As her table clears, Halcyon sips her wine, enjoying the flavor. Then she sets her wineglass down, finds her walking stick and rises, as Emile speaks of checking on his Galatian guests. "Monsieur de Beaux, would you be so kind as to introduce me to them?" she asks politely. "It sounds as if we may be the only ones left in the room." She follows him, tapping her staff in front of her and works her way over to the head table.
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Raphael replies in a quiet whisper to Halcyon as Valentina vacates the seat on his other side, "Captain Helmuth von Moltke the forth of the Guard. He's quite the formidable young man." He misses much of the rest of the conversation as he leaves the table, but catches on to some of Halcyon's act and smiles, bemused. She has a stronger stomach then I if she's willing to spend time with that unctuous, bleating goat of a man.
"Tut tut, Valentina. Keep saying things like that and people will think you and I are an item." Raphael inclines his head and winks in an exaggeratedly roguish fashion.
As she turns to business, he listens silently, letting what she suggests run through his mind. "I was rather under the impression that he was in the business of property, not mining. Even goes so far as to call himself the "Prince of Property", as rumor had me believing. So I'm rather less sure how useful he might be, though property itself is always useful. But for mining, the closest thing I could believe of that man is for him to mine himself deeper and deeper into a pile of manure." Raphael runs a single finger along his right cheekbone as he thinks -a tic familiar to the young woman. "Your talk of ratfolk and work intrigues me though. I haven't given them much thought before. I'm told they're quick and clever, if not perhaps the most visually appealing of citizens. I could see how they'd appeal as workers in your line of work. And mine for that matter. They could be a substantial underutilized resource."
Tapping his chin and stepping away form the wall to pace back and forth a few steps, Raphael continues, "I've had certain designs on building housing for the poor and underprivileged of Roland. A matter of philanthropy that would earn the good will of it's people. I'd rather not deal with the man, but it's possible he could be relieved of certain burdensome properties at a pittance. In it's place, the ratfolk of Roland would aid in my efforts with a smattering of homes. Some for the other races and perhaps a few aboveground ratfolk enclaves. They'd build their public image, accomplish my goal and giving them a place to live. They gain skills you'd no doubt find use for as well as gaining trust. The trick is in the sale, and for that they are merely honorable citizens bettering the lives of their fellows. A redemptive tale, no pun intended, you see. Between this and your own work, I think we might have something to pique the interest of certain members of their community. The trick will be in the details of the contact. Do you know anything of their leadership?"
Raphael wracks his own mind going over what he might know of 'Ratfolk leadership' in the city of Roland.
Stoneheart has a business making constructs, there aren't many rumors or additional knowledge about him.
Emile takes Halcyon to the table, where three Galatians are sitting. The first one is a beautiful woman, with short golden hair. She wears long white robes, with gold and blue trim. The second is a heavily armored man, a sheathed longsword in his grip. The last man has slightly curly hair down to his shoulders, and appears relaxed, leaning his chair backwards with his feet on the table.
“Everyone, this is Halcyon d’Orcay, my friends tell me she is the greatest fortune teller in all of Roland.” He gestures toward the Galatian woman with his arm, until he remembers that Halcyon is blind. “This lovely woman is Abigal Bolton, she is an ambassador to our nation. Next his her bodyguard, Eduard Boltonward.” He whispers to you: “He is the gruff sounding one who always sounds tense.” Back to normal introductions, Emile introduces the last man. “And this is Aron Carlisle, a trade ambassador from the city of Clarent.”
Her voice is soft and alluring. A faint smile comes to her face and she approaches you. “A pleasure to meet you Miss d’Orcay.” Eduard makes a sound as she gets close, seemingly uncomfortable with the proximity. His grip tenses on his weapon, but Abigal shoots him a glance. “Eduard, I don’t like giving Orders, but if you continue I will have to ask you to be calm.” Eduard reluctantly releases his hold of his sword, and give a quick apologetic bow to Halycon (or perhaps to Abigal?).
“As you wish, Miss Bolton.”
“Ah yes, a pleasure! I’ve never met a seer before, we have a lack of such diverse people in Galatine.” He seems genuinely happy to meet you, or maybe he is just generally happy all of the time. “Emile, I believe you made mention of a Smoke Lounge earlier? Perhaps you could show Eduard and I where it is.” Eduard looks horrified and you doubt it is because he doesn’t smoke. Abigal gives him a look once more and he composes himself.
“If you showed as much interest in your job as you do my smoke room, surely trade negotiations would be over by now, and both nations would be prosperous.” Emile and Aron both laugh, while Abigal and Eduard are silent. Emile walks behind the two Galatian men, pat them on the shoulders, and begins to escort them out of the room. “You have to try the Tizonian tobacco, Tomas brought it as a gift today and it is to die for.”
You are able to deduce that Aron is a sorcerer of the Imperious bloodline, which isn't a surprise: almost all Galatians are. Has a magical necklace, a magical ring, and something concealed under her outfit. Eduard is practically equipped with enough items to fill a small stall. He wears a necklace, a ring, a sword, breastplate, bracers, gloves, and a belt, all magic. Aron wears a ring, and his robe appears to be magic as well.
Seth takes a look around the Upper Vestibule, and upon seeing no one turns to his wife. "You can decide which room we should explore." Seth lets go of her hand to let her walk around and pick.
Lucia lets go of Seth's hand and begins to walk around the room. She gracefully walks towards the room to her left. She pauses for a moment, and then walks towards the door across from it. She stops in front of the door and looks towards Seth. "Lets go in this room first." She gives a quick smile and extends her hand to Seth as he walks towards her. She opens the door and they go inside.
EDIT:
9:57 PM, 2 hours and 3 minutes until the New Year.
Lucia opens the door, revealing suitable sized room filled with dated artifacts. Closer inspection of the room show that everything seems to be remnants from previous generation of the de Beaux family, all organized and labelled by date with small golden plaques. Many scrolls lie framed against the walls, evidently realized prophesies that the de Beaux family's various Oracles have predicted. Upon both walls and sealed within display cases are various swords and pole arms, all bearing the de Beaux crest (a bird plumed gold and purple on a black shield), all with labels detailing their use. Mannequins hold wear wartime armor, arcane gowns, and various trinkets and jewelry of family importance. Paintings hang between blades, dating back to when the family had enough sway and gold to merit such paintings.
Sounds of a harp come from the room up top, while the room on the bottom lies behind a closed door.
- Halcyon is in the Foyer with Abigal. Aron, Emile and Eduard are present, but leaving towards the lower vestibule.
- The Tamarins are present by their dinner table also in the foyer, but a bit away from the crowd. They are joined by Valentina's clockwork servant.
- Seth and Lucia are upstairs in the de Beaux Legacy room. They are alone.
- Raphael and Valentina are together in the Lower Vestibule room. Emile+co are about to pass though.
Lucia and Seth walk into the room. They walk into the center of the room and look around to see all of the remnants of previous generations of the de Beaux family. Lucia lets go of Seth's hand and walks around the room inspecting each item. "Sweet pea come over here and look at this sword." Seth walks over to the sword and looks at it. "We need a room like this!" As she says this she grabs his arm and pulls slightly. Seth sighs as she does this. Lucia lets go and looks towards the room at the top of the Legacy Room. "I hear music.... Let's go in and check it out." Lucia grabs Seth's arm and pulls him towards the room.
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“Everyone, this is Halcyon d’Orcay, my friends tell me she is the greatest fortune teller in all of Roland.” He gestures toward the Galatian woman with his arm, until he remembers that Halcyon is blind. “This lovely woman is Abigal Bolton, she is an ambassador to our nation. Next his her bodyguard, Eduard Boltonward.” He whispers to you: “He is the gruff sounding one who always sounds tense.” Back to normal introductions, Emile introduces the last man. “And this is Aron Carlisle, a trade ambassador from the city of Clarent.”
Halcyon's "gaze" is fixed on a point somewhere near the middle of the group as the introductions are made. Long practice has made it second nature to feign blindness by never letting her eyes shift in response to movements or gestures such as pointing. After de Beaux introduces the last Galatian, Halcyon curtseys and says, "It is a great honor to meet you all."
Halcyon pretends not to notice or understand the exchange between Abigal and her bodyguard. As Abigal moves toward her, the sound gives her the cue to shift her facing slightly and to transfer her staff to her left hand, freeing her right should she wish to shake hands.
“If you showed as much interest in your job as you do my smoke room, surely trade negotiations would be over by now, and both nations would be prosperous.” Emile and Aron both laugh, while Abigal and Eduard are silent. Emile walks behind the two Galatian men, pat them on the shoulders, and begins to escort them out of the room. “You have to try the Tizonian tobacco, Tomas brought it as a gift today and it is to die for.”
Halcyon's body stiffens when she hears the last phrase. She shudders and says, "Excuse me. I must ..." She leaves the sentence unfinished and sits abruptly, drawing out her harrow deck as she does so. She closes her eyes and shuts out the rest of the room and remembers the sound of Emile saying "it is to die for."
Then she shuffles the deck pulling cards to the top and others shifting to the bottom and then suddenly draws a card and looks at it.
She stares at the card of the The Empty Throne which shows a blond haired man or woman kneeling with face in hands before a memorial, with flowers and incense. All color drains from her face.
She stows her cards and stands and makes her way quietly in the direction the men went. When she gets into the smoking room and is within 25 feet of the tobacco, she stops. Hoping the conversation will disguise the sound of her casting, she casts Detect Poison as quietly as she can and looks for any sign of poison in the tobacco de Beaux is sharing.
Emile guides Aron and Eduard through the lower vestibule, past Raphael and Valentina. He gives them a smile and a nod as he passes them. “Going to show our Galatian friends the finest tobacco Tizona has to offer.” He gives a wink in the direction of the two individuals. “Follow your nose if the smell intrigues you.” Aron follows Emile with dance like steps, while Eduard takes his deliberate and slow, watching the Valentina and Raphael as he passes. They pass through the vestibule, entering a long ballroom, taking a right afterwards, opening the door.
Halcyon follows afterwards, passing by Valentina and Raphael.
Halcyon enters the ballroom and follows her nose to the Smoke Lounge. She enters the room, as Emile prepares the hookah for Aron by the opposite door near the staircase. It is a small room, making good use of the area it provides. A leather couch sits by the door, and dim lamps give the room a sunset lighting. A table has various tobaccos, cigars and other legal drugs lying ready for use. Several cabinets seem to hold various paraphernalia and glass humidors on top of them. The staircase leads to the second floor, and has a built in door leading inside it, likely for storage purposes.
“Tomas brought this over himself, tells me its the best Tizona has to offer. Grew in the lowlands of Tizona I believe, in a fertile field lying entirely in a magical dead zone. Harvesting it must have been a chore. Fire-cured, an aromatic caramel like flavor...” He goes on to talk about it further, Aron and him both taking obvious delight in him reciting the information. Eduard sits down in a chair, one that you would imagine to be more comfortable if he wasn’t in half-plate armor. Halcyon casts her spell near the door frame, Emile and Aron too absorbed with introducing the tobacco, but Eduard notices her.
Eduard unfortunately, doesn't identify the spell to be harmless, instead taking it as something opposite. “CARLISLE, DOWN!" Eduard springs from his seat, quickly placing himself between Halcyon and Aron. He snaps his fingers, and seemingly from nowhere a grand tower shield appears before him. He draws his sword and glares over the top of his shield. “Move again and I strike, Seer.” Aron takes a quick jump back, almost knocking himself into the door by the staircase. Emile swings around wildly, accidentally tipping the hookah off the cabinet. It shatters on the floor, leaving a mix of hot coals, tobacco and shards of glass. While the shattering of the glass pierces the air, so does the cry of a woman outside the room.
“EDUARD. I Order you to drop your weapon.” His hand opens up, dropping the sword to the floor. Abigal enters the room by the doorframe near Halcyon. She offers a small apology to Halcyon as she passes, making her way towards Eduard. He begins to open his mouth to respond, but she slaps him before he can do so. The slap echoes across the room, possibly throughout the house. “Outside. Now. It is an Order.” She picks up the sword, and personally puts it into his sheath, casting a quick spell on the sheathed sword afterwards. She walks out of the room, but offer the sincerest of apologies to Halcyon. “I regret that our first interaction had to be like this Miss d’Orcay. He is my Shield and as such, I take full accountability for his actions. I hope you can forgive me for this misunderstanding.” Abigal and Eduard walk out of the room, heading outside towards the outdoor patio.
“Gods, lucky I have a spare hookah I suppose?” He laughs sheepishly, but isn’t joined by Aron this time. A servant appears and begins to pick up the shards of glass and coals. “Not appropriate, sorry. Gods, Halcyon you look like you’ve seen a ghost. Please take a seat, relax a moment...”
“What a scary guardian. Least we know Abigal is in safe hands.”
Meanwhile, on the floor above, Lucia and Seth enter into a large lounge room, with a staircase that leads to the third floor. Couches lay against the walls, and a servant plays a harp in the corner of the room. Paintings hang across the room, all strange fantasy interpretations of Durendal’s countryside. A table lies in the center of the room, with a pitcher of water and several glasses, as with remnant of the fifth course of dinner. On a couch are two woman, a beautiful silver haired woman lying down across most of the space, and a brunette woman with a white dove pin sitting by and comforting the other.
Her voice is absolutely enthralling. It is otherworldly, the harp takes the background and her voice becomes the instrument of the room. It is a strange contrast however, as her angelic voice delivers vulgar rants at the moment. The brunette shakes her head as you enter, not a gesture to leave so much as one to tell you that you don’t want to be here.
“...and the idiot, the f$$!ing idiot does what he always does. We try to talk business at the table, and he flirts with the prettiest, sparkling woman. I am sure at this moment he is on her bed with her, spouting the same bull shit he does with every other pretty woman he uses. And the bastard as the audacity to ask me while we never get invited to parties anymore. The f@*$ screws any woman he can make blush, and wonders why people begin to dislike him. Get this, last month he tries flirting with Guillory’s bodyguard, the bodyguard! Right in front of Guillory. The idiot is ruining the family business, soon no one in the city will associate themselves with us because my a&@ h~*+ brother needs to spend the night with a lady to feel huma--”
--From below, you hear a shout, followed by the sound of shattering glass. It is loud enough that the silver haired woman ceases her rant, and gives an ear to listen. “Sounds like fun downstairs, I wonder if that is Emile chasing my bastard brother out of his house…”
[dice=Sense Motive vs. Halcyon DC 13]1d20 + 17
Raphael replies in a quiet whisper to Halcyon as Valentina vacates the seat on his other side, "Captain Helmuth von Moltke the forth of the Guard. He's quite the formidable young man." He misses much of the rest of the conversation as he leaves the table, but catches on to some of Halcyon's act and smiles, bemused. She has a stronger stomach then I if she's willing to spend time with that unctuous, bleating goat of a man.
** spoiler omitted **...
At this time, there is a shattering of glass from elsewhere in the house, and Valentina turns away from Raphael to look. Unfortunately, there's no way she can actually see it from here. "Hm. Something's up. Want to go see?" She offers her arm for Raphael to put through (the opposite of the traditional position, of course, as she is much larger than he) and indicates that she would like to walk.
Nishara nods to Marcus in the affirmative to his question.
The party seems to be going well. That is until....Eduard overreacts about the seer. Abigal has it is hand, though Nishara is still amused.
"Bodyguards. Always the overzealous type. How they have such a mindset is beyond me. Guards are the easiest to impersonate, no personality."
Chuckling to herself, she catches Marcus' eye. With that, she stands.
"Pardon me, this wine is...fulfilling its purpose. I shall return presently."
The first thing she does is investigate the scream outside the room.
“Gods, lucky I have a spare hookah I suppose?” He laughs sheepishly, but isn’t joined by Aron this time. A servant appears and begins to pick up the shards of glass and coals. “Not appropriate, sorry. Gods, Halcyon you look like you’ve seen a ghost. Please take a seat, relax a moment...”
Halcyon stands (apparently) helpless to obey de Beaux's request until he guides her to a chair. Once seated, she says, "Tell Mademoiselle Bolton she should praise her bodyguard. He did his duty. I am sorry to upset your guests, Monsieur de Beaux. How to explain? It is known to oracles that anyone can sometimes receive inspiration, premonitions, prophecies even. Being untrained and uninitiated, those who receive these often give unknowing witness to them. When you said the tobacco was 'to die for', I worried that it might be such a case. Not wanting to overreact, I consulted the harrow and the cards showed me this."
Halcyon draws the card from a pocket and showed it.
"I followed and cast a divination spell that detects poison. I hoped I might allay my fears and leave undetected. I saw no evidence of poison, but as for leaving undetected...." She shrugs sheepishly and glances toward where she can hear the sounds the servant cleaning the mess.
"Monsieur Boltonward is well named, for he must have feared the worst, that I was intending some sort of harm. There had been some disparagement of our guests at the dinner and it just ... well, sometimes these things all point to some hidden truth. I am sorry I cannot claim to be the best Oracle in Roland, as you said I was. I will get my coat and leave before I cause any more trouble. Before I go, please ask Mademoiselle Bolton if I may have a word. I want to apologize. I would hate to think I promoted distrust between our two countries."
Valentina (and presumably Raphael?) begin to make their way to the smoke lounge, but are passed by a dashing Abigal. She shouts as she reaches the ballroom (“EDUARD. I Order you to drop your weapon!”) and beelines towards the lounge. Valentina and Raphael arrive in the room, standing right behind Halycon, as Abigal lands her slap across Eduard’s face. She Orders him outside, and peacebinds his weapon before they leave. She offers a sincere apology to Halcyon, and makes her way out of the room.
Nishara and Marcus reach the Smoke Lounge door right as Eduard and Abigal leave the room. For a moment they see Abigal’s face, a mixture of warped distress and anger, before it returns to looking serene once more. She offers the siblings a faint smile, and continues up to the outdoor patio. Eduard looks shaken, breathing heavily, his sword arm trembling visibly. The brother and sister enter the room but all is silent for a few moments. Emile breaks the silence (“Gods, lucky I have a spare hookah I suppose?”) but apologizes shortly after. A servant enters the room to clean up the glass shards, and Halcyon is guided to a chair by Emile to relax a moment. She explains the scenario, saying that she will be leaving in the end.
Emile stands by Halcyon, attempting to comfort her. “I am too familiar with the curse of the oracle, my sister Caroline shares a similar fate, and her premonitions and visions have made her lost what should have been an innocent and carefree childhood.” He looks at the card, the Empty Throne, and doesn’t need to be an Oracle to derive what it could have meant. “Oracles have visions beyond mortal comprehension, and your intentions were pure. It was a misunderstanding of a loyal guardian, surely you cannot take blame for this.”
He rises, and gives a quick word to Aron, telling him he will set up a second hookah in a moment. He looks towards the door and realizes the crowd is growing, looking slightly agitated by the development. “It must be ten by now, there isn’t a way I am letting you walk home alone. Abigal is the most compassionate and understanding individual I have had the honor to meet, surely any shame she sees in this misunderstanding lies not on you in her eyes, and neither does it in mine.” He looks towards the servant, almost finished picking up after the accident. “Thank you, Astrid. If you could set up the hookah for Mister Carlisle that would be much appreciated.” The servant replies with a quaint affirmation, and finishes her cleaning, disposing of the glass shards and taking a second device out from the staircase closet.
10:03 PM, 1 hours and 57 minutes until the New Year.
Halcyon reaches for de Beaux's hand and grasps it in both of hers. "You are so kind. I shall try to be worthy of it. Let me know if there is anything I can do to repay you. If it be your wish, I would be happy to talk with your sister, if you think it would help for her to have someone who has gone through what she is experiencing now. I had a relative who did that for me and it was very helpful."
She rises and slowly makes her way toward the sound of the servants working. "Monsieur Carlisle. Are you here?"
Halcyon says, "I am so sorry to interupt your evening. I meant no harm or disrespect. Will you ask Ambassador Bolton if she will speak with me later, so I can apologize to her as well?"
When these conversationsa are over, she makes her way back toward the dining room, a storm cloud over her head (figuratively speaking).
"I'm aware it's only because I have such grand ideas, my dear, that someone as lovely and charming as you continues to pay me any attention at all." Raphael's overly florid reply is accompanied by a jocular grin.
The jangle of breaking glass instantly draws his attention towards the sound. He nods his assent and, with an amused chuckle, accepts the taller woman's proffered arm.
Arriving at the tense scene, Raphael watches with interest as Eduard is fiercely scolded by the Galatine noblewoman, Abigal Bolton. He mutely stands aside, offering a slight and silent bow as she rushes past. Interesting how that happened, particularly emphasis on the word order. Musing over it a little longer, he draws a few interesting conclusions. He offers to room, "I'm glad to see no one was hurt in the misunderstanding. If anyone is hurt, I am blessed by Abadar to be able to help."
As Halcyon passes by on the way to the dining room, Raphael adds his sympathy, "I'm glad to see that you are well, Madame d'Orsay. It would be tragic if you were taken from us in a misunderstanding. If you feel the need to speak to someone when you're feeling less shaken, by all means, I am happy to lend an ear."
When she's not otherwise occupied by whatever she's planning, Raphael would like to speak to her.
After the oracle has passed, Raphael turns to Valentina and opines, "It seems that we have, thankfully, missed some of the excitement. Would you care to tour some of Monsieur de Beaux's lovely home?" Dropping his voice and subtly gesturing toward the noble standing past Emile, Raphael asks, "I'm afraid I'm not acquainted with the gentleman in the back. He appears to have been guarded by that Galatine guardsman, given the state of things when we came in. Shall we go and give our salutations?"
A quiet smile on his lips, Raphael follows his lovely companion's lead to the man. Freeing his arm, he bows eloquently and introduces himself, "Raphael Montefiore, at your service, monsieur. I trust you're well despite all the commotion? I'm afraid we haven't had the pleasure of making each other's acquaintance."
When Halcyon finds Raphael offering kind words as she exits, she steps aside a bit from any traffic and gawkers, gesturing to him to follow. She gestures to Marcus, and Nishara to join if they are still in the area.
Halcyon is obviously shaken, but she has her wits about her and her emotions in check.
"I had a premonition that made me fear that someone may have poisoned the tobacco Emile had received as a gift. I drew a card," she is still clutching the card and shows them the image of The Empty Throne, "and it seemed to confirm my fear, so I tried to cast a spell to detect poison on the tobacco.
There was no poison, but the bodyguard, Boltonward thought I might be casting an offensive spell and rushed forth to defend Monsieur Carlisle, which is when Ambassador Bolton came in and scolded him severely. He was only doing his job. Anyway, it's been smoothed over.
But something still does not feel right. My premonition may have been right about a threat, just not about the target or the method. Please keep your eyes open for anything that might threaten the Galatian guests. Speaking of which, did anyone see where the ambassador and her guard went?"
"An oracle's inspiriations are never certain about details. I would need to do a full reading to sharpen my warning, but that's not likely to happen tonight. Our host knows and the ambassador saw me draw the card and rush out. I want to explain what happened to her as soon as I can. She seems awfully critical of her bodyguard, but it may be she should let him do what he's trained to do. If I had been casting a lightning bolt or fireball, he might have saved a life by his reaction."
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"Please. You know how I love making new friends." Valentina giggles a little bit, but slightly too loudly, as if she were trying to make it noticeable. Then, she leads Raphael over to the noble he's indicated, switching arm-positions with him and adopting a leaning gait to make her appear smaller and make Raphael seem the dominant party.
While he talks, she just smiles vapidly at the noble, laughing at nearly everything said, and tossing her hair every minute or so.
After listening to Agatha's rant and then her abrupt stop when she heard the commotion downstairs, Seth excused himself and Lucia from the room. That lady was quite angry with her brother. I feel bad for her. When they were back in the Upper Vestibule Seth turned to Lucia. "Its a shame we walked into someone ranting. Lets go and check out what was happening downstairs." Seth and Lucia walk downstairs back to where they were previously eating dinner. They then walk into the vestibule in search of the commotion.
Halcyon walks across the room. It isn’t a large room, but there is a suitable amount of people now. She reaches Aron Carlisle, and speaks to him (“I am so sorry to interrupt your evening…”). He offers a chuckle, and watches the servant prepare the hookah for him. “ Worry not, my evening is far from over, and I am certain I will recover.” He gives Halcyon a wink, then curses when he remember she cannot see. “Well, rest assured that will be the most drama for the night. I will tell Abigal that you would like to speak with her, I feel it will be mutual.” Halcyon leaves the room, having a fleeting conversation with Raphael, Marcus and Nishara.
As Raphael and Valentina approach Aron, the servant finishes the coals on the hookah, and places it on a table for public access. She bows, and leaves the room. Upstairs, Seth and Lucia leave as Agatha continues her rant, though their departure apparently goes unnoticed amidst her tirade. From the upstairs to the foyer, the couple make their way to the Smoke Lounge, passing Halcyon in the ballroom. As they continue on to the smoke lounge, they spy an armored Galatian with a female one, talking to eachother in the outdoor patio. As the married couple walks in, Raphael initiates conversation with a Galatian man with slight curls (“Raphael Montefiore, at your service...”)
“All is fine on my end, a mere misunderstanding. I am Aron Carlisle, 309th heir to the Galatian throne, and ...” The conversation pauses a moment as Aron inhales deeply on the hookah hose. He places the nozzle back onto the device and exhales heavy fumes from his nostrils, trying to look as menacing as possible, “...Galatian Dragon!” He makes himself laugh which slowly corrupts to coughs, releasing residual puffs of smoke as he does so. Valentina laughs and Aron smiles widely. “Gods, this is strong. You Durendales know how to enjoy yourselves and have fun. Come, everyone sit all around, stay a while.” He lifts the hose and hands it off in the direction of Emile, who declines, and instead holds it up for any takers.
“I am afraid I must decline, too many guests to chat with, too little time.” Emile makes his way out of the room to the ballroom, looking around before spotting Halcyon, picking up his pace to follow her. In the foyer dining room he catches up to her, this time not armed with his inviting smile. “Madame d’Orcay, if I may. I have heard many kind words from many friends on your skills as an Oracle. It wouldn’t hurt to be prepared in case your prediction proves relevant. Monsiuer Boltonward is able to protect Abigal and himself, but I fear for Aron and Asfal. He picks up an unused glass from one of the tables, and pours himself a drink, pouring a second for Halcyon and, without a sound, places it by the side of the table. “I don’t know if you met Asfal, short haired fellow, lean, maybe a bit sick at the moment. Introductions aside, Seth Varianna has formal Guard training, perhaps he can oversee one of the Galatians.” He ponders a moment, you hear him murmur-recite the names of some of the guests. “Ah! Perhaps you can convince Vincent Durant to protect the other. He is a bodyguard by trade afterall, I can’t imagine someone more able, though if you have any suggestions I am all ears.”
@Marcus: To his advice to be careful who she tells, she just nods gravely. To his parting admonition to be careful, she says, "Always. The same to you, friend."
@Emile: Halcyon perks up with the prospects of playing a part in Emile's plan to line up protection for the Galatian guests. [She leaves the proffered glass of wine untouched.] "I will gladly do what I can to help. I met Seth at the dinner table, but I don't know much about him. He seems upright and expressed the opinion that the Galatians should be treated with respect. I believe he was sincere. I don't know this other, Vincent Durant. Perhaps you can introduce me to him. I have not met the Galatian Asfal either. Bring us together before the next course is served and I'll do what I can to negotiate an informal protection plan."
She sniffs, turns her head and sniffs again. She places her hand gently on the table near the glass of wine and edges her hand slowly toward it until her fingers touch the base. She then draws the glass to her lips and takes an unladylike series of swallows until the glass is almost drained.
She dabs her lips with a handkerchief and then adds, "If there is any guest about whom you have any suspicions, I'll be happy to see if I can get any impressions. When I focus my attention on a subject, I sometimes get unusual insights about him or her. It helps if I have some physical connection, an item of the person, or if I am able to shake hands. I can also use my divine magic to check any food you serve for poison. I also have a spell that can sniff out evil if it gives off a strong enough aura. It would be impolite to use it at such an occasion, but if you give me leave, I will prepare the spell where no one will notice and maintain it long enough to sweep the room once everyone is in place."
Raphael listens soberly as the raven-haired young seer relates what she had seen in her deck. Glancing at the card, he nods slowly as she finishes her explanation, "I saw the pair heading outside, but nothing more. I'll keep an eye out."
Allowing himself to be dragged away from the somber conversation, he introduces himself to Carlisle and chuckles at the man's reaction to the smoke. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Monsieur Carlisle. I've never been much of a smoking man, but I'd be happy to sit and speak with you. I think you'll find that the parties here in Roland are unsurpassed. Our gracious host is well known for his parties, obviously. Tell me, Monsieur Carlisle, what brings you to Roland on this most auspicious evening? Have you never spent a New Year's Eve before?"
Upon Aron Carlisle offering the hose, Seth holds his hand up showing he is declining the offer. "I am not an avid smoker, so I will pass. Thank you for the offer." This Galatian is in quite a good mood even though something just happened. He is a very carefree individual.
Emile watches Halcyon finish her wine, letting out a sing-songy “Oh dear…” as she does so. “You have my permission to cast spells as you wish, surely no one will act as Eduard did. Besides Silverstone’s construct, no one else brought a bodyguard. I needn’t tell you to not cast anything harmful however. I’ll be sure to keep quiet about this, it is supposed to be a party afterall.” He thinks for a moment, again recounting the guest list. “Aron, Abigal and Asfal are all sorcerers, the list of those able to overpower them shouldn’t be plentiful. Eduard, Seth maybe? I cannot think anyone here would with a motive to murder a Galatian, I try to keep those kind of people out of the house.” He smiles wryly, and puts his glass of wine down. “I’ll look around for Asfal and Vincent, feel free to look around for anything suspicious.” Emile bids Halcyon farewell, and goes up the staircase towards the second floor.
Seth and Raphael turn down Aron’s smoke proposal. “More for me I suppose!” He takes another puff, holding off on whimsical theatrics this time, though he cannot help but blow out the smoke out in rings. “One of many trade ambassadors between our wonderful countries. Taxes and tariffs are most fun to argue about, I assure you. This will be my first New Year outside of Galatine, but I hope it isn’t my last.” Another puff, the smoke this time darts out, passing through and misshaping a previous ring. “I intend to enjoy my stay as long as it lasts.”
A man walks into the room, his hair is shoulder length and dark, though fading. He is older than most of the room, late thirties or early forties perhaps, cloaked in a midnight blue outfit with golden accents. He looks around the room in a quick but analytical glance, his eyes burnt brown dart quickly from person to person. His words are deliberate and carefully chosen.
“A kind evening to all. Alexander Ravenhall, a pleasure to meet your acquaintance. He makes a gesture towards everyone in the room, a smile to some, a nod to others. “Forgive my interruption, but I smelled the smoke from the bar. If I may...” He reaches his hand out, and Aron gleefully hands him the hose. “You all seem rather keen on staying together, already friends or quick to make them? In all respect I have never seen you all at an event before.”
Seth listens to the man's introduction earnestly and upon Marcus finishing his introduction, Seth takes his turn introducing himself. "The pleasure is mine. I am Seth Varianna and this is my wife Lucia." Seth looks at Lucia, as she clings to his arm. "I am a mercenary by trade, me and my men help out with merchants who need some extra protection. Now if you will all excuse us, we were just curious as to what happened a few moments ago." Seth and Lucia take their leave from the room and walk towards the bar. "Lucia, I am going to head to the bar, you can come with me or you can took another look around the manor if you wish."
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Seth and Raphael turn down Aron’s smoke proposal. “More for me I suppose!” He takes another puff, holding off on whimsical theatrics this time, though he cannot help but blow out the smoke out in rings. “One of many trade ambassadors between our wonderful countries. Taxes and tariffs are most fun to argue about, I assure you. This will be my first New Year outside of Galatine, but I hope it isn’t my last.” Another puff, the smoke this time darts out, passing through and misshaping a previous ring. “I intend to enjoy my stay as long as it lasts.”
Valentina, on the other hand, accepts the hookah hose and puffs on it politely, smiling and looking intently at Carlisle the whole time. She doesn't cough - being around thick, black acrid smoke is a part of her work, so it's easy on her lungs by comparison. She also doesn't take big puffs, instead only doing so as a gesture.
"We here in Durendal do indeed know how to enjoy ourselves quite well, and I hope you enjoy us as much as I do." she says with a mischievous wink.
When Ravenhall enters the room, she looks up at him from her seated position by the hookah. She's unfamiliar with the man, but holds out a small and calloused hand in greeting. "Hi!" she says cheerily. "I'm Valentina Silverstone. Raphael here is one of my very good friends, but I'm afraid I haven't had the opportunity to meet very many of the other party guests." she turns towards Carlisle. "It's why I'm sitting here with lovely Aron, making friends."
Lucia lets go of Seth's arm and thinks for just a moment. I could go with Seth and just sit at the bar while he has fun or I could go exploring. "I am going to explore the manor more. We don't have this many rooms in our home, and some of them are filled with things I haven't seen before. You go have your fun, and I will mine." With that Lucia walks into the closest room in the manor, which happens to be the supposed Trophy room.
"On the contrary, there's no need for greater assurance as I'm inclined to agree. Taxes, tariffs, politics and trade prospects are topics of endless fascination to me. I'm a lawyer by trade, but I dabble in running a trading operation as well, so I dare say it's right up my alley. I wouldn't want to bore the other guests to tears, of course, but if it interests you I'd be happy to have a bracing discussion on the matter." Raphael smiles disarmingly at the Galatine trade ambassador. I wonder what number of doors this gentleman might open for me? He continues, "I think, Monsieur Carlisle, that you'll find our New Year's Eve a font for all forms of fun."
Raphael inclines his head politely to the newcomer and returns his greeting with an extended hand, "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Monsieur Ravenhall." He smiles and nods his acknowledgement of his friendship with Valentina, then adds, "I'm also friends with dear Halcyon, finest fortune teller in all of Durendal. Otherwise, I'm afraid I'm simply out of luck with these fine lords and ladies. I've been greatly enjoying my conversation with Monsieur Carlisle here, and hope that you'll join us. One can never have too many friends, don't you agree, Monsieur Ravenhall?"
Halcyon lets de Beaux go without further comment. Once he has gone, she rises and makes her way slowly back into the vestibule and then left into the trophy room (?). She continues her use of the walking stick as if she can't see well enough to trust her eyes alone. Once she gets into the room she will make her way around the walls. If someone is in the room, she will initiate some conversation, once she gets close enough. Meanwhile, she'll reach out and touch anything like a sculpture or a trophy, as if trying to better judge what it is.
She hums a slow melody she likes as she walks, trying to cleanse her psychic pallet, as it were, leaving herself open to new impressions.