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       #Post#: 249--------------------------------------------------
       429 AC Las in Ergoth 
       By: Dungeon Master Date: August 11, 2023, 1:41 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Warning, Implied subject matter ahead.
       [center]Las in Ergoth
       Las created by DCR
       Story One
       Chapter One: Las in Ergoth  [/center]
       Western Ansalon
       Northern Ergoth
       Kenderhome
       Hylo
       Captain Mikal Vardan is on a mission. He’s already been to
       Trip’s House and no dice. He doesn’t have time to go on a Kender
       hunt, he pulls out the stone Las gave him and says “Trippleknot
       Spellcracker.” The stone starts pulling him along in a
       direction. Swimming. Great. “Tripp! We are leaving!”  The Kender
       known to his friends as Tripp, swings one last time into the
       water and then swims back to Mikal. Mikal explains on the way to
       Trip’s house what they are doing.
       “So, we’re flying to the Dragon Isles?” The Kender asks
       excitedly.
       “Shush, yes, keep it quiet or we will be swarmed,” Mikal says
       quietly to the Kender.
       "It sounds incredible. I hope we don’t wreck as often as we did
       the last time . I almost drowned when that Sea Monster attacked
       the Ship .” The Kender first mate says.
       “I remember, yeah that was bad. Hopefully this will be an
       in-and-out gig. The Elves are counting on us.”
       “Weren’t they counting on us the last time?” Trip asks.
       “It’s a vicious cycle, is it not?” Mikal observes
       The Kender just nods his head in agreement.
       Twenty minutes later, they are out the door and walking back to
       Las, who is looking at the Maps. She observes, “The maps are
       getting better.”
       Mikal looks at an example and agrees. “I will have to pick a few
       of these up next time I’m in Town. We’re ready. “
       “Hi Trip,” Las says, beaming.
       “Hello, Lady Las. Are you coming with us?”  Tripp asks.
       “Not this time, is everyone ready? Las pulls Mikal to her and
       she casts the Teleportation Spell and the three of them travel
       the roads of magic to Gwynned, the Imperial City, Las’s House.
       They appear inside Las’s Laboratory on the Third Floor, inside a
       circle drawn on the floor with chalk. The Runes' light fades
       away.
       Trip looks at Las and says, “I love you Las.”
       They all laugh and walk downstairs where Marilee is watching
       over the fort. She is keeping the kids entertained with stories.
       Trip is only too happy to play with Kirea and hangs out with the
       Daera and Sator.  They are acquainted by a visit from Trip many
       moons ago to the Forest of Merwellyn.
       Marilee tells Las she received a letter back from Wydara, she
       says she her time is occupied for the next two weeks, but she
       will make time to come over and assign some guards this evening.
       Las nods in understanding. “Must have a fight coming up.”  She
       looks at her younger sister Daera and her brother Sator,
       deciding if it’s the best judgment or not to let the kids go to
       the games, if just once. She is 45 and he is 40. Not exactly
       kids, but elven maturity is at eighty traditionally.  Las thinks
       it's hard because she and her sister were out adventuring well
       before they turned eighty. It scares her a little bit of losing
       either one of them. This is why she is getting her nanny back,
       who she used before, and hiring some tutors to occupy some of
       their time. She also has a mind to ask Wydara to get Sator a
       Sword fighting instructor.  May as well take every opportunity
       Ergoth has to give while the Kids are here. She decides she
       won’t ask them about the Games.
       Marilee tells Las and Mikal
       ” The supplies are being loaded and a few new crew members that
       me and Mikal hired yesterday will be at the docks tomorrow.
       Lashia and Damara will be here in the morning. All we can do is
       make sure we are loaded and ready to take off.”
       Mikal, Tripp, and Marilee hire a wagon to pick up the final
       supplies they will need for the trip, in case something should
       go wrong, which, in Mikal’s case, he always tries to be
       prepared.
       They pack the goods into the Navigator and she is ready to set
       out. Mikal bribes the Dock Night Watchman to keep an extra eye
       on their ship.
       The Twin’s aunt Wydara arrives at Las’s House with a couple of
       burly built large men. Wydara is Talidaar’s older sister and the
       only surviving member of Talidaar’s family from Qualinesti.
       Wydara tells Las, “The guys are here to stand watch and go with
       you everywhere you go while you are in Town.” She indicates to
       one, “This is Cormac of Kharolis and the other is Pollux of
       Taris. Best not to get friendly with them, and treat them like
       furniture, not that they are slaves, they owe some money, and
       they are paying it off.  I’ll send another two in a couple of
       days; I will bring these back to keep them in shape.”
       She asks about her brother and Lashia.  Marilee and Las go into
       a little more detail than was provided in Marilee’s letter.
       Wydara tells the assembled Adults that she has a few matches in
       the Games coming up in Two Weeks.
       “I have my Gladiators on an intense workout schedule and
       training. I want to win. But if you need anything, let me know.”
       Las tells Wydara that she is getting Daera and Sator tutors, and
       would like to “show them around and take in the culture. I want
       to bring them to the Theater.”
       Wydara tells Las, “If you go to the Theater, let her know and
       she will get seats and join them.”
       Las thanks her aunt. Then asks “How possible would be if we
       could hire a Sword fighting instructor for Sator while he is
       here?”
       Wydara looks at her nephew with an appraising eye.
       “Stand up for me Nephew, let me see how tall you have gotten.”
       He is already taller than Las, which isn’t hard. But he’s just
       shy of Wydara’s height.
       “Thank you, Nephew, yes, I think I know someone. He is highly
       respected in the city. I’ll get him over this week. And Sator,
       I’ll bring you over to the house and you can watch the men train
       a while.”    Sator smiles big, and Las groans.
       The Adults all have a drink for their reunion and Wydara talks
       shop with her Gladiators then She says her goodbyes to everyone
       with affectionate hugs and departs Las’s House to travel back to
       her school.
       Las shows where everyone is sleeping and puts the little one to
       sleep. Las tells her sister and Trip good night, then she takes
       her man upstairs, as she won’t have him to herself for a little
       while.
       This is one couple that keeps it hot every day, and they adore
       each other every minute.
       She takes his shirt off and gets on the bed.
       Fade to Black
       #Post#: 278--------------------------------------------------
       Las in Ergoth: Chapter Two: Goodbyes
       By: Dungeon Master Date: August 14, 2023, 10:13 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [center]Las in Ergoth
       Story One
       Chapter Two: Goodbyes[/center]
       Western Ansalon
       Northern Ergoth
       Gwynned The Imperial Capital City of Ergoth
       It is Night as the sisters Damara and Lashia, and Damra’s
       Griffon Sovereign Teleport to Gwynned in Park near Las’s house,
       and make their way to her residence.
       They arrive at two large men guarding the entryway. The elves
       agree they must be from Wydara.
       “Excuse me, Did the girls tell you to expect anyone? “Lashia
       asks the Guards.
       “Two elven she-elves and a griffon looks like you fit the bill.”
       The guard knocks on the door, and Marilee answers and comes out
       and helps get Sovereign situated in the backyard. It’s not much,
       but they are leaving the next day.
       They come inside; most everyone is asleep. Marilee shows them
       their room. Not very big, but it has a bed.
       Everyone gets some sleep and in the morning Las and Mikal make
       everyone breakfast and then everyone and the Griffons that are
       going head down to the docks. Las and Mik said their goodbyes
       last night so they wouldn’t cause a scene on the ship. Mik gives
       Las a hug and a kiss and tells her he will be back. Trip boards
       the Navigator and meets the rest of the new crew, who groan that
       it’s a Kender.
       They get Sovereign below into the hold. And they are ready to be
       off.
       Lashia says goodbye to her children with Talidaar. He tells them
       that their Father will be coming for them when all of the mess
       back home is cleaned up. She kisses them in turn and tells them
       to listen to Las. She then hugs Las and tells her to watch her
       babies for her. Las assures her that she will.
       Soon, the Navigator is pulling away, and the last waves tell
       them goodbye, and that they are loved.
       Las and the kids walk back to the House and plan their day. Las
       wishes more than anything that she was going, but she has
       responsibilities now. The new guards have come from Wydara. Las
       tells them they are going to walk around the city and can take
       in the sights, and she will show her siblings around the city.
       Last informs the guards that they are going for a walk. The
       Gladiators guard them on their excursion.
       #Post#: 325--------------------------------------------------
       Las in Ergoth Chapter Three: Daera
       By: Dungeon Master Date: August 19, 2023, 7:37 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [center]Las in Ergoth
       Story One
       Chapter Three: Daera[/center]
       Western Ansalon
       Northern Ergoth
       Gwynned, The Imperial Capital City of Ergoth
       The sword-fighting instructor named Horter arrives at Las’s
       house.
       Sator and Horter go into the backyard and begin training
       Daera feels completely overwhelmed. She had never been to such a
       large City before. Her first real trip out of the Forest was to
       Inath Wakenti in Northern Khur. On the way back, they went
       through Sanction. She never imagined such places existed. Daera
       and Sator were a bit more sheltered after the chaotic
       upbringings the Twins and Nebris had. They were lost in the past
       for a time with the Kender Longshot, and they came back nearly
       adults. The last two were raised in safety and securely at the
       Keep. The furthest away from the Forest they got was to go to
       New Ports, Digfel, Haven, or the Solace festivals. One could
       forgive Talidaar for not taking them around in the time of the
       Dragon Overlords.
       So, while Daera is overwhelmed, she is not complaining. There is
       too much to see and do. Seeing the different people, their
       clothes, and different styles. She mostly felt like she was on a
       different planet.
       She loves the Forest, she, of all the kids is pathless. She has
       not found her place yet; she doesn’t know which direction to
       take. She hopes for some sort of sign on this trip to help her
       figure it all out.
       Meanwhile, The Nanny has been here and Las has spent part of the
       day in her Laboratory, coming out to breastfeed Kira, and then
       returning to the Laboratory.
       Daera watched some of Sator’s lesson, laughing a few times to
       herself, seeing Sator get disarmed over and over.
       She does not like the male-dominant societal rules of the
       Empire. Las calls this her house. But it is in Mikal’s Name. And
       Wydara had to get special dispensation to be allowed to own a
       Gladiator School. She is afforded some rank and privilege, and
       it is a step in the right direction, but there is so far to go.
       Tonight, they are joining Wydra on a trip to the Amphitheatre to
       see a show. The Gladiator guards have been reclaimed by Wydara
       and replaced with a detail of guards from the Ludus.
       Sator and Horter went through the basic principles of Sword
       fighting. Horter was pleased to see the boy had some prior
       training, but it was not refined. They go over the sword
       stances. Blocks, thrusts, sword swings. Just basic things today,
       gauging his skill and capabilities.
       In the early evening, Wydara arrives in a carriage and picks up
       her niece and nephew for the night.
       On the way over, Wydara asks about Sator’s sword Lesson. Asks if
       he enjoyed his teacher. Sator did like him. “He was very
       knowledgeable, and I feel like I have learned things already.
       Thank you, Aunt Wydara.”
       They take their seats. The torches are lit in the front of the
       stage by a stagehand.
       The narrator comes out to the Center Stage. He is wearing a
       three-quarter mask, and dressed in a grey robe.
       He raises his hands, and the quiet voices from the audience fall
       to silence.
       What follows is an old play about the Gods of Krynn and the
       folly of the Kingpriest.
       #Post#: 336--------------------------------------------------
       Las in Ergoth Chapter Four:  Sator 
       By: Dungeon Master Date: August 22, 2023, 12:23 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [center]Las in Ergoth
       Story One
       Chapter Four:  Sator
       [/center]
       Western Ansalon
       Northern Ergoth
       Gwynned, The Imperial Capital City of Ergoth
       The tutors have arrived at the house and each of the young elves
       is given a lesson in the parameters that Las set for them. Some
       Ergothian language, geography, and a little bit of history for
       today. They are up on arithmetic.
       When that’s over, Daera checks if Las needs anything, then goes
       outside for some air.
       Yes, she learned, but it was tedious, but she is grateful to
       learn some things she had questions about.
       She thinks about the play they saw the other night. It was
       grander than anything she had experienced before.  She had been
       transfixed by the spectacle and hung on every word. The message
       of hubris stuck with her.
       Sator comes out with his training sword and asks her if he can
       have the space to train. While it is a backyard, it is not any
       kind of view to speak of. A couple of tall walls and a little
       bit of sky. Some plants, possibly spell components. She says,
       “Sure. I think we are going to the market district tomorrow.”
       Then Daera goes inside to give him some space.
       Sator is now thinking about the market and what he might find
       there. He runs down the list of his armaments thus far and the
       state of the various pieces of armor he has been piecing
       together back home. If it hasn’t been sacked yet.
       He thinks about his parents and the missions they are on, and
       how he could be more help than “stuck” here, and really not
       being in a position to help at all.
       He is grateful for the new experience, but there are too many
       people, and the smells are horrendous at times, depending on the
       direction of the wind.
       Certainly, the largest city he has ever been in. He knew some of
       the history, well, parts of it. The Parts where they were the
       enemy during the Kinslayer War. He can’t say he has experienced
       any outright racism or strange or odd looks thus far.
       Perhaps there is some progressivism here.
       He tries to filter all the noise out and tries to think about
       what he was taught the other day by his new sword master Horter.
       Through lessons with Marille, he gained many underhanded tricks
       to gain the advantage. This training was much more martially
       refined. But he always finds he coming back to the underhanded
       tricks.  They are effective because they work.
       #Post#: 357--------------------------------------------------
       Las in Ergoth Chapter Five: Spark
       By: Dungeon Master Date: August 26, 2023, 9:44 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [center]Las in Ergoth
       Story One
       Chapter Five Spark[/center]
       Western Ansalon
       Northern Ergoth
       Gwynned The Imperial Capital City of Ergoth
       Merchant District
       The majority of the businesses of Gwynned are located here in
       the Merchant district. jewelers, Clothiers, toys, weapons, just
       about everything. Las has some items to sell and potions to
       deliver. Daera and Sator are accompanying her. Both of the young
       elves have brought their money bags and have intentions to pick
       up a few items. They have two guards with them as well.
       Las points out a Landmark to go to if we should be separated.
       “Do not go anywhere with anyone else.”
       Las is her Red Wizard’s robe, marking her as a follower of
       Lunitari. The guards stand outside every business they go in.
       Las delivers the potions she made and earns a profit. She takes
       the items she wishes to sell to the right shop. These items were
       procured on Mikal and Las’s last trip. With her money bag a
       little heavier. Las takes her siblings shopping. First, to get
       new clothes for Daera and Sator. Sator is not enjoying himself,
       but does not mope or complain. Daera purchases a shoulder
       satchel bag at another store. With that out of the way, they
       make their way to the Arms and Armorer row. This takes Sator a
       while because he has never seen so much variety. Las and Daera
       are not paying close attention to him, but glance his way every
       little bit to keep tabs on him. He picks up a Bow for his sister
       Daera and some arrows, for himself, he picks up a medium shield
       of excellent quality.
       His Sword instructor suggested that they will practice with
       Shield work as well, the defensive and offensive capabilities.
       The bow and arrows he decided to buy for his sister because he
       had seen her shoot before, and she was good. He had not seen her
       follow up with it, but maybe she will connect with it.
       He walks back to Las and Daera and tells them he is ready to
       leave the district. They head to the communal restrooms. They
       are separated by sex.  Wash in the washroom then they gather
       back together. They get some food at the grocer and get a
       carriage home. Sator gives Daera the bow and arrows.
       At first, she wants to ask why, then thinks back to the times
       she has shot in the past. She remembers the day they shot
       together with Marilee. She looks at him and tells him, “Thank
       you.”
       Las just questions where they can have enough room to shoot.
       They ride back to the House and fix dinner. They are starving,
       considering they put off eating all day. They make enough for
       the guards and get them drinks.
       Las goes into the backyard and thinks about where Daera could
       fire the bow. She sees that it isn’t going to be here, so where…
       She asks the nanny if she knows where archery may be practiced
       in the city. They get a map, and she points out a long building
       near the armory where the local archers hone their craft.
       The Next day, Las and Daera go over to the Armory area and enter
       the long building.
       This backward place has the sexes divided, and the women only
       have a few lanes. There are no women at the moment.
       Daera practices with her Bow and arrows for a couple of hours.
       She needs practice after a few shots she feels embarrassed and
       determined. But in time she gets better. She comes back over the
       next couple of days. She buys a quiver and gets some more
       arrows.
       #Post#: 376--------------------------------------------------
       Las in Ergoth Chapter Six: An Old Acquaintance 
       By: Dungeon Master Date: September 1, 2023, 1:13 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [center]Las in Ergoth
       Story One
       Chapter Six: An Old Acquaintance[/center]
       Western Ansalon
       Northern Ergoth
       Gwynned, The Imperial Capital City of Ergoth
       On with the Story.
       At the house,
       The tutoring sessions continue-
       The Sword Practicing continues with Sator and his instructor,
       Horter-
       And Daera has been making her return to the Archery Range- Las
       has been accompanying her with baby Kira.
       On this recent visit, Daera soon finds she is not the only girl
       at the end of the range. But what the other young woman is
       firing a Crossbow.  It catches Daera’s attention and holds it.
       The young woman is also elven but not dressed girlish. Short
       black hair, dark cloak, dark green shirt
       black pants with a black belt, armed with Knivesin knife sheafs.
       black, nice, stylish
       boots.
       “Pandora?” exclaims a voice coming from behind them.
       The Woman looks unsure at first and then recognizes the Red
       Robe.
       “Las, what on Krynn are you doing here?” Pandora disarms the
       crossbow and slings the strap over her shoulder. And walks to
       her.
       “I live here, off and on. What are you doing here? Is this where
       you went after…”
       Pandora comes close, “We kind of faked his death. Taim’s here,
       with me, and Palianess Darkhammer is here too. Did you know he
       was still alive?”
       “We thought he was dead, we all did. Pandora, this is my sister
       Daera. She’s only recently gotten into archery." Las introduces
       Daera to Pandora.
       “I saw a few of her shots, a fast learner I’d say, have you ever
       fired one of these? I’ve seen you eye it practically since I
       started shooting it.”
       “Can I?” Daera asks.
       Las says sure, and Pandora unslings the crossbow from her
       shoulder and hands it over and walks her through the steps. She
       pulls the string back to latch and hands it over to Daera. They
       knock an arrow and Daera aims, feels the weight in her arms,
       feels the stock against her shoulder, breathes, aims, Fires-
       Little off, she tries again,
       Again, hits low.
       Tries again
       right of center.
       “Good job. I will meet you here again this time tomorrow, we
       will shoot more then.”
       Las and Deara walk away with Deara asking Las lots of questions
       about Pandora and Palainess Darkhammer. Questions Las carefully
       navigates and tries to steer Deara away from a possible road
       that Las does not want Deara to go down. They return to Las’s
       house.
       #Post#: 428--------------------------------------------------
       429 AC Las in Ergoth Chapter Seven: Surprise
       By: Dungeon Master Date: September 11, 2023, 12:35 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [center]Continued from Wydara Blood and the Arena Chapter Five:
       Funeral for Ragos/Preparing for the Party Part One
  HTML https://thedamnforum.createaforum.com/empire-of-ergoth/blood-and-circuses/msg422/#msg422[/center]
       [center]
       Las in Ergoth
       Story One
       Chapter Seven: Surprise[/center]
       Western Ansalon
       Northern Ergoth
       Gwynned, The Imperial Capital City of Ergoth
       It was very much a surprise when Las received a post that turned
       out to be an invitation to Wydara’s victory party at Wydara’s
       Training school.  The post includes a little money to get kids
       some clothes.
       Also, some suggestions for attire. What the heck?
       Las takes her siblings to get gowns and a nice toga for Sator.
       She gets them and herself set and begins to head back to the
       house to find Palianess entertaining guests in the sitting room.
       She finds her father, Talidaar, sitting on her divan.
       “Dad,” Las exclaims.
       “Daddy,” coming from a shocked Daera.
       “Father” Sator is shocked but happy to see him
       “Hi,” He gets up and hugs his children with Baby Kira in his
       arms. “So, what this I hear about a Party?”
       Las says Wydara is inviting us to a quasi-symposium victory
       party at her Training School.  There are supposed to be dancers,
       a dinner, there is supposed to be an exhibition. of her
       gladiators. I don’t fully know why we were invited, except that
       we are family.”
       Talidaar looks at his younger children. “You two want to go to
       this?”
       “At first, I didn’t want to, but I sort of want to see what her
       school is like, I haven’t been there before,” Daera says.
       Sator says, “I don’t love the idea of wearing a toga, but I very
       much wish to go and see these Gladiators fight in an
       exhibition.”
       Talidaar considers this and decides. “Well, it looks like I’m
       going off to get a toga.”
       
       [center]Will continue in Wydara: Blood and the Arena Story One
       Chapter Five: Victory Party Part Two Baby Brother
  HTML https://thedamnforum.createaforum.com/empire-of-ergoth/blood-and-circuses/msg429/#msg429[/center]
       #Post#: 442--------------------------------------------------
       429 AC Las in Ergoth Chapter Eight: Deliberations
       By: Dungeon Master Date: September 13, 2023, 3:16 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Continued from Wydara exhibition
  HTML https://thedamnforum.createaforum.com/empire-of-ergoth/blood-and-circuses/msg439/#msg439
       [center]Las in Ergoth
       Story One
       Chapter Eight: Deliberations [/center]
       Western Ansalon
       Northern Ergoth
       Gwynned, The Imperial Capital City of Ergoth
       The group of Las, her father Talidaar, and her siblings Daera
       and Sator are walking back to Las’s villa when a carriage stops
       for them. Las makes sure it is legit and tells the driver where
       they are going. They get inside the horse-drawn carriage and
       ride home.
       Once Las pays the driver, they go inside the house. In the
       sitting room, Palianess offers Talidaar a drink, and Talidaar
       declines, saying he had too many glasses of wine already at the
       Party.
       Talidaar goes in to see Las. They quietly talk about the kids
       staying with her longer, if that is something she would be up
       to. Las thinks about it, and she says she can do that.
       Taidaar visits his son and daughter together and asks them how
       they would feel about maybe staying for a while, maybe through
       the winter. The kids are excited, and Daera gets up off her bed
       and runs over and hugs him and thanks him "for giving them this
       chance." Sator merely stands up and says, “Thank you, father. I
       plan to put my time here to good use.”
       “Well, I want your studies to continue, How are you finding them
       by the way?” Talidaar asks.
       They are alright, A lot of history, it's crazy how far this
       place goes back, the Empire, I mean.” Daera says
       Sator adds, “It is interesting, as we have learned about the
       history of the Elves at home and the Inath-Wakenti. It is just
       strange to hear their take on history.  In many ways, they are a
       decadent society, but what else are they going to do, they have
       nowhere to conquer. They’ve practically given away their land to
       the Solamnics.”
       “Is that something you heard someone say tonight? Talidaar asks,
       “Because if you did, you would want to keep that talk in this
       house only. The emperor has power over people's lives; if you
       say or do something counter to his wishes, he has every right to
       take your head.  I want you two to remember that the laws here
       are brutal. Step one toe out of line, and you may find yourself
       in the arena.”
       “Yes sir,” Sator says
       “Okay, Dad,” Daera answers
       “So, tell me about your archery, who have you been training
       with?”
       “Pandora Selruil.” Daera answers.
       “Chisev help us,” Talidar says under his breath. “Just stay out
       of trouble. Let me say that again, stay out of trouble.”
       “Yes sir,” Daera says.
       Sator, what about your sword instruction? How is that going?
       “It goes well, father. There is a maneuver I saw one of the
       gladiators make, they disarmed their opponent using their
       shield, and another was able to trap the sword with their body,
       just in simple body movement. I want to learn that.” Sator says.
       “I have mild concerns about you going to her School, but I trust
       Wydara will see that you are paired with the right gladiator to
       teach you some things. I still don’t know how I feel about you
       going to a game.”
       “It's okay Father, though I think the fighting is interesting, I
       know it is base, and beneath more important concerns. I have no
       true wish to cheer for people to die.” Sator says.
       Daera answers, “I don’t have any desire to go to the games. I
       might like to spend some more time with Aunt Wydara, she both
       scares me and intrigues me... She is so different.
       “Well, I’m proud of you, Sator and bless you, Daera, I think
       that would be good for you. She is different isn’t she, well she
       had to save herself from dire circumstances all on her own and
       has prospered on this huge stage.” Talidaar says of his sister.
       “Okay, I’m going to talk to Las some more, Your Mom may come
       back here with the Ship, so watch out for that.”
       Las and Talidaar talk
       Talidaar says outside of earshot of Palianess “I want you to
       limit the time Daera spends with Pandora Selruil.”
       Las says, “I know Dad. Pandora’s younger than me and just a
       little bit older than Daera. Daera thinks she is cool or
       something. I don’t think Daera would steal something. She’s a
       good kid.”
       “Yeah, but just being with the wrong crowd at the wrong time and
       all that...” Talidaar says, looking at Las while he says it.
       Daera says she wants to stay with Wydara for a few days or
       something. I would rather her with Wydara than Pandora.”
       Las says Alright. We can talk more about it in the morning.
       Taidaar kisses Las on her forehead and tells her good night. He
       says goodnight to Palianess, then goes in and sleeps in a
       bedroom.
       Las says good night to Palianess. Eventually, all the candle
       lights go out, and people retire for the evening.
       
       The First thing in the Morning, a royal summons is given to Las
       at the door of her Villa. She opens it up and reads, then hands
       it to Talidaar. He reads the Scroll
       Lord Talidaar,
       It has become known to me that you have graced Gwynned with your
       esteemed presence. I hope I have not caught you at an
       inopportune time. It is very much my wish for you to join me at
       Lunch this very day. I’m further told you have children here
       with you, you are invited to bring them along. I wish to break
       bread with you on several matters, the first primary being
       Southern Ergoth. I’m told recent events have rid us of the
       Overlord known as Gellidus the White or also known as Frost.
       With that monster defeated. I was wondering if you would answer
       some of my questions during our time together. I will not hold
       you for long, but if you could be of some assistance, I would
       gladly pay you for your expertise on a matter. You may bring
       your children, and Mercy will host them while we talk. Thank you
       in Advance, A Royal Carriage will call on you at noon.
       [right]Emperor Mercadior Redic VI[/right]
       #Post#: 454--------------------------------------------------
       429 AC Las in Ergoth Chapter Nine: Lunch with the Emperor
       By: Dungeon Master Date: September 15, 2023, 10:54 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [center]Las in Ergoth
       Story One
       Chapter Nine: Lunch with the Emperor[/center]
       Western Ansalon
       Northern Ergoth
       Gwynned, The Imperial Capital City of Ergoth
       Talidaar and his children, Las, Daera, and Sator, are picked up
       by the Imperial carriage and taken to the palace for lunch.
       Palianess and baby Kira go for a walk in the stroller. He takes
       her to a grand park and pushes her in a baby swing, being
       careful and gentle with her.
       Traveling through the streets, the young ones are dressed up.
       Talidaar is wearing a green robe on this occasion, while Las is
       wearing her Red Robes of Lunitari.
       Daera has never wanted to be a princess before, hardly ever
       entertained the thought, but this is a unique feeling. She
       hardly ever has her hair made up for any reason. Daera. She also
       looks at her dad in a new light. She knew he was important a
       long time ago.  But also, with their trip to Kurrinost and then
       Inath-Wakenti, advising Speaker Gilthas.  And now the Emperor
       wants to speak to her dad. This is going to sit strangely in her
       mind for a while.
       Emperor Mercadior Redic VI (ca. 414 AC) is the sixth in the
       Redic line of the Emperors of Northern Ergoth. Redic VI came to
       power during the Age of Mortals, with the death of his father
       Redic V. The current emperor desires to make Ergoth one of the
       great nations of Ansalon again. However, Redic VI has never been
       greatly popular. Mercadior has four children: 3 sons and a
       daughter named Mercidith Redic who studied as a mystic at the
       Citadel of Light on Schallsea some years ago.
       The Carriage pulls up to the Imperial Palace and stops.
       Attendants place steps down opens the carriage door, and offer a
       hand of support to the ladies as they step down. Sator comes
       next, then Talidaar.
       The Chamberlin Edward Amatillius welcomes Talidaar by using his
       honorific the Hierophant of Chislev. “Welcome Hierophant of
       Chislev, we are very pleased you were able to come.”
       Talidaar feels like he not could refuse given his sister and
       daughter live in the city. He did even want to think of the
       repercussions that could fall on either of them.
       “You have a lovely family, this way, please." He leads through A
       very large house and luxurious. Priceless vases, paintings, wall
       hangings, old books. See a Globe of Krynn, with Ansalon
       noticeable, but the other landmasses, Daera has never seen
       anything like it.
       He brings them into a very large but understated throne room,
       where the court of Mercadior Redic VI is gathered. The youngest
       Arbagons instantly feel completely self-conscious. Lots of
       different people, standing in groups, talking to each other in
       hush tones. They feel every eye upon them. The Chamberlin
       announces the Hierophant of Chislev and party have arrived, my
       Lord.
       Emperor Mercadior Redic VI is a large dark man, with a golden
       crown, dressed impeccably in black.
       
       “Thank you for coming”, he looks around suddenly, and asks where
       the Princess is.
       The Chamberlin says he doesn’t know.
       
       “Send someone for her now.” The emperor says. The speaks to
       Talidaar, “I'm sorry, she will be here in a moment.”
       Moments later,
       Princess Mercidith appears and says sorry to her dad.
       “Now the Princess will accompany your children to lunch in the
       east wing, and we are headed to the Map room.
       Talidaar whispers *behave” to Daera who nods. And they go their
       separate ways.
       Talidaar walks behind the emperor as they pass into a large long
       table. on the Floor is a mosaic map of Ansalon. Other tables
       have books with maps on them. A case of scroll cases, from the
       very old to the very opulent.
       Talidaar looks around in appreciation. He notices the green
       mosaic piece where Merwellyn would be is a nice touch.
       Servants bring in their lunch, a salad that is full of different
       vegetables, and mushrooms.  And slices of bloody rare steak.
       The emperor says “My wife is on me about eating healthier.”
       “It does lend itself to living longer, that activity of course.”
       Talidaar answers.
       “Just so.” The emperor agrees.
       “I’m not sure what I can help with in Southern Ergoth. There is
       a major crisis in the Elf enclave in Northern Khur that must be
       attended to.”
       “What I am seeking is your assistance in dealing with the
       current Grand Druid of Krynn. Wrynn Darkfeather.”
       “Ah, Wrynn, how far she has climbed. I’m more out of the loop in
       the politics of it anymore. I had not heard she was elected.”
       “But you are aware the last two Grand Druids have been
       assassinated?” The emperor ventures.
       “I had heard about Elandriel, but are you saying someone has
       killed Sverre the Kagonesti former Great druid of Southern
       Ergoth, the Grand Druid of Chislev?”
       
       “It is not new news, perhaps a year back. She has not been
       friendly to my people that are there to trade, and work to
       further my interests there.” The emperor relates.
       “Southern Ergoth has been a refuge of the Kagonesti for hundreds
       of years. A valley that is sacred to my Goddess Chislev is
       located there.”
       
       “I do intend to reclaim Southern Ergoth, but I will honor a
       treaty with the Kagonesti wild Elves and grant them autonomous
       rule. have no wish to rule over them or take their land. I would
       like her to stop killing my survey agents. I need them to
       understand, I need someone they will talk to and listen.”
       “I will give this my full attention as soon as the crisis in the
       desert is concluded, provided everyone survives.
       “I understand, your assurance that you will look into it in due
       time is appreciated." Emperor Mercadior Redic VI replies.
       
       End of Part One
       Next Part Two Lunch with the Princess
       #Post#: 458--------------------------------------------------
       429 AC Las in Ergoth Chapter Ten: Lunch with the Princess
       By: Dungeon Master Date: September 16, 2023, 5:41 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [center]Las in Ergoth
       Story One
       Chapter Ten: Lunch with the Princess [/center]
       Western Ansalon
       Northern Ergoth
       Gwynned, The Imperial Capital City of Ergoth
       The Imperial Palace
       East Wing
       Las and her siblings follow the Princess with the beautifully
       braided hairstyle and a princess dress if any of them has seen
       one before. There is a dining hall that they cross and go out
       back to a large table where food is being brought out. Grilled
       chicken, spices and sauces, flatbread, and vegetables.
       Princess Mercidith begins by telling you her name, Mercidith,
       and then asks for your name.
       Las introduces herself, her sister Daera, and her brother Sator.
       “How long have you lived in Ergoth Las? The Princess asks.
       I would say off and on, two years, my husband is a sailor, and
       sometimes we sail together.” Las answers
       “Sounds romantic,” Mercidith observes, imagining herself in a
       similar situation
       “It is.”
       “How about you two, how long have you been in our fair city?”
       The Princess asks.
       “Two weeks? I think. “ Deara says, trying to remember.
       “It has been Fifteen days Sator says.”
       “But we have enjoyed it. It has been quite different from where
       we grew up. Daera puts forward.”
       “I believe they are staying with me through the winter. “Las
       tells the Princess.
       “What a fun experience for you two. First time away from home
       like this?”
       “Actually, yes. Of course, staying with the elves for a couple
       of years sort of made it strange to come home to the forest and
       be alone after living with so many different elves. Living here
       has not been as lonely.”
       Sator says something different. “I am undecided fully, it
       granted great learning experiences, but I am not convinced
       living in the city is where my future lies.”
       “We have a couple of balls a year, this upcoming winter ball,
       why don’t the three of you come as my guests? What do you think?
       I will help you with your gowns, and we will find something for
       you, young man. What do you say?
       Races of thoughts go through all the kids' heads, but Las says,
       if my husband comes back, may I bring
       him as too please?”
       “Yes of course. I would love to meet him. How about you two?”
       Daera says, “Well, um, yes, I would love to!”
       Sator looks suspicious of this, “what would I have to do? Find a
       date?”
       “You could if you wanted to, there is nothing nefarious to it.
       You show up, you socialize, and you may partner up with someone
       from the court for a dance in the ballroom. It is quite a nice
       affair.”
       “Well, it is something we are putting on our calendars and
       looking forward to it.
       “I will have you contacted in a couple of weeks before to get
       you sized and fitted.”
       “Good, I’m glad that is settled. What do you have planned this
       week?
       "I am going to be staying with my Aunt Wydara for a couple of
       weeks. I have no idea at all what it will be like. I don’t even
       know if she likes me.”
       “The Gladiator trainer? My friends and I think it is great
       having a woman trainer like her. She is tough.”
       Princess Mercidith, Their Father, has concluded lunch with your
       father, and he is ready to depart.
       Princess Mercidith, it was very kind of you to host us and
       invite us to your ball. Thank you. I believe your father knows
       how to find me, as they sent a carriage to my door, should you
       ever need me.
       Sator bows, Mercidith curtsies, and looks at Las, and says, “So
       dignified already.”
       “I know, I don’t know when this started,” Las says
       Mercidith tells Daera not to try to curtsy, “I will have people
       show you how to do it, you’ll be an expert by the time we are
       done with you.
       They say goodbye, and the Chamberlin walks the siblings to their
       father in the waiting hall.
       The Party leaves the palace in their carriage, and they talk
       about their experiences. The girls are excited about being
       invited to a Royal Ball. Sator asks his father if he has to go,
       and Talidaar tells him, “It’s probably a once-in-a-lifetime
       opportunity. If you look at it like that, I think you will have
       a lot more fun.”
       “I will try to look at that like that Father, thank you.”
       I’m going to pack my toga, and the other things I had to buy on
       this trip, and I’m going to drop some things off and go onto
       Inath-Wakenti. That’s where I’ll be if you need me.”
       Soon, Talidaar is hugging his grandchild. He gets a nice smile
       from her. He hands her back to Las, and he gives them both a hug
       and a kiss on top of the head. He hugs his young daughter,
       Daera, and tells her he’s proud of her for behaving at the
       Palace.
       He shakes his son’s hand and then pulls him in for a hug.
       Then he is gone after stepping into the tree.
       All right, let's get you packed for Wydara, and you, Sator, are
       going to help me do laundry later.
       See Talidaar next in his Hierophant of Chislev Book Three Story
       
       
       Las and Sator in Las in Ergoth and Daera are going over Wydara
       Blood and the Arena for a couple of weeks, or until Daera can
       escape.
       *****************************************************
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