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Martin de Mignolet The response to the last condition was not much different than what Martin had expected. Still, the sight of the usually unflappable Lord Roland looking so...lost and perplexed, was at least a little amusing, especially in light of how well Lette managed to present the whole thing - about as gently as could be managed, Martin reckoned. Gesturing with an open hand, Martin tries to smooth things over a little more to be safe. "Lette has it right. For what it is worth, Lord Roland, this Naantali seems like a very forthright, smart and dependable sort. And I get the feeling her people would follow her - or her spouse - into all the hells if it came down to it." That all of it was true and not a joke at the mayor's expense just made it all just a bit funnier. Yet the reason behind it all was deadly serious. "I suppose you will probably want a little time to think about it, my Lord?" Crossing both arms over his chest, he waits calmly for a response.
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Jun 18, 2012 02:28
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The mayor looks down at a particular drawer of his, weighing the advisability of beginning to drink early, but with a sigh he shakes his head. "Well. She's firm, you think, on that demand? Nothing less will do?" He taps his fingers on the desk. "Well, with the Queen headed north, I may not need her and her army after all, so that's a spot of luck. I'm considering sending the guards north to skirmish with what she's left behind, to let her know we won't be pushed over so easily." He considers for a while longer, then says, "How do you think she'd take a rejection?" CP purchases are OK~
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Jun 18, 2012 02:41
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Dolan Dolan heads outside with the others, curious to see Lo'el train a little bit. The boy was new at the whole concept of killing, but he was willing to learn it seemed. He had likely hunted back with his herd, or at least seen hunters hunt, and therefore familiar with the concept of exactly what a spear did when it poked a hole in someone. Not always pretty, that. "Good form," he says, noting Lo'el's use of the spear. "You should practice changing your grip on it quickly as well. If someone gets inside your reach you don't want to spend all your time worrying about trying to shorten your grip on it."
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Jun 18, 2012 03:00
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Lette "I can't say what she'll do," Lette replies, recalling that she had not received an answer to an inquiry along those very lines. "But I think I know how it would be interpreted, in light of the reason given for her proposal." She nods at the mayor's plan to send soldiers into battle, though her diplomatic cheer wanes slightly. "Such are the sorts of decisions milord no doubt weighs carefully," she concludes, as much for the first subject as the second. Lette hopes the scale of the conflict in question is true to its appearances.
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Jun 18, 2012 03:11
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Martin de Mignolet "I think..." he begins, then pauses to consider the question, a look of slight puzzlement forming on his face. In fact he had not considered the possibility, and had been simply running with the plan the entire time. Martin looks to Lette, eyes slightly wider than usual in his momentary confusion, before he composes himself and turns his head back towards the mayor. "I think that she thinks the only way her people would be willing to fight for Noah is if there is a marriage. If your Lordship has an idea that might serve the same purpose, then perhaps that might be a consideration, but...hm." There is another pause, and he resumes his former hand-on-chin posture, searching for words and finding them only slowly. "It is a difficult question. I do not think she is horribly prideful - her disdain for titles shows that. And perhaps she only suggested it as a way of ensuring the Freehold and Noah could truly think of themselves as united. But if you were to say 'no,' it would have to be delicate, since it might be taken as an affront to...to non-humans," he suggests, speaking much less rapidly than usual. "Her people...they want to be treated as equals, to be free from fear and from predation. There are those that hunt monsters for sport after all. So rejecting that part of the proposal might be seen as quite insulting, given her reasons for wanting to make a deal." Of course, Martin was not entirely sure how she would take it at all; maybe Naantali never even expected it to be considered as a serious proposal. But as he said the words, they made sense in Martin's head; it would be not unlike telling the people of the Freehold that they were only wanted insofar as they were useful against the Queen, and that was no different than their common enemy, in truth.
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Jun 18, 2012 03:13
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Lette Lette nods. "It does seem a likely response. Sort of a paradox, though: if we're all equal, I suppose it would mean that you must be free to say yes or no. An equal could give either answer. Otherwise, it means you're at a disadvantage from the outset." She pauses, lost in her musing. "But then, this is hardly a normal wedding. Politics is strange like that. Maybe that's why nobody likes it." She blushes. "Um. No offense, sir." Leaning forward in her seat, Lette adopted a lower tone. "There is, I'm afraid, another complication. We've learned that a force known as the Eagles have a presence, here — the ones that worship the Empire and try to kill the gods and whatnot. We don't know the extent of it. But we've met with their ranks at least once. Whatever their other plans, a mingling of these two societies is something they'd almost certainly attempt to foul." Aeolius fucked around with this message at 05:40 on Jun 18, 2012 |
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Jun 18, 2012 03:33
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Martin de Mignolet "Oh. That reminds me, thank you, Lette," he says, eyes lighting up just a bit, his voice regaining its usual tempo and strength. "Naantali also mentioned the possibility of a sort of...meeting between you, her, and the Queen, in order to discuss the possibility of a mutual agreement leading to peace. I am not sure where, when, or how, but it could be worth looking into and at least we know one party is willing to at least consider a deal at least." Whether all the issues could be resolved was unclear to Martin - and he considered it doubtful that they would be - but any good opportunity to avoid war deserved to be at least considered. With his voice taking a slightly more guarded and lower tone he continues. "Though these Eagles could have designs on disrupting such an event should it occur. They do not seem to like monsters or the divine very much." Martin loved the Empire as much as they did, but surely it was foolish to think that monsters and gods could just be sent away again so easily. To try to rebuild the Empire and create a safe sort of feudal stability was noble; to do so the way the Eagles seemed to want to was more than a little ridiculous.
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Jun 18, 2012 03:43
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Alec With a quick nod and a tired smile Alec looks at the practicing faun. "It is well you can do that, most will not expect that from either you feet or your head. The next thing you need to do is toughen up and be hard. If you can take punches and wounds then you can keep fighting. I can't teach you that, just comes with time and pain I'm afraid." He shook his head, he supposed that one day the faun would be battle scarred and bloodied as was his destiny.
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Jun 18, 2012 03:49
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"That would be inconvenient, wouldn't it?" He murmurs. "If she's going to treat this proposed marriage as my own personal referendum on whether or not I think monsters are equal to us..." He sighs. "She just couldn't have been a harpy, could she? No, it had to be a lioness's torso. At least she's not a lizardwoman, I suppose." Drumming his fingers against the desktop still, his face sets in a harried grimace. "The meeting is a good idea, if the other two can be persuaded to come; I think the Queen will be the more difficult of the two to draw in. As for the Eagles..." He nods. "I'd heard rumors. Their presence explains some things, I suppose. Not a welcome presence, though- and me setting my guards after them would at best result in dead guards and a minor inconvenience to the Eagles. In fact, the only way you'll ever come to an honest battle with them is to give them a target they can't resist." Steepling his fingers, he adds, "Incidentally, I've been consulting with some others, and- though I wouldn't insult you by saying you need help, I would be more comfortable if you had more help. There is a... knight, formerly of a noble chivalric order destroyed in the War, who has turned to mercenary work to keep herself in feed- with a pronounced preference for bodyguard work, though. One of her more recent duties was escorting a new priestess of Caria here through bandit-infested lands, and that priestess has given her a glowing recommendation. I've taken the liberty of hiring her to bolster your group." Mukaikubo fucked around with this message at 04:22 on Jun 18, 2012 |
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Jun 18, 2012 04:19
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Martin de Mignolet "It is a difficult business, m'lady, and not always enjoyable," says Martin to Lette on the matter of politicking. He would be one to know after all. With a slightly bitter smile, he regards the mayor once again. "I am not saying it will be taken that way, your Lordship, I am merely pointing out the concerns that I see. In either case I imagine Naantali would be agreeable to a meeting; it is the Queen that is likely to be the greater problem, if her last message was any indication." But then, that problem might just be less dire now, with the horde turning north for a while. It at least provided for some time. "As far as extra help goes...we appreciate it," he adds without much fanfare. "We were attacked on the road to the Freehold - and not by monsters - which is why only myself and the lady Lette came here; two were poisoned and the rest are staying behind to look after them while they recuperate. The people of the Freehold have been very good to us in that respect. Anyway, an extra sword would certainly not go wanting in these times, I think," he says with a decent amount of good cheer.
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Jun 18, 2012 04:35
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Lord Roland scowls. "Poor news, that. I'd hoped for better... are they at mortal risk? And who exactly was it?" Leaning back, he adds, "There may be a difficulty. You see, she's... a centaur." Holding up a hand, he adds, "Even if there are objections, at the very least you will if you run into those centaur bandits again be better able to fight on equal terms."
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Jun 18, 2012 04:48
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Lette "If this meeting happens, the Eagles would be tangling with Queen Feathershaft. However you may feel about her, she's someone you'd want nearby if they come calling; I saw her cut a bandit in half at the waist in one stroke." She recalls that she hadn't been that specific about it back at the inn. Somehow, she finds it easier to give voice to the spectacle, this time. Martin's reaction to the news of the knight prompts a nod. "Yes, I don't think anyone would object to more help. As it happens, we were hoping to meet with that very priestess soon! If she'll vouch for the knight, then I'm sure she's trustworthy."
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Jun 18, 2012 04:52
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Martin de Mignolet "No objections on my part, my Lord. There are centaurs in the employ of the Freehold as well," he says, giving Lord Roland a nod and a look. Perhaps returning there with a centaur ally in tow could ease Naantali's potential response should the mayor reject the proposal. And in any case, Martin had learned quickly that 'monsters' were not universally bad. "It was Isit and Alec that were hurt, by the way. Fairy poison. When we left this morning, Isit was doing reasonably well. Alec less so, though he should live, he needs monitored quite closely."
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Jun 18, 2012 04:55
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"Fairies?" He seems disbelieving. "Here? Oh, well, I suppose I didn't have enough worries to keep me awake at night. Is there anything else I should know about before I send you off to round up your new companion? Perhaps you entered Plyussa's home and insulted her parentage and finished it off with a crude praise of Tulun's manhood, to spark this war?" He rubs his head and mutters, "Damned foolishness all around."
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Jun 18, 2012 04:58
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Lette "Um..." She colors at Lord Roland's pointed question. "We'll let you know if we learn anything. About that."
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Jun 18, 2012 05:28
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Martin de Mignolet "It was ill luck on the road and little else, and there is not much more to tell," he adds, sparing a quick glance over at Lette. The other deal could wait until later; Roland had more than enough on his plate, and in any case it was Isit that was charged with that particular message. "We drove them off, though. They had a wizard of sorts with them...a human. In fact it was the two of us here that slew him; the lady did well, and I must admit I am more than a little proud of that," he says, allowing himself a bit of a smug grin on his companion's behalf, hoping to redirect the discussion. Unlike Lette, he was used to blood and killing, but he was glad that he knew someone who could manage that sort of courage. After all, fear was the most important part of being brave - it was overcoming fear, not having no fear, that was the key. In that sense, thought Martin, he was less brave than some of his companions.
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Jun 18, 2012 05:40
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Lord Roland's eyes sharpen as Lette stutters ever so slightly, like a hunting hound taking a scent... but Martin's intervention pulls him away from whatever thought he was about to chase. "Very well. Rogue mages are the last thing we need, especially if they're in league with near-myths like fairies. Good to hear that that problem's been... taken care of." He frowns. "Well, I will consider her request, but I don't accept. If you can diplomatically wiggle around it, don't refuse either when you speak to her next. The meeting of all three, though, I'll happily agree to, pending negotiation over where and when and all that minutiae. Your new companion took quarters at Caria's temple, which is good since you mentioned you had business there anyhow. That will be all." --- A new job had been offered, and accepted; the priestess hardly needed a bulky guardian in the crowded streets of Noah, as congenial as she had been to work for and as intriguing the dinner chat with one who communed with the Huntress herself... fortunately, as the priestess Xavega had mentioned late in their journey north to Noah, she had actually mentioned that Asha would be a good fit for another job she knew was coming. A day had turned into three days, with little to do for a woman of action but to sit in contemplation and try her hand at scholarly reading in the temple's library- an ill fit for her. At last, though, word had come of the new job- a band of would-be heroes, bound by oath and payroll to defend the city from extraordinary threats. Mutters of some of those had come through in whispers, a demigod-led barbarian army to the north, a forest of savage monsters to the east- but none so viscerally apparent as the fireworks and thundering along nearby temples the night prior. Perhaps that had been an omen. A runner came in from the "Palace", fresh out of breath with news that several of her new charges were en route to the temple to confer with the priestess and meet her; the Mayor wished Asha to begin guarding them immediately (though there was hardly a threat inside the temple). Which left her only problem that hooves were ill-suited for marble floors and staircases, but that could also be born with careful steps and practice. Not long after the runner left, the priestess entered; a woman who looked like an almost-grandmotherly matron with her goddess-gray hair, but who was in actuality not more than five years the centaurs' senior; she craned her head upward to look at the centaur with a broad grin, and said, "Back into action again, eh? And this no mere courier job for you- I said on the road that no matter how many times ragged peasants tried to waylay us that simply escorting me and my books was hardly a fitting use of your talents. I'm sure this new task will be more fulfilling both in difficulty..." she lets her grin widen. "And in fulfilment." Err'body welcome Gaist into the game! Gaist, just post the Official Copy of your sheet in the thread with your first post; the priestess has you put up in large quarters for now (and mercifully on the first floor)- very luxurious and posh, even when not built for a centaur's bulk.
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Jun 18, 2012 05:56
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Martin de Mignolet "Very well, my Lord," he says, and after the customary bow, he turns to leave. Outside, once his companion has joined him, he shrugs. "I cannot say that was entirely unexpected. Disappointing, but not unexpected. Anyway, we should be to the temple. I remember a certain dream telling us we should go there, anyway," he says to Lette in an oddly grave tone as he begins to walk down the hall, adjusting the fit of his cloak around his shoulders as he goes.
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Jun 18, 2012 06:34
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Lette Rising, Lette offers a perfunctory curtsy before setting out. A clerk helpfully provides a pointer in the direction of the temple district, and off they go. "Time is a luxury to be enjoyed, when you can get it. I'd want more time to think in a case like that, too." She blinks. "Speaking from experience, actually," she adds, sounding almost surprised. "Yes. That dream. You never did finish telling me about it," she pries, keeping her wording neutral in the public setting. "Something about a talking wolf eating your memories? Reminds me of Alec's nightmare, actually. Did it say anything else?"
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Jun 18, 2012 06:50
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Martin de Mignolet "It wasn't a wolf, it was Caria as a person, although I did not know that then," he says in a whisper, lest other ears are listening. "I remember...well..." begins Martin, sounding unsure if he should say anything at all. But then, at least two of his friends know he has spoken to the Goddess at least once before, and he and Lette are on their way to her temple. "I remember seeing Wallin County like a nightmare. I remember...Her, telling me why it was so, and that I could fix it. And then nothing else," he mutters softly, as if he still is not sure what happened. "It is hard to explain this sort of thing."
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Jun 18, 2012 07:00
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Asha After all that had transpired, Noah--staggeringly crowded as it was--proved almost daunting in its respite; across the last eight weeks she had transitioned into the role of bodyguard for hire and now, business was good. Waiting, however, was not--and it had scarcely taken twenty-four hours of being cooped up among the temple grounds to leave Asha feeling thoroughly restless. The available literature was nigh awe-inspiring for the sheer volume at hand--but Xavega herself had well enough been a font of knowledge for the same-such subjects so many of the tomes in the library covered at length. Periodically, Asha had made a round of the temple's halls--but hoof-falls on marble were hardly helpful when the pious sought quiet for prayer. When word came for re-assignment, Asha sought to settle remaining affairs; for as much as the centaur had meant to avoid matters of deific faith, Xavega had proven a most compelling speaker on the road--and arguments for ambition, alluring. The trip to Noah had been an eventful one in a great many ways--bandits and brigands only a footnote compared to fireside conversations; stars above, Asha had actually found herself devilishly curious about the details Xavega was all too willing to share. More so than most of the charges which had preceded her, Asha could not help but grow fond of Xavega by the end of their journey together; that the priestess had ready words following the centaur's dealings with dissuading road agents most righteously only helped to strengthen such regard. Xavega's entrance into Asha's makeshift quarters is an awaited one--and the centaur is found within the cramped confines already wrangling with buckles and straps; the armiger's preparations could prove lengthy without the assistance of a squire--arguably among that which Asha longed for the most from the old days. To one side of the chamber, the cushions which had collected for the centaur's sleeping arrangements yet lay in disarray--while upon the small desk a weathered book could be glimpsed with a slip of a ribbon sticking out a third of the way through. Asha twists to one side slightly before side-stepping to allow Xavega more room; she tilts her head at the woman's grin. "Certainly not," she muses of a courier's role, offering a brief smile. "You are fully settled, then?" A roll of a shoulder as she adjusts the seating of padding against it slightly; with a brief nod towards her flank, she shifts her footing. "Would you mind lending a hand?" With only a brief beat, she resumes then. "The road agents may disagree." She muses for a moment before furrowing her brow in consternation. "If the assessment is on the mark, it may prove quite challenging--difficult to say what to make of the others on the writ." She twitches slightly, an ear flicking as her gaze flits towards the rolled parchment where it lay. ~ pre:Asha Blackwood Centaur Chevalier Order of the Argent Ram Sole Survivor. GaistHeidegger fucked around with this message at 16:33 on Jan 16, 2013 |
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Jun 18, 2012 07:01
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"Always better yourself," Xavega chides as she takes up the metal with a grunt. "Do you really need all this just to meet them?" As she had on the road, the priestess at least tolerably quickly gets the armor situated on Asha's body. "But in truth, to waste your talents on a job below your skill is a sin, child. You know that as well as I- the only way to find out how good you can be is to push yourself to the limits of what you can do. You'd never do that working for me, but with these?" She shrugs, holding up the helmet. "One hears things. Blessed Caria herself's met with a few of them herself-" somehow the priestess doesn't sound envious- "and has ordered me to give them whatever aid I am able. That's not particularly common for 'adventurers'. They're special, mark me if they're not, and you'll do just fine in among them." --- Lette and Martin have little trouble finding the Temple Row, if just from the stale smell of smoke; thankfully the half-burnt temple isn't along their path, with Caria's temple a large marble edifice (much grander than the Palace) near the corner of the main road and the temples' spar. On entry, and on giving their name, an acolyte beams- "I'll go get the priestess immediately, sir and madam." He says, before rushing off to go notify priestess and centaur that their appointment has arrived.
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Jun 18, 2012 07:08
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Asha "I've naught for a proper dress uniform." She offers somewhat tersely, a hoof scuffing against the floor. "Besides, with the prior commotion..." She shakes her head, lips pressing to a thin line. For the rest of the layered patience, Asha remains quiet as Xavega speaks, focused primarily on the donning at hand--though the tilt of her head and a perk here and there suggest attentiveness just the same. "Then let us hope that their foes are most formidable." She offers at last with a smirk--cupping the helm beneath her arm before she ducks out and past the low doorway; soon enough, the heavy sounding of hooves against marble leaves little subtlety as she accompanies Xavega. Proud & Stubborn both.
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Jun 18, 2012 07:18
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Lette She leans closer when he begins to whisper. "I know, I was trying to be indirect," she whispers back. "All this talk about 'birds' had me worried... but then, we're hardly unknown to them at this point. Guess it's moot." She nods at his explanation. "Yes. I think I can understand. Not exactly, but close," she replies. "Ends that don't quite tie together, when my family vanished... I must have fainted. Feels so strange to say that; never fainted before." But then, a lot of aspects of that scene were quite unique in her experience. As they waited outside of the temple, Lette shrunk a bit, remaining as unobtrusive to passersby as she could. One priest giving her the stinkeye today was quite enough. She finally perks up at the sound of approaching hooves. Peering in, she raises a hand in anticipation of a wave. Aeolius fucked around with this message at 07:22 on Jun 18, 2012 |
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Jun 18, 2012 07:20
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The priestess is not long to come after the acolyte leaves with notification in hand; soon the tall, handsome gray-haired woman strides forward with an outstretched arm. "You'd be Collette and Baron de Mignolet, wouldn't you? That's who the runner said was coming. Welcome! I have the honor to be the priestess Xavega, in charge of this temple and the goddess's worship in Noah, and this-" She half turns to the very large centaur slowly making its way along the marble floors behind her, "Is Asha Blackwood, my former bodyguard and the knight Lord Roland has hired to aid you."
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Jun 18, 2012 07:24
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Martin de Mignolet "To lose yourself and your own memories...is not an easy thing to confront," he says to Lette in passing. Then, as the priestess and the knight arrive, he frowns, fidgeting uncomfortably for a brief few seconds. "...Baron?" Was this some sort of a joke? Or simply a message not delivered properly? He closes his eyes for a moment; no, his home was surely too far for those here to know the circumstances, and even if it was not so he doubted any follower of Caria would have occasion to target that particular shameful memory purposefully. Though he could not be sure of that entirely, of course. "Once I could have been, yes. Perhaps again, some day. No matter. I am Martin, son of Lucien, of the house de Mignolet, and heir to Wallin County. Good day to the both of you," he says, offering his usual polite bow.
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Jun 18, 2012 07:37
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Lette Patiently, Lette nodded. Her first sense was that Caria had passed along her full name. At the news that the runner had done so, she grew confused. Certainly she had never used the name in his presence. Was Lord Roland digging up information on her? Her family'd certainly passed through enough leases and the like that there were bound to be records. And she supposed that it made sense that a savvy man such as he would research key employees. He'd know she hadn't used the name because learning it through other sources would have come as a surprise. Lette concluded, after some consideration, that he must want her to know that he is conducting this inquiry. Or, maybe he'd also met Caria. Either way, the mayor has demonstrated the capacity to surprise. "'Lette' is fine, please. Haven't been Collette since I was... 6 or so. But yes, Lette Hirthal. It is a pleasure and an honor to meet you. And you as well, Asha." She was struck by the sheer volume of metal about the centaur. "I hope your journey was uneventful?" If so, that's about to change. Turning to the priestess, Lette nearly slapped her forehead. Dolan still had the mask. But then, Caria had said that the priestess could find someone to determine the source of the object. "Mother Xavega, it was suggested to us," she said, pointedly leaving out the obvious part, "that you might be able to find someone capable and trustworthy to determine whether an object, um... has its origin with a particular god or goddess. We don't have it on us at the moment, but we will when we next return from the Freehold." She blushed, but continued: "Might we trouble you to set this inquiry in motion? It may hold some significance to the recent unrest around this district." Aeolius fucked around with this message at 07:59 on Jun 18, 2012 |
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Jun 18, 2012 07:42
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Asha To affect so thunderous a canter against a marble floor could not be rightly helped--and so in short enough order Asha arrives alongside Xavega with a few final heavy thuds and a fitful lash of the tail. Asha straightens to her full height at the introduction of the pair, casting a long look to each in turn; at the mention of Martin's moniker her ears perk and she promptly dips her head in a bow. "Baron." Turning towards the woman then, Asha offers a curt nod. "Likewise." Her head cocks at the question. "Highwaymen who lacked the stomach for a sortie." Her nose wrinkles briefly. "No cut-purses of consequence." Asha seems to beam a touch at this, glancing towards Xavega--though as Lette delves into another subject entirely, the centaur crosses her arms against her stomach and observes.
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Jun 18, 2012 08:06
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Martin de Mignolet "...not Baron. You have been informed badly, though once that title should have been mine," he says giving the centaur knight a brief stare. She certainly seemed resolute...and well-mannered, if nothing else, though he bristled at the misapplication of title. It might be he could not put up with that forever. Accompanying such an individual would be strange at first, but he assured himself that would not last. After the other comments he manages a self-assured smile. "With us, you'll not be dealing with the usual sort of bandits, at least from my experience in the mayor's employ thus far. We seem to attract a stranger and more fulfilling sort of combatant to cross swords with," he claims with an affirmative gesture. Though he did wonder if it would have seemed so strange to the knight as it did to him, it certainly had been an odd sort of fun thus far.
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Jun 18, 2012 08:15
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Lette "Oh," Lette responded, duly concerned. "Lord Roland had billed the lands you crossed as 'bandit-infested,' but neglected to mention which way that was." She had come from the west, herself, marked as it was by a distinct lack of persons of any sort. The east didn't seem particularly plagued by banditry, and north was right out. "...Coming from the south, I guess? Such a shame." The central midlands were lovely this time of the year: well-populated cities and townships flourished amid verdant pastures not yet pushed to the limit by the mid-summer sun. She nodded in agreement with Martin, adding by way of example: "A couple of our comrades are in the northeastern Freehold, weathering fairy poison, of all things. It's been a trying few days." To say nothing of the lead-up. Aeolius fucked around with this message at 14:45 on Jun 18, 2012 |
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Jun 18, 2012 08:28
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Lo'el "DRAGON!" He raises his hands in mocked surprise to his little audience, having his eyes go wide and ears stand on end before he quickly continues on. "It is said that Kiahn the Courageous barely had time to turn before the mighty winged-beast descended upon him and his band of men! Such was his courage, that the great hero ordered his men to retreat as he stood alone against the deadly dragon! With his legendary shield raised, he braved the dragon's fire and charged forward defiantly!" He picks a loose stick up from the ground and rises to his hooves as he waves the 'sword' in the air, as if he himself were fighting off such a beast. Moments earlier, after he had rested enough and profusely thanked Alec and the others for their instructions, he had taken to playing his flute again for the village. Such dark times were upon them and it seemed that the peoples of the Freehold had been through the worst of it. Even in the worst of days, he finds that music and cheer are needed all the more to keep people's spirits high. Before he could even finish one song though, the faun had found himself surrounded by a group of childlings -many of which had followed him around the village the day before- and he lowers the flute with a smile to all the many different raced children that gather before him. "Ahh yes, a story was promised, no?" And that had been all he needed to start. Now he prances about, waving his stick sword through the air like a mighty hero as the children giggle and cheer. With such carefree laughter, he feels that he could close his eyes and almost convince himself that he were home. He may not know much when it comes to speaking with children, but he can truly think of no better audience for the tales he has learned. "He lunged high and low! Using the strength of his magical shield to divert even the fiercest of the dragon's flame as they fought! The beast soon realized it was outmatched, for no foe could best brave Kiahn and it decided to retreat into the air! But so fast and smart as he was, the courageous hero leapt up onto the dragon's back and delivered a killing blow as they flew through the air!" He thrusts the stick in his hand down to the ground to punctuate his words and beams at the children. "Once the great beast lay dead and would no longer torment the land with it's evil, our triumphant and brave hero then entered the dragon's lair itself where he bravely fought off the dragon's loyal servants and reclaimed the young princess from her prison! And from that day, there was not a man, woman or child in the land that did not know the name of Sir Kiahn the Courageous!" He smiles down at the children as they cheer, not at all phased by the fact that some of the childlings seem to be of races he had only heard of in stories himself. If anything, it simply made the time more enjoyable. With only the briefest pause, he picks up the flute in his hands again, wondering if he could even inspire a dance. "Now, this one is called Dance of Summer Leaves. A wonderful song that everyone should hear at least once in their lives. After this-" He leans in and loudly whispers to the children, as if it were a secret only from them; "I shall tell you of Tathv, the elf king, who saved his magical lands single-handedly!" And with a gleefully winked promise, he raises the flute to his lips again and attempts to fill the village with the joys of song.
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Jun 18, 2012 10:42
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The priestess's eyes raise, just a little. "Oh? I would say- Martin- that the rightful heir to a barony is entitled to be called by that title as a matter of simple respect, if nothing else... though if it is particularly sensitive, of course I will accept your wishes." She grins, an expression which fades as Lette begins talking- she hunches forward. "Would this have anything to do," she says gently, "with why you've got a whiff of Plyussa's favor about you, Lette?" --- The gnoll children- and by now, many other young ones had flocked over to the odd faun to hear him tell stories- squall in delight at the unusual entertainment. Soon enough Lo'el has a regular audience, with several parents of variegated shapes lurking near the edges of the gathering to keep an eye on wayward children. The others, at the edge of the clearing, have little else to do as the hours drift by save to plan and talk, especially with Isit and Alec still almost prostrate from their wounds. Others pass; though they seem to have not been ordered to ignore them, they by and large leave the adventurers to themselves rather than indulge in chatter for chatter's sake. The afternoon wears on towards early evening, and at last the satyr doctor shows up more or less bright eyed and bushy tailed. "You both lived through the day, I see," she comments with apparent cheer. "Any new symptoms to report? And where'd the others go?"
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Jun 18, 2012 14:52
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Asha Arching a brow she eyes the man with a moment of curiosity before blinking at his stare; with the mention of foes better than bandits, the centaur offers Martin a ready grin. "It will be a welcome change to match steel with sterner sorts, then." Her expression grows more somber, lips drawing to a thin line. "Stars know there is much strange to be found lurking in the wilds now." Looking to Lette, Asha tilts her head before nodding to the woman. "We arrived from the southern roads, yes; there were many travelers en route to Noah--fewer, now, who lurk on the fringes." Once more the centaur falls silent as Xavega speaks, a flank twitching as she listens; at the more direct mention of godly scents she sniffs once reflexively, eyes going from the priestess to Lette yet again.
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Jun 18, 2012 14:58
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Lette "Mayb- um... sort of. Yes," Lette finally admits. "Regardless, I'd rather not see them fight so. If I'm wrong, then there's nothing to be done. But if my suspicions are founded, they'd have no reason — or, um, less reason, anyway — to continue warring." She looks around self consciously. "Is it really that plain? Some... smell? Every priest I meet seems to notice. A Tulunian gave me a rotten look." And one may also have tried to murder her yesterday, but she'd continue to withhold judgment to that end for now. Lette nods at Asha. "Are many settlements still alive and well? The world is changing so, I hope they're managing alright."
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Jun 18, 2012 15:13
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"To those attuned to the gods," Xavega says, "A god's- let's say favor- has a certain... aura to it. It's not quite smell, but that's closest for words to handle. I'm not surprised, given the fighting, that one of Tulun's would not react so well to you. I'd be happy he didn't try to attack you in frustration." She takes a few steps and adds, "I'd be happy to identify any marks of such favor, though an object is often more slippery than a person with their own soul so marked."
Mukaikubo fucked around with this message at 15:20 on Jun 18, 2012 |
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Jun 18, 2012 15:18
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Isit Isit shakes her head at the doctor's question. "No new symptoms, unless being grumpy is something I have to look out for. Others went to Noah to help with the negotiations. Ain't just your people that are twitchy about mind magic it seems." Leaning back in her chair, she tilts her neck to the side. "So does the swelling going down mean something bad, or good?"
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Jun 18, 2012 16:52
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Lo'el The hours pass by and the faun finds himself getting lost in his stories and music, as easily captivated in the moment as his audience seem to be. Many stories of knights, princes, princesses and fearsome creatures are all told in as much detail as he can throw in, with as many songs as he can remember being played between each telling. Soon enough though, he finds himself struggling to remember what has been told and played and he looks up to the position of the sun in the sky as a melodramatic sigh escapes his mouth. Best to end now perhaps, then try to make stories up himself. Story telling always becomes a great deal more difficult when books are not handily available to read from. "Well, children. Would you look at that! It seems you have heard all the stories and songs I can possibly tell you for today. Perhaps I shall have to go and learn some more so that I can come back and do this all again! Now, I am sure you are all dying to be fed, so run along to your parents and remember to be good and let the joy of song and dance fill your hearts!" He does his best impersonation of a bow for the children and gives a smile with a thankful nod to the parents that stand nearby. "May the stars light your way in the darkest of nights!" It seems more fitting to bless them by their own beliefs then offer them one of Dinym's, considering their likely shared disdain for the gods. Hopefully the moon goddess will understand. Waving his goodbyes for now, he is more then a little surprised himself when the looks of wonder and amazement still show on the children's faces as they simply look at him. He chuckles giddily to them as he waves them off to their parents. Even to creatures so exotic as them, I am still viewed in wide-eyed surprise. Smiling to himself at the thought, he trots back over to his resting companions. Noticing the familiar appearance of the doctor as he comes over, his upbeat mood takes on a more subdued tone as he sits himself down nearby, breathing out a sigh. "Hello again, doctor. I did never catch your name? Children certainly do never tire of stories and song, just makes me wish that I knew more appropriate ones for them. I am, of course, still sorry for the other day. If there is anything that can be done, I will gladly do it for you." Looking over at Alec and Isit, he glances back up at the position of the sun again. "Time has certainly passed us by. Perhaps it is time to contact our friends, if you have not done so already, Dolan?" He turns back to the doctor again, ears dropped and face no doubt showing the embarrassment he feels in talking to the satyr. "It seems the faeries have left an antidote for us, not too far from here. Hopefully we can claim it ourselves if we are to be moving soon. If not, I may have to ask for some help in fetching it so that Isit and Alec here do not have to suffer with this poison for another night."
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Jun 18, 2012 17:30
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Dolan Lo'el made a fine distraction. With him telling stories and keeping the kids and parents occupied, Dolan was able to examine the mask again inside -- close enough to a window to hear if anything happened or if he was needed -- away from the townsfolk. He had looked at everything in his logbook that might help him, but there was nothing like this. No wards to dispel, no object to trace, nothing. Everything just seemed to go right through it, as if it were some kind of illusion. At least an illusion could be dispelled, and when it was known it could be ignored. This, though... Oh, it was there all right. It was there and staring him in the face and mocking him. Hearing his name, he perks up. "Eh? Oh hells." The shadows across the trees tell him that he spent his entire afternoon looking at that mask and accomplishing nothing. He wished he could at least determine what it was NOT, that would be a step in the right direction, but it had foiled even that kind of examination. He stuffs the mask back into his pouch and heads outside. "I hadn't contacted them yet, no." He hoped he hadn't missed the appointed time by much. Scratching a rune into the dirt, Dolan reconsiders trying to talk to Lette again after what happened last time. That may be something that was still there, whether a warding she had placed accidentally or simply an artifact of her birth he did not know. Besides, Martin would probably understand the nuance behind everything Roland had said. Politicians. He concentrates as he Channels, hoping the man is receptive. Martin, it is Dolan. Have you delivered the message yet? Mukbot gave me a 16 (fail) then a 11 (success) for 4 FP cost tota Then there is the time difference bullshit which we can just fudge aroundl Gus Hobbleton fucked around with this message at 19:52 on Jun 18, 2012 |
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Jun 18, 2012 17:52
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Isit "Hrmph, I might chance another bad night over the antidote. Let's just hope I proved to convince her I am sufficiently useful. Maybe if It does work, the people here can find a way to duplicate it."
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Jun 18, 2012 17:57
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Alec He half listened to the stories as he drew in the dirt in front of him. Alec had remember Wurm fights to be much worse then the playful story Lo'el had described. He, however, was not feeling well enough to do much, even movement a forced action and speaking like struggling to breath. He had been mortally wounded, almost lost his arm, had his soul torn asunder from a spirit, shocked in his head and poisoned in the last three days. This had been the worst few days of his life in recent memory, with only the Queen's visit as the bright spot. That had been absolutely delightful, though he had made a fool of himself. The past few days were starting to catch up with him, and it was a struggle to concentrate. He considered telling the children what it was really like to go on Wurm hunt but decided wisely against it. He instead focused on his experience with Wurms and began searching for the memories contained in his beleaguered head to stay alive and conscious. The hard part had always been grounding them, it usually took archers or bait. Bait worked more reliably though as few of them would fly low enough for long enough to actually hit the wings. Once it had landed for the bait, or to attack the Archers, a few of the men would jump on the Wurm and slash their wings with sharpened hot short swords. They normally did not survive the processes, but it would ground the beast at the very least. The quick ones would escape and back off waiting. The Archers and Spear Throwers would come up aiming for the eyes of the beast trying to blind it. This is where a few men with long spears would stay in front of the archers to keep them safe. The Wurm , of course, would thrash and snap at all around it in blind agony and fright, usually claiming a few men the jaws or talons bisecting men with frightful ease. Once it was blinded however, was the time to move in and strike, the Strongest Warriors with two mallets and long iron spikes would run forward and wait. The Wurm blinded would try to snap and roar the enemy way, once it tried to use its breath to kill the invisible archers, they would spring into action. Using a two man team on each side one would pierce the large hands it used to brace itself against the ground while roaring then send the iron spike into the ground and then the next man with a mallet would beat it till it hooked the rod into the creatures hand. They worked in unison having trained driving the pikes into the ground and then curving it. If done correctly the beast would only pull back and hook itself more into the cruel device. Usually this pain was enough to prevent it from using it's full strength from pulling it from the ground. The other team would work at the same time to prevent it from using its other claw to free it. Alec patted the ground and thought it too soft to properly hold such a thing, and if it was, well then you just gave your massive enemy a sword instead of claws. Next came, of course, the Warriors with large Axes to hack the neck until it was hewn off. If anything failed at any point these Axemen would most likely die. Alec had seen other methods for sure, but this was the one he remembered the most. The rivers of blood and gore pouring from the beast hardly seemed the noble image that Lo'el told the pups. Odd how a story would change to Lo'el's much more clean and majestic version was perhaps what happened to his own people. Of course these were not the whitish Wurms that had populated his home so they may not do the same things. He wondered more severely if his town had even survived the onslaught, or maybe it was not just a story he would tell others. It was then that Alec noticed the satyr standing over him, "Symptoms? I don't know." the question seemed strange to him, after all how would he know what hurt is from what? Alec puts his head against the wall and looks at the forest ceiling having lost focus on what was going on.
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Jun 18, 2012 17:58
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