Stopping by Aundair on a Wintry Morning

This is the thread for stepping backwards in time and handling what happens during the stop at Aundair on the way to Karrnath. The visit occurred on the 19th and 20th, and the attack(s) on the airship happened on the night of the 21st and before dawn on the 22nd.

* * * * * *

The Serenity flies north into Aundair, staying a good five hundred feet above the ground at its full speed of twenty miles per hour. The Brelish border recedes in the distance behind, the lightning rail track, which crossed the border at the same place, bends northwest away towards Passage, the central hub for rail transportation in Khorvaire. After a couple of hours, as the fertile plains of southern Aundair unroll below the airship, the battlements of a powerful fortress appear to the northeast, made diminutive by distance. Maddox, standing near the front deck, says to Six, “The Tower Vigilant, guarding the border with Thrane. We shall pass its sister fortress, the Tower Valiant, tomorrow.”

Over the course of the next day and a half, the airship passes by the Valiant and the towns of Ghalt and Lathleer, before bending slightly northwest. Multiple small hamlets and villages pass below, and even from their height, the watchers can see that most of them seem to have a much smaller population than they can support. Many fields also stand empty and abandoned, and in some places large swathes of land show signs of burning or the results of large explosions. Much more than in Breland, the fields of Aundair still display the wounds of the War.

On the 19th, the airship heads towards the walls and battlements of a huge city, surrounded by outlying villages. As they swiftly near the city, those on deck see a lightning rail train heading for it from the southwest. Multiple caravans and thousands of travelers are entering and leaving through the multiple gates, especially along the Orien trade road running almost parallel to the airship’s route, while ships and smaller craft move back and forth along the river the city sits on. Fairhaven, the jewel of Aundair, unrolls itself in all its splendor beneath the Serenity.

The airship heads for the tallest tower in the city, dwarfing even those of the central castle that surrounds the royal palace, which flies the colors of House Lyrandar. Another airship is already at rest against one of the four docking platforms that protrude from the sides of the tower, its elemental ring suppressed for the duration of its stay. Lights and a squad of waiting Lyrandar employees indicate that the Serenity is to occupy the top level, and Wash, at the helm, neatly brings it into docking position. As the ship slides into place, ropes are flung aboard and tied off by the crew to hold it in place. A second later, there is a soft hiss as the flaming ring around the ship disappears, and the airship jerks slightly, before floating in place.

Large wooden platforms are wheeled up and extended to the ship, and those of the Angels on deck can see dozens of soldiers in Aundairan livery waiting to board. Maddox strides up to the primary boarding platform, Karrnathi troops falling in behind him.

OOC: Is there anything particular you do, or just wait to see what happens next?

Gareth will escort the princess, staying behind her slightly. Prior to leaving the ship Gareth will ensure a Status and Shield other spell is up on her.

The Aundairan contingent is led by a tall man with a hawkishly sharp face, who stands apart from his compatriots in the complete lack of armor or weapons worn and in the royal crest on his cloak. He first shakes the bone knight by the hand, and then proceeds to do so to Malkom and Inara, who have moved up to join Maddox. The first mate Zoey, standing near Six, identifies him as Queen Aurala’s brother Aurad, governor of Fairhaven.

She then explains, “It’s a little more complicated diplomatically on this trip than usual. This ship is technically Brelish soil, with the captain representing Breland, but our diplomatic cargo is Karrnathi, so Aundair has to welcome both appropriately. While providing the right security for Haydith, which is also going to be complicated.” She indicates four Brelish soldiers waiting near Malkom. “The captain and Inara will be going along, as will they, providing Haydith’s Brelish escort, while Maddox and his troops will be the Karrnathi contingent, and the Aundairans will have their own troops. And you guys, of course.” She shakes her head and grimaces. “Too complicated. I’m glad I’ll be avoiding it.”

Zoey’s explanation is borne out by the events of the next few minutes. Once the formalities of providing the various visitors’ identification and, more importantly, meeting all the various protocols, is taken care of, Haydith and her escorts depart the Serenity. Gareth, who has made sure to cast both a status and a shield other spell before they leave, stays especially close to the princess, walking immediately behind her. Luna, on the other hand, is relegated to a position far in the rear, not being asked to follow in animal form only because Maddox explains that could be a problem. And because the other Angels want Luna close enough to be able to watch her – and grab her if she does something … precipitous.

The group descends through the various levels of the Lyrandar tower, preceding guards ensuring that there are no interruptions, until they reach the street outside. There, they are whisked quickly into waiting carriages, which proceed towards the royal palace. Gareth shares Haydith’s carriage, along with Aurad, Maddox, Malkom, Inara, Gustavus and Theda. He notes that Haydith seems slightly uncomfortable at the start, but she quickly grows more at ease – or fakes doing so quite well – and spends the trip chatting casually with Aurad, while simultaneously smiling and waving at the crowds that line the path.

Gareth and the others, riding in carriages preceding and following Haydith’s, keep a careful eye out for trouble but notice nothing untoward, other than the odd critical cry from the crowd. Though their focus on the crowd gives them little leisure to notice it, they find that Fairhaven is a beautiful city, comparing favorably with the upper middle-class and higher areas of Sharn, though that might have something to do with the route they are taken on.

Soon enough, the cavalcade of carriages and accompanying riders reaches the palace. They are met by the Seneschal, who leads Haydith to a suite of rooms, surrounded by other chambers for her escorts and entourage, where Aurad takes his leave. While Haydith settles down for a little rest and to refresh herself before the meetings and dinner that is to follow, Gareth stays nearby, while the other Angels check around the area. Having found nothing untoward, they get a little rest too, during which they are all provided with the appropriate clothing for the evening and the next day. Soon enough, they are asked to make ready for the formal meeting between Aurala and Haydith.

Gareth keeps consistant vigil, inspecting people who get within range of the princess (sense motive, and detect evil). Gareth will keep an especially keen eye on Luna in case she decides to do anything.

Gareth begins to listen to Zoey, but only giving it a cursory thought realizing that he already knows this information and nothing new will help him in his tasks. When a chance arises, Gareth approaches Maddox "If we have one, would you please provide me with a copy of the itinerary. I just need to view it for a few minutes and can then return it to you."

Once at their quarters, Gareth will change into the formal attire, but keep his mithral chain shirt underneath his clothing. Knowing that he has the Endless Blade at a whims notice Gareth does not carry any visible weapons. Speaking with the princess, "Princess - much of these surroundings are unfamiliar to me and my comrades and I believe you will be asked to view many of the areas for diplomatic posturing. I will stay by your side at all times, with no exceptions, and if at any point you feel a potential threat I want you to call out. If you feel you need to be subtle then speak these words 'I need to excuse myself to freshen up'. This will alert me to your situation and i will be at your side in the blink of an eye. Please note, however, if you utilize this I will not be paying much attention to diplomacy - it will be cursory at best, but anyone who gets in my way will be put down fast and hard."

A little info for the characters, which can be provided by a combination of Gareth and the Brelish/Karrnathis present, about the protocol for the meeting(s) and dinner:

* Armor and weapons may be worn to the meetings, but keeping it to a minimum is considered good form. Sticking weapons larger than a dagger or a short sword in extradimensional spaces would be the way to go. The same goes for dinner, though even more so, with armor being highly non-recommended, though obviously nobody will say anything if you wear it.

* Active use of any magic on others during either meetings or dinner is a huge no-no and would be taken very badly, whether it's a detect magic or a dominate person.

* Use of personal magic augmentations and the like are not a problem (luckily for the PCs, considering how many permanent ones they have!), but illusions of any kind are forbidden, at both meetings and dinner. Aurala's security certainly includes House Medani members who scan people for magic, and anyone with an illusion aura is asking to be stopped, questioned and likely told to remove it. That, of course, poses some problems with Nameless' tentacle and Six's third eye.

If I may take a step back in time, I would like to suggest something to Nameless:
While the group is privately speaking with each other, "Nameless, there may come a time when we need to evacuate the area as a last ditch effort. If that happens, please use a teleport - with the primary cargo being the princess. If that means you leave us behind then do so. If she has been hurt transport her to the temple in Sharn, if she has not been hurt transport her to either our destination or her home - whichever you think is best pending the situation".

Admin wrote:

...House Medani members who scan people for magic, and anyone with an illusion aura is asking to be stopped, questioned and likely told to remove it. That, of course, poses some problems with Nameless' tentacle and Six's third eye.

To forstall any problems on this score we'll approach and talk to the House Medani members about this ahead of time. I'm not sure that Six's eye would be much other than a curiousity, but Nameless's changes are likely to be more disturbing. If we can work out something where Nameless can keep his Hat on, we'll do so. If not, well "Freaky", "Bizarre" and "Alienist" are pretty much synonomous.

Gareth wrote:

If I may take a step back in time

Sure.

Quote :

If she has been hurt transport her to the temple in Sharn

Ooooh! Nameless returning alone to the Cathedral and Ythana Morr? Now that would raise some interesting possibilities...

Nameless wrote:

To forstall any problems on this score we'll approach and talk to the House Medani members about this ahead of time. I'm not sure that Six's eye would be much other than a curiousity, but Nameless's changes are likely to be more disturbing. If we can work out something where Nameless can keep his Hat on, we'll do so. If not, well "Freaky", "Bizarre" and "Alienist" are pretty much synonomous.

OOC: You wouldn't be able to approach and speak to the Medani people directly, since they're employees of the Aundairan crown here, and you guys aren't in a position to wander around the palace. You could, however, ask either Haydith or Maddox (as head of her security contingent) to speak to them and arrange for Nameless to be allowed to keep his Hat on. Any preference between Haydith and Maddox? And what exactly do you give them as a reason?

Admin wrote:

Ooooh! Nameless returning alone to the Cathedral and Ythana Morr? Now that would raise some interesting possibilities...

Ain't gonna happen. The Asylum would be the destination. Since there'd be no miss chance for there.

Admin wrote:

OOC: You wouldn't be able to approach and speak to the Medani people directly, since they're employees of the Aundairan crown here, and you guys aren't in a position to wander around the palace. You could, however, ask either Haydith or Maddox (as head of her security contingent) to speak to them and arrange for Nameless to be allowed to keep his Hat on. Any preference between Haydith and Maddox? And what exactly do you give them as a reason?

Maddox. We'll tell him the truth and show him the reason why. That Nameless's adventures have caused some changes in him that people might find distressing or unnerving and for that reason we would prefer to hide them. We'll be quite matter of fact about it.

Nameless wrote:

Ain't gonna happen. The Asylum would be the destination. Since there'd be no miss chance for there.

So we're calling you guys' place the Asylum now? Good name!

Quote :

Maddox. We'll tell him the truth and show him the reason why. That Nameless's adventures have caused some changes in him that people might find distressing or unnerving and for that reason we would prefer to hide them. We'll be quite matter of fact about it.

OOC: Good choice. Though Haydith would have been more fun. At least for me

IC: When Nameless informs Maddox about the situation, he asks to be shown what it is that the alienist is referring to. Though he tries to keep his expression carefully neutral when Nameless complies, it's not difficult to see that even the bone knight is a little surprised. But he recovers quickly. "I'll see what I can do," he says. "I can't see you walking around the palace here with ... well, without a lot of questions and unnecessary problems."

Maddox leaves, speaks to the captain of the Aundairan guard contingent that has been provided, and returns a few minutes later with three individuals - one in the uniform of a colonel in the Aundairan army and two wearing unremarkable clothing with no insignia or distinguishing marks whatsoever (which tells Nameless and the others that they are probably Medani security). They ask Nameless to accompany them. If any of the other Angels want to come along, they are free to do so.

The small group heads a little distance away from the area assigned to the visitors, and into a large office. Once inside and seated, one of the presumed Medani people says, "I'm told that you're going to need permission to move around with an illusion in effect. Sir Maddox here told us a little about it, but I'd like to hear from you. Could you explain precisely why, and also, if you could, provide us some assurance of how we might know it is you under the illusion at all times?"

Admin wrote:

IC: When Nameless informs Maddox about the situation, he asks to be shown what it is that the alienist is referring to. Though he tries to keep his expression carefully neutral when Nameless complies, it's not difficult to see that even the bone knight is a little surprised. But he recovers quickly. "I'll see what I can do," he says. "I can't see you walking around the palace here with ... well, without a lot of questions and unnecessary problems."

Maddox leaves, speaks to the captain of the Aundairan guard contingent that has been provided, and returns a few minutes later with three individuals - one in the uniform of a colonel in the Aundairan army and two wearing unremarkable clothing with no insignia or distinguishing marks whatsoever (which tells Nameless and the others that they are probably Medani security). They ask Nameless to accompany them. If any of the other Angels want to come along, they are free to do so.

The small group heads a little distance away from the area assigned to the visitors, and into a large office. Once inside and seated, one of the presumed Medani people says, "I'm told that you're going to need permission to move around with an illusion in effect. Sir Maddox here told us a little about it, but I'd like to hear from you. Could you explain precisely why, and also, if you could, provide us some assurance of how we might know it is you under the illusion at all times?"

Nameless will say "I am no longer quite what I once was and some people find what I have become... disturbing." He'll drop the illusion at that point.

"As to knowing if it's me under the illusion... There are my eyes, which I could leave exposed. Perhaps I could also reveal what I truly am, discretely shielded from view when I enter. Once in I should be the only person with an illusion running. Which your men are capable of detecting. If one of your men is capable of using Arcane Sight I should have a distinctive magical 'fingerprint'. Perhaps also you could assign a man specifically to follow me, so you could be certain there was no 'Bait and Switch'."

Admin wrote:

Ooooh! Nameless returning alone to the Cathedral and Ythana Morr? Now that would raise some interesting possibilities...

I never said the Cathedral, I actually meant the other temple

Nameless wrote:

Nameless will say "I am no longer quite what I once was and some people find what I have become... disturbing." He'll drop the illusion at that point.

Evidently those present agree with Nameless' assessment. The Aundairan colonel curses, steps back hurriedly and drops a hand to his sword, while one of the Medani members shoves himself back hurriedly from the table. The other, the one speaking, flinches very slightly, but otherwise has no overt reaction, saying only, "I ... see," and then turning to give the other two an admonishing look.

Quote :

"As to knowing if it's me under the illusion... There are my eyes, which I could leave exposed. Perhaps I could also reveal what I truly am, discretely shielded from view when I enter. Once in I should be the only person with an illusion running. Which your men are capable of detecting. If one of your men is capable of using Arcane Sight I should have a distinctive magical 'fingerprint'. Perhaps also you could assign a man specifically to follow me, so you could be certain there was no 'Bait and Switch'."

The Medani agent considers for a moment and then says, "Walking around with glowing blue eyes would be better, but not by much. Let me see something." He produces a wand and triggers it, and concentrates for a moment, evidently studying the various auras on Nameless. "I can see what you mean by a distinctive magic." He notes down a number of the auras on a piece of paper and then says, "We shouldn't have any problems. Just don't add any illusion spells besides that one. And if someone does stop you for some reason, ask for Rudin d'Medani. That's me. Do you have any questions?"

If not, he rises and indicates that Nameless (and anyone else who came along) should follow him. Rudin leads them back to their quarters and then leaves. Before doing so, he smiles and says, "I've read a little about you in the Korranberg Chronicle, but now I'm going to have to pay a little more attention to those sections."

For Six:
If the dress availible includes a hat or headband that covers the third eye he'll wear that. If covering won't work, ask Maddox about the problems if any of the eye.
Check on the commodities here, ask Mel and Zoe. Anything of unusual price different from Sharn? Keep a check on the crew of the Serenity to see if they have another deal going.
Aside, how many days do we have here?

Admin wrote:

The Medani agent considers for a moment and then says, "Walking around with glowing blue eyes would be better, but not by much. Let me see something." He produces a wand and triggers it, and concentrates for a moment, evidently studying the various auras on Nameless. "I can see what you mean by a distinctive magic." He notes down a number of the auras on a piece of paper and then says, "We shouldn't have any problems. Just don't add any illusion spells besides that one. And if someone does stop you for some reason, ask for Rudin d'Medani. That's me. Do you have any questions?"

"As you are obviously aware we are extremely powerful casters and we have access to spells not commonly used. If there is some way we can assist you please let us know. We would like this to go smoothly and without any complications if possible."

Dave W wrote:

For Six:
If the dress availible includes a hat or headband that covers the third eye he'll wear that. If covering won't work, ask Maddox about the problems if any of the eye.

Covering would be just fine.

Quote :

Check on the commodities here, ask Mel and Zoe. Anything of unusual price different from Sharn? Keep a check on the crew of the Serenity to see if they have another deal going.

Not really. Sharn tends to be as good a source as any, and better than most, for most of the things you guys deal with. Even though Aundair is the most advanced of the nations in arcane matters, just about anything available here finds its way to Sharn. You could probably find some trade goods here that would be cheaper than in Breland, but that's about it. And no, the crew isn't involved with any deals here. Right now, it's all business.

Quote :

Aside, how many days do we have here?

One and a half. You come in early on the 19th and leave on the evening of the 20th.

Nameless wrote:

"As you are obviously aware we are extremely powerful casters and we have access to spells not commonly used. If there is some way we can assist you please let us know. We would like this to go smoothly and without any complications if possible."

As Nameless stops, half expecting a giant bear to run into the room and tackle him, Rudin nods politely and says, “I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you for the offer.”

With Nameless’ situation taken care of, the Angels prepare themselves for the evening. Once it is time, they proceed, with the other members of the diplomatic delegation and Haydith’s train, accompanied by an Aundairan guard of honor, through the palace. The corridors and halls their route takes them through are mostly empty, only the statues of former Aundairan kings and queens watching their passage.

Eventually, they reach a large pair of double doors, guarded by four soldiers wearing the Aundairan national symbol, which is also emblazoned on the doors. The guards salute, turn and push open the doors, to the sound of a roll of drums and a flourish of trumpets, echoing as if they were in a huge hall, which they are. Beyond the doors a gigantic room unfolds itself in front of the entering contingent. Twin rows of fluted stone pillars extend down its length, vividly colored banners hanging from them and the balconies they support, depicting the standards of noble houses, military orders, and, of course, the royal colors of Aundair. At the far end of the room stands a trio of thrones upon an ornate marble dais with three broad steps. Only the central throne is occupied, by a figure that even at this distance can be seen to be distinctly female, evidently Queen Aurala. Between her and Haydith stand a multitude of people, forming rows on either side of the throne room of Aundair.

Haydith takes a deep breath, visibly calming herself, and strides forward with apparent confidence. Behind them, a herald cries out, voice pitched so as to carry across the chamber, “Princess Haydith ir’Wynarn, sister to King Kaius III of Karrnath, plenipotentiary emissary to Breland, Countess of the Western Marches, lady….” As the various titles are pronounced and Haydith walks on, the gathered courtiers applaud and Queen Aurala rises from her seat. It is not a momentous, but a significant occasion, especially in view of the still looming shadow of the Last War, and the not infrequent tension between their countries. Karrnath has come to Aundair, and Aundair has risen to greet her.

But there is more going on than meets the eye. Most of the Angels, with their lack of interest in – or knowledge of – social protocol at any level, do not notice it, but Gareth’s trained eyes do. As do some others, though none of them display significantly overt signs. Inara’s attractive face turns slightly wary, while Maddox’s eyes simply gleam with a grim light and Haydith’s lips purse slightly. Though it had originally looked as if the hall was crowded, that was mostly an illusion created by the sudden sight of those gathered within and the way they are spread out, scores covering a space that could have held hundreds. Many of them wear clothing that indicates minor functionaries of the court, outnumbering the actual nobility by a substantial margin. There also seem to be a larger number of guards and soldiers than one might expect. As the group advances, some others come in through a much larger doorway, above which the royal standard of Aundair hangs, indicating that Haydith’s contingent did not use the main entrance. And even Aurala’s rise from her throne only occurs after Haydith is halfway across the throne room. Aundair, while rising to greet Karrnath, has also very subtly – but clearly – informed the latter that she is only a subordinate part of Aundair’s interests.

To those not in the know, however, the welcome is fairly effusive. Queen Aurala, a tall and slender woman with golden hair running halfway down her back, steps forward and descends to meet Haydith, first clasping the younger woman’s hands in her own and then enfolding her in a hug. Stepping back, she says, “Greetings, cousin, or I should say more properly, niece. It’s a pleasure to see you again, and to welcome you to Aundair for the first time.”

As Haydith begins to thank Aurala for her hospitality, the queen places a hand companionably on her shoulder and steps forward, which forces the princess to turn with her. The queen runs her eyes over Haydith’s entourage, and addresses them (in the process interrupting Haydith), saying, “You are all welcome here too, of course.” She smiles broadly. “I believe we have some celebrities in our midst today.” Glancing at Haydith, she says, “You are being guarded by the Guardian Angels from Sharn, are you not? I would like to meet them.”

OOC: Assuming the princess gives the group a signal to introduce themselves

Gareth takes one step closer, but making it more towards the princess then anything else gives a bow towards the Queen "Your highness, it is an honor and a pleasure to be a guest in your court. My name is Gareth Byron Deneith, holy paladin of the Silver Flame. My companions, also known as the Guardian Angels, are" as Gareth motions to each one, "archmagus Nameless, high druid Luna, artistic and skillful Six, and Korma'khan high druid of the Gatekeepers. Your hospitality, and generosity have made us feel extremely comfortable and welcomed to your country and home." With that Gareth gives a slight bow.

Admin wrote:

And no, the crew isn't involved with any deals here. Right now, it's all business.

"

Eh? Deals are business.
Six makes a model of the Serenity to check for the hidden cargo space. Both the Inquisitor (rag) and the Chronicle (establishment) slander private airships as smugglers, so Six is investigating.

Dave W wrote:

Eh? Deals are business.

Good point, but you know what I mean.

Quote :

Six makes a model of the Serenity to check for the hidden cargo space. Both the Inquisitor (rag) and the Chronicle (establishment) slander private airships as smugglers, so Six is investigating.

Note that the Serenity isn't really a private airship, since it was built as a warship and then transformed for use by the Brelish royalty. That being said, since Six has carte blanche to do so, poking around isn't difficult. Six eventually discovers a very well-made secret door in the stabling area for holding mounts, which is currently unoccupied. He is also fairly certain that there might be a concealed area behind Mal's cabin (which stands right behind the wheel area). He can't be sure about the cabin area, since he doesn't have a chance to search that one in detail as he can the stabling area.

Does he open the secret door? And/or try to find a way to search Mal's quarters? Anything else?

Gareth wrote:

OOC: Assuming the princess gives the group a signal to introduce themselves

Gareth takes one step closer, but making it more towards the princess then anything else gives a bow towards the Queen "Your highness, it is an honor and a pleasure to be a guest in your court. My name is Gareth Byron Deneith, holy paladin of the Silver Flame. My companions, also known as the Guardian Angels, are" as Gareth motions to each one, "archmagus Nameless, high druid Luna, artistic and skillful Six, and Korma'khan high druid of the Gatekeepers. Your hospitality, and generosity have made us feel extremely comfortable and welcomed to your country and home." With that Gareth gives a slight bow.

Aurala smiles and slightly inclines her head in return. “It is a pleasure, Gareth Byron Deneith of the Silver Flame, to meet you. And all of you – Nameless, Luna, Six and Korm’akhan.” The queen’s gaze flickers over each of the Angels, and while the welcoming smile remains on her face, some of the Angels notice a tiny fleck of cold calculation in her eyes. Disconcertingly, the closest analogue to it they can recall is that which they have seen gleaming in Kylian’s, especially in his moments of greatest merriment. “I shall look forward to speaking to you, later in the evening. Like many here and across Khorvaire, I’ve read much of your exploits, and I’m curious how much of that is true, and perhaps what has not been mentioned.”

Aurala’s voice changes gradually as she speaks, marginally increasing in volume but being drastically modified in pitch, so that the excellent acoustics carry it far across the chamber. “And, if nothing else, I owe a debt of thanks for your work in foiling the terrorist attack during my last visit to Breland. I am confident that, with heroes such as you, the peace between Aundair and Breland cannot be jeopardized.” The queen gazes around as she stops speaking and some of those in the immediate vicinity begin to clap. It spreads quickly, until the entire assemblage is applauding the Angels.

Aurala turns, a pleasant smile on her face and a glint of satisfaction in her eyes, to Haydith, and says, “And, of course, our relations with our Karrnathi cousins too. Come. I have some people for you to meet.” The princess, whose face has tightened slightly during the queen’s addressing of the Angels, nods and follows her silently. Young as she is, Haydith has more than enough experience of the courts of Khorvaire to understand all the subtle intonations of Aurala’s speech and actions, from the co-opting of the Angels’ actions to the cause of Aundairan-Brelish relations (and, by extension, downgrading the importance of Karrnath to both countries), to the fact that the queen addressed a band of adventurers, however famous, while making a Karrnathi princess and sister to King Kaius wait.

Aurala leads Haydith to an ornate seat that has been placed beside the royal throne, and then takes her own seat. At a gesture from her, a number of people step forward from the ranks of gathered people, while the Angels and Haydith’s escorts are ushered to positions on either side. For the better part of the next hour, various members of the Aundairan court are introduced to Haydith. Pride of place is given to Aurala’s brother Adal and her current heir, First Warlord of the Realm and Royal Minister of Magic, a warrior-mage with features that are if possible even more hawkish than their sibling Aurad, governor of Fairhaven, who greeted the arrivals at the Lyrandar dock. Next in line is the martial figure of Lord Darro ir’Lain, Second Warlord of the Realm and commander of the Knights Arcane, some of whose forces Gareth had actually fought during the War. And behind them are dozens of nobles, diplomats, military figures, and functionaries, of all levels.

All in all, the process is fairly boring for the Angels, especially Luna, who is soon huffing and muttering under her breath. Luckily, just as her companions are beginning to wonder if she – or more likely, the unfortunate people around her – might explode, Queen Aurala turns to Haydith. “I think that will do. Any more would begin to test the definitions of hospitality. And there are some other things that you should see before you leave Aundair. After all, who knows when you will be able to come here from Breland again?” Haydith smiles back sweetly. “Who knows? But my brother has often said that he plans to be seated here someday, and I may accompany him then.” There’s a moment of silence and a flicker in Aurala’s eyes at the unexpected display of steel in the seemingly pliant princess, and then, slowly, a smile that has a tinge of grudging respect in it. “Perhaps,” the queen says ambiguously, and then rises.

So does Haydith, and after an exchange of embraces, she and her entourage depart, this time with Lord Darro ir’Lain joining them. Over the course of the next three hours, Haydith leaves the palace and makes a number of stops, viewing an army parade, seeing a display from the mages of Arcanix, and visiting a couple of sites producing Aundair’s more popular exports, including a winery where the princess and her entourage are presented with a host of different vintages.

Finally, the princess and her entourage return to the palace, with little more than an hour to rest before the banquet and ball that is to occur in Haydith’s honor. Lord Darro ir’Lain and their Aundairan escort drop them off at their quarters and depart. As the Aundairans are doing so, the Angels feel a soft tickle in their heads, and then a voice says, “Don’t worry – I’m a friend. Be careful of Lord Murat and Lady Kemiria at the dinner. They pose no physical danger, but may try to gain your confidence and benefit from you in some way.” One of the departing contingent, a guard among many others, turns and nods slightly at them. Nameless’ arcane sight picks up a faint transmutation aura on him, and then it is gone. As is he, heading around the corner with the other Aundairans.

Paying attention, but still dispising the posturing Gareth attempts to sense the motives of each person who is around the group and Haydith, looking for signs of potential attackers, or someone displaying hostile emotions.

After getting the message from the unknown guard Gareth whispers something to Nameless "I didn't need that message to warn me about politicians attempting to use us to their advantage, but at least we have concrete leads. Do you have any telepathy spells that have a long term effect?"

OOC: Can Gareth still telepathically speak with the Endless Blade? And can the blade speak with others?

Gareth wrote:

OOC: Can Gareth still telepathically speak with the Endless Blade?

Yes, but only when it's not inside his metal hand.

Quote :

And can the blade speak with others?

Only verbally. Again, it's got to be there in blade form and not inside the hand.

Man the Endless Blade must hate that deal. Spending who knows how long in emptiness. If it works like the shrink spell it is in a form of stasis I believe - but if not, yea thats not fun.

Gareth wrote:

Paying attention, but still dispising the posturing Gareth attempts to sense the motives of each person who is around the group and Haydith, looking for signs of potential attackers, or someone displaying hostile emotions.

After getting the message from the unknown guard Gareth whispers something to Nameless "I didn't need that message to warn me about politicians attempting to use us to their advantage, but at least we have concrete leads. Do you have any telepathy spells that have a long term effect?"

OOC: Nameless can cast Rary's Telepathic Bond, which would link him and up to 4 other people, and last 130 minutes.

IC (time for a little NPCing):

Luna looks around suspiciously when she receives the telepathic message and, when she sees that it was a soldier, steps over to whisper hurriedly to her companions. "Should I go grab him and find out what the hell he means?" The tone is hopeful, but becomes less so at sight of the surrounding expressions, and she quickly adds, "Or I could just wildshape and follow him subtly. Like maybe as a poodle again? Man alive, it's been a long time since I was a poodle!"