At this point, Adrienne stood to oppose Maelyrra, but, realizing the ridiculousness of a diplomatic entourage trying to argue in only their underpants, she grabbed a tablecloth with which to cover up. As she removed the cloth from the table, various messy foodstuffs that were sitting on the table wound up on the clothing of the seated courtiers. As Adrienne wrapped the cloth around herself, and turned away to address the issue, she was oblivious to the angry women standing up behind her, arming themselves with more pastries and cakes. “Certainly you won’t let such an affront to the archmaga stand! The Duchy can stand together with us against these elves who have no respect for human powers or their diplomacy!”
Maelyrra, seemingly unfazed walked right up to her, and grabbed one corner of the tablecloth. “You’ve addressed the duchess. Lets ask the rest of the court, now, shall we?!” With a flourish, she pulled the tablecloth right off of Adrienne, causing her to spin around. She was surprised to wind up face to face with a group of angry courtiers, who immediately attacked her and her entourage with the foodstuffs. It wasn’t just the mess; they were throwing hard enough that the hits would sting naked skin. Adrienne, Anwen and Emelyn first try to dodge or use their hands to protect themselves, but Adrienne tires of this and starts throwing food back. In moments, the banquet hall became a massive food fight, where nobles, diplomats, and servers tossed all varieties of sweet treats at each other. The only people not to actively participate were the two guards, stuck in the stocks as they were. But that didn’t make the participants spare them.
Maelyrra and Laurana saw that something needed to be done, and freed the guards from the stocks. In moments, the armored women had strongarmed Adrienne and Anwen into the same stocks. Emelyn tried in vain to free them, but the guards secured her to a column with rope.
When the situation had calmed down, the Duchess ordered silence. Maelyrra explained how Adrienne had been using a cantrip on her, and explained the concern of the elven delegation that the Glantrians had intended to utilize their magic to influence the Duchess’ advisors into war with Alfheim.
The duchess wiped the cake from her face thoughtfully, tasting some of the icing on her finger, then declared: “I could hold you mages in my prisons indefinitely, or charge your archmaga a ransom; but I find it more fitting that you return to her and tell her that I am no puppet of Glantri, and my court is not to be trifled with such.” She pointed to Emelyn. “You will remain in my dungeon as collateral until such time your companions return with a reply from Glantri. You others shall be escorted to our border in the state of dress you are in, in the stocks, and released from them in such a state once you leave my lands. I will send heralds before you to announce once every half mile the reason for your punishment. May your trip home be as pleasant as you deserve.”
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