[D4 LA] Invitation for Tea (Closed)

[Liliane Marten]

Lily sipped her tea and tried to remain calm. It seemed more like back home honestly. Well, except they didn't seem to know who was out to get them here.

"That is awful. Do you have any idea who might have attacked you?" she asked appalled by the news.

[Claryssa]

"He was skilled." Claryssa answered, a drop of bitterness in her tone. "He was a match for me which is most certainly not common for the typical cut purse. He was also wearing armor beneath his clothing and his weapon looked castle forge. Other than that he was of normal build. Darker hair, I think, although he was hooded. Whether Kylie was a victim of opportunity or calculation, I don't know."

Kylie shook her head. "It's very odd. House Meadows has always seemed quite tranquil by reputation." Kylie was obviously wracking her brain for some explanation or information she may have forgotten from her teachings about The Reach.

Claryssa took over for her mistress. "But perhaps equally important, I think we all might agree, particularly you, Terrance, that there is something largely amiss with what went on last night. Leana was pushed or fell after being stabbed. There is really no reason to kill a handmaid unless she witnessed something she ought not have. But she would have been far more easily killed with discretion outside of the keep, or at the very least not from a noble's floor. It seems to me that she was likely not the intended target. Maybe saving her Lady or being mistaken for her. But if that's the case, then who was the victim supposed to be?"

[Leovall Marten]

Like Liliane he look appalled and outraged by the news. Clenching his hand into a fist he glowered dangerously. "Cutpurses don't wield castle steel or wear armour. They couldn't afford to, otherwise they'd not be common thieves. Something deeper is going on here..." He takes a deep breath before giving Claryssa a deep nod of respect. "You are both lucky to be well. Whether it's this one person or they're acting on someone's orders you must keep up your guard. I'm glad you're each well and I'm honoured to know your secret, but for such a blatant attack to take place where the guards patrol is shocking." He quietens down as Kylie and Claryssa share their thoughts and he nods in agreements, shoulders slowly untensing.

"Either that or someone is purposefully attempting to ruin the tournament. A dreadful assault on a noblewoman guest, the murder of a handmaiden and who knows what next. Have the Meadows anything to lose from this all going sour? Who are their enemies?" He gives the table a small clap. "I would never have guessed these questions would ever be so important, but clearly they are." His gaze shifted to encompass the group. "This evening we should listen out for rumours concerning the Meadows and anyone they might have offended. Surely someone is talking about it. There may be even have been other incidents and near misses we've not heard of."

[Terrance Stone]

"It's hard to say what any of it means, to be honest." Terrance sighed. "Murder is not something easily overlooked, but it really isn't our affair. We'd all like to know more. If we get the opportunity, perhaps we can. But, It is up to House Meadows, really."

"This cutpurse concerns me more." he added. "There are thousands of people here, locals and visitors. I'd expect a thief here and there, just as I would in the Snout. This confirms that there are dangers here that may not be readily evident. We should all be careful."

[Kylie Redwyne]

"That's probably fair. It could be that Claryssa and I have overthought the matter, especially after the attack on my person. Extra vigilance could simply be what's required." Kylie admitted.

"Kylie and I planned to speak to Lord Meadows this evening after the party that she's forcing me to attend." Claryssa glared, but Kylie had to keep from laughing.

"We had planned to speak to him about the murder. As Claryssa is foreign, it is likely she will be suspect." Kylie explained a bit more seriously. "It's happened on more than one occasion. Something goes missing, there's a plot afoot... She's usually questioned. We want to get ahead of things, if possible."

"That is one of the reasons I wanted to speak with you." Claryssa spoke in a tone that was not often found in her voice. "Should I be detained, I mean to ask if you'd host Lady Kylie in your pavilions. I would ask this of Lord Meadows, but we don't know who to trust. You, however, have gained my Lady's trust, as well as my admiration." She spoke to Terrance when referencing her respect. "Most missed the wound on Leana. You didn't. I was impressed."

"That's the favor you wanted to ask them?" Kylie was shocked. "Claryssa, that is a terribly large request." The Redwyne turned to the Martens. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know about this." Kylie covered her mouth.

"If I am taken in, you'll be alone here. And we don't know these guards who did not rush to your side when you needed protection." came the retort.

[Liliane Marten]

"Well, given your concerns with this murder and being attacked it is understandable to want to not be alone," Liliane nodded, "It could be fun too to have some company in my end of the pavilions."

[Leovall Marten]

Listening to the conversation Leovall nods in agreement with his cousins. "Terrance is very sharp eyed. If your Lady is agreeable then she will be welcome to stay with Lady Liliane." Leovall decides, having heard Liliane is fine with it. "Of course should there be no problems in regards to your person Claryssa, but that you feel there is a threat to Lady Kylie, you are also welcome to stay with us." Although we might need an extra tent set up or to have you appropriate a servant's. He smiles stiffly. "The Vale is always under threat so we're used to having to protect ourselves. You'll both find all our group, not just the knights you passed, more capable than you might think."

[Kylie Redwyne]

Kylie lowered her head deeply in respect. "I'm honored you would consider such a thing. Hopefully it will not come to that, but I will hold your gracious offer in mind. Thank you. And please know, whether or not it was your intention, you have made a friend of House Redwyne."

[Leovall Marten]

"You're too kind. We appreciate the invitation today and your unguarded honesty - likewise I'm sure I can say my House also sees yours on friendly terms." Leovall responds, dipping his head in turn.

[Terrance Stone]

"It's good to have friends." Terrance smiled. "I will be happy to help, if you wish to pursue your assailant."