“Could you notify me when the interrogation of the assassin will be happening, as I said I’d like to be present. “, 9 says to Konor as she leaves with the guards  and makes her way out of the castle. Once she is out, 9 stares at the night sky for a moment and exhales with annoyance. She briefly rubs her scarred eye and mutters something under her breath, as she comes up to  join Sora on their way out, “Want to talk about the... wings? It’s okay if you don’t, just would like an explanation at some point.”, purposefully doesn’t look her in the eye, just keeping pace at her side.

As everyone in the infiltration group is escorted out of the castle, everyone else in the group still in the gala will have no problem catching sight of them being guided outside. Indeed, everyone inside the ballroom itself that doesn't live in the castle proper will also find themselves being asked to leave by the royal guards. Therefore it will be simple enough for everyone to meet up together just outside of the castle.

Sora was more then happy to let the guards handle the assassin in her place. As she released the assassin into the guards' custody she stood up, back to her normal height now, and regarded Konor. "Sounds fine by us. We'll be staying at the Sturdy Unicorn, you can send us a message there once you're ready to talk." After that was taken care of she was happy to leave the castle without incident. Once outside, and hopefully having met up with everyone else, she would suggest they all head back to the inn to await the royal message as well generally regroup.

On the way there, as 9 asks her about those wings, she nods in understanding before replying, "Actually that's something I wanted to talk to everyone about. It might make more sense to explain once we're back at the inn, however."

True to her words, she didn't wait long until after they arrived back at the Sturdy Unicorn, suggesting for everyone to gather up inside their penthouse. Once there she grabs her belt where she has her swords' scabbards attached, laying it down flat she points out a strange script, expertly embossed on the back of the hard leather belt. It's a strange and beautiful script, it must have taken a long time to engrave it into the belt given its complexity.

"Since it's something some of you have been curious about, and I think it's important to be upfront about who we are and what we can do." Sora begins her explanation. "See the orphanage I grew up in was run but a nice lady who also happened to be a goliath from the north. She taught me some of the old Rune Magic of the Giants, just cause it was interesting you know, not that I was ever good at it. Even so, using that knowledge I was able to pick up a few tricks, which is what you guys saw. But let me be clear about one thing. As nice as these tricks are, all they do is help me do my job better, which in the end still amounts to just hitting people really hard."

Witt looks and feels baffled.  Sorry, what happened?  I don't think I really saw anything about a sword.  Is everyone okay?  I get the feeling something really serious happened at the palace - were you guys all involved in that?

OOC:  I assume as a starting point that we are all eight of us together in the room and that we all share what has happened to us on this evening, is that right?  Witt's sharing will be very brief. :)

Khorzik glances at the script and attempts to identify the language on the scabbard as he turns towards Sora.

History: 14

"I find your alternate form terrifying and very disturbing. It will make a valuable asset against most opponents, and I hope to study it in further altercations. Also, I believe we can use these events for our monetary advantage beyond what was promised by the Count."

9 lies on the sofa as Sora explains this to the party. After hearing her leave the wings out of the story, she decides not to ask about it. She rests a little, closing her eye but still listening to what others are talking about, meanwhile considering what to tell the Duke. “So, in short, there was an assassin that Konor missed, amd I am confident that the thing near Hakon on the gala is pulling the strings behind all of this mess. Including the fate of the late Queen. The problem is Hakon is already in her hands, so we can’t really tell him about this.”

Nemeia listens with intense focus as the news of the assassination plot is told. "That's terrifying. Why would they go after someone so young? What's to gain by doing that?"

Her time among the other guests had been rather uneventful but she does says, "Moira made friends with some of the younger guests at the party. We were greeted by one shortly after Moira was escorted away. She said that her friend may be able to get us an audience with the queen. I think that would be a very important meeting for more information on what happened to her mother."

Khorzik listens intently to 9 and Nemeia. "What information do you have about "the thing near Hakon" that indicates she is behind all of this? Also, why do you refer to her as "a thing." At this point, I am forced to be believe that information has been withheld." Khorzik seems visibly agitated at not having all the information cleanly presented. "I cannot make accurate decisions is I do not have the facts.." He trails off.

Moira

Rushing into the room Moira draws up short. Obviously surprised to find everyone there. "Oh wonderful! You're all here. Wait is the Gala over? That seems short. Oh no that means she will be returning. Ugh! I can't believe I forgot to grab my book before. I suppose we will just have to wait until she leaves again. Or maybe we could be direct with it?"

Looking up and see a room full of confused face. "Sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself. After meeting with the queens friends and hearing that Linthe was likely a villain I attempted to cast a spell on her and Hakon. It failed on her and she seemed able to clear it from Hakon as well, that's what got me kicked out. But then I thought I could try to find where she is staying and maybe investigate there while she was at the gala. I ended up meeting another noble from the same land She claims to come from. He, Eleran, is also suspicious of her and was able to direct me to where she is staying. I was looking it over and watching it and it looks...well looked completely empty. Which was weird the other manors around it at all had servants and folks moving around in them but not this one. I was going to check it out closer but realized I didn't have my spell book so I came back here to find it and I found all of you as well. We should maybe change and talk about what to do next. I think we should go check out this house."

Without opening her eye 9 explains to Khorzik, “There was a seemingly female elf nearby Hakon, and no, I don’t have any material evidence that she is what caused all this. You can choose to trust me or not. Can I ask why you speak so strangely?”

Khorzik seems confused, and being confused is obviously worse for him than being physically injured. "I am not sure why my speech seems strange to you. Perhaps it is my accent? In any case, I prefer no deflections from my initial inquiry. I did not ask for material evidence. I asked for information. Do you have any information about this elf that would pertain to the investigation? Or any information that would describe her character, and thus make her a more suitable suspect? Do you have any information about the danger she could pose if an altercation should commence? I think these are reasonable inquiries, and proceeding on blind trust is foolish."

Oh, says Witt to Moira, that's why you were thrown out.  It was really impressive, actually.  It's lucky they were quite nice about it, and in hindsight I do rather regret not joining you.  You had a much more productive evening than I did.  I would be happy to help with investigating this Linthe, but we can't break and enter into someone's house, surely?  Or can we? 

Witt settles down with a mug of warm milk and looks quizzically at Khorzik and 9, trying to make sense of their interaction.  I'm definitely not hiding anything, he says brightly.  I found out absolutely nothing.  Except that galas are a little less terrifying than I thought.

"No one's withholding anything about this mission." Sora called out, trying to clear the air, "We didn't know about Linthe, not really, until we saw her tonight at the Gala. But 9 had a very bad feeling about her, like very bad. And that kinda confirmed my suspicions as well. Linthe isn't the noble she claims to be. She's a fugitive from Glyphwood, and they want her dealt with, as in dead or alive. I know this because I was hired to do just that. All I can tell you about her is that she's a murderer, which is why I also think she had something to do with the Queen's death. But from what Moira saw, sounds like she's got some kinda magic on her as well. No matter what we know she's absolutely dangerous. But even so, she's our main target."

"Do you think that the Duke is in danger then? Should we go and warn him?"

Sora blinked at Nemeia, "I've honestly never thought about that. Well for now I doubt he's in too much danger. Seemed like Linthe was just using him for her own ends. Then again I wouldn't be surprised if Hakon was using her just as much. My bet is, if he is in danger, it was of his own making."

Moira

”I agree with Sora. He may not realize who he has been working with but he was still trying to take the throne. I don’t think he could be trusted to not get in the way just to save his own skin. I am heading back to that house. Who wants to come with?”

Khorzik seems satisfied to pursue any avenue that could result in more answers. He turns to Moira. "I would like to accompany you."

Kal has sat on his knees with his eyes closed a little away from the group most of the conversation. His posture seems to straighten and become more stern over the course of a few minutes. Opening his blue-grey eyes he slowly stands. "I will also accompany you. If we can subdue or assassinate this Linthe person tonight, all the better." The Eladrin looks down at the floor a moment, "I feel compelled to assist the new Queen find peace. I felt great fear and turmoil from her at the gala..."

"You guys are more then welcome to join me. Hells, I see no reason we couldn't all go on this one." Sora added, "There's no telling what we might find in there at this point."

9 reluctantly stands up from the couch and follows the party to the mansion.