Truth is Stranger Than Fiction

[Jehannum]

One of my most memorable moments....A tale worth telling!


Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] pardon me...which is the meeting room, Sir Knight?
Maya Annister: [Talk] This way madame

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Forgive me
Maya Annister: [Talk] *motions to the door*
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Thank you
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Utu bless all who seek truth
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Your Majesty.
Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] -nods to Holly in greetings-
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] *makes a holy gesture* please be seated, Lady Knight
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Inclines her head to the Templars*
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] I trust your journey was a peaceful one?
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Yes, save for the apoligy I owe you, and it's burdon.
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] *raises an eyebrow*
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] I have grown wiser since then. *Smiles*
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Wisdom is ever a welcome gift in the House of Siril.

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Shall I share with you what I have come to know?
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Indeed, as that is the purpose for your presence, and I pray that the miles you traveled to come here were not in vain.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] As have I, Majesty.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *Clears her throat*
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Pardone me.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] I have been all the way to Talon and back.

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] I have spent time in the fortress which is the center of this tale.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Ravenwatch...
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] *nods*
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] It is also the burial place of my father Majesty, and my clear seeing was obsurred by doubts.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Many doubts, but not of faith.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Of indecision.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] I apoligize for not attempting to see more clearly for your Majesty.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] I am Sword of Utu before I am Kingseeker. I speak today as such.
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Lay aside your apologies Knight, they are unseemly garb for you.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] You are kind.

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] The Kingseekers were born out of love for the dream of what you have brought Dasaria
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *Inhales*
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *Exhales*
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] I have spoken to Lord Asufel, and he names traitor one in your court.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] This is known.
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] *face grows stony at the reference*
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] I pray on the hill East of here...two mights ago
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Utu sent message, Majesty.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] I was recieved of Justice.
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] *holds her chin in two fingers, eyeing the Knight*
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] The spirits that claim Ravenwatch name the traitor as Heinrich, and it is he who has prevented those souls from reaching Utu.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] They will not depart this world without Justice.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] His Justice is to pay for his crime, however....it need not be to Nergal.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Not that I have seen.
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Strong words, Knight. Know you of the manner of justice these spirits seek?
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] it is my judgement, as I have been chosen, that this traitor is he so named.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] They call for losing his title, and jis life.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] It is not a happy tale, but it is my belief that it is true, after speaking with both the dead and the unseen.
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] I would know the manner of betrayal this Duke is accused of?
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] he betrayed the Garrison at Ravenwatch and allowed the Varanites entry.

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] The Soldiers were for some reason...completely unprepared.

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Thier spirits, cry out in confusion
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] It is a terrible sight.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *Looks down*

Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] *looks at Holly with seriousness*
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *Looks up and meets her Mejesty's eyes*
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] What, Holly Fortinbras, would you do in my own place?
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] In your place, Majesty?
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] I would ask myself "How did I learn of all this?"
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Aye, if the sword of justice was your own hand, what would you do?

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] I would take this Heinrich before the ghost of Asufel.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] I would let them see each other.


Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Truth will then have no doubt.
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Have you doubt?
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] No.

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] How did this come to be known?
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] You give your word and pledge as sword of Utu and a servant of the crown, that this Duke is guilty?

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] I do.
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Very well. Bring in the Duke, without weapons, and Bound. Templar?
Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] Yes your Majesty.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *Sits and waits patiently*
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] How did this come to be known, Majesty? This plot?
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Known?
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Shalandra's letter to you?

Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] -pushes the Duke through the door rather roughly-
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] What plot do you speak of?
Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] Stay put.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] What Shalandra was arrested for.
Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] -closes and locks the door-
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Shalandra wrote a letter to me in her own hand.
Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] Infront of her Majesty, Duke.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Why?

Duke Heinrich Malkul: [Talk] *looks around nervously*
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Why tell you, I mean?
Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] -pushes the Duke forward- In front of Her Majesty!
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Perhaps guilt...she informed me of her crime she intended to commit, and proceeded
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *Nods and looks towards the Duke*
Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] -lits the Duke to his feet and places him between the two chairs, standing.-
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Duke Heinrich Malkul...You are accused of Treason against the Crown, The House of Siril, and your Nation, What say you to this charge?
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *Meets the man's eyes*
Duke Heinrich Malkul: [Talk] Your Majesty?
Duke Heinrich Malkul: [Talk] I am innocent.
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] *looks to Holly*
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *Studies his gaze*

Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] *returns her gaze to the duke*

Duke Heinrich Malkul: [Talk] *scared but alert*
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] The Penalty for treason, as you know...Is death and the forfieture of all of your families lands and holdings withing my borders.

Duke Heinrich Malkul: [Talk] Your majesty? The penalty for purjury?

Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Your heirs shall be stripped of any claim to your titles or lands, do you understand?

Duke Heinrich Malkul: [Talk] *nods*

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *Stares into the eyes of the man accused, pitiful for him*
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] I did not give you leave to ask questions of me, Duke. Your time of Justice is upon you.
Duke Heinrich Malkul: [Talk] Will I be given a chance to confront my accusurers?

Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] -grabs the Duke's arms, yanking it roughly- Come with me!
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] *points to the open space* Templar...
Duke Heinrich Malkul: [Talk] *struggles*
Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] -drags the Duke to the open space, and pushes him to his knees, facing the table-

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *Watches the man, respectfully*

Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Holly Fortinbras, Sword of Utu, Draw your blade and if this man is guilty, judge him and end his life. This is my command as your regent. May Utu have mercy on all of us.

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Yes, Majesty.

.........................!!!!!!!!

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] My Utu bless you, and forgive us both for our misdeeds.

Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] *winces and turns away*
Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] -clenches his jaw grimly- I stand witness to this Royal Execution.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *Cleans the sword on her own dress*

Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] *makes a holy gesture of Utu*



Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] The Former Duke Heinrich Malkul, dead at the Queen's Justice at exactly ten in the morning on this spring day.

Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Templar, have the servants remove the traitors body.

Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] If you please.
Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] Yes your Majesty.

Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] Queen's Guard, send for the maid.
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] *locks her gaze upon Holly*

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *Grim, but respectful*

Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Utu's will be done in the land.
Maya Annister: [Talk] Your Mejesty?
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] May it be so.
Maya Annister: [Talk] You summoned me?
Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] Miss Annister.
Maya Annister: [Talk] *gasps*
Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] Over here..

Maya Annister: [Talk] My god!
Maya Annister: [Talk] Heinrich?

Maya Annister: [Talk] What happened?
Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] Remove the Duke's body and store it. The Head is to be preserved.

Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Pity not the fallen traitor, Maya. Forgive this grim duty I lay upon you.

Maya Annister: [Talk] *touches her holy symbol*

Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] I will help you carry his weight..

Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] -sheathes his rapier and straps his shield to his back, leaning down and grasping the arms of the Duke-
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *Breathes heavily*
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] The weight of justice is a great burden...

Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] Kurich, can you grab the head?
Holly Fortinbras: [DM] Hahaha
.

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Forgive me, majesty.

Maya Annister: [Talk] *wipes a single tear*
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] I have never executted anyone.
Templar Kurich e'Marduk the Crusader: [Talk] Ai god....


Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] -stands at attention, blood running down his brilliant armour, his cloak stained with crimson-
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Nor have I...Nor have I


Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] I will go to Ravenwatch, if that errand needs attending.

Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] There is little exhaltation at the serving of justice. It is a dire face to look upon...

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Truth, yes, majesty.
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] The matter of Shalandra...



Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *listens, and loks in your eyes*

Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] I do not believe treason was in her heart. But she broke the law, none the less, and refused the law and direct comand of he regnant.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *Nods*

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] That is al truth.


Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] I accept responsibility, as her captain.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] I should not have left.


Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] *consideringly looks at the map*




Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Bring her before me. Each time she has come before me, she has shown her folly. Yes...Bring her before me.

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *Sighs*


Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] -grins-

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *Smiles, quickly, thenlooks down.
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] *motions to the bottle and goblets*


Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] She is imprisoned in Daris?


Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Kell's Tower.

Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] *scowls*

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *looks concerned*
Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] We transferred her there for her protection, Your Majesty.

Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Yes...



Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] A wise move. An attempt was made on my life two days ago.


Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] I ..do not know if it was to keep me from speaking with you.
Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] I will send for her, Your Majesty.
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] *nods*
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Majesty...there is other news...
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] May I?

Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] You may

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] One of my Order has discovered two

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] One..in the Spider Forest.
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] *leans forward* Oh?

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Another...in the Forest of the Damned.

Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] *eyes narrow*

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] We have procurred a key, and found duergar within
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] They spoke names...

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] I can scribe a full report if you wish it.



Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] That...would be well.

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] However, I fear the silence from the North.

Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] Shalandra Velvax!
Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] *Looks on*
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Lady
Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] Your majesty...
Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] Stand before the Queen.
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] *regards the woman cooly*

Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] *Stands straight, looking at her, quietly*

Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] *Her eyes turn toward the blood*

Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] *Gazes at Holly, then Templar Kurich, then back towards the Queen with her eyes*
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *Looks older*



Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Today is a day of Justice, Shalandra *looks to the blood streak*
Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] *Takes a small breath, looking rather anxious*

Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] *Glances up*



Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] What has happened here...?

Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] Your majesty...

Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Only a short while ago a traitor to the crown stood in the same spot as you.

Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] *Glances amongst the gathered, then back at the blood.*
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] I cannot help but notice the similarities...

Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] *looks to Holly*
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Would you agree, Knight?
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] I take that as compliment, Majesty.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Yes.
Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] *Looks somewhat confused*
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] However..
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] I trust in your wisdom to decide such matters.
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Shalandra, there are those who claim you have betrayed me. What say you?
Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] I claim that I was ... foolish in what I did. The last thing I had intended to do was betray the crown, your Majesty. My actions were foolish, and cost the lives of innocent men... *Looks to Kurich briefly*

Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] -looks to the blood on his armour briefly-

Templar Kurich e'Marduk the Crusader: [Talk] *coughs* Dozens


Templar Kurich e'Marduk the Crusader: [Talk] ...of innocent men
Holly Fortinbras: [Whisper] Vengeance, Crusader....vengeance.
Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] *She looks visibly wounded at that*


Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *Exhales*
Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [DM] MUUUURRRDERERRR!
Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] I sought to remove a traitor to the crown, and bring him to your justice. My plan was foolish, and as such I should have turned to you sooner, your majesty.
Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] I was blinded.
Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] And that is no excuse.
Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *Strokes her chin in thought*

Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] It is my question, will there ever come a day when Shalandra shall respect the rule of Law in Dasaria, for your actions have shown to be both self serving and reckless.


Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] They were, your majesty...
Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] For that I apologize, and I hope, in the future, to rectify and do better where I have failed... if... such a future I have.

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] *Listens*
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Ever must Justice be vigilant...
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Watchful...and with little rest...

Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Would you agree?
Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] If justice rested on its laurels, it would not amount to much. I agree, your majesty.

Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Majesty...May I go pray?


Holly Fortinbras: [Talk] Forgive my interuption


Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Your lawless actions must not go without penance...Though I do not believe treason is in your heart.
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] You have cost me soldiers and caused me a great deal of frustration and anguish...
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Therefore...
Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] *Stands straight, gazing at her, calmly*
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] It is my will that you be released into the custody of the Daris Redboots, whom will detemine in what manner. 2 days of the week that you shall serve them.
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] and in service to them, you shall serve the Crown.

Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] *She bows* It will be an honor to serve them. I respect the redboots deeply.
Holly Fortinbras: [DM] Posess me if needed. I'll be afk
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] I care not of the manner of service they choose for you, I will leave this to the bridadier.

Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] brigadier~

Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] *Nods* As you see fit, your majesty.
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Also, I shall have a report penned to me each week of the manner of your service.
Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] *Nods* Of course.
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] You are excused from this penanance in service to the Kingseekers, should such a need arise.
Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] I thank you.
SERVER : [DM] Jumping Kariana Ravensreach to respawn point
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] I have not forgotten your faithful service to me in the past, though your actions bring me fear, at times.
Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] *Her eyes cast downward, briefly*
Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] I have no excuse for my failures. *Looks up* I will seek improve myself in your eyes, and the eyes of this nation.
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Return to your home, and to your freedom
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Under...
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] the penance I have set before you.
Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] I will do it with pride.
Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] I thank you for your mercy.
Queen Nelina of Dasaria: [Talk] Farewell, Shalandra
Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] I will escort you from the Palace.

Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] Be well, your majesty...
Shalandra Velvax: [Talk] Thank you.

[Shalandravv]

Still remember that night even now. Wow, that was some sick, twisted stuff...

Thanks for sharing it, Jeh! Nice to know the scenario in its full

[Peepslayer]

You know...Im still somewhat proud of how that event ended.

Always trust the lich.

[Ramblinwomble]

Interesting times indeed.

<in joke> Ommmmm </in joke>

[Boon]

The only Kingseeker with a record me thinks...hehe.

Hehe...good times.

[Holly]

Ending Heinrich's life was why Holly built the shrine to Utu on the Hill West of Daris along the road.

Alot of ills were cured with that act, but it left a real mark on my character.

[JaeEleutheria]

((Wow, that is really interesting! Thanks for posting that, cause it's nice to see something like this, especially for someone such as myself that is still somewhat new here.

Also perhaps gives me a little fuel for my lawful good character.

[Peregrinus]

heh... damn, Shalandra and Falson are still a lot a like... from what I know of the events leading up to that stuff... Always nice to get a piece of history.

[GM Falcon]

Man, that was a fantastic little piece of roleplay. I think I overdid the "tough guard" act, I'm not sure.

The dialogue was so spontaneous. Great times.

[DM Chicken Little]

that event is still proof in my mind that events, storylines, and characters are not scripted.

I remember showing up as a player the next day to be told, "the duke is dead. event is kinda cancelled."

[Holly]

Falcon~

This was an incredibly complicated and difficult encounter for me (and my character). Here I was playing a paladin, I had since switching alignments from LN to LG, adhered to the paladinly code and LG without exception. Holly was to judge a man, and that judgement was his life or death. I had not expected that my paladin would ever be asked to end the life of an unarmed man. I had no idea if Holly were creating a widow, or orphans with the act. I had no idea if my paladin would fall because of this, even though it was a Lawful act and definately for greater goods. It just goes to show that LG is very different from NG. I think even a loyal NG character would have refused to follow the Queen's order. So, there was alot of tension and apprehension in the air. Very compelling and heart-wrenching stuff.

...and in the middle of this incredibly deep role-playing, you pop out with:

Templar Raeflyn E'Doras the Crusader: [Talk] Kurich, can you grab the head?

I burst into laughter. I even had to communicate this on the DM channel. Your timing has always been one of your most amazing assets.

and CL: Yes, I too was surprised to find out how many other things were revolving around this whole thing. I had no idea until later.