Though she is more than merely polite to Pavo and Ayalina, Lady Morilla seems particularly interested in what Tiber has to say. "I wonder, could such dogs be trained to patrol our streets, as do the men of the watch? What a boon that would be to our poorest citizens--to the very people who need it most!"
"And everyone sees your trick." The halfling responds.
One child tries to pull at Thalasou's leaf, but another shouts, "That's just a leaf! You're not a real bush!"
"Ah! You got me. I can't believe you figure it out." He smiles cheerfully at the child. Leaning down he hands over the leaf. "Here you go. You can have it. Do you like her tricks?" He gestures towards Wyssilka. "She's really quite good. It's almost as if it's magic, you know."
Standing up, Thalasou turns back to Wyssilka. "Hey I've got a great idea. Do you know that song 'Fish in the Pond'? Do you want to sing it while I play?" Without waiting for an answer Thalasou races back inside begs the use of the lute from the musician once more. "I'll be right back." He says in a hurry.
Back in the gallery he starts playing a song for the kids, hoping that Wyssilka will join him.
"There's a fish
In the pond.
I saw it once
But now it's gone.
Fishy, fishy, come see me
Fishy, fishy, tallee hee
Fishy, fishy, you're so nice
Fishy, fishy, tallee hice"
Thalasou prances around in front of the kids, eliciting giggles and encouraging them to sing along.
"There's a frog
In the pond.
I saw it once
But now it's gone.
Froggy, froggy, come see me
Froggy, froggy, tallee hee
Froggy, froggy, you're so nice
Froggy, froggy, tallee hice
There's some mud
In the pond.
I saw it once
But now it's gone.
Muddy, muddy, come see me
Muddy, muddy, tallee hee
Muddy, muddy, you're so nice
Muddy, muddy, tallee hice"
While he continues to strum Thalaso asks. "What else is in the pond?"
One of the children shouts back "A pickle!"
"There's a pickle
In the pond.
I saw it once
But now it's gone.
Pickley, pickley, come see me
Pickley, pickley, tallee hee
Pickley, pickley, you're so nice
Pickley, pickley, tallee hice"
The song gets sillier and sillier as the kids suggest stranger things until eventually Thalasou wraps it up.
"Alright, I've caught my breath," Pavo says with a charming smile as he returns to the gallery in search of a dance partner.
"Wouldn't it? A dog paired with every guard! They would be quite effective. Maybe one day I'll tell you how it works out for me, eh?" Tiber says to Lady Morilla before bow slightly and seeing his way to the Gallery.
Spying a violin languishing on a table top and hearing what can only be Thalasou's voice, he picks it up and begins to play. Walking into view part way through the song, Tiber begins to harmonize with the chorus. Wouldn't my tutor be proud! Ha!
________
Delena watches the performances half-heartedly when some of her old audience comes around claiming they'd just run away from a witch. Delena smiles cunningly and says: "You think you could run away from my grasp? You wouldn't know how much even a tiny bit of magic helps me. Well, let us see, I need a volunteer. This won't hurt".
When a suitable volunteer is found, Delena commands: "Run!" and a moment later sends a spell after the poor victim, who stops instantly. Delena walks up to and around the victim, brushing with her nails. Her viper joins in by hissing very close. "See, now I would tie you up in thorns or put you to sleep or pull your heart out and eat it." Delena moves even closer, almost cheek to cheek and in a hushed tone continues: "Or do my favourite, charm you so you walk by yourself into my cauldron, smiling."
Action: Influence Wyssilka the Fantabulous
Politely excusing herself when she determines that Lady Morilla isn't interested in continuing to speak with her, she wanders over to where she'd heard the delightful sounds of the lute from earlier.
When Thalasou bursts into a sudden, vibrant song with the children, she grins, delighted, and joins the group, matching her voice to his as she clapped and danced along.
Sorry for the brevity! @_@
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Social Round 19
Effects A5 #1, A6 #1, Food/Drink
Ayalina - Aid Thalasou
Delena - Influence Wyssilka (failure)
Pavo - Influence A4 (+16)
Thalasou - Influence Wyssilka (success)
Tiber - Aid Thalasou
Thalasou hurries back to the gallery and hands the lute back to the musician. "Thank you so much for letting me borrow this." Thalaso notices the look on the man's face and a flush of embarrassment comes over him. "Oh! Sir! I'm sorry. I just now realized that I've been incredibly rude and pushy. I was just so focused on the kids and, well to be honest, showing off a little bit to that halfling. I'm terribly sorry." He fetches a coin from his pocket. "Here, let me try to make it up by at least paying 'rent' for the instrument." He hands a gold piece to the man.
After settling things up with the man, Thalasou moves towards the arcade where he spots Baronet Cicato. From across the room, Thalasou tries to read the man's face. Is he enjoying the evening? What does he think about the princess's agenda?
Delena takes a look at the brandy, considers a moment and says: "Well, maybe we can use this to soften someone later". She also checks the wand, but returns it without a word.
She goes to the Archives, checking the shelves for more interesting books, but keeps an eye on the Viscountess to discover her interests.
Action: Discover Influence Viscountess Octavia Nicodemus
Having completed his dance card, Pavo circulates back through the Senate building. He spies Viscountess Nicodemus and tries to remember what her interests are.
Seeing as they've shifted gears, Ayalina hums to herself but proceeds, not wanting to linger. As she steps back into the Arcade of Triumphs, she spies a new face. Taking in his appearance, she tries to see if he fits the description of anyone she might have studied or heard about.
--
When Thalasou moves out of the Gallery, Tiber returns his own instrument where he found it and glides into the Arcade of Triumphs. Woah, that's a stern man if I've ever seen one. If we're here to gather connections, I bet he might be able to help us if we get into a rough spot!
________
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Social Round N/A
Effects A5 #1, A6 #1, Food/Drink
Ayalina - Discover influence Cicato (success)
Delena - Discover influence Nicodemus (failure)
Pavo - Discover influence Nicodemus (success)
Thalasou - Discover influence Cicato (failure)
Tiber - Discover influence Cicato (success)
The next quarter hour passes smoothly, with everybody keeping their ears open and mouths shut. There is some disagreement on how to approach the new targets, but in the end, Pavo and Tiber's assessments seem strongest.
After spending some time watching the Baronet for a while, Thalasou approaches him. "Hello, how are you enjoying this event?"
Time to put my game face on, bet this guy has some serious war stories. Tiber shoulders past some nobles and confidently approaches Baronet Duranis Cicato. "You look like someone who has been in their share of scrapes. Why, this one time at a bar, I bunch of goons didn't care too much for how I was playing them in cards. Three of them came at me at the same time. Sent one out the window, the other over the bar, and the last one crying for his mother!" he boasts with a laugh.
Once another opening to share a story occurs, he leaps in again. "And then another time I was chopping some wood for my mother, when a couple of rough-and-toughs decided our fence was the right one to relieve themselves on. I threw that axe so hard that it blew straight through the wood and landed right between his legs! Haha, that gave him a reason to wet himself and head for the hills!"
________
"Lady Nicodemus," Pavo says as he approaches the elderly viscountess with a wan smile. "I do not believe that we have seen you about of late, although I have been abroad. What have you been up to?"
[ooc]Free Influence: Influence Nicodemus
After a few moments' conversation, she tries her hand at influencing the baron as well by making mention of some tales she's heard of events he's been involved in. She makes sure to include some errors to draw him into a meaningful conversation.
--
Apologies for any issues. Posting from phone.
Delena goes to discuss with Lady Nicodemus about her earlier finding in the library. "These are the best books I found here. I presume a lady of your status would have found the best here, do you have any advice?" Delena asks.
Action: Free influence on Nicodemus
"I would rather know who my enemies are. Or better yet, since I'm among my own countrymen, not have any," Baronet Cicato replies, "Please excuse me. There is yet another senator that I must try to sway."
As Tiber and Ayalina approach the Baronet, Thalasou waves them off. "We're going to need a plan and some teamwork for that one."
"As always, I have been cataloging the Endless Repository. I fear that even if my successor lives as long as I have, she won't finish the job either."
The Viscountess looks at Delena's books, "These are good for a beginner such as yourself. Once you're confident that you understand those, perhaps move on to Milamber's Introduction to Teleportation Magic."
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Finally, the Taldan senate convenes to vote on on various issues while guests watch from the gallery above. The political ruling body of Taldor spreads out twenty feet below the observation deck of the gallery. Dozens of senators and their immediate aides scurry below. The cacophony of voices is almost deafening, and it seems like the ceaseless chatter will continue endlessly.
The hall spends 30 minutes arguing and voting on formalities and spending bills before reaching the event all of Taldor has been waiting for: whether to abolish primogeniture. Suddenly, the magically amplified voice of the senate speaker interrupts the noise.
“Thank you all. I would ask that our observers please be silent and seat themselves. We will now begin voting on addendum number twenty-two thousand eighty-seven: the repeal of the ancient law of primogeniture, the issuance of inheritance and aristocratic title solely through male heirs.”
Following this proclamation, the speaker begins calling on individual senators one at a time. Early declarations split fairly evenly between the options, with many senators abstaining entirely. About halfway through the vote, it begins to favor Princess Eutropia's position, and the final tabulation repeals primogeniture with roughly 60 percent of the senate's backing.
The speaker takes a minute to compose himself, then announces, "And so, the final tally for addendum twenty-two thousand eighty-seven, the repeal of primogeniture, with thirty-six abstentions, the final tally stands at one hundred and seven for, seventy-nine against. The addendum passes. Among other business tonight, the senate recognizes Princess Eutropia Stavian I as the new heir to the Primogen Crown, and the first heir the empire has seen in twenty years."
The chamber explodes in a riot of applause and condemnation, and it takes several minutes for the speaker to quiet the room, before declaring that a closed senate recount is to take place. All of the aides and other outsiders are escorted from the gallery.
Tiber takes the hint and shuffles out with the rest of the riff-raff. "Wow, that's what watching history happen feels like then," he says to the others. "I can see how people could get addicted to that feeling, that power. With a mere vote, the whole trajectory of our country has changed!"
As the hype dies down, his attention turns towards more pragmatic matters. "So, Cicato. How do we want to crack that nut? There should be plenty of wine still going around, I doubt he'll be fully sober any time soon. Either spinning a better yarn or something to that effect seems like the best way to me, but it'll probably take all of us to do it."
"Let me see if I can suss anything out about his motives," Pavo suggests, taking advantage of the noise and bustle of the exiting throng to confer with his conspirators.
The young noble makes way to the Arcade of Triumphs and spends some time circulating where can observe and eavesdrop on the Baronet Cicato. Eventually, he makes his way to introduce himself to the man.
"Sir Duranis," he says with a polite bow. "I do not believe that I have seen you at any of the events hosted by the Kastners, although that is likely due to my own fault."
"I tried a friendly approach and he just shut me down. I'm not sure how but I think we'll have to work together on him. I know that I can put my best foot forward again. That might open the door, so to speak."
Thalasou watches Pavo from a distance. "Or, I guess we can wait and see what Pavo discovers. Maybe there will be some soft spot we can approach Cicato from."
"I tried to share some stories. Figured he looked ex-military and soldiers like to tell tall-tales, but I got a similar response. Knowing what angle to go after him from will work wonders, so let's hope Pavo is able to work his magic!" Tiber says with a nod.
"So, Ayalina, looks like we're in competition for the throne now, eh?" he says with a smirk. "Think you and Delena will conspire against me to better your own stations?"
"He might be too interested in himself to listen your stories, Tiber. We should encourage him to tell the stories. Some flattery and interest tied with personal ideas. A relative of mine might have served under him, Delena says with a wink. "Yes, I think I can work with this. A bit easier if you support my memories when I try to talk".
When the vote of primogeniture is announced, Delena doesn't look very satisfied. "Tiber, you are quite right there. This was too easy, and the princess isn't even indebted to us. I hope she will try to righten the corruption here or I have to fight my way back up the hard way."
Thalsou listens to Pavo. "Hmm. I wonder how we can use that to influence him. Delena, could you weave something in? I think it makes sense for you to lead. We could back you up." Thalasou looks to the others. "What do you think?"
"Agreed, we'll 'support her memories' as she put it," Tiber says. "After you madam," he continues, giving her an exaggerated bow, his nose mere inches from the floor.
"More clues into his mind is always better, the web will be that much stronger. I'm happy to lead this trick", Delena answers. She nods to Tiber, as a higher noble to a lesser one, saying: "Very well, sirs, let us meet this distinguished military expert."
When she finds the baronet Cicato, Delena starts her story: "Baronet Cicato? I am delighted to finally meet you. My poor late husband mentioned your name often with respect, when chatting about army stories with his friends. Unfortunately, they were old-fashioned in thinking that women have nothing to do with military, and I got only a word here, another there. Like their mentions of some useless noble sons who got their rank only due to their name, in contrast to those like you who deserved it by skill. I tried to hear the full stories here, but I found only young hotheads who wanted to conquer our neighbours. I don't understand, you cannot force people to be Taldans. Anyway, I don't believe you'd remember my husband, his service was short and it was about twenty years ago, but I'd like to hear your memories of that time, it would help me in knowing his life story."
Action: Influence Baronet Duranis Cicato
"Excuse me, ma'am, but are you suggesting that Taldor should breach tradition and have it's legendary military languish on their laurels? Baronet Cicato, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this, as a tried and true military man," Tiber protests, glaring at Delena as though he was sure to win this one with a soldier on his side. And as soon as he explains the error of my ways, I'll see the light of truth!
________
"No, no. I don't think that's quite what she's saying." Thalasou jumps in on the conversation. "I mean, technically yes, change tradition, but not so that we become powerless. In fact, I'd say that change is power." Thalasou looks expectantly toward the Baronet.
"I should hope not!" Ayalina says to Tiber cheerfully when he jokes about ascension. Grinning mischievously, she adds, "I think we'll win!"
Upon joining the others, she pauses to hear her allies before noting, "I don't think it's good to be too hasty, though. If you move too quickly, you might not notice important pieces of the puzzle."
"Most women, and certainly noblewomen, should have nothing to do with the army, but then some of the best assassins and spies I've ever commanded were women. And as your husband pointed out, many noblemen should have nothing to do with the army either!"
"Spies and assassins? So there might be a place for me in the army after all?" Delena asks, but right away burst in a charming laughter. "No, not really, I am awfully bad at lying, and not sure if I could kill, even for Taldor. I think it is better I find a new husband and help him, than go myself. That's the best way for me to defend Taldor, wouldn't you agree?"
Action: Influence Baronet Duranis Cicato
"Who should be involved with the army then?" Tiber asks Cicato. "And how would you be serving Taldor in simply being a wife?" he asks Delena. "With the latest case, I'm sure you could give a go at working your way up the political ladder to Queen!"
________
With Delena taking the lead with Sir Duranis, Pavo touches Thalasou's elbow. "The Viscountess Nicodemus would love to have a fresh ear to listen to her insights into cataloging historical and magical enteries," he says, trying to steer the man toward the Imperial Archives.
"Lady Nicodemus!" he says. "Pardon my disappearance. I caught sight of someone that I just had to catch up with. But I've brought a friend to make up for it. I am certain that he will have far more insight into the nation's history than a dabbler such as myself."
"Is it very unusual to have noblewomen doubling as spies or assassins?" Ayalina asks, aiming for curious rather than surprise. "I thought they might be better at it since they can travel more freely than poorer folk."
--
"It's not for me to say, what's the best path for you personally. Though I will say this: it was my mother's death which forced me to resign from the military, in order to manage our estates and assume her seat in the senate. Perhaps, like our Princess, your place is in this building?"
The Baronet pauses, then continues, "But if not, and duty brings you to the coast, I look forward to renewing our acquaintance there."
"Have faith in yourself and your skills, youngster. Who is to say that you will not surpass my knowledge when you reach my age? But humility lays a solid foundation for learning. If you are ever in Porthmos, please do me the honor of a visit at the Endless Repository."
As people are being readmitted to the senate and finding their seats, Martella approaches Pavo. "Please give this letter to your newest friend--after the ceremony. I'm told it's of a personal and emotional nature."
She hands Pavo a letter, neatly folded and sealed with wax embossed with a simple heart, rather than a noble signet.
Thalasou accompanies Pavo to talk with Nicodemus. Along the way he tries to take a drink off of a platter carried by a serving boy but his hand slips and he spills the whole tray of drinks. Wine splashes all over the boy and onto the floor.
"Oh! I'm sorry! Pavo, please go on without me. I need to help clean this up."
Thalasou finds a seat, anxious to see what happens next.