Meric cleared his throat before speaking. "Actually, between Auri, Erya, and Baron Durand, we now have enough invitations for a wholly legitimate infiltration. If we needed it."
Baron Alston Durand was the nobleman whose daughter was murdered in a kidnapping gone wrong recently, a case solved by Vittorio and elaborated on during dinner by the necromancer himself. Long story short, besides the weighty reward, the grateful baron had offered to bring Vittorio along with him to the queen's banquet. As Vittorio himself had put it, Baron Durand turned out to be no ally of Ilhirel's and gladly accepted the chance to aid a cause against her.
"There are nine of us, with three invitations; two of which are diplomatic. Both Auri and Erya are entitled to the 'trusted three' custom, and even Baron Durand's ordinary invitation includes an escort. Thus Auri should take Maggie and Laurolf at least. I shall go with A'kal and Battojutsu as part of Erya's company. Vittorio accompanies the baron, so that leaves Asher and Violet who will take the stealth approach together - albeit to two different ends. That makes nine."
"I won't risk being recognized." Violet clarified. "So I'm not joining you inside. Besides, I will have work to do with my forces in securing the escape route. Fort Artan isn't going to conquer itself."
Meric nodded. "We'll go through the escape plans last. Now let's begin."
"I am coming with you." Battojutsu interjected just when Meric was about to unfold a large piece of paper on the table. The westerner was looking at Violet. "I will be put to better use with my blades in the dark of night than at a posh reception. I am a samurai of Yamatai." He said the last sentence with unhidden pride.
"If Violet doesn't mind..." Meric began, but Violet was nodding her approval already. "Fine. If anyone else objects their post, speak now. Otherwise, here's what tomorrow night will look like. On paper." Without further ado, the elf ceremoniously unfolded what appeared to be a large scroll, like a blueprint or map, for all to see. "How's that look?" he asked.
Baron Alston Durand was the nobleman whose daughter was murdered in a kidnapping gone wrong recently, a case solved by Vittorio and elaborated on during dinner by the necromancer himself. Long story short, besides the weighty reward, the grateful baron had offered to bring Vittorio along with him to the queen's banquet. As Vittorio himself had put it, Baron Durand turned out to be no ally of Ilhirel's and gladly accepted the chance to aid a cause against her.
"There are nine of us, with three invitations; two of which are diplomatic. Both Auri and Erya are entitled to the 'trusted three' custom, and even Baron Durand's ordinary invitation includes an escort. Thus Auri should take Maggie and Laurolf at least. I shall go with A'kal and Battojutsu as part of Erya's company. Vittorio accompanies the baron, so that leaves Asher and Violet who will take the stealth approach together - albeit to two different ends. That makes nine."
"I won't risk being recognized." Violet clarified. "So I'm not joining you inside. Besides, I will have work to do with my forces in securing the escape route. Fort Artan isn't going to conquer itself."
Meric nodded. "We'll go through the escape plans last. Now let's begin."
"I am coming with you." Battojutsu interjected just when Meric was about to unfold a large piece of paper on the table. The westerner was looking at Violet. "I will be put to better use with my blades in the dark of night than at a posh reception. I am a samurai of Yamatai." He said the last sentence with unhidden pride.
"If Violet doesn't mind..." Meric began, but Violet was nodding her approval already. "Fine. If anyone else objects their post, speak now. Otherwise, here's what tomorrow night will look like. On paper." Without further ado, the elf ceremoniously unfolded what appeared to be a large scroll, like a blueprint or map, for all to see. "How's that look?" he asked.