The little dragon makes a facepalm when he hears Zeta's ridiculous joke. You think she also started to say something about Mwangi, but Vellestir bit her ear almost imperceptibly and Zeta stops.
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During Nigel's conversation with Angela, Zeta tries to crack a joke, but Nigel seems to be bothered by her presence, as she does not endear to him. Still, he is polite enough to keep a smile on his face as he continues to talk with Angela, and adds-"I find whenever the Society goes, trouble follows. Best be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary!"-he says politely.
The boat eventually arrives on Pariol Island, and each guest lines up as the guards inspect for weapons, as security seems to be on high alert without reason. Rubanni seems to split off from Bedisa, as she advances to the front of the line. Whilst the nobles were inspecting simple patdowns, the guards seem to be on high alert and perform much through inspections.
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Angela gives an arched eyebrow at Nigel's word, before breaking into a tinkling laugh. "My good sir, I'm afraid you might have mistaken cause and effect! In my experience it tends to be trouble that attracts Pathfinders not vice versa. But I shall stay on my toes, and not just because I'm in heels!"
At the security inspection she submits her longspear and Extracts for examination and possible peace bonding though she openly demonstrates that her extracts are not harmful, pointing at the extensive labeling and then giving a comprehensive list of ingredients.
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After Angela has finished with her extensive inspection (I bet those guards weren't planning on being schooled like that!), Pai sets out her dagger, acid flask, and grappling hook. Each is artfully wrapped in lengths of fabric and a series of knots that would take some time to undo. She brightly announces: "That's all I've got!"
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The group eventually passes the security check without issue, and they are led to a pavilion tent that will serve as the venue for the welcome festivities - musicians play beautiful music, servants deliver processions of food and drink even more delicious than the previous ones!
The evening stars poke out from the sky, and lanterns of all colors are lit to provide an even prettier view of the whole celebration. It is at this time that the next guest of honor makes her appearance: a frail old woman, carrying herself with finesse, grace and class. She wears an elegant blue dress that's fit for a queen, and she says hello to everyone in the party, including the group. This woman is Hamaria Blakros, the matriarch of the Blakros family, and the mother of the bride.
She seems to spend most of the evening looking out for any conversations that are going poorly, and interjecting to save some of her family's representatives. If anything, her age seems to communicate the wisdom of someone who has danced this dance her whole life. With that said: The evening is yours for the taking! You have 2 opportunities to Influence or Learn about an NPC!
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Tsuan will grab an empty glass off of a serving tray and fill it with half water, half wine. Even the small amount of alcohol in the wine half is enough to turn her face beet red.
"Mishter ... Mister Bedard," she corrects. She plays up her inebriation just a bit for the socialites. "It is an honor to meet you."
"I've heard so much about the Andoran Peoples' Council. As I gather, you let the people - peasants and nobles alike - decide on legislative matters? How delightfully preposterous! What happens if people disagree?"
"I've been to Andoran only twice, and I regret to say it was not in the best circumstances. We visited the town of Wittlestone, razed by the pirate Du Moire. The Pathfinder Society did manage to recover some very valuable books but there were so many innocent lives lost. I also had occasion to visit the Arthfell Forest, where I joined other Pathfinders in clearing some blight."
"I'd love to visit sometime on a less life-or-death scenario. Where would you recommend I visit?"
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Angela informs Zeta and the rest of the group about how Nigel would probably love to be fawned over by a beautiful woman, and then wanders over to the finger food table, taking a few delicacies and setting her self up in a spot to watch the matron as she works the room, curious as to what makes Hamaria tick.
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Angela informs Zeta and the rest of the group about how Nigel would probably love to be fawned over by a beautiful woman...
A mischievous gleam in her eyes, Pai giggles: "Haha! Oh, I think I can give that a try!" She immediately weaves her way over to Nigel Aldain and begins to chat him up. "Hi! I'm Pai Shecks! You're Mr. Aldain, correct? I've really enjoyed my visits to the Blakros Musem. I go there to draw the artifacts. It's always interesting to think about the person who made each of those things: why the made them, how they did it--and even the mummies and other remains! I can't help trying to imagine what they were like when they were alive!"
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Bedisa will move up to Nigel as well. She is feeling rather dashing in her new outfit. She's not used to dressing up but she does feel beautiful.
As Pai is talking about going to the museum, Bedisa will try also try to talk.
I've only been to the museum twice. And neither visits were for pleasure. I believe you and I have met Nigel.. Bedisa will reach out for a handshake. A group of Pathfinders saved you from a haunted bone idol from the Mwangi. A shiver goes down Bedisa's spine. We also met briefly I believe when another group met in the attic of the museum to investigate the whereabouts of a missing colleague of yours.
When I'm back in Absolom, I'll need to go to the museum, not on a mission.. Bedisa will let out a laugh.
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Alexander seems overjoyed to meet yet another Pathfinder, as he recounts-"Ah, yes! The right to vote, extended to all Andoran! We take pride in this - for our government lets even the humblest of citizens speak up! Let their voices be heard!"-and bellows once more in a hearty laugh.
He seems surprised once Tsuan mentions her missions and says-"To think the Pathfinder Society were as well-traveled and well-intended as I've seen. Do you know Pai Shecks? Wonderful woman, that little one. Maybe she has helped Andoran too!"-he says as he turns to the crowd of nobles surrounding him. "Let it be known, friends! The Society has helped the good people of Andoran, and their spirit shines brightly today! The People's Council will return their help kindly!"-as he celebrates with a toast. The rest of the time slot is spent by Alexander Bedard showering Tsuan with names of contacts in the Andoren government, and explaining to her their agendas and ways to pull favors from them.
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Angela, on the other hand, takes a much more methodic approach, learning her prey's weaknesses before jumping into the fray. Her ears catch some gossip, as one of the guards say-"Can't believe we're guarding against some planar whatsamagic, Lady Hamaria is paranoid, I tell ya. How in the hell is a wedding going to be targeted by the Plane of Shadows? I didn't bring a nightlight to work"-looking at Hamaria but shrugging off his discontent. Angela's eyes also catch Hamaria Blakros furtively glancing towards guards and unguarded surroundings, directing them to cover said spots.
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Hskoro is able to approach Rubaani and start talking shop of his various exploits, and soon thereafter, Rubaani follows excited. The time slot is spent with them chatting about different sizes of beasts they've fought, duels they've had against other opponents, and even comparing armors (spoiler: Hskoro's is better) After a while, the head of security says-"To think you Pathfinders had as many adventures under your belt! You would think you'd spend all day dusting off tomes and playing your political games! I find your expertise admirable, Hskoro. Maybe sometime in the future I'll contact you if I need some extra muscle, friends invited of course."-she says with a firm handshake.
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Finally, on the other side of the ballroom, Pai and Bedisa team up on Nigel. When approached by Pai in her beautiful dress, he seems to blush a bit and say-"Ah yes, the curiosity of every curator. W-We can only look at the final product of the past's endeavors, not the hardships lived to get there."-unable to hide staring at the gnome's big, beautiful eyes.
When Bedisa starts talking too, he replies-"Ah yes, the Tik'Taan! To think one could be so careless so as to bring back home such cursed items. Thankfully, you were there to save me!"-with a small laugh. His eyes concentrating in Bedisa's beautiful face and magnificent wardrobe.
In the end, he says-"To think we've been together for so long, the Society and the museum. I know I might seem reticent to continue our relationship since it is fraught with peril. But as I see it now, that peril is the world's fault, not the Society's. As Miss Isafira said to me earlier, the Society has always been there to correct the catastrophe, not cause it."- with a gentle smile at both ladies.
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"Shall we talk to Hamaria together? Sounds like she could use some reassurance."
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Tsuan bows deeply as she introduces herself to Hamaria Blakros.
"It is our great honor to share this day with you," Tsuan says.
"I see you're very concerned about your security. I just wanted to let you know that I'm happy to help with anything you need."
Tsuan suddenly realizes that she's wearing a formal dress and appears to be unarmed.
"Oh, don't let the dress fool you! I snuck my weapons in!"
She notices Hamaria's raised eyebrows. Lai Tsuan, ngong gau!
"I mean ... the Pathfinder Society has plenty of resources at your disposal."
Tsuan suddenly has to pee.
"Please excuse me, I have to pee ... erm ... urinate ... um ..."
Tsuan cuts her losses and runs off.
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Bedisa sees Tsuan fumble while talking to the matriach.
My friend here is saying that she is very happy to be here. It's an honor to be invited to this wedding. Thank you for inviting us Pathfinders.
Bedisa will bow and then waits for a moment to see if Hamaria responds.
Is this your first child to be married? I'm sure you are very happy for her.
Also, if you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to ask.
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Angela does share the gossip with the rest of the group, commenting, "...and we should be on guard for threats from the shadow plane ourselves. She doesn't seem like the kind to worry unnecessarily, and there's an urgency that belies how important this could be."
She does nod a Tsuan's suggestion to tag team the woman, deciding to play her preferred part of supporter. She does give a small look of shock over the so far cool and collected woman blustering and then having to run away. Angela moves in as the woman leaves and bows deeply. "Apologies for my friend's actions. She's been telling me all night how honored she was to be here and how she desperately wanted to meet you. I think she truly wanted to be helpful but became a little star-struck by your auspicious personage. But if you want we would be glad to help with defense if need comes to it. We may be dressed up for the festivities but I assure you the Pathfinders here are competent fighters if the need be... Even if we were shortsighted enough to sneak in weapons and then tell the organizer about it. She is not going to hurt anyone, unless there is conflict, of I'll drag her out of here by the ears and have paperwork for formal, monetary, reparations ready in 10 minutes flat."
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With so many teammates converging on Ms. Blakros, Pai decides to finally go hang out with the life of the party. She sweeps toward Jeon Raeng-Woo with a rustling of fine silk, coquettishly fiddling with the emerald green tassel at her waist. Eyes twinkling merrily, she declares: "Now here is a man who knows how to enjoy a party! I'm Pai Shecks, by the way. Care to dance?" With a wink, she tugs a little on the tassel, and the hem of her dress rises a few inches into perfectly tailored swags. She leans forward and stage whispers: "A little more room to move never hurt anyone on the dance floor, right?"
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"Unbelievably. This is my first visit to this famous family that owns this famous Museum!... And for the first time at such a social event. Vellestir, look at these decorations! Look at those chandeliers! Or on that necklace! What beauty..."
You can see how a powerful warriores looks at this place with a completely childish expression in her eyes.
"Oh. Okay. I'll take care of our business as usual."
A miniature dragon on his dragonfly wings flies closer to the matriarch of the family and begins to watch her closely. He doesn't know much about people's motivations, but he might just notice a reaction to something or a peek in a particular direction... In general, something that Zeta can use to make an impression.
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Tsuan's blunder is quickly covered by both Bedisa and Angela, who put themselves on the line by associating themselves with the words uttered by Tsuan. Hamaria Blakros is about to call the guards on her, but Angela's reassuring words are enough to save face.
With the woman calm, Hskoro tries to use the museum angle on her, but she replies-"That dreaded museum is more harm than good, if you ask me. Most of our enemies have been earned by stocking up that place! And for what? It seems no matter how many times the Pathfinder Society says it is under their protection, the evil organizations of this world consider it schoolyard taunts, and come back again in half a year."-in disgust, seemingly remembering some bad incidents in the museum that might predate some of your careers.
She takes some distance and whispers some things to a guard, which Vellestir overhears-"Make sure all doors are covered! We don't want another attack from that dreaded Onyx Alliance!"-and returns to the conversation with the Pathfinders.
Bedisa makes her move, this time congratulating her on the marriage of her daughter, to which she responds with a smile-"Ah yes, my sweet Michellia, finally ready to settle down. To think her rebellious attitude would finally be quelled, and that a fine young man such as Damian Kastner would step in. I am very much looking forward to his dowry!"-with a chuckle. She seems to respond well to reminders of her family, as she continues to chat with Bedisa about Michellia's childhood.
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Whilst one side of the party is observing the tense exchange between Hamaria Blakros and the Pathfinders, the other is watching in awe the most awesome dance this island's ever seen. Apart from being an excellent merchant, Jeong seems to be equally talented in a particular Tian dance, which he calls "Dance of the Dragon", which he helps Pai learn on the fly. Movements include somersaults, standing upside down and spinning, throwing Pai in the air, and rhythmic claps that follow a song that's mired in fast-paced changes of beat. The dance ends in a dramatic beat drop, with Jaeng hoisting Pai in one palm, legs extended upwards, and the gnome striking the same pose whilst standing on his palm.
A very intense but beautiful dance later, Pai seems to be exchanging stories with Jeong over a bottle of champagne. The merchant says-"To think a mercenary would care so much about fun! Sorry, not mercenary...road-discoverer, yes!"-seemingly used to talking in Tien with Tsuan-"And to think so much energy could fit inside a small woman such as yourself! Simply amazing, I say! A woman who knows how to party is welcome anytime in our docks!"-as he starts telling Pai about the best merchants in Tian Xia, how to get to them and even asking her about visiting sometime, so he can show her around!
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Angela's extensive knowledge on the Society's records would reveal some interesting info that's been kept locked away in the Chronicles, for not being very useful for the current mission roster: during the last few months, the Society has been keeping tabs on the Onyx Alliance, infiltrating some minor cells with fetchling agents. The reports from these spies show the Alliance is currently concentrating on Katapesh, and the spies do not see any indication of an attack against the Blakros, Absalom nor the Society.
Bedisa's tight connections to Pathfinders working in Cheliax would identify Damian Kastner as a field-maralictor in the Hellknight Order of the Scourge - a hard and calculating man who has worked hard to climb the difficult hierarchy of the order. However, an encounter with Zarta Dralneen (the leader of the Dark Archive faction) ended with him being manipulated into attending a Pathfinder celebration and meeting Michellia Blakros, impressing the family and jumpstarting the marriage.
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Whilst one side of the party is observing the tense exchange between Hamaria Blakros and one of the Pathfinders ...
Tsuan exits the tent for a bit. She finds an isolated tree and flings a shuriken at it until she feels better.
She returns just in time to see Pai doing the Dragon Dance! She feels better almost immediately, and toasts Pai and Raeng-Woo.
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The dragon instructs Zeta directly in the ear. She nods, glancing once or twice at the lady of the house. You realize during the trip that Zeta is not very attentive or restrained in her impulses, but still smart and once grasping an idea, can implement it in great detail.
'Lady Hamaria, my compliments. My name is Zeta Forli. I don't know much about high society... But I am another experienced warrior and another sharp-eyed one who will make sure that the Onyx Alliance does not harm this holiday in any way. Yes, of course, our Society is aware of everything. And we have always been and will always be friends of your family that you can rely on.'
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Zeta's words seem well-aimed, but her delivery and general disposition seems to rub Hamaria the wrong way, as she says-"We will need something better than muscle, I'm afraid, Miss Forli. I am certain your Society provides more than that, but would helping us by in line with the Decemvirate's wishes? I must say, I simply cannot support myself in an organization ruled by masked men!"-she says giggling and continue to talk.
Before the group is able to get another word in, Hamaria pipes up, striking her champagne glass with a fork and saying-"Everyone! I must thank you for being such wonderful guests. My sweet little Michellia is eager to show herself tomorrow, and show off the wonderful dress she's picked for herself. Alas, you must wait a night before seeing her in all her glory. I declare the festivities have ended! I will see you all tomorrow morning in the chapel!"-she says with a bow, followed by the whole group of attendees clapping.
You are all ushered into your rooms, and left to reminisce about the events that have transpired. Despite the high class of the event, Valsin was only able to get you a single room for you all - the ladies one by one change from their formal attire into pajamas in the bathroom, and you are all left to discuss your strategy for tomorrow whilst lying down to rest.
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Angela smiles some at Tsuan's comment, adding in jokingly, "Oh, Is that why you ran off to the restroom like that? I had wondered why!"
Her face then turns serious, "Alright let's talk strategy for tomorrow. First we should probably make sure that things between us and Hamaria are okay, and I'm worried about the Onyx Alliance trying something. They've been active recently and if they have beef with the Blackros Family tomorrow would be the best opportunity to take advantage of that. Hrmm are there any spells the might be good to prepare for tomorrow..."
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"Well, if they try anything, how likely is it to be an actual attack? I mean, really? 'Cause I don't know much about them. Will they try to mess things up in a more subtle way? Honestly, I'm happy to zap their backsides if they try anything, but I guess that approach depends on how they try to do it. I'm assuming it's going to happen, by the way, one way or another. There's no way Lady Blakros be that paranoid without a good reason, not with all the security she's got here. Pai chatters away as her feet dangle casually over the side of the bed.
"I will say even more. Even if she is paranoid for no reason, such efforts are bound to lead to trouble. The law of conservation and cycling of universal energy in action." The dragon makes a circle around the room and hovering in the center, reports in a bass voice: "We definitely need to be ready to protect this place with weapons in hand..."
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The group falls asleep as they continue talking, dozing off to get some well-deserved rest. When the rooster cuckoos, the group rises to see Pariol island covered in bright sunshine, comparable to the lushest tropical resorts.
With that, the group takes turns taking showers, getting changed and easing themselves back into their most formal, charming personas! The group arrives right on time, as the guests seem to be gathering in front of the reception tent. A queue of nearly a hundred guests stretches along the winding path through the woods from the guest accommodations to the location of the wedding itself, with each guest arranged in order of rank and prestige.
One particular individual seems to stand out from the rest - a Chelaxian man with a pale complexion, wearing a black overcoat and walking with a cane. He introduces himself as Tancred Desimire, representative of the Chelish government and cousin of the groom.
Without time to converse with him, the crowd starts moving. The procession makes its way approximately a mile to the northwest, ending at an opulent, open-air chapel carved out of cedar and wreathed with colorful flowers and laurel leaves. Atop a high bluff overlooking the Inner Sea, the chapel sets a scene of wealth and beauty few families in the region could afford to build specifically for their child's wedding. Rows of comfortable pews stand facing the chapel, providing guests in attendance with a view not only of the ceremony and the vista beyond, but also of those other guests who were granted better positions because of their social station.
The party is seated in the third row, a very respectable position, perhaps changed at the last minute because of how well they did yesterday. As soon as all guests are seated, a gong rings out as a man enters the chapel, dressed in white and gold cloths, wearing a dangling golden key as a necklace, clearly a priest of Abadar.
He reaches the podium and says-"I welcome you all to this chapel, as Abadar once did into his cities. We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Michellia Blakros, heir to the Blakros family, and Damien Kastner, ex-field-maralictor in service of the Order of the Scourge."-as he continues giving a sermon about the duty of nobility in matters political and economic, and heaps praise upon the Blakroses for their contributions to Absalom and the entire Inner Sea region over the centuries. His praise for the groom and his family is noticeably more understated, and while he seems approving of the Hellknights in theory, the speech includes a number of underhanded jabs at Cheliax and those who use law as an excuse to cause pain and suffering in others.
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This is the first time Tsuan's been to an Avistani wedding, so she's a little puzzled why everyone is sitting here listening to loquacious priests and private vows, instead of eating a banquet and drinking.
She also thinks it's funny that the bride is dressed in funeral clothes.
Gwai loh chi sin!
Tsuan asks her fellow Pathfinders if they know anything about the Order of the Scourge and tries to pay attention as best as she can.
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...the speech includes a number of underhanded jabs at Cheliax and those who use law as an excuse to cause pain and suffering in others.
Pai catches herself nodding enthusiastically and realizes with a start that *maybe*, considering the social priorities of this mission, she *probably* ought to *pretend* to not hate Chelaxians and all that. Maybe. She stops nodding and instead puts on a gloomy, pouty face. It stays in place for about 2.3 minutes before she's distracted by the vista behind the priest, and then the exquisite gown of a woman in the front row, and then (giggle!) the comically buttoned gown of the woman sitting in the pew ahead of her and to the left a bit. Why didn't anyone tell her that her buttons aren't lined up? She looks ridiculous! Heehee! It's all Pai can do to keep her giggles silent. She nudges Angela and points out the lady's mistake.
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Bedisa sits idly, only half paying attention. She starts to day dream about spirits and how everyone is connected. Why do I keep getting involved with the Blakroses.
As Pai pokes Angela and points and a ladies dress, Bedisa lets out a small chuckle before realizing it probably wasn't the best time. The priest had just did one of his underhanded jabs at Chelliax. Hope no one noticed that.
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At the conclusion of the sermon, Damian Kastner walks forth from the entryway, garbed in the finest of ceremonial Hellknight armor. To honor the groom, a Hellknight rises from the chapel's second row and delivers his own speech, which consists primarily of recounting of specific operations Kastner oversaw as a field-maralictor, and a list of over two dozen noted criminals from throughout the Inner Sea that he is credited with apprehending or killing. With much fanfare and adulation, Michellia Blakros proceeds down the aisle, followed by an entourage of doting attendants who maintain her elaborate dress and 6-foot train.
The bride takes Kastner's hands as the Abadaran high priest again takes the pulpit, now espousing the importance of adhering to the contract ofnmarriage and the significance that such a long-lasting agreement holds. As the sermon draws to an end, the priest looks over the assembled witnesses and asks, "Do any here object to this union, sanctified by the great Judge of the Gods, or know of any reason this contract cannot be entered into by either party?"
A hush overtakes the room, and for a brief moment it seems that everything is all right, until a voice breaks from the crowd. "I do!" The protester is Alexander Bedard. "Be not fools, friends! This is not a marriage of love, and the sacred oath this pair will soon take is but a means to a political end. Michellia Blakros doesn't love this man, and what the groom feels for his bride seems immaterial to these proceedings. The great nation of Andoran has shown in its short existence that every man or woman should be free, and this wedding spits in the face of that belief. This couple should not be bound to one another over a lie for mere political gain. I, Alexander Bedard of the Andoren People's Council, protest!"
Bedard sits down after giving his monologue, and confused and angry murmurs begin to erupt from the crowd. Michellia looks irate at the spectacle her wedding has just become, and Kastner maintains a cool face of steely anger. Suddenly, the murmurs start to slowly turn into laughs, but just before laughter erupts, the Pathfinders have a moment to raise their voice...will they?
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Pai immediately jumps up and remonstrates him: "Whoa, dude! So not cool! I mean, yeah, you have a point, but really! That's the sort of thing you discuss in private before hand. Not during the actual wedding ceremony! And speaking of 'every man and woman being free,' don't you think these two adults ought to be free to make their own choices? Or are they only allowed to do that if they agree with you?" She puts her hands on her hips, huffs, and almost glares at him. Yeah, he has a point, but for REALS, MAN! This is not the way to make it!
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Angela is a bit surprised to run into Tancred here, and very quickly stops to try offering him her card. She uncharacteristically digs through her pockets for a bit looking for her business card case, inadverdently pulling out and showing off a token stamped with the symbol of House Thrune signifying her favor in the eyes of Cheliax’s ruling house. She then finds her case and hands him a card. With a smile she moves on, but pulls everyone aside as soon as she can. "Beware that man. He's probably not going to do any good here. He was behind making Zarta Draleen an enemy of Cheliax and had her presence in the records erased for a time."
She takes her seat in the chapel, glad to see that an Abadar Priest is presiding over the event. She sees what Pai points out to her and smiles more at the gnome's antics than the actual buttoning, though the image is certainly funny.
When Bedard stands up to make his announcement, Angela's face drops into a look of anger. She stands up, realizes she's not quite tall enough and looks over to Bedisa to see if the woman would be willing to lift her up. She glowers at the Andoran man, waiting for Pai to finish her remonstration. "There are times and places for everything. This was not a very appropriate time nor place for that good sir. First, despite the seeming intent for the best wishes of the couple, that was a purely political power play. You're going to use a wedding ceremony to power your politics? I surely hope you realize how much that probably hurt your position, showing you care little for the people you expose should be free, instead trying to force your politics at every opportunity. Finally, there is no saying, as Pai has said, that this is not something that the couple agreed to of their own free will. There is a great deal more to what went into this marriage than you and I will ever see or know. So next time you have a chance to speak up at a wedding I would sorely hope you avoid trying to take a political stance about it!"
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Bedisa rolls her eyes when Bedard stands up. Pai shoots up and starts berating him. After, Angela looks to Bedisa to help her up. Bedisa stands up, lifts up Angela and puts the halfling on her shoulder.
After Angela finishes, Bedisa will put her down. You know, they're right. This is not the right time nor place to be pushing your agenda. If you want to talk more after the ceremony about liberties and freedoms, we'd be more than happy to sit down and talk. But for now, sit down and be quiet.
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Both Pai and Angela look back in disgust at Alexander's words, without saying anything, both of their bodies are hoisted up by Bedisa and Hskoro, in a fluid motion resembling a concert stage mechanism.
As both small ladies are in everyone's eyes, they deliver their reprimands swiftly and effectively, and some attendees even clap when they are finished, the claps getting stronger as Bedisa gives the ultimatum. Some attendees mutter-"Serves him right to get called out, I can't stand Andorans making everything about us vs them."-whilst others whisper-"Heard the Pathfinders were invited. Seems like they're buddy-buddies with the Blakroses!"-looking at you. The diplomat is left at a loss of words, and sits down angrily. It is almost palpable the feeling of your Influence over him crashing down to zero. On the other hand, looking at the front row, you see Hamaria Blakros nodding approvingly, smiling at both Angela, Pai and Bedisa.
Once the whispers slow down, the priest continues the ceremony-"Let it be known that your marriage will withstand the test of time. In Abadar's holy gaze, and with much joy, I declare you husband and wife."-followed by a gesture, and Damien and Michellia kissing.
Claps all around fill the chapel, and the mercenaries quickly usher you to the next step of this ceremony - the Reception! The attendees are seated one by one in round tables covered in fine silk cloths, and served on top are the most exquisite entrees you can think of, exotic in both ingredients and preparation. After you finish your entrees, the main dishes are served in a buffet of myriads of colors and tastes. Through some strings being pulled, and your marvelous performance yesterday, your table is at perfect conversation distance of other important guests, and you find you have ample time to chat with any of them as you approach and use the buffet. Except for Hamaria, who is absent during this time.
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Tsuan approaches Alexander Bedard again.
"It would be nice if people married for love, truly, it would be. But people get married for many reasons, and political expedience - no matter how much it runs against Andoran values - is a popular one."
Tsuan leans in a little closer.
"I'll tell you a little secret. My family wants me to settle down and marry. They've selected a man who I've been assured is an upstanding gentleman of a powerful family. Everything I've been taught says this is a remarkable achievement for my family. I've never met him, but it's all but a done deal. I would love to live in your world, one where I'd be able to choose for myself. But it is not to be. Your ways may be the ways of the future, but it is not the way of the present."
Tsuan curtsies politely.
"Thank you for trying to make this world a better place. Maybe someday, the world will see Andoran's leadership in letting people make their own choices."
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Pai is deeply conflicted about how harsh her words were towards Alexander Bedard. Honestly, she feels much the same way about marriage in general, and wouldn't be a bit surprised if this was just a marriage for political power. But still... She wishes she had a bit of parchment and a quill so she could write him an apology and not have to face him. Instead, she barely picks at her food as she composes her words in her head. Finally she shakes her head and mumbles: "Forget it. I'll never get it right. Just do it." Taking a deep breath, she stands and marches over to Mr. Bedard.
Clearing her throat nervously, she suddenly blurts out in a rush: "I need to take my own advice, you know. About when and how to say things. 'Cause I blew it back there. Sorry I was so harsh. In front of everybody... Umm... Sorry." She can't bring herself to look him in the eye, just *knowing* that he's staring down at her in cold fury. After a brief, awkward pause, she bobs a little curtsy and scuttles back to her seat.