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Turing to the guests near him, now that a bit more attention has been cast on him, FInarin adjusts his purple hat so it catches the candle light just so. "Really? Me slaying ... a demon ... and single handedly at that. Quite the ... exaggeration as my .... companions were the ones to bring the foul beast ... down. Nonetheless, the populace needs it heroes, and who among us has not .... inflated a story a time or two. Certainly Lord Minovitas has. Yes, Finarin .... Monstep. My friends call me ... Lord Moonstep. Yes, Pathfinder. No, it is not all that ... dangerous. More ... dirty than anything else. Can't seem to keep these clothes from acquiring the filth in and around Absalom. Look me up at the Grand Lodge should you require any further ... assistance." With that, Finarin joins his companions, slightly nodding his head in Lady Morilla's direction.
Later that evening the group meets Lady Morilla in the teahouse. The Venture Captain thanks and shakes hands with each agent, before sitting down for a cup of tea.
”I’m appalled and disappointed that the same nobles who once opposed us now seek to steal our glory by claiming that creating the army was their idea. While I thank you for today’s efforts to rebuke them, I fear they’ll simply continue o perpetrate this fraud back in Taldor. Worse, should they succeed, it will only reinforce the ‘do nothing’ nobility and be another nail in Taldor’s coffin. And if it’s a coffin they’re building, I refuse to be buried with them.
"This is not unique to Taldor, yet in other lands I have met nobles who have their people’s needs in mind and greater vision of how to accomplish their goals. Rarely are these members of royal families, but many have their respective monarchs’ ears. Rather than recreate the Taldan empire of old, we shall promote an enlightened aristocracy that promotes the virtues of strong, wise governance. I do not expect a response now, but I invite you to join me in this endeavor.”
During the party's meeting with Lady Morilla, there is a quiet knock on the door followed by a woman saying, “My lady sends her thanks.” A sealed missive then slides under the door. Lady Morilla retrieves the note, stores it for later, and politely redirects any questions about it to other topics.
The seal on the missive is that of Princess Eutropia of Taldor.
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"My Lady, many thanks for allowing us to ... aid you in this mission. I for one whole-heartedly agree with you. You may continue to count on me to help .... further your goals in the future. With these companions by my side I am confident that we shall prove much more successful. My apologies if I speak out of turn, but what is your opinion of the ... artistic abilities of my friends?" Noticing the seal on the missive, Finarin inwardly grins to himself.
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Lort gives Morilla a wry grin, "So many of the factions seem to be splitting from the old ways and their original ties - Grand Lodge being the only exception. This is far too much to be merely a coincidence. It makes me wonder if the Decemvirate hasn't decided to simply make some - valid - excuses to do so that the Society may continue to grow without so many nations' political interests interfering."
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"Aye Lort, what with the Osirion faction doing the same thing, it seems there were some decisions made high up for some sweeping changes, and it can't be a coincidence. I don't expect the political feather smoothing... or ruffling... will ever leave our list of expected tasks," Cyrus says with a smile, remembering this evenings events and the look on Minotivas' face.
"So somedays we slog through mud, some days we hobnob with the upper crust. Either way, nobody has more fun getting paid to have fun then us I say."
Cyrus turns his ear towards the attractive venture captain, eager to hear her answer to Finarin's request.
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"Again you show your enlightenment and why you are held in esteem, Lady Morilla. We Pathfinder Agents perform the work, but it is clever and wise Venture Captains such as yourself that give our work vision and tie it towards a better tomorrow. We eagerly look forward to working with you again." Miro gives the lady a wide smile, easing back to allow others to speak, as well. He doubt Valsin will ever get such enthusiasm from this group.
"Oh, Lord Moonstep... Your friends' creations were fabulous! The look on Minovitas' fade will keep me amused many days to come. Were you not such excellent agents, I would foresee you great careers in art. However, I hope you'll stay with us, instead," Lady Morilla flashes a charming smile and sophisticated laugh.
"As for the factions separating from their home nations... I have no answers for the other than my own.. As I've stated, my... the factions goals have grown separate from Taldor, and especially it's aristocracy. Perhaps the other have felt the same. " The Venture Captain sinks deep into her thoughts for a moment, sighs, and takes a sip from her tea.
On the final day of festivities, the First Lady of Laws announces Grint Basatrel as the new member of the Grand Council. After the new councilor takes the stage to thank Diobel and the High Council for their trust, the crowd gradually disperses to fit in a bit more city-funded celebration. Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng, ever looking the part of a blind beggar, sidles up alongside the Pathfinders to chat.
“And so ends an election and begins a political career. I’m pleased that the High Council chose Grint, as he’s amenable to working with the Society. It also sounds as though he’s not the only one with friends in high places; I hear several of our close allies owe you their thanks, and they’ve already begun paying off that debt with a fewer presents delivered to the Grand Lodge with your names on them. Well done. The Society’s strength is not measured by the enemies it defeats but by the friends it keeps.”
With a concealed wave goodbye, Dreng stumbles off into the crowd once more, his alms bowl held high as he listens for more rumors of note.