The Queen steps down from the dais and the room seems to hush around her. Her silk robes brush Erius’s disguise as she leans close, eyes fixed on the carved floorboards instead of the feast.
The Queen
Do you recognize these sigils? I would hear a careful answer, not a courtly one.
Nearby, the Princess lingers with open curiosity, while the Herald keeps his post and the Guard still looks half recovered, blinking at the music as if it belongs to another room.
Erius
The carved marks are older than the polished floor around them.
The Queen follows Erius’s gaze to the seam in the step, her expression sharpening with interest rather than alarm. The feasting behind her continues in a low wash of clinks, strings, and murmured laughter.
The Princess
If he knows them, then he knows more than the rest of us. Will you show us your reading of them?
The Queen
Come, then. Speak plainly, and we may all learn something worth keeping.
✓ Quest Accepted
Infiltrate the royal ball
“I say, the ball was open to the public who can oass the dress standard, i passes the dress code to get in but im from here mighty queen.”
SUCCESS (Great Reasoning, rolled +2)
Erius keeps the courtly mask in place and lets the words land as if they are nothing unusual at all.
Erius
The ball was open to those who pass the dress code, and I do. I am from here, mighty Queen.
The Queen’s mouth curves with faint approval, not quite a smile, and she studies his borrowed finery like she is measuring the seam between truth and performance.
The Queen
Then you understand the language of rooms as well as words. That is rarer than a noble title.
The Princess
And much more useful. Tell us, local guest, what do you notice that the rest of us miss?
The Guard’s shoulders ease, the Herald stays silent, and the music carries on beneath the Queen’s private attention, warm as candlelight over stone.
Quest Complete
Infiltrate the royal ball
“I say, how fair you two really are. I laugh lightly”
SUCCESS (Superb Bard music, rolled +1)
Erius
How fair are you two, really?
Erius lets out a light laugh, smooth and musical, the kind that slips between chandeliers without asking leave. The Queen’s brows lift, and the Princess smiles as if he has just turned a test into a compliment.
The Queen
Fair enough to be mistrusted, I suspect. Fair enough to hear the truth when it is spoken plainly.
The Princess
And I am fairer than my reputation. That is the hazard of courts, everyone hears the mask before the voice.
The Queen gives a low, real chuckle, and the Princess’s shoulders loosen. The Guard looks over, relieved by the softer tone, while the Herald keeps his courteous silence.
The Queen
You amuse me, local guest. That is uncommon, and useful. Tell me, do you always speak as though you are already halfway through the door?
The Princess
If he does, Mother, it is because he notices doors.
Their shared glance is quick, fond, and edged with old familiarity. For a breath, the hall feels less like a tribunal and more like a private circle around the fire.
✓ Quest Accepted
Compliment the Queen and Princess
“I say, i meant to say how fair, or stunning you both are, as the asnwer to your first question, "what others dont notice"”
SUCCESS (Superb Bard music, rolled +1)
Erius
I meant to say, how fair you both are. Stunning, even, when the truth is what others do not notice.
The words land cleanly in the candle-warm hush. The Queen’s mouth parts in surprised delight, and the Princess’s chin lifts as if she has been handed a bright secret in public.
The Queen
That is a bold answer, and a useful one. You see us as we are, or you are clever enough to make us think so.
The Princess
Or both. I prefer both.
The Queen’s gloved hand settles lightly at her throat, pleased despite herself. The Princess leans a little closer to Erius, her smile sharpening with interest, while the Herald’s composure cracks into the smallest approving nod.
The Queen
Then tell me, local guest, which of us is more dangerous when flattered?
The Princess
Mind your answer. I should like to hear it, but I do not promise to be merciful.
Their shared amusement softens the air around the dais, and the guard at the edge of the hall exhales as if the room itself has loosened its grip. The Queen waits, amused and alert, while the Princess watches Erius like she expects him to dance one step further.
Quest Complete
Compliment the Queen and Princess