Now this is how it should be. I just hope these two don't do anything foolish. We are actually very fortunate this has worked as well as it seems, though it's still too early to tell.
"Thank you Mistress Tiedra, for your warm hospitality. I must say your establishment is stunning. I am glad for the opportunity to visit it."
Your time at the great tree inn, while looking daunting at first as Amorial must compose a great piece of literature, suddenly fills up, as if everyone in the city has noticed your entrance and wants to invite you out to parties, clubs, get togethers, tabacc rooms, and so on. Even the servants of the lords are vying for position with the "servants" marten and Jolair. coin and favors are offered and exchanged for tidbits of info you could provide for Lady Tesliin. For the better part of a day are you able to fend off the would be advances, but one in particular captures everyones attention. A Lord Jarn Jarreen had arrived and managed to invite himself for lunch with Lady Tesliin. Quick whispers from Mistress Tiera informs Lady Tesliin that Lord Jarreen gives large amounts of money to The Lord Dragon's schools of learning, but also has for sometime donated heavily to the Great Library.
A short lunch with the Lord, which Tesliin quickly accepted, gave way to an invitation to this evenings "Toh" tournament...
In the early evening Amorial takes a break from writing and addresses his new friends. "Marten, Joliar; I apologize for the inconvenience of the current cover up. Perhaps it is for the best, none will believe that in your current roles you will be much of a threat so you will be most invaluable during our time here. Tesliin, it is still not clear what role if any A'Mar plays in your life. I suggest you keep this vague for as long as possible he should show you some affection but not too much this way he can be mistaken for a suitor or perhaps just a relative. I will attend this gathering Lord Jarreen has arranged as I do not wish to insult someone who has so heavily contributed to the Great Library. Under no circumstances though should we discuss our mission here with anyone but each other including him his support of the Lord Dragon could be a feint and nothing more in the Game of Houses. Also, that ring should stay well hidden my dear".
"I believe it would be advisable to attend myself, to keep up appearances. Though I am curious what this Toh tournament is. Perhaps a new dress in the local style shall be called for, and the information that goes with it.
If we are to play their games, it would be best if we came up with the conspiracy, if only to better hide our own actions. A'mar, you should purchase a new coat as well. Make sure to mention that you are searching for a coat to match a blue dress, as that is what I will be searching for. Joliar should accompany myself while Marten attends to you. With Marten's permission of course. If asked, you have recently been hired on to our service, and are uncertain of our relations.
At the party tonight, A'Mar and myself shall enter together, but shortly afterwards begin to distance ourselves. When appropriate, A'Mar, you should excuse yourself from the party and return here. We'll take tomorrow as it comes, thought ideally we should be seen having lunch together. With luck this ruse will buy us the time we need."
Joliar nods his head slightly as he listens to the plan. Despite his expectations, it sounds solid enough. The grudging respect in his tone sounds genuine if slightly surprising. I can find no fault with that idea. As servants we'd be have another avenue of approach in finding out any pertinent info.
Servants indeed. At the least, the Ogier seems to understand what he is asking. Well, being servants gives us access to those other than the nobility. I wouldn't be surprised if we cant learn something from their own servants. After all, its hard to hide something from those around you all the time. And, from what I've heard, they get treated as if they arent there anyway.
The deception is necessary. You are right in that soon, all will know what wearing the black and pins means. I also agree with Joliar. As servants, we may learn more about the people you are meeting. That is, if those servants dont play this houses game.
I have no issue attending A'Mar. Just dont get carried away with the charade.
"That is an excellent point Marten. No doubt some of the servants may well emulate those they serve and play their own version of the game while others despise it. It will be difficult to determine which is which. Luckily this charade need only be played for as long as it takes us to either find or determine that our find is not in Cairhien".
gather info time check
Tesliin; what name will you go by, your normal one; also, you should perhaps get a new outfit for the party
"I see no reason not to go by my own name. Another simply gives another opportunity to foul up the deception. And for the party is the plan for the new dress."
diplomacy checks for gather info on Lord Jarn Jarreen
tesliin 22
a'mar
Amorial writing thesis...
Marten
Jolair
When he gets excited, or angry, he begins to speak with a strange accent, a slow drawl that makes his words hard to understand.
Agreed. I dont have much experience with intrigues, politics and so on. Among the Asha'man... power is all you need. But I'll do my best on that front. Good luck with the library. I'm still not sure why we are doing this, I dont know anything about this grey man. But I am scared to learn why the Lord Dragon put so much stake in us. I fear that in the end, A'Mar and Tesliin may be more allies than enemies, and not out of a desire to help, but because of fear of a common enemy.
Anyway, good day, and... er.. thanks for listening to my ramble.
I walked out of the room, uncomfortable at how much I had said. It was becoming an issue, the fact that I was wearing my thoughts on my sleeve. Stress, maybe. I dont know.
I walked in on the Aes Sedai having a discussion with A'Mar. Before I opened the door, I heard the start of what I thought was how to act during the party.
Sorry for the interruption, but I cant help but overhear that you were discussing tonight. What identities will you two people be taking? Joliar and I need to have some idea of how to act, as well.
Waiting for a response, I thought about what I learned during the day.
I hope you were better at this intrigue than I. I was only able to find limited information about this lord... Jarreen. He comes from somewhere in the south of the midlands, Amadicia or Altara. And has put it out that he left because of the increasing violence. But that is all I have.
"To reiterate our plans for this evening, A'Mar. At the party tonight, you and I shall enter together, but shortly afterwards begin to distance ourselves. When appropriate, A'Mar, you should excuse yourself from the party and return here. We'll take tomorrow as it comes, thought ideally we should be seen having lunch together. With luck this ruse will buy us the time we need."
I dont like leaving you at that party alone; not at all with dark ones everywhere
master ogre, perhaps I could help you
"Of course I will stay by her side. It would be expected of me as I did announce her through Mistress Tiedra. Tomorrow though I will need to complete my manuscript as I do not wish to delay our work".
<=
As the day passes, Tesliin is beset on all sides by a seamstress and her attendants, fitting her with a special dress for the occasion. A'mar is sent out and finds himself a tailor to work on short notice, and when he comes back, he wears his new jacket and leggins, his old travel clothes in the bag.
Amorial works up to the last moment, writing and correcting, until a gentle prod from Marten informs him of the time. Washing his hands and face, Amorial has the look of hesitation and aspiration, he dislikes what is coming, the gasps from the noble ladies.
Marten and Jolial both get into their best "servant" clothes, the asha'man uniform, without the trademark black jacket.
_______________________
Finding Lord Jareens mansion is very easy, it is just down the street. Guards line the grounds, not moving, not reacting to guests as they stroll past. The guards at the main entrance stand at perfect attention, halberds straight up, swords hung perfectly at their sides, armor gleaming. An old man with gray hair in a red silk jacket stands holding a clipboard with parchment on it. As the group approaches he gasps an Ogier! Oh, lord Jareen will be most honored! What is your name, Gardner? I shall personally announce your entrance. He takes a step before seeing A'mar and Tesliin. [/b]OH! my word, where are my wits. i do apologize my lady; good sir. i was blinded by this Ogier. What are your names, so that they may be announced.[/b]
looking past the trio, he glares at marten and Jolial, and hisses Servants must use the side entrance
Amorial frowns at the ill treatment of Marten and Jolial realizing that making a scene will not help he says nothing. He looks back and nods to the two Asha'man and winks.
"You may announce me as Lord Suth my good man".
Tesliin directs a look of disdain towards the old man. "My name is Lady Tesliin, and this is Lord A'Mar" She completely ignores the words directed at Marten and Joliar.
[ooc] does the old man look like a ex warrior or just a servant; my action/comment would be predicated upon weather he has the honor of haveing been a fighting man or just a droll functionary [ooc]
Side entrance, yes.
Well, time to get this little show started. I glanced at Joliar and headed around the building to the side. Entering the side door, I wasnt sure what I would find. Just wanted to keep my head down, listen for anything interesting, and make sure the rest of our odd assortment was alright.
Spot
Joliar followed behind Marten into the service entrance. He was finding it difficult to not embrace the Source in this strange arena but he knew it wasn't the time. Looking around himself, he set about the task at hand, learning what he could of the attending parties and any other relevant info he could garner.
glancing back at joliar and marten to ensure they round the corner, the clerk turns to a functionary and gives some instructions before leading you all into the mansion.
Marble from around the world encasses everything. marble flooring, marble walls, staircases, railings, if marble can be used, it is. the most striking piece of all is a thin foot wide band of black marble with a gold vein streaking through it, almost looking like an artery. it flows unbroken through all the rooms, and seems to flicker of its own accord in the light.
walking through a pair of doors twice the size of the Ogier, the clerk pauses, and gathers a large intake of air
TO ALL WHO GATHER TONIGHT, BARE WITNESS TO THE HONOR OF THE HOUSE OF JAREEN. LORD AMORIAL OF THE HOUSE SUTH, A GARDENER, AND HIS GUESTS LORD A'MAR AND LADY TESIIN ISSOLA.
all eyes turn towards the doors as the clerk blasts out the introduction, his words easily heard on the other side of the ballroom, now tournament circle. People pause at seeing the Ogier, but then begin to chat amongst themselves about the newcomers.
Amorial will head in and nod to those he recognizes. His general direction will be towards any food out and available for consumption, writing all day has starved him. However, he will make sure that Lady Tesliin is close at hand.
Rhoekk waits quietly in a place away from the noise and clamour. He sits motionless on his haunches; still but able to move in an instant if needed. Even crouched as he is, he is nearly as tall as most of the local folk who walk around. He watches the crowd and tries not to get too overwhelmed by the task that has been set out for him.
Teach tree killers about honour, Rhuarc? Shall I bring you head of the Sightblinder while I am at it? The whole concept of this tournament is an affront to Ji'e'toh. Everyone here should have toh just for coming. Of course, they don't know it, and should have toh for needing to be told, and I would have toh for telling them. But then I am supposed to be their teacher, so I have toh for them not knowing, for them needing to ask, and for needing to tell them. Gah! Perhaps I should just go to the wise ones and asked to be punished, and get if over with. Of course, my toh is to see this duty done, so they would just give me my penance, and then tell me to go back and fulfill my obligation. Damn it, Rhuarc, could you not have asked for something simpler, like the heads of a dozen eyeless?
So, how do I teach them? This tournament makes no sense; there is nothing being contested, and yet the losers will still put on white and play at being gai'shain. They treat their defeated foes as servants, and they enter this contest as though winning servants was the prize! Gai'shain as a prize! They have no idea. I hope the fools will at least take my suggestion and use this event to allow those with blood feuds to be the ones to face each other. At least then they have a reason for conflict, and it is not all just a game. And killing should be allowed. If there is no risk of loss of life, then their is no conflict. Touching someone who is armed, or defeating them while alive but knowing they could have been killed, that is when they should put on white. Being gai'shain is not a punishment, nor the penalty for losing a wager. They must be shown to see this!
walking in the side entrance for servants, you are immediatly taken into a scene of chaos and disarray. clerks, senchals, wine tray attendants, and other servants whose taskings arent easy to deduce stand around smoking tabac, drinking cheap ale, playing cards, tossing dice, and in the corner you can actually see a couple doing some things that are best left to the imagination. The loud roar of enjoyment echos within the small antechamber.
a comely maiden, whose attributes are virtually on display approaches, drinks in hand.
hi there. names molly. fancy a bit of drink before you have to go out to your "betters"?
Amorial beelines it to the buffet, picking up a platter instead of a plate and starts to load up the food. Duck, chicken, roast beef, roasted pig, vegetables, fruits from Illian and Tear, all on display, but almost virtually untouched. Majority of the Nobles seem to have a disdain for eating the big stuff, instead nibbling on slices of fruit or cutlings of meat.
Tesliin follows behind Amorial, glancing about with a watchful eye, when her sight lands onto a hard faced man, with a white scar that runs along his jawline on the left side. His fluid grace as he moves around people to draw near Tesliin belies his time as a swordsman. His hair is cropped short, his clothes look immaculete, and a single raven ring sits on his hand. On the same hand a small raven tattoo taking flight is etched with black and red ink.
pausing briefly to take in the Ogier, he says
Lady Tesliin, Friend Gardener Amorial Suth, it brings me much honor to have you both here this evening. I am hopefull that you will enjoy this evenings toh tournament. pausing a moment, he glances past you, and his hand makes an odd gesture, before continuing;please, lady Tesliin, i have a seat reserved for you next to my chair. I shall have a servant bring along our food so we may feast while we watch.he bows shallowly and then turns slightly, offering his arm to you.
The sound of swords clanging off each other draws your eyes to the center circle, where a couple of young teenagers attempt to swordfight. your practiced eye tells you that they are more swinging than performing forms. You cannot help but tsk at them, and whoever their master is.
is something the matter, Lord A'mar? an older male, in his late 40's stands just a pace away from you, and easily heard your tsk. You turn to address him, but are taken aback, not by him, but by the Aiel squatting in the corner, a glower on his face. Seeing your glance, the noble turns and looks bloody savage. not once, but twice their kind has raped our fair town, but now Lord Jareen allows his presence in our halls. madness.
Joliar grins widely at the proferred drink. A drop or two would help wet the wistle in this dreadful heat love. With a laugh he grabs the tankard and takes a deep swig before swatting her on the rump and moving further into the room. As he takes another, much smaller, pull from the cup his eyes wander quickly, trying to take in all of the room and surroundings. Its easy enough to play the foolish servant but be mindful of the area.
"Thank you very much for the invite Lord Jareen. I must say the buffet is one of the best I have seen and I have seen quite a few. Tell me, what exactly is a Toe Tournament? A dance competition? I have never seen one in all of decades of visiting this fair city". Amorial queries Lord Jareen following behind Lady Tesliin. As it is clear the nobles are not interested in the food Amorial brings the tray with him watching to see if Lord Jareen makes a scene considering the move is outside the bounds of etiquette.
Err, sure. I'll have a beer. Thank you, Molly
Not bad looking. I wonder what all this is about. The sorts in here arent bad enough, just letting loose before having to bow and scrape.
So what happens now? Our, umm, Lady mentioned something about a tournament?
I took a good look around the room, holding the weak looking beer without taking a drink.
hahaha, toe. too funny, Gardener. No, its Toh, the aiel concept of honor and duty. The nobles have adopted some of the ideology into their lives, and this is but one course of adopting it. a few weeks ago, young noblemen would be attacking each other in the halls, making a bloody mess. So i started the toh tournament. a safe and controlled way to get toh. Why, a chieftan Rhuarc has agreed to appoint an Aielman to show us how to do it properly, but it seems he will not touch a sword. strange, huh? he points to the far corner, where amorial and tesliin can see a hunched form in the shadows.
please, Friend Amorial, eat. Please dont allow my banquet go to waste.
Slapping Jolials arm for his forwardness, a smile plays across her lips. perhaps when the lords are asleep, we can visit in the gardens. she finishes with a wink.
hearing martens question, she purses her lips. that bloody toh tournament. its almost everynight lord jareen is having one, and at first we stood off to the sides waiting for requests, but none have come forth. they all seem to think that servants shan't learn toh, that it could be beneath us. well, we have our own tournament, dont we fella's?she shouts out, to a rousing reply comes back.