Recap:
Iliyana pauses for a moment, as if re-considering her offer, before holding out the keys.
"The less you disturb, the less risk I assume. I am trusting you with all that I have left in this world."
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There is a long pause, befitting the internal struggle of the library's caretaker. "What you offer... finding my son... His... his name is Alexei. I... I would be afraid to leave the library without knowing he is safe. But if you are saying you will find him?" Her voice almost cracks with the emotion of her son being free. "Yes, I could be persuaded to leave if I knew he was in out from under the Lion Blade's control. What is it that you request for such a grand favor? I am of no use in helping you research, and little use beyond these keys." She motions to the key ring on her belt. "The necklace carries no magic, just the symbol of the Lion blades." Another moment passes while she thinks. Reaching down she fingers the keys, before unclipping the ring from her belt- holding them out for whoever would take them. "There are three rooms on this side: The study chamber, the rare book collection, and the magistrates office. The middle room is the location of many of our rarest books. There is a center bookcase, encased in glass, that I was instructed never to open. Please see that these keys are returned to me. I wish to stay in my room and be able to maintain that I never left this room during the performance."
Much like Rorrim before, Iliyana slowly reaches up and unties her blindfold. As she pulls it down, you see her eyes are frosted over and fully white. "Blind may be too strong a word, but clouded beyond functionality would be appropriate..." "My husband was caught brokering Taldan information to foreign powers, by an undercover Lion Blade- unbeknownst to me. They tried to prosecute me as an accomplice but were unable prove my guilt- so instead they turned me over to the Lion Blade's themselves who set me here and took my sight to protect their secrets. I have not seen my son in 5 years, though the Master has assured my he is being well cared for..." "I could have left years ago, but the fear of them harming my son- and of remaining blind the rest of my life- has kept me here, with just the Guardian for company"
"I am not bound by lock and key", as the woman draws a slight gesture to the keys on her belt. "No, part of the punishment, it seems, is that I carry the keys to my own freedom. I bear a punishment for my husband's crimes while Taldor looks away. I know not what has become of him- but I do know that the Lion Blades have taken my son... and my sight, to protect their secrets." There is a pause again, while she composes herself. "They have told me that my sight will be returned when the debt is paid, though now I believe that I instead serve as a warning to the new recruits about crossing the blades. But leaving would jeopardize my Son, and therefore I stay"
IIyilana responds in a very cold and measured manner. "Acceptance from the Guardian, as he calls himself, carries no weight here- despite my opinions of him, those that manage this library view him as little more than a nuisance." When Rorrim speaks, her face appears conflicted. "Don't speak to me about loyalty, to Taldor or otherwise. I have felt betrayal from all sides. From Taldor. From the Lion Blades. From the pursuit of knowledge itself. No! You say many things yet speak in half-truths and generalities. Since you are not Lion blades, then who are you? It is very possible that your apprehension could turn the tides of my circumstance" She steps back slightly, face remaining stoic in the face of obviously over-powering threats. Rorrim: As indicated, you can tell that she is honestly conflicted. Several comments made (loyalty, taldor, lion blades) did clearly effect her.
Rorrim:
Nothing about the keys or necklace stands out beyond their presence. You haven't had enough interaction with her to get much of a sense. I have noted that you are paying close attention to her and will factor that into future interactions. GM Screen:
The elderly ladies face hardens as the halfling speaks. As others echo their voices, her face stays stoic and composed. "We being three... no, at least 4 of you by the sound of it. I suspect that you aren't accompanied by one of the magistrates as is customary. Why then shouldn't I yell for the guards this instant and alert them to your presence?"
At the sound of the knocking, the elderly lady sets down her book and pushes her chair away from the desk. Standing, she brushes her dress before walking over to the door. Throughout this exchange, her head never particularly moves for its forward position. She is wearing a plain green dress and cream cloth apron. A red scarf is tied about her head, and around her neck hangs a gold necklace with a lion's face. She appears late middle aged or perhaps a little older. On her side hangs a set of iron keys on a ring. She moves swiftly and purposefully to the door, without any issue. She reaches for the door knob and runs her hand into the knob itself- clearly expecting the door to be closed. "Ow" slips out of her mouth before she catches herself, opening the door the rest of the way. "Yes, I am Iliyana. Why have you disturbed my work? I wasn't expecting anyone, what with the grand performance going on outside." She pauses for a moment as if considering some unvoiced thoughts. "I do not recognize your voice, guest" she states matter-of-factly. |