Cedron and Raven at the River King

08 Newkolt 349 AC

“Agreed!” Cedron nods respectfully to the knight and the squire. “And a good day to you both.” As he and Raven continue their journey.

The treacherous and cold waters fall behind and the Green Knight disappears from view. Up ahead, sunlight sparkles on water, and suddenly the air echoes with splashing. A castle stands in the middle of the foaming river, built of pure white stone with six tall towers. A narrow passage leading in is not accessible from the riverbank; it seems to be flooded or perhaps made for boats.

"I would have thought that they would have fixed that by now," Raven says as he looks at the gate. "I had to swim last time."

“No need,” says Cedron as he activates his cloak. “Grab my arms and I’ll carry us across.” He says extending his arms for the elf to secure.

Raven chuckles, "I suppose I should have abandoned any thoughts of dignity upon first being dragged in to dealing with faeries. He allows Cedron to lift him into the air. As the pair crests the wall, four pixie archers pop into view, bows drawn and arrows nocked. They shout in protest, crying out, "Rumpkin! We have a breach!"

A moment later a fat black bear wearing a bright green vest over scale armor emerges atop the battlements, then shouts in Cedron and Raven's direction: “Who are you, and what business do you have at the River Court?”

“Hello there! In peace we arrive and wish to remain. I am the Minstrel of Progress and I travel with Master Sugar Plum. We come to share words and receive the wisdom of the River King.” says Cedron directly to the green vested steward.

The bear snorts, "Do not move. I will be right down. Archers, ensure they remain in compliance." The bear turns and shuffles out of sight, emerging from a door about a minute later. Rumpkin beckons to Cedron and Raven from the a sandy riverbank inside the courtyard. A tall tree stands in the center of the lawn that runs the edge of the sand to the row of buildings that stand against the interior of the courtyard wall. Numerous faeries bustle about, paying no mind (or at least seeming to pay no mind) to Cedron, Raven, or Rumpkin.

A pair of double doors on a building on the exact opposite side of the tree swing open and two figures emerge. The first is a handsome, well-clothed satyr with a trimmed and styled goatee emerges, carrying a glass decanter filled with red liquid. Rumpkin opens his mouth and begins to drool. He briefly drops to all fours and takes a few steps forward, "Hullo, Caias! Is that bottle your latest vintage?"

The satyr walks side-by-side with a lean, silver-haired figure clad in armor that glints like fish scales. Raven stiffens almost imperceptibly when this gray-skinned sidhe comes into view but puts on a relaxed air as he starts walking an intercept course with the new arrivals.

The armored figure smiles and bows mockingly, "We meet again so soon, Sugar Plum Fairy. I thought you were avoiding me after our Yuletide meeting."

Cedron—Observes.

His eyes capture the nuances of expression. His keen ears tune into changes of breath and rhythm of expression between Raven and the lean figure.

He breathes in deeply, and bows respectfully in exchange. Cedron’s eyes fixated on the sidhe. ”Greetings. I am the Minstrel of Progress. To whom do I have the honor?”

A smile splits the gray sidhe's face but no warmth reaches his eyes. "Greetings, Minstrel of Progress. I am Sir Ljion, a humble knight in the service of the River King. I am somewhat surprised that my reputation hasn't preceded me. Just this past Yuletide, your Sugar Plum companion declined to face me in battle." Sir Ljion pauses, "Ooooh, perhaps he was too ashamed to admit his cowardice."

The satyr standing beside the sidhe knight, waves his free hand, shooing away a pair of bees. "THIS is the cowardly knave, you say? I must admit, from your description, I thought he would appear much more feeble."

Raven bristles, his hand straying toward his sword. Cedron notices that it is Thorgrim, not Nightwatcher, its cold iron blade being especially painful to faeriekind.

Ljion notices the move as well and smiles, "Oh, come now. It would be a shame if something untoward were to happen here, not this close to the River King's court. Whoever it is... pardon, whatever reason you have for coming here would surely be imperiled if that were to occur. My lord, Ulorian, would take such an incident... as a personal affront."

Cedron nods in recognition of the greeting, but remains stoic in expression. “I have known Master Sugar Plum for many moons and days past. He is many things, but a coward is not one of them. You should be grateful for his restraint Sir Ljion, and the honor he shows the River King by not unsheathing his blade in response to your childish taunts. Now if we’re done with pleasantries and juvenile quips, be a good knight in service to your king, and escort us to him.”

Ljion smiles and Cedron can see the actual, vibrant joy behind the eyes of this dark fae, "I think not, for I have another, more pressing duty to attend. But, I shall take you to the entrance to his castle. Right this way, if you please." Ljion and the Satyr lead the two adventurers to a moat. The drawbridge is currently up. A wooden post has been driven deep into the ground beside the landing for the drawbridge. A bell atop the post is rung and what appears to be a bullywug in plate armor pokes his head over the top of the wall on the far side.

The frog croaks, "Allo! Who is eet?"

Ljion bows to Cedron and then to Raven, "Minstrel, Sugar Plum, I am sure we will meet again soon. Come, Caias, Let us away." The satyr nods, shoos another bee with an absent wave of his hand, and bids Cedron and Raven, "A good day," before falling in beside the knight and taking a drink from his bottle.

“A good farewell then, Sir Ljion. May we better be when we next meet," replies the Minstrel of Progress. “Come now my friend, let’s go forth and speak to the King.” says Cedron.

“Hello there!” Cedron says to the bullywug in plate, “I am the Minstrel of Progress and this is Master Sugar Plum. We seek word with the River King!” announces the minstrel-priest.

"This ees zee castle of zee River King. Why should he want to see you?" The frog's throat sac inflates, dramatically amplifying the volume of the question to an almost painful level.

Cedron leans over to Master Sugar Plum “Good question. Why would this River King want to see us? Please tell me he owes you a favor.”

Raven thinks for a second, clears his throat and announces, "Tell your lord that the Witchlight Monarch is at his door."

The frog lets out a slow ribbit followed by a "One moment" and vanishes from view. A few seconds later the drawbridge begins to rattle open.