”As local as can be,” Rilka says, suddenly aware she isn’t sure how much levity and jocularity is accepted with royalty. ”A citizen of Andril.”
After Dalton’s comment about creating an apex piece, Rilka extends her hand towards the queen. ”His work is exquisite. Here is an example.”
Pame nods to Toramin. "An unabashed evil. The fallout may not be an easy situation, but it is far preferable to Nuro being in power." She arcs a brow and smiles to Ianna. "From what I have gathered you have been sharing more than the Golden Gift, you are also sharing the gift of gold. Our trade with the Trealamhgabha has had a non-insigificant increase since your arrival here. As you can imagine, a nation primarily of followers of Abadar has high appreciation for that."
The queen turns back to Dalton. "Ah, well that is good to hear. Unfortunately we must all pass into Pharasma's judgement, but a mind and body clear of sickness is a good way to pass. I have watched my late husband travel down that path, and I hope to follow the same path one day. But many things to do first, most importantly preparing my grandson for the crown." She gives an almost girlish giggle. "Oh Mr. Barrowwheel, to be complimented by a jeweler for my countenence is high praise indeed."
She addresses Rilka in turn. "Ah, it is always good to meet more of the people of Andril. Ah that does indeed look charming, may I?" She inquires to Rilka's hand.
After a brief examination and the return of the jewerly to Rilka, she at last turns back to Geoffrey. "Well Geoffrey I am actually very glad I ran into you here, for I would have needed to see you before your departure anyways. As valuable as you were in the castle, I am eager to hear of your accomplishments in more dynamic projects and to what heights they will take you. Who knows, there is a spot opening in the Queen's guard and your name has been floating around a bit..."
Geoffrey looks completely caught off guard. "Why...I would have never even dreamt of such an honor..." He says, trailing off as if lost for words.
With the mention of a position opening with no reason given, S'meena looked to the guards the queen did bring here for a clue. They might be resentful of newcomers. How do they feel about Geoffrey?
Dalton took a slow sip of his beverage. That's a great opportunity. He could stay about this parts and keep an eye on mother.
Ianna blushes prettily. "Bolka's blessings are indeed more than beauty and desire. As the goddess of restoration, I believe that her gifts include economic restoration as well. Our clan has been bountifully blessed by Torag's family. Magitech has enriched us; it is our obligation to reinvest these blessings into our friends and allies. While we would not transgress the trading rights of the other clans, the financial services of the Trealamhgabha are available to all who contribute to uplift. Recently, we have financed the rebuilding of Akropash's infrastructure and provided some emergency relief to the smiths of Grastle Hollow. Of course, in the long run, this will benefit us as well. By loaning our wealth, we spur growth and development for all. Indeed, while I am in your lovely city, I am looking for additional opportunities for economic restoration and mutual enrichment."
Although Ianna does not mention her directly, her great grandmother, Mathild, casts a long shadow over the young priestess' words. Mathild led the cult of Drannvgvit from her 100th year to her dying day. While history remembers her husband, Gurin, for his foundational work in magi-tech, it is Mathild who founded the Trealamhgabha clan and split the cult of the Debtminder from the unified theological control that her fellow Duine Gealtine exerted over the pantheonic worship of Torag's family. She rejected the notion that piety meant poverty and that there were no riches to be found in good works. That the wealth of the Trealamhgabha had far outstripped the politically powerful, but financially improvished, Duine Gealtine only deepened the schism between the two clans that share the same blood but possess far different priorities.
When the conversation turns to new opportunities for Geoffrey, Ianna laughs with delight. "While it is not my place to comment on the composition of your guard, Your Highness, I am gladdened that you recognize Geoffrey's qualities and are looking for a way to cultivate them. When I look at this knight, I am reminded that not all flowers grow best in direct light. If a flower fails to thrive because of unsuitable conditions, it is no fault of the flower."
Toramin claps Geoffrey on the back.
"Truly you clan brings together the virtues of dwarven longevity and capitalism. Although one must raise an eyebrow at the blinding swiftness upon which your clan has been seizing opportunities of newly created economic shifts."
"Ah and you speak to individualist wisdom as well. I suppose in this situation I am the gardener, and believe me I am doing my research to get fruitful results."
Ianna is no fool. The queen's words might sound like compliments, but they also carry a warning to those with the wits to hear them.
She is letting me know that if she has noticed the pattern, then so too have others. Furthermore, it is not just the wicked who might have cause for concern. Power compounds power, as the loaned coin compounds wealth.
She dips her head in a subtle acknowledgment of the queen's point. "One can only have as much prepation as one has foresight. Recent events suggest that there are forces moving that are not acting towards the common good on an international level. This has caused the central family of the Trealamhgabha some . . . consternation. As you know, the Trealamhgabha support King Vorn in his views that our alliance is a positive duty. Therefore, in recent months we have been vigilant to sow stability where we notice its lack. If, Your Higness, would care to discuss such matters further, at another time, then I will await your pleasure."
Ianna's smooth reply is a preface for another demure curtesy.
Toramin finally catches part of a clue in his sister's words. That old pirate wasn't wrong when he said that Ianna is so smooth with her words that she makes an eleven courtier look coarse. What was his phrase? 'Lying better than an elf lord.' Though that is uncharitable, since she isn't lying. She is merely speaking the Queen's language.
"I have never understood the preference that some have for relative gains over collective gains. When the result is the betterment of all, does it matter who benefits most?
Though Dalton was not disinterested in the political discourse, the current members of the table were in another league; he kept silent.
That was not to say he didn't speak though.
Toramin, though I may be familiar with these parts, I'm not familiar with the etiquette here. I'm sure Ianna is handling herself gracefully, but should Rilka and I leave? Is it rude for us to listen to this?
S'meena did not have Dalton's concern for rocking the boat of unwritten rules.
"A queen who handpicks her own guards? My cousin elves would do well to learn from your example! They've grown accustomed to reliance on magic, delegation, and their long lives to see them through things. Their personal touch has faded." The wood elf seemed somewhat feisty at first, yet became more crestfallen at the end of her statement. "It is good to see yours remains strong in your youth, majesty."
It was clear S'meena meant the last part as a genuinely positive observation; she was not attempting to flatter the queen about her years.
There is an almost imperceptible pause as Ianna finishes, the Queen's smile never fading but her eyes twinkling. "Ah indeed, you are right. We are being rude to the rest of you." She says, looking at the others as she shifts the conversation from politics.
She responds to S'meena. "Well I have many advisors and ambassadors and others who advise me, and I must often delegate, but at the end of the day I am Queen. And my guard is something I am most concerned about."
Toramin is still getting used to Dalton's telepathic communication. He stiffness subtly, but responds, "You should stay. Your queen knows this is a public space, and is in control of the situation."
S'meena seemed content with the answer, her eyes panning to and from the queen and her guard.
Rilka slips her ring back on her finger, charmed by the queen’s actions.
”The Queen’s guard,” she says softly at the queen’s request. ”Congratulations on such an honor. It’s well deserved!” she adds to the well wishes being offered to Geoffrey.
For a moment, she gazes fondly at S’meena. Well done, S’meena. Well done. You could have taught us a thing or two in Grastle Hollow.
Ianna gazes out for the small gathering through the large window at the light-lined street.
"The longest night is almost upon us. Do you have any plans for the solstice, Your Majesty? Amongst my people, we gather around our hearths and give thanks to Folgrit. No matter how deep the darkness grows, the Watchful Mother sees and protects us. I understand that in the lowlands there are celebrations of Shelyn, Desna, and Sarenrae."
While waiting for the queen’s answer, Rilka stands with her head slight bowed, though glancing at the queen’s body posture and the way she comports herself. Does she get tired of people staring? she wonders. Realizing she might be contributing to being one of those observing too closely, she looks at the people with the queen.
"Why yes, I look forward to our solstice celebration. That is one of the matters I tend to delegate, so I will mostly be enjoying the preparations of others."
"Well I daresay I have staved off your dinner for long enough. I do hope you can pardon my forwardness. It was a pleasure, may Abadar watch over you." With a last smile over the group, the queen returns to her table.
"The Queen's Guard..." Geoffrey echoes after Pame leaves. "I never would have dreamt." He starts absentmindedly picking at his food.
Rilka notices the nobles seem mostly a collection of merchants, mostly foreign but some local as well.
Ianna curtseys again as the Queen takes her leave.
When Geoffrey speaks up, Ianna murmurs, "Is it a dream that pleases you?"
"I...am not sure. There is no higher honor, but it is a lifelong commitment. Bear no children, have no family, live only for the life of Andril's ruler...it's no light decision."
"Forgive me if this is an intrusive question, but did my brother mention that you are the last direct heir of your line?"
"I have some cousins, but I am the last one that bears the Aertis name."
"Well, then I would ask myself two questions. First, do you want the Aertis name to continue? Second, who benefits from the obsolescence of the Aertis?"
"Well...I don't have any immediate family to pressure me. I don't really have any romantic interests anyways. And why would somebody be trying to eliminate the Aertis name? I don't have any enemies in Andril, not any serious ones."
"Where there are power and wealth there are also rivals to that power and wealth. Besides there need be no enemies hungering for your blood for there to be profit to be gained. To whom do the properties devolve? What opportunities are created by the absence of your line -- politically and economically? These are questions of dynasty."
"I don't really have any romantic interests anyways."
"That's a shame," chirped S'meena, after placing her drink back on the table and looking back to Geoffrey from the queen.
"These are questions of dynasty."
Toramin's statements were accurate, but to Dalton, there were other possibilities. He nodded towards Geoffrey. "What exactly have you been dealing with in all those papers these past months? It could be someone did not want you doing your job in the way you did ... though I'm sure it's more than a squabble over grain like those nobles we saw before dinner."
"I wouldn't even know who would gain advantage by my line not continuing. I mean being in the Queen's Guard would remove me from the realm of politics and military affairs, perhaps somebody doesn't like what I'm doing there. But promoting me out of it would be an interesting move."
Toramin blinks slowly. Sometimes I wonder how he survived this long.
"Follow the money. What happens to your estate after you die?"
"It has an elegance to it, if it were someone's aim. Killing you might go against their values. Moreover, it would be difficult. You would resist. But to honor you? Especially, when military and political affairs obviously weigh so heavily upon you? There are few fetters stronger than one's own desires."
Ianna murmurs the last sentence into her wine with a subtle smile.
"But such talk is morbid, unfit for such a lovely dinner, and rank speculation besides . . ."
The priestess turns conversation to lighter and more genial affairs.
"Well if I have no next of kin it would go to whoever my closes living relative is, unless I put something else in my will. That would be one of my uncles most likely. I don't have any family problems though. Besides I could just easily write them out on my will, and it's just an estate."
After offering, ”Having a will is important,” Rilka happily turns her conversation to merge with Ianna’s.
The rest of dinner is uneventful, conversation turning to more boring topics like the food and weather. Eventually the meal is over and the bill paid, Geoffrey leading the others out (acknowledging the Queen as they pass).
"You can't imagine how relaxing this was for me. Thank you. Truly." Geoffrey gives a deep smile. "Well I suppose I'll see you in the morning than! It will be exciting to be working together." After some last farewells, Geoffrey takes his leave.
Rilka nods farewell to Geoffrey. ”This was a delight! Thank you for arranging this. See you tomorrow.”
She looks at the night sky, and tilts her head to the side, as if listening to the city’s noise. ”Well, take care everybody. Thank you all for a grand night of enjoyable conversation.” She curtsies then starts heading down the street, towards one of the main boulevards that leads to the halfling district.
Geoffrey makes it two steps down the street then stops and pivots around. "Ah, Ianna. Before we forget. Perhaps we should have that talk tonight, since we plan on being busy starting tomorrow. My villa, over wine?" He says, offering his arm.
"Yes, that sounds excellent." Ianna takes his arm as the others head off in their separate directions."[/b]
Geoffrey and Ianna leave into the city streets lit by torches, the far darkness eventually swallowing them up in its endless embrace.
~~~
For the rest of the party, the night goes uneventfully.
After a good Taryin breakfast, the party sets out on the now-familiar route to the Aestherics lair. Expect this time once they reach the area where they can see the bones of the golden dragon Gelrint the Wise, Geoffrey appears out another of the side tunnels. He greets the party warmly and continues with them to the Hand's Council. Geoffrey appears to have a similar level of familiarity with the Aestheric lair as the party; aware of it and no longer in awe, but not very familiar either.
The early morning sun streams through the ancient elven ruins where the Hand's Council meets, all members except Alia the Wise present. Although what is interesting is a new individual sitting at the table, what looks like a sort of bird-human hybrid .
"Ah good, you're here! Right on time. Come come, sit. We are still waiting for Alia, but please get familiar with each other while we wait." Heff claps the tengu on the back. "Pazeek Splitbeak."
Geoffrey offers a cushioned armchair to Ianna, taking one himself. "Ah I don't get to spend enough time in here anymore. The more money you make the less you can enjoy it, eh?" He jests. He idly swirls his wine (a semi-sweet pink) and gazes across the room listlessly.
Back in his noble's guise, Takaral raised his eyebrows at the bird-man. "A tengu? How exotic. I'm known as Takaral, Pazeek."
He stepped forward to a few feet away and gave the creature a slow pan of her eyes. Not at alien as I am, but getting there.
"What brings you do this organization?" The stranger sought to know more about the motives of this place.
Dalton had never seen a Tengu, but he knew what Pazeek was from the descriptions he'd read. "Good morning, Mister Splitbeak. Dalton Barrowwheel here, jeweler and transmuter." The plump mage stepped forward to provide a handshake. "I must say Heff often is careful about explaining things," at all "so you probably have us at a bit of a disadvantage here."
"It's a shame that you don't have the opportunity to spend more time in places that you enjoy. While some, like Toramin, believe that life is all about the work, I believe it is important to guard your joy. If one doesn't take the time to cultivate their joy, then the work only grinds us down. What good are we to others if we cannot be good to ourselves?"
Ianna smiles and kneels down near the chair where Geoffrey sits, "I'm going to invoke the goddess; and, with her grace, I will learn whether there is anything troubling your body and its connection to your spirit. While I am doing this, I would be honored if you would unburden yourself to me. What troubles you? What weighs down your spirit? I suspect that you spend a lot of energy presenting a certain view of Geoffrey to the world. You do not need to perform for me. I do not need you to be anything. Know that I see and respect you."