Rissada - Session 49.5

After the war meeting, Nalzij heads to the cathedral to report her findings thus far. She is accompanied by the prince's personal guard, who, despite the paladin's insistence otherwise, felt obligated to protect her.

Nalzij glances around the room, before heading to one of the back doors.
Finding her way to the back, Nalzij sees a rare sight; her father, Eldorean, being helped into some, seemingly old, heavy armor by the fellow knights, his face trimmed in a way she hadn't seen since she was a child.
Nalzij: "Ah...? Father, what's going on?"
Eldorean Latissier: "Ah, Nalzij! Don't mind me, I'm just trying to prepare this armor out of storage. We felt it was prudent to prepare ourselves, just in case Valesia tries anything."
"(Was it always so tight in the gut...?)"
Nalzij: "How long was it since you've been on active duty? You'll just get hurt, there are more than enough soldiers, your place should be here."
Eldorean Latissier: "Well, let's see, there was solving the matter of the orc raiding parties, and then..."
"Ah, yes. I took a more passive role in combat affairs so I could raise you."
"But you're a--(ow, careful there)--big girl now, so it's about time I take up the blade in defense again. For the Star, and for your sake, too."
Knightly Paladin: "(Sir, this leather binding seems to be...)"
Eldorean Latissier: "(Ah, do we have a way to repair it?)"
Nalzij bites her lip, glaring at the ground.
Nalzij: "Right, the council!"
Eldorean Latissier: "Ah, yes. I felt that would be good experience for you. Life as a Paladin isn't always just "smite the evildoer", after all."
"I know it was boring and they probably spent it bickering on policies, but hopefully you weren't too out of your league."
Nalzij: "I know that! ...Do they always argue like children?"
Eldorean Latissier: "Usually Eneson is a little more level-headed, but something about that mercenary seems to rile her up."
Nalzij: "Ah! That's what I needed to ask you- oh, first! Valesia's headed this way already. The entire army. Three thousand soldiers, the aide said..."
Eldorean Latissier: "......Three... thousand?"
The paladins seem to stop what they're doing, small pieces of rusty armor dropping to the ground, as they try to process the news.
Eldorean Latissier: "Where... did they even find that many soldiers? Are they conscripting townsfolk, or..."
"No, the most important thing is that we need to be prepared to defend ourselves. It may be a difficult battle, but further proof that we need every man we can get out there!"
"Nalzij, could you get my old shield? It's behind my chair in the meeting chamber."
Nalzij: "Right!"
Nalzij heads for the door, feeling a little embarrassed for getting distracted.
Retrieving the shield, Nalzij takes a brief moment to look at it, Though it looks well-designed, it's clearly seen better days.
Nalzij holds out the shield, frowning slightly.
Nalzij: "Are you sure these shouldn't just be replaced?"
Eldorean Latissier: "For a paladin, your equipment is your life. Every pauldron, vambrace, or greave is entrusted with saving you from mortal peril. It would be disrespectful to throw it away just because it's gotten as old as its wearer."
"...Of course, that's just what this old-timer thinks. The younger paladins are more than willing to replace old with new."
Nalzij: "You're right, I understand. Still..."
Eldorean Latissier: "I swore myself to the defense of the Star alongside this armor. I protected this city for decades alongside this armor."
"To me, at least, it would be no different if you decided to cast away your companion... Lux, was it?... whenever a new, shinier, more mythical one showed up."
Nalzij nods in agreement after a moment of thought.
Nalzij: "Of course, that does make sense."
Eldorean Latissier tests the heft of the shield, getting re-accustomed to its weight.
Eldorean Latissier: "Don't worry, I'll see what I can do to get some of the scratches fixed up and leather straps replaced. It would be very disadvantageous for it to fall apart in the heat of battle!"
Armored Soldier watches the discussion quietly, not inserting any comments.
Nalzij glances back at her uncertainly.
Nalzij: "...I needed to ask. That mercenary, what do you know about him?"
Armored Soldier: "The king's aide hired him. I received no say in the process."
Eldorean Latissier: "Ah! One of your friends, Nalzij?"
"Wait, I think I've seen her before."
Armored Soldier turns her focus momentarily towards Eldorean.
Armored Soldier: "I'm the prince's aide-de-camp, sir. His confidant, if you will."
Nalzij pauses in confusion, not recalling the knight's name.
Armored Soldier: "I remained in the castle until his return."
Armored Soldier pauses, and looks at Nalzij.
Armored Soldier: "..."
"The name you're looking for is 'Lyre', Lady Latissier."
"Lyre Selali."
Nalzij: "...Ah. My apologies, Lady Selali."
Eldorean Latissier: "Selali? I'm not familiar with that name among the knights."
Lyre Selali: "It's because that's not what we're known for, Sir Latissier."
Eldorean Latissier: "Is that so? Well, nevertheless, if you have the prince's support then you are a trustworthy individual regardless, I would feel."
Nalzij listens curiously, before speaking up.
Nalzij: "Father. That man, Gravewick. Do you know where he came from, anything?"
Eldorean Latissier: "Gravewick... I'm afraid not. He's not among the noble or knight families, so I can't imagine where he came from. The aide must have a good reason for trusting him with affairs of state, however, and I am oathbound not to disregard the opinion of one who speaks for my liege."
Nalzij scowls, unsure whether to say more.
Eldorean Latissier: "I understand that he is not a pleasant man to treat with, but the Aide-de-Camp trusts in his strength, at least. If his boasts about aiding in this war are true, his efforts could save countless citizens' lives."
Nalzij: "He tried to kill me and Pitch!"
Lyre Selali looks at Nalzij and Latissier again, maintaining stoicism.
Eldorean Latissier: "He tried to... are you sure?!"
Nalzij: "...He offered to let us surrender, but he still tried to kill us, and Antille, and threatened Tisha!"
Eldorean Latissier: "Tisha too? That's..."
Eldorean Latissier sighs, shaking his head.
Eldorean Latissier: "Let's hope he's kept busy with dealing with Valesia, then."
"If we are fortunate... no, there are things a paladin mustn't say."
Nalzij slumps slightly, calming down again.
Nalzij: "...Right. What are we to do about Valesia?"
Eldorean Latissier: "As loathsome as the idea may seem, you and he are nominally on the same side, here. He, at least, seems to want Valesia removed as a threat, though perhaps his motives are somewhat more bloodthirsty than ours."
Nalzij: "He said those gauntlets were his. He accused me of stealing them!"
"(Probably Vesteron stole them, but I wouldn't...)"
Eldorean Latissier: "Wait, he said they were his?"
"I wonder if he retrieved them from where Sir Fitch..."
Lyre Selali: "..."
Nalzij: "He said he killed someone who owned them before."
Eldorean Latissier: "...So he killed someone who found the gauntlets from the ogres? Or he was referring to an ogre as the someone, or..."
"It is honestly difficult to tell."
"Pay his boasts no heed. Even if they were accurate, he can hardly act on them; you bested him in combat before, after all, so I'm sure doing so again would be of no great difficulty."
Nalzij: "Barely, and that was two of us together. You said yourself how useful he might be against Valesia."
"As soon as the war ends, I'll see him brought to justice for all of it."
Eldorean Latissier nods.
Eldorean Latissier: "But for the time being, at least, he is on our side."
Nalzij: "Yes. Thank you, Father. I... won't do anything reckless."
Eldorean Latissier: "Stay safe, my daughter. May the Star protect you from any foul machinations."
Nalzij: "And you. Please be careful, I don't want to lose you, too."
Eldorean Latissier: "Don't worry about that. We'll both survive this war."
Nalzij: "Of course. I'll make sure of it."
Lyre Selali stares quietly at the two, looking thoughtful.
Nalzij: "Lady Selali?"
Lyre Selali: "...You may use 'Lyre', as the prince does, if it is to your preference."
"...as the musical instrument. Not someone bereft of honesty."
Nalzij: "Lyre. And you can just call me Nalzij. I'm not one for formality, to tell the truth."
Lyre Selali: "I appreciate the offer but must decline. It is impolite of me to address someone as important as his highness's fianceé so casually."
Nalzij: "...Ah."
Lyre Selali looks at Nalzij, as if expecting further inquiries.
Nalzij: "Lyre? I should return to Estion Estate. I... wouldn't mind if you came with me."
Lyre Selali: "I would like to. It is his highness's wish that you remain safe, and it is my duty to carry out his highness's wishes."
Nalzij: "(I think he could use more protecting than me...)"
Lyre Selali: "(I do not disagree but it is his highness's wish.)"
Nalzij nods to Eldorean, turning to leave the cathedral.
Lyre Selali follows silently, keeping an eye on Nalzij and any potential threats.
In the main room of the cathedral, Lady Mia appears to be hosting a sermon. Numerous townsfolk are gathered in prayer.
Nalzij smiles, listening as she leaves quietly.
Nalzij heads to the Thaumaturge's Guild, Lyre following in her now predictably stoic fashion. Upon arrival, the hour is late, and the guild is quiet in this hour, the commotion of the beastkin from earlier having faded.
Nalzij: "Finally quiet..."
Lyre Selali: "A rare event?"
In the courtyard of the guild, Antille is at a table studying a weathered parchment. Nobody else seems to be around.
Nalzij: "Very rare, with all the refugees here."
"(Pitch and Melodi can be noisy, too.)"
Lyre Selali nods lightly in acknowledgement, looking around carefully.
Nalzij sits down wearily at the now-empty table, gesturing to another chair.
Lyre Selali stands at Nalzij's side, maintaining watch.
Nalzij: "You're free to go back to the castle. I'll be fine."
Lyre Selali: "...Did you not have a reason to request my attendance? Prior to the cathedral, you seemed to dislike it."
Nalzij: "No, not that. I'm just not used to anyone going to so much trouble on my account."
Lyre Selali: "His highness feels you warrant people 'going to so much trouble on your account'."
Nalzij: "I'm trying to get used to it."
Lyre Selali: "You are important to him. This is why he wishes for your safety."
Nalzij: "You've known him a long time, haven't you?"
Lyre Selali: "I have."
Nalzij: "...I'm glad he has someone so loyal to help him."
Lyre Selali: "It is my duty and my honor to serve him. And, due to his highness's decision, to serve you as well."
Nalzij: "Had you known he was alive, before he returned?"
Lyre Selali: "Yes."
Nalzij: "Why didn't you travel with him? You could have made an excuse to leave."
Lyre Selali: "It was his highness's wish that I remain."
Nalzij: "That does sound like him."
"You said your family weren't knights. Why the dedication to Aldin?"
Lyre Selali pauses for a moment, in consideration.
Lyre Selali: "...Because his highness is important to me. To us."
Nalzij: "Us?"
Lyre Selali: "You. Me. In an indirect way, my parents."
"His Highness The Prince is a very important person, and it has been my family's duty to see to the safety of the royal family, for the sake of peace."
Lyre Selali walks closer to Nalzij, putting her armored hand on the table gently.
Lyre Selali: "...I get the impression you are confused."
Nalzij: "I am. Your family?"
Lyre Selali brings her hands up to her helmet, lifting it off and placing it onto the table, revealing carefully-braided brown hair and elongated, slender ears.
Lyre Selali: "...My family."
Nalzij stares at Lyre in surprise.
Nalzij: "I think I understand now... But, you're really...?"
Lyre Selali: "There are people who desire to close wounds left open for hundreds of years."
"His Highness, Prince Aldin of Rissada, represents a strong potential of peace between our nation of Rissada, and the distant nation of Uthindelel."
"I entered as a knight and swore to do everything I can to serve his highness, to bring this dream to fruition."
"He is important to me, because he represents a future of unity."
"You, too, are important to me."
"So I will serve both of you as best I am able, for the remainder of my life."
Lyre Selali puts the helmet back on, careful not to interfere with her hair or ears.
Nalzij: "Yes, I understand. And I'll do whatever I can to achieve that future."
Lyre Selali: "I hope you now understand why his highness wishes to protect you. Why I, too, wish to protect you."
"Even if his highness requires protection more."
Nalzij: "I'll make sure we all survive."
Lyre Selali: "Please do so. If I may assist you in any way, you have but to ask."
"And whenever you feel you are sufficiently protected, I will consider this particular request completed and return to guarding his highness, so that you can rest somewhat more safely."
Nalzij: "Just keep an eye on Gravewick. I don't like him being near Aldin."
Lyre Selali: "The man known as Gravewick has no intention to assassinate the prince at this time."
"The night you were at the castle, you were the target."
Nalzij: "How do you know this for sure?"
Lyre Selali: "Because I have been scrutinizing that man since he arrived."
"His cause is unfathomable, but he bears two vendettas."
Nalzij: "Two?"
Lyre Selali: "One, against the citystate of Valesia. And a second, against those we have seen targeted thus far."
"Lady Latissier, Miss Seliasi, Sir Averum, Miss Corrinay..."
"...And, as you have revealed, Sir Fitch."
Nalzij: "...Right."
"Sir Averum... another target? I hadn't heard."
Lyre Selali: "..."
"That is all I have been able to figure out. The man is... elusive."
"Do you have any other questions?"
Nalzij: "Ah. Nothing else. Thank you for your protection, and your trust, Lyre."
"Return to Aldin's side, and Star watch over you both."
Lyre Selali: "It is my duty and my honor to serve you, Lady Latissier. May peace come to us all."
Lyre Selali bows politely, turning to exit the estate.
The woman's words and actions in her mind, Nalzij retires for the night to watch over the two children.