Monacoria, Arenstone. One of the largest cities in the neutral state, and home to a surprisingly small number of Mercenary Guilds, with only two having any prominence (if only because of their relative oddities more than anything of skill).
Spectrum is the first of these two guilds. A steadily growing grouping of local thugs and miscreants, they use Requests to fund ends that no one truly knows of, but most assume are definitively underhanded. Some even say they truly believe that the Capstone myth is a real truth, and that they seek it's power.
This leaves them directly at odds with the other group. A group calling themselves the Nultoh Trio. Working as a group of three, they think Spectrum is up to no good, and seek to find out the truth behind their operations. Oddly, while they registered as an actual Guild, they don't recruit anyone, leaving their numbers small.
This leaves an open playing field for the newest Guild to open it's doors...with a special request to see the Crown-Princess at the Castle (located within Monacoria proper) after they survey their building and move their things inside.
Your Guild Hall:
Formerly a Guard Barracks Building, the place has been cleaned up nicely before you arrive. It consists of three rooms, one large enough to stuff close to sixteen bunk beds, one just the right size for about ten storage chests, and one main hall that is spacious, with ample room for tables and chairs.
To fill these rooms, six beds made of very finely crafted stone have been provided (along with a mattress and sheets), as have six individual storage chests (of stone naturally). Additionally, one stone table and six stone chairs have already been provided as well.
A fireplace rounds out the decor, as bland stone walls and floor otherwise make up the place. It was never designed to be fancy however.
The Cobblestone District:
The area your Guild Hall is placed in is conveniently located in the Central Square. Across the way is the entrance to the Castle (flanked by Guards), and a single Bulletin Board stands in the middle of the square, with a single Guard sitting at a small table, filing papers and keeping track of notes, right next to it. The square is populous right now, and it's all hustle and bustle. Occasionally, a Guard on patrol walks through the area as well.
Walking down the street on either side leads to a good amount of shops. Major ones of interest that seem to be more than trinket stores are Wizard's Eye, a prominent Magic Store Chain with a shop in every major city, Hard as Stones, an Arenstone exclusive blacksmith who builds with the plentiful stone Arenstone can access, and Boryll's Junk Hut, a General Goods store that boasts the largest inventory and store size throughout Iteria (located only in Arenstone).
Additionally, the main square also allows easy access to the Magna Gician Magic Academy, the finest magical school in the land, and the Monacoria EtherMail Center, where anyone can send magical messages to others with the right codes or a few gold pieces.
In your possession, you have a letter of requested presence from the Crown-Princess herself, for it was included when the deeds were issued for the building to your group.
Shadow grinned looking at the papers, enjoying the feel of them in her hands. She was early it seemed. All the better. Heading inside she would look around and carries her things to the bunk room. Seeing the stone beds she sighed and would claim one in the middle of the room. She didn't want to be right next to the door but she wanted to be close to the door.
Plopping her bag down she would pull out her bedroll and blankets and draped it across the bed. The storage chest she looked out seeing if it had a clasp to put a lock on it. She would spend the money to get a good one.
Walking around she examined everything in detail cataloging it and storing the information. At least one person would love all the stone. Once settled she would head outside to wait on the others and to watch the bustling square. They were in a perfect location. Lot's of traffic, close to the palace and near enough to all the major stores that they could shop to their heart's content.
Seeing the billboard she would walk over and check it out seeing if there was any posting.
Korvek pauses a moment at the entrance to the new guild hall, his one good eye giving the place a once-over while a piece of paper in his hand flicked in the breeze. The large dwarf refers to the parchment again briefly before nodding his approval at the structure and letting himself inside, evidently unaware of Shadow nearby studying the board. After spending some time inspecting the interior he finally checks out the racks, raising a brow at the claimed bunk.
Casually choosing the farthest bed, the dwarf sets his pack at the foot of the bed before flopping on top for a test. Nodding his approval, he finally returns to the common room where he kicks up his feet and makes himself at home.
Eric approaches the guild door and opens it, running his hand along the wood of the door, frowning at it...
This door needs a sign. Maybe a banner above the door, or have the sign standing off too the side.
With that thought gestating in his mind, he would enter and look about the space, staff clacking on the ground, making several adjustments in his mind before deciding that the building was more than adequate. Smiling and waving too the dwarf, he would select from one of the remaining beds at apparent random. Reaching into a small, dark green bag hanging from his side, he shuffles around for a bit before pulling out a bedroll and setting up "his" bed. Leaving the footlocker alone for now, he would pull up a chair beside Korvek.
Greetings Korvek! What do you think, get a couple of kegs, some roast pork, one or ten fine ladies, and this place will feel like home, eh? A forge out back, a small library in the corner, a smokehouse for homemade jerky, and we'll never want too leave.
She was not impressed.
Actually, that was a lie. Piroska was, on some level, quite taken by the place, but from the petulant frown she wore seemed to speak otherwise. Standing outside the door to the guild hall, the small young lady rocked back on her heels as she glared at the building, arms crossed. The letter of invitation was crumpled tightly in her hand, all but forgotten. The place was big. To city dwellers, perhaps not so much. But to Piroska, the place could have been the palace for all she knew.
Maybe that was why she hesitated before entering. For her, it was too big. Too... She didn't know what. The spirits would like it, though. She could almost hear them snickering with glee over the din of the square. At least something would be glad of such a place.
Sighing inwardly, Piroska finally finished her standoff at the door. Pushing her way inside, the girl froze instinctively when she spotted the other two figures inside. Not alone. That was... like the building, she was not quite sure how she should feel about that.
Playthings for her wicked spirits, most like.
"Mmph" was her less-than-eloquent greeting as she trundled in. Her petulant frown never left her face, but she nodded briefly at the pair. "'m late?"
Grins at Piroska and pats the chair next too him, inviting her too sit. How could you possibly be late when you arrived exactly when you meant too?
Korvek gives Eric a grin as he lays out his suggestions, nodding approvingly. "Ah like tha way ye think, lad. Lets make it ten, hm?" He laughs, giving the wizard a friendly slap on the shoulder that's probably a little rougher than intended; evidently the dwarf was accustomed to his kin. "Ah'm sure we'll set this up ta be a fine place. Ah'm enjoying the taste in stone." His grin remains as the Oracle enters, a hand raising in greeting. "Ah, so tha duo becomes a trio then. Tha sooner we all get here tha sooner we can visit tha bigshot." The dwarf chuckles.
Shadow read all the notices that were on the board and would head back to the guild spotting the others coming in. Well it seemed it was time to see who all had come in. Touching a dyed lock of her hair she would head back. Her eyes scanned the crowd, luckily she was a little taller than the average human and it let her scan the crowd easier. This place really did give them a good position.
Heading inside she would smile seeing Eric, Korvek, and Piroska.
"Ahh, hello you three. So how do you like the accommodations so far? I can tell you for information gathering and shopping for items we will need we are in the perfect location. Right across from the palace also gives us prominence and more visibility. So we have to do well. That being said what will we call our guild?"
I have actually thought some on this, and I had thought "Fate's Fete" to be, well... kind of catchy. Before we decide on a name, however, it might behoove us too determine what kind of guild we actually are, and then determine our name with that in mind. I mean, yes, we're obviously a combat guild, but what do we do with that? Wander into the wilderness at random seeking adventure? Paid bodyguards? Retrieval specialists? All of the above, perhaps... Are we going to be dark and mysterious, like Nultoh Trio? Are we going to be general helpers, granting aid regardless of whether or not they can pay, or are we a business first? All of these decisions also hinge on case-by-case and our individual choices at the time, so they shouldn't be iron clad, but we need to advertise ourselves unambiguously, and the name will go quite a way in doing that. If we give ourselves a dark and foreboding name, for instance, that will automatically put a dark and foreboding mindset about us in the minds of the populace. Is that the kind of effect we want?
Before anything further could be said, already, a clacking sound akin to knocking rang out from the door. Someone was outside already.
A voice muffled by walls was able to then be heard; it was audible and distinct. "Is...this the...new guild in town...?"
It had a raspy and low tone, slow and steady, with an unnerving creaking like old bones in the voice, certainly nothing most of you would hear often.
With a smile she would move to the door and open it. "Indeed, may we help you?"
Standing at 5'10", her appearance was well kept and her silver blue eyes caught many by surprise at first glance. She wore light make up, only what was needed to augment her appearance and nothing more. She smelled faintly of rose oil to the discerning nose.
A weathered figure, dressed in a full set of raggedly leather armor set over what looked like well-kept chain links, stood at the door. He was skin and bones, but without the skin. A fully functioning Skeleton with glowing yellow eyes. His hunched posture seemed somewhat secretive, but may also have been the effects of his prior life.
Despite being hunched, he was merely an inch or two shorter than you, Shadow, and had a sheathed weapon of some kind resting at his waist.
Standing beside him was a 5'4" Human girl with pale skin, black hair, and a pair of eyeglasses that she fixed. She was smiling softly, but gave the air of someone who probably bossed others around as part of their day job. She possessed a scythe sheathed on her back, and her clothing consisted of little more than black torn rags that vaguely resembled various items one would wear, decorated with skull themed accessories.
More than anything, she was also relatively skinny, but nothing too unhealthy. Healthier than her friend to be sure.
The Skeleton was apparently doing the talking however.
"Yes...we have a request already...one that...that..."
The Skeleton turned to look at the girl with him, who scowled and made various shapes and patterns with her hands and arms, as if explaining something to him. Her mouth never opened.
He then turned back to you, Shadow. "The request...we trust not the others with it...but fresh meat won't let motives mess with it..."
As he finished struggling the sentence in the low, raspy, creaky voice of a Skeleton, the girl procured a piece of paper, handing it over. The paper contains several faint glowing markings upon it, in seven places.
"We ask...that you safe hold this item for us...until return we do when heat on us dies off...it's important."
With that, the girl quickly had the Skeleton accompany her as they left, leaving you with the piece of paper.
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Korvek was about to chime in his his two cents when the knock on the door cuts him short. The dwarf raises a brow curiously as Shadow moves to answer, not really able to see who she's speaking with from where he sits.
"Hmm.. they want us ta protect a map..?" The dwarf frowns at a thought, still looking over the map curiously. "Mm.. seven glowin' bits. Could be anythin', really.." He leans back in his seat once more, pondering and waiting for input from the others.
Gets up and moves over to where everyone was looking at the map, frowning at it a moment before gently taking it and setting it on the dining table. His right hand moves in a quick gesture and an arcane syllable drips from his tongue as he casts Detect Magic, concentrating for the full effect... they would charge them more if it were magical, rather than just having magical marks.
"Indeed, we will not hold motives to mess with a job." She said with as smile of amusement at the comment about them being fresh meat.
Taking the paper she nods. "We will keep it safe." Watching her walk off she smiles and closes the door.
"No haggled price and an interesting couple. This must be very important. Any magic on it?"
You all realize it is, indeed a map of the Continent. You, Eric, notice each of the individual marks glows in a general elliptical shape. A faint magical aura stems off of each mark, with no priority given to any particular school.
The map itself definitely has magic written all over it, the map itself faintly glowing to boot.
The first mark is colored red, located over a small village marked in Eastern Zelnite. The second mark, orange, located in the Islands of Zem. The third mark is yellow, and located within the wildlands that exist between Netherwell and Feyfaire's borders. The fourth mark is green, and located in the forested area north of Arcadia's borders. The fifth mark is of a blue hue, located in the middle of the Treacherous Waters. The sixth mark is indigo, and resides in Netherwell, and the seventh mark is pink, located in Feyfaire. The eighth mark is gray, located in Arenstone.
Indeed, though it is very odd. Most spells are of certain schools, though this map is covered in magic of... no school at all. It doesn't appear to be of either Arcane or Divine origin... Usually with maps, the locations themselves would be the only magical part, but the entire object glows like a magical item. My first guess as to it's function would be a divination, too track something, but like I said, it doesn't appear to be from that school. We should make a copy of this map, but any inherent properties it contains would be lost too us, as I don't believe I can copy the enchantments. Either that, or be prepared to fight too keep it.
Apprently, Eric was of a mind too keep the map. His left hand twitches in a gesture and another syllable issues from his lips as he casts Read Magic.
Korvek strokes his beard thoughtfully as the more.. educated make their assessments. His gaze narrows thoughtfully at the mention of copying or keeping it. "We're only babysittin' right now, but once they're back this could be our first big gig. Map like this isn't fer gawkin at. Why not offer to collect these important-lookin' glowy bits?"
Sighs looking at the two of them. "We should go meet her Highness like we are supposed to. Now, while I am all for figuring out what it is. We were asked to guard it. Motive or not you just sound like a greedy adventurer instead of a mercenary if your talking about fighting someone who hired us to guard something. I swear. I have to agree with Korvek. If she comes back then we can make that offer." Sighs and pulls her hood over her hair and reaches for the map sticking it in her handy haversack.
"Let us go see what the Crown Princess is before we give her the worse impression possible. I mean no insult Eric, but you seem quite eager to hold onto it. You sure there isn't a greed enchantment on it?"
I "sound" like a greedy adventurer? Looks sarcastically thoughtful for a moment before raising a finger. Why, I suppose that would be because I am a greedy adventurer. Some people adventure for fame, and others because they had no choice. I do so for fortune. Besides, do you have any idea how hard it is too do research without money? Raises an eyebrow at her and crossing his arms, letting her take the map once he was finished his analysis. However, I didn't mean "Keep and take it for ourselves", though it did sound like that, and I apologise to you all for it. I meant keep it away from them, if they stole it, and potentially return it too the proper owners... Hopefully for a proper reward.
Piroska had kept silent during the entire exchange, watched between the others as they argued and fussed over the map. Cautiously, she poked at the parchment, but that seemed to do nothing. Piroska was not surprised, but it did ease her thoughts somewhat.
"Wonder why they left it here..." she mumbled.
Korvek chuckles at the headbutting of the two before laughing at the reply from Eric. He gives Shadow a nod of agreement regarding seeing the princess, lifting himself to his feet with a grin. "I can relate, lad. Swingin' an axe is what I'm good at, so why not get paid for it?" He chuckles, rubbing an itch in his ruined eye before stroking his beard and collecting his axe. "Ready when you lot are."
Eric nods and holds his hand out too Shadow, too show that he had no hard feelings, smiling apologetically. Whether or not she accepted the olive branch, he would move too the door and open it, heading out towards the castle.
Shadow chuckle at his response knowing it to be in a way true for them all. Taking his hand she jerked him to her and gave him a quick hug.
"Now let us get going. We have a Princess to see. I love giving you a hard time." She would straighten her clothing and pulls the hood down to shade her eyes slightly. While she wasn't light sensitive, her eyes still stood out a bit. Make-up could hide skin, dye, hide hair but she hadn't found anything to disguise her eyes.
Looking at the others she would step outside and make sure the guild was locked up before heading across the square and towards the castle. When stopped by the guards she would present the letter from the Crown Princess.
The guard noticed merely the seal on the letter and nodded, telling his compatriot to let your group through.
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As you enter the castle, you are greeted immediately by a large and expansive hall. Stone construction looked top quality, and exquisite red and gold carpeting lined the floor. At the opposite end, a chair was present; empty, yet flanked by two guards. The Crown-Princess, who normally sat in the chair, was in fact standing, facing three richly dressed individuals who looked like nobles. At the Crown-Princess' side, but away from the conversation, was an older man, dressed in royal garb as well.
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As you approach, you can hear the conversation.
"...this simply cannot be allowed to stand, Crown-Princess! I, Kevil, Duke of Monacoria, have never owed favors to anyone! I, Kevil, Duke of Monacoria, always pay back debts when accrued!"
"Ha! What about four months ago? You borrowed from the country's treasury did you not?", chimed one of the other two nobles.
"What of it? I, Kevil, Duke of Monacoria, have returned in equal full what I, Kevil, Duke of Monacoria, borrowed! Crown-Princess! I, Kevil, Duke of Monacoria, even have the records proving it!"
The Crown-Princess seemed to have a level head, but couldn't help weaving some wit and fun-poking into it. "What you say has merit, but I, Estelle, Crown-Princess, would need to see these "records" you, Kevil, Duke of Monacoria, hold as proof of your repayment for the loan we gave you."
The lady then spoke up. "Crown-Princess, it is incredibly easy to forge records of any transaction you wish. I wouldn't trust him on that count. Who knows what trickery he'd wield to get out of this situation."
"Trickery or not,", the Crown-Princess began again, "I feel we have twisted the original situation around far too much. The initial point was whether Brandon could viably prove that Kevil owes you anything, not whether Kevil repays his dues.
So far, none of you have generated anything that may prove any one side true, and as such, I cannot see any reason why Brandon shouldn't owe money to Kevil. So my stance is final. Kevil, if Brandon does not come forth with payment, then you can request the matter in court. Brandon, you owe Kevil payment, so see to it you pay him, or we'll see you in court."
Kevil smirked very smugly and nodded. "I, Kevil, Duke of Monacoria, humbly thank you, Estelle, Crown-Princess of Arenstone, for siding with me, Kevil, Duke of Monacoria, in this matter."
Brandon seemed even more angry now. "Crown-Princess! You're letting this smug "hollowstone" get away with this? Unbelievable! This isn't over!"
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The three nobles left shortly afterwards, leaving the Crown-Princess free to approach. She seemed a bit tense however following the discussion with the nobles.
Leading the way to the Princess, he would give a deep bow, straightening and linking his fingers in front of him. He would be smiling easily the entire time.
Good morning Princess! As requested by Your letter, we have come. How may we assist You?
<-- To understand/figure out Hollowstone.
Korvek, evidently amused by the slang term as he overhears it. He chuckles perhaps a little louder than intended while giving a thoughtful, appraising look off to the side.. almost like a wine-tester who approved of what he was swishing. "Have ta remember that one fer later.." he mutters to himself. The dwarf otherwise watches the conversation as it's about to unfold, giving the princess a deep nod (ie: a respectful nod, the barbarians equivalent of a fancy bow) of respect should their gazes meet.
Shadow calmly watched the interaction. There were things she could learn from this woman, and even the nobles. Pattern's of speech, little tics as they talked. All information she could file away for later.
Eric approached first and she kept quiet as he bowed and spoke. An amused tug of her lips showed her approval for Korvek's comment and she indeed knew he would use it later. The matter was when and how amusing it would be.
Her mind turned to the matter of papers. Indeed there could be a profit with these issues between nobles. Even more if it was a request from the Princess to help solve definitively the argument. But that was not here nor there.
Her eyes turned to the King and she eyed him and the Princess. Best to reserve judgement for now and see what the request was.
Piroska watched the firmly polite but heated exchange between the Crown-Princess and the nobles with an unusual focused intensity,h er brow furrowed as she did so. Conversations like this had always perplexed her. Of course, most of the niceties of court perplexed her.
As the business concluded, Piroska glanced helplessly at her compatriots. She still wasn't exactly sure what they were all doing here of all places, and as such, she was at a bit of a loss on how to act.
"Yes...you're the new guild...I did request you..."
A look of yielding crossed her face for the briefest of moments, quickly replaced by a willful smile.
"Very well! You shall do! Better you then those Spectrum hoodlums!"
She nodded approvingly.
"I have a very specific request that I cannot trust any of the others to do. It is an important request, and one I'd normally see to myself, however, going anywhere without aid is suicide.
I need to speak to a friend who lives in Zelnite, in Roughcut Village, and give her an important item to examine, one related to folklore and Iterian history. The trip should be easy if we travel by roads, but it will take a few days nonetheless, and I don't need bandits or offended nobility catching me off guard.
While I mean no offense, no one will notice if new guilds go under or go missing, so you will work as escort for me. Of course, if you want to be a bandit or offended noble, no one is stopping you, but generally, people don't find planning their funeral fun. Once there, you can do whatever you wish in the area until it is time to escort me back.
Therefore, to reiterate, the request is twofold. Escort me to Roughcut Village in Zelnite, then escort me back here. I'll reward you generously enough if you perform well.
Agreed?"
She seemed determined enough, and she managed to hold a stern glance and royal demeanor, while radiating plenty of presence, despite her age and probable inexperience.
A request too protect Royalty? We would be insane too refuse! Will we have additional escort in the form of guards, or will the honor of protecting you be all ours?
And insane they would be! This would be excellent for business, and royalty usually pay well... or feel their inferiors should be grateful for whatever paltry sums given them, but such are the risks.
Furthermore, do you require any preparation time, or will we be leaving immediatly?
Korveks eye starts to glaze over briefly halfway through her description, but a shake of his head and stroke of his beard gets him refocused. The large dwarf gives a nod of appreciation for the short-hand version. He raises a brow at the possibility of leaving immediately, feeling the need to comment. "What of our other job..?" The dwarf grumbles, obviously uncomfortable in these 'negotiations' settings, as he tries to get his point across without saying too much.
Shadow smiled and looked at Korvek leaning over to whisper to him. "Our other job is easy and can be accomplished while we are escorting her majesty." It was after all just a protect the item mission. As long as they had the map they were protecting it.
"Your majesty, is this an overt or covert movement on your part? If it is overt you will surely attract much attention.
Secondly, though you say you will award us handsomely, it will be nice to know the exact amount of payment for the job or a good approximation. I do not doubt you would be able to pay but it helps to know more of how much to expect in payment. Loyalty to the crown may be some's calling, payment tends to be where a mercenaries loyalty lies." Shadow says honestly and smoothly. Considering all the double talk from earlier she figured refreshing honesty would be a nice change of pace. She also didn't want to start another job and not know how much they would get paid would be. It was no way to start a mercenary guild. Not getting paid.
Piroska's nose wrinkled as she scowled at the request. Babysitting? Really? She was less than pleased at the notion of their location as well. Zelnite was a pile of bad memories for her, home or not. The name of Roughcut Village was a relatively unfamiliar one to her. That would be a blessing. Maybe. Hopefully.
Quietly, one of her wicked spirits chuckled maliciously in response to Piroska's annoyance. She ignored it.
"Why do we have to take you?" Piroska blurted out. "Can't we just take the item over or go fetch your friend? Why'd nobility want to capture you, anyways?" Bandits she could understand, but offended nobility? Piroska was far from an expert in politics, but to her that just sounded a foolish notion.
*Just turns and gives Piroska the Evil Eye.*
Korvek nods approvingly to Shadows response to his concern, he'd been of the same mind but though it best to voice it anyway. He returns to listening as best he can to the conversation before raising a brow, apparently appalled, at Piroska. "Because she's payin' us to." His response was quick and absolute. The dwarf gives her an elevator look, as if retaking his measure of her.
The Crown-Princess seemed to betray taking offense to Piroska's comment before quickly hiding it behind a veil of composure.
"I'll be traveling without guards, as you guys will be the guards. This needs to be covert, so me moving under the guise of a mercenary will be best. A mercenary on her own will draw attention, but no one will demonstrate notice to a group. As far as actual payment, there is no need to discuss that now. If that is a problem, I can make it a problem no more, but then your guild would be less one member...
I'd hope that to be a bigger potential problem than knowing how much you'll get payed...
Anyways, regarding your friend's "suggestion", there are more complications here that require my presence and finesse to solve, and the information I am to share with her is something that could make or break a lot of things. Plus, I am the Crown-Princess...everyone wants to make a move for power at my expense. Far easier for them if I wasn't alive. That is why nobility would want me.
Obviously, we cannot have that happen. We'll leave tomorrow morning. I'll show up at your guild prepared. Don't disappoint me."
Piroska did not seem especially happy at the news, but considering her compatriots' reactions, she figured it would be most prudent to simply drop the matter.
Shadow stepped forward surprisingly regally and she moved between the Princess and Piroska breaking line of sight.
"Your Highness, my companion meant no offense. Her blunt reaction is her way of showing her concern for your well being and wanting to assess all threats we may encounter. Bandits are one thing but nobles can hire all manner of threats so we must be prepared with information on who is most likely to strike and how.
Secondly, threatening those you wish to hire with death threats puts a Princess of your standing in a very poor light. We ask what we may be paid for we have been cheated before by those of the nobility who used similar threats. I know you are a far greater noble than them and beg that your ire at my companion not cloud your thinking into stooping into such tactics.
Thirdly, not knowing the way you wish to take nor having a good map does not help us in assisting you in this matter. Not letting us have a say in how you are disguised nor how we will travel together is tantamount to suicide. Also, once we accept this job you must understand you will have to follow our orders for your own safety. One headstrong moment can get yourself or one of my companions killed. While loosing my companions would cause me to grieve, the country would truly be stricken by your loss and would not be able to recover. This is our job. Let us conduct it properly for your own safety. Our own Honor and name is at stake should we fail.
And lastly, may we know of the friend you wish to visit? Knowing more specifics could help us guide you on a safer route, or a route that would rise less suspicion among other mercenaries."
"A matter of this importance demands that there be no questions. That is my final word. We will leave tomorrow morning. Do not be alarmed if someone shows up early in the morning. It will be me. Understood?"
The princess seemed firm in her stance, and unflinching.
"Now, any further questions not related to the matter we just discussed? I'll answer what I can."
Piroska opened her mouth to question the seeming contradictory wording of the Princess' questions. However, she seemed to catch herself before most likely getting herself on a worse side of the Princess', so she simply closed her mouth and shook her head.
Not bloody likely. Princesses don't adventure alone with a group of unknown and untested adventurers without any discussion of any plans... somethings wrong here. Is she afraid of someone overhearing us?
Eric would bow to her, indicating that he had no relevant questions at this time, thinking that maybe Piroska had been right too blurt out the question earlier... This princess didn't react too anything other than that which was either outright rude or questioned her authority. He didn't even believe she'd be there tomorrow, might just be a look-alike. Regardless, it -was- a mission, and they couldn't afford to be discriminatory this quickly.
Shadow knew that this was going to be a difficult mission. A client that refused to listen to reason or even discuss enough that they know at least what to expect her to even be carrying was going to be an extreme pain.
"Since you wish not to discuss specifics expect our departer to be delayed then. We have preperations that we must discuss amongst ourselves after we leave your presence since you wish the matter to be dropped." Raising her hand before a protest could be uttered. "I am being realistic and truthful. I thought it best you be prepared. There may not be a delay but expect one."
She looked at the others. "This friend of yours in Roughcut Village. She is a historian?"
The Princess nodded. "Something like that. There are more specifics to it that I cannot share. This matter involves items that could affect more than just simple artifacts. The world itself could be manipulated by what we're talking about here. You'll pardon my assumed rudeness if I am coming across as such, but this is a very confidential matter that I am entrusting you with.
If a delay means that we have no issues in travel, then so be it. We must be prepared in full. Take your time. Now, pardon me, as I attend to some business that my mother didn't get a chance to finish.
So much work."
Her face contorted into a bit of a yielding frown once again before she bowed and left the room.
The other older man still there bowed as well.
"Events weigh heavily on my daughter. I assume you'll treat her with utmost respect and care on the journey, despite her moods. I've had the best teachers instruct her on the basics of dueling and swordplay, so she's not entirely helpless. Don't bank on her however. I'm sure you understand. Please do go and get yourselves ready as you stated. She'll come tomorrow with a small escort, so do not be alarmed."
He then turned and left as well, as a guard came over. "We'll have no more visitors until the noon hour passes. Thank you for your visit however."
He was very formal with speech, and his armor seemed to be made of diamond instead of stone.
Shadow kept her peace and nodded curtsying to the two as they left. Her eyes wondered over the guard and she gave him a warm smile before turning to the others and would nod.
She would head out things clicking into place slowly as she looked at the others. Once they were out she would head to their guild house knowing there was much to discuss.
One of the main things that was actually job related was whether or not to get horses.
Once everyone was in she would close the door and locks it looking at them.
"Alright what preparations do you all wish to make? I for one normally walk where ever I go so I don't have a horse. Though I have some loose change I can probably scrounge up one or a wagon."
Once again bows to the Princess-Regent as she leaves, bidding the guards a good day as he leaves with Shadow. Upon entering the guildhall, he would ensure all the windows were shuttered so that nobody could peek in on them.
"I can summon my own steed, fortunately, so that won't be an issue... I can create more, but that will lessen my utility greatly, especially if I do so for five people, and they won't last all day, especially if she wants to continue for more than eight hours. Any steed I create will last no more than ten, give or take thirty minutes or so. Chances are she'll bring her own anyways... assuming it's even her that comes with us... but if you all want, I can expend the majority of my weaker magics on summoned steeds, just don't expect a great deal of me later in the day."
Korvek, having given his polite nod at the conclusion of the meeting, joins the others in returning to the guild hall and helping Eric with the windows. The dwarf makes himself comfortable, rubbing his ruined socket in annoyance as he mutters something about itchy bits that aren't even there. He waits for an opening to chime in. "Mm.. wagon's too much hassle, and we shouldn't risk usin' yer magic til we have to. Safest way t'avoid trouble is walkin.. but if word gets out we're sittin ducks."