Beyond the Sky - Session 18

-20th of Autumn's Second-
Following the meeting, the next day, in the afternoon, the party head to the library once more, to the fairly deserted east wing, down into the room where they will meet the prince, to discuss further matters on Goring and the war.
Arkune: "Back here again... you folks really should look through the history section here, there's some fascinating books on Zeltria, Ashdale, and such."
Valaire: "It's an amazingly expansive library, is it not?"
"If I had free time, I would love to simple peruse all the books on arcane lore I can, but alas, I am a busy woman."
Adrian: "Is there anything you would consider particularly relevant, Arkune?"
Night Eyes: "The civil war books, for one."
Arkune: "Also a few interesting tales of dragons... not that those are especially relevant, but they were a nice read."
Arkune: "They're fascinating creatures, but rare."
Valaire: "It never hurts to be prepared for dragons. The last thing you would want is meeting one and not knowing what to do."
Night Eyes: "I'm not sure it's something one CAN prepare for."
Arkune: "As for my out-of-library investigations... not much we didn't know."
"Didn't find anyone talking about nobles dealing with Eribe despite my effort, so perhaps that's a plus?"
The area the party was sitting at two days ago is slightly different, with two small tables set out, one with a tea set perched on.
Night Eyes: "Yes, it is."
Arkune: "And it sounds like Eribe is pretty much what I expected... much harsher, more rules, more restrictions, more executions."
Valaire: "Well, it looks set up for us. Shall we help ourselves and sit down?"
Adrian: "That sounds best."
Night Eyes: "Those who don't submit suffer greatly, in Eribe, Arkune."
Valaire: "And you are one they wish to execute, I would assume?"
Night Eyes: "That is not a question I can answer."
Valaire: "A shame."
Night Eyes: "That, I agree on."
Valaire: "I would love to know the circumstances behind the mask, but that defeats the purpose of the mask, I imagine."
Night Eyes: "I am studying alternatives in this library."
Arkune: "Would you tell people if a demigod wanted you dead, Vally?"
Valaire sits down on the couch near Adrian, helping herself to some tea.
Arkune: "It's understandable to keep quiet about such things."
Valaire: "I would imagine if it was a demigod we were tasked to overthrowing, knowing as much as we can is ideal."
Adrian: "I've heard a few things... none of which are promising."
Valaire: "Darling Night, when such time that you can trust in Lord Adrian and his retainers that we can defend you in the place of that stuffy mask, you will remember that, yes?"
Night Eyes looks at Adrian.
Night Eyes: "I wait for that day."
Valaire puts a finger to her lips mischievously, studying the gaze.
Valaire: "But still, a gift for you, Night."
Night Eyes: "Ah? What is it, Valaire?"
Valaire: "Take it as you wish. An apology for my behavior, a sign of a partnership, however."
Valaire fishes out a scroll case from somewhere in the sleeves of her elegant dress and offers it to Night Eyes.
Night Eyes accepts the scroll case, opening it and studying it.
Night Eyes: "You are so kind. I do not feel I have earned this, but thank you."
Valaire: "No need to be so harsh on yourself, love. I do not extend offers of friendship to anybody."
Night Eyes shies up onto her chair, finding herself unable to retreat from the praise.
Night Eyes: "Thank you, Valaire..."
Arkune: "So..." starts Arkune, sipping at the tea. "Do you think princy remembered we have a meeting today?"
Prince Kallian comes around the corner, holding his book, and adjusting his clothes with his free hand.
Arkune: "I mean, I certainly- Ah, speak of the dragon, there you are."
Adrian: "(Royalty have busy lives, Arkune. I'm sure he had other things to attend to.)"
Valaire stands up as the prince enters, bowing respectfully to him.
Prince Kallian: "Apologies for being a lot late."
Night Eyes rises with Valaire, bowing in sevitude.
Prince Kallian: "I dozed off a little this afternoon and just woke up."
"I guess that's what happens when you work until late morning."
Valaire: [Ventriloquism, heard next to the prince's ear] "(Welcome, dear Kallian~)"
Arkune: "No problem, my liege."
Adrian stands and bows along with the others.
Adrian: "It hasn't been that long, Your Highness. We only recently arrived."
Arkune: "I am just glad you could attend today."
Prince Kallian smiles at Valaire, giving a short bow, then sitting down at one of the couches, placing his spellbook down at the table.
Valaire ends her bow, sitting back down politely.
Prince Kallian: "So... I've been doing some research on my Uncle."
"And rather unfortunately, I've discovered he's an immoral dastard who covered it up to me."
Night Eyes nods.
Arkune: "Well, at least that's determined now..."
Night Eyes: "To some, image is everything. And all that matters."
Valaire: "That must be devastating to realize you were being betrayed, my prince."
Arkune: "He seemed shifty from the moment I met him, but I can understand it being hard to doubt family."
Adrian: "And I expect his facade was quite skillfully maintained."
Prince Kallian: "Especially when they're so good to you. I haven't often been outside, that much, so... he used that against me."
Arkune: "It's not your fault. He was tricky. Plans within plans."
Night Eyes puts a finger to her chin in thought.
Prince Kallian: "And plans within those plans, Arkune?"
"It certainly seemed like it when I talked to people."
Valaire: "He certainly came across as a man that figured he had everything figured out."
Prince Kallian: "It seems he didn't count any of you into the equation."
Night Eyes: "Overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
Arkune: "Take the case of Adrian's daughter. He set up two others to take the fall for him."
"I wonder how many layers some of his other schemes had?"
Valaire: "But unfortunately, the more elaborately someone builds their house of cards, the more at risk it is from falling over to a simple breeze."
Night Eyes: "Like a deeply intricate contraption."
Prince Kallian: "But yes, after discussing it with Valaire last night, I'm honestly having a lot of doubts towards the hostilities with Ashdale, and whether it's worth pursuing a war with the dastards."
Night Eyes: "The costs it would incur to this country would be immense."
Valaire: "The resource costs, the plummet in citizen morale, it could honestly ruin Zeltria."
Arkune: "And with Eribe lurking to the South..."
"Weakening this nation for something like revenge is an unwise move."
Valaire: "Your highness owes it to himself and the late majesty to keep Zeltria alive, if I may be so forward."
Prince Kallian: "Of course. I don't know what to think about their country after what they did to my father."
Adrian: "Furthermore, you should know now, I'm losing certainty that Ashdale was behind Sorean's death at all. Eribe shares a border with them, as well... a war would give them a significant opportunity."
Night Eyes nods at Adrian's words.
Valaire: "You are suspecting the country was framed, my lord?"
Prince Kallian: "It would give them that, but... where is the proof for this?"
"Everything pointed towards out neighbors."
Arkune: "In that the evidence was so easy to track and find..."
Prince Kallian: "I observed the evidence myself."
Arkune: "No real assassin would let their employer be tracked so easily."
Night Eyes: "That is a good theory, but it is not evidence, Arkune."
Adrian: "Precisely. I have no proof, but I suspect it was all another layer of manipulation."
Prince Kallian: "Manipulation?"
Valaire: "Blame Ashdale to take the fall so eyes don't wander to Eribe."
Adrian: "I saw it as well. Those letters could have been left for other reasons. It would explain why they weren't properly destroyed."
Night Eyes: "The problem is, all we have is speculation."
"Unless we could speak to the assassins ourselves, how could we be sure?"
Valaire: "And I suspect that alone would be a worrying feat. Many secretive organizations think little of killing their own members to reduce the number of loose lips about."
Night Eyes nods.
Night Eyes: "Exactly..."
Prince Kallian: "Do you at least have any sort of reliable source or contact that could help your explanation?"
Adrian: "Dead in the act. It didn't even come to that."
"...A contact from Eribe with the same theory, but no more proof than I have."
Prince Kallian: "I see, a contact from Eribe?"
"Can you at least explain how Eribe was involved in this plot, from your hunches?"
Valaire looks to Night Eyes and Adrian, deciding staying out of discussing this particular individual is ideal.
Night Eyes rubs her chin in contemplation.
Adrian: "My contact suspects that Silske was magically controlling the traitor - including that he has the power to teleport here - and forced him to leave evidence implicating Ashdale, as well as carry out the assassination."
Night Eyes: "All of these are quite simple to carry out with the Tyrant's level of power. Are you familiar with the staff he used to ascend to power?"
Prince Kallian: "... you do realise how improbable that sounds, don't you?"
Adrian: "Yes, my prince, I'm more than aware of it."
Arkune: "Even if they were at fault..."
Adrian: "It's also strange for Ashdale to have done this, after all the time your father spent repairing relations with them."
Arkune: "...Zeltria must not stoop to such aggressive actions. You must show humility, my prince, if you wish to retain our kingdom's reputation. If you attack, you will seem not but a thug..."
"It's like someone trying to goad you into a fight with a stream of insults. You must show that you are better than them by not simply giving in and striking them in return."
Prince Kallian: "It was strange for Ashdale to do such a thing. I was in shock and disbelief when I received the news."
"And I've heard there's quite a large part of the populace who want to war, as well as a large chunk of the lords."
Valaire: "Then it sounds rather improbable to be the truth that Ashdale was culpable. Do you agree, my prince?"
Prince Kallian: "...but after hearing about Uncle and his ability to profiteer, the desires of the lords means a lot less to me now."
Night Eyes: "Naturally, there will be many factions who do not accept the general alliances fostered between nations."
Prince Kallian: "It seems improbable, Valaire, but the problem is that even if you can convince me of this, it... is going to be a lot harder to convince everyone else."
"I do not think I wish to go to war, however."
"There is too much to lose, and too little to gain."
Valaire: "You need not believe the story about Eribe right away, my prince, and the townsfolk need never hear it."
"All they need know is that you have chosen not to fight Ashdale."
Adrian: "Indeed."
"You do not have to convince everyone else. The details of why you choose not to go to war with Ashdale need not, and in my opinion should not, be fully known. Those of the populace who support war... perhaps their opinions can be tempered."
Valaire: "By the time it becomes apparent that the Eribe situation requires Zeltria's intervention, then we should have proof by then that it does."
Prince Kallian breathes out and in, deeply.
Prince Kallian: "At least that matter is finally put to rest."
"But with it put to rest, a whole series of issues present themselves."
"Most importantly is I have heard that there have been border skirmishes with... let's say technically unaffiliated parties on our side, and Ashdale soldiers on the defensive end, their side."
Night Eyes: "That is strange. Something out of your or your generals' hands?"
Prince Kallian: "Indeed. These are either 'bandits', or mercenaries."
Arkune: "Perhaps... you could declare funding such actions unlawful for the time being?"
"The difficulty is getting Ashdale to believe you on that."
Night Eyes: "Perhaps we should investigate these. It may provide some insight into who was behind the original attack on the your father too."
Valaire: "That would have worrying consequences to declare a rule over something so seemingly minor."
Prince Kallian: "I think after learning of my Uncle's affiliations, it would be likely these are simply small private armies of the Lords who seek to profit from the war."
Adrian: "There are too many people who will try to force a war whether you or the queen agree with it or not. You're going to have to take decisive action about this kind of thing, I suspect."
Prince Kallian: "Not only that, but I imagine we will need to discuss things with mother on this, and in sending a peace envoy to Ashdale to discuss pacts and treaties."
Valaire: "If people that exhibited clear affiliation with Zeltria rode to Ashdale's defense, it would do wonders to ease relations, would it not?"
Adrian: "My thoughts exactly."
Arkune: "Indeed."
Prince Kallian: "Hmm, I imagine if we are to discuss action, now, it would be more an ideal circumstance to hold it with my mother and at least one General present."
"I do not have any real power over soldiers or the like, yet."
"Would you mind If I quickly go and make the proper arrangements with Mother?"
Adrian: "Of course not, Your Highness."
Valaire: "If it is alright with my lord, it is alright with me."
Arkune: "I would value another chance to meet with her as well."
Valaire: "(Another? The country mouse met with the queen herself?)"
Adrian: "(That she did.)"
Night Eyes: "(We spoke with her briefly before finding yourself.)"
Valaire looks at Arkune skeptically.
Shortly after the Prince leaves, he returns to help lead the party to the Queen's audience room, a massive Tengu and a white haired man sitting at the table with the Queen.
Arkune bows deeply. "Greetings, your Majesty."
Queen Rozeal of Zeltria raises her hand in greeting, smiling.
Queen Rozeal of Zeltria: "Welcome back, Adrian, Kallian, and company. I'm very happy to hear what I have heard from my son, of what we are to discuss."
Adrian: "Greetings, Your Majesty, Generals Raikov and Freyja."
Valaire bows deeply, her outfit having shifted to one decidedly more formal and less revealing on the way to the audience room.
Night Eyes silently bows in reverence to the queen.
General Freyja: "We will finally be able to put these matters to rest. I am very happy of this."
General Raikov: "Yes, err... I remember that we were having hostilities with them that we are now to quell, right?"
Prince Kallian: "Yes, Mother, I have made up my mind on the subject, thanks to Lord Adrian, his retainer, Valaire, and his other companions."
"Please, take a seat, all of you."
Valaire finds a seat near Night Eyes, bowing again before sitting.
General Freyja looks over the motley group with piercing eyes, judging them.
Arkune glances at the white-haired general as she takes a seat.
Night Eyes assesses the nobleman, now that the initial formalities are done.
General Raikov: "Kallian, who are these young friends of yours? Are they trustworthy?"
Prince Kallian: "Yes, General, I very much trust them."
Arkune: "It is an honor to meet you, sir," adds Arkune, giving a shallow seated bow.
General Raikov mumbles to himself, stroking his beard in thought.
General Raikov: "Hmmh, I suppose I can trust them too."
Queen Rozeal of Zeltria: "Very well... after Kallian told me he had no wish to pursue the war, I was very much thrilled. Now, I will assume we are here to discuss how to de-escalate the tension and hostilities with the country, correct?"
Prince Kallian: "That is correct, Mother, with what I think the most important issues are the mercenaries, and diplomatic relations with Ashdale."
Queen Rozeal of Zeltria: "Right, the border skirmishes..."
Queen Rozeal of Zeltria furrows her brow.
Queen Rozeal of Zeltria: "There has been little we have been able to do with them, as they tend to show up within Ashdale's borders."
"Sending soldiers directly there, especially within the borders, could trigger war."
Arkune: "What about sending someone like us, lord Adrian's group? We are not directly soldiers, and surely a lord showing up to aid Ashdale would inspire some confidence in our motives."
General Freyja: "Due to the free and erratic nature of the private forces, it is difficult to intercept them."
Night Eyes: "So, discretion is necessary."
Queen Rozeal of Zeltria: "Indeed, something which royal soldiers lack very much."
Night Eyes: "(Mikolotov's habits are the standard among soldiers here, then?)"
Adrian: "But something we can do. Arkune's suggestion does have some merit."
General Raikov: "Err... what about a peace envoy?"
"We will need to find someone who is diplomatic enough, and who we can trust, to undertake this and de... decrease hostilities with Ashdale."
Prince Kallian: "Your party could do something, Arkune. I have heard these private armies attack in small groups, you may be able to send a few packing."
Night Eyes: "These are two fronts we can operate on at once."
Adrian: "The diplomatic aspect can be better helped if skirmishes decrease as well."
Queen Rozeal of Zeltria: "Forgive me if I seem to forceful on you, Adrian but... would you be able to work as an envoy for this goal?"
Adrian: "I would be honored to do so, if you consider me a good choice."
Queen Rozeal of Zeltria: "I believe so. I have known and trusted you for many years, Adrian... and with the distrust I and many share for other Lords, and with the only other Lord I trust being Ivandis, I believe you will be right for this task."
Prince Kallian: "So I suppose that kills two birds with one stone?"
General Raikov: "It, err... seems so. I can trust Adrian, but his other comrades, I do not know."
Night Eyes: "Would it be appropriate that we formally introduce ourselves?"
General Freyja: "I would appreciate this."
Arkune: "I am Arkune Mulvery, an aspiring knight... albeit, a self trained one."
General Freyja: "A knight, you say? I feel as if I have heard your name somewhere."
Night Eyes: "Dhaltra Ulanko - Night Eyes, in Eriban. I serve as Adrian's bodyguard and scholar."
Arkune: "Ah? Probably from the prince, or Adrian."
Valaire: "And I am Valaire Kirinal, a researcher of arcane lore and the retainer of Lord Adrian. It is a privilege to meet your acquaintances, your graces and your majesty."
General Raikov: "An Eriban?"
"Err... I remember, I think, what happened. Are you a refugee?"
Night Eyes: "Circumstances are dire there. I was lucky enough to escape with a caravan. I met my lord in the mountains to the north."
Adrian: "I met all of them there, on the way to Dunan."
General Raikov: "General, I think I remember hearing of a Mulvery in, err... Sleeping Dragon Island?"
General Raikov rubs his forehead.
General Raikov: "No, no... it's, uhm... Lunar Isle, now."
Arkune: "A-ah? It's... nothing. We should focus on the matter at hand," responds Arkune, slightly nervously changing subjects.
General Raikov: "I remember hearing about a Mulvery on Lunar Isle."
Arkune: "Maybe my father?"
"Or some other relative."
General Freyja: "We can discuss this later, Raikov."
Valaire gives Arkune another skeptical look.
Night Eyes studies the aging general.
Prince Kallian: "Nethertheless... just four people, out to deal with mercenaries and the diplomacy matter... it seems quite a lot for so few people, doesn't it?"
"Ah, wait, you may have the imp along, too."
Adrian: "The imp will be helpful for handling the mercenaries. He's good at that kind of thing."
Valaire: "Pardon my intrusion, but a smaller yet capable group may actually be ideal for avoiding negative attention."
Arkune: "Being small will let us move more quietly. And strike without warning if we need to."
Prince Kallian: "I have not seen any of you fight, and we have word that some of these raids can consist of up to twenty sellswords."
"Perhaps we may be able to give you a knight or two to aid you."
Adrian: "I may request Captain Mikolotov's continued assistance, as well, in that case."
General Freyja: "Ah, Skye has been working very diligently with your group, I have heard."
"I will discuss his leave with him."
Adrian: "Thank you, General."
General Freyja: "It will be sad to see him leave after just returning. But he is loyal and strong enough to aid you."
Arkune: "He seems very honorable and noble, from what I have seen of him."
Queen Rozeal of Zeltria: "I suppose six skilled fighters would be able to handle whatever you may face. But please do not overly risk yourselves."
Adrian: "I assure you, I have every intention and wish to return home safely."
Valaire: "As Lord Adrian's retainer, I pledge to do my duty to ensure he is safe."
Night Eyes: "I am sworn to my lord."
"I will serve him to my best ability, and will guard him with my life."
Queen Rozeal of Zeltria smiles warmly at the party, bowing in her chair.
Queen Rozeal of Zeltria: "Thank you, all of you, for undertaking this task. You may leave whenever you are ready to."
Valaire bows while seated, before turning to Adrian.
Night Eyes: "Thank you for allowing us to be of aid, your Majesty."
Adrian: "I intend to spend a few more days in the city to prepare, if possible."
Queen Rozeal of Zeltria: "There is the issue of trying to stop the Lords themselves at the source, but I imagine I can let Freyja... do something to them."
General Freyja: "I would be very happy to, my Queen!"
"These Lords have not known enough fear as of late. I will ensure they know their place now the Prince sides with us!"
Prince Kallian: "Try not to hospitalise anyone again, Freyja."
Valaire looks at the overly large tengu, briefly considering her fortune to be in her good graces.
Adrian: "I'm glad to know that side of things will be in good hands."
Arkune: "Is there anything else to attend to, before we leave?"
Prince Kallian: "I would like to, as we're here, request another meeting with Lady Valaire."
Night Eyes: "Perhaps we should make sure we are properly equipped for our task, Arkune."
"The city will be well stocked."
Prince Kallian: "There's still a few things I want to talk to you about, and I imagine there's still a few spells you would enjoy taking from my book."
Queen Rozeal of Zeltria: "Oh, Kallian? You do not normally see people when you are studying."
Prince Kallian: "She's one of the few exceptions, mother. She's an actual mage."
Valaire: "As you wish, your highness."
[Ventriloquism, whispered to behind Kallian] "(I would adore another date like before, Kallian.)"
Prince Kallian turns behind him, flushing, before turning back to the group.
Prince Kallian: "...On a side note... I'm due to meet with my arcane teacher in a couple of days. Given you're heading out, I imagine she could give some advice to Valaire and Dhaltra."
Night Eyes: "Ah, that sounds like a good idea!"
The war conversations now at an end, the Generals rise from their chairs and head out the door.
Adrian: "I would be interested to meet with her as well, if possible."
Prince Kallian: "Miss Tir is also one of the foremost researchers on the recent magical creatures outbreak, which i imagine you might be facing in your travels."
"It would be a good idea for maybe all of you to learn as much as you could."
Night Eyes: "That we are. It is a growing crisis."
Arkune: "We already fought some... it would be good to know more."
Adrian: "One more thing, Your Majesty... recent events, in addition to the journey to Dunan, have significantly depleted my personal funds. Any assistance on that regard would be very welcome."
Queen Rozeal of Zeltria: "Ah, of course. How much... approximately, will you be needing?"
"I imagine we will be able to give some level of funding to you... around eight thousand gold pieces?"
Adrian: "That should be enough. Thank you, Your Majesty."
Queen Rozeal of Zeltria: "Okay. I will see about you getting that. Is there anything else we need to discuss?"
Prince Kallian: "I don't have anything right now. Just that I will be reserving the usual wing of the library for our use tomorrow and when Miss Tir arrives."
Prince Kallian sighs.
Prince Kallian: "Pretty much no one goes in that part of the library, it's mostly books on the arcane and research dossiers."
Adrian: "Regarding Ashdale. Do we retract the accusations against them, or simply seek peace regardless of what may have happened?"
Queen Rozeal of Zeltria: "If possible, both."
"We need to make them know it is not us responsible for the skirmishes, and organise treaties and pacts to strengthen out bond."
Adrian: "Understood."
Queen Rozeal of Zeltria: "Thank you, again, Adrian. You seem to always be here when I need you."
Queen Rozeal of Zeltria smiles at Adrian.
Adrian: "It's the least I can do, my queen. The others may forget their proper loyalties, but I do not."
Queen Rozeal of Zeltria: "You are why we call people like you 'nobles'."
The party disperse from the Audience room, going about their duties until the 22nd of Autumn's Second, Arkune and Night Eyes researching in the Library, Kallian and Valaire bonding, and Adrian discussing diplomatic strategies with the Queen, and Twilalux recovering and learning about his new phantom.