After she entreated Yazi, Mags turned quiet.
The panic and pain radiate from every board and brick, making the young woman ragged and tense. She nods slowly, her main focus everywhere else other than the conversations, so exactly What she was nodding to could be anything.
"I'm sure we'd all love to visit," she agrees. Actually, she was pretty sure everyone was anxious about the sudden news about a quarantine. But Vera felt very determined to not let that take over her day.
. Vera didn't exactly have a plan for the morning. "Hey, how about I just come with you to the Vault? We have a lot to catch up about. And I have a book to study whenever you're busy." Vera pulls out a horrid, evil-looking spellbook--the one found on Rolth. "It's actually a fascinating read once you move past the necromancy and evil stuff."
She looks to the group. "I think we better stay out of trouble before tomorrow, since the Queen is expecting us." That was her way of saying that she wasn't planning on any more adventures this morning, like sneaking their way into Old Korvosa.
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Missteps, poor luck, or a desperate situation. Each one punctuated by a harsh lesson, ones she could count on her hands and retell in vivid detail. Each a sharp punctuation in her life.
Her eyes scan the tapestry of Marcus's bare chest. The scars for him were not tied to vivid memories. They were each a page in his book, not exceptions to tell about over wine and ale, but just another day. Not sharp punctuations. His normal life beat.
The silence between them hangs for a long time. Then Tiona steps over, and she calmly wraps her lean arms around his hulking frame. It was not the first time she had been pressed against his form without his armor. The pleasant memory flickers faintly, but is quickly chased away by the unfamiliarity of how his reshaped flesh felt against hers. Marcus surrenders into her arms, shuddering softly, fists balled up white-knuckled in the back of her shirt. She stands still, feeling the line of wet run down to her chin. Her hold on him is fierce, controlling the shudders, as if she was trying to force all the pieces of him back together.
Eventually Marcus's shaking subsides, and Tiona nimbly pushes his chair upright and guides him into it. Then she takes his chin in her hand, raises his face up to meet hers, and stares hard into his eyes. "Marcus...magical healing isn't supposed to leave scars."
His face flickers through a range of emotions. Confusion, then narrow eyed skepticism, then wide eyed shock, then a raw anger. She grips his shoulders tightly, sharing a measure of his anger. "We have some questions to ask." Tiona flicks her wrist, a wicked curved dagger appearing in it. "Your 'companions'...where are they?"
Ishani looks obviously relieved, and seems very appreciative towards Vera, and he nods. Since they were already holding hands, he squeezed hers and then looked up, a little embarrassed, but does not let go.
Grau smiles, ”great - come by around 8 pm.”
Yaziyah has no further purchases she wishes to make, so she spends the rest of the day making discrete inquiries once she hears back from the community center.
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Olenna isn't sure, with the details laid out as they are, whether she is invited to the Soldado house. Either way, she has a day ahead of her that promises to be full trying to get her family safe. She bids goodbyes to the others, promising to see them soon, and walks briskly back to her home. Enzo and Catherine were gone, of course, most likely at the print shop. Schooling was still not a regular thing yet, and it was safer for Cat to be with Enzo than to be with Olenna on patrol. She preemptively packs a few bags with things that she knows her family will need, and then rushes to the print shop.
There are, thankfully, no customers present when she gets there. "Sali*!" Enzo says in greeting. Catherine looks up from a pad of paper where she is sketching something in charcoal. "Mom!"
Olenna lets herself in and hugs them both in turn. Enzo seems surprised at first. "Is it safe?"
"Yes. A friend patched me up." She didn't feel her best, yet, of course, but a little fatigue wasn't going to stop her from loving her family now that she was no longer contagious.
Enzo smiles but still looks nervous. "What are you doing here? I thought you'd be at work the rest of the day."
Olenna shrugs and just lets it out. "I've been granted early retirement and thought I'd spend the day with my two favorite people!"
Catherine yells in delight, while Enzo's nervous smile collapses into a grown. "What?"
The half-elf continues in spite of her husband's questions. "Remember that cousin you have in Magnimar? I think it's a perfect time to go visit him."
"Lenna, what are you--"
"You know, get out of the city until things get back to normal."
Their speech overlaps each other, punctuated with hoots and hollers from the young preteen Catherine (who hasn't quite gotten to the age where it's fashionable to hate your parents). Eventually, Olenna collapses into Enzo's arms and just starts crying quietly. Now Catherine looks confused. Olenna reaches out and bundles her in her and Enzo's arms. With a wave of his hand, Enzo reaches a hand out and the sign on door of the print shop flips from Open to Closed.
"Okay," he says, his voice low and comforting. "Okay. Let's just take the day. Then we'll figure this all out."
Olenna nods wordlessly and sinks into the embrace.
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Olenna departs to spend some time with her family, and the rest of the party spends the day helping Vendra get the cure out and run errands. In the course of doing so, a surprising number of people stop the party, offering them a free bite to eat at their shop, or coming over to extend their hands in thanks. Soon it becomes apparent - some enterprising individual has made up their own broadsheets which have a decent illustration of the party - illustrating striking a heroic pose as they battle in the cult lair.
The text explains that these are the heroes of the city who found Davaulus and stopped the blood veil. They mention that one even cured the blood veil, and reference that it can now be purchased at most apothecary shops for a tidy fee. It also notes that one dose seems to help an entire family, and that they’re free for people who can demonstrate their indigence. Where they came from, and how they were printed so quickly seems to be a mystery, but the party has already become minor celebrities.
Vera heads to the Grand Vault with Ishani, who speaks to her quietly, during the trip. As they travel, he confirms most of the complimentary comments about the party, though in particular he seems to emphasize Vera’s contributions.
Yelloweyes and Dokren even make an appearance, appearing from the shadows each in their own way to pay their respects and offer support to the party. Some of your other friends seem to be unable to find the party, or are busy. There don’t seem to be any more of the murderous mobs in the main part of the city, and while there are Grey Maiden patrols, particularly near the castle, they seem to take no special interest in the party.
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At the Grand Vault, Ishani introduces everyone to the other clerics, though they certainly recognize Gregor. He seems particularly harried, noting that Arbiter Zenobia has disappeared, and he’s now nominally running things, though he doesn’t go into detail with the party nearby,
When Ishani returns, he explains that their high priestess, Zenobia, had contracted blood veil and was recovering in Longacre. He also explains that they don’t know what happened to her - the Grey Maidens took over the building as part of their expansion, and the communications part of the organization had indicated that she passed away from the blood veil, and that the corpse would be burned for quarantine purposes. He’s notably upset by this but keeps his verbal opinions to himself. Gregor seems to be focused entirely on ensuring the Vault is functioning correctly, so Ishani seems to get past it.
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At some point in the day, the party surreptitiously heads to the stone bridge and sees that it’s guarded by a veritable phalanx of Grey Maidens - and veterans, for that matter.
In the middle of the group, they seem to have maidens that have slightly different tinted armor, who seem to have command. These even have some magical ability.
****************************
Enzo and Catherine and Olenna spend time together, and it’s a welcome respite. When the full extent of the situation becomes apparent, Enzo grows determined, and begins to organize himself - packing things and making Catherine do the same, maybe even for a very long trip. He packs a number of things for Olenna as well, noting ”I’m not saying you’re going to give up, there may come a time when you are out of options. If that happens - come to Magnimar and we can either make a new home there or wait out the problems, but you don’t have to throw your life away over a lost cause.” He seems hesitant to even offer this, but he wants Olenna to remember their needs too.
Yaziyah lets Vera enjoy her time with Ishani, and begins to prowl the rest of the city looking to warn any friends that they had made that they should leave the city, or keep a low profile over the next weeks. Any Shoanti she finds receives a similar message, and she warns them against trying to cross into Old Korvosa.
"Regroup outside the city, in the camps or in the grove. If you have messages for home, give them to me."
Yazi hears the following rumors, though they may be out of date.
“Doctor Davaulus was the queen’s personal physician, and he helped her escape a terrible life in Cheliax. In a way, he’s sort of responsible for why she ended up being the queen of Korvosa!”
”Blood veil started in Old Korvosa, and the queen’s sent her Gray Maidens to burn the bridges of the Narrows to quarantine the entire island!”
“ As if things weren’t bad enough, I spotted one of those Red Mantis assassins folks whisper about. She was talking to someone in an alley, all dressed up in her bug armor. I didn’t hang around to find out more, but if the Red Mantis is in town, that’s bad news for anyone who’s got rich enemies.”
Marcus hears the following rumors, though they may be out of date.
“They tried to resurrect the king, but it backfired. That’s what’s causing the plague!”
” The Gray Maidens are watching Old Korvosa. They don’t really care if you go in, but anyone who tries to come back out gets shot full of arrows.”
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Mags leaves the temple once she sees her (secure signpost in a whirlwind of a crapstorm; her well-set foundation of an otherwise shoddy inn; her... Well best friend in an ever-increasing Bad Spot) her Vera is safe in the awkward delight of a boy that was smitten enough to end himself before he lost a hair on her head.
Mags would have wondered at that. The whole concept of romantic love was a concept she could barely grasp. Who could think of kissing when the doorframe was groaning about the weight of the roof or the rats were gossiping about the amount of scraps the pigs were eating?
Would have, but instead of that, she wandered.
"Is everyone okay?" she asked people, old and young, able to feed themselves and those less so, and even the guards who she avoided for years. Most didn't see her as one of the heroes in the broadsheets. The others stood out in those, Yazi with her eyes of righteous command, the Wall with his shoulders and glare of strength, flame hair with her shuddering mind and flame hair, Vera being the most amazing of all (caring, bright, magical, and still Hopeful), but not the young orc girl.
But still, she asked. Cause, well, it mattered to be asked. Even if you couldn't do ANYTHING, just asking made it slightly better. Just a sliver, just a mention of caring, HELPED, so she asked.
As she does a young woman, not much younger than Mags, but sometimes Mags feels older than she should, so it was hard to tell "My paw had this, for more years than sense he always said give it to someone how might... I don't know... matter. In a good way, not like one of the toughs on the corner, or the fancies in the bars trying to catch a night without care." the lady (cause Mags could see in the lady's eyes she was a Lady, more than the fancy folk she mentioned would ever be). The lady pressed a compass in her hands. A wayfinder. "Da was one once, one of those finders and he got this cause of it, not much else. You should have it. Please. And... thanks." the lady gave a smile then disappeared, ignoring the half-orc girl's open-mouthed amazement.
A couple of hours later, Magpie the once street kid ended up near the stall of Bala, a cantankerous old Vudrani woman and once Mag's primary fence. "Whelp, you here again? Well you know that's good, cause well..." She slipped a token in her hand. "I have family, you know them, or at least you should. You might not think they are mine, not many do, but they are." Mags had no idea what Bala was talking about but nodded anyway. "Well one of them is sick, you understand, and You..." the Vunrani woman wrapped the taller half-orc in her arms, hugging her tighter than Mags thought possible. 'thank you" the woman says "never fall, Magdaline Vasiliu, we need one of us up there.
We're..." she doesn't finish the sentence. A customer is coming up and all hugs and statements are discarded to make the coin needed for another night.
A quick shoo and Mags is off again.
She should rest, try to catch a couple hours of sleep, but instead she paces through the living room, thoughts whirling in her head. Did the Red Mantis attack Ruan? She remembers the shadowy figures they had spotted on the roof of the hospice the night before they attacked the cultist lair.
Huffing, she sits down abruptly on the floor. Too much. It was all too much. So many people needing help, needing protection... She begins tracing invisible lines with her fingers on the wooden boards, seeing the design in her mind's eye, a soothing ritual she does when she is overwhelmed.
"Yaziyah. You've been busy lately. Stopping cults, helping your people, fighting the good fight." Her voice was dead and flat. "Keeping companions alive, stitching them back up. Heard you're quite the healer, hmm?" The stiletto blade in her hand is hard to ignore, despite her casual tossing and catching of it like she was nursing a drink. Not a threat...but not not a threat. Especially given her lack of being invited.
"And if you have something to say to me, speak plainly. I have no patience for word games."
"Tell me Yazi...magical healing. Closing wounds from your divine connection. How does it work, precisely? I understand you're no stranger to being in the front line yourself, so I'm sure you're a common recipient of it. How are the scars from your latest battle healing?"
"As to how it works... there is no single answer to that. Priests and paladins and clerics invoke the power of their deity. Druids harness the life force of natural things around them. Those like me... we entreat spirits. Our ancestors, or spirits tied to a place, or a concept. They are usually willing to help, but sometimes they do not, and other times they are not powerful enough."
The Shoanti keeps her gaze on Tiona, wondering what the woman was on about.
The bristling Shoanti rises to her feet, unfolding to her full height. "A lot happened during that 'expedition', as you call it. Marcus almost died, twice. We encountered cultists and vampires and avatars of gods. Thee were spells cast, potions drank, wands used. It's impossible to know what caused that effect on Marius, but I can speak to him."
But underneath all that, her mind is racing. Was anything true of what this woman was saying? That something in her healing was leaving scars? Who else had she healed? Olenna? She would have to find the ex-Guardswoman and ask her.
Tiona's accusations were ridiculous, of course. But something was going on, and she wanted to know what. Not that she would deign to ask this woman who had come here uninvited with suspicions and insults. But perhaps Marcus himself could tell her more.
"I doubt it was anything to do with Urgathoa, that is not how she or her followers operate. A curse, possible. I would have to consult some experts."
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"He speaks highly of you, you know. The work in the city, mostly, but also fighting alongside you. When he first saw you in action he was surprised at how dangerous you could be. Said something like, 'Don't take that woman lightly, she is equally adept at caring for a child as she is at cracking a skull'. It was a while ago, sure, but the impression stuck in my mind." The implication there was clear; if there was any real concern that Yazi was more than she seemed, Tiona was expecting to have had her hands full, if she could have taken Yazi at all.
Tiona leans against the counter with a heavy sigh. "Alright. If this is just a problem with scars, I'm less worried now. My concern was that there was a fox in the hen house. Wouldn't put it past her royal majesty." She raises the cup, risking a small early sip. "Frankly, I'm a bit out of my expertise here. I don't have a magical bone in my body, and all else I can think of is talking with priests and maybe shaking down a local Kuthanite. Do you think that'd be helpful, at all?"
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She glances at Tiona, then away. "Of everyone in this city, I am one of the least likely to work for the queen. Or anyone who rules." Her jaw tenses, but she doesn't elaborate. "I will take a look at Marcus. I don't know any kuthonites, but if you do, asking some questions wouldn't hurt." She pauses for a beat, then smirks at her own unintended dark joke.
"I don't know any kuthonites, but if you do, asking some questions wouldn't hurt." She pauses for a beat, then smirks at her own unintended dark joke.
Tiona levels a blank stare at Yazi for a moment, then smirks with a light chuckle. She blows on the tea a little, enjoying the fragrance and warmth, and takes a larger sip.
"Ahh f%%# Yaziyah, what have you guys stepped into?" She shakes her head, giving a dark grin. "Never been busier, and the city's never been in a worse place. Wonder what that says about my line of work."
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After a day spent with her family, Olenna tells Enzo that she's been invited to a party. "I'm sure they wouldn't mind if I brought you two," she says, rousing a bit.
"A party?" Catherine says, looking interested. There had been little cause for celebration lately, and the girl was far more extroverted than either of her parents. She must be positively itching for some social interaction.
Enzo chimes in, "It won't be like the Carowyn Manor that we heard about a few days ago?"
Olenna gives an impish grin to her husband. "I arrested the people responsible for that, and I got to retire because of it. So I doubt it."
Enzo flashes his eyebrows up and down in a sort of well la-di-da gesture, but grins back. "Before we go then, I got something for you." He goes into the back of his shop and returns with a red velvet box. Olenna brushes her hands over the box, admiring the texture and pattern, and then opens it. Inside are a pair of copper bracelets engraved with a lyric from an Elven song that Enzo had sung when he has proposed to her. Olenna pulls one of the bracelets out and puts it on her wrist.
"Copper always was your color," Enzo says. He takes the other bracelet and clasps it to his wrist. Then he touches his bracelet to hers. Olenna can feel the bracelet warm slightly--some sort of magic had connected the two. She gasps and then leans into her husband.
"It's perfect," she says. "I'll have to pick a dress for tonight's party to go with it."
Catherine makes a pantomime of gagging and elbows her father. "And?"
"Oh, of course!" Enzo responds. He excuses himself to retrieve another box, this one a bx of fragrant ebony wood with several golden clasps and hinges around the seams of the box. There was a note tied to the box with a red ribbon, with a looping script addressing the box to Olenna.
"Who's it from?" Olenna asks.
"I don't make a habit of reading your mail, dear," her husband responds, encouraging her to open it.
The ex-guard tugs at the ribbon and retrieves the card, reading with darting eyes. It was from one of the professors that she had written to, requesting materials to facilitate her research into a cure for the plague. He had heard rumors that the cure was already in production and wanted to send a token of his appreciation. He had remembered that Olenna had enjoyed playing games when she was in university and wondered whether she might have time to play a new game that he had encountered during his recent sabbatical to the Padishah Empire of Kelesh. Imperial Conquest was the name of the game.
Two lovely presents.
"It's from one of my old professors," she says. "I don't know if I'll have much time to play games, but maybe it will be fun." She pauses, promising herself to check it out later. "Let's get read for the party, then." She tries to focus on the enjoyment, not the impending separation.
The party finishes their work within the city, trepidatious about looking too much into Old Korvosa, but pass by the bridge once to get a sense of what’s happening. They confirm that people are being let onto the island, but seem not to be let off. As expected, no “physicians” are around, but a few clerics seem to be let through. A few have vials of the cure, and the Grey Maidens seem to allow them to get in unmolested.
Jeggare Bridge is the last physical link between Endrin Isle and the mainland. On that bridge, they maintain a barricade raised seemingly via several castings of wall of stone and augmented on the southern side by wooden catwalks, creating a 15-foothigh stone blockade across the bridge’s southernmost end. The bridge deck is kept clear of obstacles, so anyone spotted on the bridge can be easily fired upon if the intruder ignores warnings to turn back to Old Korvosa.
Later in the day, they get word that the Varisians are safe and hiding within the community center - whomever was looking for them seemingly gave up at some point, or didn’t have quick access to the island anymore and may have focused on some other tasks.
The party and their guests eventually make their way to the home of the Soldados from earlier in the month. The street seems quiet, and they knock on the door. Tayce seems relieved and welcomes them in to her modest home. Grau is already there, playing a game of sticks with Brienna. Tayce seems to have made some sort of Varisian delicacy of rice and fragrant herbs, mixed with pieces of pheasant.
It’s obvious that they’re hiding something, which becomes clear when the doors open after a moment, and in stream the majority of the Varisian community on East Shore, bearing keepsakes and gifts, food and wine, silk scarves with patterns. Word had quietly gone out about what the party had done, what they continued to do. A stream of well-wishers presented the party with thanks and gifts, with heartfelt appreciation in their eyes. Tayce and Grau smile happily, and contribute what they can as well.
It isn’t too long until Cressida Kroft herself arrives, though she doesn’t join the central celebration, instead standing on the side, watching everyone quietly. She accepts the offer of any food or drink graciously, but doesn’t move to join with the others.
She has a haunted look. Something has spooked her, and she’s worried.
Grau moves over to Kroft and whispers something to the Field Marshal, who looks a little disappointed but seems understanding. She extends her hand and grabs him on the shoulder, and squeezes, nodding.
The guard comes over to everyone, and scratches the back of his head, ”well… I’ve got some news. Tayce and I are heading out. Not sure for how long - but we found some work in Magnimar. Tayce doesn’t want Brienna to grow up here. A lot of folks feel that way - and I’m the best fighter - for whatever that’s worth.” He shuffles a little awkwardly, ”so - I just gave up my post. Gotta protect the family and everyone else I can. Just wanted to say thanks again, for what you did for me. I was at my lowest point, and you set me right, and saved my niece as well. Ishani, I know how hard it was to do what you did for us - for free, so from the bottom of my heart, thank you.” He puts his splayed hand on he chest when he says this, a Varisian gesture of sincerity.
The priest looks embarrassed and nods, and says ”I … I … yes. I am glad I could help you all.” He looks at Vera for comfort, a little awkward at receiving a compliment.
Grau moves to embrace him and hugs him tightly, then lets him go. ”Well, I just thought you should know. You won’t have to worry about us at least. I’m hesitant to ask for anything else - but … if you ever plan on going back to Endrin Isle…” he awkwardly seems to insinuate that the party will… ”one of the great shames of my life was what I did to Vencarlo Orsini. He was my teacher, and he is a great man, and… I betrayed his trust once. And I can’t even make amends. I lost touch with him - even before … the bridges. If you can see if he’s okay, and maybe apologize for me. He’ll know what it’s about.” He looks supremely embarrassed. ”That’s all I can do, I guess.”
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A young Varisian woman comes out with the swarm of her folk. Her glossy black hair is brushed out, chin length but thick and full, pulled back out of her face with a bright red ribbon. A green and brown dress fits nicely over her tall athletic build, simple but with embroidered patterns over the hem and sleeves. A dusting of blush on her cheeks, a dark kohl around her large green eyes, which are looking awkwardly over the crowd, looking like she'd like to slip away into the shadows that come so easily for her.
It takes most a moment to notice her lower teeth protruding from her lip, the slight point of her ears, the slight greenish tinge of her skin. Then the rest clicks and tells them (other than the Varisian's she came in with), that this is Magda.
"They told me this is a party and I should..." she gestures toward the dress and waves her hands around her spreading the scent of rose and honey. "... I don't know" Magda had never been to a party before. EVER.
The out of place street kid does what she always does, tries to hide, but since everyone is watching and interested, she finds that it draws even more attention when she tries. So she accepts dances, keeping her movement simple, tensing when she's in someone's arms, blushing more than sense should allow before her head melts.
No matter all that she finds herself brining a drink and a slice of cake, that may or may not have been cooked by the half orc shaman, with thick butter cream icing. She doesn't talking or pry about what is in the Krofty's eyes, since is still wary, but stands beside her for a bit with understood sympathy, and cause most people leave her alone when she's here.
When Grau announces his departure, she finally sighs in relief, letting the whispers back in, her body relaxes, her eyes settle back into their strange knowing instead of awkward young adult.
"The city is part of you, of your family too, so it understands what is most important. Family, of course." she pats the guard on the arm "It will always welcome you back, as will we. Until then we'll manage." she smiles her toothy grin.
"Magda! You look lovely!" Yaziyah compliments the young Varisian as she reveals a new side of herself. For most of the party, the Shoanti spends her time speaking with people, especially Tayce, and checking on Brienna. She nods understanding at Grau's announcement.
"I think that you are doing the right thing. Good fortune on your travels, and the spirits' blessings go with you. I will seek out Vencarlo once this ridiculous quarantine is lifted, I have business with him anyway."
Marcus arrives late to the party, and seems grumpier than usual. He attempts to neutralize his expression when approached by locals, doing his best to murmur his response to their thanks. But otherwise he almost seemed more like hired security than anything else, sticking to the fringes, looming, watching entrances. He notices Kroft's unease, which puts Marcus similarly at unease. And he keeps stealing glances at Yazi, but looks away every time she looks back.
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Olenna is truly surprised by the gifts. There are scented oils, wild flowers, herbs, and jars of several other liquids that she'll have to take a closer look at later. Given her recent change in employment, she can think of quite a few uses for such items.
At the news that the Soldados are moving to Magnimar, Olenna and Enzo exchange a look. As the evening wears on, the Tucca family makes sure that they interact with the Soldados. Catherine asks Brienna to play a game of sticks, and the two run off together. Hopefully they'll be able to be friends in Magnimar. Enzo shares that he'll also be traveling to Magnimar and staying with a cousin, hopefully looking for some temporary work there as the trip would be of an unknown duration. Olenna congratulates Tayce and Grau on the impending move and insinuates that she will not be joining her husband on the trip. Clearly neither she nor Enzo are quite comfortable with that fact, but it stands.
"I'll join you when I can," she says. "But I have some things to do here first." She adds, after a moment, "I don't know Vencarlo Orsini personally, but I'll give him your regards and apologies if we cross paths."
Olenna spends most of the evening dancing with Enzo, and feeling even younger than her years. They used to do this back at the University. She kicks off her shoes during the faster dances and loses herself in the music. Were it not for some hard-to-see salt streaks in her makeup, you almost not be able to tell that she had been crying.
Grau seems appreciative, and Brienna seems to be encouraged by the idea of having someone from Korvosa to talk to when they move. Tayce remains thankful, and the Varisians ply the party with gifts and thanks.
They seem wary of Cressida, but Ishani seems peeved slightly by this behavior, and moves over to the Field Marshal, and starts to introduce various people to her. She smiles slightly at the effort, though she stays on the outskirts, and responds with kind and polite words, showing warmth and consideration for each of the people who she meets.
Kroft nods appreciatively towards the party and her hosts before leaving early. Tayce expresses her thanks again, but the event doesn’t last as long as one might expect a Varisian party to, as the scars of the plague run deep and everyone is on edge. She soon shoos everyone out, explaining that she and Grau have to finish packing, as they intend to leave early the next morning.
The party departs and moves to each of their resting spots before sleeping for the night.
The day breaks, and there’s little time before the party is expected to attend to the executions with the Queen at the pavilion outside the castle. The event is to begin at around 9:00 am.
"Tiona came to speak with me about your scars. She thought I was to blame. And maybe I am, maybe I'm not - the issue remains that what is happening to you is not... well, it's not how things should be. So I would like to take a look tonight, if you'll allow me."
With her personal armor getting upgraded in the shop, Olenna had taken her old boss' offer to borrow some fatigues from the Citadel's stores. She slips into a chain shirt that won't draw much attention under her clothes and invites Enzo and Catherine with her. With the intent to show up after the executions, if possible. Olenna didn't want Catherine to have to witness something that grim.
Having noticed the armor, Enzo asks if Olenna thinks anything will happen. She considers for a but, but shakes her head. "It would be foolish to try anything," she says. "You and Cat will be safe."
"And you?"
She nods, "As safe as ever."
Olenna squeezes her husband's hand and kisses her daughter's forehead. "I'll see you two soon."
The ex-guard, dressed in her best uniform, walks to the pavilion alone.
A large crowd has gathered at the pavilion. An executioner is there, as are the most powerful people in the small city. It seems many have come to hear the Queen’s words. Merchants, nobles, and even tradespeople, crafters, and laborers abound- though it doesn’t look like very many non-chelaxian humans are present, the atmosphere is a little tense.
Attending this address at the queen’s side are her bodyguard Sabina Merrin (clad in her breathtaking and intimidating suit of Gray Maiden armor) and a middle-aged obese man with a bald head, who stands next to her awkwardly, sweating, with what appear to be food stains on his fine silk clothing.
Illeosa, for her part, seems different. In the place of the sorrowful, mourning widow, there is a woman transformed. She stands with poise, grace, and radiant, staggering beauty. Resplendent in a low-cut combination of dress and armor, she seems confident and self-assured. Upon her head lies a new crown of gold - with a single ruby in the center of her forehead, which flashes brilliantly as it catches the light. She looking down at those assembled with resolve, and is her face projects strength and confidence.
Standing on the stage nearby, on the opposite side as the executioner is the commander of the Korvosan Guard Cressida Kroft and the commandant of the Sable Company Marcus Endrin. They both seem to be standing at attention, affording Illeosa respect, though Endrin seems to not have shaved much recently, and his eyes are bloodshot, as if he hasn’t had much sleep. There are no signs of any other senior guards, though two rings of what appear to be high-ranking grey maidens surround the stage, with the rearmost holding bows. The ones in the outer ring are wielding shields but their weapons are otherwise sheathed Hidden behind their helmets, their expressions are unreadable.
There are a dozen men on the stage near the executioner and a few grey maidens, with sacks over their heads, and these are recognizable as the Queen’s physicians that were arrested. Davalus is present as well, though gagged, and it’s clear he can see what’s happening. But the man doesn’t seem to know what’s going on, and blinks with heavy lids. They are all tied up with painful-looking manacles on their hands and feet.
When the party approaches the stage, Kroft gestures subtly for everyone to approach and join them. The Queen glances at them curiously, overweight man does not acknowledge them as they approach, Sabina glances with a frown and rests her hand on the grip of her own falchion, still sheathed at her side, and Endrin nods respectfully.
Marcus attempts to mirror his namesake, standing at attention and resolved, keeping his face as much a blank slate as he can manager. He returns Endrin's nod, standing up on the higher vantage point and taking a look around.
Yaziyah tries to hide the revulsion she is feeling for being here, for being called to be part of those passing judgement and enacting the sentence. The memory of her friend being on similar stage, about to be tortured to death, floods through her - although of course he didn't have such a grand audience.
She scowls at Davaulus, letting her anger show. What a despicable man. What had they given him, she wonders, to dull those clever eyes so?
Marcus sees that there’s a handful of burly men in the crowd who look like they have armor under their laborer’s outfits. They seem to be also watching the crowd in front of them.
Mags cocks her head, listening to whispers, letting her eyes drift around to those here, and up there, catching shifts and tics. She breaths in their smells, fear anxiety hungry anger. She noticed Yazi's gaze on the Bad Doctor guy, so she looks there, thinking about the glaze in his eyes and where she might have seen that before.
As all those things percolate in her head like a good stew, the half orc opens her mouth, cause Mags is Mags
"We's the ones that caught them there. Fought through a horde of your Grayers, little Bad Docs, this flying horse thing, walking rotters, and a Lamb." her voice is loud enough to be hear by any that cares to "All for the city and the people in it, and to make sure it Don't happen ever again, answers need to be gotten from them, so why you killing them before that?"
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There is a murmur in the crowd, and the queen doesn’t react. Nobody reacts much, though Magda does get the impression that Field Marshall Cressida Kroft is doing her best to contain a smirk. Sabina drums her armored fingers on the falchion’s hilt once. And then the queen speaks.
The murmuring drops to silence immediately, and her voice is clear and loud enough to carry across the field, and for some additional distance beyond.
”I am well aware, Magda Vasilu. Which is why you are here.” She looks towards Magda and beckons for the shaman to approach with the others. The gesture has no malice in it. She turns to the crowd, ”these adventurers - they are responsible for uncovering the foul cult that snuck into our city in the dead of night. And we interrogated those responsible using powerful spells and other techniques.” She doesn’t explain further, but continues.
”Davaulus was an assassin, of a sort.” She pauses, letting that idea sick in, ”he had been charged with slaughtering our city, our people. Why? Hatred for our way of life. Hatred for our people. Hatred of us.” There is anger in her eyes as she explains, ”Nidalese - working with groups that wanted to bring guilds to our city, along with, I’m afraid to say, a few native radicals, sought to weaken us to take our city from us. The investigation is complete. The trial is complete. There is more than enough evidence to convict, and a jury has done so.” She turns to Davaulus, furiously, and grips the lectern, ”I trusted you Davaulus. You served my family for years, and you betray me, us, for what? Money?”
Davaulus doesn’t respond. He barely looks at her, and shuffles his feet.
Illeosa shakes her head, and addresses the crowd again, and the air is electric. She has a hold on them which would transcend all but the most powerful magic. ”in recognition of the courage and fortitude that these citizens of Korvosa have shown, the Crown wishes to reward this group with gifts equal to their service.” She has a sheaf of papers on the lectern in front of her, and she gestures towards them as she nods, indicating everyone should approach her She smiles, and adds, glancing at the crowd, ”5,000 sails in credit for each of you, usable at any store in the city - backed by the crown. We would give more - but we have much to spend on rebuilding.”
Magda looks back and forth from the woman speaking and the man she is asking questions of "Queen Lady, he's got that wad of gag in his mouth, so he can't answer the Why things you want to know. Here I can help." Mags moves to remove the gag, to be helpful, since the Queen seems to want answers. But Mags feet only make a single step toward the man, "Oh?" the word soft and confused, before the half orc turns back to the line of 'heroes' and shuts her trap.
Illeosa chuckles brightly, ”Magda, it was money.” The crowd laughs, and she continues, ”unfortunately, in Avistan, money is the root of much evil. Come, accept this reward, you all deserve it - and more.” She gestures for everyone in the party to approach.
Magda nods, shuffling forward, and taking the paper, trying to do one of those knee-bending things lady's do in skirts, which Mags doesn't have on, so she does it poorly.
Then she silently shifts to the back, looking around wondering why it was so quiet all of a sudden.
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A Varisian man, older with the pleasing scent of honey soaking into his... well everything, stops the young half-orc as she is heading toward the party. He calls to her in Varisian, which is nice, since only Vera ever does so since she doesn't look very much like one.
"My Chauv got sick, my little heart flower..." The grief in his voice is enough to let Mags know she didn't make it. "I'm leaving, I can't stay, not even long enough to sell the last of my stock. Would you... take them, care for them?" Mags nodded before she even knew what he was asking, but when he opened his wagon and showed her, her eyes go wide and she SMILES bright.
Illeosa passes out the letters of credit to the silent adventurers, one at a time. She inclines her head in thanks to each one, and they return to stand near Kroft.
Illeosa raises her hands, ”now then. The guilty. The second part of my reward to you all. We have an executioner here, but I know that one of this brave group was particularly vicious when fighting the cultist. His blade is true, and he may be still holding a grudge. Of course, I’m speaking about Marcus - not Lord Endrin, of course” She gestures towards Marcus and asks, ”would you care to execute these murderous criminals for us? If not - we can have the executioner from Longacre to do it.” She spreads he arms, ”or any of you, should you choose. Even if it isn’t clean, I think our people deserve a good show, don’t they?”
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Olenna can't deny that Queen Ileosa cuts a ravishing figure. She's, well, intimidating. At least as much as Sabina. Were it not for Lady Andaisin's revelations, Olenna might still hold positive feelings for the young widow. As it is, she sets her face dutifully. She hadn't ever considered herself to have an enemy in the past--she was simply carrying out her duties as a guard. It was improper to have enemies as a guard. It got in the way of your objectivity. Lawbreakers were not enemies. They were often (but not always) misguided, and thus found themselves opposed by the Guard.
There had certainly been people that she had disliked, like Gaedren Lamm. But she had been able to put that aside to focus on executing her duties. (And eventually, as it turned out, his disgusting son.) These people were still citizens, residents of the City that she had sword to protect, that Mags felt with every fiber of her being. If they could be stopped and brought to justice, even rehabilitated, that was better.
It was better than this.
She looks over at Commandant Endrin. She hadn't seen him in a long time, and she wonders if he remembers her. Her family, House Bromathan, had long been tied to House Endrin, since Nivek Bromathan had sacrificed his life to save Waydon Endrin from a Shoanti assassin 250 years ago. (Ironic, perhaps, that she now stood here with a Shoanti ally. Much had changed in the last two and a half centuries.) Even though Olenna had all-but given up her noble title, she was still a Bromathan by blood, and still tied to House Endrin, at least by history and reputation if not by oath.
Gods he looked awful. She nods at him and smiles gently, trying not to look too hard at the doomed.
She winces a bit at Magda speaks openly to the Queen, questioning her publicly. Olenna's breath catches in her chest, but she uses the opportunity to observe the people she knows to see how they react to the Queen's response.
When it is her turn, Olenna approaches to retrieve yet another reward. Should she genuflect? Salute? Nothing felt right. She reminds herself to relax her muscles and strides forward, bowing her head deeply and failing to meet the Queen's gaze. "Thank you, your Majesty." My enemy.
The next gift makes Olenna's stomach turn. She had taken no pleasure in slaying the cultists that she had. It was duty that drove her--drove her still. And this? It felt like a trap. A goad.
She knows that we know.
It was a power move. Let one of them--all of them--have a weapon in the presence of the Queen, knowing that there was no chance that they could carry out the justice that the City deserved.
Olenna inclines her head. "I appreciate the offer, your Majesty, but my hand serves to defend Korvosa. An axeman's blade carries out the final justice."
Mags was an orphan, a former pickpocket, a shopkeeper of leftovers, a baker of cookies, a cultivator of chickens (and now Bees), the one and true keeper of the flow (sewers to be specific), and someone rather fond of the city she lived in.
She was not an executioner.
After flame hair's eloquent rejection, Mags said "No" a simple but still crystal clear rejection of her own. Instead, she leans into her spear, her eyes looking out into the crowd and wondering why people Want death so much. It came so easily on its own.
Olenna does not recognize the other man standing by the Queen's side throughout the ordeal. She didn't know everyone in Korvosa, of course, but she gets the feeling that he isn't a local. With their luck, he was a replacement for Davaulus.
She unfortunately doesn't know much about Sabina Merrin either, other than that she was quite powerful in her own right. But there had clearly been tension during the Queen's address by all those in her immediate cohort. Of what kind, it was hard to say. Things that they knew that Olenna was not privy to.
Would Marcus take the bait or show restraint?
Yaziyah's hands clench on empty air, rather than the haft of her hammer. It was hard to know what was true and what was not. On one hand, the queen was pointing the finger at Nidal, and she thinks of the scars on Marcus, and Tiona's suspicion that followers of Zon-Kuthon might be involved.
On the other hand... the queen's guards guarding the queen's physicians working on creating and spreading a literal plague; Andaisin's words - although how far could one trust someone who was the avatar of Urgathoa was another matter.
The queen did not seem to be lying, which either meant that she was a master manipulator, or that she truly had no idea what her subordinates were doing, which would make her incompetent. Both very dangerous for Korvosa.
The powerlessness was making her seethe, especially as the queen speaks of "radical natives". How twisted the ways of fate were... Here she was, a convicted radical, praised and rewarded by the queen. She would accept it, of course, even force herself to bow her head as she receives the writ from Her Majesty, but she would not stop fighting for this city.
Not even if it meant going against the queen herself.
The offer to be an executioner almost breaks her restraint. She glances at Marcus, straining every fiber to send him a silent message. Don't do it. When the offer is extended to the rest of them, she clenches her jaw, drops her gaze to hide her anger, and shakes her head in refusal.