...Which, of course, did not devalue the worth of working in there on one's own... especially because if the kitchens liked someone, any actual sentences would probably involve them discreetly making the troublemaker's load lighter.
Being a newcomer to the court and possessing a very low rank, it will be difficult to simply give a servant orders that they'll follow. Unless, of course, you have something of value to offer in exchange....
While they'll occasionally barter with material wealth, shadow fey much prefer receiving more ... personal gifts. They are particularly fond of memories, experiences, secrets, hopes, and dreams. In relation to this, fey have created several rituals that allow them to transfer such things between willing participants. Of course, in courtly environments such as this, they are also willing to trade status and favors.
Trading her experiences was out of the question - it would be far too revealing, given her nature, to say nothing of what unanticipated effects a glimpse of the divine could have. (That, and she was deliberately limiting what information about herself she gave away - in a place like this, it was much better to keep the fey guessing.)
Of course, favors were possible - depending on their nature.
Gifts of Mind and Body
You can trade your speed, fortitude, etc to another by voluntarily taking up to a -2 penalty to an ability score.
Gifts of Learning
A skill of your choice loses trained status. Fey typically trade skill at poetry, song, crafting, dance, or love.
Gifts of the Arcane, Primal, and Divine
Divine spells are not widely available among the shadow fey and are highly-valuable commodities when traded permanently or loaned out. It's considered a horrible offense to renege on such a bargain.
Gifts of Status
This is quite rare and typically only done on major occasions such as weddings or funerals. Traded Status can never be returned.
Gifts of Future Moments of Success
You can voluntarily give up a future saving throw or critical hit in order to grant the recipient an automatic success.
How very like the fey to... ask for things she was not inclined to give them. Unfortunately, she'd yet to reacquire the power to truly give spells to others, and wasn't inclined to give her personal magic out. Not on a permanent basis, anyway. One use might have been possible, albeit with careful limitations on what it could be used for - she was a goddess, and did not give magic to those she felt would use it incorrectly.
With the promise of a divine spell (even if it's just for a single day), you'll find no shortage of people eager to trade favors. While the only people around are servants, musicians, and the Raven duelists, any one of them will be willing to spend a stint in the kitchens. In fact, with a gift that generous, you could probably convince the head cook to give the soup chef the day off.
Yes, that would definitely be workable... and Iris spent a few moments coming up with the restrictions she wanted to put into place. The fey could be tricky, and she didn't want her spells to be used in the wrong way. Oh, this would be so much easier when she got enough of herself back... but if she could get the soup chef freed, that might go a long ways towards accomplishing her immediate goal... and while she didn't want to lose all of her magic for the day, she might end up trading quite a few spells for favors...
The head cook is ecstatic at receiving the spell and is more than willing to loan you her soup chef for the next 24 hours. Shortly thereafter, you see her scurry toward the Goblin Court, and you feel your magical reserves decrease slightly.
The soup chef, meanwhile, gives a wide grin upon hearing that you want to help the princess get a puppy. "As it turns out, I have a dog matching Her Highnesses' specifications in my room!" Based on his expression, this goblin mmmaaayyy have a crush on the princess.
Iris nodded as she knelt down to get closer to the goblin's height - when you wanted to talk to people, it was best to get as close to their level as you could. (Unless she was just telling them what she wanted them to know, anyway. Deities did that a lot.)
<"And how would you suggest we get the dog there?"> she inquired. <"I'd like to deliver it myself, but I suppose I could see if I could buy another favor if I had to..."> the Chef almost certainly knew the nature of the court far better than she, and she was willing to listen to any suggestions he had.
The goblin nods excitedly. <"I know where to go! I can take it to her! You could order me to!"> He grudgingly explains that the princess' chamber is in a part of the court reserved for mid-level nobles, and those without sufficient status will be unable to enter without a special invitation. Servants, on the other hand, are generally able to roam freely as long as they're following the orders of a superior.
Well, he was certainly motivated - and he had all the reason in the world to do it. <"All right, then."> Iris told him. <"Take the dog to the Princess, and tell her that you had the opportunity to do it thanks to the help of the Lady of Spring. I'll be waiting near the kitchens - once you're done, I'd like you to come back and tell me how things went.">
With an enormous grin of excitement, the goblin runs off. He doesn't return for almost an hour, but when he does, he looks ecstatic. <"The Princess loved the puppy! She couldn't stop talking about it! She said that I should come back some time to play with them! THIS IS THE GREATEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!!"> Remembering where he is, he stops his chatter and turns red with embarrassment. <"Oh, uh, that's right. The Princess told me to convey her gratitude and give you this token of her favor."> From a pouch on his back, he gingerly retrieves a winged cat-sized lizard with a glowing belly. Handing it to you, he awaits further instructions.
Iris accepted the creature, smiling as she saw it - she had a natural fondness for creatures that gave off light, and gently set it down on her shoulder.
<"Well, you certainly can't disobey an order from a princess."> Iris said with a slight smile. <"I'd suggest waiting at least until tomorrow - perhaps visiting in the morning, with some food for her new pet. Who knows? Perhaps she'll ask you to visit every day. You may have the rest of the day off, if you'd like, although I'd appreciate it if you could tell me the best way to meet with Revich. I'd rather not be challenged to a duel every time I head in that direction...">
The soup chef jumps up and down in happiness. <"Really! I've never had a day off before! How should I spend it? What should I do? I don't even know!"> The excited chatter stops as your question registers. <"You want to meet the angel in the Tower? I've never been there before, and he never leaves. Um ... maybe something with light? He might like that.">
<"Light can be arranged."> Iris noted with an amused look. She glanced down at the Lantern Dragonette a moment later. Maybe it could take a message up for her once she'd gotten a little more well-known within the court. Until she actually met Revich, they'd probably treat her no differently than anyone else... so getting in was still the hard part.
After a moment, she reached into her bag and drew out one of the sunrods she'd picked up before. <"This is a reward for your help."> she explained. <"Strike it against something, and it will light your way for six hours.">
The goblin grinned. <"Thank you, milady! Glowing sticks are fun.">
As far as she was concerned, glowing sticks were the best thing mortals had ever created. .Although in fairness, she was biased as heck... and she simply waved the goblin off, figuring she'd made enough of an impression on him for now. There was a big difference between the light and the shadow, after all, and one of her eternal goals was making that divide clear. With that, she wandered out to the grounds again, using her staff to conjure up a meal as she decided on her next course of action. She'd probably gotten rumors started in at least three places now, so... hmm...
...Oh, that could work.
After cleaning her hands following the meal, Iris made her way to the most public place that seemed open to her. She had several goals right now. First, she needed to get noticed by more of the court. Second, she needed to see which ways she could display her talents the best. Third, she needed to continue planting the seeds of rumors (as she'd been doing for some time now). And fourth... she needed to have some fun. This place was wretched, after all, and she pointed at a nearby open stone wall, magic dancing on the edge of her fingertips as a Prestidigitation began to creatively clean and (lightly) soil it to create fanciful text in Sylvan. A few decorations were added, as well, mostly symbols associated with the season she claimed.
<Come one and come all. The Lady of Spring invites the residents and guests of the Winter Palace to a contest of the performing arts, to be held and judged by her this afternoon in the open space beyond the Dueling Grounds so that the world itself may appreciate your skill. In honor of the Queen of Night and Magic, the winner shall receive a cameo of mithril and onyx created in her likeness.>
It seems that your efforts have been paying off, as your "graffiti" remains until its duration naturally expires. Among the servants and minor courtiers, you overhear plans to attend. <"This outsider's little event should be an amusing diversion.">
Approximately two hours before your contest is scheduled to begin, the soup chef (still playing with the sunrod) scurries over and hands you a parchment. <"The Gray Ladies want to meet you.">
From your previous information-gathering, you learned that the Gray Ladies are a coterie of elderly noblewomen and former courtesans. They gossip, knit, and weave various items of fine silk and shadowstuff. They're respected and spoken fondly of by most members of the court.
Iris grinned as she saw the chef enjoying the item, and after checking the time, she nodded slightly and asked him to show her the way. If nothing else, the Gray Ladies probably had plenty of information about the court, and it couldn't hurt to at least get on their good side. (Speaking of, she had an idea for that...)
You're led into the palace proper, to a large chamber in the back. The room is well lit with gentle yellow light; two lantern dragonettes seem to watch the knitting of the elderly ladies of the court carefully. Two white-haired men work an enormous loom together, the shuttle flying so fast it cannot be seen. The threads of the tapestry they are creating seem to sing a song of power, strengthening the sense of potent magic in the air. Flakes of shadowstuff drip from the loom. In addition to the men, ladies in dresses and shawls of soft mouse fur are sitting on tall chairs, knitting long, complicated ... nets? Veils? It's difficult to tell.
The song of the tapestry is indeed arcane, but not yet at full strength.
Iris waited patiently for them to speak - she was almost certainly their elder by far, but it was unlikely they knew that, and they would only react based on the knowledge they had. Or thought they had, at least. Besides, deities tended to be good at fitting into different situations, and being polite (as they understood it) seemed like the best course of action.
The oldest of the women gave you a friendly smile and extended a hand toward a nearby chair. <"Good afternoon, dearie. It's so kind of you to accept our invitation. Would you care for a cup of tea?">
Iris took a seat, setting her staff across her lap as she did so (to keep it out of the way, but close by - just in case). <"Yes, thank you. It's a pleasure to meet you at last."> Iris answered mildly. One always had to be careful when accepting meals from the fey folk, but it wasn't likely they would try to poison her... not with the kind of reputation they had here at the court.
The fey serves you a cup of hot tea and offers you cream, sugar, and honey. <"And you, as well. I hear you've been causing quite a stir in the lower courts. Your little talent show sounds like it'll be a pleasant diversion for them. But I'm sure you're here for much more important reasons than an afternoon's entertainment. If you don't mind me asking, what does the Lady of Spring want with the Invisible Court?">
Iris took a polite sip of her drink. Experienced courtesans could ferret out information better than the unsuspecting would believe... but in terms of experience, she had rather more. Besides, she liked to keep them guessing. When none of them truly understood her or her intentions, it would be much harder for them to predict her. She lightly scratched under the chin of her lantern dragonette - a mark of royal favor - before answering. <"Oh, I had many reasons for coming to visit."> she explained. <"A little business, a little pleasure... and I'd never actually had an opportunity to visit the Court before, so it seemed a good opportunity to experience your fabled halls and deliver a few greetings."> she took another sip of her drink. <"Speaking of entertainment, though, I do hope you'll be able to attend the show. I'm planning a performance the Invisible Court will not soon forget, especially when its more prominent members realize how much they missed. Sometimes, the most interesting things can be hidden in plain sight.">
The elderly fey gives you a knowing wink. <"I quite agree, dearie. That's why we're so pleased that you have come to us. We would like to have you numbered with us, the ladies whose weaving gathers shadows and light and makes them into the turning wheel of Fate. Give us a portion of your courage and strength: 13 threads from your head. We shall weave it into the loom, and your prestige among the court shall rise. And as you no doubt know, prestige is everything in these halls.">
<"I've noticed."> Iris answered. <"However, I'm afraid I must decline your offer. One way or another, I don't think I shall be at the Invisible Court for very long, and I have a existing affiliation that forbids me from joining most sorts of groups. I appreciate the offer, though - it was very kind of you to make, and I hope we can remain on good terms while I'm here.">
There was, of course, another reason for her refusal. Put simply, mixing divine strength with the manipulation of fate could have serious unintended consequences, and she wasn't about to risk setting off something like that. They probably didn't have the power to manipulate true divine essence... but she was so much lesser than she once was that they might actually have been able to change something about her. Prestige in the court was a useful thing, but she wouldn't compromise her values or risk her own essence in order to receive it.
The Gray Lady looks mildly disappointed but remain cordial. <"I'm sorry to hear that, dearie, but I understand the importance of maintaining your current affiliations. Might I ask who you're tied to? I know you rejected the Ravens (that was wise, if I might add), and I don't believe anyone else has approached you yet. Perhaps it was Revich? I know he's fond of the dragonettes.">
<"My fellows are not part of this Court."> Iris explained. <"In fact, I suspect that none of them are even on this plane at the moment, although I can't be absolutely sure of that. Our duties often take us to the most unusual places. Since I'm not planning to stay for too long, I'd much rather try to remain on good terms with as many of you as possible and avoid meddling too much. If my duties ever require me to establish a more permanent presence here, I can always start making serious affiliations then. For now, though, I'd simply like to give all of you the gift of memories - I suspect they'll be quite valuable for you in the future."> After all, the fey did seem inclined to trade that sort of thing... and the memory of a phenomenal artistic performance seemed like it would have true value in a place like this.
<"If your duties ever change, you're more than welcome to visit us again. We look forward to the lovely present. Thank you for indulging us with your presence, and we wish you the best of luck with your upcoming contest.">
Speaking of the contest, your event will be starting shortly, and there are quite a few individuals waiting for the chance to showcase their skills.
Iris nodded and finished her drink before saying farewell to the ladies and heading back out to the yard. There was still some time before the contest began, and she wanted to have some idea of who the participants actually were before the event got underway. (How many lower members of the court were there, whether or not any important figures had shown up, that sort of thing.)
Once that was finished, she simply took a seat and smiled at the crowd. <"Thank you all for coming to this afternoon's entertainment."> she said. <"For those who don't know me, I am the Lady of Spring, and I will be both host and judge for this contest. The guidelines are simple: Each contestant may perform once, and in honor of Her Majesty, we'll start in the direction of the throne room and work clockwise from there. You may use any tools or magics you wish to improve your performances, but they may only affect yourself and your performance, not the minds of the audience or anything like that. All are welcome to participate regardless of their rank within the Court, and the victor shall be decided based solely on the quality of their performance. If there is a tie for victory, those involved will have the chance to perform again as a tiebreaker - if they're still tied, I will select the victor myself. As promised, the winner will receive this cameo."> she held it up so the audience could clearly see it.
<"I am not participating, of course, but I'll perform for all of you at the end, and I hope you'll stay to enjoy it. Are there any questions before we get started?">
Only a dozen individuals are interested in competing, but almost twice that number are here to observe. ALL of the wandering musicians are in attendance (doubtless glad for a break from performing), as are a few goblins (including the soup chef) and two of the Ravens. There's also a single lantern dragonette observing from a nearby tree. Finally, an apparently-empty patch of ground occasionally reveals a quickling attendant from the Gray Ladies' chamber as he shifts back and forth. Nobody of the higher-ranking courtiers are in attendance.
The performances ranged from classical ballads to vocal solos to instrumental performances. One individual even played a simple (but catchy) tune with a pair of spoons. Even though it was obvious that several performers weren't trying too hard, all of the competitors sounded at least somewhat pleasant to the ear.
Iris listened appreciatively to each of the performances. The opening performances were nothing particularly special - although it was entertaining seeing the Soup Chef again. He wasn't going to forget today anytime soon, was he? Still, the Violinist that came afterwards was unquestionably much better than either of the two performances before her, and for a time, it looked like he was going to run away with the event... right until the cook's sweetheart started performing. It was close, but in the end, it was clear that she'd performed better than the Violinist. The following performers may have been a little disheartened, because they were routine at best. Not bad, but clearly not enough to win the contest.
She applauded as the performances came to a close. <"Well done, all of you."> she told them. <"It's always a pleasure to see so many who are talented in the arts perform, and I'll be thanking all of you for just a moment. But first, I believe we have a prize that needs awarding."> she beckoned the Head Cook's sweetheart up, placing the cameo into the winner's hand. <"You did wonderfully today. May this cameo serve as a reminder of the things you can accomplish when you put your best effort into them."> With a smile, she returned to her own spot - and began to sing.
Her plot today had been a relatively simple one. She'd started by spreading her name to a few different groups - rumors could fly far and fast, after all. Then she'd offered an invitation, intending to take advantage of their curiosity - and indeed, quite a few people had shown up. Now they'd seen her in a position of authority, giving away a genuinely valuable prize... and they'd fixed in their minds what a winning performance was like.
Now she was going to show them the light and let them see what a real performance was. The rumors ought to start flying fast and furious after this - and the more rumors of the Lady of Spring spread, the harder it would be for anyone in the court to ignore her.
(Well, that and she just really wanted to have some fun. She hated this place, and performing for a crowd was her preferred form of stress relief... although she wouldn't have admitted that to anyone.)
The cook's sweetheart literally jumps for joy upon receiving the prize and immediately puts the tiara on and begins showing it off to her friends. She's undoubtedly gained a little favor among the lower courtiers. The Soup Chef, even though he didn't win, seems to have a lot of fun. After your performance, the observing lantern dragonette flies away in the direction of the Tower of Light (which now appears to be a featureless - but no longer dilapidated - building). The rest of those in attendance erupt into thunderous applause at your performance. You've once again performed something worthy of legend.
Any plans you may have had are interrupted, however, as the Violinist approaches you immediately after you're done singing. The incredibly-skinny Elf places a friendly hand on your shoulder and gives you a smile that's just a little too wide. "Well done, madam, that was an incredibly performance! You're extremely talented! And I'm the best judge of talent around, I must say! Eracen, Chief Musician to the Shadow Court, at your service!"
Iris looked at the musician for a few moments, trying to size him up. He seemed... unusually thin for a person in his position. A note to keep in mind. Her force armor pushed back just a little bit as his hand came down, to stop him from actually touching her. (Having that aura around her was quite useful at times like this... a handshake was one thing, but without permission, she really didn't like being touched by, well, anyone.)
"I see." she answered. He seemed quite eager, but then, artists usually were when they met someone... capable. "I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it, Eracen... and my compliments on your own performance. I can see why you hold the position you do."
The musician's proving surprisingly difficult to read, although that probably has something to do with his uncomfortably-close proximity. He smiles broadly at your compliment. "Why, thank you! I practice constantly. Music is a wonderful way to calm down after a rough day, don't you think?" He moves slightly closer to you and attempts to touch your arm. "Perhaps you'd like to perform with me some time? I play for Her Majesty on occasion, and your vocal talent would be the perfect accompaniment to my violin."
Iris looked straight into his eyes, grabbing his wrist before he could touch her. "Please do not touch me." she said firmly. "...How much do their Majesties actually appreciate the arts?" she doubted she could buy the city's freedom for a song, but it was worth doublechecking to be sure. Who knew? Maybe that could be part of whatever agreement they came to.
Eracen's eyes widened as he jerked back a couple steps. "I - I'm sorry. I meant no disrespect. It's been a very long time since I met anyone as talented in the performing arts as you. To answer your question, our Queen has been known to respond very favorably to a well-orchestrated performance on occasion."
Did she, now? Useful. Although Iris would probably have to get on the King's good side as well. "Your behavior is forgiven." she told him, relaxing slightly once he'd pulled away. She was a goddess of good, after all - forgiveness came easily when people apologized for their wrongdoings. "And that's good to hear... there's always at least a little light in those who love music." she mused. "Do you have many rough days here?" Courts usually treated chief musicians well, but the fey didn't think like most mortals did.
Eracen shook his head rapidly, although his eyes revealed a different story. "Of course not! Taking the Court Musician position was the best decision I've ever made. Which reminds me - I have a new aria that can really use some polishing." He quickly retrieves his violin and begins to back away from you.
Iris nodded and watched as he backed away. Interesting... and possibly worth following up on, later. For now, though, unless the conversation resumed or something else came up, she wanted to head over to Revich's tower and see if this place would finally let her inside. She gently stroked the Lantern Dragonette as she started walking, mulling over the possibilities. Perhaps calling up an old friend would work... or she could just influence things directly. Either way, she intended to resolve this issue as soon as she could.
The base of the tower is guarded by a pair of animated armors and a lantern archon. As you approach, one of the constructs holds out a hand. "DO YOU HAVE AN APPOINTMENT?"
<"No."> Iris answered in the Sylvan tongue, smiling at the lantern archon. She'd never had any as servants herself - her followers had been Agathions and Angels - but she respected the work they did and had no quarrel with them. The rest of her words were in Celestial, mostly for the benefit of the Archon. <"And if Revich is busy right this moment, I shall be happy to wait - but I would like to speak to him as soon as it's practical."> she didn't bother with any lofty claims, like 'He'll care once he knows who I am'. In a place like this, they probably heard such statements all the time - the light would reveal all in due time, and that was more than enough to satisfy her. And if she did need to wait, well... there were a few ways to pass the time. Among other things, she'd been quietly reaching out and threading power together so she could call up an old friend...
<"NO VISITORS WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT."> The golem responded emotionlessly. The archon blinked an addendum after a few seconds. <"But I'd be happy to help you set one up. The Blind Seer is very busy, but he does have an opening tomorrow if you'd care to join him for lunch. He enjoyed your performance, by the way, Miss Iris.">