Zack, the woman doesn't reply much, her attention focused entirely on the door to her cell as you try to unlock it, anticipation clear in her eyes. When you finally find the right key, she sighs in relief and you're pretty sure you see her eyes start to tear up. Th-Thank you. It's been years...I never thought I'd see that door open. She eagerly accepts water and rations but then shakes her head at mention of leaving. First get these cursed manacles off me. You're friends may not believe you while these remain...they might not believe you anyway, I doubt I look very much like a Duchess in this condition. The manacles cast an illusion however, remove them and dispell it. After that...I want to know what you've done with the Baroness. I'd like to have a word with her before leaving. Zack, you can tell that she is simply looking for a bit of revenge and sense no lies in her earlier or current statemenets. You doubt your Keychain has a key for the manacles but there should be a key close by.

Narz's hawk meanwhile flies around the keep, keeping an eye on any potrtrntial reinforcements or unseen dangers. Sensing nothing, it finally makes its way to a window looking into the Baroness's room. You can to the left side of the room a table is turned over, behind it are two guards and a woman in a regal looking dress clutching a dagger. The woman looks panicked while the guards seem to looking at her with growing suspicion. You all hear some muffled whispering from inside before the Baroness finally speaks. First off this keep isn't my choice! The damned Duchess granted me this land! Some honor, who in the nine hells wants to preside over a barren swamp! Just wanted me far enough away to not bother her is all she wanted! She got what she deserved and no less and I won't be lectured to by some trash off the street! You hear more whispering in between the Duchesses words, the hawk can tell the guards are discussing something. Finally one speaks up. Ma'am I'm sorry but I think we have to detain you until we know what is happening here.  The Duchesses looks at thenm guard with a mix of shock and fury. You will do no such thing I am your Baroness I will have you flayed and tossed in the swmp if you do much as touch me without permission! You hear several more curses and screaming from the Duchess during which a brief struggle can be heard. One of the guards curses as the dagger enters his arm but between the two they soon wrestle the Duchess to the ground and subdue her. Finally the other speaks.

Do we have your word we shall not be harmed? We turn over the Duchess to you and you'll let us go right?

Rollo looks to the others before nodding. "I'm fine with that deal. I see no need to harm anyone, especially if you have been deceived about things here. We have no quarrel with you guards." 

Zack lets out a soft grunt, acknowledging her words and showing some degree of sympathy... perhaps even empathy... I was  .. restrained in a not massively different way for a few years myself. Experimented on and such... So.. I .. know the feeling. he said with a heavy sigh, as he began to look for the logical places a key might be kept... a guards table, a cupboard, anywhere outside the cells but within the room. As he does, he says more to the assumed Duchess Well if the illusion must be broken magically I can't help you... maybe one of my friends can... if you just meant the 'cuffs' themselves, then Just a moment. Either way, I'll get them off you. Zack doesn't dislike her tone or her expression, as he knew full well how she felt. As for the baroness... No idea... he said as he continued to search Can't guarantee my allies won't do anything, but when I left her to come here, she was very much alive, and only had two guards left with any will to fight.

If/When he finds the key, he'll do the logical thing and unlock her from her bindings.

 Narz raised a brow at Claire in response to her reply, but ultimately just shrugged in acceptance and watched things play out. Which after seeing the view from the hawk brought a small smile to his before things kicked off. A smile he still wore after too. Although he had the decency to promptly wipe it from his features if any looked at him for a bit too long. "I'll also provide treatment in the event any of you need it as well. Can't have you getting an infection now can we, eh? Though, uh, should we help with the removal the barricade have here, or you guys got that too?" 

Zack, you find another set of keys in a nearby desk. It takes a few attempts but after finding the correct key the door opens and the woman holds out her hands. Testing the keys you eventually get the manacles off. Has the heavy metal restraints fall to the ground you see the image of the woman change before you. She seems to become younger by the very second and her silver hair seems to shine a little more compared to the faded white of a moment ago. As the illusion fades you find yourself before the familiar face of Duchess Morwen Daggerford, a fair skinned woman of 40 with hazel eyes and long silver hair. She seems skinnier and unkept from her time spent in the dungeons but beyond that you see she still carriers herself like a warrior. 

She feels her wrists as if not believing the chains are finally gone. After a moments silence she clears her throat and seems to inspect you as if seeing you for the first time. So you're one of my soldiers are you? Good, I'll need a full report about whats been going on since my kidnapping. But first I need a weapon, then you will take me to the Baroness. She's got a lot to answer for. The Duchesses tone is firm and final, leaving little room for arguement. She only waits to confirm you understand her orders before taking the lead while looking around for a loose sword.

Back uptop with the others the soldiers behind clearing the barricade, by time the obstacles are removed and the Baroness removed from her chambers Zack approaches, following behind is a Silver haired woman of about 40. She stands and walks like a soldier and gives off a commanding air. She is currently inspecting a sword she took from one of the soldiers on her way up and just now catching up with Zack. The woman gives you each an appraising look before turning to the Baroness whose now gone pale and silent.

Ah Duchess! I swear there's a good explanation for everything! I'm sure we can talk this out if you just let me-Her words cut short as the Duchess slams her pommel into the woman's face knocking her out cold and leaving her with a broken nose. The angry look on the Duchesses face lingers for a moment before she sighs in relief and appears to calm down. Turning back to the party the Duchess says in a commanding voice Is there a cart? If so bring her to it. If not one of you will carry her. We are heading back to the keep, she can explain from the comfort of a cell. As for the rest of her guard they will also remain prisoners until I can decide on their level of guilt in all this. That goes for you two as well! The Duchess turns on the soldiers who turned on the Baroness. The two soldiers stiffen and meekly respond with "Yes your grace."

Turning back to the group she says Well? What are you waiting for? Explanations can wait for the road. We head for Daggerford, and my keep. I long to take back what is rightfully mine, once I'm back in power I'll see to it you are all rewarded justly for the services you've done for me and my people.

Nadia kept her post, her eyes scanning the courtyard while her ears were listening in on conversations she could hear. Her eyes would quickly glance up to see Zack and, what she had to assume would be, the actual duchess make their way back to where the baroness had held up. Just that quick look in the duchesses direction makes Nadia straighten her back and appear more alert, the commanding air around the woman even reaching where the ranger had been standing.

Again, her eyes go back onto the courtyard, but she is most definitely honing in on hearing whatever would be happening upstairs. When she hears the baroness plead, only to then get cut off by the sound of a slam, Nadia's eyes widen and lips thin, quietly thanking the Gods above that her face couldn't be seen from where she stood. Her expression relaxes, though, she can't help but cock a brow when she hears the duchess making orders. Nadia turns back to look at the others to see if they would be following her orders or not.

Claire had always been a focal point of respect and reverence in her home village.  As a conduit for divine magic, she had been paraded around, catered to, and doted on by the people of her home, and so she had learned play the part, growing to accept and expect these things.  But this woman, the duchess... her presence, her commanding aura, her immediate rise to her role as duchess the moment the chains came off... it made Claire feel like she'd always been a fake.  Luckily, the duchess' quick commands didn't give Claire much time to dwell on those feelings.  "I have a horse nearby, she can ride with me," she offered.

Whether Claire would quietly despise this duchess, or admire and look up to her... only time would tell.

Narz cannot help but stand with his back ramrod straight and chin up in the duchess’s prescience. Although the Duchess was not his commander, As she was the guards, the air she exuded stirred reflexes that were impossible to ignore. With a neutral party, Enemy, or ally, this was a person to show the upmost respect. At least until proven otherwise.

Or so the hobgoblins training dictated, in any case. “ by your leave, Ma’am.” He then looks to Zack, and follow a curt nod, mentally commanded his raven familiar to fly ahead and relay in draconic A brief rundown of the situation to the lizard folk shaman. He trusted the shaman. 

Rollo just stoops down and picks up the unconscious lady. "One of you guards, grab the Captain. Everybody up! We're going for a walk." He says as he walks back past the guards. 

Zack would clarify her one misconception Former.. soldier. I quit not long after escaping whatever hellhole I had been put in by the fake duchess. She was using soldiers for experiments. I am a mercenary now, effectively. Trying to .. well that doesn't matter. he said, offering her a casual, but still mostly formal salute, if only out of respect for her station. Zack was obviously still disillusioned to some degree. He sheathed his sword on his back where it usually sat, while handing her the sword from the captain of the Baroness' guard, since he would no longer need it, given the circumstances. But I'll be happy to tell you what I know. Since even I don't know everything, Ma'am. addressing her more as a superior officer than as a duchess.

Following, or leading her up and watching what takes place, he cant help but smirk a smirk of 'that's what you get.' Once the duchess gives her orders, Zack, if only out of habit straightens ever so slightly, since he was more or less always at attention even when relaxed. But he did feel a sense of satisfaction, as he felt less like what had happened to him had been a betrayal of himself, and morel like it had been a betrayal of the country by demons and he'd just been swept up in it. Aye ma'am. We don't have a cart, but we do have four horses. I'll ride with Nadia. You can take my horse. The rest can be figured out en-rout. Narz, keep what you got in the bag... just in case. With that, he'd begin to move out with the rest.

(Urb said we're fast forwarding)

On the way there, Zack explained to the duchess what she most likely wanted to hear first, telling her about the demon that had taken her place was involved in the production of a plague that had been sweeping the land. Then, he explained to her about the events leading up to the plague, though leaving out his father and mother, instead saying that a woman he knew had succumbed, which was the catalyst to Nadaar finding the Gnasty-nome in the cave, the stone which led to Daggerford and told her of the person on the other side.... Imarys. He told her about the fact he had to use the 'network' to get in, and watched to see if that brought any reaction from her.

Then he told her how he met Claire/Rollo on the way to get her, and how they probably would have failed without them, and Narz, whom showed up later. Then, once all the events directly tied to her for sure were spoken of, he told her his personal story, about being caught up in some conspiracy to test soldiers in order to create a 'better' soldier with himself and Hewley being used as the experimental scapegoats.. who eventually escaped, were hunted down, and Hewleys assumed demise at the hands of the army, and about his own powers gained form the experiments, adding in at the end It made me pack a hell of a lot more of a punch, when I land a blow... but it also seems to make it easier to hit me... for somem reason. Looks at the DM's endless 22+ rolls.

Zack only left out details he felt she wouldn't care about, like him and Nadia meeting and such. Telling her he may not be welcome back in the city because of the networks demands prior to them leaving. And if she allowed it, he told her of his dream to be a hero but that the DM life kept seeming to force him to make a lot of unheroic decisions.

Wis Save: 20

After being initially intimidated by the Duchess' commanding presence, Claire begins to make her best attempt at observing the woman and her mannerisms.  Finding it hard to put her finger on, Claire would find a quiet moment to speak with the woman, if allowed.  "Miss... er... Ma'am.  I... how do you do that?  Speak in a way that makes people listen.  Stand in a way that makes people look at you... up to you.  I always thought I had a presence like you do, but now, after meeting you... even attempting to compare myself to you seems foolish."  Claire looks down at her hands.  "Back home they treated me like royalty, but ever since I left... I don't know what I'm doing wrong.  I'm not doing anything differently."

Duchess Morwen Daggerford 

Nadia, you see Narz's bird fly to the shaman and speak in a language you don't understand. Shortly after the remaining Lizardfolk leave the keep, clearly not wanting to stick around longer than necessary. Back inside the Duchess nods and says Alright, tie her up and let's get her to the horses. The rest of the prisoners will have to walk in the marsh. If any of you men fall behind and want to chance the swamp be my guest. Won't need a trial if you get yourself killed in the swamps. The last bit is directed towards the prisoners who begin to stand and be led out by Rollo. Turning back to Zack she says in a softer tone As for you, there are no "former" soldiers. You may not be part of my garrison anymore but you're clearly still following the example that was set for you. Now hurry up and let's get them to the horses. You can explain the rest on the ride back, we'll have plenty of time at this pace.

You all eventually make way to the horses, the captured Baroness being tied and placed on the back of Claires horse while Zack and Nadia ride together, allowing the Duchess to take Zacks horse for her own. (Narz you can just start with a horse if you'd like). With everyone else on horses the prisoners are forced to walk behind the group slowing down the total travel pace. 

On the road Zack explains the story thus far to the Duchess, her face expressionless as she takes in the information. When Zack finishes she takes a long moment to process the information before finally replying. I see. I'm aware of this "demon" of which you speak. A fiend, a succubus to be more specific, named Pencheska. She has been a thorn in my side for too long. If you don't mind a bit of history as we travel, I'll provide you with some context. As you are likely aware, my brother Maldwyn was the Duke until his death a few years ago. You maybe have been too young or simply out during these events but the Succubus you defeated had been posing as a human courtesan in my brothers court. Obviously we didn't know this at the time. We also weren't aware that she was working for a pit fiend named Baazka and one of them Red Wizards from Thay. They had been plotting to control my brother and eventually take over for themselves. They nearly succeeded if it weren't for a group of heros who aided in defeating the pit fiend. The wizard was killed, and the pit fiend defeated, but Pencheska got away. From my talks with the Baroness these last few years it seems the fiend must have fled to the swamp and eventually, not long after I awarded Lady Cromm her land and title, made contact with the Baroness and began colluding. As I'm also sure you know, my brother was injured in the fight with the pit fiend and died not long after. The pit fiend is banished to the nine hells and its wizard ally dead, but knowing Pencheska finally met defeat I feel relieved knowing justice was served. Not that justice can ever really be served with devils. I'm sure Pencheska and Baazka will try again, whenever their banishment is over as devils never truly die outside of the nine hells. But that is life times away. As for this information about a plague....well the news isn't great, but it sounds like you've made great strides in stopping it. I'll need time to consider but we will discuss this further later.

The ride continues for some time before you are forced to stop and rest. Making camp and taking turns watching the prisoners you all get as much sleep as you can before packing up and continuing the final leg of your journey. During this final leg Claire pulls her horse next to the Duchess, the Baroness now awake and walking with the prisoners behind the group. The Duchess seems to consider Claires words carefully before giving her an appraising look. If you weren't aware, my brother and predecessor Duke Maldwyn wasn't much of a leader. He was arrogant, foolish and cowardly. He was the type who enjoyed showing off the latest fashions rather than making sure his people had enough food to survive the winter. People followed him because of his blood and title, but people didn't care for the man he was. I wasn't groomed for throne like he was. I spent my days learning to fight, defend the castle and the city. My time as Master at Arms for the castle saw us taking part in many battles and dealing with all sorts of threats both in and out of the city. During that time I met a lot of common folk who were suffering first hand. People didn't respect my brother because they couldn't relate to him, and he cared little for them in turn. But I've fought beside my soldiers, starved in the fields during the winter with my people. People follow and respect me because I respect them back. The people in your village likely looked up to you because despite whatever powers or prowess you showed you were still one of them. But outside your home, you are an outsider. If you want more people to respect and follow you than simply lead by example no matter where you go. Treat the people you meet with respect and they will respect you in turn. If my brother taught me anything about leadership is that blood, wealth, even prowess in battle mean little. Deads are what matter and what people remember. People talk about the time the Duchess came to the defense of the city. Once people start talking, the rest sorts itself out. And don't try to hard. People will know if your being fake. If your heart is noble the rest should come naturally.

Finally you make it to the city gates. The lines of people trying to get in have shortened but not dissapeared entirely. The Duchess looks on with concern, giving Zack a look as if she was about to ask what was going on before just riding on. You all bypass the line and one of the guards tries to stop you, only to realize whose at the head of the group. Halt! WWhat's the meaning of all this who are....ah Duchess...your highness I didn't realize you were out of the city. At the mention of the Duchess several people turn their head to gaze in awe at the Duchess of Daggerford. With a scowl on her lips the Duchess glares at the guard before looking over the crowd of people. What is the meaning of all this soldier? Why are the doors closed? The guard seems confused and stampers a response.. The doors? But Ma'am...I mean your highness, they are closed on your orders. These people are refugees from towns destroyed by plague or giant attack. We are screening them and Yes yes I understand. The Duchess interrupts. You have new orders. The gates are to be opened. You can screen those coming in but these people shall not be turned away. We will find space where we can for them. If you do find anyone suspicious trying to enter you report it to me immediately. The guard salutes and acknowledges before ordering the gates open. Soon you are all on your way to the keep.

Four Days Later.

 You all wake up in your own rooms, Zack and Nadia having been given their own, to a sunny yet chilly pre winter day in the North. The sounds of bustling city can be heard through the window as people go about their buisness. You haven't failed to notice that the amount of refugees in the city have increased in the last few days to the point where there are camps of refugees just outside the city due to a lack od space. You've all been staying in the keep as a guest of her Highness Duchess Daggerford yet you've not seen much of her as she has been picking up the pieces of her Duchess and being brought up to speed on local events. Lord Bladesemmer has been integral in assisting the Duchess with reacclimating to the life of a ruler as well as advising her of events occurring beyond her borders. His guards along with a few trusted guards in the Duchesses garrison have, over the last few days, arrested several guards believed to have been involved with the small cult the succubus Pencheska was fostering as well as those believed to be Zhentarim spies. As such, everything has been busy in the keep but today you've been summoned for an audience with the Duchess and her court. To go along with this you've all be provided with formal clothing to wear.

You all are provided a hearty breakfast containing all sorts of fine sausages, eggs, juices, pancakes and anything else you might ask for. Once fed you got a few hours to prepare for your early morning audience yet the time is mostly spent becoming presentable for the court. Claire and Nadia are taken by some female members of the castle staff to bathed while the boys and taken elsewhere by the male staff for the same reason. The staff members let you do almost none of the work yourself, scrubbing as much of the old dirt off as possible and practically scrubbing you all raw. Any resistance one might put up proves to be futile as these workers have clearly done this before and use strength you didn't think they could possibly posses. Once properly scrubbed they being the process of cutting or dressing your hair as you choose. If you do not wish to have your hair done they simply just help make it presentable without changing it. Finally you are all taken to your rooms to be dressed, Zack and Narz provided with a fine set of dress clothes that give them a sort of military look without assigning them any formal allegiances and Rollo likely begrudgingly forced into a dark formal jerkin and trousers lined with gold. The women are provided with long flowing dresses, Nadias bearing several elegant leaf patters popular amongst elven nobility and Claire prided with a white and gold dress that was clearly meant to provoke images of Lathandar, the formal diety of the Dutchess. 

After all the cleaning and dressing you are all brought into the audience chamber where you see several people have gathered. Noblemen and women of the city of Daggerford and its surrounding lands as well as Lord Bladesemmer, the Waterdavien Noble who had been visiting when the party defeated the Succubus. The Duchess sits on her throne at the end of the chamber dressed in her black and gold lined ceremonial suit of armor in place of more traditional ducal clothes.. You all bow/curtsey as instructed and the Duchess stands to address the court. 

Today we have the honor of greeting five heros who have proven themselves friends of Daggerford. Zack Fair, Nadia Selwyn, Rollo Ragnarson, Claire Arrensfeld and Narz the Quiet. Though some of you may have been involved at later points than others, together you have all done a great service to both my people and myself personally. I dare say that without your aid, I would still be a prisoners of the former Baroness Wynne Cromm. Without your aid a foul fiend, one who was partially responsible for the death of my brother the late Duke Maldwyn Daggerford, would still be in these halls disguised as myself.  And of course without you a terrible plague would have been allowed to continue to kill my people on the country side. You have all suffered hardship and risk your lives in service to me and my people. Its also my understanding that you have suffered a loss in all this as well. I do not let such acts go unrewarded. The Duchess turns and nods to someone in the crown. Two servants approach with a large chest and place it on the ground in front of you. Opening the chest reveals it to be filled with gold. Five thousand gold pieces should keep you all well stocked with anything you might need. The two servants leave and comeback this time with a small crate stocked with potions,a scroll, an amulet and a small pouch. They shortly leave and return proping up a fine looking greatsword against the chest. And in addition, I believe you've all earned more than a little gold. Some potions and other items of use. The sword I believe you may enjoy. They call her Dragon Slayer. I'm told she was forged recently in response to the rise of the dragon cult. Now that they've been dealt with, we have no reason to hold onto it and it may be more useful to adventurers. Claire Arrensfeld, I would also like you to pay a visit to your steed when you can, you will find another reward waiting for you. Now finally, I have one last reward to offer to one of you. Zack Fair, I understand the circumstances around your departure from my service. I'm sorry for what happened to you as well as Captain Hewley. If you truly wish to no longer remain in my service we will respect that decision, however, with the traitors taken care of I find the position of Master at Arms for the castle vacant. The position is yours, if you'll have it. It does mean pledging your service to me again, and you will be duty bound to remain in the city unless on orders. But you would be provided with a place to stay in the castle, room could be made for Nadia as well if you both wish it.

Rollo looks profoundly uncomfortable in the jerken and trousers, though he's seemed uncomfortable the entire time they're been in the city. Anyone who stopped by his room would see that he had moved some sheets to the floor and had clearly been sleeping there. He seems to have allowed his beard to be trimmed down a bit but his hair is still as long as ever and still quite tangled, despite the staffs best efforts. As they walk to the meeting with the Duchess he pulls at the collar of the jerken. "How does anyone stand these clothes? There's no room to breath, let alone fight." 

When the rewards are brought out he gives them no more than a passing glance until the sword appears. This one seems to catch his attention and his hand twitches a bit but he turns to Zack. "You're the swordsman, I would say the blade should be yours. Besides, it's been your quest all along."

Obviously, with four days of downtime and nowhere else to go and nothing else to do, Zack spent the mornings training with Nadia to keep her skills sharp (12 days now), the days enjoying the luxury while he could, and the nights enjoying Nadia, though not the same way they had the first time... no 12 hour deals.

Zack wasn't necessarily bothered by the procession of things leading to the hall. He'd had to go through similar (through far less thorough) things of this sort at-least once or twice before - though he'd never fully understand why some attendants were so damn strong - so he more or less just let things happen limply, both to make it go faster, and to make it easier on both himself, and the attendants. Idly, thoughts flit about his mind as everything is being prepared... he never expected to be back here for anything other than a pit stop between two locations, if ever, let alone entering the halls to receive honors of any kind. His eyes went down, as his lips were a flatline, thinking of Hewley who wasn't with him and what he'd feel if he were here to participate in any form.

When it all began, his mind was mostly there, flitting between memories and the present like the slow ticking of a grandfather clock. More than present enough to do what needed to be done. He listened with a respectful, stoic expression. Smiling lightly here or there. His eyes were mostly focused but periodically scanned here, or there.  When the speech was finally finished, his eyes but not head turn to Rollo before focusing back on the Duchess.

There was a respectably long pause once her words were finished. Taking a few steps forward before kneeling down, with his head bowed enough to show respect, but not so much that his voice couldn't be easily heard as he addressed her and everyone else in the room. 

If I may.... My problem was not with you, Lady Daggerford. It was with the ones conspiring with the former Baroness, and those serving them whom I cast blame. While I will not say that I have no reluctance at all, I will accept your offer with pride. It would be an honor to serve my country once more in any capacity. And I am sure that my former mentor, Angeal Hewley would want me to as well. 

If you would permit me to speak further, I would have a request while I still retain full autonomy. he would say, waiting for permission to continue with his request, and if granted...

 

I feel this is the best time to retire Mr. Fair. He's had a decent character arc.... he's effectively achieved his character goals, in that he's become atleast somewhat of a hero here, and though he dreamed grander dreams, this honestly feels like the most natural point for this to happen, and I doubt such a perfect opportunity will come again, this naturally. There are other reasons, such as the fact we suddenly became very frontline heavy, with multiple characters using heavy armor, and I didn't want us competing for weapons/armor, and other such things as well but the first reason is the biggest one.

As such, I do have another character ready to go, and that's who I'm asking the DM/Duchess to introduce to the party as the replacement however they see fit though I feel they will want me to talk with them and flesh out the details.

The Duchess nods granting Zack a moment to speak. She agrees to letting Zacks portion of the reward go to the party as well as the sword, as its his to do with as he pleases. Once Zack begins his proposal there are several oohs, as and aw's from the court who seem delightfully surprised and eagerly await a reply from Nadia.

During the bath, Nadia would have certainly noted how Claire squirmed and complained at the treatment of the servants, clearly unused to such attention as well as the roughness with which they were bathed, though she doesn't do much physically to resist, and halfway through seems to catch herself acting snobbish and promptly stops, thanking the servants afterwards for their hard work despite her initial disposition.

To Rollo's comment on the clothes.  "Oh come now, Rollo, you can't be battle-ready every waking moment of your life.  Moments of respite and acknowledgement like this are common among dignified individuals such as myse... er... I mean, I think we've earned this one."  She pats him on the back.  "Take pride in it.  You look sharp!"

Currently: Standing before the Duchess, Claire beams at the praise and keeps her chin raised confidently, but not with the same degree of imperiousness she might have exhibited before, though this is no guarantee the Duchess' lesson to her will last.  Claire curtsies properly at the end of the ceremony and thanks the Duchess, promptly stealing away to visit her horse once dismissed.

To Zack proposing: Claire's jaw drops and her eyebrows raise.  She's not particularly surprised, as the two seemed close and she didn't know them well enough to even know how long or deep their relationship was, but she certainly wasn't expecting it to happen to suddenly in front of the Duchess.  Claire looks around at others in the room to see their reactions, and then sets her eyes on the pair and eagerly awaits Nadia's answer.

Edit: during timeskip Claire would ask to help in vetting and aiding refugees at the gate, healing/curing with Detect Poison and Disease, and Lesser Restoration as needed.

Before the Time Skip:

 During it:

 At Present:

When it later came to the fancying up, the Wizard accepted all without complaint except save the trimming of beard and fur. That part he insisted upon doing himself. Not that there was much work to do with the hobgoblin always being meticulous about stay well groom even when on the field. The rewards later presented each hold his attention for a brief bit. Yet, the request from the Duchess had him looking at Zack and Nadia. Naturally, he'd expected both to politely refuse, as there was much ---

'Wait, what? He accepted?! But-' Thought Narz, wide-eyed at first. But seeing the seriousness on the ex-soldier now Master of Arms, the hobgoblin calmed and nodded faintly in understanding. Although he soon to raise a brow at the sudden second announcement, if was able to acquire time before hand to get the know the pair at least a little, he just smirks and looks on in anticipation of her answer.

Nadia truly did enjoy the down time they had received when they returned back to Daggerford. Of course, she would not slack when it came to her training with Zack (sometimes doing some archery training afterwards to keep her skills sharp), but she had to admit being able to sleep in a comfortable bed, especially with the fighter by her side, at night felt nice. Probably the best sleep she had gotten in years. 

After breakfast, the elf truly didn't expect being whisked away with Claire to get all washed and dolled up. Like the cleric, the ranger wasn't used to being pampered. At all. She would apologize for her squirming to the servants, though, in time, she would relax and let herself be taken care of. It would also be interesting to see the others change in personality, first complaining, then being a little uppity. Nadia wouldn't at all judge her for it though. "I could get used to this." She admits to Claire with a small sheepish laugh. While appreciative of the servants offer to do her hair, Nadia would opt to do it instead, knowing how unruly it could be after a proper washing, but thanks them for their services. She would settle with a braided half up half down style.

It didn't seem as if the princess treatment would stop there though as they are fitted into the most beautiful of gowns. Nadia needed to take a moment to look at herself in the mirror, even pinching her cheek to make sure this wasn't some sort of a dream. She looked and felt completely different. Her skin felt so refreshed and bright, her hair had never seen so soft before. She felt as if she was near glowing.

Now in front of the duchess, Nadia would stand dignified and curtsy when instructed to, then listen to what she had to say to them with a small upturn at the corner of her lips. A sense of accomplishment would make itself known at her words, glad to have been able to do some good during her travels, and even save lives in the process. Though, her smile would falter, at least slightly, when the duchess offers the position to Zack.

Brown hues would fall upon Zack as he approaches the duchess and kneels, her gaze softening. Having known Zack for the time that she had, she really did expect him to decline the offer, but when he pridefully accepts, her eyes would widen in surprise. While her chest bubbles with happiness and excitement for him, she can't help but feel even the slightest bit nauseous. Would that mean they would be no more?

... as with my absence they'll be down at least one person... And perhaps two....

Nadia blinked in confusion. Two...? When he turns to her, she feels her heart jump to her throat, unable to make a sound, rendered to only listen and watch as the fighter pulls a small case from his pocket and kneels before her. Again, her eyes would widen, her hands going to cover her mouth to muffle a small gasp that managed to escape past her throat. 

Will you, Nadia Selwyn..... marry me, and join me here?

The elf finds it impossible to hold back tears that cause her eyes to glitter, truly never having expected a proposal of all things to happen to her. She needs a moment to process, to swallow down her bursting heart. As simple as the ring was, it didn't matter to her. To be married to the person she felt safest with. The one who brought her much joy and happiness, the one who helped forge good memories for her to have in place of the bad... That was all she needed.

"Dios míos. Sí. Un millón de veces sí." She sputters out in her native tongue. He would at least know what 'sí' meant. She hoped. "Yes, yes-- A million times, yes." She would repeat for a more clear answer, the tears finally spilling down her cheeks, a smile wide on her face. She would extend her shaking hand to allow him to slip the ring on her finger, and immediately after (and when he was standing of course) she would cup his cheeks and pull him in for a passionate kiss. 

(Nadia will also be retiring as well since I find that this would definitely be one of the best endings for her c: But that don't mean urb's gotten rid o' me yet boi i got another character in the works >:U!)

Rollo nods and smiles at the display from Zack and Nadia's acceptance. Once they have finished with their private moment he steps forward. He takes a small talisman of a hammer from around his neck and hands it to Nadia. "Congratulations you two. I may not have been with you long but I can see that you are the best for each other. Among my people it is tradition for a bride to carry the symbol of a hammer with her on her wedding day, as a symbol to all that she and the groom will defend their marriage against all who would try to break it. I would not be here today without both of your strength and I hope that you both know I will ask Tyr to be with you on your new journey."