Greetings fellow Britannians!
After the last evening we spent at Britain Castle, meeting the dashing Detective, and again searching for clues in Ter Mur, I had a few questions that I felt needed a bit more perusing.
As everyone is aware, a certain member of our community has had some rather nasty things to say about our beloved Queen Dawn. He's even gone on to hint at some involvement with the Mutant situation. I, as a reporter, could not in good faith let this go unanswered.
I found Sir Tedley racing across Luna one evening and gave chase. I was not sure if he would answer my questions or not, but I would give him a fair chance to speak before condemning him outright as a traitor to our land. His standing in the community stood in question. Was the Curator for one of Napa's finest museums truly a traitor?
He realized rather quickly that I was after him, and didn't run like a guilty conspirator, nor did he shirk in the face of my boldness. In fact, he turned suddenly and raced back at me. Gave me such a start I almost stabbed him with my pen! Just for the sake of knowledge, Sir Tedley has good reflexes. I should apologize for the ink stain on his robe.
Seeing I had his full attention, as he stood eyeing me rather suspiciously, I jumped right in. Take a trip back with me, and witness our exchange.
** ** **
Sir Tedley's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, the only indication that he knew the individual before him as a reporter.
"What do you want?" he barked.
Salya Sin visibly started, then squared her shoulders.
"To ask a few questions, you have made some rather outlandish remarks!"
"Have I?" Sir Tedley's grin came wide before he laughed loudly. His shoulders jerking with the force of his humor.
"You know very well that you have, Sir Tedley, " Salya said sharply, her tone making it quite clear that she resented his reaction.
"And which statements would that be?" The grin still present. The kind of toothy grin that screams hilarity.
"Sir, Tedley," growled Salya, intent on getting this interview finished. "How long have you lived in Napa?"
Sir Tedley shrugged nonchalantly, squaring his stance in a clear declaration of intent. He would play along for now.
"I've been in Napa Valley over 7 years."
"And you are the curator for one of Napa's many Museums, yes?"
"Yes, I'm the only curator of the Napa Valley Wax Museum." Again with that grin but she couldn't imagine what he would be finding funny now.
"I just want some background information about your role in our community," she clarified, before checking her notes. "How long have you been the curator?"
"I've been doing a Museum now," Sir Tedley stopped, his gaze going upward in thought. "Hmm... just over 6 years."
"And you do this for what reason?" Even to her own ears, her skepticism was discerning.
"I made a wax museum with statue makers and vendors that look like my friends. I hope I can gain peoples trust in getting more of them to donate their statue makers." He chuckled in delight. "What better way to be immortal?"
Salya took a deep breath in relief, at least he was going to try to be helpful. So far, so good, she thought.
"Now, if you don't mind my directness," her voice faded as his smile bloomed wide once again, bringing a scowl to her own face.
"Sir Tedley," her voice biting. "How many of our ruling leaders have you met? Associated with?"
His gaze looked thoughtful once again, his armor clanking as he shifted his weight around.
"Not many of the Kings and Queens, but I do know a lot of the guild leaders." His tone implied a statement of fact, a hint of something deeper perhaps.
"I see," Salya mumbled, scribbling illegibly onto her scroll. "And umm, out of all your time in Napa, who do you think did the best job of ruling our society?"
She hoped to get something about his loyalties. So far he'd been quick, direct, and almost mocking with his laughter. Did he think she wouldn't write him as a traitor if he indeed appeared to be one? That no one would read or care?
"Our one and only Lord British." He narrowed his gaze once again, his smile fading, as if he knew what she'd been thinking.
"That's nothing new," she quipped. "Did you support Lord Casca?"
Sir Tedley's stance stiffened at once, as if her question had been a slap or a barb.
"No! He was a fake as well. He lied to get us to help him, just like Queen Dawn is doing!"
Salya blinked, backing up a step at the heat in Sir Tedley's gaze. His face had taken on a slightly reddened tone, the tension was palpable. She had her opening.
"You have been very vocal in opposing Queen Dawn. Claiming she has mislead Queen Zhah. What are your reasons, what evidence do you have?" She watched him carefully, feeling waves of ire pass over her.
"I feel shes doing the same as Casca did!" His voice rising in indignation. "Every time he asked for help we died, just as Queen Dawn is doing!"
Salya opened her mouth to protest but Sir Tedley stepped forward, continuing.
"Yet she leaves without a scratch? Shes misleading all of us!"
His vehemence was clear. Sir Tedley had a very strong basis of belief in this. Salya wondered if he had indeed orchestrated the plot against Britannia. His demeanor definitely suggested a man of action.
"With Britannia's current threat, don't you think that you might be in danger of arrest, or worse, execution for treason?" She whispered.
"Nah," he seemed to deflate. To Salya's amazement, his form relaxed back, both arms entwining at his chest. "From what I've seen, what I've said, they haven't even listened to me. And the people of Brit, I hope do."
Again Salya started to speak in protest, but Sir Tedley held up his hand to quiet her. A small lifting to the edge of his mouth.
"They haven't done anything to me, nor will they." His smirk turned to a self assured grin. "I speak the truth."
"Some will call you a fanatic?" She spoke without thought, her exasperation most obvious.
"I've been called a lot worse," Sir Tedley shrugged again, raising his arms out as a further display of character. "I've lost a lot in my life here and I'll miss a lot more? But I'm still friends with all. Call me whatever you want, just don't call me late for dinner."
He laughed softly at his own joke as Salya stared, having not a single idea of how to judge this man who stood before her. One minute he's the hazardous rake, mocking. The next he's raving about injustice, then just as suddenly, he's back to laughing like the world is just one big joke on all of us.
"You met Detective Marcus, the same as the rest of us. What was your impression?" Her voice fair to oozed the detectives name like it was something savory. Sir Tedley's brow shot up in question, making Salya's face burn in embarrassment.
"He's a fake also." Cutting right to the chase, Sir Tedley, for all accounts, appeared to be speaking in warning. "All he was doing was leading us to more death. Like Queen Dawn has, and from what I saw? There would have been more deaths that night."
Salya quickly swallowed her anger, her quill like lightning across her parchment. It was not her place to speak on anyone's behalf when reporting, she reminded herself, but her pale complexion had taken on a pink tone of it's own.
"What evidence do you think he will find?" She demanded without looking up, insinuating the man before her might be linked. She hadn't meant her opinion to show so drastically but Sir Tedley seemed completely unaffected.
"The evidence that they place," his voice very matter of fact. "I feel Queen Dawn hired for those rebellions last time."
Her head snapped up sharply, considering his calm visage. Salya could not believe her ears. Queen Dawn responsible for the rebellion? Did Sir Tedley think that ill of her?
"Where are your loyalties, Sir Tedley?"
"King British and Queen Zhah. The only two real King and Queen." Just that quick, he was tense again.
"And what do you hope to gain by this campaign against the Queen?"
It had to be asked. Goals were important, but did his include conspiring with the enemy against the citizens of Britannia?
"Well.. I hope," he cleared his throat loudly. "We the people gain our lands back and maybe we can actually gain trust in our neighbors instead of betraying them."
"And for the future of Napa Valley?" she asked, confused. He didn't appear to have a malevolent plan.
"I'd like to see the people I knew long ago. There's so much new stuff, and they're missing a lot. I hope someday they come back."
He pointed a finger, jabbing the air above her scroll. "And if Dawn burns you for the stuff she's doing, don't come to me. I told you so!"
Salya looked down at her scroll unsure if that was meant for her, or for all of Napa. She decided to take it as he said it and wrote it down. He had spoken, she would report it.
Having asked all her questions she mumbled a quick thanks and turned away. She had taken a couple of steps before Sir Tedley called out, volunteering one last statement.
"And yes, I would love to be King! But I wouldn't have a mouse do it," the word mouse came out like a bad taste in his mouth. "I'd have a member of the Guard so the people actually know it's the truth!"
Salya scribbled furiously to catch it all. When she looked up to ask him if he was going to try to take the throne, he was gone.
** ** **
I went home after that and pondered this interview. My thoughts going back to the night we met Detective Marcus.
I can't tell you what, if anything, this means. I didn't find out if he was truly behind the mutations. And I can't tell you if he will make a play to overthrow Queen Dawn. I did my job though, and that's the best I can do.
I will tell you that I think Detective Marcus will do his job as well and if Sir Tedley is responsible, we'll know, and he will be judged accordingly.
Best Gaming Wishes,
Salya Sin
More...
After the last evening we spent at Britain Castle, meeting the dashing Detective, and again searching for clues in Ter Mur, I had a few questions that I felt needed a bit more perusing.
As everyone is aware, a certain member of our community has had some rather nasty things to say about our beloved Queen Dawn. He's even gone on to hint at some involvement with the Mutant situation. I, as a reporter, could not in good faith let this go unanswered.
I found Sir Tedley racing across Luna one evening and gave chase. I was not sure if he would answer my questions or not, but I would give him a fair chance to speak before condemning him outright as a traitor to our land. His standing in the community stood in question. Was the Curator for one of Napa's finest museums truly a traitor?
He realized rather quickly that I was after him, and didn't run like a guilty conspirator, nor did he shirk in the face of my boldness. In fact, he turned suddenly and raced back at me. Gave me such a start I almost stabbed him with my pen! Just for the sake of knowledge, Sir Tedley has good reflexes. I should apologize for the ink stain on his robe.
Seeing I had his full attention, as he stood eyeing me rather suspiciously, I jumped right in. Take a trip back with me, and witness our exchange.
** ** **
Sir Tedley's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, the only indication that he knew the individual before him as a reporter.
"What do you want?" he barked.
Salya Sin visibly started, then squared her shoulders.
"To ask a few questions, you have made some rather outlandish remarks!"
"Have I?" Sir Tedley's grin came wide before he laughed loudly. His shoulders jerking with the force of his humor.
"You know very well that you have, Sir Tedley, " Salya said sharply, her tone making it quite clear that she resented his reaction.
"And which statements would that be?" The grin still present. The kind of toothy grin that screams hilarity.
"Sir, Tedley," growled Salya, intent on getting this interview finished. "How long have you lived in Napa?"
Sir Tedley shrugged nonchalantly, squaring his stance in a clear declaration of intent. He would play along for now.
"I've been in Napa Valley over 7 years."
"And you are the curator for one of Napa's many Museums, yes?"
"Yes, I'm the only curator of the Napa Valley Wax Museum." Again with that grin but she couldn't imagine what he would be finding funny now.
"I just want some background information about your role in our community," she clarified, before checking her notes. "How long have you been the curator?"
"I've been doing a Museum now," Sir Tedley stopped, his gaze going upward in thought. "Hmm... just over 6 years."
"And you do this for what reason?" Even to her own ears, her skepticism was discerning.
"I made a wax museum with statue makers and vendors that look like my friends. I hope I can gain peoples trust in getting more of them to donate their statue makers." He chuckled in delight. "What better way to be immortal?"
Salya took a deep breath in relief, at least he was going to try to be helpful. So far, so good, she thought.
"Now, if you don't mind my directness," her voice faded as his smile bloomed wide once again, bringing a scowl to her own face.
"Sir Tedley," her voice biting. "How many of our ruling leaders have you met? Associated with?"
His gaze looked thoughtful once again, his armor clanking as he shifted his weight around.
"Not many of the Kings and Queens, but I do know a lot of the guild leaders." His tone implied a statement of fact, a hint of something deeper perhaps.
"I see," Salya mumbled, scribbling illegibly onto her scroll. "And umm, out of all your time in Napa, who do you think did the best job of ruling our society?"
She hoped to get something about his loyalties. So far he'd been quick, direct, and almost mocking with his laughter. Did he think she wouldn't write him as a traitor if he indeed appeared to be one? That no one would read or care?
"Our one and only Lord British." He narrowed his gaze once again, his smile fading, as if he knew what she'd been thinking.
"That's nothing new," she quipped. "Did you support Lord Casca?"
Sir Tedley's stance stiffened at once, as if her question had been a slap or a barb.
"No! He was a fake as well. He lied to get us to help him, just like Queen Dawn is doing!"
Salya blinked, backing up a step at the heat in Sir Tedley's gaze. His face had taken on a slightly reddened tone, the tension was palpable. She had her opening.
"You have been very vocal in opposing Queen Dawn. Claiming she has mislead Queen Zhah. What are your reasons, what evidence do you have?" She watched him carefully, feeling waves of ire pass over her.
"I feel shes doing the same as Casca did!" His voice rising in indignation. "Every time he asked for help we died, just as Queen Dawn is doing!"
Salya opened her mouth to protest but Sir Tedley stepped forward, continuing.
"Yet she leaves without a scratch? Shes misleading all of us!"
His vehemence was clear. Sir Tedley had a very strong basis of belief in this. Salya wondered if he had indeed orchestrated the plot against Britannia. His demeanor definitely suggested a man of action.
"With Britannia's current threat, don't you think that you might be in danger of arrest, or worse, execution for treason?" She whispered.
"Nah," he seemed to deflate. To Salya's amazement, his form relaxed back, both arms entwining at his chest. "From what I've seen, what I've said, they haven't even listened to me. And the people of Brit, I hope do."
Again Salya started to speak in protest, but Sir Tedley held up his hand to quiet her. A small lifting to the edge of his mouth.
"They haven't done anything to me, nor will they." His smirk turned to a self assured grin. "I speak the truth."
"Some will call you a fanatic?" She spoke without thought, her exasperation most obvious.
"I've been called a lot worse," Sir Tedley shrugged again, raising his arms out as a further display of character. "I've lost a lot in my life here and I'll miss a lot more? But I'm still friends with all. Call me whatever you want, just don't call me late for dinner."
He laughed softly at his own joke as Salya stared, having not a single idea of how to judge this man who stood before her. One minute he's the hazardous rake, mocking. The next he's raving about injustice, then just as suddenly, he's back to laughing like the world is just one big joke on all of us.
"You met Detective Marcus, the same as the rest of us. What was your impression?" Her voice fair to oozed the detectives name like it was something savory. Sir Tedley's brow shot up in question, making Salya's face burn in embarrassment.
"He's a fake also." Cutting right to the chase, Sir Tedley, for all accounts, appeared to be speaking in warning. "All he was doing was leading us to more death. Like Queen Dawn has, and from what I saw? There would have been more deaths that night."
Salya quickly swallowed her anger, her quill like lightning across her parchment. It was not her place to speak on anyone's behalf when reporting, she reminded herself, but her pale complexion had taken on a pink tone of it's own.
"What evidence do you think he will find?" She demanded without looking up, insinuating the man before her might be linked. She hadn't meant her opinion to show so drastically but Sir Tedley seemed completely unaffected.
"The evidence that they place," his voice very matter of fact. "I feel Queen Dawn hired for those rebellions last time."
Her head snapped up sharply, considering his calm visage. Salya could not believe her ears. Queen Dawn responsible for the rebellion? Did Sir Tedley think that ill of her?
"Where are your loyalties, Sir Tedley?"
"King British and Queen Zhah. The only two real King and Queen." Just that quick, he was tense again.
"And what do you hope to gain by this campaign against the Queen?"
It had to be asked. Goals were important, but did his include conspiring with the enemy against the citizens of Britannia?
"Well.. I hope," he cleared his throat loudly. "We the people gain our lands back and maybe we can actually gain trust in our neighbors instead of betraying them."
"And for the future of Napa Valley?" she asked, confused. He didn't appear to have a malevolent plan.
"I'd like to see the people I knew long ago. There's so much new stuff, and they're missing a lot. I hope someday they come back."
He pointed a finger, jabbing the air above her scroll. "And if Dawn burns you for the stuff she's doing, don't come to me. I told you so!"
Salya looked down at her scroll unsure if that was meant for her, or for all of Napa. She decided to take it as he said it and wrote it down. He had spoken, she would report it.
Having asked all her questions she mumbled a quick thanks and turned away. She had taken a couple of steps before Sir Tedley called out, volunteering one last statement.
"And yes, I would love to be King! But I wouldn't have a mouse do it," the word mouse came out like a bad taste in his mouth. "I'd have a member of the Guard so the people actually know it's the truth!"
Salya scribbled furiously to catch it all. When she looked up to ask him if he was going to try to take the throne, he was gone.
** ** **
I went home after that and pondered this interview. My thoughts going back to the night we met Detective Marcus.
I can't tell you what, if anything, this means. I didn't find out if he was truly behind the mutations. And I can't tell you if he will make a play to overthrow Queen Dawn. I did my job though, and that's the best I can do.
I will tell you that I think Detective Marcus will do his job as well and if Sir Tedley is responsible, we'll know, and he will be judged accordingly.
Best Gaming Wishes,
Salya Sin
More...