[Game Thread] Twin Shields

[darthcharon]

Twin Shields Aira's request for a meeting with Galliberos is responded to quite swiftly, and she waits only thirty minutes before being ushered into the throne room, where Aira is surprised to see not the older Anastasia she had expected to see, but rather a much younger woman. "Lady Katherine Galliberos," The guard leading Aira into the room begins, "Aira Ru." With his introduction finished, he steps to the side, allowing the two women to assess each other before speaking.

[dbaque]

A quiet, delicate beauty looks up from her harp strumming, a girl blossoming into womanhood. Her attire is rich, frilly, and flowing, a consummate girly-girl. Mirth & whimsy twinkle behind her eyes as she regards her guest, but her expression otherwise retains the cool, regal demeanor of the nobility. Setting aside her harp, Katherine nods her head in greeting to Aira and addresses her: "Hail & well met, Aira Ru. A pleasure to finally meet you. I regret the Lady Anastasia was otherwise occupied. Prithee, what brings you to our fair city of Nichen?"

[kaylara]

Aira Ru Aira Ru, a very comely white haired woman in her early twenties walks in. Aira is dressed in bright colors, mostly white and sky blue, she wears a beautiful breastplate that is offset by its battle worn marks and looks like it has endured many battles. At her sides hang a morning-star and a light crossbow. As Aira entered and was pronounced, she knelt Dice Diplomacy: d20+15 (4)+15 Total = 19 respectfully before Lady Katherine. Greetings Lady Katherine. Your musical skills are as legendary as your family heritage. Tis an honor to finally meet a Galliberos in person. She smiled and stood properly. I have traveled quite a bit and the cuisine here in Nichen is truly the best. However, I am sure you do not want to hear my praise of your city for that is not the only reason I have come to see you today. I hear you might need some assistance. She paused, awaiting Lady Katherine's response.

[dbaque]

The young siren in her midteens graciously accepts the compliment, clearly used to hearing such praise. "Thank you. Always delighted to meet a fan," she replies in a sing-songy voice, a bit of the girly diva peeking out. Tucking that beneath her courtly demeanor again, Katherine

Dice Sense Motive:

d20+10+2

(15)+10+2

Total = 27

What sort of impression does Aira give off?regards Aira interestedly. She speaks up again curiously: "Your reputation precedes you as well," switching to soft hisses and clicks of formal but practiced Draconic, "Aira Ru the dragonblooded. Think not House Galliberos ungrateful for the offer, but these are strange times. All nine of the houses are burdened with their share of troubles in these days. Prithee, why is a famed, benevolent legend interested in ours, Aira?"

[kaylara]

Katherine could sense that Aira was speaking the truth and seemed trustworthy.

As Katherine began speaking in draconic, Aira seemed to

Dice sense motive:

d20+15

(7)+15

Total = 22

reguard Katherine indifferently, wondering how much she knew of her. In either case, Aira's question was elegantly dodged as Lady Katrina spun her own question in response.

Aira was there for a purpose and not to display her diplomatic abilities.

Aira replied in a perfect draconic tone. I felt that your house best suited my taste. Your lawful rule with good laws that have also withstood the burden and changes of time is impressive. I am aware of some disturbances and just recently asisted Lord Stephen with saving one of his cities that was taken over by hostil death druids.

Times are strange indeed and I have yet to build any trust between us. I meant no ill with my inquiries and if my timing is bad, perhaps I shall return later.

Aira gave a

Dice diplomacy:

d20+15

(15)+15

Total = 30

respectful bow, feeling that perhaps her timing was bad and she did not want to waste Lady Katrine's time. Thank you for your time. as she waits respectfully for a response to be dismissed.

[dbaque]

Aira can tell that the young girl is not really used to formal audiences, but she's trying with mixed results for a respectful cool. In part, that may explain why she is being rather cautious with Aira. She's not seeming hostile, though, and her fascinated curiosity is not really much concealed. Otherwise, the legend can tell that the girl has been quite forthright with her. The name drop of Lord Stephen definitely caught her interest, and the move to leave drew a pout of disappointment.

"No, wait," Katherine nearly exclaims. Composing herself, she mutters, "How does brother make this seem so easy?" Clearing her throat, "I meant no offense, and you've offered none. Goodly folk just seem fewer and farther between. You helped out Lord McMahon, you say? Congratulations then on your success. He's a good soul among the peers and a fair judge of character."

Warming a little, Katherine returns to Aira's earlier query a bit crestfallen: "The guard told me with what you wanted to assist, my brother Diego. I don't know that there's really much to do, even for a heroine of your experience. It happened so fast ... then that message. We've nothing to go on."

OOC If it's not clear, I'm signaling Draconic with DarkGreen font.

[kaylara]

Aira nodded, Thank you for the compliment. When I arrived in search of a good meal, the guard mentioned the problem and reason why the search was mandatory. I merely thought I could do some good by helping save him and also build a trusting relationship. she paused a moment before continuing.

However, if you feel that I may not be a good fit for the task. Then perhaps their might be another task I could assist with.

[dbaque]

Shaking her head, "Unless you're a diviner, I'm not sure there's anything you can do. My brother Diego was drugged and kidnapped with nary a trace. No message, no ransom, nothing save the kidnapper claiming to be an assassin." Frowning in puzzlement, "Even our magical sending spell left us with more questions than answers. 'Something bigger at work'? ... I'm sorry," chuckling, "Here you are hoping to be helpful, Aira, and I'm just complaining. Still, truth is we've presently no simple quest for a knight errant. What we could use is ... is likely much more than you planned for your stay."

Whispering something seemingly to herself and waiting a moment, Katherine giggles: "Bro- Lord Galliberos would be aghast if I left a visiting heroine with so little hospitality to show for her generous visit. Would you care to join my aunt and myself for dinner this evening, Aira Ru?"

[kaylara]

Aira wondered, What do you mean you could use me for a bit longer than what I plan to stay?

Aira was a bit disturbed with Lady Katherine, but chawks it up as human immaturity and hopes to meet one of the elder members.

Aira smiled at the offering of dinner. Of course I would be honored to join you for dinner. as she hoped her aunt was a bit more mature. Perhaps she could learn a bit more about things going on.

[dbaque]

Katherine's expression saddens at her question: "If you have kept abreast of politics of recent, you know of what I speak. Lord Galliberos is at the Capital, working to avert a civil war, but ... what he has told me of it gives me little hope for his chances. The details are long, involved, and best told over a fine meal."

Aira's acceptance returns a delighted grin to the young girl's face. Katherine clasps her hands together. "You will? Wonderful! Lady Anastasia will be delighted to meet you. And you will have to regale us with some of your adventure for House McMahon," ideas for a fitting tribute already dancing behind her eyes. She turns her head and A Knowledge (Arcana) 20 check clues you in that Katherine is using a Message cantrip to talk to someone.whispers something again. After a moment, she asks excitedly, "Oh yes, you have an evening gown to wear, don't you?"

[kaylara]

Aira blushed slightly as she

Dice Knowledge Arcane:

d20+7

(12)+7

Total = 19

watched the spell being cast. I have nothing formal I am afraid. Where should I go and when to return? she asked embarrassingly.

[dbaque]

"You poor thing," Katherine replies with a wide eyed look of sympathy. Taking on a determined look, "We will just have to fix this at once," she concludes, her tone brooking no argument. Alighting from her seat, she grabs Aira's hand and read: dragsleads her off into another room. Calling over her shoulder, Katherine bids the guard fetch the castle tailor. Katherine whispers something else under her breath to no one in Perception 25 lets you overhear an exasperated reply coming from no where.particular.

Aira soon finds herself in a drawing room with mirrors. A gentleman who must be the aforementioned tailor soon arrives with a few assistants carrying dresses & rolls of cloth. Katherine has a rather insistent discussion with the man, gesturing every now and then toward Aira. After this, the tailor begins fussing over Aira with measurements, sampled fabrics, and questions.

OOC I leave to you how the gown turns out.

[kaylara]

Aira allowed herself to be dragged away as she

Dice perception:

d20+15

(13)+15

Total = 28

wondered what Lady Katherine had planned. Where are we.. as she was led into the room of mirrors, Aira assumed this was some type of tailoring area. Oh...

Aira wondered for a moment what she could look like outside of her armor and regular clothing as she began to examine the clothes and undress for proper measurements. Her body was pure and soft with no signs of scaring.

When asked, she did not know what she wanted at first, so the taylor took a guess and began to show her some options.

 

When looking at it, Aira responded, I feel like a church bell, can you change it a little?

The man nodded and made some adjustments, till he finally came up with her

 

Once she was cleaned up and ready to go, she joined the others for dinner. Aira looked completely different than her normal warrior/priestly self.

[dbaque]

OOC Aira overheard Katherine whisper about taking her for a gown fitting, and she overheard an exasperated though resigned reply from a much older woman. It is the siren's Message cantrip at work. Aira can later recognize the voice as Anastasia's.

Lady Katherine remained during Aira's tailoring session. The young siren is more than happy to fill the void of Aira's indecision with plenty of suggestions for options to try. It is plain that she's done this before, quite a lot.

Eying the finished project, Katherine nods excitedly: "Aira Ru, you look enchanting! Waeltor, you've outdone yourself again," complimenting the elven tailor. He returns the praise with a dignified smile, before bowing and taking his leave. Looking over the lovely heroine, Katherine grins mischievously: "You know, Aira, whenever brother returns from the Capital, I don't know whether I should hide a ravishing lady like you away, or be sure to introduce you two."
________________________________

As dinnertime approaches, Katherine bids the guard: "Prithee, escort our guest to the dining hall, while I freshen up," taking her leave. Aira is led into a spacious, inviting banquet hall within the castle. A richly dressed table is set with three places. Around the table a number of servers are milling about with trays of various sorts. One of the servants takes the heroine to her place at one head of the table.

Lady Katherine enters after a moment, along with a pristine and elegant elderly lady, looking equal part an esteemed courtly lady and the doting aunt. Though a woman certainly getting on in years, even a little portly, she looks every bit as regal as a queen. Sweet and kindly eyes look from a wizened countenance. While she appears a bit hobbled in old age, the warm, wrinkled smile makes her a bright spot of cheer in the room. The elderly lady takes a spot at the table and Katherine beside her.

The young hostess addresses their guest: "Aira Ru, may I introduce the Lady Anastasia, formerly of House Alatir, my dear aunt." With a gesture, Anastasia smiles and urges in a kindly voice: "A pleasure to meet you, dearie. Prithee, sit, drink; dinner will be served in but a moment." The servers at hand fill each goblet with an invigorating vintage. Dinner is soon laid out, the main course a savory venison well living up to Aira's impressions of Nichen cuisine.

[kaylara]

Aira's feels a bit awkward being dresed in such fine clothing. Her eyes widen with joy as the large ammounts of food are brought out. Keeping her composure she returns the greetings in a most

Dice Diplomacy:

d20+15

(2)+15

Total = 17

noble manor. Greetings Lady Anastasia, tis an honor to meet and dine here with you this eve. as she takes a sip of the fine wine.

The wine is superb and the food smells as if all 14 spices the chef used were perfectly blended. I must admit, this is one of the reasons I have come here. as she smiled and gently smelled the air then waited for the proper moment to prepare her dish and waited for the questions and chatting to begin.