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He starts pacing slowly - "As you can see, the variables are tremendous - the above can mean illegal activity, information can mean espionage, or even worse, forceful extraction, etc. etc" - he stops again looking at the figure in the dark - "I respect your need for privacy, but as it is, no agreement is possible... Yet..."
The Oracle's Shadow speaker answers Anton and Edeldhur:
"Is that your final Answer? I know I don't give much information, but if you accept we will let you some insight in our workings. "
"Venetia, will you accept to become a feoffe of me, and swear fealty to me as King? And maybe, in the future, become something even more important to me?"
Taking a deep breath, Venetia steps forward, looking at Rupert carefully before bowing before him and kissing his hand. "I swear fealty to you, my lord King Rupert, may your reign be long and your ruling just."
As she stands back up, Rupert can see a slight tinge of red in the older woman's face though as she speaks to him in whisper, "If you want something more important in the future, it will take more then a crown to woo me, Milord."
He starts pacing slowly - "As you can see, the variables are tremendous - the above can mean illegal activity, information can mean espionage, or even worse, forceful extraction, etc. etc" - he stops again looking at the figure in the dark - "I respect your need for privacy, but as it is, no agreement is possible... Yet..."The Oracle's Shadow speaker answers Anton and Edeldhur:
"Is that your final Answer? I know I don't give much information, but if you accept we will let you some insight in our workings. "
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"And as you are well aware; for you, like your noble cousin, the legitimate Regent of the Dragonscale Throne, are well-educated in the laws and customs of the various realms of Golarion, the offer of a Fiefdom to a fully-vested Hellknight, is a invitation to found a Company within your realm to...
"Any King is blessed to have a HellKnight company to help him, and I will make sure we have the best we can possibly can!
Marius nods and then makes his way to Hrraggar.
"Now, all I need is a Signifier to get this started."
The old dwarf shakes his head and replies.
"I hate it when you're smug."
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Taking a deep breath, Venetia steps forward, looking at Rupert carefully before bowing before him and kissing his hand. "I swear fealty to you, my lord King Rupert, may your reign be long and your ruling just."
As she stands back up, Rupert can see a slight tinge of red in the older woman's face though as she speaks to him in whisper, "If you want something more important in the future, it will take more then a crown to woo me, Milord."
"With this my kingdom has the most auspicious beginning! "
He also whispers to her..."I know, and I will try to win your hand as a man, not as a King"
Cheers erupt from the people while Rupert the First makes Venetia Medvyed stand at his right while the others swear before him.
By the way, after Arv's speach he ask him to remain on his left.
She roared her approval almost mechanically her words hollow as the shock still ran through her frame. Nothing had prepared her for this underhanded maneuver on the part of the Dragonscale throne and house Surtova. To debase her beloved lord so was an outrage to her and before her fiery nature got the best of her she found Danath lightly touching her arm. As their eyes met her heart fell, he knew this would happen, how he expected such was beyond her. The resolve in his eyes brought clarity to what he had been teaching her thus far, however she wasn't prepared for this.
She was further shocked when Danath unstrapped his sword and handed it too her as his time to speak rapidly approached...
"Please forgive me! I don't want to discuss with you. Just wanted to know if you are the prophet that will deliver us from the unloving. My people thinks I am a prophet too, because I have dreams and visions. And in one of them I saw you, floating in the sky, dressed in the rainbow, big as a mountain and small as a butterfly, nor male nor female, powerful but sad and alone, using a big long weapon to deliver us from the unloving by loving the world. And you were magnificent. Please forgive me, but I wanted to talk to you and ask you before it was to late... Are you the prophet? Will you save us? "
"Suppose I am, how am I supposed to save you?" Tarina asks in all honesty, she knew that she was Arshea's tool to use, and it was not her decision on how Arshea would use her, so for all she knew, she was this girl, and her order's 'prophet'.
Forget not your oaths Danath, to Me, to your Ideals. To forge a new ideal, one must become that ideal. Remember this and never forget what you strive for.
Danath's dragonscale armor shined brilliantly in the light of the crowded chamber, giving him the grace and powerful prescience he had cultivated over the last few years. He had worked tirelessly towards his goals and despite this sudden turn of events he would continue to strive towards his ultimate goal. However Fealty was not a one way notion, it was a bond between the King and his sworn retainers.
"By The Inheritor before whom this sanctioned oath is holy, I, Danath Orlovsky, son of Baron Poul Orlovsky of Brevoy, swear fealty to King Rupert the first, to be true and faithful, and love all which he loves and shun all which he shuns, according to the laws of the holy trinty and the order of the world. Nor will I ever with will or action, through word or deed, do anything which is unpleasing to him, on condition that he will hold to me as I shall deserve it, and that he will perform everything as it was in our agreement when I submitted myself to him and chose his will."
He kneels then, his head uncovered, weaponless as was custom to do so when swearing fealty. He then kissed King Rupert's ring, thus binding him and all he held dear to Rupert's cause so long as it wasn't abused. Standing he looked to King Rupert, ignoring the cheers "I bring with me my retainers and fly the Silverdragon banner in the name of your cause to see that the lands of the south be tamed, so that the citizens of Brevoy may prosper in a new land without exploitation. I offer my counsel and insight in the coming trials and hope the Drunken god grant all us his favor in our endeavors."
Despite his well spoken nature it is obvious this event has unsettled Danath some, although he appears to have the resolve to carry on. Accepting his new role gracefully with few reservations...
He waits then to be dismissed...
Sitting in the back, her husband outside hunting the strange non-human waitress, Kiri pulls out her deck of cards determined to determine the wisdom of her swearing her fealty to the new king.
Harrow Wisdom: <-- the Queen Mother
Kiritta simply stares at the card drawn. The Queen Mother yet again. It was the center, and now it is the direction. Clearly the choice to swear fealty was correct. And, despite the desire for freedom, Kiri and Halcorg are going to have to become part of this new society. To join with the others about and accept them for who they are.
Sighing, Kiri places the card back within the deck and returns her gaze to the ceremony suddenly realizing that much was said while her thoughts were elsewhere.
Kaldwell sighed. Somehow he should have expected this. After all, the Surtova's liked collecting thrones. But this was a step further than he'd expect. He wasn't sure if this was technically treason - they weren't taking crown land, simply land that the crown had an interest in - but it was certainly working against the family in a way he didn't expect.
Approaching, he murmured, "Cousin, you know the oaths I already hold and the ties of blood that bind me - they are why I am here, after all. Can I swear to serve you without breaking those oaths I already hold?" Kaldwell would be unable to move against House Surtova ans there lands - if Rupert was planning on a war then Kaldwell would be torn between two sets of oaths, and he had no desire for that.
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"Suppose I am, how am I supposed to save you?"[/b] Tarina asks in all honesty, she knew that she was Arshea's tool to use, and it was not her decision on how Arshea would use her, so for all she knew, she was this girl, and her order's 'prophet'.
"In my dream I saw you... Well I felt you loving the world, and that's what saved us all from destruction at the hands of the unloving. "
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He kneels then, his head uncovered, weaponless as was custom to do so when swearing fealty. He then kissed King Rupert's ring, thus binding him and all he held dear to Rupert's cause so long as it wasn't abused. Standing he looked to King Rupert, ignoring the cheers "I bring with me my retainers and fly the Silverdragon banner in the name of your cause to see that the lands of the south be tamed, so that the citizens of Brevoy may prosper in a new land without exploitation. I offer my counsel and insight in the coming trials and hope the Drunken god grant all us his favor in our endeavors."
As Danath finishes more than one of the presents let's out a relaxed sight and an spontaneous applause comes from everybody.
"I will strive to be the best King I can to be worthy of having the Silver Dragonflight banner behind me. I am glad to have your fealty, and I'll repay it in kind. "|
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Approaching, he murmured, "Cousin, you know the oaths I already hold and the ties of blood that bind me - they are why I am here, after all. Can I swear to serve you without breaking those oaths I already hold?" Kaldwell would be unable to move against House Surtova ans there lands - if Rupert was planning on a war then Kaldwell would be torn between two sets of oaths, and he had no desire for that.
"You can if you are willing to, cousin. "
Rupert eyes fix on Kaldwell's ones.|
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Sense Motive = 1
Perception = 30
"Go ahead Mon, but i be wondarin why you be walkin like a shadow if ya suppose ta be h're? Besides i was invited i just came h're instead."
"Oh ho ho, dis is good because ya not human are ya?" She doesn't speak in a threatening manner but she doesn't let her guard down. "Lets start dis again. I am Xi'Tir and who are ya?
" My name is Lilliana and I am calling the guards! GUARDS!!! "
She turns and try to run out, screaming for help!
Xi'Tir clicks her tongue in annoyance, sheathing her sword. Everyone in this country was so gutless, she missed the freedom of the Mwangi.
"Wha? An h're I was tinking we were gettin' along fine..." Chi gives a low hiss at the retreating woman but neither of them take the opportunity to strike her as she wasn't a threat. Neither of them had the intention of killing tonight, not in this weak land and not without reason.
She didn't know what guards this girl was calling but incase there were any she would take a different path. She hopped back a few steps and took the opposite exit in the tent, Chi kept close behind her as she moved quietly out of the tent and back to the woods where she knew the terrain.
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Xi'Tir clicks her tongue in annoyance, sheathing her sword. Everyone in this country was so gutless, she missed the freedom of the Mwangi.
"Wha? An h're I was tinking we were gettin' along fine..." Chi gives a low hiss at the retreating woman but neither of them take the opportunity to strike her as she wasn't a threat. Neither of them had the intention of killing tonight, not in this weak land and not without reason.
Xi'Tir and Chi expertly get hidden in the forest, and fail to see the "Waitress" stop screaming, make a face of disgust and say to herself...
"Damn warrior! She messed up it all! The Queen will have to find other way to kill them now... "
A shimmering tear in reality opens before her, and she steps into it, disappearing from this reality.
As the events unfold, the usually low profile group, only known as "The Ravens", always seen orbiting both Edeldhur and Daliedhur, inched closer to the action, jumping at the cry for alarm, drawing steel and bow.
As Xi'Tir moves away quickly outside their field of vision, she can hear them comment - "N'nir gis, ri ie i'ritan en'ian enna en' mellonae'amin na'Daliedhur... Sanae na arta reena'eran reeani" - followed by chuckles from the others.
"Some jumpy guard, screaming its lungs out at the presence of one of Daliedhur's companions... Everybody seems to be on edge tonight..."
Xi'Tir and Chi shared a look, Chi purred quielty as they watched the Waitress talk to herself and vanish through a strange wobbly looking rift of some sort. When she was completely gone Xi chuckled. "Dis is why you can't trust ev'ryone Chi. Sista will enjoy dis story and she tells us to be more friendly. Feh!" She regretted not taking a slice out of the waitress but quickyl shrugged it off as her and Chi spent there time circling around the pavilion and guarding it from further interlopers. This time she keeps her bow drawn and an arrow along the belly for a quick pull if she needed it.
Arv approaches the Mayor and bows. "Do not despair the turn of events today, and fill your quarrel with woe. When chance brings opportunity within your sights again, my good man, you will be well armed I'm sure. We should stand on the shoulders of giants while we can in this growing world, before they are dwarfed by true destiny." He bows again. "May my actions never merit the lightest curse from your lips."
As Danath finishes more than one of the presents let's out a relaxed sight and an spontaneous applause comes from everybody.
"I will strive to be the best King I can to be worthy of having the Silver Dragonflight banner behind me. I am glad to have your fealty, and I'll repay it in kind. "
He nods gravelly before gracefully returning to where he stood before, retreiving his sword from a shocked Seraph who looked at him questioningly. "We will hold counsel later, all will be explained in due time Captain, until then Hold Fast."
She did as he bid her, marshalling her features even though her mind was tumbling with questions. Danath's oath seemed so binding to her and yet he was calm which only made her more concerned that she had missed something important. Coupled with her encounter with the Swordlord Don she was processing a lot of small shocks which she was accustomed too. "Yes Sir." Was all she was able to muster as she focused on the rest of those swearing allegiance.
Frowning, Kaldwell pondered the problem. He didn't trust Rupert any more than he trusted any other Surtova apparently trying to make himself a king. Even though Rupert acted better than most of his family, the key word was 'acted'. Kaldwell had no idea if it was just an act. It wasn't impossible. The most lethal blade came froma direction you didn't expect.
But this was going ahead. Enough people had given oath that it was happening. He couldn't stop it. But if Rupert decided that a little invasion was nessecery...Kaldwell could be reponsible for more Surtova blood shed, if it meant avoiding that.
"I give you my oath, cousin, to obey your rule."
She smiles warmly at the elf warrior, glad to see her struggles had led to their merry reunion again. Still speaking elven and looking towards momentarily Danath to indicate the man she spoke of. "I met some brutes in silver armor, their leader was quite convincing in his beliefs. So much so that I have joined them on their crusade to protect the weak and I hope to teach them to live in unity with the land. So far it goes as hoped, with what happens tonight though it may be anyone's guess as to which direction he will continue on."
She looks to the elf Daliedhur then. "It is my hope that once I am establish I can lend your brethren aid, hopefully we will remain allies in the storm that is sure to come..." She let teh words hang for a moment before returning to a more cheery tone. "Although much has changed since last we met, perhaps I will be able to show you soon enough."
During the Oath Swearing
She enjoyed the ceremony and the well worded oaths that came about, this King Rupert would have trouble if he didn't adhere to his own words. At least that was her opinion on the matter, she was more concerned with what the future held and whether or not she would be allowed to build. It came a surprise when she heard Danath's oath and her eyes narrowed. King Surotva had suddenly gained a small army with a strong leader as it's head.
She hoped that the Silver Dragonflight held together in the coming storm...
As her thoughts wandered she remembered that Ni'Tir was still cooling off however she was a little surprised that she had missed her sisters big event.
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The dinner ends without any more surprises. The conservative members of Restov nobility are really happy, and the independentists feel like they have lost all hope.
People start to leave, Lord Mayor Ioseph Sellemius excusing himself and being one of the first to leave. Rupert Surtova is another of the first to leave.
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After the party Ni'Tir makes a token effort to locate Xi'Tir around the premises but she had a feeling her wayward sister had wandered off. Hopefully she was staying out of trouble...
She called Chimalma to her and climbed into the worn saddle that adorn the great stego's back. She read the note before snapping her fingers and burning it to a crisp. The ashes scattered to the light breeze that danced through the field she was in, the scattering ahses reminded her of her fateful prophecy but now she would have land and title to fight that bleak future. As for the contents of the Note she would accept this strange meeting and she set out early so that she could show up early for the event. She also hoped to find her sister, as she hadn't yet returned...
Rhasadilara steps forwards when she is called, ignoring the dark whispers about her heritage, and kneels before the newly declared king of nothing. Strange politics this land has. My sisters were evil, but at least they made sense. "I, Rhasadilara Winterfall, do swear my fealty to Rupert, King of... the Stolen Lands, for as long as he serves and protects his people," she vows before continuing in a softer apologetic voice, "I have no interest in living in another Irrisen"
He starts pacing slowly - "As you can see, the variables are tremendous - the above can mean illegal activity, information can mean espionage, or even worse, forceful extraction, etc. etc" - he stops again looking at the figure in the dark - "I respect your need for privacy, but as it is, no agreement is possible... Yet..."The Oracle's Shadow speaker answers Anton and Edeldhur:
"Is that your final Answer? I know I don't give much information, but if you accept we will let you some insight in our workings. "
"Without further information, and without any prejudice to future negotiations, yes - That is my final answer" - Edeldhur finishes with a short bow.
We are also in the middle of the talks between Anton Marakov and Edeldhur Beltharan with the Oracle of the Oracle's Shadow.
And the dialogue between Tarina and the girl from the Cenobitic Order.
But well, while we get the last three members of the new nobility to swear we move forward with the adventure.
The dinner ends without any more surprises. The conservative members of Restov nobility are really happy, and the independentists feel like they have lost all hope.
People start to leave, Lord Mayor Ioseph Sellemius excusing himself and being one of the first to leave. Rupert Surtova is another of the first to leave.
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As the party dwindles, Edledhur steps outside to find "The Ravens" waiting for him, engaging them in conversation about the party and dinner.
Daliedhur steps into the night air, meeting up with her brother and their followers - she throws a couple of puns around about what she has seen in the party, which ellicit a hearty laugh from The Ravens, and a huge smile and nod from Edeldhur.
Szymon and Tatiana will coordinate with their good friends: Edeldhur, Daliedhur, Anton, and Sofia. They probably will all go to the secret meeting together.
Tatiana will replace her party dress with full plate armor, first.
After her companions swear their fealty, in a variety of carefully worded terms, Kiri seeks out the rest of the group gathering the white witch, the stealth cousin of the new King, and the paladic first vassal of the new King.
Do we go together as one? There are many strange groups here and I do not know them all.
A few moments later, Halcorg rejoins the group:
In his usual think Shoanti accent: The waitress. She leaves no tracks or is highly skilled at hiding her trail. Either way, she is no waitress.
Then, unannounced and unexpected as usual, a blur of color suddenly appears and Xritha is suddenly sitting on Kiri's shoulder. Her hands once more full of chocolate treats that she absconded with.
After a dirty look from Kiritta, Xritha, with a full mouth: What? Nobody was eating them. Didn't want them to go to waste.
She pauses for a minute to suck some chocolate from a tiny finger.
And as I told this unobservant wonder here, that old geezer with the swords. He is a bad man. I cannot believe all of you could not see the cloud of black that surrounds his corrupt soul.
As she says this last part, she is turing to look at Venetia.
Especially you, I thought that goofy angel type you follow allowed you to see evil so that you knew if someone was bad before you . . . um . . . attacked them.
Also I am guessing any info from my followers is coming up later as well correct?
I will get my character cleaned up a little more today, haven't had a chance to settle and finish the remaining couple of followers he gained from Rebel Leader being added. But it will be done today.
Danath leaves Ni'Tir to do her search for her sister on her own while he gathers up his troops and returns to the silver dragonflight encampment to discuss what all he has learned. There was no derision from his officers as they trusted in his decision, if this was the best way to push forward then they would do what they had to do. Only Seraph seemed angered by the goings on of the night and it took some time to convince her that this was just the way events like this could go sometimes.
Eventually she changed her opinion and trusted his decision, however they were all nervous of his going alone to meet with Rupert, Danath however wasn't concerned in the slightest and reassured them that if Rupert was going to do something foul then he could try. Few could catch Aru at full gallop and even magic wasn't a sure thing to stop a cavalier in his prime, besides it would be foolish to betray one of your sworn nobles the morning after especially one with a small army at his back.
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The night wore on and Danath found a short moment to sleep from midnight to around two in the morning. Waking fully rested he cleaned himself up and geared himself up like before, as he sat astride Aru he looked over his sleeping camp with a critical eye. Sentries were in position, the cart was loaded with everything that was nonessential and the camp was ready to break down quickly if they needed to march. Everything was going according to plan.
He strapped on his dragonhelm making his breath appear as if it were frost coming from a dragons maw instead. He couldn't help but appear rather fearsome on the back of the strong Icerime Elk in his full light dragonscaled armor and he wouldn't have it any other way. He took hold of his lance and raised it to point towards the heavens as he rode. He was flying a silver colored pennon just below its tip to represent his company and as he left camp he stabbed it to the air twice and smiled as his sentries responded with short shouts of joy at the sight. It wasn't his full banner but it would do for now...
Riding in alone wasn't a concern to Danath as he didn't expect anything foul from Rupert. However the rest of the Surtovan family, save for Kaldwell who he knew little about, were another story. Theyd never catch him off guard again if he could help it. Another unsettling thing was that Ni'Tir's Sister hadn't return either...
Where is that fool girl?
Xi'Tir was cold, she hadn't left her vigil all night lest that Waitress returned and had spent the time circling around the area ensuring no one got near without a warning from the well hidden Mwangian.
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"I, Rhasadilara Winterfall, do swear my fealty to Rupert, King of... the Stolen Lands, for as long as he serves and protects his people,""I have no interest in living in another Irrisen"
Rupert Surtova answers her
"And I would accept your help in serving and protecting them."And continues in a lower voice, just for you.
"I count with you to prevent that from ever happening, and letting me know if I go the wrong path."
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Xi'Tir was cold, she hadn't left her vigil all night lest that Waitress returned and had spent the time circling around the area ensuring no one got near without a warning from the well hidden Mwangian.
Xi'Tir sees Rupert Surtova (or is it King Rupert the First now?) with a Halfling in expensive clothing arrive at the pavilion, light the place up and start to work in some papers.
They will remain doing that until the guests to the secret reunion arrive.She didn't see any guards or other people around.