Eliona preens at her new title; she knew that Adolina would need her help in this venture. She spends the time greeting people and extolling the delights of Adolina's new clinic.
25 Sarenith, 4715 AR
Nearly a month passes as you establish and fortify your new base beneath the Lucky Bones. The Silver Ravens continue to grow, both in numbers and in the hearts and minds of Kintargo's citizens. Despite Barzillai Thrune's attempt to legitimize your burgeoning rebellion, he can have no doubt of your ultimate goals, and in secret, his forces continue to attempt to root you out. Fortunately, you continue to evade detection, perhaps thanks in part to Farrina's quick thinking in ditching his so-called "gifts."
Barzillai continues his heavy-handed edicts. His most recent announcement is a second tax hike to all Bleakbridge traffic. After the last increase to 5 sp per crossing, the tax now stands at 2 gp (or 10 gp for a day-long pas)--an announcement that crosses the line for many of Kintargo’s citizens. Those who own boats begin smuggling travelers between north and south Kintargo. At first they charge only a few coppers, but increasingly ferry travelers for free as a way to fight back against the government.
The tiefling cleric Hetamon Haace comes to visit one day, mentioning that he was approached by Lady Mialari Docur of Docur’s School for Girls. Lady Docur wants to talk to the leaders of the Silver Ravens about a possible alliance with her organization. Hetamon suggests the founding of a "Silver Council" to meet weekly as a venue for you and your allies to discuss future tactics and concerns.
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"I agree." Adolina says to Hetamon's idea. "For this to work we're going to need everyone with an interest in overthrowing Thrune on the same page. A Council would help with that - we'll meet at the Raven's Nest, I'd prefer not to expose the Bone's too much and a few well dressed people meeting regularly for coffee should arouse no suspicion."
Soon the first meeting of the Silver Council takes place. Laria is present, of course, along with Rexus and Hetamon. Both of the Sabinus's are invited as well, as is Lady Docur or a representative.
Farrina's time is divided between her new specialty-wear shop and her rooms at the Bones, buried deeply in her studies.
Not ready to trust the new allies just yet, she sends the Silver Man to take her place at the meetings of the Silver Council.
Later that night, you gather with your allies in the chambers beneath the Long Roads Coffeehouse. Hetamon starts the meeting by introducing Lady Mialari Docur. The elegant elven woman nods gratefully and turns to you.
"It is nice to finally meet the illustrious Silver Ravens. Not many know the truth about the organization I run out of my school for girls. My students are also members of a guild called the Lacunafex, and they are trained for espionage. I have come to propose an alliance between our organizations. Like you, I desperately desire to get rid of Barzillai Thrune. His presence in Kintargo is no good for her school and is an affront to my sensibilities.
"I have brought a few gifts in hopes you will see the benefits of an alliance with me." She presents you with a scroll of heal and a scroll of raise dead. "I had these in my personal stash in case of emergencies, but I feel they would serve Kintargo better in the hands of the city's new saviors."
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"It is a pleasure to see you again Lady Docur," Adolina says, resisting the urge to curtsy as she was taught during her school years. Although she was aware of the Lacunafex she never actually attended any of the 'extra' lessons there, although she strongly suspects that Eliona did.
She accepts the scrolls with a civil inclination of her head. "We thank you for your assistance. Now, the Lord Mayor cannot be unaware of where our activities are going - the time is not yet, but soon we will need to move openly against him. However to do that we want to be as certain as we can that we are ready and we have as many allies as possible." She looks around the table. "So, ideas. Is there anyone we should be reaching out to that we haven't?"
"Now would be a good time to court Kintargo's prominent noble families," Lady Docur says. "One of the most important factors in my own work as the leader of a society of gifted individuals who would, without my guidance, be outcasts at best, is that I have maintained excellent relations with the city’s elite. No doubt the Jhaltero family is already in your camp, but there are more inroads to be made with the others."
"Now is also the time to gather more regional support," Laria Longroad says. "It would be foolish to launch a full-scale attack on Barzillai and his minions when he could reach out to Cheliax itself for support, or even to his own support here in the city. By taking steps to counter or minimize the ways Cheliax can lend support to Thrune, we bolster our chances for a successful revolution when the time to strike comes.
"I'd suggest we reach out to those aquatic elves from Acisazi you rescued. An alliance with them would be a significant asset to defend Kintargo from any naval response from Cheliax. In addition, the city of Vyre has long been treated more as a free city by the government, which values the fact that Vyre is a place where officials can go to unwind. Maintaining good relations with Vyre is important to the Chelish government, and thus securing Vyre’s support for Kintargo’s independence would be a significant boon to the Silver Ravens.
"Finally, while the Menador Mountains aren’t impassably rugged, there’s only one navigable pass through the mountains as far as troop movements and trade with the rest of Cheliax are concerned: the Menador Gap. If this pass were to close, Cheliax would be unable to send additional ground troops directly to Kintargo, and would have to move around the mountains through Nidal or up through Pezzack—both significant detours through areas fraught with their own political troubles."
"My Lady," the Silver Man says with a dashing smile when he meets the Lady Docur. He bows theatrically and takes her hand in his to kiss the back of it. "It is a pure pleasure to meet you. I've heard so much about you."
As if taking the book that Adolina loaned her to heart, Farrina has placed a single dahlia as a spot of color in the man's black lapel.
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"It seems to me that the mountains should be the last move." Adolina says. "It would be the most obvious aggressive move and might serve to alert the Mayor. The rest we can do more quietly. Rose - can you work with Lady Docur and get the most up-to-date information on the great houses? I will lend you what resources I can."
She turns to the others "Tajona, work with Sabinus - I want plans for meeting the elves and contingencies for if we can't secure an alliance. Silver, you and I are going to do some research on Vyre. In terms of priorities I think we treat with the elves first, then Vyre and finally the mountains. Work on the great houses in between." She looks around. "Questions? Comments?"
Eliona smiles slightly as she sees Lady Docur. She indeed attended some of these classes herself, although she would never admit to such having been sword to secrecy. "Greetings Lady Docur, it is indeed a pleasure to see you again after some time even if we are unfortunately in a different setting now."
"I agree with Adolina" Rose says, speaking up quickly at the discussion of tactics. "Leave the mountains until last so we can keep quiet. I would be delighted to work with Lady Ddocus to learn the information required. Lady Docur has already taught me so much, I am sure she will not mind teaching me some more."
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Rose waits behind at the end of the meeting to catch Lady Docur. "Madam, thank you again for coming. I was thinking that perhaps you would like to meet now if that was suitable for you? I know you were always one for efficiency?" She says, unusually dutiful reserved for Eliona. Clearly she has much respect for the woman's expertise and experience.
"Of course, darling. Let's have a drink and you can tell me what's on your mind," says Lady Docur. She sits at a table across from Rose, the picture of sophisticated grace.
"Fantastic my Lady." Eliona sits at the table and pours another glass for both herself and Lady Docur.
Beginning with a side-conversation. "Your education has bought me here to help the cause Madam. I am very thankful for that. I know I did not complete the full education, however what I did learn was still invaluable to support these people. A worthy cause too don't you think?"
Eliona has always respected Lady Docur having seen the woman in action herself. In Eliona's eyes, this woman should be the role-model for every capable woman - not that most noblewomen would agree.
"As Adolina has said, we need to gain further support and money. To do this, gaining the support of the noble houses is vital. Now obviously Adolina and I both have some knowledge of the houses, but I presume you have much better connections and know of all the current rumours. What can you tell me of the major noble houses right now? How is in support of Thrune, who is in support of change and who is sitting on the fence and can be persuaded to support change?"
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"There are a few houses who firmly support House Thrune, and it will be all but impossible to sway them to your cause," says Lady Docur. "These include House Delronge, House Sarini, and House Tanessen. Those who you may be able to convince include House Aulamaxa, House Aulorian, House Jarvis, and House Vashnarstill.
"Archbaroness Eldonna Aulamaxa is a huntress and a patron of the opera. Displaying your skills at hunting or singing might get her on your side. Count Auxis Aulorian is worried about his missing son, who fled from the manor one night a few months ago. Informing him of Marquel's whereabouts may garner him as an ally, though I fear whoever might have taken Auxis's son will suffer his wrath. You may be able to just buy his loyalty if the price is right. Baroness Belcara Jarvis is a friendly sort who is passionate about architecture. Impress her with your crafting skills or your sophisitication and social grace to win her to your side. Finally, Baron Sendi Vashnarstil is a greedy, sleazy man, but he can be impressed by a display of verbal acrobatics and innuendo, or a skill with languages."
***
As Lady Docur and Rose speak, your other allies share some rumors that they have heard. Rexus mentions having noticed a Tien woman asking around about the Silver Ravens, and others pipe in with similar observations. This curious woman has been asking questions all over town.
Lictor Octavio has long suspected that Kintargo’s previous lord-mayor never left the city and that she’d been captured and imprisoned— and perhaps even executed—by Barzillai Thrune. He reaffirms his convictions during this meeting, even though he’s received no new information about his theory. The official story is that Jilia fled Kintargo for distant Arcadia at the outset of all the unrest rising throughout Cheliax associated with the Glorious Reclamation, though most people don't believe that tale.
Finally, rumors are spreading that Lord-Mayor Barzillai Thrune is planning on throwing a masquerade ball in the near future as a way to curry favor with Kintargo’s nobles and artists. Such an event might give you an excellent opportunity to get close to Thrune and his allies. The Silver Ravens will keep their ears to the ground to try to learn more about this upcoming event and will even work to secure you invitations.
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The sound of the Tien woman intrigues Adolina. "Let's see if we can get this woman to a meeting." She says. "If she's some sort of assassin or bounty hunter then so be it, but we might be able to talk her round if she's being this open about finding us..."
The rumors about Bainilus have her nodding. "Lord-Mayor Jilia would never have fled the city. Thrune has her, I don't doubt it."
With those points of business approved the inaugural Silver Council dissolves to go their separate ways.
Adolina stays where she is, and gestures for the Silver Man to do likewise. "We'll need to track down this Tien woman, I'll set my agents to it. Now - what do we know about Vyre and how can we find out what we don't know?"
Through her various channels Adolina sets her agents onto finding the tien woman.
The Silver Man nods when Adolina requests that he stay behind.
"Are we sure this woman isn't just some pawn of Thrune?" he asks. "The Tian are notorious for being assassins and criminals. Even if she's not working for His High Doucheness, I wouldn't trust her any farther than I could throw her."
Eliona thanks Lady Docur. "Ma'am that is most useful and we will absolutely get to work on this. I will work out which of our members are best suited to the role and aim to get all of these houses on our side. The more support we gain, the more chances we have of success. Thank you again."
When Adolina and Farina are both done with their own meeting, Rose will reconvene to let them know of the list. "I do not know many of your group, but I presume that we must have a singer in our midst somewhere. I think finding Marquel should be simple if we throw out some feelers."
Archbaroness Eldonna Aulamaxa is a huntress and a patron of the opera. Displaying your skills at hunting or singing might get her on your side. Count Auxis Aulorian is worried about his missing son, who fled from the manor one night a few months ago. Informing him of Marquel's whereabouts may garner him as an ally, though I fear whoever might have taken Auxis's son will suffer his wrath. You may be able to just buy his loyalty if the price is right. Baroness Belcara Jarvis is a friendly sort who is passionate about architecture. Impress her with your crafting skills or your sophisitication and social grace to win her to your side. Finally, Baron Sendi Vashnarstil is a greedy, sleazy man, but he can be impressed by a display of verbal acrobatics and innuendo, or a skill with languages.
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"Which is why we want to meet her on our terms, not hers." Adolina responds. "My families network should be easily up to the task of finding a single person, then we can decide what to do next."
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"The Silver Ravens rescued Marquel Alorian." Adolina says when Eliona comes along with her idea. "He's also known as the Poison Pen of Kintargo and his lover, Captain Sargava, wanted him rescued. They're living on the warship in the harbour. The Captain is a valuable ally and I don't think we want to risk that."
She frowns for a moment. "I'm sorry, I'd completely forgotten you weren't with us when that happened."
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It is a couple of hours later that Adolina is handed a short note by one of her agents. "So, I have the woman's address." She says, having tracked down Farrina and Rose. "Shall we go and pay her a visit?"
When Adolina and Farina are both done with their own meeting, Rose will reconvene to let them know of the list. "I do not know many of your group, but I presume that we must have a singer in our midst somewhere. I think finding Marquel should be simple if we throw out some feelers."
"A singer, you say?" the Silver Man questions with a secret smile. "Perhaps you should ask that impeccably dressed woman that you associate with. I hear that she's quite capable."
It is a couple of hours later that Adolina is handed a short note by one of her agents. "So, I have the woman's address." She says, having tracked down Farrina and Rose. "Shall we go and pay her a visit?"
The Silver Man has left and been replaced with the Colorful One again who nods at Adolina's suggestion to visit the mysterious woman.
Adolina's contacts tell her the woman you are looking for has secured lodgings at a fine inn off of Villegre Park. Indeed, you find her seated in the common area, enjoying a warm meal and a stiff drink. The woman is slight and unassuming, though she wears fine studded leather armor and a rapier is hilted at her belt.
The woman smirks. "Of course, have a seat. Tayacet Tiora, private investigator." She holds out a gloved hand to shake.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Lady Jhaltero. The truth is, I already have an employer. In fact, he hired me to learn as much as possible about you and your friends. But what I've learned has made me realize I have much more in common with you than with him, so I've decided not to turn over any of the information I've uncovered--so long as you don't give me a reason to do so."
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"We're dispensing with the niceties then?" Adolina replies with a smile, shaking Tiora's hand. "Well that certainly makes things easier. I'm curious as to what exactly you learned that made you change your mind. I understand that the Lord Mayor is quite the persuasive figure. Still, a friend is always better than a foe. Is there anything I might do to convince you to change employer permanently?"
"I was impressed by the good works you have done in the city," Tayacet says. "Especially stopping that serial killer, Varl Wex. I made something of a name for myself solving murders throughout Cheliax. I had come to Kintargo as a sort of vacation to do some research on one of the nation’s most notorious historical killers, the Temple Hill Slasher, when Barzillai Thrune took control. I offered my services to him to make some money, but I didn't realize just how unpleasant that man really is. I'd much rather be friends with you than with him.
"So, no need to pay me. I'll just tender my resignation and keep your secrets safe." She taps the side of her head knowingly.
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"Well do get in touch if you'd like some paid work too." Adolina replies with a smile. "My family is always on the look out for useful talent."
She pays for the woman's meal - its the least she can do.
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"That was remarkably straight forward." She says to her companions once they have left Tayacet to her meal. "Let's hope its always this easy. So, Rose, who would you recommend we approach, and how?"
Eliona bristles when Adolina speaks her other name. "Not in public please, if you don't mind. She says, barbs in her voice.
Changing the subject with an unimpressed look upon her face, she continues; "Well I don't recommend that we approach Count Aulorian after what you said earlier and that was my first idea. I suggest that, if we have a good singer, we arrange a meeting with Archbaroness Aulamaxa. Perhaps a small low-key performance perhaps?" Eliona looks at Farina. "I've heard you put on an impressive performance? Do you think you have something refined that the Archbaroness might enjoy?"
She thinks for a short while. "Whilst setting up that performance and awaiting replies, if we do decide to go ahead, I also suggest we start reading up on architecture or find someone who is a fascinating linguist. We could also invite the Baroness Jarvis to the performance and arrange for someone to get chatting with her."
"Perhaps as a fundraiser and official opening soiree for the clinic?" Eliona replies eagerly, the plans falling in place. "Based on what we found out today, we need to invite Archbaroness Aulamaxa, Baroness Jarvis and Baron Vashnarstill, with, I hope, his wife. People love a reason to be seen to be giving to charitable causes."
Eliona softens and forgets Adolina's previous faux pas.
"We should also invite any others we want to send a good impression to for the rebellion, and then pad out the crowd with a few others as to avoid suspicion. All under the guise of fundraising. Isn't it wonderful."
"Low-key?" Farrina questions, her hand clutching at her non-existent pearls. "Press the knife in deeper, why don't you." She clears her throat and stands a little straighter. "How about we simply assume that I'll do the singing and decide how best to do said singing, Hmmm?"
Not waiting for a response, she looks off into the distance and reaches up to tap at her chin. "Something that will leave an impression ... I'll have to think about it a bit."
Tanjona has been remarkably quiet in all of this. His near-death experience left him somber for several days. In the intervening month he threw himself mostly into hard labor, carrying around supplies, shoring up the new headquarters, and assisting in the digging of necessary passages or drainage.
"So... what will you need?" he finally asks as plans are afoot for the new soiree. "I can start arranging supplies, tables, chairs, tablecloths, vases of flowers and such."
"Adolina, I think you're best placed to write up a list of invitations. Now I come to think of it I don't think Baron Vashnarstill has a wife, but I'd send him an "and guest" still." Eliona says, continuing her planning and ignoring Farina's sulking.
Turning to Tanjona, she adds "I don't think we need help with supplies, we certainly have capable people for that. Adolina here has told me how impressed she is at your tactical mind, how about you get to work with Sabinus as requested and get those plans rolling so we can get to that as soon as the soiree is over. We don't want to waste any time." Eliona suggests
Soon enough, the time for the soiree arrives. Numerous well-to-do citizens attend the party, along with all of the nobles that you invited. Belcara Jarvis, Eldonna Aulamaxa, and Sendi Vashnarstill engage in small talk with other guests as you decide how best to approach them with offers of alliance.
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"Baroness Jarvis, I am so glad that you could come!" Adolina says, coming up the baroness with every appearance of enthusiasm. It's genuine too - when she was younger she envied the exciting life she led and now she's older she respects the Jarvis family all the more for all the good works they have done in Kintargo. "It means so much to me and to the clinic that you would come and show your support. I've always been so impressed by the Jarvis families good work for Kintargo, you're something of a rolemodel to me."
She continues to chat with the baroness with complete sincerity.
As directed, Tanjona assists in the tactical planning with Sabinus before the party.
Once the ball begins, Tanjona arrives in puffy breeches and stockings, a colorful slashed vest, and a button-down poofy shirt. He looks quite ridiculous and uncomfortable.
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Seeing how uncomfortable Tanjona is, Farrina sidles up next to him. She's wearing a peacock blue, long skirt with jagged geometric shapes scattered across it in a garish orange color. Her top is a contrasting?, clashing?, crimson number with long sleeves that are open to the wrists, exposing her pale arms. The red is crisscrossed with seeming random lines of green. A black scarf is around her neck and her blonde hair is pulled up into a high pony.
"You need to be comfortable with who you are," she says in a side voice to the daintily-dressed man. "Once you have that you can wear whatever you like and it doesn't matter." She gives the man a wink. "You've just got to learn to have no f++*s to give."
Seeing a servant carrying a tray filled with drinks and having dispensed all the wisdom she's capable of, the entertainer snatches a glass of something bubbly from the tray and downs half of it before raising her voice for all to hear.
"Attention, Everyone!" she calls out in a voice more suited for a dockside fishmonger that a fancy party. "It's time for our evening's entertainment!" she says as she approaches Adolina's side. "However, since the Lady d'Jhaltera has steadfastly refused to take her clothes off, you're stuck with me." She gives the woman a quick shoulder squeeze before eyeing the musicians that have been sitting to the side and quietly playing low-key chamber music. Clapping her hands to get their attention, she starts a deliberate rhythm, implying that they should follow along. After looking around with a bit of confusion, they duplicate her pace tentatively.
Farrina begins singing in a tune that's well-used in many tavern songs and the musicians betray their origins by picking it up immediately.
"~A handsome young soldier to Kintargo came down
He'd been paid off his duty in old Vyre town
They asked him his name and he answered them, 'Quite
I belong to a family called nine times a night'~
"~Well a handsome young widow who still wore her weeds
Her husband had left her his money and deeds
Resolved she was on her conjugal rights
And to soften her sorrows with nine times a night.~"
The entertainer gestures at the musicians to continue playing. Producing a crimson scarf, Farrina moves to a nearby tea serving set. She picks up the sugar bowl and looks it over closely, even polishing the side a little.
"This stuff's worth quite a bit," she says with a smile. "You'd better keep an eye on it if you don't want someone to make off with it."
Setting the bowl in her outstretched right hand, she drapes the scarf over it and begins chanting in a monotone.
"Armatrout, carmatrout, tharhart, carhart, biddle-dee-boo."
She pulls her right hand out from under the scarf with a flair. The scarf stays there suspended in mid-air. Looking puzzled, Farrina examines the scarf from one side and then the other. She then reaches out to pluck it from the air, examining it closer and completely ignoring the fact that the sugar bowl is gone. The scarf disappears within her cleavage.
"~So she's called to her serving maids Ann and Amelia
To keep a watch out for this wonderful soldier
And if ever he happened to chance in their sight
To bring her fond tidings of nine times a night~
"~She was favored by fortune the very next day
These two giggling saw him coming their way
They've rushed up the stairs full of amorous delight
Crying, 'There comes that soldier with his nine times a night~'"
The Fabulous One comes over and casually sits on Sendi's lap. "Speaking of soldiers... Is that a dagger in your pocket or are you just enjoying my show?"
She slaps him playfully on the shoulder and stands back up. Sauntering suggestively to the rhythm of the musicians' playing, she moves to stand in front of Eldonna. Bringing out the scarf again, she opens it to reveal a deck of cards.
Fanning them out, she says while grinning, "You know the drill, Hon. Pick a card, look at it and put it back." Once the woman has done so, Farrina dances back to 'centerstage'. With a wave of her hands, the deck of cards vanishes.
"~She's jumped out of bed and she's pulled on her clothes
And straight to the hall door like lightening she goes
She's looked him once over and gave him a smack
And the bargain was struck: no more soldiering for Jack~
"~The wedding was over, the bride tolled the bell
Jack trimmed her sails five times and that pleased her well
She vowed to herself she was satisfied quite
But she still gives sly hints about nine times a night~"
"What am I missing?" Farrina says as she looks around. Her eyes alight on the serving set missing the sugar bowl. "Ah yes, wouldn't want anyone here to think I was the less-than-savory sort," she says with a bawdy wink. Pulling the scarf one more time, Farrina begins waving it over the serving set.
The bowl is still missing.
Looking perturbed, she mutters to herself, "So how does this work again? Hmmm... Oh, yes." She holds the scarf in front of her hand. She snaps her finger and draws it away revealing a sugar bowl with a card sticking out of the sugar. Plucking the card out of the bowl, she holds it up for all to see.
The Marriage.
She frowns slightly before her stage smile returns. Slipping the card into her sleeve, she walks slowly and confidently over to sit next Eldonna.
"~Says Jack, 'My dear bride, you mistook me quite wrong
I said to that family I did belong
Nine times a night's a bit hard for a man
I couldn't do it myself, but me sister she can'~"
Baroness Jarvis smiles warmly at Adolina. "I wouldn't miss it, Lady Jhaltero. I am always happy to support philanthropic efforts, especially in these troubling times. I appreciate your admiration."
Jarvis eyes the holy symbol around the paladin's neck. "Kurgess, is it? I wouldn't have pegged you for one of the Strong Man's devout followers. Indeed, you never struck me as the religious type."
***
The noble guests seem bemused by Farrina's performance, and even more so by Adolina's reaction to it. Archbaroness Aulamaxa seems particularly taken, giggling and snorting at the bawdiest of jokes.
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Jarvis eyes the holy symbol around the paladin's neck. "Kurgess, is it? I wouldn't have pegged you for one of the Strong Man's devout followers. Indeed, you never struck me as the religious type."
"I was attacked recently..." Adolina admits, "A cut-throat of some sort attacked me with a poisoned weapon. I very nearly died but fortunately some kind strangers carried me to Songbird Hall and as I lay there I had, well, a religious experience I suppose. When I awoke the poison was practically gone and the priests swore that it was not their doing. I can't say exactly what happened but this," She fiddles with her new holy symbol. "Felt right to me. I don't intend to set up as the circus strongwoman, but what Kurgess stands for: fair play, friendly competition and doing good, regardless of convention. Those things resonate with me, all the more so in these trying times."
She gives a slightly embarrassed chuckle. "I still feel strange talking about it. As you said I've never been the religious type but... well, I understand what the priests mean now. It's just so... right. For me at least."
"Of course. By the light of the Starstone, each individual must do what is right for them," Jarvis says with a sly wink. Adolina recognizes the oath as one popular among followers of Cayden Cailean.
Eliona is gobsmacked by Farrina's show, she herself enjoys it, but at first she was concerned with the reception it would receive. She makes a note to chastise Adolina later for not warning her to check the contents of the show before trusting Farina to go ahead.
If one good thing could come of this, she realises that the Baron Vashnarstill may well be impressed. Sidling up to Farrina, Eliona offers a small applause. "Bravo, that was most...courageous a performance." She offers. "Either way, I feel that if you can personally go and speak to Baron Vashnarstil, you are in with a good shot to convince him to give us his interest."
Eliona continues to carouse the guests and make polite conversation in the meanwhile, keeping an eye on the goings on around her.
Farrina smiles and tips her head at Eliona's compliment.
"The Baron, eh?" she replies, turning to look over the man more thoroughly. "He's a handsome enough sort. Just don't expect me to roll over for him. I have a feeling he'd get an unpleasant surprise." With a conspiratorial laugh, she saunters over to the noble.
"So, Baron," she says when she reaches his side and plops herself down in a chair next to him. "What did you think of my show? It's not a big hit at kids' parties, but my regular venues love me." She looks around at the gathered attendees. "This crowd would probably be more happy with something from Les Noces," she continues, referring to a well known elvish opera.
She closes her eyes for a moment and then takes a deep breath before singing the second stanza from the opening number of the second act in an entirely different voice.
"~Je vais l'épouser et nous serons heureux.
Je vais l'épouser et la vie sera un rêve.
Je vais l'épouser tous nous envieront.
Je vais l'épouser et la vie sera un rêve.~"
She holds the last note for a little over a minute before letting it fade out. She turns back to the man sitting next to her. "But where's the fun in giving people what they expect," she says with a grin.
"You are quite the sensation, Miss--Farrina, was it?" Baron Vashnarstill says with a grin. "I appreciate your skill with verbal acrobatics and innuendo. There are not many who can boast a silver tongue such as yours."
"Farrina the Fabulous," the Colorful One replies, holding out a hand to the man. "And aren't you just the flatterer." She chuckles. "I should warn you that praising my silver tongue - or anything else for that matter - will not let you slip in to my good graces. That takes applied effort ... over and over again." She winks at him. "Are you the kind of man who has that kind of stamina?"
"Stamina aside, though, we're looking for a few good men ... and women ... to aid us in our efforts to ... shall we say ... keep Kintargo for Kintargans. If you understand my meaning."
"I may be just that kind of man, indeed," Vashnarstill says with a sleazy grin. "I may be...sympathetic to your cause. Why don't you have a drink with me, and we can talk about just what that might entail?"
Tanjona continues to look uncomfortable, but at the least he snorts at Farrina's bawdy song.
"Reminds me of being shipboard."
Beyond that he glides through the crowd, keeping eyes going this way and that (sometimes simultaneously), watching for trouble, spies, poisoners...
"I may be just that kind of man, indeed," Vashnarstill says with a sleazy grin. "I may be...sympathetic to your cause. Why don't you have a drink with me, and we can talk about just what that might entail?"
"A drink sounds lovely," Farrina says with a grin. "Adolina!" she calls out and gestures for the woman to join them. "The Baron would like to have a drink with us and discuss the future of Kintargo," she says once the Lady d'Jhaltera steps over. She takes a sip of her bubbly and watches him over her glass.
Tanjona doesn't notice anybody dangerous lurking about the party.
Plying Baroness Jarvis and Baron Vashnarstill with drinks and conversation, you make your pitch to them about lending aid to the Silver Ravens. Both agree, citing their loyalty to the people of Kintargo over the cruel whims of Barzillai Thrune.
Now, all you have to do is convince Archbaroness Aulamaxa to join your cause and your task here will be complete.
Eliona walks forwards and places her hands on the two women's shoulders and stands between them, butting in. "Well she for sure wouldn't like my singing voice!" She says with a laugh. "Not sure if you remember that time at school I thought I'd serenade that boy across the street when I was young and Naive Adolina? Never lived that down!"
She looks across at the Archbaroness, "Not sure she would like your, unusual, but very unique and interesting, style though Farrina, perhaps something more....subtle?"