The sheer absurdity of that statement caused the group to grow silent. They all turned their attention back towards the carriage. Now that he was looking clearly, he could see painted liveries across the wood. An emerald green banner with two crossed lances.
“Are ye sure it’s your mother?” Ulgrin asked, quite worried about the sudden change of plans. What would’ve been a relaxing night at an inn just got considerably more complicated. “That could be any noble’s cart. You’re absolutely certain?” He sent a glance back towards the shocked Alyss.
She swallowed and nodded. “Yeah. That’s her. See the twin lances? Our family sigil. The fern colored diamond beneath it indicates that’s her personal symbol. My father uses a square, and my brother a pentagon.”
“Sounds complicated,” Raelza mused. “But I guess that’s nobility for ya.”
Captain Seaweaver quickly approached them, somewhat frustrated. “I don’t suppose you’re the reason for the obstacle sitting in the middle of the docks?”
“Aye,” Ulgrin replied. “Sorry. I suppose we’ve no choice but to address it. Unless you’re rather not, Alyss?”
“I was gonna have to do this eventually. Ugh. My hair’s a mess, I’ve got no makeup on, and my clothes are…” A groan of frustration filled the air as she quickly tore open one of her bags and pulled out a dress. “Look away, you louts!”
Ulgrin sent a glance to Saezz before turning around and presenting a wall to the outside world as their alchemist donned her ‘fancy’ clothes. From the glance he saw at the burgundy dress, it wasn’t half bad. Well stitched and made of a finer cloth than most with a light gray lining. Then again it wasn’t much of a surprise as he’d been dragged to go shopping and had seen the choices his two female party members had forced upon him and Saezz.
Alyss finished her work and cleared her throat. “Raelza, hurry up with the brush- ow!”
“I’m working, I’m working,” the Drow grumbled as she hurriedly tried to tame Alyss’ normally wild hairstyle.
Saezz let a rumble out of his throat and held out several beads and a carved stick. “He thought it best to make this offer now. These were carved out of river shells. You possess little jewelry, no?”
The lass’s eyes widened. “Huh. I wasn’t expecting that. It’ll work. Thanks, Saezz.”
“It is no problem. Saezz enjoys carving quite a bit.”
Seeing that they had their own task to fulfill, Ulgrin quickly made his retreat and approached Alder. The boy was lounging, having little to prepare. They’d found a workable set of clothing amongst the pirate’s belongings and had tailored it to fit him. At least he didn’t look like a beggar anymore.
“Ready, lad? Things are about to get… interesting.”
“You’re telling me she’s a noble?” Alder asked with wide eyes. “But she’s all…”
“Crude?” Ulgrin whispered in an amused tone. “Covered in soot ninety percent of the time? Wears a gunpowder-themed perfume?”
“...I was going to say badass,” the boy replied. “You all are.”
Ulgrin blinked. He supposed they might look like brave adventurers to outsiders. “Kinder than what I said, but it’s only a jest. But yeah, she’s certainly got more mettle than most stereotypical noble folk.”
“Looks like she’s almost done.” Alder stood up and waited for him to lead the way.
Ulgrin rejoined the group and found the mad-alchemist quite transformed. She normally wore sturdy linens of darker colors to prevent stains, and gambeson if they were heading into a battle. When she wore ‘normal’ clothes, it was almost always prioritizing comfort and ease of movement.
He had to say she struck a discerning figure. The rich red paired well with her pale skin and her normally free dark hair was done up in a bun, affixed by the wooden spike and adorned with the colorful prismarine beads. While his tastes skewed more towards men and women of thicker stock, he had to admit her lithe and tone figure was well honed.
“Quit staring.” Alyss said, polishing her glasses to a shine. “It’s quite embarrassing, I will admit.”
[Your appearance looks lovely,] Lorekeeper stated. [It is not an easy feat for an alchemist to maintain their form.]
“Thanks…” She replied. Explaining their strange guest to Alder had gone fairly well, the boy was no stranger to the oddity their party formed.
Saezz rubbed his chin. “His beads look well on you. Good, good. He shall finish the other’s soon.”
“Well, at least we look mostly acceptable in a court-fashion.” Raelza said, gesturing to their armor and equipment. “Wearing your armor to fancy balls is practically an adventurer’s tradition. I hope you two haven’t left behind your prim clothing, though.” She sent a glare towards Ulgrin in particular. “It may be a waste of space, but it’s important.”
“I haven’t,” he replied with a grin. “It’s still in one of my bags. Somewhere. I hope.”
“Enough bickering,” Alyss demanded. “Let’s get down there before she causes a wagon pile-up.”
The party quickly moved towards the gangplanks, crossing over and onto dry land for the first time in a week. Naturally sailors and laborers made way for the group. They cut a striking image, almost heroic in a way. Their gear had been repaired and patched up, metal polished and weapons honed.
As they neared the noble’s carriage, the coachwoman at its head raised her voice. “My lady, she seems to have arrived… and with company.”
The windows of the carriage were covered in curtains, blocking vision of the inside. An older and female voice emerged. “Very well. Please lower the steps.” The coachwoman quickly dismounted and deployed a wooden set of stairs from the door, clearing her throat and opening the door.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
His first impression of Alyss’ mother was that she was a practiced sword fighter. She definitely had the muscles for it, and he could spot the barest hint of calluses on her hands. She possessed the same shade of green eyes that Alyss did, but had a more angular face. He was surprised to see she possessed a deep olive colored skin. Quite the contrast to her daughter.
She wore a practical and straightforward, if exquisitely made dress. At her hip rested an estoc. “So my messengers were correct.” The woman stated, staring down at their group. “You’ve come home, Alyss.”
“I have… mother.” Alyss said, trying hard not to grimace. “I’ve business to attend to here with my comrades. These are my… fellows, my business partners.”
“So you’ve chosen a crude sort to gallivant around with. It matters not. I am the Baronetess Sarisa Cloudfield. You may address me as ‘my lady’ or ‘ma’am’. Please try and remain professional, I am not here to be mingling with you all. Be glad that I’ll be allowing your presence to attend to my daughter at all.”
Ulgrin took in a deep breath before nodding. “Of course, my lady. My name is Ulgrin Hoofhome, the technical leader of this research group. Our group’s goal is to investigate the Ancients and what ruins they left behind.” He gestured to his friends. “This is Raelza, our ranger, and Saezz, our combat expert.” He placed a hand on his new apprentice’s shoulder. “Alder here is my protege, of sorts.”
Saezz gave a light bow. “A pleasure, milady.”
“Likewise. Your ah… ladyship.” Raelza botched the landing, it seemed.
“I see.” Sarisa stated. “Fran, please get them seated in the back.” The supposed Fran appeared from within, a dark-skinned woman wearing what appeared to be some kind of maid outfit. She descended the steps, prim red curls bobbing.
“Please take a seat. It may be a bit cramped for you all, but I hope the arrangement is to your liking.” They deposited their luggage into the topside trunks and the maid quickly moved for the back portion. She gestured towards the rear cabin of the carriage and he followed. Alyss did so as well before Sarisa laid a hand on her shoulder and quickly tugged her towards the front cabin.
He got a good look at her dread-filled face before the door shut.
“Well, this isn’t bad.” Ulgrin commented as he sat down on well-cushioned seats. The carriage was finely made, likely worth a good bit. “You prepared refreshments?” A shelf on the far side of the carriage housed indented slots filled with mugs, teacups, and small tins of sweets. A minor enchantment served to prevent them from spilling or falling out.
“Of course,” Fran replied. “It is only natural. Please avail yourselves of them.” She closed the door and left for the front, leaving them to their own devices.
Raelza quickly took a seat beside him whilst Saezz hunched over and managed to slip onto the other side. Luckily for him, Alder wasn’t the largest lad and fit… mostly. “This is the first time Saezz has ridden such a contraption. He always wondered what they looked like on the inside.”
Ulgrin grabbed a pastel colored macaron and examined it. “I’ve heard the richer nobles can afford enchanted carriages that are even larger and pull themselves.” He popped the treat into his mouth and barely held back a moan of pleasure. “That’s the good stuff.” Sweet and creamy. “But this is quaint.”
“Once again we get pulled into the big leagues and the first thing we do is eat their food.” Raelza said with amusement, following suit.
“It is not a bad thing, no?” Saezz quickly deposited several into Alder’s hands. “Eat, boy. You must grow stronger. It is only fitting you do so on the copper of people richer than you.”
Alder’s eyes instantly widened as he bit into the treat, likely his first time eating such rich food. The rest was quickly devoured, and the group sat in for a long ride as the carriage began to move. The streets here weren’t bad, but he missed the Mithral Halls and its smooth surfaces.
Ulgrin raised the curtains and watched the city move by, the carriage largely ignored by the people and their day-to-day livelihoods. Commoners naturally made way for them and they made quick time for the noble district. Crossing the bridge allowed him a glimpse at quite the feat of engineering.
Each bridge was practically a keep in and of itself. On either side stood tall walls and bristling parapets. Friendly troops were protected but any enemy trying to cross in a military fashion would suffer greatly due to the dozens of murder holes and blockades. Multiple gates and checkpoints barred the way. Additionally, he managed to spot trap-doors set into the floor.
That wouldn’t be a pleasant death. It was fortunate the city wouldn’t be besieged anytime soon.
As they grew farther away from the walls, he could see the nobility had turned this islet into a work of art. Artisans had worked hard to mold marble and heartwood into appealing shapes. Manors aplenty filled the grounds, but the real masterpiece was the main castle.
Not only was it well fortified, but it possessed an almost otherworldly design. Sleek, almost too-thin pillars, flowing sections of stone as if the mason had been molding clay, and spherical shapes filled the castle. A central tower sat in the center of its bailey, with a cross-shaped set of buildings emerging from it.
While it wasn’t the biggest castle he’d seen, it was quite the sight. Then again, it made sense for such an economic hub to have such riches.
The carriage pulled up to the barbican and an exchange was had. Then the gates rose and they were allowed passage in. The guards warily watched, seemingly on edge for some reason. Waiting at the front of the building was an elderly man and his entourage of servants and courtiers.
One of them stepped forwards and spoke, “Now announcing the arrival of The Baronetess Sarisa Cloudfield and her daughter Alyss Cloudfield as well as her esteemed guests!”
The front of the carriage was opened and the two nobles stepped out. Fran followed after and moved to let them out, whispering. “Please pay your respects to the Viscount Maier.”
Seeing that the two nobles began to bow, Ulgrin did the same. After a moment of paying respect, the Viscount stepped forwards. “Welcome back, Lady Sarisa.” He was old, but was taking it well. The dark-skinned man wore very fine robes and an emerald-adorned silver wreath atop his head. “So this is your daughter? It has been too long. I’ve not seen you since you were but a babe, Alyss.” A warm expression filled his worn face.
“Ah. Right, it’s a pleasure to see you again, Ser.” Alyss had a brief moment of confusion before she realized. “Uncle Claudius?”
The old man smiled. “Yes, though not by blood. Your mother is a good friend and stalwart ally. After all, we are bonded by battle in a way that no familial ties can.”
“She never spoke of her time as a knight…”
“For good reason,” Sarisa said. “I didn’t want to put any silly ambitions into that head of yours. A regret I still carry, for you still chose an even worse life.”
Alyss’s cheeks burned as anger filled her. “I chose the path that suited me most, mother!”
“Ahem.” Viscount Maier cleared his throat. “Perhaps Miss Alyss is simply tired from her travels? I’ve prepared a feast for you, and your… allies.” He turned his brown-eyed gaze towards Ulgrin. “I know you’ve been sent by the Stoneborn Collective. They’ve already contacted me.”
“Wait… They did?” Ulgrin asked, shocked.
“Yes. Once they determined the background of Alyss here, their contacts spoke with mine. I have certain ties to the Dunvi, ones that I deeply respect. Worry not, your true mission shall remain hidden. No one here will tell a soul.” He leaned on a metal cane, taking a breath. “But we shall talk of that later. Come, come. It is almost time for dinner.” The suns had indeed begun to set. “You will have accommodations and whatever you wish, within reason.”
With a spryness that belied his age, Viscount Maier led them into the building proper. Just as the exterior was lavish, the interior followed the same style. They were led down hallways and into the central tower.
A good portion of this section seemed dedicated to an extravagant dining hall. A round table wide enough to fit dozens filled the center. Chandeliers above housed magelights that cast soothing colors over the room. His party was seated quickly, with the nobles being arranged across from them.
They didn’t have to wait long before platters of food were brought out and unveiled.
It seemed there would be three main courses. A rich pasta of tomatoes and spiced meat, a stuffed goose with decadently tender braised flesh, and finally excellently prepared steaks flavored with a thick sauce. Judging by the smells filling the room it was no doubt going to be a great meal.
Before they could begin dinner, however, Maier spoke up.
“Before we eat, I must tell you the bad news first. The Andiran Monarchy has spies in the Stoneborn. They’ve discovered something about your mission and are automatically assuming it’ll be hostile action. I’m afraid that if you are discovered, you will be quickly hunted and killed.”
Ulgrin couldn’t help but drop his spoon into the pasta dish, spraying bits of sauce everywhere.
Things just can't go right for Ulgrin and his crew, huh? Here we get to see a glimpse of Alyss' past, and her present relationships. Just because a person is a noble in service to a country doesn't mean they're entirely loyal or without connections to the outside world. Spies tend to muck things up, however. Each of the nations is a web of intrigue, mystery, and assassination. While there may be broad peace throughout the lands, it isn't a bloodless one. But at least the party isn't without allies here in this new land.
I've also found appropriate art of each of the main cast (save Alder), and have made d&d style tokens for them. Here's a glimpse of what they might look like.
Ulgrin
image [https://i.imgur.com/LMmzIwy.png]
His expressions tend to be less stern-looking and he's a bit less muscular in appearance, but this image suits him well enough. Yes, his beard is that bushy and big. It's a dwarf thing, you wouldn't understand.
Alyss
image [https://i.imgur.com/jECRL5j.png]
Minus the hat, and this is a pretty much perfect representation of Alyss. She's not a pirate, sadly.
Saezz
image [https://i.imgur.com/pxE39eJ.png]
He's the best. Love my lizard boy.
Raelza
image [https://i.imgur.com/c5zN0Gp.png]
While she wields a crossbow, this image fits Raelza well, even if I don't have an explanation for the nose-scar. And yes, drow in this world have purple-colored skin.