2. So much of the palace has an old, unused look.  The current Duke and Duchess have been here a little more than a year and have not made the restoration of the palace a priority.  They have no children yet, few servants, and few relatives.

Things were busier in the past.  On the third floor of the section of the palace called the Bartholomew Wing, there is a suite of several rooms facing a terrace, with big windows.  This is the Musicians’ Conservatory.  It was built as a practice lounge for musicians hired to entertain the palace inhabitants, and also as a studio for the Duke’s family to study music.  But there hasn’t been much of a musical inclination in years.

Phileas and Hylensia Argentos, well known owners and managers of what may be northern Europa’s best performing troupe, have lent their services to the Duke and Duchess- they have been put in charge of the entertainment.  Though they’ve brought none themselves, they have quickly begun taking “auditions” and assigning times to performers for days of festivity.

Hylensia is explaining the basics:  “There are two venues we have to fill.  The Duke and Duchess request chamber music during the day time in the Ardennes Hall, and nightly entertainment there.  Outside, at the Clear Fountain Plaza, there will be street performers and music for the public, as a service to the people, from the Duchy.  At least a week, they say.  Would that we had brought our troupe!  But we didn’t, so we must make do.  We have Rory who we have given several evening slots to.  He’s good for early evenings.  We need to finish with something more upbeat, though.”

The wizard wanders in, thankful once again for sweet Melissa. As he looks around patches of the air change color cycling through the long list of favorite colors Aelessuria told him.

Erm... Hello? I uh ... Was coming to review the fireworks with Lady Babettte...
I've come a long way, but can do more with a proper workshop for the practice of alchemy.

Hylensia and Phileas Argentos quickly recognize Scolo as a wizard.  No one else can give off that same air of being completely familiar with the absolutely bizarre.  They've often worked with wizards.  They know the type.

And brilliant as Scolo’s oft-befuddled mind is, he does recognize the two others in the room.  A mature couple, with silvery hair and a harmony between them that allows them to anticipate each others thoughts.. and he’s seen them before, years ago, with their traveling show, performing in Aurelianorum.

Going to see a performing troupe with a bunch of academy wizards ruins part of the fun.  They sit there and comment on the techniques of the show magicians.  Takes a little of the mystique away from it.  But he remembers them.  They had quite a show- musicians, dancers, acrobats, performing acrobats.. .and a couple of magicians who were shamelessly heckled by the Academy student wizards.

"Fireworks," Phileas says, breaking Scolo's flashback.  "Wonders of wizardry, arcane crafts to dazzle the audience!  You're a performing wizard, then?"

"He's like no one you've ever seen before," Melissa says, with no exaggeration whatsoever.

"Well we need some highlight in the Clear Fountain Plaza right after the wedding, and some amusements for the crowd as they gather," Hylensia says.  "What can you do?"

Um ... Well ...
Scolo stands there a long time wondering about that. What can he do really?

What can I do? WHAT can I do? What CAN I do etc ...

As he wonders little characters appear around his head like a word bubble in a comic and they move around making the images of a story or a book. The bunny slippers on his feet perk up and tease each other. He shrugs his shoulders at the artists brushing the images away and they fall tinkling on the floor. Solid bits of pure imagination. Edgar peaks his head out a little happier at being indoors. Deciding apologies might be in order as usual Edgar's voice comes from one of the pieces.

Please don't mind the mess, it is an accident and will vanish in 8 hours or so.

Scolo doesn't pay any attention to the voice or the bits, his clothing turns a shade of pink making the bunnies seem more natural. His beaded beard and cropped hair wave just a little.

I'm not sure, ... But the lady asked me to share some fireworks ... Maybe they can be somewhere? I'm not really an entertainer ...  he says sheepishly.

Dunduin makes his way to the palace figuring that would be the place to meet the 'important folk'. He doesn't have any formal clothes as he's been on the war march for a very long time. What he does do though is at least present a clean look though his 'new' armor is now 'used' and adorned with battle dents, scratches, and the like. At least he cleaned the blood and gore off. Striding into the room Dunduin presents himself "Excuse me! Hello all! I am Dunduin, commander of the dwarven legionnaire force now present here at this fine city of Lucimburic."

Rory remembers Scolo well, his tower contained many unusual things. He smiles and steps up to the wizard, "Master Scolo, do you remember me? I put on a small show near your tower? Honestly, sir, if we had but a few of your incredible items I could design a show that would make this the most memorably even in a hundred years." He smiles broadly...

And then Dunduin enters. This is truely a stroke of luck. "Master Dunduin! It has been far too long." He puts out his hand and if Dunduin returns it, he pumps the arm with great good cheer.

"Did you ever recieve the items the Academy sent? I understand they were meant to shore up your fighting forces. Honestly I am so glad to see you again. The items you allowed me to take back to the academy were studied and the information gleened was helpful in defeating Zerova. Bulwyf, A close friend of ours Kyriel, and I caught her at Mos Trajectum and Bulwyf slew her."

"If you are a magician and you have fireworks you can entertain," Phileas says.  "We just need..."

The silver haired man looks down at Scolo's footwear.

"You came in costume," Phileas observes.  "I don't think entertaining will be at all a challenge for you."

* * * * * * *

Elsewhere in the palace… it's not all festival and music and food.  There are some more serious matters that must be discussed.  General Texxor has little interest in the fun side of things anyway.  He is a widower, his daughter is off studying... or something... at the Academy of Aurelianorum, and he is a Werewolf.  He has little else besides the security of the Duchy.

Not that he avoids things- he's there in the Ardennes Hall, grabbing roast ribs from the buffet table.  But he quickly corners the Duke and insists on giving him the briefing from the Battle of Beda.

“How badly were they hurt?” Barstow asks.

Texxor sums it up.  “They fled in a panic, and they left more than two thousand dead on the field, between those that fell at Celibus, and those that were hit by the Elves as they retreated.  More importantly, the giant warbeast are no more.  They were the best offense the Huns had against the Elves.  Spells like Entangle did not slow them, they could absorb the arrows of a dozen Elven snipers, and from the top of their backs the Huns could attack into the trees.  They had sixteen, and they were all killed.  My warriors collected the tusks, I expect to see Ivory in the market.  But what comes next, my Duke, that is the question.”

“From the tone of your voice, you think the threat has not vanished,” Barstow says.

“Weakened, but not vanished.  You know the Elves.  They will consider this a victory and go back to their forests.  They are good defenders but have no taste for conquest.”

“Nor do we,” Barstow says.

“If we do not, then the Huns will rebuild.  They will learn from their mistakes, and adapt, and try again.  And next time, the offensive may be aimed directly at us.  We must take the offensive, sir.”

“March on the Hun empire?”  Barstow shakes his head in disbelief.  “ It would take a force five times the army Theoderic collected!  And although he does not speak of it, money is a concern.  He does not have the resources to sustain an army any longer.  We are in better straights... but our numbers are so much smaller.”

It was then that they noticed Dunduin, who had come to find the Duke.  Barstow nods to Texxor, indicating that the General is at east to continue talking.  And Texxor does…

”Nevertheless, the initiative cannot be left to the Huns,” the Werewolf General declares.  “The Hun warlords must be put on the defensive.  They must fear an attack.  That way, each will be too concerned with protecting his own holding, and less willing to provide troops to the Emperor.   They will divide into fifty little fiefs.”

”Where do you recommend?” Barstow asks.  “ I know you, you wouldn’t carry it this far if you didn’t have a recommendation already.:

The Werewolf gives a grin.  With very big teeth.

”What big teeth you have,” Barstow comments.

”All the better to bite Huns with,” Texxor replies, knowing the ancient phrases well.  “But… it must be a place held by the Huns, yet not so vital that it would trigger too much of a response.  It must be a place they can afford to lose.  Otherwise, they will mass against us there, and whichever forces we send will be unable to move.  Or trapped and destroyed.  So it must be Hun… but remote.  I will think on this.”

"Greetings Rory" Dunduin roars accepts and returns a firm handshake. "Indeed it is good to see you're well. The items..ah well..I'd have to check with my supply officers about that..but thank you! All aid is appreciated in whatever form it may take."

Spotting the Duke and his general "We should talk more. Lots of exciting stories to tell but right now I need to speak with the Duke. Please excuse me for the moment."

Dunduin makes his way over to the Duke and Texxor his general. "Duke, General" he gives a nod to each and offers a firm handshake to each if it looks like either will oblige.

"I think I may have a potential solution. I'm confident the dwarves would supply forces to aid you in your Hun attacks but at the moment we are sort of pinned down by a demon. And this demon has attacked the very soul of the dwarves. We can't rightly kill our own brethren so it's a stalemate. If it wasn't for a divine prophecy we'd still be stuck in a dwarven city some place. Now that the elves have been freed from their demon the dwarves need to be freed from theirs. The difficulty is that it can't be done by force of arms otherwise we'd have done it already. I've been thinking on this for quite some time and I believe that the solution may be actually converting the hearts, minds, and souls of dwarves back to good from within the city. Naturally this would require some special folk who are especially good at stealth and others at healing of mind, body, and soul, such as clerics. If we could put together a small but elite force along with some elves I'm confident we could be successful. It's the last thing the demon would expect from dwarves. The other part of this would be to have individuals who could spy and gather knowledge and finally, as much as I hate to say this, eliminate certain evil beings that can not be dealt with by other means. Would this be something you would consider?"

The tall wizard feels better from Phileas' kind words .. He smiles.

I saw you perform...I was - well a long time ago it seems, I was a teacher we brought students to your show - they thought they knew your tricks. But they could never repeat them
He chuckles.

I was going to make some chemical cumbustables by mixing colored gasses with trace metals for the fireworks. Then use my prestidigitations to organize paths of reactivity and magnify air currents. I thought that would be nice.

I need a lab to finish it.
He is happy to see the Bard -
Oooooh Rory, yes you came ... Twice! What are the odds of that? Hmmmm magical music and musical magic no? And the girl in the elf suit!  Ha! Did you find what you wanted? I should thank you it was you I suspect that sent the assassins and the elf and her kingleberry. Hmmmmm ... I miss Mestanon - I'm not sure I could do well in front of people. But I could add flare just a little to you're mugic or maybe for Phileas?

The wizard looks inquiringly, hoping to follow rather than lead on how to expand this show. He is rather unsure with a crowd.

"It's interesting that you consider it," Barstow says.  "Armies are like swords, Dunduin.  They are good for only one thing."

Texxor adds the rest:  "Heroes are like daggers.  You can stab with a dagger, or pick a lock."

Barstow nods.  "Or serve pickled olives, Barstow says.  You know, they way they bob around in the jar, and no matter you do they roll away?  I find that a sharp dagger can stab them, and then you wedge them against the side and you’ve got them!"

The werebear sees that he's run that particular metaphor into the ground. But now that Dunduin's here... there are questions for him.

"I am sure you will have your volunteers for your mission to free your home.  I have heard about the problem you face.  Dwarves.. Elves... and I think I know a specialist in infiltration among our own people, who can help.  This is a strange age.  We must all solve each others' problems, or nothing gets solved.  But while your hand picked team is going off to save your kingdom, you'll have an army here with nothing to do."

"They should go in the exact opposite direction, then," Texxor says.  "North.  The lands just north of the Ardennes, east of Mos Trajectum.  If Theoderic hits them there, it will be so far from the Emperor that he could not possibly send troops to take it back.  He'd need  a year.  And all the warlords will wonder if they are next."

"As long as I get an elite special force to save the dwaves you may have use of the dwarven force whether I lead them or not. I'm sure they will continue to prove their worth. So, I guess we have an agreement then. If our word is good enough I'll accept that. If we wish to shake or have a written commitment then so be it but I'll want to bring an aid to review the terms before signing naturally."

---

Dunduin will engage them in regards to some of the forces advantages and drawbacks. The dwarves certainly do not move as quickly as elves or lycanthropes and they are certainly not as stealthy either. However, what they lack in speed and stealth they make up for in sheer strength and mobile artillery which will provide some additional tactical options that may have not been available to them before.

A schedule is worked out for Scolo.  The Argentos's do not concern themselves with the lack of professional entertainment experience on Scolo's part.  That will be dealt with.

"Leave it to us to sell you to the audience," Phileas says.  "You just do your magic.  That's what they want."

But a laboratory... that's harder.  They have none.

"We'll inquire of the Wereowls here," Phileas says.  "They have a few wizards, and a workshop for wizardry, so we've heard."

Rory is worked into the schedule as well.  Carefully... the Argentoses do not want to "burden" people with serious or frightening tales. This is a festival.  But some people like a little drama with their festival ale.

* * * * * * *

"There are important parts of this planning missing," Barstow warns Dunduin.  "Theoderic, of course.  His decisions will be very important.  I am a Duke, he is a king.  He must decide how he will face the Huns.  And there are the Elves present.  We should hear from them too.  Not just yet, though.  Theoderic has much on his mind.. and he deserves some time away from the war he has fought for so long."

"If only the enemy was as willing to give him some," Texxor says.  "You know... up to now we have been officially uninvolved in the war. The Huns will wish to punish us for the decision to join in.  Two companies of our militia- and aid and haven Theoderic, and the other forces fighting.  They cannot brush it off."

After working things out Scolo wanders off to the wizards tower. Melissa may continue to discuss the details of how and when and what he should do for the show.

Tawna has her meeting in the palace, with Barstow and General Texxor, the werewolf commander of Lucimburic's military.

She reports on all the things they did.  The travels, the Elves, the battles.  Those they encountered, like Dobby.

And how they reconnoitered the Rhine River, finding the Hun assault force at Mogontiacum.

She wants the Duke's appreciation, and the clearing of the Wereweasel names, as she's told Haakon before.

After hearing her through, and asking a variety of questions, (Texxor is very interested in the military dispositions of the Huns), the Duke agrees that her goal has been achieved.

The honored status as full and accepted citizens of Lucimburic is once again for all the Wereweasels.  Their debt is repaid.

They ask about future plans, and Tawna explains the idea of the School For Young Wereweasels.

"Where would this prestigious academy be located?"  Texxor asks.

"I assume I would find space in the Grund," Tawna says.  "We do have some resources, but I can't be a spendthrift."

"More suitable grounds for your school might be available," Texxor says. "There are... political situations... one of which may be better handled by Wereweasels, or at least one, than Werewolves.  The Dwarves' aid to the Elves was not completely an act of charity.  You've earned your place, and the respect you are entitled to, and the records of the Wereweasels shall be cleared.  But you can earn still more."

[This was posted in the wrong thread]

Haakon holds out an arm for Tawna.  Both are dressed in fine new robes in shades of green and brown, suitable for wear in the field but fine enough for appearance at a formal ceremony.  Haakon is particularly proud of these robes.

They walk in among the assembled and greet the various people they know.  There is no war here and so they behave like a couple, standing close to each other, touching occasionally, and Haakon only checks his belongings often enough to be polite.  Tawna hardly has to check her own because Haakon's curiosity and desire is more for Tawna herself than anything she is carrying.

He leads her to stand in the best place he can see, drawing on his skills to see where they would have the best impact if Tawna's plan is to succeed.  "The timing", he whispers, "is down to you, but I believe this is the best place for us to stand."

Haakon listened quietly as the suggestion was made that Tawna could earn even more respect by some political situation and by some miracle, he kept his mouth shut and failed to confirm Tawna's theory that he was crazy even when, overhearing talk of the force needed to attack the Huns, he whispered in her ear, "They're wrong you know, I think they'd need seven.  Any more would be noticed, any less would be inadequate to sustain a low level war against an unknowing enemy.".

And then he thought of a speech and his eyes lit up, but Tawna kicked him and whispered, "Crazy Haakon" and he nodded and shut up.

OOC: Ok, I guess I'm done here. I suppose Dunduin can talk to the elves although he did that already before Lucimburic.

Tawna gives Texxor a look Haakon knows well by now: faux surprise.

“Are you suggesting wereweasels are the sort to undertake your sneaky, covert and dangerous assignments just for a reward?”

Texxor nods.

“Oh, Thank you,” Tawna says, relieved that the general does understand wereweasels.”I think arrangements can be made.  We’ll have to negotiate the exact terms.  I understand the mistress of this school lives in a dwelling in the Grund that may not be suitable for the raising of a large family.  And she intends a large family.”

Texxor looks over at Haakon, and for a moment, reviews things in his head.

“Wereweasel.. we'll need others.  The woman with the staff… essential.  Such a thing should not be wasted.  Her companion.  Dwarves, Wereweasel… Elf, must have an Elf.   We’ll have to speak to the Dwarves, and Anakri, about the composition of this force.”

* * * * * * *

In the palace, Dunduin encountered one of the Dwarven troopers from the heavy infantry contingent, a stout, red bearded warrior named Grompin.

“Dunduin, sir… we’ll be playing at the Clear Fountain Plaza tonight!”

Every where you went, there were those with musical talent.  It was part of life, especially for Dwarves, who sang as they marched, and sang as they drank, and sang as they worked.   In the deep mines and caverns they made up their own kind of music, featuring the rhythmic blows of their hammers and picks striking rock and steel.  It became more advanced, and some Dwarves had sets of tuned iron bars and hammers made, specially designed for producing the best tones when struck.  Naturally, to keep up with the loud banging of the hammers and picks, other instruments, and singing voices, had to be loud.  The style emerged as a genre of music some called “Dwarf Metal”.

Naturally, to entertain themselves on the long march from the Dwarf Kingdom to the Ardennes, a few of the Dwarves had organized an amateur Dwarf Metal band.

“Hopin’ ta have your blessing on it,” Grompin says.  “And one other thing… we should have a name, shouldn’t we.  Can’t be just Some Dwarves With Hammers.”

Haakon didn't grin.  It was a close run thing but he didn't grin.  He did speak though.  To General Texxor he said.  "General Texxor, Sir, there is something more we can do, Tawna and I, not because we are a wereweasel and a human, but because we are us.  Over the past months, we have shown that we are able to speak in civilised manner to people from many species, even including orcs and ogres.  Please allow us to be present when you speak to Alakri and the representatives of the dwarves.  The mission of which you speak needs people who see people, not just races.  That is a skill we have and can recognise in others."

"Of course Grompin, I would enjoy listening to some good dwarven music. Heck, even after a few drinks I'd probably wouldn't even mind listening to bad dwarven music." <Dunduin chuckles> "Now then, a name for the band you say. Hmmm...how about 'Hammers Slammers?'"

OOC:
Lead Pegasus, Gearhead, the Sex Hammers, Black Solstice, Bloodrock, Diamond Head, Diamond Hammer, Elf, Great Red, Digger, iron beard, Iron Bolt, Iron - oh hell anything after the word Iron is good, Vulcans Priest, Killer Dwarfs, WarHammer

"So that's settled," Texxor says to Haakon and Tawna.

"One thing I'd like to add that we want out of this," Tawna says.

Texxor rolls his eyes preemptively.  "What?"

"Well, all these preparations for a wedding going on... we can get some additional use out of all that work, why waste it?"

"What are you talking about?"  The Werewolf General asks.

"We're getting married.  Here is a good place."

Texxor looks stunned.  "You can't ask King Theoderic and the Lady Aelasuria to share their wedding with you.  It's an event!"

"Oh no," Tawna explains.  "I'm thinking, a few days later, when everyone's still sleeping it off.  A wereweasel wedding at the palace. You can't ask for a better way of declaring that we're officially back in good graces here."

Haakon grinned, "She's right Sir.  It would be perfect would it not?"

The Dwarf Metal Band, after much discussion, settle on Diamond Hammer as their name, and start reviewing and practicing with Phileas and Rory.  They show off their traditional Dwarven instruments, which include rocks enchanted with a variant of the magic used to create “Thunderstones” that give a loud, clear sound when struck.  Rory has much work to do- many of the lyrics the Dwarves know are a little too “Dwarfy”, and need to be adjusted for the wider audience of Lucimburic.

And there are still others to audition and schedule.

There is a girl so thin and frail looking that she seems like she could blow away in a strong wind… but she sings, and her voice is clear and strong and honey-sweet… Phileas puts her in the lineup at once.

Rory recalls her, vagues.  Cirrus… somewhere they met, and Cado wanted her for the traveling show, but Cirrus had other plans.

And Phileas Argentos has an idea.

“We have a wide open plaza with a large crowd,” he says.  “The acoustics are terrible.  But her voice.. there is some magic involved, I’m sure of it.  Her voice will carry through anything.  With her… and with Diamond Hammer… this could be the over-the-top main event we really need.”


* * * * * * *

Meanwhile...

Tawna is not the only one with things to add to the negotiation.  Texxor has his own.  They can use a chapel in the palace for a wedding… but there is one more thing.  Tawna is invited to a “security discussion” and asked to bring her uncle- and other Wereweasels.  There may be a job for them.

So Tawna and Haakon come back later, with help.

Their meeting place isn’t in the palace proper, but in Texxor’s private conference room in the Lucimburic Guards’ Barracks, which is reached from the palace by way of a bridge.

Kyriel and Ali’cor are invited, and Texxor is the one in charge.  Ovo and Cirostis may be there.  There are also several of his palace guards in attendance, as well as Haakon and Tawna a small pack of Wereweasels, including “Uncle Wallis”.

Texxor presents the information, repeating mostly what Tawna told him about bounties on Aelasuria and Theoderic, and the discovery of a small Vulturegryph in the palace tower.  It was that last discovery that moved him to action- the Vulturegryph is not a naturally occurring animal.  The chances are high that the creature was sent here as some kind of spy.

But first, he wants to know from the Wereweasels if there has been any word of a bounty, other than what they heard from Kyriel.

Wallis stands up to speak.  His beady black eyes take in the group before he starts.

“Your most toothy generalship, you know that there is little that happens here in darkness that we don’t know about, sooner or later, especially if it concerns gold being paid for some nefarious deeds.  But no one has made us any offers.”

The other wereweasels confirm that this has been their experience as well.

“Nor have I encountered it on our travels,” Tawna says.

“I would suggest one of several explanations,” Wallis continues. “If one wishes someone killed by elite assassins, one does not simply declare a bounty.  That’s foolish!”

“How so?”  Texxor asks.

Wallis takes a breath.  He reminds himself that Wereweasels may know about how the business of assassination works, but not Werewolves, who are so much more direct when it comes to violence.  “You see, sir, a bounty attracts all manner of opportunistic, less precise… ahh… idiots.  Amateurs.   Against a king, sir, especially one like Theoderic, they are almost bound to fail, and they will get in the way of more capable killers, spoiling their efforts.  No, the wise thing to do to would be to quietly employ a hand picked hunter, or group.”

“Then why the bounty?”

“Ahh. Well, there are other explanations.  It may be simply a reaction out of frustration.  It may be a move calculated to keep Theoderic from freely moving about in Gaul… which was where this bounty was announced, yes?”

So you do not think there is any danger?”  Texxor asks.

Wallis shakes his head.  “I said almost bound to fail, your wolf-y-ness. It has been my experience that opportunistic idiots can do surprising things.  There is certainly a chance that some eager gold chaser has come here for Gaul, hoping for his chance.

"Do you have recommendations?" asks Texxor.

The Wereweasel shrugs.  "If we were considering an attack by professionals, we would have many suggestions.  Against idiots, I am afraid Wereweasels are less well skilled.”

Haakon grinned at Uncle Wallis before saying, "I on the other hand, am well known for being an idiot.  Of course, even I cannot guarantee complete safety.  The only way to do that is to take out the idiot in question.  When we don't know who the idiot is, we have to consider what we DO know, or can trace, the source of the rumour of the bounty.  Find that and I am sure some were-cats could end the rumour pretty quickly." He frowned, "There ARE werecats aren't there?"

Kyriel accompanies Texxor to the meeting. Once the wereweasel is done with his comments on the bounty she shrugs. "It's also possible that a group of professionals could bide their time and use the 'idiots' to smoke out the defenses in place. That is my greatest fear. That our attention will be diverted by multiple attempts and the real attack will get through because they've been able to see how we react."

Ali'cor accompanied Texxor to the meeting along with Kyriel and the others, although he wasn't sure if he could contribute anything to it, but the meeting still seemed like his best opportunity to get to know about this bounty everyone had been talking about.

He tried hard to listen to all that was being said in the meeting, but given his wanderlust, he was finding it quite difficult not to pull a disappearing act and start exploring something, somewhere else. Although, some of the things said during the discussion did catch his attention.

Ali'cor couldn't help but smirk at Haakon at the comment he made, regarding himself being a known idiot. In his experience, one who recognized his own idiocy, was always only a few steps away from becoming a wise man.

Of course, he himself did not have any wise comments to add, except for one thing.

"A wedding is not a place which can be swarmed with regimens of soldiers or guards without ruining it in some manner... so professionals are really the only problem here..."

"As for the idiots.... I doubt they will hardly even make it past the front gate." He added.

"Also..." Ali'cor took out the amulet he had taken off the neck of the beast earlier. "...the Vulturegryph was wearing this around its neck... wonder if this might be useful in some way... to track how it got here."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:26, Sat 30 Mar 2013.

Haakon nodded when he saw the amulet Ali'cor had produced.  "There", he said, "I prefer tracking by natural manner but those who know that sort of thing, I imagine, might well be able to find the source of this bounty, and arrange a removal so spectacular that all the idiots know they will never get paid."

With widening grin, he added, "We need a little theatre to protect the spectacle we will have here.... Oh yes, and to protect the Royal Wedding a few days before."  It is entirely possible that Haakon winked at Tawna at this point.

"We have a strange creature," Texxor says, "and it was wearing an amulet.  I think this is a fact as important as anything else we've heard, yes?  A creature like that doesn't have an amulet unless someone put it there.  And... this is a wizard's matter, now.  Amulets have purposes and I do not know these things.  Let's have a recess, then, while we get one here."

Texxor sends guards in several directions, the object being to find a wizard as quickly as possibly.

"Not the Lady Soulwater," he reminds them.  "She's not to be troubled.  But the plaza's practically overrun with Elves at the moment.  Good chance there's a wizard or three among them."

* * * *

The guards do find Elves, and through them, they find the best wizard available- and he happens to be Danazol, king of the High Elves, here for the wedding.  But when they asked him, Danazol didn't stop them with "but I'm the King of the Elves" or anything like that.  It sounded important, they needed his help.. so he went along with it.

The meeting reconvenes.  Ali'cor knows the Elf king by sight- of course, every Elf from Geneva does.  And Danazol knows Ali'cor, but nothing beyond "the Soulwater youngster."  He's not at all surprised to see that Ali'cor is involved here.  Even less surprised to see that it was Ali'cor who turned up the amulet they are asking him about.  Those Soulwaters have an unusual habit of getting involved in things.

Danazol studies the amulet carefully.

"Do you know what it is?" Texxor asks.

"I do," Danazol says.  "It's not a very uncommon tool.  We've made a few in the Alps ourselves, but this is not our handiwork.  A Roaming Eye, some call it.  It allows another to see through it.  It's limited... a few miles, I think."

Kyriel is glad that Ali'Cor has the amulet that the vulturegryph had worn around its neck. She realizes now just how valuable it is as evidence of her suppositions. The short range means that someone is here now. A few thoughts cross her mind. "Majesty, how likely is it that someone is watching through it now? Does it only transmit vision, or will it transmit sound as well? Can we use it to track the receiver?"

The other man has some interesting ideas; ones that she decides she likes. She doesn't comment though until the king answers her questions.

She considers the possibility of someone having seen her in action. If that's the case, then maybe the little 'human' servant girl will need to go away for a while. Maybe she should go for something completely different but equally likely to be overlooked? That's something that she'll have to ponder over.

OOC: Aelasuria, you're prophetic! I think this part actually happens before you suggest that Kyriel be one of your bridesmaids.

“As far as I know, it passes along vision only.” Danazol replies to Kyriel.

“Probably why they call it a Roaming Eye and not an Ear,” Wallis says.

"And one-way, strictly, for exactly the reason that young Kyriel has brought up," Danazol says.

“On a more pragmatic level,” Texxor says, “this thing has been fixed to a very noticable winged creature.  I imagine it was never intended to be within listening range of it's targets; far too obvious an intruder.  But up in the sky, or along the rooftops, it could wait and watch.  Well there we have it.  Our plot is no longer just a possiblity, but a reality.  Someone was... or is... will someone put thing in a bag or a pot, please?... so now we must assume, our enemy is here.”

“And you still do not want to bother Theoderic and Aelasuria with this?”  Tawna asks, sounding slightly skeptical.

“We will intrude upon them to the minimal extent possible,” Texxor says.

Wyllister, one of the Wereweasels who has thus far been silent, decides to speak. “Yet they must now take their part in this whether they like it or not!  Every assassin knows that an unsuspecting target is much easier!  A target that is wary, well, even the most basic precautions make an assassin's job that much harder.”

“Such as?”  Texxor prompts after Wyllister stops speaking.

“Well,” Wyllister says carefully, looking around to gauge the expressions, “they most certainly ought to keep their movements unpredictable.  No advance word should go out about where they will be and when.  That's the most basic defense.  Assassins prefer... I mean I suspect they would prefer, if I actually knew about them, which I don't... they prefer their targets to stick to routines, and plan well in advance.”

“Bit of a problem keeping their movements unannounced, what with a wedding being held, don't you think?” Texxor asks.

Once Kyriel hears that the device is only visual, she grabs a dark cloth and covers it up. "How likely is it that whoever is behind this knows that the vulturegryph is dead?  If the creature is nocturnal, they might not check on it regularly until dusk. Could we spoof what they see?"

"Likely as not he knows," Texxor says.  "Let's not be optimistic, if we have already decided to be pessimistic.  But we have to consider the nature of our opponent now.  Someone who can use this magic, and knows better than to risk unneeded exposure.  But how many have these skills?  Is this some shaman of the Demon lords, or have they corrupted a human wizard?

"Just knowing it is a magic user, we have narrowed down the target.  We need to find a magic user, from a land where news of the bounty has already reached.  It will be the kind of person who is not so mighty that the Emperor's offer means nothing, and not so low that he cannot wield the magic needed to tame a vulturegryph and use the roaming eye."

Rita follows Kyriel to the meeting, and if permitted, goes up to the attic to take a look at the dead creature. Can she tell whether or not it is of demonic origin?

"That magic user could very well be a demon shaman, a type of cleric," she says to the group once the amulet is identified. "We encountered several of them on the battlefield. They should no be estimated. They gain strength from sacrificing innocents to demons," she says with a grimace.

"I must agree with him," she says, immediately after Wyllister speaks. "Forewarned is forearmed. The king and Aelasuria should be told about all of this, if only so they can take proper precautions. Perhaps that might mean having protective spells on themselves at the ceremony. I would never want to trouble them on the day of their greatest happiness, but I do think it better that they know they potentially face danger. That knowledge can only help them make better decisions to outwit this unknown assassin."

King Danazol may very well not appreciate her suggestion. He will likely think I am overstepping, she thinks to herself. But Aelasuria and Theoderic are more than friends to her--they are practically a second family. Keeping them safe is what is important here, even if the elven king disapproves of everything she says.

Haakon doesn't know much about magic.  And what little he knows about subterfuge he has learned from Tawna but he does know a thing or two about misdirection.  "Is that thing working now?" he asked those who know about magic, and when he is sure he is out of sight of it he says, "Now just suppose, the Royal wedding is put back a couple oh hours and instead Tawna and I were to rehearse our own wedding? Then perhaps the idiots would show their hands and even the skilled assassins might have wood growing from their foreheads before the real wedding happened?"

Kyriel nods. The suggestions coming out so far are reasonable. She's hung out with enough wizards so she might have a clue what this one is capable of, however, they have an expert here! "Your majesty, what kind of spells do you think we can expect? Figure that the mage will know he only has one shot, so he'd have to make it a good one."

One of the participants at the palace “security council” meeting voices skepticism.  It is Mergyon, the Wereweasel majordomo of the palace, he of the polished uniform and obsessive adherence to decorum.

“It just isn’t logical,” he says.  “Texxor, we are preparing for a Royal Wedding.  These two… and this one’s a Wereweasel… they just wouldn’t rate any kind of special effort on our part.  And if we try to confuse the assassin.. whom we know nothing about, I should add.. we will confuse the people of Lucimburic as well.  And if the people thought we were doing all this for Tawna and Haakon… “

“Nevertheless… if we were to attend to both, the assassin would not know which preparations were for them, and which for Theoderic and Aelasuria.  He wouldn’t know which soup bowl to poison, as it were.  The more ambiguity we can create…”

“More ambiguity is good,” Wyllister says.  The other Wereweasels nod.

“Still,” Mergyon says, “ A Wereweasel being accorded such honors as a palace wedding… it’s hardly believable, is it?  It would be seen as an obvious sham.”

“Unless it is believable,” Texxor says.

“By which you mean?” the Majordomo asks.

“Tawna has just come back from a long, extended, covert and very dangerous assignment on behalf of the Duke.  I say she is to be accorded high honors as a Hero of Lucimburic.  And such honors are to include her wedding, as she requested.  Let us make it so.”

Texxor dismisses the meeting; there is work to be done.  Kyriel will shadow Aelasuria, and Haakon and Tawna will go with Mergyon, to start their own rehearsal for their ceremony, the preparations to overlap and merge with those of the Royal Wedding, the better to befuddle a villain.  It will be announced publicly- one more thing for Lucimburic to celebrate.

Texxor motions for his guards to accompany him- they will take a tour of the palace and review security plans.

Mergyon looks at Tawna.  “Hero of Lucimburic.  Really?  I suppose you want a medal of some kind?”

“It would be proper decorum for such,” Tawna says, knowing how to push the Weremink’s buttons.

Haakon looked down his nose at the weremink, mentally measuring him for a pelt, even though he knew that was impossible.  "We have sacked two cities", he said, "Are medals not usual in such circumstances.  Where a tailor and a schoolmarm conquer the enemies of the country?  Hmmm?"

kyriel grins at the weremink. "Chances are, the assassin doesn't know very much about things here. Otherwise he wouldn't have needed to use the spy-eye and wouldn't have used something like the vulturegryph to carry it. At this point, confusion is good!"

Nobody seems to respond to Rita's urging that Theoderic and Aelasuria be forewarned about the threat, as Texxor dismisses the meeting without addressing the issue.

She decides to approach Kyriel since both of them will be bridesmaids.

"It seems like no one agrees with me about informing King Theoderic and Aelasuria about these threats against them. Then again, these people know more about security matters than I do. But I still suspect the spellcaster is a demon shaman rather than a wizard, or possibly some combination of both. I'm still spooked by the fact that fire demons attacked the Temple of Pluto back in Arras. That is the last thing we want to see here.

I do wonder if any of us, including King Theoderic and Aelasuria, should have protective spells on during the wedding, just in case. I could cast a Magic Circle Against Evil on both of them, which would last nearly an hour and prevent any attempts at possession."

She knows Kyriel is busy, just like everyone right now, but there is something Rita needs to say.

"There is something else I've been wanting to discuss with you," she says, seeming slightly nervous. "When you were in Raviniacum at Midsummer, the two of us were talking, and I kind of gave you a hard time. I don't even remember what we were talking about, but I do know I acted like a know-it-all, and I want to apologize to you for that. I never meant to make you uncomfortable."

Kyriel looks surprised when Rita makes the comment about nobody telling Aelasuria and the King about the threat. "Matre, they're already aware of it. I told them myself. I think the General was saying that they don't need to know the particulars of the defense. It's about trust and delegation of authority. The king trusts the duke, and the duke trusts his people to do the right things. Believe me, everyone here takes their well being very seriously."

She looks sheepish a moment later and quietly comments to Rita. "It's possible to be too trusting though. I got angry and yelled at Aelasuria earlier today when I told her what's going on; she started telling everyone about it. Being open is one thing, but I'm going to be upset if it makes my job of protecting them harder."

When Rita apologizes for the incident at the midsummer fair, Kyriel looks confused for a second. "I don't remember you giving me a hard time. At least no harder than anyone else has ever given me."

"That's what I get for coming in late," Rita answers, glad to hear that Theoderic and Aelasuria are aware of the threat.

"Aelasuria can be too trusting," she says, smiling. "Especially once she is queen, she will have to be a bit more discerning in who she trusts.

If there is anything I can do to help you do your job better, just let me know. That includes my casting a protective spell on you if such a spell would be helpful."

She smiles again when Kyriel doesn't remember their conversation at the Midsummer Faire.

"Since I met him, I've always believed King Theoderic has been chosen by the gods to free Europa from the Hun evil. I've put a lot of faith in him, and I may have over-reacted to any doubts expressed about him and his ability to lead. I just want you to know that I am sorry for anything I said that was inappropriate, and I hope we can be good friends."

It is sometime after the wedding.  Barstow and Theoderic discuss the latest communication from Gellas.

"I can't keep the army in field this year," Theoderic says.  "I'll grind them into poverty, if I do.  There are herds and fields to tend to, and I can't draw them off until summer.  And not nearly enough money for paid troops, unless I spend the money from Belgica and I don't want to do that, not yet."

"War is expensive, if you don't intend to make it pay off in plunder," Barstow says.

"Plundering defeats the purpose.  But waiting for summer throws away the advantage we have now, with the Huns in disarray from their defeat.  There's got to be something I can do with a small force."

"We were talking about you striking east from Mos Trajectum."  Barstow says.  "It's the very fringe of the Huns territory.  It is impossible for the Emperor to quickly move against you, there.  And all you have to do is threaten one warlord, and all of them will be afraid of you.  A small force might work."

"It may not be so small.  If we have a few volunteers from the Elves, a few from the Dwarves, from you, I hope, possibly even a Halfling or two.. it would... Hmmm...."

"What is it, Theoderic?"

"Something Phileas and Hylensia Argentos said.  They had been talking to a wizard from Aurelianorum, who specialized in music and lore.  And he had asked of some... I think it was a magic oracle of some kind, if I have it straight.. how the defeat of the Huns could come about.  He was told, an army would have to be raised that joins all the races.  We seem to have that here."

"Don't you need a fey or two to complete it?"

"Then that's what we have to do.  Get a few Fey on our side, and find a way to make our attack with a small but elite force.  There are several towns east of Mos Trajectum, but the most important is Aquae Grannis.  The temple of Belenus.  I've heard.. and seen...that in some of the temples, not even Hun conquest has completely dimmed the fires.  There may be some power there that can help us."

"That should be your prize, then," the Werebear Duke says.  "Aquae Grannis.  Infiltrate first... take it from within, if you can."

“Aquae Grannis?” A voice called from down the hall, echoing questioningly between the palace’s grand columns like a sinuous ghost. The beating of wings followed him. In the quiet of this private place each sound seemed more than it was: louder, more defined. “I have not heard that name before,” it continued in admittance, along with the accompaniment of clacking bootstrikes on marble “But then, I am from a different land, and I do not know this one in its entirety yet.”

“Perhaps a place worth seeing,” it went on “If you’re looking for more swords.”

The voice’s owner walked the hall, coming close enough to be seen more clearly: a tall dark-haired Germanic warrior, by his garb and bearing. He wore a red leather vest and leggings over a drab green tunic and pale blue pants, a swordbelt girded to his waist, apparently prepared to march into the field even now. Barstow would recognize him. Heolstor had come once before to Lucimburic and into his company. To request support as he marched East towards the border of the Ardennes and the Hun.

Heolstor did not quite move into their proximity, being just far enough so as not to be rude by inserting himself where he was not invited. When he introduced himself he did so with a stiff but respectful bow. His face came near parallel to the ground, long black bangs dropping to obscure his face. “I am Heolstor Strang, Lord of Lingones and Tullum. Former-Commander of the Allied Army that shattered the Hun on the Celibus, your Majesty.” Heolstor rose again to his full height, olive eyes set on Theoderic. “Several months ago, King Theoderic, I had a rider sent to carry you a message. I have not heard of his return.”

“I fear him dead on the road.” Heolstor spoke, tone growing grim. The crow that had flown in with him found its way to Strang’s left shoulder. Below its perch was a newly embroidered raven on a field of scarlet, set at the breast of Heolstor’ leather vest. There above the raven the crow stood, dark eyes keen. “Do you recall if he found his way to you?”

Barstow makes the introductions, having met Heolstor earlier.

As soon as the protocols are past, Theoderic (who has always been short on protocol and eager to jump to the heart of the matter) tries to answer Heolstor's questions.

"There have been messengers, but we were on the move, constantly.  Most of what I managed to get was collected up at Hiricio and Raviniacum, and forwarded to the few who knew where to find me.  Even they had a hard time.  It’s been months of movement."

"Now, a rest," the Werebear Duke says.  "But soon, more movement."

"I can use swords, but this next season will be for a few with special talents and wits, as much as swords.  I do not wish to keep so many men in the field.  It is expensive, and it drains my people of the labor of their men, just when they need it the most.  We've been hard hit, and we need to rebuild.  But I will conduct an offensive nonetheless, of a different kind.  I've chosen Aquae Grannis because it is remote, and because the Emperor does not need it.  I could easily strike at a more important target, but that would force a long battle I do not want right now.  It is my hope that the Emperor will choose not to contest Aquae Grannis, and it will cause the local warlords across the Empire to doubt his commitment to supporting them, as well.  What I need now is a small force of the most talented and bravest we can find."

"Still.. dead or alive, no easy answers to give his kin then I fear." Heolstor reflected. Pwyll, by comparison had nothing to say. Heolstor took his silence for respectful agreement.

"I do not know if I qualify... but I am an able warrior, and no coward. Gundobad, Dunduin, and the ghosts of a host of Huns can speak to that. If you would permit it, I would have a hand in your continued war. I brought my people into this conflict... and so long as the Hun is pressed elsewhere, they are safe."