The Royal Astrologer stood up at Lady Sadina's words and regarded each of the Heroes in turn, slave and Lady, warrior and rogue, to one and all he gave the unwavering focus.  His midnight robe seemed to flow about him, as if moved by a gentle breeze.  he looked at them from beneath his heavy cowl...then he turned and glanced at Lady Sadina; to everyone's astonishment, he pulled his cowl back, letting the light in the place bathe his face for the first time in many MANY years.  His features were youthful, tousled dark hair, a face that most would have called handsome, though pain was written in the lines that creased at the corners of his golden eyes and furrowed his brow.

"Much, that was, is gone, and will not come again.  It is a new world now, a better one for us all, and for that you have earned my gratitude."  He looked again at Lady Sadina, and his features softened, and the care graven on his face seemed to melt away.  Turning once more to the Heroes, he continued his thoughts.

"And so I have given each of you a gift of my own, which are but a small token of what I owe you all, for you have given me a treasure, greater than any of you could possibly understand.  Peruse these scrolls at your convenience, and may they bring each of you some measure of what you seek.  I am at your disposal, should you require help with them, though I doubt very much you shall.  You have faced terrors few mortals can imagine, I think a simple scroll holds little peril for you."

If one did not know the grim Astrologer better, one would almost have sworn they noticed a hint of merriment in his eyes as he nodded respectfully towards his Empress, then resumed his seat and quietly took Lady Sadina's hand again.

OOC: For each of you your scroll has something unique.  Send me a private message and we will discuss it.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:49, Sun 12 June 2016.

The little grey kitten could smell the human food as soon as the cart stopped moving.  Her little nose poked out and she leapt from her hiding place in search of her meal.  There were many two-leggers about.  Darting under other carriages and skirting many of the humans in metal suits.  She managed to follow her nose to where the most wonderful smell was.  There was a table with many trays upon it.  Two-leggers stood about, ignoring her, not that she wanted to be watched at the moment.  under and between, staying close to the wall she made her way to the table.  Her nose taking in so many scents and aromas.  She soon had gotten to under the table.  She sat and licked her paw as she thought about how to snag her meal.  Moving out a bit she looked up to see how far she had to jump.  As if to test the wind she lifted a small paw then moved into her spring starting pose and let loose.  in a second she was on the table.  She now saw her target, shrimp that had bee speared on a stick.  She batted it quick and then could see a young boy coming after her.  It was too late in that she snagged the skewer and had it in her mouth as she then jumped down and back under the table to eat her prize.

 She walked over to the table and bent down, lifted the cloth and looked under.
 "Hello little one. You do not need to steal food. There is a table set for you too. Come, follow me!"
 She stepped around the table, between the big table and the wall and led the kitty to a low platform loaded with dishes of small bites of food fit for kittens and coons, and any other small creature that accompanied their pet parent.
 Ham, chicken, sausages, fishes, shrimp, eggs, you name it, it would probably be there.

Little Kitty was already half way done with one shrimp when the light hit her again.  Her head turned, wide-eyed.  Instantly she backed up the stick still in her mouth.  When she realized the tall woman was not going to take her meal she hesitantly decided to follow her.  The kabob still being carried even though the stick was now broken a bit.  A few of her kitty friends were there already.  She looked up at the tall two-legger a moment then looked at the bowls of food again.  She moved to that table.  Humans were so....obstinent to train.

 She smiled and shook her head as she walked away. The kitten was adorable and would lead the persons who adopted her a merry chase one day.

In reply to Stardancer (msg # 88):

"Well now, that is a fine look for you." Rinaldo adjusted her sash with a smile then his smile broadened as he read the scroll, from Hieronymus and this is a bit of very potent magic. The sorcerer he can grant almost anything. Even change the very nature of a person to a certain degree. Such as the way I can change shape.It wold be possible to be a man, a bird, even a centaur if you knew the right magics."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:02, Sun 12 June 2016.

Azeal approached the Empress in confident stride his face and head bared in respect to the young ruler. His cloak flared as he knelt before her without any sign of hesitance. "Rule well young one."

 "Heed the words of a prince fallen into disgrace. Always put first in your contemplations the good of the many, and consider the consequences of your actions. May you be long remembered as a just and wise ruler who brought only prosperity and peace to your realm."

he rose quickly bowed again and retreated to his place among the others.

"Of course, thank you, Your Majesty," Crow replied with a simple nod and a bow before excusing himself.  Taking the Empress's suggestion, the young bard walked over to pick up some refreshments for himself.  He poured himself a drink before walking over to join Motoko at the table.

It was at that moment that a familiar-looking racoon poked his head out from his master's hood.  The little critter looked around before jumping out from his hiding place and onto the floor.  Upon hearing Fairaday mention a table set for kittens, Cooper skittered over toward the low platform.  He joined the little kittens there, nibbling away at some of the small bites of food.

As soon as Crow's name was called, he approached the Empress once more.  He wasn't entirely sure what to expect and was surprised by the award that was bestowed upon him.  He certainly didn't expect a patency of royalty.  He bowed politely and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty.  Thank you for this honour.  I will not let you down."

The young bard addressed the Lady Sadina as well, considering she had also contributed some of her wealth toward the rewards.  "Thank you, m'Lady."

Perhaps the most surprising gift of all was the scroll given to him by the Imperial Astrologer.  Crow opened up the scroll and... stared blankly at it, not entirely sure what to make of it.

"Uh... thank... you?" Crow glanced up from his scroll long enough to bow respectfully to Hieronymous.  He turned the scroll upside down... turned it around... turned it sideways... then used, "Read Magic."

He looked up toward Hieronymous and said, "I'm sorry.  I... I don't understand."

Stardancer thought about what Rinaldo said about the scroll.  To her it was like being told she could ask for the moon and have it.  Still she thought what good would the moon be..She would have no place to put it and no one could enjoy it.  She waited until the others allowed the opportune moment for her to go and speak with this master of mystic arts.
When it appeared she approached, not hard to miss as tall as she was.  Politely she knealt then rose slowly "My apologies Master Mage.." her voice gentle and quiet "I did not understand your gift before.  Please forgive my ignorance.  I do understand now." She glanced about a bit nervously, unsure if this is what she was to do.  Another half step  she leaned and whispered into the mages ear her request and hoped for approval , after whispering she took a step back to await a response.

"Good girl.  That's a very good girl," Motoko couldn't help but giggle happily as Petal kissed her fingertips.  She reached out with her other hand and gently stroked her pet's hair.  Her tongue flicked out to wet her lips as she watched the auburn-haired slave girl withdrew and thanked her for the treat.  Motoko giggled again at the sight of the tiny dab of cream on Petal's nose.  She reached out and scooped it up with her fingertip before bringing it to the submissive girl's lips.

When the swordswoman's name was called out, she snapped to attention.  Taking her attention away from her toy, she wiped her hand on her napkin before approaching the Empress.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Motoko bowed respectfully to the Empress.  She smiled at the memory of seeing this very same Empress dressed like a commoner not long ago.  Of course she remembered Scamp's face and the adventure they had together down in the labyrinth.  There was no doubt that her highness will indeed rule well, justly, and with wisdom.  She wasn't sure how to feel about receiving a patent of minor royalty, considering she was supposed to be traveling on her path of swordsmanship.  Did this mean she was a Baroness, now?  She didn't have to abandon the journey she was put on my her Shisho, did she?

The swordswoman also remembered to thank Sadina and Hieronymous for their contributions to the awards.  After thanking the imperial astrologer, Motoko opened up the scroll she had been given to see what was written inside.

The Royal Astrologer turned his attention to the obviously confused Crow and nodded as if he expected his question, then he replies with surprising warmth:

"I wouldn't have expected you to, Master Minstel.  I shall put it to you this way:  Not everything is what it seems at first.  Sometimes you need to look at things in a different light.  This is one final test, Master Jackdaw, the last one I ever intend to give actually.  Come to me when you know what this scroll means and we will talk."



Hieronymous regards Stargazer gently, then nods, a smile lighting his face as he responds:

"Please, there is no need for apologies.  It is a gift that requires some forethought.  You are far from ignorant, child of the Hoofed God.  You may consider your request happily granted, Stardancer.  I do also hope you enjoy the boon I have granted Lord Rinaldo as well.  Is there any other way I may help you?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:37, Sun 19 June 2016.

Clad in a splendid silk dress with a low decolletage, that seemed far too rich for a mere slave girl and yet seemed to put her gorgeous, shapely body on display for all to admire, Sparrow watched the proceedings quietly, feeling thoroughly out of place. They were all heralded as heroes, yet she hardly felt like one, weak and gentle creature that she was, unable to fight effectively and limited to singing and encouragements. The lavish rewards felt excessive to the beautiful young woman, but she dared not refute the word of such important people, and so she accepted the gifts quietly and tried to make herself forgotten, just one more decoration for the opulent room.

Finally, after weighing the question for a long time, she dared to approach the Astrologer and stood to his right, while he spoke with the others, looking down humbly with her hands clasped before her, and waiting to be acknowledged and spoken to.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:11, Sun 19 June 2016.

In reply to Motoko (msg # 98):

" Thank you ,mistress." Petal smiled and then happily licked the cream filling from the offered fingertip. When her name was called she looked up shocked and confused, then approached timidly she was so nervous she could barely babble her thanks and then rapidly retreat standing slightly behind her mistress as if hiding from the world behind the swordswoman.

"Mistress, I...what do I do with these..I..." She asked with a comical look of confusion on her face.Blushing bright red as she looked at the scroll that held her name and the title Esquire." Mistress is it alright for me to take these. I belong to you so These should be yours."

She smiled softly in gratitude "No..not at the moment atleast.  Though If during this celebration if we have a chance...I would not mind learning more of this marvelous place." She knelt again then backed away that others could benefit from his council.

After a few moments she returned to Rinaldos side.  "Master Rinaldo?  Do you believe your mother would be here?" she asked.

In reply to Stardancer (msg # 102):

" I doubt it," Rinaldo replied. With a strange look on his face. Then smiled." Wrong time of the year for her to be away from the Estate, for all the faults she is very attentive to the matters of a working estate."

Taking a glass of wine he offered it to Stardancer." We definitely should have a look around the Palace some time. I've heard it's spectacular. Of course not nearly as Interesting as The Imperial Museum of Fine art but quite lovely."
the last part of his sentence was spoken in a comical version of a haughty, slightly pretentious, matronly tone as if quoting someone he had heard too many times" Although the gardens might be a nice place to stroll I'm curious to try out the Master Astrologers gift."

She thought of what he said.  "I..I should not partake too much wine.  It tends to make centaurs to become ungainly and I have seen many injure themselves walking" though she accepted it "Still.. I..suppose it would not be so bad if I sip it slowly." She flicked a bit of one of the feathers he wore out from under his collar where it was caught.  A gentle finger caressed near his ear.  "A walk in the gardens sounds wonderful if we are allowed, perhaps we can before this celebration calms down"

"A few glasses would be safe. and four legs work far less effectively when you have had too much. I've seen one of our stallions after he got into a fermenting vat full of grapes." Rinaldo tried to suppress a chuckle." I think he had a headache for days."

he quickly risked a kiss on her hand and then took it in his." Let's see what's over here. I believe the rose gardens are that way."

While he walked with he sang, not one of is usually bawdy and raucous tunes, but a soft sweet melody he remembered from his youth. Absently he gave one rare kind thought to his mother for insisting he learned to sing.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 22:31, Sun 19 June 2016.

The old Astrologer notes Sparrow waiting awkwardly for the chance to address him. He nods to her, gazing into her eyes with a look that is far kinder than she has come to expect from him.

"Yes, Sparrow.  You have been patient, an admirable trait.  Come then and ask your boon, for I am eager to give it, and I am curious to know you will ask."

The slave girl hesitates, eyes still demurely cast to the ground. "My Lord Astrologer, I..." She hesitates again, barely conscious of the fact that she is doing so, as if she is performing some great effrontery. Then she speaks more decisively. "I bear the mark of a betrayer, marring my face. I've never believed it was fair, but now..." Her hand goes to her cheek, tracing the pattern. "Given all that has been said, about us being heroes and all, I am not sure that it is still appropriate for me to bear this..."

"I've read enough stories about this sort of thing to know that there is a deeper symbolic meaning behind this scroll," Crow replied with a lackadaisical shrug.  He already had a good idea as to what would be expected of him, but he did not have complete confidence in the answer he intended to give.  He bowed to Hieronymous and said, "Thank you for the gift.  I will be back momentarily with my answer."

A blank scroll.

A blank slate.

There was a story like that, wasn't there?  One he had heard long ago, when he was still just a child.  Just like stories, there were many ways to interpret the message behind this test.  Was he meant to answer that true power was only limited by the imagination?  Perhaps the true answer was that real magic comes from within, not from scrolls and books.  Perhaps the blank scroll was only meant as a reflection.  That, like this blank scroll, the student's mind was waiting to be filled with knowledge.

... Didn't all those essentially mean the same thing?

Before long, Crow returned to the Imperial Astrologer.  He bowed respectfully and said, "Though a blank scroll may hold many different kinds of meanings, I can only interpret this scroll in one way.  Like this blank scroll, I am ready to be filled with any knowledge you'd be willing to pass on... assuming I haven't misinterpreted your message and you really are willing to take me on as your disciple."

Hieronymous cups Sparrow's chin and turns her face so he can look at the offending mark. "I quite agree, Sparrow, you ARE a heroine, whether you believe so or not, and that mark is no longer true.  I am happy to remove it for you."

Sparrow can feel a warmth, like sunshine on her face and Hieronymous lifts a silver mirror to show her the mark has gone.

"There now your face is as fair as your heart, little one.  Is there anything more I may do for you?"

-------------------------------------------------------------------



The old Astrologer's eyes glisten with a strange light and looks away for the briefest of moments.  When he looks back at Crow, he smiles and nods to him.

"My faith is not misplaced; I am well pleased Master Crow.  My offer to you is this:  I will teach you what I can, that which you will need to know, and that which you are willing to learn.  And, when the time is right, if she approves, you will take my place as her Imperial Majesty's chief advisor.  I have little doubt that she will approve.

I am old, Crow, and it is time for a new perspective.  I believe you will make an excellent advisor and that you will give this role the respect and care it is due.  Sidi will need someone in the days to come who she can absolutely trust, someone who is not afraid to tell her when she is in error, but who can also allow her to learn from her own mistakes, with grace and kindness.  I think you can and will respect her for who she is, and gently guide her in a wise direction...better than I have done.

I will understand if you refuse, and will harbour no ill will for your decision.  It is not a task to be lightly considered; please take your time, and when you have reached a decision, I will be here awaiting your reply."

Hieronymous glances towards Lady Sadina and slips his hand back in her's once again.

----------------------------------------------------

Motoko unfurls the scroll and reads her message...
This message was last edited by the player at 00:20, Sun 26 June 2016.

Stardancer followed Rinaldo out to the garden area.  A few people were there strolling past in the hall, much of the doors had guards on them to prevent people going where they should not.  "Master Rinaldo?  Have you thought about what you will do now?" she knew she wondered.  Becoming one to lay about on an island was not something she wanted to do the rest of her life, neither was to merely serve others drink to quench a thirst.  Truth was the past year has made her want to wander even more of the lands far from her home.

 She stood by Hieronymous accepting thanks and watching the heroes come up to speak with him about their scrolls. She was very proud of Hiero, and happy that his spirit seemed so much lighter and happier than it had been for decades, and probably centuries. She hoped he truly was lighter of spirit and harbored less guilt over things that happened so very very long ago.

 She smiled down at Sparrow when she came up and shyly asked for help with her brand. Then when Crow Reeds came up, she glanced at Hiero as if to check if he was joking about Crow taking his place someday. He would have a lot to learn from Hiero if he was to help Sidi. She gave Crow a severe look. If only he knew what a special gift he was being given! Hiero had never accepted an apprentice since she had been his a few decades ago. She knew that it was not likely that Crow would learn some things from Hiero the way she herself had. She grinned then and winked at Crow.
 "You are indeed honored greatly that Hiero has decided to teach you Young Man! Do not you waste his time, but learn well and quickly! The kingdom will depend upon you."

Sparrow stroked her own cheek, where the brand was gone, and smiled softly at her reflection in the mirror. She curtseyed to Hieronymous. "You have my thanks, my lord. I would not abuse of your generosity by asking you for more. I shall leave you to more important matters."

In reply to Petal (msg # 101):

The young aspiring Kensai pondered about the scroll that she had been given.  Could she truly ask for anything?  If so... what could she possibly ask for?  The point of her travels was to gain the experience necessary to become one of the strongest swords in the land.  No spell could possibly provide her that.  Even if such a spell existed, taking a shortcut like that seemed... no.  She doubted that was what the Imperial Astrologer meant.  She was going to have to think about this more...

Her thoughts, however, were interrupted when her slave approached with the scroll and patency for the esquire title.

Motoko had only one response for Petal's question.  She held out her arms and pulled the slave girl into an embrace.  She gently stroked the other girl's hair before pulling away and giving her a gentle smile.  "I'm proud of you, my pet.  You are quite right that you belong to me and I'm very happy that you have managed to obtain such high praise and reward."

The swordswoman held out her own scroll and title of Baroness.  "Of course, it would be redundant to hold two titles at once.  You'll have to hold onto the one that was given to you, Esquire Petal.  Hieronymous is a wise man, so I trust that scroll you've been given will find more use in your hands than mine."

"You've earned these.  It's only right that you're the one who gets to make use of them," Motoko continued as she placed a kiss upon Petal's forehead.  Suddenly, she grabbed the other girl by the front of the collar and gave it a sharp yank before whispering in her ear,