Quote from Swiftgale >>

 "I had a majestic skull with beautiful antlers."

When they say this, you think back (to post #599) and remember that Agdon did mention this. But wasn't particularly open about the details of why it was missing, with it now making sense. 

 

 Eliaanore listens, though doesn't have much to say. It's not out of any sense of the trepidation or confusion. She just has nothing to add. 

To the scarecrow, Moneo says, "Yes... I heard of that head from the scoundrel that took it. But it was no longer in his possession. It's possible that it was given, along with so much else, to Bavlorna..." He also asks the heads, "Since I've never seen a coup before, how will this one be happening? Should we be careful while we meet with him?"

"What if we crafted you a new head?" Fa'ame asks, then turns to the others. "The power is beyond my means at the moment, but perhaps one of you can help. If not, I should be able to assist after an evening's rest."

"Coups are often bloody or violent. But as outsiders you should be safe. There is rarely large battles."

"You could craft a head which might be better than this. But I don't think anything new would beat my old head. It has sentimentality too. If you think it was given to Bavlorna, you could always try and get it back. I am happy to go with you around Downfall and further afield, but I will not step foot inside her cottage. I have had enough of hags."

"Well, perhaps we should see the king anyway... though, should we keep it quiet that we aim to go against the hag? What business does this village have with her?" Moneo asks the scarecrow, adding, "Did you say you could go further from Prismeer? We're trying to find someone here actually..."

"They try and stay on her good side. But I think that might be because they know she is powerful. And I can't leave Prismeer, but I can go from Hither to Thither, which I believe are both part of Prismeer. It was already split when I came here"

"We're not so meek ourselves." Fa'ame adds with a tight-lipped grin. "Do you think the king might have anything useful... either wittingly or unwittingly... to contribute to anyone going against the hag?  Information? Tools? A chance to get close to Bavlorna without raising an alarm?"

"He might. I have no idea, I've not spent much time with him" Clapperclaw replies 

At this Eliaanore, who's largely kept quiet, perks up with a single question: "Do you think he deserves to be overthrown?" It's an abnormally considerate concern, on her part.

Quote from Swiftgale >>

"He might. I have no idea, I've not spent much time with him" Clapperclaw replies 

 "And... even if not being willing to help, he wouldn't oppose us right? Should we keep our intentions private regarding the hag?" Moneo asks.

"I haven't been here long enough to see anything to say he is a good or bad ruler, or that anyone else would be any better. I would say that if they think that you would anger the hag, they would want to make sure that she didn't suspect them of helping at all. But I don't know if that means they would go as far as to hinder you."

"Well, let's just go see him and see what we can learn. We gotta find a way to get to this Bavlorna soon anyway if we ever hope to find Zybilna," Moneo says, ready to get moving.

Fa'ame nods in support, ready to go. She turns back to Clapperclaw with a gentle smile. "Thank you so much. We hope to return soon with your head. Though, I do hope you consider keeping this one around on occasion. I find it quite fetching."

You head across the bridge (map update will come when you move on from here for ease of updates). A grand marble gazebo stands atop a mound of soggy earth, its white stone streaked green with algae. The support pillars have sunk into the muck unevenly so that the domed canopy now sits askew.

Short steps ring the gazebo, leading to a raised floor where bullywugs dressed in shabby clothing lounge on pillows. Among them, a harpist sends forth delicate notes that mingle with the murmured croaking of the gathered nobles. On a dais, a flabby bullywug wearing a crown of woven lily flowers sits on an ornate throne with his legs folded under him. He has a large leather-bound book open across his lap and is mouthing the words he reads on the pages. A baby crocodile is curled up around his legs. Without looking up, he says, “Have you no herald to announce your presence before King Gullop the Nineteenth?” He slams the book closed as if to punctuate his question, regarding you for the first time.

Sleepy bullywug guards standing around their monarch snap to attention and ready their weapons.

(picture of king, croc and one of the nobles)

Eliaanore, seemingly aware of the antiquities of protocol among nobles, steps forth, dipping into a deep curtsy. Her face is noticeably paler as her legs flex and her tattered golden dress splays out before the king. "We beg your pardon, Your Majesty. We did not intend transgression. I am Eldi-- ah, Eliaanore." She unfortunately cannot remember the exact means by which to approach royalty of this fashion, though she does nod down to the others, a silent suggestion that perhaps it would be prudent to do the same. 

[History: 4]

Fa'ame bows low in a position of total supplication, speaking to the king in Sylvan.

In Sylvan:

He lets out a croak that sounds like he might be laughing, though at you directly or the situation, you have no idea. He replies in Sylvan

Barreknar isn't sure what to do, watches the others, not understanding the way they are talking,  je stands towards the back of the group. He isn't drawing his weapon but he makes sure its in good view of the guards with readied weapons.

Fa'ame looks to Moneo to see how he'll react to the king's question...

Still surprised that his crowning seems to have such influence here, Moneo stands a bit taller and tugs at his vest. Giveing Fa'ame a quick wink he says, in Sylvan, "My herald seems tired. We have been traveling for many miles until now. It is an honor to be granted an audience. Could you have your servants provide refreshmants for my entourage? We are actually only passing through, though have heard that you have dealings with a certain... Bavlorna." (insight to gauge his reaction at the name: 23) "We also hear that you are new to your throne, and that there are some who wish to take you off of it." Then, changing to common adds, "Though not quite appropriate for a king of your stature, my guard and, uh, advisor, may wish to join in our conversation if that is permitted."