Euryleia caught the deferential gestures from the pair of young knights.  When she had been her Armour-self such looks were not uncommon.  Eighteen meters of awe-inspiring height and fearsome weaponry tended to demand that kind of attention.  But now, on a more equal scale, Euryleia was learning to navigate new variations of attention.  Especially from those she didn't have a lot of data on.

Analytical data flowed around each of them as she scrutinized their biological telltales in milliseconds.  Based on her research and statistics, physical attraction and/or arousal would be the most likely with such young men.  But the bio-signs didn't seem to match that...entirely.  Euryleia flagged them for extra data collection as opportunities presented themselves.  No.  She would talk to them.  She could just talk to them now.

She missed being tall.

For now, Euryleia offered them a measured, neutral acknowledging salute with her glass...and returned to the nearer conversation with the other high table knights.

The dinner eventually came to an end, thankfully, without any major incidents. So far so good...

Meara's father asked her to accompany him on a walk, ostensibly to help with his after dinner digestion. But they both knew it was simply an excuse to provide a listening ear and some fatherly advice.

MerLN suddenly appeared in front of them. "Forgive me for the intrusion, your Highness, but I thought best to inform you at once. Dame Freyr and Sir L1-4MNT have been attacked by an unknown assailant. They are in the infirmary. They both sustained minor wounds, and are expected to make a full recovery..."

---

Brun and Euryleia had been able to enjoy a relatively normal banquet, something that was a rarity these days. They had retired to their quarters and were preparing to enjoy the rest of their evening together when Brun suddenly seized.

He saw Gwydion, dressed as he had been at the welcoming dinner, split throat to navel, unblinking and unfocused eyes vacant of all life. He stared down at the would-be King even as Euryleia sought to close his wounds, but it was too late.

---

The dinner was over and Gwydion had managed to navigate the minefield. It was sometimes hard to see how Uncle John had been able to keep up his spirits given his position. He knew it would only get worse from here. He had...

The hair on the back of his neck stood on end and he suddenly, inexplicably, knew that he wasn't alone. He turned just as a mysterious figure in a shimmering black suit stabbed at him with a blade that seemed to blink in and out of existence.

OOC: Gwydion, defend yourself against a physical attack with a total of 10!
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:03, Sun 04 Feb.

It had been a long day, and a long dinner, and a longing for his Iliza to say just the right thing and bring them both warmth and comfort. Gwydion, Prince of Avaluna and the next King, had never felt less ready for rulership. How could those people make such a fine banquet become so exhausting? Perhaps he'd been part of that as well, letting his mind constantly drift toward such burdensome thoughts. And here he was, doing it aga--

[14:24, Today: Gwydion rolled 0 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 0, 0, 1, -1.  Melee +5 vs TN 10.

Invoking Dueling Prodigy for +2, -1 FP

Total 7

Marking Physical Stress 1 and taking Mild Consequence: Shredded Suit]

Left foot an inch to the right, hips twist left, left arm up to protect the belly, right arm up to protect the throat, eyes on the enemy.

The phantom blade tore through Gwydion's clothing and drew blood, a surface wound rather than a plunge into the heart. He'd been attacked by a humanoid. This wasn't the Emergent, it was flesh and blood.

Find the weapon hand, get control of the wrist. Distracting strikes to the face while pulling the wrist close to the hips for maximum control, then another quick turn to fling the enemy to the ground. Control the wrist, control the body, control the weapon.

[14:38, Today: Gwydion rolled 2 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 1, 0, 1, 0.  Melee +5 to Create Advantage.

Total 7

Attempting to create a standing grapple with the opponent on the ground. I wonder if I could find a video of this move online...]

Immediately, Meara saw red.  If she hadn't been with her father, she would have immediately run at a sprint to the infirmary.  However, his hand on her arm kept her from doing something foolish.  As she fought to contain her emotions, her father asked the question he knew she should ask.

"Who else has been attacked?  Who is most vulnerable?" he asked as Meara snapped back to the moment at hand.  Lifting up her dress all the way to her hip, she reached down and drew a long dagger she had concealed on her inner thigh.  Her father acted as if this was absolutely normal.  She may have been persuaded to leave her sword and pistol back in her room, but there was no way she'd let herself be unarmed around so many nobles.

If there was one lesson she had actually learned from her mother, it was to always be wary of other nobles, because they always have something to gain at your expense.  It may not be worth it, but short-sighted nobles existed in droves.

The Knight and his Lady laughed as they stepped back into their quarters.  Fingers fumbled at Brun's fine new formal outfit.  Euryleia grinned, "Let me just tear it off, it would be faster.  Your stupid clothes are pointlessly complicated..."

Brun, laughed again and playfully brushed at her hands, "You brute...  And it isn't pointless!  You said it made me look fantastic.  Especially my..."  His awareness suddenly fell away through time.  He tried to hold on, but it was strong...so strong...the wave crashed over and through him.  Pushing him away.  Forward.  He caught flashes of moments not yet lived.  He focused as hard as he could to grab one of the quickly fleeting moments.  To stop his headlong hurtle through...

There.

Brun blinked back tears, "I'm sorry...  I can't stop thinking about it...  Gwydion.  He shouldn't have been alone.  We should have..."  His eyes widened as he looked over Euryleia's chosen banquet gown, then grabbed his own jacket lapels, "Is it?  Am I?"

Euryleia was getting used to the timeshifts.  As much as you could get used to your love falling endlessly through time at just the wrong moments.  But this time felt different and the mention of Gwydion seemed ominous, "What about Gwydion?"

Brun answered, "He's going to die... But, maybe we changed it!"  He grabbed his pistol from where his weapon belt hung on his rushed way out.  Euryleia was already moving for the door, opening just in time for Brun to run through and her to follow.  She didn't bother to ask any more questions.

Brun lead the way.  He knew where he was going.  He'd already been there.

Gwydion seized his assailant's wrist with both of his hands, but as he pivoted to throw, the knife disappeared from the assassin's grip forcing Gwydion to release the assassin's wrist with one hand and abandon the throw in favor of capturing the other hand. It proved a wise move as the assassin's left hand darted in to drive the dagger into Gwydion's vitals. The Prince managed to catch the blow, if barely, as the two wrestled against one another. But the black clad killer suddenly blinked out of Gwydion's grip and a half-step to his left and struck again.

OOC:
Meara, are you sure you don't want to go to Freyr? The attacker might come back to finish the job. You remember what it was like to lose Arthur? What if that were Freyr? Have a FP to go to her or else pony up a FP and have Brun and Euryleia sprint by on their way to Gwydion which will clue you in.

Brun and Euryleia will burst up in the scene after Gwydion acts and are then free to act as well. Meara too if she ponies up the FP.

22:47, Today: MerLN, for the NPC Assassin, rolled -1 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 0, -1, 1, -1.  Assassin Defend. Melee +4. +2 invoke of Gwydion's Consequence. Spends FP to Invoke Unknown Personal Aspect for +2. 4+2+2-1 = 7 Tie. Gwydion gets a Boost.

23:07, Today: MerLN, for the NPC Assassin, rolled 1 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 1, 1, -1, 0.  Assassin Attack. Melee +4.  +2 Lævateinn Ghostblade Stunt. 4+2+1 = 7. Gwydion roll defense.

Initiative
Assassin (Gone)
Gwydion
Brun/Euryleia
Meara (If she refuses the compel)

Aspects in Play
Shredded Suit
Unsteady Grapple (Boost)

[GM gifted a Fate Point, so back up to 3.

22:24, Today: Gwydion rolled -1 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of -1, -1, 0, 1.  Melee +5 vs TN 7.

aaaaaaaa Invoking Unsteady Grapple for +2

Total 6

Marking Stress 2, and I'm out of Physical Stress boxes!]

The shifting weapon gave Gwydion some trouble, and then his opponent warping away to try again was a total surprise. When the enemy came in again, Gwydion brought his hands down to try and grab at both wrists at once without dodging, instead stepping directly into the attack and trying to push the knife away while enacting the emergency anti-murder technique, slamming his forehead into the assassin's face!

[22:35, Today: Gwydion rolled -1 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 1, -1, 0, -1.  Melee +5 to Attack.

Die roller I'm coming for you next you little bastard. Invoking Dueling Prodigy, Louder Than Words, and I Can Fix This for +6 to the total, -3 FP.

Total 10

And I really wish I'd Created Advantage there instead of attacking, but oops. Still, this should serve as a deterrent maybe.]

Gwydion slammed his head into the assassin's face plate. Thankfully, it was only slightly reinforced plasteel, but even so, the desperation move seemed to take the assassin aback momentarily. Moreover, with his face so close to the assassin's Gwydion caught the most ephemeral peek behind the shimmering mask. No...it couldn't be...Iliza?

OOC: 05:46, Today: MerLN, for the NPC Assassin, rolled -1 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 1, -1, 0, -1.  Assassin Defend. Melee +4. FP +2 for Invoking Unknown Personal Aspect. 4+2-1= 5. 10-5 = 5. Assassin checks it's 3 box. Two left. Takes a Minor Consequence.

I'm going to help you out slightly with the consequence, since you said you wish you had done CA to unmask, and call it A Glimpse Behind the Mask?

E&B are up.

Is Meara staying with dear old Dad?

Brun sprinted into the scene and was momentarily relieved to see Gwydion alive.  It was fleeting as the prince was still being attacked by the assassin.  Or was he?  Was the assassin there....  Did they move?  Gwydion stabbed! No..... No he's okay. Euryleia...no! Time and perspective fractured under the stress and desperation of the fast moving situation.  Brun was seeing every outcome; buffeted by the waves of possibility from all sides....

To everyone else, it looked like Brun had just run into the room and stopped.  His eyes far gone elsewhen.

I'd like to Compel Time and Tides.  As a Complication, Brun will be useless until he succeeds at a Devotion Overcome difficulty set by the Boss.  (Or a different Complication if the boss wishes)

While they ran the halls of Avaluna, Euryleia dropped the costume.  Her form rippled and changed; black armor replaced the ephemeral cloth and "skin".   A silver visored helm.  Foils extended from her hands.  The unmistakable shape of the famous Armour Euryleia now ran the halls alongside her Knight.

When they reached the scene, Euryleia did /not/ stop.  Boosters flared momentarily to launch her the last distance.  Her familiar voice boomed, "Gwydion!  On your left!" She landed at the Prince's side, foil snaking in to try force open the space and put herself into harm's way.

Euryleia's intention is to protect Gwydion first and get the attention on her.

Melee Create Advantage (tagging Warrior Born) Total +6.

Trying to create: Protect the King!

10:32, Today: Euryleia rolled -1 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 0, -1, -1, 1.  Create Advantage - Melee +5. –

The possibilities unfolded endlessly before Brun, each step, each outcome open to him. So many. So fast. The possibilities spiralled, spinning into an endless fractal. A repeating inevitability.

Brun stood before two figures in shimmering armor, one black, one white. Gleaming faceplates, not unlike the one once worn by his beloved, covered their faces, but he knew them.

"This is the only way. It must be done," he heard his own voice say, weighted with the anguish of certainty. "The King Must Die."

---

Euryleia easily interposed herself between the Assassin and Gwydion, ready to meet any attack.

"It has already begun," the black-clad Assassin said with sudden surprise and then vanished into nothingness.

OOC: Brun, I accept the compel. Rather than have you roll an overcome, I will say that you automatically comeback to yourself next turn. Giving up an exchange for a FP feels fair.

12:12, Today: MerLN, for the NPC Assassin, rolled 0 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 0, 0, 0, 0.  Assassin Defend vs. CA. Melee +4. Euryleia Wins. 1 free invoke.

Aspects in Play
Shredded Suit
Unsteady Grapple
A Glimpse Behind the Mask? (1 Free Invoke, Gwydion Only)
Protect the King (1 Free Invoke)

And with that the Assassin will choose to concede the conflict. Gwydion lives, but the Assassin vanishes.

Meara, have a FP for missing the action, but tell me if you are going to go toward the infirmary or if you see B&E and follow as that's important for me to know for what you see next.

Before MerLN could reply, Brun and Euryleia ran past them, and Meara instinctively followed, pulling her father along.  Clackclackclackclack went her heels as she ran along the corridor.  If those two were running with such determination, they were probably heading to stop something bad, and that's exactly what Meara's gut was telling her to do.  As she ran, she was able to realize that if MerLN had taken the time to inform her that Freyr and L1-4MNT were in the infirmary and stable, it was a warning that there was someone (or several someones) on the loose who needed to be stopped, not that she needed to run to the infirmary to protect them.  Auntie Val would never allow them to be unguarded after an attack.  She was probably already just as livid as Meara, but Auntie Val was always so much more productive in channeling her anger - yet another reason Meara looked up to her.

So it was that she saw Gwydion wrestling with an assassin and Euryleia transform into her original appearance (albeit on a much smaller scale) to intervene.

As Her Royal Highness Princess Meara du Chonaill, soon to be Queen of Venus, with a blade in hand, she knew exactly what she needed to do.

"GET BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENT!" she exclaimed as she performed a flying drop kick in a full gown and heels, aiming to distract the assassin.

Her father was so proud.  Terrified of the situation, but proud.

09:54, Today: Meara rolled -1 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of -1, -1, 0, 1.  Zeal +7 (Long Jumper)
Total +6 to create advantage "Save(d by) the Queen"

The drop kick was a masterful example of the technique, though the Assassin vanished a fraction of a second before Meara connected. Fortunately, the tuck and roll afterward was also a masterful example as Meara rolled to her feet short of colliding with the wall.

Well, at least Gwydion was saved, but what was going on?

Immediately after standing back up, Meara looked between every present and exclaimed quickly, "Freyr and L1-4MNT attacked, stable in infirmary, Cousin, report, Euryleia, figure it out, you're smarter than me!"

"What do you m-"

"I know my weaknesses, Daddy!  This is no time for pride!"

Brun raged against the obnoxious certainty, staring daggers into the reflective faceplates.  When he answered, it echo'd angrily through the fractals of time, "The future is not written!  Gwydion lives!  Now...."

Brun snapped suddenly back into the Now, yelling at everyone and no one, "KINDLY FUCK OFF!" His eyes refocused and he saw Gwydion decidedly not dead.  He stumbled forward and tried to hug the Prince, "I knew I was lying!"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:30, Mon 05 Feb.

Euryleia's attention swung around as Brun cursed the room, but he didn't seem to be in danger and was moving again.  Gwydion was safe, for now.  Meara had also joined them, so that would make it easier to guard the pair of them. The idea that this was not the only attack was still a concern though. At Meara's order, Euryleia responded with a quiet dip of her helmed head.

She quickly began analyzing her sensor data of the assassin, specifically any identifiable traces during the disappearing trick.  While she worked on that, she accessed the comm system to begin sifting for any other reports or attacks.

Her left foil shortened and reshaped into a serviceable sword of a style nearly matching Gwydion's most commonly carried one.  This blade was offered to the Prince without a word as Euryleia focused on the data work....

We'll start with Create Advantage Datasift to create a collection of data on the current situation.

Total +3

14:22, Today: Euryleia rolled -1 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 0, 1, -1, -1.  Create Advantage - Lore +4.

Comms traffic consisted of Avaluna's Men-At-Arms sweeping CAMELOT citadel for an assailant dressed in white armor. No mention of an assailant in black armor was made. The white-armored assassin must have been the one who had perpetuated the attack that Meara had mentioned. But where were they now? Or for that matter their counterpart in black.

From her sensor data, Euryleia could detect traces of Wyrmgate particles in the room. No doubt from the assassin. A quick survey of the hallway showed no traces. Had the Assassin been waiting here? Or had they breached the veil here? No easy task if that was the case. Despite her own abilities, it had taken Euryleia a long time to do so. That conclusion seemed unlikely, but couldn't be ruled out entirely.

Shocked, bleeding, and now an additional layer of distraught, Gwydion absently put his arms around Brun and let out a quiet "I love you too." It took him a moment to register the others, but then he gratefully took the offered sword and steeled his resolve and began to move with purpose out to the hallway.

"I'm fine. Attacker used a Venusian blade and my new tech, but miniaturized. I saw Iliza under the mask, but it can't be her. MerLN, look for signs of Wyrmgate particles and mark where you find any. Double the guards and alert any nearby of Wyrmgate activity. Let's collect Iliza and Irina. If someone is walking around with their faces, I want them safe and aware. Once we we're clear, I need to talk to Rose."

MerLN responded immediately. "Guards have been alerted, your Highness. The sisters Gehenmis are both currently in their domicile. However, the sensors upon Avaluna are unable to detect Wyrmgate particles. It is beyond the scope of their design parameters. A specialized sensor suite is required. Might I suggest Lady Euryleia or the Princess's drone companion perform a sweep?"

OOC: Gwydion, have a FP for being decisive. Very Kingly.

The fact that it was completely unprecedented to even consider Wyrmgate particles existing outside of a Wyrmgate had skipped the prince's mind, given his recent efforts. It was only obvious when pointed out. Wyrmgate particles being in their home had been theoretically impossible until a few weeks ago. Gwydion nodded to the ladies present.

"Meara, Euryleia, make it happen. I want you to scan wherever we go and I want Wigglesworth to start a scanning pattern that takes him past vulnerable targets, including the infirmary. And I want prisoners, not corpses. While keeping everyone safe is our top priority, learning identities and motives is right below that. We've already started dealing with time travel in several senses, and knowing what's going on could change everything going forward."

Meara had expected an explanation from Euryleia, not Gwydion.  Then, before she could react to the information he had provided, he started giving out orders, which she also had not expected.  To be fair, she had given orders first.  So, as to not rock the boat in an emergency situation, she walked over and whispered in her father's ear before he produced her comm - there wasn't really anywhere to keep it on the dress.  For some reason, it didn't have pockets.

It irked her, but not as much as feeling like she wasn't able to keep up with the others.

Once she had her comm back, she sent a summons to Wigglesworth and said, "Well, he's on his way.  As for prisoners instead of corpses, there is a reason I did not use a blade just now.  Once some guards have arrived for escort, I will head to where Lady Freyr and Sir L1-4MNT were attacked and Daddy can be escorted to safety.  Until then, however, I am not leaving your side, cousin, as that one was after you specifically."

Looking upwards just enough to make it clear she was not speaking to anyone physically in the room, she asked, "May I assume that there have been no other known attacks as of yet?"

"No other reports of violence have been reported, your Highness, " MerLN's voice responded.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:58, Tue 06 Feb.

Meara let out a small sigh of relief at the news.  "That is good to hear, at least, but not a reason to lower our guard.  I may be foolish, but not that foolish."

"I must say, this is the most exciting party I have ever attended.  Although your 12th birthday comes to mind..." Baughb says in an attempt to lighten the mood a bit so heads stay clear.

"DADDY!" Meara exclaimed in a scandalized, embarrassed voice as her father chuckled.

He gave her a tiny smile as he asked, "Are you thinking about running off and looking for a fight anymore?"

With a blush, Meara had to admit he was right.  "... No."

He gave her a reassuring pat on the back before turning to the others.  "If it pleases Your Majesties, I shall follow my daughter's order and head for a safer location once the escort arrives.  Give you all one less person to worry about."

Euryleia's expressionless silver faceplate regarded Brun and Gwydion for a long moment.  Then she returned her attention to her data work, adding in Gwydion's insights.  At the suggestion she scan for Wyrmgate particles, she replied, "I already have and I can confirm particle trace around Prince Gwydion's black armored attacker.  Security is searching for a white armored assailant.  The trace here begins and ends where the black assassin was.  Between the trace and the involvement of Gwydion's currently theoretical technology, we should assume that the attackers may be able to travel through both space and time.  Which, to be clear, should be impossibly difficult.  Even for me and I am impressively capable."

While she offered her own insights, Euryleia began checking current locations and recent movements of those staying within CAMELOT proper.  Starting with Queen Valerie and working her way down the list based close association with Gwydion and Meara.  Iliza would be quite high in this list.  Euryleia did not agree with Gwydion that it couldn't have been Iliza or some temporal variance of Iliza.

Do you need a roll for this research?  She's basically running it in the background while she follows the group.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:09, Tue 06 Feb.

Brun relaxed into the words, the embrace, and the reassurance that he /had/ changed the future...  Or past?  Nothing made sense.  He stepped back next to his Lady giving Gwydion and Meara space to lead on while he tried to navigate the slowing waves.  The vision of Gwydion torn was fading away from him which seemed.... Good.  That's g....  That's.... Um....

Now was slipping again.  He tried to resist, hold on to....  Euryleia's voice.  Clear and true.  He focused on that, listening hard.  Brun began quietly muttering as he heard something important there; trying to talk his mind into lines, "Black and white.  Black and White.  I saw....  Black and White Armor.  I knew them... How will I /know/ them?  I said this was the only way, must be done.  The King Must Die.  But, that's not true... Right?  Gwydion didn't die.... Why would I lie to them?" Brun shut his eyes to think, but it didn't help.  So many eyes were still open...

Lore Overcome to see if Brun can make himself  know who he will know them to be?

Total - +1

12:45, Today: Brun rolled -2 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 0, -1, -1, 0.  Overcome - Lore +3. –

This message was last edited by the player at 18:37, Tue 06 Feb.