"Oh, from the Forest Band?" Valerie replies in a tone of polite interest, entering the study.
"Yes, a diplomat of sorts. He sends regards from Harfor."
"I see." Valerie pauses, adjusting a ring on her finger. "Have you thought any more about our strategy regarding Lord Amvion's proposals? I imagine this dignitary will wish to discuss the negotiations."
"Yes, a diplomat of sorts. He sends regards from Harfor."
"I see." Valerie pauses, adjusting a ring on her finger. "Have you thought any more about our strategy regarding Lord Amvion's proposals? I imagine this dignitary will wish to discuss the negotiations."
"Yes, I will send another letter today informing him of our guest and beginning the conversation on convincing the Shadow Kingdom."
"I see." Valerie pauses, adjusting a ring on her finger. "Have you thought any more about our strategy regarding Lord Amvion's proposals? I imagine this dignitary will wish to discuss the negotiations."
"Yes, I will send another letter today informing him of our guest and beginning the conversation on convincing the Shadow Kingdom."
"I see. Well, if you'll excuse me, I must be going; I need to write to my niece and assure her her son is still alive, before she starts panicking again."
"I see. Well, if you'll excuse me, I must be going; I need to write to my niece and assure her her son is still alive, before she starts panicking again."
"Of course, of course. It must be a terrible burden on your family. Hopefully we can reach a solution soon."
"I see. Well, if you'll excuse me, I must be going; I need to write to my niece and assure her her son is still alive, before she starts panicking again."
"Of course, of course. It must be a terrible burden on your family. Hopefully we can reach a solution soon."
"Indeed. Good Day, then, Lord Urbien." Valerie goes to the door, exits the room and departs towards her quarters with her entourage, giving the slightest of nods to her maid once they are out of sight of Urbien's door. After they have turned several corners and mounted a short flight of stairs, the maid slips away, heading to the main courtyard. Once there, the young woman blends in with the castle servants, moving innocuously around the citadel, searching for the visiting dignitary.
"Of course, of course. It must be a terrible burden on your family. Hopefully we can reach a solution soon."
"Indeed. Good Day, then, Lord Urbien." Valerie goes to the door, exits the room and departs towards her quarters with her entourage, giving the slightest of nods to her maid once they are out of sight of Urbien's door. After they have turned several corners and mounted a short flight of stairs, the maid slips away, heading to the main courtyard. Once there, the young woman blends in with the castle servants, moving innocuously around the citadel, searching for the visiting dignitary.
"Good day, Lady Valerie."
After some searching, the maid is able to catch a glimpse of a figure dressed in dark green and black armor that is clearly out of place here. Following, she sees a man accompanied by two of Lord Urbien's servants, who currently lead him around the castle.
"Indeed. Good Day, then, Lord Urbien." Valerie goes to the door, exits the room and departs towards her quarters with her entourage, giving the slightest of nods to her maid once they are out of sight of Urbien's door. After they have turned several corners and mounted a short flight of stairs, the maid slips away, heading to the main courtyard. Once there, the young woman blends in with the castle servants, moving innocuously around the citadel, searching for the visiting dignitary.
"Good day, Lady Valerie."
After some searching, the maid is able to catch a glimpse of a figure dressed in dark green and black armor that is clearly out of place here. Following, she sees a man accompanied by two of Lord Urbien's servants, who currently lead him around the castle.
The maid tails them from just enough of a distance to avoid suspicion, keeping her head low and acting as if she were running errands. She continues to follow them for the remainder of the tour, noting the man's appearance and keeping an ear out for any conversation they might have not pertaining to the castle.
Lady Valerie, meanwhile, returns to her desk and hastily writes another letter, which she hands to one of the servants who travelled to the castle with her. The man quickly makes his way to the stables, taking a horse and galloping away through the gates.
After some searching, the maid is able to catch a glimpse of a figure dressed in dark green and black armor that is clearly out of place here. Following, she sees a man accompanied by two of Lord Urbien's servants, who currently lead him around the castle.
The maid tails them from just enough of a distance to avoid suspicion, keeping her head low and acting as if she were running errands. She continues to follow them for the remainder of the tour, noting the man's appearance and keeping an ear out for any conversation they might have not pertaining to the castle.
Lady Valerie, meanwhile, returns to her desk and hastily writes another letter, which she hands to one of the servants who travelled to the castle with her. The man quickly makes his way to the stables, taking a horse and galloping away through the gates.
The conversation seems deliberately bland, and the servants deflect any prying questions the man asks. They bring up the good qualities of Lord Urbien multiple times.
The maid tails them from just enough of a distance to avoid suspicion, keeping her head low and acting as if she were running errands. She continues to follow them for the remainder of the tour, noting the man's appearance and keeping an ear out for any conversation they might have not pertaining to the castle.
Lady Valerie, meanwhile, returns to her desk and hastily writes another letter, which she hands to one of the servants who travelled to the castle with her. The man quickly makes his way to the stables, taking a horse and galloping away through the gates.
The conversation seems deliberately bland, and the servants deflect any prying questions the man asks. They bring up the good qualities of Lord Urbien multiple times.
After some time, the maid concludes she is unlikely to hear anything of note, and returns to Lady Valerie to report this.
The conversation seems deliberately bland, and the servants deflect any prying questions the man asks. They bring up the good qualities of Lord Urbien multiple times.
After some time, the maid concludes she is unlikely to hear anything of note, and returns to Lady Valerie to report this.
