The Emperor's Palace. has three tall spires, rising   a little  half as high, as  the   Great Iron Mound... in the middle of the  spires is  the Great  Hall , with several large  council rooms and such that are spoked out from the HAll.

  Barracks   are set  between the spires, House  100 Trooper in each barracks


  Below the spires  are  tunnels that lead to the great Iron Mound... for    the rulers and their families  , from either place, to escape to the other.. human and Elf  troops  can aid the  great Mound  by entering through the   entrances on the surface.

   The Inner wall is 25 feet  high and 20 feet thick. troops are station on and inside the wall.

  there is  a moat, that connects to the storm river 50 yards  wide, and very deep...serpents  are allowed to swim freely from the river to the moat..it also makes  good fishing  for  the people , if they do not wish to go to one of the City's lakes  or  go down to the river.

  The Outter  wall is 25  feet high and 20 feet  thick there are towers  set every 300 yards.

 The rear of  the palace has Gardens with  fountains and such, and  some raised balconies , to see the river  and area's between the Mound and the Palace.

Luthien wakes up in the assigned quarters the princess gave him. While he might've stayed at the Temple like his brother Knight, when a Knight makes a promise, he keeps it. And so it is that another promise is kept. Still, he spends his fair share of time on his morning devotions to the Huntress...and a little longer, because he couldn't stay in the temple as usual.

  there is a gentle  knock at the door. a female Voice  calls in,...Sir  Knight?..Morningfest is on the   Back patio this day?..Please to come within the hour.....Ring the bell cord outside your door , if you need a footman for guidance....

Luthien, dressed in a more 'courtly outfit' instead of his armor (Yes, he had the ability to dress for the occasion) would head out for the morning breakfast, then. Time enough to don the official armor of his station later. To the patio!
This message was last edited by the player at 15:09, Sat 21 May 2016.

 as he  is  escorted to the Patio, The Football remains  quiet until they reach the  broad , double glass doors, that open on to the patio.

 There is  a large Table  with  the Emperor  sitting at the Head, his back to Grweat Ironmound  that  rise   into the sky behind him. His consort is on his right hand side, Axehandle is on his  left.. Next to the Consort is The princess, with an open chair  across from her.

 the rest are  minor relatives and officals of the palace,  counting Luthien there are 24  people. The Princess has  one hand maiden  standing behind her..the other  seems to be...missing...


 The Emperor waves to Lurhien,..Come On Lad.. take your seat....  we are about to start the first course...

Luthien takes his proper place at the table...and he noticed exactly where he was sitting. That's no accident. The Emperor's making a statement, and he can be sure the nobles gathered here haven't missed that statement either.

"Thank you, your majesty."

  the Mornign fest  goes  well., now and again Luthien is asked  by other his  reason for being an Arrow, and if he felt tainted.

others asked how he saved the Princess, eager to her luthien's stories

Luthien explains his place among the arrows succinctly.

"I have my own purpose there. Among other things, my presence tempers the blood lust a little. And there are sometimes those among the enemy that do not deserve death. I seek such people out...and offer them a better path. Not all hunts lead to death. Some hunts...lead to salvation."

As for saving the princess, he shares that story with a little less gravity and a little more levity, as it's more 'fun' story then his real purpose among the arrows.

  The Morningfest goes rarther well Axehandle  will step in from time to time when some of the 'other people' try to question Luthien on the roel the Arrows  play in adding the  Crown.

  His answer is always,with threats from Hargen, The red Isle, The red Eves, and  The People of The Sands? we do not  have enough troops to spread around. Companies , Like the Arrows, help us with some  tasks we could not ask of  normal troops....it just so happens, this last TAsk was....a bit more important.

 The Emperor Stands  , and others follow suite,..Please, My friends  finish your MornignFest..I must make ready for the arean... Sir  Luthien? You will ride  with us>?  No?

 The Princess  grins  as her and her  remaining LAdy are about to  go off to get dressed as well.

Luthien nods, "Of course, your majesty."

He will make ready after the morning fest, and head with the royal entourage to their destination.

 Palacs..after  return to ironmound  with Tou Folks))))

 the  group walked  down the Road of Kings..  troops  were  spaced  as they would be for the arrival  of  dignitaries.

 Reedrick snorts.....Aint  them Tou Bastards already here?

 aye.... but they are here for us... though, i do not think its  for  respect.

 ..Hey Cousin?  Look at  some of the troops....

 Kree looked from one sides  of the  Raod..a trooper  or a Non Com  would  stamp thier  spear, or thump thier  chest over their Heart.

 Kree smiled a bit,  And  PAid  more  attention,  thumping  his own  heart  for each who  acknowledge him.

 I'm thinking  General AxeHandle made sure some of yer one boys are here...

 Kree smiled,..Its  nice i  still have 'boys' in the palace...

 at the  Bridge a  Nice shiny Colonel  greeted them.....Greetings, CAptain Quickshadow... you will of course, surrdener your weapons  and,,

 Ivy whisper,ahh..for fuck's sake....

 You are?

 I am Colonel  Happenster... Late  of  Engar..I now live in Ironmound.. My Parents  are the Heppensters  of  Jewerly  fame in Engar...

 The  dwarf chuckled in his chest.

 Kree  wiggled a finger to the colonel and leaned  close to him...the Colonel listened .....look?.. This is not Engar.. i don't  give   one orcshit who your people are... I am Kree  fucking Quickshadow , of The Black Timber...former CAptain of the Palace... Captain of the   nasty Unit of Crimson Arrows   in the  Company... now?... you can try to take our weapons...you will die of course.. quite heroic  and all that..but?.. why?.. are the Horse Humpers in there  armed?

 The colonel nodded his head.

 ..now?  as  an Engar fellow.. what would happen if you came to the palace, and i wanted to take your weapons..but i let Red Isle  Halflings in there   with thier weapons...

 WHAt!..THEY... kree held a finger to his lips.. the Colonel whispered harshly....they aren't   red Isle Haflings!

 they are to me and my people?.. they tried to kill us twice..and all they got in return is dead folks....so... i am talkign really nice  now..because i do not want you to lose  face in front of  all these troopers...and.. if you think you have  enough troopers here to stop us?..you are wrong..but?..you will be the first to die, so you will enevr see how it turns out...however.. this is your chance to wave us through, ebcause  we are 'trusted allies' of the Empire...beats being dead..right?....and..shoudl  we behave badly inside  the Palace, at elast you can die  like a hero infront of lots of   people with coin..how does that sound?..hmmm?

 The  Colonel  stepped  back and  Cleared his  throat.....Will we allow  these  trusted allies  of the Empire   to keep thier weapons..I have warned them , we will act, should they use them in the Palace...

  Kree shifted his eyes to the Colonel  and the   walked over the Bridge..as they neared  the  Gate a Captain with a Fancy helmet  approached   the Group....his smile   wide...

 Kree and the larger  Human   hugged...Captain... thank you for not killign the colonel..he has alot to learn...

 Captain Antok?... Captain of the Palce  Guard...

  Better? captain of the Emperor's  Body guard..... i can go any damn palce  i want, Bed any one's wife i want and eat whatever apples from a merchant's  cart I want..no one can touch me...

 Ivy chuckles.....damn!  free Apples..where do i sign up?

 Antok    shook wrists  with   Ivy and  Reedrick,,,..lots of new  faces , Kree?..lot less familar ones?

 some left...some died...some both?..but we are here....

 they began to  walk into the gates.....not good in there  Kree...The High Officer  is here himself.. crying about  dead Tou  people being tossed to the serpents...

 yeah?..well.. it wasn't an accident... they came there for me..Mercs  and the  horsehumpers...

Antok  looked.....do they screw thier horses?

 of course they do?...did you not ever heard they shout..'Mount up!"

Antok Laughed.. there was   the Tou sound being played.....they are entering from the other side...since they  'stayed' in the  guests wing.. You'll go in after  footman signals...

 Elandra followed Kree and Ivy, she kept her weapons as well. She stayed with the group and didnt say a word, she smiled and looked the innocent Priestess of Amot.

Riven shuddered slightly at the sound of Tou music. "I have heard this shit for too many years," she muttered, a lip curling though it was unseen. Listening idly to the conversation between Kree and the Captain, Riven looked around, making note of guard placement, potential escape routes and anything else that would aid in escape if needed. Regardless of whether this ended in battle or what, it was a practice that had kept her alive for years and she didn't intend on stopping. Of course, she was also unaware of the capabilities of her newfound teammates so it would be interesting.

Tyri skipped along, looking at everything like a child would in a toy shop. Her eyes were wide with wonder and she gave Antok that shy smile though her eyes showed pure mischief. “I’ve never been in a place so…grand,” she said softly and looked around.

 Ivy  shrugged,it is the only one  i have  ever seen..i do not  count Tou as having  palace.. they just have  fancy houses...

"Well my people are nomadic so...there is that. And, it was never like we were invited to just go visit a palace anyway. It didn't matter though...we had fun wherever we went." She gave him a side-eyed grin.

Seeing the guards and the ones lining the walkway, and the way they saluted or gave signs of respect to Kree, Vilmund began to realize just how much sway his leader and the group has. he walked in behind the rest, with his shied strapped to his back with the quick release ready and set to bring to bare. and the wrist strap on his hammer at the ready.

After  the   long and ( as Ivy says )  whiny  Tou   march.. the Footman  pouned the Floor  and Antok waved the   group  forward.

 There  was laughter  as the Mixed   types of  clothing...  Kree's eyes  narrow s at this, before he took another  Step..Reecrick  puled him  back, as the troopers  marched into the   Ball room  and  circled  the 'guests..leavign the Tou  folk on the east end of  the massive room.. and   Kree's  Group  standing at the west entrance..

  The Emperor  smiled,  His  Lady sitting on the arm of his throne... Gen Axehandle seemed pleased  with Kree and   Reedrick's   chocies of    uniform.

 The herald    listens to the Emperor  and  calls out,Captain  Qucikshadow.... why do you wait to enter?

 Reedrick pushed  Kree back a step  which caused  more LAughter... Kree's  Unit it  under me..... so's  i want our song played too..ifin ye  can listen to that  dying  cat  sounds..ye can listen to me own folks tune!

 THe High Officer started to Complain Axe Handle  and the   woman both said  something to the  Emperor.

 The Emperor  stands, You are right, Good ..LT Reedrick.. we play the   Hymn of the High peaks..for our  grand  allies... every one stand?

  the  musicians began  the Horn blast... with the  drums  and  the strings   picked up..Axehandle stood  and sang alone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytWz0qVvBZ0

   Reedrick took off his  one horned Helmet  and Put his arms  around Kree and Ivy , and the three   Joined in to sing the song..


 " Skin made of  Iron , Steel in our Bones.."

 " Faces us on the battle filed you will meet your doom.. "

  At least half the   troops    beat the floor  with thier  pikes.. the Dwarfs sang along.

...........

 The High Officer  with  12   other officers..spit and Polished   looked across  at the Arrows  as they  entered  the place they were to stand.

 Emperor...not that that...song ..is done.. I wish  to move, to have  these   raggamuffins  removed, they clearly  have  to respect for the  Court!

 yer  turn laddie.. give the   the 9 hells...

  Kree took off his   'captain's Helm:  and Put it under his   arm.  Unlike  those  who hump thier horses... My people    work for  a living... they wear what they have, as none of us has   coin thrust  upon us my  parents who a..aren't quite sure..if they are the  children or nay?

 The Emperor  looked giddy...as he smiled  and his lady handed him a goblet.

 ..You dare!!!..You murdering  humanized Chipmonk!.... I have the mind to...

 Kree Turned   and titled his ehad at the High officer.....Mind to what?.. Hire more  idiots  to die, trying to kill us?.... you should be short 6  Troopers.. only 6 because i sent the others  back to tell the tale... I will assume, from this point on, the  tale was told, so there  will ...nay..be any more returning, shoudl they  dare to insult there betters, by  trying to kill us...

 Betters!!!  how DAre  You.. I should strike you down here and  Now...

 Kree    Grinned,we are Both armed, High Officer.. but when the battle is   done, your  sword  will be  at The Plank... we will use  it to push  sweage down the pipes  when its clogged.

 The Emperor  sent   wine out to each Group.....first..let us hear the grievances  Brought  to us  from Tou?

 Kree looked at the Emperor,make  certain your maids have thier  mops ready..there will certainly  be tears..

 The High Officer  stepped up to the front of his square..The Timber has  built  a small  town near the Lather   River.. and  secured a dock.. they have  burnt  Mok.. and now  run  commerce on the lather River.. this will take  merchandise  and coin we would normally get from the Timber, and the Plains Elves.....no caravans  will come through Tou to reach those places, and cost us more Coin..This  is  an act of war....

 Kree laughed  a real laughed as he truned to the throne...in a search  for missing   Arrows, we ventured into  the LAnds  of the Sandfolk.. we had a disagreement  with treatment of  thier lesser folk.. slaves..or worst then Slaves... so?... as Captain..i decided it was  time to make changes..... The  Merchant Lords quarter   was burned..and the beast of the LAther  River is now dead..burnt to  the  water line  with. most of  it s  crew, killed, burned , or eaten.. in the course of this.. the Arrows  made   allies  with a small fleet of ships...  The Black  Timber  Now patrols the Lather  river,  protects other vessels  and the trade ways  are open.. The Timber..The grotto   and the rtace wood.. with any of the  goods   we once had to pay taxes  to Tou to go through thier  cit... we not pass  for free through thr trace wood.. Trok stands  to  gain riches, and Iron Mound Merchants can  now   sent  god  to our   areas  with , next to no, chances of  Bandits  and such..

 He turns to  the High Officer..You charged  my people more  for goods  then others.. and sold us  what leavings  you did not take from Caravans...now?..you'll have to rely  on Ironmound  for your trade..or send your  ships   Down The Strom , to the coast.....meanwhile we  have  access to the Coast from the Lather River, and  we
  will have, but a short boat ride  for the highpeaks  and  Furman's trail for them to send things...duty free...and safely...Merchants way  will grow   biger then  Tou  over the eyars... and your  people  will know what the rest of us have suffered  of  the decades,,,

 ..your  Majesty..would you see  my people starve because these rabbit catches
 sacked a  town and burned a ship?


Axehandle  stepped up..... the  fall of Mok and  the death of  the  River Beast, has opened    The lather River... it is somethign we could not do on our  own , and start  an open war with teh sandfolk... The Arrows  have served a  great purpose here..

 reedrick grinned.

 ..but mu people..... what will we do , funds   will be drastically cut!

 ..you could stop paying Bandits  to attack your   rivals caravans... you could  keep your lave trade going..that is until we stop that too?... maybe, instead of humping your  horses.. you can eat them?

 there was Gasps   as the High officer    drew his Blade...you pointed ear , whoreson!

 The Emperor  shouted...Enough!   We will neither support  Tou  Nor The Timber in a war..you'll hve to sort that out  yourselves..

 from the  gallery a  Vocie  was heard...  'The Tracw  will support  The Timber....."... another    Vocie " Trok will support The Timber..."

  Reedrick says,..me own folk will support the Timber.. who dos that leave you with?

 The High officer  looked aroundyou would see  my people starve?

 kree said Coldly,..it appears to be your turn.....get those mages of yours  to work on food and cut the prices of your god  so people who make coopers can afford them..this was a long time  coming.. and I am very...very happy i have had  a Hand in it..

 ..but...getting our goods  to  Ironmound...

 Ivy chuckled,all those Bandits and slavers you hire?.. they will be a might upset you cannot pay them anylonger.. i wonder what they will do..to make up for that last  Coin?

 The Emperor   walks to the edge of His  Dias, swishing his Mage's cloak...I repeat..Ironmound will not side or aid, with either Tou or The Timber, if they go to war.....so? i suggest  cooler ehads prevail, which means , Captain Qucikshadow might  want to have his Elder  deal with that... but here..and Now.. the war is  of no bother to us...

 As for the death of Tou troopers  and  one missing?...  we rule that it was in self defense..we have witnesses from The Plank and  The Docks... as well as  two of my own offcicrs  witnessing the High Officer   paying archers to Kill the CAptain?... it appears..  the  captain had some one to kill them?.. Sicne. Tou was in unifrom. And hired  Mercs...and..had a duel of sorts... they cannot be punished.... The captain  is a member  of a Company and..in fact..fought on his Company's property ?  this  is self  defense.. as well as defense of   his   'stronghold'... do not  pick  fights in my city..if you do not expect loss of life...

 The Tou people looked shocked... The High  Officer pointed his Blade  at Kree..I demand satisfaction!

 Dying   is not much satisfaction.... but then again?  no one i killed ever  complained?

 I demand.. an  honor  fight.. to first blood!

 Kree shook his head,..I do not fight for fun.... if we fight,,its here..now.. and to the death...

 ..I am  one for the best Bladesman in tou...

 That is like saying  you are the best weed in a garden?.. I am not  the best blade from the Timber..there are dozens better then I.....but i would be the best Blade in Tou..

 Axe handle  clears his throat.....you will die  if you cross blades  with the captain...if your  people try to exact revenge..  my troopers will have to kill , which ever   of you the Arrows  leave standing.. though i do not think that will be a problem

 the  scribes who wrote out the   ruling  came over, handing Reedrick and the High  Officer each a Copy... The  Tou People  bowed to the Emperor and walked out of the hall...

 The Emperor  clapped his hands... Captain Quickshadow.... you are entertaining  as always.. let us not waste the wonderful day.. and food.. Please Strike up the band.. have at the  side  board!

  He came down, and aske d  Reedrick to introduce  all the new  faces.. meanwhile a Princess  looked over the  Arrow group,

Tyri watched the Tou, head slightly tilted to the side as they went back and forth with Kree and then the Emperor. She understood the animosity displayed by Ivy and Kree since Ivy told her their story. But at least it seemed that the Emperor was on their side. When offered food and the band beginning to play, Tyri went to do what she did best...dance.

Impressed by the respect shown by the troopers to Kree, Krwyn walks up to the palace. During the exchange with the colonel a slight grin can be seen on his face, that broadens during the confrontation with the high Tou emissianary. To Ivy he whispers: "I wonder why the Tou did not bring some strong mages from their guild to bring us down? We can tackle a lot, but strong magery would perhaps be beyond our capabilities."

  Ivy shakes his  head,..the MAges who run the Guid  are more  worried  about research  and Obtaining  magic items... they cannot get famous, if they are dead....Mages  who enter Ironmound, are  watched  by Ironmound MAge Guild  members.. it is like a wolf goign into another  wolf's domain... and?  there is  the Witch who lives in the far corner of Ironmound, she is to be reckoned  with, and she does lot like the Guild... we have  done a few fetch and carry jobs for her.

 The Emperor  Greeted  each Member of the Group, spending a tad more time on greeting the ladies , Then we  went abck to His  Throne  as people  spilled out onto the the Floor   for DAncing.

  several dozen men rushed  Tri and Elandra to take them up on the dances.   Kree waved  Ladies  away as he pointed to the sideboards, they   would make  pouty faces   then turn to the others...

 Ivy followe Kree ,getign some sweetmeats and a Glass of  wine., Kree got   some  Bird meat slices  and fruit, to go with His  Wine...

 Reedrick talked  with Axehammer, and they laughed  and whacked  each other's backs.

 ..That was not so bad? we did not have to kill any one to get in?.. and we did not have to Kill anyone  when we had our little talk....

 Eating the   chicken slices, kree nodded   slowly,.. a might too easy..would  you not  think?

  Ivy chewed the sweetmeats but the 2s and threes...well?..you sent  one  rider home  witht eh ehads of his  unit... You  dropped  a Lord into the river while he screamed for mercy... and they lost two more? before you let the one go?...one should think, That even a High Officer, cannot have too many Lordlings  die and not pay some price.

 Elandra smiled and seemed happy, she was nervous but when everything ended and there wasn't a fight Elandra was happy even more.

 When the Emperor cane over to meet her she bowed introduced herself and of course she said ,may peace be with you.

 When the Emperor went back and the dancing started Elandra was mobbed for dances, she smiled and went to dance with the first gentleman who asked her.

 After the greet and meet, Vilmund hung with some of the others around the food table, and listened to others talk. He looked around for any of his own type, men or women from the North.
 Talking to those who approach him, but not starting conversations on his own, not at first anyways. Being an unknown face among so many, makes for a nervous fellow.

  The Arrows   saw the   Fogs, lords  and ladies..lordlings  and  ladies  lookign to  'mount' thier way up the social ladder.

   Even enemy   folk who were there on   'business' walked about..Sand folk in silk finery... Dawves in  clocks of sable and such from the High Peaks  taled  with Dwarves  from The Mound itself.


  Elevs from the Trace  Wood  and Ironwood... people from Trok.. and of course, Tou. thought, those  Reos did not seem to get much notcie right now

  two Plains  elves  dressed  in   Foxfur  coats strutted   around   as  they felt  empowered by the change in merchant  power...

 Northmen and woman representing tribes and Nations, wore  heavy cloak of   White Near, or  Godlen bear

 Two Red Isle HAlflings  talked  with merchants.. though no Military folk bothered with them..Only the Black Timber did not have  representatives. other then Kree and Ivy

  Some people  came up  to Talk with Kree... dependingon whjo they were, kree gripped thier  wrists..or  simple  talked to them..boarder lined Civilly .

 Ivy seemed more then will to talk with anyone, which made a few Ladies  Happy, as  they would   touch his arm and Giggle  at his  jests.

 The Ladies  seemed to  see now end to the   Men who swarmed them,  dancing with one during slower  sounds, and  two or  three with Jigs  and reels...

Tyri gave the Emperor a deep curtsy and made small talk with him, not trying to flirt too much but it was just in her nature. She danced with anyone who wanted, clearly having fun. At some point, she stopped to grab something to eat. Seeing Ivy engaged in some conversation with some others, she skipped up to Kree. "Kree, will you dance with me, please?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:28, Mon 29 June 2020.

 Ivy looked at  Kree and took   his plate,..go Cousin?..I am almost certain she will not  harm you?

 Kree    Looks  for  a servant and hands  the  Fellow if  Bow and Quiver...Care for that with your Life...because i will take your life, if  it goes missing...

  Moving to  the floor with the shift of  bodies  about,..You  picked the wrong  cousin for  frolic?... I tend to  do very little of it..exspecially in confines such as this..It is to my Saddness, i know some of the foramly dance  as  it was part of mypostion to
 have  overlyround  Highborn wonab feek  as thoough they danced  with a dashing Captain

Tyri grinned. "Then we can formally dance." She took the appropriate stance for a formal dance, her smile unending. It didn't matter the style of dance, she just loved to give herself to the music...to escape reality for a brief period of time.

 as the   two step began kree Bowed  as did  other Memmebers of the Court, they were  all fluid  and  at ease, where  kree.. a bit stiff.

 As they  spun around,  an irounmound   merchant..or? maybe his older Son swung by with a delighted  woman, saying,..fear not,  pointy ear..no once  expects you to Know  civilized Dances...

 kree     gave the  fellow a d ark  stare  and Purposely  pulled Tyri into the Fellow's Next spin wher e he   stuck oucj his leg to  send the  Man sprawling Face  first, causing a  Raor  of LAughter  aroudn the Floor...

 Kree  Put his hand  upon his chest , Forgiv eme, how clumsy of me... he  held out a hand to Help him up and Pulled it away causing the  Fellow  to fall face  first again...even More laughter  arose  as Kree  looked 'helplessly' around... as if he did not know how to react to the  Fellow's  falling,  he says aloud,

 ..Good Sir!.. are you deep in your cups?  more  peopel laughed  , the  fellow   reached for his  sword,   , Kree's hand was like a viper  and  grabbed the wrist.....no one expects you  to  survive a sword  fight, with an Uncivilized  Pointy ear..he  whispered...

 The woman  looked angry...

  Kree let go looking calmly into the  rage filled  eyes , of the red faced human..., they Fellow stood  by himself  and the crowd  clapped  i sarcastic approval.

   wavign to the Band  to strike up an elven  two step.. Kree looked a bit more at ease...but not like his cousin... several  folks  tried to match the steps laughing along as they struggled..more then a few dozen , watching  Tyri.. The trace elves  and Ironwood  elevs did well..

  Mean while TThe Emperor  dragged his Lady down, and they slipped into the dance..surprisingly good  at it.

Elandra was a fairly good dancer, her Mother taught her to dance at Temple functions, it since her parents where high members of the Temple of Amot she grew up in, she was taught all manner of dance so she could dance with everyone and show that Amt loves all dance and finds Peace within dancing.

 Elandra would have a few dances bow to her partners and then go over for a drink, she felt very out of place, she was a Priestess and a Cleric not a Royal, even though her mother made sure she had the etiquette of a Royal. Elandra was having fun but she was always watching, she knew now the Kree and her group where not liked by all and being on your toes keep you alive.

 Elandra finished her drink and looked around to see if there was anyone who stuck out to her to go meet or too dance with.

She giggled a bit. "Why does trouble always seem to follow you, Kree?" She asked as she switched into the elven two step.

Krwyn looks at the dancers. He is not very good at dancing, although the elfen dances are more to his like. When Elandra looks around for someone to dance with, Krwyn stands, gives her a slight bow and steps up to dance with her. It has been a long time and at first his movements are somewhat out of step, but soon he enjoys to dance with the peaceloving priestess. He whispers in her ear: "Who could have expected yesterday during the fight that we would dance at the emperors' court today?"

 Elandra smiled at Krwyn and took his hand and led him onto the dance floor. " Well that is very true, well go even farther back two days ago my guide was attacked by Cat People and eaten I escaped and now I am dancing at the Emperor's Palace and I am a member of Captain Quickshadow's Arrow group. Thank you for the dance, so Krwyn where are you from we haven't had a lot of time to talk. Peace be with you."

  once the faster  song was  done, they went into a  softer, slower  Dance.. Kree  stayed  with Tyri  for the dance...

 First came Here.. My father was the  High Warden for The Timber..he brought  me and my mother here... we say the city... it good and its bad...but i saw  how  we were treated by the Humans..Mostly , Tou folk.... decades later i come back to serve  4  years as  a ship's archer... but my Balde  put me into the  City Guard... then? The Palce Guard..

..one thing, that was always steady?  The way Elevs  are treated. Oldly enough, the normal folk treated us well enough..no better  or  worse then anyone else... It was the  fat folk with Fat purses...  I made it my mission , to cause  as much problems for them as i am able...

 he winks at her,..I am rather Good at it...

"I have to say...our approaches are very different," she smiled warmly. "My family has faced similar prejudices as well because we are gypsies... It's easy to judge when people don't understand. You are a good man Kree and your cause is honorable. Thank you for allowing me to join up with your group and I apologize now for any mischief I might cause." She giggled as she moved slightly closer to him while they danced.

She watched the dancing with a look of indifference, holding a glass of wine. The meeting had gone very well...too well and it didn't sit well with her. She had lived among the Tou for a number of years and knew they could be very vindictive. There had to be a plot afoot. Eyes darted around the room before setting on Kree and Tyri. She looked to Ivy. "Not the jealous type?"

 Ivy   chuckled, have you seen the high class  ladies who been   tying to get me to dance?

 he sips  from a ornage  winer, and Looks at the   Tender, shakes his eha d and Points  to a deep red  wine. Tasting that one he nods his thanks.

 ..besides?.. Kree's  my Cousin.. he would not  take  a Lady from me?.. if he did....

 his face  took a  sad  demeanor,..he could have saved us  Both alot of pain, a decade or so ago...

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

 Kree  chuckles again,My father   tried  the  'try to understand'...I have my ownway to deal with them now..treat them worse then they treat others... works rather  well.

.........

 everyone there cam  see folks of interest..some   dancing, some eating..some talking

"It wouldn't matter if I saw those ladies or not. She doesn't seem to...or doesn't mind. I don't know her well enough to gauge that kind of stuff." She took a sip from her glass, savoring the flavor. "Oddly enough I think I prefer the dark high peak ale." There was a hint of amusement in her voice. "Well...that is interesting...by the way you two danced and interacted, I thought you two were you know...a thing." She gave a shrug. "Is there a way to scout around discreetly? This all seems a little...too...easy. Let's just say I would like to put my mind at ease..." She nearly whispered to Ivy though if anyone looked upon her, she would look as if she were merely looking into her glass.

Vilmund keeps his eyes on Kree and the other 'leaders', or top of the group, for anything that would lead him to think there was any danger. keeping his conversations going and seeming to be unsure of his surroundings, he continues to search out any signs of danger. Not to mention the fact that he hasn't really ever been in a building like this, he is feeling just a little hemmed in, no matter hoe large the room.

 Ivy sips his  cup as he watched   reedrick and  Axehandle talking with two human woman who seem to have the  aire  of Merchants about them.

 oddly renough, the only place  , more safe , then this   Room?..is The Palnk..none  can tocuh us here..Kree's father is  an Elder  ..he is also my uncle..so?  The Emperor  will not hurt us...Assassination  happen in the room 2  or  3 times a week..but the  assassin never  lives

"It is not the Emperor that I am worried about. I am sure there will be some kind of ambush...I don't put it past those Tou bastards. I've dealt with them for too long...lived amongst them for too long...this is actually somewhat nice. Hell, anywhere is nicer than there." Her voice was still a soft murmur. Shaking her head, she finished her wine and moved to get another glass. "My gut tells me that something is amiss and I'd rather be safe than sorry. The last time I ignore that feeling, I lost my brother." With another glass procured, she looked at Ivy. "So what do you mean about Kree and Ladys and how it would have saved you both a lot of pain?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:47, Tue 30 June 2020.

"Well I suppose that is the blessings of being more ignorant to the ways of city folk and all of that. If I make people uncomfortable, I don't notice. At the same token, I feel bad for them being walled up, never knowing true freedom, seeing new places. It comes with it's dangers but...I honestly feel like it is good for the soul. People should wander and live life to the fullest. Or maybe I am just talking out of my ass and completely delusional," she laughed with a shrug.

   Ivy   downed  his wine holding the  galss out for a refill from a  distainful man.. who..had to do it.

 we were Young?... ran through The Timber My Father  was Kree's Father's..Brother..they did not see eye to eye often. My mother  was a  freed slave.. they  think she came from  the Islands..  Kree's Father  didn't like her..his mother  did..his mother liked everyone.

  A woman younger then us in years...but  in life..about the same..say..20? human years..came to us from freed slaves as well.. she ran with Kree  and Myself.. she was happy to be with us both...after  a year or so.. it was plain that  she would take either of us..but
 she wished to be with me , for the most part....due to some..indicretion  she became with child... Kree  father Ranted  and Raved..Kree ranted  back saying   I was of  thier blood and all of that ...Kree's  mother Got her  a place not far from Kree's own  cabin.. everyhtign seemed   well..Snapjack Ribbons..a Gnome of the streets  taught us about  thieving and such... while  Kree and eye  were elarnign the way of the Wardens.. we  nroke away fro the Timber for a week or so..to go to Tou to see  what we could steal..how much troble we could cause...

 Deep  drink.....That's when the  'trusted' halfling led the slavers into Razorhawk Village.. it was timed right... Hunters  were out  getting  game...wardens watched the   treeline  foe any bandits.... but the slavers struck..many..many folk in the Village died.... They Found   Kree's Mother  shot full of arrows. Next to her , Snapjack was  stabbed  and feathred as well.... The woman...

 Ivy stared off  at a section of wall...was  killed..., a slaver  dashed the   child against a tree, becuse  it wailed.. she would not leave the babe, so they   ran her  through

   Ivy Shrugged,..Kree's father Blamed us ..said we should have been there... deep drink and held out for a refill...

 he was  right?... Two bows  would not have made much of a differance... but i am certain we would have save Ara..Kree's Mother and Snapjack..we would have been...right..there.....Had  Kree ... took it upon himself to  press  for Ara's attentions... maybe she is accepted  by Kree's father.. and would have been in the safety of his father's house..They never found Kree's sister...

..bards tell the tale, of the Black Hunt.. 13 of us scattered to the  4  winds, to hunt  down the salvers  and free what people they took...Kree and I  are the only ones to have lived.....The BArds also tell the tale of what happened when we   found the Slaver master's  Home..and what we did to him and hims  family and his  house hold... Some say we were worst then the Slavers themselves...

 he  hoisted  a His glass  in the direction of Kree,That is when the Crimson Arrows  were born.. as the goblins  ate, and the compound burned.. and  the slavers  and trustess   where takes to trees  around  the burnign  home.... from that point.. there were only 2  rules.... "..leave no live enemy behind you"...and " be the fire, that fights the fire..'

“Dark tale though explains behaviors. Makes me think of those who are nomadic…they have the right idea…you face everything as a group. You protect your own.” With a small shrug, she sipped her wine. “Have any of you thought to make her an assassin? She has the charisma to disarm most.” She stated, looking to Tyri before looking to the priestess. “And what is her story? She seems too…innocent?” Maybe it was just a ploy to where she didn’t have to answer any questions about herself but Riven thought a change in subject would be better than allowing Ivy to drink himself silly…not when the prospects of an ambush on the way back to the Plank could take place.

  Kree   shrugged as  the dance  came to an end..  he motioned to the side board where some of the  Unit  stood. A , 'not bad' lookign woman Approached them, ..You there! Captain  FastShadow....

 Quickshadow...M'lady...

 yes yes....whatever elven moniker  you use... I wished to dance  with you.

 kree  eyes shifted    very quickly to  three other  woman who were trying to Hid e Giggles, ..I am Sorry, M'Lady.. but we just had a few dances, and now seek refreshment..

 ..You..You are  refusing to dance with me!

 Aye...M'L.....

 ..don't you dare!... you  dance with this...thsi...female.. in garb most trollups  would  not wear!.. and you refuse to dance  with me ??? How  dare you....

 Kree's  eyes stared  at hers, but his voice  was raised a bit.. to make certain those    in range  could here...

 I am , Most certain..Judging Buy your friends there...That you know  all about Trollups and thier garb... gasps from all around the  area and surprised  faces.. the other ladies weren't laughing any longer...

 ...and? Good lady..Please..allow me to return the favor, as to addressing   the latest fashions?....  2 weeks or so ago, when we  Burned Mok's  Merchant Lords   quarter to the  Ground... I saw  the  peasants there..using dresses   of that style to try to beat out the flames...

 ..Cousin!..You have it  wrong!..they used the flames as  an excuse  to throw those  dresses..INTO..the fire..

 The woman fainted .. and fell to the Floor, several Gallants  rushed to her.. the three woman  hid thier  faces, as thier dresses  where the same style as the fallen woman..

  The Emperor  followed   Kree and Tyri to the tables..Ivy had his smile back.

 Captain?  I do believe  you set a record? I think you managed to insult so 20 people at once!

 Kree  smiled a bit,I have Done better , when i was captain of the guard..

 ..perhaps..perhaps..but you seem to enjoy it more now...

 ..You are not wrong, Your Majesty/

 I am Soooooo Glad you abd your people  stayed?... these things get soooo boring..you have made me laugh   a few times to day..

 Thank you, Your Majesty..but.. i will tel you now?  I  will nottake up the Mantle of  Court Jester.. I am sure you have a Tou 'hanger on' who would do much better..

 The Emperor  smiled  and   clapped   kree on the shoudler  Bringing him into a hug.....you are a subkect..in name Only... but..you are a friend, but allmeanigns of the word..You and your Arrows  are always welcome
 Kree  grasped the wrist of  The Emperor..causing  even more people to gasp and an elderly old Human man to faint.

 Antok  Approached   the  gathering  and Bowed.....I..Beg your Pardon...Emperor...Captain.... but it seems you did well to enjoy the  foods  and Merryment here..

 How So, Captain?

 ..it appears.. the  Tou folk were so distrught..and..we assume.. rather Deep in thier Cups.. that they suffered  some accidents.. I am Afraid, at elast half have perished.. slippign intpo the moat and the serpents..

 ..there's alot of that goign around..hues that happens when you ride horse  to long..Kree took a sip of His wine , handing the Emperor a glass,as well as Antok... Antok refused  at first, but the  Emperor nodded and he took it..


 Indeed.. we thought it best to send the High Officer  and what was left of his party , out of the City..straight away, lest thier   sorrow and  drunkenness, claim more of thier lives...

 ..You trained Captain Antok wel. Captain Kree..he solves many problems  for me......sometime..before you leave..come  to by chir..i have....a problem..until then?.. enjoy the foods and the Ladies...

 Antok Finished his wine,  smiled again and   left for his post.

Tyri chuckled, not the least bit bothered by the woman’s comments. Instead, Tyri offered the ladies a sweet smile and moved to grab something to eat after the one fainted. She watched Kree and the Emperor, smiling when the Emperor said that the Arrows were welcome. From a man who was hellbent on revenge, he had his sweet side. She grabbed a quick drink, downing it and moved up to where Kree and the Emperor were. “Excuse me…Emperor,” she stumbled a bit over the title, unsure of  how to really address him. “Could I have a dance with you?”

 The Emperor looked at his Lady who stood near by talkign with some   fancy dressed  fellow..maybe from Mouri , going by the suntan.

 well?  I do believe  this is the first time an Arrow  ever asked me to dance?

 Kree  smiled,..because you're too tall for us...Your Magesty..

 The Emperor looked at Tyri with a wry grin.....if those  clothes you wear, are from your people?.. I know how to do the  sword-on-the-floor dance?..can you do that?

  Kree    reached  for  some  pastry , the  fellow at the Table  glared at him.. Kree looked at the fellow,..look?..  I have to say this  before  i decide to run you through... Why are you glaring at me?  because i am an Elf?.. because i'm from The Timber?..or because i am an Arrow..how many of  my people have scorned you?..or act like you didn't matter?...Most of us have  kin who worked  worse jobs then you have right now... so?  save you glare for  the whores  , slatterns  and   Fops who are tryign to  bed thier way into the court... we earned  our way here...  Kree took a  strawberry  tart and  bit into it...

 The fellow  said..with a bit of a Stammer....a  cup of Caffe  goes   well with that..Captain?

 Kree smiled  at him and Bowed his  head,..thank you..some milk and sugar please.. or push the pots to me and I will fix ti..

 the fellow   moved the  put of sugar and a  cool picture of  milk from a  bowl of  ice to him.. Kree fixed the   caffe.. took a  sip  and nodded....very god, thank you..

   kree moved away from the table a bit  to allow others in.. Ivy   looked at the server,..he's  right..you know... we're alot  more like you, then them?....you should not harbor  distain for us.  because  we  swing a blade, rather the  spread our legs  or Swing our..

 Reedrick   stuffed  a  plum in Ivy's  Mouth.....enough of that!..ye got  som 200 women 'ere that wanna   throw ye  down behind a wall someheres  and ride ye like a Tou stallion..don't be  talkin' about those parts in public!
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:42, Wed 01 July 2020.

 Hearing the talk of body parts swinging, he says, Ivy!, new c'mrade, if it's yer parts swinging ye like, dress like a man from the North. :chuckles: as he puts food in his mouth to cover the fact he was the one talking if anyone was to look his way to figure out who spoke. He glanced toward another Northman and side-smiled to him, as in a private joke.

Her whole face lit up as the Emperor mentioned the sword-on-the-floor dance. “I do know that one. It is not often that I find anyone who knows dances that I know...unless they are other gypsies .” She let him led her to the dance floor and set things up.

   Two soldiers  were  summoned over  and Layed thier longswords  down  in an 'X".

  The Emperor  took off his Mage  robes  and  Handed them to one of the swordless  troopers.

 He Motioned to the  Bards  who  talked  about it until one of the  Elven Bards knew the  tune and played the Pipes..

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6bk1Pfr7yw

 the Emperor  was light  on his feet,  his    slippers off   , barely making a sound  when he touched.

She watched his dance with a grin, clearly excited though it had been some time since she had done this. When it came time for her turn, she jumped in with flare, her footwork nearly matching the Emperor's but she put her own styling to it. Unlike his soundless steps, hers rang out with each movement thanks to the bells upon her ankles.

  Poeple stood to watch.. whispers  of  'dancing with a barbarian',, to  wonders of thier  footwork

  Kree  and Ivy watched.. Reedrick clapped  along  with some of the other people who have  heard the Nusic  before.

 The   Woman  who sat at  The Emperor's   throne was   laughing and  Claping as the Emperor looked like  a sailor on leave.

She clapped along when it wasn't her turn and performed with flare when it was, clearly enjoying herself with the dance. Every now and then, she'd throw in a move that wasn't typical to the dance just for fun and in an attempt to throw the Emperor off. It was all in good fun and she laughed lightheartedly when the Emperor ended up being the first to touch the blade with his foot.

Watching the dance was interesting, seeing the man in charge so to speak just giving in to the merry making with no thought to his position. The young dancer seemed to have that way about her...With a shrug, she finished her wine and grabbed something to eat, content with just observing for the time being.

 A Blonde haired  man , looking like he  might hail from Trok, goign by his  light  leather    Tunic, and   Shortsword, Dagger  mix, stepped up to  Riven.

 excuse  me, Milady. But  It  would  be good for me to brag to my friends  back home, that i dancers with a Lady Arrow? Would you care to dance?

......

 The Emperor  Slapped his thigh in mock disgust,..I should have used the  swords, that the Sandfolk use?.. i could have  had the curves away from my  stumbling feet!

 those who were not intimdated  by his Majesty  laughed..other looked at each other  as if they should or nay.

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

  A tall human male , Dark of skin, perhaps from   the far east edges  of   the Northern Coast, stepped  before  Elandra...would  you....care ..to dance with me ... It is not  often..nay?  Never..that this one sees  a priestess of peace  following the  Butcher of  Merchants?

  Elandra  was the  grey  robes  with the Silver ring over  his heart..the trim was in yellow, as were the   three Yellow rings on the left arm of his robe.

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

 A striking woman  with a low  cut  dress approached Kree...I saw you staring at me  CAptain....

 Kree sipped  from his drink, looked at the cleavage being thrust at him then at her eyes.....you you did not...

 she looked  rather shocked.....you were eyeing me...

 ..nay?  i could not even tell  you who was the  cuckhold who brought you here?...

 well!..I Never!

 we both know that's a Lie...

 She slapped him and  stormed off.. Kre made sure no wine  hit his dress tunic.

 Reedrcik  never flinched as he said,could ye..just for the span of one bleedin' party...not insult  some one... jest one  bleedin' time?

 Ivy  chuckled softly,That day is not today....luck to you next time...

Crystalline eyes darted up to the man when he asked her to dance, that surprise clear. Glancing around to make sure he was indeed addressing her, Riven stood. "Well, I am not as skilled as her," she motioned to Tyri, "but sure. I'll try not to step on your toes." It was said in jest as they headed to the dance floor. She was surprisingly pretty good, having the grace needed and knowing the steps but unable to embellish like Tyri. It had been a while since she had danced but she found herself actually enjoying it.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:10, Wed 01 July 2020.

With a grin, Tyri gave a deep curtsy to the Emperor. "Thank you for the dance, Emperor. That brought so much joy to my heart. You are a wonderful dancer." She looked up at him, that joy evident in her icy blue eyes.

  The Emperor smiled  as a slower  song came on.....perhaps?   one more the speed of  a mere Human?.. would you care? he offered his  hand to her, the trooper   cleared the baldes away.. the guy stuck with the  Emoeror's Robe  held it out the the woman who sits by him, she  just giggled  and walked away  to join in a dance with some fat merchant from Val.

 The Guard  sighed and stood off to theside with the robe.

"I'd be honored ," she smiled and took the offered hand with a flourish. "And I'm glad that I get to be the first Arrow to have asked you to dance. This has been fun."

 Elandra had a great dance with Krwyn and when they where done the Northman came up to her. She recognized the colors of his vestments and the symbol," I would love to dance with a Priest of Alpower the Father of the Gods, and my good friend Peace means a lot of things to different people."

 Elandra curtsied to the man, and they walked to the dance floor and she added," Yes I am Elandra Priestess of Amot, and Kree maybe a little hard core but he brings Peace with him. I have seen him in the last few days, make evil doers rest in Peace, bring Peace to a widow and her son, help me when I needed assistance. My good man Peace depends on the eye and heart of the beholder does it not?" Elandra smiled and she was a very good dancer.

  The   darkskinned  man smiled a bit as they danced,..The Alpower is trying to build his forces... to be the one god.. and to  remove the others.. Of  course he will start with those of Darkness... but the lesser gods of Light, will have to leave the realms..or...suffer  the Alpower's displeasure...

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

 The Emperor  bowed,..i must attend now, to riff raff who are  wrapped in silk..Thank you, for a bit of escape...

 he stood the the hapless  trooper   helped him on with his mage robe and scurried away..

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

 Reedick talked to the cousins,so? why  j'a  think the Emperor  took our side...

 ..he did not take 'our  side'..he took Ironmound's side... Tou has  nothign to offer. save horsemen and   the Mage Quild headquarters?... they bost powerful magics..it is true..... but.. ironmound's  mage guild  is  only a step down, and  theyare more  warrior like.... Iron mound  has  a rather big navy..Tou's navy is what?  1.5th the size?  Ironmound's  army is 5 times the size of  Tou's  without  even counting Allies.... and..if Tou would  make war.. or some kind of action against  Ironmound, they know  the Balck Timber and trace wood  would darken the sky with arrows..You counted on Coin to  to  sway the Emperor...but since  we opened up the Lather River... there way be fresh coin from other places.. even Mok? can send  Sandfolk weapons, wines  and silver silks and whatever   else they do there...

 Reedrcik  looked  at Kree  and eyebrow raised,..when ye  sit  fire to them merchant folks... is that what ye had  in mind?

 Kree  just started straignt  ahead as his  cup came to his lips,Of  course not?..I am but a simple Sell sword...

 Reerick  loked to Ivy who grinned..  and the  dwarf   just shook his head and went off to find the thicker meats  and stronger  drinks.

 Elandra smiled , a bit taken back by the follower of Alpower, she would then begin to dance and she will say," I follow Amot as you know, she is not light or dark but grey, Peace is like I said in the eye of the beholder. Yes Alpower will bring Peace to the Gods and the people but would it be real Peace. Look at all the Peace that would be destroyed in the peoples eyes, like I said Peace is all in the eye of the beholder, and May Peace always be with you." Elandra continued to dance very well.

  The  Priest smiled,..the alpower  will prevail... and rule.. the other  gods  wil have to serve , flee , or die........look at what fools  worship?.. Luck..death  hunting?..The alpower  will rule  with an Iron hand and gentle heart to the faithful....  your Captain..has   found  , ill will in my god, he caused the death of the Former High  Priest of the Alpower..his times in the 9 hells   will be legendary

Tyri came dancing over, doing a little twirl before moving to where the cousins were. "That was sooo much fun!" If any of the negative comments about her got to her, it didn't show in her bright smile. "I thought for sure the Emperor would win! It has been several years since I have had the joys of performing that dance but oh my goodness!" She gave both Kree and Ivy a hug. "Thank you for letting me come along...this has filled my heart." She gave both a kiss on the cheek and moved to get a drink of water.

  Kree just chuckled    and Looked  ay Ivy..Ivy  shrugged and Smiled,..she..um..sorta likes to dance..

 kree nodded slowly   and looked away  as he said,Really?  One  would never guess?a  smile    creeping to his  face

 he points with a jerk of his head to  The talk moorish Priest...Alpower?.... you think the Emperor  would not allow them here any longer

Once their dance came to an end, Riven looked up at the man with a soft smile. "Thank you for the dance. I hope it was worthy of a brag or two." With a curtsy, she headed back to where the other Arrows stood. Dancing had definitely not been on her agenda...but she wasn't going to turn him down. Besides, everyone seemed to be having fun for the most part even if there were uncalled for comments floating around.

Krwyn walks up to where Elandra stands: "That ons is quite sure of his god and his intentions" as he nods in the direction of the priest of the Alpower, "But white is only white if there is any other color as a contrast. If there's nothing else anymore to compare, white could just be the new black by denying people the right to choose."

 The Priest of the Alpower  gave Krwyn a dark stare,,,This one is pelased to  serve the Alpower. It is the Many gods that cause  the chaos around us...should  the Alpower  be the only god?..  you would, indeed..have  dark or light!

 Elandra smiles and says,Well we are all entitled to our beliefs, but good sir think of a world without Peace, all God's are important not just the ones we belief in.

 The song ended she bowed to him and went to gead to Krwyn and the others. She says as she leaves, It has been a pleasure to meet you, and May Peace be with you

 After eating some, and a few drinks of cold water, Vilmund decided to walk around the room. he slowly but steadily walked towards the wall and then around. Stopping now and then to chat with someone that caught his eye as tho they wanted to meet and great. Some sure seemed as though they DIDN'T want to talk to the North man, but he did anyways, just to show he didn't hold anything against them. Chuckling to himself as he would catch an look here or there, and maybe someone would wrinkle up their nose or scrunch a face at his approach. In response, he would smile and say his hellos and give a guttural grunt of acknowledgement. but the whole time he was walking around, he would be on the lookout for anything that looked like another attack being readied, or someone not too happy of the Arrows' attendance.

  A Pair of  Northman..but..perhaps not to Vil's  taste. They wore   stitched Furs, the Furs were cured  and  tailored, not like people from the Furman's  Chain, or   the   Tribes  from the North.

 These  fellows  came  from the Budding  'capitol' where the tribes  men with the Representative of the  Tribes, who then came to Ironmound  to  vote..beg, and do contracts.

  The Northman were a bit odd..some  supported the Ironwood Elves..Some  supported the High Peak dwarves... some  worked  for Engar and Dro as they helped  hide  caravans  around the Lesser  desert... The Lesser Desert had thier own people  grey skinned natives who worked with Drow and slavers. But were  more then happy to take  coin from Ironmound to fight in thier wars agains Hargen

 ..Hey?..Little Brother..It is said you fought by the  Elf's side  at thier  Inn..and kilt one of our own, to death! the brown haired one said.

 The Blonde haired man said,why would ye take up witht he likes  o' them?

Stopping when they spoke to him, Vilmund looked and smiled and then said, Well, 'big ' brother, he said looking at the furs of the one that spoke, reaching out and touching the fur, rubbing it between his thumb and fingers then bringing his hand back and slowly, hesitatingly smelling his fingers, wrinkling his nose, I bee with dem 'cuz hard likes hard, and soft, He glances from the furs they are wearing to the clothing of the men these two are with, likes soft. he side grins as he pops another piece of bread he had in his other hand into his mouth, he turns to leave, but not before lowering his hand and readying for a punch if needed.

  The Blonde   One straightens  abit,..ye speak as if ye know?.. prancing aroudn with   elves and harlots?.. that woman  wears  robe of   peace?... and the Dwarf is one who sent  along brothers ande sisters ta thier  next world!...    Then  Horse riders?.. they have never   faced us in battle.. even in the  war of cities.. They show us respect!

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

 Kree  walks over to a pair  of  Men who were sitting while thier ladies  stood, he sips  from his  wine... he bows  to the Ladies   as a courtly Captain would, the  addressed  thier  men..,,Forgive me?  By i mist compliment you on the beauty of your LAdies.. thier   Charms are  easy to see...

 Ivy  Grinned and Elbowed  some of the others, nodded his  head towards  Kree.

 ..Thabk You?.. Qickshadow..Isn't it..yes..well.. they are  wonderous Ladies, and the  new  fashions from  Mouri beg to show their charms...

  Kree  made a point at staring at the ladies  who   played  at being embarrassed, but  did not  move to cover the clits in thier   dresses  nor  the  plunge of  their  cleavage ...You two must hold Much wealth, for  young beauties such as this, to syat by you, as your  dattage  comes to pass....

 all 4 of them looked at him..

 I mean to say..your age must be , well advanced  that you sit  while your ladies Stand?.. Even Mok does not  have  ladies  standing  while men sit..ever  a stranger will offer a chair to a Matron, should  he see  her in need of a chair?

 The Younger  man stood   His Hand on his   gold hilted  dagger,..I should  carve you here...now...

 ..But you will not.... First?   The Emperor  trusts and treats me like an allie... 2nd... you  are not high born enough, nor have the coin behind you, to draw a blade in court?... and   Third. the small blade in my had, will take your throat before you can get your toy from its sheath... This i know to be true..because Ii have done that very thing..dozens of times...in dozens of courts

 his   eyes   shift to the women as his right hand reaches   for the  fellows  collar, the  Glint of   an elven steel throwing  dagger peeking out of the sleeve..

 ..I cannot  fault the Ladies  for usingf what they have , to gain Coin.. Many of my closest friends  do the same.... but.. I will fault  them for fool they spend those charms on?... You will nay be  young  for ever, Ladies..use your gifts wisely..

 he walked  away   from the  4 folks, the woman fanned them  selves and looked at some others  who watched the scene  The woman  were permitted to sit...

 Well Brothers, If'n I made a bad choice O' friends mee first day here, may'haps i need t' learn who imma fightin' fer and wit'. You feel the need t' pass on learnin'? Speak t' mee and learn mee. He genuinely is feeling a touch of threat coming from these two, but also ... they are from the North.

Tyri moved to where Ivy was, watching Kree with a curiosity. “Why?” she asked, looking up to Ivy. Was there something she missed? Weren’t they all just minding their own business? She knew his story…according to Ivy but why try to make everyone hate you? It didn’t make sense to her to pick a fight wherever one went.

  Ivy smiles,he's a hunter at heart.. he knows the type..people  who feed on other people, one way or the other. If he has  his way today, he'll have   knocked back a few on thier heels  before we go to Lunch... take a look around...1 out of very 20  folk is hear  for somehting noblie... the  rest are hear for riches  and fame..

...........

 The Blonde looks  at Vil,,,thenm Arrows.. they aren't yer norna; mercs, you see? if they were on a job and they would see some of us  ruffing up a carcvan.. they would come in and  help the carcvan...unless, it was from Tou..they don't respect others   who have thier own way to make coin.

“Being a bitch for the Tou doesn’t suddenly make you deserving of respect!” Riven yelled to the blonde-haired man who was speaking to Vilmund. She had heard enough of the Tou praise. “You are just stupid enough to take their coin and do their dirty work! They respect their horses' shit more than you!”
This message was last edited by the player at 05:19, Fri 03 July 2020.

She frowned just slightly, an expression that still seemed foreign to her features. "But...isn't that just the way things are? Do you step in when another animal is killing another for survival? Oh...but this isn't survival, is it? Sorry this is just...different then what I have been raised around. I probably seem pretty dense," she chuckled, reaching up and brushing back a few strands of her honey blond hair. "I mean...they did describe me as a barbaric trollup." With a smile, she turned her gaze back to Kree, pausing once when she heard Riven's shout.

AS he listened to the blonde man, he said to them, So, brother? You ....ruffin' up the caravans? that do seem t' make ya tief. Make you a dark person, make you eligible for waitin' in the dark cold. He steps back as to leave them standing alone when he hears someone hollerin about respect and someone being stupid.
 He said, I hope t' nevr' see yee out in the wild,..... brothers. End bad fer someone.

  The   Taller Northman Turned, with no fear of showing his  backing of Tou.Ye don't understand, Little  Brother . Gold is the Power.. Hargen has much...mabbee, mor' 'n Ironmound... they  'ave  the whole o' the   west o' the west of  the 'IghPeaks under their  thumb!..and they aren't a feared  ta  trade with Red Elves  and Dark Drow....Sooner or later, they'll come over the Mountains... an' down the  River...an we needs a strong Empire ta  fight them back.. we Canna let  some Elves who think nothin'  about the resy o' us, whilst they Prance in the  Wood!

 there  were Murmurers  of approval and  distain.

 The Emperor Turn, the Fellowed  Cowed  a Bit,  But Nelk Lod, 3rd Emperor of Ironmound, did not  Step on those who would speak out..he  encouraged it, though, most suspect, that it  was  for more reasons  then one would think.

  My Empire?.... OUR...Empire  is to weak to defeat them, You think? Speak up , Man? You are in my court.. you may speak as your Wish, The Good Captain Quickshadow   seems to have no leash on him?

 people laughed , Kree smiled  and  bowed slightly , then held his drink up for folks to see as he watched.

  Your Majesty... Me Folkd stood  by Ironmound  when  The Black Timber  rebelled...  Us an' the Ironwood Elves  and Rdiers of  Tou.. were the  biggest support of  the Empire!

  And the Black Timber had the Support of the Highpeak Dwarves, Tracewood elves  and Trok.. as  well as the Furman's chain... can you tell me how that war turned out? I wasn't born just then?  people laughed.

 ..The Timber won.. they hoard their  trees... they cut the slavignpractice to near nothing..in the realm...but now they are  cutting off the  Gold that Tou uses  to pay taxes, less coin in thier   City..means less  coin  in yer own coffers...

 Murmurs again.

  Nelk looks to  Kree and Holds out a Hand to Him.. Kree smiled Darkly.....'tis a great shame, Not thought of the lack of gold flowign from The Timber? out allies  were close enough to Ironmount, or had River access to  go  to Ironmound, but any journey by our merchants  we wwrought with steep taxes by Tou... or   Bandit  raids  as we tried to use the  Elven ferry ... we restored to using the Goblin ferry near the mouth of the tou, to try to get goods to market, with out being robbed  blind , by Tou..or attacked  by 'Bandits' who hit us on the way back from Ironmound,,,

 He nods as he sips, then says..Right now?  The Timber controls  the Lather River... and   the navy...as it were.. will get bigger.. The  Plains elves and The trace wood  will be pulling in gold and silver from the coats, and even Sandfolk as they  cross the river to deal with The Grotto or Trace  wood..or Val?...And Unlike Tou?  we will be sending our  fair share of Taxes in...and we will still have coin, because we will not be hiring  slavers and Bandits, to help eliminate our competition

 there was alot of Buzz  as kree's worlds, not only answered the  'gold' question, but  hinted at Tou's Practices.

 Then he ended his  talk with,At Yad.. there is always a company of   Black Timber Archer  and a  unit of wardens.... they are Joined  by a company of Highpeak  Dwarves... they  camp outside Yad... they spend thier  coin in Yad,,and they have been  ambushing   Hargen forcs and sinking HArgen ships...now.. i do not see how this is a fragile defense... 'less some folk think Hargen Gold glitters  more then ours?.... If that would be the Case.. there would have to be a reckoning.

 from around the   scattered people some North men shouted  and swore  at kree.. the Two on the Flor  looked  like they wanted to lash out with worlds.. Nelk smiled  and flourished a Hand to them.

 ..are you sayin' me people  would trun against the Empire!

  Kree  took a few steps  forward, Ivy   took a few steps  away from him  but watched the  'flank ' of his left side...You said it... Northman.. not  I?.. but..The Ironmood  elevs turned  on thier  Race Brothers, simply because we would not destroy our home for coin..  a few  nasty  sounding   words  in Elvish from teh crowd, But  for you folk?.. you had  nothing to give save your   blades and your blood..yet?  you chose to side with the Empire?... You were paid well enough for it... and the North Lands  were left, for you to run as you see fit... But?.. Arrows  have brought  down , many a Northman, who ran with slavers.

 The  room got silent.. The Emperor held out his arms   as if to ask if there were any further   talk.. Kree just sipped from his glass.

 The  Northmen,  just shook thier heads 'no'..but glared at the Elf.

 The Emperor smiles  and turns to the Bard,..This is why we have Court!..to air our displeasures... and call forth points of view  that most ehere cannot see, because they look no further  then the  walls of thier   towns!... Lets us have Music and dance...and fear not  to talk?... even anger  words wil clear air, the silence  only coulds!

  The  woman who  seems to always be near the Emperor   glided  across the fllor to Kree, she smiled   and  bowed her ehad , oh-so slightly. an amused  , thin smile on your face.....In an Hour or so..The Emperor  and   some ...chosen court folk will mover to the  water Garden for lunch... I have been told to Invite your  group... she didn't wait for an answer  as she moved away, only to be stopped  by another  Morrish looking fellow  who began to chat

Tyri listened quietly as she ate some kind of pastry, watching the whole exchange. Her eyes moved to the woman who approached Kree and said something to him. “Who is that?” she asked out loud to whoever was listening.

  Ivy snorts.....Kree might know..if he does? he's wone of the few who do..even Axehandle  does not know..but she  sits  at the  Emperor's left hand, she gives him coucil, and most likely humps his brains out... i do know this... she can walk through  groups of people who  will get out of her  way  faster then they do one of us...

 Elandra smiled and was by Kree, Ivy, Tyri and the others when the Northman spoke. Elandra smiled and listened carefully, she also watched the reactions of the other people at Court. Then when the woman spoke to Kree, Elandra watched the woman and then said to Ivy and Tyri," She must be someone the Emperor trusts, Ivy is it always like this here at Court, reminds me when the leaders of the Amot Temples get together." She giggles.

"Oh..." she said softly, watching the woman with a curiosity. "And who wouldn't hump the Emperor's brains out?" With a smirk, Tyri looked over to where Reedrick was. "Hey Reedrick...do you dance?"

  The Dwarf gave a gruff  chuckle,..If ye kin do  a dwarven two-step... I  dinna know those  fancy dances, and yer a bit tall fer me  ta do one of them cozy  dances?

 kree  smiles   a bit,by Dwarven 2  step, he means  Elven songs they play at The Plank that he thinks  Dwarves wrote!

 The Dwarven  just waved a dismissive hand  at Kree...go on, ya!

  Ivy says, you  see those young woman to the right of the throne, three of them have  some young , handsome..'up and coming' trooper of merchants son.. the one  that is  by herself lookign quite sad?.. is the oldest..

 we had a contract early last year, to find and save her... we did.. one of her   handmaidens was a traitor and working with the Priest of the Alpower....The thing, it was said, was to have her  taken to Hargen and foce  The Emperor  to make a chocie he could not win?.. his daughter or his  Empire?.. as   we did the tasks  needed..kill the  folks needed..maybe a little more then was needed... The Princess, seemed to  attachherself to  Luthien...he  even  supped with them in a private setting..but..he seems to be hinding, and she seems to be downcast...

 anyway?.. it was found the  Priest of the ALpower  had  worked with Priest of the Alpower in Hargen... as well as  some officers  of the palace guard...The Priest died
 in the arena.. the Colonel of the guard  died here..but? No actions were levied
 agianst the Temples of the Alpower..thaat..is not a good thing... gods are goig to jockey for postions  in the Alfather's court, or at least , to stay alive... others will die a god's death and  have the powers  absorbed  by the Alpower , or?  which god  manages to kill them... It is not a good thing.. Right now. we pray to Etta  and Netta  for luck?..and it is there sphere?  Should the Alpower take that sphere, there is  less chance of answer..less chance of things  goign you way..or against your enemies..because the Alpower will worry more  about himself

Tyri laughed and shook her head. "Well I dare say...you will have to teach me that one Reedrick." Taking a sip from her glass of wine, Tyri looked to Kree. "Hey Kree...who was that woman?" she asked softly, not trying to draw a lot of attention.

  Kree  looks  and  shrugs,..she is  the Emperor's  Voice.. she has his ear, and ssometimes, thouigh his lips, comes her  words..she might be the most dangerous person in the room... and  there is  a damn good bet there are less then 110 people who know that.

 Elandra listens to the story, her heart sinks as he speaks of the Alpower absorbing the other Gods, she thought we must have a free Peace not one controlled by others, or someone who does not care. Elandra says," I will pray to Amot for Peace in all of this, what the Alpower is doing is not right, to keep the Peace he must be stopped."

 Elandra smiled and then overheard Kree telling Tyri who the woman was and that she was very dangerous. " This is all very new to me, what do we do now and what comes next?"

 Kree motions with his cup to the Emperor who was having a grand time dancing, with those  who dared approach him.

  It would appear  we  will die with the Emperor  and whatever  worthies he  invited... after  lunch, I am sure  we will return he  to the ...people...who were not invited to have   any issue brought  forth.. then?  the Court wil be closed  until, whatever party the Emperor  is throwign this  night...I am hoping we are back at the Palnt..log before that

 Elandra smiled and said," Oh what an honor, a Priestess of Amot should be among the worthies Kree Sir, and so should you Kree. You are very rough around the edges but you have a good and caring heart. Very well so we are not staying for the party I gather?"

 Listening to the Northman speak, he begins to understand that these northmen were only worried about gold in lining their pouches, which at first was making him upest, to think that he was only another gold monger. He was about to respond, when the conversation swung to the Emporer.
 he listened and watched, he was about to move towards Kree to confirm his connection with Kree, but decided to stay where he was in case it moved to clashing of arms.
  He stayed near the men talking, and when it was over he simply stated to the blonde man, Brother, after all this, He motioned to the court and throng of people, and all t'e gold and silver and prop'ty taken and lost in combat and wars? there is only the Cold, for every'ne. If gold is all yer in'trested in, then yer bound fer loneliness. He gives a nod to both, and turns and walks back toward his group.

"Really? We are dining with the Emperor? That is so exciting. I get to do things that I have never thought I'd ever do," she smiled, moving to the beat of the music. "What about you Vilmund? Do you have any dances that you could teach me?"

Almost startled by the question.. Errrr.... no lass, dancin' and mee legs are no match.. :chuckles: I'm no one fer dancin', watchin' Aye, doin' no.

She gave him a pouty look. "Damn...I was hoping I could learn something from your homeland. Even just a simple one." Her eyes suddenly lit up, mouth forming a little 'o' shape as that excitement built. "Wait...you are big and strong...could you help teach me more hand to hand combat techniques?"

Well Lass, Im not much in hand to hand combat, but if'n you swing a hammer? Mayhaps.
 he smiles at her, as he finds her amusing with her energy always seeming to be at a high level.

Krwyn watches and listens when the emperor, Kree and the Northman speak. When Ivy seems t watch on flank of Kree, Krwyn took the same position at the other side.

When he hears that the woman flanking the emperor could be the most dangerous person in court, perhaps even deadlier than Kree himself, he wonders and asks Kree: "What's her way to deal death: the blade, the bow, magic or some of all?"

"I don't think I can swing a hammer...but could you help me build up the strength? Maybe I can pick up some means of defending myself without a weapon?" She only seemed to grow more animated at the thought. "Could we do that?"

Aye lass, if'n you were t' move a heavier wepn' with t' same moves ya may use? you be build'n spped fer yer moves. See? I cen make ye faster, wit more weight, but movin' slower. If'n yer up fer it, I bee helpn' yee. That sound like whut yer lookin' fer Lass? He hefts his hammer out to her, and asks, think yee cen work wit mee?

She seems like she can barely contain her excitement as Vilmund spoke. "By the gods of course I will work with you!" She wanted to give him a hug but he held out his hammer towards her. "You...want me to take that?" Her eyes widened a bit as she eyed the weapon.

  Kree  watches  the woman  for a second  as she plays off a. Mouri merchant  and Some   merchant who looks like he deals in fish, or fishing.

 ..her words... the right words, whispered the right  way.can end a man's life, or save it

Nay lass, just feel the heft of it, it's not lite, but wit training, tis easy to move 'bout. We can start with iron rod for yee, get yee used to it.he turns it this way and that. make it so's it's easy for yee to move weight, then smaller tings, like the knives and such, take nuthin' to move... easy to adjust, and make yee faster.
 this is the type of conversation he waould spend time on, courtly stuff he would leave to Kree and the others, he would rather be spending time training, working on his speed, accuracy, and from how he fared the night before, his reading of an enemies movements. he talks with her of spending time each day on the practice field, and if she was agreeable, they could start as soon as they have time. Hope in the 'morn there bee time, we could start then if we net busy..

She listened to Vilmund, that eagerness in her eyes as she hung to his every word. "I'd love to start when we have spare time. Thank you Vilmund!" She finally threw her arms around him and gave him a big enthusiatic hug before dancing off to where Kree was in her excitement. "Vilmund is going to train me!" She grabbed his hands and spun them both around before letting go and making her way back to where the dancing was.

"She is a rather....exciteable one..." Riven muttered into her glass. She had remembered a time in her own life when she had such a love for life and people, but it was short lived. And given what she has done and with the loss of her brother, it was likely that that part of her was gone. Finished her glass, she set it down and just observed those around her, listening and making note of the conversations at hand.

 Elandra nodded at Riven and said," Yes she is, and she is going to teach me how to dance later. Peace goes with her." Elandra just watched and paid attention to everything and everyone around her, but she was always smiling.

 Not prepared for her to grab him, he tensed up a bit in reflex to the surprise. he was sure  she felt it, but he made himself relax just as fast so she would not feel it and feel she done wrong.
 he allowed the hug, and when she released him, he looked around and hoped noone saw his uneasiness.

  A Black Robed Woman with  pale green   eyes,  a Raven outlined over her heart, approached  kree.

  ..God  Day to you  Captain...My Lord  follows your deeds... you have sent  souls  to the   realm of  death for him to sort out....

 ..well, next time you talk with him... tell him to make the Horse Humpers  suffer.

 she Giggles like a school girl  and it does not make for a good look  were her cold visage.

  I have heard, you were asked to go to  Lunch witht eh Emperor.....do you..have an escort?

 my unit and  I have  been Invited, So one could say i have an escort.

 She looked a bit stern, as if  Kree was addled...what i am saying, Good Captain, is  I do not have  some one to escort me in....

 Kree  Nodded  a bit  and looked around...so  no worthy  invited you?

 ..I am afraid not, Good Captain....

  Kree gently patted her shoulder,..then it  appears , you still do not have an Escort...

 he walked away   from the stunned and  rather  Angry Priestess.

  The Footman  stumped his  staff and   announced...Those invited to the  Palace Luncheon, shoudl   followed  His Majesty now... others  are welcome to stay and  enjoy music and sideboards here.. or... take your leave...

  Kree   took up a blueish wine, supposed to be made on  the contested  Islands between the red  Isles and  Mouri..

 Ivy  Followed along,  again, as they  passed  down  columns  to the  outdoors  by  a long ,wide pool   long tables were  set up Cross ways  where the Emperor  sat in the middle  , facing the Pool  with  'The Mound' in the backround to  his left..  Kree's people  were  seated   at the far left end ( mostly because  still wouldn't give up his weapons.)   The woman sat at the Emperor's  left... Axehandle to the Right.. his Predeceases   across from him with thier   escorts...except for  one.  She Looked  desponant, lookign up at the Hallway every time some  one was escorted in.

When the announcement was made, Tyri skipped over to where Kree was and followed along. After a few steps, she linked an arm with Kree's and then the other with Ivy. With an impish smile, Tyri softly sang to herself in her native tongue, the tongue of her particular troupe. Her eyes widened at the change of scenery and she released the cousins, skipping up to the pool and bending over, looking at her reflection. Long honeyed tresses dangled downward, barely kissing the top of the pool. Seeing where the others went, she straightened and ran over to take a seat.

 Elandra smiled took her glass of wine and followed Kree, Ivy and Tyri. Elandra nodded and smile at the guards who let people in, she then looked around smiled and nodded to the Emperor and then took a seat with the other arrows.

 a bit hesitantly, Vilmund follows the group. he was amazed at the apperance of the area, the way it looked was like .....a temple.

Envlo kept to himself, enjoying the music and dancing a little, hoping that things stay relatively peaceful. When the group moves for dinner he tags along, bowing slightly to the king before he sits down at the table. He looks around his surroundings, visibly impressed by the architecture.

  The Emperor stood, he raised his Goblet  and said,As is my wont, I open this luncheon with a toast to one of the Gods.... In this case.. in Honor of  our Former Captain and His people.. I offer a Toast to Etta and Netta.. the Ladies of Luck.

 Kree , Ivy and  Reedrick stood  as  did the woman next to the Emperor  , general Axehandle

 to  the right  of the Emperor and on the  other side of the table  The   Head Priest of the Alpower  slammed his  goblet down, causing a bit of a splash.. which he snapped at servants to clean up..

 The Emperor  looked at  The High Priest..before i go into anything esle... High Priest Fassit?   You do not order my servants  around..This is  My..house..if you will. These people are  not slaves..some are Volunteers, some are paid..some are both...  The spill was caused  by your  Own actions... You will clean up your own mess......NOW! the last word  shot out like a fireball.

Issna?.. Give the  High Priest your   towel and   basin..please...

 The Middle aged  woman   held Out the Basin with shaky Hands.

 Fissit , who still had not stood...I will not!... I am not  a Slave....

 The Emperor  tilted his ehad, a look of amusement on his face... The woman whispering to him. he held his  free hand  to forestall anymore  words  from the  woman as he said.....and Yet?.... you treat my household as such?

 Kree set his Goblet down  and  started to walk around the farside of the table..Ivy swore    under his breath  and    Reedrick   down his goblet and refiled it as he shook his  head.

 Captain?

 Kree stopped a moment, bowing slightly with a hand on his heart...Forgive me, Your Majesty? But.. this  is something that needed ended... The Ladies are waiting for thier toast....

  two  guards from the  Alpower Temple stepped  Up, only to be brushed aside    by  4  Palace  guards    whe  stood  ramrod stiff as Kree  passed them with a Nod of thanks, more them one of them smiled.

 Do you seek to ...force be to do a Slave's Job!  he snarled  at The elf...

 heavens  forbid..Most respected  Fissit? I have come to Help..I would not expect  this  fine woman to do the Job of a slave, for  some overly  pompous robe wearer?... But ..she does  seem to be  feared...of The Alpower.. so I am here  to show  her..and everyone.. how  stories  can be deceiving..

 Axehandle   buried  his face in one of his hands.. Nelk, the  Emperor  titled his head his his angy face  gaining some Humor.

 Kree took the Basin and  nodded his thanks to the woman who retreated , very fast.

..If I was a Holy  warrior?..or lover of the holy scrolls... i might just debate?... But  since i am a ...mere   sell sword..  again, he put a hand on his chest  and turned to the the  ends of the table, causing many to chuckle...Fissit  glowered.

 ..This  puddle of wine?.. could be seen  as the Alpower... His Priest slamming the Mug, causing the wine to spread  over the Table..The Emeperor's Table!... just as it would in  The Plank..or the home of   a fisherman?.... The Alpower  struck.....

 Even Fissit watched now.....This Basin of of clean water..unstained?... could be the people around ?...  kree    wiped up half  of the wine  and   put  the cloth  into the water...

 ..notice how the water  has been stained , by the wine..though the stain,,,is not  as dark ...as the pure wine on the table?

 Fissit was about to say  something when Kree held   a finger up to his face to silence him...

 ..Now..Fissit's  treatment of Good woman Issna.. is his part of the wine that is left on the  table... the stain will grow, deeper if not cleaned   soon?....

 Kree  put the    towel into the water  and wiped the   table clean. the towel was now  dark  red.. the table clean and white.. and the water  Pink...

 As you see?.. the  water, is  , only slightly tainted  by the wine? But still able to  clean the  deep, dark stain that was on the Table.... This  towel?.. This towel is .."luck"

  people  Murmured Nelk   titled his head again.....Go On Captain....

 ..It is plain , that Good  Fissit, would not..'lower' himself  to perform  actions that all of us here..Even the Good Emperor do everyday..

 Reedrick  shouted,..Dat's  fer sure, wit you folks  eatin' like Livestock at me place!

 poeple Laughed.. kree  grinned and pointed the  Towel to  Reedrick.

 Though Many Folk think  The Alpower  is ..the  highest power.. it is not? Luck..is the highest power..and that is why the Gods  separated  Etta and Netta...those of us who  worship/serve and call upon the ladies, find ourselves, better off then most...

That is Blasphemy!

 ..not for me? I do not follow the Alpower...

 please..go on...are food is waiting...

 ..Since the Good Fissit would not clean   this  stain..it would be bad luck for him, since. He would have to be banned from the palace..or   sent to the prison or work fields  for a 10 day?... This..he knows  would  cause  some  upheaval  in the   zealots who follow  The Alpower.... Good Luck  has  brought me here.. so I could Clean the stain for him, and thus save him from such  problems, as well as the Throne?

 however?... Luck demands a price.. you must take a chance... for ill or good, esle wise..Luck does not enter into it..since Fissit did  take a chance, by defying  the Throne..in his own house... and I came  to Nullify  that  chance.. there still has to be a reckoning...

 Ivy   giggled  a bit as his eyes lit up.

 ..Your Robes...Good Fissit. they are not the Light cloth...Silk.. but thick  wool, is it not?


 Fissit  nodded with anger and a red face as he sat there  enduring this idiot's ranting..

  Those   chains of office..Gold.. the  Alpower symbol must weight.. 5  pounds or more.. your  weapons  belt with your  Dagger and   Silver mace.. and Your  boots.. thick , leather..many a trooper would love to have boots like that in the field...

 Fissit nodded a bit as he  brush 'unseen' dust from his   think , wrist length   sleeves

  Kree turned  and wrung out the towel.. the deep  red wine  splattered over the  Robes of the High Priest...

 Fissit  stood Up  swearing ,he was at least a head taller then Kree..YOU FOOL!


 Kree  held a Hand up...that was  Ill Luck. for having me do a job you should have done yourself, without whining like a goat in heat!

 ..You will Clean this..NOW!

 Kree  shook His head...now..Good Fissit, Comes the reckoning... Luck  has  sent me to  teach you..you seek to prove the Alpower... So.. we will see  who  prevails... Should I clean your Robes?... Luck  is on my side  as that wool gets  stained.. with every  breath we take...or?.. will the Alpower  aid you?

 ..aid me?

 Kree jammed the Towel into the MAn's chest, and  a fierce  look , almost, animalistic , Took over   his features as she pushed the Alpower  with  all speed and anger  in his body, letting the priest go   when they reached the End of the Pool... The  High Priest   landed  some 10 yards from the edge, the water soaking into the robes, the weight of   equipment and   accessories   dragging him down  below  the  surface.. the towel..however  flaoted on the top of the water.. the stain slowly leaving the    fabric..

 the two   Guards  tried to  reach the Pool, kree said to the Palce Guards.....Throw them in as well.. we will alow the Alpower some aid, since  it is Inferior to the ladies...

 the Guards  went in and sank with thier   brestplates, greaves  and Helms

   Kree took up the Basin and Handed it to Issna  with a deep bow, Thank you...Goodwoman Issna...

   the splashing did not last long  as the three who were at the bottom of the pool were  almost  finished , struggling.

 You will all notice.. that both the towel,,, and the Priest's   robes  will be clean from the stain... the water  will , nay be colored , because of the amount of Pure water...that  removed the stain..

 Poeple watched  Kree Move to his seat and take Up his Goblet...

 ..now?  where were we?
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:57, Thu 09 July 2020.

 Elandra watched and listened as Kree talked of the Ladies of luck, Elandra did not like the Priest of the Alpower that was evident of their discussion earlier. Elandra smiled as Kree went through his story of luck and the pompous Priest. Elandra wondered where he was going when he cleaned up the spill, then finally the Priest and his guards got what they deserved.

 When all was done Elandra bowed and said," Emperor it seems Captain Kree and his Ladies of Luck have brought Peace to this luncheon and the Lady Amot will smile on all of us now as well. May Peace be with all of us on this day and many more to come."

 Vilmund stood as Kree pushed the priest towards and into the water, ready to defend his boss if necessary, but when the palace guards made their moves, he stood his ground and sat as Kree turned and naturally strode back to his seat.

Tyri jumped slightly as Kree threw the priest into the pool, her lips the shape of an o. She didn’t understand what just happened and why and why everyone else seemed pleased. Why invite the priest if he wasn’t actually wanted there? That confusion was clear as she looked to Ivy. “I...don’t understand,” she said softly fully aware of her own ignorance to the truth of the situation.

A small smile formed on her lips as she watched the display of dominance and slightly shook her head. Her hand found it's way to the hilt of one of her hidden daggers but released it when it was apparent that Kree had the situation under control. Instead, she took a sip from her glass, continuing to observe.

Envlo gazed on in silence at the display, in utter disbelief as the priest was thrown to the pool. The hand holding his glass of wine trembled slightly as he listened to Fisset's cries, the sound of struggling and splashing before the noises were drowned out and eventually silenced. He glanced around, reading the room, becoming a little bit calmer when it seemed that no further fight was immediately going to break out, that at least the palace guards seemed to side with Kree. The scene was sudden and graphic to what he was used to and to the overall enjoyable day so far, but violence did seem to be the norm in these lands, so he kept quiet and looked over at the Emperor, curious to see if there would be any further reaction or punishment for Kree's little 'performance.'

 IVy  smiled...The Priest of the Alpower...and his god, have over stepped..The Last High Priest of the Alpower   had  conspired to  abduct that woman-child  who is without excort...We brought her  back, and...exposed to   plot as well as  traitors in the household... but like roaches,  you can never  kill them all

 we are mercs... we only hold   siler as our  god...at elast that is  what bards  say of Sell swords..in the  paste?.. we have..indeed, served  the Throne... and each time  we come to the palace  to get our pat...for everyone to see..

 ..Now?.... Had the Emperor  removed him... or had him set away... those who follow the Alpower, may  join hand s and rise  against him... But Kree, who is less then liked in most places.... everyone  can shout at?...And?  the Emperor  could  do nothing, since...at no time..Did he Order kree to stand down..

 Reedrick snorts,This eating has  Just begun.... we will be findin' why we're here, soon enough... Wish we  could got that  silver  mace..be worth alot of coin ta the Arrows

.........

 As  I said.. To  Etta  and Netta...and to Captain Kreee.. for the wonderful lesson we have been taught this day... aye?

 People  at the  table nodded vigorously    as  everty one sat  down  and a   soup was  served.. with  either  Beef or Fowel to be followed, accrodign to  choice.

Shifting in her seat, Riven leaned in. "Tyri...this world is a dark place and you are going to end up doing things that you don't either want to do or are forced to do. How did you manage to be enlisted into the Arrows with such a naive attitude?" Riven wasn't trying to hurt the young elf's feelings but it had to be said. She seemed to have no idea on how this place worked. Her eyes darted over to Ivy and then Kree, that question clear though her lips didn't speak it again.

She seemed to shrink back in her seat when Riven began to speak, looking down like a child who was just chastised. It was clear that the words stung as she took a moment to compose herself, considering her words. "I...I'm sorry if I am not very good...at being an Arrow...I was raised to try and see the light in everyone...to see the different sides of things..." Her voice was quiet as she fidgeted a bit, her gaze drifting up to Riven and then to Ivy and Kree, needing a little bit of reassurance now.

 Elandra smiled at Tyri and then whispered into her ear, " You be you Tyri you are perfect the way you are, this world has dark and light and it needs both and so does the arrows, the only reason I was fine with this is that Priest was not what he appeared and he was very dark in the heart. Peace will find you, look for your inner Peace tyri and you will be fine."

Diana was never one who was especially fond of visiting the palace.  Trouble always seemed to follow such trips.

Although, she wasn't surprised when the Arrows were offered to lunch with the Emperor.  That did always feel . . . special.

She noticed the new members of the Arrows, but said nothing.  The time would come when she would introduced soon enough.

And they would either prove their worth, or not.

She was still a bit sad about saying goodbye to her friend, Lucy.  The Half Catfolk and half Elf had been a good friend, and certainly proven herself in battle.

So, she ate lunch, chatted with some and just observed.

when the main course  was over and  choice of hot or  cold drinks were offered as  well a chocies of  beery pies  and  thick puddings  for  dessert

  Kree had  Caffe  and  two slices of   a dark berry  pie....

 Ivy took  a reddish berry pie and caffe.

 Talk started    on Business now..most of these people came here on the slight  chance they would  get to plead  thier cases here. rather then on the Open floor.

 Others, of course hwere here just to bask in the glow of the rich.

 A  woman who was from teh Sage  District was to trhe first to talk when  Nelk opened the flor.. she asked  for  coin to help build additions onto the Sage Guild    to help increase  a proper library.

 after  some counter   demands  from the Mage Guild.. Nelk approaved   2000 gold for each, to use as they best though..it wasn't a great deal..but it would hire alot of cheap labor  and good  material

 A fellow who had the sunburned  cheeks of a fisherman  asked  thaat  some of the Navy's excess  Tar  be given to the  smaller..poor  fisher men..his stance was this ' now of the big fisherfolk would be there, had they not started out with  one  leaky boat.... and the smaller fisher mean helped thin the smaller serpents , thus  allowing bigger   ones   to be caught.

 The ruling was  the  smaller   fisherman, had  but to sail to the  Imperial Docks.. he would have the foreman there  provide  each smallboat fisherman 3  buckets of the excess tar. which they would have to apply themselves at thier won boat rest.

 more   items like this  were brought about... One of the  Tax collectors  pointed at  Kree and his people...If  I may?.. why are ....these people...here?

 Kree  was  drizzling  some honey on the   pie , cutting a bit with his  fork and Lookign an the , rather round man.

 We are here...Mster Money Taker, because of everyone here, who is not   in the Emperor's family?... we are the only ones who were invited... while the rest of you jockeyed  for position like a cat in heat...

 The Tax Collector glowered at Kree he smiled as he chewed his  forkful of pie .

 The Good Captain is right..  I did invite him, and we have some words to pass...whick we will do when the meal is done and the rest of you leave...

 folks  mumbled andgrumbled.. Kree  never looked up  as he  sipped form his hot caffe.

 Elandra ate, and when drinks and dessert where offered, Elandra got the dark berry pie Kree chose, and she also asked for a hot caffe, with some cold water as well.

 She listened to the business people brought up, and the Emperor seemed very fair, she was getting to like him a lot so far.

 When the tax collector said these people, Elandra looked around to see who he was talking to, she knew he was talking about Kree and the Arrows. After the Emperor spoke she then knew he had something he wanted Kree and his troupe of Arrows to take care of. She just smiled and ate her pie and sipped her caffe.

Krwyn had observed the goings a the emperors' lunch. Especially the way Kree had dealt with the priest of the Allpower had brought him a lot of satisfaction, besides the satisfaction about the abundant and great food and drink.
But now he is curious too why the emperor has need of the Arrows.

  There  was  some noise   at  Doors   Antok, the Captain of the Guard  Brought  a Red Arrow  to Kree.

 Your Majesty?.... We have..um...One of  our party that had caught up to us.... I would like him to join us  and  get repast?

 ..Of Course..Barrel Maker?... take the Highpriest's seat so  the Arrow can be together..eh?

 The Barrel Maker and His wife  got up taking thier plates  with them... servenats   rushed over  to place   plates and Bowels  for the new  Arrival.

Lysander strides into the hall and takes the seat proffered up to him.  Not much a dwarf likes more than a banquet.

"I could use an ale, here."

 Another Dwarf   sit at the   end of the table next to  a pair of Dark haired Elves...one has green eyes  with golden specks..one  has  blue  eyes  with silver specks...

 The  red  hair  and  bright lightbrown eyes,teh dwarf says,..welcome to the   Arrows.. I'm Reedrick Orebender.. i operate the  'Walk the Plank' inn..its  the ehadquarters  for the Arrows  in Ironmound.... This one 'ere  with them gold shinys in his eyes is yer CAptain Kree Quickshadow.. Hi LT Is 'is  Cousin, Ivyain Nightblade.. I let these others  tell ye there own names... after we're  Done 'ere  ye  come to the Plank with us, so's we can learn about ye..

Tental intended that I meet you.  Hope this works out for the best.

 Elandra smiled at the new Arrow , she then bowed her head and said," Hello I am Elandra Jalvian, Priestess and Cleric of Amot, may Peace be with you my fellow Arrow."

Well met, Elandra.  Peace has not often been a companion of mine.

Tyri just remained in her seat, sulking just a bit that Kree nor Ivy actually offered any kind of reassurance and that feeling of uselessness took over once again. Elandra's words made her half smile but she needed to hear it from the 'bosses.' With a sigh, she finally looked up, making note of the Emperor, the woman, and Axehandle, watching them carefully as she listened to the issues being brought forth. It was, in all honesty, boring and she made a vow that this was not the kind of lifestyle she had ever wanted. She wanted to dance in the forest and the moonlight...be out in nature and just be...free.

Raising his cup of water, and acknowledging the Dwarf, Vilmund, welcome.

 a Bit  after the deserts.  The Footman came in, tapped his staff on the     Tiles and said,All Visitors   Save of the Captain and His Arrows, must leave...The Emperor  offers the  food  still on the sideboards in the BAll room, if you wish to stay... The Palce  will be cleared  in hour  Hour...Those  who are attending, May return for  tonight's party... of...of...

 The woman next to Nelk said, The  Battle of  The Timber  Ferry..

 ..aye..thank you m'lady..The Battle of Timber Ferry...If you all ..Please.....

  People  Got  Up,  Kree  fixed another  Cup of Caffe , sipped  and  walked over to the New  Fellow.

 hail and  well met.. The Fact  that Tental  sent you with a Red Arrow says , he was  in some dire straits, but felt you could  aid us .... once we find out what  the Emperor
 wants from us...we shall head back to The Plank.. and you may learn more  about us..until then.. enjoy this food... The Plank's cooks are good..but they do not see thistype of food to serve us!

Lysander will greet Kree.

Tental felt your needs outweighed his.  He knew you would put my services to good use.  Let me know what you need, I will, to the best of my ability, endeavor to accomplish it.

  There is a  slight  chuckle,..what we do?  is  finish our missions.... and? if  we see  bandits, brigans, pirates or Slaver, we make sure they die... and try to leave some  as a symbol to all who thing  that life is a good way to make  coin...

  Kree reached  for a  roll and nibbled on it  as Ivy  came over....Some bards, who like to look at events from 'the other side'... see us , as just as bad  as those  we kill...but we never said  we were better... we just fight  for better people

I always felt that the greatest good I can do in this world is to reduce the amount of evil.  I never killed someone who didn't deserve it.

"Where did you mainly work?" Riven asked, looking to Lysander. "Sorry...manners...Riven Goldleaf. Mainly worked amongst the Tou with my brother." She introduced herself, sipping her wine.

"I hail from the western edge of the High Peaks Mountains.  Most of my work was in that area." Lysander was somewhat vague, hoping to not have to get too much into his past, as he was a little leery of sharing his past with folks who were basically strangers.

  hmmm. I feel that everyone t'inks as yee, never kilt anyone di'int d'serve it. yeah? Same same fer all, 'me er them'. He again lifts his cup..

the Lingering  folks were  chased out  but the  Guard  with Captain Antok standing By the doors. and Giving a nod.

 The  Dwarven General walked over  with  The Emperor  and The Lady.. they  brought   a pitcher  or  Dark Green Ale...

 Ivy whispered to Vil and Lysander....The good stuff..right there...

 The Woman  handed  Kree  a Bottle of Elven Gold  and held out  two goblets, he  poured   into each..she Kept one and handed another to him.. Kree passed the bottle  down for  folks to choose the Elven Gold wine or the Deep Green Ale...

AxeHandle has a tankard  of the green Ale... Nelk has  a  Crystal goblet of  some  rich pink wine.

 ..Did you have to  have the Guards thrown in the water  as well?

 ..I knew the Ladies of luck, were too much  for the High Priest.. so i sent his  bodyguards in to help him.... Imagine?..if his  robes  and   Jewels  didn't weigh so much..or if his  guards  had  Brestplates of leather , instead of Gold?

  Axehandle snorted..ye  kin expect  some of the Alpower ta come for ye...

 .. we have an old saying?... they can send 100 to kill one Black Timber  Elf?..in the end..100 of them die...the worst that can happen to the  Elf?  is one dies?

 The woman spoke up...before you leave.. you must give me a dance...you hid away all afternoon...

 Nelk  chuckled...she will have her  way. Captain..

 Kree raised his  Glass   as  the  Emperor  took them out to walk around the pool...The princesses went  to the party as well...

 Troopers  took the Bodies of the  guards  and the  Priest from the water, throwing them on a cart.. the Gold breast plates stayed   with the palace..sadly the High Priest's  items would go with him

 The group  walked  the  gardens on one side  the pool on the other.. The Mound  to the left..with the Glimmer of  The Storm River behind it.  captain?.. Tell me True? Did you Attack Mok to make  The Black Timber a Merchant  power?

 The woman  walked on one side of Kree  while Nelk walked on the other....do you think me that much of wit?... I wanted to Kill Merchant Lords who treated thier  folk as slaves...., I went into the sewers to free the Beggar Guild  folk from working for thier Thieves  guild as slaves.....The  merchant Lords  dying, and the Burning of  'The beast of the River" was a Happy accident... and the Allies  we made  with the  3 ship captains  has paid  off.. they have signed  a 4th into thier  group... they are fighting merchantmen  now... and every prize they take will grown that Fleet..whom we will give  safe  harbor  at Merchant's Landing...

 ...and all that was  Luck.....

 Kree looked out to the Mound as he says,..Praise the Sisters...  at the far  end of the Pool The Emperor stopped and said to them all, but looked at Kree.

 Tomorrow  after  Highsun... a Ship docked  near  The Plank... 'The Raining Sorrow' is loading  some Goods  from  Ironmound..nothing too big..but ? will fetch us   goods or coin in return... Your  Group will go along with them, as   Hired  guards... The Raining Sorrow  will be flagged as an Ironmound  Merchant ship... she'll be fair game on the river..but cannot be harmed  By Olant, unless they  risk Bringing Ironmound regulars to   take over thier town.... being  a 'free city'..thier trade with HArgen, pirates and Slavers  cannot be punished out  right...but.. people die in the night all the time..

 ..Begging your  pardon, Your  Majesty..you are sending Arrows...My Arrows... just  to knock off a few  pirates and slavers ...

 Nelk smiled,Such a  Quickmind..no..of course not... I am sending you to Kill a Hargen Slave master named  Trin Vespo..she   works    in the Highpeaks and the river...even goes up as  far as Yad... , she'll grab Ironwood  elves  and send them up the Widow River on ships that have  Moored in Valley  that the Widow  river  travels through...I wish you to go to Olant and slay her, and as many of her people as possible.. if she is  not in Olant.. destroy what you are able and Hunt her down..

 Axehandle cleared his throat.......A certain, Captain  Barga Attif... who runs her ships for her, send   the hand back of  one of our  Young Captains who  had lead a   small force to try to stop the slavers...we knew it to be his hand, because of the   Ironmound Tattoo on the back....

 Nelk waved his hand,..yes..yes..very grisly and all that... Trin is said to have a Tattoo of a Hargen Eagle  on her neck?  I would like to have her head  to send back... Just to make things even and all?..Hmmm?

 Ivy speaks up...so?..you wnat us to do..what a compliment of Ironmound regulars  could not?

 The woman  looked at Kree then to Ivy...They are..just that..Ironmound regulars..they might be tough and have discipline , but they cannot  do  in the streets and   forests, what you do

 Reedrick   looks over and snorts, then says,what's me lads and Lasses going to get paid fer this?

 when the ship sails..I will have 1000..gold..pieces  sent to The Plank.... when you return with the  head, Tattoo in tact.. you will be  rewarded with another 1000 gold  in the palace to show  all the loyal subjects  that  we cannot be trifled with.....

 ..what is the rules.. what can...and what can we not, do?

 Why..Captain?  I am but  a mere  sage and Budding magic user.. the practice of Mercs, is far beyond  my wit!...I should say, the fellow and his people who  crushed Mok  and Killed the Beast of The river, and  crippled   Mighty Tou, should have  no  Problem with a mere slave trader?

 The  woman smiled over the rim of her Glassespecially one whom  The Sisters Favor?

 ..the Sisters  , if they Favor me at all..it is because  i see them for what they are..not what others have made them to be.... and?  if there  are  any gods  out there, that i would fear to make jests about...it is  The Sisters...Luck does not  care how high noble you are born

 we will do it....Should Keep Tou folk from  dying in Ironmounds  streets  for  a month or so...

 ..very  good..let is go and make our after Lunch appearance  before  we  rest  for tonight's  party

 As they walked to the   tables  to make thier  way back to the Ball room...Kree said,Ironmound lost the Battle of The  Black Timber ferry

 Nelk nodded,indeed we did?..and to this day, you have Goblins    running the  ferry.. a big slap in the Face to Tou..i should say!

 why should  you..ironmound's Emperor, celebrate a defeat?

 ..Because..The Timber is a grand allie  now... and the   war that was fought   showed the world  how mighty the warriors  are in these lands...and now?.. all those people are of one mind...

 'cept  Tou..they have no mind...Ivy  chirped

  they  finished thier  drinks, and Moved towards  the BAll room....
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:50, Sat 11 July 2020.

Riven walked alongside the others, listening quietly. At Ivy’s quip, she found herself shaking her head. No...they were smarter than they were giving them credit and she knew firsthand. But then again, this group seemed more straight forward instead of what she was used to...gathering information to help the mission be successful…even down to impersonating a slave.

Krwyn grins as he hears that their task is hunting a slaver. A difficult one perhaps, but nevertheless.

Lysander has had experience with slavers and they were no friend to him.  More than one childhood friend was stolen from the fringes of town, never to return.  He was old enough to remember a time when the kids were allowed to play unsupervised, but those days were past.  The slave trade, as well as the many evil creatures that had moved into the western mountains, made parents reticent to let their children out of their sight.  It would be nice to get some payback.

For now, he would keep his own counsel, being the newest member of the Arrows and not wanting to overstep his bounds.

He followed into the ball room, staying near enough to hear, but far enough away to not be noticed.

   The  group enters  the BAll room . The  Woman  waves  to  Band  and Kree gives in to Dance with her, other people took to the floor , once the  Emperor  returned.

  other folks  Milled  around  watching  the  Arrows.

Tyri stayed near the back of the group, looking around at everything as they walked, mulling over what Riven had said. It was true, she knew that she was naïve when it came to a lot of things but at least she was willing to learn. The first fight she was useless but in the fight at the Plank, she thought she had done fairly well. It was just a matter of learning. She knew that she could never harbor such a strong hatred for anyone and maybe…just maybe that was her own power in itself. When they walked into the Ballroom, Tyri took a deep breath and closed her eyes, feeling the music with every fiber in her being. After a few seconds, her spirits seemed to lift, her smile returning. Maybe she would have a private conversation with Kree about it all when the chance arose.

She watched as the woman took Kree off to dance and smiled and looked to Ivy. "Will you dance with me Ivy?" she asked, giving him an innocent look.

 Elandra walked and listened and prayed. The Emperor wanted them to hunt down and kill a slaver, Elandra had no problem with this and she also prayed to Amot for guidance. Elandra just kept listening and taking in everything she could and remembered it, the slavers name the tattoo, etc.

 Once they where done talking they moved back towards the ballroom. Elandra also watched Tyri she was having some issues but she will find her Peace. Once in the ballroom Elandra smiled and looked around and went to the side wondering who would ask her to dance first this time.

 having never been in a palace, Vilmund is still struck as to how things are being done, and the things he is seeing. however, he walks among his group as a member, and will do what needs to be done to protect them. He is standing at the edges of them , and on guard if anything  were to surprise them.

Ivy  smiles  and  Takes  Tyri onto the   floor,

The Woman shouted to the Master Bard...Nay!...Not the  Delicate  Tou.... Play Somehtign the Captain can dance to!..Some  thing from the trees  and   Mountains!

  She waved people  into Lines  with with Partners.

 Elandra  with a  Fellow from Try..A Holy warrior  By his   Look.. Reedrick found himself with a rather stout  Baker Guild  woman

 Rivens  had   some  Horse officer from Trok, who seemed a bit  more  .'.manly'. Then those from Tou, perhaps there  place on the map  with no one behind them , made for tougher Souls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8NfUBUetZw

 The Drums  started  and Kree Smiled  at the Woman..

  people stepped  making boots  and clapping of hands, and slapping of thighs  match the  bard's  drums  while soem played  flutes and Pipes...

 Kree and Ivy did  well at this    dancing.. Lift  one arm and  turning thier heads the oppisite way  as they  Boots, moves  with  speed and,, yet seemed effortless... then  the othe r arm and  turnign the  Head.. and the line loved the other  way.

 The Woman Laughed, Over Joyed  as she  fill   into step, clearly know the  dance.

  Some of the 'gentle Folks' could not  keep up..others  were confused , as they   watched the  speed of  foot, and  the change of  Lines..  some dropped up, and  the  Emperor  would  roll his  hands  to the Bards to keep this  tune going..

 by the thrid  type. omnly those who  Knew  or  caught on were leave.. Kree and Ivy  Grinning at those who stayed on the  fllor.. The woman laughing like a school gril

  The Emperor    , at the start of the 4th time  through.. Joined in, and..was surprisingly good...  the p line loving on  way as the   feet  arms  and  claps lept  time... then head back the other  way...claps  from the crowd  kept Time.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:04, Sun 12 July 2020.

 Elandra danced with the Holy Warrior, she really liked the beat and really got into the dance, letting the music guide her as she quickly followed along and kept pace, all that time dancing in the temple was now paying off.

Tyri picked up the steps quickly, a grin on her lips. She didn't give anyone a hard time about dropping out of the dance, instead just focusing in on what she was doing and the fun that she was having. She was delighted when the Emperor joined in, laughing and having a grand time with the dance.

Riven accepted the offer to dance with an actual smile. "I warn you...it has been some time." The first go was more her trying to remember the steps but as it continued on, they started to flood back along with the memories of her childhood. There was a sudden lightness there in her demeanor as she danced, something she hadn't experienced in years. "What is your name, Sir?" she asked a bit breathless as the dance continued. Whether he lasted the whole time, she was actually enjoying herself.

 teh human   struggled a bit... Callen of Trok... I am Captain of  a Light  horse unit..we patrol from  Trok to the Sea...along  with our allies of the trace Wood..i ahve seen many a  fest with dancing like this...save? I am nay and elf.. so my steps are not as light!

  at the  end of the  5th  time The emperor  who was breathing hard and Laughing. The woman  Clapped  and  Gave kree a  Hug...

 all  right?  One More..  another Lively one for the Elves!...and the Dwarves.... COME  human folk?.. you line up on my side.. let us  see who might  do this dance?  Those  who have not the heart to dance?  clap along...

 My dear?.. show the  steps!

 The Woman stepped out   and   did  some   high stepping   again there was arm Flair   and   and hip clapping, dossing of her   Long hair..

 ..Captain?

 Kree  Joined her.. almost seemlessly  they moved  pretty lcoely as  one   arms  raising , heads  turning.. boots   matching    Slipper s as they  touched the   ground...

 RIGHT!!!!  Alright master Bard..5 times through!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkOPPTch3Ks

 the   music  started, as the Dwarcves  and    Elevs  around   picked up the  'village  dancing'  easy enough.. most of the 'proper' humans   had  trouble..thought the Emperor  did not seem  to be one!

“Well met, Callen…I am Riven and you seem to be doing just fine,” she laughed lightheartedly, a sound that sounded so foreign to her own ears. When the call for all the humans to line up on the Emperor’s side, she gave him an encouraging smile.

Lysander thinks the music not much different than what he has hear at home, and the dance is simple enough.  He feels that he can move with the beat and not make a spectacle of himself.  He does note that the humans seem to have two left feet.

She watched the woman’s steps and when it came time for them all to join, she did it with her typical enthusiasm, beaming in pure joy. Having large groups to dance with had always been something she enjoyed immensely. It was a show of skill along with just enjoying what others could do. There was no sense of competition to show others up, just enjoying the company and the music.

 Elandra watched closely she didnt think she could follow as fast as the elves but she tried and actually just watched Tyri and she tried to follow her. If the Holy Warrior still danced with her she would say before they started," You are very good at dancing good Sir, I am Elandra Jalvian Priestess of Amot, may Peace be with you,"

  when the Songs were  done.. The Emperor    gathered the Arrows  together on the flor.. The Lady was smilign   and   Hung on Kree's shoulder.

 Though almost everyone could hear, The Emperor talked  as if they were to only peple in the Room.

 ..I thank You Captain, and Your people... You came  as  directed.... You stood your ground  and excepted the  ruling... You come as always..never asking ..more times then not, you  bring happiness.... and   Understanding....

 His hand   motioned  to the lady.....it is not often, i see  my Lady smile so, the Joy  you brought her, as you and your people joined in dance, is not  somehting i see  often in the confines of this  room..

 The  woman smiled  as she  stood  away from Kree.

 Your Majesty... we are Crimson Arrows...not beggars, Mayhaps there will be  a Time that  we might be forced  to ask for  aid of some type...but it  will not  be for greed's sake..

 looking at the Lady and  then the Emperor,..Your Lady picked  fine Songs,  and  she moves to them as if  born to the wood herself.... I should Think, if you ever travel to The Timber.. you will fined  the  Village squarer, more welcome then the Confines of  marble and granite..and..more pleasing to the eye...if that eye loves nature.

 The  woman laughed , almost musically ,I know you , Captain..you  would have been less..the eager dancer.. If  a Tou waltz  or  Ironmound two step would have been played.

 Kree bowed to her slightly,..Then, Good LAdy... you are a master Tactian , Perhaps   one day,  You and I and the Emperor  should play  , Armies  of  Power?

 ..Gods  for bid, Captain!..I lose   , even to my daughters!..perhaps  My lady and Axehandle  could best you..

 ..I have No Doubt, your Majesty... I am just a simple captain...

 Yes..of course..... Now.. I Must go ... it is time for  a council meeting and the  people must  ready the   Room for tonight's celebration... feel free  to take  something with you, to eat on the way home!


   they left, the Lady takign   Nelk's arm  Kree   went  to the drinks table  and  asked  for a Bottle of Elven Gold... Ivy got a bottle of Engar white.. a creamy lookign  wine  from some white , think berry...

With the dance completed, Riven gave a curtsy to Callen. "Thank you for the dance. Mayhaps we will meet again." That genuine smile graced her lips once again before she turned and joined the other Arrows, listening to what the Emperor had to say and watching the bit of banter between the woman, the Emperor and Kree. The smile slowly left her lips as reality came back. Licking her lips, her hand unconsciously moved to the still healing cut upon her jawline, knowing that it would leave a scar. But it was just one among many. When all was said and done, Riven grabbed a mug of some ale and downed it quickly.

Since he wasn’t wearing his gear, Tyri skipped up behind Ivy and then hopped up onto his back, wrapping her arms loosely around his neck/shoulders and her legs around his waist in a piggyback style. “Oooh what are you grabbing for us?” she asked before bestowing a soft kiss to the side of his neck.

 Elandra finished the dance and bowed to her partner and smiled for the lovely dances." Thank you for the dances good Sir." Elandra would take a dessert and a bottle of Elven Gold, and then follow the others.

  Ivy   chuckles ..I got Engar White.. and.. I am Getting my  Bow  and Quiver.

  Antok Fell in line with  Kree,..You did  well?..Only three deaths this time?

  Maybe the Emperor is just  runnign out of people for me to kill... how many Tou  bastards  did your people  kill outside?

 4?..but... The High Officer  was not one of them...

 he would have been dead last Night  if those  Dandies  were not with him. I cannot Kil Palace folk without a good r4eason..

   the group moves  through the  passage  to  grounds... once again  certain troops  snapped to Attention when Kree  Past..and he made sure to acknowldge them.
\
At the bridge Antok  shook Kree's wrist.....good  Hunting  , Captain..I hope you come back  with the same amount of people you leave with!

"Oooh sounds delicious," she smiled and slipped off his back, groping his backside before moving off to the rest of the group. Skipping along, she moved beside Kree, humming softly to herself though she was listening to the conversation between him and Antok. She offered Antok a smile. "Thank you...mayhaps I will be able to dance with you next time." There were no thoughts about her possible demise on this adventure.

Lysander enjoyed the dance, but was glad it was ended.  He wasn't here for frivolity.   He kept pace with the Arrows as they the palace, hoping to get started on their quest.  It was interesting to see how his future companions handled themselves away from the fray, but he looked forward to seeing them in battle.

 As the Emperor and his Lady left, and the others heading to the sideboards, Vilmund found another chunk of ham and took a slice or three for his walk home.

walking down the Road of Kings, the Group watches  Highborns  and   'Fat Purses' moving away from, and towards the Palace ..  Carriages    ride past with the  driver  snapping Out   at them, and  Kree giving some Pompous  lordling   a look , normally reserved  for slavers.

 The   South west way was  Busy, caravans  comign  into the city as the Guards  resumed thier  checking of goods and such.

  when they neared  the Main road  the  saw the beggars  corner..with the  usual mix of   people ignoring...distaining..or helping the  beggars.. One Little Girl stood as she  saw  the Arrows.. and stood up, holding her  bowl  out towards them, regardless of the Distance.

  Kree Handed ther Bottle of  Elven Gold to Reedrick  as the dwarf  Complained   about  carrying every thing.

 when he reached the Child, he made  the show of opening his   purse  and drawing out  2 Silvers, that caught  almost all the people's attention, as brass bits  and Copper   were the Normal fare.

  The Little  Girl   smiled  and thanked him talking   softly to the Elf , who gave her  a  pat on the  shoudler, then tossed  a handful of  copers  for those  Beggars  who hand crowed around, sending them scrambling for the coins.

  when he came  back Reedrick was grumbling  about waiting in the sun, like some  elf-flower...

 They walked towards the bridge and Ivy waited for a minute  or two.....well?

 ,,Tou folks have hired some  more  listless  mercs to try and Kill us..one  group  is to be somewhere between here and Tou.. the other Group , to wait in the plain  between   Tracewood  and  Ironmound...

 ack... well.. I'll send a runner  throught the North gate  with some fishermen, get the runner on the shore to  go to trok and  have them message The Trace... that shoudl  take care of them folks.... But wadda we do about hem , that's on the road to Tou?

 ..noramlly, i'd say  let them be.. we're going  down river in a ship.. they cannot  touch us there? and Tou will be paying them, or they will go away  for free?...but..I am not fond of folks talkign  coin to kill us...

 ..Nara?....

 Aye.. they  can turn who they want from teh rgoup..eat the others..keep coin and gear for themselves, its been a while since  we served  some one up to them..

 Reedrick  shook his  head,..I ain't never gonna get used to working  with Undead....

 ...thier  clan has proven themselves , Ivy  will send the  Message tonight, as Dusk  appears..

 the  sun   shone on the   dark Blue water of the Storm River... they watched  the  South Gate opening agonizingly slow  as two  large Merchant Vessels  waited at the Dwarf made islelnads where  the river watch  made thier checks..

a LT  Of  the Ironmound regulars    road  his   horse   up and down the bridge....Clear the  Bridge..Ships  coming through!

"Is Nara another Arrow?" Riven asked quietly, gauging her surroundings once again. She knew that there were multiple Arrow groups  but not who all belonged in what chapter. Even though her body language seemed lax, internally she was on high alert.

 Ivy said  softly,..she was.....

 she is.....

 Bloody terrible , if ya ask ,me...

 ..Indeed...But Ivy would not be here , if not for her   and the clan that took her in... I give the Lee way, because of that.

"What happened?" Her eyes narrowed just slightly. It was obvious they weren't being forthcoming with the information she desired. This person seemed to work with them so she didn't understand the cryptic answers.

Ivy was sent  with a small group to try to ambush, what was  thought to be  bandits..turns out they were slavers.. the fight was  worse then they  Thought, but they More or less had the  slaves  on the Run...   One  slaver, Played   dead.. and as Ivy was Picking the locks to the cages.. he  would have shot  Ivy ..point Blank..

 ..instead.. Nara, who was only on her  second  Mission   , tried to push me out of the  way and took the Bolt herself.....one of my people took the  man's head.. By Nara would die.. we had no healer, and we used up what potions we had  , the fight before....

One of the Prisoners  was in a cloth covered cage...He said, as thanks, he would save her..but he needed our permission and hers...because the price  would be high...

 Ivy  Looked out over the river  as the   started  down the  other  side.. the  Middle  parts of the bridge  were raising to allow the Masts  of the two big ships to enter.

 ..I Agreed... It was my fault she would die... so i wanted her saved...she  couldn't speak  to answer...

 ..the fellow  was a Vamp.... he turned   Nara..  His  nest had been attacked by the slavers, because they found he had  some humans who were  weakened by feeding.. they had  wounded him enough to capture him..figuring to sell him to  the Wizards guild in Tou for  experiments  and  spell components .. IVy  allowed him to go.. the  leader
 Promised to work with  the Arrows, if  we promised  not to hunt them...... They live in some  ruined buildings  in the plains  between Bowshot and Tou... they hunt  slavers, bandits  and Catfolk.. whey take   animals when the   prey is scarce  ... we will signal them when we captures too many live slavers and such? I mean,  we can't stake everyone to trees... and if  we feed too many to serpents, they come to expect it...but when you hand them over to Vamps..well....there is no good thing, that will happen.. they also come in handy  for  handling other Undead...

 one day..someone's gonna offer  us a contract to clean that clan out....

 ..perhaps, but i wil not be among those  who go....unless? they go  rogue  and   stating  taking people from the patch houses  along the river.

"Seems your luck only applies directly to you both," she stated, going quiet for a brief moment. "Since it was what I primarily did with Mihail, if infiltration is needed, that is my area of expertise. We have worked together before though you don't realize it. That story you told of my brother, that was my Intel that allowed that to be successful and you both basically 'freed' me." A small smirk found its way in her face. "Just don't hesitate to ask something of me along those lines of needed. I even come with slave scars." She said flatly.

Wathcning Kree give coins to the beggers, and then coming back to the group he understood. Aye, the b'ggers be yer messengers? Or was it just a simple t'ing to get information easily?  And if t'ey not all be yers, who takes care of t'e rest of 'em? T'er be a place t'ey can go fer food and such? He looks up and down the street for any of the temples he would think would feed and help the street dwellers.

 as they turn  down The Street of Wares, seeing the Docks in the distance. Reedrick speaks up...

 .. the  Beggars  have their own guild.. they are one step down from the Thieves Guild.. Most company pay thieves for information... we have  an agreement witht eh Beggars  Guild..not all beggars like us,,, just like  anyone  else ...but thems  that do, we treat right... and  no Arrows  should even see a Beggar bein' mistreated  and Not  do sumpin a bout it.. Now? ye Gotta be smart, ya see.. some  kick gettin' kicked or punched, havin' there  bowl looted... ye  just give the  kids a nod, an' you follow the batard that done  the kid  wrong.. then?.. ye get even.. ifin ye kill the bugger ta death, ye split the coin and  give half to the beggar kid...

 Kree  nods  as the  walk along..a Burly Northman with  a Bundle of furs  heading to sell his ware   Bumps into Kree, and  Finds Himself  stumbling against  the  wall of the  next Building without kree even looking Back..

 ..some beggars..stay beggars  all thier lives?..its  an easy way to make  coin, save for the winter....alot of the beggars  turn to the thieves guilds..and more often then not, those  that we helped...help us  back..so you spend  some coin to the  right beggar.. the word  gets around... The Black Serpents?..they do not get any help from Beggars, cause they as soon as Kick one aside, then look at them...but them kids?  they see our  symbol, and they know we will aid them...and that gets  us more help then most..

 Ivy Looks at Tyri.....like the little girl last night?.. and the 'drunk' who bumped into me...

"Oh...they work with you guys? That's neat. I had no idea," she gave Ivy a smile. There was so much for her to learn in the ways the Arrows ran. She skipped along and grabbed ahold of Ivy's hand as they continued to walk.

Lysander thought to himself that the city worked very different than a dwarven community.  He was used to all but the elite working together for the good of the community.  This separation of classes, while useful in ways, was unusual to him.  But, there were few beggars in a mining town, as there was always work to be found, if you could stand the dark most of your days.

He continued to stay with the Arrows, looking forward to seeing, and joining them, in action.

Huxtar had heard the tale of the vamp clan before, but even so he wonders about this most unusual cooperation. "It is perhaps comparable with the orc cart here in Ironmound. Almost everywhere orcs are detested and hunted, but they have proven their worth for Ironmound and that brought them their own place in town with their own specific task."

Hearing of Orcs being accepted in the city makes Lysander's blood boil.  He lost friends and family to the Orcs in the wars just 60-70 years ago.  It is still fresh in his memory.

  They started down the  small slop to the Docks.. they could see guards  with crossbows  and  swords out  as  prisoners , chained by the  ankles  were   setting   more stones in the river  wall, against the floods...

 not to be missed  was some red  in the waters  and torn clothing, and   the broiling of water.

 ..looks  like  them Pirates had some bad luck... first they get caught.. then one falls into the water...

 Krwyn... that Clan of orcs porved themselesv to Ironmound... they fought  with the Ironmound  dwarves  and Humans  against the High peaks dwarves  and  Balck timber Elves...but.. when the  truce was called , they  stopped  fighting.. Nelfs granfather  gave them  the corner  on Ironmound were they have a Pallaisded  area... the  man that wall and they  move the orc carts... very rarely do they kill folks , save for self defesne  or  to save someone  who  are being attacked...They belong here more then Ivy or Myself... as my people fought against these people..

 Elandra walked and listened at the talk of the undead that made her skin crawl, undead where not at Peace, everyone could see the look on her face as they talked of the Vampires. She said nothing and just prayed to Amot for guidance.

 Elandra smiled at the beggers, and gave some coin mostly to the children,she also gave some to the others as well. Elandra was very happy they worked with the beggers , well the ones that like the arrows, the one girl that Kree talked to, Elandra gave her a pice of the dessert she have taken home from the Palace, she smiled and said " May Peace be with you."

 Elandra followed the others she had never been in a real big city before just towns and villages, this was all very new to her.

She continued to skip along, holding Ivy's hand and humming softly. She glanced up to the sky, letting Ivy's hand slip from her grasp, curious on the moon's phase before focusing back on what she was doing. Resuming her skipping, she moved back beside Kree and Ivy. "How many days till the moon is full?" She asked either one.

   Kree, without looking up.....three days  hence..  we should be  near Olant at that time.. since we  will be on ship.

 Ivy   shakes his head,.....you know?   tyhere is the Kings road..right?... we got to Bow shot, take the ferry over,, get some hores   on the far side  and   we can stop at every road  House on the way.. nice  walls..no one bothing us  until we get to Olant...

 ..ye Just  wanna  bed the barmaids in those road Houses,

 they walked  across the  dock,, Kree passed the Plank up   waling  up the 3wharf to  the Training Sorrow... Hail!  the Ship.. where is your Master...

  it was  quiet  before a Young  lad  with a shaky grip on a cross boy stood up from the deck...

 ..put that down , you fool... My people and I are to be  guards  for your vessel... where's the Master...

 ..Master's across the way... Navy docks , he is.. betting  some  true sailors, so he says.... the  crew done  got paid off from out last trip..and  scattered to the winds  like  gulls in a temspest they were... so's  some fella gest us us to run cargo  down ta Olant he says...and the Master  Say..I don't have a Bloody crew..so's this fellow  says.. You and  I and yer  1st mate  will go and  get some  ironmound sailors  ta make the Run... be good trainin' for  them...he says. An' ye  don't have ta pay them, since its navy people...

 Kree   looks across that way where the Navy  houses its peoples and ships, that are in port.

 Right then? Why are you here....

 I Hvae ta stay Sir.. the Master is me Uncle.. and the 1st Mate is me own Brother... so's i got picked to guard the ship, i did.

 ..you? guard the Boat? all by your self.. do you think  you could stop me from boarding?

  Maybe Not, Sir, But  She would....

 A Lizard like  head  rose  above the gunwale  reddish smoke   rose from the  Nostrils ..its    reddish green eyes stared  at  Kree   as it growled...

 Reedrick shouted.....Bloody  9  'ells..its a Bleedin  young Dragon!

 The   Lad  reached out   and petted the creature.....Nay, Master Dwarf, she is a full grown Dragonette.. raised  from a pup she was.. she likes us  well enough... don't care much for people who make us mad though..

"Dragons, I have seen, but not an adult that small!" said Lysander.

The thought of a ship ride filled him with trepidation, he has never been on the water but has heard tales.  Now, standing guard, that is something he can help with.

  So? Lad?... Where  did you get a Dragonette?

  The ilses  near the great Mists, but west of them Red Isle  bottom feeders.. we goes ashore to get  water?..we was huntin' fer  wrecks  and the salvage we could sell.... good  coin in that..goods  fer  free, and charge what the market is , an' all? Well Sir?  These winged little beasties  come  flying about  shootin out  fire  and snappin' at us,, we left them  alone, save to bat them away  so's we  could get the water.. and we saw.. one as big as a cow she was..deader the  Mok serveant.. and  we  found this on with a broken wing..so's the Master  , he picks it up, and the others  fly away.. we fixed her wing.. she could fly away if she wishes..but she awalts  comes abck..

  A dragon? man sized? Demon? What say you fellows? Is thet creture a worthy c'mpanion? Vilmund had heard stories since childhood, and only seen one dragon skull in the north, never looking at one, and it at he!

 Elandra moves forward and smiles at the boy, Elandra looks at the Dragonette and lowers her head then looks up and smiles at her. " She is beautiful what is her name? I am Priestess Elandra may Peace be with you." 

 her name is Hooka.... she is  quite smart...

 Kree Looks at the  Kid  and the  Mule sized  dragonette.

  It is not for us to say... 'tis the Master's   creature.. we are but hired hands...

   Kree Turns to Ivy, Tell Dala  to bring a board of  meet and Potatoes  for the Lad, and  some Bones and   scraps  for the beastie...as well as  drink for the Lad...

 ..The  Weather gets   Bad  Lad?.. gave your creature  go below, and you come into the Plank... I will stand your watch for you...

 Ivy  called into the door   for the  food  and drink.. the  kid  was licking his lips...

 ..not sure the Ship's master will approve of me eating on the Job...

 ..if he has  words... tell him to have them with me... I do not have my people stand  watch unfed... and you can bet  he and the 1st Mate are having thier own  hot food and such

 looking across the  river, the  Captains   boat was only about  3/4 across the choppy waters.. they could also see the first of the Big  ships   coming in.. Thre  masts Sailors  ran up and down the rigging.. the  second ship  was  right behind, two tall masts , but  smaller  then the first.

Her eyes widened in excitement as she looked at the dragonette. "Can I...I mean...would it be okay if I pet her?" she asked, her eyes glued on the dragon's form. Dragons of any kind had only existed in stories to her but yet here she was...looking upon one now. "Hooka? I've smoked a hookah before...it was...interesting..." she chuckled.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:51, Tue 14 July 2020.

  The Kid  looked at Tyri,  you might want to wait until she knows you....she has  eaten a few people...

 Dala   and Cala  came out  ith  food and  drink, one of the  Cooks  struggled  with a  bit  pot of  'leavings'

 The kid licked his lips.....I really...shouldn't...

 Aye?...you should.. your Master does not  need to leave a guard   on  a wharf outside The Plank... we have more people  watching then  you or he could know..but if you
 feel you must, there is nothing wrong with eating..

 Dala  and Cala walk up the  gang way and  give the Kid a  wooden plate with slices of  beef, some bread and a bowl of hot potates...Cala  had a  a capped  container of   cider .

 the    cook  brings the Pot up  and sets  it on the Deck.....ye mind i get my pot back!

 The dragonette   looked over at the pot  and  slurpped  out  some food, the sound of bones crunching made a few  folks  look over at the group.

 ...sun's  on its  way home for the Night, Lad... my offer still hold, you feel the need to rest, you come in the Plank and I will stand your watch.

Kree, If need, I be willin' to spend time on the dock as well. need to get fresh air and the sea salt is good fer ya. He walks over to a pile of cargo netting and crates and sits down. Mayhap a flagon of cold water lass? He says to one of the serving girls when they head back in.

 Elandra smiles at the boy and Hooka, the dragonette was beautiful and amazing she was going to ask to pet her as well but the boy was right, maybe let her know them first. Elandra smiled as the boy got some hot food and Hooka got a bowl of yummies. Elandra smiled and asked," What is your name and how long have you been sailing?" Elandra will also look over the boy for any diseases, illnesses, bruises or injuries as she is talking with him. She wanted him to feel at Peace of course.

"That is fair," she smiled warmly as she looked the dragonette over. She was a beautiful creature and Tyri couldn't help but admire her, the way the light played off her scales....even the sound of the crunching of bone didn’t sway the excitable gypsy.

Thinking it not right that this lad is left to himself, Lysander also pulls up a crate and sits down. "We will keep you company until you uncle returns."

  Kree  Nods tot hem all as he turns for The Plank...we cast off tomorrow .... His Uncle will be   in his Cups  about an Hour from now  as   the  Captains try to pawn of   their  novices  and Bums...Lad?.. You would  do  well to secure your  Bestie  and  Come to the Plank

 he walks   towards  the Inn  with   the two  waitress  hustlign after Him


   Ivy nods. and follows.

Tyri looked at everyone and then turned to skip along after Kree and Ivy. "He'll be in good hands..." she told herself as she reached out and took ahold of one of Ivy's hands and one of Kree's and continued to skip along.

Riven looked at the dragonette but didn't say anything, instead listening to the talking and finding a proper 'perch' for herself. She had no real desire to go inside at the moment so she would help take up the watch. Pulling up the mask to cover the lower part of her face, she slunk back into the shadows, doing what she did best.

Lysander was glad for the cool of the evening,  as it felt more like the mines in the heights.

"Lad, have you ever travelled in the mountains? I  have never been on a boat, myself. "

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 shift to  'Docks"

Luthien didn't come with the rest of the arrows. Instead...he showed up after they left. His mission, after all...was just a little bit different.

So it is the Knight arrives at the party a little bit later than the rest...

He cuts a different figure than the rest of the Arrows, comfortable in the palace and courtly etiquette thereof. In short, even when speaking to the highest of nobles, Luthien basically fits in, though he clearly occupies the role of a Knight.

So it is...when the dance is joined, he doesn't go straight to the princess...no, he's a little more subtle than that. He dances with lady to lady, ever the gallant, until finally, the flow of the dance takes him right to her...

"Your highness..."

  she brightened ,..sir?... I thought you either  forgotten me, or had fallen and the Captain did not tell us...

In reply to luth (msg # 198):

"The captain was never as comfortable in the Palace. It's easier for me to relax when the rest of the Arrows aren't here. And how could I ever forget you?"

Also, nobody can really raz him about the princess if they've left already. Luthien checked several boxes with his delay. There's definite benefits, though, to being on his own, where his courtly manner can stand out.

  ,,, did you meet  Father yet, he  is  around  talkig to some of the people who always Must talk with him..., you should  should make your  hello?  and we can get somthing to eat or drink?

"No, I haven't seen him yet. The dance floor beckoned, and I just had to answer."

Yes, his majesty is important, but...he just had to go to the princess first...

It was courtly, and all that.

  well.. when you are  ready?  let us go and  get the   meeting out of the way....

In reply to luth (msg # 202):

Once there's a break in the music, Luthien goes ahead and heads for his Majesty the king, mostly likely with the princess.

He bows of course.

"Your Majesty."

  The Emperor Looks at Luthien, his look as stern as he looks to the Princess , who smile s  weakly.

  The woman at the Emperor's  side   whispers  something to him.

 Ahhhh.. you have arrived  ... My  Daughters  was....disappointed.. you were not here  witht he rest of the Arrows?... I assume   , you were.....detained?

"To an extent, your majesty. Then again, the Captain was never as comfortable here as I am, and I do fit in a little better."

Kree was an amazing warrior, but he was happiest outside, ending slavery and slavers, and continuing his never ending mission for the woodlands.

Luthien fits in here.

  The Emperor hand a ..somewhat stern smile,..indeed?... It is a pity you were not her  to see  The Good captain demonstrate the Power of   his 'Sisters' ..Vs  the Alpower  High priest..

 the woman said  something.

 ..yes, yes , of course...and his  two Body guards/// it seesm the Alpower  is no match for   Ill fortune  and Good luck, should them be allied against him..


 He begamnto walk to the   table of  food  near his throne, beckoning  Luthien  and the Princess to follow...are  you joining the Captain on the task i set before him.....

Luthien chuckles at that.

"Did he? The Alpower's priests are still not exactly aligned with the world anymore, are they? I'm not surprised he had to deal with one, though I'm a little surprised he had to deal with one here. Were they trying to harm you?"

He nods, though, "Yes, I will accompany him when he leaves."

Most likely. Though...the princess does catch his eye for a moment...

  The Emperor  picks through the  food on the table, sticking things on his plate,..the High Priest seemed to  take  exception to The captain and Arrows  being there..he was one of the  Holy folk who wanted the Arrows  punished for the Tou  troopers and such being killed..... The Captain got in a ...theological  discussing and used the   High Priest as a way to make his point.... quite a fair display i must say?... I mean..if  you god is going to aid someone, should it not be the  high priest?

 The  Woman smield  as she  took some globs of  a dark pudding  and  put  cream over top...

 general Axehandle came over,  Nodding to Luthian, bowing to the princess,your majestyy.. our    lookouts have said there were some....altercations on the Dock, near  The Plank...

 The emperor  turned  with a raised eyebrow,..The cap[ain is alright..is he not?

 ..i would say, ate to that?.. I have sent  runners  to find out ,what has  occured.. there  was a burning boat in the  River, some 20 minutes ago..

 The Emperor  smiled,I do , sooo, like when the Captain is int eh city..things seem...more Lively!  Do they not...

 That is one way to put it , your majesty..

Luthien shakes his head again, with another chuckle.

"It would seem I'm missing the fun, your majesty. Still, the Captain's fine. I'm more worried about whoever he's fighting than him. It is frequently my task to temper him with mercy he doesn't typically show."

The Knight certainly has his fair share of kills on the Ironmound totem, but he's actually prouder of rescuing those misused souls who were never actually evil from the life that would stain them.

 The Emperor  was take to the side  by a Member of the Mouri ambassadors , to talk  about    the new line of shipping that  could now  come through the  trace  Wood  from the lather  River, thus  not having to use the   contentious Storm River as often.

 The Princess looks at Luthien,..should  we take out   food and drink to the  Pool, the Sister Moons  are rising, it  is a very pretty sight  to see them reflected in the  water.

"Let's."

Like the proper Knightly figure he is, he offers the princess an arm to hold on to, as Knights do for damsels and/or princesses.

And then...the twin moons are indeed reflected on the pool. Light and Dark...the Sisters that the Captain worships. Being at the princess's side, however, he cannot help but feel this is good fortune for him...and, of course, a corresponding ill fortune for whoever is crossing the Captain about now. Always balanced.

  The Princess  leans on Luthien  as she takes  a bite  of sweetmeats.    a servant  follows  discreetly with a  tray   of drinks.

 Sitting on a pair  of chairs , made of  bone( some  say dragon Bone), the   servant puts   the tray on a table between then , and steps well off  into the shadows.

 ..so You will be leaving in the Mornign, Unless Your Captain and  your  Comrades  are killed this Night?  I have talked to Father... there  could be an Openign for a Knight in the household guard... You would  not need to  venture across the country side  like
 some  Vorpal bands of  killers.

In reply to luth (msg # 212):

Luthien says, with considerable confidence, "Commander Kree is highly unlikely to get killed anytime soon. He's too good at what he does, and has a very strong band of men with him."

Luthien also considers what she's saying.

"Your father may wish to have me Knighted anyway. Having an official presence in ending slavery around the world is no bad idea. Knight Errants are not uncommon...but that's not why you bring it up, is it? You want me to stay."

  She Nodded  abit, and looked   away, a bit embarrassed...you  could do much good here in the City... your training of  younger  men who wish to be knights, and  your  time spent  with  the Arrows learning to  fight  The Cat folk, and slavers and pirates?

In reply to luth (msg # 214):

Luthien takes a moment to gaze into her eyes, and replies, "If I stayed, none of those things would be the reason why."

They're nice excuses, but they're not the reason.

"...Your father would have to consent to this."

And he may not, given all the things a king has to think about for a marriage alliance.

  The Princess   looks  back,there  are two things  he would want?  He would wish you to  earn some Glory... you have some of that, with the Pin of the Arrows, But... Then, he would want you to brink your  teaching and  leadership to the troops..The best Commanders    Ironmound has, have Come from The Captains  Unit of Palce Guards.. but when one dies..or retires?  they cannot be  replaced., Antok  does a fine Job, and its easy to pick out the men he has  trained, But father  wants the Guard to be , as it once was.

"Some, yes. But is it enough to be more important than, say, an alliance with another country? There may be more yet to earn. ...regardless, we should ask him exactly what he needs to see. We're only guessing."

Training the troops and getting things in order isn't a bad life at all, and it's certainly more comfortable. But...there are people in need out there, and the Commander does a fantastic job at freeing them.

  The Princess   looked  around seemingly  acting   like she   didn't know what  she brought him out there  for.

 Takign a sip of her wine, she said,if you  are to continue to see me?.. you..must ask  father for that right. there are several   officers  who are  trying to  lay suit? , but he has declined to talk to them until your   unit  arrived at the Palace..he was....most...upset you were not here  when the Captain and the rest were here..

Luthien knows that look. She feels he's being dense.

"I'm overthinking it. Alright. Let's see what he has to say."

Well, time to head off to his Majesty. Luthien, now decisive, will simply asks for what he wants...

"...Your majesty, I have a request."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:27, Thu 13 Aug 2020.

   The Emperor  had   finished his   snacks  , as it was. Sipping   a drink  as  two  Sages  moved  away at the approach of  The Princess and Luthien

 Ahh,, the Knight  Arrow.... What request have you?, depending on its nature, i will see if i may make it so?

 the   woman suggestively   ate pudding off a silver spoon  as she  gave Luthien a suggestive smile

Luthien comes straight out with it, as a Knight ought to do.

"...I would like permission to court her."

Her being the princess beside him.

  The Emperor was about to look away  and his  head came back around,you wish to Court , My daughter? one of  the 3 princesses. Last of them, in that fact?... and to what end ?  and  what brought you to this  asking of  this boon?

 The Princess  rolled her  eyes and crossed her  arms, the  Woman moved to her , and gently  pulled her  , slightly away from  where she stood near Luthien

"I believe...there is a mutual desire to see if this is what's best for both of us...and your kingdom, of course."

He can't forget that last part. He knows the man in front of him sure won't.

   Nelk stood Up   and waved to the drinks  table  and began to walk.. the lady and Princess followed a bit behind Luthien.

 THE... Empire..and  not ..My Empire?... My great Grandfather  tried  to make it 'His: Empire, and  Ironmound suffered its only loss  in a war. to teh CAptain's people, High peack  dwarves and   tracewood  folk. granded. the wall was more of a pailsade, but  as we  grow , so do others..one must remember that..My Grandfather.. was not much better?..warriors, the Both of them... My father  dabbled in Magery.. as  do i, and , My weapons  are books and scrolls...

 My father  also saw the Value  in Demihumans?... It is noe accident , Axehandle is my  war commander.. as it was not accident The Captain was the Palace  Guard  Captain.....but6?  demi-humans  have thier  weakness as well... Ironwood elves   sold thier  trees for easy Coin, and  promised  loyality in war.., they are no match  for Black Timber  elves  Some say they even have  wilder   cousins deeper in the forest?... if that is  true, i would not wish to fight them in the trees. he pours   some  elven wine   and  offers some to Luthien

 Now? Dala.. she has some faancy for you, that is  for certain... But ...what  fancy do you have for her?... You see.. THE..Empire  does not care if a princess   is smiling or nay..it  asks, 'what can you do for it"

Luthien considers the arrow he wears...he also considers what he does out there in the wilderness. And then there's further consideration...

"I am not of the wood, but I have their respect for the work I've done. I'd like to see if I can forge a more permanent alliance than what you have. The Captain is currently doing what he wants, and it happens to benefit you. But your people aren't actually coordinated with the Arrows at all.

...The Captain's goal is essentially ending slavery, whereever he finds it. But one band of warriors, now matter how effective, can't actually end it over such a wide area. But...if your troops were to coordinate with his efforts, such slavers would have nowhere to run. Slavery is not a thing that can ever be completely eradicated, much as I wish otherwise. But it's possible to drive it so deep underground it dares not show itself openly ever again. At that point, those who choose to deal with it anyway are living in such fear of their lives they are worse off for doing so, no matter what coin they receive."

  The Emperor  holds  up  one  finger on a hand as the other  hand allows him to sip his  wine.

 ..those  are  keen words..but   they told me nothing i did not Know?.. You brought my daughter back to me close to a year ago?.. I know the Arrows .. I am asking  about You?

In reply to luth (msg # 226):

Luthien also remembered what the princess told him.

"Well, there's more than that. If I were offered a permanent post, I could potentially train your men to be the way it once was around here. I know training has declined, and I'm pretty sure you want to see it ramped back up again."

   The Emperor    gave an Amused  Smile.. Dala  was   tapping her  foot  with crossed arms.

   ... well.. you need to work on  your promises a bit... Hmmmm? How can you  ask  the crowd   for things when you do not promises the  2 moons themselevs!

 ..DADDY!

 the woman  patted   the princess on the back.

 ..Fine...Fine,  lay on your suit? But keep in mind, there are other  from  many cities that purse the daughters of the  Throne?..or..perhaps more honest to say..pursue access ...to the throne..

Luthien laughs at that.

"I am in the habit of only promising things I am sure I can deliver, barring highly unforseen circumstances. But thank you, your majesty."

Luthien pauses, and adds, "...That's not why, ya know. Not for me. Besides, that'd be one of the worst ways to go about it. A heck of a lot of people have to die...and die in such a way that resurrection is impossible...before I need worry about crowns."

Luthien considers again, and says, "...No. That's not what you're implying. You're implying I need to watch myself, because other suitors are likely to use lethal force to remove the competition. ...I will be on guard. And they will find me tough to slay anyway."

   A bit of  a smile from  Nelk, as he says,i have seen  the Captain eneter the chambers , many times over.. rarely, does he arrive, with the  same folks he left with.. you managed to appear..2? 3? times.. that  says   a god bit  about  you...but  not all attacks  come  with a  foe standing in the  light  with his blade..

In reply to Palace (msg # 230):

"It's true I'm best off on the battlefield, and I'm less effective sneaking in the dark. But that is the nature of a Knight. With the Arrows, it was actually the captain and his elven friends who watched the night. My job was to take point, engage in melee with the heavy armor, and let them support with ranged fire...which they are very good at. Well...wherever I stay, I will at the very least invest in the best lock I can afford."

If all else fails, common sense first. And if he really wants to double check, he can pay somebody to watch the night.

    very well,  Good Knight? You will be permitted to enter  the Palace grounds, you will need to send  a runner  if you wise to  see Dala,incase she has  duties to perform ..on times that you need, Guests  have the east  wing of the   Palace to stay... we  can set you up with a place there, should your suite  be accepted  By Dala after a month or so?

"Of course."

None of this sounds surprising to Luthien...there were rules and procedures to follow when royalty is involved. And yet...there was something to be said for playing the courtier for a while.

This...would be an interesting time for him. It's been a long time since he's been in a palace for an extender period of time.

"I'll have to take a moment to inform the Captain of this, as honor demands. Then, I shall set up properly with the East Wing."

 The Emperor  smileds slightly.. Dala looked on with interest...Your choicesa re yours,  But , yes..you must inform  the Captain

Luthien slightly bows, as courtesy demands.

"By your leave, then."

And the Knight turns to go. He knows where Kree will be found...
This message was last edited by the player at 00:35, Wed 19 Aug 2020.

Luthien returns to the palace, in his place in the East Wing. And now...begins the long process of courting a princess...and perhaps making sure his words to the Arrows ring true, and he becomes a prince in truth.

 Antok, the  captain of the   Emperor's guard ( not  to be confused   with the Palace Guard )

  waled  with Luthien  as he showed him where he could, and could not go...he stressed 'getting lost' and being in the wrong place  does not  save you from trying to ...swim across  The Strom to the Plank.

 he was given a schedule  for Lunch , and Dinner ( each would be out  by the reflecting pool)

 and  , any events, which it seems like there was always one  either in the after noon...evening, or Both... where he could  'show up' and.. if 'recognized' but the  Royals, be permitted to attend  the  Princess.

 Antok   looked  around  as he said  quietly,we have many vermin here... They run the gambit of  hargen sympathizers... slaver interests..Sand folk greed?... but the worse of them all , are the ones you will deal with..quite often...The suitors for the  three  Ladies..The Oldest is   all but  committed to a Shipbuilder's  Son in Engar.. having     a close   member of the 'family' will aid  Iron mound in getting  an extra warship or two a year

 Dala is more of a free spirit..and thus, more of a Challenge  for   The Emperor  to handle, Though the Emperor's Lady seens to have   found a  way  to deal with  most times....Her number of suitors  change from time to time, but thier  interest does not....they seek a grip on the  purse strings of   what a princess could do for them... we have Sand Folk  princes.. Mouri merchants  and   Minor lords.. of  course Engar?...Folk from the North.. they  figure  Dala is the   east target, being  3rd born, they thing
  Nlk Lod  will be happy to get rid of her?... but they are  wrong, for an Emperor, he is very much a father..which  angers the daughters a bit..but? also shows them he  does not forget about them.

Luthien realized he'd have to keep an eye out...both with his eyes and his senses. Every time he saw big pools of black, he'd be on guard...heavy guard. There's a reason, most days, he wears his super shiny polished armor.

...Except for those days Dala wants him in softer clothing for her own benefit.

Getting lost? Luthien does not make such mistakes. He had no doubt other suitors have tried it, though.

"That's two out of three accounted for. What kind of suitors does the middle sister have?

...and all they want Dala for is money? Typical. This is a marriage we're talking about. Living the rest of your life with one other person. Even royal purse strings cannot buy even a single happy moment. Only two souls coming together can do that."

Perhaps unsurprisingly for a Paladin, he's interested in the person. The trappings that go with her title are more of a hassle than a benefit.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:25, Thu 27 Aug 2020.

  Antok's   look  was a bit of Disapproval.It is not  my place to fudge the Royals, though Captain Kree   would admonish me for that? But the Middle Princess Might be  a bit of a problem child.  when she was a girl, The Sandfolk from the far  side of the  Desert  sailed  down the coasts    stopping   in at Port cities  , trying to get allies  and trade partners.... some smaller   cities  , did , indeed, join with them, but our long  standing allies  did not...So they   made the Long Journey  down the coast  and Up the Strom River  to  Visit the Emperor  to lay ground  work for some type of  accord  between the SandFolk and the Empire.

 they round   a corner going  into the  east wing of apartments  for  those who  have been  deemed worthy to stay..or..are  staying for  pollical reasons .

  The Sandfolk were over   inflated Buffoons.  Dressed  in silks  and   weapons with gold of silver hilts.. Jewels  sprinkled over them  as if they were decorated  for a 'birth of year' party cake.... but you look at the  normal people of their lands  and they struggle to
 work and live...

 Many folk in court were seduced  by the  promise of dealing with the  Sandfolk..after all?  as long as they make  coin>? what shoudl they care  about the  Real  people of the realm who keep the   lands going, and fight our wars?

   he was quiet for a bit  as two  men who were Dressed   as those from the Norther passed them, each   Bowing thier head  and hitting thier chest  in Greeting, as they passed.

   they  reached  Luthian's apartment  and Antok handed him a gilded  key,The Middle Princess was taken by the lifestyle..the silks , the  jewels , they way  they handled  themselves with  ...superiority . But you know  as well as anyone, that  superiority doesn't not  extend much passed thier   coin chests... when it comes to the real world of feeding and caring for their  people...it is almost nonexistent .  She voiced  displeasure  at   the  Damage  done to Mok and the scuttling of   'The beast of the Lather"...

he chuckles,we are already getting report from the  gates and  the   watchers on the wall, that many more Elven goods  are  coming into the  the city , because of the  Trade  Company your Group has started.,... This  has  angered  Tou  and The Sandfolk, as the people on the Coast can sail, relatively   safe, up river and    caravan  throught he safety of  The trace Wood... This  is causing problems, but...outside of the wars that will become of it? the  trade is of great benefit to the Elven Nations  and Ironmound.

"...Well, I'm sure I'll meet her eventually. Let us hope she's simply flightly and not actually tainted by darkness. Many born to privilege develop compassion rather late...but if there's a good heart in there, eventually she'll notice the effect she's having on the people around her."

Once in the apartment he was given, Luthien would make himself at home. A part of him missed being in the field...but life was about balance, and if you want something like love, you need to make time for it. That's the time he'd make now.

The field would always be there, and there was always time to do good in the world for those in need, for people in need was a thing that'd never run out. But if you want to do some good for yourself? That's a thing to focus on.

 Luthien ws left on his  own most of the day , until Midday  meal, an Elf  who looked way to dainty to be male  rapped on his  door, it  a lilting voice he said,

  Good Holy  Luthien?.. Mid Day meal is about to start  at the reflecting  Pool? It is  Lady Dala's wish that you attend?.. You need not dress formal...

Luthien has to laugh at the 'holy' title. It's not one he ever claimed for himself.

"Holy is as holy does. There was a priest of the All father in here not so long ago who was anything but holy."

But then, Luthien was off to the reflecting pool. Since it was a non formal event, he went as he was.

He was looking forward to this sort of lunch, even if he, like most Knights, was likely to eat less than actual nobility due to the need to stay combat ready.

 the  Dainty male  Elf   leads Luthian  to his seat neat to  Dala.

 The Emperor was just sitting down himself.. the  Lower  end of the table  had several men , most had surcoats,  one  had a Mail shirt on as he sipped from his  wine, there were 10 of them, none of them looked kindly on Luthien.

There's a difference between jealousy and darkness...Luthien takes a moment to discern the difference between them. If souls are tainted, he'll know...

  most were grey, a couple, darker  grey then  most.

  The Emperor   waved  at the people,Some of you have started  already!, that is   fine..  The rest? please help  yourselves... Topics  of  discussion were  brought up. The Middle  sister  was  by herself, a seat left open, for whatever  reason.

 Dala  sat a bit   down from the  1st Sister and  her , most recent, suitor. Talk around the Table were all over the  map... trade, wars,  people, coin, ships..

 The Emperor  open talk up to the table  as he    dipped  some chicken in sauce.

  questions of ships  and    sailors  came up and were answered by  The Emperor or Axehandle.

 The Chain Mail suitor   asked  as he stood  with a bow, and  used his goblet to accent his words  as he moved it around.

 Your Majesty? I must ask,  as one who  would be among  those in the field, at the  turn of  events the last   few days?... Tou people , being humiliated  and Killed in our  streets, but   mercs and  vagabond..Demi-humans.. risking  , sending us to war  with Tou.

Axe Handle  slammed his   pewter  Mug on the table.

  Sir  Olen, Of Engar?   Do you think  Ironmound needs to fear Tou, when  The Balck Timber is  at their Back...The trace wood  is   on a flank, the plains elves    range the same lands they do?  and the High peak dwarves  are  Just across the river?.... and?  we have   our very own troopers,  is this not  true?

 but?  Your majesty?  The Black Timber has  broken the    way  business is run?.. that will trickle down to Engar as well,  if   trade is slowed  from Tou , down the Storm River?

  If I remember  my maps?.. or look  behind  me?.. i see the river flowing  through Ironmound  on its  way  tot eh sea  and the coast  where Engar lies?, None will stop engar or Tou fron sailing through the city.. Engar , may even get  more elven goods  as  some will come through   Ironmound, and  Some will flow out the  Lather  river  with Coast runnign merchants?

  Axehandle   says in a strong  quiet voice...or is there another reason , why ye thing Demi-folk shouldn't make  coin , when they have been taken advanage for the last 100  years or so?

 The woman  looked up from  The Emperor's side   she    pointed to Luthien with a silver fork,.. Sir Luthien?.... what is your take on this?.. you are human, and you traveled  with   the dreaded demi humans that  some of these....boys... the  word made some of them flinch.angry or frightened.. what say you on this matter?

Luthien does have extra knowledge, and...

"I have been to Ironmound, and the Plank, and I am welcome in those places. I have watched the elves of the wood live their lives whenever the Captain chose to return to his home. They are warriors, and Captain Kree in particular mostly hunts slavers. He is efficient at this task, and he wields fear as a weapon against his enemies. Why, then, would you be particularly irate with slavers being eliminated? ...One of my tasks was gifting mercy where it was needed...but to be fair, in all the slaver groups I encountered, I only ran into a couple whose souls weren't black with darkness. For the most part...he doesn't run into people worth sparing."

He also makes mental notes of those with the darkest shades of grey, and files that way. If there's any with lighter shades of grey, he makes a note of that too.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:20, Wed 09 Sept 2020.

  Engar ( whole  is a shade  darker grey) Looks to  Luthien,..You have traveled with them..This  most here know!... and you fought by thier sides..this is also known! he  ways  both hands  to include his 'fellow' suitors.

  .....we... have served   Ironmound  honoralbly .. we  have stood against  Pirates   and catfolks,, while you raided    a city  and  stood by while aliies  where Killed  by you 'Captain'... he literally spit, at this  word.

 Axe Handle  stood,The Arrows  and thier Captain have served   Ironmound, more then ye  will ever know....

 The woman  pointed to Luthien again with her  Fork...please ..  Let  Sir Luthien  speak..if he is to sit  at this table, he should be able to handle  such  tasks...

Aala  gave a  sour look to the woman..the woman just smiled

In reply to luth (msg # 247):

"'Allies' were killed. Exactly which allies were those? Not all who claim to be allies actually are. Witness what happened to the priest of All Father here just a couple days ago. At any rate, be more specific about which event you refer to."

Luthien's calm is unflappable...this guy is making accusations that he hasn't found a basis for yet.


"Now then...you speak of standing against pirates and catfolk...but you do so by playing defense. We did so by playing offense. We hunted them down where they hide, instead of waiting for them to attack."

Luthien pauses, and adds, "Both offense and defense have their place in this world...offense prevents them from getting a foothold in the first place, defense prevents citizens from being harmed when they attack to do their misdeeds."

  Sir Olan   nodded  his  in a condescending matter. aye.. your talk is smooth enough..  But Tou  has been an Allie  all the way gack to the  Timber-Mound  War?.. now  we are supposed to  , forget all that, while your   companions left  Tou  troopers  dead on the plain and  slew more on the Docks?  If i was to   go out  and Kill a few slavers..would i them be permitted to  Kill Black Timber Demi-folk?

 he glared at Luth

Luthien smiles slightly.

"I would remind we dealt a nasty blow to Mok's warships, and thus opened quite a few trade routes for the merchant set. The elves did this partially out of self interest, to avoid the taxes Tou places on trade. Still, trade has become easier, and Tou lost a good bit of value as a result.

...But the Arrows, like anyone else, will defend themselves if attacked. Tou wasn't fond of losing all their tax revenue, after all."

Blood being spilled over taxes actually bothers Luthien, but...

"It was a fight I probably would've avoided had I been there, but I was actually away from the Captain during that battle."

 Sir Olan Looks at his fellows..most  are  sitting respectful, though thier faces vary at their reactions

  Standing up a slender, but well Muscled  woman who had the sleeveless tunic her Long blonde  hair.

  I am Sra Lae  Estes of Mouri.. My....father  came from  Vestes.. thus my   Name  and My Hair color..My Mother  was a  service maid  in his house.. we  escaped , by my mother seeking   refuge  with a   merchantmen from teh North.. we settled in Mouri... I learned  how to shoot a bow.. swing a sword, and was permitted to  fight for my right  to bear the  name Sira..aand wear the colors of Mouri.... My Adopted  city  will reap rewards from this  'new  merchant flow created bt The Timber.. and  not having to  pay the  steep taxes Tou leveled on us...many times..causing people to  brave the Lather  River..only to be  crushed by The Beast of The River.

  Tou's  Pompus stance over the   years  is now  thier undoing... they will have to  do business honestly,  and   they will now be the ones who must pay taxes... I would like to be standing at the  entrance  to the Timber, when the first  Tou Caravan tries to enter...what will thier taxes be?, and what prices  will they have to pay for Elven worked gods, that they ...all but  stole..from the  Elves?

 ..Your  words could  fine you hanging from the end of my Blade!

 did you not hear me?.. I fought  for my title  and the right to bear the arms  i carry..my...'father'..didn't but them.. she turns to Luthien and Bows her ehad , just a bit.. It is , for that reason,  as well as others, that I support the crimson Arrows as a member of  my City...

 The Woman next to   the Emperor..well? Good Luthien? what do you say to these words?

Luthien smiles, and says, "She earned her place. There's much to be said for merit. Birth is not a thing one can choose. What you do with the life you are given, however, is entirely up to you. Well done, then."

Her speaking up in support of the Arrows is well noted. As a side note, Luthien did NOT give his pin back. He still has it, and it's on the same spot on his armor it is while he's adventuring.

  another Man stands up, Brown haired, bearded  with a   shirt that had  a  Bear on its chest..it wasn't as fancy..but it was clean.

 Me people from the North..we have none of the  fancy  feelins you have for enemies and friends..Ye  either trust then..or ye don't... I have seen the work  Tha arrows have done..Slavers  Nailed to  dead  trees or  rotted stumps.. we like that..they  dunna  waste good trees..and them slavers gets the message....and  they know the Arrows  are in the Area..Tou is filled with fools.. to make  so much noise  with warriors like that ,  a Half days ride from them

 Olen  snorts,<Lavender>..you North folk, are as barbaric  as the Tree loving Eles.. should I  win Suit  with  Dala.. we will spend our time in more..civilaized realms...</Lavender

 Dala kicked   luthien under the table.

Luthien is unclear on why Dala kicked him, but, "You do understand that's her choice, do you not? Also, you might have to explain just what you mean by 'civilized.' Elven music, for example, is generally higher quality than most human music, though there's exceptions to every rule. Are you certain, then, the idea of spending a couple nights in a forest listening to such music is 'uncivilized?'"

Cause he rather likes the idea, having heard the difference frequently.

   as the people  sparred  with words, A trooper  came in with Antok

 ..excuse me , we have a  report from Commander Orebender of the Crimson Arrrows.

 The Emperor  waved his  hand to the  Trooper and Antok..Have a goblet of wine and   a plate  of  food   while  you and your trooper report... you may  speak freely here.. any one  fool enough to spread  information , will not be  long in this  company.

 the trooper  and Antok, knew better then to refuse, they got a  small plate and some wine..

  after a few  bits  and Sips the Trooper    speaks. Commander orebender has  sent a sloop out to  meet with the Raining Sorrow. It seems the  was a frigate  prowling the waters
   as either a pirate or slaver..

 Axehandle Bows his head...what will the rescue team find?

 the trooper   enjoyed a bit  of  fowl  and another big gulp, Nay sir?.. The Raining Sorrow  has captured  The Shackled Maidan ... fro   the report it is a frigate from Vestes... slaves  aboard .. all the Vestes Marines  are assumed  dead...they are waiting for a  prize  crew to Sail The Maidan ...

  Antok smiles  as he sees the look  on some of the folks's face.

 A Vestes Frigate  is three  decks and carries  a compliment  of 30  to 40 marines..

Antok  Grins...The Raining  Sorrow  has a Unit of Crimson Arrows..

 The Emperor looked at the  outspoken suitors, then to  LuthienTell us,  Sir Luthien?.. are the  Arrows  capable defeatig a warship  with  30 to 40  mairnes?..

Luthien only grins.

"The 30 or 40 on the ship? ...well, the lucky ones will die in battle. The Captain is likely to feed the less fortunate to the serpents."

He has full confidence in what's about to happen.

  Axe Handle snorts,...Vestes?..They make Trade with Tou, do they Note?

 Sir Olen  frowns, So does  Olant?...Yet I do not see Ironmound  siding  with  The Timber against them?

 Lea Estes   Giggles  , which sounds  both  charming  and odd coming from the Lady warrior.If I am not Mistaken. The High Peak Dwarves  patrol that  part of the Empire?  They..as it would be, have at  any one time100 Black Timber    wardens  and archers... It would also , take less then a Day for   The Timber to send  an Army of  forest and Plains trained warriors  to punish Olant for ...greater...transgressions..

 Olant gets punish  regularly, for their  dealings  with  slavers  and pirates.. I would not be  surprised to see them smacked again, in a day or  two.. he sipped  his  drink and stared  at Sir  Olen.

 The woman  waved  for Luthien to sit. Teh question of Dala , seemingly lost.
 Sira Estes  Nodded a slow smiling nod to Luthien, while other glared at  Luthien.

Finally. The 3rd degree ends, so he takes his seat.

In a much lower whisper, he asks the princess, "Alright, now that I'm done with those guys...what'd I do?""

He isn't sure what caused her to kick him, but now he's free to pay full attention to her.

 she Looked annoyed...and didn't say anythign, but  went back to eating her  bird and noodles.

 Luthien caught  the lookfrom the Woman at the side of the Emperor, she   looked amused.

 at the end of the Tbale the suitors  talked, some  seemed to argu.

Luthien let it go. This isn't the first, or even the 500th time a woman has gotten annoyed at him for something and won't tell him what it is. It's damn near standard procedure between men and women.

In the meantime, this was some delicious food, and he was going to enjoy it!

He didn't waste any further time with debate.

   As the  Lunch  ended,   The Emperor  stood  , but he  waved th others off...Please , indulge yourselves..I have some Affairs  i must attent to.. My Daughters  have some classes soon,, they will take thier   leave in the next  , half turn, of the glass.

 The emperor  left with the Lady. Axehandle  sat  down watching the others. it was plain to everyone, he was there to 'babysit'.

  Dala   said, let us tale a turn around the gardens?

The Gardens?

Perfect, he'd been hoping for that. Guess she wasn't that annoyed after all.

"Yes, let's go..."

He had plenty of food, and didn't want to overeat anyway.

 when the  walked the Garden  , Dala  was quiet   for a while  and she looked  at the Sun that was  setting...

  Sir OLen  and 2 of his friends a considered the best... match... for the   Crown, for me... Father likes to allow  us  to  pick matches  for our  own tastes.. That is why My oldest sister  has  yet  to be matched..she does not  find anyone  to her liking, though she  does like  when your Captain Comes into the court..a  match like that  could be a great boon to the Timber and The Mound..but the Captain  has  now shown interest, and My sister  will not chase a women.

Luthien considers that...

"The Captain is many things, but he'd hate being prince consort. He loves being out in the field, hunting slavers, making them pay. She needs someone who'd be okay settling down in a palace. That's the thing about your eldest sister...whoever marries her marries the throne itself. The Captain is too savvy to forget that part.

...If you like, I can ask him about it, I might be wrong...my read of him, though, is that he enjoys putting an end to evil with his own two hands too much to retire to a palace."

  she  flicks her hand  back and forth,I do not know, what  manner of    coin the Captain Has? He does  not seem  to  come from coin, yet it is rumored his father is an Elder in the Black Timber..his  'dress' for  balls and such  as never varied from his   Palce Guard, Officer's  tunic and a shiny sword.. I do not know what....class....or...temperament..he would add to the  Table, and...any input  into actions  taken , by My Father,

 she  wiggles  a finger at him,..there  are games being  Played her, Good Luthien. Perhaps  some  that are below your notice?...and , if  i dare say, some that are above your understanding?... one  must be careful here in court. Those who have  ambitions are food, just as  any hapless  sailor who falls into The Storm river..

 Your Captain   tried to ford those  waters  , many a time, even before i was born, so the tales  say  when  Father  feels  the need to spin tales., he Took his leave of  court, some say , in disgust..others  say to save his  life..i suppose   it depends on who tells the story?

 She  takes  his hand   in both  of her,..how will you fare in this  world?

Luthien considers this.

"There's probably going to be a bit of a learning curve till I get a handle on all the political situations going on...and what games are being played, how they affect me, how they affect you...You're not wrong, there's still a lot I don't know, and I could easily read several things wrong..."

With a smile, "I'll have to rely on you to clue me in on what I don't know. If your sister's playing games I don't understand, and those games directly impact what's going to happen to you, then I need to learn what's going on. I probably won't understand everything right away...I come from the Knightly orders after all...but I expect I'll pick it up soon enough."

Mmmm. "Ambition? I didn't stay to seek ambition. I stayed to seek happiness, if I can find it. If the Court reads that as ambition, perhaps I can use that." And that's when he kisses one of the hands she placed in his.

Hmmm. "I'll let the Captain know next time I see him. A marriage alliance with the elves could have effects that last longer than most people will live."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:25, Sat 03 Oct 2020.

  She smiles  a  bit  as he kissed her hand,..I am  the youngest of the sisters, but i am being   schooled and taught  as the others.. Father   , only allows me to practice the Bow. My Middle  sister, does the   same. The Older   sister practices  the Blade..mostly a Sabre...

 ..those  are  just   small things we  learn..but most of all we, elarn the ways of the  Realms. Which Cities take  pride in what... and what you need  to make them your allies...Only The Timber stands  apart...and because of them, The Trace and  the Highpeaks.

 SHe points  to the river,Our   city does not  span the river  by accident.. we control the Storm,  Pirates  have  to  sail down the Widow  River.. and our  ships  along with those of Mouri  sail there..

  Now that  Mok  has been  de-horned.. the sandfolk must watch thier step..and the elves and others may freely. pass down the LAter to the sea..perhaps? not even sending goods through The  Trace... and going   straight to the coast, to trade for the fine  steel...The Loss of elven good from the   Timber, Palins  and The trace would be a big cause for  concern in Ironmound... The ironwood Elves   are  not as skilled  as the other   two groups.... You add to that , High Peak dwarves  and   settlers, need only to cross the river   and enter   The Timber to trade, rather the deal with Tou, or Even Ironmound?...

  the  one thing  that has   kept the balance , is  the three Elders of The Timber... they  strive  for the independence  of thier lands and people... while Your Captain is....how to say?...a bit more Volatile?... If  war  would come between   The  Mound and the Timber... it is hard to say who would win?..all those  around  The City would side with the elves  with the cause  was..'just'.... Tou and Ironwoods  would side with the Mound....With the Lather River now open.  They could get supplies   and such on a  whim...where  we would be  cut off from down stream.. and Trok  could cut  us off up stream, with the help of the Trace Elves... Mouri and Engar  would have to  choose who they
 would  side with..or..stay neutral...most of all?  Hargen Could  come over the Mountains
 and  Down the Widow  River   to use that  as a chance to sieze  lands on this side of the Mountains ....

   she  stopped  at the  far corner where they could see  the river and the  eastern part of the city..Including the docks where The Plan sat..so>..now you know a little, of  what might be going through your  Captain's mind..and perhaps, what is going through the mind of your  fellow suitors

In reply to luth (msg # 267):

Luthien considers all this.

"There's a lot that goes in this. People fear the coming conflicts, and that fear is going to motivate their decisions. They also haven't spent the time with the Timber I have, nor the time with Ironmound...

...so they don't have the comfort level I have."

  it was when Mok was Buring.. we could see the light of the fires color  the  sky.  I went  to the Market the next day.. people began to worder  what the spices  markets would be, and  the  Sand folk  clothing..a few days later, The Tou Riders came,  and flowed through the  city like   rats  in a baker's  cellar, sowing seeds of  hate to  The Balck Timber Elves...

Luthien thinks about this...and smiles.

"That hate is financially motivated. The Black Timber didn't actually do anything wrong.

Anyways. I hope to be able to maintain peace between Timber and Ironmound, if I can. I don't know how much people will listen to me, though."

 There was the  Flick of her   wrist in dismissle,for two years, since i came of age, I had to sit and Luches and Dinners, listening to suitors  prattle on about  what they want..or worse?..what they think father  wants to hear... I see no reason your voice should not be heard as well.. if  it leads to a duel, so be it!

Luthien smiles wryly,

"Sorry. You'll have to count on my hoping for peace in most instances. It's what benefits most people most of the time."

There are exceptions, of course, but Joe Farmer generally doesn't want a war.

 as they walked around the Pool it was growing  darker  with the  onset  on the harvest  time.

  3 of the Suitors came from the other  direction. Guards  were poated   at the corners of the   pool and garden,

 Sir Olen , Sir Bann of Trok..his   Red  hari and thin red Mustache making him look a bit more fierce  then his smile would let on. Sira Lae Estes  was  with then as then seemed to be  joking  and arguing ..Until  Len saw   Luthien.

Oh, the irony.

It occurs to Luthien he's actually going to end up fighting more in the Palace than he ever did with the Captain. With the Captain, there was time between fights. With the war of words...it's gonna go on non stop.

Well, best buckle in.

Luthien adopts a neutral smile at the other suitors, betraying nothing, or at least very little.

  The Three   stopped a  few feet away  from  Luthien. Sira Estes  looked to the pool, clearly not  in the Mood for  Olen.

 So? Do you think you may simply walk about with one of the LAdies, and not give others the chance to enjoy her company?

 Dala   frowned,..you have  begged from my father's  table  for  2 months now. You never  seemed   to show any interest until now? Why would that be?

 Olen looked narrowly at Dala then to Luthien,I was to give suit to one of the Emperor's Daughters, so   we might  have a firm link between our cities...I did not know ..anyone...could claim  a hand!

Luthien considers...

But that response tells him this man already failed. He's looking for an alliance, not a person.

Luthien came here looking for a person. So, he rather blandly tells Olen: "That is why you fail."

  Olen  gave a  harsh laugh,..Fail,?  In the  end, The Emperor  will pick  which suitors are selected. And what have  you to offer the crown? There  are priests  and Holywarriors  aplenty in this city... and the closest thing you have  to fame, is that little red Arrow.!

 Sirra Estes   just gave her head a shake  as she  sipped from a golden goblet and Looked at the  water of the  pool

"You seem to underestimate a father's desire to see his daughter happy. You've made all kinds of arguments for yourself. You've yet to make one that involves her as anything but a placeholder to your ambitions. I could have a wizard cast animate objects on that statue of a princess over there, and as long as you got a city alliance out of it, that statue would be just as useful to you as she is. ...So you don't actually need HER, do you? Just the alliance."

Luthien's smile only grows.

  Olen  grinned at  Dala,..The Alliance is the only thing of import..but the  ....benefits  of  having such an alliance , makes it worth while  some time...

 Dala craosses her   arms

 Sira Estes,   downs the rest of her  drink.comeon..lets  move off..you won't  what him cutting in on your time with her...

In reply to Palace (msg # 279):

Luthien simply raises an eyebrow.

"Benefits? Really?"

He waits for the man to wander off.

  There is a leer  at Dala , who truns her head with a 'hruuff' , and the other three  walk off.

 if i thought i would win, i would  grad a blade  and  cut him down! The thought  he could  be  my husband, sickens me!

Luthien tries to be reassuring.

"...He won't win. And technically, he gave enough insult here that your father could throw him out...without his alliance. ...And if push comes to shove, I'd duel him myself. You're free to appoint a champion as you see fit, after all."

  perhaps? But it  would be our  word agaonst his  and those two with him. And it is  not a secrect , that many here are lookign for   a position or alliance,  and the three sisters   are merely  a way to get there, and a vessel for thier  offspring

"...Then let's be different. Let's make this world a little better than the majority of people that live in it."

He finds himself smiling a little brighter.

...That is  my father's  wish... That is why he stands so hard  against Slavers and  such. He made some enemies  , by 'befriending '  The Black Timber. alot of people died  trying to enter that forest

 She shakes her head,Tou hates them more. for every person  that died  attacking the  Forest..1 in three were from Tou... Tou answered that by torturing and killing any elves  or  demi-humans  they  found  coming in, or  going out of The Timber..Thier Mage Guild killed many  folk, and used  some for experiments  to either boost thier  powers, or  on ways to live longer. I heard the  Captain say, may times when he drilled his troopers.  "...there is no accidental death of a Tou Trooper...they all have earned it!

"Every decision will make enemies somewhere. The trick, then, is making sure the enemies you make are those who don't live rightly."

He shakes his head...

"But there's always one. When I traveled with him, there was frequently one person mixed in with all those who were guilty who could be saved. It was one of my tasks to find that soul who was not blackened by darkness and send them on to live further, that they might change things."

  She giggled at that,..I doubt  you will find many Live Tou troopers  if they Engage the Arrows/

 horns  were blowing  at the   south west Gate....sounds like  the Navy  is brining in a prize  vessel..

"I'm well aware. The Captain is more of the kill 'em all and let the Gods sort 'em out type. Finding untainted souls was my job."

A job that is no longer being done, so pity anyone associated with that country.

"Would you like to be escorted to take a look?"

  The  woman's  face lights up..Yes!..it is always a sight to see... the ship..the prisoners... and hearing the  stories  of the battles from the  crew!

 she frowns a bit.  Antok wil have to send a trooper  or two  with us...

Luthien would've preferred private time...but sending guards with them makes too much sense. It's a nasty world out there, and not everyone will register on his senses quick enough for him to deal with it. Let's keep some humility here.

"Unfortunately, it makes too much sense to bring some guards. Well, if we talk quietly enough we can minimize eavesdropping. Let's go set it up so you can see whatever's involved with this ship."

And to that end, Luthien goes to get the required number of guards for the leaving of the castle...for all that he's a knight and can take care of himself, she's royalty. This sort of thing is necessary.

 Antok himself  and three other Troopers    go with Luthien and  Dala  Antok and  one trooper  in the front by 10 yards or so... A SGT and  another trooper  about   10 years behind, they  would  walk  down the   paths  that lead  them to the palace side of the Storm River.

  and would take them to the  Docks where  prize vessels were brought in, for  the  mages and   Rogues of the Palace guard to   search over, to make sure  the ships wasn't trapped or  have hidden enemies inside.

 ..Its is  odd? ... she points to the lead  ship coming in  as the   Empire's frigate.. the   next ship was  one rare  for   this far north, but  prized for  how  they sailed.

 they normally  hang  slavers from the sides  for serpents to eat. the Ruling is, if the  serpents do not eat them, they will be permitted to work in the ship building prison area. It cannot be a  warship, sicne we are not at war with them, yet...i suppose   it could be  pirates?

Luthien, on a hunch, scans any living prisoners that happened to be within range.

"That is different. Either the were slain beforehand...or they saw something different.:"

   Dala  smiled  a bit excited,..I do so, love to here the stories of the fights..one sister pretends to be shocked.. but..everyone  enjoys to here the heroic  tales.

 she  starts  to walk a bit  faster, as Antok looks back and chuckles....the  ship isn't going anywhere, Princess... no need to rush...

Luthien, however, is fine with enthusiasm, and if she wants to hurry without need, well, that's fine by him. The ship's not going anywhere, it's true, but enthusiasm is a thing that might well leave. So let's keep it running.

So, if she's in a mood to move it, he'll happily keep pace, and let her go as fast as she likes. The guards are trained warriors, they can keep up.

"Ah, let her enjoy herself. Just write it off to part of your daily exercise."

 The Princess scurried faster then most would thing, as hse  wore  soft shoes  rather then some elegant sandals .

 Antok just signed  as they moved to keep up with her . The   Ship did have some scorch marks.. The  rigging  showed  some new lines  compared to older  issued  , that were still being used.

 behind it  came a Smaller ship, that  the Arrows had sailed on. There were already torchers   being  set up  for the Victors  to make thier   speech and Prize claims.

Luthien is mildly interested to see if he's going to see any of his allies or unit on the smaller ship.

He hasn't seen any yet, but that doesn't mean he won't. He didn't expect them back so soon, though.

 working thier  way   down to the  docs,, The Dock Watch   'opening a way' for  Dala and Luthien.

  The    Frigate   stayed   on the river, with a jolly boat brining  officers  to the  dock. The  captured vessel was  warped into a berth. The Prize  crew   put  down the  gangway for nervous    'ex-slaves to disembark.

  the smaller  craft  Pulled  in hext to the  captive ship. A hand ful of  crew  dismbarked   as well  as a dragonette.

   the    ex-slaves were lined  up  with  the   Captain of  the smaller Baot  waiting     by the middle of the  dock  with the  Watch Captain.... the frigate's  captain was   just  bumping into the docks , to  climb  up the stairs.

 Antok looks..I do not see  any of the Arrows i know?..but that smaller ship is the one they deprated in.

 Dala  was eager to hear  the news  and the recounting of the tale..I do not see  any  people who look like enemy sailors?

"I don't recognize anyone either."

At least, not yet. If he sees anyone, he'll certainly say hi.

He'll wait a little bit till the captain can get all the way over. Being as they're out in public, Luthien has to be a little more careful then he'd be if he were out here by himself.

  THe   Frigate captain in   Ironmound colors   stepped up, along  with  the   shorter  commander of the little  ship. Gravin  cleared his throat.according to maritime Laws,  captain Gravin of the Raining Sorrow , claim the  Vestes  frigate '  Shackled  Maiden' as a Prize... we took this slavery by force of  arms,  a day out of Olant.... THe  Empire's   Pursuer  to account  for the coin  in shares  as   per  Maritime law... with equal chares  being   given to the  'Walk The Plank'  for the aid   the crimson Arrows  gave in securing the ship, and freeing the slaves..</Rose

    a Robed fellow   hand  just come from talkign to the   ex-slaves...where are the    Vestes  crew and Marines?

 <Rose>..none survived the taking of the ship... That is all i can say for now...

 The Captain?  where  is thier captain??

  He  fell to the Blade of the  Arrow's captain, Tha  arrows  and thier allies  made short work, of the  enemy.. there are many weapons and shiled to add to the IronMound aromory, in the hold, from those who were slain

 The   frigate  Captain ( who seemed not to like the Pursuer)..so we  are to assume they fell and were eaten...

 Gravin smiled  slightly...aye... eaten...

Luthien would've gone over there to talk, had he been alone, but he was the princess's escort, and had to hold position for her sake. It was fine, though. He never gave his Arrow emblem back to the Captain, for a Crimson Arrow he still technically was, even if he was given leave to pursue his heart at this time.


The Captain will come to him in due course.

"Sounds like the Captain's doing well for himself."

  Dala   giggled,Father  said   if he had a Company of   Arrows, he count take over the realms...but he also says, if there was an Army of Arrows, they would  rule  the realms!

 Some clerks  set up tables with lamp light and began to take the names of the refugees..  some other  official  folks,  walked up the  Ramp of the Shackled Princess, as they began to inventory things to see what coin would be awarded   the  Raining Sorrow

In reply to luth (msg # 301):

"It is perhaps fortunate, then, that there will never be an army of Arrows. The Captain draws to himself warriors that are already elite, those who can run with his company as equals. The list of people who can do that...well, it's a short list. But despite that short list, he has filled his ranks well enough to make slavery rather unprofitable."

As whatever branch of the arrows comes by, Luthien does make a point to wave. And he has his symbol, that they might know one of their own is about.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:36, Thu 11 Feb 2021.