"I need her for treasure." Ixu explains. "Saulena has dared me to bring her the white raven from this tower. "I would really like the treasure, and I wouldn't harm her at all."
The warlock makes one of his by now accustomed mental notes. "Very well. I will duel you." he says to Brightspur.
Ixu
The raven tips its head to one side and looks as if it would like to laugh.
"Of course. That makes sense. What I don't see, is how the White Raven benefits. What will you give her if she performs your party trick?"
He strokes his beak down one of Ixu's eye ridges and croaks quietly
"I would make it a good offer, if I were you."
Tutavak/Arianwyn
"Excellent! A fey after my own heart. Very well, let us do this and I shall do my best not to incapacitate you. I may be drunk, Arianwyn, but I am still a superb blade."
Brightspur puts a comradely arm around the warlock's shoulders and the little group make their way towards the Hall of Changelings.
All but Whiteclaw
Events in the Hall of Changelings are interrupted by the arrival of a small group of duelists - including two very familiar figures. Arianwyn walks arm in arm with a Bryonically beautiful and clearly slightly drunk Brightspur, flanked by Josha and the incongruous figure of Tutavak. Brightspur struts across the Hall to confront the chain-veiled shape of Lishekki, casually snapping his fingers at the tiefling ambassador.
"Away, good sir, away. I have need of speech with this lady."
Bowing flamboyantly, he drops to his knees in front of her.
Lord Maruuk's expression does not bode well for Brightspur, but for now he says nothing, merely bows courteously in return and steps aside. Undeterred, Brightspur draws his rapier and drops it at Lishekki's feet.
"It seems that you have attracted the attention of my brother here," he gestures to Arianwyn. "Honour demands that we duel. A challenge is here issued that you may witness the depths of our adoration and desire to win your favours."
Spinning to his feet, rapier in hand once more, he spreads his arms wide. "Step back, if you will, lest any come to harm. My beloved brother and I have no wish to injure any but ourselves. Is that not so, Arianwyn?"
A limpid gaze at the warlock, and he waits.
Lishekki's expression is unreadable, but she nods slowly, chains chinking quietly as Lord Maruuk takes her arm and guides her to one side.
Annoyed at the pace with which events are moving, Arianwyn tries to think of some way (aside from his prior equivocal agreement... after all, he didn't promise to 'lose') to turn this more to his advantage.
He resigns himself to the hope that Tutavak will be elevated at his expense.
"Very well." he replies to Brightspur.
he bows to Lishekki.
Hall of Changelings.
"A moment."
Lishekki raises a hand, the chink of her chains silencing the room.
"You are new to the Court, sir. May I know who you are, that you must needs duel in my name?"
"I am Arianwyn, Chosen of Pashira, and newly-fledged brother of the Ravens." he says looking into her eyes and smiling winningl.
Hall of Changelings
"I hope your new flock do not lead you into too many snares."
She acknowledges Arianwyn with a slight smile, and steps back on the tiefling Lord Maruuk's arm to watch.
Brightspur's enthusiasm is understandable. Lishekki's skin is pale to the point of pallor, contrasting with her dark, purple tinged hair. It is easy to see how she came by her name, since she wears nothing but silvery chains, wound artfully around her body, chinking gently with her every breath and tantalisingly revealing nothing at all.
Throwing back his head, Brightspur draws rapier and dagger and turns to face the warlock.
"Brother though you be, you may not look upon the lady I would court with impunity. Sir!"
"Ah yes, of course." Arianwyn says grudgingly under his breath. He also realises that he may not have to try that hard to lose...
He rolls his eyes, and draws his sword and rod.
Hall of Changelings.
Brightspur lunges forward, blade flickering, cutting a dazzling patten in the air.
"I said you may not look. Now, you may not see at all, my brother."
"Has anyone ever told you what an ass you are?" Arianwyn snarls quietly.
Hall of Changelings
Brightspur's breath is warm against Arianwyn's ear and the metal of his dagger is cold against his throat.
"Not in so many words, no." It is quite unclear exactly what Brightspur is thinking as the dagger draws lightly across the warlock's throat without making contact and there is a slight inrush of air as he teleports away.
"What would you suggest I offer her?" Ixu asks slyly, lowering her voice so that only the raven she is speaking to can hear.
"Strange." Arianwyn comments offhand, as he succeeds in distracting the other duellist.
Arianwyn's eyes glow and from them, come forth twin beams of azure light that shoot into Brightspur's eyes.
Ixu
"You could offer her a little bit of your future," suggests the raven. "She'd like that. Very juicy."
Hall of Changelings
Brightspur swims back into view just in time for Arianwyn himself to move like lightning into the shadows.
"They may have said so, of course, but do you know, I believe they aren't here any more. How odd."
Readily identifying where Arianwyn is, Brightspur darts and stabs again, his blade catching in the warlock's cloak and sneaking into flesh.
Brightspur's eyes are very bright indeed as he moves alongside, poised to see what Arianwyn's next move will be.
Arianwyn narrows his eyes in what his allies recognise as a typical expression.
Arianwyn's eyes then open wide as they flare with light once more. As it is clear that he has won the day he sheathes his sword and holds out his hand to Brightspur.
"Take my hand, brother." He mutters for only the other Raven to hear. "All shall be well. You may be drunk, but you aren't stupid. I hope."
Hall of Changelings
Arianwyn winks and vanishes, leaving Brightspur looking into empty air.
The Raven leader raises his rapier in salute and bows deeply to where his opponent stood, then again to Lishekki.
His head goes back and he swiftly breaks his blade across his knee.
"A fey after my own heart I said, a brother in arms. Newest, brightest and best of the Ravens, guide us in guile."
He waits for the warlock to reappear, and drops to his knees, holding out the broken rapier, the very picture of abasement.
Insight 15
Around the hall, Josha, Arsenio and the other Ravens are looking aghast.
The warlock is stunned. A rare occurence.
Alright... now which of us is the more stupid? He thinks.
Time slows to a crawl.
He considers the scene around him, a perfect image from one of his University plays. The agog courtiers, the honourable defeated foe, the hero from the shadows...
"Arise, brother," he announces, "I shall guide this 'flock'" he says with a grin and a glance to Lishekki.
He move to Lishekki and says to her quietly, "I fear they have snared me, madam. Will you consent to be wooed by Brightspur?"
Hall of Changelings
"I am not accustomed to being wooed with failure."
She seems a little uncertain, her eyes drifting towards Brightspur's prone and romantic figure, still sprawled on the floor at her feet.
"My Lady of the Chains, I beg that you will not tolerate this ridiculous display." The tiefling ambassador seems extremely put out by events.
"Lord Maruuk, I may please myself in this affair, I do believe."
"Failure? Nay, lady. Has he not provided great entertainment? I see a triumph of passion over sense. Your wooing would never be dull. No fault, lady, no fault." Arianwyn says mildly.
"But, if you are not in the vein today, say at least, you shall not cast him out of mind forever."
Hall of Changelings
Lishekki shakes her head slightly, looking regretful as she does so. "I heed your words and hear them in my heart, but while there are greater claims upon me, this may not be. Indeed I had rather bid him visit me to offer penance for his presumption."
She smiles slightly, as though at some pleasing thought. "Lord Brightspur! I do indeed impose such penance upon you. You shall visit me with gifts when your wounds recover. Come, Lord Maruuk, we are awaited."
Touching the tiefling's arm, she leaves the Hall.
Immediate babble bursts out as the assembled company process the recent events. The Ravens cluster around Arianwyn and Brightspur, offering allegiance to the one, and practical help to the other. It is clear that Arsenio at least is not best pleased, while Josha is torn. The newly fledged leader will not have an easy time with his new flock.
As he ponders his sudden rise, a familiar voice is heard at his elbow.
"Excuse me, sir. I don't like to interfere, but it seems there was a bit of an error made in the allocation of your accommodation. Your party were incorrectly housed. It appears you should all be in the Winter Palace."
Puzzletooth leads the way to a suite of rooms much more commodious and luxurious than the basic accommodation of the humbler guests. "You have a small household now, sir. You and your friends." Puzzletooth seems extremely pleased on behalf of the group, and indicates neatly uniformed staff waiting in each chamber, ready to tend the needs of the new occupants.
"I believe we needed to gain access to the Winter Palace?" Arianwy says innocently.
"I don't know about any of you, but I could really use a bath." he adds, and goes to do just that.
"I find that to be a fascinating idea, thank you." Ixu says, then she flutters off to fill in Whiteclaw and then seek out Reason or Arianwyn.
Ixu/Hall of Changelings
"You're welcome. Bring some meat next time you visit," suggests the raven hopefully.
Ixu finds Reason in the Hall of Changelings, resuming the rudely interrupted threads of his discussion with the deva Herald of Truth. Somewhere on the other side of the room she can see Kia.
Lady Saulena slides towards the gnoll and the dragon. "How goes the hunt?" she asks eagerly, before telling them what has gone on, quite unable and indeed, unwilling, to keep such fascinating gossip to herself.
"Your friend may be head of the Raven faction, but I don't know how long he'll stay there. Once Brightspur sobers up, there'll be another challenge before the dueling season ends. Do you know, this is the first time in months I've been so well entertained? I must congratulate you all, I really must."
Reason approaches the deva.
"Excuse me, you are Lord Revich? My friend Narin mentioned that you were leader of the Lords of Light, and his brief description made it sound as if your goals coincided very nicely with those of my own worship of Ioun. Can you please tell me more about your organization?"
He hardly seems able to contain himself, now that he has a chance to speak with a possible source of knowledge without interruption by combat.
"We're making progress." Ixu says, though she doesn't fill Lady Saulena in on any details. "Excuse me." she then politely says - and seeing Reason is busy, she flutters to Kia. She leans in to whisper. "If you can cast a ritual, I need to borrow you for a few minutes. Please."
Reason
Rhanshinau listens politely, but holds up his hands. "My dear sir, our motives and interests may well coincide, but I fear I am not Lord Revich. I am his friend and a proud member of the Lords of Light, but I am merely a humble herald."
He watches the aftermath of the recent activities with some distaste.
"We are hard pressed to maintain the way of light in the Courts. These fey are flighty at all times, and unsettled as they are, several very - " he looks cautiously around and whispers - "undesirable elements are taking a greater hold on our Queen than we would like. If I may be so bold, I should like to enquire further as to your credentials. This is the Shadow Court and not all is as it seems."
The deva remains exquisitely courteous, but reluctant to take Reason fully into his confidence just yet.
Tutavak watches Arianwyn's duel and the byplay, then follows the troupe into the Winter Palace. He sees little and understands less, and for now stays quiet.
Rev:
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."
Kia smiles, charmed by such an honest and likeable person.
"I would be very glad to have your friendship. As you have gathered, I am better at more forthright games than what I see here. But knowing that I have you good opinion is a boon."
Kia notices Reason talking to a Deva. "I wonder what is going on there? Who is he talking to?"
"My most profuse apologies, Rhanshinu. I do hope that my error does not offend. Surely, we can discuss areas of mutual interest?"
Reason
"There is no offence given or taken."
Rhanshinau listens and watches.
"You know the new leader of the Raven faction, do you not? Would he, do you think, help us to elimiate a menace from this Court?"
Rhanshinau seems to be picking his words carefully.
"This is not the time or place to discuss in full the difficulties we face, but I do not think our aims conflict. Tell me, what do you know of roaches?"
Kia
Hargos clasps Kia's hand formally. "You're welcome in my rooms, Kia. We can talk if you are concerned, or need refuge. Everyone should have a friend they can trust outside of their immediate circle and I hope that we can become that to each other."
His smile widens. "And frankly, I spend my whole day being romanced. It will be refreshing to talk of other things. I hear a lot of talk in these Courts - we all do. We of the Consorts and Courtesans, that is."
Looking across to Reason and Rhanshinau, he continues -
"The deva? One of the Lords of Light faction. Not as popular as the Ravens, and getting worried I think. You'd like them Kia. They do Good Things."
Reason looks around, bemused.
"Leader of the Raven Faction? Is that what they were fighting about?"
"Ummm... I can try to talk to him, but I may have more luck with a stranger..."
"Roaches? Is there a particular variety that you mean?"
Reason
"There is somewhat of an infestation in the lower depths. Our Queen has many factions to juggle and the King has not returned in his season. Possibly the two are connected."
Rhanshinau keeps his voice low.
Arianwyn takes the bath of contentment in the minor nobles guest quarters.
Kia turns. "Oh, hello Ixu! What were you asking? If I can do rituals? I'm afraid not. I think you need Arianwyn or Reason for that. Reason's just over there."
To Hargos: "I thank you for all you help and friendship."
Making a decision, Kia moves over to Reason (with Ixu?) to see what is going on there and also to talk to someone she knows for a change.
Hargos clasps Kia's hand warmly. "It is my pleasure, Kia. I will have some apple wine sent to your room. Enjoy the game if you can, and tell me if you need help."
The pair make their way towards Reason and Rhanshinau, just in time to overhear the end of the conversation about roaches.
Rhanshinau bows slightly at Kia's approach.
"Milady. The reverend and I were discussing a small issue concerning the security of the Courts."
He looks at her appraisingly. "If you and this gentleman would care to join me at the Tower of Light, I will, perhaps, be able to speak more freely."
He casts a glance at Ixu and adds, "Although I would not wish to impose upon your time."
Arianwyn soaks.
Arianwyn soaks.
. . . his needs attended to by awestruck goblins.
Peculiar but... what the heck?
Ixu flutters over to Reason, waiting for his conversation to be over. When it is, she says "May I borrow you for a few minutes. I need to carry out a ritual, so that I may get some treasure."
Rhanshinau bows slightly at Kia's approach."Milady. The reverend and I were discussing a small issue concerning the security of the Courts."
He looks at her appraisingly. "If you and this gentleman would care to join me at the Tower of Light, I will, perhaps, be able to speak more freely."
"I course we shall. If we can help in any way... But would there be time for me to bathe before meeting you there as I do feel quite untidy?"