"You were amazing tonight Mae, absolutely amazing." Valeria says, uncharacteristically cheerful after the excellent performance, holding up her glass of wine to greet the bard as she joins them.
As they eventually get their suppers she gives Kellin an appreciative nod, then starting to eat, slowly and with dignity.
As the mayor and the captain approaches them and introduces themselves she motions for them to take a seat by their table. "I'm sorry to hear of your troubles." Valeria starts with a sympathetic smile, nodding at Iravon's comment. "You should know that I am here to find Vraath keep that is supposed to be situated somewhere in Elsir vale. It is my intention to reclaim the keep as it is my right to do so. From there I would offer protection to the vale. It seems that protection is needed already though and I humbly offer my and my associates assistance with the endeavour of ridding the vale of this threat." She says with a polite smile, glancing over at Mae to see if they she any objections, counting on loyal Kiersa to stand by her side. "We would have to discuss how you think the four of us would be of help though. We are not afraid to face these Hobgoblins in battle but they could be in great numbers and we would need a plan to strike at their leadership if we are to be of help. We could start with you offering us what you know of these Hobgoblins." She says, looking at Norro and Soranna.
Mae collected all 8 letters in various kinds with a generous smile to the room, before returning to her companions and covering herself back up with her traveling cloak. She thanked everyone politely and sank into her seat with a clearly tired expression on her face. She cast a light smirk at Iravon though and giggled softly. "Oh lighten up, Iravon! I saw that spark in your eyes for a moment! It was rather endearing!"She smiled again and looked at Kiersa with a sly wink before slipping the aforementioned notes and letters into her bag without reading them currently.
She looked up at the two that came in after, Norra and Soranna, listening to their plea and gave a slow nod. "This was a very happy place to stay for a while for me, I would hate to see it come to ruin at the hands of dishonorable miscreants. I'm sure we can investigate the matter some on our way to the Keep. After all, if the town is overrun, the Keep won't be worth nearly so much, now would it?" She flashed a slight grin and nod at Valeria. "But I think if you all don't mind, I would like to retire for the evening."
"Yes, you do that Mae. Considering this is clearly your evening and the amount of letters you have to read I couldn't refuse you having one of the two rooms by yourself. If Iravon would be prepared to use the servant quarters for himself I can share with Kiersa this night." Valeria says quickly, then returning her attention to the mayor and the captain.
As Mae gives her a wink, Kiersa briefly giggles softly as well. "It's fine Iravon, everyone knows you just appreciated the usefulness of Mae's amazingly beautiful voice." Her gaze lingers on the letters and notes as they go into the bag. Stepping over to the bard, she asks, "What do you suppose they all say?" Her gaze sweeps the room as she tries to imagine who might have left a note after just hearing this one performance. Although it was really good.
She then looks at Iravon once Valerian mentions how to arrange the rooms. "I'm certainly fine with the arrangement, but if you really don't want to, I can take the servant's quarter spot Iravon."
She then looks at Iravon once Valerian mentions how to arrange the rooms. "I'm certainly fine with the arrangement, but if you really don't want to, I can take the servant's quarter spot Iravon."
Iravon nods at Kiersa's offer before turning towards Valeria. "My role here is to protect you. I cannot do that from the servant's quarters. If you will agree to it I will sleep in your room."
Valeria raises her eyebrows slightly at the Hobgoblin's suggestion. "Thank you Iravon but that won't be necessary, I don't expect the Red Hand to sneak into my room at night." She answers with a polite smile, then returning her attention to the mayor and the captain again. "You'd have to excuse us, we seem to have some difficulties deciding who would use which room of the ones that were still free when we arrived here. Now, what is you assessment of this Hobgoblin tribe, any idea on where they are camped for instance?"
Mae cast a quick look at Iravon, "You can always stay in my room! I was going to read these letters together with Kiersa maybe, but you would be welcome too. Maybe Mae can make more than just your toes dance later." She began to giggle and looked back at Kiersa and Valeria, "Yes while you sort out the facts of what's going on, do you mind if I borrow Kiersa for a little bit? Just come on in to my room when you're done here." She stood to the side politely and waited to see if Kiersa would join her, doing one more look at the mayor and captain while singing something very softly and making her fingers dance over her flute again with just a couple of soft tones. (Casting Detect Thoughts on the mayor, surface level only, then will switch to the captain, again surface level only.)
"Yes, yes of course, off you go." Valeria says and nods at Mae and Kiersa, a hint of impatience in her voice now, then again returning her attention to the mayor and the captain.
Mae: As your spell lingers for a moment, Norro's mind speaks of apprehension, perhaps a question of trust. Fleeting images of numbers dodge and weave amidst his thoughts. Soranna's mind, however, presents a blank wall, not of magical impediment, but of absolute focus. Her surface thoughts register only the sensations of her immediate surroundings. A man's face briefly appears, capped in steel, then fades away.
Norro replies to Valeria's words with a sigh of relief. "Well, I must say that is very good to hear. You would be helping so very many people in your efforts at ridding the town of this current... crisis" he exclaims, obvious distaste on his lips at being forces to use the word "crisis."
It is my intention to reclaim the keep as it is my right to do so.
- Norro's expression narrows slightly. "Ah, well we have heard of such a structure in the region - may I ask by what authority you seek to lay ownership of this... estate?"
We could start with you offering us what you know of these Hobgoblins.
- Norro begins to explain what he knows. "It's not much, I'm afraid. We have only an estimate of their numbers, though their intentions are clear enough. All told, perhaps around a hundred warriors. Hardly a 'legion' as your friend mentioned, but rather too much for us to deal with in open battle at the moment. I heard you faced their preferred tactics earlier today. Small raiding parties of ten or so, infiltrating the countryside and wreaking havoc. They seem to think we are too weak to defend ourselves from their greed, and sadly for the moment they are correct."
Now, what is you assessment of this Hobgoblin tribe, any idea on where they are camped for instance?
- Soranna gives her opinion. "We've tracked three separate warbands in our lands over the last few weeks - fifteen to twenty warriors apiece. Lost too many men to the Witchwood trying to find their hideout, but they seem to favor the west side of the river. It's where my men lost their lives, and if you all are as good at fighting as at singing, it's where I'd start searching."
Valeria quickly produces her deed and other documents pertaining to Vraath keep from an exquisite royal blue scroll case with silver filigree. "It is all here mayor."She says plainly, handing Norro the documents. "As you can see, I Valeria Moonstar of Waterdeep, the city of wonders, is the rightful owner of the estate of Vraath Keep."
Valeria then listens to the mayor and the captain, pondering the information they share about the Hobgoblins for a moment. "What do you think Iravon, should we fight these warbands one by one, or should we strike at the heart of it all?" She asks the Hobgoblin warrior beside her, then turning to the mayor and the captain again. "It would be helpful if you provided us with a detailed map of the vale where you mark the sightings of these warbands. I would be grateful if you also marked the location of Vraath Keep, as far as you know it." She says to them with a polite smile. "We would have to rest for the night soon but you can expect us to do our utmost to deal with these Hobgoblin incursions, starting at dawn. And one more thing, would you happen to know about something called the Red Hand?"
Mae watched the mayor and the captain for another moment, but did not attempt to push into either of their minds. She looked at Kiersa and smiled a little, "Well it's just more fun to share these letters with someone! Besides, you never know when one of these rapscallions may decide to push their luck and make a personal visit." Mae would take Kiersa by the hand, blow a kiss to Kellin and then look at Iravon once more and send a message (casting Message) in his mind: "Trust the captain, her mind is steeled for war."(he can reply to Mae if he wishes).
Once settled in her room, Mae would undress most of the way to get more comfortable and then pull out the 8 letters and notes offered her after her performance earlier. With a small sigh and a light grin she held them up, "Let's see what the offerings are this time, hmm?"
Kiersa gets a big smile on her face as Mae suggests sharing the letters with her. "Oh! How fun!" she says excitedly. "Lets go!" As the two walk to the room she asks, "Have you really had people you'd never really met just come to your room?"
Once in the room and Mae starts to undress, Kiersa nervously says, "Umm, maybe I should head over to the other room and get my armor off before you start with the letters." She heads for the door without even glancing over at Mae.
Mae nodded at Kiersa on the way up, "More than I would like to admit. They mean well usually, but there have also been a few less than welcome guests..." She didn't continue to elaborate on the topic. She only got down to her linen undergarments, but raised a brow as Kiersa suddenly looked nervous and began to leave. "Suit yourself, I can wait. I think I need to work on some new...songs anyway." She stretched and yawned a little and laid back in her bed, humming softly to herself as she waited for Kiersa to return.
Kiersa quickly goes to the other room, carefully removes her chain mail, and then straightens the light tunic she normally wears beneath. A bit more comfortable. She rushes back over to Mae's room.
She knocks softly on the door, waiting for a response before entering.
Mae was sitting up in her bed when the knock came back, taking a moment as she finished humming something to herself. She got up and patted over to the door and opened it slightly at first, then wider once she realized it was Kiersa again. "Welcome back! Come on in!" She took a quick glance at the hall to see if anyone else was around and then shut the door behind Kiersa and brought her over to her bed with an exhausted flop, pulling out the notes and letters and spreading them out between the two of them.
"Were you making sure I wasn't followed?" Kiersa asks. "You really are worried someone might try to actually come here?"
She pauses as they head over to the bed, taking off her belt and scabbard to set it aside. Then finding a spot at the corner of the bed, she carefully settles in, sitting cross legged. "Where do we start? You think any will be really crazy?"
(Still in the common room - feel free to continue your conversation Mae and Kiersa!)
Norro carefully unfolds the documents and looks them over. "Hmm, yes..." he mutters under his breath, his finger brushing a stamped seal of purchase glimmering slightly on one of the documents. "These appear to be in order. I don't recall the last time anyone lived at Vraath Keep, but it's a well known landmark. Across the river, about fifteen miles to the north and west, just off of the Dawnway and into the Witchwood, though you can't really get to it easily if you are just following the road. If you would like a guide, seek out the woodsman Jorr. Take the Witch Trail, and turn left at the first big crossing. You'll find his cabin out that way. It's a bit out of your way, but well worth it if you plan on trekking through those woods."
Pulling out a parchment of his own, he lays out a map on the table. "We've had attacks to our North and one to our East, along the Dawnway here," he points, his finger tracing an arc around that side of Drellin's Ferry, about an inch or so out from the town proper. "Before that, we had two big raids across the river on different homesteads - dozens dead or taken. Especially out this way, to the south and west of the town. It was only a matter of time before they crossed somewhere down there. With the attack you all reported as you came up from the south, that seems to complete a circle around us, which Soranna tells me is very bad news indeed." With his final words, he attempts to interject a bit of wit, though it falls flat in the face of genuine fear.
"I've not heard of this 'Red Hand' you speak of. Does it have something to do with the raids?" Soranna asks, her hard, grey eyes narrowing.
Mae got a serious look on her face and nodded once. "It wouldn't be the first time some would-be suitor or benefactor has sought their way into my chambers." She sighed a little and looked at the letters. "This is a pretty large pile actually. Let's see." She began to open them, reading them briefly and handing them over to Kiersa to look at as well. "As I suspected, promises here of love eternal...a night I'll never forget with wine and dancing...this one wants to go off adventuring with me..." She perused through the rest with a slightly sad, tired look by the end, but looked up and gave Kiersa a smile. "I'm glad I was able to meet you all again."
Kiersa takes each note and letter as Mae hands it over. She reads through the first couple with a look of disbelief, shaking her head at the outlandish and sometimes poorly written declarations of love. At the third she remarks, "This one sounds kind of cute. Although, you would think they had known you forever, not just heard you sing tonight. It would certainly melt my heart if someone I liked sent me this." She sets that one aside too and goes through the others. "I guess I see why you look over your shoulder sometimes. When you think about it some of these are kind of creepy."
Having finished the stack, she glances up to see Mae's smile. "Oh! Well, I'm glad you joined us! I just love hearing your songs and all the instruments you play and the interesting stories. You have such romantic stories sometimes. I just love those." She gets a dreamy look on her face, probably thinking of some previous story. Suddenly she seems to come back to the present. "And of course, you've been a huge help getting us here. You seem to know so much!"
Watching Mae a moment, Kiersa's gaze drifts back to the stack of notes. In a subdued tone she asks, "Have you ever been tempted to meet one of these... admiring fans of yours?"
"You were amazing tonight Mae, absolutely amazing." Valeria says, uncharacteristically cheerful after the excellent performance, holding up her glass of wine to greet the bard as she joins them.
As they eventually get their suppers she gives Kellin an appreciative nod, then starting to eat, slowly and with dignity.
As the mayor and the captain approaches them and introduces themselves she motions for them to take a seat by their table. "I'm sorry to hear of your troubles." Valeria starts with a sympathetic smile, nodding at Iravon's comment. "You should know that I am here to find Vraath keep that is supposed to be situated somewhere in Elsir vale. It is my intention to reclaim the keep as it is my right to do so. From there I would offer protection to the vale. It seems that protection is needed already though and I humbly offer my and my associates assistance with the endeavour of ridding the vale of this threat." She says with a polite smile, glancing over at Mae to see if they she any objections, counting on loyal Kiersa to stand by her side. "We would have to discuss how you think the four of us would be of help though. We are not afraid to face these Hobgoblins in battle but they could be in great numbers and we would need a plan to strike at their leadership if we are to be of help. We could start with you offering us what you know of these Hobgoblins." She says, looking at Norro and Soranna.
Mae collected all 8 letters in various kinds with a generous smile to the room, before returning to her companions and covering herself back up with her traveling cloak. She thanked everyone politely and sank into her seat with a clearly tired expression on her face. She cast a light smirk at Iravon though and giggled softly. "Oh lighten up, Iravon! I saw that spark in your eyes for a moment! It was rather endearing!" She smiled again and looked at Kiersa with a sly wink before slipping the aforementioned notes and letters into her bag without reading them currently.
She looked up at the two that came in after, Norra and Soranna, listening to their plea and gave a slow nod. "This was a very happy place to stay for a while for me, I would hate to see it come to ruin at the hands of dishonorable miscreants. I'm sure we can investigate the matter some on our way to the Keep. After all, if the town is overrun, the Keep won't be worth nearly so much, now would it?" She flashed a slight grin and nod at Valeria. "But I think if you all don't mind, I would like to retire for the evening."
"Yes, you do that Mae. Considering this is clearly your evening and the amount of letters you have to read I couldn't refuse you having one of the two rooms by yourself. If Iravon would be prepared to use the servant quarters for himself I can share with Kiersa this night." Valeria says quickly, then returning her attention to the mayor and the captain.
As Mae gives her a wink, Kiersa briefly giggles softly as well. "It's fine Iravon, everyone knows you just appreciated the usefulness of Mae's amazingly beautiful voice." Her gaze lingers on the letters and notes as they go into the bag. Stepping over to the bard, she asks, "What do you suppose they all say?" Her gaze sweeps the room as she tries to imagine who might have left a note after just hearing this one performance. Although it was really good.
She then looks at Iravon once Valerian mentions how to arrange the rooms. "I'm certainly fine with the arrangement, but if you really don't want to, I can take the servant's quarter spot Iravon."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Iravon nods at Kiersa's offer before turning towards Valeria. "My role here is to protect you. I cannot do that from the servant's quarters. If you will agree to it I will sleep in your room."
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos
Valeria raises her eyebrows slightly at the Hobgoblin's suggestion. "Thank you Iravon but that won't be necessary, I don't expect the Red Hand to sneak into my room at night." She answers with a polite smile, then returning her attention to the mayor and the captain again. "You'd have to excuse us, we seem to have some difficulties deciding who would use which room of the ones that were still free when we arrived here. Now, what is you assessment of this Hobgoblin tribe, any idea on where they are camped for instance?"
Mae cast a quick look at Iravon, "You can always stay in my room! I was going to read these letters together with Kiersa maybe, but you would be welcome too. Maybe Mae can make more than just your toes dance later." She began to giggle and looked back at Kiersa and Valeria, "Yes while you sort out the facts of what's going on, do you mind if I borrow Kiersa for a little bit? Just come on in to my room when you're done here." She stood to the side politely and waited to see if Kiersa would join her, doing one more look at the mayor and captain while singing something very softly and making her fingers dance over her flute again with just a couple of soft tones. (Casting Detect Thoughts on the mayor, surface level only, then will switch to the captain, again surface level only.)
"Yes, yes of course, off you go." Valeria says and nods at Mae and Kiersa, a hint of impatience in her voice now, then again returning her attention to the mayor and the captain.
Kiersa nods to Valeria as she says she can go. She hurries over to Mae. "What did you need me for? I'm certainly willing to help."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Mae: As your spell lingers for a moment, Norro's mind speaks of apprehension, perhaps a question of trust. Fleeting images of numbers dodge and weave amidst his thoughts. Soranna's mind, however, presents a blank wall, not of magical impediment, but of absolute focus. Her surface thoughts register only the sensations of her immediate surroundings. A man's face briefly appears, capped in steel, then fades away.
Norro replies to Valeria's words with a sigh of relief. "Well, I must say that is very good to hear. You would be helping so very many people in your efforts at ridding the town of this current... crisis" he exclaims, obvious distaste on his lips at being forces to use the word "crisis."
It is my intention to reclaim the keep as it is my right to do so.
- Norro's expression narrows slightly. "Ah, well we have heard of such a structure in the region - may I ask by what authority you seek to lay ownership of this... estate?"
We could start with you offering us what you know of these Hobgoblins.
- Norro begins to explain what he knows. "It's not much, I'm afraid. We have only an estimate of their numbers, though their intentions are clear enough. All told, perhaps around a hundred warriors. Hardly a 'legion' as your friend mentioned, but rather too much for us to deal with in open battle at the moment. I heard you faced their preferred tactics earlier today. Small raiding parties of ten or so, infiltrating the countryside and wreaking havoc. They seem to think we are too weak to defend ourselves from their greed, and sadly for the moment they are correct."
Now, what is you assessment of this Hobgoblin tribe, any idea on where they are camped for instance?
- Soranna gives her opinion. "We've tracked three separate warbands in our lands over the last few weeks - fifteen to twenty warriors apiece. Lost too many men to the Witchwood trying to find their hideout, but they seem to favor the west side of the river. It's where my men lost their lives, and if you all are as good at fighting as at singing, it's where I'd start searching."
Valeria quickly produces her deed and other documents pertaining to Vraath keep from an exquisite royal blue scroll case with silver filigree. "It is all here mayor." She says plainly, handing Norro the documents. "As you can see, I Valeria Moonstar of Waterdeep, the city of wonders, is the rightful owner of the estate of Vraath Keep."
Valeria then listens to the mayor and the captain, pondering the information they share about the Hobgoblins for a moment. "What do you think Iravon, should we fight these warbands one by one, or should we strike at the heart of it all?" She asks the Hobgoblin warrior beside her, then turning to the mayor and the captain again. "It would be helpful if you provided us with a detailed map of the vale where you mark the sightings of these warbands. I would be grateful if you also marked the location of Vraath Keep, as far as you know it." She says to them with a polite smile. "We would have to rest for the night soon but you can expect us to do our utmost to deal with these Hobgoblin incursions, starting at dawn. And one more thing, would you happen to know about something called the Red Hand?"
Mae watched the mayor and the captain for another moment, but did not attempt to push into either of their minds. She looked at Kiersa and smiled a little, "Well it's just more fun to share these letters with someone! Besides, you never know when one of these rapscallions may decide to push their luck and make a personal visit." Mae would take Kiersa by the hand, blow a kiss to Kellin and then look at Iravon once more and send a message (casting Message) in his mind: "Trust the captain, her mind is steeled for war." (he can reply to Mae if he wishes).
Once settled in her room, Mae would undress most of the way to get more comfortable and then pull out the 8 letters and notes offered her after her performance earlier. With a small sigh and a light grin she held them up, "Let's see what the offerings are this time, hmm?"
Kiersa gets a big smile on her face as Mae suggests sharing the letters with her. "Oh! How fun!" she says excitedly. "Lets go!" As the two walk to the room she asks, "Have you really had people you'd never really met just come to your room?"
Once in the room and Mae starts to undress, Kiersa nervously says, "Umm, maybe I should head over to the other room and get my armor off before you start with the letters." She heads for the door without even glancing over at Mae.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Mae nodded at Kiersa on the way up, "More than I would like to admit. They mean well usually, but there have also been a few less than welcome guests..." She didn't continue to elaborate on the topic. She only got down to her linen undergarments, but raised a brow as Kiersa suddenly looked nervous and began to leave. "Suit yourself, I can wait. I think I need to work on some new...songs anyway." She stretched and yawned a little and laid back in her bed, humming softly to herself as she waited for Kiersa to return.
Kiersa quickly goes to the other room, carefully removes her chain mail, and then straightens the light tunic she normally wears beneath. A bit more comfortable. She rushes back over to Mae's room.
She knocks softly on the door, waiting for a response before entering.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Mae was sitting up in her bed when the knock came back, taking a moment as she finished humming something to herself. She got up and patted over to the door and opened it slightly at first, then wider once she realized it was Kiersa again. "Welcome back! Come on in!" She took a quick glance at the hall to see if anyone else was around and then shut the door behind Kiersa and brought her over to her bed with an exhausted flop, pulling out the notes and letters and spreading them out between the two of them.
"Were you making sure I wasn't followed?" Kiersa asks. "You really are worried someone might try to actually come here?"
She pauses as they head over to the bed, taking off her belt and scabbard to set it aside. Then finding a spot at the corner of the bed, she carefully settles in, sitting cross legged. "Where do we start? You think any will be really crazy?"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
(Still in the common room - feel free to continue your conversation Mae and Kiersa!)
Norro carefully unfolds the documents and looks them over. "Hmm, yes..." he mutters under his breath, his finger brushing a stamped seal of purchase glimmering slightly on one of the documents. "These appear to be in order. I don't recall the last time anyone lived at Vraath Keep, but it's a well known landmark. Across the river, about fifteen miles to the north and west, just off of the Dawnway and into the Witchwood, though you can't really get to it easily if you are just following the road. If you would like a guide, seek out the woodsman Jorr. Take the Witch Trail, and turn left at the first big crossing. You'll find his cabin out that way. It's a bit out of your way, but well worth it if you plan on trekking through those woods."
Pulling out a parchment of his own, he lays out a map on the table. "We've had attacks to our North and one to our East, along the Dawnway here," he points, his finger tracing an arc around that side of Drellin's Ferry, about an inch or so out from the town proper. "Before that, we had two big raids across the river on different homesteads - dozens dead or taken. Especially out this way, to the south and west of the town. It was only a matter of time before they crossed somewhere down there. With the attack you all reported as you came up from the south, that seems to complete a circle around us, which Soranna tells me is very bad news indeed." With his final words, he attempts to interject a bit of wit, though it falls flat in the face of genuine fear.
"I've not heard of this 'Red Hand' you speak of. Does it have something to do with the raids?" Soranna asks, her hard, grey eyes narrowing.
Mae got a serious look on her face and nodded once. "It wouldn't be the first time some would-be suitor or benefactor has sought their way into my chambers." She sighed a little and looked at the letters. "This is a pretty large pile actually. Let's see." She began to open them, reading them briefly and handing them over to Kiersa to look at as well. "As I suspected, promises here of love eternal...a night I'll never forget with wine and dancing...this one wants to go off adventuring with me..." She perused through the rest with a slightly sad, tired look by the end, but looked up and gave Kiersa a smile. "I'm glad I was able to meet you all again."
Kiersa takes each note and letter as Mae hands it over. She reads through the first couple with a look of disbelief, shaking her head at the outlandish and sometimes poorly written declarations of love. At the third she remarks, "This one sounds kind of cute. Although, you would think they had known you forever, not just heard you sing tonight. It would certainly melt my heart if someone I liked sent me this." She sets that one aside too and goes through the others. "I guess I see why you look over your shoulder sometimes. When you think about it some of these are kind of creepy."
Having finished the stack, she glances up to see Mae's smile. "Oh! Well, I'm glad you joined us! I just love hearing your songs and all the instruments you play and the interesting stories. You have such romantic stories sometimes. I just love those." She gets a dreamy look on her face, probably thinking of some previous story. Suddenly she seems to come back to the present. "And of course, you've been a huge help getting us here. You seem to know so much!"
Watching Mae a moment, Kiersa's gaze drifts back to the stack of notes. In a subdued tone she asks, "Have you ever been tempted to meet one of these... admiring fans of yours?"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer