024.1 Alicia Reynes, the sorcerous paladin!

[Corwin]

[20:50] <Kotono> ----
[20:54] <Kotono> The travels into the United Baronies are long and grueling in it's own ways. Alicia can scantly pay attention to the farmlands and plains as she travels east, her horse making good time. You pass farmsteads producing summer crops at a phenominal rate, great swaths of food being grown. Past peaceful villages, all abuzz with the same thing. The Crimson Guard and Balmuria - Lord Salman recently passed through, now that the 'fearsome dragon Kondr
[20:55] <Kotono> 'fearsome dragon Kondrux' has been dispatched. (More)
[20:56] <Kotono> One simmeringly warm morning Alicia and mount come across a small hill. Ahead is a small river, of little note normally. However, two things can be seen. The first is that the bridge across has half collapsed, soldiers working on reparing it. The second is that a camp of tents has been erected before it, as if a great calvalcade has been interrupted. You can see a few dozen horses and men, including even a patrol around the perimeter.
[21:01] <Alicia> Resolved to ford the river if necessary, Alicia urges Robert onwards, making her way towards the bridge. Likely she's an attention-getting sight herself, a strikingly beautiful warrior of Mystra bedecked in gleaming mithral armour and bearing a large and unusual weapon - she's seen no one else who used a double-sword ever since leaving Kelara.
[21:01] <Alicia> "Ho, there," she calls imperiously to the nearest soldier once close enough for civilised discourse. "What happened to the bridge?"
[21:03] <Kotono> There are a pair, holding the road with chainmail and spears. They stand about thirty feet removed from the tents, cautious but on guard. "A segment collapsed." This is answered laconically, "No one is currently permitted to pass this point."
[21:05] <Alicia> "Not permitted?" the holy warrior arches an eyebrow. "You mean I would not even be allowed to ford the river, myself?"
[21:07] <Kotono> "You would have to travel a ways down," The guard eyes Alicia warily, her sword noted as well. "Lord Salman has instructed as such."
[21:08] <Alicia> "On what grounds?" Alicia asks curiously, taking more careful note of the tents set up as well as the apparent progress of the repairs. "Surely it would make little difference if I crossed here or downstream?"
[21:09] <Kotono> There are several - including a few nicer ones, bigger, like the tent a commander or noble might have. "Security," the answer is plainly spoken, but the soldiers aren't moving. "Lord Salman's protection is without question now."
[21:11] <Alicia> "Lord Salman is *here*?" Alicia's eyes widen in surprise. This is a great stroke of luck, but at the same time... she's not ready! She doesn't even know what to say, having planned to find out more in Balmuria regarding her sister's crime before she attempted to intercede.
[21:13] <Kotono> "He is on his way to the Border City of Balmuria," The guard notes, "Were it not for this bridge, the Archduke would be well on his way."
[21:18] <Alicia> "It is of vital importance that I speak with him!" Alicia promptly dismounts from her horse, looking awfully eager. "Please, I beseech you, can you pass along my request for an audience?"
[21:19] <Alicia> roll 1d20+16
[21:19] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+16 and gets 35."12 [1d20=19]
[21:20] <Kotono> The two guards share a look, one of them almost sighing but the other eyeing Alicia just below her chin and grinning. "Well..what's your reason? We can at least pass it along if it's good."
[21:21] <Alicia> "I, ah... it concerns the recent attempt on his life, during his last visit to Balmuria," Alicia hedges slightly. It's certainly true, but she really doesn't want to broadcast her relationship with an assassin to just anybody!
[21:23] <Kotono> The two guards move as one, carefully falling back a step. "That's...Captain!" One calls, "We may have something here!"
[21:25] * Alicia of course has her hands clearly at her sides and her sword strapped to her back, not at all looking like she intends violence. That said, she's unable to contain some of the nervous energy coursing through her at the moment, and does appear just a bit jittery - she really didn't anticipate such a meeting at all, and so many things could go wrong, but on the other hand, such an opportunity can't be ignored.
[21:27] <Kotono> The camp stirs, a few soldiers beginning to head your way. Three of them, including a bearded man in plate armor. He has a sword belted to his side, his step brisk. The guards don't salute, but the speak stiffly. "Sir," they say, keeping an eye on Alicia. "This woman claims to ahve information on Lord Salman's failed assassinatino."
[21:28] <Kotono> A grunt from the captain, "Adventurer?" he asks in a laconic word, eyeing her from head to toe. "Come off your horse and hand your weapons to the guards and we'll go talk. Of course, they'll be returned."
[21:30] * Alicia is already off her horse! But she dutifully hands over her two-bladed sword - carefully - to one of the guards. "Be careful with that," she warns, before approaching the apparent captain and bowing deeply. "I am Alicia Reynes, Knight Errant of the Church of Mystra," she introduces herself.
[21:31] <Kotono> The guard nearly drops it, half waving it with wide eyes. The captain returns the bow with a curt nod, beginning to walk parrallel to the camp, two other guards coming with you. He walks about one hundred feet away before stopping. "Alright. Church?" He half scowls at you, "Very well, what is it you wish to tell Lord Salman?"
[21:34] * Alicia looks rather put out at that scowl. "Do you have a-" she begins to demand his issue with the Lady of Mysteries, but forces herself to relent, shaking her head slightly. "Never mind. I wish to speak on behalf of the accused. She is..." at this, Alicia looks like she just swallowed something very bad, "Known, to me."
[21:36] <Kotono> "...hmph." The Captain stares unyieldingly at her, "Friend? Family?" He doesn't look terribly impressed, face stony. "I wouldn't think a Church support helping a blatant, vile assassin."
[21:38] <Alicia> Alicia's teeth grind silently for a moment as she counts the way sin which she hates and loathes her vile sister. "It is.... personal," she admits at last.
[21:40] <Kotono> "If you want to talk to Lord Salman, I'd start telling the truth," he answers, voice like an iceburg. "Tell me your connection to her."
[21:43] <Alicia> "She is my sister," Alicia replies, sounding like she just got punched in the stomach. "And for all that she may be criminal filth of the lowest sort, I cannot stand by and see her executed."
[21:45] <Kotono> "You don't look it," The captain mutters as he gives you another once over. "Guard," speaking to one of them, "Go ahead and pass this onto Lord Salman: The sister of his assassin is here to plead for her life." The guard salutes and trots off. Once that is done, "Hmph."
[21:45] * Alicia simply looks rather disgusted and unhappy for a moment before she chooses to break the silence. "Do you have any siblings, Captain?"
[21:46] <Kotono> "I had one. Died in the war," His words are brusque, as his hand rests on his sword hilt, the other at rest.
[21:49] * Alicia winces, that not having been the response she was hoping for. "I'm sorry," she murmurs. "I did not mean to cause offence."
[21:50] <Kotono> Another grunt, the captain not pursuing the conversation further. He seems content to watch Alicia and wait.
[21:53] <Alicia> Alicia chooses not to press her luck with the captain further, instead mentally preparing herself to plead for her worthless sister's life. If only she knew more about Beth's situation, she could perhaps make a better argument, but right now all she can do is beg for mercy...
[21:55] <Kotono> About five minutes pass before the guard returns. He comes back at a faster pace, a hurried run. "Sir," he salutes to the captain, "Lord Salman will hear her request himself. He wishes for you to bring her to him."
[21:56] * Alicia exhales sharply, tension she didn't know was building suddenly released. "Captain?" she waits for him to lead on.
[21:57] <Kotono> He does with nary a word, beginning to lead you along. The two guards follow dutifully behind you, boxing Alicia in. As you walk back towards the tents, "You'll need all the fortune your Goddess can give you," he notes.
[21:59] <Alicia> "Somehow I doubt Mystra would have much mercy for one such as Beth," Alicia replies grimly. "No, this is a family affair. I will not sully Her name for my own selfish desires."
[22:02] <Kotono> With that the Captain leads you along ot the tents. He seems to mull that over as he leads to one of the mid ones - not the nicest by far, but spacious. "Mind your manners," he grunts as he opens the tent flap inside.
[22:04] <Alicia> "Naturally," Alicia nods, before she ducks her head down and follows him into the tent.
[22:05] <Kotono> OOC - Will save.
[22:06] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11
[22:06] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+11 and gets 24."12 [1d20=13]
[22:07] <Kotono> Inside, you see that two guards stand just inside, each with heavy maces at the ready. Past that is a single high backed chair, where Lord Salman sits. A bearded man, sharp eyed and meeting yours with his own. A ma-no, an elf, stands behind and tot he side of the chair. He wears a plain white robe, aged but alert. "Welcome, we will hear your words," Lord Salman speaks.
[22:10] <Alicia> Stepping forward with all the poise and grace she possesses, Alicia drops onto one bended knee before Lord Salman, her head lowered. "My Lord is too generous to hear the words of one as humble as I," she begins, performing the expected pleasantries. And also buying a bit of time to gather her thoughts.
[22:11] <Kotono> He nods at those words, taking a moment. "I admit that we are curious to hear the words of one that would plead for the life of an assassin. One who kills only for money...even most families would not defend her."
[22:13] <Alicia> "I often ask myself why, as well, my Lord," Alicia admits. "In truth, I have not seen my sister since she left Kelara, and we parted on bad terms. However, ties of blood cannot be ignored, no matter how difficult our history or how shameful her conduct."
[22:14] <Kotono> "Yes..." Lord Salman looks on at Alicia, face stern and composed. "She has only lived this long on our mercy. By all rights, her life was forfiet when she attempted to assassinate me."
[22:21] <Alicia> "That is of course your right, my Lord," Alicia agrees, raising her gaze to finally meet Salman's eyes. "As I have not been able to discover the particulars of her crime, I can offer no valid explanation for her actions, nor do I know of any mitigating circumstances that could exonerate her - Naturally, if you have arrested her, I have no reason to believe your judgement false and that she is actually innocent of her crimes."
[22:21] <Alicia> Taking a deep breath, Alicia forces herself onwards. "I wish I had these things, my Lord. I wish I could offer a compelling reason for Beth to have fallen so far. I wish I could offer some evidence to prove her innocence. Alas, I can do neither," she shakes her head.
[22:22] <Alicia> "So, I can only plead with you on her behalf, as a sister who has never been able to understand her sibling, but has always hoped to guide her towards redemption. I realise, what I ask is unreasonable, but it is just as unreasonable for me to do nothing and condemn my own flesh and blood to death
[22:22] <Alicia> - please, Lord Salman, I beg of you to show compassion and have mercy on one who has wronged you so!" she concludes, voice rising with a mix of passion and desperation.
[22:25] <Kotono> Lord Salman listens to these words, hands a knot beneath his chin. When Alicia is finished, he begins to speak. "There is no doubt of her crime - she does not hidethe fact she is guilty. Her capture was superb and without flaw." He pauses after that, meeting Alicia's eyes with his own, regal and calculating, yet almost warm. "A heavy, heavy debt hangs over your sister's fate. A debt of a life, waiting to be given." Yet, despite that, he pause
[22:25] <Kotono>  he pauses again. "Yet perhaps another could settle her debt."
[22:26] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-178-228.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) has joined #dunes
[22:26] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Taishyr
[22:28] <Alicia> Alicia's blood turns to ice. He couldn't mean... but to back out now would be worse than disgrace. "My Lord," she swallows audibly, "Do you mean...?" she trails off, unable to finish the sentence. It's barbaric, but there's an odd honour to it... But to die for a foul sister she hasn't seen since she was poisoned by said sibling? Is that justice?
[22:31] <Kotono> Lord Salman pauses, before his nostrils flare, "No. We are not barbarians. I would not execute you for the sins of another, no matter your desire. That is not the only way to settle such a debt."
[22:31] <Kotono> The aged elf behind Lord Salman chuckles very softly at that, but otherwise stay squiet.
[22:33] <Alicia> Alicia's eyes widen. Did he read her mind?! Schooling her features and calming her thoughts with a mantra that the priests taught her when she was first coming into her magic, she speaks after composing herself. "None of what I have said was said lightly, My Lord," she replies steadfastly. "If there is a way for me to offer recompense on behalf of my sister, I will give it."
[22:35] <Kotono> Lord Salman almost seems amused, but then graveness overtakes him again. "The guards spoke of your weapon and that you are likely competent at arms and skills. Our nation needs ones such as yourself, especially in Balmuria. Ergo, we shall make you an offer. You shall enter our servitude under Commander Hellmen Oberuth and the Crimson Guard, to aidethem as they see fit. In exchange..."
[22:37] <Alicia> Servitude? Alicia looks thoughtful for a second at the prospect. It would hardly be ideal, but such is nobless oblige - she swore to herself she would do anything within the law to free her sister, and that fits. "In exchange, my Lord?" she asks, needing to hear him say it.
[22:38] <Kotono> "Your sister will be spared. Perhaps, if you serve us well and conditions are right, we will allow her to leave with you on completion of your labors."
[22:45] <Alicia> The word 'completion' elicits a tiny relieved smile. At least she's not signing her life away into effective slavery, such would be too much to bear. "My Lord is too kind," she bows, head almost touching the floor. "I, Alicia Reynes, under the gaze of the Lady of Mysteries, do hereby swear to serve faithfully in this Crimson Guard, so that my service may secure my sister's life," she promises sollemnly.
[22:46] <Kotono> Lord Salman watches there, speaking gravely. "Then so be it, but rise. Indentured or not, you need not quiver like a slave. If you are to serve the Crimson Guard, you will hold your head high. They are our elite."
[22:49] * Alicia smoothly rises to her feet. "As a Knight Errant of the Mother of All Magic, I am confident you will not find my abilities lacking," she declares, noble and assured in voice and bearing.
[22:51] <Kotono> "If I may..." The elf from behind walks forward, Lord Salman nodding once. "You serve Mystra?"
[22:53] * Alicia nods. "I was called to Her service shortly after I last saw my sister, many years ago," she confirms. "I am no wizard or priest, but She has blessed me with magic to complement my martial skills."
[22:55] <Kotono> "If she is genuine," the elf speaks to Lord Salman, "A champion of Mystra would be potent. May I see a demonstration?"
[22:55] <Kotono> Lord Salman nods once more, "WE would be curious to see this as well."
[23:00] <Alicia> "Very well," Alicia nods, dearly hoping that her armour won't interfere with her spellcasting here - all her flashy spells require movement. Holding up one gauntleted hand before her, she arrays her fingers in an arcane gesture before sweeping her arm to the side and intoning, "Doppelganger's of the Weave, come forth!" as...
[23:00] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[23:00] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 85."12 [1d100=85]
[23:00] <Alicia> roll 1d4+2
[23:00] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d4+2 and gets 6."12 [1d4=4]
[23:01] <Alicia> Six images of the beautiful armoured warrior appear surrounding the original, blurring through her for a moment before it becomes impossible to tell which is real...
[23:02] <Kotono> OOC: Someone's taking 10 on a check.
[23:02] <Kotono> "Mirror Image." The elf notes to the magic, "Competent enough and especially useful for a martial warrior."
[23:04] <Kotono> "Very well," Lord Salman agrees to that display, then raising his voice. The stony guards just inside perk up at this voice, "Summon soldiers and bring the weapon they took from this woman. I wish to go outside and see a display of her martial skill next."
[23:04] <Alicia> "Often the mere sight of seven of me is enough to cow those who can't recognise the duplicates for what they are," Alicia observes, nodding respectfully to the elf who clearly knows his craft.
[23:07] <Kotono> Guards race outside, and you hear commotion. Soon enough Lord Salman rises, "Come" he speaks, heading outside at a brisk clip. The elf nods once, "It is good to see Mystra's will spreading," he opines, "My name is Celebrimbor Drake."
[23:09] <Alicia> "It is a pleasure, Celebrimbor," Alicia offers the elf a smile as she follows Lord Salman outside, preparing to show that she's more than a mere spellcaster.
[23:10] <Kotono> Outside, a ring of soldiers have formed. Alicia's double bladed sword sits in the center. Away, you can see the bridge being worked on steadily. Lord Salman goes to hang back, "Take your sword and display your skill," he commands, as the soldiers gawk at the seven=imaged Alicia.
[23:12] * Alicia walks over and scoops up her blade, the images briefly merging into one as she picks it up before seperating into seven armed figures, making it still impossible to tell which is the original.
[23:12] <Alicia> Taking a moment to stretch and loosen her muscles, she proceeds to work through a gentle practice drill, only warming up for the moment with simple attacks and parries against imaginary opponents, waiting to judge when the observers start to lose interest before she picks things up.
[23:13] <Kotono> This takes a little bit, as the illusionary aided Alicia is attention getting. But after a few minutes of this, the simple drill does seem to wear on them.
[23:16] <Alicia> Noting such, Alicia begins to show off her true ability, starting off with a mighty leap that takes the soles of her feet above the heads of the surrounding soldiers before she lands with a stunning two-handed power attack against her imaginary target, before tumbling past said target and unleashing a flurry of strikes against its flank, finally taking true advantage of the dual-nature of her weapon.
[23:16] <Alicia> From here she continues in this vein, sword spinning about her in a silver blur as she cuts and parries the air, constantly moving and ducking and jumping as she seems to fight off an entire army.
[23:18] <Kotono> Alicia gets stares as she preforms and a few claps, her efforts whizzing about like the vengence of Mystra! As the 'target' is flanked and sliced into ribbons, Lord Salman's voice is heard. "Enough. Well done."
[23:19] * Alicia stops mid-swing at the command, briefly held motionless about to deliver a decapitating strike while arcing past a 'target'. She holds the pose for a moment, making sure they all see how easy it is for her to maintain an unbalanced and uncomfortable position, before she relaxes and lowers her weapon, turning to face Salman expectantly.

[Corwin]

[18:17] <Dinadan> The soldiers begin to clap at Alicia's display of martial skill, many gawking openly. "We are impressed," he goes on with nary a hitch in his diction. "Your skill is unreputable. Make her quarters until the bridge is repaired, then she will ride with us into Balmuria."
[18:19] * Alicia replaces her sword in its harness on her back, before bowing to Lord Salman. "I am at your service, my Lord," she intones.
[18:21] <Dinadan> Two guards come up to Alicia, "This way, ma'am," they look on at her with wide eyes.
[18:22] <Alicia> "And my horse?" Alicia glances over to her trusty steed, taking a second to dispel her images so that only one of her remains.
[18:23] <Dinadan> "It will be taken care of," Lord Salman departs away, Celebrimbor following him.
[18:24] <Alicia> Happy with that answer, Alicia follows the two guards like they asked, her bearing tall and erect like the proud warrior she is.
[18:28] <Dinadan> OOC - Going to be doing anything of note or just going to cool your heels?
[18:29] <Alicia> OOC: cool my heels for a bit
[18:31] <Dinadan> By late afternoon the bridge repair is finished. Alicia is summoned, her horse ready and rested. Lord Salman and Celebrimbor ride in the center, surrounded by troops. "If you will, ride just ahead of us," Lord Salman instructs.
[18:32] <Alicia> "Yes, my Lord," Alicia nods dutifully, guiding her mount to take point ahead of the two in charge but within the perimeter of soldiers.
[18:33] <Dinadan> So the trip begins! As the sun sinks into the westery sky at your back you see the United Baronies. Farms and farms and more farms, the roads here well travelled. It is a tranquil place, wild but well kept by it's inhabitants. After a few hours of this, you find Celebrimbor spurring his horse along, coming to a pace with you.
[18:34] * Alicia glances towards the elf. "Something I can do for you, Sir Celebrimbor?" she asks in flawless elven. Well, flawless except that she's using a rather provincial dialect, but as far as she knows it's perfect standard elven. And she's quite proud of it, too.
[18:44] <Dinadan> "What better way to pass the time than discussing magic?" he asks with a bit of amusement in his tone, his words flawless. "That and I am always curious for followers of Mystra."
[18:46] <Alicia> "It is sad that the Lady of Mysteries is not as well regarded as she once was," Alicia admits wistfully. "Magic may be difficult for the common man to understand, but its effects on the world are indeed profound."
[18:46] <Dinadan> "She has her time and Her plans," Celebrimbor speaks, a warmth in his voice. "How did you find yourself in Her service?"
[18:51] <Alicia> "It connects to when I last saw my sister," Alicia replies, bitterness tinging her countryside elven accent. "We fought, and although she bested me with a foul poison, I was able to surprise both of us when I blocked some of her attacks with an invisible field of force - Kelara had a small temple to Mystra, so I turned to them for guidance on this strange event."
[18:51] <Alicia> She smiles as the conversation turns to happier events, "They told me I had been blessed by Mystra, and helped me to focus and channel my innate gift. In time, I grew to love Mystra, and what she embodies, and have since dedicated myself fully to her."
[18:54] <Dinadan> "Poison? Some people never change." Celebrimbor listens to the tale with his own interest, "So I see. A natural spellcaster, a sorcerer?"
[18:55] <Alicia> "I have heard that term used," she nods primly. "I of course have the utmost respect for those who can work Mystra's gifts through study and knowledge, but my own spells are exercised through pure force of will."
[18:56] <Dinadan> "Mmm." Celebrimbor considers long moments, before he smiles. "A blessed child of Mystra. But you can't bear to give up your sword?"
[19:00] <Alicia> Alicia glances back at her unique double-blade with a slight smile. "Before knowing anything about magic, it was my dream to master the sword. Now I view the two paths as complementary, forging a greater unity in Mystra's service."
[19:00] <Alicia> Turning to face Celebrimbor more directly, "I confess, I was actually journeying towards the Elven Kingdoms when I heard of my sister's crimes - tales of elven warriors who marry consunmate martial skill with arcane mastery have reached even Kelara. I believe you call them 'Bladesingers'?"
[19:04] <Dinadan> "Mmm." Celebrimbor nods once at that, but doesn't seem to linger much. "...it is not an entirely bad time to do so, if you had the leave. With the establishment of formal reations and trading with the United Baronies, the sentiment in the kingdoms may be softening."
[19:05] <Alicia> "We will see, if my new duties will permit me the leisure," Alicia admits, doing her best to avoid showing any sort of disappointment. Really, she couldn't have hoped for a better result when she went in to plead for Beth's miserable life... except for the small part of her that just wishes she hadn't succeeded.
[19:07] <Dinadan> "I wish you well with that. Balmuria is a very busy place now, even by the human's view." Wth that, the old elven mage begins to fall back.
[19:08] * Alicia nods respectfully as Celebrimbor returns to Salman's side, turning her own attention forward once more - no doubt the perimeter will alert them if anything untoward happens, but laxity begets sin.
[19:15] * Calathra is now known as Carthrat-Sleep
[19:42] <Dinadan> The rest of the trip passes well. At the late afternoon you approach Balmuria in company. It is a smallish city yet very walled in, ship's masts seen on the horizon.  The scent of sea salt is in the air, pungent and frisky.  There are only two guards out from, both somber faced. They salute, one coming forward and talking to the lead guards. After a moment, he approaches. A middle aged soldier, well kept and battle worn. He steps past Al
[19:42] <Dinadan> e steps past Alicia and bows, "Sir. Commander Oberuth requests that you come meet with him immediately."
[19:43] <Dinadan> Lord Salman nods to these words, "Very well. Company, head inside! Alicia, with me."
[19:44] * Alicia recognises the name Lord Salman mentioned earlier as the leader of the Crimson Guard, but she shows no recognition, merely sitting astride her horse and following their procession until ordered otherwise. "Yes, my Lord," she nods dutifully, falling in alongside Salman.
[19:45] <Dinadan> Celebrimbor rides with you as well as you enter the town. Down dirt roads, going to the left of the main trading street, past quiet ways and paths. The city seems...subdued, quieted. Nonetheless Lord Salman gets many to come out, saluting and waving. "Sir...Archduke..." So they call to him.
[19:46] <Dinadan> Lord Salman begins to frown deeply as you ride along, but does not stop. "I had hoped Balmuria's trials were over for a time," he speaks aloud, as you approach what looks to be a soldier's garrison.
[19:47] <Alicia> The attitude of the city does somewhat surprise Alicia. Considering its a visit from the head of state, and this same city supposedly fended off a dragon attack with no real damage recently, she'd expect a more lively populace. "This is... not what I expected, my Lord," she admits, taking his observation as permission to speak.
[19:47] <Dinadan> Celebrimbor shakes his head, "A city in mourning...who?" he begins to spur his horse on slightly, coming to a stop at the garrison. Even th esight of an elf only gets so much attention today, as two soldiers at the garrison doors crisply salute, opening them wide.
[19:47] <Dinadan> "I fear something happened that shook the populace," he replies, grimly setting a good pace.
[19:49] * Alicia follows alongside, remaining alert and on guard as they head into the garrison and dismount. Certainly, something bodes ill, here...
[19:50] <Dinadan> It's a short walk down a few halls, until you find a florid, red faced man coming your way. He wears a breastplate and is like a big blonde bear, face also grim. He salutes once to Lord Salman, "You saw the city, sir? They did not take the news well - while Seira and Demedais are safe, thank the Gods, Shamal..."
[19:52] * Alicia remains a step behind Lord Salman, her poise stiff and formal as she follows her current master, not showing any recognition to these other names.
[19:52] <Dinadan> "...I see." Lord Salman sighs out as if his entire body was deflating. "A painful loss for our city, and one that pains me moreso."
[19:53] <Dinadan> "Preparations for the funeral are underway," Oberuth goes on, "If I may ask you to attend?"
[19:54] <Dinadan> "I owe her and Seira my life," Lord Salman speaks, "Commander, it will be so. Gods again..." He pauses after some long thought, "I read the reports on the timing of Demedais' arrival. Was it truly so well aligned?"
[19:54] <Dinadan> "Sir?" Oberuth frowns but nods. "Thetiming and the meaning seemed clear enough."
[19:56] <Dinadan> "...mm. No matter." Lord Salman goes on, Alicia, this is Commander Oberuth. Oberuth, this is Alicia Reynes...the sister of Beth Reynes and now bound to our service."
[19:57] <Alicia> Despite her best efforts to retain poise, Alicia can't quite keep a grimace off her face at the mention of her sister. "I assure you, beyond our blood we have nothing in common," she puts in emphatically.
[19:58] <Dinadan> Commander Oberuth nods, face staying neutral. "I see. If you will...I believe that you will wish to meet with the rest of the Guard, Sir? For various reasons now?"
[19:59] <Dinadan> "Yes, we may as well." Lord Salman agrees. "Celebrimbor also needs to meet with Seira, timing aside. If you would summon them."
[20:00] <Dinadan> "Yes sir," Leading the three into a well kept meeting room, Lord Oberuth departs and sends pages out, the waiting began. A tense, quiet waiting, the men in the room seeming lost in ruminatinos for now.
[20:02] <Alicia> "If I may," Alicia speaks up softly, "Who was Shamal?"
[20:03] <Dinadan> "One of the three leaders of the Crimson Guard," Commander Oberuth speaks up, "A fine woman and a great loss. She died on a mission."