>>15984492
Hit up Autronius. Don't remember him being mentioned in the celebrations the night before. Curious to see if he was there or avoided them.

>>15984502
That sounds good.

>>15984502
Second. Might as well see how he's doing. And if he has a hangover, probably won't get much out of the prisoners until his mind is more focused.

Smirking, you make your way over to Autronius. As you near him, you notice that despite his bloodshot eyes, he has a certain spring in his limping step. "Autronius, my friend, I did not notice you at last nights celebration..." you greet him.

The man chuckles "Nor would you have, unless you knew me thirty years ago, Commander."

You freeze in place for a moment, as the implications of what the man just told you sinks in "But, you still..."

The man shrugs "My appearance when you met me is far easier to maintain as a glamor than a more... comely, form." he sighs "But now it is past time I returned to work. I still have several knights to work through before I am ready to move to the lords and lordlings. I take it you would like to join me? Also, we were certain to keep Raul Vistyek for when you were conscious, should you like to speak with him yourself first."

>>15984677
Let's go talk to Raul Vistyek I guess. Maybe we can get some information from him on what exactly the Guild is getting out of their alliance with the Uurlanth.

>>15984677
Oh you sly scoundrel you.

>>15984731
Second.

>>15984731
Do we know what position he holds in his family? If not we should find out.

>>15984731
I suspect autonomy and a portion of the loot and lands from the taking of Degnar, but it helps to get confirmation.
Seconding.

I'd want to rib Aurelius and Bellatrix for abit first but lets go interrogating!

>Offers Bacon to the NOKTURNAL BACON THRONE

You chuckle "A smart use of your capabilities, I must admit. though I would very much advise against..."

He chuckles "I balanced the scales back to even. I have no intent of fixing them in my favor."

You chuckle more "Is that limp part of your glamor then?"

He shrugs "You can choose to look through my glamor if you wish." inclining your head, you do so, and realize just how high the price of mysticism is. His eyes are mismatched, one a vibrant green, the other a dead brown, both massive and wide. His hair is a sickly, rotting gray-green, and falling out in irregular patches. His skin is covered in miscolored, vibrant spots, and his hands are shaking more than a little. Periodically one of the eyes will twitch... and he still has a limp.

Shaking your head, you allow the glamor to slide back over his form "I will speak with our captive Vistyek then, my friend." and at that, glad that his eyes are again the adamantium blue you are used to seeing, and his hair its healthy steel-grey, make your way to the iron box Raul Vistyek is being held in. You strike the box, to rouse the man... and are only rewarded with tired, confused mumblings.

You strike again, and hear a muffled "Just a while longer, my lady..."

>>15985061
"It would be an impressive feat if your lady could sneak her way into my camp and to your box just to ensure you were awake. Unfortunately for you, I must bring you back to the reality of your situation and I thought a nice chat was in order."

>>15985061

Speak softly and sweetly, or grab sansa or someone to reply."What exactly, my dear?"

>>15985128
Oh ho HO HO. Second.

>>15985061
>trolling opportunity spotted
I just can't sleep my dear. I keep worrying that you might be captured by some evil Degnarian and then I will never see you again"

>>15985128
Well, if we troll someone today it might as well be our prisoner.

You quietly clear your throat, and, doing your best to impersonate a groggy Sansa reply "Oh, nothing dear. I simply had this terrible dream that you had been captured by Degnar."

From the box, you hear light giggling, then, a second set of giggles "Our Lady never did call us dear though." and at that, the lock falls to pieces, a brief white flash of an arcane item breaking.

Then, a pair of young, identical women tumble out of the box. Save for one feature, one has the 'desert star' of house Hernanda tattooed over her right eye, and the other her left. Both of them are dressed in house Hernanda livery. "Degnarians are such a debauched folk." right eye observes.

Left eye continues to giggle as she adds "We only had to wait until the mystic was too drunk to find us. The guards were easy to deal with."

Right eye nods, before offering you an apologetic pout "Our lady would have been devastated had her betrothed, Raul Vistyek, had been captured you see. So she sent us to free him once your guard was down."

Left eye apes her sister, and picks up where she left off "But she also felt guilt for robbing you your ransom. So she instructed us to remain behind to answer your questions... and promises compensation for our safe ransom back to her"

Right eye nods "Your clever though. If you are always so witty with your prisoners, we will enjoy our captivity with you."

>>15985406
Grr.

Well, maybe they'll be easier to interrogate.

First things first, though. Dispatch the air cavalry. Maybe we can still chase the lordling down.

>>15985406
"You'll have to excuse me if I find it hard to believe an Uurlanth noble feels bad about doing anything to someone to Degnar. Or that she's willing to give away information to them so easily but I'll see where this game goes. What kind of agreement did the Uurlanth agree to to get the Guild to join the war on their side?"

>>15985437
Agreed. Unlikely as it is, we should try. And we should get Autronius in here to help protect us.

>>15985437

They would not play out their hand until their rescue force was too far out for intercept. Furthermore their mentioning of Antronius being drunk means that was last night so they are at least a night's worth of hard riding away. Sending our airwing after them risks a major ambush.

>>15985406

"Last night then? I'd not waste my time chasing someone who is long gone. Your names first then and who is this 'lady' whom you speak of?"

>>15985488
Oh right. Where are my manners? Of course ask for their names.

>>15985488
... How do you ambush air cavalry? In any case, if the enemy had any air assets in the region, I'd think they would have used them during battle.

If someone managed to sneak into our camp then our scouting and security is obviously lacking. We need field intel. It's not just about hunting down the lordling.

After we get back to Degnar, I think we should look into a professional security/bodyguard force. Regular legionaries are obviously not cutting it.

Ask them why they didn't liberate Darin Ramon while they were at it.

>>15985526
We won't find him. The twins wouldn't have revealled themselves unless they were sure of that. They could have just kept the act up as him and we wouldn't have known better. No point sending the men out in my opinion but I guess a small search could be done just in case.

>>15985526

A few archers left behind as a screen would be sufficient. Knock a few out of the sky and the cost would be heavy for us. They would also accomplish the goal of slowing down pursuit.

Also the further they pursue the enemy, the likelyhood of running into enemy patrols/reinforcements greatly increase and they'll be out of support range (They still need to land and rest and all).

>>15985472
Pretty sure the Lady is Guildian not Uurlanth but I agree with the agreement question.

>>15985406
"So you two have taken the place of Raul Vistyek as my prisoners and you'll answer my questions?"

"I'd like to know your names and skills, to start with, my dears."

>>15985576
They are obviously from House Hernanda. :)

Hey Pax, does our stonesense give us any idea on if they have hidden weapons? I think we can detect metal.

>>15985406

Call the guards and make a pair of nice crucifixions they can talk while they are nail to them.

>the desert star, for reference.

Sighing you move in to start checking them for weapons, casually at first "You will have to excuse me if I find it hard to believe that an Uurlanthi would freely, and contritely give anything to a Degnarian. so lets start with the names that are attached to your lovely forms."

The two assassins blush slightly "I'm Esmerelda, and we would do anything our Lady Hernanda asked of us." Right eye replies.

Left eye calms herself "We are quite unarmed. You will find our blades in the backs of the guards we had to kill to free our ladies betrothed. Though, if you want proof, we will be happy to prove our unarmed nature too you. Esperenza is my name." she finishes.

You look the two over as Esmerelda turns to Esperenza "Sister! We had agreed to hold our chastity for good, noble knights! Not give it to some drakeling."

They are both short, shorter than Vi, though much less full figured. Both have short black hair, lightly curled, and well tanned skin. Esperenza grins "I have heard that this drakeling can be quite ravenous... and if he is so skilled that he can keep seventeen women satisfied and faithful, I would not mind it."

Esmerelda looks at the grinning assassin for a moment before whispering something in her ear, a reminder, from what you can pick up. the previously forthcoming sister shrinks back, frightened. The more sensible one, you now assume turns back to you "What otehr questions did you have? As flattered as you are, we are certain, after confering, that you have more than that."

Interesting. I guess their loyalty to their lady or someone related to her might be due to fear rather than loyalty. Perhaps subversion is possible...,

I restate the question on what got the Guild to join the war. Also, I want to hear what stories the Uurlanth tell of Justinian.

>>15985708

>...and if he is so skilled that he can keep seventeen women satisfied and faithful, I would not mind it

Ahahaha.

>>15985731

This will do.

Have them walk with us to see to our dead men. They will need to be buried and as their commander, there is a need to see them.

Might also earn a few points in their eyes.

>>15985708
I can smell the bladed cunt through the computer. Why haven't we call for 20 soldiers to take them into custody?

>>15985752

For the simple fact that normal guards already, could not stop them and that if they wanted to, they would have already high-tailed it out of here.

No, they're staying behind of their own will. Thus guards are, right now, useless and superficial.

>>15985752
Because if they planned to kill Justinian, they would have attacked already. And I assume stonesense isn't picking anything up. I imagine they'll be more cooperative if we're civil for now.

>>15985731
Seconding this, but also call for additional guards, and have the two assassins lead us to the guards they killed.
Recheck all of the other prisoners, make sure that no others have escaped.

>>15985731
Thirded

>>15985731
This works

>>15985708
"Seventeen? Where -are- you girls getting your information from?"

questions:
"What skills do you two possess? Did you break the lock yourselves or use an arcane item to do so?"

"Since you've exchanged yourselves for my prisoner, I believe we need to have a chat about the terms of your imprisonment. Will you two be staying willingly and not attempting to escape or harm my men?"

[if they aren't going to harm the men or escape...]
Ask if they are hungry. What kind of man would Trentz be to allow them to go hungry?

>>15985731
I'm guessing that they know nothing of the political situation, but I suppose it can't hurt to check.

Ask them exactly who their Lady is. And again, why they did not rescue Darin Ramon while they were at it.

... Maybe send someone to check on Darin Ramon.

These are still professional Uurlanthi assassins/agents. Stay on guard.

>>15985817
They kind of already hurt our men. Knifes in the backs.

>>15985782
A bolt through to the gut does wonders to make people less dangerous.

You smirk "Seventeen? Where did you hear that from?"

Esmeralda and Esperanza both answer "Our teacher." at the same time.

Esmeralda nods her head "She is quite the gossip. And is in command of an extensive information network."

"All of her information is quite reliable" Esperanza continues.

You chuckle "the number is a bit high, but it is true that I have several women. Now, what are your skills?"

Beamin Esperanza re[lies "We are assassins and infiltrators of the highest level."

Esmeralda, face equally bright adds "Members of Lady Alicia Henranda, Lord Horatio Hernandas youngest, most beautiful, and favorite daughters Shadow Guard. Among the best blades House Hernanda has to offer. Pure, skilled and demure, not at all like those crass punasinia sent by the score to castrate Degnars men."

You nod slowly, filtering out their gloating from fact. two highly skilled, faithful traditional assasins. "And you will remain my prisoners until ransomed back to your Lady? Harming no more Degnarians?" as you ask, you check them with both stone and metalsenses, finding nothing but cloth on their persons.

The two nod their heads , alternately. When ones head is up, the others down "We are, and we will not." they announce, proudly.

You smirk as you reply "Then, perhaps I could interest you in a meal?"

They look at each other, and, at the same time, the more impulsive Esperanza replies "Of course." while the more cautious Esmeralda replies "No thank you."
>cont'd

Esmereldas stomach growls during the ensuing deadlock, and she relents. as you lead the pair to the mess tent, walking behind their... shapely, forms. You pass Blackbird, and order him to search out for any infiltrators on your way to the mess tent. sitting down to a light, plain meal, Esmeralda asks "What else would you like to know then?"

You sigh, having hoped to enjoy a business-free meal "The Guilds, what are they gaining from this alliance between them and Degnar?"

Esperanza shrugs as Esmerelda makes an uncertain noise "Word is that they will be given control over the production of goods once the world is united under its rightful king."

>>15986142


>Know our enemy

"Well since you're going to be here for a while, why not tell me about yourselves? How did ladies as beautiful as you two end up as assassins?" and other questions about their backgrounds and lives.

Ask about their homeland, find out information about the guild lands, how its like, possible economic situation and military.

>>15986142
Beyond the arcana they used to break the lock, do they have any other arcana on them? And if they're sincere about having no ulterior motives, will they consent to Autronius checking? No point hiding us using the mystic since they know who it is.

Hmm. I wonder if they have a lot of practical experience or if this is one of the first times they've done a mission far from home.

>>15986142
So, they're going to allow themselves to be annexed to get a profit?
Fucking Capitalists.

>Lady Alicia Henranda, Lord Horatio Hernandas youngest, most beautiful, and favorite daughters

New target acquired.

Seriously though. Send someone to check up on Darin Ramon.

>>15986178
You know what, I second this. Ask about the arcana but then ask about them. Although I think we should ask them about news on house Stant. This is a chance for us to see what the cult is doing in Uurlanth perhaps.

>>15986142

Ask about their childhood and training to start with.

After the meal, our prisoners are going to be digging graves for the guards they killed. Then they will carry the corpses to their graves.

>>15986245
Have we forced any enemy soldiers we've captured to dig graves?

>>15986372

Nope.

ARRRGH, damn you pax!

>>15986380
I think we just enjoy watching lovely women work up a good sweat.

>>15986372
I do not know. However, if we want to send a message to both our men as well as our new hostages, I also suggest that we have them say a prayer- and an apology- for the souls of our soldiers.

You sigh before asking "As you will be here for a while, why dont you tell me about yourselves? I am rather curious as to how two lovely creatures as yourselves became assassins."

Esmeralda slumps a bit "We were saved. Lady Alicia saved us, as children."

Esperanza nods "Our service is our willing, and unending show of thanks to her for that."

You raise an eyebrow, and, after chewing your food "Saved you, how so?"

Esperanza thinks for a moment before replying "Our parents were either desperate, or killed when we were still young."

Esmerelda swallows and continues "So, we were either adopted by, or sold to one of the largest whorehouses in Bleak Bend."

Esmerelda continues for her sister as she cuts her meat "We worked for years as maids, and were protected from the men... we were, and still are Virgins you see."

As Esperanza moves a bite to her mouth, Esmeralda continues "I'm certain that you know how much a virgin can earn a whorehouse... well, our Lady only has women for her ShadowGuard. Of course she wishes for them to be entirely loyal to her."

Esmerelda swallows as her sister moves a bit to her mouth, then continues "We were lucky enough to have had our first blood the night before our Lady visited our current home, in search of girls to train for what would be her ShadowGuard."

Esperanza swallows "She saved us from being sold, you see. Ever since then" she takes a bite.

Esmeralda swallows, and sets her fork down, reaching for her water "We have either been training to serve, or serving, the woman who saved us."

>>15986372
Normal prisoners are punished enough by being prisoners.

These two should be punished for not simply walking in under a truce flag and asking to exchange themselves for the noble.

>>15986403

"Tell me more about your lady, she seems like a good person."

>>15986414
You know no one would accept those terms and if one of our lovers were captured by the enemy you know we'd do everything in our power to get them back including sneaking them out. The girls are just following orders and shouldn't be punished otherwise we're hypocrites for having a assassin/torture technician on our payrole.

>>15986529
Well, I've always seen Trentz as a man of principles, so, I'm going to agree with you. Though these two are hardly regular prisoners.

>>15986466
Second. I'm curious if we can get an idea on how well their lady treats them or her servants in general. The one sister whispered something to the other earlier and she got frightened all of a sudden so there's something there. If we want to sway them, we'll need to find out what that was about.

Honestly, I'm really worried about keeping them around. If they steal any of our repeater crossbows or NV paste, we're in big trouble. I'm starting to think this isn't worth the risk with Dasesu not around.

>>15986403
"A good way to ensure loyalty, I must admit. So is your mistress a fan of women over men, or does she have other reasons for taking virgin women as her bodyguard?"

again suggesting burial detail for these two.

>>15986529
I have to say I'm more than a little discomfited by the concept that Trentz apparently cares so little for the lives of his men that his first reaction to finding someone who killed some of them is to try and charm them and invite them to eat with him. I mean, god damn, that's villain-level disregard for the lives of men who put their lives on the line under his command on a regular basis. Not taking any action whatsoever to at least show that we give a crap that they died would be horrible of us as a commander and a person.

Honestly, our habit of embracing people who slaughter our troops left and right the moment that an opportunity to do so shows itself is more than a little creepy and callous to our men.

>>15986589
Right. The bodies were hidden. We should have had something done about them. Putting that up on the priority list that at the least their bodies should be found and prepared properly.

>>15986589
You know what? Maybe this is a glamor.


Can we roll to disbelieve, Pax?

>>15986589

I did suggest it just now.

I'd say we should go do it once we finish this meal.

>>15986607
"Might I inquire as to where you hid the bodies? I'd like to give my men an honorable burial, sooner rather than later. I'd also like you to help with such."

>>15986589

what kind of monster makes people bury the dead on an empty stomach? Much better to let them eat their fill, THEN make them do physical labor in the heat of the sun.

>>15986637

Commanders will oversee the proceedings. Not usually get down to actually moving the bodies.

I'd say they should be there to watch.

>>15986690
Degnar is notoriously soft and chivalrous toward its enemies. Command Gabriel was actually shocked when we told him we were to kill the ice elementalists instead of taking them prisoner.

So, since they are our prisoners now, they get fed first. Then they can bury the dead guards.

I'm not so optimistic about subverting them now, though. Not after that sob story with the whorehouse.

>>15986721

screw watching. make them dig the holes and carry the bodies.

This is their punishment, unless they'd like to surrender limbs.

>>15986721
If they killed our men during a normal battle, I'd just imprison them and be done with it. Since they did not, I'm completely for making them do the work of burying the men they killed.

>>15986772

Hmm...

My god.

Actually. This is a diplomatic coup. We now have a way of getting messages through since we no longer have any more diplomatic contact.

These girls cannot be harmed. They're the first step towards a peace settlement, helped along by the guild lands carrying messages back and forth.

>>15986805
>>15986782
>>15986690
I agree, make them bury the bodies on a full stomach in the heat with a very heavy guard

Of course we remove all weapons and armor from the dead men so the twins don't get a hold of anything.

>>15986403
Maybe we can troll them by calling them the "Easy Sisters".

>>15986589
Hundreds of our people die in every battle, what do you want? Tattoo their names on our body, scream and rage at the heavens every time we lose a soldier?
These kids just killed the guards they needed to to get the job done and you're acting like this is some horrible crime that must be avenged, do you know how many brothers sisters fathers and mothers we have personally killed?

You nod slowly, as you finish your meal "Interesting... your Lady prefers women to men." the twin assassins mouths drop open in shock "As interesting as that is, I would like more, practical, knowledge of your lady. You can tell me as you take me to the corpses."

Esmeralda recovers a split second before her sister "We know that Lady Hernanda prefers men. We, we sleep in the chamber next to her room."

Esperanza, after her sister finishes continues "And, we just ate..."

Face emotionless, you respond "My countrymen."

Heads drooping, they begin to lead you, as you, again, admire their superb posteriors. Esmeralda begins "Lady Hernanda is quite secretive, much of what we learned we had to discover for ourselves."

Esperanza picks up for her sister "What we do know is that she disagrees with much of what her father is doing, and many of his policies."

"His stance on slavery and the business of prostitution." Esmeralda begins.

Esperanza inclines her head towards the outskirts of the camp "His relationship with a certain, organization, that is subverting many governments and nobles in the world."

Esmeralda looks to her sister, almost apologetically "His stance on those who leave his service."

"And, what would the Lord Hernandas stance on retiring servants be?" you ask, your intellect piqued.

Esperanza glares at her sister for a brief second before replying "A generous, forgiving one." she pauses "However, he is far more, unforgiving of those in his service, and much more demanding of them. Our Lady is far more generous and lenient than he in that regard."

Esmeralda nods "Our Lady hopes to change much in Bleak Bend. And we will be happy to ensure that she inherits rule over the city."
>cont'd

Esperanza nods to a tall stand of grass about 30 yards from a half-covered latrine ditch... full and stinking. the ditch was at the outside, southern edge of the camp, far from the celebration. Still mulling over what the two told you about their lady you nod at the stand of grass "Well, fetch the bodies, they aren't going to bury themselves, and they most certainly aren't going to be left apart from their brothers."

When they return, both of them looking queasy, and, already exhausted you ask them "Now, what news have you heard of house Stant?"

The twins look at each other before Esmeralda replies "No word has left Cloudreach since the Stants returned from their campaign with you."

Esperanza nods "However, it is believed that the succession dispute is over, or very nearly so."

Esmeralda apes her sister, again, her nods opposite her sisters "And, several of the wealthiest merchants have sold a great number of slaves outside the city. Outside of Stant holdings, entirely to be precise."

Esperanza and Esmeralda nodding ceases at the same moment and the former continues "The Slave-traders of Port Placid suspect that it was most, if not all of the major traders slaves."

At that, you incline your head towards where the dead are being buried. The three of you continue in silence, yourself glad that the soldiers are not yours, the twins occasionally grunting with effort. Eventually, you reach the burial area. Of course, by then word had spread about camp that Commander Trentz was overseeing two slight, beautiful women, in unblemished House Hernanda livery, as they move a pair of Degnarian corpses to the burial area. Naturally, the other commanders are approaching you, confusion obvious on their faces.

>>15986944
"Now, the two of you spoke of a certain organization that is spreading around like a disease. How much do you know of them?"

Can someone PLEASE check up on Darin Ramon?

>>15986944
Inform them that Raul was released by the twins.

>>15986979
Second.

If the other commanders ask, just recount the events leading up to now as best as we can.

>>15986944

Look to see if Jayne or Sansa is somewhere nearby. Wave her over if possible.

"Gentlemen, may I present to you Miss Esmerelda and Miss Esperenza of Lady Hernanda from the Guild Lands.

Due to some unfortunate circumstances, these two are currently my hostages. I would like to explain them to you in greater detail, in private."

If we get sansa or Jayne, send her with the girls to get cleaned up or so and then have her come to the command tent.

For now, we go with them to recount the incident in the privacy of the command tent. Once they're brief of the possible intelligence, they'll have questions to pose to the girls once we bring them before the commanders.

Also send a detachment to look over our other prisoner,.

We should assure the other commanders that we have the situation well in had before they start freaking out.

>>15987085

These things should be handled in private.

Not good to have the commanders freaking out in public.

I know I'd freak out if I were in their shoes.

Second highest value prisoner is gone WTFOMGBBQ etc.

>>15987103
I wasn't saying fill them in on everything yet, just tell them everything is under control so they don't start freaking out.

The other commanders arrive as the two women begin digging, dripping sweat in the sweltering heat. "Justinian, would you care to..." Vibius trails off as he sees two men he apparently recognizes as his own.

You sigh, and, dropping your voice inform the others "These two assassins infiltrated our camp during last nights celebration, and freed Raul Vistyek. Their master, Lady Alicia Hernanda instructed them to remain behind as my prisoners, and to answer my question. To this point, they are cooperating." You incline your head to the nearest command tent, as the Central one is still down, as you motion for Sansa to watch the pair.

Inside the tent, Gabriel is the first to speak "They are unarmed, and devoid of arcane talent?"

You nod an affirmative. Malcius shakes his head "A pity that we lost Vistyek, even if he was only the second son. He is one of Uurlanths best."

Vibius scratches at his eyepatch "I take it you have been questioning them since they revealed themselves to you?"

Again, you nod "Yes I have been. And, as you noticed, I have the situation quite under control."

Gabriel chuckles "We did not doubt that, we were simply confused as to how you acquired them. Your... reputation, came to mind, of course."

Malcius joins in "And with the tri-voiced woman, and the necromancer already being added to your harem, we were surprised that you were adding two more on top of them."

Vibius nods in agreement, grinning deeply "So, what have you learned from them, my friend?"

>>15987237

Laugh. "I believe you overestimate me. I have not 'added' them. Yet."

We must also raise that this is a chance to resume diplomatic contact and perhaps, bring an early end to the war. As such, we should treat them respectfully as hostages.

Jokes aside recount what we know to them. As much as we know. Then bring in the girls so that the commanders may question them.

>>15987237
"So far, I haven't had a chance to really dig all that deep, though I am heartened to learn that a third player in this game of war has been turned down by at least a few Uurlanthi houses, a player which I have been hunting. I had been worried that few of them could ignore whispers of power. They seem so desperate for any modicum of power these days."

>He is one of Uurlanths best
So is that why he lost? That explains much.

But seriously, tell them what we have learned from the twins

>>15987237
"Not much, I was waiting until we all had a chance to question them together before I tackled matters of importance."

>>15987362
Second.

>>15987281
Too early to discuss this, Fuu. These commanders are in no mood for such peace talks either.

Uulanth has to be taken down a peg first. Otherwise they'll just resume the war after the cult is taken care of.

Our nickname is the Midnight Dragon and we are known far and wide as some kinda sex god.
I can hear the jokes already.

>>15987466
They're going to name a dildo model after us.

You laugh "I believe you overestimate me my friend, I have not 'added' these two... yet."

Now, all present break out into laughter, not a loud one, but it gets a rise, Gabriel is the first to calm down, and he quips "No harem is complete without twins, I suppose."

You nod as sagely and calmly as possible, earning another round of laughter, though your straight face only lasts long enough to execute the follow-up joke. as the table calms again, you reach for a cup of water that is not there, and, after frowning, begin to regail the other commanders of what you have learned from the twins thus far.

As you finish Malcius replies "It is not happy news, that house Stant will be on the mend soon. Having more nobles actively supporting the war effort is not a prospect I like."

Vibius nods in agreement "This, clandsetine group, you metnioned. They only described their mark, and shared that they have heard that they have a presence in Degnar?" when you nod, the man sighs "We will have to watch out for them as well. But for now, I suppose it would be best to allow you to return to your interrogation of the women you now have in your custody."

You nod your thanks, and rise to leave, along with the otehr commanders. Once outside, you see the two girls, nearly passed out, on top of a pair of freshly filled graves. Behind them, and away from the direction they are facing, you see an unmistakable shock of silver hair peeking out from a tent.

As you consider whether to see to Catalina, or the twins, Autronius limps over too you. "Sansa had me appraised of the situation. No other prisoners were freed. And Blackbird has located no additional infiltrators... would you like for me to begin my own search for more?"

>>15987492

Have Antonious do a quick sweep of the camp.

Also go see Catelina first. Shes hiding for a reason.

>>15987583
I second this idea.

>>15987583
Agreed.

>>15987492
Our resident psychic could help us with the twins.

>>15987492
"You are free to begin your own search, though first... would you be so kind as to check if the twins have been trained to resist mystics? I doubt our enemies are that foolish, but I can always hope."

Stop at the twins and ask if they've offered prayers for those they buried. If they haven't, they are to do so. We'll make a note to check with the gods next time we visit.

If the twins are done, have Sansa/Jayne/Kyria/Lealith (whichever is closer/least busy) take them to wash up, then return them to their box. (they DID take the place of the guy in it...)

then check in with Catalina.

Check on catalina while Autronius does a quick search and make sure the twins don't see Catalina. Put a heavy guard on the twins while we are away.

You nod in approval "You have my permission. After that, I will likely need help with our new guests."

Autronius salutes, and limps off to do your bidding. You make your way around the now nearly passed out twin assassins to the tent Catalina had been hiding in. Once you enter Catalina speaks immediately "Why... why are they here? Did they come to kill me? If I let someone see me who shouldn't have I..." she cuts off her apology after seeing the admonishing look you are shooting her.

Sighing, you inform the girl "They are not here on any business related to you. They stole a noble prisoner from me, but were ordered to not escape with him."

Now, Catalinas face twists into a mask of terror "Father didnt..."

You shake your head, and pull Catalinas face up to look at you, and out of one that looks more prepared to be struck than anything. "Not the man who happened to impregnate your mother. A different noble."

The girl breaths a sigh of relief, but it is clear that she is still frightened "then, why did you come to see me?" she asks, confused and a little nervous.

>>15987766

"You were hiding for a reason. Must probably terrified since their agents were in the camp. I was worried, so I came by to make sure you were ok."

She might need a hug.

"Now then, would you want them to know of your presence or would you rather it be kept a secret?"

>>15987766
"You looked like you could use someone to talk to."

>>15987766
>then, why did you come to see me?
"To ask you to avoid them, and to make sure you aren't frightened."

>>15987839
>>15987813
Any combination of theseHNNNNNNNG


goddamnit Pax.

>>15987839
Not now, man.

"I figured you would be worried to see Hernanda assassins in camp. I just wanted to make sure that you don't worry needlessly."

I think the box is kind of pointless now. Put them in isolation cells for now.

Did we check them for arcane abilities?

>>15987813

seconding.

possible explaination:

"She's walking free because she is to be one of Neshai's priests. Would /you/ like to confine a chosen priest of the goddess of death?"

possible lead-in to teaching all 3 of the gods? (particularly that love-goddess one I can't remember the name of ever...)

>>15987630
Forcing people to pray? Really?

>>15987916

hey, I've been considering taking them to meet the families of the men they killed as well!

"you will PLAY WITH THOSE CHILDREN, DAMNIT! YOU OWE THEM THAT MUCH!"

You shrug as you pull her into a hug. the girl relaxes, then tenses up for a moment, before relaxing again "I saw you hiding, and realized that you were most likely terrified. So I came to help you, and talk if you needed it."

The young woman smiles weakly "Thank you, Justinian. But, so long as they dont know about me I should be fine."

As the girl pulls away, you look into her eyes "Are you certain? You looked rather terrified."

She takes a deep breath, and though she still looks rather frightened replies "I... yes. A distraction may be nice, however."

You raise an eyebrow "Quite forward of you..."

The girl lights up, and looks away from you "No, not that... the, meditation, that you were talking to me about before. Until the assassins are detained, and I dont have to hide."

"Come to think of it, this would be a good time. Very well."

meditation instruction time. Though, I feel we should stay only long enough to make sure she gets it right. We have to see to getting the twins properly jailed and interrogated.

>>15988067

I'm not sure we should let her go herself to see Neshai. Perhaps later that night when we have time to guide her ourselves since we don't have the time right now.

So the next best thing. Give her a kiss on the forehead. That should distract her for awhile.

Then we'd best not keep our 'guest' waiting.

>>15988109
I believe we're going to meditate with her and both see Neshai, not send her alone.

But first we should get Sansa to have the twins bathed and returned to their box.

>>15987987
lololo, Before we do that lets go meet the children of the men we've killed.
As to the praying thing, we're not fanatics we will introduce people to the gods but we don't force people to do religious things, ever.
However keeping them in the box is fair.

>>15988143

if anyone can satisfy all those widows, IT IS JUSTINIAN TRENTZ!

>>15988143
We need a better box, or more restraints + box

I don't think we have enough time to properly introduce Catalina to Neshai right now. We still have to interrogate the twins with Autronius

>>15988067
Yes, yes. The moe-blob has been comforted. Let's get on with business.

You shake your head "That, will actually be a rather frightening experience, one that I would hate to leave you alone halfway through. And as I will need to leave shortly to see to those assassins, I must insist that we wait until tonight."

Catalina nods, dejectedly "Can you at least take them away from where they are... please? this isnt my tent, and..."

You chuckle "That is why I must leave now. Dont worry, I will send Sansa to tell you when the way is clear for you." The girl nods, and tries to salute you as you leave the tent. She is sloppy, and got half of it wrong, but it would seem that she already knows the terms on which Uurlanthi traitors are accepted into Degnar, and is trying. Smiling, you set off to deal with the twin assassins again.

>bleh, Pax tired, and is calling it here.
>Someone archive please.
>I'll be back Sunday at 9:30 10:00ish server time (I work late)
>If you have any CQ/setting questions, feel free to email me at [email protected]

>>15988172
We did get a woman to kill her husband, so charming widows doesn't seem that unlikely...

>>15988304
Not so hard to do when you get her to realize the guy ruined her life.