Mera is genuinely taken by Calsenica's behavior. She laughs loudly while she fondly recalls her first formal invitation to the manor of high Lord her father was trying to impress. "If you do kiss his feet, please make sure to do when I'm around to witness it my dear."
Seoghal stole all of Mera's energy and enthusiasm towards attending the upcoming event. It was now the absolutely last thing in the world she wanted to attend. Perhaps they can do this without me? She reches over and picks up the crumbled invitation and glares at this horrible thing before her. She slowly pushes to her feet, her steps clearly showing she is shaken at first. On the way back to the hideout she ran over a dozen scenarios in her head where she could find an excuse to not to attend the party. Only he could do this to her, steal the feelings and drive right from under her.
When she arrives back with the others she states that they have a problem. "I have an unexpected guest who will traveling with us tomorrow. Unfortunately my fiancee will be coming with me." She spits fiancee out as if it were a curse, pausing briefly before getting enough energy to actually say the word. She then fills the others in on what happened with her encounter with Seoghal.
While Tuesday was already off step once Mera came in such a disheveled state once she said the word fiancee he lips split, almost literally, in a wide snarl. "SeOgHaL?!"
He begins shifting from side to side that soon enough transitions to him pacing back and forth erratically, his fingers snapping back and forth unnervingly while repeating that word.
"Calm down." Monday states aloud for emphasis, rather than using her link as she reaches a hand out to her ethereal brother. For her trouble this results in her being half-dragged around the room once he begins his pacing.
While worried, the only expression she wears is one of bemusement as she's lazily dragged by the Phantom, muttering "Calm down. Calm down. Calm down." while attempting to listen to the Actress.
As Tal had gone home to spend time with Lily it was not till the next day when he returned to the hideout that he discovered the added layer of complexity that Mera's fiancée created. Trying to show sympathy y also address the situation Tal asks, The invitations were to us only and did not indicate any guests. Is it possible to tell him he is not allowed to the cornicoia as no such invitation was extended to him? Barring that is there any pressing business or personal issue that could be contrived to necessitate his abscence from you tonight?
"Well while we're looking for the crux we could snap him like a pretzel and tap-dance in his ribca-sorry, too much psychic feedback right now." Monday mutters in response to Tal as she continues along at her brother's pace.
Mera is extremely flustered with the entire debacle and agrees with Tal with a nod of her head, but relents and shakes her head. "That is a good point. I'm sure he'll make a show of it at the entrance to the point where it will cause a major scene of it. Are you not intending to bring Lily then? I had just assume that we would be entitled to bring a guest with us, being as we are the stars of the show and all."
Turning to Monday and Tuesday, she sighs heavily and closes her eyes. "I fear any negative actions taken against him will come back and haunt me in someway. He knows of you, " she looks across her companions, "all of you and your rumored associations with me. I wouldn't be surprised to find out if he has taken some type of insurance policy against repercussions. He wants the crowds for himself, not to ride my coattails."
Considering the suggestion, "Still. Perhaps a slight mishap that might waylay his arrival? I would be forced to enter without him, no?"
"Wha'dya have in mind?" Monday asks nonplussed while riding her brother's coat.
Mera bites her lower lip and looks towards the ceiling as she concentrates on thought.
Mera shrugs and offers, "It's raining quite heavily at the moment, I suppose it's possible that given a bump leaving for home he may take a tumble down those large stone steps outside his office?"
Tuesday stops his pacing, thinking for a moment he'll then nod towards Mera.
At the mention of Lily coming to the feast Tal looks honestly aghast at the thought. Not a chance would I bring Lily to this debase celebration. Perhaps if I could stand guard over her all night that would be one thing. To leave her while we search for the Crux is unthinkable. While I trust her explicitly it would be tantamount to bringing a lamb into a lion's den and locking the door behind you. Mera, you are the only noble born that I now of with any shred of decency. As far as I am concerned the entire building could burn down with everyone inside of it after we find what we are looking for and get out.
Tal sits himself down trying to calm himself after his rant. Rubbing his hand over his face and head in an effort to think on something else Tal hears Mera talk about the Rain and her fiancé slipping. But who is going to provide the bump? Surely not yourself as then he will blame you for it and be harder on you later. And as you pointed out he knows all of us so it can not be one of us either.
Mera rolls her eyes at Tal's rant. "Oh come now, that's a bit extreme is it not? I mean really Tal, it's not so bad as you make it. Why, surely there are other highborn that exist to whom you discredit with such statements.
Mera holds eye contact with Tal, making sure to avoid any contact or gestures towards the Belthrune while engaging in this conversation.
"An no, I cannot do the deed. And he knows most of you by face, having attended our performance. Perhaps Tuesday with a long hooded cloak to keep the rain off of his face? Hmmm? she offers.
Tuesday happily smiles down to Mera.
Arael's brow furrows. That does lead to some complications. One of us could do it, but if Janiven, I or one of the others is discovered, it would not be good to have our association be discovered by one as paranoid and inquisitive as that one.
When it looks like Tuesday might volunteer, Arael looks just a little bit more relaxed. We will support you in any way we can. He says to the spirit.
Tuesday holds up his hands and bows gratefully to Arael for his offer.
Arael, seeing that Tuesday accepts the assignment, opens up a drawer of his desk. He rummages around a few moments and produces a wand. This wand of invisibility has five charges? He looks at Tuesday questionigly to see if it would even offer him any benefit. Of course if you need this then Naberius will have to go with you, unless you know how to activate wands. Arael truley doesn't know what Tuesday can or cannot do. He continues to rummage around until he produces a well-made sap. Took this off a merchant that was beating an orphan once. It supposed to be magical. After you're done with it, perhaps give it to Tal in case anybody at the party needs to be temporarily indisposed. Make sure you take his coin purse in order to make it look like a robbery.
Tuesday takes both items and look them over. After a moment he'll then turn and happily offer the wand to Naberius.
Monday lets out a squeal as she excitedly raises her clenched fists up to her face. "Ohhhhhh, you two can have a bonding moment!"
The wizard sits in silence, listening to the sounds of rain outside the temple. The ongoing conversation brought back memories of his siblings and cousins, and how they had always schemed against one another. With time, their cruel childhood pranks turned to murderous plots, with everyone trying their best to be first in line for inheritance. Naberius had always found duplicity of any kind to be distasteful, and he had done his best to not get tangled in their petty intigues. Fortunately, as far as succession was concerned, he had been the last in line—not a threat. Unfortunately, that had also made him a safe accomplice...
Naberius is quickly drawn back to present day by the phantom's approach. Still unable to feel at ease around it—no, him—the conjurer does his best to suppress a shudder. Seeing the wand, he accepts it gingerly, holding the magical implement between his thumb and forefinger as if expecting it to leave Tuesday's grasp coated in ectoplasm.
"We are to mug him?" he says with obvious distaste, discreetly wiping off the wand with a handkerchief before inspecting it more closely.
Turning to look at Mera, he sighs in resignation. "Does your fiancée not have any bodyguards, then? If he is truly so careless, should we not attempt a more... permanent... solution?"
"WoRks FoR mE." Tuesday happily chimes in agreement.
Monday's eyes drift upward momentarily before she nods her head in agreement too.
Mera rolls her eyes at Tal's rant. "Oh come now, that's a bit extreme is it not? I mean really Tal, it's not so bad as you make it. Why, surely there are other highborn that exist to whom you discredit with such statements.
Mera holds eye contact with Tal, making sure to avoid any contact or gestures towards the Belthrune while engaging in this conversation.
Quite lost when it comes to the intricacies of the nobility Tal does not register anything that may have been said before about the Belthrunes. Indeed it matters little to him even if he could understand it. If I discredit them then so be it. Name 1 other of the nobility that cares about this city other than for what they can gain personally. The Bastards were free to roam the city and act as they please. The night is taken away from us by the shadow beasts. Hellknights have free reign to abduct anyone they believe looked at them wrong. All the while there are starving people in the streets and children that need help. What do the nobles do? They have celebrations with fancy names like 'Cornucopia'. I am sure the amount spent on the feast would provide enough food and shelter for weeks for the hungry and homeless. Tell me of one noble who speaks publicly and privately for the people and I will reconsider my position.
Arael, seeing that Tuesday accepts the assignment, opens up a drawer of his desk. He rummages around a few moments and produces a wand. This wand of invisibility has five charges? He looks at Tuesday questionigly to see if it would even offer him any benefit. Of course if you need this then Naberius will have to go with you, unless you know how to activate wands. Arael truley doesn't know what Tuesday can or cannot do. He continues to rummage around until he produces a well-made sap. Took this off a merchant that was beating an orphan once. It supposed to be magical. After you're done with it, perhaps give it to Tal in case anybody at the party needs to be temporarily indisposed. Make sure you take his coin purse in order to make it look like a robbery.
Turning to look at Mera, he sighs in resignation. "Does your fiancée not have any bodyguards, then? If he is truly so careless, should we not attempt a more... permanent... solution?"
Indeed, a man of his stature I am sure would have bodyguards. It would be best then if you simply make it seem like he fell and injured himself. Only use force if you need to. A robbery or mugging from a stranger is possible but I fear it would still go badly for Mera. It would best if it was more an accident while Mera was with him. that way she can plead ignorance of the incident or in fact try to 'aid' him while calling for help and for him to be rushed to seek medical attention. Perhaps there is a way to ensure his fall through magical means? Naberius do you have any ideas or thoughts on the matter? If not then Tuesday giving him a shove will have to suffice.
Name 1 other of the nobility that cares about this city other than for what they can gain personally.
Mera scrunches her lips to one side and looks up to the ceiling to give the appearance of pondering over this question. Has he overheard my conversation with Naberius? Does he know and is attempting to draw the information forward now?
Shrugging her shoulderrs she remarks, "Tal, try not to take such a brash and brute force method of approaching this subject. What if, there were those who were aware of obvious dangerous but operated in secrecy to do what they could? These hidden nobles do not wish to be publicly known for fear of being torn down from the position of helping those that they could." She lowered her voice slightly, softining her tone. "So they operate as we do, hidden from the publics, our true meaning masked among various actions and in secret. You may take my word on this or you shall not, but know that I am not alone in this undertaking."
Mera smirks at the mention of mugging her fiancee, finding the thought amusing. When the talk quickly slips to a more permanent solution however, the smirk gives way to a frown. She starts but quickly finds herself speechless, feeling trapped. She squirms a little uncomofrtably and shifts her feet"I. Uh. Must we?"
Unsure why she is feeling squeemish on the issue she adds, "He typically does travel with at least one bodyguard, but never more than two."
"WhY nOt?" is all Tuesday asks the singer, his head tilting to the side as he does.
Name 1 other of the nobility that cares about this city other than for what they can gain personally.Mera scrunches her lips to one side and looks up to the ceiling to give the appearance of pondering over this question. Has he overheard my conversation with Naberius? Does he know and is attempting to draw the information forward now?
Shrugging her shoulderrs she remarks, "Tal, try not to take such a brash and brute force method of approaching this subject. What if, there were those who were aware of obvious dangerous but operated in secrecy to do what they could? These hidden nobles do not wish to be publicly known for fear of being torn down from the position of helping those that they could." She lowered her voice slightly, softining her tone. "So they operate as we do, hidden from the publics, our true meaning masked among various actions and in secret. You may take my word on this or you shall not, but know that I am not alone in this undertaking."
Smiling as if Mera had made his point for him Tal acknowledges her statement. Indeed, that is a possibility but you yourself can not even come up with a name right now. If that is the case then these possible members of the nobility must be quite secretive in their working to further Westcrown. Even then I would expect some word of positive chenge yet I have heard of no propaganda or movement promoting such.
Mera does not pursue Tal in further discussion for fear she would not be able to continue to refrain from a glance at Naberius. Turning towards Tuesday she considers her response while he questions her.
"WhY nOt?" is all Tuesday asks the singer, his head tilting to the side as he does.
"Because Tuesday, death is not always the appropriate response. After all, he is a man who while brutal in his approach and tactics and a most annoying individual, he has not ended the life of any innocent? He is a known man of the arts? How are we to take measures into our own hands for noncombatants? Are we to play executioner simple because one inconviences us? Thesing still lives on despite his obfuscated attempts to kill us, does he not?"
Turning an open palm towards Tal she offers, "Had the group not decided to allow Lily to be a part of the known, would you all have pursued her death or a more permanent solution to handle her?"
Turning to Monday she shrugs, "It would be nearly as effective as to have Monday seduce him and drug him into unconsciouness while they lay in bed together, would it not? There are ways beyond steel and muscle."
"He BeAt YoU, hIs LiFe Is FoRfEiT." the Phantom snarls.
Monday just arches a brow at the Diva. "You are assuming that just because Singy is still alive that we want him to stay that way. You are assuming."
For her suggestion the Spiritualist just grins. "Ooooo, and then I can roll him into his stomach so he suffocates! Or snap his neck! Or just smother him with a pillow!"
Perhaps there is a way to ensure his fall through magical means? Naberius do you have any ideas or thoughts on the matter? If not then Tuesday giving him a shove will have to suffice.
"I could make him lose his footing, fall down a pit, or get mauled by a wolf," lists the conjurer. "Any one of said options would accomplish the task. Unfortunately, they would only serve as a temporary inconvenience, as long as he has someone to deliver him to the nearest temple."
Turning an open palm towards Tal she offers, "Had the group not decided to allow Lily to be a part of the known, would you all have pursued her death or a more permanent solution to handle her?"
Naberius studies Mera's reaction, impassively turning the wand in his hands as he thinks on his response. The singer was not as ruthless as he might have thought, which was simultaneously both comforting and frustrating.
"The prospect of taking a life offers me no pleasure," he says evenly. "Regardless of the despicable nature of this man's actions. However, his continued existence might prove to be a threat to our whole operation, and the lives of all those involved. Unlike Mrs. Mainz, this man appears to have both the motivation and the resources to see us fail. Eventually, your presence here will lead him to us."
The wizard leans back and crosses his arms. "Of course, I would not consider acting without your consent. This is your decision."
Turning to Monday she shrugs, "It would be nearly as effective as to have Monday seduce him and drug him into unconsciouness while they lay in bed together, would it not? There are ways beyond steel and muscle."
Naberius shifts nervously, glancing at Monday. "If your fiancée is aware of your association with us, as you say, the risk of such a stratagem would be unacceptably high. Assuming you do not wish us to employ more extreme measures, unconsciousness certainly seems to be the most reliable way of making sure he does not attend the celebrations. Permanent maiming would also serve the purpose, but at that point it becomes questionable which method is less barbarous in nature..."
"The original plan might have to suffice for now," he concludes with a sigh. "Presently, our topmost priority is gaining possession of the Chelish Crux. After that goal has been achieved, we can decide on how to deal with Seoghal in a more lasting capacity. For now, leaving him and his bodyguards senseless in an alley should thwart him from meddling in our mission."
"I could make him lose his footing, fall down a pit, or get mauled by a wolf," lists the conjurer. "Any one of said options would accomplish the task. Unfortunately, they would only serve as a temporary inconvenience, as long as he has someone to deliver him to the nearest temple."
Turning an open palm towards Tal she offers, "Had the group not decided to allow Lily to be a part of the known, would you all have pursued her death or a more permanent solution to handle her?"
Indeed, I am glad that we came to a conclusion on that issue and that you all were wise enough to see that it was in our best interest to allow Lily into the fold.
Naberius studies Mera's reaction, impassively turning the wand in his hands as he thinks on his response. The singer was not as ruthless as he might have thought, which was simultaneously both comforting and frustrating.
"The prospect of taking a life offers me no pleasure," he says evenly. "Regardless of the despicable nature of this man's actions. However, his continued existence might prove to be a threat to our whole operation, and the lives of all those involved. Unlike Mrs. Mainz, this man appears to have both the motivation and the resources to see us fail. Eventually, your presence here will lead him to us."
The wizard leans back and crosses his arms. "Of course, I would not consider acting without your consent. This is your decision."
Not all situations can be permanently dealt with immediately. A temporary solution now will have to do until we have more time ourselves to figure out a better long term answer. Anything more than an accident may result on a larger investigation. With his power and influence he may be able to get the hellknights involved. I think that none of us want that.
Turning to Monday she shrugs, "It would be nearly as effective as to have Monday seduce him and drug him into unconsciouness while they lay in bed together, would it not? There are ways beyond steel and muscle."
Tal chuckles appreciatively at the irony of the suggestion. That would be rich if it were discovered that while betrothed to Mera he was found sleeping with a consort. The exact accustion that he laid upon Mera and is using as justification for escorting her to the feast.
Arael sits there listening to the possible solutions to the problem of Seoghal. I don't know if I should be amused or frightened. I would usually not advocate murder especially if it is not for the greater good, but seeing how this might be for the personal good, I would make an exception. It should be Mera's call as he is her betrothed and his living or dying would affect her the most. The priest says as he glances to Mera.
Mera's lips seperate as her jaw slackens. She looks around at everyone to see if they are being serious. "I can't believe I'm hearing this? No, absolutely not you may not kill him."
Mera churns over the comments in her head. Clearly she does not like the man and absolutely does not wish to marry him, but death?
She folds her arms and looks to Tal. "I'd much rather set him into bed with a consort and publicly expose and humiliate him then be his executioner. Sure, put him in the healer's bed for a day or two but I think perhaps we're getting a bit carried away with ourselves when we decide to kill a man simply because he wants to attend a party."
Monday takes hold of Naberius' hand, offering him a kind smile before turning to Mera. "Give us one legitmately good reason why we shouldn't kill him. And Mera," she adds, her going stern, "I could care less if he shows up to the party or not, that has absolutely nothing to do with why we want him dead."
Mera folds her arms on her chest and looks at Monday sternly, "Because I asked you not to."
Monday shifts her head from side to side. "Okay, fine. Give us a different legitmate reason. Since the reason we're wanting to do this, and the reason you simply asking us not to, is coming from the same place."
Mera nods, and quickly states the most obvious fact. "Simple. The death of a noteworthy artist will draw unwanted scrutiny and attention on me and those I have recently been seen with. Do we need that right now? Let's simply sidetrack him and deal with this later. We have an important task ahead of us and I do not need to be worried about who may be tracking me down for questioning."
Naberius looks between Mera and Monday, gently squeezing the spiritualist's hand. "Mera is right. We will have time to deal with this later. Right now, we need to stay focused on the Crux."
Mera having said her piece meant the issue was settled as far as Tal was concerned. Indeed he himself did not want to kill the guy. An honorable fight was one thing, a mugging or ambush for no other reason than he was a despicable fellow was not. So then, that is decided. No killing by any of us. That leaves us with him having an accident. It needs to happen quickly too as there is not much time left. Naberius and Tuesday, you able to handle this?
Monday rolls her eyes. "Fine, we won't kill him yet. Honestly though, we have acid. It could be a 'disappearance'."
Tuesday stands his ground, stoically letting his eyes look at everyone present before his head slumps and the rest of his discorporates into a floating pool of ectoplasm right above the floor that drifts towards Monday.
Arael looks relieved that this Seoghal will not die tonight. He grunts his approval. We have heard rumors that he has been meeting secretly with Thesing. Maybe we can use that to draw him out. If Thesing takes the blame, is that a bad thing?
"Nope!" Monday responds without hesitation.
Mera ignores Monday and watches Tuesday's disappearance act with curiosity. She nods along with Areal, "That will work nicely I should think. No one here will shed a tear should bad luck befall Thesing."
Tal arches an eye at the news from Areal. Strange circumstances indeed. Framing Thesing is all good but we must be careful not to put suspicion on us. We were the last people to have contact with him and it was not under the best circumstances.
Tal looks over and keeps his eyes steady with Naberius. Yes, Naberius I know that was mostly my fault. That is behind us now and can't be fixed.
Robahl gushes as Mera enters the theater. Mera! My Dear! We have you to thank for this grand opportunity! Delour, who is getting her makeup on scrunches her face much to the consternation of the makeup artist. Calsenica just laughs giddily while hers is applied. Where is the rest of the cast? I hope they are going to be there! The Lord-Mayor would be so disappointed if they are absent! I have tried to get word to Thesing about tonight, but I have not been able to find him. Have you seen him? Robahl asks oblivious to the bad blood between Mera and Thesing. He hardly seems to notice Tal standing there.
Seoghal is pouring over his latest composition when he is handed a note from his man-servant. Damn it to the layers of the abyss, Alfredo! I told you I did not wish to be disturbed until it is time to get ready! What is it? He snatches the note from Alfredo’s hand reads it and crumbles it up. What does that insufferable ham want now? I told him that I no longer needed his services! He rises quickly from his chair and in doing so, spills ink on his sheet music. He roars several oaths and pushes Alfredo out of the way. Clean that up! he snarls at the servant. He then says to his two bodyguards, Follow me ! The two bodyguards figuring they can take it easy until the Cornucopia are caught off guard and quickly gather up their weapons and struggle to catch up to their boss, who has stepped out into the rainy night using his overcoat to deflect the rain.
As he reaches the designated alley, he tells his two bodyguards, Wait here! He then enters the alley and advances to the disguised Naberius, Monday and Tuesday. Darn it, man! What is so important that you dragged me away from my work! Who is that with you? You never wore a disguise before, why now? What kind of circus is this!?
Naberius waits with his arms crossed, tapping his foot nervously as their quarry enters the alley. He straightens his raven-like mask, looking the man up and down appraisingly as he approaches. In lieu of an answer, he suddenly crows out an incantation and makes a familiar sweeping motion with his hand, coating the ground under Seoghal's feet with a thin film of transparent grease.
"Mr. Ulvauno sends his regards," he rasps, doing his best to sound thuggish and intimidating.
Seoghal almost loses his balance. Blasted rain! This alley is slick! What was that you say? he says to the masked trio.