@Shadhunter

Elisa heard the other woman introduce herself, someone who had been outside before the Mage had entered the castle. Considering none of the nobility present had taken up her hinted offer for conversation, she decided to at least talk with this person, even if the plate armour left her questioning if it was a good idea to hint at magic, lest the other woman decided to try violence.

So the mage looked towards her armoured conversation partner and replied "So it seems we are here for the same reason, Shaila." She then closed the book to focus on her conversation, putting it to one side as she said "I'm Elisa, and well..."
She trailed off, pausing to consider if it was worth being straight forwards, sly or just leave no trace of magic at all. Deciding that it was worth at least hinting at her skill set, Ferifan said: "Well, if someone understood the more... arcane mysteries of the world, I'm sure that book of mine would be a gold mine of information for them."

Ori left the tavern with an unfinished plate of bacon and a small pouch of copper coins next to it. He stretched as he walked out of the door, his hand balling up in response. He yawned and made his way to the castle, his retinue following him. He walked the paved path at ease even though his mother told him to be discreet and alarm. His cocky attitude showing as he walked towards the square, spear on his shoulders. He felt the tension the people had for his race, a strained attitude. Ori felt it, and his guards felt it. Ori looked back to find them with hands on their weapons but Ori smiled at them.

( @TuskatheDaemonKilla )

Urghak grinned and folded his arms, happy to explain. "Well It seems they wanted to see if someone could rally a few barbarian groups into support for the crusade; Although I think we both know how that would go." He paused for a moment of understanding that he assumed to be mutual that any attempt short of slavery wouldn't work out too well or without casualties on the natives of Urghaks homeland. "In truth I just took the job because I get fed and get to meet people without scaring them off too much. Good excuse for an adventure!"

As though in response to seeing The Lady, the ferret just... Froze, staring right back at her for a few moments before waving. He goddamn wave-- Dammit Benjie, you idi--...
She left. Huh.
VICTORY IS MINE! He thought to himself, doing a tiny dance-wiggle before feasting on a strawberry; awaiting to see where this trolley would go.
...This felt like an adventure. AN ADVENTURE! The ferret always wished to go on such things, remembering how he was stuck cooped up in the castle walls and in that maniacal owner's view at all times... He was delighted to think of getting out of here.

@OgrynLord
Ferdinand chuckled. "Aye, a crusade is definitely one fine excuse for adventure." He said before he began moving into the great hall. The scores of nobles talking with one another didn't interest him as he leaned his poleaxe on the table and sat down in an empty seat. As much as he would like to catch up with his old companion he was here on business for the order. Socializing was simply on a different level on his priorities at the moment. Besides the march further south will most likely be long, they can catch up on the way.

Gunther entered the palace of the Castle looked around and took a seat in a chair or if they was no chair he would lean on a wall he left himself in thought awaiting the king so they could speak and what the kings plan of action was.

A few hours later all was ready. The throne room was opened and everyone was led inside in ceremony. At present there were lots of knights and nobles. Even some privileged common folk seemed to be present. Throne room itself was a big space and a feast had been prepared for the occasion. Tables lined the walls near the throne where those in favor were given a seat. Cuisines from Quris and some island kingdoms had been prepared along with Ostyakan foods.

Sitting on the throne was a very old King Ludvig, queen's seat being empty. Next to the empty queen's throne, sat Lady Gwyneth, holding an icon of Elusine in her hands, looking nervous as ever. Many noble guests approached her and left a gift for her, also flattering her beauty and charm in the process. Only reaction they managed to get out of her was an awkward smile and a meek thank you.
King Ludvig didn't seem to care, actually it looked like he was asleep. In truth he was fully in the moment, but something about the king was off, and many rumors circulated about him throughout his near 200 year reign.

Those who were given seats, closer to the throne, others would have to stand. Diplomats, nobles, merchants, bankers, priests and some higher ranking knights were present on both sides of the hall.
Noburo and his lady companion, Ori and Ferdinand were given seats if they so wished. Also Elisa was given one, which raised a lot of questions among the other quests. Regardless if they sat the ceremony went on.
After everyone got settled, a priestly choir sang beautiful hymns as Elusine knights and some soldiers approached the throne, led by knight commander Ulrich. When Ulrich reached the priest standing before the throne, he kneeled and so did rest of the knights and soldiers.
The priest began a prayer, with all the knights and soldiers repeating his words. This went on for some time. Eventually the prayer ended and the troops were blessed. Ulrich stood up, as did rest of the troops. The knights and soldiers left the throne room and Ulrich took his place at the table near Gwyneth.

The sound of socializing and babble filled the halls for a moment, it all fell silent quickly as Ludvig raised his hand. When silence was complete, he spoke up.
"We found Her. How could we not, for Her might and resplendent spirit cannot be extinguished neither can it be hidden. Not even in death."
King Ludvig's voice was old and worn, yet it still carried to all who were present. He paused and drew a deep breath, exhaling in relief.
"This, I tell you from my heart, I see hope. This age has been blessed by the birth of a Saint. Lady Gwyneth, who divined the location of our beloved Elusine. Further blessed with so many answering my call for justice and purity in these times of decay and conflict."
The king paused, drawing more breath into his old figure. Gwyneth tried to keep a brave, neutral expression.
"This means war. Today I send most of you to death. Some of you to victory. Some will have nothing but loss. But all of you...all of you...will have salvation and their sins forgotten."

A heavy weight seemed to fall on the kings shoulders. He was silent for a good moment, then waved a hand at Ulrich, who immediately stood up and took center in front of the throne.
"By the Kings decree this event has ended! Please exit in orderly manner!"
Knights Elusine began to escort people out whether they wanted to or not. Ulrich supervised it all and made sure no stragglers remained in the throne room.


Knights approached some to tell them that they were to stay. Little did some of them know that they had a special task ahead of them and would even be traveling together. All were given seats and the food remained if they wished to eat. Doors to the throne room were closed and all those remaining in the room were some higher ranking Knights Elusine, Ulrich, Gwyneth and some trusted nobles and subjects.
And of course Benjamin, who was currently...somewhere...out of sight in the throne room.

After a moment of silence, king spoke.
"I knew you'd come. You are all written on the tapestry of fate in shining letters, like beacons of glorious destiny. I saw it in my sleep. I saw it with my waking eyes."
The king spoke in almost feverish tone, lost in a dream nearly. He looked at a magnificent delicious steak prepared for him on his plate. He swiped a finger over it's texture and tasted it. With a deep sigh he pushed the plate away.
"You are all here for a purpose and I have an important task for you that must succeed for this crusade to be victorious. This brings great many questions, I can sense it. You can ask them but first, tell me, do any of you know anything about magic?"
Ulrich seemed to be a bit put off by his king's manner and the fact that there were bloody barbarians within royal halls. Gwyneth had her eyes closed, and seemed to be praying. Ludvig scanned everyone's faces and eventually fixed a stare straight at Elisa.


@Maleth @Colapse @BloodySoulStealer @GrimFritz @Valonox @Vlayden @TuskatheDaemonKilla @Shadhunter @OgrynLord

(OOC: Sorry for the small essay. Still, now begins the briefing and you can ask whatever you wished.)

With all the pomp and ceremony out of the way regarding the crusade, Elisa only paying attention to the salient points that she needed to know, such as the goal being the reclamation of Elusine's remains. Even if she was given the honor of a seat, likely due to her understanding of things that most would dismiss out of had and she had noted the questions that might have been raised in people's minds.

But with Ludvig looking at her and asking about , The mage deliberately met his gaze and said "I think you'll find that I do know magic, rather well in fact." With that said, she closed her right hand and then raised it to the ceiling, opening her hand.... And with the motion complete, it caused a literal ball of light shining a white color manifest within the room, settling down by her shoulders. A smile slowly drew upon Ferifans face, clearly happy to finally show her skills.

Urghak politely kneeled before the king and lay his weapon upon the ground, a tradition of respect that the savage folk in his homeland had developed in their culture. It was never something to be questioned that one should respect both the age and ability of a warrior, or any man for that matter. After a moment of brief silence he lifted his head again and spoke softly but clearly to the old king.

"Ancient one I am ignorant to the whims of magic, but I will say this: where I am from age and strength are respected in equal measure; you are a most humbling person for one such as myself to bask in the presence of. I can sense your sage wisdom as well as any could feel the glorious victories and years of hardened experience radiating from your noble visage.

I will not take any vows or commit to any declarations as I know I may falter in such noble ways. But I do bear an oath before you that I will honour your word and bring the very mountains down were it required of me to do your will."

With this Urghak bit into his fore arm until blood trickled down freely and drew from it to begin silently adorning himself with war-paint. It was both a mark of volunteered servitude and an honouring of the savage god that few in the world today would be aware of. His oath had been sworn and he would carry it until his grave.

Ferdinand stood silently through out the procession saying a prayer to his own god while the Elusine prayed to their own god. He gave it his best at paying attention though given how still he was and with his helmet covering his head it make him look more like a statue than someone listening intently. The idea that this had all been preordained did interest him somewhat, then he asked about magic. Ferdinand remained silent when a woman said she knew and seemed to make a light from her hands out of nothing. He had heard stories of magic from the book keeper back in Nordenlich but he always assumed the man was just saying it to impress the children. Now he stood gazing towards a woman that clearly had such a power. Ferdinand had been south before during his trials to become the warrior priest he was today but he had never expected to see such proof of magic outside of the artifacts kept in vaults within the mountains and even then those were just rumors.

All the while his old companion was swearing himself to the king that sat in front of them. It truly must be the Aldenvater's will and not his words that convinced the Grand Master to allow their order's involvement in this crusade. Though it couldn't be seen through the armor he was currently quite excited to get moving on this grand crusade. If only to continue down the path that the Aldenvater was laying before him.