Delena notices Pavo getting the ring, and goes to take a look at it. "Well, you seem make a lot of friends here. Pretty ring, but I think the crest is more valuable than the ring it's on"
The Senate floor seems to be full of her lies, so Delena decides to move to the gallery. She watches Wyssilka's performance, and comments to another guest: "You know, Wyssilka isn't actually a halfling, but a fey from the first world."
Action: Influence Area A4, Gallery
"No, I have not had the pleasure," Pavo answers Kalbio. "The prince's court is not a place that I often have reason to visit. However, I am certain it is lovely."
Leaning in toward Kalbio conspiratorially, he whispers of Delena, "Be careful of that one. She never tells the truth even when the truth would be better. I suspect she is a compulsive liar. When we have the chance, I know a lovely songstress you should meet."
He looks around the senate floor and notices Baron Okerra. "I spy someone who might be more agreeable," he tells Kalbio and leads him toward the Baron of Meratt.
"Lord Baron Okerra," Pavo says with a bow. "How is life under the shadow of the Verduran?"
Thalasou moves to the gallery and arrives just about the same time that Delena does. He sees a familiar face in the Countess and approaches her again "Good evening, again. I trust that this evening has been pleasant so far. It is always so pleasant rubbing elbows with all manner of people." Thalasou's voice betrays a slight bit of sarcasm.
Ayalina loiters for a bit before trying to introduce herself to the martial man, not wanting to be awkward about it. "Oh, High Strategos Pythareus!" she tries greeting him. "I'm Ayalina. I've certainly seen you surrounded - are you enjoying the event?"
--
"My own lands are far enough from the forest to escape most of its shadow. We are actually a fishing community on Lake Pensaris."
"Indeed, it is." Pace replies, as she straightens her arms against her sides and walks away.
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Social Round N/A
Effects A5 #1, Pace
Ayalina - Influence Pythareus (failure)
Delena - Influence A4 (failure)
Pavo - Discover Influence Okerra (success)
Thalasou - Influence Pace (complete)
Tiber - Discover Influence Eutropia (success)
While Tiber watches Eutropia for a quarter hour, Delena tries unsuccessfully to deceive people about one of the entertainers, whom they weren't interested in anyhow.
Ayalina continues to struggle in the Arcade, as one of Pythareus' staff officers interrupts her before she can even speak to the High Strategos.
"Ah, that is good to hear," Pavo says. "Fishing? My family vacationed quite a bit on the coast, but I suspect the vessels of coastal cruising are different than lake travel."
He makes a polite break from the Baron, noticing a momentary lull in the political feeding frenzy caused by some subconscious consensus. "Kalbio, follow me over here," he says with a smile that slowly widens to a mischievous grin.
He leads the weaver to where he can find Ayalina. "Ayalina, how are you this evening?" he says with formality. "Have you had the pleasure to meet Kalbio of Breezy Creek yet? I find him a refreshing breeze on this hot and stuffy landscape."
Turning to Kalbio, he says, "Kalbio, this is Ayalina the Songbringer. She is an up-and-coming artist herself, although not so fortunate as to be lifted to the aristocracy yet. Giver her time. She is the lovely young lady I have mentioned a few times that I wanted to introduce you to."
Pleasantly surprised by this decidedly bright interruption to her not at all successful efforts, Ayalina is more than happy to swap tracks.
"Oh, hello!" she greets the two men, an earnest smile making its way onto her face. "It's very nice to meet you," she says, offering her hand. "I've been doing fairly well this evening, but I can't help but feel the entertainment's a bit stiff!" Chuckling, she shakes her head. "Of course, that's probably because of where I am. The martial types here are all either a bit too into the festivities or are practicing at being lumps behind curtains."
"Tell me, though, Kalbio, you're an artist?" Glancing briefly at Pavo, she grins. "I feel like you're going to end up gathering all of us together to really liven this place up!"
Disappointed at her first story not getting interest, Delena takes a walk around thinking about better ones. She stumbles on Tiber listening to the princess. Delena joins the listening and asks: "So, how do you find our queen-to-be? Will she lead us to greatness or destruction?" She notices Tiber has clearly had some exercise, and remembers: "You finished your messenger duty, then. Oh, and here are your materials, the product is traveling somewhere around here." She returns the bag of inks and papers to Tiber.
Delena watches the people around the princess a while, then points around and says: "This is wonderful! You wouldn't guess how boring life is for noblewomen in the east. There is nothing to do, nobody to talk to. How can anyone get ahead there when there's nobody to win?"
"He is quite the artist!" Pavo answers for the weaver. "He could be quite a patron for you. I'm sure he'll be smitten once he's heard you sing."
"Once he's heard me sing, hm? I think I promised to sing for you, too, didn't I?" Her expression turns a bit mischievous as she straightens her back and clears her throat. "Maybe a short song, then? There's been a new version on Cayden Cailean's ascension to godhood that's been making the rounds..."
Taking only a moment to regret that she didn't have her violin, she begins the popular song. "♪ On a night of drunken revelry did this tale begin..."
--
"Oh my!" Kalbio exclaims, "You're quite good. I've never heard that song before, but I like it!"
And the little weaver is not the only one to take notice. Ayalina quickly finds herself the center of a circle that has cleared and quieted. Unfortunately, the quiet clapping suddenly stands out in the silenced hall.
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The quieted crowd quickly parts as servants unroll a red carpet through the Arcade of Triumphs and the senate floor. Grand Prince Stavian III and a host of his Ulfen Guard arrive, briskly moving toward the Emperor's Hall.
In Stavian's wake, the crowd's noise returns even louder, while the High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus follows his Prince into the Emperor's Hall and Princess Eutropia disappears with her staff to somewhere unnkown.
Delena watches the royal family leaving the area with interest. After they have left, she walks up to the artist team, Ayalina, Pavo and Kalbio. "Best pieces on both sides have left the table. We'll see how this changes the game", she says.
"Your new friend is an essential addition, if going gets nasty. It is important to wave flawlessly made flags in addition to singing inspiring songs, when enemies hack us to pieces with their swords" she teases Kalbio and the bards.
"Don't mind Lady--I'm sorry, what is your name tonight?--she's terribly morbid," Pavo counsels Kalbio.
Kalbio looks back and forth at Delena and Pavo. "I don't--does she have more than one name?"
A moment later, Kalbio blurts, "Oh no! Will I have to take more names, too? Papa won't like that!"
"Apologies, Kalbio," Pavo says with a slightly sheepish smile. "It's an inside joke between the two of us. Lady Gatorina played a mean trick on me when we first me."
He turns and guides the weaver back towards the Senate main. "Now, some nobles do take on additional names or titles, rather, but that is by choice and usually to show of some accomplishment," he says as they meander through the courtyard.
Once inside the Senate floor, he spies Baron Okerra once again. "Baron Okerra," he says, "I was distracted by another matter before I had a chance to introduce Kalbio of Breezy Creek. Have you had a chance to meet him or to at least have seen some of his work? I find him to be an endearing soul. He will be to the aristocracy as a cool breeze is to a lake shore on a hot summer day."
Ayalina sends the men off with a small wave and grin. Kalbio seemed to be sweet in a very not-big-city kind of way.
To Delena, she chuckles and adds, "Well, someone has to do the waving and the singing! If everyone went and made a fool themselves in the middle of battle, we'd have a problem! Best to just let it be me." She hums for a moment, before shaking her head. "Forgive me, it seems like the songs are sticking with me for the moment. I think I'll go out a bit. I'm sure the bees are handled now!"
Excusing herself, she moves to the Senate Exterior, her mind already passing through her mental catalog of songs before settling on what she thought would be a good one. Outdoors, surrounded by military and civilian types... There was a romance between two lovers that had decidedly excellent storying in it that she thought would go over well.
When she found a nice, shaded spot that wouldn't bother anyone that didn't want bothering, she began the introductory piece: "♫Horses shall I have, and chivalry..."
--
Thalasou scans the gallery looking for someone interesting to talk to. Wyssilka seems to be unoccupied at the moment so he strolls up to her. "Good evening. I don't know if we've been introduced. My name is Thalasou." He makes a small bow and then sighs. "You know, sometimes these gatherings start to get tiring. Or at least, the small talk part of it. But sometimes I find someone who has similar interests and we strike up quite a conversation. I'm particularly fond of magical items. Somehow I've developed quite a knack for understanding the magical properties some items have. Quite interesting, sometimes."
"I have rights to two names, and neither has good status among the traditional people. A neutral one gives more possibilities and a way out. You just wait, weaver, your noble back might feel a knife soon if you don't take care what you speak and to whom", she says to Kalbio with a mean grin. "Oh, and Pavo, that was just a harmless trick. You wouldn't want to get one of my mean tricks, she then says to Pavo while petting her hissing viper.
She walks to the archives and again checks the shelves. "Disriana, go find some stories to impress people at the gallery", she tells the viper who again slithers up the books. "This might be good, some rarer stories from Elven lands." The viper hisses on a very old book, and Delena goes to look at it. "This is azlanti! Why is it here?" She browses a few pages, and then chuckles: "Because it is awful!"
Action: Influence area A5 Imperial Archives
Baron Okerra crushes Kalbio's hand with the unexpected strength of his grip. "To my own misfortune, I have not. The Exaltation is one of Taldor's better traditions, a true sign of the good that comes from an orderly, lawful society."
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"Oh, I'm not a wizard or anything. I'm only interested in the little cantrips that entertain children," the halfling answers. "Speaking of which, I really should get back to work!"
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Social Round 13
Effects A5 #1, A6 #1
Ayalina - Influence A2 (+18)
Delena - Influence A5 (+8)
Pavo - Influence Okerra (success)
Thalasou Discover weakness Wyssilka (failure)
Tiber - Pass
Ayalina somehow outdoes her first performance, completely taking over the entire courtyard's attention. Several dukes and duchesses compliment her voice, and a particularly odd senator--a gnomish woman with rainbow colored hair--insists that Ayalina look her up if ever near Wispil in the Verduran forest.
Inside the building, Delena also manages to impress someone important, and receives a book donated to the library, but considered in too poor of condition for the prestigious senate collection. The text itself shows large water stains and warping, but the piece of parchment tucked into it as a bookmark radiates magic.
"Oh wait! Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you off. Little trick for kids. I like those too. I have a friend at the temple. She has taught me a few little tricks." Thalasou's smile turns to a slight frown. "But now that I think about it, nothing I've learned would be exciting. But my friend! She knows all kinds of things. For example, she has one trick with kids where they give her their favorite toy and she makes it glow. They love that."
Delena feels the tingle of the book, and casts a spell to read it. Her eyes widen, and she extends her arm to call the viper back from the shelves. "Disriana, this is a strong collection of spells. Not just simple cantrips", she tells the viper while walking out of the Archives.
She goes again to the Gallery, finds some audience, and tries to tie in the story she just read to reality: "The famous story about the Marilith and the prince is actually true, but in fact it was the king, not a prince. Not the current ruler, as she is a queen, but her predecessor."
Spell: Cast read magic
Action: Influence area A4 Gallery
"One of the skills that you will need to pick up is dancing," Pavo mentions to Kalbio as he meanders toward the gallery. Once there, he waits for an opportunity and a partner.
"...apparently, so will I."
Ayalina's pleasantly surprised by the reactions her song has brought out. She'd not realized the romance would be so popular among the elites.
"Thank you, thank you," she says, expressing her gratitude for the fine words. After a couple of moments, she considers another song. "I don't know how popular this one is, but have you heard the song of the servant girl that became queen?
"♫ Sweet Ella was born to a loving home..."
--
Wyssilka gives most of her attention to the children, but does look at Thalasou once to say, "Perhaps you and your friend want to join me? There's nothing more rewarding than children's laughter!"
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Social Round N/A
Effects A5 #1, A6 #1
Ayalina - Pass
Delena - Influence A4 (failure)
Pavo - Influence A4 (failure)
Thalasou - Discover weakness Wyssilka (failure)
Tiber - Pass
Delena's attempted rumors about dead nobles fall on disinterested ears, perhaps because many people are busy laughing at Pavo's attempts to dance.
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Shortly after the Grand Prince's arrival and unexpected departure, servants begin to bring out a light supper. The food helps placate confused senators and their aides.
At this time, a century-old bottle of wine donated by the Lotheed family is opened--and served to puckered mouths and audible groans.
Pavo accepts an offered glass of wine, mimes taking a sip, winces and discretely sets the glass on the nearest flat surface.
He coughs quietly and pats his chest. "I think there might have been left a little too long," he comments to Kalbio regarding the wine.
"Mam once said nobles ate all sorts of disgusting stuff from other countries, just because it was expensive." The weaver sets down his glass on an end table. "Is this like that?"
"Very good, very good" Delena says when she sees everyone being offered wine, but follows Pavo's example and leaves her wine undrinked.
"So, seems like tales of other people don't work. Let's try one about me", she whispers to her viper as she seeks out suitable audience. She finds people listening a tale about witches putting children in an oven, and comments: "No, no, you don't put children in an oven." She narrows her eyes, grins evilly and hisses: "You put them in a cauldron and boil them, there's so little meat that it's the best way to get it off their bones. I put in some lemons, the acid helps the separation and makes the meat tender". She looks at her audience, pretending surprise. "What, I am a witch. And Disriana here, she used to be a succubus, and a great dancer, but is now cursed in animal form. Show them, my dear", she continues, and the viper does a dance clearly showing intellect beyond normal animals.
Action: Influence area A4 Gallery
"I don't think so," Pavo says.
He tries to rally from his earlier missteps and heads back out onto the dance floor.
Noting the expressions of those around her, Ayalina considers declining the wine or perhaps leaving off of it altogether. Still, there couldn't be any harm in learning just why everyone was so... reluctant. She takes a single taste before setting her cup on a conveniently placed table.
Then, she goes to introduce herself to Lady Morilla. "Hello," she says, "I'm Ayalina, a singer. How have you been enjoying the festivities?"
--
After two misses, Thalasou decides that it might be better to try something else for a while. He moves outside the senate. One of the musicians who has been playing off and on during the event is taking a break, pretending to like the sour wine. "Hello, my friend. I've heard you playing this evening. It has been pleasant." He points to the lute that the man is holding. "I've got a bit of skill with the lute. Do you mind if I give it a try?
Thalasou accepts the instrument and plucks a couple strings to check the tension. His hands fall into a comfortable pose on the fret board and above the sound board. A couple bystanders notice and seem to take interest.
"Hey everyone, would you like to hear a bit of a song I've been working on?" Without waiting for a response he begins strumming with more energy and starts to hum. After a few bars he begins, his voice surprisingly melodious.
"In the days of Taldor old
an ancient hero, it is told
embarked upon a great crusade
by which the roiling land was saved."
Thalasou's voice rings throughout the crowd and his song recounts the acts of the great heroes of the shining crusade. He ends with a dramatic flourish on the lute.
"I can't say that I have been," Lady Morilla answers Ayalina. "How many years did you have to train to become a singer? How many hours a day must you practice to keep your voice in tune? And how many of these senators do you think treat their responsibility to Taldor's people with even half that effort?"
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Social Round 16
Effects A5 #1, A6 #1, Food/Drink
Ayalina - Influence Morilla (success)
Delena - Influence A4 (+17)
Pavo - Influence A4 (+1)
Thalasou - Influence A2 (+10)
Tiber - Pass
Even though people find Delena's tale excessively shocking and scandalous--or perhaps because of that--they still crowd around to catch her every word. Unfortunately, she also steals most of the attention from Pavo's dancing. But outside in the courtyard, Thalasou finds a much readier audience for his art.
Pavo continues to dance, gossiping with those nobles that he is momentarily partnered with.
Tiber makes the rounds in the senate exterior discussing the various breeding lines of famous horses.
Encouraged by the responses from his audience, Thalasou decides to provide an encore performance.
"This is another song I have been working on. It's not quite as exciting as the other one but in many ways I think it is more important for our land." He begins strumming slowly.
"Across the fields of rolling green a small and weary band rode steady. Sore and wounded to the bone from battles they had lost,
their hearts did raise in eagerness at the sight of Standlash Holt."
His fingers dance lightly and slowly over the strings creating a haunting sound.
"The setting sun behind them shone and made their shadows long. Soon the ruddy dying light turned the castle stones from grey to a bloody sight."
More strumming.
"A single pennant flapped and blew from the top of the great Corona tower. The riders raised their voice to hail at the gates that they found shut."
"But only silence greeted them. Not a movement anywhere was heard. With a final snap the banner broke loose and drove away on the wind."
Thalasou continues the story in the song. The travelers find no entrance to the fortress and must journey to the next. Being weakened from their fight, they are unable to reach safety and all perish.
Tears glisten in Thalasou's eyes as he finishes the song. "This, all of this that we have," he makes a wide gesture around the courtyard. "We sometimes forget that many others have suffered so that we can be here today."
Content to the success of her story, Delena sits down to listen to other people's stories for a while. She especially keeps an eye on the halfling, trying to figure out her tricks of the trade.
Action: Discover Weakness Wyssilka the Fantabulous
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Social Round 17
Effects A5 #1, A6 #1, Food/Drink, A2 #2
Ayalina - Pass
Delena - Discover weakness Wyssilka (success)
Pavo - Influence A4 (+8)
Thalasou - Influence A2 (+7)
Tiber - Influence A2 (+3)
His muscles finally warmed and his joints loose, Pavo's dance really comes to life, as do his requests for a partner. Thalasou and Tiber have even more success next door in the courtyard, while Delena manages to peer behind the veil of Wyssilka's performance and learn some of the street magician's tricks.
After steering the pair of esteemed horse breeders to proximity with Lady Morilla, Tiber tries to rope her into the conversation. "Now, you see horses are indeed quite grand! They have such an air of superiority and they are simply unmatched in the field of battle! But, if truth must be told, the Mastiff is the beast that grips my heart. You see, I am more of a city man and nothing bests such a burly dog when prowling among the common people! Why, Lady Morilla, I am sure even you would look properly menacing with the right canine companion striding by your side," he says with what he hopes is a friendly smile, despite the perspiration that has begun to accumulate across his brow.
________
Feigning windedness, Pavo begs forgiveness and breaks from the dance floor. He makes his way out into the exterior gardens and winds his way toward Lady Morilla. He approaches with a subdued smile and bows before her.
"Lady Morilla, good evening," he says. "I just missed your tenure in Absalom when I came to Kortos to stay with my cousin Damian. How goes your efforts in establishing a sovereign court? Oh! My apologies. Have you met Kalbio? Soon to join us among the aristocracy?"
Noticing the artist lurking behind his shoulder, he turns and ushers the man forward.
Thalasou hands the lute back to the hired musician. "Thank you so much for letting me play. It is quite a masterful instrument." He stands and stretches. "Well gents, I could use a little fresh air."
Moving back outside and into the Gallery Thalasou sees that Wyssilka is still there. He snatches a large leaf off of a decorative plant. As he approaches the woman he covers most of his face with the leaf.
"Oh. Don't mind me, I'm just a bush." He hopes that his disguise elicits at least a small laugh from the children. While everyone is distracted he casts detect magic and quickly recognizes faint auras coming from Wyssilka. He leans close and whispers. "Aha! I've seen your trick now. A little orison here and there..." He winks at her from behind the leaf.
"I'd like to hope most of them do, but I've been cheerfully informed that if hopes were fish, no man or woman in all the realm would ever go hungry again," she responds to the Lady Morilla ruefully. "I've been practicing an average of two hours a day since I was a child just to make sure I don't make a fool of myself."
She absently raises a hand to her chin, tapping it gently before joking, "What gentle reminders ought I give the next lazy senator I see?"
Her ears catch the gentle strains of a lute and she tilts her head toward the sound. When she catches sight of its origin, she grins. "Too bad I didn't think to bring my violin," she sighs. "I do so love creating music with others."
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