Akordia smiles at Captain Rainmaiden. She has been quite entertaining and very welcoming during their long time at sea.
She then looked to Sir Broman. The loyal man would probably prefer a quiet entrance, and Satu knows that Akordia would prefer as much. But, this was the start of an important political journey, and she knew her place in it well. “A grand entrance, if you would be so kind,” she says, hoping that at least Rosen would be happy. “We have to make a good first impression, not just on Prince Zuri, but on the people of Anambra.” She stands elegantly from the table. “Please, allow me to change. Sir Broman, I’m sure, will want to talk security arrangements. Rosen, would you be so kind as to assist him? I’m sure I can manage on my own for a short time.”
Waiting only moments for their approval, and knowing that, at least in this, she didn’t need it, Akordia made her way to her quarters on the Valorous for what was probably the last time. Gathering up the voluminous skirts of her purple presentation dress, she begins the procedure of dressing herself, wishing for the thousandth time that Rauva had been able to take the trip with her. Perhaps soon she could ask her to visit.
Captain Rainmaiden oversees the dingy launch to shore as she weighs anchor as soon as Rosen and Sir Broman, rowed by one crew member, to shore. They reach the dockside after twenty minutes of quick work from the burly half-orc sailor tasked to row them ashore. Climbing a latter from the dingy Sir Broman sets foot in Anambra for the first time where Rosen is finally home.
"Greetings," a willowly moon elf man calls out from within a waiting carriage having been alerted by a human man dressed in plain gray robes. "I am Thalys Dannathon," he adds introducing himself with a slight bow. "I am the emissary sent by House D'amos to welcome...." he pauses when he notices Akordia isn't present. "Ah, yes well Archmage D'amos herself is so sorry she couldn't be here to greet the Princess but...well here I am and I see the Princess isn't with you," he asks with a cocked eyebrow. The moon dressed in impeccably kept crimson robes with gold beadwork on the collar. The bead work Sir Broman is certin must denoting a rank but Rosen knows the moon elf is a magisterium mage often kept as a liaison between the houses and royal family. "When can we expect House T'Sarran to join us ashore," he asks eyeing Rosen curiously before his amber eyed gaze settles on Sir Broman. "I can send a message to the spires if more time is ...well yes, look at that," he then gestures at the ship finally moving slowly forward in the lagoon towards the dock!
Onboard....
Akordia is still preparing as Captain Rainmaiden makes quick work of docking. The ship arrived too late the night before to dock without incident or difficulties but now that it approaches dock hands appear to do their duty.
OOC Sir Broman give me an investigation roll for security threats. Rosen I need a perception check to aid him.
Across the city of KaDuna....
Prince Zuri slowly descends the staircase towards the main entrance of the House Jaezred spire. He stops noticeably passing his grandmother Queen Masiliah's chambers but doesn't enter. He continues his descent flanked by his counselors and Tulip.
"Any pointers on how to greet your betrothed for the first time in person, " Zuri asks a strained chuckle leaving his handsome mouth before a door opens suddenly and a hulking figure steps out!
"Yeah, politely, " Erza Zemenar teases with a grin.
Ezra Zemenar is Hawkspur second in command and probably the closes friend to Zuri apart from Drey. Joining the group from another chamber often used for visitors Erza, just shy of six feet herself, blocks Zuri from moving ahead. She was alerted to the descent of the prince from the gaurds Hawkspur dismissed and was taking her chance to wish her friend well.
The earth genasi smiles widely at her prince producing a large white, fragrant camila flower and tucking it into his tunic. There is can't be seen but smelled. A smell she knows he finds calming. One of the favorite smells of his gandmother. Ez worries over Zuri for a few seconds more. She fusses over a button like a mother hen before remembering herself and steps aside. "So handsome, " she says to Zuri as the prince smiles. There's a slight sound from Zuri but he doesn't speak. It's not quite sigh but the blush rising in Erza's gray stone like skin tone tells anyone watching them its a tender moment passing between them. Her big brown eyes then find Hawkspur falling in beside the captain of the royal spire gaurd as Zuri moves ahead. "The uh...uh..Valorous is docking, " Erza whispers to Hawkspur as she pushes her dreadlocks, freshly twisted and adorned with various trinkets, behind her ear. Ezra looks rather plain in her spire gaurd tunic and hide curass. The only thing relatively equal to her station is the polished yew wooden staff. It's taller than her at 6 feet in length and known as the Gale of the Summer Court. The staff was a gift to Erza's druid enclave more than a thousand years ago but now is hers to wield. Long before Azogie Jaezred picked up a staff herself and united the people of Anambra. A island once called Upo was protected by Erza Zemenar's people the elemental natives of the volcanic atoll.
OOC Spire party, any checks or RP you feel is relevant before we move on go for it!
As the party continues its descent, Darius matches his steps with the Crown Prince, seizing the opportunity to offer some last-minute words of wisdom.
"Zuri," he begins, his voice gentle yet firm. "Today carries immense significance, as you prepare to embark on a path that will shape the future of our realm. Remember, within you lies the strength and wisdom to carry this responsibility. Trust in the lessons you have learned, the values that guide you, and the integrity that defines you. Embrace the weight of your role with humility and grace, for it is through your actions and words that you will inspire others. Stay true to yourself, and let your genuine character shine, for authenticity is a beacon that attracts loyalty and respect. And know that I stand beside you, ready to offer support and counsel whenever needed. May this day be the beginning of a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come."
Grinning, Darius pats Zuri affectionately on the shoulder, before giving him a playful wink...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
”Hello, I’m Rosen Siannodel and this is Sir Broman.” He bows his head. “We understand, the Archmage is a busy person. Either way, the princess will be joining us shortly. We thought we would come and ensure everything was ready.”
Rosen begins inspecting the areas security measures.
Sir Broman sees no visible threats. It's just dock workers and seafaring folk going about their business on the dock. Rosen notices little more than a head peeking out of Thylas' carriage but they quickly lean back out of view. Rosen could have sworn he recognized the face of the woman but her head was covered by a cloak hood and it was only for a second.
"I've secured the dock myself, " Thylas explains next motioning to literally no one. "Ah, well yes," he chuckles. "Best defense is a good..." he moves about 15ft away from the two men in House T'Sarran and holds up a monocle hanging from his neck by an ornate gold chain. Through the lens they can see a figure in similar crimson robes with less beading on their collar. "Wouldn't do to tip our hand," the moon elf whispers next. "Shall we summon the greeting party," he then says not really asks the men as he raises a hand. After this simple motion throngs of well dressed Anambrans of various occupations amongst the social classes emerge from the surrounding areas leading to the docks. "As for your Princess. She will meet the Prince at the spires. The Queen Masaliah insisted on that...the people can meet Princess Akordia publicly but Zuri asked for a more....private meeting before the ceremony, " he adds rejoining the men and whispering the last part to only them! "Now," the moon elf pauses rubbing his hands together, "for a little more fanfare," he adds.
Thylas then conjures a downpour of white camila flowers and black orchids! Suddenly the area us filled with musicians too as well as the murmuring of a hundred voices here to greet Princess Akordia Relenor of House T'Sarran!
At the spires...
Zuri takes Tulip's words to heart but insists she accompany them. Now like a sister to the prince who fells abandoned by his own twin he invited Tulip to premenately join his entourage moving forward.
"If she can't understand why I need my council about me then I ought to know up front, " Zuri says about his betrothed broker no argument from Tulip.
Once outside Tulip joins the party as they stand in the communal green space at the center of the spires. Eternally spring it's always a menagerie of birds fly above with lush gardens below. Crown Prince Zuri stands like a proper bridegroom with his attendants now awaiting Akordia's arrival. The Princess turned priestess Masego has yet to arrive either but there's still time. A frw moments pass before leaning towards Hawkspur and Drey but in earshot of Tulip and Ezra, Zuri asks a totally unrelated question to the task at hand!
"Any one of you seen Ged," Zuri asks about their Goliath comrade who's usually amongst them verging on his shadow.
The outlander however the party knows has been scarcely seen these past days of Zuri's approaching nuptials! Ezra gives Tulip a knowing look but remains silent. Prince Zuri then looks to the party for answers.
Hawk looks to Ezra and makes a hand signal that anyone who’s spent time with him would understand to mean “report?” and in this circumstance obviously means “if you know anything about Ged’s whereabouts, spill it”
After surveying the preparations for the arrival of the princess, Rosen turns to Broman. “Well I would say our new home is well prepared for the arrival of the princess. Everything up to your standards, Sir Broman?”
As the group make their way down the spire the prince still seems nervous about how to greet the princess. Drey isn't quite sure on the totally proper etiquette but as long as he doesn't make a fool of himself it should all be fine. Professor Maxwell puts quite directly the significance of the occasion. General advice for being humble, true to yourself and polite. Drey was pretty sure Zuri was trying to force himself to be what people expect which is a far cry from who he is. After the professor pats the prince on the back Drey slaps his back and says "Be yourself man. You're always thinking how to make others have a good time around you. Do that here. They are getting off a ship after being at sea for a long time. When I was sailing with the navy it was really relieving to be back on land. Not being trapped on a ship anymore. It gets pretty cramped after the first couple weeks. Almost exhausting. I know there isn't a lot officially planned for her visit so maybe we could offer them something to do after they settle in. So, after they unpack how about a tour? Let them see some of the better and more interesting places around Anambra's capitol city? That way you can talk about what you know and hopefully between all of us pick up a thing or two the princess likes. Find that common ground."
After giving his advice to the prince on what to say to the princess he joins the group heading down and exiting the spire. The beautiful lush green garden is a great place to just relax but also make a good place to meet folks. Down in a beautiful garden with birds singing they really couldn't ask for a better setting to meet the betrothed. Drey is relieved they are all there. Tulip included. What the princess is like is a mystery but Drey suggested a plan that might help with that. As they wait Zuri asks about Ged. That woman was fire and thinking on it she wasn't here. Normally she would let her presence be known on some level. The dragonborn thinks when he last saw her and realizes he hasn't seen her today... or yesterday. Has it been three days since he saw her? He looks to Zuri and replies quietly, "I haven't seen her in a few days. We've all been so busy. My money would be at one of the sparing rings showing some poor soul she's not one to trifle with."
After surveying the preparations for the arrival of the princess, Rosen turns to Broman. “Well I would say our new home is well prepared for the arrival of the princess. Everything up to your standards, Sir Broman?”
Broman says, "Rosen, this may be as good as I can hope. Foreign troops I don't control, hidden crowds that appear on command, magical flowering confetti that would prevent locating the source of a magical threat... I'd prefer to inspect the crowd, but there is not much I could do even if I spotted an anomaly. I am the stranger here.".
"I'll stay close to the Princess and trade my life for hers if need be.".
"When the ship docks, I'll board again to don the rest of my armor", he points to his breast plate. "That will give us a fighting chance if forces who might want to prevent the wedding decide to intervene.".
"Ah, well whatever you need of course but I can assure you Princess Akordia Relenor of House T'Sarran is perfectly safe," Thylas explains gesturing his hand as if to wave off Sir Broman worries. "Whatever you need to check you certainly can, " the elven man then says motioning to the crowds gathering on either side of the aisle of red carpet magically unfurling from a handmaiden's bag of holding! "Ember that'll be all. Take your place with the royal household, " he adds gesturing back at a group of men and women with varying shades of dark skin. "Your....your eminence, " he then exclaims as a armored retinue arrives on horseback.
They carry the banners of Satu. A group of gold armored paladins from The Lady of Our Fate Citadel in Bahiri-Duna. High priestess Masego is leading and flanked by her most loyal gaurdians. The high priestess removes her helm eyeing both Sir Broman and Rosen.
"Please, don't trouble yourselves," Masego calls out dismounting her gray warhorse. "She coming ashore then," she asks curiously.
Masego is a beauty in her own right regardless of her position as a religious leader. She wears ceremonial armor emblazoned with Satu's symbol and a crimson cape barring the crest of House Jaezred.
OOC Sir Broman can trying another crack at looking for dangers but it's not easily done, the DC is higher with each attempt.
Meanwhile in the courtyard of the spires....
"I...I haven't seen her in two days, " Erza confesses to all she then looks to Hawkspur with a shrug. "She isn't really one for strangers and least of all marriage ceremonies, " the earth genasi adds with cocked eyebrow at Hawkspur then glances at Zuri who is listening to her but looks away when she meets his eyes.
"Find her," Zuri says resolutely staring forward. "I want all of my household to receive my wife," he adds next adjusting the tunic collar again with a sigh.
OOC Moving on to Akordia getting off the ship or is there any lingering RP I've missed?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hawkspar's eyes narrow briefly at Ezra, curious if there's a clue of something left unsaid.
Insight:
Spoilered because it's a roll the DM didn't call for, but supplying it if helpful: 21
"We will put the word out she is wanted here,"Hawkspar says, sending one guard out to spread the word that anyone who might know where Ged might have gone should come to see Hawk immediately. He's not asking for a search. No distractions and no personnel off their posts on a day like this. But the word will go out that Ged is needed asap. He also casts his mind over the last two days, trying to remember anything out of the ordinary, and of course anything about Ged.
Erza looks honestly startled by Hawkspur's sudden hard look.
"Yes, of course, " Erza replies but approaches her direct commander with a anxious expression. "We...we had been on furlough Hawk," she gently reminds her captain. "I returned to give the prince... support. I...Ged was very upset about this....decision to go through with the marriage ceremonies so...quickly upon the princess' arrival," she adds.
"I...I suppose she's on the mountain, " Zuri muses aloud having not heard any of the exchange between his friends. "She's of that disposition," he adds sighing again looking to Drey before looking at the one main entrance of the courtyard.
They aren't stood exactly where the marriage will take place. It's further back near one of the oldest shrines to Satu on the southern island of Ka-Duna. It is at the back left of the gardens, a sacred place where every one of his ancestors since great grandmother Azogie Jaezred was married to even his own parents as well as extended family and everyone else in between. The party knows it well.
Dockside...
Akordia feels the ship move then gently bump into its moorings dockside. Rainmaiden oversees all from her perch on the deck as dock hands tie off the many lines that her crew has tossed now after they weighed anchor. Within minutes Rainmaiden arrives at the princess' door.
"We've docked your highness and the gangway is in place. Looks like quite the spectacle to greet you, " captain Rainmaiden explains. "The high priestess Masego herself has come with her Golden Host to greet you," she adds her tone excited. "Shall I escort you to the gangway so that you might be welcomed to your new home, " the young water genasi asks through the closed door of the main cabin where Akordia had lived for the month it took to reach Anambra from Baldur's Gate.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
“I have the utmost faith that you’ve prepared properly for an event such as this.” Rosen gives a reassuring smile to Sir Broman.
He watches curiously as the priestess and her convoy arrive. Rosen smiles and gives a slight bow to Masego. “High priestess, it’s a honor to meet you. The princess will be here shortly. She was nearly finished getting ready.” He sees Broman head back to the ship. “My companion, Sir Broman and I wanted to ensure there was nothing needed from us before everything started.”
"Yes, of course," Masego replies. "Your face is familiar to me," Masego then adds. "What is your name amd your House? You are a native Anambran if I'm not mistaken too, yes?" Masego asks as she watches Sir Broman retreat without showing her the respect her station demands with a hard expression before returning her gaze to Rosen her face softening again. "If so welcome home," she adds bow her head towards Rosen before casing her gray eyes again to the deck of the Valorous awaiting the glimpse of Akordia.
With one last deep breath, Akordia dons the title of Princess. Her spine lengthens, shoulders going back. The glasses to ward against the light are firmly in place as she opens the door to Captain Rainmaiden. “I’m sorry if I’ve kept you, Captain. Thank you again for your hospitality, and your kindness on our long journey.”
The princess allows herself to be lead to the gangplank, grateful to see the familiar face of Sir Broman in his armor. If he offers his arm, she will take it. Just to steady herself on the gently rolling waves of the bay. Not because she needs the moral support or anything.
“Welcome home,” she whispers to herself and him as she begins the long walk into her new life.
Sir Broman seeing the hint, takes Princess Akordia's arm lending his strength and resolution. He proceeds to walk with her down the gangplank slightly behind, head bowed in deference.
Quietly he says, "You have everything you need to be the queen I see in you today... to be the woman I've always known you would be.".
"Whatever happens in this court, I am always servant to you first."
Akordia smiles at Captain Rainmaiden. She has been quite entertaining and very welcoming during their long time at sea.
She then looked to Sir Broman. The loyal man would probably prefer a quiet entrance, and Satu knows that Akordia would prefer as much. But, this was the start of an important political journey, and she knew her place in it well. “A grand entrance, if you would be so kind,” she says, hoping that at least Rosen would be happy. “We have to make a good first impression, not just on Prince Zuri, but on the people of Anambra.” She stands elegantly from the table. “Please, allow me to change. Sir Broman, I’m sure, will want to talk security arrangements. Rosen, would you be so kind as to assist him? I’m sure I can manage on my own for a short time.”
Waiting only moments for their approval, and knowing that, at least in this, she didn’t need it, Akordia made her way to her quarters on the Valorous for what was probably the last time. Gathering up the voluminous skirts of her purple presentation dress, she begins the procedure of dressing herself, wishing for the thousandth time that Rauva had been able to take the trip with her. Perhaps soon she could ask her to visit.
"Rosen", says Broman, "shall we go ashore and make arrangements for an honor guard for the procession to the castle?".
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Captain Rainmaiden oversees the dingy launch to shore as she weighs anchor as soon as Rosen and Sir Broman, rowed by one crew member, to shore. They reach the dockside after twenty minutes of quick work from the burly half-orc sailor tasked to row them ashore. Climbing a latter from the dingy Sir Broman sets foot in Anambra for the first time where Rosen is finally home.
"Greetings," a willowly moon elf man calls out from within a waiting carriage having been alerted by a human man dressed in plain gray robes. "I am Thalys Dannathon," he adds introducing himself with a slight bow. "I am the emissary sent by House D'amos to welcome...." he pauses when he notices Akordia isn't present. "Ah, yes well Archmage D'amos herself is so sorry she couldn't be here to greet the Princess but...well here I am and I see the Princess isn't with you," he asks with a cocked eyebrow. The moon dressed in impeccably kept crimson robes with gold beadwork on the collar. The bead work Sir Broman is certin must denoting a rank but Rosen knows the moon elf is a magisterium mage often kept as a liaison between the houses and royal family. "When can we expect House T'Sarran to join us ashore," he asks eyeing Rosen curiously before his amber eyed gaze settles on Sir Broman. "I can send a message to the spires if more time is ...well yes, look at that," he then gestures at the ship finally moving slowly forward in the lagoon towards the dock!
Onboard....
Akordia is still preparing as Captain Rainmaiden makes quick work of docking. The ship arrived too late the night before to dock without incident or difficulties but now that it approaches dock hands appear to do their duty.
OOC Sir Broman give me an investigation roll for security threats. Rosen I need a perception check to aid him.
Across the city of KaDuna....
Prince Zuri slowly descends the staircase towards the main entrance of the House Jaezred spire. He stops noticeably passing his grandmother Queen Masiliah's chambers but doesn't enter. He continues his descent flanked by his counselors and Tulip.
"Any pointers on how to greet your betrothed for the first time in person, " Zuri asks a strained chuckle leaving his handsome mouth before a door opens suddenly and a hulking figure steps out!
"Yeah, politely, " Erza Zemenar teases with a grin.
Ezra Zemenar is Hawkspur second in command and probably the closes friend to Zuri apart from Drey. Joining the group from another chamber often used for visitors Erza, just shy of six feet herself, blocks Zuri from moving ahead. She was alerted to the descent of the prince from the gaurds Hawkspur dismissed and was taking her chance to wish her friend well.
The earth genasi smiles widely at her prince producing a large white, fragrant camila flower and tucking it into his tunic. There is can't be seen but smelled. A smell she knows he finds calming. One of the favorite smells of his gandmother. Ez worries over Zuri for a few seconds more. She fusses over a button like a mother hen before remembering herself and steps aside. "So handsome, " she says to Zuri as the prince smiles. There's a slight sound from Zuri but he doesn't speak. It's not quite sigh but the blush rising in Erza's gray stone like skin tone tells anyone watching them its a tender moment passing between them. Her big brown eyes then find Hawkspur falling in beside the captain of the royal spire gaurd as Zuri moves ahead. "The uh...uh..Valorous is docking, " Erza whispers to Hawkspur as she pushes her dreadlocks, freshly twisted and adorned with various trinkets, behind her ear. Ezra looks rather plain in her spire gaurd tunic and hide curass. The only thing relatively equal to her station is the polished yew wooden staff. It's taller than her at 6 feet in length and known as the Gale of the Summer Court. The staff was a gift to Erza's druid enclave more than a thousand years ago but now is hers to wield. Long before Azogie Jaezred picked up a staff herself and united the people of Anambra. A island once called Upo was protected by Erza Zemenar's people the elemental natives of the volcanic atoll.
OOC Spire party, any checks or RP you feel is relevant before we move on go for it!
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
As the party continues its descent, Darius matches his steps with the Crown Prince, seizing the opportunity to offer some last-minute words of wisdom.
"Zuri," he begins, his voice gentle yet firm. "Today carries immense significance, as you prepare to embark on a path that will shape the future of our realm. Remember, within you lies the strength and wisdom to carry this responsibility. Trust in the lessons you have learned, the values that guide you, and the integrity that defines you. Embrace the weight of your role with humility and grace, for it is through your actions and words that you will inspire others. Stay true to yourself, and let your genuine character shine, for authenticity is a beacon that attracts loyalty and respect. And know that I stand beside you, ready to offer support and counsel whenever needed. May this day be the beginning of a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come."
Grinning, Darius pats Zuri affectionately on the shoulder, before giving him a playful wink...
Broman scans the crowd.
Investigation: 8
”Hello, I’m Rosen Siannodel and this is Sir Broman.” He bows his head. “We understand, the Archmage is a busy person. Either way, the princess will be joining us shortly. We thought we would come and ensure everything was ready.”
Rosen begins inspecting the areas security measures.
Perception: 13
Deleted, see pm
Sir Broman sees no visible threats. It's just dock workers and seafaring folk going about their business on the dock. Rosen notices little more than a head peeking out of Thylas' carriage but they quickly lean back out of view. Rosen could have sworn he recognized the face of the woman but her head was covered by a cloak hood and it was only for a second.
"I've secured the dock myself, " Thylas explains next motioning to literally no one. "Ah, well yes," he chuckles. "Best defense is a good..." he moves about 15ft away from the two men in House T'Sarran and holds up a monocle hanging from his neck by an ornate gold chain. Through the lens they can see a figure in similar crimson robes with less beading on their collar. "Wouldn't do to tip our hand," the moon elf whispers next. "Shall we summon the greeting party," he then says not really asks the men as he raises a hand. After this simple motion throngs of well dressed Anambrans of various occupations amongst the social classes emerge from the surrounding areas leading to the docks. "As for your Princess. She will meet the Prince at the spires. The Queen Masaliah insisted on that...the people can meet Princess Akordia publicly but Zuri asked for a more....private meeting before the ceremony, " he adds rejoining the men and whispering the last part to only them! "Now," the moon elf pauses rubbing his hands together, "for a little more fanfare," he adds.
Thylas then conjures a downpour of white camila flowers and black orchids! Suddenly the area us filled with musicians too as well as the murmuring of a hundred voices here to greet Princess Akordia Relenor of House T'Sarran!
At the spires...
Zuri takes Tulip's words to heart but insists she accompany them. Now like a sister to the prince who fells abandoned by his own twin he invited Tulip to premenately join his entourage moving forward.
"If she can't understand why I need my council about me then I ought to know up front, " Zuri says about his betrothed broker no argument from Tulip.
Once outside Tulip joins the party as they stand in the communal green space at the center of the spires. Eternally spring it's always a menagerie of birds fly above with lush gardens below. Crown Prince Zuri stands like a proper bridegroom with his attendants now awaiting Akordia's arrival. The Princess turned priestess Masego has yet to arrive either but there's still time. A frw moments pass before leaning towards Hawkspur and Drey but in earshot of Tulip and Ezra, Zuri asks a totally unrelated question to the task at hand!
"Any one of you seen Ged," Zuri asks about their Goliath comrade who's usually amongst them verging on his shadow.
The outlander however the party knows has been scarcely seen these past days of Zuri's approaching nuptials! Ezra gives Tulip a knowing look but remains silent. Prince Zuri then looks to the party for answers.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
Hawk looks to Ezra and makes a hand signal that anyone who’s spent time with him would understand to mean “report?” and in this circumstance obviously means “if you know anything about Ged’s whereabouts, spill it”
After surveying the preparations for the arrival of the princess, Rosen turns to Broman. “Well I would say our new home is well prepared for the arrival of the princess. Everything up to your standards, Sir Broman?”
As the group make their way down the spire the prince still seems nervous about how to greet the princess. Drey isn't quite sure on the totally proper etiquette but as long as he doesn't make a fool of himself it should all be fine. Professor Maxwell puts quite directly the significance of the occasion. General advice for being humble, true to yourself and polite. Drey was pretty sure Zuri was trying to force himself to be what people expect which is a far cry from who he is. After the professor pats the prince on the back Drey slaps his back and says "Be yourself man. You're always thinking how to make others have a good time around you. Do that here. They are getting off a ship after being at sea for a long time. When I was sailing with the navy it was really relieving to be back on land. Not being trapped on a ship anymore. It gets pretty cramped after the first couple weeks. Almost exhausting. I know there isn't a lot officially planned for her visit so maybe we could offer them something to do after they settle in. So, after they unpack how about a tour? Let them see some of the better and more interesting places around Anambra's capitol city? That way you can talk about what you know and hopefully between all of us pick up a thing or two the princess likes. Find that common ground."
After giving his advice to the prince on what to say to the princess he joins the group heading down and exiting the spire. The beautiful lush green garden is a great place to just relax but also make a good place to meet folks. Down in a beautiful garden with birds singing they really couldn't ask for a better setting to meet the betrothed. Drey is relieved they are all there. Tulip included. What the princess is like is a mystery but Drey suggested a plan that might help with that. As they wait Zuri asks about Ged. That woman was fire and thinking on it she wasn't here. Normally she would let her presence be known on some level. The dragonborn thinks when he last saw her and realizes he hasn't seen her today... or yesterday. Has it been three days since he saw her? He looks to Zuri and replies quietly, "I haven't seen her in a few days. We've all been so busy. My money would be at one of the sparing rings showing some poor soul she's not one to trifle with."
Broman says, "Rosen, this may be as good as I can hope. Foreign troops I don't control, hidden crowds that appear on command, magical flowering confetti that would prevent locating the source of a magical threat... I'd prefer to inspect the crowd, but there is not much I could do even if I spotted an anomaly. I am the stranger here.".
"I'll stay close to the Princess and trade my life for hers if need be.".
"When the ship docks, I'll board again to don the rest of my armor", he points to his breast plate. "That will give us a fighting chance if forces who might want to prevent the wedding decide to intervene.".
"Ah, well whatever you need of course but I can assure you Princess Akordia Relenor of House T'Sarran is perfectly safe," Thylas explains gesturing his hand as if to wave off Sir Broman worries. "Whatever you need to check you certainly can, " the elven man then says motioning to the crowds gathering on either side of the aisle of red carpet magically unfurling from a handmaiden's bag of holding! "Ember that'll be all. Take your place with the royal household, " he adds gesturing back at a group of men and women with varying shades of dark skin. "Your....your eminence, " he then exclaims as a armored retinue arrives on horseback.
They carry the banners of Satu. A group of gold armored paladins from The Lady of Our Fate Citadel in Bahiri-Duna. High priestess Masego is leading and flanked by her most loyal gaurdians. The high priestess removes her helm eyeing both Sir Broman and Rosen.
"Please, don't trouble yourselves," Masego calls out dismounting her gray warhorse. "She coming ashore then," she asks curiously.
Masego is a beauty in her own right regardless of her position as a religious leader. She wears ceremonial armor emblazoned with Satu's symbol and a crimson cape barring the crest of House Jaezred.
OOC Sir Broman can trying another crack at looking for dangers but it's not easily done, the DC is higher with each attempt.
Meanwhile in the courtyard of the spires....
"I...I haven't seen her in two days, " Erza confesses to all she then looks to Hawkspur with a shrug. "She isn't really one for strangers and least of all marriage ceremonies, " the earth genasi adds with cocked eyebrow at Hawkspur then glances at Zuri who is listening to her but looks away when she meets his eyes.
"Find her," Zuri says resolutely staring forward. "I want all of my household to receive my wife," he adds next adjusting the tunic collar again with a sigh.
OOC Moving on to Akordia getting off the ship or is there any lingering RP I've missed?
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
Hawkspar's eyes narrow briefly at Ezra, curious if there's a clue of something left unsaid.
Insight:
Spoilered because it's a roll the DM didn't call for, but supplying it if helpful: 21
"We will put the word out she is wanted here," Hawkspar says, sending one guard out to spread the word that anyone who might know where Ged might have gone should come to see Hawk immediately. He's not asking for a search. No distractions and no personnel off their posts on a day like this. But the word will go out that Ged is needed asap. He also casts his mind over the last two days, trying to remember anything out of the ordinary, and of course anything about Ged.
Erza looks honestly startled by Hawkspur's sudden hard look.
"Yes, of course, " Erza replies but approaches her direct commander with a anxious expression. "We...we had been on furlough Hawk," she gently reminds her captain. "I returned to give the prince... support. I...Ged was very upset about this....decision to go through with the marriage ceremonies so...quickly upon the princess' arrival," she adds.
"I...I suppose she's on the mountain, " Zuri muses aloud having not heard any of the exchange between his friends. "She's of that disposition," he adds sighing again looking to Drey before looking at the one main entrance of the courtyard.
They aren't stood exactly where the marriage will take place. It's further back near one of the oldest shrines to Satu on the southern island of Ka-Duna. It is at the back left of the gardens, a sacred place where every one of his ancestors since great grandmother Azogie Jaezred was married to even his own parents as well as extended family and everyone else in between. The party knows it well.
Dockside...
Akordia feels the ship move then gently bump into its moorings dockside. Rainmaiden oversees all from her perch on the deck as dock hands tie off the many lines that her crew has tossed now after they weighed anchor. Within minutes Rainmaiden arrives at the princess' door.
"We've docked your highness and the gangway is in place. Looks like quite the spectacle to greet you, " captain Rainmaiden explains. "The high priestess Masego herself has come with her Golden Host to greet you," she adds her tone excited. "Shall I escort you to the gangway so that you might be welcomed to your new home, " the young water genasi asks through the closed door of the main cabin where Akordia had lived for the month it took to reach Anambra from Baldur's Gate.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
Broman returns to the ship to quickly don armor. He waits at the railing take position on the right hand of Princess Akordia.
“I have the utmost faith that you’ve prepared properly for an event such as this.” Rosen gives a reassuring smile to Sir Broman.
He watches curiously as the priestess and her convoy arrive. Rosen smiles and gives a slight bow to Masego. “High priestess, it’s a honor to meet you. The princess will be here shortly. She was nearly finished getting ready.” He sees Broman head back to the ship. “My companion, Sir Broman and I wanted to ensure there was nothing needed from us before everything started.”
"Yes, of course," Masego replies. "Your face is familiar to me," Masego then adds. "What is your name amd your House? You are a native Anambran if I'm not mistaken too, yes?" Masego asks as she watches Sir Broman retreat without showing her the respect her station demands with a hard expression before returning her gaze to Rosen her face softening again. "If so welcome home," she adds bow her head towards Rosen before casing her gray eyes again to the deck of the Valorous awaiting the glimpse of Akordia.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
With one last deep breath, Akordia dons the title of Princess. Her spine lengthens, shoulders going back. The glasses to ward against the light are firmly in place as she opens the door to Captain Rainmaiden. “I’m sorry if I’ve kept you, Captain. Thank you again for your hospitality, and your kindness on our long journey.”
The princess allows herself to be lead to the gangplank, grateful to see the familiar face of Sir Broman in his armor. If he offers his arm, she will take it. Just to steady herself on the gently rolling waves of the bay. Not because she needs the moral support or anything.
“Welcome home,” she whispers to herself and him as she begins the long walk into her new life.
Sir Broman seeing the hint, takes Princess Akordia's arm lending his strength and resolution. He proceeds to walk with her down the gangplank slightly behind, head bowed in deference.
Quietly he says, "You have everything you need to be the queen I see in you today... to be the woman I've always known you would be.".
"Whatever happens in this court, I am always servant to you first."