Off to War [IC]

[jackslate45]

Ern paid little attention to what was going on. As this was the first time they had a break without needing to rush, she was finally going to figure out what that rod was. She was deep in concentration, and was about to figure out the school when Tira mentioned her marriage to Tharivol. It was enough of a shock that she broke her concentration. "What? Oh Congratulations Tira!"

After that point, it was pointless to try and resume, so she put the rod away, and listened to the questions and comments of the rest of the group. "I think you brought up a few good points Trinham. While I have no answer for the first one, you already provided a solution for the second one. 'We brought the Nandirly ambassador along because he has information about ending the war, and is going to speak to the High King before going to Treylor.' " Her voice was very formal sounding, although slightly mocking. She shook her head and continues "However, if Dellex knows about what happened in Tirol, it might not matter. Is there anyone here that you trust, more than Dellex?" she asks, looking towards the rest of the party.

 

[HolyMan]

"Tharivol will be pronunced dead," the ambassador says to Trinham and Jareth. "It will help in case there are Treylor spies listening in on conversations about the camp. Go ahead Tharivol you may tell them now what you and your wife to be are going to be doing."

*Ahem* Tharivol clears his throat and looks lovingly at Tira before speaking. "Tira and I are going to go have a word with her mother. We believe she was part of an old Purist plot to start the war," he looks to Jareth with a mournful look, knowing this must hurt, but he continues. "Now whether she was in on this or duped we don't know, but she should be able to tell us everyone who visited her during her pregnancy. Those who opposed it or encouraged it. Anyone Elder Tyion can look into to help weed out the Purists and their supporters."

"I believe that once the emperor agreed to stop the invasion if the Nandirly were to execute the half-elven child the Purist had learned about, and stop all contact with humans, the group decided on another tactic. Stealing the crown and hiding it, and laying the blame at the feet of the old green dragon." the ambassador adds. "It makes sense from what the little we discovered by Dorimir's actions."

"When I discovered that Hugo had been bewitched I was almost killed trying to take my evidence before the senate." he looks sadly at the ground. "Hugo was killed and the evidence destroyed. The best I could do was escape with his family and hide them to keep them safe."

He looks to Tira and Jareth, "I am sorry I could not save your father. But I will see to it that the senate, that the emperor himself, learns the truth about what the Purist are up to."

"All that does us nothing if we can't get to the Treylor lands. It is hundreds of miles to the Eastwall Mountians." Aver chimes in grumpy.

"And the Treylor army will be watching Genku Pass," Elder Tyion says. "That is why going to Siere may be the best bet. It is on the way to the mountains and the pass. And by the time all of you and the army reach the city Tharivol and Tira should have found us the information we need to prove all the Purist's plots. Meeting in Siere and giving us time to reacess our plan."

"But it's such a long walk," Aver grumbles.

"Then maybe you can wear those cursed boots off your feet," Malaroc quips.

Aver smiles and jumps up. "Let's go."

 

[Dragonwriter]

Jareth says quickly and quietly to Ernestine, "Let me put it this way: I trust Aver more than I trust Dellex."

He winces at the mention of his father and Tira's mother, old memories still painful. Moreso in light of recent news. He looks a bit skeptical as he replies, "That still doesn't cover Trinham's question. You did say you met Dellex before, ambassador. I'd wager good money he'll remember you, even if he claims he doesn't. The man's a viper and a puppeteer. I think a different cover story, addressing the fact that you are a Treylor ambassador, is the only way we can make this work. Or at least not play into Dellex's hands."

He pauses. "And there is one other thing... I swore to Lady Rizella I would bring Tharivol back, alive. Reporting his death may be safest for us, but merely saying that lie now brings an ill taste to my tongue. I believe she needs to know the truth. I also know we need it to stay a secret... To that end, Tharivol, would you please write her a note? I can give it to her, on the condition she not open it until the army leaves the vicinity of Harkon Manor. I... I'm not sure I could bear letting her believe her son was dead, and it was my fault. Too much false blame has already gone around to let that happen."

 

[Fangor the Fierce]

"And I am not liking the sound of hearing that Vester was not in on this whole thing. I think there is more to it, as Emma has stated that Vester was aware of this. I am not thinking that a dragon could so easily be blamed without reason."

Mal doesn't express the notion that if they were right about the Purist, then even the dragons were being used as pawns... Emma would not take too kindly to that, and perhaps would even show some discontent in her usual fashion. This would not end nicely for anyone in her way...

 

[jackslate45]

Ern smiles at Jareth but says nothing more about Dellex. In that case, best to avoid him.

"If I know Vester, he already knows that the crown was not delivered. We would be wise not to linger long then."

 

[ghostcat]

Trinham had been concentrating on what they were going to tell Dellex and hadn't picked up on the fact that Tharivol and Tira were getting married. The copper finally drops when Em congratulates Tira and he mutters "Sorry. Tharivol and Tira congratulations. " in a slightly embarrassed tone.

Although ostensibly Trinham is replying to Em, it is obvious that he is in fact jabbering in order to clarify his thoughts "Well I sort of trust Dellex's ex-companions; Follan and Martomum. But I don't think we should tell them about Tharivol and Tira. Or about the ambassador. We could tell them about the two elven factions as, presumably, the enemy already know that. Then there's Lora: assuming she back and actually talking to us. Personally I can't stand the bitch and " What exactly Trinham was going to say is lost has he breaks off, turns bright red and mutters "Tira, Em. I'm sorry. that's not the sort of language to use in front of ladies."

 

[Dragonwriter]

Jareth is still trying to gloss over the marriage announcement...

He chuckles at Trinham's words. "I've got a feeling they've each heard worse language, even directed at them. And you're not alone, Trinham. I think anyone who has met her quickly felt the same way."

 

[Fangor the Fierce]

"You also forget - we sent three people back to the army already. We must prepare for what they relay as well. They know about Vester, the Reavers, and the attacks. They know about Tira, and Aver here. Anything they already know and could have relayed would affect our story. Namely, that Aver is a servant..."

Mal doesn't want to keep throwing holes in the story, but wants to make sure it stands up to the scrutiny that will come. He has never met these people they are talking about either, so it will be interesting.

 

[Dragonwriter]

"We can say Aver stole something and this is his punishment. Not too far-fetched," Jareth says nonchalantly and with a shrug. "And my sister... Merely omit certain things. She's dealing with other business in elven lands. Personal business. They need not know precisely what."

 

[HolyMan]

"We need to keep the lying to a minimum lest some magic detect it," the ambassador says. "Jareth has the right of it we omit and tell the truth they need to know."

"But then I am not a servant." Aver says truimphantly.

"No, now you are not, but you will be when we reach the army." the ambassador says with a stern look. Aver's smile vanishes in an instant.

He looks at everyone and then says, "Look I know this will not be easy and things may come about we have not foreseen."

He crosses his arms and becomes stern. "So do you all wish to forgo this and try on our own to return the crown? You think the army would let us just pass through? Would our trip be that much quicker traveling by night and sometimes having to go miles out of our way to avoid town and village, our heels dogged by whatever the Purist send at us? Do you think that Dellex discovering the truth as bad as thousands of innocent humans and elves dying because we fail or are to late? We are over three months from Siere and that is if we could travel by day, keep to the roads, and had supplies and didn't need to forage or hunt for food or search for water."

His face softens. "I know what we are about to do seems daunting, but our time and choices are limited. We will stick to simple truth and nothing elaborate. I need to see the High King. All of you are the only humans I trust." He looks to Aver. "And you are my servant."

"Simple and true." Elder Tyion says with a grin. "The way to vic... Ah the Wardens are here. Excuse me."

The elder moves to the woods and later returns with two large sacks. "The boats are a quarter mile down river and await us. Are you all ready?"