Ronegan will look at Ran, then clear his throat and read the letter aloud for the benefit of all.

"I must admit, I rather like the sound of this and the high king's words. It makes me more hopeful than I have been for some time. If this is the case, then it is fairly clear what we must do. That will involve, I am afraid..." he shifts uncomfortably. "making sure Opal does NOT triumph in any of the tournament events in addition to trying to ensure that we, or one of these folks win each event. Lady Varen, do you take issue with that?"

He folds the letter up and returns it to King Onyx. "I think, perhaps as well we could use some diplomatic outreach to some potential allies. Given the status of their guards, House Turco and House Marshfield may be places we can reach out to to put out a united front whatever the results of the tournament events. I would be happy to speak to the Marshfields -- some of my family were peripheral to their house, so my name may not be unknown to them. Of course, the King's presence may mean much too. Or..."he adds reluctantly, "someone who is more talented with the emotional side of things. I of course, can handle any logical arguments, but I am aware that I sometimes come across as...stuffy."

As Petal looks over the map with Elavor, commenting on his amazing map, “Wow, it’s like I’m a bird flying over us! This is amazing! where are we then?” She hears Ronegan read the letter. (Can Petal see roughly from the map where the spy was heading?)

”So if we win, we declare for Baelfire? He’d be such a great Ruler! I don’t know about trying to get in Opals way though... she’s one of us!” 

As Ronegan talks about befriending the other houses Petal puts her hand up like she Is in one of Ronegans lectures. She waves it about excitedly like she has the answer to a question and can’t hold it in. “Ran and I, we met a couple of Turcos! The man was wasn’t that friendly but the gnome woman, she tried to read our minds! Which... now that I think of it, isn’t that friendly either.”

"Opal is still my friend, Ronegan. You can't ask me to betray her. There must be a way where we can follow the late King's wishes AND show Firstforge's strength... and that Opal is an honorable warrior and worthwhile in the battle against the Darkness."

Varen pauses a moment, speaking quietly, almost to herself. "If that Grand Inquisitor witch is filling her head with lies coated in gilded faith, and we betray her, then we'll lose her forever."

Ronegan sighs. He knew Varen's relationship with the Princess resembled his own with the King, so he couldn't necessarily object to her point-of-view, but the stakes were getting ever higher.

"And if Opal should win these events and put forward the name of the Grand Inquisitor? I am not suggesting you betray her. I am just saying that if you or Ran, or whoever end up against her, then you should not stand aside easily. The Opal we knew would despise such treatment anyway. When the time comes do not hold back."

Ran absorbs the debate between Varen and Ronegan.

"I'm not entirely clear on how the nomination works for the new high king, but I do know this is a tournament. And you don't enter a tournament with a goal other than winning. The only way I would stand to the side for anyone is if the king requests it," he says with a slight bow to Onyx. "Now, whether I could actually best Opal in combat is another matter entirely. She's good."

He thinks for a moment more.

"At this point I think we should keep everything among ourselves. Petal is right, there was nothing welcoming about the Turcos. If things change as the tournament progresses and it becomes clear certain houses have allied themselves with others, we may need to look for friends."

He steps to the edge of the tent and looks out at all the action of those preparing for the tournament. Then he turns back to the others.

"What happens if the church won't accept Baelfire?"

Varen nods at Ran. "If Opal found out we tossed an otherwise fair fight just so she could win, I think she'd kill us twice over, and then flay us afterwards."

"I'm fine with keeping things close to the chest right now. We may find allies elsewhere, like Ronegan said... you weren't there, but the Dkhar and Caelanos were ready to put blades to our throats last night. Things... might still be heated."

Pondering his next question, "I had thought he was a High Cleric? There might be a split in leadership or doctrine between the clergy and the inquisitors..."

Varen thinks about what she knows of the Church's organization, and how Baelfire and Grand Inquisitor Pentaghas fit into the structure.

Religion 18

"I can't say I know you well enough to get that personal but I...I wasn't wanted by my family when I began to manifest my talents. I was sent to the church to be purged but...well I survived their teachings to say the least. Jubel took me from my post as a book keeper and put a sword in my hand after witnessing a fight that I lost but not from a lack of trying," Juno replies to Varen. "I cannot speak for Esrah or the others. I can say we all possess gifts that those in the church would deem heretical magic," she adds curtly. "I...trust what you hear and see if you can't trust my words. It seems to me just by us being here he's worthy of a little trust eh?" She adds with a smile returning to her face.

Petal sees Elavor unfurls a large map about 34 x 24 of the palace island. Elavor knows that tbe tournament grounds are on the southeastern corner of the map. The tournament itself then slowly materializes before their eyes! It's set up like a compass face. The arena itself where the events will take place, all but the gauntlet, is at the center. Each direction is a house of the six. Firstforge, Turco, and Marshfield represents the south as well as east areas of the compass. While Pedryas and Dahkr the north and North east. Leaving Caelano seemingly to occupy the western area with the church and high king occupying the center area near the arena. 

OOC: I'm not sure how you're going about using the map. It shows a shortcut but you've got to tell me where you're headed. It doesn't just blink 'bad guy this way' lol

Onyx listens to all and takes the letter back from Ronegan.

"The nomination falls to the ruler of the house not the individual. You...all and my....my sister fight for me now and my right to nominate someone," Onyx explains. "I...I fail to see it's purpose...the tournament in high king Vahar has made his choice," he says. "I will join in the gauntlet regardless of my change in status. If my sister joins us she knows that regardless of the events she does or does not enter as well as where her loyalty lies now the choice is ultimately mine," he adds with a solemn expression.

Varen knows nothing about the inquisitor per say but knew others believed in witch hunters. There were plenty of stories people gone missing never to return having been accused of heresy or just not towing the church line. She always knows from personal however that her own gifts are very much against the foundation of the church of the Lightbringer but hers is a way much older than the new religion. This morning however was a rude awakening as to the organization for such a group within the church. She's not familiar with the hierarchy of the church but could assume with the ear of the high king, how he lead them out of the court, and having his own guard that Jubel position most likely higher the grand inquisitor.

Varen gives a nod to Juno as she speaks her piece. "Of course. Well, his actions today have at least shown us something of his character. A lesser man would have let that... travesty unfold." She nods to the paladin, letting her return to her post and rejoining Onyx and the others.

OOC: minor timewarp w/ conversations...

Varen looks at Ran. "If Jubel Baelfire wasn't higher ranked than Grand Inquisitor Pentaghas, I don't think we would have left that room without being bound in chains..." 

Returning her attention to Onyx as he clarifies the tournament. "We support you and your choice, King Onyx. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to rest a moment, and prepare for the first event. I think this will be a long day, no matter what happens."

Varen disappears into the private area of the tent. Prior to entering, if there are any guards nearby, she tells them she is not to be disturbed. She removes her armor, gets comfortable, and begins brewing the mutagen she will need for the coming events. 

OOC: Short rest if able.

Elavor gives Petal a moment to look at the map then says "Ok, Petal. Here's where we are at the moment, " and points at the map "now, where did you see this spying person? And then which way did they head?"

(OOC: Elavor is hoping with a loose idea of their location, he and Petal can deduce a general area the spy went to, then she has a head start where to start looking, plus she would have the map with her as she searched...)

Petal points at the map,  “So.... if I were a bird then this would be us, and that would be the Turco tents right? So, he went that way. If we go now the tracks might be fresh! Who’s coming with me then? We can talk to the other houses on the way back if you’d like?” Petal looks around manically at everyone smiling hopefully.

Ran looks over at Petal. For a moment he thinks she means she will literally be a bird and he’s confused as to how any of them could join her. But then he realizes she’s just looking at the map as if she were a bird.

”I’ve done a little tracking over the years. I was a scout for part of my time in the army. But I would not expect any tracks here to last long. Look at the amount of activity out there. But I will come with you if you’re going. I do ask though what is your plan if you do find this boy? Spying on the competition at a tournament is nothing new. At least that’s how I would answer if it was me and I was caught.”

Petal shrugs, “I don’t know really, but I don’t think he was from one of the other houses. He wasn’t wearing any house colours, which is strange, because everyone here is! Maybe we can see if that Mind reading Turco will help? I really don’t know, I’m not an inquisitor, I don’t know how to get answers out of people. I’m just worried that people are planning to do something to harm my friends, and I’m here in this tent helpless to stop it!”

Ran nods at Petal as she speaks.

”I understand Petal. I think though that we are probably safest if we all stick together as much as possible.” He looks around at everyone else. “Does anyone know when this starts? Kiran wasn’t in archery, was he?”

"I believe he wanted to compete in hand-to-hand... maybe something else. But no, not archery... " Elavor says, as he hands the map off to Petal. "I've no idea when this event starts, though. I'm going to try and relax before hand."

Petal nods, “ok, let’s stick together then. It’s archery and hand to hand today right? Do we know if the archery is against targets or against others? Is there anything I can do to help anyone prepare? I’m sorry, I just.....  need to keep busy, to feel useful.“

"Yes, yes long day indeed," Onyx adds to Varen distracted again by his thoughts as Varen retires behind the privacy screen.

"The archery starts in a hours time," Esrah leans into the tent and informs the party. "But if you do plan to move about I would suggest none of you leave the tent without an escort by one of us or at least two swords among you," he adds nodding at Ran then Varen. "I am sure you are a capable druid mi'lady," he nods and gives a soft toothy grin a Petal, "but we all know you're gifts for defense are a little...controversial," he adds with a wink.

OOC: Realistically a search for the spy could be RP'd in an hour of game time but Ran's observation is correct. Lots of foot traffic so that means harder to pinpoint tracks of a single person.

Ran gives Petal a small smile.

"Varen, Elavor and I are competing in the archery event soon," he says. "As much as Baelfire and his followers seem to be decent people, I do not know them and have not served with any of them. There's the Dark Wanderer and their followers. And then the high inquisitor and hers. While we compete, we will not be able to keep much of an eye out on what's happening. We're going to need you and Ronegan to be our eyes and ears. I suspect if anyone is going to attempt something it will be while everyone is distracted by the events."

He pauses and crouches down to look Petal more directly in the eyes.

"I don't think you really know how useful you've already been, Petal. Your good and brave heart is steering this group. We, I, could very easily slip into deep cynicism and just walk away from all of this and let this place devour itself. But you're not letting that happen."

He straightens back up, realizing he's sharing more than he's used to, nods again, and turns to go check on what equipment is available to them for the events.

Varen sits on a small rug on the tent floor, cross legged, hands on her knees, her back to the entrance of the private area. A small vial is set over a candle, the contents liquifying and bubbling as she occasionally stirs it.

With all that had happened - Elavor's display in the Umbryl Arcana and the Inquisition in the Cathedral, she hadn't had much chance to reflect on the vision she had seen in the Oracle Bowl, nor had she the opportunity to tell the others about it yet. A gathering of robed figures around a struggling person on a bed,  streams of some sort of energy (life? light?) siphoning from the central person to the robe-clad ones. Who would this victim be? And somehow, the Firstforge group and a man surrounded by light (Jubel, perhaps?) would encounter this scene, though far too late.

Varen sighs. She doesn't have enough details to go on, yet. Once the first round of competition is done and they have better privacy, she will need to bring this up to the others.

As she prepares the mutagen for its final enchanting, she takes a look at herself. Without her armor and heavier outer tunic and cloak, she can see the extent of the more recent damage she's done to herself. Back home, she could wait a few days between mutagens, only really needing to use them in the field. It's been constant, though, since the ambush. Her fingers trace the black and purple veins just under the skin, appearing like a dark, poisonous spiderweb centered on her heart and spinning outward, now stretching as far as her shoulders and upper arms. Thank the gods I haven't been using Vermillion... I'd look like a walking corpse. Or I'd have to dose myself up with Allure just to walk around in daylight.

Varen pricks a finger, not the thumb this time, and adds the last active reagent to the mutagen. As she mutters the incantation, wisps of purple energy trail her fingertips and coalesce around the vial, causing it to glow. She downs the vial as soon as it cools, and feels the pulse of energy as the potion takes hold... watching as the spiderweb of veins grows just a bit more outward as a result.

Petal blushes at Rans comments, “Awww, thanks. Well I’m all eyes and ears then!” She opens her eyes as wide as she can and pushes her ears forward with a cheeky grin. ”I guess they’d be gone by now anyway.... let’s just make sure we win today!”