"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.