The Grand Day of Exaltation... an annual celebration that culminates with the Grand Prince elevating an extraordinary commoner to the ranks of nobility. Minor nobles, ordinary citizens, and even peasants try to make the trip at least once in their lives to see the capital at its most convivial. Some citizens of Andoran, Cheliax, Galt, Isger, and Lastwall—countries Taldor still regards as wayward colonies—cross their nations’ borders to enjoy the fireworks, parades, feasts, and sporting events that fill the week leading up to Exaltation. Entertainers from across the Inner Sea region journey to Taldor to capitalize upon the cheap food and generosity the festivities encourage.
Oppara’s ports see an endless succession of trading ships arriving from and departing toward Absalom, Rahadoum, Druma, Varisia, and even Taldor’s former enemy Qadira, for this is a week when important treaties are signed and trade deals negotiated against a background of wine, music, and raucous color. However, just as Oppara attracts politicians and strangers, it attracts schemers and criminals aiming to take advantage of both.
Adding to this year’s excitement are rumors that the Taldan senate will finally vote on the matter of primogeniture: Taldor’s ancient law that decrees only male heirs may inherit their families’ titles, lands, and the authority that comes with both. Its repeal would be an enormous step forward for all of Taldor’s women and people of other genders. Furthermore, it would give Taldor its first official heir since the accidental death of young Prince Carrius 20 years ago: the Princess Eutropia. Regardless of which side of the issue a given citizen supports, nearly every Taldan is passionate about the vote, and waiting for the results with bated breath...
During one social event, you met an old friend of yours, Lady Martella Lotheed, and you spent together many hours talking about an assortment of things: from music to relationships... and another dinner from art to foreign politics... and eventually from the prospective of the end of Primogeniture to the future of Taldor when you happen to met for the forth time. Lady Martella mentioned the need of taking action if anyone wanted things to change in Taldor and also the need of alies and people that one can trust.
During another event, this time a strange musical show consisting of percussive beats with spoken poetry, you met once more and upon hearing about numerous noble houses coming over to Oppara, including family Karthis, you felt the need of pointing Lady Martella to another person that would be interested in hearing her words... a Victor Lowborn. She once more thanked you for your words and finally asked you to meet her two hours prior to the Exaltation Gala on 'Lady Maltori', a smoky cafe several blocks from the senate building on Senate's Hill, before leaving to talk to one of the performers of the show.
Due to your fury, you almost bumped into a strikingly beautiful woman that you quickly recognized as Lady Martella Lotheed. You met Lady Martella years ago when she asked you some help with forging a couple documents for her and since then she had reached for you in numerous other occasions for similar requests. She always resisted any attempts in wooing her by your part, even if she was ever charming and provoking.
This time, however, to your surprise, she agreed to your usual (and until now unsuccessful) invitation for a date! She chose the place... 'Lady Maltori', a smoky cafe several blocks from the senate building on Senate's Hill, two hours prior to the Exaltation Gala.
And yet, the people was happy, the city was content... the few people who really understood your art and message were the ones who could actually do nothing to change the system, while those in fine clothes were there 'just for the show'. Well, at least it was what you thought when a strikingly beautiful woman approached you about a week ago by the end of one of your shows. She presented herself as Lady Martella Lotheed and simply asked you to meet her two hours prior to the Exaltation Gala on 'Lady Maltori', a smoky cafe several blocks from the senate building on Senate's Hill. She told you had been heard...
Aside from a couple social dinners, for which your presence was required, you had plenty of time wander the city as you pleased, visiting many of the more prominent locations and city marks. You also visited many restaurants and taverns, fairs and markets, and have witnessed the city swelling with visitors.
Most of the time, however, you spent around the Grey Market, an open-air square near the River Porthmos in the Grandbridge District, which is filled with makeshift stalls hawking wares fresh from the docks. The main reason for your interest is because you've learnt that a number of Zimar Corsairs are known to favor the Gray Markets instead of the markets of your home town... it was not your job to investigate, but since you had nothing to do, you decided to do something useful and perhaps, just perhaps, receive any sort of recognition.
One afternoon, a couple days ago, while enjoying a surprisingly engaging magician show, you notice the gaze of a strikingly beautiful woman on you. When you eventually break words, she presents herself as Lady Martella Lotheed, and you learn she was looking for you. According to her, a mutual friend suggested her that you'd perhaps be interested in doing something remarkable and that you was tired of living in the shadows of your name. She refused to tell you the name of this 'mutual friend', only telling you that, if you were interested in knowing more, you should meet her two hours prior to the Exaltation Gala on 'Lady Maltori', a smoky cafe several blocks from the senate building on Senate's Hill.
:: Lady Maltori, Westpark, Oppara - Pharast 07 - Afternoon ::
Long, golden beams of the setting sun dance through the cafe’s smoky interior, highlighting breads, cheeses, and wine bottles behind the only counter. Lady Martella sips casually from a steaming mug, dressed in an elegant but reserved gown—at least by Taldan standards. Lady Martella has brown curvy hair with a darker skin complexion that the 'usual taldan woman' and amber eyes. She is thin, has a hourglass body and a charming smile. A hand-sized brass cricket buzzes quietly on the tabletop beside her.
Always attentive, she greets you while she smiles and points to the vacant seats in her table. "I'm so pleased you could join me this evening," she begins. "Please order whatever you like; the fig jam is particularly lovely here. And feel free to speak candidly. I’ve
taken measures to ensure our privacy."
Victor was anxious about the mysterious meeting he had been requested. Part of him knew that if he brought dishonor to the family by having dealings with something illicit, it would mean severe reprimand and retribution from his family, particularly his step-mother. Another part of him thought ”To the Hells with her.”
He had heard an old Shoanti proverb, that inside a man were two wolves, and the one that you fed the most would devour the other. Well, his family had made sure to feed one particular wolf. So, he made certain to arrive promptly at the arranged time, in fact a few minutes early. He was dressed in his proper attire, his sword hanging from his belt. His hair was brushed back and hanging just past his shoulders. All in all, he cut a striking figure.
He made his way inside and bowed his head respectively to Lady Martella. ”The pleasure is mine, My Lady,” he replies. He moves forward and takes a seat near her. ”I will have whatever you would recommend, ma’am. But, I have to say in advance, if I can truly speak candidly...” he says, giving her an appraising look, ”I am not comfortable taking part in clandestine meetings whose nature are not clear to me in advance...”
As she walked through the crowded streets, Lillian reflected on these last few weeks in the capital. Was it truly the best days she's had since she'd been away or was it simply that she was taking extra special care in savoring the moments of freedom that remained before she had to return home. Once home she would be on her mothers schedule once again.
I'll be damned if she'll have me shackled to the bed of some older, overweight Lord just so she can get a few more spears for the wall!
Wanting to scream, she stops walking and closed her eyes to take a deep breath and clear her mind. Shaking her head, her raven colored hair slashes side to side briefly before she reaches up and corrects it, straightening the back once more before straightening her white floral dress. Can't show up all frazzled, now can we? Hmmm?
Humming a tune to herself, she resumes her casual walk down the crowded street towards the cafe. Children playing, vendors in the street and the overall presence of festivities are in the air today, all of which make Lillian smile. I'm going to miss this place.
Though Martella and Lillian had met several times over the last few weeks, it was the most recent conversation of taking action for primogeniture that stuck in her head. Lillian was in full support of abolishing the ridiculous law, of course. Her mother could rule Whitemarch, why couldn't a Lady rule Taldor? Such archaic laws and the pompous lords that oversaw them. This above all else was the reason she followed her mothers request to be inserted into the courtly scene. If she had her way, she would find a way to make some changes around here.
Before long she finds herself close to her destination, wondering what the content of their discussion would be about today. She's probably here to ask a favor for when I return home she thought to herself. As she approaches the cafe, Lillian stops in her tracks when she takes note of the man sitting opposite of Martella. Chuckling to herself, a devious smirk slips over her face as she pushes forward.
As she moves to approach Martella, she slips a finger to her lips to signal to her friend that she should stay silent on her approach. Closing the distance, she quickly moves behind Victor and slips her hands over his eyes, her cool palms pressing against his warm skin. Leaning in behind him she speaks gruffly, trying to disguise her voice. "Guess who?"
She is so focused on her task however, she accidentally bumps a nearby table and sends glasses chattering and knocks a plate to the floor.
Sif Valdisdottir arrives shrouded in a stylish black cloak. Underneath she wears scalemail armor and ulfen style clothing in unassuming purple and green cloth. She leaves her spear leaning against a wall near the table. Her Div heritage is clearly visible through her golden caprine eyes and the large black horns sweeping back from her brow. She has a neck tattoo of a dragon and a couple of face piercings. Aside from this, her mannish height and rippling musculature combine to make her rather intimidating looking.
He made his way inside and bowed his head respectively to Lady Martella. ”The pleasure is mine, My Lady,” he replies. He moves forward and takes a seat near her. ”I will have whatever you would recommend, ma’am. But, I have to say in advance, if I can truly speak candidly...” he says, giving her an appraising look, ”I am not comfortable taking part in clandestine meetings whose nature are not clear to me in advance...”
"Eating on the Lady's coin instead of celebrating the creation of another unworthy t$&~ to lord over us is nature enough for any clandestine meeting I attend," Sif counters. She waits for a waiter to come by before ordering a mead, sausage platter and some bread with the fig jam. She digs in to the repast while she waits for the others they are apparently waiting for. Better eat before she comes out with what she really wants and realizes she was mistaken to have involved me.
"Name's Sif by the way," she manages between bites, her mouth still partially full of food. Sif pauses her feasting briefly to consider the strange if beautiful woman playing games with the whiny warrior. What in the Hells have I gotten myself into?
Victor arches an eyebrow at the arrival of the uncouth...whatever she was...that had joined them. Strange company...
Nevertheless, he rose and offered a slight bow of his head to her in polite greeting. ”Victor, ma’am,” he says with a warm smile. As he sits, he heard the steps approaching him from behind, but was nonetheless startled when the plate falls to the floor and a pair of hands slide over his eyes.
A trap! I knew it! he thinks as he reflexively reaches up with his left hand and grasps the wrist of the assailant’s arm as his right dropped to his sword. He was already half turning when the person asked him to guess their identity, which caused him some confusion and slowed his attack...long enough to catch the familiar scent on the air moments before his eyes met hers.
His heart skipped a beat as realization struck him like a Qadiran mace. ”Lillian?” he asked as he stood awkwardly. ”Lady Darahan. My apologies,” he quickly recovers with a practiced bow of his head.
Grimacing in pain and frowning at her fouled attempt at surprise and clumsy efforts, she stands back up straight and proper while he takes his turn fumbling over her name. She wipes her expression blank and tries to make it difficult to read while so she doesn't look like she's in pain as she curtsies to him. "Well hello to you, Vic-" she stops speaking as if that would be the end of her sentence, but realizes she is fumbling over his name as he did hers. "-tor." she finishes with a slight pause in between syllables.
As much as she'd like to chat with Victor, there are formalities to be addressed first. Turning towards Martella she acknowledges her as well with a beaming smile. "Ah, Lady Lotheed. It is so wonderful to see you again so soon. Thank you for the invitation. I have heard so much of the fig jam here! I simply cannot wait to have a taste."
Lastly, she turns to face the horned beast and studies her for a second while she goes through her mental rolodex. Drawing a blank, she doesn't miss a beat after screwing up Victor's name though, offering an introduction. "I don't believe we've had the pleasure of being introduced yet."
She considers offering her hand but honestly her wrist hurts from where Victor grabbed her and she isn't particularly interested in this beast touching her, so she just says "As you so heard, I'm Lillian. House Darahan of Whitemarch." She looks down at the seated Sif, waiting politely for her to introduce herself.
Victor waited until the ladies all had taken their seats before he returned to his own, his face blushed with embarrassment at his foolish overreaction. He fell silent as Lillian greeted the others.
Idiot! You try and break her wrist, then use her real name at this...whatever it is!?!? What if she was trying to keep her identity secret? You are a fool, Victor! A damned fool!
Septis was all grins as he prepared to head to the cafe that evening. He had tried to get Martella to go out with him on several occasions, but she always wanted to keep things professional. She was a fairly beautiful woman, but even more importantly she held some power and sway and having someone like that on your hip could really help to advance your political career. On top of his general excitement for their date it couldn't have come at a better time. He had been in a sour mood the last few days. Septis had pushed once again to claim his father's seat in the senate and was once again turned down. Just the thought of it made him frown.
Splashing on some cologne and adjusting the collar of his robes he turned to Lil "How do I look?"
Lil forced a smile as she replied ”Handsome as ever master!”. She went back to work in covering her self in a heavy cloak after just having bound her small wings down to her back. She sighs as she complains ”I don’t understand why I have to cover up like this master, I thought you liked to see my body. I get too hot with all of these clothes on.” She turns back with a devious smirk ”You know we could just skip this whole ‘date’ thing and have some fun ourselves.”
Septis rolls his eyes at her ”By the Gods Lil… I’ve told you, this could be my opportunity to final make some headway in reclaiming my father’s seat in the senate. Just think of what we will be able to do when I don’t have to resort to sitting around laboring away on all these forgeries and I actually have some power!” He shakes his head as he continues ”Anyway, I promise me dating Martella won’t change things between us. You know your my number one gal.”
Lil blushes slightly even if she was using him just as much as he was using her, over the years she had admittedly become a little attached to the man. Taking a deep breath she says ”Ok, whatever you say, I trust you.”
Septis smiles ”That’s a good girl. Now finish getting ready so we can go. There is a fine line between being fashionably late and being rude.” After Lil pulls up her hood to cover her horns Septis leads the way toward the café. As they eventually arrive, he grabs a hold of Lil’s shoulder and moves her to stand beside the door. ”Why don’t you wait out here for now. While Martella may be aware of your existence, I don’t need you spooking her off or making her uncomfortable while I work on wooing her.”
Lil glares at Septis ”Ya, ok…” she pauses as she huffs and continues under her breath ”but you better not leave me out here too long or who knows what sorts of trouble I might get into by myself…” While she knew they weren’t exclusive, well she was exclusive with him because she didn’t really have any other options but he wasn’t so much with her, it still irked her when he went off trying to get into bed with another woman. It shouldn’t, he was just a tool for her own eventual ends, but it did and she didn’t really understand why.
With Lil in place outside, Septis strolled into the café with an air of confidence. That confidence quickly turned to surprise when he saw two women and another man seated at a table with Martella. He rolls his head back and looks up at the ceiling in frustration. Standing there a moment he takes a deep breath and smiles as he looks back to the group and continues. Ignoring the others, he strides over to the table and takes Martella’s hand to give it a kiss. ”Good evening my lady. You’re looking beautiful as ever. I hope you were able to finish whatever business you had so we can get a private table and get this wonderful evening off to a proper start."
When the gentleman enters and greets Martella, Victor rises in silent polite greeting to the new arrival before returning to his seat. What is going on, here? It’s clear she has brought us all here under different pretenses...
Victor was feeling more and more uneasy about his attendance to this...
Sif nods to Lillian, not repeating her name. She keeps eating as Septis arrives, ordering another drink to replace her now empty tankard. She looks at Martella, trying to judge if she has time for another course before the noblewoman starts explaining herself.
Lillian waits for Sif to acknowledge her and then give her own name, but apparently that wasn't going to happen. She stands there for a few seconds to make sure the awkward silence is noticeable before uttering a brief "Hmmph." before turning to sit.
Taking a seat next to Martella, she gets comfortable just as Septis makes his appearance. Looking up at the man, she knows they have met before but she can't quite place it. His face and voice are familiar, but the name escapes her. While the details are fuzzy, she has a vague recollection of their encounter being discreet and not public. After he kisses Martella's hand, Lillian turns to face Martella and asks "Martella, this is quite the crowd you've assembled today."
Turning towards Septis, she gracefully extends hers hand to him as well. "Lillian Darahan."
Sif flashes sharp teeth in a 'grin' as Lillian turns away from her. Can't bear to shake hands with a tiefling, eh? Why am I sitting here with two noblewomen? Even free food will test my patience with this s&$#. Now this fop thinks he's here on a date? Can't he see we're eating?
Martella smiles when Victor sits by the table. "Of course you can speak candidly, Sir Victor, but this is no clandestine meeting... we are in plain sight of all the other clients, are we not?"
As Sif and Lillian also arrive and order some food and drinks, Lady Martella engages in small conversation, making it clear that she was still waiting for another person to arrive, since the table has five chairs while the norm would be only four. Septis arrives, ignoring all of you, Lady Martella smiles wickedly at him, making it clear to everyone that she had tricked the newcomer. "Apologies for the misunderstand, Mr. Hadrias... thinking about it, I believe my words when I accepted your invitation were ambiguous in the sense that we'd meet alone. Nevertheless, since you are here, why don't you sit?"
"Very well, now it is the time for some explanations... I believe you all have hear about the important voting that will happen later today during the Exaltation Gala." She sips her coffee awaiting for you to confirm that you have heard about the vote to end Primogeniture before continuing. "The senators in favor of the end of Primogeniture are the majority of the senate, but I hate loose ends, specially in a matter of such importance for the future of Taldor." She then looks at each of you in turn. "For all those in Taldor... for the nobles, for the merchants and for the commoners, in no specific order, I garante you." She turns to Sif, to make sure she understood what was in stake.
"If you are willing to help me to assure the voting runs smoothly, I'd definitely appreciate it." Noticing the worried look in Victor's face, Lady Martella quickly adds. "Nothing against the law, or to cause you any trouble, Sir Victor, I assure you, and in return, you'll get the chance to attend to a very exclusive event."
"From you, Sir Victor, I'll ask you nothing more than for you to be my aide, and all you'll need to do is to run communications between some allied politicians." She focuses her attention on Victor, perhaps smiling in a veiled challenge. "I believe there is no way for you to anger your family with such a simple assistance... unless your mere presence at the Gala would be seen as an affront."
She then turns her attention to Septis. "My good Mr. Septis, for you, I actually have a gift, perhaps to amend any hard feelings you might be harboring because of my trickery in luring you here. Since you wish to join the senate, I only request you to eventually talk to Baron Nicolaus Okerra and remind him of a certain debt he owes me. While the baron is not a senator, his war record and general popularity make him an influential figure, one whose reputation helped sway a number of otherwise neutral votes. Aside from this main task, I'd be pleased if you also could discover on which side of the fence is Duke Centimus and Countess Abrielle Pace, as well as their reasons if they are against us." She sips once more before continuing. "Also, just to sweeten the deal, I'll also confide you with the truth behind why many senators are refusing your place in the senate: they believe you'd vote in our favor, against the Progeniture..."
Turning her attention to Sif, Lady Martella continues. "From you, Miss Sif, I have two tasks that I believe will please you a lot, if you agree to help our cause: first, I'd like for you to discredit a few proeminente senators backing the Primogeniture... not necessarily to sway their votes, but to undercut their influence after the vote; secondly, my half-brother have contributed a large bottle of a rare, 150-year-old red wine from our family holdings, to be drunk at dinner. I have with me a putrefying agent in a syringe that will render the wine embarrassingly undrinkable... I know this looks like a petty squabble between siblings, but it is not."
Finally, she turns to Lillian. "From you, Lady Darahan, I'd like for you to use your expertise in spying High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus and keep me updated if he changes his general tactics. This is one of our most important goals. However, if you have the time, it would also be helpful if you could hide a couple historical artifacts donated by Earl Calhadion Vernisant before they are unveiled to the public. This will deeply embarrass the earl and his allies." Imagining Victor could potentially be against such a thing, the lady adds. "I'm not telling you to steal them, for them might reappear latter once the damage has been done."
She then orders a piece of blueberry pie, giving you the opportunity to discuss what have been proposed...
Lillian arrived here today thinking the topic of conversation would be entirely political and centered around a request from her friend to speak to some lord about changing his opinion on the subject, never did she imagine such an elaborate and well thought plan! Martella must have been scheming on this particular plot for weeks now. How devious to slowly bring me in over a series of meetings and build up to this request!
When Martella makes the request of Lillian, she sits back in her chair and steeples her fingers. She refrains from outwardly smiling, though on the inside she is absolutely giddy. Spying on the High Strategos?! Is she serious right now? And then stealing from the Earl?!
She nods three times when Martella finishes speaking, "Of course I'll help Martella. I must say, this is quite the undertaking here. Will you be onsite in a role of coordination or are we on our own?"
Lillian takes a moment to survey the room again, trying to determine if the others here are capable of pulling off their assigned tasks. "It would appear that there is some level of risk associated with what we are undertaking, no? What would be the compensation for such risk?"
Septis sighs as he eventually takes a seat when Martella reveals her true intention. It was pretty obvious this wasn't a date when he arrived but that didn't mean he wasn't going to try anyway. He listens to her pass out requests and watches each of the others to see their reaction. He sits their dispassionately as she hands out his until she mentions the seat he is striving to take on the senate. When Lillian is the first to reply and already starts the negotiations he smirks to himself that those are some of the same questions he was ready to ask, and adds on to her last questions "Indeed, what is in it for us? Other than attending the gala what do we get out of helping you with your little tasks? Also, if I were even to consider to offer my assistance you would need to ensure access for my companion Lil as well."
Victor had acted as aide to his sister on several previous occasions, but never to a function as large as this. He knew that his attendance at such an event would stick in them like a stray chicken bone in ones throat.
As the others asked their questions, he just looked at Martella and nodded to her once they had made eye contact.
"So you want me call some t+&@ a t~~+ in public and spike the wine at a fancy schmancy gala? Hahahahaha!"
Sif downs her second drink and orders another. "Surely the gods of chaos have answered my prayers to have sent me such an angel. Of course I'll spread your mayhem, Lady. It sounds like amazing fun."
Lillian straightens a bit at the uncouth response from the tiefling. She seemed to be lacking in discipline and ettitique, but perhaps that is what Martella is using her for.
Well played Martella, well played.
Still, if she was going to be working alongside this creature, she'd need to be prepared to cover any faux pas's on her behalf.
Or learn to get away quickly and put some distance between us.
Lillian takes her tea, sipping it quietly while she waits for a response from her friend.
She nods three times when Martella finishes speaking, "Of course I'll help Martella. I must say, this is quite the undertaking here. Will you be onsite in a role of coordination or are we on our own?"
Lady Martella seems pleased with Lillian's agreement. "Yes, I'll also be there, for I have my own part in to play."
Lillian takes a moment to survey the room again, trying to determine if the others here are capable of pulling off their assigned tasks. "It would appear that there is some level of risk associated with what we are undertaking, no? What would be the compensation for such risk?"
When Lillian is the first to reply and already starts the negotiations he smirks to himself that those are some of the same questions he was ready to ask, and adds on to her last questions "Indeed, what is in it for us? Other than attending the gala what do we get out of helping you with your little tasks? Also, if I were even to consider to offer my assistance you would need to ensure access for my companion Lil as well."
Apparently expecting such questions, Martella wastes no time. "Aside from any fortuitous contact you'll probably make in the gala that could benefit your own agendas, I have two rewards in mind: First, since this is a proper gala, you are supposed to present yourselves in appropriate atire, so for those of you who do not have what to wear, I'll point you to one of my favorite tailor shop, Thread Rare, where you'll have 30 pieces of gold in credit to purchase a courtier's outfit. You can keep the outfit for yourselves. Miss Lanara, the owner of the shop, also has with her a couple jewels of mine that I intend to loan to you to complete your outfit."
"Once you have completed your assignments, we shall meet here again, probably tomorrow if you agree, and I'll reward each of you a purse with 150 pieces of gold." She eyes all of you. "Fair enough?"
She then turns to Septis, a bit in doubt. "I was not aware you've got a companion, Mr. Hadrias. Despite not knowing her, if you vouch for her and agrees to be responsible for her actions, I believe I can also extend her this invitation."
"So you want me call some t@%# a t*~+ in public and spike the wine at a fancy schmancy gala? Hahahahaha!"
Sif downs her second drink and orders another. "Surely the gods of chaos have answered my prayers to have sent me such an angel. Of course I'll spread your mayhem, Lady. It sounds like amazing fun."
Lady Martella smiles, even if apparently a bit embarrassed by the tiefling's manners. "It appears my judgement was correct... just make sure not to make yourself too much a target, my dear, otherwise the guards of the gala might remove you from the event before you are able to do what is necessary... So, what you all say?"
Septis nods "Very well. Though you may want to run over the rules for such an event for those not as... accustomed to the setting." His gaze lingers on Sif as he finishes his sentence.
"Those rewards sound fine to me. I might need a distraction to get to the wine. I'm not exactly the most subtle looking person."
Sif grins. "I will also need details on the Senators to be embarrassed, and any dirt you have on them."
”I already own such attire, but if you would like me to dress in matching style to your own, being your side, I would be willing to have a suit tailored to suit your colors,” Victor replies.
"I already own such attire, but if you would like me to dress in matching style to your own, being your side, I would be willing to have a suit tailored to suit your colors," Victor replies.
Interpreting Victor's question as a 'yes' to her proposal, Martella replies. "I'm glad you are also with us, Sir Victor. Regarding this concern about the attire, there is no need, nor time for this level of detail, since the gala is in just about two hours from now."
Septis nods "Very well. Though you may want to run over the rules for such an event for those not as... accustomed to the setting." His gaze lingers on Sif as he finishes his sentence.
"Of course!" Martella smiles and begins to explain the basic rules. "The Taldan senate houses many of the most powerful politicians in the empire, and while the empire enjoys drama, dueling, and shows of power, certain rules are in place to ensure the safety of visiting nobles and occasionally even their staff. While the senators may enter the building with a minimum of fuss, the process for aides, staff and other attendees is far more tedious and rigorous. Because the Gala is such an important event, guards will search you for any itens not allowed inside the building, so make sure not to end your mission before it even begins by bringing with you a prohibited item."
"First, regarding armor, only breastplates, ceremonial armor, and light armor may be worn inside the senate building, but no other armor or shield is permitted for anyone except the guards." She pauses and then turns her eyes to Septis. "While spellcasting is not permitted without a written approval, spell related itens like potions, pouches with components, scrolls and wands, as an example, are allowed."
"Only light and one-handed melee weapons are allowed, and even so, only if properly peace-bounded. No larger weapons or ranged weapons are allowed."
"Other than that, imagine you are in a respected tavern... while making provocative comments, and even some insults, are considered normal, no fight is allowed."
Sif grins. "I will also need details on the Senators to be embarrassed, and any dirt you have on them."
"Oh, that is almost impossible, my dear... there will be just too many senators, engaging in numerous activities, at different times, places, and situations. You'll need to pay attention to what they are saying and identifying them yourself. Remember that what you'll say about them doesn't need to be true... be creative, my dear... use the theme of your songs and you'll be fine."
"So anyone who votes against women getting to rule is a fair target? How will I know how they voted? Just by overhearing them?" Sif seems slightly more trepidatious at the thought of having to converse with senators enough to learn which are which. Hope I don't completely let her down. I owe her for the meal and drinks at least.
"I will try my best..."
Septis rolls his eyes at Sif after her question "Or you talk to them and get a feel for their leaning. Though you may be better off asking those of us who are more.. ahem.. versed in civilized conversation do the talking and we can let you know who might be good targets."
Turning back to Martella he smiles "Well one can never have too many fine clothes, so I will take you up on your offer." He looks to Lillian as he continues "I would be happy to escort you and help you find the dress that is most appealing for your figure if you like." Without waiting for an answer he stands and holds out his hand to help Lillian up while he notes to Martella "Unless there is anything else, I believe we have a gala to prepare for."
With Septis rising and gesturing for Lillian to join him, Victor took that as a signal that the meeting was over. He rose as well, bowing his head and adding ”My Lady. I shall rendezvous with you prior to the gala to provide you escort,” before turning and stepping away from the restaurant.
He watches for Lillian to depart, wondering if she will join this Septis fellow or travel on her own...
"Not so fast, Mr. Hadrias, for there is still another very important detail... your entry in the Gala." Saying this, from a purse she withdraws five golden badges and offer them to you, two for Septis. The golden oval badges bear the emblem of an unicorn enwrapped and fighting some sort of sea snake and comes along with a pin of the same material. "These are senate aide badges, that once belonged to the staff of the long-dead Senator Voritas, whose family line was involved in the senate for nearly a thousand years before dying out a century ago. These will guarantee your entrance, but also allow the guards and those in the senate to quickly identify you as guests, since you are wearing the badges of an extinct family."
"These will also allow you access to the senate during the historical vote to end Primogeniture. Aside from this more mundane nature, you should also know that they carry some magic with them... they are attuned to my own master badge," she reveals a similar, if a bit more ornamented, badge hidden in her dress, "and will allows for us a limited communication. During the Gala, I'll send you telepathic communications to assess your progress and once I do that, you'll be able to answer me within 1 minute with 25 words at most, so measure your words."
Once you get your badges, Lady Martella wishes you good luck.
"Sweet," Sif says, taking her fancy magical badge. "Being in the Senate during the vote will make my task a lot easier. Well, boys, Lillian, let's go get dressed?"
Lillian finds Maretella's compsensation acceptable and nods her head once in response. She smiles when a chance to shop at Thread Rare is offered. Despite already having an outfit, she will certainly acessorize for a free line of credit.
Martella's words trigger something in Lillian as she leans forward in her chair, perching herself on her tip toes. She asks "You bring up weapons and armor Martella, are you insinuating that we should anticipate danger or that the night should be won solely on the merits of our tongues?"
Despite her response, Lillian believes she will prepare herself for a worst case scenario and come prepared to defend herself. You never know when some greasy politician will try to corner you and have his way.
When Septis offers his hand, Lillian considers it for a moment before Martella interrupts them and offers these badges. She takes a badge and holds it in her left hand until the conversation is finished bidding everyone else farewell "I'll see you all shortly then? I'll wait for you all outside of the gala. Do be on time please, I'd hate to get a late start and be stuck in line forever.
Turning back to Septis, she looks at his hand a second time and responds "I already have an outfit that I plan to wear, but the offer is appreciated."
She makes her way out of the restaurant, pausing outside to see if Victor waited or went on his own way.
On the way to and once in Thread Bare, she tries to casually gather information on High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus.
Septis sighs as Lillian brushes him off as well, with a shrug he heads for the door to find Lil. Luckily the meeting had been brief and she was still waiting by the door. Curtly he says "Let's go..." as he starts making his way toward the Thread Rare knowing Lil will follow.
Along the way he will stop off at some of his contacts and try to dig up some dirt on the Baron to aid his efforts in talking with the man at the gala.
Lil smirks as Septis huffs past her obviously upset at not getting lucky. She thinks More for me! as she starts off behind him. With a devious grin she remarks "Aw poor master, got turned down by the pretty lady..." She chuckles and then shrugs "Not to worry, I still love you!"
When she notices they aren't headed back toward home she scowls and asks "What are you up to now?"
When Victor sees Lillian walk away on her own, he walked out into the street and paced himself to subtly catch up to her. When he is just behind and to the side of her he says quietly ”Lilly, what are you doing here?”
Septis ignorse Lil's mocking but when the demon finally recognizes there is more work to be done Septis replies "Getting some new clothes and then we are off to the Exaltation Gala. Luckily this evening hasn't been a complete waste, I may yet be able to nab that senate seat!"
Lil lets out an exaggerated sigh "Ugh.... really?" When Septis just nods as a reply she continues "Fine, but at least tell me we get to cause a little mischief while we are there, or at least do something exciting. I don't think I can bare you parading me around as your servant all night."
When Septis just shrugs and laughs Lil rolls her eyes "Whatever... I'll make my own fun if I have to..."
Begrudingly she follows behind Septis, kicking at rocks in the street along the way like a perturbed child.
Sif heads directly to the Thread Rare after finishing her food, and thanking Martella. Once there, she requests an outfit appropriate for a court bard from the East. Purple and green are her signature colors, and she asks that they be included if possible. After getting dressed, she heads to the gala, hoping to get some scouting in before the event actually starts.
Lillian slows down enough to let Victor catch up to her, almost as if she had planned it that way. Once he is beside her, she looks over her right shoulder and offers a bemused expression. ”What a coincidence, isn’t it? I can’t imagine what the odds of this chance encounter must be!”
Changing the subject she lowers her voice and asks curiously ”What do you think of what Marbella said? Isn’t it exciting? I can’t tell you thrilled I am by we’ve been asked to do. This work is so important Vic!”
”It’s not a game, Lilly!” he whispers emphatically. ”I haven’t had a good feeling about this vote. It’s going to put too many powerful people’s lives in jeopardy. They surely have plans of their own.”
He dares to give her an actual look, ”And I haven’t heard from you in months. I suppose you’ve had your fun and moved on?”
Oh you pour naive soul, it’s all a game.
Lillian finally stops walking and turns to face Victor, Much shorter than him, she stares up at his large frame and wipes away her enthusiasm. ”Mother has had me on a tight leash as I’ve traveled around. Darvish hasn’t let me out of his sight much since the incident in Cassomir. “
She reaches up and places a gentle hand on his right shoulder, showing a pouty lip with a saddened expression. ”I have missed you so. Many a night I’ve kept myself awake thinking of our time together. Don’t tell me you aren’t happy to see me?”
He was. And damnit, she knew he was.
”You know how I feel,” he says, subtly stepping away from her hand before someone saw them and recognized them. ”We...we can talk later. After all this is done. Okay?”
Lowering her voice to a whisper to match his, she tries to employ puppy dog eyes to accompany her pout responds ”Yes, of course. We should definitely talk later.”
Lillian had planned on him rejecting her touch in public. It was a calculated risk that would allow her to convey sentiments to Victor without a larger display of affection. Letting her hand fall to her side with an open palm, she looks up at him again. ”Come, walk by my side and tell me what you’ve been up to these last months. How is your sister?”
Lillian will resume walking towards Thread Rare at a measure pace. Once they arrive, she asks VIctor to come in and help her find the perfect pair of pearls to match her dress tonight.
While she is trying on various items and showing them to Victor, she catches sight of a disgruntled Septis in the store. Once she catches his eye she offers him a wink before turning back to the task at hand.
Victor looks around and sighs to himself. She could get him into trouble if he refused the request of a noble-lady. But she could get into trouble if she was caught gallivanting through the city with a bastard guardsman. It was a lose-lose game she was playing.
He filled Lillian in on his sisters recent not-so-important dramas that were tragic in her own mind, as well as inquired as to how things had been with House Darahan as they walked.
Nevertheless, he relented and joined her for a time, standing at attention as she tried on a few outfits. Eventually, though, he had to depart to make his own preparations. ”If you’ll excuse me madams, Sir,” he said before offering them a respectful bow and steps away and of fun to his own families lodgings to acquire his breastplate for the occasion. It was freshly polished and designed in a way to be fashionable even at court, so it should be fine to wear per Lady Martella’s instruction.
Septis notices Lillian and Victor come in together and watches as Lillian tries on outfits for the man. When she gives him a wink he just rolls his eyes and returns his focus to the task at hand. After finding something suitable that Lil tells him that it makes him 'look powerful and important' he purchases the courtier outfit and finds some a matching ring and necklace from the items Martella is loaning them before heading out of the store with Lil. He then promptly makes his way toward the Gala, eager to get started on the tasks ahead.
Martella's words trigger something in Lillian as she leans forward in her chair, perching herself on her tip toes. She asks "You bring up weapons and armor Martella, are you insinuating that we should anticipate danger or that the night should be won solely on the merits of our tongues?"
"I brought it up just to make sure you all know the rules for them while in the senate grounds. I do not expect any senator to resort to weapons, but if they do, we still have the guards to keep us safe... that being said, no one will think less of you if you bring them with you." She explains.
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Martella Lotheed
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Baron Nicolaus Okerra
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A noble and hero in the county of Meratt, Baron Okerra is as equally renowned for his good looks as he is for his combat skills.
Duke Centimus
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An attending duke of Grand Duchess Cisera Tiberan of Tandak prefecture, Leonard Centimus is an intellectual and tinkerer whose head for systems makes him a good administrator, if a little awkward with people.
Countess Abrielle Pace
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A countess and member of the senate from the western borders of Taldor, Abrielle Pace has a reputation of seeking to advance her plans by any means available.
High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus
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Background
Nearly every Taldan recognizes commander-in-chief Maxillar Pythareus as Grand Prince Stavian III's right hand and a fanatical supporter of the throne. It is said he believes in political might and economic stability through military supremacy, advocating for new wars of conquest against wayward colonies like Andoran and Cheliax, or even Qadira.
Earl Calhadion Vernisant
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A proud man with considerable political ambitions, Earl Calhadion Vernisant is the appointed leader of Greater Ridonport and a hereditary senator. Lately, he has played up his being a direct descendant of General Arnisant and has been using his pedigree to make his political enemies to appear unpatriotic.
:: Thread Rare, Westpark, Oppara - Pharast 07 - Afternoon ::
You walk down the Senator Gulgari Avenue from the coffee shop towards the Thread Rare, which lies north of it, just as the avenue ends by the canal and gives place to General Coren Bridge.
Miss Lanara, a beautiful elven woman and owner of the shop, quickly recognizes you and invites you in, offering refreshments and scented biscuits. Two other employees join her in taking your measures and then in bringing some outfits for you to try, making suggestions and commenting your choices. Once that process is done, she then brings Lady Martella's jewery box, politely reminding you that they are to be taken as loan, making precise notes about which pieces are taken by each of you.
:: The Senate, Senate's Hill, Oppara - Pharast 07 - Afternoon ::
The Taldan senate, sometimes referred to as the senate building or simply the senate, is the seat of the senatorial branch of the Taldan government. Immediately adjacent to Imperial Square on Senate’s Hill, this striking hall of governance is carved from marble and surrounded by lavish columns. The structure itself is a grandiose, T-shaped edifice constructed from white marble. Ostentatious columns carved with glorious scenes of the nation’s history surround the building on all sides, while a pronounced flight of precisely 100 stairs ascends to the main entrance.
Nobles from all levels of power can be seen: minor lords, tribunes, viscounts, barons, landgraves, counts, earls, marquesses, senators, dukes, governors and even grand dukes (both high and nominal), along with an assortment of their family, aides, staff and others attendees. Amid all of them, you can also notice common people, many of whose came to see the nobility and aspire and dream of reaching such high levels of sophistication and wealth.
While senators may enter the senate building with a minimum of fuss, the process for aides, staff, and other attendees to enter is long and tedious, and an expansive line is already in place for all of them... and you...