"No matter, it was nothing pressing. I'm sure she's couldn't have wandered too far. Master Stein, you are a mage are you not? Ah, how I wish I had your gift! I am constantly losing keys and other small details, but were I a diviner I would surely lose nothing."
Imeckus Stroon answers you distractedly, ”Yes, yes I am a practitioner of the arcane arts. Requires a keen intellect. If you find yourself so easily confounded, indeed perhaps it is not your calling,” he replies as his eyes never cease scanning the tent.
__________
"Agreed that study ill-suits me, I am of more capricious humors. As for now I'll bid you all adieu, in the Galtan style. As night comes, do take extra care, for foot pads and for lovers." Lucius bows with a flair before scurrying off with his coterie.
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He tries to enjoy the kiss, but his mind is racing. Never the less, he knows such moments are fleeting at best, and kisses back, and with passion. When they separate, he looks at her, "Look, thanks for this information, but I'm not sure it's anything nefarious. I'll keep my eyes open and see what I can learn, but don't you worry overmuch about it."
He thinks some more, "But do keep your eyes open. Now, come, let's pretend to enjoy ourselves, and maybe we just might have a little fun!" He guides her back out of the notch and tries to stroll with her into the evening air.
Meanwhile, his mind is racing. I'm not good at judging people, or their lies. Dolgrin seems a stand-up fellow. But what if this Lord Varn gives him a better offer than our Queen? What then? Would he turn for the right amount? Well, he is a Dwarf.
Still, he has a hard time suspecting Dolgrin of anything so nefarious as to cross his Queen. He debates going to her with his, or rather Lithandra's, suspicions. Still, it's pretty thin at this point. Perhaps he should try and watch one of these meetings. He does have an invisibility memorized...
- - -
Natala rolls her eyes. ”Sarrona Lebeda is seeking to arrange a wedding between Noleski and her whore of a daughter, Elanna. And my brother is so naive that should that come to pass, the Lebeda’s would run the whole of Brevoy into ruin with their power grab.”
She shakes her head as she sips her wine. ”Though, if Brevoy were to be ruled by someone more wise and cunning...then perhaps civil war could be avoided. I hate to imagine the bloodshed to the various Houses should it come to war...”
Flaith sighs and replies:
"I hear you. And I can understand your worries. I fullheartly share them. There is, there must be another option. Although I heard the Lebedas are pretty rich. Nevertheless, the prosperity of the country should be paramount!A civil war is always the worst option. Brother against brother, families torn asunder. Then let us hope the wisdom will find the right allies and the right moment!"
__________
__________
Natala simply nods and sips at her wine, not wanting to overplay any particular plot she herself may have. As the festivities continue and the bards play entertaining music, the mood continues to gradually grow more jovial. Eventually, Natala Surtova excuses herself, as do Lady Pavletta and her brother Imeckus, the Mivon Swordlords, as well as Swordlord Jamandi Aldori and Lord Lucas Collinsworth.
Those lords that remain behind are quite thoroughly enjoying themselves. Baron Varn is laughing jovially alongside his own bannermen and Dolgrin and Festung. Trine and Lord Hoff make their way to join Galendir and Terrion Numesti in conversation over ale.
Domenicus quietly approaches you and bows deeply, "Your Highness. Would you do me the honor of a dance?"
"It would be a pleasure to come to your lands for a celebration. We will look forward to it. Tonight though let us continue the celebration."
- - -
Terrion nods with a smile, and as more ale joins the conversation, so too does your group. You, Terrion Numesti, Trine Fervourblade, and Jasper Hoff all seem to have fallen into conversations about swordsmanship, past tales of victories, and other topics.
You learn that Terrion Numesti is a sworn knight in service to Baron Drelev, though it seems he does not see eye-to-eye on all of his lordships decisions.
Lord Hoff seems to be perturbed at being released from service of House Medvyed and tasked to swear allegiance to House Surtova, but they are people of their word, and will serve them honorably as bannermen.
Trine Fervourblade is a knight of his own making, and while he has long ago earned the right to take the name Aldori, he chooses to not become bound by their order so much so that it infringes on his own desires. Even so, he is a highly respected member of the Swordlords.
The Carnifex is out of his usual territory and not sure where everything is. So he begins to slink about the fairgrounds keeping eyes and ears open for signs of muggers, footpads, rapists, etc.
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He's not good at sneaking, so he investigates their meeting place early and looks for possible places to hole up for the night and watch the proceedings. He's planning to use his invisibility, but as it only lasts a few minutes, he can't rely on it.
- - -
As the man they call Carnifex slinks in alleys and rooftops he is at first somewhat frustrated at the lack of crime. Which is not to say there wasn't any crime, just none that he cared about. Oh, sure, there were pickpockets aplenty, but these were poor folk robbing from rich folk. The Carnifex knows how rich people become rich and sees nothing wrong with stealing back from them.
He heard a muffled yelp and immediately felt guilty over his frustration. It would be a better world that didn't need his blades to do their work. But it isn't a better world, so he bounds off to the source of the sound. What he finds is all-too-familiar.
One of the great attractions of fairs like these was that it was a rare place where the common and the Persons of Quality could both enjoy together, in a shared space. But history has shown again and again that most times when these two groups meet, it is the common that suffers most.
In a darkened corner away from any main attractions a group of well-dressed gentlemen have surrounded a young woman, beautiful in the ways their inbred wives could never manage. Likely a barwench coming off her shift which included too many groping hands already. It was apparent she had kicked one of them right where he deserved it, but two others hold her tight.
Before they could restart their taunts he was upon them. the fellow on the right seemed to grow a thin silver tongue out of his mouth, though it disappeared before he could scream in pain. The other man jumped in surprise and stumbled back, though without the arm that had held the woman. From the dark a white, wrong, empty face appears, flicking blood off both rapier and machete.
A wheezy, cracked voice comes from the blank face. "Ma'am, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to cut in here ...you run along home while the boys and I dance. Hhhhhhhh."
Flaith bows her head sideways and nods.
With grace she will float around the dance floor and let herself enjoy it for the time of one dance.
She will accept the first dance but Festung will make discreet notions that Baron Varn will ask for the next dance.
Using the time she will inquire with him a more personal discussion about trade benefits and ressource swapping and also his personal feelings about the situation to their mutual north.
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The first man's choking and spurting starts the rhythm of the dance. The three unharmed gentlemen are taken aback a second or two, but three to one odds encourage them.
This courage misled them. As they attacked, the blonde one went down almost immediately, a throat cut in a lightning strike. The other two had no chance to change their inertia and found themselves run through.
The second target was still missing an arm and on the ground. "We ...we were just having fun! She was asking for it! I'll ...I'll pay you! I'll do anything! I'll say--"
"You'll whistle." and with that, a machete chop cuts some rather important bits in the human neck.
When the security finds the scene there is a note. "These rapers didn't enjoy my penetration. Alas!
C"
Galendir doesn't pry and assumes the men will share what they wish. He does the same and keeps the tales to that of sword and sorcery. He thanks the men for sitting and sharing with him and invites them to come and visit soon when his academy opens. He would love to have guest instructors. He then continues laughing and drinking into the night with his new friends.
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The gathering around Galendir slowly begins to dwindle as the night wears on, though by the time it is down to just Galendir, he feels good that those he spoke with were all honorable and decent men, all a pleasure to spend time with.
As Domenicus dances with Flaith, she can't help but feel that he has something more he would like to discuss with her. However, it would seem the cat has his tongue, and before he can broach the subject, Festung guides Baron Varn to the floor to her for a dance. Maegar Varn, it would seem, is a bit more verbose.
"Yes, the business in Brevoy is a nasty one, and I hope my father and brothers weather it well. But I am responsible for the Varnling Host now, as you are to your people. Speaking of, what sort of goods are you looking to trade?"
Just then, a pair of guards come into the tent and head over to you and kneel. "My Queen, we have a situation."
Baron Varn steps away and bows, "I will leave you to it, Your Highness. I have matters to attend to as well. Thank you for hosting this festival, it has been a real treat," he then makes his way out of the tent flanked by a pair of his own guard.
Your guards, once alone with you and Galendir (the only two nobles of the kingdom in the tent), rise and say "It would appear there's been a murder. Four of them to be exact, ma'am. Sons of various merchant lords who came to the festival..."
Using your magic, however, you are able to approach in relative safety, but you know your time is limited. By the time you arrive, you know you only have a couple of minutes to linger before the illusion fades. But, standing beside the tent, you clearly hear the voices of Baron Varn and Dolgrin.
"...an' these lands 'ere, thar's a right proper mine fer certain."
"Very well. Though I would like to claim the lake. You could have the lands south of that."
Dolgrin grumbles, "More bloody hills an' rivers. An' I dinnae know wha' I feel abou' 'avin those damned Mivon bastards as neighbors. Sticks in thar asses as long as thar swords."
Maegar Varn laughs. "True enough! But it could be worse. So, we are agreed then?"
"Aye, lad, I think we are. I think we kin' do this right proper, if we do it in tha next few months."
"My queen, I will see to this if you need to stay." He looks to the men.
"Quickly now take me to the scene."
He doesn't like what he hears but, knowing that assumptions based on a partial conversation are as dangerous as what he heard, he wonders what to do. He walks through the night, eventually ending standing in front of the Queen's tent, very late indeed. It is right that I should make a report, and leave it in the Queen’s hands. Something must be done, though I have a hard time believing Dolgrin capable of doing what he seems to be doing.
He walks up to the expected guard and asks for an audience with the Queen. ”Look, I know it’s late, but this is important. Please get her and tell her I have news she needs to hear before she sleeps this night.”
- - -
”My Queen, I apologize for the lateness of my visit, but something has come to my attention that vexes me deeply. It may be that Dolgrin is acting on your orders, and it may be that he’s doing right by all of us, but what little I know points the other way and it’s tearing me up. I don’t know what to do!”
He explains that Dolgrin has been meeting with Maegar Varn in secret for at least the last several days. He’s not sure what most of the meetings were about, but he was able to catch a snippet of conversation from this evenings meeting - and he can’t believe what he heard! He wrote down their conversation and hands it to you on a slip of paper.
”…an' these lands 'ere, thar's a right proper mine fer certain."
"Very well. Though I would like to claim the lake. You could have the lands south of that."
Dolgrin grumbles, "More bloody hills an' rivers. An' I dinnae know wha' I feel abou' 'avin those damned Mivon bastards as neighbors. Sticks in thar asses as long as thar swords."
Maegar Varn laughs. "True enough! But it could be worse. So, we are agreed then?"
"Aye, lad, I think we are. I think we kin' do this right proper, if we do it in tha next few months.”
”I could not hear more without detection so I fled. You see my Queen, something is amiss. I’d like to believe Dolgrin is merely drawing Varn out, so he can expose his plan in due course, but it may well be Dolgrin is in on it too! I haven’t the capacity to determine the truth, but perhaps you can think of some way to determine Dolgrin’s loyalties.”
”What should I do?”
It’s clear Govannon is very uneasy about all of this. He favors the direct approach to matters, and this subtlety and possible deviousness, is hard on him.
- - -
Flaith will look angry for one moment then looks at Galendir. "Go ahead and I will follow tut suite. I will get the others.
Someone violated the sacred bond of salt and wine on this feast. Brought shame to me and my kingdom! This will not be tolerated!"
Later as Govannon brings the queen the situation, she nods gravely.
"This could mean a lot of things. But then remember Dolgrin is the warden of the east. His and Meagarn Varn lands brush each other. This could also mean they try to find a peaceful, mutual agreeable border. Something I really approve! But it does bear watching. Would you keep an eye on it."
She sighs.
"Please fetch Dolgrin and Lucius. Someone violated the bond of salt and wine. Govannon is already investigating. But we should all discuss this!"
"Yes my Queen!"
...the bond of salt and wine? Govannon looks confused, but does as he's told. He rushes back out into the night hunting for Dolgrin and Lucius.
When he finds them (presumably), he commands them, "Our Queen calls, something's up, but I know not what as yet. Best bring your weapons just in case..."
He moves as fast as he can.
It isn't hard for Govannon to find Baron Lucius. His tent is the only purple, laced tent around. His personal guards stand outside and look surprised at Govannon's arrival. "Baron, sir! The Baron Pence is, er..."
But that's not a mystery either as the tent is hardly soundproof and the goings on in the tent are quite obvious. Govannon counts at least 5 voices of different pitch and intonation groaning.
A few moments later, though, Lucius appears. He is wearing a Minkai robe rather too large for him. "Ah, dear Baron, I'd invite you in but seems we have duty. As for weapons, I was in the midst of using the ones I have, but will entrust my safety to you."
Govannon comes upon Dolgrin as he makes his way back to the castle to his quarters there. A pair of the Queen's guard at his side. As he approaches, he flags Govannon and Lucius down.
"These 'ere lads told me someone went an' cut some folks up! What in the Nine 'ells is goin' on, lads?"
As the three of them arrive to the scene, a small crowd is starting to form with the guards forming a perimeter to keep it back. When you round the corner to the alley of the scene of the crime, Dolgrin mutters "Torag's Mustache! 'o coulda done this?" as he kneels down near one of the bodies.
With the queen dismissing him, Galendir calls for his wife. When Aayalla comes he explains the situation as they walk with the guards to the scene of the crime. Aayalla quickly goes to check the dead as Galendir makes sure the perimeter is safe.
Aayalla checks the men.
"We need to gather their fathers, I can save them."
Galendir gives notice to one of the guards to round up the merchant fathers of these slain men. He then ask the other guards to help bring the bodies back to the tent with Queen Flaith. Once there he explains.
"My queen we have gathered the dead. It is time you know, my wife can bring them back. It will take some energy from her, but she can do one a day. They will be a little less healthy then they were before but they will be alive. Perhaps they could tell us what happened. How do you wish to proceed?"
"Wait, my ...dutiful rest ...was interrupted because some privileged boys got offed?! Ugh!" But then Lucius sees the bodies. "My! I must say this isn't altogether unfamiliar. Guards, was there a note, by chance?"
Galendir looks in discus at the comments from Lucius.
"You were interrupted as you are a baron of this court and multiple murders have been committed under protection of your queen. Is there some more important place you need to be Baron Lucius?"
Govannon frowns at the bloodshed. Clearly someone was ambushed - as near as he can figure.
"You can bring back the dead? Isn't that expensive? Still, I suppose we should."
"Well, yes, nearly anywhere. I'm a Baron, not a constable. What am I supposed to do, tax them to life? And why is anyone surprised dark dealings happened at a festival at night? I'd be surprised if this lot didn't earn what they got anyway. And I agree with Govannon, seems wasteful to raise this scum."
Looking at Lucius Flaith replies.
"We offered our guests hospitality by offering him the wine and salt.
Someone violated the peace and done a horrible deed. Someone shamed us, our new kingdom. This can not be tolerated and must be answered quickely!
And decisivly!"
Lucius tries hard not to laugh at such naivete. "If such traditions applied to all, not just the Persons of Quality, no festival would exist. Nonetheless, I'd see your Highness' will done. I remain unsure what I can do."
"So my queen do you wish for one of them to be raised then?"
Dolgrin runs a hand through his beard. "Raisin' tha dead nay be somethin' ye jus' be doin' casually, lad. Pharasma dinnae be takin' kindly ta interferin' wit' her business. Besides, we dinnae know wha' be tha reason these lads were cut up like a slaughter'ouse pig. Were thar any witnesses? Do we know wha' 'appened?"
"I suspect if the gods didn't wish such magic to exist then it would not Baron Dogrin. Aayalla's gifts were blessed upon her by Iomedae. If Pharasma has issue then the gods can sort it out. What would you have done my queen?"
He looks back to Flaith.
Flaith looks down for a moment. "Someone just killed 4 young men.
I invited people to be merry here. To present our little kingdom, something each of us worked very hard to establish.
A place for people to life safe! A place where there they can live in freedom and peace. And now someone arrives and murders some children.
In our home. While we have guests. Emberassing us. I want them to be found, tried and brought to justice!"
As if concluding the vocal components to a summoning spell, as Flaith finished her pronouncement, a commotion can be heard approaching through the crowd. As the gathering separates, a pair of guards present a woman between them in shackles, her clothes and skin covered in blood stains.
”Your Highness!” the guards begin as the throw the girl to the ground, ”we found this girl slinking between some tents, and she tried to run from us when we moved towards her. You can see she is covered in blood and was in the area. We felt she was worth questioning.”
At the sight of the girl, Lucius' demeanor changes. "Oh, poor child! Are you ok? What happened?"
The girl takes a defensive posture on the ground, holding her hands up to protect herself. ”Th-th-these men...they w-w-were trying to rape me, My Lord. Then a...” she begins to tear up in fright, ”man...or thing...I dunno...it wore a mask...but it came in like a spirit and cut them apart! I...I didn’t linger...I ran while I could! I swear on all the Gods I didn’t do it!”
Dolgrin looks around at the rest of the gathered lords, and shrugs to them.