Board Thread:Roleplaying/@comment-5543592-20170421205142/@comment-5543592-20170422174547

The Crimson King smiled at Tim. It wasn't the Fool's grin, more restrained, controlled-- like a duelist acknowledging another's skill.

"Guilty as charged." The shrill whine was gone-- his voice was still raised, but it was a nobleman's refined tone, the speech patterns of someone who always made sure they were heard and always assumed authority. "Very good, Tim."

He motioned to the servant who, with a glare at Rick, gathered up the Crimson King's clothes and hurried over to the monarch.

"I apologize for the deception.  The Yellow Jester is a character, designed to bring out the worst in people, and although I find him amusing to play, I know others do not.  Rulers have always used a fool to mock guests, to learn what kind of people they truly are and to embarress them.  I wanted to get a feel for you all myself, without the burden of my station." He explained, shedding the tight yellow shirt. It had made him appeal skinny, but was in fact just barely more than skin tight. He was broad across the shoulders, now that he stood up straight and without a forced hunch, and above average in height. The King was lean with age, and without the silly jester's outfit, he appeared much more wizened. With the outfit on, his wrinkled and gray hair had just been part of the character. But now it showed just how old he was. A man in his eighties, the King was as old as anyone could get in the wasteland now adays, who wasn't a ghoul or mutant.

Underneath the jester's tights he was wearing a loose red shirt, and the servant came over to hold his jacket for the King to slip into. He left the lower tights on, they likely functioned as underclothing as well, and slipped into the red trousers. He tossed the jester's hat aside, and kicked off the yellow shoes, stepping into the Italians.

He turned to face Tanner and Will, buttoning up the front of his jacket. "You are understandably angry for the attempts on your lives.  But you both seemed like incredibly violent individuals, and I needed to see how you would react when pressured, and whether you would be a danger to me or my people."

"You were the King," Tanner said slowly, incredulously, "the whole time?" One had to remember that the Outsiders had only had to put up with the Jester for half a day. Tanner had been spending the last three months with him.

"As much as that must frustrate you, it was necessary.  I could not allow you to leave just yet.  I hope you understand?"

Tanner didn't look like he was anywhere close to understanding, but it looked like he was schooling the part of himself that wanted to reach inside his coat, draw that .45, and show what he thought about what was 'necessary.'

The King had forgotten him already though, and was now turning to Tim.

"Timothy, since you are the one who came to the ultimate conclusion, I ask you to join me tomorrow morning.  I will answer any questions you have, about Kheiro, and beyond him.  The rest of you have full access to the palace, and Mercer Island.  If there is anything I can do for you, you need but ask."