Narciso quickly darts in front of Cassius, trying to make up for his companion's brusque attempt at comfort. "I assure you, milady, we mean you and your son no harm, and Cassius speaks the truth--we are here only because we are on official business from Master Alfonso. Your son's quite the brave lad--why, he didn't even blink when we came through the door! I can see that he gets his strength from you, at least in part." Narciso flashes a charming smile, realizes now is perhaps not the best time to be flirting, and quickly pastes on a more suitably concerned look. "Devin said something about big bird-like creatures abducting his father, and similar creatures...attacked the king, earlier today. Do you have any idea what they could be, or why they'd be after Mr. Oleon? We found this message in the room." He shows her the slate. "Do you have any guesses as to what it might have meant?"
She looks back and forth from Cassius to Narciso and then you can see her visibly relax."Oh Alfonso sent you, thank the gods! He would think of Kurt. He's such a kind man." A tear falls down her cheek and she attempts to hide it with a brush of her hand. " I'm sorry for my reaction. I was just so worried. I was out on a delivery for the shop when I was attacked by these...these... creatures!" She spits the last word with contempt. " Luckily the guards dispatched them and as soon as it was deemed safe, I ran here." She begins to tear up again and hugs the boy.
She notes the slate and shudders at the blood, "Di... Kel Hayl." She thinks for a moment and then says slowly, "Sorry, I don't know what this means. We have some contacts in Kel Hayl, but I don't recognize what this first word is." Her voice catches in her throat, and she looks at the floor. Her eyes gaze around the group and then down at her son. "But please, thank you for making sure my son was safe, and if you promise to help my husband I'll give you anything I can to help you." She smiles slightly and then nods her head.
We're trying to find him...so...any ideas...you might have...
Kiernan smiles sheepishly...his best boyish grin.
Narciso nods and quickly cuts in to cover the young boy's fumbling. "Indeed. Any information at all--what these creatures were, why they might be targeting the king and your family, where to look for clues--would be most helpful. We require nothing in return, of course, but the honor of our work and your good graces." He sweeps her an elegant bow. "Though of course if you have any magical spells or tools that could aid us in our search, we'd be most appreciative."
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"Perhaps you might describe your husband, madam," Cassius suggests, though by his brusque tone he is somewhat piqued that his earlier words did not serve to comfort her, and that Narciso's glib tongue had to save the day.
"We have only his name, and I have never met the man: it would be useful if we could ask for him by his appearance, or identify him among the scoundrels who have taken him.
"Height, coloring, any distinguishing features or, ah, personal effects, perhaps, in a worst-case scenario... and for that matter, I do not believe I caught your own name, madam."
Rodger is standing back and letting the diplomatic and mages in the group take care of this one. His skills lie elsewhere and he doesn't want to get in the way. In fact Rodger is waiting quite impatiently, fidgeting like a child and wanting to get a move on, for Kurt's sake.