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"Gods I do love it when an ambush gets turned back on the foe. Well done, all!" Marius grins almost boyishly, his pleasure at the outcome clear. "If this is the Earl's notion of a counterattack I think we have little to feat, Rose. He'll need to be a good deal cleverer than this if he wishes to thwart us now or later."
"Great job, everyone! I daresay all of this couldn't have gone any better! Feels like I could have sat this last bit out - Like Marius," she adds with a wink.
Marius scoffs good-naturedly. "Nonsense, like any good commander Lotti knew to keep her best weapon in reserve!"
"Time to celebrate indeed," says Konstiantina to Rose, her eyes shining, her cheeks flushed with the joy of victorious battle. "I believe this calls for several pitchers of juice, perhaps even a dessert or two before the main course."
For a moment she maintains her composure, and then she fails to restrain a crooked grin, and socks the other woman gently on the shoulder. "I jest! The juice, of course, should be fortified."
With that she hops down from the crate in an excess of exuberance, completely forgetting her wounded leg, and staggers for a moment, clutching at Marius' arm as she catches her balance. She flashes him an apologetic smile, and then smooths down her robes.
"Excellent work, everyone. We played that as smoothly as old hands. I must admit, for a moment I almost felt sorry for the Earl. Almost."
This is the most unrestrained the group has seen Konstiantina thus far, and though she still wears her inherent dignity like a cloak, there's a glimmer of the young woman she is beneath her mantle of divine blessing. Linking her arm with Marius', she begins strolling forward into the festival. "I believe we've earned a moment's celebration, don't you all? A chance to spend a few coppers on delicacies and idle competitions? I say we enjoy Ridonport for an hour or two before returning to the courts and closing our affairs with the magistrate."
Catching Konstiantina by the arm to steady her, consternation and concern flash across the former soldier's face. "Gods above, your injury! Please forgive me I should have done this half a day ago..."
His expression melts back into that boyish grin as the paladin links arms, and he lets himself be lead to the festival.
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"Nonsense, like any good commander Lotti knew to keep her best weapon in reserve!"
”That boy gives me far too much credit as a commanding officer,” Lotti remarks to Wobblekins. ”I won’t comment on the credit he gives himself.” She watches the other “conspirators” head off to the market square before dusting her skirts. ”Right - I’d hate to see the earl left without his hired help after such a public humiliation. What do you think, Your Grace?”
The gnome heads instead to the docks, passing handfuls of coins to a few select sailors along with folded notes detailing who might be asking for their assistance with leaving town soon and how they might recognize them. Then she heads to the market square as well, stopping by various sellers of root vegetables and rough cloth with similar bundles of coins and notes. ”One more stop...”
Several hours (and several glamours) later, Lotti stands outside the Earl’s residence with a basket of laundry on her hip and a young woman at her side. ”...tell them your grandmama sent you to find something special and they’ll know what to do,” she whispers. ”They’ll have red flowers on their jackets so you can recognize who’s safe to approach. Remember to not leave all at once, and you know who to trust and who to keep in the dark.” She kisses the young woman gently on the forehead. ”Shadows cloak you.” With that, the elderly gnome sets her plot in motion and heads back to the Erallan estate.
As most of the group enjoy the delicacies available from food carts and food stalls, washed down with fortified grape or hops juice, Lotti helps the Earl's servant to better employment opportunities, while also doing a little reconnaissance on the side.
As she arrives at the Earl's mansion, she finds a couple of hundred of Ridonport's residents gathered in front of the ornate gates, demanding answers. Lotti's protégé makes her way in through the service entrance and finds the servants milling around uncertainly. Some of them fear that the mob would break in and are securing valuables away, others are clustering in the kitchen or in the hallways, talking animatedly as they try to figure out what to do. According to them, the Earl arrived in a hurry a couple of hours ago, and as the crowd started to gather outside he was shouting at them from a second story window, but for the last quarter of an hour no one has seen him or heard from him.
The magistrate is in her office, filling in paperwork. She rises as you enter, and motions you to take a seat on various chairs scattered around her desk. "Well! It has been an eventful couple of days, all thanks to you sticking your noses in Ridonport's business." Her amused expression belies her words, and she even looks a little smug. "I can't say it hasn't been satisfying to see the Earl taken down a peg or two, and I wanted to thank you for your bravery and your hard work."
She pulls open a drawer and takes out a velvet pouch from it, placing it on the desk and pulling at the silk ribbons holding it closed. She turns the pouch upside down over her open palm that catches the object that was inside - a golden cloak clasp decorated with beads of obsidian. "I would like you to have this. It will hopefully protect you in your future... endeavours. If you continue this track record of antagonizing powerful nobles, you will likely need this protection."
She extends her hand to each of you to shake. "I won't keep you any longer. I wish you the best, and should you ever need any help or advice please call on me. I will do my best to aid you, if it is within my means." After a brief pause, she adds, "And if it doesn't break any laws."
"Our deepest thanks for everything, your Honor. Your assistance was critical both in the investigation and at the faire."
Rose shaked the judge's hand and accepts the brooch. When she steps away, she glances over her shoulder to where the river pirates were.
"If I may ask, about these bandits... I'm somewhat curious about what will happen to those we caught. Is there anything more to why they were removed from the navy? Any particular reason they resorted to theft, or why Miss Gnar decided not to return from her leave of absense? What sort of punishment do you expect they'll receive? I was forced to publicly villify them during the verbal duel with the Earl, and it weighs on my conscience."
Rose does not spot the river pirates in the magistrate's office, as they are currently in the jail below, awaiting trial. Joleana rubs the bridge of her nose and pushes her glasses up a notch.
"I could say that it is due to the degradation of morals in the younger generations," a wry look indicates that this is nothing more than self-irony, "but the truth is that many of the common folk are struggling these days. Tandak used to grow more than grasses and thorny shrubs... and trees, I suppose, although there is a lot less of those as well now. If you don't work in the shipyards of Cassomir, or for one of the suppliers for the Navy, it's difficult to make a living out there." She sighs, pushing idly at her teacup that sits on the desk in front of her. "With the recent political unrest in the region, you must have heard the story of the previous Grand Duke, yes? It wasn't just that he made a up a preposterous story about his title, he used it to get a good deal of unpaid labour from the people. So these days some of them tend to feel a little less loyalty to nobles, and have less respect for authority."
She rises to pour herself another cup of tea. "The short of it is, I don't know why they did why they did, but I will certainly endeavour to find out. And it is very kind of you to feel responsible for their fate like that, but we are all grown people and have to face the consequences of our own decisions. As to the punishment, they'll have the choice of a few years of unpaid labour - community service, if you will - or spending a much longer term in prison."
"Yes, I know the tale; one more in a long line of entitled nobles abusing their priveledge and the lives they ruin on the way, I suppose."
She pulls her leather gauntlet on a little too tight, shaking her head. "Thank you for answering, though. That sentence sounds fair indeed. Fare well, your honor."
A formal bow is given as a sign of respect, and she walks away. "Anyone else have unfinished business here? If not, I'd like to pull a cab to the estate to eat, sleep and start packing for the return journey. We've been up for... thirtyfive hours now? And I'm, ah, sure our scents could be a bit better following our 'explorations' as well."
"I would like to add my thanks as well, Magistrate. Please know that while I cannot speak for House Erallan in its entirety, you have an ally there if ever need one."
After taking your leave from Magistrate Tantriano, you return at the Erallan estate for some well-deserved rest and recuperation, sending a servant to book you places on the first ship leaving to Oppara. They return with the news that three cabins have been reserved for you on Witch of the Waves, leaving port tomorrow morning.
After a night's rest and saying your farewells to the friends you have made in Ridonport, you board the Witch for an uneventful journey back to Oppara. As you disembark in Westport soon after noon, a messengers who seems to have been waiting for you on the docks hands you a note.
The note reads:
"Congratulations on a job well-done! Meet me at Buns Blazing in western Grandbridge tomorrow for breakfast.
M."
Rose mostly spends the return trip out on the deck, aiding with some deck chores if she can to pass the time constructively, otherwise simply enjoying the endless blue and the breeze. She attempts to seek out a conversation with Mirann or Lotti especially if the opportunity presents, to try and learn a bit more about who they were and why they joined 'this trip' (Martella's Mission). There hadn't been that much opportunity to interact with them compared to Marius or Konstiantina, after all. If allowed, she'll climb up to the crow's nest to enjoy the expanded view at least once.
When the ship docks and they receive the note, she chuckles but waits for the messenger to leave before discussing anything. "Can't fault our patron for lack of awareness, that's for sure. Must have been an impressive combination of magic and logistics to get the message out here before us."
Glancing over the busy port and towards the city center, she sighs. "Well, I'm afraid this is where we part ways for now. Still, it was a pleasure to be working with all of you. See you at the final debriefing tomorrow?"
She does a curtsy towards the group, smiles briefly and turns to leave.
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Lotti grins and returns the curtsey. ”Are you certain you’re not hiding a gaggle of down-on-their-luck scallywags under those skirts?” she teases the taller woman with a grin. ”Should I warn the good captain to check her crew for any sailors you might have scooped up and pressed into your own service? I do feel that it’s my duty as your elder to remind you that stealing from the Crown is quite the offense.”
Turning back to the ship, the little gnome looks up at the rigging and scowls. ”I don’t suppose one of you young folks would be willing to go get His Grace down from atop the mainsail again?”
Barely visible from the deck, a small brown furball cleans himself contentedly - pausing only to yell at a seagull flying too close to his perch.
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Lotti grins and returns the curtsey. ”Are you certain you’re not hiding a gaggle of down-on-their-luck scallywags under those skirts?” she teases the taller woman with a grin. ”Should I warn the good captain to check her crew for any sailors you might have scooped up and pressed into your own service?”
"Why, Lotti, are you suggesting my waistline is wide enough to hide at least *four* human adults? How rude! Vendetta's have been fought over less!" Rose answers in mock shock.
She grins and calls back towards the sails. "Oh, Sir Wobblekins~! Lotti said she'd buy you lots of fresh tuna if you come down now!"
Mirann blushes and deflects conversation about her wants and motivations. "Iiiiii, wanted to?" is the most Rose is able to eke out of her without the dancer turning the question back on Rose, or without being extremely blunt or pointed. When asked for her thoughts on their adventures so far, she sighs wistfully. "I do wish," she lies, "that we could have fought a few more people. It was exhilarating."
"I do wish," she lies, "that we could have fought a few more people. It was exhilarating."
"That's only because no one died," Marius remarks from his spot by the railing. Leery of saltwater, the nobleman has left his jacket and waistcoat in his cabin and rolled up his shirt-sleeves past his elbows. "Real fights are--well, they are exhilarating, I'll grant you that--but there's also a good deal of terror and pain and mess as well." He frowns out at the horizon. "I can't say I'm disappointed there was none of that in my hometown."
"I can't say I'm disappointed there was none of that in my hometown."
Rose simply nods along with Marius' assessment. "None that we know of, at least. I wonder how things ended up for the Earl in the end, though I suspect we'll know shortly."
Turning back towards Mirann, she frowns, unsure what to make of her earlier statement. "Really? I'm surprised. I figured you were more of a... 'subtle' brand. Though I guess few things are more dangerous than a sudden dagger in one's back."
She contemplates something towards the horizon for a moment. "I've been meaning to ask earlier, but it sounded like you had a grudge of some kind against nobles. Had any particularly bad experiences with them? If so, I can relate to some degree. Ever been unfortunate enough to witness one torturing imported pleasure slaves for fun? That's where our tax goes nowadays."
She grimaces as if remembering a particularly unpleasant memory.
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====================
The next morning, you make your way to Grandbridge - the largest district in Oppara, spanning the central canal, a mercantile district that hosts the infrastructure needed to take advantage of the capital's international trade. The location given to you is in a less posh neighbourhood than the café where you first met Martella Lotheed, a small bakery nestled between the office of an import-export company and a bureau for currency exchange, with a few tables set inside, all of the occupied. The proprietor, a middle-aged gnome woman in a flour-dusted apron, greets you and directs you through a pair of thick curtains into a back room, where a hearty breakfast is laid out on a large rectangular table flanked by two wooden benches.
Lady Martella is already there, reading the morning paper and sipping her tea. A hand-sized mechanical brass cricket buzzes quietly on the table beside her. She looks up as you enter.
"Ah, and what a good morning! Come, sit, have a bite and tell me everything! I have had my reports, of course, but I want to hear your impressions."
Rose, wearing a comfortable magenta poncho with Varisian flower motives today, enters by herself but stops at the gnomish woman on the way in, giving her a polite bow. "Excuse me. Is that you, Lotti?" she asks, knowing full well there was little chance she'd see through her shapeshifting disguise if it were. But manners had to be upheld!
After being told one way or another, she makes her way over to the back room. "It certainly is a good one - what with Andorran cheese and presumably Qadiran mustard! How thoughtful. Don't worry - I won't ask how you know, dear patron! ...Since 'someone' was inside my lunchbox ten or so days ago."
She offers a quick grin at the older woman and offers to pour tea for potentially already present members who don't have it yet. "Say, do you really not already know everything or is this just you being polite to us?"
"Excuse me. Is that you, Lotti?"
"If only," the elderly woman sighs as she folds away her needlework and picks up the saucer from under the table she'd been seated at. "Shuma's blazing buns are works of art, and mine are but merely functional." She winks at the proprietor and follows the taller woman into the back room. "If you keep winding around my legs like that, Your Grace, I'm afraid I may very well spill your cream all over the floor and then you shan't have any left."
Wobblekins's pitiful cries come to an abrupt stop as he spots the mechanical insect buzzing on the table. Ears back, tail swishing, crouching down low to the ground, he begins to hunt his newfound prey.
The gnome bobs a quick curtsy to Rose: "No, ma'am, I'm Shuma. Welcome to my establishment."[/b]
In the back room, Martella smiles widely at the other woman's appreciation of the breakfast spread. "You flatter me, dear Rose. I know a number of things already, but I'm looking for your thoughts on it, the particular... flavour of storytelling, if you will."
She reaches into a skirt pocket, pulling out two letters. "With regards to what I already know, I have received two missives." She smooths the parchment rectangles on the table, allowing you a glimpse of a few words written in a neat and precise script on the top letter. "One is from our lovely Cincia, who informs me that museum is doing much better now without a certain meddling influence. She also mentions that she has commissioned a brass plaque that names you all as Arnisant Museum Patrons." Martella raises an eyebrow appreciatively.
"The other one is from Count Zespire." She pulls out the second letter, much shorter and written in a heavier hand. "He expresses his gratitude for alleviating the canal piracy that had been plaguing his shipments. And he doesn't say it, but I'm sure he is also very grateful for taking a certain personage down a peg or two." She leans forward, crossing her hands over the letters and speaking in a stage whisper. "And speaking of, my dear, what delicious, scandalous rumours are coming out of Ridonport! Why, they say the Earl had to climb out of a chimney to escape his estate, and he was spotted fleeing eastwards, soot-smeared and with only one boot, astride a stolen draft horse." Her dark eyes glitter with amusement.
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"I have had my reports, of course, but I want to hear your impressions."
"Well, you were spot on with your predictions of the Earl's misbehavior," Lotti answers as she accepts a cup that, while smaller than the other ones, is still slightly too large for her to hold with one hand. "Though I suppose it's not quite as impressive to predict a sure thing."
The gnome pauses to smell the tea, sighing happily. "The townsfolk certainly picked up which way the wind was blowing at that wasteful Heritage Day ceremony or whatever he called his excuse for showboating," she continues. "Made-Up-Facts Day would be more accurate. I heard he had quite the crowd outside his estate when we left town. I doubt they were there to hear more of his delightful Alternative-History Day speeches, but I suppose we'll never know." She looks up at her noble patron over the rim of her cup, eyes twinkling with mirth as she waits for Martella to "catch them up to speed on things".
"And speaking of, my dear, what delicious, scandalous rumours are coming out of Ridonport! Why, they say the Earl had to climb out of a chimney to escape his estate, and he was spotted fleeing eastwards, soot-smeared and with only one boot, astride a stolen draft horse."
"You never disappoint, my Lady," Lotti replies, sipping her tea to hide the grin on her face.
When the earl's escape is discussed, Rose can't help but laugh and she chokes on her beverage, in pure mirth at the image. What follows is a few seconds in which she stammers an apology throughout the chuckles, blushing slightly.
"You flatter me, dear Rose. I know a number of things already, but I'm looking for your thoughts on it, the particular... flavour of storytelling, if you will."
"I think Lotti said it best. Your information was pretty much spot on. At the museum, Cincia knew exactly which other people to talk to in order to prove the connection, and they all cooperated without too much convincing. It was almost too convenient, really," she explains after regaining composure, and on the last bit she lands an inquisitive look at Martella.
"But perhaps I'm selling us short. In my estimation, everyone did well here, from talking -" She looks round to the door, to make sure it was closed and no one could walk in on inconvenient information this time. - "The local magistrate, the shipwright and the chandler into helping us, to bluffing our way into obtaining critical documents without fighting, and then subduing the bandits. And the final confrontation where our villain finally got his just desserts was priceless!"
She sits forward and prepares to elaborate. "Unless anyone here objects to sharing how we worked, I suppose I could share the detais..."
Martella waves away Rose's credit. "My only contact was Miss Cincia, the rest was entirely up to your excellent skills." She nods to include everyone present in that qualification. "And I must say, you have managed to accomplish more than I would have hoped, all with a deft touch."
She leans back a little as she surveys the room and everyone present. "And you shall definitely need that deft touch for your next assignment." A small smile. "Should you accept it, of course." Toying with the silk strings of a velvet bag that contains several metallic objects that clink together, she continues. "As you know, the Exaltation Gala fast approaches. The single most important social and political event of the year, and I have secured all of you the means to attend, should you wish to do so. The small matters I wish for you to accomplish should not be taxing at all for people of your skill and resourcefulness, so you should have ample time to make connections or accomplish... other goals you might have."
She regards every person in turn, expectantly.
Lotti tssks gently. "Darling, you know we can't give you an honest answer to that unless we know what you're asking us to do," she chides with a smile. "But if you would prefer some noncommittal sound, I'm of course happy to oblige."
Marius listens to Lady Lotheed describe their success with a small, pleased smile, but doesn't interrupt as he butters a crescent and takes a bite. When the conversation turns to the Exaltation Gala the soldier's attention sharpens.
"I am of course as your disposal, my lady," he begins with a respectful bow of his head. "I suspect I already know the answer--but this particular Exaltation Day will have higher stakes than most, will it not?"
Martella opens a hand towards Lotti in a "fair enough" gesture. "Oh, nothing too strenuous, I assure you. A little information gathering, a little politicking, perhaps a smidge of sabotage." She smiles widely. "And you are correct, of course, Lord Erallan. The amendment to repeat the ancient law of primogeniture will be voted on during the Gala. I have somewhat of a vested interest in seeing that amendment passed, and I'm sure some of you would like to see the same."
She reaches for an egg roll and takes a bite. "If you agree to my proposal, I shall give you the details of the tasks, as well as these." She opens the velvet purse and scatters its contents on the table among cups and plates - a number of badges such as those worn by senators' aides. They all display the same heraldry, although none of you recognize it.
"These belonged to senators of the Voritas family. Their line was involved in the senate for nearly a thousand years before dying out about a century ago. Such badges of extinct or exiled families are handed out by senators and politicians to guests they invite to Senate events, so these will identify you as such and not as actual aides to any active senator."
She picks one of the badges up, spinning it in her fingers. "I will be in the senate gallery for most of the evening, but these badges also allow us to magically communicate should the need arise. Now, as far as your tasks are concerned, I need someone quick on their feet to to legitimately act as an aide and run messages for me. There are several senators whose allegiance I aim to discern, and one in particular who needs to be reminded of his. As far as political rivals are concerned, I need people to keep tabs on the most notable of them, and to attempt to discredit others." She smiles mischievously. "And, for a bit of fun, I wish to embarrass my half-brothers, and to further undermine Earl Vernisant's influence."
Konstiantina cups her hands around a large, earthenware mug whose herbal contents steam profusely. Her platter betrays the poor remnants of a healthy breakfast, fare which she polished away with a combination of enthusiasm and decorum, so that it's almost an illusionist's trick how she puts away such a quantity of food without seeming indiscrete or greedy.
She smiles here and there as Rose recounts their adventures, and leans forward as Lotheed describes the events to come, along with their missions. Each name is checked against the endless list of such personages that she learned growing up in the Mokei household, and she ponders, eyes narrowed, as she considers which tasks she might best be suited for.
The Grand Day of Exaltation
Grand Prince Stavian III
Princess Eutropia
Knowledge Nobility DC 12 or Knowledge Local DC 15 will get you some background information on the named NPCs, which will be added to the tracker.
'So it *was* Cincia herself who was Martella's contact... I suppose my earlier guess at the carriage was correct. Not particularly hard to surmise, I suppose. But still... I wouldn't have assumed her to be part of a spy network. Though that *is* the prime requirement for one. Or are there intermediaries, and does she not even realize she is a contact for Martella? For all my guesswork, there's so little I know...'
Though momentarily caught up in musings, Rose snaps to attention when the Exaltation Gala is mentioned and follows the explanation intently. "If these tasks advance our cause, I'll do my best to help, of course. But..."
She looks away as her right hand lightly scratches the front of her neck. "But... We'll need a lot of money to prepare. Even if we all agree to go, we can't show up to the largest High Society event of the year dressed like this. We'll need to go in the very latest fashion to be taken remotely seriously by anyone, probably including jewelry, or we'll look like beggars - even Konstiantina will. She motions around the group in a matter of fact manner, including herself. "This is the height of Taldan Noble Excess that we're supposed to impress, and I can't make everyone those kinds of outfits for free. Not to mention that our last outing to Ridonport was technically a job, as happy as we all are about the outcome."
Martella gives Rose a sharp look, then nods. "Of course, dear, I was getting to that. All of you will have a line of credit at my favourite tailor shop," she winks at Rose, "and I have arranged for payment to be transferred to your accounts for your previous assignment."
She continues. "Closer to the date, I will have other items delivered to you, until then you have eleven days to acquire your outfits and make whatever other preparations you require. And, since this will be the first time for you visiting the Senate building, I have taken the liberty of putting together a note with the rules that are to be observed while inside." She slides a sheet of paper to Rose, patting her on the wrist.
* Potions, scrolls, spell component pouches, and wands are permitted inside the senate building, and in fact, many senators are themselves spellcasters. However, spellcasting is not permitted within the building without written approval (often issued to entertainers).
* Only light and one-handed weapons are allowed inside the senate building; ranged weapons and twohanded weapons are not allowed inside the building. All weapons brought into the senate building must be peace-bound—secured in a sheath with a length of decorative cord. Drawing a peace-bound weapon requires a full-round action. Guards do not need to peace-bind their weapons.
* Animals are generally not permitted inside the senate building, excepting familiars and service animals. Animals larger than an average member of the senate guard are not permitted within the building under any circumstances.
* While guests are free to roam the senate building when invited, individual senators' offices are off-limits. No one but the senators and a single aide for each is permitted on the senate floor during a vote.
Rose nods and takes the parchment but doesn't immediately answer to the secret message. "Thank you, dearest patron! That is most helpful, indeed." She says instead and momentarily grins. She proceeds to produce a quill from her pouch along with an accompaying small jar of ink and a fresh, smaller piece of parchment. She lays the original document in between herself and her neighbor for the two of them to read and copies the most important bits onto the parchment for herself - mostly the names of the targets and the associated tasks. "If any of these objectives have a chance of swaying the primogeniture vote even the smallest bit, we all have to do our best on this! Does anyone have a preference for which one to handle?"
As she asks the group and continues copying the document, she looks up from the notes she takes to Martella and back twice in quick succession. Something relating to something she wrote the other woman earlier, perhaps?
Realizing that probably was too vague of an indication of the problem, she seemingly absently doodles a few birdlike figures in the topleft corner of her parchment, including one flying upside down.
For Martella, there is at least one that reads like a 'V' from her perspective.
It might be enough to piece together that Rose refers to the report she wrote earlier as Velvet. Among other things, it stated her Mother publicly insulted Pythareus during last year's gala. She's worried her association might endanger the group's chances of success. Perhaps there's more too but it can't be conveyed subtly in this setting.
"I would be pleased to shadow the High Strategos," Marius volunteers, his voice soft. "Some of the best officers I served under were women, the brass does us all a disservice with their stubborn rigidity."
"I in turn would be willing to speak with those whose enthusiasm needs bolstering, or to pose careful questions to those whose ambitions need divining. Perhaps I could approach Baron Okerra, or speak with Duke Centimus and Countess Pace?"
Visibly relieved at Marius' offer, Rose nods. "I'm fine with any task except shadowing the Strategos. If someone wants to cooperate on any of them, I am all for that as well," she says, looking through the list.
Her eyes fall on the discrediting task at the top. "Hm... Lady Martella, does this one mean we're free to pick any target we want after learning what they'll vote for?"
'And what does it matter to discredit them if the vote were to fail? A setup for next year?' she silently wonders.
Martella gives a delicate shrug. "Yes, dear, if they're staunch traditionalists I would like to lessen their influence, regardless of which way the vote will swing." She raises an eyebrow at Rose writing down the tasks. "I wouldn't do that. Documents have a habit of falling into the, mmm, wrong hands, as you well know."
She nods to Marius. "It should not be too hard, I hear that the High Strategos is not too fond of this kind of events, he's not likely to stray from the Arcade of Triumphs. He enjoys being around military paraphernalia. And there will be many people in attendance, it should be easy for any of you to lose yourselves in the crowd, hmm?"
Martella raises an eyebrow at Rose writing down the tasks. "I wouldn't do that. Documents have a habit of falling into the, mmm, wrong hands, as you well know."
"Oh, please don't misunderstand, dear patron. I intend to destroy it right away. I just find the act of writing useful - it helps me memorize everything better if I've written it down at least once, for one."
As if to prove the point, she takes a few seconds to look at the finished copy, then holds it corner-first to a candle warming a plate of scrambled eggs above. The copy swiftly burns to almost nothing in between her fingers, upon which she softly blows out the dying flame.
She winks once at Martella, trying to convey she'd gotten it mostly to pass along her worry on the other subject, and smiles once to convey relief. Then she realized there were quite a few practical gaps in their knowledge.
"Do you have a map of the Senate building, and do we know how the building will be set up for the festivities? Any obvious areas we can expect to find some of these other guests, like Pythareus?"
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Lotti pats Rose's hand gently. "Child, you're as flighty as a bird without a nest right now," she says gently. "Have something to eat before you set your fingers on fire again - goodness knows they'll have plenty of work in the next few days getting everything ready for the Gala." The gnome passes the noble an eclair filled with vanilla cream and covered with chocolate sauce before turning her attention to Martella.
"Now then, you know these little old legs are no good for running around," she continues in a practical tone. "And nobody will believe for a minute that you've decided to bring a common servant to the most expensive event of the year. But!" She grins and wiggles her eyebrows. "A seer-woman is something everyone flocks to - either for guidance or entertainment. Have you, perchance, found one recently? It would be a shame of course if her predictions cast doubt on some of these old conservative senators, but I'm certain nothing bad would come of it." Delicately, she sips her tea.
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"A map? No, I'm afraid not. Plans for the building are not available, for security reasons. But I can give you a rough idea." Martella begins to construct a crude map using waffles, plates and silverware.
"Now, as you come up the stairs, you will enter the Arcade of Triumphs, it's where they display banners and trophies and the likes. As I said, I expect the High Strategos to be planted here for most of the time." She tosses a few spinach leaves in a rough rectangle. "Then we have the courtyard, with the gardens. I hear they'll be bringing some exotic animals for the occasion." She places two folded napkins on either side of a large platter. "From the gardens we go back inside, into the Emperor's Hall. Don't let the name fool you, he doesn't use it, so it's used as public meetings rooms. This large circular space is the Senate Floor, which will be open to guests during the Gala, except while the senate votes. I expect Baron Okerra will hang around there, he's fond of discussing law."
She points to the napkin to the right of the platter, "This is the Imperial Archives, it's full of books, meeting minutes and other records. Duke Centimus is likely to be there." Pointing to the other napkin, she continues. "This is the servant area. I expect they'll be keeping the bottle of wine here before serving it." She waves her hand above the entire construction. "The second floor is the Gallery, I'll be there most of the time as it is a good observation point for what happens on the main floor." She nods to Lotti. "That would also be the best place for you to be in your seer-woman persona, they will have entertainment for the children there."
"If I am to approach Baron Okerra about his debts to you, it might help if I know what they are." Konstiantina holds her mug of hot tea in both hands, but does not sip. "And do you perchance have a sense of the public sympathies of Duke Centimus and Countess Pace, or have they remained completely inscrutable? Any information on them would be of great value as well."
Mirann listens intently, not speaking up much. When the wine is mentioned again, she nervously raises her hand with a shy smile. "I think I'll be able to get in and handle the wine, and I'll gladly steal from the Earl. I think it would be pleasant to embarrass him again."
Rose nods in understanding. "I see. And you'd like to change that, starting with helping our patron?"
Quietly so that only Mirann can hear, she continues. "I've thought about that goal myself, about what it entails and what would have to be done. The current power structure would have to change drastically. Removing the primogeniture law could lead to that, if the new heirs adopt different policies than the current ones. But... what if the vote doesn't pass, or the old elite rises up in arms to defend their previous priviledge? There could be a lot of bloodshed in the coming years."
She sighs. "If I'm honest, I'm really not looking forward to that. Where will we be in a year? Two? These sorts of tasks I can handle, but what if we're asked to... start killing people on the other side? What about the people in between them and us, fellow countrymen who might not have a choice but to be there?"
Shaking her head, she looks at the other party members from a distance. "I guess I'm telling you this since part of me feels a bit lost between the experience of Marcus and Lotti. Konstiantina too, probably - I can't really gauge an Aasimar's age that well. You... feel the same, a bit 'newer' to this than the others. I know it could be an act, but... that makes me glad. Doubly since you apparently like the more bloody aspects of it and can make up for my meekness, right?"
She gives the other woman a smile.
Lotti pats Rose's hand gently. "Child, you're as flighty as a bird without a nest right now," she says gently.
"Flighty...? For wanting to internalize all the details of an important task?" Rose asks, slightly confused. Then she realizes the bird reference to the doodle and figured Lotti probably caught her exchange with Martella. She blushes slightly and takes the pastry, figuring now was a good time to shut up entirely.
Why was it that she somehow always embarassed herself in these meetings...?
Only when all the other tasks are claimed does she speak again, taking the remaining one. "In that case, I'll act as a messenger and move about. I'll look for some opportunities to help you all if I find any along the way."
She pauses momentarily. "Actually, I'll prioritize assist Konstiantina with Baron Okerra once if I can manage it in between. I think I'll be able to persuade him to see things our way."
Martella rises her own mug to Konstiantina. "They are not actual debts, more like favours owed. And I would not like to embarrass the baron by having them publicly discussed, so please try and convince him first before bringing that up. Duke Centimus is rather difficult to read, and while Countess Pace claims to be on our side, I would like to make sure."
She winks at Mirann. "And it would give me great pleasure to embarrass my half-brothers, my dear."
"I would value your assistance as well, dear." Lotti passes Rose another eclair. "You've a good head on your shoulders, and a second set of eyes could prove most helpful while I'm busy being distracted by distracting others." She glances over to the windowsill where Wobblekins sits completely still save for the tip of his twitching tail. "Or at least a second set of eyes that's not so easily distracted as His Grace's."
"And speaking of distractions," the gnome continues without missing a beat, "Do let me know if you need a distraction at any time. I'm planning to prepare a few props, but I hope to remain mobile enough to move my operation should there be a need." She smiles sweetly. "And if you need some advice, or just want to contact someone on the other side - well, I'd be more than happy to give you a free reading. After all, my services have already been paid for." She pretends to bow from her seated position to Martella.