OOC
I remember Jess said they'd be busy and at one point was okay being botted by you (Rynn) but I don't know if he came back since than?
Do you guys wanna head to the castle or wait?

(He responded after that. His last response was April 28th, so about a month ago.)

(I say we can wait a bit to see if he comes back. I don't want to leave him behind if he still wants to play.)

Drez gives Sy a long look. In spite of the fact that this tiefling had fought alongside them when facing the false dragons, he still can't bring himself to fully trust him yet.  Regardless, he considers Sy's words before shaking his head, "It doesn't make sense to sneak in. I won't pretend to know much about nobility, but I still don't think sneaking in is the best option here since I could get us in with my... uh... papers?" He hesitates, then shakes his head again and continues, "We don't know what we are looking for, and came here initially to ask questions, not to break in. If we are caught, then why would the Vintsvents waste time hearing us out? If we aren't caught, we still snuck in so why would they trust us? At least if we set up a meeting and it goes wrong, we can say we did the honorable thing first. Besides, everyone we've spoken to seems to think highly of these Vistvents, so if we are respectful and explain ourselves to them then they should hear us out. And if doing that results in something going poorly, well at least we know that something else is going on here."

He looks to Corvus, Kocino, and Jess for backup on this, hoping that his argument makes sense to someone in the group. 

(OOC: I'm willing to wait for Jess too. I'd hate to loose a good player! But we could just go to the castle and see what the majority vote is on the issue of sneaking in or not, just to keep it moving if we want to.)

OOC
I like Jess she's been around since the start! We can wait a bit and of course when you all continue we don't have to write her outta the story just bot a bit too. 

Corvus gives Sy an flat look. "I agree with Drezmir. Sneaking in would be a waste of time. Unlike our time in Simon's castle, we have no clue what the layout of the Vintsvent's manor is. We also have no idea what to look for. I would also like to meet these Vintsvents and get an idea of what kind of people they are."

Jess agrees. “Straight-forward seems best. Although it does potentially expose us to one of the Vintsvents who may secretly be nefarious. We will just have to watch our backs.”

Drez nods, "Alright then... shall we head to the castle first? Or is there anything we want to do beforehand... just in case things go poorly and we need to leave in a hurry." 

“Might as well stop by right away. If we can’t get in right away, we can try to arrange an appointment.” Kocino looks to the group for confirmation.

With that the party had made it's way from the lower quarters, through the town square. Traveling bards and the like appear to be playing in the town square as they pass on by they come to a massive castle. In front of the castle courtyard the place is swarming with knights and guards, they are stopped by two such guards as they approach.

"Halt! The council is in intermission and aren't accepting any tours or visitors today."

Drezmir hesitates, then approaches the guards, "Oh, I see... well, when would be a good time to return? My companions and I need to schedule an appointment with the Vintsvents as soon as possible." He hesitates again, unsure if he should pull out his pedigree or not. So he just gives a small smile and says, "I... am a knight from Glanzing Winds." He doesn't pull out the papers yet, waiting to see how the guards react to his proclamation... considering he's clearly from Romalia and not Radiance. 

The guards had looked him over a bit confused, one of them cleared his throat before speaking.

"Yeah mr knight? I'm the queen of Tristaina!"

"Hey.. Don't be rude, just ask for the bloody papers. Do you have any documentation? If so we can let you in as Radiance as requested as many knights for security as well as opinions of state. As it stands.. Glazing Winds has no representative. 

Drez nods, then pulls the paperwork out and shows them, "Perhaps I should have lead with this. Sorry about that." He chuckles then realizes that they were asking him to act as security. "I...wasn't aware of this security... Of course I'm happy to fill whatever space is needed, though I will say I came here for a completely different reason. But this seems more pressing, so I can wait on an appointment for now." He glances at his companions, "What about my comrades? Will they be allowed entrance?"

Corvus stands a bit behind Drezmir in silence. It's best to let the half-elf do the talking anyway. Especially considering the fact that these folks seem to not have the greatest relationship with those from Gurmuid. (Unless I'm remembering incorrectly) He watches the conversation with mild amusement. Drezmir certainly doesn't act like a knight, hopefully his ignorance doesn't make the guards doubt his paperwork. 

“My friend is newly appointed. Glazing Winds had a recent turn of fortune due to the efforts of our group and a few friends. Lady Gwen is overseeing the town and she deemed my friend fit to be a knight.” Kocino speaks up, hoping the guards will see that the group is being honest and may be of some worth.

Persuasion: 12

Sy is merely standing at the back, not wishing to put attention on himself with his confusing attire.

The guards look at each other and back to Drezmir to his question.

"Yes, you're servants may enter sir! You are kind to treat them so well!"

The other guard looks over at Kocino when he talks of Gwen taking over.

"Wasn't there a noble named Simon ruling over..? Did he die...?"

"Ahh shit.. That sucks huh?"

Those two had opened the gates to the massive castle doors, the castle itself had earned their place in a kingdom called "Radiance." Many bright colors for the walls and chandeliers, many whites and yellow's and bright blues to match. Fanciful vases and rugs and frescoes of many nobles and royalty. However a strange thing was there were more paintings of former and current soldiers and knights than even the royal family. 

The guards were leading them through the main entrance hall. Before taking them to a massive throne room.

Here was a massive council of men and women, the king laid on his throne with his queen by his side. On the other side of the king himself was an arrakora with a stern face and a large blade. The king himself seemed pale but held himself with an air of competence and a blade on his side. The queen had long black hair, dark circles under her eyes but despite that she appeared to be rather youthful possessing a certain beauty to her. 

In one of the podiums of this council was on elf, one they had met before Herron Woodheart.

"Please, allow Germuid to offer assistance in this matter. The situation is escalating beyond the control of a single nation lord Vintsvent."

The large bird like man had scoffed with his arm's crossed.

"You want us to trust Germuid? After everything you're kind have done? You're own nation is in disarray. After the way you're kind had treated the wood elves?"

"Master Cirrac Stonebeak, though I understand you're plight you understand the problems of a nation can be many and the mistakes of the past are hard to erase. One look at the Shadir Kai in you're slums and perhaps you may understand where I come from."

"Urrg.."

However as the party made way Herron had looked over with Cerron alongside the queen and king. There was whispering going among the council as the group approached.

Well that wen't smoother than I'd expected, Drez thinks as the guards let them in. ...Wait? Servants? He gives his companions an apologetic glance, deciding it best not to try and correct the guards. If being 'servants' gets them in without question, then that's probably for the best. However, he realizes that he has absolutely no clue what he's doing, so he asks as they make their way to the thrown room, "So... as my friend here said, I'm pretty knew to this. I apologize for my ignorance, but what exactly am I going to be expected to do? You mentioned the need for security, is there a specific station you wish for me to take up? Or is my presence at the assembly enough?" He hopes his questioning doesn't backfire, but the idea of entering a room full of nobles with no clue as to what's expected of him could be even worse. 

When they enter the room, he is immediately struck by the immensity and grandeur of it. The monastery wasn't terribly drab, in fact it had been rather lavish for a monastery, likely due to...well its involvement with the fight against the kitsune. Yet it was nothing compared to this. He did his best not to look like a gawking commoner as they entered, only to recognize Herron amidst the nobles at the podiums. He falters for a second, immediately questioning everything he'd thought to say and do during their meeting with the Vintsvents... which, really wasn't much. He realized how unprepared he was for this meeting, and for once his confidence wavers. He clenches his teeth, and pushes that feeling aside. Whatever happens, he'll make it work. That's what he always does so why falter now? 

Lifting his chin, he tries to mimic the bearing of a samurai. Once they approach the assembly, he realizes that literally everyone is staring at them. Great...they were let in as security right? So... well perhaps he should introduce himself to prove they have a right to be there... hopefully this doesn't backfire. He has no clue what these people would find insulting and what they would find proper. 

Turning his attention to the king, he gives a short bow before straightening and saying, "I am Drez... uh, Sir Drezmir of Glanzing Winds. I'd initially come to arrange a meeting, but the guards out front informed me of this assembly. However they said that there was a request for knights as security, and that Glanzing Winds currently has no representative so I agreed to fill that spot. ...Thank you for having me." He stands there, doing his best not to look awkward and trying to think of how Gilded or Gwen would act in this situation. Hopefully he didn't just do everything wrong. Should he have mentioned that he is from Romalia? It's pretty obvious, at least to him anyways, but still... 

Corvus scoffs. Servant? More like part time advisor. That bloody half-elf has no clue what he's doing here. Despite his irritation at the guard's confusion, he doesn't correct them. This had already gone far better than he expected. 

The Aracokora does follows Drezmir into the castle appearing utterly unimpressed by it's lavish nature. Such things do not matter to him, though he does find it interesting that many of the decorative touches portray the common knight over royalty. Perhaps these nobles truly do at least respect their lessors, though the guard's reaction at the gates make him question that. After all, this castle was likely built generations ago, so it's ideals may not accurately represent those currently in command.

While these thoughts enter and leave his mind, his attention focuses on the council, and more specifically four individuals near the throne. The queen looks weary. That is to be expected from one who has lost a son. The king seems to be faring better, but his pale skin hints at recent stress.  And then there is the conversation at hand. So they are attempting a treaty of sorts with Gurmuid? Interesting. His red eyes flick to his fellow Gurmuidian. Drezmir had mentioned meeting an elf in Glazing winds who supposedly traveled to Radiance. This man could possibly be him. Situation? Does he mean the dragon? Perhaps. When the aracokora speaks up, Corvus' beak curves into a slight, smug smile before vanishing. It has been a while since he had seen another of his kind. Perhaps he can appeal to both parties... While Corvus doesn't particularly care about what happens to his home nation, it can lend him a foothold in situations like this.

As he formulates a plan of action, he waits to hear the council's response to Drezmir. After all, they had just interrupted this meeting, speaking up now, especially with his own opinions, could be offensive to these people.

Jess tags along silently, content to observe from the background. Her lips curve in a slight smile as the guards label her a servant. That is fine by her. Let them think what they want. Drez can do the talking while she does the watching.

She does arch an eyebrow when they enter the grand hall. Wise in the ways of the world as she would like to be considered, she cannot help but be impressed with the grand architecture and splendor of the place. It’s just a sight and setting that was unfamiliar to her, given her humble roots and penchant for the outdoors. After some initial awe, however, she is able to calm down, telling herself this man-made place yet pales compared to the simple beauty of a forest, the trees forming a canopied roof more intricate than any cathedral or throne room built by hands.

“Simon is safe. He was in need of a break, mental strain and all that.” With that, Kocino bows his head and enters with his companions. He stifled a laugh upon being referred to as Drezmir’s servants. The thought itself wasn’t all that amusing, but Kocino could almost feel Corvus’ blood pressure rising, as the bird-man was no doubt infuriated.

Kocino stood by while Drezmir made the introduction. If he was thought of as a servant, he didn’t want to upset things by speaking out of turn.