Appearing Characters: Aoibh Reòthadh, Aliden Perenolde, Ciara Reòthadh, Deirdre Reòthadh, Elissa Cross, Faerlina Reòthadh, Fiadh Reòthadh, Galen Trollbane, Gilveradin Windrunner, Kel'Thuzad, Liiraluma, Maighread Tàillear, Teemo Manabrake, Uther Menethil, Velameestra Windrunner, Vittoria Trollbane
November 18th
As the group started to approach Aliden, Gil stripped off from the group to remain at a safe distance where he could still hear, while Vel started to summon creatures of the night to the area. They did not start to swarm, but intermittently, more and more started to skitter across the moon in a mixture of owls and bats.
Aliden Perenolde was alone, perched upon an armchair with a table set before him on a nice black and citrine rug as he sipped from a glass of brandy. An exact number of chairs was positioned on the other side of the table.
Aliden smiled.
Aliden Perenolde says: Ah. Right on time. Please…
He gestured to the chairs.
Aliden Perenolde says: I went ahead and made accommodations for you. I hope they are up to your standards. I’ve been expecting you, you see.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Down to the number, it would appear.
Aliden Perenolde says: Well, we did have the privilege of meeting at the Red Widow. It would have reflected poorly on me as a host if I was ill-prepared.
Vel approached and sat down, as did the others. Luma spun the chair around and sat in it backwards. Vittoria looked at Uther, who gave a reassuring nod, and also sat down.
Aliden Perenolde says: Seems we’re one short.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Seems you’re four short.
Aliden smiled.
Aliden Perenolde says: My adjutants are simply ensuring we won’t be disturbed this evening.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Then you won’t mind if one of ours does the same.
Aliden chuckled.
Aliden Perenolde says: A fair point. I can’t argue with that.
He put his hands on his knees and got to his feet. He said he would get them some refreshments.He moved over to a tray where there was a bottle of Stromic brandy and a handful of glasses. He set one of the glasses aside and began to pour glasses of brandy.
Vel watched him keenly to ensure he wasn’t trying to slip anything into the drinks.
Aliden Perenolde says: You drew quite the attention from my man at the checkpoint earlier. You see, it’s not every day that travelers equipped with such impressive gear and expertise make their way through the Arathi Highlands. Certainly notably, yet I can’t help but shake the feeling you have me at a disadvantage.
Velameestra Windrunner says: You’re a distinctive man, master Perenolde.
Aliden Perenolde says: So it seems! My reputation does precede me. But given that’s the case, I’m sure you understand how much I loathe being at a disadvantage.
He was holding some of the filled glasses in his hands.
Aliden Perenolde says: I’ve spent a fair amount of time trying to find out who these people may have been. So perhaps you’ll indulge me in a game.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Do you really have time for games?
Aliden Perenolde says: Of course I do. Life is too short to be all business, after all. Though…
He smiled and looked at Vel.
Aliden Perenolde says: Though that does bring me to my first turn, so to speak. You, my dear. It is clear that you have no small amount of… magical prowess. I understand you were responsible for conjuring some of the steeds you drove.
Velameestra Windrunner says: As your man told you.
Aliden Perenolde says: Quite so. I’m also sure you picked up he was contacting someone, and that that someone was me.
Velameestra Windrunner says: If I didn’t, you gave it away.
Aliden Perenolde says: I did. All a part of this game. But that alone is not enough to tell me anything about who you truly are. But I’ve been hearing some interesting rumors from up north. Did you know that Prince Uther Menethil is back from the dead? Quite a windfall for the Lordanes.
Velameestra Windrunner says: From what I’ve heard of up north, a lot of people are back from the dead.
Aliden Perenolde says: Yes, quite a stir. Now, one might wonder for what purpose such an individual as esteemed as his highness would have for leaving his kingdom, yet I am not full enough to have missed the rumors… after all many who had eyes on the next generation noticed the fondness that had been growing between his highness and princess Vittoria, who… is currently missing. As this tapestry began to unweave, I began to think…
He moved over to Uther and handed him a glass.
Aliden Perenolde says: What more reason would a man need to seek out the woman he loves. Isn’t that right, your highness?
He moved on and then turned back to Vel.
Aliden Perenolde says: Should we assume this hypothesis is correct, there are a number of individuals that come to mind. Individuals who would fit the bill… a cunning, intelligent woman with a connection to his highness. A certain woman that made quite the statement during a certain speech. Now of course, she would have reason to be any number of places, but given the mysterious circumstances of their survival, I daresay it makes sense for them to have stuck together afterwards. And your emphasis on returning from the dead makes that hypothesis true, isn’t that right, Miss Windrunner?
He handed a glass to Vel.
Aliden Perenolde says: Now, of course, our story has it that the terrorist group known as the League of Arathor abducted the princess after the death of master Menethil. But I know my history and who the One-Eyed Gryphon is. I also know that if you have the power to conjure steeds of magic and the wherewithal to identify long-distance communication magic, you’d be able to use it as well… and our wayward princess may not be so wayward at all.
He handed the glass to Vittoria then looked at Elissa.
Aliden Perenolde says: You, my dear, were a bit of a quandary. I can’t say I knew precisely who you were at first, and even now, I’ll be making a bit of a guess. But the fact you’re here, and judging by the fact your size did not impact the chair you sit upon, you are not masking your true existence overmuch. First notion of course would be that you aren’t disguised… but, I believe that this going a bit deeper. Given that his highness has returned from the dead, it does not make sense for his or her majesty to let their darling boy go across the countryside without some assurance of eyes upon him, so my first thought went to the royal guard. My first instinct was that you might be princess Ashwynn, but the height is on, and my latest reports have her on the front lines of the bulwark still. But then… I got to thinking. During his highness's celebration of knighthood, there was a girl who had risen to the rank of knight. One who was granted a lordane steed of exceptional breed. Which leads me to believe that, despite my first instincts…
He handed Elissa the glass.
Aliden Perenolde says: You are the good lady Cross.
He looked at the last two, first at Luma.
Aliden Perenolde says: With all due respect… your accent could use a great deal of work. Thus that leads me to believe, between that and your height, you aren’t human, and you may be one of the draenei that arrived. But your knowledge of technology implies you are not the same buxom lass I encountered with his highness. You are likely someone else. Someone new. Someone unknown. Someone with a great deal of technical acumen. There have been curious heroics around the kingdoms, and things have been changing behind that wall of Gilneas… I don’t know your name, but I do recognize your work.
He then looked at Teemo as he handed the drink to Luma.
Aliden Perenolde says: And you my dear? I haven’t the foggiest idea, so I suppose you… I’ll have to take the loss. As for our absent attendee, our eavesdropper, our stowaway… that one too gave me a great deal of pause. After all, who connected with all of you could have done such a thing… who would have had the reason to disguise their identity and have the capabilities to hide themselves from vision. Unfortunately… while exceptional, I was able to detect his presence, but that is because I have trained myself tor ely on senses other than my eyes. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had the foggiest idea. So I got to thinking… who could have had that ability. There was a curiosity amongst you. One who surprised me with abilities I did not know were within his capabilities. One who was also quite missing at the moment. But were that the case, I would have to realize my furnishings were unprepared not one or two but three of the heirs of our great kingdoms. But I suppose you…
He said out to the surrounding areas.
Aliden Perenolde says: Will not be able to enjoy this drink with us.
He took a swig of the drink and sat back down. He regarded the group.
Aliden Perenolde says: So, how did I do?
Vel paused, waiting for Uther, but it was clear Uther was not in a position that he wanted to speak given the veiled threat Aliden had seemingly made against his loved ones, and she instead focused her gaze back to Aliden. While he had been walking around, she had honed in on his heartbeat, and it was not beating exceptionally fast, but it wasn’t a resting heart rate either. She could sense he was focused and ready, but on edge and less relaxed than he was making himself out to be.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Astute insights, I have to say. Very observant.
Luma had taken a deep drink from their glass, but no one else seemed to be inclined. Aliden seemed to be vaguely offended and disappointed that not everyone had drank from it. Vel was swirling her glass as if she was planning on drinking it, but she had not yet done so.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Do you mind if I take a turn, master Perenolde?
Aliden leaned back in his seat with a nod.
Aliden Perenolde says: By all means.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I will say giving that… thesis of an assessment is an excellent way to get people on the defensive. I also have to say that someone of your acumen and expertise, if you knew there was someone in that carriage that you thought you could deal with, would have probably executed them right there instead of engaging in this little game. I’m sure you have the tools to take care of a single person, after all. So what that tells me… is you didn’t want to start this interaction on the wrong foot. After all, if one of our comrades was killed… that would be a target on your back immediately, regardless of who we were. You also understand that, had we had in fact recognized you as you believed we did, there was a good chance we may have been looking for a reason. So you were wise, in that regard. However, I also believe you overplayed your hand. Your heartbeat gave you away, master Perenolde, you’re not quite as confident as you appear. So lets bypass the games… what do you want from this interaction?
Aliden smiled.
Aliden Perenolde says: To be frank, I simply wish to avoid tip-toeing around. I wanted to avoid having this conversation at blade point, one way or another.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Then be rest assured I already promised those at the establishment of the Red Widow I would not be the one to start anything. So, lets have a conversation.
Vel took a sip of the brandy, and Aliden nodded and took another sip from his.
Velameestra Windrunner says: So clearly we observed the Syndicate is working in tandem with the Stromic guard. Is that on the order of king Galen?
Aliden smiled again.
Aliden Perenolde says: I must say I appreciate how to the point you are, Miss Windrunner.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I, frankly, don’t have time for games.
Aliden chuffed.
Aliden Perenolde says: Allow me first to congratulate you. You are right. I am aware picking a fight with you in my present company is a fool’s errand. You outnumber us. And you have a great deal of magic I do not have an answer for, but I’m glad you said you have no intention of starting an altercation, because neither do I. I intend for this to be a dialogue. One I would hope we might both walk away with questions answers, thus I would be glad to do that for you, if you would do the same for me.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I believe that is dependent on what questions either of us ask, yes?
Aliden Perenolde says: As a show of good faith, perhaps an answer to your first. Master Trollbane is obviously aware of our presence. But to say it is on his orders we are here… is not the entire truth. His reliance on us, diminished as Strom’s own military is, is something he does not enjoy. We are as much here to watch him as we are to aid him. And as you can assume, he has not charged us with policing his actions, but is aware of it nonetheless.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Alright. And what is your first question?
Aliden Perenolde says: What do you have on the High King? It seems you have reasons to undermine his authority. You have unseated the Scarlet Crusade, and assumingI am correct, you have not only reached out to the League of Arathor, a group who is opposed to one of the High King’s most vocal allies, but also abducted, through one means or another, his heir, prince Victor. Now… conventional wisdom would find that this makes no sense. After all, it was he that lauded all of our names as heroes who gave your lives heroically, and yet… I’m not fool enough to recognize that only Prince Victor and his majesty king Arthas survived. Now while it is possible you kidnapped Victor to use as a hostage, if he is skulking around in the shadows that leads me to believe it was something more living, and you have something on the high king that he does not want to get out… something that happened, and also cost you all your lives.
He made quotes with his free hand.
Aliden Perenolde says: And also those of three trusted individuals that I was woefully dissatisfied with the passing of.
Velameestra Windrunner says: The answer there, master Perenolde, is right under your nose given your own history and how exactly Daval Prestor achieved his status in Alterac.
Aliden’s lips formed into a thin line.
Velameestra Windrunner says: And it’s convenient, isn’t it, that he has now ascended to be king of the entire Alliance? I’m sure you understand why some may hold ire for that.
Aliden Perenolde says: I can imagine more than a few reasons, yes.
Velameestra Windrunner says: As for why prince Victor and his majesty king Arthas escaped while the rest supposedly died… I mean, do you really think king Daval Prestor would want the Alliance to know that he was the one that kidnapped Arthas in the first place? That’s a dirty little secret to be getting out.
Aliden considered for a long moment.
Aliden Perenolde says: She really was a fool, wasn’t she?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Your sister?
Aliden Perenolde says: I suppose that’s another reason I wanted to have this conversation. I never had the opportunity to thank you given you died shortly after.
Aliden stopped himself.
Aliden Perenolde says: I believe it’s your turn to ask a question.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Where do you want the Syndicate to be at the end of this, master Perenolde? Assuming you make it through to the end of whatever war is brewing, where do you want your organization to be?
Aliden Perenolde says: That is a simple one. Where it has always been. I have every intention to ensure the family operates as it has. And I refuse to allow it to be snuffed out in the schemes that brew in the shadows. My father, bless his soul, his first mistake was trusting the savages that sought only to use our land as a conduit for their own revenge. I mean truly, what did he seek to accomplish facilitating the assassination of so many. Did he hope to become the king of the Alliance? That he thought for a moment the Amani warlords would spare him? No, he was blinded by his greed and hunger for power. My sister was the same. The Argus Wake whispered in her ears, and she melted in an inferno of whatever devilry she found herself in… no, the family will not be consumed by such foolishness. Where do I want us to be? Where we belong. Where we’ve ever belonged.
Velameestra Windrunner says: How about I propose a deal?
Aliden Perenolde says: Oh?
Velameestra Windrunner says: You tell us what you know about Prestor’s dealings. Just information, you don’t even need to involve yourself in the messy work. And as we did before, we will simply allow you to walk away. As you said yourself, we are cunning and competent. I’m sure Prestor will not simply assume you are turning information over to us, not when we likely have other ways to get it. If all you want is for the family to survive… well, there’s not much you stand to lose, is there? You just simply need to not get in the way.
Over the telepathic bond, Elissa brought up Aliden’s cousin, which Vel confirmed she had recalled, but she didn’t want to reveal him in the opening volley.
Aliden plainly considered the offer.
Aliden Perenolde says: So you propose that I feed you information, and in exchange… you’re offering to spare us?
Velameestra Windrunner says: You want to survive, do you not?
Aliden smirked.
Aliden Perenolde says: You must understand that to survive on scraps could hardly be considered survival. You understand the chaos that would be released, assuming your revenge scheme goes off without a hitch.
Velameestra Windrunner says: It would be chaotic, yes. Though from what I understand… you had a cousin, did you not? One that his majesty Greymane supported?
Vel and Luma both noted that Aliden was clearly thinking and that particular piece of information, that Isiden was still alive, had not reached his ears prior to this conversation. It also appeared to have put Aliden on his back foot.
Aliden Perenolde says: You don’t say… Isiden was but a boy when he was trapped behind the Greymane wall. Do you mean to say he’s still alive?
Velameestra Windrunner says: There were a lot of surprises beyond that wall. I can also say he is presently safe. So there is, perhaps, an avenue for something better. Provided you’re on the right side at the end of it.
Aliden thought for a long moment. As Gil was skulking around, he noted the rest of Aliden’s agents, who were all watching from different vantage points. Their weapons were not drawn, but they were ready, and each of them had a clear escape route. He also noted, in the cover, that there was a particularly Superb Owl.
Aliden Perenolde says: You drive an interesting bargain, Miss Windrunner.
He ran his hand over his chin.
Aliden Perenolde says: Might I ask what you seek to accomplish here in Stromgarde?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Simple. Save prince Menethil’s fiance, and disrupt one of Prestor’s allies in the process.
Aliden smiled.
Aliden Perenolde says: By all means… I know you said you have no time for games, but perhaps one more. If you pull this off… you’ll find no further resistance from my people. We’ll stay out of your way, as you say, and if we find anything of note… we might even have arrows for you to use.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I sense a but.
Aliden Perenolde says: You are ever-insightful. I would like to speak with him. Isiden, I mean. He’s been gone for over half his life. I have no idea what kind of man he’s become.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I can speak with him and see if he would be receptive to such a thing.
Aliden nodded.
Aliden Perenolde says: Then we have a deal.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Alright.
Aliden Perenolde says: This has been lovely.
Velameestra Windrunner says: In that case, master Perenolde, I trust you wouldn’t mind a degree of collateral? Just for safety’s sake, on both of our fronts?
Aliden had just been rising from his seat, and he narrowed his gaze at her.
Velameestra Windrunner says: All I ask is for a prick of your blood… after all, what else would be more suited to mark a deal with death.
A small smirk crossed Vel’s lips.
Aliden Perenolde says: I’m not fool enough to not know what someone like you could do with something like that.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I mean… if there’s no risk of you betraying us, then it shouldn’t matter if I could find you again.
Aliden Perenolde says: In exchange then…
Vel raised her brow, waiting for his counter-offer.
Aliden Perenolde says: An equivalent change seems appropriate. But not your blood.
He looked at Uther and Vittoria and pointed at both of them.
Aliden Perenolde says: As you said, should you intend on making good on your deal, there shouldn’t be any problems with it, correct?
Uther Menethil says: You can have mine.
Velameestra Windrunner says: That would be one for one.
Aliden put up his hands.
Aliden Perenolde says: Very well, just yours then.
Vel produced two vials, and Uther cut his hand and seeped blood into one of them as the other was handed over to Aliden. The crime lord effortlessly drew a blade and sliced his hand open to provide his own blood.
The vials were traded and Vel regarded the one she received before it disappeared into her wristpocket.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Very good. Productive evening, master Perenolde. Thank you for your hospitality.
Aliden Perenolde says: But of course. I’m sure we’ll be in touch again, and I look forward to being apprised of your progress. I have no intention of informing anyone of this particular meeting. Yet.
Velameestra Windrunner says: As I would hope.
Aliden looked at Luma and asked if they wanted more brandy for the road, and Luma eagerly agreed. Aliden went to pour another glass, but he stopped, and simply corked the bottle and handed it over to them instead.
Aliden Perenolde says: A gesture of good will.
Liiraluma says: Gesture noted! Pleasure to meet you!
Aliden Perenolde says: The pleasure was all mine. Good evening, heroes.
All at once, the bats and owls that had amassed around the periphery of that meeting took off into the air, and Vel heard Aliden’s heartbeat suddenly race as his hand launched to the blade of his dagger, startled by the sudden explosion of movement. Gil also noted the others that were hidden tense up.
Vel smirked as she regarded Aliden over her shoulder, her mouth parting just enough to show the tips of her fangs.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Tomorrow is a hope. Never a promise. Good evening, master Perenolde.
Aliden watched them go, but a satisfied smirk crossed his own lips as his hand relaxed off the hilt of his dagger.
After they got a safe distance away, Vittoria audibly exhaled, but spoke over the telepathic link.
Vittoria Trollbane says [telepathic bond]: Oh gods, I didn’t know what to say. I was afraid I was going to screw everything up so I didn’t say anything. That was stressful!
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: Fortunately, he didn’t actually have that much leverage. We’re coming away from this with more than we’re actually giving. Which is my preferred way to deal.
Vittoria Trollbane says [telepathic bond]: You really knew what you were doing there. I was trying to keep up best I could but… that was a degree of maneuvering I’m not good at.
Uther Menethil says [telepathic bond]: And I’m grateful for it.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: Thank you. Though for what it’s worth, the maneuvering you both do is something I am not as adept at.
Luma proudly proclaimed they got a drink, and Vittoria admitted it wasn’t bad, as she had also drank it given she didn’t know what else to do. Luma offered to share more later.
Vittoria got a look of consideration on her face.
Liiraluma says [telepathic bond]: What? You’re not pregnant again are you?
Uther spit.
Liiraluma says [telepathic bond]: Look! I need to ask because you aren’t wearing a helmet!
Vittoria Trollbane says [telepathic bond]: I don’t think so! It’s not why I got that look, it’s… it’s because of my da.
Liiraluma says [telepathic bond]: Oh, well now I just feel bad.
Vittoria Trollbane says [telepathic bond]: I know he’s a conniving bastard, but I don’t think he was telling a lie there…
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: I ultimately worded what I said in a specific manner. We are seeking to disrupt one of Prestor’s allies… that does not not mean one thing or another.
Gilveradin Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: Yeah, I doubt your dad knows he’s dealing with a millennias old ancient dragon.
Vittoria Trollbane says [telepathic bond]: I’m still trying to wrap my head around that…
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: And that piece of information is something we should ensure Aliden doesn’t find out. He’s gauging which side he needs to be on to survive.
Gilveradin Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: And our side doesn’t sound as good as a creature the size of the Highlands… that’s also the high king of the Alliance.
Vittoria Trollbane says [telepathic bond]: That’s a good point. I wager he would be a lot less willing to help if he was up against an ancient leviathan like you said.
Uther Menethil says [telepathic bond]: We have faced many threats in many dimensions and yet somehow we are still the underdogs.
Vel said that the next step was to get in contact with Vittoria’s grandfather, as that would ultimately give them guidance and what they needed to do, and Vittoria agreed there was still plenty to be learned, and to do that she needed to die. Gil corrected it was only temporary, and Vel expressed she was sorry that was the route they were taking.
Vittoria Trollbane says: I know. I trust you. I trust all of you. Even you.
She looked at Luma, who was shaking their head.
Vittoria Trollbane says: You’ve been fighting alongside the others for a while, so that makes you kin.
Liiraluma says: You’re too nice for your own good.
Vittoria Trollbane says: I guess we should head back and let everyone know what happened.
Vel asked if Luma could use teleportation magics now, and Luma confirmed they could. They agreed to just teleport back and save themselves the time. However, Teemo looked at the bottle Luma was carrying.
Teemo Manabrake says: Hey, Luma, give me that for a second.
She gestured at the brandy.
Teemo Manabrake says: I’m curious. I want to test this when I get back. See if it’s actually poisoned or something. Maybe if there’s a tracking spell on it.
Vel offered to take care of the tracking check before they went back, and the bottle was handed over. With a quick sweep, she noted the cork was tapped, and the magic was swiftly dispelled before she handed it back to Teemo and Luma teleported them back.
Aoibh was pacing, and she jumped as they reappeared.
Aoibh Reòthadh says: Spirits be damned! I don’t think I’m ever going to get used to… that.
Velameestra Windrunner says: To be fair, most people don’t.
Elissa stumbled a bit.
Elissa Cross says: Yeah, I’m still getting used to it.
Teemo Manabrake says: Hey, question, do you think your mom can check this for poisons beside the alcohol?
She held up the brandy, and Aoibh nodded and expressed at least half the family could do that. Aoibh asked if everything went alright, and Vel confirmed they did. Aoibh assumed they were things she didn’t want to know, and Vel again confirmed, unless Aoibh wanted to be partial to conspiracies. Aoibh abstained, but invited them to tell her mother all about it. Regardless, she was glad to see they arrived back safely.
She offered to set up some guest rooms, but Vel assured her she could take care of their own lodgings so they weren’t over-crowding their establishment. Aoibh said she believed Faerlina would finish the tonic the following day, and they could then head to Strom, as long as Vittoria was still up to the plan.
Vittoria Trollbane says: If it’s what we need to do, then it’s alright. I trust your mother, I’m sure it’ll be safe.
Aoibh laughed.
Aoibh Reòthadh says: It… will be safe! But I’m sorry you got mixed up in this.
Vittoria Trollbane says: Nay, I’m sorry you got mixed up in this. Maigread should have never asked you… but now you’re complicit. I don’t know what we’re going to find out, but no matter what happens, I’ll make sure your family is okay. It’s clear you’ve got the best of intentions for all of us, and I think our kingdom would be better if there were more people in it like you.
Aoibh smiled.
Aoibh Reòthadh says: You’re kind to say so, your highness.
Vittoria Trollbane says: Please just call me Vittoria for now. There’s time for that later.
Aoibh Reòthadh says: As you say your– Vittoria.
Vittoria chuckled.
The group retired in the mansion, but Vel and Teemo went down with Aoibh to meet with Faerlina, who was happy to run some tests on the bottle of booze. Faerlina took a quick sip and she said it was laced with a strong poison, specifically one of her’s. It was a truth serum.
Teemo went back to the rest of the group and announced it was a truth serum, having missed the moment when Uther told Luma they were squad, and Luma replied with them being very happy to hear it.
Teemo said she was gonna have fun and she immediately asked Luma what they thought about her. Luma opened their mouth after a long moment, but Teemo picked up that it was probably a bit much for the first question and back tracked.
Teemo Manabrake says: How about this, what’s my cutest feature?
She leaned forward.
Liiraluma says: Your ears are big and they move. It’s cute.
Teemo Manabrake says: This is going to be fun!
Liiraluma says: No it’s not!
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Teemo, I didn’t know you had an evil streak like this.
Teemo Manabrake says: Luma will forgive me!
Liiraluma says: I don’t know if I will!
Teemo Manabrake says: Oh… oh, I’m sorry, if this is too much I can back up, I just wanted to have some fun.
Liiraluma says: I’m mean all the time! Largely because I don’t know how to deal with my emotions!
Uther Menethil says: We know Luma, that’s why we don’t mind.
Teemo Manabrake says: We can go to bed.
Liiraluma says: I don’t want to lay down, I’m not tired.
Teemo Manabrake says: Well we don’t have to go to bed right away.
Liiraluma says: …I feel slightly bad for making you all worry. I think you’re all fine, but it’s time to go.
Luma scooped up Teemo under their arm and walked into the mansion.
After Uther and Vittoria went to their room, Vittoria flopped on the bed and sighed. She looked over at Uther.
Vittoria Trollbane says: So. You do stuff like that all the time?
Uther smirked and nodded.
Uther Menethil says: Almost all the time.
He sighed.
Vittoria Trollbane says: We’ve been back together for… what? Almost three days and we… uncovered a practitioner of ancient magic, spoke to a moving mountain, learned of a conspiracy to unleash an ancient evil under the Highlands, and went face to face with one of the most infamous criminals of the great kingdoms… and it’s uh… it’s just a Tuesday.
Uther Menethil says: It’s doing better than we normally do. All of that without a single fight.
Vittoria laughed.
Vittoria Trollbane says: I guess you’re right. For now, at least.
Uther’s expression sobered.
Uther Menethil says: Yes, for now at least. It’s almost funny… the whole time when I was on the other side of the world or some other plane of existence or outside time itself… I just wanted you at my side. And only recently have I been aware of what that really means.
Vittoria smiled.
Vittoria Trollbane says: What does that mean?
Uther Menethil says: These past few days have been fun adventures. Meeting people, seeing places…
He touched the skin around his scarred eye.
Uther Menethil says: It won’t always be like that. Something I’d given idle thought to before… having to control myself when you’re in danger right next to me.
Vittoria Trollbane says: I’m not some helpless princess, you know!
Uther Menethil says: Far from it. None of my companions are helpless. You’ve seen it. Luma broke reality because they didn’t want to walk for fifteen minutes! And perhaps silly and boyish… maybe leaning a bit too much into childhood stories… but when Perenolde alluded he knew who you were, my blood froze.
Vittoria Trollbane says: I’m sorry you were worried for me.
Uther Menethil says: I’m not telling you this because I want you to hide away from the danger… something I’ve become adept at on my journey is identifying the vulnerabilities I have. Pretending like they aren’t there won’t do any good. I had to learn to control my temper and my… less than cognizant awareness of my mortality when people are in danger. This is another part of myself I have to learn to understand.
Vittoria Trollbane says: I’ve always admired that about you Lordanes. You always have the uncanny ability to see something you love, something you want to protect, and you give your everything to do it.
She ran a thumb through Uther’s bangs, tracing the edge of the scar on his face.
Vittoria Trollbane says: Down here in the Highlands, we don’t fear. We can’t fear. We never have. We do that not because we’re brave, perhaps because we’re foolish, but not brave. We do it because we surround ourselves with it. It’s why I saw stuff like what I said to Luma earlier. The people you fight with become your kin. Like brothers and sisters in arms. That’s because we believe that’s what gives you strength. To fight alongside someone you love, to know your every blow and sacrifice isn’t just for yourself, but it’s for them too. It makes every movement, every motion, three times stronger. To know that you’re not just fighting for yourself, and you aren’t doing it alone. I hope you don’t ever see your love, your fear, as a weakness, Uther. Because I don’t think it’s that at all. It’s your greatest strength. That boundless heart of yours is what I fell in love with, and I think it’s what makes you who you are. It’s what makes you such a good prince, and such a good man.
Uther cupped Vittoria’s cheek with his hand.
Uther Menethil says: It’s not that my fear is a weakness. A very wise man once told me that fear is the only time someone is capable of being brave.
Vittoria Trollbane says: That’s smart. Must have been a wise man.
Uther Menethil says: My parents saw fit to name me after him.
Vittoria Trollbane says: Pretty good name then too!
She interlaced her fingers in Uther’s hand.
Vittoria Trollbane says: How about you and me be afraid together then.
Uther Menethil says: I think I’d quite like that.
He smiled at her, and Vittoria kissed the back of his hand. They curled up close, and kissed each other as well. Vittoria whispered into his ear.
Vittoria Trollbane says: You inspire me, Uther. I hope you know that.
November 19th
The next day, Vel went to help Faerlina with the potion. She had a small backpack filled with supplies, and she smiled warmly.
Faerlina Reòthadh says: Top of the morning! How did you sleep?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Like the dead.
Faerlina giggled.
Faerlina Reòthadh says: I got everything packed for the trip to the broodmother if you still wanted to meet her.
Vel confirmed she did, and as she walked around the Red Widow, something had occurred to her. There were the side wings and the basement as well as the storefront… she realized the building itself was also shaped like a spider.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I appreciate the architecture of your home.
Faerlina beamed.
Faerlina Reòthadh says: I’m glad you figured it out! Not many people really think about it, but when I rebuilt after my first home burned down, I thought why not lean into it?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Why not indeed.
Faerlina Reòthadh says: So you really like spiders then?
Velameestra Windrunner says: I do. As I said, we have a kinship of sorts.
Faerlina Reòthadh says: That’s pretty cool. I’ve always liked them too. I used to have one as a pet when I was a wee lass too.
Velameestra Windrunner says: What was that one’s name?
Faerlina laughed.
Faerlina Reòthadh says: You’re not allowed to laugh at me, but I called her Legs.
Vel smiled faintly.
Velameestra Windrunner says: For what it’s worth, my own familiar is a mana wyrm. I named him Arkha’din, which is thalassian for “of the arcane”.
Faerlina chuckled.
Faerlina Reòthadh says: I guess that’s basically like calling a spider Legs!
Things started to get very webby as they continued into the tunnels, and before long they saw spiders nesting in the webs. As they entered a massive cavern and looked up, there was a massive, giant spider with a heavy crimson body adorned with yellow and black spikes.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …Quite a magnificent specimen.
Faerlina Reòthadh says: Right? She’s absolutely beautiful. Maexxna! I brought you and your children something!
She hefted the backpack off her shoulders and heaved several deer out of the bag of holding. She then backed up, and Maexxna’s eyes shimmered in the darkness as the large spider began to shift. She crawled down onto a stone platform, and then lowered herself by a thread.
Maexxna says: How curious. The morsel has brought morsels once again. And something else.
Her unblinking eyes shifted toward Vel.
Velameestra Windrunner says: You have a beautiful family, Maexxna.
The spider got closer to her.
Maexxna says: You have sharp eyes to see.
Velameestra Windrunner says: And you have great fangs to hunt.
The massive spider almost seemed pleased, and as if to emphasize the fact, she promptly dug the fangs into one of the deer corpses to inject her venom. She then backed up and started to spin the first corpse into a cocoon of webbing that was lifted into the air.
Maexxna says: Come my children! A feast has been prepared!
Hundreds of spiders started to swarm around the first corpse.
Faerlina pulled a dummy from the bag that seemed to be made of felt and hide. It looked like another deer. She set that one down, and Maexxna sank her fangs into it, and the dummy functionally collected the venom that was injected.
Velameestra Windrunner says: That is actually an ingenious method.
Faerlina Reòthadh says: I’ve tried a bunch of different methods, and that gets me bit the least!
Maexxna sensed something was off about the dummy, and she turned her attention to one of the others. Faerlina collected the dummy and shook it a bit. There was the sound of sloshing liquid inside, and she beamed as she put it back into her bag of holding. Before the carcasses had been loaded up, they had been soaking in some sort of liquid, and Vel asked what the purpose of it had been.
Faerlina explained it was a mixture she had developed that helped infuse the prey with various vitamins that could help with their exoskeletons and similar things. Vel appreciated the mutually beneficial arrangement, and Faerlina said it was ultimately only fair.
Vel said she’d be interested in buying some of the formula if she sold it in the shop, and Faerlina happy offered to give her the entire recipe given how much Vel was doing for her and how kind she had been to her spiders and daughters.
They returned to the Red Widow, and Vel and Faerlina were able to finish the potion and antidote with time to spare. There was also a couple of extra vials of antidote.
Faerlina Reòthadh says: This should be everything you need! And that’s got the Red Widow guarantee on it! If you notice anything strange or any side effects, please let know.
She looked Vittoria up and down.
Faerlina Reòthadh says: I don’t think it’ll have adverse side effects. You seem strong and fit. Oh. Do you happen to be pregnant?
Vittoria Trollbane says: Why do people keep asking me that!?
She shook her head.
Vittoria Trollbane says: I don’t think I should be. It’s technically impossible at the moment.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …Do you want me to do a blood test?
Vittoria Trollbane says: Well now I’m paranoid!
Vittoria was in fact not pregnant.
Later that day, Vel mentally gave Kel’Thuzad a gentle prod, and he spoke up to compliment her on the impressive alchemical acumen she had shown while working with Faerlina. Vel thanked him, but added that Faerlina knew what she was doing.
Kel'Thuzad says [telepathically]: She does. It’s clear that she’s… more exceptional than I could have ever truly known. Thank you for helping her.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: Of course. She’s helping us equally. But, you do know what I’m going to ask you.
Kel'Thuzad says [telepathically]: Yes yes, I know.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: How are you feeling?
Kel'Thuzad says [telepathically]: I feel… torn. Conflicted. On one end, I have been made to see what a fool I’ve been. Decades lost. Without even realizing that she had nary one child, let alone four. Half of me is angry at myself… at her… but mostly at myself for not trying to do something earlier.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: You had said you used to write? Why did that stop?
Kel'Thuzad says [telepathically]: Her responses grew… shorter as she grew older. Eventually, I didn’t even know if I would get one. I simply convinced myself she didn’t wish to hear from me, or perhaps that’s just what I told myself. That I simply couldn’t be troubled. To be pulled away from my own work and studies. Perhaps that’s just an excuse… hmph. I don’t blame her for how she reacted. It hurts, but I deserve it. But I’m alright, I think. I shouldn’t be… a man with half a heart would allow themselves to hurt and grieve, but I almost find myself glad to know that she didn’t need me. Not really. I was a terrible father.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: No one is good at something the first time they try it.
Kel'Thuzad says [telepathically]: No, and you’d think I of all people would know that.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: And there remains the possibility of… starting over.
Kel'Thuzad says [telepathically]: You are sweet to suggest that, Vel, but she doesn’t need me.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: Kel, it’s not about need, it’s about want. And if she wants to start over… and if you even theoretically want to… then why wouldn’t you? Hells, how much of anything we’ve done has been because we needed to? Most of it was because we wanted to.
Kel'Thuzad says [telepathically]: It’s… it’s not that simple. I wish it was, but it’s not. Research… magic.. Necromancy. These are things you can study and learn and master and understand. But the mind of another… the mind of someone you’re supposed to love… It's a scary thing. There’s no research you can do. No secret formula you can discover to make it all make sense… it just… keeps… hurting.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: You did it with me.
Kel'Thuzad says [telepathically]: Yes. I suppose you’re right.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: And… I suppose you didn’t hear it given I had the ring off, but… she told me she was jealous, in a way. That I knew you better than she did.
Kel'Thuzad says [telepathically]: Did she now?
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: Yes.
Kel'Thuzad says [telepathically]: Yet another of my problems I have placed upon your shoulders, Velameestra.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: You didn’t place anything, Kel, I picked that up.
Kel chuffed.
Kel'Thuzad says [telepathically]: Yes, you did. You are ever fond of doing so. Against your better judgement, at times.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: Frequently, in fact.
They fell into silence for a moment as Vel mulled over the question in her mind.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: What happened? I can make guesses… but I… would like to hear it from you, if you’re willing.
Kel'Thuzad says [telepathically]: When I lost… Alanna. I was beside myself. I believe I… locked myself in my study for weeks on end. Barely eating or drinking. I nearly died… my only sustenance was from those who were looking after me. Fae was young. Perhaps… twelve? I can barely remember. But she was but a girl. Brilliant for a girl of her age. She was performing feats of alchemy that were complex for people twice her age. But… she didn’t truly understand when her mother left us. I told her that she would be back. That I would find a way to bring her back. And I did. I succeeded. But she wasn’t… she was not the person she was before. She was not herself. I tried to convince her to stay. That it would be alright. That we would find a way to help her, to hide her… Fae found her when she had ended her second existence. And I promised her I’d bring her back again… and again… as many times as it would take. And she knew then… she saw that there wasn’t a recourse where that was the right answer. I refused to listen to her. Until I crossed a line. Until i tried to make her come back. I would have left me too. And it was only after she had left that I realized what a fool I had been… what a monstrous man I’d become. That I’d allowed love to twist my heart into… someone who refused to accept the truth. Simply because it was something I didn’t wish to be the case, I could change reality. It was a dark place. One that I had treaded for… decades.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: And one you prevented me from following.
Kel'Thuzad says [telepathically]: Yes… I’ve wondered if you could have helped her… a foolish notion. An impossible one. But if you would have been there instead of me…? I wonder if you would have been able to convince her… I’ve been wrong about so many things.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: But you’ve learned. And ultimately, Kel… you’ll never know what could have been if you don’t try.
Kel'Thuzad says [telepathically]: I suppose you’re right. I can’t argue with that. It’s logical. I’ve never been a fearful man. Fear never made sense to me… but… that concept, the concept of trying… that scares me. What if I just hurt her again?
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: There’s ultimately two options. There’s not trying at all, and likely guaranteeing you’ll hurt her, especially if she herself wants you to try. Or there’s a possibility you won’t if you do. So logically, the odds are more in your favor for trying.
Kel'Thuzad says [telepathically]: Logically. Where would I be without you, Vel?
Vel mentally recalled the massive lich rising out of the Sunwell that Morchuron had shown.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: …Probably the same place I’d be without you.
Kel'Thuzad says [telepathically]: I will think about it.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: There is time. We still need to get you a body back, for one.
Kel'Thuzad says [telepathically]: And when I do… I think it will be up to her. First and foremost. I’ve spent enough time not listening to her. But I will think about it. I promise.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathically]: Good.
November 20th
The next day came, and the group awakened early in the morning. Aoibh gathered the group together and said that a casket had been prepared. Once the potion took effect, they could start heading toward the city, and the rest of them could simply be her entourage. The story was that Vittoria’s body had been found on the shore of a river, and she had likely been dumped there after she was poisoned.
Aoibh had a guess that once they entered the city they would be taken to the keep, but she believed they could get to Strom after a day and a half of travel or so. She asked Vel if she would be with her as a wee creature, and Vel confirmed she would, and she could ultimately coordinate with the rest of the group with magic.
However, there would likely be a couple days before the actual interment occurred, because there was normally a ceremony and the like beforehand. Vel also offered to keep one of the antidotes on her person, that way if anything went south they had some options other than awakening Vittoria with magic.
Vittoria smiled, clearly trying to make light of the situation.
Vittoria Trollbane says: Do you think they’re gonna make songs about this?
Liiraluma says: Aren’t you a singer person?
Vittoria Trollbane says: I mean, I know a few tunes, but I’ve never written a song before.
Liiraluma says: Welp, time to write about it!
Luma shrugged.
Vittoria Trollbane says: Are you allowed to make a song about your own exploits? I feel like that’s cheatin’?
Velameestra Windrunner says: I believe a lot of adventuring bards do just that, actually.
Luma pointed at Vel with a nod.
Uther Menethil says: Try saying they’re cheating to any of the bards I’ve met!
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Plus who is going to stop you?
Vittoria Trollbane says: Fair point!
Vittoria joked about how if anyone tried to stop her she would just have to challenge them to an arm wrestling contest so they would get to brag about being bested by the princess of Stromgarde who returned from the grave.
Vittoria Trollbane says: Alright, you promise you won’t forget about me? Leave me in that tomb?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: How?
Uther Menethil says: How indeed.
Vittoria blushed and asked Faerlina if she drank the entire thing. Faerlina confirmed she should drink it down to the last drop, and Vittoria raised the tonic in a toast, but then she added the tonic actually tasted quite good. Faerlina explained it wouldn’t be immediate and she should sit down, because the effects will gradually sink in over the next hour until she takes the most peaceful nap she ever had.
Vittoria Trollbane says: You don’t make it sound so bad!
She looked at Vel.
Vittoria Trollbane says: Is that what dying feels like?
Velameestra Windrunner says: So um… unfortunately I do not believe I’m the best gauge given my own death was… well, you sort of drift off from blood loss, but the transformation that followed was… both painful and somewhat traumatic.
Vittoria Trollbane says: What about you?
She looked at Uther.
Uther Menethil says: Ah… demon cut through half my torso with a very large sword. So probably at least a little bit different.
Velameestra Windrunner says: When I… sleep I don’t have dreams or really feel anything so I imagine it’s similar.
Liiraluma says: I’ve almost died, you’ll be fine.
Vittoria blinked at Luma, who clearly had burn scars over half their body.
Vittoria Trollbane says: Sorry, I didn’t know.
Luma waved it off and said they were just saying she could come back from it. Vel suggested Vittoria just think of it more as sleeping off a bender, as from what she understood from her brother, that was more-or-less what it felt like. Luma corrected that was only sometimes, and Vittoria said her constitution wasn’t weak enough that she could really say she’d ever gotten black-out drunk like that.
Vittoria asked if they would all continue talking to her until she was gone. Luma had turned to head toward the door, but stopped.
Aoibh smiled.
Aoibh Reòthadh says: We are quite literally waiting for you to die, your highness.
Vittoria Trollbane says: No pressure then.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: It’s probably as easy as falling asleep. Unless you’re her.
He pointed at Vel, who sighed. Over time, Vittoria started to slur her speech as her body got numb, and she informed Uther it was likely time to sleep. Uther told her he would see her on the other side.
Vittoria Trollbane says: …Love you…
She dozed off, and the last few minutes involved her breathing slowing to a stop. Even her pallor had paled, and Faerlina nodded, noting that things seemed to be according to plan.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …That’s fascinating.
Faerlina Reòthadh says: Thank you! I wouldn’t call it my Sleepy Time Surprise if it wasn’t!
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Ah, you call it that?
Faerlina Reòthadh says: Yes!
She leaned down to take Vittoria’s pulse.
Faerlina Reòthadh says: It looks like we’re at a good point to transport her. In fact it’s even safer now than it would be if she was just sleepin’. You can drop her to the ground and it wouldn’t hurt her as much as it normally would. Which. I wouldn’t do that. But I wouldn’t worry if the carriage gets a bit jostled.
Uther Menethil says: You sure she’s alright?
Faerlina Reòthadh says: I bet my life on it. When you administer the draught, she’ll wake up over the course of ten minutes and she’ll be just as you left her. You have the Red Widow promise on that one! And as a reminder, in an emergency you can do other types of cures to remove it. There may be side effects if so. Nothing permanent, but all the same.
They divided the antidotes amongst the group with Aoibh carrying one, Vel wristpocketing another, and the third given to Uther. Aoibh asked for help to get her moved to the casket, and Uther stepped up to gently lift Vittoria up and into the coffin.
While that was happening, Vel used [Sending] to Maighread to inform her the baseline of the plan so that the news didn’t take the One-Eyed Gryphon by surprise.
Maighread Tàillear says [sending]: Oh! Is that you, Vel? Hey, thanks for the head’s up! Good odds had I not gotten it I would have stormed the bloody castle meself! Best of luck! And keep an eye out for my little Vit, okay? Take care.
Once Vittoria was safely secured, Uther took a step back, looking somewhat haunted. Elissa put a comforting hand on his shoulder and assured him that she would be back before he knew it. The lid was placed on the casket, and it was then loaded into the carriage.
Deirdre, Faerlina, Ciara, and Fiadh saw them off with some supplies, and they headed off the road.
Uther was not having a great time as they traveled, and he seemed to be dissociating a lot. Luma opted to pull over occasionally and assured him that Vittoria was going to be okay. They also proceeded to engage him in whatever dumb antics they could think of. Uther thanked them for the effort, and Luma acknowledged things were hard.
Vel had been keeping an eye on Uther while they were traveling, but she quickly assessed that Luma seemed to be the better person to try and cheer him up.
Luma started to pull out some gadgets, including some sort of boomerang that just started to spin around the group and they warned that they needed to keep their heads up as it was gonna come back in at a random point in time.
However, Vel missed this memo as her eyes had glazed over as she was making good on her promise to her uncle Rhonin to read for a bit each day, and was doing so by seeing through Sehaar’s eyes in Karazhan.
And then, as if to prove Luma’s statement true, she got hit in the side of the head with the gadget. Vel jerked out of her trance after nearly falling off her conjured horse, exclaiming in surprise and alarm as she scrambled to her bearings and demanded to know if they were under attack.
Gil looked back at his sister.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Hey Luma. I think it works. Nailed it.
Liiraluma says: That was the purpose!
That night, they made camp in the magnificent mansion.
November 21st
After some travel on the next day, they saw the capital city of the kingdom of Stromgarde. They made their way past some streams and rivers that connected to Baradin Bay, and they headed to the front gates. Vel had turned into a spider and hid herself away in Aoibh’s bag. The guards flagged Aoibh down and welcomed her and her companions to Strom. Aoibh explained she had come to the city on important business that she believed would be best explained by a letter.
She handed the letter over, and the guards opened to read it. Their eyes widened.
Stromic Guard says: Is… is this true?
Aoibh Reòthadh says: Aye.
The guards nodded. Uther looked as crudely bored as possible to sell the fact he was a mercenary, while Gil also worked to sell the mercenary bit. The guards flagged the gates to be opened, and they informed her that she would be taken to the keep as soon as possible. She informed them that she had already settled matters with her escorts that morning, and their contracts didn’t need to be cashed out.
Aoibh was taken to the keep with Vel in her bag, while the “mercenaries” were given leave to explore Strom. The city was vibrant and live with various merchants selling things for Pilgrim’s Bounty.
Aoibh checked in with Vel over the telepathic bond, and Vel assured her she was fine and it was basically impossible for her to squish her. The gates of the keep were opened, and Aoibh and the cart passed into the castle property.
Vel heard the muffled voices of the guards as they informed Aoibh that she would be waiting in the courtyard until Galen was alerted, so he could determine where he wished to have the conversation. Before too long, the guards returned, and she was informed that they would be meeting in the throne room.
They started to move again, and a troubadour announced Aoibh to Galen. A voice that Vel could only assume was Galen Trollbane informed her to rise.
Galen Trollbane says: I’ve been told that you have important information to give to me. If you would be so kind, I’m a busy man.
Aoibh Reòthadh says: Of course, your majesty. Unfortunately the news is… ill. While traveling along my normal routes, I stopped to launder my clothing at a nearby river, and when I did… I encountered something. Unfortunately…
Galen Trollbane says: Out with it, please.
Aoibh Reòthadh says: It was princess Vittoria. Your majesty… it was her highness’s… remains.
Galen Trollbane says: I beg your pardon? Is this true?
Aoibh Reòthadh says: With my darkest regrets, it is… I examined her.
Galen stood up.
Galen Trollbane says: What happened!?
Aoibh Reòthadh says: I examined her when I found her… it appeared she was poisoned and then drowned. Hence her being in the river. I brought her–
Galen Trollbane says: Let me see!
Vel heard movement as, with great speed, Galen moved past Aoibh and headed toward the courtyard.
Galen Trollbane says: The casket! Open it! I want to see!
There was the shuffling of movement as the casket’s lid was opened. And then there was a palpable silence.
Galen Trollbane says: Who did this?
Aoibh Reòthadh says: Your majesty I–
Galen Trollbane says: Who did this!? I want to know who is responsible for this? Was this the One-Eyed Gryphon!? Is she trying to send me a message!?
Aoibh Reòthadh says: I do not know, your majesty… I found her in the river.
Galen Trollbane says: Where was she!?
Aoibh Reòthadh says: I’d be happy to point it out on a map for you.
Galen Trollbane says: Your cooperation would be very appreciated.
Galen told his guards to have his other guests look into the matter as he wanted to know who was responsible, as he wanted their head. One of the guards asked if they should make an announcement, and Galen said that he wanted no one to know about the matter.
Aoibh said that wasn’t good over the telepathic bond.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: Are they not taking her down to the crypt?
Aoibh Reòthadh says: Your majesty, what do you intend to do with–
Galen Trollbane says: Your cooperation will be appreciated, Miss Reòthadh. If you’ve already ascertained her cause of death, then I think your role in this is done.
Aoibh Reòthadh says: Your majesty, I would be glad to prepare her for interment–
Galen Trollbane says: I will not see her interred until I know who did this! If there’s any evidence on her about who is responsible for this?!
Aoibh took a deep breath.
Aoibh Reòthadh says: With all due respect, your majesty… I do not know if this secret will be able to stay hidden for long. If it was the One-Eyed Gryphon, don’t you think they would spread this rumor? It would be wiser to make an announcement. Your people would want to hear it from you, not from rumors… I would be glad to help if that is what you wish.
Vel could sense Aoibh’s heart was absolutely racing.
Galen Trollbane says: A fair point… very well then. I will prepare for an announcement. We will… plan a public ceremony in three days time. But I want this taken care of before the week is over, and I want whoever is responsible for this with their head on my platter for Pilgrim’s Bounty. Do you understand!?
The guards stammered affirmations, and Galen told them to take Aoibh to a private chamber and he would be along later where she could answer some questions. Aoibh said she would need time to prepare Vittoria for interment, and Galen emphasized she would have the time she needed, though there was an unspoken threat of “provided you aren’t found complicit in this”.
A few of the guards took Aoibh to a guest room, where the door was locked behind her. Aoibh sat down and took a deep breath, and when she exhaled the breath was shaking.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: You did very well. And I won’t be going anywhere. I can help you in here.
Vel crawled her way out of Aoibh’s satchel, still very much in the form of the white spider. The room was a comfortable guest quarters and was clearly not some sort of prison cell, but the door had been locked all the same, and Aoibh was visibly shaking a bit.
Aoibh quietly asked if Vel was alright, and Vel again assured her that she was fine as she was a lot more durable than this particular form let on. However, they could go over all the details of the matter to ensure they were appropriately convincing to the king, as two heads were ultimately better than one.
Aoibh Reòthadh says: Right, I’ll make sure I have a solid alibi so I don’t get myself killed in the process.
Velameestra Windrunner says [telepathic bond]: You won’t be killed. Even if things go south, I’ll get you out of here.
Aoibh Reòthadh says: Thank you.
Aoibh’s eyes had started to water from the stress.
Aoibh Reòthadh says: I appreciate you’re here to help me out.
She asked the group through the telepathic link if they were also alright, and it seemed they all were.
