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Anando Verisisi (the halfling cohort of Rupert Surtova, first king of Sloboda and now steward of the kingdom) arrives to greet you, with joy and awe at your new powers.
"It is so great to have you back! Where is King Rupert?"
His smile disappears when you break him the news of the dead of the King. He cries without shame, without hiding. He let his tears fall down without and embarrassment.
"He was a great man. I never knew anyone like him."
He looks for Tatiana, and kneels before her.
"I will get the kingdom's affairs in order, and resign my post as soon as I am able, my Queen. I wish you all the best."
The four swords also inquiry about Ferdinand Aldori's fate.
"Missing? What do you mean missing? Did you saw him die? Where was the last you saw him?"
But the ones that knew them the best (Tatiana and Halcorg comes to mind) feel they are not really distressed about him. They have outgrown their former master.
"King Rupert didn't make it, he died so that the rest of us could live." Venetia answers when the others ask what happened to the king. "All that is left of him is this sword which I took from his felled body. I tried to avenge him, but it couldn't be done, but know that we have made a powerful enemy."
Janus would be saying something about recent events, but with a small azure-haired gnome clinging to his waist like her life depends on it and a giant metal man hugging them both several feet above the ground, he is a little hard pressed to say anything right now.
Ni'Tir was sitting cross legged between Chimalma's plates, quite content to be with her companion and smiling as she felt the happiness Chimalma had for seeing her as well. Xi'Tir and Chi stuck close to her side, Xi looked lost as her sister gently stroked her head. Xi had lost hope and had lived in despair, no doubt seeking death wherever it chose to confront her. Ni'Tir listened intently as they were brought up to speed on the events since their departure.
She wasn't one for politics as she sought something above petty kingdoms and the wars of man and demihumans. Her vision still burned in her mind and her sister was the same as her in what they sought. A power far greater then any in the world.
She was curious of the Lizardfolk, having seen some like them down in the Mwangi but few this far inland. The male was staggeringly tall, which would be probably seen as attractive among their kind while the female was shorter by a fair margin. However she carried something about her person that drew and repelled Ni'Tir for some reason.
They both would need investigating.
She nodded in agreement to Venetia's words before turning to regard the small Anando"A powerful enemy indeed... But why are you leaving us Anando? Would ya place not be here mon? Or is der sometin' ya need ta do else where?"
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Anando raises his tear stained face up, looking at your eyes proudly.
"I came here as representative and even friend of the King Rupert I. He has gone, so I must be gone too."
All the Barons notice a very beautiful woman, Maria Borgnok, near Seraph and Tatiana. They don't know her, and she doesn't say anything, staring at all of you wide-eyed.
People of the city start coming out, seeing that no more combat is due, some of them asking for help to rescue the trapped people in both the collapsed building, and healing for the hurt persons on the street.
After everyone has had their personal time and Trivium is on the mend, Tatiana will ask the barons,"King Rupert's will identified his successor as his daughter. We don't know who or where she is. Do you?"
"Actually, Anando would you please arrange an official reading of the will for everyone. Thank you. "
Once Destroyerman sets both himself and Neji down, Janus finally addresses the others.
"I did not know that King Rupert had any children. If we can secure some diamond dust, I can ask... someone for details via communion. That is within my power. As of late, I am no longer limited to a mere handful of spells."
Once he sees the gravity of the owlbear's destruction, Janus excuses himself to help out with damage control. Neji enlarges Destroyerman once more to help clear debris while Jay has people bring the wounded to him for healing. He wastes no time in healing the worst of the injured with his powerful channels.
He occasionally sneaks in a moment or two with Neji.
"I have been contemplating if continuing my worship of Erastil is a good idea. It turns out that my mother has been in the First World this entire time. I have used multiple scrolls of Commune in the last decade, and I recall blatantly asking him if she was there. The answer was a resounding no. I am aware that most deities can't see there, but something from that world had to reach out here to take mom there. He should have been aware of that."
Janus pauses and sighs in disappointment.
"It's not like Old Deadeye has ever been there for either one of us. Despite their divine nature, my powers have never depended on him. I don't know. I just figured out that after giving him twenty years of dedicated, loyal service, he would throw me a bone. Sadly, that has never been the case."
"Rupert mentioned his daughter to me before and said he would arrange for me to meet her, Anando would that not be your job now?"
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Destroyerman, as a magical Bulldozer, helps clearing the rubble, sadly finding mostly dead people down it. But wait! Between a couple, their parents, he finds a crying baby. A Miracle baby, surviving the destruction. Now a orphan miracle baby.
Many people thank Tatiana and Janus for the healing, which quickly saves the lives of many people.
Mulray nods at the request for assistance... he sends his attendant, Edry to fetch his riders and spike. He then moves to the rubble - placing both hands against the stone. He moves from one possible location to another until he finds citizens trapped underneath.
Tatiana looks perplexed and a little aggravated at Anando, "Anando, you said that you did not who or where Rupert's daughter was. We've been running this kingdom in her name for months. What have we been doing if you've known where to find her?"
"I can't be a queen if you know how to find her? I've been only been the regent. You of all people have insisted on calling me queen, knowing full well that there is a legitimate heiress to the kingdom. Why haven't you embarked on this quest before now? Tatiana's questions start to race and crescendo. Her emotions of the day are high: first the huge, green-glowing owlbear wrecking the capital, then finally reunited with her beloved, and now being told that Anando wants to embark on the quest to find the heiress who Tatiana has wanted to find, since the beginning.
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Anando starts up as tall (or short) he is at Tatiana!
"I don't know how to find her! Neither do you! You are the queen, you like it or not! I didn't went on that errand because I didn't know Rupert was dead, and I foolishly though you could use my help for the well being of the people of this lands! Now I make my leave, I will look for her on my side, with my own resources, with all my capacity. And you, Queen, should start looking your part. Or are you going to desert all this people. Are you so petty? So small?"
He bows, turns and starts going away.
"Perhaps I could be of assistance," Janus says as he inevitably catches wind of the heated conversation. Since he and Tatiana are the main healers of the group, he would be around her at some point. "I can lead the search for this child. Neji tells me that Rupert left us quite a fortune. If I can get some diamond dust and a silver mirror, I can commune for answers to our questions and eventually scry out this individual. Since Neji is now the minister of magic and my staff is back in Restov, I am a faction of one so to speak. My original goal was to establish a church in these Stolen Lands, but alas, that has changed. If it is truly important, finding the child would be a good and reasonable use of my time."
Danath cuts in his voice firm but nor hard edged. "Now lets think clearly. Anando with respect but mind yourself. Milady, Queen or not. You have a kingdom to run and you have more then enough resources to seek out this child. Like me and the other barons."
He lets his words sink in before continuing. "Many think we have fallen. You all are most likely criminals in Brevoy. So let us find the child and bring her here. It is the safest most logical decision for the interests of your kingdom and the progress you have started here. Now if i need to go alone I shall.
Tatiana ignores Janus and Danath focusing on Anando,
This situation is the most emotional any of you have ever seen from Tatiana, except for Szymon. Since the barons disappeared, she has kept her emotions well bottled and vented only in private with her prayers to Desna. But her emotions of today juxtaposed with the grinding attitude of Anando that she is queen instead of regent are the proverbial straw that broke her emotional camel's back.
Xi watched alongside her sister both quietly watching the altercation before turning around and working ti organize people to clean up the wreckage. Clear the streets and aid the wounded.
Not their fight...
"If Queen Tatiana speaks the truth and you are the treasurer of the kingdom, then could you not simply arrange for payment to yourself yourself?" Venetia feels a bit awkward addressing Tatiana as queen, but she speaks more focused on the task at hand. "And indeed if you are the treasurer, there is likely a better use of your time staying here and sending someone else or using the resources at hand to find the girl."
Danath leaves it alone as Tatiana calls out Anando in a very well constructed manner. Turning to Janus he nods in agreement. "Your plan is sound and far more constructive as well considering it will cut down are search. If I can be of assistance let me know my friend. I will see if I can find what you seek."
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"The child, if ever find her, will not be able to rule. These lands need a ruler,now,not a promise,if you don't want for anarchy to spring and evil neighbors to attack. And this people have only know one Queen. If you create a dynastic succession issue without one of the claimants present you will destroy everything we have accomplished!
"If you plan to resign, at least consider training someone to be your successor before you go. Neji has only told me the basics, Anando, but I can only imagine that no one else knows the Kingdom's finances and Rupert's last will as well as you. If you just abruptly leave, that could put us in a bad position," Janus adds, trying to be a voice of reason.
Seraph lets Tatiana and Anando hash things out. She nods to Maria as she turns away. "Your pardon your grace. Maria do you mind helping me for a bit?"
Excusing herself she gets working to organize people abd soldiers to aid in the search and rescue. They also work to clear the streets of debris and remove the dead beast as well. If Maria accompanies her, she gets to see the Silver Dragonflight and citizens of Trivium in action.
Tatiana starts to calm down by lowering her volume, "If, if, if, Anando. We need to find the girl. My simple question to you: are you going to search with us? You among us knew Rupert the best and would have the best ideas where to start looking."
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To Venetia Anando nods.
"First let me tell you I am delighted to see you safe. The I would remind you I am no thief. All of Sloboda treasury is safe as long as I am responsible for it."
Anando turns to Janus, anger in his eyes.
"Train someone? I don't have the years it would take to do it! You will have to do with whatever you can muster!"
To Tatiana he answers:
"I am no servant, nor slave. If I am not wanted and respected here, then is my time to go. I came here chasing Rupert's dream. I will leave now chasing Rupert's daughter. And no, I don't have any idea where to start looking, or I would have told you. It pains me a lot that Rupert didn't choose to tell me about his child. I know you as a good person, even if as Queen you are doing such a poor job, because of your fear to lead. If I knew anything I would have gone to you from the start. And I won't accept anyone's disrespect! Not even yours!"
Maria follows Seraph, and while helping people she tells to her.
"So those are the people you where looking for? I have to say something. I swore fealty to Queen Tatiana. Is she going to abdicate now? Who will be the ruler now? Do you trust these new people? Are you sure they are who they claim they are?"
Vodyanoy Leventon, somewhat taken aback at Neji embracing the newly arrived human, go to Anando to talk to him.
"You are always welcome at Leventon's lands. I beg of you to come talk to me before you leave."
Janus is a bit curious at Anando's anger towards him. Still, he does not yield completely. Once more, he tries to reason with the man.
"Forgive me then. I was unaware of how it would take. As for King Rupert, I only knew him for a day, but I also know that he gave his life to make sure that we escaped. Therefore, such a noble man probably had a noble reason to hide his daughter. Let us not speak ill of the dead.
"As unfortunate as it is, Anando, this Kingdom won't last long without well-managed funds. I know enough about politics to say that with certainty. From all that I see, you have kept this place running well for six months. If you want to leave, I suppose that is ultimately your choice, and I won't stop you. However, I plead with you to do it with finesse. Let's at least work something out before you depart. In exchange, I can point your search in the right direction. I know a spell that can help."
Venetia glances at Tarina before speaking, "We all have our secrets, some with more dreadful repercussions then others should they ever come to light. Some we hold dear and never speak of, even with those closest to us." She looks away for a moment, before speaking again, "Perhaps Rupert was afraid of what his Cousin might do if he discovered the child, and if he worked so hard to keep her a secret, even from you Anando, then all the more reason why we must find her."
Using her newest learned spell, Neji flies over to Vodyanoy's position once she regains the ability to speak. Destroyerman gently carries the miracle baby. Neither are quite sure what to do with the child.
"Sorry fer... wigging out like that. That half-elf is Janus Sevenstar. I've told ya all about him, remember? I was just... overwhelmed. Couldn't believe it. Wanted to make sure that he was real, ya know? Anyway, he wanted me to pass it along that he wants yer help with his Barony. He needs to do some soul searching regarding his... religious affiliation, so we're basically gonna be in charge of everything for a while. The two of us. Defacto barons. That'll certainly make ya stand out amongst your brothers, no?"
She pecks Vodyanoy on the cheek.
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Anando kneels in front of Venetia.
"You are wise. And from now on you are the Queen of Sloboda, and guardian of her daughter, as far as I am concerned. I will present all the information about the kingdom treasury as soon as I am able. I am only sad that King Rupert didn't saw fit to trust in me."
A lot of Trivium people around you look frankly alarmed and worried at hearing Anando recognize Venetia as queen. You can hear them say, in low voices.
"But why?"
"Did they surrendered to the strangers?"
"Who are they?"
"He said she was the new queen! But Queen Tatiana seems ok! What is happening here?"
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Vodyanoy smiles tenderly at Neji.
"You can't blame me for getting jealous, my love. Yes, it will make a couple of them throw a fit."
He embraces her closely.
"I want for you to hug me as you hug him. My! You look better, you know? That... energy... coming from the owlbear... it seems to have helped you."
As soon as she is able Neji will realize it is true. The Bleaching on her has receded after the Mythical energy bathe her!
Tatiana takes a deep breath and replies to Anando, "You have always been wanted and respected here. However, we have never seen eye to eye about the disposition of Rupert's will, but we agreed to collaborate for the sake of Rupert and our loved ones. We poured our hearts and hopes into this kingdom for their sake. You played your role, and I played mine."
After a pause, "But your quick desire to resign and go look for the daughter without us caught me by surprise. It suggested to me that you knew something that we had not pursued all these months. I apologize for jumping to that conclusion." She approaches him to shake his hand or give him a hug depending on their level of relationship.
"Besides, wasn't there something about Venetia in the will that will get us both out of our uncomfortable positions?"
Taken aback a bit, Venetia responds rather quickly. "Perhaps this isn't be best place for this conversation."
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Anando looks at Tatiana's extended hand, but don't reach for her.
"Yes, you are right. I was mistaken for thinking you could be the Queen all this time."
He raises his voice, ignoring Venetia's advice.
"Venetia Medvyed is the rightful ruler of Sloboda! All hail Queen Venetia!"
You hear the voices in the crowd (more people is joining every minute) raise in volume and alarm.
"Who? Medvyed?"
"But they won, didn't they? Is Queen Tatiana prisoner?"
"Are those Brevoy nobles? Are we getting invaded?"
A young man scream to Anando:
"Traitor! How you dare! Long live queen Tatiana!"
He charges against Anando, with a couple more people following him.
Tatiana feels the hands of other two people, a man and a woman, pulling her back.
"Quick! Come with us! Escape!"
Most of the people is not sure what the hell is happening.
Suddenly realizing that this is all breaking down into chaos, Kiritta casts a quick flying spell, flies up about 20 feet so that she can be seen and calls to the people.
She then looks toward those attempting to drag Tatiana and Anando away.
With that, she folds her arms and stares down at the gathered throng daring someone to be the first to test her.
"...One sec, hun. It seems that we have mass confusion here."
Neji flies up in the air to make that she is seen and heard.
"Calm down, everyone! As of right now, Queen Tatiana is still in charge. Nothing is going to happen to her. She is still going to be around. As for these eight people, they are... Well, some of them are our spouses. Some of them are our best friends. Some of them are our superior officers. Rest assure, they are our friends, family, and allies. They mean no harm. We just need some time to sort this out. They were originally going to help us establish this land, but something happened to them. We assumed that they were dead and carried on their will. By a miracle of the gods, they have returned. We just need some time to figure this out."
Janus steps up the plate.
"I am Janus Sevenstar. As many of you have learned, I am just a healer. My friend Neji might have mentioned me in passing, but I recognized that this is a strange occurrence nonetheless. However, please understand that we are friends of Sloboda. The mighty Halcorg, the man who bested that beast is solo combat? The woman he stands with now is his wife Kiritta. Your beloved Queen Tatiana? My friend Szymon Wojcik has been her significant other for years now. Ni'Tir is Xi'Tir's elder sister. Why else would each one of your rulers have such a positive reaction to our return?
"Us newcomers were originally going to build Sloboda, but something happened before we could. While we were away, Queen Tatiana, Neji, and the others decided to continue on with our goal. It seems to me that they have been more successful than we could have ever dreamed. Perhaps more than we would have been. Not only did they slay the Stag Lord, but they also bested that Owlbear in mere seconds.
"I ask for your patience, good people. Queen Tatiana and the others thought us dead. Our survival caught them completely off guard. We need some time to figure out what to do next. I, for one, plan to let my friend Neji continue her work. Has her great construct Destroyerman not protected you time and again? Please listen to her."
Neji hovers next to Janus and nods at everything he says.
"They're here to help. Janus is a good man. I hope those of you who he healed can see that. They're all good people. If we just work through this, Sloboda could see a golden age like no other," she closes.
With chaos literally erupting around them, Venetia can do little more then place her hand on her head and shake it firmly. "Now look what you've done Anando." She sighs before letting out a more commanding tone.
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People starts to calm down... Anando gets from down a couple persons with his nose broken, and leaves towards the town hall without saying a word.
People seems wary, and try to stay clear of many of the new arrivals, except Janus (that is becoming very popular, especially on the young female demographic) and Venetia (with the young male one).
Many people keep next to Tatiana, and ask to her.
"Your majesty, are you ok? We are here for you. We will fight if you need us to."
Seraph arrives and glares at those who had grabbed Tatiana, her voice is beyond reproach as she lays out her commands."Release the Queen. NOW. I care not for your intentions step back or face harsher judgement." She lays her hand on her sword as the Silver Dragonflight move to aid her. "As always we will defend Tatiana. Return to your business Slobada is not in danger."
Kiritta remains in the air, her arms crossed with her long Varisian robes blowing in the wind, watching to see if any of the citizens need any reminder that the new arrivals mean no harm.
Below her, Halcorg likewise stands like a resolute guard, eyes scanning the gathered throng for any threats to his air born wife.
Danath moves to defend Anando appealing to the peoples reason and not laying his hand on his sword as he speaks.
"Please remain calm. No one is your enemy here least of all Anando. Release him please." He looks them in the eye ensuring they wouldn't attack as he looked to Anando. "Stand behind me and please no one resort to violence any longer."
"I know that you're reluctant to keep the throne, Tatiana, but it seems that you are more popular than anticipated," Janus whispers to the Desnan Prophet. "We need to be careful going forward. There doesn't seem to be an easy answer to any of the problems our return created. Regardless, I know the two of us have not interacted much, but Szymon is a good friend of mine. As such, I will do my best to support whatever decision you make."
Danath heals Anandos injuries while keeping him close. Aru moves close to his master and watches the shouting people warily. Snorting if any dare come to close.
Tatiana watches in shock as Anando refuses her hand and apology. Then, the halfling treasurer behavior goes from bad to worse. Is he mad? She wonders as she becomes a spectator to an attempted initiation of a civil war.
She casually activates Desna's protections preventing anyone from touching her, as people start grabbing at her to protect her. She feels Szymon near her. His presence alone makes her feel that everything will be alright.
As the crowd starts to calm down, she sees Anando's broken nose. She doesn't smile but knows that Desna has punished him more than she would ever have, such is the Lady Fortune. With all of the well wishes and advice, she says to everyone around her, "Thank you for your concern. Everything is fine. We will be taking our newly arrived friends and family to the castle. If anyone needs anything, please send us a message." She grabs Szymon by the hand and pulls him close for a quick kiss. Then, she leads the rest of the barons to the castle.
Feeling the tension in Szymon, Tatiana whispers to him, "It's alright, Szymon. I'm just happy that you have returned to me."
She nods to Janus in reply, "Thank you for your support."
As she passes them, Tatiana lays her hand on Seraph's and Neji's arms, saying in turn, "Thank you."
As they walked toward a castle, Szymon reminded himself that he was deliriously happy. He had only one reason to live, and she was even more dazzling now than he had remembered, which he didn't think was possible.
He reflected on what had happened while he had observed in silence. Most of it about some girl, he did not understand. He was decidedly unhappy with this Anando halfling who would be dead from steel poisoning by now, if it would have been honorable to duel the wee fellow. However, Tatiana had trained Szymon long ago that she can take care of herself and only ever help her if she happens to withdraw from some threat. Otherwise, Szymon would be threatened. He had tensed up with the crowd, but those folks who could solve problems without bloodshed did, so he did not have to. Besides, it seemed like the crowd was protecting her.
So Szymon was deliriously happy and smiled joyfully. "How did you become a queen again?" He asks Tatiana, which receives a playful hit and smile in response.
Seraph rode next to Queen Tatiana, her face was tense as she watched for threats to their Queen. She understood the crowd wanting to help but a single blade in their midst and the Queen could have been injured. Her men formed a protective barrier around all of them as they made their way to the castle and she suddenly had a sobering thought. The Dragonflight would return to Danath command and who would she command then...
For so long she was used to their company and now she would have to command her own branch or company. Shed have to give them a name then...
She ran her hand on the banner she had found in the bandit fort. Perhaps it would be fitting.
Once Janus can slip away from the crowd, he goes to visit Anando. Neji comes as well.
"Regardless of what happened back there, I still made a promise to help you, and I want to keep it. Again, what you decide to do is ultimately up to you, Anando, but may I at least make a suggestion on an alternative to your current plans? Neji mentioned to me that King Rupert wanted Alexandria to have his fiefdom. Perhaps it would be more... productive if you managed that after resigning and let us search for her. Given your work, I do not doubt your ability to find her, but I think people like Kiritta and I could make the process more swift and clean with our divination magic."
Janus pauses as he looks out a window, his eyes staring deep into the forest.
"King Rupert saved my life. He saved all of our lives, really. More importantly, he also gave me the best chance I have had in years to rescue my mother. I understand that it hurts that he never mentioned Alexandria to you. However, given how well he lived his life, I at least want to believe that His Majesty had a good reason to hide his daughter. If I had to guess, it was probably his extended family.
"Regardless, I owe him a lot, Anando. The best way I can make it up to him would be to faithfully execute his final will. I think it would be... the best service to such a great man if we all worked at this together. And even that aside, I don't think I could ever sleep well if Rupert's sacrifice was forgotten. The best way to make sure that never happens is to find Alexandria and make sure that she is safe here. Again, I think we could best achieve that goal if we work together."
Neji eventually slips her piece in.
"Jay's always been a better speaker than me, so I basically agree with everything he said there. However, I just want you to know that I appreciate your work, Anando. I apologize for never being more vocal about it. I was... I should have been. If you want to resign, that is completely fine by me. Just be aware that I will miss you."
She pats him on the back.