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Legacy of the Black Queen - Main RP Thread

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daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#51: May 24th 2014 at 12:31:33 AM

"Are you completely out of your mind!? You and Riviera have almost had us executed before we even step out of this castle! You and her have for some foolish reason, for your damn pride and need to seem clever and cocky and so sure, taunted, provoked and insulted the very people who hold our fate in their hands. I don't know your brother, but he's accursed to have you as his kin, when by your need to not lose face, to shoot back venom at the people here and not stand the thought of not having the last word in, the Dame could decide to have him killed or if she so much needs you to cooperate slice his hand off or both of his legs. Think for a moment that if he's her prisoner, after you got her nice and angry, she'll be the one deciding how he gets treated every day" says Sarah in one big outburst, slamming her foot down on the floor and glaring at the impertinent rogue "If you want to get yourself killed out there, be my guest. But don't drag us down with you. I cannot afford to waste this life that is not my own to lose"

"If you're quite done insulting then wait outside" says Sarah, moving off towards Azoz and only with her back turned to Marcus did she allow a few tears of fear, rage and desperation to show... which she promptly wiped with the sleeve of her suit "Please, Master Azol... We're about to go where nobody has been able to survive before. If you can tell me anything more about the rings... offer any other aid or equipment that may allow us to carry out our mission... for the realm... because I just want to see my family again"

Pyrite Until further notice from Right. Beneath. You. Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Hiding
Until further notice
#52: May 24th 2014 at 2:29:12 AM

"Whoa." Guess turncoats come in many colours after all. Azol stopped mid-rant, stunned by the sudden outbursts. "Listen, kid. I don't know what's come over all of you, but like I said, it's been a while since I've seen Edith send any of you down here - and that means that your chances of survival are already better than any of the previous batches of exiles, assuming you don't kill each other before you make it there. I wish I had something else to offer, but all I can offer you is a fighting chance of making it back alive. The rest is up to you."

And suddenly, any trace of softness and humour departed from his voice as he addressed Mark, a loose spark forming at his fingers. "As for you, hoodlum, keep your hands off the girl. I like a good spot of banter now and then, and I'm perfectly fine with insults to my manhood - or what's left of it after the accident - but I can tell you that while the doctor and the two girls would probably be cut down by the first highwayman they came across, neither you nor the other troublemaker would even make it out of the capital. You're all in the same boat, so don't screw it up for them."

"Listen up, because I'm only going to say this once. The ring is coded not only to the source of the signal from the wastelands, but it's also connected to a receiving magical node in our labs here. It'll let us keep track of how far into the Blasted Lands you'll be going, and if you need to contact us, just push on either side of the bezel and speak into it - and hope that there's someone manning our lines on the other end. The other function is activated by pressing each facet of the jewel in a clockwise direction, and then the centre."

He paused, wondering just how they'd take the last piece of information. "Only do this when the jewel turns completely black, or you're surrounded by Godsforge agents or magical aberrations with no way out... or if you're tired of living. The explosion should be sufficient to kill you and everything in a ten-yard radius fairly painlessly."

edited 24th May '14 2:35:37 AM by Pyrite

Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.
Pblades Since: Oct, 2009
#53: May 24th 2014 at 3:34:52 AM

A bit miffed she couldn't simply be allowed to gushes about the magical trinkets in peace, Riviera sent a beseeching look toward the Doctor, hoping he'd step in. For now, through-

"Look, Marcus, I appreciate what you're doing-" and not just because the banter's amusing "-but they had a point. I asks that you be the bigger man, and keep your peace. They had fires in their belly, they won't keel over at the first whiff of battle." Riviera said, looking steadily at Marcus. "They are not hard people, like you or me- but they could be. And, in any cases, we'll need them if we're to protect the people we loves- your brother, and my friends. This won't happen if we can't work as a team."

Turning to the girls, she took a moment to weigh her tones, before settling on her assured, placating voice.

"I'm merely a border girl, not learned, civilized women as you two. As we're all stressed here, I shall not take exception to your accusations - I hope you'd afford me the same respect, and let bygones be bygones. Could my conduct be more appropriate, my words tactful? Perhaps. But as the Magus said" She nod toward Azol, "We're all in the same boat. I personally promises you, on the honour of the Magistrate and Leader of the township of Ark that I had not, and shall not jeopardize your chances of coming back to meet your loved ones. In turn, you shall trust us not to be devil-may-care fools and cooperate in this quest of ours."

edited 24th May '14 3:43:48 AM by Pblades

Lemurian from Touhou fanboy attic Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Buried in snow, waiting for spring
#54: May 24th 2014 at 5:07:54 AM

"Peace, friends."

The doctor spoke, pained by the despair that was seeping into his party and the cloud of darkness that had fallen upon their moods.

"Much is at risk, but greater the risk is if we already at this time start to lose hope. Words have been spoken about this being suicide or an impossible quest, but I tell you nay. Her Ladyship has given us a challenge, and this esteemed...magician has outfitted us to the best of his capabilities. If anything, the actions of the palace show that if anything, no one has ever had a greater chance of completing this quest than us."

He smiled at the old artificer, then looked each of his party members in the eye in turn.

"At this time, our thoughts go to our near and loved ones, who have been put in a dangerous situation close to us. But, take heart! If we go forward, and seek out our destiny in the Blasted Lands, they shall be safe. And when we have completed our mission, we shall be reunited with them. A bright torch shines at the end of our road. How can I speak in such certainties? Why, because I look around me and see a most qualified and resourceful of groups! Men and women in the prime of their youth, equipped with the variety of skills necessary."

His words flowed like a stream now, impossible to interrupt. He looked at Riviera.

"Behind your sharp tongue, magistrate of Ark, I hear a courageous heart and a strong will. And my eyes do not lie when they tell me that you have the build of a fine soldier. Surely, we can trust in the strength of your sword and the courage of your heart as we brave our way north!"

He turned to Marcus.

"Your words may be sinister, mister Escalonius, and your mind work in serpentine ways, but many a time have I seen such traits in good-hearted men. Her Ladyship called you a man who have done everything, and where she said it derisively, I hear a compliment. Truly, your skills are a boon to us and in the service of our great adventure, we shall find ways and solutions that will bring us to the Spear and back again to our loved ones."

Comfortingly, he put his hand on Sarah's shoulder.

"The artificer speaks true when he compliments your intellect, because you are gifted indeed to have such responsibilities at your age. The crafts of the druids are well known to me, and to hear we have one in our group strengthens my belief in our success. Take heart, my lady, for our magic will create miracles if our spirits are steadfast."

Finally, he looked at Jhelani and a sadness entered his expression.

"And finally, miss Elinh...I am sorry that I can not whisk you away from here. From what have been told, the conditions that have brought you here are unfortunate indeed and truly, you are the one of us who has the least reason to be here. But do not despair. I hear in your warnings and wariness the words of a wise and caring woman, and it is in the hearts of the youngest we always place the greatest of hopes."

A smile grew across his face, as he entered the final part of his little speech.

"And I say to you all, if this is not enough to raise your spirits and make you believe in our grand quest for redemption, then there is one last irrefutable fact that promises us success! For you shall be travelling with the greatest doctor, the most talented healer and the most experienced surgeon in all the lands! I shall heal any wound, cure any illness and soothe every pain. As we make our way through the blasted lands, my pristine white cape shall be the very symbol of our boundless vitality. And just like I have done medicinal miracles in the past, we shall accomplish what no other has accomplished."

"We shall succeed. We shall survive. And we will return."

Join us in our quest to play all RPG video games! Moving on to disc 2 of Grandia!
RedSavant Since: Jan, 2001
#55: May 24th 2014 at 8:23:30 AM

Shrugging off Marcus's hand like he had shocked her and taking a judicious step away from him, Jhelani took a few moments to regain control of her breathing, nodding gratefully to Sarah and Azol for their words. At Riviera's offer of peace, she took a deep breath, nodding slowly. "I'm sorry," she said, tucking a strand of hair back behind her ear. "I'm... alright. We're going to have to work together out there to survive, I just... want to make sure we get there."

She smiled despite herself at Dr Barnett's speech. His flair for the dramatic reminded her sharply of Niles, and she fought to keep her smile genuine against the pang of homesickness. "You sound like my brother," she said to Nicholas. "...thank you."

It's been fun.
nman Since: Mar, 2010
#56: May 24th 2014 at 9:29:17 AM

"Like this?" Mark asked Azol, pressing each facet of the jewel in a clockwise direction, and then then tapping the center.

Marcus grinned at the doctor, and looked at the other two women before finally glancing at Riviera and widening his grin. "If it means everyone's finally woken up and started giving a godsdamned care about actually making it through this unicornshit alive instead of trying to weasel their way out, then we'll get along just fine."

Pyrite Until further notice from Right. Beneath. You. Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Hiding
Until further notice
#57: May 24th 2014 at 6:14:26 PM

Kingdom of Zakarath - Palace of the Endless Sky - Office of Magical Research and Development

"Pfft. The only weasel around here is you, punk." Azol hit the scrying globe a little harder than he should have. "Edith? We're done here. But next time, you could stand to do better than recruiting five overbearing and over-emotional humans."


Kingdom of Zakarath - Palace of the Endless Sky - Office of the Queen's Hand

This was not turning out to be a good day for Dame Ras-Tiral. She pinched the bridge of her nose and stared at the scrying globe, addressing the party of five with unconcealed exasperation.

"Remind me again why I don't just have you all killed here and now? Anyway, return to your quarters and pack your things. Further instructions will be given later - all you need to know is that you leave tonight."

edited 24th May '14 11:35:16 PM by Pyrite

Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.
daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#58: May 24th 2014 at 11:14:31 PM

"Agreed... and approved, Lady Riviera" says Sarah... listening to her words carefully and thus, with a bit of effort, she calms herself down... extending her hand and taking hers in a handshake.

Then she heard the kind words of Doctor and for the first time in a long while now, she was able to smile "Indeed... thank you for that, Doctor"

"Ah, Dame Ras-Tiral... I know I'm not in your good graces... but if I may, I wish to discuss something with you... give a proposal in private. It won't take long" says Sarah to the Lady as they are being dismissed.

If the Dame does agree with Sarah's request for a private audience, we can have the conversation quickly in P Ms to not bog down the game and let us carry on to the night

Pyrite Until further notice from Right. Beneath. You. Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Hiding
Until further notice
#59: May 24th 2014 at 11:43:55 PM

There was a pause, and Dame Edith muttered, "I can spare you a few minutes. Just let me get my blast shields up."

Azol chuckled knowingly.

Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.
nman Since: Mar, 2010
#60: May 25th 2014 at 3:01:19 PM

"We can't exactly go into the Blasted Lands empty-handed, and since this was a mostly social visit, I left most of my equipment and clothing in my shop," Mark said. "If you'd be so kind to permit me to retrieve them, it's not far, it should only take twenty minutes."

While he certainly had no legal issues being associated with an arbalest, crossbow, or dagger - they were his gods-given Second-Charter rights, after all - he couldn't exactly have walked into the palace and handed over his vials without causing a slight ruckus. He also reasoned that if he had tried to pass them off as shots of concentrated ale, one of the guards would have tried to drink them instead of storing them unopened, and the last thing he needed was Dame Edith yelling at him for setting her guards on fire.

Pyrite Until further notice from Right. Beneath. You. Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Hiding
Until further notice
#61: May 26th 2014 at 6:02:42 AM

Another pause, this one much, much longer. "...You will have four guards accompanying you at all times, Escalonius, and the first sign of funny business will result in your termination with extreme prejudice. The rest of you will return to your rooms; if you have any specific last requests, speak to the guards. That is all."

"You heard the woman. Get outta here! Shoo!" At Azol's prompting, the guards unceremoniously led the party of five out of the laboratory, and the doors slammed shut with a resounding clang.

edited 26th May '14 6:04:10 AM by Pyrite

Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.
nman Since: Mar, 2010
#62: May 26th 2014 at 9:52:28 PM

Mark wished the Dame would die in a fire just about now, but, alas, that would have to wait for his return trip.

"Well, friends," he said to the four others. "I'll see you later on today."

daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#63: May 26th 2014 at 10:12:42 PM

Sarah nods her head as she leaves the office of the magician... her hands robbing at the ring on her finger and she gives a look back at the men and women who are to be her allies in this endeavor before she follows Dame Erith for a private meeting.

Pblades Since: Oct, 2009
#64: May 28th 2014 at 1:19:26 AM

Parting from the assorted persona plus her companions with a smile and a wave, she made conversations with her guards.

"You guys wouldn't happen to know anyone from Ark in the guards, would you? I promised many a moms to check on on their ungrateful sons and daughters who never wrote back." She said then, casually, added. "A lot of them owed me a drink, too, if you can find a watering hole open at this hour."

Lemurian from Touhou fanboy attic Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Buried in snow, waiting for spring
#65: May 28th 2014 at 3:20:03 AM

Doctor Barnett turned to the guards behind him with a smile.

"Now then, good sirs, we must make haste to the nearest inn. My beloved awaits with bated breath the news of my visit to the palace, and I fear she is beside herself with worry since my stay has been so long extended."

The guards looked at each other, and there was a brief moment of conversation between them. Then four of them were appointed to be his watchmen.

"Until later, my ladies, mister."

The doctor wandered off with a confident stride, for all the world looking like a noble with the guards as his personal retinue.


The inn The Queen's Arms was located near the castle, and prided itself as a luxurious place to stay for those who had connections to the palace but were not in fact invited to stay as the Queen's guest. One such person was Elizabeth Barnett, a young raven-haired beauty, who was staying there with her brother while Nicholas was staying at the castle. Hers was a striking beauty, strict and eagle-eyed, yet the worry was clear on her face as she gazed out the window and watching the road to the palace. Thus, she was the first to see Nicholas as he came walking together with a group of soldiers.

Elizabeth hurried out to to meet him, all her worries melting away at the familiar sight of his self-confident smile. Then again...he was always confident, even in the face of impending danger.

"My darling wife, I apologize for my prolonged absence. My presence was much required at the palace."

"That is quite alright, my dear. I am glad to see that you are...safe."

She looked around at the guards, who were mumbling between each other about going inside to get some ale while they were there.

"Safe and sound, my dear. However, I have some difficult news. Come, let us discuss this inside."

He led his wife inside, the guards following behind gratefully.


After having described the situation, Nicholas had to sit down at his wife's side to try to comfort her grief.

"This is certain death!"

Tears were forming in the corners of her eyes, the possibility of him never returning to her side very clear to her. He tried to comfort her the best he could with assurances of his skill and his faith in his equipment and allies, but she was inconsolable. It pained him to see her like this; she was a cliff in her life, always strong in her beliefs and set in her ways.

"My dear...listen, my love. Here is what you should do."

She looked up at him, her brow furrowing in what he recognized as her usual scepticism towards his plans.

"Forthwith, you should withdraw all my savings and add it to your own, for that way I am assured of your economic well-being. Next, you should go to stay either with your family or with my family, neither of which I can fathom will refuse you if you explain our situation. And then, you shall wait for my return."

"But-"

"No, my dear, I shall return. As long as I know you are waiting for me, no blasted lands or wicked beasts will keep me from returning. Live as we have lived until now, forever trusting in the abilities of each other. Be happy, my dear, and trust me."

She grew quiet. In the distance, her brother gave the doctor a distrustful look. For years, him and their parents had been worried about the union between the two, and his recent arrest was only the confirmation they needed. However, he was right in that if she sought haven in the family, she would find it.

"...very well, my love. I shall keep my business as before, and wait for you. But then you must promise me."

"Anything, my dear."

"You shall take no risk that is not strictly necessary, and watch that you don't overwork yourself to exhaustion. I know you, and if you can bring yourself to the brink of death to save another, you will. But now, I forbid it. Because you are to return to me."

"Ah, my dear, you demand much of me. My pride will drive me to do my utmost for my allies. But I promise, love of my life. I shall watch myself and take care of my own well-being."

Finally, he rose.

"But for now, this must be farewell."

"Must you return already?"

"I am afraid so. Because of the importance of our mission, I can not stay away for long."

"I...see."

He turned to leave, and the guards rose from their seats. Elizabeth's brother followed him with his eyes.

"Halt, my dear."

Nicholas turned, and was surprised to receive a lengthy farewell kiss. Their embrace lasted for a long time, and the others present averted their gaze from this improper display. Nicholas was surprised, though pleasantly so. She was not usually this forward and earnest.

"Be safe, Nicholas."

"I shall, Elizabeth."

As he walked walked to the castle, she watched him until he vanished out of her view. Her brother saw her to her room, then left her in peace. It was only then that she allowed herself to cry in private.

Join us in our quest to play all RPG video games! Moving on to disc 2 of Grandia!
Pyrite Until further notice from Right. Beneath. You. Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Hiding
Until further notice
#66: May 28th 2014 at 4:19:50 AM

Riviera's Guards

"Ark?" One of the guards raised an eyebrow. "Hmmm. Can't say that the Queen would trust anyone from that treacherous cesspool-"

"Quit it, Jones," His superior, an older woman, cut him off in mid-insult. "My third cousin's from Ark, and from what he tells me, this lady ain't doin' too bad of a job. Shame to waste such talent, too. Still, orders are orders, and we can't have you sending back calls to rebellion and what-not... Tell you what."

"Ma'am-"

"That's Sergeant Sedora to you, Private, and if you have any issues with this, take it up with someone who cares. Now, miss, as I was saying, we can't have you sending back any private correspondence without vetting it first, but the Dame said nothing about a last chat. Now, it's probably no coincidence that Private Magnusson wasn't assigned to your detail, but he should be coming off guard duty soon. I'll have him come over."

"Sarge, are you sure this is a good idea?"

"...No, Jones, it's frakking stupid, that's what it is. But it's the least I can do."


Office of the Queen's Hand

"Sit, Miss Wrynn," Dame Ras-Tiral gestured to the empty seat across the table. A familiar crackle of magical energy surrounded the spymistress, the only hint that she'd been dead serious about the blast shields. "I'm usually the last person the other detainees want to see before they get sent out, so you obviously didn't come here to chit-chat. What's your agenda?"


Marcus's Shop

Mark hadn't been lying, for once: his "perfectly-legitimate-shop-and-by-no-means-a-front-for-shady-business" was located twenty minutes from the Palace of the Endless Sky.

"You gonna get your stuff? We haven't got all day," one of the guards asked, her hands gripping the haft of her pike with a little more force than was warranted. Gods, why didn't we think of arresting the bastard years ago?

edited 28th May '14 4:46:20 AM by Pyrite

Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.
Pblades Since: Oct, 2009
#67: May 28th 2014 at 8:20:11 PM

“Thank you, Ma’am. Truly.” Bowing her head to the Sarge as she said this, she let some vulnerability seeps into her voice. “It’ll be good to have another chance of meeting my kinsmen.”

Waving her gratitude away, Sergeant Sedora replied. “Don’t mention it. Really, ‘cause it’ll just make me realize what a bad idea this is.”

“You!” She barked, her commanding voice startling a passing Servant boy into dropping his tray of grapes. “Get to the northern barrack, fetch me Private Magnusson. The Dame’s “guest” request his presence.”

“But-!” The guardswoman wordlessly turns the least of her disciplinary gaze on the boy, and he chokes any dissenting words dead in the back of his throat. Bolting like a deer, as if his life depended on it –technically not an unfair assessment- he makes way to the northern wing.


“Thirty minutes.” The Sergeant said, before taking her position at another side of the courtyard. One of the guards – Private Jones – keep a hawkish eyes on Riviera, ready to spot any duplicitous behavior.

Watching the butterflies flutter in the reddening sunlight –damn, there goes the pretty one. Curses be those fowl creature! – She turns once she heard the thuddering steps of her childhood friends, breaking into a grin so wide and true it put teeth-whitening magicks shoppe’s sign to shame.

“Little Maggie!”

Little Maggie, known by his birth name as Magnus M. Magnusson, stiffens for a second – perhaps out of surprise at hearing his childhood nickname- then returns her smile, with a mixture of respect and doting affections for his “older sister”. The young, twenty-something man only ever served under her command during her latter, largely perfunctory skirmishes, but he has proven sharp-witted and reliable in the past.

Taking him into a fierce hug, Riviera eventually lets him go- and began admonishing him. Despite her head barely reaching his shoulders, the larger man have the graces to look abashed.

“Uncle Leo is worry sick you never wrote back! This is just like the time you went to find a Rabbit foot to impress Jamie, when you’re focused on something, you devote all your time on it, and damn everything else! Or that time when you were convinced an undead bear was in your pantry. Or that time when you peeked in on me and other girls under the waterfall. Or that time when-”


As her rants continue unabated – if veering into nonsensical territory occasionally – she neatly segues to catching up on his current affairs, before the man shrinks into non-existence.

“-And then BOOM! We were lucky we survived that. You been keeping in shape? How has the capital been treating you? I can’t believe it’s been almost a year. Is it true they actually heated baths and outhouses, ‘’’indoors’’’?”

The young man recovers himself, and regales her with a brief tale of his guardsman life- days in, days out and far too monotonous to be elaborated further.


Nodding sympathetically, she take reins of the conversation once more as the topics take an economic turns.

“-And that’s why muffins are, conclusively, categorically superiors to macaroons.” Magnus said, nodding with the satisfied air of a sophist ready to receive the standing ovation of an adoring Forum.

“But those things are damn expensive- everything in the Capital’s city market is so cutthroat, with ever climbing prices, it make my inner glutton weeps. Especially weapons – how could anyone expect to defend themselves, with prices so ridiculous? Oooh- speaking of which, have you seen my kickass sword? It was forged a few weeks after your departure- a symbol of peace between us and the Silvershard folks. It’s also a super-awesome hand and a half of shiny death! The blade was a solid mass of Alchemical silver, decorated in a tree root-y pattern and inlaid with some kind of blue gemstones. It make my teeth tingle and cold shivers running down my spine when-“


“-And that’s why I’m here, right now, talking with you! I’d talk about our talks, but you were there –here- too, so it’d just be retreading old grounds.”

Noticing a lulls in the conversation, the veteran guardswoman speaks up. “Thirty minutes’ up! Times to return to your room.”

“Alright- that’s the signal for me to get, so I’ll say sees-you-later, for now. It’s been great catching up with you, Little Maggie. Remember to write home sometimes.”

Giving her old friend one last, parting squeeze, she makes to join her wardens- only to be stopped by a single, strangled word fraught with distress.

“Rivvy-!”

Turning one last time, she gave the Private – for a single moment, looking for all the world like the lost boy refusing to let go of the braches and joining the evacuating townspeople, a stark contrast to the muscular young man who leaves his hometown- the same assured smile to assuage his worries.

“I’ll be back, I promise. I’ve always came back- this time will be no different.”

nman Since: Mar, 2010
#68: May 29th 2014 at 1:25:41 AM

"Thank you," Marcus said the guard as he went inside the shop. He headed to the back area, and approached a locked cabinet, which he unlocked with a key. Inside were the things he'd need - no, he couldn't think like that, if he thought his survival relied on a few items, he'd feel suicidal as soon as one of them broke - the things he wanted to bring along. The first thing he reached for was on the topmost shelf.

The crossbow felt good in his hands. Familiar. He always carried one around, and felt naked without it. He would have taken it with him when he went to the palace, but he knew that they'd do their best to 'lose' anything he wanted to check in. Tucking it in under his clothes to conceal it, he felt an invisible burned fall off of his shoulders as his old friend was once again in its proper place.

He picked up a dagger. It was so small, most armed opponents would probably die of laughter if he tried to use it in a serious fight. But that was okay, he mainly used it to brute force locks, or slice carrots. And most importantly, it was pointy. Pointy was good.

Under the cash box, he opened a small safe. Inside, there was a sock. Inside of the sock were a couple of rolls of coins. He had never been much of a fan of standard coinpurses, the ones that jingled around and let any thief in the area know where his money was. Next to the sock were three small vials, which he picked up alongside the sock, and placed all four in his pockets and under his garments, out of sight.

Finally, he reached for the arbalest. Large. Loud. Difficult to use while moving. But it scared the living shit out of people when you pointed it in their face. Of course, a respectable gentleman like him only had it for hunting deer. Truth be told, he rarely found reason to use it outside of territorial conflicts, given its drawbacks and the fact that he wasn't an adventurer. But, now that he was an adventurer of sorts, he'd need to bring it along for self defense, or, fittingly enough, to hunt deer.

All those items, though, were worthless in the long run. Absolutely worthless trinkets. Their power paled in comparison to the final item he needed to get. Mages thought their magic would protect them, perhaps their staves or wands granting them assistance. Knights placed their swords and shields between them and their enemy, relying on their armor to keep them alive. Clerics believed they would be protected by their faith. All fools in his mind, as there was only one thing a man could truly depend on.

He approached a potted cactus that was on the hearth, lying next to several books, where one book seemed to be sticking out just a little. The stone around the fireplace was arranged in a semi-circular fashion, and the other side of the wall seemed to just be a ten-foot dead zone that didn't exist in the blueprints. The eyes of the portrait framed above the mantel seemed to have barely-visible cuts around the eyes. Slowly, he brought his hand up to the loose book, and put it back in place.

Glad that he could at least organize his small reading library in the shop before heading to the Blasted Lands, he grabbed a big scoop of sand from the potted cactus, put it into a pocket, and started to walk out.

edited 29th May '14 1:32:46 AM by nman

daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#69: May 29th 2014 at 9:49:34 PM

Sarah took a single moment to take a deep breath... settling her thoughts and trying to calm her racing heart as she prepared to speak before the woman that may be her sole hope.

"I wish to make a deal with you... or the Queen. To provide insurance for my people's future. I fully intend to do everything in my power to come back from the mission imposed upon me. As I mentioned, my life is not my own... but even if I were free of a all responsibility, I have no desire to die"

"Still... I cannot deny the risks and the possibility of my own doom. Thus, I wish to make a deal... one that, in the event of our failure, ensures the future of my village... and also of the realm"

"I wish for you, or the Queen, to provide a full education to another child from my village if I do not come back"

Pyrite Until further notice from Right. Beneath. You. Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Hiding
Until further notice
#70: May 30th 2014 at 8:01:46 AM

Office of the Queen's Hand

Dame Ras-Tiral's lips tightened, considering the ramifications of Sarah's offer. The girl had been condemned to go on this doomed expedition, and there was no incentive for the Dame to uphold her end of any bargains if Sarah died in the Blasted Lands. Even so, having another obedient subject of Queen Zakarath running things in the druid's town would certainly benefit the kingdom...

...and more importantly, it showed that the girl was hiding some steel under that demure exterior, and the Dame admired that more than any amount of bluster.

"The Queen's Hand moves at the will of the Queen, and none other," she said deliberately. "I can't guarantee anything, but I'll put in a good word for you if the Queen reviews your case, and Queen Zakarath's standing instructions are that no reprisals are to be carried out against your loved ones or your hometowns if you should die in the course of completing your mission - unless they do something stupid. Still, I imagine that the Queen will need to train someone more competent than that ex-governor if you don't make it back. That's all I can do."

Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.
daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#71: May 30th 2014 at 11:55:42 AM

"That is very reassuring to hear, my Lady" says Sarah, not allowing herself to let out a breath of relief or change her expression at the moment "However, I cannot rest at complete ease with only that. Since you will be doing all you can, let me as well, do all I can to sway the Queen's opinion and provide her a service in return for her kindness"

With that, Sarah reached into her jacket pocket... and if the Dame flinches even a little at her reaching for something she will say "Rest easy, Madam... remember that I'm here because I reported a crime... not because I committed one"

With that, Sarah takes out a small, leatherbound journal, which she opens to show the Dame a beautiful and detailed picture of one of the flowers local to the area, with each of its parts nicely cataloged and described. On the side there are annotations about the weather, hypothesis about the plants coloration and form as well as reproductive means, and some other notes about the travel to the capital. Sarah turns to another page, and on it, there will be a precise map of the route from Sarah's home village to the capital, obviously worked on during her whole trip, with key landmarks neatly included in it. It's not a comprehensive map, as Sarah included only the things she could see on her fairly straightforward trip, but the distances seemed to add up.

"This is my journal... I keep it for professional and personal reasons, and on it, you can see what my work is like" says Sarah, pushing the journal a little closer to the Dame in case she wants to see it "This is what I can offer you. Provide me with a bird of prey, a strong one, and as I travel into the Blasted Lands I shall record and hypothesize on everything I see on the way there. I shall keep a map, I shall keep a journal and I shall keep notes and sketches on whatever flora, fauna or sentients we meet on our travel. I shall send these notes to you and the Queen on a regular basis... as often as the bird may be able to travel safely to find me. If I get to meet the bird before I part... well, I'm a druid. I'll make sure that it finds me wherever I go and for it to go back with all its strength to this palace"

"You see, my Lady... this is insurance. Success comes in part from our efforts... but by equal measure it comes from learning from our mistakes. And how may we do so, if we have no information to realize what went wrong?"

"I may be only a girl... but even I can see, that as troublesome a group as we may seem, we aren't merely undesirables. Each one of us has a reason to be in this party... I bet there was extensive deliberation on who to send. We have a Doctor who knows of the healing arts, a trained and successful Knight, a rogue who nevertheless knows how to fight and how to survive, the merchant lady seems to know more of magic than I expected by her comments on the laboratory... And I am a scholar and the last druid South of the mountains. Undesirables we may all be... but this is a party on which success is being bet, even to the point of equipping us with such valuables as these rings. If we fail, who shall you send next? I don't know if you may find more qualified undesirables in the realm with ease. If we fail, the next expedition, after more time is lost and the emanations of the spear have been felt for longer, will need to be formed of people important to this realm"

"This journal is my insurance. Penned from one going into the unknown and the danger present on it. If I die, this journal will be my insurance that the next people sent to retrieve the Spear don't make the same mistakes that may bring about my demise. Will allow your people to better prepare and know what lies beyond"

"Taking into account the rarity of such information, professional fees from being the work of a certified scholar and the hazards inherent in making such a document... I hope I am not overreaching when all I ask in repayment is for Mary Anne Wrynn, my baby sister, to be given an education like mine in order for her to be of service to our town"

Pyrite Until further notice from Right. Beneath. You. Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Hiding
Until further notice
#72: May 30th 2014 at 11:07:01 PM

Ah, there's your bargaining chip. And it was a good one, too - the information provided would definitely be a boon to Zakarath.

"Miss Wrynn, falconry and nepotism are the prerogative of the nobility." The Dame couldn't resist a quick jab. "Still, your request is duly noted, and I'll do what I can... although I doubt I'll be able to find a noble willing to part with their prized birds on short notice. Dismissed!"

Sarah would later return to her room to find the meanest-looking vulture she'd ever seen glaring at her through the bars of its cage. A small note next to it read,

Toughest bird I could find.
—Compliments of the Queen's Hand

edited 30th May '14 11:12:40 PM by Pyrite

Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.
daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#73: May 31st 2014 at 12:04:01 AM

Sarah wasn't sure her gambit would work... she had her hopes and she had done the best she could do with what she had in hand. In that, there were no regrets. However, she was still relieved and couldn't contain her smile when she entered her room and came face to face with the great mean vulture before her.

She didn't mind that the bird was not a graceful falcon, or that it seemed hostile. All she cared for was her sturdiness and strength. And this big vulture was not going to be eaten by anything on its way back to the Capital... on the Blasted Lands, however... all bets were off. Still, she was happy as she approached the cage.

A lot of things to do... pack her things nicely, prepare herself and her journal for the travel... And train the bird. This last thing, she was confident about. The bird may look mean... but Sarah was a druid. Speaker of the wild, friend to animals. By the time for their departure, she would be the bird's best friend.

RedSavant Since: Jan, 2001
#74: May 31st 2014 at 12:35:23 PM

Back in the relative comfort of her room, Jhelani sighed and opened her writing case with hands that trembled only a little bit. They'd probably redact this letter if she said anything specific, but... she had to tell her family something. Taking a deep breath, she began to write.

Dearest Mother, honored Father, and my beloved siblings: The Queen and the Realm have need of my services, I am told. My return to Zamarkin will be delayed, until the next season or perhaps longer, I cannot say. I have been told that I cannot say where I am going or what I will be doing, but I She paused, staring down at the paper. "I fear I will never see you again," she murmured, before touching pen back to paper. am in good hands and will return before you know it. Niles, I was reminded of you just recently... She continued on, including a personal note to each member of her family - a last fond memory, perhaps the last words any of them would hear from her.

She stared at the paper a few minutes longer, then signed it and sealed it, pressing her small signet ring into the cooling wax. It would be broken open, of course, but at least her family would know it then. "Please... send this to my home," she asked the guard. "Or make sure it gets to someone who can mail it, at least..." Closing the door, she returned to her room and sat down on the bed, drawing her knees up to her chest.

At least she hadn't cried on the letter.

It's been fun.
Pyrite Until further notice from Right. Beneath. You. Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Hiding
Until further notice
#75: Jun 1st 2014 at 10:29:32 AM

Office of the Queen's Hand - Meeting Room

It was a greatly-discomfited Dame that met the detainees in the meeting room that evening, even if the feelings of foreboding failed to reach her face. There had been new developments, and none of them were any good. "Change in plans," she said tersely as she pointed to the map. "We'd originally planned to send you to Thetor via the Prisoner's Path, but the regular convoy's been held up by flash floods." She pointed to the shorter of two paths that had been traced out onto the map, both starting from the Palace and ending at a town at the northern border of Zakarath. "It'll take several days for the flooding to clear up, and we can't waste any more time. So this is what we'll do instead."

"The envelopes on the table contain your cover stories - you have two hours to memorise them, and you are to maintain your cover until you leave the kingdom. The next caravan to Thetor leaves tomorrow, and you will follow it there under the pretext of delivering supplies-" she pointed to the longer route, "-and enter the Blasted Lands from there. Remember that the fates of your loved ones and hometowns lie in your hands... and I've stationed my men in the convoy in case you've forgotten."

edited 9th Jun '14 5:03:29 PM by Pyrite

Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.

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