Iris tilted her head respectfully. <"And greetings to you as well, Your Royal Highness, from the Source of Spring."> she said. It was a fine line to walk - she had no intention of coming across as a fawning underling, but nor did she intend to insult his position, especially because she wasn't being public about just how high above his rank she was. Fortunately, most of the gods knew how to be inconspicuous... well, kind of. In this case, her mention of land was an oblique reference to her old home in Nirvana, though it was doubtful anyone would make the connection given how... forgotten... she was. After all, many places could have such a name.
<"Your hospitality is appreciated, although I suspect I won't be present long enough to truly enjoy it - I plan to return to the Lighted Lands as soon as my business here is complete, which I hope will be within the next few days."> He seemed... quite concerned about the Roach Lord. Given the way the festival had ended, she couldn't blame him - after all, that had been at least partially his own party, and few people would be pleased with such an end to an event they'd hosted. Her affirmation of her future plans was a nod to that concern, and a way of showing that she had no desire to go against his wishes or hurt his interests. After all, she couldn't do much to hurt his interests when she was far away from the court and his center of power.
Besides, it was said that fish and guests started to stink in three days - and he'd probably be relieved to know that despite his offer, she had no intention of overstaying her welcome. (Not that she'd have been inclined to even without the issue of protecting the city - as a goddess of travel, she rarely stayed put longer than she had to.)
The Prince did an extremely good job of looking disappointed. <"Surely you have a little time for pleasure? I had hoped to invite you on a hunt with me and a few companions. We seek the white stag and the black boar.">
Iris visibly considered the offer for a few moments, mentally going over her plans before reaching a decision. <"I would be happy to accept such an invitation if it were offered."> she responded. <"My business is not so urgent that I have no time at all for entertainment.">
Surprisingly, the prince's disappointment (and offer) appears to be sincere. Perhaps he hopes the informal environment will make it easier to find out information about you. Perhaps he wants to show off to the attractive, well-behaved aasimar. Perhaps he think the delay will hinder your business here. Or perhaps it's another reason entirely.
<"Wonderful! It would be our honor, then, to extend an invitation.">
Iris nodded in acknowledgment, courteously accepting the invitation. <"I shall be sure to leave my schedule open for it."> she noted.
<"Excellent! A servant will come for you when we're ready to set off.">
After speaking with several people, you manage to gain some useful information.
- The Prince has invited three other guests: the Elf Lord Chesserfield, Kolya the Kennelmaster, and Meltathraiel the Royal Advisor.
- Kolya is of rather low status and will likely be in charge of the hounds
- Lord Chesserfield is an ambassador from the Mordant Spire
- Meltathraiel has a deep-seated hatred of all non-fey. The Prince finds this entertaining.
- Hunts begin at first light and last for several days. The sport frequently flickers between the Shadow Realm and the Material Plane.
- The Black Prince respects woodland prowess and hunting skill, but he hates being bested. Do well, but not too well....
--------------------------------------------
As promised, a servant appears to announce the hunting party is ready to depart. You're given your pick of horses (except for the Prince's black stallion), and any supplies you might need have already been provided. In addition to the Prince and his guests, there's a pack of shadow mastiffs and a small troop of archers. When you arrive at the hunting lodge, you find it to be small but cozy. It's garbled roof is painted in hound and eye designs.
Iris glanced at the eye designs on the walls, looking faintly amused. She'd been fairly quiet along the way, content to observe - and deities could be very patient indeed as they nudged things toward a better future - but she did offer to do a few performances for entertainment along the way.
At first light the next morning, the hunt begins.
As the hunt began, Iris started by considering the area and what she knew of the creatures likely to be there. She glanced through one of the books she'd brought as she did so, occasionally trying to solicit an opinion from Kolya on what sort of game the hounds would do well in pursuing. After she'd settled on some intended targets, she set about actually locating them, although she didn't go to pursue them herself. In most cultures, it was considered polite to allow the leader of the hunt to have the first attempt, and she was content with simply locating the quarry for the Prince.
According to Kolya, the Prince's most common prey are white elk and black boars. The elk are quick and elusive, allowing him to show off his tracking and agility. The boar, on the other hand, and tough and fearless, allowing him to show off his fighting skill.
However, the Prince's favored prey is the Firebird. The Queen loves the creature, and it's the Prince's goal to one day capture it and present it to her. To date, he's been unsuccessful, and this troubles him to no end. In fact, he's forbidden anyone else from hunting it.
Early on, you spot a tiny tuft of white fur where an elk had brushed up against some thorns. After pointing it out, the hunt begins in earnest. The Prince evidently a skilled tracker, as once you pointed out the initial sign, he speedily leads the hunting party along, pointing out hoofprints and the like as he goes. After some time, the hounds are loosed, but they shy away. After a minute, the reason for their reluctance becomes apparent as the woods fill with a cloud of fluttering butterflies. Each of them has wings checkered black and white, and their motion is as a swarm or wave.
It's a swarm of Death Butterflies - malevolent insects corrupted by feeding on the corpse of an evil creature. Their touch bears a fast-acting necrotizing poison, and the beating of their wings can paralyze their victims. Even the undead aren't safe; in fact, death butterflies prefer to feed on ghouls and ghasts.
Iris focused her divine power towards her feet, then lobbed a destructive blast towards the swarm before darting backwards, aiming to stay out of the creature's range instead of giving it the opportunity to envelop her. She wasn't worried about it distracting her - her staff had many powers, and blocking such effects was one of them - but that poison might be a problem if the altercation lasted for awhile...
for
The rest of the hunting party calmly sets alight a nearby clump of some kind of bush and arranges the embers in a protective circle around themselves. The butterflies avoid the area, instead focusing on the unprotected hunter - you. You lead the swarm on a merry chase while gradually chipping away at its numbers. Before too long, you've eliminated enough of the death butterflies that there's no real danger. As the other hunters leave their shelter, you glimpse the Prince give a brief smile of amusement. Apparently your (unnecessary) heroics were enjoyed.
-------------------------------------
There's no more trouble, and before the day is over, the Prince has shot a pair of white elk. The one you located is a particularly magnificent specimen with antlers spanning almost 10ft from point to point.
At the conclusion of the... encounter... with the butterflies, Iris gave a brief entertainer's bow to the rest of the party, holding back with the rest of the group as the prince hunted. Her final act for the day was putting on a performance as evening came around and the group began to settle down for the night. After all, it was her preferred way to spend evenings, and her song was a forward-looking one intended to encourage people for the future... and a day they could enjoy. It seemed appropriate.
All told, it's three days before you return to the palace. The Prince seemed to enjoy himself, and your actions only served to reinforce the favorable impression you've been making among the shadow fey.
All in all, Iris was pleased with how the hunt had gone. She seemed to have avoided any gross missteps... and she certainly couldn't complain about that. She'd likely put the prince a little more at ease, too - if he felt she wasn't going to be a threat to his interests, he probably wouldn't interfere just to be on the safe side. (After all, someone who wasn't a threat could be an opportunity, no?)
She did, however, take a look around the court to see if anything in particular demanded her attention now that she was back.
The court appears much as you left it. Soon after you get back, you hear stories about the magnificent elk the Prince hunted.
Your lantern dragonette goes missing for some time. When it returns, it bears an ornate letter marked with the Royal Seal.
"The Queen of Night and Magic requests the pleasure of the company of Iris, the Lady of Spring, in the Chamber of the Endless Stair tomorrow at the time of the stars' brightest light."
Oh, good - she was definitely making progress. Though, with a room name like that, it was probably going to be... interesting... to reach the queen. She made a point of asking someone about that, just in case it would take longer than one might expect to reach the chamber in question. It wouldn't do to be late, after all, not when this was the closest she'd yet come to ensuring Kaer Maga's safety from the clutches of the fey.
As it turns out, a form of courtly ritual is required to visit the Queen. This involves wearing your finest finery, lighting a candle in the Shrine to the Shadow Gods, and walking across the bridge to the Royal Chambers. There, you can begin climbing the Endless Stair. If you've followed the instructions correctly, you'll eventually reach the Audience Chamber. If you ignore the ritual or carry it out incorrectly, you'll instead get to learn whether or not the staircase's name is literal....
Well, this could be a problem. She had... issues... with deities of shadow. Just walking into one of their shrines was basically stating that she intended to bring her light and banish them. Anything that vaguely resembled veneration was even worse, considering the very core of her existence - everything she was, and what she represented - was antithetical to the powers of shadow. To put it another way, she couldn't do something like that without ceasing to be herself.
The Shrine has small sections dedicated to the following deities:
Alazhra
Benorus
Black Butterfly
Camazotz
Count Ranalc
Ng
Norgorbor
Pulura
Tanagaar
Zon-Kuthon
Wow - a whole four of them she liked. That was higher than she'd expected, actually - her guess would've been just one or two. She could at least go as far as acknowledging the Empyreal Lords who, while not divine themselves, were often the hands that reached out to more niche segments of goodness.
As it turns out, the stairs up to the audience chamber are not quite countless. Even with your increased speed, though, it still takes approximately 30min to reach the top. Countless stairs shine above the audience chamber, and the floor is covered in cloudlike mist. The chamber seems to be entirely outside the palace, hundreds of feet up in the sky. There are no walls, just a throne of dark lapis lazuli flecked with gold - a curtain of shadows obscures the throne's occupant, though she clearly wears a shining crown set with stars.
A fluid voice echoes from all around. <"You enter the presence of Her Celestial and Royal Majesty, Sarastra Aestruum, Queen of Night and Magic, Duchess of the Heavens, Lady of the Summer Palace, and Bride of Shadows. Attend her well."> The curtain of shadows ripples, and the voice continues. <"Your majesty, may I present to you the invited guest Iris, Lady of Spring, the honorable mortal and visitor who has been acquitted most passing well.">
The veil parts from before the queen, a beautiful shadow fey woman with black hair below a crown of mithril and glowing starstones. Her cloak is pure black, and her dress an indigo set with numberless diamonds. Four lantern dragonettes curl around her feet, darting forward, hissing. The queen speaks a word, and they disappear below her throne. Lifting a hand, she waves you forward. <"You have cut quite a swath through my court. The lantern dragonettes have been full of stories about you. I find your mortal ways charming, truly I do.">
She's barely bothering to cover up her lack of sincerity. It's all etiquette.
Fortunately, as a goddess of travel, Iris was not daunted by the prospect of a long climb - quite the opposite, really. Rising higher was kind of what the dawn did to begin with, and it was actually quite nice to be able to do that in this wretched realm...
As for the queen herself... well, it was probably for the best that Iris wasn't a Lawful Good deity, for they might have been a bit miffed at hearing such a figure claim the title 'Duchess of the Heavens'... even if she probably was referring to the sky and not the celestial plane. Still, that was their problem - they could deal with it if they wanted to.
Instead, she simply gave a polite curtsy to the Queen. Those dragonettes had told stories, had they? How interesting. <"And it is a pleasure to speak with you at last, Queen Aestruum. Visiting your majesties' court has been quite the memorable experience."> she answered courteously, ignoring the queen's lack of sincerity. The woman likely had a lot of meetings like this, after all... and she was a tolerant goddess on most matters. As long as she could arrange for Kaer Maga's safety - probably by ultimately arranging for a meeting with the King - she'd be satisfied.
The queen smiled. <"I trust that our hospitality has been adequate? And was the banquet acceptable? I know that many mortals have no taste for the food of the realm.">
<"Your invitation was most gracious."> Iris said, carefully focusing on what the Queen had done without mentioning the behavior of the rest of the court. <"'Tis true that the Court has little knowledge of me, but you have shown hospitality nonetheless, and that will not be forgotten. As for your banquet... well, I have known Emperors who could scarcely imagine such a meal."> Particularly the end of it.
<"We do try to take care of our guests. The Lighted Lands have largely forgotten about us, so it's especially nice to have a visitor from there. But I'm sure that you didn't come for a mere pleasure visit. I've heard that you have business with us. Perhaps I can be of assistance?">
<"You are quite correct, Queen Aestruum - as memorable an experience it would be to remain here for pleasure, I did not come to abuse your hospitality or overstay the welcome you've graciously offered."> She'd reminded the Prince of this as well, but she had exactly no intention of staying at the court long-term. To put it another way, she was trying to avoid being seen as a threat to their interests, and so correspondingly easier to deal with. <"As it happens, my business is with your husband, regarding the matter of a city named Kaer Maga in the Lighted Lands. If it would not be too much trouble, I would like to meet with him and discuss the matter at his convenience.">
<"And why can't such matters be discussed with me? During this season, the court is mine.">
Iris tipped her head slightly. <"I had heard from members of the court that this particular issue was one where His Majesty's claim was sovereign, and there was no mention of the seasons affecting this."> she explained, working to make it clear that she was respecting the authority of the Moonlit Court on this matter. <"Naturally, I did not wish to waste your time. If that information was incorrect, I would be happy to discuss the matter at your convenience instead.">
The queen nods, satisfied with your answer. <"The information you were given was technically true but incomplete. Out of necessity, my husband and I alternate rulership as the seasons change. Currently, I have the throne, and I have seen no need to alter any policies established last season. Unless there is something I overlooked?">
Iris considered for a moment. <"Well, I doubt Your Majesty has overlooked the disastrous end of that party."> she observed, cutting to the point of the matter. <"Akyishigal's insult is surely what most will remember... and what those outside the court will hear about. It is not the sort of thing that a ruler can allow to go unanswered, lest they be seen as weak. Kaer Maga may be a small issue for your court, Your Majesty, but troubles with it are something your enemies would be sure to exploit against you, perhaps claiming that the inability to properly manage a small, remote area is proof of no longer being able to handle important issues closer to home... and given that it's on the Cage of Rovagug, there would be trouble, considering the multitude of interested parties from across the planes that would be sure to make moves of their own in response. It is a city of mortals, yes, but they are not the only ones who care what happens to it. Put simply, Your Majesty, that city is not worth the problems it will bring you right now, and a graceful disposal of it as an issue would be the best course of action. If you truly desire the land, you can always pursue a new claim at a more opportune time."> She couldn't expect the Queen to give up the claim to Kaer Maga just because Iris asked nicely - even if she reinforced her words with some divine persuasion, there were things people simply didn't do, even for their friends. That was why you had to approach things from their perspective - and the Queen was fey. She could afford to be patient, especially when doing so would be a better course of action.
<"Your argument does have some merit, but there are few who would dare go against our will. While you mortals may have forgotten about us, the might of the shadow fey is well-known among the other planes. My husband, for whatever reason, has turned his attention to your city. Even if I were to rescind or delay the claim, it's probable that he'd simply begin the process anew next season.">
<"And issues like that are why I hoped to address it with him to begin with."> Iris observed, smoothly looping right back to her initial point. <"Among other things, I would prefer not to resolve this issue in a way that would cause your foes to laugh at you for expending effort on something so easily undone. 'Tis well enough to use your wit to keep them dancing cautiously... but when a matter is settled, it should be settled decisively, with no openings for them to exploit. Every time they undermine your authority, it gets a little easier for them to do it again... so Akyishigal's behavior should not be encouraged.">
The Queen gives a slight chuckle. <"Ah, yes, the Roach Lord. One of my husband's favorites. I don't mind the minor tantrums; they remind Lord Suvid that he's still around. As long as the two of them are bickering, my kingdom is safe. As you say, I'm 'keeping them dancing.' Unfortunately for you, the rumors you've undoubtedly heard about him are true. His time in the Maze grows longer with each season, and it's beginning to grow bothersome. You're welcome to visit him, of course, but I fear it may not be as profitable as you'd like.">
There's something hidden in the Queen's words, but it's not completely clear. Perhaps she's testing you.
<"If my efforts are wasted, it's really only a problem for me."> Iris answered, discreetly noting the way the Queen had little to lose here. She was satisfied with her previous words - the queen seemed to be keeping others balanced for now, but reminding her of the way perception outside the court could upset that balance was worthwhile enough. <"I appreciate having your welcome to enter the Maze, Your Majesty, and believe I shall head there quite soon - and if I can alleviate the issue bothering you, I shall."> After all, if the balance between the King and Queen was off, that was just something else for her foes to exploit... and while she was by no means on the Queen's side, it certainly wouldn't hurt to let her know that Iris had no intention of making things worse for her. (Not that she was bothered by the concept of disrupting a den of darkness, per se, but Revich was here - and few gods intervened directly when one of the angels was already working on an issue.)
The Queen turns away in apparent disinterest, although you catch a well-concealed look of satisfaction. <"If you really desire to undergo such a fool's errand, I will not stop you. Once you've seen that negotiation is pointless, perhaps we can discuss your city - after I hold the orb of rulership, of course."> Then the cloud you've been standing on vanishes, leaving you with a fall of at least 500 feet.
You plummet to the ground far below. Curiously, you land gently on your feet, completely uninjured. A ceremonial dagger lands beside you a few seconds later. It's sheathed in a charcoal gray scabbard etched with the Queen's owl emblem. When in shadow, the double-edged blade can be seen to be engraved with blood-red fey runes.
The Winter Palace lies behind you. In front of you, however, is an enormous hedge of thorns that stretches as far as the eye can see. When you look at it, the fey dagger begins to pulse faintly.
How kind of the Queen - after all, there was no reason to force this to drag out any longer than necessary, now was there? With a shrug, Iris moved forward and tapped the dagger against the hedge. It was probably a key of some kind to help people get in and out, although once she actually managed to get inside the place... well, she was a goddess of travel. One way or another, she intended to get through it.
At your touch, the hedge opens up, revealing a path. Once you enter, the hedge closes behind you, leaving no trace of a door. As you walk along, it quickly becomes clear that the maze is massive, extremely complex, and very dark. Somewhere off in the distance, you see a light, and your dagger pulses whenever you seem to be heading in that direction. Of course, as you're inside a labyrinth, finding the most direct route is difficult.
As she moved into the forest, Iris clenched a hand and focused, reaching out to the power she'd gathered. It was darn certain that there were nasty things in a place like this, and she had no intention of simply walking around like some juicy-looking target.
Iris held the hug for just a moment. She'd been alone for a very long time now... but in all the realms, Sorathel was the being that had been closest to her. She was Iris' right hand, almost a living extension of her will, loyal beyond mortal measure and the being Iris was closest to. Unlike the other beings in the realms, Sorathel had not forgotten her - because she'd stopped existing when Iris had fallen, and had been formed anew by divine power. Returning at least some of her memories had been a simple part of that. <"It's... been awhile."> Iris said quietly. Finally, she pulled back. <"We're on a shadow plane, within a maze and searching for the king of a fey court in order to protect the mortal lands. Be my sword and my shield, Sorathel, as you always are. Many lives depend on us.">
The angel bent her head deeper. <"Though darkness may be all around me, the light will come with the Dawn."> Sorathel said, quoting the Book of the First Light. Her feelings on the matter were simple - Iris had decreed that they were here to do something, and Sorathel's devotion was such that she didn't question the decision. Her focus was on how to carry out Iris' will, and the angel stood up to scan the area as Iris began to deduce the best way forward.
You notice a flickering light that appears to be fairly close to your position. That's as good a place to start as any. Interestingly, the oppressing darkness of the shadow plane seems to be much less prevalent within the maze.
As you get closer to the light, the maze's wide passages open up to reveal some sort of clearing. A dozen lantern dragonettes are warming themselves around a huge brass brazier. It looks warm and inviting, and there's something urging you to move closer and bask in its soothing warmth.
Iris frowned as she noticed the light around the brazier - and Sorathel, not so weak as to be distracted by another light in the presence of her goddess - brought her blade up as she began to look around the area more carefully.
<"Tricks tend to be guarded."> the angel said, a clear note of disapproval in her tone as she moved to guard Iris' back.
<"...Indeed."> Iris said, quiet but also rather angry. Somebody dared to try and use light to control her? That was quite an insult.
From all around you, shadows extend and coalesce into a roiling cloud of energy. Full of angry skulls and grasping hands, it moves toward you - seemingly fixated on your staff.
You recognize it as a variant phantasm swarm. This mass of tortured shadows possesses an unnatural hatred toward all things divine.