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Into the Icy Darkness: The Great Demon War
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<blockquote data-quote="Emperor Valerian" data-source="post: 1352212" data-attributes="member: 15043"><p>The next update to that adventure, entitled,</p><p></p><p><strong>Thou Shalt Schmooze Thy Noble, Part Two</strong></p><p></p><p>Shaun looked deeply into Elenya’s eyes, and had to wonder, <em>what else is she capable of?</em> For her part, Elenya stared deeply back into his eyes as the two continued to twirl around through the large dancing portion of the hall, to the newest dance from Iskeldrun itself; they called it a waltz.</p><p></p><p>“It looks so scandalous,” Elenya had commented when they had first wandered over after arriving at the party, “they don’t maintain space... they touch each others shoulders!” At was at that point that both her and Shaun decided for sure they were going to join the dance floor.</p><p></p><p><em>I’m glad I held her back for twenty minutes so we could watch and learn... its really paid off,</em> he thought as he swung her through another graceful spin, his eyes breaking from hers momentarily to see a blur of admiring, and even envious faces all around.</p><p></p><p><em>That’s right... she likes me, not any of you,</em> his heart thumped, and he let loose a laugh.</p><p></p><p>The long finally drew to an end, and Shaun, on a whim, gracefully dipped Elenya close to the floor at song’s end. She let out a muffled squeal, and gave him a slight punch when he brought her back up.</p><p></p><p>“What was that for?” she laughed.</p><p></p><p>“Just wanted to try it,” Shaun grinned, as numerous young nobles, especially males, began pressing close, a few mimicking his previous steps, and a couple openly asking him questions about his moves, and most especially, about the unorthodox dip at the end. Many of the women in the growing audience to his dancing ask who he is, and of course, he eagerly replies he is, “Shaun Dice, servant of our Lord Lucius Caladron!”</p><p></p><p>“Hon,” Elenya said as she held him close after another dance, “I think we’ve found your perfect line of profession.... you cold come to Kulloden as a dance teacher!” </p><p></p><p><em>Ha! A mere dance teacher... but that is right... Elenya doesn’t know my full abilities yet...</em> Shaun’s mind smacked its lips at the chance to show off in front of his girl, and so as the next dance ended, Shaun walked into the crowd of people now dancing like them, and struck up a conversation with a puffy old man that had a brilliant gold brooch around his wrist. When Shaun left the conversation... it was no longer there, and no one in the crowd, too busy nodding their heads like mindless geese, was any the wiser...</p><p></p><p>When the next dance had them distracted, Shaun tapped Elenya’s shoulder.</p><p></p><p>“You remember that gentlemen with the gold brooch you thought was exquisite?” he purred softly into her ear. She nodded her head slowly, not evidently not sure of what to expect next.</p><p></p><p><em>This will be absolutely great! Your lover, honey, is not just a consummate dancer, consummate lover, consummate debonair, consummate prankster, and consummate... fighter... yes, fighter! Your lover is also the best and brightest thief in this region!</em></p><p></p><p>He cupped his hands and flashed them towards Elenya in a motion only she could see... and he saw her face explode into widely varying emotions as she saw what was inside. </p><p></p><p><em>Jackpot</em>, he thought quietly, extending his hand a little further. Quite quickly, hers flew over the top of his, and she delivered a quick, little too passionate for the situation kiss on his lips.</p><p></p><p><em>What was that about?</em> he thought momentarily till she pulled back quickly, looking out of the corner of her eye at someone he didn’t see.</p><p></p><p>“Shauny, that was the greatest thing ever,” she whispered, a hint of one of his favorite smiles playing on her lips, which then suddenly faded. “...but don’t ever do that again in the middle of a ball? Please?” </p><p></p><p><em>OH... I see what the kiss was... sleight of hand to keep prying eyes from seeing what I.... crap... I almost blew things myself. </em> He looked at Elenya in wonderment. First she was an excellent cook, excellent lover, she was rapidly becoming a good spell caster and an excellent fast talker... and now she basically saved his behind with her quick mind and talent for distraction. </p><p></p><p><em>Is there ANYTHING this woman can’t do?</em> he thought with an enormous grin, giving her a genuine hug of thanks as the brooch in question slid into his pocket.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>“You are so <em>toned</em> and <em>in shape!</em> Who is your masseuse, Lady Siabrey, and how much more do I have to pay him to pry him from your service?” A prissy young woman, whom Siabrey only knew too well, pressed. The fighter sighed in annoyance, and caught a glimpse of Tess with a dark haired man far on the other side of the room. Siabrey wished she could be there.</p><p></p><p><em>One flutter of my wings and I bet they’ll scatter to the far winds</em>, she thought for a second in a tired voice. <em>Maybe I should just blurt out that my masseuse is Lucius... that would throw them for a loop.</em></p><p></p><p>“I... practice with sword and steel often, m’Lady Marel. Where I come from, everyone must be prepared,” she said slowly, stringing together her half-truths and half lies carefully. There was a collective gasp from the group of woman, none of whom had likely been outside the boudoirs longer than necessary to attend a party.</p><p></p><p>“You practice with sword? What is your routine? Three sets of five swings? Do you have a trainer? Is your trainer cute, like my husband’s trainer?” An incessant whirl of questions flew towards Siabrey, and she instantly regretted making the comment.</p><p></p><p>Thankfully for our hero, just as her head was about to explode, the music from the orchestra rather suddenly changed. Trumpets blared, and a processional march began... Siabrey didn’t have to know the music playing was the personal anthem of the royal family to realize that Her Majesty, Princess Zoe Paleologus, Arbiter of the Northern Borders, Protector of the Sword of Tarantor, etc. etc. etc. had arrived.... fashionably late.</p><p></p><p><em>Crap,</em> Siabrey’s mind thought, as she realized she was almost immediately beside the velvet and sink red carpet that led from the entryway, where now the Princess in all her imperial splendor stood, and the Imperial throne on the other side of the room.</p><p></p><p><em>I’ll have to look at her up close AGAIN!</em> Siabrey complained in her mind, as she sank to one knee like everyone else in the room. Slowly, gracefully, in time with the too elegant music and with too perfect movements, the Princess slid up the floor of the hall, the Governor on one side, and an elderly man, dressed in fine regal robes, on the other.</p><p></p><p><em>She’s getting closer,</em> Siabrey thought as the Princess drew nigh, and the fighter couldn’t help but look up into the Princess’ face as she drew close.</p><p></p><p>The Princess’ eye caught Siabrey’s face for a moment, and for a distinct short period, her face changed to an awful sneer that mixed rage, disgust and horror. The split second snarl suddenly changed as the Princess moved her head slightly so she looked only directly at the throne.</p><p></p><p><em>Ah... so she doesn’t think I’m important enough to even look at! Good! Don’t look at Lucius either, wench!</em> Siabrey’s mind taunted as the royal person went by on its inevitable march to the throne. The Princess then sat down to a musical crescendo, and almost immediately nobles in the room were crowding about the throne, with petitions or favors to request from the royal person.</p><p></p><p><em>Slovenly pack of hoodlums,</em> Siabrey thought.</p><p></p><p>“Marel, did you <em>see</em> Her Majesty’s dress? I would utterly <em>die</em> to be able to afford that kind of tailor!” the Baroness of Tor spoke again... and Siabrey took this as her cue to slip away from the mindless pack of fools and head towards where Lucius was. She managed to scuttle alongside Lucius a few minutes later, just as Lucius and a man she now knew was the Baron of Tor (from his idiotic wife’s comments) finished a heated sentence of discussion.</p><p></p><p>“Oh... hi Siabrey!” Lucius said with a genuine grin. A few chuckles went around the group of men in fancy and overwrought robes, as the Baron, whose coiffed hair and lacey suit already annoyed Siabrey, leaned over to the noble next to him, and whispered something.</p><p></p><p>“Lord Lucius sure can pick his maids well for a boy so young. I wonder if she broke him in... or if it was some dog from a roadside brothel?” The two engaged in a loud guffaw, as Siabrey’s eyes narrowed. She’d heard every word.</p><p></p><p><em>You miserable little toad!</em> her mind snarled. Had she not been in the middle of an Imperial gala, instead in the woods, she likely would have taken up fisticuffs with the man.</p><p></p><p>“My Lord Baron,” she said, her voice even, but only barely. It also thundered with a hint of command. “I am <em>not</em>, as you assume, a mere ‘maid’ of Lord Lucius. I am his bodyguard, advisor, and most importantly,” she leaned closer to the Baron to deliver the final line, “his consort!”</p><p></p><p>The other nobles in the circle looked towards the Baron, with a few smirks of mockery now aimed in his direction. His face went red, and he managed to spit out in his embarrassment, “I was merely commenting how m’lady looks like a maid in a meadow,” he lied, then cleared his throat, “I apologize for the confusion, m’lady. No harm or insult was intended.”</p><p></p><p>“None is taken, m’lord,” Siabrey lied back to his face. “M’lord Lucius?” she turned to Lucius’ openly admiring face, “can you please tell me which of these fine gentlemen have chosen to assist you in your efforts to safeguard this Valley from incursion, and which are too preoccupied?” Another flitting glance at the Baron.</p><p></p><p><em>You’ve rolled that Baron back onto his heels Siabrey... lets see if you can’t help Lucius by pushing a few more?</em></p><p></p><p>“Well,” Lucius, catching on immediately, began, “M’Lord Tuscans,” he gestured to the right, “has promised us 500 horse in a fortnight. Lord Sanjay has promised us the same. Lord Everston has committed himself to 3,000 foot and 100 horse, Lord Gastenax the same, and Baron Visby has promised a welcome surprise of 5,000 foot.”</p><p></p><p>“And Lords Umberti and Tor?” she asked, looking at the two nobles who had previously been making wisecracks at her expense. She narrowed her eyes into slits, and she saw the one named Umberti shrivel slightly under her wilting gaze.</p><p></p><p>“I can make arrangements,” the one named Umberti said weakly, “to provide Your Lordship with some 1,000 archers to assist your noble cause.” He bowed rather stiffly.</p><p></p><p>“And m’lord Tor?” Siabrey’s tidal wave of terrible gazes now thundered in on the last uncommitted one in the circle, and Tor’s eyes surprisingly met hers.</p><p></p><p>“I am afraid, m’lady, that I have other pressing needs that must be attended to first, before I can send forces to assist My Lord Lucius,” he said with his own bow, his voice dripping with lies.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, I see Baron... not enough peacocks?” Siabrey asked innocently, and a few snickers went around among the other Barons. Even Lucius could not control his face enough to not grin at her quip. The Baron’s face, however, went a deep crimson, and once again, his head hung low.</p><p></p><p><em>He’s broken,</em> Siabrey thought. <em>Who said being diplomatic is a requirement all the time?</em></p><p></p><p>“I... can rearrange some priorities, and see that M’lord is supplied with 500 archers and equipment, to be assembled here in a fortnight,” the Baron surrendered, and Siabrey gave an enormous grin at her success.</p><p></p><p>As the informal Baron’s Council split apart, Siabrey sidled up to Lucius, giving him a hug. </p><p></p><p>“Hon... remind me to introduce you to more nobles,” he kissed her in thanks, “you got more done with those two in five minutes than I was able to with a half hour of arguing.”</p><p></p><p>”Well, every man has a weakness,” she grinned rather seductively, “you just have to exploit it.” Her grin then went into a full smile, “And Lord Tor’s weakness, was his peacocks!” They shared a laugh, and then decided as it was drawing late, it would be best to begin rounding up other members of the party.</p><p></p><p></p><p>As they drew to the middle of the room, another messenger, clad once again in Imperial colors, walked into their path and stopped them.</p><p></p><p>“Lord Lucius, Her Imperial Majesty begs me to deliver this message,” the page said in a stately voice, handing Lucius another scroll. He then bowed, and walked away from the two.</p><p></p><p><em>Oh boy... this can’t be good,</em> Siabrey thought. “What does it say?” she asked as Lucius tore off the seal and began reading. He gave a huff, and handed it to her.</p><p></p><p><em>M’lord Lucius,</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>I wish to meet with you in private, away from prying ears or formal pomp and circumstance. As you may know, I signed off on your betrothal technically after your mother was in revolt. As such, the betrothal is void... however I still believe it to be in your interests, as well as the interests of the Valley, for us to still be wed. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Meet me at the Hangjou Garden, five blocks from this place. You may bring the harlot with you should you wish... I shall bring my Master Chamberlain. Imperial Guard will be watching to ensure our safety, while we discuss this business as reasonable adults, and reasonable nobles.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Regards</em></p><p><em>Zoe Paleologus, Arbiter of the Northern Frontier, Defender of the Sword of Tarantor, Watcher of the Eastern Lakes, Defender of the City of Iskeldrun... etc. etc. etc.</em></p><p></p><p>“So... this is a command from her, I’m guessing,” Siabrey said with a sad grunt. <em>I don’t want you to go... I don’t trust her! She could hurt you because she hates me!</em></p><p></p><p>Lucius nodded. “I shall go... she isn’t foolish enough to have a noble murdered at a one on one meeting with her. None of the others would trust her ever again. I would, though,” he gave Siabrey a hug, “be appreciative if you would come with. Your mind is sharp, and it can help me should mine grow weak.”</p><p></p><p>She gave him a kiss, “I am your bodyguard, as well as your lover,” Siabrey said, looking into his eyes. “I shall follow you to the ends of this life, if need be.” He smiled back at her, and hugged her tight in thanks.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>As party members were tracked down, Lucius told them of the letter. Elenya, Shaun, and Pellaron were easy to find, however, the party had to search for a bit before they saw Tess sitting alone at a table... with her head lolling to one side.</p><p></p><p><em>Oh no... she got drunk!</em> was Siabrey’s first thought. That however was completely outside of Tess’ normal range of behavior... and Siabrey started to worry as they drew close to the wobbly young woman.</p><p></p><p>“Tess?” Siabrey asked as she drew up alongside her. The fair-haired Tess lolled her head to one side so she could see Siabrey, and said rather lazily, “Pretty.”</p><p></p><p>“What?” Shaun asked as he came up. “Siabrey’s not pretty, what are you talking about?”</p><p></p><p>Siabrey was too worried now to hear or notice Shaun’s quip. She waved her hands in front of Tess’ face, and received no reaction save the same wan smile, and lolling head.</p><p></p><p>“Pretty, pretty, pretty,” was what Tess muttered as Lucius reached over for her goblet, and looked inside it.</p><p></p><p>“Poison!” he cried softly a minute later. “Look... there’s a little bit of yellow powder on the bottom! Don’t touch it! I bet its Modrayn!”</p><p></p><p>“What? Oh Tess!” Siabrey began prying open Tess’ eyes. Tess for her part thought it was fun, and began saying “pretty” faster.</p><p></p><p>“Tess,” Siabrey hunched over in front of the poisoned woman, “Who did this to you?”</p><p></p><p>“So pretty... your hair! It looks like sun!”</p><p></p><p>“Tess.... who did this?”</p><p></p><p>“Black haired man... so pretty! He and I talked long time... he was so pretty. His voice was pretty... he was all pretty!”</p><p></p><p><em>Dammit</em> Siabrey’s mind shouted. She’d seen Tess with a black haired man earlier, and put her evidence together. She looked around the party desperately, and saw him nowhere.</p><p></p><p>“Shouldn’t we get her out of here?” Shaun asked, and Elenya piped up that she agreed. </p><p></p><p>“We’re going? Where are we going?” Tess tried to stand up, and somehow managed, though she immediately began to stumble towards the throne, saying “pretty!”</p><p></p><p>“No! No no no Tess,” Siabrey caught her and turned her around, “See my wings? They’re pretty right? Follow the pretty! Follow them!”</p><p></p><p>IN this manner the party slowly and carefully made its way out of the chambers as the gala continued in full swing... Siabrey to the front, with Tess behind her and Pellaron at the poisoned woman’s side. The other three formed a gaggle at the rear.</p><p></p><p>“Hey, Lucius,” Shaun said, hoping to lighten up the mood, “take a look at what I pilfered off of...”</p><p></p><p>Siabrey spun around, though fortunately Pellaron did not, nor did anyone outside the party.</p><p></p><p>“What?!” she snarled back at him, though Shaun’s eyes were more focused on Lucius, whose look was absolutely terrifying.</p><p></p><p>“Remember, dear Shaun, how I threatened to string you up if you told Siabrey about the book in Kulloden?” Shaun gulped and nodded. “If you <em>ever</em> mention what you were about to out loud again, or ever do something of the sort again, I <em>will</em> string you up! And it will not be by your neck, it will be by parts of you that will be even more painful more torturous...”</p><p></p><p>Shaun gulped and nodded, as the party helped push Tess into Lucius’ carriage to head back to the Temple of Pelor for some major healing... while Siabrey’s mind was now in full defensive mode.</p><p></p><p><em>Someone poisoned Tess, then ‘talked to her a lot.’ They pumped her for information... on what though? What if it was on us? Dammit!</em></p><p></p><p>Her grip on her “dress” long sword tightened noticeably as the carriage careened through the city streets...</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Emperor Valerian, post: 1352212, member: 15043"] The next update to that adventure, entitled, [b]Thou Shalt Schmooze Thy Noble, Part Two[/b] Shaun looked deeply into Elenya’s eyes, and had to wonder, [i]what else is she capable of?[/i] For her part, Elenya stared deeply back into his eyes as the two continued to twirl around through the large dancing portion of the hall, to the newest dance from Iskeldrun itself; they called it a waltz. “It looks so scandalous,” Elenya had commented when they had first wandered over after arriving at the party, “they don’t maintain space... they touch each others shoulders!” At was at that point that both her and Shaun decided for sure they were going to join the dance floor. [i]I’m glad I held her back for twenty minutes so we could watch and learn... its really paid off,[/i] he thought as he swung her through another graceful spin, his eyes breaking from hers momentarily to see a blur of admiring, and even envious faces all around. [i]That’s right... she likes me, not any of you,[/i] his heart thumped, and he let loose a laugh. The long finally drew to an end, and Shaun, on a whim, gracefully dipped Elenya close to the floor at song’s end. She let out a muffled squeal, and gave him a slight punch when he brought her back up. “What was that for?” she laughed. “Just wanted to try it,” Shaun grinned, as numerous young nobles, especially males, began pressing close, a few mimicking his previous steps, and a couple openly asking him questions about his moves, and most especially, about the unorthodox dip at the end. Many of the women in the growing audience to his dancing ask who he is, and of course, he eagerly replies he is, “Shaun Dice, servant of our Lord Lucius Caladron!” “Hon,” Elenya said as she held him close after another dance, “I think we’ve found your perfect line of profession.... you cold come to Kulloden as a dance teacher!” [i]Ha! A mere dance teacher... but that is right... Elenya doesn’t know my full abilities yet...[/i] Shaun’s mind smacked its lips at the chance to show off in front of his girl, and so as the next dance ended, Shaun walked into the crowd of people now dancing like them, and struck up a conversation with a puffy old man that had a brilliant gold brooch around his wrist. When Shaun left the conversation... it was no longer there, and no one in the crowd, too busy nodding their heads like mindless geese, was any the wiser... When the next dance had them distracted, Shaun tapped Elenya’s shoulder. “You remember that gentlemen with the gold brooch you thought was exquisite?” he purred softly into her ear. She nodded her head slowly, not evidently not sure of what to expect next. [i]This will be absolutely great! Your lover, honey, is not just a consummate dancer, consummate lover, consummate debonair, consummate prankster, and consummate... fighter... yes, fighter! Your lover is also the best and brightest thief in this region![/i] He cupped his hands and flashed them towards Elenya in a motion only she could see... and he saw her face explode into widely varying emotions as she saw what was inside. [i]Jackpot[/i], he thought quietly, extending his hand a little further. Quite quickly, hers flew over the top of his, and she delivered a quick, little too passionate for the situation kiss on his lips. [i]What was that about?[/i] he thought momentarily till she pulled back quickly, looking out of the corner of her eye at someone he didn’t see. “Shauny, that was the greatest thing ever,” she whispered, a hint of one of his favorite smiles playing on her lips, which then suddenly faded. “...but don’t ever do that again in the middle of a ball? Please?” [i]OH... I see what the kiss was... sleight of hand to keep prying eyes from seeing what I.... crap... I almost blew things myself. [/i] He looked at Elenya in wonderment. First she was an excellent cook, excellent lover, she was rapidly becoming a good spell caster and an excellent fast talker... and now she basically saved his behind with her quick mind and talent for distraction. [i]Is there ANYTHING this woman can’t do?[/i] he thought with an enormous grin, giving her a genuine hug of thanks as the brooch in question slid into his pocket. “You are so [i]toned[/i] and [i]in shape![/i] Who is your masseuse, Lady Siabrey, and how much more do I have to pay him to pry him from your service?” A prissy young woman, whom Siabrey only knew too well, pressed. The fighter sighed in annoyance, and caught a glimpse of Tess with a dark haired man far on the other side of the room. Siabrey wished she could be there. [i]One flutter of my wings and I bet they’ll scatter to the far winds[/i], she thought for a second in a tired voice. [i]Maybe I should just blurt out that my masseuse is Lucius... that would throw them for a loop.[/i] “I... practice with sword and steel often, m’Lady Marel. Where I come from, everyone must be prepared,” she said slowly, stringing together her half-truths and half lies carefully. There was a collective gasp from the group of woman, none of whom had likely been outside the boudoirs longer than necessary to attend a party. “You practice with sword? What is your routine? Three sets of five swings? Do you have a trainer? Is your trainer cute, like my husband’s trainer?” An incessant whirl of questions flew towards Siabrey, and she instantly regretted making the comment. Thankfully for our hero, just as her head was about to explode, the music from the orchestra rather suddenly changed. Trumpets blared, and a processional march began... Siabrey didn’t have to know the music playing was the personal anthem of the royal family to realize that Her Majesty, Princess Zoe Paleologus, Arbiter of the Northern Borders, Protector of the Sword of Tarantor, etc. etc. etc. had arrived.... fashionably late. [i]Crap,[/i] Siabrey’s mind thought, as she realized she was almost immediately beside the velvet and sink red carpet that led from the entryway, where now the Princess in all her imperial splendor stood, and the Imperial throne on the other side of the room. [i]I’ll have to look at her up close AGAIN![/i] Siabrey complained in her mind, as she sank to one knee like everyone else in the room. Slowly, gracefully, in time with the too elegant music and with too perfect movements, the Princess slid up the floor of the hall, the Governor on one side, and an elderly man, dressed in fine regal robes, on the other. [i]She’s getting closer,[/i] Siabrey thought as the Princess drew nigh, and the fighter couldn’t help but look up into the Princess’ face as she drew close. The Princess’ eye caught Siabrey’s face for a moment, and for a distinct short period, her face changed to an awful sneer that mixed rage, disgust and horror. The split second snarl suddenly changed as the Princess moved her head slightly so she looked only directly at the throne. [i]Ah... so she doesn’t think I’m important enough to even look at! Good! Don’t look at Lucius either, wench![/i] Siabrey’s mind taunted as the royal person went by on its inevitable march to the throne. The Princess then sat down to a musical crescendo, and almost immediately nobles in the room were crowding about the throne, with petitions or favors to request from the royal person. [i]Slovenly pack of hoodlums,[/i] Siabrey thought. “Marel, did you [i]see[/i] Her Majesty’s dress? I would utterly [i]die[/i] to be able to afford that kind of tailor!” the Baroness of Tor spoke again... and Siabrey took this as her cue to slip away from the mindless pack of fools and head towards where Lucius was. She managed to scuttle alongside Lucius a few minutes later, just as Lucius and a man she now knew was the Baron of Tor (from his idiotic wife’s comments) finished a heated sentence of discussion. “Oh... hi Siabrey!” Lucius said with a genuine grin. A few chuckles went around the group of men in fancy and overwrought robes, as the Baron, whose coiffed hair and lacey suit already annoyed Siabrey, leaned over to the noble next to him, and whispered something. “Lord Lucius sure can pick his maids well for a boy so young. I wonder if she broke him in... or if it was some dog from a roadside brothel?” The two engaged in a loud guffaw, as Siabrey’s eyes narrowed. She’d heard every word. [i]You miserable little toad![/i] her mind snarled. Had she not been in the middle of an Imperial gala, instead in the woods, she likely would have taken up fisticuffs with the man. “My Lord Baron,” she said, her voice even, but only barely. It also thundered with a hint of command. “I am [i]not[/i], as you assume, a mere ‘maid’ of Lord Lucius. I am his bodyguard, advisor, and most importantly,” she leaned closer to the Baron to deliver the final line, “his consort!” The other nobles in the circle looked towards the Baron, with a few smirks of mockery now aimed in his direction. His face went red, and he managed to spit out in his embarrassment, “I was merely commenting how m’lady looks like a maid in a meadow,” he lied, then cleared his throat, “I apologize for the confusion, m’lady. No harm or insult was intended.” “None is taken, m’lord,” Siabrey lied back to his face. “M’lord Lucius?” she turned to Lucius’ openly admiring face, “can you please tell me which of these fine gentlemen have chosen to assist you in your efforts to safeguard this Valley from incursion, and which are too preoccupied?” Another flitting glance at the Baron. [i]You’ve rolled that Baron back onto his heels Siabrey... lets see if you can’t help Lucius by pushing a few more?[/i] “Well,” Lucius, catching on immediately, began, “M’Lord Tuscans,” he gestured to the right, “has promised us 500 horse in a fortnight. Lord Sanjay has promised us the same. Lord Everston has committed himself to 3,000 foot and 100 horse, Lord Gastenax the same, and Baron Visby has promised a welcome surprise of 5,000 foot.” “And Lords Umberti and Tor?” she asked, looking at the two nobles who had previously been making wisecracks at her expense. She narrowed her eyes into slits, and she saw the one named Umberti shrivel slightly under her wilting gaze. “I can make arrangements,” the one named Umberti said weakly, “to provide Your Lordship with some 1,000 archers to assist your noble cause.” He bowed rather stiffly. “And m’lord Tor?” Siabrey’s tidal wave of terrible gazes now thundered in on the last uncommitted one in the circle, and Tor’s eyes surprisingly met hers. “I am afraid, m’lady, that I have other pressing needs that must be attended to first, before I can send forces to assist My Lord Lucius,” he said with his own bow, his voice dripping with lies. “Ah, I see Baron... not enough peacocks?” Siabrey asked innocently, and a few snickers went around among the other Barons. Even Lucius could not control his face enough to not grin at her quip. The Baron’s face, however, went a deep crimson, and once again, his head hung low. [i]He’s broken,[/i] Siabrey thought. [i]Who said being diplomatic is a requirement all the time?[/i] “I... can rearrange some priorities, and see that M’lord is supplied with 500 archers and equipment, to be assembled here in a fortnight,” the Baron surrendered, and Siabrey gave an enormous grin at her success. As the informal Baron’s Council split apart, Siabrey sidled up to Lucius, giving him a hug. “Hon... remind me to introduce you to more nobles,” he kissed her in thanks, “you got more done with those two in five minutes than I was able to with a half hour of arguing.” ”Well, every man has a weakness,” she grinned rather seductively, “you just have to exploit it.” Her grin then went into a full smile, “And Lord Tor’s weakness, was his peacocks!” They shared a laugh, and then decided as it was drawing late, it would be best to begin rounding up other members of the party. As they drew to the middle of the room, another messenger, clad once again in Imperial colors, walked into their path and stopped them. “Lord Lucius, Her Imperial Majesty begs me to deliver this message,” the page said in a stately voice, handing Lucius another scroll. He then bowed, and walked away from the two. [i]Oh boy... this can’t be good,[/i] Siabrey thought. “What does it say?” she asked as Lucius tore off the seal and began reading. He gave a huff, and handed it to her. [i]M’lord Lucius, I wish to meet with you in private, away from prying ears or formal pomp and circumstance. As you may know, I signed off on your betrothal technically after your mother was in revolt. As such, the betrothal is void... however I still believe it to be in your interests, as well as the interests of the Valley, for us to still be wed. Meet me at the Hangjou Garden, five blocks from this place. You may bring the harlot with you should you wish... I shall bring my Master Chamberlain. Imperial Guard will be watching to ensure our safety, while we discuss this business as reasonable adults, and reasonable nobles. Regards Zoe Paleologus, Arbiter of the Northern Frontier, Defender of the Sword of Tarantor, Watcher of the Eastern Lakes, Defender of the City of Iskeldrun... etc. etc. etc.[/i] “So... this is a command from her, I’m guessing,” Siabrey said with a sad grunt. [i]I don’t want you to go... I don’t trust her! She could hurt you because she hates me![/i] Lucius nodded. “I shall go... she isn’t foolish enough to have a noble murdered at a one on one meeting with her. None of the others would trust her ever again. I would, though,” he gave Siabrey a hug, “be appreciative if you would come with. Your mind is sharp, and it can help me should mine grow weak.” She gave him a kiss, “I am your bodyguard, as well as your lover,” Siabrey said, looking into his eyes. “I shall follow you to the ends of this life, if need be.” He smiled back at her, and hugged her tight in thanks. As party members were tracked down, Lucius told them of the letter. Elenya, Shaun, and Pellaron were easy to find, however, the party had to search for a bit before they saw Tess sitting alone at a table... with her head lolling to one side. [i]Oh no... she got drunk![/i] was Siabrey’s first thought. That however was completely outside of Tess’ normal range of behavior... and Siabrey started to worry as they drew close to the wobbly young woman. “Tess?” Siabrey asked as she drew up alongside her. The fair-haired Tess lolled her head to one side so she could see Siabrey, and said rather lazily, “Pretty.” “What?” Shaun asked as he came up. “Siabrey’s not pretty, what are you talking about?” Siabrey was too worried now to hear or notice Shaun’s quip. She waved her hands in front of Tess’ face, and received no reaction save the same wan smile, and lolling head. “Pretty, pretty, pretty,” was what Tess muttered as Lucius reached over for her goblet, and looked inside it. “Poison!” he cried softly a minute later. “Look... there’s a little bit of yellow powder on the bottom! Don’t touch it! I bet its Modrayn!” “What? Oh Tess!” Siabrey began prying open Tess’ eyes. Tess for her part thought it was fun, and began saying “pretty” faster. “Tess,” Siabrey hunched over in front of the poisoned woman, “Who did this to you?” “So pretty... your hair! It looks like sun!” “Tess.... who did this?” “Black haired man... so pretty! He and I talked long time... he was so pretty. His voice was pretty... he was all pretty!” [i]Dammit[/i] Siabrey’s mind shouted. She’d seen Tess with a black haired man earlier, and put her evidence together. She looked around the party desperately, and saw him nowhere. “Shouldn’t we get her out of here?” Shaun asked, and Elenya piped up that she agreed. “We’re going? Where are we going?” Tess tried to stand up, and somehow managed, though she immediately began to stumble towards the throne, saying “pretty!” “No! No no no Tess,” Siabrey caught her and turned her around, “See my wings? They’re pretty right? Follow the pretty! Follow them!” IN this manner the party slowly and carefully made its way out of the chambers as the gala continued in full swing... Siabrey to the front, with Tess behind her and Pellaron at the poisoned woman’s side. The other three formed a gaggle at the rear. “Hey, Lucius,” Shaun said, hoping to lighten up the mood, “take a look at what I pilfered off of...” Siabrey spun around, though fortunately Pellaron did not, nor did anyone outside the party. “What?!” she snarled back at him, though Shaun’s eyes were more focused on Lucius, whose look was absolutely terrifying. “Remember, dear Shaun, how I threatened to string you up if you told Siabrey about the book in Kulloden?” Shaun gulped and nodded. “If you [i]ever[/i] mention what you were about to out loud again, or ever do something of the sort again, I [i]will[/i] string you up! And it will not be by your neck, it will be by parts of you that will be even more painful more torturous...” Shaun gulped and nodded, as the party helped push Tess into Lucius’ carriage to head back to the Temple of Pelor for some major healing... while Siabrey’s mind was now in full defensive mode. [i]Someone poisoned Tess, then ‘talked to her a lot.’ They pumped her for information... on what though? What if it was on us? Dammit![/i] Her grip on her “dress” long sword tightened noticeably as the carriage careened through the city streets... [/QUOTE]
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