"Not I!" admits Tiber. "I've never had the need for it."
"Then I shall see you at the Exaltation Gala."
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While senators may enter the building with a minimum of fuss, there are far more aides and staff members. You can tell this line will take hours to traverse. Thankfully, numerous street vendors are walking around, selling food, drink and memorabilia.
The line into the gala is impossibly long.
"I can't believe that there are even this many people in Oppara?" Thalashou stands just a little taller than the average person but he still must crane his neck to look spot the glowing entrance way. There are still many dozens of aides and staff members ahead of him and his friends.
"Uhg. We're going to be here forever. Just hope it doesn't start raining." He looks up at the sky. "I guess we should make the best of our time here though. So, do any of you know about any of the people attending? I heard someone talking about Duke Centimus. They said that he doesn't like people talking about his 'accident', whatever that is. If I get a chance to meet him I just might ask him too." A mischievous smile crosses his face.
Thalasou tries to keep his voice quiet enough that the surrounding hubbub of the people in line will drown it out to the point where only his companions hear him talking.
"Qadira is expected to make an assassination attempt on Princess Eutropia during this event," Pavo remarks off-handedly to Thalasou. "I wouldn't put too much stock in that, though. If you believed every rumor, Qadira is trying to assassinate one of the Stavians at least once a day."
He adjusts his aide pin on the collar of his coat, which covers his tasteful, reinforced jerkin as he moves closer to Ayalina. "My lady songbird," he says, "I hope that I might convince you to meet me by the entrance to the kitchens once you have a moment."
"Skilled as in took advanced forgery in Oppara school for criminals, traitors and rebels? No, I haven't done it professionally, but writing half a dozen languages with different letters, you learn to imitate quite well. I can manage most handwritings and signatures, at least if you don't expect a forgery but just read it quickly", Delena answers to Pavo.
In the queue, she starts observing the other guests. "Well now, who of these people are our main problems? Dear friends, if you find out who is an influential member of the opposing party, please tell me. I don't want to waste spreading lies about people whose opinions don't really matter. But if I could find someone really important, it would be so lovely. I have a feeling that Aurelia might have been mistreated by such people, she asks help from the others.
"I can do that! I'll be walking around quite a but, I'm sure I'll quickly learn where everyone is. Not that I know anything about them now, but as the night progresses, I'll do my best to change that. What tasks were each of you given?" Tiber inquires, eager to get started. "Man, this line is insane! I don't know how rich people do it. All this to attend a party."
________
"What? They want to assassinate the Princess?" Thalasou stares up and down the line with more scrutiny as if he could spot a Qadiran spy by a glance. "But you think it's just a rumor, huh? Well, I hope you're right."
He shuffles his feet forward as a small gap opens in the line.
"I'll keep an eye out for opposition and let you know if I see anything." he replies to Delena. "I myself would like to have a chance to talk with Duke Centimus and Countess Abrielle Pace. I guess they are on the fence about supporting the Princess. Just want to find out what they really think. Could one of you help me by putting them at ease? Then I'd be able to talk to them a bit more comfortably and really get a good sense of their allegiance."
"Well, I know as much about the Grand Prince as any lord ought to," Pavo says, "But I have been away from Taldor--a spiritual cleansing of sorts the way my parents describe it--for a bit. I would need to grease the wheels in my head to remember much about the other families. Most of the other families."
He quickly brushes off his jacket, inhales deeply, and smiles, dispelling the encroaching dour mood as if it was dust from the shuffling crowd. "However, as I mentioned, if Ayalina would be so kind as to meet me just outside the kitchens, I will be free to help introduce you to whoever you need to be introduced."
Seeing as the others don't seem willing to speak about their tasks, or even acknowledge the question, Tiber looks up to the sky for a moment with raised eyebrows. "I won't have much of a chance to talk to anyone, but I'll keep an eye out for them, Thalasou," Tiber offers.
Delena looks at Thalasou with interest. "Oh they might be powerful enough. At least the titles are high. I'll join you, let's learn what they think so that we may ruin their plans if they think wrong", she plans.
"And Pavo, I might stop by the kitchen later to get a drink around interesting papers. But I'll chat a bit first" she says to him.
"Yes, Lady Delena, that would be good. Maybe work together a bit." Turning to Tiber he leans in with a quiet voice. "Since she", he avoids mentioning their boss's name, "seemed to keep our, uh, stuff, private. I'm thinking we might need to be a little circumspect." His demeanor becomes even more conspiratorial. "But of course, I'd be happy to help you out if you give me a hint."
"My job is rather fun, so I don't want to spoil the surprise," he says with a chuckle.
Thalasou elbows Pavo gently. "I haven't known you for long, but it seems that everything you do is fun. At least for you."
Not particularly fond of the sweets that flow through the markets that day, Ayalina leaves off from shopping and prepares for their interesting evening, fingering the badge in her pocket.
Come the agreed upon time, she gathers with the others, her own badge a neat little spot of shine on her chest. Her dress was appropriate to the current fashion - one of the benefits of being hosted by a wealthy patron. The gown itself was a dark red, the folds along the skirts sewn into nice folds with some flower applique accents.
"Well, hopefully all goes well tonight. I don't think any of us wants to be privy to the kind of investigation something so frightful as an assassination would entail!" she shakes her head, but the smile on her face reveals the jest for what it is. She presses a strand of hair behind her ear, taking the opportunity to make sure her dangling crystal earrings aren't getting caught up in it.
At Pavo's invitation, she smiles more earnestly and nods. "That would be wonderful. I don't well know whose eyes I'll want to seek next, but I imagine performing for anyone you know will be an honor. I'll certainly endeavor to do well by you!"
If nothing else, getting all of the jobs done and done well would be a boon. Snagging an extra client here or there would be a decidedly sweet bonus. But what could she offer in return? Perhaps just a distraction? Hmmm.
"Why would anyone do anything else?" Pavo asks Thalasou earnestly.
He narrows his brow as an inspector calls them out of the line. "If you insist," he says in his most pleasant voice.
Tiber puts a hand on Pavo's arm. "Random? You practically walked straight for us," he points out. "What's this all about? Who are you and under what authority do you have the right to inspect us?"
________
A bit startled, Ayalina can't help but frown a bit. Had this woman moved straight for her? She hadn't been paying attention, caught up in the present conversation. Still, if Tiber was saying something was off about this...
"Surely you wouldn't mind explaining the situation to us?" she suggests, not wanting any problems.
”Do not fret,” Pavo says, trying to reassure Tiber. ”I am certain these fine fellows would not be acting outside the bounds of their jobs. And it serves us no good to make a fuss out here in public.”
"You must have mistaken me for someone else. I am Lady Aurelia Gatoriana, and I was asked to meet with a certain Duke Centimus here, as soon as possible. You wouldn't want to cause any problems if his intentions fail because of an unnecessary delay", Delena starts her deceits, even switching her manners to gentler ones and softening her voice.
As the inspector switches her focus around the group, Delena complains apparently to herself: "There would be a need for my skills, of making friends with almost no time spent talking with them. Of course, all this hassle makes things more difficult, practically impossible. I wish I could just make it all happen with just a snap of my fingers."
Thalasou is caught off guard when the inspector approaches them but quickly recovers. He flashes a broad smile. "Yes ma'am. I'm sure security for an event like this is extremely important."
"I wouldn't be too hasty in judging these fine fellows," Pavo says, resting a hand gently upon her arm. "They might very well hasten our passage through this line after they are done with their inspection."
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The inspector turns back around when Tiber speaks, then looks down at her uniform and badge. She looks each of you in the eye, "The only mistakes being made here are yours."
She then holds Delena's gaze for a few seconds before continuing to walk away, "Particularly yours."
Pavo puts on a comforting smile and makes a coaxing gesture.
Something isn’t right here... Tiber looks uncomfortably at the badge and back at the inspector. ”This clearly isn’t a random inspection. Go if y’all want to, but this doesn’t sit right with me.”
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"We risk not getting inside by making a fuss," Pavo says, his smile fading a bit as he struggles to maintain a brave face. "Lead on, madam inspector."
"Well, if she's an enemy, it's better we learn now. If she's an ally, we're best off making use of her sooner rather than later," Ayalina suggests quietly. "If we go together, we'll at least have numbers in our favor."
Unless, of course, she was hiding more allies of her own in whatever place it was she planned to 'inspect' them.
"I agree with Pavo and Ayalina." Thalasou considers for a moment if this situation is important enough to relay back to Martella through their badges.
Delena looks around her in the queue, taking note of the amount of people around her. "What would happen if I don't comply? I don't suppose anyone of these fine people would appreciate a fight taking place in such a crowded area. I'm also interested what are you inspecting me for that I couldn't show you here", she asks the inspector.
When the inspector turns her attention away, Delena tells Pavo but still loudly enough for anyone to hear: "Also, the possibility of abruptly taking people away in these times, when political discussions are at highest, would be a very dangerous move. There would be many angry people stating that their opinions were silenced by these actions." She continues with a most sweet smile: "Of course I will follow if there is a good reason. I'm certain that the inspector will find me a most charming person, who likes to make new friends, and wouldn't hurt a fly."
Pavo rubs the space between his eyebrows and sighs. He follows after the inspector.
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Once Ayalina, Pavo and Thalasou get to the botttom corner of the steps, away from the crowd, the inspector speaks again. "My name is Kathann Zalar. A common friend asked me to speed up your entrance."
The inspection is quick, but thorough. She peace-binds all of your melee weapons, but holds onto the crossbows. "Unfortunately, these are not permitted inside. I will return them to you afterward."
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Delena and Tiber watch their companions walk into the senate building, then have to stand in line another half hour before their own inspection. Their weapons are similarly peace-bound, but everything goes smoothly.
"A pleasant surprise!" Ayalina says cheerfully. "It's a shame the other two weren't interested. Thank you, Kathann!" She hands over her crossbow without issue.
"Is there anywhere in specific I should go to come and get it after the night is out?"
A visible but fleeting expression of relief moves across Pavo's face as the inspector reveals her allegiance. "A pleasure," he says. He right shoulder relaxes, and he allows his blades to be bound.
While she is busy with the others, he hides his cold-iron knuckles under his clothes.
"Think we'll ever see them again?" Tiber asks Delena after a minute or two. "I've seen more than one friend get unlawfully snagged by someone with a badge. Worse still, I've seen several people who [i]should[i] have been snagged allowed to walk!"
Once inside the hall, Tiber does his best to find their patron.
Pavo moves over to Ayalina and says, "This might work best if you go loiter by the kitchens and then I will 'find' you." He accentuates the word with by making quotation marks with his fingers. "With... oh, what name was she going by tonight... taking the long way inside, I'll just have to improvise."
"Lady Aurelia Gatoriana," she reminds him. "I'll see if I can find anything like kitchens... I don't know how likely we are to find them, though." she adds. Glancing around, she makes a dubious expression before leaning closer and lowering her voice further. "Do let me know if you happen to see High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus, will you? Anyone I can watch out for on your behalf?"
After the three of them enter the gala Thalasou turns to the others. "Well. That turned out well. I bet Delena is going to be annoyed. She seems that way. Don't you think?"
He scans the room looking for either Duke Centimus or Countess Abrielle .
"I'm looking for Centimus or Pace. If I spot Pythareus I'll let you know," he replies to Ayalina. Then a teasing grin crosses his face. "I'll show you yours if you show me mine."
After the inspector leaves, Delena snaps open her umbrella, protecting her light skin from getting any kind of light on it. "Unlawful or lawful, it makes little difference. Laws change on the whims of rulers. Then they are carried out by incompetent and malicious officials who can barely read, so you are completely in the mercy of your luck, if you are not a personal friend of whoever is in charge that day",, she adds to Tiber's complaint. She looks up to the senate building, quiet for a moment. Then she turns back to Tiber: "The only way is to be the one to make the laws, and be strong enough to defend yourself from a dagger in the back".
After getting through the peacebonding, she gives her dagger a slight tug, just verifying that the hold is tight. She smiles at Tiber: "They must have heard me. How am I now going to advance my position?"
She begins looking around the crowd, trying to spot important-looking people. "Tell if you saw our lovely magic-natural, he seemed to have some persons in his head. I hope the head is still attached to the rest of him, would be more useful", she comments to Tiber.
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"I will find you," Kathann answers Ayalina. The inspector easily finds Pavo's knuckles, buts hands them back. "These are a little too big for the inside of your forearm, hide them on the outside instead."
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Though Delena and Tiber arrive late, everyone is still milling about casually. Unfortunately, everyone who's noone immediately rushes the senators and other important nobles, making it nigh impossible to get their attention.
Thalasou begins roaming in the crowd. The hum of conversation carries a certain amount of energy and excitement which Thalasou absorbs readily. Nodding, smiling, and greeting random people, he makes his way to the Arcade of Triumphs. Ah! There is Pythareus. There seems to be a conversation going on about some of the history of Taldor. Thalasou sees the chance to make an impression on the crowd and attempts to clarify a few historical points.
"Outside the kitchens," Pavo corrects Ayalina. "Just look for a door or arch where servants are coming and going with food or drink."
A dark expression flickers across the young noble's face when Ayalina asks him to keep a look out for the High Strategos. "If you hear me cursing loudly, then I've probably found him," he mutters in a strange mix of jest and petulance. "If you see guards rushing toward the cursing, then his spymaster is probably nearby, too."
Breathing away his mood, he smiles at Kathann's instructions and repositions the knuckles, "Thank you."
"There. To your right," Pavo says with a miraculous lack of cursing to Ayalina as they pass through the Arcade of Triumphs .
"The servants' area will be next to the senate floor. Head there before too long and I will retrieve you. Feel free to look a little shocked when I do, just not shocked enough to summon the guards," he adds enigmatically.
Leaving Ayalina and the others to their own devices for the time being to avoid becoming too strongly associated with them in the minds of others, he makes his way to the senate floor . Once there, he begins to hob-knob familiarly with people that he barely even knows.
After Delena makes her comment about needing to control the laws to be protected from them, Tiber brings his hand to his chin and begins to contemplate. "Of course, I'll notify you when I see him," he agrees.
Once in the hall, Tiber quickly leaves each of the rooms filled with wealthy nobles, ultimately finding himself in what can only be the Servant's Area. "How are things going back here? It is quite a feat to coordinate such an event flawlessly, I commend all of you for the effort and skill you put into such events!"
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The Emperor’s Hall sees rotating use throughout the night for various backroom deals, and serves as a private space where the PCs can meet quietly.
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Delena pushes her way slowly through the crowd in the Arcade of Triumphs, when she hears someone call out Maxillar Pythareus. She turns and notices the high strategos at the edge of room, probably greeting the caller. Delena throws a gaze full of hatred at Pythraes before hurrying herself forward, out of his vicinity.
Continuing further, she finally enters the Senate Floor. She hears some young nobles discussing the question of inheritance. She smiles and says to herself: "Well, as I already appeared as her", and walks to the nobles to join in. "Forgive me, but I couldn't help overhearing you. We, the Gatoriana family, believe in the strength of tradition", she begins, nodding to one of the nobles, then turns to another one: "but even more we value the family, obedience to the head of the house gives stability and continuity".
"Thank you kindly, good sir!" she chirps as Pavo escorts her. "I'll be sure to remember." Once he moves on, their location marked, she turns her attention to the large room she's in.
Considering her surroundings, Ayalina can't help but feel a bit out of her depth. This is... war stuff. Combat trophies, reflections of Taldor's military history. It wasn't really anything she could enjoy or understand on a personal level, though she'd often sung of couples or families who were torn by combat.
Some heroes even made it back through the troubles and tales to make it home - she caught a glimpse of one such hero's armor.
The delicate fabric of her dress seemed entirely decorative when compared to the sturdy leathers and metals around her.
She finds herself in quiet conversation with a few of the younger male attendees - likely soldiers of some type themselves. Or perhaps not? She's not entirely sure, but they seem to be the soldiering type. It's from them that she learns about her mark.
Loyal to the throne, he would be quite terrifying if she were an enemy of the state. As it stands presently, he's certainly frightening. She's not so sure she likes his belief in "right through might" but she can understand how he got there. War is a messy, unhappy event, but even the most bland of epics has some reference to the discipline of its many soldiers.
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Delena - 0 points
Pavo - 1 point
Thalasou - 1 point
Tiber - 8 points
While Thalasou's first correction was indeed historically accurate, if incomplete, his following remarks were inaccurate and quickly lost the crowd's attention. Ayalina's experience differs greatly, though. While she comes across as friendly, she completely fails to pick up on the room's energy and nobody takes an interest in her conversation.
Over on the Senate Floor, Pavo briefly enters a few conversations by identifying and addressing the highest ranking noble first, but is unable to recall anything more useful and quickly finds people walking away from him. While Delena's exaggerations and half truths are believed, they fail to impress anyone.
Fortunately, Tiber asks just the right questions to get the servants talking, and picks up a lot of useful cues.
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In every room, the background noise suddenly drops while a murmur moves through the crowd. Only a few people leave at first, but then more and more. Eventually, you simply get swept up in the crowds moving out to the Courtyard.
The Lady Gloriana Morilla loudly clinks her glass and declares that the Princess has a few words for the gathered people. The crowd scrunches back to give them space, and Lady Morilla helps Princess Eutropia climb atop the garden's stone railing.