Ronegan joins the group again, seemingly back to his jolly blustery self. "My apologies for being unable to aid you, Lady Varen.  I was...distracted by something rather irritating. Much is happening and all of it is vexing. It seems we are being buffeted from all sides since coming to the capital." He looks off in the direction the King departed from. He forces himself to smile broadly. "Take heart in knowing that as it was you still performed far better than Elavor, Petal or myself would be able to do." He laughs, slapping his belly.

He looks around for the halfling food vendor as well. "Come, let us drink today to nurse our wounds both physical and psychic. And I must INSIST you try some delicacies from my sister's kitchen. Apparently she has made a name for herself in this city and I must say, they are far better than even I remember. Besides, the two of you must be absolutely famished. She's preparing dinner tonight as well, so there will be plenty of hospitality to go around. And as I'm sure you know, among the "old ones," the halfling people were largely considered to be the most welcoming and the masters of the fine culinary arts..." he says, taking a deep breath for another lecture as he follows the group.

"That's been my one complaint about you, Master Gallowglass," Ran says to Ronegan. "Your kin are renowned for their cooking, yet they saddled us with the only one who appears to prefer to stick his nose in books rather than pots."

He starts towards the tents set up for the post contest festivities. 

"Not that I'd likely notice the difference. In the army I managed to separate eating from enjoyment. If it was in your bowl and it wasn't moving too quickly, it was food. And that was a step up from my childhood. Now, with the Firstforge kitchens making sure everything is fully dead and cooked through, my mouth is already dealing with more luxury than it can handle."

(OOC: Elavor would have totally known that we were on the Amber Isles , even if I've had a brain fart)

Elavor smiles at the man "Thank you for the information, 2 gold though? Well, no thank you. Have a good day. "

He turns and follows Ronegan as he sees Ran wave them over. Maybe that map was special, he thinks. Or, just another map like they sell in the bazaar... 

"Food and drink, then? That sounds lovely... great fighting, you two. I was telling Ronegan that we have some amazingly adept fighters as companions. Very proud to know you both. "

Varen gives her friends a warm smile. The stress from the battle is over, and she seems back her normal self - polished and poised. She's not wearing her armor, just a fine set of blue and black silk clothing with high leather boots, looking less battle-worn warrior and more noblewoman about to go for a horse ride. She keeps her saber at her side, but no other armaments.

Performance 14

She tried to recreate Petal's elaborate braid, but didn't quite get it the same. The little gnome has a lot more to teach her.

She chuckles at Ronegan, just as he starts his diatribe, "Well, my good Ronegan, I trust you can find us the best meal in five fathoms. Something warm and hearty. If you have to kill Ran with too much luxury, fine by me!"

To Elavor: "Thank you, Elavor. I've had some time to think on last night. I... regret, the threat I made. I'm sorry. I promise I won't do that to you. Even the circumstances, it was harsh."

The party joins the festivities and find elaborate displays of each house's wealth and contribution to the seven kingdoms. The Caelano's with their leather works and finely carved wooden bows. The Marshfield's with their grown and raised bounty from the land. The Turco's having great caskets of wine and other distilled spirits. The Dhkar holding demonstrations with expertly trained war and riding horses as well as other beasts that are meant for work. The Pedryas their ship building. A ship not to scale but finely made in miniature. The Vahar with the accumulated wonders from far away lands imported to Ospel the main port. Then last but not least Firstforge with the skilled armor smiths and weapons masters. At their station a forge burns and dwarves craft items of protection expertly designed. It's a sight to behold.

"I'll take that drink eh?" Kay Tregallis appears beside Varen and nods to Ran. He's been primped and perfumed to he presented at the heroes announcement. He's not an overtly attractive man but he has a sort of swagger a natural magnetism most find attractive in time. "Seems like the gangs all here but no wait I'm missing someone," he then says looking around as Aurora appears jogging up to the group. 

Aurora is just as scrubbed up as Kay in a fine green tunic and coifed hair.

"Safety in numbers," Aurora adds just as a group of defenders of the faith march passed. "Off to see who's best at what," she adds gesturing at the displays.

Petal beams as Kay and Aurora join them. “Kay, I don’t think we’ve met properly, I’m Petal.” She practices the ritual of “hand shaking” again by jutting out her digits spread wide and stiff. Adressing them both she introduces the others, “So I guess you’ve met Ran already, and Varen too, the little bookish one is Ronegan and the tall one is Elavor. These are our friends, Aurora and Kay from house Turco! I’m sure you’ll get on so well! I’m very excited to try your houses wines, do you know where the grapes are grown?”

Varen gives a mock bow to Kay, "Sir Kay Tregallis, first of his name, champion of all the realms." She gives him a flirtatious grin, and notes a bottle of wine she'd secured from the Turco display. "Might be a taste of home, but it's a good vintage, unless you'd want to move on to Firstforge whiskey. Trade that perfume for some grit and grizzle, huh?"

Varen gives Aurora a nod in greeting as Petal makes introductions. "Pleased to meet you, Aurora. Take it you aren't much a fan?" she says, glancing at the group of holy warriors.

"Well fought today," Ran says. "I'll be saddened when I have to beat you in the end tomorrow."

Ran moves in closer to Kay and Aurora.

"Before you start enjoying yourself too much," Ran begins. "What did you mean when you said it had been made clearer to you who the real enemy might be? Did you mean Pentaghas the Inquisitor or have you learned something else?"

Ronegan is in the midst of telling the Firstforge smithies about the history of ancient elven crafting traditions when Sir Kay and Aurora approach. He waves at them cheerfully and waddles over. "Hullo! Always a pleasure to meet fellow heretics." He chuckles, slapping his belly. "I am Master Ronegan Gallowglass, formerly the Royal Tutor, now....mmm, let's say currently none too popular with the Inquisitor,  or it sadly seems, the princess." He nods briefly to Sir Kay. "Very impressive today, sire. Varen is one of the most impressive fighters I've seen so to best her is no small accomplishment," he says perfunctorily,  before turning to Aurora, his eyes bright with excitement. "Mistress Novak. Always a pleasure to meet another littlefolk. Tell me...do you share the same....err, interests as myself and Petal?" His eyes flick to the other gnome briefly, to see if she's doing something annoying before looking back at Aururoa.

Elavor smiles at the newcomers, then wanders around the displays looking at each of the nations goods and services. Stopping the the Turco's, he asks the attendant "What are some of the finest whiskeys you have this season?" 

"Hello Aurora replies to the party. "Yes...uh I have some talents that aren't well much appreciated by the church," she adds in a whisper.

Kay looks around as if to see if the group us being observed before returning his gaze to Varen.

"I'm actually not much of a hard drinking man. I'll have a pint or two but not too much considering present company," he glancing around again.

There are defenders of the faith everywhere and they strangely out number the high king's guard at least three to one!

"Ran..." Kay begins again with a frown. "Anyone with ears in a royal house as well as their retainers knows about the trials today. Well, all of them but I guess you didn't hear. They told you all the houses save your own didn't not conjure outside the Lightbringer right?" He posses the question but doesn't wait for the answer. "It's a lie! As far as I know we all have members of our houses being charged with hersey! We all have members with...uh talents unsupported by the church. I mean whether it's in the nature of our bones or being," he says looking over at Aurora but before continuing the gnome interrupts.

"No, all of us! It seems house Pedryas who took the worst of the attacks I fear used nothing arcane to defend themselves. No blasphemy...that's what that odious woman called it! Magic passed down for generations," tne gnome says in a fiery hiss! "But yes his entire family is dead...poor boy," she then adds frowning her face filling with sadness. "Hiw utterly alone he must be felling and only the church to provide..." she gropes for a word, "counsel," she adds bjt still seems u sure if it was the right choice.

"Yes...well," Kay nods clearing the air. "It's a dangerous game someone is playing here and I fear we're not sure who's it's masters or major players are yet but we're all pawns that much is certain in my mind," he explains his expression retrospective for a moment before his smile returns offering his arm to Varen.

"Oh enough...enough frowns today. Let us revel in the fact that there's at least two worthy opponents in the melee tomorrow," Aurora announced skipping alongside Petal as she gestures at Kay and Ran. "Surely you two can't be the only ones not blindly swayed by.... faith," she says the last word with a cocked eyebrow clearly disbelieving the meaning behind the word in this case. 

OOC: y'all can shop/browse or go back to the apartments. Feast is happening in 2 hours game time.

Ran bows his head to Aurora and her compliment.

"I'm not sure what you got up to last night," he says to Ronegan as they walk along, "but do me a favor and don't wander off into unknown dark corners alone. That goes for you too, Petal. I know you're more than capable of handling yourself, but you too are also the most likely targets of one of these overzealous holy police roaming the grounds."

Ran then wanders through the festival grounds, particularly interested in the Firstforge smiths and their work. Armor and weapons make sense to him. The rest is pretty to see but unless it's actually vinegar, all wine pretty much tastes the same to him. He does make sure to always keep Petal and Ronegan in sight.

He also keeps his eyes open for any of the other house champions that will be in the melee tomorrow, Aurora's last words resonating with him. Finding another like minded ally to help get to the final two or three with wouldn't hurt.

"It's good to know that we are not the only band of folk who still appreciate some of the old ways," Varen says to Aurora. "Some more obvious than others, but still value to be found in that path."

Varen takes the arm offered by Kay. "And it's even better to find some folk we might grow into friendship with, especially after our experiences on the road."

As she walks with the Kay, she will inquire, "Tell me, Kay. How did you find yourself in the service of the Turcos? You're certainly not a typical house member, unless some gnomish potion has a very very strange set of side effects!"

Varen tries to turn on the charm: Persuasion 13

Kay laughs easily confiding in Varen.

"I was from less than desirable stock. My family were pirates in Zumbruto and I surely would have met their same fate had the church not intervene and placed me in the Turco house," Kay explains. "I...I have since seen the... shortsighted doctrine that has influenced current leadership within the clergy and choose my house," he pauses putting a hand over his heart, "and not the loyalty I had once for those early saviours," he explains.

OOC: Anyone more updates? If not I'll time jump again.

Ronegan will say (as discretely as possible) to Aurora "Fascinating! This excursion has proven even more fruitful for my researches. We must discuss a few things when there are less eyes upon us."

Later as Ran speaks to Ronegan, the halfling bobs his head enthusiastically. "Yes, I've been meaning to speak to you about that. I believe there is a solution to a number of our problems under our very noses. We need an opportunity, as a group, to discuss further."

(I'm good to move on to the feast.)

Petal spends the next couple of hours with Aurora, trying to take her mind off of the stresses of the last few days and check out the stalls. 

Varen will continue the conversation. "Well, from pirate to champion, quite a path!" She smiles, then speaks quietly. "And how does the leadership of your house feel about recent events? Of the Inquisition in the cathedral and how they seem to be at odds with Lord Baelfire?"

(happy to continue to the feast) 

Insight into his responses:  4

"As I said," Kay begins keeping his tone low. "The church and house Turco's relationship has always been...tentative to say the least," he adds nervously worrying the back on his neck. "As for the inquisition and Lord Baelfire," he pauses. "He offered our house aid and counsel when the church failed to do both," he adds curtly.

Varen gets the sense he's serious and also feels a disconnect with the church. He seems to be sure of himself and to be speaking for his house. More so Aurora doesn't interject or contradict him. The gnome caster merely nods solemnly along with whatever Kay says.

.................

The feast begins with great fanfare. The great hall is decorated with the house colors with each table representative of the seven kingdoms. As the party mingles amongst the Turco and Firstforge house courtiers Jasper Ironhelm moves king Onyx amongst the other houses as if to introduce him around. The queen mother is decidedly absent but Opal, however, is amongst the high table nearest the head members of the church where the grand inquisitor is seated. Jubel Balefire is seated at the high table as well to the left of the throne. He is flanked by two knights in his distinct armor and colors. They look over the feast ever vigilant. As the same outside on the tournament grounds is both high king's guard and the defenders of faith but unlike outside there is an even number of both! They move about the crowds eating and drinking as well as guard doors within the great hall itself.

The party can see all houses represented.

Ronegan scowls as he watches Ironhelm take charge of King Onyx. "I do not like that man." He whispers to the party. "In his own way, he's every bit as dangerous as the Grand Inquisitor." He begins to wander over to where the Marshfields and their courtiers are located, conscious that they, too, had been assigned additional guards from Baelfire's comrades. The chance of finding other casters is too good for the halfling to pass up.

Petal leans in and whispers to the group, particularly Elavor, “What happened between a Ronegan and The Kings uncle? As bad as the Grand Inquisitor that really is something! I mean what could he have possibly done, everything was fine when we were in the box earlier, unless...... did he say bad things about Ronnies sisters food?”