The Matron's Return (Prince Charles)

[DM-Boneyard Ben]

After Maribel has a heartfelt goodbye with the Captain of the Sapphire Rover and a few playful jabs at her husband you find yourself swiftly making your way through the streets of Clifton on one of your usual round about paths, checking if your being followed and doing your best not to throw your arms around the Matron and cry your eyes out like you did when you were a child. She follows you dutifully through the winding streets and through various back alleys, taking in the sights and offering quick nods and greetings to those who'll acknowledge her but making sure not to draw attention. Once your sure the coast is clear you turn sharply into the back alley and through the back door of your place of residents. You close the door behind her and quickly check your dust trails. You see Maribel is not overly pleased to see all the dust, she'd always kept everything clean and it becomes apparent to you she's making an active effort not to start tidying up. You find no traces of anyone ever having been in your house or around the property so with all that said and done. How will our many-minded prince handle having his beloved Matron back safe and sound?

[DM-Delfon]

With swift well practiced motions Embros melts away, both mentally and physically. Prince Charles Somerset stands before his Matron wearing another man's clothes, but there can be no doubt who he is now. In two quick steps, he scoops her up and buries his face in her shoulder. Tears flow freely, and he shakes with the release of tension. Too many feelings, too many thoughts forced down and stomped out while he was forced to maintain his Embros Persona. Not with this woman, with this woman he falls apart. He lets all his feelings bubble to the surface. His grief about his mother's death. His guilt that he couldn't save her. His guilt that his people suffer under his Uncle. He looses himself in his grief, and then in his relief. After a full ten minutes, the Prince pulls himself together, "When I heard you were being... pressured. I came as soon as I could, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Emotions begin to bubble to the surface, but enough of the Prince has returned, that control is maintained. "We will find you a better place to stay, if I have my way you will become the new hand maiden to the Duchess herself." The Prince looks around. "This is our home." He repeats the phrase, once with the mannerisms and personality of each of his personas. "Do not worry, I have not gone crazy. I've had to reinvent myself a few times in order to stay ahead of my Uncle's assassins." The Prince goes on to tell her about his adventures since his exile, leaving out enough details that if she were captured, and forced to talk she still couldn't unravel his plans. "I have a question, in the Embros stories how did they actually end?"

[DM-Boneyard Ben]

As soon as you break down you feel the Matron's grip around you, tighter then you expected. You sense that something is off in the way she holds you, her motherly touch is certainly there but you feel like their is some deeper problem here. Then it clicks. The matron has no scars. no marks on her skin, not even a bruise. She wasn't hurt physically, but mentally. Solitary Confinement. The whole trip something seemed off. The matron liked her duties, certainly but she was never so clingy, weather with the Captain or you, she always needed to be near someone. To have another presence by her. Even during the walk here she walked tightly behind you. Thats how your uncle would break her. He knew that beating her would only make her more defiant. Subjugation was a Maid's bread and butter. But solitude? Taking away everything for weeks maybe months on end and only giving her the Warden to talk with. It would drive a person mad. She wouldn't be in her right behind to keep secrets. So for an hour after you compose yourself the strong woman who'd tended to you her whole life breaks apart, confessing every horrid thought and crazy fiction her mind had conjured in those 4 blank walls. She eventually becomes too distraught to understand as she cries into. It breaks your heart to see this marvel of a maid reduced to this. If feels almost like seeing your kingdom in flames or a great unyielding mountain reduced to rubble.
Once she has regained her composure she resumes her usual self. Though her puffed red eyes and tear stained cheeks give her away. She marvels at how well you've done, saying hello to each of your personalities in turn. You feel like even if you were crazy she'd see it as having no right to judge and that jerks at you.
"Emboros? He married a Dryad." She said simply. "Left his adventuring days behind and settled down for the quiet life with his eternal bride" She giggles to herself her eyes flash with days long gone. "But, you hated that ending. You wanted him to go out and fight or outwit more villains. The stoic solider who never accepted thanks" Her eyes are distant in memories before she snaps backs and looks at you. "But, how would tha-" She stops her eyes becoming wide. "The dryad found you" She whispers placing her hands over her mouth. "The girl you mentioned in your garden" She seems to trail off in thought. "Oh, dear..."

[DM-Delfon]

The Prince laughs, “It seems I may have accidentally gotten myself married to a Dryad.” The laughter is genuine, but goes on a little longer than it should. Savoring the joy for the fleeting moment it lasts. “I don’t want to leave you alone, but this place isn’t safe for you.” The prince seems lost, but only for a moment, “Goldie, from Three Bear Cove. Do you trust her? She’s the one that tipped me off about your incarceration.”

[DM-Boneyard Ben]

Maribel's face lights up as you mention Goldie "Golida? Why of course, she's a lovely girl tho-" She begins but falls silent as do you when you hear a rapping at the front door, leading to your garden. Knock-knock-knock. "My love are you there?" comes the familiar voice of the green girl from behind the door. "I don't mean to pry but there's something I wish to discuss and I thought I heard a woman's voice in there" You can hear her tone is soft as always but has a certain edge to it when she mentions another woman's voice. It seems she has the same gift that Emboros has for remaining calm yet expressing their point. The Matron looks to you for what she should do, you imagine she herself has about a half dozen plans for getting out of this but as the Master of the house and the green girl's husband it is your duty to see to your wife and home. It almost feels like she's a loving mother waiting for her son to clean up his room before he can go out and play. Its just as much nostalgia as it is a "goddamnit woman" moment. Just then, you hear the door knob jiggle and click open.

[DM-Delfon]

With well practiced motions, Embros reappears in seconds, “I have returned from my business away, and you are hearing the voice of the woman I rescued.” Embros states it plainly, almost monotone. Embros opens the door as the knob jiggles. Introductions are made. “What did you wish to discuss?”

[DM-Boneyard Ben]

The girls eyes fall on Maribel and you could swear you see them narrow and given your maid's jump, you weren't the only one, but another look reveals that you may have both imagined it. The green girl happily introduces herself as your wife. Putting a special amount of emphasis on that such fact. Maribel for her part is courteous as you'd expect. She introduces herself as the somerset prince's head maid with a good deal of pride as well as emphasizing that she has no such intentions of remaining by Emboros' side as she has a duty to her Prince. The two women talk among themselves for a time, simple exchanges to be sure but you feel a certain tension in the air. Like the calm before the kill. After a time you pull the Green girl aside and ask her what she wanted. "Ah! Of course" She giggles and taps the side of her head with her knuckle, sticking it tongue out in a foolish expression as she does. She explains that a Dwarf claiming to be from the Church of Bahamut and a Halfing from the Yondalla faith are looking to build a strong hold in the swamp, You ask what that means to you. She happily announces that its a very special place that she went out of her way to procure for memories sake cause its the first place where you... Ahem... Had your way with her. The green girl starts to go into the details, taking every liberty to put the other woman in your presence off... Or make her jealous, its hard to tell which. Maybe both? You swiftly put an end to it though and the resulting silence is cleared by a quick "Ahem." from Maribel. The Green Girl quickly takes that as her queue to get to the point and ask what you wanted to do about the interlopers.

[DM-Delfon]

Embros stays clear of the situation for the most part, only dropping the occasional comment to help diffuse the situation and keep tension down. When things wind down to why she's actually here, Embros looks down at the green woman, and says, "Wouldn't it be great to mark such a special place with a place of worship? I say we let them." Embros looks back to Maribel, "We need to get you out of here." Turning back to the Green Woman, "I want to meet his Dwarf at some point, but I need to finish up other business first. Did you need anything else?"

[DM-Boneyard Ben]

"My goodness" The green girl blushes as you refer to it as a speical place and holds her cheek. She didn't seem that shy when she was going into detail earlier. Whatever. "Oh, of course, Emby, you take care of business, I'll see to the garden and the Dwarf" She says with a smile and kisses you on the cheek. She gives Maribel a slight bow before taking off back outside. Once gone Maribel gives you a mischievous smile. "Emby, eh?" She says playfully with a giggle. "Well certainly not the woman I'd have chosen for you, she certainly is something else Mas- Ahem. Mister Emboros." She says resuming her usual motherly aura.

[DM-Delfon]

With his wife out of the house, Embros is quickly replaced by Bogomil. "Are you ready to go My Lady?" He says with an exaggerated gesture, and overly formal bow. Hooking his elbow through hers he leads her through the alleys and side streets to the Wayfarer's Rest. Opening the doors Bogomil steps into the room first with his arms extended to the sky. "Bogomil!" The room shouts at his entrance. Bogomil seeks out Goldie, locking eyes with her as he takes Maribel's hand and leads her into the room. With a beaming smile, Bogomil bows to Goldie, "I know it's been a bit longer than a few days, and this isn't who I said I would bring to meet you..." He trails off for a moment, "I hope I have still brought you joy?" He asks casually.

[DM-Boneyard Ben]

With a quick flex and the right words Emboros' pseudo uniform is replaced by Bogomil's robes. Your new armor and hat transform you almost entirely in an instant. Very handy. With the Matron in tow you make your way to the Rest, skipping and laughing, waving many greetings and salutations to passing people. Many of whom you see know you by name. Maribel seems interested in your complete switch, marveling at it even. People avoid your path as Bogomil as they do from when your Emboros but its more a matter of respect and to give due room to the flamboyant priest then out of fear of crossing the stone faced soldier.
You arrive at the Rest with no complications, upon offering your greetings and locking eyes with Goldie you hear a pronounced shout from the tall voluptuous woman. "MARI!" She shouts like a child seeing their mother after a long time. She quickly shoves the tray of drinks she was carrying into the arms of a man who was walking by (He doesn't seem to want to argue with the cleavage asking him a favor). Then in a seemingly no time at all shes crossed the rooms and has thrown herself at the Matron. The two women spinning around in a deep and loving embrace. Goldie nods shakily, fighting the tears forming in the corner of her eyes as she hugs Maribel. The matron for her part is embracing the taller woman in much the same way as she has for you when you were a boy. Missing your parents or scraping your knee. That loving and comforting embrace your all too familiar with. Her face that of serene and endlessly patient mother. The whole room takes notice of the scene and there is an atmosphere of "Aww" many just staring at the display with a happy nod, some even fighting back tears themselves. Overall Lliira would be proud, if you actually worshiped her.
After a time the two women depart from their embrace, Goldie calls out she's taking her break and pulls up a seat with you two asking about everything you can tell her and what the plan is now. For your part, you note many patrons taking their leave, some saying they need to see their mother while others just seem happy to let the two women spend time together without prying eyes. Many of which you see are admirers of Goldie. In your heart you gain a new kind of respect for those perverts. Its midday yet so not many patrons were here to start with and Ol' Borris doesn't seem to put off by the customers leaving so you figure its all well and good.

[DM-Delfon]

Bogomil makes sure to shake hands with the ruffians and vagabonds, slipping a coin into the palm of this beggar and that orphan. Collecting a wave of lies, rumors, and stories to sort through for the truth. It's easy to make your way in a city full of thieves when you've helped most of them out of a tight spot a time or two. He has been out of the city for too long, and it's going to take the rest of the night to get his finger back on the pulse of this place. He has so very much to do today, but first he must bring joy to a young lady from Three Bears Cove.

Bogomil raises his hands to the sky, his face beaming with joy. "I'm sorry I have been gone so long my friends, but you see the joy that follows in the footsteps of Lliira. Perhaps I will hold a service here this evening. What say you?" He says addressing the room, "What say you Borris?" He says addressing the proprietor. Assuming positive feedback, Bogomil does an overly exaggerated formal bow, capering back to his table with smiles and pats on the back for all.

Bogomil locks eyes with Maribel, and shakes his head almost imperceptibly, "We can catch up on all the boring details later, for now let us revel in the joy of this reunion." Leaning forward slightly and lowering his voice considerably, Bogomil continues, "The fellow we spoke of before thanks you for your information." He pauses briefly to make sure she knows whom he speaks about, "Furthermore he requests your services as a protector, but not for himself." His eyes dart briefly to Maribel. "Would you keep her safe while I attend to a few things? I have been gone from this place far too long." The entire time he speaks, he keeps a weary eye out for eavesdroppers.

(OOG: Although the Prince doesn't worship Lliira himself, the joy Bogomil brings to people in her name is real. The heartfelt prayers of those that attend his services, or have been helped by his deeds of kindness are all real. If Bogomil keeps this up long enough Lliira might actual build a following in this town. Man would Lliira be confused when a following builds around a man that isn't faithful to her. Even better, when the Prince dies and several Gods all try to claim his soul. Each with a real claim based on his deeds as various characters.)

[DM-Boneyard Ben]

There are many rumors and the like. About this cheating wife and that drunkard of a husband, mostly hearsay. This noble should be doing more, that person has disappeared, and so on. You can easily hand wave most of it, the wife is just a very friendly outlander, the drunkard husband has a weak Constitution and gets dragged out by his friends, that noble doesn't care about anything but his position and that person joined the Duchess' ranks before you left. None sense mostly but as you press a silver into a filth covered beggar's hand, your wrist is caught and your pulled in as the man whispers real news in your ear. You didn't recognize the ex-merchant in this suit of clothes. Crooche was a high merchant of the guild but after his stock was destroyed by an in fight among the theives he was left copper less and distraught. He found a useful way to make money using his former high contacts and gaining new ones among the dirt covered masses in the low side. An Information Broker. Although it was at Bogomil's nudge that he became so. As thanks, every now and again the old man grabs you aside and whispers the latest goings on. "Be weary, Priest" His old hoarse voices cracks as he whispers to you. "There is a new group of troublemakers in Clifton, they are of the Sun but will burn those that won't comply" He then shoves you away and throws himself to the ground. He howls about the world coming to an end. A bookworm defeating a dragon. A wild child slaying the elements and other such nonesense you'd expect an insane old beggar to shout. The Matron seems visibly worried but you brush it off and make your way through town without further problem.

When you suggest holding service your met with a rousing "Yeah!" from the customers left. Save for the quiet fellow near the entrance who just nods. Ol' Borris gives you a thumbs up and smile. Your services always bring great custom to his Inn. So plans are set.

Eavesdroppers are almost non existent as the priest your always due your privacy and any who would deny you that are quickly dealt with long before you can raise a hand. Everyone loves Bogomil and more so indulge in your services with glee there's few more beloved in the low end of Clifton than your happy priest persona. Upon asking Goldie to look after the Matron she smiles wide and nods once. "Happy to be of service" The bountiful woman says. She then grabs the Maribel's arm and draws her close, you imagine like a child pulling in their mother, but given that Goldie is more than a head taller than the matron it comes off more suggestive of a lover's embrace earning some curiously red faced onlookers. The matron takes it in stride though, she shoots you a concerned look. Obviously she doesn't like you leaving her side so soon after coming back to it, but she obeys and understands you have to keep up appearances and it would do you no good to have the same maid following all your personas.

(OOC: I know right! XD It'll be an interesting encounter to say the least)

[DM-Delfon]

(Nice foreshadowing!)

Bogomil makes his way to the Palace, slipping into somewhere dark and quiet to change outfits and personalities. This is perhaps the most drastic change the Prince can make. Bogomil is outgoing and vibrant, while Ezra is introverted and withdrawn. When Ezra steps out of the alley, he looks around like he doesn't know how he got there. Squinting in the normal light like it's too bright, he finishes the trip to the Palace. Once inside his office, he sets to work on his actual duties as a scribe. Coping this document, filing these ones away, filling out this paperwork and that. The work doesn't take long, maybe an hour and a half. Then he sets to task on the real work, sorting through the tangle of reports, codes and ciphers since he's been gone. He looses himself in this work, letting the tangle of plots wash over him so he can see the entire picture. As always he keeps an eye on the door, but mostly observing through reflections and shadows. Ezra is not an observant man, and his office has been set up to observe without looking like you're watching.

[DM-Boneyard Ben]

(Thank you)

If things were so simple. An inward groan seems to find Charles as your stuck outside your work place. Mallory Highchair, a slender woman with a bookish look, much like Ezra. But this Elven woman sports a look of near constant doubt on her face. Her hair held up in bun (strange for an Elf), she sports a knee length skirt and blazer of orange (as do many who serve the Duchess), both of which fit her perfectly but leave everything to your imagination her white blouse underneath her blazer has ruffles that make it near impossible to gauge her bust. The Duchess is very passive about what her servants wear so you've seen a wide assortment of maid get ups that show more flesh than cloth but this woman breaks the mold entirely. Save for a certain icy-eyed knight she maybe the most conservative woman in the palace. She stares down her rectangular glasses at Ezra's form, seemingly unimpressed while she looks at her clipboard. "Your job and your station were all perfectly set for you 2 weeks ago, Scribe" She seems to put special emphasis on how perfect it was. "Your extremely late" She stares down at you. "I took the liberty of contacting your book club as well as the library head where you worked, neither had seen you." Her voice seems to dismiss such things. "I tried to find your gnome friend to no success and even looked into people who'd hired you, Lord and ladies among them, fancy that" She smiles coldly at you, turning back to her clipboard. "I even went out of my way to your estate, rather nice for a mere scribe in a janitor's closet. Two stories with a fair sized garden in the Low Quarter, a former lord's house, not many could even think to purchase such a lovely place" She looks at you again, brown eyes seeming almost pitch black as they calculate your every fiber before she turns back to her notes. "But the gardener of all things turned me away" She twists the word gardener as if you shouldn't have one. "Claiming it belonged to her husband Emoros Maewyn, a security detail of sorts, mostly dabbling in mercenary work and apparently he was last seen at the docks. Lots of unsavory types there. Both of you half elves and disappearing at the same time for seemingly no reason at all" She looks at you with those eyes once again. Her hand seems to wave away all of the evidence she just stacked up around you as a smile crosses her lips while she patiently asks you. "So, what have you to say for yourself, Scribe"

[DM-Delfon]

Ezra looks lost, he has no idea what the social protocol is for being chastised. His confusion fades, being replaced by shock at all the work this woman has put into finding him. "Mistress Highchair, I believe I'm supposed to apologize in this circumstance. So, ah, I'm sorry that you went through all that trouble to locate me." He pauses as if remembering something, "Next I believe I'm to offer the reason or excuse for the issue at hand." His hands move as if he is turning pages in a book, mentally he is reciting lines from a book on social etiquette. "I was out of the city on business. The Duchess herself told me to see to my affairs before I came to work for her." another pause, "Offer supporting detail." He whispers to himself, before continuing, "She didn't want a conflict of interest between my existing clients and my work for her." Whispering to himself once more, "Assurance that similar behavior will not be repeated." Then more loudly, "With my business attended to now, my attendance should more than meet your expectations."

For his part Ezra looks properly abashed, pathetic even, unable to meet her gaze. Ezra smiles all of a sudden, meeting her eye for only a moment before quickly looking away once more, "Did you say I had a Gnome friend?" He asks rhetorically. Ezra now looks like a child with a secret, bouncing slightly as he stands, while somehow still looking like a child standing beside something they broke. Strange juxtaposition that. When the conversation turns to his living arrangements, "My estate? No Mistress Highchair. I merely rent a room from Master Maewyn, and handle all of his enterprise's book keeping." Ezra pauses for a moment, before adding quietly, "I didn't even know we had a gardener." Looking properly scared, he manages to look up at her face, if not actually looking her in the eyes, "Is it okay if I get to work now?" The question comes out with a squeak, barely audible as if he was afraid to even ask such a thing.

[DM-Boneyard Ben]

She hums flatly, seeming to take you at your word while at the same time questioning your every action. From the corner of your vision you see her looking up and down Ezra's pathetic form before her hand suddenly comes up and grabs your face. She turns you to look up at her, her hands soft as velvet but firm in their grasp. She hold you under your chin with your cheeks being pushed in by her fingers. She looks down at you through her glasses, their lens reflecting the light from the window making it hard to read her eyes. "You're cute for a half-man" She comments nonchalantly before releasing her grasp on your face with a flick of her wrist. She then turns on her heel and opening the door to your massive 'office". She stands aside from the door, motioning you in. "Off you go, waste not a single fraction of a moment of our Mistress's time, if you do I'll have the guards move your quarters to the dungeon" She smiles but nothing about anything she said seems like a joke to you. Best to hurry along. Once your inside she closes the door behind you saying she'll see to your lunch arrangements. Wait, did she just lick her lips? Maybe not... Oh well. With that distraction out of the way you set to work.
The world of ink and paper unfolds in a glorious cascade, you can see the city itself line up like a chess board. The Duchess has been battling on many fronts, buildings once owned by nobles in her court now belong to this Jim or that Steve. Fake names no doubt. Some charity function that happened not too long ago (The fashion show) seems to have had a little less than 1% of its donations skimmed off. A little amount no one with a fat purse would look twice at but you certainly see it. Perhaps the handler needs talking too? A little research shows its not his first time, he takes such small percentages its easy to mistake it for a minor inconvenience. But you feel there is something more at work here. Seems he almost took double what he normally does at the Fashion Show. Must've thought with all the Buzz about the Exiled Prince he could get away with a little more than normal.
Your lost in your work as usual when a knock comes at the door, a maid looking to bring you your lunch. You look out the massive windows of your office and see its Noon

[DM-Delfon]

Ezra looks confused while his face is being held, the confusion looks even stranger with his face all squished together. Once again unsure of the social protocol of the situation that Ezra finds himself in, he pulls together what he can, "Complement begets complement, similar cadence." He murmurs before saying, "And you are quite beautiful for an all-Elven-woman?" Part way through speaking Ezra doubted himself, and the last came out sounding like a question rather than a statement. Charles mentally cackles with laughter. 'I bet this woman is a tiger! When it comes time to cast off these persona's, if I have time Ezra will have to set her on her heels with Princely charm.'

Ezra jumps startled by the maids knock, but he quickly recovers, "Do come in, come in. Welcome." He motions the maid into the room and gestures to a seat, clearing a space for the tray she carries. He mumbles audibly, "Offer greeting, and comment on the weather." before speaking clearly, "My name is Ezra Quiller. Lovely day we're having isn't it?" Removing the covering from the tray she just brought him, "Would you like a refreshment?" He takes his own tankard out and splits the provided beverage, offering her the freshly brought half.

[DM-Boneyard Ben]

The maid enters at your behest and bows formally bringing you your tray. "Ello, Mr. Scribe, I be Brelove Battlebeard" She says with a bow. The woman who enters your work space is a dwarvish lady with a smile that seems to shape the rest of her face. "Miss Hightower told me you be needing a firm hand and here I be" She seems amused by your greeting. "Yes, boya. Tis a lovely day now get to your table its time ta fill your belly" She responses halfheartedly, seeming to just want you to cease formalities but never losing her smile. She takes the tray to the only other furnishing in the place. A simple table where your to take your meals. She cocks her eye when you offer her food from the tray she brought in. "I had me fill earlier, boya" She says simply and stands beside your table with her hands behind her back. Seems she intends on staying till your meal is done. Well, this gives you a chance to observe her. She wears what you'd expect a barmaid to be in but with a simple orange trim. Several dark freckles line her cheeks and the bridge of her nose but never seem to move when she smiles, almost like they were made when she smiled. Her hair is a bright blonde, strange for a dwarf... Her head capped with a red bandanna that keeps her hair from her face.

[DM-Delfon]

"Well met Mistress Battlebeard."Exra says with a crooked smile. When she refuses to share a meal Ezra sputters, not sure what to do when someone refuses his hospitality, "If you've eaten your fill, at least partake in a beverage." He slides her half of the shared beverage to the edge of the table nearest the maid. "Please." He adds, almost pleading. Whether she does or doesn't, Ezra sets to work eating the food she provided. After the first bite has been chewed and swallowed, he adds, "I've heard that the servants in a palace always know what is going on." He looks up at her and smiles, one of his more princely smiles, "If you entertain me with the palace gossip while I eat, you can have one of these coins." Ezra pulls a Silver Schooner, a Silver Protector, and a Gold Phoenix and drops them on the table. The coins roll and spin, and Ezra doesn't even look at them as if he doesn't care what denomination they are.

[DM-Boneyard Ben]

She cocks her eyebrow at your pleading face and heaves a sigh. She takes a small sip of your drink before setting it back down. "There you go, boyo, no need to cry" She says soothingly and pets your head.
"Gossip? Boyo, you don't need to pay me ta hear about that" She laughs, and leans on your desk, scooping up the Gold Phoenix and rolling it between her knuckles as she goes on. "Today, you are all the rage" She says pointing at you. "Everyone is in a tizzy!" She laughs. "Who's the new scribe appointed to the Duchess's books, her personal books no less? Everyone is here wondering if your some sort of god of the written word" She pauses, picking up your drink and taking a swig. "Or" She says leaning in closer and smirking. "A sex god" She whispers and leans back up to roar with laughter. "I be hearing- I be hearding from Dove that your first day here the Duchess herself came to see you, and thats no thing, boyo, she visits everyone of her new staff but!" She says leaning in closer again. "She left your room with a smile and boyo she don't smile often these days" She says and waves her finger in front of you to emphasize her point. "And according to that tiefling, she had a laugh too" the dwarven woman chuckles and sets your coin back down. "But after meeting ya, I can see why she'd have a laugh, odd sort ya are, nothing wrong with it mind ya but I be calling em as I be seeing em" She says and straightens the ruffles she caused on her dress from moving about. Making her cleavage nearly pop free of her dress in process. "Whats more, boy" She says pulling the cloth back over her chest. "Ya disappeared for a time and the Duchess was Scribe less and refused any other but you" She says motioning the giant pile of papers your currently intimate with. She then looks at you. "Now, I don't much care what ya do with your time but Mistress Hightower suspects ya so keep ya nose clean and I'm sure ya won't have any problems here" She says with a nod to you as she leans back till her back is straight. She looks the picture of a good maid, hands folded and awaiting to hear her Master's order. Almost hard to believe she was so causal with you earlier.

[DM-Delfon]

Ezra brightens as soon as she sighs with resignation, matching his own sip to hers. While he eats he listens closely to the maid, especially the names. "Everyone doesn't need to be in a tizzy, you tell them that I'm Ezra Quiller." He says it with perfect confidence, like knowing his name will put the tizzy to bed. When she leans in to suggest that he might be a sex god, his eyes open as wide as they will go, and a blush blooms from his neckline too his hairline. Ezra wears a sheepish grin when she calls him odd after telling him of the Duchess' smile, mumbling "I'm just trying to follow social protocols." quietly to himself. When she mentions keeping his nose clean, Ezra pulls out a kerchief and wipes his nose, smiling like he just completed a task, "If that's all it takes to keep Mistress Hightower happy, she'll get no trouble from me." Once again, he says it with such conviction that it's as if the metaphor was completely lost on him. Ezra finishes about the same time Brelove Battlebeard does. Once he neatly stacks his dishes for easier carrying he picks up the Gold Phoenix, holding it in both hands. He then bows over it, extending his hands to present her with the coin, "I thank you for your services as storyteller. Do tell your friends that I love a good non-fiction story. A little embellishment is fine, but I prefer a true telling."

Once the maid is gone, Ezra sets to work in earnest. He makes a full coded report on the skimmer, detailing every last Copper Penny he has ever taken from the Duchess. Ezra is through, digging into the man's past activities as far as he is able. With the total listed, he offers a few suggestions as to how to use the fellow. Arrest is the easiest. Seize all his assets, strip him of his titles and throw him in jail. Control is more difficult, but could be more rewarding. Stack his debt in front of him, and ask to be repaid. When he can't, have him work it off as a minion reporting directly to Ezra.

Pen a quick coded report on Maribel, explaining that the prince himself would appreciate having her kept safe and put to work at the palace. Also add a brief resume of sorts detailing her skill set so the Duchess knows where she would be most useful. 'And so the Duchess can see where she could mine for information about my past.' the Prince adds wryly.

After digging further into the property transfers, Ezra looks for patterns. Trying to see who is gaining ground and where. He pens a third coded report offering suggestions to counter each move as he sees it. Going on to point out this nobles sudden shift of allegiance, and that noble's sudden rise in power based on potential moves by one of the Thieves Guilds. Lastly on the third report he mentions that Maewyn Securities managed to rescue Thom Marriland, which should give the Duchess leverage with that already loyal noble family, while simultaneously taking leverage from the nobles paying his captors, and dealing a blow to the false Somersets.

With all that done, Ezra hides the ciphered notes among his own belongings, and makes his way to find the Duchess.

[DM-Boneyard Ben]

The dwarvish woman just chuckles at your general 'Ezra-ness' she doesn't seem overly put off by it, taking it in stride much like a Mother. He taps the bottom of your out stretched hands, bouncing the coin up into the air and then catches it with the same hand. The coin disappears between her knuckles as she exits with your trays out the door, wishing the master a good day as she goes.

The information you find on this man is surprisingly limited. Almost like he just showed up one day. It seems he's the center head of many functions, directing caters, florists, decorators and such for all the wealthiest of the wealthy. Your book knowledge is limited to just where he's had his fingers. You'll need someone on the ground in high society in order to find out more about who is is as a person and why someone with next to no background has this much sway in the parties.

Your note is successfully tucked away and coded among the pages of the Duchess' black book.

Its difficult to gauge who's what. You only have a small pool of information on the younger nobles during your spat at the party and what you hear by way of complaints from the common folk as Bogomil. The Duchess claims to know her allies but any number of them could be turncoats or double agents, making moves without all the correct information could be fatal to the Duchess' position and though she seems to trust you its hard to say what using your powers as Ezra is going to result in. The information you have seems incomplete without the knowing who's who. But a quick penned note about Thom definitely couldn't hurt. You also note that there are several new names among the paper work you don't recognize. Many having names like Sunburst and Sol. Seems a new group has wormed its way into Clifton and has established several places within its walls. Curious.

Upon exiting your work place you find yourself face to face with an Elvish woman who despite being a few inches shorter than you certainly carries herself like shes head and shoulder taller than you are. "Ah! Perfect timing, Scribe" Miss Hightower says with a smile that seems more for courtesy than any actual happiness shes feeling. "I've come to fetch you for your report to the Duchess" She informs you casually and turns to head down the hall. You follow her in silence unless you try to talk to her. She cuts up any attempts that pry into her business and strikes back hard with prodding questions about your roommate, his gardener, who you had to see about no longer working during the two weeks, where you were, who you were with and why it was seemingly more important with than anything the Duchess wanted. You'll hear no rumors or hearsay from this woman, she simply brushes it aside as servant talk and gets back to her questions. Some even going so far as to who your parents are and why you decided to become a scribe. Seems she's trying to figure out your entire life's story. Well, you suppose the Duchess wouldn't be where she is if she didn't have someone like this to guard her books and weed out the would-be back stabbers.

[DM-Delfon]

In that case, the note only details what he owes in exacting detail. No suggestions. When Mistress Hightower collects him, Ezra simply nods, falling in behind her and following silently. The woman intimidates Ezra to no end. If she questions him, he answers with his usual Ezra-ness. Keeping the answers simple: Embros needed a book keeper and a room mate, and Ezra is good with books and wanted a better place to live. He didn't know they had a gardener, so he can offer no comment on that. He was out for two weeks to close down his business, and take care of a now ex-employee. The business was outside of Clifton, so most of the time spent was in transit. It was important that he took this time so that he could come back and focus his undivided attention on the Duchess' needs. When she asks about his parents, he provides their names. Well, he provides the names of the fake people he invented to be his parents. The ones that if she checks into them, she will find a paper trail including a lifetimes worth of records in all the right places, right up to and including their death records. The prince appreciates her diligence, but knows he will have to bring this woman under his control if he is to succeed here.

[DM-Boneyard Ben]

The elvish woman simply hums and takes notes of every detail you give her, made easier by your ezra-ness that makes talking about things take longer.
You soon arrive before a set of white double doors with golden knobs and are asked to stay put as Miss Hightower knocks, awaits permission and enters. After a few moments you are called after by the Elf and shuffle into the room proper. You enter into what appears to be War room. A large map table takes up most of the room with a 3D model of Clfiton's surrounding area and several chairs around it. You see no one else in the room save for an older gentleman with plate armor that shines like the sun. You also notice a crest on the chest piece of his armor much like the Symbol of Pelor you've seen the Duchess wear but seems... Odd. Its blue instead of gold and has more points to it than normal. How nods his head to Miss Hightower and then you as he exits the room.
You're then led around the table to a small door in the back, you are ushered in by Miss Hightower and enter a considerably smaller room, lined with giant book shelves on three of the walls and great towering windows on the last one, that seem to draw in the light from the sun outside. The room has a desk on the end of it and two soft looking chairs set in front of the desk and a bigger somehow comfier chair with a high back behind the thick oaken desk. But none of anything in this room seems near as interesting as the Duchess who is leaning against the desk, back on to it with one hand to steady herself and the other fanning her face. You see droplets line her face and one that yanks your eyes toward it as it catches the sunlight before falling from her chin and disappearing between her... Your eyes shoot back up to her face. Her eyes are closed seeming to focus on the pitiful amount of air her dainty hand is fanning toward her face. You take the moment to observe the rest of her. She wears a classically styled dress for a lady of her position but the Dress itself is anything but normal the dress being a deep blue with shining orange accents everywhere seeming to radiate out from her corset which has a emboldened symbol of Pelor across it. You realize its like the sun's rays painting swirling streaks across the sky. You can't help but imagine what a daze a dress like that would create if she were to spin. You dare not look at her dress too long as her corset seems to draw your eyes in like a black hole daring you to steal a gaze at her chest. You decide to focus on her face which seems to have caught you staring. "Good day to you, Master Scribe" She smiles warmly at you her voice every bit as relaxing and smooth as a lazy summer day. And something about a high lady calling you master anything seems to prick at your baser instincts . "I would very much like to hear your report on your work today" She says motioning to one of the chairs before the desk as she seems to glide her way around her desk and takes a seat at her blue high back chair. Which seems to have a similar color and design as her dress but greatly pales in comparison.

[DM-Delfon]

Ezra waits where indicated, opening the book in his hand he begins reading idly. It takes three tries for Mistress Hightower to pull his attention from his book. Once she finally does get his attention he closes the book with a snap, looks up at her apologetically. He doesn't say anything as he follows her into the War Room. Once inside he gets distracted almost immediately by the model of the city and surrounding area. He doesn't seem to see the man in plate armour at all, pointing here and there on the map and murmuring to himself. Charles takes noted of the symbol as something to look into later.

Once Mistress Hightower pulls him away from the map table, he follows her into the smaller room. This time without getting distracted until he enters the room itself. Books. Books lining three walls. Books Ezra hasn't read. Ezra may have died and gone to heaven. Ezra looks at the shelves filled with books as most tactless men would be looking at the Duchess right now. Although he does observe the Duchess, and Mistress Hightower with his peripheral vision. Ezra's attention doesn't deviate from the wall of books until the Duchess speaks. Once she does he bows almost in half, hands on his knees and eyes cast down at the Duchess' shoes. "And a most excellent day to you as well Duchess." He rises back to a standing position when suggested to do so by the Duchess.

Ezra clears his throat when asked about his report, and begins to recite the boring details of copying this notice, writing up an upcoming speech. How he found two errors in an article written over a hundred years ago. He pointedly doesn't go into any of the juicer details until the Duchess either removes Mistress Hightower, or explains that he can speak freely in front of her. Once she has done so, the boring stuff is put aside, and he begins talking about his actual work. "Our mutual friend used to have a matron, since our mutual friend's displacement his matron has become unemployed. Our mutual friend would appreciate you making use of her skills by way of employment. Relevant information is on this document." He says handing over the note about Maribel.

Ezra digs out the note on the skimmer, "A member of your staff has been stealing from you." He says handing over the note on the skimmer, "The amount, and from where is in that report. Oddly, the man seems to step out of the ethereal plane one day. I have yet to back track him beyond the date there." He points at the report. "I can look into him further if you think it necessary. Unless of course he's made up just to test my skills, in which case that would be a waste of both of our time." he says it abruptly, but without any accusation in it. He does watch for reaction from the Duchess however. (or both women, if present)

Ezra continues in the same lecture giving tone as a professor, regardless of the woman/women's reaction, "Maewyn Security has rescued Thom Marriland from a Somerset Prison. His family appears to be loyal from what I'm seeing. When I saw the name in Embros' report on the mission, I remembered seeing it in your records. Embros wasn't there to save the man, it was happenstance, but he suggested that you should claim responsibility for his release." Ezra pauses to hand over the third report, then continues, "Lastly, a new player has entered our great game. One I suspect you've met." Ezra looks pointedly at the door the armoured man left through, "Properties are being purchased by people bearing sun themed names, Sunburst, Sol and the like. I know nothing about their organization as of yet." With the last bit said, he bows again waiting bent in half with hands on knees for her response.

Rolls:
Knowledge Religion or History for the Symbol on the man's armour: 11+0=11
Insight 16+2=18, reaction to potential fake skimmer.

[DM-Boneyard Ben]

Miss Hightower waits outside of the room, currently it is just you and the Duchess. With your insight of 18 you manage to catch a flash of distaste from the Duchess' face from suggesting that she would make up something like that. "He's not under anyone's employ, he is a freelance Party Planner or so he claims, however, I know of many who would be displeased to find the man is making more from their purse than initially agreed, I, for one, find it to be incredibly distasteful and I ask you look into the man further, Miss Hightower shall be your escort she knows more of my books and this city than anyone else and has served my family for generations, she above anyone else can be trusted with even the most dire of secrets"

The regal woman looks over the papers you hand her pertaining to the Matron and nods in approval. "She'll have work within the manor soon, if his highness so desires" She says 'his highness' with a certain air of playfulness that makes your hair stand on end.

An unusually sullen expression crosses the gorgeous woman's features as you mention the Sun buyers. However even as bothered as she seems you still think she looks akin to a sun-kissed Goddess "Yes, yes, they are of my Order, Pelor. Though they less kindle light of those in need as they keep the skies clear for Pelor's grace to shine through or so they claim" She sighs. "They are brutes who hold firm that those who even think of darkening Pelor's sun must be removed. They call themselves the Guardians Of The Sky. Or Sky Guards, and wear blue as a mark for the 'perfect' sky. One without a cloud in it" She seems to roll around the word perfect with a look of almost bitter dislike and then looks at the scribe seriously. "Do not get involved with them, Ezra. That is an order. They will only cause you grief and your charming mannerisms will only seek to provoke them" Even the casual prospect that the Duchess just called your persona charming doesn't even begin to shake from how serious the woman is about that order to you. Better not disappoint.
She leans back in her chair, the dark cloud that held her mood seeming to dissipate as she finds herself once again. "I was aware of Thom's incarceration and was going to make a deal with that... Less than savory Elf for his pardon but it seems you and Mr. Maewyn have saved me the grief, I thank you both" She says with a curt nod of her head. "The warrant for his arrest won't stem any further than the Kingdom itself, he shall be safe here in the Duchy" She says with a smile that seems to glow like the sun.

A knock comes to the soon after all business is concluded and Miss Hightower enters with a tray containing tea and a few choice biscuits. "Now then" The beautiful woman says, standing from her chair and gliding over to the one beside you as Miss Hightower begins pouring tea for you both on the table between you. "Do tell me, how as settling in gone for you?" She asks, her demeanor seeming to switch entirely from a regal dragon looking over its hoard with a firm eye to a normal woman wanting to hear the latest goings on from an old friend. She leans over the arm of the chair, closer to you, seeming to slash the distance between you two, herself being only arms length but feeling like she's right on top of you. Miss Hightower, for her part, seems completely unfazed by any of this. Aside from a clearing of her throat reminding the Duchess of her top half and the generous view your being given. After a quick (yet painful for you not to watch) adjustment the Duchess leans back over the arm, resting her elbows on it as she awaits your answer with a disarming smile.

DC 20 Wisdom (Deception) opposed check to resist being completely and utterly disarmed by the Duchess' sudden shift in attitude.

[DM-Delfon]

When she shows distaste Ezra stands and bows himself in half, hands on knees again, "Apologies Duchess, I did not mean to imply any trickery on your part." Ezra seems almost on the point of tears, "It's just that that's what I would do to test a new employee in my role." Once again he stays bent in half until the Duchess bids him to sit back down, his eyes cast to the floor. Once she does so, he sits slowly, almost reluctantly, before hesitantly asking, "Does she know my true role?" At this he looks up into her eyes. Big mistake Charles, those are sapphire blue eyes that could drown a man. Ezra sits there staring like a pole axed oxen, lost in the vast ocean of those blue eyes. When she finishes speaking, Ezra shakes his head to clear his mind and reassert himself, "Ah, sorry Duchess. Could you repeat that, I was uh, distracted." She would be fully aware of what he was distracted by, although unlike many it wasn't her cleavage that he was lost within. After she repeats herself, and an awkward silence passes from Ezra where he seems really embarrassed. Some of the embarrassment was actually Charles' the conversation resumes with talk of the Maribel.

Ezra nods emphatically, "Oh yes Duchess," He pitches his voice in the barest whisper "the Prince does quite desire." The Ezra mask doesn't slip a fraction, but mentally Charles floods that line with all the innuendo in the world. 'Oh to be myself with this woman' Charles laments. "I can have any papers you wish her to have delivered." Ezra says mater of factly, seeming back into himself now that he's talking about papers again. When talk turns to the Sky Guard, Ezra nods, "I will keep clear of them, except on paper. You will be fully informed about their dealings within the city." Speaking of Thom, Ezra beams, "I believe I can speak for Embros when I say this." He pauses for effect, which comes across as odd from this man, "We are in your service." He says solemnly with a seated bow.

Ezra seems out of sorts again when the conversation turns to himself, "Settling in? Oh, all my belongings were settled in the last time we spoke in my office." Once more seeming oblivious to the social context of the situation. Once the Duchess provides a generous view of her cleavage, Ezra looks up and away at the bookshelf. At once the gentleman, and embarrassed. After asking again, this time more specifically, Ezra continues, "Oh, me personally? Uh, well. Mistress Hightower has a firm grip on things." As he says grip he unconsciously glances up at her while he rubs his face where she grabbed him before. "She has provided me with just enough work to keep my busy." He smiles then, not the toothy smile of the prince, but a close lipped smile of the scribe. Although he is seemingly thinking about the work, in actuality he is thinking about how far he has come since he was forced to leave his home, and his rightful place on the throne. He mumbles something about social protocol, before asking the Duchess, "How about you Duchess, are you well?" Even though he is following something he read in a book, he genuinely seems to want to know the answer.

Rolls:
Opposed Wisdom Deception: 18+4=22.

[DM-Boneyard Ben]

"Very firm" Miss Hightower echoes, looking over you with the barest hint of a smile on her face before taking her place beside the tray between you two, being at the ready to refill either of your cups.
The Duchess smiles as you respond, your not entirely sure why she's smiling, you shouldn't have said anything that gave something away, but its a knowing smile regardless. When you ask about her she rolls over in her chair, leaning her back against the arm and throwing her legs up so they are hanging out over the other side as she huffs aloud. "You would not believe the nightmarish none sense I have to endure" She complains, much like a school girl to her friend. Its hard to say if this is an act or actually how the Duchess is behind closed doors. Its not overly unrealistic to think a woman would still have some remnants of her childhood, especially if she grew up in a high society position. Everyone has their outlets when they're in safe company, perhaps being herself around servants is hers?
That aside the Duchess goes on. "I have to get all dolled to in order to meet that idiotic 'Sky Lord'' She says, saying what you assume to be the mans title in a mocking tone. "Can you believe it? I get dressed up like a harlot, I am all sweet and bouncy and he STILL has the gall to be pressing me for more of his Guardsmen entering the city! Argh! Impossible..." She says flailing her arms angrily before letting them go slack.
You can't believe what your seeing. The Regal, Majestic Duchess, flopped up in a chair like a rowdy teen, calling down a man with a title for ignoring her dressing up. No one would believe this. Your having trouble believing this and your watching it.
The Duchess tilts her head back over the arm of the chair to look at Miss Hightower. "You wouldn't ask for more, would you?" The Duchess asks in an almost pleading tone. "Never, Ma'am. Your presence alone would be a warming flame in the freezing blizzard that is my daily life" Miss Hightower says, almost automatically. "Right!?" The Duchess agrees and then both women look to you.

[DM-Delfon]

Ezra realizes with a start that he hasn't taken a sip of the tea his hostess has so generously provided. Rushing to rectify this oversight, he of course burns his mouth on the hot liquid. Wincing in pain, and badly hiding the fact that that hurt he tries to pretend nothing is wrong, and listens intently to the Duchess' situation. Charles silently memorizing the Duchess' curves and angles while his Ezra mask shows a face of focused concentration. Ezra interjects, "I can't believe it. Other titles at least make sense, Lightbringers bring the Light of Pelor to their followers. Wyrmspeakers claim to speak for their Draconic deities. How can that old man claim to be the lord of the sky?" When asked rhetorically about his belief. His tone at first that of a professor lecturing, then adding a bit of consternation near the end. They can even hear the capitalization when he speaks about the Light of Pelor, and the distinct lack of such capitalization when speaking about the lord of the sky. Ezra looks shocked when the Duchess mentions getting dressed up like a harlot, immediately speaking up once she trails off, "Duchess, I do not think you are dressed like a harlot at all. That dress is spectacular, and you're a true beauty to behold." Ezra's eyes go wide, like he just realized that he spoke out loud. With wide eyed horror he tries to recover with what he knows best, books. He begins quoting poetry, painting a picture with his words. While he does so his voice doesn't quaver, and Charles' confident eyes lock with those of the Duchess,

*"You are the sun,
and with you comes day,
you bring new life,
and old lives find warmth in your rays,
weightless as your orbit sweeps them away.

You are the sun,
and your absence is night,
without you old lives lack life,
heavy and long,
living as shadows,
yearning for the dawn."

As soon as the final words tumble out into the room, Ezra is back to his normal self. His eyes darting frantically between the two women. Completely off balance, and utterly unsure of the social protocol for this situation.

(*Original Poem from reddit user verstehst. Was tweaked to fit this scene.)