The lead guard nods slowly in thought. "You are expected, if you are who you say," he says, then turns and gives a muffled order to one of his men, who darts up towards the estate.
"Bring forward the girl. We have summoned one of the king's advisors to verify your claim," he says.
Neventi and Gentoa make their way forward from the carriage. Neventi is shocked at Gash's wounds and promises him healing in due time. At the gate, the pair waits. Everyone waits.
Eventually a slender, white-haired elf in half-plate armor comes down the drive. His step is confident but still aided by a silver-tipped cane. An ornate ceremonial sword is sheathed in a an equally ornate scabbard on his left hip. He stops at the gate and gives a gentle smile. Then, his eyes begin to glow softly in a golden hue. He looks at Gentoa, then Neventi, then the rest of the party. He looks around at the empty space where the battle took place.
"Hi!" says Gentoa with small wave and a giggle.
The old paladin smiles back, his eyes still glowing. Gentoa's eyes begin to glow as well, though a bit brighter and with a more saturated hue. At this, he gives a satisfied nod. "Welcome, young aasimar," he says. He nods to the lead guard and begins his slow trek back towards the estate.
The lead guard reveals a key as a signal to one of his men, who produces a similar key. They each take a position on either side of the gates and simultaneously turn their keys. Slowly, the gates open.
"The carriage and horses will be brought to the stables," the lead guard says as the gates are closed behind them.
The four King's Guard provide a royal escort to the estate, up a small incline from the gates. The front door, wide open, is preceded by a large veranda, occupied only by an empty table and chairs of a fine but rustic design. In the doorway stands a slender, 30-something half-elven woman in a regal purple dress with gold and crimson vines and flowers embroidered on the edges. It is understated but elegant in its craftsmanship. She steps forward and clasps Neventi's free hand.
"Neventi Drahm," she says with a warmth and a wide smile. There seems to be both joy and sadness in her face as she speaks. "It is truly an honor to meet you."
Neventi manages a curtsy and Gentoa attempts one as well, practiced in the inns and campsites of the party for the last ten-day. "Your highness," she says.
Queen Duliani stands before the party, the young wife of the king. She smiles and frowns in sympathy. "Oh, Miss Drahm, please do not be afraid. We have much to discuss and you will find it thoroughly unobjectionable," she says.
"I could never object to your highness," Neventi says.
"My dear," the queen says, and gently places her upturned fingertips under Neventi's chin and raises the mother's gaze. "You will always be her mother."
Tears roll down Neventi's cheeks and she can only find the ability to nod as she holds back an audible sob.
"You and I will talk later," the queen says. "We have more important business to attend to, I suspect."
Queen Duliani bends slightly towards Gentoa with a welcoming smile. "Come inside young lady. Haddian is excited to see you. And he is not an excitable man."
The King's Guard hang back, almost invisible, as the queen leads them through the manor, discussing some of the notable artifacts, artwork, and the purpose of various rooms as she goes. "We call it the Forest Manor but it has been our home for some time now. The King...my husband...well, he requires rest. So today will just be introductions. If I interrupt, it is only for his health that I do so."
The party approaches a large set of ironwood double-doors inlaid with platinum styling. The queen throws them open effortlessly and they see not a parlor, audience chamber, or some other place of royal business but the personal bedroom of the king and queen. In the bed, well made and presently tidy, sits a 40-something man. His skin is somewhere between pale and dark, as if a tanned farmer but without the years under the sun. His hair is dark and curly, peppered with silver strands all over. He sits, his back is against the headboard and his lower half covered by the large comforter spread across the bed. King Haddian is gaunt and thin. He gives a wide, energetic smile as Neventi and Gentoa and first led into the room. The party remain outside for some 15 minutes, barely able to see or hear what is happening in the bedroom. While they wait and observe from afar, healers appear seemingly from nowhere to attend to the party's wounds.
As the watch, they see Neventi at one point kneels at the king's bedside, taking his hand in hers. He pats it gently and offers conciliatory words. Eventually, Neventi stands and states clearly, "I, Neventi Drahm, mother of Gentoa, request you, King Haddian to be the steward of my daughter, Gentoa Drahm."
King Haddian smiles and says softly, "I accept."
Nothing happens, at least not here in the bedroom of the king.
After a few more minutes, Queen Duliani ushers Gentoa and Neventi away and the protectors in. They form a horseshoe around his bed. They are introduced in turn.
"Thank you," Haddian says softly. His voice has power but he holds it back, letting the moment be what it is. "I understand it was...a challenging journey. I hope to hear the entire tale. From the beginning."
Queen Duliani gives Haddian a stern look and clears her throat.
"Eventually," Haddian says. "I am bedridden at the advice of my healers. I shall endeavor to hear your tale to its completion, though. For now, I am pleased to meet you all and happy that the young child of Milil has made it safely. That is no small feat. And it will see its reward."
The King looks to his wife. "How long do I have, my dear?" he says with a soft smile.
"How is your strength?" she says.
He considers her question and answers truthfully, "I feel good today."
"Ten more minutes then," she says.
He nods and returns his attention to the protectors. "Ask me your questions, then," he says. "Or tell me what you will. We have, it seems, 10 minutes."
(RP with the king for a bit. We are heading into the denouement now!)
Dog is amazed the combat finished so quickly -- he froze for the first time he could remember. Once the dust settles he first looks at Neventi and Gentoa to be certain they're okay. "You feeling yourself, Nev? Everything okay? Still want to try this option? You have the power here. You and Genny are calling the shots."
Then he darts over to Aucasia's body to see if she's really dead, and begins to look through her possessions, using a bit of cloth to not actually make physical contact with anything or with her form. He mutters, to himself:"You know, you could have tried the truth.And no mind control. And not trying to murder us so often."
He grabs anything interesting, showing it to the group. "Guess we leave her here. But let's give this a shot." He steps up next to Nev and Genny in the carriage, his head still taller than Nev's even with their higher seat. "After you, miladies. I'm behind you every step of the way. Can't believe we found you in a collapsed house."
His mind flashes back to the circus, him and Tock, and Gash. The unicorn. Finding the girls. The army camp. The brigands and their useful bag of holding. The heavenly and hellish showdown. The dryad. Flight to hallowed ground. Literal nightmares. The ruins. The tunnel. The cylinder bridge across the water, and Gash riding in the spider papoose. The underground city, seemingly abandoned, and then not. Merxina and her zombies. Merxina's vision and preparation. The mural. The quiet walk through the forest, until the giant snakes. Talking their way into the first city they find and being forced to leave the next morning. Horse trading with three stables. Being chased by the armies of Hell to the next town, when they caught up. Nev and Genny being taken by the Minotaur. The chase to Taur. Entering the labyrinth. Saying goodbye to a fiery friend, and meeting a mechanical new one. Solving the labyrinth. Getting out and finding Genny. Leaving and the long journey to Nev, through bugbear armies and a dragon. Dog carrying Genny in his makeshift carrier. The shapeshifting druid and the gnome family. Teleporting to the city and realizing Nev wasn't herself. Accidentally commencing the accords. Meeting Althus and Martin. Chasing a spy. Puzzling through the Accords. Stealing papers from allies. Pretending to want to leave with Nev. Leaving with Nev, with new horses, and finally restoring Nev. The vampire. The construct. The VAMPIRE. Teleporting too far. Walking back to Pallaxus. Getting here. Meeting Aucasia and her friends.
He would not have done it without this group. Tock's wondrous curiosity, silent footsteps, and surprising wisdom. Gash's secret nobility, awkward politeness, and enigmatic power. Bulwark's steady support, vicious defense, and hidden sense of humor. Althus' wise counsel, sense of honor, and deadly claws. Martin's lightspeed bow and faster wit. And ability to cut the goliath down to size.
"It's been a long road to get to here. We're probably not done. Let's find out more."
Dog nods at Martin's reply. "Listen to the man, my good kingsguard. We're expected. We are the protectors, here with the Mother and Child, here to grant an audience to the king."He looks back at the leader of the King's Guard with a "no I did not mix up my prepositions and yes I meant that, neighbor" sort of expression.
Tock has been dreading this moment. He has thought about it many times, but in this situation he is struggling to keep his tongue. He just wants to shout at everyone that IF YOU HURT THEM, I WILL COME FOR YOU!!
But everything is peaceful and everyone is proper and polite. He almost vomits out the phrase anyway, but seeing as the others are keeping calm he swallows it once more.
Once Neventi and Gentoa are led away he follows them with his gaze and makes a mental note on the direction they went, the number of guards, the layout of the corridors, etc.
When the king finally gives them permission to talk he is really exhausted both mentally and physically and just blurts out, "What's wrong with you?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Dog listens respectfully to the presentations of the advisor, the queen, and the king. He definitely wanted to stay closer to Nev and Genny when they were alone talking with the King, and he kept his eyes alert for any spells or malignant effects he could discern being done to them -- and also any arcane effect he can see on the king. (Arcana: 22)
He hears Tock blurt out the elephant in the room, and hides his smile behind a large hand. After the response, he'll say during a pause, "King Haddian, I am Doggear Brakespine. Nev and Genny are very, very dear to us. We've sacrificed a lot to get them to a peaceful place."
He fiddles with the odd basket-pack that he had carried Genny in for a portion of the journey, which has become just a thing that his pack gets shoved into when he's traveling.
"Treat them well. That's not a request. You seem nice, and kind. Forgive our brusqueness. The Hells used every trick in the book -- mind control, deceit, kidnapping, lawyers -- to get their way. We don't have much trust left. And the requirement that Nev give up Genny, if only legally, well it didn't earn this option much goodwill. So we're skeptical. I'd love to trust you. Trust is earned. I look forward to that. How did you learn of her? How did you become an option to be her steward? And what can you tell us about your plans for her?"
He suddenly rememebers he's talking to a king. He's proud, and not very observant in these situations, but his mind, working overtime, catches up to reality and he steps back a bit, glancing around the room at the guards and advisers and the king's family. His chin doesn't drop, and he doesn't blink, but he's stopped talking.
King Haddian and Queen Duliani both chuckle at Tock's outburst, which leads to a coughing fit for Haddian. It does not last long, though and he composes himself quickly. "I have the wasting disease (ooc: cancer)," he says. "It is rare in people my age, but it does happen. I've had it for almost three years now but only in the last months has it become problematic."
The king holds up his hands at the looks of concern on the faces of his audience. "I have the best clerics and healers at my disposal. And they have kept me alive this long. But the wasting disease usual wins in the end, as it will be for me."
He gives a loving look to his wife, who likewise softens at this look.
To Dog, he says, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Master Brakespine. I have come to terms with my eventual end, because the gods visited me. Well, they sent a deva as a messenger. I had just found out my diagnosis and was...lethargic. Kulminus appeared to me here in this forest. We talked for hours. His was a personal message, one which I have only shared with my dear wife. But after he left, I felt only lightness in my heart."
The king revels in silence at the memory of his encounter for a long 20 seconds. At last he breaks out of his silence, saying, "I did learn of young Gentoa in that conversation. And I agreed to act as her steward, to steer her in the direction of the divine. After that, I had purpose, even if not the strength to see it through myself."
The king falls into a second coughing fit. This one lasts much longer than the first one. His wife places her hand on his arm and he holds up a finger as he catches his breath. "I am okay. Gentoa will soon become my daughter. She will receive the finest education. She will be royalty in every way. One day, soon, she will be Queen of Alcion. When I pass, Duliani will act as regent as the young Queen grows into her role. She will hold court with divine ambassadors to the gods themselves. I only regret that I have so little time on the throne before Gentoa is crowned."
Queen Duliani moves to usher the protectors from the sick king's bedchambers but he holds up a hand to stop her. "I am okay, my love. You may answer some questions if I might be allowed these visitors just a little longer."
The young queen sighs and assents. "Continue, then, protectors. You have earned this much, at least."
Martin looks over King Haddian and the queen’s reactions to make a rough guess about what’s wrong with him, and gauge his ability to protect.
medicine 16
Martin has a guess before the words come out of the king's mouth. It is probably the wasting disease. This is confirmed by Haddian's own words only moments later.
As the king answers and the tensions built up within Tockfind a release he comes back to his senses and slinks into the background.
.. where he thinks for a moment and quietly picks out his Gem of Seeing and activates it.
Tock:
The King and Queen are exactly as they seem. Much to Tock's surprise, though, is that an angel, probably a Solar is standing in the distant corner of the bedchambers. She is enormous, nearly touching the ceiling with her head. She stands quietly, her hands clasped in front of her and her glorious wings folded behind her back. Tock recognizes her as Aeryx, whom he met two or so months ago shortly after taking on Neventi and Gentoa. She looks at Tock and smiles, raising her finger to her lips in a silent "shh" gesture.
Bulwark has no real concept of royalty, or why, if at all, they should be respected. What he does know is that the party is exhausted, surrounded by potential threats, but seemingly happy to pester this bedridden human with questions, and he is glad for the respite. At least for now, the danger seems to be passed. They are safe.
"Question: Will the child see much in the way of opposition or threats to her welfare from outside sources during her time as a princess and following that, as a queen?"
Doesn't mean there wont be danger in the future though.
Tock smiles quietly and mimes that he and Aeryx need to talk. (ooc: I'd like to re-spec Tock as more of a cleric possibly and a heavenly intervention might be a good way to present that in the next campaign? )
Bulwark has no real concept of royalty, or why, if at all, they should be respected. What he does know is that the party is exhausted, surrounded by potential threats, but seemingly happy to pester this bedridden human with questions, and he is glad for the respite. At least for now, the danger seems to be passed. They are safe.
"Question: Will the child see much in the way of opposition or threats to her welfare from outside sources during her time as a princess and following that, as a queen?"
Doesn't mean there wont be danger in the future though.
Haddian's smile is a kindly one. "Certainly being royalty comes with any number of risks. I can assure you that my family, including my brother and his children, will accept Gentoa as their queen. She will have political rivals but not ones thirsty for the throne. And my understanding of the heavenly treaty is that Gentoa will no longer be sought after by any celestial or fiendish party. All of that said, she will still need security. And I will speak with each of you about what you faced and what she may need in the coming days."
Tock:
Aeryx gives a respectful nod at his gesture and returns to observing King Haddian in conversation with his audience.
As the king talks about his health, his future, his experience with the deva, and his plans for Genny, Dog’s expression goes from surprise, to sadness, to empathy, to silent contemplation, and he just falls to one knee, eyes on the floor. He looks up briefly when the king is done, and nods, a silent “forgive my presumption” look on his face.
Eyes dart to the other members of his party to let them speak.
Althus stands somberly, hands clasped before him and crab claws fiddling anxiously, "Your majesty, are you sure there's nothing that can be done about your illness? I don't mean to belittle your clerics and healers, but I have some healing ability myself."
Althus stands somberly, hands clasped before him and crab claws fiddling anxiously, "Your majesty, are you sure there's nothing that can be done about your illness? I don't mean to belittle your clerics and healers, but I have some healing ability myself."
The king gives a wry smile. "You are welcome to try, young paladin. But I am not wounded, or diseased. My body has become broken while whole. Besides, Kulminus assured me that only the gods themselves could reverse my fate."
He beckons Althus to apply his magic. The king does appear to breathe slightly easier but little else changes about his condition.
"Thank you," the queens says. "But it is time to let the king rest."
"Duli..." Haddian pleads.
She tuts at him and continues to usher the party away to, it turns out, their quarters in the royal estate.
------------
Gash is the last to emerge from his final meeting with King Haddian in the parlor seven days later. It has been a peaceful time in the Forest Manor of the king. Each meal has been simple but exquisitely prepared. Every protector has their own private quarters and their run of the vast grounds. Hunting, access to the library, horse riding, and lively conversation with the king's advisors all help the time fly past.
Every day they see Neventi and Gentoa, at least for enough time to build a snow-beholder or throw some snowballs. Neventi and Queen Duliani spend much of their time together and the young mother has grown considerably relaxed. She always has a king's guard within earshot. The feeling of safety dares to creep back in.
And every day they each meet with the king, one at a time. The meetings are short and Haddian dominates the conversations with his questions about the protectors and their journey. Each one is asked during one of their meetings, what they hope to do next. "How would you serve Alcion best?"
Dog luxuriates in the calm estate. He spends as much time in the library, picking books at random (and absentmindedly shelf-reading to alphabetize sections), as he does challenging kingsguard to sparring matches full of shouting and laughter.
He catches up with Tock and Gash, talking about the past, wondering about their old friends, and asking them what they want to do with their lives, if not the circus. He tries to ask Bulwark if there is anything more in his existence he wants than to find more things to protect. He tries to teach the warforged some profane Goliath jokes. With Althus and Martin he tries to learn more about them, since life was so full of panic since they first met. He asks how being pulled into this chaos felt, and if they had thoughts about what they wanted to do with themselves.
He does carve out a lot of time to chat with Nev over long dinners and walks in the snow, trying to get a sense of the kinds of art she really enjoyed practicing. What languages were her favorites. Any really interesting translation or calligraphic works she attempted. Before all of this chaos, before her child became a pawn. Does she want to become a famous bard? He luxuriates in small talk with her, out from under the shadow of terror and pursuit.
And he goes on long walks in the snow with Genny, answering all her questions and giving her endless attention with silly games and throwing her still high in the air.
Dog tries answering the King’s question obviously. “By making sure its best people are safe. There are a lot of thieves. Brigands. Highway robbers. Monsters hungry for blood. Fiends. Monstrosities. I’d like to find out where they are coming from and why, and then go and dispose of the ones we can’t divert or convince to find a better way. It seems your army is busy with... other things. Perhaps you need people to go research in libraries where these problems come from, and a band of protectors to enforce the peace. There is another need I see - and that is keeping the minds of key people safe from intrusion. You heard the horror story of Neventi’s mind being interfered with. We were worried that would happen to yours. Or the queen’s. Or your council. That would be catastrophic. It needs constant defense. Someone else might be a better option to do that than I, but I just wanted to say it.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Haddian and Dog have grown close in their seven days of short chats. There is a lot of commonality between the Goliath and the human king. Their mage roots, being thrust into unexpected positions, and their desire to respect parts of their heritage.
On the eighth day, Haddian waves over an attendant.
"Doggear Brakespine," he says with an air of formality that engenders some surprise in Dog. "For your valiant efforts in securing the future of Alcion's throne, I present to you the artifact known as Frostbite."
The attendant removes a cloth revealing a blue-tinged longsword. Dog can feel the cold emanating from it some five feet away.
"This sword was crafted for an evil purpose. It belong to the infamous Ice Blade, scourge of the deep gnomes. Upon his hanging, the gnomish people of the north presented this to my great-great grandfather as a gift for his assistance in bringing the villain to justice. While it spilled much blade in those days, it has served no wielder for almost 100 years. I have summoned it here to present to you in the hopes that it will defend the weak, root out the villains, and maintain peace in Alcion for long after I am gone."
He motions for Dog to pick up the blade.
"Cold, is it not? I am told that it loses that property for one that attunes to its magic."
Before Dog can say anything, the king holds up a hand. "There is more. You have received this reward for the service you have provided but I am known as a remarkable judge of talent. And I will not have talent escape me if I cannot help it. Thus, I also bestow upon you the title of Special Emissary to the Princess. If you will accept it, your job will be to continue protect Gentoa as princess and, eventually, queen. I can see how you care for the young girl. And her mother. And that is what the both of them need. You will command a retinue of guards and serve as a special liaison between Princess Gentoa and the public."
The kindly king smiles at Dog's shocked expression and awaits his response.
rkmobius:
Dog's character sheet has a new item!
History(15) check: 17
And the long-dead villain The Ice Blade is noone Dog has ever heard of.
Tock is mostly keeping quiet these days, content to have some peace. He's also keeping his eye out for ... secret service type stuff. There is bound to be more than just regular guards.
He answers to Dog that the circus seems to be in the past. He's got some ideas that he wants to discuss with the King about the future, but these are pretty out there.
In the meetings with the King he asks the Queen to be present as well one day and demonstrates his ability to change his form and voice and mannerisms by pretending to be Neventi (disguise self, etc). "We used it on the road as well a couple of times for good effect." He drops his form and continues, "But I have a feeling it might be more useful in the future. It also seems to me that you don't have protections against this type of infiltration. Or maybe it's just so good that I haven't noticed."
He looks at both of them and says, "I feel like my best service would be developing protections for these types of things and also occasionally serving as body double for someone in a possibly dangerous situation. What do you think?"
It is Tock's eighth meeting with the king. Haddian has been extraordinarily kind. Their conversation about the kenku tribes in the eastern lands were especially enlightening for Tock. Haddian cannot suppress his grin as adopts a regal tone.
"Tock of an unknown kenku tribe. I, King Haddian, present to you this precious artifact," Haddian nods to his attendant, who unveils a small, perfectly round stone resting on a pillow. "This is the Riverwise Stone, used by the nymph Aquestra more than 300 years ago to save the Court of the Spring from a raging flood. It was gifted to Aquestra by the god Silvanus himself for this very purpose. I entrust it with you to discover its properties, which I'm told provide remarkable clear-headedness to the user."
As Tock opens his beak to respond, Haddian barges on. "Additionally, I appoint you as a Special Emissary to the Crown. This is a title reserved only for advisors of the crown, of which I have six. Well, now seven. Yours is a role that I dub 'arcane spymaster'. My current spymaster is quite good. As is my arcane advisor. But you will fill the hole they have failed to see thus far: Arcane infiltration and information gathering. You will employ a small staff of your choosing and advise and protect the crown from arcane threats of an insidious nature."
Haddian raises his eyebrows in expectation of a response.
Martin spends his time wandering to get a solid look at the big picture of this new land. He isn’t a real people person, but he remembers Gargus, his old teacher, and tries his best to emulate him. Largely this involves bonding in kitchens, and in parks. He finds himself looking at the world with the new perspective of the city, which he had avoided so long. He even looks into the library to look back into those core foundations of Druidism with new eyes of experience.
That is... when he’s not stealing bits of candy and tarts from the kitchen and smuggling them to Gentoa. There was one time with a slingshot, but Martin stands by his decision to teach her that one despite the injuries.
When Dog asks him about himself, he startled a bit. ”oh! right. Well, where to start... I suppose I should start with Gargus. When I was young, and looking for purpose, he taught me a few things. I was pretty angry at the world. Not many shifters out there making a success of themselves. It’s easy to blame others. It’s easier still to just get exhausted dealing with them when you can’t possibly see the world the same way. But, Gargus, he was different. That guy saw me as someone who mattered. He taught me because it was what he knew. Other things I picked up for myself, but it’s all based in his teachings.
I took up clearing ents from the woods north of Masa. I even had a partner, a wonderful woman. Gargus’ daughter. I... haven’t thought about her as much as I should. I think I jumped into this headfirst just to get away from that. I should’ve done better by her and Gargus both.
But she’s dead, and we aren’t. I’m glad I could help. And I’m glad you let me. I know I’m not easy to deal with. So thanks.”
He hugs Dog. It’s way too long.
”Anyways. What are you going to do?”
——————
With King Haddian: he looks like he’s a bit lost on how to answer at first. “I hope you understand, I don’t really know why I joined this bunch to begin with. But it was right, and it needed doing. And I hope I can live by those principles all my life.”
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Paladin - warforged - orange
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The lead guard nods slowly in thought. "You are expected, if you are who you say," he says, then turns and gives a muffled order to one of his men, who darts up towards the estate.
"Bring forward the girl. We have summoned one of the king's advisors to verify your claim," he says.
Neventi and Gentoa make their way forward from the carriage. Neventi is shocked at Gash's wounds and promises him healing in due time. At the gate, the pair waits. Everyone waits.
Eventually a slender, white-haired elf in half-plate armor comes down the drive. His step is confident but still aided by a silver-tipped cane. An ornate ceremonial sword is sheathed in a an equally ornate scabbard on his left hip. He stops at the gate and gives a gentle smile. Then, his eyes begin to glow softly in a golden hue. He looks at Gentoa, then Neventi, then the rest of the party. He looks around at the empty space where the battle took place.
"Hi!" says Gentoa with small wave and a giggle.
The old paladin smiles back, his eyes still glowing. Gentoa's eyes begin to glow as well, though a bit brighter and with a more saturated hue. At this, he gives a satisfied nod. "Welcome, young aasimar," he says. He nods to the lead guard and begins his slow trek back towards the estate.
The lead guard reveals a key as a signal to one of his men, who produces a similar key. They each take a position on either side of the gates and simultaneously turn their keys. Slowly, the gates open.
"The carriage and horses will be brought to the stables," the lead guard says as the gates are closed behind them.
The four King's Guard provide a royal escort to the estate, up a small incline from the gates. The front door, wide open, is preceded by a large veranda, occupied only by an empty table and chairs of a fine but rustic design. In the doorway stands a slender, 30-something half-elven woman in a regal purple dress with gold and crimson vines and flowers embroidered on the edges. It is understated but elegant in its craftsmanship. She steps forward and clasps Neventi's free hand.
"Neventi Drahm," she says with a warmth and a wide smile. There seems to be both joy and sadness in her face as she speaks. "It is truly an honor to meet you."
Neventi manages a curtsy and Gentoa attempts one as well, practiced in the inns and campsites of the party for the last ten-day. "Your highness," she says.
Queen Duliani stands before the party, the young wife of the king. She smiles and frowns in sympathy. "Oh, Miss Drahm, please do not be afraid. We have much to discuss and you will find it thoroughly unobjectionable," she says.
"I could never object to your highness," Neventi says.
"My dear," the queen says, and gently places her upturned fingertips under Neventi's chin and raises the mother's gaze. "You will always be her mother."
Tears roll down Neventi's cheeks and she can only find the ability to nod as she holds back an audible sob.
"You and I will talk later," the queen says. "We have more important business to attend to, I suspect."
Queen Duliani bends slightly towards Gentoa with a welcoming smile. "Come inside young lady. Haddian is excited to see you. And he is not an excitable man."
The King's Guard hang back, almost invisible, as the queen leads them through the manor, discussing some of the notable artifacts, artwork, and the purpose of various rooms as she goes. "We call it the Forest Manor but it has been our home for some time now. The King...my husband...well, he requires rest. So today will just be introductions. If I interrupt, it is only for his health that I do so."
The party approaches a large set of ironwood double-doors inlaid with platinum styling. The queen throws them open effortlessly and they see not a parlor, audience chamber, or some other place of royal business but the personal bedroom of the king and queen. In the bed, well made and presently tidy, sits a 40-something man. His skin is somewhere between pale and dark, as if a tanned farmer but without the years under the sun. His hair is dark and curly, peppered with silver strands all over. He sits, his back is against the headboard and his lower half covered by the large comforter spread across the bed. King Haddian is gaunt and thin. He gives a wide, energetic smile as Neventi and Gentoa and first led into the room. The party remain outside for some 15 minutes, barely able to see or hear what is happening in the bedroom. While they wait and observe from afar, healers appear seemingly from nowhere to attend to the party's wounds.
As the watch, they see Neventi at one point kneels at the king's bedside, taking his hand in hers. He pats it gently and offers conciliatory words. Eventually, Neventi stands and states clearly, "I, Neventi Drahm, mother of Gentoa, request you, King Haddian to be the steward of my daughter, Gentoa Drahm."
King Haddian smiles and says softly, "I accept."
Nothing happens, at least not here in the bedroom of the king.
After a few more minutes, Queen Duliani ushers Gentoa and Neventi away and the protectors in. They form a horseshoe around his bed. They are introduced in turn.
"Thank you," Haddian says softly. His voice has power but he holds it back, letting the moment be what it is. "I understand it was...a challenging journey. I hope to hear the entire tale. From the beginning."
Queen Duliani gives Haddian a stern look and clears her throat.
"Eventually," Haddian says. "I am bedridden at the advice of my healers. I shall endeavor to hear your tale to its completion, though. For now, I am pleased to meet you all and happy that the young child of Milil has made it safely. That is no small feat. And it will see its reward."
The King looks to his wife. "How long do I have, my dear?" he says with a soft smile.
"How is your strength?" she says.
He considers her question and answers truthfully, "I feel good today."
"Ten more minutes then," she says.
He nods and returns his attention to the protectors. "Ask me your questions, then," he says. "Or tell me what you will. We have, it seems, 10 minutes."
(RP with the king for a bit. We are heading into the denouement now!)
Dog is amazed the combat finished so quickly -- he froze for the first time he could remember. Once the dust settles he first looks at Neventi and Gentoa to be certain they're okay. "You feeling yourself, Nev? Everything okay? Still want to try this option? You have the power here. You and Genny are calling the shots."
Then he darts over to Aucasia's body to see if she's really dead, and begins to look through her possessions, using a bit of cloth to not actually make physical contact with anything or with her form. He mutters, to himself: "You know, you could have tried the truth. And no mind control. And not trying to murder us so often."
He grabs anything interesting, showing it to the group. "Guess we leave her here. But let's give this a shot." He steps up next to Nev and Genny in the carriage, his head still taller than Nev's even with their higher seat. "After you, miladies. I'm behind you every step of the way. Can't believe we found you in a collapsed house."
His mind flashes back to the circus, him and Tock, and Gash. The unicorn. Finding the girls. The army camp. The brigands and their useful bag of holding. The heavenly and hellish showdown. The dryad. Flight to hallowed ground. Literal nightmares. The ruins. The tunnel. The cylinder bridge across the water, and Gash riding in the spider papoose. The underground city, seemingly abandoned, and then not. Merxina and her zombies. Merxina's vision and preparation. The mural. The quiet walk through the forest, until the giant snakes. Talking their way into the first city they find and being forced to leave the next morning. Horse trading with three stables. Being chased by the armies of Hell to the next town, when they caught up. Nev and Genny being taken by the Minotaur. The chase to Taur. Entering the labyrinth. Saying goodbye to a fiery friend, and meeting a mechanical new one. Solving the labyrinth. Getting out and finding Genny. Leaving and the long journey to Nev, through bugbear armies and a dragon. Dog carrying Genny in his makeshift carrier. The shapeshifting druid and the gnome family. Teleporting to the city and realizing Nev wasn't herself. Accidentally commencing the accords. Meeting Althus and Martin. Chasing a spy. Puzzling through the Accords. Stealing papers from allies. Pretending to want to leave with Nev. Leaving with Nev, with new horses, and finally restoring Nev. The vampire. The construct. The VAMPIRE. Teleporting too far. Walking back to Pallaxus. Getting here. Meeting Aucasia and her friends.
He would not have done it without this group. Tock's wondrous curiosity, silent footsteps, and surprising wisdom. Gash's secret nobility, awkward politeness, and enigmatic power. Bulwark's steady support, vicious defense, and hidden sense of humor. Althus' wise counsel, sense of honor, and deadly claws. Martin's lightspeed bow and faster wit. And ability to cut the goliath down to size.
"It's been a long road to get to here. We're probably not done. Let's find out more."
Dog nods at Martin's reply. "Listen to the man, my good kingsguard. We're expected. We are the protectors, here with the Mother and Child, here to grant an audience to the king." He looks back at the leader of the King's Guard with a "no I did not mix up my prepositions and yes I meant that, neighbor" sort of expression.
Tock has been dreading this moment. He has thought about it many times, but in this situation he is struggling to keep his tongue. He just wants to shout at everyone that IF YOU HURT THEM, I WILL COME FOR YOU!!
But everything is peaceful and everyone is proper and polite. He almost vomits out the phrase anyway, but seeing as the others are keeping calm he swallows it once more.
Once Neventi and Gentoa are led away he follows them with his gaze and makes a mental note on the direction they went, the number of guards, the layout of the corridors, etc.
When the king finally gives them permission to talk he is really exhausted both mentally and physically and just blurts out, "What's wrong with you?"
Dog listens respectfully to the presentations of the advisor, the queen, and the king. He definitely wanted to stay closer to Nev and Genny when they were alone talking with the King, and he kept his eyes alert for any spells or malignant effects he could discern being done to them -- and also any arcane effect he can see on the king. (Arcana: 22)
He hears Tock blurt out the elephant in the room, and hides his smile behind a large hand. After the response, he'll say during a pause, "King Haddian, I am Doggear Brakespine. Nev and Genny are very, very dear to us. We've sacrificed a lot to get them to a peaceful place."
He fiddles with the odd basket-pack that he had carried Genny in for a portion of the journey, which has become just a thing that his pack gets shoved into when he's traveling.
"Treat them well. That's not a request. You seem nice, and kind. Forgive our brusqueness. The Hells used every trick in the book -- mind control, deceit, kidnapping, lawyers -- to get their way. We don't have much trust left. And the requirement that Nev give up Genny, if only legally, well it didn't earn this option much goodwill. So we're skeptical. I'd love to trust you. Trust is earned. I look forward to that. How did you learn of her? How did you become an option to be her steward? And what can you tell us about your plans for her?"
He suddenly rememebers he's talking to a king. He's proud, and not very observant in these situations, but his mind, working overtime, catches up to reality and he steps back a bit, glancing around the room at the guards and advisers and the king's family. His chin doesn't drop, and he doesn't blink, but he's stopped talking.
Martin looks over King Haddian and the queen’s reactions to make a rough guess about what’s wrong with him, and gauge his ability to protect.
medicine 13
Paladin - warforged - orange
King Haddian and Queen Duliani both chuckle at Tock's outburst, which leads to a coughing fit for Haddian. It does not last long, though and he composes himself quickly. "I have the wasting disease (ooc: cancer)," he says. "It is rare in people my age, but it does happen. I've had it for almost three years now but only in the last months has it become problematic."
The king holds up his hands at the looks of concern on the faces of his audience. "I have the best clerics and healers at my disposal. And they have kept me alive this long. But the wasting disease usual wins in the end, as it will be for me."
He gives a loving look to his wife, who likewise softens at this look.
To Dog, he says, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Master Brakespine. I have come to terms with my eventual end, because the gods visited me. Well, they sent a deva as a messenger. I had just found out my diagnosis and was...lethargic. Kulminus appeared to me here in this forest. We talked for hours. His was a personal message, one which I have only shared with my dear wife. But after he left, I felt only lightness in my heart."
The king revels in silence at the memory of his encounter for a long 20 seconds. At last he breaks out of his silence, saying, "I did learn of young Gentoa in that conversation. And I agreed to act as her steward, to steer her in the direction of the divine. After that, I had purpose, even if not the strength to see it through myself."
The king falls into a second coughing fit. This one lasts much longer than the first one. His wife places her hand on his arm and he holds up a finger as he catches his breath. "I am okay. Gentoa will soon become my daughter. She will receive the finest education. She will be royalty in every way. One day, soon, she will be Queen of Alcion. When I pass, Duliani will act as regent as the young Queen grows into her role. She will hold court with divine ambassadors to the gods themselves. I only regret that I have so little time on the throne before Gentoa is crowned."
Queen Duliani moves to usher the protectors from the sick king's bedchambers but he holds up a hand to stop her. "I am okay, my love. You may answer some questions if I might be allowed these visitors just a little longer."
The young queen sighs and assents. "Continue, then, protectors. You have earned this much, at least."
"Much more, I am certain," Haddian says.
Martin has a guess before the words come out of the king's mouth. It is probably the wasting disease. This is confirmed by Haddian's own words only moments later.
As the king answers and the tensions built up within Tock find a release he comes back to his senses and slinks into the background.
.. where he thinks for a moment and quietly picks out his Gem of Seeing and activates it.
Tock:
The King and Queen are exactly as they seem. Much to Tock's surprise, though, is that an angel, probably a Solar is standing in the distant corner of the bedchambers. She is enormous, nearly touching the ceiling with her head. She stands quietly, her hands clasped in front of her and her glorious wings folded behind her back. Tock recognizes her as Aeryx, whom he met two or so months ago shortly after taking on Neventi and Gentoa. She looks at Tock and smiles, raising her finger to her lips in a silent "shh" gesture.
Bulwark has no real concept of royalty, or why, if at all, they should be respected. What he does know is that the party is exhausted, surrounded by potential threats, but seemingly happy to pester this bedridden human with questions, and he is glad for the respite. At least for now, the danger seems to be passed. They are safe.
"Question: Will the child see much in the way of opposition or threats to her welfare from outside sources during her time as a princess and following that, as a queen?"
Doesn't mean there wont be danger in the future though.
DM:
Tock smiles quietly and mimes that he and Aeryx need to talk. (ooc: I'd like to re-spec Tock as more of a cleric possibly and a heavenly intervention might be a good way to present that in the next campaign? )
Haddian's smile is a kindly one. "Certainly being royalty comes with any number of risks. I can assure you that my family, including my brother and his children, will accept Gentoa as their queen. She will have political rivals but not ones thirsty for the throne. And my understanding of the heavenly treaty is that Gentoa will no longer be sought after by any celestial or fiendish party. All of that said, she will still need security. And I will speak with each of you about what you faced and what she may need in the coming days."
Tock:
Aeryx gives a respectful nod at his gesture and returns to observing King Haddian in conversation with his audience.
(Great idea!)
As the king talks about his health, his future, his experience with the deva, and his plans for Genny, Dog’s expression goes from surprise, to sadness, to empathy, to silent contemplation, and he just falls to one knee, eyes on the floor. He looks up briefly when the king is done, and nods, a silent “forgive my presumption” look on his face.
Eyes dart to the other members of his party to let them speak.
Doesn’t even bother with an insight check.
Althus stands somberly, hands clasped before him and crab claws fiddling anxiously, "Your majesty, are you sure there's nothing that can be done about your illness? I don't mean to belittle your clerics and healers, but I have some healing ability myself."
The king gives a wry smile. "You are welcome to try, young paladin. But I am not wounded, or diseased. My body has become broken while whole. Besides, Kulminus assured me that only the gods themselves could reverse my fate."
He beckons Althus to apply his magic. The king does appear to breathe slightly easier but little else changes about his condition.
"Thank you," the queens says. "But it is time to let the king rest."
"Duli..." Haddian pleads.
She tuts at him and continues to usher the party away to, it turns out, their quarters in the royal estate.
------------
Gash is the last to emerge from his final meeting with King Haddian in the parlor seven days later. It has been a peaceful time in the Forest Manor of the king. Each meal has been simple but exquisitely prepared. Every protector has their own private quarters and their run of the vast grounds. Hunting, access to the library, horse riding, and lively conversation with the king's advisors all help the time fly past.
Every day they see Neventi and Gentoa, at least for enough time to build a snow-beholder or throw some snowballs. Neventi and Queen Duliani spend much of their time together and the young mother has grown considerably relaxed. She always has a king's guard within earshot. The feeling of safety dares to creep back in.
And every day they each meet with the king, one at a time. The meetings are short and Haddian dominates the conversations with his questions about the protectors and their journey. Each one is asked during one of their meetings, what they hope to do next. "How would you serve Alcion best?"
Dog luxuriates in the calm estate. He spends as much time in the library, picking books at random (and absentmindedly shelf-reading to alphabetize sections), as he does challenging kingsguard to sparring matches full of shouting and laughter.
He catches up with Tock and Gash, talking about the past, wondering about their old friends, and asking them what they want to do with their lives, if not the circus. He tries to ask Bulwark if there is anything more in his existence he wants than to find more things to protect. He tries to teach the warforged some profane Goliath jokes. With Althus and Martin he tries to learn more about them, since life was so full of panic since they first met. He asks how being pulled into this chaos felt, and if they had thoughts about what they wanted to do with themselves.
He does carve out a lot of time to chat with Nev over long dinners and walks in the snow, trying to get a sense of the kinds of art she really enjoyed practicing. What languages were her favorites. Any really interesting translation or calligraphic works she attempted. Before all of this chaos, before her child became a pawn. Does she want to become a famous bard? He luxuriates in small talk with her, out from under the shadow of terror and pursuit.
And he goes on long walks in the snow with Genny, answering all her questions and giving her endless attention with silly games and throwing her still high in the air.
Dog tries answering the King’s question obviously. “By making sure its best people are safe. There are a lot of thieves. Brigands. Highway robbers. Monsters hungry for blood. Fiends. Monstrosities. I’d like to find out where they are coming from and why, and then go and dispose of the ones we can’t divert or convince to find a better way. It seems your army is busy with... other things. Perhaps you need people to go research in libraries where these problems come from, and a band of protectors to enforce the peace. There is another need I see - and that is keeping the minds of key people safe from intrusion. You heard the horror story of Neventi’s mind being interfered with. We were worried that would happen to yours. Or the queen’s. Or your council. That would be catastrophic. It needs constant defense. Someone else might be a better option to do that than I, but I just wanted to say it.”
Haddian and Dog have grown close in their seven days of short chats. There is a lot of commonality between the Goliath and the human king. Their mage roots, being thrust into unexpected positions, and their desire to respect parts of their heritage.
On the eighth day, Haddian waves over an attendant.
"Doggear Brakespine," he says with an air of formality that engenders some surprise in Dog. "For your valiant efforts in securing the future of Alcion's throne, I present to you the artifact known as Frostbite."
The attendant removes a cloth revealing a blue-tinged longsword. Dog can feel the cold emanating from it some five feet away.
"This sword was crafted for an evil purpose. It belong to the infamous Ice Blade, scourge of the deep gnomes. Upon his hanging, the gnomish people of the north presented this to my great-great grandfather as a gift for his assistance in bringing the villain to justice. While it spilled much blade in those days, it has served no wielder for almost 100 years. I have summoned it here to present to you in the hopes that it will defend the weak, root out the villains, and maintain peace in Alcion for long after I am gone."
He motions for Dog to pick up the blade.
"Cold, is it not? I am told that it loses that property for one that attunes to its magic."
Before Dog can say anything, the king holds up a hand. "There is more. You have received this reward for the service you have provided but I am known as a remarkable judge of talent. And I will not have talent escape me if I cannot help it. Thus, I also bestow upon you the title of Special Emissary to the Princess. If you will accept it, your job will be to continue protect Gentoa as princess and, eventually, queen. I can see how you care for the young girl. And her mother. And that is what the both of them need. You will command a retinue of guards and serve as a special liaison between Princess Gentoa and the public."
The kindly king smiles at Dog's shocked expression and awaits his response.
rkmobius:
Dog's character sheet has a new item!
History(15) check: 17
And the long-dead villain The Ice Blade is noone Dog has ever heard of.
Tock is mostly keeping quiet these days, content to have some peace. He's also keeping his eye out for ... secret service type stuff. There is bound to be more than just regular guards.
He answers to Dog that the circus seems to be in the past. He's got some ideas that he wants to discuss with the King about the future, but these are pretty out there.
In the meetings with the King he asks the Queen to be present as well one day and demonstrates his ability to change his form and voice and mannerisms by pretending to be Neventi (disguise self, etc). "We used it on the road as well a couple of times for good effect." He drops his form and continues, "But I have a feeling it might be more useful in the future. It also seems to me that you don't have protections against this type of infiltration. Or maybe it's just so good that I haven't noticed."
He looks at both of them and says, "I feel like my best service would be developing protections for these types of things and also occasionally serving as body double for someone in a possibly dangerous situation. What do you think?"
It is Tock's eighth meeting with the king. Haddian has been extraordinarily kind. Their conversation about the kenku tribes in the eastern lands were especially enlightening for Tock. Haddian cannot suppress his grin as adopts a regal tone.
"Tock of an unknown kenku tribe. I, King Haddian, present to you this precious artifact," Haddian nods to his attendant, who unveils a small, perfectly round stone resting on a pillow. "This is the Riverwise Stone, used by the nymph Aquestra more than 300 years ago to save the Court of the Spring from a raging flood. It was gifted to Aquestra by the god Silvanus himself for this very purpose. I entrust it with you to discover its properties, which I'm told provide remarkable clear-headedness to the user."
As Tock opens his beak to respond, Haddian barges on. "Additionally, I appoint you as a Special Emissary to the Crown. This is a title reserved only for advisors of the crown, of which I have six. Well, now seven. Yours is a role that I dub 'arcane spymaster'. My current spymaster is quite good. As is my arcane advisor. But you will fill the hole they have failed to see thus far: Arcane infiltration and information gathering. You will employ a small staff of your choosing and advise and protect the crown from arcane threats of an insidious nature."
Haddian raises his eyebrows in expectation of a response.
Winenose:
Tock has a new item on his character sheet!
Martin spends his time wandering to get a solid look at the big picture of this new land. He isn’t a real people person, but he remembers Gargus, his old teacher, and tries his best to emulate him. Largely this involves bonding in kitchens, and in parks. He finds himself looking at the world with the new perspective of the city, which he had avoided so long. He even looks into the library to look back into those core foundations of Druidism with new eyes of experience.
That is... when he’s not stealing bits of candy and tarts from the kitchen and smuggling them to Gentoa. There was one time with a slingshot, but Martin stands by his decision to teach her that one despite the injuries.
When Dog asks him about himself, he startled a bit. ”oh! right. Well, where to start... I suppose I should start with Gargus. When I was young, and looking for purpose, he taught me a few things. I was pretty angry at the world. Not many shifters out there making a success of themselves. It’s easy to blame others. It’s easier still to just get exhausted dealing with them when you can’t possibly see the world the same way. But, Gargus, he was different. That guy saw me as someone who mattered. He taught me because it was what he knew. Other things I picked up for myself, but it’s all based in his teachings.
I took up clearing ents from the woods north of Masa. I even had a partner, a wonderful woman. Gargus’ daughter. I... haven’t thought about her as much as I should. I think I jumped into this headfirst just to get away from that. I should’ve done better by her and Gargus both.
But she’s dead, and we aren’t. I’m glad I could help. And I’m glad you let me. I know I’m not easy to deal with. So thanks.”
He hugs Dog. It’s way too long.
”Anyways. What are you going to do?”
——————
With King Haddian: he looks like he’s a bit lost on how to answer at first. “I hope you understand, I don’t really know why I joined this bunch to begin with. But it was right, and it needed doing. And I hope I can live by those principles all my life.”
Paladin - warforged - orange