A Tale of Two Orphans — IC

[BartNL]

"Not too far from here, just follow me please". I can hardly tell them I am bringing them to my house yet.
Hellenbert replies. Hellenbert then bows politely at Carl, lord Emden and Carl's friends. "Goodbye ladies, gentlemen. O, and I wish you luck in the tourney ser Stane, but not too much luck, for I fear none would stand a chance against your lance on your lucky day." Hellenbert waits for the others to say their goodbyes before heading off for Burnhold tower.

[Scratcherclaw]

"He knows something," Caelen mutters to his companions once the nobleman is suitably away. "I don't know what all, but he's faking that sorry level of surprise." He frowns, wondering how deep this plot might go throughout the veins of their land. He knows, but is he traitorous? Or just complicit in keeping everyone in the dark?

 

[Namelessjake]

"We will allow for the proper announcements if we return," Drake replies to Camdan, through gritted teeth.

Typical Malvernese, he thinks. They look down on the rest of Tulrisse from atop their tower. If the legends are true they didn't even build the thing. We can only hope the Queen has a better outlook that the rest of the nobility.

"I've stood against it once or twice," Drake chimes in at the city guardsman's words to Ser Emrys, relaxing as the conversation turns to one of sport. "I wouldn't award her the prize for the joust just yet."

"Please lead on Ser," he says to Hellenbert, letting the man step forward enough to be out of earshot of Caelen's whispers.

"Why am I not surprised? We can only hope he has only heard rumours since our arrival and wanted to confirm them. If the Imardanians have been meddling in affairs this far from the coast, I shudder to think of how long they have been planning this invasion," he replies to the elf, keeping his voice low.

[ratwizard]

With a wave goodbye to Dustin, Carl, and Ser Emrys, Valcus follows along, allowing Ser Hellenbert to walk ahead and out of earshot.

"I thought so too, but couldn't tell. Good catch, Caelen. We shall keep a close eye on him, perhaps see what Rorin can drudge up on the man. Carl's clearly been kept in the dark, and I wouldn't impinge on his standing with his father any further to snoop for us."

[FinalTemplar]

Caedus

Caedus considers for a moment but simply shrugs. "I believe I heard about some travelers coming from Serra, but I heard nothing more." He frowned a bit more, "If it helps I did hear some discussion of it from around the grounds here." He said, confirming what little he knew. He stopped to consider, "Would you like me to ask around with you?" He asks, not sure if there was anything he could do, but figured he'd offer.

[Fialova]

Caedus

Esmé seems surprised by your offer of aid, but smiles and nods. "I'd appreciate it, if you wouldn't mind. You are one of the few I've interacted with who are keen to aid. Most have simply brushed me off in favor of sparring with other knights of renown from this land." She walks to the rack of practice weapons and places her wooden blade in a slot, before returning to you. "Please, lead on."

Everyone Else

"I will lead you out," Carl responds, a defeated air to him as he steps forward. The others are already in private conversation, likely about Carl's father, but offer waves and nods as you take your leave.

"We will see each other in the tourney grounds tomorrow," Emrys says. "I hope to face off against each of you," she continues, her previously stern tone clearly altered by her annoyance at the conversation that just occurred.

You make your way back to the front of the estate, but instead of entering, Carl leads you around the building on the opposite side of his father's study. There he opens a small gate leading to the road, allowing you to pass without needing to interact with the elder man again. "See you tomorrow," he says meekly, as you take your leave of the grounds and return once more to the road ahead.

Once you are free of the Elmwood gardens, Ser Daria turns to face you, having opted not to join the others in the estate earlier. "Oh, you've returned!" she says, excitement clear in her voice as she notices your presence, making her way over to rejoin your entourage. Noticing Hellenbert, she smiles at the man and steps forward. "I don't believe we've met, are you Carl? I'm Ser Daria Meerestute, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," she says. You notice that she seems to have obtained more sweets from Violet Delights, the same ones she'd been snacking on yesterday, though, she holds them to the side as she introduces herself.

Hellenbert

You know Violet Delights to be a popular bakery located partway up the main road of the city, specializing in sweets and pastries of all sorts. The bakery's name is also lent to its specialty confection, a small odd sweet cube dusted in a sweet powder and toped with a violet. (OOC: They're basically just turkish delights but purple and more uniquely flavored)

[BartNL]

Hellenbert stops as the woman starts talking. Do I look like a cursed Elmwood, is she too daft to recognise a Menoran knight and city guard? The sigil is on both cloak and armour. "Pardon me good ser, but no I am not him. I am ser Hellenbert Brandt of the Menoran guard. If you need Carl, he lives over there." Hellenbert points at the Elmwood estate. "It seems you have found one of the many great things Menora has to offer." Hellenbert nods at the candy.
"I take it you are acquainted with my company?"

[Namelessjake]

"Ser Daria," Drake says, greeting the knight with a nod. We are accumulating quite the number of knights in the process of our questly undertaking. It's like something out of a fairy tale, he muses.

"Ser Daria accompanied us on the road here," he explains to Hellenbert.

[Scratcherclaw]

Caelen gives a slight smile and wave to Carl and company as they depart the estate, a weight in his stomach as he realizes the tournament is around the corner. All this time spent investigating... I hope I've practiced enough too. It never can be easy, can it? He smiles toward Ser Daria, eyes immediately darting toward the candy she's purchased. "Buy anything good today?" he says, cracking a subtle smirk.

[ratwizard]

Valcus' sour mood from Camden's treatment is brightened at the familiar sight of Ser Daria. He can't help but smile at her mistaking the Flaming Sword's identity. "Ser Daria, greetings once more," he offers.

"Your company?" he repeats, intrigued by Ser Hellenbert's question. "Are you the proprietor of Violet Delights?"

[BartNL]

Hellenbert face reddens a bit. "No ser, company as in the people accompanying me. You lot." Hellenbert replies in a lecturing tone. Cant't hold a bow, and his mental prowess seems equally lacking. Do I look like a baker? I'd rather be mistaken for an Elmwood. "Though, had I been born a simple baker, I wouldn't mind to be a baker at Violet Delights."

[Fialova]

All but Caedus

"Oh, my apologies Ser," Daria responds with a bow, looking embarrassed by her ignorance of the situation. "I think you're the first Menoran knight I've met since we came here, I'd love to ask you some questions sometime," she continues, as she returns to an upright position again. She smiles to the others as they greet her, turning specifically towards Caelen when she questions her purchase. 

"Oh, yes. I got more of the Violet Delights themselves," she continues excitedly, holding a small cloth sack forward in offering. "You are free to have some, I got them for all of us." As Hellenbert mentions his fondness for the place, she reaches her outstretched hand towards him as well. "You too, please have some."

[BartNL]

"I shouldn't, but they are really good." Hellenbert replies, happily accepting on of the snacks. "You are welcome to join us for now, then we can talk more later. Where do you hail from, ser?" This ser Daria might not be so bad after all.

[ratwizard]

"Yes, of course. My apologies," Valcus says, offering a weary smile at the innocent mistake. With a title like the Flaming Sword, it wouldn't be so remiss to think he might also run a bakery.

"Thank you, Ser Daria. That was thoughtful of you." He waits until the Menoran takes his turn, before taking a single piece of candy from the outstretched bag. Delicious. One of the few uncorrupted beauties of this city. He stays quiet, happy to have Ser Daria pacify the inquiring man's questioning while they follow along.

[FinalTemplar]

Caedus

Caedus nods, returning his sparring blade to its home before walking away with Esmé toward the tournament grounds.

Mechanics

Perception to see if I can hear any talk of Serrans in the area = [1d20+8]=15+8=23

[Namelessjake]

"Thank you, Ser Daria," Drake says, taking one of the Violet Delights. While he would rather be asking questions of Ser Hellenbert, he holds his tongue as the two knights talk, not wanting to come across as rude when Ser Hellenbert's opinion of them may make a difference in whatever is about to come.

[Fialova]

Caedus

You do not have to walk far before you overhear a group of workers - clearly those hired to construct and maintain the tourney grounds' structures - discussing the group of refugees that you'd seen camped outside the city walls. Some mention that a number of armed Serran men and women have been seen moving about the group, possibly as hired protection, or there to keep them in line.

Everyone Else

"I hail from a small village in the Sorrow's Marsh, not likely one you've heard of. It is called Morrham," Daria responds, offering Hellenbert a polite smile after he asks of her home. Seeming to notice the abrupt pause in your previous activities, she adds, "but please, do not let me hold you up. If you are leading somewhere, please, lead on."

When the conversation is done, Hellenbert continues to lead the party forward, down towards the main road once more. There you make a left turn, once more making your way to the lower reaches of the city, which you know to primarily be market areas and commoner housing. Towards the main market square - where you know the circus to be set up - you turn off down a smaller side road. The homes you pass seem nicer and clean, likely newer constructions or those of the merchant or artisan classes, folks likely well off enough to keep up with maintenance.

Following this street for a ways leads you to another, smaller market square, this one noticeably less busy than the main one you'd visited before. Here you see a handful of locals buying food and basic goods from the few shops lining this three-way intersection, which feels quite cozy compared to the hustle and bustle of the main road. Most glance your way as you pass, seemingly alarmed or surprised by the large gathering of armed individuals passing through their neighborhood. Hellenbert leads you past them all, down one of the two forks in the road that form the square, and you continue on.

This street appears to lead you past much older and generally more dilapidated homes, and you find the streets mostly absents of passers-by as you continue towards your destination. From all accounts, it seems that this area has existed far longer than the stretches of homes you passed by before, and it is likely that their inhabitants are generally poorer. A few sets of eyes can be seen gazing down at you from dark windows above, but mostly you do not meet with any locals as you near the end of this street. At its terminus, you are met with a large estate complex, its rough cobbled walls overgrown with moss and covered in numerous signs of damage and wear. A small archway and a thick wooden door serve as the complex's entrance, situated right at the end of this street, with the cobbled wall blocking all but the red conical roof of a tower from your view. 

"What is this place?" Ser Daria asks, as she marvels at the estate before her. "It looks as if it belongs in the wilderness, not in a city."

[BartNL]

Hellenbert opens the gate with a spell and the door swings open, creaking loudly. And so the trap has sprung.
<Ember, would you be so kind as to alert mother of our arrival?> Hellenbert whispers under his breath to his familiar in a language no one else can understand. <It'll cost you half your desert tonight.> the fiery tomcat replies before gracefully leaving from his hiding spot under the guardsman's cloak.
Once the party has entered Hellenbert replies to Daria with a sly smile: "This lovely old place is the home of a senior commander of the Menoran guard; the most esteemed ser Adelhart Brandt. My father. "

info

What does Hellenbert know about Morham and the Sorrow's Marsh? What station would a knight from that area have?
[1d20+14]=8+14=22
Ember tries to leave unseen: Stealth roll: [1d20+16]=19+16=35

[Namelessjake]

What a curious place for a commander of the guard to live, Drake thinks as he gazes up at the dilapidated estate and its dishevelled surroundings.

"I see, our business is with your father then?" The Lord asks.This knight has been arrogant for a mere messenger.

[Scratcherclaw]

Unease washes over Caelen as stroll through the dilapidated streets and come upon the eerie estate. Why do I feel as though this is not quite official business? I hope we haven't stepped into another Imardanian trap. Violet Keep almost got us killed. He keeps his eyes steady, scanning around and ready to pull his weapon at a moment's notice.

[ratwizard]

Valcus grows antsy as the Flaming Sword leads them further into unfamiliar parts of Menora. As they reach what is apparently the Brandt Estate, he raises a hand to call for a pause —  not entering quite yet. This man’s insistent call to action is just the thing to bring us swiftly to ruin, if that is our enemy’s goal here. No, this is one step too far.

He turns to Ser Hellenbert, a weary look on his face. “It is a fine place to call home,” Valcus begins. “And I thank you for allowing our entrance. However — and please excuse my impertinence on the matter — but answering business of the Menoran Guard at your domicile seems a very personal approach. If we are to discuss the needs and requirements of the caravan group stationed outside the Queen’s walls, could there not be a more formal, or perhaps standard locale to do so? As a foreigner, the way of your laws and upholding the nature of them is important to us. I admit, I hold great worry that such a visit to your home might upset these legal processes for these people in need.”

[FinalTemplar]

Caedus

Caedus hears this and gives Esmé a soft nudge, then nods toward the workers. "Sounds like they've heard a thing or two. There's a group of refugees outside, and people have seen armed Serrans amongst their number." He says in a low voice.

[Fialova]

Caedus

"That must be the group I've been seeking," Esmé says with a nod. She wears a conflicted expression on her face as she speaks, and she pauses before speaking again. "Would you mind leading me to them? I am not sure if I will be welcomed peacefully or met with hostility, and it would help to have a knight of this land as escort."

[FinalTemplar]

Caedus

Caedus pauses for a moment, having not fully considered all he had signed up for when offering to help her with her quest. After his brief consideration, he nods, "Yes, of course. I would be happy to lead you there." He then began to walk back the way he came, checking periodically to make sure she was still following.

[BartNL]

Almost! Let's see if I can play my cards right. Hellenbert waves his hand in a calming motion. The universal sign of peace, being unarmed. They'd be fools to assume I am, but still, it's a first step. Hellenbert scrapes his throat and speaks: "Now good sers, what could possibly be more formal than a personal invitation?" A soft breeze blows some leaves and dirt down the ancient cobblestone street. Suppose that won't do it, suppose some truths will have to calm their nerves. Hellenbert continues, but lowers his voice so none can listen in to the conversation: "Please allow me to clear something up. Firstly, taking you to the guards quarters makes you look like common criminals. If anything, that will do your cause no good. You'll be known as the leaders of a camp filled with thieves and crooks before nightfall. Secondly, it will give any commander the power to effectively hold you hostage for a couple of days. Proper interrogation of such a large group requires time, and there are procedures to follow after all." Hellenbert looks at the group, hoping to have made a point.
On the other hand, there is my offer to take you to my father. He's a good man, he will hear what you have to say, and he will stamp his seal on any form you need as a bonus, if I ask him to. And my reason for all this? Things just don't add up now. I want to find out why. You can't deny that there's something bigger going on here. If you speak the truth about this war, why has war not been the talk of the city for weeks? Yet if you lie, who are these refugees? There's food plenty enough for feasting, while war should mean shortage in the future. Why is that? And then you, strangers to Menora, enter the most prestigious tourney, what's your reason for that? You'd be lousy leaders if it were for the reason most on the list, including me, joined; glory and leisure. Hellenbert glares at the group with fiery eyes, while extending his arm to allow them in.

[ratwizard]

Mechanics

Self-enforced roll to see how confidently Valcus reads Hellenbert's words: Insight against HellenBart: [1d20+2]=14+2=16

Valcus listens to Ser Hellenbert's reasoning, his brow tightening. He certainly impinges on a great fear of mine — being held against our will while suffering the haranguing and interrogation by men whose avarice has blinded them to the bloodshed nearly outside these gates. There are few in power that we can trust, and we should be hesitant to give them the tools by which to end our efforts. No, we should meet in private. If my gut's instinct has betrayed me once more and we find a host of foreign agents lying in ambush, I believe the numbers are far more in our favor this time. We've slew one of theirs, while grown in number since.

Valcus returns the Flaming Sword's glare with a solemn look of his own, followed by a nod. "The questions you ask, I seek the answers to as well. Menora enjoys a peace that is incongruous with the reality outside its walls." He sighs inwardly, looking at the ancient manor, before he turns back to the knight. "You are wise to delve deeper. Perhaps we might find a way to reach an understanding together. Please, lead on."

[Namelessjake]

Drake gives Ser Hellenbert a nods to show his agreement with Valcus' words. He follows after Valcus into the dilapidated Brandt estate.
This man and his father could prove to be valuable allies, even if their station is far from the highest in the Queendom. Perhaps that is what we need. As in Greywood it is likely the Imardanians have focused their efforts on those closer to Queen, he thinks. While he tried to avoid much of the politics during his years growing up in his father's court, it had been impossible to escape it entirely. Other than the Princess we may find few allies among the Tower's elite. Rallying the lesser nobles to our cause may be enough to win the others over though.

[Scratcherclaw]

Caelen raises an eyebrow as Hellenbert speaks, feeling some relief that the guard is simply after answers. He's like us then. He doesn't know who to trust but wants the truth. Could use another ally, if we can trust him with this too. He looks to Drake and Valcus before adding a nod of his own, trusting their own judgment. If this is the way forward, and to get those refugees inside finally, we'll do what we have to. Prove ourselves as we need to.

[Fialova]

Caedus

It takes some time - more than it had when you first came to the tourney grounds - but you are able to find your way back through the woods, past the small village outside the castle walls, to the main entrance of Menora. From there you can once more spot the large gathering of refugees camped well off the main road, near the edge of a large forest that seems to span endless off into the distance. You do not know the exact size of the group staying there, but it seems like it holds at least several hundred people, if not more.

Drawing closer to the camp, you can see that it is being patrolled on its loose borders by a series of armed men and women, who look to be clad in makeshift arms and armor. It is unclear if they are a unified group, or just a ragtag bunch of combat-trained members of the camp who have chosen to protect it, but it is clear from up close that most - if not all - of those defending the others are of Serran descent. 

As you make your way properly towards the outskirts of the camp, you notice that a handful of carts and wagons are being unloaded by various servants, as well as some high-born looking administrators who are likely in charge of the distribution. Some of the people assisting in distributing the goods - which you notice to mostly be linens and simple foodstuffs - appear to be similarly dressed and armed to the Serranborn patrolling the camp, suggesting that they may all be part of a single group.

"These must be the people you heard about. If so, the man I am seeking is likely one among them, likely as their leader." Esmé's words are colder still than they had been before, and the conflicted look remains on her face. Her hands shake slightly as she looks around, clearly aiming to find a very particular person whom she has not yet spotted.

Mechanics

Make a perception check

Optionally, if you want to assist Esmé in her search, also make a streetwise check

Everyone Else

Hellenbert

Any Tulrissian worth their salt knows of Sorrow's Marsh, one of the two major wetland areas that bookend the fertile valleys and lush forests of the region. The Great Swamp bordering Imardin lies to the north, while Sorrow's Marsh takes up the entire southern coastline of the region.

In your schooling, you were taught that the Sorrow's Marsh is known for its hearty, determined people, and it currently hosts two of the major powers of the south; the Spear, which makes up the eastern portion of the marsh, as well as Sorrow's Grasp, which consists of its western portion and the southernmost portion of the western coastline of the region. If what you've been told is true, the Lord of the Spear is none other than one of your current guests, Drake Aerden, who is widely known by knights of the region for his multiple tourney wins.

Despite this education, you do not know anything of a town known as Morrham, suggesting that it must be relatively insignificant. You are certain you've been taught of all the great houses and holds of the region, and you know of no great house claiming Morrham as their seat.

Daria listens as the rest of you deliberate, feeling it is not her place to interrupt the discussion. Once an agreement is reached, Hellenbert leads the rest of you through the wooden door into the estate grounds itself. Inside, your eyes are most immediately drawn to what is clearly the main structure of the estate, a tower at its center. It is tall, though not as tall as some of the estates you'd encountered before, and it looks sturdy, though not as sturdy as proper fortifications that make up the major castles and walls of most holds. Above all it looks old, its walls made of rough stones rather than those of skilled mason, of inconsistent rock types and colors. The blacks, whites, and greys that make up the bulk of the structure are clearly worn, and covered in signs of scorch marks and other signs of damage and decay, the entire structure somewhat resembling partially-charred charcoal.

At the base of the tower is a wooden connecting structure, that appears only one story high in contrast to the tower's three or more. A number of other buildings of wooden and stone can be seen throughout the complex, and some servants can be seen tending to the grounds as you make your way under the archway and towards the main structure. "Ah, master Hellenbert," a servant woman responds, seeming shocked to see the lot of you filing into the grounds. "I'd thought you'd be gone til dinner. Shall I tell Marcia you're back already? I'm sure she could get something prepared for you and your guests to eat."

Valcus

The man speaks with great confidence, on the same level as charlatans and performers, which suggests there is likely more to his words than he has let on. However, you so far have not been able to sense any specific signs of deception.

Hellenbert again

Marcia is the estate's private cook, who you've known since you were a child. She is in her 50s and generally sweet, though also very quiet around strangers. You know she has never married or birthed children of her own, and loves you and your siblings as if you were her own. She has a more traditional master/servant relationship with your parents, in contrast.

The woman who approached you is Colette, the groundskeeper's wife who also serves as a maid of the estate, and who aids in tending to the garden when not tending to the tower's interior. She is generally quite friendly and talkative, but typically more towards the other serving staff rather than your family. She is in her mid 30s.

[BartNL]

"Forgive my manners."Hellenbert says, continuing as if nothing happened just now. "I welcome you to the Burnhold."
This Daria is either the issue of some upstart baron making a home in unwanted borderlands, or she is a recently knighted peasant. This day is full of surprises.

As the party is approached by the maid, Hellenbert greets her with a warm smile and polite nod.
"Thank you Colette. My plans for today have changed. Please inform my lord father we are hosting noble guests to Menora, and let Marcia know we would like something to eat."

[ratwizard]

Valcus admires the eclectic state of the Burnhold, finding that the mismatched and ancient stones humbly differentiate it from the many, more pristine Menoran estates they'd passed thus far. He feels somewhat at peace — perhaps because he no longer feels the pressure of the churlish Camden Elmwood lingering about.

Ser Hellenbert's haughtiness far exceeds the wealth of his family, he realizes. He must have earned the name of Flaming Sword through prowess, not nepotism or favor. With a Menoran estate named Burnhold, the charred stones, and a title like that, I wonder if the rest of the Brandts must be practitioners of flame too.

"Your family has a fine home, Ser," Valcus says, peering around the grounds as their host commands his servant. He waits for them to be alone again to continue. "It seems it's been here far longer than many of the other homes. Were the Brandts the original builders?"

[BartNL]

"I suppose it is. It was build by an ancestor, as far as I know. But if he had the Brandt name or not is lost to time. The story goes that long ago a mage with more ambition than good sense decided to build his own tower outside the city, hoping to eventually eclipse the tower of Menora in status. While it has served our family well for hundreds of years, I can't say my ancestor has succeeded. And if the bedtime stories I grew up with are to be believed, the original builder lives deep in the basement only to come out at night looking for unruly children to fuel his mad magic. Ah well, we are an old family, and so is our home. That much is for sure." Hellenbert replies.

[ratwizard]

Valcus listens intently at Hellenbert's tales of Burnhold, smiling at the mention of the mad mage in the basement. He feels a sense of longing to have had such a childhood — one with pride in your home, and an illustrious history of your family literally etched into the walls. Perhaps one day the Torinn name may live up to such. He sighs inwardly at the thought.

"To be fair to your ancestor, eclipsing the Great Tower is quite a lofty goal. Burnhold shines in its own light, not in the shadow of it."

[Namelessjake]

This tower looks like it could topple over in a strong wind, Drake thinks, looking up at the structure. Spearpoint's Old Keep is in better condition than this, and it's been abandoned for the better part of two centuries.

"I would imagine that depends on the time of day," the Lord quips at Valcus' words, glancing up at the Tower in the distance.

[FinalTemplar]

Caedus

As they approach the camp, Caedus suddenly stops, finally looking at her. "If I'm going with you in there I want to know exactly what this is about. I know I swore to help you, but I will not help you commit a crime." He pauses and looks her in the eyes. "Who are you looking for, and why?" He asks, hoping he can discern some scrap of information from her face.

Mechanics

Perception: [1d20+8]=5+8=13

[Fialova]

Caedus

You notice shock in Esmé's as you abruptly stop, and a frown forms on her face at your words to follow. A clear mixture of emotions swirls inside the woman at your final question, but she breaths deep and exhales, before returning to a more calm expression.

"You have my word, I am not here to commit any crimes. In fact, it is the very opposite - I am here to bring a criminal to justice. The man who leads these Serran mercenaries is a charlatan, who took control of their army through lies and trickery. My father was their true leader, and he was made to seem a coward and a traitor. Their loyalty was stolen from him, and he was murdered for it in turn. Now I will find the man who killed him and make sure his crimes are known and paid for." As she speaks she maintains a stoic demeanor, but the shakiness of her voice reveals the anger in her words. When done speaking, she looks to you with a cold expression, awaiting your response.

OOC

As the two of you speak, you notice that one of the people helping with the unloading of the carts is watching you. She is an elven woman, blond, and looks extremely similar to the woman you met at the Pinnacle the night prior. You cannot be 100% sure at this distance, but you get the sense that it is the same woman who tasked you with attacking the Spectre - the Princess - in the final bout, the same act that has set you on the path of helping uncover the goings-on within the city for her. 

For reference, here is a link to the start of the conversation in question: viewtopic.php?p=13578#p13578

Everyone Else

"Yes, right away," Colette responds, her eyes widening more as mention is made of the noble status of their guests. "I will inform them both at once, if you please." She offers Hellenbert a quick bow, before making her way through a door in the side of the wooden extension to the tower. "Marcia!" you hear her begin, before the door closes behind her and she disappears from view within.

"It is quite charming," Daria says, after the other woman leaves and the two lords begin singing praises of the estate. "It must have felt nice to grow up in such a pleasant home, when the neighborhood nearby seems so desolate." She glances around in awe at the grounds and its numerous buildings, waving to the few servants she notices that glance your way. "It is much grander than I was expecting after the journey here."

[Scratcherclaw]

So he truly lives here then? Then it's not a trap, at least, the elf thinks, feeling relieved as images of Violet Keep had been flashing through his mind. "It is," Caelen says alongside Daria as he takes in the estate. "Almost cozy." At least as cozy as a grand estate can be. Can't imagine growing up in a place like this. It must've seemed enormous.

 

[Namelessjake]

"It is certainly something," Drake says. Hopefully food the kitchen serves is less burned than the structure it resides in, he thinks, eyeing the scorched stones once more.

 

[BartNL]

"It certainly is something, yes." Hellenbert replies curtly to the lord of the Spear. Says the lord of a stinking swamp.
"Almost cozy? Then you'll be pleased to see our sitting room. " Hellenbert replies to the elf. In what palace did these people grow up to be so critical of the Burnhold? Desolate neighbourhood, almost cozy, certainly something! Hellenbert grits his teeth at the barrage of slights at his family home."Please follow me inside and upstairs." Hellenbert says, his face reddened, walks up to the towers entrance and with a wave of his hand opens the door before heading inside.

[ratwizard]

Valcus smiles at Lord Aerden's harmless quip, though declines to laugh out of respect for the quickly blushing Ser Hellenbert. They certainly care little about buttering him up, he considers. Ah, well, we aren't here as beggars or vassals. I had only hoped to ply him toward generosity, or at minimum, a mutual understanding.

"Of course," he agrees, following after the man.

[Scratcherclaw]

Hopefully it'll have a big, roaring fire. Caelen smiles, imagining a rainy evening, curled up by a warm hearth with sweets in his hand. Maybe someday when this is all over. He nods along, allowing the man to lead them further into the estate.

 

[Namelessjake]

"Lead on Ser," Drake says, following Hellenbert inside. I wonder what his father is like. Does the apple fall far from the tree?

[FinalTemplar]

Caedus

Caedus listens to her words, and after a moment he nods. "I trust you." He nods, trusting the anger in her voice. He looks over and notices the woman, squinting his eyes. "In that case, we continue."

Mechanics

Streetwise (optional roll from before)= [1d20+2]=12+2=14

[Fialova]

Caedus

"Thank you," Esmé says, her anger seeming to fade as you show your faith in her tale. "It is good to have someone to assist, I have been constantly wondering if I can do this alone. We must be careful in our search," she continues. "While one man is at fault for my father's slander and murder, but he is unlikely to have worked alone. Some of the others could be complicit, so we will have to be careful who we trust, even among my fellow Serranborn."

With her words, you continue ever closer to the large camp, and you notice that the elven woman continues to watch you as you draw closer. She does not approach, however, and still continues about her duties, but you get the sense her eyes are even on you, constantly watching to see what you will do. 

Mechanics

As you draw close, you hear all sorts of chatter coming from the denizens of the refugee camp, as well as the people distributing supplies to them. From the chatter you gather that these people are here at the behest of two noblemen, and are hoping to gain aid from the Queen. You do not hear anything specific related the mercenaries, but from what you can gather, they appear to be currently in the employ of the two noblemen in question. You can't help but to wonder if they are the same two foreign noblemen you met in the Pinnacle the night before.

Everyone Else

As the doors open, a rush of warm air hits any nearby. Hellenbert seems unfazed by the sudden warm gust, but Daria is clearly taken aback by it, wincing as the air hits her face. You are lead inside the ground level of the tower, which is predominantly one large circular space. While the walls look much the same as the exterior walls - stones of mismatched shape, size, and color - the floor is a consistent pattern of fine, polished stone slabs. 

Towards the back of the room is a staircase, spiraling up along the far edge of the wall, leading to the next floor up. Beneath the staircase, directly across from the entrance door, is a large hearth that burns brightly with flames that flicker and dance, causing shadows to constantly dance around the walls. The fire seems to burn much greater and warmer than its relatively meager stock of wood should allow, suggesting that some magic might be at play. A series of archways wrap around the building's interior meeting in the center of the room where a large chandelier hangs.

The walls are absent any windows, but there are two doors to be seen; one, barely visible under the staircase, appearing to lead to the depths below, and one off to your right, leading towards the wooden extension you witnessed the maid enter earlier. Despite the lack of natural lighting, the hearth and a series of sconces keep the room well-lit, and in place of windows there are a handful of tapestries featuring scenes of daring warriors and mages, likely past members of the Brandt family.

The center of the room features 3 long tables, which run perpendicular to the door you'd entered from, the center one lining up with the door to the wooden extension area. The center table is much larger than the other two, appearing wide enough for 2 people to sit comfortably at each end, with several others along either side. The smaller tables each appear only wide enough to reliably serve a single side of seated guests, and like a few inches lower than the main one. Despite the presence of the tables, no chairs can currently be seen around any of them, though the larger central table does hold a decorative bronze sculpture in the shape of a reared stallion.

You are led past all of this by your host, making your way around the right-most edge of the tower until you reach the bottom of the stairs, where you are led further up to the tower's second floor. There you find the landing to enter into another large open space, though with a lower ceiling and not quite as much space as the hall below. A couple meters past the landing is the bottom of another staircase, continuing in a circular fashion around the tower's exterior wall. Like below, you see that there is another hearth beneath this staircase, also burning brightly despite its minimal source of fuel.

This room, while wide, stops short at the wall opposite you, ending not in the curved stone exterior of the tower, but in more finely-hewn stone blocks. The stone block wall is straight, and much closer to you than the exterior wall would be, a single door leading into another room further in. The large room you find yourself in is much more cozy than the one below, appearing to be more of a lounge chamber for the family, as opposed to the great hall below. There are multiple chaise lounges of fine craftsmanship, each covered in a number of burgundy pillows of equally-impressive make. 

The walls of this floor - apart from the block wall leading further in - feature a number of windows, each adorned with curtains of burgundy hanging from rods of bronze. In front of each window are small wooden tables with vases of fresh flowers, likely grown on the estate grounds. A large, central carpet - also of burgundy, as all the linens in the room appear to be - runs from the stair landing straight to the doorway on the opposite wall, with a number of smaller carpets underneath the various scattered lounges. Running along the flat block wall can also be found one moderately size book case, full to the brim of books of all sorts, as well as a desk and chair combination.

"This place is truly magnificent," Daria says, as she takes in the grandeur of the interior of the Brandt Estate. "I can only wonder what the Queen's tower must be like, if your own is already so amazing. You must tell me what it was like to grow up her," she says, smiling towards Hellenbert as she takes in the view.

[ratwizard]

The Brandts keep it awful warm in here, Valcus considers as they travel through the tower's chambers. I suppose they wouldn't call it Burnhold for no reason. As they reach the second floor's sitting room, he finds himself more at ease than their initial arrival. Good, no Imardanian agents waiting here to maim us. My relief grows by the minute.

"Aye," the Lord of Twinriver agrees with Ser Daria. He turns to Ser Hellenbert, waiting for the man to speak or guide them further.

[Namelessjake]

Burgundy must be the colour of their house, Drake thinks, noting the colour's prominence inside the Burnhold. These minor nobles really go overboard on things like that.

"Is you father to meet us here Ser?" He asks Hellenbert.

[BartNL]

Home sweet home. Hellenbert says to himself, as the hot hearths welcome him and his guests inside. As he sees Daria being uncomfortable, he slightly shakes his head both in pity and amusement. Poor thing. Must be awfully cold in the swamps, to be that affected by a warm house. Hellenbert guides the group upstairs.
"I hope this is cozy enough for your liking, please seat yourselves." Hellenbert says as he enters the sitting room, before casually sitting down on his favourite chaise longues. "You jest ser Daria, our simple abode could never compare to our Queen's." replies to Daria, clearly amused with her remarks.
"He will join us as soon as it pleases him, ser Drake. In the meantime, might I ask you how your travels have been? You are quite far from home after all."Hellenbert replies, doing his best to repress his annoyance with the man. Why so rude? Do they drown every governess who tries to teach swamp kids good manners? Father will be here soon after he has been informed about Marcia making us food.

[ratwizard]

Valcus takes a seat on one of the chaises, appreciating the small comforts after a long morning bustling around Menora.

"To be honest, our travels have been fraught with considerable danger, and great concern for the wellbeing of ourselves and companions. It is a welcome change of pace to have a moment of respite, here, in your family's home."

"Despite that," he continues. "I will be the first to admit that it has been a privilege to see the eastern holds. Before then, I had only read of the Great Houses of Tulrisse in the books and lessons as a young squire. You live in a beautiful city, Ser, replete with exotic magicks and rich history. I only wish I could have visited under different circumstances."

[Namelessjake]

Lord Aerden, Drake mentally corrects Hellenbert as the knight mistitles him. He bites his tongue however, not wanting to sour the start of whatever conversation is imminent over a social faux pas.

"It is my first time in Menora as well. My days as a tourney knight unfortunately never brought me this far East," he adds takin a seat.

Then we arrive and discover a tourney is being held within the week, he laughs.

[FinalTemplar]

Caedus

Caedus did his best not to focus on the elven woman, an intense level of guilt seemingly hanging off of his shoulders now. This is not what I was hired for... This goes against what I said I would do... He continues to walk, looking around the camp some more as he grits his teeth. But it is the right thing to do. I must help where I can. "Do you see the person you're looking for? It's almost impossible to see through the crowd. I'm hearing some chatter of two people who run the camp, but I'm not catching a name." He asks, lowering his voice.

Mechanics

Perception, looking for people who look like they're important: [1d20+8]=20+8=28