The Smiling Monkey, Odonfield, Two Days Ago
@Andre Valias
Ryllae gave a gracious nod of her head,
”Actually, my Lord, I did have one proposal.”Her head tilted, ash-white hair wisping in front of her eyes.
”It will take me time to prepare the Seeds. I also prefer… discretion. Shall we meet again in two days time at my abode within the city here? I'll give the Seeds to you then. Then we can wait for that meeting with your emissary.”Her butterflies wriggled their wings, anticipating Ryllae would be on the move soon. Ryllae, though, gave no tell of this on her porcelain face.
She procured a piece of lamb skin from her pocket, unfurling it on the table. It was a rough diagram of the city, and an ‘X’ that marked where her home was.
Her crystal eyes gazed up at Anton.
”You'll find it with ease. And if you arrive at a good hour, we will serve lunch.”With that said, she stood. Gervese shifted a bit at the movement, leaning away from the wall. Ryllae moved to the door, before glancing back at Anton.
”Until next time, my Lord.”
Ryllae's Abode, Present Day
Another clear day in Odenfield, where the sun kissed the poppy fields. Gervese stood outside a small cottage-like house, arms crossed as he watched the foot traffic flitter to and fro in front of the cottage.
The sun directly overhead. The time, if Anton was punctual, was now.
There was a soft click of a door opening. Gervese turned to see Ryllae dressed in a simple cotton gown, wiping wet hands on the apron wrapped around her. She must have been in the middle of cooking.
”Any sign, Gervese?”Gervese simply stared, then shook his head. A long pause, before his low baritone voice rumbled.
”What if they don't show?”Ryllae gave a knowing, small smile.
”Agravaines are always punctual.”
South edge of South Pearl Harbour -> Castle Gardens, Present Day
@AWildSquirtle, @HereComesTheSnow
Indeed, the city was burning. Indeed, help was needed from any source, even if that source was foreign. However, with the city in its emergency state, it caused those with darker intentions to let flourish and let loose. The temptations were certainly there. Castle Gardens stood near empty, with aristocrat residents evacuated to other parts of the city.
The perfect opportunity for anyone who admired the fable of Robin Hood.
The Ambassador and Brother would notice little resistance, and even less regard as their ship docked at the far end of the harbour, furthest away from the fire. Indeed, everyone seemed preoccupied with either stopping the fire, getting away from the fire, or plundering around the fire.
The wide plaza with its executioner's platform was left relatively untouched, the stone a buffer from the fire. There was a small channel at the end of the plaza that allowed access to the untouched areas of Castle Gardens. With neighboring guards preoccupied with evacuating the injured to Elysia Quarters, very little eyes were on the Castle Gardens. The only things of real note were a Phoenix-like bird arcing through the sky, and the rumble and roar of guard and their commands fliting between South Pearl and Elysia Quarters.
So, if the Ambassador and the Brother were to, say, fall prey to their temptations, they would find one estate stand out to them, the first they'd see once entering the Castle Gardens.
The gate to the estate was slightly ajar - unlocked. A simple push would allow them entry into the lavish courtyard, apple trees and a pond ringed by a crescent-shaped mansion.
And, at the foot of the apple trees, knee-deep in the pond water, were two children. Hardly human. One appeared to be an
angelite, while the other, if one had to guess, appeared to be a
changeling. In their hands, they were playing a fierce game of tug-of-war over a sparkling gold necklace.
”No, you can't take it!” The angelite bit out fiercely.
”It's all Lady Furino has to remember her mother!”The young changeling's face was contorted in effort, his grip tight.
”It will go to a good cause! It will be her last service to the Rebellion!”The angelite's eyes bugged out.
”Blasphemous! You dare speak of treason on the day the Wizard Queen's city burns?! Why I oughtta-”The angelite raised one hand, preparing a spell of pure light, fully intending to smite the changeling with all her righteous might.
The Battle-Blood Minstrel, Over Athius, Present Day
@Click This
There was only the sound of paddled water and a long string of courses as Raiden watched, his heart sinking. The ships were in pursuit of him and Jikoryss. They even sent out smaller boats that could move even faster. They'd be surrounded in a matter of minutes.
With a strained smile, he looked down and patted Jikoryss’ head.
”Hey, hey, uh, you sure you can't fly?”Jikoryss lifted one of his wings out of the water for Raiden to inspect. It was littered in scorched holes.
”Alas, I am sure.”Raiden stared at the holes, before he winced, joking despite his heart sinking.
”Hey, don't worry, you just let me carry you, and I'll fly us outta here, m'kay?”Jikoryss rumbled a bit in a chuckle.
”Do you think they'll give us a merciful death?”Raiden watched the boats cut through the water, turning swiftly to cut off their way forward. They were surrounded. Jikoryss stopped swimming, floating there in the water. Raiden stared for a long moment, his face betraying a bit of defeat. Slowly, his hands rose in surrender.
”If we're lucky… Perhaps.” He whispered.
Goblininamech
SporkoBug
op2024
Scarifar
HereComesTheSnow
The Otter
AWildSquirtle
Knight 7
Andre Valias
Half Pint
