[center][h1][b][i][color=0072bc]The Castle of Solace[/color][/i][/b][/h1]
[@Ponn][@shadowsaint007][/center]

    Tornel was making his way to the main banquet hall to prepare for the next evening's festivities. He was fuming inside, but nothing could stop him from being the charming Master Wizard he was known to be. The girls were in the library going over whatever items were there from the mysterious ancients. He couldn't bring himself to trust them, but the King believed their story and Tornel had to obey the old man's wishes, even if he thought they were foolish. [i]"What if they really are Oracles?" [/i] he thought to himself, then he shook his head to banish the thought. Tornel had been on an expedition with 3 others from the Brotherhood of Wizards where they broke open one of the strange caskets that held an Oracle. The human looking thing inside crumbled to dust when they broke it open, as if it was made of burnt paper and then struck by a hard wind. From then on Tornel knew the Oracles were not alive; they were for decoration, or something equally redundant. The real power from the old world was chemistry! The ability to mix the materials of the world to create fire and light! The book that held those secrets  were kept in Tornel's personal library in his tower. 

    Tornel stopped when he got to the banquet hall and looked at the mural painted into the ceiling. There above him were 8 large figures painted in various dress, each one modelled after one of the Oracles that had been uncovered, one of them had Pink hair. Tornel stopped and looked at her, that was the one who had met with the King, the one from Kensu's islands. The artist had done a good job getting the girl's face just right, and if an artist could paint a face to look like the Oracle on the island then one of Draygon's monsters could do the same too. But she didn't try to murder the King, and she didn't retaliate when Tornel attacked her. Something didn't make sense, so Tornel would do what he always did, he would fake it. He could pretend they were real Oracles until the creatures that called themselves "Sarah" and "Stephanie" revealed their nefarious intentions, and then Tornel would be ready to stop them. 

    "Bring out all the gilded tables and best ceramics," Tornel told the attendants preparing the room, "The King wants tomorrow night to be a night to remember!" The numerous attendants stopped what they were doing to listen to the Wizard speak, "There will be musicians! Jugglers! and the finest of meats and fruits!" Tornel was practically dancing around the room, "Our Oracles have awakened! Tell the men-at-arms, and have them tell their wives and their children! We are living on the precipice of mighty change! A Time of awakening! and a time when the evils of Draygon will finally be dispelled from this world!" The ballroom staff applauded and smiled and slapped each other's backs affectionately. "You all have not seen them yet, but I have," Tornel continued, "tell all the people of our castle and the city surrounding us that they are welcome to come and see the gods made flesh! The beauty and wonder of the ancient world come to life! Tomorrow, you will see the Oracles who have awoken and come to save us all!" This triggered another cheer and then the good people of Castle Solace got to work polishing surfaces and preparing the great feast. 

    Tornel motioned to a young squire who was standing guard at one of the entranceways. "Squire," Tornel said, "Go to the Library and tell Sir Gravy to be ready to escort the ladies to their rooms and stay with them until the feast tomorrow."

    "S...Sir Gravy," the Squire stammered, "the Captain of the Guard, Sir?"

    "Of course child," Tornel smiled, "relay the message and then remain with them to help Sir Gravy as an escort. The ladies may wish to pick out dresses or some such, they are permitted to do as they please. But stay with them, and report all of their activity to me once it is done. Do you understand boy?"

    "Toast Sire, I am Squire Toast."

    Tornel appraised the youth, "Squire Toast then. Be off, and go about your duty. Report to me in my quarters one hour before the feast begins."

    "Yes Sir! Right away Sir!" The boy clanked a sloppy salute and hurried down the hall, his boots thudding as he ran. 

[hider=OOC] Okay friends, do as you will for the rest of the evening and tomorrow during the day. Remember a few things: The Oracles are depicted in paintings and as statues throughout Solace, because Tornel used them as a display item. Sarah will probably be recognized because of her distinct hair. The feelings about the Oracles are something akin to a religious adoration, they are mysterious and god like to the more superstitious, but there are others who disagree. No matter what, they are celebrities so just remember that in your writing. Stephanie would not be so easy to spot because she is a pretty but plain girl, no pronounced distinguishing features. 

There are lady attendants at your disposal and food is available if you ask for it. [/hider]