Arianwyn follows the other guests in sprinkling drops. He also has beef.
Arianwyn follows the other guests in sprinkling drops. He also has beef.
He has to restrain himself from gagging. This is food for the dead and eating it honours them.
Whiteclaw doesn't like the smell of the liquid, so, she, too, sprinkles drops. She also takes the beef, eatting it with a polite gusto.
Tutavak follows the lead of the Chosen before him. Despite his weakened resolve from Ulara's effects, he keeps down the meat.
Chary
You start to understand why the Black Prince is taking an interest. As you watch, a playful white dragon flys gleefully over your head, her neck encircled by a pearl necklace. A swift question reveals that the dragon regards the gnoll as her mother. More amusing still, their servant , in full barbarian panoply, has clearly been ensnared by Ulara of the Seven Veils. Not only that, but he is shamelessly helping himself to the food of his betters. His antics so far have drawn no reprisals - after all, one only keeps a barbarian servant for his comedy value.
All
Arianwyn struggles manfully but swallows (literally) his distaste.
Chary enjoys watching the antics of the group...she understands what it means to be an outsider. Despite the time she has spent here at the courts as part of an exchange program, she is still learning the ins and outs of the system. She winces painfully for Kia during her dance, and raises her glass of Queen's Cordial to Whiteclaw after catching her eye and give a suprisingly heartwarming smile (surprising in that it seems genuine and is coming from a drow). When appropriate, Chary will make her way over to talk with the gnoll.
The memorial food is reverently withdrawn and the Queen raises her hands in the air. Jewels spring sparkling from her finger tips and rise to the ceiling before falling back towards her. Gems flutter through the air and Ixu's eyes light up as she looks longingly at the floating gems. A slight hiss of approbation greets her actions.
Sarastra gestures again and gathers the jewels into a necklace which she dangles thoughtfully before the company.
"I call upon our guests to speak a few courteous words to this Court. Lord Chellesfield, of the River Kingdom, Lord Maruuk of the Hells and one of our guests of the Lighted Realms."
Reason forgoes attacking the circling ravens, feeling a kinship with them, but sprinkles the liquid about.
Feeling slightly queasy at the sight of the spoiled meat, he sticks with the mushrooms.
Whiteclaw nods to Chary as the drow walks over. She, personally, has nothing against the drow, so she has no real reason to be at all disdainful or dismissive of the approach. "Ixu, leave those gems alone, they're not for you."
When the group is called upon to speak, Whiteclaw simply nods to Arianwyn, passing the task to him. She, after all, is not fey. He is.
Arianwyn returns the nod. He awaits his allotted moment to speak.
Whiteclaw does her best, but Ixu is not to be so easily sidetracked. The young dragon reaches out and plucks a jewel from the air, crooning over her treasure. One is all she has time to take, and the Queen forms her necklace, effortlessly replacing the missing gem with another, still larger. A faint admonitory look crosses the royal countenance as she gently touches the finished jewellery. Moments later, Ixu seems more herself as she casts off the entrallment and returns to the table, still gazing in delight at the diamond in her claws. Deep inside the gem, small figures dance eternally.
The social hiatus past, Her Majesty nods to the speakers and gestures to them to rise.
Lord Maruuk springs to his feet, coiling his tail over his arm and running a hand over his horns as he beams.
"The glory of the Shadow Court is beyond my poor resources to describe. Would that I were fey and able to enjoy the benefits for many more years. I cannot regret that my post here is a lengthy one. Such beauty, grace and grandeur is rarely found."
The effect of this speech is slightly marred by an ill-timed belch at the end of it.
Lord Chelessfield smiles benignly and composes himself, well aware that his skills are supreme.
"I honour the Shadow Court, sweet cousin of the River Kingdom. And yet, are not the two eternally entwined? The glories of our ancient people, first and most glorious of all the races are surely embodied in these two most perfect kingdoms. Does not the rising and falling of our River reflect the waxing and waning of your lunar Majesties? Are not the mental perfections that so delude the lesser races brought to magical fruition among our peoples? Cousins, lovers and friends! United, we shall endure together."
Lord Chelessfield seems slightly put out that he has not found better words to express his admiration.
All eyes turn to Arianwyn.
Arianwyn feels distinctly unwell after all the chemical abuse he has suffered at the meal.
"The Shadow Court... Words alone cannot do it justice. We are your guests, uniting the world of men, and the world of the fey, just as your court combines darkness and light. We are here to ensure the continuation of Shadow. Those who oppose us, oppose you, your Majesty."
Arianwyn says in a cold tone.
Kia is somewhat relieved that she had not been called upon to speak. She feels she is letting her friends down terribly in this game which she is so unaccustomed to play. Still trying to engage her neighbour in conversation that interests her she concentrates on enjoying what she can of the event.
She picks the Raven's pie for her next course.
If Kia can borrow a bow she will take a pot-shot at one of the ravens. And because she is bored and needs some spice in her life, she will eat the meat.
She sprinkles water and does all the other good things as well because she is well brought up and knows to copy others.
Sarastra does not look displeased with the speeches, although she frowns slightly at Lord Maruuk's breach in manners. It is to Lord Chelessfield that she awards the necklace however and he bows gracefully before placing it around his neck, looking slightly smug.
Songemesha pointedly turns away from Lord Maruuk, who is made quite aware that his own status has dropped considerably. Her golden eyes slide gently towards the warlock.
Kia's neighbour notes her discomfort. "There is not much more my lady and for someone who seems so very ill at ease here, you do well. The formalities are concluded and we may talk."
Reason picks his way carefully around the meal, skirting the more obvious pitfalls and noting, as his senses return to him, that increasing numbers of insectoid beings are joining the company.
Rhanshinau nods quietly, and as the formal proceedings come to an end and conversation becomes general, leans across to the new-made Lords of Light. "Roachlings. They are not bad in themselves, but their leader is a true abomination. More and more are seen in the Courts. Disquieting, I think." He keeps his voice low and his expression light, as though merely imparting gossip.
Chary bides her time, but as the speeches end, moves closer to Whiteclaw, ready to engage her in conversation.
Kia turns gratefully to Samas. "You have no idea how much I would enjoy a conversation that wasn't loaded with traps and hidden commitments!"
She will pick at the remaining courses and drink the fine flavoured beverages in an effort to get the taste of the beef out of her mouth.
Chary walks briskly to Whiteclaw, stops a respectful few feet away, and then broaches conversation as if she has known Whiteclaw for years.
"These dances are always so tedious. Protocol this, sprinkle that, perform another. Yet, we have to play along, don't we. However, it's not so bad...once you get used to it that is."
Now speaking quietly fromn behind her hand, "Gotta be careful about what foods you eat though. That beef looked deadly, but I guess that was the point!"
A sly smile spreads across her face. "I am Charitan, but most people call me Chary. Visiting here as part of an aristocratic exchange program. I am studying under the Pale Witch, but am also part of the Black Prince's entourage. Quite fun mostly. These dances are a wonderful time to dress up and play the stately lady. That is a beautiful dress, was it difficult to make it fit so perfectly? I always have to have a million alterations."
Although Chary sounds like she could easily prattle on indefinitely, she pauses frequently to allow Whiteclaw to respond appropriately. She is just trying to set Whiteclaw at ease in this unfamiliar setting, while getting to know her.
Tutavak
"I'm a gnoll." Whiteclaw says, amusedly. "We're designed to eat carrion, so I've eaten much more deadly meals that that beef and I did appreciate the symbolism of it. I'm Whiteclaw, and I'm here since this is where our path has led us. I'm not sure how difficult it was to make, but the goblins did an excellent job with it, didn't they?" Whiteclaw speaks with Chary casually, though she is amused at the concept of two ancient enemies of the fey - drow and gnoll - chatting at a fey party.
Arianwyn looks over at the conversation between Whiteclaw and the newcomer drow, wary of any danger.
Crowned swans singing ballads fly around the room as the goblins dart unobtrusively about replacing dishes and glasses. The arrival of the final dishes signal a general relaxation in the atmosphere and many guests are starting to mingle, moving from table to table.
Sammas retrieves a small golden crown dropped by a passing swan and smiles very slightly. Lord Chelessfield has been similarly honoured, as has Songemesha.
"I am still greatly favoured." His tone turns a little more serious. "I am also curious. We shall talk Miss Rubarka. Tell me what it is that most interests you. Your allegiance is very plain." He gestures lightly at the glow emanating from her and the small dragonette coiled around her neck.
As Whiteclaw and Chary make each other's acquaintance, Reason is approached by Rhanshinau.
"You and your companions do well here. I wish to introduce you to someone who may be of help."
Bombarded with odd behaviour as much as the heady fumes that overcame him earlier, Tutavak's mind is filled only with veils and the promise that lies beyond them. His eyes glaze slightly.
At Arianwyn's side, Songemesha's perfume no longer has any effect, a fact she seems to have noted. "Your clever tiefling friend is better at his work than mine it seems. Would you care to introduce me?" Her request is perfectly polite. She picks up the tiny crown that fell in front of her and looks at the warlock.
Lord Chelessfield also addresses himself to Arianwyn. "You spoke well enough for the leader of a band of bravos. Would you care to demonstrate your skill again?"
Arianwyn replies to the the eladrin, "And what did you have in mind?"
Whiteclaw rummages happily through the dessert selection, noticing various fey oddities in the cuisine as she does so.
The smoked puff pastry contains liquid gold and the gnoll suffers a badly burned tongue. Ixu on the other hand is delighted and takes the remains, allowing the centre to cool before adding the lump of pure ore to her growing treasure hoard.
The ornamental castles to indeed contain tiny inhabitants who flee around the tables, hiding in napkins and behind the huge epergnes when their dwellings are broached, shouting rude limericks as they go.
Even the chocolate eggs have a certain fey humour to them. They are exactly as the menu stated. Mere eggs, coated in chocolate, each containing a boiled duckling. What, after all, would one expect to find inside an egg?
The wine however is both delicious and soothing to those with burned tongues.
Lord Chelessfield bows slightly. "A duel perhaps. Your fame grows, sir. Perhaps we may cross words or swords before the season ends."
Reason pops an egg in his mouth, then looks longingly at the desserts as he is led away by Rhanshinu.
"Ah well, they are just desserts..."
Noticing Reason's plaintive look, Rhanshinau gestures to a passing goblin and murmurs an order. Enthusiastic nods follow and a servitor bearing a selection of desserts on a small tray follows the pair.
"My apologies. I would not wish to interrupt your enjoyment of the feast," Rhanshinau is contrite. "Ah. Here we are. Yikrugrak, the Crawling Knight." He beams as he presents Reason to an odd creature, clearly at least partially insectoid, equally clearly (if dress means anything) female. The roachling's antennae swivel towards the tiefling and she curtsies deeply.
"Delighted." The roachling's voice rather belies her appearance and is surprisingly sweet. "I hope you may be able to fulfil a small dream of mine. I long to duel with one of your number."
Rhanshinau explains quietly. "The situation is this. Yikrugrak wishes to aid us, but her code prevents her from doing so unless she is honourably defeated in a duel. Can you help us to arrange such a thing?"
"Make it a word and a blow," Arianwyn replies to the other eladrin.
"You are either uncommonly arrogant, or uncommonly certain of your own abilities. Possibly both." Lord Chelessfield's eyebrow work rivals Arianwyn's own.
"Can you possibly be as capable as you wish to believe? I think not." The eladrin's voice sharpens. "However, I can afford to be generous. We shall meet on the morrow at the dueling grounds and indulge in both word and swordplay."
Arianwyn smiles disarmingly and replies, "Very well, I accept. Will you require a second?" he asks innocently.
The formalities are now clearly winding down. Sarastra, her son and the other luminaries rise and process up the room, leaving the field clear for any who wish to dance or converse.
Music strikes up, but before more than the opening bars are played, there is a most unpleasant interruption.
One of the goblins lets out a heartfelt scream as roaches scamper up his legs and he tries to shake them off. Suddenly, there are roaches everywhere, covering every dish, inside every glass, crunching underfoot.
A clacking, hissing voice from the far end of the room rages, "How is it that the King's Favourite Akyishgal was uninvited? How is it that I am spurned? My followers shall have their feast!"
Shadow fey, goblins, roachlings, elves, everyone runs for the exits. This party is over.
Hustled through the doors, the group find themselves with Chary who has been caught up in the general rampage to leave.
Tutavak
You need no guide to find Ulara's chambers, so enthralled are you. She welcomes you and what passes is ... strange. Strange also that you can remember nothing bar a faint feeling of dissatisfaction. Waking the next morning outside a strange door, you find yourself confronting Brightspur, who looks not unsympathetic and holds a large glass of ale out to you.
"Drink this, Might of Kargzant. Believe me, I know what you're going through. I fell for her charms at the last feast. You'll live it down my friend, but the ale will make the jeering easier to tolerate."
He helps you to your feet. "There is one thing though. If you've a mind, you can make her a serious offer now and she won't be able to refuse you. That would gain you some status, Might of Kargzant. Maybe enough for us to fight at last."
Arianwyn takes his sword from Tutavak, and says "Have fun, I'm sure she'll be fascinated by you." in a curt tone, before leaving with a scowl on his face, to return to the apartments.
Kia will chat amiably to Samas (if he is willing) and then retire at a suitable time ready for fresh fighting in the morning.
Upon returning to the apartment, Arianwyn chugs back some booze and kicks a chair.
"Ach! What I would not give to stab their guts, burn their minds!" he expounds.
Arianwyn's goblin servitors nod sympathetically (even sycophantically) as he vents his irritation. Puzzletooth seems to have wangled promotion somehow and watches with a slightly paternal air.
"Very touchy, the gentry. Always have been, but it's all part of life's rich patten, sir. And you're all doing very nicely. It warms my heart, it really does."
A new day dawns, and with it the unresolved questions of the previous evening loom large for the companions.
Will Chary's curiosity lead her to make further friendly overtures?
Will Tutavak recover from his hangover and heed Brightspur's words?
Will Reason persuade one of his friends to duel a noble roachling?
Can Kia have a sensible conversation with Sammas Hallowgrim?
Will Ixu add to her treasure trove without dropping Whiteclaw's status?
Can Whitclaw find it in her heart to put aside her pink frills?
Will Arianwyn win his duel with Lord Chelessfield?
Most important of all, is this the day when the demon Lord Akyishigal's power in the Courts is ended ...
As they waken, Reason, Kia and Whiteclaw find that their lantern dragonettes are sitting looking expectantly at them. All three are dimly aware that the little creatures flew off at the conclusion of the evening's events. Reason also finds a pair of books in his chambers, along with a note in crabbed handwriting.
"In gratitude and in the hope that these may prove useful to you. Narin."
After the debauches of the night before, the Courts seem quieter as everyone moves quietly around. There is a distinct feeling that loud noise would be unwelcome to most, tempers flare quickly and the dueling grounds are full, even at this early hour as insults, real and percieved are settled with word and blade.
Puzzletooth, the ever-useful fount of wisdom adjusts his candle and looks thoughtful. "Ah well. It sounds as if her Majesty may call an end to the Dueling Season at any time. The gentry are just trying to fit in as much as they can before they have to head to the cliffs for a bit of healthful combat."
Rev:
Tutavak
Rev:
"Excellent, Might of Kargzant. We shall drink some more and find trouble and that will please everyone."
Whoever else is up and about this morning is treated to the sight of Brightspur and Tutavak strolling towards the Hall of Changelings.