Moren's jaw dropped in surprise after watching the Queen of White Stone slap her Master hard enough to send him stumbling back a few steps.
"I deserved that," Lucius said, rubbing his sore jaw. "I figured that you were still upset with how-." He was cut off when another, more brutal slap landed across his other cheek, and he raised his hand to stop her. "Ok, I deserved that one, too."
Vexelara let out an angry huff. "You left my bed like a thief in the night and left the city without leaving a note." She snarled, her wings fluttered, and her tail swayed swiftly. "I had to hear about your departure from the staff hours later that you left while I was asleep."
Moren gave Lucius an incredulous look. "Wait, you and the Queen?" She asked, pointing back and forth between the two. "You snuck out of her bed and didn't tell her goodbye?" Moren facepalmed. "Oh, for Myzoth's sake." She shuddered at the thought of what they were doing in the Queen's bed.
"It was complicated," Lucius said, stepping back from the angry Ashborne Queen. "Look, we can hash out our past history later. Right now, I need to get it so my apprentice can stay in the city and keep your Officers from taking her head."
"Fine," Vexelara barked and turned her attention to Moren, and her personality changed from that of a scorned woman to that of a serene and kind Queen. "Hello, dear, I hear you have access to Pact Magic and that you set off the alarm at the main gate." She moved to her desk and gestured to Moren to have a seat.
"Pleased to meet you, your Majesty," Moren said with a respectful bow before taking her seat and resting her hat on her lap. "I am honored for you to take time out of your busy day to meet with us."
Vexelara smiled brightly, slashing her perfectly white teeth. "Oh, I like her," She mused before sending a scathing look at Lucius. "Seems she was raised properly and knows how to be respectful to me." Her yellow eyes grew hard as diamonds. "I'm sure she doesn't leave her bedmate alone by vanishing without a word."
Lucius groaned and dropped into the chair next to Moren. "Come on, Vex," Lucius began with a tired look on his face. "That was over five years ago. I apologize for what I did, but we have more important things to discuss now."
Vexelara let out a furious huff and sniffed with disdain at Lucius. "Moren," She said, resting her hands on her desk. "Tell me what you can about yourself, Patron, and what brings you to White Stone." Vexelara leaned back slightly in her comfortable chair to get comfortable.
Moren conveyed a look with Lucius and waited for the man to nod before explaining her life as a Heiress before she departed from Stormhaven. Moren noted that the Queen kept a stone-faced expression, minus a few twitches of her eyebrow or hands when she mentioned the planned contract to the Marquis, her parents, and the murder attempt of Mika. By the end of her tale, Moren was leaning on the arm of the chair. "All I know is that my Patron requested that I come to White Stone for something. I don't know all the details yet."
"I'm more than a little disappointed in the Marquis," Vexelara grumbled as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "I know of your parents by their reputation on a few deals they had a hand in." She studied Moren a little closer. "From what I've heard so far, you are nothing like them."
"You can thank my true Mother, Mika, for raising me right," Moren replied proudly. "I'm not looking to cause any trouble in your city, your Majesty. I just plan on being in town long enough to find out what my Patron wants and leave the city." She hoped the Queen would not force her to leave the city until she was reunited with Cayenne.
"Do you have anything to add about your apprentice, Master Darkmoon?" Vexelara asked in a neutral tone. Her eyes sparkled at the man's discomfort at being called by his title.
Lucius's response was barely a whisper, his voice laced with quiet determination. "No," he said, the weight of his words carrying more importance than any shouting could. "My apprentice's character and actions will speak for themselves." As he spoke, his eyes held a fierce determination that conveyed his unwavering belief in Moren's abilities and worth. He had no need for any further justification or explanation to the Queen.
Vexelara leaned back in her chair, interlacing her fingers and creating a steeple. The room grew tense as she sat silently for several minutes, her gaze fixed on Lucius, who remained motionless under her scrutiny. Meanwhile, Moren tried not to fidget or make any sudden movements while the Queen was lost in thought.
Vexelara finished collecting her thoughts with a calculating glint in her eyes and a subtle smile playing on her lips as she spoke. "Moren Ravenheart, I believe we can be of service to each other," she began, her tone both inviting and commanding. "After hearing of your past, the struggles you've endured, and the skills you've acquired along the way. You may have a way of navigating the shadows and understanding those often forgotten by society. And right now, White Stone has shadows in need of illumination."
Vexelara paused, watching Moren closely. "People in the poorer districts are vanishing without a trace. I need someone who can investigate these disappearances quietly, connect with the people, and uncover the truth that even my guards cannot reach. This city needs someone who's not afraid to get their hands dirty."
Leaning forward, Vexelara added, "But I offer more than just a task. In exchange for your help, I will grant you the title of Detective, a new official position within White Stone, and all the resources and support you'll need. This will give you a place here, not just as a guest, but as someone with authority, purpose, and respect."
"So, what do you say, Moren? Will you accept my offer and become White Stone's first Detective, a protector, standing for those who cannot stand for themselves? Help me solve this mystery, and the city will be yours to call home." Vexelara finished.
Lucius raises an eyebrow, glancing between Moren and Queen Vexelara, curiosity evident in his voice. "What brought this on, Your Majesty? Why do you have a sudden interest in the affairs of the poorer districts?"
Vexelara let out a measured sigh, her expression turning serious. "It's not just the poorer districts, Lucius. Two noble boys went missing last week. Their families are beside themselves, demanding answers we don't have yet. These disappearances, noble and commoner alike, have revealed a deeper and more insidious threat than we initially suspected. I've had my best Officers searching, but they have come up empty."
Vexelara's demeanor changed as she crossed her arms with a more profound expression. "In order to address this issue, I am creating a new division called the Aegis Inquiry. This unit will operate independently from the standard Officers and have the power to investigate these cases with complete discretion and authority. However, I need to assemble a team of highly qualified individuals for this task. That's why I made this offer to Moren. We can't afford to let these disappearances continue to go unchallenged."
Her eyes settled on Moren. "This is more than a mission. It's a fight to protect White Stone from whatever shadows are preying upon our people. And I trust that both of you understand the importance of uncovering the truth, no matter the cost."
Lucius leaned back slightly, his gaze sharp as he studied Vexelara. "So it's not just the forgotten souls in the slums. The two noble boys. That explains the sudden urgency." He said sarcastically. "I hate politics."
Vexelara's face softened for a moment, and there was a flicker of regret or perhaps worry in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure, her voice steady and resolute. "I know, Lucius. White Stone has always been my home, my responsibility. I have tried to ensure safety and prosperity for all its people. But when even those with privilege and protection are vulnerable, it's clear something darker is at work, and it may be something that can reach across all boundaries of wealth and status."
She drew a deep breath before continuing, her tone taking on a steely edge. "That's why I want to establish the Aegis Inquiry, a task force meant to delve into these unexplained vanishings. It's separate from the city guard and the typical bureaucracy. I need detectives with grit and intelligence who can move in and out of places without drawing attention and connect with those who might otherwise remain silent."
Vexelara turned to Moren, her eyes piercing. "The Aegis Inquiry is not just about retrieving these missing citizens. It's about confronting a creeping threat that may be rooted in our own city's underbelly or beyond our borders. I don't know what or who we are up against, but I know we need those who can see beyond the surface and aren't afraid to challenge the unknown."
She glanced back at Lucius and then to Moren, her voice lowering slightly. "These boys disappeared from right under their families' noses while out on a shopping trip. No witnesses, as if they were spirited away in the dead of night. And this is only the most recent case. Before them was a young girl from the slums, then a merchant's son. Each disappearance has been clean, methodical, leaving behind no clues but grief and fear." Her fists clench slightly, but her voice remains composed. "I can't just sit idly by and hope the answer reveals itself. This city deserves better than that, and so do its people. Noble or commoner."
Vexelara's eyes bore into Moren's with fierce intensity. "That's why I am offering you this opportunity, Moren. I need someone with a fire for justice, someone who knows what it means to fight not just for a city but for the spirit of those who call it home. Will you accept this position within the Aegis Inquiry to uncover the truth behind these disappearances and bring back some peace to White Stone?"
Moren let the Queen's words sink in as she reflected on her life and how far she had come since leaving Stormhaven. She had always dreamed of doing something to help others, whether traveling the world as an adventurer or helping those in need, like giving money to different orphanages. Her Uncle and Lucius had helped train her and taught her many valuable skills. Moren didn't know what she needed to do for her Patron, and her request could take months to complete. This would allow her to stay in the city without having the guards coming for her head. After several long moments, Moren made her decision.
"I'll do it, Your Majesty," Moren said, her voice unwavering. "If people are disappearing without a trace, then something vile must be going on." She paused for a moment to take a breath. "I know what it is like to feel lost, to have no one fight for you. I won't let that happen to the people of the city if I can help in some way."
A flicker of relief and approval crossed the Queen's face as she extended a hand to seal the pact between them. Moren clasped it firmly, feeling the weight of this new responsibility settle on her shoulders, and a spark of purpose reignited within her. "Thank you, Moren." She beamed. "Please, my friends, call me Vex."
"I swear, Your Maj-Vex," Moren says, her voice low but resolute, "I'll find those who have vanished and uncover whatever darkness is preying on White Stone. And I won't stop until I bring those responsible to justice, no matter what I find in the shadows."
Vexelara nods, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "Welcome to the Aegis Inquiry, Detective Ravenheart. May you bring light to our darkest corners." She beamed.
Moren felt a surge of determination as the title took root within her. The task seemed daunting, but she was no stranger to shadows, and if the people of White Stone needed a protector, she was ready to be exactly that.
Vexelara clapped her hands together and summoned one of her attendants. "Please bring up some food and drink." She instructed before holding up a finger. "Also, have someone get some refreshments for the guests waiting downstairs."
"Yes, Ma'am." The attendant replied before hurrying out of the room.
"Now, I need to give you this," Vexelara said, reaching into her desk and setting an object on the desk in front of her. "This will mark you as one of my Detectives and show that you are working for the city. For me."
Moren reached over and picked up a gold oval-shaped badge adorned with intricate engravings that hint at ancient magic, while the title White Stone Detective curves proudly across the top in bold letters. At the badge's center was the emblem of a raven, wings partially unfurled, symbolizing wisdom, vigilance, and silent guardianship over the city's secrets. Around the raven, mystical runes are etched into the metal, forming a protective circle that whispers of enchantments from days long past. The edges are ornate yet subtle, with delicate flourishes that give the badge a refined, almost regal appearance. "It's beautiful," She said, running a thumb over the surface.
"I am grateful, my dear," Vexelara beamed at the compliment. "It was my own creation," she declared proudly, puffing out her chest. "I wanted it to be special and pay homage to my family's illustrious past in White Stone."
"You always were creative when you wanted to be Vex," Lucius teased with a smirk. "I remember all those sketchbooks you filled up on our travels." He crossed his arms and rested his head on the back of the chair. "You have the D'Rhoswyn touch when it comes to designing guns." Lucius glanced at a few of those said weapons mounted on the wall.
"Flattery will get you nowhere with me today, Master Darkmoon," Vexelara scoffed stiffly. "After I am finished with Moren, we will have a very long discussion." She was about to say more when a knock came to her office door, and it opened a moment later to reveal that the attendant was returning with refreshments. "Ah, thank you, Maria."
Moren was in awe of trays laden with wine, ale, and a spread of savory meats, cheeses, and fresh-baked bread. The trio gathers around a small, polished table, a warm but tense atmosphere settling over them as the food and drink arrive. Moren waved her hand over the refreshments and smiled as her ring didn't react." It's clean."
"Thank you," Vexelara pours each of them a glass of rich red wine, lifting hers in a silent toast before taking a measured sip and setting it aside. Vexelara leaned forward slightly, speaking with a blend of formality and quiet confidence. "Moren, as I said earlier, your role in the Aegis Inquiry will go beyond investigating the missing. You're not just finding clues; you'll be earning the trust of those who live in White Stone. For many, you will represent authority they don't trust, and they may hide more than they reveal. I need you to be their voice, their guardian."
Moren smiled at this, raising her glass in appreciation. "Life isn't always easy, but I hope I can make a difference here." She glanced at Vexelara. "I understand the task will be arduous being an outsider, but I'm ready to earn their trust and find out what they know, even if it means getting my hands a little dirty."
Vexelara's lips curled into a faint smile, admiration evident in her eyes. "Then you're already on the right path, Detective Ravenheart. Start with the families. Listen, observe, and follow whatever trail you uncover. You have full authority under the Aegis Inquiry to act as you see fit. But remember," She added, raising her glass in another silent toast, her eyes steady as they met Moren's. "Here's to justice, the strength it requires, and those who fight for it."
They fell into a comfortable conversation as the Queen discussed her plans for her new agency and ideas for expanding it. Still, Moren's instincts noticed something when the attendants returned with fresh pitchers of wine and water. Moren's gaze narrowed as she watched the other woman closely. There was a subtle shift in the air, a heaviness that felt wrong. Moren noticed the woman's scent was completely different from earlier and that the woman's gait was off.
Moren's suspicions are confirmed as a faint, familiar vibration thrummed from the ring on her finger as a warning of poison as the attendant stopped beside her to refill the Queen's glass. Moren's eyes snap to the attendant holding a silver pitcher of wine.
Moren's body moved on instinct, rising from her seat in one swift motion. "Stay back!" She growled sharply, her hand reaching out to block Lucius and Vexelara from the attendant's path.
The woman faltered, a look of surprise flickering across her face, but Moren's attention was fixed on the pitcher. "What's in that?" Moren demands, her voice cold and commanding.
The attendant hesitates, eyes widening as she realizes she's been caught. But before she can react further, Moren lunges forward, knocking the pitcher from the woman's grasp. The vessel crashes to the ground, splattering a dark, viscous liquid across the floor. It reeks of something foul and unmistakably wrong, a scent that made Lucius flinch.
Vexelara stood up, her face a mask of anger. "Explain yourself!" she demanded, but the attendant didn't answer; instead, a look of disgust marred the fake Maria's face.
"Die!" 'Marie' snarled and moved to lunge for Queen
Moren blocked the woman's path and sent the would-be assassin flying from a powerful telekinetic burst. Moren watched the woman slam hard into the wall and crumple to the ground, with a few paintings and knickknacks falling to the ground as well. Moren's gaze was fixed on the woman. "Who sent you?" she demanded, but the assassin remained silent.
Lucius cut his hand and quickly bound that assassin with his hemocraft. "Guards!" He barked and moved to stand beside his apprentice. "Nice job, Moren." He said, sniffing the air. "Basilisk venom."
Moren let out a rumbling growl and knelt to inspect the woman as she struggled against her Master's magical bindings. "I noticed her scent was different, and my ring tipped me off to the poison." She raised her hand before spotting a gold ring on the woman's left pinkie finger. "This looks to be pretty expensive for an attendant." Moren removed the gold ring from the woman's finger, feeling a subtle hum of magic dissipate when it left her hand.
In an instant, the woman's appearance began to shift, her form shimmering as the illusion faded away. Her pale skin deepens to a rich, golden hue, her hair softening to blonde strands, and her closed eyes reveal a hint of blue under the lids. The attendant's disguise faded, revealing a young High Elf woman in her place, dressed in simple garments that now seemed out of place in the royal chamber.
Vexelara's eyes widen with recognition and intrigue. "A High Elf? Here, under disguise," she murmured, casting a look at Moren. "This is no ordinary threat. Whoever sent her has powerful magic at their disposal." She watched the door to her office fly open as her Royal Guards rushed inside. "Detain her!"
The Royal Guards jumped into action and snapped magic-suppressing cuffs on the woman's wrists, and called for more guards.
Commander Thunderbearer arrived a few moments later and took command of the chaos. "Are you ok, Your Majesty?" She asked after getting a brief report from one of the guards.
"I'm fine," Vexelara replied, waving off the Commander's concern. "Thankfully, I had two Veilborn Hunters in my office to stop the attempt on my life."
Lucius studied the woman with a mix of suspicion and concern. His voice was quiet but edged like drawn steel. "What is a High Elf doing here in White Stone, posing as one of your own attendants?" His eyes shifted to Moren, dark and searching. "And why go to the trouble of slipping poison into the Queen's refreshments… with us still in the room?"
The chamber fell into a heavy silence, broken only by the distant toll of the tide bell from the harbor.
It wasn't a secret that High Elves were rarely seen beyond Stahlheim, their presence in foreign courts treated with the same suspicion as spies. Especially now, with the war between Stahlheim and the wizard nation of Iron Spire escalating in both scope and brutality. For a member of their kind to appear here, uninvited, unannounced, and armed with toxins, could mean more than just a personal betrayal.
Moren's expression was solemn as she thought for a moment before speaking. "Someone gave her access to this room, close enough to strike at the Queen. I'd wager they didn't expect us to be here today." She pocketed the ring to inspect later, a piece of evidence that might hold more clues. Moren planned on having Veska inspect it when they found the time. She searched the woman to find an empty vial in her pocket; she guessed the poison had been in there. Moren was surprised the assassin didn't have any weapons on her in case things went wrong.
Just then, the High Elf woman stirred, her eyelids fluttering. Moren took a steadying breath, preparing herself for answers or, more likely, a fight. She crouched down, her voice calm but firm. "You're not going anywhere. Who sent you?" She asked as the guards prepared to jump forward.
The Elven woman responded by spitting in Moren's face and fought against her restraints until two of the Royal guards pinned her to the ground.
"That was quite rude." Moren wiped the spit from her face as she stood up, shaking her head. She watched as Commander Thunderbear grabbed the High Elf woman by the back of the neck and lifted her to her feet like she was picking up a sack of potatoes.
"Take her to the dungeon," Vexelara commanded with a snap of her fingers. Her tail and wings fluttered to show the Queen's anger at the assassination attempt. "Call the interrogators. I want to know everything the High Elf knows." The Queen's eyes seemed to shine with unbridled fury.
"As you wish, your Majesty," Commander Thunderbearer acknowledged with a respectful nod and glared at her prisoner. "Move, assassin." She pushed the assassin towards the door.
"You will die soon, mongrel," The High Elf said with a menacing smile. "Your time will come sooner than you think, your Majesty." The woman spat out before she was forced out of the room, and two of the Royal Guards remained behind, taking positions on both sides of the door.
"Thank you for saving my life, Moren," Vexelara said after taking a few calming breaths. "I am in your debt. Ask for anything, and I will do everything within my power to see it done." Vexelara bowed her head respectfully at the younger woman.
Moren gave the Queen a respectful nod in return. "I will keep that in mind, Your Majesty," She said, gesturing to the door. "How long do you think it will take to get any information out of her?" She crossed her arms and looked between Vexelara and her Master.
"Depends on how much of a fanatic she is," Lucius said, stroking his beard. "She may not tell us anything, no matter how skilled the interrogators are, or she may tell us just enough to entice us before spreading misinformation to add to their future plans."
Regardless, I will keep you in the loop and contact you with this," Vexelara began, taking a bronze-looking coin from one of her desk drawers. "This coin is enchanted to heat up and show the Royal crest when I have information to share with you." She handed the coin to Moren, grabbed another matching coin, held it between two fingers, and closed her eyes momentarily.
Moren felt the coin heat up in her palm, and lines of white began forming on the coin until an image of the D'Rhoswyn crest covered most of the coin. "Incredible," She whispered and flipped the coin over to see a matching emblem on the opposite side.
"Indeed it is," Vexelara smirked and returned her coin to her desk. "I look forward to working with you on this endeavor, Detective."
Lucius cleared his throat. "Why don't you head down and meet with Veska and the others before heading off to the Ironfist Alehouse?" Lucius clasped Moren's shoulder, a reassuring look in his eyes. "I'll stay and discuss tonight's events with the Queen," he says, nodding toward Vexelara. "I'll catch up with you later."
"I believe that would be an excellent plan," Vexelara concurred. "I shall reach out to you shortly with further details on your responsibilities, Detective." She playfully waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. "Thank you once again for your assistance this evening."
Moren nodded her head and gave the Queen a respectful bow. "I serve at the Queen's pleasure," She replied with a bright smile. "See you soon, Master." She excused herself and stepped out of the Queen's office. She was met by two additional guards who escorted her down to the entrance, where her party was waiting for her. Moren clipped her badge to her belt as she walked with the guards.
"So," Vexelara said after Moren exited the room. "Is she who I think she is?" She asked coyly, sitting on the edge of her desk with a knowing smile and a raised eyebrow.
Lucius merely crossed his arms and gave her a stern expression. "I don't know what you're talking about, Vex," He groused in a low growl. "Moren is merely my apprentice." Lucius gave her a look that told her to change the subject.
"I'll drop it for now," Vexelara replied with a shrug of her shoulders. "Just know that I will figure it out one way or another." She flashed him a playful smile. "You know how I like to solve puzzles." Her tail was making low thumps against the side of her desk.
Lucius gave her a genuine smile. "That I do, Vex," he whispered, recalling the adventures of their younger days. "It was cute to see you get so worked up over a puzzle until you finally solved it."
Vexelara rolled her eyes. "I recall you making fun of me," She chuckled and moved to retake her seat behind her desk. "Now, we are going to have that conversation about leaving me the way you did."
"Of course you do," Lucius groaned, closing his eyes as Vexelara laughed menacingly. "I should have left with Moren."
As Moren navigated corridors with the help of the guards escorting her. She's admired the various paintings and tapestries. As she turned down another hallway, Moren spotted a familiar, commanding figure in silver plate armor stepping out from the shadows ahead of her. It was Celeste, with her strikingly aristocratic bearing and cold gray eyes.
Celeste regarded Moren with a look that was equal parts respect and curiosity. Her voice was smooth, laced with an undercurrent of surprise. "Moren Ravenheart. It's been a while since our last encounter in Stormhaven," She greeted, her gaze sweeping over Moren with quiet approval. "I must say, you've changed. It seems that escaping your family has brought something new out in you. "Like a dwindling fire that has been reignited into an inferno. I barely recognize the girl I met at the Marquis party."
Moren stood a little taller, accepting the comment without the hesitation she might have shown so many months ago. "I have you to thank for inspiring me with your words." She admitted with a twinkle in her eyes. "I was already preparing to flee when we met."
Celeste nodded, her expression shifting to something warmer, though her eyes retained that glint of caution. "Well, it suits you. Just remember, White Stone is no safer than Stormhaven. The dangers here may be less obvious, but they're every bit as dangerous, if not more so."
Moren studied Celeste for a moment, curiosity in her gaze. "And what about you, Celeste? Are you here on the Queen's orders?"
Celeste's faint smile broadened slightly, an edge of amusement playing at her lips. "Indeed. The Queen and I have some pressing matters to discuss before a meeting tomorrow morning with the Council." Her tone dipped slightly, becoming more serious. "I heard that it was thanks to you that the Queen survived her assassin."
"How did you hear about that?" Moren asked with a curious look. "They just took the assassin away a few minutes ago."
"I know everything that happens in White Stone," Celeste cautioned sternly until she giggled at Moren's dumbfounded expression. "I'm kidding." Celeste shook her head in amusement. The older woman rested a hand on her hip. "The Commander and I had a brief conversation on their way to the dungeon."
"Ah, that makes sense," Moren replied sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head. "I will not keep you from your meeting with the Queen."
Celeste's eyes drifted to the gold badge on Moren's belt and winked. "I am sure we will see each other around, Detective." She mused before tipping her black hat at Moren and strolling past her, humming a soft tune.
Moren watched Celeste disappear around the corner before reaching the bottom floor of the castle and seeing Veska waiting for her with an exasperated look on her face while Jaycen was pinching the bridge of his nose. Nox looked happy to see her, and his tail whipped back and forth happily. "I can explain." She said as she reached them.