Seeing the thugs, Marial tenses, one hand curling into a fist and the other tightening around the strap on her new shield. Let's see if the new armor and shield were worth it... As Garvid barks out his threats, Marial attempts to back him up by brandishing her klar and looking threatening, though she's more used to skipping straight to the fighting in situations like this.
At Zellara's and then Garvid's words, the three thugs look up at the group with fear in their eyes. The leader thinks about drawing his dagger, but stops short of retrieving it as Emilia loads a crossbow bolt and Mouse draws a weapon. Knowing they are out numbered, they turn and run.
When the group advances forward they see the poor man, who has been badly beaten, lying supine semi-conscious. His clothes appear well soiled. His face is dirty and unshaven. He reeks of stale sweat and alcohol.
The man is Grau Soldado. He is a well-liked Watch Sergeant in the city guard. He is known to be well dressed and clean shaven. The man on the ground is a shell of the man you remember.
Garvid rushes to the man, stopping for a moment. "Shit. Sister, can you patch him up? Please?", he asks, a nervous tinge in his voice. "Watch Sergeant Soldado? How are you holding up? Anything broken?" Standing up, he turns to Em. "Something's fishy, sister. Soldado's all about being prim and proper. This hasn't happened in the past couple of days." He looks around the man for clues as to what could've brought the man to this position.
Many nobles seek power...that doesn't make them evil or unfit to lead." She cuts her eyes at Calcedon.
Calcedon smiles a bit as the priestess looks directly at him. If they are to spend some major time here, he definitely wants to make a good impression, and would like to do so regardless. One could never have too many friends. "I can attest personally to the Queen's strength of personality. Whether or not she can lead, well, I suppose we'll see that soon. It's bound to be a bit uneasy about the place when power changes hands. Power is difficult to obtain, since a good many of those with it don't want to share.
I also believe that character matters, that evil should not be allowed to proceed unchecked. It fails to recognize the beauty that's found in every soul, destroying much of what makes life worth living."
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As they made their way through the streets, it was inevitable they would run into a situation like this. He speaks up at the men who are obviously interested in crime. "Fellow citizens, don't withhold pity, for when you receive it, you feel worse than that man on the ground." Adding quickly, under his breath so just his friends can hear, "Especially Garvid's pity."
Lowering and stowing her crossbow as the ruffians ran off, Emilia approached the unfamiliar man and drawing her healer's kit from the belt pouch, carefully examined his injuries and attempted to help the downtrodden man with his injuries. She heard Garvid refer to him by his rank and name and she understood then that he was part of the city guard. She had spent some time on the city wall during her cleric's training, but she did not recognise this man.
She quietly reassured the semi-conscious man as she tended to him, "Sergeant Soldado, I am going to help you."
Em stowed her healer's kit and remembered she was now in the possession of Orcsson's healing wand and retrieved it from the pouch. She gently tapped the man with it in hopes he would be be able to stand on his feet and be more lucid soon thereafter.
Emilia pulled back to see how the man had responded to her ministrations and magical healing before attempting to do more.
With your knowledge of the man, you know that he would have had no trouble dealing with the three thugs had he been in his right mind. He is well known as one of the best swordsmen in the Guard. Even without a sword, he could have handled twice as many thugs.
First of all, the man is extremely drunk. It appears he has been this way for several days. His wounds appear to be fresh and from the three thugs who just ran off. They are all subdual damage.
The sergeant opens his eyes at Garvid's voice, "Kroft you ole <hic> goat <hic>. How's about I buy <hic> you a drank <hic> for ole times sake." His words are slurred.
As Em moves up and starts applying medical care, he squints one eye to see her better. "I'll take all <hic> the help you will give." His hiccups and slurring cause him to take extra time to finish a sentence. He turns back to Garvid, "She's a looker this <hic> one. She can come along for that drank."
The man reeked from the intoxicants he had been imbibing possibly for days but the damage done by the beating was not severe or deep and she was able to repair those quickly.
Em stowed the wand inside her pouch and looked to Garvid, "His wounds were not life threatening and I have managed to heal the cuts and bruises he received during the beating. However, your friend here, has had too much to drink, and he will need to sleep it off." The priestess passed a look to Garvid...wondering why such a man would now be found drunk on the street instead of his post.
At Sergeant Soldado's comment as to her looks and inviting her to drink with him and Garvid, Em's dark brow rose and she would have laughed out aloud. It had been some time since she had received a compliment regarding her physical appearance -- the last before she joined the Pharasmins.
Looking to Soldado, Em responded, "I thank you for the offer of a drink, but my friends and I have a pressing matter to attend to. Can you stand, sir?" Emilia pointed to Garvid to be on the ready to help the man to his feet, if Soldado appeared incapable of rising without falling soon after.
The sergeant suddenly realizes his wounds were healed. "Well...I'll be <hic>."
" "I thank you for the offer of a drink, but my friends and I have a pressing matter to attend to. Can you stand, sir?"
He rolls over on his side and starts to push himself to a sitting position with his right elbow. He squints once again and then gives a charismatic smile. "OK...<hic>...forget the drink...<hic>..How about a dance mi lady...<hic>?" He reaches out to grasp your hand gently then falls back on his back and hits his head. He reaches back and rubs the area that made contact with the ground and bursts forth in laughter. "Hahahahahahah...<hic>...Hahahaha!"
Silvio peeks out from behind Garvid and Cal. "Hey! I know him. "Yeah, you're right Garvid. He's usually all clean and business-like. He helped out a couple shopkeepers I know. Good fellow they said." He looks at the man laying in the dirt. "Damn, what happened to him?"
"Maybe we should get him inside somewhere? A tavern or something just to get him upright?" The young man looks around for something close by.
"I also believe that character matters, that evil should not be allowed to proceed unchecked. It fails to recognize the beauty that's found in every soul, destroying much of what makes life worth living."
Priestess Ollera blushes a bit at Cal's comments, "You are as wise as you are charismatic Master Calcendon Andoricus Macarte Fordyce." She gives you a shy smile.
Two things are glaringly obvious: 1# Your diplomacy was super effective, especially given bonuses I added due to you performances over the last 24 hours #2 The church took time to do some footwork on you to learn what they could about you and your past. How else would they know your full name? They probably did this with the rest of the group as well.
A soft, exasperated groan escaped Em's lips as the guard fell back and hit his head as he had tried to reach for her hand to dance with her. At the sound of his laughter, she peered at Soldado -- he appeared to be alright after the incident. From his face and form, Soldado would surely have been considered a handsome man and he seemed affable enough, but in his current state (charming as his manner was still), he was not appealing enough as the smell from his dirty form and rank breath was nothing she wanted to draw too close to. She would hold her breath, if need be, to aid him to stand. As a healer, she had smelled worse.
"Please do not try that again, Sergeant. You may hurt yourself anew. Now, Garvid and Orcsson, help me with this man and let us get him off the street, please."
Emilia attempted to aid either of her male companions in bringing Soldado to his feet and somewhere safe.
Garvid sighs. "Alright, Sarge. We'll get that drink later. Right now you're just being a soggy ass.", he says, putting his arm on his shoulder. Turning to Silvio, he nods "We could take him in one and rent a room. And tell the barkeep to refuse him drinks. Another option is...", he smirks. "Right, Watch Sergeant. Should we throw you in the river to sober you up?", he says to the man.
"I'd suggest going to a guardhouse and tossing him in there for a bit, but it's not going to do any favours to his reputation. Or the morale, so that's out. Think we should go with the kid's plan.", Garvid says, rubbing his eyes. I could kill for a bed right about now...
Em and Garvid slowly help the Sergeant up. He has one arm over each of their shoulders. They have to support approximately fifty percent of his weight due to his spaghetti legs.
"Please do not try that again, Sergeant."
Grau turns his head towards Em as she holds her breath in anticipation, "I'll promise <hic> IF you promise me a <hic> dance the next time we meet!" He smiles and then his head drops for a second before he lifts it again and awaits her response.
Should we throw you in the river to sober you up?"
Grau breaks out in slurring song. "Gonna go an throw ya in the river <hic> in the river <hic> to sober ya up...up...up..." He laughs again then motions to Cal with one eye opened. "Is he a music man? Hey music man...<hic>...play along!"
It is obvious that he is new to being inebriated. He is acting like a kid who has drank too much for the first time. You sense he has some deep sorrow.
You remember a watch station near the castle. Garvid has a friendly guard acquaintance there that he trusts would be descreet and help Grau while he dries out.
The man was like a dog with a bone in regard to dancing together. Em did not make frivolous promises. She softly sighed as she repositioned his weight upon her shoulders.
"Once the city is safe, and we may celebrate again, I shall dance with you, Sergeant Soldado. Now, take care."
Her voice was soft and had a throaty quality to it. She had not danced in years - not from lack of know how but due to mourning for her brother and family. She did enjoy dancing and hadn't thought of it until Grau Soldado had asked her to dance with him.
Together with Garvid they determined the best location and Em turned to the group and informed them, "There is a watch station near the castle. Best we take him there to discreetly sober up. Let's get moving, then."
The sergeant was an inexperienced drinker -- she had seen/known true drunkards before -- Em wondered at what sorrow the man had suffered to bring him to this state. She would get no answer from him at this time, but perhaps when he had slept and was himself, again. Perhaps, if the city survived and they with it.
Marial simply watches as Em and Garvid aid the inebriated sergeant; between Garvid's acquaintance with him and Em's healing skills, she felt they had the situation well in hand. An' I might still get a tiny bit nervous around guards...[ When they start to help him up, however, she steps up to them somewhat shyly. Everythin' ok? You got 'im all right, or do you need a hand? she asks in a soft voice.
Something about his behavior seems a little off, but hardly knowing the man, she doesn't speak up about it; maybe this is what he's always like drinkin'.
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When they start to help him up, however, she steps up to them somewhat shyly. Everythin' ok? You got 'im all right, or do you need a hand? she asks in a soft voice.
At Mouse's question, Emila turned her dark eyes on the young woman and replied, "Ordinarily, I would take you up on such an offer as you appear to be much stronger than I", , Em shifted Soldado into a better position to carry his weight on her side, "But I would rather you remain unencumbered so if we are set upon, you may fight off any rioters. But I thank you for the offer. The watch station is four blocks from here", and she pointed out the direction to the others and set to it.
As they walked, the body of the sergeant propped between Garvid and her, Em allowed her thoughts to wander to the other matter of the Queen and the brooch and spoke out aloud,
"Once we have the Sergeant settled, we should approach the castle from the Great Ramp and wait in the Public Courtyard so we may speak to the guards on duty and be given leave to be heard."
"He is, Sarge, but you're not.", mentions Garvid as Grau starts signing, a small smile crawling on his face. "It's fine. It's not the first time I'm carrying around a drunk, and I doubt it'd be the last." While walking with Grau, Garvid turns to him. "So, Watch Sergeant, why're you off your tits that early? Something wrong?", he asks in a relaxed manner. I'd rather ask him now than when he's sober. He might want to keep something then.
Hearing Em's suggestions, Garvid nods. "Don't really know the castle guards."
Listening as Garvid asked Sergeant Soldado for the reason for his drunkenness made Emilia realise the warrior was not made for any subtlety or discretion. Garvid seemed indelicate but then again Emilia did not have their established easy or open association.
She wondered to herself if Grau Soldado would answer or even answer in any clear fashion. She kept quiet and continued walking.
Not long after, Garvid mentioned that he did not know the castle guards, and Emilia's eyes glanced across to the bard.
"Perhaps Cal has some influence or connection with the Castle Guard or his fine words can influence them to our cause."
When Em mentions the Watch Station nearby, Silvio nods. He watches them move slowly with the man through the street. Silvio decides to move ahead of them to watch out for any potential problems. "I'll go and see if the streets are clear. In his state, we might not want to run into any guard patrols." He takes off ahead of the group, moving to the end of the block and then waiting for them to catch up.
At Em's suggestion, and seeing that Silvio is scouting ahead of the group, Marial takes up a position behind the group, scanning the streets for trouble that might come from behind in their vulnerable state. Things had calmed down significantly from the day before, but it didn't hurt to be careful.
Manius was feeling distracted. All this talk of riots and trouble in the guard was making him worry about his sister and mother, the few family members he cared for. He wondered if asking about Cassandra at the watch station would do anything to allay his fears.
"Sargeant Boozer here sure has a one-track mind, heh," Manius observes as he walks in front of Em and Garvid, keeping an eye out for danger. "Don't think you're being optimistic about how easily it'll be to get into the castle? The rioting may be limiting visiting hours, haha."
As to the Sergeant's one track mind, Em waved it off. "He won't remember it once he is sober."
Optimistic was not a word she or anyone else would have used to describe her state of mind, heart or drive...and she almost laughed aloud at Orcsson's review. She gave a quick smirk and then was serious, again.
"It isn't optimism", she stated simply to the Half-Orc before her, a little out of breath due to the dead weight of the drunk guard she was supporting on one side (thank the gods for Garvid who seemed to be supporting most of him). "I would think the Queen is in urgent need of allies at this time and she is acquainted with Cal, if his stories are accurate. I think he may be able to get us in where others have failed. But the success of it is reliant on Calcedon's eloquent oration and Garvid behaving himself." She looked across to the tall warrior, knowing that Garvid seldom curbed his words or manner and there could be a time where it would get him, and them, into serious trouble.
"So, Watch Sergeant, why're you off your t!#$ that early? Something wrong?"
Grau's head had been sagging, but he lifts it and turns his face towards Garvid's, "Wrong? Wrong?" He starts laughing again. "Everything's wrong... <hic>...King's dead...<hic>...Queen's in charge...<hic>...damn Hellknights." He pauses and appears to be about to vomit. He catches himself, but his head sags and he continues, now mumbling. His words trail in and out as he speaks. It makes it hard to understand him. "Stupid b+~$~. If it hadn't been fuh stin duel, then buh fihn swordsman now..." He trails off and then passes out completely.
A couple of people start to open their doors and check the streets. Most of them slam the door and bolt the locks as your group moves through carrying the sergeant. The quietness of the city gives you each an eerie feeling.
You are able to make it to the guard station without difficulty. Upon arrival, the door which is usually open is shut. Silvio knocks and within a few seconds the door opens. A young, inexperienced looking guard with bright orange hair and freckles peers out with terrified eyes "Ccccan...um...can I hhhhhelp you?" He is very timid looking though he wears leather armor and has a longsword sheathed on his hip. The crest of the city guard is on his tabard.
Hell, he's as young as I am, and more scared to boot.
Silvio cocks his head to one side and tries not to laugh at the young guard. Imagine if he was out in the streets like me instead of holed up in his Guard Station with his swords and armor. Probably would be pissing himself. Hell, maybe he is.
"Yeah, I need to see..." Silvio trails off. Garvid hadn't actually told him the name of his contact here. "...um, your Watch Commander. Tell him Garvid sent me." He looks back towards the group half-carrying the drunk Sergeant Soldado.
"And tell him to hurry."
The boy looks around Silvio at the group approaching. "I um...I'm alone. I'm hoping to get some relief around noon. The other guards deserted last night." He opens the door wider. "Is that man injured?"
Soldado's words were markedly slurred and she was having a difficult time following his meaning. A duel? Between whom? But she couldn't ask Grau Soldado for he had swiftly fallen into unconsciousness and hung heavily between her and Garvid.
Catching up to Silvio who seemed to be now conversing with someone by the door, Em dragged Grau Soldado a little faster forward, pushing Garvid to do the same for they were drawing too much attention for her liking.
In lowered but steady voice, Emilia spoke to the young guard, since he was the only one presently manning the guard station,
"Hello, young sir. I am Priestess Emilia Zorzi and I request sanctuary for my party for a time -- and discretion -- we seek a place for the Watch Sergeant here to rest and regain his senses. May we enter, please? In the name of the Lady of Graves, I promise you we are not here to harm you."
Calcedon follows along with the group who were taking care of the drunk. It was too bad that he turned to drink in such a time, but hopefully they would be able to at least provide a sliver of hope. "Good sir." He mentioned to the guard, "Your bravery to stand when others flee is commendable. Please allow us to use your facilities that this man may at least be out of sight for a while until he comes to his senses."
Garvid nods at the others as they convince the kid. Soldado losing a duel? Was it setup?, he thinks as he nods towards the door. "Hello there, Guardsman.", he nods respectfully towards the young man. "Calcedon here's right. If you're the only one who didn't desert, they better give you a damn medal. You doing the Guard proud, son.", he smiles, shuffling Soldado to a more comfortable position.
The young guard swells with pride at the group's comments. He bows deeply as Emilia crosses the threshold. "I...I...I am honored Sister." He moves up to take the weight of the unconscious man off of her. "Let me help. We can bring him over here." He motions to a cot on the floor where the guards take turns resting during long shifts.
He responds to Calcedon's words, "Just doing my job sir!" and then to Garvid "Nah, I don't deserve a medal for doing my job."
He helps take the Sergeant's boots off and covers him with a blanket. "I can take over from here. Sergeant Grau was always nice to me when all of the other commanding officers treated me poorly. I'll make sure he is taken care of." He pauses, "Don't tell anyone about the Sergeant's condition if you don't mind. I've never seen him like this. It doesn't make sense. Either way, he's a good man and I don't want his reputation hurt. Thank you for taking care of him." He walks over and grabs a rag to dip in water to start cleaning Grau's face.
Emilia inclined her head at the young guard's manners and congeniality. "Thank you, young man. May we know your name?"
As he placed Grau on the cot, made him comfortable and covered him with blanket, Emilia examined the Sergeant one more time before they would leave and quietly spoke close to the ear of the slumbering man, "Don't get into further trouble, Sergeant Soldado. You have promised me a dance, afterall."
Standing and facing the young guard, Emilia gave a small smile and steadily responded, "Be at peace. We will not speak of it. That is why we brought him here, to you. Thank you for this service. Keep safe, both of you." In the current clime, safety was not a certainty, yet she would not see harm come to either of them.
Silvio pats Grau on the shoulder as Em lowers him down to the cot. "We should come back to check on you, Sergeant. How about tomorrow you just stay at home?"
He looks over at the young man ready to take over his care. "I guess it's tough being the only one left, huh? But they're right. You're a true Guardsman and when Grau sobers up, I bet he'll see that too."
Marial watches from the door as Emilia, Silvio, and the young guard get the sergeant settled into bed. She can't help but smile; though she has a nervousness around the guard that her time of clean living still hasn't shaken, his loyalty to his superior officer is endearing, and she knew sticking to his post despite all the madness of the last day took some guts.
They ain't so bad...just folks like anyone else, an' some good ones too, look of it. Wonder if Garvid'd know who I could talk to 'bout enlistin' once all this with Zellara's over? Might be somethin' ta consider...
After several moments' watch, she softly clears her throat. If the sergeant's doin' ok, we still got things we got t'do, don't forget. She gives the guard a friendly smile and turns out of the tower, waiting for Em and Silvio to rejoin her.
"You're doing good work, friend. Don't happen to, uh, know anything about the situation at other stations last night?" Like the one Cassandra was at...
Hopefully all this flattery doesn't make the kid do something stupid. Though he's done fine so far. Garvid leans on the wall and rubs his eyes. "Right, Mouse is right. Good luck, kid." Let's get that shit with the Queen done and see what needs to be done next. Bed, hopefully.
Calcedon went ahead of the group as the approached the castle. No doubt the rest of them were going to be a bit nervous about this, because he was, and he knew what was going to happen. Most likely, the queen would see them and treat his friends either courteously or with very little attention. They'd likely get a reward, which would be nice. Cal had purposely kept back his money for more expensive items. Although in hindsight, he could have picked up a more decorative sword. She had seen the one he had, anyhow, but it would have shown his house to be more wealthy if he wore a different sword on each occasion, but it's likely that he wouldn't be fooling anyone. Most people up here knew the state of everyone's finances.
He approached the castle gate, his mind whirling through the proper words. No need to have them question any loyalty they might have. Those who would usurp and abuse the chaos of the situation were far worse than dealing with the rightful succession, despite controversy. "I am Calcedon Andoricus Macarte Fordyce, here to offer condolences to the Queen and to offer a gift. If you would be so kind to allow us entrance and possibly to speak with Sabina Merrin at her convenience, we would be most grateful."
"Thank you, young man. May we know your name?"
The freckle faced guard looks over at Emilia. "The name is Devin ma'am. Devin Shires." He give the Priestess another shy smile.
"Don't get into further trouble, Sergeant Soldado. You have promised me a dance, afterall."
The unconscious sergeant mumbles at Emilia's whispered message.
The Sergeant is stable. A lesser restoration spell would make his life easier though. If he does not receive one, he will have a rough twenty four hours. He needs to stay away from alcohol when he wakes up. It is not going to be easy for him.
"Be at peace. We will not speak of it. That is why we brought him here, to you. Thank you for this service. Keep safe, both of you."
The young guard nods. "I will not leave his side until he has recovered."
"You're doing good work, friend. Don't happen to, uh, know anything about the situation at other stations last night?"
"Same as here sir. We had quite a few guards bolt last night. I am not sure if it is because the Queen took over or if it is due to the stinkin' Hell Knights showing up..."
As you make you way toward the castle, the tension in the cool morning air seems to thicken. Patrols of Knights can be seen in the Black armor of their order at the corners of the castle. Sable knights seem out more in number as well. The lesser armored city guard stands nervously ready for trouble inside the gates.
As a terrifying testament to the power of whatever mighty overlord ruled this land thousands of years ago, Castle Korvosa’s long shadow looms over the city. A magnificent achievement of architecture, the castle walls and spires rise high into the sky above. The entire structure looms even higher for its ancient foundation—a Thassilonian ruin in the shape of an immense flat-topped pyramid. Although one corner of this impressive foundation has fallen into ruin, the additions built onto the sides by eager and talented Korvosan masons have created one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Varisia.
Castle Korvosa can be approached from all four directions—ramps or stairways allow access up the sides of the pyramid to the courtyard surrounding the central structure. Normally, petitioners to the monarchy would normally approach from the Great Ramp, wait in the Public Courtyard to speak to the Korvosan Guards on duty, and hope for a chance to be heard. In these frantic times, the Castle itself has been locked tight and bristles with pikes and crossbows.
As you Approach, a palace Guard hails you from behind the gate. "Halt and state your business!"
"I am Calcedon Andoricus Macarte Fordyce, here to offer condolences to the Queen and to offer a gift. If you would be so kind to allow us entrance and possibly to speak with Sabina Merrin at her convenience, we would be most grateful."
One of the guards, wielding a long spear, steps up. "The Queen is not taking mourners. Tell me more about the gift."
Calcedon unhooked his violin case from his belt and opened it for the guards, letting them look inside at the hundred year old instrument. "The queen had asked me to play violin for the King when he recovered from his illness. Since that is not available to her now, I am here to to offer my regrets for not being able to play for him. I was going to offer whatever music she would like to hear, and also to return to her a personal item of hers that had been found in the north of town. Since it belongs to her, recovering it may offer her some relief in her mourning. I suppose I could take it home with me until the Queen is taking visitors, but with all these looters about, it would be a shame if it were somehow lost before we could get it into the safety of the castle.
In any case, Sabina is aware of the agreement and will serve as a suitable person to leave the personal item with if the Queen will not see me and my fellow citizens." He'd hoped that was enough to convince them, but he felt a little off his game this morning. Perhaps it was that dream he had two nights ago. He hated to admit that it still bothered him, but it might be better to let it out rather than bottle it up. Perhaps Em would consult with him later on it.
The guard looks suspiciously at the musician. He leans in and checks out the violin. "OK. Move up to the steps and wait for an escort. You will have to leave your weapons there." He points at the stairs that ascend to the top of the pyramid. "If you attempt to hide any contraband and you are caught, you will rot in jail! Do you understand?" He looks at Garvid as if he might recognize him, but he waves it off.The guards move out of the way and allow the group to advance.
You all move up and wait with a rather large guard carrying a battleaxe for a moment until finally a few guards come down the stairs and meet you. "Please leave ALL of your weapons here." He points at a couple of chests sitting next to the inner guard station.
A group of obviously nervous guards armed with heavy crossbows and swords escorts you up to the castle. As they reach the top of the pyramid and the wide stairs curling up to the castle’s third floor, where the Crimson Throne awaits, you are greeted by a beautiful woman dressed in magnificent full plate armor. As you approach she says “Greetings. They tell me you’ve something that belongs to the queen. Is this correct?”
Picture of the Lady who approaches you.
This is Sabina Merrin. She is Queen Ileosa's handmaiden and personal bodyguard.
Garvid nods at the guard. "Right. You know how the town is these days.", handing the man his halberd. "Don't scratch the lacquer, please, it's brand new.", sending a small smile. Carefully unsheathing his longsword, he puts it in the chest, then lays the tower shield next to the chest. Pulling a strap from his pocket, he wraps it around the handle of the sword and puts in a pouch with a metal clang. He steps away from the chest and looks at the others, before grunting. "Right. Almost forgot.", as he unclasps his heavy gauntlet and places it in the trunk. Giving the big guard a glance, he sends him a smirk. And not even a dagger in my boot.
Garvid raises an eyebrow as he sees the lady approach.
One of the guards pats Garvid down.
Calcedon gladly leaves his weapon at the door, as it wasn't particularly expensive anyhow. As they passed through the castle with uptight guards, he noted the acoustics of each room and hallway. A click of the tongue, a low musical whistle told he everything he needed to know. Once he saw Sabine, he gave a polite bow.
Smiling slightly at the business like nature he remained courtly in his response. "It is good to see you again as well. Yes, we found an item unquestionably hers in a very questionable place at the north end of town. I can hand it to you now, or in private if you feel it would be more appropriate. Our only wish is that it be returned to it's rightful owner" He patted his pocket and waited for the inevitable order.
Marial nervously divests herself of her sling and its bullets at the guard's orders. The shield too? she asks timidly, already pulling her arm from its straps. She sets it down in one of the chests, looking nervously back at it for a moment as she begins to walk away. If anythin' happens to it...I just got it t'day...Good thing I ain't never needed much more than my fists if things gone wrong...
She follows behind Cal and the others, nervously smoothing down the front of the new silk tunic she had purchased on the way to the castle. How d'they wear stuff like this all the time? Ain't they just spendin' all their time worryin' they'll mess their clothes up?
The young guard nods. "I will not leave his side until he has recovered."
"Devin, Sergeant Soldado is stable for now, but over the course of the day he will not feel very well. Only water when he wakes - this is important. If his condition worsens, please send message to Sister Ollera Nirbu at the Grand Cathedral of Pharasma, for she possesses healing magic greater than I. Thank you for taking on this duty and may the gods protect you both."
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As they approved the castle gates and Calcedon made introduction and gave reason for their presence, he mentioned the name Sabina Merrin and Emilia did not instantly recognise the name.
The bard managed to get them through the first guard checkpoint and then they were asked to remove all their weapons and place them in the chests provided. Emilia brook no argument at this command and begrudgingly removed her light crossbow and bolts, light mace, dagger from her boot and sling and bullets and placed them inside the chest.
They moved on, then, with the escorts, and entered the chamber with the Crimson Throne. Emilia smoothed down the black priestess cloak she wore and pushed the hood back a little from her face, so the guard and any palace representative could see her face and eyes. A beautiful woman then approached, clad in full plate, and Em believed this to be Sabina Merrin, the Queen's handmaiden and personal guard; her identity readily confirmed when Calcedon spoke to her with familiarity upon the woman's greeting.
Emilia inclined her head to the woman, as a courtesy for her position at court, and to help their cause at this time. She placed a quiet smile upon her lips and kept reasonable eye contact.
Emilia remained silent for it was Calcedon who knew the people of the court and he seemed to be doing well enough so far. She waited for Sabina’s response to Caledon.
Silvio swallows hard as they approach the rings of guards around the temple. Not just the city guard he was used to, but Hellknights and Sable Company too. He had never been this close to the palace before, why would he want to? Just follow Cal. No sudden moves. Everyone is on edge and liable to cut my head off if I even speak out of turn.
He jerks his head when Cal asks for Sabina Merrin. So that's who he knows. The street was rife with rumors, and Sabina made for fun stories. Some said she was the greatest swordswoman of all time. Others said she was nothing more than a devoted handmaiden. But they all agreed that Sabina rarely left the Queen's side.
When asked to leave his weapons, Silvio hurriedly removes his rapier. He takes the dagger out and then makes a step to leave, but stops. The young man smacks himself in the head as he realizes what he was about to forget. He opens his new coat, fringed with silver thread and lace. There on his belt sit 5 flasks of acid and one of alchemist's fire. He quickly takes them out and places them on the ground. Then he pulls 5 more bottles of acid out of his bag. "Please be careful with these. They're highly volatile. And just a few drops will eat away at your skin."
He nods to the guards and gives a nervous smile to the others. Silvio buttons his coat again and pulls out a golden, but worn monocle and fits it to his eye. He grins, obviously thinking it makes him look dashing and regal.