C1E8: Elinore's Plea

You stretch your legs and enjoy a delicious meal. The rain looks to be picking up again outside, and you welcome the cozy fireplace that glints off the silvery tankards on your table. You talk, and drink, late into the evening, celebrating the end of your watch over The Platinum House, felling confident that in due time, Lawmaster Stonegrasp will be able to lessen the need for her forces on its grounds.

The desk clerk with the dark, blunt bob who you passed on your way in to dinner, and who helped secure your suite, brings a slight figure in a well-cut blue cloak and deep hood to your private dining room.

> "Here you are, m'amselle. The party you requested. I bid you good evening. Do let me know if there is anythign more I can do to assist you." You look up at the rain-soaked, cloaked figure, finding it odd that in a place that caters to those who do not wish to be bothered, the clerk would bring this woman so brazenly into your midst. The cloaked figure pulls back its hood to reveal a tearly-eyed young woman. She has a scattering of freckles across her nose and cheeks, round brown eyes, and curls that are begrudgingly wrangled into a high bun.

> "Please forgive my intrusion. I know you are taking your well=earned rest. But truly, I am in desperate need of your aid." She turns to Ferric.

> "Father, I was saying my prayers at the Platinum House this afternoon, asking for help. When I looked up, I saw you, accompanying The Herald of the House. When I later heard that you had successfully protected the temple from teh forces of corruption and evil, I knew you were a sign that I was to be aided, and any wrongs righted." She lowers her voice.

> "May we speak privately? I assure you that my lady is one of means, and discretion is critical." Tearily, the girl pulls up a seat at your table. She tries to look around without being obvious, slightly scandalized. Her eyes get rounder, if such a thing were possible. She takes a shuddering breath and blinks, rapidly, trying to get her emotions under control.

> "But where are my manners. My name is Elinore de Lachinan. I am waiting gentlewoman to her royal highness Princess Suria Dwendal, consort of his Royal Highness Prince Eidys Dwendal, crown prince of the Dwendalian Empire." She sits up a little straighter, as though reminded that she represents her mistress's station.

> "When I went to m'lady's chamber yesterday morning... she was gone. GONE. No one has seen her. None but me enter her chambers in the small hours." She hiccups, and her eyes begin to fill with tears once again.

> "For now, I 've told everyone that m'lady is feeling poorly and needs to remain in her room. I've been taking meals to and from the room for two days. She hasn't returned. Those who are aware are beside ourselves with fear for her safety. > "I will not be able to keep the doctors away for much longer. But if my lady has left Zadash... or worse, been taken... I fear for her safety. Please, I beg of you, can you find her? Help her? Bring her back unharmed? I have but little that I can offer you in advance, but I know you will be rewarded handsomely for your aid... and your discretion."