A Kingdom Interrupted

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Tilly smiles to Lady Millicent. “I hope to perhaps visit your home some day in the company of Professor Abexian. I think you would find that my eyes are one of my many traits that are often misjudged.” At her beckoning, Tilly nodded and quickly brought over the ladder to assist Lady Millicent. Listening to her information on the Blackwater Sea, Tilly was surprised at how much she knew offhand. “Pirates, you say? That sounds like quite the predicament... we are to be traveling with a company of nobles and other citizens of note. I believe that I may wish to prepare for the worst in that sense.”

Tilly frowned and glanced over his garb as Lady Millicent said that it would be ill suited for the climate. “Very well. One of the men that is to be escorted just so happens to be a talented tailor. Perhaps he will be able to make some adjustments for me. “ He glanced upwards as Millicent did and chuckled putting a finger to his lips. “Not a word from this mouth, my Lady, I can assure you. The Professor prizes me for my discretion.” He then frowned at her mention of the prevalence of magic in the kingdom. “I am afraid that I do not possess great knowledge of the Arcane like my master does. Hopefully one of my companions may fair better in that regard.” He smiled warmly to her. “Thank you so much for your aid and your lovely company, Lady Millicent. I am afraid I would have been lost without your assistance.” He walked over to stand closer to her, peering over her shoulder at the map she unfolded.
 
Main Hall

The three men drank and laughed and encouraged each other’s paths for the future, young minds ready to rebuild a kingdom no longer racked by war. Ryden was the first to excuse himself before making too much of a fool of himself he found himself to his rooms with the help of Jurren.

Council Meeting

After a bit of good conversation with Blaze, Chap was collected by Pod to be the appointed guard for the council meeting. Going long into the night Chap was able to here snippets into the conversation about the concerns of the council. As the rest of the council was informed of the mysterious fever the Queen had been taken with and the circumstances revolving around the incident. “Those men are untested,” a gravely mumbled voice sounds from behind the door. “Untested sure but what other choice do we have, to involve more that we trusted and few and those young men would be folly. The Empire is not our only enemy.” The familiar elderly voice of Gregor retorted.

“We will not be going into this conspiracy of yours again Gregor, keep your tall tales to yourself.” Leileth snarled. “We haven’t the funds for this endeavor, and our alliance is already weak. It is by sheer luck and charisma that Mickaelis was able to broker this deal. To pull him out of Kartha is daft.”

Allion’s voice boomed from the room, “I bring this matter to you out of courtesy, it is not up for further discussion.” Silence befalls the room. “All I need from you all is discretion, help in redirecting questions, and a budget. What will we give these boys to travel with.” The room became loud with undiscernible rumblings. “Very well,” Leileth’s cool voice rings clear of the others. “I only agree to this, because of the involvement of my son, you elevate him to ambassador he will not disappoint. Treasurer?” There is more rumbling. “Yes,” a heavily marbled voice replies, “We can send them with horses and a cart for the merchant. Supplies for the weeks travel to Denarties and coin for passage.” Gregor chimes in, “and what of money in Kartha, “I am afraid once they are beyond our borders they are on their own replies the marbled voice. “Nonsense, Leileth you would not agree to this, leaving your son stranded?” There are more voices heard but again undiscernible. “Fine then,” Gregor shouts. “You should be ashamed, I will take care of it myself.”

Bursting through the doors Gregor stormed from the room looking up to Chap as he passes. “I with you luck,” he huffs and storms off as the meeting comes to a close and others filter out slowly leaving Allione as the last to exit several more papers in hand. He waves for Chap to follow.

Meeting in the Shadows

As the hours grew long Millicent excused herself for the evening, setting the many books she had pulled out back upon their respective shelves leaving Tilly with a sealed letter with the Grey family crest and the name of a ship out of Port Denarties. “The Dragon’s Pearl” would grant them passage to Kartha for a reduced fare with the seal of the Grey watchers.

The hour late and distractions abound Gregor had not been able to meet with Tilly before the hour of shadow’s when the cloaked men usually met. Within the Catacombs a group of hooded figures met in darkness, low candle light flickering shadows across the damp stone arches beneath the castle.

“Who gave order to attach the Queen, this was not within our plans,” A weathered voice growled from beneath his cloak. The shadows looked to each other and then the barking man. “This was not our doing and surely beyond the capabilities of the Shard” a calming woman’s voice spoke to all. “We should have never gone to them, we are capable enough on our own. The Dynasian people stand strong and behind you my lord. We surely can convince others without resorting to those methods. Bring the fight to the Empire.” A younger voice called out from the group all seemed to be speaking to the taller man backlit by catacomb torches.

“Hush boy, it would take years to gather the backing, we don’t have but months before this alliance is sealed and we never get our revenge for my brother? Our betrayed King. Arenthas is weak, we requested aid in fighting off the Empire and he could not… No would not help us and Rydenaar was felled defending our lands to the last. Now Arenthas sells his own son for peace. I will not allow it, my brother will not have died in vain. The Shard has its task, and they seem willing. We will have to investigate this set back with Hadrianna, poor girl.” The man hung his head low before looking out over the group. “If I discover any of you have betrayed me, I will rend you head from your shoulders myself.” Whispers and quick confessions of their lack of knowledge and involvement repeated. A familiar male voice chimes from an entryway. “Seems the Council is sending an envoy to retrieve Mickaelis, it our time may be even shorter. Perhaps we should send the Shard to disrupt those plans.” The leader growled and slammed his fist against a sarcophagus his shining gauntlet digging into the soft stone leaving a scar of gold. “I will inform them myself, we will convene again upon my word.” The cloaks and shadows dispersed leaving Tilly with not but silence and darkness.

Rendevoux

The wee hours of the morning Bethany slipped quietly from an embrace and rummaged silently through Rabert’s things, upon finding his coin purse she empties its contents into her own pockets and slipped from his room undetected. As she moves out into the hall she bumps into the sleepy page Pod. With a wink and lingering kiss upon his lips she bid him stay quiet about her presence. Slipping down the hall and across the balcony she disappeared into the shadows across the way. Pod stood gap mouthed in aww and a little dazed in the hallway. Shaking himself after a few moments he set back to his task waking Blaze, Rabert,Glinn, Varnis, and Tilly summoning them for immediate departure for Port Denarties.

Descending to the great hall reveals Allione and Jurren waiting at the entrance outside six horsed with a stocked cart and servants waiting to be put to use.
 
Chaperone waited outside the Council meeting with his greatsword drawn and planted in front of him, his feet spread in a stead stance, read to react should the need arise. He listened to the conversation inside the chamber, the bits he could catch, but made sure not to allow it to distract from his duties. As the members of the Council left, Chap followed Allion as he headed down the hall, "That sounded like it could have gone better, though I suppose it could have gone worse." He replaced the large blade on his back and double checked the fittings of each of his other weapons as they wove through the corridors. "Was there anything you needed from me before we set out? It sounds like this is an urgent matter."
 
Allione sighs, “It is never easy and never a consensus, I do not like invoking the King’s name it makes council egos bristle and bruise. They were kind enough to grant this venture funds enough to make your trip easy, but once in Kartha, you boys will be beyond the council until you return to out shore once again.” Shuffling through the scrolls he hands the treasurers allowance onto Chap. “I don’t know if you actually need rest, I apologize I never remember, but if you take this to my son he will have everything in order by morning. You may do as you wish till early morning. I will send Pod for you and the others if needed.”
 
Rabert woke up to Pod rousing him. It was not the face he expected to wake up and see.

Once Pod had departed, he leapt out of bed and threw on his clothing. Today was going to be interesting.
After he was fully dressed and suitably armed, he headed down stairs. Half wondering when Bethany had left. He thought fondly back on the previous night as he descended the stairs in a very good mood.

Any further pondering was cut short when he saw Allione and Jurren.

"Good morning to you both." He smiled warmly at them.
 
Varnis was quick to rise when Pod got to him. He had fallen asleep at his desk the night prior. He put on new clothes and picked up the few belongings he brought on the trip to the castle, and headed downstairs to join the rest of the crew. While he was quick to rise, he wasn’t quick to leave his groggy state. He didn’t say much as he joined theparty besides a yawn and attemted “Goodmorning fellas” that came out slurred and hoarse as if it were the first thing he said in a day
 
"Not a wink, sir." Chap took the offered paper and folded it carefully, stowing it in his pouch. "I can see to the preparation of the wagon and the collection of horses while the others are roused." He bowed slightly and turned to leave, heading down toward the stables to do as he said and await the others.
 
Glinn snapped out of his trance when Pod tried waking him up, he yawns heavilly. "When they said early in the morning I didn't think they meant this early."

A few moments he gets to the entrance to the great hall in a purple coat over his light blue shirt, matching his eyes. "You two could've waited a bit longer I didn't even have time to get dressed properly." He says pointing to his perfectly groomed appearance, indistinguishable from last night.
 
Blaze awoke in a pile of completed garments, having finished and almost immediately passing out. He gathered them up and got himself ready to leave. Pod checked in on him a few times and every time he would hold up one finger and continue what it was he was doing. When he was finally ready he hopped down the stairs, walking stick in one hand, and bundles of clothes in the other.

He made his way outside and begain handing bundles to everyone that he had seen the night before. "Gentlemen, a gift from myself to each of you. I hope our journey together goes well." Once the bundles were destributed, Blaze climbed into the cart, placing his belingings behind his back, and slowly appeared to be drifting off to sleep once more.
 
As all were gathered Jurren embraced his father and as he passed slapped Glinn hard on the back. “Always wanted to see you with your makeup off. Come on then, fancy pants you riding with me or taking the cart.” Skipping a few steps he barely waited as he moved through the doors. A few servants had horses readied in the stable yard.

Allion looked over everyone checking off a list. Handing a scroll to each Rabert and Glinn stating their authority as ambassadors. “On your best behavior we are counting on you.” He looked the two young Lords in the eye and gave a bracing grip to their shoulders. He then retreats to his robes handing them both sacks of coin. “This is for a ship’s passage to Kartha for you all, the other is passage back for you all with Mickaelis and his entourage. Do not lose it.” The coin bags were heavy if you could guess around 700 Gold split.”

Gregor pats Tilly on the shoulders and braces the Halfling with a proud nod. “I will look into things further, please keep me briefed of the goings on.” He tapped his temple. He then pulled a pouch from his pocket. “For your journey.” Within is ten platinum crowns. “I will miss you boy, be safe my friend.” Gregor then continues down the steps to speak with all the others handing them all 10 platinum crowns (aka 100 GP you recently added) Shaking all the young men’s hands he returned to Allione.

Folding his arms over his chest Allione calls out to all the gentlemen as he moves outside before the cart. “You have supplies enough for your travel to Kartha, my son Jurren will leave you in Port Denarties and secure your horses and the cart. The Gods be willing you will have a swift and safe journey. Good luck your King and Queen are depending on you.” Giving a deep bow he watches as you mount up and begin your journey out of the city.
 
Chaperone had been waiting in the stables for a while, brushing the horses and making sure there was space for Blaze's cargo when he finally arrived. Eventually the others gathered and Chap helped load the cart with the goods after changing into his gifted garb and stowing a few pieces of fabric for emergencies. He tried to keep an eye on everyone as they prepared. He accepted the money from Gregor with a smile, "I'll make sure it's put to good use and not squandered." He respectfully bowed to the man before once more checking things were properly secured and everyone was in their place. Once he was satisfied, he approached Allione, "We'll be back with Mickaelis as soon as possible. I'll make sure the exchange is made safely." He nodded and approached his horse, Hera.

Chap moved to mount the dapple mare, but her eyes grew wide and nervous. She pulled and retreated until one of the stable boys came to calm her down. With the young man's hand on her muzzle, Chaperone was able to mount the horse who seemed displeased with the weight of the warforged man, she paced side to side until the saddle and rider had shifted into an almost comfortable position. With a smile the stable boy spoke, "You be good to him Hera, he's doing the King's work," before looking up to Chap himself, "She'll get used to you. It'll be alright."

Chap carefully positioned himself next to the cart, ready to ride off into the night with the others to retrieve the king's brother and save the queen. He turned to Blaze, "What wonderful outfits you've made Blaze. I can only imagine the beauty of the gift for the empress to follow."
 
Rabert nodded at everyone as they started getting ready and gave a nervous smile.

Upon receiving the money, he opened up his coin purse. It was empty. Scrunching up his brows he thought about this for a moment. He was sure he had some money... perhaps he spent it all?
Shrugging, he adds the 10 platinum pieces to the purse.

He stared at the scroll in his hand before storing it. Ambassador. His imagination ran wild. Balls, functions, parties. That's what an Ambassador does? There's got to be more than that... I really need to figure this out quickly. I can't screw this up.

Moving towards the cart, he climbed on board and opened the package he had been given.
"Blaze, these are excellent! Thank you!"
 
The journey starts in the early hours of the morning with a bit of difficulty, sleep still in the eyes of a few, your horses settle. As you travel the switch back trail leading down into the city of Eagle Crest the dark and empty streets seem eerily quiet for those who dwell in the capitol. Shadows move in the alley’s at your peripheral, curious street urchins watching the small entourage leave the city in the dead of night.

With the streets clear you easily pass through the city, Jurren leading at a steady pace the large gate creaking as it swings open. The four guards posted give a bow to the group as they are let past. Two more moving shadows atop the wall salute. Giving a wave of his arm Jurren lets all of the travelers pass watching the gates close behind him. Trotting up alongside Blaze once more, “Do you think you get give these ponies a little kick I’d like to make some time, get out into the Azure Plains by first light.”

The bright moon blessed you with bright light as it begins its descent behind the Everpeak Mountains to the west dark jagged teeth protruding into the purple night sky. Before you and to the east a great vastness of empty grasslands the stars slowly disappearing as the sun rises on the horizon. At first it looks as the grass has been set ablaze by the sun the gathered moisture from the cool evening reflecting the bright oranges of the sun. Jurren slows the pace with a bright smile and watches as a breeze blows through like waves in the knee high grass, changing from orange to blue green in with each bent blade. Having traveled most of the morning Jurren begins to seek a place to rest and take breakfast.
 
As the party slowed, Chaperone looked around, "It is only morning. Why stop now when we can be on a boat and headed to the empire by this afternoon? It's it several days travel across the sea? We should press on." The sentient construct was confused and surprised, needing no rest or sustenance, he struggled to understand why they would stop so soon after departing on their journey. There would be time to relax and indulge on the boat, when there was little else for them to do.
 
Rabert looked at the construct.

"While I agree that we need to make good time, we also need to eat and stretch our legs a bit." Stretching his arms over his head he continued "I've had it easy on the cart, so I imagine our companions on horse back need it more than me, but I need to move around some. I know I get tired after a hard mornings ride. Not that I'm familiar with horses." A small smirk appeared on the young nobles face and he nudged Blaze with a wink

Turning in his seat to look at the rest of the group "I'm happy with the groups choice, but no point arriving anywhere in a less than fit state."
 
Chap shrugs, "Well we better find a place quickly and bed down. At this rate we'll be lucky to make the last boat to the empire this evening. Then we'll arrive there under the cover of darkness like some clandestine operation instead of a pair of ambassadors delivering a gift."

The metal man maneuvered his horse toward the front of the cart to speak with Blaze, but stated things loudly enough for the others to hear. "It'll be easiest if the ambassadors share a room and your goods are kept in the same at the foot of their beds. Since we were only assigned a single guard and the rest of you want to doze off, I'll keep watch if we keep everything contained. Preferably we'll find an inn with interior, windowless rooms on the second floor, to minimize the points of entry."
 
Varnis slowed with the rest of the group, at first struggling onto his horse but now having good control “I wouldn’t object to stopping and eating somewhere but I agree with chap, if we kept pressing forward we could get onto a boat and have safe travel” he shifted in the saddle, uncomfortable and not used to riding a horse “Whatever the rest of you decide as a good course of action is fine with me.”
 
Glinn nods from a distance hearing Chap's plan, "All of this appears to be well thought out. I wouldn't mind stopping for a bit, that spot near the fallen tree seems perfect for a breakfast." He turns to Jurren, "Do we have time for a stop or do our needs as embassadors need us to get there as quickly as possible?"
 
Jurren slowed further coming to a stop, taking in a breath. “I you want to make the extra push to Port Denarties by late evening, then I suggest we rest the horses for an hour or two. I had not planned on getting to town till mid morning tomorrow, but we can push that extra few hours and stay the night in Denarties and you call can hop a ship early.” Hopping off his horse Jurren takes the reigns and leads the steed around the hollowed tree hitching him to it, the creature immediately dips its head to eat the tall grass. “Cook some breakfast take a rest,” pulling out a bit of rashions from a saddle bag he folds a piece of bread around his cheese taking a bite. With a full muffled mouth he continues to lay his bedroll down upon the grass flattening it. “I’ll be right here, don’t know about you boys but that early rise was tough.” Sitting upon his bedroll Jurren reclined against the tree resting.
 
Chaperone followed Jurren's lead, taking the horse and hitching it to the tree. "This seems as good a place as any for a moment respite." He moved over to the cart and stood near it, "I guess I'll watch the horses and cart if you can watch each other. Just don't wander off or attract too much attention and shout if you're in trouble." He was obviously displeased by stopping out in the open with so many angles of attack and so few of them to guard all that was meant to be guarded. He sighed, and shook his head. "Breakfast," he muttered shaking his head as if even the idea was an inconvenience.
 
Varnis hopped off his horse with no small amount of effort and stood next to chap “Trust me,breakfast might seem inconvenient to you but it’s worse when you’re working on a case and you remember that you have to take precious time off to eat and sleep” he spoke in a mocking tone when he said eat and sleep, as if mimicking someone who once gave him that very advice
 
Glinn gets down from his horse, tying it next to the others, and starts to seats down by Jurren. "Don't worry Chap, we won't get in trouble, at least not for now. And we flesh-made mortals need to eat and rest every once in a while, you'll get used to it." He takes a leather-bound tome and his silver wand out of his clothes and starts to mutter arcane words for a few minutes.
 
Rabert hopped off of the cart and stretched.
Feeling restless he started to wander around the area they had stopped in.

Walking through the long grass, his hand casually brushing the top he heard a noise.

Curious, he walked towards it.

Unfortunately he had miss judged the distance. A yelp at his feet caused him to look down quickly.
Rabert had inadvertently stepped on a wolf pups tail. Its prey of a jackrabbit darting away.

A howl made the hair on his neck stand on end. He desperately looked towards the group. Rabert hadn't realised how far he had strayed.

"Oh this can't be good... Nice puppy..."
 
*~The film you are watching suddenly freezes the hot light showing projecting melting tape upon the screen. It stretches thin and then snaps. The ticking tape winds without resistance the room goes dark for several moments the sound of grumbling fellow patrons fills the air. “Sorry folks” says the nervous teenage projector technition. “Small technical issue, we will be resuming your movie shortly.” House lights come on while you wait.~*
 
The moment the wolf pup yelps, barking can be heard in the distance followed by several haunting howls. It seems the group had bed down for a short rest close to a family of wolves napping in the grass.

Ladies:
Having traveled for several days you are nearing the end of your journey. The wind sweeping through the tall grass like waves of the sea changing from blue to reflected gold in the early hours as the blades bend to the invisible current. The Everpeak mountains to the east cast long shadows eroding as the sun rises with each hour. The morning has been relatively quiet, no other travelers as of yet this morn. ‘Aaawwwooooooooo’ the sound of a distant howl. Alveron gazing off in the direction of the mountains pinpoints the call from ahead. As of yet nothing of what has made the sound appears, the tall grass obscuring movement off the road embankment. The two continue to trot ahead not yet noticing the large party and their cart beyond the crest of the slight hill.
 
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