Gameplay thread opened in preparation of next weekend!
Valgnatir, dotting!
Should have my estate ready for examination and my stats set up properly by tomorrow afternoon, if all goes according to plan.
Dotting for great justice.
Date: Starday 6th Sarenith, 4715AR
Time: 1700 Late Afternoon
Location: Imperial Villa West of Cassomir
Scene Character Eligibility: Primary; Cohort with Escort; No pets.
Once every year, before the solstice festivals begin, Princess Eutropia holds a grand-soiree. You’ve received an invitation this year.
You’ve had the pleasure of being invited to the Grand Soiree in the past. You know that this party will be filled with all of the players that the Princess believes she should be keep close to her this year.
As you make your arrival on the villa grounds, you can identify the heraldry of more than a dozen other Lords and Senators. Among all the present nobility you can see, stands out the heraldry of Opposition Party Leader, Lord Karthis; The Archmage-Prince Vecarios; The Grand Arctuarius of House Sclerina; The Lord Marshall Eiredor; and The Margrave of House Durahan.
are a remarkable sight of marbled stone unlike any in the rest of Taldor, a mix of blue, white, and black that matches the perfectly crystal blue ocean in the distance. As you pass Just beyond the walls, an enormous beautiful garden with three perfectly symmetrical fountained ponds sprawl out for a full acre before leading to the three tiered palace made of White Polished Marble. Each of your carriages pull under the large porte-cochère and you are gestured into the overly large foyer by the various house servants.
As you step inside the villa, for perhaps the first time, you can see the much acclaimed crystal chandelier sparkling with a thousand prismatic illusions as it floats in the air above a small fountain. The gold and blue tapestries lining the walls all the way up to the third floor balconies depict the various stories of the Stavian Dynasty from its founding to the present. The biggest tapestry, hanging in the foyer lounge, depicts the Grand Prince himself sitting astride a golden dragon on the walls of Stavian’s Hold.
While some of these tapestries show accurate depictions, most are exaggerations… The one in the center in particularly.
A servant walks up to each of you as you make your way into the mansion proper, and asks to take your coats. ”My , If I may direct your attention to the grand parlor, there are refreshments available there if you would like, or If you prefer the view, the ocean side garden is open as well. The Princess will be addressing her guests at half past the hour in the Villa’s main Ballroom. Please enjoy yourself in the meantime.”
Marble of the Villa Walls
Run to the mansion
Villa Foyer
View of the Mansion from the ocean
Valignatir enters the palace, Tiberion close behind, and seems to be familiar with the layout of the palace.
He does hand his coat to the servant, and moves past him into the foyer without even looking at him.
He is garbed in his trademark red and black dress outfit; but, of course, he is more than aware enough to have left his weaponry at home, although his staff was under his seat in his carriage if he needed it.
"I believe I will partake of the refreshments before heading out into the garden. Hopefully she remembered my taste for fine wine." he says, navigating through the manor with ease.
"It's one of my favorite views of the ocean, and I simply cannot pass up the chance to see it again."
Constantine arrives alone, knowing his father would be present and not quite wanting to introduce the dark-skinned privateer he tends to run around with. This being his first time to the grand soiree, although not the Villa, he is not sure what to expect. The Rook chose to dress in an elaborate silver silk shirt under a gray robe embroidered with silver tower crenelations. At the approach of the servant, Constantine flashes a smile. ”Wonderful. I wouldn't mind a drink.”
He'll sweep into the grand parlor, finding a red glass of wine from northern Taldor before moving amongst the nobles present. ”Lord Marshall, a pleasure to see you again. Ah, I doubt you remember me, Constantine Rook. I served under your son many years ago to the south! How has he been doing”
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For Lady Gabrielle, the most exciting events were also the most stressful. Not only would her mother Lady Florianne be present, but it was absolutely expected that Gabrielle be entirely receptive to a future husband. Her mother had arrived ahead of her, as a daughter of House Eiredor, meaning that Gabrielle would have some time to breathe before she was scooped up and paraded around. Whenever she had the opportunity to mingle alone or alongside Nev, she had the time of her life. All the interests of the Empire were revealed to her, as she found herself observing and influencing with ease ever since her return from across the world.
She had chosen her favorite gown of green and gold, and had arranged her fiery red hair in the most alluring of ringlets before departing Cassomir.
To begin her evening, she headed to the magnificent garden, as hiding from her mother was easier outdoors. She hoped to run into a friend whom she could use as an excuse later for not looking for Lady Florianne. If she was introduced to any gentlemen along the way, that would be even better.
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This was not the first time Kyra had ever attended the grand soriee, which was not to be unexpected given how close House Rubicon had become aligned with the Grand Princess lately. Mostly that was due to the politicking of their mother, though being the little sister of the Royal Guard Captain also had its perks. She'd figured celebrating her graduation from the Kith with the Princess was the best she could ask for. Though her mother Eustacia had attended such events in the past, she was now fairly old and kept to their Oppara villa most of the time; That meant that Kyra was now representing the Rubicon name here...at least marginally anyways, if Eutropia were here than that would mean Lexarius was also. She imagined he'd either be at her side or coordinating security elsewhere.
As she stepped out of her carriage she took a moment to stretch and began walking up to the villa. Argos quickly fell in behind her, carrying any of her usual gear that would have been out of place to wear. Instead of her usual attire, though fancy as it was, Kyra had selected a long dress of blue and gold cut at the sides. She did enjoy showing off and was sure to turn some heads her way - as usual.
"Yes, thank you. I know the way." Kyra said, handing her coat off. The small pleasantries never seemed beneath her, part of her charm as it were.
Kyra was quick to the parlor to search for something to help her into the mood of the party. A long day of carriage travel to Eastern Taldor did not agree with her. She brushed off those nobles who tried to strike up a conversation - 'Find me after I've had a glass' she told them, selecting a sweet port wine and then leisurely making her way out to the garden terrace and began scanning for anyone interesting to mingle with.
She found herself a dozen fops before spotting the first real interesting person she'd seen all day, and moved forward to introduce herself.
"Hello Lady D'Apcher. Fancy seeing you here this year! This must be your first attendance or I'd have remembered you last time." Kyra said pleasantly.
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Lord Rook sits in a corner of the grand parlor, indelicately shoving appetizers into his mouth while cackling softly, a glass of wine precariously balanced in his sparkling mithral hook hand. "You know, Janus," he says, mostly to himself, "I've been to Stavian's Hold a few times, and believe me, if a dragon ever showed up there, the phalanx would shit themselves first and then fire a thousand arrows at the thing out of instinct."
Valignatir finishes his sightseeing of the ocean, and turns to the various guests on the garden terrace, to see if he recognizes anyone.
Noticing Lady Rubicon and Lady D'Apcher, he walks over to join them, wine glass in hand, instructing Tiberion, in Infernal, to stay behind and just watch.
"Why, if I am not mistaken, you are Ladies Rubicon and D'Apcher, no?"
Janus nods to himself, thinking. If Lord Rook was going to spend all day eating, that made it his job to carry out the next sweep. He makes for the restroom, casually adding a flask from his pocket to the drink he hasn't touched, and downs the whole cocktail, frowning at its bitterness.
Thorn darted about on his wings, his gossamer robes flowing behind him in a splash of color. If only Geneveive would agree to wear something decent... the woman will look like a giant statue in that grey monstrosity Lady Xene stuffed her in, he thought in annoyance. He fluttered past the servant taking coats and surveyed the room. It had been some time since he had last attended a Grand Soirée, and he sighed in remembrance. That was long ago, with people long passed... The glory days... He spotted a few not so boring individuals, and giggled to himself when he saw Valignatir. He would have to make sure Nev knew he was here. He made a circle about the garden, noticing Gabrielle chatting with another woman. He made his way back out to the carriage to tell Nev what he had seen. The woman is going to be bloody late to her first soirée....
Noticing and recognizing the pixie, Valignatir understands what his presence means, that Lady Nev is here.
"You'll have to excuse me, ladies, a friend of mine just arrived. I assure you, I'll meet up with you later. Enjoy the gathering until then."
He walks through the foyer, his distinctive crimson outfit and cape giving those guests a chance to recognize him, and walks out the entrance, hoping to meet Nev there.
Kyra's smile faltered slightly as someone else approached, whom she immediately recognized as the Chelaxian Ambassador Valignatir. "Not to be mistaken for my mother Eustacia, yes. She won't be coming this year." Kyra said, nodding to the man. At that she happened to notice a particularly stealthy looking Pixie flitting about above the gardens.
Kyra almost opened her mouth to say something when Valignatir spoke up and excused myself. Kyra waited until he left to say anything.
"How rude." She huffed, taking a swig out of her wine glass. "Why bother even introducing himself if we was just going to run off like that? Must have seen that Pixie and figured Dame Atropa had showed up. Guess he really wants to get a word in I suppose...You on the other hand look like you're trying to avoid someone." Kyra noted to Gabrielle.
"Haha! Ser Constantine Yes, yes! I remember you. Its not often that one shows up an Eiredor during a training session! He seems to let his mind wander for a second. "Speaking of, How has your father ben doing these days? You know, I served under him for a short stint at Stavian's Hold... Never could get the drop on him." He pops a small pieces of cheese into his mouth and washes them down with a sip of white wine.
"Too right, Lord Rook!" A man with an usually deep voice says with a chuckle as he approaches. Lord Karthis has decided to wear his decorative breastplate to the events tonight, Likely in a show of support for his efforts to strike up a new war with Qadira. Though, if we did have some dragon riders in the Phalanx, we might be able to finally push the Keleshites back to their homes."
The man offers his hand in greeting "It's been too long, friend. It warms my heart that you are well."
Nev sighed as she sat in the plush carriage, the sound of little pixie feet on the roof soothing. She was waiting for Thorn to return, he had insisted upon scouting ahead. His siblings surrounded her, the youngest playing up above. Her grandmother Xene had purchased the gown she wore, a special order from some faraway land. She had said that Nev needed to make an impression on her first soirée. Nev could only hope that it would make the right impression. Her chin length hair, though still short by most standards, was long enough to pin back in curls. Her grandmother had lost the argument over the classic perfumed Taldan wig. Her simple makeup had been done meticulously by the pixies, and she had even surprised them by allowing the deep red they added to her plump lips.
She hoped that Gabrielle would be pleased with Nev's attempt to get ready on her own. When she heard the small knock on the door, she tried to settle her nerves as she stepped out of the carriage. If people are going to call me the Grey Lady, I shall give them a reason. The floor length gown was made of a beautiful silver silk, overly plain for proper Taldan fashion. The bodice, however, was wrought of silvered chain mail, with strings of it twinkling to the floor. She left her shoulders and arms bare, small scars light on her tan skin. A simple mail choker set with a ruby was her only accessory.
As she looked up she noticed Valignatir waiting for her, and she hid a small smile. She walked towards the entrance, her slippered feet soft on the stone.
Ah, Constantine is here. Lord Rook thinks. That one really is going places... not like the others.
And he's been to enough Taldan parties to see some strange guests... so he says nothing of the pixie, for now.
Lord Rook sets down his plate in his lap, wipes the food off his hand with a napkin, then shakes Lord Karthis's hand. "Ah, well met! I did not mean to cast any aspersions on the troops, of course—just on the craftsman behind that tapestry. I can lend you a few books on dragonlore if you like, but I think you'd find that after the hundred years necessary to raise the damned things, a single well-placed arrow can still knock them out of the sky. More armor and a few proper fire-cannons might be a sounder investment."
Val smiles widely, obviously happy to see her, and takes a short bow before offering his arm to her.
"I saw your pixie dart in, and I knew you must have just arrived. There are quite a few important members of the Taldan upper class in attendance; have you ever been to one of the princesses' little get-togethers?"
"You look lovely, by the way; that ruby fits you nicely. Let's join the party, shall we?" he suggests.
Thorn lands on Nev's shoulder, glaring at Val. He settles his rainbow of fabric this way and that, and then prod's Nev in the neck to move forward.
"I am not her pixie, I am my own pixie, thankyouverymuch! And of course there are important members of the Taldan upper class in attendance, that is the point!" He harrumphs, his annoyed voice sounding quite funny with the high pitch and fast paced speaking. "And why couldn't you take a lesson from him, and dress with some style, eh?!" He shrieks as he gestures towards Valignatir. "Now take his arm and lets go, we're late!"
"I apologize, Master Pixie, for I did not mean to insult you."
Valignatir smiles at the compliment, looking down to check that his outfit is still fine.
"I appreciate the kind words, but you will not find these colors much in this part of the world. And I agree, we should go on in. The last guests are arriving now."
She blushes softly at Val's compliment and lightly swats at Thorn, rolling her eyes at his insults. "Thank you, Valignatir, for meeting me out front. I have actually never been to a party, let alone one of the princesses'." She takes his arm delicately, and looks back at the carriage swarming in pixies. I do hope they behave...
"It's perfectly fine. Remember, even those of us who have attended this multiple times, we all had to have a first time party anyway. This is a perfect time for yours."
He leads her into the palace, stopping to see if she wants to drop anything off at the servant taking coats, and then enters the chaos of the parlor again, this time with Nev.
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..."You on the other hand look like you're trying to avoid someone." Kyra noted to Gabrielle.
"Am I being that obvious?" the Lady asks rhetorically before she gives her glasses a quick adjustment. "To be honest, I would prefer to have a drink in hand before being approached by any gentlemen. On the topic, I do hope our Chelish friend does not draw another attempt on his life tonight. Perhaps we should band together for protection as we face the dangers that await us this evening?" she asks, with a dash of playfulness in her voice, the gentle waving of her fan following along with her words.
Nev, Valignatir, and Thorn make their way through the parlor, and hearing from Thorn that Gabrielle is in the gardens, she begins to quicken her step in that direction. The last time Gabrielle saw me in a dress was during the maiming of that poor gossamer concoction that we picked up on one of her shopping excursions... I do hope she is pleased with my effort for this evening. As she nears the spot where Gabrielle and Lady Kyra stand, she softly waves at her dear old friend.
"I apologize for so rudely leaving you, but I simply had to meet Nev outside. I know how shy she can get, and I figured having me to help her from the beginning would be highly welcome."
He looks towards Nev, and flashes a stunning smile.
"Oh don't worry, you're doing fine. I'm just that good." Kyra said with a reassuring smile. "The Ambassador? Nasty business that, although I hear his would be assailant was a woman. Makes you wonder whether it was really as political as the official story. The way my brother said it she was a little too shoddy to really be a Red Mantis." Kyra scoffed halfheartedly, now quite halfway through her drink.
t wasn't long before their erstwhile conversationalist returned with another woman in tow, one which Kyra was familiar with; though she'd not had the pleasure to meet. Her dress, if you could call it that, made her raise an eyebrow.
"Indeed. The other good ladies of the court will feel quite silly with themselves now." Kyra concurred, raising her glass in praise. "It's so good to meet you for the first time Dame Atropa, all of the girls in my Hymnnos Orchestra keep swooning over your endless exploits in the crusader armies. Why, if they keep gossiping like that I'm sure I'll return to Oppara to learn you single handedly closed the Worldwound." Kyra laughed as she shook hands with the girl.
"Gabrielle! Yoo hoo!" The shrill voice coming from the palace entry grates the ears of any nearby. The telltale nasal quality sending shivers down Gabrielle's spine. It issues from a woman in her forties, dressed in an overly ornate dress, and covered in jewelery.
She has a handsome young man on her arm, escorting her out to the gardens. When she approaches she interrupts by introducing the young man. "Have you met Lord Nikolaos Sclerina? He was the Maitre'd at this year's Carnaval! and he's unattached!" She says as she winks a bit less than subtly.
"A pleasure Lady Gabrielle. I hear we have much in common, both being patrons of the arts. Lady Rubicon, it's good to see you again." He says as he politely bows to the whole group. "Apologies for the interruptions. It seems that the Lady Eiredor has forgotten herself for a moment. Please, Lady Rubicon, won't you introduce us to your friends."
Lord Karthis considers what Lord Rook has said for a moment, "Sound advice, my Lord. Maybe I should fund an expedition force into Numeria in hopes of returning with their particular brand of weaponry for the Hold. Haha!"
Trumpets shout a fanfare throughout the villa announcing that the ballroom is now open to guests. By the third blast of the trumpets everyone has made their way into the 100 yard room and one by one been announced. After the pomp of nobility, the candles are dimmed to allow better light to see Princess Eutropia rise from her place on her throne across the ballroom. Three of her servants announce her in a beautifully harmonic chord, "Grand Princess of Taldor, Her Majesty, Princess Eutropia Stavian the First." Obviously the servants are well practiced.
The elegant woman makes her way down the staircase, the train on her golden dress still flowing from the top of the stairs, even as she reaches the bottom. As she finds her way through the crowded room, her train slowly shortens to a reasonable length. The first words out of her mouth this evening, "Ser Constantine, our friend! It has been years since we've seen you in our court. You'll have to gift us with a dance later."
As she continues through the crowd surveying her guests. She takes time to address everyone in a similar fashion. Coming finally to the Ambassador and Lady Nev. "You two would make an adorable couple! she takes a second for the gasp of the crowd to settle. "We're delighted you could make it tonight, Lady Atropa. This party wouldn't be the same without the Dame that saved our life." She kisses Nev on the cheeks, then proceeds to the middle of the ballroom.
She chants something then delicately touches her finger to her throat.
"My Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Grand-Soiree. May we present the entertainment stylings of Lord Nikolaos Sclerina." The curtain under the throne balcony raises to reveal a large orchestral compliment. "Dance and mingle to your heart's content! At an hour after nightfall, the ladies will retire to the garden for gossip, and the gentlemen to the Brandy Parlor for Cigars and Brandy. Please, you are our guests tonight, and we sincerely hope each of you enjoy your time with us this evening. If you wish to speak with us, please request an audience through our Ladies-in-Waiting and we will gladly attend your requests."
Pleased that the Lord Marshal would remember him, it would be good to have at least a few allies around, Constantine grins and takes a sip from his wine. ”My father's health is infallible, as always. I fear my eldest brother may wait another fifty years for an inheritance. The sedentary life suits him though. He is not as fast as he used to be..his mind, however, is still keen and sharp. I only hope to assist him now that I've returned to Taldor.”
The Princess's entry draws Constantine's attention. ”My..she's as beautiful as always. Tell me, Lord Marshal, how has the Princess been these last few years?”
As she winds her way close, Constantine bows low, taking her hand and pressing a kiss to the back of it. ”Your majesty, your royalty is, as ever, blinding to behold and a pure delight. If there was one sight I missed in long years among sweaty soldiers and screeching monsters it was the beautiful sight of our dear Princess Eutropia.”
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, take higher
Lady Gabrielle greets Lord Sclerina with a well-practiced curtsey and a well-practiced glance of admiration and interest meant for both him and her mother. A single look could say more than an entire speech, a message she was certain to have gotten across by the time Lord Sclerina spoke to the group.
***
When the Princess greets Nev, Lady Gabrielle gives her friend a look of great interest. She would not rest until she learned all the details this valiant rescue.
"Why, thank you, your Majesty." Valignatir performs a small bow, at least as well as he can with Nev on his arm, and says nothing to correct the princess.
After the princess leaves them, he whispers to Nev to excuse him, for he must seek an audience with the princess.
He spots her, and slowly makes his way through the crowd, ignoring any and all questions about Nev.
Reaching the Lady, he takes a short bow before speaking.
"I am here to request an audience with the princess."
"Your request has been noted, please enjoy yourself while you wait to be called, My Lord."
With the music in swing, the party roars on for nearly 3 quarter hours before the Ambassador is called to the throne room above the ballroom
Wincing at the shrill voice assaulting her ears, Kyra turned to see who approached, frowning as she saw whom it was. "I see, now that makes sense. My condolences, especially for her pick..." Kyra said toward Gabrielle in pity, watching her mother walk up to introduce Nikoloas. Kyra had to admit, not exactly the worst she could find, but he was a Sclerina - and that House wasn't particularly engendered to House Rubicon. Kyra was actually more familiar with this particular man, as he'd tried to scout her during her college days. Obviously she turned him down on the advice of her teachers and family and elected to strike her own path.
"Why am I not surprised to see you Lord Sclerina? You and your parties. Well, the Princess does appreciate a master of his craft, no matter which family name they might have." Kyra said rather diplomatically, offering a small barb toward his family, should he recognize through the compliment she disguised it as. Kyra then went around the circle to begin introducing everyone present, Ambassador Valignatr, Dame Genevieve, her companion Thorn, and her escort Sir Argos.
"I do believe you all need some refreshments in your hands if we're to continue this lovely conversation though." Kyra pointed out, though was interrupted by the sudden announcement of Princess Eutropa's arrival. She nods to the Princess as she arrives and raises her eyebrows as she compliments Nev and Valignatr, though obviously a more tame reaction compared to what others might think about consorting so closely with a Chelaxian.
Returning to the group with the others, Valignatir grabs another glass of the Chelaxian wine, which is untouched by any but himself.
"The princess' handmaiden has agreed to notify me when I may see Her, so I may have to leave again shortly."
He laughs, and then looks around at the group assembled.
"But, until then, let us talk and be merry, no? I am particularly glad the princess remembered my taste in drink!"
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Lady Gabrielle turns to pluck a glass of something light from a passing server's tray. "An excellent suggestion," she announces. "I will almost certainly be making use of liquid courage in a short while."
She then turns to Kyra. "What about yourself, Lady Rubicon? Your dazzling demeanor is sure to attract a few gentlemen in the short window they have been provided."
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"Please just Kyra, no need to be so formal. It is a party after all. Ah, but yes, the unfortunate curse of fame and skill, I'm sure many will try to test the waters, and many will be found wanting. Half of cousin Argos' job is keeping the...unwanted affections of my many less appreciable fans at bay." Kyra chuckled, patting her guard on his shoulder.
"Perhaps if you performed with me sometime in the theater they could bother you instead of me?" she suggested with a playful tone. "Though I suspect they'll end up like all the rest right? I swear dear, you've turned down so many men I've started wondering when your mother Lady Florianne would start bringing women to you out of desperation." Kyra teased, giving a wink to the girl's mother.
"I wish you would take your safety with more concern Kyra, I don't appreciate the extra stress." Argos sighed with somewhat melancholy tones. "But yes, there have been...quite a few shall we say 'enthusiastic' fans of the Lady's that I have needed to turn away, sometimes with, shall we say 'a large helping hand.' The unfortunate curse of being the bodyguard to 'fame and skill' as it were." He said, a small smile and hint of sarcasm breaking his stoic face for a moment.
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"I have yearned to make a return," she replies. "I would not wish to impose too great a burden, though. It might require quite a volume of favors to arrange a production with a relevant number of duets," she explains, her fan adding a certain joyous emotion to her speech.
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"I would most certainly attend such a prestigious event, should it ever occur. I have heard, Lady Kyra, that you recently graduated from academy, the much lauded Kithorian, no? And I have no doubt that your voice is as magnificent as your acting skills."
Nev shifts uncomfortably, the group of people making her uneasy. She had spent many of her formative years in crowds, but of a drastically different sort. The men at Lastwall and at the Worldwound had not cared what she wore, if her courtesies were up to par, or what man she chose to spend her time with. She protected them, and they her, from the dangers of warfare. Here, she had no armor other than her wit, and she knew that she fell short. A few months of diplomatic practice was not near enough for the people of status gathered here. Though she was certain Valignatir meant well, his smile and reassurances to Gabrielle and Lady Kyra did nothing to calm her nerves.
Seeing Gabrielle gave her a small bit of assurance, she brought up a larger sense of self in Nev. Her dearest friend would help her here, just as she had when they were children. Gabrielle's compliment gave Nev some confidence, and she found herself straighten from her slouch for the first time in a long while. She faltered a bit when she realized that she was looking down at the tall Chelaxian, but was determined to hide her discomfort.
"Thank you, Gabrielle! I was hoping that you might approve. You look lovely as always."
"And my Lady Rubicon! It is my great pleasure to meet you at last! Rumors do get out of hand, don't they?" She asks as she chuckles at Kyra's jest, with a small sidelong glance in Valignatir's direction.
The sound of Lady Eiredor's voice is well known to Nev, and she winces for her friend as she faces away from Lady Florianne. After Florianne and her companion walk up to the party, she nods politely at Lord Nikolaos Sclerina. She listens to a bit of the conversation, and then walks into the parlor for Princess Eutropia's speech.
"You two would make an adorable couple! she takes a second for the gasp of the crowd to settle. "We're delighted you could make it tonight, Lady Atropa. This party wouldn't be the same without the Dame that saved our life." She kisses Nev on the cheeks, then proceeds to the middle of the ballroom.
Nev sighs as she is sure she turns the brightest of reds. She nods at her compliment, and awkwardly leans down as the Princess reaches her.
Nev frowns as Val runs off, confused and concerned about the ramifications of rumors that run wild. She continues to listen to the conversation of those around her. It would be lovely if Gabrielle returned to the stage... She nods as Val returns, but continues to be lost in thought.
There are few things more interesting to Constantine than the offer of a dance and some music. Adventure, violence and magic fall to the wayside when a pretty face and a well plaid orchestra await. With a bow to the Lord Marshal, Constantine carefully extricates himself. "Alas..I would ask that we speak of more serious, more recent, events in the near future, my Lord Marshal, but the Princess bids we dance and I am never one to forsake the orders of her grand Majesty--especially with so many lovely ladies present. My presence in Taldor's dance halls has been long forgotten and I hope to invigorate it."
With a playful smile and a small wink, Constantine moves across the dance floor. His eyes wander the crowds, seeking out his father. He winds his way closer, interjecting himself rather abruptly into the the conversation. "Lord Rook, Lord Karthis. Are you enjoying Lord Sclerina's orchestra?"
"My stage is always open, not as grand as some of the other theaters but it suits my tastes. I'm sure we could figure something out." Kyra said, raising her glass to the idea and finishing it off and turning to Valignatir
"You hear correctly Ambassador, you flatterer. Just last year I finally finished off my courses, hmm I wonder if Lord Stokes was invited? He was so sad to see me gone from the academy. Still, if you're interested I could have some tickets to my next performance forwarded to you. Personally, while I enjoy acting, singing is really my passion." Kyra cast Mage Hand to steal a glass off a nearby server's plate and float it over to her hand.
"Flatter? I would never!"
"I would, however, very much like that, and I do appreciate the offer. I cannot wait to attend one of your events."
He smiles, and seems to be genuine in his desire to attend.
The Lord Marshall leans in to whisper into Constantine’s ear ”Her majesty has been maneuvering to inherit the throne. It’s something of a controversy here as of recently. As for your father, If I don’t see him tonight, and I so hope that I do, let him know that I’d like a rematch of our last game of chess.”
The Princess takes Ser Constantine’s hand and proceeds to dance as elegantly as her status suggests she would. As they waltz around the ballroom the princess strikes a rather odd conversation in the relative privacy of the noise. ”It has been too long, Constantine, How have your travels been? I’ve heard you now operate your own mercenary company? I do hope that I still hold your favor. It would be quite useful to have someone truly loyal with such an asset.”
When the dance is over she curtsies to Ser Constantine ”We hope that you will discuss this matter more with us in private in the coming months.” She then flows away and whispers something to her hand maiden before walking up the stairs to her throne.
”Did I sense envy at my being this year’s choice for planner before Our Majesty was announced, Lady Rubicon? I’m sure you will be in the running for next year, if you were to give Lady d’Apcher a place in your productions.” Lord Sclerina retorts after the introductions are completed.
Sensing the tension in the group, ”Lady Gabrielle, it was a pleasure. I hope to have conversations with you in the future, and I hope you return to our opera houses post haste. It is uncommon to find such talent in Oppara anymore.” With a sly grin he bows to the group and excuses himself.
A beautiful young woman walks up to the group. "Apologies for the intrusion, my lords and ladies. Ambassador, the Princess will see you at her throne now." She bows and walks away.
Amongst nobles here, you can hear gossips of a romance brewing between the Devil Lord and the Grey Lady.
You can also hear the the whispers of what happened to the house of Anton LeRoux after they were found to have instigated the assassination attempt on the Ambassador.
Details of the rumored romance between Ambassador Jeggare and Dame Atropa become more clear, suggesting that the ruby choker was a gift of affection from the Ambassador.
Details of the stripping of all the the LeRoux's titles after the events at his yearly commitment ceremony become clear. Word is that The Dark Lady had a hand in bringing the treachery of the house to light.
There are also whispers about how atrocious a public execution the Chelish assassin had, and that the emperor allowed the Ambassador to exact Chelish law on the woman after she was found to be undeniably from Cheliax.
Somewhere in the crowd of more than a hundred attendees you hear the whisper of an attempt on the life of the Grand Prince to come in the future. You cannot pinpoint the location, and could not hear exactly when.
"Constantine," Lord Rook says as his son pulls up, "Of course you'd be the one who showed up here. You probably have more direct views on war in the East than I do, in any case, if young Karthis here has questions about that sort of thing. I should also recommend not drinking too much tonight—these parties see a lot of men of influence... waver in their wits, and it might be the perfect place to ask for a proper title and some land beyond the Barony. It sure would tickle Marion the next time you dropped by for dinner at the castle you came with a longer title than he has."
And then, slowly, he pushes himself out of the wheelchair a bit. "My opinions on the music are... rather private, he says, and whispers, if you're bored later, someone here is discussing assassination, and Janus couldn't pick anything up his sweep..""