When there’s a knock on the front door of the house, Astrid doesn’t even notice it. She’s too busy pooking away on projects down in the workshop. It’s only after Charles calls down that there’s a visitor that she stops what she’s doing and goes up to see who it is: a courier.

“Ah, Miss Stormstone,” the courier says with a polite bow. “I have a summons for both you and a Mister Wolfe.” With that, he presents one neatly pressed envelope with a wax seal to her with both hands. Astrid, who has a grease stain on her face, takes the envelope with a dirty glove, smudging up the perfect surface.

“What’s a summons?” she asks, opening the envelope and pulling out the letter inside. Apparently, a summons is a polite way of telling someone they must be somewhere. In this case, it’s a court meeting in Thorock, and her attendance is being requested by Count Thadda. Man, this handwriting is too fancy.

She notices the courier still standing there. “Oh, sorry, um, d’ya need somethin’ else?” she asks.

“Is Mister Wolfe home? I should like to deliver his summons as well,” the courier says with an awkward but polite smile. It takes some convincing, but eventually the courier hands the second letter over to Astrid and bids her farewell. Astrid scratches her head and goes to give the letter to Blue Raspberry. Blue Raspberry’s letter also congratulates them on their accomplishments and recognition.

---

It doesn’t take long for either of them to decide that they have no idea what to do about the summons to arrive at Iron Keep in Thorock in a few days’ time, so they take to the streets of Sky Peak to seek out the man who invited them: Count Thadda.

“Mister Count Thadda,” Astrid says once they’re finally able to meet him. “We don’t really know what this is all about.” She holds up the letter with a quizzical expression.

“It’s a summons for Court,” he says simply, raising an eyebrow. If anything, the golden-eyed Count figured at least Wolfe would have some idea of what that is considering the blue-haired man’s age and knightly stature.

“Right, but… what is that?”

“Court is a gathering of the country’s leadership and nobility to discuss politics,” he explains.

Politics? Astrid doesn't feel like that's something they should be involved in considering she's 12 and Blue Raspberry is an ooze. "Sounds borin'," she says childishly. 

Thadda can't help chuckling at that. “It can be. You two have made names for yourselves, and I think this is a good opportunity for you to meet the other leaders. Besides, we should recognize your accomplishments.” In some aspect, Thadda takes a bit of pride in what his two residents have done for not only Sky Peak, but Dragon’s Cradle. The citizens feel more secure overall, and there’s a certain air of peace which is not common in the hazardous region.

“So, in five days’ time, join me in Thorock. Bring your best clothes. If it turns out you don’t have anything fitting, I’ll arrange something for you both when we’re in Thorock.”

“We can’t just wear our armor?” Astrid asks. When Thadda chuckles at this, she frowns, giving the man an extremely pursed-lip pout.

The amused smile doesn’t leave the dark-skinned Thadda’s face. “If only. Though some knights attend Court in armor. I suppose if you wore something similar, you might get away with it.” He doesn’t mean to put down Astrid’s current armor set. Clearly, it works for the girl, but it’s not a matching set at all. Wolfe’s set is well-maintained and clearly belongs together. “Typically arriving in armor means you’re ready for a fight, and Baan won’t take that as kindly as I might. How about you dress nicely for your first introduction?”

“We’re bringin’ our armor anyway,” Astrid says adamantly. Last time she did something that should’ve been simple without her armor, she got a few new scars.

“Very well, just don’t wear it to Court session. I will see you in a few days. Bring your summons with you.”

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Quest Name: Time for court
Reward: +10 Security for selected Region (+10 more if your home region)
Chapter: One
Description: The most boring part of politics is, well, the politics. While most people like helping by being out in the field, it is just as important to attend court. Now as a notable member of your region, people vale your opinion, giving you the chance to speak for the higher ups of the region. You can detail this however you like, attending a session of court, sitting on a council or making a speech at a dinner party. You are free to explore your creativity with this one.
Requirements:
Requires exactly two people (you and one other, if the other participant does not qualify, they will not gain the reward)
You must make at least 5 post to complete the mission with each post being at least 200 words
Must participate in a social activity with members of the region
Once you complete this mission, you have completed this quest and may turn in the mission
Can be repeated for a different region

Dragon’s Cradle leaders: talesofcharon.proboards.com/post/11245
Thadda's color: f07d40

Blue Raspberry was excited when Astrid read them their letter saying they'd become a digniberry, just like her! Count Thadda must have really liked the work they did at the farm and building that new place in town. Now they were being recognized as... what exactly was a dignitary? Well, it sounded like it was just someone who did stuff for people like Count Thadda, which Blue was pretty much already doing since they went along with Astrid to do that stuff anyways. Now they were just being recognized.

Blue is pretty quiet during the conversation with Count Thadda, not really having anything to add to the conversation. Not being allowed to wear their armor was annoying. They liked wearing their armor most of the time and thought it looked really nice. Astrid polished it really well for them and it all matched. They thought about just wearing it anyways, but they didn't want to cause any trouble. They'd just have to make some nice clothing. They took a good look at Count Thadda's outfit. Is this what they were supposed to wear?

---

When the time for court finally came a few days later, they arrived in Thorock after a quick flight. They packed all their armor and weapons away in the ooze's stomach and wore their best clothing. Blue wore a simple white dress shirt under a fine blue vest, matching blue pants and bow tie, and nice leather boots. The ooze had tried to wear their wolf onesie that Cantio had made for them. Of course this was their best clothing, it was handmade and it looked like the coolest animal! But, Astrid had stopped them. The ooze just didn't understand clothing.

Luckily, Cantio's been to Court as a bard before, so they made use of his knowledge and expertise on proper Court attire. Their tiefling father ensured they both had perfectly tailored, well-made, while also comfortable outfits for their debut. Astrid insisted on keeping at least one piece of armor on her, so Cantio managed to tailor a dress that uses her cuirass for a corset and incorporates her gauntlets into the sleeves. Below her somewhat poofy skirt, she's able to hide her greaves. This allows the kid to look perfectly formal while still keeping the comfort of protection at all times. 

For Blue Raspberry, they didn't find it as necessary as the ooze can simply don and doff their armor at a moment's notice, but Cantio would make any adjustments for them as they wanted. 

When they finally reconvene with Thadda in Thorock, the man gives an impressed nod. He himself is dressed in a fitted suit of oranges and golds that has a coattail; it conveniently hides his own leather cuirass. Overall, they seem to have found a good compromise between protection and formality. 

"Excellent job," he says with a congratulatory smile. "You clean up nicely."

"Yeah, well, me da's been ta fancy events a few times, an' he's real good at costumes," Astrid says proudly.

Thadda tilts his head a bit, a confused furrow on his brow. "Did he not join you?" 

"Well.... he wasn't on the invite, an' we didn't know if he could. Besides, he trusts us. Gave us a bit of a rundown on what Court looks like though!" she says, putting her fists on her hips and giving a bit smile. In the last few days, Cantio did his best to give them a quest lesson Court etiquette, but it was mostly from memory, and he honestly didn't expect either of them to remember everything. Something about bowing and being polite or something? 

"Perhaps I should meet him," Thadda says, turning to look at their destination: Iron Keep. "That's a discussion for later. Come along." With that, he starts walking through the gray streets of Thorock. The atmosphere here feels a bit oppressive compared to Sky Peak. Buildings are all similar in shape and size and seem to loom over travelers and block out the sky. Guards escort the group, and they present invitations before being let into the castle that rules over the city. The interior is lit more warmly by torches in sconces, but decorations are limited to military regalia, flags, and banners. 

They're eventually led into a room lined with columns and more banners and filled with a few of Dragon's Cradle's nobility, knights, merchants, and other leaders mingling. A footman announces their arrival to the rest of the guests, then they are let free to join the rest of the guests. 

"I wonder if Mizzi made it yet..." Thadda muses, taking a flute of champagne offered to him by a server. 

"Thanks!" Blue replied happily. They didn't know what exactly they'd cleaned up, but Cantio had explained it was polite to accept compliments rather than question them about why they were complimenting them. That could be rude in court, so they should just say thank you when someone praised them or say nothing at all.

Court was apparently a place where everyone had to act proper and dignified and if anyone did anything wrong, they'd become ostrich sized, or something like that. That included not dressing nicely enough, so Cantio had made sure Blue and Astrid both looked really nice. He said it was "Drip or die" in the courtroom. He then had to explain to Blue that that meant being dressed well and not actually dripping wet.

Blue looked around at all the nobles and important people scattered around talking to each other as they also took a wine flute offered by a server like Count Thadda had. They thought the best way to act all dignified would probably be to just copy him. As they looked around, the ooze suddenly spotted someone interesting in the crowd. There was someone who was allowed to keep their armor on! Were they a real knight? Did they get special permission to keep their armor on or something? Were they allowed to keep it on because they're a knight? Blue wanted to go over and talk to them, but they had to remember to be dignified.

Blue looked to Count Thadda and asked him a question in the most polite and refined way they could think of. They tapped the Count on the shoulder and looked toward the knight. "Who's that?"

Count Thadda followed their line of sight until he also spotted the knight amongst the crowd. "Ah, yes. That would be a Knight of Tegrid here to oversee the proceedings." He explained simply before continuing to look around for Mizzi.

"Knight of Tegrid...?" Blue mumbled to himself quietly.

Astrid follows Blue Raspberry's gaze to view the knight in question. Their armor is really interesting. Rather than perfectly polished, it appears to have been matte painted to look like rocks, imitating the mountains of Dragon's Cradle. The shapes of the armor appear as if they're not pristine, perfect edges and instead imitate the rocks with an almost lumpy appearance. At least, that's what she can see from afar. Astrid definitely wants to get closer.

“What’s a Knight of Tegrid?” she asks, looking over at Thadda.

Pulled away from his search for the gnome Mizzi, Thadda looks at Blue and Astrid, seeing them both interested in the special guest that is the knight. “Ah, the Knight of Tegrid are a knighthood order from Moonglade. Most are nomadic in a sense, and they’re good mediators to call upon for settling disputes. I presume that’s why they’ve been called here today, to oversee a dispute of some sort.”

“Oh, that’s cool! Can we talk to them?” she asks.

“I’m sure we can arrange that,” Thadda says simply. His brow arches as he finally spots Mizzi. “Ah, there she is.”

Now that a few minglers moved, the gnome is much easier to spot. She looks a bit awkward and uncomfortable in the courtly fashion, pulling at the collar around her neck before she seems to get tired of it and unbuttons it to free herself of its hold. Then she grips the flute of champagne in her hand and downs the whole thing before calling over a server to bring her a new glass.

“I wouldn’t call her the most dignified,” Thadda remarks. “But I think you’ll both get along with her fine. Mizzi!” The Count walks across the room with Astrid and Blue Raspberry in tow. “Good to see you made it safely. I’d like to introduce you to our newest dignitaries, Astrid Stormstone and Wolfe.”

Mizzi turned to see Thadda, glancing past him to regard Astrid and Wolfe with a nod and a grin before looking back to Thadda and holding out a hand silently. Thadda clearly understood as he returned the gesture, grabbing her hand in his. The sequence of movements and grasps that followed was too quick and complex for either Astrid or Blue to be able to follow along with and lasted longer than anyone would have expected. When they were finally finished, they stood back to back breathing heavily, but looking happy. 

"Yo! Nice ta meet ya! Mizzi Bell, leader of Stormgale Village." The Gnome suddenly stepped forward and gave Astrid a slap on the shoulder and Wolfe a slap on the elbow, the highest part of the knight she could reach.

Blue Raspberry was still in a mix of awe and confusion about what just happened. They were suddenly snapped out of their daze by the smack on the elbow and looked down at the smiling, still slightly heavy breathing Gnome.

"Uh, hi. Wolfe, nice to meet you. Um. What was all that?"

"Oh, that? Just a secret handshake between Thad and me! So, you two are new dignitaries? Must be doin' some good work, aye? Not a lotta new dignitaries around here!"

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Mizzi d96e9b

Astrid did not expect to see an elaborate handshake nor to be so casually slapped on the shoulder by someone she's never met. Honestly, she kind of appreciates it. It helps her loosen up a bit. She grins a little at Mizzi. "Secret handshake, huh?" she asks, then she looks at Blue. "Maybe we should make up one of those! It looks fun!"

Mizzi laughs a bit. "Good thing ta have when you're workin' around folks ya can't always trust," she says. "All the magics in the world, ya never know who could impersonate someone ya do trust." That kind of thing never really occurred to Astrid, but then again, no one's ever impersonated someone she cares about before. 

"Plus they bring a bit of life to drab events like this," Thadda adds, taking up a more prim stance as he smugly sips on his champagne. 

"Well, it's nice ta meet ya, Miss Mizzi," Astrid says, offering a hand to shake normally. Mizzi looks at her hand and claps it frontside then backside casually, leaving Astrid somewhat perplexed. 

"Nice ta meet ya too, kid," Mizzi says, taking a deep glug of her champagne. "Wait, kid. Thadda, ya brought a kid ta Court? You're both dignitaries??" 

"Aye, I'm a proper adventurer doin' good work with Wolfe!" Astrid says, putting her fist against her breastplate. 

Mizzi looks her up and down then Wolfe. "Damn, I need to get back on my game. Can't be outdone by a kid. Who's your tailor, huh? Get me on that train. I wanna wear armor in Court. Baan'll hate it, but fu-" Mizzi stops suddenly, seeing a heavy-browed dwarven man approaching them. "Speak of the leader of Thorock, and he shall appear!" She flings her arms open wide to greet him with some amount of friendliness. 

Baan didn't return the friendliness that Mizzi showed at all. On the contrary, his demeanor was rather hostile.

"Mizzi. Thadda. I see you've arrived." Was all the greeting he offered the two before his eyes were locked onto Astrid with a disapproving and mistrustful glare. He clearly didn't approve of the Half Dwarf's outfit, particularly the armor being worn to a court meeting in his domain. He took it as a threat.

Count Thadda stepped forward to try to diffuse the tension. This was what he'd been afraid of and tried to prevent when advising the two not to wear their armor to the meeting. "Baan, these are Sky Peak Village's two newest and most promising dignitaries, Astrid Stormstone and Wolfe. I brought them with me today to meet you and Mizzi, and to get some firsthand experience in politics for the first time."

Baan spared a glance for Wolfe, the weird blue-haired man that he hadn't thought much of when he'd come over. So he was a new dignitary working under Count Thadda. That was understandable. What he was stuck on and a bit angry about was the child standing before him and so daringly wearing armor.

"The court room is no place for a child prancing around in her daddy's armor."

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Baan adc880

At first Astrid’s face scrunches up in a bit of an offended pout, but then it quickly subsides into a smile, similar to one she might give to Morrigan Moonweaver. She’s been underestimated plenty of times before, and almost every time has been by dwarves. Cantio’s advice plays back in her head to avoid returning hostility with more hostility. In all honesty, Cantio could be a pushover and let people walk all over him, but she clearly remembers the tiefling letting out a clever string of insults in a tavern. Now isn’t the place for that, so instead, Astrid’s just sweet.

She extends a hand, offering it to Baan. “Nice ta meet ya, Mister Baan,” Astrid says with a toothy grin. “Astrid Stormstone at yer service.”

“At least ye have manners,” Baan grumbles, shaking her hand as a formality if nothing else. “Next time, don’t enter my court playing dress up.” From under his brow, Baan eyes the girl. Dwarvish name, but horns? A halfie. Disgusting. He can't recall hearing that clan name recently. They must be impoverished.

“Well, this ain’t me da’s armor,” Astrid says sweetly, shaking his hand before pulling hers back. Time for a polite correction, something to remind him that she earned her place here as much as anyone else. She recalls the story Cantio told her before they went questing to find it. “It’s the armor of Knight Commander Faris Kurunu, knight mage of the ancient King Ramaal Alzaman. I found it in a tomb with me da a few months ago. Since then it's helped keep me safe fightin' a dragon, winnin' a tournament in The Pits, gettin' inta the Fighter's Guild, and of course, doin' a lotta good fer Dragon's Cradle.”

Baan looks the girl up and down, losing some of his composure and slipping into old dwarvish habits. “T’ain’t proper fer a girl te be wearin’ armor in the courtroom,” he says, hiding a sneer under his beard.

Mizzi hooks her arm around Astrid’s neck, pulling the girl down a bit as the gnome shakes her champagne glass playfully at Baan. “Ya aren’t scared of a little girl, are ya, Baan?” she teases. Though, after everything Astrid rattled off, maybe he should be. “These two caught Thadda’s eye, and ya know he’s hard ta impress. You’re not too unmovin’ that you wouldn’t give them a chance to prove themselves, are ya?”

Baan does little to hide his annoyance at Mizzi's provocations, scowling and grumbling, his brow furrowed as he glared daggers. He doesn't take such an insult lightly. His ego wouldn't allow such a small, insignificant indignity to go unpunished.

"Afraid? Not at all. In fact," He turned to Thadda. "Why don't they act as the co-representatives of Sky Peak Village today in your place? You want them to gain plenty of experience in the courtroom, don't you? This is a perfect opportunity. If they've really managed to impress you, this shouldn't be a problem at all. I'm sure they'll prove themselves quite something."

Baan didn't wait for any rebuttal and turned immediately to walk away, leaving Count Thadda standing with his mouth open for a moment, not sure what the hell just happened. When his mind finally caught up, he looked down at Mizzi who just shrugged up at him.

"Well, looks like you two are moving up in the world! Co-representatives! Good job!" She cheerily clapped them both on the shoulder and elbow again with a smile while Thadda put a hand to his face in irritation. He let out a sigh of resignation.

"This is far more experience for you two than I was hoping for in your first court meeting..."

Normally, Astrid might be kind of annoyed to be put in a position she’s not ready for by someone she just met. However, there’s a bit of spite welling up within her that makes her want to do a good job. This Baan guy did just kind of walk up and immediately think lowly of her. Playing dress up! HAH! As if Cantio could wear this armor. He could barely lift it when they found it! If she wanted to dress up like her dad, Astrid’s outfit would be significantly more flamboyant, but she gets the feeling that wouldn’t go over well here either.

“Well, that ain’t what I was expectin’, but I don’t s’pose there’s anythin’ we can really do about it, huh?” she asks, looking over at the exasperated Thadda. “Guess we’ll hafta just prove him wrong like lotsa other folks.”

“That’s the spirit!” Mizzi says, peeling herself away from the girl with a laugh. “Oh, I like her, Thadda. Feisty little one, isn’t she? What about you, Wolfe? Do you know how to do battle in Court? Ready to learn?” The gnome’s ears seem to flick with excitement as a grin crosses her scarred face.

"Do battle in court? Sure! I'm really good at fighting!" Blue replied confidently, putting their fists on their waist and giving Mizzi an excited smile. Now a fight sounded way more exciting than listening to some old people talk! If they were going to battle, would they be allowed to put their armor on? They could fight without it, they'd done it before, but they didn't want to mess up the fancy clothes Cantio made for them this time like their wolf onesie.

"Ha! This one's funny! Where'd you find these two, Thadda?" Mizzi laughed, slapping Thadda repeatedly on the thigh with one hand on her stomach. Thadda just smiled as his thigh was assaulted, trying not to let any pain show on his face, but the repeated strikes from the little fighter were nothing to brush off.

Blue looked at Astrid in confusion, not thinking they'd said anything funny.

"Well, let's get you two ready for Court. We don't have much time, so we should start right away. Let's find a private room." Thadda hurriedly said as he moved away from Mizzi and grabbed Wolfe by one shoulder while placing a hand on top of Astrid's head to lead them away from the mingling to somewhere they could get in some quick lessons before the proceedings began.

With a few basics from a buzzed Mizzi and a sterner Thadda, Astrid and Blue Raspberry listen to the short lecture about what to expect. Mizzi complains of how boring Court can be, and Thadda agrees though with some reluctance. It’s a necessary formality to keep things running as smoothly as they can, even if there’s a petty rivalry on Baan’s end. They both make it clear that Court proceedings in their home territories are often less uptight and handled quite swiftly, but Baan’s need for control makes things follow very specific processes.

Eventually, they exit into the throne room for the proceedings. Normally, Astrid and Blue might sit amongst nobles or dignitaries as simple witnesses, but Baan’s ruling would stand, so the two of them sit in front of Thadda and beside Mizzi. Today’s trial surrounds a man accused of conspiring against the Baan’s crown as part of The Court’s Council, which Thadda explains is a group that operates in Thorock’s lower rings that opposes Baan’s leadership. While the Count doesn’t go into much more detail, he does explain some of the reasonings that The Court’s Council operates under the guise of supporting the lower class, he doesn’t give an opinion on them one way or another. Perhaps that’s to protect himself in a situation where eyes are upon him and his new proteges.

Throughout the trial, Baan comes across as unreasonable, at least to Astrid. He’s stern, accusatory, and interrupts the defendant. In her mind, she’s treating the accused as a child. These are things that have happened to her. She stirs irritably in her seat.

Blue's impression of Baan is similarly negative as Astrid's. He seems like a real big jerk and Blue doesn't like him at all. The Court's Council sounds like much better people, protecting the lower class and not being so pushy and controlling. Of course, Blue didn't say anything out loud. Cantio told them to not talk unless addressed in the court room since interrupting someone would be a faux paw, which was a bad thing. Eventually though, they just couldn't stop themself.

Blue bent close to Astrid to whisper in her ear. "Wow, what a jerk."

Unfortunately, their comment came exactly as there was a pause in conversation. Several of the nearby members of the court clearly heard the knight's comment. Count Thadda and Mizzi definitely heard. Mizzi put a hand over her mouth to stop herself from laughing while Count Thadda put a hand to his forehead and tried not to nod in agreement. Other court members looked Blue's way. Some might have agreed, but they had the tact to not speak their thoughts out loud. Blue sat back up straight and tried to look innocent, their back straight as possible and their hands together in front of them. Woops. Maybe they shouldn't have said that out loud, but it was too late now. All they could do was hope they didn't cause anything.

Unfortunately, Baan noticed something odd happening in their section of the crowd and pointed his gavel toward them.

"Do the representatives of Sky Peak Village have something to add?" He asked accusingly, an annoyed furrow in his brow.

At first, Astrid wants to giggle at Blue's comment, but it becomes quickly apparent that all eyes are on them. She looks mortified, and with Mizzi struggling not to laugh beside her (The gnome has nearly curled herself into a ball to prevent even a squeak from escaping her lips while her body rattles.), Astrid takes a long moment to figure out what's just happened. Oh boy. Cantio warned them not to draw too much attention. 

Too bad Astrid and Blue Raspberry know no shame. 

So Astrid stands up and crosses her arms, and her gauntlets clatter softly against her breastplate when she does. "Aye, sure, I could say somethin'," she says with a bit too much sass in her voice. Mizzi nearly loses it. 

"Careful, Miss Astrid," Thadda warns in a low voice that floats through the air like the scene of freshly brewed morning coffee.

Astrid knows she could take anyone in this room, and as a child, she doesn't quite understand all the complications of speaking out of turn in the courtroom. "We were just whisperin' about the case is all," she declares. Her eyes cut to the man who's been groveling for mercy for the last few minutes. "Honestly, I dunno why yer all up in arms 'bout someone bein' involved with a group that helps the common folk. Seems ta me like yer afraid they'll come an' take yer place. I say if ya don't want that ta happen, punishin' folks when ya don't have no real solid proof of any involvement with these other people ain't gonna help folks view ya better, Mister Baan."

Before Baan can open his mouth to say anything more, Astrid continues. "Besides, this is kinda borin'. Yer just goin' around in circles."

Behind her, Thadda's expression says he's baffled and internally he agrees that this is indeed boring. Mizzi curls up over her knees to keep her laughter quiet.