Alessand looks over his shoulders and for direction from Adrian. Getting little in the way of that, he uses what he knows of the nobility, as well as how the building would be laid out, choosing conversations accordingly. He is polite, and answers that he works with Craftsmen and craftswomen when asked about his profession (truth!).
Once he finds where he wants to be, he will attempt to become the center of conversation.
Adrian follows behind the others as they make their way into the Gala, trying to take in as much as he can in the short moments before his work properly begins. He sees Alessand the craftman look back at him, likely seeking some sort of aid or direction, but only returns a slight nod and a friendly smile. He seemed competent enough, and honestly, the best way to acclimate to this kind of environment can sometimes be to dive right in.
Seeing Alessand start to do just that, Adrian makes his way to the Archives. He sees Duke Centimus in there as he enters. He runs a hand through his hair, puts on an easy smile, and plunges into the conversations and debates taking place. He quickly ingratiates himself, demonstrating a considerable knowledge of a number of different subjects, all the while maneuvering ever closer to the Duke himself.
Walking into the senate building was like entering another world for Alexius, he had never seen such blatant and wasteful opulence on such a scale before. Deciding on his course of action he puts on his acting face and proceeds to ignore the decor as much as possible.
Alex decides to stay in the arcade, walking the perimiter of the room and observing all of the displayed artifacts and making sure to watch the comings and goings of the servants. At one point Alex finds himself in a conversation about the workmanship of a number of the pieces. During his conversation and walk around the arcade Alex makes a point of checking out the security around the artifacts in question, the locations and movements of guards and the locations of the servants entrances and the frequency that they are used. He also makes a note to ask our resident magic user to check out the artifacts for possible magic security.
Cyrene spots Anabella entertaining a child in the Gallery, and suspects that she will have her hands full trying to impress the Countess. Trying to ensure that her attention isn't focused on the children, and instead on Anabella, Cyrene attempts to entertain the noble children present, spinning through the air in a traditional dance.
Cyrene had always been light on her feet, and she put this to good use, dancing, trying to hold the children's attention, attempting to give Anabella an opportunity to make her move.
Cyrene does a bit of a better job captivating some of the children with her dancing, but still finds it difficult to compete. However, between the two of you, you feel like you are making a little headway.
Being impressed with your eye for quality items and happy of the interest you have shown the senate’s curator of antiquities, Copernia Vau, comes over and offers you a brief tour of the adjoining restoration room, where artifacts are cleaned and preserved. She notes that you are welcome to stop by and find her when you would like to take the tour.
Spending some time getting acquainted with the senate and sparking up conversations and debates you all feel that the evening is off to a good start. However, you start to notice the crowds moving toward the courtyard and you overhear others mention something about Princess Eutropia and a speech in the courtyard.
"My pleasure, Your Honour." Caspian thanks the judge. "He seems like a lot of young men these days, full of talk with nothing to support themselves if you actually challenge them. One should debate from a position of strength don't you agree? Or at least be ready for someone to actually take you on and not assume that your strawberry aroma will be enough to decide the match!"
With the crowds thinning Caspian decides to strike while the iron is hot and closes to speak to Baron Okerra. Having not spoken to the Baron before he opts to open with some non-commital pleasantries, hoping to ascertain some details about the man.
"So Baron, what do you think? About the merits of duelling against jousting I mean?"
Sensing he may be getting somewhere, Adrian decides to weave more obscure knowledge into his discussions of the grander, more well-known points of Taldan history. More specifically, he uses the books and documents around him to share and discuss knowledge gleaned from a careful study of language and its use over time. "For example, my lords, if you notice this here..." Adrian would begin, using his learning to point out subtle jabs, hidden messages, and subtext that might be lost on modern readers.
As he goes, Adrian once again maneuvers himself to be near Duke Centimus. When he finishes one of his discussions, he flashes a friendly smile at the Duke before speaking to the others. "It's all a bit obscure, but there's so much to be learned from looking a little below the surface," he concludes.
Alessand, finding himself as a distraction where he thought he wouldn't be before, acts as Alexius' cover. And, being a craftsman, he is happy to admire and debate craftsmanship with the noblewoman, no feigning interest required.
He specifically looks for any woodworking, looking at the techniques used and if he knows any others or if he hadn't thought of them, complimenting the ingenuity of the restoration workers.
Alex is going to spend a bit of time seeing if he can palm a few items to switch with the ones on display, a serving knife (preferably silver), a leather bound book of some sort (possibly from the library), and a plate (best I could come up with for the buckler).
Once/if he acquires those items he will head back to the Arcade and switch out the items he picked up for there counterparts. He will also attempt to simply take the remaining two items (the fan and spyglass), hopefully the guards will be looking for two different thieves.
Cyrene smiles to herself, getting a small glow of confident at having minor success with her dance. It certainly wasn't an easy thing to do so with a public audience, but she felt better all the same for her success.
Encouraged, she attempts to read into the best way to approach the Countess
Between your extensive historical knowledge and linquistic interests you catch the attention of librarian Pabrus Telecoum, who offers you a dog-eared and crumbling journal donated to the library but considered un-salvageable. The text itself is a somewhat compelling tale of a young wizard’s growth to womanhood and inheriting her family business in Cassomir 250 years ago. Though large portions are missing or damaged by water, tucked into the back of the book is a scroll containing six different spells.
While Alessand does his best to provide a distraction while speaking with the curator on his own little personal tour, Alexius is able to swap out the mundane items with the ones on display and no one appears to be the wiser for it. The curator happy with Alessand showing a continued interest eventually takes him into one of the adjoining rooms where she does actual restoration work. She even gives him a little hands on lesson of how to do some various restoration. Afterwards she offers Alessand one bottle each of universal solvent and unguent of timelessness so that he can practice the skills she described.
Not giving up you attempt some other sleight's of hand to entertain the children. This time you pull off a particularly difficult trick and even the halfling jester takes note. Before you finish up, you take a look out over the general movements of the crowds within the senate by watching from the upper gallery.
As the evening marches on you all continue to make progress in your own ways. Even if slightly overwhelming, you all have done well adapting to the social scene and fitting in with the crowd.
Caspian, always keen to be where the action is, disengages from the Baron and heads to the courtyard, where he scans the courtyard interested in what is going on amongst the milling nobles.
Ana feels pretty pleased with her magic trick...until she glances over and sees the halfling conjure a series of floating, colored orbs that make the children squeal with glee. Well, that’s...sturdy competition, she thinks wryly. She enjoys Cyrene’s dance, though, and waves to her, trying to evoke a sense of distant acquaintance. Touching the other woman’s elbow, she leans in for a murmured exchange of “pleasantries.”
“You’re a good dancer! Any thoughts on our approach?”
Alessand graciously accepts as as he would be able to to use these skills on the Temple of the Aroden, as no one really cares about its history, or the possibility of his return.
After the tour he begins feeling out the crowd, thinking of a way to get to the room where he intended initially.
Sensing a shift in the crowd toward the courtyard, Adrian politely excuses himself from conversation in the archive and makes his way there.
Looking to get away from where he just committed a rather hefty crime, Alex fallows the crowed out to the courtyard. As he enters the courtyard he looks around in an attempt to figure out exactly what's up as well as locate Caspian for the next part of their job.
Once Alex locates Caspian he will simply give him a questioning look and mime taking a drink.
"Soon" Caspian mouths back making a pointing gesture to where the Princess is amassing a large crowd of people.
Cyrene flashes a shy smile at Anabella in regards to the compliment, before her face turns serious. "I believe you can place her off guard with strong language, charm with flattery, or astound her with knowledge of wealth. I'd probably better suited talking to her with strong language, but if you want to handle this one, I can turn my attention to a different politicion and attempt to learn what I can from them."
Ana smiles and squeezes Cyrene's hand. "Let me try," she murmurs. Squaring her shoulders, Ana homes in on Countess Pace.
"Excuse me! Countess Pace, I--oh dear." She trips over a running child. "Confound it, I--Countess Pace!"
Adrian spots a fashionably-dressed woman he believes to be Lady Gloriana Morilla milling about in the crowd. He moves himself to come across her path and engage her in conversation. "Ah, Lady Morilla!" he exclaims. "I'm not certain if we've met properly. I'm Adrian Merosett, at your service." He does a slight bow and begins. "How are you finding the festivities this evening?"
Alex simply nods in acknowledgement to Caspian's response and proceeds to work his way towards the princess while making conversation with varies nobles.
Cyrene pushes down her skittish feelings at Anabella's simple hand squeeze, as she watches her move. While Cyrene was good at some things, successfully persuading a room full of people was not yet one of them, although she could still manipulate or intimidate with the best of them.
Still, she wasn't blind enough to see that Anabella was going to struggle to make headway at the distraction of a child getting in the way. Not wanting to undercut her friend, she takes a brief calculated look at any weaknesses the Countess might have.
Heading to the courtyard you taken in the scene, and quickly spot the Princess who, as usual is wearing a rather conservative outfit for the evening, but is quite beutiful none the less. The Baron actually follows shortly behind you and comes to engage you as he remembers a particular point while you both wait for the speech. He relates a story about a particularly nasty duel that ended in both participants demise. However, one of the men had no male heirs so his estate was sold off and his surviving daughter was left pennyless. He inquires as to your thoughts on the matter of primogenture, since he has seen first hand the effect the current law can have on a noble family.
As Alessand is looking around for some of his companions not directly engaged, he spots Cyrene and Anabella up in the gallery talking. He makes his way upstairs just in time to catch Anabella tripping over some noble's kid while trying to get the Countesses attention and takes the opportunity to distract the Countess from the embarrassing scene by introducing himself and talking about his work. The noblewoman doesn't appear particularly interested in his work, but seems to enjoy conversing with him none the less. After the noblewoman excuses herself Cyrene follows behind. Silently trailing Abrielle uncovers her obvious willingness to quickly shift her political stance depending on who she is engaged with.
Dozens of senators, well-wishers, and hangers-on have gathered around the newly arrived Princess Eutropia Stavian in the courtyard. By the time some of you arrive, Princess Eutropia has already attracted a large gaggle of several dozen nobles and you see Caspian, Adrian and Alex both near the front of the crowd. Lady Gloriana Morilla loudly clinks her glass and declares that Princess Eutropia would like to address the gathering. With the announcement, the crowd gives Eutropia some space, and Gloriana helps the princess climb onto the garden’s stone railing to be seen and heard above the throngs.
"My friends, colleagues, and assorted enemies, it is wonderful to see you all out in your finery beneath the beautiful stars tonight. With any luck, the weather will be the only thing that refuses to change this evening.
We have all gathered here tonight to honor Master Kalbio of Breezy Creek, a master artisan and true patriot, for his exquisite skill and service to our glorious empire. Master Kalbio demonstrates so eloquently that a heart may be noble regardless of the stature of one’s birth, and while it may be premature, I hope to be the first to congratulate you, sir, on the exaltation you will see tonight and welcome you into the ranks of Taldor’s long-lived aristocracy."
She nods to Kalibo who is standing next to Alex and the crowd gives a brief applause, as Kalibo blushes. Once the crowd has settled the Princess continues.
"But we gather here to discuss matters of state, as well. And just as the exaltation reminds us that our glorious empire must always look out into the world to refresh the greatness of its leadership, we must all look out into the world around us and see how it has grown. The child-nations our empire birthed — Andoran, Cheliax, Lastwall — have grown strong by examining the great traditions they inherited from our motherland, and embracing those relevant to this new world and discarding those that held them back. So too will we, this very night, examine one of Taldor’s oldest traditions — primogeniture — with eyes wide open, to determine whether it has held us back from the glory and stability our wayward states have found.
Our obligation tonight is not about one person or one vote in the senate. It is about the nation we love and about ensuring that nation does not fall behind the times. We are the inheritors of mighty Azlant, and I say that we must work together to avoid sharing that old empire’s fate. Taldor endures!"
An uproar of applause meets the conclusion of the Princess's speech. She hops down from the railing and is suddenly inundated with supporters and critics alike.
"Well I benefit from it of course." Caspian responds to the Baron with a smile, "But I've always felt that it was unnecessarily restrictive. If a lady wishes to pass her estate onto her daughter, why should she not? Men are more than capable of making their own way in the world. And when it leaves a daughter dispossessed... well, how can a man with a conscience not be moved by a lady in such a plight?
His speech is unusually sincere, who knew that talking about ones true feelings could make you persuasive?
As the Princess finishes her speech Caspian claps loudly and makes his way through the crowd towards her. As he approaches however his steps slow. How can I talk to her? She doesn't even know me! She's the Princess of Taldor for Stavian's sake! No. Come on! Focus. He shakes his head slightly, straightens his back and coat and puts on his most winning smile.
You've only admired her for years - this is not the time to chicken out!
Waiting for the perfect moment he slides in just as the Princess finishes with an insufferably dull Duke but, instead of addressing the Princess, speaks to his sister instead.
"Martella, how delightful. You look lovely this evening." He feigns taking a step back to admire her dress and 'catches sight' of the Princess in the process.
"And you have such lovely friends! Your taste has improved so much since we were young!" With that he turns to the Princess, bows low and presses a gentle kiss to her hand, accompanied by a roguish wink.
"Caspian Lotheed, and you are the most beautiful woman in Oppara! I think we are well matched!"
Ana is starting to pursue Countess Pace when she overhears the news that the Princess has arrived and is about to speak. She hesitates, then. Damn! I’ve always wanted to meet the Princess, or at least hear her; I heard so much about her at school! Making am impulsive decision, she hurries out of the gallery, gently displacing children as she goes. “Back soon!” she mouths to Alessand and Cyrene.
Out in the garden, Ana listens admiringly to Eutropia’s speech. My, she’s as good a speaker as everyone says! I hope I get the chance to talk to her at some point...and I hope this damn vote passes! She seems like she’d make an amazing first Grand Princess! She’s about to move toward the Princess after she steps down when she sees Caspian sweep in. Oh, sweet Sarenrae. I’m not getting in the way of THAT. Honestly, he couldn’t keep from getting hot and bothered for two more minutes? Instead, she begins to make small talk with the people around her, trying to make up for her lost time from the social scene.
“Why yes, I believe that IS Lady Lotheed! She’s quite the popular woman, but I’m sure I could introduce you if you like. You know, she deserves far more recognition than her family usually gives...”
Adrian notices one servant moving off toward the apiary with a bar of some sort. As he doesn't recognize what it is or what it's for, he shrugs and moves on.
He smiles slightly as he listens to Eutropia speak. You are indeed quite good at this, Princess. He applauds with the others when she finishes and stifles a laugh when he notices Caspian make a dash for her. He again finds Lady Morilla nearby, hoping to resume conversation with her for the moment.
"That might be the first time I've heard her speak," Adrian says as he gestures toward the Princess. "She's as skilled an orator as I've heard from others. Quite popular too, it would seem." He mentions Caspian here, chuckling a bit as he says this.
Noticing that a large crowd was gathering, Cyrene decided to hold off on further pursuit of the Countess. She knew her weaknesses now, and planned to relay that through to everyone to ensure engagements in future.
Deciding that there was little point being elsewhere when everyone was listening to the speeches, she follows the crowd, and observes the gathering, keeping an eye out for trouble, and noticing that Caspian had immediately set sights on the princess.
Predicting that he would be lightly shut down, Cyrene observes the Countess once again, throwing caution to the wind and deciding to see if she could intimidate the Countess with tough language.
"Countess Pace, its a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I must say, I do enjoy seeing a social chameleon such as you in action, shifting allegiances as you do, but I was wondering if perhaps you could avoid being duplicitous and give perhaps an honest answer of your political leanings?"
Alessand had moved with the crowd to listen to the princess speak, keeping close to Countess Pace. Once done, he hears Cyrene's direct approach to politics.
"Tut, tut, young lady. The Countess should have her own opinion. You DO have an opinion, don't you? I mean, it would be rather awkward not to have one. And after hearing the Princess speak, just wow, how could you not?"
During the princess' speech Alex gives Kalibo a reassuring pat on the shoulder when he is pointed out, as well as a smile that's two parts congratulatory and one part apologetic.
After the speech ends he will move to continue speaking with Kalibo on the outskirts of the crowed while attempting to keep an eye on the apiary that the servant just went to. If he can Alex will attempt to get a better look at the apiary without drawing to much attention. "What the hell is he going over there for? Crap they didn't already figure me out did they?"
"Ha, I consider it more a compliment than an insult, I'm mostly just here to fill out some noble's retinue. So my good man, I've heard all about how 'magnificent' your work is but I don't think I've heard much about said work or about yourself?"
”Hmm, if we’re here to sabotage someone there’s no reason someone else wouldn’t try the same thing, especially considering the princess is right here.” Alex will excuse himself to quickly and quietly check that nothing is amiss.
"Crap I guess that crazy elf from the guild wasn't the only one that thought bees could be a good weapon." Alex will make a beeline to the beehive with the angry bees and grab whatever it was the servant dropped, then proceed to get it as far away from said bees as possible. Once safely away hopefully the bees will calm down, if not he will attempt to warn the nobles. Alex will also attempt to figure out what the hell it was the servant dropped.
With everyone assembled the Princess gives her speech. Near the end, Alex slips through the crowd and heads toward the apiary, as he gets sidelong glances all the way for missing the tail end of the speech. While he is there, he moves something away from one of the apiary boxes.
After the speech concludes Caspian promptly makes his way toward the Princess, and feigns interest in another one of the guests.
Lady Morilla seems flattered, until you promptly move onto your intended target, the Princess. The Princess smiles at your somewhat obvious maneuvering and bows her head slightly as you kiss her hand "A pleasure I'm sure. So you're one of Martella's brothers yes?"
Anabella cut off by Caspian's attempts of ingratiating himself with the Princess, talks to some of the other guests while she waits her turn. With the conversation obviously leaning toward the impending vote, Anabella makes some solid headway in convincing people the effects to the local political climate.
After Caspian brushes Morilla aside Adrian moves to resume his conversation with her. She visible rolls her eyes at Caspian, but as Adrian approaches she smiles and laughs at his remarks "Indeed. Hopefully more people will take her words to heart and all of the hard work that has lead to tonight will pay off." She gives him a knowing wink. She smiles and continues "In fact, I would be happy to introduce you and any of your friends to the Princess if you are interested."
Cyrene and Alessand corner Countess Pace and lay into her about her opinion. With the both ganging up on her she snarls back "Psh... of course I have an opinion and I'll be sure it is heard at the vote this evening. The Princess, of course, has some great points and she is a masterful orator, but will that be enough to secure her cause?"
Obviously, not stating one way or another, the Countess puts on a brave front, but you get a feeling she isn't used to the intimidation.
"You're as generous as you are beautiful, my lady." Adrian can't help but smile broadly. "I'd be delighted to take you up on your offer, and I'm sure some of the others would be too."
He casts his gaze about the room, trying to find the others in a sea of unfamiliar faces. He goes to invite any that are nearby, and gestures to others further away if he can see them.
Afterward he goes with Lady Morilla to meet with Princess Eutropia herself. When his turn to be introduced comes, he bows respectfully. "A pleasure to meet you, truly. Adrian Merosett, at your service. Truly you are a gifted speaker, Princess. I hope it will move the senators to do the right thing this evening."
Alex heads back over to the crowed after his escapades with the bees and hopes to make it up to the princess (if Adrian introduces them) "Your Highness, it's an honor to meet you. I simply wished to apologize for my leaving before the end of your speech, what I did hear was an oratory masterpiece and it pains me that I had to miss the conclusion. I believe that you could do a lot of good for this country and I do hope this vote goes well for you."
Have you perhaps heard of sharing your opinions? Perhaps, just perhaps, in bringing the ability of a woman to assume the Throne, we end the years of obvious sexism and other horrid behavior that all women of this great nation endure. Thank you Cyrene's for your assistance in helping me show Countess Pace how horrible women are treated in other circles. I see it every day.
Alessand holds out his heavily calloused hands, palms up.
Honest work, like carpentry, is great. I get to see people as they really are. Sadly, this means I see people being mistreated a great deal. I may be common to you, but the Temple of Aroden uses my services. I do work to ease the lives of others and ease suffering. That's what hope the Princess brings with her to the Throne.
As he speaks, he is watching for signs of the Countess'feelings, shifts in body language or other ways to see if she is coming to the Princess's side.
Cyrene smiles awkwardly at Lady Morilla and Adrian introducing her to the princess. She's a little nervous as she does find the princess rather beautiful, but considers herself inelegant at small talk. "Its rather nice to meet you Princess, and its wonderful at the strides you are making towards making Taldor a better place. Don't hesitate to let me know if there is anything I could help with, not that um, you probably need anything" she finishes awkwardly, stuttering a little at the end.
Feeling rather embarrassed, Cyrene quickly makes her excuses shortly afterwards, and tries to find Maxillar Pythareus, remembering the variety of missions that they still need to accomplish. If she locates him, she quickly attempts to figure out what topics might make him find favor with her.
Lady Morilla interjects into Caspian's meeting with the Princess who excuses herself from Caspian and goes to speak with Morilla who notes "Princess, I would like you to meet a few guests. I believe they too, have Taldor's best interests at heart." As you each take turns introducing yourselves the Princess is happy to meet you. Oddly, while you wait to meet her, you note that several of the nobles around seem to be talking about your meeting with the Princess.
After the meeting with the Princess you all suddenly hear Martella's voice in your head. "Excuse the interruption my friends, I should like to have a brief meeting with everyone in the gallery if you can all make your way here promptly."
As you first arrive, she is grinning and clapping gently as she watches one of the jugglers, but she hurriedly composes herself and dons her air of mystery once she realizes anyone is watching. She has sectioned off a small meeting point on the upper walkways with chairs and a pot of fresh coffee.
Once everyone arrives she smiles and looks to each of you in turn "I hope you are enjoying yourselves so far this evening. I see you are all here and none of you have been thrown out so far," she laughs "so I suppose that is at least a good sign."
She pours herself a cup of coffee and motions for you to help yourselves before continuing, "So, anything of note, or any issues or questions so far?"
Terrifying, really. I half expected to be thrown out by now, being such a boring commoner. Although there are some amazing materials and restorations going on, people seem to be quite on edge.
Alessand speaks plainly. He has seen a great deal of extravagance versus his home.
"No issues at the moment although some of the guests I expect to still be alert, which is going to make some of the more secretive tasks a little more difficult to pull off. If you had any ideas for a small diversion or anything that could help, it would be appreciated Lady Lotheed" Cyrene responds, must more confident now that she wasn't addressing a princess.
"Nothing much Martella." Caspian replies, smiling. "I'm making progress with Okerra. He seems interested in discussing inheritance and I think he's in favour, but I'm not certain. I'll keep working on him when I get a chance. And we met the Princess."[b] He grins widely. [b]"No thanks to you!"