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After several months of odd, seemingly meaningless tasks, you have finally been invited to meet your employer, Martella Lotheed. The message said simply to learn what you can about the upcoming festivities and the royal family, and then to meet her at the Pixie's Picks in Oppara. When you arrive at the fancy establishment, the host leads you to a private room with several strangers.
The Grand Day of Exaltation
Grand Prince Stavian III
Martella Lotheed
Princess Eutropia
Having time to do some preparatory research and being relatively studious Victor will try to go to the meeting with as much knowledge as he can.
Using his magic and some of his 'resources' he works tirelessly.
Guidance and MW Tool
This was Ictil, his familiar. He didn’t know how he knew, given that he certainly didn’t remember getting a familiar… hadn’t he been just about to go to school? Wait, was he late?
Looking around, Leontius realized he wasn’t in his room back home. Rather, he seemed to be in a surprisingly rough inn room, the sort that his mother would be positively mortified to discover him in. What was he doing here?
With another squeak, Ictil drew his attention back. This time the odd tickling at his mind seemed tinged with hunger, and the ferret, after patting him again with a paw to make sure he had Leontius’s attention, looked over at a nearby pack.
“Breakfast time? It looks like I’ve already been feeding you plenty.” The gentle teasing came naturally to Leontius, like he’d done it before. Just what had happened? What day was it?
What year was it?
Ictil scurried to the edge of the rough inn bed as Leontius got up and fiddled with the buckle on the pack’s top flap. Just as he got it open he had the odd thought that he had to watch out for something… right as his familiar leaped straight into the now-open pack.
Leontius started at the sudden motion, then reached in to try to fish the ferret out. He rummaged around, following the sounds as he pushed aside a book and equipment that felt familiar but he didn’t recognize, until brown streak shot out and across the room.
“Ictil!” Leontius stood and chased after his familiar, whose response was a muffled chitter of amusement. The ferret proved hard to catch even in the small space, and he had a feeling the little beast had allowed his master to catch him at the end… possibly because whatever had been in his mouth had now been eaten.
He just stood there for a moment, holding a ferret up to his face, as the full weight of what was going on hit him.
He had a hole in his memory.
He wasn’t sure how big, but given the last thing he remembered was getting ready to leave for the First Imperial Arcanists’ Guild, and now he had a familiar and what he was sure was a spellbook… it must be years.
Leontius sat down heavily, setting Ictil down on his lap. The ferret gazed up at him with bright, curious little eyes, a trickle of concern coming across their bond.
After a long moment, Leontius reached for his spellbook. As he pulled it out of his pack, he noticed a sheet of parchment stuffed between its pages. He opened the book and looked at it. The parchment had two notes, written in his own hand: “Don’t go home” and “Meet Martella Lotheed” with a date and address.
He stared at the date for a long time. He knew it was tomorrow, somehow, but that meant…
“...I don’t remember the past sixteen years,” Leontius murmured. Half his life, apparently, just… gone. How? How had it happened?
...had he known it would happen? Would he have written these notes if he hadn’t known?
After a little while he felt Ictil’s paw tapping his face again. As soon as he turned his attention to the ferret his familiar bounded off of him and ran over to door, then turned and looked expectantly at Leontius.
Mustering a bit of a chuckle, he stood. “Yes, I suppose sitting here moping about it won’t help anything. I might as well get some breakfast, at the least.”
With that he shouldered his pack, stepped to the door, and got ready to face an unfamiliar world.
The next day, Leontius goes over his odd memories.
It's strange-while he remembers nothing of how he gained the knowledge, the information itself seems to have stayed with him.
Whatever the case, he hopes it will help cover for the hole in his memory. He sets out to this Pixie's Picks, keeping his eyes open for anything that looks familiar as he does.
The Grand Day of Exaltation
Because people travel from all over the empire to witness the exaltation, many balls, and political events take place in the preceding week, and the senate usually votes on matters of national importance immediately beforehand.
This year’s noble-to-be is a wide-eyed weaver from the village of Breezy Creek, whose beautiful tapestries have adorned the royal palace and many other royal homes for a decade.
Grand Prince Stavian III
Grand Prince Stavian III has no male heir, and he has refused to have any further children since the tragic death of his only son, Carrius, in a riding accident 20 years ago. With the emperor getting on in years, some people worry about how this will affect succession.
Martella Lotheed
Martella is the black sheep of her family, being a result of an extramarital dalliance with a Qadiran diplomat. She lacks her family’s gift for magic as well, adding to their resentment.
Despite her family’s disdain, Martella still commands some wealth and has extensive contacts, having attended the Sinora Academia, Taldor’s most exclusive girls’ school.
Princess Eutropia
Eutropia is a social reformer, eager to establish schools and other public resources for the poor, and remove political or family restrictions for women and various minorities. Rumors have circulated for a decade that her ultimate goal is to overturn primogeniture—Taldor’s ancient law stating that only male heirs may inherit the Lion Throne—and become the first empress of Taldor.
The princess’s reputation for “fighting in the streets” largely hails from her skill as a fencer, a sport she excelled at during her schooling at the Sinora Academia. Many times in her twenties she matched blades with chauvinistic politicians who would otherwise refuse to let her speak or act within political circles, and those early public duels helped her win unexpected support for her later social reforms—as well as a reputation as an impolite, unladylike brute.
The small halfling, dressed as a common laborer, greets everyone with a gentle voice.
"Nice to make your acquaintance, you can call me Mouse. Lady Lotheed, as long as you fight for justice and the improvement of the kingdom and its subjects, please consider me at your service."
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Several minutes after the fourth guest is seated, the host returns. "Your fifth guest just sent word, she is running late and wishes to start a tab for you."
He passes a menu to each of you, "May I suggest the Mwangese charcuterie board paired with our Litran pinot grigio? The swamp moss from the Mwangi expanse is particularly pungent this season, setting off the Galtan white's sweetness quite well."
Elaessa can't avoid letting a playful laugh out.
"I am sorry, but I am but a humble halfling orphan. I don't know half the words you just said, much less the dishes. I fear those delicacies would be wasted on me. Can you bring me some bread and cheese, and some normal wine, please?"
She turns towards the other "guests".
"Let me introduce myself. As I said, I am just a halfling orphan. But I want to make the difference for all halflings, and all of the subjects of our empire, for the betterment of us all. Please call me Mouse."
"If there are some almonds or honey you could bring with the charcuterie that would be nice."
Turning to the table once the ordering had finished Victor says to a monotone voice, "My name is Victor Germ. It is very nice to meet you all."
Leontius makes a show of going over the menu. He was guessing Lady Lotheed was paying, so it would be best to go for something that showed taste without being too extravagant...
"Leontius Vernisant," he says, looking up at the others. "Scholar and mage."
Elaessa nods and greets the others.
"Victor. Leontius. At your service."
Discreetly she appraises both men.
The bard smiles to the others, as he takes his place on the table. As much as he's well dressed and perfumed as a courier - with jewels and equivalent to show - it's fairly obvious his roots are those of... "men from the seas of dubious reputation".
My warm greetings, fellow present! - the pirate isn't using his usual clothes, but some of his teeth were clearly replaced with golden plated ones of poor quality, matching his earrings and necklace - I'm Allyo Shan, an artist by heart!
At this point it becomes evident he carries a set of pan pipes with him.
Sorry I'm a little late. Fashionably late, I'd say; yet, I come with a great story! You should have seen the man I saw outside, running with his pants down from a bird!
Elaessa smiles at the sailor and shakes his hand.
"Very funny story indeed! Welcome, you can call me Mouse, and our companions are Victor Grem and Leontius Vernisant."
Ictil, who was supposed to be waiting outiside, stealthily slipped up to the table near his master.
New people were always fun! Maybe some of them would play with him. Maybe he could even get some more food!
Where to start?
Well, one of them was smaller than the others. That was kind of interesting. Curious, he quietly approached her chair, reached up, and tapped one of her feet with a paw before jumping back, making a sound that could almost be mistaken for chuckling.
Elaessa sees the small creature approach, and when poked she smiles and addresses the small animal.
"What do we have here? A spy! A small and adorable spy! Come here handsome!"
She tries to pick it up, and if able, will start to pet him.
"Do you like bread?"
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The host stares at each guest for a few seconds, then says, "Four glasses of wine and the Kyonin tree nut board," and walks away.
Leontius sighs as the host walks away. And here he'd just about decided on something. He had to remember not to overthink things.
He jumps a little as Elaessa says there's a spy, then relaxes when he sees who it is. "Ictil, I told you to stay outside!"
The ferret squeaks defiantly and swarms up the chair leg into Eleaessa's lap. He nods enthusiastically at the mention of bread.
"Ictil is my familiar, who was supposed to not be inside the restaurant," Leontius continues, giving the ferret a glare. Ictil acts as if he's not paying attention, but his attempt is ruined by his chuckling sound. "You'd better be careful about feeding the little beast. He takes all of the famed cunning of his species and applies it to adding to his middle, as you can easily see."
Elaessa face gets an ashen tone.
"You could say the same of Halflings. Many of this fine people we are dining with should think the same about us, not deserving to be here. She should change that. For him, for us, and for all people."
Allyo sips once again on his drink, seeing all the fuss around the animal. When Eleassa speaks, however, he doesn’t keep his silence.
She? Who are you talking about? - and despite the question, he’s still smiling, almost as if he could guess the answer but wanted it announced anyway.
Victor watches as the conversation progresses taking out his notebook and make a few notes here and there.
"Has anyone been to an event like this before?"
Leontius sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose, a gesture he can't remember picking up the habit of using. For that matter, he wished he could remember why he was here, beyond the basics he'd gathered. Had he volunteered for this, or been recruited?
"Ferrets are obligate carnivores, Miss Elaessa. Bread is bad for them. I meant no offense to you or your people, and I apologize if I somehow gave any."
"None taken, and please, call me Mouse. As for who "She" is... the princess, of course. I hope she can take the empire into a bright future."
She pets the ferret some more...
"As for this pretty guy, I am sure, as a good subject of the empire, he will whatever he has to. Right handsome? I think I will make him MY familiar... Would you like that?"
Victor says nearly inaudibly, "Has anyone meet the weaver before?" trying to keep the conversation on something useful not caring about the weasel.
Elaessa shakes his head answering in a negative.
Several minutes after your wine and charcuterie board arrive, Martella suddenly stands up from a nearby table and walks over. "Thank you all for coming."
She places several file folders, her hat, and a brass cricket on the table, then rests both hands on the stack of papers. "I'm glad you got to know each other a little, as you'll be working together this evening. Have you any questions about your individual missions?"
Elaessa smiles.
"No my lady."
"I get what I am doing, but I am unclear as to why. How do these tasks help you? If it is ok I ask."
Victor thinks for a moment then says, "Should we and can we share our missions. Should we have extra time is there anything else you would like us to do?"
Ictil eagerly accepts the stroking, but as the attention turns from him he slips off Elaessa's lap and back over to Leontius.
"I am clear on my mission, yes," Leontius replies to Martella, mentally kicking himself for not suspecting she'd been watching the whole thing. At least she wasn't immediately throwing them out in spite of the awkward start.
He was more than a little surprised at his mission. While he had some skill with wordplay, his delivery could use work, he knew. Had he forgotten something that would have made him more suited for this task?
Allyo bows exaggeratedly as he greets the princess.
An immense pleasure to finally make you acquaintance, your grace!
The bard stops the flattery for a moment as his face gets a little more stern going for the papers.
I welcome the challenge, my lady, and will make sure to have it done. - he then continues, giving a hint of confidence - Although it can’t help but miss from my wits on how such eclectic and... Eccentric team will best serve you. I’m sure you got the right people for the job, though, as it’s not for me to fathom thee.
"Sorry I forgot my manners. Hello my grace."
To Allyo, "Eccentric? Eclectic could be good though. If we figure out our strengths we maybe able to help each other."
The cricket has a lot of parts. It doesn't look like a work of art, i.e. something that has been sculpted from one piece.
Martella is wearing an elegant, yet understated gown, definitely of a value similar to a noble's outfit.
"Each helps me in a different way," Martella answers Victor, "and we lack the time to discuss them all. Whether and how you work together is up to you. Your judgment is one of the things I wish to test and learn about."
Martella stares at Allyo long enough to make everyone feel awkward, then lifts the corners of her mouth as if smiling. Without laughing, she says, "Sailors have such a strange sense of humor."
Returning to Victor's question, she continues, "You will certainly have much time to yourselves, and I encourage you to make the most of it. This may be the only time in your lives that you have access to so many in power; it would be a shame to waste the opportunity."
Leontius listens and waits, observing both Martella and the others. Allyo was clearly playing at knowing manners. Victor was at least asking pertinent questions. And Elaessa... she looked to be observing, as well. Interesting. Most interesting.
"Should we keep our association with you entirely secret?" He asks when there is a lull in the conversation.
Elaessa grimaces.
"Master Shan, even if powerful and beautiful, miss Lotheed is no princess."
Then she keeps still and quiet. She tries to measure her employer and any hidden meaning in her words.
Victor is careful but no fool. When the unexpected happens it is when people drop their guard and you never know when a little insight will help or protect you.
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Martella answers Leontius, "Tonight, you are in the open, though that won't always be the case. These badges will mark you as my guests at the Gala."
She places four metal badges on the table, which have a pin on the back to secure them to clothing. The fronts display a serpent-like creature constricting around a unicorn. "Each set marks the house of a particular senator, who wears the master badge. They identify the wearers as part of the Senator's entourage, and are enchanted to permit communication between the senator and her aides.
She motions for each of you to take one. "In practice, nobles such as myself often use the badges of extinct or exiled noble families. They will gain you entry, but also mark you as guests unattached to a sitting senator, and thus less important in the eyes of some."
Elaessa grabs one of the badges and examines it mundanely (as she doesn't know magic particulars).
"I hope our actions win your confidence, your grace. I will do my best tonight."
Leontius nods thoughtfully. "Useful. I believe I have no further questions at present."
"Thank you. Very thoughtful. If it is not to impertinent would this be a good time to talk shop, determine people's strengths and optimize our efforts?.
Victor is polite and deferential but is not one for frivolity. He does, however, take his work very seriously.
"I think it would be better after her grace has departed, as for not making her lose more time than necessary."
She looks a Victor. Intently.
Victor looks confused at Elaessa. "Fine. I'm ok either way. Whatever is best for everyone."
Allyo picks one of the badges, as the others are talking. The bard turns it around but doesn’t really spend much time with it. His eyes run through the room and finally stop at the noblewoman before speaking.
Ah! A gala! I look forward to it. - he pauses - Some of us were truly born for it, right?
He doesn’t really expects an answer. In his core, he’s curious about his companions; this team surrounding him, so he gives her the time to leave before reengaging with them.
"Elaessa is correct. I have more responsibilities than time, which is one of the reasons for your employment. I need agents who can think on their own, not just follow orders. I suggest you make and discuss your plans while traveling to the Gala," Martella continues, "But if something critical does arise, I will be in the senate gallery most of the evening."
“Overall, tonight promises to be an historic evening, but an evening of work nonetheless. And in the sort of work you’re embarking upon, the line that divides success and failure is drawn by the people you know. You have your own tasks to accomplish, but I’m counting on you to support one another to ensure success and discretion. If you need assistance, kindly ask for it. If your assistance is required, give it. And if I’m to be blunt, I would like just once in my adult life to simply enjoy a gala I attend, rather than scamper about with clandestine busywork. If you all complete your work without need of me to clean anything up, I will happily double my promised fee."
Elaessa stands and bows before Martella.
"Your grace. I am sure my companions and I will do our best tonight. I hope you are able to enjoy the gala, knowing your objectives are being taken care of."
Victor stands bows slightingly a the waist and says, "See you there."
Elaessa kicks Allyo Shan's chair to make him stand up and bow...
Allyo looks at Mouse with a surprising expression. Quickly, however, he ignored the halfling and turned his attention to the noblewoman.
The calmest of nights, milady. - he said, again exaggerating on the bow.
Martella stands and pushes in her chair. "The Exaltation Gala begins in an hour, but the lines for servants and guests can be long."
As Martella leaves, Allyo turns his attention back to his team and smiles. He felt the will to go more flirty with the noblewoman that left, but held it for now. He then speaks.
So... I guess we're a team, huh? Happy to be in good company. Of course, while I will try to focus on my particular mission, please count with my help in case needed, my friends. - he gives a pause, waiting to see if anyone wanted to use the time to plan anything.
"I'm too ugly, blunt and monotone to be an effective diplomat. See." He says flatly. "I am however a very good judge of character and have studied for a decent amount of time and My character is off putting enough that a can scare people at times." Victor punctuate the end of his sentence with a half hearted ghost noise. "oooooo"
"If you want to help I am happy too. I will be trying to Gage motivations and weaknesses as soon as my mission is finished."
The halfling girl smiles at you.
"If you need help to enter a place without being seen, have something "disappear" of to deal with traps, don't hesitate to tell me!"