The older man followed her, from a distance, he did not  crowd her or the younger man. When the younger fellow went to get her the drink the older fellow  came quickly up to her,his eyes , both moving to the younger man, and  in the direction of a group of Nobles, who seemed less-then-happy, the Arrows were garnering attention.

 Good Lady? Might I have a Moment of your  time, it  should prove....worth your while?

  Kree  smiled slightly as Foril picked up on the signal. The elf hid his smile with a drink of his wine, the Emporer was approaching Kree, with a few people in tow.

  The woman looked at  Foril,her brows  narrowing,...I do not remember  speaking to you? You are like  all the mercenary scum that come through this  city. You think you are equals to us?..you are nothing more the Commoners with a weapon. then she turned to Laithia,..or a harlot who must take someone else's men to bed, because she has none of her own!

 the last couple  words  were a bit shrill and a bit louder, but only a few heads  turned to them..the robed  figure moves slightly as a trio of  Courtiers walked by, to help conceal himself.

Foril decided on the eccentric defence, "We believe in free peoples.  We are free peoples.  In a hall such as this, it is a waste not to dance.  Perhaps her shriek will leave the glasses alone if one of you two gentlemen would show her the steps."  Foril wasn't an expert dancer, but he had enough quickness to ensure he didn't step on Laithia's feet.  There were only a few spells that didn't rely on accuracy to strike an opponent to some degree, and no weapons he was aware of.  He was doing what he could to protect them from either, but it would take

As he tried to sweep Laithia around he enacted the shield spell with a gesture and muttered phrase.  It would counter magic missiles... the only spell that could strike targets without risking anyone else nearby regardless of which of them was the target and it would help with weapons or spells aimed at either of them as he held her close.  He had more attachement to Laithia than this other woman, if the robed figure were targeting her... well... Laithia and Foril would have their alibi as they spun away from the living banshee.

Riku looks at the lady, glares for a bit, taps her finger on her cheek and then puts her hands on her hips.

Well, in my experience or my own town's storytells, we've yet to know.  Though when I get the chance, I'll let you know.  Though halflings are rather...interesting.

She winks to the lady.

  the people sighed, a bit disappointed in Riku's answer. The  Tipsy lady smiled and wandered off.

 about have the people  began to move away, but the younger folks  stayed, asking questions  about magic, and what gods  they worshipped, and how do they carry the coin they need...

Justin was surprised and flattered by the Womans petition however they Arrows had other pressing matters to attend to. Regretfully M'Lady One's purpose for visiting Ironmound hat yet to be completed. One be hopeful such prior arrangements doth not prove an inconvenience. Perhaps One may have opportune to render such another time he informed smiling
This message was last edited by the player at 23:09, Fri 17 May 2013.

  The woman looked crestfallen,Perhaps...but who knows when, yoou will cross the threshold of the Palace again.

In reply to Justin (msg # 63):

Thee hath the truth of it; however the Mighty Hand of Eta hat been known to shape ones path, in manners most unexpected. One wouldst nay have envisaged an opportune to hath met any with such grace anst charm ast Thee M'Lady

  The woman smiles, perhaps blushing a bit ( really hard to tell but there might be some blush showing!)..she bows her head slightly and  drifts away into the crowd.

Luthien thought about the young man's request...

"If you have the gift for Knighthood...which, admittedly, is rather rare...the Church will be able to verify it for you. The path we Knights follow is difficult, but very rewarding. If you don't have the gift, the priesthood will allow you to spread the faith as well, you'll just be doing it with a warhammer or a mace instead of a sword. Both paths will lead you closer to the divine will."

Rather rare...but if this young man has what it takes...he won't discourage him! There's never enough Knights in the world.

  The  young  fellow smiled,so? if i stay the  path of a cleric, they might see i wish to be a Knight? Is it something i must ask for....The books...the  constant study...I know it is needed...but i would rather study the paths of the Knight....My....master , at the Temple..seems to think I should stay the path of a cleric..he says..i... he looks down,..too small to face battle...

"There is virtue in following the wisdom of those further advanced then you. If he has already tested you for Knighthood, and you weren't quite up to it, then you cannot force the issue. It is the Gods who choose who shall be Knights. The priest's path is as honorable, and in some ways, even more demanding. Remember, after all, that the Knight's path is one of order and discipline, and part of that order is following orders from those of greater rank then yourself. You can't bring yourself closer to Knighthood by disregarding your mentors."

It's not the answer the young man wants to hear, surely, but it's the one he needs to hear.

 The Lad Nodded  sadly and Turned away as he said,..Thank You Sir  Luthien, for your wisdom...

Luthien nodded.

"I'm sorry I haven't any better news for you."

Laithia stared at Calise and the two men who shadowed her over to her and Foril. Before Foril could lead her into a dance, she turned to Calise her eyes flashing dangerously. "First I do not remember a sign over the gate saying Calise's City. Maybe we should ask the emperor! He must have forgotten to do that!" her sneer is condescending as she looks over Calise's bodyguards her hip sticking out to draw attention to the blade resting there.

"Finally, if you had kept Carwyn happy he would not have jumped so eagerly into my bed. A happy and satisfied husband never wanders! At least I gave him one good night! He even cried out my name! I do hope for your sake you did not do anything stupid to him. He deserved much better than you," she hisses as Foril leads her to the dance floor.

Her hands rest on Foril as she takes a bit more of the lead seeing that dancing is not his thing. She leads him along an easy elven waltz, her eyes watching Calise and her bodyguards as Foril murmurs something under his breath. "What did you just do?" she asks her voices as tight as her body with tension though she still manages to flow with an elegant grace through the steps of the waltz.

In reply to Diana (msg # 57):

"Sure, and thanks for the rescue." She said with a smile and a wink.
ONce they were off to themselves Diana got to the point.
"What can I do for you?" She asked.

  Kree  began to slowly make his may towards the  Blackrobed  fellow who seemed to have an Over Interest in Laithia and Foril..he was slowly closing in On the  fellow, when a Halfelevn Woman put her hand on his shoulder,..Good  Captain, pray, forgive  my forwardness, But...would you care to dance?

  Stopping, Kree bows his head  slightly,..you will forgive me good Lady, My pack , quiver and Bow, do not lend themselves to the dance...If you prefer...I would share a drink? if you would wish to talk.

  She Nodded  with a smile and they went over towards the  sideboard and began to speak with him....
......................................................

 Ivy  was collecting addresses  from the ladies, and telling jokes that made them laugh, a few of them made sure the  touched  his  arm, or leaned against him as they laughed.
...........................

 The Woman stopped, as Laithia spoke of her Husband. She loked at the two men with her and smiled,...No...Nothing  Stupid..it was  all...well..thought out!  and the  three moves  off the to sideboard at the far side of the HAll.

..................................

The Man smiled  at Diana..The Mission the Emperor is sending you on...is a fools errand. He knows, as do most who have been around the city long enough..that the Arrows...especially Quickshadow, are always eager to save  slaves and such. There is a very..very good bet, that the Princess is dead..or  chain as a Love slave somewhere...the odds of your mote;y little band finding her? Well...Let us say, that My own people couldn't find her yet, and we are...how do you say...professionals?

......................

 Riku was  getting a break now, as the music  started, folks  moved of  to Dance , or to watch who  other folks were dancing with.

....................................

 Rolf, too, was being left , more-or-less alone, as the  people left him to do the same

.............................

 Luthien and Justin, saw other people drift away, now that the Music started again

In reply to ready to leave. (msg # 73):

The Man smiled  at Diana..The Mission the Emperor is sending you on...is a fools errand. He knows, as do most who have been around the city long enough..that the Arrows...especially Quickshadow, are always eager to save  slaves and such. There is a very..very good bet, that the Princess is dead..or  chain as a Love slave somewhere...the odds of your motely little band finding her? Well...Let us say, that My own people couldn't find her yet, and we are...how do you say...professionals?

Diana smiled back at the man.
"Tell me what have you done, and where have you looked.  You know, sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can see things missed." She said.

  The man cleared his throat. The Younger man, seeing Diana with the Older fellow stopped, a brief  look of anger crossed his  face, and he  turned around  with both drinks in his hand  and  headed back to the sideboard.

  the man looked awkward,  as he  struggled, thought quickly, to regain composure,..well...Good Lady..um...most of  my group's actions  are...of the secret vein. But we have send ships up the  Storm River, as well as the Widow River..those on the storm, have heard no word of a princess being captive. And the  ship that sailed up the Widow, heard of the  wreak of the Princess's ship, but never  was able to carry out  further hunts, as they were destroyed by River Pirates...or..Ships from Hargen, we have no way to tell, as all hands  were lost. The message we received, came through a message gem brought to us by one of our MAge's  familars...

 ..Your group is known as Savage dog Killers, when it comes to  slavers and the like. Perhaps. It best..you keep to your  skills?
His smile was cold, as it was condescending .

Justin considered for a moment before heading towards the High Priests.

Laithia tensed as Calise's words really sunk in. As her and Foril danced about the floor, her body became more and more tense as her eyes shone with unshed tears. "If she did something to Carwyn, hurt him or worse...it is all my fault! I cannot live with it! I need to find out what happened Foril," Laithia's face is pure anguish as she meets Foril's gaze.

  When Justin made his way to the High priests, those  with them , looked with distain upon  a...'common mercenary, who used the gods to his own betterment'...the Priests drifted  away,only The Priest Of Thrall stood still, with  4 of his followers watching Justin , as he  stopped before him.

In reply to Diana (msg # 75):

The man cleared his throat. The Younger man, seeing Diana with the Older fellow stopped, a brief  look of anger crossed his  face, and he  turned around  with both drinks in his hand  and  headed back to the sideboard.

   the man looked awkward,  as he  struggled, thought quickly, to regain composure,.. well...Good Lady .. um...most of  my group's actions  are...of the secret vein. But we have send ships up the  Storm River, as well as the Widow River..those on the storm, have heard no word of a princess being captive. And the  ship that sailed up the Widow, heard of the  wreak of the Princess's ship, but never  was able to carry out  further hunts, as they were destroyed by River Pirates...or..Ships from Hargen, we have no way to tell, as all hands  were lost. The message we received, came through a message gem brought to us by one of our Mage's  familiars...

  ..Your group is known as Savage dog Killers, when it comes to  slavers and the like. Perhaps. It best .. you keep to your  skills?
 His smile was cold, as it was condescending .

"Well, good sir, perhaps it is a band of Savage Dog Killers that this job requires.  I have found that when ... certain ... groups lack the intestinal fortitude to ... get their hands ... dirty, groups like mine are required.  I'm sorry, good sir, that you and your group lack the will or the intestinal fortitude to do what is necessary when it comes to slavers.  Their ilk requires more then a slap on the wrist, and "don't do that again" attitude.  Then again, I doubt you have ever tasted the lash of a slaver's whip.  Nor, have you had loved ones enslaved.  Perhaps if you had, you would be more ... serious in your attitude when it comes to the persuit, hunt and extermination of slavers." Diana said.

She returned the man's condescending smile inch for inch.

"The problem is you think inside the box.  You expect only certain reactions, and moves to be made.  Think outside the box. Think like a slaver.  If you had a princess captive, would you advertise it to the world? Why bring down that kind of heat?  Or, instead, would you hide her away somewhere, and quietly contact the family, asking for a huge ransom.  Knowing they are going to pay.  Then, and only then, do you crow to the world about what you did.  Then, the deed is done." Diana said.

She watched the older man for a reaction.

Riku smiled and was pleased at the inquiry and curiosity that the other townsfolk had about her.  Instead of sneers and dirty looks, they wanted to know more.  She ordered a mini-drink and a dash of food, and went about eating as she watched the others.

In reply to JT (msg # 78):

It doth appear those who doth profess themselves ast Representatives of Alpower, Gorr anst Lenus consider such decision by His Imperial Majesty beneath them. As obvious by such display of distain, anst incivility. Justin loudly chastised the departing Clerics

If perchance such be not the case One doth offer our sincere apology he adds before turning towards the High Cleric of Trall

If Thee permit Devout of Trall may One impose upon Thy time to Seek Thy Council
This message was last edited by the player at 06:16, Sat 01 June 2013.