Robyn, an artful archeress, 2 House Velenosa Guards arrive, following Ophelia.

The ledge is setup for a gardening event. There is a pie cart stocked with treats in case poeple get hungry. There is plenty of fresh water from the lodge springs available as well. Barrels filled with gardening supplies are about as well. Saplings, summer flowers, late season veiggies are all ready to be planted. Some of the flowers are even available for people to take home. There is work aprons too incase anyone needs to protect their fancy clothing. Petal is here while looking very heavily pregnant, she is waddling around and everything. She seems to be in a cheerful mood.

3 Thrax Guards, Matilde, An Exhausted Research Assistant, Py, An Oathlands Bullmastiff arrive, following Sylvi.

Ashur is usually at the Lodge these days, and so is already here, dripping water onto the bank from partially sodden clothes. A fiercely clicking crayfish is trying to escape from his hat... and he is trying to feed the creature to Brigida's boar.

Petal drops a natural hot spring fed pool.

2 Grayson House Guards, Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting, Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting, Clark, an exasperated guard arrive, following Sabella.

Anisha is quite fond of the Lodge, and a spring planting is an event to be remembered. So, with Tamorin and Tamlynne in tow, and Evensong securely nestled in the crook of her arm, the Whisper wanders, humming to herself, moving along. "So, I just... Pick my seeds and find an appropriate spot?" She inquires, of Petal.

Amari is here with her two huge dogs, Barf and River keeping close as she picks out some vegetables to plant. A pygmy goat follows after as well, bleating about something that's probably very important to her but only illicits and distracted smile from Amari. "No, you can't eat them."

Brigida is directing people and her Disciples with helping set up this affair, her voice clearly heard as she gestures with her staff to indicate what should be done. Oswald the boar happily chows down on the poor crayfish with a crunch as Brigida looks at the clanking Enri. "What on earth are you wearing armour for? Get it off and start helping!"

Robyn, an artful archeress, 2 House Velenosa Guards arrive, following Ophelia.

2 Rivenshari Clansman, Lila, the stoic apprentice arrive, following Petra.

An event at the Lodge - a gardening event, no less - perfectly aligns with Rhue's interests. The young woman makes her way into the area, wearing simple garb and a pleasant smile. She stations herself at a spot out of the way until directions are given, but she gazes appraisingly at the various vegetables and flowers to be planted.

Petal looks over to Anisha, having a smile for her. "Well.." She says softly to her. "We are mostly planting in the ground right now. So the carrots will goe here..." She says, gesturing in the direction of the veggie garden. She speaks in heavy accent of a Northern Shav. "The Morning Glories, I thought would go here.." She adds.

Cillian spots Petal moving in her, "Orcid" he says to her moving to take her hand in his to gently squeez it. when he speaks its with a thick northern shav accent.

Merek has on his white and black attire while he maneuvers along with sword upon the back to settle in and begin working the plants, while he checks along them. He looks flowers so he looks for them, and anything else.

Sylvi isn't all that familiar with Petal, though they have met and shared some interesting experiences together in those brief times together, so when Sylvi hears about this event in the lodge, she decides it must be for a good cause. She smiles towards Petal and casts another warm smile to Anisha, looking around at the other unfamiliar faces, followed closely by her assistant and her loyal dog, Py.

Rosalind comes dashing in with Connal, a big smile on her face. She loves planting things! This will be so fun!

Anisha checked intellect + agriculture at difficulty 15, rolling 2 lower.

Merek checked intellect + agriculture at difficulty 15, rolling 2 lower.

Rhue checked intellect + agriculture at difficulty 15, rolling 34 higher.

Sylvi checked intellect + agriculture at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Petal allows Cillian, to take her hand, the girl giving him a dimpled smile that reaches her bron eyes and brings her dimples. "Cillian, hi, I am glad you could come." She says, kissing his cheek.

Rosalind checked intellect + agriculture at difficulty 15, rolling 9 lower.

Enri puts Dark Steel Vambraces, Dark Steel Greaves, Dark Steel Sabatons, Dark Steel Cuirass, and Dark Steel Sallet in Simple Travel Satchel.

1 Templar Knight guards arrives, following Hamish.

An order is an order and Enri starts removing the straps from his armour, "I was doing a patrol with the Inquisition when I heard about the event." He says, pulling the satchel close to his chest so he can shove them inside, "But maybe an apron would do me better."

The sound of tinkling bells follows Petra as she finds her way toward the Lodge of Petrichor, a place she has heard of, but has not yet visited. She pauses just within, to glance aorund and study the beauty of the place, a soft smile touching her lips as she does so. She is hesitant, however, her eyes eventually shifting from the scenery to the people about, searching for faces that may or may not be familiar. She does give Petal a smile, however, when she sees the girl greeting people, and she inclines her head in that direction. Then, pausing a moment longer to glance around, she steps further into the gardens to see what she can do to help with the planting.

There's little that can keep Princess Sabella away from the Lodge of Petrichor or anywhere really when the words flowers and party are together! She comes sweeping in to where everyone is, terribly overdressed and in white lace of all things, beaming a smile at those assembled, "I simply adore flowers! Where are the vases?" She looks around expectantly, because clearly this is the sort of gardening she is used to, the kind where someone picks them after they're fully formed and hands them over and they get put nicely in a vase she can wrap a ribbon around.

Anisha beams, and offers a hand to Sylvi. "Shall we go garden together, then, Princess Sylvi?" She suggests. Giving a curtsey of thanks to Petal, and shooting a smile to Cillian. "Ah, I don't believe we've met. Anisha Whisper, at your pleasure. I do think I've heard of you from Messere Petal, though - Messere Cillian, correct?" She inquires. Looking from him to Sylvi. "Messere Petal's beloved," She points out with a little smile.

Hearing Brigida, rather than spotting her, Anisha turns towards the Archlector and offers a wave of greeting. "Blessed Brigida! Such a pleasure to see you again!"

Petal looks over to Enri and smiles. "We have aprons if you want you one?" She says, gesturing toward the cherry themed common cloth aprons that are available. Petal then peeks over to Sabella and smiles. "Greetings Princess Sabella, um no vases." She says, trying to hide her amusement.

Ashur checked intellect + agriculture at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Petra checked intellect + agriculture at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Merek checked perception + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 23 lower.

Anisha checked perception + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 33 lower.

Sylvi checked perception + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 25 lower.

"Oh," Sabella looks a little surprised when she sees people digging around in the dirt and then looks at her hands and her dress and then around as if perhaps a herd of unicorns might come bounding out of the trees to rescue her from what seems to be amounting to some manual labor. The moment comes and passes and she waits and finally someone hands her a trowel and an apron, "I see. Well! It's always nice to try new things! It's just the ground is like a rather large vase and we're forming it by digging it out. Of the dirt," she looks over at Elizabetta expectantly who sighs and gets a second apron to lay on the ground so that the Princess can kneel with out getting too too dirty, "Thank goodness the bugs around here are only the flying ones," she comments happily to someone nearby as she sinks her shovel into the dirt.

Sabella checked intellect + agriculture at difficulty 15, rolling 12 lower.

Delighted by Oswald's acceptance of his offering, Ashur straightens and heads over to help with the planting. Creekwater makes the ground beneath his boots more fertile. He is a veritable scion of Petrichor! Even if his skills with a hoe are...a little wanting. At least his hands aren't breaking apart from the wood handle, as the Sanna lord appears used to some degree of hard labor.

Enri checked perception + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 27 lower.

Brigida hears Sabella's comment and clucks her tongue in disappointment, "Sabella, I swear that you have no idea what the world is actually like. Here, follow suit and get yourself dirty as you plant flowers!" Anisha draws her attention and she waves a blessing at her, "Anisha. I hope you are here to plant and give praises?" Enri gets a nod of approval, "Good... Now you can plant those daisies please.'

Ashur checked perception + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 22 lower.

Rhue checked perception + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 10 lower.

Cillianturns to see who is speaking, his hazel eyes look over anisha, "It is a pleasure to meet you, yes I am Cillian wearher wood." he smiles at Petal dod his cheeks just turn slightly pink.

Sabella checked perception + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 31 lower.

Brigida checked perception + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 42 lower.

Cillian checked perception + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 22 lower.

Sabella notices some worms as she digs in the dirt, apparently there are more than flying bugs here. They just look like normal worms that live underground. It seems likely a lovely summer day in the lodge.

Taking the offered hand from Anisha, smiling brightly towards her. "I would love that," Sylvi smiles. "I have not met either," she beams at Cillian. "So nice to meet you! I have heard you mentioned in passing though I admit I don't know Messere Petal nearly as well as I would like," Sylvi beams at them both, moving to the gardens, patting Py as she gets to her knees to beging working the soil with Anisha. Though she doesn't seem to have a great deal of practical experience, it's clear she's read a few books on gardening, she seems to at least understand the basics well enough.

Rosalind checked perception + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 7 higher.

Petra checked perception + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 32 lower.

"I would rather see the world as full of possibility, Blessed Bridiga!" Sabella calls over cheerfully, digging out another shovel full of dirt before looking down again, "That way it's--" she chokes out a shriek and flings a bunch of dirt with worms off to the right and likely all over people nearby, "Worms! There's worms in here! Oh gods, they'll eat the plants! Worms!" she says in a panicked voice.

Amari checked intellect + agriculture at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Amari checked perception + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 11 lower.

Merek seems content to garden, he's not used to doing it in a field like this, more likely with the gardens at his place, but all the same it is fun.

Enri peers over the aprons after Petal indicates them for him, "Oh cherries, they're easily my favourite ingredient for wines." He says, tying the around his waist and adjusting the piece of clothing. Unable to suppress a brief smile after he notices Brigida's nod approval, he dips his head in return to the Archlector, ready to begin.

Anisha has no idea what she's doing, really. Sprinkling a few seeds where Petal pointed to her, but there's no guarantee those are actually carrot seeds - nor is she, in any way, leaning down to properly plant them. "I am," She assures to Brigida - despite the evidence to the contrary. A Whisper is useful for many things, but this particular Whisper... Is not useful for planting anything. Hopefully Sylvi can save her!

Sabella gets a curtsey, and Anisha smiles. "Well, it looks like we're both learning, aren't we, Princess?" She suggests. She's already hitting hostess mode, shooting a bright smile to Cillian. "I'm quite pleased to finally meet you in person, and delighted you make our Petal so happy." She declares - though she's already looking for more people to say hello to.

Clothed in saffron silk and jingling with bells, Petra sets to assisting with the gardening and planting with enthusiasm. She kneels down in the dirt at a garden patch, and begins digging, planting each bulb with precision and then carefully patting the soil over it with her bare hands. She doeesn't mind getting them dirty. She's so absorbed in the work that she doesn't pause to socialize overmuch, and in truth, she seems almost oblivious to everything around her while she works, humming a soft tune to the wind as she continues to work.

Rosalind is digging into the earth but pauses, her hands covered in dirt. The tall redheaded Ravenseye's head tilts as she she says, listening closer,"Does anyone else hear that? It's coming closer." Rosa's large hazel green eyes start to turn to the forest, watching--

Rhue wastes no time in getting right to work, eagerly digging her hands into the soil with relish. It's quite similar to her day job, but her expression hints that it's a favorite pastime as well. She glances up at Sabella's panicked words, smiling serenely. "Oh, that's good! Worms mean good soil." She brushes a stray strand of hair from her face, inadvertently leaving a streak of dirt upon her cheek.

Hamish walks down the path from the outskirts and looks over the happenings before making his way over to where the Archlector of Petrichor stands. "Well, this is all very exciting. No one ever turns up when we go to the out villages and help dig up new lichyards." He glances over to Brigida. "Are you being nice today, Blessed Brigida?"

Amari must have read how to plan root crops in a book, because she's EXTREMELY exacting about the depth and spacing to the point she's cheating by using a length of string. All the while, behind her, Marigold either blithely tromps on the veggies or nips off the tops, rendering all that effort rather moot.

Princess Ophelia Velenosa arrives while fixing her blonde hair into a ponytail and looking about as she does. Some familiar faces are spotted and she inclines her chin at them with a bright smile as she makes her way onto the grounds of the Lodge. "Hello!" she greets those around her. Both hands lower and then brush together like she is ready to get to work -- in the dirt. "Anyone need help?" She's ready and eager and her tone of voice proves it! But, first, she scouts a spot that needs flowers. Pretty flowers.

Brigida has had quite enough of Sabella's nonsense and there is a slightly audible thwack as the Archlector cuffs the Princess around the back of her head, "Stop being ridiculous Sabella and carry on with what you are doing. If you stop the worms are likely to eat you too.. " She glances at Hamish and smiles sweetly, "Of course I am being nice. I could have used the staff instead."

Ashur checked perception + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 27 higher.

Petra checked perception + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 11 lower.

Rhue checked perception + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 30 higher.

Hamish checked perception + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Amari checked perception + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 18 higher.

Enri checked perception + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 4 lower.

Merek checked perception + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 7 lower.

Rosalind checked perception + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 30 higher.

Cillian nods his head, "I am pleased to meet everyone." he can truely be just as shy as his wife.

Sabella checked perception + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 4 higher.

Ophelia checked perception + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 50 higher.

Ashur hoes cheerfully, breaking up soil ahead of the planters. He looks to Rosalind and laughs. "All I hear is someone being quite upset about wor..." he begins to declare, but stops. "Ah, no, that's strange." Canting his head to one side, he asks curiously, "What's that?"

Luckiy Sylvi is there to help, noticing the small mistakes Anisha makes and making sure everything is organized nicely, she helpfully points a few things but really it's all in good fun. "Well that we are! I've never done this before but I have picked up a few things here and there." she offers, her gaze shifting up as Anisha greets Sabella, curiously tilting her head. "Oh you're well known here I take it?" Sylvi wonders, not recognizing Sabella by sight, though likely easily by reputation once properly introduced.

Sylvi checked perception + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 11 lower.

Cillian checked perception + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 4 higher.

The Rivenshari wise woman continues her gardening, oblivious to anyone even calling out about hearing something, let alone hearing something. She hums quietly to herself, content to kick of her sandals and wiggle her toes in the dirt while she works.

Anisha checked perception + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 11 higher.

Enri furrows his eyebrows as people start picking up sounds, shrugging it off as some background noise from the gathering crowd and turning back to the earth as he begins the planting. When help is offered by Ophelia, the knight is eager to lift up his hand, "Here, please. I've got no clue what I'm doing."

"Thank you, Princess Sylvi. I'd honestly be lost without you. What book did you read about this in, again?" Anisha offers cheerfully to Sylvi - turning her attention back to Brigida and Sabella, she gasps and covers her mouth at Brigida's reaction to the Grayon's antics - though it's a fair distraction from the worms, which had her staring distractedly already. She takes a step back, shaking her head. Offering little waves to other folk she recognises - Merek and Petra, in particular. Rosalind gets a quirked brow for her efforts, and despite the chaos of eager planters, she cants her head to listen in.

Jules enters into the grounds wearing luxury clothing and not looking as though he's ready to do any sort of work on the grounds. His sway his moving the general direction of the congregation. Those he happens to pass get a wave or some other pleasant greeting. His eyes are light and cheerful and completely unfocused. Perhaps it seemed he was here earlier but apparently just now.

Sabella is in the middle of another shriek when Brigida hits her upside the head and it's so entirely shocking that she blinks and puts her hand back, looking around with big eyes, "...ow," she says in a bit of a shocked voice, then does look a little chagrinned, "Apologies, Blessed Brigida, I just was not expecting..." she gives the soil with the wriggling worms a sidelong look, "I thought..." she grimaces as picks up the trowel again, but gives Sylvi a smile when she's addressed, "Princess Sabella Grayson," she says by way of introduction, "And I'm rather well known in the city, not so much beyond the walls I think. Except for when the people of the city gather out here to do this very important...dirty, wormy work!" she looks around, "Ah, can I maybe be the one that holds the flowers?"

Now that Rosalind pointed out the noise, many try to take a second listen. The sound is closer. Rosalind realizes that the source of such is approaching and rather quickly as if some are on horseback and rushing. Rhue, Amari, Sabella, Ophelia, Anisha and Cillian are all to tell that someone(s) or something is heading this way. They can make out hooves pounding against the ground. It is hard to tell the numbers, but certainly more than six and less an army. A large quickly approaching party on horses. They could be friends, but maybe they are not.

Digging in the dirt, Rosalind continues bit her eyes are focused on the focused,"No-I hear it!" Her northern accent insistent.

"Well," says Hamish idly, "the day is young." He makes a face as he looks over the flowers, but definitely doesn't say anything about how this would be great land for a few acres of flax. As Sabella recovers from the smack he says, "If only I'd realized hitting was an option I'd win more theological arguments."

Rhue is absorbed in her work, handling the plants with care until a strange sound in the distance pulls her out of her reverie. "Riders," she murmurs, brow furrowed as she turns to scan the surroundings. "Listen. Riders coming!" The second warning called a little louder despite her shyness, her habitually calm voice raised to project out to the crowd. She peers around her as if to see if anyone else seems to be hearing the same.

Cillian frowns, Someones are coming." he looks to Petal. "Otcid if needed I will tell u I want uou to hide." his hand touches her belly for a moment then his bow is off his back and he is on guard now.

"Of course!" Ophelia catches sight of Enri and bounds over to him when he asks for help. "I can try! We shall learn together, good sir." Smiling, the princess pivots in the direction of an odd noise in the distance. Horses? /Hooves,/ it sounds like. She pauses and then glances back at Enri, curious. "Did you hear that?"

"It was a few journals I've found over the last few months while looking through old whites. Some people are -very- passionate about gardening and a whole manner of other hobbies that I never would have thought to look into otherwise," Sylvi explains, gaze shifting to Sabella. "Oh no I have heard of you!" Sylvi smiles. "It is lovely to finally put a face to the name. I'm Princess Sylvi Thrax, truly a pleasure," Sylvi offers, her attention shifting back to the garden, making sure everything is set up right.

Petal has guards here from the Crimson Blades and Iron Guard. One of the Guards hears the sound. He looks to Rosalind, then Cillian and then Brigida. "I am just going to take Mistress Petal inside." The guard says and start to whisk her away. The guard seems more focused on protecting Petal than anyone else here. He also seems confused. "Just in case..." He says, the head guard adds, and starts to escort a waddling Petal toward the lodge building. "It is probably just more visitors..." Petal says, but still follows with the guard. She is smiling and doesn't look very worried. "I could use a rest though."

"Riders," Anisha agrees, furrowing her brow and leaning on Sylvi. "Maybe one of the scouting groups? I don't know, I rarely keep up with how the Lodge's actual day to day hunting groups function. I'm more of an ambassador," She notes, idly. Taking a step for herself and Sylvi closer to Sabella, offering the Grayson Princess a smile. "Mayhap we can help you hold the flowers, your highness?" She suggests.

Brigida pokes Hamish with a wrinkled finger, oblivious to the incoming noise. "Hitting is not an option. Think of it as... nudges along the right course of action." She taps Sabella with her staff, "Now... get your hands into the soil... feel the life of it."

Merek stands up from the garden at the commotion, then he looks to the forest while he stays a bit low, the woods kept in his sight, "Shouldn't be," he muses, then he lifts his shoulders a bit while he places a hand upon the scabbard he keeps on the back in thought, just in case.

Notices not only the sound of a approaching horses, but also what Marigold has been doing to her straight and orderly row of beets. That's a scolding. "What are you doing? Go sit with Barf over there and think about what you've done." The goat does not look the least bit ashamed of herself, but does trot back down the row and out of the patch. As she goes, Amari stands to both survey the damage and listen to the hooves. A glance is cast around her at all the other planters, considering. "I hope it's not giant boars. One was enough."

"They must be coming to help," decides Ashur manfully, turning back to his hoeing. "They're very excited to join us this fine spring day." He offers a pleasantly assuring (Ashuring) smile to the worker beside him.

Enri shrugs to Ophelia, shifting around and trying to capture any sounds without success, "I only listen to people talking, maybe there are more guests to come?" He suggests, "Otherwise it could be someone at the pie cart. I have to try it still."

For all that she seems absolutely clueless and kind of disgusted when it comes to the whole dirt thing, Sabella does tilt her head when people say that something is coming. "Ah, Blessed Brigida," she says much like a timid student would to an elder teacher, "I think perhaps I would be better off not putting my hands in the dirt and instead doing something less messy like supervising or telling people where to go. Like right now," she stands up relatively quickly, motioning for Brigida, Anisha and Sylvi to move towards the building, "Something is coming very quickly! And while I'm a little excited for what it might be, it could also be something very unpleasant like a bunch of worms or worse so we ought to move aside!"

Hamish winces at the poke, but nods in agreement with Brigida, saying to Sabella, "Or feel the death of it. Old plants die and their decaying yields nutrients to the soil, which will bring new life later. Every ending is a beginning." Another firm nod. Queen of Endings 1, every other god 0.

Petal waddles off to the lodge building while escorted by an Iron Guard. They are rather slow, but they still make it inside eventually.

Looking around her surroundings, Rosalind has already started climbing a tree, longbow attatched. Might as well get a look and be as unseen as possible. Bwahahahaha!

Rosalind wields Raven's Final Whisper, a longbow.

Cillian moves off after a giard takes petal, he sends his own guards with her. He slips into the trees who knows what he is up too.

Anisha offers a bright little smile to Hamish, sketching a curtsey to him as well. "Archlector. Well met." She beams. Giving a little nod of agreement with Sabella. "I - I admit I'm not much for organising people, but perhaps I can offer a song to help keep with the rhythm of the work?" She ponders aloud. Furrowing her brow at Sabella's speculation. "...Or. Yes. Getting out of the way might work as well." She concludes. Offering her free arm to the Grayson Princess, considering where "Out of the way" should be.

While Merek prepares his weapon, he does take the pack that Meeka also carries for him, while he places on a few leathers, then he adjusts his Iron Guard sigil while he adjusts his belt cape. He waits to see if he will be required to assist, might be poachers, might be people looking for assistance.

Rosalind checked perception + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 42 higher.

The Rivenshari woman continues her gardening and humming. She is not completely without protection, in case of trouble. She has River's Edge, and her two Rivenshari clansmen are loitering near the entrance to the grounds, within earshot. They certainly notice something might be afoot, especially as Petal is suddenly whisked away to safety, and as there is talk of riders. But Petra, bells jingling in her braids, continues working, completely oblivious. Eventually, she finishes with one garden, and rises to her feet, brushing soil from her skirts, and moves off to another more populated area to help. She dips her head toward Brigida respectfully as she passes by the Archlector, and again to Hamish. She finds another spot to plant, picking up another crate of bulbs, and settles in to continue working. Meanwhile, the Rivenshari clansmen are watchful for now, but they don't seem overly alarmed just yet. They watch.

Brigida does not move, but does give Hamish another poke, "And without the life that Petrichor brings to nature there would be nothing to End... and WHAT ARE YOU DOING UP THAT TREE ROSALIND??" Yes Brigida can be loud at times.

"Riders?" Sylvi wonders, looking over her shoulder, uncertain what could be coming. "Perhaps..." she rises once more, grunting with the effort and taking a deep breath. Py, for his credit, stands closer to Sylvi, protectively looking out among the crowd. "Yes," sylvi agrees. "Lets get out of the way, if they're coming fast I don't wanna be in the way when they get here." she decides, moving with Anisha and Sabella.

Maybe Ashur thought it was silly about the worms, but a Grayson princess putting her reputation on the line to get everyone organized defensively?! He sets the hoe upright in a clod of mud and turns to pull out his bow, loosely nocking an arrow. "Worms on horseback!" he declares towards Sabella. "Do you think they have arms and squirmy legs? Are they a species of massive worm people, defending their tiny fellows from your vicious slander?!" He doesn't climb a tree, but does hop up onto a bench in front of a bush.

Cillian checked perception + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 33 higher.

Oh, pie. Ophelia will to see about a slice later, but for now she remains close to Enri as she continues to listen to the approaching hooves. "Sounds likes horses coming straight for us." Something doesn't quite sit right with the princess and so she takes hold of her bow while motioning for Enri to follow her. "Perhaps we should step over--" And then she's walking toward the greenery, hoping he'll follow so they both can observe what's coming from a distance.

Sabella stares at Hamish then looks to her hands which have dead plants on them and then the dirt which is dead plants? Ugh. UGH! Planting is just the worst idea anyone ever had! Is what she doesn't say, "I can see how that would...be a good thing. For everyone," she says slowly, clearly trying to work her way to a bright side of this horrible new information, "It must be terribly romantic to die so that something can be born anew in you. I mean, I would rather be alive and am very glad that I was able to live through the births of my children, but i imagine that to be a flower and to bloom as brightly as possible is the crowning achievement of your flower-life and there's something beautiful in that--" she takes Anisha's arm and will move out of the way towards the building, watching the archers carefully, "But I wonder if dew drops are actually the tears of the plants and the trees as they mourn the brightest and best of each other, which in turn goes to inspire growth later when spring blooms! It's all so glorious, I just wish it didn't involve so much dirt! And worms!" she shudders.

Amari seems to be having flashbacks of the turkey hunt's dramatic conclusion, as her hand does go to the sword on her hip to rest upon the pommel and her eyes search out and eventually land upon Brigida. As the Archlector is not being trampled into the earth by a giant boar right then, Amari turns to shoo her goat from the field instead, and follows out of the open and more at the edge of the trees where her dogs and Huntsmen are already parked and waiting. She has to do some replanting anyway.

Ophelia checked perception + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 5 higher.

"Giant boars? I surely hope not. They'll trample all the plants," Rhue laments as she overhears Amari's comment. With the image of a stampede of giant boars emblazoned in her mind despite her original thoughts of riders, the woman rises and reaches for her bow - just in case.

Rosalind actually squints at Brigida, a brief scowl. Maybe. If the woman scowled. Hopefully--hopefully she's high enough and swift enough to get somewhere else unseen.

Brigida checked perception at difficulty 15, rolling 1 higher.

Petra plants some more, and notices Sabella for the first time. She dips a curtsey toward the Princess. "Your Highness," she greets warmly. "That is a beautiful thought, about the dew. You should put it into a poem," she says with a soft twinkling in her dark eyes. She settles down to do some more planting, glancing over her shoulder toward Brigida as she shouts about someone being in a tree. But, she doesn't seem concerned still, and goes back to the gardening.

"I should probably remember that we're not inside the walls," Enri says, standing up and dusting some of the mud from his knees before he follows Ophelia, "So what you say it's quite possible." The knight takes a glance around, trying to catch any sort of movement and readying his mace, just in case.

Enri checked perception + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 7 higher.

Cilliancalls down from where he is nefore any coming in get closer. "Those who can fight be ready they are not acting like friendlies they are flanking!" he gets his now ready.

Edmund arrives, following Bridget.

Enri wields Dark Mace with a Bear shaped hilt.

Merek wields Torean Nightsong.

"What're THEY?!" Ashur calls back up towards Cillian. "Tell us, are they giant worm people?!" He seems strangely hopeful for this.

Hamish eyes Brigida, but doesn't continue the debate, because suddenly everyone is taking out weapons. "Well. Gardening certainly has changed since I was a farmer."

The sound of approaching horses is even closer no and now pretty much everyone hear.

"There they are." Ophelia stands near the greenery and points to a group of horses and their riders. "I... doubt they're coming to help us plant." With a quick glance to Enri, she grips her bow a little tighter but doesn't reach for any arrows. Yet. She is still assessing and sharing glances with folks across the way, taking note of where Brigida is in the process. Oh. /There/ she is hollering. The princess breathes a sigh of relief before her attention focuses on the approaching horses.

Ashur's call gets a little shriek from Sabella! Is that an option these things can be?!

Merek looks over to Cillian when he speaks, then he lifts up his longsword while he takes a low position, "Flanking riders?" he asks, then he calls to folk, "Anyone that can't fight please take position back away from here." No one with 'friendly' intentions usually flanks, still he waits.

Enri takes the mace in his hands, "Do they look like they're surrounding us?" He questions, nodding in agreement to Merek words, "We should make sure there's an escape route so that we can escort those who cannot fight back to the city or somewhere safe."

Rosalind watches silently from her perch in the trees, an arrow at her side already. She's not saying anything, not wanting to giving away her position. But even she knows, nothing good comes flanking.

Finally, Petra glances up when she hears someone talking about 'flanking'. She glances in Cillian's direction, frowning a little at him. She glances around, noticing people are milling about, or seem to be, rather than planting. She pushes a few braided tresses out of her face, and rises smoothly to her feet. She wanders off to find her sandals, and sits down to begin lacing them back onto her feet. Then, she loosens the peace tie on her dagger, just in case, glancing around a bit tentatively. She tilts her head, hearing the sound of the approaching horses, and she begins to look a little nervous. A glance to her Rivenshari clansmen is all it takes, before they are moving to her side. She glances to Merek then, and moves toward those who can't really fight very well. She has plenty of scars on her wrists from knife fights, so it's hard to say for certain, but she's not looking too confident in her abilities in this case. She crouches in a sort of ready posture in the grass, dark eyes suddenly alert.

Petra wields River's Edge, a steel dagger.

Ashur wields a recurve bow of polished yew.

Ophelia wields Featherbane, a composite short bow.

"Giant worm people?!" Sylvi gasps, looking around now, wide eyed. "I've never read about... is that real?" she wonders, keeping her fingers on the back of Py's neck, the dog seeming to be on edge along with everybody else.

Cillian calls down, "Men in leathers some on horse others on foot. Hard to tell some are splitting off to flank." he aims his bow waiting.

Anisha is not what one would call a fighter in any sense that isn't strictly metaphorical, so she considers her options - that building the Iron Guards escorted Petal into is tempting, but seems to involve a lot of open grounds. So instead, she looks between the two princesses on her arms and the two archlectors nearby. "Perhaps we should seek out some cover, your highnesses, my blesseds?"

"The world's a great and wonderful place," states Ashur to Sylvi. "Anything might be real, even gia--" Cillian's more realistic answer interrupts his mansplaining. "Ah, well, alright." Disappointment, but he raises his bow without drawing yet. An experienced archer knows that should come quickly and smoothly, right before a shot.

Sabella is trying not to freak out. Trying not to freak out! And then Cillian makes that call and it snaps her into at least some action, raising her voice with all the regal command she can muster, "He's right, those of us that can't fight need to move back so as not to be a hinderance! If you can hear me and you do not have a weapon come this way for your protection as well as those that would protect us!" Still, her grip on Anisha's arm is pretty solid as she nods, "The best idea right now as I will not be helpful unless the things on the way respond to commands."

Now charging into the lodge is a group of mounted warriors who look between the ages of twenty and fifty. They are a mix of men and women. The weapons they carry are a mix of wooden longbows, steel axes, wooden clubs and a few have simple swords. The armor they wear is a mix of leather, steel and fur. They look to be healthy and well feed. The group carries no flag or standard. It is hard to tell if they are shavs or not. Some have painted their faces. They look like normal people and not worms so that is something. It looks like there is about fifteen of them that are out in front and fully visiable anyways. They charge into the Lodge. Their leader is a large blonde woman. "Surrender yourselves to be taken as our slaves or perish!" She says, lifting her long sword. "We have you surrounded and out numbered."

Ashur lifts his bow and aims right at the leader's face. Draw and shoot!

Ashur checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 41 higher.

"If giant worm people are indeed a real thing," Sylvi breathes out to Anisha. "Yes I would like to get to cover," she says, perhaps completely missing Cillian's very real answer, just looping an arm through Anisha's to get to cover, Sylvi is a sickly woman and one might notice she occasionally has trouble even remaining on her feet, she is in no shape to fight, and her dog is there only to keep her safe, so Py comes with them!

Hamish finally notices that some shit is going down and while he still has no clue what in the world is going on, he sets a hand on Brigida's shoulder and directs her back toward where it's safe(r). He doesn't go up to join the actual capable people on the front lines, but he remains where he is and leans over to pick up a sturdy hoe.

Brigida realises... at last... that something is going on and she looks around before gesturing to two buildings, the Lodge Building and the Tower. "Get them into there now!" she shouts, directing people to the buildings. Then the blonde woman speaks and Brigida sets her jaw, furious that such a thing should even be happening here. Hamish gets his hand removed with a slap before her ire is directed at the invaders.

"How DARE you come into this place like this! How DARE YOU!!"

Brigida checked command + intimidation at difficulty 15, rolling 40 higher.

Petra doesn't join the fighters, but instead, lingers near the princesses. When she hears the words of the blond woman demanding their surrender to become slaves, however, her expression changes into something drastically different: a snarl. Suddenly, her eyes are fierce and filled with anger, and she draws the dagger at her belt, setting herself to fight for her life and freedom, and those of the lives around her, should these invaders make it past those with better skill at fighting.

1 Crimson Blades Sergeant have been dismissed.

1 Crimson Blades Lieutenant have been dismissed.

1 Crimson Blades Private have been dismissed.

Merek looks like he's about to speak, "You know, we should talk th---" Then someone is beginning to also fire arrows right at the leader. It looks like he will be charging into them, the longsword which he has dark with patterns upon it, a personal weapon he keeps.

It seems they've used the right word to trigger Enri into action. "I'll be a dead man before I'm a slave." He says, clenching his jaw shut. The knight stands among those in the front line, keeping his weapon close by so that he can use it when in range.

Ramona - A Guard in Ashford House Colours, Bigsby - A Thoughtful Looking Young Man in Nondescript Clothing, 2 Ashford Archer, 1 Ashford Scout arrive, following Lisebet.

Conall, a scampering, friendly sable puppy with bright platinum eyes, Ylva, a curious, silvery pup with bright gold eyes, Atanas Pandev, a wry, stalwart escort, Colm Teague, the stolid adjunct of ice-blue eyes, 3 Armed Confessors, Lisebet arrive, following Sunaia.

Bridget seemed to have no idea as to what was going on. Her nose was buried in the flowers she planned to help plant. It was then that someone started shouting about slaves or some such, which eventually garnered the distracted woman's attention. She gave the demands a slightly confused "huh?" at all the commotion. It was a disproportionately tame retort to all the shouting and weapon drawing.

Any hint of good-natured calm drains from Rhue's face as the riders come thundering into view. She raises her bow to be at the ready, features set into a look of grim determination, although it's not until the leader speaks that her expression clouds over into a look of pure disgust. "Slaves? How presumptuous of you to think that we will be so easily bested," she snorts, trying to keep her voice from betraying her fear.

Sabella checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 18 higher.

Enri checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 5 higher.

Sunaia checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 8 higher.

Petra checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 3 higher.

Ashur checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 5 higher.

Rosalind checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 12 higher. Rosalind rolled a critical!

Sylvi checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 2 lower.

Lisebet checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 6 higher.

Ophelia checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 10 higher.

Anisha checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 4 higher.

Brigida checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 11 higher.

Rhue checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 0 higher.

Bridget checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 1 higher.

Emilia checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 1 higher.

Hamish checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 3 lower.

Merek checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 8 higher.

Amari checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 14 higher.

Sabella checked command + diplomacy at difficulty 40, rolling 34 higher.

"Stop!" Sabella calls out, voice pitched to carry from years of singing and practicing on the stage and full of force that might be surprising from someone that was just shrieking about worms. She finally lets go of Anisha's arm and steps for a bit--not so far so to get in front of anyone with a weapon of course, but enough that she can be seen in her bright lace dress with her glittering tiara, head held high, "I am Princess Sabella Grayson and you are standing on grounds blessed by Petrichor! To spill blood here, to threaten those that tend the land is a sacrilege that should not be forgiven if you insist on this course of action! You have a spare few moments to rethink this course of action and go back from whence you came to not call down the wrath of a god and the people of Arx on your head! Or--" Sabella holds out a hand, "lay down your weapons and join us in celebrating the forest itself and the rebirth that comes with the planting. This doesn't have to be a confrontation."

Good news, it's not giant boars, nor is it worm people. Amari hears the latter being bandied about and arches a brow fairly high, but there's little time to ask questions or contemplate what a worm person might be like. The folks that ride up and demand everyone surrender look decidedly normal and not wormy at all. Not obviously, anyway. As she's reached the edge of the field by then, she gestures to one of her Huntsmen who reads her mind and has her bow in her hand in a flash, with the quiver a second later. She's readying an arrow when Brigida gives the invaders the old HOW DARE. She can't help but look amused. When Sabella follows up with a very commanding call to reason, faith and doing the right thing, she nods thoughtfully to herself and only raises her bow until they've had all had the opportunity to rethink their tact and join them in planting and celebrating Petrichor.

1 Crimson Blades Sergeant have been dismissed.

1 Crimson Blades Lieutenant have been dismissed.

1 Crimson Blades Private have been dismissed.

Rosalind checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 17 higher.

Ophelia catches sight of the woman leading the thundering group onto the grounds. When the verbal threat is made, the princess nocks an arrow and wastes no time aiming at any threat looking to rush upon Brigida. "Oh dear." she says rather calmly, still standing near Enri. "I knew this was bad and," she flicks her dark colored eyes toward Brigida again. "She's yelling." Sigh. "That means..." She draws the arrow back a tiny bit more and then narrows a look upon the horsemen, though doesn't release just yet. Sabella's words are also heard, yet the archeress remains ready on the defense.

Some of the riders shy back at Brigida's words and one even turns fully around and starts to flee. Did he just whimper for his mom? They are one warrior down without any bloodshed. Another drops down her boy and rushes from the others. "I..I...won't spill any blood here, Princess Grayson, please...have mercy on us!" She says, still the rest seem to be holding steady.

Rosalind sends and arrow flying toward one of them who takes a blow to his shoulder and cries out.

Ophelia checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 24 higher.

Ophelia is also able to send a arrow into one of the riders, who calls out as the shaft strikes against his stomach. He seems alive still. If he still fight remains to be seen.

Amari checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 20 higher.

Another arrow goes flying toward the ground of riders and slams into one of the men who falls back from his horse and cusses in Arvani.

"...And the pups are really happy down here, too," Sunaia mentions aside to Lisebet, stepping onto the lawn - and hesitating immediately as she hears Sabella shouting. "You should go somewhere safe, Lisebet." Sunaia murmurs, withdrawing her sword and flicking her chin vaguely in front of herself as she glances to the three Confessors and her golden-skinned assistant. "Coln, take the Duchess and the dogs somewhere safe," she instructs the fair-skinned man who has accompanied her. "And advise the Admiral I might be late. ...On second thought, tell him to come, if he can." The fair-skinned man promptly grasps the two, barking pups by the scruff and turns to Lisebet. "M'lady. You should come with me," he advises lowly."

Sunaia wields an utilitarian rubicund war sword.

With some breaking and running, Amari picks out the biggest, meanest and most intractable looking one of the bunch and calmly draws and releases, sending an arrow that pins his sword arm to his side, more or less. It looks decidely painful and inconvenient. Is it enough to dissuade, or is he going to just fall over and die? Time will tell.

Merek checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 40, rolling 3 higher.

"I wouldn't want to be on their skins right now." Enri comments, brandishing his mace, but sticking close to Ophelia. "My weapon normally doesn't spill blood, so I guess I'm safe?" He asks, with a slight roll of his shoulders, watching and hoping he won't have to find to find the answer to his question soon enough.

Cillian checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 6 higher.

Ylva, a curious, silvery pup with bright gold eyes have been dismissed.

Conall, a scampering, friendly sable puppy with bright platinum eyes have been dismissed.

Colm Teague, the stolid adjunct of ice-blue eyes have been dismissed.

Ashur checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 50, rolling 7 lower.

Merek holds up a hand which isn't wielding the longsword while he comes up to the wave of riders, "Listen, you don't need to do any of this, please hold. What does this serve? I've seen what slavery is like in many places. You can change," he looks to those on the side of Arx, "WAIT!" he calls to those firing, if they do, "Listen, you won't win, we have many a man here well trained, and our Compact would hunt you. They might still do so, your only chance of survival is to choose to turn the other way or yield!"

Ashur's sorry arrow sails past the leader's face.

Ashur lowers his bow and looks contritely at Merek.

Lisebet eyes Sunaia, and the sword, and then she looks to Coln, with an interested look. She doesn't move too far, but she doesn't move forward either. "I should go forward and see who they are," she murmurs, working to stay where she is for the moment, and not let the retainers take her off. "Remind me to never come here without armour again." There's no chance she's relocating though, just standing there, staring at them.

Cillian almost growls from where he is when they threaten to take them as slaves, "None will be slaves." Oh man thats the wrong word to use around this young man a very nad word indeed. He aims his bow at a rider or someone on foot he knocks his arrow and pulls it back his wife and unborn child are present and they just made the mistake of threating them.

The leader looks a bit unsettled as the arrow flies past her face, but she continues to hold steady. One of the riders looks to Merek at his words and slips off his horse, starting to Merek. He kneels down to surrender. An archer from his party starts aimming an arrow at the man surrendering though. "Matthias...you are better off dead than joining these prodigal loving scum!"

Cillian checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 12 higher.

The man who is aiming his arrow at the surrendering Matthias is hit. This interupts his shot and Mathias is safe for now at least.

Ophelia lets an arrow loose when the first threat is made and watches as it hits a man in his middle. She nocks another arrow and side-steps closer to Enri, although her focus remains solely upon those on horseback now that she and a few others have responded to their threat of slavery. "You are safe with me, yes." There is a sliver of humor in her tone when she responds to the knight and she continues to hold her aim. Someone else's arrow is soon released and she watches as another man falls.

"Wait, if we are prodigal-loving scum, who in the Abyss are these people?" Anisha asks, quietly, of Sylvi - glancing to Sabella as she steps forward, the dark clad Whisper gives Sylvi a small smile. "Time to be bold, Princess," She points out, given the success of the people here. She steps up. "You heard Princess Sabella!" She declares loudly. "Princess Sabella GRAYSON, a righteous representative of the DOMINION of this land! Surrender yourselves now, beg the mercy of gods and rulers." She calls out - pointing to the leader. "You. Come. Let us speak of what lead you to this. Let us lay down arms. Slavery is an affront to the Pantheon. And you are wiser than taking your folk into death."

Anisha checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 50, rolling 28 higher.

Emilia checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 40, rolling 17 higher.

Kuhlai D'Mahn an aide, 3 House Mazetti Guardians arrive, following Strozza.

The lodge seems to be under some kind of attack. At least there are armored riders some ith arrows sticking out of their chest.

Rhue checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 8 higher.

Petra checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 40, rolling 12 lower.

Sylvi checked perception + investigation at difficulty 20, rolling 64 higher.

When Emilia begins approaching the Lodge of Petrichor, she is holding a trowel and some poorly made gardening gloves. She wears a satisfied kind of smile, one that she rarely shows. Few know how important nature is to her, especially flowers. But the kind of atmosphere that greets her is a far cry from what she came here to do. Her expression becomes grim. Her trowel goes flying one way, her gloves the other, as she charges down the field. No hesitation, no second thoughts. Her diamondplate sword briefly catches a shaft of light, as it is drawn from its scabbard, and burns like a shard of sunlight as it arcs towards the leader, biting flesh and trailing blood. The blonde stumbles to a halt and says in a cold tone. "You who throw stones at my temple, step forward. I will rip you out root and stem. May you be crushed, heretics."

As Princess Sabella shouts at the riders with the full might and authority of a princess of House Grayson, Petra watches the riders to see what they do. As one runs over and starts to rush toward the Princess, Petra keeps her grip on her dagger, just in case it's a trick. She looks highly untrusting of anyone coming near the princesses, so she moves to put herself in the way of the one defector. She's cautious, but she speaks quietly to the woman. "Put down any weapons you carry, and step back here," she says warily, pointing with her dagger to a place hopefully far enough from the princesses to not be a danger, with herself in the way. She turns toward the riders then, and adds her voice to Sabella's. "I am Lady Petra, of House Rivenshari. Be free of this notion of taking slaves. It is an offense to the First Choice, as others here have said." For now, she doesn't do anything else. She just remains wary, her eyes glancing between the woman, and the others. Diplomacy isn't her super strong suit, and maybe it doesn't quite show in her eyes. There's anger there, instead of empathy and compassion.

When slavery is mentioned, Rhue takes no chances. It's clear she's not waiting around to see if these people can be convinced to go back from whence they came. She raises her bow and aims at one of the men on horseback, eyes narrowed in concentration. Her arrow flies true, striking the intended target in the side. It may not render him dead, but it should at least slow considerably. She nocks another arrow, but holds quietly to see if diplomacy will win the day.

"Who in the abyss are these people..." Sylvi agrees with Anisha, still cowering a bit behind the whisper, she'd never seen any kind of danger before, and her experience around drawn weapons has been up until this point a flat zero. "They're just a bunch of... common rabble that decided to take up arms against prodigals?" Sylvi frowns. "They are definitely not prodigals themselves," Sylvi concludes. "Purists perhaps... but they're nobody and they are just here to cause trouble for prodigals and prodigal sympathizers. Violently it looks like..." Sylvi blinks, looking at weapons drawn, arrows flying. "I should probably not say that too loudly."

Bridget turns with surprise at the mounted threat. She throws a clump of flowers at the attackers. It was a terrible weapon, but the only weapon she had at hand. Other than being assaulted by a sweet fragrance and lovely splash of pretty colors, the flowers did nothing to wound or disarm the slave hungry bandits, unless they were particularly allergic. She did not give any speeches, and instead gave the sort of startled shriek one would expect from someone throwing flowers as a weapon.

The leader is perched on her horse and she looks to Anisha, seemingly moved by her words. She looks pale cheeked and troubled, like the woman is starting to doubt her own mission. She glances from Anisha to Sabella and back again. Before the leader has a chance to speak further though, she is struck by Emilia. The strike was powerful and while the blonde is not dead, she is fallen from her horse and bleeding. She tries to speak, but her voice won't care. "Run..." She says to her people. "I surrender..." She says to those here.

Many of the other rides are injured with arrows. Three are no clearly surrendered. One ran away. Three others try to flee. Three still shot though, one targeting Petra in specific. "Flithy Prodgidal scum!" He says toward her.

Emilia checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 5 lower.

Sylvi checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

Sabella checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

Petra checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 30, rolling 17 lower.

Brigida checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 11 lower.

Lisebet checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

Rhue checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

Ophelia checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

Sunaia checked luck at difficulty 5, rolling 4 higher.

Petra checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 13 higher.

Enri checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 1 lower.

Anisha checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

Lenne checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 6 lower.

Sabella checked perception + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 1 higher.

Strozza checked perception + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 14 higher.

Sylvi checked perception + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 7 higher. Sylvi rolled a critical!

Enri checked perception + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 8 higher.

Lisebet checked perception + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 16 higher.

Anisha checked perception + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 16 higher.

Emilia checked perception + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 2 lower.

Ophelia checked perception + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 7 higher.

Rosalind checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

Petra checked perception + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 5 lower.

Lenne is very late indeed. She isn't used to getting around with crutches and injuries. So what would have been a simple task of gathering her medical supplies, and taking a hike has become a trial of hobbling around, and hiring a cart that's willing to go to the lodge. She had expected people gathering and working and maybe drinking. Celebrations for the planting can get raucous. People always need release after winter. What she doesn't expect, however, is armed standoffs. She blinks, from the back of the cart, says something to the driver, and sliiiides carefully off the back to hobble closer on her crutches. Perhaps straight into danger, as it turns out.

Cillian checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

Rhue checked perception + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 6 higher.

Amari checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

Amari checked perception + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 45 higher.

Bridget checked perception + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 4 higher. Bridget rolled a critical!

Lenne checked perception + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 54 higher.

Cillian checked perception + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 12 higher.

Sunaia checked perception + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 21 higher.

30 inflicted and Petra is harmed for serious damage.

Emilia checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 30, rolling 60 higher. Emilia rolled a critical!

Merek checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 30, rolling 21 higher.

Lisebet checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 30, rolling 12 lower.

Lenne checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 30, rolling 21 lower.

Sunaia checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 30, rolling 5 lower.

Enri checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 30, rolling 13 higher.

Merek checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 1 higher.

One of the men shoots off an arrow toward Petra after calling her Prodigal scum and it hits, it is a very good hit in fact. It slams against her right shoulder, likely causing immense pain and a serious injury. The first riders to arrive are for the most part trying to flee, save for the one that hit Petra. He loads his bow again.

anyone who made their perception roll is aware of the flankers around them, getting read to shoot of arrows and make out at least one in specific.

Petra probably isn't the best person to be diplomatic here, and it shows, as one of those prodigal-haters hurls insults, and an attack at her. She is suddenly struck rather speechless as an arrow strikes her right in the shoulder, dangerously close to her chest, and she falls back to the ground, blood blooming against the beautiful saffron of her attire. Her dark eyes widen in shock, and she gives a cry of agony before she slumps to the ground, the dagger in her hand falling uselessly to the grass at her feet. She tries to draw a breath, but she can't seem to drag air through her lungs due to the pain. Tears form in her eyes, and a look of disbelief, while her Rivenshari protectors draw their weapons, and glare at the one who shot her. Swords drawn, they move to protect the fallen Rivenshari wise woman from any further harm, looking almost on the edge of berserker rage.

Archers surrounding the lodge and hiding in the brush start to fire off arrows, hoping to get in a last sneak attack. Arrows are heading toward Lisebet, Lenne, Sunaia, Emilia and Petra. Merek steps in front of Petra though which is probably a good thing considering her state.

30 inflicted and Lisebet is harmed for serious damage.

30 inflicted and Lenne is harmed for minor damage.

30 inflicted and Sunaia is unharmed.

Rosalind reddens, her face the color as her hair,"Nothing wrong with being a prodigal,"temper matching the drapes. Ruuuuude! The proud prodigal looks down from the trees just waiting to fire another arrow.

Lenne might absolutely see the flanking forces. There is no doubting the shaman has rather keen eyes. And those, at least, were none the worse for wear. However, seeing what is about to occur and doing something about it is a whole different story. She won't exactly be managing any amazing dodging when she can barely walk. So what can she do, other than flinch, and raise her hands and her physician's satchel right in front of her. As it turns out, that... doesn't do too badly for her. The arrow slams into her satchel, pierces through it, and glances off her tough, white gloves, leaving nary but a shallow cut on the side of her hand. Well. Small favors. She unsteadily backs toward the others, listening for shouts of alarm and pain. If she doesn't get murdered in the next few seconds, it seems her medical supplies may be needed to be more than a makeshift shield.

30 inflicted and Merek is unharmed.

"Shit," Sunia mutters, stepping in front of Lisebet as arrows fall from the sky. She lifts her sun-spotted green cloak above her head and ducks under, a single arrow pushing through with a *THUNK* - just missing the pale Ashford's body. Her golden-skinned 'assistant,' however, having tumbled forward in an attempt to guard the Duchess, somehow simply wound up sprawled on the grass. And Lisebet? ...Sunaia flicks her face around, seeking her.

"We can't let them go away, slavery defies what Skald taught us." Enri comments, the emotion in his voice denotes this is a very sensitive topic for the man, "When Queen Triscali banned slavery from the Compact we hadn't even passed through the Reckoning yet. Our freedom is deeply rooted into what makes us, us." He says, turning back to check and remain impressed by Ophelia's ability in keeping her bow under control. That turn also saves him in the nick of time and he is able to step away from harm, recovering his stance in an attempt to prevent further arrows reaching his way. "I'm feeling like a sitting duck. Should've learnt some archery when I had the chance."

Merek looks to those arrows being lifted up, while he's about to point to Emilia it looks like as she comes in with the weapon. Then it looks like a few take off fleeing, before arrows nock to be shot into those there. He doesn't have the time to debate on who needs this the most, so he goes for whoever's taking the most arrows. Petra is hit by some of those assaults.
Then Merek begins to charge and tackle the woman away from another couple or so which slam into his armor, exotic material keeping them from penetrating the skin, it will likely leave scratches though, and it doesn't really feel wonderful to feel the pincushioning of material on skin, "You alright!?" he says.

Arrows go flying toward those who gathered to garden. They are certainly targetting Petra again, but Merek steps in the way of the arrow meant for her. Emilia is easily able to dodge the arrow, showing great athletic skill. Sunaia is hit and so is Merek, but their armor absorbs the blow. Lenne and Lisabet though are seriously injured from an arrow. Enri is also able to dodge the arrow that went toward him.

Lisebet is staring fiercely at the attackers, as if trying to see through them. She's peripherally aware of the flankers, sure, but she's a duchess, not a warrior. And so Sunaia's actions, and that of Sunaia's assistants, not to mention Ramona, are missed too, the petite duchess rather distracted by the sudden arrow protruding from her shoulder. She shrieks, going quite pale, as she drops to the ground in pain. Tears well up in her eyes, as she simply closes her eyes, and concentrates on breathing for the moment.

Emilia checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 6 lower.

Anisha checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 29 higher.

Merek checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 2 higher.

Sylvi checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 14 higher.

Ophelia checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 2 lower.

Sabella checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 8 higher.

Rhue checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 11 higher. Rhue rolled a critical!

Lenne checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 4 higher.

Cillian checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 9 higher.

Sunaia checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 7 higher.

A witness to the enemy arrow strike Petra, Ashur wrinkles his face in sympathy. Amidst the scramble, he calls over, "How're you liking the Lodge, Lady Petra?" He grins, blue eyes flashing with excitement. "We're hunting PEOPLE today! I'm afraid this meat won't be edible!"

Brigida checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 2 higher.

Ashur checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 2 higher.

Amari checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 12 higher.

Rosalind checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 11 higher.

Strozza checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 3 lower.

Sylvi checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 40, rolling 18 higher.

Anisha's beatific smile is long gone. Looking to the woman cut down by the Templar's blade. Violence erupting has her taking Sabella by the hand to tug her closer to their chosen shelter. "Well, if nothing else, I thought you looked quite commanding and dashing, your highness." She notes. "Is it bad that I hope that woman survives so she can be questioned?" Still, the time for diplomacy seems well and truly over. Letting go of Sabella, Anisha hunches down to go try to tug wounded folk into cover. She's not a medic, and quite frankly, her delicate frame may struggle even to move folk, but there will be an attempt.
%As Anisha spots Lenne blocking an arrow, she gives a whistle to the Shaman-Physician. "Lady Lenne! Come here for cover." Gesturing over to where the folk are hiding.

As Merek tackles her and rolls her away from more arrows, Petra groans in agony from the arrow already stuck in her shoulder, and the inevitable scrapes and bruises that ensue. But, it's not like she's going to complain when an armored person is saving her life. Somehow, she manages to hear Ashur's comment over the ringing in her ears and the kerfuffle around her, and she gives a short, wheezing laugh. "You said... it would be beautiful," she wheezes. She only came here to garden, after all! The laughter dies off, and she looks a bit fainty. "We'll get her to safety," one of the two Rivenshari clansmen tells Merek, urging him to move aside, though they seem grateful for Merek's aid. The two Rivenshari clansmen take Petra carefully between them, and begin attempting to drag her toward the nearest shelter, wherever Petal was whisked off to.

Bridget checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 4 higher.

Amari checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 15 higher.

Rhue checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 23 higher.

As everything just goes to hell, Sylvi falls back with Anisha, never leaving her side, Py barks at the intruders, never leaving his master's side. "Enough!" Sylvi shouts. "You are trespassing and defiling blessed land of Petrichor! If you lay down your arms at once, you may be granted mercy at the hands of justice!" Sylvi says in a firm and clear voice, even as she shrinks back with the rest, taking cover with Anisha and to where Lenne may be coming as well, she blinks and waves Lenne over with a wide eyed look. "Leene! Be careful!" she shouts, letting those much better with a weapon than she to get between her and the attackers. "Did... you just get here?"

"Dear gods." Ophelia breathes, glancing over in Lisebet's direction and then back at Enri. Her shock seems to rattle her nerves a bit and she lowers her arrow in the process, listening to Enri talk of slavery. "We should move closer to them." She then begins to jog toward the small group that are injured. Glancing over her shoulder, she looks at Enri and then positions herself close to the Ashfords, readying her bow and taking aim at any that dare twitch a muscle toward them.

Amari goes darting into the woods to find one of the archers who she successfully hits with an arro of her own. Rosalind hits another one from the trees and Rhue is able to hit a third. Those who fired are on the defensive now. One of them lays down his boy and surrenders in response to Sylvi. "Mercy, Mercy..." He calls.

Sabella checked command + leadership at difficulty 40, rolling 16 higher.

Rhue cries out as arrows fly, a sound of intermingled anger and concern. She watches in horror as several of their party are struck, instinctively reaching to touch the pouch of healing supplies she wears across her chest. She dashes toward the nearest injured person, attempting to provide cover for any fallen nearby as she aims another arrow toward one of the attackers and lets it loose, managing to hit her target.

Pulling the arrow out of her cloak and tossing it aside as she hears Lisebet's shriek, Sunaia spins around, yanks off the cloak and drapes it over the fallen Duchess. You can be damned sure this tall, pale Ashford isn't straying far from the woman who is her cousin's wife, but her eyes narrow to check if any raiders are nearby - and if there are? She'll sure-as-the-Abyss-is-dark take that rubicund sword of hers in both hands and swing it in an attempt to re-introduce those marauders to Death's embrace.

When Petra is hit so close to her Sabella gasps, the hand she was extending to the woman that was running towards her pulled back in shock and surprise, and then Lisebet is also hit and people are stepping up behind her to echo her words and Anisha is pulling her back and it's very confusing and entirely terrifying and more people get shot with arrows and this cannot stand! Rather than staying back under cover, the Princess sets her lips into a thin line and moves over to step up onto one of the benches used to hold the flowers. In doing so the light catches her just right, the white of her gown nearly glowing and the the light reflecting off of her tiara to make it nearly hard to look at her. Or makes her a really handy target for archers. But probably makes it so that whoever is trying to pull the people to safety won't get shot doing so because she's right there demanding attention. "You have just struck innocent citizens of the Compact! You will stand down. You will drop your weapons. And you will drop to your knees to beg Petrichor for forgiveness if you have any honor within you. If you insist on proving to us that you are the mindless animals the Compact believes you to be you will be cut down now where you stand. Your commander has surrendered. It is done. It is over," her words carry a heavy weigh of finality and command to them, "Drop. Your. Weapons. Now!" And while Sabella is known for her sunny smiles and bright countenance, she is every bit the Grayson commander as she stands there, cerulean eyes shining with a cold light now as her voice, absolutely demanding complete compliance, cuts across the field.

Behind her, Clark drops his weapon. Sabella doesn't even blink but she does say between clenched teeth, "Not. You."

Cillian has had enough of this, he knew they were not going to give up those like them never do. "YOu have no honor and you lie, you shall be dealt with!" he yells from where he is. He notes the flankers and he turns and aims to start attacking those behind them.

When arrows start to fall in amongst the gardeners from the surrounding woods, Amari gives a sharp whistle that's less a warning and a command. Both her dogs are up and barking, and though she runs by them, they quickly catch up and overtake her. Her guards don't stand about idly either, so the green cloaked Keaton Hunstmen aren't far behind. Into the woods they go! She finds an archer and sends an arrow zipping at them, barely breaking her stride as she does. She doesn't wait to see if it hits either and her confidence is warranted. There's a strangled cry and down they go into the underbrush. Next!

Sunaia checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 22 higher.

Cillian checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 3 higher.

Enri casts a quick, decisive nod to Ophelia, remaining silent as he moves through the archers dealing with the front line and close to those who fired against him. His arm lifts up, readying his mace in case any of the brigands gets into range.

A man goes charging toward Lisebet. "Oh, its the Duchess! The prodigal Shepherd Duchess. Mutts..." He says although he totally has his Duchesses mixed up. The man doesn't seem to realize and maybe he is too charged to care. He runs toward Lisebet who is already injured from an arrow, but finds himself hit in the gut by Sunaia's rubicund blade. He never gets to swing at Lisebet. Sylvia's words and Sabella's are having quite the effect. Some look to Anisha as if effected by her as well. Most of the archers are surrendering or fleeing, but one takes advantage of Sabella's speech to shoot an arrow toward her before trying to run. Cillian is able to hit one of the men with an arrow. They are pretty bad shap right now, the attackers.

Sabella checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 30, rolling 10 lower.

30 inflicted and Sabella is harmed for serious damage.

Sabella is hit by one of the arrows that goes flying toward her. "Prodigal loving Princess Trash..." He says and then tries to run away!

There's something very focusing about having people trying to murder you, Lenne has increasingly discovered, of late. It very much boils your options down to bare minimums. Fight. Not an option. Flee? Not really an option either, given her speed. She glances over a shoulder toward Sylvi and Anisha. That's an option. Though one she answers with a shake of her head, at least once she reassures herself that Anisha seems unharmed. Instead, she heads toward where the arrow-sprouting Petra is being dragged toward, moving as quick as a crutch and partially healed-bones allow. Merek seems to be there. And he can probably handle some first aid, but better to have the practiced warrior doing the warrior things, and harmless people like Lenne doing the other things. There are others who are injured, but better she stay away from the front lines. She won't be doing any good if she gets shot worse than a minor hand laceration.

Merek checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 13 higher.

Ashur checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 10 higher.

One minute Sabella is sanding all statuesque up on that bench and the next something is slamming into her shoulder and after a brief look of shock she falls backwards, all trailing, beautiful lace skirts which then fall into a heap around her as she hits the ground.

Ashur lifts another arrow to his bow and looks at the planting grounds (turned battlefield) to pick out one of the enemies who hasn't turned to flee. He draws and lets fly.

Merek stands up from Petra with a nod to the woman when it looks like her guards will manage that. The longsword which he wields is lifted up while he begins to maneuver in towards the foes which still come to meet with them, his blade swinging into one of them.

There is an ear piercing squeal of pain followed immediately by a cry of alarm from Archlector Brigida. There she is now, on her knees, cradling her beloved pig Oswald, who has an arrow jutting out from his shoulder. Oswald's squeals are matched by Brigida's frantic calls for help as the fat porcine writhes in pain in her arms. "OSWALD!!"

Ashur and Merek are both able to hit one of the reaminers archers. After they do such there is only two fighters yes who have fleed the grounds. Many injured men and women are laying around. Some have surrended, including the blonde leader, Matthias and the girl who surrendered personally to Sabella. They are all still here.

Emilia checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 20 higher.

The blonde girl that cut down the leader is of no simple origin. Even though she looks like a commoner, her manner of speech and actions paint her in a very specific. Emilia is a Templar, and as zealous as the oceans are deep. An arrow flies past her, unnervingly close but ultimately futile. Did she dodge so expertly that even the motion was hard to see, or does heretic steel fear to even touch her skin?

Her diamondplate sword is lifted up and then stabbed into the fallen leader's throat. The Templar twists the blade, in order to thoroughly exterminate. "No surrender. No mercy. Since the time of Silver, there has been no tolerance for those who dare bare their fangs on holy ground. Our name," the Templar says, withdrawing the blade and setting her sights on the next target. "Templars of the Faith, echoes throughout all corners of the world, and the wicked tremble. Be they monster or man, it does not matter. If even they crawl into their holes and whimper, why do you dare come here?" Seemingly leisurely, she walks to the horseman that first fired at Petra, and with a swift and brutally simple slash, aims to sever his life.

Blood splashes on her face and dress, but the sword remains pristine.

Lisebet isn't moving, though she whimpers a bit with the cloak thrown over her.

Strozza checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 10 higher.

Merek checked composure at difficulty 20, rolling 2 higher.

The Rivenshari wise woman has, by now, passed out. She's losing blood and likely in a lot of pain, but her Clansmen have managed to bring her to safety within the same shelter that Petal took. The bleeding Prodigal noblewoman stays passed out, but the Rivenshari clansmen will allow Lenne to look at the wounds if she wishes.

Sabella lays on the grass looking up at the sky as red slowly creeps over the white of her lace gown, sweeping into ever fancy twist and loop and dying it all a color that's much less flattering on her. She blinks, watching the cloud as big tears roll down her cheeks, definitely not looking at the arrow shaft sticking out of her shoulder as she finally takes in a very shaky breath, "...help."

Brigida checked intellect + medicine at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

A stormcloud striding from the city direction at speed. Cloak billowing out behind him, eyes narrowed, expression thunder, the Mazetti Admiral strides with his whip off of his belt, coiled about his arm so that a flick of the wrist and the sweep to begin a swing will unfurl it in a trice.

Archers, yelling, the age old smell of blood in the air.

The assailants are running though, scattering and Strozza does the first thing that comes to mind.

When the lash comes around its a thunderclap when the whip cracks. The diamondplate heads of the splayed ends, the leather... Teeth bared Strozza tugs back with the whip coiling about the ankles of one, leaning back hard to put the raider down while surveying the battlefield.

Merek lowers his weapon after a bit, then he looks to Emilia. He sees what happens and also schools his expression. Still, within there is a conflict. He looks away after a bit, then makes his way to where Sabella is at, settling in a moment while he looks to that arrow. His emotions turn themselves off while he begins to take his medical satchel to look at. "Your Highness, may I?" he asks, then he nods to the woman.

Sabella is shot? Brigida has not noticed as she tries to calm and tend to Oswald's injury, speaking softly to him as she has her hands full with the arrow stricken pig.

Ashur checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 24 higher.

Spinning around to peer at the scene, Sunaia notes the 'relative peace' and sheathes her sword after wiping it clean with a singular movement. She does take note of Emilia, of the fallen Grayson princess and can't help but hear the crack of Strozza's whip. She nods to him, whether he sees her or not, and kneels immediately, pulling the cloak from Lisebet's face to peer at the wounded Duchess. "Lisebet. We need to get this arrow out of you. Can you hear me? Lisebet." Sunaia's voice is nearly flat, her sharp, silvery gaze piercing the Lisebet's gaze.

Sabella gives Merek a silent nod, which might speak to how much pain she's in that the normally chatty princess stays silent. She turns her face away from where he's going to be working, squeezing her eyes shut, which causes more tears to fall. When she opens them a lone worm is working it's way across the dirt next to her head. She stares at it for a moment and then, only then, does she scream!

Ashur cranes his neck in an ungainly twist from his vantage atop the bench, squinting at the enemy who shot Sabella. Although that target is fleeing, he raises his bow and a wicked grin stretches across his face. He aims quite specifically and the arrowshaft whines through the air... right into the man's left buttcheek.

Lenne being Lenne, can't really help but rather scathingly call out, at that speech from Emilia. Sadly, she has lots of time to comment, in her hobbling. "Templar, are we perhaps forgetting the virtues of mercy, for Lagoma. And not tarnishing your honor by staying your hand against a surrendered foe, for Gloria? Or law and justice, for the Sentinel? Don't be quick to claim murder is holy. For it isn't." She has no love of slavers, if that's what these people are. But she has less love of slaughter. On that note, she calls out to Petra's retainers. "I'm a physician, allow me to tend to Messere Petra." She remembers her name, at least, from the Spirit Walker open hours. Louder, she calls out. "Gather the injured. Anyone with skill with medicine, make yourself known."

Rhue lowers her bow and steps forward, a hand straying to the pouch at her side. "Who else needs to have their wounds tended? I can assist," she calls out, adopting her Nonsensical Healer persona now that the fight seems to be winding down.

Lisebet stirs a bit, her eyes opening as she hears her name. She glances at Sunaia and then faintly says, "I don't like this fashion trend." There's hint of humour even with the pain she's in. "Harlan is going to fuss at me, quite seriously."

Merek takes a moment to look to Sabella's wound while he takes a moment to wrap gauze upon it, then he begins to work that arrow away once there is no issue. It likely hurts, but not as much as the Worm King. He does peek to the worm when she screams, blinking a bit. He nods a bit, tending to that patched up wound while he listens to Lenne, and nods that woman's away in his agreement, "Alright, that should work, you will need to have it attended with replacing the gauze regularly. Just make sure to salve it, take it easy."

Anisha has skill neither in organizing folk (as opposed to events), or in medicine, and she is -not- very good at pulling people about. Still, at least she doesn't have to worry about the potentially hostile slaver blonde anymore. She blanches a bit to see the woman stabbed through the throat when she's only meters away, but does a quick sign of the thirteen, and scurries back. With the offensive broken and people drawing back, she groans. "Well, I'm useless," She points out to Sylvi and Lenne. "But I have two hands and two feet and I can yell really loudly. Let me know what you need."

All the men and woman here who attacked are either dead, severely injured, surrendered or have fleed. Those at the lodge won this fight, but many did not escape injury. The man who shot Sabella before fleeing was just shot in the butt by Ashur. He screams and keeps trying to run.

Lenne checked intellect + medicine at difficulty 20, rolling 38 higher.

Bridget flinched at the flying arrows. She gave a frantic look around the woods. "Edmund! You stubborn brute. Where have you gone?" The faint trail of kicked up dust could be seen in the distance. Bridget had a bad habit of not tethering her mount. He usually stayed put, but he usually wasn't under the threat of flying arrows, so, on this rare occasion, he took flight. Bridget recognized the distant horse with a frown "Idiot" she muttered before turning back to help Anisha and the wounded. The noble's lack of medical expertise was evident in her expression, keeping a mild distance from the scene as she gave a confused 'uhm' in assessment.

Sabella is not the best patient, what with not being used to being shot and she whimpers and bites back screams as Merek works, looking more than a little dazed when he finishes, "Will it scar?" she asks, sounding groggy, "Is everyone else all right?"

Sunaia checked command + war at difficulty 15, rolling 24 higher.

"Yes, Lisebet. Likely at me, too. For now, we need to get that arrow out of you," Sunaia replies stoically to the Ashford Duchess, then lifts her face and shouts, anger rippling through her voice, "CONFESSORS! Get your asses here NOW! And where in the ABYSS were you???" Three mercenary-type men trot immediately to Sunaia and she glares at them, ice-cold, "You're to take the Duchess - CAREFULLY - to the healers..." She flicks her gaze around and spots Lenne, "...Over there. And I swear to all the gods, if you so much as make her squeal...." Sunaia's eyes narrow coldly upon first one, then the next of the three Confessors, who move immediately to VERY carefully move Lisebet to Lenne.

The Templars last blow does indeed what it was meant to do. Like a candleflame, life is blown out. The Templar doesn't turn around to face the rest. Maybe to hide her gruesome appearance, or maybe to hide something even more unseemly. Like tears.

"Sanctuary is a holy law. It exempts neither King, Emperor or Heretic. To break sanctuary is a crime more wicked than murder, and more sinister than making pacts with demons." Her head lowers a bit. "You should all reflect on what you've done. Shedding blood on holy ground... it is unacceptable. Even for one such as I. If you want to show mercy, so be it. I will be there when the wolves come to the door you opened."

"All clear!" Amari calls from the woods, so no one need worry there's another volley of arrows about to fall on them from that direction. The barking of her dogs grows more distant, and she tracks off after them, whistling and searching to make sure there's none left waiting in ambush.

Edmund have been dismissed.