Tarin, Duke of Corrin's Estate
@Theyra
Vulluin’s jaw clenched ever-so-slightly as Roland denied there were any other reasons. He perfectly remembered the intel the castle had on Roland, and how he had all the reasons to harbour ill will towards the throne.
So he wouldn’t fall for the bait? Vulluin suppressed a sigh as he looked down at his empty tea cup, setting it aside. Of course it wouldn’t be so easy with a knight such as Roland. But he had other ways of making the man more willing to do as he was told. It would just take time…
"Since you are done with me, I will get my brother from whatever he is doing, and so you two can talk about these body snatchers."
Vuillin put on a smile,
“Thank you, I will wait here for His Grace.”It was a few minutes of waiting for Nathan Corrin, the Duke of Vaili, but eventually, then manhimself entered the room. Vulluin swiftly stood, bowing humbly in front of the duke.
“Your Grace, I’m honoured you would see me at this hour. I hope I haven’t disturbed you and your household too much.”Vulluin waited for the duke to take a seat before sitting down, hands laced in his lap.
“I’ve gotten troubling reports that regard you and the city of Tarin. Thuggish rogues are traveling on the road between Hathforth and Tarin, targeting civillians outside and within the city. They seem to have a taste for nobility, and I’m surprised we haven’t had any reports of missing nobles. Alas, we don’t have access to Tarin gate records…”Vulluin leand back in his seat, eyes coolant half-lidded as he continued.
“However… I do have a report that they target your household, Your Grace. It's only a matter of time before they make their move.”He raised his hand, like offering a lifeline.
“Her Majesty proposes sending her men here to your estate. Only her best, powered with magics and seeds, to protect your loved ones. Until the rogues are apprehended, of course.”
Hathforth Castle, Gardens, Hearthfire Gala
@LunarParadox,
@Izurich
"I'd introduce myself, but I presume you're already aware of our identities, Under such circumstances, to whom do we owe this pleasure?"
The mysterious figure stood as Lord Blackthorne and Lady Tearmoon descended the stairs and entered the garden. Curiously, as she stood, the wooden chair below her disappeared. And, with each step the royal mages took towards her, the staircase behind them disappeared, eventually leaving the tower barren of magic.
Sword tip planted firmly in the grass, the mysterious woman bowed humbly to the two mages.
“My apologies for calling you like this, Lord Blackthone, Lady Tearmoon.”She straightened, eyes hovering on Melisandre for a moment longer than she should have… before she addressed the both of them.
“I am Valor Teardrop, but you can call me Valor. I work with a sponsor who’s very, very interested in what information you’re privy to, my lord, my lady.”Valor gestured to the castle, lit up beautifully for the gala.
“You are one of the few who see Her Majesty on a regular basis, and work closely alongside her. Lord Blackthorne, you’re her advisor. It’s easy to see that you would both have access to… sensitive information.”She leaned a little on her sword, her mask hiding her smile.
“I also know both of you have… certain reservations, let’s say, for the Queen. So here is what I’m proposing, here in the privacy of the castle gardens.”She raised her sword, tip pointing to the sky, reflecting the moon, admiring its craft as she spoke.
“Give me information on what the Wizard Queen is planning. And I, in turn, will reward you with gold, and a place in the… new society.”
Hathforth Castle, Throne Room, The Hearthfire Gala, Watching the Duel
@Click This,
@Donut Look Now
“I will say that Duchess Agustria’s parties never seem to leave anyone disappointed though.”
”I would not be arrogant enough to agree, but as a host, I do make an effort to ensure my guests enjoy their time.”
Duke Grimhand laughed a jolly laugh.
“Ah yes, of course! Well, I dare say that I may be sorely missing out. Perhaps Duchess Agustria would be so kind as to invite me to the next one. I'll clear my schedule and everything.”“It is business as usual, and I see little problem with that.”
“Aye, business as usual is always good.” the duke smiled, another chuckle rumbling through him, before his gaze grew a bit more somber.
His eyes glanced to the throne as he spoke.
“It's business as usual here too, in the throne room of our beloved Queen. You can see her eyes staring intently over her nobles, lookin’... Which reminds me of a rumour I heard.”Duke Grimhand glanced between Duke Rhinecliff and Duchess Agustria, ensuring he had their attention before he continued.
“Rumour has it the princess herself is from the dark waters of Athius… Rumour has it that all manner of beasts capable of capsizing even the great merchant ships swim below the surface there… Rumour has it the sirens of the ancients lay in the mist, bringing sailors and merchants alike to a watery grave…”
Hathforth Castle, Throne Room, The Hearthfire Gala, Watching the Duel
@Psyker Landshark
"Perhaps, if Her Majesty can spare me. I'm kept rather busy within Hathforth's court as it is, so you may wish to have another option in mind as reserve. We can discuss this after the festivities are done with, yes?"
Nephinae smiled softly at Lady Haliel’s answer. Diplomatic, as she expected. Open, even, despite Nephinae having a slight inclination, Lady Haliel would dislike her proposal being brought up again.
A servant walked by with a platter of baked, spiced mushrooms on bread. Nephinae plucked one up, admiring it in the light.
“I daren’t disturb your already busy schedule, Lady Haliel. I know you’re quite taken with the Queen’s work.”Her eyes glinted as she side-eyed the elf.
“Say, how many men here actually work for you, anyway? Can't show their true colors in broad daylight, after all…”Before she innocently popped the bread in her mouth, and smiled.
“Mm, delicious.”
Odonfield, Duke of Rhinecliff's Estate
@ERode,
@Click This
“Still, Mene, was funding the Wizard-Queen’s war chest the reason that you sought my treasury? Or did you have other designs in mind?”
The tension was palpable.
Mene could feel both the Duchess and duke's eyes on him, and he felt his face flush slightly.
His stomach gnawed, staring at the venison cut. Swallowed the salivation in his mouth, fiddling with the hem of his cloak, before his gaze met his sister.
She had a pleading look to her eyes.
Tell him the truth.Before the boy grimaced at his sister, then looked away.
Don't forget your loyalties, sister.Another breath. His anxiety made it feel like less air was getting into his lungs, but he tried to ignore it as best as he could as he spoke, staring pointedly at the duke's hands as they sliced venison.
“The Wizard Queen… had nothing to do with this. It was all my ploy, Your Grace. You see… I wanted to prove myself as skillful, of use. I've heard Odenfield favours rebellion, and I wanted to assist with that…”Asteria tried to hide her alarmed expression by vehemently sucking up the tea in her cup.
The Hands of Iron Hideout
@twannyman
“While I might be the Captain, I don’t make it a habit to decide on our contracts by myself, therefore, I shall discuss this with the others. You shall hear of my answer before you leave. I’ll have some men prepare accommodations for you.”
Princess Azalea seemed quite pleased to hear this. Certainly, she would have preferred an answer right away. But it was fair to let hr captain discuss this new job with his men.
She gestured to the coin purses on the ground, and her guards picked them up. When the captain accepted the job, then he would receive his preliminary payment.
The princess and her guards followed the captain's men to another part of the mine, where tents had been set up for them. One for the princess, one for her men. The princess expressed her gratitude, before she entered the tent. Two guards stationed themselves just outside, keeping watch over the princess.
Now it was a matter of resting, and patiently waiting for the captain's answer.
Hathforth Castle, Throne Room, The Hearthfire Gala
@everyone attending the gala
Sev gritted his teeth, adam's apple uncomfortably pressed against the dull steel.
So that's it, then…"Miss Britesong, allow us to offer our deepest apologies."
Sev offered a grumbling protest as his body bent to the duchess' will, bowing to the court jester. The duchess had won, after all. And he was a man of honour, especially when it came to the sword. The duchess would find no quarrel with him now.
"Your Majesty, I hope we kept you thoroughly entertained. He is all yours.”
His stomach did a little flip, and he turned to face the throne. Ah yes, he'd messed up, hadn't he?
The Wizard Queen stared at him for a moment, watching to see if he would beg for his life. Sev stared back, and firmly squared his shoulders, unmoving.
The Wizard Queen smiled lightly.
“Seize him.”Instantly, two guards were upon Sev, knocking the decorative sword from his hand, forcing his hands behind his back, and throwing him to his knees. Sev grunted under his breath, but didn't resist.
The crowd was as silent as the grave, watching intently, watching with worry. The Wizard Queen was not known for her generosity.
Vulluin took a step forward from his place beside the throne.
“Duke Sev Willowsteel. You've grieved Her Majesty by throwing these baseless accusations, and disturbing the peace of her royal gala. What say you in your defense?”Sev only let out a hard chuckle from where he knelt.
“You're all bootlickers. Every single noble here… You're not worth your people…”Vulluin glared at Sev. The man didn't even try to save himself, and address the Wizard Queen directly. Maybe he'd give him one last chance.
“Duke Willow-”The Wizard Queen raised her hand.
“That's enough, Advisor Urimyar.” Vulluin bit his tongue, and took a step back. The Wizard Queen didn't bother moving from where she comfortably reclined, staring calmly at Duke Willowsteel.
He dared test her in her own home. He would realize that he would pay for his outburst grievously, and be the example for all the rest.
So, she passed his sentence.
“Throw him in the dungeons. In a week from now, give him a public execution.”
The Otter
AWildSquirtle
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