"Chess? er... yes."
"Pardon my surprise, but no-one has asked me that before. It's usually all poetry and self congratulation, neither of which I am very good at being on the receiving end of."
"Among the many other things that make me short-tempered, poetry ranks high. Moonside or Shadowside, Miss Rubarka?"
Gwathion offers Kia a seat.
"Moonside, if I may."
Having spent much of the recent time not playing chess, Kia thinks back to what she learned about the game and what techniques the great players used.
Second check
Warming up to the game, Kia engages Gwathion in light conversation while trying to think how best to play this.
(diplomacy)
Third check
Feeling that she needs to be decisive, she remembers the books he has read about chess endings and they remind her of how battles are won.
(history - again)
Gwathion counters well, spotting the trap Kia lays for him.
Even so, he is sufficently disarmed by her conversation to overlook the second, and less obvious attempt to checkmate him.
Her final gambit is too subtle and he misses his chance.
Tipping his king into surrender with one elegant finger he flushes angrily for a second, but brings his temper under control.
"You are very skilled Miss Rubarka. It's a pity I don't like to lose."
Gwathion is clearly trying quite hard to keep his temper. "Tell me then, how else shall I amuse you?"
Kia sighs inwardly, but displays no outward sign of (slight) disappointment.
She manages a smile. "I didn't approach you for amusement. Rather because you seem to be one of the few people I might be able to be at ease with here. Tell, me, what was it that made you shake your head so, just before I spoke to you?"
"You thought you would feel at ease with me?" Gwathion repeats, slowly.
"You really are an original, Miss Rubarka. I have a bad temper and it flares up quickly - as you may have noticed. It's got me into trouble before and will do again. As to what irritated me - some foolishness. An idiot seeking to challenge Lord Suvid or some such thing. Despite my calling, I am not a natural courtier. I cannot but speak as I see."
He flings up his hands and smiles at her, all traces of his earlier anger gone.
"What am I to do with you, Miss Rubarka? You disarm me at every turn. I cannot beat you at chess and you draw the truth from me unwitting. I would swear there's no courtier's bone in your body, so what are you doing in the Shadow Courts?"
Ixu lazily flies up, up, up, into the air, until she is at the top of the tower - and obviously outside it. Once there, she looks for white ravens.
"No, I am no courtier, as you so astutely guessed, much to my mother's chagrin. My brief experience in the Summer Court taught me that being at court means being anything but who you are. How does anyone manage it?"
"But perhaps I shouldn't be saying things like that to you."
"As it happens, we have been called here by the Queen but, apparently, we are not yet worthy of her attention. I confess to feeling a little bit put upon. My friends and I have been fighting these last few months to rid the world of a terrible evil and, just as we succeeded in that task, before we could take any rest, we were summoned here. And I would quite like to know why."
"Is there any wine or such to drink?"
Reason fidgets, still looking for his place in all of this.
As Reason stands quietly in his corner, doing his best to understand the ways of the flighty fey, he notices among others a tiefling, deeply engaged in flirtation with a chain-clad eladrin woman of some status. He also sees, and notes that from the far end of the room he is being watched by a dark-skinned deva, holding himself slightly aloof.
As all this registers, Reason is approached by an elderly dwarf, who potters short-sightedly towards him and extends a hand.
"A learned soul, and a member of the Parthenon! How exciting. Narin Poolcryer. Sage extraordinary to these Courts. Oh, I know, I know, one shouldn't mingle, but really, the Parthenon opens all doors."
A slightly furtive look crosses Narin's face. "I umm ... I wonder if you might be persuaded to put me up for membership? Rude to ask so early in our acquaintance perhaps, but ... well ... the opportunity ... to great to miss ..." his voice trails off hopefully.
In her own corner, Kia's minor tirade is heard in silence by Gwathion, who seems to be wondering how much to reveal to her.
"Miss Rubarka, your heroism is one thing and unquestioned, but you are an innocent here. Our Queen, Mistress of Air and Darkness, has a King. They reign each in their season. When the season turns, the King returns. The season has not turned as it should. Something binds the King we think. Note that we say "think". We do not speak of this."
He smiles a little grimly and flushes angrily. "My own status in these Courts is not high, so it will only be Gwathion being tactless again if I am heard."
Outside, Ixu flies up the tower and finds a series of small openings at the top leading to a viewing platform. Landing gracefully, she looks in and sees many ravens. Among them, like a single star in a black night, she sees a single white one. Unfortunately, there is no way that she can squeeze through the openings.
Puzzletooth shuffles his feet and whispers to Whiteclaw.
"I don't want to upset your daughter, but the Lady Saulena was being a bit fey with that dare. There is an entrance and a staircase, but only when the moon rises. And then it's guarded. Errmmm ... if you think she'll eat me, I'll be on my way."
Arianwyn laughs.
"Splendid! Let's wait a while then."
"As you wish, sir. I'll just take myself off. Madame Ixu may not be best pleased ..."
Puzzletooth scuttles away.
Kia snorts in a most unladylike fashion.
"I don't know about Gwathion being tactless, but to me you have been Gwathion the More-useful-than-most, which is a compliment, I assure you. It has been most pleasant talking to you and I hope we can talk again. But I think I need to mingle a bit - this is an odd game I am being made to play and I don't think I am that good at it. But I will do my best."
"And thank you for your candour."
Kia bows respectfully (she hopes), grabs a glass of wine from a passing wine tray (if there are such things) and looks around for someone else to accost.
The warlock and newly fledged duellist goes to seek out Josha and the Ravens, hoping to fins out more on Lord Suvin.
Kia cannot find anything to drink and is interrupted in her search by the arrival at her side of the outstandingly handsome elf she saw earlier. On closer inspection (and it is hard not to notice), his beautifully honed body is masked merely with the illusion of flame, but the cheery good humour Kia noticed earlier seems genuine enough.
"Welcome! I must introduce myself to the lady who didn't make Gwathion lose his temper with her. I am Hargos, the Flame-Cloaked Consort and it is my pleasure to greet you."
Arianwyn finds Josha on the dueling grounds, surrounded by a small group. "Arianwyn! Join us, and meet some of your fellows. Amelio, the Royal Arsonist, Poseymuddle, who seeks a position at Court and last but not least, Mirasto the Skin Tailor."
Amelio and Mirasto are shadow fey like Josha, but Poseymuddle is a goblin, clearly of considerably higher status that Puzzletooth.
"Well then, it is my pleasure to be greeted! I am Kia and those I came are my comrades. We do Good Things. I suppose that is something to be proud of. Pardon me for asking but is there any way to get something to drink around here? The last thing I had to drink was fermented yak's milk which, while it does have a certain something, still tends to lack the comforting and intimate feeling of a good wine."
Tutavak scowls, at both his handicap in even perceiving things here and his own gawkery of the past hour. Looking for a suitable way to demonstrate Kargzant virtues, he seeks any fey with steeds in the dueling areas, perhaps for jousting or tricks of mounted acrobatics. Perhaps for high stakes.
"Friend Narin," Reason begins in a conspiratorial whisper, "who is the deva watching us? Also, my fellow tiefling yonder?"
"I'm afraid that I have no authority within the Parthenon, but I am always pleased to introduce my friends."
Kia
Hargos laughs. "A drink! Easily done." He looks at her.
"Let me guess your favourite. Beautiful, clever, wholesome. Apples. Apple wine." Without pausing to confirm his guess, he claps and a brownie hurries towards him. "Apple wine for Kia."
As the brownie nods and disappears, Hargos's smile grows. "How do you like the Courts, doer of Good Things?"
Tutavak
Arianwyn's presence is enough to let the assembled duelists take note of you. Courtesy dictates that the friend of one of their own is welcome, regardless of status. Arsenio the Royal Arsonist strolls towards the Kargzant warrior.
"A duel? I will happily challenge the Might of Kargzant." The slight wrinkling of his nose suggests that he expects an easy battle.
"Must you ride, Might of Kargzant, or will your legs bear you unaided?"
Reason
Narin tugs at his beard as he drops his voice to Reason's own whispered level.
"The deva is Rhanshinau - he is a friend of Revich, leader of the Lords of Light. They're an important faction, but of course, promoting the clear light of truth in the Courts is easier said than done. Nice chap, but a bit ... stuffy. The tiefling is Lord Maruuk - Hell's ambassador. Quite an entertaining fellow, but not really my sort."
Looking thoughtfully at Reason, the old dwarf appears to come to a decision.
"As a gentleman of the cloth, you will surely be interested in the ways of the ritualist. Perhaps some mutually beneficial exchange? In the interests of promoting goodwill and furthering our acquaintance?"
"A duel? I will happily challenge the Might of Kargzant." The slight wrinkling of his nose suggests that he expects an easy battle.
"Must you ride, Might of Kargzant, or will your legs bear you unaided?"
Tutavak smiles genially. Boasting is something he understands. "A Kargzant warrior fights as he will. I will not disadvantage you. Spear or bow?"
Tutavak
Arsenio's eyebrows raise. "Neither, Might of Kargzant. I fight with fire."
He walks to the sandy centre of the Dueling Ground and takes his place. The others start to gather in expectation.
"Your friend is amusingly sure of himself," murmurs Josha to Arianwyn.
Tutavak limbers his bow. "When you're ready."
Immediate Interrupt Personal
Trigger: An enemy would deal fire or radiant damage to you
Effect: Reduce the triggering damage to 0. You regain a number of hit points equal to the fire or radiant damage you would have taken before reducing the damage.
General: Try to stay at range. I think it probably advantages me more than him.
Turn 1: Quarry, obviously. Biting Volley, two attacks vs Ref, crit on 18. Quarry damage rolled last.
Crit on first hit for total of , including quarry, and trigger Soulfire. +2 Speed, +2 Ref, and +3 fire damage TEOMNT.
Turn 2: Thundertusk Boar Strike, two attacks vs AC. Quarry damage.
Forgot the +3. First attack does 17, second does 13 (if hit, of course). Quarry of 4 if either hit. Push 1 square per hit, or 4 total if both hit.
Turn 3: Twin Strike, two attacks vs AC. Quarry damage.
Miss and crit. Total crit damage:
"Yes, it is true of his people. Tell me, Lord Suvin's name is spoken in tones of dread - wherefore should this be so? He seems a gentleman of some mettle." Arianwyn comments to Josha.
Tutavak
Arsenio darts about the field as fast as Tutavak himself, sending bolts of golden flame towards the warrior.
Somewhat to his consternation, Tutavak proves a worthy foe. Bloodied, but quite unbowed, Arsenio raises his rod in salute to the Kargzant.
"Now I see why we have warred so long. Josha! I propose the Might of Kargzant as our brother."
Arianwyn
Josha watches enthusiastically as Tutavak and Arsenio dart lightly around the dueling grounds to deadly effect.
"There is some reason to his boasts then. Another Raven in the making, I do believe. To answer your question, brother, the Quickling Lord of Blades is a master. Undefeated in our lifetime and it is said that may be a good thing. Nobody knows for sure where his true allegiance lies - be it King, Queen or something else. Mayhap his blades command his loyalty."
He shrugs lightly. "I avoid him, but Brightspur longs to rise high enough to challenge him. He'll tell you more."
Tutavak glances at Kia and Arianwyn before answering -- hesitantly at first, then strengthening.
"I have learned enough from the Chosen to know there are honorable eladrin. But I can not accept brotherhood with fey I do not know. I, Tutavak, third son of Ogrol the Great Pan, acknowledge your skill in battle and your offer in the spirit intended."
The warrior shaman gives Arsenio a salute and shallow bow.
Arianwyn places a hand on his human ally's shoulder, "Ah, but you will not have to. I am a Raven, and thus you already know one of the brotherhood. There is no obstacle to you joining us." the warlock says with a broad grin, confident of his force of personality.
Tutavak starts, but does not evade Arianwyn's hand. "I fear you misunderstand, Arianwyn of the People. To be a Raven, I would have to trust all of the brothers, or the term 'brother' would have no meaning. That is something I can not do."
Arsenio, Josha and the rest of the Ravens exchange glances and shrug slightly. As the challenger, Arsenio speaks.
"Trust was not mentioned, Might of Kargzant, merely comradeship, but walk your own road. We bear no grudge, we merely think you a barbarian. The door may open again. Or it may not." Flushing slightly, Arsenio enters the Winter Palace.
Josha's gaze follows him for a second before he turns back to Arianwyn and murmurs in elven.
To Tutavak himself, he adds, "May you find challenges and companionship more to your liking. We will respect your pride in this instance, but there are others here who will take offence should you refuse their offers. We go to meet Brightspur by the Bridge of Night. Join us if you wish."
Arianwyn turns to Tutavak and throws his hands in the air in frustration.
"Eurgh!" he growls, "Do you think I trust them as far as I can throw them? I hardly trust my actual brother that much!" he continues, "I- You - WE cannot make any progress here if you do not take the hands of friendship (strained as it may be) that are offered to you. You have lost a valuable opportunity here. They respect strength and cunning as do your people. But this is not Kargzant. If you wish to be one of the Chosen, and to carry on the quest of your sister Vel, you need to learn flexibility, and quickly!"
He follows Josha and turns back to Tutavak, "Are you coming?"
Kia
Hargos laughs. "A drink! Easily done." He looks at her."Let me guess your favourite. Beautiful, clever, wholesome. Apples. Apple wine." Without pausing to confirm his guess, he claps and a brownie hurries towards him. "Apple wine for Kia."
As the brownie nods and disappears, Hargos's smile grows. "How do you like the Courts, doer of Good Things?"
Kia takes a sip of the wine and sighs with pleasure at the first decent tasting drink is a very long while.
"It seems that I am not the only doer of Good Things here. This is excellent - my thanks to you."
"As to how I like the courts....? My experience with the Summer Court has taught me to be wary of such things. At the moment, I find this to be a frustrating game, the rules of which elude me. Although I admit that it may be possible that I will find some souls more to my liking in the shadow courts. All I desire in a person is openness and honesty."
"And what of you? You seem to have a good time here. How do you enjoy the game?"
Tutavak colors, though with what emotion dominant is hard to say, and follows.
Kia
Hargos laughs again, a happy sound amidst the self-conscious refinement in the Hall of Changelings.
"A game it is, Kia. I do enjoy it. I don't know if you would approve, but I see myself as doing good - bringing appreciation to the unappreciated, affection to the unloved, a lift of the spirits to the downhearted. Not as magnificent as your way, but then, I don't have your skills."
He smiles at her, very warmly. "Don't fear me. I am a Consort and a prize in my own right. Those who seek my company, woo me, not the other way around. I will make no advances to you, but I will offer you my open and honest friendship. I like you very much, Kia."
Reason
As Narin waits anxiously for your reply, you see Kia in earnest conversation with the most beautiful male elf you have ever seen. The dwarf nods approvingly.
"If she is wooing him, he's quite a good choice. Ermm ... gentlemanly. Very civil always. Comes of being low down the Consorts and Courtesans pecking order no doubt, but civility is always pleasant and some of them are tiresome. Very tiresome indeed. Always wanting fruits out of season and firebird feathers."
Whiteclaw/Ixu
Ixu waits patiently for her clever parent to come up with a plan. She dreams of the rope of pearls waiting for her.
Arianwyn/Tutavak
Josha pauses to collect a bottle of wine from the kitchens before heading towards the Bridge of Night. This proves to be a misnomer. There is no Bridge, merely a gaping void, buttressed on either side by high stone walls. Leaning mournfully against one of them, wrapped in studied and glamorous gloom, is Brightspur. At Josha's approach, he brushes a lock of hair out of his eyes and looks up.
"Greetings. Where is Arsenio and who are these?"
"Arianwyn - newly made Raven brother, and the Might of Kargzant. He wounded Arsenio and turned us down. A proud fellow, but amusing. Drink this. You will feel no better, but you'll talk more."
Brightspur nods and turns to Tutavak, his hands going to the bottle. "So, Might of Kargzant, what might we do to entice you? What lure can we place in your way? What challenges do you seek?"
Arianwyn silently implores the young rider to accept.
This time without looking at Arianwyn, Tutavak answers. "A lure and a challenge? I would win one of your steeds. What do you ask me to stake?"
Ixu decides to try a simple gambit - instinct. While she can't fit all of herself through the window, she presses her head as far in as she can and roars, hoping to spook the ravens and get them to fly outside!
Tutavak/Arianwyn
Brightspur's dark eyes gleam as he uncoils himself slightly and takes a long drink from the bottle.
"One of our steeds? Why did I not think of that myself? Very well, might of Kargzant. Like for like. One of our steeds for your mount. And the challenge ... I wonder ... I really do wonder..." His eyes drift towards the absent bridge.
Josha raises an eyebrow. "A bridge duel? Not possible. He can't even see the thing, still less battle you on it Brightspur."
"Ah - not so hasty, Josha." Brightspur lounges over and drapes his arm around his friend, face flushed with drink and excitement. "I did not say that duel should be now. Such an affair is a matter of honour, for the steed is the soul of the warrior. The Might of Kargzant must have slightly higher status first, I do believe. But we can arrange that for him. Arianwyn!"
Spinning slightly unsteadily, he turns to the warlock. "Newest and brightest brother in arms. A boon! Sacrifice yourself for your companion. Duel me before Lishekki, the Silver-Chained slut and bring yourself to lose in the cause of love. Some status will slide inevitably away from you, but your companion will be enhanced and I will owe you a debt of honour. What say you?"
"You have a truly twisted soul," remarks Josha admiringly.
"Not at all. I want the Might of Kargzant to join us and I want the slut Lishekki for myself. I'm just trying to accomplish both things. I am also very drunk," adds Brightspur unnecessarily.
Ixu
Poking what she can of her muzzle through the window, Ixu receives a series of pecks to the face as curious ravens fly into her. One of them perches rudely on her nose.
"What do you think you're doing?" it asks in perfectly understandable common.
Arianwyn narrows his eyes, "I am not in the habit of losing..." he says in a cold tone, "But I shall do this thing."
He pauses.
"Courtesans, you say?" he asks innocently.
Arianwyn/Tutavak
"True brother! When you see her, you will understand. A delicious creature - tempting me with her jingling finery and yet she spurns me. It will not do, sir, it will not do. She shall listen to my advances and accept my attentions."
Josha takes the bottle away from Brightspur and drinks himself.
"Lishekki is the newest of the courtesans and the lowest ranked. Her refusal cannot but be painful. To say nothing of unjustified," he adds loyally.
Arianwyn nods, "For shame," he adds, "But should you set your sights on one so low, and as yet untested, brother?" he asks Brightspur.
Arianwyn/Tutavak
Brightspur shrugs. "Who can deny the ways of the heart? Lishekki takes my fancy, odd though it may be. Although," he gazes into the distance, "there are others, to be sure. To whom I may not quite aspire. The Sapphire Courtesan. She stirs my dreams..."
"... and is quite beyond your touch, unless you have a suitable gift, which you do not. Lishekki is achieveable. Maraya the Sapphire is for the future." adds Josha.
Ixu is delighted that the birds can talk. "How wonderful." the little dragon says. "Do you suppose the white raven could come speak to me, please?" she says to the morsel - er nice bird - that's perching on her.
"I don't suppose that I could make a couple of impositions on you, Narin?"
"After my companions and I finish our business here, would you do me the honour of accompanying me for a meal at the Parthenon?"
"And perhaps you could introduce me to Ranshinau?"
"What sort of gift would entice the Sapphire?" Arianwyn asks.
Ixu
The raven perched on Ixu's head regards her beadily. "I doubt it. What do you want her for anyway?"
Reason
Narin gulps as Reason extends his invitation and nods enthusiastically. "Oh my goodness! The ambition of a lifetime! Unparalelled generosity!" before going briefly silent as he absorbs his good fortune.
Coming to himself again, he smiles broadly. "I would be delighted to introduce you."
Pottering over to the deva, he bows slightly and mutters something even Reason can't quite hear, but seems to mostly consist of "Parthenon . . . member . . . dinner" before turning to the tiefling.
"May I present you to Rhanshinau, Herald of Truth. This is Reason, Parthenon member and Bishop of Ioun."
Although clearly longing to stay, he backs tactfully away, pausing only to add, "Do look me up when you have a moment. I have some very interesting rituals which I would be delighted to share with you."
Arianwyn/Tutavak
Brightspur's smile widens and he glances at Tutavak. "Any suitable magic item would do, but what I have in mind is something more noticeable and memorable. Quite out of the common way."