Sabina Merrin, the Queen's Hand's page

Sabina nods. "Indeed, Your Grace." She turns to the platform again and barks "Maidens! Step forward! March!"

From behind the platform step many women, each clad in form-fitting grey full plate mail and armed with a sharp sword & shield. Their faces are covered by red-plumed helmets, polished to a mirror shine. The faces of the gathered guardsmen are sharply reflected in them, and the darkened eye-slits in the helmets prevent anyone from glimpsing at the person underneath. There is no warmth in their movements, no humour, no emotion of any sort. Only cold, hard discipline. They move in unison, only stopping when they flank the gathered Physicians.

"By Her Grace's edict, I have recruited only the most loyal and dedicated of the Queen's women, and charged them with defending her interests by blood and blade. In the finest armour they have been clad, and with the finest swords they have been armed. Under my tutelage, they have grown from impressionable young women into bastions of discipline and skill worthy of defending the Arabasti line. They shall guide the Korvosan Guard in keeping Her Grace's Physicians safe as they toil to save our beloved city." Sabina spreads her arms wide.

"They are my Grey Maidens. And may each of them be blessed."

The queen chuckles. "Well spoken, Sabina. Well spoken, indeed." She turns to the gathered crowd and speaks once more. "Go forth then, Guardsmen, and do your city proud."

The physicians and Grey Maidens file out of the courtyard into the streets of Korvosa, followed by several guard patrols. None of them pay you any heed as they pass by.

Sabina watches Queen Ileosa depart before turning back to you all. She escorts you out of the throne room, proceeding down the stairs to the streets below.

"You don't have to go to the Citadel right away; in fact, now may be a good time to finish any business you have around town." She says as you descend.

"Odds are, you'll have a lot to keep you all busy in the coming days. Best to face them without having to look back, eh?"

Sabina nods at Demitri's answer, leading the group to the top of the stairs. A large pair of masterwork oaken doors bars the way into the throne room of Castle Korvosa.

Sabina opens the doors wide and steps in. "Your Majesty! I bring you good news: your wayward brooch has found its way home!"

She steps aside, allowing you entrance to the throne room. The throne room itself is pristine but strangely empty—an open area with a vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows of past kings and queens looking down from the eastern wall, and crimson tapestries hanging along the others. An immense fireplace offers additional light and heat to the hall, and a silk carpet provides a gently arching path to the throne’s base.

The Crimson Throne of Korvosa is an incredibly elaborate throne carved from a block of obsidian, with many carved niches along the sides and back. The top of the throne bears many obsidian spikes, with red silk cloth entwined amongst its bases. The throne bears velvet cushions reinforced with gold studs: each of these gold studs bears the coat of arms of Cheliax.

Seated upon the Crimson Throne itself is Queen Ileosa, clad in a black, flowing mourning dress & veil. She is a vision of otherworldly beauty, her deep red hair resting upon her shoulders in elaborate braids. A silver coffer sits in her lap.

"These citizens--Demitri, Jakob, Karri, Lyla, Ortik & Marissel--were fortunate enough to find that which was taken from you, and kind enough to return it to its rightful bearer." Sabina says, pointing to each of you in turn. She looks to you and holds out a hand with an expectant look in her eye.

Sabina turns to Demitri as he speaks.

"Ah, yes. Demitri Severin, is it? Field Marshal Kroft was asking after you." She says.

"She wanted to know how you were doing, among other things."

Sabina smiles.

"Oh, there's no need to bow. You're not in the presence of the queen yet."

As you mention the brooch, Her smile widens a bit.

"Is that so? Then allow me to be the first to welcome you into the halls of Castle Korvosa." She says, stepping aside while holding out her hand.

The guards move to escort you further, but Sabina raises her hand.

"That won't be necessary, Guardsmen. I'm certain these citizens mean no harm to the queen." With that, the guard escort salutes, and returns to their posts at the bottom of the ramp.

As your party ascends the white steps of Castle Korvosa, the sun begins to set. Looking out over the city, you can see a few weak plumes of smoke rising from the more populated districts.

"So, how should I introduce you all to Her Majesty?" Sabina asks as you ascend.

The guardsmen finish organizing your gear and carry it into the garrison next to the ramp. The remaining guards--4 in total--escort you up to the castle's keep, carrying heavy crossbows & swords with unease.

As you climb the stairs up to the top of the pyramid, there is a figure waiting for you on the stairs to the castle's third floor. Clad in exquisite dark maroon platemail and bearing a finely crafted zweihander, her night-black hair is blown all about her beautiful face. A scar is visible on her cheek beneath her right eye. She regards your group coolly, sizing you up. The guardsmen escorting you stop and salute her.

She gives you a curt nod and steps forward.

"Greetings, citizens. I have been told that you have something quite dear to the Queen, and wish to return it to her. Is this correct?"