Dangerous Damsels Deconstructing the Duke's Dynasty

"I ask because you seem to think I would invite you out here and share information of an extremely sensitive nature with you, all for no good reason, because, as you said, you had nothing to do with it. Surely only a fool would do such a thing, no? So I ask again, do you think me a fool?"

 

“No, I don't think you're a fool, and I don't know why I am here.” Reana admits.

 

"Then do not assume that you are not needed. And one more thing, to you this may seem to be merely a failed assassination attempt, but not to me. To me, this is an assassination attempt on my daughter. I cannot allow this to stand."

With that the duke says no more.

"Ah, yes!" The old man says after a moment. "I believe Lady Rousseau asked me to introduce myself, yes? My name is Archibald."

 

I guess he is not used to assassination attempts targeting his family... then again, he is the Duke, so most people would not be brave or stupid enough to even try such a thing, so I guess it is to be expected from him to be unnerved, at the very least... Reana keeps her thoughts to herself and focuses her attention on the old man. “It's a pleasure to meet you, lord Archibald.” She says politely and decides not to push her luck by asking any questions.

 

"Yeah, 'pleasure'. Were the comments really necessary?" Allia asks.

 

Archibald, seemingly quite a mirthful man, chuckles yet again. "Oh no my dear, I am no lord. Just Archibald will do." Then, turning to Allia, his voice thick with false severity, he says: "I assure you my lady, I never speak unless it is absolutely necessary" He holds his stern expression for a moment, before a grin breaks through. "Which, as it happens, is absolutely always!"

(Reana and Allia, please roll a willpower check)

 

Willpower check:
Roll: 18
+3 Willpower
Total: 21

 

Willpower check:
Roll: 17
+2 Willpower
Total: 19

(I want to add that he already has Allia's sympathy by going 'Just Archibald will do' and his general attitude)

 

Both of you keep your heads in the face of his attempt at charming you.

That's fine. you can still choose to like him, you are just not required to.

 

With the introduction out of the way Reana turns her attention back to Lady Eona, waiting to hear what this is all about.

 

"Well," The elf begins. "Time to get down to business. The duke's daughter has been attacked by assassins. We want you five to find out who sent them. Now, a few ground rules.
one: Secrecy is of the utmost importance. If word of this attack gets out, Maran would be thrown into turmoil.
two: Do not accuse someone without being absolutely certain that they are guilty. " she looks to lady Rousseau. "We know first hand the damage that can do.
Three: You are working on your own. Neither the Duchy of Maran nor the Elidrin Ascendancy are funding, leading, or condoning your actions. Understood?"

 

Irène listens to Lady's Eona explanations, she smiles and slowly nods her head.

“I understand.” She says quietly, then looking straight into Elve's eyes she speaks loudly and clearly.

“I refuse!”

She then turns to the duke.

When I was called here, after duke's yesterday's blunder, I thought I would receive his apologize, boon or he would at least try to somehow ease the tension between us. Instead, he called me here not only completely ignoring the equivalent of a diplomatic slap in the face that I received from him, but also he wished to conscript me without any regard... The nerve!

While this thoughts passed her mind she kept her face cold. Instead, she spoke to the duke with this words.

“It seems, that I have come in a bad moment, so I will let you finish your business, my Lord. Don't worry, I will keep my discretion of your situation.” She turned to the exit “Should you wish to fulfill the subjects our yesterday's talk, I will be at my lodgings today and tomorrow. After that I'm leaving back to my domain.” with that lady Rousseau made her way, out of the room.

 

Allia makes a grimace as she watches Irene leave. Secrecy and investigation are not her forte. "I will see what i can pick up." She promises. "Any idea's where we should start?" She asks, eyes now wandering over to the duke and Archibald.

 

Reana watches as lady Rousseau leaves, then returns her gaze back to the elven woman.

I see, so that's why... but how are we supposed to find the ones behind the assassination attempt? And how is the Elidrin Ascendancy involved in all this? I think I'll wait a bit before I start asking questions... “So far everything is clear. Please continue with your explanation. Questions can wait until after you have told us everything. Who knows – maybe you'll answer our questions on your own...”

She rolls her eyes when Allia starts asking questions right away instead of waiting to hear what else the elf has to say. Archibald is right – she really isn't the patient type.

 

"I think it wise" the duke says, staring after Lady Rousseau. "To start with the assassin's target. You should speak with Arianna. "

Lady Eona looks to Reana, her golden eyes unnerving.
"If any of you are wondering why I am helping you, Two weeks ago, a high ranking member of the Elidrin was killed. He managed to kill one of his would assailants before he went down. the dead assassin was found wearing black clothes, dyed with Chalatian coal oil dye." she looks to the Jharl as she finishes her sentence. "I believe your would-be assassins wore similar garments. though the connection is not a certain thing, we could not afford to ignore the possibility."

 

"Well. I'm in, as long as this will not involve me physically confronting anyone." Chalatian coal oil dye. He tries to think of what that means.

 

"You can do the talking then." Allia suggests and looks at Reana, "Because in my non-existant gods ballsack this is annoying.... Might as well use Lady Arianna as your 'second source' while you are at it."

 

For once we agree on something. Reana gives Allia a brief nod after hearing the other woman's comment.

“Yes, we should definitely speak with Lady Arianna. Afterwards it might be a good idea to take a look at the assailants and anything they had on them at the time. But first... Sir Vincent, do you have anything to add to what Lady Antorha already told us about the events from last night? Something she missed or overlooked but you noticed? Or anything that seemed unimportant in the heat of the moment, but could be of help in the search for the truth?” She gives sir Vincent a few moments to think about it and turns her attention to Archibald. “Well, it's obvious why the Duke wants the guilty party found, and we now know why Lady Eona is involved, but I'm still not sure how you fit in all this, my good sir...” She decides that's enough questions for now and waits to hear the answers.

 

Sir Vincent scratches his chin for a moment, before answering. "Despite their fine accoutrements, they did not seem to be particularly skilled. Perhaps they were new recruits?"

Archibald smiles in response to your question. "I am but an observer, my lady, a set of eyes and a pair of ears, nothing more."

 

“I see...” A set of eyes and a pair of ears, but for whom? I think that is a question best left for another time. If he wanted to tell us he could do so now... “Thank you both. So the attackers could be new recruits, sent as just a test. If they had been successful – great, and if not – better ones can be sent later.” Reana pauses as a thought occurs to her. “Or they could be just a distraction – something to occupy the Duke's attention focused on his daughter and away from something more important. That would explain their apparent lack of skill – their success or failure did not matter, so there was no need to waste better men. Other than the attack on Lady Arianna did anything unusual happen last night? Someone else getting attacked, a thief breaking in and stealing something, that sort of thing.” She looks questioningly at the Duke and Sir Vincent.