It takes about 1 week for you to return to the capital city, you arrive a little after dawn the high white walls shinning in the morning light earning the name the Golden City of Light.

Lady Alisha looks out the window at the walls "It's good to be home" she murmured as you approached the main gate and the guards move out to greet you.

"It is, but this whole business is quite insane," Epineh said.

Lady Alisha nods "It is, we will need to be careful the Duke has men in the city of course" she said "Given your... leading position in dismantling his scheme. He might try to do something"

"That would take quite a bit of gal," Epineh said.

Alisha nodded in agreement "It would, but then so would setting up Bandits in someone elses lands" she suggested.

The gate guards approached your carriage and bowed deeply "Welcome back your highness, do you require anything from us?"

"Ah, no, just continue to be vigilant," Epineh said.

"Yes Highness" the guardsmen reply and they return to their posts as your carriage and escorts move further into the city.

Epineh kept herself busy by looking about for any signs of an attack.

Your group makes it's way through the city eventually arriving at the castle at its heart. There you see your mother and the heads of the household staff waiting to welcome you home.

As your carriage pulls up the Queen steps forward "Welcome home" she said with a warm smile "We missed you"

"Ah, it is great to see you as well, Mother," Epineh said. "Is Father busy? I have important matters to discuss with him."

The Queen enfold you in a quick hug "I'm afraid your father is very busy at the moment" she explained "it's likely to be tomorrow before he will be free"

Epineh hugged back.

"I do have very concerning news."

The Queen nodded solemnly "I will see if I can get him free early from his talks" she said.

"Thank you, mother," Epineh said.

"For now would you like to rest from your journey? The Queen asked.

"Yes, that would be lovely," Epineh said. "I could use a bath."

The Queen nodded "Of course my dear if you head up to your room. I'll have the bath prepared "

"Thank you, I'll see you later," Epineh said.

You head up to your rooms and find them as you left them about 3 weeks ago, you have time to settle in before a n unfamiliar servant arrives "Your bath is ready highness" they say with a short bow.

"Thank you. Are you new?" Epineh asked.

"I am highness" the young women said bowing and gesturing "Please don't wait too long or your bath will get cold"

"Ah, yes. Perhaps we can talk after," Epineh said, heading for the baths.

The servant escorts you to the baths and appears to be intending to wait outside.

"Thank you," Epined said as she went inside.

As the the servant had said the bath was ready for you gently steaming.

Epineh got undressed and got in.

As you settle into the bath and begin to relax, you hear the click in the latch of the door, and hear the sound of something flapping in the air close to you.

Epineh looked around.

At first you don't see anything but then you feel a sudden stinging pain as some thing hits you from behind and you see a small winged creature with a barbed tail flits away.

[ooc: 4 dmg, DC 11 Con save or take 10 more/5 if you pass]

(OOC: Con save - Epineh Alena Grimmory Ashmore rolled 14 using 1d20+5.)

Epineh ran for the door and tried to open it.

The door was locked or jammed and resisted your attempt to open it. The creature disappeared behind a pillar.

"Fine, creature, two can play that game," Epineh said, casting invisibility.

You finish the spell and vanish from hight, after a few minutes you again hear the flapping sound as your attacker moves through the room searching for you, you eventually here a disgruntled chirp and it seems to land over by where your clothes and items are.

Epineh made sure she had the room and then began to cast a fireball at the thing.

(OOC: Fireball Damage - Epineh Alena Grimmory Ashmore rolled 25 using 8d6)

The fire ball incinerate everything on that side if the room, even as the echoing boom finishes you can hear startled voices outside "Princess? Are you okay what's happening? " they yell and the bathroom door shakes as some one tries to force it open.

Was the thing dead? Epineh looked around for it.

You dig through the burnt remaints of your clothes as the door suddenly crashes in and several armoured men spill into the room "Princess are you o-" the voice stumbles to a halt as they are very carefully not looking in Ephinehs directions. The lead figure removed thier cloak and offered it to Ephineh wordlessly.

Epineh blushed heavily, took the cloak and covered herself with it.

"Thank you...the servant who brought me to the bath was new. Once I was inside, she released some kind of weird creature and locked me inside."

"We shall find her princess" The guardsmen said and two of the other armoured figures quickly left to search for the assassin.

The remaing guardsman then gestured "Allow me to escort you back to your room highness"

"Very well," Epineh said, following the guard, though a little wary.

The guard keeps a respectful distance from Ephineh sensing some of discomfort as you approach the room you notice the door is ajar.

"Is someone in there?" Epineh asked.

There is no reply.

Epineh opened the door and entered.

The room was a mess it looked like someone had ransacked the place, draws were open, clothes strewn about and items carelessly tossed on the floor.

Epinah started to look for the evidence she had found.

With the state of the room it takes a bit of time but you eventually find the signet ring, but the scroll with the seal is missing.

"Epineh are you alright?" you hear Lady Alisha calling from the doorway, followed by the sound of your mothers voice "Epineh, the guards said you were attacked?"

"I was! They stole some of the evidence," Epineh said, explaining what happened.

The queen hugs you through most of the description of the events "How could this happen in the castle?" she asks Alisha and the guards who are standing outside your door "I want this person found!" she demands of them.

Lady Alisha bows acceptingly "We will do all we can your majesty. Epineh once you are dressed perhaps you could help?"

"Yes, I will do just that," Epineh said.

The queen reluctantly releases you and leaves the room "I will arrange a sweep by the guards" she said.

Lady Alisha looks at you once the queen has left "Are you sure your okay?" she asks.

"I'm fine," Epineh said. "The thing stung me, but I seem fine."

"Let me look" Alisha said "It might be venomous"

Epineh let her.

Alisha examines the wound and casts a few spells over the wounds "There that should do it" she said and headed for tthe door "I'll wait outside for you" she said.

"Thank you," Epineh said as she got dressed and came out, ready to start the search.

Lady Alisha was waiting wearing her armour and carrying her weapons, the other guards had apparently already been sent off by the queen to begin the search "Can your spells help our search Ephie?" she asked.

"I don't think I have anything that could help, sorry," Epineh said.

"Then lets search" Alisha said "Do you think they are trying to get out of the castle? Or would they hide and let things quieten down?"

"I don't know, I haven't dealt with an assassin before," Epineh said.

"I can't say I have either" Alisha said "Buy you are the only one to have seen them, and they've acted against you so you are the only one with insight into how they think"

"I didn't get a good look at her, other than noticing she was new. I was planning to talk with her after the bath," Epineh said. "I was kind of focused on the bath."

"Okay then. Maybe we should question the other servants, see what they know about them?" Alisha suggested.

"That sounds like a good idea!" Epineh said.

You head down to the servants quarters and find the place in an uproar, several of the castle servants who have worked there a while approach Ephineh with worried expressions on their faces "Are you okay Princess? The whole palace is in an uproar after what happened"

"I'm fine, but we're trying to find the attacker. Did you see any new female servants in the castle recently?" Epineh asked.

They look at each other for a moment and then the spokeswomen reluctantly nods "We did she was taken on about 3 months ago. But she was only meant to be in the kitchens" she explained "Her name was Elizabeth" the women explained "We can show you her quarters?"

"Thank you," Epineh said.

You and Alisha are lead to one of the small rooms in servant quarters, it consists of bed, a trunk and a small desk.

It looks practically untouched with the bed well made, and the desk neat and tidy.

"Looks like she never stayed here," Epineh said.

Alisha nodded  "Or she could even teach you a few thing about being neat" she commented as she began to search the room.

Epineh stuck her tongue out at the priest.

Alisha missed the gesture as she was examining the few items on the desk.

Epineh got looking as well.

You check over the room and it does seem like it has been barely used, there are only a few personal affects. Some simple jewelry, a spare pair of shoes with odd marks on them and a change of clothes.

"Did you find anything?" Epineh asked the priestess.

"No, odd if she was here for 3 month's I'd expect more here" Alisha replied "What about you?"

"Nothing. This is strange," Epineh said.

Alisha came over to Epineh and knelt examining the shoes "These marks they look odd" she said picking one up and showing it to Epineh. The shoes had discoloured marks on them as if something had stained them, and a slight powdery residue.

"Ah, maybe she stepped in something?" Epineh suggested.

Alisha rubbed at the powder and sniffed it carefully "Smells like spices maybe?" She suggested.

"I think we should check out the kitchen and where the spices are stored," Epineh said.

"It's worth a shot" Alusha agreed and the two of you headed down into the kitchen.

The kitchens as always were bustling with life as people hurried about preparing food and drink for the castle, a startled but harried looking worker pointed you towards the storerooms which were at the back of the kitchen.

Epineh headed inside.

You head into the store room it's quite large the room you walked into is full of fruits and vegetables stacked in baskets, you can see two other doors leading off to the left and right.

From the smells you are fairly sure the one to the right is where the meat and fish is kept, suggesting to one to the left is for spices and herbs.

Epineh went for the left door.

You enter the room and its indeed full of jars and sacks smelling of spices, with drying herbs hanging from the support beams.

You don't immediately see anything, but the stacked shelves give plenty of places to hide.

Epineh began to look through the shelves.

You approach the shelves and start checking them, it doesn't take too long to work through them.

At first you don't notice anything, but as you work towards the back of the room you notice that one of the shelves has been moved to create a space behind it, hidden by the contents of the shelf.

Epineh went for a closer look.

You approach the shelf and begin to work your way around it.

[ooc: perception roll]

(OOC: Perception - Epineh Alena Grimmory Ashmore rolled 12 using 1d20+2 )

You hear a faint sound like someone moving in the hiding space.

Epineh motion towards the priestess.

Alisha quietly moves up towards Epineh "You've found something?" she asks quietly.

"There's a small passage here behind the shelf and I hear something in it," Epineh whispered back.

"Understood" Alisha said and readied her shield "Ready when you are"

Epineh tried moving the shelf out of the way.

You start to heave against the shelf and it eventually moves inside the space you find a women who looks like the servant that took you to the bath tied up up and gagged.

Epineh brought her out.

You are able to pull her out of the space, she struggles and gestures frantically when she sees Epineh.

Epineh bent down to free the woman.

It was only the work of a few moments to free here and then she hugged Epineh "Thank you, thank you. I thought I was going to die" she said.

"How long have you been in there?" Epineh asked.

"I'm not sure.. that thing came" she said "It put me down here, then it looked like me"

"The thing?" Epineh asked.

"It was sort of human looking but grey, and it's face was just wrong" she said hesitantly "it knew things about me, like it was in my head"

"It must be some kind of shapeshifter then," Epineh said.

"What will happen now? I mean people are going to blame me for whatever it did" she said in a small voice.

"It clearly wasn't you and I'll make sure that is clear," Epineh said.

"Thank you" she said as she shakely stood a page arrives "Princess? The king wishes to see you"

"Let's all go then," Epineh said.

The page leads you into a large room your father the king was sitting he rose as you entered "Epineh I heard you'd been attacked are you okay? I'm sorry I didn't see you sooner but things are delicate at the moment " he said.

"I'm fine, father, but it looks as though the attacker was a shapeshifter who stole some evidence we found as to who was behind the bandit attacks," Epineh said,

The King's eyebrows rose "Perhaps you should start at the beginning" he said and gestured for you to sit.

Epineh then explained everything that had happened and handed over what evidence she still had.

The king listens carefully occasionally asking questions to clarify points and the sighs "This is concerning especially in light of recent developments" he finally said looking off into the distance "I'm not sure we have enough evidence to move against the Duke right now"

"Why not?" Epineh asked.

"Because he is one of the most powerful men in the kingdom" you father said with a sigh "and because I have just agreed to calling the Grand Tournament. If I moved against the Baron now it would look like I am trying to rig the outcome"

"I understand that it would be difficult, but...," Epineh started, before letting out a gasp. "Father, are you serious?"

The king sat down and sighed "Yes, you are coming of age and the privy Council has insisted. Due to circumstances I have had to accept"

"But-but-but father! I can't marry someone I haven't met!" Epineh said.

You fathers face takes on a stern expression, although his eyes are filled with sadness "You are a princess of the realm, a political marriage was always likely. You have bee n given many privileges while growing up. Now it is time for you to do your duty"

Epineh lowered her head.

"Yes, father."

"Good girl" The king said giving you a brief hug "We need to prepare, the announcement will be made tomorrow at court"

"Understood father," Epineh said.

Lady Alisha leads you from the room and back towards her chambers she sits you down and begins to make you a pot of tea.

"You must be in shock" she said eventually as she worked. "What do you plan to do?"

"What can I do?" Epineh asked as she broke down crying.

Lady Alisha gently hugs Epineh letting her cry it out "I think that depends on what do you want to do with your life Ephie. If you are not willing to be a pawn in someone elses game you'll need to start making your own plans"

"Yes, but I'll need to find out where it's headed first," Epineh said.

Alisha nods "We should hear that tomorrow during the public announcement" she said "Or we could try asking your mother she might know"

"It's clear the games are going ahead. Which means I'm going to be engaged, but not to who," Epineh said. "It could be anyone at this point."

"Yes" Alisha agreed "Anyone can enter, so you can choose a Champion to fight for you for example"

"But I would have to marry them and, um, do you think I could get a guard to be my champion?" Epineh said, blushing.

Alisha laughed lightly "As you said anyone can enter the tournament. So if you can convince them to there is no problem having a Champion of your choosing. You have someone in mind then?"

Epineh continued to blushed deeper and squeaked out a "Yes..."

Alisha smiles slightly at Epinehs reaction "Well then I guess for now you had better rest, and ask tomorrow after the announcement "

Epineh nodded.

Alisha escorts you back to your room when you've finished the tea. You notice extra guards outside your room now.nit seems security has been increased after the attack.

Epineh decided to get ready for bed and turn in early.

You manage to sleep butbuts a fitful one, interrupted by dreams of recent happening and worries of whats to come.

You are awoken the  next morning by the servants informing you  breakfast is ready.

Epineh got ready and headed for breakfast.

You ate breakfast in the main hall, your mother and father were not present when you entered but several others were including several of the guards sitting together on one of the tables.

"Has father made any announcements?" Epineh asked the guards.

The guards looked at each other "No your highness, he has called the court later this morning though" one says "I guess that's to announce something... Do you know what it is?" he asked hopefully.

"I do, but I shouldn't say anything until the announcement," Epineh said.

The guards nod in understanding, although you can sense a hint of disappointment. As you look up from the group you spot another small knot of guardsmen coming into the hall including Sir Jorwyin looking as handsome as ever.

Epineh blushed and quickly got to her feet.

"Sir Jorwyin, I need to speak with you!"

"Your highness?" Jorwyin replied in a slightly confused tone "Of course" he glanced about noticing the interest that the other guards were taking in the conversation. "Let's step outside then"

"Right! Yes! Outside is good!" Epineh said heading outside.

Once outside and blushing heavily, Epineh leaned into Sir Jorwyin and whispered the plan, but to keep it quiet until the announcement.

Jorwyin looks shocked and then resolute "I'd be honored to fight for you Princess" he eventually replied.

"T-thank you, Sir Jorwyin," Epineh said, the colour of a fresh tomato and unable to look him in the eyes.

"I promise that I will be worthy of your favour" Sir Jorwyin said dropping to one knee "I swear to you that I will win"

This was getting to be too much.

"I-I-I'm sure you will."

HD stands and bows "I'd better join the others or they'll wonder where I am highness" he said and headed back into the hall.

"S-see you later," Epineh said, waving to him.

After you had breakfast Lady Alisha found you "It's almost time your highness" she said formally "The King has requested your presence in the throne room for an announcement"

"Very well," Dei said, following her.

You are escorted to the throne room and take your seat at one side of the Dias.

The members of the court and invited dignitaries slowly file in including Duke Hagel. They take their positions before the King stands.

"My fine Lords and Ladies I have gathered you all here today for an important announcement. As you all know my beloved daughter will soon reach the age of majority and thus it is time to find her a husband.

I though long and hard how to do this, and with the advice of my esteemed council I have decided to restore one of our great traditions the Grand Tournament" the hall errupted in a sudden hubbub, which eventually quieted down.

"It shall be held 1 month hence on the Spring Equinox, at the collision in the old city" he declared.

Epineh did her best to smile and look confident.

The king waits again for the noise to die down.

But before he can speak Duke Aston interrupts "Your majesty, this is truly a momentous occasion. If you are following tradtion then anyone may enter or their designated champion?" He asked in a reedy sort of voice.

The king glares for a moment and the nods "Yes we will be following the traditional rules" he said finally and then sighed.

"My Daughter, would you speak a few words?" He said gesturing for you to join him at the front of the dias.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:01, Tue 22 Mar 2022.

Epineh joined her father.

"It is once again time for one of our country's longest traditions. I am intensely proud to be a part of it and I want to wish everyone here the best of luck when it becomes time for the games. Please do your best for our nation."

As you finish the speech the assembled nobles and the court cheer and applaud, as you return to your seat you notice Duke Aston watching you with a victorious smirk on his face.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:01, Tue 22 Mar 2022.

Epineh smiled politely back at him.

The dukes smile become somewhat fixed and he glares at you for a moment before he breaks the eye contact and turns to the nobles around him.

The court resumes normal business, but eventually you are able to escape, but as you do, your mother stops you "I'm sorry Epineh I couldn't stop your father, not with the whole council pressuring him. You should know that within the week the court will move to the old capital to get ready for the tournament"

Epineh nodded.

"And you should know that I have chosen my champion."

The Queens eyebrow raises slightly at the pronouncement and then smiles "I hope they serve you well" she said "You'll have to introduce us when you can"

"You have met him before," Epineh said with a smile.

"Oh that young Guardsmen you've been mooning over?" Your mother answered with a knowing smile.

"Ah, you knew...," Epineh said.

"Or I was just fishing and you told me" the Queen replied giving you a hug "I'd love to talk more but I have to make some presentations before we head to the old capital "