necessary and often boring or unappetizing. "I had a dream about the castle last night," she said, suddenly. "Rooms shifted. I think it is beckoning to me, or at least the third floor is. What is up there, if you do not mind my asking? Or, really, even if you do."

[Nefarion Xid]

Silver Isle

Stray smirked, then continued tearing off bits of croissant while looking sideways at Cassandra. "Bedrooms. Linen closets. Bathrooms. My fiction library. What do you think goes on the top floor? You grew up in a castle."

"Gresh, make some mimosas happen. I bought sparkling wine." As he said this, drew a green bottle from the sack and began frosting the glass with a spell. "The pixies reside on the third floor, as does Lord Siles, Lady Electra, Lady Odette. They are not often in, but they don't want their chambers disturbed all the same. I won't have any sympathy for you if you startle Electra and she blinds you." He shrugged dismissively. "I don't know what to tell you. The only thing interesting upstairs is me and I reside in the West Tower."

[Nefarion Xid]

New Falcon's Hollow

After completing their projects (or just enjoying his Osiriani cotton sheets), Stray teleported the party to Falcon's Hollow as agreed. They appeared on a hill overlooking the down, about a half mile upriver, amid a circle of darkwood stumps. They'd been felled decades ago, but Cassandra noted how uniformly they were placed and dreaded that this had once been a dryad grove. The town below was also suspiciously orderly, the entire town had been divided into neat outward-facing squares with green spaces in the center. A stately town hall or courthouse stood at the end of a mall, flanked by auspicious two-story houses. Everything looked to be made of the same sort of stone. More manor homes dotted the surrounding countryside amid the farmland. A scattering of people could be seen going about their morning chores. To the south, another half mile away, a cluster of wagons and colorful tents were being set up.

"I should have built their town out of wood," said the invisible Stray.

"If you require aid or healing, find the Hackett family at the Temple of Erastil. You may drop my name there if needed, but otherwise, do endeavor to not mention me in this town."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead

As the party arrived in Falcon's Hollow, Hammerhead turned to Cassandra.

"So, refresh my memory - what's the plan here? Do we just traipse on into the forest, or do you want to stop in town and get a lay of the land first before we try to find her?"

Being cautious, Hammerhead did not speak Ambrosia's name aloud, but the meaning was clear.

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"We-ell," Cassandra began, "We are here on an information-gathering quest. Remember that the Prince said not to engage in combat unless absolutely necessary. I would prefer not to rile the townspeople as well. We are supposed to dislike humans, remember? Walking into town and being friendly would perhaps be unwise, and I may not be very welcome there in my current form. I think we should make directly for that area with the tents, and observe at first. I am open to other suggestions. Margot?"

[zabbarot]

Margot

"Cassandra... I ride around on a giant walking cauldron and have a pet racoon made of cake. Do you think I'd rather be in town or at a carnival?" She stuck out her tongue and urged Crocker toward the carnival.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead

"So, visit the carnival, put on the grumpy dwarf act but don't spoil for a fight, and let someone else do the talking? Hey, no problem, I can do that."

Hammerhead then holstered Last Word on his back and strolled toward the carnival.

[Nefarion Xid]

New Falcons Hollow

"Don't screw it up!" called the invisible voice on the hill behind them. Not exactly words of heroic inspiration, but it was at least reassuring to know he was on your side. Probably.

Though attractions were still being assembled in haste, the carnival was already a garish display of colors and smells. After a week in the pristine confines of the prince's palace, the party's collective nose was assaulted by all manner of scents: beer, horses, baked goods, roasting meats, perfumed ladies and unbathed lumberjacks. Above the tents and wagons of the perimeter, they could see a paper-mache figure brought up with ropes, some manner of misshapen creature like an ettin or hill giant. He held in his hands a fifteen foot wide wheel meant for some sort of game, painted in nauseating shades of puce and ochre. Towards what must be the entrance (on account of the people who have begun filing in) one wagon looks to serve as a ticket booth. Two baggy-eyed carnies dole out tickets for coins while a man on stilts barks out the attractions. "Come lay eyes on our Menagerie! Misfits and monsters gathered up from as far as mysterious Tian Xia! See the Man with a Thousand Stitches! Gaze in horror at the pickled devil boy! Behold the beauty of a real live mermaid!"

Around the entrance, there were nearly two dozen beggars, all humans and likely inhabitants of the town. Several seemed to be lumberjacks who could no longer work thanks to their maimed hands or missing limbs. One woman was wracked with a particularly brutal, wet sounding cough while her three children held out hats and bowls for alms. As a throng of stout workmen made their way into the fair grounds, one batted the bowl out the child's hand, scattering three copper coins into the grass. "Keep away, brat! I don't want your whore mum's cough!" His companions said nothing, but sneered with tactic agreement.

[Othniel]

Cassandra

The druidess moved with her companions, practically floating over the ground. It annoyed her to walk now, having to look up at everything. She wondered how halflings and gnomes managed it.

"Ugh, humans can be so cruel," Cassandra muttered to the others as they watched the actions of the lumberjacks. She cast a sympathetic glance at the woman and her children, and felt torn between helping them and not drawing unnecessary attention to herself. "No doubt as cruel to the forest as their own kind."

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

The smile on Elias' face began fading as the women continued to speak, and had vanished entirely at the mention of his parents.

"How do you know these things? Who told you about my parents?"

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Ellarie shifted uncomfortably as Elias's manner quickly changed from the mirth that had lit his face.

"Valere told me, Elias. He is being blackmailed into working for the Turels. It was Elizabeth that revived him after Kiyoko.. after we..." Her voice trailed off. It was unnecessary anyway, they all knew what event she referenced.

"Turel controlled the Crimson Ring up until he orchestrated their downfall, to his own gain. Valere claimed to have proof of everything in Oppara. He.. that is, I believe him. He seemed truly terrified. He seems to think Turel is some sort of fiend."

[Jade_Tarem]

Ellarie

Ellarie shifted uncomfortably as Elias's manner quickly changed from the mirth that had lit his face.

"Valere told me, Elias. He is being blackmailed into working for the Turels. It was Elizabeth that revived him after Kiyoko.. after we..."

"Shanked him, yes! Gods, we were all there. It barely inconvenienced him."


"Turel controlled the Crimson Ring up until he orchestrated their downfall, to his own gain. Valere claimed to have proof of everything in Oppara. He.. that is, I believe him. He seemed truly terrified. He seems to think Turel is some sort of fiend."

Kiyoko shrugged. "I can't speak to the fiend thing (though Turel was weirdly insistent that we're all mortals here), but I know the attack was faked. A shape-shifting assassin from Hell sneaks into the castle and effortlessly murders a guard undetected - so far, so good - and then, instead of continuing that same quiet job or, I dunno, turning into Turel, he goes full horror story monster and stands in the middle of Elizabeth's room? We get a nice big scream and a dramatic battle. No, this 'assassination attempt' was a show for the Duke's benefit: now he's emotionally in Turel's debt and Turel's 'friends' are likely to be hired to replace the Duke's obviously inadequate house guards... placing Turel's armed allies inside the castle walls and near the Duke's family at all times. You can't buy leverage like that."

[zabbarot]

Margot

"Don't screw it up!" called the invisible voice on the hill behind them. Not exactly words of heroic inspiration, but it was at least reassuring to know he was on your side. Probably.

"You heard the man, Crocker. Sashay away."


"Ugh, humans can be so cruel," Cassandra muttered to the others as they watched the actions of the lumberjacks. She cast a sympathetic glance at the woman and her children, and felt torn between helping them and not drawing unnecessary attention to herself. "No doubt as cruel to the forest as their own kind."

Margot looked on as Crocker lumbered towards the gate. She had every intention of riding him into the carnival, maybe even over the group of asses in front of them. There was a rustling behind her and she turned to see Beignet jumping down to help the child pick up coins. She frowned, but made no effort to stop him.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead

Seeing that Beignet was helping the boy pick up his coins, Hammerhead was unable to hold back from helping, and so also assisted - and slipped in a couple of silver pieces as he did so.

Between Margot and Cassandra I'm the least unusual, so... maybe a bit more leeway. I can't just sit back.

Once this had been done, he rejoined the two as they went to purchase tickets.

[Nefarion Xid]

New Falcon's Hollow

The wart-nosed man at the booth gawped at the party as he finished handing tickets to the group of lumberjacks. "Bwuuu ... not locals, huh? Tickets are a copper each. You don't need 'em to enter, but you trade 'em for cups of beer and games and shows. So, you'll want lots." Whatever boredom he felt from his job seemed alleviated. At least something interesting was happening. "We've got Hawkbeard Ale brought in all the way from Rostland. I won't lie to you -- it's better than anything you've had in Andoran. Too hot and the sea air is bad for the hops."

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

Sitting in a nearby chair, Elias began mulling over Ellarie and Kiyoko's accusations. It made a twisted sort of sense, but at the same time...

"Ellarie, I would trust you with my life, but I cannot help but be...skeptical. Who revealed all of this to you, and why? Was it Valere himself? Because his honor has been clearly tainted since first we saw him, and I find it equally likely that he or his benefactors made use of the selfsame magical power that erased Talia's memory to convincingly lie to you, and stage the assault on the Duchess that Valere might play the hero."

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Ellarie released the breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. Her face turned thoughtful and she kneeled besides Elias's chair.

"It was Valere himself who told me, yes. Though I believed him, you are right that we have no way of knowing whether he told me of his own accord, or at the behest of the Meresins. I can only say that he was very afraid, or that at least I remember him being afraid. Valere himself has given no signs that he wields magical power, and I had not had any sort of contact with the individual Meresins prior to my conversation with Valere. I think skepticism is good and may help keep us alive, but I would vote for traveling to Oppara and seeing this proof for ourselves." She forced her hands to relax in her lap as she realized she had been anxiously smoothing her blue skirt as she spoke.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead


New Falcon's Hollow

The wart-nosed man at the booth gawped at the party as he finished handing tickets to the group of lumberjacks. "Bwuuu ... not locals, huh? Tickets are a copper each. You don't need 'em to enter, but you trade 'em for cups of beer and games and shows. So, you'll want lots." Whatever boredom he felt from his job seemed alleviated. At least something interesting was happening. "We've got Hawkbeard Ale brought in all the way from Rostland. I won't lie to you -- it's better than anything you've had in Andoran. Too hot and the sea air is bad for the hops."
Hammerhead gave a grunt and a nod in response to the inquiry about him not being a local, then plopped down two gold pieces.

"Two hundred, if'n you please - and directions to the ale."

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

"It's worth noting that his benefactors are the Meresins, or at least he claims as much. While it's possible that he could be trying to pit us against Turel for his own gain, I fail to see what the assassination attempt gets him. Turel got all the goodwill and we got the glory from it. I agree with Ellarie that we should go to Oppara and see this proof of his before we commit to an action, though."

The tiefling hesitated. "Assuming we even want to put that much effort into it. Even if, for the sake of argument, we believe everything Valere says... so what? Taldor is headed for an implosion of some kind. Does it matter if Turel sits on the throne at the end of it instead of Stavian?"

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Her attention pulled from Elias to Kiyoko, Ellarie shrugged.

"Ordinarily I'd agree with you. It doesn't matter who sits on the throne. I spent years scraping by, homeless. And the figurehead didn't matter at all. I didn't care about them, and they didn't give a damn about me. But if what Valere says is true, it makes a world of difference. Because if Turel really is some sort of fiend who orchestrated Elias's parents deaths for his own gain, that isn't just another random **** in a crown. This time, it's personal."

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

The Minkaian grimaced. "Right, I keep forgetting about the family angle. Well then! If they're challenging our new family or slighted Elias's old one, then we can't let that go unanswered. That means we must go to Oppara." Kiyoko nodded at the end of that statement, as though imparting wisdom of great import.

[Nefarion Xid]

New Falcon's Hollow

The carnie counted out two-hundred tickets with surprising expediency. This left Hammerhead with an armful of coiled red paper. "The beer pavilion is just on your right after you get in. It's where every adult is right now. And honestly a lot of the kids. Some people say alcohol's bad for kids, but I've been drinking whisky since I was eight and I turned out alright!" The carnie smiled, revealing only slightly fewer teeth than expected.

After entering the fairgrounds proper, the party saw the beer pavilion as promised. Dozens of folks were lined up in and around the long picnic tables where they traded tickets for small waxpaper cups of beer. Despite the portions, everyone seemed quite pleased.

Continuing on the right side, they laid eyes on a tent vexingly labeled as the Blind Peep Show. After that, the Menagerie of Freaks in a collection of smaller tents.

Straight ahead was the paper-mache giant with his wheel -- evidently some contest of strength as men took turns spinning the enormous metal contraption and then mocking each others' performances.

To the left, on the edge of the pond, there was the pavilion of Modern Wonders where workers were still setting up mechanized innovations in farming and woodcutting.

You notice you're getting a few odd looks. People seem more baffled at your appearance than concerned. You also see that the pond has frozen over.

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"Oh, a thousand should do, I think," pondered Pixie-Cassandra. She pointedly ignored the looks she drew, but took care to make sure her money was seen as she held out the ten gold pieces.

Once they were inside, she gestured toward the strength contest and patted Hammerhead's shoulder. "Want to show them how it's done? Eventually I want to see what new ways they have come up with to lay waste to the forest over there." She pointed at the tent containing mechanized innovations.

[zabbarot]

Margot rolled her eyes at her companion's ostentatious show of wealth. "Please, your headband is worth more than any of the homes here." Turning to the ticket man she offers two gold coins. "One hundred each for my son and me." Beignet waited with greedy palms. "Go have fun. Don't stray too far."

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

The wizard's fingers drummed rhythmically on the arms of his chair as he considered what had been said, his face conflicted.

"My parents died in a storm off of Absalom. If the Duke Meresin was indeed responsible, he may be what Valere claims. If Valere was indeed telling the truth. I cannot claim to know, but this entire business reeks, and I would have the truth of it. Once we are ready, of course."

His eyes flicked to the wall shared by his and Philip's room.

"I would teach him a little more before taking Philip to Oppara. The shadows have a long reach in that city."

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Ellarie looked up at Elias from her seat on the floor beside him, relieved that they seemed to have an agreed upon course of action at last.

"I would not want to go into this unprepared. Whatever "this" turns out to be. Since it was offered and the Meresins are about to leave, I think staying here a bit longer in order to organize ourselves and prepare would be wise. And it's a long road to Oppara, I'm sure it will afford Philip a chance to hone his skills further. Unless you had somewhere specific you wished to stop on the way?"

From her vantage point on the floor, she first heard a soft rustle and then watched as a slip of paper appeared beneath their bedroom door. Both surprised and alarmed, she jumped up and snatched it off of the ground. She nearly read it aloud before she absorbed its message and she clapped a hand over her mouth reflexively. She motioned Elias and Kiyoko over urgently and made a shush gesture with one finger to her lips. She held out the note so they could read it.

"Stop Talking ~ M." Her eyes went wide just as she began to hear a bustle of activity outside their bedroom door. It sounded like people had arrived to deal with the devil's corpse and to clean up. She shrank from the door as she heard Turel's voice bid Elizabeth a good night and thank his minion.

"Thank you, Keller." Her eyes went to her friends to see if they were in silent agreement that "M" was for Midnight.

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

The wizard returned Ellarie's silent nod, before standing and declaring in a clear voice.

"Ladies, I believe I've done all I can. Hopefully we can all get some well-earned rest tonight. After all, who knows what tomorrow might bring?"

A final, meaningful look and he was turning, opening the door to see for himself the commotion outside.

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

She quickly folded the note as Elias made for the door. Exasperated that her dress lacked any pockets, she hurriedly stuck it into the left side of her bodice, reminded herself to burn it before she fell asleep.

"You're quite right, thank you for all your help!" Ellarie called after him as he exited the bedroom.

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

"And come again soon." Kiyoko let her contralto roll out into the hallway behind Elias before the door shut. She gave Ellarie a look. "Security sure his hard to come by these days. As is privacy." She let her voice climb a bit for the last sentence.

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Ellarie rolled her eyes back at Kiyoko.

"This never-ending day of fun has been thrilling and all, but I for one am done with it." Her face changed as though she'd just been reminded of something, and she approached Kiyoko and squeezed her hand briefly.

"Oh hey, thanks for what you said earlier. You know, about our public faces and our private ones?" She moved away as she spoke and tugged her dress over her head, grabbing the hidden note deftly as it fell from inside her dress.

"It's been a long time since I have been myself with people. Like the really real me. I wasn't expecting it to be so difficult to trust people again. To love them. It's... a bit disconcerting. But rewarding, anyways." She grinned and walked over to the fireplace in her slip and boots. She knelt and placed the crumpled note upon the bricks and with a finger, sparked it ablaze and watched it burn to ash.

[Nefarion Xid]

Castle Vallas

Looking down the hall, Elias saw Prince Tybalt and a team of men standing in and about Elizabeth's old room. Two of them carried a stretcher and most had wrapped themselves in disposable linen clothes. A younger woman with glasses was fanning herself with her hand, muttering something about, "I think I need something stronger than Prestidigitation."

Turel had reached the stairwell. His head was in his hands and he appeared to be rubbing his temples. The man was probably in need of fresh air.

Valere was no where to be seen, but his room was down the hall. Perhaps he had retreated there.

Outside the door of Turel's room, there stood a stern looking man with long (but trim) sideburns and straight light brown hair that hung loosely down to his shoulders. He wore a silk shirt in a noxious shade of grass green with the sleeves rolled up over his muscular forearms. There was an enormous amount of kitsch on his wrists: woven leather bracelets, beads and gold hoops. He wore an estoc on his hip, the pommel topped with a large emerald. When Elias stuck his head out, he turned slowly, looked the young man up and down, smiled with his eyes, then went back to his bored, sulking vigil.

Carnival

At the Titan's Wheel, a gap-toothed woman with thinning hair barked through a sawed-off bull's horn. "Step right up, gents, and spin the Titan's Wheel! Prove your strength to the ladies, master dwarf? You look like a strong one! Come on and show these cutyard jacks how it's done eh?"

Shocking no one, a spin at the wheel cost ten tickets according to the nearby signboard. But, throwing the steel wheel for one full rotation would win your tickets back. Past that, each half rotation would win an extra ticket.

Nearby, a group of four lumberjacks eyed Hammerhead and his companions with suspicion. "Go on, dwarf, show us how it's done," one sneered.

Make a Strength check if you want to play

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

"Rewarding is the right word for it. I miss being able to kill people over quasi-imagined sleights, but knowing you and Elias has been worth it." Kiyoko sighed happily before lowering her voice. "Speaking of which, Elias was quite reasonable concerning our... revelations, especially given his antics at dinner." Her voice jumped to a falsetto and Ellarie might have sworn the tiefling's eyes got bigger. Kiyoko clasped her hands together and mock-swooned, "I'll be on my best behavior, and if I play my cards right maybe Stavian-sama and Turel-kun will notice me!"

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

"Hahaha!" The breath from her surprised laughter scattered the note's ashes and made her sneeze. She sniffled and rubbed her nose, still giggling.

"It does make me wonder if perhaps we don't know our friendly Wizard as well as we think we do." Her voice had lowered to match Kiyoko's.

"Not that I think he's being duplicitous with us, just that there may be more to him is all." She sighed and looked longingly at her bed before she crept over to the door and pressed her ear against it, overcome with curiosity.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead

As Cassandra counted out her money, Hammerhead cocked his head to this side.

A bit ostentatious, no?


"Want to show them how it's done? Eventually I want to see what new ways they have come up with to lay waste to the forest over there."
"Well, I am pretty thirsty, but I suppose there's no harm in getting a warmup."


Carnival

At the Titan's Wheel, a gap-toothed woman with thinning hair barked through a sawed-off bull's horn. "Step right up, gents, and spin the Titan's Wheel! Prove your strength to the ladies, master dwarf? You look like a strong one! Come on and show these cutyard jacks how it's done eh?"

Shocking no one, a spin at the wheel cost ten tickets according to the nearby signboard. But, throwing the steel wheel for one full rotation would win your tickets back. Past that, each half rotation would win an extra ticket.

Nearby, a group of four lumberjacks eyed Hammerhead and his companions with suspicion. "Go on, dwarf, show us how it's done," one sneered.

Hammerhead cracked his neck.

"Don't mind if I do."

Hefting the wheel, Hammerhead gave it a big spin... (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KezvwARhBIc)

Strength Check: [roll0]

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

Returning the bangled bodyguard's attentions with a respectful nod, Elias moved to survey the hall. Turel alone seemed a fitting target for his attentions, but if what Ellarie and Kiyoko suspected was at all true the Elias doubted he could conceal his suspicions. Instead, he crossed to where the Prince stood with his men and coughed lightly.

"Your Grace, might I be of any further service?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Castle Vallas

The worry was plain on Tybalt's face. His mouth hung open and his eyes were glassy. It looked as if he'd aged five years since dinner. "Oh. Oh, no. You're a good lad, Elias. You've done enough." He forced a weak smile. "The danger has passed. Try to get some rest if you've already seen to your companions."

"Yes, enjoy your bed." The man with the estoc had a deliciously posh Westcrown accent along with a palpable smugness. "I am here now and you need fear no nightly thing. You are welcome."

Carnival

The Titan's Wheel clacked around one full rotation and almost a half turn past. The carnie woman gave a sarcastic cheer and a taunting glance to the lumberjacks as she handed Hammerhead back his ten tickets.

"Oi, let me have another go at it," snarled one of the lumberjacks, pressing himself between the dwarf and the wheel with a handful of tickets.

You notice a mostly concealed foot pedal in a box at the base of the wheel. You believe the carnie can use this to apply friction to the wheel and prevent people from winning too much.

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Oh brother. She rolled her eyes at the mysterious man's smug poshie voice. Before she could stop herself, Ellarie opened the door wide enough to poke her head through. Upon spotting what must have been the source of the voice, she was surprised. He was not was she was expecting and she spent a moment giving him a good glance over, noting his flamboyant ensemble and his estoc. What was it about men in green today? She mused for a second before addressing the man in a skeptical voice.

"Hey you! You're the one who's gonna protect me from "nightly things", is that right?" She made no pretense of courtly accent or manners and her hair has never recovered from her earlier pillow fight with Kiyoko.

[Othniel]

Cassandra

The lousy cheats, Pixie-Cassandra thought. She zipped over to Hammerhead and tapped him on the shoulder. "Don't look now," Cassandra whispered into the dwarf's ear, "But there seems to be a way to cheat the contestant if they throw the wheel too hard."

[Jade_Tarem]

Soraya

"For heaven's sake, let the man take his turn." The tall woman was obviously foreign by her attire, coloration, and accent, though her enunciation was excellent. She might have been speaking to anyone, though the quick look she shot at the dwarf and the pixie could be read for meaning - while she might not have overheard Cassandra, whispering while suddenly looking at the carnival worker could really only mean one thing.

Soraya was no stranger to social gatherings of all kinds, and fairs like this were no exception. The faces and food changed, but the games were the same - it was an open secret that one did not play to win.

She might have warned the lumberjacks, but she'd seen their altercation with the beggars earlier, and was more inclined to start trouble for them than end it. "After all," she finished, "they could drop their trousers and compare at any moment."

[Nefarion Xid]

Carnival

The walking stereotype ignored the jibes from the Qadiran woman. It was possible he didn't understand them. He merely shoved ten tickets into the hands of the carnie woman and took another spin at the wheel. This time it stopped just short of one rotation, likely costing him a quarter day's pay.

Castle Vallas

Keller pursed his thin, colorless lips for a moment, then smiled faintly at Ellarie. "That's right. I've not met a man I couldn't kill. I've never known a devil to impress me either."

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

"Good thing I'm not a man, in that case." She paused as if debating whether or not to add devil as well, but decided against it. Better to keep them guessing. Instead she gave the long haired man a wink and pulled her head back inside and shut the door. She pulled off her boots and climbed into bed.

"Did you hear that Kiki? We're perfectly safe. Sideburns man is on the case!"

[Othniel]

Cassandra

Still hovering mid-air, Cassandra doubled over in quiet laughter. She figured that's what most pixies would do in response to the awful jest, at any rate. She wasn't sure what to make of this newcomer, dressed as she was and inserting herself in the goings-on.

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

"What a relief." The tiefling didn't sound terribly relieved, but she also didn't fear another attack tonight. Turel's dog and pony show was over, he'd likely wrap it up now before he overplayed his hand... assuming he was anything like her grandfather. That was a wild assumption, but not a terrible one given the scope of the man's alleged ambitions.

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

Pointedly ignoring the comments from down the hall, Elias gave a final bow to the Prince.

"The I will to bed, Your Grace."

Turning, he pushed through the door to his and Philip's room, and then to sleep.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead



Cassandra

The lousy cheats, Pixie-Cassandra thought. She zipped over to Hammerhead and tapped him on the shoulder. "Don't look now," Cassandra whispered into the dwarf's ear, "But there seems to be a way to cheat the contestant if they throw the wheel too hard."
Watching at the latest contestant became the latest victim of said way, Hammerhead let out a derisive snort, whispering back to Cassandra.

"I'm not surprised, to be blunt. From what I've heard of carnival folk a lot of them are cheaters. All a ploy to get people to spend more money."

Turning around, Hammerhead decided that it wouldn't be worth it to make a scene and headed off to the beer tent.

[Nefarion Xid]

Castle Vallas

Kiyoko awoke to find the mid morning sun streaming through the narrow slit in the heavy curtains. She felt groggy still, but well rested from a long dreamless sleep.

Meanwhile, Ellarie dreamed of the boatman in the oilskin coat beneath the light post. His white eyebrows had grown so large they obscured his beady eyes; they were only marginally smaller than his ponderous broom-handle mustache. "It's simple," he said, puffing on his pipe and staring out over the canal in the moonless night. "You don't belong here. Too bad because you can't go out the way you came." The scene was replaced with this sight of the inside of her own eyelids. At length, she became aware of Kiyoko's rustling in the sheets.

In the adjacent room, Elias awoke to find his cousin sitting at the end of his bed cross-legged with his chin in his hand as he stared at his master's spellbook.

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

She sat up and was rubbing her eyes with her fists as her consciousness arose within her mind in increments.

"Stupid boatman. Stupid eyebrows." Ellarie grumbled under her breath as her eyes blinked open and she yawned widely. She looked around the room and stretched before she slid out of bed. She cleaned herself magically, reflecting that it didn't smell as good as her melon soap, but it would have to do for now. She picked up her blue dress from the floor where she'd dropped it last night and grimaced.

"Oh dear, Kiyoko it seems that I am out of suitable outfits for the occasion. What will the Prince ever think of me? The same dress two days in a row! It will never do, it's shocking really." She rolled her eyes and tossed her dress over her shoulder, grabbing her clean but well worn leather pants and tugged them on. At least her boots were presentable, if anybody happened to glance at her feet. She took a small amount of satisfaction in that. Her pretty blue vestment went over her pants. The Valere family heirloom made her think of Valere, and her desire to speak with him before he left with Turel prompted her to hurry up and finish dressing. Andun's old breastplate went over the vest and she knocked the metal with her fist fondly, the dull vibration of the heavy metal resounded through her chest, making her smile with the half formed memories of her knocking on it the same way while her old lover wore it.

She picked up her sword, and figured she may as well be prepared and took up the rest of her gear her eyes glancing at her friend, expecting an "I told you so."

"You ready for breakfast? I want to check on Elias too." Not that she anticipated any problems, but she'd have felt better if they'd stayed together last night. She gave a passing glance in a mirror and smoothed her tangled hair before sweeping it up into a casual up do on top of her head. Her eyes went to the make up case. There was certainly no need for any of that this morning. Her eyes went back to the mirror and she frowned. Well maybe a little lip color wouldn't hurt. She smeared on a cheerful coral color carefully and peered at herself again. She could do with a bit of rouge, her face was always pale first thing in the morning. She peered at her handiwork once again before she applied some eyeliner. Finally satisfied and feeling both silly and bemused, she closed the case at last and looked to the tiefling.

"I'm ready to go! What do you think's for breakfast? Bread and sausages?" Her stomach growled as the prospect of a hot meal bolstered her spirits and she waited for Kiyoko to join her.

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

"Hrgl." Kiyoko rolled over when Ellarie got up. She'd be up soon, and knew it, but that didn't meant the tiefling was going to make things easy for her new nemesis (morning, specifically this morning). Her fogged brain began to wonder if there was a way to kill the sun. She completed her roll, ending face down in her pillow. "Norf."

Eventually she pushed herself up, letting the sheets roll off of her and her hair unwrap itself from her head, her arms, and the bedposts. At least she wouldn't have to get twigs and dirt out of it today. When Ellarie began wondering about the prince's opinion, she tried to reply that the prince could go copulate with a lemure, but all that emerged was some gibberish in Abyssal, the tongue of fiends.

Deciding that she needed to wake the rest of the way up before she embarrassed herself, Kiyoko stood up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Lacking the means to magically clean herself and wondering if it would be weird to request Ellarie do it after they'd shared a bed, she went to the wash room to at least scrub her face and get her hair... well, 'under control' was stretching it, but it at least was pulled back into its correct mane-shape. She emerged to find Ellarie dressed for adventure and looking at her expectantly. The Minkaian wasn't sure what she was looking for, and hazarded a wild guess. "You look better kitted out, if only because you always look like the dress is uncomfortable. Are they not tailoring them right?"

Kiyoko was halfway to geared up already, and so dressed in less time despite arguably having more equipment. She wasn't sure Ellarie's commentary on breakfast required a response, but offered one anyway when she was finally ready. "The prince... will be looking to impress, I think. We came under attack in his castle. He doesn't want us to leave with a bad impression. I'd expect more than bread and sausage." She shrugged, "But yes, we should check on Elias first... and make sure Valere doesn't slip away."

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

She didn't want to admit that it was primarily her own self consciousness that made her uncomfortable in finery.

"That dress is a bit tight in the shoulders. I don't think seamstresses expect ladies to have bosoms and muscles. I can't swing my arms around like this." Ellarie swung her arms around and over her head to demonstrate and then shrugged. Despite her chagrin at her friend's perception of her insecurities, the compliment had warmed her and she felt ready to face another meal with the poshies.

She pushed the door open and peered out cautiously and seeing nobody there, she stepped out and knocked on Elias and Philip's door.

[Nefarion Xid]

Carnival

After procuring a few beers, the party made their way to the pavilion where dozens of mechanical innovations were on display. From Magnimar, a pair of man-sized brass golems tottered around with a two-man saw and demonstrated their tireless work ethic on a stump. Some of the lumberjacks scoffed, saying that they worked too slow to be useful. The man in the purple robe reminded them that, "Golems never tire. They are never ill. If one is damaged, they can be repaired and a single mage should be sufficient to service dozens. And, of course, they needn't be paid."

"The initial cost though. Just how much are we talking about for buying a pair of these tin men?" The newly arrived young man was pleasant enough looking except for his fat cheeks and low brow. This frizzy cotton blond hair along with his baby face gave the impression he might be younger than he was, but he wore an expensive looking leather doublet with gold threading and a heavy silver chain to indicate his station. This man was the local Gavel.

"Well, there is, of course, a discount for purchasing in bulk. But the pair will cost twenty thousand."

"Twenty thousand wolves?" the Gavel asked incredulously. This was the colloquial term for silver coins since they were minted with the image of a wolf. Since the Arthfell was rumored to be infested with werewolves, it appeared Andorans had a sense of humor.

"Gold. Four hundred pounds," affirmed the humorless robed man.

The Gavel scoffed. "Talmandor's feathers! That's more than a jack makes in a lifetime. Even a lucky one. They sure as the Hells don't make me that much. I don't care if this golem does double the work, that's still never going to pay out."

The thin black mustache on the Magnimaran began to quiver in annoyance. "Perhaps not in the span of forty years, but the golems will work for your children and their children. You may also sleep soundly with the knowledge that they are immune to fey magic. The tricks that befuddle lesser minds have no effect on the arcanoneurological processes of my golems." He gave a knowing nod towards Cassandra. The Gavel's gaze soon followed and he began to scowl.

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"That's not even a word!" muttered the "pixie." "Personally, I think it's a rip-off," Cassandra continued, aware of those staring at her. "But if it isn't, d'you know what happens if and when it becomes profitable? Lumberjacks get replaced. No jobs!"

Diplomacy to sway the crowd, if applicable: [roll0]

[Jade_Tarem]

Soraya

Still following the pixie for reasons known only to herself and the gods, Soraya spoke up again, albeit quietly. "Are you trying to start a fight with the lumberjacks?"

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead

Having been busy downing his tasty (but rather small) beer, Hammerhead blinked as Soraya came up and addressed Cassandra.

The showing of money, noting how the carnival is cheating, and now this... Are we?

Hammerhead looked meaningfully toward Cassandra, dropping into a ready stance.

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"Not with them," she whispered back to the strange woman.

"Allow me to explain further," she began again, hovering in the air so she didn't have to look up at anyone. That was annoying. "If those who pay you to chop down trees buy these things of metal, they do not need to pay you to chop them down. That puts you out of a job. That's not working for you or your children; that's working against you and your children. Is this what you want to see? Hundreds of mechanized lumberjacks putting real flesh-and-blood men and women out of jobs, tearing the trees down at an even faster rate than you? Why, they'd lay waste to the forests of Andoran in no time at all!" She sniffed in the direction of the salesman. "He offers you a good selling point: That they are immune to fey magic. I see his intention. He wishes to remove the forests entirely, the homes of the fey people, provoking them further. Is that really what you want? Because that is what you will get. A pretty little sight that would be. People out of work and bearing the brunt of anger, all for one man's greed. And when the storm comes - from people who would rather live peacefully, mind you - he will no doubt be the first to leave, taking his profits with him."

[Jade_Tarem]

Soraya

The tall Qadiran woman planted her face in one hand as the tiny druid's monologue commenced. This is... so much less interesting than what I thought was going on. She remained regardless, if only to see how it played out. Somehow, she doubted that invoking the plight of the fey would get much traction with the lumberjacks, but they could still surprise her.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead

Hammerhead cocked his head to the side as Cassandra continued talking.

You had a good start, but you should have kept the fey out of it if you're trying to rile them up, Cass. You have to keep it strictly involved in them. Really hammer it in how this threatens their livelihood.

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Elias propped himself up on one arm and brushed the hair from his eyes.

"Find anything of interest, Philip?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Castle Vallas

"You don't have Fly," Philip mumbled, his speech obscured by the fact he hadn't taken his chin out of his hands. "I thought that was odd since it's a Conjuration spell. Mmmm. Anyway, I figured I could replicate the effects with two force disks. You know, kind of ... glide around in style."

Philip's snake familiar slithered out from under the blankets and flicked its tongue inquisitively at the door. A knock followed a second later -- Ellarie's familiar three raps.

Carnival

There was a long, deadly silent pause following Cassandra's stump speech. The silence was broken by one of the lumberjacks making a noise between a snort of derision and a baffled "whaa?" Before he'd recovered, one of his fellows cupped his hands and booed, "Boo! No one cares what you think, fairy! What's your kind even doing here?"

[Othniel]

Cassandra

"Andoran is a free country, last I checked," Cassandra responded, hands on her hips. "And it's pixie, not fairy. Do you see any pliers?"

"I'm done with these fools," she muttered under her breath, directing her words to the foreign woman. "Do as you will."

[Jade_Tarem]

Soraya

The woman shrugged and sighed happily. "Child... no one throws a punch over macroeconomics. If you want to start a fight, this is how you do it."

She cleared her throat and whirled gracefully to face the lumberjacks, clasping her hands behind her back and smirking. Her voice rose to be clearly heard by all gathered around the golems. "How exciting! I have never been this far to the northwest before, but I have been regaled with such stories from fine travelers like the golem merchant here. I am curious - is it true what I have heard about how much incest goes on in the lumber camps?" She let that hang for a beat, before adding, "Do not worry, you need not count anything above the waist. Cousin a backwater like that, it is all relative, no?"

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

Cracking a smile as Philip critiqued his spellbook, Elias waved his hand in the air loftily.

"What need have I to fly when I can slip the binds of this reality entire?"

He flickered, and was suddenly standing over Philip's shoulder reading his own spell list.

"Also, Flight is a transmutation cousin. Good morning."

There was an annoyed clacking of pincers, as the foot-long scorpion that was Elias' oldest companion scuttled up from under the bed and waved her stinger expectantly.

"Good morning to you too, Galla."

It was only then that the knock came at the door.

"Come in."

Elias had spoken out of hand, distracted by the revelations of the night before and his pride in his cousin's progress, but as Ellarie's silhouette appeared he realized several things. The first was that he was no longer in his bed. The second was that he had gone to sleep with little in the way of clothing. Pajamas had not been high on his list for travelling essentials. His heart leapt into his throat at the impropriety of it all, and he seized for the first thing within reach. So it was that Ellarie entered the room to find him making an attempt at modesty with a moderately surprised and cat-sized scorpion.

"Ellarie! Do you...ah...do you suppose we could try that again? Perhaps wait a minute before knocking again?"

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

As she opened the door at Elias's beckons, it took her brain a moment to sort out what her eyes were seeing. Quite a lot of Elias it turned out. Except there was a scorpion where his .. should be? She felt her face flush red as her gaze continued to roam upwards. It was only when she met the Wizard's eyes that his words registered​ and she jumped as if pinched and slammed the door shut again.

"You told me to come in!" Her hands went to her burning cheeks as she stood in the hallway, terribly confused.

[TheDarkDM]

Elias

There was the sound of furious motion beyond the door as Elias responded.

"I know! I'm sorry! We were talking about spells, I wasn't thinking...no Philip the green one."

There was the sound of a slamming armoire.

"Well get the golem to help you reach it. Svangi, lift Philip up there...just a moment!"

The sound of Philip's surprised yelp harmonized strangely with an eerily enthusiastic hollow moan, and there was more slamming, skittering, and furious whispering before Elias called out again.

"Please enter!"

The open door revealed a room in disarray, Elias standing at the center of a maelstrom of papers, provisions, and clothing while the seven foot behemoth that followed him smoothed the shoulder line of his cloak and Philip gave a last shine to his boots. It was an odd picture, topped off by the fact the scorpion had migrated from Elias' groin to atop its head.

"Good morning, Ellarie!"

There was an impressively small amount of desperation in the greeting.

[Jade_Tarem]

Kiyoko

"It certainly is!" Kiyoko purred as she leaned over past the edge of the doorway, looking over Ellarie's shoulder. "Scorpion lingerie, Elias? The Five Storms would have been jealous."

[PepperP.]

Ellarie

Her desperate attempts to pull her face into some semblance of composure broke as Kiyoko purred behind her and Ellarie's cheeks flamed once again.

"Good morning!" She chirped brightly seeking to allay the awkwardness of the situation.

"You look nice this morning. I mean, with clothes! Not that you didn't look nice without... uh. Green is your color, I mean. Because of your eyes!" Aware she was babbling but seemingly unable to stop herself, she found herself once again staring at Galla, though at least this time she was not in so compromising a position. She shrugged helplessly at the scorpion before she cleared her throat.

"Who's ready for breakfast? I am!" The thought of food helped recenter her mind and she dared a sheepish glance at the others as she waited for them to accompany her downstairs.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Hammerhead

Hammerhead sighed wearily as Cassandra's attempt at inciting a riot failed - and then eyes widened slightly as Soraya opted to go directly for a gut punch.

"If'n that doesn't get them riled up, nothing will."

[zabbarot]

Margot did her best to pretend she didn't know the salty pixie and instead spent her time getting a closer look at the golem. "Do you do all your own enchanting?"

[Nefarion Xid]

Carnival

While the crowd of lumberjacks flinched, the young Gavel waved them off before their hands could inch closer to their weapons. He looked piqued, but not nearly so angry as the two mercenaries in chainmail that trailed around behind him.

"I'm Jurin Kreed, the Gavel here," he glanced to the Qadiran woman and added, "That's like a mayor."

He took a step towards Cassandra and held out his hands in the universal sign of "let's not". "You seem to have a lot on your mind. Why don't we go to my office and we can have a civil conversation."