[Amelia] Chapter 12: Cave of Goblins

[Throndir]

"If you will it, it shall be Your Provisionary Majesty." Conrad said bowing gracefully and low. "The moon is too one of the best things of the sky."

Note it's still only 6 PM, so the moon might not be as high as you might be imagining. I believe I've mentioned slightly chilly air in a different RP before, so let's officially make the current season be Autumn, I don't think that conflicts with anything. Sunset will be  at 6:30 PM, though you will likely need to wait a few hours until the stars are completely visible.

Through the next hour more and more of your guests started to appear. It was around 7 PM when Matilda finally came out to let you know all the food's been prepared.

[Mysticsage]

Once Mati says the food is prepared Amelia will stand before the gathered crowd with a smile, "So, the food is ready, but before everyone eats I wanted to say a few words."

"When you look up in the sky and see all the stars, I believe it is one of the most humbling reminders of just how small each of our lives is in comparison. Our years are little more of a blink of an eye for the cosmos, and yet like an eclipse each interaction no matter how short is monumental. The fact that were are so insignificant and yet can make friends, loved ones build, things that will far outlast us is a miracle to itself. Just like the stars make constellations our bonds can shape the very world."

So when you look up at the sky tonight I hope you don't think of each good moment you've had with each other and even though we've lost things. Old stars in other worlds once thought lost, are also looking up at their night sky and in that moment the lights will bridge those two worlds. They feel your love and are sending theirs in return just as I hope you feel all my love for each of you for helping me so far. I am so blessed to have met each and every one of you, and even more since my arrival to this world.

I hope that even if we only see each other face to face this night again that I burn brighter for having spent time with each of you and I hope to burn brighter still. Even if things go sideways I know I can look up at these stars and know that you and my family are seeing them too. And if you ever get lost or in trouble know that I will do everything in my power to be your guiding star.

She signals the delivery of beverages. "To unbreakable bonds and love shared under the starlight, Cheers!"

With that, she took her first real drink of wine toasting to new friends as her eyes filled with star-like tears for the ones she had lost.

once done with her speech amelia will let people eat their meals while enjoying each other's company before making various rounds.

Diplomacy check fo speech if needed

Rolled 1d20+10 : 2 + 10, total 12

[Throndir]

Heroic Action Pointed earned.

By the time you started your speech, everyone was already there, and the maids had already begun to serve out the food and drinks. Corina, the head maid, along with Matilda and the rest of the maids went all out for the preparation. They seemed to make more than enough food for everyone, and had many of their own country's favorite dishes and drinks. Barrels of both wind and other alcoholic beverages were out, though, the maids went around serving glasses and mugs to everyone directly. Everyone had been in a chatter, but when you started you speech everyone quieted as they listened with rapt attention. There was a roar of approval from everyone when you finally finished, many of them cheering loudly as they downed their own glasses of drink.

[Mysticsage]

Location: Mendrich Castle Gardens
Day 12 - 7 PM

Amelia sits down on the blanket with Kurt, "Do you mind if I sit here and eat before making the rounds?" Amelia asked. "I promised Father Ragnar that I would have a real drink with him and I want to make sure that I have some food in my stomach."

"So how was the speech? I was more than a little nervous."

Location: Mendrich Castle Gardens
Day 12 - 7:30ish PM
After eating with Kurt he will move over to the blanket with the delegation from the Dragon Knights, sitting down with a smile, "Thank you for coming tonight I know that it was short notice, but I hope you have a good time."

"I wanted to make sure you had something to remember before you went home."

Location: Mendrich Castle Gardens
Day 12 - 8 PM
She steps over to Takeru's and Akari's blanket with a smile, "How are you two holding up? Do you need more blankets Takeru? I hope you are enjoying the moonlight."

She will get down and gently check his condition,

General heal check to see if he needs another healing from Nyx
This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+2 : 14 + 2, total 16

Location: Mendrich Castle Gardens
Day 12 - 8:30 PM
She walked over with two glasses of sparkling cider to Ragnar's blanket as she handed him an extra glass, "I hope this counts as a first drink?" she chuckled handling him one of the glasses. "They say the moonlight makes drinking alcohol taste better back home. I figured tonight was a perfect night to test it."

[Throndir]

Location: Mendernich Castle Gardens - Royal Family's Mat
Day 12 - 7 PM]

"A-Amelia...!" Kurt stammered when you sat down beside him. "T-The speech..." It took him a moment to calm himself. "The speech was splendid." He said soon after, a gentle smile on his features. "Matilda and I were talking to ourselves about that earlier just now, though, she still wants to serve the rest of the guests. It's been almost two weeks since you've came to be here... I'm glad you are here..." A hint of a blush creeped upon his features as he looked away. "W-well, the country is glad you are here, for indeed we have a hero, and queen to guide us all."


Location: Mendernich Castle Gardens - Antwarch Delegates Mat
Day 12 - 7:30 PM

"My stay here at Mendernich has been very enjoyable. From getting to meet you, to the tour you had provided for us. The people here... have a different sort of atmosphere compared to the people of many other nations. It's stained by a loss due to the shifting, but the terrors of war have yet to fully reveal themselves here. It's... peaceful."


Location: Mendernich Castle Gardens - Akari's Mat
Day 12 - 8 PM

"Hero Amelia! It's good to see you again it is. Indeed I have been waiting to properly give you thanks again." Akari said as you approached the mat.

"Hero...!" Takeru said weakly. He looked down. "Thank you for... umm... letting sister and I stay in the castle, and getting treatment..." His sister nodded as she patted his head.

"Indeed, Takeru is getting better he is. The doctor visits daily to check up on him, and administer treatment. He says the cough should hopefully go away in a few more weeks. Time will tell it will, but I'm hopeful." Akari looked down too, and pulled out a long item and presented it to you. It was a couple of feet long, and it was wrapped up in cloth with two strings keeping it closed and held together.

"As thanks... This is a sword from my homeland, you have seen it back at my home you have. It's called a katana. I thought... the idea of a gallant hero with this sword would be marvelous it would! But... I think... you have helped me and my brother a lot, and I think you can still be a gallant hero." While sitting down she bowed her head.

"Please accept my humble gift."


Location: Mendernich Castle Gardens - Ragnar's Mat
Day 12 - 8:30 PM

"Amelia!" Father Barnabas said as he placed his own drink down and reached out to take the one you had offered. He took a deep whiff of it first, then took a sip. "Cider?" He grinned. "Not the strongest, compared to the stuff I'm used to. But I suppose it sure counts, yeah?" He raised his glass to you in a toasting matter.

"To the future of Bürsteig."

[Mysticsage]

Location: Mendernich Castle Gardens - Royal Family's Mat
Day 12 - 7 PM

"I'm glad I ended up here too," Amelia said with a smile, "I don't think I would have been able to survive anywhere else, to be honest. I am maybe the luckiest girl in the entire world to end up here in your kingdom. I only hope we can grow together, and that when the time comes we are all strong enough to protect this place from danger."

Looking down to eat for a moment she took a few bites of food before looking back up, and seeing that Kurt's face was flush she leaned forward she warped an extra blanket around his shoulders. "Your face is red you must be freezing." Her arms brushed along his back and neck in one solid motion totally oblivious to his discomfort.


Location: Mendernich Castle Gardens - Antwarch Delegates Mat
Day 12 - 7:30 PM

"I'm glad you've had a chance to enjoy yourselves and relax for a moment. Hopefully in the near future all the kingdoms will be able to experience this sense of peace again," Amelia said with a smile.

"My homeland understood the strain constant war placed not only on the resources of a nation but also the strain placed on the morale of the people. I work hard not only on defense but also to lighten the load of constant war on the common folk," she helped to refill their plates and goblets playing the idle host before getting down to the real topic.

After a few more moments of small talk Amelia continued, "So, I found something that may be of interest to you. A book I took from my world that I have not had a chance to read. I plan on reading as much as I can in the coming days before you read. Do you have a free few hours before you leave in the coming days for me to get your opinion on what I found? Ragnar and Thyra will hopefully be joining us as well."
 

Location: Mendernich Castle Gardens - Akari's Mat
Day 12 - 8 PM

"Thank you Akari!" Amelia said as she took the sword with a delecate but strong grip as to not drop it. She didn't much want to take an heirloom from Akari, but she also did not want to be rude by disrespecting her feelings. "You'll have to show me how to properly take care of the blade so that it does not rust. I would hate to have it dull because of something I did."

"And I'm sure we'll have Takeru running around with Mati in no time," She said ruffling Takeru's hair like she did her own younger brother. "I'll have Nyx stop by your rooms tomorrow to provide a little extra healing just to be safe."

"But, with your homeland building a temple in the capital I will need to make sure that I understand their customs properly." She smiled. "And thank you for your help in preparing the food. This whole party would be impossible without you,"


Location: Mendernich Castle Gardens - Ragnar's Mat
Day 12 - 8:30 PM

"To a bright future with progressive ideals," she smiled clinking glasses as she drank deeply from her own cider.

"So, I think I have something that might interest you, but I need time to read through it to see if it is worth while. Would it be alright if I borrow a room in the church of light for a meeting?" She asked." sitting down for a moment watching the stars.

"I was alos curious what the Goddesses teach about the moon and stars?"

[Throndir]

Location: Mendernich Castle Gardens - Royal Family's Mat
Day 12 - 7 PM]

Your actions only caused him to blush even more however. But he decided to choose to be silent as you wrapped the blanket around him. Kurt was fairly tense, but it may have indeed been due to the fact of the cold weather.


Location: Mendernich Castle Gardens - Antwarch Delegates Mat
Day 12 - 7:30 PM

"A book from your world? I would be delighted to take a look. Though I admit, books are not my specialty, but I do end up reading a lot of them as well due to my position."

If you are making plans, please update your Calendar so we don't lose track of it.

Location: Mendernich Castle Gardens - Akari's Mat
Day 12 - 8 PM

"I had heard about that... I went to pay a visit to the High Priestess after I realized she was here I did. Indeed she told me of the plans to make a shrine to the Goddess of Water here. I once was a shrine priestess, and I offered if I could help, and there's nothing formal, but I was told she would be delighted if I could, since I was already here in this country... The priestess said she'll be meeting up with you before she returns to Isikawa."

I've added this to your calendar myself since it's an event I'm creating.

Location: Mendernich Castle Gardens - Ragnar's Mat
Day 12 - 8:30 PM

"Why of course you can use the Church of Light for a meeting. You are the queen after all. As for the moon and stars, according to the official scriptures from our Goddess of Light, they are moved by the will of the Goddess of Light. The stars, the moon, are things of her creations."

He grinned.

"That's at least how the previous bishops would have stated. But for me... I see it a bit differently having read scriptures from our other churches. I think it's something that most of the goddesses help maintain. The Goddess of Darkness to envelop the world in twilight. The Goddess of Light to shine over heard through stars and moon. The Goddess of Earth to pull the tides as they ebb and flow to the moon's movements. The Goddess of Fire herself is more attuned with the time of day, but even she, with the Goddess of Light, has to pull back the sun and warmth that it provides. Rather than a single goddess, even something like handling the moon and stars, and its effect on the rest of the land is something that the goddesses all share."

"It's much the same with many other things in life, too."

[Mysticsage]

Location: Mendernich Castle Gardens
Day 12 - 9 PM

Once finished making the rounds and the moon now higher in the sky Amelia moved over to the telescope and Conrad. "Do you mind if I take a look at the moon? I'm curious if it's different from the one back home. Is there anything else interesting to look at this time of year?"

Amelia will use the telescope and her cellphone if possible together to look at the moon in detail. Will also look for anything else that is interesting like other planets, star clusters, space demons, etc.

[Throndir]

When you attempt to take a picture, the results end up being dark, there's not enough light to actually showcase the stars at all. The stars themselves were nothing you recognized. The moon too looked very much different than the one back home on Earth.

"This time of year? You can see the 'Hope's Star'. A single star that moves across the upper half of the Taris constellation." Conrad said.

Roll Geography if you have it. If not, a base INT check (keep in mind general knowledge checks can only go up to DC 10).

[Mysticsage]

int roll
This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+6 : 20 + 6, total 26

roll goes down to 23 from taking back hero point from misunderstanding rules

[Throndir]

As you thought about the constellations, a notification appeared.

You have gained a new title 『The Smart』
You have gained +1 INT

You didn't really know the constellations of this world, though you had heard a mention of 'Hope's Star' in one of your readings, though, you don't remember the significance. Peering up at the moon, it was different from your own moon. Where your moon back on Earth was a grey-white orb in the night sky, the moon of this world had slight shades of blue and green.

[Mysticsage]

"It really is beautiful up there," Amelia says after a moment I love staring up at the stars. If Conrad will listen she will tell him about the stars back home, space travel, pictures from the Hubble telescope, different star bodies that they've discovered. "Really, Conrad thank you for this." she smiled

rolling knowledge technology to describe space stuff to Conrad

Rolled 1d20 : 17, total 17

Otherwise, Amelia will continue to mingle and keep the party going till the food has run out and then head off to bed once everyone has left.

[Mysticsage]

for some reason did not take the mod so that roll is 22

[Throndir]

Conrad nodded. "The constellations, and the moon, are different here in the New World. Sometimes I miss the stars from back in Erdesin. But you know up there is a mystery to us all." He shook his head thoughtfully.

"Your own world seems to have mastered even knowing what was up in the stars. It almost takes away some of the mystery to it." A moment later he laughed. It was strange, as you've never heard a a joyful and warm chuckle from him before. Unfortunately, he went back to his normal self a moment after.

"You're very much welcome, Your Provisional Majesty." He bowed low.



Once the party was done. Each of the guests said their thanks. Father Barnabas placed a hand on your shoulder before he left with the rest.

"Next time, we'll have you try more than cider." Ragnar Barnabas said as he grinned, a moment later he left simply waving his hand behind him as he walked away.

At that moment a notification appeared.

You have gained a new title 『Well-Appreciated』
You have gained +1 CHA

[Mysticsage]

Amelia smiled at his comment, "Every time we found out something new about the stars it just proved that there were still infinitely more wonderful secrets to find in the world. "

"Ever Forward, Always Learning," she quoted from memory.

"It's a bit like spending time with you, Conrad. I feel accomplished each time I've earned a chance to see a new facet of the stoic court magician, as deep and mysterious as the stars he loves. Every time I've spent time with you, you've managed to intrigue me and bring a smile to my face. I hope that I continue to earn your trust so you can continue to surprise me." Amelia smiled wide.

once all the guests have left Amelia will try and fail to go to bed moving to the book reading substory