[IC] When the Flames Die

[Chazbarry]

Payton smiled, as the girl stated her business, "You're in luck, Miss Feril," Payton started, as her demeanor changed to a slightly more welcome stance, and expression. "I happen to work for the postmaster, I was lucky enough to just get the privilege to start working here. I'd take the letter, and make sure it gets to my boss, if you'd like." Payton responded, stretching out her hand so Feril could hand Payton the letter. Payton's once cold face was gone, replaced by one of a warm and welcoming woman, whom appeared to now have patient for the girl, now that her business included Payton.

[Epsir]

Ordinarily, she would have demanded identification, but Tatchet was happy enough to see that she'd found somebody sort of like the person she was looking for. An armor clad post clerk was an oddity, but you didn't see many woman knights either so she supposed her guessing had been far off before too. The country had been strange to begin with. Rationale or the authoritative aura of the other woman, Feril had had enough for the day, and decided to relinquish the parcel. "... Thank you for your help," she said, feeling something close to uncertainty. She placed the letter atop the small box and handed them off into Payton's outstretched hand, looking disdainfully at her own fingers after the fact. A red smudge had spread across the fingertips, presumably from the bottom of the box. "Good luck with that, I get the strange feeling it just cost me my jacket." Feril said, now set on spending the rest of the night celebrating whatever this town was in high spirits over. Whatever had just occurred, she was going to be quick in putting it out of her mind. The sender had stated old business between friends, which usually meant it'd be fine if it got lost along the way. It was probably just a prank anyway, soaking like that.

[DrowsyPangolin]

Jezin's sarcastic smile twisted into a frown. It seemed he wasn't going to talk his way out of his predicament. His eyes narrowed when Cole accused him of hiding behind Sophia, but he made no retort. He'd dug a deep enough hole already. The Morningstar claimed the Order of the Thistle members would provide adequate protection for Sophia. 'For all our sakes, you better hope so,' the soldier thought, still biting his tongue. He slowly lowered his hands to his sides, though he kept them open, still making it obvious he had no intention of resisting. After a few moments he spoke. "Well then, I suppose if there's no avoiding this then we should be on our way. Lead the way gentlemen." Despite acknowledging the other two knights, he kept his eyes locked with Redwyne's. He took a step forward slowly, intending to follow the knights wherever they led him. Being separated from Sophia incensed him, but putting up any resistance would just make matters worse.

Sophia stood silently. Jezin's sharp tongue had proven entirely useless, if not detrimental, to the situation. The shaking in her hand intensified, but she remained silent. She had fully intended on having a peaceful night and enjoying the feast, but Jezin had managed to derail things almost completely. She felt her cheeks grow hot with a mixture of anger and embarrassment, but she kept her mouth shut, unable to even begin to describe her frustration.

[Chazbarry]

"Thank you very much, I'll make sure this goes to the right person." Payton said, with a smile, as she took the letter and parcel, placing in under her arm. After a relatively quick nod, Payton began her way to the Palace. As she did so, she slid the small letter into the inside of her armor, through her neck. It was uncomfortable to place it there, but thankfully it was a small letter. As she made it to the Palace, she noticed that a red grime was on the bottom of the box. She carefully lifted the box up for a moment, examining the bottom of the package. It was blood. It looked fairly old, though. As she examined the box, a plan started to unravel in Payton's twisted skull. Payton started her own way to the part of the courtyard where the feast would be taking place. As she did so, she slowly unbuckled her belt. When she did so, she took the belt, along with her scabbard and sword, into her other hand. After a bit of walking, Payton eventually rounded the corner of the Palace, coming unto the feasting grounds. From what Payton could see, there was already a stand off occurring, between what appeared to be a knight of the King, and two other people. Payton dutifully found the Order knight closest to her, not currently caught up in the action, and handed her sword, belt, and scabbard to him, holding a beaming smile as she did so. After she had concluded that, she made her way to what was obviously the gift table. There predicament was occurring at the gift table, but Payton would be able to sneak around it, without being thought of as being suspicious. Payton went to the edge of the gift table, and carefully placed the parcel in between to other gifts.

[Sightles]

Redwyne released his sword, allowing it to slide back into it's sheath. Redwyne looked back at the two knights flanking him, and nodded. The two knights then stepped forward, taking position on either side of Jezin, "I'm glad we could see eye to eye." Redwyne spoke, as he turned on his heel, and led the group out of the courtyard. As the group entered a small back door of the Palace, Redwyne removed his stark white gloves from his armor, stuffing them into the lip of his belt, "I'm surprised that a Lyokian Brass Hand doesn't show the respect expected of them when on foreign ground." Redwyne commented. The comment had no sarcasm, or venom to it, making it appear as if Redwyne was geniuely surprised that Jezin had chosen to place his pride above his duty, "I grew up respecting the Brass Hand, and aspiring to one day be Sword, or Shield." Redwyne spoke on, his voice level, but still gruff, "What would your superiors say right now, if they say this?" Redwyne finished, as the group began to approach a medium sized wooden door, with metal braces.

[ravenDivinity]

Gareth wandered over to Sophia as he watched the knights walk away. "Spirits, I do not like that Sir Redwyne fellow already..." He grimaced. In his eyes, Sir Redwyne seemed to be insecure and uptight to some degree. Earlier, he was considering joining the knighthood, but by now, the Order completely repulsed him. Perhaps they were right in doing what they did for the safety of the king, but their efforts might someday end in vain, and Harker did not want to constrain himself to the high standards of the Order. "Disgraceful... disgraceful, how everyone seems to be a threat to them nowadays." The half-elf could've stepped in earlier and tried to persuade Redwyne to let things go, but by now it was a little late, and he caught the tension rising in Sophia from the shaking in her hands. He grabbed one of her hands. "My lady, it shall be alright." He assured her. 'I hope.'

[Sightles]

Thomas made his way over to Sophia, and Gareth, watching as they took Jezin away, "Well, that undoubtedly could of gone better." Thomas commented, his eyes still on Jezin and the Order knights. Thomas turned his attention, seeing Gareth comforting Sophia, "Don't worry, they aren't going to hurt him or anything. Just detain him, ask some questions, and he might even make it back for the feast." Thomas reassured the duo, as he relaxed his once anxious posture, "Sir Redwyne was right, however. King Bard II is a king with no heir, and no wife. If he were to die, this country would be plunged into a civil war of the likes most have never seen." Thomas spoke, his voice now particularly filled with dread. He remembered the stories they told of the 50-year civil war Alinor experienced, rendering half the continent a barren wasteland. Thomas sighed, as he looked around the feast, "Sir Redwyne was knighted as a Morningstar for a reason, and he'll treat Jezin with respect, I assure you of that." Thomas assured Sophia, once more.

[DrowsyPangolin]

Jezin followed along with the group of knights, remaining silent as they led him into the palace. Redwyne turned, and immediately began speaking of the Brass Hand. The bodyguard was surprised with Redwyne's knowledge of the Brass Hand, and Lyok in general. Jezin raised his eyebrows. Frankly, he'd been expecting rougher treatment. He looked at the older man, the flames behind his eyes subsiding, at least for the moment. His hands still hung at his sides. "I apologize, I suppose I took it a bit too far, but what good is a bodyguard if he has nothing to defend his charge with?" Jezin's previous sarcasm had faded. "Also... I understand I am in no position to ask questions, but you seem to know a great deal about Lyok... Have you always lived in Keilaudrin?"

As Jezin and the knights left, Sophia's eyes widened. She watched as they led her bodyguard into the palace. For a brief moment, she forgot all her court training. "Stupid prideful bastard..." She had mumbled the words to herself, not noticing that Thomas and Gareth had arrived. "Oh, oh my, I'm so sorry. Such speech is unfitting of a princess..." She still shook. Gareth didn't seem happy about Redwyne taking Jezin, but Sophia could hardly blame the knight for doing his job. "No... Thomas is right. Jezin just had to let his pride get in the way." Her hand continued shaking until Gareth grabbed it, assuring her things would work themselves out. "T-thank you." She took a deep breath and looked towards Thomas. "I hope so." Jezin might've been an idiot, but he was an idiot that she knew full well would die for her if the need arose. She hoped he'd be okay.

[Sightles]

Redwyne paused at the door as Jezin spoke up, before speaking, "The Order will be there to protect your charge. I assure you, we have taken care of many a high-profile guests, while also preserving the safety of our King." Redwyne replied, ignoring Jezin's other question. Redwyne took a small key from the side of his belt, and stuck it in the door's keyhole, unlocking the door, and opening it, allowing Jezin to enter the room. The room itself was fairly small, with no windows, and simply a small couch, a square table with two chairs on either side, along with an additional table holding four small goblets and a tall pitcher, and a couple of torches lighting the entire room, hung on the walls, Redwyne looked at the two knights that had followed them, and nodded, signaling the two of them to leave. As they did, he shut the door behind them, and motioned with his hand for Jezin to take a sit at the table.

[DrowsyPangolin]

Jezin looked unconvinced by Redwyne's reply, following him into the room and pulling back a chair. He took a seat, resting his elbows on the table, still keeping his eyes locked on Redwyne's. "But can you be certain of that? Beyond a shadow of a doubt?" Jezin's voice had gotten more serious, the previous sarcasm had faded. He folded his hands together. He remembered what Lexine had said earlier, and his worry for Sophia grew the longer they were separated. If someone were to try something, the king would be the Order's first priority, he knew that much. "You seem to know a bit about Lyok. So, you must have some idea of what would happen if anything were to happen to the princess while she's in a foreign land." His eyes locked with Redwyne's again. "I suppose you know what happened the last time a Lyoki royal fell?"

[Sightles]

Redwyne stepped over to the small table on the side, and poured a small glass of what appeared to be white wine. Redwyne casually placed the goblet in front of Jezin on the table, and began pouring his own glass, "112." Redwyne said simply, "112 assassination attempts on a King's life in the period of 150 years." Redwyne went on, finishing pouring his goblet, "Not a single one ever succeeded in killing the King. I assure you that Princess Sophia is in secure hands. If you're so worried about her safety, however, you wouldn't of let your pride get in the way of duty." Redwyne finished, once again, no venom on his voice, sounding more like a man making a level-headed comment, "I remember when I was about your age, filled with pride and fire." Redwyne mentioned, offhandedly, once again ignoring Jezin's second question, as he sat down across from him, "Although, I had yet to swear myself to a royal family, and had less of a sense of duty."

[DrowsyPangolin]

Jezin looked down at the goblet of wine in front of him before glancing back up to Sir Redwyne. He already knew the Order had an impressive track record, but hearing it from the Morningstar himself somehow added some authenticity. He sighed and picked up the goblet, taking a sip. The wine was good, clearly quite expensive. "An impressive record, to be sure. And if what you say is true, and the Order can keep her safe, then all is well." He took another sip, the fire in his eyes remained, but it seemed dulled slightly. Redwyne ignored his second question, again avoiding mentioning what he knew of Lyok. It seemed that conversation was going nowhere fast. He listened to Redwyne's comment, and replied in a surprisingly calm voice. "It wouldn't be the first time my pride had caused some problems, but without the means to defend her I am of little use as a bodyguard." The comment was merely an observation, and the venom and sarcasm in Jezin's voice had all but died out. He took a third sip from the goblet and placed it on the table. He looked at Redwyne with what seemed to be a bit of curiosity. "So what changed that, then?" He decided as long as he was stuck in the room with the knight he might as well find out something about him.

[Sightles]

Redwyne sighed as he took a small sip from the wine goblet, and placed it on the wooden table in front of him, "Before my days as a Order knight, I served on multiple continents as a sellsword. Eventually my work brought me to Estovet, fighting for King Bernard the Wolf Lord, of Keilaudrin. It was a war of conquest on a small nation that Bernard wished to annex into Keilaudrin." Redwyne started, as he took another sip from his wine goblet, before continuing, "I had slain my fair share of the enemy, and the proof of my victories laid on the ground all around me. Eventually, some highborn knight from Metia, the nation we were fighting, charged me during the battle, wielding a great sword almost as big as two men. Well, he took a swing and easily broke through the leather armor I wore at the time, and nearly cut me in two at the waist line." Redwyne continued, his eyes now drifting off, looking off behind Jezin, "As I laid there, bleeding out on the verge of death, trying to keep my insides inside, the Wolf Lord himself charged to my aid, slaying my attacker, and several others, yelling for me to stand up and fight." Redwyne's voice now grew more somber, as he seemed to be recalling cherished memories, "Despite having a good deep cut in my waist, I rose to my feet, and fought beside the Wolf Lord, slaying enemies with him left and right. That day, I stared Death in the face, and Death blinked first. You'd think that'd make a man feel powerful and invincible, but it didn't. There, after the battle, I was knighted and appointed to the Order of the Thistle by King Bernard." Redwyne finished, taking another drink from his goblet, "It wasn't until I rose from being knighted did I remember my wound. Privately, I lifted my torn leather shirt up, to examine the wound, and instead of a deep cut, there was a great scar across my waist. I'll remember that entire day until the day I die. The day I learned fighting for money wasn't something worth fighting for."

[DrowsyPangolin]

Jezin leaned back in his chair, listening to Redwyne's tale. He was quite impressed by the man's story, deciding Thomas' description of the man had probably not been embellished in the slightest. He took a long drought from the goblet, again appreciating how good the wine was. He looked up from the drink towards Sir Redwyne, a bit of respect now showing through in his eyes. He could relate to Sir Redwyne's story, having fought out of pride and anger for years before he found something worth fighting for. He also pondered the fact that Redwyne had been a sellsword. He made no comment, but thought perhaps that was when he had learned about Lyok. "An impressive tale, to be sure, Sir Redwyne." He took a drink from the goblet, nodding to the knight. Perhaps he had misjudged the man. He was stern, to be certain, but not without cause, and his loyalty to his king was admirable to say the least. "I can see why you are so loyal to Keilaudrin, now."

[Sightles]

Redwyne sighed as Jezin spoke, now turning his gaze to lock eyes with Jezin, nodding slightly to Jezin's observation. "Nearly 50 years of service to the Urien family." Redwyne stated, dryly, as he finished the rest of his glass, "How did you come into service of the Brass Hand?" Redwyne asked, sitting forward in his seat, listening carefully. It seemed that the time of reminiscing was over now, and the time for a mild interrogation was now. Redwyne had a job to do, and he needed to ask certain questions to ensure that Jezin was checked out before being allowed back to the feast.

[DrowsyPangolin]

Jezin realized his interrogation had just began, but didn't feel affronted by this fact. He took another drink and spoke. "I started as a foot soldier in the Lyoki infantry. I was stationed near Veranthium. I fought for four years before I was recommended for the palace guard. I remained as a palace guard for less than a year before being offered a position in the Brass Hand for saving Princess Sophia Octavia's life from an assassination attempt by Tauran rebels. I have served with the Brass Hand ever since." He spoke more formally, trying to give Redwyne straight answers. He looked straight ahead towards the knight, taking the last swig of his wine and placing the goblet on the table. He considered thanking the man for the drink, but it seemed inappropriate, given the context.

[Sightles]

Redwyne shook his head, slightly, at the mention of Tauran rebels, almost in a disapproving matter, "How many came with you and Sophia to Mullen?" Redwyne asked, continuing on with his interrogation. Redwyne still sat at attention as he awaited an answer, but after seeing Jezin finish his drink, Redwyne stood up and grabbed the pitcher from the side table, pouring Jezin a fresh glass, before taking his sit once more. Redwyne was now refraining from drinking, as once his interrogation was over, he would have to preside of the midnight feast, and direct the Order of the Thistle.

[DrowsyPangolin]

Jezin nodded appreciatively when Redwyne poured him another glass. He decided it would be his last, as the Keilaud wine was rather potent. After taking a sip, he spoke. "Three servants accompanied us here. Their names are Jorun, Alia, and Eva. I'm not certain where the first two are, but Eva is likely still in our quarters. I was the only military escort afforded for this journey. The Empress thought sending too many armed men would be seen as an affront to Keilaudrin. She made it clear to us that this was to be a peaceful endeavor." He felt a tinge of guilt. He had already managed to royally foul up the Empress' plans. He took another drink from his goblet.

[Sightles]

Redwyne nodded as Jezin explained their company that had traveled here with them, and explained how he was the only armed man, "Normally, I'd continue to ask questions, but I think you've been here long enough." Redwyne said, as he stood up from his chair, and walked over to the door, opening it, "Just see to it that you don't cause any more trouble." Redwyne said, as he motioned for Jezin to make his way out of the door, "I'm sure Sophia is waiting for you to get back." Redwyne knew he should press more questions for the sake of added security, but as far as Redwyne was concerned, Jezin was just a young hothead, and Redwyne just wanted him to get out of here and back to the party, as not to upset Princess Sophia anymore than he already had.

[ravenDivinity]

Gareth nodded. "You are welcome, my lady." He looked around the grounds, and he pondered what sort of activities they'd see fit to engage in. They could eat, they could dance, or they could socialize. Harker shifted his gaze to Thomas as he arrived, and he coyly smiled. "It'll be fine. Ah, in the meantime, what shall we do?"