The Reconquista: Part I (Shadows over Istivin)

[Rhun]

"Rumors and speculation are often all one gets before a traitor's blade falls," says Reivik, interjecting into the conversation. "There is certainly something foul and insepid lurking in the dark shadows of Istivin." Locking his gaze on the face of Prince Dumple, the dwarf continues. "We will root out this threat and put an end to it."

 

[J. Alexander]

George

Listening to the conversation George once again speaks "Has any speculated that perhaps the Marchioness is under duress or even control by our foes or some magical infulence. Given our foes it is highly possible that someone or something has gained control of her or at least is in a postion in which to influece her actions"

 

[James Heard]

Mavic looks at George in horror and disgust.

"So..." he says dangerously, "what exactly would you then propose to do about our liege lady then, Thonthonudainhim of the Elves of Sheldomar?"

He scowled.

"Don't answer. Half the room would be honor bound to slay you," the mage says quickly, punctuating the thought with a short gesture.

"You disappoint me. In one breath you debase speculation, and in the other you dance the knife edge of treason."

"Why can't you be more like Latalya?" he says, obviously frustrated with the impolitic elf and shaking his head with a smile for his often frustrating elvish friend.

 

[Scotley]

Morley

"Not to put anyone's honor in an uproar, but I don't think we can discount the possiblity that whatever is gripping the people of Istavin, is having an impact on the leaders as well as the man on the street. We've all felt it, I find it makes me somewhat irrational and very irritable too."

 

[Bloodweaver1]

Anastasia Winterheart

"Dispite what is most often to be believed, history has often shown that even great leaders can be as 'mortal' as thier followers." Says the Holy Warrior with a neutral tone. She quickly raises her hand in hopes to quile any fierce rebutal and says with the same inflection, "Don't misunderstand what I'm saying. I mean no offense. I don't believe the great leaders of this land are behind this canker. However, I feel its safe to say that they are not as immune to the 'fatigue' as we would believe them to be."

 

[James Heard]

Mavic arches an eyebrow.

"Regardless of whether she be immune or frail, she is our liege lady and her influence and regard directs downwards - not upwards."

"If she were bound and determined to spend her days swallowing toads, she'd be our liege still and forever more. It is not our place to question her mentality or motive, in voice at least, as long as we are to be considered good citizens of the March."

"Offense? No. Incredulousness? Yes. If there be a pall over Istivin entire then it may cast its shadow over the Marchioness as well, but we cannot entertain that as a consideration and call ourselves patriots. No, we strike at the darkness and disregard where that shadow might lay, because to suggest the darkness lies in bed with Emondav suggests the kingdom entire is tainted, that the entire social order of all of Sterich is ruined. To suggest that is to entertain traitorous thoughts by process. It is a path of rebellion, and I take no part in it or condone it in others."

"I might hold no dear love for the woman, but she is the soul of seed and soil for my homeland," he explains.

"Let us cast aside our discussions on monarchy though, and get to the meat of the matter. We free Istivin, and cross other bridges when the water rushes under our feet," he said, climbing to his feet.

"Are you sure you would not dine with us, Prince? If not here, then perhaps there is somewhere in the city that you would prefer; and perhaps by way of conveyance allow us a more hands on discussion of the troubles in the streets?"

 

[Bloodweaver1]

Anastasia WInterheart

She tilts her head and gives a slight bow towards her friend. Rather than drag out what obviously would be a climatic debate, she concedes and is content to let the conversation go. If someone accused the Sword of Pelor to be corrupted or corruptible, would I not be just as defensive? With the conversation behind them she re-focuses back onto the Prince.

 

[Branding Opportunity]

Redmod Dumple sits back, casually watching the back and forth in the conversation. He does not to betray any emotion, simply wanting to take it all in. Sensing a break he interjects, "I am glad to hear that there are still those among us who perceive the correct danger. I have spent most of my time outside of the capitol, and have not succumbed to the shortsightedness that seems to have overtaken most people here. Hopefully you will be able to discover what is behind the shadows over Istivin."

He strokes his beard for a few moments and then looks back at one of his advisors, "Well, I think I have said and heard all I came for. We should make our way back to the compound." The dwarven prince stands up and rearranges his ornamental armor. "Good luck to all of you, and may the gods bless your endeavors. If you discover anything of importance, and I have no doubt that you eventually will, I would appreciate hearing about it. Perhaps I can even be of some assistance. You can generally find me at the Dwarven Union compound, across the street from the temple of the Soul Forger."

He pushes the chair back under the kitchen table and gives a dwarven salute to the group.

 

[Branding Opportunity]

A new addition

A thought comes to Dumple's mind and he snaps his fingers, "Oh my, I almost forgot. I came across ... well, I came across a stray ... of sorts, and thought that you might like the company. I believe you are familiar with him."

The dwarf puts two fingers in his mouth and gives out a quick double whistle. A few moments later the front door is pushed open and a large wolf trots in the door. He calmly approaches the kitchen and quietly sits down next to fire.

The wolf looks at all of you ... and smiles.

 

[Rhun]

An incredulous look makes its way onto Reivik's face as he recognizes the wolf. "Nah, it can't be...