Vika runs upstairs and a few minutes later is back with a yellow and white frilly dress clearly made for a child. She places it alongside Wonky and with an expert eye says out loud Well... we have to put this in maybe a bit of this out... we have to hide that and make it look like you have some of this... I have a seamstress who owes me a favour. It'll be ready for the night . A bright smile part his mouth as she speaks.
For her part, Aris withdraws from the chaos preceding the ball, instead returning to her room at Swordlord Teodor Koenig's estate and sorting through her belongings, and especially through the library. She knows already that she doesn't have anything worthy of wearing to a ball, so instead settles for a quick magical cleaning. That done, she consults a map of northern Avistan and the flops into a chair with a book on the politics of the River Kingdoms, which she reads for a while.
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Wonky spends the next few hours as mentioned, getting soaked as she tries to groom Sprocket for his entree to high society. She takes less of a notice to her own appearance, but coos and screeches at the final fitting of the yellow and white dress, which clashes horribly with her green hair and blue eyes. Tickled all the colours of the rainbow, Wonky awaits her friends' arrival at a table in the Inn prior to the ball, trying unsuccessfully to festoon Sprocket's collar with ribbons.
Aurelius returned to the orphanage only long enough to grab a clean set of clothing, freshening up and promising to try work it so the left overs from the party make its way in the right direction. Before it is too much later, Aurelius finds himself sitting on a barrel outside of the inn, munching on an apple, waiting for the rest of the group.
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Wonky sticks her head outside and sees the angry one sitting on a barrel.
"Would you like to wait inside, Aurelius? I am sure that there could be an ale sitting at a table for you in here."
The gnome looks quite different dressed in a yellow-and-white cocktail gown with her luxurious green hair let down.
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Kalima nearing the time to go to the gathering shows up decked out in her noble garb with jewels, beautifully styled hair and clothing that is far too clean for this neighborhood. She looks to the others and says,
"I believe I am ready to go to this ball my colleagues. Let is travel there post-haste and put on a good impression shall we?"
Aurelius glances at the Gnome before smiling and nodding. "Why Miss Prong I would love to. I had just been taking in some sun. Ale would be lovely!"
Paval had shaved, cleaned his clothes and put on his good shirt. He then polished his signet ring to a shine and did the same with brass decorations on the hilt of his duelling sword. He was no noble, not without an estate or a title, so there was no use dressing like one.
He comes down the stairs just in time to hear Kalima saying they should leave, "We don't want to arrive too earl. Don't want to be a bother now do we?" It wasn't good to appear servile by showing up before the event started. This was supposed to be pleasure, not business.
A young man wearing a white cloth trimmed with golden thread and a yellow half cape welcomes Ahto It's always good to meet a servant of Abadar my brother he smiles and gestures for Ahto to follow him We have heard rumours of these expeditions for some time and I'm sure the vicar would love for you to tell him more but, alas, he has been asked to attend some matters by the mayor and can't receive you right now as he enters a room were clothes similar to his lay carefully clothed he says You're free to get the vestments you need, but we'll ask of you a different kind of donation he pauses a second and continues This expedition you're going to take part in, the Church would be interested in having a first person account of it, we ask you to write letters narrating the proccess of bringing civilization to where there is none
With a chuckle at Ahto's comment the man answers Don't worry about your writing style brother, we want these letters to be a true learning tool not a fantastical retelling
The priest pays mind to Ahto's question and replies There's a trader by the name of Oleg who has a small outpost in the Stolen Lands. He makes trips to Restov at least once a month, you could ask him to bring the letters
The evening is falling as the adventurers leave the inn on their way to the ball. The streets are almost empty but for patrols of guards making sure those attending the event remain undisturbed.
As the party arrives at the estate were the ball is taking place they can hear the music coming from the gardens, the laughter and buzz of conversation surrounds them as they arrive to a herald next to the door who asks each of the who he should announce.
The evening is falling as the adventurers leave the inn on their way to the ball. The streets are almost empty but for patrols of guards making sure those attending the event remain undisturbed.
As the party arrives at the estate were the ball is taking place they can hear the music coming from the gardens, the laughter and buzz of conversation surrounds them as they meet a herald next to the door who asks each of the who he should announce.
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Upon her turn, the gnome stands on her tip-toes to murmur to the herald:
"Wonky Stenolamellaralessa Prong, Jr of Karcau, oh, and Sprocket!"
She then settles back on her heels and blushes, looking completely in love with the idea of being announced. Once announced, she awaits the arm of one of her colleagues, and proceeds down the stairs into the ballroom, Sprocket following along on a dainty ribbon-festooned lead.
"I have never even considered the idea that I would be attending such a fancy dress party! Those silly romantic notions conjured by some of the immature fictional accounts of these events that I have read about are surprisingly accurate!"
Wonky is openly tearful.
Paval walks in next to Wonky. When the announcer asks who he should introduce a grin spreads across Paval's face. Just for an instant he thinks about having himself announced as "the royal bastard", just to see people's reactions. He however decides it probably wouldn't be the smartest thing to do, "Paval Aldaar, last heir of lost House Aldaar."
As Wonky breaks a tear Paval affectionately squeezes her hand. This wasn't the first time he had seen one of these things, though the last was admittedly quite long ago. He could understand her amazement though, balls tended to be overwhelming.
Aurelius stops at the man and inclined his head to him, before beginning to speak. "I'm nobody. Just an escort. Announce the Lady Kalima and I will escort her through. I am merely here to bask in the presence of the Lady, and of Lord Paval here."
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Kalima gives a respectful cursey to the Herald and says, "Greetings good herald. I am Lady Kalima Raustald, Daughter of Earl Drukril Raustald of Korzan and noble of Taldor. It is my pleasure to take part in these festivities good sir. Your hospitality to the various guests of your city is a thankful spark of generosity."
Aris pauses to let the others speak, then clears her throat. "Aris Tathmir, from Port Ice. She nods at the herald. "I don't hold any titles, and I don't have any announcements to make." She makes mental notes of the proceedings, just on the off-chance that some important information is conveyed the others miss.
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Wonky blows her nose into a handkerchief that she then shoves up the sleeve of her dress and squints up at Paval, his attention elsewhere.
"'Lost' House Aldaar? Was your title removed, or your noble claim withdrawn? Or is it just that the physical house was lost?"
She motions at a server circling with a tray covered in glasses of something effervescent, stands on tip-toes, and selects a pink drink. Satisfied, she resumes her slow promenade with Paval of the periphery of the ball.
Paval smiles as he answers. "No estate, no money, no family. My mother was the last of the family and she, as far as the people in Restov knew, vanished. My very existence is a surprise to them. So yes, house Aldaar has been lost." He looks around, curious if the announcement drew any further attention.
"Besides, the relation between my family and the other local Houses is rocky at best. No open hostility, mind you, but lets just say they didn't mind when the House fell."
Paval breaks into a laugh, "Just over a week ago, before I came here."
He then drops his own voice to a whisper, "The vanishing happened years ago, before I was born. It happened the day after the estate burnt down. She wasn't there for the fire and was the only surviving Aldaar. She disappeared the next day and none here have seen her or heard of her since. At least no until I just announced myself as an Aldaar and as such as her son."
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Ahto moves with the group, giving polite nods of acknowledgement to anyone who meets his gaze. He holds back from initiating conversation, well-aware that being clergy and an executioner make him an uncomfortable person with whom to chat.
He takes a chalice of wine or mead, if offered, as well as any hor d'oevres that may pass, but does not gorge, saving room for the inevitable feast later.
"Probably yes." They'd watch, even if only to figure out who he was and who the Gnomish lady next to him could be.
When she asked him to dance Paval made a short bow and offered to take her hand, "Of course milady."
As the group enters the ball there are a few heads turned to look at them. The announcement of Paval's heritage brings more attention than any other and as he moves around the party there are many curious glances directed his way.
There is a man surreptiously following Paval while keeping his hand on the pommel of his sword
When the music starts playing some of the younger couples begin to dance in circles flashing their flaunting their fineries.
The vicar of the Church of Abadar dressed in white silk and gold ceremonial robes walks around the dancers followed by half a dozen adepts while chatting with the mayor.
A young nobleman approaches Lady Kalima and offers his hand to her without exchanging a word, asking her to dance alongside him.
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Kalima gives a curtsy to the young nobleman and says, "I would be delighted to give a dance with a man of refined taste such as yourself."
She then begins dancing with the man. Making a diplomacy to make sure Kalima follows the proper protocol and leaves a good impression as she mingles with the aristocracy.
And indeed she makes a good impression.
Paval keeps a close eye on the rest of the room as he dances. There is, however, a lot going on and he feels he fails to notice half of it.
Aurelius takes a glass of wine and begins to slip on it idly, glancing around with a bored expression on his face.
Sprocket suddenly stops dancing and looks straight at the crowd surrounding the dancers were a balding forty something man heavily built and dressed in a fine leather armor is looking straight at Paval with a hand on the pommel of his sword. A low growl leaves Sprocket's throat as he moves between Wonky and the man.
The vicar shakes hands with the mayor and they go separate ways as the cleric approaches Ahto. He embraces him warmly and with a smile says Well met Brother Ahto, may. I'm glad to have a chance to speak with you before you leave he indicates to one of his followers who comes next to Ahto and offers him a small cylindrical package wrapped in soft leather.
The man dancing with Kalima is short and brown-haired. His face wide and maybe a little too stocky. But his movements are almost perfect as they dance. Allow me to introduce me my lady. I'm Ereban Surtova, cousin thrice removed of the king. It's an amazing pleasure to dance alongside you but I'm afraid I'm here for business
Paval turns around the moment he hears Sprocket growl. Seeing the man's stance Paval's hand involuntarily moves to the pommel of his own blade. "Greeting, kind sir. Was there anything you wanted from me?"
The man steps forward towards Paval while gnarling I don't take well to liars who use the name of the dead. My brother died in the fire that ended house Aldaar, I won't stand idle while an imposter tries to take their name. he slowly unsheathes his sword and points it towards Paval's head Renounce your lies or face me in a duel if you have any honour
"Your brother died in that fire? I am sorry for your loss. Now if I had lied I would renounce those words, but I haven't so I won't." He offered the man a genuine smile, though that quickly turned to a smirk.
Paval slightly raised his voice as he spoke again so that all those around them could hear, "The curious thing is though, that the only one not of house Aldaar that perished in the fire was the arsonist. Are you saying it was your brother that brutally murdered my kin?"
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She gives a smirk and says, "Oh business, it is a part of every exchange I am afraid Ereban Surtova. One has to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves. Indeed, I myself am in this city for but a brief amount of time to make some connections before leaving for other affairs. Still a brief amount of enjoyment is worth taking time for I suppose."
The man barely contains his anger at Paval's words and shouts My brother tried to save those caught in the fire, he managed to get the young Zsofia out of the fire but he died of his injuries three days later he steps forwrd until his sword almost touches Paval and you, a liar and an imposter, dare accuse him of murder? You will face me on a duel or I'll slay you where you stand
As he dances expertly with Kalima the man smile at her words You're indeed a rare creature, I must confess before meeting you I thought you a brat fleeing a good marriage in a childish impulse, but I see there's more to you than a wife to be used as a bargaining chip he looks around to make sure no one is listening and whispers at Kalima's ear
The man moves Kalima so she can see two men dressed with the latest Taldan fashion watching her intently.
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Wonky stands frozen, mesmerised by the exchange.
This stupid dress....this stupid pedigree-measuring contest!
"Is that true?! Did this man's brother rescue a relative of yours from the fire, Paval? I'd want to talk about it first, and then challenge to duels afterwards, if I were the two of you. Come here, Sprocket."
The gnome calls for her dog and moves back from the growling men.
"Which is odd, as my mother was not at the estate when it burnt down. She was miles away, here in Restov and you could hardly call her 'young Zsofia', she was 17." Paval looked the man straight in the eye. Something wasn't right.
"But before you make any rash decisions, what makes you so sure I'm not the son of this Zsofia you speak of?" While Paval rested his sword hand on the hilt of his sword he moved for his other to secretly draw a dagger from his belt.
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The vicar shakes hands with the mayor and they go separate ways as the cleric approaches Ahto. He embraces him warmly and with a smile says Well met Brother Ahto, may. I'm glad to have a chance to speak with you before you leave he indicates to one of his followers who comes next to Ahto and offers him a small cylindrical package wrapped in soft leather.
"Centainly, Your Eminence. How can I be of service? I have already been notified of the Church's desire for me to send regular reports." Ahto accepts the package from the Vicar's attendant. "Should I open this now, or are its contents for my eyes only?"