Chapter 1: A Friend in Need

Vatra is taken aback by the Tortle’s change in demeanor.

"I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean. We were directed to come here by a "friend in need" to gather some supplies. Once Xelia has parleyed I’m sure we will be going, promptly.". Giving the armored knight a good once over, "Sounds like there is something a foot, wouldn’t you say Butler?"

THE SITTING ROOM

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Alastriona regards Sir Talulah with a mild curiosity bordering on incomprehension. She folds her arms across her chest and says nothing.

THE SITTING ROOM

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Butler leans back against one of the walls in the room and cocks an eye at the Tortles sudden shift. Looking to Vatra he grins slightly "Certainly not the kind of greeting I'd have expected". He turns his gaze to the tortle "As my companions say's we're here for supplies....if we've been sent to the wrong place then it'd raise a few concerns on my part"

THE SITTING ROOM

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Butler and Vatra's flippant attitude make Talulah fume even hotter.

"Something is indeed a foot! This is no provisioner's shop! And you are not retainers of house Rosznar or i'll eat my own shell. Now, tell me the real reason you are here!"

THE SITTING ROOM

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Whatever lack of understanding the aasimar portrays in everyday conversation, anyone would recognize the hostility in the tortle's words. Alastriona unfolds her arms and steps forward to interpose herself between Sir Talulah and her companions. She stares into the tortle's eyes, and hums a slow and drawn-out leading-tone of two notes.

THE SITTING ROOM

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The Tortle knight is confused by Alastriona's noises.

"What - what are you doing? Are you singing to me? Are you all mad? Gods, I need a drink."

She strides over to the table and pours a glass of Flamebeard's Firebrandy imported all the way from Bryn Shander.

Drinking seems to repair Talulah's fragile patience some. She straightens her armour and begins again, more calmly.

"Alright, let's try this again. You said a friend in need directed you here. Who? And why?"

Xelia takes Prince's arm and allows him to lead her toward the rooftop gardens. She greets the steward of House Ulbrinter with affection and makes the appropriate introductions. "Lady Remallia, you are looking well as always. House Rosznar still stands. My children have carried the mantle well after my husband's passing. I do hope you will find the same kind of peace as I have, in time. Death brings about change, and I dare say it is up to those living to make sure that change is for the better." She smiles genially. "But perhaps that is a topic for another day. Please forgive my bluntness, but I was sent here by dearest Renaer. We are in search of his friend and it is a matter that is quite pressing. He asked for us to see you in the hope that you may be able to assist us."

THE ROOFTOP GARDENS

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Remallia is visibly moved by your kind sentiments and wisdom.

"I couldn't have said it better myself, Xelia - please, call me Remi. I have spent every day as steward of this house working toward this end. So interesting that it should be through Renaer that our paths should intertwine. But, I understand that time is of the essence. What sort of assistance do you require?"

THE SITTING ROOM

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Alastriona ends her leading-tone hum, but remains where she is to continue acting as a physical bulwark to protect her companions. When the tortle's tone calms, Alastriona's stance also relaxes to a neutral stance.

"If you are able to provide any supplies for our endeavor, that would be very much appreciated. I find the business of rescuing the kidnapped to be quite dangerous. But it is a necessary risk."

THE SITTING ROOM

---

Butler looks at Talulah for a moment considering before speaking "Guy called Renaer sent us this way, says he's the son of some mucky-mucky who used to be in charge round here or something."

Remallia nods. "Intriguing. We'll see what we can find."

The trio descends from the rooftop garden and wind their way back to the sitting room. Upon entering the sitting room, Sir Talulah is still hurling questions the party.

Responding to Butler, Talulah says: "Renaer? As in the son of that criminal, Neverember?! A tall tale! What proof - ah, Lady Haventree. Ahem, pardon my temper, I was just...

Remallia cuts him off with a waive of her hand. "Guards, please return to your stations."

The house guards bow and file out of the room while Remallia sits at a writing desk and begins scribing a note. Talulah's face changes to a paler shade of green as Remallia issues her orders while she writes.

"Sir Talulah, Lady Xelia and her loyal retainers require special provisions. Haste is paramount."

She hands the note to Talulah. "Tend to this personally, with discretion."

Talulah stammers "Of course, my Lady. I will see to this at once!"

Remallia trades parting words with Xelia, and privately hands her a special present, a ring from her own slender hand.

"It is none of my business, but you may want to keep an eye on your neice, Evelyn Rosznar. As I understand it, the burden of being the face of the future of your house is proving challenging."

She wishes the entire crew good luck and escorts you to the fointained garden where she bids you farewell

Awaiting you is a black coach with no house markings. Atop the driver's seat is a portly figure dressed in hooded cloak. As you approach, she jumps down and lifts her hood enough to reveal it is Sir Talulah.

"It appears I've been demoted to your personal chauffeur for the day. Wipe those smirks off your face and get in. Your 'provisions' are on the seat. "

Alastriona opens the coach door for Xelia et al to enter. When everyone has boarded, she climbs up to the driver's bench and, with only an impassive and unemotional glance at the tortle, sits down. She secures her shawl around her like a cowl, and stares straight ahead.

The nondescript, black coach is nothing short of miraculous on the inside. Within is a lavish, windowless mansion richly decorated in a dark palette. A staff of ghostly servants silently await your commands.

Within you can find:

- A nine-course meal paired with the finest alcohol money can buy
- Six black, unembellished Cloaks of Protection
- Three Goggles of Night
- A quiver containing three glass arrows (+1 magic ammunition)
- A wand of detect magic with 3 charges
- Two potions of healing (restores 2d4+2 hp)

A panel in the wall opens up, and Talulah leans in from the driver's seat.

"Remember, these are just loaners! I don't want to see a scratch or a loose thread by the end of this little escapade! Now, where are we going?"

Alastriona peers into the panel over Talulah's head. If she is surprised by the magnificent interior and disparate dimensions compared to the outside, it is only evident in her held breath and unblinking stare.

She wordlessly returns her attention to the front of the coach, beyond the nose of the horse.

"This is more like it! No offense, Mama, but when was House Rosznar going to set us up like this?" Prince wrinkles his nose at the unstylish black cloaks, but throws one over Xelia's shoulders anyway, and dons another himself. He shows the same distaste as he pulls a pair of goggle over his head. "Ugh! This strap messes up my hair!"

Butler swings one of the cloaks round himself and picks up a set of the goggles and starts fidling with them. "So what’s our next move then?" he says to the others.