[Game Thread] Twin Shields

[dbaque]

"This one is our chef's specialty and tastes even better that it smells," remarks Katherine as the dinner plates are set in front of the three ladies. Without further signal, they begin work on the savory meal.

Lady Anastasia smiles reassuringly at the nervous heroine. "I will make sure to relay your praise to the chef. Sometimes I think he spoils us so." Taking another delicate bite of the meal and a ginger sip of the wine, Anastasia asks their guest: "Katherine tells me you aided Lord Stephen in reclaiming one of his lost cities." Katherine appends: "Yes, what was it like? And did you get to meet Lady Anna?" Anastasia explains: "Lady Anna is the wife of Lord Stephen's son Michael, and Katherine's sister."

[kaylara]

Aira smiled, Ah, yes. Lord Stephen. He is a kind and interesting person who likes to venture more than rule one would think. At least thats how I felt after traveling with him and his personal guard a few days. Aira took another sip of her wine.

As for my venture I had met both the King and Queen of house McMahon and had undertaken a mission to investigate the town of Darkwold they had lost contact with for some time.

It turned out the town was taken over by a group of Dark Druids whom had also managed to capture the Legendary Kara and attempted to control and use her affliction to spread a deadly disease across the land.

With the Aid of Lord Stephen and a couple of his men we were able to liberate the small port town of Darkwold, track the druids back to their lair, defeat them and saved Kara. It felt good to save the lands here and aid those who were oppressed. Aira looked about.

I did not meet Anna, when mentioning coming here. Stephen was interested but was tending to Kara. After a meal and collecting my reward, I decided to come here. Aira A sense motive would reveal she is telling the truth and not being deceptive.smiled.

How about information or a tale about yourselves, or perhaps what has been going on around here? Surely there's always something stirring about. as Aira awaits a

Dice sense motive:

d20+15

(2)+15

Total = 17

reply.

[dbaque]

Aira's nervousness is muddling her usually sharp senses, though her dinner companions seem anything but surreptitious. They listen

Dice Sense Motive by Anastasia, Katherine; lesser aids better:

d20+7	(12)+7			Total = 19
d20+10	(20)+10			Total = 30

attentively to her tell of her adventures. She can practically see Katherine sketching some verses in her head. At the close, "That poor girl," Anastasia remarks about Kara, "if half the stories of her are true, she's suffered much as it is. She's very fortunate that you saved her from a wicked slavery. Hopefully, House McMahon can finally help her."

"You didn't catch anything, did you?" Katherine teases.

"Mind your tongue, girl," her aunt scolds. Returning her attention to Aira, "Well, you certainly shown yourself quite the heroine, dearie. We're honored you came for a visit."

"A shame," Katherine adds, "You would have liked Anna, though you're far easier to dress up than she was."

"Little wonder since she treats her older sister like a life-size dress up doll sometimes," adds Anastasia, "That said, my niece's good taste is well proven. You look quite lovely tonight, Aira."

The siren grins mischievously as she remarks something in a warm, dulcet Celestial, which will be signaled with Bluelanguage: "I'm sure brother would very much agree after we introduce them." Turning mirthful eyes to the fair heroine, "You don't happen to have some sweetheart waiting for you, do you, Aira?"

Anastasia admonishes her niece in the same dulcet language: "Katherine! You're worse than your mother and without any of her mollifying tact." The elderly lady apparently didn't follow the Draconic comment to Aira. Muttering something, Anastasia makes a quick Spellcraft 16 IDs it as the spell Comprehend Languagesgesture before adding to Aira: "Prithee, dearie, you'll have to excuse my impulsive niece. Now then, you asked about us. My niece's reputation you already know, well earned I must admit. For myself, I've fair skill at a healer's arts."

Katherine snorts: "'Fair' she says. Don't let her fool you, Aira. Aunt Anastasia is the best healer, magical or mundane, in or out of the Temple Guild."

"Oh, stop," the aged healer protests half-heartedly. "Anyway, as far as stirrings, there's been hardly anything local. There was a sorceress killing caravans on the road to 'liberate' their animals from slavery, but a league came by and put a stop to that, thank heavens. Katherine already told you about my nephew Diego. We've not a lead to go on. I managed a Sending spell, but his reply was ... odd and troubling. He said he still a captive but spent most of his reply warning about a plot from House Vangar to start a war with my home House Alatir," the elder healer looking very worried as she takes a steadying sip of her vintage.

"We passed on the warning to them, so we're sure they'll be fine with the heads-up," Katherine continues for her aunt, "but that's part of what I meant earlier, Aira, about political troubles." A burdened look comes over the young Galliberos. "You see, Aira," she starts, before stopping to look at her aunt. When Anastasia nods, Katherine continues: "I don't know how much you already know, but the throne of the Alstenot is vacant, and there is no heir. Therefore, it falls to the nine heads of the houses to elect a new king and dynasty. Stern Lady Groff is one of the main contenders for the throne. My noble brother Lord Galliberos is the other, despite his rather bull-headed reluctance," she mutters nearly to herself, taking a sip as she rolls her eyes, "In the centuries of the kingdom, this has been the third time that the throne has been without an heir. Each time before, the realm was plunged into a very bloody civil war among the houses. I wish I could say that it looked any better now. While brother is doing his best to avert a war, along with a few other houses, some of them seem dead set on waging one. It looks bad, Aira," the concern clear on her voice.

[kaylara]

Aira chuckles slightly, Yes, I made sure none of us had caught anything before returning to the city. It would be wrong to carry such a thing back with us and cause harm to so many innocents.

Aira sighs when she hears the odd musical speech and sees the arcane

Dice spell craft:

d20+15

(10)+15

Total = 25

jesture. You no need to discuss things in languages your guest does not understand. It is a bit insulting. But if you must, I understand. Aira lets the gest go as she dismisses it as a youthful misunderstanding as she gives a reasured smile.

She has a good taylor. Though I must admit I am use to armor during these times than a nice dress. To answer your question. I am single. Not many men look for hard to control adventerous heroines. she giggles slightly and eats a little bit of food and sips the wine again.

Yes, I am aware of the coming chaos, my mother told me what happened the last two times and how hard things were back then. I would not like that history to repeat it's self. For all would suffer. The look of a mother protecting her child crosses her face. I will do all I can to prevent that from happeneing again and would fight to ensure a good, just person take the throne. Thou I have yet to find this person. So I wander the land and bring what good I can, until then. Finding good meals along the way never hurts either. she a proper noble toast

Dice diplomancy:

d20+15

(19)+15

Total = 34

presents a toast.

To the protection of all, may the chaos be quenched before it begins. she takes a sip of wine.

So, do you fear your lord in danger then? I could travel to the capital and escort him if thats what you would like. Or perhaps venture to seek information on Diego?

[dbaque]

Anastasia smiles apologetically at Aira for her niece's brazen jesting. The not quite contrite Katherine does a poor job of looking sheepish. She does an even worse job of not looking excited at Aira's declaration of being single. However, a stern look from Anastasia halts whatever reply Katherine was brewing.

The heroine's protective mien draws a very interested look from Katherine, a look even more pronounced after her expressed interest in the throne's successor. Even Anastasia seems to be thinking something. The latter raises her goblet at the toast: "Here, here," before taking her own sip. Katherine seems more pensive amid her glass raising.

"Lord Galliberos in danger?" answers Anastasia, "No, not verily. Even the appearance of a move by any of the houses against the others would be madness amid the elections. Besides, the blood of angels and many heroes flows through the Galliberos line; my lordly nephew is a skilled warrior in his own right and demonstrably hard to kill. In truth, we expect him back any day now with news of how the latest meeting of the peers went."

"And a plan if it went not so well," appends a still pensive Katherine. "Aira," the siren finally asks the question on her mind, "what are you exactly?"

"Katherine!" the elderly lady rebukes, clearly understanding that, "What in heaven's name?"

Katherine has the decency to look sheepish, "Ok, sorry, you don't have to answer. That was a little forward." At her aunt's continued glare, she amends: "All right, very forward. The point is that if a war is coming, we could use all the friends we can get, both to avert sneaky schemes like House Vangar's and ... to defend the realm if civil war breaks out. And you will look long and hard for a nobler, juster man than brother."

"What my niece might be getting at, Aira," Anastasia interrupts as her fingers nurse a headache at the bridge of her nose, "is that you are plainly interested in finding a worthy successor to the throne, a laudable goal. A good step would be to meet with one or both of the current candidates for the crown." Taking a relaxing sip, the matronly healer suggests: "One of them, my nephew, will be here any day now. We would be honored if you would stay as our guest until he returns. Then, you can meet him and make up your own mind. If he's not to your liking, dearie," a glare in Katherine's direction silences a scoffing retort, "you can leave without any hard feelings and head southward to House Groff to continue your quest. How does that sound?"

[kaylara]

Aira listens as she continued to enjoy the food. Oddly enough to one paying any attention, they could tell that Aira has eaten three servings so far this evening. The food is still is the best I have had so far thru my travels. as she finished her plate.

Turning her look to Lady Anastasia, I would hope Lord Galliberos not be in danger. But with no King and a land about to be plunged in to chaos. Everyone is in danger. Aira grinned at Lady Katherine's outburst, It is alright, she is forward. I like it when one does not hide their questions or intent.

Aira raised a brow at Lady Katherine's question, What am I exactly? I am a protector of Alstenot. I know House Galliberos to be a good house for Alstenot, the majority of it's people the same. In that respect, you can also consider me a friend. As for Lord Galliberos, the people will be able to confirm his persona.

Taking a sip of wine she glances back at Lady Anastasia, You are kind as you are wise. I have already narrowed down my searching.

It would be an honor to wait here a few days and give me time to meet the people. Or perhaps if you like, I could teach Lady Katherine a thing or two, I had spent many years with my mother learning things. That is if she is interested in learning about Arcana, Engineering, Dungeoneering, Geography, History, Nature, Nobility, Religion or Planar knowledge. as she raised a brow at the young Lady Katherine awaiting her response.

[dbaque]

"Splendid! Then it's settled. I'll inform the servants to prepare a guest room," replies a pleased Anastasia.

Aira can easily tell from Katherine's expression that her forward question meant something very different from the answer. Spurred by the heroine's goodly reaction to the question, Katherine replies: "Mine was a very well rounded education. What I would really love to learn more about, Aira," taking on a knowing grin, "is dragons."

Anastasia returns to nursing that intractable headache as she sternly chastises: "Lady Katherine Galliberos! I've a mind to ... Our heroic guest can tell us of her life story and heritage when she darn well feels like it, and not a moment sooner. Now put that brazen tongue of yours to good use with some of your famed entertainment. Go on." Cowed, Katherine excuses herself from the table and curtsies to take her leave. Anastasis tenders an apologetic smile to Aira: "Prithee, excuse her. Mind like a steel trap, that girl. She means well, but once something piques her curiosity, she's incorrigible. Now, I hope you saved room for dessert."

The servers bring out two portions of a decadent chocolate cake. Taking a small spoonful, Anastasia hums her delight: "Chocolate, my one vice I must confess." It is then that Katherine returns with her harp in hand. Sitting down at a chair away from the table, she Spellcraft 15 to ID as Ghost Sound cantripconjures some pitched sounds to tune the harp to her satisfaction before whispering another Spellcraft 16 to ID as Tap Inner Beautyincantation. The young siren's finger's gracefully dance over her

Dice Perform (strings):

d20+10+2+2

(6)+10+2+2

Total = 20

harp, and her melodious

Dice Perform (sing):

d20+10+2

(14)+10+2

Total = 26

voice fills the dining hall. Her harp's accompaniment is impressive in its own right, but the siren's voice is what stills the room in rapt attention as it tells of pastoral fields and serene days beneath the sun's kiss.

[kaylara]

Aira chuckled slightly at Lady Katherine request,Persistant, perhaps later I could teach you a bit about dragons. We shall se how the meeting with Lord Galliberos goes.

In reply to Anastasis ,Oh, there is always room for dessert. as she watches Lady Katrina

Dice spell craft:

d20+15sch15	(14)+15		✔	Total = 29
d20+15sch16	(13)+15		✔	Total = 28

prepare for her performance.

Turning to Lady Anastasis, she whispers, I wonder how her performaces are without the aid of the ghost sound or inner beauty magic. She seems quite capable without. She has a lot of spirit.

Aira sits back, enjoying dessert and the superb performance. At the end of the performance she gives her applause. That truely was beautiful.

Once everyone was back to table, Aira finished her dessert and drink. Thank you for the wonderful meal, I would not want to hold you up any longer and shall retire for properly retire with offering great respect.

Dice diplomacy:

d20+15

(20)+15

Total = 35

the evening.

[dbaque]

"Spirit she has in abundance," Anastasia chuckles, "It's discipline that she could use, hopefully something she'll acquire with age. Regardless, to hear her talk about it, her music and magic are one and the same. It would seem as odd to her as forgoing her harp."

At the performance' end, Anastasia, too, joins in a dignified applause. Katherine curtsies with a delighted grin on her face, drinking in the praise, before returning to the table. Dinner finally winds down. "Dearie, the pleasure was all ours, but you're right it is getting late," replies Lady Anastasia with an endearing smile, "I'll have a servant show you to your room. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. Good night, Aira Ru." Both ladies of the castle curtsy their farewell and then take their own leave for the night.

[kaylara]

Aira followed the servant to the guest room, where she changed into regular clothing. She spent some time polishing her armor as she thought about tonights dinner. As nightime fell, she watched the sunset thru the castle window as the beautiful red filled the partially cloudy sky signaling that tomorrow would be a beautiful day.

Aira laid down and remained awake for a bit as she half expects Lady Katherine to pay a visit.

If nothing happens, the next morning, Aira freshens up and dresses in her usual outfit as she makes her way to morning breakfast before exploring the city. Aira spends the day Find out the peoples view of him.

Dice diplomacy:

d20+15

(13)+15

Total = 28

gathering information about Lord Galliberos.

[dbaque]

Thin ice as the young siren was with her aunt, her better judgment prevails, and she left their guest to sleep without disturbance.

In the morning, Aira finds only Katherine at breakfast. She only offers a greeting and similar pleasantries about how Aira slept. Remarkable reserve the impetuous girl is opting to display today. As the heroine notices Anastasia's absence, the young girl adds: "Lady Anastasia is taking her breakfast with mother in her room. However, my aunt will be joining us for lunch, to which you are invited, of course, and she will, I quote, 'simply not take no for an answer.' You'd best come," grinning with amusement.

******************************************

During Aira's extensive public opinion poll, less than an hour before noon, six riders arrive at Nichen's gates, at the head of which is Lord Galliberos himself. His honor guard is sent off to rest, and the mounts are left with the stablehands with particular instruction from their lord about giving his stallion an extra, well deserved treat. Lord Louis is excitedly greeted at the castle by his aunt and sister. After a warm embrace for both of them, news is exchanged among the Galliberos family, some good but much bad. Finally, the two ladies of the house relate their recent guest's arrival, an account peppered with a number of scowls from his aunt directed at his sister, much to the admitted amusement of the Lord of Nichen.

A servant arrives to announce that lunch will soon be ready. Anastasia shoos her nephew off to his room to get changed out of his armor into something more presentable. Nodding, he leaves to change, alone with his thoughts of one mysterious heroine.

OOC not if When Aira returns for lunch, she finds Anastasia and Katherine waiting at the table.

[kaylara]

Aira enjoyed her breakfast and offered any small talk the young Lady Katherine might have asked. Seeing her reserve, Aira assumed that Lady Katherine must have been scolded for her behavior the other day.

While she was out talking with the people, she hastily made her way back upon the Lords arrivial. Making her way to the guest room, she changed into the same outfit she wore the previous night. Aira wondered what to expect this afternoon as she prepared herself for questions that would be asked.

She straightened out her appearance and added a dash of her favorite perfume. Some heroine I am, I look like a young princess. Oh well, there will be time to wear armor later. For now it's time to feast again. she smiled at the thought.

Upon entering the dining are, Aira did her best to

Dice diplomancy:

d20+15

(16)+15

Total = 31

look and act like nobility as she greeted the Lord and his family. After all, first impressions last the longest and she wanted her to be memerable. Aira gave a gracious bow and introduction so well, one could have easily thought she was nobility.

[dbaque]

Aira finds Lady Anastasia and Katherine seated at the table when she enters the hall. The elder healer greets her: "Good to see you, Aira. I trust your stroll about our city was informative." The younger one grins as she eyes the heroine's outfit and her far more poised manner. Sniffing at the air, she remarks knowingly: "I see you heard that brother has returned. He'll be joining us in but a moment."

 

An approaching tread of boots heralds the last arrival, Lord Louis Galliberos enters the dining hall majestically, looking every part the imposing potentate. Upon meeting him the first thing Aira notices after the lord's cordial nod of greeting are his eyes of the deepest blue, boring with an almost uncomfortable intensity, not a stern gaze, merely one that feels heavy with the weight of aeons, before softening into a small but friendly smile. After the initial unease, her attention shifts to the nobleman's disarming smooth, youthful features, of one barely past his twentieth summer, albeit terribly handsome. Silvery-golden, shoulder-length hair frames his visage, atop which rests a simple iron circlet. A rich, ornate, violet and verdant cloak drapes over broad shoulders and regal, rich garb. At his side rests a sword in his scabbard, both finely crafted yet still bearing the signs of long use by many lordly hands. When he speaks, his voice is deep, and his words soft yet clear.

His kinswomen rise to curtsy at his entrance. Lord Galliberos walks up to their guest and takes her hand to plant a gentle kiss on it, after the

Dice Diplomacy:

d20+12

(14)+12

Total = 26

courtly custom. "Hail & well met, Aira Ru," greets the Lord of Nichen, an

Dice Sense Motive for initial impressions of what she thinks of him:

d20+12

(16)+12

Total = 28

OOC You're also subject to a spell-like ability Detect Evil. Not expecting it to, but does it ping on anything?

studious gaze turned upon her. "A pleasure you deigned to grace our fair city. My kinswomen have told me much about you. Prithee, have a seat." Louis goes to his place at the other head of the table, his kinswomen at his side. Lunch is then brought in, a smooth, creamy pasta dish. Apparently up to speed on the heroine's purpose here, the Lord of Nichen seems content to leave his guest to start the conversation.

[kaylara]

Aira smiled and greeted Lady Anastasia. Yes, it went well. Thank you for asking. Yes, I am looking forward to our meting. she smiled and blushed slightly.

When the Lord enters, he sees not only his expected family members but the addition of a guest. The young and legendary Not going to repost the desc/picture, but can if needed Aira Ru.

The Lords detection reveals no evil taint as Aira offers her handhmm, do I need another roll? just in case:

Dice diplomacy:

d20+15

(2)+15

Total = 17

, a warm tingly feeling shot thru her body when the Lords lips touched her hand. Aira returned the sensation with a warm smile. Aira's big eyes stare into the Lords for a moment as if she could lol Detect Evil for what it's worthsee down to his very soul. As she looked into his soul, she couldn't help but think, He is a handsome man, noble, proper, and just. I'm liking what I see. What is this feeling, I wonder how he... her thoughts wandered off a moment as she pulled herself together.

Greetings and welcome home. Tis an honor, I hope what you heard tis all good. she grinned. I must thank you and your family for the gracious hospitality and good food. as she takes her seat.

As the food is brought out, Aira takes a sip of her drink as she addresses the Lord with her concern for the land. I take it you are aware of why I have come? How did the meetings turn out? Good I hope, or should I ready my armor? she smiled.

[dbaque]

As expected from his reputation and her own recent assessment, she senses not a drop of evil from the noble lord. "You are most welcome, m'lady," he replies with a warm smile, "The days are not so strange that House Galliberos cannot offer a hero's welcome."

Her question swiftly creases his expression into a frown. "You may well need your arms though not why we expected," he lets out with a heavy sigh, "The vote turned out not as well I hoped, but about as well as I expected. 'Tis public knowledge enough. The votes of the nine peers were split between Lady Groff and myself, 5 to 4. To carry the election for the crown, she needs a single other vote, which frankly she has little to no chance at this point. I need two more votes, but we have a fair plan on which swing votes to pursue. But Lady Groff grows weary of election politicking and ready to settle the question otherwise."

He sets a serious gaze on the heroine: "The remainder first requires a great amount of discretion on your part, m'lady."