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Conquering Ishroa
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ASTRA: Knowledge (History) 1d20+18 = 24
The Vale of Myrshal looked absolutely nothing like she'd imagined it would. Weeks on the southern sea had conditioned Astra to whipping winds lacing her skin with brine, the sun in its endlessly-cloudless vigil somehow at once chill and oppressive in the way it rendered her hair to tinder. A miracle that Cecily hadn't burned her bald with an errant spark before they'd reached port. She'd requested the girl wait on deck during the interview, for reasons that would be obvious to anyone who'd ever met the excitable mage. Not that she wasn't questioning her choice of escort as it was... Dannaphine of the Evanescent Wood - which no one besides Astra ever called her - was an odd sight even back home in Ferian Dranse, where elves were hardly a rare sight on any given market morning, but here in Myrshal the woman toward near a foot over the locals, only the tallest men even coming level with Astra's eyes near six inches lower. They drew stares from everyone they passed, though there seemed to be some reservation in them - keeping distance, averting their eyes when she'd glance their way - that the comandress dearly hoped wasn't fear. She'd be putting weapons in those cautious hands on the morrow, assuming the interview went well. Peasant conscripts were one thing, but terrified pacifists weren't exactly going to conquer a continent, no matter how brilliant her strategies might be. ASTRA: Knowledge (Engineering) 1d20+5 = 6. Critical Failure. It truly was beautiful here, though, the lush grass stretching across the rolling hills leading up to the keep, the countryside adorned with weeping cherry trees stirred in the afternoon breeze. No salt clogging her pores, here. Running an idle hand through her hair to test if her most recent wash had restored any life to it, Astra found herself uncharacteristically daydreaming, lost in thought as they reach the outer rampart, only coming back to her senses when a robed figure emerged from the keep to escort them. When was the last time I even ate...? Focus, damn it, at least for a little while longer. "You're finally here," the robed man announced. My lord has thought of little else since he sent for you. I am Karamas, his diviner. Please, follow me." His hair is so shiny... maybe I can ask where he buys his oil from. That would definitely help. Led at a brisk pace, Astra barely had any chance to take in the keep's furnishings; she was impressed, though, by how clean everything was, the dark wood of the stairs they climbed polished to a smooth sheen. At the top, Karamas led them into a wide audience room where their host was sat on a stately, yet modest, throne, flanked on his right by a glowering beard of a man in segmented armor, and his left a massive, dark-haired woman whose fierce gaze fixed the commandress the moment she entered the hall, perhaps the first soul on these shores not to look away. ASTRA: Sense Motive 1d20+21 = 30 LORD NOSYA: Bluff 1d20+12 = 28 Lord Nosya was a slight man, effeminate in violet gowns held together by a magnificent silken sash. She could read a keen interest in his eyes, for all he attempted to maintain an air of lordly stoicism. The commandress flashed him a slight smile as she bowed at Karamas' introduction, sweeping her rapier's scabbard aside in perfect decorum and flourishing ever-so-slightly. "Well, my lord," she said as she straightened. "We're here." |
Dafie: Spot 1d20+15 = 34
There wasn't any doubt that the women were quite the sight as they wandered like a row of ducks — or a pair of ducks, anyway. Or maybe a goose and a duck in a street full of pigeons, though what a duck and a goose would be doing in the street, or around pigeons, or even around each other was another question entirely, and one Dafie wasn't sure she wanted to ask just then. Dafie: Spot vs DC20 1d20+15 = 25 Dafie's attention focused once more as a Karamas made himself known, and a glance at Astra told her that her beloved leader's thoughts had been straying just the same as her own. Though, hopefully in a different direction. If she had any interest in wondering what Astra was wondering, however, it faded as they were led through the keep, Dafie's sharp eyes taking in what decorations they could hungrily. Lord Nosya, too, was subject to that greedy eye, but Dafie managed to tamper down her excitement before she could get carried away with herself. "Here to stay, I hope," Dafie remarked with another look in Astra's direction, as if, by some miracle, the woman would give her the permission she so craved to run off and explore. "I love the smell of this place." |
Know:History (mercenary band) 1d20+15=24 Godiva looks the two women over, one up, one down, as it were, making no attempt to hide her analytical eye. Spot(Astra_ 1d20+16 = 21 The woman, Astra, was slight as a leaf and just as likely to blow away in the wind. She would wait and see if she could do more than sting a little with that rapier at her side. The rapier itself looked to be of significant quality though, so perhaps it was more functional than it looked next to her expensive clothes. Spot (Dafie) 1d20+16 = 29 The...elf. She wasn't sure what to make of her. She was very pink, and Godiva wondered if any others in this mercenary band (and she certainly hoped there would be more, if only for the extra bodies) would show similar leanings towards coloured fashion. The elf had no visible weapon to go with her armour. Godiva raises an eyebrow. "Are there more to your company?" |
Suppressing a wince at the ache of her old wound as she arced her shoulders back into proper posture, Astra addressed the armored woman.
"There's forty-three of us, including me. We're all highly specialized, you'll find. Dannaphine here is our stealth and espionage expert, excelling in exploiting enemy weaknesses and maximizing allied strengths." ASTRA: Diplomacy 1d20+19 = 35 It wasn't really a lie. Now sure, it might have been quite some time since she'd seen Dafie do anything useful in her professional capacity - and no, stealing single socks from Astra's dresser every few days did not count - but the commandress had complete faith in the elf woman really living up to the qualifications on her resume when the time came. Or, at least, reasonable faith. She went on. "We also have my adjutant, Cecily, who is an academy-trained war wizard and functions as our mobile artillery operative. I'd estimate her relative value alone to at least that of two-hundred trained and equipped soldiers." That might have been overselling the girl a bit, but Astra had spoken with her at length on the voyage on her problems focusing, and they'd seen real progress together. Some progress, for sure. Regardless, one fireball demonstration is all it would take to convince Lord Nosya of her value, surely. "And I, of course, am our lead strategist, although my specialty lies in organizing armies and training them in simple, effective, and efficient battle tactics. I'm widely read in all the major military engagements over the last four-hundred years, so I won't be caught off-guard by anything the enemy throws at us." Affecting an air of professional pride which she wished the company coffers and service record could back up, Astra glanced between the woman who'd spoken and Lord Nosya, awaiting good news. LORD NOSYA: Sense Motive 1d20+12 = 27 The lord seemed to hang on her every word, not consulting either of his advisers but rather seeming to look for the answer to all his hopes in her explanations. It was certainly flattering, but daunting as well to think on the expectations she'd have to live up to. Although this was their first time meeting, Astra felt as if she knew the man from the letters they'd exchanged, and he'd struck her as nothing so much as concerned for the care of his people, which had convinced her to take this assignment at least as much as the potential profits. She might lead a mercenary company, but Astra would never send her girls off to commit war crimes no matter how good the money might be. And hopefully Cecily wouldn't commit any accidentally... "And we're certainly glad you made it safely," the lord replied in the ensuing silence. "I fear you're going to have your work cut out for you. The armies of Insantegyr and Adagdayne have been clashing in the Falls of Madahai to the west of the crown city for two weeks now, with no clear victor apparent. If we were to make a bid for conquest, now would be the time, at least to reclaim the old dominions of Myrshal to expand our territory in preparation for a true war." For a moment, the lord's neutral expression blanched with sheepish humility, accompanied by a sidelong glance at his brother. "I'm afraid before we can do that, however, we'll need an army..." "Yes, indeed," the bearded man grumbled, arms crossed over his breastplate. "Our father is a noble man, but a warrior he is not. He's left us ill-prepared for war. I've a hundred and some men in my riders, but the province has nothing else in the way of a military. We'll need to begin conscripting immediately." "So then," Astra asked of the lord, "You'll grant me supreme command of our forces, then? I'm willing to listen to suggestions, of course, but my company works best when left to our own devices." A counseling gaze passed between the two brothers, followed by affirming nods. "We hereby appoint you Marshal of Myrshal, Astralia de Laix, charged with the defense of all her lands. The fate of our realm lies in your hands." She meet his eyes with a stern regard, unblinking as she told him, "You won't regret this, I promise." And then, with a second bow, once more threatening to shudder her with pain, "If I've your leave, I'll see to the disposition of my officers. Perhaps we should meet again for dinner in a few hours?" |
Sense Motive 1d20+8 = 11
Godiva considers Astra's words, then nods -just slightly- to herself. Seems like Lord Nosya found some competent people. "If the situation is satisfactory, Lord Nosya, then I, too, will turn to my preparations." She looks over to Lord Elgron as well, awaiting his leave. |
"Hey, Astra, if it's just a few hours and all, can we stay?" Dafie asked as she cast a longing glance towards the doors of the room. "You can catch us up later anyway, right? So it's fine?"
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Not expecting Dafie to speak out of turn, Astra eyed her askance. She had a rather good feeling why the elf was making that particular request, and suspected she'd made it in front of the lord specifically to push her toward acquiescing.
ASTRA: Sending, target Dafie. -7 Spell Points. Really, Dafie? In front of the lord? If I get one report of missing valuables, I'm docking your salary for a month. But yes. As she thought in the woman's direction, silent spellcraft giving voice to the unuttered, Astra likewise addressed their hosts to avoid any awkwardness. ASTRA: Spot 1d20+3 = 8. Does not notice Godiva's glance. "I'm sure that would be amenable, yes? We'll be moving back and forth for a few hours getting all of our equipment on-site, so Dafie can always contact us if anything important comes up in the interim." She ended in a questioning tone, looking to Lord Nosya. "Yes, of course, you've free rein to come and go as you please. The more the people see of your company, the better, I'd imagine." "Well, in that case," Astra replied, stepping forward and tugging off her right glove, "It is my honor to enter your service, Lord Nosya." She ascended the two steps to his dais and extended a dainty, pale hand to him. Somewhat taken aback, he fumbled to match the gesture, his own grip gentle as a man who had never lifted a sword, a sincere smile breaking across his features as she sealed their contract with a firm shake. "It is my honor to receive you, Commandress." Then, after a second and an awkward, sliding glance, "And you as well, Dannaphine. Be welcome in Myrshal, and within my home." |
I promise you won't hear about any reports.
Dafie: Diplomacy 1d20+5 = 23 When Nosya's eyes fell upon her, Dafie nodded and offered a shallow bow, one arm swept out at her side. "Your hospitality is humbling, my Lord. I pray that you and yours shall find us to your satisfaction." |
Sense Motive: 1d20+8 = 23
Godiva's eyebrow twitches. Chastising the elf in front of Lord Nosya, who is well pleased with the new company, is not a smart option. Neither is pointing out his "distraction" right now. "Lord Elgron, I believe we have matters to discuss before dinner." Godiva abruptly departs towards the door, pausing briefly to Lord Nosya to -passably- excuse herself from the meet. |
Dafie: Spot 1d20+15 = 30
As easily as Lord Nosya seemed to accept her praise, it was clear as day that the knight, Godiva, saw through the sweet words. Then, with both she and Astra departed, Dafie's attention turned to their new patron once more. "Welcomes aside, would we be permitted to explore your home freely, Lord Nosya? I mean no disrespect, but we would be far more comfortable if we could see for ourselves if there is any reason for our comrades to be wary. Of course, we will mind ourselves, if you so wish, but specialties such as mine leave me the suspicious sort, for better or worse." |
LORD NOSYA: Sense Motive 1d20+12 = 14
"Why, yes, of course, this keep is now your home as much as mine. Go about as you please." Suddenly finding himself alone with this unusual woman, the lord treats her with every possible courtesy. He knows next to nothing about elves or their culture, and assumes any eccentricities she might display are merely traits of her kind which he should not judge. She is certainly... persuasive, he'll give her that. |
The trip back to the harbor was filled much more with salutations to the citizens of Myrshal, short conversations and pleasant smiles that left Astra feeling drained by the time she made it back to their ship, but the effort would be worth it, hopefully. She needed these people to accept her.
The heels of her boots knocking on the gangplank as she crossed to the deck, Astra nearly stumbled into the water when a tremendous splash broke from the bay just to her left. What on earth...? Seconds later, the commandress was showered in tepid water as a small, flitting body erupted from the bay, darting back aboard with all the swiftness of a buzzing fly. Hopping down onto the deck and shaking droplets from her hair, Astra looked in what must have been abject horror at the scene before her. Lynsdi was lazing on a crate tapping out a jaunty tune on her tambourine as Astra's officers and half the ship's crew hooted and raised mugs of what could only be strong spirits judging by their total non-reaction to her arrival. Mia was draped lasciviously in the lap of the first mate, red-faced with a bottle of wine in one hand, while Cecily, Maricia, and some four of the sailors were gathered in a half-circle facing the strange creature who'd soaked Astra. CECILY: Summon Monster IV. -7 Spell Points. Finally noticing her, Cecily called out with a massive grin. "Oh, hey! You're just in time, we've got one more spot for Toss the Mephit, hurry up Astra!" She was bouncing and spinning in place, generally making a fool of herself, all the more saddening for the fact that Astra was almost certain the girl didn't drink. Setting aside her initial reaction to discipline the lot of them (and likely prompt a mutiny, given how much they were enjoying themselves), Astra let it go with a tired sigh. It had been a long voyage, they deserved a bit of rest before the real work began, but they could have at least waited until tonight. "Cecily, go find Koyani and everyone else who isn't drunk. We have to move all our gear to the keep." She walked past the spectacle shaking her head at the mephit, and made her way below decks. She had a tiny, private room away from the rest of the company and crew, and all but rushed it, locking the door behind her. Stress and pain seemed to well out of her all at once, the ache of her scar mirroring the exhaustion in her head. Right... I was supposed to eat something... She could spare half an hour, maybe, collect herself and hopefully make it to dinner somewhat intact. |
"Oh, how kind of you, my Lord," Dafie crooned, offering Nosya another shallow bow before turning away from the man. "Come, Shad, you heard him, didn't you?" She crooked her fingers at her shadow, which dutifully rose from the ground, its shape wavering and shifting as it found form. Tendrils of darkness became head, limbs, and finally, her companion in his entirety. The elemental stared at her with small pinpricks of eyes set in restless voids of eye sockets, then, slowly, his attention shifted towards Lord Nosya.
He raised a hand, immaterial chains rattling where they hung from barely perceivable wrists, and waved. "Aww." Dafie smiled and tilted her head. "He's getting so polite." |
Outside, Godiva practically marched to the stables with Elgron in tow.
"Your brother has questionable taste." She lifted a saddle from a rack and set in on a wood mount, then leaned over it to examine seams and leather condition. "Does it run in the family?" Godiva glared at him, and he smirked. "Your choice of words." She scoffed and flipped her hair over her other shoulder to look at the other side of the saddle. "He's making informed decisions of state while admiring the view?" "Come now, you've hardly seen either of them and nothing of the rest of the company. Whatever my brother's method of diplomacy, our situation has improved. Just how much, I assume you will judge for yourself." Godiva looked back at Elgron and smiled. "Of course." "How much time to we have before dinner? I would go over the details on the fortress again." "Plenty. The papers are in my room." |
At Shad's appearance, and preempting the lord's shocked gape, Karamas strides forward, looking instead with a keen interest.
"Oh, that is truly fascinating. You've bound an elemental into your own shadow? My wife will certainly want to examine it, she's something of an illusionist herself." "I take it you're familiar with this... creature, Karamas?" came Lord Nosya's uncertain inquiry. He was looking quite withdrawn in his seat, as though trying to put as much space as possible between himself and the shadow. "Well, not as such, but the shadow realm is highly malleable via certain sorceries. It certainly is creative to see it used this way, I must admit." |
"He," Dafie corrected as she stepped to the elemental's side. "Not it. I'm sure he'll be happy to let any—" She twirled one of her hands just behind Shad's shoulder. "—examinations take place, as long as there's a level of mutual respect maintained."
Shad, for his part, merely looked from Dafie to Karamas, silent and unblinking. |
"Oh." Karamas' eyes widened as though to say, so it's like that, then. "Well, in any case, I need to inform Surana about dinner, so I should be going. An auspicious meeting, though, Dannaphine." He hurried out of the chamber, robes whisking along the floor.
"And I should apprise my mother and father of today's events." Lord Nosya rose from his dais and descended with as much courage as he could muster, unnerved as he was by Shad's presence. "They'll likely join us for dinner as well." He passed by Dafie with an awkward nod and made his swift exit. |
CECILY: Wall of Ice. -7 Spell Points.
Astra found herself waking up without ever intending to sleep, slumped over her desk with the remains of a half-eaten sandwich caking her cheek where she'd apparently used it as an impromptu pillow. Great. I can't even get something this simple right. At least I ate some of it... Cleaning her face with a handkerchief, it was only at the renewed knock on her door that she realized why she'd woken up in the first place. "Just a second," she muttered, stowing the sandwich at the bottom of her wastebasket before straightening her skirt and brushing greasy strands of hair from her face. She opened the door. Cecily was waiting for her. Before she could even get a word out the girl began, a gigantic breath giving wind to her chattering voice. "Hi, Astra, I just wanted to let you know that... that I... hmm... right, I helped get all the stuff unloaded real good! Krysti was having a hard time getting this big ol' crate down the ramp, so I just made an ice ramp for her and it slide right down! Whoosh! Hahaha, and then we slid all the others down, and then I slid down too! You should try it sometime, it was really fun, although I didn't have my glasses on and the reflection on the ice was pretty bright, so I can't see to good at the moment, but I'm sure you look really nice, you always look nice..." Astra could almost feel the girl's statements sapping the marrow from her bones as she stood there. For all she loved her, Cecily could be incredibly exhausting to deal with. It was probably something wrong with her to find such joyful enthusiasm fatiguing... "Cecily." "And then I said to Mia, I bet we could roll you down the ramp and you'd make it halfway to the town square, haha, she got really mad but it was really funny, and then -- oh, sorry Astra, what did you want to say?" A sigh that couldn't quite be as exasperated as she probably had the right to be. "Come here, you silly thing." She led Cecily over to her bed and sat her down, noticing the wizardess' dilated eyes behind her glasses. Astra slid them off carefully and set about cleaning them, half afraid for a second that she'd pulled out her sandwich handkerchief by mistake. "These are filthy, it's wonder you can't see anything." "Nah, nuh uh Astra, I still can't see anything." "Well, you need to be more careful, then. I can't have you going blind, we're going to need your spells soon." Blinking in sudden excitement, Cecily grinned up at her. "I get to blow stuff up?!" "Yes. But it won't be a game, Cess. You're going to need to watch out for enemies, and strike without mercy. Those will be human beings you're blowing up in some cases, and they'll want to kill you if they can." "Yeah, yeah, I know. They had us practice on sheeps back in school. I blew up sooooo many sheeps, Astra. Then we ate them! Haha, they were tasty. Besides, I'll have Mia with me, she can slashy-stabby anyone who gets close." I just hope she won't have to heal a wound like mine for you... or even worse. Setting Cecily's glasses back in place, Astra couldn't help hugging the girl tightly, overcome with fear and love. "Promise me you'll be okay, okay? That's all I need to hear right now." The wizardess's returning embrace wasn't quite so fierce. She was probably confused, as ever. "Ohh... yeah, I promise, Astra. It's gonna be fine. You'll come up with the best plans and I won't even be in any danger. That's how it always goes, ha... ha... I think you might be suffocating me, Astra..." That was how it was supposed to be. That was why she'd started this company. Letting them down was unthinkable, but living up to what they all expected of her, at this moment, seemed even more so. This always happened, though. The less she obsessed over it and let her instincts take command, the better off they'd all be. She could get through this dinner easily, coasting on reflexive social graces. Could plan a grand strategy in a single night if she just smothered that voice of fright for long enough. Best to get the first hurdle out of the way before worrying about the second. It was time to go. |
Godiva slipped a tunic over her deer skin pants and tied a thick belt around her middle. "And why am I changing? If it's not a formal event why can I not just wear my armour?
"Your formal attire is another suit of armour." Elgron was standing to the side, leaning against the wall. "And you were already undressed. What difference does it make?" "I have things to do." (ugh, feeling too crummy, been sitting here for an hour. Fast forward) Godiva and Elgron talk about stuff, he pokes fun at her being over serious but also point out that she's not going to necessarily be in charge when they go off to do stuff. |
It was an encouraging sight to see her soldiers mingling among the staff of the keep on her way back, already looking like they belonged. Hopefully they would keep the drunken recreation to a minimum, now that they'd gotten it out of their system, but Astra had the suspicion that more than one of her officers would be exercising their pregnancy leave in half a year or so, given the plethora of young men they'd be working with. That was preferable to them dying bloody deaths on the battlefield in the next six months, of course, but still a logistical concern she'd as soon do without. Maybe they'd surprise her and exercise restraint.
She'd completely given up on doing anything about her hair in the near future, resigning herself to tying it back in a low bun of begrudging surrender, vowing to give it the care it'd require the first spare moment she found. She certainly wasn't looking her best for this dinner, but, well, Lord Yorant hadn't hired her to be his courtesan. Affecting a certain gruff indifference might make her seem more serious about her position, as much as it galled her sense of propriety. The fact that she hadn't bumped into Dafie on her way into the keep was at once both concerning and in no way unusual. She paid the girl to be hard to locate, after all, but that unfortunately came along with an inclination towards the nefarious that made leaving her to her own devices a perpetual poor choice. Speaking of concerns, the lack of security within the keep struck her as just one area where Lord Nosya's seeming comfort in his own seat of power left him quite vulnerable. Not one guard or castellan stopped to question her as she proceeded inside, and that definitely wouldn't do going forward. She made a mental note to put Krystelle in charge of training up an honor guard to defend the keep; she had experience as a lieutenant of the Palace Knights in her homeland of far-off Eksanavarre and could likely put together a respectable unit within a month's time. Given her apparent freedom to wander the grounds as she saw fit, Astra didn't bother asking anyone she passed for directions to the dining hall, taking her time to learn the layout of the keep before finding herself at her destination, a warm glow coming from within the wide doors. Entering with a pleasant smile, she realized she should probably have made it a point to arrive earlier, given that seemingly everyone else was already sat down to eat. She noted Dafie, seated one spot down from Lord Nosya, next to what must have been Astra's reserved place, and on the other side, Karamas and a woman whose diaphanous garment and myriad of jewels seemed to mark her as a fellow spellcaster. Either that, or she was horribly overdressed compared to everyone else. Pausing only briefly to greet the lord with a bow, Astra made her way to his side, giving a sidelong look to Dafie as she sat down to join them. |
There was something entirely unsurprising about Astra arriving late, even if it was only by a few minutes. Dafie felt a buzz of excitement at the sight of the woman, and when Astra sat down and shot her a look, Dafie leaned close to murmur, "You missed a lot of fun here. You didn't fall asleep, did you?"
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I must look worse than I thought...
"No, just a lot of work to be done securing our supplies and quarters." ASTRA: Bluff 1d20+18 = 28 Astra played the question off with no discomfort; for better or worse, she was rather good at convincing people of untruths. She even masks the glare the girl probably deserves for calling her out in front of the lord. |
Dafie: Sense Motive 1d20+2 = 6
"Aw," Dafie replied, her disappointment obvious in the slump of her shoulders. "How boring. Has to be done, though, I suppose. Next time, could you at least make something up and pretend it was interesting?" |
"I heard it was quite interesting, in fact. Wasn't that right, Karamas?"
"I've certainly never seen a wall of ice used in that way. Whoever your wizardess is, she's certainly creative." Astra couldn't help a smile in spite of herself, hearing that. Cecily would be grinning ear to ear to hear she'd gotten such attention. "She is indeed. I've heard her mention quite a few different ideas for arcane projects she'd like to work on, so I'm sure you'll be getting to know her quite well." Whether you maintain such a high opinion of her at that point, I can't guarantee... "But anyway, Dafie, do tell, what have you been up to?" Astra leans her cheek endearingly on her palm to look sidelong at the elf. |
Dafie: Bluff 1d20+5 = 22
"Oh, you know, about what you'd expect," Dafie said, her gaze drifting up towards the ceiling and a finger curled under her chin as though she were deep in thought. "We went poking around all the nooks and crannies of the place, finding weak points and getting to know a few of the residents. I'd thought I lost something on the stairs at one point, but Shad was a dear and found it for me. Which, speaking of Shad." She looked at Astra once more. "I think he's getting rather popular around here." |
ASTRA: Sense Motive 1d20+21 = 29
I'm sure he did, Dafie. Right out of someone's pocket on those stairs. Hopefully it was nothing valuable... "And you have the nerve to accuse me of a boring day." Her tone was pleasant and relaxed, but the look she was giving Dafie was rife with unspoken accusations. LORD NOSYA: Sense Motive 1d20+12 = 13. Critical Failure. "Well, I certainly appreciate mistress Dannaphine's keen eye for our defenses." Out of the corner of her gaze, Astra noticed that it certainly wasn't Dafie's keen eye that had caught the lord's attention. ASTRA: Sending, target Dafie. -7 Spell Points. I suppose wearing tops like that is one way to get men to overlook your indiscretions... because, gods know, you're not doing it with words. |
sense motive vs. Astra = 17
sense motive vs. Daphie = 25 Accepting Astra's fatigue for what she says it is, Godiva listens with half-an-ear to the rest of the conversation until Daphie starts speaking, and she pauses mid-sip from her wine goblet. What has she been doing?! Lingering her eyes on Daphie a few moments longer, she lowers her glass and addresses the other. "Speaking of defenses, Astra, I should like to discuss our first mission. There is a hostile fort too close to here that we need to take." "Already discussing battle? Dinner hasn't arrived yet. It will be difficult to lay plans under cutlery and plates." Godiva merely frowns slightly at Elgron. "Not fully, and it is as convenient a moment we are going to get. We are, all of us, here, and thus can decide on the best time to sit and have our real discussion." She turns to Astra. "It is my preference that we begin planning as soon as can be arranged. This fort is a problem, and one that may get worse." |
Dafie raised her brows in surprise at the message, her gaze shifting quickly down to her own bosom, then towards Lord Nosya, and finally turning back towards Astra.
Dafie: Congress of Shadows, target Astra, -3 Spell Points Now, I'm a little slow. Are we disapproving, or jealous? "I generally prefer to get to know those I will be working with before we are to count on one another for our lives and livelihood," Dafie said, looking to Godiva. "To some degree, at least. Those that rush plans make me believe they will rush their actions as well, regardless of what may or may not be said behind the safety of closed doors." |
ASTRA: Response via Congress of Shadows.
Even after all this time, I'm not sure I understand you enough to be jealous. And of course, as soon as she was about to inquire about this supposedly-significant fort, the woman had to open her mouth again. Astra could feel her teeth grinding in the struggle to keep her forced smile from sliding into a grimace. Why on earth had she thought bring Dafie, of all people, as her adjutant for these meetings? |
Godiva looks squarely at Dannaphine. “Then you agree we must begin planning as soon as possible, so we can avoid having to rush.â€
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Dafie stared at Godiva for a long moment, then sniffed and looked to Astra instead, dismissing Godiva entirely. "Not much of a listener, that one."
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Clearing her throat, straightening, and crossing her legs, Astra interjects before an obviously-riled Godiva can speak her mind.
ASTRA: Diplomacy 1d20+19 = 37. "On the contrary, I agree with both of you. We'll need to learn to trust each other if we're going to be fighting side by side, and dinners like this are perfect for that. We should all feel free to say whatever we wish. But, now that you've mentioned this fort, ma Dame, I'm certainly keen to hear more about it." She's rather proud of how cool and collected that sounded, and she certainly isn't above admitting it to herself. This is what she's best at, after all. LORD NOSYA: Sense Motive 1d20+12= 19 Glancing up as though noticing Astra for the first time in a while, the lord adds, "Yes, I've heard over and over how important recapturing that old ruin is, so I must assume it's worth discussing now. You'll forgive me if I've not the mind for such terrible matters, that's why I've hired you, of course, my lady." His attention is drawn slightly away at the end as servants begin carrying in plates heaped with steaming food. |
"Of course," Godiva says to Astra though not being particular about which part she's agreeing with.
Waiting for the food to be places, Godiva arranged her napkin and waits for Lord Nosya to begin before addressing Astra's second point. "The fort is an older one, not a building we previously used but now it is occupied by ogres." She pauses now and then to take a bite. "We aren't certain if they are an independent group or not, but they have begun to harass our supply lines" ... "We haven't lost anything to them yet, but we'd best clear them out before things escalate. We can then make use of the fort itself for our own purposes." If Godiva is still annoyed with Daphie, she isn't showing as they are talking about the campaign. |
Astra accepts her plate with a graceful smile, slipping off her gloves to eat. She listens intently to Godiva's briefing, trying to take in the various aspects of the situation.
ASTRA: Knowledge (Tactics) 1d20+18 = 22 "Ogres tend to be disorganized, this sounds like a fairly sophisticated move on their part. We'll definitely need to take them out, though, we can't have that kind of threat looming at our back while we're trying to take on Ancasha's armies." She brushes a stray hair out of her face and remembers to take another bite, despite her lacking appetite. "I'll definitely want more information, before we make any move to attack. Think you're up to the task, Dafie?" |
Despite looking utterly disinterested in the shift of conversation, Dafie nodded. "I'm certain we could find out a thing or two. Are we interested in any specific notes, or overall anything that we can find out?"
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"You mean to send her out on reconnaissance on her own? Won't that be extremely dangerous?"
The lord looks from Dafie to Astra in genuine concern. Clearing her throat, Astra clarifies patiently - despite having informed the man of Dafie's specialization not six hours ago - "On the contrary, my lord, Dannaphine is highly competent at such tasks, and her magics serve well in preventing detection by the enemy. Although, it does occur to me that we could use more spies. You'll be in charge of that as well as your other duties from now on, Dafie." She has to admit, the cooks here are rather talented. For once it isn't a chore to keep up the pretense of participating in dinner. With any luck she might even put on some weight here if they ate like this every night... "As to the fortress, though, Dafie, I'm most interested in their numbers, any defenses they have established on the walls, their general esprit de corps and the competency of any commanders, the overall caliber of their equipment, their watch and meal cycles, as well as traffic into and out of the stronghold within a span of twenty-four hours. That should be enough to keep you busy, don't you think?" She pops another chunk of spiced potato into her mouth while looking at her adjutant with eyes that are nothing but totally serious. |
Listening to the conversation thus far, Lord Elgron pauses in his meal; "You seem be confident in what you need, and if Miss Dannaphine is confident in her ability to get it for you, then I suggest you lead this mission, Miss Astra."
Godiva snaps her head to look at him, "My Lord?" Elgron raises a hand. "Strategy and tactics before fighting. This is the perfect time to see how well we can work together before we begin with mission more crucial to our effort. He goes back to eating again "Astra, once you determine how best to take the fort, Godiva can see to getting what supplies you will need, and can take you to the fort itself. Agreed.?" Godiva sits back in her chair, mouth in a crooked frown, but nonetheless...fine! "Agreed." |
Dafie considered Astra's list quietly for a moment, seeming to ignore the following exchange between Lord Elgron and Godiva. "Well," she spoke up after a time, "to get an accurate account of the fortress' schedule would take around two weeks' time. Any less than that and there will be far too many variables left untouched. The rest should be easy enough."
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Astra chuckles at the exchange. "Don't you mean Godiva will take the fort for us herself? She certainly seems eager enough." Realizing it's awkward and possibly demeaning to the woman to speak of her in the third person while she's sitting right there, Astra is cut off by Dafie before she can rectify the situation, and hearing her adjutant's estimate takes her attention completely away.
"Two weeks? Really? And that's not even accounting for marching time, how far is it to this fortress?" Perhaps Lord Elgron was right that they should have saved this talk for after the meal. She needed a map. |
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