The woman answers Sara's questions in turn. Her real name is Alista, the count had the costumes prepared ahead of time, she doesn't particularly like or dislike finches never having really given it much thought one way or another, though she likes the sounds they make so she supposes she probably likes finches, as for music she plays all sorts of kinds, but its often for tavern crowds so usually things that are more upbeat and lively to entertain others, though when she is alone she really prefers something more relaxing. She carries on the conversation with Sara for as long as the woman keeps asking questions happy to talk.
As far as Capricia and Bimble can tell the woman has no ulterior motives and seems pretty down to earth. She seems to be telling the truth and not hiding anything. So either she is a masterful liar or she is honestly just there to be of assistance.
Caspian nods to Purple Finch and excuses himself from the group to head to his own quarters. Thankfully Bartelby still keeps up some appearances and his rooms show signs of being regularly cleaned and fresh linens have been provided.
Having established that his quarters are still habitable, Caspian takes a few minutes to compose himself after the unexpected rush of emotions of returning home before venturing downstairs once again and heading to the biggest gossip in the room.
"Dame Parthena, how wonderful to see you again. You must catch me up on all the latest news. My brother is sadly lacking as a correspondent. I have some interesting tales from the capital that you should hear as well. Lady Sepsemia, you look as lovely as ever." HE bows over both womens hands as a nobleman should, allowing his lips to just brush the back of the Dame's hand.
Sara sees Caspian leave and decides to do the same. Giving a quick curtsy to Rossana, for appearances in front of their purple finch, she'll ask for permission to leave "Miss Piscum seemed to feel as out of place as I do in these grand settings, I wondered if you would allow me to see if there is anything the household of Thorn could to do to put her at ease?"
--
After asking for directions to the other woman's rooms, Sara will knock and greet the other woman warmly. "I am neither of noble birth or born into money, so this event is... overwhelming." giving a nervous smile, she'll lower her voice and step a bit closer, "If not for my friendship with Lady Thorn, Annabella Perkin's wedding to the horrid Parsin Betters would have been the fanciest I'd have ever seen. And there were pigs at that one. While rich as spit, he loved his pigs more than his bride to be in truth."
Smiling brighter, she'll look at the other woman in hope, "Do you have any suggestions on how to not gawk and fawn?" she realizes she insinuated and quickly adds "Not that you'd would Ever! Me I mean! I..." she sighs, taking a breath "... can fit my entire foot in my mouth apparently. I apologize."
With their quarters established, Rossana takes a bit of time to appreciate the decor and detail put into the party, though the constant chattering of the birds, were starting to make her ears twitch in annoyance.
Finding her associate Baron Okerra once more, Rossana explains her new position out here, while mentioning a few ideas of her plans to test just where his interests lie.
Still feeling like a fish out of water, Capricia again works up the courage to speak to the nobility, this time choosing Dame Crabbe. While casually gossiping, she makes sure to offer a warm smile to the woman's poor daughter.
Caspian heads over to Dame Crabbe to reacquaint himself with the woman and her daughter. She smiles as he takes her hand and gives it a light kiss, however her daughter hesitantly extends her hand, it trembling slight with an almost fearful look on her face as Caspian gives it a light kiss. While Sepsemia says nothing Dame Crabbe speaks enough for the both of them "Oh my, if it isn't the count's younger brother! Count Lotheed hadn't mentioned you would be returning, do you have plans to stay in Meratt for awhile. You know, it's been so long I really think maybe you and Sepsemia should find some alone time to catch up yes? You know she is of age now right, and looking for a suitor. I think the two of you would make such a lovely couple don't you? Perhaps I could arrange for some private time for the two of you to chat?" she finishes almost beaming about the prospect.
With Rossana's feinted approval Sara sets off to find Miss Piscum. She had returned to the ballroom with many of the other guests but was standing off in a corner just watching the others interact. As Sara comes over to great her, she gives Sara a warm smile and introduces herself. When she relates her tale of the wedding and how she is not of noble birth Piscum takes a deeper interest, she even giggles as Sara mentions the man and his pigs. When Sara mumbles on and asks for suggestion the woman puts her hand gently on Sara's arm "Oh, don't worry, most of these nobles are so self involved they wouldn't notice you gawking even if you did. Though if anything, I would suggest you just stay calm, steel your nerves and act like this is any other party. Don't even think of them as being nobles, just other guests at a party, that you've obviously also been invited to attend. If you treat it like you are on equal footing with them it makes things quite a bit less nerve wracking." She gives Sara a gentle squeeze before withdrawing her hand and smiles.
While Rosanna is talking with Baron Okkera and explaining her new roll and her thoughts on things, eventually the conversation turns back to the deaths in Oppara after the exaltation massacre. The Baron stiffens up a bit and has a concerned look on his face. The Baron mentions how devastating the massacre was and it's hard for him to wrap his mind around it since he has always associated goodness with obedience and service, but he’s increasingly questioning the morality of his life since the Massacre after all those people doing their duty and following the law were slaughtered for no good reason. Rosanna gets the feeling that any sort of expression of sympathy would touch the Baron's heart.
Bimble heads over to the next oldest person in the room, Baroness Voinum. He introduces himself and she follows suit. She remarks how she is a bit of a historian herself and would be happy to talk with Bimble on the matter at some point if he were interested. She notes that she has quite the collection of maps and books back at her estate. Eventually she suggests "I also enjoy brewing my own drafts, perhaps at some point you could join me at my estate and we could compare historical notes?"
As the conversation continues between the two she also notes, that she has quite the collection of thoroughbred stallions and mares that she enjoys to ride. Throughout his discussions Bimble gets the sense that generally diplomacy may work in attempting to influence her but would likely be more difficult thatn finding common ground on something she is actually interested in.
Capricia comes over at some point when there is a break or stall in the conversation between the Dame and Caspian finding an opportunity to introduce herself and casually gossip a bit. Through her conversation Capricia is fairly certain that lying to her just so she can hear what she wants may be a good approach as the woman seems a bit gullible, and she is very interested in local matters particularly regarding potential bachelors for her daughter, as well as anyone that shows any talent in performing. The woman brings up her daughters dowry a number of times in the talk mentioning how she doesn't understand why there aren't more suitors with how sizeable it is, and she seems to have a sharp mind for the value of things. Capricia feels like a diplomatic approach may work as well, but knows there are other topics that would have more luck.
Rossana calms a bit as the recent events in the capital come around. Having been blindsided by all the death, she understood his meaning well. "It was truly barbaric. All the trust we had put in the monarchy and the law, thrown out all at once," Rossana comments. "We spent a whole day trying to escape from the interior. I'm sure it was hard for those stuck in the audience chamber as well. I hope you are doing well after all that.
"I am hoping to set a new example here, though. The people need to know that the laws will still be upheld, and that not all of the nobles they've put their trust in are corrupt, such as Princess Eutropia, who holds the interest of the people at heart. It is a large task, however, and I am looking for those that share the same belief and will join with this endeavor. That is one of my goals for this party."
The Baron nods along as Rossana gives her thoughts on the massacre. At the end he seems to have a look of remembering something "That's right, I remember you and your friends weren't there throughout the whole massacre. It was a blood bath, but thanks to the Lion's Blade some of were able to escape. If you don't mind me asking how did you get out? Is one of you a powerful wizard or something, having teleported you away to safety?"
Later when Rossana mentions upholding the law and regaining trust, specifically here in Meratt he smiles, moving in closer to here "Well, so you know I am happy to help my friend improve your land and the lives of the peasants you oversee. We will need to meet at some point to work out the details, but I will gladly send building supplies, loaned artisans, and timber to improve your lands once you have a chance to settle in and make a plan."
Capricia waits for Bimble to finish speaking to Baroness Voinum before approaching the woman. Starting with simple banter, Capricia works her way toward broaching the subject of the woman's scar.
"I've heard Taldan politics can be deadly; it appears you're also acquainted with swordplay. If I'm not being too forward...is there a story to your scar?"
Bimble continues talking history with Baroness Voinum and the discussion between the two of them is starting to feel almost like old friends. When he mentions the library at the Betony estate and specifically the original print the Baroness seems somewhat excited "Really? I should very much like to take a look at that. You know, I've heard that the original volume contains some extended passages that were left out of future editions, because after Tychus passed away his son, who commissioned the copies, thought that a few parts were a bit too scandalous." She shakes her head in dismay as she continues "It is truly horrific that someone would attempt to alter history like that, depriving future generations from the knowledge that could be gained..."
As Bimble asks about the Stavians and the Lotheeds she shrugs slightly "I mean, not much more than anyone else. With both families being so prominent it is hard for either to keep many secrets. As I'm sure you well know Duke Panivar Lotheed secured the lands for his family many years ago. While the Lotheeds don’t own the lands they administer on behalf of the crown, in all practical ways they are the ruling nobility over the large swath of the prefecture. The lands have rendered them far wealthier and more prestigious than their family lands in Ligos prefecture."
When there is a lull in the conversation Capricia moves over to introduce herself to the woman, and being too forward for the woman's comfort asks about her scar. She somewhat rolls her eyes at Capricia's interruption as she notes "Young lady, this great nation has been through so much and I along with it. This scar, I received in service to Taldor and that's all that really matters."
"Good advice!" Sara beams at Miss Piscum. The brunette considers the other woman, eyes widening pleasantly at the physical contact.
Sighing, she'll look out at the peacocks parading around in the ballroom, and admits "I'm not sure if I'm ready yet to steel myself quite yet. They all are quite... something."
So she stays standing next to the taller and more muscular half-elf and makes conversation "I'm a baker or was before Lady Thorn..." she pauses, thinking as she sways a bit to the music, fancy gray dress swishing "... no I still am, I love it, so always will be I guess. Bread, muffins, scones, especially scones. Heavy with cream and honey... mmmm" she hums a delighted yummy sound of memory. Her dark eyes slide back as she ends the noise to Onora "Do you like to cook?" she asks innocently.
"Actually, we were teleported to an underground museum by a mechanism in our badges. Unfortunately, we weren't alone down there, either. After a day of wandering, we managed to make it to the surface," Rossana explains. "We found out, though, that many of the assassins were members of various halfling cults."
Caspian is more than sharp enough to notice Sepsemia's strange reaction and takes the moments Capricia buys him to watch the pair and evaluate the best approach. Lay it on thick with the Dame. Sepsemia won't respond well.
"Why Baroness!" He says, his eyes twinkling in the special way that always seemed to make the matrons in Oppara weak at the knees. "I'm afraid my heart has grown callous after my time in the capital - a swirling pit of vipers and intrigue that it is! Lady Sepsemia is too good for me these days I fear! A kind and delicate maiden such as herself. Perhaps what I need is a woman of the world, one with the experience to handle the rake I have become."
He takes her hand again and places another kiss on it, lingering this time, and flashing a wink over the knuckles. "Baroness Voinum perhaps?"
Capricia seems slightly embarrassed by Bimble's praise but still gives a slight nod in the gnome's direction.
Sara continues talking with Onara as the two women seem to have already hit it off. When the conversation turns to their 'past life' of work Onara admits "Well, if a good ole country farmer like me can rise to be Tribune and hobknob with all these nobles, then a baker should have no trouble fitting in. Just bake up something nice and sweet as a gift and the nobles will love you for it."
She offers her a smile before continuing. "Myself, I don't have as much to offer. I mean who wants to talk about farming or the outdoors, or how to hunt for your own food when the harvest is light?" she shrugs.
When Sara askes her about cooking she waves her hand back in forth to denote so-so "I mean, I don't have no fancy staff running around cooking for me, which means I have to do it, but it's not like its my favorite thing to do. Honestly I would rather listen to a rousing speech or talk about important local matters, or better yet, spend some time outdoors." She lets out an exhausted sigh "Alas, with no staff under me so to speak I'll just have to keep doing everything myself."
The baron seems shocked as you relate your ordeal "Oh my, that sounds like quite the trial in itself. Really, members of a halfling cult? That is peculiar indeed. There are so many rumors flying around it is hard to know what is what. In any case, I suppose we should count our blessing for being some of the few to make it out of there alive..." He takes a long sip from his wine glass as he considers it.
Dame Crabbe grins eagerly as Caspian speaks, for a moment she forgets about her daughter and thinks that Caspian is talking about her, her cheeks blush as he lingers in the kiss on her hand. However, as soon as he mentions Baroness Voinum her eyebrows shoot up in surprise as she exlaims "What?! Oh no, no, no my good sir..." she shakes her head back and forth repeatedly.
"While I can't say the match wouldn't be beneficial to you, and could definitely help the Lotheed name, you would never be happy with a woman like that. She is so gruff and uptight. You know I hear she is quite the prude as well. What kind of fun would that be. Plus, I don't even think she can bare children anymore... No, that wouldn't do for a man like you, you need a vibrant woman, someone who can give you many heirs! My beautiful Sepsemia, look at her..." she waves her hand casually bake to her daughter who isn't really even paying attention to the conversation, looking off at something else. "now, she has plenty of years ahead of her to bare children and I can assure you, she would tend to your every need."
At Bimble's implications of the Lotheeds pressing the populace she shrugs "Perhaps, I mean it's always easy to sit on the outside looking in and criticize or say how one could do it better, but if I've learned anything through my years of service to Taldor its that, it is often much more complicated than it seems at first glance." The woman tactfully avoids tipping her hand one way or the other in her response.
As Bimble mentions Capricia's successes the Baroness looks at her a moment with a discerning eye "Hm... well she does appear to be of solid build for fighting. By the looks of her, quick on her very nimble." She gives Capricia a slight nod of her head before turning her full attention back to Bimble, much more interested in her talks with him than she is in Capricia "In any case, I'm glad she could be of aid in keeping you safe during the Gala. It is so horrible what happened there, how did you manage to escape the slaughter if you don't mind me asking?"
"I am new to this area, but I'd love to hear what matters are important to the people here." she picks up that proposed topic of conversation "Back home it is mostly about day to day living. And Politics of course. One can't live in Oppara without following the Senate to some degree."
Suddenly her smile shifts to a frown hinted with anxious worry."Or at least we what cared about..." The last time she was at such a fancy party was that night.
The worry stifles her attempts to conversation.
"As for helping the people, I know Princess Eutropia has been quite helpful in assisting me in moving out here," Rossana mentions as she continues her conversation with the Baron. "I know you were for ending primogeniture during the Exaltation, but how do you feel now that so many are going after the throne? I believe Princess Eutropia as the most appropriate contender currently. After all, the law was passed before all those poor people died, and it would honor them to know that their final decision was carried out."
Capricia leaves Dame Crabbe with Bimble, wondering if he should be telling her the truth about how the friends survived the massacre in Oppara.
No telling if these people are cultists themselves or have ties to that group!
The swordswoman goes back to chatting with Onora Piscum, playing up the fact that she's not of the nobility either and likewise feels out-of-place at the jubilee.
Caspian continues to spend his time with Dame Crabbe, moving the topic onwards from his (or her) marriage prospects and onto the Moost Conservatoire, which he recalls the Dame patronises with so much zeal that most of her patronees probably regret it...
Onara smiles "Well I have to say your interest in the local matters is appreciated, especially since I imagine you'll be here for awhile to help your friend? Honestly, it's not too much different here, most people are worried about the day to day living. It is maybe a little more difficult for the common folk out here than in the big city, though I suspect those without wealth and power have it harder no matter where they are."
Picking up on Sara's anxiety she puts a hand on the woman's shoulder "Don't worry, I'm sure having a friend such as Lady Thorn will see things not too difficult on you." While she picked up on Sara's concern it was obvious that she thought it was something different than what Sara was actually concerned about.
After his long sip from his wine glass Baron Okerra listens and nods to Rossana's words "I couldn't agree more. While there are so many rumors going back and forth it is hard to tell what is actually going on, but from where I stand the Princess is the rightful heir and we must uphold the laws that were, as far as I'm aware, voted on in proper accordance with the laws."
Bimble relates to Baroness Voinum the groups ordeal at the senate as he finishes she notes "Well, I am glad a historian such as yourself was able to make your way through it all. No doubt your capable swordswoman had some part to play in that?" She bows her head slightly to Capricia then turns her attention back to Bimble "You must tell me more of this complex you were spirited away to, it sounds intriguing." She listens and compares theories as they discuss the historical relevance of the place the group was transported to.
Capricia leaves Bimble and Baroness Voinum to their talks on history and goes to find someone a little more relateable, heading toward Sara and Onara. As they talk for a bit she notices the woman definitely doesn't speak like the other nobles favoring homespun metaphors and local colloquialisms that you would never hear come out the mouth of one of the 'proper' nobles. She obviously prefers talking in a more common, down to earth tone.
As Caspian and Dame Crabbe speak for sometime and he slowly manages to move her away from the topic of marriage prospects he brings up the Conservatorie in Moost. Dame Crabbe frowns a bit as she thinks on and notes "Indeed, I had a deep interest for the Conservatoire. However, after the horrible incident there... well I haven't been back in some time. A man so well versed in the local comings and goings, I'm sure you heard that my dear daughter was courting a young man studying there. However, tragedy struck and the boy took his own life. It was a horrible shock to us all, but I believe Sepsina has taken it the worst. Poor Opilio had such a bright future ahead of him."
Caspian is far too sharp eyed to miss the tears pearling at the corner of Sepsina's eyes, and far too well-bred to comment on them.
Interesting. Although her mother is not the sort of parent who will be able to help in matters of the heart I think... With that thought ringing in his ears he makes his bows and gently disengages from the Dame, circulating through the crowds and smiling until he emerges near Sara.
"So? How are you finding your first upper crust party?" He asks. "They really are all as boring as this one."
Sara recovered from the dark parts of the memory, giving the other woman a grateful smile and her hand a gentle squeeze. "Thank you. If possible, would I be welcome to call on you again? I'd love to hear about the comings and goings of the townfolk. If nothing else, I should visit the bakeries. In case, Lady Thorn decides my company is no longer required." once they are done, she'll give Onara a curtsey and swish off.
Sara gives a small jump of surprise as Caspian speaks beside her, not having seen him. In hopes to hide a bit of a redding of her cheeks at her own reaction, she covers with conversation as best she can "Well, Miss Piscum has been a delight to talk to, though I don't think the rest of these guests would consider her upper crust. She's..." Sara quirks her lips in thoughtful consideration ".. either motherly or 'interested', I'm not quite sure which."
After another pause of thought and a further nibble of cheese, she has found, she turns a smile toward the nobleman "What about you? You've been nestled with the young miss Sepsina AND her mother for some time. Anything of note or interest?"
With a feeling of satisfaction from influencing the Baron, Rossana excuses herself to meet up with her friends. Grabbing another small appetizer on the way, Rossana finds Sara and Sir Caspian talking quietly nearby.
She grins as she hears Sara's questions for Caspian upon approaching. "Oh, so Sir Caspian is trying to win over the ladies here already? No wonder your brother finds you a problem!" Petal flutters a bit from its position on the back of Rossana's head, giving the appearance of a living ornament. "It seems our good Baron is mostly in our corner already, which is good. How is the party treating you two so far?"
Sara scrunches her nose at the mention of Caspian's brother, more from the descriptions Caspian provided than anything she has seen so far though. "Enjoying the food and the conversation. And the company, or course." she'll bob her head to Caspian with a smile.
Then she'll relate any pertinent details on Onara that she has gathered.
"Dame Crabbe is rather... concerned with her daughter's matrimonial prospects." Caspian replies with a gentle grin. "I may have played along, it's the easiest way to get her to open up and the woman is a font of information about the local nobility." He gives a gentle shrug.
"Sepsina is... troubled by something. It's not something I should push, but if any of you ladies could discuss love lives and so forth with her..." He briefly summarises his suspicions about Sepsina's lost love.
Again, the gong in the great hall echoes through the palace, and it serves as signal for every party's attendant jester.
Purple Finch goes around to each of you as she announces "It is time for the joust! If you wish to observe, you can proceed to the list. If you wish to compete, then just add your name to the list," she says with a hopeful smile, looking to see if her attempt at word play lands true.
As morning turns to afternoon, the tournament approaches. The count's servants have erected a list, a tilt, and stands for a joust, complete with colorful flags and banners, and happily supply heavy horse mounts, jousting armor (a breastplate, helm, and padding), and a small metal shield for guests who wish to participate but neglected to bring appropriate equipment. They also provide blunted jousting lances fitted with metal sheaths (which inflict nonlethal damage) to all competitors. The stands slowly fill with spectators, many bribed with food to come from nearby Lotheedar.
For those of a more genteel persuasion, a field is set aside for trucco a short distance from the jousting list, complete with sandwiches and tea.
The joust is open to any guest willing to participate. Competitors all go up against each other in pairs determined by Count Lotheed, accumulating points over the course of 5 rounds, at which point the top two challengers face off against one another in a final pass. The use of magical augmentation in a joust—except to compensate for a disability—is considered a gauche violation of the rules.
Scoring: Each round, contestants ride to opposite ends of the tilt, turn, salute, and then charge on horseback at one another with lances, hoping to strike their opponent and, ideally, knock them from their horses. Each participant attempts an opposed Ride check and an attack roll. The character with the higher Ride check result gains a +2 circumstance bonus on her attack and damage rolls for that pass. A character struck must succeed at a Ride check (DC equal to the amount of damage dealt) or be unseated from his mount. Characters with the Unseat feat can apply this feat if the initial charge doesn’t unseat an opponent. In the interest of safety and thanks to the blunted lances, the attacks deal nonlethal damage.
Connecting with a lance scores 1 point, while unseating an opponent instead scores 2 points. A wielder who shatters her lance (which happens automatically if a single blow deals 20 or more points of damage) adds 1 additional point for the spectacle and the skill required.
As the joust takes the whole afternoon, entrants do not have a chance to interact with or influence any NPCs. However, the general prestige and assumed bravery that accompanies the joust grants participating PCs a +2 circumstance bonus on skill checks to influence NPCs during the rest of the day and evening, plus there are rewards for first and second place!
Trucco, essentially a combination of billiards and golf, involves skill and control, using long-handled spoons to knock hardwood balls around a field, through various rings, and into opponents' balls.
Players take turns attempting 4 Dexterity checks. Characters proficient with light hammers gain a +2 bonus on this check, and characters with Weapon Focus (light hammers) gain an additional +1 bonus. A character scores 1 point with a successful DC 15 Dexterity check, and 1 additional point for every 5 by which her Dexterity check result exceeds 15. The first player to reach 7 points wins the round. There is enough time to play 5 rounds.
Sara pats their finch on the arm giving her a quiet "clever" on her wordplay.
"I'd be rubbish both with a lance and on a horse, so I decline. Humbly" she gives a regretful smile and a curtsey to the list taker. Then turns an upturned eyebrow to her comrades to see if they have any takers.
"I will take my chances with a nice round of Trucco," Rossana decides. "I might not be too good, but winning isn't really the point. It's the gossip during the game that matters. I think I'll follow Sir Caspian's lead, if someone would like to distract the lovely Lady Crabbe." With a twinkle in her eye, Rossana joins the game, straying near Lady Sepsina to introduce herself and initiate pleasant small talk.
Rossana's tail swishes in excitement upon earning her first point. She rarely won, but a lucky shot every now and again still made her grin. One down, six to go!
With the first set of swings almost finished, Rossana follows up on Caspian's intuition and casually brings up her own marriage woes to Sepsina, a bit away from her mother. "It seems love is sparse for us ladies right now. I still haven't found a suitor of my own, yet, though my father is determined to try to have me accept his choice in marriage for me. Is there anyone here that has caught your eye? Maybe Sir Caspian?" Rossana grins, imagining his response, before continuing. "I heard you already had your eyes on a young scholar?"
Never having wielded a lance before (and only twice having ridden a horse), Capricia declines participating in the joust. The game called trucco, however, sounds like something she might be decent at, so the lanky redhead in the kitsune costume gives the game a try.
Trucco Round 1:
Trucco Round 2:
Trucco Round 3:
Trucco Round 4:
"Wow! I'm better at this than I expected!" she gushes...until her last shot goes horribly awry, striking a spectator hard in the ankle.
"Oops! Sorry about that!"
Caspian bows out of the joust and instead joins the group on the trucco field. He escorts Dame Crabbe around the field and appears to not only be a match for the noted shark's skill, but handily thrashes her at every turn.
Sara considers their lack of brawny pole people with a quirked frown as one after another of her companions goes to play hammers and balls (what they called the game growing up). Swishing around away from them she decides to stay and cheer on the lancers. Sticking close to the Count, she'll listen to his conversations and make idle chat with him if it does not seem imprudent to do so.
Rossana's tail swishes irritably as Sir Caspian handily knocks out several players while scoring far too high. Now he was just showing off.
The Baroness and Bimble move out to play Trucco and continue their discussions. Bimble switches to geography which is another area that interests the Baroness. At his mention to Qadira she half nods "Indeed, they are an exotic people. In my service to Taldor I have been to the region and in all honesty it is not much to my liking, I prefer the my homelands. Now, if you want exotic you should head to Garund. A very different land that is, though quite a lot of sand everywhere and hot." She smiles and pats Bimble on the shoulder "As it is I believe the better parts of our travelling days are behind us at this point..."
Rossana finds an opportune time to approach Sepsinia while her mother is distracted playing Trucco with the tough competition of both Capricia and Caspian. The girl is a little startled as Rossana approaches and begins speaking to her, up close now Rossana can tell the young lady is extremely pale and seems almost fragile. The girl listens as Rossana comments on suitors and when she finally asks Sepsinia about her previous interest, sorrow takes over her features as she hesitantly shrugs. In a meek voice she replies "I... uh... I prefer not to talk about it..." She gives you a slight curtsy and promptly moves away to rejoin her mother.
Sara considers their lack of brawny pole people with a quirked frown as one after another of her companions goes to play hammers and balls (what they called the game growing up). Swishing around away from them she decides to stay and cheer on the lancers. Sticking close to the Count, she'll listen to his conversations and make idle chat with him if it does not seem imprudent to do so.
[dice=sense motive to detect weakness]1d20+10
As he plays Caspian attempts to keep a light and gently bantering tone. He seems genuinely surprised by his own fortune at trucco and is quick to praise Dame Crabbe's example as the reason for his 'beginners luck.
With her attempt completely shot down, Rossana sighs and joins Capricia in watching the Dame trying to match Caspian's score but failing. At least she could enjoy watching Caspian try to smooth over the Dame's defeat.
Sara decides to keep an eye on the count and try to get a better feel for the man while the others go off on their own. She watches the count for awhile and begins to recognize a pattern. The count does not seem overly interested in speaking with people of low intelligence or a wide breadth of knowledge, but seems particularly interested in speaking with anyone who is a practitioner of the arcane arts.
Dame Crabbe congratulates Caspian on his win and appreicates his effort to be a good sport as she notes "Well, I will be sure to step up my game for next round to give you some better competition!"
With the next round of Trucco beginning, Rossana eagerly joins back into the game, once again only scoring once. Well...maybe I won't be the worst this time?
With each shot, though, Rossana positions herself closer to Baroness as she tries to listen in on what the woman would be after or interested in. The quiet atmosphere of the refined game keeps her from getting close enough to overhear, though.
After the game, Capricia teasingly pronounces Caspian to be a 'show-off' and congratulates Dame Crabbe's second place finish.
"This is so relaxing...so peaceful...after what happened at the senate in Oppara," the kitsune-costumed woman comments offhandedly. "I thought both sides had their pros and cons, but never expected the matter to turn to bloodshed! Have you heard anything more about where things currently stand, Dame?"
When Sepsinia rejoins her mother, Capricia smiles and asks if the daughter has tried the game of trucco herself. She offers to give the scrawny lass a few tips, even though she's just learning the game herself.
Trucco Game #2