RP:Skylei's Drow Ally

From HollowWiki

Part of the Surface Tension Arc



Synopsis: Ynhaldei tries to steal from Frostmaw Fort, but gets caught. Nymh and Alvina show up asking for help, and bring news of Skylei's abduction and current condition in Trist'oth. Hildegarde uses her arcana negating gauntlet to undo any magical eavesdropping or spying upon Nymh while getting more information from him, yet weakens herself in the process.

The Fort

Ynhaldei did not pushed her luck. She was able to moved past the gate guards by not moving before them at all. The weather is clear and the mid-day sun is past its peak but nonetheless shining brightly upon the terrain. Do they know? She asks herself, She had been kicked out last time for attempting to steal from the keep, wondering if the Lady-Knight had declared her as enemy of the land. Only one way to know for sure. Moving through the snow as instead of moving through the gate she moved closer and closer into the wall. Finding this a bit risky as crossbows guard the field below, she had to move closer so the crossbows would not reach her. But she needed a distraction, Removing her top hat as she started to release one rabbit after another. Hoping that her thick winter clothing is white enough to mix with the snow as the rabbits figgetly moved toward the west. Guards from the high ground almost opened fired at them, taking this moment of confusiont to run onto the wall and scale it to the western side. Far from the sight of the Gate guards, she removed her top hat and threw it up, letting it scale the wall until it reach a point that it would not be seen. Drawing a circle beneath her feet to complete the cycle of power. Soon enough the hat started spinning in place as the spatiomancer controls the space that she stood on. It is a small one, most likely decreased greatly because of the height the hat had to reach. Fueling her space with as much mana as she can before concentrating. All mages were thought of 'basics' for masters to understand to what branch of power a student should focus on. A simple breeze of wind, a small fire, or levitating a few rocks. With the space she control, filing it with much mana that she stole from the world around her, she started casting one of those basic spells. It is a trick that she had developed when her Master died and could not continue her spatiomancy, she had to bend the rules.. so to speak. Casting a simple terramancy spell, 'tricking' the spell itself that a hundred casters are using it at the same time, the amount of magic inside her space would suffice on that, suddenly, small rocks from the ground started lifting around her, all piling under her feet as the pillar moves one above another for her to reach the top. Ofcourse such noise does create quite a commotion, sending out hundreds of illusion doves from her hat will be enough to cause some havoc. But doing so depletes her mana a bit more. With the guard's attention taken, all she need to do is the run across the space and jump to the otherside, into the courtyard.


Hildegarde always felt it was decent to rotate the guard-duty, allowing the more inexperienced men to guard the walls of the fort with a few more experienced men dispersed amongst them. Of course, it is these inexperienced men who are quick to fire and quicker still to be spooked by silly rabbits and doves. Some shouting can be heard as these older warriors are quick to discipline the younger, instructing them to never fire their weapon in such a brash manner; to use their head first; simple little things that all warriors must learn in due time. It would seem that with all the commotion, the way to the fort is clear.


With rabbits and doves taking most of the attention, she would start to ask herself.. Can doves fly in this weather? but it does work, that's all she need to know. Slipping down the wall with a gauntlet upon the frozen rock, lightly scraping it to slow down her descent, the gawking of the birds would easily make her noises unnoticeable. Soon enough she was on the ground, Standing up and walking naturally, trying not to get anyone's attention as she'll probably be ignored as if she is any other guard or servant. Besides, Frostmaw has a couple of elves as refuge due to the war. Slowly making her way to Fort's door, hoping to slip in unnoticed.


Hildegarde ’s men are obviously so distracted by the clamour of doves, rabbits and rash young minds that Ynhaldei is able to slip into the fort unnoticed.


Ynhaldei was soon enough inside the keep, trying to find something to steal. She doesn't know if it was good or bad that everything is large in this land. She can easily hide behind oversized furniture whenever a guard passes but she is having trouble finding things to steal. Hopefully there is a decent size room here.. Or maybe she should raid the kitchen, steal some of the Jarl's prized liquors if there is any.


Ynhaldei soon found her way to the kitchen, it was easy as it is the only place that heat seems to be possible. The scent of it was also a key factor for her to finding it. It is after lunch and all the servants are busy cleaning plates or serving to those who haven't eaten yet. Passing by them wondering how was she able to do so. Finding a back door and moving downstairs to the cellars as she found what she need. Taking off her hat as she slipped in a couple bottles of Frostmawian Mead and Ale into the dark depths of the top hat. Soon enough she idly walked out, wondering what else to do. She never thought infiltrating it would be this easy, then again, the Keep is busy with the refugees. Wondering if she should give the Lady-Knight a visit. Trying to find the most heavily guarded hallway to test her talents. Its a win win scenario if she gets caught or not, she still get to speak with the Lady.. but a bit of bonus if not, bragging rights so to speak.


Hildegarde , what with the commotion caused by the doves and rabbits, was granted the time to change into her mithril armour. Not that it took her very long, she was already halfway there with her greaves and boots on: now it was just to pull over the chainmail, faster her breastplate and gorget and pull on her gauntlets. Ynhaldei is already in the cellar when Hildegarde is on her way, being gestured to by the serving men and women of the fort and the guards who were currently dining and preparing to sleep before another patrol. There were no refugees in the fort, apart from those who came to report or complete duties as appropriate: none lived at the fort. Why should they, when they had their very own encampment to the west? As Ynhaldei turns to leave the cellar, she would find the doorway darkened by the presence of Hildegarde who loomed there, watching quietly. “You know, we stock the same mead and ale as the tavern does. Of course, we don’t charge our guests who come to sup at our table.”


Alvina huffed, a bit out of breath, when she made her way up to Hildegarde for the second time in so short a span. Her riding goggle remained over her face, cloudy with snow and frost. “Lady Hildegarde…” She said, resting one palm flat against the top of her knee to catch her breath before looking back to make sure Nymh was close behind. “I’m so sorry to interrupt…” Her emerald optics flashed an apologetic look at Ynhaldei, whom she’d never before had the pleasure of engaging, before turning back to the stewardess. “…But I received an unexpected guest last night who is in need of some assistance…” With that, the bard will straighten herself, her breath flowing at a much more even candor, and allow Nymh to speak.


Nymh was able to make it so far thanks to Alvina's apparent connections in Frostmaw... her presence wasn't even questioned, and as her guest, he was allowed to tag along with her. It came as some surprise to him to find Hildegarde shadowing a doorway inwhich stood a rather guilty looking Ynhaldei, and he'd feel a small knot of dread in his stomach. "I needed you to deliver a message, Ynh. What are you doing?" It was followed by a dismal sigh, and a glance about. "Can we talk safe here? From even magical evesdropping? I fear my presence might bring ears, even from afar. But my news is urgent, Hildegarde." There was a very fearful expression in his gaze once more, much like when he'd first come to her.


Ynhaldei sighs as she put on her top hat and said, "To be fair I was actually not looking to steal these ones... I prefer wine more than anything, hoping to find some rare ones from the Jarl's collection or something like that. But you know, its better than exiting empty handed. She got caught by the Lady Knight but she didn't sound worried at all. Smiling at her as she placed her hands upon her own waist as she said, "I do need to speak to you.. to do so I need your attention, I should say, I did a great job." turning to Nymh, smiling. She is guilty but in the same time proud as she was able to get this far atleast. Bowing at him and the person he is with, wondering what's the reason of such gathering.


Hildegarde did not spare Alvina her attention, nor Nymh right at this moment. In fact, her eye was solely affixed upon Ynhaldei and her expression was clearly not amused by the matter at hand. With a low sort of rumbling, the knight tore her gaze away from Ynhaldei and looked towards the new pair: she was trying to be attentive but the scowl she wore clearly indicated she was not in the best of moods. “You sent this one to Frostmaw?” she asked of Nymh, before swiftly shaking her head. That was not the purpose of this gathering, clearly. “Nevermind that,” she interjected before anyone could muster a reply or explanation as to why Ynhaldei was here. Of course, Hildegarde had seen that fearful look on Nymh’s face before and she hadn’t much enjoyed that encounter; she had a feeling she may not like this one either. Yet Alvina has obviously felt as though the bard needed to be brought here for some reason or other. The knight had a room she could take them to but she was reluctant to do so. It was hidden for a reason and exposing it, particularly with a nuisance lurking in the cellar, was not something she particularly wished to do. “You fear that there is some sort of thing about your person that allows someone to listen to all around you?”


Nymh nodded. "The first and second houses might both well know by now that I have taken flight, and might scry my location, and observe with eyes and ears we cannot detect. I am certain assassins will be sent for me, although I'm also fairly sure they are both aware of the information I am here to impart, anyway." He shook his head. "I... did send this one. I did not know if I'd be able to survive to make it here myself. I was fortunate. Alvina hid me, and brought me here." He shook his head. "Forget it, they probably know anyway. You must know. Skylei has been taken. She is held captive of House D'artes. She was unconscious when I saw her, but I am sure it was her. I have met her twice, the last when I first came to Frostmaw. I still have her letter of passage, meant for the wood elves, with her signature upon it. I could not hope to rescue her myself. Not from D'artes. But I have forsaken my home to bring news of her fate here. I could not... I could not leave her forsaken."


Ynhaldei turned her head and frowned at the man, "Why... That's unfair.. Why did you tell her?" shaking her head as the man simply stole the spotlight from her. That message was the reason why she is here, why she needed to get the Lady-Knights attention but now she doesn't have any leverage anymore. Shaking her head as she remove her hat and took out atleast 4 bottles lf liquor from her hat. "There, I have return what I took and no harm is done... sort of." Frowning at the man as she doesn't know if she'll survive the next few minutes. Feeling a bit concerned on her well-being now.


Hildegarde grunted as she heard Ynhaldei speak from behind her, yet her attention appears to be on Nymh for the most part. This one was always certain of assassins and some kind of dire magics being used against him, but perhaps this time the knight could see why; his information was truly worthwhile. Skylei was of importance to the elven council and of personal importance to Hildegarde. “So she does languish in the Underdark,” she said thoughtfully. “Mikael!” she called down the hall, being answered by the lumbering and unmistakeable quickened steps of an armoured giant. “Captain?” he asked of her, waiting for further instructions. “Prepare my chambers. Double the guard, see to it that none enter without my leave. If you can, send word to the High Priestess that I will have need of her soon.” The giant didn’t linger to be dismissed, instead only running off to see that his orders were seen to. “Have you eaten? Drank? Do so now before we chat properly,” she said, nodding slightly and looking at him in such a way that implied she needed him to do as much and to not ask questions.


Alvina stood back and let everyone converse. The morning had been busy and the flight had been hastily done. She was grateful that the Eyrie took such wonderful care of her mount when last she was here, otherwise Zi might not have made the journey with such ease. The news was delivered and her promise fulfilled, but still she stood by, awaiting the dragoness’ reply. Nymh spoke of assassins and magical eavesdropping devices…and Hildegarde issues commands, looking all the world like she would have welcomed any other news than this. The bard continued to listen but remained silent until the offer of food came to light. “Perhaps it would be best Nymh, you were not all that well last night…” The bard regards Hilde with grateful eyes. “She will do all she can, you know this to be true.”


Nymh nods, in silence. Hildegarde might well regard him as a nuisance, and with good reason, but he has little else but respect for her. She took the news seriously... he'd done what needed be done. It remained to be seen whether his part would end here, however. "Of course, Alvina. I'll... follow you, then." He didn't know his way around here, after all. He'd turn lastly towards Ynhaldei, with an apologetic look. "I'll take responsibility for your actions, Ynh. You came on my behalf. Besides, the elves no doubt yet appreciate, and require your aid in their war." Their war. As much as he may not want any part of it... it seemed as though he might no longer be able to avoid a part in it. He still had a hollow look to his eyes. For Skylei's sake, he had abandoned Laezila, and grieved still for his betrayel.


Ynhaldei felt defeated as the man simply stole the cards from her hand and threw it at the table. Unsure what to do now, She'll... probably live? Probably. As much as she is interested on listening more about the war, she have a far more troubling manner now. "To be honest.. as always, I thought you declared a shoot to kill order to your guards so I had to sneak in." Unsure if that would provide for her before turning to Nymh, "The probability of a drow casting anything to me is lower too.." Still, she is empty handed, wondering what would the Knight do to her now.


Hildegarde had no time for dilly-dallying or wallowing in misery! A serious matter had been brought to her attention and it needed to be dealt with. “Quickly, grab a bite to eat,” she urged Nymh, gesturing to the long tables of the hall, “we do not have the time to waste,” she assured him before turning her attention to Ynhaldei. “I would not waste my time with such an order… I told you to leave the fort and you did. I do not much appreciate threats of thievery. I was not impressed by your display, regardless of how honest you were being,” war was at the door, she didn’t have the time nor patience to be dealing with petty threats of thievery.


Alvina wrapped her arms around Nymh’s shoulders and urged him back down the corridor, in the direction of the servers. “Thank you M’lady.” The bard dipped her crimson crown to Hildegarde, and then to the other whom she’d not yet addressed respectfully. “You’re welcome to come with us, Ynh?” She tried to mimic the name Nymh had said, but wasn’t quite sure about the sound it should make on her tongue. “I will take responsibility until we leave Lady.” Her last comment, of course, directed to the stewardess. “Please don’t filch anything,” she said to the stranger with a smile, “I am a very notable person of interest here and wouldn’t want my perfect reputation tarnished.” The bard winked, as she was only kidding about being important but seriously, she wouldn’t know how to handle theft.


Nymh nodded, as Alvina led them. Hildegarde was right, they needed to move. Whatever she was putting into motion, she further required his presence, and he'd grab an elder cheese wedge and a bottle of mead off of a burnished silver platter, so they could eat on the go. "I'll eat as we walk." He did smile a tad as Alvina struggled with the exotic name. He'd gotten it on his first try... but he remembered that her musical magic was far and different from his own, and superior in the regards he'd seen. She was able to sing potent songs of healing simply by -humming-. Doubtless, if he lasted long enough, he'd be asking her for lessons in the art. He'd look towards Ynh, nodding for her to do whatever Alvina said. He trusted Alvina with his life, and hoped she'd do the same.


Ynhaldei simply raised her hands and said, "I am here for the thrill and adventure of it, Few bottles isn't worth a minute in prison or anything similar." She shrugged and took one of the mead ofcourse. taking a glass from a nearby tray and filling it as she said, "So far nothing looks expensive enough to steal M'lady, don't worry. I'll do my best not to harm your reputation." Taking a sip as if she is now included in this discussion, then again she is part of this war, wondering what other task they have in mind for her. "I thought Frostmaw is neutral to this.." she was simply talking out loud, aimed that to nobody before moving closer to the group, curious what does Hilde's chambers look like.


Hildegarde nodded as Nymh confirmed he would walk and eat, allowing her to walk swiftly down the halls and towards the east wing of the fort. Passing a tapestry, the woman turned left and offered two giants a little nod before entering her own chambers. It wasn’t often people entered her own private chambers and they were hardly impressive: the bed was large, a simple wardrobe, a small desk and chair with a leather bound journal sitting on it, a mannequin that was made to host armour and a little rune-etched stone upon a bedside table. Nothing too impressive. “I will put my hand upon you,” she warned Nymh, “and you will feel… different. As though there is a sort of barrier between you and the world,” she tried to explain, but she was not adept at these things. “Once I do, you can speak freely,” she informed him, “without fear of any unwanted ears or eyes.” The Silver busied herself with settling her halberd against the wall and removing her decorated breastplate and heavy chainmail. No need to be uncomfortable for this, after all.


Alvina paused to take a few bites of bread for herself, walking between the pair as they all regarded Hildegarde carefully. It was true, what Ynh said, that Frostmaw was not suppose to take sides in the war… The bard pushed her frozen goggles down to hang around her neck as she chewed, and watched Hilde remove her armor. Her chamber was modest but cozy. Warmth was all that really mattered to the bard particularly as far as visiting Frostmaw was concerned. She leaned against a nearby wall, and muted herself. The only thing she was charged to do was bring Nymh here safely. Her input wasn’t of much value as she had little to no knowledge of the war. Her knowledge did not hinge on war or rescue; she was more in the art of weapons or fan fare. Maybe metallic furniture in the near future. So she would wait patiently while plans were set in motion. (aka, I am here to observe for a while so please skip me in the round now. )


Nymh ate quickly as they walked, and drank even more so. The journey and stress of his hasty flight had taken their toll, but this warmth, the food and the drink all helped steel him for what was to come. At Hildegarde stripped out of her armor, he watched her unblinking. He was used to controlling matrons stripping in front of him just to tease him, for their own cruel pleasure. Seeing a naked female had long since lost its effect on him, and Hildegarde probably wasn't stripping to her birthday suit anyway. "Alright." Simple enough. They'd be able to speak in safety, then... although he'd already blurted everything out. Well, almost everything, anyway.


Ynhaldei did shed her winter coat as she entered the room with her glass at hand. Looking at the Lady's halberd as she rested it against the wall. Moving closer as she stare upon the craftsmanship of said weapon. Soon enough she placed her glass in a nearby table and drew out her Dadao, turning the knob on its pommel causing a spring loaded mechanism to extend the sword's length, turning the sword into a spear. Moving her now Guan Dao and resting it aswell on the wall side by side Hilde's Halberd as if to compare its length and design.


Hildegarde ’s weapon was only a little bit taller than herself, so it had the reach it needed as a polearm and was not so long that she could not wield it properly. The woman sighed gently and approached Nymh, “It shall not hurt,” she promised him ever so softly, knowing full well it would not hurt him at least. That being said her gauntleted hand gently grasped his arm, the cold of the metal and amber stone pressing fully against his flesh. After a few moments, the knight hissed ever so slightly. “Speak. No magic is upon you. Speak freely, but when I remove my hand from you, you must guard your tongue carefully. Once I release you, you are not protected,” she informed him.


Nymh nodded at her words, felt the gauntlet on his skin. Good... that confirmed that he wasn't tagged, at least. That was a very good thing. "I was summoned when Gevurah D'artes came to visit my matron Laezila. It was Laezila who had her, and there I discovered it... I don't know how, or when Laezila caught her. She was tied to a wooden stake, and Laezila gave her to Gevurah D'artes as a gesture of good will. Gevurah also interrogated me on my whereabouts when Emrith had taken me hostage. I kept his secrets, as I had promised... about the mines. She knows nothing of them, but my ward against her lie detection spell... she knew of it, somehow. It was fortunate my matron was there to protect me, and trusted my word so." So much pain in his voice. And he'd betrayed that trust. "Skylei will be held in House D'artes, as a prisoner of war. I've been a slave there, for a short time. I was able to come and go, with my abilities in stealth, twice. Their defenses, however... magical and mundane... are truly without peer. I doubt I could achieve the feat again. If I had thought I had even a slim chance of rescuing Skylei myself, I would have, but it would have been a fool's errand to attempt it. I have cut my ties to the underdark entirely... Laezila will be out for my head as much as D'artes, no doubt. I only hope that my leaving insulates her against the wrath of the first house when they discover that their having Skylei is known." He'd cut his ties and run to protect Laezila, as much as himself.


Ynhaldei leaves her weapon there and took her glass as she sat back down, beside Alvina. She simply smiled at the bard as she wonder if the Lady-Knight could teach her a thing or to about polearms. Taking a sip as she listened to Nymh. The Underdark is a very dangerous place for her kind and an attempt for rescue would be near suicide especially with the assassins wandering about. She too had to be on constant move just to save herself from idle threats. Turning her head to Hildegarde as if an audience already at the edge of one's seat, excited to the next line of the actor.


Hildegarde had paled somewhat during the discourse and information offered by Nymh, asking him with a groan, “Is that all your information?” she had to know. Assuming he confirmed that that was all he knew and had to say on the matter, the knight would withdraw her gauntleted hand and peel off the gauntlet, revealing her now blackened palm. The woman seemed a little out of breath and off-colour. Whatever magic – or anti-magic for that matter – had been employed here had certainly taken its toll upon the dragon.


Nymh would catch his breath, and fall back in a seat. "My message is delivered." He breathed, his eyes fluttering open and closed. "I feel... suddenly very tired." Perhaps it was the anti-magic, or perhaps it was just his exhaustion catching up with him, but he looked about to pass out right where he was.


Ynhaldei slowly stood up and stretched her back, "Well I guess that there is to it." Taking her weapon from the wall and turning into a sword again as she said, "I know this might not be the best time to ask for favors after all that I have done to you my lady but.. Maybe I could bargain a training of arms in the near future? I do have my polearm you see but require a bit of.. furnishing. Such talents may do me well on the current war, Improve chances of winning. But I don't think 'I will not try to steal again' is a good bargaining chip. So how about this, I don't know and this does sound insane but it might be possible to rescue Lady Skylei from the Underdark... it will be a bit bold.. maybe dumb even but it is 'my' suggestion in the first place. As you may have known, I do have in my arsenal a.... Desert Wyrm... They can travel over and underground.. they are fast on sand, and a bit slower on dirt and rock." clearly the woman will get an idea what she is aiming for. But the desert elf finishes her drink as she said, "It is quite getting late for me my friends." bowing at them one at a time, before finally leaving.


Hildegarde said to Ynhaldei, “I will consider it.”