Zhi noticed the wire just a heartbeat after Sara and was just about to call a warning when the taller woman took action.
Her warning turns to concern as she moves forward.
"Are you ok?" she asks Sara with worry in her voice.
Once she's assured that her companion is unharmed as well, the small woman moves to collect the bolt. Her suspicions mounting.
"I'm fine," she mutters, dumbfounded by her momentary bravery. Her eyes dwell on the bolt, clearly coated in poison. That almost went through her back, and that could very well have been goodbye Sara.
As Zhi starts toward the bolt and Sir Gul Guisarne takes it, Sara holds Zhi back, turning away from the other security chief and whispering in the young woman's ear. "Poison."
Zhi's eyes narrow - her suspicions confirmed.
As the realization that the poisoned bolt could have hit Sara, conventions be damned, she reaches out and grasps the woman's hand with an intense grip.
Bartelby delivers a short speech about the palace's history and the meaning of the Tanager Jubilee, but several guests continue to whisper throughout it as they theorize who might have set up the trap for the count. Most seem to agree that the only one bold enough to make the attempt would be "the damnable Night Swan."
After the speech, servants escort everybody into the grand ballroom, which as been laid out for feasting. The meat for the feast is first paraded live before the hungry guests by more servants dressed as sheep, which elicits laughter from many of the nobles.
As seating commences, you find yourselves next to Titus Lotheed-Casava and his two cronies. He looks you up and down before turning to Purple Finch. "Tsk, tsk! Well, this is embarrassing!" he says loudly. "You were supposed to provide your charges with washing facilities and clean clothes for the evening! Obviously, you have failed in your duties. Phew!" He waves his hand in front of his nose as if getting a whiff of a terrible stench. His cronies mimic the gesture.
Purple Finch's cheeks turn pink, but she lowers her eyes and holds her tongue.
As Zhi gets a look at the servants costumes she frowns. She glances furtively around to see if she's the only one who finds the display as revolting as she does.
--
Zhi keeps her composure as Titus begins his needling again. When their laughter dies down she takes extra care that they see her lean over to Zileska and whisper to the priestess behind Zhi's painted fan. She then holds up the fingers on one hand as if measuring something very small. This is followed by a fit of giggles.
She gives Zileska a wink.
Once the trio's attention is elsewhere, Zhi says quietly to Alista, "I know how very frustrating it can be to not be able to strike back at certain people. However, if any of those grămezi de rahat make any more trouble for you, please let me know. I would be more then happy to have any excuse to deal with them on a more personal and private stage."
Melodie is watching Baron Voinum, rather than the, frankly macabre, parade. However when Titus begins to insult Purple Finch she steps in.
"I was under the impression that we were to eat boar tonight, not to give it a place at our table. At least the meat has some pedigree!"
"I was under the impression that we were to eat boar tonight, not to give it a place at our table. At least the meat has some pedigree!"
Zhi snorts in a very un-ladylike manner.
She then leans in to whisper in the young woman's ear.
"Be very careful. When you play their game, you end up playing by their rules."
Melodie's retort goes across well. The other guests laugh at Titus' expense, and the spoiled noble glares daggers at the mesmerist. Bartelby scowls though, not too happy about his cousin being put in his place.
Alista whispers her thanks to Melodie and Zhi as you take your seats. As the first course is brought out, quiet conversations fill the hall.
Once the food is served, Zhi makes a point to pass along a whispered message to Sara.
"Don't stuff yourself. I have a surprise for you later tonight."
This is followed by an enigmatic smile.
"So, Count," she says louder. "From what I've learned, your family has a long history of magical ability. I feel somewhat of a kinship with you in regards to that. The Hayashi family traces its line back through 33 generations of powerful spellcasters. Although, I must admit, my early training was misdirected. I'm attempting to make up for lost time."
She smiles at their host.
"At what age do you begin your tutelage in the arcane arts? You must have been very young to have mastered the arts so well."
Zileska carefully finishes cleaning Sara's hair, wipes away the excess oil, then coifs it expertly.
Next she scoots over to Zhi and says, "Your turn." She unhooks Zhi's hair binds and lets her black hair flow out. She lifts up the hair in back and firmly massages the back of Zhi's neck, then runs her fingers through the hair to untangle it, while teasing it out with the brush in her other hand.
"This is part of the acolyte training at the temple of Calistria," she explains. "As young girls we clean and braid each others' hair. Later, we learn scalp and neck massage. Since I like you ladies, you get The Treatment for free!"
She smirks as she applies some fragrant rosewater to Zhi's hair and works it into her scalp.
~~~~~~~~~~
For dinner, Zileska takes a seat between her friends and Baroness Voinum. When Zhi makes the small gesture about Titus, she brings one hand to her lips in a clearly fake expression of shock, then slowly smirk and lets her eyes drift sideways across the table toward Titus. Then she makes a display of taking her napkin, flaring it out, and placing it in her lap.
"May I be so bold as to lead with a toast?" she says. "To our graceful and diligent host, who has provided so much of his valuable time and attention for our entertainment in his fine estates."
While her toast is only tepidly received, Zileska lets the meal unfold and takes a moment to lean next to Baroness Voinum and say, "What an odd procession. It's almost as if to imply that we are eating the servants. Rather... grim, I'd say."
"If I might inquire, Baroness, what do you think are the duties of the nobility? Today we've all had an opportunity for indulgence... but nobility comes with responsibility as well. Taldor is in turmoil now, and it's important for all of us to step up to insure the nation's future... I'm sure you have thoughts on the matter; I would be interested to hear the opinion of a woman of experience."
The gathered guests raise their glasses for the toast. Bartelby smiles graciously and accepts the praise. Afterwards he turns to Zhi.
"I did not realize you were a fellow arcanist, Lady Hayashi," Bartelby says with interest. "I would be delighted to help further your training. My father--may Pharasma rest his soul--spared no expense to ensure my siblings and I had the finest arcane tutors from the time we were ten years old. We are Lotheeds, after all, and must uphold our family's traditions."
He smiles warmly. "Of course, you and Lady Valois are welcome at the palace anytime you wish to discuss the arcane arts and collaborate on arcane or historical studies."
Baroness Voinum nods to Zileska, acknowledging her disagreement with the manner in which the food was presented.
"I have seen the decay in Taldan society all too well over the years," Voinum says. She glances pointedly at Bartelby and Dame Crabbe before continuing. "I chalk it up to a lack of discipline and respect for tradition. Indulgence is fine if it is not to excess or at the expense of those one is responsible for. We must be harsh but fair, and exercise wisdom and restraint in our rule."
She goes on for some time on this matter. Baron Okerra nods at much of her points. Dame Crabbe sighs and rolls her eyes.
"This is part of the acolyte training at the temple of Calistria," she explains. "As young girls we clean and braid each others' hair. Later, we learn scalp and neck massage. Since I like you ladies, you get The Treatment for free!"
She smirks as she applies some fragrant rosewater to Zhi's hair and works it into her scalp.
"I can see why someone would pay for this," Zhi says, almost purring.
"Father did my hair until I was seven or eight. By then I was tired of the pulling and yanking and did it myself."
Sara gapes openly at the servant's display, voicing her dissent alongside Zileska's. "Completely distasteful," she agrees, just loud enough for her companions and perhaps the Baroness to hear.
At Zhi's flirt, Sara eyes her quizzically. "Why would it matter what I've eaten?" is all she says, though her hand does drift to the younger woman's thigh.
Eating carefully and politely, she turns her attention to Onora, the "attractive older woman [with] big eyes, wavy hair." She nods courteously and introduces herself as "Mistress Burke, head of security for the Lady Valois, heiress of the Betony Estate."
As the sheriff introduces herself in kind, Sara takes a long drink of her wine, finishing off her glass. "If you could have too much of anything, anything in the whole world, what would you choose?"
At Zhi's flirt, Sara eyes her quizzically. "Why would it matter what I've eaten?" is all she says, though her hand does drift to the younger woman's thigh.
"Because I wouldn't want you to get stuffed and sleepy," Zhi replies, putting her hand on top of Sara's.
---
"Baron," Zhi says, speaking up. "It was an eye opening experience participating in the joust today. I needs must apologize to you again. My friend Melodie was attempting and quite succeeded in making me look silly earlier. I don't fault her, I'm the one who started it."
She glances at Melodie and smiles and tips her head.
"As I'm sure you could tell, I've never been on a horse before in my life. But I think I have a taste for it now. There's something uniquely stimulating about riding."
She squeezes Sara's hand under the table.
"The pounding of the steed underneath you ... the wind in your face ... the smell of the leather."
Her eyes close and she takes a deep breath.
"Not really like anything I've ever experienced," she concludes, opening her eyes and giving the baron her best smile.
"I would so like to do that again some time. I'm sure you have a stable? I'd love to go for a ride when I come and visit. Although I could do without the armor and lance."
Maria had a mouthful of wine as Zhi remarked on the experience of riding, namely the bit about the 'pounding of the steed underneath you' and managed to hide the slight choke she had. The way Zhi had been looking at and acting around the Baron, the euphemism - intended nor not - was hard for her not to notice.
"I caught some of your performance in the joust myself, Baron, rather impressive. Although, I have to admit, I've not quite got the same taste for riding as Lady Hayashi here seems to have developed. Suffice to say, some animals react differently to those of my... *ahem*... heritage."
What she didn't mention was that the incident in question had been a carriage-pulling horse trying to nuzzle the then-ten-year-old in what was probably meant to be affectionate but just ended up knocking her to the street. That actually hadn't been too bad, though she'd been rather harshly punished for the very vulgar language the skinned knee had prompted. It had just made her more paranoid about various skittish animals reacting negatively to her nature.
Melodie decides not to focus her efforts on Baron Okerra for the moment, since Zhi seems to have that 'well in hand'...
Instead she makes her slow way across the room to Onara Piscum, arriving just in time to catch Sara's question. She waits for the woman to answer, curious about what she will say - taking the time to examine her tribune in the meantime.
"Anything? Well, Miss Burke, I reckon I'd have to choose responsible people to look after our little town," Onora says. "I've been doing my best to do right by the people of Stachys for 5 years now, ever since my husband passed and the responsibility defaulted to me. I don't mind staying on as sheriff, but the political parts of being tribune get me riled up more than a goat with a bug up his butt."
She glances at Melodie, giving her a somewhat icy stare.
---
Nicolaus clears his throat, a bit of sweat beading on his forehead. "Ahem. Yes, well, milady, I am quite glad you enjoyed the experience. You can come by Pensaris any time and I would be more than happy to take you for a ride."
He blinks a moment then his eyes widen as he realizes what he said. Fortunately, Maria provides a timely distraction.
"Thank you for the compliment, Miss Greyson. I can understand how some beasts might be off-put by your appearance, but I believe a man should be judged by the quality of his soul and not the look of his countenance. You will find no such prejudice from me."
Sara laughs loudly at Onora's last statement, loud enough to either be endearing or insulting.
Leaning forward and whispering conspiratorially through a wide grin, she says "I'm unsure about goats, but many of these nobles seem to share those butt bugs. Maybe it's termites; all that's left over from shoving a stick up there generations ago." She giggles.
Onora chuckles heartily at the assertion.
Emboldened by Onora's laugh, Sara leans a little farther in, taking her hand off Zhi's lap to compensate. "I suppose if I could have too much of anything, I would choose wine, women and wonderful company. My goals aren't grand or lofty or impressive; I take care of mine and what I'm paid for. Right now, Stachys falls in that category, so I'm going to start taking care of it in one way or another.
"And I suppose we'll be handling that way together?"
This last statement is open ended and flirtatious, but without any serious meaning to it.
"It could certainly be arranged, if that would suit you." Melodie offers, as she sees an opportunity to insinuate herself in the conversation. "I am not sure if you have met Miss Grayson, who is to be my new seneschal, but Mistress Burke here will be in charge of security in Stachys, and as you are the most knowledgeable person I can imagine a close working relationship being most valuable." She says, with a hint of warning aimed at Sara.
She offers Onora her hand in a straightforward shake. "Melodie d'Valois. I am not aware of having termites, and I would appreciate it if you ever feel that I am developing them. I want to make a difference for Stachys and its people, not just take what I can get. Nobility is a responsibility, as much as a privilege."
"Aye, if you truly mean to take care of Stachys and her people, I'll be happy to work alongside you," Onora says to Sara. Her tone is neutral though, absent of any flirtation.
She takes Melodie's hand and gives it a firm shake. "Don't worry, ma'am, I'll definitely call you out on any b*%&$+#+ you might try to push on us. No offense meant, I just mean to keep our little town safe. I'm glad that you want to make a difference. We'll just have to wait and see if you actually do."
The servants bring out the main course--plenty of delicious meats, fruits, and vegetables. The guests eagerly dig in.
"Sheriff," Zhi interjects, attempting to steer the conversation away from wine, women, and things up peoples posteriors. "I'm sure we'll have this discussion in depth once we arrive at the estate, but I'm curious as to what you consider Stachys greatest current need. Where would you recommend my friend Melodie focus her efforts?"
Onora laughs without mirth. "Where to begin? After a decade of neglect, the whole town has gone to seed. It's gonna take a lot of time and money to fix our economy. I guess the most pressing concerns would be some basic civic improvements and repairing the mill and the pump house. But we can talk more about that when you come to town and see just how bad things are for yourselves."
"Is there much in the way of crime here? While I am working for Melodie primarily, I'd be happy to help should you need an extra detective. Honestly; I'd probably insist on helping just to keep my skills up."
"Every now and then, we get a ruffian trying to rile things up. It will be your jobs as tribunes to pass judgment for their crimes. I don't know if a partnership is a good idea though. I work better alone."
After the feast, servants clear away the tables and chairs and—to a fanfare of trumpets—six halflings dressed as Taldan heroes of lore enter, riding in gaudily painted miniature chariots each pulled by dogs. Servants rush to lay out a race course as the drivers perform japes and buffoonery for the wildly laughing aristocrats.
Sara refuses to participate, though she does pocket the sachets.
Melodie smiles at the halflings and applauds, but makes no move to hamper them, preferring to slide her sachets down the table to Sara rather than use them.
Zhi frowns at the beginnings of another spectacle at the expense of the servants dignity.
"Tell me, Baron," she says quietly to Baron Okerra. "What do they get," she gestures at the garbed halflings, "in exchange for this humiliation?"
Okerra frowns at the halflings. "This is their job. Distasteful though some of their duties may be, the count does provide fair wages for those in his employ. They are free to leave hIs service if it proves to be too much for them."
He half-heartedly hurls a sachet at the passing charioteers, deliberately missing.
"I suppose that it's to our advantage that Taldor is not ruled by giants."
Maybe the servants deserve a show themselves.
Zhi hefts one of the sachets in her hand getting the heft of it. She then nudges Sara and winks at her.
With unerring accuracy, Zhi lobs the sachet directly into the back of Titus Lotheed-Casava's tunic. As the cloud of colored powder coalesces, she throws her hands up to her face in shock.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Lord. I'm really not very good at this."
She smiles.
"I really should go back to playing with my dollies, shouldn't I?"
Titus whirls to glare angrily at Zhi. His hand drifts to the sword at his belt, but Bartelby shoots him a look of warning, and he growls and stalks off. Dame Hellebore and Stars Cockleburr follow, brushing at his tunic and doing their best to placate the furious lord. Several guests do their best to conceal their amusement.
Sara bounces one in her hand, as if she were about to toss it, but during a high bounce the sachet unravels, covering the tops of both Sara and Zhi's heads and shoulders in a light dusting of red.
She exclaims in shock and then slaps Zhi on the back, laughing aloud at their shared misfortune.
Zhi's eyes go wide as she turns to Sara.
"Oh, you didn't ... "
She picks up one of the bags and tosses it up and down in her hand and smiles evilly. A quick glance at their host stays her hand.
She blows a strand of red-dusted hair out of her face and the smile fades to be replaced by a solemn expression.
"Miss Burke, please be careful. We don't want to disrupt the celebration."
"I'll get my payback later," she adds with a wink.
"Fair enough, Sheriff, but should you ever have need of a consultant, do not hesitate to ask. I may not have my father's skills, but I'm certainly no slouch either. And you would be surprised how easily a simple case of assault can lead to something far more elaborate. That tiefling fellow I mentioned to you earlier? The one who tried to get out of a gang? His assault - which turned out to have been a simple random mugging - was how my father and I took his case."
Maria proceeded to recount the Case of the Devilish Client - a name her father had given the case in his files. The assault on the tiefling had made them aware of the gang and that they were involved in a rather sizeable art-forgery ring. The young man had been trying to inform the authorities about it when he'd been mugged by a group of idle nobles with a particular distaste for tieflings.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the "race" began, Maria couldn't hide her disdain at the whole spectacle. She did, however, manage to tastefully hide her amusement at Titus getting hit... at least while the arrogant git and his cousin were looking in her general direction. And failed completely when Sara managed to get her and Zhi covered in the powder.
Onora seems suitably impressed by Maria's story. "That's some fine detective work, ma'am. Perhaps it will be good to have you around town."
---
The race concludes with the yellow halfling securing the lead! Most of the racers (and some of the guests) are convered in different colored powders, a source of much amusement. Servants offer towels to Sara and Zhi so that they can clean themselves up.
As the race track is cleared away, musicians begin to file into the room. The final event of the evening is dancing for those so inclined, while several tables are set up with cards for those who would prefer to play Last Azlant. Dizzying music begins and partners are selected for the first dance.
Baron Okerra bows somewhat stiffly before Zhi. "Lady Hayashi. Would you do me the honors?" He extends his hand.
Meanwhile, Bartelby approaches Melodie and bows with courtly grace. "Lady Valois, I would be greatly pleased if you would share this first dance with me to celebrate our new partnership."
Zhi's reaction to Baron Okerra's request is on par with a deer caught in the light of bullseye lantern. Her smile vanishes and she stands for a moment just opening and closing her mouth. Finally she collects herself enough to respond.
"Um... you want to dance? ... dance with me?"
She glances at Sara as if looking for advice on how to respond. Looking back at the Baron, she swallows.
"I ... uh ... Surely you'd rather dance with someone else? I mean ... I ... I don't know how to dance."
"Truth be told, I don't either," Nicolaus says quietly. "But it would be my pleasure to sway awkwardly on the dance floor with you, at least. Only if you want to, of course."
"Uh... "
She looks down at the ground and takes a deep breath. After a pause she reaches out and takes his hand.
"Ok."
Laughing inward at Zhi's hesitance, Sara shoves her forward when she assents in a show of camaraderie and encouragement (and also to poke fun at the girl's nerves).
Sitting down at the card table with a lit cigarillo in her red lips, she offers a pour from her flask and a cigarillo to those gathered.
"Baroness," she nods, "let's see how good you really are."
Meanwhile, Bartelby approaches Melodie and bows with courtly grace. "Lady Valois, I would be greatly pleased if you would share this first dance with me to celebrate our new partnership."
Melodie curtsys with equal grace. "I would be honoured my Lord." As they step out to the dance floor she listens intently for the music, trying to work out the tune and get as much of a lead as she can for the steps. It may be his job to lead, but its mine to make this look good...
Nicolaus takes Zhi's hand and leads her onto the dance floor. He puts one hand on the small woman's hip and leads her through the steps of a somewhat rigid waltz. It's clear that the baron shares the rogue's discomfort as they sway together. "Please, forgive my lack of skill. I'm much more at home on a battlefield than a dance floor."
---
Meanwhile, Bartelby leads Melodie through the dance with grace and skill. One hand behind his back, he twirls the mesmerist, his feet moving through the intricate steps with well-practiced precision.
"I must say, my lady, that you have been quite the pleasant surprise thus far. You are much more vivacious and learned than the rest of my... well, let's say provinical neighbors. I am delighted to have you nearby." He pauses to dip Melodie before guiding her back upright.
"Ah, I had almost forgotten! In the absence of a Betony heir, I've been collecting taxes on the behalf of Stachys. I shall have Sir Gusairne send them to your village after the jubilee. It's mostly timber and supplies, but I'm sure you can put them to good use."
---
Baroness Voinum accepts the drink and the smoke, grinning at Sara as she shuffles the cards. "Zimar rules. Neutrals are wild."
Sara feigns unfamiliarity with the game, attempting to get the Baroness to "teach" her before proving herself a fierce and formidable player. Ultimately, she breaks even after a tremendous, hours long back and forth between her and the older woman and decides to cash out early.
"Looks like I don't owe you that bottle of wine after all, Your Grace. Sorry about the hustle; I don't usually play with strangers, and I wanted a read of how you go about things. Figured you would be the biggest threat."
Voinum laughs heartily. "A wise assumption! It's been a while since I've had anybody who could give me a run for my money. Come back any time you want to have a rematch!"
It's the baroness turn to offer Sara a drink, selecting two glasses of wine and sharing with the younger woman. "This is a fine vintage, but not my favorite. I was quite fond of the grapes the Betony vineyards produced before the swamp encroached on the fields and flooded them. If you and Lady Valois can restore the estate's farms, I'll happily agree to a trade deal to provide you with extensive infrastructure repairs. Abadar knows your town needs them!"
Meanwhile, Bartelby leads Melodie through the dance with grace and skill. One hand behind his back, he twirls the mesmerist, his feet moving through the intricate steps with well-practiced precision.
"I must say, my lady, that you have been quite the pleasant surprise thus far. You are much more vivacious and learned than the rest of my... well, let's say provincial neighbors. I am delighted to have you nearby." He pauses to dip Melodie before guiding her back upright.
"Ah, I had almost forgotten! In the absence of a Betony heir, I've been collecting taxes on the behalf of Stachys. I shall have Sir Gusairne send them to your village after the jubilee. It's mostly timber and supplies, but I'm sure you can put them to good use."
"You are far too kind Bartelby... I hope you don't mind me using your given name. I would be honoured if you would call me Melodie." Finding herself somewhat taken by the Count, Melodie allows him to lead her through two or three dances, sharing smiles and talking somewhat at random until the matter of taxes comes up.
"Thank you. That sounds most useful. I have been speaking to my tribune and she has made me aware that some investment in Stachys infrastructure would benefit the town considerably. I hope that these taxes you have collected will allow me to make an initial investment and lead to better tax income for myself, and you as well."
Once Melodie and Bartelby extract themselves from the dance Melodie joins Sara in sweet talking the only woman she has yet to engage with - Baroness Voinum. Sara is clearly doing a wonderful job and, after making the polite noises and exchanging pleasantries, Melodie moves on to speak to Onora at more length.
"Of course, Melodie. A beautiful name for a beautiful woman," Bartelby says.
Once the first dance comes to a halt, Zhi bows and steps back from her partner.
"My thanks for the dance, Baron," she says, flush despite the fact that the dance was rather static. "You'll have to excuse me. I have some ... uh business to discuss."
She bows again and makes her way, fan heavily in motion, towards where Sara is playing cards. She watches the game for a moment before it's clear that Sara isn't going to be taking a break any time soon. The tedium of the game is relieved when Melodie arrives.
"So how well does Bartelby dance?" she asks with a smile.
--
As Melodie moves on to discuss matters with Onora, Zhi joins her.
Zhi seems way to distracted by something to focus on the conversation, however.
As the first dance concludes, the crowd begins to murmur in surprise as an attractive woman in her late forties arrives at the party. Whispers quickly circulate, lead chiefly by Dame Crabbe. "Oh, my! Is that who I think it is? Bartelby's aunt Veleto! So does that mean Duke Paniver is here, too?"
After a few moments, the woman smiles warmly. "Good evening, lords and ladies. It is I, Duchess Veleto Lotheed. Would anybody care to dance?"
Count Bartelby's expression darkens with barely concealed fury at the duchess' unannounced appearance.
Zhi gives Melodie a nudge while hiding her smile behind her fan.