"Yeah, the Academy!" Emma says, and then screws up her face thoughtfully. "And Mr. Fairweather of Fairweather Trade and Exports," she draws the title out to make it sound important, "buys a lot too. I don't know where he takes it. Some people say he ships it overseas all the way to other continents. But it's all hush hush."
"Oh, the Hooded Lanterns! They're trying to retake Drakkenheim and put the king back on the throne, to restore law and order. Only they don't have a king, after the civil war. Papa says, nobles couldn't agree on who should be king, and that caused the war. Then most of the Hooded Lanterns came out of the civil war after it ended. They believe in Drakkenheim!" Emma throws her arms wide. "Here in the village, they man the Watchtower, by the bridge that goes towards the city." She points north, but back in the direction that they came from, where a stone watchtower can be seen over the tops of the roofs of the town. "They used to police Emberwood Village more. Making sure everything was as it should be, looking into complaints, and always collecting donations. But they managed to get a stronghold inside the city itself, and now there just aren't ever very many of them here. Oh, they'll still help out sometimes, but they're not a presence here like they used to be."
As Roman rides up to them, she smiles. "Yup, my papa is the blacksmith! At Crowe and Sons' Smithy! It's that way." She points south of their current location. "Right near the town square. We can go there next, if you want! And the chapel of the Sacred Flame is right there, too, looking over the green! The Chapel of Saint Ardenna!" She points back in the direction of Caravan Court. The small round building with a copper domed roof can still be seen back towards the heart of town, the flickering of the Flame braziar visible in a dance of jewelled colors though the thin stained glass windows. "Flamekeeper Hanna runs it. She's nice."
As Emma Crowe points out the various features of her small town, Roman looks around at his traveling companion. He hasn't known them for very long, but the journey to Drakkenheim has forged a strong bond with them.
" I know we have all come to Drakkenheim for our own reasons, but I have come to value all of your companionship. I, for one, would like to continue this group dynamic. Maybe when we arrive at the Red Lion, we can stop and figure out what our next step could be." Looking at his small amount of coin left in his purse." Maybe we can find some way to make some coin." As he waits to hear the responses of his traveling companion, he turns to Emma. " you are truly a great ambassador for your village. Is there anything else of note you can tell us of Emberwood?"
I for one agree with you silverstar. We may all have our own goals * his eyes dart between roman and Yvara* but we have forged somewhat of a bond. It maybe best we stick together for the time being until we understand more about whats going on in Drakkenhiem.
Red Lion hotel maybe an excellent place to start, Im sure I can talk to whoever the owner is and see what perks they offer nobility. Maybe they even have a stable for the horses. Young Emma, thank you for your assistance, may we call on again if needed? * dangling another gold piece in his hands with closed eyes and a smile*
"Well," Emma muses, "Papa says Emberwood Village is a very mercenary place, but it's so small, we're kind of like a family, too. A lot of people come, and a lot of them go, there's all sorts, in and out, looking to make some gold, or maybe looking for other things. Then there's those pilgrims! Papa says that's hogwash, going into the city with nothing like that, but some of my other friends in town say, maybe it's the future, maybe that's what the meteor is here for. Anyway, it's a very exciting place, because people die a lot, they have a lot of stakes. There's no quiet life in Emberwood Village!"
The party makes their way out of the center of town, the bustle, music, warmth and smell of the town square fading away into the cold, foreboding stillness of a dead land. The horses clatter up the road as it winds up the hill passing several boarded up and abandoned homes and businesses. The rush of the stream roars off to their right, and the silhouette of an imposing manor house sits perched on top of the hill. Emma gives an excited shout as the horses pick up their pace, clinging to Cassa's mane.
The road ends in a driveway that circles around in front of an impressive three-story manor, built of red brick. Lion-shaped gargoyles dress the eaves and the roofline, roaring open mouthed from the corners. Two lion statues flank the white front steps of the manor house. Large glass-paned windows overlook the town and the creek on the other side of the hill. The circular driveway showcases the green-painted, embossed double doors at the front of the building before winding around back to a stable and carriage house.
"Here we are!" Emma cries. "Red Lion Hotel!" And her eyes shine as she looks at the gold piece that Lando dangles. "Of course, any time you need me! Thank you so much for letting me ride your horse, Lady Elena," she says, stroking Cassa's mane again. "I'm going to go say hi to my Papa, and then I'll probably go to Caravan Court. But I'll look out for you guys. You stand out!" She giggles, and carefully slides off of the horse. Then she bows deeply. "Lord Lando of House Spire and entourage, welcome to Emberwood Village! It is an honor to have you!" Emma salutes, and then scampers away, back down the hill.
From the back of his horse, he looks up at the large manor. Looking at his companions. " Young Emma pointed out many places of interest around town. Should we all stick together or maybe spread out and explore the town. Individually or in pairs. We could cover more ground and get a better lay of the land as they say. We could all meet back here in an hour or two? What do you all think?"
Elena feels her sword chaff slightly at being considered part of Lando's entourage and briefly felt the need to correct the young Emma. But instead she turns to Roman and says, "Agreed. I don't think we all need to meet this reeve. Perhaps our noble personage should take that honour. We are going to need to get supplies if we're going into Drakkenheim. And supplies cost money. A lot of money..." While she has a stipend, that is in an account with the Bank of Liberio and it seems the village does not have a bank, let alone a branch for one from Liberio, nor do the merchants here seem willing to accept promissory notes or cheques. They need hard coin, of which Elena has some amount but nothing to boast. She doubts Moksad has anything more than the clothes on his back. Hannah and Roman look to be individuals of some means, perhaps equal or a little less than herself, and, of course, Lando is a lord. Still, even if Lord Lando shares his wealth with them, they are likely not to have enough. "I may try to see if I can meet with someone from the Academy. We are going to need some coin and the Academy never lacked that."
"All this talk of coin is so new to me, may I ask those of you negotiating on our behalf if you would like the traditional blessing of Guidance from what you call the old Gods while making these requests?"
"While your aid is appreciated as always, Moksad," Elena says. "With the Academy, they may be able to identify your blessings possess more power so exercise caution. Still, I suppose you may be interested in meeting them beyond simply getting coin. After all, they might be curious to learn about the discoveries your tribe has made."
Maybe an initial visit in pairs Or Trios would be appropriate, I think we should see if a merchant or wondrous items is here. In my land, very few of us had a necklace or bracelet of communication. To let us speak over vast distances. Unless one of you fine spell slingers can manage a similar feat.
Shall we go in a rest our things? I sure I can get us some sort of discount in the finest lodging this little village can offer.
" It has been a long road and drink would be nice to wash the dust from my throat" Handing his reins to a stableboy. " The town will still be here after a drink." He says as steps up to the front door of the Red Lion
As the party rides forward into the circular driveway, they get a closer look at the impressive manor house. The grounds and building both look well-kept, and the large front windows showcase a sumptuous dining room and a vast parlor, richly decorated with fine antique furnishings and exquisite paintings and sculpture. An impressive crystal chandelier hangs in the dining room, and great hearths lit with roaring fires light both rooms. No one is in the dining room, but a few well-dressed patrons are sitting in the parlor, with a couple of servants bustling about bringing them drinks and stoking the fire.
The stable boy, who had been curiously peeking at the noble entourage from half behind the corner of the manor, jumps up immediately as Roman catches his eye, and rushes forward to take his horse's reins. He waits, ready to take the reins of as many horses as the travellers care to entrust him with.
The group's arrival has not gone unnoticed by the staff of the manor house, either. The green-painted wooden doors creak open, and a pair of servants step out onto the wide marble staircase, hailing the group."My lord!" one of them calls to Lando. "You look weary, and have traveled long. May we offer you and your entourage hospitality? The stable boy will see to your horses. Lord Stavros is in the parlor right now, and would be pleased to make your acquaintance."
Bowing his head to the servant " My thanks sir. It has been indeed a long road here and we welcome your offer of hospitality." Looking around the entrance hall " Such a grand establishment you have here, tell me is there any other notable patrons in residence? We have only just arrived in town and are familiarizing ourselves with your town" Giving the servant a grin " We did meet your town ambassador, miss Emma Crowe. What charming young lady. She give us brief tour of the town."
"Why, yes sir!" the servant says, with another bow. "Our patrons prefer our discretion, but there are a few of them who are also relaxing in the parlor right now, and I'm sure they would be happy to introduce themselves to you." He returns Roman's grin. "Ah yes, Miss Crowe, yes, certainly a town favorite! Why, you could almost call her the mascot of Emberwood village, if you will! The hospitable, acquisitive, youthful spirit of our town!"
Elena nods her head at the servant. "It sounds like the parlour is the place to be, then," she says. "Please, kind servant, lead us there." She looks around the hotel lobby with appreciation. "What a lovely establishment you have here and in such difficult times."
As the party dismounts to follow the servant, the stable boy takes the reins of all the horses and leads them around the back towards the stables. Climbing the wide marble steps between the lion statues, the servants lead the party into the foyer. Greeting their eyes in the foyer, mounted on the wall in front of them between a pair of wooden staircases decorated with carvings that lead to the second floor is an impressive armorial of the noble houses in Westemar, set in a decorative frame of gold-colored alloy. Most prominently is the arms of the Von Kessels, followed by a dizzying, colorful, and mostly not even remembered reel of heraldry. On either side of the armorial, by the bannisters of the staircases, are two large gold and marble inlaid plant pots, which do not have plants in them, but are filled up with pebbles and hold other objects instead. In one is an ivory-carved mirror case depecting scenes of courtly love, and in the other is a treasure bound book encrusted with gems and gold plating.
Servants with towels, trays, drinks, and cleaning supplies bustle to and fro in the hallways as the servant leads them to the parlor. There are also, discreet and well-dressed, what seem to be a guard or two. "Of course, my lady," the servant replies to Elena, "difficult times have the greatest need for good repose, now haven't they?" He pushes the door to the parlor open.
Inside the parlor, a scene of luxury and refinement greets their eyes. Fine antique chairs bench seats with immaculate upholestery circle around the room, interspersed with grand carved bookcases, and even an elegant little harpsichord. An enormous hearth and fireplace houses a roaring fire and a wide carved mantlepiece upon which two sculptures sit on either end, one marble painted of a female paladin, probably Saint Tarna, kneeling with her hands on her sword thrust into the ground and her eyes gazing heavenward, and the other wooden of a griffin, painted in bright colors like a songbird with stripes on its haunches like a tabby. Large glass-paned windows look out, one over Emberwood Village, and the other over the rushing creek to the north of the hill on which the manor sits.
A few patrons occupy the chairs. One older man, well-dressed in a fitted, tailored tunic with embroidered cuffs, with light greying hair and moustache and warm crinkles at the corner of his eyes, stands from his seat in a large armchair placed to overlook both windows. He holds a wine goblet in one hand and doesn't even slosh it as he bows to Lando. "Greetings, noble guests! I am Lord Kosta Stavros, the Reeve of this good town. Welcome to the Red Lion Hotel! This was once my personal manor, but since the war ended I have opened its doors to weary travellers like yourselves. It's the least I can do in this broken time. Please, take a seat, and tell me your names and what brings you hence." He snaps his fingers at a servant, who hurries over with goblets for the guests, and another follows him with a pitcher of wine.
The other folks in the room say nothing, although they give alternately curious or measured glances to the newcomers. A pair of dwarves occupy two chairs on either side of a chess table, and though they glance over, they seem occupied with their game.
Anyone with proficiency in chess:
The dwarves are not playing by the rules of the game at all. They're taking turns, and moving and conquering pieces, but either this is some unknown variation, or they just aren't actually playing.
Seated near the fireplace, sipping a goblet of wine and reading a book, is a short woman in a tailored purple jacket with an alarming apperarance--her brown skin is mottled, and her uncovered hair is blue, with a crude headdress that resembles either a pair of horns or a pair of boats amongst the sea of blue hair. Or perhaps it is not a headdress. A brief smile to the newcomers shows teeth that are unnervingly much too sharp.
Elena:
Elena would know that there are plenty of mages with strange appearance, altered by magical bloodlines, and, from that and the choice of purple, she thinks this could be someone associated with the Amethyst Academy.
As he follows the servant through the opulent manor, Roman subtly feels his own very light coin purse. He begins to wonder if they can afford such expensive looking lodgings, maybe one of those cottages might be more affordable. As they are introduced to Lord Stavros, Roman bows deeply and nervously says "Greetings M'lord, I am Roman Silverstar a scribe of the Abbey of St. Oliver." He turns and gestures to Lando "And this is Lord Lando Spire of House Spire of Elyria and his Lady, Yvera."
Sometimes, Elena really regrets picking up the strange druid at the side of the road on her journeys. This is one of those times. Clearly Moksad was referring to the tiefling in purple, likely an Academy agent, but, by doing so, he might have drawn unnecessary attention. “Yes, I see her too,” she hisses back. “But first we need to pay our respects to the lord. It’s courteous and we do not want to offend our host.” She follows Roman tothe section of the opulent parlour that Lord Stravos appears to be holding court in and, after waiting for Roman to finish with his introductions, gives a deep bow.
“My name is Elena Firavanti, servant of House Giorgione of Liberio,” she says. “And this is Moksad. For myself, I am here for business, and by my reckoning, it appears I have found the individual I am looking for. With your kind permission, I would like to talk to them.”
"Yeah, the Academy!" Emma says, and then screws up her face thoughtfully. "And Mr. Fairweather of Fairweather Trade and Exports," she draws the title out to make it sound important, "buys a lot too. I don't know where he takes it. Some people say he ships it overseas all the way to other continents. But it's all hush hush."
"Oh, the Hooded Lanterns! They're trying to retake Drakkenheim and put the king back on the throne, to restore law and order. Only they don't have a king, after the civil war. Papa says, nobles couldn't agree on who should be king, and that caused the war. Then most of the Hooded Lanterns came out of the civil war after it ended. They believe in Drakkenheim!" Emma throws her arms wide. "Here in the village, they man the Watchtower, by the bridge that goes towards the city." She points north, but back in the direction that they came from, where a stone watchtower can be seen over the tops of the roofs of the town. "They used to police Emberwood Village more. Making sure everything was as it should be, looking into complaints, and always collecting donations. But they managed to get a stronghold inside the city itself, and now there just aren't ever very many of them here. Oh, they'll still help out sometimes, but they're not a presence here like they used to be."
As Roman rides up to them, she smiles. "Yup, my papa is the blacksmith! At Crowe and Sons' Smithy! It's that way." She points south of their current location. "Right near the town square. We can go there next, if you want! And the chapel of the Sacred Flame is right there, too, looking over the green! The Chapel of Saint Ardenna!" She points back in the direction of Caravan Court. The small round building with a copper domed roof can still be seen back towards the heart of town, the flickering of the Flame braziar visible in a dance of jewelled colors though the thin stained glass windows. "Flamekeeper Hanna runs it. She's nice."
Roman Silverstar
As Emma Crowe points out the various features of her small town, Roman looks around at his traveling companion. He hasn't known them for very long, but the journey to Drakkenheim has forged a strong bond with them.
" I know we have all come to Drakkenheim for our own reasons, but I have come to value all of your companionship. I, for one, would like to continue this group dynamic. Maybe when we arrive at the Red Lion, we can stop and figure out what our next step could be." Looking at his small amount of coin left in his purse." Maybe we can find some way to make some coin." As he waits to hear the responses of his traveling companion, he turns to Emma. " you are truly a great ambassador for your village. Is there anything else of note you can tell us of Emberwood?"
I for one agree with you silverstar. We may all have our own goals * his eyes dart between roman and Yvara* but we have forged somewhat of a bond. It maybe best we stick together for the time being until we understand more about whats going on in Drakkenhiem.
Red Lion hotel maybe an excellent place to start, Im sure I can talk to whoever the owner is and see what perks they offer nobility. Maybe they even have a stable for the horses. Young Emma, thank you for your assistance, may we call on again if needed? * dangling another gold piece in his hands with closed eyes and a smile*
"Well," Emma muses, "Papa says Emberwood Village is a very mercenary place, but it's so small, we're kind of like a family, too. A lot of people come, and a lot of them go, there's all sorts, in and out, looking to make some gold, or maybe looking for other things. Then there's those pilgrims! Papa says that's hogwash, going into the city with nothing like that, but some of my other friends in town say, maybe it's the future, maybe that's what the meteor is here for. Anyway, it's a very exciting place, because people die a lot, they have a lot of stakes. There's no quiet life in Emberwood Village!"
The party makes their way out of the center of town, the bustle, music, warmth and smell of the town square fading away into the cold, foreboding stillness of a dead land. The horses clatter up the road as it winds up the hill passing several boarded up and abandoned homes and businesses. The rush of the stream roars off to their right, and the silhouette of an imposing manor house sits perched on top of the hill. Emma gives an excited shout as the horses pick up their pace, clinging to Cassa's mane.
The road ends in a driveway that circles around in front of an impressive three-story manor, built of red brick. Lion-shaped gargoyles dress the eaves and the roofline, roaring open mouthed from the corners. Two lion statues flank the white front steps of the manor house. Large glass-paned windows overlook the town and the creek on the other side of the hill. The circular driveway showcases the green-painted, embossed double doors at the front of the building before winding around back to a stable and carriage house.
"Here we are!" Emma cries. "Red Lion Hotel!" And her eyes shine as she looks at the gold piece that Lando dangles. "Of course, any time you need me! Thank you so much for letting me ride your horse, Lady Elena," she says, stroking Cassa's mane again. "I'm going to go say hi to my Papa, and then I'll probably go to Caravan Court. But I'll look out for you guys. You stand out!" She giggles, and carefully slides off of the horse. Then she bows deeply. "Lord Lando of House Spire and entourage, welcome to Emberwood Village! It is an honor to have you!" Emma salutes, and then scampers away, back down the hill.
Roman Silverstar
From the back of his horse, he looks up at the large manor. Looking at his companions. " Young Emma pointed out many places of interest around town. Should we all stick together or maybe spread out and explore the town. Individually or in pairs. We could cover more ground and get a better lay of the land as they say. We could all meet back here in an hour or two? What do you all think?"
Elena Firavanti
Elena feels her sword chaff slightly at being considered part of Lando's entourage and briefly felt the need to correct the young Emma. But instead she turns to Roman and says, "Agreed. I don't think we all need to meet this reeve. Perhaps our noble personage should take that honour. We are going to need to get supplies if we're going into Drakkenheim. And supplies cost money. A lot of money..." While she has a stipend, that is in an account with the Bank of Liberio and it seems the village does not have a bank, let alone a branch for one from Liberio, nor do the merchants here seem willing to accept promissory notes or cheques. They need hard coin, of which Elena has some amount but nothing to boast. She doubts Moksad has anything more than the clothes on his back. Hannah and Roman look to be individuals of some means, perhaps equal or a little less than herself, and, of course, Lando is a lord. Still, even if Lord Lando shares his wealth with them, they are likely not to have enough. "I may try to see if I can meet with someone from the Academy. We are going to need some coin and the Academy never lacked that."
Moksad
"All this talk of coin is so new to me, may I ask those of you negotiating on our behalf if you would like the traditional blessing of Guidance from what you call the old Gods while making these requests?"
Elena Firavanti
"While your aid is appreciated as always, Moksad," Elena says. "With the Academy, they may be able to identify your blessings possess more power so exercise caution. Still, I suppose you may be interested in meeting them beyond simply getting coin. After all, they might be curious to learn about the discoveries your tribe has made."
Maybe an initial visit in pairs Or Trios would be appropriate, I think we should see if a merchant or wondrous items is here. In my land, very few of us had a necklace or bracelet of communication. To let us speak over vast distances. Unless one of you fine spell slingers can manage a similar feat.
Shall we go in a rest our things? I sure I can get us some sort of discount in the finest lodging this little village can offer.
Roman Silverstar
" It has been a long road and drink would be nice to wash the dust from my throat" Handing his reins to a stableboy. " The town will still be here after a drink." He says as steps up to the front door of the Red Lion
Moksad
" The Academy? huh-- I would be most interested in their insights into my abilities. I will follow you Elena."
As the party rides forward into the circular driveway, they get a closer look at the impressive manor house. The grounds and building both look well-kept, and the large front windows showcase a sumptuous dining room and a vast parlor, richly decorated with fine antique furnishings and exquisite paintings and sculpture. An impressive crystal chandelier hangs in the dining room, and great hearths lit with roaring fires light both rooms. No one is in the dining room, but a few well-dressed patrons are sitting in the parlor, with a couple of servants bustling about bringing them drinks and stoking the fire.
The stable boy, who had been curiously peeking at the noble entourage from half behind the corner of the manor, jumps up immediately as Roman catches his eye, and rushes forward to take his horse's reins. He waits, ready to take the reins of as many horses as the travellers care to entrust him with.
The group's arrival has not gone unnoticed by the staff of the manor house, either. The green-painted wooden doors creak open, and a pair of servants step out onto the wide marble staircase, hailing the group. "My lord!" one of them calls to Lando. "You look weary, and have traveled long. May we offer you and your entourage hospitality? The stable boy will see to your horses. Lord Stavros is in the parlor right now, and would be pleased to make your acquaintance."
Roman Silverstar
Bowing his head to the servant " My thanks sir. It has been indeed a long road here and we welcome your offer of hospitality." Looking around the entrance hall " Such a grand establishment you have here, tell me is there any other notable patrons in residence? We have only just arrived in town and are familiarizing ourselves with your town" Giving the servant a grin " We did meet your town ambassador, miss Emma Crowe. What charming young lady. She give us brief tour of the town."
"Why, yes sir!" the servant says, with another bow. "Our patrons prefer our discretion, but there are a few of them who are also relaxing in the parlor right now, and I'm sure they would be happy to introduce themselves to you." He returns Roman's grin. "Ah yes, Miss Crowe, yes, certainly a town favorite! Why, you could almost call her the mascot of Emberwood village, if you will! The hospitable, acquisitive, youthful spirit of our town!"
Elena Firavanti
Elena nods her head at the servant. "It sounds like the parlour is the place to be, then," she says. "Please, kind servant, lead us there." She looks around the hotel lobby with appreciation. "What a lovely establishment you have here and in such difficult times."
As the party dismounts to follow the servant, the stable boy takes the reins of all the horses and leads them around the back towards the stables. Climbing the wide marble steps between the lion statues, the servants lead the party into the foyer. Greeting their eyes in the foyer, mounted on the wall in front of them between a pair of wooden staircases decorated with carvings that lead to the second floor is an impressive armorial of the noble houses in Westemar, set in a decorative frame of gold-colored alloy. Most prominently is the arms of the Von Kessels, followed by a dizzying, colorful, and mostly not even remembered reel of heraldry. On either side of the armorial, by the bannisters of the staircases, are two large gold and marble inlaid plant pots, which do not have plants in them, but are filled up with pebbles and hold other objects instead. In one is an ivory-carved mirror case depecting scenes of courtly love, and in the other is a treasure bound book encrusted with gems and gold plating.
Servants with towels, trays, drinks, and cleaning supplies bustle to and fro in the hallways as the servant leads them to the parlor. There are also, discreet and well-dressed, what seem to be a guard or two. "Of course, my lady," the servant replies to Elena, "difficult times have the greatest need for good repose, now haven't they?" He pushes the door to the parlor open.
Inside the parlor, a scene of luxury and refinement greets their eyes. Fine antique chairs bench seats with immaculate upholestery circle around the room, interspersed with grand carved bookcases, and even an elegant little harpsichord. An enormous hearth and fireplace houses a roaring fire and a wide carved mantlepiece upon which two sculptures sit on either end, one marble painted of a female paladin, probably Saint Tarna, kneeling with her hands on her sword thrust into the ground and her eyes gazing heavenward, and the other wooden of a griffin, painted in bright colors like a songbird with stripes on its haunches like a tabby. Large glass-paned windows look out, one over Emberwood Village, and the other over the rushing creek to the north of the hill on which the manor sits.
A few patrons occupy the chairs. One older man, well-dressed in a fitted, tailored tunic with embroidered cuffs, with light greying hair and moustache and warm crinkles at the corner of his eyes, stands from his seat in a large armchair placed to overlook both windows. He holds a wine goblet in one hand and doesn't even slosh it as he bows to Lando. "Greetings, noble guests! I am Lord Kosta Stavros, the Reeve of this good town. Welcome to the Red Lion Hotel! This was once my personal manor, but since the war ended I have opened its doors to weary travellers like yourselves. It's the least I can do in this broken time. Please, take a seat, and tell me your names and what brings you hence." He snaps his fingers at a servant, who hurries over with goblets for the guests, and another follows him with a pitcher of wine.
The other folks in the room say nothing, although they give alternately curious or measured glances to the newcomers. A pair of dwarves occupy two chairs on either side of a chess table, and though they glance over, they seem occupied with their game.
Anyone with proficiency in chess:
The dwarves are not playing by the rules of the game at all. They're taking turns, and moving and conquering pieces, but either this is some unknown variation, or they just aren't actually playing.
Seated near the fireplace, sipping a goblet of wine and reading a book, is a short woman in a tailored purple jacket with an alarming apperarance--her brown skin is mottled, and her uncovered hair is blue, with a crude headdress that resembles either a pair of horns or a pair of boats amongst the sea of blue hair. Or perhaps it is not a headdress. A brief smile to the newcomers shows teeth that are unnervingly much too sharp.
Elena:
Elena would know that there are plenty of mages with strange appearance, altered by magical bloodlines, and, from that and the choice of purple, she thinks this could be someone associated with the Amethyst Academy.
Moksad
In a somewhat clumsy, but attempted careful whisper Moksad says to his comrade "Hey Elena, that fellow looks quite funny."
Roman Silverstar
As he follows the servant through the opulent manor, Roman subtly feels his own very light coin purse. He begins to wonder if they can afford such expensive looking lodgings, maybe one of those cottages might be more affordable. As they are introduced to Lord Stavros, Roman bows deeply and nervously says "Greetings M'lord, I am Roman Silverstar a scribe of the Abbey of St. Oliver." He turns and gestures to Lando "And this is Lord Lando Spire of House Spire of Elyria and his Lady, Yvera."
Elena Firavanti
Sometimes, Elena really regrets picking up the strange druid at the side of the road on her journeys. This is one of those times. Clearly Moksad was referring to the tiefling in purple, likely an Academy agent, but, by doing so, he might have drawn unnecessary attention. “Yes, I see her too,” she hisses back. “But first we need to pay our respects to the lord. It’s courteous and we do not want to offend our host.” She follows Roman tothe section of the opulent parlour that Lord Stravos appears to be holding court in and, after waiting for Roman to finish with his introductions, gives a deep bow.
“My name is Elena Firavanti, servant of House Giorgione of Liberio,” she says. “And this is Moksad. For myself, I am here for business, and by my reckoning, it appears I have found the individual I am looking for. With your kind permission, I would like to talk to them.”
Moksad
Stands and waves, but then clumsily attempts a bow after realizing he made a mistake.