Wardove's Rumble in the Jungle

Game Master Laithoron

Sasha held onto the hand Lureene had offered her, even as she continued to rest her other hand on Isaac's shoulder. "Well... no one really hires the Wasps though, Ellie. They pretty much just do whatever the Coil guys want."

Nodding at Darvesch's remarks, she added, "They are reeaally smart and sneaky though, yeah."

"Sneaky doesn't begin to describe them," Alis grumbled. "In Dunwaar, Chivane had manipulated a local gang to rebellion against the government, using the fact that I was passing thru as 'proof' to the populace that their leader was selling out to foreign powers. All the while, her pet fury, Lucia, was impersonating the city's ruler!"

"Well, if it's any consolation, that black skull Ieana recovered from Arrowhead has been returned to its rightful owners at the Vault."

Looking at the dwarf he shrugged. "As for whether Shivone's stolen anything else, who knows. Corporal Echorn said Shivone's room at the temple was pretty much cleared out. If anything else of note was missing, the temple elders haven't reported it — at least not to the city guard anyway."

The Major turned his attention to Amoya's compatriot and asked, "Can you think of any additional leads, Poe? Anything that might have been missed?"

As all eyes turned to him, the young lord held his chin between thumb and forefinger as he thought. "Why now that you mention it..."

The youth turned about until with a snap of his finger, he gestured to a large desk with a map representing Dafar's topographical and political features. Tracing his finger south from Port Eldarion, he tapped his finger on the foothills below the small town of Harthól. "The good Monseigneur did mention that 'Sister' Shivone had recently departed for the south to look after some of her family's private holdings — a vineyard I believe."

Looking up, he added, "Mind, that was more than two weeks ago."

"Uh..." Isaac tapped the back of his head. "I've got a pretty good lump here that says she came back at least week ago."

When he felt Sasha's fingers brush the back of his head, Isaac shrugged and looked at Amhranai adding, "...figuratively speaking, that is."

Lureene nods in reply to Sasha, "So the Coil wanted the late Governor out of the way. I don't think Big O was anything more than a figurehead, someone to draw attention away from themselves and whatever dastardly plans they have." She slides her other hand (which had a nail with a few teeth marks on it) into Alis' hand. "Lis, I think they must still be trying to get to you somehow!"

She glances back at Isaac, favoring him with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry Marshal, I won't let that happen to you again! Aand you do raise a good point. Unfortunately, we are still no closer to discovering where she is currently hiding."

"My dear lady," Poe said, "ten thousand people witnessed Governor Taurion's demise at the hands of four Dafari half-bruuu...humans! That O'beilumanji ruffian was still seeking to recruit members to be party his shenanigans some two weeks aaafter the fact."

"He's right, Lureene. From what I've heard here about this Ruby Coil, O'beilumanji sounds positively tame in comparison. I believe they saw an opportunity to create further chaos and exploited it." Both feet on the floor now, Amhranai caught Alis' eyes and said, "Alis? Your Highness? Whichever, I would suggest speaking with the Lamontari woman, Sin. She seems to be an information-gatherer of no small skill and might be able to fill in some gaps here.

"But first," the elf continued, eyes now on Isaac, "I believe we need to take a look at Isaac's neck. I haven't had time to make sure it's healing properly in the past few days and, if it's not, it needs to be taken care of soon."

Whether it was what Amhranai had to say or the way she said it, her words caused the corners of Alis' mouth to curl into a smile. Stealing a sidelong glance at her silent yet diligent scribe, she commented, "I believe Sindariel and I have an appointment in the morning actually. Care to join us, Amh?"

At mention of Isaac's neck, she shifted in her seat and turned to the man seated in the chair next to Lureene. "Are you not feeling well, Isaac?"

As Sasha tilted his head first to one side, then the other, the warrior rolled his eyes and gave the Princess a helpless look. "Never felt better, actually. Lots of energy, lots of work... it balances out."

When Amhranai joined the redhead in inspecting his neck, he just shrugged and asked, "And you?"

With a look of doubt on Darvesch's face, he turns to Isaac, "Still, I think you'd better get that checked out. I don't trust it." He then turns to Alis, "Is there any other business we need to discuss at the moment, your Highness?"

Another round with Sin? I can't wait."I'm not sure if I'll be free in the morning, but I'll be here if I'm able."

The tone of Isaac's voice alarmed Amhranai, alarm which increased as it occurred to her that it had been more than three days since he had received the wound. A frown creased the elf's face. I'm not too familiar with lycanthropy but perhaps this will work...

Cast Remove Curse

Alis nodded, smirking slightly, though her gaze still held concern for the Marshal. "No doubt you have a long night ahead of you packing your bags to jump ship, is that it?"

Outside, the sound of multiple people approaching could be heard. Even as Lord Poe looked ready to nose his way into the conversation, she continued, "Don't worry, nothing as formal as this afternoon, just a few ladies enjoying a bit of chit chat over tea in Sindariel's parlor. I suspect she means to woo me with fabrics and fashions before confining me within some manner of deviously tortuous couture."

Winking as she gestured to her scribe, she joked, "I wouldn't it to be Arion who liberates me in any event — there's no telling what he might note of such an encounter in that little book of his. Nevermind that Lureene has a vested interest in ensuring a steady turnover in my wardrobe."

While Amhranai listened to the Princess and troubled herself over what might or might not be wrong with Isaac, the clatter of glassware heralded the butler's return. In his strong arms, the old dwarf carried a wide tabletop laden with fresh fruit and nuts, honeycombs, tortes, small shortbread cakes, and several jars full of cream and custard. Behind him another two servants carried racks of plates, dishes, utensils, urns of hot water for tea, and bottle of dessert wine.

Without interrupting, the chief domestic immediately set about unloading the contents of his impossibly laden tray onto a long buffet table against the east wall, his assistants quickly assembling their wares in preparation for serving the executive guests in their care. Quickly and efficiently, the old dwarf donned a lengthy white apron and with a deft touch began slicing the cakes, tortes, and fruit.

First there was the shortbread doused in a fragrant sherry and layered with jam. Above this, an arcane touch whirled rings of sliced fruit into place around the perimeter of each dish. Within that space, were layers of custard, and sweet berries were alternated. Finally, they were topped with pure white whipped cream and whole strawberries garnished with shavings of chocolate and mint leaves.

As the old dwarf finished things up, employing spellcraft to ensure the right serving temperatures, the other servants furnished all those present with their preference of tea or wine. It was not long thereafter before he presented the Princess with his creation upon a gilded platter. "Your Highness' favorite, Estorian Trifle."

Isaac nodded in gratitude to Amhranai, although he was just as glad to have dessert arrive as it was a bit awkward to be worried over in front of so many women. "Saved by the dessert bell," he said with a sheepish grin.

Although he really didn't know if Amhranai's spell had any effect, at least he knew that someone was looking out for him.

"Nevermind that Lureene has a vested interest in ensuring a steady turnover in my wardrobe."

"I apologize, your Highness" Lureene replies with a chuckle. "I had not realized one needed an excuse for updating one's wardrobe"

Lureene is surprised and more than slightly concerned by Amhranai's spell-casting on Isaac. She would have sworn the handsome warrior was completely recovered from their battle at Arrowhead Citadel.

She was about to ask him what the matter was, when the arrival of the mouth-watering desserts chased away any thought of Isaac (for the moment). She starts to reach for a helping of the delicious dessert when she pauses.

I must not make a pig of myself here...but it looks SOOOO good!

It doesn't take a simpleton to figure out the blond-haired winged beauty is having difficulty restraining herself, much to the amusement of the others.

Alis could practically feel Lureene breathing down her neck, mouth watering at the sight of the dessert Giles had placed in front of his Princess. Slowly, as if dealing with an agitated dog, Alis nodded reassuringly and said, "It's okay, El... there's more."

Indeed, even as she said so, one of the other servants delivered unto Lureene a crystal dish of her own. With a smirk, Alis flourished her spoon like a rapier and gently prodded her friend in the side. "You did save some room, right?"

With that, Alis rose to her feet and announced, "In lieu of either Ilmarondi or Malatestan desserts, I thought we might forget the cares of the day for at least a little while with a treat from my dear Mother's home in Estoria. Giles, you always did know how to cheer me up, thank you."

Tone light and face shining with warm, Alis' comment about being cheered up seemingly went unnoticed even as familiar tastes and smells ushered her thoughts elsewhere.

Assassins, Freebooters, the Zucks... If only Mom and Dad were still around, they'd know what to do. Maybe tonight I can ask them...

Darvesch enjoys the delicacies silently, the talk of wardrobes dissuading him from participating in the discussion. He turns to Poe, "Why.. I've heard you mention a couple of your exploits now, and couldn't help wondering: where did you get your training?"

At mention of himself, Poe straightened and set aside his empty dessert dish. Raising a cup of tea in acknowledgement, pinky finger extended, but curled in, he said, "Raaather good of you to aaask, sir dwarf. You see, I hail from Quelaerilean nobless, my father being an Earl of no small means. As such, the finest practitioners of spellcraft and swordplay were hired as my private tutors. A grueling regimen, integrating the two arts, I assure you, but a decidedly elvish one just the same."

"Fortunately for them, I proved quite the apt pupil, yet..." he paused teacup held a short distance from his chin, a faraway look in his orange eyes. "Yet I wonder if my successes came perhaps too readily. I must confess a certain confusion as to why else Mumma sent me away to this far place with only the warning that I not reveal my aptitude to father."

"Hmm..." With a shrug, the young lord sipped upon his tea, flavored with sweet, black currants before asking, "And praytell, how do dwarven knights come by their puissant skill at arms?"

Arion's heart went out to the Young Elven Noble.
Perhaps I sympathise with a brother I never had, or old memories of being 'sent away to a far place.' Cautious old-boy: do nothing to spoil this amazing 2nd chance at Courtly Life...and a new family
Arion knew well how guarded the Dwarven Lords were about revealing all their secrets. During the pause in which the Knight-Inquisitor surely contemplated how best to filter his reply, Arion stood between the Elf and Dwarf. Arion lowered his Spectacles and Journal and addressed the Lord Poe, "If I may, Your Lordship. Without presuming condescension, in my experiences, when we are compelled to venture away from our native domains, often it awakens inner strengths that otherwise would lie dormant. What a splendid chance also to bring Nobility to less civilised regions. I pray, pardon the interjection. I too desire to know more of adventures concerning the noble Dwarven Warriors, as they see fit to reveal to our kind." With that Arion affixed his Spectacles to record more within his Chronicle.

While Poe seemed mildly surprised by the interruption from the quiet scribe, the same could have been said for most of those present. Even though the tall, thin scribe had followed Alis like a shadow since arriving, even those closest to the Princess had scarcely heard him say a word prior. Nodding thoughtfully at the older elf's words, the young lord raised his tea cup in acknowledgement.

"Spoken like a scholar," he said. "Indeed as I had discussed with Lady Ourson, I believe Dafar to be in great need of civilizing if its condition is to be improved..."

As the youth's voice trailed off, he looked once more to Darvesch, curious to see if the warrior had finished mulling over his answer.

The dwarf stood in contemplation, mulling over what the scribe has said. "Agreed, Lord. However, scribe, I have to admit, I would not have asked if I did not expect to reciprocate with my own answer." Darvesch smirked playfully. "Now then, your Lordship. My own training differs from your typical Ortlokean, though I did start with such. After my initial combat training, it was decided that, due to my own aptitude, I would be given advanced training with divine techniques. After such training, it was only then that I was introduced to the Sacred Order of Lightbringers, where I learned to combine the two. I've been with them for more than two decades now." He smiles politely, "I doubt most mortals would withstand the intense drills I've had to endure."

Lureene is quiet as she contemplates her own circumstances in regards to her own training (or lack thereof). As always, thoughts of this sort inevitably led to her own childhood and the training she had been forbidden to undertake.

Mother must know of where I am hiding, at least what plane I am at by now. It seems clear to me she allowed me to escape. But WHY?

As she reflects on those meetings with her Mother in that strange place, her eyes wander to the Princess. Alis would be an ideal target for Mother...for mental control or for some other nefarious purpose. I must talk with Elendreth concerning this...regardless of her feelings for me.

As Darvesch waits for a reply, she interjects herself softly into the conversation. "You both are quite fortunate to have received such good training from others. I myself...my...my training has been haphazard at best."

"I think I should like to know what the duties of a Lightbringer might entail, yet it all sounds very secretive and I raaather prefer not to get snuffed. Hmm, hmm?"

"You both are quite fortunate to have received such good training from others. I myself...my...my training has been haphazard at best."

When there was not a single chuckle at his pun, Poe shrugged and gazed off into the distance, commenting whimsically, "Yeees, quite fortunate... quite."

Sighing, he at length turned to the Princess and inquired, "And what of yourself, your Highness? I imagine the members of our royal family to be exceptionally fortunate in that regard."

"I think I should like to know what the duties of a Lightbringer might entail, yet it all sounds very secretive and I raaather prefer not to get snuffed. Hmm, hmm?"

"That's what most would do. I'm more likely to recruit you instead. Though, most people would prefer the former." He ripostes with a chuckle.

As talk had turned to everyone's training, a melancholy silence had fallen over the Princess. Poe's question found her gazing deep into the depth of her teacup which she cupped in both hands as if trying to warm herself from a chill in the air.

Varnadil... If it had just been what you put me thru I could forgive you some day, but not for them... not for Mom and Dad.

"Highness?"

Poe's urging was slow to register and the Princess' normally blithe visage seemed instead lined with sorrow, lips tight, and brow furrowed. Yet with all eyes upon her, Alis swiftly remembered herself, and the signs of concern melted into a gentle smile.

"Forgive me, I was lost in contemplation, you had a question, Poe?"

Although only Lureene knew for certain what must have been bothering the Princess, all save perhaps Poe and Sasha could see that Alis' red-lipped smile did not reach her eyes. It was just a hunch, there was the distinct feeling that the current bent of the conversation was disagreeable to her.

Before he could repeat his question, Sasha turned from where she was helping herself to some more pastries and said cheerfully, "I think we're taking turns talking about our training, right guys?"

Alis cast a sidelong glance at Lureene before lightening the tight grip she had on her fragile teacup. "Our training, hmm? And what about you, Sasha, have you gone yet?"

The huntress paused eyes wide with a mouthful of cake. Coughing as she choked it down, she shook her head and waved a hand apologetically. "Aww, um– well, you know... hunting... and stuff."

As Sasha looked imploringly at Alis and Lureene, it became evident that the Princess was not the only one loathe to talk about her past.

Lureene gives a soft sigh as even her limited senses were able to pick up on the change in the atmosphere. She places first one hand on Sasha's shoulder blade, while her other hand squeezes Alis' own hand.

"It's OK, I think maybe we should finish our dessert here for I am in the mood for SECONDS!" The smile on her face is a bright one, trying to dispel the sourness in the air.

Even as Sasha nodded fervently, the old butler cleared his throat and asked, "While I fulfill said request. If it would please your Highness, might I also have the honor of satisfying his Lordship Poe's curiosity?"

Giles? Well now I'm curious myself.

Alis raised a hand and tipped her head slightly, "By all means, Giles, please do."

The old dwarf lifted his chin, hands clasped before him and began, "Her Highness has received only the finest education as befits a lady of royal birth. She has followed a rigorous regimen in matters pertaining to diplomacy, lore, and etiquette, studying at only the finest academies in Caen Carrinac, Silverwake, and the grand university in Malatesta."

"Furthermore, even the acclaimed bardi of our King's court regard the Princess of Silverwake as a prodigy of musical inspiration. To honor this great gift, the abottesses of the Sacred Muse tutored her Highness in sacrosanct techniques that aspire to transcend the gulf between mortals and the divine."

"In other words," he concluded, "training suitable for a Princess of the Eldar and one fourth in line to the throne of the Ilmarondi Empire."

Having recited what he knew of his mistress' formal education, the old butler bowed low and excused himself in order to attend to Lureene's sweet suggestion. For her part, Alis seemed satisfied with Giles' accounting, merely nodding thoughtfully as if reminiscing.

Astounding! The Blessings of Cainrelée have guided me to a most worthy Patron, a Princess blesséd as well. If only I might soothe whatever bitter memories seemed to haunt her.

"Your Highness, I had thought at first that perhaps an attempt at a song, by those of us here graced with such skills, might lift the spirits of everyone touched by sad memories of their past. However, after hearing even such a brief description of Your Highness' own prowess, what performance could we possibly muster that would compare? Someday though I would enjoy it if the fascinating Huntress and Lady Ourson would assist me in composing a Ballad dedicated to Your Highness as gratitude for all these festivities with which Your Highness has graced us."

"One boon more I would ask: On the morrow, should Dame Amhranai have opportunity to join Your Highness and my Lady Sindariel, it would be a delight to record the worthy adventures of such an experienced and intriguing Moon Elf."

Arion bowed with sincere courtesy before Dame Amhranai.

"Sir Hellhammer's skills I eagerly await to see in action. The powerful blending of Martial and Magical Arts during combat inspire me."

"Well, I'll leave it alone for now," he thinks to himself as he sits smiling kindly at Alis. He gently pushes his plate away and rubs his stomach, quite full from all the delicious food from earlier. "Should any excitement require my assistance, you might well get to see just that," He politely replies. Darvesch wipes his mouth with a napkin, "Your Highness, is there anything else you require of me presently?"

Lureene sighs in relief once Giles has finished his recitation of Alis' skills. Well, it seems like old Giles has the soul of a diplomat. Well done. I know Alis is not proud of what happened to her in her past, I think I need to console her later.

The notion of creating a ballad for Alis both amused and intrigued her. What sort of ballad would be appropriate though? Maybe if we put our minds together we can compose a ballad of our victory over Lucretia and Big O. That may help rally the citizens of Dafar behind Alis. I should talk with her about it.

"Arion, that actually is a great idea, such a ballad would help lift the spirits of our citizens. I think they could use it, especially considering what they have gone through recently."

I'm fascinating?

A smile spread across Sasha's face and she shifted in place, cocking her hips to one side. Idly playing with Isaac's hair in her distraction, her true focus was on the scribe, green eyes locked on the man who had brought a rosy flush her cheeks.

"Fascinating," she repeated quietly, nodding to herself in quiet approval of the unexpected compliment.

As the others continued to speak, her gaze never strayed from Arion as she sized him up. Unlike Alis' wavy golden tresses, or Isaac and Lureene's more blondish-brown hair, Arion's hair was perfectly straight and much paler in color, very nearly white. He wore it in a simple but practical fashion, the length of it worn down with the sides and bangs gathered thru a small cinch just behind the crown of his head.

Although his well-formed nose had been buried in his journal for most of the evening, his features held a noble quality with high cheekbones, pale eyebrows, and a handsome cleft to his chin. While he was not as muscle-bound at Darvesch, Mal, or Isaac, his shoulder did not sag beneath the weight of his tome, and his precisely tailored long coat suggested a fit, lean build even as his graceful mannerisms hinted at a man of carefully practiced agility.

A quiet "Hmm" escaped the huntress as she continued to ponder the slightly taller man.

Green eyes too, just like me. What should I say?

Seizing on the most recent thing she recalled, Sasha blurted out, "Well I don't know about a ballad, but it would be neat if we could work on a song or something maybe."

She finally looked away from the elf, nodding to Lureene as if to encourage her own enthusiasm, "That could be fun, right?"

Alis merely smiled at the unasked for tenderness shown by those around he, as well as Giles' discretion. I'm glad their hearts are in the right places... Thank you, old friend.

"You don't need to have an audience to want to sing, or a ballroom to want to dance," she said squeezing Lureene's hand. "Some things you should do just because they make you happy."

Looking to her honor-cousin, she winked and nodded knowingly, "Speaking of which, I believe that you have another engagement to tend to, don't you, Frændi?"

"Giles, if Sir Hellhammer believes it would suit his liaison from the Zephrys, then have a carriage prepared for his official use along with whatever else he might require."

"Very good, Highness," he said with a bow. Motioning towards the entryway, he continued, "If you please, Sir Hellhammer, it would be my privilege to see to your hospitality."

A very big smile cracks along Darvesh's face, unable to contain his excitement. "Thank you, Frænka." He turns to Giles as he begins walking out, "Do you know of any place I might get fresh mushrooms, turnips, and Ortlokean spices? Oh, and I'm going to need to find a place that sells magical reagents."

The older dwarf bowed to the Princess and her guests as he departed with Darvesch.

"Mushrooms and turnips should be easy enough, in the common markets, Sir. Ortlokean seasonings, will be harder to come by. I suspect one would have to either canvass the grand Arcade of which the ladies spoke, or reconnoiter the markets in New Viamaré. As for arcane reagents, The Enclave on Tol Lonnduil seem a sure place. Perhaps Lord Poe might be of some aid on that account, his aunt and uncle's tower bounds the southern edge of that marketplace."

As the two marched out towards the carriage landing, Giles asked, "If it is not too much to ask, Sir, is there some greater purpose to our outing than these errands? Her Highness mentioned a rendezvous at the Zephrys."

Note: Darvesch and Giles have left the building. ;)

"Yes, Giles. The food is to be prepared for my date. You see, she's always cooking for others, so I figured I'd give her a special night off. As for the magical reagents, that's for something else. I've been working on blessing my cousin's axe, so that it might better aid me in vanquishing the fiends that I might encounter. I had thought of including a night of enchantment after dinner, but I couldn't help but think that's not the thing to do." He sighs as he gets up into the carriage, "I think I've been away from home too long.. I can't think straight. Maybe just a night of dining and relaxing.." Darvesch says unsuredly.

SO true: Her Highness' Proverb, concerning a song for the sake of singing...how long it has been that I have restrained from self-indulgences

Arion gave in finally to his desire, after long years of abstinence, and grasped the stem of a filled glass of wine. He saluted it towards the Knight-Inquisitor as he departed with the butler, "Huzzah! An evening with a Fair-Lady, good for YOU Sir! A toast to Your fortune. May You have success afield!"

SO pleased that he has such worthy prospects ahead. Though this gathering is delightful for myself, there seem to be other pursuits the companions of Her Highness might enjoy more. And a true Dwarf is always happiest getting BUSY....on crafting, fighting....or storming the 'forecastle'

The wine bowl emptied, Arion removed his spectacles while resting the glass' foot upon a tray. He returned his attentions to the scarlet Huntress, "Yes, fascinating; for I sense more than a trace of the Elven Bloodline within You, if not by progenitor then at least in spirit. What is it that Humans say of us? 'The EYES of the Ancients, FINESSE of the Fey, the tell-tale tokens that give them away.' It SHALL be my pleasure to league by Your side; in Bard-Craft, State-Craft or War-Craft"

Isaac winced at Arion's clever rhyme, not for the scribe waxing poetic, but from the overzealous redhead clenching his blonde locks between her fingers, eyes aglow as she bit her lip.

Oh wow, what a great rhyme... Oh, I guess grand-mom Chivane was an elf, wasn't she?

"Oh, it's funny you mention the elf thing because it's true. My great grand-mom used to be an elf."

Poe gave Sasha a curious glance, curiosity making him indifferent to the sweat beading on the major's face as he clenched his jaw against the ongoing distress to his scalp. "Used to be? She wasn't turned into a newt, was she?"

"Oh," Sasha sighed and smacked herself in the head, finally granting Isaac a reprieve. "No I guess she's still an elf technically, but she's just kind of a dead one now, that's all."

There was an audible gasp from the young lord and he recoiled as if from a blow, "Good heavens, woman, that is a travesty! What foul necromancer perpetrated this act against the poor lady?"

Tranny... necromancer penetrated?!

Clearly flummoxed, Sasha just held a hand up in the air...

"I've got nothing. Ellie?"

...before letting it drop back down atop Isaac's head with a clang of armor.

"Oops!" Gritting her teeth, she quickly rubbed her hand back and forth across Isaac's head as if to smooth away the lump she just gave him, the end result being a rather unkempt-looking Marshal.