Quince smiled, "Stopping those who need to be stopped makes waves. We have killed such men. We are not foolish enough to think that some of those waves won't roil back to splash us. You have nothing to make up for."
Cleonora was silent at Quince's words but she didn't act as coldly as normal.
When they got the scroll of Scry, Cleonora asked that she be used as the focus for it. After all she knew Saiben first hand and it didn't take long for it to show Saiben on his way back to Rostov.
"He will hear soon. Which means he'll return, so I do have a suggestion." Cleonora began. "It is me he wants, so lets use me ad bait. Is there a place where I could be, hidden away? A place which is close enough to seem possible yet far enough for him to let his guard down?"
"The only other thing I could suggest it to head to Rostov and hit Saiben first. However that fight would be on his terms." Cleonora explained.
Quince moves to the map. "Well if he is heading toward Restov. There is Fort Promise, and the temple near it. There is also the shrine to Erastil. There is a gold mine here."
Looking at the map with Quince he thinks out loud, "All of those places are populated. I can't think of a place that is really deserted. Fort Promise would be ideal for a trap to be set though. To minimize casualties I strongly suggest this be taken to Restov. I won't be able to go, but there is plenty of capable people going. Krazok will likely go in my place. Jorne of course. Quince, Cleonora... hmmm... maybe Larina and Selena. They are the most sneaky of the Wardens."
"The temple of Erastil with the healing pool is a possibility.
"Yeah, I guess. You have been connected to Elizabeth longer than I to Saren but then again just days." He says and pauses to think. Then thinking out loud, "Memories, dreams not so much, yeah I could see emotions, why do you ask?"
"So explain your plans Cleonora of what you mean to be hidden and a trap. Otherwise Sulvanii is going to keep thinking of Restov." He states seeing how Sulvanii beings to go down that hole.
"I just... when I... was being murdered I thought of Katrina, of Sulvanni... of you." Cleonora sighed softly. "I worry that... what if Saren's desires had flowed over to you? Made what you feel is stronger? What if it fades?" She asked
Cleonora seemed to half chuckle and scoff at the Temple of Erastil idea. "I feel that would be the last place he would look." She said. "Then again, it might be so poetic that Saiben might just swifter at the chance." She shook her head.
"The point is to use me as bait to get Saiben to return to a place in which we can control the battle. The battle plan for it would change depending upon the field we choose." Cleonora told them "Don't worry, Saiben will be coming back. There is no doubt in that. But the question is how long he will take and what he will bring with him a second time."
"Do you think a few of the Wardens will be up to the challenge? If we can control the area of battle we have it half won... but I don't know what Saiben will bring. Could I give Stalker my contacts and see what he can work?" She asked Quince.
Once you are quiet for a while and he thought about what to say he answers with, "It is possible. I don't know. I feel protective of you. Finding your body dead... like that... it hurt in new ways I never knew I would feel. I have never had such loss. It also doesn't make sense why would I feel such loss, I mean I care for you but... it was just so impactful."
"There is an abandoned hunter's hut. Over this way, somewhere between Tazyleford and Fort Promise. That might be a good place for anyone to lay low. I will continue to use scry once a day to see his location. He will likely get to Restov in the next day or two." He relays.
"Stalker's connections don't run in those circles apparently. Probably something we need to cultivate. But we can send Stalker or whoever he trusts to meet and make contact."
"The hunter's hut. That might work."
Quince smiles, "There is no way to keep Katrina away which likely means there is no way to keep Kevros away either. Krazok is difficult to keep hidden but once he is on display he draws a lot of fire. Also there is a new law." He nods adding assurance to the darkly humorous idea, "If someone sends me the heart of one of my citizens I plan on being their to see their face for the rely."
"Huh, what does that mean Quince?"
"Jorne... In the time you came from... do you think I existed?" She asked. "Do you think we could have met if you remained there?" She added.
"Right, but if he uses my contracts he could get his own started as well." Cleonora explained.
"The hunter's hut actually sounds like a good idea. It wouldn't be a more traveled area and if we're lucky be better for us." Cleonora said.
She smiled, only a bit and shook her head. "He means, that he won't let it stand. He'd going to fight Saiben with us." He smile fell however and she added "Katrina... how is she?" She looked to Sulvanii when she asked.
He nods with a look of understanding.
"Huh, what does that mean Quince?"
"Katrina is fine. She is resting and will likely fully recover tomorrow. The clerics and priests at the cathedral cast a few lesser restorations and a few cures and she looked much better. They did say it was strange, all of her mana or spells seemed to be expelled or used. I told them she likely only did this one miracle today, likely only casting a few spells to help with the towns folk that may have been injured by their work." He relays with a hint of a curve from his mouth.
The next week whizzes by with a surprisingly large load of work from the stolenlands on the Wardens.
Katrina is out the next day and tending her flock and reassuring that Cleonora the Headmistress of the Academy is fine. She looked tired, that was about all.
A quick jaunt to the hut shows that it had been used several times, though it looks more like a rangers station and just a basic way station now.
Sulvanii begins to prepare the creation of traps to set around the trapper's hut.
Stalker speaks with Cleo and heads out the next day to meet contacts and work on developing his spy network more into Restov.
Cleonora smiled at Sulvanii, a look of relief washed over her so strong it brought the woman to a knee. Cleonora closed her eyes as tears made their path down her cheeks. "Thank you..." She muttered.
Taking a moment to collect herself Cleonora stood and said "I'm going to get things ready to move out to the hut... and give Stalker what information I have."
After that Cleonora made preparations for the academy. Letting Gao take over for a bit while she was gone. She ordered the professors to remain, just in case. If the fool returned, she wouldn't have to worry about them.
As some of the planning winded down Quince approached Cleo, Bearik & Sulvanii. "I don't fully understand the link between Elizabeth and Cleo. Elizabeth is still ill. Though at this point it is still tiredness. Thankfully when we lost Cleo it did not take her life as well. If Katrina was not able to help Cleo as she did as fast as she did. Would that have killed Elizabeth? I ask because our current plan involves making you a target Cleo. I don't want you hurt. But I trust you to take risk for yourself. If you were killed again, and we weren't able to restore you to life?" He stopped leaving the hanging implication in the air that Cleo's life might not be the only one in danger.
In addition to sending Stalker to look into Cleo's network of contacts. Quince would also want to utilize Bearik as Chief Diplomat and reach out diplomatically inquire what they know of the Red Spider. If he is wanted? If he is connected? How so? Definitely not play our hand if taking him down would piss anyone off but find out how things work and if there would be anything politically we would need to look out for in way of reprisal.
"Quince, you have to understand something." Cleonora began. "When I spoke about the connection with Saren he said he too had one for a while, but the one he had it with has long passed. I do not believe it was my death that hurt Elizabeth so, but the pain and the sheer fear I felt that night. We are connected in such a way that she likely felt it all." She explained, pausing in a bit of shame. "But unlike myself, who had the release of death, she did not." Cleonora finally stated. "Not to mention... she likely mourned me Quince."
"We are as connected as two forms can be without being one soul." Cleonora said. "I have yet to recover from my death and that is likely having an effect upon her as well. We need time to heal Quince, together."
Quince squinted processing Cleo's explanation, "So the connection is not based on injury, but emotion? An empathic connection. She experiences your fear." He process a bit more out loud, "Does that follow other emotions?" He looks up eyes darting around "Do you feel her emotions also?" He looks somewhat curious but also somewhat exposed as he wonders if the feelings of the woman he loves are shared with another friend.
True to his word he never leaves her side.
Bearik and Sulvanii look at each other. Bearik answers, "Its not that simple. It is as Cleonor says severe emotions can easily be felt between two that are entwined. One can die from shock but it is not very likely."
Then he speaks positively, "As long as Cleonora and Elizabeth stay in Greenwatch they will be safe. We have precautions set in place. Elizabeth is doing better but the more rest she can get the faster she will recover. "
"I found out that the Red Spider was well connected, peddling the vices to the wealthy. His stent in the afterlife has lessened these connections, may of them don't know he is even back. Their shouldn't be any significant reprisals. At least from the royals or nobles."
"The time they feel each others emotions most is in their dreams."
Quince looks quizzically at Bearik, "So they are bound to Greenwatch. They can't ever leave the kingdom?"
"Dreams that's . . . fine."
"No, that is not what I said. But they will be safer in Greenwatch." he simply states with a reassuring smile.
"We are protected more closely now. At least I know for sure I am. Sulvanii has instructed one of his guards to follow me and Jorne now never leaves my side. At least till we deal with Saiben." Cleonora explained. "Fear not, I won't allow such a foolish thing to happen again..."
"Elizabeth can feel and live anything I have so long as I have dreamed it." Cleonora explained. "This also works the other way as well. I can live through anything Elizabeth has if she dreams it. Again we're as connected as two people can be."
Stalker returns after the week and tells the Wardens, including Cleo and Jorne, "Cleonora's contacts were very helpful. We were able to track down some of Siaben's old members and I guess a lot of them still think he is dead. He must have wanted to deal with Cleo, the one who killed him first before returning to his main den of theives again."
"He likely felt he had to. Those of his group who survived wouldn't have accepted him back if they knew I still lived. They followed him out of fear mostly, they don't fear one who can be taken down." Cleonora explained. "He'll know for sure now." She added.
"I'm going to head to the hut now. He'll be on his way soon enough..." She added. "We'll need a way to keep the others from being seen if he is smart enough to use scry. Or maybe I'm overthinking it..." Cleonora sighed. "Lets just focus on setting the trap yes? First thing first is to get to that hut."
With that, Cleonora grabbed what she had packed and headed out with Jorne and her invisible guard to the hut. Likely needing one of the other Wardens to lead the way.
"Stalker knows the region and is good at setting a trap he can lead you and help with preparing. I will follow with Krazok. Selena might also be a good fit for this mission. She is capable of stealth and her skill set lends itself to foiling a magic assassin." He looks to Sulvanii, "Do we have a means of blocking or even better fooling scry?"
Sulvanii states, "Traps have already been set. In four rings around the hut. Cleonora take this key. Do not use it on the lock, instead tap it on the door handle. If the key is used it will activate a hold person spell, as will entering through any window. Below each window is explosive runes. The third ring is the deadly one, don't touch anything metal, electricity will course from one object to the next. The second ring uses the bear traps as safe zones. The bear traps with blue centers are fakes. Though between the bear traps some nasty physical, non magical traps are set. Then the first ring uses snares, bells, trip wires, and the alarm spell. If you are sleeping in the hut and an alarm spell is activated you will be woken up. Those waiting nearby will be in a bunker and waiting for a message or the pillow to be thrown in the corner. Or the key to be used to unlock the door. There are many ways for these to be disarmed but I am hoping they will work. My plan is for them to scry and see her, though if Cleonora has such abilities she is welcome to use them. Detect magic will only see the spells on the entrances and the explosive runes. You may have to defend yourselves for up to a minute at most. Oh and you should meet Arthur, your invisible barbarian."
With a slash of his sword, he becomes visible and bows. He politely says, "It is an honor to protect you. And it is good to see you cousin!"
The first thing you would notice is he is someone different. His hair shines like gold, jewel-toned eyes of sapphire blue, lustrous golden skin color, and then he activates his glowing golden halo. His armor is black and red, it even has the blood red falcon on it too.
Quince jumps, "Ah how now?" Quince looks between Jorne and the new comer. "Red Falcon. I take it you know each other?"
"Arthur is a Stavian too. Another royal that was sent on a suicide mission too. Or perhaps he was sent on the same mission. What was your mission for the mad king?" He mused out loud and ended with a question.
"I was doing my best to help the repeal of Primogeniture. It ended badly as the Mad King did do that, he attacked the Senate. He tried to keep it quiet but he failed and these colors were the easiest solution for now." He relayed looking annoyed.
Cleonora jumped a bit when the man appeared. "Sulvanii I thought you said you where sending the female one..." She said as she gave the genie a side eye.
"Thank you Arthur, I am sure this has been quite a bother." Cleonora said as she looked to the Stavian. 'He is Jorne's cousin?... Maybe he can help Jorne to Taldor.' She pondered.
Your Local check would reveal that the colors red and black, with the blood red falcon means that these royal blooded cousins of the Grand Prince were meant for a suicide mission. To never return to Taldor. Jorne obviously changed his name from Stavian to Fyrestone to avoid trouble with the name.
At the announcement that he was sure neither he nor Cleo would have told anyone he looked at the genie with a side glance too.
"I said it was going to be the barbarian. I thought he would be best suited for protecting you. Also he might be able to be swayed your way with the proper press but as Jorne has that claim, I didn't see the worry. I am glad for you too!" He states with a bit of mirth, more emotion that you have seen from him in days. "Oh don't be shy about it you two, at least not with me. I suppose Quince... eventually you would have told us. Think about the first day that Elizabeth dragged Quince to bed... the next day we saw it all over his face. You know me, I read people really really well."
You are pretty sure Jorne did not serve the Mad King, or at least either of them. As he is from the parallel world.
Confident and steamingly sexy. He states, "No worries miss. I am glad to be of service other than in Sulvanii's office. You would be surprised how bad it is for someone to be invisible in a town."
Cleonora controlled her breathing as she felt Jorne's own reaction. "Jorne..." Cleonora softly gasped out "Make me feel alive..." She begged.
"As a friend I expected you to ask first. Maybe over lunch, you know, after we kill the man who murdered me." Cleonora said as she crossed her arms. "But this isn't the time for this." She added with a sigh.
"I find being invisible rather useful" Cleonora explained, "but it is something one would have to get use to."
He shifted and turned you around. Finding your lips with his own as his hands went down to your cute butt.
He would shift again and take you down to the bed. There he wouldn't stay on top of you long and slide down your body as his hands raised again. His tongue would find your mound and he would expect you to try to close your legs on him. Then he would squeeze your nipples between his fingers as the rest of his palms and fingers grab your breasts.
He sighs, and then sticks out his tongue in mock laughter, "If only we were normal!" Then he chuckles!
Being taking back down to the bed brought a bit of surprise but not as much as when he swiftly found her mound with his tongue. Her legs close around his head as she hadn't expected it but the tease of her nipples brought her own to him once more.
"Oh we can't have that." Cleonora said with a small smile.
"Who us? Nope no one normal with us!" He added.
"J-jorne!" She moaned as he tongue pressed into her, a place non had been before.
"What is normal anyways." Cleonora added with a shrug.