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Tiressia steps forward speaking for the Light Fey, ”The Dancing Lady is a Dark Fey and her nature would be to kill everyone of us. She has killed many before your friend. As disteastfull as it is to kill a helpless prisoner, she is much too dangerous to leave alive, unless you can transform her into a harmless creature or turn her to stone, I see no other choice. We have no objection to your judgement Queen Asta.”
"Transforming her into a harmless creature or stone is beyond me, unless there is a surprise find of spell scrolls here," Asta says.
"Seraph. Sunset. Torod. As queen, I judge this creature to be a menace like the tatzylwyrm or a rabid dog; something that kills needlessly and cannot be persuaded to stop. As the Light Fey have ceded to us the freedom to pass sentence, I call for the vote; I will not demand death unilaterally, but a simple majority vote of the Council will suffice."
Asta prods the Dancing Lady with her boot until the hateful creature wakes, and looks her in the eye. "Your fate has been given to us mortals. Unless you can provide some credible defense or limiter on your cruel behaviour and distasteful existence, I call for your death by the blade. If you try to cast, you die by crushed throat."
The heel of Asta's quarterstaff is already resting against the Lady's neck...
A much weakened Torod will ready Wyandarch as well.
"I vote she dies."
Arctorus catches Seraph's intoned meaning behind her quiet statement to him. He sighs and says, "Very well, but I simply ask you not be frightened by my appearance. I did not choose to be this. I used to be like you..."
He touches the helm on his head, and his appearance changes to that of a giant sized draconian creature. He has a massive, well made great axe strapped to his back and an ornate but muddy black breastplate on his chest with a red dragon painted on the front. He has clearly seen some hard times, but the gear is expertly made.
He holds his claws open, palms forward, in an attempt to show he is unarmed. Though, you can tell that even without a weapon, his claws alone could rend flesh easily enough.
”What is Greenheart. I haven’t heard of it,” he says as he tilts his head in confusion. He turns to Seraph as Asta walks off, and adds ”Will I...will I be free?”
His new appearance brings a sigh of relief from her as she retains her warm smile. "Incredible." Her complement is heartfelt, glad to see what truly lay behind the mirage. She speaks softly as she adds. "I cannot promise that others won't be afraid but, they will get used to you with time."
At his unsure words of their kingdom and if he would be free, Sunset's words bring a nod from Seraph. "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings. Slavery is outlawed, along with magic that steals away ones will. Though we must abide by the laws of the land of Greenheart, break those laws and prepare to face judgment. Fair but certain judgment..." She pauses at Asta's summons, letting Torods words delay her for a moment as she says to Arctorus plainly. "I look forward to knowing more about you Arctorus, please excuse me."
She pauses at Asta's words and moves as summoned. She didn't have the strength to draw her blade for had she been able she would have taken this burden for Asta. She restrains her self, just barely as she spoke. Her previous warmth gone like a frigid wind. "Milady, based on her actions, her choice of allies and the trophies of death she retains in her chambers alone. I believe her irredeemable and vote for swift and summary execution."
Arctorus nods to Seraph, clearly thinking the situation over. He watches in silence as these people made judgement on their prisoner. Seeing the body of a man being carried out, as well as a large cat, he figured the woman had killed their friend. But what had caused them all to seem ill, he wasn’t sure.
”You all look tired. Even sick. If you want, I can do the deed. No one deserves a slow death, and if you don’t have the strength to follow through on your judgement, I can carry it out. I am not tired,” Arctorus says, removing the massive axe from his back, just in case his services were requested.
Sunset frowns. "Ye dun't be offin' prisoners. In't right..."
"I am Queen in these lands, sir," Asta says to Arctorus. Her blue eyes flare crimson. "And we gathered here are the ruling Council. Flesh weakens. The Council does not. When the sentence is passed, it shall be delivered with speed and strength."
Turning to Sunset, Asta nods, calmly. "It is a bad situation. I agree. But we cannot look at this as adventurers. We must look at this as the rulers of this land. This creature, left unchecked, would continue to prey on anyone unlucky enough to approach it, and we lack the means to bind its body, and our own laws forbid us from breaking its will. And now... we have three votes to one."
Crimson eyes blazing disgust at the Dancing Lady, the Witch Queen speaks: "By the vote of the Council and the permission of the Light Fey, I pronounce you a condemned murderer. You have room for one last statement. Then you die.
Torod. Stand ready."
Sunset takes off her hat.
"It in't right..."
Her gaze remains neutral and some what distant.
Arctorus hangs his head at Asta's rebuke. He wasn't the smartest man in the room, but he knew enough to know what Queen meant. He puts his axe away and steps over towards the gate, where he has a seat on the ground and leans back against the wall.
"She's right. We claim rulership over these lands. It is only right and fitting that we dispense justice with our own hands when we can." With a grunt of effort, Torod stands straight, Wyandare poised to strike. He says a prayer to Erastil for Strawberry's soul. Then he strikes.
Coup de Grace
While Torod prays, Asta chants, one hand rising to cover his where they clutch the hilt of Wyandare. Shadows crawl across the blade and trail after it as it descends.
Arctorus’ eyes flare with a panic as he sees Asta begin weaving magic. He jumps to his feet and takes up a defensive posture!
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With the sentence passed, Torod strikes the defiant dancing lady to deliver justice killing her in one blow.
The skies darken, as the life leaves the dancing lady’s body it forms into a ghostly image her in life. Facing Torod she shrieks ”You spill the blood of dark fey! I curse thy mortal to watch all you know wither away and die. I curse the land to swallow all trace of you and your life. I curse you to suffer in pain!”
After cursing Torod the image dissipates, and they skies return to their normal brightness.
The forgotten keep has been cleansed of it’s dark fey. It feels like a lifetime since having left Greenhart.
Tiressia offers you the safety of her groove to rest and recover.
Sunset (-1 wis, -7 STR, -7 Con)
Torod: (-12 wis, -9 Str, -10 Con) (pending Curse -6 Dex)
Seraph (-2 wis, -11 STR, -7 Con)
Seraph moves to Arctorus raising her hands in a calming way. Trying to get his attention as he seemed spooked. Though the sudden movement was taxing for her. "Be calm Arctorus and..." She coughs lightly as she regains her breath. "We are not sick, we are tired and injured. But this fey..." She gestures to the one Asta had judged. "She bled her victims, fed on them with cruel glee... Many before us..." The blood stained clothes, Thomas... Strawberry.
Sunsets words bring a mix of pain and conflict to Seraph causing her calm to fracture ever so much. Killing a prisoner was terrible but on the other hand she could not be contained. Like Gregori she would escape and more would die...
Finally she says to Arctorus. "If it scares you then focus on me. Ask me questions just don't watch."
Arctorus’ eyes bounce back and forth from Seraph to Asta frantically. ”Wizards and their kind can’t be trusted! They torture and...test and...enslave!” He seemed fine moments before, but the moment magic started being used he grew frantic.
As the skies darken, he grabs Seraph by the arm and points to the clouds, ”See!?!?”
Then, as the prisoner weaves her curse, Arctorus’ eyes fixate on her and he mutters, ”Never again...never again...”
Asta marches right up to Arctorus.
"Slavery," she says in an angry tone, "against the law. Using magic to bend others' will: against the law. Using any magic on another individual without their express permission, other than in reasonable self defence or to save a life: against the law. My law. I do not know what you have suffered, but do not dare to put me on the same level as whoever tortured you."
Turning to Tiresia, Asta thanks her and accepts her hospitality.
She tried to think quickly, but she wasn't able too as her head was still too foggy. Arctorus grabbing her arm took her off balance, and she stumbled forward, dropping to one knee. The weight of her gear driving her down as it was heavy and her muscles were weak from the ordeal. "So heavy..." She grunts to herself as she stands and uses her other free hand to pat Arctorus massive scaled arm after Asta storms off. Her Witch was a winter storm, one that she had no right or place to calm at this moment. She kept letting Arctorus hold onto her for comfort. "That was a Dark Fey Arctorus. Powerful and unknown, there is no wizards here, no one will harm you. Asta speaks the truth."
She keeps patting his arm as she tries to keep his attention.
Arctorus rises to his full height. ”I have ever only known one wizard. And he tortured me for an eternity. Destroyed my memories. Warped my body into this,” he gestures to himself and his draconian body. ”Excuse me if I have my worries, Queen!” he snarls through clenched, pointed teeth. His body is shaking, be it from fear or anger, it is hard to tell.
He looks away from Asta and nods to Seraph. ”Thank you,” he replies, casting a dubious glance towards Asta, ”I suppose we will have to see about the last bit...”
Seeing her struggle, he reflexively reaches down and scoops her up, cradling her much like one would a child. ”Rest. I can carry you a while.”
Being scooped up send a shudder through her, one she resists as she wheezes. "We lost friends today. Understand her fury and you are most welcome." She nods to his words. "The fallen one their bled us like meat and my strength with it. Thanks for the help Arctorus."
"I may apologize to you later," Asta says without turning back to Arctorus. "Right now, I am feeling too angry. In time, maybe we can come to trust one another. And in time, if you let me, I may find a way to undo the damage that has been done to you. Or you can petition the goodly faiths in our nation. Clerics are also good at reversing damage."
Asta glances at Thomas' body and shakes her head, sadly.
"We will sorely miss his diplomatic skills. Perhaps he may be brought back to us by the priests..."
"You have already taken Strawberry from me you worthless creature! DO YOUR WORST!" And she does. Torod stumbles and falls over. His body wracked with pains and injuries both physical and metaphysical.
Arctorus doesn’t reply to Asta, just watches her as she walks away.
Seeing the elf fall to the dead gmthings magic, Arctorus walks over to him, still carrying Seraph. He kneels down and carefully picks up Torod, cradling him in his other arm. ”It’s alright, little one. Rest. Arctorus will carry you.”
He stands, now holding two of the Queen’s council in his arms. ”Queen of Greenheart, your people are tired. I can carry these two for you, if you have somewhere safe for them to rest.”
"We do," Asta says. "Noble Tiresia here" -- Asta politely nods to the Dryad -- "has offered us the shelter of her grove. Let us go there. In the morning, we return to Greenheart and see about mending my tormented allies."
"Croft, I need you to fly to the Temple of the Elk," Asta says. "Go get Jhod and as many of his more potent Clerics as he can muster for a ride out to Tiresia's grove -- ah, if you will grant them permission to enter, good Tiresia. If not, we will meet them outside your territorial borders, of course."
"Have wings, will travel," Croft says.
Before flying off, though, the raven flaps over to perch on Torod's shoulder.
"I'm going to miss her, too," he says, quite sincerely, before he spreads his black wings and speeds off into the distance.
Sunset drops her hat... Leaving it laying as she moves on to help the group travel on to where they will recover and recouperate.
Arctorus ambles quietly along behind this Queen, her conscious Council, and her Fey allies. He carries Torod and Seraph gently in his arms, doing his best to not shake them with his footsteps.
This wizard lady has a temper. Just like the wizard man. Best not anger her much more until I see if she is not like the wizard man. If she is...then this is bad...
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The group rest as long as necessary at the safety of Tiressia groove, before heading back to Greenhart.
There are no encounters along to prevent your group from reaching the city, where rest will heal all wounds except for Torod's curse.
If Arctgorus is in his normal form, he makes quite a impression on the citizens as they gather their children behind themselves and look ready to run. (if he is just in disguise as a large human, they just gather their children.) The fact that his is with the kingdom leaders prevent them from fleeing.
Jhod and a few guards catch up with the group as they are returning to Greenhart. He can cast a few lesser restorations to speed the healing, but removing a cure or raise dead is beyond his power.
Amongst those gathered near the 'Captiol' building(s) is a striking woman wearing well tailored and fashionable clothes.
About her shoulders, held in place by large gold clasps, rests a great cloak of shimmering black feathers.
Seeing people hurt she pushes forwards and presents herself, brushing her cloak wide as she curtsies.
"I am a healer of some skill..." She offers.
Sunset wipes the trail dust from her forehead and looks to her travelling companions.
"Well.. tha' farm in't gon'a run it-self." She says.
"I got buildin's ta' see to. Fences ta' check." Her eyes linger on Asta. "I'll... mosey in't have a chat later Luv." So saying she directs her Chocobo axebeak off towards the direction of her holdings. She absently pulls out one of her sticks and lights the end... puffing gently on the rolled item as she goes.
Arctorus looks at the frightened gathering anxiously, feeling all eyes on him. He stays near Seraph as they walk, hoping no one takes up pitchforks and torches to drive him away.
"Sunset," Asta says before the Alchemist/Sorceress/Spellslinger can walk off -- and she pulls something from her saddlebag, knocking off the dust. "You forgot your hat."
Asta holds the tifter in question out to her friend.
Torod's wardrobe looks like there was an explosion of clothes as he shuts the door behind him as he's going to.... He then hurries back inside and comes out with the statue.
"Ok, Strawberry. Here we go." Torod looks down, expecting to see his friend, but is shocked to not find her there. He can only nod his head as he remembers that she will never be there again. "I could use your wise council right now, my friend." He steels his courage and knocks on the door.
Torod stands in front of Lily Teskerten leaning on his cane, wearing his 'military dress' outfit. Designed to look appropriate when he has to appear with the other nobles but allows Torod much of the range of motion he likes to have. He holds out the statue to her. "I hope, Miss Teskerten, that this will suffice for your needs. My companions and I went through quite some trouble to get it and I would hate to have to go back for a different one."
"Sunset," Asta says before the Alchemist/Sorceress/Spellslinger can walk off -- and she pulls something from her saddlebag, knocking off the dust. "You forgot your hat."
Asta holds the tifter in question out to her friend.
Sunset glances over a shoulder as she directs Fluff off through the crowd.
"Nah, t'is all-right Luv. I'll come get it some time t'morrow..." She waves the item away.
Seeing the lady with the feathered cloak present herself to Asta, Arctorus begins wringing his “hands” together nervously. ”I...I should not be here. They are scared of me,” he mumbles as he looks back at the crowd. He looks down at Seraph, ”Is there somewhere I can go? Away from the people? They will want to drive me out, I know it...”
Meanwhile, Rodrick and a few of Thomas’ Houseguards push their way through the crowd and begin looking for their liege-lord...
Seeing a look of some distress come over the large fellow's demeanor Arabeth moves forward offering a comforting hand.
"Good day to you, Sir..." She smiles encouraginly. Though she inadvertantly steps upon the hem of her own cape, causing her to more stumble into the big fellow. Her faux pas causing her to wince and grimace.
She absently re-arrainges her cloak about her, trying to return her attention to the other fellow's distress and ignoring her own. Not noticing now that one of the gold clasps securing the feathered item has become detatched from her shoulder......
Seraph sends her recovery in the grove training her body. Doing squats in full battle gear and swinging her sword. She doesn't try to hide her overabundant muscles anymore. She doesn't try to contain her masculine form given to her by her fiendish heritage. Once she was fully recovered she felt stronger then before.
Arriving in the capital she does her best to assuage Arctorus's fears. "Stand firm Arctorus. Stop hiding yourself and accept what you are for now. If they feel the need to look away that isn't your fault." True to form she doesn't hide her slightly changed appearance.
Seeing Thomas's men she has waves to them. Signalling them to fall in line and wait for Asta to see them. Mainly she moves them away from Arctorus...
Seeing Arctorus's discomfort she frowns at the nervousness of the people. "There is a bathouse I can take you too. It's under the control of my fellow Swan's. Sound good?"
"If you say so," Asta says as she watches Sunset walk away.
Seeing Thomas' retainers, she huffs a short breath and puts the hat on.
"Gentlemen," she calls to them, "I need to give you some unfortunate news."
Seeing that Asta was dealing with Thomas's retinue, she turns her attention to keeping Arctorus comfortable. That was until someone ran into his legs. She turns to say something when the soft clink of someone metallic makes her look down and up again. At the same person, who was now having wardrobe difficulties.
She clears her throat, recovers the metal clasp and offers it to the unknown woman. "Seraph Starsky and you dropped this miss...?" She lets the question hang for a moment.
When the woman stumbles into him, Arctorus reflexively tries to catch her. When he helps her up to her feet, he gets an eye-full as part of her attire had become disarrayed. He gawks awkwardly for a moment as Seraph attempts to help the lady.
He anxiously looks to Seraph and her suggestion of the bath house. Not entirely sure what that was, he simply nodded and waited for her to guide him there.
Rodrick and the rest of Thomas' guard bow to Queen Asta. When she says she brings grim news, the men look crestfallen, while Rodrick's eyes widen and begins looking for Lord Lebeda in earnest.
"My Lady...what has become of Lord Lebeda?"
"We came upon a creature of evil in a ruin," Asta replies. "Before we could defeat it... Thomas had fallen. I offer to restore him - but I need to send away for a scroll with the appropriate spell. You have my sincere regrets, gentlemen, and my assurance that I will do everything in my power to bring back your liege."
Rodrick clenches his teeth, while the guards all begin whispering it one another. There is a tense silence in the air between them, but after a moment, Rodrick bows and says ”Your assistance in restoring our Lord is appreciated, My Lady. House Lebeda will be graciously thankful for your expedient restoration of Lord Thomas.”
Seeing that Asta was dealing with Thomas's retinue, she turns her attention to keeping Arctorus comfortable. That was until someone ran into his legs. She turns to say something when the soft clink of someone metallic makes her look down and up again. At the same person, who was now having wardrobe difficulties.
She clears her throat, recovers the metal clasp and offers it to the unknown woman. "Seraph Starsky and you dropped this miss...?" She lets the question hang for a moment.
When the woman stumbles into him, Arctorus reflexively tries to catch her. When he helps her up to her feet, he gets an eye-full as part of her attire had become disarrayed. He gawks awkwardly for a moment as Seraph attempts to help the lady.
He anxiously looks to Seraph and her suggestion of the bath house. Not entirely sure what that was, he simply nodded and waited for her to guide him there.
Arabeth's countenance changes to one of acute embarrassment as it is others who come to her aid.
"Yes. Thank you...." And other pleasantries she mumbles as Seraph and Arctorus fuss about herself.
She is far more focused upon herself all of a sudden than what is going on surrounding her person. Patting things into place, she regains her composure and again offers a hand daintily to Artorus and Seraph. Both of whom tower over her urbane self.
"Greetings and good day. allow me to introduce myself. I am Miss Arabeth, a healer."
(^_^)
Asta makes her way to the castle and sees to it that Thomas' body is stored somewhere cool -- and under guard so it is not violated by vermin. She sends a message to the church of Sivanah, with the request to have someone pray for and cast Gentle Repose on the Grand Diplomat as soon as possible.
Afterward, she drafts a letter, placing an order for numerous scrolls both arcane and divine from a specialist merchant in Restov, adding the suggestion that Greenheart might be a fine site to open up a new franchise.
With that done... the Witch Queen just sits on her throne for a few minutes, exhausted, before calling for Imira.
"Your report," she tells the Spymistress, her mien once again cool and controlled. "How fares my kingdom? What is the status of the apprentices? Have you expanded the network? Any diplomatic mail?"
"A-Arctorus," the large man stutters in reply. This Arabeth was perhaps one of prettiest women he had ever seen, and Arctorus didn't know how to act around her. He starts to reach to take her hand, but decides it might be best if he just bowed.
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As the Stagland leaders return to Greenhart, a striking woman wearing well tailored and fashionable clothes. About her shoulders, held in place by large gold clasps, rests a great cloak of shimmering black feathers. She pushes forward and offers healing as she introduces herself as Arabeth.
Sunset wipes her forehead of dirt and excuses herself to see to her farm.
Arctorus looks upon the frightened crowd with equal anxiousness, and wants to go somewhere safe.
Seraph tries to assuage Arctorus’s fears by giving him a confidence pep talk. She offered the bathouse as a safe place.
Arabeth offers a comforting hand to the large Arctorus as she mistepts and causes the gold clasps securing the feathered item to become detached. She does draw some of the looks of the crowd from Arctorus to herself.
Arctorus catches the stumbling Arabeth and gawks awkwardly as Seraph helps the woman restore her wardrobe malfunction. After she is sorted, Arctorus gives a bow to Arabeth as he introduces himself.
Asta spots Thomas’ retainers and calls to them the sad news. Rodrick take the grim news with some trepidation, but when Asta offers to restore Thomas, they graciously accept.
Torod after cleaning up and a change of wardrobe, missing Strawberry he goes to find Miss Teskerten to present her with the hardwon statue of elven make. Seeing Torod at her door, Lily smiled pleasantly at such a welcome guest, ”I was just thinking about you, and here your are! Do come in, would you like some tea?” When Torod shows her the Elven Statue, Lily squeals with delight, ”Oh it’s beautiful! More that what I had hoped for!” She give Torod an impulsive hug noticing him wincing in pain, ”Oh but you are injured, please sit down. Where does it hurt. You must tell me all about your adventure!” She seems to fuss over Torod making him comfortable and is very attentive to his needs. Thinking of something she stands up and gets a cloak from her closet, ”This cloak belonged to my father, it has magical protective properties. I want you to have and wear it. I will protect you on your adventures, I don’t know what I would do if anything happens to you!” See seems quite smitten with Torod.
Asta sees to Thomas’ body being stored in a cool safe place. Sends a request to the church of Sivanah, and places an order for numerous scrolls.
Jhod offers to cast the Gentle Repose being within his power.
Calling upon Imira her kingdom spymistress, Asta ask for a report.
Imira now looking closer to fifteen appears, before any guards have time to be dispatched to summon her. ”Yes, my Queen! It is reassuring to see you back safely! I understand not everyone was as fortunate. The apprentices continue to practice their lessons you set for them. Freckles, was able to evil-eye a cat and cackle as it fumbled catching a mouse. In the week since you have been gone, No diplomatic mail, I have been speaking with the midwife about the importances of passing on information to keep the kingdom safe. Also, I understand you have made friends with two Fey allies to the west in the forest?”
"That tale is not appropriate at this time, but I tell of how I met Queen Asta and our first adventure together. Mind you, I am not much of a storyteller, but I will give you my best."
Torod tries to keep his visit short for fear of doing or saying something wrong. In no case will he stay beyond late afternoon. It would not be appropriate.
He goes from Lily's directly to see Asta and Seraph.