A Death In The Famly

Raihn has been looking for Kressara for quite some time. His best friend was murdered and his best chance to catch the culprit lay with having the support of the King behind the search. Which meant getting Kressara to help him. Having been in the city for a few days Raihn now knew that Queen Nauriel had been poisoned. He was happy to know she had survived but his friend had not been so lucky. He looked around to see if anyone was close enough to hear them and he stepped around to get in front of her.

“First off, I am very happy that Queen Nauriel is alright,” he said with a hushed tone and put his hand on her shoulder in a consoling manner. Somewhat out of character for him but it was a sincere gesture nonetheless. That and being this close to her. Looking into her eyes right then he noticed that she was beautiful. But that was not why he was here right now. “Did you know that my best friend, a former Captain here has been poisoned as well though he did not survive,” Raihn said plainly. “What are the chances of that Kressara?” He said and removed his hand from her shoulder. His overall demeanor was one of determination but there was pain in his eyes. The loss of his friend had indeed affected him. They were like brothers and Raihn had no other family...alive.

Kressara did not like Raihn. He was a thief who thought too highly of himself and did not seem to care about anyone else. She had been hoping that her interactions with him were done now that she had gotten her stolen items back, but clearly she had been mistaken. She was about to just walk away from him when something he said snapped her to attention.

I am very happy that Queen Nauriel is alright.

What did that mean?! What had happened to her mother and when? When he went on to mention poison her face paled. She hadn't been home in quite a while and guilt now gnawed at her. She knew it had to be Whitesnake Root poison, the same poison that had killed the Captain. She could have easily died from that. She couldn't even imagine what her father and siblings must have gone through.

It would be clear to Raihn that she had not known about her mother and she needed a moment to process what he had said. She looked away from him and closed her eyes for a moment as the reality of the situation sunk in. Finally, she drew a shaky breath and looked back at Raihn.

"And what exactly are you expecting me to do about it? And furthermore, why should I help you when you have given me no reason to trust or to want to help you?"

Raihn’s eyes grew large in surprise and hurt to a degree as well. Then he realized that she hadn’t known. Her indifference though he could understand how upset she likely was took him aback and his brows furled down in obvious irritation.

“Well, considering my friend was the more recent of the victims it is likely that the person or persons responsible are here,” he said. He was about to say more then clamped his mouth shut and turned away. He took one step away from her then turned back and gestured toward her and his mouthed worked as if he was trying to say more than he sighed.

“Ok...I apologize for stealing your things, alright?” He said but she only just looked at him. “No really, I’m sorry. About...well, about everything.” He added and then turned and began to walk away from her.

Kressara wanted to just walk away. She suddenly felt pulled in two different directions, but she wasn't sure if Boraden wanted her help, which hurt her to a degree. But Raihn had asked for her help and had actually apologized for stealing her things. His first apology she hadn't believed, but the second one sounded much more sincere. And he did have a point, the person responsible could still be here. If found, it would prove that Boraden was actually innocent.

"Fine," she finally said. "I'll help you, but touch me or my things again and I will break your hand."

“Fair enough,” he said and spread his arms out as if he were yielding to her. “Well I think the person we are looking for is a woman. And younger than older,” he said. His reasoning for that was that the rumors said she had been a house maid and secondly he doubted anyone who wasn’t an attractive woman would never have been able to get so close to his friend.

“Could you arrange to lock the city up like a drum? And we also need to start an organized search of all inns and taverns in the city. Now you being a ‘Princess’ and all, you couldn’t...arrange that, could you?” He asked as if he doubted her but that was just for show in hopes it might spurn her to act.

Kressara was starting to believe she was going to live to regret this. She clenched her fists tightly and set her jaw when Raihn implied that she wouldn’t be able to get the city locked down. Her gaze narrowed dangerously at him and her eyes turned to blue fire.

“Call me princess like that again and I will be using that poison on you Thief.”

She turned and walked towards the palace knowing the only person who could lock down the city was her uncle, King Eomer. As she approached the front doors she found two guards dressed in the garb of the Royal Guards posted there.

“I am Princess Kressara of Gondor and I need to speak with my uncle immediately.”

Raihn hurried after her and the guards did not stop them when they saw Kressara come toward them. They only bowed then moved and opened up the double doors for them. Just inside there appeared to be a bustle of activity. Townsfolk and soldiers milled about, some seemed to have a purpose while others appeared not to move all that much and appeared to be talking amongst themselves. The King was not on the throne but Her aunt Lindariel was though she was busy attending several townsfolk who stood in a row bat the base of the dais that held the throne chairs. Women, her ladies in waiting were in a small gaggle behind and to the sides of the throne doing embroidering and playing a game she knew as cats cradle.

“Princess Kressara?” A voice boomed in a deep baritone. A loud, familiar voice that drew her eyes to the left. A large man with a thick, brown beard and a balding head stepped toward her. He had on brown leathers and a chain hauberk. His large, brown eyes were filled with mirth and his smile nearly split his large, wide face. It was Fargus. He hefted his massive  warhammer onto his shoulder and others there, soliders all began to address her.

“Its’ The Hero of the Harad,” And “It’s Princess Kressara,” they all said over one another. The commotion had stopped all other conversation in the room and Raihn’s mouth gaped open in complete surprise.

Lindariel shifted to get a better look of who it was, it was difficult to hear what was being said with so many people between Kressara and herself. She stood and waved the people in front of her away. They all bowed and departed back into the milling mass of people. Lindariel was older now with streaks of gray in her brown locks that flowed freely down to the middle of her back. She wore a gold and white dress with alot of golden embroidery and was laden with a large, jeweled necklace, rings bracelets and a bejeweled crown that rested stately upon her head. She smiled when she saw Kressara and made a small gesture which sent everyone below her to make a path for her down the center of the large space between them. Fargus didn’t seem to see any of that though as he moved up to her. His cheeks were fairly red and windswept but do to the wind or excess of drink as he was often want to do she could not tell. He handed his hammer off to one of the other soldiers who appeared to have difficulty holding it and quickly brought both hands to bare to hold it without dropping it. He put his large, thick fingered right hand on her left shoulder and pounded lightly on her other shoulder with his left. “Well, it is bloody grand to see you young pup,” He said in his deep, throaty way he always spoke. "How ave ya been lass?" he asked then looked around for Gowen. "Is that goat kissing milk drinker Gowen with you?" he asked hopefully. "Did ya just arrive? After your settled we must ave an ale and talk!" He added excitedly.

OOC-FYI Lindariel actually has brown hair, not blonde like her other two siblings.

IC-Kressara stepped into the Golden Hall with Raihn following closely behind her. She could see a large group of people gathered near the set of thrones, but did not see her uncle sitting upon his. Instead, she spotted her aunt Lindariel who looked as elegant and regal as ever. Age was finally creeping up on her, but it only seemed to enhance her beauty instead of detracting from it and she knew her uncle was still madly in love with her.

She was about to step up begin moving closer to her aunt to gain her attention when she suddenly heard a familiar booming voice call out her name. His words echoed through the hall and she saw everyone turn suddenly to look at her, including her aunt, who strained to see through the throngs of people. Kressara turned and practically grinned at Forgus. It had been several years since she had seen him, but he hadn't changed a bit and for that she was glad.

"It is very good to see you Forgus," she told him genuinely. "I have missed your company and your songs. I have been well, though very busy." Her expression changed slightly as she thought about Gowen. Clearly he had not heard what had happened. "Gowen is well. He is actually in Minas Tirith and recently got married."

Forgas harrumphed at hearing about Gowen and he quickly changed that subject. “Well you look like you have a task at hand, I’m stayin at the Pampered Lion, we shall talk of our victories and our honored dead,” he said then laughed a loud, hearty laugh that seemed to fill the room and stepped away to regain his hammer. Lindariel had finally made her way up to Kressara with her retinue of women behind her.

“Oh, Kressara, it is so wonderful to see you,” she said in a loud and clear voice. Raihn bent knee at her approach, one hand on his chest, the other pressed onto the floor and bowed his head. She did not even consider him as she took Kressara into a loving embrace and kissed each cheek in greeting. “I wish I knew you were coming, I would have prepared your apartments and a feast in your honor,” She said as she lightly brushed her left cheek with the back of her fingers careful not to touch her flesh with her large rings. “We were all horrified about what happened. It is a blessing that the queen is recovering,” She said as her eyes welled up with unshed tears.

Kressara was grateful when Forgus changed the subject from Gowen. That wound was still relatively fresh and she didn't really want to discuss what had happened. She just hoped he was happy. "Of course. I would be honored to come by and hear all about your lovely family."

As he stepped away she looked over to see her aunt approaching. It surprised her when Raihn suddenly dropped down on one knee and bowed his head in respect to her. He didn't seem like the type of man to bow to anyone. "I did not know until today what happened with Mother. I deeply regret not being there to support my father during that trying time and I hope that she recovers quickly. I apologize for my sudden and unannounced appearance, but I didn't know until very recently that I would be coming here. I hope that you will not fret over me. I actually need an immediate audience with Uncle Eomer. Would that be possible?"

Lindariel shook her head slightly but her face still held a happy expression. “He is at the front with our men, but in his stead, is there anything that I can do for you? We could retire if you wish more privacy?” She asked and then noticed Raihn there still bowing though she only flicked her eyes over to him briefly. “Oh...is he with you? The crown knows Raihn well,” She said as she pursed her lips as if his presence wasn’t exactly a welcomed one.

Kressara was disappointed that her uncle wasn't there, but hoped that her aunt would be able to lock down the city in his stead. Precious time was passing by and she didn't want to allow this murderer to escape. When her aunt took notice of Raihn she couldn't help but sigh as her aunt informed her that he was well known to them. That figured. "Yes, he is with me. I will vouch for him. And yes, if we could speak privately I would greatly appreciate it."

“Rise Raihn or you’ll likely do yourself an injury. But your show of...respect is much appreciated,” Lindariel said dryly and gave him a suffering look. He rose and tried to smile but it was hardly a genuine one. Kressara caught one of her ladies in waiting making doe eyes at Raihn and blushed when Raihn gave her a nod and a smile in return. Was some familiarity there in that exchange at well? Lindariel made a gesture to one of the royal guardsmen and he turned and began barking orders to clear the hall. Lindariel with Kressara in tow turned and headed back toward the doors that led to the inner chambers. One of the guards moved and intercepted Raihn as he began to walk as if he too were going inside. Obviously he was not invited and Kressara heard whispers between two of the women who giggled as if they were two young girls talking about a boy.

Past the next set of doors was the grand hall that had branches that led to different parts of the palace. It was lavishly decored, much more so than Kressara had remembered when she last saw it. Obviously Lindariel’s influence had had a strong hand here where before it had been a plain hall with little finery. She led her to one of the larger lounging chambers. Inside a servant, a young woman had just set down a pitcher of plum punch that smelled of elderberries, plums and a sweet white wine. It was a favorite of Lindariel’s as well as many of Rohan’s people. The wine grapes, plums and elderberries were grown locally and so it was a common sight everywhere in Rohan. Chaise loungers were here and brightly colors pillows were everywhere in this room and two of the other women quickly moved to set up the queen’s lounger with pillows then sat themselves on loungers back where they could continue their various crafts and gaming.  

“You’ve become quite the hero Kressara though I don’t know why I should feel surprised about that. It’s in your blood,” she said with a twinkle of delight in her eyes. The maid curtsied and departed as the two women that remained standing moved to help themselves to some of the fragrant punch. Lindariel sat in her chaise then gestured for Kressara to as well. Kressara saw the women looking at her and Lindariel shifted her gaze and saw them as well.

“They are  marveling at a woman who carries such weapons I think,” She said with a smile. “It is not common here but all know of what you did in the Harad,” She said.

Kressara followed her aunt out of the main hall and down to the more private areas of the palace. Everywhere she could see the obvious decorative touches made by her aunt. Lindariel's influence was clearly strong, not just her people, but also with her husband. She knew that her cousin and heir to the Rohan throne, Theodred, was nearby and hoped that once this woman had been found and brought to justice that she would be able to spend time with him, his wife, and their young son and daughter. It amazed her how big their family was becoming.

She followed her aunt into a lounging chamber and took notice of the plum punch. It wasn't until that very moment that she realized just how dry her mouth was. She gratefully accepted a cup filled by the servant and took a seat on one of the loungers across from her aunt's. At her aunt's compliments she couldn't help but blush slightly.

"You were a hero here during the Battle of Helm's Deep. I heard that you braved the fighting in order to restock arrows to the archers when you yourself were without armor and un-armed. My mother says that your people's admiration of you began that day."

Lindariel didn’t blush at the praise but her eyes did take on a distant look as if she were remembering. “That was a long time ago,” She said modestly. “Every man, woman and child of Rohan took part in that victory. Though it had been a costly one,” the queen said trying not to take their conversation into such unpleasant places. She knew about Havan’s death but didn’t think that bringing that was a good idea either. Kressara appeared to be in good spirits so she wished to keep their conversation, which there were so few of these days, a happy one.

“With the south brought to heel Gondor has been able to send troops and supplies to aid us. The war in the east has taken a turn for the better so you can see why so many wish to rejoice when your name is spoken. Especially within these halls,” She said and reached to touch Kressara’s hand. As she did Kressara noticed one of the women behind the queen feel at her face. A dark redness began to flow from her nose and the one sitting next to her gasped as the woman began to choke. Lindariel turned and her eyes grew large when she saw what was happening. The woman sagged on the chaise as if there was no longer strength in her legs and a milky white foam began to form in her mouth. Lindariel raced toward the woman along with the others.

“Celia! Oh no, whats wrong...oh no! Celia, no!” She cried. “Run..get the healers! Hurry...hurry!” Lindariel commanded and the other 3 women tossed aside what they were holding and ran from the room.

Kressara did not consider herself a hero. She had not acted alone in those battles and believed that all of those soldiers deserved equal praise. Kressara was about to speak up and reveal to her aunt the possible presence of a murderer in their midst when suddenly one of the young women caught her eye as her nose began to bleed. Kressara was on her feet immediately and rushed over as the girl began to choke. She knelt down beside her and knew that she had been poisoned. Seeing the woman's empty cup of punch she knew then where it had come from.

"Do not drink the punch," she told her aunt with urgency in her voice. "It's been poisoned with White Snake Root. The maid that brought in the punch is she new here?"

Lindariel looked at Kressara in horror with unshed tears in her eyes as she tried to think. “I’m...not certain, we’ve hired a couple recently…” She said but with obvious signs that she was not at all certain. For the most part, servants were usually unseen entities that did what they were told to do but otherwise tried not to attract the attention of those they served. Some, like dressers or cup-bearers had to be seen and conversed with to get a desired result but the rest were usually given instruction based on the chief house maid’s ability to anticipate her lord and ladies needs. The woman still seemed to cling to life but she was extremely ill and had fallen unconscious. “Where are those healers!” Lindariel yelled but she knew it would take a runner to fetch them and thet would take time.

"The poison was meant for you," she told her aunt, knowing that time was not on her side. "Do not drink or eat anything. The palace needs to be locked down immediately."

Kressara jumped to her feet and rushed out of the room. She sped down the hallway and out into the main hall where she found Raihn still waiting. "The murderer is here. An attempt was just made on the Queen's life."

She turned and looked at the guards. "Lock down the palace immediately. No one is to leave or come in and all personnel must be gathered here."

“Yes princess Kressara!” The royal guard said though everyone in the hall heard her. Raihn sped up to her. “The queen...she’s not...she’s alright?” he asked hurriedly. When Kressara nodded he seemed to relax though only a little. “We’ve got to find her...I assume it was a woman?’ he asked and Kressara nodded again. The two ladies in waiting arrived with the 2 healers who were dressed in hooded robes of white. They had their satchels with them and race dup to Kressara who led them all back into the main lounge where Celia lay. Lindariel was on her knees and held her hand as everyone arrived. She looked up but her face told the grim truth. Celia was dead but the healers went to work anyway. Sometimes, if even a spark was left they could bring someone back from the brink. But only sometimes and she had consumed alot of that punch. They nearly all had.

With a heavy heart she sighed and stood as the healers plied their skills. Raihn saw the womans face and winced. It was obviously the woman who he had known. How much he knew her was yet to be discovered but it was clear he was at least familiar with her. “I’m going to take a look around the grounds, maybe she managed to get out before the palace was locked down,” he said though he was already moving to do just that. Lindariel looked both hurt at the loss of her dear friend but also furious. “Find her Kressara, any resources you need, you will have,” the queen said as her 5 personal guard entered into the room.

“My queen, we’ve searched your apartments and the hall to them, if you please,” He said though his words were more like a command than a request. We’re gathering up all of the servants,Kressara will you be conducting the investigation?” he asked as he removed his gilded helmet to reveal, long locks of golden hair that fell down to his shoulders. He had a long scar on his left cheek and another very close to his right eye. Not a terribly handsome man but he knew what he was about when it came to the queen’s security.

Kressara couldn't help but notice Raihn's face when he saw who it was who was dead. At first she had assumed her aunt was the target, but perhaps she had been wrong about that. She suddenly wanted to talk to Raihn in order to better understand what was happening here. She was beginning to wonder if he didn't know more than he was letting on.

"I will find her and bring her to justice. I won't allow this killing to continue."

At that moment the Queen's personal guards entered the room and confirmed that they already searched the Queen's apartments. She was not surprised to learn that their suspect wasn't there. She clearly wasn't stupid and every precaution would need to be taken.

"Yes, I will be leading the investigation. Ensure that the city is locked down as well until this woman is found. I must go speak with Raihn and then I will return to the Hall."

She stepped out of the room and went to go find Raihn. When she located him she grabbed his arm and pulled him over to a private area where they could talk. "What is going on here Raihn? Two people are dead and their only connection is you. Do you know more than you are telling me?"

Raihn half expected to see Kressara and her insistence that they should talk. He knew Kressara was of a quick wit and would make the connection that was there but he hoped she’d believe what he said. “You want to know that I’m not involved in some way? Well...my best friend was murdered Kressara. Murdered because he had a kind, trusting soul,” he said and pressed two fingers onto his forehead as if he were having a terrible headache. “The lady Celia and I..we...we shared time. There is only coincidence that she was the only one that was poisoned if you all could have drunk the punch. Coincidence and ill luck...or in this case, luck that no one else is dead right now,” He said though his face was filled with pain. “She was a friend and had been a lover a while ago,” he said plainly then looked at her angrily. “Is that what you want to hear Kressara? That I’m ‘sorry’ she’s dead? I’m not a monster Kressara. I have feelings just like everyone else,” he said becoming agitated.

“In any case, this murderer will know she missed her mark and likely try again. Do you have family anywhere besides Gondor and Edoras?” He asked

"I wasn't implying that you had anything to do with their murders Raihn. I am simply trying to catch this person and you had a connection to both victims so I thought that perhaps you could give me more information," she told him with a sigh as she brushed back a piece of hair from her face. "The rest of my family is in Gehenna," she responded, going back to the assumption that her aunt had been the real target. But then a thought occurred to her. "If my family are the targets then why was your friend killed?"

Raihn had wondered about that too but all he could come up with was that perhaps he had found something out about her. The other possibility was more difficult to believe. That he was involved with the Northmen somehow and had become a liability.

“I don’t know,” was all he said though as he looked down the hill at the city below. Making assumptions now, after the fact would only seek to add more questions instead of answers or evidence. “What I do know is that she’s likely still here in the city. With soldiers checking every woman, cart, chest and barrel coming to and out of the city, she will have to remain here and continue her work. Was she a young woman or older?” He asked. When she told him a younger one but little more then that he nodded. “Well, thats a place to start,” he said and waited for her response.

Kressara knew that the needed to act quickly. This woman was likely to panic when she realized she might be close to being caught and then take more drastic measures. "We should head back inside and begin questioning the servants. Hopefully I will recognize the woman who brought in the punch. I didn't look at her too closely as I was focused on my aunt."

They started to head back in but then Kressara stopped Raihn for a second. "I'm sorry about your friend."

Raihn nodded to her in thanks as they both entered into the palace. In the main hall all of the female servants were rounded up and put in a line under heavy guard. There were young women, older women, tall and short women, thin and larger women though dressed in the white and gray livery of Rohan. All wore the same hats with their hair up into a bun underneath. Which was why no one could really tell what the woman’s hair color had been. The head maid was also there and the only thing different about her then the rest was that she was the eldest of them and had a ring of keys on her belt. Kressara rognized Hilda Milossen right away for she had been the head made even before Eomer had become King. All of the women were concerned as what was happening was unusual. However some had much more concerned looks on their faces. Undoubtedly they had heard about the poisoning while the others obviously had not. Not yet anyway.

“As you request Princess Kressara, everyone is accounted for save for 2. Abigail Validren is quite ill and has not been in the palace for days. The only other was a recent hire, Alice Wheln though she had come with more than adequate references.,” She said plainly. Hilda had always taken her job seriously in every respect.

“What references?” Raihn asked abruptly and Hilda raised an eyebrow at him. It had only taken a nod from Kressara for her to answer however. Obviously Raihn was chomping at the bit to find this woman. Two of his friends had been murdered. “Why, Captain Thalmoore vouched for her himself,” She said and Raihn scowled at that answer. “So she had played him then disposed of him when she no longer needed him,” He said as if just talking to himself or thinking outloud. “Can you describe her?” He asked and Hilda’s lips drew into a line being questioned like this but answered anyway. “A young woman, fair of hair and blue of eye. Perhaps a hand shorter than myself,” She said dryly.