Caspian withdraws from Trucco after his ridiculous round and joins his brother to watch their cousin Titus joust.
"Is it bad that I hope he gets dumped off his horse?" He asks his brother quietly. "His gear must cost a pretty penny. Any chance he earned some of it or has he been leaching off the family funds again?"
Quirking her lips in thought, Sara considers the Count. The frowns at other's dimwitted statements, the occasional interest flashing in his eyes at an intelligent argument. Caspian had told her the ways to his brother's attention was through theoretical discussions of the arcane or through the appraisal of merchandise, but neither are her areas of expertise... but she was both intelligent and a practitioner of the arcane arts so...
"Count Lotheed, while it is a pleasure to watch these proceedings, the strength and endurance of the competitors are awe-inspiring, I was wondering if you would be available in sharing your thoughts on various arcane matters, any and all that might be on your mind. My instructor, Master Bimble the gnome you met earlier, suggested I catch any moment of your time to simply listen to your experience." she'll demonstrate her own meager skill with a quick casting of tap inner beauty, making her already dark eyes and velvety voice shine even greater. "You will find me an eager student, good sir." adding with a smile.
Rossana continues playing Trucco but still isn't doing that great. Luckily, she isn't there for the game but instead does her best to watch Baroness Voinum to get a better feeling for the woman. However, as Bimble and Voinum talk history and geography it is all a bit boring and Rossana has a difficult time maintaining enough interest to really pick up anything useful.
Capricia speaks with Dame Crabbe for a bit about the Exaltation Massacre but it seems like Dame Crabbe knows little more than the widespread rumors roving about. Capricia tries to get a better sense for the woman as they talk, but the subject is so focused she can't get a good read. As the next game of Trucco begins she offers to give Sepsinia a few pointers on the game. The girl hesitantly watches, not really all that interested and looses all interest after Capricia's first two horrible rounds. As Sepsinia turns off to watch some of the other players, Capricia start playing a bit better, but she still has no success in getting a better read of Dame Crabbe.
As Bimble and Voinum continue to play and discuss the gnome evenutally asks her about her time serving Taldor she takes a deep breath before she starts "I've spent many years on the border of Qadira, of course, as you know, our two nations have maintined the truce signed in 4603, but both nations still maintain a heavy presence at the border as neither trusts the others intentions after especially after it was Qadira who invaded us in 4079, taking advantage of our weakened state due to other conflicts." She frowns and shakes her head "It wouldn't surprise me if they tried again with what is going on now..."
While they continue to talk and debate it is clear that the Baroness, like any good Taldane, is not a fan of Qadira or its people and fully expects them to go back on the truce at some point.
Having won at Trucco, managing to beat the masterful Dame Crabbe, Caspian excuses himself as he goes to speak with his brother and watch the jousts for a bit. At his comment on Titus the Count chuckles "No, maybe it would help to deflate his ego a bit, but alas I don't see much in the competition and it is likely he will be one of the victors."
When Caspian continues on to mention Titus's gear Bartleby rolls his eyes "Of course he still leaches off the family and those damned sycophants of his that follow him around everywhere doing his bidding..." He sighs and shakes his head. "If he weren't a well trained fighter and somewhat of an aid at times, I would send him off and be done with him, alas he has his uses... sometimes..."
Eventually he turns to look to his brother with a smile "It's good that your time away hasn't dulled your eye for the value of things." He pats Caspian on the shoulder before turning his attention back to the joust just as the crowd cheers when Titus shatters his lance on an opponents shield nearly dismounting him.
After Caspian has already sat down with the Count, Sara finds an opening and comes over to avail herself to the man. As she finishes he grins and nods "It is good to see my brother is keeping some educated company. I'm sure at some point we could find some time to debate the finer points of the arcane arts, though I'm not really looking for a pupil. I must say though, I quiet enjoy you use of magic to only further enhance your appeal. Perhaps, one evening you and I could have a little get together over some wine and you can show me what other hidden talents you might have?"
You get the feeling the Count is much more interested in you for a good time rather than your standing or intellect, though perhaps after some further influencing he could be shown you have more value than his current interests.
"Bartelby!" Caspian says jestingly, with a shake of his head. "I don't believe that is what Miss Sara was thinking of. Besides, she and I are already doing a little studying together." He shoots Sara a brief smile behind his brother's back, having delivered his message and hopefully dissuaded his brother's advances.
"Being in the capital has given me plenty of practise." He continues their earlier conversation. "A lot of the women, and quite a few of the men, reckoned worth solely in their jewels. Quite a lot of paste but the size tended to be all they cared about. Sad really."
Sara gives a slow smile at both brother's responses. Flirting is second nature to the Nole children, thanks to their lusty father, as hard to stop as breathing is to others.
So to Sara, both the older's interest and the younger's defense gives her a satisfying warmth. Bartelby's was a jarring hack instead of a velvety repose.
Still... "My talents are both mysterious and vast, good sirs." she says allowing what those are to be inferred as one will. Giving the elder brother a deep curtsey "If my ladyship does not demand too much of my time, I'd delight in further discussions with you, Count. Caspian here is a truly educated man, but sometimes experience counts for everything." subtle, light emphasis on various words, to allow the listener to decide on hidden meanings. Straightening, she'll give Caspian a smile and wink, both saying to both of them "Now I really should attend my Lady Thorn. Thank you both for your time."
Count Lotheed shrugs at Caspian's suggestion that him and Sara had been together, it wouldn't be the first time Bartleby had taken a woman his younger brother was interested in and if anything else it made it more of a challenge. As Caspian continues on about the locals in Oppara he rolls his eyes and comments "While size can be important to some it is definitely not the only thing that matters, often the quality is what matters more."
He turns back to give Sara a smile. As she flirts with him a bit more he grins as she turns to leave he replies "Well perhaps I will find some time to call on you this evening then."
As Bimble comes to talk with the Count, when Sara is leaving, he has turned his attention back to the arena while they prepare for the final match. Bimble finds an opportune time, when there is a lull in the conversation to thank the Count for his hospitality and comment on the possibilities of a contest of both might and magic. The count chuckles as he replies "Well Master Gnome, as it would have it that is somewhat my specialty. I weave magic with my blade and use it to fight. Sadly, I don't get much opportunity to use it often with no one really interested in sparring, but still I couldn't agree more that it is the truest test of might."
He pauses for a moment as he thinks and then eventually offers "You know, I think once the Jubilee is over I shall extend you and your friends an invitation to visit the Palace of Birdsong at any time to discuss the arcane arts and collaborate on arcane or historical studies. You seem to have quite a few knowledgeable individuals in your little Betony entourage and some fresh perspectives on things would be welcome. You of course would be welcome to utilize my arcane laboratory as well if it so interested you. Of course, with you being in my brothers company I'm sure you are a trust worthy lot and I'm sure you can appreciate the honor of the open invitation."
With the major competition having left, Rossana tries her hand once more, this time using the game to approach the now alone Lady Dame Crabbe. As she gets close, Rossana tries to open up a conversation with the older woman. "My, you seem to be quite knowledgeable in the latest fashions trends, Lady Crabbe. Oh, I seem to have lost my manners for a moment! I am Lady Rossana of House Thorn and heir of the Betony estate. I couldn't help but admire your choice in fabric and cut. I daresay you are dressed well enough to find a suitor for yourself, even!"
Her tail waves a bit upon scoring a little bit better during the game, even if the Lady Crabbe was crushing her in comparison.
Capricia retires from the trucco field, ostensibly to watch her charge (Rossana), but she does some watching and eavesdropping of Dame Crabbe as well.
Dame Crabbe beams a smile as Rossana compliments her on her outfit "Oh really? I uh... I hadn't given much thought to a suitor myself, although I dare say I believe Caspian was flurting with me earlier now that you mention it. Perhaps you are right though. Wait, didn't Caspian arrive with you? Perhaps, if he is interested you could... you know, maybe spur him on?"
Her cheeks flush a bit as she smiles for a moment then continues "I mean, obviously my goal was to find a suitor for my daughter, but I honestly wouldn't be opposed to finding someone myself, even though I hadn't given it much thought before today..."
She grins wide as a thought comes to her "Oh, actually I have a lovely idea! Why don't you and Caspian and, of course, any of your other friends join me at my estate one of these days for tea? I think that might be a perfect opportunity to us to get to the bottom of this and where things may lead."
Capricia having little success in talking to people decides to just stay near Rossana and watch over her. As her friend is talking up Dame Crabbe Capricia can tell the woman is much more interested in appearances than anything else and while she enjoyed the compliment you get the feeling she has rather tough skin when it comes to herself, though you would guess she doesn't take kindly to anyone who insults her daughter and would likely hold a grudge against them.
The young baker departs, as she said she would, to find her friend playing Trucco with the Crabbes. "Lady Thorn" she greets Rossana again, giving the proper curtsey the other woman had helped her master. "I've played another version of this, do you mind if I join?"
She loses her ball with the first hit and has to spend time finding it, ending her hopes of being a Trucco prodigy abruptly.
But she soliders on with only a slight irritated frown, and does her best.
As the game gets slightly less dangerous, she chats with the other women. Trying to foster the Dame's dreams of a relationship with Caspain, but manages little in the way of wit or subtle pushes due to a nagging feeling of how Caspain might feel about the whole ploy.
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With Sara joining them for a round of Trucco, Rossana tries not to let her friend outdo her, and is quite excited at reaching her high score of three in a round. Dignity saved. "This game is quite the popular one among the aristocracy. It takes a lot of practice to master it," Rossana states sagely.
Leaving the now friendly Lady Crabbe to Sara, Rossana searches for Lady Baroness Voinum to finally introduce herself to her. Rossana gives her a quick curtsy as she greets her with, "I am Lady Rossana of House Thorn and recently found to be heir of the Betony estate. I have heard you are the person to know out here in the countryside." Rossana's ears stay perked as she listens for any slips she can catch in the woman's speech.
Surprisingly Dame Crabbe seems to go along with what Sara is saying and is starting to truly believe that this new Betony entourage is going to set her up with Caspian. She extends the same invitation to Sara which she previously extended to Rossana and gives the woman a wink.
As Rossana comes over to introduce herself to Baroness Voinum she catches the tale end of a conversation she is having with another guest who approached her. She is commenting to the young man how tradition is of the utmost importance and scolds him that he should really show more interest in the history of the county and the nation.
The Baroness nods to Lady Thorn and simply states "A pleasure Lady Thorn. I do hope you plan to take matters here seriously, your estate and the lands you are now responsible for are an important part of Meratt and are in need of a good steward!"
Capricia continues to lurk not far from Rossana, trying to get some measure of the Baroness.
Caspian moves on to tall to Baroness Voinum - preferring her company to his brothers at the current moment.
"A pleasure as always Baroness. Did you know some of your campaigns are still being discussed in the capital?" Caspian launches into a discussion of military history and tales of the various scholars and would-be experts who talk military battle long dead further to death.
Capricia continues to stay close to Rossana, not speaking up, trying to glean more of what makes the Baroness tick, but nothing new comes up that she can get any good interpretations from.
Caspian leaves his brother to the joust and goes behind Rossana to talk with the Baroness as he mentions that some of her campaigns were still being discussed in the capital she frowns slightly, but as he goes deeper into discussing military history she nods as she listens. She grins as he mentioned the 'experts' and scholars as she notes "It's easy to theorize and expound on history after the fact, but actually living in it is usually not nearly as glorified as it ends up being made out to be. Either way, I applaud how well versed you are in your study of history. Seems that while your brother focuses on the arcane you've taken a liking for history instead?"
"It is an honor to be given such responsibility, though also a weight, as I received the news quite unexpectedly myself," Rossana states, as she continues her conversation with the Baroness. "I know my own predecessor did not leave the greatest legacy, but I hope to restore faith in the people and the traditions left behind. However, as I was not close to Lady Allis myself, I believe there is much that I do not know out here. Would it be possible to impose on you a bit for the history around here? It would be a great relief to have someone to rely on that actually knows what they're talking about."
After having finished her talk with the Baroness, Rossana returns to Sara's side to finish the last game of Trucco and manages to at least not embarrass herself with her play.
Caspian leaves his brother to the joust and goes behind Rossana to talk with the Baroness as he mentions that some of her campaigns were still being discussed in the capital she frowns slightly, but as he goes deeper into discussing military history she nods as she listens. She grins as he mentioned the 'experts' and scholars as she notes "It's easy to theorize and expound on history after the fact, but actually living in it is usually not nearly as glorified as it ends up being made out to be. Either way, I applaud how well versed you are in your study of history. Seems that while your brother focuses on the arcane you've taken a liking for history instead?"
"My brother would prefer to say that he focused on the important studies and I was more of a dilettante. I prefer to think of it as my being curious, and his being... well... less so!" He adds with a grin, which makes him look oddly boyish.
"I've certainly put my time into studying our history." He continues, "The Qadiran Wars have defined so much of our history, but for better or ill it's hard to say. Many of our innovations for the past few centuries have been driven by it, but I can't help but wonder what we might have accomplished with a more positive relationship - like the relationship with Absalom, or Druma."
He seems all too willing to discuss history and politics with the Baroness, it's a far more serious conversation than he normally gets. Unfortunately in his enthusiasm he allows the conversation to wander and simply enjoys himself, rather than working on making a good impression.
Sara stays to chat with the younger of the Crabbe's as they wait for the next round of sticks and balls, just idle chatter meant for nothing but a few smiles and a giggle or two.
Once the older Crabbe's attention is back to playing, the young baker is back to talking about the Lotheed's "I do admit that Caspain has Many attractive features, intelligent, dashing, and um..." she pauses a tad bit before continuing to allow the thoughts of Um to congeal "He does have a negative. He is the younger of the brothers. Lacking the true weight of his name behind him. I do believe if I am not completely mistaken and blind, that the older Lotheed has turned his eyes in this direction a time or two these last few moments." getting closer she whispers "I have heard, just recently in fact, that the Count has been known to attempt to steal what the young Caspian admires."
Sara stirs the pot of gossip.
While Caspian is chatting with Baroness Voinum, Capricia discovers a possible pathway to the woman's favor. It requires a bit of bluffing--well, prepared lying--but the ex-pirate believes she can pull it off, as Martella coached her on the matter. Once Caspian steps away, Capricia steps up.
"Greetings again, Baroness," Capricia begins with a formal curtsy. After some idle chatting, the redhead broaches a subject she hopes might intrigue the noblewoman.
"I've not noticed anyone else at the jubilee bearing the accoutrements of the rondelero combat style," she comments. "Is that because I committed a faux pas wearing my falcata and buckler to this affair, or is the style just not as much of a tradition this far from the capital?"
Thanks to Martella's coaching, Capricia's able to give the name of her alleged instructor--a lesser student of a greater student of a lesser master--hopefully no one the Baroness will recognize.
Baroness Voinum almost gives Rossana a smile, but then simply nods "Of course my dear. I'm happy you are taking this all seriously and wanted to gain a better understanding of the history of the region and how things run around here."
As you play, managing to score a few points the Baroness relates some general information about the county, specifically focusing more heavily on Stachys.
This hardscrabble town is near the Betony estate and historically enjoyed the protection of that noble family. However, since the estate has languished in receivership for a decade, its population has dwindled and infrastructure quietly collapsed. Its residents are mostly commoners whose families have farmed the surrounding land for centuries, and once it became clear that the nobles had abandoned them, they portioned out the town’s administrative duties to residents. Many such duties have fallen to Onora Piscum the town’s honorary tribune— its mayor and sheriff.
She followed in the footsteps of her husband, Royen, the town’s previous tribune, and Allis Betony, the estate’s last heir. Onora is
a competent if taciturn woman and a good administrator, though it is well known that she wishes she could return to her previous life as the proprietor of her public house, the Wolf ’s Whisker. She and most of the commoners in Stachys dislike the Lotheeds and nobles in general, whose decadence and incompetence they blame for the county’s declining fortune.
At some point when the conversation wanes between Rossana and the Baroness Caspian approached to once again talk about historical matters, specifically the Qadiran Wars. The Baroness listens but as he starts implying that Taldor should have had a better relationship with Qadira she frowns and just shakes her head. When he finishes she states "I doubt there will ever be true peace with Qadira and was Taldor to ever try and work toward a more 'positive relationship' I'm fairly certian they would seize the opportunity to stab us in the back." She lets out a huff at the thought of it all, apparently not a fan of Caspian's suggestions.
Sara continues trying her best to talk with Sepsinia but the young girl is continuously distracted. It is hard to tell whether Sepsinia has any interest in what Sara is saying or whether she believes it or not since half of the time she tends to look off in the other direction. In either case, when Sara gets closer to imply that showing interest in Caspian may draw more attention from the Count Sepsinia just casually nods and replies "Okay...." before turning to walk off and get some refreshments. It's not clear if the girl is rude or completely oblivious to social norms, but whatever the case, there is something just not right about her.
After Caspian leaves the Baroness Capricia steps in to try and talk with her. As she goes on about the rondelero combat style and makes a comment of being this far out from the capital the Baroness shrugs "Perhaps us 'country' folk just aren't as sophisticated as you lot from the city..." She shakes her head as she continues "Either way, all that dancing around and parrying, I prefer a straightforward fight without all the fancy maneuvers myself..."
Unimpressed she turns her attention back toward the others playing Trucco.
Bimble continues chatting up the Count on matters of the Arcane. There are only slight interruptions when big moments occur in the joust. Bimble looses his attention at first when he goes into the intricacies of Transmutation but eventually turns the conversation around as they discuss more general applications of the arcane.
Once everything is said and done it ends up that Baron Okeera wins the joust and receives the reward of an intricately carved silver ferret statue and a bouquet of hyacinths which he awards to Rossana as a friendly gesture. In second place is Sir Titus, the Counts cousin who receives a silver chalice of some value with the Lotheed crest forged on it.
The day's games reach their conclusion as the sky grows orange, the sun drifting towards the lake and forest on the western horizon. A servant clad in the Lotheed family livery calls out in a shrill voice. He announces that a short musical performance, capped off by a brief speech from the Count, will be held in the palace gardens in an hour as the final dressings are added to the dining tables in the ballroom.
As the excitement of the joust wanes, two streams of bodies pour away from the lists. The commoners are practically herded away from the estate grounds by Sir Gusairne and his well-dressed guards. Leftover sandwiches, half-eaten figs and apples, and other crumbs are shoved into their hands before they are themselves shoved onto the road back to town. The noble guests retreat to the their respective rooms to prepare for dinner and the rest of the evening.
Rossana makes sure to carry the bouquet openly as she regroups with the others. Best for their good relations to be well known here. Once back with the group, Rossana starts off, "It seems we've won over Lord Baron Okerra and Lady Dame Crabbe quite nicely, and Lady Baroness Voinum seems to be coming around a bit. How are things with the Count and Lady Onora Piscum? I didn't get a chance to speak at length with them yet."
Sara got caught in getting anything out of the young Sepsinia. She had meant to return to chatting with the older Crabbe, but before she knew it the match was over and she was slightly flummoxed.
Sara plops down on a couch, gray skirts rising like a dust storm in her annoyance at herself.
"Lady Piscum is lovely. Cares about her people, interested in what they want, and more than a little wishing she didn't have to be here. The Count... I think I flirted too much with him so if possible, I'd love to sleep on the couch in your rooms." she askes Rossana hopefully. While she is in no way opposed to a quick encounter of the energetic kind, she does not think the Count is a good choice, for a variety of reasons.
Capricia spends the next hour dutifully performing the downtime acts of a supposed bodyguard: Checking their rooms for intruders and/or secret passageways. She grumbles most of the time about Baroness Voinum not appreciating the beauty and historical value of the rondelero fighting style.
"Of course you can, Sara," Rossana states as she continues checking over her dress for any wrinkles that might have appeared during the games. "Since we're basically removing him from power, we want to be careful with what we do. And watch out for any little magic tricks, too."
Caspian spends much of the intervening hour wandering the house, checking in on old haunts and seeing what changes Bartelby has made. The cynical part of him recognises that one day he may be coming to his home with hostile intentions and knowing the changes might be valuable.
'Hopefully Bart isn't that far gone though. If I can just show him that what we're doing is right, then maybe...'
"I'll do my best." Sara says to her friend. From her flopped perch on the couch she'll ask Capricia "Did you do well at the stick and ball game. I was swill, trounced spectacularly by Rossana."
"When I was good, I did very well," Capricia answers in an even tone. "When my shots were off, however," she adds with a grin, "I was a menace to the other players! All in all, not bad for a first try, though Caspian and Dame Crabbe managed to beat me."
Caspian finds his old home hasn't really changed much since he left. Once you have gotten ready for the evening's festivities, you make your way down to the garden veranda at the rear of the palace to join the other guests. Here, a marble porch overlooks a garden of bushes, green grass, and hedges cut into rampant lions and owls, all arranged around a fountain. The tweeting, tittering, and hooting of songbirds arranged in gold cages around the porch nearly drowns out the harpists playing at the foot of the stairs.
Dame Parthena steers her daughter by the shoulders, occasionally pointing out a nobleman and whispering into Sepsinia's ear. The older Crabbe's face beams with excitement when Count Lotheed appears, walking down a path skirting the veranda, accompanied by his cousin Lord Titus. Parthena gives her daughter a shake and redoubles her excited whispering, with Count Lotheed clearly the subject of discussion. The last vestiges of color drain from Sepsinia's already pale complexion, quite obviously worried sick by her overbearing mother.
Sir Gul Gusairne keeps an eye on things as servants distribute cocktails to the crowd. A group of harpers at the bottom of the veranda stairs play a festive melody. As they reach the stirring crescendo to the song, Count Bartelby strolls confidently towards the marble stairs to give his speech as his guests array themselves around the fountain and at the foot of the veranda.
You notice the waning afternoon sunlight glinting off a tripwire strung along the veranda stairs. Tracing the wire's dimly visible course, you realize it leads to a crossbow concealed within a nearby topiary. The Count is mere moments away from climbing the stairs and triggering this trap!
Capricia feels a pang of guilt when she sees poor Sepsinia. She sees nothing else, however.
Rossana puts on a smile as they wait, but her ears constantly twitch from all the noise nearby, distracting her.
Caspian roars, racing up the stairs to thrust an arm in front of his brother with a step or two to spare. "Look." He continues more quietly so that only his brother can hear. "A wire. You hit it, it'll trigger a trap of some sort - probably a crossbow."
Waving his brother back he kneels carefully and takes the wire in one hand. Holding the wire tight he slices swiftly through the wire and very slowly eases off the tension until the wire lies limp and the crossbow is disarmed.
Caspian rushes forward calling out to his brother just as he steps on the wite. He grabs him and pulls him back just enough that the brossbow bolt narrowly misses him. The harpers abruptly stop the music and the crowd shouts with concern. Faces run pale in the afternoon light. Sepsinia Crabbe faints into her mother's strong arms. Baron Okerra claps a hand to the stout sword at his hip, and his eyes dart around looking for signs of attack.
A complex whirl of emotions crosses Count Lotheed's face as he sees the bolt narrowly miss him. Sir Gusairne and several guards rush to Bartelby and Caspian. "Your Excellency! Are you alright?" Gusairne asks with concern.
Bartelby seems a bit rattled but quickly collects himself. "Yes, I'm fine. Thanks to my dear brothers keen senses and quick wits." He pats Caspian on the shoulder "Thank you, Caspian. I am in your debt."
He beckons Gusairne to come closer. "Gather some men to investigate. Let's not make this a big deal." The half-elf nods and gestures for a pair of guards to start looking around. He quickly gathers up the crossbow bolt as well, but not before Caspian can glimpse the telltale glistening of poison on its tip.
Smiling, Bartelby turns back to the crowd. "All is well, friends. Let's not let a little thing like this interrupt the celebration! Please enjoy some refreshments while my men and I look into this matter." He walks off with Sir Gusairne and the guards.
Remembering the events at their last gala, Rossana begins looking for any robed men like the assassins from before. "Guess we can't let down our guard yet again," Rossana murmurs. Who would be planning to kill the Count, though? And he might not be the only target.
Sara is shocked "Indeed." just one word from a babble mouth is quiet something. Her eyes will scan the crowd, looking for anything more than surprise.
Capricia scans the crowd to make sure all the main guests of honor are present; then she focuses on one of them, trying to read that person's expression.
Sara slides up to Capricia "Do you see anything?" her own eyes still lingering on this or that, with a slight frown "At least Caspian is the one that saved him, otherwise this lot would be labeling him the prime suspect."
Caspian meanwhile joins Sir Gusarne in examining the area for the trap and holds out his hand for the crossbow bolt, staring flatly at the seneschal until he is given it. Once in possession he wets a fingertip and tastes a tiny amount of the poison to try and identify it.
"Someone was serious about having my brother killed. The bolt has been envenomed, just to be on the safe side." He tells Gusarne. "Who would want him dead?"
Sara looks around for any further threats but doesn't see anything, taking in a breath of relief that this isn't about to become a second massacre. She scans the crowd briefly for anyone acting strangely but doesn't note anything out of the ordinary. Capricia focuses in on Onara but as far as she can tell the woman is just as surprised as everyone else, though she gets the feeling Onara wouldn't be all that concerned if something did in fact happen to the Count.
Caspian examines the bolt briefly finding that it is in fact poisoned that if not treated quickly would saps a persons vitality until they likely died, a more potent concoction of black adder venom.
Count Lotheed directs his servants to hustle the guests inside the ballroom for dinner, then he commands his guards to investigate the scene of the crime. He also sternly instructs them not to let anyone interfere with their examination.
"Let us put aside the latest failure of that damnable Night Swan," Count Lotheed declares as he welcomes his guests into the ballroom. "The palace dining room, resplendent though it may be, is simply too small to contain all the noble, deserving friends of the Lotheed family. Thus, you are privileged to enjoy the finest meal in the most lavish hall in all of Meratt."
Purple Finch guides you to your seats along one of the long tables, just as the other guests' jesters lead them. As the forty or so guests are seated, a veritable parade marches through the ballroom. A levy of servants, dressed as sheep, lead a procession of steers and lambs around the table - introducing the guests to their meat before it is taken aside to be slaughtered, sliced, seared, and eventually served to the guests.
[spoile=Sense Motive DC 20]
Baroness Voinum does well to hide her revulsion at the spectacle, but you catch her disapproving looks.[/spoiler]
As you all wait you hear a call from across the hall "What a sorry failure of a servant," Lord Titus loudly declares, directed at Purple Finch. "Could you not provide a wash room or even nice clothes for your masters?" His eyes sharply dart towards your party, making it abundantly clear whom he really criticizes.
Sara gets up in mock horror, putting her hand on the shoulder of their finch, consoling her "Who has the gall to Insult a hand-chosen servant of our host, Count Lotheed himself?!?" she glares at Titus "Wait, are you not a member of his family, an offshoot relation of some sort right?" the brown-haired mouse moves closer, blocking the man from the other woman, her dark eyes twinkling in angry malice "Since you seem to lack the better sense to know this on your own, I am inclined to let you know that you should disrespect the very man allowing YOU..." said with a tinge of disgust "... to even be here."
Turning away with a swish of a skirt, dismissing him completely, she'll smile at finch "Now, this way our pretty finch, I am sure you have a better place to be at the moment."
Rossana seats herself delicately, her tail soon twitching as the servants brought the animals through, though she would have preferred they simply brought out the finished dishes instead. Even the Baroness seemed to dislike the show.
Rossana is about to comment on it, when Lord Titus suddenly speaks up loudly. As Sara speaks up about it, Rossana gestures for her to calm down. "Now, now, dear Sara, we should be able to forgive Lord Titus. After all, when one is still wearing the trends from last year, one may very well not know what passes as fashionable anymore. Though mayhaps, it may behoove him to learn how proper etiquette is done and not trample over the established ways of Taldor."
Turning away from the man in question, Rossana starts up a conversation with the Baroness instead. "It seems the Count does not follow the traditional method of serving food out here. I usually prefer to see my meal after it has been prepared. Seems a bit barbaric to me, though I suppose he is wanting to put on a show after all that mess outside. What are your thoughts on the local Count and his recent rule out here?"
Sara links her arm in with purple finch and leads her away from the bully to Onora Piscum. "Miss Piscum, I hope you don't mind if I harbor my friend here a few moments with you. I've dealt with plenty of his type before, though they are usually dirtier and drunker in the taverns. I worry he might try for petty revenge to any and all he can get his hands on." she glances at the bully and sighs "I really have to learn to keep my mouth shut at times. Finch, stay will others and stay away from that man, okay."
Trying to put that past her, she'll smile to the other two women "Now, more importantly, our Finch her is a local girl from Lotheedar, I thought the three of us could swap from stories from our corners of our Taldor."
Although she still doesn't trust Purple Finch, the swordswoman doesn't care one bit for Lord Titus's bullying insult. Before she can do or say anything stupid, however, Sara (Gods bless her!) berates the cad. Then Rossana deftly attempts to diffuse the tension, all the while subtly backing Sara.
Seeing Baron Okerra currently unengaged, Capricia works up the courage to speak to him.
"Baron--the Count mentioned someone or something called the Night Swan. Can you tell us something about this figure, perhaps?"
Caspian shoots Titus a look that seems to promise future retribution, and he doesn't seem much mollified by Rossana's put down, skillful though it is.
Sitting with his brother as he must, Caspian can't show his displeasure with the spectacle prepared and his sachet tosses are weak and terribly aimed - a mere show of form rather than a genuine attempt. His sharp ears pick up Capricia's question and pique his curiosity.
In order to spare the halflings, as well as indulge his own interests, he turns to his brother and speaks quietly. "Bart. Who is this Night Swan? Someone who dares to strike you here? That's a nasty change from the Meratt I left." He sounds genuinely concerned for his brother - blood is blood after all.
Sara's chastisement leaves Lord Titus tight-lipped and stone-faced. However, Rosanna's more pointed jab causes a sneer to cut across Lord Titus' face.
Count Lotheed rises from his chair. He remains wordless, but the groan of his chair leg dragging across the floor punctuates his mood loudly enough. He is visibly displeased by this spectacle, but his free-loading cousin knows well enough to close his mouth and retreat to his own seat.
Despite the host's displeasure, Tribune Onora offers an open, beaming smile as she watches the petulant Lord Titus snatch a glass of wine from a passing servant's tray and stomp away to his chair. She even stifles a chuckle seeing Caspian give Titus a 'look'.
"About time someone delivered his foot back to his mouth and spared our ears any more of his trite," Baroness Voinum mutters quietly, within earshot of Rosanna.
As appetizers are served and the night progresses Rosanna turns to the Baroness to talk. As she mentions the Count's lack of care for tradition she just shakes her head and huffs "The man does love his spectacles... You are right though, I'm sure he is doing his best to shift thoughts away from what just occurred." She takes a sip of wine before answering Rosanna's question "As for the Count and his rule... well I suppose you'll get a better idea for yourself once you've taken over things at your estate."
She seems to avoid answering the the question for some reason.
Sara takes Purple Finch over to talk with Onara. Showing such interest in the local girl and then suggesting the three of them share stories Onara smiles "No offense, but I'm surprised a lady like Lady Thorn would have someone like you so close... you seem a lot more down to earth than a lot of these other nobles. I'm sure there are plenty of stories I could tell you about the locals..." She starts looking around, specifically at Titus before returning her attention back to Sara with a smile.
Capricia makes her way over to the Baron who is regaling some of the other guests about his form and his cherished mount all of which helped him to champion the joust. When she finds an opportunity she speaks up to ask the Baron about the Night Swan. The man frowns and shakes his head at the very thought "Some local folk rebel, trying to stir up unrest." He waves his hand dismissively as he continues "I'm sure it is nothing for you to worry about. I have no doubt Count Lotheed will capture them eventually and put an end to these troubles."
One of the pretty women the Baron had previously been talking to gets his attention once again as the discussion turns back to the joust once again.
Count Lotheed leans in close to his brother as he replies "Indeed, it is not the county you had left. This damnable Night Swan... some commoner I'm sure stirring up trouble, this is the first time she has tried something so overt against me..." He rolls his eyes and sneers "Generally, she sticks to robbery
and vandalism, but also some violence against Lotheed soldiers. Nothing so close to the estate before though. In all honesty, she is to blame for much of the troubles the county is facing, having to put all these extra resources into hunting her down and bringing her to justice."
The pats Caspian on the shoulder and grins "No need for you to worry. I'm sure we will track her down and capture her soon!" He leans back in his chair and enjoys some wine. Caspian gets the feeling that maybe the Count honestly has a problem with this Night Swan, and maybe she really is a big part of the problems Meratt is currently facing.
After the appetizers the main meal is brought out from everyone's various selections of meat from earlier. The food looks delicious and everyone is happy to sit and eat the luxurious meal, while talking among themselves.
Rossana continues to talk with the Baroness, discussing what history she could remember from her lessons on the region. She is tempted to cast a purifying spell over the food and wine, but decides against it in the end.
Caspian continues to fish gently for more information about the Night Swan, but has to tread carefully to avoid monopolising, or antagonising his brother. They've rarely spent this much time together since growing up but Caspian doesn't want to push his brother.
'Either way I need to meet this Night Swan.'
The Baroness is impressed with Rossana's knowledge of history for the region and is happy to talk with her about it. The majority of the discussion revolves around how the Lotheed's have rule the county for so long, even though the land and estate actually belongs to the court. She goes on a bit about her own family, dating back to the shinning crusades and their long line of military service.
Bartleby has little more to offer on the subject of the Night Swan and Caspian changes the subject before his brother might grow suspicious mentioning something about how it is nice to spend time with family after so long away. The Count quirks his brow but eventually nods and notes how he was glad Caspian was here, for if he hadn't been that crossbow bolt may have very well caused him some harm, so perhaps it wasn't so bad having his blood close by. Suddenly something seems to come to mind and he notes "You know, I just remembered, since you are with the new Betony heir you can let her know. In the absence of proper leadership I took it upon myself to collect taxes for your lands. I've kept them in holding for your Lady to use. It is a reasonable sum mostly of timber and supplies, but I'm sure you could sell it off or perhaps but it to good use in seeing the Betonay lands returned to their former glory."
Sara's smile got wide at Onara's gaze, "Yes... please" the cook requests with bated breath.
"I can trade with stories of people you don't know, which isn't as interesting, but enjoyable at least." Looking to their purple friend, she'll say "Finch, did you know there was a local folk hero in the Narrows known as the Scarlet Finch. A daring young man who would steal the undergarments of wealthy women slumming it in the neighboring neighborhood. He'd hoist the brightly colored silk on the highest point around for all of us to see." she smiled in memory "It was great fun for a while, there were even great noble ladies who decided it was a lark and purposely came down to be de-garmented... until he was caught by the guard that is." her lips slid into sadness.