Alis Kirmoon's page

Alis did not cringe as Lureene 'kissed' Arion by way of Grak, yet she instead breathed a sigh of relief as his eyes reverted to sky-blue.

The further El and I are from that flask, the better. Though I do wonder... what is inside?

As Grak shook his head and wondered at the strange taste on his tongue, Alis commented, "I suppose we'll just have to wait and see, won't we? At any rate, a glass of wine sounds like a fine idea. Let's get out of here."

As Lureene and Mister Lori signed off on a lease, and Darvesch and Greasha enjoyed their evening, the Princess and her secret agent returned to the regions of the Palace that existed outside the realm of rumors. As they sipped wine and compared intelligence, the time drew nigh for seeking the aid of 'The Mad Count' of Freehold...

Theme: Nothing Can Be Explained

"Well," Alis mused, recalling what Arion had explained to her in the tongue of angels just moments before, "there's also the fact that Yarzoth wasn't an outsider. You said the flask imprisons outsiders, nothing else, correct Arion?"

The scribe nodded in silent reply.

She gently ran a hand over Grak's head, face pensive. "El, didn't you say there were other winged serpents like Grak in your your dreams? Didn't your mother have one too?"

As Arion continued his investigation, his magically enhanced senses trained upon the device, the Princess frowned. "What would that accomplish? If it's warded so that only I can open it, couldn't I just release you again?"

Just then, something occurred to her. "Unless if the act of opening it was to affect me somehow too..."

Alis shook her head with uncertainty as the guards standing vigil over the vault interposed themselves between their ruler and whatever might lay within. "I just don't know... Can you think of any other reason to place a contingency to open such a device if there's not something trapped within it?"

Alis cocked her head to one side, consternation on her lovely face at Lureene's innocent voice hailing from Grak's serpentine lips.

At the first sign of danger, she projects her soul closer to it?!

Gritting her teeth, she quickly ushered the eidolon back outside of the vault, calling out to Arion behind her.

Face lined with concern, she said, "It... doesn't look good, El. There's a seal in Abyssal on an 'iron flask' naming you specifically by your lineage. It could be some sort of True Name glyph for all we know."

Hugging herself as if she felt a sudden chill, she added, "There's also a contingency... set to open the flask the moment a mortal of royal blood touches it!"

"Your Highness, there is much danger here!"

With a gasp, Alis recoiled, nearly bumping into Grak in her surprise. Replying to her agent in Celestial, she asked, "Are you saying it's a trap?"

Alis neither frowned at Arion's news nor smiled at his thanks, but merely nodded as she concentrated upon aiding him further.

"If anyone can unravel a hidden script, it would be you. Trust in Súmalya's insight, Arion..."

So it was that as he turned it over in his hands, he could feel the small hairs stand up on the back of his neck: When in the hands of a mortal of royal blood, open and disgorge.

Yet there was another seal, one of weakening conjoined with a name that was well known to him: Spawn of the joining of Avoreen, Queen of the 97th, Mistress of Lies, and Richardson Ourson of Abeir-Toril: Lureene.

Sweat beaded on Arion's brow as he sought to pierce the mystery of the inscrutable object, it's power seemingly beyond his ken. He was only faintly aware of a feather-light touch upon his arm, and a prayer whispered in Sylvan.

"Divine Lady of Luck, grace him with your insight..."

Suddenly, the magics that had veiled it as a simple elixir fell away and it's true purpose became known to him. This was an Iron Flask, a vessel that verged upon being a minor artifact in its own right — one that could imprison an outsider within it, or command one within to do as its liberator commanded.

Yet as he examined it, his Princess standing by his side aiding him with her own insight, he was just barely able to discern another spell hidden upon it — a barely perceptible script outlining some sort of contingency effect. It seemed to be written in a dialect of Abyssal...

Brilliant am I? 'Sis would certainly smirk...

The fascinating young royal nodded in reply as she led her agent thru the dungeons until they stood before a sealed vault by which stood a pair of guards snapped to attention. As she placed her hand upon a golden apparatus that rose from the floor, spoke a word of command, and turned a key, hidden bolts withdrew, and great counterweight swung wide the enchanted, adamantine door.

"Sasha said Ugorji forestalled his retreat to retrieve that metal flask rather than letting it fall to us." As she led him inside, he could see it sitting upon a table within a cube of force. "I want to know why."

Alis smirked at the spy's reaction to the news.

Why do I have the feeling Lureene is going to be off her feet more than usual this voyage...?

"Just remember," she chided, "any damages sustained outside the line of duty will be your responsibility, Mister Hithraen."

"If it involves our prisoner Ugorji, I would also joyfully tag along, if only to study him more. It might prove useful to be able to assume his identity in Freetown."

As the two moved thru the secret passageways connecting the archives to the dungeon, Alis responded to Arion's suggestions, "I have no idea what the situation is in Freehold. Ugorji claims he serves a new king, this Makatimbe, but if even Darvesch was unable to pry additional information from him, I'm not so arrogant as to think we'll fare better."

"Still," she said, tilting her head up to give Arion an appraising look, "you did a good enough job impersonating Mal for a month, so if studying the prisoner might help your mission then by all means, do so."

"Speaking of Freetown..."

With Grak flapping along quietly behind them, his wings stirring up motes of dust, Alis pursed her lips wondering how much he might comprehend well enough to relate to Lureene.

Of course, she's only just begun to study our tongue, so...

Even as Grak related Arion's blessing to his mistress, Alis sighed and responded, "In some kingdoms, being appointed governor of a remote province might be seen as an attempt to hide an embarrassing member of the family from the court. However, that would imply a province valued chiefly for its potential resources, not its military significance."

Upon reaching the end of a corridor, she hesitated, one hand resting on the wall, searching for an unseen trigger. "The thing is, the situation here is more complicated than protecting jungle tribes on the far side of the world. My adoptive father, our King, is compassionate but also wise beyond reckoning."

"'Why have us build new warships this far south? Why not just export the lumber and have master shipwrights in Silverwake perform the work? Wouldn't they be able to do a better job?'" She looked up to Arion. "That's what I asked my sister the last time we spoke. Do you know what her answer was? 'Maybe the King needs them there... Maybe he needs a stronger fleet in Dafar.'"

"After the appearance of Scylla and Charybdis at Light's End, I think she's right. Someone is trying to divide our forces and undermine our allies."

With that, she at last triggered whatever hidden control there was, and the wall pivoted on a silent, central hinge admitting the two into the dungeons far beneath the Palace dome. "And here we are... I think a strong ally would be quite welcome, don't you?"

While the others had been out tending to their own tasks in the city, Arion had found himself deep within the archives below the Palace's administrative wing studying documents on both the history of Freehold and of other more recent developments.

Article: Freetown

It was while there that he received the reply he had been expecting from Commodore Gaeros. What he had not expected was the messenger who bore it. "I must say, the Commodore is a very generous man. He has volunteered the service of his best captain and the private yacht of our esteemed Treasurer for your official use."

Looking up, the elvish spy found his petite ruler smiling at him, a mirthful gleam in her enchanting violet gaze as she pinched a tiny scroll between two dainty fingers. "If your curiosity about The Mad Count has been satisfied, perhaps you could help satisfy my curiosity regarding a prisoner's belongings..."

"Yes, on the surface you will simply be summoning my subordinate from Freehold. More importantly, however, I want you to find information on this 'king' my prisoner spoke of and to see if you can unearth any signs of this supposed cult as well. Amh, your aide from the shadows would certainly be appreciated if you are able. ..."

"A trip to Freetown does seem to be in order. If nothing else, it should be the last thing Bonati expects, if it is indeed his hand behind recent goings-on. However, I think it would be best if my presence there is much less public than Arion's. Should make a few things easier."

Alis had nodded at Amhranai's assessment. "I agree. In fact, I'm hoping that Arion and perhaps Lureene, if she goes, might draw attention away from the less conspicuous members of the entourage. At any rate, I will expect the Commodore to send all of you on your way tomorrow, so if there are any preparations you need to attend to before you go, then now's the time to do so."

After Arion had departed to tend to his duties, leaving the two priestesses alone but for the company of Tiniel and a few guards, Alis gazed at Amhranai's armaments and gave a hum. "I know I offered to have my smiths craft you a blade fitting your new station, but honestly, that takes some time. Meanwhile..."

Alis had held her hands up as if at a loss before shaking her head. Clearly, that hadn't sit well with her. "Arion mentioned he was thinking about having Lureene pick out his new quarters while he did some research. Why don't you show Lureene around The Arcade and avail yourself of the outfitters there while you're at it. We can always inscribe something you like or reenchant an old favorite when time permits."

With a wink, she added, "After all, judging by the fresh sheets on your bed this morning, I'm guessing you're planning to head back in that direction anyway, right?"

Personal information hmm? I wonder if he's off to court that Greasha girl...

Alis smiled at her cousin and said, "Lureene and Sasha should be back soon enough, go ahead and stretch your legs, Darv."

"As for you, Arion, an official vessel would be more appropriate than a chartered one. The only issue is that we're in the only deep-water harbor along the whole bay. I'd be surprised if any of the military vessels from the convoy you and Tin' traveled on will be able to pass upriver to Freetown..."

Frowning momentarily, she suggested, "If you can't sail up the river, you could always take a carriage from the river mouth. You and the Commodore seem to be on good terms, why don't you see what he has to say. Oh, and if you wanted to ask Lureene if she and Sash' will join you, I... have the feeling Grak's probably worn out their welcome by now."

"Shall my cover then be that of Court Scribe presenting the formal summons to the Royal Investment Ceremony? I stand ready for instructions as to our official objectives in Freetown."

Alis' reply to Arion was delayed as she grimaced at the rapport of another stroke of lightning from the south east only moments after Grak's disappearance.

Oh hell...

Resigning herself to what would no doubt be a lively tale from Sasha' point of view, she answer the scribe, "Yes, on the surface you will simply be summoning my subordinate from Freehold. More importantly, however, I want you to find information on this 'king' my prisoner spoke of and to see if you can unearth any signs of this supposed cult as well. Amh, your aide from the shadows would certainly be appreciated if you are able. Now given the short notice, there may well be some surprise that we sent a traditional summons rather than a magical one. You might deflect such suspicions by citing ceremony or hinting that such methods were compromised by... the misappropriation of the Palace's scrying apparatus."

"You're a sharp one, Hithraen, I'm sure you'll think of something." With a mischievous glint in her eyes she grinned at Darvesch and continued, "Meanwhile, assuming you don't spend all your time 'playing fort', Frændi, I'm sure you can defend me from anyone Tiniel and I can't subdue with our 'unique style of self-defense'... as Arion so aptly puts it."

"As for Lureene," she knelt to pick up her scorched cushion and shook her head before tossing it away, "I'm not sure if she's more danger here or in Freetown."

A short snicker from Tiniel followed by a very serious scowl as the slight elf held a fist up to her mouth and coughed made Alis' eyes go wide. "IN! I meant in more danger!"

"Oh no you don't! Lureene's a big girl, she can handle L–"

Yet before Alis could finish admonishing the dimwitted eidolon, there was a flash of lightning and he vanished in an explosion of smoke and cinders.

"Grak? GRAK?!" With a dark look at the now smoldering bits of a seat cushion that had been left in his wake, she growled, "Which of you are volunteering to head to Freetown with Arion, and which of you are volunteering to stay here... with me?"

It didn't take a seer to divine that both could prove equally perilous...

Alis stood, fists on her hips, as she glared at the sheepish serpent before. "Well? Did she tell him that–"

Alis raised an eyebrow. "His customers?"

"No. NO!" She shook her head and got to her feet. "This isn't about how well he is serving his 'customers', it is about fulfilling an obligation to everyone in the city — not just those greasing his palm!"

Oh gods, what's she gotten herself into now?

Forehead creased with uneasiness, Alis asked, "Graaak? Has Lureene persuaded Lord Gallo to clean up all of the city yet?"

The way they all got along on the last mission?!

"That's a good question, Darv," she frowned inwardly, "a very good question..."

"Considering that it is information we lack, I don't think spreading out to attack all fronts at once is wise."

Alis pulled her knees up to her chest and looked up at a cloud passing before the sun. "If Shivone's goal is to put me under some sort of enchantment then awareness should be sufficient protection for now. At least we have some understanding of her goals. As for the natives who killed Gwiniel, if their goal was simply to eliminate what they saw ass a corrupt leader then it is possible they may have no quarrel with me."

"Avoreen though," she shook her head, "she uses even her own daughter like some chess piece. A cult is one thing, but if Ugorji's involvement indicates actual political and social upheaval, that's far more pressing. General Hlokenar already has his hands full quelling unrest in The Veldt, we can't afford to suffer similar setbacks in Freehold. I think we need to start there."

"Well, that's my point Grak," Alis replied. "Shivone hasn't tried to kill me, neither did Chivane."

"In fact," her face grew dark as she thought back upon a private dialog she shared with Prince Tyralor, "there is no doubt in my mind that the Coil had been manipulating Prince Tyralor in the hopes of bringing us together for their own dark purposes. I had thought it a stroke of luck or irony that it was Lucretia's blade that foiled their plan, but I wonder now if Avoreen had a part in it."

Face pensive, the Princess looked at the pearlescent serpent and continues, "Remember, Grak, just like Iscandü revealed to Amhranai, Shivone's patron, and Lureene's mother are at odds. She openly gloated about the fact that we destroyed Charelle's temple, and even Shëakatri was incensed and alarmed when she saw Lureene back on the Shiv."

She shook her head. "No, the people who assassinated Governor Taurion were clearly not aligned with the Coil. As for O'beilumanji, don't any of you find it odd that we showed up just-in-time to stop him? If Shivone hoped to gain control over Dafar's next ruler, wouldn't it make sense to ensure that ruler was a popular one?"

"...was probably Shivone trying to get me alone so she could dominate me."

Alis nodded at Darvesch's puzzlement and waved a hand in excitement. "Fair enough, I'll try to explain so hear me out."

Taking a deep breath, she began, "Gwiniel Taurion wasn't mismanaging affairs in Dafar. What The Dreamer revealed to Amhranai confirms my odd Tarot results: the Ruby Coil didn't want to kill Governor Taurion any more than they want to kill me — they were controlling the Governor thru the Wasps!"

She leaned back into the divan, shaking her head. "That's why the King didn't receive any pleas for aide until it was too late. Shivone must have realize the situation was beyond her ability to manipulate and loosed Gwiniel to salvage it."

Although Iscandü's revelations might have surprised some, to Alis it seemed more like a few pieces long puzzled over were fit into place and she was drawn back enough to see the larger picture. "My reading from the other night, an impostor altering Tiniel's memory, the reason Mennen Fedleth went so long with no call for aide from Dafar, the assassination... meeting Lureene and Tyralor, and being shipwrecked upon Reaver's Shiv... it's all starting to make sense now!"

"What about you, Amhranai?" Alis asked. "You look more well-rested today than in our past meetings. Did emissaries of The Dreamer visit you by any chance?"

"Oh, and nicely done keeping the Treasurer guessing, by the way," she said, eyes sparkling with mischief. "I don't think he knew quite what to make of you!"

Alis winked at her cousin from across the table where they sat, legs curled up beside her on the divan she sat upon. "That's my Frændi, boast about having interesting dreams and then leave the rest of us guessing."

"As for you, Arion," she held up the note he had passed her earlier, "while I had no idea my step-sister and you were on such familiar terms, I am thankful for the insights the Princess of Ilmarond shared. You– she actually allayed a few of my private worries."

Looking up, face still thoughtful, she passed the note to King Tut, "Let Darv and Amh have a look, Tut."

"And in turn, I thank each of you. Go now and rest for we have much to accomplish."

Once those she had summoned departed with their aides, Alis commented, "So it seems that Darvesch, Lureene, Sasha, Arion, and myself all had interesting dreams last night. I don't suppose it was any different for you, was it Amh?"

As a grumble from someone's belly interrupted, she gave a short laugh and asked, "Shall we discuss them over lunch?"

"Take the remainder of today day in rest, and coordinate your supporters tomorrow. If Daegsday find you both ready then I shall commend your preparedness otherwise I shall expect you to set sail on Lakusday."

Looking to Hior and Jaro, she added, "My wish is to have Marna Thalasia restaffed and operational by my Investment on the 1st of Typheth*."

* Although it has been a while for Amhranai, you all realize that this is the date of the Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere.

Alis smiled and shook her head in mild amusement at everyone's concern. "The town criers shall break the news the same as they should for any other edict or proclamation."

"As for the script they shall deliver," she winked at Arion, "well, it gladdens my heart to know that my scribe is so enthusiastic as to volunteer for the task for which he is employed."

"In addition to King Aramandil's mandate that I am to accede to suzerainty of Dafar as Vicereine rather than Governor, The Crown has also shouldered me with several other decrees. The first of these is why I summoned you here on a Starsday."

Holding the scrollcase aloft like she might her scepter, Alis said, "Our jungle hardwoods have long intrigued Ilmarond's chiefest shipwright, Lord Halcirtáno. It is the King's desire then that we enterprise upon constructing the Count's newest ship of the line, and that we do so discretely."

She moved the lights one last time to the small island 100-miles south-west of Port Eldarion. "Given the recent taming of Reaver's Shiv, I believe its sheltered tidal pool and guarded waters would prove an ideal location upon which to establish a naval shipyard or at the very least a naval reserve. I have already stationed trusted agents upon the isle and even now we have established a cursory naval patrol there as well."

"Master Petronius? It would please me that you personally should assay Reaver's Shiv to determine the feasibility of such a site. Commodore Gaeros, you shall accompany the Maestro that you may answer as to our requirements. Minister Celadrendir, I suspect a well-connected financier of your acumen can imagine how to best enable these goals — I would appreciate your cooperation. Begin with ceding management and operation of Marna Thalasia to the Port Authority. Harbormaster Corvinus, your department's budget shall be adjusted to account for its added responsibilities. I will entrust you to hire an aide of suitable expertise to oversee the shipyard."

With a snap of her fingers, the Princess dismissed her spell and tapped the scroll case lightly upon her open palm. "Now then, are there any further questions before we adjourn?"

"Good of you to ask." Looking to her handmaiden, Alis said, "Tiniel, the scrolls please."

Nice of him to give me permission...

Shaking her head at the duel of wits in which the two courtiers were engaged, Alis commented, "And here I was curiosity piqued in anticipation of act two. Ah well..."

With a sigh of mock disappointment, the Princess waved her hand at the map, highlighting the first town upriver from the capital, Erylonn. "Two days ago, I had the pleasure to acquaint myself with the barons of Port Eldarion's industry. While the jungle is indeed replete with untapped resources, Lady Sempronius-Eldarion attributed our lumber shortfalls to raids upon her logging camps."

"At least near Erylonn, the problem has been addressed. Lady Elendreth's nephew, Lord Poe, discovered bandits pressing whole families into service, clear-cutting large expanses of forest to fortify themselves with palisades and siege engines. To what purpose we are uncertain, however it is my hope that Dame Amhranai might entreat her contacts within the native populace to aid Warden-Commander Nargothel as liasons to track-down and eliminate this common threat."

"In the meanwhile," she swept her dancing lights to tracts of jungle closer to Port Eldarion, "I have authorized the Countess to establish camps within the reserves near the capital where our soldiers can more easily safeguard them. This should also provide additional, nearby work to those with the back for it."

"I see," Alis said quietly, "No doubt there is a compelling reason for the last deep water port south of Light's End to be without a dry dock."

At last turning to face the room, she asked, "Well, let us hear it."

"Indeed," Alis said, walking over to a map of Dafar that was displayed on the wall. Back to everyone else, she said matter-of-factly, "Harbormaster, I understand that Port Eldarion wants for a serviceable shipyard."

"Sir Hellhammer," his Frænka said, clearly not amused, "is there something you deem pertinent to share with your peers?"

Judging by the tone in her voice, there was no doubting that the Princess was looking for a volunteer to just try testing her resolve.

As a quartet of guards fell in behind the two beauties and the dutiful butler, Alis called out in encouragement, "I shall look forward to your success!"

The moment the door had closed, there were several moments of tense silence before the footsteps had faded away. With a gaze like the hottest part of a flame, Alis took in the room which was now predominantly occupied by men with the notable exceptions of herself, Amhranai, and Tiniel. Taking a measured breath, she began, "To ensure that all of you understand what I am about to say without misinterpretation or misunderstanding, I shall address you via a tongues spell..."

After she had cast the spell, she continued, "Lords and gentlemen, I am well aware that at times it may be difficult to maintain focus on the weighty matters before us, particularly when graced by the presence of those whose charms might tend to distract and cloud judgment with passion. I myself serve the goddess of passion and know full well the sway she holds over a mortal heart — cleverness and boldness are but two of the fruits of such inspiration"

"However," her gentle tone took on an steely edge, "the next man who deems it appropriate to demonstrate his cleverness or boldness by raising public commentary over a lady's private passions, or correlates her competency in any way to how well she wears a corset, shall know the gratification of conducting their own affairs while wearing one until I am satisfied that their curiosity has been sufficiently stimulated."

Looking from one man to the next as she stressed each word, she asked, "Do. I. Make. Myself. Clear?"

Envy indeed...

Smiling sweetly at Lureene, Alis said, "I am entrusting this to you and Ms. Nevah, Lureene, the business owners and citizens of Port Eldarion are counting on you."

Looking back to where Sasha stood smiling by the door, she continued, "Sasha, go ahead and get suited up. Giles will show you the way thru the city. Be watchful and wary of anyone who show you favor."

"No," Alis interjected, a dangerous glimmer in her eyes, "your timing is impeccable, Commodore. Lady Ourson was just about to depart to mediate a business concern on my behalf so it is fitting the both of you should be in attendance to honor her as she departs."

Wow... just... wow...

"Sasha, Tiniel, I am expecting additional guests to arrive shortly. Please welcome them on my behalf and show them to this chamber. Thank you."

Uugh... if it was Lucio Gallo she'd have to be on top...

Even as Lord Celadrendir's smile soured at Sasha's exclamation, Alis gave the redhead a pat on the back. "I doubt the need for such... energetic negotiations. A friendly tip that a motion to commandeer the Concern's ground fleet for public sanitation might nurture Lord Gallo's sense of responsibility."

Alis raised an eyebrow. "Are merchants unable to move their wares about? I was certain I saw evidence to the contrary."

Excellent, I didn't think to see her again so soon. What timing!

Alis shook her head enthusiastically. "Not at all, show her in!"

Upon seeing a certain look of urgency on the priestess' face, the Princess remarked, "Dame Amhranai, we are joined by Treasurer Celadrendir and Master Petronius of the Builders in a discussion over a site on which to found a new chapter of the Lightbringers."

She indicated the field south of Colossineum by circling her dancing lights about it. "I understand that Lord Bonati currently has too many field hands and not enough fields. It occurs to me that an increased demand for manpower, such as a large building project, might help to relieve him of the need to... overhire."

There was a hint of mischief in Alis' eyes that revealed no disappointment over the prospect that Baron Bonati would be forced to pay his workers higher wages or lose them. "Would you not agree, Amhranai, Maestro? Sir Hellhammer, what say you?"

"Maestro..." Alis' voice trailed off at the sound of Giles answering a knock at the chamber door.

Did Gaeros and Corvinus arrive early?

She opened her hand to him, "By all means..."

Heh...

Alis dipped her chin demurely, a subtle gleam in her blue-violet gaze, "Given the Lightbringer's aptitude for rooting out corruption, my preference would be to position them nearer the capital's center of population, not on its outskirts."

Good girl, El, don't others get under your skin.

Alis offered a brief yet encouraging smile to Lureene before meeting Hior's inscrutable countenance. "Our noble ally and honored guest, the Prince of Del Synar, has pledged to support the Lightbringer's crusade per noblesse oblige... as have I."

Nodding to the map of the city, she conjured dancing lights above four defensive structures on or near the main course of the river. "Arrowhead Citadel, the harbor keep Lonndenost, River Watch Keep, and the Warden Headquarters... Even if the former are in need of repair, the harbor itself and the south shore of the Daifiri seem well-fortified. However, I see little more than watchtowers south of the Trade Quarter or west of Tol Lonnduil, and Pinnacle Beach seems wholly undefended. Am I correct to believe that the same holds true for the Daifiri Flats?"

"People assume many things yet often presume too much." Gesturing to the archway to the south of the rotunda, she said, "Let us gather in the map chamber, this is not a matter of audience or admonishment but of action."

With that, the Princess led the way, heading south thru a short hall of statuary before turning left down a long hallway onto which opened many doors. Behind one of them was a large, square room upon the walls of which were framed numerous large maps. Yet more impressive was the large scale model of the capital and its nearby environs that was recessed into the floor.

As those of importance and their aides arrayed themselves within the room, Alis stood looking at the model, one hip thrust outward as she leaned upon the brass railing surrounding it. With one hand resting lightly upon the railing, she pivoted to face Darvesch and extended a hand to the master architect. "Sir Hellhammer, would you please regale the Maestro on the Lightbringer's requirements for their new citadel?"

Ah, just as charming as Arion and Lureene intimated...

Alis lifted her chin a little, the faintest look of concern evident upon her angelic face as if imploring, "I do hope that you shall find our impromptu council worthwhile, Lord Minister. It would be a terrible shame should I find myself obliged to invite another in your stead when next we convene."

"Interesting isn't the half of it," Alis commented. "But we can discuss that later along with what you gleaned from Ugorji."

Nodding to the gaping doors she said, "Shall we?"

As your group entered what struck you first was that the main audience chamber was beyond vast — well over 100-feet across, its walls rose even higher before giving rise to one of the largest domes any of you had ever seen. Painted upon the surface of the dome were scenes of the celestial realm, the gods of civilization aiding mortals in their ascent: Tuonwë, Olarë, Ngolgôn, Stëora, and The Fates... Also there were balconies, graceful structures with tall arches overlooking the rotunda from the adjoining wings.

It was in the center of the floor, basked in a beam of sunlight from the oculus high above, whence sat an ornate throne carved from marble and inlaid with gold upon a raised dais. There, standing before the dais in anticipation of the Princess' arrival were Lord Celadrendir and Master Petronius, each with a number of aides in tow.

A dream-sending from Larathiel? I had no idea Laurel knew him...

Alis made a point of ignoring the others' gripes and banter, eyes fixed upon the elegant cursive of Arion's elven script.

So it seems she wishes to remind Arion that he is to root out the enemy by deduction and do what must be done... Looks like she was skeptical of why Lureene was here from the get-go too, and– So it was Avoreen's goal that we became friends?! I wonder what would have happened had she gone with 'Sis and Rath...

Concern evident on her pretty face, Alis continued reading, lips pursed and brow knit.

Alright, well if she says El is okay then that's a big relief – had me worried there. I don't know what I'd have done if Arion assassinated her. Thank Heaven Laurel-flower and I shared the same wisdom on this one...

Handing the note back to Arion, Alis tugged on Lureene's hand, stopping just outside of the throne room. With a quiet, "I love you, El," she put her arms around Lureene, holding her close for a moment before giving her a gentle kiss on the temple. "We'll figure this out somehow, I promise..."

Although it may have escaped Sasha's notice, it wasn't terribly difficult to tell that the gist of Arion's note must have related to the golden-winged enchantress — enough so as to upset Alis.