>>5190492>>5190554>>5190564You sit next to Alys as the business of the tavern livens up. It's about the time most in the city would begin seeking to drink off the day's toil. The others are, of course, attending Alkaign as he reports to the Emperor. But you hate ceremony, and Emperor Albrecht had ever been cold to you and disdainful of your northern origin. As such you found elsewhere to be. There is a far off look on her fair face as she cradles a thick ale in one hand, her crimson braid falling out of the dark hood she keeps up habitually even indoors. You note, not for the first time, that Alys is effortlessly beautiful. Even obscured, even uncleansed after a long travel, her elegance radiates.
"Will, you're not with the others? Can't say I'm surprised." She smirks as she snarks at you, as she is wont to do. You don't correct her about the nickname, she is a princess after all. "My Lady, I feel I would be unwelcome at the palace just now. But I have never once felt unwelcome at your side." She smiles graciously and motions for you to sit next to her. The tavern keeper deftly slides an ale to you to match Alys'. You take a swig and grunt at the appreciable quality of the brew before speaking. "I am more surprised by your own absence. Surely you would be welcome before your own father?" She shakes her head with mirth before taking yet another sip. "If I was so welcome do you think I would willingly travel with you brutes?" Her sardonic grin is enchanting. "No, I am here for the very same reason as you. Father would be discomforted by the presence of his wayward daughter." There is real sadness in her eyes as she says this, and you wish futilely you could wipe it away. Alys has been a boon companion to you these last few years, her wit and sardonic approach a counterweight to the sometimes over serious demeanor of the others. Not to mention her knifework, which to your practiced eyes borders on the supernatural.
"Anyway Will, I wanted to say, before Brother is made Emperor, we-" The door to the tavern bursts open and a guardsman in tattered armor stumbles in. "Lord Campbell! Lady Alys! Come quick! The throne is under threat! Lord Alkaign sent me, he is still in combat!" Alys looks to you with a shocked expression, clearly anxious for her father and brother.
You:
> Press for details, no fight should be fought with bad intelligence> Go at once with Alys, your oath demands no less> Gather more men, whatever the threat, overwhelming force will end it 