November 2003 - Mail Archives

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Re: November 2003 - Mail Archives

Post by Jayne »

The Storm Arrives
Author: Jax
Date: 12 November 2003


(yes yes, i know mark, told you i'd wait till tonight when i spoke with dan, but wanted to at least get this out)

Lady Lorla Daranek had come a hairs breadth from dieing tonight, and it kept her up, tossing and turning on the cot that good Paetines had shown her too as her and her new bodyguard Turner had entered the Royal Church. It was the only place she felt safe. The only place she knew that her enemies may pause before attacking her in.

She'd found out tonight that the Inn was no safety zone. She had been staying there ever since she had returned to town. One of the creators of the regency Council, she had left Drache after a small scandal over a youth potion had robbed her of any real power within her beloved city. So she had left, ready to find out who this new person she'd become, was. And she she had even seen a few things her seventy plus years had not revealed to her, tied to Drache as she was by duty and love.

Not really love of a single person, though she'd buried five husbands, but a love of the people. A determination to help in any way she could. it was one of the driving reasons she had helped to create the council. Now, she wished perhaps she had let nature take it's course, died peacefully within her bed, and old woman who had lived a rich, and wonderful life.

But the fact that there was so much more to do, that her sharp mind was trapped within a body that could no longer walk unaided, could not see as clearly, had eaten at her until she'd made a pact with a drow, for a second chance. She had exchanged her rather large fortune for youth, and to this day, she would have made the same choice, even if it meant that she would watch all that she had worked for, crumble before her very eyes.

That wouldn't happen though. She would not let it. This .. move by the chancellery, had of course worried her, and she had promised Marcion that she would do anything to help solve it. The kidnapping of Maximilien, a fellow council member, had been a bold move that she thought the Chancellery would not do. She had woefully underestimated.

As a Lady Overseer, she was considered technically retired, of a sort, from the Council, but Maximilien's move within in the inn when faced with arrest, had been brilliant. he had made her an active council member again. But it also made her a target, despite the fact that she had few friends in Drache, and almost no political allies on which to call favors.

Maximilien's arrest has shaken her, had made her act irrationally. He was her friend, even though many times they'd been opposed over key issues. With Maximilien out of the way though, it left her vulnerable to any trumped up charge the Chancellery could dream up, just as they'd fabricated the charges against Maximilien.

Her focus now though, was on preventing Marcion from returning to Drache. She was quite sure that if he should return, they would either kidnap him as well, or kill him, and Lorla loved Marcion far too much to allow that to happen to him.

Marcion was more than a friend, he was the son that she wished her many marriages had produced. Smart, honorable, with a keen sense of strategy and a large feeling of responsibility. She would allow herself to die to save him.

When the Warf guard had fired upon her while trying to retrieve Maximilien, she had known despair. She had so very much wanted to try to stop something like this. It was why Marcion had traveled off to the north, intent upon speaking to his cousin the King. They had both hoped that a royal edict would end this stalemate before bloodshed ensued. neither of them had anticipated the chancellery moving so quickly, and now she must send someone that could warn him, that could tell him to petition the king for troops, because after this, there was no other option.

She trusted Art as much as she trusted anyone she supposed, being a guard after all. there were many things that needed done on the 'morrow, and her own safety to consider. really accomplishing anything would require her to leave the safety of the church.

She would wait a few days though, when she was sure that ART was safely on his way north, then she would get to work. perhaps it was time the people became aware of just what was transpiring, not that most didn't already know. The only thing that traveled faster in Drache than the Courier service, was rumor or gossip.

Sighing, she closed weary eyes, finally, and prayed for a rejuvenating sleep. She would need all her strength in the coming days, or weeks.
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Re: November 2003 - Mail Archives

Post by Jayne »

A second announcement from the Captain of the Guard
Author: Dan
Date: 12 November 2003

To all members of the Royal Guard:

For the duration of the present civil instability, I am hereby doubling the normal guard contingents at Castle Black (particularly the Royal Treasury), the Blkdragon District Granary, the Podar ul-Sinetattel*, and the Royal Guard's Armory. Increased manpower at other vital junctures of the city may become necessary in the near future. Guards assigned to patrol these areas may not switch shifts with another Guard without my written permission. No one is to remove money from the Treasury, food from the Granary, weapons from the Armory, or persons or documents from the Podar offices without proper documentation bearing my seal and signature**--even other members of the Royal Guard.

As the former Commander Harscorn has neither surrendered, nor has he been arrested, I can only presume that he is holding out in his defiance, and at least a portion of our fellow Guards have chosen to throw their lot in with him, much to my dismay. Even if Magistrate Seward has pardoned him for assaulting Councilor Reizeau (which she does not have the authority to do--pardons are the purview of the King), he is still relieved of all authority for his continued defiance of command to stand down, and is still wanted for arrest. Therefore, these additional security measures are necessary to make sure that the Crown's resources do not fall into the hand of rebels.

Me enxenim,

Lucius von Stahl
Captain of the Royal Guard

12. XI. 471.

[Seal affixed]
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Re: November 2003 - Mail Archives

Post by Jayne »

Decisions.
Author: Brian Rue
Date: 12 November 2003

Former Wharf Commander Tarn Harscon stood before the gathered force of eighty heavy infantry men--the wharf garrison as a whole. The doubt and confusion in their faces was obvious, as they all had an idea of what was about to unfold but never thought it'd be so soon, or maybe even happen at all. A tall native Arangothian, Harscon aged beyond his twenty seven years, close cropped hairline already starting to recede.

"It's an ugly thing we've got here. I'm sure you've all seen these,"

Harscon illustrated, holding up one of the hundreds of propaganda pamphlets.

"And for what it's worth, it's true. The Council has overstepped itself, slapping the Magistrates--and more importantly--us collectively across the face by deeming to allow an undead--but not only an undead, an undead confessed a thousand times of murder--to obtain citizenship. There's nothing every single one of you already know that I could tell you about these creatures, and I share your outrage."

The ranger clasped both wrists at the small of his back, giving the gathered troops an appraising nod.

"Captain Stahl stripped me of my command, and urged all of you not to follow my "lawless" example. This man--Councilor Reizeaus--is a pampered noble, with a taste for the liberal ways of politics, and it's not beyond any doubt he's conspired with, or taken demons to his bed, and now in our custody. How else would he agree to this betrayal to the average citizen, and force it upon our city to accept one of their own?"

He let it sink in.

"I'm standing here now to urge all of you to follow my example--we've finally gotten the chance to grab our fate by the horns, and -finally- put a stop to the utter corruption of demons to our politics, and our very way of life. The magistrates are personal friends to many of us, and allies to all of us. They've fought the same stalemate battle we have, both hindered by liberal laws that look to protect those that do us harm. If the Chancellery succeeds the Council, it will be done for the better. We'd finally have the unhindered ability to cleanse Drache of this plague once and for all, and I say that's something worth fighting for."

For what it was worth, Harscon was a charismatic leader as any. More then a few faces lit up in the crowd of gathered soldiers, which outweighed the looks of doubt or offense.

"We've got the means, in our hands right now, to govern Drache the way it was meant to be, without the greasy fingers of oppression and pettiness strangling the citizenry, and the Guard at every turn. We've been given the choice to fight for this, and I'd take up arms with any of you that felt the same. This is our chance to change history, men, for the better! How many of you standing here now can speak of something the Council's done for you, save force us to grant citizenship to undead? No longer to do we have to tolerate this madness!"

There was clapping, and a few wooted cheers.

"Captain von Stahl's a good man, but he's wavering in this moment of choice. We've got to send him a message--a message that we're tired and weary of watching our friends die at the hands of the creatures the Council now grants citizenship to! A message that shows we're prepared to fight this to our ends to keep it from coming to pass! And if we do fight, men, we will win. We will win and govern Drache the way it was meant to be governed, and finally be rid of the undead scourge that murders our families and friends night after night. That we will fight to rid these leeches from our backs!"

The collective company of Wharf guards roared at that. Whichever doubters were overtaken by the mob mentally, and it very much looked and sounded like they'd fight for the reasons Harscon laid before them.

"So there it is, men. Whoever is with me prepare your kits and blades, and stand with a new purpose to finally cleanse Drache as it's been pleading to be, as we now can claim the means. Whoever has their doubts, I urge you to speak it over with your sergeants. By tonight, I only ask from you one thing--a collective decision on where we, the elite, stand in this conflict. If we're to step up and claim our rightful destiny, or lay back to be trampled once more under the oppressive slippers of the Council. The choice is yours. All of yours."

And Harscon left them to think, retiring to his former office to make preparations.
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Re: November 2003 - Mail Archives

Post by Jayne »

Decisions. - OOC - Dan
Author: Dan
Date: 12 November 2003

This is an OOC counterpoint to Brian's post, for the benefit of those who are wondering what the Council has ever done for the Guard. Guard PCs may find this helpful in deciding where they stand in the current political situation.

1. The Council granted Captain Alastair Courant an across the board pay raise of 20% for all members of the Royal Guard during his campaign to clean up Drache.

2. The Council authorized and funded the creation of the Wharf Patrol, and funded the construction of the Wharf Garrison. The Council also provided the first Wharfers with the carts of food to distribute to the poor during their initial patrols in the formerly lawless Old City, and an extra 10% raise to Wharf Guards' salary for hazard pay.

3. During the plague quarantine that preceded the creation of the Wharf Patrol, the Council gave double pay to any Guards maintaining the quarantine, and to any guards trapped within the Quarantine zone. (These guards set up a headquarters in the Wharf Granary, and became the nucleus of the Wharf Patrol).

4. Also stemming from the plague, the Council implemented a policy in which the family of any Guard killed in the line of duty will continue to receive the slain Guard's full salary for a year after his or her death.

These were all announced publicly in mailing list posts, though most of these were during 2001, and I don't have the time to go digging in the ML archive to find the specific posts before I have to go to work. Other Council muns may chime in with other stuff I've forgotten.
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Re: November 2003 - Mail Archives

Post by Jayne »

What is Hell
Author: Aeren Price
Date: 12 November 2003

Time had been a demon, as well, for the one known as Shallara. The news of her Sire’s return shattered the cage in which she’d locked herself. Many had known her Sire, and they all reacted to his “death” in different ways. Shallara took it the hardest, or so she thought. Her vision of the world of darkness had changed the very day he’d breathed his last, nailed to that tree by his love, Morrow, by Marriska, and by her own hand. She could still remember the raven’s caw as the last nail had been driven into him. It haunted her every night.

How could this one vampire change so many people? How could her Sire have such an effect on these dark individuals? Sometimes, she thought she could hear the very night weep, itself, in the cold breeze and the twinkling stars. It had been her cage… the constant pain of remembrance… and she was completely used to it, until now. Now, it seemed, her world would be thrown into chaos once again. She would be forced to venture outside her cage, forced to face the night again. She was afraid.

Shallara opened the front door to her small forest cottage and stepped out into the night. She sat on the first step of the porch, folding her hands and looking into the sky with those chocolate eyes. A single star shone in the sky because the rest were blanketed behind the storm clouds that had rolled in during the day. She watched that single star as her thoughts went to Aeren, and she spoke to it as if speaking to him… her Sire.

“Where are you, Aeren? Have you truly returned?” her tone was hopeful, yet, as she paused, waiting for the answer that would never come, the hidden rage she’d nurtured began to boil within. She clenched her teeth, watching the single star with intensity. “Have you finally returned after putting us all through such Hell and pain? Are you going to waltz back into our lives just to destroy them again?” Again, there was no answer, and Shallara gave an exasperated sigh, looking away from the star and to the ground.

“… Damn you…” she whispered, the darkness seeming her only audience. A tear began to fall fro her eye, and she brushed it away quickly, not allowing even the faintest sign of her inner struggle. “You have no idea what I’ve gone through, Aeren. You have no idea of the consequences you brought to us all… your wife, your child… and me.” She spoke through clenched teeth, her whisper a hiss upon the night air. “No doubt you sent that woman to give the message of your return… no doubt you’re planning some sort of plot. I know you, and I know how you think. You’re going to destroy us all, my Sire.”

She growled at herself, punching down hard on the step. The wood broke and splintered under her vampiric strength, but she paid no attention. She merely fumed… she merely hurt. Slowly, she brought her brown eyed gaze to the single star again, her voice becoming louder as she spoke. “Well, go ahead then, Aeren! Go ahead with your insanity, your rage, your vengeance!” She stood, her fists clenched, and she stepped down the stairs, as if approaching that star. Stopping, she opened her arms wide, screaming into the sky, “What do you want?! Do you want vengeance?! Do you want Princehood?! Do you want your life back?!” She bent down, retrieving a small rock from the earthen floor. She hurled it toward the star, as if there was some possibility of striking the light from the sky. “Well, I want mine back!!!” she bellowed. Sinking to the ground, she fought back the hate-filled tears that threatened to stain her smooth cheeks. The adrenaline, the Hunger, coursed through her, but she kept it at bay.

“Damn you, you fool. Are we all just pawns, characters in your little drama? Do you take pleasure in the fact that you affect so many? That you control the emotions of those who should have none?” Giving a heavy sigh, she gently folded her hands in her lap, taking on a tone of resignation. “You will come… you will retrieve me, ask me to help you in whatever plan you’ve made… and I’ll accept because of these emotions I’ve tried so hard to destroy. Hell is when one would do anything for someone else, and that individual would do nothing for them. Hell is when I love you, as a Sire, and you use me as a slave. Hell is living everyday with the pain of loss, only to have that pain raped and taken, as if it were some joke that’s been played. I know Hell.” Quietly, she swallowed back the pain and stood, looking one last time to the single star. “I’m sure I will see you soon, my Sire.”

With that, she turned, and moved back toward the house. She closed the door behind her, shutting out the night, shutting out the single star, shutting out the world that had just recently been overturned… shutting out the coming summons from Aeren. Shallara sank down into the chair by the fire and closed her eyes, resigning the fear and pain over to the solitude. She took a breath, and waited for the call…
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Re: November 2003 - Mail Archives

Post by Jayne »

Preemptive Motion
Author: Brian Rue
Date: 12 November 2003


A hour before the sun broke over the horizon, two special purpose elements of rangers in Border Watch kit made the first move. One of the principle objectives was, and would be taking and holding the Iron Gate that separated the Wharf from the rest of the city. Normally manned by regular garrison city guards, early this morning there was little hope of word getting to them of what was about to transpire.

Two full platoons, previously bolstered by the drill instructors Harscon brought in to train the Wharfers, advanced silently on the Gate from direction of the docks with only the slight rattle of load baring equipment betraying their existence.

It had to be fast, and precise. If even one straggler got away to report back to Stahl, things would've gotten a lot bloodier then need be. Scaling hooks were prepared and cast up with honed precision, resulting in only a a demure metal clank as they latched on above. Four hooks, four rangers scaling the wall. Another four, these light infantrymen armed with heavy crossbows pressed to their shoulders, bounded up the rampart to catch the regular detail by total surprise.

"Hands up. Don't move."

Coldly professional, the special purpose team trained their weapons on the guards--who shifted nervously, some obviously debating fighting back. These debates were put out of their minds as the other four finished scaling the wall, effectively cutting off any retreat the other men had with crossbows trained.

Two closed in from either side, while the original element kept them under the watchful muzzle. Weapons and armor were stripped, and the now prisoners were bound and gagged, stowed away off the Gate where the rangers were now constructing their operational HQ. A full twelve soldier squad manned the wall, while a team of engineers began assembly on a ballista to fully cover any approach to the Gate.

With their first objective secured, the specialized CQB elements proceeded to their second and third, simultaneously storming and securing the Wharf granary, and the Royal Legion armory without a bolt fired, through sheer blitzing. They'd man these points, taking the proper steps of fortifying and securing the nearby areas. Prisoners, now numbering at around a dozen, were marched down to the docks for Maessen's mercenaries to lock away in designated holding areas--after all, Harscon didn't want his guards policing their buddies from across the Gate.
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Re: November 2003 - Mail Archives

Post by Jayne »

Addiction to Death
Author: Aeren Price
Date: 12 November 2003

As the day turned, once again, into night, Sephora found herself crouching in an alleyway in the old part of the city. Clutching her stomach as the sick feeling of want and need filled her veins, she whimpered and trembled, wanting to cry out to the sky. That joyous feeling of salvation had left her in an almost instantaneous moment, and she longed for it. It was all she could think about, sitting there in that dark alley, and it clouded her mind like the storm clouds above. It was all so intense, so real… the feeling of despair and want, the feeling of something lacking. She would do anything just to make it go away, just to feel normal again. She needed to find Aeren.

Muscles tightened as she tensed, gripping her stomach even harder. She could actually feel the chemicals in her brain drip, crying out for some relief from the horrible sadness that wracked her entire body. Quickly, she brought her hands up to her head and pulled relentlessly at her hair. This pain… this ache… it would drive her insane. Where was that feeling of comfort? Where was that sensation of safety? It had left her, and all she could think about was getting it back again.

Mere yards away, she heard a groan in the shadows of the alley. With wild, unfocused eyes, she turned to her left, searching the darkness for the origin of the sound. There, barely outlined in the black, was a form of a young man, who sat, crouched, just like her. The man also held his stomach and she could barely make out his face and his eyes that were shut so tightly. He was crying.

For a moment, she was able to focus on his features, to pick out the identity within the darkness, and to her surprise, they were the features of the young man she’d seen before… the one who’d acted so strangely. She was almost relieved, though the pain and despair robbed her of that feeling, and she called out to him in a soft, agonizing whisper. “You there…”

The young man, Devon, snapped his eyes open and looked at Sephora. He, too, seemed surprised as he recognized her right away. For a moment, a knowing smile crossed his lips, and he chuckled painfully from his dark shadow. Sephora gripped her stomach harder and furrowed her brow at his laugh.

“So… you too, eh?” he said in a tense voice. Chuckling again, he stood, and stumbled over to her, plopping down beside her. Beads of sweat could be seen on his forehead, and his face looked even more sickly and pale. Sephora was lost for words, momentarily distracted from the agony as she watched him. “It’s supposed to get easier over time. Some nights are worse than others.” She blinked, a blank expression on her face, and the Devon managed a smile again.

“You don’t know, do you?” he asked, though his voice was anything but compassionate. She blinked again. “That pain… that feeling within you. It’s because of him,” Devon said matter-of-factly. She furrowed her brow once again, and Devon pulled the sleeve of his shirt up a ways. Sephora looked at his wrist as he raised it into the light, and she gasped, not in horror, but astonishment. His wrist was cut severely, scabbed over, but still looking very fresh. Almost automatically, she glanced down at her own wrist, where Aeren had bit her… the wounds looked almost identical. Devon smiled again. “You’ve tasted the bittersweet sensation of being someone’s dinner.” He chuckled, and gritted his teeth, obviously in turmoil.

Sephora looked at him, feelings of dread and awe flooding through her. “Y-you too?” She stammered, and Devon nodded.

“Though not by your Aeren. I was ‘found’ by another, and I’ve been coming to her for the past six months.” He sighed, shifting his weight to a more comfortable position. “I don’t think I have much longer. It’s amazing, really, how something that feels so wonderful could kill you.” Sephora’s heart jumped at the mention of dying, and suddenly the despair seemed even thicker. Devon lowered his eyes to the ground and spoke softly. “It doesn’t matter, though. I’d do anything just to get that feeling again.”

“Me too,” Sephora heard herself say. Devon glanced up at her, a sadness lurking somewhere behind his gaze.

“It happens when they drink from you. You feel euphoria, perfection… and the pain goes away. It lasts for most of the day, but fades around dusk. That’s why you’ll keep coming back to them.” He gave an apologetic smile. “It’s a vicious trap… a fake feeling… but it won’t go away until they drink from you again.” He sighed, clutching his stomach, and looked to the stormy sky. “So… I’ve accepted it.”

Sephora could say nothing, she felt numb. But the feeling was only temporary, as the sickening feeling of despair began to take hold again. She should have been angry, felt violated, or hurt… but all she wanted was Aeren. Her mind told her the foolishness of her thoughts, but her heart cried over the pain.

“I’m Devon,” his voice broke through her thoughts, and he nodded to her. She blinked, finding it odd to still see humanity through the nightmare that they seemed to share.

“Sephora,” came her reply. Devon seemed relieved, as well, at their ability to somehow share the pain. He sighed, resting the back of his head against the alley wall.

“Well, Sephora, perhaps we can share this Hell together tonight… since it seems neither of us will be getting what we want.” Sephora clutched her stomach at his words, feeling the pain grow at the realization that he was right. She nodded silently, and suddenly rested her head on his shoulder. He barely noticed, as he shut his eyes tightly again.

They would both wait… wait for sunrise, when the dark ones would be going to sleep. Then, they would implore them to feed, to release them from agony for just another day. Until then, they would share the night in wretched wanting, together and alone in their addiction to the dark feeding.
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Re: November 2003 - Mail Archives

Post by Jayne »

Decisions. - Tom Long
Author: Tom Long
Date: 12 November 2003

I would just add that, on the rebels side:

5. The Council raised taxes heavily a year ago, pretty much across the board. Though there was an arguably good reason for this (three straight years of crises had bankrupted the government), I doubt there's any Drachean around today, including Guards and the poor, who haven't felt the weight of this increase.

6. The Council has also given (or supported the previous gift of) citizenship to Liches (including said Captain, Alastair Courrant), drow (any drow serving as Guardsmen must be citizens, and there have been a few, as well as a drowish Professor of Sorcery at the Royal University), and possibly demons (Sroken the Redeemed, a Priest of Lathander, though I'm not entirely sure if he had citizenship) three types of creatures that are quite hated by the majority of society.

7. The Council closed the Iron Gate during the Plague a few years ago, effectively shutting off the Wharf, Back Alley, Red Lantern, and Gessi districts (those that were plagued) from the richer, newer sections of the city (Blkdragon, Church, West Drache, Mingit). Though the plague ended with the onset of winter, there were massive casualties among the poor, and logical reasons don't make much sense to folk who've seen half their families die while the rich areas stay healthy.

7b. The counterpoint to this is that two Councilors, Sarnem Vansippa (now deceased) and Kylus Dragonsbane (now retired and missing) braved the dangers of the quarantine area to reassure the people.
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Re: November 2003 - Mail Archives

Post by Jayne »

Night of the Hunted Goose I ((The Vlorress Affair))
Author: Tom Long
Date: 12 November 2003


Cast of Characters:
Lorla Daranek: Founder of the Regency Council, now retired to Lady Overseer, recently returned to the city.

Maximilien Reizeau: The only remaining Councilor in the city, a severe liberal and a thorn in the Chancelleries side.

Lytia Seward: Seniormost Magistrate of the Chancellery, quite vehemently anti-Council.

Ketara Lyon: Magistrate, not quite as vehement as Lytia.

Tarn Harscon: Former Border Watchman, now Arms-Commander of the Royal Guard, in charge of the Wharf Garrison.

Lucius Von Stahl: Captain of the Royal Guard for the past few years, highly respected.

Zesstra Riknueth, Karyn Redfeather, Delusion: Royal Guards
-------------------------------------
Part I: MEETINGS IN THE NIGHT
The Blkdragon Inn
Frostfall (Nov) the 11, 473
One Bell before Midnight
------------------------------------
Lorla had made her way down the stairs of the inn. This was her last night here before she moved into her new house, and she figured a little mingling and some drinks would take the edge off her worry for marcion and this whole situation. she stops by the bar and asks dulcina for some wine and chose a table, seating herself.

Reizeau enters quietly, a trifle unsure in his steps, but obviously not one used to being meek either. His unassuming and entirely average appearance, with his slight build and coppery hair pulled into a small tail, was completed by a nondescript grey coat and dark blue coat. Though no weapons were obvious, a scroll tube hung from a baldric at his side, much as a sword might.

Inkstained hands adjust spectacles about his birdlike face before his eyes light upon Lorla. He begins to move through the crowd. His eyes cast warily about the multitude of strange patrons at this, the King's Inn, but he is confident in his near-anonymity. In the days without tv, a politician without markings was harder to spot than you'd think.

Lorla was dressed in a loose white shirt and brown breeches, high boots and a rapier on her hip. She glances up at dulcina and thanks her. her brown curley hair is ties back loosely and her brown eyes catch sigh of Reizeau. she sets her glass down and waves her hand towards herself, telling him to come and have a seat.

Maximilien makes his way over to Lorla's table, bowing his head. "Your L...Mistress Daranek, I must admit I do not believe I shall become accustomed to your recent features for another few years. Nonetheless, it is good to see you again." He takes the seat as he is bidden. Though his expression is, as usual, stoney, there is some warmth in his voice. He always had respected Lorla, even when they disagreed.

<Lytia> It was with some regret that Lytia found herself drawn out of her meditation. She often relaxed that way around midnight; the sorceress found it helped to focus herself and to stay alert mentally, which was no small feat for someone involved in a heady political crisis.

It would figure, she thought, that no wharfers that she could trust were in reach at the moment. She would have liked some armed backup in case something went wrong with her idea. Probably the case, but she was tired of waiting. If what she'd been told was true, that an army was possibly being raised against her and her fellow magistrates, she'd decided she had to act fast and let Segovax whine about his lynch mob idea later. She'd sent word around to those of her comrades that the men she hired to watch Reizeau's home had sent a runner saying he was leaving, and that she was going to track him down and confront him. Hopefully one of her allies would show up, just in case. Steadying herself outside the door, she adjusts the chain of office around her pale, slender neck and grips her spear-haft so tightly that her pale knuckles grow even whiter. Taking a deep breath, she pushes open the door and enters into the inn.

Lorla smiles. "Maximilien. I was very glad to hear from you. And .. rather suprised at the kindess you're showing. I don't mean that in a bad way, but we have had our differences, and when we last met, you were scandalized at what i'd done. As for my features...they're different, but my mind is the same. How are you?"

<Reizeau> "I find that my work both at the University and at the Podar has proven very rewarding. I do find that toiling in silence and keeping everything running smoothly tends to lack a certain gratitude from overbearing Lord Chancellors, but it is enough for me. "And my...shock at your features notwithstanding, I find that my work ever reminds me how much we have helped Drache, and that makes me proud of both myself and all my former colleagues." His face is still stony, though there is some warmth in his voice. One could never really tell what Max was feeling, or how honest he was being.

<Lorla> "That's why the Council was created: to help Drache in times of crisis. It should be the Chancellory's first thought as well. What has gone wrong Maximilien? I spoke with Marcion before he left, and he filled me in .. why would a body of respected people like the Chancellory simply decide they can run Drache better than those lawfully chosen to do so?"

<Lytia> In truth, the red-haired magistrate woman hated herself for doing this, but what choice did she have? Segovax's suggestion was so absurd and time-consuming, and she was not about to sit around waiting for an army to come and undo everything her allies were working for. She'd done worse things than this in her life, certainly, but something about this had her stomach on edge. She'd have felt more comfortable if she'd had an armed guard with her, but she takes comfort in the fact that Reizeau and the lady overseer also were unguarded. The haft of her spear taps on the wooden floor as she steadily crosses the room towards them, her face a blank, stone mask.

<Reizeau> "They are blinded by their own self-righteousness, Lorla." Maximilien's face shifts, becoming colder a sign of his anger at the Magistrates. "I suppose that up until now we had never given them cause to disagree with us. When that weight was put upon the tenuous string of their loyalty, it snapped. Bourne was ever willful, but I myself am surprised at the lenghts to which they will go to see Vlorress undecorated. I..." He pauses, eyes moving up. Something was...someone was approaching.

<Ketara> The sound of an upstairs door opening gave way to a short-lived and inhuman shriek before the slam of a door ended it. A few moments later, a violet haired Elvish woman dressed in a black jumpsuit and jacket with violet trim. Her expressive face looked decidedly cross, confirmed by the rigid march she took down the stairs. An ear twitched as she heard a distinct tapping sound and she walked directly towards Lytia Seward.

* Lorla nods as she listens to him then looks away as he stops, trying to focus on what he might have seen. "If Marcion's work goes well with the king .. this may all be over soon. With the king's edict, they'd be insane to continue to disobey."

<Lytia> At first she might have looked like a something rather than a someone. Dressed as she were in her black silk robe and her drape of black feathers, she'd been (rather unflatteringly) compared to a vulture by some of the wits about town. The spear she carries is made of some sort of twisted, non-human craftsmanship, a relic she took from the corpse of one of the undead captains in the Mist War. "Regent Councilor Maximilien Reizeau," she says, her intonation flat, rising just slightly at the end to indicate a question.

<Reizeau> "IF the King will interfere..." A crowd of patrons had passed in front of the table just as Reizeau looked up. Even as he spoke he struggled to look past the obstruction and find who he'd seen out of the corner of an eye. Then, as if a stormcloud suddenly bursting from behind mountains, Seward was there.

<Reizeau> "Magistrate Seward...what is the meaning of this?!" The Councilor cries in outrage. They were following him now?! Of course, he had the Chancellory under some watch as well...that was how he'd found out about the letter, but hypocrisy aside, *he* hadn't approached them in the inn. Were there more?!

* Lorla raises a brow and looks at Reizeau. "Maximilien?" She asks in question, her voice quiet. lorla had not been idle this year past, she'd taken a small amount of knowledge in swordplay taught to her by her third husband and become quiet proficient. Her hand doesn't stray there though.

* Ketara shuffled her way impatiently through the crowd, finally catching up to the rather hard to miss Lytia just as the Councillor made his outburst. Biting her lip worriedly she fingered the tiny poisoned darts in the lining of her jacket sleeve. Glancing nervously from the seated couple to her colleague, she cleared her throat. "Something wrong, Tespin Seward?" She, of course, had no familiarity with the individual council members.

<Lytia> She ignores Reizeau's outrage. "In the name of the King's Law," she was nothing if not a wit, though her tone is still flat and professional. "I am here to place you under arrest. Allegations have been made by prominant citizens that the Regency Council has been using the guard to extort money from local merchants. You are to be held while the Chancellery makes its investigation."

<Lorla> "That's ridiculous! And until the King says something, you have absolutely no right to arrest a Council-member." She stands and moves to step in fron of Reizeau.

<Lytia> "I beg your pardon, Lady Overseer, but the laws of the land are explicitly clear. The Regent Councillors are, and I quote edict 4, section 13, 'in all ways subject to the laws of the Kingdom, and sitting Council members are in no way immune from prosecution for abuses of authority or violation of the law.' Please stand aside."

<Reizeau> "This is insane! I will not be treated this way!" Max bursts out, his stony visage finally showing some of that old Vansippa-inspired emotion. Lorla's more sensible reply, however, manages to calm him down. The red in his face matches his coppery hair as he glares daggers at Lytia. "I will submit to no Magistrate in this matter. Let the Guard conduct the investigation. You are clearly in a conflict of interest!" Damn the Chancellory. How very convenient that these allegations came forward when Reizeau was the sole remaining Councilor in the city! This would not stand! Damn Seward and damn Bourne!

Paetines peers about the Common Room, old eyes narrowing a bit as he looks at the patrons.

<Lorla> "Exactly. Magistrates try criminals. They do NOT arrest them. If you have a guard here, then by all means." she says evenly.

Ketara looked from Lytia back to the seated couple, wide-eyed. This was the first she'd heard of any such charges. "Councillor, as there are no guardsmen present, is it not the duty of the magistrates to make an arrest in their place?" She glanced at Lytia questioningly, not at all convinced of the validiity of these charges herself. "Of course, if you'd prefer to have a guard present, I'm sure I can run and fetch one while Tespin Seward stays with you both..for safety, of course."

<Lytia> "The office of the Lord Chancellor is empowered to issue warrants of arrest. The former Lord Chancellor, Thomas Bourne, abdicated his responsibility to the collective body of magistrates. In the name of the office, I have issued a lawful warrant for the arrest of Councilor Maximilien Reizeau. If he does not submit, he will be marked as a fugitive," Lytia says coolly. "Please, Lady Overseer, stand aside. If you wish to arrange legal counsel or bail for the accused, you may do so after he is properly in custody."

<Lytia> "Please, Ketara, satisfy the lady overseer's wish for formality," she says, nodding her head to her companion.

<Lorla> "I think that I will wait here until a -lawfully- assigned guard makes the arrest. I will not allow you to take him." She says firmly.

<Reizeau> "Your Ladyship, please..." Maximlien, finally beginning to calm down a bit more puts his hand on Lorla's shoulder. If he was arrested, it would fall to her to stand for the Goose in the city, by leave of her title. "You must not be arrested as well." He turns to Lytia. "As to you, I challenge first your right to issue a warrant, and second your right to make the arreset. The office of the Chancellor may not be passed, but only appointed on the words of the King or Regents thereof."

Ketara nods and turns towards the door, wondering just what she'd gotten into now. Grabbing her cloak off of the rack she marched out into the chill air and headed for the guardhouse.

Lorla glances at Reizeau, but doesn't move. she would stand by what she said. she would give him up only to a guard. and then she would follow to make sure he made it safely to the guardhouse.

<Lytia> "That will be an issue for a legal proceeding to decide, and may certainly be raised in your defense," Lytia says in a concessionary tone.

<Reizeau> This was bad. He should not have come without an armed escort. Lorla was determined to safeguard him, and Lytia was not one to be trifled with, he knew all too well. Not from personal experience, but even in a city of such heroes and villains, certain men and women tended to make names for themselves. "You can be assured, Magistrate, it will. When I am admitted to a holding cell by a dragon's stamp, and not your own." He referred, of course, to the Royal Guard's dragon-between-two-hands insignia.

Karyn^ slips inside, the only noise heard being the tapping of the beads in her mass of arse length crimson braids..The curvaceous, toned 5'11 half elf peers about with emerald eyes, the only part of her body visible..From hairline to toe a seamless skin hugging blacksuit clings to her body, the surface shimmering with an oily sheen..On her right breast her badge..Arms Corporal.

Karyn^ transfers the six foot slim ebon pole she's holding to the opposite hand holding it and tucks behind her ear a few errant braids that were hanging over her mask..Coldly she looks around the room, her suit rippling as she steps further into the hubub.

<Tarn`Harscon> "Seward," Came the gruff of a voice from the wharf commander, who'd gotten word and rushed himself over. Harscon was armed, but only with a slightly elongated hunting knife strapped to his boot. As it was, it's more then likely he'd have brought a special detail in tow, which was likewise likely to be taking positions outside the Dragon. He only addressed the woman once, the pitch of his tone questioning enough to let her know he was waiting the word.

<`Serenity`> She had seen all the others crowded in the room, large blue orbs setting on Lorla a moment. She started towards the woman though paused. The little girls form coming to stand beside Tarn instead. One hand reaching up to tug gently at the mans pants as sapphire eyes were turned upwards to look upon him.

<Lytia> Lytia shrugs, wishing Ketara would hurry up so as to satisfy the obstinate noble's requirement. Really, given what Segovax had proposed, she inwardly thinks Reizeau should be thanking her for doing this. "Ah, the Wharf-Commander. I believe his stamp is a dragon," Lytia says, gesturing. "Take the Councilor to your holding cells, if you would be so kind, Commander."

------------------

At this point in our tale, we move to the Guardhouse, Main HQ of the Royal Guard, located several blocks away, where an out-of-breath Magistrate Ketara Lyon has entered to find a Guardsman, and bumped into no less than Captain Lucius Von Stahl himself.

------------------

<Lucius`> "Magistrate Lyon." The young Captain says as he comes to an abrupt halt to avoid crashing into her. The chain mail beneath his uniform tunic rattles at the abrupt motion, and he nearly loses a few darts from his hand bows quiver. "What is the matter?" She seemed upset about something, so he didn't immediately assume that it was connected to the political situation, which had been at a stalemate for the past month.

<Zesstra_Riknueth> Behind Lucius stood another figure. Nearing seven feet in height, and borderline gaunt in her thin frame, the female Arms Corporal stood, arms crossed over her chest. Her skin held a slightly blue-ish black tint, thought it was much lighter than the normal shade for a drow. Stormy grey eyes glinted dangerously as she said not a word. The frantic summons had fallen on her slightly pointed ears as well, and she had fallen in behind her Captain dutifully.

* Ketara straightened and gestured toward the door. "Magistrate Seward needs the assistance of the guard at the Black Dragon. Councillor Reizeau is being arrested on suspicion of the Council's involvement in extortion of local merchants." Perhaps the guardsman knew more of the accusation than she.

<Lucius`> "What?!?" That provoked immediate outrage from the Guard Captain, since it meant using the Guard as pawns in a transparent political ploy. "That is the most preposterous thing I've ever heard. We'd better get back there before we have a civil war on our hands." Looking around him, he motions to every Guard in the room, including Zesstra. "All of you, come with me now."

Lucius` buckles his weapons belt back around his waist, adjusting the various items back into their proper places, before heading out the door to head back to the inn.

<Zesstra_Riknueth> "On your heels, Captain." Her voice was gruff, almost masculine in its tones. She shouldered her ever-present crossbow over the thick grey cloak she wore and turned to follow him. Her blackened, silenced chainmaille made no noise as she moved, rendering her a silent shadow to the Captain.

Ketara pursed her lips and followed the young Captain, walking quickly to keep up with him. Somehow, she doubted this was what Lytia had in mind. "Captain, I remind you that the Councillor is only to be held on suspicion. It might be wise to hear Magistrate Seward's evidence before jumping to conclusions." Oh..great...
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Re: November 2003 - Mail Archives

Post by Jayne »

Night of the Hunted Goose II (The Vlorress Affair)
Author: Tom Long
Date: 12 November 2003

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Part II: THE BEER HALL PUNCH
The Blkdragon Inn
Frostfall (Nov) the 11, 473
One Bell before Midnight
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Back to the King's Inn, where doin's are a transpirin'!
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* Karyn^ stops behind Lytia with an arched brow, the woman's words drawing her to a halt..Gripping her staff tighter she turns slowly to see and learn what's going on

<Lorla> "I would ask that he be taken to the guardhouse, and not the Wharf holding cells." She says evenly, even politely.

<Karyn^> Coldly and quietly she asks as she steps up beside Lytia, her suit rippling again <vvq>"Might I inquire as to what it going on?"

<Tarn`Harscon> He simply gave the little girl a stoic enough look that even the stupidest child should've been able to understand. A senior Border Watch ranger, Harscon was the type more comfortable with straight hand to hand subduing opposed to drawing a blade--as were the two dozen special purpose light infantry that've been the sword tip of the Wharf lately.

"Councilor, you've got one chance to come peacefully. I'd rather not have to drag you, -sir-." He played the part of the good soldier well, just obeying orders. Illustrating a circle with an index finger, he gestured for Reizeau to turn.

<Lytia> "The wharf garrison was not implicated in the extortion scheme that the councillor stands accused of, Lady Overseer. I cannot trust that, were he given to the guardhouse, he would not be accidentally left unguarded with his cell door open," Lytia says. To Karyn, she says, "The Regency Council stands accused of employing certain guards in a scheme to extort from the merchants. Councilor Reizeau is to be placed under arrest while the Chancellery investigates. The office of the Lord Chancellor has issued a warrant for his, and the other Councilors' arrests."

<Reizeau> Curse them. Curse them all. Ever the politician, however, Max cannot face the situation without wondering whether this would have been better if the public had seen him in his full finery being arrested, or like this in mundanity and obscurity.

"Arms-Commander. I hereby inform you that any Chancery-issued warrant is invalid as it is lacking authority. There will be no need for dragging or cheek, Commander." Such impropriety! Such disrespect to a Councilor!

<`Serenity`> Well wasn't Tarn just a nice man, if the child could speak there is no doubt it wouldn't be very nice. Releasing her grip on his pants she wonders on off away from him and towards Lorla. Quietly she stood near the woman's side looking up at her now, rather than Tarn.

<Karyn^> "If you are concerned of his cell being unguarded..I will stand watch after I leave this inn tonight..I will see to it he is not..released prior to any proceedings.." She turns her cold stare on Reizeau, the surface of her mask darkening for a moment

<Lorla> "So you accuse the guards themselves now?" She asks incredulously. "They work for you! They have stood by you! And you accuse them like this?!" She was angry now.

<Lytia> "I make no accusations against any specific guardsmen until my investigation has been conducted, but," she looks at Karyn, "I also cannot in good conscience," again, she was a wit, "allow those I do not trust implicitly to guard such a high-profile suspect. The wharf-commander I do trust."

<Tarn`Harscon> "Heh," Harscon only gave one throaty, half chuckle at the man's response. With a sick kind of honed fluidness, the ranger's right wrist balled into a fist and swung with the devastating momentum of a man that'd served the better part of his life in the elite of Arangoth's military. It was a square punch, aimed directly for the fluffy man's nose.

<Reizeau> "Tespin Lorla Daranek, as my last act, I hereby appoint you an Acting Councilor as per your station. Please make arrangements for my legal defense." He moves towards Torn, head high and face ice, only to be met by a punch not only entirely unexpected, but entirely overwhelming for the slight Professor. Reieau goes down bloodily.

* Karyn^ turns her gaze to Lytia, one shoulder lifting slightly in a shrug "You have no reason not to trust me if you would read over the files that are kept on me.." She turns sharply on Tarn, her grip tightening on her weapon "That was not necessary as the man was not being any threat..."

<Lorla> She should have seen this. if she'd know who the blasted woman was, she would have hustled Reizeau out of here before she approached. Warrant be damned! A part of her wanted to fight this but thankfully it was a small part; her considerable intellect took control. They wanted to play this game? Then by all means. It was time to up the ante. "And I cannot trust a chancellor who takes and makes law without the leave of the King or Councilors who I KNOW to be innocent." She turns and looks at Reizeau. "Maximilien, i will take care of this. keep yourself safe." She grips his shoulder. "I will have you out as soon as possible. Take very great care .."

<Lucius`> Lytia had sent Ketara for the Guard. Unfortunately, not being a party to Lytia and Segovax's machinations, she went to the wrong guardhouse and got the wrong Guard. Followed by a contingent of whoever he could round up, the young Captain of the Guard approaches the inn at a near run, trying to head off a disaster in the making. Not even thirty years of age yet, he'd nonetheless been in charge of Drache's contingent of the Guard for nearly two years now.

<Tarn`Harscon> And Harscon was down on the man with the same practiced skill, a pair of shackles procured from his load baring harness and clamped firmly around the man's wrists. With a grunt and strain, the ranger would move to heave Reizeau up by the cuffs, into a pseudo-standing posture so that the Councilor could be more easily hefted up over his shoulder.

Xaq happens to be strolling towards the inn, and stops to watch the city's faithful defenders charge in.

Xaq a young man standing about 5'9 with hazel eyes and brown hair wearing a black tunic and grey trousers. He has a long bow slung over his shoulder with a quiver of blue-fletched and some red-fletched arrows over his other shoulder. A red handled long sword hangs in a scabbard on his belt.

<Reizeau> Very nearly out cold, the bloody-nosed Councilor makes no effort to resist, swimming near to unconsciousness as he is. In fact, he's quite limp and easy to handle. The shackles are locked tight, their iron 'clink' perhaps marking Drachean history.

* Karyn^ steps closer to Tarn, eyes narrowed. "The man did nothing to warrant that fist..Under arrest or not he was of no harm or threat toyou.." Technically to her..wouldn't that be an assault? Guards, Councillors, whoever...they were people just the same and people all were capable of crimes.

<Lucius`> Slightly below six feet in height, with brown hair and eyes, he didn't present an extremely intimidating physical presence normally, but the man was on fire with anger after what Magistrate Lyon had told him. He stalks toward the altercation centered around Lytia and Reizeau, and is all the more angry to see his wharf commander shackling Reizeau. "*What* is going on here?" He demands in a voice that's well accustomed to cutting through noisy inns and battles to be heard.

<Zesstra_Riknueth> Behind Lucius strode another, much taller figure. The nearly seven foot tall Arms Corporal kept up with him easily, long legs carrying her in the Captain's wake. The half-drow possessed skin of a bluish-black tint, and stark white hair flowed from a metal clasp high atop her head, the ends whipping down to her waist. Blackened, silenced chainmail covers her from head to ankles, the finest in elven craft, and her boots make little to no noise as she enters behind him, her thick grey cloak swirling about her legs. Over her back rests a deadly double bolted crossbow, loaded, and at each hip, a wickedly sharp dagger.

<Lytia> Upon hearing and seeing Lucius, Lytia says a very filthy word in her native Corsinican tongue. She disguises it as some kind of odd sneeze. "The Regent Councilor is under arrest," she says brusquely.

Ketara chased after the young Captain, still trying to reason with him while wondering herself just how merited these charges were. She stopped shortly behind him and looked from the mess surrounding her colleague to the woman herself. Crossing her arms she pursed her lips and looked pointedly at the limp councillor to Lytia Seward. "And under duress, it seems. Did the old man really put up that much of a fight, Lytia?"

<Lorla> "What are you doing?!" She yells at the man that hit Reizeau. seeing lucius she moves quickly. "You You must take control of this before -I- do, and another Councilor winds up abused." She Stops by lucius. "The Chancellory has issued a an arrest for chancellor Reizeau."

<`Serenity`> She was nearly hidden behind Lorla's legs now, unnoticed seemingly by all the arguing adults. Her gaze drifted towards Zesstra and Lucius seeing as they were both two new people approaching this on going event. However as soon as Lorla moved she to moved, the child now standing behind Lorla's legs as well as Lucius' legs

<Tarn`Harscon> "Step aside. You're out of line, Armsman, and it'd be in the best interest of your career--and health--never to block my path again," He snarled at the woman, with a chilling kind of disregard for her liberal standpoint. "Can you handle Lorla, Seward?" A more professional tone now, as it did actually concern him. Lorla still running around could be a little hampering.

Xaq strolls inside, and skirts around the situation, but his keen hearing takes it all in. He goes to the bar.

<Zesstra_Riknueth> "An arrest for a Councilor? For what reason?" She had remained mostly out of the loop, by choice, though she had heard enough of the building quarrel to glean some understanding.

Karyn^ reaches to the small of her back and releases her issued shackles from the hold of her suit..She glances at Lucius then Tarn, taking another step towards the bigger man.. "The one under arrest was not putting up a struggle and was laid flat by the Wharf Commander..Which by all legal accounts is assault..Correct Captain?" She turns her eyes to Tarn, nothing but cold intent behind them.."It is corporal Redfeather..not armsman"

<Lytia> "I'll be fine, Commander, get the suspect out of here," she says to Tarn, her eyes glancing to the kitchen door that would be less likely to be blocked. "Be sure he gets safely into custody."

<Lucius`> "No, he's not." He counters to Lytia, almost before she's done speaking. "Commander Harscorn, unhand that man and remove his shackles right this instant." He replies when he hears Harscorn threaten Karyn. "Seward, this is the most preposterous, transparent ploy I have ever seen in my life, and I can barely believe that you had the audacity to attempt something like this."

<Lorla> "And you had best not get in my way again Commander." She says, leveling him a look. "While i'm not a barbarian that attack unarmed men, I have my strengths. you would do well to remember that."

<Lytia> "Lucius, please... I respect your position here, but do not do this," Lytia says, staring into the Captain's eyes with an intensity that blocks out vision of much else in the room. "If you are intending to fight this battle, then I submit that this is not the place. Go, Tarn, get him out of here."

<Lucius`> "I will allow you to use the Guard as your pawns in this power struggle of yours. I will not have him held on such baseless allegations, and you would do well to remember that you do not issue orders to MY guards!"

<Tarn`Harscon> That is to say, apparently she issued orders to one guard, and that's all it really took.

<Tarn`Harscon> "Understood," A methodical man, Harscon appraised the opposition between himself and the back kitchen door, which he made his way for. The threat from Lorla was chuckled off as he flashed Karyn a contemptful, smug half grin and started his way purposefully for the door.

<Lorla> "Captain, I suggest we make sure that Councilor Reizeau is all right." She stresses, not sure if Tarn is hauling Reizeau with him, sorry, kinda trying to catch up.

<Delusion> <As history is being made, the door once more swings open, to let in yet another guard. Face, race, gender and most of his small figure concealed under his grey cloak, only the insignia of the guard remains clear to be seen, on the clasp of the cloak. Not a word out of, with a quick pace he takes the position of a by-stander in the little scene, this little bit of history that is in the making.>

Karyn^ glares daggers at Tarn's back..He would do well to learn he and his threats do not intimidate her and badge or not..She'd arrest his ass for wrongdoings as well..If he fought back it'd be much better to do so..This is one she'll be watching and not caring to hide the fact..She steps closer to Lucius, her grip still tightly on her staff

<Reizeau> Still insensate, the former leader of the 'Populars' is carried quite easily along with the Arms-Commander. His legs still supported him, for the most part, even if they did it on instinct alone.

<Lucius`> "Harscorn, stand down or I will relieve you of your command! I will not tolerate my officer corps being lackies in such a perverse scheme." And pointing to Lytia again, he says, "You had better return to the Chancellery and re-think your position, Magistrate. This is Malfeasance, and the Guard's neutrality will not last if you continue to violate the laws you are supposed to be enforcing in the courts of law."

<Lytia> At Lucius' words, she gestures to the retreating form of Tarn. "Yes, your orders are certainly seeming to be the ones that the Wharf-Commander feels like obeying. I know what you are feeling right now, but please, let reason and rationality work, not emotion. If you feel like this battle is worthy of being fought, fight it tomorrow." Compared with the hot emotions of everyone else, Lytia was icy cool.

<Delusion`> <Also trying to catch up is this particular guards person, as he silently chases after the group accompanying the ex-councilor into custody.>

<Tarn`Harscon> He drug the Councilor out, using his pampered body as a human shield as he elbowed his way through the kitchen, unhindered. He'd take a side street and slip into the cover fo the night outside, with the meat sack in tow. After all, disappearing was one of the Border Watch's specializations.

Lorla starts moving to intercept tarn. Damned if she was going to let the brute drag Reizeau off after being told to stand down by his captain.

Karyn^ looks at Lucius then back at Tarn, still holding her shackles in her other hand...At a moment of indecision she's unsure whether to follow him or not...Ah hell...

<Lucius`> "Follow him, Corporal, and arrest him if need be. He is relieved of his command."

<Zesstra_Riknueth> She stood stone still, a tall, nearly gaunt statue in the midst of all of this. Her face remained expressionless as she spoke once more, her voice harsh and heavily accented, as though it were used to a much more extreme language than common. "I ask again. What are the grounds for this arrest? Surely there must be some if you expect your charges to hold."

<`Serenity`> Once Lorla moves the girl was left standing behind Lucius not that it really mattered any, she seemed to be trampled by the all walking off and around one another, none even noticing her standing there

<Lytia> Lytia explains the charges to Zesstra, having not heard the woman's question in all the excitement.

<Karyn^> <vvq>"With pleasure.." She grins evilly under her mask as it forms over her eyes..He can run but..he would have a hell of a time hiding...There are some things better suited at hunting than rangers and border watch...Off she goes quickly and silently out the backdoor, pausing to catch the trail and moving off in chase of Tarn

<Tarn`Harscon> There was a six man ranger element Harscon brought along with him, and one of the points of order was a drop point for the Councilor's body for another man to pick up, and take back to the Wharf. Harscon, assuming he'd be tailed, would make his presence known a little ways down the street. That is, while another ranger drug Reizeau to "safety."

<Zesstra_Riknueth> "And what evidence is there to support this? Is an investigation being done? If so, this is the first I have heard of it." She too, remained unwaveringly calm, and boldly spared a glance towards the Captain, as well as a comment. "I'd like to fully understand this, Captain, seeing as how we were all dragged here from much needed rest and duties."

<Karyn^> "She heads off in Tarn's direction, twisting her staff into two separate but equal lengthed pieces..He could do this the easy way..or the hard way..Either way she'd do what she must

<Lytia> "An investigation is being prepared as we speak. Given the temper of the times, I thought it best to take him into custody while the investigation is being conducted, to avoid him pulling any political tricks to save himself."

<`Serenity`> Her form moves away from Lucius and the rest of the group, simply wandering off to be lost once again since it was apparent that she was being ignored by all

<Zesstra_Riknueth> "And the evidence? What lead to these charges?" She shifted her weight to one foot, idly crossing her arms over her chest.

<Lucius`> "That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard come from the mouth of a magistrate. This is an attempt to seize power--you're treading dangerously near to treason, Magistrate."

<Lytia> "There are citizens who will testify to back me up. I will not wake them from their beds to convince you, but they are associates of Resque Maessen. I suspect that when they hear the news of this, they will express their support for my office's actions."

Ketara eyed Tarn with a look of disgust. There were a number of reasons she stayed away from the wharf. What had happened to sitting down with the King? With the Council? Rubbing her temples she watched the retreating Commander and listened to the charges again, expecting them to make more sense.

"She has a right to know, Lytia. The charge does involve the Guard." And I'd like to hear it myself. "And I assure you, Captain, that Tespin Seward would not be supported much further if this is a power play as you suggest, as she well knows. Surely argument over this matter can wait until reasonable hours. You do, as you said, require rest."

<Lucius`> Resque Maessen was a snake. He'd testify against his own mother if it was profitable to do so. "I'm sure that you'd be able to prove that King Arlok is a white rabbit if you conducted the investigation and the trial yourself. If you wish to proceed with this farce, you will agree to leave the investigation of the crime in the hands of my office, where it rightfully belongs, and any possible trial to be handled by a judge from Sivriana or Millabratel."

<Zesstra_Riknueth> "Captain, surely this matter at least needs to be looked into. Unfortunately, as the Chancellor has already been taken into custody, it's a little late. However..." She turns to Lytia then, eyeing the Magistrate briefly. "I request to assist with the investigation. If the charges turn to be false, then at worst we would owe an apology." She, however, would not be the one to give an apology.

Xaq watches the situation from the bar sipping his tea quietly. Is the the Captain of the Guard? Damn a fortune could be made with a few well placed words. He shall have to keep his eyes peeled in the future.

<Lytia> "That's the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard come from the mouth of the Captain of the Guard," Lytia replies, "It would be impossible to trust your judgement of your own men's conduct. I will, however, agree to the concession that Ketara will be the magistrate who makes a judgement in this affair once both you and I have collected evidence, if that pleases you," she says. "I think that would only be fair, as I am sure you can trust Ketara, no? After all, were she involved in some farcical 'power play'," she says, disparaging of the term, "she would not have roused your attention."

<Lytia> Lytia also agrees to Zesstra's request, pending Lucius' approval.

<Lucius`> "And it's equally impossible to trust your judgement due to your ongoing conflict with the Council, and the dubious legality of the Chancellery continuing to function while the office of Lord Chancellor is vacant." He nods to Zesstra. "Granted. And very well, Magistrate Lyon can make the final judgement. Should Councilor Reizeau be exonerated, I'll request that she investigate you for Malfeasance next."

* Ketara opened her mouth to protest, bit her lip and closed it again, looking questioningly at the young Captain. She nearly protested again when he agreed but settled for giving Lytia an annoyed glare. "As you wish, Captain. That's only fair and I will be more than happy to comply should this fiasco prove nothing but a waste of time. May we all please get some rest now?" Scowling and beyond irritated she looked from her colleague to the Guard Captain and back.

<Lytia> "That is your right," Lytia says with a shrug, unperturbed, as confident as any mutineer that righteousness was on her side. "Now, if you will excuse me, Captain von Stahl," Lytia says with a warm smile. Hers was a perverse kind of jest, fobbing off the responsibility for judgement on Ketara; though it would likely be a moot point. "I would like to get some rest and something to eat as well."

<Zesstra_Riknueth> "I think that I will join you for a meal, Magistrate." She did not ask. She simply stated it matter-of-factly. She stood there though, waiting for further words or actions.

<Lytia> Lytia shrugs. "If you wish. Are you hungry, Ketara?" she asks, glancing at her colleague.

* Ketara nodded and finally slipped her cloak off. "I was, Tespin Seward, but now I think exhaustion has won out. I will speak with you tomorrow, if that's acceptable?" She arched an eyebrow questioningly, eyes still narrowed in annoyance.

<Lytia> "I would like nothing greater, Tespin Lyon," she says, whimsically adopting the formality. "Captain von Stahl?" she asks, by implication extending her offer to him as well. She doubted he would accept, but it was only polite.
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