The arachnid creature chitters and guides its spider mount away from the doorway, down the hallway out of sight.
Do you know a good position to watch from? Also I would not fully trust the spider creatures withdrawal from combat. It is an Ettercap its kind are trap makers by nature and feast on sentient prey. A seasoned hunter would wait for a better opportunity when the advantage is his. I am shocked how well that seems to have worked. Its not over yet though better to remain skeptical until success of the strategy has been proven. Still this may mean Kikonu may not be as in control of his mortal allies as I had originally feared.
Takeshi's mood seems to become less dark when the stinking troglodytes have left the area.
"Shall we continue,"he asks,while once again knocking ar arrow to his bow.
"It seems to be you have a gift for making allies Seori-san. It is a good gift to havealarm with a sharp blade. Especially combined with some good honest friends" he says while winking at the big guy.
"Indeed."
Seori moves to watch at the door as the ettercap and his malodorous allies begin their trek to round up their group, folding her arms as she thinks aloud.
"We know of at least one entry to the second floor, blocked by that dreadful wall, but I would rather we take up sentry closer to the exit chosen by our neighbors, so as to respond if Kikonu or his forces bar their way. If they are allowed to leave without incident, then we are as well off as before. If they are assaulted, we can join the fray long enough to thin the Oni's troops, and possibly even catch him out in the open. It would be most fortunate if he were bold enough to threaten them himself and allow us to trap him between the two groups. Let us shadow the Trogolodytes for now, and see where we might do some good."
Frakk, well then lets get our stuff ready
Takeshi nods in agreement, following Seori.
That seems a good plan. Not even knowing the layout of the outside certainly hampers me from offering any suggestions. Hiriko follows the group trusting in Seori's leadership.
The group exits the room and follows the Troglodytes. Oddly, as you exit the room, you notice the Ettercap and it's mount are nowhere in sight.
Takeshi follows the gang, mumbling to himself and fidgetting with his collar.
Seori keeps several yards behind the trog group, glancing outwards into any outdoors spaces they pass for signs of movement.
Kikonu seems afraid to confront us directly. Is he massing his forces, or has he fled? It would be foolish to presume he is not watching from somewhere, but if so, he has had ample chances to strike. Strange foes indeed, these Oni...
Looking down the hall and not seeing the Ettercap, Hiriko becomes paranoid and begins to search all around to include the ceiling concern written on her face. The Ettercap has disappeared we need to be on our guard.
Mamoru snorts and walks ahead of Mai, letting the others scout ahead.
As you head towards the entry gate, you feel a rush of wind and see a multicolored blur streak past you and stop in front of the gate. The blur fades and you see a small, 3-foot tall creature that looks similar to an Elven girl-child with insanely large vibrant purple eyes, long antennae coming out from underneath her hair and a maniacal grin plastered on her face. She appears to be wearing a dress made out of stitched-together butterflies, some of which still move frantically!
The creature bounces up and down, fidgeting as she speaks to you, Welcome to Tengoku Castle, lords and ladies. I, Lady Buttersnips, would like cordially invite you to a tea party in your honor! We will have a light snack followed by, of course, tea, all served by Mr. Flatbelly! You've already met him, I trust? So, so, so! Do you accept? Huh? Huh? Do you? *Giggles*
>
"Well met, lord Buttersnip. My name is Takeshi Kitano,and I welcome your welcome!"
Takeshi bows deeply, waiting for the others to introduce themselves.
I am No Frakking Noble, so just call me Sophia and tank you for your welcoming tea party. she says with a smile
Seori almost forgets herself at the comical, childish visage before her, and clears her throat to mask a stifled laugh before bowing to the newcomer.
Of all the times to have our manners tested...if she is Oni, this will be trouble...
"Lady Buttersnips. I am Mai Seori, and I would be honored to accept your invitation. However, our prior engagements are most pressing. Allow me just a moment to discuss your offer with my companions."
Turning the group away from the gate for a moment, Seori's eyes shift back and forth with thoughts of possible responses, as she once again thinks aloud in hushed tones.
"If we go with her, we risk losing our opportunity to see and answer Kikonu's response to the Trog exodus. If we do not, we risk offending her, and I have no idea what disaster that may invite from such an...exotic host. It may be wise if we attempt to divide our forces for now."
Mulling over the possible outcomes of her idea brings a smile to her face as she once again stifles a laugh at an unspoken mental image; after recomposing herself, she then returns her attention to Lady Buttersnips, fighting every possible urge to laugh at the words now leaving her mouth.
"Lady Buttersnips, I really must see that my companions complete their urgent duties, but my Yojimbo and I--" she motions toward Onitora--"Would love to join you for tea."
Hiriko takes in the strange Quickling appearance as she materializes. Before Seori leaves with lady buttersnip Hiriko moves close to her whispering a warning in Draconic.
Mamoru nodded and bowed politely. To refuse an offer of tea would be extremely impolite.
He stepped forward near the table and waited for Mai to be invited to sit.
Can someone remind me again what the Frakk is so urgent that we have to do? says Sophia with a puzzled look
Seori and Mamoru agree to attend the tea party. Buttersnips bounces up and down, giggling like a madwoman, Ooooh, yes, yes, YES! Follow me! The Quickling disappears in a blur of motion, zooming past you as fast as a zephyr. She disappears into the room directly across from the one you encountered the Troglodytes in. You hear her screaming shrilly at someone, MR.FLATBELLY, WHERE IS THE TEA?! HOW CAN I ENTERTAIN MY GUESTS WITH NO TEA?! I KNOW YOU'VE GOT A BRAIN IN THAT LUMP OF A HEAD SOMEWHERE, SO USE IT! FIX THIS NOW OR I'LL TELL KIKONU YOU ATE THAT ULFEN WOMAN HE WANTED TO USE IN HIS PLAY! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?!
The others followed the Troglodytes to the gate and watched the Troglodytes leave safely and peacefully, disappearing from sight.
Seori's eyes widen slightly as the almost painfully shrill cries echo outward. She resists the urge to grip her sword hilt more tightly, stopping outside the apparent tea room to wait for her host's signal to enter. Hoping that she remains outside earshot of the speedy fey, she whispers to Onitora, watching the room carefully.
"We assess her true motives, and petition for alliance. If she strikes, no mercy."
"By your will, your Highness." Mamoru rumbled, waiting for the return of their host.
Takeshi looks at the others.
"Now what?"
Frakk me if I know she replies
Hiriko steps in to provide some guidance. I suggest we join the tea party. I doubt it will be fun but am certain it will be an exciting experience.
"Deal!" Takeshi says as he turns around, ready to make it back to the strange creature that seemed to exist out of speed and colours.
"Care to join me, mi'ladies?" he pronunciates with a very posh, not from around here accent, while holding out both his arms so Hiriko and Sophia might lock into them.
Frakk No, Hiriko. Mai was rather clear on the fact she didn't want us to attend. She said was had other urgent things to attend. But for the life of me i have no idea what she was talking about.
Turning directly to Sophia Hiriko attempts to sway her. she asked us to ensure that the Troglodytes where still willing and able to retire from the field of battle. We have ensured that they have, at this point the obligation we took on has been completed now we should rejoin our companions. The Quickling that they left with is a unpredictable dark fey and while I have confidence in Seori's and Mamoru's fighting abilities that creature can disappear from sight at will and moves at superhuman speeds. I am uncertain of Lady Buttersnips but many fey are also capable of mostly ignoring the blows of normal blades I am uncertain if simple steel will be enough for them to win if she becomes hostile. Using power drawn from one of the primary elements such as fire or air may be necessary to damage her. We can even approach close enough to assist if something happens without taking part in the party itself if that makes you feel better.
"I concur with Hiriko. Let's go back, join the party and lend our assistance to the hopefully peaceful brokering of some kind of mutual beneficial arrangement."
With that Takeshi walks back towards the tea party, mind made up and unwilling to change from his path.
--
At the tea party:
"Room for one more?" Takeshi says as he turns around the corner, a smile on his face. He nods to Seori to indicate everything went the way it should have with the troglodytes.
Oh since we are done i wouldn't mind crashing that tea party. And as far as power is concerned. Well i do have some stuff up my sleeves. Lets get there then she replies with a smile
I am glad we are in agreement. Takeshi do you have any spells that harness elemental energies memorized? If not here. Hiriko pulls out a silver tipped bolt from her quiver. Its tip can pierce many varieties of supernatural creatures. It may serve you as a impromptu close quarters weapon. The tip is blanched in silver but is made from cold iron. If the Quickling is supernaturally resistant to normal weapons this will likely break through such things at least on the first strike. I wouldn't rely on it straight off since I am not even certain the creature can shrug off such harm but it may offer an alternative if you find your normal weapons ineffective. I guess we should catch up to the others. Hiriko heads off towards the tea party in a attempt to cut short any long thank you's or awkward refusals.
Frakk Yes, let's go.
Seori and Mamoru stand outside the closed door, waiting on the Quickling to cease her tirade against her erstwhile servant. With the Troglodytes gone, the other team heads back to rejoin Seori and her bodyguard. They arrive just as the Quickling opens the door for the heir. The maniacal creature curtsies daintily and speaks to you, aping the tones and accent of jaded noblewoman, Ah, I see the guests of honor have arrived! Please, have a seat at the table, Mr. Flatbelly will attend us today. I assure you that you will have a most splendiferous time! Buttersnips zips into her seat at the table at such a speed that she nearly knocks the chair over. Looking in the room, an ornate table can be seen that can seat 8 people, 3 on each side and one at each end. Buttersnips sits at the host end of the table, as dictated by Tian customs, and those of higher station should sit closer to her if this custom is to be followed. Porcelain tea cups sit on small porcelain platters. The Ettercap called Mr. Flatbelly walks in, dressed in an ill-fitting noble servant's kimono and wearing a black headpiece denoting his status as an attendant. He skitters to the chair on Buttersnips right and pulls out the chair, motioning to the group with a three clawed hand as if to invite someone to sit.
Mamoru walks Mai to her station at Buttersnips right, and then sat at Mai's right, his posture straight and patient.
Hiriko takes her place at the table next to Onitora and try's to keep a neutral face while taking in as much information as she can in preparation of a fight breaking out.
sophia takes a seat and look absolutely relaxed.
Takeshi will take a seat after everyone else has done so, meanwhile mumbling to himself and humming a tune.
Alaren takes a seat as well, propping his bow on the chair leg.
Buttersnips claps excitedly, Yes, yes! You made it to the table on your two legs! Most excellent that you can move for short distances without dying, I am truly impressed! Tell me, why do humans move so slow on two legs? Would they move better on four, you think? I've always been curious about your kind, particularly in regards to your art. Mr. Flatbelly, pour our guests some tea!
At the Quickling's command, Mr.Flatbelly grabs a tea kettle from the shelf on the wall. He reaches in his attire and produces a small stone. He makes a clicking sound and it glows a bright orange. He drops it in the ceramic kettle, making a hissing noise and curling steam issue from the kettle. He then pours the steaming hot tea into your cups, then moves over towards the room's corner.
Buttersnips waits until you have your tea and she has answers to her questions, then she speaks again, feigning a noble accent again, Now to business, everyone. Mr. Flatbelly told me of your... interesting approach to our local Trog squatters. It is entertaining to see someone who does not take a 'Oooh, let's break down the door and kill everyone' mode of thinking, which is entertaining at times, but oh so dull at others. Well, not ALL of you are so forward thinking, she says looking dead at Mamoru, But as a whole, you are. I admire creativity so very much! Now, Mr.Flatbelly mentioned something about one of you being the Empress? She raises an eyebrow, feathery like a Gnome's, and switches between looking at Hiriko and Seori, as if trying to discern who is really the Empress.
Good thing i don't have that Frakking job sophia just smiles at the word Empress
Seori's mind races with warnings at the pointed question, but feeling that no answer at all would lead to a worse outcome, she acquiesces.
"It would seem that fate has found me as the heir to the Teikoku dynasty, and it has brought quite a burden with it, but I believe I will endure."
Hiriko winces at the word Empress and wild ideas flit through her mind as she attempts to keep her composure. maybe I could lie and pretend to be the Empress to throw off a potential attack against Seori. with Seori's immediate admission the idea dies with it and Hiriko continues to silently follow the conversation.
Takeshi follows the conversation, ready to jump in (front of Seori) at any time.
Mamoru just sits, waiting. If he was apprehensive about the topic of conversation, it didn't show.
Buttersnips fidgets with a small carving knife she brandishes, A pleasure to meet you, your majesty! Now, let me be frank with you: this castle needs new leadership. Kikonu, entertaining though he is sometimes, has begun to get on my nerves a bit. He had the nerve once to snatch one of my taxidermy projects so he could eat it in one of his plays! I mean, how rude can you possibly be?! It was the cutest little Halfling you ever saw, killed by the Corbies. I, you see, am an artist, I take dead and almost-dead things and make them into art! I cannot deal with these distractions any longer! She leaps onto the table and stabs the knife into the table with surprising strength. So here is what I propose: I want you to kill Kikonu and put that knife through his heart as he bleeds out. It should be so delightfully wonderful to watch! Do this and I will cede ownership of the castle to you. No fuss, no snickersnack, I'll just take my art and leave quietly unless you would like my services. I know what you're going to ask, 'can't you just leave anyway?'. I can, but I won't. See, it's personal now the feud the oversized chicken and I have now. Well, that and I think his blood would make an excellent watercolor, don't you? So, what do you say, your majesty, do we have an accord? The Quickling stretches her hand out towards Seori, waiting on a handshake.
"Well..." Seori hesitates, considering the quickling's offer and the volatility of her described nature, but in the end she agrees, taking Lady Buttersnips' hand for a moment.
"When I came to this castle, I was only concerned with liberating it from the control of my new enemies, but after our first encounter, I fear Kikonu is already plotting our deaths; perhaps we should do unto him before he does likewise. I believe we have an accord."
"Hear, hear!" Takeshi shouts and raises his drink over his head, before drinking it all in one gulp.
Sophia just sips her tea quietly.