Vince snorts and then raises his own hand, waving it excitedly.. “I do as well.
He seems sincere.
He seems sarcastic.
Yep, definitely sarcastic
"Hmph. So, just the elf, then. An elf won't get anywhere with these society types. At best, you'll be a curiosity. I suppose that means the burden falls on my shoulders, unless someone else is yet to speak up."
"I learned some etiquette from my master. Enough to get by, at least."
Tarken just sat there taking it all in. The elf raised a good point, how were they to know any of this was real, what if these were the agents that stole their memories and are now trying to use the group for their nefarious purpose.
Something about all of this was just so damn odd but with holes so large in his memory, Tarken was just not sure what to make of it all. When the subject turned to the party he finally spoke up, "I cannot believe I would be of any use at this party. Unlike the rest of you, I cannot so very easily blend in. Our enemies will know me when they see me.
Perhaps there is another way I can be helpful but I am not sure going inside is the way..."
After a suitable time, Gray shrugged and entered his dwelling. He tried not to think about the fact that it might be compromised, instead resolving to find his own lodgings later on this night. If his fellows didn't know where he was staying, they couldn't give him away. That being decided, he started to search through his magical haversack, pleased at all the equipment he found within. He had been a rather busy boy lately, it seemed.
After packing everything back up, the unremarkable-looking man left the building, taking several meandering twists and turns that seemed pointless to most observers but brought him closer to Carew's Clothing Emporium. Again looking back to make sure he wasn't being watched, he entered the establishment if the coast was clear, spitting a wad of phlegm off to the side before doing so.
As Ziera sits in the semi-disreputable tavern, waiting, she ponders the fact that she had been a cell leader. She wonders which had been part of her cell. ... And to agree to lead such people, she must have trusted them with her life. She wishes that she could feel that way now. No memories for so long. There was nothing for it but to start over, but they didn't even know the objective of the mission at the ball. The situation was untenable.
She supposed she would have to find out something about who would be at the Leroung Ball, and what she could possibly have been trying to accomplish there. Only two days... and zero back-up. This was going to be challenging.
Gray let his eyes wander over the young woman who showed him to Carew, knowing that such things would be expected of a younger man shown so much flesh. And he did indeed look at the exposed skin with longing, but not for the reason it was advertised. Smiling faintly at the attendant as she drifted away, the inquisitor turned his attention to Carew himself.
Gray weighed his options, then removed 50 gold coins from his pouch, placing them in the capable gnome's hands. For something nice, but not too gaudy. He didn't want to stand out for either the right or wrong reasons at such a lavish ball. As the gnome fitted him, the young man cooperated fully, engaging in small talk about the upcoming Leroung Ball, most notably about the popular attendees that are expected.
Ziera, having gotten too interested in her book, finally finishes it, cheering at the great ending, and then realizing that everyone is looking at her, she stands up and takes a bow. Then she walks out to go back to her room. Well, she thinks, the point was to be noticed.
On the way back to her place, she ducks into a dark alley, coming out on the other end with a different set of clothing and a different hair color, and waiting around the corner to make sure she isn't being followed. She doesn't want to be ruled by paranoia, but with someone stealing memories, you can't be too careful.
One she is sure that no one is following her from the tavern, she proceeds to her room, ducking aside to change back into whatever she wore out before she enters the building.
Gray didn't have to feign surprise as he heard of the explosion at House Leroung, thinking to himself that having the first Ball of the season must be important if the nobles were still holding the event. Or perhaps it had been exaggerated. The inquisitor would check it out before reporting in.
After he left the shop and bid Carew farewell, Gray went down a nearby alley and came back out looking slightly different. Hair a shade lighter, eyes a shade darker, adding a few pock marks on his face. It was the subtle differences that made people second-guess themselves. The young man made for House Leroung, wishing to get a first-hand view of the damage done by the explosion.
Gray casually walked past, just looking like any normal passerby, but he looked the place over, not only looking for the damage to the building, but also to get a count of visible guards, exits, etc. It never hurt to have too much information.
After he made his pass, he made for the cell leader of elven descent's apartments, Ziera was her name, to report in. Making sure he wasn't followed, he knocked quietly on her door, rapping on it with quick succession.
Ziera cleans up to get the tavern smell off and gets some sleep. She casts solid note behind the door so that no one can get in while she is asleep.
The next day, she wears a disguise and changes into a more upper-class outfit when she nears that part of town. She goes out to gather information about the party, trying to find out who would be there and what the possible object of their mission would have been.
Gray waited just a few moments to see if the woman would answer her door, then quickly left when it appeared she was out and about. No sense drawing attention to the place by sticking around. He wandered about aimlessly for a time, wondering what the plan was at this Ball. If no answer was given, he would gather information, make contacts, and perhaps 'obtain' a few items of interest. Knowing more about who would have caused the explosion would certainly be a useful thing to know, as well.
Antonio nodded to Tarken. "A disguise would be difficult, there is no way to pass you off as a human." He rubs his chin in contemplation. "But we don't need to do that. We just need to make you appear as someone else. If we change the color of your scales, perhaps dress you in different garb - you would look out of place, for sure, but it would be workable. And no one would suspect you to use such a rudimentary disguise. The foolishness of it is what would make it most clever. It is hiding in plain sight."
He shrugged. "Though I don't do much with disguises. You'll have to ask someone else. I take it you don't know of any methods, Erasmus?"
Several hours before the ball, Ziera goes to case the place, setting up in a hiding place across the street to watch who is going in and out and to see the clothing styles of the servants in case she needs to imitate them.
As he meandered about the city, making a couple of more passes by the Leroung mansion to make sure there was still activity indicative of the Ball proceeding, the inquisitor spies the attractive elven woman he had been searching for. Realizing she might not recognize him in his current form, he made eye contact with her, clearing his throat once and then cutting eyes towards where her apartments lay.
With that, he proceeded along his way, wandering about before traveling back to Ziera's place, hoping she had proceeded more directly there.
Ziera spotted a man from the meeting... what was his name? Gray? who also seemed to be casing the mansion, and he signaled her, so she made her way to her house, thinking that was the general direction he had indicated. She went inside and, sure enough, saw him approaching. She looked around her small dwelling. She had nothing to offer him, but then again, it was likely an information exchange and not a social call. She left the door slightly ajar so he could slip inside without knocking.
Gray noted the slightly cracked door as he casually approached, glancing left and right before swiftly entering the small apartment, pulling the door closed behind him. He glanced at the elven woman for a moment, eyes narrowed slightly as he tried to remember something about her. Try as he might, the last thing he recalled was their brief time together at that meeting all that time ago.
The inquisitor shook his head, his brown eyes returning to a normal, non-threatening state. "Found out the Leroung Mansion suffered an explosion yesterday. The fools are still intent on carrying out the planned Ball, likely because it's the first of the season. The tailor mentioned that these particular nobles are more bookish than party animals, but that most of the noble houses will be in attendance."
Gray decided to just go along with things as though he knew exactly what was going on, but he hoped this woman, a supposed cell leader, would know more. "Any idea what our objective is? That will make planning a bit more productive."
Ziera thought briefly about whether she should trust this man, but at this point there was no reason not to, and she had to trust someone, at least up to a point, or she couldn't continue this charade. Trust someone or move away and take up farming or something... and although that last sounded strangely appealing, probably only because she was feeling lost, she decided to try trust.
Honestly Gray, I have no idea. I think that since we've lost our memories that all of our missions are forced to be information-gathering until we have more information. The explosion is interesting though. I just wish I knew if it was our side or the other side... or even knew what sides mean in all of this. I suppose we have to start from scratch in many ways, and find out who plays for what team... and even what team we want to join.
She looks at him to gauge his reaction to that last statement, making sure he didn't look outrageously offended at the thought that they needed to question absolutely everything about this situation.
In any case, unless you have a better idea, I think information gathering is the goal. ... and would you like to attend together? I find that I can usually get more done when I don't have to fend off pawing would-be suitors.
I also have to admit that I am concerned that we will be the subjects of a kidnapping attempt as well, since apparently we have just escaped such. So, if you agree, instead of the normal split and meet up later idea, we should probably keep each other in sight. ... I mean, all plans change, but that seems like a healthy precaution for now. Do you agree?
At the mention of attending the Ball together the young man grinned rather deviously, "You do me honor, m'lady. Care for a dance?" The inquisitor cackled, the laughter quickly turning to hacking and coughing. The man was red in the face before he caught his breath.
He turned his attention back to the woman again, once more serious. "You speak wisdom...and maybe having a once-familiar face around me will stir my memory. Do you have anything else to do before the event? I have to retrieve my outfit from Carew." The young man studied her features as she replied, trying to excite himself. She was lovely, there was no doubt, but the only thoughts that stirred warmth in him were thoughts of her screams. Such was life.
So, when you say that is too general of a check, was there a specific alternative available to me that I missed? Without memories or contacts, I don't have a lot to go on. Or did you mean that I should have described the situation more... browsing upscale shops and the like? Just so I know for next time.
No, I was just going to case the building and try to gather more information through observation, but that obviously wasn't going well. I'll come with you.
Okay. I mean, I did say it was about the party we were going to attend. But learning about the explosion is good general information.
Gray snapped out of his reverie of screams at the woman's words, vanquishing the thoughts of pulling his chain out and tearing at Ziera with it (and possibly having her do the same, if she seemed receptive to the idea). It was time for business...pleasure could come later.
The inquisitor nodded once, firmly, "Ok, let's be off, then. I figure the more we move around, the harder we are to track for whomever might be searching for us." With that, he reached up to his hood, closing his eyes for a moment. A small, bronze circlet was suddenly in its place, the man's features warping slightly soon after. Whereas his skin was the skin of a farmer, ruddy and plain, this new face was pale, with aristocratic cheekbones and bright blue eyes. His dull brown hair now was jet black and almost shiny, parted in a fashionable way.
"There, I think maybe I look the part of a noble fop now, besides for the outfit. I could have just disguised that, as well, but this trick won't hold up to close scrutiny, so the more of it that is real, the better." He smiled coldly at Ziera, then proceeded out the door to Carew's to pick up his outfit.
You look good. ... I mean, you did before, of course...
Ziera trails off at the obviously fake smile, and lets it go until after locking up, but as they are walking she says
Gray, listen. I realize that this isn't an ideal situation, and that there isn't anyone really to trust, but we have to be on the same side, even if it is just for this mission.
Realizing she is edging into vulnerability, she backs it off a touch and turns it into a quip.
I mean, I can't *dance* with someone who hates me, okay? And you can't possibly remember enough to hate me... so let's pretend we're friends. Deal?
I did find out something interesting earlier. The Thrunes aren't sending representatives to any of the parties this season. Why do you think that would be... and if there is no Thrune presence, why would we have decided to go there?
Gray smiled again at the woman, this one a bit more warm yet devious, as she offered a compliment. A people pleaser...that was useful information.
The inquisitor's eyes faltered for a moment...had he come off as unfriendly? He supposed he had been gazing at her with a bit more...hunger...than intended. His now-handsome face relaxed into a much more believable smile as he sought to assuage her concerns. He reached out to gently grasp her shoulder as he spoke, more to gauge her reaction than anything else, "We're on the same side. I think, anyway. I'm a professional, you don't have to worry about me blowing our cover."
The man chuckled as Ziera walked back her comment slightly, releasing her. "Of course...dancing is intimate. It's hard to be intimate with someone you dislike. And why pretend? I can't remember anything about you beyond a meeting from an undetermined amount of time ago. Who better to befriend than someone in the same circumstance?"
Gray absorbed the new info, thinking heavily on it. "Perhaps we were going to determine anti-Thrune sentiment among the noble houses. Or perhaps to ferret out the Thrune spy or spies who are obviously going to be in attendance. Perhaps we could even find them out and...dispose of them." The man again showed his almost feral grin at that statement as they proceeded along to Carew's.
Okay... says Ziera, giving up for now on getting below the surface. The words were perfect, but something still seemed... off.
Good ideas about what our mission may have been, although, if we identify a spy it seems like it would be better to keep them in place and perhaps even feed false information to them. If we eliminate them, another will be placed that we may not find as easily.
The elven woman was obviously perceptive and kept seeming put off by Gray's demeanor. He kept his composure, not showing his irritation. He was usually more skilled at making people feel relaxed and comfortable around himself. Instead, he opted for conversation. "Have you, by the way? Danced, that is. I think I can make it work after I see other couples do it for a time, but are you...how do I put it...clumsy?"
The inquisitor nodded matter-of-factly to Ziera's suggestion. "Of course, that seems like a more productive, yes less entertaining, approach. The end result is more key than the steps to get there."
As the couple stopped in front of Carew's, Gray opened the door, extending his hand inside. "Ladies first."
Ziera laughed out loud. You're hilarious. I bet you ask *all* the girls whether they are clumsy.
Ziera does some experimental dance steps in the street outside Carew's.
Hmm. Honestly, I don't know how good I am at dancing. I've never had formal training (that I know of), but I've never been called clumsy... before today, of course. Why? Sensitive toes? She smiles at him. I think we'll do okay.
When Gray opens the door for her, she nods to him and walks in first.
Gray smirked at Ziera's quip, certain that if he had it would have been to ascertain how capable they were of defending themselves. "Only my favorites, of course...so count your blessings." The handsome, pale face grinned, the eyes piercing as he shrewdly assessed the short time she spent dancing outside the shop. Slender and lithe and supple, with graceful movement. She'd do better than some of the women there with formal training, most likely.
As the pair entered the establishment, the inquisitor's eyes sought out the gnome, ignoring all other servants, even the scandalously dressed one, on his way to the proprietor. When he found the cheerful gnome he came close, towering over the man. "I sent my servant here to order my clothing. He said you would have it ready in time for the Ball. I trust that is the case?" Gray's haughty tone left no doubt that anything but an affirmative would cause a great deal of distress.
Be nice Ziera whispered to Gray. He's just doing his job. Honey, as they say...
Leaving Gray's side, Ziera wandered through the shop, taking in the latest styles, planning her outfit for the ball.
"Just trying to play the part of pompous noble...am I overdoing it?" Gray whispered back to her, lips moving subtly and head not at all. The man had felt a slight warmth on his neck as the woman had whispered to him, and it wasn't at all unpleasant.
The inquisitor found his eyes following the elven woman for a short time as he waited with a feigned impatience, tapping his foot with a derisive look on his face. He wondered if he would have found her appealing, if things had turned out differently for him. A rattle in his chest reminded him of the truth of things, though, and he turned his glower back onto Carew, waiting for the gnome to fetch his order.
Oh, no, you are quite convincing as a noble whispers Ziera after circling back to Gray and hearing his question. I was just thinking that people respond better to kindness than cruelty, and to gather information and gain contacts, that might be the better play. Not all nobles are evil jerks, after all. "Honey catches more flies than vinegar," as they say.
She touches him gently on the chin as his head is bowed toward her, listening, and brings his head up to look into his eyes (unless he resists the gentle pressure).
True in most things, in fact, don't you think?
She gazes into his eyes, hoping to see warmth instead of coldness, knowing that it must be in there somewhere.
Antonio spoke again. "In the meantime, I should be preparing for the ball myself. I'll be making my way to Carew's to find some better dress. I don't think a librarian's robes would look good in such a place, no?"
Slipping out the door, Antonio made his way into the streets. Following the address, he calmly strode, keeping an eye out for any who would recognize him.
Ziera turns around at the sound of someone coming in the door, and realizes that it is one of the flock. She is somewhat annoyed at the interruption, having wanted to take the conversation with Gray further, but instead she touches his chest, saying I've got this.
She drifts over to browse different fabrics, moving away from both Gray and Antonio, finding a place where no one is observing her, and casts Message, pointing to both Antonio and Gray. She whispers to Antonio while still pretending to browse:
Antonio, forgive me for not greeting you in person, but we should probably not all be seen together. The current plan is to try to gauge anti-Thrune sentiment at the party and report back on any suspicions as to a Thrune spy if we think that we encounter one. No official Thrune presence is expected. Have you discovered anything else?
"I suppose I just try to play to people's expectations. And just remember how the fly feels about her honeyed prison, m'lady." The handsome face tilts up at the gentle insistence, smirk tugging the edges of his lips. Amusement is clearly etched in his stolen features, which is probably an improvement from the cold disdain he had given her earlier.
Gray's eyes widened as Ziera placed her hand on his chest, wondering what her play was. Then the young man started to cough quietly, the buildup in his lungs and throat requiring loosening, as he nodded after having seen Antonio enter the establishment.
The inquisitor remained quiet for now, listening as Ziera's voice seemed to whisper in his ear. He refrained from nodding agreement with the plan, instead keeping his steely blue eyes on Carew.
Amusement is better than disdain. Ziera accepts it as at least an improvement before she is pulled away by circumstance.
Ziera finds a deep, beautiful blue cloth and clasps her hands together in delight. She tries to imagine what it would look like in an elegant ball gown.
Antonio, upon hearing Ziera's voice, looked around for a moment. Ah. Magic. Of course. He turned back to picking out cloths.
He whispered back. "Not yet. Me and Erasmus are both trained in etiquette, but I do not know if you or Miller are. The participants of the party will be no problem, but I would wish to find out who will be there. Any ideas of where to procure a guest list?"
"Arionne." Gray forced a leer onto his face, boldly looking over the woman's physique before accepting the offered clothing. He muttered under his breath, "Can't come see to me himself, can he? Hmmmm...we'll see how that works out for him."
The handsome, dark-haired nobleman turned on his heels and began to walk to the exit, his eyes expertly showing no recognition of either Glifdore or Payk. As he passed by Ziera he raised his eyebrows slightly in inquiry, looking towards the exit before pausing to fiddle with a sleeve of his dress coat.
Hearing Gray's voice come over the Message spell, Ziera ...
=== If she can't dismiss the spell ===
Ziera catches Gray's eye and motions him to silence. She eyes the door and nods, indicating that she will follow him in a moment. Then she whispers back to Antonio Etiquette? You mean that some of you might not know how to behave at the party? As to a guest list, I am not certain, but I have heard that almost everyone will be there, with the notable exception of the Thrunes for some reason. If you discover anything about that, that would also be something important to know. Hold on and I'll see if the others have anything.
Ziera walks over near Gilfdore, and quietly lets him know (without looking at him, but close enough to whisper) the same things that she has been sharing with Antonio. (Antonio and Gray both hear what she says.) ... she then passes on any answer over the Whisper-ma-phone, and asks Gilfdore to inform Payk.
=== If she can dismiss the spell ===
Ziera dismisses the spell quickly, nods to Gray that she will meet him outside, then recasts the spell, connecting Antonio, Gilfdore, and Payk.
She says since we have some new people... and then repeats what she earlier told Antonio. Then she says Antonio had a question about a guest list, and while I do not have an official one, I have heard reliably that almost everyone will be there, with the notable exception of the Thrunes for some reason. If you discover anything about that, that would also be something important to know. Gilfdore and Payk, do you have anything to add?
Glifdore starts at the voice and then looks around, quickly spotting Ziera. “I don’t be having done anything yet, just be taken Payk here to get him set for the Ball. I do know that he be not in full capacity but he can hear too and could be helping that way. ”