Chapter 1: Party Crashers

Flanaess Date: Readying 5, 579cy CY.
Location: City of Greyhawk: Silverkin Manor
Weather: 47 degrees, temperature
Sky: Overcast
Precipitation: None
Time: 7:25pm 02 sec in the Evening
Sunrise: 6:52am
Sunset: 5:33pm

Silverkin Manor:



Lord Cruneiros Silverkin
Male: Paladin 10 / Hunter of the Dead 6
Alignment: LG
Diety: Pelor
Member of the group known as: Justice Blade

Also known as...
Cruneiros the Paladin
Lord Cruneiros
Lord Silverkin
Lord Cruneiros Silverkin the Paladin
Lord Avenger Silverkin
Cruneiros the Hunter
Cruneiros Slayer of the Dead

Rumors of Note:
• Lord Silverkin is expected to be the next member asked to serve on the ruling oligarchy. His appointment is expected to come anyday.
• It has been rumored the Lord Silverkin’s contacts extend all the way to The Circle of Eight, The Guardians, and even some contacts within major circles on other worlds (Tellene, Toril and more.)
• Simbul is one of Silverkin’s greatest friends and allies.

Profile: Lord Silverkin

Lord Azreil Mordent approached the manor house of his old friend Lord Silverkin with care and grace. It was a beautiful mansion; one Azriel had always felt was among the best in the city of Greyhawk. Of course it wasn’t as nice as his, but still, he was impressed. That in and of itself said a lot, since he wasn’t easily impressed at all. After 12,000 years of being alive it was hard to impress him anymore or surprise him with almost anything.

Mordent had been invited to his old friend’s party and knew that he had to at least make an appearance. It had been a long time since the two of them had seen each other but he was fairly certain the old man wanted to see him about something relatively important. Silverkin never called on him unless it was something really important and he need information or even help.

The party was huge, Silverkin’s manor was located in the High quarter of the city of Greyhawk and was among one of the best in the whole city. It rivaled Mordents own mansion located only several miles away, but still despite their close proximity the two men rarely saw each other.

Mordent was a tall man with jet black hair, a strong jaw, deep sparkling blue eyes, thin lips, and a strong build. In the day time he wore a cloak almost everywhere he went, but at night he was free to put on his best suit and free himself from the confines of the sunlight. He always wore black no matter what time of day it was, his best suit was made completely of black cloth and had gold trim. Little did people know it was real gold in the trim. Mordent’s very stature commanded a respect, it was a respect built by ages, years of experience. His form and walk was one that even if people didn’t know who he was (and few in the city hadn’t heard of the Great Lord Mordernt, although his stature as a creature of the night was not well known, he at the least was) they still removed themselves from his path. But no matter how finely dressed he was, he was never seen without the weapon that hung from his belt, it was nicknamed ‘Death’ it was a Greatsword of elegant beauty and refinement. It hung down past his knees in its sheath, and few outside the circle knew it was intelligent. It gave Mordent and even more dangerous quality to his look.

Mordent had decided to bring Damien and Celine along for the party tonight; he rarely needed any protection from anyone. But despite this he found that the other members of the circle were always insisting on his protection, as if he was some fragile creature. At first it was amusing, but lately it had become tiresome and overbearing. When the group decided the fact that someone should go with him to Silverkin’s party, Mordent decided to take Celine and Damien. Celine was his top choice because he knew she was still having a hard time controlling her temper, and the fact that Lord Silverkin was a known worshipper of Pelor would prove to be an interesting test as to whether she would be able to keep her cool or not. Damien had come along because Celine had, the two rarely were ever seen apart these days, and Mordent didn’t have to guess what that meant at all.

As he approached the door a guard of Silverkin’s stopped him and looked at him.
“I am sorry sir you can’t enter the party armed”
Mordent just raised an eyebrow and the guard almost immediately stepped out of his way. Mordent continued inside without any further delay or hinderance.

When he entered the ball room Mordent was underwhelmed to say the least. The bottom line is he had seen hundreds of ball rooms throughout the ages and this one was no different. The room was huge to say the least, and the whole back wall was made of glass with a massive night time view of the city. Several massive chandeliers hung from the ceiling all sparkling with real diamonds and jewels. The floor was made of white pristine marble tiling and the massive dome ceiling was painted with several rather questionable images of female nudity. Several sevants all walked the room with trays that served drinks, and food of all kinds.

Damien’s voice broke his concentration
“I really wish you wouldn’t do that.” He said quietly “You know there are other ways to get what you want.”

Mordent smiled
“True Damien, but I have little time for pleasantries. We’re here to see what Silverkin wants and be on our way.”
His eyes scanned the room and looked for any signs of his old friend
“Besides what use it to have all that power, and not have a little fun every now and then.”

Damien growled under his breath. Mordents constant philosophy of “the ends justify the means,” wasn’t one he always agreed with.

Damien looked behind him at Celine, no doubt this was the biggest, fanciest party she had ever been too, and he attempted to gauge her reaction.

OCC: Celine (Paladinred) is with Mordent; And Mona (Bookworm) is somewhere at the party. Feel free to ad lib what you like, but leave all npc reactions and discussion to me.

Celine was honored to be asked to attend such a prestige ball, she assumed the city notables would be in attendance and when she entered she was right. Be on your best behavior girl she thought, she immediately started to scan the "in" crowed for potential problems.

She was aware that she was with the most powerful being in Greyhawk and that eyes would follow his every move, she was also aware that she was again with Damien that is not a bad thing. A wry smile spread across her face, she accepted a proffered drink but this would be her only one of the night.

She shadowed Mordent watching not him but all those that spoke to him, an angry looking man started to approach she started shift her form her fingers extending into claws but he stormed past and it was evident that someone had spilled a drink all down his front.

Mona is dressed to the nines in a silk and lace dress that showed off her figure. Glowing with smiles, she seemed to float around the room, greeting everyone she knew and making instant friends with those she didn't know. Her hair was pulled back and the curls fell just past her shoulders.

This was her 19th birthday party and no matter where she went in the room, she had at least 3 young men following her, each trying to get her full attention. Her suitors probably. The men kept changing around her and though she would talk with them occasionally, she didn't seem enamored with any one of them. She was also followed by another girl, her age, but not as pretty - though that was not easy for anyone compared to her. However, Mona kept turning to the girl, laughing and talking very confidingly. Obviously a very close friend.

After greeting everyone and gladly accepting their good wishes for her birthday, she turned to head to the center of the floor, but then the room got quiet. Mona noticed that all the women in the room were staring - absolutely frozen in place - at the newcomer. Mona turned with a smile to see who the new guest was and she gasped. She had never met anyone who was as beautiful as herself (though she was not vain) until now. The man was stunning - mysterious, powerful, handsome.

She was so shocked she even had her mouth slightly open as her eyes traveled over his body, judging the quality of his clothes and then traveled back to his eyes where she got lost in their depths...even at this distance.

The band of musicians could be heard playing in the background their music had not stopped as Mordent entered even if the talking and rabble rousing had dies a little at the man’s entrance. Neither Mona’s father nor Lord Mordent himself had even noticed that volume in the room had suddenly quieted to an almost hushed whisper. Mordent simply scanned the room very quickly and as out of nowhere the rugged handsome figure of Lord Silverkin.

It was one of the servants who had overstepped and spilled a glass of wine down Mordents shirt because he wasn’t watching where he was going. His immediate apology and desperate attempt to help clean it off was met with a smile from Azriel.
“Its O.k. lad.” He said in a smooth almost hypnotic voice of his own Azriel placed a hand on Celine and nodded his head, pulling her back slightly. He didn’t need her going off the handle quite yet. But should the circumstance arise, he had every intention of letting her.
“It was an accident, no harm is done.”

The servant looked up with a questioning glance
“Sir are you sure?”
The question indicated to Mordent that such an action would have gotten the man fired under normal circumstances and most likely beaten with a whip for screwing up Silverkin’s daughter’s birthday.

Azreil nodded
“Yes.” He said solidly “It’s quite alright, go ahead about your business, don’t give it another thought.”
The servant nodded and moving along, at which point Mona’s dad Lord Silverkin stepped into his place.

“Always the gentlemen?” Cruneiros said smiling.
He wasn’t dressed in his normal Paladin garb of metal and shielding but instead wore much finer cloths, it was a party after all. The days of Cruneiros going out and fighting evil were coming to a close, not because he wanted them to, but because the toll was beginning to take its effect on his body as Cruneiros was getting older.

Azriel extended a hand and Cruneiros took it shaking it and pulling him in for a hug that Mordent happily returned.
“Welcome my old friend.”

Azriel nodded and smiled
“It’s good to see you to Cruneiros, your invitation to the party was well received. You said you needed my help?”

Cruneiros stood closer to Azriel and leaned in
“Not here my friend, there are too many ears.”
Cruneiros was not a paranoid man but even Mordent could tell that something was desperately wrong.

His nod and tilt of a head was all the indication that Azriel needed that a normal meeting would be made in the man’s library in a few minutes. Mordent smiled as Cruneiros moved away and welcomed more guests. Azriel looked behind him at Damien and Celine,
“Looks like were going to be a little longer after all.” He said coldly “This is serious.”
Mordent bit his bottom lip and gave a smirk, he could always tell by Silverkin’s tone what degree of urgency the man was under.
“None-the-less keep and eye out for anything that may seem suspicious or out of place, just to be safe. I don’t know whats going on, but until I do, tread carefully guys.”





Mona’s friend was Charlotte, they had been friends ever since they were little girls getting into trouble, and since Mona herself didn’t have any brothers or sisters, Charlotte was the closest thing she had ever had. Charlotte breath was felt on Mona’s cheek when she gasped and looked onward to the new stranger.
“WHO is that?” she asked Mona.
Charlotte couldn’t stop staring
“And why didn’t you introduce me to him sooner.” She said playfully “Keeping the good suitors for yourself I see?”
Charlotte gave her a wink teasing her, but in reality Charlotte was trying to figure out if the new man was even one of Mona’s suitors at all. If not, there was a possibility that she herself could move in on that particular shark.

Charlotte's voice broke the spell and Mona blinked. "That handsome devil is Lord Mordent and no, he's not one of my suitors, but oh if he was..." she left the comment open, smiled again and floated to do her duty. She stopped in front of him and curtsied, then beamed up at him again, "Welcome Lord Mordent. Thank you for coming to my birthday party. I hope you are well and if there is anything you require that you do not see, please let me know." Her heart was thundering in her chest and she felt a slight heat in her cheeks, but she managed (barely) to compose herself, curtsy once more then turned away.

Mona moved over to the band and spoke to the leader who then spoke to the rest of the band. They stopped then began a slow tune and Mona began singing a song of love lost then found again. It was a beautiful song in its own right, but with Mona's voice, several of her listening audience were brought to tears.

When the song finished, she politely waiting for the applause to die down then sang a happier and faster song that was lighthearted. During the final applause, she smiled and curtsied to the crowd.

What a sweet voice Celine thought as she scanned the room for potential trouble, the sad song seemed to pull at her heart strings and she was glad when it finished. The next had the complete opposite effect and was well received by the guests.

As Crunerios had approached she somehow knew he would not be an issue, she thought she recognized him from previous meetings but if it were the same man he looked much different out of his armour.

The girl Mona whose party it was looked like she was a handful even without her friend I bet you have to watch that one closely, she continued to survey the crowd looking for obvious signs of trouble but none came. The singing had lightened the mood and the guests were freely chatting and drinking, Celine decided she ought to give Mona her best wishes.

"Well met, you are Mona are you not, happy birthday. I can remember my 19, well some of it. There was some parts that involved a shy waiter and we........ Sorry I was drifting a little there, when not partying what do you do?"

Celine stood infront of Mona but continued her watch of the revelers, any sign of trouble and she would leap right over Mona.

Mona smiled as Celine approached her, but blushed deeply when Celine started talking about her own 19th birthday party. However, Celine's next comment went right over Mona's head. She shrugs, "I am kept quite busy here, with my various tutors, learning new languages, history and whatever else daddy wants me to learn. What about you...? I'm sorry, what is your name?"

"Forgive me my name is Celine and I am a cleric, I mainly help the injured or sick". Celine deliberately leaves out why she is here and what capacity she holds, Mona may be the hosts daughter but that does not mean she needs to know anything.

Celine positions herself so she can see Lord Mordent, and continues to talk and scan the room.

Lord Azriel Magnus Mordent:

“Magnus,” Cruneiros called again, he waved a hand in front of his eyes. “You awake man?”
Cruneiros had been talking for the past five minutes and Mordent hadn’t listened to a word the man had said. If the truth be told, he didn’t even see him come back. Azriel has simply heard the woman’s song and gotten lost in her voice and was almost completely intoxicated by the sound. He didn’t even realize he had been staring at Mona from across the room.

Damien couldn’t help but stifle a chuckle, which is actually what brought Mordent out of his daze.
“Sorry Cruneiros, yes?”
Mordent looked at him, cutting him off,
“Cruneiros, I must ask is THAT your daughter? Was that her singing?”

Cruneiros laughed realizing where Mordents mind had been.
“Yes Magnus my old friend it is.”
He started laughing
“Shes got a real voice doesn’t she?”
Crunerios pulled at Mordents sleeve, and act which brought Damien to his immediate alertness. No one ever laid a hand on Lord Mordent unless Mordent initiated the move first. Men had died in mere seconds for less. Damien relaxed instantly though when Mordent’s hand shifted to the side indicating he was fine and the situation was under control.

Mordent’s hand gripped Crunerios’s and pulled it from his sleeve slightly (with a fair amount of strength, nearly crushing the poor Paladin’s hand) he looked up finally and swallowed.
“Yes, she does.” He said raising an eyebrow to the man who hid his pain remarkably well.

Crunerios nodded to the library,
“Perhaps we could talk about future performances then?” he asked as his head nodded to the library.

Azriel sighed
“Indeed” he said with mild interest. Mordent was not dumb enough to believe that his old friend was attempting to peddle his daughter in any fashion. Actually quite the opposite, Crunerios actually protected his daughter with fierceness that Mordent hadn’t seen matched since his own days raising a daughter. But none the less, the Paladin had peeked the aged Vampires interest. . .



Mordent and Crunerios began walking to the Library quietly. Crunerios telling some story of his old days, which seemed embellished slightly, but was still entertaining to listen to. The crowd had nearly forgotten all about Mordents entrance when Mona started singing. However there were a few girls in the corner that kept a close eye on the Lord of Mordent Manor when he began walking away. Their watchful piercing eyes glued to him, as if he was a piece of candy they would have eaten up that very instant if they could have. The 4 girls might have been considered attractive if their personalities hadn’t been marred by the fact they were complete bitches. Still they watched Mordent with such an intense glare that they seem to revel in their own private fantasies of him.

As the two men pressed onward and left the party, Mordent glanced back over his shoulder casting a longing eye at Mona for only a brief moment. Before smiling at his old friend and moving to the library.

Celine gave Mona a Bow as Mordent left the room, "please excuse me Mona I will finish our conversation later as I have to follow Lord Mordent". Celine followed Lord Mordent out of the room, she paid little notice to the drooling females look at them like children eying sweets in a shop window.

She was not sure why but she liked Mona even though she had only just met her, it may be that she reminded her of her self at that age. Carefree and full of life and I bet she has had bedtime company, pretty girl like her would have the choice of whomever she desired.

She exits the room and follows Lord Mordent to the library where after a quick look round she leaves the men to their conversation, she stands outside the doors with Damien keeping a watch. "Did you like the singing Damien, Mona has such a sweet intoxicating voice don't you think"? She could not help the wry smile that seemed to appear when Damien was around, it was obvious that she was thinking rude thoughts as she looked at him.

Mona returned the woman's bow, smiling. She seems very confident of herself. I wonder what she does for Lord Mordent? Why is daddy talking to him privately? She watched Celine leave and her curiosity began to nag at her, but she knew better than to disturb her father's meetings. He wouldn't be mad, but she would be gently, but firmly, escorted out of the room. She sighed and turned back to her guests.

Charlotte came rushing up to her, "So, tell me all about Lord Mordent! I didn't realize your father and he were associates. Come on, spill!" Her friend led Mona away from the crowd and soon the two were talking and laughing. However, Mona's suitors interrupted them after a while and Mona returned to the party, promising each of the men a dance.

Celine:
Damien nodded to Celine and watched as Lord Mordent left with Mona’s father.
“A pretty voice is one thing, I don’t care much for the life.” He said stoically
He looked at Celine with a soft smile
“There is no real honor here.” He looked around the room, his hand ushering the whole room, “I have learned over the years that this is nothing more than a breeding ground for corruption and political maneuvering.”
Damien shrugged
“The women here have no idea what they are truly mixed up in; most of them will live their entire lives without ever knowing the evil and vile things that their husbands, fathers and brothers do on a regular basis.”
Damien’s eyes watched Mona for a brief moment,
“I could throw a dart and hit a murder by accident in this room, and yet most of them call it politics and nobility and hide behind laws and justice.”
His eyes looked to where Mona’s father had disappeared to.
“In this room, Honor is a word used as a punch line, and men who die in battle are faceless, here there is no honor.”
He took a deep breath and just shrugged.
“I prefer a woman who knows the truth, and isn’t blinded by a handsome face, or the size of my wallet, or where my father was born.”
He raised an eyebrow and smiled at her again, his reference to his preference of Celine all too clear by the way he made his statement.


Damien’s attention was caught by a guard standing next to him who tapped him on the shoulder.
“Lord Mordent and Lord Crunerios wish to see both you and the Lady here as quickly as possible. You’re to bring Lord Crunerios’s daughter to the study as well.”
Damien just shook his head and looked at Celine, the way he said the words and referred to Celine in such a disrespectful tone with ‘The Lady here’ was something that drove a cold spike of anger down Damien’s spine.
“Like I said no honor at all. . .”



Mona:
Lord Carl Elderburrows was a fine young man to say the least. He was the son of Duke Elderburrows and had long been in line to take his father’s place in power and in title, as his father had been growing older with each passing day. Carl had long sought the hand of Lord Crunerios’s daughter and was more than likely the top contender of any man in the room for the woman’s hand. He was a stunningly handsome man, tall at 6’6” and well built with almost a full body of 291 pounds of muscle. He had served for many years as a Knight for the City of Greyhawk and had only recently retired from the position as his father had become ill and weak. Carl was one of the first people to arrive at the party that night and had taken great pains to make sure he had landed the majority of Mona’s time. It was no secret that Lord Crunerios favored Carl in many ways and had long hoped that it would be Carl that would win his daughters hand, but as the final decision was always hers to make, all Crunerios could do was simple play the odds in the man’s favor and push him and his daughter along in just the right way.

Carl was all to happy when Mona had decided to take a dance and had chosen him as the partner for that dance, he knew he didn’t have to many more opportunities to prove his worth to the young woman. More so was his fear that the infamous Lord Mordent had chosen this night to arrive and speak to Mona’s father. A deep fear played on his mind and he hoped that the Mysterious Lord Mordent wasn’t making a power play for the one woman he had grown to admire. He knew he wouldn’t be able to compete with the likes of him.

As the dance finished and the band took a break, Carl escorted Mona onto the balcony that overlooked the city of Greyhawk in the nighttime. The view was really only a minor one of the local area but still in the finer local of Greyhawk one could not be too picky. The night was clear and the temperature was just right, and Carl had long been wanting to talk to Mona alone all night.
“Mona,. . .” he said as he opened the double doors to the balcony “. . . I have been wanting to speak with you for quite some time.”
Carl walked out onto the balcony and looked up at the moons his eyes sparkled in the dark night.
“I am fully aware of what’s going on tonight, with so many men at your beck and call, I have no reason to think that I am any better suited than any other man here.”
Carl took a deep breath and pulled something from his pocket
“But to speak to the point, we have known each other most of our lives and you know how fondly I look upon you. I wish only to be given the chance to show just how much I have come to love you.”
Carl shifted in his spot on the balcony, he knew he didn’t have much time before someone new would come looking for the lady.
“I also know that while many men have been seeking to court you, none have formally asked the question, and I fear if I wait to long, my own cowardice and fear may lead me to be too late.”
Carl took another deep breath
“Mona, I love you, I have for a long time, I only want to make you happy, please, marry me. . .”
He pulled the ring from his pocket and produced probably the single largest Diamond that had ever been in existence. It was easy to assume that he had most likely spent most of his families fortune on the diamond and the setting alone.
“Please Mona,. . .” He bent down on one knee and waited for her response.

Mona looked out at the city from the balcony and breathed deeply. She had always loved this view - especially at night. But now she could hardly concentrate on the sight; Carl's words kept invading her thoughts. The more he spoke, the faster and harder her heart pounded. She had liked Carl more than any of her suitors - he was rich and was about to be powerful, so he could provide for her - but the best was that he actually loved her. She knew that there were so many marriages that were only for convenience or titles, but she had longed hoped for love.

She turned to him, knowing where he was going with his speech and she smiled. But when he took the ring out of his pocket and showed it to her, her breath was stolen and she simply stared. Finally she slowly raised her eyes to Carl's and she could feel the tears building in her eyes. She thought about them growing up together and how long they had known each other.

She smiled and nodded, "Yes," she said softly, then louder, "Yes Carl. I will marry you." Her bright smile was eclipsed by his as he wrapped her in his arms.

Celine listens to Damien and realises that he has a lot of contempt for the rich and powerful that now filled this hall, she too felt that he had a real point about those that were as slimy as a worm and would use the legal loopholes to exploit people.

She was about to speak when the guard came from the room and spoke to him, she felt like she was not there as the guard had completely ignored her she felt like a possession to be carried around at will. "I will go and request that Mona join us, let the lords know where I am".

With that she left to find Mona, she scoured the room and finally located her. She was with a man on the balcony and as she approached he dropped on one knee, shit not now, not here I need to whisk her away. "I am sorry to disturb you at this time Miss Mona but your father has requested your presence in the study", Celine stood at a respectful distance and awaited her response.

Mona relaxed her embrace around Carl's neck, smiling brightly and she turned to Celine. "What? Oh, yes, of course. I'm to be married! Isn't that wonderful?" Mona's smile told Celine that no matter what she said, Mona would still be happy and not really listen anyway. Mona kissed Carl on the cheek and took his hand, "Come on. Now is a great time to tell daddy." She holds his hand as she turns back to Celine, "Let's go then." As they walk together to her father's study, it would be obvious to anyone except the very blind what has just occurred.

As Celine, Damien, Mona and Carl all approach the door to Lord Crunerios Silverkin’s personal study; two men stand guard at the door. They are dressed in full plate armor and bare the family seal that Mona is all to familiar with. Upon spotting Carl they stop Mona and shake their heads.
“I’m Sorry Mi’lady, but we are under strict orders not to let anyone in but you and Lord Mordent’s own people, its and extremely private matter.”
The Guards look unhappy at having to break up the happy couple and it seems as if the air just got a lot heavier and tenser.

Damien shifts in his stance and places a hand on Lord Elderburrow’s shoulder.
“It’s ok Sir, I promise whatever it is I’ll look after her with my own life.”

Carl looked at the monk and lifted an eyebrow, his dark jaw clenched and he pushed the hand off of his shoulder with an intense and abrupt nod. His attitude toward Damien instantly turned hostile as he looked from the guards to Damien then back to Mona. The look to Damien one of intense hate and distrust.
“See that you do.”
He paused and took a deep breath, leaning in he kisses Mona on the lips and smiles.
“I’ll be right outside my love.”

Damien ignored the look and turned to Celine,
“None what-so-ever. . .” he said in a snarky tone.

Mona didn't really notice the hostilities that Carl gave to Damien. She was more confused about the guard's orders. "Very well, but I don't understand. Surely he was expecting this on my birthday. What could be so private that he wouldn't want to hear this good news?" She squeezed Carl's hand and returned his kiss. Smiling, she nodded, "I doubt I'll be too long, my love." She entered the study with Damien and Celine.

Celine gave Damien a slow nod in recognition of his prior statement, "I agree" she whispered to him as they entered with Mona. She was not expecting anything major perhaps an announcement that needed certain people to watched as the news may be bad for them. She took her place to the rear and watched as the group settled down, perhaps somebody's shares are about to tumble she thought.

The study was a massive room of dark browns and blacks, bookshelves lined both walls on each side that gave way to a fire place. In front of the massive fire place was Lord Silverkin’s large oak desk. The fire place was carved from marble with dark images of Gargolyles hanging over the mantle ready to devour whatever was lying on the floor at that moment. A rug of suel design, hand stitched and woven covered the hard wooden floors. And while the room maintained a dark almost spooky air to it, Mona’s dad always seemed to be able to make the room come alive with a mystery and magic all its own. Two large dogs, lazily laid in front of Lord Silverkin’s desk as he, stood off to the side smoking a pipe and talking to Lord Mordent who was leaning against the mantle of the fire place and staring at the flames.

As the others enter, Lord Silverkin looks up to greet his daughter.
“MONA” he said walking over to her “Excellent you’re finally here.”
Mordent gave a nod to both Damien and Celine but maintained silence as Lord Silverkin addressed his daughter.
Siverkin embraced his daughter happily, kissing her on the forehead as he had so many times before.

Mona had entered her father's study with a slight line of concern between her eyebrows. But when her father greeted her, she smiled and - for the moment at least - her worries vanished. She returned his hug with great affection then pulled away, "Daddy, what's wrong? I wanted to share good news with you, but was kept from bringing Carl in here."

Mordent stepped forward,
“Perhaps its best if I leave this part to the two of you.”
He moved to motion for both Celine, Damien and him to walk out but was stopped by Silverkin’s words.

Silverkin raised his hand
“No Magnus, you stay.”
He had addressed Mordent by his first name; it surprised Damien to say the least
“You have as much a part in this as anyone.”

Mordent looked up and nodded his head silently
“As you wish.” He said stoically

Silverkin looked at his daughter with great admiration,
“Yes I knew Carl was going to ask you any day now. From the looks of things you have accepted his proposal.”
Silverkin’s smile was overshadowed with an aura of fear and doubt.
“However I must put that on hold temporarily and ask something of you. I had long prayed that this day would never come, but now that it has I am afraid of what you will think of me.”
Silverkind released his daughter and stepped back.
“Mona, my dearest daughter. . .” he said silently “. . .you have a sister. Her name is Camilla.”
Silverkin lowered his head.
“Mona,” he said silently “She’s only five years old. You see after your mother died, I was so lost for so long, I didn’t know what to do. I sought comfort in places I should not have, and for that I have had to pay a penance, but more to the point, in my despair and sadness I took young woman to my bed from the brothel, and it resulted in the birth of your sister. The young girl’s mother died in childbirth, and as not to complicate things further I made sure she had a good home, a good family and someone I knew I could trust to take care of her.”

Mona was confused at first as her father danced around what he was trying to say, but she was not prepared for his confession. She paled, stepped back and collapsed into a chair. She balled her fists tightly which helped keep her from fainting, but it was still several moments before she could focus again. "A sister? A half-sister?" She looked at her daddy and saw the shame, and hurt in his eyes and rushed over to him, "Oh daddy. I understand. I love you. And I'm thrilled that I have a sister, but why didn't you tell me before? Were you ever going to tell me? I mean 5 years is a long time." She considered his words again, "Where is she now? Will I get to meet her?"

Celine listened as Mona received news she has an illegitimate sister well it was not the shares crash as I thought it would be, so she has a little sister that could be a boon to her, Celine continued to survey the room expecting nothing and expecting everything.

Cruneiros leaned on his desk and stroked his chin,
“Camilla’s mother had many enemies, I didn’t know this at the time.” He said quietly “Had they found out the Camilla was her daughter, they would have stopped at nothing to get to her.”
Crunerios took a deep breath.
“I wanted to bring her here, I wanted her to be a part of our family, but it just wasn’t possible. There were too many uncertain variables. I couldn’t take the chance that perhaps someone would find out, and then her life and yours would have been in danger.”

Lord Mordent stepped forward, straightening his tunic.
“That’s where I came in. . .” he said quietly.

Crunerios nodded
“Quite right,” he said looking at his daughter. “I hid Camilla away under Lord Mordent’s protection. See Magnus was more equipped and better able to handle her protection than I was.”
He looked at his daughter again and shook his head in shame.
“You know how it is for me? Growing up, 90% of the time I wasn’t here. I couldn’t leave you with the burden of a child, not knowing if either of you would be safe.”
Crunerios mentally reaffirmed himself he had done the right thing.
“Magnus was in a much better position to look after her than I was. So we hid her away with Magnus, still inside the city. I haven’t seen her since the day she was born, but I have thought of her every day since. I know if anyone found out who and what her mother was, her life would be in danger, and it’s a risk I just couldn’t take.”

Lord Mordent walked over and stood next to Crunerios
“Keep going . . .” he said silently “. . .she needs to know everything.”

Crunerios looked up at Mona with tears in his eyes
“Two days ago I received a letter, a writ from the city of Crossford.”
He paused and swallowed hard.
“Someone knows everything, and they are coming for Camilla.” He swallowed hard again “Mona, they aren’t stopping there either, they want you dead as well. They want to take everything I worked to build and bring it to ground all because of what I did. All because I am Camilla’s father.”
He looked at the ground as Mordent stood over him, a deep feeling of disbelief and utter despair emenated from around him
“You see, Camilla’s mother, I didn’t know it, . . .” he looked at Mordent and shook his head, “. . .I never thought to look closer, I was so upset over the loss of Anastasia (Mona’s mother). . .”
Crunerios just blurted it out, unable to break it in an easy way.
“Camilla’s mother was a fiend, a demon. Giving birth to her didn't kill her, it only sent her soul back to the hells from once it came. Now shes returning for her daughter, to take her back, to reclaim what she feels is hers."