"Well! That was unpleasant, though thanks to Lotti scarcely more than an inconvenience," Marius steps closer to examine the the scorched ooze, tucking the next alchemist's fire he'd readied back into his coat.
"Hmm, while I'm not at all sorry to see this thing destroyed, I rather doubt anyone mistook it for a river spirit. Shall we resume our muddy march?"
The group continues their laborious circuit of Lauchlein Lake, taking another hour or so to come in sight of the stone circle. As they approach, the air between the stones darkens, and an ethereal figure shimmers into view. If she was a fair maiden once, the apparition is now terrifying - hollow eye sockets burning, fingers elongated into claws with blood dripping from them, her long hair writhing around her head like a halo of pale snakes. It opens an impossibly wide mouth ringed with needle-sharp fangs, and lets loose a wail that is at once grief and rage.
Konstiantina immediately moves to the fore, barking for Aiza to drop back, and draws her blade as she reaches out with her senses to ascertain that the apparition is indeed evil.
"Unquiet spirit!" Her shout is resolute and does not betray her pounding heart. "If you've aught to state say it now, or we'll do our best to bring you peace."
No evil presence seems to exist in Konstiantina's immediate surroundings. The apparition screeches at her.
Reaching slowly towards the ghost salt arrows she'd brought along for this, something about it makes Rose pause. Perhaps it was that it didn't seem leave the circle despite the show of agression, perhaps it was Konstiantina's finding that it wasn't evil despite being a ghost.
"What does that mean? Is it truly not malevolent? Or a trick, perhaps?" She mutters to the others upon hearing Konstiantina's revelation. "We know the Night Swan is trying to leverage fear from this legend... it would make sense if it were. Though I wouldn't know the method..."
Marius takes a half-step back as the frightful apparition appears within the ring of standing stones. When Konstiantina confirms it lacks an aura of evil, he frowns thoughtfully and looks around for anything else of note--other creatures, writing upon the stones, anything that might clue him in to what they face here.
"You may be right, Rose, or it may not be a wicked spirit--it's been known to happen." Raising his hands to show they're empty, he addresses the screeching entity before him.
"Hello! I am Lord Marius Erallan, newly to Merrat County, and we seek the Spirit of Lauchlein Lake. We do not wish violence or harm to any, but we will defend ourselves. Will you speak?"
With Konstiantina unharmed, Lotti follows Rose’s lead and studies the apparition as well with a critical eye. Visual, audible, don’t have to worry about touch if it’s supposed to be a ghost, but how to get it to appear with nobody around to create it? Rather than trying to see through such an illusion, she instead mutters a by-now-familiar incantation to reveal magical auras.
“An illusion. And a nice one too.” Lotti can’t help but let a touch of admiration creep into her voice. “A good deterrent for most folks, but it also attracts attention of those most likely to see through it. Risks and desired outcomes.” That part seems to be directed more towards Rose with a gentle smile before she continues, “Be careful even if it is not the apparition it appears to be - the mundane has teeth just as sharp, and someone clever enough to make this may very well be clever enough to anticipate someone seeing through it.”
That being said, there was still the matter of how the illusion had been created. It might be possible to have such a spell designed to wait for someone to approach, but a simpler explanation would be a simpler spell and a hidden caster.
Putting his hands down, Marius makes an exasperated sound. "Well! Now I feel ridiculous."
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Lisa smirks, "Marius darling, you always look a tad ridiculous with your puffed out chest and your strutting posture. I wouldn't worry too much about it. It's part of your charm at this point." The courtesan winks and struts forward boldly waving off the illusion as though it were mere dust in the wind.
"Now, the question is, who would set something like this up? What are they trying to scare people off from?"
As if to underscore Lotti's warning, an arrow whizzes by to embed itself in the soft earth less than an inch from Lisa's foot. A woman's voice sounds from somewhere among the reeds, the speaker hidden from view.
"If you are here to try and kill me, your corpses will feed the lake!"
Use of singular tense - could be intentional deception. Seems unlikely, but possible. Someone skilled with both magic and bow, unless multiple people acting together. Rose might’ve had the right idea of a bandit. Not outright hostility yet - Marius’s speech likely had something to do with that. Lotti’s thoughts race as she scoops Wobblekins up into her arms.
Lisa smirks, "Marius darling, you always look a tad ridiculous with your puffed out chest and your strutting posture. I wouldn't worry too much about it. It's part of your charm at this point."
Rose chuckles and places a hand on Marius' shoulder. "Don't worry; it is rather fetching." She lowers her voice and winks. "Besides, it takes one to know one, right? Just don't tell her I said that."
""If you are here to try and kill me, your corpses will feed the lake!"
Of course, when her friend nearly gets shot the humor swiftly evaporates. "You seem to have us at a disadvantage, miss...? My name is Rose. As Lord Erallan stated, we came to talk to the Spirit of the Lake. I don't suppose we could hold this conversation face to face like civilized people? If you are part of the lake's natural inhabitants then we have no intention of harming you, unless you attack us first. We have a strict no-bleeding policy we tend to go by."
"'Civilized'? Yes, it is the way of civilization to destroy or enslave nature, is it not? Like your kind is now destroying this lake!"
From amongst the reeds strides forth an angry-looking warrior woman, her nocked arrow aimed at the group, the point shifting between Rose, Marius, Konstiantina, Lisa... but hesitating around Lotti with Wobblekins in her arms, and Aiza. She is clad in silvery mail, and on her short blonde hair there is a silver circlet in the shape of entwining leaves, with wings flaring to the sides - but the most striking feature is the long cloak of immaculate white feathers that wraps around her shoulders, the hem trailing on the ground.
"I am Atratus, and you would better have a very good reason for why I should not slay you now, despoilers and murderers!" She glances at Aiza. "You I shall spare, you are only a child."
“Fair maiden swan, we mean no harm to you or this lake under your wing.” Lotti dips her head and bobs, somewhere between a bow and a curtsey. “I ask you, on the basis of our shared connection to the First World, to tell us what has happened here.” She clears her throat, then continues, “Mae'n dda eich bod chi yma i warchod y lle hwn. Byddwch yn dawel eich meddwl na ddatguddir eich presenoldeb i neb arall, ac ni fydd eich clogyn byth yn gadael eich ysgwyddau wrth inni dynnu anadl.”
The arrow point dips a little.
"You come from the east. Have you not seen the desolation? The dead fish and birds? The polluted waters?"
"Indeed, we were there. There was an Ogre Jelly in that area we figured was responsible for the deaths of all those animals and killed it. It was difficult, with how it tends to be immune to most weapons, but we managed. The burnt remains are easy to find. And smell. Hopefully, that will restore the natural balance over time. I can't claim to be a druid but I can easily imagine how many animals are normally dependant on those fish and birds for food. To say nothing of how many plants would prefer not to be dissolved into its ooze," Rose follows, also lowering her bow further.
"If that does not count as enough reason, there is something you should probably know. In the lands surrounding this lake, a bandit calling herself The Night Swan is conducting raids on convoys passing through the region. She is abusing the local legend of this circle," She gestures to it. "Along with the name of the lake spirit - in truth, you, perhaps? - to cover for these crimes. We are willing to stop the Night Swan to bring peace back to this region. If we don't, then eventually more and more people are going to seek out this circle and take their revenge on you instead, believing you to be her. So, could we not work together and stop that from happening?"
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A look of profound relief passes over Atratus's fac. "You killed it. You are very resourceful, then. I have attempted to destroy it for many years, but I failed."
The bow string untenses, and the arrow is put away. "Well, that changes things." The swan maidens gestures towards the stone circle, as if inviting guests into her home. "There is no lake spirit. A very long time ago, when what you call the Verduran Forest stretched over these lands, one of our courts - my court - made a home on the shore of this lake. As humans cut down the forest, my court retreated, but I stayed. I know the local legends about me, and I did nothing to disprove them because they serve to keep people away." Her sharp features soften in what might almost be the shadow of a smile. "Aided by myself, here and there, as you have seen. The people living nearby made it a custom to bring me tribute - offerings of food, carved amulets and the likes. We were mostly at peace, they didn't bother the lake and I didn't bother them, but then the new count forbid them from 'wasting resources on nonsense and superstition', and released the ooze into the lake to try and kill me."
She nods to Rose. "And yes, I know of the Night Swan as well, and that is not me, although they do use the legend and rumours to their advantage. Some of the things I've done have been attributed to this Night Swan - I confess that in my rage I did attack caravans on the roads, as a way to get back at the count."
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"Shit!" Lisa hisses as the arrow embeds itself in the dirt mere inches away from her dainty foot. The courtesan almost immediately flies into combat only hindered by her allies calming presence. Still as the discussion continues Lisa scowls menacingly at the woman before her clearly irked at the whole arrow incident, still the courtesan had to admit... that cloak was fabulous.
"I still haven't heard a 'thank you' for all the effort we, especially poor Lotti went through extinguishing that little slime problem of yours. I think we are owed at least an apology if nothing else. Burning ogre jelly is a smell that really sticks with you, you know?" Lisa huffs.
"Then there is the matter that you HAVE been engaged in banditry as you yourself have admitted. Attacking caravans... maybe even killing innocents? Just because you were mad?" Lisa waggles her finger and tuts like a mother scolding a child. "Naughty, naughty."
She turns her head as to cast her voice over her shoulder at the man behind her. "What say you Lord Erallan? What is a suitable punishment for such crimes hmm? Perhaps, a bit of cooperation from upcoming events?"
Atratus gives Lisa a cold look, but the swan maiden nods in acknowledgement. "Thank you for destroying the creature. I have not killed anyone, but even if I had, I do not recognize your right to judge me."
She does glance at Marius with some curiosity at Lisa's mention of 'upcoming events'.
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After several long moments of consideration, Marius sighs ruefully. "I have no right to judge you, Swan Maiden, but the lords of Merrat County do in the eyes of Taldan law. You are not a representative of a Court--by your own admission, you remained behind when they departed, which makes you a rogue actor at best. I'm not unsympathetic to your desire to protect the lake, but lashing out against uninvolved folk is an ignoble thing. Some of them have been killed, whether by you or not is yet to be determined." He tilts his head, studying the fey woman. "Why do you think the Count put an ooze in the lake to kill you? And which Count are you referring to?"
Seated on one of the stones with her knees bent and legs towards the lake, Rose raises a hand at the tone and direction the conversation was going following Lisa's say. "Peace, everyone. We didn't come here to settle any grievances, nor to take out indignance over warning shots out on potential allies, did we?" She throws a questioning look at Marius and the Courtesan. "Especially when it seems as though we clearly have a mutual enemy."
She waits to hear confirmation that it was really Count Bartelby Lotheed responsible, though with the information available that felt all but certain to her. "After all, it sounds as though this entire matter is mostly the fault of this Count. That guards were harmed in retribution over his actions is regrettable, but to act out or threaten retribution for such is neither our duty nor is it in our favor. Surely we can ease everyone's conscience over this matter in a mutually beneficial way, like asking the collective local lords at the gathering next week to continue leaving the lake alone, in return for a promise not to attack civilians again now that the Jelly has been dealt with?"
"Why do you think the Count put an ooze in the lake to kill you? And which Count are you referring to?"
Atratus turns to look into the distance, somewhere to the north-east. "The one who lives in the palace, and I saw him do it. After he sent his lackey to kill me, and he failed. I'm not sure why he wants me dead."
The swan maiden nods at Rose. "As I said, I didn't kill anyone." "If you can convince them to not encroach on this lake, I will abide peacefully."
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"You witnessed him placing the ooze in the lake? And it was not his first attempt? This lackey who tried before, was he half-elven with a crossbow?" Marius quickly describes the Count's seneschal, awaiting her confirmation (or not) before continuing. "Would you be willing to tell your tale to some of the other nobles around? The Count is not a popular man...it may be possible to see him removed, and your testimony could aid in this."
On the topic of the lake he is more cautious. "What would constitute an 'encroachment'? Is it to be denied for fishing? Travel? I wish to reward your forthrightness in kind, so I tell you I do not believe it possible to forbid all mortal interaction with your lake."
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"He did have elven features, and a crossbow, yes." Atratus confirms. then she shakes her head. "I am sorry, I cannot do what you ask, I would have to reveal my existence. But if you are working to remove the count, I can aid you in that. Before he started interfering, the people here were respectful of this place and never took more than they needed." The swan maiden huffs. "Encroachment... So far, few brave this place for fishing, and I would like it to remain that way. No hunting, trapping or otherwise killing the birds. No building on the lake shore. People can come and visit, if they do no harm and leave no trace. I ask that this place be kept wild, inasmuch as that is possible in these parts."
She looks away, and sighs. "I understand that times are difficult for the little folk. And you and your companions are correct, it was wrong of me to take my anger out on people who had nothing to do with the situation. It just made things worse, as now that Night Swan person is using my misguided actions to their benefit."
Atratus strides towards a large, old oak a few paces from the stone circle. "Here, I will give back what I took." She reaches into a hollow, retrieving a few small strongboxes and caskets, then turns to Lotti. "And for you, for slaying that ooze, a gift. It was given to me many seasons ago by a lover, and now I give it to you. May it serve you well." She produces a porcelain half mask inset with blue and green gems, and decorated with golden filigree.
The wearer gains a +2 competence bonus on Sense Motive checks and can use comprehend languages once per day.
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Lotti slowly accepts the mask with both hands from the swan maiden. "You honor me with this memory, Atratus," she says at last. "Boed i chi ddod o hyd i'ch gilydd eto wrth ymyl dyfroedd clir." She bows, then retreats behind her taller companions so they may continue their discussion.
With one ear on what they say, she turns the rest of her attention to the porcelain ornament. Even without her divinations, she can feel an old, weathered power pulsing against her fingertips. Softly she utters the familiar incantation.
She frowns. Something is there, flickering around the edges of her vision when she doesn't look at the mask directly. Focusing on it reveals only a few subtle enchantments.
A glamor, to hide the mask from others.
An enchantment, to unveil the motives of others.
A divination, to understand the words of others.
She closes her eyes, opens them again, looks over at Atratus and wonders if the swan maiden knew what she had given away so freely even as her hands tuck the mask away safely into her pocket.
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Lisa shrugs at the tone of the conversation shifting with Rose's input just as Marius was seeming to get on board but it mattered not. In the end they were able to retrieve the wealth the woman had stolen, her cooperation, and a gift. So perhaps it was for the best.
"Very well, why don't we let bygones be bygones then shall we? You can have your lake, the mud has somewhat spoiled my perception of it regardless. That Night Swan will still need to be dealt with however and the question remains how to best use our dear Swan Princess to best effect against the bastard count?" Lisa turns to the Swan Maiden thoughtfully stroking her chin.
"Can you leave this place? If we needed you to accompany us to the count's palace to overthrow the man would you be able to do that?"
Atratus nods. "I can leave, but I don't want to be away for long. Give me a signal the night before, and I will be there to exact my vengeance against the count." She pulls a long, white feather from her cloak and offers it to Lisa. "This will let me know that the message comes from you. Guard it well."
"Thank you for this pledge, Atratus. We will do our best to conduct preparations on our end. Unfortunately, we cannot move openly against him yet... but we're working on it." Rose smiles. "I'm sure a woman of your experience is no stranger to such intrigue."
She looks around to see if the others had any more to add or ask and waits for the first longer pause to fall. "Shall we be off, then? As much as I do like and appreciate this lake and the hospitality offered to us, I must confess I long for a warm bath and a fresh set of clothes. There's much we could still do before dinner and bed, I would say. Like... visit a certain bank and call in its debt to us?" She throws a grin towards Lisa.
Konstiantina has watched this exchange with subtle awe; the Swan Maiden's beauty and ferocity is bewitching, and her plight tugs at the paladin's heart. "I pledge to do my best to ensure your lake remains as wild as may be. Though none may ultimately stay the advance of civilization, we'll do what we can to make this an oasis."
Marius nods slowly. "I suppose the lake can be kept as something of a preserve, though I will say--if any mortals do come here, you should bring the matter to us before roughing up the perpetrators. I bid you well, Lady Atratus, and we shall be in touch."
Atratus places a hand over her heart and offers Konstiantina a bow. "Thank you, it is very refreshing to find allies like you." To Marius, she replies. "I am a protector, so I will protect. But I will try to to be more restrained in the future." She looks over to Lisa, and the corners of her eyes crinkle minutely.
"Let me guide you back to the road by a way less... muddy."
The swan maiden keeps her promise, leading everyone on firmer ground and down a hidden path that soon takes them near the road they had left, where their carriage awaits. From there, it is only a few hours to the town of Lotheedar.
However, barely half an hour after they set out again, a young man waves desperately from the side of the road, nearly jumping in front of the horses.
"Good people! Help, please, by all the gods, help!"
Rose quickly glances out the side window, feeling an odd sense of deja vu with the way the carriage had been stopped en-route to the jubilee. The leaders of that troupe turned out to be bandits, and these roads were similarly rumored to be plagued by those.
"If it's a ploy to lead us into the arms of other brigands away from prying eyes, it's dreadfully unoriginal. Still, can't discard the possibility. Anyone care to bet?" She says, as she draws up Dignity's Barb behind the closed door.
"Help? With what? Please explain what is going on first, good sir," She then calls out to the man as she looks through the window for hidden threats.
"If so, they'll make Konstiantina's day," Marius replies to Rose's jest. Rapping on the carriage roof to signal the driver to pull up, Marius opens the door and leans out to get a better look at the young man.
"Easy, young man. What's the matter?" After a quick once-over to take the stranger's measure, the nobleman scans the surrounding terrain for whatever might be distressing him.
"Oh, thank the gods, good lady, good sir, it's my wife. She's in labour! I don't know what to do, and she is in such pain, please help her!"
Both Rose and Marius can indeed spot a very pregnant woman in travelling clothes squatting next to a tree, eyes squeezed shut as she grips a low branch.
"If so, they'll make Konstiantina's day,"
"Think that will stop her mumbling about keelhauling people in her sleep?" Rose replies, grinning. Who knew what kind of delicious blackmailing material you could acquire on someone just by sharing a hut in the middle of nowhere for but a single night?
""Oh, thank the gods, good lady, good sir, it's my wife. She's in labour! I don't know what to do, and she is in such pain, please help her!"
When they see the actual source of distress, she shares a quick look with Marius. The sudden topic shift towards reproduction brought about images of last night and she can't quite fully suppress a blush. "She's... going to have a baby? Here?"
She breaks off her gaze to try and focus on the surroundings again. "Um, Well... then I stand corrected. If this *is* a ploy I'll give them style points, though I don't see someone hiding outside. Let's go see if we can help? I think I remember how this is supposed to go from some lessons on the topic. But if anyone knows better, please take over!"
Unless stopped, and assuming the group actually reaches the woman without being attacked, Rose would kneel down and introduce herself, then start asking the woman some questions. And wash her hands thoroughly to perform some very basic physical examination. She tried to determine if she was already in labor, or if she could still conceivably be transported to Lotheedar first. Had the membranes broken? Were these rhythmic waves of pain with an urge to push? Was the baby situated correctly, head-down? Could she feel the top of the head protruding through the cervix?
The father-to-be hovers anxiously by Rose's side, chattering constantly and nervously smoothing his wife's hair. "We were on our way to town, but she went in labor on the way. Is she going to be alright? Is the baby going to be alright? Should I get some hot water? I hear you need hot water for these things."
Rose is able to determine that the young woman is in no condition to be transported to Lotheedar, which would take a couple of hours at best. A sheen of sweat covers her skin, and she's doing her best not to scream, but she is clearly in tremendous pain. Her water has broken, and the contractions are coming faster now.
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“She’ll be much better when she’s not out in the open for everyone to see.” Lotti’s voice is full of confidence and authority - and distinctly lacking in any nonsense. “Come Marius, help this soon-to-be father take these cushions from the carriage. Bring the curtains too, then find branches to hang them from to make a proper tent. Quickly now, don’t dawdle.” Deftly she continues to find one more thing for the men to do as soon as they finish each task.
From her seated position, the tailor looks up and gives Lotti a grateful nod. Some privacy *would* probably help. "Sir, when you finish and wish to assist further, perhaps you could stand on the other end with your wife and offer her your support. Hold her hand, talk to her and such. She is obviously in pain and in labor right now . It *would* help to have those blankets and a bowl of water, but surely someone else can get in your stead,” She silently asks the others for help with that as she begins the process of encouraging the woman to push with the contractions while keeping track of the baby’s movements through the canal.
Meanwhile, her mind was racing beneath the projected calm, trying to remember the most important details of those instructions from too long ago. There was no way she would do this perfectly, but perhaps good enough was manageable. Women had been giving birth since the dawn of time. It was all a completely natural process, she told herself. All she had to do was give this a nudge in the right direction if something went horribly wrong. It was just the lives of this entire family at stake, after all. No pressure!
…Argh! How did these people even get into this situation!? Clearly this woman was in no condition to travel, and on foot no less! But to risk it anyway yet have no idea what to do should she go into labor during the journey? They were so completely unprepared and at the mercy of random strangers that it was almost comical.
” Okay, okay. Calm down. People make mistakes. Now focus, Rose! Focus on avoiding your own ones. What did she say *never* to do? Right. Pull on a limb if that came through first. That could kill both the baby AND the mother. Make sure the head is born first. Push back if need be, rotate it if need be, then gently guide it once born, and hook your fingers under the armpits when the shoulders are out. Place it on her belly without dropping it. And… and…? Right! Make sure the placenta is born afterwards and that is it fully complete, or she could still get really sick or bleed out from remnants even after the baby is born.”
Was that it? She wasn’t sure, but it would have to do. And if not, there was always the option of ‘ improvised surgery’ and relying on healing magic to undo the wounds… right?
Over the next several hours, they learn the couple's name - Calia and Dratus - as well as the reason for their reluctance to travel to Lotheedar sooner. They didn't know exactly when the birthing would happen, and they didn't have enough money to stay at an inn in town and wait, so they simply set out once the contractions began this morning, hoping to make it to the temple on time.
At last, the baby emerges fully, and once it is cleaned and the umbilical cord is cut, the two new parents coo over it happily. "Oh, thank you so much, I don't know what we would have done without you! Here, the fee that we were going to pay to the temple, you can have it!" Dratus offers his purse to Rose and Lotti, beaming.
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To prevent Aiza from simply standing around and gawking Konstiantina sends the girl off to collect brushwood for a fire, with the stern command that she not stray out of earshot.
She then sets about moving the carriage off the side of the road, busies herself with tending to the horses, and once events seem to be moving to their climax intones a prayer to Iomedae and launches into a stilted sermon to the struggling mother that she be brave and bold as the goddess was when facing down Rovagug that one time.
She's remains to one side as the birth takes place, ready to step in and heal as necessary, but breathes a sigh of relief when all takes its natural course.
"I think you could probably use that money to provide for the child," she says, voice warm. "I don't know exactly what's involved, but there's probably need for small articles of clothing, a crib... a rattle? Or at the very least, ensuring that her parents stay well fed and happy."
Accepting the pouch from Dratus, Marius shifts it to his other hand and offers it back. "Here, a gift for new parents. Congratulations to you both, and health to the babe!" Leaning over to grin down at the newborn, Marius gently touches their head and blesses them in Kelinahat's name.
Naturally, Calia and Dratus are happy to accept the return of their money, and the offer of transportation to Lotheedar. It is evening by the time the group arrives in town, and finding rooms is a little difficult - many visitors are here for the harvest festival and the inns are full. But none would dare to turn away nobility, so hasty arrangements are made and suitable accommodations are found.
The next day, arriving at the Abadarian temple they are promptly shown in to the office of the Archbanker herself, Lady Paril. She is a surprisingly young woman for someone in such a lofty station, her elegant features bearing echoes of Tien blood. She greets everyone warmly, rising from behind her imposing desk.
"Ah, at last! Please, make yourselves comfortable. I understand that I owe you a debt of gratitude, and I take debts very seriously." A small smile. "Acolyte Mise has told me of your heroic deeds, and furthermore I hear very good things about the resurgence of Stachys." She smiles again, wryly. "I suppose you are here to collect, and I shall make good on promises of reward, but first I would like to know you a little better. You have been causing quite a stir in our sleepy backwater county. What brings you here? What are you seeking to achieve?" She leans back, regarding everyone with a composed, even expression.
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"I am the new lord of Betony Estate, an unexpected windfall for a youngest son. Why would I be anywhere else?" Marius says dryly, raising his eyebrows at the Archbanker questioningly. "Though to my chagrin we found the estate in a state of dereliction. Things are improving apace, but alas the state of my holdings are but an echo of the state of Merrat County writ large. We rescued your man Mise from a predatory monster which was only a danger because the bridge is out. Villages suffer under curses, the canals are falling apart, refugees have fled into the woods, bandits are rumored to haunt the roads..."
He spreads his hands in an expansive gesture, and smiles at Lady Paril. "What we seek is nothing less than the restoration of our new home. That is, I hope, where you come in."
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Lisa does her very best not to look too impressed upon meeting the gorgeous Archbanker within the Abadarian temple. She did so despise Abadarians after all she couldn't let the envy of their wealth at such a young age show.
To do so would as much as admit defeat.
The courtesan does find a seat for herself and smiles warmly at Marius's guarded answer. Well played, keep your cards close to your chest dear Marius, we don't know what side other wealth may have plied the greedy little eyes of these money-mongers.
Turning her smiles more challengingly towards the Archbanker Lisa remarks. "And I am Lisa Lombardi, known in more discerning circles as the Twilight Temptress of Taldor currently serving as retinue for our young up-and-coming Lord Erallan. And I have to say, I must agree with you my dear Archbanker, the debt you owe us is indeed great and now twofold as we have rescued your acolyte and now my dear Lord Errallan has also illuminated you with the information you had so glibly requested. For the information, I suspect tea would suffice. As for the lost, hapless acolyte well, I must admit that I I am rather curious as to what you had in mind." She coyly plays with her hair.
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Lady Paril nods in response to Marius's answer, seemingly pleased. "We have a common goal, then. I am delighted to welcome you to Lotheedar, and I will happily assist with your endeavours." She smiles at Lisa, clearly amused. "But of course, Miss Lombardi. Tea shall be served forthwith." The Archbanker pulls on a bell chord, and a few moments later a servant enters with a tray of delicate porcelain cups surrounding a silver chased teapot, like a mother hen with her chicks - and a saucer of cream for Wobblekins. Lady Paril pours the tea herself and takes a steaming cup as well, the flavour smoky and sharp, like freshly cut pine fed into a roaring fire.
After taking a sip or two, she opens one of the many drawers of her finely decorated desk, retrieving a wand and placing it in front of Marius. "For the next time you come across predatory monsters and the monsters somehow gain the upper hand. It will mend wounds. If you or any of your companions are blessed with divine magic, the activation word is 'salutaris'." She smiles ruefully. "As for Acolyte Mise, I'm afraid that he insisted on being... helpful. Please understand that we're not trying to proselytize, and the choice of divine patron will be entirely up to you, but he feels keenly the absence of a temple in Stachys. I have approved funds for the construction of such."
Lotti makes a mental note to speak with her companions later about the possibility of replacing the seneschal with the archbanker, and how they might want to spread the idea at the upcoming festival to make folks feel like they’d come up with it themselves. Softly she sips the tea, careful not to make a sound as she does so.
"A most generous gift, Lady Paril. You have our heartfelt thanks. And please forward them to Master Mise as well," Rose compliments in between her etiquette-proper sips of the excellent tea. "If I may, would you perhaps indulge my curiosity on something? I second Lord Erallan that the region had no shortage of dangers - prior to our arrival, at least - nor was it a stranger to the state of disrepair that seems to have befallen all local settlements except Lotheedar. What is the view of the bank of Abadar on the cause of these matters? Surely, as one of the main pillars of commerce and chief money lender, your institution must have done a regional risk assessment to an underlying source. Even the common folk view your opinion highly, with how some of them openly wish you to be Seneshal."
She tried to read the highly accomplished young cleric in any forthcoming answer, wondering how she herself felt about this local sentiment, and whether she would be open enough to acknowledge Count Lotheed's leadership was in need of replacement.
Lisa, for her part, sits amusedly on the sidelines of this conversation sipping her tea thinking devilish thoughts on the Archbanker's offer to finance them a temple. "I'll be damned if that they think for one moment we'd allow them to build a temple to their stingy god in our tranquil pastoral getaway... I may just recommend those Abadarians pay for a Calistrian temple! Ha! Can you imagine? That would show them... and maybe bring a little bit more of my style to Stachys.