The courier does not enter the villa, but presents a sealed letter from the primary house Jeggare to whomever receives him and a second letter with a broken Thrune-Prime seal and a second unbroken Jeggare-Prime seal."Milord. A delivery from Egorian, for Lord Valignatir's eyes only. News of the Homeland."
"Of course. Lord Jeggare will receive this immediately."
The courier bows, and remounts his steed to leave. he looks at Tiberion before the Summoner closes the gate, "I truly mean it. Neither letter will be opened without the Count's voice."
"Valignatir Jeggare"
He says to the letters, feeling quite silly.
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The Lady takes one last long sip of her tea, watching the view of the canals and the Palace for an extended moment. She then stands up and immediately walks to the exit, the owed silvers left on the table.
"As always, we thank you for your patronage, Milady," the proprietor, a middle-aged Taldan woman, says to her as she crosses the front room.
"As long as you stock my favorite, I will always return," she replies, with a tone indicating that the two of them have these sorts of exchanges quite often.
Once outside, her footman is quick to tuck away his half-eaten apple and open the door to her carriage. "The villas," she tells the driver as she approaches. "Do be quick. I have a marvelous opportunity to surprise someone."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Kyra had decided to send a discreet letter to her brother the day earlier, deciding to check directly with him whether or not Princess Eutropia was actually planning to visit Abassador Jeggare the next day. She obviously emphasized discretion in the matter. She considered having his estate scryed out of caution, but knew that such a powerful cleric could detect and thwart that with ease.
The next day Kyra was finalizing her family's ledgers, there were incomes to track and new construction contracts she was going to send out to refurbish the house along with expanding father's barony out east.
She remained there long enough to finish her business before leaving her house with Argos in tow, heading directly for the Ambassador's house with the intention of arriving slightly late.
As Valignatir speaks his own name to the two envelopes, the magic on each of them lightly fizzles out and melts open the wax seals of House Jeggare, exposing the now defunct explosive runes.
Dear Valignatir,
I hope this message finds its way to you safely and that you are in good health. By this time, your cousin Varian has made his way to your holdings in Taldor, and will be preparing to offer you assistance in your peacemaking endeavors, as well as securing a station from which to complete his duties to the Pathfinder Society in a safe place outside of Cheliax.
I am messaging you to keep you informed of the burgeoning situation here in Cheliax. It has come as a shocking surprise to all of us here in the motherland that Fleet Admiral Druvalia Thrune and her fleet have fallen in combat against the wretched scum of the Shackles. This event has sparked the other four fleet admirals into a frenzy, and now they are sailing their fleets out to put down the pirate infestation near the Eye.
In the time since your leaving Egorian, there has been an increase in violence among the peasants and lower class citizens in nearly all the cities of the nation. It is being said that this unrest is being handled by the Hellknights, but it seems that the more Lady Abrogail tightens the iron grip, the worse the violence gets.
As all of the Nobility of Cheliax, you may be receiving a royal missive from Her Majesty, it is my hope sincere hope that this letter has reached you first. It is becoming unsafe for nobility to travel inside the borders of Cheliax, and I would hope that you choose not to return. Your cousin has been allocating funds to this problem to no avail, and the situation has further degraded since his departure months ago.
For house and Country, stay out of Cheliax for the foreseeable future. I will tell you when its safe for you to return
Love Eternally, Your Mother
Lilithya Jeggare
Dragan and Lilithya Jeggare,
It is time to call forth the entire might of the Chelish Empire in order to put down the growing rebellion.
You are hereby ordered to return all foreign assets, material or otherwise, and present them to Her Majesty The Queen Abrogail II's advisers for inspection and consideration for use in this war.
Lady Gabrielle's carriage pulls along side the disguised lady. The driver stops, and asks the Lady into the carriage. She politely accepts.
Once inside, she removes the shawl and veil it's obviously the princess. "Gabby! Such a bright carriage for such a 'dark' lady, Haha!" she says with a sly smile.
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"I agree, the contrast between the carriage and the Lady inside is quite stark," she replies, her black-gloved hand referring to her deep red gown and black lace fan. "Of the two of us, however, I am not the masked one.
"Your Majesty, if I may ask... Why the secrecy? What does the Chelish ambassador have planned for us this afternoon?" she asks.
Lady Nev, one of your faeries delivers a letter as you are leaving for the meeting at Val's villas in Oppara.
Lady Atropa,
It is with heavy heart I must send this letter to you.
My son, Prince Stanis Galfrey, has met his end on the walls of Kenabres in defense of the city from and invading Demon Hoard. I know the two of you were very close, and since your departure from Mendev at your liege's bidding the two of you shared correspondence. It is difficult for me to express the loss of my child to his beloved friend and comrade in arms.
Unfortunately, the city of Kenabres fell to an Arch-Demon. I wanted to inform you that my son's loss at this monster's hands will not go unavenged. We will be making one final push on the World Wound with all of our resources in hopes of closing it, failure or complacency in this matter means certain annihilation of all of Mendev, and a final invasion of all of Avistan.
Should you be allowed to return to Mendev, We would welcome your assistance with open arms. Should your obligations to your liege require you to remain in Taldor, any assistance you or your Noble family can send to our efforts would be greatly appreciated.
She whispers, "Forgive me for a moment, Gabby, it's quite a bit too insecure in this carriage to discuss such things at the moment."
The Princess removes what appear to be a two different small eggs from her dress, waves hands a bit, and says some arcane words. Seconds later you hear her voice in your head, ::"I'm sorry for the intrusion, but spoken words are just so difficult to keep secreted on such short notice. All you have to do is think what you wish to convey, much like an internal dialogue, but with more mental force."
She smiles and begins a faux conversation with you out loud. "Oh! Let's talk of more pleasant things, What did you truly think of may soiree?" she carries on and on without giving the conversation enough space for you to interupt... apparently she's practiced at this.
::"Can you imagine, for a moment, what Taldor could be if we brought Cheliax back under our thumb? I feel I can speak candidly with you, as I am aware of your dark secret.":: The image of the true unmasked Dark Lady flashes in your mind for a split second. ::"I am not without my means, after all. It's alright, I believe in what she does for this Empire, if not entirely your personal motivations. I have designs on bringing back Taldor's glory in a more subtle manner then the men of this country would openly suggest."::
Arriving a little early—at least, presumably—a lone rider on a black stallion approaches the Jeggare villa. He wears a tall hat with a folded brim, and a heavy cloak of black and blue. As he approaches the house, he speaks the password and, stepping down from his horse, lowers his raised collar. His face looks remarkably similar to that of Lord Rook, though forty or fifty years younger, and a gold-embroidered eyepatch covers what appears to be a nasty scar. He also appears to have two good legs and arms, and stands over six feet tall.
"Atticus Rook," he introduces himself to any guards, patting the horse, "Here on... business. This thing can stay here, if you like, but keep him out of the stables—he's well-behaved around people but might try to eat the other horses."
"Atticus" Rook is definitely under the effect of some transmutation magic, though his hat and cloak appear to be obstructing these auras, and it is unclear if he is affected by any other spells. He bears a small amount of jewelry, with minor defensive enchantments.
You've heard of Atticus Rook before, though you've never met him—and the rumors you've heard are rare and vague. Supposedly the black sheep of the Rook family, he took badly to his education, and spent much of his youth cooped up in Castle Rook. About ten years ago, he made a bit of a name for himself, was involved in a few minor scandals, and may have killed a man in a duel—after which his father either locked him up in his bedroom or sent him off to the army under a false name, and he hasn't been seen since.
There seems to be something breathing, quietly, under the hat, and doing its best to hold still.
That's definitely not a horse. It may have just growled, very softly.
You're pretty sure this is Lord Rook, as he's not putting too much work into disguising his voice—though the height and age change are very disconcerting.
The guard looks at the "horse" suspiciously, as Atticus hands him the reigns. "I'll take him to the courtyard, then." He looks confused as he leads the "horse" away and says under his breath "it'll 'eat' the other horses? Do horses growl? What the hell?"
Another house guard guides Atticus to the sitting room inside the house. "Lord Jeggare will be attending you shortly Ser... Rook, was it?"
"Atticus. Though if you deign to call me a knight, I won't correct it." And he sits patently, and waits.
An attractive young aasimar approaches Lord Rook, and offers him tea.
"Would you like something to drink, milord?"
"Lord Jeggare will be with you in a moment, he just received some urgent letters that need to be read immediately."
[oooc]@Rook- whoops, thought I put noon. That's my bad.[/ooc]
The room and villa, Lord Rook, is decorated much as you'd expect. Nothing so obvious as a glowing pentagram or anything, but the curtains and furniture is in the style of Infernal Cheliax.
If there are any slaves, they have not shown themselves.
What else did you expect?
He stops on the other side of the doors to whisper orders to Tiberion before entering.
Valignatir enters through a pair of fine redwood doors, probably imported from Sargava or such.
Upon seeing Rook, he smiles slightly, and extends a hand out.
"Ah, Lord Rook! Glad you could make it. Although, you are early. Have you some matter you wish to discuss privately?"
Val heads to the chair behind the desk, and takes a seat.
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"Oh! Let's talk of more pleasant things, What did you truly think of may soiree?" she carries on and on without giving the conversation enough space for you to interupt... apparently she's practiced at this.
Lady Gabrielle had read about this sort of thing before, in a tale of Eiredor chivalry, where the knight found himself mentally tempted by a persistent demon. The feeling was a bit more unnerving than she was used to. Gabrielle never had much of a knack for magic after all.
::"Can you imagine, for a moment, what Taldor could be if we brought Cheliax back under our thumb? I feel I can speak candidly with you, as I am aware of your dark secret.":: The image of the true unmasked Dark Lady flashes in your mind for a split second. ::"I am not without my means, after all. It's alright, I believe in what she does for this Empire, if not entirely your personal motivations. I have designs on bringing back Taldor's glory in a more subtle manner then the men of this country would openly suggest."::
::"I must look atrocious in that mocking black-and-yellow costume. I do hope that my notion of twisted elegance does not color your opinion of me, Your Majesty."::
::"As for Cheliax... I am honored by your desire to trust me with this cause. Forgive me for mentioning, but that is a rather ambitious goal. What has the Ambassador offered, exactly? I ask because I naturally fear a trap."::
Nev sighed as she strung up her boots, preparing for her visit to Val's home. She'd been there enough, but not with other people. She thought she might walk, preferring the outdoors to some stuffy carriage. She hadn't been out much since the princesses soirée, catching up on her correspondence and putting in new plants for the pixies as an apology. She had written her various contacts in Mendev, and her father while he was visiting Andoran. A pang of guilt still hit her, even while fighting the horde in Mendev, Stanis had found enough time to write her more frequently than she had him. She promised herself that she would write him more. She slung Patinella's blade onto her hip, the new leather belt that she had purchased for it soft.
As she makes for the door, one of Thorn's cousins drops a letter in her path. A look of confusion twists her brows as she breaks the seal and reads th letter, kneeling in her front hall. She feels a moment of sadness before anger burns up within her. Mendev... I have to go back... She thinks as she stands, ready to pack, until Patinella taps her leg, reminding her of the princess, and Val, and her meeting. She neatly folds the letter and slides it into the pouch at her side. She stormed off in the direction of Valignatir's. She would see what they all had to say, and ask for the princess leave to go to Mendev.
They need me... I should not have been here, playing at politics... Had I been there... She paused. If she had been there, what? She would have died too, she was sure. She was not such a warrior to have turned the tides against an Arch-Demon. But she would have died doing what she was meant to, no more than she had ever thought she might do. Her mother would rather disown her than have her as an heir, and Nev had never wanted the life of a noble. She was not fit to be anyone's wife, she did not hold to Taldan standards of beauty, and she didn't even have a great intelligence to claim. What was her purpose here? What good could she even do here? And if she stayed, and Mendev fell, anything that they created here would fall to the horde eventually.
She found herself at the gate to Val's estate, having walked in a daze.
All of the information in Constantine's background is easy enough to locate. He was a well-respected officer within the Taldan Phalanx. His raids against Qadiran soldiers were often elaborate moves with multiple plans and backup plans, which of course always fell apart once initiated and led to many close scraps. Despite this, he was practically always successful—in no small part due to his brother Theodoro's assistance.
The rumors of Constantine's numerous...meetings with ladies of wealth and nobility are not unknown in court. However, generally, the actual names are kept secret—not things to be discussed openly. The only two that are known are due to him legitimizing two of his children—Lucia and Quintus.
For someone formerly enmeshed in the Taldan Court, Constantine did a good job of keeping the names of paramours close to his heart. While rumors abound, his blatant flirting irregardless of status, race or sex in the court obfuscate his actual relations. Its known he has four children among most despite only two being legitimized. The third is Septimus, a fifteen year old son with a wealthy merchant family from Kyonin whom has had assistance in trade within Taldor since the scandal. The other is Cassius, a fourteen your old son with Maria Eiredor, a distant cousin within House Eiredor who has been banished to a rural household for her part in the relationship. The Eiredor's sought Constantine's marriage as a result of the child, but he refused to be hooked. His exploits on the frontier as well as the slow rise of his father's name made it difficult for the Eiredor's to press the claim since Maria was, while beautiful, had not titles for Constantine to inherit nor any particularly noteworthy connections amongst the house with both parents deceased.
The other two children are Claudia, an eleven year old daughter born to an adventurer woman, an Ulfen from the far north. Her current whereabouts are unknown to all but Constantine. Rumor has it he has a lock of her hair still kept. The other is eight year old Vipsania, an eight year old daughter to House Rosencruz formerly of Galt. The house fled to Andor where they still dwell.
Sitting cross-legged in Cantus Manor, Constantine stirs a finger within the silver bowl before him. Clear water shimmers at the touch and he smiles, ringing the finger around the edge and steadily reciting words well-known to him. On a small stand before the bowl is an elaborate sketch of the Jeggare ambassador. The only color on the sketch is red, drawn along the edges of his clothing matching his recent ensemble. One hand tosses dew of the lunary into the bowl, disturbing the surface more. Overhead, a mummified eye the size of Constantine's head looks down at the ritual, imbuing it with more power.
Outside stand six Blackspear with mismatched armor and newly sewn tabards bearing the crossed spear insignia beneath the Rook family crest. Beside him, the exotic Anka Sarraf frowns with crossed arms, leaning over his shoulder to see what emerges.
"You realize he's probably like..getting tea for the Ambassador, if anything. You should become strong enough to look on the master himself."
The image Constantine's scrying returns is of Tiberion standing against the wall, while Val is sitting behind a wonderfully crafted desk.
He appears to be discussing trade business with merchants, possibly from his lucrative route from his harbor to Cassomir.
Tiberion moves out of the sitting room and back to the door as he hears his inaudible alarm go off.
He opens the door to find Nev standing there.
"Ah, Lady Nev. Come in, come in. Lord Rook has already arrived, Lord Jeggare will be happy to see you."
"You must have me mistaken," Lord Rook replies wryly to Valignatir. "My father, Lord Rook, is quite old and incapacitated—certainly not in any shape to be running around Oppara at his age. I am merely Atticus Rook, the most ignominious of his sons, and there are few who would care about someone like me associating with Chelaxians or criminals—father included."
And, assuming a Detect Poison spell doesn't see anything in the tea, he will drink it.
"Well, Atticus, unless your father, much unlike himself, told you the password and allowed you to attend uninvited, you are not who you say you are. If you are not Lord Rook, I am afraid you are not welcome here, and must leave."
Val smirks at the "young" man sitting before him.
"I will have to do without the Rooks, then. Pity."
"Are you being daft, or difficult?"Lord Rook asks, and for six seconds he is a picture of his old self, tottering on a wooden leg, before changing back. "Including the old man and his reputation will do nothing but turn heads towards whatever you've got planned."
"Well, then it's good that's exactly what I want." Val says confidently.
"The Inner Seas' eyes need to be focused on Taldor. It makes my aims....achievable."
::"I think you look more lovely when the truth of Taldor is spilling from your hands, honestly. It's a necessity if we are going to make the people accountable for their charges.":: her outside demeanor changes as she begins to outwardly comment on your appearance while almost spinning you inside the carriage as though examining your dress.
::"The Chelaxian has a good, powerful, name. That name comes with the sudden 'misplacement' of more than half of Thrune's finances, as well as an oath of fealty sworn to The Ruler of Taldor for the foreseeable future. The trade-off, is that Valignatir himself has asked my assistance in putting him, specifically, on that new Vassal Throne of Cheliax with a certain amount of autonomy in how they carry out the Emperor's justice. While I am keenly aware that it is never wise to trust a Chelishman, as with any Taldan Lord now days, you can always bet on their greed."
As she finishes the thought, the carriage pulls into the courtyard of the Jeggare estate. "Dearest Gabby, I hope that puts you at ease. I wouldn't want you thinking ill of me because my girlish mouth ran away about your choice in dress color today... You have me worried... Say something, please!"
Before arriving, Kyra drew out her metamagic rod and cast an extended Heroism and Heightened Awareness spell, as well as Freedom of Movement; she also placed Hideous Laughter in her ring of spell knowledge. Argos had already cast Magic Weapon Greater on his sword the beginning of the day as usual.
Finally reaching Valignatir's villa, Kyra stepped out of her carriage with her escort and bid her driver to return to the estate. Upon looking around, she noticed that another carriage had arrived as well, though from the muffled sound the occupants were still conversing. Additionally, she noted the presence of Genevieve...and Kyra found herself concerned at her appearance.
"Genevieve? Are you alright? You look terribly out of sorts..." Kyra said as she approached the woman, laying a hand on her shoulder with concern. "I think we should go inside and you should sit down." With a light push she guided Nev forward, speaking the password to the gate.
"Lady Rubicon, Dame Atropa, and escort to see Abassador Jeggare." Kyra told the guard as they entered Val's villa.
Tiberion, already outside since Nev's arrival, welcomed you.
"Yes, of course. Why, Lord Jeggare is right inside, talking with Lord Rook as we speak. Let me lead you there."
As he led you further into the villa, you become aware of the unmistakable crimson and black decor.
Stoping before a set of redwood double doors, Tibeiripn speaks again.
"Egorian."
"My apologies. My Lord has spared no expense in securing this location."
He then opens the doors to reveal Val, Tiberion, Samandreal, and Lord Rook.
"If you want Lord Rook's name associated with House Jeggare, and... whatever you're planning, he'll need a better reason than what you've given him so far," Rook replies, "Though he can wait. In any case, it wouldn't be useful for a man of his age to be seen riding alone through the city, in surprisingly fine health—at least, not now. And with Constantine returned from his wars... Taldor's landed fools might be more willing to work directly with the sons of a man who can no longer walk under his own power."
The room is well furnished in current Chelish fashion, but immediately you notice something strange.
There are two circles of what appears to be powdered silver surrounding the entire room, with furniture seemingly arranged to fit inside them.
As you enter, Lord Jeggare stands from his seat behind his desk, and spreads his arms out to welcome you.
"Ah, everyone is here! Except Constantine, right? No matter."
"I am glad to welcome you to my humble villa, and am glad you all have attended.
Scowling at the image, Constantine waves a hand at it, dismissing the vision. ”Not very useful, as you stated. Care to escort me there then, Anka? Father will heartily disapprove.”
The two take a carriage to the villa guarded by three Blackspear guards. Arriving at the location, Constantine will swing down from the carriage, offering an arm to the pirate who decides its a better idea to stay in the carriage. With a shrug, Constantine approaches the gates. The third son of the Rook family is garbed in a knee-length tunic of dark blue under a lighter blue coat lined in silver and embroidered with black crossed spears. White leggings lead down to a pair of stout black leather boots with the tops turned over. The outfit is very reminiscent of fashion found in the River Kingdoms. The outfit is, of course, complete with a felt three-pointed hat bearing a bronze pin with Shelyn's symbol on it.
Approaching the gates, Constantine gives an elaborate bow to the closed gates and looks up with a devilish grin. ”Open them up, Egarion, and bring out the wine.”
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::It is certainly an opportunity worth taking advantage of. It will be quite fitting to see the nation founded by betrayal be subject to one. The challenge will be to assist with this quiet revolution without you becoming publicly involved. If he fails, his head must be the only one lost.::
"It is no bother at all," she says as they approach the door to the manor, careful to avoid identifying the disguised Princess. "As is said... When in Egorian, dress as the Chelish dress," she quips, referring to her deep red gown with black gloves and black lace fan.
-Posted with Wayfinder
"My Lord, the alarm went off again. It is most likely Sir Constantine. I will let him in."
He goes to the gate and, hearing the password, opens it for Constantine.
"Welcome, sir. Lord Jeggare is currently with the others inside. I will lead you there."
He leads you to the sitting room, saying the password again.
"Say 'Egorian'. I can't do it for you."
"Passwords, how mysterious! Truly, your benefactor knows how to play with cloak and with dagger. Egorian, and let us see what words the Chelaxian would spin."
Constantine shakes his head and quirks an eyebrow at Tiberion.
As Tiberion opens the door into the sitting room....
"Ah! There he is. Glad to see you again, Constantine."
He smirks before noticing Tiberion heading out again.
"And that must be Lady Ganrielle, no? Now, we await the princess."
"In the meantime, I have brought tea and assorted 'Taldan' food out for you. If there is anything you would prefer, just let me know, and I will do my best."
As the conversation in the carriage comes to an end, Princess Eutropia replaces her coverings so as to go less than noticed. When she step down from the carriage she loops her arm through Lady d'Apcher's without so much as a warning.
When they approach the gate she laughs at Lady Gabrielle's proverb. "Ha! Egorian indeed, Milady! I doubt I will ever tire of your wit!"
After the two are inside the manor, and the doors are closed, she removes her disguise. "Tiberon? Are you here? Are we ladies making the gentlemen wait for us again?" the mischievous smile on her face, an obvious sign that she delights in the the simple tortures a woman is capable of.
"Lady Rubicon!" She curtsies with her biggest smile. Her outfit is a little less 'Royal' than the last time you saw her.
When she notices the tear stains down Lady Atropa's cheek, she rushes to give the woman a warm hug. "I only just heard, love. I'm so sorry! Will you be able to join us for this meeting?"
"Your Majesty."
He takes a deep bow before speaking again.
"It is good to see you again. And you are Lady Gabrielle, I presume? Follow me."
He leads you to the sitting room with the rest of the group.
"I did not expect you to arrive in the company of royalty, Lady Gabrielle."
Val smiles warmly, showing that he jests.
"Why don't you all make yourselves at home? I have made this room as safe as I could manage. Evil, and good for that matter, summoned creatures cannot enter the circles. Nothing hiding through magic will be able to sneak up on us. We are protected from magical scrying as well. And once we begin the meeting in earnest, I will obscure our words from the outside world."
"The point is, friends, do not worry about your safety too much."
He offers a smile to the room at this.
Moving to his [s]father's[/] brother's side, Constantine grins. "Ah, my dear brother Atticus. Its good to see you out of the cellar for once. I thought Father might keep you in there for another year or two."
Unlike to the Princess's soiree, Constantine came armed this time. He bows his head to Val slightly before taking a glass of wine. As he does, his form blurs for a few seconds and he scans the room.
"I'm quite interested in what it is you might have to say, Chelaxian. We are the in the heart of your domain--that is plenty of reason to be concerned about safety. No offense but...you are not exactly a trusted face within most circles."
Val smirks as he notices Constantine looking around the room.
"Find anything to be worried about?"
There were no obvious weapons on Val, although his pentagram-topped staff lay against the wall behind him.
"Well, Constantine, it seems, as you would say, that the asp has been invited into the house. As for circles, you can certainly trust me within these two. For even my summoning spells will not work here. But before I say more, I would like to let the princess have a word first."
As both Rubicons enter the room, they scan the vicinity for any magical spells Valignatir has laid out. Kyra isn't really paying too much attention, she knows Argos is much better in the field and has a better understanding of spellcrafting then her. "How delightful, I'll take a cup. Sugar and milk if you would. And pour a cup for Genevieve, something seems to be troubling her." She was just about to take a seat when the next two guests finally deigned to arrive just behind her. Nodding to Eutropia as she greeted her, her eyes widened somewhat in shock as the Princess rushed forward to comfort her friend, evidently aware of whatever had happened.
"Just heard what?" Kyra asked, trying not to be too inquisitive as she took her own seat. Argos stood off to the side stoically, looking ever so slightly on edge, he leans down to whisper any other active spells he can discern to Kyra that Val doesn't mention.
"Of course, milady."
He pours two cups for the ladies.
"And what in it for you, Lady Nev?"
As the Princess steps back from Nev, she looks to Kyra, "The city of Kenabres has fallen. The crusade has been pushed back and Queen-Commander Galfrey lost her son in it's defense... Genevieve was close with him..."
With a grim look on her face, she gestures for Tiberion to open the doors to the meeting.
As the doors open and you all begin to rise for Her Majesty, she beckons you all to remain quiet for a moment. She makes a gesture and utters a few arcane words. Each of you feel a small pinch and then a release in your mind. Gabby no longer feels the connection in her mind that was there moments ago.
"My Lords and My Ladies, we must now speak frankly..." as the ladies follow her in. With another gesture, the door closes . "Lord Jeggare, please finalize our security so we may begin."
Val is surprised at the spell she cast, knowing how powerful it is, but maintains his composure.
"Yes, of course, your Majesty. If you'll give me but a moment."
He walks from behind his desk to a plush seat at the head of the impromptu circle, and lays his hand on it, speaking the incantation.
"I have prepared your seat."
He then walks to the front of his desk, places his hand on the front of it, and says the words again.
"I am done now, my Lady."
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When Valignatir approaches Lady Gabrielle and the Princess, a pair of small stones, in slow rotation around Gabrielle's forehead, shimmer into view. She blinks rapidly and reflexively adjusts her glasses, seemingly surprised by their sudden appearance.
She takes her seat next to the Princess, her blinking showing her annoyance with the small stones when they pass into her sight a second time.
Nev nods rather numbly as Tiberion opens the door and greets her. As Kyra arrives she bows at the neck to say hello. She begins to speak but stops and clears her throat before continuing. "I'm fine, Lady Kyra... Thank you for your concern," and follows everyone inside. As she enters the room she silently waves at those gathered. She sets Patinella against a chair as she unceremoniously plops into the armchair, one leg swung over the armrest. As Kyra tells Tiberion to offer her tea, she softly says "black."
As the princess enters the room, Nev is startled as she rushes forward to give her a hug. "Thank you, Your Grace. I came for the meeting and I shall stay to hear what you have to say. She settles in to listen to the gathered nobles.