Ashes of Aequaria IC

[Wordplay]

Lord Alfric looks puzzled for half a beat at Lena's comment, then lets out a hearty laugh.

'Aha, well good luck to you, whatever your business is with that young popinjay'.

'Aye, I once found an old imperial fort guarded by giant statues, animated to life somehow. A technique that our best mages cannot recreate today. Now, a mercenary fellow I'd brought along wanted to smash the things to get at whatever treasures they might guard - and it would have been difficult, but possible'.

'I realised that the constructs themselves were likely more valuable than anything buried there. It took a bit of doing, but I hit upon a plan to preserve the constructs, and get into the ruin. I had my men dig some pits, and fill them with water. We covered them over with a board just thick enough to support my weight'.

'I lured the constructs out of the ruin, one by one, with the help of a halfling acquaintance of mine - Elias Fletch - a good fellow'.

'Once the constructs tried to follow us over the pit traps I had our mage ready to...'

'Excuse me, my Lady'. a servant butts in.

'Lord Philomercy would like to hear what business you have to propose'.

Meanwhile, the governor keeps up his conversation with Ursuul.

'I understand. To kill a man in cold blood is an unpleasant thing to do... regrettably necessary from time to time, but there's little honour in it'.

'If you want to see the record of the trial, it's available to the public on request at the governor's palace. I'll give you a copy of my seal to expedite any request you make'.

'If you wish to speak to the man, it can be arranged. I'll send word to the goalers that you've permission to pass. He's being held in the town prison - also in the governor's palace'.

'I warn you though, I've not heard a pleasant or worthwhile word out of the wretch's mouth'.

'One other thing I should mention - the condemned was one of five brothers. Their gang has terrorised the mountains over the past few years. It's possible that they'll try to free him. If you're not able to execute the felon, perhaps you might be willing to guard the execution platform?'

Julius goggles slightly as Beigette approaches.

'Erm...not at all, m'Lady - you're interested in scrolls?' he seems surprised that anyone else should share his passion. He puffs himself up slightly.

'Well, if you're interested in scrolls, I'm your man. I've got a collection dating back to the Republican days of the old empire. It's fascinating to see how much has changed over the years, and how much has stayed the same? Do you collect spell scrolls youself? How many do you have? I've got about 50. Of course, many of them are simple cantrips, and doubles. What's your favourite?'

He catches himself slightly.

'Erm...sorry. I don't meet many people who share my interest... and I don't believe I caught your name? I'm Julius'. he bows elegantly and carefully.

[Marlowe]

"--Encase them in ice?" Lena ventures. "Please forgive me, Lor' Alfric. Love t' hear the end o' this, bu' I think there's my watch called." Maybe I'm overdoing the formality, if a servant around here can get away with interrupting a Lord.

Or maybe Alfric is so down the quarterdeck that Philomercy's business overrides him completely.

Nodding farewell to Indiana Alfric, she turns and approaches Lord Philomercy, walking straight and fixing his eye contact as soon as she can.

"Please excuse the imposition, Lor' Philomercy." she begins, deciding that if he's going to respond so quickly then a brisk and efficient manner is what's called for.

"Lena o' Corvalla. Solver o' problems an' squisher o' bugs. I hate t' ask ye t' do business a' a time like this, bu' time presses." She makes a point of studiously ignoring the dandies and knob-polishers around Philomercy. "Is there a place close where we cou' speak in private?"

Spoiler: Sense Motive-Gauging his mood.

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(1d20+4)[24]

[Azoth]

Ursuul was a bit surprised at the govenor's quick agreement to his terms. Here he had thought the govenor viewed him as little more than an axe to be swung. The bastard probably did, but at least he was hiding it well enough.

That is most agreeable. I will put in the request for the record and visit the prisoner the morning after we return from the hunting trip. Is there anything else you wish to discuss with me?

[Starbin]

Lady Minerva keeps up her conversation with Thumble.

'Anyway, I thought I'd best rescue you before all the young ingenues decided to start harranging you about the sights of Queia and all the old matrons started mentally marrying you off to their friends daughters...'

'I suppose... I wanted to say I know how the noble life can feel... almost like a trap sometimes. And I can understand that someone this far from home who's taken to living apart from society ... well, I suppose Queia and its nobility is the last thing that you want to be talking about'.

'But you did come, and I really want to thank you for coming. It means a great deal to our family to have an illustrious guest list for my sister's ball'.

Thumble turned his attention to Lady Minerva, uncertain whether the girl was one and the same, although a more suspicious person would have wondered at the seeming 'coincedence' of it all. He nodded his head in thanks and agreement to the woman. "Yes, we are a ... fish out of water right now. We ... I ... spent most of my life living my parents dream. It took some time to go find my dream ... and Slobber. I - I'm glad we could help your sister, even if I'm not sure we're worth the fuss."

Sighing, he glanced around the ballroom before turning back. "Give us a glade and pool deep in teh woods, and we're happy. This is like claws on a chalkboard ..."

[PersonMan]

Julius goggles slightly as Beigette approaches.

'Erm...not at all, m'Lady - you're interested in scrolls?' he seems surprised that anyone else should share his passion. He puffs himself up slightly.

'Well, if you're interested in scrolls, I'm your man. I've got a collection dating back to the Republican days of the old empire. It's fascinating to see how much has changed over the years, and how much has stayed the same? Do you collect spell scrolls youself? How many do you have? I've got about 50. Of course, many of them are simple cantrips, and doubles. What's your favourite?'

He catches himself slightly.

'Erm...sorry. I don't meet many people who share my interest... and I don't believe I caught your name? I'm Julius'. he bows elegantly and carefully.

Beigette struggles to contain a laugh as Julius puffs up and goes off at her mention of scrolls. The man instantly reminded her of half a dozen boys she knew from the Academy. Whether they were obsessed with Evocation or a die-hard player of Element Ball, it was always the same when she asked about it. That moment of shock, followed by instantly gushing about whatever their passion was. Sometimes they caught themselves before they just started rambling, but sometimes they didn't - as the question of whether Julius would reign himself in crosses her mind, the man does precisely that.

"No need to apologize," Beigette begins, shaking her head with a smile. "I am Neiri Alinson of Sigil, although in less formal settings I prefer Beigette. I do have some experiences in scrolls - for quite some time, I was all but surrounded by them," true; the Academy had enough scrolls in its libraries that Beigette was sure that it would be a heaven for Julius "but in this case, I'm actually looking to acquire some for practical matters. You see, I'm hoping to contact my mother back home, to speak with her again. I've heard that the best way to do so is to acquire a scroll of a spell well suited for that purpose."

Spoiler: Sense Motive

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Taking 10 for 15, assuming that's possible.

Looking to get a feel for how he feels about Beigette. Nothing special, just a standard sort of observation.

[Wordplay]

Lord Alfric scowls slightly at the servant who had the temerity to cut off his story.

'Aye, froze 'em in ice. Well, good evening to you m'Lady, always pleasant to chat to someone with an interest in antiquities'.

As Lena approaches Lord Philomercy, he smiles at her.

'Charmed, I'm sure'.

Lord Philomercy is bedecked in tasteful finery, and wear opulent jewellery. He's a tall young man, his blond hair tied back in a long que.

'Of course, I'm fascinated to hear what possible business a charming lady might have with me'.

Several young noblewomen, and at least one nobleman, look daggers at Lena as Lord Philomercy takes her aside. Beckoning to a servant, Lord Philomercy has an anteroom opened, and leads Lena inside.

'What is it that you wish to discuss?'

Spoiler: For Lena

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Lena doesn't like that smile. It doesn't seem to reach the man's eyes. That reminds Lena slightly of a pirate Captain Lena's mother once had dealings with - a polite soft spoken man, with an unmatched talent for cruelty. Lord Philomercy walks with a martial bearing, and appears bemused by his horde of admirers and hangers on. As he takes Lena's hand his skin feels soft to the touch, and Lena observes that his nails are delicately manicured. Lord Philomercy seems the type who's used to life giving him everything. Right now he seems to be slightly curious at whatever Lena might have to say.

Governor Ireas looks at Ursuul, shrewdly.

'Not for the moment. Let me know if you wish to take either of the jobs by the fourth hour after midday tomorrow at the latest please'.

'I may have some further work you might be interested in later this week...'

'Oh, and I'm sure it goes without saying, but please, be on your best behaviour tonight. This evening is of great importance to one of your companions...more than she herself knows...' Ireas broods for a moment.

'Incidentally, I heard of your charity to the poor dockworker who was so badly injured in the fire last year. That was well done. Carry on as you have been doing, and I predict great things for you, Ursuul'.

Lady Minerva smiles at Thumble sympathetically.

'It must have been very difficult to you. I thank the Twelve for tolerant parents. I know that many might have pushed their daughters into marriage at my age. It's not really supposed to be Flamian custom, but lately the great merchant families are acting more and more like the nobility of Iver, or Begala. Fortunately father and mother are very patient with me and encourage me in my pursuits'.

'I think that dinner will be called shortly, but afterwards, perhaps you'd like to take a walk with me in the garden? It might be a little more to your taste. There's quite a bit of it I don't think you've seen...it's been so long since I've been able to take a walk there myself due to ...well the unpleasantness, but thanks to you, I can once again enjoy it'.

Lady Minerva smiles.

When Thumble next looks the serving girl has disappeared from her place, and is nowhere to be seen.

Meanwhile, Beigette continues her chat with Julius.

Spoiler: For Beigette

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Julius seems flattered to be getting the attention of a pretty woman his own age, and seems to be very taken with Beigette. He looks as if he can't believe his luck. However, he winces slightly when Beigette talks about using a scroll...he probably doesn't even realise he did, but the idea clearly gives him pain.

Julius puffs himself up a little on being asked his opinion.

'Well, I don't usually cast scrolls myself - I prefer to collect them. Still, I think the sort of spell that would best suit your purposes is a spell of sending'.

'I might have a copy I suppose I could part with...'

'Perhaps if you came by my house tomorrow? Our estate is just up the street. I could show you my whole collection!'

[Marlowe]

Lena keeps her eyes firmly focused upon Philomercy. A bad one this. And spoiled. And yet many hunger to be seen as his friend. She wonders just what sort of favour she's actually doing for mistress Short, but keeps her voice flat.

"Lor' Philomercy, thanking yer indulgence. I represent a certain entrepreneur o' the town. One successful an' established, yet chafing under the conditions o' present patronage. I' brief, my---friend wishes t' ha' a new patron." She produces the package Short gave her to deliver, but keeps her eyes on his and doesn't hand it to him yet. "My friend wishes fo' such t' be you. I ha' some details o' the offer here y' may wish t' read over." She hands him the details. "I hardly nee' mention tha' accepting this offer woul' represent a useful expansion i' yer commercial interests fo' almost no investment o' yer part. The only snarl woul' be clearing it wit' the old boss."

Spoiler: Properly Paranoid.

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Spot:(1d20)[7]
Listen (1d20+5)[7]
(because show me a rich, important guy nobody likes talking to a PC in private and I'll show you an excellent time for a hired assassin to turn up.)

[Azoth]

Ursuul turns to scan the room seeing where his fellows are before turning back to the governor.


I'd only done what was right. Your people may see it as some great deed, but where I'm from it is only natural to help those who are of your liking and need it. 


He leans in close making sure to lock eyes with the governor. His tone low so as not to attract too many eavesdroppers.


Now, since rumors seem to be of discussion this eve, you wouldn't happen to know of a man they call "The Wanderer" would you? Came to town about three or four days ago. They're saying he has wracked up quite the body count in honor duels since then, atleast a man a day.

[Starbin]

Thumble nodded to Lady Minerva, smiling faintly. "Yes, that would be nice. We would enjoy that." Thumble prepared to escort the lady to her seat and find an unobtrusive spot of his own to sit and hide at.

Now what was Slobber up to?

[Wordplay]

Lord Philomercy looks over the details Lena passes him with mild interest.

'Well, I see the venture turns a healthy enough profit'.

'Still, profit is not everything. It would not be becoming to be the patron of a client who lacked a certain refinement'.

'Who is the lady's current patron? What is their relationship like with their client? It would not be seemly to break up a good relationship, nor would I like a client who cannot get on with a patron...'

Lena thinks she sees a tapestry to her right rustle - only for a serving man to appear from behind it with a fresh tray of canapes.

The governor nods approvingly at Ursuul's modesty. He listens carefully to Ursuul's words.

'Ah, yes, I believe I know of the man of which you speak. He showed up first about a year ago. Killed three men in duels, then left town. I thought that we'd seen the last of him, until this week'.

'He turned up in town, and within an hour he'd killed a man. He was arrested and held by the guard afterwards. He offered himself up with no resistance. They had to let him go the very next day - numerous witnesses saw the men agree to the duel, and it is no crime to kill in a duel, or in self-defence'.

The governor blinks.

'Unless of course one of the parties yields - but from what I've heard, there was no time to yield to this stranger'.

'Incidentally, both of the first two killed this time were known petty criminals and thugs. They'd paid the weregild for both theft and assault in their time. They're among the crowd that frequents the Blood and Bowl. The third was one of their kindred, seeking vengeance'.

'After the second killing, I had one of our more competent guardsman put the stranger under surveillance. If he lays so much as a hand on a man outside a duel, I'll be sending a detachment of the garrison to take him in'.

'Until then, he remains something of an enigma. Almost more blade than man'. the governor looks up at Ursuul. 'but of course, we know such men have their uses'.

'If you're thinking about taking him on, I wouldn't recommend it. I've heard reports about how the man fights. He is possessed of great strength, and swings that sword as if in a frenzy - but with deadly aim. The men he killed were no amateurs. If you see him kill outside of a duel, I urge you to pass the information on to the watch or the garrison'.

'If he's a threat to the citizenry, he will be dealt with...if not...I may yet find a way to turn him to useful ends'.

As Thumble looks around, he finds that Slobber is nowhere to be seen. Through the empathic bond, he senses a pang of hunger. For a brief moment Thumble's vision clouds, but the smell of cooking meat almost overwhelms him.

Minerva reaches out a hand to steady him, and a young human noblewoman takes Thumble's other arm.

'Are you alright my Lord? The air can be a little oppressive in here... Celia, a glass of water for Lord Thumble if you please...'

Thumble's vision returns to normal, and the scent abates. Slobber feels quite close... no more than a room or two away.

[Marlowe]

Lena makes a mental note that Mistress Short apparently needs to work on putting actual information into her presentations. "Lor' Garth-Elwes is the present patron. I am give t' understand tha' the bone o' contention i' his refusal t' allow my friend--" She's starting to regret referring to Mistress Short that way. Shouldn't have bothered avoiding pronouns. The absence of them can be as telling as their presence. And can lead to half-truths. "--the right t' feature appropriate entertainment a' her establishment. He has other clients with whom she is in competition, an' he is playing favourites.

"A' for whether her establishments meets yer standards o' refinement, tha's yer judgement' t' make. Bu' it bes' be made while Garth-Elwes is aroun' an' convenient t' be spoken to. Hence the unseemly urgency."

[Marlowe]

Spoiler: A Diplomacy roll wold probably be helpful. Even if Lena doesn't really care that much.

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[roll1d20+10[/roll]

[Marlowe]

Spoiler: Let's just try that again...

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(1d20+10)[15]

OOC: Sigh.

[Azoth]

Ursuul sneers slightly at the governor's warning. He makes sure to keep his voice low but it still carries an edge.

Just like the subjects of this hunt, I plan to kill this man.

I have had two run ins with him. He is a manipulative bastard who goads men into agreeing to the fights, usually while they are drunk. Not hard to kill a man when he is drunk off his rocker and seeing red.

So, if I were you, I wouldn't spend much time thinking on his uses outside of fertalizing the next season's crops.

[Starbin]

Thumble raised a hand to assuage any worries, accepting the water with a nod of thanks. "Yes ... it is a little stuffy ... maybe a little air. If you'll excuse me m'lady." Bowing to Minerva, Thumble slipped through the crowd into the direction of the kitchen, wondering if the hound had found his way towards the food. Worried of what might happen, Thumble moved quickly ... no need for an incident!

[PersonMan]

Meanwhile, Beigette continues her chat with Julius.

Spoiler: For Beigette

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Julius seems flattered to be getting the attention of a pretty woman his own age, and seems to be very taken with Beigette. He looks as if he can't believe his luck. However, he winces slightly when Beigette talks about using a scroll...he probably doesn't even realise he did, but the idea clearly gives him pain.

Julius puffs himself up a little on being asked his opinion.

'Well, I don't usually cast scrolls myself - I prefer to collect them. Still, I think the sort of spell that would best suit your purposes is a spell of sending'.

'I might have a copy I suppose I could part with...'

'Perhaps if you came by my house tomorrow? Our estate is just up the street. I could show you my whole collection!'

"That does sound like it would be nice. I was brought up with a more practical view of scrolls, myself, but I've always been fascinated by them," Beigette replies, smiling. Internally she notes how the man acts, already seeing what to do if she wants to manipulate him. Of course, it wasn't going to be a one-sided deal; if she had him pegged right then her visit would be the highlight of his whole month at least, and if he had a number of scrolls then he could surely part with one or maybe even two...

For a moment, Beigette considers her own abilities. While she can only just barely cast a proper cantrip, she could probably make a few scrolls of the spells she still had with her notes. It'd take quite a bit of time, obviously, and she'd have to go over everything that was still in her notebook-turned-diary-thing, but it was probably doable. It was a long-term thing of course, but she could be able to produce a few of her own scrolls if she ever needed the man's help with something in the future. While Ireas was already supporting her, having a network of contacts wouldn't hurt, and Julius could be the start of that.

Sudden aspirations aside, Beigette returns her thoughts to the matter at hand.

"Sending...I'm not a great student of the arcane, but I have heard of that spell. My uncle clearly didn't exaggerate your knowledge of scrolls when he told me you'd know exactly what I needed," she continues. Why not add some flattery to the conversation? It always made things more interesting one way or another.

[Wordplay]

Julius blushes slightly at Beigette's flattery...

'Well, no more I suppose than any with a classical education...'

'Can I take it that you'll visit then?' he asks plaintively.

Before Beigette can reply, a familiar voice interrupts.

'Now Julius, I hope that you're not monopolising this young lady...'

Izakel Tarus, priest of the Herdsman appears. He must have approached from directly behind Beigette. His voice is as smooth as honey.

'P-p-pontiff'. Julius stammers, clearly annoyed by the interruption.

Ireas listens to Ursuul, his face impassive.

'A pity. Well, let me know if you will be able to help with the execution. Good evening to you'.

The governor excuses himself. Soon he is immersed in conversation with some local dignitary...

A servant appears at Ursuul's arm.

'May I offer you something to drink sir?'

A soldier wearing the black and white tabard of the garrison makes his way to the governor, and whispers something discreetly in his ear. The governor turns to him, and a ripple of frustration crosses his face...

Spoiler: For Beigette and Ursuul

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Just then, a gong sounds, and Lord Ton Vearrs calls out.

'My Lords and Ladies, if it please you, dinner is served!'

The guests begin to line up so that they can enter the adjoining dining room in order of precedence.

As Thumble darts after Slobber, he dodges several serving staff, heads through a curtain-covered door, and down a long corridor, before arriving at a large hot kitchen, with a large oven burning at the far end. Maids and manservants are rushing around, scullery maids are scrubbing dishes, and cooks and dicing ingredients, whilst taking other dishes out of the oven.

Slobber is over by an old, fat human woman, who sits in a rocking chair, near the oven. She seems to be the only person in the room who isn't busy. She strokes Slobber's neck, then notices Thumble.

'Don't worry, m'Lord. He'll be no trouble to us. We can take good care of him for you for the evening. I'll see if I can find him a nice bone...' The old lady smiles, her teeth all back...

Meanwhile, Lord Philomercy seems pensieve at Lena's proposal.

'It's a tempting prospect...'

'However, I've heard that the new Lord Garth-Elwes is impossible to deal with. Not to mention he's a recluse - I haven't seen him here tonight'.

'Alright, I've made up my mind. If you can persuade Garth-Elwes to release your friend, I consent to being her patron - but it must be done tonight - I've business in Burford, and I'll not tarry in these parts for trivial matters'.

[Marlowe]

Lena gives Philomercy a precise bow. "We'd hardly expect more o' yer, yr Lordship." Though I like this less and less. "I'll see t' tracking down his Impossibleness, an' return a' soo' a' able." As politely as she is able, she departs from the chamber and--out of sheer irritation--makes a show of adjusting her clothing as she emerges into the main hall. Why follow gossip when you can cause it.

If'n he's not here, that's us scuppered. Best start with the doorman.. She makes for that worthy to ask if Garth Vader's actually present.

[Azoth]

Ursuul looks to the serving girl a bit more harshly than he intends. The frustration of the Governor showing on his face plainly. His voice is gruff as he notices the lines of people forming. Dark bitter ale...the kind that can wash the taste of rotten food from your mouth.

With that he moves off to find one of his party who can explain this procession and where he falls in it.

[Starbin]

Thumble nodded in thanks, clearly relieved that his friend was not causing any problems. With a smile, he took the time to chat with the old woman, asking her name and those of the staff, while they both pet Slobber and waited for a bone.

After a few moments, the gnome noticed the bustling pick up and he stood, bowing his head apologetically. "Sorry, ma'am, but it looks like dinner is about to start. We'll chat more later, yes?" Looking to Slobber, he motioned to see if his companion would come ... it not, he would leave the dog for now and join the others in the main room.

Spoiler: OOC

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Glad we're back up and running - hope everything is alright in RL. Just biding the time for now ... Thumble tends to require a greater push to follow all those mini-quest leads, so for right now I'm ignoring everyone else's posts to keep his 'obliviousness' accurate and real.

[PersonMan]

Beigette smiles.

"Yes, it does," she confirms with a nod. Then a voice comes from behind her. A voice that had seemed trustworthy and kind at first, but the more she had thought on the man it belonged to the less of either she would ascribe to it. The man with his cult and insistence of only worshiping one, when everyone else was pantheistic, annoyed her. And now he represented an issue. It would do no good for him to open his mouth and spill anything about scrolls or business. She could potentially get one from Julius without paying anywhere near the full normal price if she was lucky, but if Tarus came along with his focus on money and mercantilism, it might change how the man thought about the matter.

Besides, he'd just butted his way into her conversation. The last to do that had found her underwear scattered across the third alchemy lab the next morning. The least she could do was teach the man a much less painful lesson.

"Tarus," Beigette begins, turning to the man. Feeding on her annoyance, she summons every bit of presence she had learned to bring to bear, gaze showing her feelings as it seeks the man's own. "I am new to these lands, and I appreciate your offers of assistance," Beigette's tone softens, a measure of gratitude clear in her words, before it hardens with her next ones. The courtly politeness that had covered her speech drops in an instant.

"But I am neither a child nor a fool. If I intend to speak with you, I will find you. If you intend to speak with me, this gathering is not on the verge of ending, there will be time to do so, when you can approach me without interrupting another conversation that either of us may be involved in. Until then, I would request that you refrain from imposing yourself on my conversations with others and learn both patience and manners," Beigette's posture shifts somewhat, as she assumes a stance she'd had to learn once those she derided began to grow taller than she was. It allowed her to talk down to someone while being forced to look up to see their eyes. "Or am I mistaken - is intruding on a conversation not considered rude here?"

It's clear that the question isn't a true one. It's more of a formality, a means for easy escape for Tarus to grab hold of and leave without having to reply to her earlier verbal assault. If the man can't tell by her tone alone, Beigette's piercing gaze tries to communicate it as best as is possible.

[Wordplay]

The old lady is quite chatty and friendly with Thumble. It turns out that she's the former head cook, now semi-retired. You get the impression that most of the staff are a little afraid of her. She says that her name is Freida, though most refer to her as Mother Fas. One of the scullery maids returns with a large ox bone for Slobber, and Mother Fas bids Thumble farewell as he makes his way back to the hall.

Lady Minerva greets Thumble as he re-enters the hall. 'Hello. I hope you sorted out whatever troubled you'. the young gnomish Lady offers to show Thumble where his place is in the order of procession. It turns out that it's somewhere in the middle.

Lena's actions seem to have the desired effect - a ripple of murmuring conversation amongst some of the younger ladies intensifies.

Making her way to the doorman, Lena notices that everyone's getting ready to process into the dining room for dinner. From what Lena can remember of protocol, as a patronless foreigner, she should be entering dead last, save maybe Ursuul.

The doorman checks the list at Lena's request.

'As it happens, every guest is accounted for except Lord Garth-Elwes'.

The man looks a little worried.

'I do hope that he turns up soon. It'll be a terrible slight towards the young Mistress if he does not'.

Spoiler: For Lena

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You've heard about the coming of age ceremony before, and have a rough idea of what to expect. After a sumptuous banquet, envoys of the great houses, and fellow patrons of a similar standing will 'recognise' the young Lady as of age, then she will be presented to the family's clients. The more of the great house that send an envoy, the greater the honour.

As she looks at the line leading into the dining hall, Lena notices Sergeant Takolan, looking very uncomfortable in a dress uniform, and standing rather further ahead in order of precedence than would normally be expected of a common soldier.

The servant quickly fetches Ursuul some ale in a fine pewter goblet. It's pitch dark, strong, and bitter.

The same servant tactfully indicates Ursuul's position in the order of precedence. Seems that it's somewhere at the back...

The governor dismisses the messenger from the garrison, and heads off to take his place, almost at the front of the procession.

Izakel Tarus seems momentarily taken aback by Beigette's words, but he recovers quickly. He gives Beigette a courtly bow.

'Forgive me, my Lady Allinson. Permit me to tender you my most profound apologies for my conduct. I assure you, no disrespect was meant'. his voice, as always is smooth...almost oily, and with that, the priest departs.

OoC:

Spoiler

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Sense motive please PersonMan.

Julius is open mouthed.

'That's Izakel Tarus!'.

'Twelve above, I don't think anyone's ever spoken to him like that in his life!'

'J-j-jolly good show! 'Bout time someone put that impertinent weasel in his place'.

Julius looks at Beigette with admiration.

'Are all your countrywomen so bold? Please permit me to escort you to dinner'. Julius offers an arm, and indicates their proper place, just behind the governor, almost at the front of the procession.

...

Double doors are flung open at the end of the hall, revealing a large room, with a high ceiling. Three long tables are set against the walls, forming a horseshoe shape, with the seats positioned so that everyone has their back to a wall, and looks into the room. Ornate tapestry graces the walls, and fine rugs cover the stone floor. High windows let the moonlight in, and a great candelabra hangs above the centre of the room, providing a soft illumination. A few dogs pad about, some hiding under the tables.

The servants help to usher everyone to their seat. The table is laid with fine pewter cutlery, and glassware for those drinking wine. Special adjustable chairs are in place for the dwarven, gnomish, and halfling guests - once the guest is seated a servant winds a handle which gradually raises the guest until they are at a comfortable height.

Notably, one seat, and one seat alone, is empty...

As soon as the guests are seated, the servants depart to bring the first courses - several large tureens of soup are brought in, in all colours of the rainbow. Fine little baked goods are brought in on large platters to accompany it - bread with a complicated braiding pattern, little rolls in the shape of cats....

[Marlowe]

Lena sets her jaw a little at the doorman's words, but returns a smile. "The road is hard, the weather rough, an' teeth lengthen" She says cheerfully. "Than' ye fo' the wor', Mate. I'll catch him whe' I can"

She moves back into the main hall as the bigwigs and bigjobs start to form their pecking order. She's got no problem with going in right at the back--you get the best view from there--put some more time to circulate would have been appreciated.

If'n he doesn't show, he doesn't show. She thinks gnomically. And Short's machination need wait another day. Still now I've looked him in the eye I'd like to know more of this Money-Lover Philomercy

She sweeps the crowd for signs of her partners, and especially Ursuul and Beigette.

[Starbin]

With Slobber sorted out, Thumble thanked Freida and made his way back, knowing he should not insult his hosts by being late. Upon arrival Lady Minerva greeted him, showing him to his seat. "A-apologies, m'lady ... but Slobber is well ... Mother Fas has him taken care of. Please, after you ..."

He figured the lady was seated further up the table, so he quickly found his own seat, adjusting his seat to where his robes wouldn't drag in his meal, but not ridculously high. After being seated, he looked around, wondering how his companions were faring ...

Spoiler: OOC

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Sorry, but Thumble really doesn't have any court intrigue to engage in ... he's pretty simple, and probably more of a country bumbkin than anyone else here. Ah well, onward!

[PersonMan]

Beigette smiles as she sees Julius' reaction to her chewing out Tarus. It had felt good - it'd been too long since she gave someone a proper tongue-lashing - and it seemed like it had been precisely the right move to make for her other goals as well. It'd be easy enough to explain to him why she'd reacted that way, giving it some sugar coating to make it easier for the man's wounded pride to swallow. The best part was, it would even be a good lie - the kind where she could just let her other lies do all the legwork and let them draw their own false conclusions.

"All of them? No, not quite. But my mother was very protective, and she taught me that I should never tolerate something like that, for more than a few reasons. She'd go on for ages about how you had to make sure no one thought you were weak-willed enough to take advantage of...honestly, I think I used to listen to her just because I wanted to yell at people for treating me like a child," Beigette stops to laugh quietly to herself - although Sigil wasn't anything like these people thought it was, her words are true, and the memory of herself, eager to shout at people for interrupting her, has become humorous as she's grown older. Perhaps because she still retained the childish need to put people in their place. As Julius offers her his arm, she looks him in the eyes for a moment and smiles before accepting.

[Wordplay]

For Beigette

Spoiler

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The more Beigette thinks about Tarus, the less she likes him. His every word is so carefully controlled, and he makes himself seem nice, pleasant and charming. But when Beigette spoke back to him, for a brief moment she saw all his pleasant manners for what they were - a mask. Tarus looked at Beigette with real contempt for just a second...

Beigette's beginning to believe all that she's heard about Tarus from Ireas and the priests of the Reaper. He seems vain, and motivated only by his own self-interest. He seems to regard people as things for his amusement only. The way he cut into the conversation shows how little respect he truly has for Beigette.

With a sinking feeling Beigette realises that he will stop at nothing to acquire the town's supply of sending scrolls - if only to have her in his power. He's the kind of man who cannot bear to be humiliated but loves to humiliate others.

The sumptuous banquet begins...

The party can all see each other, though they're sat separately.

The conversation around the table is fairly commonplace. Out of the governor's earshot, there's a little grumbling about the disruption to trade to the outlying hamlets to the east and west, caused by the rumour of giants abroad in the hills. There are plenty of comments on how pretty the young Lady Ton Vearrs looks, and how like her mother she is. There's some discussion of the food, the weather, and a forthcoming execution of a notorious dwarven bandit. Someone mentions that their steward's overdue on business somewhere called 'Oxbend'. Another mentions that they haven't had their usual tribute money from some clients there this week.

Just as the servants are taking the plates away for the first remove, the double doors are pushed open. An old man, with a sour expression stands in the door. The room falls silent. The old man wears ancient looking formal attire, somewhat frayed and dusty. His face is fixed in a perpetual frown. A shock of grey hair sticks out untidily. The figure gives a slight bow in the direction of Lord Ton Vearrs, mutters something that may have been, 'Thanks fer the invitation'., tramps his way over to the empty seat, and collapses into it heavily.

The old man helps himself to some food, and starts eating, a little messily.

.....

Julius is attentive to Beigette throughout dinner. Ursuul is brought all the drink he wants. Several courses later, each more sumptuous than the last, the banquet culminates with some exotic fruits, steamed puddings, custard, and an array of sorbets. Three ice sculptures, showing a swan, a fox and a dragon are brought to the tables.

Once the last course is finished, and the servants have brought the brandy around, Governor Ireas calls for silence.

Lady Minerva's sister rises from near the top table. The governor stands, and motions for a long roll of vellum from a servant, before unrolling it.

'I stand as a substitute for our mutual patron, King Hariman Forrak of Flerac'.

'Lady Miranda Ton Vearrs on behalf of House Forrak, I welcome you as a client, and recognise your coming of age'.

There some various taking of oaths, and fair words exchanged...

A Lord and two Ladies rise, all of them well dressed, each handing Lady Miranda a roll of vellum as they finish their speech.

'I, Lady Julianna Moreat, of Forcehead, on behalf of family Moreat, recognise the Lady Miranda Ton Vearrs ex Forak and her coming of age'.

'I, Lady Justina sar Musselli, of Forcehead, on behalf of family Musselli, recognise the Lady Miranda Ton Vearrs ex Forak and her coming of age'.

'I, Lord Kieran var Morio, of Burford, stand as a substitute for my patron, Lord Ireas Moirgrim, Chancellor of Flerac. On behalf of family Moirgrim, I recognise the Lady Miranda Ton Vearrs ex Forak and her coming of age'.

With a start, the party see Sergeant Takolan next in line. The soldier looks awkward, and a little out of place.

'I, acting-Captain Areneas Takolan of the Rutherni Pathfinders, stand as a substitute for my patron, Lady Ardatha Therni, Marshall of Flamia, Protector of the public road, and warden of the Istrii marches. On behalf of family Therni, I recognise the Lady Miranda Ton Vearrs ex Forak and her coming of age'.

As Takolan finishes, there is a gasp, as a young woman rises. She has dark black hair, tied back loosely, and blue eyes. She can't be much more than 16. Lena, Beigette and Thumble think that they recognise her.

'And I, Adelianna vol Ereccan, request admittance to address this gathering'.

Lord Ton Vearrs casts a quick look at governor Ireas, then says...

'er... on behalf of family Ton Vearrs I do so recognise you, er Lady Errecan'.

The girl smiles.

'I, Adelianna vol Errecan, on behalf of family Errecan, recognise the Lady Miranda Ton Vearrs ex Forak and her coming of age!'

A ripple of murmuring spreads through the room, then, and round of applause as Lord Ton Vearrs presents his newly of age daughter to the gathering.

'And now, if I might suggest we repair to the next room for the dance'.

[Azoth]

Ursuul finds himself in an all too familiar state that has unfortunately escaped him the past two days. His stomach full on food too rich and too richly a sum of ale. To say he was a well satisfied man would be two thirds the truth.

He was sure all this whoopla about some private high gnome being old enough to be bedded legitimately, instead of taken behind a stable, meant something to all these folks, but the only part of it all he found interesting was seeing Takolan get up there. Even that lost out to the last swig from his tankard.

There was a small chuckle from him, held under his breath as their host wanted everyone to get up and move to another room to attempt to gracefully fall over one another in a half drunken stupor. He spoke barely above a whisper and with a hint of a slur as the booze was affecting him. Even my half literate drunken self knows you retire to a room not repair to it...

[Marlowe]

From her position near the back, Lena fixes a searching eye on the black-haired girl. And where have I seen you before; miss sly-boots? We haven't exactly been hobbing in the knobbing circles.

However, Lena has more immediate matters on her mind. One of them is to keep an eye on Ursuul to make sure he doesn't kill anyone, another is to talk to the remnant of an old gentleman that she must presume to be Lord Garth-Elwes.

Not to mention what I'm going to say. I don't think "Hi! My friend wants to turn you in for a newer model. Care to assist?" is going to go down well.

She decisively stands and pushes in her chair, eyes flashing across the upper realms of the table to see if the old gentleman is making any effort to rise.

[Starbin]

Thumble watched the events without saying much. He was curious where he had seen the last girl, but other than that, he was a fish out of water. Well, more accurately, he was a fish that had jumped out of the water, since once upon a time this had been his life. Now, he yearned for a more simple, and natural, life.

Sighing as the request to dance was made, he took his sweet time 'repairing' to the other room, trying to keep out of sight and out of mind for the time being. Besides, he would need to check on Slobber soon.

[Wordplay]

Spoiler: For Thumble

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Thumble feels a sense of warmth and contentment from Slobber...it is likely that he's dropped off to sleep by the fire.

The party move back to the hall, which has been set up in their absence for dancing. A small band with viol, fiddle, fife, tabor and pipes has set up.

As the couples take to the floor, the band strikes up.

Lady Minerva approaches Thumble.

'Would you care to take that turn about the garden?'

Spoiler: For Lena

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The old man slowly rises, and shuffles to the hall. He acquires a glass beaker of something, and stands by himself, sipping his drink.

Spoiler: For Beigette

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Izakel Tarus no longer seems to be around - perhaps he has departed early...

A sandy haired gentleman approaches Beigette and bows.

'Excuse me m'Lady. Would you care for this dance?' he proffers his arm.

A couple of young ladies take a position close to Ursuul. They flash a few coquettish gazes at him from behind their fans. They chatter and giggle amongst themselves. They are obviously talking about him.