You all hear the clink and clank of a guardsman walking towards you. VIL, you can see him enter from one of the archways from a hallway. He walks towards the group of you, but looks markedly distracted by trying to hear the conversation below. He measures his walking pace as to not seem like he's eavesdropping.

23:43, Today: teslas rolled 16 using 1d20+7. Guard passively noticing the party.

The guard passes with his head turned slightly to the lower floor. The darkness of the upper level appears to have concealed all of you. The clanking of his armored feet as he moves past DAI to turn down a hallway drown out the sound of most of the dialogue.

The talk continues. An as yet unheard voice seems to be talking at first, and then the group of them begin muttering at once.

[Private to JACK; VIL; ZEIG:
"We all value your opinion Garland, but it might be wise to err on the side of caution. Lukan has rarely been incorrect in something so serious," a new voice explains. "Melmond may be the first of the southern cities affected. It is quite obvious to all of us the Wind of the north has already been lost. We cannot blindly hide in our pocket of the world any longer. What if Earth is next? And then, my dear Elf, what of Fire?"

At this, everyone erupts into small comments and conversation. Garland's voice is boisterous and solid. The king and this new voice cannot be heard.

Another unique voice with an accent retorts loudly, "Master Mage, The Lufeinians and their air machines brought their doom upon them. I have little interest in the speculation of humans in this matter, I did not..." and his voice is lost in the renewed uproar at the table.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:45, Thu 03 Feb 2011.

Zeig's eyes open immediately and he trembles a bit, but manages to refrain from moving and attracting unwanted attention.

[Private to teslas: Do we have any idea of what they're talking about means?  Would any of the knowledge skills help determine that (like recognizing what it means to lose the elements)?  Just trying to determine how to act.]

01:22, Today: ZEIG rolled 10 using 1d20+5. Knowledge history.
01:22, Today: ZEIG rolled 14 using 1d20+5. Knowledge religion.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:23, Thu 03 Feb 2011.

DAI, in aggravation of not hearing anything, moves his ear much closer to the other side of the tapestry and discovers the undecorated portion of the wall is echoing everything quite clearly.

The din of the rabble finally dies down. The king's voice can be heard at first, lowered much in volume to force everyone else at the table to remain silent to hear him. A voice very similar to Knight Captain Weston speaks for a short time, with a deep grunt punctuating his first statement. Garland's voice nearly interrupts immediately after Weston is finished.

[Private to DAI: Another guard can be heard approaching from a different hall. You decide to move back towards the center of the tapestry before he draws much closer, but you manage to hear the talking much more clearly now.

"It is in my opinion the claims of Lukan could possibly be overstretched", the king seems to very carefully admit. "The circumstances that befell the Lufeinians and the other Northern states are not known to any of us. I do, however, feel it may be time to repeat our previous action. The last expedition may have failed, but a new one by those next in line to a much closer location may be the next step."

You can feel the uncomfortableness at the table from this statement in the air from 30 feet away. Many members of the assembly can be heard clearing their throat and shifting in their seats.

"You, if I may presume, my liege, are talking of the potentiality of the destined warriors?" Weston's familiar voice asks. A hearty, unmistakable Dwarven laugh bellows after this comment. "If I may possibly suggest a military expedition instead? Now is the time for deliberate, organized action. Chasing wisps and shreds of legend Lukan predicted did not return the results for which you had hoped."

"Garland chimes in, I must, for once, finally agree with something suggested by Sir Weston, your majesty. "]

[Private to ZEIG: Roll a Knowledge (Religion) and Knowledge (History) check.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:55, Thu 03 Feb 2011.

Another guard patrol can be heard walking by. This one's footsteps are slightly less distracted.

00:24, Today: teslas rolled 24 using 1d20+7. Guard patrolling the balcony.

The guard stops in front of DAI's tapestry. "I can see your feet, fool," he whispers.

At this, Sara immediately jumps out from behind another tapestry. "Quiet, please, Roland," she whispers back. "The two of us were curious and trying to listen. DAI, please come out."

00:27, Today: teslas rolled 16 using 1d20+8. Sara's Bluff.
00:27, Today: teslas rolled 11 using 1d20+1. Roland's Sense Motive.

"I see, but you mean the three of you, do you not?" Roland pokes his Guisarme behind the statue VIL is behind.

You take 1 point of damage, VIL, and manage to muffle yourself before making any noise.

"Yes... him too of course. VIL, DAI, our time here is up. Let's make our way down my father's chambers and wait to admit we were eavesdropping. I'll tell father you were the one who found us, Roland."

00:34, Today: teslas rolled 8 using 1d20+1. Roland's Sense Motive.(2)

"Very well. Leave at once. If I find any of you near here for the rest of the night we will throw your two friends into cells and forget to tell anyone for a couple of weeks. Is that clear, my lady?"

The conversation below has taken another turn towards open arguments. It is doubtful any of the members of the assembly could hear the previous events unfold on the balcony. None of you manage to hear any of what they're saying, however, as Sara and Roland talk over it all.

[Private to ZEIG: All of what was said rings a bell to you, although you can't quite place why exactly. You're sure the Lufeinians were a people that Cornelia has had no direct contact with in over a hundred years. You're fairly confident you can remember that it is presumed they were lost to some kind of catastrophy.

Speaking of Wind, Earth, and Fire you would assume they are speaking of the four prime elements that remain in this world from the eight original gifts from the gods. The fourth is Water. The gifts from the gods myth is a very old one, the origin or probably significance of which is unknown to you.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:22, Thu 03 Feb 2011.

DAI walks out quietly, silently cursing hmself for not changing his shoes as well, with a quick wave of his hand the robes and hat return to their natural colors. He walks after Sara, saying nothing for fear of revealing his still-hidden allies.

Vil glares at Roland as he rubs the spot he was poked at and quietly follows Sara and Dai.

On behalf of ZEIG:

Zeig is startled by the discovery of Dai and Vil but dares not move lest he should miss the reason Sara brought them here.  Upon watching them leave with the second patrol and waiting until they are sufficiently out of earshot, he performs a small cantrip [OOC] Prestidigitation [OOC] to further conceal himself, taking a page out of Dai's book, as he now knows that someone must remain privy to this knowledge.  Although he had felt sufficiently hidden, he now believes there is no longer room for error.  He glances towards Jack's position but dares not extend him the same favor to avoid alarming him.

End quote.

The two remaining people attempt to concentrate once again on the meeting below. ZEIG spends three short seconds making his clothing more like the color of the stained wooden chair, even though he is nearly completely concealed by shadow.

The two people leaving can hear the arguments begin to inflame and worsen. The talking then finishes in a rather sudden fashion, and nothing else can be heard.

[Private to JACK; ZEIG:
The accented voice speaks again as you hear a chair scoot across the floor, "I have no more time for this squabble. Elfheim has its own problems. Do what you must, your highness. I, too, find temptation that such superstitions are true, but resist them. Good luck in your endeavors."

The rantings of a screaming man can be heard as he is dragged down a hallway on the lower floor. "_{Vampires! Our town... ...-lieve me... now! It...  ...too late!}"

Garland's voice is then heard. "I will begin to prepare for your request, my liege. Sir Weston, if you've need of my help in your business, I'll be in the library, double-checking logistics."

A man, presumably Weston, huffs at this.

The king speaks, sounding weary, "Bartholomew, double check your presumptions. We will act in two weeks time."

"Yes, your highness. There is much to review. I believe your faith is in the right place, no matter how it may seem to others," Bartholomew responds.]

[Private to ZEIG; JACK:
The scooting of chairs and diminished talking continue to be heard. Judging by the frequencies of the previous guard patrols, the two of you left on the balcony have no more than a couple of minutes until the next one comes by. With the noise quickly dying below, it seems as if now might be the best time to leave. You did not see which hallway Sara, DAI, and VIL took to leave, but you know it wasn't the one you used to enter. You can take a guess between one of the three others on this side of the room or go back the way you came. Again, you are not familiar with this level of the palace.

There are 8 hallways all leading to this balcony around the assembly hall below. The other four are on the other side of the room, and are symmetrical to the four on your side.]

[Private to VIL; DAI:
Both of you follow Sara down a different hallway than you used to enter. "You two will not be joining me in meeting my father. I'd like to talk to him alone. Please take the stair at the end of this hall and leave through the garden we came through. I will see to ZEIG and JACK as best I can. I hope they were able to hear the rest of the meeting. Trust me, please, it is probably best for everyone..." she pauses, closing her eyes for a moment, "...for everyone, if you two leave the palace as soon as possible. Do your best to not be caught. Take this with you" She hands DAI a small wooden box and waits for you guys to begin leaving.

VIL/DAI: Roll spot checks for the surrounding hallway.]

OOC: You do not have to post privately to me about your actions and what you say. I think you guys are good enough at D&D and self-aware enough to play only what your character knows. I will continue to Private Line your situations and surroundings to you, however, as long as you remain apart.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:30, Thu 03 Feb 2011.

Vil lays a hand on Sara's shoulder and squeezes it gently, then nods. With eagle eye precision, he scans the surrounding hallway.

07:08, Today: VIL rolled 19 using 1d20. Spot check.

[OOC] Kefka smiles on my Rolls in this game. Muhaha. ^_^ [/OOC]

DAI stares intently at Sara after her words ended, he was not liking teh way she was speaking but...he knew objecting would only upset her, which he was not okay with. He held the box under one arm, before rummaging through his small pouch, pulling out a crystal vial with an ornate stopper, and handing it to Sara without a word. He then turned and headed toward the door, taking note to point two fingers at Sara, and say something under his breath. While walking he made sure to spot anything he could...it seemed information was their goal, and he was wanting it more then ever now.

05:24, Today: DAI rolled 18 using 1d20+1. spot (:P).

[Private to teslas: Using Message, to "whisper" to her at a distance. "Please just...don't do anything that would make me regret leaving..."]

Jack was torn. He knew guards could come at any moment, but he wasn't sure if there was more to hear. Sara thought this was important. He looks over at the place where he knew Zeig had hidden, to see if he was leaving.

Zeig moves to a crouch and whispers to Jack ""Looks like they're clearing out, perhaps it's time we did the same.  Sara's not here to bail us out if we're caught now.

Jack rolls out from under the bench and sighs. "Yeah. Let's see if we can make our way to her room and wait for her."

VIL/DAI:
[Private to DAI; VIL: Sara quickly heads back down the hallway towards the balcony. She places the bottle from DAI into her pocket gingerly. You can see her sticking to the thick carpet and carefully watching and listening for another guard.

Both of you notice that a couple of doors are open in the hallway. Moreover you notice the familiar glint of coins sitting on some of the desks. This must be another wing of small personal spaces for officials.

The hallway is 15 feet wide and roughly 120 feet long. There are eight doors on each side, and three are open. The same type of tapestries line the walls along with tables, chairs, and benches and other forms of mostly-decorative furniture.

OOC: You are roughly 2 minutes ahead in time of the other group. We may have to delay your actions slightly.]

ZEIG/JACK:
[Private to JACK; ZEIG:

You are roughly 2 minutes behind in time from VIL/DAI. They may have to wait for you to resolve your action.]

[Private to JACK:
If you did want to head to Sara's room, any of the four hallways, or at the very least two of them, should take you to the main lower hallway that is probably the most direct way, that you can remember.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:54, Thu 03 Feb 2011.

Zeig starts making his way to Sara's room, attempting not to be discovered until out of this unfamiliar part of the castle.

14:38, Today: ZEIG rolled 13 using 1d20. Hide Check.
14:38, Today: ZEIG rolled 18 using 1d20. Move Silently check.
[OOC] If you need them. [/OOC]
This message was last edited by the player at 19:39, Thu 03 Feb 2011.

Jack follows Zeig with as much care as he can.

14:46, Today: JACK rolled 7 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 5. move silently.
14:46, Today: JACK rolled 5 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 3. hide.

[OOC]Jack runs off screaming into the hallway. The dice are fickle.[/OOC]

Zeig moves back through the hallway they entered from, hoping to get back into more familiar territory quickly.

Jack follows.

Time is close to re-synched now.

[Private to JACK; ZEIG: The two of you head back down the way you came. The same, familiar hallway is just how you left it. You guys begin making your way down the thick carpet as stealthily as you can.

Both of you roll Spot checks.]

[Private to ZEIG: You remember some of the doors to rooms were open on this hallway.]

[Private to DAI; VIL: You can continue leaving, as Sara suggested, snoop around some people's rooms, or go back towards the balcony.]

DAI pauses, inspecting the rooms, before holding up one hand and levitating the small piles of coins into his pouch.

OOC: Mage Hand, can go for 1 minute/level, since 50 coins are a pound it can move up to 250 coins at once.

Don't blame me, I'm used to playing theivy characters >.>

18:59, Today: ZEIG rolled 10 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 6. Spot check.

[OOC] You thieving bastard! :p [/OOC]

30 seconds passes.

DAI/VIL:
[Private to DAI; VIL:
DAI delays near one of the doors labeled "Magistrate Minor Mury, Second Class".

He calmly uses Mage Hand to lift a stack of 32 platinum pieces out to him in the hallway without leaving any trace of his presence in the room itself, or disturbing the door at all. There are five more stacks subdivided out into the same amount that are clearly visible through the semi-open door.

The entire process takes only 25 seconds, and can be repeated. VIL witnesses the act.]

ZEIG:
[Private to ZEIG: You are in a hurry and manage to notice the same thing you did last time, but only because you were looking for it.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:05, Fri 04 Feb 2011.

19:11, Today: JACK rolled 14 using 1d20. spot.

DAI continues to get another, looking over to VIL while doing so, whispering.

Am...am I the only one doing this?

OOC: Since MAge Hand lasts 1 minute/level, could I get 2 stacks done with one use? OR is it a new use for evry object levitated?

OOC: Single cast for two stacks, yes, and the Duration is "Concentration" meaning that you can Mage Hand all day long on one cast so long as you keep concentrating on doing it.

DAI/VIL:
[Private to DAI; VIL:
DAI grabs another stack of 32 platinum coins from the desk as almost another 30 seconds passes.

18:16, Today: Secret Roll: teslas, on behalf of VIL, rolled 15 using 1d20+4. Listen check.
18:17, Today: Secret Roll: teslas, on behalf of DAI, rolled 18 using 1d20+1. Listen check.

DAI thinks he hears the familar sound of armored feet coming from the direction of the balcony and points it out to VIL, who quickly listens and confirms it.

OOC / DM TIP: The guards will, of course, look down each hallway as they walk past. I'd suggest rolling a Hide check. If I do not hear from VIL in the next little while I will roll it for him.]

[Private to DAI: I'm telling! Total wealth gained: 640 gp.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:27, Fri 04 Feb 2011.