Lords will be Ladies!

[Neale]

Nara Wyvernspur

Nara wasn't entirely sure having a knight of Torm along was the best idea in the world, but... What better target to hide behind when the shit starts to fly? Besides, her sense of irony was tickled by the idea of such an honorable knight working to further the cause of Zhentil Keep, however unwittingly.

"Uh... okay! One thing, though... you just gotta wear that symbol... It is soooo cute! Really sets off your eyes," she added, with a vacuous smile.

Not to mention the fact that it would make an even better target in the dark dungeons to which their quest would likely take them...

 

[SpectreT]

Erin Rathe

I elevated one eyebrow, slowly. The silver of both eyes and symbol flashing, I knew. My bright smile hardened a bit.

"You work too hard on the flake pose. Perhaps distracted would be a better tack, if you wish the world to think you less intelligent than you are. I have no problem with you wanting others to underestimate you, I know the advantages of this, especially to one of your standing. Just don't insult my intelligence or perspicacity into the bargain, please. Assuming I'm still hired, where and when do we gather?" I let my look become a little more open and friendly.

 

[Neale]

Nara Wyvernspur

Her smile faded not a bit as she replied, "Tomorrow morning, we set out. See you here, with all your equipment. Ta!"

Definitely standing behind this one...

 

[THEBRAT]

Little Wart

I have been very busy gathering everything that I will need to go on this Adventure I am sure that I have everything!

Now for an early nights sleep so that I will be ready to go in the morning!

 

[Neale]

OOC: To Roland

It would be rather useful if your character could come up with a rationale for joining our party. Every character still being played (uh, all 4 of us) is going to be on the quest. Speaking of which, I'm going to wait until tomorrow to head out of town, to give you and Isolde a chance to post.

 

[MrSand]

Princess Mel

At hearing Cole's pledge that she was to help the old hag "clean," the Princess's face went red in fury. While the head cook turned around to attend one of the simmering pots, Mel grabbed Cole by the hair and yanked his head down so that she could whisper into his ear.

"What the hell are you doing, you pathetic peon?!" she all but snarled into his head. "What gives you the right to promise that disgusting gutter witch that I, Melaine Francesca Torlane Medaricci Olthens, would aid her in such lowly service?! Have you lost your tiny mind?"

The Princess did not wait for the man to answer. She let him go and stormed into the interior of the mansion in a huff, ignoring the outraged ranting of the head cook.

"Hello!" she shouted into the house. "My servant and I have come to join your quest! Hello!!! Are you deaf?!"

 

[Neale]

Nara Wyvernspur

Nara heard the not-so-very-dulcet tones of a very familiar voice... and groaned inwardly, thinking What the HELL is SHE doing here? Putting on a smile, she called out, "Mellie! Come on in, ducks!"

The Princess and Cole came over to where Nara was receiving applicants. She stood to give the Princess one of those fake hug/kiss things, then motioned for them to sit.

"Now, what in the world has made you decide to take up adventuring, hon? I mean, you are certainly welcome to join, you and your servant, but I'm curious as to why you would want to join me on my little adventure..."

With any luck, the silly woman would just go away. Still, her presence would damn well draw attention away from Nara, herself, so it wouldn't be all bad.

 

[Isolde]

Cole

Cole's brows drew together at the familiarity of the woman toward the princess and he rudely stepped between them.

"First of all.... I am not her servant I am her...guard. Second of all...how do you know her?"

He really wanted to know how someone knew the princess and was not screaming for the guards as the real princess was supposed to be safely in the castle and anyone looking like the princess was supposed to be arrested. The fact that a hue and cry had not gone up was very suspicious.

"Forgive the questions but I need to assure the princess' safety."

 

[Neale]

Nara Wyvernspur

Not even looking at Cole, Nara addressed the Princess, "Mellie, sweetie... I really thought your dad taught you how to keep the hired help on a shorter leash than that! Granted, he's got a nice ass, but leatherboy there really needs to take a chill pill! That, and he really needs to know who is who in this town. I mean, really! NOT to know who I am? Puh-leeze!" Turning to Cole, at last, she addressed him in a truly bitchy tone, "For your information, tall, dark and clueless, I am THE Nara Wyvernspur of THE Wyvernspurs! Ranking nobles in the city, after Mellie's family, of course." She smiled at the Princess. "Mellie and I go back AGES!!!"

Nara truly was curious as to why these two were here, and so openly. She had witnessed the scene at the castle, and knew from her sources that something very nasty had happened there. She wasn't quite sure what, but hadn't time to find out. Her orders from Zhentil Keep were quite explicit. Perhaps keeping a close watch on the Princess might further her goals down the road though...

"Oh, Mellie, we are going to have such FUN!!!"

 

[MrSand]

Princess Mel

Mel rolled her eyes in annoyance, then pushed past her bodyguard.

"Lady Nara, so good to see you again," the Princess returned Nara's hug and kiss. She smiled for the first time in hours as she beheld the grand sitting room; it's opulence was second only to her castle's. The lush surroundings and noble company were just what she needed; this sort of situation was what she was good at. "Please excuse my servant's horrid manners; good help is so hard to find these days."

Before Cole could protest, Mel silenced him with a deadly look. When Nara turned her attention away for a moment, the Princess put a finger to her lips and made a motion that meant she would explain to him later.

Mel then turned her back on Cole and joined Nara on one of her soft couches. "Oh, this was my father's idea of course. He wishes me to inspect his holdings in the region, but to do it as stealthily as possible. Luckily for me, you are mounting an expedition to the area father wishes me to inspect! Isn't that the most marvelous coincidence?" Mel gave a fake giggle, and gave Nara a mischievous look. "Oh, please Lady Nara! Can't I come with you? I'll stay out of your way, and my servant doesn't eat that much. Cole won't be any trouble at all! He's a bit slow, but he means well. He can help your baggage handlers with the luggage if you wish it..."

 

[Isolde]

Cole was about to reply when the princess pushed past him. He sighed. The silly girl was going to get them deep into trouble one day. What was he thinking. She already had them deep in trouble.

As she spoke to Nara, Cole's eyes took in the other woman's appearance. Something about her was....he couldnt put his finger on it. It was as if she was deliberatly letting him think less of her. The warning bells he had gained when in the profession of spy started going off. He pushed them to the back of his mind.

But he would bid his time. First of all, this woman was the way to get the princess out of town and danger and second he always did like a good mystery.

When the princess Mel volunteered his services, he couldnt help but smile. "Touche," He thought. She got a jab in on him for what he did in the kitchen. Impressive. She just might have a brain after all.

"Oh, yeah," He said, taking an exaggerated bow toward Nara,"I am very good at helping out an aged person such as yourself."

With a chuckle he shrugged and said in a dry tone,"I also have some experience guarding caravans. You both might want to put that to use. Cant have anyone of title getting hurt, you know. Would be bad for my rep."

 

[Neale]

Nara Wyvernspur

"Fantastical! Manfred, my butler will show you to your room, hon. Guess your servant can bunk in the common room for the night. First thing in the morning, we'll head out!"


OOC: Looks like we have everyone we are going to have for the trip. To my knowledge this is THEBRAT, MrSand, Isolde, Neale, SpectreT, and Roland. Brat, you and Spectre meet us at Nara's mansion in the morning. At dawn, you will find a group of horses, provided by Nara, and Sand's, Isolde's, and my characters. Roland, you still need to post some sort of joining of our merry group. As you may have noticed, we have no magic-user, so your alchemist's talents will be very useful. If there is anyone else out there who wishes to join in, please do ASAP.
I'll give folks a chance to post their actions overnight, then post the gathering of forces in the morning, at dawn. (Real time, that would be late tonight, or tomorrow before lunch).

 

[SpectreT]

Erin Rathe

I grinned as I got to the mansion that morning, leading my big red charger. There were several horses handy, and all seemed to be pretty high quality. My own nickered at the lot in greeting. I nodded to the stable boy, who led one of the horses away at my approach. My grin widened.

"Silly Wyvernspur," I said merrily, to no one. "Who ever heard of a Knight without a horse?"

 

[THEBRAT]

Little Wart

When I arrive at "The Wyvernspur Mansion"I see that one of the party has already arrived and has his own horse!

"Well riding a horse is alot better than walking there I guess!"


OOC I have Jury Duty starting on Sept 19.

 

[Isolde]

Cole

Cole shook his head in the negative. "I will be standing guard at the princess' door, thank you very much," He said in a no nonsense voice while taking Mel's arm and having her stand.

"Now, since we are in need of rest, can you show us where the princess' room is...." Cole gave her no room to argue and soon they were situated with the princess in her room and Cole standing watch as servants passed in and out getting Mel a tub of water for a bath, garments more appropriate for her station and rich food again.

He kept an eye out when their hostess came and went from the room and, whereever Mel was, Cole was not far behind. Much to the princess' dismay.

Finally she gave up and went to bed, Cole at her door until the morning.



Bright and early the next morning, Cole found some servants that led him to the stables so that he could check on the provisions, etc for the trip. Making one of them stay at Mel's door, he let them know exactly what would happen should anything befall the princess and left the shaking man to guard the door as he set up for the trip.

 

[MrSand]

The Persuers

During the night, the shadow glared at the mansion which housed their prey.

"You are sure the girl and her protector are within?" he asked his brown-cloaked companion.

"Yes. "

The shadow turned its angry glare back at the dwelling. "A servant of Mask resides within; we can not enter. But soon, they have to leave this place. We will strike then."

The one in the brown cloak remained silent.

 

[MrSand]

Princess Mel

Although Cole's behavior was beginning to grate on Mel's nerves, the Princess was nevertheless happy. After taking a luxurious bath, then changing into better clothes of silk and satin, she was feeling more like her old self. It was as if the nightmare of the previous night had never existed.

She sighed sadly, glancing at her reflection in the chamber mirror. "Will I ever return home again?" She asked it.

When no answer came, she turned away from her own image and fell atop the soft bed. Bitter tears leaked onto the pillows as the Princess drifted off into a troubled sleep.

 

[Neale]

Nara Wyvernspur

Nara hadn't slept much, as nighttime was generally her most active period. Arrangements had been made with some of her trusted lieutenants to take care of the guild in her absence. Further arrangements had been made to acquire the services of a bodyguard, one Mongo the half-ogre. He was huge, dumb, and utterly loyal to the guild. In her guild-master guise, she had ordered him to join Nara's party, and protect her.

The rest of the wee hours of the morning saw her overseeing her majordomo as he, in turn, oversaw the gathering of adventuring gear. All would be in readiness in the mansion's courtyard by first light.

The last thing she did, just before dawn, was to pray to Mask, the god of thieves and secrets, her chosen patron diety, asking his protection and guidance during this difficult mission.

 

[Isolde]

Cole

Cole entered the stables and looked for the stable master. When he found him, Cole nodded a greeting.

"I am here to get things ready for the princess to travel with the party. I am also offering my services in getting things ready for our journey in total."

The stable master smiled and led Cole to where the wagons were being packed. Cole spent the next few hours making sure everything was ready before he headed inside again and up to the princess' room.

Knocking gently on the door, he called out,"Princess....Mel, are you ready for your things to be packed? I assume your friend made sure you had a few changes of clothing."

 

[MrSand]

Princess Mel

Mel opened the door and stepped out of her room in a swish of silks and satins. The red dress she was wearing, although elegant and attractive, was flouncy to say the least. It looked hardly suited to moving around in the city let alone on a long, dangerous quest.

"Well?" she asked Cole with a smile. "How do I look?"

 

[Isolde]

Cole

While the dress made Cole look more than once, he knew it was more suited to a dance than a journey. It struck him again that this girl knew nothing outside her sheltered life.

Her smile took him off balance too, it was the first time that she had done anything but yell at him. Cole was lost for words for a moment but he finally said in a weary voice,"Like a signal flag to every highway man on the road. It simply screams 'Rob me!' Though you look every inch the princess I dont think you want me to have to deal with that many rogues. Want to try again?"

Then he realized he might have sounded too harsh and amended,"It's not that you dont look good in it, Princess. In fact you look quite beautiful but something a little more practical might be in order. I can help you pick out something if you like."

 

[MrSand]

Princess Mel

The Princess gave Cole a withering glare and puffed out her cheeks in anger. Although he did compliment her, Mel did not hear it. The princess's brain stopped listening after his remark about her outfit.

"You plebian pig! How dare you insult my clothing! You low life!" She spouted more curses at the adventurer before turning back and shuffling into her room.

After about half an hour, Mel returned, this time dressed in a more appropriate cotton and leather ensemble. She tied a black traveling cloak around her neck and walked past Cole without a word. She marched down the stairs and into the sitting room, where she plopped down on one of the sofas to await the beginning of the journey.

 

[SpectreT]

Erin Rathe

There was some hustle and bustle going on in and around the mansions' stables, but every time I tried to help, the stableman or his people shooed me off, or ran me down as I tried to figure out what they needed put where; it quickly became quite obvious that my duty lay elsewhere this day. I headed inside, where I'd seen the dark and grim fellow go once he'd checked the wagons again. I was still trying to figure out just what kind of journey we were on; most of my ventures started and ended at Blaze and his saddlebags. I shrugged, murmering under my breath, "Maybe she really is a flake,"

I got one of the bigger shocks of my life when I saw the Loud-mouthed Princess from the inn last night studiously ignoring the fellow in black riding leathers. "Eh.. Hello. I am Lady Erin Rathe, Knight of Torm." I smiled and nodded to each of them in turn, looking around. "Where, pray tell, is the instigatrix of this Quest?"

 

[Neale]

Nara Wyvernspur

Dressed in standard riding leathers and leading her favorite horse, Nara walked up to where the others were standing. "Anybody calling for an instigatrix? That would be me!" She beamed a smile at her favorite orc-fodder, the noble Tormite, Lady Erin. "We ready to get the parade started, everyone? Oh, everyone, meet Mongo!"

From the shadowed side of the stables of the manse, a hulking brute of a half-ogre, clad in battered leather and plate armor, lurched forward. He was pulling along a very reluctant and very large horse. "Me Mongo. Me kill now, Lady?"

Nara chuckled, "No, Mongo... you kill later. Be good, sweetie!"

 

[THEBRAT]

Little Wart

I have a question! How am I supposed to mount one of these Horses?



"All of The Horses are all larger than I am myself!"