Greel roughly searches Alekseevna.
Greel, as he reveals Alekseevan's holsters: "Foolish woman! Do you think I'm some simple monk afraid to see a woman's legs!"
He summons a guardsman carrying an armor-glas tub.
"Surrender your weapons!
Deciding that annoying them further will be worse than not having her weapons, Allrianne surrenders hers.
Greel glares at Alekseevna, while several guardsmen fidget nervously behind him.
Yelisaveta's face remains motionless, as her lower lip curls slightly in a frown. "I never believed my legs to be scary, Mourner. And I do apologise for my... insurance policy.", she retorts, unclasping her holsters, then smoothing down her dress, sending a smile at Greel as she finishes. Hm... Am I overstepping boudaries?, she ponders for a moment, as she points towards the purse. "And are you afraid of make-up?", she asks, opening her purse to show the contents.
Emerik snorted a laugh.
Frowning, Greel quickly riffles through the contents of your purse.
-Posted with Wayfinder
So watched closely by a sneering Greel, you file into the 'Showing'.
It appears that Whent, Octavia Nile, Marshrek, and Abbot Tamas, who looks somewhat pale and drawn, are already circling through the displayed items.
Marshrek, muttering to himself, as he stalks out: "This was a wasted journey!"
Emerik watched him with interest. Well, just because they didn't have what he was looking for...
The Guardsman headed into the room, looking at the collection. He especially hoped to look at the power armour.
Albaras is disappointed to find out that the armor is single piece, a pauldron, pocked and battle-scarred, looking like it belonged previously to a set of Astartes plate.
Still, the faded insigna, a fanged skull, in darkest black, certainly doesn't belong to any chapter he has heard of, and you suspect it might have historical value.
A fanged Skull was certainly an interesting find. Could it be old enough to have been from before the Traitor Legions broke the Imperium and devolved into Chaos' grasp? Emerik looked at it longingly. Even such a piece would contain more of the Astrate's martial spirit than a normal mortal could hope to see, but unless it was tained by the Spirit of Horus' Heresy, it didn't seem likely to be what they were looking for.
He moved on to the rest of exhibits.
The next item Albaras moves on to is marked Xenotype Unknown.
A first Albaras thinks he's looking at a hood of some gray-green leathery material, then he realizes that the thing is flayed skin from the skull of some alien horror, an apparently eyeless thing with a wide, lamprey-like mouth.
Beginning at the first exhibit, the others are gathered around a plinth bearing an unbound folio. A servitor is standing by to carefully open the book and display some of the loose parchment pages.
Emerik's mouth hardened in a line. If this were not the estate of a Rogue Trader, the...thing would deffintely be heretical. The Rouge Traders had some small leeway in this regard, however, and it might be a trophy of war. Still, it was disturbing to see such a xeno, even a dead one, displayed on a world of the Emperor.
The Guardsman moved on the next exhibit, idly wondering if there was anything that might function as a flamer in the kitchen.
The next exhibit that Albaras pauses at:
A small doll, of rag, twine, and stick, bent at an angle within a dusty, stoppered jar. The air within the jar appears gelid and murky, and there is a sense of a malign presence behind the poppet's tiny, button eyes.
He was on edge too. So many laws, if they did not have the leeway, were being broken, and most warrents a trial for heresy. He kept his mouth shut. Cover was cover
-Posted with Wayfinder
Yelisaveta walks slowly amongst the exhibits, trying to figure out their purpose. She stops next to Emerik, shuddering slightly as she gazes upon the doll. I would like nothing more than to burn this entire place to the ground, and scatter the ashes in the sea. Leaning in closer to him, she whispers. "When Master Nonesuch arrives, I propose we go ahead with the plan. Are you ready for some B&E, Emerik?", she says with a devilish smile.
Continuing onwards, she stands next to Marshrek, having heard his comments earlier. "Why so, Mister Marshrek? Nothing here strikes your fancy?", she asks curiously, pointing at all the exhibits. "I'm sure if we look deep enough, we might find something that will benefit us all.", she smiles, ushering her hand in a suggestion for the both to walk together. "Might I ask, Master Marshrek, what do you do? I was led to believe that you're a hunter of sorts, though do pardon my ignorance if I'm mistaken.", she converses, leading the man towards the other exhibits, throwing a glance around to look for Cisten and his assistant.
Master Marshek: "I was hoping for trophies, or weapons, though that mask does intrigue me slightly."
Yelisaveta takes a long look at the mask, seemingly studying it with extreme interest. "I see. Hm. I've always found that everything can be used as a weapon. Slaying a man's social statute to some is worse than slaying their body.", she says, smiling. "Though, I must admit, I only just recently heard more about that Erasmus Haarlock,", she says, somewhat louder than before, making a pause, seemingly to attend to her outfit, while noticing the responses of the attendees as the name is dropped. "and he certainly sounds like a majestically fascinating figure. If a checkered one."
Item #2: Portrait, labelled The mirror of my blood, in crystalline block.
Item #3:Onyx statuette of felid animal with copper pectoral.
Item #4: Mask of unidentified flesh.
Item #5: Greyskin Psalter. Ancient prayer-book
Item #6: Large and ornate silver key.
Item #7: Gilt Seal bearing aquila.
Item #8: Leather folio consisting largely of fragments of a personal journal.
Item #9: Pauldron from archaic power armor.
She continues along the exhibit, Marshrek in tow. "Hmm...", she sighs with enjoyment, looking at the portrait. "I wonder what's this one's story. Do you know who that might be, Master Marshrek?", asks Yelisaveta in a more flighty voice than usual, trying to prompt the man to speak more.
Sister Jasmine enters without any weapon and heads to the ancient prayer book for a closer look, all while keeping tabs on the Abbot.
Idly wishing he'd been carrying matches, Emerik nodded to Yelisaveta before looking at the next exhibit. He wasn't sure what the poppet was, but fire purged the heretical. It seemed like a safe bet.
Marshrek: "I do not know. I do not like the way the artist rendered the eyes, they seem...hungry."
Sister Jasmine : Initially the prayer book looks like a slightly largish version of missals that might be found in any imperial church. however, as you lean closer, you realize that the order of the words of the prayers and hymns displayed on its faded vellum pages are curiously scrambled.
Albaras: You next come to a onyx statuette, of a figure that combines the feline and the demoniacal; its three eyes appear mocking and sardonic. There is a curious gorget of tarnished copper around its sinewy neck.
After puzzling over the jumbled text of the psalter, Sister Jasmine moves on to the next item; the Aquila seal. The seal could fit into your hand, and has ornate keys wrought with considerable detail in the embossing that edges the piece.
The Abbot at first goes to the leather folio, which he studies for a short period.
Hmmm. Someone you haven't seen before has entered the gallery; a rakish young man in slightly foppish dress.
Knowing not much of art or the like, he simply wanders around the place. But keeping and ear and an eye out for what could potentially cause trouble
-Posted with Wayfinder
Octavia (somewhat conspiratoraily) to Konstantine: I guess those Malifian thugs (apparently meaning Vhymer and Quill)were shown their place!
He looks her over and nods
"Indeed. We dont need that kind of disturbences around here" he had to keep low. But having a conversation or two, wont hurt. Plus. He may just get a bit of extra information
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Hm!", exclaims Yelisaveta, eyeing the newcomer. "I do believe you'll excuse me, Mister Marshrek. I do wish you find what you're looking for!", she wishes, strutting towards the young man.
Reaching the man, and smiling at his bodyguards, if he has any, she courteously extends a hand, ready to be shaken or kissed at the man's convenience. "I believe I hadn't seen you before, sir. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Might I join you?", she suggests, offering her arm, with the tone of an excited, bordering on flightly, noblewoman.
"I'm Duchess Ostorozhnaya of Valhalla, but you may call me Yelisaveta.", she shares with a smile. "And who are you?", she asks, sending a courteous smile, eyeing the man up and down.
Nile: "Any idea what those two wanted with Master Nonesuch?"
The new arrival: "Captain Rubio, lord and master of the famed vessel, "Ozmandius" He makes an elaborate and rather theatrical bow.
Cisten is wandering from exhibit to exhibit, stopping to gaze with a kind of shuddering fascination before the portrait.
Sister Jasmine continues to browse the items and keep an eye on the Abbot. The seal is interesting, but she's not really buying, so her interest isn't genuine and she hates window shopping. Though you could not tell by her face or posture, having learned long ago to conceal her feelings and mood well.
Sister Jasmine is idly passing time before an exhibit displaying an ornate key of tarnished silver.
Abbot Tamas is standing, as if transfixed, before the last item: a automaton, of a seated woman in a regal gown of purple and crimson silk.
Surely that must be the 'The Gilded Widow' that has created such a furor.
Rubio: "I understand that there was some excitement here last night! Regrettably there was maintenance issues with my personal shuttle that required my attention."
Marshrek, open disdain on his face, is walking away.
Sister Jasmine and Allriane, hovering around Abbot Tamas, see lips moving, praying perhaps, as he stands, entranced, in front of the Gilded Widow.
.
Is he actually speaking, can Allrianne slip a little closer to listen in.
Allrianne, make a test of Stealth (Ordinary, +10), to sidle closer to the distracted abbot.
Allrianne just manages to avoid stumbling into the Abbott who turns a hateful stare on her.
Rubio (to Alekseevna): "And of the wonders on display here, have any caught your fancy?"
Yelisaveta ponders for a moment. "If I'm to be honest, milord, none. Perhaps this new one might interest me, or you. Shall we see the Gilded Widow?", she proposes, gently guiding the man towards the newest exhibit. "So what did you come here for, your Lordship?", she asks, as the two walk towards the exhibit.
Feeling the need for a shower just this shy of boiling, Emerik continued on to view the rest of the items, or the Widow if he had seen them all.
A glowering Abbott Tamas stalks out of the hall.
Allrianne is left standing in front of the infamous 'Gilded Widow'. The Widow's right hand clutches a ruby chalice, while the left hand clutches a deck of 'The Emperor's Tarot'.
Rubio: "I was kind of hoping to find something that might have belonged to the great Haarlock: a log-book book perhaps, or maybe even a weapon; these oddities don't move me much."
Octavia Nile (to Konstantin): "And I wonder where the mysterious Master Nonesuch is now?
Allrianne examines the Gilded Widow, it certainly didn't seem to warrant praying to, if that's what he was doing.
Can she see if there's anything in the chalice and/or what the tarot is showing?
"I dont know. Doing secret stuff secretly. Some people like their cloak and dagger business too much. They maybe think it helps with their mystique" he chuckles softly
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Oh, you're an expert on the man, aren't you, Captain Rubio?", Yelisaveta asks, trying to flatter the man.
She nods towards the portrait. "I believe that the portrait is of him or a descendant. It baffles the eyes, quite the artistry." She chuckles, mouth in hand. "Oh!" She says, playing the part of an air-headed noble. "There's a personal journal! I've always been interested in people's lives, especially those living the Rogue Trader's life. Do you have any stories, Captain Rubio?"
Allrianne: The chalice appears to be empty, but if the gems encrusting it are real, it would be worth a small fortune. The cards are all now facedown.
Nile (coyly):"Well, we all have secrets don't we now?"
Rubio: "I have had, I must say, an adventurous life!"
"Not saying every one needs to be open. Secrets are there for a reason. What I am saying is, that some, enjoy it a little too much" he grins
-Posted with Wayfinder
Yelisaveta smiles in a smitten manner. "Do tell me more, Captain.", she asks curiously, in the tone of a flighty noble, as the two stare at the portrait. "I think I spotted two interesting books. One is a prayerbook, and the other seemed like a log-book! I admit, I'm not one for reading, though! Maybe you can take a glance and tell me more?", she proposes, putting on a foolish smile.
Rubio: "A log book! Of course any Rogue Trader worthy of his warrant will have a personal cipher, to keep secrets from prying eyes. My own code has been in the family since the 39th millennium! It was designed by the Mad Tech Priest, Varthe Stefannaphos, and has defied all attempts to break it!"
Konstantine:The Eldar woman Babd Ra has entered the room, and is drifting around the periphery.
Allriane and Sister Jasmine: The Abbott is outside the exhibit hall, apparently arguing vociferously with Greel.
Albaras : What you wouldn't give for a flamer now, to burn away all these corrupt leavenings of chaos!
Rubio: "I have modified the cipher extensively, perfecting what was already a work of genius--."
Catching sight of the Eldar woman he falters in his boastful recital.
Emerik glanced at the Eldar, but paid it no mind for now. There was so many things wrong, the Eldar was one that could at least be predicted. Sure, it was going to betray them as soon as it could, but until that moment it wasn't a risk. He focused on the arcane fortune telling machine.
Albaras joins Allrianne and Sister Jasmine in front of the 'The Gilded Widow.' There is a label, mounted on the front of the small table that she sits at which exclaims in an artful script: "The most sacred and wondrous oracular device, known to men as the Gilded Widow."
Binerith clanks over, and peers with interest at the intricate gear-work visible through an aperture in the figure's chest.
Yelisaveta smiles at Captain Rubio, then slips her hand out of his grip with snake-like grace, bowing down gently. Thank the Emperor... Does he really think I'm interested in his f+&%ing cypher's f!#$ing story? Don't bother at all... Self-righteous imbecile.
"It's fascinating, your lordship. I am afraid you must excuse me, there's something that requires my attention.", she replies, polite smile on her face. "I do so hope you find what you're looking for.", she ends with a gracious curtsy, before making her way towards the Eldar, staring straight into the xeno witch's almond eyes. Why is it I feel like a... an ork... no. A grot... whenever she's around... Damn witch..., she can't help but think, as she reaches Badb Ra.
"Good morning, Mistress.", she greets. Undoubtedly she's used to people approaching her with feigned interest and politeness, hiding their fear of xenos behind a cracking mask. Turning around the room to spot any onlookers, she smiles, putting on the look of a flightly noble once more.
"Look, eldar.", she said quietly, but sternly, putting nothing but a statement that the eldar was, in fact, an eldar. A small smile crawled onto her face, as if hoping to surprise the xeno, her low voice contrasting the empty-headed look on her face. "There might be or there might be not anything that interests us on this... bazaar. But information's always useful, and it doesn't go away when you give it to someone. Same with connections. So I offer you a deal, you tell me what you can about Master Nonesuch, and I'd answer all I can about a topic of your choice." She pretends to glance over the eldar's Wow. attire, then throws a pretentious gesture. "Doesn't have to be now. A Volgite always, always pays for their debts, and I might have an access or two of my own." And that was some free information. Come on, you eldar b#+~&. Bite.
He keeps his eyes on the Xenos. They were tricky. And an eldar to boot. Best not over step and try to figure them out. Best let them do what they need to do without intevering. Only if interests clashed would he had to take action
-Posted with Wayfinder