"Yes, Caspian made his own introduction. Lady Morilla made introductions for others of us," Adrian says lightly as he pours himself a cup of coffee. "Quite a lovely woman, that Lady Morilla. I should hope to speak to her again some time." He laughs, shaking his head at his own words.
"Regardless, I will begin speaking with Duke Centimus in short order. It's been a delightful evening so far. I can only hope things continue as well as they have so far."
Alex nods to the woman as he aproaches. "The items you wanted have been aquired. Other than that it seems as though someone here really doesn't like the princess." As he speaks Alex takes out the alchemical bar he picked up in the apiary, "This was planted in the apiary during the princesses speech, whatever it is it was stirring the bees into a frenzy."
Lady Lotheed smiles when Alessand is the first to speak up. ”Well I wouldn’t worry so much, you appear to be doing an excellent job.” When Syrene asks about a distraction she shrugs ”Perhaps some of the items I gave you yesterday could help with that, though I will leave the specifics up to you.” Turning to Caspian she gives him a wink ”Well little brother, I suppose making introductions yourself may have been more influential than me making them for you. I’m glad you were able to fullfil one of your dreams and finally meet the Princess though.”
She nods to Adrian’s words ”Yes, Lady Morilla is a peach. I’m glad she was willing to introduce the rest of you to the Princess. As for the Duke, it sounds like you having things in hand.” She quirks a brow as Alex reveals the alchemical item ”No surprise really, that opposition to the Princess would try something. I mean, with the work we are doing, it would almost be worrisome if there wasn’t someone doing the same for the other side.”
Looking to each of you in turn she adds "Well it sounds like you are all off to a great start. I shall remain here in the gallery for a bit if you should have a need of me. Otherwise, continue the good work. One thing though before you depart. I didn’t ask you here just to look over your shoulders. I received word that there’s a young woman here: Malphene Trant, the daughter of Senator Trant. She’s a belligerent, narcissistic ass, and a bully as well. If she’s here, it’s likely to intimidate one of the more junior senators into backing her father. If one or more of you could keep an eye on her and ... quietly intercede should she try, I would be quite grateful."
She pulls out a letter and waves it in the air "Oh my, I almost forgot. Which of you will be helping to run letters for me tonight? I have your first one here."
Caspian bows elaborately and takes the letter. "It will be delivered swiftly, dearest sister!" He grins around the rest of the group and makes his way into the crowd.
Adrian scratches his chin. "Malphene could prove troublesome. I'll keep an eye out for her if I can, but hopefully someone can really track her down. When you do, come find me if possible. I might be able to help."
With that said, Adrian excuses himself from the group to go find Duke Centimus.
"Duke Centimus!" he says warmly when he finds the man in question. "I had hoped to speak with you earlier. Adrian Merosett, at your service. How have you found the Gala so far?"
"I could keep an on the woman for you. what can you tell me about her? Interests, friends, anything like that. A physical description would help too."
Martella shurgs to Alexius "She's a brute of a woman. Tall, red hair. She enjoys drinking, gambling, and picking fights. As for friends, anyone who kowtow's to her or her father for the most part."
After departing from your meeting with Martella, you each head on your way to continue your work for the evening. A great deal of the crowd has dispersed from the courtyard, but there are still several minor nobles and senators talking with Lady Morilla and the Princess. The remaining guests returned to their previous haunts to continue hobnobbing.
After meeting with Martella you decide to make your way to the arcade and check in on the High Strategos. Alexius follows along to assist, especially since he can keep an eye on Dame Trant here as well. As you hobnob with the various nobles, keeping an eye and ear out for anything useful regard the High Strategous you do pick up on a few things. First, he is almost always talking about the military might of Taldor and how exceptional Taldor's army is. You notice a few other nobles approach him and try to ingratiate themselves to him but none are having a lot of success even though he seems to at least be open to their attempts. Similarly after a few heated arguments where someone attempts to intimidate him into believing their stance the parties involved find little success. However, Maxillar applauds their effort on attempting to sway him through such brute force of personality.
You promptly, and with ease, make your way to the archives and locate the Count to deliver the message. He pops the seal and reads it over then looks to you "Please, give me a moment so that I can give you a letter to deliver on Lady Lotheeds behalf. What I've just received requires an immediate response."
He waits a moment in hopes that you will agree to wait.
After meeting with Lady Lotheed you head back down to the courtyard and talk with the other nobles for a time. You have mingle enough to make yourself recognizable to the elite of Taldor.
The evening continues to progress rather well. You've been so busy your amazed when you realize you've already been at it for over an hour and a half. You're happy to hear that a light supper and wine is to be served in less than an hour. The vote in the senate looms ever closer.
Cyrene crosses the room and stands next to the man's side, giving him an appraising look, before extending him a slim hand. "I don't believe that I have had the pleasure of your company yet, I'm Cyrene. Its an honor to meet someone such as yourself here who can actually hold a weapon correctly and knows how to use it. I'm sure that our military hold you in the utmost regard"
"Of course." Caspian nods and lounges with practised ease as the man drafts a response. With it in hand he once again braves the ballroom to return to his sister.
"Ah, another student of history. Perhaps some time we'll be able to talk over a few of your favorite works. There are more current events I'd like to discuss, though." Adrian pauses to sip from his drink. "I had hoped to get your thoughts on the vote later this evening. What do you think of Eutropia's campaign against primogeniture?"
Alex will subtly keep Dame Trant in his periphery While approaching the High Strategos. "I'm afraid I'm notas militarily inclined, but even I've heard of many of your accomplishments good ser."
When Alex approaches the High Strategos gives him a bit of a cold shoulder, obviously more interested in his discussion with Cyrene. While he is polite enough to at least acknowledge Alex he promptly turns his attention back to Cyrene.
Getting a hang of this delivery routine you make your way up into the gallery with little issue and find Senator Duo to deliver the message. He reads the letter and requests you wait to deliver a message back to Lady Lotheed. Assuming you wait again. The Duke nods in thanks and steps into a small office to prepare his letter.
He seems to be interested in continuing your conversation, but not quite ready to tip his hand, instead feeling out your own leanings before committing one way or another.
You decide to head to the servants area to take a break from the politicking and talk with some people more aligned with your own social standing.
Spending some time talking with various staff you find one of the local architects and start up a conversation on the time and effort needed to maintain such grand buildings. The man seems interested in continuing your discussion.
Having gotten what you needed from the Countess you decide to head back up to the gallery for another go at entertaining some of the children there.
Continuing your attempts at "magic" you impress a few more noble children, but feel like you could do a bit better with your "performance".
As the evening marches on you would have expected things to start to wane, but quite the opposite is taking place as the gala only gets more boisterous. It seems that people, no matter their voting intentions, are getting more excited about the vote.
Caspian loiters, listening in on the gossip, as Senator Duro writes his own missive, before making his way across the increasingly crowded gallery towards his sister.
Cyrene smiles at the High Strategos, giving him a respectful nod. After witnessing him give Alexius such a cold shoulder, she was anxious to appear deferential to his views.
"As I said, I'm Cyrene, For lack of a better word, I'm a bodyguard, but I think most of the gentlemen here such as yourself wouldn't need any help defending themselves. I unfortunately don't have any formal military training, slim wrists and a slim waist don't tend to be useful physical attributes in our excellent military, and I'm well...not experienced in politics, so I try and find work where I can." Cyrene responds, stumbling slightly with her words and flushing slightly as if to show how unimportant her role was next to him.
"I'm sure that you could give me advice on what I should be doing with my life, but I actually came over here because everyone has heard of your accomplishments and skill,, and I sort of wanted to spend some time with, and chat with someone that is held in such high regard."
Adrian shrugs. "Fond as I am of our nation's history and traditions, I must say I hope the vote passes. The Princess seems capable enough, and Taldor can't afford to wallow in stagnation forever just to keep a woman from the throne."
Alex knows a lost cause when he sees one and excuses himself from the conversation between Cyrene and the High Strategos. Deciding that prevention is the best way to go, and seeing as there's not much else for him to do, Alex heads over to strike up a conversation with Dame Trant.
"And how are you doing this evening Lady Trant? I hope you're enjoying the fine collection here as much as I am."
Taking a couple letters from a pouch on the table she sorts through them, picking one out and handing it to you "We're nearly finished now. Please take this to Duke Centimus in the archives."
Without saying anything to you she moves to follow the man who just whispered in her ear. They seem to be headed toward the gallery.
You continue your conversation and the man continues to be interested, but you don't feel like you are making a lot of progress one way or the other. However, it's nice to find someone you can talk shop with in this heavy political scene.
Trying to continue your performance you fumble a bit and lose some of the interest that you had previously garnered.
Once again you hear Lady Lotheed's voice in your head. "I've spotted that bullheaded Trant up in the gallery. Caspian was just with Senator Duo and it looks like Trant is headed that way. If you intend to intercede, now may be the time."
Caspian sees Trant, followed by two rather muscular men, storm into the senators office. They close the door behind themselves, after they are all inside.
With all the arrogance of his brother and his bloodline Caspian marches up to the door and opens it.
"Oh my!" He drawls at the sight inside. "I'm so sorry Senator, if I'd known you had this sort of company..." He doesn't finish the sentence, deliberately.
"Lady Trant, the Senator doesn't seem quite ready for your... advances. Perhaps you should let him go."
His hand rests on his duelling sword, fingers obviously drawing the peace bonds as tight as possible.
As dame Trant sweeps out of the room Alex catches mention of a senator and gets his second bad feeling of the night ”Why can’t things ever be easy” he thinks with a sigh as he follows her from the room and up to the gallery, arriving just as he receives the message from Lady Lotheed.
Coming in behind Caspian Alex takes a moment to observe everything going on in the room before turning and addressing Dame Trant. ”You know my lady, it’s rather impolite to brush someone off like that. And to organize a little party like this and not invite me? I’m offended.”
Cyrene remains focused on the conversation in hand. Truthfully, she feels a surge of pride at the success she is having, without the support of anyone else present. Here she was, holding her own and having an enlightening conversation with a man of significant importance. She picked up on the man's clarification on women serving in Taldor's military, and predicted that The High Strategos was driven by a largely traditionalist mindset. Cyrene didn't subscribe to the view, but she figured she could steer the conversation into area's where the man would feel most comfortable.
"Oh, I'm not entirely ignorant of politics" Cyrene responds with an apologetic smile. "My parents, were minor nobility, maybe not someone who you would actually know, but they had their hearts in the right place and believed in the glory of Taldor, and its strong traditionalist history. I think they would have liked me to be active in politics but I...I didn't think that really should be the correct place or even the right role for me" Cyrene finishes, ducking her head a little, trying to be embarrassed.
"That's how I know so much though you see, I received a bit of an education on Taldor's past glory, and quite obviously, the military and its legendary commanders were extremely influential in its success." the inquisitor continues, quite earnestly, before suddenly putting on a shocked expression as if coming to a sudden realization
[b]"Oh, I just realized, I'm probably keeping you from important discussions. I'm so sorry, I only just realized. Do you want me to stop bothering you so that you can talk to the actually interesting people?"[b] she responds, with a self defeatist quip at the end, trying to defuse the pressure behind the question. Secretly, she hoped for an excuse to stay and spy but she wasn't worried about how the man would answer.
Adrian chuckles warmly. "Well said, sir." He suppresses a sigh when he hears the news about Trant in his head and politely excuses himself from his conversation with the Duke.
Spotting Alex from a distance, he follows up to the room where Dame Trant and her "friends" are having a meeting. He pauses in the doorway, waiting to see Trant's reaction.
Annabella, concerned about where this might lead, also heads up to the gallery to follow up on Trang. She watches the proceedings carefully from just outside the doorway, doing her best to look casual.
When you raise the question of leaving him alone he looks at the nearby crowd, having been engrossed in his conversation with you. He does see a few others obviously wanting to try and speak with him and lets out a bit of a sigh "Well you are probably right, I should get back to making the rounds with everyone wanting to meet me. It was a pleasure talking with you though."
Hearing Martella's message, but still caught up in the conversation you decide to leave Trant to the others, not sure what you would be able to do anyway. You talk a little longer about your work in carpentry but the other man begins to loose interest and eventually excuses himself.
Caspian marches into the room a bit after Trant and her sycophants go in. Right behind him is Alex, then shortly after Adrian and Anabella.
Caspian steps inside just in time to see Dame Trant haranguing Senator Dou. You hear her say in slightly slurred speech "You best consider your options. You know I'm not above giving a good beating should you decide to go against my father's wishes!", then she proceeds to shove the man against a nearby wall. All the while her two sycophants laugh and cheer her on.
When Caspian speaks up Trant quickly turns to him, obviously recognizing him as one of the Lotheed brothers. She glares at Caspian a moment then looks back at the senator and huffs "Whatever.... let's go boys." Then proceeds to stomp out of the room, knocking Caspian with her shoulder on the way out, as a final slight.
Senator Duo comes over as soon as Trant is gone and shakes each of your hands vigorously. "Please, I would ask that you stop by my office in the morning for a proper reward. In the meantime, I have something to attend to." He promptly heads sees you out of his office and goes to speak with some other senators.
Late in the evening, a silence falls over the gala, and the crowd parts as servants unroll a red carpet through the Arcade of Triumphs and the senate floor. It seems as though someone of import is scheduled to arrive soon and preparations are being made.
Caspian waits for Martella to read Duro's letter, suspecting that he still has more work to do!
Ana, trying to remember what still needs to be done, heads down to the Arcade of Triumphs. She watches the proceedings with interest, and watches with even more interest as the High Strategos moves away from Cyrene. She raises her eyebrows at the other woman and gives her a slight nod if they make eye contact.
"Ah, to be a Lotheed," Adrian says lightly. Amused, he shakes his head and leaves the others to their tasks.
Deciding to move onto something else he knows well, Adrian makes his way to the Senate floor, searching for Baron Okerra. Quickly spotting the man, he makes his way over to find a way to engage the man in conversation.
"Baron Okerra, correct? I know you by reputation, but I don't know that I've had the pleasure of meeting you. Adrian Merosett, at your service," Adrian begins one of his usual introductions. He exchanges a few words with Okerra before going to work on him.
"You're an influential man, Baron Okerra. A war hero, a defender of Taldor," he says with an easy, almost casual sort of demeanor betrayed only by the piercing look in his eyes. "Forgive my forwardness, but I must ask. What do you make of the potential end of primogeniture? Surely a man of your reputation and strong conviction has some opinion of it."
Cyrene intently observes the High Strategos while winding her way through the crowds
"Well that was anticlimatic." Seeing as he no longer needs to worry about Trant, Alex instead glances around the gallery and spots the man enternaing some of the noble kids and decides to show off a bit while he was there. Grabbing a few random items lying around and begins juggling them and doing a few tricks such as catching them on his foot and flicking them back up, catching them on his nose, and just generally fooling around.
Near the end of your performance Alessand comes to find you. He notes that he has located the bottle of wine that needs to be sabotaged, in the kitchen and requests your help.
Already in the servant area and not having much luck talking with the staff you decide to take on one of the remaining missions. Making your way into the kitchen you see a table full of various bottles of wine. Knowing one of these was from the Lotheed family you looked through the various bottles. Eventually you found one with a label matching the families known holdings.
After awhile you hear the call of the imperial trumpets signifying the arrival of the Emperor himself. Grand Prince Stavian III and a host of his Ulfen Guard arrive, ascending the 100 steps to the building. Guests quickly flock to catch a glimpse of Taldor’s leader, who briskly moves toward the Emperor’s Hall, which is closed for the remainder of the night. The arrival of the Grand Prince causes some turmoil among the assembled guests. Maxillar Pythareus retreats to convene with the Grand Prince in the Emperor’s Hall, while Princess Eutropia recuses herself to partake in several private meetings before her father’s expected speech.
Adrian nods. "It is a complicated matter. Such great breaks with tradition can cause a great deal of discontent and unrest. That always hits the common folk the hardest. It's not something to be taken lightly," he says. "But my view is this. I've seen as well as anyone the kind of stagnation hurting Taldor. My family is too mired in the bureaucracy for me not to see it." He laughs at this bit of self-deprecating humor. "I think Eutropia is capable enough to give Taldor a chance at fixing some of it, even if it causes a few problems. And I think that the consequences of allowing things to continue as they are may be far worse."
Finished with his piece, Adrian smiles and shrugs, his eyes scanning Okerra, analyzing his reaction.
"Of course Duke Centimus." Caspian replies with a slight bow. "I hope we meet again later."
With that he makes his way once more into the crowd.
Oh no, he’s leaving...well, I don’t have to make it easy, at least, Ana thinks. Gesturing to Cyrene that they should split up, she weaves to one side to continue observing Pythareus.
Cyrene continues to watch Pythareus, trying to spot anything of use while shifting through the crowd, planning her next target.
Alessand points out the proper bottle to Alex and provides a bit of a distraction with the kitchen staff while Alex works to inject the putrefying agent without leaving a trace. He finishes the job and feels confident in his work.
An announcement is made that a light supper, buffet style, will be served in the gallery shortly. Those in attendance begin to flock toward the gallery to get an early spot in line for what promises to be a hearty meal.
Caspian, however, presses on through the crowds, hoping to find Lady Morilla before the buffet queue gets too long.
"I'll tell Lady Lotheed what happened," Anabella whispers to Cyrene. Making her way back to their employer, Ana gives nods and smiles to everyone she sees along the way. When she gets to Martella, she leans in to whisper in the other woman's ear.
"Cyrene and I have been keeping an eye on the High Strategos. He seems extremely concerned about Dame Trant - mentioned something about making sure she 'gets home safely.' But right now he's in the Emperor's Hall, conferring with the Grand Prince."
Alex makes his way to the gallery with a content smile, knowing that he’s managed to complete the tasks he took personally. That along with a hefty bit of gold from his earlier performance has left this as a very good night. Now all there is to do is keep his eyes and ears open and hope that everything has gone well for the others.
Once he gets to the gallery he decides to try his hand at talking with other performer (wyssilka).
”It’s nice to see another performer here. Names Alexius, how’s your evening going so far?”
"To the future of Taldor," Adrian replies with a broad grin, raising his glass.
When the announcement comes, Adrian excuses himself and heads toward the gallery. Having already accomplished much during his time at the Gala, and not wanting to stand in another line quite yet, he decides to spend a few moments watching the halfling perfomer. He finds it quite entertaining, and waits for a pause in her act to approach. Before he can, though, Adrian sees Alex go over to her to begin speaking. He smiles. Seems we had a similar thought.
Adrian waits a few respectful moments, waiting for Alex to be able to talk, before going over himself. "Good evening to you both," he greets them, leaving it deliberately vague whether he knows Alex or not. "Adrian Merosett, at your service. I wanted to compliment you on your performance, ma'am. You're very skilled at your craft. Are your feats and tricks just that, or are they actual magic?"
Aware that Anabelle will fulfill the requirements of updating Martella, Cyrene attempts to instead see if she could complete the fraud task. Time was short however, and she wasn't sure if it could be completed in time. Still, it was worth trying, so she quickly gazed around the room, attempting to find a worthy target.
When Adrian interrupts she turns to him and smiles "It's always appreciated when someone can appreciate skillful usage of the arts of magic in a performance. I of course interweave a bit of both skill and magic to to pull off my performances."
The dinner party is cut a bit short after a fine bottle of 150-year-old red wine is opened for the guests. As glasses are raised and numerous people take a drink there is a bit of a scene as everyone drinking promptly spits the wine out. Several complain about the awful taste and gossip begins to circulate about how Bartelby Lotheed should have tested the wine before making such a big showing of it at the event. It appears your efforts of sabotaging the wine had the intended effect.
Near the end of the dinner you hear Lady Lotheed's voice in your head once again "If you would all join me in the gallery, the voting should be starting soon."
Caspian mingles, making profuse apologies for his brother's appalling lack of taste.
"I'm so sorry my Lady. My brother is a great judge of antique books, but not of wine! I think he judges them the same way - the more dust on the outside the better!"
When his sister sends out her summons Caspian is careful to take a plate of food and wander over slowly. After spending much of the party running around on his sister's behalf he feels entitled to linger and chat a little. However he's not the only one keen on observing the vote and people gradually move away - easing his path to the gallery.