Kesten and Yuri are not averse to raising some military force, but they concede that anything you have the resources to maintain isn't going to be good against the sort of threat you're now facing. Kesten is especially blunt. "Never mind fairies. Imagine it was a bad winter and the wolves were here. We'd struggle to have enough manpower to deal with that."
Karinna points out wearily that your treasury is still at risk every month simply from maintaining what you have. New drains on your resources will cripple you as quickly as any enemy.
Then she brightens up slightly. "On a happier note, we should decide which of us will be attending the Lord Mayor's New Year ball in Restov, and which of us will be staying behind to host the one here." She looks at you. "Well of course we're hosting something! It's expected of us."
"Ooh! A tough choice!" Raquel says. She pauses a moment as she remembers how much of a fool she made herself at last year's soiree. But she did meet Leroy there, so it wasn't all bad.
"I think I'll stay here and help with the local festivities. I've been working on a new formula for a winter ale that I think will be a hit! Plus, our celebration will likely be much less stuffy and formal."
And free of nobles who knew me in a previous life...
Aivar checks the temperature of the room before weighing in on Karinna's question. If it were up to him, he would ask the lady to accompany him Restov's New Year ball. But wouldn't that be interpreted as cabin fever by the more cynically inclined? Do their thoughts even matter? From gauging the temperature to regurgitating his own thoughts in a vicious cycle, Aivar remains quiet for now.
Jhod decides to stay. "It were good of t'Mayor to invite me last year, but I'm not so sure a Surtova's welcome in Restov right now. Anyway, looks like being a hard Winter so I'll be here for them as needs it."
Eva is clearly torn, flicking a gaze at Aivar before sighing as Jhod announces his plans. "You're gonna go do the rounds of Tent City, ain't ya? Better go wiv ya, make sure you ain't robbed blind."
Yuri looks rueful. "I'm still banished, so I'll be here." He gives Sasha a bow. "Would you care to stay and keep me company?"
The decision for Karinna is easy. "I have a place here where I belong. Restov is not home for me, and my family have made it quite clear they aren't interested in knowing me. I will stay. But I can prepare some reports for the Graf to deliver." It seems to be settled that Aivar at least has to go to pay respects to the Mayor.
Kesten looks indifferent now that the talk has turned from imminent defeat at the hands of various enemies to partying and frolics. "I've no doubt whichever I go to, it'll turn out that I was needed at the other one. So it goes."
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The graf is stripped of his armor and weaponry and then pushed into the lion's den to fend for himself. It's that Shelyn buried his ability to feel true fear or else he'd be panicking right now. Instead, the moment plants yet another seed for a crop of grey hair. "With most of that settled, perhaps the pressing question now is what we want and what we need to accomplish while I am in Restov. Specific information such as the state of political affairs and the threat of war, the nature and history of the fey menace in this area, things like that. We ought to be thorough in this because the chance to directly meet, talk and deal with a slew of important people won't come again anytime soon."
Karinna gives a crooked smile. "See? We'll get you thinking like a politician yet."
Eva, too is grinning. "Sounds like a gang boss meeting: who's in, who's out, who's against us, what's the word on the street." She gives a chuckle. "Maybe I should come with you, instead." She looks at Aivar and Jhod, both the highest-ranking nobles in the room, as though they can't be trusted to tie their shoelaces.
Arianna is flustered by Kesten's sarcastic remark and takes a minute to not be totally red in the face. "At any rate--if we're aiming to do research while in Restov, I know someone who might be able to help." She unconsciously relaxes a little at the thought of Lucille. "I think I'd like to accompany you to Restov."
Listening to the responses, a convinced Nariel nods her head "That is true of course; the cost of a proper force is beyond us at the present. Having said that, I still think some defensive measures may need to be taken at some point in the near future, so we should perhaps leave it an open discussion point for now."
Taking a sip from her tea, Nariel listened to the others discuss the New Year celebration with a passing interest. Though another ball seemed something of an inconvenience given the work to be done in Thornmark, Nariel did have to admit that such an event provided some benefit in terms of information gathering.
Glancing over at Arianna with a nod, Nariel adds "Excellent; any help in understanding our current situation with the fey is welcome." Turning to Aivar, Nariel adds "Aivar, if I am unneeded here, I would like to accompany you. Restov will have a proper library, and I can accompany you to the ball if I can be of service there. More to that, it might be wise to have some of our ranks around this table join the Graf."
With Arianna and Narièl committing themself to the Restov ball, the only remaining question mark is the bard. "Good. What about you, Tristan? Will you accompany us to Restov or do you wish to stay here?"
Aivar has no trouble imagining that with a fistful of coins, Tristan would have no trouble digging up all kinds of street-level information from drinking with merchants, mercenaries, and what have you not. But ultimately, it is up to Tristan to decide.
Tristan agrees, clearly looking forward to having some time in the big city again. Plus, as the Diplomat, his role in the council is to keep you advised on outside developments.
Sasha smiles at Yuri's request, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks. "I would be happy to stay, but it isn't up to me. Aivar, as your spymaster, I would go where you think I am most of use. I can remain to treat with those that visit our humble court or I could go to keep us appraised of events outside our borders."
"I'm of a similar mind with research into the fey. We've earned a bitter rival unwittingly, and one that always seems to be a step ahead. But one fey, no matter how powerful, can't be without enemies or detractors. There must be some local fey that we could coerce or convince into at least informing us as to our enemy's movements." The rogue shrugs. "I just don't know where or how to contact them."
Yuri gives it some thought, obviously eager to try and find a reason to keep Sasha at home. "Hum. Didn't you find some friendly fairies early in your travels here? An invisible dragon and some sort of insect-girl?" He looks at Aivar for approval. "I think we should try and find them. I'm happy to escort our Spymaster on that mission."
Eva smirks, but doesn't say anything.
Karinna claps her hands together, eager to get a decision on record. "It looks settled, then. Aivar, Nariel, Tristan and Arianna will travel to Restov to pay respects to the Lord Mayor. The rest of us will remain here."
"Ah, I remember them! Perlivash and Tyg Titter-Tut, was it?" Raquel says. "I'll go with you and Sasha, Yuri. We can show you where we're going to open our spa one day at the hot springs!"
"Then it sounds like we have a plan, provided we don't dally at the springs," Sasha replies, giving Raquel a meaningful look.
Raquel looks surprised. ”Sasha! We can’t go all the way out to the hot springs and not have a soak! Besides, I’m sure Yuri has some tension he’d like to relieve. Maybe you could help him eith that?” She smiles coyly at the rogue.
Aivar snorts and channels muted laughter through his nose. No matter what, Raquel won't ever change. Like most traits, this is both a blessing and a curse, but during these trying times, Aivar is certain it is a blessing. "Perhaps the details of your planning can be hammered out later. It's that, or Karinna and I will demand your presence while we work out the details of the outfit I will wear to the ball. My apologies, my lady, it is I who would demand it. Actually, while on the topic of clothes ..."
23 KUTHONA 4719
Yuri is noble-born, part of which means learning not to give too much away, so he doesn't blush at Raquel's comments. That said, it's clear the phrase "hot springs" had put some sort of thoughts into his head and he looks away quickly.
Arianna sighs at Raquel's low-born (or so she thinks) humour, but tolerates it because it's obvious that the Graf does. "If we are going to be in Restov for New Year, we should leave soon, Your Grace. And by soon, I mean today."
28 KUTHONA 4719
It's a few days' travel to the hot springs, although with the sulphur in the water, you could get the last mile or so by scent alone. Yuri's nose wrinkles as you approach. "Are you sure this is where you want to be going?" When you finally break the tree line and see the steaming hot water amid the icy ground, he does kind of see the point.
Soon after you arrive, you hear the sound you were waiting for: playful laughter, as the grig and the faerie dragon play the seemingly endless game of tig with one another. Once you know what to look for amid the trees, you catch glimpses of the two as they briefly drop their glamer of invisibility for the other other to see where they are, and chase them. They're having so much fun, they haven't noticed your arrival yet.
31 KUTHONA 4719
Karinna was right - the way is icy and treacherous enough that you arrive at the Lord Mayor's dacha late in the evening, after the ball is already in full swing. Or not. Last year seemed carefree and festive, or perhaps your eyes are now just better at spotting intrigue. But no. There is an edge to every conversation, every look, that simply wasn't there last year. Nobody is saying "civil war." Nobody is saying "are you with me, or against me?" It is not being said very, very loudly. Amid the slightly forced laughter, amid the toasts, even the dancing - the unspoken questions:
Who are you with?
Who are you against?
What is your price?
Raquel waves and calls out to the faeries. ”Yoo-hoo! Well met, faerie friends! Remember us? We have some questions for you!”
Aivar enters the fray with his hand of cards firmly pressed against his chest. One might wonder if there are any cards in his hand at all. What weight can the Graf and his Mark truly leverage? The only leaning down with regards to the Dornmark, is the other players leaning on them.
But now with war brewing and the Mark becoming a source of raw resources, who knows, maybe there are people about who will seek the Graf's friendship. In so far as Aivar is aware, the Mark is committed to the city of Restov, albeit in a mercantile manner, and that's a card he can hold and show the other players if necessary.
The one card he's altogether unsure about is the Fey threat. Will exposing the truth of that become a source of future frustration and weakness? He's afraid so. And while sharing it might dissuade others from usurping his lands, they might do what they can to assist the Fey in ensuring Dornmark's doom. Perhaps, when you add it all up, there's no uncertainty surrounding that card: it's a rotten one, best hidden.
The first matter of business would be to meet with the mayor of Restov, or her right hand. Aivar waltzes forward and requests an audience.
Sasha rests her hand on Yuri's elbow when Raquel calls out to the playful fey. "Do not mention our adversary," she explains. "Especially her title. These little ones are skittish and fearful by nature—it could cause them to flee."
Sasha hops off her horse and produces a pouch of sweets from a saddlebag. She had little experience with fey, but she was reasonably certain that Perlivash and Tyg Titter-tut would find them an agreeable sort of payment.
Arriving at the ball late suited Nariel just fine; being fashionably late was a very elven approach to a soiree such as this. Clinging closely behind the Graf, Nariel glanced about the room to see who might be in attendance.
Before heading her own way, Nariel places her hand gently on Aivar's arm to garner his attention. Turning her head towards the crowd, she speaks only loud enough for him to hear "Lord Kurisyl, do you wish me to accompany you to speak with the Mayor, or is there somewhere or someone else you would rather me seek out? I am at your disposal for the evening in any way I can be helpful."
Returning her gaze back to Aivar, she adds "The atmosphere here is noticeably uncomfortable this year; I know it goes without saying, but we need to tread lightly."
The idea that Narièl feels the need to address him as [i]lord[i] still causes Aivar to pause, but tonight there was no room for such personal reflections. "You are far better with numbers than I am. What do you think, will she be happy with what we've provided? If so, you should free to go where you please, for the numbers will be speaking for themselves."
Pausing a moment to consider, Nariel shrugs lightly and adds "Aside from Ambassador Aldowon, there is not anyone in particular I need to seek out tonight. The former Ambassador will likely be in the presence of the Mayor, so it would make sense to accompany you. Moreover, since the Mayor will likely have her aides with her when you meet, for appearances sake, I think it best if I was at your side as well."
Nariel recalled that Innuviel had recently moved into the employment of the Mayor, and of all the people that were present at the ball, he was of the most interest to her. Paying respect to ones elders was required of younger elves in these sorts of situations in any event.
Arianna enters the ball beside her companions wearing a clean set of clothes, cleverer now than she was a year ago if not better dressed.
As she steps in the door, Arianna takes a moment to retrieve a brooch from her belongings. As she goes to pin it on, she stops a moment, uncertain.
28 KUTHONA 4719
Yuri looks slightly alarmed by Sasha's warning, but he nods uncertainly. His hand clasps hers where she grasps his arm, and he chivalrously helps her down from her horse (which also allows him to stay closer to her). He gives a nervous smile. "I must admit this is a long way off from what I'm used to." He looks like he might say more, but he is cut off by Raquel's full-throated shout, which bounces off the ice-rimed trees and echoes across the steaming pond.
It certainly draws Tyg's and Perlivash's attention. The tiny grig and the equally small faerie dragon give squeals of surprise, which turn into whoops of joy as they recognise you. Tyg settles on Raquel's shoulder, while Perlivash - who has a sweet tooth - makes a beeline for the rogue, eagerly scoffing the sweeties that Sasha had the good foresight to bring.
Between nibbles, the two small fey look at you appraisingly. "It's good to see you alive, we dursen't know what happened to you since we saw you before. You didn't come all this way just to give us nice things, though, did you?"
31 KUTHONA 4719
"There he is! The man of the hour!" It's clear that Mayor Sellimus is busy right now, and is being circled (much to her clear annoyance) by a large stream of courtiers and nobles, all of whom are seeking her attention. She gives Aivar a nod before jutting her jaw sideways, the meaning clear: not now, come back later.
The booming voice that catches his attention is that of a one-armed man, whose lapels are liberally strewn with medals. A moment to recall the name from a year ago: Ser Dreszhden Unwin. The former warrior waves to the paladin with his one good arm. "Over here, my boy! Come and tell me what you've been up to when so many before you have come to grief in those lands."
Ser Drezhden is not alone: he has managed to collar two other individuals to talk with him about their adventures within the lands South of Brevoy. Baron Stannis Drelev of Glenmere and Baron Maegar Varn of Kiravoy both look up as the conversation is interrupted. They give Aivar an appraising glance, clearly recognising who he is. Lord Varn stands and extends a hand in greeting; Lord Drelev barely brings himself to nod his head in recognising Aivar's existence.
Arianna's initiative in wearing a symbol of the favour she won last year pays dividends, of a sort. Although she enters the ballroom alongside her companions, she is quietly and efficiently separated from them by servants in that deferential but quite definite manner that only the best servants can achieve - a sort of passive-agressive, polite, shepherding. Her journey takes her away from the main room and into a quiet, smoke-filled chamber filled with sofas and a small cluster of well-dressed people, all talking in discreet tones.
Well, all of them but one, anyway. At the centre of the gathering is the Mayor's husband, Ioseph Sellimus; engaging in a warm, gossipy conversation with a pair of close friends, the man's sharp eyes notice Arianna as soon as she is escorted in. He gives a wide smile, somewhat like a shark's but warmer. "Ah, I remember you, the redhead girl who gave me such a good account of the scandals about town last year. Move over, move over, everyone." He gives a stern glance, and by shuffling around a space opens up on one of the couches. "Come, sit. I'm dying to hear some interesting news, all anyone can talk about out there is politics, and in here I absolutely forbid it. We're discussing everything else, instead."
Whenever anyone says they're talking about everything except politics, you can be absolutely, one-hundred-percent certain that the only topic of conversation is politics, just dressed up in other guises. Arianna will need to think - and speak - carefully if she is to survive the night.
Nariel's approach towards the Mayor is swiftly blocked by people who obviously consider themselves more worthy of her Ladyship's time and attention, although she can see that Aivar - the actual Graf - is not having much better success in that regard. Cast to the outer edges of the party, the elf catches sight of two groups that she knows; both of whom are conspicuously avoiding the huddle around the Mayor, as well as each other.
The first group is that of the heir to House Lebeda, Lander and his entourage. They are not armed for battle, exactly, but their Aldori dueling swords are displayed prominently at their hips; and the puffiness of their doublets (in sober colours: grey, blue, white) suggests some sort of armour beneath. They talk among themselves, trying to project an ease and merriment at being here which they obviously do not feel. The city of Restov is a long way from the Lebeda lands, and although it lies within Rostland rather than Issia they clearly do not feel entirely at home.
The second group is that of Mstislav "Mitka" Lodovka, and could not present a greater contrast with the Lebedas if they were actually trying (which in fairness they might be). Clearly - almost defiantly - unarmed, and clad in the Issian fashion of shirt and trousers rather than doublet and hose, their bright colours (green, yellow, red, gold) accompany a bright conversation. As Mitka turns from one conversation to the next, he catches sight of Nariel and his face opens into a warm smile as his eyes meet the elf's.
Ah, Ser Dreszhden Unwin! Aivar remembers him. How could he not? The pleasant surprise of being invited to Unwin's little get-together is almost spoiled by the fact Drelev of Glenmere makes it a point to be an ass, but Aivar chooses to ignore him and shakes Varn's hand. "I see you're making sure you're staying up to date with what's going on in the south, ser Unwin," Aivar states matter-of-factly as he sits down and makes himself comfortable. For once, the heavy weight of armor does not accompany the motion. Hush, you can't complain, Aivar. Mithral weighs next to nothing compared to tempered steel.
Surrounded by others who know what it's like to bear the burden of responsibility, Aivar actually feels at ease and quite genuinely shares what has happened over the last year in the Thornmark. Well, everything but the bits and pieces involving the Fey and the Queen. "We have been busy exploring the wilds, expanding our borders where we can, and making sure the people are safe. It's a full-time job, that's for sure," he says with what might be mistaken for false modesty. He's pretty darn sure that they know more about what has been going on in his lands than they'd ever care to admit. "We've seen battle with trolls, with a plant that could overwhelm a warband and turn everyone into mulch, and well, we've encountered plenty of unique individuals and creatures out there without coming to blows too, Shelyn be praised. There are fey in the untamed wilds, and some of them are curious about us newcomers. I am sure that a fey lady we've met is older than any map of these lands. Oh, and have any of you had to deal with kobolds? We had the strangest meeting with ..."
Raquel smiles at the two fey. "We were actually hoping you might aid us. Last time we spoke, you mentioned a certain...dark lady. We have reason to believe that she is plotting against us. Any insights you could give us into her plans would be greatly appreciated."
Following Aivar towards the entourage of the Mayor, Nariel very much realized that if Aivar wasn’t going to gain an audience with her, then she had no hope. Shrugging to herself, she sipped at her wine and simply nodded at the Margrave and added with a grin "I think this a fools errand for the time being. I will catch with you later Aivar."
Gliding gracefully across the hall, Nariel glanced about to see who was in attendance. She had not seen Innuviel yet, which both was both a relief and a disappointment at the same time. Whatever their differences politically, he was the only other elf in attendance that she was aware of, and that meant they shared some kinship so far from home.
Eyes finally resting on the Lebeda, Nariel decided it best to make an appearance with young Lander. It was still Nariel’s hope to make allies of her host family in Brevoy, or failing that, at least make sure that they would not be enemies. Before she made her way over though, her eyes locked momentarily with Mitka. Rather discretely, she shot him a friendly smile, but opted not to meet with him publicly… as the last time she did, it landed her in a great deal of unintended trouble. She resolved to herself that she would try to reach out to him outside this particular party.
Nariel placed her wine glass on an empty tray of one of the wait staff, and made her way towards the Lander and his party. She would not make the same mistake twice, and would pay respects to the family before all else in attendance. Awaiting the right moment, Nariel approached, delicately pinching her dress and lifting it slightly to allow a proper bow as she had been taught when she first arrived in Brevoy. Before standing to back up, Nariel moved her eyes to meet Landers as she demurred "My lord, it is good to see you well tonight."
Arianna is surprised at first, but couches it under an easy smile and some genuine shyness. "My lord, if you insist. Unfortunately, I can't say I have nearly so much in the way of gossip. Out in our neck of the woods we're mostly just trying to keep our heads above water. We're so busy that I can't say I know nearly as much as I'd like about what's been happening up north. And what I do know, well." She affects a grimace. "I can hardly blame you for wanting to avoid the politics."
"We don't want to do anything dangerous, just let us know what you've heard when it comes to any sort of fey business in the forest." Sasha grins and pats the bag of sweets. "There will be more rewards in it for you."
28 KUTHONA 4719 - 7 ABADIUS 4720
Raquel/Sasha/Yuri
Tyg and Perlivash greatly appreciate the sweets and the attention you give them, but their eyes go wide with fear when you mention 'Her' - although not by name, which is sensible.
"We dursen't, we dursen't take sides here, not against Her, we can't nononononono we can't..."
It goes on like this for quite some time, but you do get some useful information out of them. Firstly, the "dark lady" you are talking about is still somewhat limited in her options and power, although Tyg and Perl can both feel that she is slowly waking up. One of her limitations is not being able to raise a hand (directly or indirectly) against those who aren't opposed to her. Tyg and Perl are taking advantage of this by trying to stay neutral. They like you, but they're terrified of Her. (In case you're wondering, you opposed Her when you went up against Her servant, the Stag Lord, although you didn't know that at the time.)
Secondly, they both confirm that She has sent some of her minions against you, including - but not limited to - the Brothers Grimm (the Redcaps you encountered in the kobold lair). Perl's butterfly wings tremble with fear as he talks about them. "We felt them coming here, yes we did, we went and hid away. Tyg cried for days." The redcaps have apparently made a lair of some sort in the South of the woods, beyond the area you have explored. Tyg's sense of geography is not the best, so that is all the information you can get from them on this point.
Thirdly, they tell you that something has taken over the Stag Lord's old fort. They can tell it's one of Her servants, and they're scared to go near it. "We think it's the Cutpurses, yes we does, but we dursen't go to find out, nononono we stays here and we hopes things improve, yes yes."
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Aivar
Aivar's open charm seems to work well: Ser Drezhden is enthralled by your tales, and Maegar Varn cracks an easy smile. "Ha, it's good to know we're not the only ones having troubles with the occupants of our lands! We're in something of a tussle with the Centaurs who keep running down from the wilds of Iobaria. Something about the grasslands being sacred, or something, but honestly who cares? They're damn good fighters though, I'll give them that. But we're there to stay and they're just going to have to accomodate that. Gods know I don't want war, but we'll be damned if we're going to just run back home, you know?"
He frowns as Aivar mentions kobolds. "Oof, you have my sympathies. Tricky little beggars, no match in a fair fight but good luck getting one of those... they're bright enough to reason with though, aren't they?"
Stannis Drelev is more standoffish, and certainly less willing to suggest that he's having any difficulties. "Things are going about as well as could be expected." He gives Aivar and Varn a slightly envious look. "At least you have dry land and building materials, wood and stone at your fingertips. Try building on a swamp! But we're reopeing the trade routes." He smiles with satisfaction. "If we get those barges coming direct up the Sellen from the River Kingdoms without having to pay tolls to Pitax, you'll hear the Pitaxi screams of protest from all the way over here, no doubt."
Ser Drezhden gives a loud laugh. "Well, that's one thing I think we can all agree on, whether Issian or Rostlander: confusion to Pitax!" He flags down a passing waiter and insists on refilling all your glasses.
Arianna
The Mayor's husband raises a slightly supercilious eyebrow. "But surely you have new gossip of your own, that hasn't reached these ears yet? I hear your cleric of Cayden will bed almost anything that moves, including a certain Galtan merchant who my wife will still not permit to be named in her presence." He winks. "And the Lady Karinna, is she... quite well? We were all quite, quite amazed and surprised when she put her dainty little feet outside of civilisation - but then she didn't have many other places to go, did she, poor dear. And of course there's that priest of yours, the Surtova. Goodness me, but you are quite the ... eclectic collection of individuals, are you not?"
Nariel
Duty before pleasure: Nariel has done the right thing, although she sees Mitka give her an arch look of mock-disappointment as she ignores him and walks towards the Lebedas.
Lander Lebeda acknowledges Nariel's courtesy as his due. "My lady Laeric. It is good to see you well. What news do you bring from our new land on the border?
Not wanting to be the first one to wave away the waitress as more alcohol comes their way, Aivar raises his glass and invites the others to join in on a heartfelt 'cheers'. "Here's to health, wealth, and good fortune. To love, friendship, and comradery. To victory and glory, to honor and fame. Because let's be honest, these are the things that make all of our suffering and hard work worth it in the end."
"Thank you, friends," Raquel tells the faeries. Seeing how scared they are, the cleric tries to lighten the mood. "Hey, why don't we play a game of hide-and-seek? I'll count first, and you hide. One... two... three..."
She spends the rest of the afternoon playing with the pair to bolster their spirits.
Standing to attention, Nariel smiled and moved closer to speak with Lander. It had been awhile since she had socialized with her hosts in Brevoy, and she welcomed the chance to try and make inroads with the family once more.
Glancing over towards Aivar with a sigh, Nariel responded "Well my lord, if I am to be honest, it has been a difficult affair all said. The Narlmarches are full of terrors. In my experience, only the Tanglebriar back home exceeds the dangers I have witnessed the past while since I left on this expedition." Turning her attention back to Lander with a relaxed look, Nariel continues "It comes as no surprise to me now why the Stolen Lands have remained untamed for so long. Wargs, trolls, and all manner of savage beasts call it their home," pausing a moment, Nariel moved her hand towards her collar bone, lost in thought a brief moment before as she remembered her most recent encounters "it was only a short while ago that a group of murderous scythe trees nearly took my life. I-I can only describe them as malicious treants, bent on wanton destruction, and creatures that have a particular hate for my kind."
Dropping her hand slowly, Nariel collected herself rather than dwell on her near death experience "Suffice it say, it has been most challenging, though I must admit that I have found the adventure to be invigorating in the balance." Smiling lightly, Nariel added "Exploration aside, the mark itself grows slowly, but steadily. The Margrave has some faith in my administrative abilities, and so my time is thus taken up in part with city planning and infrastructure design. I must admit that I rather enjoy the task."
Glancing about Lander and his entourage, Nariel continued "And how is life back in Silverlake my Lord? I feel that I have been gone ages; I must be so out of touch when it comes to all courtly affairs here in Brevoy." For someone who was used to hearing all the courtly gossip for so long, Nariel had to admint that living in the mark was akin to living half a world away from the affairs of the Brevoyan state.
Arianna's mouth goes dry at the sudden turn that's been taken.