Samy |
3 people marked this as a favorite. |
Khammayid is led away from his family by Harmose for a brief palaver. He doesn't seem at all offended by Harmose's revelation, perhaps due to Harmose's excellent diplomatic skills. If anything, he seems a little bit disappointed, but also a little bit amused. "Look, I've studied with Velriana. She can be a lot of fun when she's in that mood, but trust me, I probably know more than you ever will about what kind of a pain she can be when she sets her mind to it. I'm sure you did what you had to do. The Church wouldn't have sided with you otherwise. The Necropolis is not an issue that I feel strongly about one way or the other. You squabbled over it, Velriana got a bloody nose. If I know her at all, she more than deserved it. But", Khammayid does hold a finger up, "I *will* most definitely talk to Commander Shepses about this. Because I am just dying to hear the frustation in his voice regarding having to deal with her."
It's just then that Ahbehn makes his little speech, when Khammayid is standing to the side with Harmose, and he makes a few bows and flourishes in thanks to his father's speech, accepting the congratulations from surrounding people and quickly getting swamped by some young ladies over-eager to marry into Wati's unofficial nobility.
Aleris Somciel |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Harmose! Looks like you spotted Meehr too," Aleris laughs as she and Kito come weaving through the crowd to stand with the sorcerer and his dwarven friend. "There's so many people here! Did you see the Four Lanterns? I wonder where the one got that crazy clockwork hat from?"
"It's nice to see you again Meehr," she addresses the young socialite with a respectful bow, feeling that a hug might be a little less appropriate since they were still largely just acquaintances. "Thank you again for getting us an invitation for tonight - it's all been amazing so far!"
She pauses, looking up as their host calls for their attention for a brief speech. When all is said and done she claps appreciatively and then turns back to her friends, smiling. "He seems like a nice fellow, down to earth and all. That bit about not wanting to have to throw things away? I know the feeling. It's nice to see that whether blessed with wealth or not, we've all got things in common."
Ra-Khefer |
2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Ra had worked his way through a number of delightful entree items when the host of the evening, Ahbehn, made his announcement.
Turning towards the entree table again he came face to face with Aleris, Kito, Harmose and Meehr.
"Lady Meehr!" He exclaimed in a panic.
"Ah, its... good to see you again. Um. Milady." He continued awkwardly.
Samy |
Meehr returns Aleris' bow and there doesn't appear to be any problem with not-hugging right now. "Hey, not a problem. Most of these people are so stuffy and stuck-up, I'm just glad to shake things up a little! Like that!" she points to the clockwork hat Aleris mentioned. "What is that! Crazy, right? It's awesome! I don't know who those guys are, but they're sure making this place less boring!"
As if on cue from Meehr's words, one of the Four Lanterns decides to rip his shirt open and bare his chest to show it off at some of the ladies nearby. Some of them look shocked, raising a hand to their mouths and look away -- others giggle in an amused fashion and poke at the chest with their fingertips as if to test its texture. Most men nearby roll their eyes and look more than a little bit grumpy.
"Ra-Khefer", Meehr nods with a smile to the oread Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 but keeps a polite few step distance from him. A few moments later, Meehr Zet beckons Ra-Khefer a few steps away to have a private conversation away from prying ears.
Turel Garaldo |
After resisting the temptations of the food Turel idly watches the proceeding unfold before him, relieved to have escaped the attentions of those around him. His keen ears does pick up the discussion concerning the woman Velriana and for a few seconds all he can see in his mind's eye is the look of vile hatred in her eyes as she attacked his family.
This...Khammayid...thinks he knows Velriana. He does not know her as I do. Still I do not desire him to ever need to learn this of her.
As the Four Lanterns make a spectacle of themselves, he shakes his head slightly and moves away from the crowds and off to the side. Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 He is not able to overhear the private conversation of their hostess but does give her a nod in greeting.
Qari Falexia |
Watching one of the Four Lanterns make a fool of himself, Qari rolls her eyes. "I still hate those guys. So rude and so racist," she muttered, remembering her run in with them a week or so ago. It wouldn't have hurt her feelings much if one or two of them hadn't made it back from their assigned building.
Kito the Scholar |
"I heard they were from Andoran. The hat looks like something a gnome might make." Kito replies to Meehr. With a nod towards Qari, she adds "Their manners leave much to be desired."
Aleris Somciel |
"It is crazy!" Aleris laughs, happy to be reminded that Meehr isn't as prim and proper as most people of wealth tend to be. "I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks so! In fact, I-whoa!" she gasps as one of the Four Lanterns suddenly decides to put on a bit of a show for some of the ladies in attendance.
"Um...wow, I didn't really think that this would turn out to be that sort of party," she says with a shake of her head, thinking back to the party they'd had at the Tooth & Hookah only a few nights ago.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Casting about for something else to distract her from the spectacle happening a short distance away, her keen ears can't help but overhear bits of conversation as Meehr pulls Ra-Khefer away for a private chat.
Well! It's good that apparently there's no hurt feelings there...although now I think I have a better idea of why she and Harmose get along so well as friends.
Deseri |
Quietly watching everyone speak, though mostly watching Ra. That is so damn adorable! Grinning when Meehr drags Ra off. I see what Harmose sees in her.
Percpetion: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20 Wow! I do not notice monster but private conversations are not so private.
Bumping her shoulder to Qari's shoulder, "Ignore the idiot. They do not know the wonderful creature they are missing out on. And people like that tend to get theirs in the end."
Leaning over and tapping Harmose on the shoulder, "Your friend, Meehr, is delightful. I see why you wanted us to meet her. Thank you do wanting that." Stepping forward and then thinking better of it and just smiling up at Harmose.
Kito the Scholar |
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19 Nope!
Seeing that Kyammayid is still surrounded by a bevy of suitors, Kito asks "Who could we get to introduce us to haty-a Oshep Kahmed?"
Ra-Khefer |
2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Meehr looks at Ra-Khefer with an amused smile and says, "I think you're being uncomfortable around me. Am I right? Because if you are, you don't need to be."
"What? No! That was never a concern!" Ra said quickly.
"I... you are beautiful beyond words, and your good opinion of me means more to me than anything I have ever imagined."If I were free to ... pursue you, I would. And with everything I have, everything I am. But I cannot.
"I am still a fugitive; accounted as an undead revenent to be re-executed on sight by my own regiment. I can't bring that kind of trouble near you, despite my own desire. And your clan's reaction, if they knew..."
Harmose Al-Nefer |
Harmose grins at Des. "Meehr is the best!"
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Harmose sighs. Overhearing a personal conversation like this was no fun. Meehr and Ra-Khefer needed to work this out for themselves.
On seeing the Four Lanterns antics, Harmose narrows his eyes. He would not have begrudged them their fun had they not made his teammate miserable. He wants to call them out, or t least make their pants fall so they leave in humiliation, but he cannot do that here. This is not neutral territory, it is a party for a young man that Harmose has met and liked. He is not about to upset the apple cart here.
"Qari, you are lovely beyond compare. Don't let those racist buffoons ruin your day." When Kito asks to meet the Governor, he sighs. Did all women enjoy meeting politicians? Still, Kito rarely asked for favors. "We can all go, Kito. I would be delighted to make the introduction for you if you wish it. Would the rest of you like to come with?"
When they approach the governor, Harmose bows deeply. "Haty-a Oshep Kamed, it is indeed a pleasure to meet you at last. I am Sirdar Harmose Al-Nefer, and these are my esteemed companions." He names each of the people who came with him, giving a witty compliment about each.
(Summed up, because I don't know other than Kito who's tagging along for this.)
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
"We are part of Discoveries Unlimited, one of the teams doing historical research in the Necropolis. We have been very grateful to the Pharoah and the Church for this opportunity to explore the past and learn more about how our ancestors lived." Harmose smiles up at the politician, who is likely far taller than he. "Excellent party, is it not?"
Kito the Scholar |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Kito gives a small curtsy as she is introduced. "A pleasure to meet you, sir!"
Aid diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 Evidently her timing was slightly off with the curtsy -- made it look stiff
Aleris Somciel |
"Oh! I'll go too," Aleris quickly chimes in, eager to be away from the private conversation happening close by as well as from the Four Lanterns and their ridiculous antics. When Harmose introduces her as his fiance, she smiles and offers a respectful bow.
"Yes, nice to meet you," she smiles. "I feel that I've learned a lot about Wati's past and of the history of Osirion in general since things got underway and I'll always be grateful for the chance to do that and to help with the research."
Diplomacy (Aid Another): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Deseri |
Smiling at Harmose, "Well we are supposed to socialize." Following along though she does glance over at Ra one last time.
Smiling at Haty-a Oshep Kamed, "It is wonderful to make your acquaintance." I guess he is a historian?
Diplomacy aid other: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 She has no idea who is is greeting.
Qari Falexia |
Qari follows Deseri toward the others. She also has no idea who she was meeting but she took context clues to realize that the meeting was probably important. "So nice to meet you. I'm Qari."
Aid another Diplomacy 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Samy |
2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Well that was a high Diplomacy roll.
Though there are a few people you have to get past -- both rivals for the governor's attention and people who seem like "bodyguards"/ushers trying to keep the governor from being crowded -- you manage to do it. A bit of elbow tactics against the rivals, a bit of sweet talking to the retinue, and you're within the governor's presence soon enough. Harmose's introductions go off without a hitch as the rest of you might be getting accustomed to by now, and the governor seems pleasantly enough disposed toward you.
"Well, it's interesting to meet some of the intrepids that the Ruby Prince's decree has employed. I was expecting this to be a rather typical dinner party with the usual people but apparently it's not -- for good and ill."
"I must say I've never been to the Necropolis myself. I've read reports, of course, but I've never really seen the point of making an actual visit. I trust you have been abiding by the rules set out by the church? The Necropolis is very important to Wati and I have no wish to see it despoiled."
In turn, he shakes the hand of each of you that came to meet the governor, with the practiced ease of a career politician who probably shakes thousands of hands each year.
"You look different", the governor studies Aleris for a few moments. Qari probably looks even more different, but perhaps due to her tiefling heritage, it's tougher to pinpoint her ethnicity, whereas Aleris' northern blood is easier to see in comparison to all the Garundi and Keleshite skin tones in the room. "But most of you look like people of Osirion."
"Tell me where you are from, and how you came to be in this endeavor. This intrigues me." He expects each of you who came to see the governor to give a slight introduction of yourself.
Making a separate post for Ra-Khefer next.
Samy |
3 people marked this as a favorite. |
While much of the group is meeting Haty-a Oshep Kahmed, the dwarven socialite Meehr Zet is still off to the side with Ra-Khefer, continuing the discussion with him. "Well, first of all, f--- my clan. We got that out of the way? Good. I hear enough of that clan s--- from my father." Then, she tilts her head and looks thoughtful for a moment. "You know, I honestly don't know if you told me that story or not, because I was pretty drunk. You'll have to tell me this thing again if you told me before. So, a fugitive sounds exciting. Do you have assassins after you? Have you killed many of them? Do they have catchphrases? You know, like, 'We are the Sisterhood of Frozen Breath. We will put you...ON ICE.' This is stuff I want to hear."
Harmose Al-Nefer |
Sense Motive 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Sense Motive 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Sense Motive 3: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Harmose, normally so good with social niceties, is missing whatever subtext is here. He smiles at Aleris. "Aleris is different. She's the best traveled person I ever met!" Harmose lightly puts an arm around her waist, protectively.
"As to how we came to be here... I think that's going to be a different story for all of us. I came to the Necropolis to better understand me." Harmose lifts his sleeve, showing his tattoos. "The writing of our ancestors has graced my skin ever since I was a child. After... Well, after something that most people don't come back from."
It's a jovial party. The governor probably would not want to hear of a noble child assassinated for politics, so Harmose doesn't tell the story here. Chances are, the Governor has people who research things for him. Chances are, he will hear the story anyway from Sebti or a less skilled storyteller. Still, there is a time for this story, and this... This is NOT the time. Besides, it is Khammayid's party, and Harmose is not here to steal every bit of attention from the boy.
Harmose looks at the governor. "I'm a noble, but that does not mean I cannot have a calling. I have been filled with a desire for learning the tongue of my ancestors and understanding the kind of people they were. What motivated them? Who were they? Why did their writing manifest upon me? When I heard of the opening of the Necropolis, I knew that I had to come and learn all that I could."
Kito the Scholar |
Sense Motive #1, w/Thera: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 Oblivious!
Sense Motive #2, w/Thera: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
"We try our best, sir. We have managed to recover some very interesting records already!" Kito looks like she is about to launch into an essay on their findings, but resists. If he is interested, he will ask. Best I just stop here! "Each find we report, and I believe the church has no complaints with our work."
Sense Motive #3, w/Thera: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 So close!
"I grew up in the farming area surrounding Wati, supplying the farms and a few of the caravans coming and going along the roads. Although I've heard much of other areas, I have never traveled far. I support myself as a scholar and translator."
She gestures to Harmose and then Aleris, saying "I interviewed with Sirdar Al-Nefer and his company. They were kind enough to allow me to join their group."
She smiles and waits to see if the haty-a has any more questions.
Qari Falexia |
Sense Motive 1d20 ⇒ 15
Sense Motive 1d20 ⇒ 13
Sense Motive 1d20 ⇒ 20
While being addressed by the Governor, Qari shoots a side eye at the nasty Four Lanterns. "Yep, there seems to be quite a bit more ill at this party than I expected.". Normally she would have been put off by the governor's clear preference for his own people, she couldn't work up a care, seeing the Lanterns as the object of his disdain.
Qari didn't want to admit she wasn't from Osirion, so she tried to answer around the question. "In here for the reason most are, I'd guess. I need information. I have certain gifts, if you want to put it that way, that I can't explain. I was hoping to come upon a scroll that would tell me more about me, or at least if there alhave been others like me over time. Of course, I only wanted to read the scroll. I'd make sure it gets to the proper place with the lawful authorities as would be required."
Turel Garaldo |
Sense Motive #1: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Sense Motive #2: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Sense Motive #3: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Turel watches the Governor closely and easily picks up on the subtle body language when he mentions the Four Lanterns and indeed all foreigners. Bowing to the man in a show of respect he adds, "I am from the outskirts of Wati, a prominent member of my tribe. My purpose for exploring the Necropolis is...a quest for answers. A quest that speaks to my soul."
Aleris Somciel |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Huh...I guess nearly everything is just business when you're a politician.
"I know," Aleris responds to the governor's observation. "I even looked different in my homeland. Sometimes that's been a curse and other times a blessing." She smiles and shrugs. "But I am who I am and I've learned not to be ashamed of that."
"At any rate, I came here from Varisia. At first it was largely on a lark, just meant to be a sightseeing trip," she admits. "But since I arrived and Wati and met the others, well...now my presence here has a true purpose. To help each of them find their own way. I've learned so much about this land and about people since I've been here. I don't regret it at all."
Deseri |
Sense motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15
Sense motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16
Everything here is lies. Watching him speak and quietly listening to the others. Feeling eyes fall on her and realizing she is also supposed to explain herself. Not sure the I fled because I am losing my mind would work all to well.
Putting a smile on her lips, "I left my tribe and have found a much better use for my life here. I have a purpose now." Unearthing and bothering the dead not to mention fighting with idiots who have no respect for the laws they signed up with. Yeah that would not work out to well I think. People really are not all that different anywhere.
Polux |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Polux had been kind of staring at the Four Lanterns himself, and more than a little distracted with their actions that simply make him chuckle - "Bunch of idiots... - when he realizes he is the one left to 'tell his story' - "Apologies, I was... Nevermind, I have simply been too distracted tonight" - he apologizes, throwing a sidelong glance and a wink at Deseri and Qari - "My name is Polux" - the man nods.
"Even though I was not born here, I have always lived around Wati since I can remember, most of my time as an orphan on the streets, like so many others. I have learned to call it my home, and it has provided for me always" - he states matter of fact - "In recent years I earned my keep through... Most anything really" - he chuckles again - "But I had faith that my time would come eventually - you see, a long, long time ago someone whispered to me that my blood held some of the ancient pharaohs' power in it" - Polux pauses for dramatic effect - "So when the opportunity presented itself, there was no way I could pass on it" - finishing with a laugh, and raising his glass at Haty-a, and his companions.
Diplomacy(aid): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Samy |
The haty-a listens to all of your individual stories with eyes narrowed in thought, nodding at the appropriate points and seeming to actually listen rather than just going through the motions of pretending. "Well, it does sound like you have a great degree of diversity in backgrounds, from nobles to farmers to tribesmen to orphans. I'm pleased to see the Necropolis explored by such a well-rounded group, and I trust that you will continue to find further challenges even after the Necropolis has been thoroughly explored. I'm given to understand by my contacts that the endeavor is approaching its end."
After he's said that, there's a fanfare of music from somewhere, and the haty-a turns his attention to a large pair of double doors, where a pair of slaves grabs each handle, and then pulls the doors to the sides, slowly opening the gateway. As the doors open, you can tell that the music came from beyond those doors, as the volume of the music intensifies without the barrier in-between and the band becomes visible as well on the far side of the room revealed.
What you see beyond the doors is a large dining hall, about twice the size of this entrance hall that you are in currently. It's filled with all manner of food tables along the sides. Round tables of four seats each occupy the center of the dining hall, with one exception. The very center of the dining hall is taken up by plush pillows, upon which lies a large woman, with a trio of slaves feeding her food and drink.
If you wish to raise any further point with the haty-a, you have a brief window of opportunity before he drifts away.
Aleris Somciel |
Wait...we're almost done? But what happens after that?
Aleris realizes that she'd never really thought about or planned on what might happen once the lottery came to an end and the group no longer had their shared goal of seeing the Necropolis. Of course she had no plans to leave Harmose's side, but what about the rest?
She frowns and looks away quickly towards the opening doors, thankful for yet another distraction. The sight of the woman lounging on the pillows catches her by surprise.
Oh wow...I wonder who *she* is? Must be someone really important...
"Er...who's that?" she whispers to the others.
Ra-Khefer |
2 people marked this as a favorite. |
"Well, first of all, f--- my clan. We got that out of the way? Good. I hear enough of that clan s--- from my father."
Ra almost burst out with a laugh, but substituted a caught instead. He looked around quickly to see if anyone heard her raised voice, but relaxed seeing the Four Lanterns attracting everyone's attention.
He smiled ruefully."You may not care for your clan, but, as a young, beautiful, RICH and unmarried female, I think you'll find they care about YOU. And any unattached male that may be in your proximity."
"You know, I honestly don't know if you told me that story or not, because I was pretty drunk. You'll have to tell me this thing again if you told me before. So, a fugitive sounds exciting."
"A fugitive? Exciting? Well, no. It was more like being a hobo, but not as fun." He said, smiling in spite of himself.
She made me smile... He thought, astonished at how long it had been."Do you have assassins after you? Have you killed many of them? Do they have catchphrases? You know, like, 'We are the Sisterhood of Frozen Breath. We will put you...ON ICE.' This is stuff I want to hear."
"No, no. Not... assassins. More like undead bounty hunters. I mostly dodged and snuck by them.
"I don't remember if I told you that night or not, but I was dead. There was a funeral and everything, and I awoke in my tomb. But I don't remember the circumstances, how I came to be dead, or even how I came to be alive. I just awoke in my tomb, was discovered by the tomb guards, and I ran."I felt, in retrospect, that there was something suspicious about the whole thing, but I wasn't in any position to investigate properly. Perhaps one day..." He said thoughtfully.
Harmose Al-Nefer |
Harmose raises an eyebrow, rapidly processing the new information. Interesting. I thought there were a lot more sites available. Well, we'll rise to new challenges, whatever they may be.
He makes a sweeping bow. "Thank you, Haty-a. Should you hear of other challenges that may suit a team as disverse and capable as ours, I trust you will let me know?"
Might as well set the expectations for later.
As the doors open Harmose eyes the woman who has made herself the center of attention.
Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Knowledge Nobility: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
If he does not recognize her, he whispers to Aleris. "No idea, but she does seem to be larger than life, doesn't she? I can't wait to find out what this is about!"
And here is where the Four Lanterns will likely stick their foots in their mouths. He glances over at his least favorite bigots, almost hoping they will be stupid enough to make some crass comment and get themselves tossed out.
Kito the Scholar |
With a hint of worry, Kito asks the Haty-a "In your opinion, is it likely the exploration will be considered a success?"
It would be such a pity if the actions of a few idiots prevented us from discovering more about our past!
Turel Garaldo |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Turning his attention to the woman who has announced herself, Turel finds himself simultaneously attracted and repulsed by the excess that exudes from every part of her body.
This one knows naught but luxury, has never known hardship nor been tested as my people have been through the lifetimes. Still she has the look of command about her. The mystery of who she is will be revealed soon...
Deseri |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Sucking in a breath and looking down. No, that can't be right. But then what happens. Do I get to stay? The floor does not matter all that really matters is the shallow breaths being sucked in while panic floods her viens.
Eventually noting that people are still talking she looks up and then follows the others gaze. Forcing her breath to steady, Do not do this right now Sand Brain Reaching out and tapping Harmose. Leaning in close to mumble "Does that mean she is on the menu?"
Harmose Al-Nefer |
3 people marked this as a favorite. |
Harmose's brain immediately flicks back to some of the wilder parties of his youth. That lady being on the menu does not interest him in the slightest... but Aleris, or Polux, or Des...
Down boy, down!
Too late. His body always had a mind of its own. He is suddenly grateful for the overhang of his jacket over his pants. It does not help that Des is leaning in so close. He turns his traitorous body to keep its reaction more discreet.
"I think it means she is the entertainment or a key note speaker, but I am not certain. I don't think she is 'on the menu' as she has a look of power about her... Besides, there are others here I'd find more delectable." Harmose grins, then says more seriously, "We'll soon enough find out who she is and what she is doing here."
Qari Falexia |
Qari held her tongue. She knew that she wasn't learned in the more diplomatic arts. She wasn't sure if she was supposed to bow or curtsy, or if that would be considered an affront. Instead, she kept her head down and her eyes low, not risking insult to the Rubensesque figure in front of them.
Deseri |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Grinning Hmm, Harmose is having some issues. Perhaps I missed something before? "Look of power could mean we are on the menu."
I should stop before Aleris chases me off. I do not want to leave them yet.Straightening up and letting her grin fade to be replaced with a more neutral look, "Is it common for these 'key note speakers' to lounge among my food?"
Ra-Khefer |
2 people marked this as a favorite. |
"But what is your curiosity about assassins..." Asked Ra before he is abruptly interrupted by the fanfare as the double doors are flung aside.
"And oh my dear lord Who the Hell is That?" He said eyes agog.
Polux |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Wow" - is all Polux is able to say at the sight of the woman across the bed of pillows, a smile crossing his lips.
Samy |
2 people marked this as a favorite. |
"Whoooaaa, big momma!", one of the Four Lanterns gasps out when the large woman is revealed. "More cushion for the pushin', eh bro?", another of them nudges a bystander. A few similar comments are made as well, which I will refrain from reproducing here. For the nonce, their voices do not seem to carry all the way to the large woman, or if they do, she does not react. However, several of the bystanders near the Four Lanterns do grimace and make disgusted looks (although a few hide smiles, reacting more with amusement than horror to the uncouth behavior).
The haty-a nods to Harmose's question, and then begins to answer Kito's. "I have not heard many negative reports regarding the Necropolis exploration. As far as I am given to understand, it has gone largely as intended. We can all be grateful to the Ruby Prince for his infinite wisdom and --" whatever he was going to continue is interrupted.
"Ahh, Oshep, Oshep! My old friend!" the large woman calls out when she sights Wati's haty-a. "Come, come. You may approach me."
The haty-a gives a nod of goodbye to your group as he makes his way to the large woman, kneeling in front of her and kissing a hand that she gracefully offers to him. After that, they share some quiet words whispered in close so the crowd around them can't hear. The haty-a's retinue also moves to block any curious people from getting too close.
Kito the Scholar |
Kito looks relieved at the haty-a's reply and smiles brightly. What a relief! There is so much we can learn from this!
Only when he is pulled away by the woman does Kito pay her any attention. Well, she must be someone important! I wonder who she is that she can command the haty-a's attention like that? She does grimace when she overhears some of the Four Lantern's comments about her.
She tries to listen in to those around her, in hopes of finding out the woman's identity.
Perception, +Thera: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 2 = 10
Harmose Al-Nefer |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Harmose sucks in his breath as he realizes just who this woman is. The Four Lanterns have NO idea who they're insulting.
He leans in to whisper to the others. "Now I know who is! That has to be Her Excellency Muminofrah of Sothis, Fan-Bearer on the Right Side of the King, and personal representative of Ruby Prince Khemet III. She's a high-ranking courtier in the Ruby Prince’s court—one whose close personal relationship with the pharaoh places her above Oshep Kahmed, a mere haty-a, in the hierarchy of Osirian nobility. Now, what is she doing here?!" He raises an eyebrow. "Kahmed doesn't appear to be overjoyed, either."
Qari Falexia |
"Would it be normal for her to attend such a party, or is this unusual? What could the King's court care about our little gathering," Qari whispered to the others.
Turel Garaldo |
Turel nods in agreement. "Apparently there was some political maneuvering done prior to the Ruby Prince making his decision to open the Necropolis for exploration. Could she have been one of those opposing him, or was she supporting him?"
Kito the Scholar |
Interesting...so this is the Ruby Prince's representative?
Quietly Kito replies to Turel "I have no idea, but you have left out the most interesting possibility -- that she was undecided. If that were the case and her opinion shifted one way or the other, surely that would carry great weight."
It will be important to show her that the Four Lanterns are not representative of the groups exploring the Necropolis.
Shifting slightly so she is closer to Harmose and Aleris, she asks "What is the correct way of addressing her? I would hate to make a mistake should she take any notice of me."
Samy |
"But what is your curiosity about assassins..." Asked Ra before he is abruptly interrupted by the fanfare as the double doors are flung aside.
"And oh my dear lord Who the Hell is That?" He said eyes agog.
"That's some big muck-a-muck from Sothis, I'm not sure what she's called. From the court I think. Been here a few weeks, she has some sort of pleasure barge anchored down by the river", Meehr answers to Ra-Khefer, although they are still private enough that others can't hear that.
Polux |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
It will be important to show her that the Four Lanterns are not representative of the groups exploring the Necropolis.
Shifting slightly so she is closer to Harmose and Aleris, she asks "What is the correct way of addressing her? I would hate to make a mistake should she take any notice of me."
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
"I wasn't eavesdropping but... Perhaps 'Good evening'?" - Polux nudges Kito a tad, and throws her a smile.
Deseri |
Not taking her eyes off of the woman who wants to lay on a table but is not part of the meal. Yet Grinning and joining Polux, "Greetings or hello seem to be standard in the city. Though I am not sure I will remember the mouthful that is her formal name."
Kito the Scholar |
Giving a small sigh, Kito quietly says "It was the formal greeting I was interested in."
I wonder where Khammayid went? He is supposed to be the reason for the celebration.
Kito seems to be looking more at the crowd than Muminofrah.