Beyond the Sky - Session 24

-9th of Autumn's Third-
Afternoon in Kyaro, and the party, after gathering information, decide to consolidate their knowledge before embarking to the Parliment house together.
Adrian: "Valaire, Arkune. Did you two find anything?"
Valaire: "Ashdale is... botheringly different from Zeltria. Almost to a degree where I don't understand how these people function in day-to-day life."
Arkune sits down on the bed, setting down a loaf of fresh bread.
Arkune: "They seem to like their leaders, and mostly be readying to defend themselves if Zeltria does attack."
Valaire: "Do try not to leave crumbs everywhere, little mouse, that's Lord Adrian's bed."
Arkune: "The mercenaries worry the-"
"Well, what was I supposed to do? It smelled delicious... (and the guy looked like he could use the coin...)"
Night Eyes: "Might I suggest the table?"
Valaire: "Put it on the end table, for one."
Arkune: "Ah, err. Sorry about that."
Arkune moves the bread and looks a little embarrassed.
Mikolotov: "I've also discovered some information, after I tended to the horses."
Valaire: "They have... a rather impressive amount of council members. So many it is hard for me to imagine them functioning at all."
Arkune: "Minister Yarnham Fitcher seems to be the highest ranked among the council."
Adrian: "My thoughts exactly, Valaire. It's going to be a bother to deal with so many of them."
Arkune: "He--I think he's a he--sounds stoic and cautious."
Night Eyes: "Do they all have to agree on laws?"
Valaire: "Fitcher is their evident equivalent to what passes for a king. If we talk to him, that would cut out a lot of problems."
Mikolotov: "I... believe it's a majority has to agree."
Arkune: "I suppose it slows down attempts by people like Goring to undermine the order."
"But it slows down many other things as well."
Night Eyes: "Hmmm."
Adrian: "Gods, I can only imagine what a nightmare it would be to get half the royal court to agree on anything..."
Valaire: "And slows down literally everything else."
Night Eyes: "Adrian, it is simple."
"You encourage each member with favors and funds."
Valaire: "Oh, so you pass laws with money."
Adrian: "That doesn't encourage me to have a good opinion of the system."
Valaire: "Because it's not a good system, Lord Adrian."
"As Arkune says, the nobility doesn't want a war with Zeltria. They're just very much concerned about the border skirmishes."
"So, very much the same sentiment we've seen from that foggy town."
Adrian: "Good to know. I admit, I had some lingering concern over whether they meant to provoke an attack."
Valaire: "Sadly, that's the problem with having some three dozen random people running things; some of them still do."
"A pair of them, with strong ties to the Lunar Isles, seem actively want to pick a fight. Some vainglorious idea about showing Ashdalian superiority or similar nonsense."
"And since those two have both connections and wealth, they are a little bit more capable of... flexing their clout, so to speak."
Arkune: "(I really hope they didn't hear about that councilman...)"
Night Eyes: "That seems somewhat suspicious."
"They have strong ties with a foreign country but desire military force and superiority?"
Adrian: "Which two are they?"
Valaire: "Vilfrizz and Zimberfrizz. Gnome brothers."
"They apparently regularly see a guest from the mage's guild on Lunar Isle."
Arkune: "How does knowing that help us though?"
"I mean... I didn't think the Lunar Isles had much against Zeltria."
Valaire: "It's easy. We know those two explicitly are incredibly suspicious, and against our motivations to boot."
Night Eyes: "How do we wish to remove this problem?"
Arkune: "Would trying to find evidence of maliciousness from them aid us?"
Adrian: "I suppose we choose to either approach them individually, or focus our efforts on the others."
"I doubt finding malice on their parts would be very effective... we have an obvious motive for it, and are foreigners to boot. Any accusations will probably be looked rather poorly on."
Valaire: "Corruption is ostensibly illegal in Ashdale, so if we locate proof of them having received such bribery from the Lunar Isles..."
Arkune: "And if we were caught spying... No one would trust us."
Adrian: "If we could get someone else to point the fingers, perhaps... but no."
Night Eyes: "Perhaps we should raise the complication that we came across, my lord?"
Adrian: "And any accidents would look a bit too well-timed."
"Which one?"
Night Eyes: "Silske's right-hand man."
Valaire: "Nevertheless, announcing our presence to their not-actually-a-king would be ideal first, as well as making our sincerity clear."
Adrian: "...Yes. That remains our biggest impediment."
Valaire: "If we happen to come across proof of the gnomes' corruption later, then that will be something to happen later. For now, buying time is what we need."
Mikolotov: "I've found some things out about their Generals, too."
Arkune: "Oh?"
Mikolotov: "I went over to the garrison and asked some questions to people over there. They seemed a little on edge about answering it, but I made sure they came round!"
Adrian: "...Mikolotov, what did you do?"
Night Eyes: "It is always good to have a fallback strategy."
Arkune: "Well, you are pretty overtly a Zeltrian, Mikolotov."
Night Eyes: "I did not expect cunning from you, Mikolotov."
Mikolotov: "I sat down and had a chat with them, and I learned things about what their military leaders... they have two, like us, for one."
"One of them is quite a noble elf who seems to have a lot of disdain for Eribe and the Emperor, and wants to impose more restrictions and pressure on them..."
Valaire: "Finally, common ground."
Night Eyes: "Interesting."
Mikolotov: "The other is... apparently some sort of lizard-person that I haven't heard of. She seems very neutral and wants to fortify the military defensively, so they're ready to retaliate against anything."
"I didn't ask her about what she was, but she seemed fine with talking to me. The elven General was out, but still."
Night Eyes nods.
Adrian: "I see. We may wish to talk to this elf eventually. Not bad work at all, Mikolotov."
Mikolotov: "Thank you, sir!"
Adrian: "As I was getting to, though. Did any of you hear the name Azzanadra, or of any councilmen with ties to Eribe?"
Valaire: "It didn't come up in my snooping."
Mikolotov: "I heard a lot of the soldiers talk about him."
Valaire: "So someone the military knows, but the nobility does not care about...?"
Arkune: "I don't specifically remember that name."
Mikolotov: "They didn't seem to know much besides what the elf told them. Which that he's a dangerous man from the desert."
Night Eyes: "He is a very close ally of the Emperor, and a Deepborn at that. For what it is worth, the man seems a little more benevolent, as he follows the faith that The Trickster uses as a front."
Adrian: "Then hopefully we won't need to test how suspicious a timely accident would be."
Valaire: "More of the accursed Deepborn..."
Night Eyes: "It is no surprise, as I believe that Silske is one himself."
Valaire puts a hand to her head in frustration.
Mikolotov: "More of them?"
"Didn't The Hunter say our chances of running into another was astronomically low?"
Night Eyes: "I know the pain, Valaire."
Arkune: "So... three? Four if we count the Emperor?"
Adrian: "Kincaid said there were almost none left, too. If two of them said that, it rather diminishes my belief."
Night Eyes: "As shapeshifters, it is easy to disguise their numbers. Moreover, easy for them to find positions of power."
"And if most deepborn ARE in such positions, it gives them a strange kind of visibility."
Adrian: "Hm. I can see the logic of that. Still, it's irksome."
Night Eyes: "It is. We saw how resilient and powerful they were with that bounty hunter."
Valaire: "Can I just go and punch whatever god it was that thought having so many of these damn things was a good idea?"
Adrian: "They already regretted it."
Arkune: "The Hunter didn't seem too bad... he still seemed mortal, at least."
Night Eyes: "Indeed. The Earth Mother long stopped allowing them to be born. Likely why Silske is trying to find her."
Adrian sighs, putting a hand to his forehead.
Adrian: "I had almost forgotten how foolishly I handled that..."
Valaire: "Well, we will get our retribution on him when we go to the Lunar Isles."
Arkune: "Our lawful retribution. I don't want to get in more trouble."
Valaire: "For all he cares of laws, I think he may find that recklessly attacking a Zeltrian noble and diplomat is not a wise plan."
"Of course, little mouse. I plan to have his own leaders hang him."
Night Eyes: "Being in positions of power and authority do make these Deepborn even more difficult to remove."
Adrian smirks, chuckling.
Adrian: "I suppose there's that."
Valaire: "But nevertheless, shall we seek out this Fitcher person?"
Night Eyes: "Yes, we should."
Adrian: "We should. If Azzanadra won't pose an immediate threat, then going to inform their pseudo-king of our presence should be our first step."
Arkune: "That seems wise... we don't want any false rumors spreading."

 The party head out to the Parliament House, on the top of the cliff, where they climb a long winding staircase to the top, and to the entrance hall, where they request to meet with the Grand Minister, as diplomats of Zeltria. Their request is accepted, and they then head out to the council chamber.
Arriving in the council chamber, they discover it to be quite a large library. Not as big as Zeltria's but incredibly beautiful, as a few people wander around the shelves upon their entry.
Upon arrival, they are told to wait some time as the Grand Minister is currently in a meeting, and are encouraged to wait in the library. Among the few people currently in the chamber, one is a tall hooded gentleman, sitting and reading a book in a rather opulent armchair.
Adrian: "(A repository of knowledge as their seat of power... I confess, I rather like the symbolism of that. Emphasizing the responsibility of a leader to inform themselves.)"
Valaire: "(I wonder how many of them actually do.)"
Arkune: "(I wonder if they have anything interesting here?)"
Night Eyes: "(It is somewhat welcoming.)"
Arkune tries to look around for any books on the history of Ashdale, attempting, if possible, to also peek at what the hooded person is reading.
Valaire: "(Mouse! Discretion, please.)"
Arkune: "(But it's interesting to see what regular visitors favor.)"
Adrian walks along one wall, taking note of the subjects of the books.
Night Eyes joins Adrian, hesitating to pick up a couple.
The man looks up from his book at Arkune.
Hooded Gentleman: "...can I help you?"
Arkune: "Ah, sorry! I was just curious what you were reading."
"I always find it interesting to discover what the locals like when I visit a new town."
"Apologies for disturbing you. I meant no offence."
Adrian: "Arkune... My apologies, sir."
Hooded Gentleman sighs.
Hooded Gentleman: "It's a collection of historical documents detailing the Ashdalite Rebellion, and I am not a local."
Valaire: "Arkune, how many times do I need to tell you? We are on a diplomatic matter, you can satisfy your curiosities later."
Arkune: "Ah, yes. I suppose we should attend to that first."
Hooded Gentleman: "How curious, I am also here on a diplomatic matter."
Arkune: "Where are you from, sir?"
Hooded Gentleman: "Nation of Eribe."
Night Eyes hastily searches for a book, raising it to her head to read.
Arkune: "I have heard a little of it, from other sources... perhaps we might chat some other time."
Hooded Gentleman: "From your accents, you seem to be from both the Lunar and Zeltria."
Adrian walks over to stand closer to Arkune.
Adrian: "We are here from Zeltria, yes."
Hooded Gentleman raises a stony eyebrow.
Hooded Gentleman: "If you are here from Zeltria, I can only assume you are here about matters on the hostilities... Are you here to escalate, or de-escalate?"
Adrian: "De-escalate. We're here in the interest of peace."
Hooded Gentleman: "And who has Rozeal sent in her place to perform such a task, hm?"
Adrian: "My name is Lord Adrian Kelton. May I ask who Eribe has sent here, as well?"
Hooded Gentleman: "Azzanadra, of the Greyflame Order."
Valaire tries to quietly beckon Arkune away from the man and closer to the group.
Adrian: "A pleasure to meet you, Sir Azzanadra. I confess to never having heard of the Greyflame Order."
Arkune follows Valaire's suggestion, moving away a bit.
Azzanadra: "Unfortunately, few have."
"We are a group of historical scholars and mages who seek to better ourselves from the study of the arcane. Realise our full potential as Lord Zulio wished."
Adrian: "Fascinating. A noble goal, indeed."
Arkune: "(Do you think he'll cause trouble for this meeting, Valaire?)"
Azzanadra closes his book, putting it on the table besides him.
Azzanadra: "I like to think so. The Emperor gives me the opportunity to better myself, in exchange for my own knowledge and assistance. Hence, why I am here, needing to organise trade routes."
"What does Zeltria desire with Ashdale? I've heard many conflicting reports, now. You claim you desire peace, but... I hear many soldiers of Zeltria harass border towns."
Adrian: "Rogue marauders, I'm afraid, acting against the orders of the queen. We put down a few of them along the way here ourselves, when they attacked us."
"I assure you, Zeltria seeks to reestablish peaceful relations with Ashdale."
Azzanadra: "I see. And with Eribe?"
"Our countries have been quite disconnected by this point, unfortunately, due to the political instability in both our nations."
Valaire: "You would like that to change?"
Adrian: "I was sent here to speak with the leaders of Ashdale. At this time, I don't know my queen's intentions regarding Eribe. Personally, I certainly think more trade between our nations would be very beneficial, at least." [Bluff: 33]
Azzanadra: "That would be good. Regardless of my Emperor's views, I hope we will be able to share knowledge in a more positive environment. Eribe is finally becoming ordered again, and stability will follow."
Adrian: "I hope we can achieve prosperity and stability for the people of all our nations."
Valaire: "(Is the Grand Minister still not here?)"
Azzanadra peers over at Night Eyes, who seems to be burying her face in a random book.
Azzanadra: "Your... friend seems to be actively trying to stay away from the conversation."
Valaire: "She's the type more interested in paper than people. You understand, yes?"
Night Eyes: "It is not a bodyguard's place to engage in diplomatic affairs, sir Azzanadra."
Azzanadra: "Hmm, maybe you prefer to stay out of the conversation because of your nationality."
Night Eyes: "Perhaps that is also the case, yes."
Azzanadra: "You should return, at some point. It's much more orderly, even more so than when the old Emperor sat on the Mournful Throne."
Adrian: "I'd rather keep my entourage, for the time being. I'd like to think I've given her no reason to leave my service."
Night Eyes pauses momentarily.
Night Eyes: "Yes, I am very happy with my current lord."
Adrian gives Azzanadra a skeptical look, trying to convey disdain for the man's inquiries.
Azzanadra looks up at Adrian, before taking a watch out of his pocket and checking it, before putting it back in his robe.
Azzanadra: "Hmm, I imagine by this time, the Grand Minister should be available, knowing his schedule. Try knocking on the door up the stairs to the right."
Adrian: "I see, thank you. If you'll excuse us, then."
Valaire curtsies before the man, trying to call Night Eyes to follow.
Azzanadra: "Take care."
Night Eyes bows, before following Adrian and Valaire.
Adrian: "And you, as well. I wish success for both of our missions here."
Adrian heads up the staircase, sighing faintly in relief.
Adrian: "(It seems our friend has a very impolite amount of curiosity regarding you, Night Eyes. That may prove troublesome.)"
Arkune: "(Do you think he knows anything about you?)"
Night Eyes: "(He would recognise me under the right circumstances, I suspect.)"
Valaire: "(...I must admit that piques my curiosity, but you cannot answer any more, can you?)"
Night Eyes: "(I cannot.)"
Adrian: "(And you must have made yourself quite noteworthy to them, to need such precautions now. Avoiding further contact with him would be ideal, if possible...)"
Arkune: "(Did you get framed for something too?)"
Valaire: "(Perhaps if need be, I can try to help you conceal your accent.)"
"(Mouse, I fear this might be a matter of who she is, rather than what she's done.)"
Adrian shakes his head, raising a hand to rap on the door.
Arkune: "(Hopefully she'll be safe enough to tell us, someday.)"
Footsteps can be heard, before someone opens the door.
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "Yes? What do you need?"
Adrian: "I requested a chance to speak to you on behalf of the queen of Zeltria, to discuss reforging the peace that once bound our two nations."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "Ah, yes. Then come in."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher opens his door, showing the party in.
Adrian walks inside, gesturing for the others to follow him.
Arkune follows, glancing one last time at Azzanadra to make sure he's not following.
Yarnham's room seems to be fairly normal looking, albeit spacious, with a long desk at one end, and a round table at the other, with bookcases lining the room, and a window to let in the light. The Minister seats himself at the round table, gesturing the others to do the same.
Arkune moves inside, looking for a place to sit.
Night Eyes peers in, following the group.
Adrian takes a seat at the table, smiling calmly.
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "So, first, introductions are in order. I am Grand Minister Yarnham Fitcher, the most senior authority in Ashdale."
Adrian: "Lord Adrian Kelton, ambassador of Zeltria."
Arkune: "I am Arkune, a retainer to Lord Adrian."
Valaire: "You may call me Valaire, your grace, one of Lord Adrian's retainers."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "Yes, I've heard about you, Mulvery. I've been given very specific instructions to not arrest you."
Arkune: "From who?"
Adrian: "...I'm glad to hear that's the case."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "The man known as The Hunter. Apparently you parleyed with him."
Arkune: "Ah... indeed. I'm surprised you are in contact with him."
Night Eyes remains silent.
Adrian tries to hide a scowl at the knowledge of the bounty hunter spreading information about them. [Bluff: 22]
Minister Yarnham Fitcher turns his attention to Night Eyes.
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "...and you, Milady?"
Night Eyes motions faintly to Valaire.
Valaire: [In Night Eyes's voice, Zeltrian accent, originating from Night Eyes] "Dhaltra. Another of Lord Adrian's retainers."
Night Eyes puts a hand to her mouth shyly.
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "...indeed. Now, Lord Adrian, what are your intentions today?"
Adrian: "First of all, I would like to extend our sincerest apologies for the attacks along the border. I assure you, they are perpetrated against the queen's orders, and we are taking significant measures to stop them."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "Hmm."
"We have had forty seven reports, of soldiers wearing Zeltrian insignias harassing and attacking numerous towns along the borders. The attacks have resulted in the deaths of around sixty Ashdalites. If the attacks are not of the Queen, I imagine that you at least have an idea of where they come from?"
Adrian: "We have an idea of where they come from, yes. The orders of a few traitors, who we are in the process of rooting out - one Lord Claudius is the only one I can name with certainty at this time. I personally have seen to it."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "You do realise that, for peace to be firmly established, these traitorous attacks must completely cease, yes? I do not ask for it to be done immediately, but I wish for you or your officials to root these people out and have them face the judiciary system."
Adrian: "Yes. We fully intend to do so, you have my word."
"...It appears that rightful blame for King Sorean's death may lie elsewhere. On behalf of my kingdom, I formally withdraw that accusation, as well."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "That is indeed thankful. I know truly that we had no part in that atrocity."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher looks Adrian in the eye for a moment.
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "On another note..."
"We know that Queen Rozeal's son, Prince Kallian, is very keen on assaulting our borders in vengeance. What have you to say on this?"
Adrian: "That is no longer the case."
Arkune: "We have convinced him to reconsider such aggressions."
Valaire frowns, looking like she strongly wants to interject.
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "Milady Valaire, is there something you want to say?"
Valaire: "...no, your grace. I apologize for the interruption."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "No, please. Any information is much appreciated. We are all but normal people, wishing to aid our respective countries."
Arkune: "Kallian's actions were not truly of his own will. He was tempted and urged by a malicious man who tried to take advantage of him."
"Is what you wished to say, right, Valaire?"
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "And what is the fate of this "malicious man"?"
Arkune: "He is being dealt with according to Zeltrian law."
Adrian: "I speak for the entire royal family, Grand Minister. We wish only to reestablish the peace with our neighbors that King Sorean himself worked to build." [Diplomacy: 37]
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "Indeed. I knew Sorean well, when I was the Secretary of Foreign affairs. I myself was very upset to hear about what happened."
Adrian: "Then we have at least one thing in common. Respect for a great man, and sorrow at his passing."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "Yes. So, what do you propose to strengthen our ties, besides dealing with your traitors?"
Adrian: "What would you ask of us? I only have so much authority to negotiate on my queen's behalf."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "Hmm."
"A peace treaty would aid us both in establishing more peaceful relationships... but something as important as that is something I need Parliment to agree on, too."
"Providing direct aid as a gesture of goodwill would be beneficial in terms of swaying the council."
Adrian: "Direct aid in which matters? That, I expect I can offer."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "There are various things, but one of the most immediate threats are both these border skirmishes, and these... rather magical and unusual creatures."
Arkune: "Have the beasts been troubling your kingdom too?"
Adrian: "So they've spread this far..."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "I've heard of them on Lunar Island, too."
"...do you know something about these creatures?"
Arkune: "We have learned a little."
Adrian: "We've encountered several of them on my travels."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "Any information you are able to give me would go a long way."
Adrian: "One of our researchers discovered that they were native to the Plane of Magic, seeping through into our world."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "...planar travelers? You must realise this sounds quite implausible...but then again, most of what these things do is unusual and bizzare at best."
Adrian: "I'm well aware."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "I expect you're able to give me reports on this at a later date, yes?"
Adrian: "As part of our agreement, I can arrange for you to be kept up to date on anything that we learn."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "That would be most agreeable."
"Unfortunately, you will need to give me a few days to discuss these matters with the council before I can give you an answer on the peace treaty."
"Hmm, tell me, Lord Adrian. If you were able to defeat trained mercenaries whilst traveling here, would you say you and your party are confident in your combat capabilities?"
Adrian: "Yes, I would. All of my companions have significant skill with magic or blade."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "May I... suggest something to occupy your time as I discuss things with the ministers?"
"It may help sway them more, as an act of goodwill, let us say."
Adrian: "Very well. What is this suggestion?"
Arkune: "As long as it's not killing rats and sweeping the floors."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "Not too far from here, there is a wood, and we've been having reports of not just one, but many of these unnatural creatures appearing. Not only that, but it seems a few of them have not only killed wildlife there, but have commanded some of them to work in a pack with it."
"It seems these creatures are more intelligent than we once thought."
Adrian: "You want us to investigate, and remove the more troublesome creatures?"
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "Indeed."
"Though I will strongly stress that you will help no one by dying in a wood, so please, be careful in your approach."
Adrian: "Believe me, I have no interest in reckless self-endangerment, and it's not a trait I choose my companions for."
"Well, what do all of you think? How does hunting a few more of these beasts sound?"
Valaire turns to Adrian, shooting a glare at Arkune as she does so.
Valaire: "My lord's will is my will."
Arkune: "It doesn't sound too hard. Maybe it'll be interesting."
Night Eyes gives Adrian an affirmed nod.
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "Very well. If you excuse me, now that all my work is done for the day, I need to get some rest. I have not slept for a few days..."
"I will speak to the council in the evening, when they gather."
"And on the following days. I'll try to keep you updated."
Adrian: "Very well. Thank you for your time, Grand Minister."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher bows before escorting the party out of his room, closing the door behind them.
Arkune: "(Is... is it wise for a man like him to sleep so little?)"
Adrian: "(Necessary demands on his time, I expect. He has an entire nation to manage. I doubt having to do so in a disorganized fashion makes that any easier.)"
Night Eyes: "(Yes, indeed.)"
Valaire: "(Some people know the duties of the station expected of them.)"
Adrian: "Back to the inn for now, I suppose?"
The party head back to the Inn, to prepare for their coming fights.