RuneScape Forum Archive | Scions of House Arenar (RP)

George Rozas

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With the Scions (and Dalhover) gathered once again it seemed that a lead had been found - Wheelton, the very domain of Prince Reyner, was the apparent location of the scroll and the amulet. Such a revelation prompted Flynn's eyebrow to rise as he listened to the full explanation, his eyes briefly glancing at Reyner before returning to Leon with his thoughts whirring to life.

His initial thought was simple; it was no coincidence Wheelton was the location Eva had pointed to. With the blade that killed their father being of goblin make and the trail leading to the one goblin village overseen by a Scion? One nobody had known of until so very recently? Whoever orchestrated these events wanted discord sown in more ways than one; in this case Reyner served as a convenient red herring that could be suspected in place of the true culprits, but that was by no means a plan they counted on.

No... where the more hot-headed and suspicious of his siblings might hold tight to their suspicions of their new brother, no doubt the culprits knew not all would fall for such a heavy-handed manipulation. Though, had they accounted for Eva's unexpected return? None had known until she appeared before them that very day, after all. Unless Eva's survival was known and her movements tracked by the culprits? There were numerous possibilities and so little to work with.

His thoughts continued for a time during which his siblings spoke up, one by one, to pledge themselves to the expedition or to bow off to where they could hold the fort here in the capital. Flynn noted each decision silently, each who spoke up making the choice he suspected they would - only but half of the people in the room had chosen, but of those who had yet to speak the Black Prince could see which way the wind was blowing. It would be a fool's errand to stop Reyner from leading the charge back to his home, uncle Leon's abilities were simply too valuable to be left behind when his nieces and nephews marched into I am Inferi.

28-Nov-2022 18:39:21

George Rozas

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an expected trap, Derene and Kathlyn were integral to the realm's stability in these uncertain times and, all in all, had never been warriors. The only uncertainty Flynn could see was Gallus - but regardless of his brother's choice he had already made his own.

"I will remain in the capital,"

He spoke up with perhaps the most surprising decision so far, a hand to his chin in thought as he took in the room of Scions with a clinical eye.

"Perhaps luring us to Wheelton is a trap, but in which way? To draw us into a net where they may strike, or to draw us away from the capital where they may take further action? It's likely the answer is both, and with half of our most combat accomplished Scions taking to the expedition I will remain here as a balance."

I am Inferi.

28-Nov-2022 18:39:24 - Last edited on 28-Nov-2022 18:40:04 by George Rozas

Drahcir Evan

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Inferi said :
“

Reyner, what are your thoughts on the best way to approach this? Will bringing a contingent of soldiers be an asset, or will they be a detriment? You know the territory better than anyone here, and I do not wish to cause any harm to your people during our investigation.

”
A shot of surprise flashed across Reyner's face, and as quickly disappeared again. Playing host to the army in ordinary circumstances would likely be of great benefit to such a small and isolated place as Wheelton Village, but under the current circumstances it would surely bring much tension along with it. Though there was no obvious sentiment to usurp his lordship, Reyner was not prepared to discount the possibility of that outcome.

"Wheelton's roads and accommodations are second to none." the scion replied with a pointed sense of pride. "But the woods are unwieldy, especially toward The Confederacy ."

"A large force would struggle to move in the wilds, and the goblins would be ill at ease to receive them. The stability that I brought to the region is recent, and a royal brigade is like to provoke banditry." he proposed.

"We can ill-afford to move at the pace of so many men. " Reyner concluded with something of a veiled disdain. "Should we need for soldiers - for more than my capable forces - we'll consult The Confederacy."

There was a brief silence before he quickly added "-Or Havelan if the green of our neighbors is too offensive for your Alyssian sensibilities ." Reyner's eyes glared around the room, giving regards especially to Roland.

28-Nov-2022 21:58:14

NotFishing

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"Wheelton is part of Havelan,"

Roland retorted - demonstrating a surprising amount of knowledge about the location which few would have expected from him.

"It's them you should be turning to in the first place. The Duchess won't be happy if goblins are permitted to enter her province without her consent. As is, Her Grace barely tolerates the goblins who are actually her subjects."

Then, he smiled, and turned to Flynn.

"Speaking of sweet Helena, I heard-"

"Enough,"

Leon raised a hand for silence.

"Who else is going?"

"I'll go,"

Gallus decided, then shrugged.

"I don't see what I can do here."

"I will stay,"

Derene decided.

"I have the most experience in administering the realm. I know the crown's revenues, expenses, and stockpiles better than anyone here."

"I will remain as well,"

Kathlyn decided.

"Much as I would like to avenge Father or find out what is happening, the prospect of scouring the forests with both Roland and Reyner sounds dreadfully unpleasant."

Before either Roland or Reyner could reply to that, Leon interjected.

"I will go to Wheelton,"

he decided.

"You spirited younglings will need someone to keep you in check and heal your inevitable wounds, after all. Now, all of you, get some rest and make your preparations. I'd like us to be gone tomorrow, if possible."

Beneath the gold, the Bitter Steel.

28-Nov-2022 23:49:31

Azi Demonica

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Reyner recommended to lead the party to Wheelton himself, a sound plan.

Not only would Adrienne stay, but so would the Black Prince, which came as a surprise to Dalhover, who expected such an adventurous man to head out. Thoughts of that strange book flooded Dalhover’s mind--such an evil thing it surely must be!

Reyner’s next response felt a bit off, and Dalhover’s suspicions drifted to the unthinkable--a Scion as the assassin? He stroked his big white beard. No, that cannot be the case. That ancient book must be speaking spells into existence.
But the dangers of magical assassins and crafty goblins were there. Gallus and Leon would also be going. Dalhover gave that a nod.

Leon finished the meeting and things would be underway. Kathlyn and Derene, too, would stay, however.

Havelon, Dalhover pondered as the meeting ended, I wonder what Virgilÿ and Anna are up to? I hope Johannes and Maria are safe...

29-Nov-2022 01:00:48

Mar

2023

Bluefirecan

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The Scions each announced their intent to remain at home or join the journey to Wheelton. Most of the decisions were well within Rie’s expectations, though Flynn’s intent to stay was a brief shock to her.

Adrienne also noticed Roland’s not-so-subtle dig at Flynn regarding his meeting with Helena, before Leon shut that line of discussion down before it began. She made a mental note to discuss that event with Flynn, as she’d heard some versions of the event herself. Better to nip a rumor as quickly as possible, especially with the Scions at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Rie only hoped it was nothing more than a rumor, given current events, but she knew well that some of her siblings would not be so cautious in these matters.

As the last of the Scions gave their decisions and the group started to disperse, Rie reached a hand out to her oldest brother. She intended to get his attention with the gesture. “

Forgive me, brother. Do you have a moment to discuss a private matter?

” Assuming Flynn accepted, the diplomat would lead him away from the rest of the Scions. “

I have heard an… unfortunate rumor regarding you and the Duchess this afternoon. I just want to get ahead of any… scandals that may arise as a result. Did anything happen between the two of you?

” Her tone was cautious. She did not wish to unduly pry into his personal life, but she wanted to hear from him what had transpired. It was clear from her tone that she was somewhat used to having to smooth rumors of the Scions’ dalliances over, though it never seemed to get any easier with practice.
I just play FFXIV at this point. DC: Crystal

29-Nov-2022 02:36:19

George Rozas

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The rest of the decisions went according to what Flynn expected and would, thus, leave five of them to remain in the capital. A slightly raised eyebrow was aimed at Roland when the man was cut off, noting that word of his meeting with the Duchess had already spread. The rumour mill was as fast as ever. With the meeting being brought to a swift close and everyone moving to rest or prepare the Black Prince rose from his seat as well - only for his attention to be drawn by a gesture from his sister.

"Of course, Rie - I had a matter to bring up with you as well,"

He replied with a smile, following his sister away from the others where they could keep their business quiet. Stopping to listen the man could not help but chuckle - truly the rumour mill was unmatched around the palace. Flynn shook his head, smile unmoved as it took on a tint of amusement.

"Ever dutiful, sister. You'll be pleased to hear that while I met with the Duchess little more than an hour prior that no sordid events took place. Although it appears little Lena has grown bold - she spoke of her wish to court one of our siblings, albeit without naming which; I do, however, suspect her eye may be on Gallus..."

He lowered his voice further at the end, leaning forward a touch conspiratorally.

A moment passed as he considered, his smile turning down to a slight frown as he went on to add more.

"She did tell me that she expressed this wish to father not long ago, seeking permission, and not only did he refuse but countered her offer with one to marry him instead... in sordid fashion."

His expression showed his obvious distaste for their father's actions.

"She refused, of course. I dislike her timing on bringing such matters up, but I cannot begrudge her commitment."

I am Inferi.

29-Nov-2022 03:05:16

Mar

2023

Bluefirecan

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Flynn, open as ever, was willing to share the details of the “affair” with the Duchess in the time prior to the second meeting with the Scions. Rie breathed a visible sigh of relief, though she knew only too well how much the rumor mill would skew the truth – especially with someone as high standing as the Duchess and the Black Prince both were. Apparently they’d just discussed Helena’s interest in marrying one of the Scions.

Adrienne’s eyebrows knitted together for a moment as she listened to Flynn’s theories on Helena’s intended betrothed. The elf had been made aware of the Duchess’s request to the King sometime prior – in case it has been relevant to her work – so that detail was no shock to her. However, Flynn suggested it was Gallus who Helena had selected as her chosen target, so to speak. “

And you do not think it… Odd, that she would call on you to request courting one of our siblings? Why not call on them instead?

” Rie asked, the hint of a smile playing on her lips as she realized her brother had not even considered himself a suitor. “

Besides, Gallus is not interested in courting or being courted – it was a sore subject amongst the many nobles who rather threw themselves at him after duels,

” the elf laughed, feeling for the first time today a moment of release.

Still, the knowledge that their father had pushed for his own marriage to the Duchess gave Rie pause. It wasn't exactly information that shocked her, but it regularly made her uncomfortable when she would have to mediate strained relationships as a result of their father's licentiousness.
I just play FFXIV at this point. DC: Crystal

29-Nov-2022 03:28:22

George Rozas

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Now it was Flynn's turn to knit eyebrows together, his reaction prompted by the revelation about Gallus - his brother had no interest in courting? An unexpected turn, he had of course heard much about Gallus' successful duels but any mention of him taking no courtings had passed him by. If that was his wishes then of course that was of no bother, but it seemed such information was open amidst the court and, as such, Helena would be well aware - meaning it could not have been Gallus she spoke of.

"A sore spot indeed - most news I've heard of his duels could not help but include far too many mentions of how dashing and graceful brother appeared,"

He chuckled again, albeit more subdued as he wondered who the Duchess could have meant. If he recalled the woman held little love for Roland, Reyner was too much of an unknown and Varen... Flynn had heard little of Varen since he heard news his brother was exiled, never learning why. Perhaps he could learn in the coming days.

"In truth I suspect it was her way of asking for my blessing, which I granted as a brother - though I quite heavily suggested she keep such actions to herself until after the current crisis."

He shook his head, wondering about the matter but setting it aside to be considered later.

"There is one matter I wished to bring up with you - I'd intended to do so after the others leave come the morrow, once those of us staying gathered to discuss our plans, but I can begin with you."

Flynn gave her a serious look.

"Sister, I request your permission to grant you a guard until this crisis is resolved,"

He said, voice lowered again.

"I have no doubt your own are excellent, but in these troubles I wish to have one of my own keep watch over you - should a danger arise, I will know. They would not bother you, indeed, none would know they are even there."

I am Inferi.

29-Nov-2022 03:55:03

Mar

2023

Bluefirecan

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Adrienne could tell word of Gallus’s disinterest in romantic pursuits had not reached Flynn’s ears on his journeys. “

Never you fear, our brother is a force to be reckoned with on the dueling grounds.

”

The twin took Flynn’s words in and mulled them over. “

You were right to insist that such matters wait until the current crisis…

” Rie paused, clearly still having a hard time thinking of the day’s events without tearing up. “

Until things are more stable. Still, I think it might be useful to consider that you, too, are one of our dear father’s unwed sons,

” she finished.

Flynn’s tone shifted dramatically, and he brought up the concept of keeping a guard with her. It was true that she had her own guard – all of the Scions did, really, whether they were close to their guard or not – but Flynn wanted to install “one of his own.” Rie hesitated, her eyes widening slightly. She’d never disliked her brother for his choice in magic, but the thought of him using it for her sake caused her to shift. “

What... What do you mean? How would they avoid detection?

” There was the unspoken question, of course, of how this would affect the soul that would be used as her guard.
I just play FFXIV at this point. DC: Crystal

29-Nov-2022 04:33:56

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