Above the black floor, crimson script gathers into a formal reply. House Valcaryn grants invitations to Farius, Felrius, and Falrius, but requests Delfarius’s presence in Orosia before the ball.
A living crest blooms beside the words, its golden branches unfolding into a luminous route that winds from the Tower toward Orosia’s capital. The path pulses like a beckoning vein.
Past Delfarius
Farius, Felrius, and Falrius. They have either accepted our names or decided three brothers are less alarming than the truth.
Future Delfarius
The wording is courteous, but the request is not optional in spirit. They want us visible in Orosia before the doors open.
Past Delfarius leans closer to the crest while Future traces the route in the air without touching it. The living seal shifts, revealing a marked meeting place beneath the capital’s western towers.
Past Delfarius
A summons, an invitation, and a test of punctuality. How wonderfully noble. Shall we answer their hospitality with elegance or inconvenience?
Future Delfarius
The route is waiting for a decision, brother. It will carry us to Orosia, but it has not yet chosen whether the passage opens for all three.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach Orosia
“"We are pretending to be brothers...do not call me brother, that will just make our activities in the bedroom odd." I smirk. Future Delfarius remarks how he can call me Shadow Daddy if I prefer. I look at the invite. It is sent to me? Or did the Valcaryn house know that the the invites were going to me in reality?”
SUCCESS (Good Investigation, rolled +1)
Delfarius
We are pretending to be brothers. Do not call me brother, or our activities in the bedroom become odd.
Future Delfarius
Then I shall call you Shadow Daddy, if that better preserves the dignity of our arrangement.
Delfarius lifts the unfinished invitation beneath the Tower’s crimson light. The parchment bears three formal names, yet the living crest curls around a separate request for Delfarius himself.
Delfarius
Is this invitation sent to me? Did House Valcaryn know these invitations were really meant for me?
His inspection follows the ink’s sympathetic grain and the crest’s route-lines. The three aliases are presented as a social fiction, while the request for Delfarius is deliberate and independently sealed.
Past Delfarius
They know you are the center of this arrangement, at least. Whether they know the Architect, Uruk-Vile, or only the name Delfarius is another matter.
The seal contains no deeper recognition of his titles, memories, or nature. House Valcaryn knows the invitation reaches him, and wants him visible, but has not proven it knows what he truly is.
“Do they want me to go alone?”
NO (Unlikely, rolled 71)
The living crest answers without changing its route. A second golden branch unfurls beside Delfarius’s name, joining the three aliases to the same marked meeting place beneath Orosia’s western towers.
Past Delfarius
No, they do not want you alone. The request names you as the center, but the invitation still carries Farius, Felrius, and Falrius with you.
The parchment’s ink settles into four linked sigils. None is ranked above the others, though Delfarius’s mark anchors the route and the three false names orbit it like deliberate companions.
Future Delfarius
They expect the brothers to arrive together, or they would have sealed a private summons instead. This is a social entrance, not an attempt to separate you from us.
Past Delfarius
They want his presence and our spectacle. At least the invitation leaves no room for them to pretend he came unaccompanied.
The route pulses once, confirming the arrangement. House Valcaryn has requested Delfarius’s visibility, but has not demanded solitude, obedience, or the surrender of his chosen company.
Future Delfarius
So we go together, if we go at all. They may study the Architect, the aliases, or the impossible resemblance, but they will not receive you alone by assumption.
Delfarius leaves The Obsidian Tower audience chamber behind and arrives at House Valcaryn in Orosia.
“I raise an eyebrow. "Well we only just got back here, but what the hell, let's go meet the house Valcaryn, 'brothers'" I open a portal outside of their house grounds where it is not watched or where there are no mortals around. We walk up to the front gate, each of us appearing like mortal men to mortal eyes and mortal senses.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +2)
Delfarius
Well, we only just got back here, but what the hell. Let’s go meet House Valcaryn, brothers.
A portal opens beyond House Valcaryn’s grounds, where hedges and moonlit stone conceal the arrival from mortal eyes. Delfarius, Past, and Future step through appearing wholly ordinary, their magic veiled beneath mortal senses.
They cross the quiet road toward the front gate. Beyond black ironwork, House Valcaryn rises in pale towers crowned with blue fire, while carriages gather beneath banners bearing silver antlers.
The Gate Steward
Halt, gentlemen. State your names and business with House Valcaryn.
The gate steward, an elderly elf man with bronze skin, close-cropped white hair, and a blue velvet coat, studies the three identical visitors. His hand rests near a silver bell.
The Gate Steward
You resemble the brothers named in tonight’s correspondence. Farius, Felrius, and Falrius, I presume. House Valcaryn is expecting you.
The steward pulls the gate open without ringing the bell. A second ward, hidden in the paving stones, recognizes Delfarius’s anchored invitation and quietly marks their arrival as welcomed guests.
Quest Complete
Reach Orosia
Skill Upgrade: Investigation Good→Great
“We walk in to meet with House Valcaryn since they wanted to meet us before the ball. I look around and see if anything is amiss. We all look like mortal men to mortal eyes and mortal senses.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Perception, rolled +0)
Delfarius walks through the opened gate with Past and Future beside him, mortal faces and ordinary footsteps passing beneath the silver-antler banners. His gaze moves across the grounds.
Nothing is amiss at first glance: guards, adult men and women in dark green uniforms with polished brass badges, follow normal posts, servants, adult men and women in cream shirts and black waistcoats, carry wine and invitations, and the blue ward-flames burn evenly without hidden distortion.
His deeper sight finds the deliberate pattern beneath the welcome. Wards mark every entrance, but none targets the three brothers; the invitation’s anchor recognizes them as expected guests.
The Gate Steward
You may proceed, gentlemen. The western court is prepared for your arrival, and House Valcaryn’s chamberlain awaits you beneath the moon gallery.
Past Delfarius glances toward the blue-lit towers, his black-gold clasp catching a pale reflection. Future mirrors the gesture, their disguises remaining seamless to mortal senses.
Past Delfarius
A clean welcome, so far. No drawn blades, no hungry rites, and only enough warding to remind us that nobles dislike surprises.
The steward leads them along a gravel path between clipped hedges. Delfarius detects no concealed ambush or coercive summons, only a watchful household eager to see what the invitation purchased.
“We walk to the moon gallery to meet with the chamberlain. We all look like mortal men to mortal eyes and mortal senses.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +1)
Delfarius walks beneath the moon gallery with Past and Future beside him. Their mortal appearances pass unnoticed, while silver lamps scatter pale light across polished stone and sleeping fountains.
The gallery’s open arches overlook a moonlit courtyard. At its far end waits the chamberlain, of average build with a narrow, lined face and prominent pointed ears, an elderly elf man with bronze skin, long white hair, and a midnight-blue coat clasped in silver.
The Chamberlain
Farius, Felrius, and Falrius. Welcome to House Valcaryn. I am Chamberlain Othrel, and I have been instructed to receive you before the evening’s formalities begin.
Past Delfarius
How considerate. We were promised a welcome, though not whether it would include wine, questions, or a room designed to contain our resemblance.
Othrel’s gaze passes over the three matching faces and settles briefly on Delfarius’s anchored invitation. No ward tightens, no servant approaches, and the gallery remains openly welcoming.
Future Delfarius
If House Valcaryn wishes to study us, let them do so honestly. We have no interest in being separated for someone else’s convenience.
The Chamberlain
That is understood. Lady Seraphine and the western houses await in the observatory salon, but the meeting begins with courtesy, not demands. Follow me.
“I raise an eyebrow and look at Past and Future Delfarius. They know what I am wondering. Is this a private meeting with the Lady Seraphine alone or are we meeting with others and the lady. We do not voice our questions out loud, just muse a smirk amongst each other as we walk. We all look like mortal men to mortal eyes and mortal senses.”
Delfarius raises an eyebrow toward Past and Future as they follow Othrel beneath the moon gallery. Their identical smirks answer the unspoken question without disturbing their mortal disguises.
The three men continue with ordinary footsteps and human faces, appearing unremarkable to mortal eyes and senses. Behind them, the chamberlain leads toward the observatory salon.
Past Delfarius
He wonders whether Seraphine receives us privately, or whether half the western houses are waiting behind the next door.
Future Delfarius
The invitation named her, but the route named the houses. I suspect courtesy will arrive accompanied by witnesses.
Othrel glances back at their shared amusement, reading the question from posture rather than sound. He does not demand an answer, and the gallery offers no hidden division.
Chamberlain Othrel
For clarity, gentlemen, Lady Seraphine requested the first conversation privately. The western houses will join only afterward, should she choose to extend the meeting.
Past and Future exchange another knowing smirk beside Delfarius. Ahead, moonlight spills through the salon doors, where a single elven woman waits beyond the threshold.
“"Then we shan't leave the Lady waiting, chamberlain." I smirk courtly and follow him. Past and Future Delfarius share a similar courtly regard about themselves as we walk to where the Lady waits. We all look like mortal men to mortal eyes and mortal senses.”
Delfarius
Then we shan't leave the Lady waiting, chamberlain.
Delfarius gives Chamberlain Othrel a courtly smirk and follows. Past and Future fall into step beside him, each wearing the same polished regard for their shared presentation.
The three men pass beneath the moon gallery as ordinary mortals to mortal eyes and senses. Silver lamps gleam over their black silk and matching dark-gold clasps.
Chamberlain Othrel opens the salon doors. Lady Seraphine, a young adult elf woman with warm bronze skin, long raven hair, and a slender build, stands beside an observatory window in a deep sapphire gown.
Lady Seraphine
Farius, Felrius, and Falrius. Welcome. I confess, the resemblance is even more striking in person.
She gestures toward a crescent table set beneath the domed ceiling. Beyond the glass, Orosia’s towers shine beneath the night, while Chamberlain Othrel withdraws and closes the doors.
Lady Seraphine
Please, sit. I requested this private conversation because I prefer meeting unusual guests before deciding what the houses should hear.
“I nod politely towards the Lady and Past and Future follow suit. "I must confess I was a bit taken back by the abrupt summon to meet with you before the ball, I assume you just received our formal request from Lord Dorian?" Past Delfarius looks around to make sure everything is all good and there is no trap. Future watches the Lady Seraphine and watches her weave unseen and unfelt by her or anyone else that might be hidden in the room. We all look like mortal men to mortal eyes and mortal senses.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Delfarius
I must confess, I was a bit taken aback by the abrupt summons before the ball. I assume you just received our formal request from Lord Dorian?
Delfarius nods politely, and Past and Future mirror the gesture. Their matching courtesy settles the room into a formal rhythm as Seraphine studies them.
Past Delfarius surveys the crescent table, window, ceiling, and shadowed corners. No blade, binding circle, concealed watcher, or hostile ward waits within the salon.
Future Delfarius watches Seraphine’s hands and the unseen weave around her. His perception finds only transparent hospitality wards, shaped to announce intrusion rather than cause harm.
Lady Seraphine
You assume correctly. Lord Dorian’s request arrived this afternoon, accompanied by his insistence that your attendance be treated with discretion.
Lady Seraphine
The abruptness was mine. I wanted to meet the three of you before the ball, while I could still speak without an audience interpreting every word.
Seraphine indicates the chairs again, her expression composed but curious. The salon remains safe, and her explanation answers the summons without concealing a second demand.
“Past Delfarius announces to me that there are no birds in the room or the hallway. Future Delfarius agrees and adds that it is a place that is only filled with beautiful flowers. These are both our old code words. They are telling me without saying it there is no spies and no ill weave of magics. I smile warmly and sit down. Past and Future sit as well and we look to the lady with matching, charming smiles. "What can we do to settle your nerves before we meet with the rest of your family?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -3)
Past Delfarius
No birds in the room or the hallway.
Future Delfarius
And it is a place filled only with beautiful flowers.
The old code settles between them. Delfarius smiles warmly and sits, while Past Delfarius and Future Delfarius take the remaining chairs, their matching expressions turning toward Seraphine.
Delfarius
What can we do to settle your nerves before we meet with the rest of your family?
Lady Seraphine
You have already done much by asking. I want one promise: before my family, no sudden revelations, threats, or games at my expense.
Her composure steadies, but the request costs them leverage. Seraphine now holds a clear condition for their introduction, and expects their agreement before opening the salon to her relatives.
Lady Seraphine
Give me that courtesy, and I will tell them you came as Dorian’s allies, not as a spectacle they may claim for themselves.
“"Whatever do you mean by all of that? No sudden revelations, threats or games? Whom exactly do you think that we are, that we could do such things?" I raise an eyebrow like a question mark. Past and Future look at each other then at the Lady Seraphine. We all look like mortal men to mortal eyes and mortal senses.”
SUCCESS (Great Deception, rolled +2)
Delfarius
Whatever do you mean by all of that? No sudden revelations, threats, or games? Whom exactly do you think we are, that we could do such things?
Delfarius raises an eyebrow like a question mark. Past and Future exchange a sidelong glance, then look to Lady Seraphine, all three appearing wholly mortal to mortal eyes and senses.
Lady Seraphine
You are Dorian’s unusual allies, not proven villains. My warning was precautionary, not an accusation. I see now that I phrased it poorly.
Seraphine’s shoulders ease, and the transparent hospitality wards remain placid. His innocent confusion has settled over the room convincingly, leaving her more embarrassed than suspicious.
Past Delfarius
Felrius and I are wounded by the implication. We may be theatrical, but we understand the difference between a private jest and a guest’s humiliation.
Future Delfarius
Careful, Felrius. That sounded almost like a revelation.
Lady Seraphine
Then let us begin again. I will present you as Dorian’s allies, and you will meet my family without turning the evening into a spectacle. Agreed?
“"Perhaps a bit of...colorful entertainment at the ball, but now in private with your family, we will all be on our very best behaviors." I smile politely, practiced grace and decorum. Past Delfarius and Future Delfarius agree and share the same expression.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Delfarius
Perhaps a bit of colorful entertainment at the ball, but now, in private with your family, we will all be on our very best behaviors.
Delfarius smiles with practiced grace and decorum. Past and Future Delfarius agree, mirroring his expression until the three of them appear like a perfectly rehearsed promise.
Past Delfarius
Naturally. We shall be models of restraint, courtesy, and devastatingly tasteful conversation.
Future Delfarius
Our colorful entertainment can wait for the ballroom. Your family will receive only polished manners and carefully measured charm.
Lady Seraphine studies the three identical smiles, then exhales a quiet laugh. The tension leaves her shoulders as the hospitality wards remain calm around them.
Lady Seraphine
Agreed. I believe you, and I appreciate the distinction. My family will meet Dorian’s allies, not become unwilling participants in your private amusement.
Lady Seraphine
I will bring them in now. After introductions, we can discuss the ball, the houses attending, and exactly how much color Orosia can survive.
“I nod as Lady Seraphine sends for a servant to bring the rest of her family to meet us. I introduce myself to them as Farius. Past Delfarius introduces himself as Felrius and Future Delfarius introduces himself as Falrius. We all look like mortal men to mortal eyes and mortal senses.”
SUCCESS (Great Deception, rolled +2)
Delfarius nods as Lady Seraphine summons a servant. The young elf man bows and slips through the salon doors, while the three disguised men remain wholly mortal to mortal sight and sense.
Soon, three members of House Valcaryn enter: an elderly elf man with silver hair and a blue mantle, a middle-aged elf woman in crimson velvet, and a young adult elf man in formal black.
Delfarius
I am Farius. It is a pleasure to meet you.
Past Delfarius
Felrius. My brother speaks for all of us, though I am delighted to offer my own courtesy.
Future Delfarius
Falrius. We are honored by House Valcaryn’s welcome, and we promise to be exactly as respectable as circumstances permit.
The Valcaryn family studies the identical faces, matching black silk, and dark-gold clasps. Delfarius’s deception settles cleanly over the room, leaving only curiosity where suspicion might have been.
Lady Seraphine
Family, these are Dorian’s allies, Farius, Felrius, and Falrius. They have come as my guests, and I expect them to be treated accordingly.
“I wait for them to make formal introductions to us. And ask us questions if they have them. We all look like mortal men to mortal eyes and mortal senses.”
The three Valcaryns incline their heads beneath Lady Seraphine’s introduction. Their scrutiny remains formal, curious rather than hostile, while the salon’s hospitality wards stay perfectly still.
Caelen's grandfather
Lord Aerion Valcaryn, Seraphine’s grandfather and head of this household. Farius, Felrius, Falrius, you are welcome beneath our roof.
Lady Maerith Valcaryn
Lady Maerith Valcaryn, Seraphine’s aunt. Your resemblance is remarkable, but I will not presume to ask which of you is eldest until you offer the answer.
Lord Caelen Valcaryn
Lord Caelen Valcaryn, Seraphine’s cousin. Dorian speaks highly of your discretion, though his account left considerable room for curiosity.
Caelen's grandfather
How did three brothers come to serve as Dorian Elsyin’s allies, and what does each of you hope to find at House Valcaryn’s ball?
Lady Seraphine remains beside the crescent table, watching her family leave the questions open. No servant interrupts, and the three brothers have the room to answer in whatever order they choose.
“We all look to each other and chuckle softly. "I was a friend of the late father of Dorian's and I came back to meet with the young man sadly too late to say my farewells to his father. My brothers only knew of the lord. They all had been away with their own pursuits." Past remarks on how he is the technical oldest, but it matters little about the age. Future remarks on how he has just met with Dorian but finds the young man to be a level headed, practical man with a good business sense. We all look like mortal men to mortal eyes and mortal senses.”
SUCCESS (Great Deception, rolled +0)
The three identical men exchange amused glances and chuckle softly. Their mortal disguises remain seamless, leaving only polished confidence beneath the salon’s observant silence.
Delfarius
I was a friend of Dorian’s late father. I returned to meet the young man, sadly too late to offer my farewells. My brothers only knew of the lord, each having been away with his own pursuits.
Past Delfarius
I am technically the eldest, though the distinction matters little. Time has made the question considerably less useful than people expect.
Future Delfarius
I only met Dorian recently, but I found him level-headed, practical, and possessed of excellent business sense. He seems capable of carrying his house forward.
The explanation settles neatly over the room. Lord Aerion’s suspicion eases into appraisal, Maerith’s curiosity becomes restrained amusement, and Caelen studies the brothers with renewed interest.
Caelen's grandfather
A longstanding friendship with Dorian’s father explains the invitation, and your brothers’ separate pursuits explain the resemblance without requiring a family history lesson.
Lady Seraphine
Then House Valcaryn welcomes you as Dorian’s allies and his father’s old friends. I suspect the ball will offer ample opportunity to learn what those pursuits were.
“I smile charming and regard the family. "Then we will graciously accept your welcome and look forward to talking at length with you all in four days time at your ball." I let my eyes linger on the cousin. 'He is charming and cute.' I think to my thoughts alone. Past and Future notice my lingering look and smirk in silent agreement. We all look like mortal men to mortal eyes and mortal senses. Past and Future remark in pleasantries at the family gathered about what the ball is being held for.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Delfarius
Then we will graciously accept your welcome and look forward to talking at length with you all in four days' time at your ball.
Delfarius smiles charmingly at the gathered family, his gaze lingering briefly on Caelen before returning to the room. All three men remain convincingly mortal to mortal eyes and senses.
Delfarius
He is charming and cute.
Past Delfarius
And what, precisely, is the ball celebrating? We would hate to arrive ignorant of the occasion and accidentally offer congratulations where condolences are expected.
Future Delfarius
Indeed. Is this a marriage, a succession, a treaty, or simply House Valcaryn reminding Orosia that elegance remains a political weapon?
Past Delfarius and Future Delfarius exchange knowing smirks after noticing Delfarius’s lingering look. Their seamless performance turns the question into polished curiosity rather than suspicion.
Lady Seraphine
A little of the last, perhaps. The ball marks House Valcaryn’s renewed trade accord with the western houses, and introduces our next generation of alliances.
Lord Caelen Valcaryn
Which means conversation matters more than ceremony. I hope the three of you will speak freely, rather than merely look impressive in matching silk.
“"We will speak freely, but we will also look impressive in matching silks." I smirk full of swagger and charm. Past remarks on how exciting it must be for new beginnings and Future laughs softly and remarks on how he enjoys singing. We all look like mortal men to mortal eyes and mortal senses.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Delfarius
We will speak freely, but we will also look impressive in matching silks.
Delfarius smirks with swagger, and Past and Future mirror his poise. Their black silk, dark-gold clasps, and identical mortal faces turn confidence into effortless spectacle.
Past Delfarius
How exciting. New beginnings, renewed alliances, and three brothers arriving dressed as though destiny personally tailored our coats.
Future Delfarius
I enjoy singing, so I hope the evening includes music. Preferably something grand enough to make our entrance feel properly inevitable.
The Valcaryns respond with genuine amusement rather than suspicion. Even Lord Aerion’s reserved expression softens, while Maerith appraises the matching elegance with open approval.
Lady Maerith Valcaryn
Then you shall have music, gentlemen. House Valcaryn values guests who can entertain without mistaking charm for permission to dominate the room.
Lord Caelen Valcaryn
And you have certainly made yourselves memorable. I look forward to hearing what you say when the western houses begin asking about your remarkable family.
“All three of us rise from our seats at the same time and bow courtly at the family. "Then we will arrive with our best, for our most graceful hosts." Past remarks on how he will make sure to wear his best smile and Future asks about what musicians they will have then shakes his head and says it will be fine. We all look like mortal men to mortal eyes and mortal senses.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
All three Delfariuses rise together and bow with courtly precision. Their mortal faces, matching black silk, and dark-gold clasps present polished brothers to every ordinary eye.
Delfarius
Then we will arrive with our best, for our most graceful hosts.
Past Delfarius
And I shall make certain to wear my best smile. House Valcaryn deserves nothing less than our most devastating courtesy.
Future Delfarius
What musicians will be performing? I hope there is something grand enough for our entrance.
Future Delfarius
No, never mind. Whatever they play will be fine. I shall simply sing beautifully over it if necessary.
Lady Maerith Valcaryn
The royal conservatory’s ensemble will perform, with harpists, violins, and an elven chorus. Your entrance will have music worthy of it.
The family returns the bow with varying degrees of ceremony. Lady Seraphine’s smile warms, while Lord Caelen watches the three brothers with renewed amusement and interest.
“"Then by all means, by your leave we will part and meet you in four days time."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Delfarius
Then, by all means. By your leave, we will part and meet you in four days' time.
Delfarius bows with Past Delfarius and Future Delfarius beside him. Their matching clasps catch the observatory light as the Valcaryns return the courtesy, the agreement settling cleanly.
Lady Seraphine
By my leave, then. Four days from now, House Valcaryn will welcome you again, and I will expect the same graceful restraint.
Lord Caelen Valcaryn
I look forward to discovering whether the three of you can remain this polished once the music and western houses arrive.
Past Delfarius
We shall try, Lord Caelen. If we fail, it will at least be an elegant failure.
Lady Seraphine opens the salon doors, and Chamberlain Othrel waits beneath the moon gallery to escort them out. The household wards recognize their departure as courteous and complete.
Future Delfarius
Four days, then. Let us leave before Past invents another name and Dorian begins regretting the invitations.