[Game Thread] Twin Shields

[kaylara]

Aira looked saddened as her words brought a frown to the young Lord. I'm sorry, I should have waited before asking a question like that. Please forgive me. as she humbly lowered her head while her eyes lowered and looked to the table.

Aira took a breath before she spoke, her words were serious and firm, Discretion is easy. It's what follows afterwards that one must be wary. I have done nothing to warrant such trust. But if you are interested, I have a proposal for you.

[dbaque]

"A proposal, m'lady?" he queries, a brow quirked curiously, "The matter of discretion concerns a layer beneath the political squabble, another sinister player at work, taking advantage of the realm's delicate position. I'm a fair judge of character, as are my kinswomen. You may well warrant it depending on some things. We can start with my intrigue with your proposal. What have you in mind, Aira Ru?"

[kaylara]

Aira nodded and with a smile she continued, As you may already be aware, I have recently finished a quest with Lord Stephen McMahon, he really wanted to accompany me here and visit you, but alas his duties beckoned him to stay. He remained back and shall be trying to aid Kara.

McMahon's town called Darkwold was occupied by a dark druid organization. With the aid of Lord Stephen, we were victorious in driving them from the city and tracked them back to their lair to defeat them once and for all. In the process we uncovered their plans and saved the Legendary Kara. The dark druids were using Kara's curse to concoct a deadly plague that could ravage the entire realm.

Together we were able to stop the dark druid organization, prevent the deadly plague from infecting the lands, and saved innocent towns folk including the legendary Kara. But most importantly, it enabled a way for Lord Stephen and I to work together and learn about each other, resulting in building a trusting relationship. she smiled and looked the young lord in the eye, with a firm and steady voice, We were successful in completing the mission within a couple of days. I propose we venture out together for a few days, I would like to share a secret with you and show you my home. The quest would be to purge some of the caves near my home that have been recently occupied by a tribe of ogres. Aira paused a moment before commenting, A couple of days time is a small price to pay for what we may gain together.

Aira had a look of seriousness upon her as she waited a reply.

OOC Hopefully we can make this can be a short side quest. If Darth approves that is. (else I will need to change my post a bit)

[dbaque]

Lady Katherine tries to hide her amusement and intrigue behind her glass as Lord Galliberos stares impassively for some moments. 'Fighting alongside two not quite human warrior women within a week, what are the odds?' he muses to himself. Fixing his ancient seeming eyes on the heroine finally, Louis responds: "Three queries 'ere I can decide, m'lady. First, where lies your home? Or better how long a ride thither?We can have a map brought if that would help you."

"Second, part of my discrete tale involves my learning that someone is going to an awful lot of trouble to kill me. Do you really want to be venturing out alongside such a target?"

"Third, ... forgive me for sounding selfish, but my time is not my own to spend as I will, but my people's rather. Lord McMahon could venture to free of city of his territory. I can see what you might gain of this shared quest, my confidence in you and your abilities, and with it taking part against what troubles threaten the realm. But, my advantage is less clear. If I gain your confidence, Aira Ru, what would that mean for you? What is your intention next with me or mine?"

[kaylara]

Aira smiled, I expected nothing less from a good ruler who's concerns for his lands and people is reguarded so highly. That is one of the main reasons I am here before you now.

Aira took a bite of her food and sip of her drink, For your first question, My home is in the mountains, the only map that exists is here. Aira points at her head. I will provide our means of getting there, you need not worry.

Aira continued as she finished off a second serving, I fear not death more so than the fall of our lands, I speak not of just your house, but the entire realm. It is my duty to protect the realm in which we live. Traveling along side you would be the easy part.

Aira sighed at the last question, her noble lord could not see beyond the obvious. What I did with Lord Stephen was nothing compared to my abilities. Do not take my words lightly when I say, our companion ship could save the realm and ensure peace for generations to come. For you would gain much more than confidence in my abilities, I would see to it that you also take the throne. she smiled.

I want two things, one I will tell you now and the other in time. Firstly, I want you to take the vacant throne and become king. I am sure that is beyond concerns of your people but all people. Aira looks deep into the young lords eyes. Is that worth a few days time?

OOC Actually after looking at the map, it might take a bit too long to go to her home... so lets just say that she would like to show him her home later, but she heard rumors of ogres in the nearby mountains tat could threaten his land... Unless Darth says its only a couple days flight, They could ride a cloud in the jet stream and average 160 miles per hour and do nothing but sit and talk on the cloud (sit back and enjoy the ride).

[dbaque]

Lord Galliberos' brows raise in some surprise. "You are a bold one, Aira Ru, and you think quite highly of yourself," comes his measured, matter-of-fact response, matching her soul-searching gaze with his own, though nothing suggests that he disagrees with her. "I reckon that I should be honored that you've found me the successor most to your liking, m'lady, but the other peers are proving tougher to convince," he chuckles, adding to himself, 'to say nothing of the parricide's scheme.' The Lord of Nichen takes a deep draught of his goblet. Admittedly, he could not see what part she might play in the politicking among the peers; then again, the squabbling was more and more playing the background for a much different, more dangerous game. And he could hardly discount the difference a single man could make, or a single draconic heroine, as it were.

"While the throne I already seek, as to your mysterious second," Louis cautions, really having no idea what is musing behind those pretty eyes, "consider well of whom you ask it when you do." Though, he supposes that she will, given that she's selected him for that very reason. "Some things I cannot promise, even if I wished it. But of more immediacy, m'lady, I have certain events unfolding elsewhere. I have indeed a few days before some of them develop, but afterward, my presence will be required," thoughts drifting to the delicate business of House Groff. Returning to the present, a small grin appears: "Barring these, I think I shall fancy it worth it. How far hence lies your appointed quest, m'lady?"

[kaylara]

Aira gazed back into his eyes. You do not show it, but I know the question lingers on your mind. One of my abilities is that I can become anyone I want. Your sister for example. as her form changes and perfectly duplicates Lady Katherine as she cheeringly says in Katherine's voice, Brother! and gives him a hug before changing back to her normal form as Aira. I could easily infiltrate to gather information or perhaps stand in court for you or act as a decoy to draw out an enemy. There are many other possiabilities, like our upcoming adventure where we will learn more about each other.

Aira smiled as she handed him a platiumn ring with a feathery design upon it. And with this ring, I ask thee... she grinned jokingly for a momet before continuing, to wear it for your own safety. Just incase anything happens, it will ensure you fall safely, like a feather.

Seeing the look upon the lords face, Yes, we will be flying. I hope your not afraid of heights. she chuckled and glanced over at Lady Katherine before looking back at the young lord. You might want to bring your armor and sword. Ogres usually negioate with weapons.

[dbaque]

Louis starts in surprise at her mimicry and hug. Anastasia lets out an understated "Oh my," while Katherine is covering her mouth to keep from giggling. It turns into a barely contained chortle with Aira's jest with the ring.

Louis regains his composure, but his lips are fighting to hide an amused smirk. He examines the ring before giving his guest a dry look, "No more afraid than you, I'd imagine, m'lady," at which a heartening, emboldening he decided to let you in on his Aura of Courage with its bonus vs fearaura washes over Aira. "I'll be well prepared. And yes, I look forward to learning what a talented heroine as you is capable of." Some giggles finally break through Katherine's dam, much to the innocent knight's confusion.

"So," he resumes, clutching the ring in his hand, "how far way lies your quest, m'lady?"

[kaylara]

OOC Darth, how would you like us to handle a small adventure where they travel to the cave in the nearby mountians to 'purge' the ogres living there? Would you like to run it, or perhaps DB or myself? I thought about having it near her home, but thats far away and even if we fly up inthe jet stream, they would only cover about 160 miles an hour.

[darthcharon]

OOC Sorry for the delay, I could set something up, but traveling at 160 miles an hour would let you get to your home and back in just a few days. That's damn fast, especially since you're airborne. (I just realized that my scale on the physical map is off by about a factor of 10.) Otherwise there are some mountains near the Slith border that you could reach in a few hours.

[kaylara]

OOC ok so question to DB then, is 4 days to many? Couple there than couple back?

[darthcharon]

ooc I'd say a day each way, plus however much time you spend there.

[dbaque]

After the heroine relates her time estimates for the trip, Lord Galliberos replies after some thought: "Aye, I can spare the trip, m'lady. How soon would you like to leave? Early the next morn? I've some matters requiring my attention 'ere I leave again."

[kaylara]

Aira nods, At First light tomorrow then. I shall meet you in the court yard. as she bowed to Lord Louis.

Since lunch was over, Aira then turned to address Lady Anastasia and Lady Katherine, Thank ye again for your time and another fine meal. as she

Dice Diplomacy:

d20+15

(16)+15

Total = 31

graciously dismisses herself giving a quick glance to Lady Katherine, wondering if she needs to find new clothing for dinner tonight.

OOC To her home it is then? Louis is in for a surprise.

[dbaque]

"I shall see you, then, Aira Ru," the Lord of Nichen replies cordially. The Galliberos family likewise excuse themselves as their guest takes her leave. Louis has a rather busy day before him, so he and his aunt get right to it.

As if reading her mind, Katherine soon catches up to the heroine. "Why, Aira, fancy running into you," her conspiratorial grin making clear this was anything but accidental, "But seeing as I found you, what say we fix you up something suitably stunning for dinner this evening?" The siren gives Aira barely a moment to process before dragging her off to the fitting room again where the master tailor is waiting with the eagerness of a painter with a blank canvas. "I had Waeltor pull up some designs based on the dress my sister Anna wore when she first met her husband Michael," giggling, "Mother said that poor Michael had difficulty scraping his jaw off the floor. Of course, you wouldn't be interested in having that kind of effect, would you, Aira?" Katherine teases with a knowing smile.