Illya follows Hazel and Antonin.
I need to be aware, ready for anything. It's in the castles and halls that the decisions get made for life and death and their just as much a battlefield as a dangerous forest or dark valley.
As Antonin leads the four of you into the Hall, he pauses, looking at HöD.
"Young master Ronoakson, come with me please." If followed, he leads you in the direction of the large group you heard to your right, eventually bringing you before an older man in full spiked plate. The man bears two sheathed greatswords, both points resting on one armored boot.
"This is Bishop Caernghar, spiritual leader for the Gorumite faithful here in Restov. As I'm sure you can guess that makes him a rather important fellow about these parts. He has agreed to hold those weapons deemed 'excessive'," At this the priest sneers in good-natured derision "while their bearers are within the Hall. Will you be so kind as to leave your with him?"
"Leave the lad his Seax at the least, Aldori. Yea can't expect a good Ulfen lad to go naked inta year hall?" Winking at you, the priest gives a come hither nod to a young acolyte, who scurries up to bear the two swords, taking obvious care not to allow either to make contact with the stones of the pavement, leaving the Bishops hands free.
Höd does a poor job concealing the sour look on his face, but he complies with a curt nod and thanks the priest for defending his possession of the seax.
Given the delay, you are the last to enter the Hall. The foyer is large enough everyone could have entered & only been a bit cramped. On the other hand, given the number of likely Gorumite followers among the groups, that might have resulted in exactly the sort of effect they did not want. An older, somewhat ostentatiously martially attired () gentleman stands at a podium before the eight of you, he does not wear an Aldori blade. There are five men & women seated behind him. Their ages range between only a decade older than the four of you to older than the Bishop outside, they all bear Aldori blades.
HöD, the woman you now call Mor sits second from the left.
As Antonin leads the four of you in the older gentleman at the podium nods. "Thank you Antonin, that will be all." Bowing, Antonin backs out & closes the door behind him.
Taewyn does his best not to gape as he enters the foyer of the Lord Mayor's Hall. That candle holder on the wall over there would probably buy the biggest farm in the village! He thinks. He waits with the others after being greeted by the Aldori from last night, taking the moment to surreptitiously appraise his companions and the other members of the group.
He was staring at a man across the room who was garbed in spiked armor, How does he even move in that?!, when a melodious female voice interrupts his woolgathering.
"Oh, my pardons Miss, err... Milady."A blush begins to creep over his tanned face."A scout I am indeed. My name is Taewyn Kais, at your service." As Hazel introduces the others, Taewyn nods to each in turn.
"Ladies, Gentlemen; for too long the lands to the immediate South of Rostland have been an ulcerous blight upon trade, culture & goodwill." Taking another breath while surreptitiously glancing back at the Aldori behind him, the Lord Mayor continues. "These so-called 'Stolen Lands have impeded our reconciliation with our Mivoni brethren to the South, provided havens for Bandits, Centaurs & worse beasts. They have endangered the lives & livelihood of the common Rostlander & this is something we will no longer stand!"
Pausing for a moment, almost surprised at his own vehemence, Ioseph Sellemius regains his momentum. "It is for this reason that the Aldori council & myself have sponsored the ." At the word pacification, the Kellid woman smirks. "Ah, Madam Valki, your Iron Wraiths have been ceded the Charter for the Glenbon Uplands; Bishop Caernghar has spoken highly of your experience with the Tiger Lords & Numeria in the past, it should serve you well there."
"Maegar Aldor-" A cough from the table behind him brings the Lord Mayor up short. "Ah yes, my mistake, Maegar , your Varnling Host has been ceded the Charter for the Nomen Heights. Understand, as the locale closest to our own city, it falls to your company to see to it the 'Centaur Issue' is appropriately addressed."
Surreptitiously checking his notes, the Lord Mayor looks quizzically between the four of you & the single remaining un-named individual of the other three. "Hannis Drelev, the Stroons have long been staunch supporters of the Rostland way of life," At this point both Valki & two of the Swordlords at the table are convulsed with coughing fits. "As I was saying, I'm sure their confidence & in your efforts will be rewarded."
"Of the four quarters of the 'Stolen Lands', the Greenbelt is in many ways the least troublesome. Of course, that is somewhat like saying a hangnail is less troublesome than a septic wound. It's true, but it doesn't mean you either of them. However in this case, Lady Medvyed, it means we," and with that he indicates both himself & the Aldori seated behind him, "are willing to risk a 'less imposing' force. You, obviously, need no patron, however each of your companions has sufficiently impressed myself &/or another member of this body, that we feel the four of you be equal to the task at hand."
As he has made his speech, the youngest of the Aldori at the table behind him picked up four scrolls from the table & presented one each to the four named individuals.
"Ladies, Gentlemen; the exact purpose of this meeting must be considered a state secret. So far as the world outside these walls knows your task is the improvement of Brevoy's Cartographic records of the lands between Brevoy, Numeria, Pitax, Mivon, and the remains of Old Iobaria. If a reduction in the predations of Bandits & fouler things should likewise occur, well, that would be a happy accident."
With that, he turns to face the seven of you, places his hand over his heart & nods ceremoniously. "Ladies, Gentlemen; on behalf of Restov, Rostland & Brevoy I thank you all & offer you our most heart-felt hopes."
Throughout the Lord Mayor's speech Illya attempts to get an impression of who holds the power and what the dynamics of control are in this room. She looks for reactions as well as body language which she was trained to read trying to get any sense of what might be going on unsaid in the room.
Illya Steps forward and takes the scroll from the youngest Aldori with a nod, turns and hands it to Hazel with a small curtsey "Milady" and then goes and stands beside her on her right side again.
She quickly tries to remember everything she has been taught or heard about the greenbelt and dangers they may face there.
Höd is visibly uncomfortable amidst all this pomp and circumstance, or perhaps he is lost without his weapons. It is hard to tell, but he would clearly rather be anywhere else.
Illya: As his speech progresses, it becomes apparent to you that the Lord Mayor is not 'in charge'. You don't get a clear sense of who is, although certain gaffes notwithstanding, you do have a sense that this meeting is proceeding according to some order. At the very least, the Lord Mayor shares power, though he may be a clear subordinate. If that is the case, whoever does hold clear power, has no interest in flaunting it, if they are here.
As to the Greenbelt, all that you can recall at the moment bears out what the Lord Mayor said.
Taewyn can't help but grin as the Lord Mayor speaks. A few weeks ago he was fixing the thatch roof on his parents house, and now he was in a room with nobles, swordlords, and true movers-and-shakers!
Now THIS is adventure!
Taking the Lord Mayor's acknowledgement as clear indication the audience is over, Valki, , inclines her head just sufficiently to avoid insult and makes her way to the door, Maegar Varn & Hannis Drelev almost shadowing her.
The Aldori at the table all stand, nod to each other & then to Lord Mayor Sellemius, and depart the room through a door at the back.
Just as he is about to pass through the door, Maegar Varn pauses, allowing Hannis Drelev to precede him. Turning back to you, he addresses Hazel.
"Lady Hazel, as our's are the closest courses to each other, if you & yours would care to accompany my Varnling Host at least as far as Nivakta's Crossing, you all would be welcome."
By this point, the room is occupied only by yourselves & Maegar Varn, although you do see Antonin not-quite-hovering just outside the door.
Having no idea where Nivakta's Crossing is, though presuming it is on the way to the Greenbelt, Hazel nods her head to Maegar Varn. "Why yes, it would be nice to travel with you and your Host. It will be wonderful to keep your company for some time."
Taewyn follows his compatriots out.
Höd presses out before his group and heads straight to the priest of Gorum and reclaims his axe, quickly checking it for signs of alteration.
Satisfied, he regains the lady Hazel and indicates that he is ready whenever she is.
Nivakta's Crossing is a village about half a day's travel West of Restov along the South Rostland Road. It is just North of the Southern Brevoy border at the Northern edge of the Nomen Heights. It is about a quarter of the distance to a trading post owned by one Oleg Leveton. Oleg's post is noted in your Charter.
After the meeting is complete Illya turns to Hazel "Hazel is there anything you would like us to acquire before we leave? Are we well enough provisioned for the journey?"
Illya
HöD, as you retrieve your axe, you notice that Valki has also retrieved her sword & is in the process of kissing the acolyte thoroughly & passionately, to the amusement & bemusement of several onlookers. Finally breaking the embrace she steps back, taking hold of the acolyte just in time as he did not quite recover his balance.
"A little something to keep in mind once the good Bishop here releases you from the chapel nursery eh?" She smirks as she turns to her own men.
Höd blushes and hurries out of the hall.
Höd blushes and hurries out of the hall.
At Illya's inquiry, Maegar Varn offers. "If it would aid, I will ask Iozif to accompany lady Illya in furbishing your party. He's been my factotum for almost a decade & has probably done as much to keep us alive in that manner as anything my sword has accomplished!"
"Thank you m'Lord. I would be grateful for the help if needed."
Turning to Hazel again M'lady is there anything you require before we set out or are you prepared to leave, if so I will make sure your horse is saddled.
Höd sees to Módnir and waits patiently until everyone is ready to go.
"I am prepared, Illya, thank you. Állain is in the stable back at the inn. I would be grateful if you would accompany me."
The four companies disperse to their respective gathering-up locations.
Hazel, Illya, Maegar Varn signals to one of his lieutenants, who hurries over. Iozif is about half a head shorter than Meagar, a bit darker complected with a pronounced widows-peak hairline & a penetrating expression.
The two engage you in reasonably entertaining pleasantries during the walk.
Illya: Once the four of you have made your way back to 'the Dragon's Roost', you have assisted Hazel in packing away her things & you have procured yours from your room; you have one of the inn's porters carry the baggage to the stables when an expression of recollection crosses his features. "Oh, that's right, lady Illya!? The 'keep' said to tell you your mare was lamed during the night, something about the stableman not doing 'is job prop'ley. Been sacked 'o course. 'e said to take this note to the 'ostlers & they'd see you were looked-to prop'ley." Handing you a folded paper. The paper is a common agreement between complementary business owners in acknowledgment of favors given & received indicating that the bearer should be outfitted with an appropriate mount & gear for an indeterminate lease, the costs to be settled between the original parties.
With the brief detour to acquire Illya's horse, the four members of your company re-unite at the gather point with the Varnling Host in time to sup lightly for noon & be out of the City long long after.
Knowledge Local Check:
Sense Motive Check:
While they pack up the rest of Hazel's things Illya expresses her general feeling of concern about Lord Maeger Varn and how she feels they should be cautious about who pulls the strings. She is frustrated by not having more information concerning the others being sent south.
I feel blind going into this situation, who's pulling the strings, who benefits from sending us into the greenbelt, one young noblewoman, her handmaiden and two guards. Varn's intentions are somewhat transparent. In any case my eyes and ears are going to be my best tools because I have no network to rely on.
Taewyn reins in his horse as he arrives at the gathering point. The sturdy chestnut mare looks around at all the horses of the Host and pins her ears back.
"Easy there, old girl." Taewyn pats her comfortingly on the neck. He nods to Hod, and bows from the waist to Ilya and Lady Medvyed. He shifts in his saddle and looks upwards, gauging the weather.
The four of you re-unite at the gather-point with the Varnling Host. Now that you have had the opportunity to observe them closely, the Host consists of Meagar Varn, Iozif Coer-Fere, Sidonie o' the Black, and nine other men-at-arms. The nine men-at-arms seem to be divided, three each into squads supporting one of the three leaders. At mention of your name, Hazel, Sidonie inclines her head a bit more than her initial courtesy.
Luncheon being finished, Maegar suggests the company head out as it is now the heat of the day and you should all make Nivakta's Crossing before dark. No objection being made, the sixteen of you head West along the South Rostland Road.
The road runs within view of the Shrike River to the South for the entire length of the day's journey. As you approach Nivakta's Crossing near dusk, you notice road & river converging, although the majority of the town sits astride a small bluff overlooking a small trade dock. The road enters the town through a double towered gate in a wooden stockade, surrounding th rest of the town.
The ride has been pleasant, thus far, with Maegar Varn and his Host offering good company. Hazel returns Iozif's flirtations, giving him a smile where appropriate and even allowing herself to blush every now and again at his words. She is, of course, not really serious about the man. But she knows how to play politics, and if she can convince him that she has some interest, she may be able to leverage that in the future. Of course, Iozif will be looking to do the same as Ilya pointed out.
During the ride, Hazel attempts to engage Maegar Varn and Sidonie in polite conversation. While not actively seeking to find dirt on them, Hazel does note anything that may be useful in her future dealings with them, such as their interests, family history, and especially their ambitions. To Sidonie specifically, she asks, "So, you are from the Gronzi Forest? I have never been there myself, but I understand that it is a rather beautiful forest, despite being quite dark."
Hazel would like to get to know Höd and Taewyn better as well, having not had much time to speak to them as of yet, given her attempt to know the Varnling Host better. However, she decides that it would be best to engage them in conversation after they have parted ways with the Host. After all, the last thing she wants to do learn some important information about her companions only to have someone overhear it.
Illya will be more inquisitive in her conversation with Iozif, she will subtly try to get as much information as she can about their plans and if she can to who their loyalties are tied to.
She will have no qualms about playing the flirtatious handmaiden, using her smile to gain his trust and acting like she's not that bright if need be. She'll use all of her social abilities to try and entice Iozif into giving up as much as she can.
Bluff Check: To put on the act.
Diplomacy Check: To gain information
Sense motive Check: To see if he's buying the act and if she can get any more insight into his motives.
Seeing Hazel and Ilya both involved in their respective conversations, Taewyn breathes deeply of the crisp air and turns to Höd.
"Nice weather for a ride! I don't think we spoke much back at the Mayor's manor. My name is Taewyn, and I understand you're called Höd? Where are you from, my friend?"
Höd smiles weakly. Everyone wants to have this conversation...be nice, he doesn't know.
"I am of the north. Have you heard of the Lands of the Linnorm Kings? I am from a city-state called Jol."
"Where are you from Taewyn, and how did you come to join this expedition?"
"Lands of the Linnorm Kings? Only in peddlers stories!" He laughs with a bit of a self-deprecating air.
"I come from a little village to the west of Restov, I'm sure you haven't heard of it. As for this expedition... well, I guess you could say I sort of fell into it. I wanted adventure and excitement, and when I heard about the expedition, I couldn't resist!" He grins in wide-eyed excitement at the pomp and circumstance of even their own relatively low-key procession.
"You ride well Taewyn. Are you a horse master for your king's house?"
Taewyn laughs at the thought.
"Well, only if you mean my Da. He seems to think he's King once in a while. No, I've just known this old girl for quite a while. We have a good understanding. Her name is Maddy." Maddy flicks her ears back as if she knows she's the topic of conversation.
"I see. This is Módnir. He has been my friend through many journeys and more than a few battles."
Höd notes the bow Taewyn carries and nods at it.
"Are you good with that? I would welcome a good archer on this trip."
The three chief members of the host seem quite amenable to talking about themselves & their company and you all spend the remainder of the journey to Nivakta's Crossing regaled with stories of their exploits, mostly along the boarder of Brevoy & parts East. By the time the town is in sight you have heard enough anecdotes to imagine Maegar a solid, though not too risk-averse small unit commander and duelist; Iozif wields respectable, if modest, arcane power; and Sidonie, in addition to being their chief woods(wo)man, hews strongly to the Green Faith.
Illya will listen and try to appear to be enjoying herself, she will not say much about herself but will continue to listen to Iozif and do her best to entertain his interest.