Adventurers Yesterday, Nobles Today [IC]

[JNAProductions]

OOC Thread

---

You come down the main street of Indos, reveling in the glory of it all. Poeple throng the streets, eager to look at the heroes of the realm, as you make your way to the palace. You arrive in the throne room, and seated there, you see the royalty above all.

There's the king-King Jonathan Indos. He's still pretty fit, given his age, and he smiles as you enter.
Next to him is an empty, smaller throne-a reminder of his lost wife.
Then, flanking the two main thrones, you see Princess Bella The Second and her younger sister, who's name you're PRETTY SURE starts with an E. They're both scowling.

[Niobaran]

Nira

Marching through the street, Nira had her head held high, beaming, pride flowing through her. She smiled at the people, nodding, waving, joking with people on the way, sending a bit of copper and silver to the kids that were circling them.

As they drew near to the palace however, she became more serious. To an outsider, she might have seemed calm or humble, but her friends knew that she was trying to hide her nervousness. They had slain the beast, they had become heroes. But still, she did not feel prepared for whatever was about to happen. An audience with the king... Sure, she had seen the royal family from afar in some situations, but still... Also, she would be there...

She wore her best leather jerking, the one with the white fur inlay. She had even asked a mage to clean the blood from it.

***

When they enter the palace, the ever so courageous woman starts to fall back a little, and tries to see what her friends do. In the throne room, she feels a blush coming up, and starts by bowing down deeply. After all, that's what you are supposed to do, right? Right?

[John Cribati]

Si'Mia

It was novel, being welcomed with cheers and applause. She still isn't sure how to feel about that. So she sets her face in a humble smile and walks along silently.

She'd at least managed to keep one Monk's habit clean enough to be presentable before the king- though many people seemed shocked that she'd chosen to change into it as she walked along. Maybe it was her scars?

In any case, she does her best to look reverent and "dignified," as she was taught.

If it looked more like she'd fallen asleep standing, it wasn't her problem.

[Priest_Of_Banjo]

Alvar

With slow steady strides, the giant plate covered figure of Alvar walked down the main street. He waved with one hand to the crowds as his other hefted the great adamantine maul over his shoulder. The cheering was so great to his ears that he could barely hear the comforting crunch and clank of his armor as he walked forwards.

Before he entered, he took a brief moment to adjust the twin pieces of cloth around his shoulders. His old vestments still fit after all these years...

Best to play along for now, get a pat on the back from the King and move on. This ceremony... He shook his head. Best to keep moving forwards.

**
He stood infront of royalty, secretly glad his helmet covered his face. With a brief motion he bowed, somehow forgetting the maul he was carrying.
CRASH.
The floor wasn't hurt at least. But what little silence there had been was utterly shattered.
Alvar just stands there, pausing and hoping that someone will say something soon.

[JNAProductions]

"Well... Quite an entrance," the king says, chuckling a little. "Thank you, brave adventurers, for bringing peace to Indos. Velguardr-my sword," he says, standing slowly and creakily.

A man you didn't quite spot before comes from a recess of the room, bearing an old but well-maintained sword. The king takes it, murmuring "Thank you," before walking over to you. "Kneel, please," he says.

He lays the blade on your shoulders, each in turn, anointing you to the nobility. "Lady Nira... Sir Alvar... Sir Ramon... Lady Si'Mia... Arise!" he says, loud and strong. You stand, trying your best to look the part. The king smiles, and returns to his throne. "A simple ceremony, but I thought it best. Velguardr will assist you with the legal details-and help determine who will wed Princess Bella, of course."

Bella does not look happy when the king says that. Velguardr steps over to you all, saying "We will discuss your new responsibilities and privileges over food. You must have traveled quite a ways without a proper meal-I hope our palace staff are up to par for you."

He leads you through the palace, to a large dining hall. There are a few other regally dressed individuals there, who, when they notice your entrance, come over. "Congratulations!" "Well done!" "A fine job!" is the general chorus from them.

[Priest_Of_Banjo]

Alvar

There was a brief moment of pause. His eyes blinked, once, twice.

What?

A thousand thoughts rushed through the holy knight's mind. Responsibilities? Marriage? Par?! What does that even mean?!

They'd just slayed a wyrm, that's all! Let them keep the treasure and move on, like the last three lords they'd worked for! Why was he making this complicated?!

Externally, through the heavy plate, Alvar appeared calm and collected. The pause lasted a little longer before he spoke.

"My thanks, my king..." His low voice rumbled. What else could he say? This was the king! Even an ill educated warrior like him knew better than to turn down... whatever this meant.

He turned his head, still covered in the metal helmet he'd worn for ages, towards his team mates. His body language was clear -

What now?!

[Niobaran]

Nira

While being knighted, Nira is bouncing back and forth between proud beaming and biting her lip not to shed a tears of affection, the complexion of her face darker than usual. Her ears are still ringing from the kings words, but the king mentioning his daughter's name pulls her back into reality, and puts her glance on the princess. The princess' unhappy face darkens her bright mood. Of course she's not happy, who would be happy to be called an award? Her thoughts still follow her, when she just goes with the flow and ends up with her friends in the dining hall.

Friendly cheers and the prospect of nice foods, pull her out of these thoughts again. She tries to find the glance of one of her friends, and find Alvar's. Seeing how he is as helpless as she is, she goes a step towards him, and offers him the usual warrior handshake-hug-combo, and congratulations. When her mouth is near his ear, she whispers: "I've no idea what to do either. Let's just ... go with the flow, and see what happens?"

[John Cribati]

Si'Mia

Honestly, being told to kneel while a person in authority stood over her with a sword set off a few alarms in her head, but she stilled when the first two in line only received a small touch. A warrior's welcome then?

She understood the marriage part well enough: a gift of gratitude from the pack leader. But then, what of the responsibilities and privileges?

She approaches Alvar and Nira with her concerns. She is a bit hesitant to speak, and chooses her words carefully so her voice- a bit rough and callous from lack of use early on- would carry properly.

Pardon. Are we in the army now?

[Priest_Of_Banjo]

Alvar

"No." Alvar replies. "This is worse."

Oh by Suriana's heart! This is ludicrous! All that bowing and scraping... What did I do to deserve this?! Was it that time with the bandits? Because they deserved it!

Alvar takes in a small breath, gently rattling the metal that formed his helm. "Si'Mia, Nira. We'd best stick together. No telling what madness will start if we separate...

Wait." He said, head creaking around. "Where's Ramon?"

[JNAProductions]

Ramon seems to have somehow gotten lost. He'll surely catch up at some point, but is temporarily without the party.

Velguardr clears the other nobles away, letting them know that you need privacy and time to yourselves. With that done, he pulls out some seats for you, and asks "What would you all care to dine on today?"

[John Cribati]

Si'Mia

Entering someone's home and being served food was normal. She wasn't one to be picky about what was in front of her, either.

But now she was expected to place an... order? Like at a tavern?.

Do you have any fruit? She ventures. She's in the mood for something sweet, at the moment.

[JNAProductions]

"Yes. We have..." he starts, but thinks better of it. "I will have the servants fetch a platter."

[Drakeburn]

Miguel / Ramon

Miguel couldn't believe that this is happening. Applause and praise, being knighted by a king, and now a feast as well. For him, it was like his wildest dreams are coming true. Miguel couldn't believe that it all escalated from saying yes when he was asked if he was Ramon Siannodel.

While he might be living a lie, Miguel couldn't help but to enjoy the benefits of being Ramon Siannodel. The attention, the wealth and riches, and the beautiful adoring fans he has. And now he is a noble.

As Miguel and his companions enter the dining hall, he steps away from the group to converse with a couple of beautiful women who were among the people who came to congratulate them.

[Priest_Of_Banjo]

Alvar

More of this...

A little calmer after catching sight of Ramon, Of course he's flirting. Wouldn't be a party without it..., Alvar clunked down in his armor into the surprisingly sturdy seat. His hammer stayed close by as he turned to Velguardr.

"Do you have any soup? Something filling please." It would do for now. Perhaps he'd regain his appetite later.

He turns to Si'Mia, pointing over at Ramon. "How long before he's charmed half the court? I swear he's blessed by some goddess or other." A nervous joke spoken in low slow tones. Something to ease his own panic.

[John Cribati]

Si'Mia

She can only shrug.

Who is to say? But would the king allow his daughter to be one of many?

[Niobaran]

Nira

"Could we... maybe get a platter with a little bit of everything?" She suggests. Usually, in a tavern, they would just order the stew of the day, or they would be presented with a short menu. The idea that you could choose and have to imagine the menu at the same time was a bit difficult.

After this suggestion, she takes a deep breath, closes her eyes for a moment, and lets her suppressed telepathic powers return. She had been shutting them off this morning, as she was afraid to accidentally think loudly the wrong thoughts around the royal family, but for the moment, it felt safe enough.

[JNAProductions]

Velguardr nods, and nabs a servant who's cleaning off a table. He gives a few directions, and returns as the servant hurries off to, presumably, the kitchen.

"Now," he says, "normally when a new noble is inducted into the court, they get some far-off fiefdom. A small place where they can learn the ropes easily and prove themselves worthy... Or not." You feel a sense of relief, for just a moment-something small and far away sounds perfect! But... Why do you get the feeling that this WON'T be the case? "But, due to exemplary services to the nation of Indos, that will not be the case this time. You will be immediately elevated to some of the highest positions available, including, for one of you, becoming next in line to hold the crown itself. The king... He loves his family dearly. But his daughters are not well-suited to the throne. Bella is not well-liked, and Elely is... Elely. But he has faith that one of you will prove yourselves to be an apt match for the responsibilities of the kingdom."

[John Cribati]

Si'Mia

For the first time since the ceremony, Si'Mia has some understanding of what's happening. She can't help the wide grin on her face.

The king is giving us territory.

[JNAProductions]

"Yes," Velguardr replies. "Well, soon. The king, obviously, has some of the largest tracts of land out of any of them nobility, and while he will retain ownership of it for as long as he lives, you will each be given stewardship over it, and ownership upon his passing."

[Priest_Of_Banjo]

Alvar

What.

No. No! Nonononononono...

This productive line of thought lasted for a good five seconds before someone interrupted.

Listen, kiddo, you've gotta just roll it! Speak to the ladies, get to know 'em, enjoy the perks... The Quori spoke in long drawn out tones; stretching every syllable as far as possible.

Will you shut up?! Okay, okay, okay. Alvar took a deep breath and felt his mind expand just far enough. He'd known that Nira had some mental powers, far more powerful than his own natural abilities, and now was the time to use them. Sadly, only one person at a time could be contacted.

My mind to your mind, my thoughts to your thoughts.. He took a breath again. What in the name of every good deity is going on? Since when do kings give up power?! Is this because I ordered the soup?

Better yet, have you got any ideas as to how we fix this?!

He then messaged the same thing to the other members. He was somewhat grateful for his physical training as he took long deep breaths, waiting for a reply. Externally, he just stared stoically ahead before saying to Velguardr:
"What does this mean... practically?" The same slow tone he'd used before.

[JNAProductions]

"You'll be in charge of the nobles' court. The king is old," he says plainly, "and grows tired easily. The nobles are good folk, for the most part, but with no clear successor, as the king has let out that Bella will not be in charge, they are jockeying for power. It would be good for an infusion of younger blood. And, of course, you have nothing to fear from assassins."

[Niobaran]

Nira

Feeling her comrade panic, she puts her hand on Alvar's, and sends him her thoughts. Brother, it's going to be alright. And do you think *she* is happy with the situation? Of course she is not. The two of you, *if* you are chosen will probably come up with some kind of deal. As far as I know, noble marriages are not about love. I mean of course their is the issue of producing an heir, but, I mean you *do* know how this works, right? And I mean, maybe you don't even have to be the father. As long as the heir fits in plate armor, I am sure no one will know the difference. she herself is as nervous as she ever has been. But feeling the panic around her, she switches into big sister mode. Also, this was all probably a big misunderstanding?

"So, let me get this straight. The king does not believe his daughter fit to reign, so he seeks a husband for her, to rule instead? And instead of picking one of his nobles, he rather give the royal lineage, and some other important positions, to... us?"
Well, spelling it out did not make it easier to digest.

[John Cribati]

Si'Mia

Yes. We have proven ourselves strong enough to defend against outsiders, so we are given positions if leadership, to continue to defend the weaker ones and foster growth of the colony.

If she's speaking in a condescending tone- well, for one, she isn't aware, and for another, it's very rare that she understands what's going on and gets to explain to the others. She can be a little giddy about it.

[Priest_Of_Banjo]

Alvar

Feeling the calm thoughts of Nira, Alvar's breathing slows down.

My thanks, Nira. You know I'm no good with courts. Remember the Earl?

His breathing now regular, he thinks through what she said.

"Si'Mia." He says to draw attention. "It is one thing to fight monsters and protect a kingdom. It's very different to rule one. There are a great many laws and traditions... "

He turns to Velguardr. "Why are his daughters unsuited to rule?" He asks, blunt like his hammer.

Spoiler: OOC - Insight

Show

That last comment about assassins has me curious. I'd like to make an Insight check on him to see if he's lying. I have advantage on the roll from my Psychic Glamour features.
(1d20+2)[18]
(1d20+2)[15]

[JNAProductions]

Spoiler: Insight DC 9

Show

His assassin comment seems more a comment on your combat prowess than anything else.

The current king is an old man-if an assassin gets into his room, he dead.

You guys... Well, SOME assassins could kill you by surprise. A lot would fail. And then you'd stab their face off.

"Bella, as I have said, is not well-liked. She is used to being pampered and treated like... Well, a princess. She has, for much of her life, avoided responsibilities. The king is worried her work ethic would be insufficient, and she would fall prey to easy routes that would give power away," Velguardr says. "Elely, meanwhile, is perhaps the opposite. She is a hard worker, refuses to be treated as better, and is much more a warrior than a ruler. She has, unsuccessfully, tried to convince her father to let her join the guard."

[Priest_Of_Banjo]

Alvar

Well, that's... interesting.

Awwww, little Allie's got a crush on a warrior princess! Maybe you should go over and get the wedding night over a-

Shut up, spirit! Just because I'm curious about something doesn't mean... that! By Suriana, must your mind go so deep into the gutter?

It's your mind too~

Shutting off the mental bridge, Alvar looked at Velguadr with his body turned fully towards him.

"The Lady Elely trains? Might I ask what weapons she prefers?" A brief pause. A small realisation. "Ah... so that I might be aware of what she'll try to hit me with in any arguments... heh."

[John Cribati]

Si'Mia

She shakes her head.

Foolish. What is the point of a first spar if you prepare for your opponent? Let her show you in the ring!

[JNAProductions]

Velguardr gives Alvar a level gaze, but doesn't snark or anything. "She has been trained in all manner of weaponry. I believe she is currently attempting to convince the engineers to tutor her in siege weaponry."

As you talk, you see the two princesses enter the dining hall. Bella is still dressed regally, complete with upright posture and all the trimmings, while Elely appears to have kicked off her shoes, undone some of the lace, and added a scabbard to her repertoire.

[Priest_Of_Banjo]

Alvar

"I may not know what happens at noble parties but I'm confident sparring isn't on the list. At least, sparring between adventurers and the king's daughters." The same slow tone, this time cut with a undecurrent of tension.

Had the helmet not been there, Si'Mia would have seen a significant glance cross Alvar's face.

As he turned towards the princesses, there was a brief moment before all that went through Alvar's head was:

Uhhh...

[JNAProductions]

The princesses approach. Velguardr steps away, saying "I believe I shall let you get to know one another without me interrupting."

Bella and Elely are soon in front of you. Elely has an easy, relaxed stance, with a smile on her face, while Bella seems pretty stiff.