Riordeg is amazed at how important the 'right clothes' seem to be at a wedding. You just wear your armour, and that's good enough, right? Well, women probably need dresses and flowers and stuff, and because Aelasuria will become queen maybe a crown of some sort, but it's no big deal, right?

After five minutes of listening to the conversations he realises just HOW wrong he was, and he wonders if his cousin knows exactly what is in store for him. The thought cheers Riordeg up considerably, until he realises that the longer this all goes on, the less time he will have for finding a suitable present for Rita.

"Dear lord," he whispers to Rita, "are weddings always so ... well, complicated?"

He's more than a little relieved when she heads off to get some advice about a wedding present for Theodierc and Aelasuria. Good girl! Now all he needs is an opportunity to escape this circus and do some shopping of his own ...

Riordeg checks his pockets...

Theoderic has faced some serious problems regarding financial compensation of his troops.  Until now, he hasn't had a kingdom, at least, not much of one.  Typically, (and considering a very broad range of typical) a kingdom could sustain about 1% of its population as professional warriors, that is, people who were paid by society to be more or less full time soldiers.  In medieval England, this would have been the knights- and they numbered about 1%.  Rome's army, counting the auxilliaries and other support to the legions was about the same 1%.

For short durations, a much higher percentage could actually fight.  This historcally gave nomadic and otherwise mobile populations an edge:  they could move their whole population into the land they intended to attack, and then, for a short time, field a very large force.

So Theoderic has far more men under arms than he can pay for, and he (and Riordeg, and other “insiders” ) knows this.  He's carried them this far on hope and desperation.

That being said, he's made provisions for some payment to the professional core he intends to keep after the army demobilizes for the winter- about 50 men.   Riordeg is one of these.  He's actually been paid.


And meanwhile, Rita arrives for conversations...

Chara has not heard from Aelasuria's family.  She knows they intended to be here, but she's not sure how- Geneva is distant and separated by many miles of Huns.  Having arrived recently herself, she's not yet settled down.  She promises to look into the Ali'cor situation.  A portal to Geneva would be a handy thing!

Presents, though, present and entirely different situation.

"Knowing Theoderic and Aelasuria, they appreciation things with meaning, or things that can bring joy, much more than wealth.  In fact, Theoderic would probably see anything extravagant as a little sad, knowing how many people are in need.  So Entherin and I have found as a present for them,   It will take a little effort to keep it a surprise... we'll manage.  But from you... they know your life has been one of constant service, and what more can they ask of you?  Anything you give to them would be taken from one of your causes, and they know what that means to you.  So I think, your blessings are the best thing they could have."

Kyriel goes searching for the Duke. The most likely place is where a lot of people are, or at least where those who know where he is should be.

After some searching she arrives on the scene, shoulder bloody and slightly out of breath. Not the most auspicious (or discrete) entrance.

"I honestly don't know," Rita whispers back to Riordeg in response to his question about weddings always being so complicated. "The royal aspect probably makes this one more complicated than most."

She smiles when Chara shares with her what she and Entherin are getting Aelasuria and Theoderic as wedding presents.

"Don't worry; I won't say anything," she reassures them.

Chara's comment about her blessings being the best gift she could give the couple takes her by surprise. It isn't something she expected to hear. Somehow, it seems insufficient. She can give people blessings at any time. Though Chara is correct; any money she spends would likely be otherwise spent on one of her causes.

She isn't sure what to say, thinking over the issue in her mind.

"Of course they will have my blessings, which are really the gods' blessings. But I would like to give something mundane as well. Perhaps I could start a fund for the refugees in his kingdom and donate what I would have spent on a gift to this fund. There will be much need for rebuilding in this new kingdom. I can do a private ritual calling the blessings of Lord Pluto and Lady Proserpina on this fund. Lord Pluto is the god of wealth, so it makes sense to seek his blessing for the fund to increase through further donations."

She turns around upon hearing the sound of running and sees the girl Kyriel, whom she remembers from Midsummer. The girl must have fallen or been in some sort of accident, as she is injured and bleeding.

"What happened to you?" she asks kindly. "I can take care of that. Here, let me heal you." She heads to Kyriel, prepared to cast a healing spell.

Kyriel is about to wave Rita off, but then she realizes who this is. "Matre, thank you for the blessing! I'm not worthy of such attention from one such as you. . . ." Her voice grows weak towards the end.

As Rita moves in to heal her she swoons and her eyes roll back in her head as she slumps into the priestess. While the priestess supports her, she whispers into her ear "The hun emperor has put a bounty on Aelasuria and King Theoderic. You've got to warn them that they're in grave danger. I expect at least one attempt will be made at the wedding. They must be warned!"

Kyriel’s interruption of the wedding planning session has caused quite a shock.  The Duke is not here.  The planning of weddings here in Lucimburic seems to be an entirely (or at least mostly) female thing.  (The Elves don’t think so, which is why Entherin, Theoderic’s grandmother, brought Lyrandol, her captain and right hand, along.)  But the Duke has left things with Babette.

Normally, Babette cruises through minor setbacks and disappointments like an icebreaker tearing through the first thin crust on an early winter sea.  But Kyriel is not a minor issue.

She runs over, the wooden floors carrying the vibration of charging Werebear.

“Oh goodness sweet maple trees,” she says.  “Look at you!  Oh, we need a healer!”

Then, suddenly, she calms down.  As usual, problems solve themselves.

“And we have one,” Babette says, sounding rather pleased as Rita uses her healing magic.”

Meanwhile, Entherin is concerned about the grave news Kyriel has brought.

“A bounty on Theoderic and Aelasuria,” she says.  She pauses, thinking about it.

“There is nothing to fear from ordinary attacks,” Lyrandol says.  “Theoderic and Aelasuria are both competent and well protected.  It is skilled assassins we should expect.  Are there any known to be in this land?”

Kyriel's injuries seem worse than Rita had thought on first sight. She could have fainted from blood loss. Rita casts healing spells on her. If she still looks sick or doesn't regain consciousness once the healing spells are cast, Rita will then cast a spell to detect poison.

"Of course you are worthy," she begins. "How did this happen?"

If anyone here owes another an apology, it is Rita to Kyriel. She remembers their conversation at Midsummer, when she had annoyed Kyriel by sounding like a "know-it-all." I will apologize to her as soon as she is healed and this new crisis is dealt with, Rita thinks to herself.

The one thing that had never crossed Rita's mind was the thought that the emperor would attempt an assassination of Theoderic and Aelasuria at the wedding. Somehow, the wedding and the holiday celebrations had, in her mind at least, become a safe haven, free of the war and the Huns.

Had Kyriel been hurt by a messenger who made those threats?

After casting the healing spells, she calls to Babette, but the werebear has already heard Kyriel's whisper.

"Did someone do this to you? Did the person who made the threat attack you, and did they get away? Lady Babette, we need to find Duke Barstow and King Theoderic, and Aelasuria too. They need to know about this, especially since an assassin could disguise themselves in a large crowd, whether at the marketplace or even at the wedding itself."

Skilled assassins are not necessarily the only threat, she realizes.

"There is another possibility," she says in response to Lyrandol. "Demons. Summoned creatures, the type that attacked the Temple of Pluto in Arras. They started some type of magical fire that no one could put out. Some demons can disguise themselves as humans, which means they could make their way into the crowd at the wedding. I don't mean to scare anyone, but this changes things. Everyone thought Arras was safe, and it wasn't. We cannot have a repeat of that."

From her quick glance into the room, Kyriel hadn't realized that most if not all of the people here were to be trusted. Now she feels foolish for entering and making such a scene. It was both unnecessary and wasted effort. She straightens up and gives Rita a grin. "I'm fine, matre. And I'm sorry about the show. I wasn't sure who was in here and I wanted to make sure that only those that need to know do know."

She fluidly gets to her feet and curtsies to the Duchess and Lady Entherin. "Your Grace, Lady Enterhin. I'm not sure who is after the bounty on Aelasuria and King Theoderic, but I know that there will be some. After helping defeat Zerova, Rory and I made our way back to the Academy. On the way back we passed through Samarabriva. It was there that we first learned of it. Then we went through Rotomagus and I got this." She pulls out the paper with the bounty notice that she removed from the kiosk.

She shrugs. "I know this isn't much information, but I would expect several attempts here. This is the perfect time and opportunity for the emperor to deal with his military loss. Taking one or both of them out will show that his arm is still long and powerful. Especially so if it happens in a very public event in a place not controlled by his own forces.

Some of the attempts will be amaturish and easy to thwart. I expect that one or two will be very subtle and difficult to stop."

When asked about her wound, she shakes her head. "No. It was some weird vulture-hyena thing on the roof. Don't worry, it's dead. I kind of found my way up there looking for someone to tell this to."

Hearing that the hun have powerful magic available that can get through to the temples makes her worry about the Academy. "The wizards at the Academy need to be warned about that."

Babette finds a private salon where Kyriel can rest, and hurries off to find her husband. He has to hear about this... and about the weird vulture thing on the roof.  Normally, there are no weird vulture things in Lucimburic!  Especially, with four legs.  This is not place for unnatural animals.  Arduinna abhors them.  But security is the Duke's concern- no doubt he will share the news with Texxor, the general of the army of Lucimburic, and with Mergyon, for Mergyon, obsessed as he is with form and formality, is also obsessive about maintaining security in the palace.

Kyriel quickly briefs Rita on what they know about the tactics. "Matre, we know how the Blackguard were able to get inside information to perform their attacks. They have some kind of memory stealing moss. They've used it to steal memories from certain clerics and then used it again to steal the theft! The ultimate crime. The victim doesn't even know that anything has been stolen!

We know that this was done with a cleric called Leona, a priestess of Pluto. From what I understand, it is extremely hard to avoid having memories taken by this stuff.

Zerova is no longer an issue. Rory and I helped send her back to the abyss. Hopefully it will be a long time before she can return!"

She waits until the Duke is available before she heads out on other, personal business.

"A vulture-hyena creature on the roof?" Rita is incredulous. "A monster on the roof of the palace in a city filled with people--that should not be taken lightly, even if it is dead. Someone should go examine what's left of it. Most likely it is a demonic, abyssal creature, and that could mean someone nearby is summoning such creatures. I wouldn't mind examining it, but I think it better that I don't go alone. Would anyone here be willing to accompany me?"

She starts telling Kyriel that they know about the memory-stealing moss, that they even saved Xybezza, a priestess of Pluto whose memories had been stolen, but the shock of hearing this was done to Leondra stuns her into momentary silence.

"Leona...You mean Leondra Pelion, the Bishopress--former Bishopress of Vipiacus! Her father was the High Priest of Pluto in Arras, and he died in the fight against those fire demons. This must have been done to Matre Leondra when she was still in Vipiacus." Rita trembles slightly as the extent of the horror the Huns have perpetrated becomes clear. "They took Matre Leondra's memories and used them to kill her father.

She cannot ever be allowed to know this. It would destroy her.

Do we know who did this, if Zerova worked alone or with others such as blackguards or orc shamans? I will dispatch them to Tartarus myself if they still walk this Earth."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:05, Mon 25 Mar 2013.

Kyriel nods. "Yes, Matre. I misspoke her name.

The moss we have came from Zerova's wagon. I don't know who was the one that stole her memories. We're not even sure how much information was passed on."

While waiting for the duke, she takes a few minutes to straighten up her outfit and try to get the blood out. She's more successful at the former than the latter.

Eventually, Duke Barstow, accompanied by his lead general the Werewolf Texxor, swings by the room where Kyriel first brought up the issue of possible assassination attempts, and Kyriel is waiting, eager to get on the move again, thanks to Rita's assistance.

  The Duke is concerned over security, and promises to take up the issue with his staff.  But he's confident this can be managed.  It’s not easy getting past a pack of wary werewolves.  He elects not to bother Theoderic with such concerns.  First, from what he’s heard, Theoderic already knows.  Second, as he tells Texxor:  “It’s the man’s wedding.  He should have his mind on other things.”

And there are other things to worry about.  Aelasuria’s family has shown up and… where is that girl, anyway?

The Duke finds himself short handed, and possibly short of space, as the Elven Mission has reported that yes, they’d love to, but they can’t, as they are packed full.

There are a few spaces the Duke has been keeping in reserve for this moment.  There are the official guest suites- the best in the palace, built for visiting VIP’s, and Danazol fits the bill.  With a little work, they are divided up into separate rooms, so Aelasuria’s parents have a place as well.

The others… they will have to be accommodated in the suites built for children.  Barstow and Babette have no children, so there are quite a few empty rooms available.  If the Elves don’t mind the décor…

Texxor, though, has a different kind of question for Kyriel.

"What's the blood from?  It's not Elf.  It's more like bird."

When the Duke brings up using werewolves as security, Kyriel purses her lips. "I'd suggest having the best werewolf warriors in place of your regular guards, but no extra visible. On the midsummer trip, the blackguards were able to tell that the werewolves were watching them. We'll need people for whom sneakiness and skullduggery are second nature. I'm sorry General Texxor, but you werewolves seem to be very straight up about things. Do you have any spies? They would be good for this kind of thing."

Other questions arise, and she answers them as best she can.

As to the blood? "When I was searching for the Duke and Duchess, I made my way to the roof. There was a weird half-hyena/vulture thing there. Ali'Cor and I fought it. It hit me in the shoulder, but it's dead. I can take you there, if you want."

Kyriel’s description of the “weird half-hyena, half-vulture” thing causes much more of a reaction than her report of the bounty offered for Theoderic and Aelasuria.

She is invited to join Texxor and others in another thread, "Meetings at the Palace" where the meeting begins with message 24.

Theoderic and Aelasuria are specifically not invited, or even told about the meeting.  Texxor still doesn't think their wedding should be a time of worry for them.

Is Rita invited to the meeting at the palace to discuss the creature? She certainly would like to take a look at what is left of it.

If Rita wants to attend, Kyriel will bring her along.

      The Dwarven duo finally make their way into the Palace of Lucimburic and head directly to
the Great Hall.  The Patres presence tis heralded by the tapping of his Agnon against the stone
floor as he ambles towards his goal.

      Once inside the Great Hall he bellows out . . .

"I must speak to King Theoderic and the Duke at wonce pon a matter O' the greatest
import!"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:38, Thu 04 Apr 2013.

Arctos gets neither the Duke nor Theoderic.  Instead, he is quickly met by General Texxor, who was just making the rounds with a few of his guards.

Arctos recalls the Werewolf General- they fought together at Beda, Texxor leading his troops against the exposed south flank of the Hun force as Arctos fought his way into the Alpach ravine.  Texxor is a very effective warrior, he recalls, and fights with an almost bestial savagery.

But then... he is a Werewolf.

"Chaplain Arctos!" Texxor greets him.  "Battle-priest of the Dwarves, stainer of the soils of Beda.  What is this about?"

      Patre Arctos takes on a most serious demeanor and tone while smacking the end of his Agnon
against the stone flagstones of the floor in frustration, and proceeds to whisper into the ear of
General Texxor . . .

      "Tis naught a subject wot should be broached publically twixt tither thyself r'e mineself!
In fact wot words I must utter be for the ears O' thy Duke, King Theoderic, r'e his wife to be
alone, and none tuther . . . as it be the words O' Vulcan 'Himself' that I must speak!  By all
that be Holy take me to them if'n it tis in thy power at wonce good ser!  There must be naught
any arguement pon this matter tither as its a subject that be quite sensitive in its very nature.

      Besides I hath sworn an oath naught to speak O' the matter to just any the one else, so can
only speak with those whom I hath mentioned . . . tutherwise it would besmirch mine honor as a
Dwarf to do tutherwise.  Methinks it best to advise thee that it wouldst naught be e' good thing
to ev'r force a Dwarf into compromizing his sworn oath to another, as it be the greatest o'
sins in the eyes O' the gods O' Dwarven goodness!  Can thee take me to them now good ser?"

This message was last edited by the player at 01:25, Fri 05 Apr 2013.

"So tis true, what they say about Dwarves, then?  That the dented metal helms consider  dented heads?  Do you not know that I am the commander of the military might of Lucimburic?  Let us go, then.  I have taken oaths myself, and they concern obedience to orders, and I am not to disturb King Theoderic.  We shall seek out Duke Barstow at once!"

Texxor turns around once more as they walk down the corridor in the palace.

"And stop banging that damn thing!  I am only the head of the military, you do not wish to face the wrath of the housekeeper if you scuff her polished floor!"

They walk along, beneath the great Ardennes Tower which is the central feature of the palace, beneath high vaulted ceilings, with occasional mutterings from Texxor...

"Fuzzy little.... like werebadgers... probably same stock..."

Finally, the find the Duke.  He is a massive werebear, and he in the process of sampling dishes in the kitchen.

"Your Highness," Texxor says.  "The security meeting is concluded and our plan begins... as per your orders you will not hear of it."

"Excellent," the Werebear says.  "Our opponents will assume that I do.  This will mask our tracks better than essence of pepper, I'll bet.  Now, who is in the metal can beside you?"

"Tis Arctos, a chaplain officer of the Dwarves.  A doughty fighter.  Good courage, not much sense for tactics.  But a fighter, yes.  Claims to have a message for you from his god Vulcan."

"The Smith god?"

"That one,your highness."

The big werebear buts down a forkful of herb crusted fish and looks at Arctos.  "Well, chaplain Arctos?  I do not know much about Vulcan, but if he has taken an interest in us it can't be a bad thing, right?"

      The Dwarven Patre finds that his mouth has gone dry after having spoken with Texxor, and
begins to scratch his partially burned scruffy beard while he gruffly replies  . . .

      "Tis quite true Lord.  One should n'vr ignore the Dwarven gods O' gootness!  But wot I hath
to utter be for thy ears, King Theoderic's, and his n'tended wife to be and none tuther 'Most
Honorable Duke Barstow'."

      The Patre tries to suppress a cough but fails, and pauses a moment till his fit subsides, then continues . . .

      "Excuse me 'Highness' for but a moment as I must slake mine thirst and numb mine pains
from mine most recent O' wounds.  Ye see mine wounds hath naught totally healed o'er as yet
beins that Demon schrapenel tis the hardest O' battle wounds to ev'r heal up from.   Besides
I doth na wont to lose mine voice tither whence I must utter words O' the most delicate nature
to thee . . ."

       Arctos removes his secreted flask thats hidden within his raiments, unstoppers it, takes
several large chugs, swallows deeply, restoppers it, and returns it promptly from whence it came, then continues . . .
       
       "Highness mayst we speaks in private?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:15, Fri 05 Apr 2013.

“Are we alone?”
“Yes.”
“Are you sure we’re alone?”
“Yes.”
“Well then who’s standing next to you?”
“Why… that’s you!”
“I know… but can I be trusted?”
                 - from Wayne and Schuster’s “Rinse the Blood Off My Toga.”

Realizing that the strange Dwarf will not share his critical news, whatever it may be, unless there’s no one else present, and not wanting to abandon his important kitchen duties, Barstow leads the way to one of his favorite places in the palace: the kitchen meat vault.  Texxor insists that the Dwarf leave his weapons outside, if Arctos is going to be alone with the Duke.  After all, maybe the Dwarf is the villain!  Or possessed by one.

Once disarmed, Arctos goes with Barstow into the meat vault.  Many deceased animals, in whole or in part, are hanging on racks.

“Alright,” Barstow says.  “You can tell me know.  Mind you, you ought to be quick with it, or you may acquire a subtle hickory smoke flavor.  And with the smell of hickory smoked Dwarf on the wind, we’ll be up to our ears in Cave Trolls in no time.  Out with it, Arctos!”

       While speaking, Arctos looks about the meat vault in order to note the types of animal
carcasses that are contained therein.

       "Art thee aware O' the one whom carries wot tis known as "The Book O' Beasts" wot tis
bound in the hide O' a wild animal.  The beasts described within this book art naught at all
natural tither!  The one O' whom I speak tis the assassin whom wishes thee, Theoderic, and
Aelasuria to die by his hand.  He hath been hired by the Huns to perform this assassination.
Can thee name this ones moniker whom I speak O', and where he can be found?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:13, Fri 05 Apr 2013.

After the performance in the Clear Fountain Plaza, Rita will head back to the palace to find Lady Barstow. If she can also find Lady Chara and the three of them can meet together, that is even better.

"I want to talk to you about my gift idea for King Theoderic and Aelasuria, setting up a relief fund for the kingdom. How could we organize this? If we can announce it during the festivities and ask people who are here enjoying the season and the wedding to donate whatever they can, we might pick up quite a few small donations, enough to really make a difference in rebuilding those areas in the kingdom that have been devastated by the war. What do both of you think? Of course, I don't want anyone to feel compelled to give anything. All donations should absolutely be voluntary. People are already in a festive spirit and the thought of taking part in rebuilding the kingdom instead of buying yet one more gift or pastry might be very appealing. It will enable everyone to play a real role in establishing the king's reign."