CH. 18 - Desperate Measures

[Daos]

It's been around two months and summer is on the way.  Tensions continue to be high, especially after Amodeo's assassins managed to slip past Hart's defenses.  The castle has been on fairly high alert ever since.  There are constant whispers of war breaking out any day now.

Shortly after their deaths, funeral services were held for Jonas, Amanda and Stenn.  The count arranged for Jonas to be given a place of honor among those who had died serving their country, including knights and heroes.  Blythe had Stenn and Amanda transported back to the capitol to be buried on her family's estate, and Relken accompanied her to assist her in taking over her father's business.  Little Felix was taken in by the church.  Ladonna has not seen any of them since then.

Ladonna and Lillian both found themselves regularly guarded for at least a month, but eventually the guards were reassigned for other matters.  Edgar regularly purifies their food and drink with his divine power each day, though, just to make sure no further poison reaches them.

Ladonna and Lillian have a few days off currently, as Lady Henna is currently off with the count's family.  The two are in the scullery, eating breakfast, when a young elven man approaches them nervously.  They both recognize him as Ardis Sabris, the young man that was betrothed to Liala back during the winter ball.  "Uh, excuse me, terribly sorry to interrupt.  Uh, I need your help.  My wedding to Liala is scheduled for this weekend, and uh, well, she seems to be missing.  This was found in her room."  He hands over a note written in Liala's handwriting.  It reads, 'Sorry Ladonna, but I've waited long enough.  If you aren't going to help me with this, I'll head to the Sunwoods and take care of it myself. - Liala.'

"I'm not really sure what she means by any of that, but the Sunwoods are quite dangerous," Ardis says.  "She could get killed.  I was hoping maybe you could go retrieve her, bring her home safely?" he asks.

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It is Agate 7th, 10 AM.  New spells can be chosen, all health is restored.

[GravityEmblem]

Lillian looks to Ladonna with an arched eyebrow. “Help with what?” she asks. Or at least, she WOULD say, were she not tactful enough to avoid saying it in front of Ardis. She’s been vaguely aware of Ladonna helping Liala out with her marriage problems in the background of Lillian’s life, and bringing that up to her prospective fiancé might cause problems. Aloud, she says, “I’d be happy to help. We just need to make a few preparations, and then we set out for the forest.”

[HorizonsDream]

Ladonna lets out a small sigh while she reads the note, and shakes her head. Inwardly she is thinking ~foolish girl~, but she nods to Adris. "We'll look into it. Liala isn't as weak as she appears either. She'll be okay for a little while," she tries to assure him. "If you'll excuse us. There are a few things we need to prepare." With that said, she takes her leave with Lillian, and pinches the bridge of her nose. "She's going to get herself killed."

[GravityEmblem]

"Over what, I wonder," Lillian remarks. "You seem to know a thing or two about the situation?" she says, with the implicit command to tell her all about it.

[HorizonsDream]

"She wants to marry a human husband," Ladonna says. "Elves get so much at within Tardiff that she hates that she is an elf. She seems to think that if she marries a human, it will make things better," she says. "She has been wanting me to find a human husband for her for awhile, but it's difficult. I've always had other things to deal with lately, so I haven't actually managed to seek out the couple of leads that I have," she admits.

[GravityEmblem]

"And there's a human in the Sunwoods who wants to marry an Elf?" Lillian asks, bewildered.

[HorizonsDream]

"I don't think so," Ladonna says. "I think this might have to deal with her trying to turn into a human."

[GravityEmblem]

"Oh, of course," Lillian says, with some exasperation. "Does she know Alter Self? She'd have to recast it every day, but it's a lot less risky then some sort of Polymorph."

[HorizonsDream]

"She wants a permanent change," Ladonna points out. "She hates being an elf, but she also isn't powerful enough to do any of this. I'm not powerful enough for something like that," she says. "Which means, she is seeking out someone that is powerful enough. She also has a head start, so we should gather up some people and get moving."

[GravityEmblem]

Lillian shakes her head at Liala's foolishness. "Yes, let's."

[Daos]

Ladonna and Lillian split up and gather some people, before meeting up again at the castle gate.  Edgar, Ingot and Henna join them there.

Edgar is dressed differently than the last time Ladonna saw him.  He's wearing well made leather armor, has a buckler strapped to his left wrist, a sling on his belt, and a warhammer on his hip.  Ingot is wearing his standard splint mail, medium shield, heavy crossbow and morning star.  Henna has re-equipped herself with the gold Lillian gave her.  In addition to her well-made studded leather armor, she has a new long bow, halberd and horseman's mace.  She also has her trusty steed, Lissa, who immediately begins to whinny and snort as soon as the pair approach.

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(OOC:  No, I didn't forget Amara.  I'm building up to that, don't worry.)

[GravityEmblem]

"Oh, dear. Sorry, let me try to calm her," Lillian says, singing a soft song to the horse. It worked with Sidhanar, she remembers.

[HorizonsDream]

"You look a little different," Ladonna says to Edgar. She then looks to Ignot. "When was the last time you saw Liala?" she asks.

[Daos]

Lillian plays a song for the frightened horse.  She seems to calm down a bit, but it's clear she is anxious around Lillian and if the bard comes too close, she might act out.

Meanwhile, Ingot replies to Ladonna's question.  "Yesterday," he answers thoughtfully.

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Lissa makes a paralyzation save (1d20-2):  11-2 = 9, fail.  Her reaction shifts from threatening to cautious.
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1d20

[HorizonsDream]

"Did she say anything?" Ladonna asks.