"Last time I saw her she was in the smoke lounge." Seth says as Ernest leaves the room. Seth turns to the other two men in the room. "What else would you two like to discuss? Magic regulation has been a hot topic recently, so let's talk about something else." Seth takes a nice gulp of his ale.
Lucia takes Halcyon's arm with a smile on her face. "I just love telling our stories, its a shame Seth won't be here to hear it. I just love his reactions when I tell some of the stories." Lucia lets out a light laugh. "Where would you like to go?"
"You choose. Just perhaps away from the crowds, maybe on the 2nd floor. Crowds tend to overload my senses, so many emotions and they all flood my mind."
"The second floor sounds fine." Lucia begins walking towards the stairs onto the second floor and guides Halcyon with her. When they get to the stairs Lucia continues speaking. "I will start with my favorite story. It is how me and Seth met, and how he started courting me. My father is a merchant, and he was going on a rather long journey so he hired Seth and some of his men for extra protection. I went with him because I've always wanted to visit the city he was going to. Before we were about to leave, Seth made eye contact with me. When our eyes met he blushed and turned his head away from me. After a few hours of travel, I decided to formally introduce myself. We just exchanged small talk, but the entire time he wouldn't look at me eye to eye and he was always blushing. He was embarrassed, but it made him look cute. After that time, I would always go with my father and talk to Seth while we were travelling. He eventually started to actually look at me, and his eyes would sparkle and he would always be smiling whenever we talked. One day, when we returned to Roland he approached my father. He asked my father if he could court me, and to my delight my father said 'I thought you were already!'"
Halcyon listens with interest to Lucia's story, interrupting only to ask, "How old were you?"
“When have a witch and a wizard ever conversed about something besides magic?” he asks in jest. “I suppose there is a first time for everything. Well, have you heard of the Guard’s new Torture Master, that young one from Flamberge?” He rests down his wine glass, evidently done drinking.
“Torture. Amazing Alistair. Your ability to hone in on inappropriate party subjects is truly otherworldly.”
“Oh hush, it is interesting. The Roland Guard hired a murderer, a serial killer! Pardoned him for his crimes if he used his skills for the right side. ”
Halcyon and Lucia depart from the trophy room, and make their way to the upstairs vestibule. Lucia tells a story on how she met her husband Seth, while guiding Halcyon up the stairs. As they reach the second floor, they see Emile and Vincent by the entrance of the second floor patio. Emile seems nonchalant and almost at ease, while Vincent comes off as rushed and irked. “... worry not Vincent,” Emile assures him. “ Thank you again for doing this.”
“Yes, no problem, but I must be going, I will seek them out downstairs. ” Vincent spies Lucia and Halcyon walking up the stairs and leans in for a whisper.
Vincent gives a slight smile and wave to Lucia and Halcyon. He then passes towards the Lounge room.
In the next room, Estelle joins Raphael in a nearby seat. She is silent as she listens to Raphael, the lulls in his dialogue are filled with servant’s harp performance. “A journal on such issues would work if the everyman would read it, though a small paper has little traction. I have friends who write in the Durendal Daily, but such articles would never print on the front pages.” She ponders for a moment. “I think Verrill’s cure of last year’s nasty fever might have made front page, but I would have recalled if it was a headline. I agree that visibility of their situation is currently the best way to help their cause. Still, every bit of support helps. I even know a druid who volunteers to clean the sewers and make the space, well, pleasant.” A man passes through the room, appearing rather serious and keen. “Evening Durant,” Estelle says, and he gives a nod in your direction and continues towards the staircase. “He seemed to be in quite the high spirits before. Wonder what happened,” she trails off, distracted by the man’s appearance.
Downstairs, Aron answers Asfal. “Another blonde brother! I am Aron, it is wonderful to meet you. This lovely woman is Valentina, over there is Nishara, and Alexander. We had a bit of a mix-up and broke the previous hookah, worry not. Where in Galatine are you from, friend?” Aron extends both his hands towards Asfal, one open for a handshake, the other with the hookah pipe as an offer. Nishara and Valentina watch Aron’s face turn from whimsical delight to slight dismay at Asfal’s refusal of both.
Asfal bows politely, but doesn’t extend his hand. “You wouldn’t want what I have, I assure you. Though you are mistaken, I am from Durendal” Aron mouths something akin to ‘but...’ and gestures towards his golden hair and golden eyes. Asfal smiles weakly, and after he clears his throat of something unpleasant, responds. “Blood of my father. Rest assured I am Durendale to my core, though my appearance is somewhat deceiving to my claim.” Aron’s eyelids lower, and returns the hookah to his mouth. From the staircase, a man walks down. He is armored lightly, and sports medium dark hair with slight curls. His eyes are dark, and they scan the room quickly.
On the outdoor patio of the first floor, crickets begin to chirp after Marcus stops talking. Abigal appears hardly shocked for such an omen that was presented, though Eduard looks as if he has enough worry and wary for the both of them. More so than anything, she looks agitated. “I would hope the entire household isn’t aware. I will speak to Miss d’Orcay shortly, this affair was merely a misjudgment on the part of Eduard. I will be cautious however, thank you.” She takes a step towards the indoors, and gives Marcus a smile. “Let us mingle Eduard, there are still many guests we must meet. We will talk further later Marcus, I have never been to a Durendale bar before, and am rather interested in the idea of going to one.” Eduards face is terrified at this remark, but nonetheless follows her indoors.
Raphael's full focus is on Estelle as she considers his proposal and then clarifies what has already been done. Inroads are being made and this idea of mine is blooming nicely. This talk of Verrill is just the sort of in I needed for her to set up a meeting to with the ratfolk leadership. Keeping an even smile on his face, he nods and says, "Yes, I believe I heard about Monsieur Blightguard's fine work in halting the spread of that ravaging disease. It is, I should think, that sort of thing that will win over our fair city's residents." Raphael pauses, allowing Estelle to explain about the man assisting in the sewers.
Raphael's mouth opens to respond when Vincent Durant hurries through the room. Raphael returns the grim-faced bodyguard's nod with one of his own. So it seems Halcyon's warning has reached the master bodyguard's ears. Small wonder he looks as if he's seen his own ghost. Looking at Estelle, Raphael clears his throat and makes a comforting gesture, "I'm sure it was nothing. I've never known a bodyguard who took his job seriously who didn't look like he'd just been fed a dollop of cod's oil."
Raphael continues, "This druid you mentioned seems like a fine man or woman. If many took to that sort of path then perhaps things would get better much faster. If it's acceptable to the ratfolk, both Valentina and I would likely be happy to lend a hand the same way. I have some limited skill at healing and Valentina is tremendously capable as well." Raphael pauses as if a thought had just come to him, "Have you considered asking a few well-to-do nobles -particularly those that publicly proclaim their love for the commons- to lend a hand in a similar way? I might be able to find a few others to assist, though obviously we would need to ensure all are comfortable. A meeting with Nihrn Darkwiskers, Skiver Talltail and Verrill Blightguard might be a good starting point, for example. The last thing I would want to do is to interfere where I will only bring discomfort."
"I have heard a little bit about this torturer. I am quite indecisive on my opinion however. I understand why the Guard might take him in and use his...talents. It is like taking a sword smith to make swords for you instead of putting him to the rope. On the other hand, a man who has done enough criminal acts to be put to death should be dead." Seth finishes his ale off and gets up to refill it. As he is refilling his ale he poses a question. "Out of curiosity, do either of you happen to know his name?"
Lucia returns Vincent's wave with one of her own. "I was twenty two when I first began courting Seth, and we were married when I was twenty three. And before you ask, I am now twenty seven." Lucia looks around the Upper Vestibule before turning to Halcyon. "There are four rooms, and an outdoor area. Which would you like to go into?"
Halcyon turns her head this way and that, detecting voices to the east. She turns south and west to see if she detects other sounds.
She delays, eavesdropping on Raphael's conversation to determine the topic of conversation.
Marcus leaves the ballroom, heading west to the staircase room. He heads upstairs, arriving by the second story patio. He goes south, passing by Emile, Halcyon and Lucia, offering smiles and waves. He enters the room through the northwest door of the vestibule. The room is rather large, and while a tray from the fifth course looks appetizing, the room is relatively empty of any sign of life. Chairs and couches all face inward, as do the various portraits and landscapes that hang around the walls. Stairs go upwards towards the third floor. Whispers from the upper vestibules and from the opposite lounge promise activity, but Marcus presses on south.
The air in the southern room is different than the rest of the house. While the strong aromas of alcohol, smoke or culinary delights fill most of the house, an earthy tone washes over Marcus as he opens the door. Rightly so, as throughout the entire room are exotic plants and things in all manner of green. Bright magical lights float from the ceiling, washing the room in pseudo sunlight that almost strains one’s eyes. Some of the plants grow like vines on the walls, their tendrils spread in every direction. Some shine with luscious flowers, exhibiting deep and inviting shades of crimson, violet and pink. All of the life in the room is marked with small tags indicating what they are, all except a fairly well built Tizonian man. He dips his head into the flowers and takes a deep whiff, his leather hat almost falling off of his head. He moves over with the smallest possible pace towards the next flower, and continues to smell the plants, evidently unaware of Marcus’ entry. From a closed door to the south is the sound of music, something catchy and lively on trumpets and strings.
In the Lounge Room, Estelle gives a small chuckle. She smiles wryly, completely unconvinced you are telling the truth that everything is alright, but chooses to press on with the conversation regardless. “Many of the movers of the city do support our cause, but getting them to wear the badge and help out beside small monetary charity is difficult.As for a meeting, I am sure Verrill would be more than willing to meet you. Monsieur Talltail and Monsieur Darkwhiskers I wouldn’t bet on. The former has almost become a hermit and rarely take in visitors, and the latter sees himself as too much of a celebrity to involve himself in politics outside of his endorsements." She takes a small sip of wine, leaving her close to empty. She runs her finger across the glass, echoing a small, ringing sound. She continues. "Though it is undeniable that Skiver and Nihrn have more sway in the community. Perhaps you may have more luck than I in meeting with them.”
“I don’t remember the first name, but he took on ‘Flamberge’ as his last name after his family disowned him.” Alistairs ponders for a second, attempting to remember the name. “It was something common, Jean or Geromy or Jacques? It was something of the sort, I don’t quite recall.”
“It was Gilles I believe,” Bertrand states, taking a sip of wine. “Hear is to hoping the monster is put to where he belongs. Can you imagine if the Guard keeps hiring men for all their heinous crimes? We could have a necromancer, whoever was responsible for the Crater and a serial killer all sworn to protect us. Makes you feel safe, don’t it?”
Halcyon suggests they go west into the room north of the plant room. Once inside, she continues to listen.
To Lucia as they walk, she says, "Is there more to tell about your romance with Seth? You are lucky to find such an agreeable match without any interference from family." As she mentions family, her voice modulates slightly, indicating she does not have such found stories to tell about her own family.
"We have been very close ever since he started courting me and even closer after being married. My father raised me on his own and was always very supportive of me, and it was nice that he knew Seth for a few years before we first met." Lucia pauses for a moment and realized Halcyon's slight change. "Is everything okay?"
Seth takes a drink along with Bertrand. "I agree with you. We are not in a time of distress or war. One man is tolerable, but if they continue to do this, I might have to have a word with some friends I have in the Guard."
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Raphael smiles at Estelle's chuckle and shrugs, "My apologies, but I can't say anymore." Raphael's smile fades as he listens to her explanations and eventually grows into a pensive frown. He nods thoughtfully as she explains the situation with Skiver and Nihrn. "A shame that they won't meet with you, but I suppose their caution is justified. We'll simply have to see how things play out. I will put a few things in motion with my contacts and I hope we'll speak again soon on this." Raphael pauses, sitting in companionable silence for a moment before asking, "I haven't had a chance to explore the rest of the house, would you care to join me? We can leave Madame..." Raphael gestures towards Agnes, "I'm afraid I don't know her name. In any case, we can let her sleep peacefully. I'm curious about your other efforts on behalf of Roland's citizens."
Raphael stands and offers his arm before gesturing towards the room to the south. "Shall we?"
"Let's just say my father did not treat me as your father treated you ... with love and respect. Not a fairy tale love story, at least not the tame one parents tell their children when they want them to sleep at night."
As they move into the room, she sighs and says, "So what is this room?"
Halcyon and Lucia move from the upper vestibule to the western staircase room. While chairs and couches are set up for the use of guests, no one else seems to be in the room. Lucia and Halcyon continue their conversation.
The man does not seem to have any bloodlines, domains, mysteries, schools or hexes. He has some magical trinkets on him, including a necklace and a ring.
In the plant room, the Tizonian continues to make his rounds through the flowers as Marcus speaks. He appears to be in his mid thirties and compared to others at the party, he is dressed less formal. A white button-up shirt, with a dark cape covering his back. His face has a couple scars on it, and he appears like the event wasn’t worth shaving his scruff for. His hair is gelled under his hat, and while not unpleasant, the gel’s smell is rather powerful. He is silent for a while, finishing his inspection of a flower. His voice is deep and raspy, with a thick Tizonian accent. “I certainly never would have thought of it, amigo.” His finger bounces on a particular specimen, a crimson flower with tulip like petals. “Never have I seen flowers like these thrive outside of my country. It is like home here. Me llamo Tomas Parisi, merchant de Tizona. You are the first other man to enter the room.”
She smiles affectionately, and places her wine glass down on the table. “I am sure Madame Agnes will be fine, I would love to join you.” She grabs his arm, and they both make their way towards the southern room.
Raphael and Estelle enter, revealing a suitably sized room filled with dated artifacts. Closer inspection of the room show that everything seems to be remnants from previous generation of the de Beaux family, all organized and labelled by date with small golden plaques. Many scrolls lie framed against the walls, evidently realized prophesies that the de Beaux family's various Oracles have predicted. Upon both walls and sealed within display cases are various swords and pole arms, all bearing the de Beaux crest (a bird plumed gold and purple on a black shield), all with labels detailing their use. Mannequins hold wear wartime armor, arcane gowns, and various trinkets and jewelry of family importance. Paintings hang between blades, dating back to when the family had enough sway and gold to merit such paintings.
“My family had a room very similar to this. Less weapons and armor, though enough holy symbols to cover all these walls.”
A man walks into the bar from the eastern entrance as Seth speaks to Bertrand (“I agree with you...”). Seth recognizes him from earlier at Captain of the Roland Helmuth von Moltke IV. He goes to the counter, and asks for a drink. While the bartender looks hesitant to serve such a young looking man, a show of the badge changes the bartender’s opinion. The drink is something simple.
Bertrand seems to be unaware of Helmuth’s entrance, but Helmuth seems keen on the conversation. Bertrand puts his glass down. “I am sure the families of those whom he trained his craft on would disagree. And if this sociopath snaps again, what then? ”
Helmuth makes his way to the table, pulling up a seat along the way. “The plan is that it never comes to that.” Helmuth takes the rifle off of his back, hanging it by its strap to the chair. He takes his seat, putting his fruity drink on the table. “We watch Gilles rather closely. He hasn’t acted up, even when he doesn’t know when we are watching. But we are. And it will likely be me, or another captain with a small squadron if it does come to us taking him out.” He turns to Seth. “I remember you now. You were the man who wanted the firearms for his mercenaries. Were they to your men’s likings? ”
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Marcus nods, and smells another of the flowers "indeed, I've never seen any of them before, so you're from Tizonia then? I've heard it's a beautiful place though I've not had the luxerie of visiting yet, I am considering going for a brief visit sometime this summer, but I would need to find someone to manage the bar as I wouldn't want to just close it" he muses aimlessly before turning to the Tabzonian with a grin where are my manners, I'm Marcus Tamarin, I own a bar and a number of other properties in town,
"My men are enjoying them quite a lot. Some of them even brought some of their friends to take a look. It has made them quite happy and we are planning on using them during our next job." Seth takes another sip of his ale. "Of course after getting some practice with them first."
"This room seems to be empty of people, save a couple couches and chairs. There is also a stairway leading upstairs." Lucia listens intently to Halcyon talking about her father. When she finishes, Lucia takes Halcyons hands in hers. "If you ever have children, do not do what your father did to you. Show them all the love and attention they deserve. I hope to one day raise my own kids, but me and Seth have agreed we are not ready for kids yet. Maybe in the future but not now."
"Let's poke our heads upstairs, just to see what's there. I don't want to keep you from your husband too long and I expect desert will be served soon."
As the climb the stairs, she picks up the conversation again, "I don't know if I will ever have children. I wouldn't want to pass on my curse. But once I'm settled and have saved up some money, I hope to perhaps open an orphanage for the unfortunate waifs who too often are left to beg in the streets to survive. I assure you, they will know what it is to be loved ... and protected from the predators of the world!" The last phrase seemed to have slipped out before she could censor herself.
Raphael carefully matches Estelle's pace as he leads the way into the room to the south. Raphael looks around curiously as they enter, though he tenses slightly, his face intently neutral. Our estates would have had a room like this. Filled with our family's history and honored heirlooms. I will have it back. I will. He pauses their advance a moment to study one of the de Beaux pole arms, then continues in silence. "Holy symbols you say? I've been blessed by Abadar to receive this holy symbol from the Roland church. It belonged at one point to a priest who married into my clan." Raphael pulls the holy symbol out from beneath his coat, holding it out in the light for Estelle to study. "I'm curious, you said you 'had' a room such as this. You no longer do? My family, as I'm sure is common knowledge, was dealt a blow not so long ago, so I understand your pain if so."
Tomas’ face is filled with youthful spirit on Marcus’ mention of his tavern and Tomas’ country. “Una taberna! It must be filled on a night like this. I imagine it brings together many friends. If you visit Tizona, visit Colada. It is my home, a grand small city. To the south, a most prosperous forests with the largest, rarest animales. To the north, a white winter sanctuary, where lights in the sky dance for all those who brave the cold. Truly a beautiful place to die.” Music continues to play through the door to the south, though the door itself remains closed. Tomas playfully steps around to the song. “Parts of this sound must have been stolen from Tizona. Take no offence, the Durendal musician can play the horn or the piano beautifully, but your guitar and percussion lack the soul of a Tizonian.”
In the bar, Alistair enters the conversation with less enthusiasm than when talking about Gilles de Flamberge or magical regulation, but tries to keep the conversation going the only way he knows how. “Are the guns magically treated?” Bertrand smiles and takes a small sip of his wine. Alistair continues,“I mean, surely the firearms are dangerous and should be protected, black powder is as volatile as any spell.” He trails off with a quite “well, I guess not any spell.”
Helmuth takes a sip of his drink, showing a twitch when he swallows. Perhaps it is too strong for such a young man. “The arms used by the Guard are expensive as is, the several dedicated factories can hardly keep up to our demand. That said, I believe the Colonel had her new weapons specially treated by Durendal’s Magical Advisor, and mine has been improved to never misfire, but below the rank of Captain, no man has a magical firearm to my knowledge.” He takes another drink, this time only his brow furrows. “Your men should do nicely with them, while the powder and bullets cost a bit more, nothing strikes fear like the thunderous roar of a firearm.”
Lucia and Halcyon ascend the staircase, Lucia careful to make sure Halcyon does not trip or catch on anything as she rises. They reach the third floor, and while not as well lit as the second and first, still shows remarkable beauty. The walls are lined with dark, polished wood, with paintings and marvel busts always mirrored across the corridor. A couple lanterns lie on the staircase corridor, giving the room a dim, sunset glow. A second hallway lies perpendicular to the staircase corridor, stretching south perhaps a hundred or so feet. To the north, an overlook.
While Halcyon sees the railings of the overlook and the first set of doors to the hallway, her vision past that fails her. Lucia meanwhile sees down the hallway, spying four pairs of opposite doors. At the end of the hallway is a large glass window, looking over the front of the estate. From this vantage point, one would spy the servant’s quarters and the stable. The view to the north is wonderful, with the balcony above many of the trees of the close park. Lights from the city block out many of the stars in the sky, but provide a blanketing orange tint over Roland.
In the smoke room, Asfal Stormborn and Alexander Ravenhall discuss trade. They openly make mention of their primary imports and exports (Ravenhall mainly deals with lumber, mines, and shipping, Stormborn primarily with resource trading with Galatine). The conversation seems to bore Aron Carlisle, who seemingly must have came to the smoke room to escape talks of business. Aron offers a kind salutation to Valentina, and departs the room. After a small pause, Vincent Durant follows Aron out of the room. He gives Nishara and Valentina a smirk/smile, and while a bit crooked, appears friendly. He leaves the room.
Estelle turns to Raphael, though her arm still locks with his. “Pardon, I had no idea, my knowledge of noble families of Roland is certainly lacking. My family and its assets are largely in Hauteclere, and it has been long since I have returned, fifteen years I believe.” She ponders, choosing her words carefully. “My memory of the room is foggy, but I always will recall the stories of my ancestor’s holy symbols. A legacy is only lost when it is forgotten, and surely you haven’t forgotten yours. I am sure you will lead your family to recover its glory.”
The western door is somewhat open, and two voices speak outside. They pass by the door, a large figure and a lean one, both blonde, most likely Abigal and her bodyguard. The voices fade, leaving the vestibule of the second floor for somewhere else.
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Marcus smiles "indeed holidays are a great time for buisiness, when one gathers with their friends and proceed to eat drink and be merry and thank you for the advice I'll remember that should I go this summer, though I prefer to live in those beautiful places, I find the dead rarely get to appriciate the views, he says then laughs as the man dances "shall we adjourn to the adjoining room to hear the music more properly?
[i]This young man has barely had the chance to enjoy the taste of alcohol. He is a boy trying to wear a man's uniform. "Thank you. I'll take your word for the extra cost. I'm sure it will be well worth it in the long run." Seth looks into his cup to see it almost half empty already. He puts the cup down and continues. "When I acquired your old firearms, I wanted to ask a couple of questions but I got caught up in business and forgot. When did your brand new firearms come in to replace the ones I was given?" Seth leans back in his chair and gets comfortable.
Lucia looks around the third floor, before turning to Halcyon. "One way there is a hallway, with some rooms down each side. The other way seems to be a balcony of some sorts. Where would you like to go?" Lucia looks towards the balcony. I need to make sure to bring Seth up here before the end of the night.
Halcyon says, "Let's see what's in the room that was above the one we were just in. I thought I heard footsteps above us. Let's knock first. I'd hate to intrude on someone who seeks privacy."
She listens for a moment to see if she hears anything or anyone else.