"Cassie, please," Rashida interjects calmly, "Don't stoop to his level. It demeans you. I must agree with M. Ingilstadt's pleas for civility."
"I never worry about romantic attentions, simply enjoy them." Cassie takes his hand softly following him towards the dance floor. She looks up towards the larger man's eyes; "Slow, a nice waltz." placing a hand around his waist. "It's always good when a man smells nice. Good to see you take care of yourself."
The zombie waltzes better than expected, given his general state; a hint of some former grace shows through in his movements. He smiles hugely, obviously enjoying himself, and seems more carefree than he has since the party started.
"Of course, madame; I despise those who waste what the gods have given them. I have little, true, but what I have, I cherish."
Cassie's surprise is quickly suppressed as she makes sure she careful with him, however showing off his grace to the rest of the room; "A true gentlemen. I expect though your condition" she tries to put it delicately "would allow for certain advantages. Mayhaps and increased conditioning? You would probably be able to waltz all night?"
"The band is exquisite, good to hear music played well." Cassie smiles. "I may be quite bold, you reckon that I am conspiring?"
"Let us just enjoy the dance, Milady, before we must turn our attention back to more serious matters. I tire of plotting, and simply wish to experience a bit of the beauty I see around me before it is tarnished."
"I am not the Devil among us."
"A shame really", intones Ingilstadt, "I had looked forward to leading our dance to that patch of pale moonlight on the dance floor. Perhaps even executing a modern dance called the 'running man', so that after this ordeal of assasins I might have told my brothers and sisters back home that I Danced with the Devil in the Pale Moonlight and in the same evening I was Running with the Devil as well. And now you deny the chance to tell such stories, shame on you little helmeted one."
Ingilstadt retreats back to the tables and pours another glass of wine. Slowly drinking from it, the gaze stays fixed on the Duchess. When the dance finishes, Ingilstadt calls attention back to the cat.
"So tell us Meowselsworth, such a plan of contacting everyone as the devil, then claiming it a ruse publicly, could it not also have united all the assassins with the devil. It seems a double agent ploy, certainly you have claimed to be both the devil and an aristocrat, so regardless of your true role it has been duplicitous action on your part. It is you that I do not trust Duchess, unless another that is trusted can vouch for you, I think the shadow of suspicion is yours to wear."
"Now that is an interesting take on civility, Ingilstadt."
Overhearing Rashida Massri's comment, the baron buries his face in DuSollier's shoulder in a vain attempt to stifle his laughter.
"I have seen lynchings before, Rashida, sadly I've even participated in them. Once you know the misery of a lynching then you'll not tolerate such duplicitous behavior among us. Civility is for those that deserve it, just as doubts and questions are for those that deserve it as well."
"Yes, Baron, I see your snickering. Let discuss your behavior as well. In your message to me, you claimed the Mason's Alliance was compromised, a claim you made again in your public oozing, so I reveal nothing new here. Yet I responded with one simple question that you failed to answer and still neglected to address in your earlier diatribe, How Could You Know Such a Thing? Please, Von Zombi, tell us, how could you know such a thing?
Cassie gives a pointed look at Ingilstadt; then smiles as the Baron nuzzles her shoulder - his warm breath tickling her. 'I wonder where Ingilstadt is from, that she may have seen so much lynchings.'
The baron sighs.
"No, Cassie, it is okay. Our good Ingilstadt deserves an answer."
The baron moves heavily from the dance floor, the blue eyes seeming to dim slightly, and bows before Ingilstadt.
"You are absolutely correct, and I sincerely apologize for any offense I have given. I contacted you because I had some intuition that yours was an analytical mind, and I had hoped that I might gain some insight from you."
The great zombie shakes his head.
"I actually trust you more for spurning my information; I take it rather hard that you suspect me, so here is the truth, which I believe you deserve, and I hope this helps set your mind slightly at ease."
"I did not specifically mean to suggest that I knew for certain that Madame Devries' network was comrpomised; rather, I wished to express to certain parties that I believed more trustworthy than others to tread softly. Fortunately, Madame Devries has said she is aware of the possibility of infiltration and is taking steps to limit or prevent it, and with that, I am satisfied."
The zombie smiles tentatively.
"I hope that helps, Ingilstadt."
"You may choose not to trust me M. Ingilstadt. I will be sending all of my communications based on the mass Meowmail to Ms. Devries. I trust that she will sort it out better than me," says the Duchess. "And I do not recommend she fully trust me, either, for we must all keep a bit of mistrust. Anyone might be an assassin, but I am doing my best to set up circumstances so that we may remove them from our midsts without too much bloodshed. And should I die, you will know you can trust my intentions implicitly, and my words will be put to more good. Just remember the proper helmet cat disposal procedures. I fear death, but I fear being forgotten more."
"Only those in love may truly trust one another." Cassie adds as she walks back from the dance-floor.
"Also," adds the feline Duchess, "Professor Devries could confirm that I was considering the gambit, and were she to contact me to tell me it were a bad idea, I would have been dissuaded. I genuinely thought it would help."
Inclining her head; "All that means is that you were considering the gambit before the clocks strike. However a smart, fluffy girl like you I am inclined to believe."
"Oh, how wonderful it feels to be in love, but it is rather dangerous... I remember a certain tom, an O'Malley, he helped me thwart an evil butler's plan to slay me, and I was rather enamoured by that strong body, that smooth orange coat, and how kindly he treated my kittens. Ah, that I could be back home and feel his teeth against my n-" Meowselsworth suddenly becomes conscious of her rambling and stops. "Anyways. I do not think I'd be inclined to fall in love with many here, beyond a strong friendship. Cross-species romance has never been my thing. But yes, I was considering the gambit before the clock struck, but I wasn't sure if it would be too chaotic, or how beneficial it would be. I think it yielded information, but also mistrust, which I find regrettable. I should have considered it a bad idea as an agent of order, but time does not run backwards."
Ingilstadt takes a deep breath, followed by another, then refills the glass of wine and fills a small saucer of cream. The saucer is placed before Meows and Ingilstadt sits gracefully on the floor beside the small helmeted one.
"Forgive the harshness of my words Duchess. I promise to follow the proper helmet cat disposal procedures, if ever required, and hopefully that is not at this party."
Ingilstadt gives pets to the small feline while sipping from the glass of wine.
"Passing your information to the Professor is a good plan, we must trust in her guidance and the Mason's Alliance, it is our best hope to advert the anguish of a false lynching."
Thank you, Baron, for your explanation. I know it is difficult to be called out in such a manner." Ingilstadt nods in appreciation at Von Zombie.
Taraz has taken a seat at a small table and is now eating a light salad.
"Trust that foolish young lady? You may feel compelled to do so, Ingilstadt. I on the other hand do not feel so inclined. She has publicly refused any support I can provide, declined to provide the non-detailed answers to the very basic questions I have asked, and has failed to keep a very public face during this gala. Just like yourself, the general, Kimefe, the Duke, the 'FiresShadow', and our Russian friend. Though the last may have a pass as he has been dozing in the corner for a while now.
"You wish for the rest of us to think that just because you have kept mostly silent that you would be above reproof, and now have leave to burst from the shadows to admonition the pretty feline for her attempts to make this party even more exciting? Sir, despite our less than serious attitudes towards the last hour's events, I assure you not one who has been seen dancing has been quiet in their attempts to make good on their public announcements."
Taraz shakes head, a delicate fork spearing a cherry tomato in hand. "No, I am with the Baron. I do not trust the pretty Lady-in-Black to keep a level head and an objective view. So far she has done nothing but play favorites based on those who are obviously willing to lick her naughty leather boot heels, and shuts out those she 'deems' to be of no value. Being not an Investigator, she has no claim to know who is who, and the truth of it also be that not one of us save the true Masons even know if she has spoken the truth. And God save us, if she represents what the Masons have come to," Taraz shakes his head. "They would have been better served putting forth one of their number not so prone to fits of pique at the slightest sign of inconvenience to her person."
Taraz completes the tomato's journey and chews. Lifting his goblet he drinks and waves his free hand to the rest of the party. "Hasn't all this dancing made you hungry? Come sit, eat, refresh yourselves, so that you do not make life and death decisions based on who looks most edible."
Cassie looks across the floor; "Ingilstadt, would you care to dance?" she asks hopefully; "I can assure you I am quite accomplished."
"I can vouch for Lady DuSollier's skill as a dancer."
Von Zombi gasps in mock shock.
"So that was Ingilstadt's cunning plan! Distract me and tempt Madame DuSollier into a dance while I am inattentive!"
The zombie pretends to be outraged, but cannot keep a straight face and begins laughing in his booming way.
"Cunning, friend Ingilstadt, very cunning! Applause!"
Still chuckling, Gigus turns to Rashida Massri and holds out his hands, the gold bracelet peeking from his sleeve.
"I believe that this betrayal entitles me to a comforting dance, Most Holy. Would you oblige a poor, blind fool?"
"I fear my foot will not allow it, noble lord. Perhaps the one responsible for my inactivity would take my place." She gestures gracefully toward Lord Rorenson.
"Ah, my apologies, Most Holy. I had forgotten. I pray your foot stops paining you soon."
"As to your other suggestion, I do not believe I am Lord Taraz' type! However, I pray he might be good enough to join Lord Jin and I if we all survive this for a game of that...mah-jong, was it?"
The big dead man bows respectfully and leaves Massri to her peace.
"She has publicly refused any support I can provide, declined to provide the non-detailed answers to the very basic questions I have asked, and has failed to keep a very public face during this gala" ... "They would have been better served putting forth one of their number not so prone to fits of pique at the slightest sign of inconvenience to her person."
If he choked on that tomato, would I try to save him? Yes... I suppose I would. Alessandra sighs after a deep breath and declines to rise to Taraz's bait, instead she puts on a charming smile and begins the verbal fencing.
"Taraz Rorenson, I'll have you know those stockings that your little bot ruined cost 150 francs and can only be acquired from a single shop in Marseille. You pretend to be a man of breeding, yet you couldn't muster even a few words for those we lost and accuse me of histrionics when from what I can see I've treated you no worse than any other woman here." She pauses a moment and considers- "Better than some, I only slapped you once! You're an oaf and a boor, and the black sheep of the family- you're such an embarrassment to your father's name that I'm utterly unsurprised he would send assassins after you (if your wild claims are to be believed)."
"And yet... we're stuck here together and the imminent threat of a violent death hangs over us both. How about we clear the air between us?" Alessandra rummages through her designer handbag for a moment and pulls out a crumpled note and begins to read verbatum:
"If you would like my support I would need to confirm with you that you have in fact received communication from all of our fortune tellers and the protective detail assigned to this party.
"To set the record straight, I did not decline your help or refuse support. You were the only one who contacted me with such ludicrously specific terms under which you'd offer your "support"; I had not been contacted by all the parties you mentioned and I was offended by your reluctance- nay, cowardice in not offering to assist unless a legion of trained professionals stood by to protect you."
She pauses a moment, keeping the languid smile in place. "That said, perhaps I will join you for a bite to eat. Much as I'd enjoy a dance with Lady DuSollier, her dance card seems rather full at the moment and if you have as much experience at dodging assassins as you bragged about earlier then perhaps we have something to discuss..."
Cassie raises an eyebrow; "Later, before the clock strikes Dame Devries?"
"Cowardice, Dame Devries? It seems like prudence to me. The cowards are those who could help and have not come forward."
Vorian scoffs at Meowselsworth's revealing of her plan, shaking his head in clear disapproval.
"That was a mighty risk you took, I must say. Do you realize the position you have put yourself in?" he asks, rubbing his forehead thoroughly.
Realizing his glass his empty, he retrieves a silver flask from within his coat and sips from it, before stowing it away. Looking to the helmet cat, he raises a brow.
"So, tell us more about what you learned, if you would be so kind. As one of the ones you corresponded with, I am curious about your... endeavor."
"Indeed. I would hope that anyone who has abilities that can help us would have come forward to Professor Devries by now. Also... Hmmm. I would like to propose another gambit. Indeed, a gambit that might aid us very very much in this goal. It is less of a gambit and more of an... offer." Meowselsworth considers that for a moment.
"I propose that we ask the lovers to come forward. Now, this seems unlikely, but hear me out. If we were to grant immunity to the lovers if they come forward, rather than whisper nervously about them, we can carry them with us as far as possible. If one of the lovers is an assassin, we will ask them merely to stay their hand and to aid us aristocrats so that in the end, they will be able to stay with their lover, and they can join us in their victory, which would show that love triumphs," says Meowselsworth.
"This would leave us with one less enemy to deal with, and we may be able to learn something. I would recommend the lovers come forward to me, to Devries if they wish someone more trustworthy, or to the entire party," says Meowselworth. "This will increase the chance that we aristocrats prevail, but in fact, this strategy will benefit the lovers even more: With immunity, even if we aristocrats become targets, they could live further and further on. Of course, we shall only recognize one pair of lovers, which is why I recommend messaging myself or Professor Devries, so that we may be able to puzzle this out. If you send us a message in the format: 'I am Duchess Kittington von Meowselsworth and I am in love with Rashida Massri, I am an aristocrat.' then if we also receive 'I am Rashida Massri, I am in love with Duchess Kittington von Meowselsworth, I am an assassin' then we know that this is a matched pair. We will only recognize one matched pair. And the example I have given is just an example: I have no belief that Her Holy Rashida Massri is an assassin," suggest Meowselsworth, considering that. "Of course, if this is an unwise strategy and we can see it backfiring, we should discuss it a little, but this could aid us greatly. What thinks the rest of you?"
"Mr. Vorian Ritter, Professor Devries can confirm that I have shared all that I learned with her, and I would recommend she share that with her Masonic partners," says Meowselsworth. "As for the position I have put myself in: If there is a target on my back and the assassins do slay me, it means all the plans I am putting in motion can be trusted. I may die, but it might increase the chance for the rest of you to live. Except, of course, the assassins."
Cassie quirks an expressive eyebrow; "Would that work Lord Ryuko?" she calls up to the man on the balcony.
"Though I would suggest at least 1 or 2 more options as you and the Dame are under a cloud Duchess? I say myself or... the Baron von Zombi as too people who are social but not under excess suspicion,..... yet."
"I believe it an idea worth discussion, Duchess, with the caveat that I do not believe the lovers should admit their affair in the public forum. We only have so many protectors, and if the lovers betray the assassins they become a primary target: two birds with one stone, two masts with one shot, choose thy metaphor. We would spread our guardians too thin, risk too much."
"Well, as always, I am a high risk option, and Professor Devries is a lower risk option. If by now none of the masons have come forward to challenge that she is a Mason, then I am inclined to believe that she is. Frankly, if she is not, and no other Masons have come forward, they have doomed us to die," says Meowselsworth. "As I am not inclined to believe the Masons are malevolent, I am inclined to believe Professor Devries."
"I know, it's just there is a certain.... antipathy to authority." Cassie shrugs "You are over estimating the assassins analytical powers, maybe."
"Aha, indeed Baron Von Zombi. Then I would simply recommend going through Professor Devries," says Meowselsworth. "While I am curious and I at least know that I am working in our best interests... Because understand, I have been working this whole time to potentiate our Masons, to aid our Investigator, to fully use the abilities of our Baners, and to cripple the Devil (I would actually recommend people pretend they are the Devil once in awhile to fully obliterate any possibility that they be credible, but apparently my employing this strategy causes ill wil towards me, but so be it). Why should I not now work to help now? Frankly, the message that I want to send is that I am not stuck at a party with assassins. These assassins are stuck at a party with me. Even past my death, my words will keep value, whether I am lynched, or slain by the assassins. But still, I would rather everyone go through Ms. Devries, because she is one of the only ones among us who we can trust implicity."
"Anyways, I suppose I should be dancing as if this is my last day, as indeed I am making a target of myself in every sense of the word," says Duchess Kittington von Meowselsworth, "So I request a dance with any willing partner."
"I don't think you are so certain to die, Miss Meowselsworth. Another dance would always be appreciated at least with someone as cute as you" Cassie shrugs; "Of course, you may prefer a mixed dance."
"In the interest of this recent spat for disclosure, Duchess, I wish to say that I, at first, truly believed you were the Devil, and sought to manipulate you under that false assumption to flush out the assassins. I realize now that all my ploy did was cause you to suspect me. I believed I was the kingsnake who would hunt down the vipers, and I was wrong."
"One whom I trust has convinced me otherwise; that my 'brilliant' idea was foolhardy, and that you are not playing us false."
The baron bows deeply and respectfully to the cat.
"I hope you will forgive me for distrusting you, Duchess."
He then smiles.
"I already had my chance at dancing with you, Your Grace. I will let someone else take this round on the card."
"Oh, Miss DuSollier, you are indeed a wonderful dancer, and I should love to dance another dance with you," says Meowselsworth, "And Baron Gigus Von Zombi, I understand. You would not have been the only one to attempt such a tactic. I should have been cleverer, but it is nice to know that so many of you would attempt to confound the devil. I would once again urge anyone who would like to impersonate the Devil to do so, until any claims to being the Devil are meaningless, a joke told among us honest aristocrats. This would serve to grind any attempts of the Devil to rally assassins to dust. And, if our Devil is also a lover, my previously suggested strategy may win us one more with the power of investigation... and /that/ is lovely. Also, to get the stalker to stop stalking... well, that would also be a great aid to us. Anyhow..." To Cassie DuSollier, "May I have the pleasure of a dance?"
"Taraz, if you were paying more attention to all the guests, instead of just focusing on certain jiggly parts, then you would know that I, the General, the Duke, Fireshadow, and Andrezi have all been engaged in conversations and dancing with the group."
Ingilstadt accepts Cassie's offer to dance. "Thank you, Cassie, I would be honored." Taking her hand, they make their way to the dance floor where begins a strange dance with no clear lead. Ingilstadt twirls Cassie about, only to attempt to twirl as well a moment later. It's a wonder that no feet get stepped upon.
Cassie is taken aback by the offers all at once, breathing deeply. "Thank you, once I am done Miss Meowselsworth I will dance will you. But this is a rare pleasure" she lets herself be lead away to the dance floor. Being spun by Ingilstadt, followed by her doing the same. Cassie smiles, "Are we are not to have a leader, that should be interesting. I did the same with Lady Massri, and that was a dance to leave all the men's jaws upon the floor."
Cassie holds Ingilstadt close hoping to get a rise out of Ingilstadt, before the starts to maneuver the couple around the floor. "Mirror me?"
"Later, before the clock strikes Dame Devries?"
"Well, if you can make room in your busy schedule... you seem to be the belle of the ball tonight" Alessandra chuckles softly, "I think I've done about all I can with passed notes and whispered discussions- I'd like to enjoy myself until matters come to a head."
"Cowardice, Dame Devries? It seems like prudence to me. The cowards are those who could help and have not come forward."
"Not at all. I have some faith in humanity and I believe that those who are in a position to help us are doing so, whether they choose to inform me of their progress or not. A number of people with not particular powers of training have approached me to offer their support and solidarity when things come to a vote, without trying to place so many ridiculous conditions and qualifications on their assistance."
Cassies' movements are graceful as she moves through many different styles; the observers are shocked as it never seems to stay in the same style for more than a few dozen bars. Seeming to reflect the uncertain nature of Ingilstadt, so the dance starts.
Taraz regards Alessandra with a curious expression. He purses his lips in thought, and after a moment, he seems to come to a decision. Standing, Taraz waves to a place at his small table while ducking his head.
"My lady, it would be a pleasure to dine with you. I will even ask if the good Baron has a '07 Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Mt. Hook region. Very excellent, and you should enjoy the flavor with this simple green salad."
Turning in the direction of Ingilstadt, Taraz says with a sneer, "It is a shame you have not kept pace. I have already been complimented by Baron von Zombi for my attentiveness. Which should be evident in how I have kept track of those whom have been quite silent. And while you secluded yourself with the others I named, I have been both publicly and privately working to best these assassins. It's a shame your courtly education did not include how best to handle both presence and intrigue. I can only imagine this was what truly led to the decline of your house."
Turning back to the table, Taraz motions two Serv-Bots to set a second place. Once ready, Taraz offers to assist Alessandra in seating by holding her chair. Then reseating himself, he waits for an answer regardng the wine availability, and prepares several more choices in case the Baron's cellar did not have his suggestion.
As miss DuSollier finishes up her last arranged dance, Kimefe steps forward from her spot by the wall.
"Cassie, I have been so bored and none of the men have yet asked me to dance" a pout forms on her face, almost irresistible in it's need for attention. "And perhaps this is because I have been so quiet thus far, but I am sick of sitting still. May I have this next song?"
Von Zombi looks up from the bracelet he has been turning over in his hands, and the serious look on his face is banished when Kimefe stands forward and asks DuSollier to dance.
"Careful not to break her, Lady…Kimefe, was it? We're quite fond of the Frenchwoman."
He grins.
"Welcome to our little soiree, Madame."
As her and Ingilstadt bow to each other to finish the dance; the warm countenance across her face. "A marvellous dance, unique like yourself. That is to say precious and rare." her sight slips across to Taraz as she whispers; "Now, the wastrels lemon words. I suppose we must part."
As Cassie starts to leave the table Kimefe steps forward, offering a dance. 'Delightful, that the men have not asked such a beauty to dance...shameful. We'll make turn them green in envy.' Her face lit up with anticipation as she their hands meet, she brings it up to Kimefe's chin. "Don't pout my dear, they will rue not asking you sooner." Together the move onto the dance-floor. Cassie heart pounds in anticipation of another dance.
"'Kimefe'... that name sounds almost familiar. You do not hail from my own homeland, do you?"
Rashida rummages at the gaming table and finds a set of tiles. "'Mah-Jong' - is this the game of which you spoke, Lord Jin? It looks, um, interesting." She fiddles with some of the tiles, looking at the odd characters uncomprehendingly as she speaks.
"Lord Ingilstadt, one of the benefits of long history is long view. The Dutchess' family and mine share a heritage stretching back eons from the gods themselves. I find it difficult to condemn one of her kind within an hour or two. We all die in our time... well, most of you do... to be judged by Ma'at. Examine your own heart. Will Ma'at find it as light as a feather? No? Then think well on what you do this hour before condemning another, for soon your own heart will be in the scales, if not tonight."
As the orchestra switches to a bittersweet waltz, Rashida turns suddenly to Baron Von Zombi. "Though I advocate the long view, none of us may have that time. What matters an aching foot when there may be no more dancing soon? I apologize for declining your offer, sir, and would take you up on it now. For life is sweet... "