The Manipulative & the Subserviant

"Nothing, nothing at all"

Zac and Iliad both let out long sighs, "Thank goodness," Zac said, running a hand through his hair, "I don't know what I would have done if something happened to Noctis."

"I believe I have an idea of what you'd do," Iliad said, "But let us just be happy everyone is safe."

"Agreed."

Sab looked around at the group, "So... what now? Do we continue on to the church?"

--

"Stunning."

~Zaland~

L"In the middle of night? Of course not. We'll have to wait until morning."
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~Lesalia~

"Alright, so where should I sleep?"
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~Siedge Weald~

1<If Duke Larg is plotting against the crown, do you think he would inform you of it?>

"I didn't mean now exactly, just that we were still going there." Sab said defensively.

--

"Here, I can show you to the guest room," Mortal said, leading Euryale down the hall, and to a large room with relatively spartan furnishings, consisting of a dresser, with a large mirror above it, and a large bed with wooded head board at the center of the far wall. "Here we are, please, make yourself at home."

~Zaland~

*At Lilith's suggestion, they elected to stay very a far away from the scene at the gate. At Roatha's suggestion, they stayed in a run-down tavern in the slums. Lilith complained frequently about the accomodations, & was complaining about the food in the morning to Sab, whom she was rooming with.*

L"Ugh, what we had for dinner last night was just awful. We should go to a nicer place before we set out. It's worth the extra distance, don't you think? Where are you going?"

*The last thing she said to Roatha, whom she saw in the hall when she opened the door.*

R"Shop."
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~Lesalia~

*Euryale was sure to thank Mortal before retiring for the night. When she woke up, she wasn't sure what to do or where to go for...anything. So she just stood outside of her door in a night gown looking lost, helpless, & generally like a yob.*
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~Siedge Weald~

*Of course, the first thing that was done in the morning was to pack up the camp & get ready to set out again.*

"No. Not likely..."

In the morning Sorrel helped his men and women pack up and get moving from their camp.

Noctis walked across the hall with a small yawn, on her way to the bathing room to freshen up, when she noticed Euryale, "Did Mortal not tell you where her room was? That wasn't nice of her..." She let out another small yawn, "Follow me, I can show you where your dried clothes are, and we can get some breakfast as well while we wait for Mortal to wake up." Without waiting for an answer, Noctis began to walk in the direction of the laundry room.

--

Begrudgingly, Sab had to agree. She was taught to be humble, but the Church wasn't really big on it itself, so she had come to expect at lease certain amenities, "I agree, actually..." She said as she finished combing her hair, "I mean, I don't want to get too far off the beaten path, but we do need our energy."

Zac and Iliad, having woken up and gotten ready a few minutes ago, walked out into the hall with much the same idea, "We were going to go and find a place that served better food," Zac said bluntly, "Would you ladies care to join us?"

Iliad caught sight of Roatha heading off and asked, "Where is he going?"

~Zaland~

L"A shop, apparently. I should probably renew my equipment, as well. But we should really get something to eat first!"

*Roatha doesn't bother looking back & begins to descend the staircase at the end of the hall*

R"Already ate."
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~Lesalia~

*Euryale follows along.*

"I...I guess she did tell me that. I just wasn't sure where to go for clothes, or food, or...anything, really."
======================================
~Eagrose~

*When Sorrel enters into the audience hall, he finds a long table with some wine & glasses on it. On one end, framed by light spilling out of a window behind them, sits Duke Larg & the 2 older Beoulve brothers--Ramza isn't there. The brothers give a stiff sort of half-nod when they see Sorrel.*

Larg<Ah, Ser Sorrel has arrived. How is the morning treating you?>

"Better than the day yesterday. I'm sure words reached you by now of what happened in the capital."

"Why didn't you wake her up then? I'm sure she would have told you," Noctis said, opening the door to an arid room where Euryale's clothes were hung out to dry, "I mean, you're her favorite person, I'd imagine saving someone's life has that effect, so waking up to the sight you is probably just the thing to get her into a good mood."

--

Sab felt a bit wary about Roatha, "He seems a bit... I don't know the right word, but he makes me feel weird."

"Have you tried talking to him? I mean, a bit of an odd fellow if you ask me, but I guess everyone has their tastes," Zac said with a small shrug. Iliad simply crossed his arms and looked the other way.

"No, no, that isn't what I mean at all. I just find him odd. He seems a bit cold, or something."

"Well, we only just met him," Zac said, "Perhaps he is a nice guy, when you get to know him. Anyway, if things have not changed much since I was last here, there should be a nice tavern a few blocks south of here. They serve the best breakfast."

OOC: Sab's just getting antsy in the pantsies.

~Lesalia~

*Euryale blushes.*

"I didn't think of it that way...I just didn't want to wake anyone up."

*She goes to retrieve her stuff.*
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~Zaland~

L"I must admit, I do not feel entirely comfortable letting him out of my sight. If I knew, or suspected someone of treason...let us say that I may be tempted to forego negotiations with them. All the same, we can't be expected to keep a constant watch on him. Our priorities should be preparation for departure, then moving along to Lionel Castle."
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~Eagrose~

Larg<Yes, & the abduction of the Princess a few days past. The truth is, we were not quite trusting of the Lionsguard to deliver her safely to Lesalia. So we organized a task force to escort her.>

Dycedarg<But the men I sent were found dead in the forest. Additionally, a Northern Sky brigade on an unrelated patrol was found dead at the Zeirechele Falls.>

Zalbaag<Is it true that the Southern Sky is behind all of these attacks? If so, we can hardly just cede the capital to Goltanna. We've been maintaining a presence there to attempt to negotiate reconsideration of Duke Larg's status as regent. But now it looks as though we may be called to defend it from an army.>

"I was under the impression you wanted the princess dead, Duke Larg" Sorrel says rather bluntly and flatly.

"Still something isn't adding up. Goltanna had everything he could have wanted. Why attack? Someone else is behind this. I've sent some of my... specialists... out to curtail the Southern Sky's suppliers. With any luck they'll bring back info on who is pulling Goltanna's strings."

And now Sab is incredibly paranoid, "Wait, you don't think he'd go on and attack the church head on do you?"

Zac let out a small sigh, "I don't know. How about pondering the question over breakfast?" He added, with a hopeful tone.

--

Noctis turns so she doesn't see Euryale undress, "That is nice of you, I guess, but all it did was leave you alone in a hallway. Sometimes you have to do things for your benefit, and not be too worried about someone else, particularly if odds are they'll get over it." Noctis let out another yawn, and began to make her way towards the kitchen, "So, what do you want for breakfast?"

James: <Alright then. 'Scuse me.>

*He hightails it the fuck out of there.*

~Lesalia~

*After she is dressed, Euryale sprints to catch up with Noctis, the night gown hanging over one of her arms.*

"Oh, no need to make anything special on my account. I'm okay with anything."
=====================================
~Zaland~

*Lilith begins making her way towards the staircase.*

L"I don't know. But if he does, he'll almost certainly be killed."
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~Eagrose~

*Larg & Dycedarg exchange a shifty one-eyed glance at the mention of investigating the Southern Sky's suppliers. Zalbaag doesn't notice this because he's just jumped to his feet & slammed his hands down on the table.*

Zalbaag<Of course the Duke does not desire the death of the Princess! Not only is that blatant treason, but she's his own niece! How DARE you make such a disgusting accusation!?>

Larg<Settle down, Zalbaag.>

*He looks back at Larg, then reluctantly sits back down.*

Zalbaag<...My apologies, Duke.>

Larg<Regardless. It is as Zalbaag says. Furthermore, I see no reason to suspect anyone of wrongdoing other than Goltanna. He stands much to lose by the possibility of Ovelia gaining power. After all, his relation was to the King, who has now passed. Surely Ovelia would not side against her own mother, who yet lives?>
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~Warjilis~

*He is approached by 2 thieves; 1 male, 1 female.*

Woman<Hey, nice sword. Hand it over.>

"Is there something wrong with my investigating the suppliers Duke Larg?" Sorrel says after choosing to not comment on his assuming that Duke Larg wanted Ovelia dead.

He then adds, "Regardless I've brought more supplies for the Northern Sky Order. You can send the payment through the usual channels Duke as always." Sorrel now takes a seat and takes his helm off and relaxes.

"Have any of you heard from Ramza as of late?"

"The cooks will make each of us a meal of our own," Noctis said casually, "No one is going out of their way, I just need to know so I can relay it to our cook. You'll love her cooking."

Mortal, having just woken up, makes her way over to the bathroom, freshens up, then heads to the guest room to find Euryale. Upon not seeing her she has a mini panic attack until she sees Noct and Euryale strolling over to the kitchen, "Ah, Euryale, you're awake."

"Yes, she was waiting for you, I imagine, but I happened on her first. Don't worry though, I took good care of her. Right, Euryale?"

--

Zac let out a small smile as he followed after Lilith, they were finally moving.

Sab followed next, "Yes, but that is what I'm afraid of. I don't want him to do anything rash because he'll lose his life, or worse, take someone else's then lose his own. I don't know about you Knights, or these two thieves you travel with, but I don't revel in death."

"Sky Pirate."

"I'm sorry?"

"Pay him no mind, and don't worry, we don't revel in death," Iliad said, bringing up the rear.

[How could it miss?]

Reiter: <...You know what, how much are you getting paid to chase us?>

*Reiter runs back away from Azuma. Parker casts Tanglevine on Mimiru after running back as well. Rhea casts Blizzard on Mimiru provided she has enough MP left.*

~Lesalia~

"Umm...right. And I guess I'll just have whatever you're having."
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~Zaland~

L"I don't 'revel in death,' that's why I'm more concerned with this abduction situation. If he goes & gets himself killed, it's a tragedy. If the Princess is killed or otherwise harmed, it will start another civil war. Only this one will make the Brigade look like a bunch of unruly children."

*There is a momentary pause in the conversation as they arrive at the tavern, are seated, & order.*
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~Eagrose~

Dycedarg<We have not heard from our brother in some time. It would seem he's chosen to not associate with us.>

"I've heard that from a lot of people. Its exactly why I wish to find him. He's become unreachable. I don't believe he is dead but I do believe he may have found some information and is laying low because of it."

James: <What? No. Screw that.>

*James unsheathes his new sword and gets into a fighting stance with it.*

Noctis shrugged, "If that is what you wish." She said, as she opened a door, and walked into the kitchen, giving instructions to prepare three eggs benedicts. She then returned and walked off to the dining room.

Mortal was already there, sitting at the table, "Did you enjoy your night, Euryale?"

--

"Circuitous plots resulting in civil war," Zac said, looking at Iliad, "The nerve of people to call me paranoid."

"Now isn't the time for jokes," Iliad replied.

"You're right, it is the time for breakfast. All this talk of death, and war is a bit heavy for early morning conversation, don't you think?"

Sab let out a small sigh, "I still can't believe any of this is happening..."

~Eagrose~

Dycedarg<That is unlikely in the extreme. In any case, we cannot help you. As I've just explained, we do not know Ramza's whereabouts.>
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~Warjilis~

Man<Yer funeral, kid.>

*The thieves each pull out a knife. The male moves around behind him while the female lets her skirt slip a little.*
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~Zaland~

*Their orders come. Lilith is eating fish because, being a peninsula, the towns in Lionel serve a lot of seafood.*

L"My point is, we have to be quick about our morning routines, prepare for possible monster attack, & continue on to Lionel Castle quickly. But more than that, we have to plan. I trust we aren't simply going to walk up to Cardinal Delacroix & ask him, 'Why did you give the Princess to Duke Goltanna?'"
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~Lesalia~

"Yes. I should say, I've never slept so soundly in my life."

"Then there is of course the matter of which I was called here. What exactly do you want me to do Duke Larg?"

Sab tinged pink, and stayed quiet as she began to eat her food, a salad. Sab liked her greens.

"In all honesty, I had not given it much though. Well, I know enough not to kick down the front door and demand answers, but I'm not sure what the best way to proceed is. I doubt we could get an audience even if we wanted," Zac said before taking a bite out of his eggs.

"What about Sab? She is part of the church, I'm sure she could get a meeting with him," Iliad offered.

"Perhaps she could, but I doubt she is of any importance, certainly no one they'd tell their grand plans to," Zac replied, "I mean no offense, of course."

"Of course..."

--

Mortal smiled, "I am glad to hear that." She let out a small sigh, "So, we start off today, huh? Where should we go first?"

Noctis sat at the other side of the table, not really listening to their conversation; lost in though. She was snapped out of her little daze when breakfast was served.