Mas Bagus

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

There were smiles, laughter, and cheers. Two unlikely couples waltzing into the dance floor with blind confidence, people old and young retelling their stories in nostalgia, and two women exchanging flirtation, compliments, and innuendoes, all just to name a few.

But there were always two sides of the coin in every story. Misfortune exists, happens, and was retold if you care enough look meticulously. Cedar the Bear was one of that anomaly. Nobody knew why would he leave the comfort of his table into the wildest section of the party, when all the devils dance, scheme, and scowl.

The noble's talk was tediously long, like green vines with occasional barbs. But this particular group seemed to have dropped such elaborate courtesy and speak in a more straightforward if not vulgar manner.

"Honestly, what are we even here? Don't you agree madam? I bet the invitation was not from the king but from old coot you-know-who."

"Don't worry, young miss, Uncle here would take care of you."

"And your brother too. I have prepared everything. My connection would ensure he could continue his school."

"look. I know I approached this from the wrong angle, I have apologized, what else you would want me to say?

"It is not preposterous, I'd call it pragmatic. Let the memory pass away, for the future. Now don't be so full of yourself. Why do you have to be so full of yourself? What do you have now woman? Fredricus couldn't be any more merciful, and you have debts with Delvings. Own nothing. Not even to support yourself."

"Fine, let us not talk about it anymore, not in front of the kids. Stop it, Reynolds. But Madam-- Sarah, my dear Sarah, we have known each other before you married that-- I know what you are thinking, let us talk about this later, my mansion is always open for you and your children. I hope you can decide quickly before your debtors seize all of your assets until nothing is left but Kruber's tombstone."

"Come here, Dunand, isn't it? Join your sister."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

The Banquet
Written from Kirsten Delving's perspective

---

Of course, words and promises can only be worth so much. Once her brother was done with getting his beverages, he had himself immediately besieged by giggling ladies and hopeful fathers who sought to curry favor with the family. From this distance, Kirsten could only imagine how painfully diplomatic her brother's words would be when asked about his future soulmate, or if he had one, or be willing to consider any.

It was an amusing sight to see, only for a while.

The maid-in-splendor sighed, making her own way toward the other beverage table. The first table was populated by not-so-unfamiliar people; The blonde elven archer and Yvonne Rosenving, who now seemed to have an argument with York Matriarch. Kirsten decided to steer clear. Though she know Yvonne quite well, the elf was an enigma that raises too many red flags.

At the next table There there was a couple, the man seemed to know her but she didn't recognize any of them.

"Ah, lady Kirsten. What can we do for you on this fine day? Can I get you a drink? I do not believe we’ve met. Allow me to introduce myself. Danny Winston. Nice to meet you."

The man bowed, of course much to his companion's dismay. The lady accompanying him was not that bad herself; a typical coastal beauty with tanned skin and black hair. Kirsten felt bad for her.

"I believe you are mistaken. My name is Ranaria," she said, smiling as she slightly pushed the man aside to ladle a goblet of fruit punch for herself.

The man furrowed."But I saw you..."

"Ranaria Seymore." she insisted, restraining herself to not smirk at the young nobleman's existing companion. "Perhaps you know my cousin, Lady Elana?"

The man's face furrowed in a confused look as he glanced at his partner before smoothing out so he won't embarrass himself. "Ranaria... Elana... Ah yes... I remember her. How about--"

When he returned to her, Kirsten had already treaded away from the couple, heading toward an area usually dedicated as the hall's dance floor. Her gaze traveled over the sea of bright-colored clothing, glossy locks, and garish hats. All are swaying and twirling in harmony following the slow if not relaxing tune.

Her eyes shifted to the corner of the hall and landed on a woman and her two teenage children; a boy and a girl. They were accompanied by what seemed to be a group of wealthier noblemen. The widow of Baron von Kruber sat in the middle, her daughter next to her, and they were flanked by two men. Their eyes gleamed like greedy wolves, and the boy could only watch helplessly as those men groped his mother and sister.

Something inside her clicked. A memory flashed, fully formed though it had been lost to her till just this instant: a young woman scorned and divorced, and had nowhere to go. In the next flash, the woman had been withered, dying in her bed. The door opened, and someone breached in, to help? To weep and regret? It didn't matter anymore.

It was an old nightmare, a frequent nightmare. The music rang, now from a slow tempo to an arpeggio, and with that, she banished the memory and looked away, refusing to draw any conclusion though the outcome was already apparent at the back of her mind. It was easy, as easy as uttering a lie. She gripped the skirt of her satin gown and suddenly found herself wanting to jump in and join the tango, and dance to her heart's content so the pang would go away and be dealt with in another day.

"My apology, Miss. May I interrupt your loneliness?"

The request startled her, and Kirsten immediately searched for the source of that voice. There, she found a blonde man approaching and presenting himself with excessive gracefulness. with bows too deep and arm gestures too broad like performers in a play.

But despite those small misgivings, Kirsten found herself reluctantly impressed by the man's handsomeness. To the point, she would return the effort by adjusting her eyeglasses so they won't magnify the alertness in her eyes. Not a good sighting to see.

"Loneliness?" She chuckled and their eyes met. "That's very bold of you to assume a lady's feeling."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

The Banquet
Written from Silas Delving's perspective

---

Silas Delving looked about uneasily when he, his half-sister, and his Father entered the Royal Palace. The eldest and brightest progeny of well respected Delving clan had a lot of reasons to feel so, but his father, shrewd as ever came to his side, squeezing his shoulder, reassuringly as he led them children into the main hall.

As if The Admiral himself was a frightened child in need of reassurance that everything would be okay.

Silas was still unfazed by the gesture, but he followed anyway. Hard to imagine that just mere hours ago he and his father were in fierce arguments. It started with his inquiry about Aaaron, who at least should be given a chance for a military trial so he explain himself instead of being personally punished by him. His father, in turn, blurted that he was a fool and his proposal was equally foolish.

"What do you think would happen if they got Aaron in their custody!?" he shouted. "Our disgrace will be laid bare, our secrets exposed, plans and all. Do you really want to see this family ashamed?!"

"Then stop doing this!" Silas' voice was unusually hoarse as if years sailing the seas had inflamed his larynx. "Stop," he pleaded. "It IS over. The plan is fucked. Fredricus agents have seen through it all, and HH will know in no time."

Jonas Delving snorted, but his voice was no longer as fierce as his resolute countenance. "This plan would have been flawless if my children didn't shrink their duties!"

The statement smarted Silas to his very core, while Jonas sipped his whiskey and glanced out the window. The silence stretched uncomfortably until Silas willed himself to speak.

"I do not want to be a part of this anymore, Father." he shook his head, the words were blunt. He had suffered a blistering retort and wouldn't care if his reply would do the same. He had it coming.

As expected, Jonas didn't take it well, he was visibly flinched. Another silence ensued, and the patriarch stood nonmoving, with his back on his eldest son. His brightest son, his pride and joy. The next words uttered emotionlessly, hiding a raging disappointment Silas was thankful he didn't have to see that.

"Then you are dismissed, Admiral."

The words were hurtful, but at the same time, relieving and he did not regret it.

Yet here they were attending the banquet as a family. Silas wondered if his words were finally getting through. The last debate was not the first, but arguably the fiercest they ever had. Though it lacked any meaningful follow-up, Jonas acted like nothing had ever happened between them. He even went easy with Kirsten, allowing the girl to choose her own preferred style of gown and jewelry.

It all seemed too easy, and that was why Silas quickly banished both thoughts. That his father had changed, or he had to accept that the stubborn oaf shouted at him this afternoon was here to stay. No, tonight he lived at the present time.

"Well..." Silas said as he extended his hand to assist Kirsten in stepping up the last few staircases. "I had almost forgotten what you looked like underneath the house dust you seem to acquire. Turns out, you are quite beautiful."

"Course I am, you dummy!" she pouted, reaching for his hand regardless. Though laced with a dismal undertone, the compliment was as earnest as it gets. Kirsten Delving looked as dashing as he was; from high-heeled shoes that seemed made of pure silver, to her white gown tinged with the soft color of gold that gracefully embrace her tall figure. She looked warm and soft and alive, her pale blonde hair flowing gracefully about her back, and behind simple black-rimmed eyeglasses, her blue eyes were bright with rare joy.

It seemed most of the attendees had arrived, but the banquet had not started yet. Their father had already mingled with his usual crowd; clans from Yager, Baswaiden, and Barlos. Of course, there should be Stritzel among them, but the unnerving old lady was already in her own world away from them.

And there he was King Fredricus, a commanding figure as always. Elegant and poised, resplendent in his heavy, jeweled robe of deep purple and bright gold. Robed almost similarly, the young Prince Alec sat on his thrones with Knight Captain Matilda faithfully accompanying in his sides, armed and in full plates.

It was tasteless. Silas wondered who the man was, but then realized that he was likely to be a reporter on the syndicate's payroll. The speech went on, cheers and toast announced, and everything seemed fine until another disturbance made his heart sink.

With sheer arrogance his father interrupted. Silas observed restlessly, dreadfully. Kirsten, who usually acted indifferently regarding court matters and its politics stood beside him, silenced as well by what seemed to be a deliberate act to irritate Fredricus. The only consolation he felt was he, fortunately, had chosen to not sit at the same table with them.

They must have been feeling very smug now seeing Fredricus tolerate such antics, for the Delving siblings, it almost ruined their evening

Suddenly he felt dizzy. Kirsten approached, naturally confused as he was. "What did.."

"Not now..." discussing their own father's recklessness in public? You bet now was a good time.

"I... I need a drink."

"Oh, I thought you are going to join Father and his friends." said Kirsten, her eyes surveyed the scene. After their father's brazen display, those who usually surround them with small pleasantries had been keeping their distance, but the leerings from youngsters toward his half-sister were still ever-present. Sure, some other gorgeous contenders seem to have stolen the spotlight, but Kirsten was in no way having a shortage of admirers.

"Well, go ahead then, I'm staying here. At least if Father summons you to his table, I could pretend that I can't hear him."

"How cunning of you! Promise I'll be quick. Not sure I am comfortable leaving my baby sister alone anyway."

"I will be fine."

The smile on Kirsten's face was almost forlorn, and Silas didn't fail to see the irony of his own words.

"I will get you fruit squash or something," he said in a defeated tone. "Hang tight."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

"Quite bad I am afraid," she said, huffing. "Poor boy got arrows stuck in his nostril, they did a number on his legs also, and what's above them. Gods... afraid I can't share much with you. It is too gruesome you may lose your appetite. I have done all I can: all pellars, doctors, and herbalists I could find have been summoned to fix my lovely Ted. His recovery also put a lot of burden on my Dear Olga. We employ only a handful of staff, you see."

The bodyguard snorted, not sparing Cedar another glance. "No task is too big, Mistress! You can count on me."

"That's my girl..."

Stritzel smiled, so triumphant and smug her dusted cheeks constricted like dried prunes. The bait has been reeled and Cedar's body language seemed to show that the beast-man was interested to know more. However she was also tacit enough to understand when to halt her advance, to buy her time, there was no need to rush. She retreated her hand, glancing intently at Cedar as she stood up from her chair.

"Be a dear and visit me when you have time, I will introduce you to my Ted." She winked, fidgeting to raise her hand for Cedar to kiss. But then whirled and leave.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

-snip-

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

The banter was heating up. Not that it was unexpected; people with such self-important attitude was almost a staple in every elite social gathering like this. The kind of people who were always complaining about standards wearing arrogant expressions and making comments that were civil on the surface but sharp enough to wound.

Yvonne didn't seem too interested in entertaining their fashion, and being confronted by such passive dismissal, Jazdia could already see it was slowly drawing their ire.

"It's YORK. Adela YORK." the middle-aged woman retorted indignantly, almost like shouting, then she turned to her husband, spewing more backhanded criticism that strangely was directed at someone far away from them. The way Yvonne glanced at her showed that she didn't seem too pleased to hear them talking.

Jazdia turned to the couple, wearing her faked smile. To her discredit, the couple had their question ignored, and it was only right for her to amend that rudeness.

"Correct Ma'am," she butted in. "I personally share your concern. But pardon me to say that we can do nothing about it and your grievance is misdirected. The verdict of improper consumption of alcohol is not within our domain to judge. That would be to King Fredricus, our graceful host, who seemed to have no problem with our associate's... unobtrusive behavior."

She made a small hand movement that beckoned toward the throne. Slightly venomous as it may, the next words escaped her just like that.

"You two, on the other hand, are clearly the opposite of it. But that being said, I would wholeheartedly suggest both Madam and Sir to share their superior opinions with our King regarding how a banquet should be conducted. I am sure King Fredricus would be thrilled to hear that."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

"Eight..." the old woman murmured as if taken aback by the revelation. But instead of squicked, her grin widens.

"Caitlyn Stritzel at your service, darling!" the woman cooed, and she was sitting restlessly. "I'm a talent finder you see, and my specialty is on the exotic beasts man like you." she giggled

"But worry not, this lady is not here to snatch you out. Fufufu! His Highness has beaten me on that. But If it's alright with you, I will satisfy your curiosity about the talent I need and where they will be needed. I needed guards, for my little garden, my assets, and to protect this little old me..."

He inched closer and caressed Cedar's forearm.

"The rebels are getting bolder you see. Yesterday they trampled on my tulips, all for naught but to kidnap my poor gardener for a meager ransom. They also hurt My Teddy, oh my sweet boy. He is also a smart bear like you. You will meet him soon enough if you change my mind."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

One of the Dukes in tenure sworn loyalty to Fredricus' regime was Caitlyn Stritzel. Friendless, weird and eccentric. The old woman more often than had been letting such epithets stuck for many years, making the accusation associated with her somehow gained a legendary status.

Today, it seemed the rumor would again be proven. Stritzel was already in her own world when she looked at Cedar, watching intently behind the shadow for every move and words made by the beastman.

When Cedar returned back to his seat, the old woman doubled her resolution and brought her tiny stature on a straight beeline toward Cedar. A masculine-looking woman in a suit followed her from behind.

"Gentleman... can I sit here?"

Her voice was raspy, yet it still has an aristocratic ring in it, but then quickly ruined by her audible breath, which seemed to be rushing erratically from her boldly-lipsticked lips.

Doctor Solomon expressionlessly welcomed her, and she took her seat near Cedar, closely, as if she wanted to directly lean on his fury torso. Thankfully, the Duke of West Far region maintained what is left of her courtesy and instead, eying and down up toward Cedar's bearish feature like an adoring fan.

"It bothers you, doesn't it, being stared at like that?" she began, almost purring. Some pieces of unchewed meat and crumbs fell unto her bleached locks, and she gently brushed them away. "These people really have no manners."

The beast-man, still chewing his meal looked down, while Stritzel, made good use of time elapsed between her question and his reply by sniffing the air around her.

"You..." she beamed, her breathing was getting heavier. "You are... so young..."

The lady who had been following her stood beside her. Her eyes fiercely stared at Cedar, hands balled into fists. "Hey, you!" She barked. "My mistress is speaking to you!"

The shouting naturally attracted more attention to their table, including Prince Alec who sat just three tables away from them. But the young boy said nothing, for he himself was also busy with his own share of aristocrat pleasantries.

"Oh Olga! No need to be all tight with this Young Gentleman. It's okay, let him enjoy his... time" said Stritzel, with artificial meekness in her voice, there was an angry gleam in his eyes when she looked at her servant, indifference when addressing the staring guests, and somber toward Cedar.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

The banquet was officially open, which means everyone now could do whatever they please as long as etiquette allows. Jazdia stood up from her table, and Yvonne followed, seemingly having a similar idea of looking around to find some fresh air.

The musician had been playing, filling the air with a warm and ambient melody to provide the right atmosphere for the gossip and..flirtations.

"A candlelight dinner, just the two of us?" asked Yvonne when the two finally away from the arranged table, "If I didn't know any better I'd thought Freddy's trying to set us up!" she winked.

"Oh please. I am flattered."

"You... are really Looking good, Sparky! And Mario really went all out with the fashion sorcery!"

It was indeed a pretty dress, elegant, and red like a fine wine and... charming thanks to its sleeveless design. It came with mittens of the same color, but Jazdia left them in its box and opted to wear the hair accessory instead.

Jazdia, who had been restrained herself from smirking gave up. She raised the hem of her skirts, posed with what seemed to be a half curtsy, and smiled at Yvonne slyly as if she was a young woman teasing a suitor with a scandalous glimpse of her ankle.

"Putting on a gown was already a battle, so, I will gladly take every compliment I can get," she said. This was a rare occasion when she would allow herself to be complacent, and truth be told, it was never baseless; Jazdia wore her hair long, letting the golden treses untied and sway freely. Her arms and shoulder were bare, showing her skin that was as smooth as a pearl. That, and the small bastardized version of curtsy she did was starting to draw looks. And While her vanity was somewhat stoked by the attention, for the most part, she could not have cared less.

"Well, you look equally stunning as well," Jazdia said, eying her substantial bust, further emphasized by the gown's generously low neckline.

Jazdia straightened herself before smiling at their admirers in one sweeping glance. Then she turned to Yvonne again. "Well, let's go get something then before someone took our seats! "

There were several areas where food and drinks had been laid out, and the duo moved to the least crowded one. There was an assortment of red and white meat, and deep fried snacks all cut in small portions except a large roasted turkey on the middle table, seemingly untouched for now.

A well-dressed manservant sprung up from his seat and immediately readied his serving tongs. A small porcelain plate had been prepared on his side.

"Poultry and red meat, huh? Hmm, not what I am here for." Jazdia shook her head. "Rascade Specialty should be something from its sea. Correct? I'd like to have seared truffle scallops, sauteed in... well tell the cook to surprise me. And grilled Salmon for the entree. What about you, Miss Yvonne?"

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

6:40 A.M.
[Jazdia "Slyph" Crystalspark]
Rascade Royal Palace, Kingdom of Kindeance.

---

For this evening soiree, the Chamberlain, which also served as a general organizer, had briefed the party with his words of wisdom, that the team was expected to maintain some amount of propriety, and they will be seated on the smaller round tables closer to the King's throne; Jazdia with Yvonne, Cedar with Solomon and they should stay there until Fredricus formally opened this banquet.

Jazdia found that such code of conduct was acceptable.

The flock of guests kept coming in, seemingly endless for such an exclusive party. Amongst the attendees were numerous faces, some she knew many years ago, some others--- or many others she barely met or saw just a few days ago. Of course, Jazdia could still remember the visages of upperclassmen and women attending Geralt's bloody gladiatorial a few days ago. Now some of them had looked at her with eyes bulging, while the rest managed to keep their cool. One particular seemed to be drooling with her eyes fixed on a certain Bearman.

She should be the least of their worry, really.

Fredricus was not stupid, he might be slow sometimes, but his eyes and ears were keen. Surely he knew who had conspired against him and who aided them.

And thus, for the last half hour, Jazdia spent her time occasionally darted her vision over Fredricus and his guards, wondering what would they do next. There was no smart nor foolish answer in both options. This was simply politics at its finest, and that was how their lack of trepidation toward the actual lions in the room was somewhat justified.

Politics is a wonder. Eldarian once had said, and Jazdia groaned.

Her father chuckled, eyes twinkling in mock humor when he patted her head. At that time, she already thought he might be right, but to fully understand and appreciate the beauty he described, it would take many years.

"Where else you can find an occasion where enemies and friends alike gathered in one room, sharing wine and laughter while at the same time inwardly thinking how to end each other in the most effective way? All you have to do is don the mask of frivolity and deceit.

Bless his soul, Jazdia thought.

The arrival of the Delving Family further reinforced such anomaly--no, wonder. There were Silas and Kirsten, following an older man wearing their family symbol emblazoned on his shirt. He entered the banquet with head held high, reflecting a disciplined soul that whose body might longer be in its prime but remained steadfast and poised.

"There he is, the rabid fox Freddy have no choice but to invite to the henhouse."Yvonne murmured, inviting a snicker into Jazdia's glossed lips.

"Not exactly henhouse. More like wolves gathering, with the lion as the host."

Another seemingly prominent family entered the hall with their scions. This time the Yorks. Jazdia only remembered the face of their kids, whom Baker's daughter nicknamed as Guppies-- a not-so-graceful sobriquet, really. Their father was a rotund man with a seemingly friendly image, and towering next to him was a middle-aged lady with a perpetual scowl on her face and eyes that observe like a watchful eagle.

The party went on, and Fredricus ceremoniously opened the party by welcoming the guest, all kinds of guests; honest, loyal, insidious, dutiful, and unreliable, all were welcome. His eyes were tired, and wrinkles on his face were proof that time had not been not very friendly to him, yet he squared his shoulder, straightened his posture, and his voice vibrated with authority.

"I will first address the concern regarding the Prince's safety." he said, immediately after delivering his welcome. "A fair warning we all appreciate, but at some point the act of rocking the boat must be stopped. As you can see he is here, safe and sound, returned on time and...unscatched." He beckoned at Prince Alec, who sit in on a lesser and less lavish throne usually reserved for advisors alike, his expression was stiff, but he managed to force a smile.

"But We heard about an attempt to ambush Prince's Convoy!"

The voice came from the front, and Fredricus, the King of Kindeance stilled. The one who interrupted was a feisty young gentleman with long auburn hair tied in a silly topknot. Instead of being ashamed of the sudden silence he caused, he opened his notebook and readied his graphite.

"What is your comment about that, Your Highness? And was it linked to the attack on Fanghorn by Mechean terrorists?"

Someone in that crowd was smiling mischievously, and Jazdia wondered what Fred would do next. The King let the question linger for a while, then unexpectedly, and patiently he smiled.

In the older era and the previous regime, someone like that will be dragged out and flogged in public. Or if the Crown was generous and Moderate, such inquiries would be directed to his Chamberlain for more unpleasant sessions with Kingdom's interrogators.

"You are from Rascade Chronicles, correct? My comment will be It is too premature and reckless to assume anything when the investigators are still working on the case, even more so to have unreliable information printed and publicly distributed. Surely such irresponsible action would smear the freedom of the press we all must uphold. Don't you agree?"

The words were laced with a thin-veiled threat, and indeed, most people would give a more damn when there was a threat. The journalist now found himself stared at by the entire member of Fredricus' court, while his supporter, looked away to nod at Fredricus' words.

"Regarding the suspected ambush." Fredricus continued, allowing some amount of callousness to infuse his voice. He then introduced the 'reinforcement' that aided the Prince's convoy. Doctor Solomon tipped his fedora in a small bow, while Cedar, upon hearing his name and druidic origin clumsily stood from his table before taking his seat again.

"I wholeheartedly offer them a position in my court." he said again, and some of them gasped. Fredrcus seemed to enjoy their reaction, though he had to silence their murmurings with a single stern glance.

He stood up from his throne, to welcome a glass of wine offered by his servant, then spoke again. "Today, we also witnessed the usurper being punished." he glanced at the crowd, and focused on a particular guest before continuing."Thanks to Miss Matilda and with the assistance of independent investigators, Miss Jazdia Crystalspark and Yvonne Rosenving, their plan has been thwarted, and our nation finally returned to its peaceful days."
He raised his glass and toasted at the attendees. "To peace and prosperity!"

"To glory and victory!"

A similarly aged man exclaimed, and Jazdia wondered how many more of those nitwits were left to test the old Lion's patience. So she activated her eyes and glanced toward the troublemaker, apparently, it was Jonas Delving himself. And he toasted Fredricus back.

For the briefest moment, they were locked in a battle of stares, as if their eyes could stab each other, until the Delving patriarch regarded his King steadily, calmly, yet still respectful. And Fredricus too, returned the regards with the briefest of nods in acknowledgment, without any hint of revulsion, nor anger.

Or he was just good at hiding it.

"Yes, to Glory and Prosoperity!" The king raised his goblet.