The human woman

I follow the human woman, sad that I didn't arrive in time to get her name. But… something is nagging at me…which crystallizes when she whispers, “Of all the gin-joints, I had to fall into this one.”

…because the forst half of that is something we used at our gaming table, specifically a code for me to follow when we think we're observed, “Brian?” I whisper in her (his?) ear.

“Yes,” she whispers back, still walking. “That would have been more obvious if you'd arrived in time to hear the announcements… I don't know who the elf is, she got here first and doesn't talk much, but the tiefling is Charles.” She takes a breath, “I already arranged with the others for a meet up after the feast…for now, we'll need to obey the order to go shopping. Why aren't you…” she trails off.

“It's a pain effect, I'm mostly immune,” I shrug, “It lights up and feels a bit warm, but that's it. Also, I do plan to go shopping, but there's nothing saying it can't be alongside you: Our gear requirements aren't that dissimilar, and who knows what's in which shop… and it's really useful to have someone who's visible act as a front for me.”

“Heh, and here I thought I was Legalistic…” she shakes her head at the joke referencing her Oracle's Curse. “Good. Great, even… let's go find the markets…”

Unfortunately, a thousand crowns doesn't actually go that far. She picks up a Wand of Cure Light Wounds (Lesser Vigor or Infernal Healing would be preferable for gold to HP conversion efficiency, but those aren't available, and we need gear now), a chain shirt, camping gear (a backpack, tent, sleeping roll, rope, and so on), a spell component pouch, and some backup melee and ranged weapons in case she runs out of spells and her Eidolon goes away somehow. I get camping gear, a backup weapon (a light crossbow for range in case of an antimagic field), plus the same wand she did, and leather armor. I don't need the wand myself, and I'm not any good with the weapon… but the wand will let me keep my companions running on longer adventures, and the weapon is just a backup. The only purpose of the armor is to hide that stupid **** crest: Between the pain immunity and regeneration, I don't really care if I take a few hits. The camping gear I don't actually need at all, but it was an order, and I want to pretend I need to follow those for now.

Ordered work done, we explore the town a bit, figuring out where everything is, and head back to the palace a little before the sun goes down. We're issued ‘better’ clothes for the evening (dresses that absolutely show off the crests and what they're on). I don't bother changing, nobody can see anyway: I just stuff the fine cloth in my backpack: Everyone else is made to strip naked and change while the king looks on… or rather, leers, like he's trying to decide which cake to eat first.

I am really hating this guy right now.

The feast is nice, although I feel like we're peacocks on display at a zoo. Lots of nobles walk past our table, we eat a feast of roast chickens, various vegetables, bread baskets, wines, cakes… all spiced well. The King sits between Charles and the hero whom I don't know… announced as “Alice”, but… hmm… spending a lot of time with his hands below the table and the two women… men… whatever… who glare daggers at him until he whispers in their ears… at which point, their tattoos flare up until they plaster fake smiles on their faces and just slowly turn red as they stay silent for the rest of the evening, drinking far more than is healthy.

Seeing as how I don't need to eat, can't feel the wine, and am really hard to see, I set my drink down and look under the table… the King has hiked his two victims’ skirts up, and is amusing himself by exploring their womanhood with his hands. Given the state of things, I have a pretty good idea where this is going after

[dinner.

So](http://dinner.So) I keep an eye on the king, eating and drinking and socializing as expected, waiting patiently for him to retire. At least I don't need to talk to nearly as many of the nobles as the others… seems none of them can see me, although I do get eyes from one of the king's bodyguards… and he seems to drown at the fact that I'm carrying a crossbow. Good to know they have ways and I'll need to watch out. I mentally flag that one.

When dinner is over, I quietly ask Brian to keep that particular bodyguard busy, and follow the king as he retires for the evening, taking Charles with him. We go through stairwells and hallways aplenty, eventually ending at a bedroom. The King has this guards watch the door, as he slips inside with a now very drunk Charles, myself a moment behind. When he orders her to strip, I make my chosen move….