The setting for this discussion dictates what enthralled audience the party has.
If you are still holding deliberations at the Wolf Whisker, then Onora listens intently, her head turning quickly from speaker to speaker. If you had retired to Betony Manor to discuss this business with greater privacy, then the three resident domovoi - in their guise as housecats - sit, watch, and listen with the impassive expressions perfected by felines.
In either case, you get the sense that your audience finds the conversation just as entertaining as any stage show.
As a demon lord, she represented beauty, seduction, and cruelty. However, since her ascendance to godhood, she has not come to be a patron of artists and outcasts. She is also purported to have had a hand in the closing of the Worldwound far to the north.
Between the many long-time locals with superstitious grudges against Mayne and the numerous newcomers to Stachys, the pub is simply too small to house the eager audience that wants to see the proceedings and hear the verdict. Thus, rather than the Wolf's Whisker, the legal stage is set, so to speak, in the newly renovated marketplace.
Unsurprisingly, Sutor's bitter, vengeful sister is front and center among the crowd.
'Gandro' enters with the accused in tow, and leads him to a chair. He then turns to the 'audience.' As all the others enter and take their place for the court-room drama, he steps forward to speak.
"We are here today to judge the innocence or guilt of Mayne upon the apparent murder of Sutor. With permission granted by the Lady, I will stand for Mayne's defense and help him present his case."
He turns slowly during a dramatic pause, looking over the crowd with practiced eyes. He stops at Sutor's sister.
"I would ask that all here listen carefully! For once judgement is rendered, and any punishment meted out, all who live and work in Stachys must abide by this decision. Otherwise, you may see yourself judged before this court as well."
He then points at Amandine settling into her seat as judge and jury.
"Final judgement will be rendered once ALL evidence has been presented and accepted."
Turning, he looks for the new girl.
"Mira? As a trusted outsider to Stachys, you have been chosen to prosecute this case against Mayne. Please come forth and state the case against him as it is and we will begin."
Before she is required for her own role in the proceedings, Meraki tries to get a sense of the assembled crowd's mood.
Dro'gan's preamble leaves the crowd growing hush, albeit after a moment or two. They wait with baited breath to see what Lady Betony or the selected prosecutor might say.
Meanwhile, Meraki gets a keen read upon the crowd. Sutor's sister has a handful of friends and neighbors around her, and they represent a portion of the crowd that is very prejudiced against Mayne. They are impatiently waiting for the decree of execution that they believe is due.
The rest of the crowd is a bit more open. For as much as they dislike Mayne, it is outweighed by the respect they have built up for Lady Betony and her coterie. They are willing to be persuaded, even if the deceased's sister and her group will be a harder sell.
At the very least, Meraki can tell that there is no risk of immediate violence erupting should the verdict be displeasing.
Amandine says nothing at this point. After Gandro has finished his introduction and passes the floor over to Mira, she shifts her gaze to the woman and waits for her to make her case.
Mira steps forward, curtsies to Amandine, then turns to the crowd:"Good people of Stachys, thank you for trusting me with this role. I will speak for the persecution, and our goal must be justice."
She turns towards Mayne, then continues: "The accused stands here today because of the death of one Mister Sutor. He was seen, by witnesses, as he was fighting with him earlier, over the return of a mule that wandered on Mister Maynes lands. He then was next seen trying to hide Sutors body in a shallow grave. That alone would seem damning."
She turns back to the audience, stopping any calls or reactions from the crowd before speaking up again:"HOWEVER, medical experts have taken a good look at Mister Sutors lethal wound, and came to the conclusion that the blow was delivered by a hoof. The mule, then, was the weapon that delivered a killing blow. The mule that belonged to Mister Sutor. That he was used to handling on a regular basis. I have no doubt that Mister Sutor came back to retrieve his mule without paying what Mister Mayne demanded - but he was working with the animal often - he had known the beasts temper and nature...he would not have startled it, or approached from behind, and definitely not while crouching - which he must have been for the blow to be delivered to his forehead. No, he came and approached his animal safely to lead it back - but the mule was likely bound to a pole, so that it would not wander off before payment was rendered. So Mister Sutor set upon freeing the Mule, which is when the blow was delivered. Now what might have spooked it so suddenly? Mister Mayne, of course, who had probably seen Sutor approach and was coming to prevent him from taking his animal back. Maybe he was shouting at him, or running - either way he startled the animal which kicked, and killed Sutor with a single strong blow of the hoof. That is also why Mister Mayne was immediately aware of the body on his lands.", she turns back to Mister Mayne: "But instead of reporting the lethal accident, he then went on to commit a second crime, in hiding the body - when the witness next saw him, he was digging a shallow grave he planned to put Mister Sutors body into. I do assume he had no intent to kill - and possibly tried to help him after the blow, even, but when he realized it was too late he did fully intend to cover it all up - and not only by hiding a body, but doing so in unhallowed ground, in the middle of the village, after a violent death. I am not sure if anybody here is familiar with the teachings of Pharasma, but that, Ladies and Gentlemen, is how undead come into being. With his carelessness, he was putting the whole village at risk."
She turns back to the Lady Amandine, then points at Mayne:"So to summarize, the prosecution accusses this man of 3 separate incidents - First, he directly caused the lethal accident by startling the mule while someone was dangerously near the animal. The position of the impact makes it clear Sutor was not standing when he received it, and he knew the animal. Without any outside influence, he would not have received a lethal blow. That outside influence was Mister Mayne, who may not have intended for Mister Sutors death, but DID accept that the man could get injured or hurt by approaching in such a way as to startle the animal. Secondly, he attempted to cover up what happened - instead of reporting the death , he attempted to hide the body. He claims he did this because he was afraid of the people, but to me, it's clear that he was afraid because of his involvement in the accident. If he had reported what happened, it would become clear that he played a part in it. So to avoid that, he did not fetch someone - law or medical - to report a death, as he should have. Thirdly, he endangered the whole community by trying to burrow someone without any rites, without a funeral, after a violent death, in unconsecrated ground. There is, of course, no guarantee that Sutor would have turned, but we follow the rites for a reason, do things by the teachings to avoid the risk he willingly took."
She turns to Gan'Dro, then finishes:"He may not be the one who struck the killing blow against Sutor, but that does not make the man innocent. He willingly risked injury of another that lead to death, he attempted to hide the death of a citizen from the authorities, and he risked creation of an undead creature by not laying him to rest, proper."
Nodding along with Mira's words, 'Gandro' waits for his turn. Once she finishes he smiles and steps forward, flourishing his cape a bit as he moves forward and paces a little as he speaks.
"I have only one word for all of this nonsense: SPECULATION. Here are the actual facts that everyone can agree on! FACT#1: Mayne confronted Sutor loudly about the mule. Many knew that, as there were witnesses. Wandering animals are often argued over when crops and farming are involved, are they not? FACT#2: Obviously, Mr. Sutor secretly returned at a later time to retrieve his Mule, and TRESPASSED on Mayne's property to try and do it! Many people are often hurt or killed when they enter another person's property illegally. Even if Mayne somehow helped cause or at minimum knowingly did not prevent Sutor's death, defending one's property is a godly given right to each land owner! FACT#3: The MULE killed Sutor! And finally...Fact#4: Fearing for his LIFE, and worried about RETALIATION...Mayne tried to bury Sutor's body. As he put it: 'I tried to hide the body just because I knew I'd be blamed no matter what. Even if a dragon had dropped his blasted body from the sky, folks would've blamed me.'"
He then turns suddenly and looks at Sutor's sister and close family.
"And WHO was at fault for ALL of this? We KNOW this much: Mr. Sutor was at fault for letting his mule get loose. Mr. Sutor was at fault for returning to Mayne's property without consent from Mayne. Mr. Sutor's own ornery untrained-mule then killed him! All Mayne has done this entire time, is defend his LIFE, worried that all he had built here...his goose farm...EVERYTHING he had, could be taken away in an instant. Why? Just because he had no say in who his parents were. No matter how hard he works or how much money he spends...he will always be what he is."
At this point, Dro'gan steps up to Sutor's sister gently and asks her a pointed question:
"Can you truly blame him for worrying and feeling that way?"
Busker Stunt(Su)
*A busker can engage in brisk conversation that seems innocuous, but actually encourages creatures to reveal secrets to the busker. Each round while maintaining this stunt, the busker can force one creature within 30 feet that is able to see and hear the busker and has an attitude of indifferent or better towards him to attempt a Will save (DC = 10 + 1/2 the busker’s bard level + the busker’s Charisma modifier). On a failed save, the target must answer one yes/no question the busker asks to the best of its ability. Anyone observing this (including the creature asked, even if it succeeds at its save) must succeed at a Sense Motive check (opposed by the busker’s Bluff check) to realize the question was asked or answered. A target that feels threatened or is in combat is immune to this ability. This is a language-dependent, mind-affecting enchantment effect.
"Speculation? He was caught in the act of trying to bury the body. There's your fact right there. As for your own facts - while wandering animals are sometimes argued over, these arguments don't usually end up with either party dead. Which is why we are not worrying about those other times it happens. As for your second fact, I would tread carefully - defending one's home against someone is one thing...outright killing trespassers a whole different thing. Unless you mean to advocate for such a right - again, we are not talking about self-defense here - he attempted to retrieve his own property, which Mister Mayne held for ransom.", Mira starts slowly pacing side to side in front of the audience, making eye contact with the crowd, while counting off the facts on the fingers of a raised hand:"Your third fact, I already contested in that the mule did not do that randomly. This was no freak accident. If I cause a stampede of a herd of cows that runs you over, I can't claim I'm innocent because the cows killed you - Mister Mayne had a hand in what happened, even though he had not intended to kill Mister Sutor."
She then stops in front of the accused, turning towards Mayne and looking directly at him: "As for your final fact: He may have been afraid. That is his right. But it does not exempt him from the law. Once again, I ask what precedence you want to set here: If someone is afraid that the law, or others, will treat them unfavorably, they can take justice in their own hands? They can do as they wish, because they are afraid of not getting justice served at court? Think well, as some of those present may be interested in this ruling. Either the laws bind all the people, or none. He may have been right in that people would blame him, but that does not give him any right to bypass the justice system entirely and simply do as he pleases. Same as every other citizen, he has to abide by the laws, and trust in the justice spoken by the Lady Betony. He may have been held until her return, but such is the nature of law. If someone does not trust in the legal system and considers themselves beyond it's reach, then exempting them from the law on the basis that they do not trust it undermines the whole system. He should have come forward, reported the death, and given himself into the custody of law enforcement, to await Lady Betonys return and a trial. Some people would say by not doing so, he already admitted his guilt because he was certain he would be sentenced. I disagree. His guilt is to be determined by trial. And he should know as much. But he did not trust the system to rule in his favor. If you let him get away with not trusting the system out of fear, then henceforth nobody will trust the system any more, knowing full well that even if they are found out they can expect to be forgiven for their transgressions if they can present any form of excuse to the court."
Amandine turns to Mayne and asks him if he wants to speak in his own defense.
Sutor's sister mumbles out a very begrudging "Guess it makes sense..." in response to Dro'gan's question.
Meanwhile, the rest of the crowd is very understanding of Dro'gan's argument that Mayne had reason to fear reprisal, even if innocent. In addition, between the rhetoric offered by both Dro'gan and Mira, the crowd has just about accepted that Sutor's death came at the hands - or rather, hooves - of his own mule.
Thus, the crowd is no longer expecting a murderer to be executed. Even the individuals around Sutor's sister have lost their bloodlust and are distancing themselves from her. Instead, the crowd is far more interested in a far smaller punishment for Mayne's mishandling of the situation that befell him.
Mayne, for his part, begins his defense with a harrumph.
"I like how even the prosecutor agrees I didn't kill the bloke, yet I'm still going to be punished," the goose farmer complains. He then turns to more directly address the audience. "None of you trust me, and frankly it's mutual. Hells, Lady Amandine's probably the first person around here in a long time that actually feels trustworthy to me. She was actually willing to entertain the idea that I was innocent when I said I was.
"I'll pay for a proper burial for Sutor," Mayne offers by way of contrition. "And if you're concerned about undead, what about that new temple? Want me to scrub the walls? Maybe a nice, shiny temple will spook the dead into staying dead."
Mayne is doing his best to be sincere. He is trying to offer reasonable solutions to the question of punishment for mishandling the discovery of Sutor's body.
Nodding, 'Gandro' steps up.
"Mr. Mayne, I almost could say an Abadaran priest couldn't have suggested better. I would say these are reasonable ideas for penance for his 'proven' crimes, minor as they are. What say you Lady Amandine? What would you levy as punishment against an innocent man in a bad situation?"
"I find the suggestions of the defendant agreeable. He is not guilty of murder, but not entirely innocent. His penance seems fitting in theme and scope.", Mira adds, then also awaits the Lady's judgement.
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After the arguments and statements have all been made, Amandine takes a few moments to consider how she should decide. It is clear the question of a murder is not in play, but the rest involving Mayne's attempt at duplicity must be addressed.
She had settled on finding Mayne guilty of attempting to hide Sutor's death, but for her own reasons. She couldn't bring herself to take seriously suggestions that an unhallowed burial placed the town at risk of an outbreak of undeath. Her thought was vaguely some amount of community service as a punishment.
Mayne had preempted her though when he suggested the same punishment. Everything she and the others had been building toward in Meratt is now coming to the brink, the point of inflection past which there could be no return, only success or failure. This trial must settle things rather than leave an opening for conflict to drag on afterward. Of all the time spent in Meratt so far, it is precisely now that unrest at home would be the greatest handicap. So, it cannot seem that Mayne is choosing his own punishment. Sutor's family, and possibly others, would not be satisfied.
Amandine rises from the chair she has been occupying and raises her arms to signal her request for silence and attention before speaking.
"This court of law has two questions before it today. The first question asks whether Mister Partulles Mayne committed murder, or perhaps bears more indirect responsibility for the death of Mister Ershal Sutor. The second question asks what culpability, if any, can be placed on Mister Mayne for attempting to hide the death of Mister Sutor after it occurred."
"In taking up the first question, whether Mister Mayne is responsible for Mister Sutor's death, I must separate when I know with certainty, from what I cannot know with certainty. It is certain that Mister Sutor's death was caused by a blow to the head. It is also certain that the blow was delivered by the mule owned by Mister Sutor. It is a fact then that Mister Mayne did not kill Mister Sutor with his own hand. It is also true that at the time, Mister Mayne and Mister Sutor were engaged in a dispute over the mule. For brevity’s sake, I will not repeat those particular details. Instead I will note this dispute has served as the motive for the claim Mister Mayne sought Mister Sutor’s death. The flaw in this line of thought is the lack of connection between the purported motive and the cause of death. How might Mister Mayne’s supposed desire cause the mule to act in accordance, providing what Mister Mayne wants?"
"Much has been said today about various possible reasons why Mister Mayne bears responsibility in some way for the mule’s behavior. We cannot question the mule, so that route of inquiry is closed to us. I will point out the mule’s owner was Mister Sutor, which means Mister Mayne's contact with the mule was extremely limited. He could not have trained the mule to follow his commands given such limited opportunity. This same reasoning discounts other possibilities, such as Mister Mayne startling or goading the mule into kicking. He would not have been able to predict what reaction he would get from the mule, nor when the timing of the mule’s kick, if it kicked, would be been precisely right for him to successfully use the mule as his weapon. We can only speculate about what, if anything, either of the two men may have done to cause the mule’s reaction."
"I must base my judgement on the facts, not compelling stories. It is for this reason I find Mister Mayne innocent of causing Mister Sutor’s death, either by design or mishap. Mister Sutor’s death was a tragic accident."
"As for the second question, Mister Mayne was discovered in the act of burying Mister Sutor so his death would not be discovered. Not only are there witnesses, but Mister Mayne has admitted it was his intent to keep Mister Sutor's death a secret."
"I can find sympathy for the reason he gave, that he would not receive a fair hearing or be believed. As we have investigated it has become apparent that there is mutual mistrust between Mister Mayne and some, perhaps many, of the residents of this town. Unfortunately, his mistrust fell upon this court by extension."
"At this time I will state without equivocation that this court will treat all who are brought before it equally, and without bias. Mister Mayne's relationships to the rest of Stachys will not affect how this court considers his case, nor will his personal background or history play a role unless it is in some way directly relevant to the case under consideration. Today it is not."
"So, while I do understand why Mister Mayne was fearful to come forward and report Mister Sutor's death, the law requires he do so despite any such misgivings. The law requires anyone with knowledge of a death to report it to the local authority. I must find Mister Mayne guilty for not doing so, as I would anyone else among you all in similar circumstances. To do otherwise would be to engage in exactly the kind of hypocrisy Mister Mayne feared."
"But I want it to be clearly understood that Mister Mayne is culpable for not reporting an accidental death, not for concealing evidence of a crime. As we have previously established today, no crime occurred so there is no evidence of one to conceal."
"Mister Mayne's sentence shall be as follows: He must provide labor for Stachys for three full days. These three days do not need to be consecutive. I understand he has a farm to maintain. However the three days must be served within one full month of todays date. I am receptive to the suggestion of one day spent cleaning the temple. Arrangements will be made for tasks during the two remaining days when their dates are set."
"The court will not require Mister Mayne to fund Mister Sutor's burial, but it does see the gesture favorably as a way to mend fences and move past this unfortunate episode."
Meraki frowns, clearly discomfited by the entire situation, but she says nothing.
"But I want it to be clearly understood that Mister Mayne is culpable for not reporting an accidental death, not for concealing evidence of a crime. As we have previously established today, no crime occurred so there is no evidence of one to conceal."
Surprise appears on Dro’gan’s face. It then appears as if he frowns in thought. He turns and reflects with Mayne on the generosity of the court, and her apparent expertise with the law.
”She got me on that one: It never occurred to me that without a murder there was no crime in covering up the evidence since there wasn’t any evidence to cover up in the first place.”
Acting as Amandine's knight and protector, Greenly keeps a sharp eye on the crowd and their satisfaction (or dissatisfaction, as the case may be) with the court's ruling- and thereby Amandine's place as Stachys' Lord and center of law. If even a one seems to her disappointed or angry, she stands stalwart by her liege as shield and protector, but if all seem content, she excuses herself for the day and rests til morning.
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Lady Amandine Betony once again demonstrates, at least in the minds of the people of Stachys, what a noble should be and what they should do. As she summarizes the truth regarding both Sutor's death and Mayne's actions, her subjects accept that Mayne is not a murderer. Furthermore, the proscribed penance satisfies their ameliorated call for justice.
Greenly recognizes that even the fervent band of locals beside Sutor's sister are now cajoling her into letting it go, convincing her to accept that Mayne was not responsible for her brother's death - and also sternly encouraging her to not go against Lady Betony's decree by trying anything herself. No more trouble will arise from this incident.
Mira keeps a neutral face until such time as the public spectacle is over. Once everybody arrives in the backroom of the court, she allows herself a smile: "That went well. Good job, Dro'gan, and very elaborate speech, Miss Amandine. For a moment, I was afraid I pushed too hard. But I'm pretty certain that went over well with the people. Even those who hoped to see him executed seemed to be content with that judgement."
She sits down on the next best convenient-looking object and leans back:"Now, I don't know about you guys, but I could use a drink."
After the trial concludes Amandine doesn't dally, taking only the extra time to arrange for Onora to handle the scheduling of Mayne's work days before departing for Betony Manor.
On the return she expresses her gratitude for the group's efforts in bringing the trial off successfully.
"You all played your parts extremely well. By the time my turn came, I could hardly have looked anything but good due to the setup you provided me. I think we'll have no more trouble in Stachys related to the incident."
"Now we must prepare to depart to visit Baroness Voinum as soon as possible."
Word spreads quickly through the village, as gossip is wont to do, that you intend to sally forth again. Thus, you are soon visited by some old acquaintances among the local fishers, Mr. Quintus and his son, who previously transported you out to the pump house.
"I hear you're fixing to visit Baroness Voinum," Quintus explains. "Well, ever since you took care o' them ghouls and fixed up the old pump house, the land north of town has dried up, and the waterways have cleared out. The Stachys Spur should be safe to travel again."
The Stachys Spur connects the small lake north of the village to the greater Meratt Canal. Whereas it would take two or three days to reach Voinaris taking the roads through the county, Quintus claims he could get you there by boat in just one day.
"Um, we don't got, like, any monster sized catfish in the canal, do we?"
"Um, we don't got, like, any monster sized catfish in the canal, do we?"
"Hah! I wish," Quintus scoffs, not realizing exactly how large of a fish Greenly is describing.
Meanwhile, whilst speaking with the fishers, a messenger boy jogs up to Dro'gan and informs him that his belt is ready to be picked up.
Thanking the boy with a silver piece, Dro'gan winks at Amandine.
"I have a minor detour in mind if you can do without me for a short time M'Lady?"
"Hum. Can't truthfully say I'm looking forward to getting on a boat again just yet. But I trust this one will be a lot safer than the last. And if I do have to become nude again, at least Dro'gan will be on that de-tour of his.", Mira quips.
The affair on the burning ship had been unpleasant, but she felt safe in the current company, and while she was not aware of the details, there seemed to be SOME overlap between her own agenda and what they were planning to do - so as long as she was welcome, she would not let some bad experiences with the local passenger ships stop her from coming along.
After all, as her father once put it - to urge her onwards after a bad streak in training - if you stopped doing things as soon as you experienced a single bad outcome, before long you'd find yourself sitting on a chair in your living room, doing nothing but waiting for death.
Amandine thanks Quintus for his kind offer, and ask him if he could be able to transport them in two days time. She explains to him that etiquette demands the Baroness be notified in advance of their visit.
At the manor, she asks everyone to convene in the study after a break to refresh themselves if need. A bit later, when everyone is present, Amandine gives the crew a short briefing on the upcoming visit.
"Baroness Legate Voinum is a veteran, with long service as a high ranking officer in the Taldan Horse. Those of you who met her at Tanager Jubilee may recall her as taciturn with a rigid, military bearing, a staunch traditionalist, and scornful of any kind of frivolity. Perhaps more than anyone so far, Baroness Voinum will not be easily swayed."
"I doubt she would be receptive to friendship for its own sake, nor do I believe she enjoys company. Of all the nobility in Meratt, she is likely to be the most conservative in her views, perhaps even reactionary. She may be the least likely among them all to view Princess Eutropia's claim to the throne approvingly. Instead, she may prefer High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus as successor."
"I fear we will have little to use in persuading her to take up our cause, thought I hope I misjudge the Baroness. Unless new things come to light during our visit, we should assume the best path to gaining her cooperation, is to lean on the argument that Count Lotheed is incompetent as steward, which is causing a breakdown in order in the county. I will also inform the Baroness of Count Lotheed's offer to transfer her lands and title to me in return for the Night Swan in private."
"There is good news as well. Our bar for success with the Baroness is lower this time. Our support elsewhere in Meratt is solid. All we need is for Baroness Voinum to sit out the coming conflict. If she will support us when the time comes, so much the better. But her neutrality is sufficient to deny Count Lotheed any active support against us."
"We should be ready for departure in two days time. During our delay there are a couple of tasks to be carried out."
"Sir Greenly, would be please ride to inform Baroness Voinum of our coming visit? You may be our best chance for breaking the ice with her. You better understand the military than any of the rest of us. You were also victorious in the jousts during the Tanager Jubilee. If the Baroness will respect any of us, it is most likely you."
"I also recall the Baroness speaking of her fondness for Stachys wine at the Tanager Jubilee. It is very scarce now, out of production for some years I think. Dro'gan, could you try to track down some bottles as a gift? Even if it is expensive due to its quality and rarity, the cost could be worthwhile. Go to Lotheedir for it if you must."
Greenly takes her task with a grin and a nod. "Good luck getting by without your bodyguard, miss, don't like, get stabbed or nothin while I'm gone," she smirks.
Nodding, Dro’gan replies.
“A very good articulation of the situation and a solid beginning plan. I’m not much for ‘winging it’ later however. I will also try and see…delicately…if alternate routes to either encourage cooperation with us or against our enemies exist in this matter. And of course find a bottle oe two of wine as well.”
A thought makes Dro’gan pause.
”Perhaps we allow the Countess a chance to invest in our rejuvenation of our county’s winery re-start? If she’s a fan, she may want to encourage such things on her own…in exchange for a small tithe of the yearly production?”
"I am pleased to hear it, Master Quintus," Meraki says with a slight smile. "Your help was invaluable."
Greenly ventures forth aboard Quintus' barge. From the marshy lakeside north of your village, they make their way along the Stachys Spur up to the Meratt Canal. They return a little after dusk, leaving Quintus and his son uneasy, even if the undead in the swamps have been purged, but true to the fisher's word, the trip was completed in a day. The message was delivered to the Voinum estate, and the baroness is amenable to receiving a visitation from Lady Betony and her coterie.
Meanwhile, Dro'gan attempts to hastily track down an old bottle of Stachys wine...
Dro'gan learns from Onora that the late Alis Betony kept one last bottle of Stachys wine hidden in the manor, futilely saving it for a special occasion. After searching for about a half hour, he finds it hidden in the library behind some books, appropriately enough about the vitner's art.
Unfortunately, he discovers that the bottle has already been opened. Eventually, the domovoi confess to drinking it about five years back, commemorating what would have been their friend Lady Alis' eightieth birthday.
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Obviously lacking the knowledge needed to find such a bottle of unopened wine, Dro'gan decides to see if he can outsource this project with some aid.
Turning to the newest lady of the town, Dro'gan approaches Mira with a proposition...and an old empty bottle.
"I beg an audience: A few minutes of you time milady Mira? Evidently I have been tasked with the near impossible! Lady Amandine asks me to find a particular bottle of wine as a gift. Normally I enjoy a challenge, and relish the hunt for success in all things, but I find myself with a lack of knowledge here and you seem...like someone who might know more about where I could search for such vintages? While serving nobility is something I understand, retrieving valuable potables is not normally in my wheelhouse unless it already resides in a wine cellar on the grounds. I know...horrifying! But only a fool does not admit his limitations when a party, and noble reputation, is on the line."
"Hm. A particular bottle seems a challenging task, indeed. I know too little of the commoners here, but I doubt a vintage like that would be affordable to any of them. And any merchants are likely to have parted with bottles they had for a hefty sum already.", Mira considers for a moment, then looks for a map of the area to refresh her memory: "If anywhere, I'd suspect we'll find it in the cellars of some other nobles, or rich collectors - neither will be willing to part with such a treasure easily, but it could be worth a try. How urgent is your task? Would we have time to check in with Baron Okerra? I daresay he'd be willing to part with such a bottle for the Lady Amandine. Otherwise we may have to check whoever else is close enough for us to reach..."
When a good time presents itself, Amandine asks Mira to join Meraki and herself for a drink and some conversation in her private chamber. Amandine had already asked Meraki to be there, explaining to her that it's possible Mira has some training, so it would be better to not rely only on her own perception alone to notice any deception or evasion on Mira's part.
When the three of them are settled with their drinks, Amandine broaches the question of Mira's presence on Meratt.
"I want to thank you again for your help with the trial Lady Mira. I know asking you to act as prosecutor presented you with an unenviable task. But, I thought it best for the prosecution to bear no taint of collusion with myself as judge, or with the defense carried out by Gandro. Independence would be important if the verdict was to be acceptable. You are not known to the residents of Stachys, so you were the clear choice."
"This evening I would like to chat with you about a different subject though. Something that has been intriguing me since you mentioned it on the day of the boat sinking. You described what happened as an assassination attempt, probably directed at you, and likely ordered by Count Lotheed. You also described your presence in this county as related to Count Lotheed. Please tell me more."
"I have no doubt about your intelligence. Certainly you also know we have a particular interest in Count Lotheed ourselves. I also believe we both feel our interests may align. Am I right?"
"If this turns out to be the case, there may be benefits in our cooperation with each other. However, before we make any decisions or commitments that might be premature, we should clarify what our interests regarding the Count are. Don't you think so?"
Mira enjoys her drink, and sits relaxed, listening to Amandine with interest: "First of all, you are welcome for the trial. I did learn to have a way with words - a must in my profession, I dare say. It was the least I could do after the help you rendered to me after that...incident."
Mira looks at Meraki, then back at Amandine questioningly, but continues after a short pause:"Regarding my presence here and my relation to Count Lotheed - I have reason to believe that the Count may have had a hand in the death of my father. Not directly, mind you, but by being accomplice to setting events in motion that lead to an inevitable conclusion. He is not responsibly enough to warrant hatred, but I harbor no sympathies for the man. You may remember that the deity I follow is Calistria...I opted to take a measure of revenge, and feed into my own ambition in the hopes of earning a chance to bring to justice those men directly responsible. I did so by trying to learn something that could be used as powerful political leverage by his sister Martella, hoping to gain her trust, or even force him to abdicate if what I get is spicy enough. So much for what _I_ wanted here, and with the Count..."
She leans back, crosses her legs and licks a bit of her drink from her upper lip:"I do understand you have...interests, and I do hope we find them aligning on a variety of topics. I understand I had less to lose by speaking bluntly - and taking the risks of being forward with you. That said, with my initial plans thwarted and the Count seemingly aware of my intents, I'd settle for whatever vengeance I can set in motion...so as long as your own interests in the Count are not benevolent in nature, I am willing to compromise to find ways to cooperate."
- Susceptibility active against Meraki who Mira assumes was picked to be here for a reason by the Lady Amandine.
Mira's story holds, but she is not telling all the details. She is not deceiving you, but she is holding back some relevant parts she may not feel comfortabe sharing without knowing if the people present are trustworthy - or to what extent.
Meraki, standing impassively behind her Lady Betony, frowns under the weight of Mira's gaze. She rubs one hand at her temple in either pain or consternation.
Amandine finds nothing Mira says dubious or inconsistent, nor does Meraki signal a difference of opinion.
"Thank you for your candor Mira."
Amandine refills glasses all around before continuing.
"Our aim is to remove Count Lotheed from his position as Steward of Meratt, and from his residence in Birdsong Palace. Aside from those two things, we have no interest in Count Lotheed, alive or dead. Whatever form of revenge you have decided upon is no barrier for us. I see no cross-purposes or other sharp edges that might make cooperation between us difficult. Do you agree?"
"Regarding Lady Martella Lotheed, do you know her personally, or are you hoping to gain her attention?"