Briar casts Extended AirElfWalk, looking at Dandi and Barael.
"I think I shall go over that wall there," Briar points to what he thinks is a less guarded part of the wall that goes towards where he wants to go.
Cressida smiles and expresses interest in meeting the elusive Eries. She bids some of you farewell for now, and asks that you check in with her regularly so she can coordinate progress on the various lists and keep everyone on the same schedule.
The now split party (Briar, Barael, Dandilion, and maybe Nikolay) makes their way into the city (veiled) through the vault tunnel under the graveyard and up again into the city.
It is a quiet town! Very little stirs, even by day. You see patrols of Gray Maidens here and there, but they don't seem to take much interest in you (unless you're visibly flying or doing some other obvious tomfoolery).
Eventually, you come to one of the statues. They are enormous!
Each statue is of stone with copper highlights. Every day, new blocks of stone are hauled in from the Great Tower in the Heights, and the locals are tasked with maneuvering the blocks into place, joined by several priests of Abadar and Asmodeus commissioned to use stone shape to make the blocks into one solid sheet.
After this, a small army of sculptors and artisans is brought in to chisel away at the blocks. Starting with Ileosa’s feet, the projects have proceeded in this manner from the ground up. So far, each statue is complete up to Ileosa’s knees and stands twenty feet high though some of that is the pedestal.
The statues are heavily guarded - likely as much because they're in central gathering places convenient to large areas of the city. So a good place to have standing troops in any event.
- - -
The rest of the party (Fondo and Charlie - who knows the way to Eries camp in the Vault) remain with Cressida a while discussing the future of Korvosa beyond the rebellion. Cressida, as I mentioned, has little care for that time - so long as it remains the Korvosa she knows and loves. She happily discusses that future with Fondo however.
Cressida eventually tires, and offers to continue the discussion on route to Eries. The trip is fairly quick and uneventful as between Eries and the rebellion, you pretty much control the Vault areas now. Though there is an interesting meeting between Eries and Cressida - both having circled around each other a few times in the past - Fondo has eyes only for his young lad Ruan.
Ruan is a bit paler and a bit gaunter than you remember, but he's been living underground in hiding for several weeks now. He has not, at least visibly, suffered at the hands of Eries and her crew. He has even joined them on a few missions into Old Korvosa, trying to "Do my part."
That said, the relief in his eyes is visible, and he rushes to Fondo as soon as he sees him. He hugs him with his spindly arms and begs to know everything that has happened in the last while. If Fondo attempts to shorten a part of the story, Ruan cuts him off and begs for details. Fondo is, as a result, quite tied down for a while...
Backtracking a moment...
Fondo nods at Barael's question. "Trifaccia... Yes... Oh, and what know you of other allies in our cause? Alas, we found Ishani Dhatri dead some days hence, when Charlie's sending showed him to be in a place that seemed to me a shrine to Zon Kuthon."
Cressida says, "Other allies? There are hundreds all around the city that we would call allies some in the rebellion actively and some not. What exactly do you mean? Ishani... I remember him. A priest of Abadar who was quite vocal against the Queen and her new edicts."
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Dandi stares at the feet, clutching Barrie's hand, "Nothing good can come of this. They will turn green in time, like the original."
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"You'll recall he was also among your band of healers helping to find a cure... We found his body bound to an infernal statue, some unearthly shrieking coming from its dreadful visage. I do not know where it lay, but suspect a dungeon somewhere."
Fondo takes Ruan into his arms, offering him a tender kiss right in front of everyone. When he comes up for air, he says, "I'm sure your music has inspired them to great deeds. Come, show me where you've made your bunk and we shall... Talk... And later mayhap Kako will invite you to his feast." He happily shares details of his travels with Ruan, interrupted by rather a lot of nonverbal communication.
Briar faintly enjoys his travels about town, enjoying the freedom after the month(s) of Scarwall and Kaer Maga. He likes having Barael and Dandi with him, feeling comfortable with their teamworks.
"It's more quiet than I recall, Waif. Surely, this city is less...irksome...without the press of Varisians. The quiet serves it well," Briar observes and notes a preference.
Briar stops short of the statues, examining them from afar at first.
Perception
"These statues are something else, Waif. You were right long ago...when you mentioned the green dress. I was wrong to doubt you," Briar says while admiring the size of the ego that needs to produce one of these statues, let alone four. "These are so strange...I cannot imagine that they are an act of vanity. They must serve another purpose...no one is *that* vain..."...excepting the Varisian, that is.
As Briar moves closer, but still out of sight/hearing, Briar will cast Detect Magic.
Moving closer and maintaining concentration, Briar will examine the statue from as close as he can without overtly drawing the notice of the guards.
Perception
He will try to note the magics used by the Abadarans and Asmodeans in case others missed things.
When he is finished his magickry, he turns to Barael.
"Rat, do you think you could see if they are hollow? Maybe the outsides are just walls."
"I liked it the way it was, Briar." Her voice is soft as she looks around. She can't help but gaze in the direction of Old Korvosa. [i]They are trapped, more or less, and dying. "It is too quiet now, for a city of its size."
"I would rather have been wrong, that all... well, *most* of this had never happened. I will wish and hope that these...these feet only every walk in my dreams, no matter how the Father of Nightmares twists the skein. Somehow, though, I doubt I will be right this time."
She shudders, reluctantly relinquishing Barrie's hand if he wishes, and continues to try to see a future where those feet don't mean trouble.
Barael looks from the statue, to Briar, and back to the statue. "You can tell from here that they're forming all the stone into sheets, solid through and through. The artisans are only working the exterior. I don't see much need to test it right now, with all the Maidens swarming all over the place."
Barael does raise an eyebrow, though, and lets go of Dandi to bring his hands up to his lips in a steeple.
"If I could Vanish for several long minutes, I could wander about that crowd of Maidens, and listen for gossip when they think they have everyone at a distance. Briar, Dandi, can you do that? Give me a longer Vanish? If I fixate on it, I can get a minute, tops, several times in a row, but that would only be a few minutes worth. Not enough for real intelligence, I think."
Briar shakes his head.
"My magics do not lie with deception. If possible, we can explore the markets for what you seek."
Barael turns back to the Maidens, looking for a group that appears to be talking amongst itself.
He moves towards the mouth of an alleyway, and breathes slowly.
He looks down and wills himself to not touch the ground.
As he moves towards the Maidens, he watches them intently for any sign that they are aware of his presence.
For the little time his Vanish covers him, Barael studies the Maidens' weapons, armor, and listens as closely as he can to anything they may say while he is within range of conversation.
When he gauges his time dwindling, he returns to Briar and Dandi, a light sweat on his brow, and a little exhilaration on his face.
If Barael avoids kicking a hornet's nest, he nods to Briar about extending his listening station's duration.
"Would that I could, Barrie. I'd go with you. But your Vanish is a Magic beyond me." She shakes her head. "There are other spells, but I did not find those when we were shopping." I was seeking something else.
"And so, my sparrow whose song sounded in my heart over those many leagues, I found myself upon the island dark. Serethtiel did call me to her, adding harmony to your sweet melody. And now she rests upon my wrist."
He strokes Ruan's hair with his ungloved hand, and nestles into the nape of his neck. "Er, Ruan, did our friend Eries give you a bite? They're fine, these Rats. Good friends for sure. I'd love you just as well, if you..." He nibbles a bit, surprised that he's being honest.
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Briar examines the statues from afar and then a bit closer, and detecting magic too. He perceives them to be as described above - though he appreciates the fine work the artisans are doing. When compete, they will be very nice statues indeed! Er, or destroyed first...
As for magics, he finds mostly what he'd expect. Stoneshape has certainly been used - but also, he suspects, a druidic spell Soften Earth and Stone. He detects no particular magics beyond that.
He is also fairly certain they are solid all the way through.
- - -
The square is largish, and the alley some distance, so Barael really only ends up with a small handful of seconds to 'eavesdrop' on the Gray Maidens. They don't seem to notice him, or if they do, they pay him no mind. What he hears of their conversation is very mundane - they're complaining about the quality of the chow, something about the ancestry of their sergeant, and the general lumpy state of their beds.
He will note though that they are quite well equipped, and they stand easy, as if they know how to wield the weapons they have. While the citizenry generally avoids them and gives them a wide birth, not all do. They're not 'set apart' in particular.
- - -
Ruan looks shocked at the suggestion, "Why would they bite me? That pleasure's saved for you... hmmmm." He shows no signs of lycanthropy.
When Barael returns, Briar will share what he learned about the statues, both the magics and the insides...
"I just don't get it. They are works of vanity," Briar says, very confused.
Shaking his head, Briar suggests the next object of exploration: the markets.
Briar will lead the team to the stores where arrows, magics, armors, and etc. might be purchased.
"I don't know what might still be standing, but we should have a look."
"That's a good idea, Briar. I can't believe it, but I think I want to go shopping."
Fondo gives a playful bite and then grows quiet and still. After a while he says, "Three months, and little time to talk since first we met. Your songs and touch are an eternity of bliss, but I have moved so quick. I called my comrades family 'fore a moon had crossed the sky. And you I fought as quick to save and love..."
He props himself on one arm upon the cramped, lumpy mattress. "I'm late arrived to love and loyalty. I've faith that fortune's set me on a path most sweet, for your lips tell me so. But this I pray: that you'll not see me as a fool if I should err in deed, or wake with cries of what... Of... Of what I've seen." With that, he surrenders himself to hear Ruan's words and be held for a while before putting back on his brave caravan master's face.
Charlie gives a sideways glance and a smirk when he sees Eries. Taking big steps, he gives her a bear hug and then asks her how she's been, how's she's set for supplies and how are the rest of the Vault 'army' holding up.
In response to her likely questions, "Yeh, it was pretty fooked up. Dark and dangerous, I think I died a little back there. Soon though, we will bring the Queen to her knees and know freedom once again."
Shopping is a problem. Eodred's Walk, where Saul's used to be, also contained other shops - many of which sold items you'd buy from Saul (remember he had agreements with all of them so that he could take complete care of his customers, selling their goods as his own with no markup).
Unfortunately, most of those shops have closed. The elven boyer for instance has also left town and Saul's old shop stands empty - no one having moved in.
Another possibility for magical purchases (such as spell components) would be the Acadamae, of which Nikolay is a member (at least - might be another of you too? I don't remember). Unfortunately the Acadamae has sealed their doors remaining neutral and untouched by the plague and subsequent upheavals. You did get one of their wizards to cross the line and help mass produce the plague cure, but even he has gone back into hiding.
Yet another possibility is the magic school of which Deyanira is a member across the river. Checking in there (late morning by that time) reveals that while they're still technically open for business - most of their mages have either left town or are in seclusion to one degree or another. There's just not that much need for what they have to offer in the current city of Korvosa.
By early afternoon you'll learn that the bulk of the weapon and armor smiths - certainly anyone with any skill - has been corralled by the Queen to outfit her new legions of Guard and Gray Maidens.
In short, you're out of luck for anything but the most basic of goods and services. Korvosa, as a trade city, is more or less closed down by martial law, plague, and assorted sundries.
- - -
"I love the way you talk... so, so, flowery. Speak to me a poem, like you used to before," he gestures to the city above your heads, "before all this." There's a sadness in his eyes, a longing for the city he once loved, the city he gave his large heart to, the city he sings for. He is a caged canary, loosing his voice.
- - -
Eires is very glad to see Charlie again and hugs him overlong for her - but just long enough for both of them to feel each others' warmth. She explains that supplies are short, but they buy what they can and steal the rest. She has a couple dozen hard core lycanthrops running food and medicine into Old Korvosa, and occasionally tussling with any Guard or Gray Maiden who attempts to follow them into the vaults.
She sent the rest of her people to Riddleport, and suggests she and this last cadre will follow when Charlie needs her no more. Korvosa has become entirely too hostile to 'outsiders' of any stripe, let alone her people. There is a large community of Lycan' in Riddleport and her extended family is being well received there.
She's unhappy, but even the removal of the Queen is unlikely to change the hearts of the people quickly. "The common man grows hostile to outsiders when faced with danger, and that isolation lasts long beyond the danger. I just don't see a future for us here anymore..."
"As dead as it is around here, it feels like the only way find Sabina is to kick over a couple of guard posts to get her attention." Barael tries to enjoy the walk to Eodred's, then Deyanira's school, but none of it lifts his spirit. "There's no life here. No hustle and bustle. She's really had her way with the town."
Barael looks to Briar and Dandi. "We should get back, and decide which square we're going to kick. I agree with you, Briar. Those statues are vanity, so we should strike 'em around it, so it'll sting more." Barael quickens his pace for the return.
Briar seems glum at the sadness of the magics shop's closing.
"This is not good...magic is gone from the common man. Those who have it are now either hoarding it for themselves or lost and gone from the city. Neither are good," Briar says walking along towards the Deyanira school.
"Let's go see if we can purchase things we might need. There is no telling what we might need."
Briar will ask to see if anyone has some scrolls to sell.
* * *
Briar nods at Bareal.
"Indeed, Barael. Striking down her vanities would strike directly at her heart," Briar agrees. "It's too bad we cannot quickly complete the statues for them. I'm sure the Varisian would delight in having his visage on the statue giving the Queen the fongu gesture."
Briar titters at the thought.
" I should have shopped more when we had the chance. If the magic school doesnt have them, is there any way to buy from Saul at this late date?" Dandi walks with the others, the state of Korvosa weighing on her soul.
****
"Better still, to sculpt her face as it should be, the Hag of Korvosa. Leave enough that she is recognizable, but let her evil shine through in more than her fashion sense."
Fondo laughs and sits. "My words don't touch the soul so well as do your notes." He thinks a bit. "Mayhap we could an opera of sorts together pen. Varisian, not Taldan, with ocarina and guitar as centerpiece. What say you, Lad?" He smiles brightly, happy to consider a future beyond deposing Ileosa.
As for 'kicking over guard posts' remember that Cressida is hoping to not engage the bulk of the Gray Maidens. There are two reasons for this (at least) and I see I didn't outline the other, though Cressida would have.
Attacking their forces will mean they beef up their troops and troop movements through the city. That hurts Cressida's ability to move around freely and is something she'd avoid if they can. She has mapped out most of the guard patterns and can easily slip between them as needed. If you start attacking Gray Maidens in the streets all that changes and makes Cressida's life harder.
Cressida doesn't seem to care about the statues.
- - -
The party moves on to the Theumanexus College. You meet a Gnome leaving one of the buildings who's particularly helpful. His name is Tepest, and he explains that the college is 'on hiatus' for the summer - in part due to the plague and the removal of most of the students back to their various homes in and out of the city.
He takes you into one of the buildings - half Gnome sized and half Human sized. You're forced to stoop as you move about the Gnome sized side of the complex. He can offer you a wide variety of very low level scrolls, but not much beyond that.
What exactly are you looking for?
- - -
Ruan takes out his precious ocarina and blows a little tune. Somehow he manages to make the music quite sorrowful, and yet hopeful at the same time...
Fondo smiles and then remembers his duties. "I fear it's time to seal our new alliance and get on with ending Ileoda's reign. Will you return with Cressida, that we might see each other in the eve?"
He prestidigitates both of then clean and returns to Eries, Charlie, and hopefully Cressida. "Ahem. A meeting long delayed and key to victory." He winks at Charlie. "Friend Eries, what say you? Shall Guard and Vault find common cause for now? We hunt Sabina that she might on morrow see the light."
"Thank you for your time and hospitality, Tepest. I was seeking something to help my suggestions more palatable, and/or perhaps something a scroll to help me look about a bit better."
Barael keeps his hands to himself as Briar and Dandi make their inquiries. For his first visit to the College, the novelty of the environs takes him out of the gloom of the city for at least a little while.
On their walk back to join the others, Barael turns to Dandi. "If we really need to gather last-moment items, can't we return to Saul's quickly, sending him a list of items before you travel with Deyanira?"
...
Barael seeks out Charlie and Fondo to learn of any substantive plans. "Targetting the maidens and statues appears to only lead to further watch activity. I'm not sure how we can draw Sabina out, so tell us how to track her down. Majenko seems to be a great bet, as he can throw down his sight to all corners."
"If Deyanira was amenable, it could be possible." She turns slowly in a circle. The dismal reality that is Korvosa washes over her, a wave of reality flooding the seeds of dreams."Though even quickly may not be quick enough, I fear."
Briar browses the scrolls, not looking for anything in particular, but wanting to see what might be available. He purchases nothing, but helps Dandi with whatever she needs.
* * *
"If we really need to gather last-moment items, can't we return to Saul's quickly, sending him a list of items before you travel with Deyanira?"
Briar nods.
"That might be possible, Rat. However, that requires lots of power magics to do...and I would prefer to save my magics for the Queen and her forces," Briar states.
"In addition, should I fall, I would have you both to have access to alternate sources of magic. You can never have too much, can you now?"
* * *
After Dandi has finished her shopping, Briar is content to return to the DOLLWarrens and share what they have learned.
Fondo fingers the locket around his neck as it shines upon the Vault's byways. He uses his hand to create some shade as a few of the Vault dwellers squint in its brightness. He puts his hand on the small of Ruan's back as he awaits news of what he hopes is a burgeoning alliance.
Mayhap when this is done, friend Cressida shall help ensure the dwellers of the Vault receive their due.
He whispers to Ruan, "Resourceful Deya shall so gleeful be when she lays eyes on you. And I would see your face in light of day."
Tepest confers a little with Dandilion, but in the end shakes his head. "I could craft a scroll of the other for you in a day or so, but that second you ask for - is that a Bard spell? - I can't do that I'm afraid. Do you want to stop by tomorrow for your scroll (suggestion)?"
Briar and the others head back to the DollWarrens, probably using the Vault tunnel to the graveyard and then slipping quietly into the warrens that way.
Charlie finishes his updates with Eries, and Eries with Cressida. It's a shaky truce, but a truce none the less... for the greater good.
As Charlie prepares to leave, Fondo finally pokes his head out of Ruan's meager bedroom with Ruan in tow. They too return with Cressida through the vaults taking a shortcut as they're lead by Eries.
So, eventually, by mid afternoon, the entire party is back together in the DollWarrens. Deyanira and Ruan split off to have their own sibling reunion and the party may chat together and plan for Sabina's fall from grace.
Nikolay is amused by the discussion of judicial systems and trials and does his best to stay out of the discussions since he's not expecting the queen to need a trial. He is shocked by Vencarlo's attitude though. When he really considers things, Nikolay finds he's not exactly sure where he stands on the issue of government and revolution.
It might be hubris to think I know best, but I do. I'm not looking to run the city, just deal with evil such as the queen. With her at least I am happy to be judge, jury, and executioner.
--
Nikolay joins the party members that explore the city and will also cast detect magic as they examine the statues.
"There may be no magic on them yet, but I find it unlikely there purpose is solely to appease the queen's pride. I find it more likely that the magics that they will be part of have not been added yet."
Barael seeks out Charlie and Fondo sits down with the others to learn of any substantive plans. "Targetting the maidens and statues appears to only lead to further watch activity. I'm not sure how we can draw Sabina out, so tell us how to track her down. Majenko seems to be a great bet, as he can throw down his sight to all corners. Or we could talk directly with Sabina, via the Sending, and hear how amenable she is to conversation. Unless, you know, she requires 'convincing' before she starts considering."
"Yes, thank you. I'll be back tomorrow for it...Thank you for your time. " Dandi does not take too much time for the shopping and joins the others in the planning.
Fondo asks Cressida to send word once Vencarlo returns, and then asks Deyanira to teleport him, Charlie, and Ruan to the Warrens .
Reunited with the party, he settles onto the edge of a table. Some greater ease has worked its way into his posture. It's not his usual air of bravado. There's a clarity and grounded quality to his affect.
"We could mayhap upon Sabina scry, or find what quarters in Korvosa that she calls her roaming grounds, then use a finer magic to locate her lovely self. That would require a scroll, alas. I'd happily try subterfuge instead to draw her out, but that would mean embroidering a plan in which we all could have a part."
He looks about him into the air. "Of course, I'd rather hunt her mage. His scrying is a greater threat to us than fair Sabina's guard. To find him would be just as hard a thing, but tactically a greater prize."
He pauses, gauging whether his words are having their intended effect. "I'll aim to satisfy your wish, but I do not command their hands. I ask as friend: give me some help in turning them away from the un-Savored Sting."
"And too, can you tell me where fair Sabina calls her favorite place? Or do you have some trinket that she's called her own? Any clues to help us find her in her wanderings?"
Barael looks back and forth, from face to face, hoping to hear the next step, the next action, the next destination. The next nail in Ileosa's coffin. With talk of magical tracking, his eyes glaze over, and he leans his head onto Dandi's shoulder, choosing to wait in silence and listen for the moment when the rally call sounds.
If we want to Scry, let's. If we want to Siege, let's. If we want to Send, let's. So much want, so little do.
Briar sits back, reflecting over what he learned on the exploratory trip. He thinks about the paralysis that prevents the group from moving forward.
"We have too many options...too many ways that might succeed; it is a problem of overabundance. It is the gift of magic that allows so many possibilities," Briar says.
"For Sabina, we could draw her out with brute force...or brute diplomacy. We should ensorcell, scry, or tail. So many options. For Togomor and Trifecta, we have fewer initial options...but then, maybe Sabina might help us. Assuming we succeed in at least drawing her to neutrality, of course," Briar notes.
"And then there is the dragon and Red Mantis, who other thorns to be cut from the Queen's rose."
Briar smiles...so many options. He looks at Fondo.
"I do not see how we can strike at Togomor until we have dealt with the others. It is unlikely that he will show himself anytime soon. Though I suppose that arcanists of his skill may be very confident...as they are kin to the creators of worlds and nigh gods among you mortals."
Briar smirks.
"If you have a plan for Togomor, I would hear it. For now, I would follow the Waif. Tomorrow, she will have the ability to suggest her will into the minds of Sabina's followers. Since we seek naught but a friendly discussion, it should be a easy meeting. From there...from there...who knows what will be next."
Briar sits back and listens to the opines of others.
Dandi frowns, something tickling at the edge of her head. "Perhaps we're over thinking things.... or under thinking. Still, Sabina. I think we start there, and work our way up." at least it is "A" plan. Whether or not it is the best one is anyone's guess.
Fondo listens to the unfolding plan and nods appreciatively. "Agreed. She is our best gateway unto the rest. Mayhap our Deyanira's veil could help us play the roles of maidens gray, giving report on..." He gets a mischievous look. "Glorio. The one most like to claim the throne should Illeosa fall."
Vencarlo is not at camp with the others, so Fondo will have to wait to chat with him again.
The only place you know Sabina frequents is the castle. Finding her about town is a crap shoot - but with Majenko's scrying abilities the only real factor is time (and poor Majenko's mental stamina). His range with that ability is 500' so you'll need a 'safe' spot closer to the castle.
Deyanira does not know Sabina well, but well enough for a scry - though Charlie knows her better for that purpose and can also cast Sending if you think that short a phrase can help your cause.
Neither Deyanira nor Charlie know Togomor, though Nikolay met him once at an Acadamae function (he's a member of that organization remember). However I don't think Nikolay can scry currently.
Barael leans forward. "If you could begin negotiations with Sabina right now, what would you say to her?" Barael taps his lips with his fingers.
"I suppose I'd ask her to help us restore Korvosa, help free the Queen from her Curse, and give her a chance to make amends." Barael looks at Charlie. "You usually have a way with words, straight to the heart of the matter. What would you speak to her, now?"
Fondo shakes his head. "Announce our presence, now? If yet we have the element of true surprise, we'd lose it with a sending that's too short on back and forth. Let's scry her first. Mayhap Vencarlo has some item she held dear, to make our scrying the more clear. And then, if that shows naught, our Dandi's magics could lend bait to a most clever trap."*
Briar waits for the Sending plan to be done. Briar doesn't feel it's worthwhile and will be ready to pursue other ways if necessary.
<whispering>"Vencarlo, a word, please"
"Eries, you and I are heading to church. Anybody care to join us?"
Charlie, Eries, and possibly others, head over to the church of Pharasma through the graveyard.
The church is, as usual, quiet and staid on the outside, but you're quickly lead to the depths where the rebellion is going strong.
Before long, you meet up with Vencarlo, still red faced and a little sweaty from some recent exertion.
You begin the hour long scry...
The scry works, but unfortunately the Message spell does not. You see Sabina flying or suspended in mid air somehow. Occasionally a cloud flies by. It is clear she is straddling something, something large, and something invisible.
You may attempt to scry again (taking another hour) if you have another casting.
Charlie has 6 more scry's and will try again.
You begin the hour long scry...
This time, she succeeds in avoiding the scry, which means you cannot scry her again for 24 hours. Sadly, this plan will have to wait.
Vencarlo is appreciative of the effort, and suggests you dine tomorrow and try again. In the meantime, he has other things to attend to (though he did appreciate the two hour rest and supper).
It is evening, Starday Rova 15, 4707.
"Invisible steed? Mayhap our dragon,eh? Or phantom steed like Deyanira conjures up?"
"You're describing what, an invisible dragon? She's flying on top of the gods be damned dragon currently occupying the castle, then? That is... just... wonderful. We have to overcome the dragon to get to her?" Barael keeps mulling over the implications of Charlie's scrying. "So, she has the dragon at night, invisible, but she's scryable. She doesn't mind if citizens see her, but the dragon is another story, eh? We have better intelligence than the regular Joseph, so knowing about a new dragon within the city gates is need-to-know..."