The Quest For The Rose IC

Post by **Namelessjake** » Sat Nov 08, 2014 4:41 pm

Chapter 1: A Fateful Night

The castle is deathly quiet as Evaline makes her way down the corridor. It must be nearly midnight, we must have lost track of time a bit, she thinks as she reaches the door to her chambers. She had been sparring with some of the castle's knights since the early evening. Ser Jorik of The Royal Guard had seemed to share her enthusiasm and they had clearly kept going long into the night. Inside her chambers, she strips off and changes into her night clothes, leaving her sweaty training clothes for the servants in the morning. She collapses onto her bed, suddenly feeling exhausted. She closes her eyes and soon drifts off to sleep.

A loud ringing over and over begins to cause Evaline to wake. As she wakes, she looks around the room. Everything was the way she left it. Her clothes were still where she had taken them off and the fireplace was empty. The servants would have seen to that early in the morning, I must have only slept for a couple of hours. Sitting up in her bed, her senses start to return to her. The bells are louder now, more have joined in. From the corridor shouts and the slamming of doors can be heard. The bells must be an alarm, Evaline realises. Jumping from her bed, she makes for the door, grabbing her short sword on her way out.

She makes for an odd sight in her night clothes with a sword belted to her hip, but as she makes her way down the corridor she quickly realises she is not alone as others begin to emerge from their rooms, half clothed and some similarly armed. What is all of this for? She can't help but think as she makes her way down the stairs to the Great Hall. Nearing the Hall she hears screams, and she picks up her pace, bursting through the doors into the Great Hall.

A crowd has already formed near the throne at the far end of the Hall and Evaline rushes over, pushing her way to front. There, on the steps, she sees her Father, King Torald II, lying in a pool of blood. She is overcome with shock and she rushes over to him, tears already beginning to flood down her face.

Post by **ratwizard** » Sun Nov 09, 2014 11:21 am

The crisp morning sun casts myriad shadows across the thicket of the Havenwood. The smell of a fresh kill stained the air -- the gritty scent of blood filled his nostrils. Thirty... No, twenty paces, the man thinks to himself, his hawk-eyes scanning the brush for signs of a chase. There. The faintest scratch on the bark of a tree leads him forward instinctually, and his padded feet move across the forest floor with ease, making hardly any noise.

Lying against a bush, its legs tangled in a thick vine rests an elk, its eyes glazed over in a distant stare. Its ribs were torn open, painting the foliage and damp ground in a crimson hue. The man reaches down, his hand on its ventral side, pressed up against its heart. Warm, but quickly dropping. A falling body temperature gave a hunter a good estimate of how recent the animal has died, he was once told by his father many years ago. This savagery... the only creature that could have torn this elk open this brutally- His thought is interrupted by the slightest crunch of leaf or twig underfoot nearby, and he freezes in place.

The silence is torturous as he slowly swivels his head to the side. It waited for me... but why? As he rotates to see his periphery, a massive, brown figure roars and lunges forward from behind him. Its sharp claws and awful, bladed teeth slam into the man as he cries out in agony.

"My sweet! It's alright!" a voice calls out beside him, and he stops screaming, still awfully disheveled. His heart beating almost painfully, Bresda Hessock is suddenly aware of his surroundings. The bells ring from within the castle, and their bonging permeate the thick wooden door that leads to he and his wife's chambers. "The bells, Allia," he says hastily, breathing hard. "It's possible we're under attack!" He bolts up from the bed, wearing only a set of linen drawers, quickly tossing on a tunic and belting his leather boots on. "Please find out and come back to me, Bresda," his wife asks, understanding the importance of the situation. He gives her a silent nod, their eyes meeting. "I love you," he says solemnly, before breaking away, grabbing a steel warhammer from the rack of weapons next to the armoire.

He opens the thick door and steps over the threshold, closing the door behind him. With decided haste, he quickly makes his way down the corridor, passing by a couple confused-looking nobles in their bedclothes. He follows the surge of citizens, making his way to the Great Hall. The screams, he notes. Not good. He pushes through the crowd which has formed in a semicircle around the throne, and he breaks through the line. No! He sputters, the shock of seeing his ruler on the floor with a seemingly fatal wound. Too much blood, too much...

Ser Bresda takes a knee next to Princess Evaline, and he notices the tears rolling down her young face. He spies the face of one of his men in the crowd and calls to him. "Gerrid! Where are the guards? What is this?"

kalis5 · Post by **kalis5** » Sun Nov 09, 2014 2:27 pm

At the sound of the bells, Edward jumps awake, his eyes snapping open. He looks about his room, listening to the goings on outside his walls, hearing the murmurs of nobles and servants, the footsteps of more people coming. He gets out of bed slowly, contemplating what the bells could mean. An attack? Here of all places? Who would have a reason to strike against Amaranthia, especially the capital? He shakes his head, pushing these thoughts aside as he grabs his enchanted clothes and hooks his blade onto his belt, stepping outside his room.

He pushes his way past the gathering men and women there, seeing his sister further ahead. He calls out to her through the crowd, though his voice is drowned out by those around him. He catches a few parts and pieces from the crowd as he moves, words of murder, assassination. His pace quickens until he's at his sisters side.
"Evaline, what has happ... ened..."

His footsteps come to a halt as he sees the body of his father. His eyes are wide, and fear overtakes him, making him step back slightly as the sudden sight causes him to reel in shock.
"... Sister?..."

He looks to Evaline, who was there before him, hoping she had an answer to the sight before him.

Post by **Fialova** » Sun Nov 09, 2014 5:38 pm

She unbuckles the right shoulder strap and then the left, finally removing her breastplate for the day and setting it on its rack. It is the last piece of armor she had to take off before she can finally change into more comfortable clothing and retire for the night. Her ornate spear, which has seen only a handful of real battles, leans against the wall. Her shield leans by its side. The chamber pot calls her name as she prepares to finally sleep, the day a long yet uneventful one as always.

She places her hands on her padded trousers, preparing to undress, when the sound of bells rings out through the castle. It is much too late for dinner, what sort of prank is this? She lowers her trousers and takes hold of the buttons on her padded vest, and the bells continue to ring. This is not funny, do they not realize that people are trying to sleep? Someone will certainly be fired this night. She removes the padded vest, now down to nothing, and reaches for her satin sleeping gown, slipping it over her body and enjoying its smooth touch. Finally, she walks towards her bed, but as she approaches she notices the sound of bells escalating. The realization sets in. Those aren't food bells... they are alarm bells.

Reacting before she is able to fully process the thought, Clarissa grabs one of her swords from a nearby rack and picks up her shield. She flings her door wide open and rushes down the staircase leading into the Great Hall, and the first thing she sees is the back of the throne now surrounded by shocked and saddened faces. This can't be, she moves towards the front of the throne and sees it, the body of a man - her king - lying seemingly lifeless on the ground. "No," she says, though it is barely audible, tears welling in her eyes. She catches a glimpse of Evaline and Edward in the crowd, which only causes the tears to flow even more.

Adorned in only a nightgown, and holding a simple sword and shield, Clarissa quickly moves to the nearest servant she can find. "How did this happen? Where are the nighttime guards?" The sadness in her eyes quickly turns to anger, which is then vented at the poor servant. "Who did this?! Where are they?! I will run them through!"

Post by **Namelessjake** » Sun Nov 09, 2014 6:31 pm

Evaline looks to her brother but has no words for him, tears still streaming down her face she throws her arms around her brother and buries her face in his shoulder. She hears a groan and turns to see that her father is not quite dead just yet. He raises his arm slightly, in the direction of Evaline and Edward. "The...R...R...Rose..." He says, the words clearly causing great pain. "F...F...ind...it," he adds as the last of his life seems to leave his body. Evaline looks up to the throne where The Amaranthian Rose had been set for years. She is too shocked to react to anything, despite her father just passing away before her. The top of the throne is in pieces, The Rose, missing. Others heard the dying King's last words and mutterings begin in the crowd. "The Rose!" One voice cries out, alerting everyone.
____________________________________________________________

"I don't know Ser... I just got here," Gerrid replies to Bresda, clearly in just as much shock as everyone else. The man suddenly feels a firm hand on his shoulder. "Ser Bresda, you should send word to all the ports, closing them." He recognises the voice as that of Lord Herar, the commander of the King's armies. "I will have my men try to seal off the borders. We need to stop The Rose leaving the Kingdom," the man adds, looking rather less imposing than normal in his nightclothes.
____________________________________________________________

"I...I... Don't know... m'lady," the servant stammers, terrified of Clarissa.
____________________________________________________________

With people still reeling from both the King's death and the discovery that The Rose is missing, the large wooden doors that serve as the main entrance to the hall burst open. There stands one of the Royal Guard, covered in blood. "South!" The man shouts. "They went through the South Gate," he says before collapsing to the floor in a pool of his own blood.

Post by **ratwizard** » Sun Nov 09, 2014 8:47 pm

The king's slain, and the Rose is missing, Ser Bresda sums to himself, hardly managing to process the situation. Lord Herar's words enter his ears and break him from his shock. He stands up, turning to his comrade. "Yes... We will find whoever did this to His Majesty," he says with a bitter vigor.

"Gerrid!" He calls out again to the young man before him. "Seek out the Raven-master. See to it that three ravens are sent to each port city in Amaranthia -- They are under direct orders from the Crown's Council to cease the movement of any outbound vessels," he commands, before quieting his voice a bit amongst the noise. "And personally inform Lady Hessock of what's happened. She will understand. Now go!"

The guard bursts into the room, delivering his death-rattle. "Somebody see to that man!" the Scout-Commander cries out, as he kneels down next to his fallen ruler. "He may have more to say!" With gentle hands, he inspects the bloody raiment of the King, noting numerous pierce-wounds in his torso. A dagger? A sword? At least the murderer had the gall to face His Majesty when he carelessly murdered him.

[SHOW]: Heal and Perception checks, respectively, to realize anything important or interesting about the wounds on the King: 1d20+8=25
1d20+10=11

Post by **Namelessjake** » Sun Nov 09, 2014 8:55 pm

[SHOW]: Upon examining the King's body you determine the wounds were caused by a long curved dagger, maybe a foot or so in length.

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Sun Nov 09, 2014 9:48 pm

With the commotion occurring outside his door, Basil groggily rolls over, not intent on waking at such a wee hour. However, the ruckus persists, complete with the ringing of bells. Unable to return to sleep, Basil exits his luxurious quarters and follows the crowd rushing towards the Great Hall, fluttering above their hurried heads. What in the world is going on here? he thinks, distress on his face. With the speed of the dragonfly, he races past the others, noticing the grim crowd gathered around the throne.

His distress turns to shock as he notices the King lying in a pool of his deep red blood. He turns to see the Evaline weeping, her brother equally taken by despair. Who would have done something like this? With the King's dying breath, he looks in turn with the others, noticing the Rose is missing. "Oh no... This is terrible," he whispers, barely audible to anyone other than himself. Basil catches sight of his assistant Fennel hovering above a cluster of servants, clearly shaken up by what is happening. He zips over to the errand boy and says, "Send word of this to Feywald. And tell them to patrol the forest for any signs of whoever took the King's life and swiped the Rose. We can't let them escape. With haste, now, Fennel. There's no time to lose."

Post by **PureZaros** » Sun Nov 09, 2014 10:04 pm

Mazera wakes with a start, slumped over a table littered with books, loose parchment, and an odd assortment of feathers. Oh blast, asleep at the study again, he thinks. Hopefully I didn't drool all over my sketches like last time.

He stands slowly, joints protesting as they move from the cramped positions one can find themselves in after sleeping in a chair. Checking over the various bird sketches scattered around, he was relieved to see that none of them were damaged, save a small wet spot in the corner of a sheet containing the depiction of a common barn thrush. Excellent.

Suddenly becoming aware of an odd sound, Mazera concentrates for a few moments, trying to hear whatever it is more clearly. He moves to the window of the study, and finally manages to make sense of the noise. Alarm bells? What has happened?

Grabbing his staff on the way out, Mazera briskly makes his way towards the only place he can think to go, hoping that Jirren or the king would have an explanation for the disturbance. As he gets closer, servants and nobles alike can be seen scurrying about, moving with an urgency that unsettled the magister. Quickening his pace, Mazera finds Jirren standing near the back of a throng of people crowded around the entrance to the throne room. "High Magister Jirren!" He calls out to get the man's attention. "What is happening?"

The high magister turns to him. "Best you see for yourself, Mazera." he begins with a weak voice. "I've only managed a glimpse, but something has happened to the king."

Rising into the air, the magister swoops over the crowd. A gust of wind blows through the room, ruffling more than a few of the night clothes in the crowd below. Spying the king laying in a pool of blood, surrounded by his children, as well as the shattered throne, he alights nearby. "Who could have done this?"

Post by **Fialova** » Mon Nov 10, 2014 11:39 am

Overhearing their conversation, Claire rushes over to Ser Bresda and Ser Lord Herar. "This is a good plan, but our first course of action should be locking down the castle and the capital itself. If there is any chance of catching this assassin before they leave the city, we need to take it."

As she finishes her last sentence, her injured guardsman bursts through the door shouting about the killer's departure. Shit, we are too late. A bit disheartened, she rushes over to the man, recognizing him as Ser Aurand, one of her more trustworthy guards. "Did you get a good look at this monster?" she asks, almost a shout though not quite. "Tell me, who was it? How did they get in here?" If it was one of my men...

kalis5 · Post by **kalis5** » Mon Nov 10, 2014 1:23 pm

Edward holds his sister close to him, unable to take his eyes off his father, even after he finishes his message, he understands. His world has been turned upside down in a matter of minutes, his father dead, the Rose stolen, and now his father has told them to find it. It was his dying wish, he would have to follow it through. He looks to his sister after a time, then to the servants and everyone gathered around them. This is no place for either of them right now. He can't just stand there while his father's killer is still unknown, and with so many people, a second attempt would be simple.
He looks to Bresda and Clarissa, knowing he can trust them both.
"Ser Bresda, Clarissa. I'm going to help my sister find someplace safe until we know that the assassin is gone for certain. If they are after the Rose, the heirs would be their next targets. Can I trust the castle's defense and search to you both?"

Post by **Namelessjake** » Mon Nov 10, 2014 4:11 pm

"I'm fine here Edward," Evaline says stepping back from Edward and wiping the tears from her face. "I can handle myself and we need as many people as possible to help find who did this."
____________________________________________________________

Ser Aurand grimaces, clearly in a lot of pain. "They were... unstoppable. Eight of them. They killed the others," he says to Clarissa. Now close to the doors, she sees through the partial opening, the body of another of her guardsmen slumped against the wall in the corridor, covered in blood. "The King?" He asks with hope in his eyes.
____________________________________________________________

The shock seems to start wearing off from the crowd as things start to happen. Various messengers are dispatched to the rest of the Castle and the City, and it isn't long before more men, of varying service, begin to appear in the Hall, properly dressed and armed unlike the others who had arrived as soon as possible.

Post by **ratwizard** » Mon Nov 10, 2014 5:37 pm

Ser Bresda nods to Ser Clarissa's words. "Aye, Commander. You should see to it that your guardsmen have the perimeter closed off, all the entrances barred until otherwise. I should be getting word from my sentries stationed here in Amgard soon enough. If they've indeed escaped the city, I'm sure my men will have a tale or two about their direction."

As he finishes with respectfully looking over his deceased King, Ser Bresda's brow furrows. "Some sort of long blade, and possibly curved," he concludes, mostly to himself, as he stands up with haste. He turns to overhear the winded and injured guardsman speak. A small sortie, then. He turns to see the brother and sister end their embrace. "Your Grace... father will be avenged, and this heinous evil righted," he consoles, placing a thick and calloused hand surprisingly gently on the prince's shoulder. "But your words are true. I need both of you to stay secure. With your father's assassins on the move, your safety is compromised."

Post by **Fialova** » Mon Nov 10, 2014 6:35 pm

"He didn't make it," she responds to Ser Aurand, a look of sadness and guilt washing over her. "Someone get a doctor for my men!" she shouts out, as she stands up, still wearing only a satin gown. "And you," she points to a nearby servant, "get to the nearest guard post and order the immediate lockdown of Amgard. No one goes in or out until further notice. We can save the news of the king for later, all that matters now is that the capital is secured."

With this said Clarissa walks back to the royal siblings, who are visibly shaken up by the night's events. "I am so incredibly sorry, this is all my fault," she says, tears welling up in her eyes once more. "If I had only been there... if I had trained my men better... your father, our King, would still be with us." She bow in front of them, feeling a deep sense of shame for the death of her liege under her own watch.

Post by **Namelessjake** » Tue Nov 11, 2014 1:40 pm

"You could never have predicted this, Ser Clarissa," Evaline says putting her hand on Clarissa's shoulder. "If we're assigning blame then it lies solely with whoever did this," she adds hoping to ease Clarissa's guilt. The knight had served in the Royal Guard for much of Evaline's adolescence and it was strange for Evaline to see here like this. It was a different side to her that Evaline hadn't seen growing up, although she probably hadn't made Clarissa's job particularly easy.

Post by **Fialova** » Wed Nov 12, 2014 9:52 am

As she keeps her head down to listen to the Princess' kind words, Clarissa has a thought. She jolts up, a look that's a mixture of sadness and determination on her face. "We have to notify the Knights of the Rose, they will aid us in finding the killer and the Rose itself. They are sworn to its protection." She addresses no one in particular with this statement, but as it's said she turns to yet another servant. "Get to the Raven Master and send word to Eastwatch immediately!"

kalis5 · Post by **kalis5** » Wed Nov 12, 2014 4:05 pm

Edward watches as everyone tries their best to get control over the situation, thankful for Ser Bresda's words. He turns to Evaline and thinks his next words over carefully.
"Evaline, we should make sure that mother and Leliana are safe and secure, if the assassin made it inside, then they likely knew where we slept."

He turns to Ser Bresda again.
"Ser Bresda, can you think of some place we can take our mother and sister? I'm sure your efforts would be better affected knowing the rest of the royal family is secure someplace."

Post by **ratwizard** » Thu Nov 13, 2014 6:38 pm

Ser Bresda grimaces as he tries to imagine the pain the two children of his ruler must feel. "The Knights of the Rose are a good plan," he says, nodding. "And yes, Your Grace. You may not know, but this castle has more than a few cunning hiding spots."

[SHOW]: Streetwise check to know of 1337 hiding sp0tz for da royal famz: 1d20+10=28

Post by **Namelessjake** » Thu Nov 13, 2014 6:46 pm

[SHOW]: You know of a small tower in a secluded part of the castle, mostly used for storage. With only one entrance it would be easy to guard while being an unassuming spot to house members of the royal family.

Post by **ratwizard** » Thu Nov 13, 2014 7:09 pm

"There is a small tower within the castle grounds that can serve as a hiding spot for the Royal Family for now... I'm afraid it's not the most luxurious location, but that throws off the scent quite a bit," Ser Bresda concludes.

Post by **Fialova** » Thu Nov 13, 2014 7:32 pm

"I will find them and personally see to their protection," Clarissa says to Edward, intent on making sure that the rest of the royal family comes out of this mess unharmed. "But I urge the two of you to come as well. Finding the rose is not your concern, the Knights of the Flower and many others are much more qualified to do so. Your first priority should be to the kingdom and your family, come with me."

Post by **Namelessjake** » Thu Nov 13, 2014 7:59 pm

"He's the heir," Evaline says to Clarissa pointing at Edward. "You can take him, I'm staying to help," she adds, a determined look on her face. "We should prepare groups to leave at first light and track down these monsters, if they have truly escaped the castle."

Post by **Fialova** » Thu Nov 13, 2014 8:19 pm

"Be reasonable, princess. You think they will not hunt you down? You will be a sitting duck out in the wilds, with no one and nothing to protect you. Here you have a castle and an army to keep you safe."

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Thu Nov 13, 2014 8:25 pm

"You seem to assume the people who did this heinous crime will be after the royal family, Ser Clarissa," Basil says to the guard-captain. "It seems more likely to me that they simply wanted the Rose and the King, well, got in their way."

Post by **Fialova** » Thu Nov 13, 2014 8:35 pm

"Well is it not my job to think first of their safety, ambassador?" Clarissa asks, in a somewhat condescending tone. "I am Commander of the Royal Guard and they are two of the king's children, it's my duty to keep them safe even if that means making assumptions about their enemy's intentions. If I am proven wrong, so be it. If not, then at least I am doing something about it. What good does questioning that do?"

kalis5 · Post by **kalis5** » Thu Nov 13, 2014 8:37 pm

Edward looks between his trusted guards and Evaline, listening to each.
"Although it's true they seemed to be after the Rose, I am still alive, am I not? Although I would have been the future heir had my father not died, I am still here. No, they want something else, my room was on the way to the Rose, it would have taken a simple stop to have eliminated me, and they clearly knew how to get into the castle easily enough. We don't know enough about the people that stole the Rose, and any thoughts on their motives and goals right now is purely conjecture, from all of you. I'm sorry, but for tonight I have to suggest the remaining members of the royal family stay together. If they capture you Evaline, they will try to use you to draw me out. Do not think you don't have worth just because you are not the heir."

Post by **PureZaros** » Thu Nov 13, 2014 8:45 pm

"I guess I'm just chopped liver, then," Mazera huffs, somewhat insulted as the people around him seemingly ignore his presence.

Moving to the throne, he searches the area for signs of magic. These people should not have been able to get this far without some arcane help.

[SHOW]: Arcana check to find any foreign traces of magic: 25

Post by **Namelessjake** » Thu Nov 13, 2014 8:47 pm

[SHOW]: You sense some lingering forms of magic in the hall, most likely from enchantments.

Post by **PureZaros** » Thu Nov 13, 2014 10:03 pm

Mazera's jaw nearly drops open at the sheer amount of enchantments that had been present. That's... That's just unreasonable! One, two, three... Wait, no that's the same as the first one. That one looks like a powerful ward... He tries to count the separate strands, before giving up as they overlap too much and are generally just too numerous to keep track of. His voice rings out to the others. "Someone may want to warn whatever soldiers are going out to stop these people. They were armed to take out an army."

Turning his attention back to the task at hand, he sets out to try and trace where it came from, and where the trail has gone.

[SHOW]: Arcana check to see if I can trace the path that this mass of enchantments took into and out of the throne room: 10

Post by **Namelessjake** » Thu Nov 13, 2014 10:05 pm

[SHOW]: As Ser Aurand said the trail seems to lead out of the castle and in the direction of the South gate.

Post by **Fialova** » Thu Nov 13, 2014 10:10 pm

At the magister's words, Clarissa looks at the young royals again with a look of justification. "You see? These men are no mere assassins, they have powerful magics on their side. You'd do best to stay safe inside the castle for now, while the professionals hunt down these criminals and bring them to justice. Here you are safe."

Post by **ratwizard** » Fri Nov 14, 2014 6:28 pm

"What terrible plot could these criminals be hatching with the Rose?" Ser Bresda asks aloud. "If what the magister said is true, then they must be viciously dangerous. It's quite possible they were able to sneak in and commit the unthinkable with their harnessing of magic," he reasons. "We need to be terribly careful if we intend to apprehend these individuals. Seems they'd rather put up a fight. The sentries and guards should double up on their rounds, I'd say. Two men per post."

Post by **PureZaros** » Sun Nov 16, 2014 4:24 pm

"Terribly careful is an understatement, Ser Bresda," Mazera says as he continues to examine the residual auras left in the room. "These men are more a force of nature than anything else. Two guards might help with finding them, but if they attempt to cross swords it will only end in death."

Post by **Namelessjake** » Mon Nov 17, 2014 6:57 pm

Chapter 2: Journey's Beginning

Evaline hadn't slept all night, too much had been happening. The castle was searched, and then the city, all to no avail. However a plan had been formulated, they would hunt down those responsible. Last she had heard, six groups were getting ready to leave at day break, only an hour or so away. The Knights of the Flower were apparently going to arrive from Eastwatch before that, joining the other groups before they left. Evaline had yet to speak to her brother about joining his group on their quest, however she had already made up her mind about going and Edward wasn't going to stop her.

Evaline checks she has everything once last time, before finally starting to strap on her armour. The more fiddly bits of packing would have been harder to manage if she had already been clad in steel. She leaves her headpiece off for now, tossing it in the top of her pack. Satisfied she's ready, she grabs her sword, sliding it into its sheathe on her back, and heads out into the corridor to find everyone else. By normal standards, it is still early in the morning, yet the corridors of Castle Amgard are a buzz with people. Servants hurry passed, ferrying everything from weapons to messages about the castle. Evaline sees one or two knights she recognises, also dressed in their armour, heading for the stables. Deciding they must know where they're going she decides to follow them.

Post by **Fialova** » Mon Nov 17, 2014 7:13 pm

Clarissa managed to catch a few hours of sleep after the last night's activity, but it was filled with horrific dreams of murder and magic, resulting in her feeling only barely rested. She comes down from her chambers in the morning fully armed, as per usual, and spots Princess Evaline across the hall. "Your mother and sister are still safe, Princess," she says in a very matter of fact tone of voice. "I have been with them for the last few hours, and they did manage to get a little rest. They are in good hands. How are your preparations coming along?"

kalis5 · Post by **kalis5** » Mon Nov 17, 2014 8:03 pm

Edward leaves his own room shortly after Evaline, adjusting his blade and clothes. There's a pause as he watches the servants rush about, remembering the events of the night before. As he walks the hallways, his eyes are glued to the throne room, where the rose was once stored. The thought of his father dead weighs heavily on his mind, and he remains silent, listening to the servants spreading their messages.

Post by **Namelessjake** » Mon Nov 17, 2014 10:07 pm

"That's good Ser Clarissa," Evaline says, turning the guard captain. "I have everything I need, I just need to saddle up my horse. Hopefully everyone will be ready to leave at dawn as originally intended. You have friends in the Knights of the Flower don't you?" She asks, recalling remnants of old conversations with Clarissa.

Post by **Fialova** » Mon Nov 17, 2014 10:11 pm

"I know many of them, but two in particular I've know for a long time, before they were knights even. They are very upstanding young knights, I'd trust them with my own life so hopefully you find it fitting to trust them with yours in my stead." She looks sullen for a moment, before continuing. "It pains me that in such a dire time I have to choose which members of the family to protect and which to let face danger, but your mother and sister need me than you and your brother do. Just remember all your training and you'll be fine."

Post by **PureZaros** » Mon Nov 17, 2014 10:45 pm

[SHOW]: As activity in the throne room dwindles and the other people begin moving about agin, Mazera stays standing at the side of the room. He is still examining the residual magics left by the enchantments when Jirren comes to stand near him.

"They make for quite a sight, don't they?"

Starting, Mazera turns to the man next to him. "High Magister, I did not hear you approach!"

"Calm yourself, Mazera. It's not hard to sneak up on you, sometimes." he chuckles. "Regardless, I have a favor to ask of you."

"Yes, High Magister?"

"Oh, blast the titles, man," Jirren says, dismissively waving his hand. "We've known each other far too long for things like that. Anyway, the king will be wanting me to accompany him on this quest for vengeance. I need you to take my place."

"The king?" Mazera asks, momentarily taken aback, before remembering that the boy Edward was now burdened by he mantle. "Ah. But why me?"

"I am far too tied in the fragile diplomatic situation we are in at the moment. I cannot leave for fear of it all falling apart. The children have been raised as nobles, but they will need help negotiating the annuls of society." Jirren says. "Your history in the lower classes will help immensely with this."

"I... I would be honored, I suppose." Mazera says, still processing the task that Jirren had just given him.

Having carefully packed his notes and research away, Mazera takes a last look around the room, ensuring that he had grabbed everything he would need. Seeing nothing out of place, he belts an ornate dagger to his waist, along with a small pouch stuffed with various miscellanea and a few gold coins. He slings his pack over his head, and picks up his staff before throwing open the window and stepping out onto the small balcony overlooking the courtyard below.

Chuckling lightly, Mazera steps over the edge, floating lightly to the ground as various yard workers and servants scurry about. Stairs? Bah! He settles into a seated position, floating a few feet off the ground as he waits for daybreak.

Post by **ratwizard** » Tue Nov 18, 2014 5:52 pm

The rest of the Scout-Commander's night had gone poorly. Lady Hessock had turned pale when Ser Bresda returned to fill in the details after a hasty and unclear explanation from one of his men. "I will be leaving at first light," he says gently. "We will seek out these kingslayers and retrieve the Rose." She nods to him with sleepy understanding. He peels the sheet back and lays down, and it isn't long before he drifts off into a few hours of sleep.

* * * * *

Ser Bresda pads along the tiled floor beside Ser Clarissa and Princess Evaline, wordless until necessary. "My scouts have seen no signs of the assassins, so far, Your Grace. A bittersweet fact -- we will have to search carefully for them as they must be far now, but at least your family is in no more immediate danger for now." He clears his throat and makes a silent gesture to a passing sentry, one understood by his reconnaissance network as a friendly sign.

kalis5 · Post by **kalis5** » Tue Nov 18, 2014 8:06 pm

After a time examining the servants moving about, Edward walks into the Throne Room, seeing his sister and some of his knights there. He adjusts his sword out of habit, walking over to them. He stands as tall as he can, breathing deeply through his nose to keep his composure.
"Evaline, Ser Bresda, Ser Clarissa, is everything prepared for the trip? Will there be enough men left to guard the castle from further attempts?"

Post by **Fialova** » Tue Nov 18, 2014 8:13 pm

"There should be, yes, my prince," Claire says, turning to Edward. "I will be staying behind to personally see to your family's safety, and the capital's as a whole. It pains me that I cannot protect the two of you as well, but you are old enough to make your own decisions I suppose."

kalis5 · Post by **kalis5** » Tue Nov 18, 2014 8:16 pm

Edward lets out a soft breath at her words before nodding.
"I hope so, Ser Clarissa. It would be comforting to have you with us, but I can't leave my mother and sister with regular guards alone, someone has to handle the castle's defense with so many gone. I am glad it is you. Now to just convince the rest of the kingdom that I am old enough to make my own decisions, and to aid our kingdom in such a dire time. I don't doubt that they will question my experience."
He clenches his hand over the hilt of his sword at his side, easing the stress that is apparent with the recent death of his father. An entire kingdom has just been pushed upon him. Already he is feeling the weight, and the number of eyes on him.

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Wed Nov 19, 2014 1:14 pm

After the events of the night, Basil returned to his quarters and had no trouble falling back asleep, much to his surprise. After a few meager hours of sleep, he awakens with a vigorous yawn. With haste, he buzzes around his lavish room, readying his things for the search for the assassins and the Rose. The fairy departs the room and finds the royal siblings and commanders further down the hall.

"I've decided that I will be coming too," he says, addressing the whole group. "Where would the future king be without the Court's most experienced and trusted advisor? Besides, nobody knows the forests like I do, especially the Great Granwood."

Post by **Namelessjake** » Wed Nov 19, 2014 3:12 pm

"Don't worry, I'll look after him," Evaline says to Clarissa, ruffling her brothers hair. Suddenly a long horn blast echoes throughout the castle. "The Knights of the Flower must be about to arrive. We should go greet them," she says, already rushing off through the crowd without waiting for a response from any of the others. She makes her way out of the keep, emerging in the courtyard at the entrance of the castle to see a group of riders making their way through the gate, the banner of the Knights of the Flower held heigh.

Post by **ratwizard** » Wed Nov 19, 2014 3:30 pm

Ser Bresda smiles to himself at the ambassador's arrogant comment. The woods are my true home, but I'll let him believe what he will. He turns to the young man and speaks. "Prince Edward, my scouts and sentries are in place around the capital. Between my men and Ser Clarissa's force, nobody will be getting in or out of Amgard without explicit reasons. Your family should be safe here," he assures him.

The abrupt sound of a horn causes Princess Evaline to rush forward toward the exit, and the Scout-Commander hastily trails her, his heavy armor making little noise underfoot. He steps out into the courtyard, witnessing the sun climbing up the sky in a beautiful sunrise. The Knights of the Flower, he thinks to himself. We are in good company to find these murderers.

Post by **Fialova** » Wed Nov 19, 2014 4:53 pm

The sun is shining brightly and it's a beautiful day outside. A pretty perfect morning, in fact, if not for the events of the previous night. She is still somewhat in disbelief that her king had been murdered, but then she wouldn't be here if it weren't true.

The procession of knights moves forward at a steady pace, looking gallant and proud - much like a victory procession after a war. But their arrival is one of mourning, not celebration, and behind the shining suits of armor and plumed helmets are the saddened faces of people who've been deeply hurt.

Lorelai is in roughly the middle of the procession, riding alongside her good friend Felix. It's the longest the two of them have spent in each other's company in a long time now, since they are rarely assigned to the same tasks. He glances over, she smiles in return. The king's death may be horrible, but not horrible enough to keep someone as cheerful as she is from smiling on such a beautiful day.

The Golden Rose stops, and the rest of the knights come to a halt as well. In an orderly fashion the dismount their horses and stand at attention for the approaching welcoming party, which includes so far the eldest princess and who appears to be one of the lords. Wow, so this is the royal family's castle. I never thought I'd see it! I wonder how Clarissa and Mila are doing today.

kalis5 · Post by **kalis5** » Wed Nov 19, 2014 5:12 pm

Edward stands for a moment with a grimace on his face before cooly bringing a hand up and running it through his hair, adjusting it to it's original shape before glancing at Eveline.
"It has just dawned on me that I will be spending quite a lot more time with my sister than usual. I predict this to be a rather long trip... Hopefully the company of the knights will ease it somewhat. We shall have to see what the scouts can find, but I admit to feeling relieved that so many are willing to find the Rose with us. I am sure Father would be happy."

He follows his sister out of the castle and to the entrance, seeing the riders as well. He grips the hilt of his sword tightly and looks to his sister. He wonders if they will think she is the ruler now, she is older than him after all.

Post by **Fialova** » Wed Nov 19, 2014 5:36 pm

As the royal siblings rush down to the courtyard, Clarissa follows at a more leisurely pace. When she gets there the Knights have already dismounted and are awaiting their leader's orders. She looks over the assembled knights, noticing many familiar faces in the crowd. One of the familiar faces catches her gaze and cheerfully waves. Clarissa sighs. That girl can never behave, can she?

Post by **Namelessjake** » Wed Nov 19, 2014 5:57 pm

Ser Hector, the Golden Rose, dismounts from his horse and strides over to Edward. Despite his age he still radiates confidence and prestige. A large ageing white dog follows close behind him. "Your grace," he says bowing his head. "I trust your men are almost ready to depart? The sooner these murderers are brought to justice and the Rose recovered the better. For our order to have failed in it's most basic reason for being is something I will not abide."