The Seventh 7th Sea writeup!
May. 14th, 2009 08:39 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
realsorienHere it is, sans one name I didn't manage to write down during the run. Enjoy!
Last time, Our Heroes were rebuilding their somewhat-shattered existence in the city of Freiburg; each had gone through various chores, Erik getting the mead hall under construction being the largest of these. However, else was afoot- the beginning of their revenge against the gangs who’d sold them into slavery!
Illyana went hunting one night, and trailed a small group of brigands back to their warehouse hideout- the others had become worried at her long absence, and had gone seeking her- she found THEM, instead, and the assault was rapidly carried out- the result, dead brigands rendered headless and Djiel having a snack of eyes...
The next day (after a late in-mansion celebration) they wake to a mob at the doors- its the local merchanters and civilians, begging for the Lord Drachenheim’s (Erik’s) help against the brigands! They offer a guilder per head, and Erik is offered the hand of the local barber’s daughter in marriage as well!
Illyana tries another hunt that night, but has less luck; she’s spotted. She goes back and lets the others know, and Erik decides to go out anyway- they end up in an ambush! It ends far worse for their attackers though- all die, but Zora and Erik are both badly injured; Zora direly. With The others going back to the manor, Illyana rushes to find a doctor, returning with him in a carriage. All are healed at no charge, but they’re told that if this becomes a habit, he’ll charge for materials.
And after all this, Illyana has her own short adventure, chronicled elsewhere. So thus we open...
It’s the morning of the ball, the night after Illyana’s adventure. Zora, first up, runs off to see if Erik’s axe has arrived. Erik is out in the mead hall with Djiel, while Illyana decides on a hot bath before the fitting for their ballroom clothes.
Zora makes her way through the city with little trouble, finding herself at the smith’s shop again. “Ah, my favorite pirate Queen!” He begins, “it arrived just an hour ago.” He produces a largish box, nailed shut and marked with various shipping stamps and seals. Noting the size, she arranges for it to be delivered to the manor at noon. The proprietor is more than happy to arrange this, in the hopes of future business.
Having performed his morning prowl of the estate, Erik takes the time to properly bathe himself- the coming occasion should require more of him than a splash in the rainbarrel! Thereafter, he has a hot bath drawn for Djiel... Who has never bathed in any wise other than a stream or the sea! When he first sees the steaming tub of water, he imagines that he’s offended Erik and that he’s going to be cooked into a stew!
Erik manages to convince the spearman that its not a punishment, and makes visual aids for Djiel; he gets the idea and cleans up. However, there is a bit of a backfire- one of the drawings shows the application of cologne- Erik’s is kept in a cabinet and hasn’t been seen by Djiel, so he looks around for what he’s supposed to use. He ends up putting nearly a full bottle of fragrant essential oils on, the scents being vanilla and jasmine. Not bad, but VERY strong. Erik notes the smell, and shows Djiel where the cologne is, for future reference. Djiel’s thought on the matter is, “Ah. White Devil’s scent! It must hold some of his strength!”
Illyana finishes her bath, wrapping in a robe. “Erik! We need sauna!” She says, catching sight of him. He grunts. “And cold lake.” “We have the river!” She tilts her head and looks at him as if he’s insane; “ugh! Have you see what is IN river?” Erik nods. “Yes.” “Your skin will rot off!” He laughs. “Well, until that day...” Illyana just shakes her head. Illyana also notes Djiel’s bouquet- “What is that? Is... Strong. Not bad, but is very strong...” Erik just shrugs.
The trio finally get moving, Illyana wearing some of her better garb while Erik and Djiel wear more day-to-day clothes; they’re running a bit late. Ahead of them, Zora has arrived already, having gone straight from her errands of the morning. She gets her fitting, the gown being of fine Vodacce silks with shells and gold filligree. The others happen to arrive just as she comes out, and all are impressed! Erik grins and nods his approval, picking his jaw off the floor. Illyana smiles and compliments as well-“I was expecting something more Fhidelli, but this suits you.” Zora has no idea what ‘Fhidelli’ are, but takes the compliment for what it is.
Erik decides to go next. He enters the fitting room with the tailor and comes back out looking like the Vestin prince that he is, robed in fine furs and exquisitely-tanned leathers. He’s quite pleased! Illyana is thinking that she’s next, but instead Erik, with a grin, guides Djiel in! He comes out dressed in excellent Eisen finery! It looks good on him, but he’s not comfortable, quite, and it really isn’t ‘him’. The tailor does say that he’s come up with an alternate set of garb-with encouragement from his companions Djiel returns to the fitting room to try it. It suits him far better, with Romanesque sandals, padded loose shorts and a purposefully-distressed leopard skin top! Erik has him keep the Eisen clothing, but it will be this more ‘native’ appearing garb that Djiel will wear to the ball. Zora takes a deep sniff of his scent with a big smile, and Illy, with a BIG grin kisses Djiel on the lips! Djiel, for his part, just sort-of freezes.
Which is what Illyana expected. She then kisses Erik on the cheek. In Eisen, she says to Zora- “It is so fun to play with their minds...” Zora laughs and agrees! Djiel’s thoughts are his own, but he certainly isn’t objecting- especially since the White Devil hasn’t killed him for ‘his’ women kissing him!
The boys go off to fetch Djiel’s new spears, while Zora goes back to the manor to clean up and Illyana goes to fetch an appropriate scent. As recommended by the tailor, she goes to find ‘spring lily’ from the Vestin market. It’s a scent from home, though a relatively common one.
Finally, everyone has returned. Zora has taken delivery of her gift to Erik, and has left the box on the table while she bathes. The others arrive with her still at bath, and see the box. “Armand?” Illyana says, jumping as again he seems to appear from nowhere! “Oh, it is for Zora.” He says. “I will never get used to that...” She comments. Armand says nothing.
Zora comes down, and when asked explains that the box is for Erik! He starts to open it with one of Djiel’s spears... At least until Illy has Armand bring a crowbar! When its opened... At first he’s pleased, then... Stunned. This is no mere axe! After a moment, he speaks; “this blade is called ‘Hero of the Mountain’, and is a KNOWN weapon. A great war axe, said to have been forged at the isle of the Grey Wanderer himself!” “The One Eyed One?” asks Illyana. “Yes. The same.” He tells the tale of the blade, then gently, in a very gentlemanly way, lifts Zora and kisses her cheek. “I can never repay this gift. I do not believe that even my father would have felt worthy to wield this blade...”
The discussion trails off, leaving a somewhat subdued atmosphere. Armand prepares a small meal for them, and shortly thereafter they dress for the upcoming event. A carriage is summoned, and soon the quartet is on their way- Djiel riding with the driver as his spear won’t fit within the carriage.
The ball is taking place at the city hall. As they approach they take in the scene- there are several other carriages that have arrived, some parked at the stables waiting for their passengers and the end of the night’s festivities. Exiting the carriage, they are faced with a pair of oaken doors set with diamond-shaped glass windows. These are flanked by two men in Eisen finery, bearing pikes. The doors are opened for them, and they proceed within.
However... It isn’t quite what they expected. There are a substantial number of people within, but the decor and the spread at table leave... Something to be desired. There is a bar at one end of the ballroom, and along one wall there is a table bearing food- not what any of them were quite expecting. They are announced, which draws looks from the gathered crowd; with that, the conversations in progress restart and the newcomers are left to themselves... At least momentarily.
A trio of people across the floor detach themselves from the conversation that they’d been part of and make their way to the newly-arrived party. As they approach, Erik takes the hand of the woman in the lead, kissing it in greeting. “Welcome, Baron Drachenheim,” she says in Eisen, “I am Wilhelmina Probst, Steward of Freiburg.” Illyana begins translating as she continues. “This is Herr XX, Captain of the City Guard and Redmund Erhart of the Merchant’s Guilds.”
With the introduction of the Guard Captain, both Illyana and Erik bridle some, and in turn, through Illyana, express their disdain for the guard and it’s performance... Captain XX glowers in turn, saying, “If the Vestin wishes to express his issue with me further he can do so at noon tomorrow in the town square...” Illyana doesn’t respond to this. Wilhelmina makes every effort to disarm the potentially-explosive situation, and manages to some extent, explaining just how miserable a job the Captain has in Freiburg! What helps more is when the Captain excuses himself from the company.
Wilhelmina then directs their attention to the various personages in the room, naming them as she goes. “Over there is Madame Dubiset of the Adventurer’s Guild. There is Herr Richter- he is the Ambassador from north of here, in the service of Frau Posen.” To Illyana she says, “You should keep the Lord away from the Huygen brothers- they’re representatives of the Vendel League.” Erik catches the meaning regardless, growling, “I can smell them from here.”
The Steward continues her introductions with one more- Christina Bianco, an artist in search of a patron. “What is that?” Erik asks Illyana. “She is looking for someone of wealth to fund her art.” “Ah, she wants to be paid to sit around!” Illyana’s eyes roll heavenward with that. “No, she is artist. She makes artwork.” “Just another freeloader,” replies Erik. Illyana shrugs, letting it go and hoping against hope that the woman doesn’t speak Vestin.
Lady Proust makes her exit from the motley quartet, passing on to her other guests. Soon after her parting, the four are approached by an older man who buttonholes Djiel, or tries to. “Migod, its good to see you again! Its been a dog’s age!” Illyana intervenes. “He does not speak Eisen.” “Of course not! So how goes the war?” She blinks. “Which war?” “THE war, dash is all! The ONLY war!” At this point a pair of servants politely scoop the man up and lead him elsewhere.
Illyana, now at about her limit of ‘courtliness’ and translation duties makes her way to the bar. Erik, Zora and Djiel start wandering the room. Erik is also at about his limit, considering both the company and the less-than-stunning outlay for the gathering. He starts asking if they can make their exit soon. A while after her separation from the group, time enough for several shots of akavit, Djiel sees Illyana at the bar. He heads over to her, then orders a mead- this he takes back to Erik, which improves the Vestin’s mood appreciably. It is rapidly polished off, with Djiel fetching another thereafter.
Now slightly mollified, Erik is approached by Madame Dubiset, pointed out before by Steward Proust as the local representative of the Adventurer’s Guild. “You are the new Lord Drachenheim?” “Yes. May I help you?” Fortunately, she speaks Vestin! “Yes... Perhaps. I am looking for assistance and perhaps further members for the Guild which I represent; would you be interested?” Erik nods. “I might be. Getting out of this... City... Would be something I would be interested in. I would suggest that milady come to Drachenheim Manor at her earliest convenience.” She smiles. “Would tomorrow be alright?” He grins back. “Tomorrow would be delightful.” “Good. I will see you then, and leave you to your princely pursuits for now.”
Before she parts company, Djiel approaches her. In his language, he says “White woman with jungle jewels of beauty- do you speak my language?” She frowns. “I... Know little. Sorry. I understood... White... woman. Language.” Djiel nods, then gives her 5 guilders. “I think he just hired me to translate for him!” she says to Erik. “Good. I am SO glad to hear that! I think I’ve figured out a word or two.” She looks dubious. “I think I know twenty...” “That is better than one!”
Djiel then starts speaking to her in his own language, resorting a few times to the limited number of words in Vestin that he’s learned. With Madame Dubiset’s assistance, he says (roughly), “I will stand by you (meaning Erik) to the death. I will destroy your enemies with my spear until you lead me to heaven.” Erik takes this seriously, clapping Djiel on the shoulder and nodding acknowledgement of the sentiment.
Djiel then leads her over to Illyana at the bar. He looks to Madame Dubiset, indicates Illyana and speaks again. She looks uncomfortable, then says, “Pardon Lady, but this is a translation... I think he is saying, You’re pretty when you’re drunk, But he hopes you don’t die from the poison, and he wants your flower?” Illyana blinks, and digests that, but Madame Dubiset moves off before she can get a clarification. She decides that Djiel meant that he likes her, and would like to be with her. She’s not certain what to think about that!
After this, Illyana moves on to the buffet table, and is about to talk to Erik. Just at that moment the herald announces an arrival: “Herr Gruber, just back from the front!” Illyana knows that name- he’s the primary hired Eisen general from the Montaigne campaign in Ussuria! Her mood darkens perceptibly, and she recalls what she was told by the Owl- “There is a man, a foul man, who cares nothing for our kingdom. A time is coming when he will be within your power. I will keep watch over how you act towards him. If you act as Matushka wills, I will know your sincerity and complete the pact in full...”
“This man... We must keep eye on. He may be danger.” Erik stretches a bit. “I think that we’ve already decided that he’s not ‘our’ kind of people...” “No, it is... I have made deal. If I do not... Perform properly, I lose the power I have gained. You remember other night? Erik and Zora indicate that they do. “I have magic, like you. It is called Pyeryem, and is given by Matushka, the goddess of my people. I can become animal, like you can summon lightning and winds. When I was out that night, it was a calling- I gained a new form, that of great owl; but if I fail in task I was set, I lose it.”
“So this is about power.” Says Zora. “No. It is gift. I did not seek it, it was offered.” Zora isn’t calmed by this, and the discussion starts to heat up between the pair, Zora taking the position that they (the group) shouldn’t be responsible for Illyana’s problems! When it starts to get louder, they are approached by Herr Richter, the Ambassador they’d had pointer out to them earlier. “Excuse me, but I could not help overhearing. Madame (indicating Illyana), you should not be discussing these matters so publically- there are ears everywhere, and you could be making enemies that you do not need.” Illyana takes a breath. “Da. This is true. I am sorry for my anger. I do not hate any here, understand. I have no intentions of making enemies here. I must deal with matter, but I plan no harm.” Erik and ZOra move away during this, a tacit abandonment on the matter that Illyana hardly fails to notice. She does come to accommodation and understanding with the Ambassador despite this.
Shortly thereafter, Wilhelmina Probst announces a game! “I have hidden a fox tail somewhere here. Whomever finds the tail and brings it to me will win a prize!” People start searching, but soon Wilhelmina makes a second announcement- “If you find the tail, you’re the fox and people need to catch you to get the tail for themselves! And if someone finds you and gets the tail, you’re out and they become the fox! Whomever gets to me with the tail, wins.”
The search commences. Initially, the four have no luck, Illyana searching separate from the others. However, Djiel DOES spot something- a thief in one of the adjoining rooms! He alerts his companions; Zora and Djiel go for the door to the room, while Erik remains at the window; Illyana is sent by Erik to Wilhelmina to let her know what’s going on. The action is not long in starting- Djiel bashes his way into the room, and when the man doesn’t surrender, Djiel nearly slices the man’s foot off! At the same time Zora takes the box of jewelry that he’d stolen!
Illyana reaches Wilhelmina in the midst of this and passes on the information; the Steward the summons the captain of the guard, who accompanies Illyana, and shortly Erik, to the scene. To the thief he says, “Do you know who this room belongs to? No? Well, we like them better than YOU. I wish that we HAD a death penalty, because if we did I’d put you to death right now. As it is, you’re to leave Freiburg NOW. My guard will take you to the border. Good luck with the waisen.” “But my ankle is broken?” The Captain grins a grim smile. “That isn’t my problem now, is it?” The man is half-escorted, half-dragged away and the four companions return to the ballroom proper, rejoining the search for the tail... Except Djiel, who thinks that the search is for more criminals!
Nobody has luck but for Djiel, who spots a man in the shadows; he leads Erik and Zora over, and it turns out to be Nikolas Trague, the master of Freiburg! “Ah. So you found me. Looking for a foxtail?” Zora and Erik look at each other, then Nikolas hands Zora a foxtail! Zora says, “I thought you didn’t attend your parties?” He snorts. “I don’t, if I can help it.” He looks them over. “So... What do you consider right and wrong?” Erik thinks a moment. “Right is to protect those who cannot protect themselves; wrong is to prey upon them.” “Ah, but they’re weak! They ARE prey, aren’t they?” And the philosophical discussion builds, until
Erik suggests a meeting with Nikolas two days hence, when “you’re not drunk and suffering a party in your honor.” Nikolas just laughs, and agrees to the meeting. Zora has a thought then; “Where do we meet?” He indicates the Tower. “How do we get in? “Tell the guard and go in; you’re known enough now, you’ll get in.”
Illyana in the meantime has found the REAL foxtail! She manages to get it to Wilhelmina Proust, and wins the contest! When this is announced, Erik and Zora look at the tail they were given; its been dyed, and looks a rather careworn. For her prize, Illyana receives a coffer containing 50 guilder and a document that will allow her to the front of the line to inquire on any matter! In Freiburg, this is a good thing!
Soon thereafter, they make their way home. The carriage, which had awaited them is soon boarded, and an uneventful ride home follows. They change clothes in turn (Illyana having the most trouble due to a whalebone corset), and Erik states, “I think we should go hunting.” Illyana headtilts at this. “A touch frustrated?” “No, what makes you say that?” “The tension in your stance and the blood I can smell on you?” “I think we should go hunting,” he repeats. So, they do. Illyana asks, “Shall I scout?” He nods. “Please.” Illyana goes Owl, showing to Erik and Zora for the first time what her magic is. She soon returns, having spotted some gangmembers ahead. She circles to alert her companions, then flies back, leading them to their targets.
What she had found was a group of men surrounding a building now ablaze. When she returns from gathering her allies, she sees people being dragged out- her first instinct is to attack, but then sees that these are the victims, not the criminals. She reorients and picks a target from amongst the jeering gangmembers.
Soon the three on the ground have reached the scene. Erik, seeing the fire draws a Rune, summoning a downpour both to douse the flames and to provide some concealment. The rain does help, but the brigands spot the three regardless. “Hey! Look who’s here! Get ‘em!” Cries one, and the battle is joined.
Right off, two of the villains have luck- Erik and Zora are both ill-struck, though neither is out of the fight. Djiel counterattacks, but the poor luck of the night continues and he misses completely. Zora, surrounded by foes, strikes back, shoving them away and gaining her space. Erik and Djiel act again, Djiel first- this time, he manages to hit one, punching clean through the man; he bowls over a second, and a third breaks and runs! Apparently, he’s gained a reputation...
Erik then strikes with his new axe- he cuts his man clean in half! Two more break from the pack and flee, passing a third, larger figure who has yet to join the fracas; Djiel tries for them but they vanish into the night.
Illyana, still an owl swoops down at this possible leader but misses, her talons raking air before the startled man’s face; Zora has more luck, slicing with her blade and taking out another of the foemen. Djiel, drawing the most attention due to his prowess, is struck, but this does little more than annoy the spearman.
Then the leader attacks Erik! The man has been picking his target, and sees that Erik is the leader. For weapons the man is bearing a Panzerhand and a broadsword, and he moves like someone skilled. His wide swipe at Erik connects, cutting the Vestin direly. He swings again, but this time Erik is ready- he catches his opponent’s blade against his axe and snaps it off at the hilt!
Knowing that he’s hurt badly, Erik backs off and activated the runic power of the axe he bears; the magic heals him somewhat, enabling him to carry on in the fight. His foe closes in again, tossing away his now-useless hilt. Djiel is squared off against several of the remaining brigands; his first blow misses his mark, but once again he seems made of iron as the blows of his foes do little but score his dark skin. In return he head-butts the man before him and grappling, simultaneously spearing another- one down and unconscious, one dead.
Erik is now faced with his partly-disarmed foe alone. The man snarls a curse in Eisen and strikes with the panzerhand, giving a grazing strike to the Vestin Prince; Erik, barely acknowledging the blow grins, slicing powerfully with his axe; the blow is barely evaded, with the barest cut now visible in the man’s jerkin.
Bizarrely, he doesn’t seem to notice the near-total rout of his men; “surrender!” he yells to Erik, who knows the word from his raiding days. Erik grins, but the man is swift- he grabs the blade of Erik’s axe and twists it out of his hands, tossing it aside! Erik glowers hate at the man, who has no idea what he’s just done.
Just then, Illyana swoops down from the sky at the man’s back; she shifts from owl to human in midair, drawing and striking at him with two axes as she lands! The blows tell, driving him to one knee! She can’t tell if he’s been hurt, but the advantage has shifted again. “KILL this bastard!” She shouts at Erik! Erik’s reply is simply a grim, determined smile.
While this played out, Zora, with masterful swordplay has killed her remaining foe, and Djiel has skewered the two remaining that faced him. The pair turn to the remaining fight, Erik faced with the Eisen, Illyana prepared to strike as well. Djiel reacts the quickest, striking the man with a spear-thrust; however, this one is unlike his weaker allies- he takes the injury and still stands! He strikes again at Erik with his panzerhand, the strike failing to land.
Then, Erik draws a Rune in blood. Lightning sparks from his hands and he grabs his enemy by the head, the electrical power coursing into his foe killing him at last! With this act he his spent, and the four are left standing in the midst of carnage. They bind their wounds as best they can where they are, then make their way home.
With that, we end for this episode- See you next time!
Last time, Our Heroes were rebuilding their somewhat-shattered existence in the city of Freiburg; each had gone through various chores, Erik getting the mead hall under construction being the largest of these. However, else was afoot- the beginning of their revenge against the gangs who’d sold them into slavery!
Illyana went hunting one night, and trailed a small group of brigands back to their warehouse hideout- the others had become worried at her long absence, and had gone seeking her- she found THEM, instead, and the assault was rapidly carried out- the result, dead brigands rendered headless and Djiel having a snack of eyes...
The next day (after a late in-mansion celebration) they wake to a mob at the doors- its the local merchanters and civilians, begging for the Lord Drachenheim’s (Erik’s) help against the brigands! They offer a guilder per head, and Erik is offered the hand of the local barber’s daughter in marriage as well!
Illyana tries another hunt that night, but has less luck; she’s spotted. She goes back and lets the others know, and Erik decides to go out anyway- they end up in an ambush! It ends far worse for their attackers though- all die, but Zora and Erik are both badly injured; Zora direly. With The others going back to the manor, Illyana rushes to find a doctor, returning with him in a carriage. All are healed at no charge, but they’re told that if this becomes a habit, he’ll charge for materials.
And after all this, Illyana has her own short adventure, chronicled elsewhere. So thus we open...
It’s the morning of the ball, the night after Illyana’s adventure. Zora, first up, runs off to see if Erik’s axe has arrived. Erik is out in the mead hall with Djiel, while Illyana decides on a hot bath before the fitting for their ballroom clothes.
Zora makes her way through the city with little trouble, finding herself at the smith’s shop again. “Ah, my favorite pirate Queen!” He begins, “it arrived just an hour ago.” He produces a largish box, nailed shut and marked with various shipping stamps and seals. Noting the size, she arranges for it to be delivered to the manor at noon. The proprietor is more than happy to arrange this, in the hopes of future business.
Having performed his morning prowl of the estate, Erik takes the time to properly bathe himself- the coming occasion should require more of him than a splash in the rainbarrel! Thereafter, he has a hot bath drawn for Djiel... Who has never bathed in any wise other than a stream or the sea! When he first sees the steaming tub of water, he imagines that he’s offended Erik and that he’s going to be cooked into a stew!
Erik manages to convince the spearman that its not a punishment, and makes visual aids for Djiel; he gets the idea and cleans up. However, there is a bit of a backfire- one of the drawings shows the application of cologne- Erik’s is kept in a cabinet and hasn’t been seen by Djiel, so he looks around for what he’s supposed to use. He ends up putting nearly a full bottle of fragrant essential oils on, the scents being vanilla and jasmine. Not bad, but VERY strong. Erik notes the smell, and shows Djiel where the cologne is, for future reference. Djiel’s thought on the matter is, “Ah. White Devil’s scent! It must hold some of his strength!”
Illyana finishes her bath, wrapping in a robe. “Erik! We need sauna!” She says, catching sight of him. He grunts. “And cold lake.” “We have the river!” She tilts her head and looks at him as if he’s insane; “ugh! Have you see what is IN river?” Erik nods. “Yes.” “Your skin will rot off!” He laughs. “Well, until that day...” Illyana just shakes her head. Illyana also notes Djiel’s bouquet- “What is that? Is... Strong. Not bad, but is very strong...” Erik just shrugs.
The trio finally get moving, Illyana wearing some of her better garb while Erik and Djiel wear more day-to-day clothes; they’re running a bit late. Ahead of them, Zora has arrived already, having gone straight from her errands of the morning. She gets her fitting, the gown being of fine Vodacce silks with shells and gold filligree. The others happen to arrive just as she comes out, and all are impressed! Erik grins and nods his approval, picking his jaw off the floor. Illyana smiles and compliments as well-“I was expecting something more Fhidelli, but this suits you.” Zora has no idea what ‘Fhidelli’ are, but takes the compliment for what it is.
Erik decides to go next. He enters the fitting room with the tailor and comes back out looking like the Vestin prince that he is, robed in fine furs and exquisitely-tanned leathers. He’s quite pleased! Illyana is thinking that she’s next, but instead Erik, with a grin, guides Djiel in! He comes out dressed in excellent Eisen finery! It looks good on him, but he’s not comfortable, quite, and it really isn’t ‘him’. The tailor does say that he’s come up with an alternate set of garb-with encouragement from his companions Djiel returns to the fitting room to try it. It suits him far better, with Romanesque sandals, padded loose shorts and a purposefully-distressed leopard skin top! Erik has him keep the Eisen clothing, but it will be this more ‘native’ appearing garb that Djiel will wear to the ball. Zora takes a deep sniff of his scent with a big smile, and Illy, with a BIG grin kisses Djiel on the lips! Djiel, for his part, just sort-of freezes.
Which is what Illyana expected. She then kisses Erik on the cheek. In Eisen, she says to Zora- “It is so fun to play with their minds...” Zora laughs and agrees! Djiel’s thoughts are his own, but he certainly isn’t objecting- especially since the White Devil hasn’t killed him for ‘his’ women kissing him!
The boys go off to fetch Djiel’s new spears, while Zora goes back to the manor to clean up and Illyana goes to fetch an appropriate scent. As recommended by the tailor, she goes to find ‘spring lily’ from the Vestin market. It’s a scent from home, though a relatively common one.
Finally, everyone has returned. Zora has taken delivery of her gift to Erik, and has left the box on the table while she bathes. The others arrive with her still at bath, and see the box. “Armand?” Illyana says, jumping as again he seems to appear from nowhere! “Oh, it is for Zora.” He says. “I will never get used to that...” She comments. Armand says nothing.
Zora comes down, and when asked explains that the box is for Erik! He starts to open it with one of Djiel’s spears... At least until Illy has Armand bring a crowbar! When its opened... At first he’s pleased, then... Stunned. This is no mere axe! After a moment, he speaks; “this blade is called ‘Hero of the Mountain’, and is a KNOWN weapon. A great war axe, said to have been forged at the isle of the Grey Wanderer himself!” “The One Eyed One?” asks Illyana. “Yes. The same.” He tells the tale of the blade, then gently, in a very gentlemanly way, lifts Zora and kisses her cheek. “I can never repay this gift. I do not believe that even my father would have felt worthy to wield this blade...”
The discussion trails off, leaving a somewhat subdued atmosphere. Armand prepares a small meal for them, and shortly thereafter they dress for the upcoming event. A carriage is summoned, and soon the quartet is on their way- Djiel riding with the driver as his spear won’t fit within the carriage.
The ball is taking place at the city hall. As they approach they take in the scene- there are several other carriages that have arrived, some parked at the stables waiting for their passengers and the end of the night’s festivities. Exiting the carriage, they are faced with a pair of oaken doors set with diamond-shaped glass windows. These are flanked by two men in Eisen finery, bearing pikes. The doors are opened for them, and they proceed within.
However... It isn’t quite what they expected. There are a substantial number of people within, but the decor and the spread at table leave... Something to be desired. There is a bar at one end of the ballroom, and along one wall there is a table bearing food- not what any of them were quite expecting. They are announced, which draws looks from the gathered crowd; with that, the conversations in progress restart and the newcomers are left to themselves... At least momentarily.
A trio of people across the floor detach themselves from the conversation that they’d been part of and make their way to the newly-arrived party. As they approach, Erik takes the hand of the woman in the lead, kissing it in greeting. “Welcome, Baron Drachenheim,” she says in Eisen, “I am Wilhelmina Probst, Steward of Freiburg.” Illyana begins translating as she continues. “This is Herr XX, Captain of the City Guard and Redmund Erhart of the Merchant’s Guilds.”
With the introduction of the Guard Captain, both Illyana and Erik bridle some, and in turn, through Illyana, express their disdain for the guard and it’s performance... Captain XX glowers in turn, saying, “If the Vestin wishes to express his issue with me further he can do so at noon tomorrow in the town square...” Illyana doesn’t respond to this. Wilhelmina makes every effort to disarm the potentially-explosive situation, and manages to some extent, explaining just how miserable a job the Captain has in Freiburg! What helps more is when the Captain excuses himself from the company.
Wilhelmina then directs their attention to the various personages in the room, naming them as she goes. “Over there is Madame Dubiset of the Adventurer’s Guild. There is Herr Richter- he is the Ambassador from north of here, in the service of Frau Posen.” To Illyana she says, “You should keep the Lord away from the Huygen brothers- they’re representatives of the Vendel League.” Erik catches the meaning regardless, growling, “I can smell them from here.”
The Steward continues her introductions with one more- Christina Bianco, an artist in search of a patron. “What is that?” Erik asks Illyana. “She is looking for someone of wealth to fund her art.” “Ah, she wants to be paid to sit around!” Illyana’s eyes roll heavenward with that. “No, she is artist. She makes artwork.” “Just another freeloader,” replies Erik. Illyana shrugs, letting it go and hoping against hope that the woman doesn’t speak Vestin.
Lady Proust makes her exit from the motley quartet, passing on to her other guests. Soon after her parting, the four are approached by an older man who buttonholes Djiel, or tries to. “Migod, its good to see you again! Its been a dog’s age!” Illyana intervenes. “He does not speak Eisen.” “Of course not! So how goes the war?” She blinks. “Which war?” “THE war, dash is all! The ONLY war!” At this point a pair of servants politely scoop the man up and lead him elsewhere.
Illyana, now at about her limit of ‘courtliness’ and translation duties makes her way to the bar. Erik, Zora and Djiel start wandering the room. Erik is also at about his limit, considering both the company and the less-than-stunning outlay for the gathering. He starts asking if they can make their exit soon. A while after her separation from the group, time enough for several shots of akavit, Djiel sees Illyana at the bar. He heads over to her, then orders a mead- this he takes back to Erik, which improves the Vestin’s mood appreciably. It is rapidly polished off, with Djiel fetching another thereafter.
Now slightly mollified, Erik is approached by Madame Dubiset, pointed out before by Steward Proust as the local representative of the Adventurer’s Guild. “You are the new Lord Drachenheim?” “Yes. May I help you?” Fortunately, she speaks Vestin! “Yes... Perhaps. I am looking for assistance and perhaps further members for the Guild which I represent; would you be interested?” Erik nods. “I might be. Getting out of this... City... Would be something I would be interested in. I would suggest that milady come to Drachenheim Manor at her earliest convenience.” She smiles. “Would tomorrow be alright?” He grins back. “Tomorrow would be delightful.” “Good. I will see you then, and leave you to your princely pursuits for now.”
Before she parts company, Djiel approaches her. In his language, he says “White woman with jungle jewels of beauty- do you speak my language?” She frowns. “I... Know little. Sorry. I understood... White... woman. Language.” Djiel nods, then gives her 5 guilders. “I think he just hired me to translate for him!” she says to Erik. “Good. I am SO glad to hear that! I think I’ve figured out a word or two.” She looks dubious. “I think I know twenty...” “That is better than one!”
Djiel then starts speaking to her in his own language, resorting a few times to the limited number of words in Vestin that he’s learned. With Madame Dubiset’s assistance, he says (roughly), “I will stand by you (meaning Erik) to the death. I will destroy your enemies with my spear until you lead me to heaven.” Erik takes this seriously, clapping Djiel on the shoulder and nodding acknowledgement of the sentiment.
Djiel then leads her over to Illyana at the bar. He looks to Madame Dubiset, indicates Illyana and speaks again. She looks uncomfortable, then says, “Pardon Lady, but this is a translation... I think he is saying, You’re pretty when you’re drunk, But he hopes you don’t die from the poison, and he wants your flower?” Illyana blinks, and digests that, but Madame Dubiset moves off before she can get a clarification. She decides that Djiel meant that he likes her, and would like to be with her. She’s not certain what to think about that!
After this, Illyana moves on to the buffet table, and is about to talk to Erik. Just at that moment the herald announces an arrival: “Herr Gruber, just back from the front!” Illyana knows that name- he’s the primary hired Eisen general from the Montaigne campaign in Ussuria! Her mood darkens perceptibly, and she recalls what she was told by the Owl- “There is a man, a foul man, who cares nothing for our kingdom. A time is coming when he will be within your power. I will keep watch over how you act towards him. If you act as Matushka wills, I will know your sincerity and complete the pact in full...”
“This man... We must keep eye on. He may be danger.” Erik stretches a bit. “I think that we’ve already decided that he’s not ‘our’ kind of people...” “No, it is... I have made deal. If I do not... Perform properly, I lose the power I have gained. You remember other night? Erik and Zora indicate that they do. “I have magic, like you. It is called Pyeryem, and is given by Matushka, the goddess of my people. I can become animal, like you can summon lightning and winds. When I was out that night, it was a calling- I gained a new form, that of great owl; but if I fail in task I was set, I lose it.”
“So this is about power.” Says Zora. “No. It is gift. I did not seek it, it was offered.” Zora isn’t calmed by this, and the discussion starts to heat up between the pair, Zora taking the position that they (the group) shouldn’t be responsible for Illyana’s problems! When it starts to get louder, they are approached by Herr Richter, the Ambassador they’d had pointer out to them earlier. “Excuse me, but I could not help overhearing. Madame (indicating Illyana), you should not be discussing these matters so publically- there are ears everywhere, and you could be making enemies that you do not need.” Illyana takes a breath. “Da. This is true. I am sorry for my anger. I do not hate any here, understand. I have no intentions of making enemies here. I must deal with matter, but I plan no harm.” Erik and ZOra move away during this, a tacit abandonment on the matter that Illyana hardly fails to notice. She does come to accommodation and understanding with the Ambassador despite this.
Shortly thereafter, Wilhelmina Probst announces a game! “I have hidden a fox tail somewhere here. Whomever finds the tail and brings it to me will win a prize!” People start searching, but soon Wilhelmina makes a second announcement- “If you find the tail, you’re the fox and people need to catch you to get the tail for themselves! And if someone finds you and gets the tail, you’re out and they become the fox! Whomever gets to me with the tail, wins.”
The search commences. Initially, the four have no luck, Illyana searching separate from the others. However, Djiel DOES spot something- a thief in one of the adjoining rooms! He alerts his companions; Zora and Djiel go for the door to the room, while Erik remains at the window; Illyana is sent by Erik to Wilhelmina to let her know what’s going on. The action is not long in starting- Djiel bashes his way into the room, and when the man doesn’t surrender, Djiel nearly slices the man’s foot off! At the same time Zora takes the box of jewelry that he’d stolen!
Illyana reaches Wilhelmina in the midst of this and passes on the information; the Steward the summons the captain of the guard, who accompanies Illyana, and shortly Erik, to the scene. To the thief he says, “Do you know who this room belongs to? No? Well, we like them better than YOU. I wish that we HAD a death penalty, because if we did I’d put you to death right now. As it is, you’re to leave Freiburg NOW. My guard will take you to the border. Good luck with the waisen.” “But my ankle is broken?” The Captain grins a grim smile. “That isn’t my problem now, is it?” The man is half-escorted, half-dragged away and the four companions return to the ballroom proper, rejoining the search for the tail... Except Djiel, who thinks that the search is for more criminals!
Nobody has luck but for Djiel, who spots a man in the shadows; he leads Erik and Zora over, and it turns out to be Nikolas Trague, the master of Freiburg! “Ah. So you found me. Looking for a foxtail?” Zora and Erik look at each other, then Nikolas hands Zora a foxtail! Zora says, “I thought you didn’t attend your parties?” He snorts. “I don’t, if I can help it.” He looks them over. “So... What do you consider right and wrong?” Erik thinks a moment. “Right is to protect those who cannot protect themselves; wrong is to prey upon them.” “Ah, but they’re weak! They ARE prey, aren’t they?” And the philosophical discussion builds, until
Erik suggests a meeting with Nikolas two days hence, when “you’re not drunk and suffering a party in your honor.” Nikolas just laughs, and agrees to the meeting. Zora has a thought then; “Where do we meet?” He indicates the Tower. “How do we get in? “Tell the guard and go in; you’re known enough now, you’ll get in.”
Illyana in the meantime has found the REAL foxtail! She manages to get it to Wilhelmina Proust, and wins the contest! When this is announced, Erik and Zora look at the tail they were given; its been dyed, and looks a rather careworn. For her prize, Illyana receives a coffer containing 50 guilder and a document that will allow her to the front of the line to inquire on any matter! In Freiburg, this is a good thing!
Soon thereafter, they make their way home. The carriage, which had awaited them is soon boarded, and an uneventful ride home follows. They change clothes in turn (Illyana having the most trouble due to a whalebone corset), and Erik states, “I think we should go hunting.” Illyana headtilts at this. “A touch frustrated?” “No, what makes you say that?” “The tension in your stance and the blood I can smell on you?” “I think we should go hunting,” he repeats. So, they do. Illyana asks, “Shall I scout?” He nods. “Please.” Illyana goes Owl, showing to Erik and Zora for the first time what her magic is. She soon returns, having spotted some gangmembers ahead. She circles to alert her companions, then flies back, leading them to their targets.
What she had found was a group of men surrounding a building now ablaze. When she returns from gathering her allies, she sees people being dragged out- her first instinct is to attack, but then sees that these are the victims, not the criminals. She reorients and picks a target from amongst the jeering gangmembers.
Soon the three on the ground have reached the scene. Erik, seeing the fire draws a Rune, summoning a downpour both to douse the flames and to provide some concealment. The rain does help, but the brigands spot the three regardless. “Hey! Look who’s here! Get ‘em!” Cries one, and the battle is joined.
Right off, two of the villains have luck- Erik and Zora are both ill-struck, though neither is out of the fight. Djiel counterattacks, but the poor luck of the night continues and he misses completely. Zora, surrounded by foes, strikes back, shoving them away and gaining her space. Erik and Djiel act again, Djiel first- this time, he manages to hit one, punching clean through the man; he bowls over a second, and a third breaks and runs! Apparently, he’s gained a reputation...
Erik then strikes with his new axe- he cuts his man clean in half! Two more break from the pack and flee, passing a third, larger figure who has yet to join the fracas; Djiel tries for them but they vanish into the night.
Illyana, still an owl swoops down at this possible leader but misses, her talons raking air before the startled man’s face; Zora has more luck, slicing with her blade and taking out another of the foemen. Djiel, drawing the most attention due to his prowess, is struck, but this does little more than annoy the spearman.
Then the leader attacks Erik! The man has been picking his target, and sees that Erik is the leader. For weapons the man is bearing a Panzerhand and a broadsword, and he moves like someone skilled. His wide swipe at Erik connects, cutting the Vestin direly. He swings again, but this time Erik is ready- he catches his opponent’s blade against his axe and snaps it off at the hilt!
Knowing that he’s hurt badly, Erik backs off and activated the runic power of the axe he bears; the magic heals him somewhat, enabling him to carry on in the fight. His foe closes in again, tossing away his now-useless hilt. Djiel is squared off against several of the remaining brigands; his first blow misses his mark, but once again he seems made of iron as the blows of his foes do little but score his dark skin. In return he head-butts the man before him and grappling, simultaneously spearing another- one down and unconscious, one dead.
Erik is now faced with his partly-disarmed foe alone. The man snarls a curse in Eisen and strikes with the panzerhand, giving a grazing strike to the Vestin Prince; Erik, barely acknowledging the blow grins, slicing powerfully with his axe; the blow is barely evaded, with the barest cut now visible in the man’s jerkin.
Bizarrely, he doesn’t seem to notice the near-total rout of his men; “surrender!” he yells to Erik, who knows the word from his raiding days. Erik grins, but the man is swift- he grabs the blade of Erik’s axe and twists it out of his hands, tossing it aside! Erik glowers hate at the man, who has no idea what he’s just done.
Just then, Illyana swoops down from the sky at the man’s back; she shifts from owl to human in midair, drawing and striking at him with two axes as she lands! The blows tell, driving him to one knee! She can’t tell if he’s been hurt, but the advantage has shifted again. “KILL this bastard!” She shouts at Erik! Erik’s reply is simply a grim, determined smile.
While this played out, Zora, with masterful swordplay has killed her remaining foe, and Djiel has skewered the two remaining that faced him. The pair turn to the remaining fight, Erik faced with the Eisen, Illyana prepared to strike as well. Djiel reacts the quickest, striking the man with a spear-thrust; however, this one is unlike his weaker allies- he takes the injury and still stands! He strikes again at Erik with his panzerhand, the strike failing to land.
Then, Erik draws a Rune in blood. Lightning sparks from his hands and he grabs his enemy by the head, the electrical power coursing into his foe killing him at last! With this act he his spent, and the four are left standing in the midst of carnage. They bind their wounds as best they can where they are, then make their way home.
With that, we end for this episode- See you next time!
