Chapter 2: A Chain of Requests

[Igordragonian]

Qurrak is uncomfrable by all the noise, and hide even more behind his shields, growl shyly at anyone who pass by him- though it might sound scary to non minotaurs.

[TheBBEG]

Seeing Qurrak grow uncomfortable Flynn stands beside him and kind of close.  "It's ok Qurrak.  Bigger towns can be a bit overwhelming.  Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.  It will help calm you down and feel more at ease.  I'm with you friend."

[Igordragonian]

Qurrak is surprised, but he nod, trying to express his gratitude, and follow Flynn's instructions.
It was so wierd. Among his kind, expressing such weakness was mocked.
Weaker minoutaurs then him have managed to bully him around, and of course his fiancee to be.

But among those humans and elves... it seemed they just took it, as part of nature, and didn't looked down on him.
It was wierd. But the good kind of wierd.

[GravityEmblem]

The party makes their way to the mildly impressive castle in the center of town, with Sunny Jim drawing a few looks from the townsfolk. As you approach the gate, two guards stop you.

"Halt," one says. "What is your business with--is that a bear?"

"Don't worry, he's with me," John reassures her.

[TheBBEG]

"Greetings, I am Flynn Di Maravoni."  He uses a deeper, more professional voice than normal, trying to let his natural charisma shine through.  "My associates and I are here to seek an audience with the Duke on behalf of Mayor Jonah Chesham of Ren."  Flynn stands as if he has done this a hundred times before, exuding confidence as he awaits a response.

[GravityEmblem]

The guard gives Flynn a confused scowl. "What business does Mayor Chesham have with the Duke?" she asks.

[PotatoGolem]

Alonzo sighs and walks forward as if he has every right to be there, which of course he does. His signet is prominently displayed, and he carries himself like every inch the nobleman. "Sir Alonzo of House di Maravoni, third of the name and heir by right to the House. As Sir Daflin said, we have business with the Duke. Our retainers will cause him no harm, though of course you are free to bind their weapons if you so wish. Now, which way to his audience chamber?" He starts walking in past them.

SPOILER: Click to show

{OoC}
Using Position of Privilege from the Noble background. One of the explicit benefits is "You can secure an audience with a local noble if you need to."

[GravityEmblem]

"Oh, I see..." the first guard says. "You may proceed. We'll escort you to the Audience Chamber."

Only Daos hears her whisper to the other guard, "Should we tell them?"
"Nah, it's gonna be hilarious," he says.

[PotatoGolem]

Alonzo nods. "Thank you. Much appreciated."

As they walk, he whispers softly to Flynn. "That was fun! And dad would love it. I can just hear it now. 'Finally acting like a proper gentleman instead of traipsing off into the woods like some sort of itinerant murderhobo.'"

[Daos]

Daos' ears twitch a bit, as if he heard something.  He frowns, but keeps it to himself.  Guess he'll find out soon enough, as he follows the others toward the audience chamber.

[TheBBEG]

Flynn smiles at his brother and decides to rib him as he can't let the use of Daflin go unpunished..  "It's great seeing you in your element big brother.  It's like you were born to play the snooty, self-important, and oblivious noble.  I truly marvel at your execution of it Al!  It's like you have been practising for it 18 hours a day for the last decade or so."

[GravityEmblem]

The two guards escort you into the audience chamber, a large, circular room with a series of steps leading to a modest throne. In it sits a thoughtful-looking human woman with short brown hair. She wears a silver-hemmed robe and a bronze circlet, engraved with a symbol of a goat.

"Duchess Aerin, may we present Daflin and Alonzo, sons of Muse di Maravoni. They and their companions bring a message from the mayor of Ren," the first guard says.
"The bear is with them," the other reassures.

[PotatoGolem]

Alonzo chuckles."I know, I know. You normally save your real name for important things, like impressing the classier ladies of the night.

--------------

He bows to the Duchess, the picture of courtly etiquette. "An honor, your grace. Thank you for granting us an audience. That is correct, we bear a message from Ren. The town is beset by bandits and thieves, preying on its current vulnerable state. The mayor beseeches you to intercede with the king, that he may send some troops to aid his beleaguered subjects."

[TheBBEG]

Flynn does his best not to chortle at Alonzo's bear pun.  He finds it amusing, what with puns being more Flynn's wheelhouse than Alonzo's.  Nonetheless, Flynn doesn't add his own pun and instead utilizes proper courtly etiquette and shows the proper respect for the duchess and her position.

[GravityEmblem]

"Very well," the duchess says. "Are you headed to Foccupolis, yourself? I'd be happy to pay you a small sum to deliver the message."