Endrin looks away awkwardly, "I won't do anything that brings Korvosa to harm - I can promise you that. And I'll take your advice under advisement." He smiles, "Now, tell me about Tiona..."
**************************************
The party determines that the best course of action would be for everyone to get rest in their respective domiciles after finishing their supper.
The next morning, it seems as if the fates have been working mysteriously, as they each receive two missives - one from Kroft - the first in many months (typical in style), and one from their old friend, Vencarlo Orsini. The second note reads as follows: "My friends, I hope this note finds you in good health in these dangerous times. In light of the recent unrest, I feel that I could provide some tips on self-defense to adventurers such as you, and would be most gratified to meet with you for these lessons, offered gratis, at Orisini Academy, 16 Hillcrest Street. I eagerly await your arrival. - Vencarlo Orisini"
Marcus is at least pacified that he is in on the loop with what's going on. Endrin would not be open about something that he knew was unforgivably wrong.
At the multiple invitations, Marcus flares his nostrils. Typical, not contacted for months then wanted in two places at once. "I say we meet Kroft first, her reason could be time sensitive while Vencarlo's is not."
"Vencarlo usually has tea though." Magda offers as a counterpoint. She also thinks for a moment about where Orsini's school is to see if they could stop at one on the way to the other.
Vera wakes up and does her morning harrow.
Despite the spectre of danger, her harrow is encouraging and Vera is energized. Even more so when receiving not one but two missives.
"Either way, fate is intervening--there's a reason we're getting these the day after Mom's warning. Let's pick one and go!
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As they gather to discuss the summons, Yaziyah seems troubled and more taciturn than usual. At last, the Shoanti speaks up, not raising her eyes from the note bearing the Korvosan Guard stamp. "We should go see the Marshal. For Kroft to message me... things must be dire indeed."
She raises her head, gazing at each person in turn, then with a visible effort begins explaining. "She has good reason to hate me. None of you were around when it happened, but some of you might have heard about it. Almost twenty years ago, there was an explosion in the city. People died. I found out recently that Kroft's cousin was among the ones who died." She takes a deep breath, steeling herself. "It was me. I was behind it. I planned it all, and led my group in executing that plan. At the time, I was angry about how my people were treated... are treated. You saw how they still try to pin all manner of crimes and horrors on us. Anyway. That doesn't justify any of what I did. The blood of those people is on my hands. I had eighteen years to think about it, and I thought I had found a path forward - to help my community." She looks at Magda. "But talking to Magda, she has shown me different. It's not enough, to help one group of people, even if they are in dire need. What I did hurt the whole city. So my atonement, if such is even possible, should be to help the city. Which is what I think you all are trying to do." She lets out a long breath. "So, if you would still have me, I want to be a part of that. Not just to make up for what I did, because that is... well, a lot, and I don't think I can, ever, make up for it, but because this is my city as well, and I failed it once and I'd like to help it now."
Vera gives Yazi a hug. "Of course we'll have you! Obviously things have changed and you're doing amazing things at your community center. You're a friend and an ally."
When folks discuss the plan, Vera chimes in. "We should also try to find Shi Ni when we get the chance. Shi is hard to find, but her friend Asoka might know where she is."
Marcus gives a long, frowny stare at Yazi. His frown is one of contemplation and judgement as he mentally chews on her words.
"Sounds like you're here to help. All I need to know, history be damned." He says simply, although it was clear from his pause that he did weigh his words before deciding on them.
Magda grins, big and toothy "Well, you already knew you had me on your side and all. Kroft can stuff it, even if her pain ain't something to ignore.... which means as much as it will hurt like a rash in a bad place, you should talk the Kroft. Tell her the city forgave you already so she should too... but say that better, in a way that she won't get pissed at."
The field marshal has aged in the last few months, something which seemed to be a gradual change to Erasmo, but comes as something of a shock to everyone else.
The woman is at a small stove that has been installed in the corner, tending to a kettle. She turns when everyone enters. ”Oh, good.” She removes the kettle and puts it onto a ceramic pad nearby then wipes her hand on a cloth. ”There’s no need to sit - I will be brief.” She straightens up, ”the Queen intends to restructure the security organizations in the city - and the restructuring necessitates a change in our relationship. I... “ she chooses her words carefully, enunciating each one, ”do not know if it is wise - but I answer to the crown. After what happened with Trinia and the execution - it seems clear she is getting bad advice. Perhaps it is getting worse.” She folds her hands behind her and stands at attention, her form crisp and professional. ”Things are changing swiftly, and very soon, I will not have the funds to pay you all for your services.”
She specifically looks at Yazi, and says ”which is a shame, since I’ve seen how you’ve tried to help those kids. I’m glad you took the reward that was given to you and done something productive with it.” There is barely a note of bitterness, and she does seem thankful, in truth. ”Because I cannot afford to pay you all, I think it would be best if we went our separate ways, officially.” She says all of this in a loud, clear voice, with a peculiar emphasis on the last word, ”Erasmo has also been invaluable, but ... expensive as well. This is not a reflection on your service, far from it. But we must release you from service with our blessings and thanks.”
She takes a beat and says, quietly, ”please take as a gift this book about the history of Korvosa. Magda may appreciate it - she loves the city so. As I do.” She walks to her desk and opens a drawer of her desk, muttering a word under her breath in the process, and she retrieves a thick tome. She hands it to Magda, not meeting her gaze. ”Thank you again for your service to the city - if the situation should change, or if, for example, I’d like to catch up and visit for a friendly chat or favor, I shall assume that you’re all living at your respective domiciles. If you wouldn’t mind me calling on you, of course.” Her smile is thin, complimentary and thankful, but loaded with meaning.
Her body language and expression indicate that elements of the speech above are performative, though you can’t imagine for whom. She really is separating from the party officially. Obviously she is asking for help in the future, without being able to pay.
Oh, and she’s frightened, harried, and obviously under immense pressure.
”I haven’t got much time to entertain questions - but I will do so if you’d like.” Her voice wavers slightly, betraying a hint of emotion. She waits for anything to be asked.
The implications of the situation are clear. Painfully so. Marcus takes the hint, for once taking the lead in dialogue before the others can. "Understood field marshal. Good luck." He says shortly, and turns to indicate his desire to leave, although he does not do so immediately and thus strongarm the others to do so.
Madga looks confused. This isn't the Kroft, no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no. Something has been lost, something... Strong. An annoying but enduring statue always pointing at the right while glaring at the wrong. Even if it is the rightest right all the time.
The half-orc takes the book and holds it to her chest as she listens to Kroft's words that aren't really hers. Then suddenly the book is on the desk, Magda is across the room, and she grabs the Kroft in a big hug. Hard but warm. "Anytime... but... be you then, okay?" she whispers, before pulling back and grabbing the book again.
Its a word in a language Marcus doesn't know. Something that sounded like "zporzz" but she said it at barely above a whisper.
If Vera was troubled by this news, she doesn't betray it. She follows Magda's hug with her own embrace, one that is a great deal more formal that Magda's. "Thank you, Miss Cressida. We're all sorry to hear this news, but you can always drop by--as a friend." She curtsies and steps back. She then instinctively casts a spell.
Yaziyah is very confused, and for once does not try to hide it. They were being fired? Then why all this formality? And what was with all the meaningful glances at herself? What in all hells was Kroft on about?
The others are not asking any questions, simply accepting the situation and moving on. What happened to all the talk about helping? What was going on here? Still, Magda had said to try and patch things up, so...
"Marshal. I... We have guest speaker nights at the community center. If... you have an evening free. There's tea and cookies." It wasn't what she had wanted to say, but this awkwardness had thrown her badly, and she didn't know how to say what she wanted to say.
Erasmo is shocked as he is released from his job. For a moment he is frightened, but then also relieved. He offers his hand to Kroft. "It was a pleasure to help, and I am truly grateful for this opportunity... more than you can possibly know."
"Our lives are a sequence of hard choices and a constant struggle to survive such choices. I know this now and I'm certainly you also do, Cap... Miss Kroft."
He then follows Marcus.
Cressida Kroft embraces the two girls tightly, her eyes shining. Her hands are warm from the kettle, and the hug is comforting and familial. She nods at Yaziyah, ”I will try.” She looks like she will, and then she adds, ”Remember, everyone, the streets are not always safe. Please take care of yourselves.” With that, she ushers everyone out of the office.
***
The trip to the Orsini training academy is uneventful. As mentioned in the note, Orsini Academy is located at 16 Hillcrest Street, near the center of Old Korvosa. A sign hanging from the front door reads, “Classes Cancelled Today.”
"What the hells was that back there?" erupts Yaziyah sson after they leave the Citadel behind. "She fires you and - you hug her? I can't help but feel there's something that I'm missing. What's going on?" She adds, as the group turns north towards Old Korvosa. "Where are we going now?"
"I mean, even though she's firing us, it's not like we were really members of the guard anyway. And she's been good to us. We can still be friends, right?" Vera smiles, clearly unperturbed.
"I mean, even though she's firing us, it's not like we were really members of the guard anyway. And she's been good to us. We can still be friends, right?" Vera smiles, clearly unperturbed.
"I was." Erasmo points out, now unemployed. "She did not want to do that... she had to, though." He continues, now explaining to Yazi. "Have you not noticed how her speech, moves, and posture were strange, like if she was performing our firing? Perhaps someone was even hearing the whole conversation, just to make sure she did as instructed..." He shrugs.
"She also made sure to say we are not tied officially to her, but that she might look for us to chat and ask favors." He points out once more. "She will need us... she, Miss Kroft, but not the guard. The guard belongs to Korvosa and for now Korvosa belongs to the Queen. Marshall Kroft of the Guard of the Queen can't have us besides her, but Miss Kroft of Korvosa can... and probably will." Erasmo shrugs again. "If that makes any sense..."
Marcus snorts dryly. It was the closest he got to a chuckle. He lowers his voice after glancing around.
"Clearly she didn't trust we weren't being eavesdropped on. We will arrange another meeting somewhere in private to learn more. For now let's see what this old bastard wants."
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The Shoanti frowns as Erasmo explains. "I... had not noticed any of that. I suppose I barely know her, but even so... Huh." Shew chews on the revelation for a while. "Well, I'm glad that she's still looking out for the city. And 'Miss Kroft' sounds so strange, hah! I just can't fit those two words together." She turns serious again. "I don't know if the two of us can ever be friends, not after what I've done, but I appreciate it that she included me. I just..." She sighs explosively. "I wish I could tell her these things, instead of you lot. But it feels all thorns and old pain and wolves circling a fire." That might be a strange collection of imagery, but the Shoanti acts like what she said makes perfect sense. Perhaps Magda's ways are rubbing off.
Vera clues in Erasmo and Yaziyah about their next destination.
"Vencarlo Orsini is an old fencing master, and a friend. He's friends with Miss Cressida, I think, and helped Trinia--the real Trinia--escape the city into hiding. And he helped me and Mags rescue Marcus and a couple others when they got captured by a real bad dude named Devargo. He invited a few of us to his academy to get some fencing lessons. I'm pretty sure I shouldn't be anywhere near a sword, but maybe he has some information, too."
"That's wasn't Kroft" Magda says simply but with a very worried frown. As they walk to the training, she keeps her eyes out for dangers, something she has becoming soft on this last year. The not-Kroft reminded her though.
"I hope Vencarlo is the same at least..." the young woman sighs before knocking on the door.
Yaziyah nods at Vera's explanation. "Orsini, I think I've heard of him." She does a double take at what follows. "You got captured by the King of Spiders?" She lets out a long, low whistle. "You're lucky to be alive. Come to think of it, things have been a little strange in that area the last year or so. What happened? How did you get out?"
Magda lights up "It was swimming under and in" mimicking a dog paddle (her only really swimming stroke) ", as the old man, this one" she pointed the door she had been about to knock on ", limped past from above," cane walk with a hurt back posture ", and THEN the drakes swarmed the entire place making chaos like No Other!" flapping screeches "We couldn't have done it without the best gnome ever, since our lockpicker, Shi was in chains, and I'm rubbish. Then it was all blood, screams, rat swarms, gross sticky webs, and... we won." a shrug at the end "The city became a little more better."
Erasmo laughs at the chaotic storytelling style of Magda.
A few moments after the party arrives, a serious-looking Vencarlo appears and ushers them inside. The swordsman thanks the PCs for responding to his cryptic note and leads them down a hall and into a study, the windows of which are tightly shuttered and curtained.
He explains in hushed tones, his voice grave "I apologize for the short notice but I have an important task for my friends here - and I suppose... " he looks up at Yazi, and then down at Erasmo, and sighs, running his hand through his hair, "you two will have to do as well... " the task becomes obvious when he calls out quietly and two more guests enters the room: Trinia Sabor. The real Trinia Sabor, as well as the woman glimpsed earlier at the execution, the false Trinia Sabor.
Wearing simple traveling clothes, the alleged assassin holds a wide-brimmed rider’s hat and a wig of long red curls, gifts from Orisini to use in her disguise. Trinia appears nervous and excited, and upon sighting the PCs she smiles, saying, “Sorry about the trouble I gave you in the Shingles.” She looks around at the people that are in the party, and relaxes a bit when she sees who remains. THe other woman looks around nervously, a look of recognition absent from her face. Vencarlo pats her on the shoulder, and then puts his finger to his temple, and grows pensive. He asks his for everyone to be seated, but remains standing as he speaks.
"I don’t doubt most of you recognize these charming young women. Trinia, you know, but this other young lady, Bethany Coover, is another story. I had only just reached my home the night of Her Majesty’s morbid gala when that troublemaker Blackjack and this startled woman arrived at my doorstep. The so-called “people’s hero” and I have had some dealings in the past, but it’s been some years since I’ve seen the scoundrel. He was quick with his words and soon swooped off, doubtlessly to right some other festering wrong, but not before entrusting Miss Sabor to my protection and care. Although I don’t know Blackjack’s motives or politics, I trust his judgment and have seen much right done by his blade. We know both Miss Sabor and Coover are innocent of the crime they’ve been accused of, and I’m more disposed to trust a hero of the city than the tantrums of some bloody-minded child playing at queen."
“The matter is simple: Korvosa is no longer safe for either of them. I’ve arranged for friends in Harse— a couple of well-respected ranchers- to take in our beautiful renegade until this whole assassination’ foolishness blows over. It’s the first leg of the journey where we find our problem, though. Keeping her hidden was easy enough for a few months, even with a price on her head - mercenaries and soldiers I can handle. But the queen’s new Gray Maidens have been searching for the young lady tirelessly. They’ve stopped by here three times so far, and each time I’ve only just barely been able to turn them away without inviting a search. My most reliable contacts have gone to ground in light of the recent uprisings, and Her Highness’s bounty for Trinia’s capture makes the use of new agents inadvisable. Thus, after some time to let her trail cool, I turned to you resourceful lot. Care to escort a lady home?”
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.
.
Vera's jaw drops at the revelation. "Hi Trinia--you're here. And alive! I'm so glad to hear it. I knew Mister Vencarlo had a plan for you, but I didn't think that plan was to keep you here all this time."
She then turns to the other lady. "It's good to meet you too, Bethany. I'm so glad Blackjack rescued you. It's a fortunate coincidence that he chose to put you in Mister Vencarlo's care."
Vera is eager to accept Vencarlo's suggestion, but bites her tongue as she looks to see what the others thought. She asks a few questions instead. "Where's Hulse, exactly? And what's going on with these new Gray Maidens? Miss Cressida told us this morning that she's no longer able to pay us for work. Are these Gray Maidens why?"
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Magda looks about while listening, always happy to see a new part of her city. At the end she looks at the old man and grins out a "Of course. Triny here painted a painting of the Shingles as the sun was rising, saw it in her place before all that happened. All the reds and golds shining through the shadows... " she looked wistful, before shrugging, a little embarrassed suddenly "It was pretty that's all, and the city remembers things like that, so... of course. And cause it's just the right thing to do.
She waves to the new girl "Hi, I'm Magda. Sorry you had to happen to look like Triny. We'll get you both out of here, nothing to worry about. OH! I've got a hat!" she pulls off her cap that's holding in a bunch of her hair (Vera has encouraged her to take better care of it). Then plops it on Ms Bethany Coover. "Now think of looking different, like a smelly old fisherwoman with no teeth."
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Marcus listens silently, although his brows shoot up more than once throughout the story and request.
"Not the first person I've heard talk ill of the queen." Where there's smoke there's fire, although wasn't the same thing said about the scandals in my organization? He frowns, unsure of where he wants to settle his mind on the matter.
Either way he trusted Vencarlo's judgement. "I can organize the mercenary groups in the city to make sure they're not a problem for a specific window of time. I will not lie or mislead them, but I can make sure they're otherwise occupied in other parts of the city." Marcus offers.
Yaziyah nods at Vencarlo in greeting. "My name is Yaziyah. I live in Old Korvosa, so we're somewhat neighbours." Although the area they were in now was a far cry from Bridgefront.
She listens to the request, although Vencarlo's long-winded manner tries her patience. "To make sure I understand, which one do you want us to escort? Or is it both?"
She wasn't particularly keen to be out of Korvosa, not when the community center had just started winding up, but the others seemed to know this Trinia and care for her.
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...he looks up at Yazi, and then down at Erasmo, and sighs, running his hand through his hair, "you two will have to do as well... "
Erasmo whispers to Yazi. "You know when you go to the market to buy five potatoes and you find just those five, though two are a bit blackened and stinky, but you still need them?" He gestures to himself and then to her.
Erasmo notices the different ways this Vencarlo refers to Blackjack: troublemaker, people’s hero, scoundrel, and finally hero. He says he trusts the man and have dealt with him... strange. It appears he is trying too much.
Erasmo remains silent for now, just offering his hand to introduce himself. "Erasmo Oakkeg, former Lieutenant, now unemployed."
Erasmo and Yazi guess that this guy is just thankful that Blackjack helped out Bethany, and that like most people in Korvosa, he thinks Blackjack is a very useful folk hero - good at keeping the people in power respectful of the little guy or gal.
Yazi passed through Harse a very long time ago, and so doesn't remember exactly where it is, but she has heard that it's a small town that relies on trade with Korvosa, and it's one of the closest towns of any size to Korvosa. It has a number of taverns and inns, as well, as a ferry service to cross the nearby river.
Yazi has spotted fighters wearing full-plate armor with helms to cover their faces, carrying bows and longswords, with red cloaks and plumes. They seem to mostly have been working in the vicinity of the Castle, and keep to themselves, but have as much authority as the guard does.
Orsini nods in thanks at Marcus' offer, "that would be helpful, but... given the timeframe that's needed, I think even more discretion is necessary. I can trust few people in this regard, and I would like to avoid letting anyone else in on what is being done." He grins, and says "the newest of your company have gained my trust by association. If it were me, I would suggest a slow walk through the city down to High Bridge and then up to Dwarfwalk Road, mingling with the afternoon’s merchants leaving the city."
He gestures with his hands, showing his opposition, "nothing flashy, with flying and explosions, and chases - the city is on alert. For your part, you don't even need to escort them all the way there, Harse is 60 miles north of Korvosa - which is a little far, so just take them to an inn along the road called Trots. There you would drop Bethany and Trinia off with a man named Jasan Adriel - he owns a horse ranch in harse. Trots is only 12 miles away, so if you'd like to rest for the night - " He fishes out 20 GP and hands it over, "feel free."
He glances at Yazi, "erm, I may have misspoke earlier, but I would hope you could escort both the false Trinia and the real one. Both are in real danger." He inclines his head, "and leaving as soon as possible is important, I believe."
Mhmm. Marcus nods to the details of the plan, but otherwise stays silent. This kind of subtlety and discretion was far outside his skillset, so he knew he would be secondary in this mission, basically just muscle in case something went wrong.
"If we all go together... big groups draw attention. We could split up in two smaller groups, each escorting one of the girls, not too far from each other so we can assist if one gets into trouble," suggests Yaziyah. "We could also look at renting a boat or two to from the Old Docks cross the Jeggare, instead of going over the bridge. Less likely to have those Grey Maidens in Old Korvosa, or even the Guard."
.
"We should make sure the ladies are all disguised. I have a hat that you could borrow, and so does Magda. The hat can be pretty convincing!"
Vera takes on the appearance of an old crone. "Hellooooo, my pretties!" she says in a mock wicked voice, before taking it off and offering it to Bethany. "You can look like pretty much anything you can think of, though it's more believable if you don't change yourself TOO much."
"A boat trip sounds like fun to me!" she chimes, as Yazi suggests an escort strategy.
"Sounds like a plan." Magda nods "Quicker to start, quicker to safety." she gets up, already have given her lovely hat away. "The wall, Vera, and Trinia 1. Yazi, me, and Trinia 2. With our once guardsman in earshot of each of us? Or you could pick the Trinia you fancy the most?"
Vencarlo Orsini nods, and rubs his chin, "either plan seems good - though I think the best addition is the hats of disguise. Just keep the girls away from interacting with too many people directly, and it should work." He claps his hands together, "well, it's settled, I'll leave it in your capable hands," He shakes said hands, thankfully, and says "I have some pressing business to attend to, and will not be in contact for... some time. I will contact you again when the time is right."
When the party is ready to go, he takes his leave from everyone, locking up the gate to the fencing academy, and disappearing into Old Korvosa.
Trinia and Bethany both look nervous as the others discuss their fate. Trinia seems more game at pantomime and acting, while Bethany seems most comfortable following along.
The party splits up and slowly heads down towards a few slips on the edge of Old Korvosa looking for different boats. Each group is able to find one without too much trouble. They spot a few groups of the "grey maidens" out and about, as well as one more group of the "long coats" which had been search for Trinia before. None take notice of either person in the party, as they seem to be referencing papers in their hands with physical descriptions and drawings, none of which match the disguises that are provided.
One boat is captained by a fisherman who offers to take them on a "pleasure cruise" for a few hours, while the other offers to take them "fishing". Their covers developed, the party spends a few hours on the river until it looks convenient to scurry onto the far shore, and then heads back up to the road, though the two groups meet up about an hour apart. The road looks clear, though nobody has any horses. Trinia and Bethany breathe sighs of relief when this happens.
"Keep in touch, Mister Vencarlo!" says Vera as the old swordmaster slips away. She wonders what plots he has in mind but knows better than to ask.
* * *
Vera takes some time to chat when they are not likely to be overheard. "Bethany, can you tell us about how you became arrested and sent for execution? It sounds horrible, and I don't believe for a second that whoever arrested you thought you were the real Trinia."
* * *
Once they're on the road to Trots, Vera pipes up again. "Alright, here's the cover story. You girls decided to come to Korvosa to have some fun in the city, and met up with us, your friends. Now you're heading home. We brought along a bit of muscle to help keep us safe on the road from bandits. Pick whatever names you like and we'll use them."
As they begin to walk along, Trinia seems to have a weight lifted off of her shoulders, and is trying to control her giddiness. Such happiness is infectious, as is the quiet tap of her steps as she walks to her own silent song.
Bethany appears to be less resilient, and remains shaken for some time. She's got short brown hair, the remnant of the tips seemingly having been bleached last year still visible. Her features are vaguely similar to Trinia's, but most without prosopagnosia would not confuse the two had they spent much time with the bard. They both have brown eyes, and are quite pretty, though they lack the 'refined features' that the upper class prefer in Korvosa these days. Bethany is obviously mostly Chelaxian in parentage, as opposed to Trinia's unknown origins.
Bethany smiles, and responds quietly, still on the lookout for dangerous people on the quiet road. She begins, "my supervisor asked me a few times about where I was from - I mentioned that I didn't have any family - I suppose that was a mistake - I didn't think much of it at the time. But I guess she was paid to find orphans." She shakes a little, as if remembering her experience is traumatic, and she wrings her well-worn hands, "I got taken at home, my head was covered for a while. Then I found myself in a... I guess a dungeon ... I stayed there a few days, and then some ladies in helmets and heavy armor grabbed me and covered my head with a sack again. They led me somewhere, a room I guess, windowless, but made of black stone. There was a judge, and some people sitting on the side. There was a prosecutor, and a defense attorney there, but the attorney for me didn't do much - they just agreed with what the prosecutor said! They said I killed the king! I told them I wasn't even a ... shoanti" She stammers a bit and glances at Yazi, "I didn't... they didn't care what I said. They said I hid my identity, they told me to plead guilty - but I said no, and then the jury I guess - they convicted me! I didn't really understand..."
She chokes up a bit, but tries to control herself "and that was it. I was sent back to the dungeon. I never even met the king, or anyone else! I wash clothes - sometimes for the castle, but I never went inside." She glances at Trinia, "she told me she did meet the king and didn't kill him, and I mean, we've been living together for a year - I believe her and - and I know the shoanti had ...n..nothing to do with it, it was just those broadsheets. Orsini explained a lot to me - but they're very convicing how they trick people..." She nods, and looks ashamed of herself. "They took me to be executed, but thankfully, you all helped to save me - and... and Blackjack did too." She blushes a bit, "he disappeared as quickly as he had appeared, after having left me at the fencing school. He didn't say much other than to make sure I wasn't hurt. But I could tell from his eyes - his lovely eyes, that he was there to help me." She fidgets a bit, "that was all I know... I'm... sorry I don't remember more."
"Mhmm." Marcus nods, eyes going hard. "They just needed a scapegoat, and you were a convenient one. No family, already close, disposable." His teeth grits. "Disgusting. Abusing their positions of power to those who have entrusted their wellbeing to them." Marcus not only looked angry, he looked genuinely revolted, like somebody who just came up on a filthy bloated corpse.
Yaziyah's eyes go hard as Bethany tells her story. She pats the girl on the shoulder when the Chelaxian glances at her - she holds no grudge for the masquerade of posing... no, being posed as a Shoanti. She smiles sourly at Marcus's disgust. "They have been doing that for a long, long time. Although I'm not sure who 'they' are in this particular instance, the queen seemed quite genuine in the square, so she's probably being manipulated as well."
"Those fiends! Sometimes it feels like taking advantage of orphan girls is a Korvosan sport. Mags and I have had our share too, though nothing quite like what you had to go through. Ladies in heavy armor, I bet those are the Gray Maidens that are taking over. They must have been around from the beginning, but they're getting bolder now."
Vera thinks on some of the events that feel like a lifetime ago, even though it was just last year. "We met the Queen once, actually. Quite by chance, we came across a brooch that belonged to her and was stolen. There was an armored woman with her, named Sabina. I wonder if the Gray Maidens are her people?"
Magda goes quiet for a moment at the mention of her 'share.' Memories too strong. "She seemed nice." she says softly. "[g]I don't think she is anymore, but at the time she seemed like the most amazing person I had ever met.[/b]" her voice is less sure outside the city.
Hollie adds, with a lot more vim in her step, "that lady, the Queen, I told you guys last year - she seemed really ethereal, you know? Like she was separated from the rest of us. The king was sad when I met him, and I didn't see them together really. Maybe Sabina's holding her hostage? I mean, she was cold. Or maybe I misread the emotion- now that I think about it - she was very protective of the queen, and cold to everyone else." She thinks, scrunching up her forhead, "maybe this is all just to put walls up around the castle - to protect the Queen? After what happened to the king?"
Bethany frowns, her brow furrowing, "t..then why did they have that fake trial..." She hugs herself, "I mean they didn't have to punish me, or...or you,"
Trinia shakes her head, "well, you didn't say you saw the Queen there, right? It was a bunch of bureaucrats," She thinks again, "it's pretty confusing - I wish I knew what was going on. This is like a puzzle that's waiting to be solved." She turns her head to the party, her short hair shaking a little, "I bet you guys are gonna solve it though - too bad I'll be stuck at a ranch. It sounds interesting. I've been working on some material though, for the ranch? Bethany has a tin ear for comedy, let me know what you think."
She clears her throat, "A string and his friends walk into a tavern, and the string goes up to get a drink and the tavernkeeper says, 'We don’t serve strings here.' So the string ties himself in a loop and does up the top of his head and then goes up to the bar, and the tavernkeeper says, 'Uh . . . are you a string?' She waits a beat "And the string goes, 'No, I’m a frayed knot.'" She grins, and then puts a skip in her step.
Bethany tries to groan, but giggles in spite of herself.