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Journal of the Souls of Legend (completed)
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<blockquote data-quote="Nthal" data-source="post: 7563388" data-attributes="member: 6971069"><p><strong>We’re Altering the Deal… - 2/13/2019</strong></p><p></p><p><strong><p style="text-align: center">We’re Altering the Deal…</p><p></strong></p><p><em><p style="text-align: center">Some deals are built from desire. Some are built in desperation. But many deals are products of their time and circumstance. So, change enough events around the deal, the deal is going to change.</p></em></p><p style="text-align: center"><em>You just better hope that the exchange is acceptable to everyone, otherwise you will have to pay the bellman at the end.</p></em></p><p style="text-align: center"><em></p></em></p><p style="text-align: center"><em>And that price can be quite steep.</p></em></p><p style="text-align: center"><em></p><p></em></p><p>The demand wasn’t loud, but the silence afterwards was telling. I turned to look at my adams. The look of confusion, consternation, and in the case of Beepu, outright annoyance would have been funny in almost any other circumstance. Annoyance spoke first though.</p><p></p><p>“What? This was not part of the deal!”</p><p></p><p>“Clearly not, but they couldn’t have known this. If they did, they would have been a bit clearer,” Daneath said.</p><p>“What are you babbling about? Just let me out!” Nestra demanded, but the edge in her voice wasn’t there. It was closer to desperation.</p><p></p><p>I raised my hand up to quiet the others and turned to the prisoner. “I’m sorry, but I need to ask you did you have a…bargain with the Crimson Star?”</p><p></p><p>The Waterbaroness closed her mouth and took a half step back in surprise. Her eyes blinking, she was slow and faltering in replying.</p><p></p><p>“What? Why would I…I don’t need to discuss…that is not of your concern!”</p><p></p><p>I grimaced and continued, “Well, it is a bit. You see it seems Vicam has well…replaced you?” at which her eyes narrowed like daggers. Watching her I kept going, “And so we aren’t clear if your replacement turned stag on your deal, or on a deal they made. All I can say is that the Crimson Star is a bit…upset at the whole thing.”</p><p></p><p>“Replacement? Vicam can’t replace me, only the ruling families can at a moot.”</p><p></p><p>“Well…your replacement looks…like you. In fact, she’s partying upstairs in your house, while Vicam pulls her strings.” I replied, while I was guessing the nature of the relationship between the fake Waterbaroness and Vicam, I was pretty sure I was on the mark.</p><p></p><p>“What?!? That…that…thieving, bottom feeding, low life scum. How dare he!”</p><p></p><p>“Well, he dared. So, did Vicam not like the Crimson Star?”</p><p></p><p>“He was ‘advising’ me that they were a threat, the same way the Hands of Yartar are. He is ignorant on how this town works.”</p><p></p><p>I turned to look at the others and gave a small shrug. I personally believed her; and to my mind that meant the Crimson Star had the wrong solution to the wrong problem.</p><p></p><p>Iesa spoke next, “Yeah, the Star doesn’t know the truth. They just wanted to force a moot.”</p><p></p><p>Beepu’s eyes grew wide, “Of course, Vicam must have expanded his power base with the families; all he needs is time. Eventually he could amass enough power and wealth to be named the ruler…”</p><p></p><p>“…Unless the moot was convened too early, and the Crimson Star sways the vote with their own candidate,” Daneath finished the thought. “But that might be a risky gamble.”</p><p></p><p>“Unless their backs are against the wall,” I said. Turning back to Nestra “Sorry, you might have missed a bit down here. But you had a cozy deal with the Crimson Star…whatever it was, right?”</p><p></p><p>Nestra may have been fatigued, but her mind was still sharp, “You could say that. It also explains the questions that Vicam was asking. Well…he’ll pay for this. I will thank the Crimson Star for sending you to get me out then.” She said with a smirk on her face.</p><p></p><p>“Not quite,” I said with a touch of remorse in my voice, “They did send us. But they sent us to…well…kill you.”</p><p></p><p>The look on her face was at first shock and then fear. She started backing away from the door of the cell, shaking her head. I could barely see in the light, tears forming in her eyes as she started to mouth the word “No” over and over.</p><p></p><p>I didn’t really enjoy this. Honestly, I wanted to see her reaction to help me understand what I should do next. It hurt me to see the fear in her eyes, knowing that our little band might be the end of her. But I also wanted to live out my days, and get out of this bargain I felt ensnared in.</p><p></p><p>I turned to look at the trio, “I think we get her out here, and redo our deal.”</p><p></p><p>“What, break it? Vicam controls the city forces, the Star the underside.” Daneath said. “How are we going to live to sunrise to pull this off…assuming the Star lets us?”</p><p></p><p>“They forced this on us because they were desperate, and we were convenient.” I said “And besides, Vicam’s sparkling personality probably haven’t won many over to his side. We can do this…I’m not sure how…yet…” and I turned back to Nestra.</p><p></p><p>She had backed herself to the far wall and was watching me warily. “Look,” I said trying to sound reassuring, “The Star did send us, but I honestly think they have no idea you are a prisoner. But I can tell you that if we did kill your impostor, Vicam would likely kill you anyway and force a moot. But I have a better idea, for both of us.”</p><p></p><p>Nestra’s eyes narrowed again at us, “What do you want?”</p><p></p><p>“I want you to help us with our debt to the Crimson Star. We’ll help you get out of here alive in exchange.”</p><p>Nestra’s eyebrows scrunched a bit in thought, clearly considering her options. “Well, if you can do it I will see what I can do with that.”</p><p></p><p>“That’s all I can ask; do we have a deal?” and I reached through the panel with my arm. I couldn’t see her with my arm through the panel, but I felt her cold shivering hand grasp mine. She clung onto it in what imagined was desperate hope.</p><p></p><p>After a moment of shaking, I withdrew it and looked at Iesa, “Get her out. Hopefully she can help with some questions.”</p><p></p><p>“I hope you know what you are doing Myrai,” Beepu said. “I do not like these political entanglements at all. There is no telling if anyone is going to keep their deal.”</p><p></p><p>Iesa had pulled the pick from his hair and began to work on the lock on the cell door. “I don’t,” I said honestly, “But I didn’t like the original deal and the deal maker less.”</p><p></p><p>The lock made a click, and Iesa opened the cell door, and Nesta stepped out. She was dressed in a dirty silk underdress, and she looked at us in turn.</p><p></p><p>“So…it is a Hate Night then?” as she waved her hand at our small band.</p><p></p><p>“Not at all,” Iesa smiled, “We only do rescues in the finest wear, lest others think we were common adventurers.”</p><p>Nestra was non-plussed and the arched eyebrow said everything needed. </p><p></p><p>“Well, first off we need to get out of the Manor…on a Hate Night. The second is we need allies in town.”</p><p>Nestra waved her hand, “I’m sure my captain Veladric can get everything under control without having to leave my house.”</p><p></p><p>“Veladric?” Daneath said, “I thought Eragon was the captain?”</p><p></p><p>“Arakhan,” corrected Iesa absently, “See Myrai, you have him doing it now.”</p><p></p><p>I shrugged and looked at Nestra, “I’m making a guess, that your captain has been replaced. Unless Veladric is a large hulking lizard- “</p><p></p><p>“—dragonborn,” corrected Beepu. Nestra in the meantime sighed in frustration and her eyes furrowed in thought.</p><p></p><p>“--Whatever,” I said “Anyone else that you might trust? In the manor…outside the manor?”</p><p></p><p>“Well, other than the head of staff, Marta, no. She’s always managed the servants and I was never close to any of the others.”</p><p></p><p>“Who is Marta?” Beepu asked.</p><p></p><p>“Oh, she manages the kitchen mostly---”</p><p></p><p>“Loud dwarf that shouts a lot?” Beepu pressed.</p><p></p><p>“Yes! That’s her. Keeps the others in line.”</p><p></p><p>“She’s a dwarf?” I asked.</p><p></p><p>“Of course, she is.” Beepu said. What did you think she was?”</p><p></p><p>I shrugged, “Thought she was a large gnome honestly.”</p><p></p><p>“No no no…Gnomish women are more attractive and do not need to yell.” Beepu replied,</p><p></p><p>“Noted. Nestra, anyone else in the manor? That dark elf woman—”</p><p></p><p>She shook her head, “I don’t know who that might be.”</p><p></p><p>“Zoe—</p><p></p><p>“Zoe Arcincella? She’s a lush as best and a ‘fair weather friend’ at worst.” She said shaking her head.</p><p></p><p>“How about Leo---” I was about say Leodras, the hunter when I saw Daneath shaking his head quickly and mouthing “No.” That was a surprise but I didn’t push.</p><p></p><p>“…never mind. How about outside the manor in the city?”</p><p></p><p>She thought a moment. “Well I would normally say the Crimson Star, but I don’t think I want to run directly to them without some support. The Iron Blades are loyal to the city…I admit to not having the strongest relationship, but they do keep their oaths. </p><p></p><p>“Wait,” interrupted Beepu “Are these the same group led by Arryn Quinte?”</p><p></p><p>I looked at Beepu surprised as Nestra answered, “Yes!…is he here? He normally has a standing invitation.”</p><p></p><p>“Indeed! I was talking to him earlier upstairs. I doubt he has left after all.”</p><p></p><p>“He would support me I am certain. I just need to talk to him.”</p><p></p><p>“That only leaves the small problem of getting out of the manor,” Iesa said. </p><p></p><p>“Well…I might have an option for that…if I can get to my office and bedroom upstairs,” Nestra said.</p><p></p><p>“Oh?” Daneath asked, his interest piqued. “What did you have in mind?”</p><p></p><p>“There is an escape route for the manor that goes far below. I have never used it, but the entrance is upstairs.”</p><p>We look at each other a moment and we all start nodding our heads in agreement. I am sure I wasn’t alone in my thought:</p><p></p><p>This could work.</p><p></p><p>“Alright. Here’s what we should do. We talk to Marta, have her get Arryn down into the kitchen and talk to him, get his support, and then we split and get upstairs to the upper gallery, sneak into her sitting room and use that exit.”</p><p></p><p>“How are we going to do that?!? Everyone knows the Waterbaroness!” Daneath exclaimed.</p><p></p><p>“It’s the Hate Night. We clean Nestra up, and we ‘borrow a mask’ Who’s going to know?</p><p></p><p>“Vicam? Erago….argh Arakhan maybe?”</p><p></p><p>“The servants can tell us where they are, so we can make our move upstairs when the time is right.”</p><p>Iesa was quiet and he started nodding. “It would work. No one pays attention to the ‘help’”</p><p></p><p>“But she’s a mess…no offense meant.” Daneath pointed at Nestra.</p><p></p><p>“Not for long,” I said. “All she needs a little fabric and maybe a belt. And a little cleaning,”</p><p></p><p>Daneath frowned, considering his options. Finally, he looked at us. “Alright, let’s do it.”</p><p>I closed my eyes a moment and centered myself. This was going to take a little bit of time. “Nestra, go ahead and take a seat there,” pointing to the larger, more comfortable chair. “This won’t take too long.”</p><p>She moved to the chair and then slumped down in it, clearly exhausted. I opened my eyes and started to channel energy onto the Waterbaroness.</p><p></p><p>I first focused on the soiled dress, pulling away dirt, grime and filth that had accumulated on her during her stay. What once was a dirty shift, was revealed to be a fine silken dress that one would wear in the evenings in private.</p><p>I smiled; this wasn’t going to be too hard. I altered my incantations and I could see her eyes widen, as the rents and small tears in the dress weaved themselves shut. She was smiling slightly in approval and nodded. I then focused on her, pulling the dirt smudges that were across her face and arms. Then, I started pulling away oils and filth from her hair. She seemed younger now, less haggard and much closer to the noble self that I saw upstairs in her double.</p><p></p><p>Smiling I turned to Iesa, “Bring your sword over here and hold it out.”</p><p></p><p>He didn’t question and did what I asked. I started to work on the ribbons that were woven through the eyelets of my dress on the forearms. I tied one loose end at the bottom loop and pulled the slack all the way through and re-wove it so all the extra ribbon was running out on one end. I then cut it on the sword giving me a yard-long ribbon, and then repeated the same with my other arm, and cut that length in half.</p><p></p><p>I moved behind Nestra with the longer length and began to weave the black ribbon into her hair, building it up into a long pony tail, and letting fall loosely behind her with the black ribbon standing out as part of a hair weaving.</p><p>I then took the other two pieces and wound them around her own forearms and tying them off so there wasn’t any ribbon dangling. Now it appeared to be more a finished formal dress. </p><p></p><p>Nestra was nodding seeing what I was doing and waited.</p><p></p><p>“Iesa, I need to cut the lower half of my underdress off away from the top. And cut some material out so I can use it to tie to Nestra.” And I raised the black material up revealing the crinoline hoops.</p><p></p><p>“Um…Ok…you sure?” Iesa asked with a doubtful look.</p><p></p><p>“Yes, I am…but watch your hands. I will melt your mind if I have to.”</p><p></p><p>Iesa smirked and started to cut the crinoline apart, and while I did feel his cold hands on my thighs as he worked splitting it apart, he was polite about it. He then handed me the remains, and I dropped my dress down again. It dragged a bit, as it had lost some of its volume, but I bet no one was going to notice.</p><p></p><p>I took Iesa sword briefly and took it to the remains of the crinoline hoops, and I used it to split the wooden hoops apart. Then I pulled them together and bound them, so I reduced the diameter of each hoop, so they would be about the same size of the upper hoops in mine. Then I handed the weapon back to Iesa.</p><p></p><p>I motioned for Nestra to stand up and motioned for the men to turn around. I knelt down in front of her and lifted up her silken dress. Then using some spare cloth from my crinoline, I hung the hoops from her waistline, and then dropped the silken dress down upon them. Then, I stood up to look at my work.</p><p></p><p>It wasn’t a formal gown if you looked it at for long. But it looked like a party dress that would pass casual inspection. All I needed was a belt.</p><p></p><p>“That’s…impressive Myrai.” Daneath said. “I bet with a mask, no one will know.”</p><p></p><p>“That’s the idea. I guess I learned something at the tailors. But it won’t hold up long; the material isn’t that strong.” </p><p></p><p>“Wonderful. Now get me out of here!” Nestra said, clearly ready to get out of her prison.</p><p></p><p>Before we returned to the cellar, I use my powers to clean the rest of us, so it didn’t look like we had left a dog fight. I lit up Daneath’s sword with some light, so we could see the way out. I could Nestra gasp a moment, but she didn’t ask questions, for which I was perfectly happy with. We made our way back out the tunnel to the stairs. Along the way I channeled some more power to give a more…perfumed scent to Nestra. I was fairly sure she didn’t smell like dirty, filthy straw anymore. But I wanted to be sure.</p><p></p><p>Once at the stairs, I canceled the power on the sword, and Daneath and Iesa again concealed their weapons and we crept up the stairs to the upper landing.</p><p></p><p>“Ok Beepu, go get Marta.” Daneath said.</p><p></p><p>“What? Why me?”</p><p></p><p>“Because if I go, she might feel threatened and call a guard. Same with Iesa, plus the smell—”</p><p></p><p>“Hey now, I don’t---”</p><p></p><p>“-- And Myrai is probably on her bad side from the last time she talked to her.”</p><p></p><p>Beepu’s mouth opened and closed a couple of times. He then rolled his eyes, straightened himself up, and marched up the stairs to the kitchen. I was down with Nestra below the line of sight to the kitchen with Iesa and Daneath in front of me. So I could only hear what happened next.</p><p></p><p>“Madam Marta, I need your assistance come with me!”</p><p></p><p>“Whot da? Ye aren’t supposed to be in ‘ere.” I could hear the Gour, Marta say. “I don answer to ye, so get out of my kit’chen!”</p><p></p><p>“I do not have time to explain, so come with me!”</p><p></p><p>“I’m not goin anywhe…Hey! Watcha you tryin to do?”</p><p></p><p>I could here the sound of Beepu straining and then the sound of a frantic ‘whumping’ sound. At that point I crept up, and Nestra followed behind me.</p><p></p><p>When I reached the landing, I saw Beepu was valiantly trying to lift and move Marta. Marta however was standing as a solid pillar of stone with the darkest look on her face. She was hitting Beepu on the back with a wooden spoon over and over.</p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Whump, whump, whump.</em></p><p></p><p>“Let go of me, ye drunkin gnome.”</p><p></p><p>“You…must…follow…me!” Beepu stammered and continued to strain to move her.</p><p></p><p>I really wanted to laugh. At Beepu mostly, but it was even funnier that the rest of the cooking staff didn’t even turn their heads or help. They were trying to ignore the situation as if everything was perfectly normal.</p><p></p><p>Nestra then clapped her hands together twice and Marta’s head shot up ignoring Beepu and looked towards the cellar stairs. Nestra said nothing and waved her over frantically while putting a finger to her lips. Marta blinked incredulously and then started moving to the stairs, dragging Beepu with her. Once she reached the stairs she saw the rest of us. I simply waved and let Nestra do the talking.</p><p></p><p>“Whot are ye doing with these trouble—” the Gour started.</p><p></p><p>“Nevermind that. I have been a prisoner in my own wine cellar because of Vicam!” Nestra hissed. At this Marta’s eyes grew wide.</p><p></p><p>“Whot? That’s not you orderin the wine upstairs?”</p><p></p><p>“No!”</p><p></p><p>“Makes sense now. I dina think you would use all the pricy stuff first.”</p><p></p><p>“What?!? That inconsider…” Nestra started and then stopped herself. “Listen, do what these folks ask, so they can get me out of here.”</p><p></p><p>Marta closed her mouth and then looked at each of us, and then settled her gaze on Daneath.</p><p></p><p>“Alrigh…whot needs doin?”</p><p></p><p>Daneath looked at her, “Look we need couple of things done. We need you to get Arryn Quinte down here to talk to us.”</p><p></p><p>“And we need a mask and a women’s belt or cinch.” I said quietly.</p><p></p><p>“Yeah, those things too.” Daneath said. “We also need to know where the other Waterbaroness is right now. Can you help us out?”</p><p></p><p>Marta didn’t even blink; she nodded and after shaking Beepu loose she strode into the kitchen and grabbed a pair of servants. They nodded, and bounded out of the kitchen, one towards the servant’s quarters and the other through a door on the far side of the kitchen that I hadn’t noticed before.</p><p></p><p>The servant who went to the quarters returned first with a black quilted cinch, and a simple domino mask and gave them to Marta. She then came over to us and handed them to me, and I started fastening both to Nestra.</p><p></p><p>“There,” I whispered. “A guest at your own party.”</p><p></p><p>“Are you certain they won’t recognize me?”</p><p></p><p>“Well, your hair isn’t the same as your impostor now, the mask makes it hard to tell you are…you. So just don’t talk to anyone that might recognize your voice.”</p><p></p><p>Nestra grimly nodded, and Marta returned, this time with a man I had only saw briefly talking to Beepu. He was tall and was powerfully built. Blue eyed, his hair around his head was a solid grey but his face was clean shaven. Surprisingly he was armored, and upon the breastplate was the face of a dragon looking forward, wearing an gorget. His face had a confused look on his face as he approached our band crouched on the stairs.</p><p></p><p>“Now what in…wait I was talking to you earlier about shoes,” as he pointed at Beepu. “What’s going on here?”</p><p></p><p>“Arryn…it’s me! Nestra!”</p><p></p><p>Arryn stepped down two steps to look at Nestra, “Wait a minute…what’s going on here? I was trying to talk to you upstairs, but you brushed me off, your excellency.”</p><p></p><p>“That’s not me; I have better manners.”</p><p></p><p>“What do…you…wait a moment. Vicam! It must be! What did he do?”</p><p></p><p>“He’s trying to take over, and I need to get out of here. Can you give me sanctuary in your compound?”</p><p></p><p>“Of course, but I apologize for this your excellency, but how do I know…you are you?</p><p></p><p>“Because I will have the proper evidence with me when I show up! Otherwise, you don’t have to do anything, Arryn.”</p><p></p><p>“Alright. You get to the compound with your proof, I’ll help. I won’t breathe a word in the meantime.”</p><p></p><p>“Arryn,” I chimed in, “Do you know where Vicam is now?”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, he was in the library down stairs with her…er the other Nestra, talking with some upper houses.”</p><p></p><p>I looked at the others, “We should go now.”</p><p></p><p>Daneath nodded, “Probably is best. Iesa and you go first, Beepu and I will follow with Nestra.”</p><p></p><p>“Ok, see you upstairs.”</p><p></p><p>Iesa and I moved to the top of the stairs and made our way to the double doors that led to the great hall. Iesa then spoke,</p><p></p><p>“Take the other door there. Let’s find out if the other areas are clear as we go. If Nestra, has moved, go back and warn the others.”</p><p></p><p>“Where does that door go to?”</p><p></p><p>“I think it’s the conservatory on this floor, it’s the other entrance on the Foyer.”</p><p></p><p>“Fine. See you upstairs.”</p><p></p><p>Iesa slipped between the double doors and I walked across the kitchen to the other door. Taking a deep breath, I slowly opened the door a crack and once I saw that the people within were occupied, I entered.</p><p></p><p>The conservatory was paneled in dark red wood inlays. The large windows to the outside were of course full of mist and fog, so the light was all from some lit candles mounted on floor standing candelabras. There were some divans and salon seat in the room, and an unoccupied desk shaped object with white and black keys in one corner of the room.</p><p></p><p>No one had noticed me and was starting to make my way to the Foyer when I saw her. </p><p></p><p>The dark elf was leaving a door from the far side of the foyer. Her hands rested on the pommels of her weapons and she was looking around with a sour look on her face. It was clear that she was heading to the Conservatory in a manner that was brisk and purposeful.</p><p></p><p>I gulped behind my mask, took a breath and walked right toward the door. I walked as casually as I could and stared straight ahead. Trying not to turn my head to follow her; trying to look like just another patron at a party and not focusing on her.</p><p></p><p>I entered the Foyer, and she continued to move in my direction. Soon we were within a couple feet of each other. While I was focusing on keeping my head staring straight ahead, my eyes turned to watch her as best I could. We passed within a foot of each other, and I could see her head start to turn to look at me, or at least my mask. My heart was pounding, and I could feel sweat trickling down my back. Everything within me was screaming for me to break into a run.</p><p></p><p>“She’s found me. I’m going to bite the iron right here. Sodding…”</p><p></p><p>Her eyes narrowed, and her mouth opened slightly and was about to say something, when she closed it and turned her gaze towards the Conservatory that I had just left. I continued my pace, my heart still pounding, and I took one of the graceful stairs to the upper gallery.</p><p></p><p>As I made my way up, I saw Iesa was on the landing, already ahead of me. I could see his smile and he offered his hand to me and pulled me to him, so we could again link arms. But as I grasped him, I could feel that his hands were cold and clammy with a trace of the shakes. Looking at him carefully, I saw that he was tilting his head to his right ever so slightly. I took his arm and pivoted so I could see what was concerning him, without turning my head.</p><p></p><p>On the landing, in the middle of everything was Captain Arakhan. He was surveying the landing, his eyes narrowed. He was clearly looking for something, but it wasn’t clear what.</p><p></p><p>I pulled Iesa over towards the landing that overlooked both stairs coming up from the Foyer, and at the bottom, Daneath, Beepu and Nestra were making their way up the stairs. I had only moments before they reached the landing itself, where Arakhan could see them.</p><p></p><p>I looked around desperately, and then I saw something that gave me hope. Across from me, to Arakhan’s right was a doorway to a small room where there were some guests lingering, and on the wall was a lit torch in a sconce. That gave me an idea.</p><p></p><p>“Iesa, stand in front of me, and look at me,” I whispered.</p><p></p><p>He did so, looking straight at me as if we were husband and wife about to embrace. His smile beneath the mask exposed his teeth, which he kept clenched tight.</p><p></p><p>“They’re almost here! I hope you know what you are doing…”</p><p></p><p>I barely heard him as I focused on that torch and quickly worked that ball of light within me. I was whispering quietly syllables of power and then I released it. </p><p></p><p>The torch within the room, blazed brighter; what was once a warm orange was now far brighter. Continuing to whisper, I focused on the light within me and then twisted it and channeled my energy towards the torch, just as Daneath and Beepu made it to top of the landing.</p><p></p><p>Within the room there was a loud murmur and then a woman’s voice said, ‘Oh MY!’</p><p></p><p>The torch was now a vivid purple, and the onlookers were all pointing towards it. But the sound of the woman’s voice, caused Arakhan to turn his head towards the room. When he saw the torch turn purple his mouth opened and he spoke,</p><p></p><p>“What issss thisss?” and he turned and quickly moved to the room. The entire gallery was fascinated with either the light or watching the hulking dragonborn move towards it. But as he did so, the five of us moved to the double doors that lead to Nestra’s sitting room. Iesa deftly opened the door and ushered us all in. As he was closing the door, we could hear the Captain bellow:</p><p></p><p>“Who is doing <em><strong>that</strong></em>!?!”</p><p></p><p>Iesa was locking the door and looked at the rest of us. “We aren’t going to have a lot of time!”</p><p>“This won’t take long.” Nestra said. She moved to the desk and grabbed several seals on top of it. Then after opening a drawer, she started pulling sheafs of parchment, looking for key documents. </p><p></p><p>“Where’s the exit Nestra?” I asked.</p><p></p><p>“The door to my left, towards my room.”</p><p></p><p>I motioned the others to the door. By now Iesa and Daneath had drawn their swords, and Beepu had summoned Foggle from…wherever he was placed earlier. Iesa quickly picked the lock and the three of them went inside.</p><p>I looked around and saw discarded on a bench, a satchel. I moved and grabbed it and then stood next to Nestra and opened it. Without a word she dropped seals, parchment and several other objects into it. She then looked at me; “Follow me, the rest of what I need are in the bedroom.”</p><p></p><p>Quickly we moved to the room the others had went. Once within, Iesa closed the door, and picked the lock again, but this time ensuring it was now once again locked. Nestra ignored everyone and strode into the adjoining bedroom.</p><p></p><p>Daneath moved over to a shield that hung on a nearby wall. He took it down and fastened on his left arm. Once I saw him grab the shield, I stopped following Nestra and reached within. The familiar warmth spread through my back and Daneath’s shield now glowed with a warm orange light. Then I turned to the wall and used another incantation to wipe away the dusty outline of a missing kite shield from the wall.</p><p></p><p>Beepu looked at me and said, “I saw what you did. Not sure how, but it was risky.”</p><p></p><p>“I know, but I needed to get Eragon to look anywhere else.”</p><p></p><p>“Arakhan.”</p><p></p><p>“Yeah, yeah right. I’ll focus on getting it right when I’m not running from the manor.”</p><p></p><p>Nestra returned, the satchel now full and a key in her hand. She moved towards a window where a sconce with an unlit torch was attached to the wall. She twisted the sconce, and revealed a keyhole, which she then inserted the key and twisted. There was a loud click, and a panel popped open from the wall, which Iesa started pulling open while Daneath shined the shield into the darkness beyond.</p><p></p><p>“Does anyone else know of this door or key?” I asked.</p><p></p><p>“No. It’s passed as part of documents for the next ruler. I had to break the seal on them to get the key out. No one else knows.”</p><p></p><p>Iesa had finished opening the panel and the light uncovered a small closet, with a narrow spiral staircase descending. Wisps of cobwebs hung from the ceiling and the dust was thick on the stairs.</p><p></p><p>Without a word, Daneath was the first on the stairs, followed by Nestra and Iesa. Just as they did so, I could hear the doors to the sitting room unlatch and open.</p><p></p><p>Beepu and I looked at each other, and he quickly dove inside the closet with me behind. I turned and seeing that there were a pair of handles on the panel, and I started to pull on them, As I did so, I heard a key in the lock to the room.</p><p></p><p>“Here we go.” I said to myself, and the door closed with a satisfying click. Beepu had already descended. I pulled my dress and the remains of my crinoline together and started my descent into the darkness.</p><p></p><p><strong>Session Notes:</strong></p><p>So yes…we had a bit of cat and mouse during this session. It’s only after reading the notes that I realized there was a third advisor to the “false” Nestra. But since he never figured in any major way in the story, I’m not going to fix it.</p><p></p><p>Now, there is a lot to do with Nestra’s dress to make it pretty, which was handled as a skill check. Now, technically crinoline didn’t exist until the 18th century. But no one said they don’t exist in the Forgotten Realms. I did have to draw on some of my personal knowledge of sewing on how this ACTUALLY might of happened, versus the abstract. Luckily, it only had to last from the kitchen to the secret exit.</p><p></p><p>Beepu did try to wrestle the cook and of course it went as badly as could be expected.</p><p></p><p>And yes, more cantrip Olympics. This is the exact point where I realized I wanted more utility cantrips. And I have been frustrated with other characters because of lack of options at times. </p><p></p><p>And yeah. The Eragon joke continued…with the DM saying it once or twice as well to his chagrin.</p><p></p><p>1147 views...someone likes me. I'm also trying to update weekly now as my schedule is making it possible. Either that or I'm faster/stronger/better. Or levelled up. Or both.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nthal, post: 7563388, member: 6971069"] [b]We’re Altering the Deal… - 2/13/2019[/b] [B][CENTER]We’re Altering the Deal…[/CENTER][/B] [I][CENTER]Some deals are built from desire. Some are built in desperation. But many deals are products of their time and circumstance. So, change enough events around the deal, the deal is going to change. You just better hope that the exchange is acceptable to everyone, otherwise you will have to pay the bellman at the end. And that price can be quite steep. [/CENTER][/I] The demand wasn’t loud, but the silence afterwards was telling. I turned to look at my adams. The look of confusion, consternation, and in the case of Beepu, outright annoyance would have been funny in almost any other circumstance. Annoyance spoke first though. “What? This was not part of the deal!” “Clearly not, but they couldn’t have known this. If they did, they would have been a bit clearer,” Daneath said. “What are you babbling about? Just let me out!” Nestra demanded, but the edge in her voice wasn’t there. It was closer to desperation. I raised my hand up to quiet the others and turned to the prisoner. “I’m sorry, but I need to ask you did you have a…bargain with the Crimson Star?” The Waterbaroness closed her mouth and took a half step back in surprise. Her eyes blinking, she was slow and faltering in replying. “What? Why would I…I don’t need to discuss…that is not of your concern!” I grimaced and continued, “Well, it is a bit. You see it seems Vicam has well…replaced you?” at which her eyes narrowed like daggers. Watching her I kept going, “And so we aren’t clear if your replacement turned stag on your deal, or on a deal they made. All I can say is that the Crimson Star is a bit…upset at the whole thing.” “Replacement? Vicam can’t replace me, only the ruling families can at a moot.” “Well…your replacement looks…like you. In fact, she’s partying upstairs in your house, while Vicam pulls her strings.” I replied, while I was guessing the nature of the relationship between the fake Waterbaroness and Vicam, I was pretty sure I was on the mark. “What?!? That…that…thieving, bottom feeding, low life scum. How dare he!” “Well, he dared. So, did Vicam not like the Crimson Star?” “He was ‘advising’ me that they were a threat, the same way the Hands of Yartar are. He is ignorant on how this town works.” I turned to look at the others and gave a small shrug. I personally believed her; and to my mind that meant the Crimson Star had the wrong solution to the wrong problem. Iesa spoke next, “Yeah, the Star doesn’t know the truth. They just wanted to force a moot.” Beepu’s eyes grew wide, “Of course, Vicam must have expanded his power base with the families; all he needs is time. Eventually he could amass enough power and wealth to be named the ruler…” “…Unless the moot was convened too early, and the Crimson Star sways the vote with their own candidate,” Daneath finished the thought. “But that might be a risky gamble.” “Unless their backs are against the wall,” I said. Turning back to Nestra “Sorry, you might have missed a bit down here. But you had a cozy deal with the Crimson Star…whatever it was, right?” Nestra may have been fatigued, but her mind was still sharp, “You could say that. It also explains the questions that Vicam was asking. Well…he’ll pay for this. I will thank the Crimson Star for sending you to get me out then.” She said with a smirk on her face. “Not quite,” I said with a touch of remorse in my voice, “They did send us. But they sent us to…well…kill you.” The look on her face was at first shock and then fear. She started backing away from the door of the cell, shaking her head. I could barely see in the light, tears forming in her eyes as she started to mouth the word “No” over and over. I didn’t really enjoy this. Honestly, I wanted to see her reaction to help me understand what I should do next. It hurt me to see the fear in her eyes, knowing that our little band might be the end of her. But I also wanted to live out my days, and get out of this bargain I felt ensnared in. I turned to look at the trio, “I think we get her out here, and redo our deal.” “What, break it? Vicam controls the city forces, the Star the underside.” Daneath said. “How are we going to live to sunrise to pull this off…assuming the Star lets us?” “They forced this on us because they were desperate, and we were convenient.” I said “And besides, Vicam’s sparkling personality probably haven’t won many over to his side. We can do this…I’m not sure how…yet…” and I turned back to Nestra. She had backed herself to the far wall and was watching me warily. “Look,” I said trying to sound reassuring, “The Star did send us, but I honestly think they have no idea you are a prisoner. But I can tell you that if we did kill your impostor, Vicam would likely kill you anyway and force a moot. But I have a better idea, for both of us.” Nestra’s eyes narrowed again at us, “What do you want?” “I want you to help us with our debt to the Crimson Star. We’ll help you get out of here alive in exchange.” Nestra’s eyebrows scrunched a bit in thought, clearly considering her options. “Well, if you can do it I will see what I can do with that.” “That’s all I can ask; do we have a deal?” and I reached through the panel with my arm. I couldn’t see her with my arm through the panel, but I felt her cold shivering hand grasp mine. She clung onto it in what imagined was desperate hope. After a moment of shaking, I withdrew it and looked at Iesa, “Get her out. Hopefully she can help with some questions.” “I hope you know what you are doing Myrai,” Beepu said. “I do not like these political entanglements at all. There is no telling if anyone is going to keep their deal.” Iesa had pulled the pick from his hair and began to work on the lock on the cell door. “I don’t,” I said honestly, “But I didn’t like the original deal and the deal maker less.” The lock made a click, and Iesa opened the cell door, and Nesta stepped out. She was dressed in a dirty silk underdress, and she looked at us in turn. “So…it is a Hate Night then?” as she waved her hand at our small band. “Not at all,” Iesa smiled, “We only do rescues in the finest wear, lest others think we were common adventurers.” Nestra was non-plussed and the arched eyebrow said everything needed. “Well, first off we need to get out of the Manor…on a Hate Night. The second is we need allies in town.” Nestra waved her hand, “I’m sure my captain Veladric can get everything under control without having to leave my house.” “Veladric?” Daneath said, “I thought Eragon was the captain?” “Arakhan,” corrected Iesa absently, “See Myrai, you have him doing it now.” I shrugged and looked at Nestra, “I’m making a guess, that your captain has been replaced. Unless Veladric is a large hulking lizard- “ “—dragonborn,” corrected Beepu. Nestra in the meantime sighed in frustration and her eyes furrowed in thought. “--Whatever,” I said “Anyone else that you might trust? In the manor…outside the manor?” “Well, other than the head of staff, Marta, no. She’s always managed the servants and I was never close to any of the others.” “Who is Marta?” Beepu asked. “Oh, she manages the kitchen mostly---” “Loud dwarf that shouts a lot?” Beepu pressed. “Yes! That’s her. Keeps the others in line.” “She’s a dwarf?” I asked. “Of course, she is.” Beepu said. What did you think she was?” I shrugged, “Thought she was a large gnome honestly.” “No no no…Gnomish women are more attractive and do not need to yell.” Beepu replied, “Noted. Nestra, anyone else in the manor? That dark elf woman—” She shook her head, “I don’t know who that might be.” “Zoe— “Zoe Arcincella? She’s a lush as best and a ‘fair weather friend’ at worst.” She said shaking her head. “How about Leo---” I was about say Leodras, the hunter when I saw Daneath shaking his head quickly and mouthing “No.” That was a surprise but I didn’t push. “…never mind. How about outside the manor in the city?” She thought a moment. “Well I would normally say the Crimson Star, but I don’t think I want to run directly to them without some support. The Iron Blades are loyal to the city…I admit to not having the strongest relationship, but they do keep their oaths. “Wait,” interrupted Beepu “Are these the same group led by Arryn Quinte?” I looked at Beepu surprised as Nestra answered, “Yes!…is he here? He normally has a standing invitation.” “Indeed! I was talking to him earlier upstairs. I doubt he has left after all.” “He would support me I am certain. I just need to talk to him.” “That only leaves the small problem of getting out of the manor,” Iesa said. “Well…I might have an option for that…if I can get to my office and bedroom upstairs,” Nestra said. “Oh?” Daneath asked, his interest piqued. “What did you have in mind?” “There is an escape route for the manor that goes far below. I have never used it, but the entrance is upstairs.” We look at each other a moment and we all start nodding our heads in agreement. I am sure I wasn’t alone in my thought: This could work. “Alright. Here’s what we should do. We talk to Marta, have her get Arryn down into the kitchen and talk to him, get his support, and then we split and get upstairs to the upper gallery, sneak into her sitting room and use that exit.” “How are we going to do that?!? Everyone knows the Waterbaroness!” Daneath exclaimed. “It’s the Hate Night. We clean Nestra up, and we ‘borrow a mask’ Who’s going to know? “Vicam? Erago….argh Arakhan maybe?” “The servants can tell us where they are, so we can make our move upstairs when the time is right.” Iesa was quiet and he started nodding. “It would work. No one pays attention to the ‘help’” “But she’s a mess…no offense meant.” Daneath pointed at Nestra. “Not for long,” I said. “All she needs a little fabric and maybe a belt. And a little cleaning,” Daneath frowned, considering his options. Finally, he looked at us. “Alright, let’s do it.” I closed my eyes a moment and centered myself. This was going to take a little bit of time. “Nestra, go ahead and take a seat there,” pointing to the larger, more comfortable chair. “This won’t take too long.” She moved to the chair and then slumped down in it, clearly exhausted. I opened my eyes and started to channel energy onto the Waterbaroness. I first focused on the soiled dress, pulling away dirt, grime and filth that had accumulated on her during her stay. What once was a dirty shift, was revealed to be a fine silken dress that one would wear in the evenings in private. I smiled; this wasn’t going to be too hard. I altered my incantations and I could see her eyes widen, as the rents and small tears in the dress weaved themselves shut. She was smiling slightly in approval and nodded. I then focused on her, pulling the dirt smudges that were across her face and arms. Then, I started pulling away oils and filth from her hair. She seemed younger now, less haggard and much closer to the noble self that I saw upstairs in her double. Smiling I turned to Iesa, “Bring your sword over here and hold it out.” He didn’t question and did what I asked. I started to work on the ribbons that were woven through the eyelets of my dress on the forearms. I tied one loose end at the bottom loop and pulled the slack all the way through and re-wove it so all the extra ribbon was running out on one end. I then cut it on the sword giving me a yard-long ribbon, and then repeated the same with my other arm, and cut that length in half. I moved behind Nestra with the longer length and began to weave the black ribbon into her hair, building it up into a long pony tail, and letting fall loosely behind her with the black ribbon standing out as part of a hair weaving. I then took the other two pieces and wound them around her own forearms and tying them off so there wasn’t any ribbon dangling. Now it appeared to be more a finished formal dress. Nestra was nodding seeing what I was doing and waited. “Iesa, I need to cut the lower half of my underdress off away from the top. And cut some material out so I can use it to tie to Nestra.” And I raised the black material up revealing the crinoline hoops. “Um…Ok…you sure?” Iesa asked with a doubtful look. “Yes, I am…but watch your hands. I will melt your mind if I have to.” Iesa smirked and started to cut the crinoline apart, and while I did feel his cold hands on my thighs as he worked splitting it apart, he was polite about it. He then handed me the remains, and I dropped my dress down again. It dragged a bit, as it had lost some of its volume, but I bet no one was going to notice. I took Iesa sword briefly and took it to the remains of the crinoline hoops, and I used it to split the wooden hoops apart. Then I pulled them together and bound them, so I reduced the diameter of each hoop, so they would be about the same size of the upper hoops in mine. Then I handed the weapon back to Iesa. I motioned for Nestra to stand up and motioned for the men to turn around. I knelt down in front of her and lifted up her silken dress. Then using some spare cloth from my crinoline, I hung the hoops from her waistline, and then dropped the silken dress down upon them. Then, I stood up to look at my work. It wasn’t a formal gown if you looked it at for long. But it looked like a party dress that would pass casual inspection. All I needed was a belt. “That’s…impressive Myrai.” Daneath said. “I bet with a mask, no one will know.” “That’s the idea. I guess I learned something at the tailors. But it won’t hold up long; the material isn’t that strong.” “Wonderful. Now get me out of here!” Nestra said, clearly ready to get out of her prison. Before we returned to the cellar, I use my powers to clean the rest of us, so it didn’t look like we had left a dog fight. I lit up Daneath’s sword with some light, so we could see the way out. I could Nestra gasp a moment, but she didn’t ask questions, for which I was perfectly happy with. We made our way back out the tunnel to the stairs. Along the way I channeled some more power to give a more…perfumed scent to Nestra. I was fairly sure she didn’t smell like dirty, filthy straw anymore. But I wanted to be sure. Once at the stairs, I canceled the power on the sword, and Daneath and Iesa again concealed their weapons and we crept up the stairs to the upper landing. “Ok Beepu, go get Marta.” Daneath said. “What? Why me?” “Because if I go, she might feel threatened and call a guard. Same with Iesa, plus the smell—” “Hey now, I don’t---” “-- And Myrai is probably on her bad side from the last time she talked to her.” Beepu’s mouth opened and closed a couple of times. He then rolled his eyes, straightened himself up, and marched up the stairs to the kitchen. I was down with Nestra below the line of sight to the kitchen with Iesa and Daneath in front of me. So I could only hear what happened next. “Madam Marta, I need your assistance come with me!” “Whot da? Ye aren’t supposed to be in ‘ere.” I could hear the Gour, Marta say. “I don answer to ye, so get out of my kit’chen!” “I do not have time to explain, so come with me!” “I’m not goin anywhe…Hey! Watcha you tryin to do?” I could here the sound of Beepu straining and then the sound of a frantic ‘whumping’ sound. At that point I crept up, and Nestra followed behind me. When I reached the landing, I saw Beepu was valiantly trying to lift and move Marta. Marta however was standing as a solid pillar of stone with the darkest look on her face. She was hitting Beepu on the back with a wooden spoon over and over. [I] Whump, whump, whump.[/I] “Let go of me, ye drunkin gnome.” “You…must…follow…me!” Beepu stammered and continued to strain to move her. I really wanted to laugh. At Beepu mostly, but it was even funnier that the rest of the cooking staff didn’t even turn their heads or help. They were trying to ignore the situation as if everything was perfectly normal. Nestra then clapped her hands together twice and Marta’s head shot up ignoring Beepu and looked towards the cellar stairs. Nestra said nothing and waved her over frantically while putting a finger to her lips. Marta blinked incredulously and then started moving to the stairs, dragging Beepu with her. Once she reached the stairs she saw the rest of us. I simply waved and let Nestra do the talking. “Whot are ye doing with these trouble—” the Gour started. “Nevermind that. I have been a prisoner in my own wine cellar because of Vicam!” Nestra hissed. At this Marta’s eyes grew wide. “Whot? That’s not you orderin the wine upstairs?” “No!” “Makes sense now. I dina think you would use all the pricy stuff first.” “What?!? That inconsider…” Nestra started and then stopped herself. “Listen, do what these folks ask, so they can get me out of here.” Marta closed her mouth and then looked at each of us, and then settled her gaze on Daneath. “Alrigh…whot needs doin?” Daneath looked at her, “Look we need couple of things done. We need you to get Arryn Quinte down here to talk to us.” “And we need a mask and a women’s belt or cinch.” I said quietly. “Yeah, those things too.” Daneath said. “We also need to know where the other Waterbaroness is right now. Can you help us out?” Marta didn’t even blink; she nodded and after shaking Beepu loose she strode into the kitchen and grabbed a pair of servants. They nodded, and bounded out of the kitchen, one towards the servant’s quarters and the other through a door on the far side of the kitchen that I hadn’t noticed before. The servant who went to the quarters returned first with a black quilted cinch, and a simple domino mask and gave them to Marta. She then came over to us and handed them to me, and I started fastening both to Nestra. “There,” I whispered. “A guest at your own party.” “Are you certain they won’t recognize me?” “Well, your hair isn’t the same as your impostor now, the mask makes it hard to tell you are…you. So just don’t talk to anyone that might recognize your voice.” Nestra grimly nodded, and Marta returned, this time with a man I had only saw briefly talking to Beepu. He was tall and was powerfully built. Blue eyed, his hair around his head was a solid grey but his face was clean shaven. Surprisingly he was armored, and upon the breastplate was the face of a dragon looking forward, wearing an gorget. His face had a confused look on his face as he approached our band crouched on the stairs. “Now what in…wait I was talking to you earlier about shoes,” as he pointed at Beepu. “What’s going on here?” “Arryn…it’s me! Nestra!” Arryn stepped down two steps to look at Nestra, “Wait a minute…what’s going on here? I was trying to talk to you upstairs, but you brushed me off, your excellency.” “That’s not me; I have better manners.” “What do…you…wait a moment. Vicam! It must be! What did he do?” “He’s trying to take over, and I need to get out of here. Can you give me sanctuary in your compound?” “Of course, but I apologize for this your excellency, but how do I know…you are you? “Because I will have the proper evidence with me when I show up! Otherwise, you don’t have to do anything, Arryn.” “Alright. You get to the compound with your proof, I’ll help. I won’t breathe a word in the meantime.” “Arryn,” I chimed in, “Do you know where Vicam is now?” “Yes, he was in the library down stairs with her…er the other Nestra, talking with some upper houses.” I looked at the others, “We should go now.” Daneath nodded, “Probably is best. Iesa and you go first, Beepu and I will follow with Nestra.” “Ok, see you upstairs.” Iesa and I moved to the top of the stairs and made our way to the double doors that led to the great hall. Iesa then spoke, “Take the other door there. Let’s find out if the other areas are clear as we go. If Nestra, has moved, go back and warn the others.” “Where does that door go to?” “I think it’s the conservatory on this floor, it’s the other entrance on the Foyer.” “Fine. See you upstairs.” Iesa slipped between the double doors and I walked across the kitchen to the other door. Taking a deep breath, I slowly opened the door a crack and once I saw that the people within were occupied, I entered. The conservatory was paneled in dark red wood inlays. The large windows to the outside were of course full of mist and fog, so the light was all from some lit candles mounted on floor standing candelabras. There were some divans and salon seat in the room, and an unoccupied desk shaped object with white and black keys in one corner of the room. No one had noticed me and was starting to make my way to the Foyer when I saw her. The dark elf was leaving a door from the far side of the foyer. Her hands rested on the pommels of her weapons and she was looking around with a sour look on her face. It was clear that she was heading to the Conservatory in a manner that was brisk and purposeful. I gulped behind my mask, took a breath and walked right toward the door. I walked as casually as I could and stared straight ahead. Trying not to turn my head to follow her; trying to look like just another patron at a party and not focusing on her. I entered the Foyer, and she continued to move in my direction. Soon we were within a couple feet of each other. While I was focusing on keeping my head staring straight ahead, my eyes turned to watch her as best I could. We passed within a foot of each other, and I could see her head start to turn to look at me, or at least my mask. My heart was pounding, and I could feel sweat trickling down my back. Everything within me was screaming for me to break into a run. “She’s found me. I’m going to bite the iron right here. Sodding…” Her eyes narrowed, and her mouth opened slightly and was about to say something, when she closed it and turned her gaze towards the Conservatory that I had just left. I continued my pace, my heart still pounding, and I took one of the graceful stairs to the upper gallery. As I made my way up, I saw Iesa was on the landing, already ahead of me. I could see his smile and he offered his hand to me and pulled me to him, so we could again link arms. But as I grasped him, I could feel that his hands were cold and clammy with a trace of the shakes. Looking at him carefully, I saw that he was tilting his head to his right ever so slightly. I took his arm and pivoted so I could see what was concerning him, without turning my head. On the landing, in the middle of everything was Captain Arakhan. He was surveying the landing, his eyes narrowed. He was clearly looking for something, but it wasn’t clear what. I pulled Iesa over towards the landing that overlooked both stairs coming up from the Foyer, and at the bottom, Daneath, Beepu and Nestra were making their way up the stairs. I had only moments before they reached the landing itself, where Arakhan could see them. I looked around desperately, and then I saw something that gave me hope. Across from me, to Arakhan’s right was a doorway to a small room where there were some guests lingering, and on the wall was a lit torch in a sconce. That gave me an idea. “Iesa, stand in front of me, and look at me,” I whispered. He did so, looking straight at me as if we were husband and wife about to embrace. His smile beneath the mask exposed his teeth, which he kept clenched tight. “They’re almost here! I hope you know what you are doing…” I barely heard him as I focused on that torch and quickly worked that ball of light within me. I was whispering quietly syllables of power and then I released it. The torch within the room, blazed brighter; what was once a warm orange was now far brighter. Continuing to whisper, I focused on the light within me and then twisted it and channeled my energy towards the torch, just as Daneath and Beepu made it to top of the landing. Within the room there was a loud murmur and then a woman’s voice said, ‘Oh MY!’ The torch was now a vivid purple, and the onlookers were all pointing towards it. But the sound of the woman’s voice, caused Arakhan to turn his head towards the room. When he saw the torch turn purple his mouth opened and he spoke, “What issss thisss?” and he turned and quickly moved to the room. The entire gallery was fascinated with either the light or watching the hulking dragonborn move towards it. But as he did so, the five of us moved to the double doors that lead to Nestra’s sitting room. Iesa deftly opened the door and ushered us all in. As he was closing the door, we could hear the Captain bellow: “Who is doing [I][B]that[/B][/I]!?!” Iesa was locking the door and looked at the rest of us. “We aren’t going to have a lot of time!” “This won’t take long.” Nestra said. She moved to the desk and grabbed several seals on top of it. Then after opening a drawer, she started pulling sheafs of parchment, looking for key documents. “Where’s the exit Nestra?” I asked. “The door to my left, towards my room.” I motioned the others to the door. By now Iesa and Daneath had drawn their swords, and Beepu had summoned Foggle from…wherever he was placed earlier. Iesa quickly picked the lock and the three of them went inside. I looked around and saw discarded on a bench, a satchel. I moved and grabbed it and then stood next to Nestra and opened it. Without a word she dropped seals, parchment and several other objects into it. She then looked at me; “Follow me, the rest of what I need are in the bedroom.” Quickly we moved to the room the others had went. Once within, Iesa closed the door, and picked the lock again, but this time ensuring it was now once again locked. Nestra ignored everyone and strode into the adjoining bedroom. Daneath moved over to a shield that hung on a nearby wall. He took it down and fastened on his left arm. Once I saw him grab the shield, I stopped following Nestra and reached within. The familiar warmth spread through my back and Daneath’s shield now glowed with a warm orange light. Then I turned to the wall and used another incantation to wipe away the dusty outline of a missing kite shield from the wall. Beepu looked at me and said, “I saw what you did. Not sure how, but it was risky.” “I know, but I needed to get Eragon to look anywhere else.” “Arakhan.” “Yeah, yeah right. I’ll focus on getting it right when I’m not running from the manor.” Nestra returned, the satchel now full and a key in her hand. She moved towards a window where a sconce with an unlit torch was attached to the wall. She twisted the sconce, and revealed a keyhole, which she then inserted the key and twisted. There was a loud click, and a panel popped open from the wall, which Iesa started pulling open while Daneath shined the shield into the darkness beyond. “Does anyone else know of this door or key?” I asked. “No. It’s passed as part of documents for the next ruler. I had to break the seal on them to get the key out. No one else knows.” Iesa had finished opening the panel and the light uncovered a small closet, with a narrow spiral staircase descending. Wisps of cobwebs hung from the ceiling and the dust was thick on the stairs. Without a word, Daneath was the first on the stairs, followed by Nestra and Iesa. Just as they did so, I could hear the doors to the sitting room unlatch and open. Beepu and I looked at each other, and he quickly dove inside the closet with me behind. I turned and seeing that there were a pair of handles on the panel, and I started to pull on them, As I did so, I heard a key in the lock to the room. “Here we go.” I said to myself, and the door closed with a satisfying click. Beepu had already descended. I pulled my dress and the remains of my crinoline together and started my descent into the darkness. [B]Session Notes:[/B] So yes…we had a bit of cat and mouse during this session. It’s only after reading the notes that I realized there was a third advisor to the “false” Nestra. But since he never figured in any major way in the story, I’m not going to fix it. Now, there is a lot to do with Nestra’s dress to make it pretty, which was handled as a skill check. Now, technically crinoline didn’t exist until the 18th century. But no one said they don’t exist in the Forgotten Realms. I did have to draw on some of my personal knowledge of sewing on how this ACTUALLY might of happened, versus the abstract. Luckily, it only had to last from the kitchen to the secret exit. Beepu did try to wrestle the cook and of course it went as badly as could be expected. And yes, more cantrip Olympics. This is the exact point where I realized I wanted more utility cantrips. And I have been frustrated with other characters because of lack of options at times. And yeah. The Eragon joke continued…with the DM saying it once or twice as well to his chagrin. 1147 views...someone likes me. I'm also trying to update weekly now as my schedule is making it possible. Either that or I'm faster/stronger/better. Or levelled up. Or both. [/QUOTE]
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