Chelsi Longbottom's page

Speaking to Aurelio Gruylios but loud enough for everyone to hear. "Lord Tilneros, and your family, are rallying and strong-arming some families to the cause. The latest reports are the cemeteries are stirring, which we hardly need right now when the Cheliax navy is less than 2 days away." The news of the navy being so close is news to you. "We are struggling to regain law BEFORE they arrive, or we risk marital law." She closes her eyes .

Shinon nods at Andrea and Orsin while Chelsi continues.

"There have been reports of vampires seen in the city - so are you sure that you've destroyed Ilnerik, - and our intelligence suggest that the 'newly elected' leaders of the COT are planning something big." she pauses a bit, "On a promising note, more Hellknights have seen on the street and that has eased some tensions. They are actually working with 'the better' dottari."

At the gatehouse it is apparent that Aurelio's family has been busy persuading other nobles and well to-doers to join the cause. There seems to be optimism in the air between the oft competing families. Could it be HOPE?

There's a beautiful elf chatting with former member of the Brotherhood, Shinon, near the carriage house. There's a bit of levity in theri body movements.

Aurelio you know that Chelsi is your mother's aid and that Shinon is Capt of families personal guard. Basically, with their presence you know that your mother other family members are probably inside the manor.

"I will and we have been." she smiles.

Meanwhile...

Andrea, Orsin, Euphemia and Gerald arrive safely and are led into the manor through the double oaken doors. "Lady Grulios may I present your guests." With that the elf steps to the side, letting the heroes enter the room.

Lady Grulios is standing there with solidly built warrior apparently in some sort of consultation.

Gruum's door open Chelsi Longbottom steps in flanked by two armed guards from House Grulios. "Pardon the interruption but I've been requested extend an invitation from Lady Grulios." She smiles, "I've a carriage outside." It's apparent that the invitation was urgent.

Shinon leads Orsin through a few side hallways, "The others will meet us shortly, if they are not already here." He opens the large oaken door into Lady Gruilos private study. Just as the south doors are opened by the beautiful elf, Chelsi Longbottom.

---
Sunny, Fiosa, Lucrezia and Andrea are inside the antechamber waiting when Faelyn arrives.

---
Faelyn as you sit in chair the ornate door opens, on the other side is beautiful female elf. "Hello, Thank you all for coming. Lady Gulios does not want to keep you waiting, please enter."

Inside the study Orsin you see your companions entering from the south door. While the others see Orsin with Shinon at the east door. This is the private study and conference room of Lady Grulios. This is the same chamber several of the PCs have seen before. What is distinguishing is this is the private chambers of the Lady, not the normal stuffy formal hall one would expect.

Chelsi presses a coin in Andrea's hand, "If need arises present this coin to at Grulios gate and they will escort you to me."

Chesli listens to her dining companion discuss the dangers of the city. During a moment of silence, "Westcrown is a wonderful city but it also has its dark sinful side. It's not right that people fear the night, especially the unlit areas. Like most things in life the evil seems to prey on those less fortunate." Gathering her thoughts, "But it has, and does, effect those of means too. Several noble houses are living proof and I'm sure there are many others that I don't know about either."

She reaches over and touches your hand, clearly her hands have not wielded a melee weapon. "Well, this is something I will always remember...a date at brothel, at least it was refined, your acquaintance has taste." She giggles. "Time to take me" a pause that seems like an eternity, "home."

Shinon, nope didn't miss it, just haven't gotten to the response yet.

"Sure if you can get tickets...I'd like to go...I do enjoy the theater. She drinks some of her wine. There is a tap outside the curtains then they separate. A bright faced male server looks in, would you care to begin dinner. He then proceeds to describe the dishes on the menu. After a while he gets the orders and then departs closing the curtains.

"I never thought that an opera singer would be able to assist. I guess he knows people and can ask questons." Clearly a bit confused as to how you all get information and gather facts.

"It's ok...I will say its the first time I've ever been brought to a brothel on a firts date but its nice one." Clinking her glass to yours "Perhaps a bit presumptuous but that's ok." She laughs and winks at you.

"So you know Orsino Bessatte? He has lovely voice...sometimes he gets get a bit out of range but he tries."

"That damned opera singer better dig a hole all the way to Minkania, change his name, and cross-dress for the rest of his life! Otherwise, I'm going to find him and snap his camp little neck for this!" Shinon thinks, furiously blushing.

"She means the flan, by the way! That's the special dessert she's referring to!" Shinon says sternly. "Also, could you please make sure that we have a male serv- I mean, waiter? And a booth as far away from the back room as possible."

After they are seated, Shinon quickly scans the room and realizes that the party is not there. "So much rage...maybe Duncan was on to something with that sensory deprivation thing!"

Laughing a bit and trying to regain some of his lost footing, Shinon smiles sheepishly. "I guess I practiced too long...it looks like my friends have gone home already."

Clearing his throat and looking at her seriously, Shinon adds, "My sincerest apologies, my Lady. I had no idea this was the type of establishment I was invited to. I assure you, had I known, I would never have come here, not even to meet my friends, let alone to dine with a woman of your grace and dignity."

"Of course, a male server is perfectly fine it's a matter of taste and prefernce." She winks at the Chelsi. "Flan can be fun especially with a big bowl of cream whipped cream and berries." She begins to hum a bit having a good time at the half-elf's expense.

"Do your friends have names, so we can direct them to your table?

----

After you are seated and being served by the male server. Chelsi giggles a bit..."You should have seen yoru face, it's ok. I'm a big girl and have seen quite a bit in my life."

Andrea will be so jealous.

Chelsi blushes slightly as she realizes where she is at and what is being offered to her and Shinon. Regaining her composure, "Why thank you...my friend and I would like to begin with a nice bottle of Kyonin Red and fine meal. Looking around, a semi-private booth would be nice, then perhaps a special desert later. I believe we are waiting on a group of friends." she teases Shinon.

"You have nothing to worry about and you don't need to resort to violence."

The doorman open the stained glass oak door. "Where your heart's desires are fulfilled." A small smile on his face.

A bit surprised at the speed that Shinon grabbed the carriage door. "Don't be silly, I want to meet your friends." Then she gives a look that could only mean open the door we are going inside.

"Oh look, Sir Charles is going inside." She leans over to Shinon and whispers, "He is a bit of womanizer from the Vitaron family...harmless enough though."

Before Shinon makes it out the gate to head to the party at the Reverse Mermaid Lady Chelsi hurries up to him, wearing long flowing gown. Breathing a little hard, quite seductively actually, "Shinon...Hold up. I heard that you were back and I saw you practicing a bit. Very good shot with that bow." Now looking a bit nervous giting on her bottom lip. "I ...um, ...well, I was...I was wondering if you wanted to have dinner tonight. I mean if you are heading out...I could get us a carriage and we can go together." Her piercing green eyes touching your heart.

"If you should die we will mourn you but try not to die." Her cheek bones rise slightly as she smiles. "Seriously, you are a nervous nelly...take the gesture. I told you on the way here, this is good family. You saw with your own eyes how they treat people. That was not show that was reality...how things should be elsewhere." She turns and says her good byes, There should be a few thing in the kitchen already for the morning." Sleep peacefully.

Shinon it was nighttime by the time Lady Grulios took her leave Chelsi would lead you to the guest house. She opens up a small studio like apartment that is attached to main guest house. The room is has a living area, a small open kitchen with a butcher's block (and early island), separate bedroom and bathroom. It is furnished nicely but not ornately.

"Hope this meets with your approval," as she hands you a skeleton key to the front door lock.

Chelsi gives your sense that she is a friend and that you are being accepted as a friend.

"Lady Marion has her reasons for this meeting." She winks at you just before she stand next to you and formally announces you.

A couple things of note you observe is this in the inner part of mansion, there is much less pompt and formality. You may have walked through fomral rooms that are intended for show but this is clearly a living space.

You sense Chelsi is being frank and forthright with you.

"It matters not that you are not merchant. You are a valued friend of the family." emphasis on the word friend

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Her green eyes dance when they meet your gaze. "Your brown eyes reveal your goodness, don't be nervous here. I sensed that the first time we met...even though your tried to mislead me." She giggles as she leads you into the mansion.

"Some say power corrupts...in my experience that can be true but it is not an absolute." She senses a bit of nervousness on Shinon's part when discussing being tracked down.

"The Gruilos family is very powerful...yet, there is not ounce of corruption in that family. That can at times...cause problems with other families and groups of the less savory sort."

Shinon notices several other armed humans walking the perimeter of the street, you count at least 12, as it dawns on you they are additional security.

She slides her arm under yours resting her palm on your forearm, walking in traditional escorted manner. You have been around enough nobles to clearly understand she has elevated you in the eyes of the onlookers by permitting herself to be walked in such a manner.

As you cross the bridge leading into the Parego Regicona several guards on the wall bow formally to Lady Longbottom.

Once at the main gate to the estate, the guards open up the doors. Glancing backwards you see that the number of guards approached 20 that have fallen in line.

"My Lady would like a few words with you. I will lead you to her..."

"Walk with me." She waits for you to get up onto yoru feet. "Have you found anything out about Jospuph? The family fears the worse."

She pauses for a bit, "Here lets walk on this lit street, the shadow beast do not brave the light. Though admitted there are far fewer lit streets in this district."

"So, fair is fair...I will be truthful to you, Shinon. I was out looking for you. Rogart here, with the quick hands, tracked you down to this district at my request."

She has graceful stride. Her body moves lithe movements are nearly mesmerizing, the slight breeze teasing her long blonde hair. "I wanted to know more about the strange man who returned Jospuph's ring and whetehr you had a chance of succeeding with your goal. "

Chelsi did not flinch or miss a beat with Shinon's quick movement.

"Do you lie often to gain access, Shinon?" He voice not quivering in the slightest. "With the heightened scrutiny surrounding the nobles these days, that was probably a wise move. Just don't make it a habit...a girl can mistrust easily enough."

The guard to the left of Chelsi resheaths the two daggers that he is palming in a knife fighter's stance. He casts an uncertain look at Shinon but a disappointing look at the second guard, who was clearly caught unaware by Shinon's movement.

"Perhaps you can help my guards escort me back to the Gruilos estate." Her bright smile warms the air.

For the first time you see two heavly armed men standing near by...each silent and with looks of loyalty on their faces.

"We can talk ...yes, Ganslow Locklade?"

Shinon as you lay there quietly resting your eyes a soft hand touches your shoulder. A gently velvety female voice asks, "Excuse me sir are you ok?"