When Amandine sees Tangle-foot and Chana arrive, she pins on her badge and begins climbing the steps as well. At the top, she offers the drink girls a sympathetic look before checking through the doors.
Once inside she finds an unobtrusive place to stand while she looks around the room. Her eyes dart from person to person quickly as she takes the scene in. Amandine looks for familiar faces, but doesn't expect to see any other than those of her co-workers. More she watches the mechanics of the people's interactions: posture, gait, conversational flow and turn-taking. She's looking for those unspoken things, comportment and body language, that are rarely consciously seen but always noticed. She makes adjustments to her posture and facial expression, reminds herself to take shorter, slower steps, and changes how she carries her bag.
Meanwhile she waits for Damrak's arrival. When she sees him inside she walks over to him and offers up her hand for a kiss. Smiling demurely she greets him in a conversational voice and adds "Come, there is someone with whom you simply must become acquainted."
Amandine leads Damrak to a place where he will have line of sight to Countess Pace. With a slight nod of her head she indicates "The Countess Abrielle Pace. She is one of the persons you are looking for right?"
"To prepare you should first speak to her companion. I heard a conversation between them earlier, as they arrived together. I am not sure of their connection to each other, but her companion is unhappy with its nature. The Countess is clearly disdainful for the woman, and makes it obvious when she speaks to her. Her companion is angered by it, but doesn't dare object. Probably there is a financial dependence on the Countess preventing her from showing her true feelings."
"She would be likely to do so if given an opportunity elsewhere though. If you speak to her with kindness, and show a willingness to listen, you may find out much about the Countess. Everyone needs to unburden themselves of their frustrations, if she sees you as a sympathetic confidant I think she will do so to you. Obviously you will need to separate her from the Countess for this. Minimally out of hearing range, out of visual range is better."
"Obliged." Damrak gives Amandine a deep bow, and a look of genuine respect. "Wherever you work currently, I hope they pay your worth. If not, I am always in need of facilitators and information-brokers..." Information is more than power: it is currency.
Leaving that conversation dangling - to be resumed anon - he approaches the identified companion of Lady Pace. As he does so, he conducts his usual assessment, looking for the non-verbal cues which tell him so much more than the words that spill out of people's mouths.
Boeing low, he smiles at her, before briefly introducing himself and gently steering her somewhere they can talk without being overheard. "My greetings, Lady...." He spends some moments in idle conversation and flattery, before giving a discreet cough: "I couldn't help noticing that you are a companion of the Countess Pace. As it happens, I am bound to a noblewoman who seeks business ties with the Countess... I hope I am not being indiscreet in asking: how do you find her? Is she likely to be an agreeable business partner?" He gives her a winning smile. "Anything you tell me is in strictest confidence. I am known for my discretion."
Chana continues to loiter about the entrance for a while longer, feigning boredom and frustration, as if someone is keeping her waiting. She casually waves at Khalil as he moves past her, inviting him to come closer. She leans over and whispers "Baron Okerra just came up a few minutes ago. Together with that Lady, Glorianna Morilla. I didn't think she was a big deal, but he seemed like he was deferring to her. Weird, eh? They should be just inside. Good luck."
After she delivers the message, she keeps her eyes and ears open for any other unusual nobles, especially any she recognizes as being on Martella's mission list.
High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus makes his way here and begins talking with the guards as he views each exhibit in turn with a dignified reverence. He is accompanied by a small coterie of nobles who by their manner and dress betray themselves as military. The group are not covert in their irritation with the Gala, and anyone can tell they find much of the fashion on display laughable and even offensive.
Breathtaking gardens surround the senate building. Catered patios segregated by short iron fences, coordinated military displays, and even a makeshift zoo of imported animals and magical beasts fill the few open spaces here, even including a small hive of bees busily pollinating the exotic flowers and making the honey used by the senate kitchens. Many of the senior nobles enjoy the breaks between ceremonies in this open space.
Lady Glorianna Morilla makes her way here, and is soon joined by a woman as striking as herself, Princess Eutropia Stavian. The two seem to be in their own bubble with their various followers maintaining a distance of a good fifteen feet allowing the two influential women the chance to chat in peace as they meander around the gardens pausing to observe various spectacular displays of horticulture, topiary, and exhibits in the menagerie.
This gathering space before the senate chamber is set aside as the property of the emperor, and features countless statues and portraits of previous grand princes. While formally these chambers are for the use of the emperor, no grand prince has ever maintained an office within the senate building, and the space is understood
to be public meeting rooms by silent agreement.
Lady Martella briefly noted that this can serve as a convenient quiet space to meet, and that much backroom dealing generally goes on here for that very reason. It is currently unoccupied.
Countess Abrielle Pace makes her way hereafter a brief disinterested wander around the Arcade of Triumphs. She positions herself so she can look down upon the Senate floor and drinks wine while chatting at her conservatively dressed companion.
Some hundred feet from the Countess a troupe of a half dozen halflings lead by a black and white faced female halfling perform various acts of acrobatics, mime, and pratfalling to entertain some twenty children ranging from around seven to a bored looking twelve year old. These are the children of senators, and/or powerful nobles.
Baron Okerra can be seen here, standing a head taller than most, and drawing a great deal of feminine attention, talking with him is a plain looking fellow obviously overcome with excitement. The Baron wears a mildly pained expression.
never meant for noble eyes, is of exceptional quality, though the gilt has worn thin on most corners, and here and there cheap repairs mar artistic furniture.
As each of Martella's Agents ascend the stairs and enter the Senate proper the are gathered into a expansive line in the foyer to the Arcade of Triumphs, where guards inspect equipment, weaponary, and credentials in a polite and efficient manner. An array of flags, suits of armor, and weaponary are on display upon the wall, with various plaques telling of their history, though none are the items Lady Martella spoke of. Only Senators, and very VIPs such as High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus are ushered through without needing to wait, as "Senators aides" you are afforded no such luxury.
There are many complaints, and much blustering along the lines of, "Do you know who I am!" But the guards remain polite, but firm, patiently ignoring insults and imprecations. Several weapons are confiscated, and a young woman in a low cut dress is pulled from the line after her inspection handcuffed and escorted away by two guards.
Waiting as the numbers ahead gradually dwindle you eventually reach the half way point after some fifteen minutes. Then an official, a Vudrani appearing woman with dark skin and wearing a silk head scarf in addition to her livery, approaches carrying a wooden tablet. Stopping in your vicinity she glances about for a few seconds studying various guests and then squints at your badges, before approaching.
"Excuse me, but I must request you accompany me for a random inspection," she says tone friendly, but firm, as she nods to you each in turn, then gestures to an unoccupied corner of the room almost screened of by a large hanging banner, "this way please."
"Say no more, madam." says Tanglefoot, with a wink, heading off to the corner.
"I hope it's a strip search," he whispers loudly to Damrak.
“My thanks,” Khalil mouths quietly to Chana as she informs him about Baron Okerra’s presence. Around that time, just before they are allowed into the building itself they are pulled aside by a dark skinned Vudrani woman. Khalil notices her fix her eyes on his party for a moment before glancing absently at several others in the line, before returning her gaze directly to his party. No, he hadn’t imagined it, she had singled them out almost immediately with that first glance. As she stepped over and asked everyone to accompany her on a random expectation Khalil could almost feel the hair on the back of his neck raise. Something was wrong here. As Tanglefoot moved forward and mouthed something to Damrak Khalil took the opportunity to hang back and stare at the woman’s back as she led them. That was when he noticed her skin at the base of her neck. Most of her hair seemed to be tucked up into her head scarf and it was well covered but some of the skin at the edge of her clothing looked… strange. It took him a second to realize it wasn’t just a blemish or birthmark, it was scales. Now that he knew what to look for he could see it all over her.
Khalil looked around and then spoke up, pitching his voice slightly loud so the entire group could hear him though he seemed to be addressing the woman ahead of them, “I must say I love your head scarf. My mother had a headdress that was similar when I was a boy.”
He then made an effort to make eye contact with several members of his party as he continued, hoping to key them into the hint he was trying to pass along. Behind the woman’s back he reached a hand up and ran it along his neck where he thought her scales were somewhat visible as he continued speaking without pause, “She got it when she was a part of Abadar’s Balanced Scales you see.”
Subterfuge wasn’t his specialty by any means, he preferred straight forward negotiations, but he needed a way to try and help his comrades know that something was up without drawing too much attention to himself. Hopefully they would pick up on how he stressed the word and perhaps take a hint from his gesturing. He didn’t necessarily assume there was some life-threatening danger ahead, he imagined no one would be attacking them so close to the guards on the entrance. But this whole thing just felt wrong and that left him on edge.
The inspector glances back at Khalil raising a neat narrow eyebrow,
"Come along now, I promise I won't bite. My Ma always said to tell a man who loath-es scarves to heed the helpful opinions of friends with better taste." She seems to have a slight accent that oddly inflects some words.
"Come along now, I promise I won't bite. My Ma always said to tell a man who loath-es scarves to heed the helpful opinions of friends with better taste."
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Alright, so Oliva may be oblivious to the woman's selection tactics, and Khalil's secret message, but she does understand the very well thought out phrase that the inspector says. With a nod to her companions, she follows the Vudrani inspector with nought but a "Of Course." If any of her companions seem apprehensive, she'll give them a wink.
Amandine doesn't notice anything unusual and simply accompanies the inspector without questions, except once they've arrived where she's taking them.
Then she asks "The woman who was shackled and taken away, what did she do?" For some reason, for which there may be no basis at all she must admit to herself, Amandine feels a certain amount of sisterhood toward the detained woman. The two of them may not be so different.
As you move far enough away from the line for it to be impossible to overhear you given the noise the inspector turns back towards you and says,
"She was wearing several pieces of costume jewellery filled with poison, and she was not very good at her job. In any case please do not be alarmed, I am here to offer you some assistance in the form of cutting the line, we have a certain mutual friend."
"Now I will give each of you a quick cursory search for appearances sake and then escort you through into the Arcade of Triumphs. If any of you are interested Princess Eutropia will be delivering a speech in the gardens in around twenty minutes."
After pausing to field any other questions you might have she looks each of you over in turn and then beckons you to follow her once more. This time she bypasses the line ushering you into The Arcade of Triumphs, past the mass of irritable guests in the line.
"Good luck, enjoy your evening."
Chana follows the Vudrani woman without comment, picking up on first the purposeful selection and then the hidden message in her words. The subterfuge seems pointless and overwrought to her eyes, but when the woman invites them in to the Senate proper, she bobs her head and says "Thank you, friend of a friend." with a bit of amusement in her voice.
'Saved you the need to hide, didn't it Snips? Nice, that one.'
Chana looks her allies up and down, then quietly says "I'll keep an eye and ear out for any of yours. If any of you find any shifty looking senators backing primogeniture, let me know, alright? I've got my errand to run, and I don't know yet who will be involved."
While following the woman she made a rather curious reply that Khalil couldn’t quite piece apart. But from what she said she was simply there to assist them in getting through the line faster. Given that they were here on the part of Lady Lotheed he had to assume she was implying a relationship with their employer. Which was likely true given how quickly she had picked them out. Or it meant that she was very dangerous to them because she knew quite a lot that she shouldn’t. Personally, Khalil hoped that she was an ally, they would need all the help they could get on their various tasks this evening. At the mention of Princess Eutropia Khalil perked up noticeably. While they were working for Lady Martella Lotheed it was clear that the woman was in some way lending the Princess her support. As the spearhead of the movement to end primogeniture, Princess Eutropia was a fascinating figure to Khalil, he would want to see her speech. And he was also extremely interested in who else did and did not listen to the Princess’ speech and their reactions to it. You could learn a great deal about a person if you were focused on how they reacted when they thought they weren’t being observed. Before that though he had a little bit of time and Chana had told him that Baron Okerra was present. He would use his time before the speech, trying to find some way to get on the Baron’s good side and start up a conversation with the man.
“I dont know if you all noticed, but that woman had scales, she's not human. She also seemed able to pick up on me trying to covertly tell you that. I hope she is with our employer because otherwise she is not someone we should trifle with. Anyways, I’m going to see to Baron Okerra, if I hear anything that might point me towards supporters of the primogeniture I will make sure to pass the information on to you, thank you again Lady Durante,” he said nodding his head in gratitude before heading off in the direction she had indicated when they came in. Eventually, following the description he was able to find his way to the Senate Floor where Baron Okerra seemed to be attracting quite a bit of attention. He had a rather pained expression on his face as he spoke with someone. He didn’t approach directly and instead talked to one of the hanger’s on of the group. He would try to find out a good avenue to approach the man from so that he might have an edge when it came time to introduce himself.
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Damrak follows most of the subtext from the conversations, but remains silent.
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"Wait, you were trying to tell us she had scales? ... Oh Abadar's SCALES. Now I get it. Oh uhm bye Khalil... good luck."
As each of her allies leaves for their tasks, Olivia sighs. She doesn't have any orders right now, so she'll linger for a time. The Arcade of Triumphs is definitely her kind of place as a military woman. She'll walk around to view all the historic gear on display, small talk with anyone interested in it, scope out for interesting developments in the area, and see if there are any sweet snacks. For once, Olivia feels like she kind of fits in with the militaristic types marching to and fro.
Amandine's eyes widen when the inspector explains the woman's arrest.
We're not much alike after all. I was certainly wrong there...
The Arcade is quite a site, and a little overwhelming. There were things before to keep her distracted, but now she's inside Amandine feels the nervousness from before coming back.
She doesn't really take in much of what Khalil says about the inspector, only that she isn't human. Neither am I, big deal is all the thought she gives it.
The evening won't last forever. Things to get done. Better to adjust here and make my mistakes before moving on to the tasks I must get right she thinks.
So, with a deep breath, she dives in and begins to mingle.
Damrak is able to locate Countess Pace quite easily given her location in the upstairs gallery at the railing. It does not take long to ascend, and once he passes the children being entertained by capering halflings putting on a mock battle.
Aside from Countess Pace and her companion there are a number of middle aged noble women, most of whom seem to be watching over one child or another, as well as a couple of bored looking men seemingly awaiting the chance to escape.
As Damrak approaches the Countess sets down her wine glass, takes her companions and begins drinking from it looking while looking down at the Senate floor.
Sweet snacks, glazed hummingbird eggs, lemon cakes, magically cake flavored pears, tarts, etc., are readily supplied by circulating servers, and Olivia is able to see many conversations into which it would be essay to insert herself.
A few military officers are admiring a pike that is telling them about its exploits in a nasal voice, "And then general Arman sat on me and couldn't ride for a week! But I tell you this when he did we pout paid to those Quadiran dogs, drove them back a hundred miles!"
A huge man, gone to fat, but still obviously strong as an ox is admiring a set of crossed scimitars while demonstrating how he would use them to a worried looking couple dressed like bankers.
Khalil senses an underlying tension in Baron Okerra, presumably regarding his feelings about where to lend his influence for the upcoming vote. An understanding ear, or some subtle political advice might help the law abiding Baron reconcile his doubts.
Chana strides her way towards the courtyard before moderating her pace to be slightly more appropriate to her garb and supposed identity. Once there, she makes a show of observing all the animals, whether they're exotic or not, as she listens in to the conversations going on around her. She also makes note of what animals they've brought into the event.
She particularly keeps her ears open for anyone discussing (and/or dissing) the Princess or the upcoming Primogeniture vote. After all, anyone who would be willing to gossip within the Princess' earshot must be pretty secure in their opposition to her.
Once she's had her fill of listening in, Chana will wander around popping idly into conversations to deliver a concise or insightful remark about the gossip she's absorbed thus far. She sticks to mostly meaningless topics, but uses them as a way to judge people's receptiveness to gossip.
Damrak will pause a respectful distance away, trying to get an intuition on things.
Tangle-foot follows the group into the Arcade of Triumphs. He remains silent, with a goofy grin on his face, as he navigates the room, attempting to get eyes on High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus. He intends to find out if this man had any weaknesses.
He remains as inconspicuous as possible, doing very simple tricks with prestidigitation and minor slapstick acrobatics, but avoiding anything loud or distracting.
Amandine gravitates toward the historical displays eventually. It is one of her interests, although military subjects aren't among her favorites. It seems to her a good place to start looking for the Vernisant artifacts though.
She adds some interesting details about the banners and crests in the displays in conversations with people.
The talk in the Couryard seems to be less political and more gossip, fashion, and animal husbandry, largely depending upon the group. Chana hears a horse faced woman "complimenting" Lady Morilla's dress, to a surrounding party of somewhat frumpy Ladys, dressed rather conservatively by Taldan standards,
"Lady Morilla is certainly daring, I should never be daring enough to expose that much bosom, for fear of looking like a common harlet. They do say she has the Empire's finest singing voice, perhaps they need air."
By the zoo a quartet of young couples are admiring a unicorn that stands in its small enclosure the picture of nobility and sadness,
"Oh Edrik, it is so beautiful, but so very, very, sad," a girl sighs, holding onto her young man's arm.
"Probably just got told she wouldn't be able to inherit her Father's horn afterall!" Brays another youth, a muscular fellow with unfortunate teeth.
Making his way over to the rail, while maintaining a distance from Countess Pace Damrak follows her eye to see the tall, greying, and handsome Baron Okerra. Countess Pace's companion seems a good deal more refined than her, despite a drab outfit that barely passes as fit attire for the Gala. The woman appears to be in her late twenties, but holds herself in a way that suggests she has lived longer than her years. She wears a wedding band, but her position, disposition, and companion suggest there is a good chance she is a widow.
Tangle-foot can easily distinguish the heavily armored bulk, an obvious exception, of Maxillar Pythareus who stands regarding a display of broken lances with three other military types. They seem to be debating which of the weapons is worthy of the most fame.
Chana realizes that the nobles here are harmless but empty-headed, so does her best to blend in, in hopes of overhearing something more useful. She improvises some gossip to share based on her knowledge of local events and what might resonate well with this group based on her observations of them so far.
"Ah, but I'm certain you've seen Baron Okerra this evening? He came in with her this evening, quite pleased he seemed... what a fine upstanding gentleman he is to provide the Lady Morilla with such dedicated patronage." She lets her emphasis help them read into her words.
Scanning the room Amandine sees the articles she is seeking laid out upon a display in velvet lined wooden cases attached to the wall and slanting down diagonally to the tables. They are not covered, but a woman wearing thick glasses appears to be standing by them, dressed as a guest, but acting as if she is there in an official capacity.
A few of the aristocrats nod at Amandines words, and a fellow with an aggressively waxed moustache shakes his head,
"It is an interesting perspective my Dear, but I would suggest a slightly outdated one, if you read Vernier's Second Treatise he suggests that this form of Heraldry was in fact a later movement that Baron Bericus attempted to flasely backdate in order to claim his ancestor legitimately defeated the Werland FreEhold Rbellion rather than..."
He pauses smiling, "Do forgive me, I am something of an enthusiast. Count Harquel Vyband, would be historian, practising wine buff."
As he approached to speak to the Baron he cast his glance to the side at the man the Baron had been talking to a moment ago. He looked as though he were somewhat put out by whoever it was, and Khalil wondered why that was. He tried to see if there was anything obvious about the man that might allow him to get some hint of who it was. He really needed to get one of the others to pour over the names of the nobility that were likely to be in Oppara for the Gala. It was getting tiresome to have to eavesdrop just to be sure he was getting a name or title correct.
After watching for a few more moments Khalil moved up to the Baron when it appeared as though he wasn’t actively in the middle of talking to someone. He cleared his throat and muttered a quick prayer to Abadar that his passion and belief would shine through to this man. Bowing his head to the older man he started with an introduction, “Baron Okerra, Khalil al-Shirin Duvan, I have to say it is a pleasure to meet you in person. I was curious as to whether you might have some time to discuss the upcoming vote if your conversation partners wouldn't mind me stealing you for a moment. As someone who aspires to the Senate, I think it would be invaluable for me to gain some understanding of where an influential man such as yourself stands. I hope I am not being too forward, I must admit I never had the talent for dodging around issues I felt were truly important.”
Amandine smiles and ensures her eye contact is good while the count talks. It isn't difficult to seem interested in what he has to say because she actually is.
When he introduces himself she offers her hand for a kiss. "Amandine Santon, would be-would be historian, and hopeless on the subject of wine. You have nothing at all to apologize for Count Vyband. Thank you for pointing me to the treatise you mentioned."
Amandine is beginning to relax at his point. Really none of this so far is all that different from selling books. The key is to seem knowledgable and competent, but never more of an expert than the customer. People who develop great knowledge in a subject want affirmation, not a challenge. Especially a challenge from someone who is clearly their social inferior.
"I will have to read it soon myself. I do aspire to be better informed. In fact, would you be so kind as to write down the title and author for me? I wouldn't trust my memory after what will likely be a long evening here."
Amandine produces a sheet of paper and pen from her handbag. She can remember it well enough of course, but having a handwriting sample may pay off somewhere down the line.
"And, if I could impose on you for one more favor since you know wines so well? I have been told more than once that I must try early vintage Vernisant wine. I hear it is exquisite. But if I am going to pay such high prices, I would like to be sure it is genuine. Are there any particulars about the bottle or label that make early Vernisant vintages easy to identify?"
Tanglefoot makes his way over to where Maxillar Pythareus and the other officers are debating the efficacy of various lances. He dances around, miming a knight riding at a tilt, though he looks more like a child on a hobby-horse. He listens in to the conversation, trying to discern any weakness that could be used against the High Strategos.
The fellow talking with the baron looks instantly crestfallen, and casts about him nervously,
"Ah, but me and The Baron were having such a lovely chat. I was telling him about my weaving. Oh, where are my manners, I am Kalbio of Breezy Creek, honored to be the lucky commoner elevated to the nobility today! All thanks to my dear old Mam and Papa slaving away to get me trained as the finest weaver in all Taldor." The man says extending a hand to Khalil with a distinctly hopeful expression.
The Baron coughs, "Ah, yes it has been... Quite the education, Master Kalbio is admirably dedicate to his craft, I shall never look at a tapestry in quite the same way again. If you would not object Kalbio perhaps you could pick up a few hints about politics that will be useful given your forthcoming conferment of rank."
Kalbio smiles gratefully, "Oh that would be great thank you Baron, honestly I am just grateful someone is nice enough to talk with me most people seem to look at me like some sort of exotic bird that is going to diddle on the floor any minute. I just have no idea what nobles talk about truth be told."
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The Count chuckles, "Ah, you are in the right place my Dear, all us stuffy history buffs will be congealing here sooner or later, once you have caught the bug you are quite doomed!" He happily writes the details of a half dozen books with scrawled notes as to why they of interest.
"Now as to the Vernisant wines I have not had the pleasure, but they are difficult to miss for some reason that family chose to use bottles far larger than the typical. One might assume they were compensating for something, haha, oh dear, I told you I was overfond of wine!"
Smiling he waves over a couple of gentleman of similar age and nods to Amandine, "The Lady is interested in history and wine, if I was twenty years younger! My goodness you would be in trouble, if you consider some tom fool making moon eyes at you while being too cowardly to make a move trouble, that is!"
Two other greying men move over and greet Amandine politely, "Viscount Nall Vercander, Charmed my Lady, I do not suppose you have a fondness for handsome imbeciles? I have a son I am trying to offload on some poor woman, preferably one with a brain to stop him selling my estates for magic beans the moment I keel over."
The other slightly portly man simply waves and colors standing a few paces behind Viscount Vercander.
The men turn round and regard Tangle-foots display with solemn disapproval, but one of the Strategos's companions sniggers, "It is a party afterall. Your form isn't bad friend, but you are too stiff, a Knight must be a willow, not an oak, strong and flexible, not strong and brittle!"
Chuckling the man steps out into the brings down an imaginary visor and challenges Tangle-foot with an imaginary lance of his own.
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After her brief and idle "gossiping" with the noblewomen, Chana wanders around the courtyard in search of anyone discussing how the various Senators stand with regard to Primogeniture. She knows she doesn't have a sense for broaching the subject diplomatically, so she does her best instead to overhear any conversations being made in secret.
Khalil smiles warmly at Kalbio and extends a firm handshake to the man. He had heard of the tradition of elevating a commoner to the ranks of nobility during the Grand Day of Exaltation of course. It was generally considered a great honor although of course it was also a bit like inviting a fish to join the diners at a sea food restaurant with how some people looked on commoners in Taldor. For Khalil’s part he enjoyed interacting with commoners and although he had not heard the man’s name before now he had heard that the villager was from Breezy Creek. Always with a mind for business Khalil says, “A pleasure to meet you Master Kalbio. Although I find myself needing to speak to the Baron about the upcoming vote I would be in your debt if you would be willing to talk to me of your work some after I am done.”
Since Khalil didn’t know too much about Baron Okerra personally he couldn’t be sure but judging from the man’s expression he was finding speaking to Kalbio rather tiring. So perhaps by offering the soon to be noble a distraction he could gain some points with the Baron. And besides, he was truly interested in anyone who could weave tapestries with enough skill to be recognized enough to be raised to nobility. Perhaps he could even make the case for primogeniture’s end in front of the Baron and this soon to be noble. Not that a recently elevated commoner would carry any significant sway, but Khalil believed in gaining help and support wherever possible.
Turning his focus back to the Baron and his task at hand for the Gala he once again pushed straight to the point, “Baron Okerra, I will be frank since I feel it would be insulting to waste your time otherwise. I wish to discuss with you why I feel it is important to end primogeniture. I understand you yourself do not hold a vote but I believe that you have the power to influence many who are uncertain. If you allow me I think I may be able to convince you that not only is primogeniture bad for the people but it is lawfully unsound.”
Drink in hand (carefully emptied so as to look half-drunk), Damrak circulates around the room, exchanging diplomatic pleasantries with those who will give him the time of day.
And always, always, he circles carefully around Countess Pace and her companion, looking for a way to drop into their conversation that doesn't look artificial.
"My apologies, my lords, but fools are always stiff somewhere," says Tanglefoot, as he stomps his foot like a charger preparing for a tilt, "Let us re-enact the most famous joust in Taldan history for the High Strategos!"
"Well Lady Morilla has an armada of admirers, and her wealth and fame eclipse the Barons for all that he is a handsome giant of a man. The poor man is punching above his weight lass there, but I would comfort him anytime," a plain, but striking woman in a vivid orange dress with what looks like an elaborate wire arch rising from behind each shoulder - she is lucky it is not windy.
"I heard there is little danger of Lady Morilla choosing a suitor any time soon, just look at her and the Princess. I heard the Princess was quite the tomboy in her day," a plump woman says waggling her thin painted brows suggestively.
"It would have saved her a great deal of political effort if she could have dropped the "tom" from that! In her shoes who would not have wanted to be a man, and what man could resist one of Taldor's greatest beauties?" A spindly woman adds with evident relish.
Kalbio looks slightly pained but nods, "Ah, I will just go and get a drink then, would the two of you care for anything?"
The Baron sighs after listening to Khalil, "I confess I am torn, Princess Eutropia is an impressive woman, well loved by the people, but Taldors laws and Ordinances have stood the test of time, should they really be cast aside because of a temporary convenience? How many noble families will have their power structures suddenly restructured, and how much bloodshed and backstabbing will that cause? My words do hold sway with some, and that is why I must weigh my choices carefully. Few things are as black and white as they appear."
You do not really recall any famous jousts, but the Princes tourney is probably the most famous contest, and Maxillar Pythareus likely its most famous champion having won the contest no less than eleven times. It has been twenty years since he entered though. Olivia's purported ancestor General Arnisant was also a famous lancer, though not really in jousts.
Watching from above it is much easier to get a sense of how the crowd moves, and Damrak feels should he descend he ought to be able to follow the flow more effectively to get around.
Countess Pace points a finger at a plump fellow surreptitiously adjusting his wig down on the seante floor, "There you go Sister, that up-jumped Cheesemonger has been seeking a wife Lord Selemy, or something like that. You should snag him while you have the chance, or do you wish to leech off me for the rest of your life?"
The woman's hands curl into fists, but she says calmly, "Please keep your voice down Countess we would not want to make a spectacle of ourselves. Perhaps I could fetch you one of those iced fruit drinks?"
Chana wanders back to the gossipers. Her voice takes on a conspiratorial tone "Morilla and the Princess? Do tell more! I thought they were just acquaintances, though I admit I've been out of the 'loop' as it were."
"And speaking of Morilla, she favors all this business-" Chana waves with a gloved hand at the surroundings, "-you know, the vote passing favorably for the Princess? I assume so. I can't imagine she would want to spend much time on the arm of anyone who'd oppose it!" She awaits a confirmation or negation from the gossipers about whether Morilla supports Primogeniture before continuing with "I can only imagine her spurning someone in a most dramatic fashion if she found out their allegience. ESPECIALLY if they were a senator, and had a full say in things." She makes sure the way she words things leaves plenty of openings for the gossipers to correct her and fill in the 'juicy' details of a time when this may have happened.
'Gosh I hope this gets me somewhere. I can feel my brain rotting away every time I have to play along with this guttershit.'
Khalil smiled at Kalbio, noticing the slightly pained look on the mans face. Mentally Khalil cursed himself, he didn’t want the man to feel like he was being dismissed by his betters. As the man headed off towards the drinks he asked if he could get them anything. Khalil smiled and said, “Nothing for me but pray don’t go too far, I really do wish to speak with you of your work.”
Turning his focus back onto the Baron though he works to try and clearly see just what motivates this man. He tries to understand how the situation could look from his perspective, to put himself in Baron Okerra’s position and see things through his eyes. Often times the nobility and Taldor simply forced their own way of doing or seeing things on others and to move past that one had to be able to see things from a new perspective. As the Baron explained that he was worried about causing chaos and possible bloodshed Khalil was pleasantly surprised. It did not sound to him as though he was against the idea so much as the trouble it could potentially cause. Khalil decided that he would try to play to that side of things in his response.
“Ahh but Baron Okerra I disagree that this is merely a matter of convenience. In fact I would argue it is not convenient at all, but as with many important issues what is right is not necessarily easy. As you yourself say, few things are as black and white as they appear but if no one works to rid our country of his outdated law that is exactly what we are saying. That in this world only men, regardless of competence or renown can lead and women, regardless of their potential, cannot. As a man of Abadar I love the law Baron, it is a beautiful thing, but we do it a disservice by pretending to serve it while undermining the brilliant and passionate women who could help make this country everything I know it could be,” Khalil explained passionately. Working to play off of the Baron’s own concerns and focuses after reading the situation.
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A few military officers are admiring a pike that is telling them about its exploits in a nasal voice, "And then general Arman sat on me and couldn't ride for a week! But I tell you this when he did we pout paid to those Quadiran dogs, drove them back a hundred miles!"
Military. If Olivia were to join a crowd, that would be it. She picks up a fine brandy and marches to the talking pike. When appropriate, she introduces herself. "Lady Olivia Vernisant. I served in Mendev as a Lance Corporal. Sir Domitian , you've watched our nation for generations. What do you think of High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus? How does he compare to the officers of old?"