A Tale of Two Orphans — IC

[FinalTemplar]

Caedus

Spotting the elven woman, Caedus points her out to Johanna, quickly getting her attention. "There, outside the tent, speaking to the elderly man." He says, whispering in her ear.

[ratwizard]

Valcus listens closely to Dustin's tale, frowning as he does. Elmwood is proving to be both influential and contentious, if he was able to broker a marriage in this fashion. Despite his attempts to control the lives of both of his children, they both undermine him.

The knight places a hand on the younger man's shoulder, nodding assuringly. "The duty of marriage can wrest one's soul away, especially when others pull strings like a marionette." That is the price of nobility. Duty before love.

[Scratcherclaw]

Caelen's eyes widen in sympathy as he watches Dustin break down and reveal the truth. I had no idea... The elf puts a comforting arm around the man. "You both deserve happiness above all," he says with a gentle tone. There should be more to marriage than just producing children. They are all unhappy doing it, so why do they continue? "I don't think she resents you though. She probably resents her own father and Elmwood, but she's taking it out on you."

First Carl and now Robyn... Elmwood is a spiteful man.

 

[Namelessjake]

Having been a member of the upper echelons of Tulrissian nobility his entire life, Dustin's tale is not one Drake is entirely unfamiliar with. "Betrothals are rarely a joyous affair for all involved parties, although that is usually born out of marrying a stranger not out of a father's spite," Drake says, clasping Dustin's free shoulder as Caelen puts an arm around the man.

"As Caelen says, the fault is not yours, and I doubt Miriam sees it that way. Perhaps in time you will both find ways to happiness, whether together, breaking the betrothal or through some other arrangement," he says, trying to offer the man some hope.

I wonder if we would have been happy, he wonders, as for the first time in a long time he thinks back on his own betrothal. A few years prior to the Imardanian invasion, his father had arranged a marriage pact, betrothing Drake, his heir, to the only daughter of the Lord of Eranor. They only met once and were not wed before her untimely death during a siege of Eranor, a result of a small war between Sorrow's Grasp and The Hollow started by border disputes among the smaller houses that lay on the boundary between the two realms.

[BartNL]

Hellenbert is not impressed by Dustin's sharing his personal thoughts and feelings. What a tough life you must have, being groomed to replaced your father as councilman and getting to marry lady Miriam. I'd be lucky to find a homely girl, with half the dowry. And if she's likeable, praise the Plainsfather. Dustin and Miriam both have had everything handed to them. The least the could do now, is work hard to make that marriage work.
At least, I've heard some good gossip today. Mother will be overjoyed.

"I have no doubt that you are able to make this work, Dustin. Even if you can't see the answers to a good marriage now, that doesn't mean they can't be found." Hellenbert says, trying to cheer up the brat.
"To get back to the matter at hand, your father's informants and Madame Barschal both seem to be lacking or hiding information. I disagree with the notion that we should switch our investigation to the Madame. Not before we have exhausted our current investigation. Let's find out which guard or tower mage has been withholding information first. It's not like we could barge into Madame Barschal home, and demand answers anyway."

[Fialova]

Caedus

"You are certain?" Johanna asks, hunching somewhat as the target comes into view. "She looks so... small, unassuming." After a brief pause, she frowns and adds, "though that does match with Lord Atherton's tastes, I suppose. Very well, thank you for pointing her out to me. I will bring someone to keep an eye on her later, fortunately she does not seem to have noticed us." Satisfied, the woman brings you back towards the road to the city, and once out of earshot of the encampment she speaks again while walking.

"You have been very helpful to us, Caedus," she says, facing you as you continue onwards into the city. "And we do not want your aid to seem like it is underserving of a reward. You may have done so purely to aid in your release from our city's prisons, or maybe out of the goodness in your heart, but it matters not. The princess and I have discussed your assistance today and would like to offer you some nicer acommodations for the evening. Specifically, as a guest at my family's estate. You are not required to accept, but if you'd prefer a proper bed in an actual house rather than a slab in a dank cell, you are welcome to join me. You can wash, dine, and be prepared for the tournament tomorrow with some proper rest. What say you?"

Everyone Else

Dustin smiles again, first as Caelen puts an arm around him, and then Drake likewise clasps his shoulder. "Thanks, I appreciate the support. And I know I'll get through it, but the memories of how this all began are always tough. Though I know in my mind it is not me that is to blame, I can't help but to feel guilty, that I am robbing her of the love she desires by marrying her, even if I want this as little as she does." The man sighs, clasping Caelen's hand as he listens to Hellenbert speak.

"I can't make promises, but I can try to find out who reports to my father and get back to you all with names tomorrow. I can share them at the tourney grounds. Best place to meet would be near the cliff face, as that is the furthest from the day's activities and likely to be the least crowded area. Are all of you participating in the archery contest?"

[ratwizard]

"Aye, near the cliff face," Valcus responds. "As for the archery, after today's practice, I may as well measure up against my betters."

[FinalTemplar]

Caedus

He nods as Johanna confirms, and hopes that the information truly is helpful to her. He listens to her offer as the two of them walk back toward the campground. He quickly nods, "Yes, of course, I would-" He starts, perhaps showing his excitement to leave the cell too quickly. He pauses and takes a deep breath before he continues: "I would deeply appreciate a proper bed to sleep in tonight. The cell wasn't the worst place I've slept in, but I do miss the comfort of being allowed to sleep without being watched by someone." He says with a soft laugh, and deep down he feels ready to retire after such a long day.

[Scratcherclaw]

Caelen gives a warm smile as Dustin seems to perk up slightly, returning to his usual self after the breakdown. Who knew he was holding so much inside him? "I'll be doing archery, yeah," the elf says, somewhat surprised at the sword-wielder's interest in that part of the competition. I'll just have to come out on top to prove myself...

 

[BartNL]

"Splendid." I will indeed be entering the archery round. Assuming I survive the lord Valcus' round.

[Namelessjake]

"Why forgo a chance at glory?" Drake asks with a smirk.

"Although my money will be on Caelen," he adds.

[Fialova]

Caedus

"Very well, I'd be happy to host you then," Johanna responds, offering a small smile in response to your acceptance of the invitation. "To be honest, I expected you would be happy for the opportunity. I know the cells are far from accommodating. And the princess took it upon herself to commission you some additional clothes to wear in such a setting, which has already been delivered," she continues, as you continue your trek back to the city. 

The rest of your travel to Johanna's home is relatively uneventful. You pass through the city gates once more, receiving polite nods and salutes from the gate guardsmen before you slowly trudge the long, winding main road up the hill. You finally turn at one of the highest streets, nearly at the hill's summit, and travel down a similarly winding road slightly down again, ending at a large estate nestled between cliff faces both above and below. From the exterior, the home appears to be nearly as large as that of Lord Atherton's estate, where you fought in the Pinnacle the night before. 

Entering the front door, you find yourself in a wide foyer greeted by a kindly middle-aged woman, who directs you to remove your boots and place them near the door. Johanna then leads you partway down a hallway before you reach a staircase off to one side. Climbing to the floor above, you are led down another hallway to a bedroom, which you are taken inside of. The room is spacious, but not extremely ornate. It is clearly used only in rare situations, as a thing layer of dust covers some of its wooden surfaces, such as a desk to one side, and a bookshelf mostly empty of contents.

"This is-" Johanna begins, "was my middle brother's room. He passed some years ago, so it finds little use now. It's yours for the duration of the tourney, as a guest of our hours. Word has already been sent to my parents that a famed knight and friend to the princess will be staying with us, so the servants will accommodate your requests as best as they can. You need simple ring this bell to call one," she continues, motioning towards a small brass bell on the bedside table.

After, she points to the only other door in the room, leading out of its left side, past your bed. "Through there is the lavatory. A bath has been can be drawn for you if you desire, and afterwards you are welcome to join us for dinner, though you have no obligation to. Do you have any questions for me before I retire to my own room?"

Everyone Else

"No offense to Caelen, but most of my money will be riding on Robyn, since she is showing," Dustin responds, at Drake's mention of the betting to come. "Though I do hope one of you comes out on top all the same," he continues, standing from his seat and patting Caelen back on the shoulder as he does so. 

"I will meet one of you at the cliff face tomorrow, or one of your retinue if needed. Ideally before the competition, but if it is not possible we can meet after. There won't be any good way to get away while the event is under way. If you need nothing else of me, however, I'll take my leave of you and return home now."

[ratwizard]

"Very well," Valcus agrees. "Thank you for meeting with us. And enjoy the tournament tomorrow," he adds. It may be the last time for joy for many of these people before the war reaches them.

Once Dustin leaves, Valcus turns towards the others. "Perhaps we should go our separate ways for the evening, and reconvene in the morning."

OOC

I'm eager to meet with Rorin, and Johanna / Lillian before ending the evening. Could even do it at the same time. Then after that, the tourney!

[Scratcherclaw]

"You never know. I might surprise you," Caelen replies with a faint smile, feeling a rare glimmer of confidence. Who knows how it might go? "Take care, Dustin."

He gives a nod to Valcus. "Alright, but be careful if you're going out alone."

 

[Namelessjake]

Drake slightly smirks at Caelen's words to Dustin, impressed by the elf's confidence. Shooting targets or elk in the woods is a poor substitute for real battle, he thinks, confident Caelen's recent experience will be enough to best Robyn. All the events are simply playing at war I suppose.

He gives Dustin a nod goodbye as the man takes his leave.

"Aye the hour grows late."

[BartNL]

"I will see you all tomorrow then".

[ratwizard]

"Until then," Valcus says to the Menoran with a nod. Once the man has taken his leave, he turns back to the others.

"A long day, yes? I had one more inquiry to make. After meeting with Ser Hellenbert and his father, I feel we have gained a keen ally in our investigations. However, I want to be sure. I suggest we speak to the Princess. If she agrees, we should clue our new friend into her identity. It is clear the man has a thirst for the truth. Having the knowledge that we do would certainly allow him a greater grasp on what exactly is going on in this city."

[Namelessjake]

"The less that is obscured, the clearer everything else should become," Drake agrees. "Those hiding the princess' involvement could appear to be apart of something more nefarious from the outside."

"We should make haste then" he adds.

[FinalTemplar]

Caedus

Caedus spends much of the walk to Johanna's home in a daze. What sort of luck has he sprung upon? A lay and a place to sleep that isn't a wet, smelly stone floor? On the same day? Caedus smiles to himself. Perhaps I'll return to my bride-to-be's arms sooner than I thought.
He does as he's told and follows Johanna to the room she identifies as her middle brother's room. He nods slowly. "I'd like to get washed up and join you all for dinner that would be..." He hesitates for a moment, knowing he'd have to keep up the façade for a little longer that night, "It would be lovely." He says, giving Johanna a soft smile.

ooc

I'm down to keep RPing, but if you want to keep things moving forward Caedus will have a bath, get changed, and join the others for dinner.

[Scratcherclaw]

"Smart," Caelen says with the guard out of sight. "And maybe she's learned more on her end today. But we shouldn't be out too late so we can rest up for tomorrow." We can hardly do our best in the tourney if we're tired and groggy.

[ratwizard]

"We should make for the home of her friend," Valcus suggests. "If we can't reach the Princess that way, we can try that feather she gave us." Grabbing a few things from his pack, he gets ready to head out once more.

[Fialova]

Hellenbert

Exiting the inn room and returning to the lower floor, the hostess at the door bids you farewell as you take leave of the Golden Sunrise Inn. Stepping onto the street, you find that the day is coming to its end, with the sun beginning to dip behind the hill as the last of the day's sunlight begins to wane. As you take the familiar path back down the hill, through the winding streets, to Burnhold, you arrive just as dusk finally gives way to night.

Stepping into the estate grounds, you find that the yard is now absent its servants, who are likely all gathering for an evening meal in the woooden ground floor kitchen area. 

OOC

Let me know specifically what you plan for Hellenbert to do/which room(s) you want him to go to, or who you want him to seek out, and I can continue the scene from there.

Caedus

"Very well, I will send for one of the servants to begin preparing it, then," Johanna says. She gives you a slight nod, before she makes her way out of the room and shuts the door behind her, her footsteps slowly fading as she makes her way away from your guest bedroom. Once alone, you are able to take in the room in its entirety.

The back wall of the room - opposite the door to the hallway - has a large bed in the center, freshly made with fine sheets for you in orange and white patterns. On the wall, on either side of this bed, are two windows looking out over the estate's back gardens, though most of the area is obscured by the dark of the evening as the sun quickly sets behind the hillside. The right side of the bed features a bedside table with a small drawer, which you find to be locked, a small keyhole suggesting where to unlock it should you find its key. 

From the door, to your right, is the aforementioned bookshelf, nearly empty, situated in the corner near one of the windows. Next to it, closest to you, is a simple wooden desk with a thin layer of dust and another locked drawer underneath. At the foot of the bed is an unlocked and partially open footlocker, which you find to be empty, likely meant to hold your clothing and army during your stay.

To the left of the door, along the same wall as it, is a wooden day bench wide enough to comfortably sit two people, or, less comfortably, three. It features two wide cushions on top of the seat, both in the same orange and white design scheme as the bedding, and a small footstool is placed underneath the center of it. Past this, in the corner, is a stone pedestal with a wooden carving of a head shape, though the head bears no distinguishing features. From the looks of it, this was meant to seat a hat or helmet on top for display, though nothing adorns the featureless head at the moment.

Lastly, along the left side wall is a low, wide dresser, which you find to be still partially full of excess linens and a handful of assorted small objects, though most of the drawers are empty. Above the dresser is a wooden placard that clearly once held a weapon or two on display, though, like the bust, it is now devoid of any contents. This dresser is then situated next to the doorway leading into the lavatory that Johanna pointed out before.

As you take in the room alone, you soon hear lighter footsteps than Johanna's heading more hurriedly down the hallway, before a few small knocks are made at the door. "Um, excuse me Ser Marcus," comes the voice of a boy through the door. "I've been sent to prepare a bath for you, is it fine for me to come in?"

Everyone Else

"I'd like to stay behind, if that's alright," Ser Daria responds, as the rest of you make your plans to see the princess' friend. "Meeting with so many highborn lords today has been an interesting experience, but exhausting. I am not sure I've the energy left to meet with a princess." She looks to each of you, clearly eager for a sense of agreement from one of you, her eyes resting mostly on Valcus.

[ratwizard]

Valcus nods. "I understand completely. An exhaustion of a different kind than I'm used to. We shall see you on the morrow, then, Ser Daria, and many thanks for accompanying us this evening." The young lord gives her a warm smile.

He turns towards the two others. "To Fiora's, then."

[Namelessjake]

"Ser," Drake says, giving Daria a nod in parting.

"Fiora's," he echoes. "We shouldn't dally too much, a good performance tomorrow could depend on a good night's rest tonight."

[BartNL]

It's been a day. Hellenbert thinks as he enters the yards. He takes a leisurely stroll through the garden, before heading inside. Let's have some tea with mum.

[Scratcherclaw]

"Aye, lead the way," Caelen says to the lords, giving Daria a smile and a wave as they make ready to depart.

 

[FinalTemplar]

Caedus

Caedus nods at Johanna and begins to discard his equipment as he takes in the room. Taking note of the footlocker, he puts his scale armor down on the bench for now, then hears the door. "Please, come in." He says just loud enough for the person at the door to hear him.

[Fialova]

Caedus

The door opens and closes quite quickly, and you find yourself face-to-face with a young man - likely in his late teens or early twenties - who smiles and gives a polite bow to you as he sees you. "My apologies, ser. I did not realized you'd already begun to disrobe. I will prepare the bath for you quickly," he continues, quickly stepping into the room, past you, through another door that leads to the bath chambers. There you can hear the sounds of a metal pump being constantly raised and lowered, and the continual sound of water that must be filling up the bathing basin within.

"I've some stones heating on the hearth, so don't get in yet. It will be too cold for you until they're in, ser," the young man continues, his voice louder now that he is further away, and obscured by the sounds of the water. 

OOC

Apologies for the long Hiatus. A small summary of what you have done prior, this game day: you were met by Johanna and the princess, who arranged new armor for you fitting your fake person as 'Marcus, the Talon of Tanon,' and were assigned the task of meeting with the local tourney-goers, interrogating them, and determining if any seem suspicious enough to bring to the princess' attention. There you met several visiting and local nobles, all bent on competing in the tourney, but none who seemed obviously like spies working in tandem with an invading force.

At one point, you were invited to the Queen's tower via a teleportation mosaic, where you met with the Queen's advisor Madam Barschal. There you were officially recorded as a tourney combatant, and also spent some time enjoying the older woman's company, before returning via the mosaic to Johanna. There you met a hotheaded local guardsman, Ser Hellenbert, who you got into a loud argument with. He and Johanna both left the conversation in anger, him to do whatever he had planned for the day, and Johanna to report his questioning to the princess.

While continuing to converse in the tourney grounds, you met with a Serran woman named Esmé. You spar with her, then agree to escort her to the refugee camp you'd seen outside of the city's main gate, where she is seeking information on someone. There you learn of her father's betrayal by a mercenary captain who'd stolen his company, and led them into ruin. There you also spotted the woman who'd told you to attack the princess at the Pinnacle. Once done in the camp, you returned to the tourney grounds alone, meeting up with Johanna once more, who offered you to stay at her family's estate for the evening as a guest under your fake persona, rather than remaining in a prison cell for another evening. You are currently now in one of the guest rooms of that estate.

Hellenbert

You enter into the ground floor of Burnhold, taking the stairs up one flight to the same lounge area you'd met with the lords in earlier in the day, outside your father's office. There you find both of your parents seated leisurely, their discussion ending when they see you arrive. Your father turns to face you, a large smile beaming on his face as you come into view. Your mother, meanwhile, has her wide grin fade into a more serious look as she turns away from your father, an eyebrow raising at the sight of you.

"Aha, my boy. How did it go today? Those fancy young lords treating you well, eh?" he asks, as he stands from his seat and steps over to you, placing one of his large arms along the top of your back, rest on the opposite shoulder. 

OOC

Apologies for the long hiatus. Assuming you are resuming Hellenbert, here is a bit of a summary of what you have done so far with him. You began your day in the markets, seeking information on the suspicious tournament entries you'd been secretly keyed in on. You converse some with the local guards, before making your way to the tourney grounds, where you spend a long time looking at the competitors and their colors in search of any of the suspicious few. 

As you aim to leave the tourney grounds empty-handed you spot a familiar face, the 'Coyote' Johanna Galben, a famed and feared mage of the tower, and known friend to the princess. She is speaking to a knight you do not know by face, but whom you recognize by coat of arms to be the 'Talon of Tanon', one of the suspicious entrants you'd been seeking. You interrogate the man, which leads to a shouting match, before you are broken up by Johanna and head your separate ways.

After this, on your way back to the city, you make your way towards the large refugee camp outside of the main gates. There you meet with Lord Cumberland, the Queen's Steward, as well as your rival, Ser Hansel Aldwell, the princess' bodyguard. There you learn of why the camp is there in the first place - that it was brought by two western lords, seeking aid - and that said aid was being provided currently at the princess' behest. All of this came as news to you, and you left in search of the lords in question, whom you'd been told were headed towards the circus currently set up in the market square.

Returning within the walls, you head towards the circus and speak with its ringleader, Mutar, who directs you to another performer, Kiki. The flirty young woman quickly parts with the intel that the pair have headed to the Elmwood Estate, and you leave in pursuit. There you meet the Estate's butler, before meeting Master Elmwood himself, who leads you into his gardens to confront the lords in question. After a heated discussion between himself and his son Carl, you learn from the visiting lords of a large-scale invasion being launched in the west by Imardin's forces, and you later leave the estate with the two lords and their entourage, inviting them to your own estate to meet with your father.

There you dine and meet with the man, and after some brief interrogation on both sides, your family and the visiting nobleman arrange a makeshift alliance, where you will aid in their search for truth. You later accompany them to their temporary lodgings at a local inn, where you meet with the young nobleman Dustin Holworth, son of one of the Queen's councillors, where you learn more of the nature of his father's duties and the relationship between the chief counsel to the queen. After this meeting, you've now returned to your home for the evening.

Everyone Else

Having been once, you do not find it difficult to make the trek back to Fiora's small home. Knocking, you once more hear the shuffling of feet before the door is opened a moment later. Fiora looks each of you over, a tired far-off look in here eyes as she takes a moment to recall your faces. 

"Ah," she says, as it becomes clear in her eyes that she now remembers you. "The three from last night. Knights of the west, right? Lilly's not here right now, she's probably up in her room in the tower. Did you need to speak with her again? Or did you just want some tea?" she asks, smirking slightly at the last words. 

OOC

Apologies for the long hiatus, as with in Mutiny. As with there, I wanted to give you guys a bit of a reminder of what was occurring before the hiatus. This game-day, the day prior to the princess' birthday tourney, you have so far visited the refugee camp, where the princess had arranged for supplies and food to be brought for your refugee charges, per your discussion your first night in the city, after meeting the princess at her friend's home. At the camp, you met the Steward again, who was in charge of distributing the supplies, where you explained your evening meeting with the princess and some of your investigation progress.

In the camp you learned of the death of one of the camp's hunters, and in heading to the forest to retrieve his body you met Robyn Elmwood and her band of warrior women. There you learned a bit of her exile from the city, and of her return at the behest of Princess Lillian, her and her companions meant to be strong enough competition that they are expected to win each title so that the Princess need not go through the embarrassment of turning down a winner's inevitable attempt to court her.

Returning to the city, you headed to the Elmwood Estate to meet with Carl and Dustin, where you did a mock archery contest. You learned there of Carl's father's disdain for his son, and some more about the rift in their family regarding both Carl and Robyn. You were later joined by Dustin's reluctantly-betrothed Miriam and her elder sister Emrys, a famed knight and favored to win in the Joust. After informing all of them of the details of your visit to the city, and the war raging to the west, Emrys swore her sword and her company to your cause, promising to ride into war with you when you leave the city after the conclusion of the tourney and your other business.

Upon leaving the estate, you were met by a local young nobleman and member of the city's watch, Ser Hellenbert, who approached you on the street inquiring about your own inquiries in the city. He urged you to join him at his family's estate, where you met with his father and formed a makeshift alliance with the man and the Brandt family as a whole. Ser Hellenbert promised to aid you in your investigation of the foreign spies, using his connections in the watch to do so, and also informed you of his shared intent to compete in the tourney tomorrow - as well as his shared interest in the princess' hand.

Finally, you returned to the Elmwood Estate in hopes of finding Dustin, seeking more information from him about his father and the rest of the Queen's council. You meet him and the others on the road, headed home for the evening, and Dustin agrees to follow you to your inn room for a brief interrogation. There he reveals the nature of his father's dealings in Bal, and the combined fear and friendship the Queen feels towards their dwarven allies. He also reveals the nature of his unwanted betrothal, a punishment organized by Master Elmwood for Miriam (Dustin's fiance) daring to love his daughter, Robyn. The conversation concludes with Dustin promising to gather intel on who provides intel to his father, and meeting at the tourney grounds to deliver the information the following day.

The game resumes with your group having decided to return to the home of Fiora, the princess' friend whose home you met in the night prior, and who bears some means by which to speak remotely with the princess, as you'd observed the night prior. You hope to provide an update on your day's findings before the big day arrives.

All, OOC

I've continued each story thread where it left off before the hiatus, but if everyone would prefer to simply skip forward to the day of the tourney instead, let me know and I can continue from there.

[ratwizard]

"Ah," she says, as it becomes clear in her eyes that she now remembers you. "The three from last night. Knights of the west, right?"

"More or less," Valcus says, not at all offended. "No need for tea, thank you — we were just expecting a few words with the Princess. Would she be willing to meet with us? My apologies for the late hour."

[FinalTemplar]

Caedus

Caedus seems unbothered by the man, and stands next to his temporary bed wearing just his pants. [color=#?]"Thank you."[/color] he responds, and stands there hesitantly, waiting for the bath to warm.

[Namelessjake]

Lord, from the South Drake thinks, the mistitling bothering him, though he holds his tongue and lets Valcus do the talking, knowing it is ultimately unimportant to the task at hand.

[Scratcherclaw]

Caelen gives Fiora a smile as she greets them. Tea would be nice. Better with sweets too. But I shouldn't with the tourney tomorrow... 

 

[Fialova]

Caedus

As you notice the water approach the top of the basin, the young man ceases pumping and instead makes his way to the hearth across the room. There he grabs some tongs from near the roaring fire, where he reaches into the flames and produces a large, hot stone. He quickly makes his way across the room, placing it into the bottom of the basin, where you watch the water bubble and steam on contact with the stone. He repeats this process a few times, moving back and forth across the room to deposit stone after stone, until the entire basin of water appears to be producing steam. He then reaches his hand in quickly to check the temperature, pulling it out in satisfaction before turning to you with a large smile.

"It should be ready now, ser," he says, motioning his hands towards the prepared bath. "Do you need any assistance with the washing, or would you prefer to be left alone?" he continues, seeming eager to help, though not more than would be expected of anyone doing a job in service of nobleman. 

Valcus, Drake, Caelen

"Are you sure? Alright, then," Fiora responds, as she steps away from the doorway to allow room for you all to enter. "Well, come in then. I can speak to her, see if she is around to talk. It is pretty late, you know," she continues, a yawn escaping her lips with the final words. When each of you has filed into her small entryway, she closes the door behind you and leads the three of you once more down the short hall into her small living area, where you once more find the cushioned sofa and two chairs seated around the walls, facing towards the center of the room where the mosaic the princess used to teleport is located.

"Please, sit," Fiora says, motioning towards the sofa as she takes her own seat at the same chair she'd sat in the night prior, muttering quietly to herself as she'd done before, though this time still loud enough that you can mostly make out what she is saying. By the sound of it, she is speaking from afar directly to the princess, as you hear what appears to be one side of a two-way conversation between the two. 

"Hey, Lilly, are you still awake? Your new friends are here," the 'conversation' begins. There is a pause before Fiora speaks again, and several more times as she awaits an apparent response.

* * * 

"Yeah, I know. No, I doubt they will care," she pauses, glancing towards Valcus and Drake, raising an eyebrow before adding, "well, maybe they will. But it must be urgent for them to come so late."

* * *

"No she's not with them. Wasn't she working with that other guy? The prisoner?"

* * *

"Yes, it's clear. I just left the rug out of the way, I had a feeling this would be happening again." With these words the woman yawns again, before turning to face you all directly once more, a small smile on her face.

"That's a yes," she says, as the mosaic on the floor begins to glow again. Once more, there is a steady increase in the brightness of the glow before it rapidly dissipates, leaving the princess standing before you, in a similar plain white gown to what you'd seen her in before. Unlike the previous evening, she appears much more casual and relaxed upon seeing each of you, not on-guard. She offers you a polite smile and a small wave as you come into view for her.

"Hello again," she says, as she steps across the room to the other chair - where Johanna had been seated the night prior - and takes a seat, pulling both of her legs into the chair and crossing them on top of one another. She then places one elbow on one of the chair arms and leans her head against her raised hand, yawning. 

"My apologies, I was not expecting such a visit tonight. You will have to forgive me for the lack of decorum. I am told you have some urgent news to share?" she asks, looking at each of you with interest that almost manages to hide her fatigue.

[Namelessjake]

Drake listens to the one sided conversation, wondering what might fill in its gaps. Communicating with her as if she was in the room, magic truly is a fascinating power. The military applications of such power alone could be enough to swing battles in our favour.

The materialisation of the princess does not surprise him, having seen the spell before, though it still impresses him. He is drawn to Lilian, with something about her relaxed appearance and demeanor putting him at ease. She must truly trust us to come here in such a manner, he thinks, glad they seem to have secured her support as an ally.

"Forgive the hour Princess, but we thought it best we speak to you ahead of tomorrow, when I imagine you will be somewhat harder to reach," Drake says before turning to Valcus, given it was his idea that led them back here.

[ratwizard]

Valcus takes a seat, regretting doing so as the weariness of the day's events wash over him like a coming illness. He closes his eyes for a moment as Fiora speaks her one-sided conversation to no doubt the Princess, before opening them in time to see her begin to apparate before them. They will never not be uncanny to me: these magicks, this city.

He stands, bowing respectfully to the woman. "Yes, apologies for the late hour my lady. I'll be brief, as I know it has been a long day and tomorrow may be longer. We came into contact with Ser Hellenbert Brandt, and his father, the Captain. An eccentric pair, but hospitable and honest. Sturdy folk in a sturdy home. It seems that we've made somewhat of a pact, to share information freely — within reason — in hopes of uncovering this grand conspiracy afoot in your city."

"But we did not mention your efforts, nor your..." Valcus pauses, gesturing widely at the room, before miming the shape of a mask upon his face. "Own investigations. I thought it wiser to ask your permission first. Can we trust the pair of them with knowledge of your aid to us? We've been made the fool before, and I admit: my hackles are forever raised in any new meeting. But my instinct remains clear, even now. They seem good-spirited people. And the younger Hellenbert, if stiff in form, seems a powerful ally in a time when such a thing is needed."

[BartNL]

"Greetings father, dear mother. Today was certainly something."I will not mention my the full extend of my investigation for now. Certainly not with father in the room."Those young lords will proof to be strong allies in the turmoil that's to come. On another note, Mother, did you hear about lady Galben's new knight?" Hellenbert asks as he pours himself a boiling cup of tea from a cold pitcher. Hellenbert smirks, thinking about the party trick that has been passed down through the Brandt family line for hundreds of years.

[Scratcherclaw]

Caelen watches the princess curiously as she appears, surprised to see such a high-ranking noble appear so casual, and seem comfortable doing so in the company of others. She's much less stuffy than many of the nobles I've met. It's strange, but I like it.

As Valcus explains the situation to the princess, the young elf chimes in. "They do seem to really care about this city and protecting it," he says, nodding along after the knight's words. "And having some of the City Watch on our side would be a great help, I'd think. They probably hear and see just about everything, even if they don't think much of it."

 

[FinalTemplar]

Caedus

Caedus watches the man set up the bath. He smiles for a moment, enjoying having someone else to do things for him, before quickly swapping his face to a soft grimace. I wonder what this man would do were he not a servant. He's as old as I am, yet he seems happy to serve. As the young man turns to ask him a question, he shrugs and steps towards the bath. ]"Perhaps for a few moments, yes. Your company would be welcome." He feels bad for a moment. He can wash himself, however... ]I'm too tired for that. I'll let him do his job, and then spend some time relaxing in the warm water. Caedus thinks to himself.

ooc

If there's nothing else I don't mind a fade to black and can return after the scene; not that I'm implying anything will happen between them, but I'm not gonna ask you to describe the serf washing Caedus' back or anything like that.

[Fialova]

Hellenbert

"Yes, yes, they seemed good men, fitting of their stations even despite their age. I trust you will keep me apprised of any news in your investigations?" your father asks, a large grin on his face. At the question, your mother takes a sip of her own cup of tea before placing it on a small side table next to her. 

"Are you referring to this 'Talon of Tanon' fellow?" she asks, the question rhetorical as she has already surmised you are. "There has been talk all around town about him for over a month now, so of course I've heard of him. Though news of his relation to the Galbens did not come until earlier today. It seems he is their houseguest during the tournament. Not much else to say about him, it doesn't seem like he has made much of an effort to ingratiate himself with the local nobility. Odd, given his apparent chivalry. Why? What do you know about the man?"

Caedus

"Certainly, sir. It is my pleasure to make your stay here a relaxing one. I know you have a big day ahead of you tomorrow," the servant says, helping you into the basin and to avoid the hot stones at the bottom. The water is quite hot, but not so much as to be uncomfortable. In fact, it should come as a welcome change from your recent bathing experiences, mostly consisting of wading into whatever open body of water you can find on the road, cold and dirty and full of all manner of aquatic life.

As you relax and allow the man to gently scrub the weeks of grime away, you lose track of the time. It could've been only a few minutes passing, or it could've been an hour, you find it hard to tell. Whatever the amount of time, the relaxation is interrupted after some time - and well after you are completely clean - by a knock on the other door in this washroom, which from its position must lead directly into the same hallway you came down earlier.

"Dinner is being served soon, my lord," comes the voice of a young woman, likely another of the household's servants.

"Ah, thank you, Mishka," replies the young man who'd been assisting you, who then turns back to you. More quietly, he asks, "will you be attending the dinner? If so, I can go fetch some linen to dry you off. I was told some clothing has been prepared for you as well."

Everyone Else

The princess listens, yawning despite her best efforts at one point, though her attention remains firmly on your collective words. You notice a look of confusion on her face at the mention of Hellenbert and his family, though she waits to address her confusion as each of you speak. "Ser Hellenbert Brandt," she repeats, almost a question, once it is her turn to speak once more. "That hothead who's got some grudge with Ser Hansel? That Hellenbert Brandt?" she continues, seemingly taken aback by the news.

"Rumor has it he's a complete hothead with ambitions that greatly exceed his abilities, but I can't say I know him personally. Don't they mockingly call him 'Firehazard'?" she asks, turning to Fiora, who yawns and nods and response. Turning back to you, she sits up more attentively, no longer leaning against her propped arm.

"So you spoke with this man, and he shared information with you? What exactly did he have to share? Something especially useful? If it is new information, and given freely for the good of Menora, then he might be as trustworthy as you say." 

[Namelessjake]

"Firehazard seems apt, though a moniker that could perhaps be applied to their entire house rather than just Ser Hellenbert."

"They spoke of a dwarf from Bal said to be competing in your tourney tomorrow, as well as the fact that Madam Barschal has family in Imardin. That is particularly interesting given it seems your Mother has been receiving false information from somewhere. Whether its from Barschal, Holworth or their sources remains to be seen though," Drake replies, recalling the conversation from just a short while ago. "Nothing rock solid, but threads to pull at none the less. An Imardanian alliance with Bal would be particularly troubling."

We’d be hemmed in, caught between the Dwarven Mountains and the Sundered Sea.

[ratwizard]

"Or Cumberland," Valcus adds to the list of suspicious advisors. We shall see in the morning what Rorin's efforts tailing the man may bring us.

"We have few leads, yet Ser Hellenbert has helped push them further. If you do not think your security would be at risk to do so, Princess, I'd say he should be brought into the fold. Do you agree?"

[BartNL]

"Yes lord father, it'd be my pleasure."
Hellenbert smiles, happy to share a rumour with his mother."The lady Galben and this knight of Tanon were out in the public today. His behaviour was unfittingly of a knight of his supposed station, and a guest of this city. He appeared as her defender of some sort. Though in truth, I suspect it to be the other way around; that the lady Galben is the one providing him protection and access to Menora's upper circles."

[Scratcherclaw]

"At least that fire seems to burn brightly for Menora," Caelen says with a smile and a nod after the lords. "Even if he's hotheaded like you say, I don't think his loyalty is in question at all." And with how stuffy some of the people in this city are, hotheaded could mean anything. Even someone who doesn't fit the mold of how a noble should behave.

[Fialova]

Hellenbert

Your mother looks intrigued by the news, an eyebrow raised at your words. "Truly? What could that Coyote be up to, she is also scheming up something. And what of this unchivalrous knight, hm? What was it he did that didn't fit his station? And what was he defending her from?" Your father leans back in his seat, realizing that his wife is now fully invested in the gossip and that they will not be cuddled up again for awhile still.

Drake, Valcus, Caelen

The princess considers each of your words in support of the man, and in his intel. Her posture relaxes again, as she leans further back into her seat. "Very well. I have chosen to trust each of you, and in turn I will trust your judge of his character. As you say, he might be a boon nonetheless." She pauses, chuckling slightly, before saying, "Be glad Johanna is not here this time, or she'd be arguing against this."

After a large yawn, the princess adds, "as for my mother's advisors, I am certainly aware of their connections. Anything you've learned in your two days is likely well-known, or at least known by enough people for you to have stumbled upon it so quickly. The commoners might not be aware of such information, but Madam Barschal's family, or Lord Holworth's connections in Bal, are certainly no secret to myself, my mother, or any noble with an ear to the ground. But yes, the idea of a potential alliance between the dwarves and that Church is terrifying to think of. I pray that is not the case, or I do not imagine we have much hope of survival as a Queendom."

[Namelessjake]

"Very well, we have plans to meet with Ser Hellenbert tomorrow. We shall bring him into the fold then," Drake says, pleased that Lillian agrees with their decision on the Brandts.

"We should let you get back to bed, and happy birthday for tomorrow," the lord adds. "I suppose we shall next see you from a far, up in the royal box. When I unseat Ser Emerys I shall do so in your honour Princess."

[Scratcherclaw]

"We should get to bed too," Caelen says after Drake, a short yawn erupting after the weight of the long day begins sinking in. "We want to do our best tomorrow." I hope we do well... I hope I do well. I've never done anything like this before.

He looks to the princess and gives her a smile. "Cheer us on tomorrow?"

 

[ratwizard]

Valcus chuckles at Drake's boast, knowing there's sincerity behind it. And if one of us should win, what then?

"A good evening to the both of you," he offers to the Princess and Fiora. "And thank you again."

[Fialova]

Drake, Caelen, Valcus

"I appreciate you keeping this update short," the princess responds, the terseness in her words masked by the seemingly-genuine - if tired - smile she wears on her face. "But yes, I will certainly be cheering you each on, both in your investigation as well as in the games. It will be interesting to see how well each of you fare against some friends of mine who are competing," she continues, her smile appearing more devious with the last words. She stands and trudges towards the mosaic on the floor again, but turns to Fiora before activating it.

"Fiora, be a dear and make sure to find a seat that is easy to get to tomorrow, alright?" The other woman nods, before the princess turns back to each of you, adding, "I will be seated with mother for the tourney events, so you will be unlikely to meet with me on the days of the events. But find Fiora if you must reach out, she can always get your words to me." She raises her hand and offers a small wave, before the mosaic begins to glow once more, and after a brief moment she is gone again.

"You are welcome to stay for some tea, but I imagine you all are exhausted after your long day," Fiora says, glancing over to each of you after the princess' departure. "If not, I can lead you out."

OOC

Anything else on the evening agenda, or return to inn?

[FinalTemplar]

Caedus

Caedus allows himself to finally relax, and sinks into the heated water. As time passes, he eventually hears a second voice. He opens his eyes; he gives a soft nod to the man who has been washing him. "Yes, I will be attending dinner." He hates how it feels to try and speak proper. "Thank you, once more. I appreciate your assistance."

[Namelessjake]

Drake returns the princess' wave with a nod as she disappears once more. "The hour is late," he says to Fiora, declining the offer of tea. "We should head back to our lodgings."