As a sign of respect, Firiel offered her hand to the prince, curtseying low. From the side she saw another man approach. Making it a greeting habit, she curtseyed low.
"Greetings. My name's Firiel. And I believe I already know yours already, Vardalain. Pardon my intrusion, but I overheard it being spoken in the room before."
(I dunno what sort of subtle diplomacy you expected taking a Corsair on the Dark Side, Rex! Jedi made a right hash of THEIR diplomatic plot though. In any case, you Dark Siders have drawn your weapons on nearly every situation you can talk through. Not that I mind, because you ARE Dark Siders, but only other sabre wielders or people like Balek are certain fights. Arazi was a potential ally but that got messed up. For an example- you could have gone to the smugglers on Tartarus and said "Give me Persis and we'll get those Jedi off your back." Instead you have chosen to blow them all up- fair enough, but you will have to fight the Jedi as well.)
"A spy that can tell them the exact location of the Princess' convoy... hmmm..." says Marakith. "But only Orcs in the force that attacked you. Orcs make poor spies. If there had been Dunlendings, maybe... but it seems not."
-
"That's what I just asked," says Elendur, "but they seem reticent to say..."
(Incidentally, part 3 of this story is planned as almost no combat at all, set entirely inside Fornost. I am glad you like this sort of thing; I was nervous it would not work. Some players really do prefer a straight fight to all this skulking around, to quote Solo...)
"I'd watch your tongue, halfling" says Marakith. "These are the Dunadan Lords of the North, each sworn enemies of the Witch King. If there is a traitor it is far more likely to be someone like YOU. In any case, how COULD it be any of these people? They are all stuck here at the capital. The logistics of sending a message into Rhudaur where you saw the messenger so that he could then bring it BACK to Arthedain are ridiculous."
"Indeed," says another tall, dark-haired man who has heard this part of the conversation.
"Lord Morsire," nods Marakith.
"There is no logic behind there being any traitor," says Morsire. "Spies may be everywhere but this information is not for the likes of gutter rats to hear. One thing gives the Witch King's forces insight, and one thing only, and that is his powers. He bends his will towards knowing our plans. But his evil sorcery will not avail him."
"Traitor or not, there is an advanced force of orcs operating somewhere too close for comfort," says Marakith.
"Then we shall rout them out, as is OUR business, horseman," says Morsire.
-
Talin, Lord Gorlim nearly walks into you.
"Oh, I am most terribly sorry!" he says. "I didn't see you do... over there..." he continues, biting off the shortness comment just in time. "So, what do you make of the capital, eh?"
"We're here for the meeting, good sir." Firiel responded. "My sister and I have been wandering distant realms for years now, and only until a few weeks ago did news of this gathering come to us. The idea of battle has always striked out attention, as well does it flow threw our veigns. Both our mother and father were both great in sword wielding. It is on a battle field in which they met."
Lily smiled at the thought of her parents. Glancing back up, she spoke to Vardalain.
"I'm quite curious as to what kinds of battles you've been involved in during the past few months."
Just to remind Evy and Lily (As Evy seemed to lose it), I will re-print why the two Half-Elves are here.
"The two of you- whilst not exactly having had the bad journey these guys have had- have had similar experiences. Wondering through the shattered realm of Cardolan you both witnessed first hand the incredible hardship and deprivation of the people there as the Witch King's forces finally tear the place apart. Long columns of refugees exist and they are routinely slaughtered by Dulending and Orc patrols. Without adequate facilities, disease is rampant and killing many more. Those who stand and fight die- Cardolan can no longer muster an effective fighting force, except for some reports of an army existing down south and forts holding in the far west.
The plight of these people, whom you defended best you can but the enemy are too strong, moved you greatly. You heard that Arthedain was largely untouched, civilisation still thrived there and their armies were strong,. The Cardolani people curse their neighbours for abandoning them to their fate. And so you have come to Fornost, the captial of the Northern Kingdom of Man, to petition King Arvedui to no longer ignore the cries for help of these people.
So the two of you have been invited (the Dunadain here being fascinated by your Half-Elven ancestry, especially as your father was from Arthedain) to attend this meeting as well, awaiting the King."
Oh, and just a tip for you guys; if you want to learn more, don't be afraid to ask people about OTHER people.
"Ahhh, I get the picture..." says Turambar. "You seek friendship amongst the Lords of the North. Very well then, that may displease those of our King Earnil's court but it shall not bother me. I warn you though, Erendurin's son, gladly will they accept your friendship, for they have much need of it. But greedily will they view what is yours. These Dunadan are not like us. Arvedui tried once to take Gondor's crown and still he covets it. Mind you are not drawn into his game."
-
Firiel and Nostariel don;t actually HAVE any lands, I think...
Well, Dexx needs hints, eh? Well. Much as I hate to lead by the nose, you may remember you all made a promise to Grum to find out why Cardolan has been left to its fate whilst Arthedain in totally intact (the same accusation Aranarth levelled at Rivendell, Dexx). The fact that the two new players have been introduced on the premise of asking the same question is in no any meant to mean that I think it is important that you ask. Oh... ok then, yes it is.
And everyone is curious about Malbeth but no-one has asked anyone who he is, to be in the Court!