Rose nods. "All right. 'Concerned citizens' it is. Well, the assignment seems very straightforward thusfar. Anything else anyone wants to ask? If not, perhaps we should move to preparations. One day doesn't give much time to get ready, but it is something. Is there anything someone particularly needs, or needs assistance with to get ready for tomorrow?"
With what little preparations still remained taken care of, you reconvene the next afternoon on the piers of Westport, the larger of Oppara's two ports. Ships of all shapes and sizes vie for space - from merchant wyverns to barques to pinnaces, even a couple of flat-bottomed junks from Tian Xia. The air is alive with the cries of seagulls and other marine birds, the calls of the merchants cramming the waterfront, the groan and grinding of cranes loading and unloading cargo, and the slamming of waves against innumerable hulls. The myriad smells of a busy port blend together in a heady infusion, tempered by the fresh cold air of almost-spring.
Vesper Regalia is a two-masted caravel, fitted with triangular sails rather than the square rigging more common in larger vessels. The clean lines and sleek hull indicate that it is capable of some speed, while the much-mended sails and bare-looking deck suggest that the ship has seen better days. The crew is busy loading the last of the supplies, under the supervision of a burly dwarven woman wearing a faded green coat over leather armour, a hatchet stuck in her belt.
She squints at you as you approach, crossing her arms. "Ye must be the passengers, aye? I'll tell the cap'n ye'r here. This yer luggage?" She whistles sharply at the sailors on deck, gesturing two of them over to help carry your belongings to your cabins. "Arright, follow me. Yer cabins be down 'ere, watch the ladder, it's steep. Any of ye e'er been onna ship afore?"
Adriel's eyes open widely at the caravel which is much larger than she expected.
"I can't say that I have been on a ship before but I'm sure we're in safe hands on the Vesper Regalia. I'm Adriel, pleased to meet you. How long can we expect this journey to take?" She asks, trying to make conversation.
Marius sweeps the Vesper Regalia with a critical eye and gives a small nod. "She won't win any prizes, but she looks well-tended," he remarks as he steps onto the gangplank.
"...Any of ye e'er been onna ship afore?"
"Navy, though it's been a few years," Marius replies as he follows the woman to his cabins. He notes the armor and hatchet with professional interest. "How has the Saw been lately? Is the captain anticipating trouble?"
Konstiantina arrives at the appointed hour, bearing only a travel valise with her, its edges battered, its leather surface scuffed. This time she's dressed for travel; gone is the sumptuous cloak and fine dress; now she wears her chainmail openly, her hair in a thick braid down her back, her cloak heavily woven wool that would serve her well in a storm. Blade at her hip, shoulders squared, chin raised, she looks ready for anything.
Just about. She eyes the ship uneasily, from the triangular sails to the hull's battered appearance, and her lips thin into a line.
After hesitating a moment at the gangplank, she follows the others up on deck, examining everything with interest as she walks behind Marius.
"My first time on a ship," she allows, then gives a brave smile. "I'm sure it'll be fine."
"Don't you worry, dear, you'll be right as rain." Lotti pats Konstiantina's hand gently before turning to address the cat already climbing the rigging. "If you fall on your face, Your Grace, you've only yourself to blame!" She holds her small knit bag in one hand and slowly makes her way down the ladder to the passenger bunks, stifling a few groans and pausing several times to shake out her hands partway through. "I don't suppose you have something easier on these old bones, do you?" she asks, her voice quavering slightly.
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"Well, it'll be four days to Ridonport, three an' a half if the winds favour us." The dwarf woman mellows slightly at the praise and trust. "M'name's Orta, ship bosun, at yer service." She gives Marius a measuring and appreciative look. "Navy, eh? Good fer ye. The Saw's always a little troubled. We hope we don't run into any, but it pays t'be prepared, eh?" Seeing Lotti struggle on the ladder, Orta shakes her head. "Tell ye what, ma'am, you take my cabin. It won't kill me ta sleep wi'the crew a few nights." She seems amused by the sight of the cat in the rigging.
Once below decks, you can see that the 'cabins' are little more than stiff sheets of canvas stretched across a section of the hold, partitioning it into half a dozen tiny spaces that barely fit a cot and a sea chest - both bolted to the floor. The rest of the hold is filled with crates, barrels and bales, securely lashed in place with rope netting. Orta's cabin, temporarily given over to Lotti's use, is in the aftcastle, where the captain's quarters and the helm are as well.
No sooner are you settled in that a commotion starts on the deck and shouts are heard as the crew of Vesper Regalia prepares to cast off. Shortly after, as the Opparan skyline grows ever smaller in the distance and the caravel starts dancing upon the deep sea waves, captain Cadwallader comes out to greet you. She is a human woman in her late fifties, skin burnished by the sun and winds to a deep brown, her black hair gathered in a tight bun atop her head. Her clothes have a vague military cut, although they don't match any current Navy uniforms. When she speaks, her words have a slight Kelish accent, which together with her coloration speaks of Qadiran origins. "Welcome on the Vesper Regalia, friends of Martella. Your passage is paid for, so do not worry on that account. Myself and my crew will do our best to make your journey safe and comfortable. Should you wish for anything, please let Orta know." She pauses, appraising each of you with a practiced eye. "Those of you who have not been at sea before, Orta will show you how to walk and move so that you do not fall or knock into things. Tonight you are invited for supper in my quarters. It shall be a little cramped, but we shall manage." Her manner is calm is assured, and her voice, although softened for your ears only, has an undercurrent of strength - this is undoubtedly someone who can make herself heard above the noise of a storm.
"May I assist, Lotti?" Marius stands at the foot of the stairs and offers an arm.
To Konstiantina he offers a reassuring grin. "Bend your knees, just a bit," he suggests. "It helps keep your footing when the ship rocks. Soon enough this will be just another triumph for you!"
When Captain Cadwallader addresses them it takes a deliberate effort not to fidget. Even now, almost ten years later, ship's officers made him self-conscious and put him on edge. "Thank you, Captain. We'd be honored," he manages a polite smile and accepts her offer of dinner, and turns back to face the ever more distant Oppara the second it's not rude to do so.
Mirann compensates her sea-unworthiness with dance, always catching her feet and showing off when she feels she's about to fall over. She brings no luggage aside from a small purse, not having much in the way of belongings to begin with.
"My, a true gentleman indeed. We're fortunate to have an experienced soldier amongst us," Rose says, smiling at Marius' offer to carry the luggage. "Oh no, don't worry on my behalf. I can manage just fine."
True to her word, it seemingly doesn't take Rose much effort to carry her travelling bag. A bit more casual than her clothes yesterday, she wears a simple white dress, a red vest and an in-between beige sleeved shawl which spawns the length around her back, connecting the arms. She carries herself with confidence and doesn't appear to be find any hindrance in the boat. "A fine vessel, and with our own quarters too. Refeshingly straightforward and honest," she remarks.
When the captain intruduces herself, she gives a polite bow. "Thank you, Captain. I wouldn't dream of refusing that invitation. I am sure you have many interesting stories to share!"
Noticing Marius' backward gaze to the city afterwards, she grins. "Is something the matter? Don't tell me our navy man already longs back for the land, after only a quarter of a bell in the sea's embrace?"
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Marius grins back at the ribbing, resting an elbow on the railing. "Ah, that. I wasn't a particularly, hm, well behaved Navy man, and my superiors were quite clear on what they thought of me. It's been years since I've been entirely comfortable around anyone of rank on a ship. Even merchant captains are ex-Navy as often as not."
He takes in Raesilia's easy stance on the boat. "And yourself? You seem quite quite comfortable on deck--is there an interesting tale there?"
Konstiantina, despite everyone's advice, is soon green around the gills, and finds herself a spot as close to the stern as she can, where the breeze and spray do something the help lessen the nausea.
Hand gripping one of the ropes tightly, she sways and rises and falls with each crest of a wave, glowering at the horizon as if seeking to will herself to not grow any more seasick.
And, to her unending relief, it seems to work - after an hour or two, her color returns. She whispers a prayer of gratitude to Sarenrae, and then rejoins the others.
Adriel takes off anti-socially at first aiming to steady her stomach with fresh air and not in the mood for small talk, uneasy with the ship's motion. When she sees that Konstiantina has done the same, she feels somewhat better.
She makes her way cautiously over to the stunningly attractive woman and grabs a rope to help steady herself.
"Not a fan of sea travel either I see?" She says with a slight chuckle. "Ever been to Riddonport before? I haven't been out of Oppara much myself, so a chance to see life outside of it may be refreshing I hope."
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Marius grins back at the ribbing, resting an elbow on the railing. "Ah, that. I wasn't a particularly, hm, well behaved Navy man, and my superiors were quite clear on what they thought of me. It's been years since I've been entirely comfortable around anyone of rank on a ship. Even merchant captains are ex-Navy as often as not."
He takes in Raesilia's easy stance on the boat. "And yourself? You seem quite quite comfortable on deck--is there an interesting tale there?"
She raises an eyebrow. "Wait - You? A rogue?" she laughs. "I suppose first impression can be deceiving, indeed!"
Resting her elbows on the ship's railing and leaning forward slightly, she ponders Marius' question. "I'm not sure I would call it an interesting story. As part of my... 'education', I was expected to visit some of the surrounding countries. Excluding Galt, of course. That would be excessively dangerous under any circumstance."
She tucks a rogue strand of hair behind her ear for the wind. "Andoran, Qadira, Osirion and Absalom. There's something to be said for all of them. It was cheaper to arrange a deal among sea-travelling merchants, and so we went. I suppose what I like about the sea is that it's far away from everywhere else. If you're there, it's relatively easy to disappear and stay out of reach of whoever wants to control you. The endless blue makes it easy to maintain an illusion of freedom."
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The paladin looks sidelong at Ariel as the elf joins her at the bow of the ship and gives a self-conscious smile.
"... I haven't been out of Oppara much myself."
"We're in the same boat, then." Only to catch her terrible pun after it's too late, and visibly wince. "Sorry. I wish I could claim I'd said that on purpose. But yes. First time out of Oppara."
And so saying, she turns to stare at the city retreating behind the waves.
"I've never felt the need to leave, to be honest. The court, the streets, the complexity, the problems... there's always been so much to work on, to deal with, that I've never felt more than passing curiosity for what lies beyond the city limits." She frowns, pensively. "Not since I was a child, at any rate, and dreamed of escaping my family. But those years are long behind me now, and I find myself yearning to use Sarenrae's gifts to put things to rights."
Her pensive smile verges on wryness. "And there's so much to work on that I doubt I'll have an opportunity to travel for pleasure before my hair has turned white." At which she laughs, and for the first time seems to come alive, clinging to her own rope, eyes alight, lips curved into a broad, genuine smile, the last of the sea sickness falling away. "And yourself? I'm not sure I caught your name before. You must have seen much in Oppara over the course of your life. Are you interested in bringing about change as well?"
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Lotti finds a barrel to sit on near her fellow travelers and pulls out a shirt in need of some mending, along with a needle and thread. She doesn't seem to mind the waves, rolling with the motion of the ship and staying upright. She nods approvingly at her choice of seat as a particularly energetic wave sends a spray of seawater across the bow and down the starboard side of the ship.
Over, under, back, forward, she repeats to herself as she works, glancing up occasionally to read Adriel's lips when the wind carries her words away before the gnome can hear them. At least I don't have to worry about hearing... I think her name was Constance? There's a woman used to being heard. She smiles, lost in thought. Over, under, back, forward, just like Mamma used to sing. She was also used to being heard, wasn't she. Lotti pays more attention to the shirt than her companions for a time, humming softly to herself as she works. Over, under, back, forward...
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Up near the crow's nest, the cat clings to the ship's ropes and yells at the seagulls to come closer.
As evening comes and the sun sinks beyond the bow, the dinner bell sounds and those of you who accepted the captain's invitation make your way to her quarters. A large table that likely doubles as a desk is in the center of the room, seats arranged on either side and at either head. The chairs and stools are mismatched, making it obvious that the captain does not usually entertain parties as large as yours. The food is not particularly refined, but creative use of spices gives it an interesting twist. Carafes of wine and water and a pitcher of ale sit in the middle, cups and glasses as mismatched as the chairs laid out together with the plates and cutlery.
"Forgive the simple fare, I know that you must be used to much better where you come from." Captain Cadwallader stands at one head of the table, waiting for you to be seated. "Please, help yourselves. We shall have a little entertainment after dinner."
The meal passes with a smattering of conversation, the captain proving an amicable host, if not particularly versed in the arts of conversation. Those who care to ask discover that she is indeed from Qadira, but she owes her freedom, and perhaps her life, to Taldor. Captured in a slave raid, she was being taken by ship from Sedeq to who knows where, when the slave ship was attacked by the Zimar Corsairs (whom you know to be "independent" privateers). Her current husband was an officer on one of the privateer ships, and now they run a shipping company together.
After some fresh fruit and cheeses, the promised entertainment arrives, in the form of a hulking Shoanti woman who has to duck to fit through the door, her body marked by tattoos in the style of her tribe. A brightly coloured scarf in the Varisian fashion ties back her thick black hair, sewn with charms of shells and wooden beads. She is dressed in leather trousers and a sleeveless vest laced with leather cords. "This is Fragrant Nightingale." Captain Cadwallader introduces the woman, and for a brief moment you wonder what feats of extraordinary strength she might perform as 'entertainment', when the starts singing.
It's a silly little song, a ditty about a homesick sailor, but her voice is the hissing of the waves against the wooden hull, the cries of the gulls circling the masts, the rhythmic work songs of the sailors, the salty spray on your skin and the memory of the most gentle, loving embrace that you have ever felt. The pitch of her singing is at once high and pure, and low and gravelly as she harmonizes with herself to pour forth a wave of sounds that you would not think possible from a human throat. As the song ends, the captain wipes her eyes unashamedly and smiles at you.
Konstiantina dons a rich crimson tunic along with a pair of beige, leg-hugging pants for dinner, and ties her hair back so that it tumbles between her shoulder blades nearly to her rear. Face freshly scrubbed and slightly reddened by a long afternoon spent on the deck and in the sun, she appears hale and vigorous, her movements sure, her confidence quiet but firm.
"I had feared I'd have no appetite today," she says as she serves her plate, her hands callused, nails cut short, the hands of a warrior. "But fortunately good conversation and the salt air brought me back to my senses."
Where captain Cadwallader falls short in the arts of conversation, Konstiantina more then compensates, preferring to prompt her new friends and hostess with questions and keen interest. She listens intently as the captain describes her past, and makes no attempt to hide her admiration for Cadwallader's prosperity and commercial success since.
At the arrival of Fragrant Nightingale, she shifts her chair around to give the singer her full attention, and her surprise at the Shoanti woman's appearance (and name) is quickly replaced by rising emotion as the captivating song pulls at her heart strings. When the singer finishes, the captain isn't the only one with tears in her eyes, and Konstiantina rises to her feet to applaud loudly, smiling through her tears as she does so.
Compared to Konstiantina, Mirann dresses down for dinner, wearing a light blue coat over a simple black dress. She remains quiet throughout dinner unless directly acknowledged, clearly nervous and out of her depth.
When Fragrant Nightingale is introduced, she is especially attentive, and when the woman starts singing, she openly gawks. She stands in applause, squealing with delight. A thousand questions bubble beneath the surface of her skin, but she tries to hide her curiosity and allow the woman space, until appropriate.
Marius dons his dress blues for dinner, the braided loops indicating an honorable discharge displayed on his epaulets along with a handful of other medals and patches. His is fairly quiet throughout dinner, prefer to listen more than he speaks and politely avoiding any requests for war stories or in-depth questioning about his service.
Captain Cadwallader's story takes much of the tension the young man was feeling--his abolitionist heart soothed by her happy ending. When Fragrant Nightingale begins her song, the nobleman leans back in his chair with his eyes closed, letting the music wash over him. He applauds enthusiastically at the performance's close. "Brava!"
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..........
Her pensive smile verges on wryness. "And there's so much to work on that I doubt I'll have an opportunity to travel for pleasure before my hair has turned white." At which she laughs, and for the first time seems to come alive, clinging to her own rope, eyes alight, lips curved into a broad, genuine smile, the last of the seasickness falling away. "And yourself? I'm not sure I caught your name before. You must have seen much in Oppara over the course of your life. Are you interested in bringing about change as well?"
Adriel listens admiringly to Kontiantina's reply. Interested at her description of Oppara and thoroughly impressed at her knowledge and understanding.Clearly this woman has a lot more experience than I do. And a lot more contacts at that.
The distraction of conversation, fresh breeze and change of focus seems to have lessened Adriel's queasiness and she takes a few cautious steps, practising her balance.
"I'm Adriel, Adriel Moonflower." She offers a hand to shake, but quickly draws it back to grab a rope as the ship lurches.
"Woah! Sorry, I'm actually a student at the University in Oppara, took me awhile to earn my place, but I am proud of it, notwithstanding. I'm an active member of 'The Children of Taldaris', the University society. Not sure if you've heard of us?" Talking about herself and her friends in Oppara, her face lights up showing its youth and joy. "We campaign for reform and have even had Princess Eutropia come and speak to us a while back. I absolutely believe that Oppara has the ability, the need, and the desire for change. It just doesn't know it yet."
-------------
Adriel turns up a little late to dinner, having agonised over what to wear to show off for the other diners. With little choice, she settled on her simple plain red under the knee dress with a black jacket she had 'thrifted' from another student. She turns up with a calm head to everyone beginning to tuck in and takes the empty seat next to Lotti, having to persuade her cat to move first.
Adriel is at first quiet, taking in everyone's stories, not wanting to contribute unless deliberately addressed, but after a couple of glasses of wine, she loosens up and laughs along with the others.
She applauds politely at the finale of the song and returns to the fray of conversation with joy. As Adriel was one of the last to arrive, she is also one of the last to leave that evening, wanting to learn everything she can about the others' she is travelling with. As she retires to bed, she hums the melody from the song that evening, not able to get the experience out of her head.
The Shoanti woman remains standing, her face expressionless as she accepts the appreciations of her skill. Her only acknowledgement is a fist to her heart and a downwards tilt of her chin that she holds for a few moments. Small gestures, but they somehow convey sincerity and depth of feeling. She looks at Captain Cadwallader expectantly, who in turn looks at you, allowing the opportunity to ask questions or comment.
If neither are forthcoming, she bids you a good night and starts tidying up the table with Fragrant Nightingale helping her.
Raesilia shows up in a light blue dress in the exact shade of her eyes. With her hair freshly combed and wearing asimple silver necklace containing a few sapphires, the overall effect is quite stunning. Simple as it was, she had enough natural beauty to perhaps pass it off at court. If anything, it underlines that she'd been dressing down for what little time she was around the party.
She helps herself to the dinner upon invitation and doesn't once complain about the food or drink. "Hm! This is delicious. A very intelligent blend of Qadiran and Orisian spices to complement this... what was the name again? Kebab? Cooked using the brining process for food conservation as a substitute for the usual fine salt rubbing, pehaps? I'd say it's pretty much the best anyone could hope for, at sea."
She smiles and thinks for a moment. Something about the expression is a bit more genuine this time.
When Fragrant nightingale appears, she stops eating for the entirety of the performance, however. Like Konstiatina, she has to wipe away a tear and uses her table napkin. "Oh, I apologize. I... thought myself beyond being so sentimental. But... that was a breathtaking performance. You have amazing personnel, Captain Cadwallader."
Seeing her muscular frame, she asks the Shoanti woman. "Are you as good as a deckhand as you are a singer? You possess a rare talent."
Lotti cheerfully pushes Wobblekins off the chair and ignores his yowls of displeasure. ”If you feed him once, he’ll never forget it and expect the same service at every meal,” she tells the elf with a wink. ”That’s how he started following me around, after all. Poor fellow was leashed to the wall and barely fed to keep him compliant. Seems like the Holdores thought he was a decoration and not a living creature. I suppose it really shouldn’t have come as a surprise that he slipped out of his collar one day - must have gotten so thin.” She bends down from her chair to pet the cat in question, transforming his pitiful cries into happy purrs.
As Fragrant Nightingale sings, Lotti folds her hands in her plain woolen skirt and keeps an eye on the audience, gauging their reactions to the heart-wrenching tune. She claps politely as the song ends, nodding and listening to everyone else heap praise on the performance.
Mirann doesn't ask questions immediately, but hangs back to help clean and ask questions in relative privacy. "Ms. Nightingale, I know we've only three more days at sea, but if it's alright, I'd truly appreciate it if I could study under you. You are a beautiful singer, better than any I've ever heard in a life spent pursuing music and art. Anything you need of me, I will gladly do."
"Oh, I apologize. I... thought myself beyond being so sentimental. But... that was a breathtaking performance. You have amazing personnel, Captain Cadwallader."
Seeing her muscular frame, she asks the Shoanti woman. "Are you as good as a deckhand as you are a singer? You possess a rare talent."
Fragrant Nightingale looks at Captain Cadwallader, who responds in her stead. "'Gale is a little shy. We picked her up in Korvosa and she's been with us for almost three years now. An excellent deckhand as well, and a beautiful soul."
The Shoanti woman seems quite flustered both by Mirann's helping clean up and her compliments and request, throwing the captain a desperate look that seems to say "please, how do I deal with this". The captain smiles warmly at Mirann as she claps a hand on Nightingale's shoulder. "It's alright, my dear, I'm sure we can spare you for a few hours a day. Lady Zalar, thank you for your kind words and your kind heart."
Over the next few days, the Kitharodian Academy student and Fragrant Nightingale spend many hours exchanging songs and techniques, much to the delight of both crew and passengers. The Shoanti woman speaks very little when she doesn't sing, preferring to use gestures and examples in her teaching. When she does speak, her voice is richly textured and soothing.
==============
26th of Calistril
The winds are indeed favourable, and in the early morning light of the fourth day the docks and rooftops of Ridonport come into view after rounding a rocky promontory along the Jagged Saw coast. The 200-foot statue of General Arnisant is clearly visible, rising high above the town. It takes another hour to enter port and find an unoccupied berth, but you are finally free to disembark as Captain Cadwallader negotiates with the harbour master and sorts out paperwork.
After saying her farewells to the crew, Rose walks on to land carrying her bag. She looks at the statue of General Vernisant and shakes her head. "Imagine what it costs to make and sustain that... you could have gone for a much smaller statue and invested the rest of the revenue into actually improving the town. You could have easily built an important church or university of some kind for that amount of money. It would have altered the fate of this town for the better. Common sense and excess do not go hand in hand."
She sighs and adresses the team, back in the casual travelling attire she started her naval journey on. Having learned of her previous mistake, she first looks around to make sure no one is near enough to overhear, and words it in a less suspicious manner. "Right. High up on the list of things to visit would be the museum. Anyone want to do something else first?"
Marius frowns at the criticism of his hometown. "The statue was gifted by nobles from Oppara, it wasn't something we commissioned." He lets that argument go with a shake of his head and addresses the matter at hand. "I invite you all to stay as guests at the Erallan estate, to leave any baggage you don't want to carry with you. A base of operations, if you will."
Lotti nods appreciatively. ”That would be lovely,” she answers. ”Also, we really must address the oliphant in the room - why would an old lady such as myself be traveling with a group of young folks such as yourselves?” She pauses a moment to see if any of them had thought about this already.
”The simplest solution would be to present myself as one of your maids,” she suggests after a few seconds. ”People won’t give me a second glance if they think that’s the case, but we’d draw all sorts of unwanted attention otherwise.” She reaches down to pet Wobblekins, waiting for a response.
Rose nods at Marius. "Please don't misunderstand. I know it was a gift, and that the people of this town had nothing to do with it, like I said a few days ago at the 'tea party'. It just seems... I don't know, wasteful to me. If you want to gift something to a town, I'd have selected something more functionally useful, myself. But that is just my opinion, of course."
With a shake of her own head, she slides back into a polite smile. "An invitation to the estate sounds lovely! Might as well drop the excess baggage first."
She thinks a bit on Lotti's words. "Think you can pull that off to good effect, Lady Lotti? And whose maid would you prefer to be? I suppose I could play the part of the noble."
Adriel's excitement shows through as they take the first steps off the ship but her legs buckle as she stands on land again. She grabs hold of the closest thing to her which happens to be Mirann. "Oh, I'm sorry. Id didn't expect it to feel strange getting off the ship! It feels like we are back at sea again for the first time." She quickly gains her steady-legs, but her balance still feels off.
"Thank you Marius, that would indeed be lovely. I don't want to lug these cases around all day and I think it would be foolish to lug them straight into our investigation."
Looking back and forwards between Lotti and Raesilia, Adriel smiles, realising how strange a group they must appear.
"I think that either you or Konstiantina here would do well to pull off the role of noblelady quite effectively wouldn't you say? Either way, it should be played out quite quickly. Places like this often have eyes and ears to the ground in all places."
"Ow, ow, yes, that's my hair, please let go."
Mirann quickly fits herself into the entourage with an easy suggestion, "And then I'm entertainment. Tis typical for nobleladies to travel with women such as myself."
Met with a frowning, silent stare from Lotti, Rose realises what a dumb question that really was. There was no way Lotti would be bad at playing the role of servant when she herself gave the suggestion, right?
She breaks eye-contact and listens to Adriel. When the suggestion of playing the part of the noblewoman comes up again, she offers the elven girl yet another one of her polite smiles. "And I suppose that between the two of us, Lady Konstiantina would be more of a warrior , correct? Hired muscle for the group, perhaps? If you'll excuse me then, I need to redo some of this outfit."
She briefly walks around a couple of crates nearby to a place secluded from view, and you can hear the rummaging of her bag.
A minute or two later, Rose re-appears. Her hair was redone to a more refined, flowing knotted braid pattern. She wore two earrings with a small diamond encared by an azure mineral of some kind. The same silver necklace with sapphires from the dinner with the captain was also on display.
But perhaps the most striking difference is her posture. It was more... regal? Haughty? Severe? She carried herself with the aire of someone used to having her every word followed without question.
She looks at Lotti for a moment, then shakes her head. "One of you should go get my bag from around the corner. Lotti is too old to carry it, even for a servant. I trust you all not to peek," she winks as she finishes, momentarily breaking character.
Then, she turns to face their only known local connection. "Well then, Lord Erallan? Are you going to escort me yet or should I be more obvious about it?"
"I wish I were certain," replies Konstiantina, widening her stance as the ship enters rougher waters, the spray rising up each time the bow breeches another wave. "I wish I sensed that desire on Oppara's part to change. But my sense of it is that those who hold power would rather die than relinquish it. I'm not saying that war is necessary, or revolution - this vote on primogeniture could go a long way to changing everything in a peaceful manner, but..."
At this the paladin frowns and stares out over the horizon, trying to navigate her own thoughts, to put the warring emotions and impressions into words.
"I wouldn't be surprised if many of the elite think of politics as a... a show, a dramatic presentation meant to keep the public distracted while in secret they do whatever they want. And as soon as politics gets in the way, they may dispense with the pretense altogether."
She looks sidelong at the elf, expression somber. "You might think me dour or over-cynical, and I apologize if I don't make for good company. But a life spent at court and trying to escape it has made me... I don't know. Grim? Dour? Disenchanted with the ways of the powerful?"
She laughs then, at herself mostly, or perhaps simply at the world they live in. "Regardless. The nature of the world is what it is. I'll strive alongside the Children of Taldaris and any other good hearted group to change things for the better. I just think we have our work cut out for us, is all!"
Having grown fond of the captain and the crew over the remaining few days, Konstiantina takes her time bidding them all farewell and thanking them for their service. Dressed in her adventuring gear, replete with chainmail shirt and buckled blade, she follows the others down the gangplank and smiles in sympathy at Adriel.
"Strange, is it not? The land feels like it's swaying... I suppose you and I are instead? I'm sure there's a metaphor in there, somewhere."
Erallan makes his offer, and Konstiantina inclines her head graciously. "My thanks for your hospitality, Marius. I'd harbored vague thoughts of finding a room at a reputable inn, but accommodations at your estate sound vastly preferable." Her smile is like the sun coming out from behind the clouds. "You are most kind."
Lotti makes her offer; Raesilia takes her up on it, and a moment later effects her transformation.
The paladin inclines her head, suitably impressed at the young woman's transformation, but doesn't otherwise offer an opinion. She instead brings up the rear of the group as they walk toward the streets to secure a carriage, and is willing to cover the fare if the others prove reluctant.
"Dear, that's only going to attract the wrong kind of attention with all that," Lotti points out. "Do you want to have every thief in town sizing you up as a potential mark? You're here to visit a museum, not the Queen." She grins. "Besides, a lady of such standing as I see before me wouldn't dream of leaving her estate with an entourage smaller than ten."
"Let it be, Lotti," Marius chides gently. "Lady Talbot is adequately protected from thieves, not that there are many here. This is a Navy town--the criminals here are the politically connected sort. Purse-snatchers and muggers are a rarity."
With a gracious bow, he offers his arm to Raesilia. "Shall we?"
"Dear, that's only going to attract the wrong kind of attention with all that," Lotti points out. "Do you want to have every thief in town sizing you up as a potential mark? You're here to visit a museum, not the Queen." She grins. "Besides, a lady of such standing as I see before me wouldn't dream of leaving her estate with an entourage smaller than ten."
Rose grins widely at Lotti, and there is a twinkle of genuine amusement in her eyes. "You and I know that, but does the average pirate? I have an idea on how to solve this issue bloodlessly and in a manner that benefits us, but it partly hinges upon on them believing that I am indeed a wealthy noblewoman. So yes; I am in fact intentionally relying on that I will be noticed on the way to the estate and that Ridonport's rumor mill will do part of the work for us."
Then, she assumes her earlier regal pose. "I would like to discuss this further in the mansion, when we get there - assuming we can talk there safely. But for now, yes, let us be off! We've already hung around her too long."
She graciously offers her arm for Marius to take. "Let's say I am lady Lyria of house Stavian for the duration of this ruse. A niece twice-removed."
As Marius and Raesilia turn and set off, Adriel can be caught quietly grumbling to herself. "And the rest of us? All hirelings I suppose."
With that, she picks up her own luggage, leaving Raesilia's to someone else, and trudges along behind.
Lotti shakes her head. "Young people are so certain they know everything," she complains to Adriel as she cradles Wobblekins in her arms and follows after the tall folks. "What do I know? I've only been tending to the lady since she was a sweet little babe, changing her clothes and making sure she slept well at night. No no, don't mind me - I'll just be over here carrying the lady's cat and trying to keep her from doing something she'll regret for the rest of her life." She continues fussing as they travel, winking approvingly at Rose the first time they make eye contact.
Flagging down a carriage is easy enough, although with the size of the entourage and the luggage it takes two of them to transport you to the Erallan estate.
En route, the sights of Ridonport open before you. It certainly doesn't seem like a pirate town, and Marius seems to have the right of it - this is a Navy town. Its wharf boasts numerous smokehouses, warehouses, dry docks, and more, though this is a relatively quaint operation compared to the busy docks and shipyards of Cassomir to the north. Wide stone bridges arch over the canal that flows from inland, carrying barges to transport timber from the Verduran Forest. And while they couldn't be said to be thriving, the myriad workshops of carpenters, sailmakers, chandlers, coopers, blacksmiths, mercers and others seem busy enough as they fill the morning air with the noise and smells of industry.
The cobbled streets are wide and quite busy as suppliers make their runs and goods are transported from one location to another. Most of the buildings are brick or stone, some of them sporting a second floor made of wood. At first glance, they are mostly in good repair, although a sharp eye easily notices the signs of neglect plaguing the buildings and infrastructure of Ridonport - from missing cobbles on side streets, to cracks in the plaster of several facades, to the murky odor rising from the canal waters that signals a long overdue dredging.
After about a quarter of an hour, you arrive at the Erallan estate, and the guards posted outside stand straighter as they spy the young master arriving with distinguished guests.
The Erallan estate is a fine, well-kept building, though nothing dazzling compared to the ostentatious wealth of Oppara. The relatively large and well-tended grounds are enclosed by an eight foot wall of clean grey stone, with strategically placed trees protecting the privacy of those taking the air outside.
"This is home," Marius says by way of introduction, giving the guards an acknowledging nod as he leads the group through the gate. "My parents are currently being entertained on the country estates of one of my father's brother, so I've had the place relatively to myself for the past few weeks. They won't be back until the full heat of summer arrives, I expect. My household is yours, if there's anything you require please let Larrelton--our head of household--know. He's the older fellow with the fancy cane, and he's practically family so if you need anything after evening falls just come to me, Larrelton gets grumpy if you wake him up."
"I hope that you've had chance to throw a party or two whilst you've had the place to yourself, its such a great opportunity!" Adriel comments as Marius describes the estate.
She drops her heavy bags with a sigh, unused to what she would call 'hard labour' as they stand and look at the estate in front of her.
"Now, being honest, I really need to drop these bags off and have a bit of food to settle my stomach - do you think you have anything available Marius? Perhaps Larrelton could whip up something or other?" Adriel asks, not worrying about being too forward with her host.
Konstiantina carries her valise without too much effort; after countless long hours spent training with her blade, its moderate weight isn't too onerous a burden. Still, she's glad to have arrived, and though she makes no comment, she stands ready to be directed to her rooms and there to freshen up.
Rose lets Marius lead her down from the carriage and into the estate. Before entering, she pauses for a moment, turns around and takes a look at the town behind them, making sure she was in view of whomever might have watched them go. She maintains her more regal presence and exchanges polite pleasantries with Larrelton, introducing herself a Lady Lyria of house Stavian.
"Remember, you are supposedly an escort to a High Lady, which was your own suggestion," Rose mumbles to Adriel, only showing a very slight grin. "Though I suppose ordering a bit of food wouldn't be remiss while we retire to our chambers from this 'grueling journey'. When we're in a place where we cannot be overheard easily, we should discuss the next steps. I imagine there surely is a study here somewhere we could use for a brief meeting or sorts?"
Breakfast is set out for you in the dining room while several servants rush to make some guests rooms ready. Lotti is invited to the servant's kitchen, where the cook makes her a hearty meal - more brunch than breakfast - and sets out a saucer of milk for "m'lady's kittun". The other servants have already had their breakfast several hours ago, but the cook and a scullion maid busy themselves around the kitchen while Lotti is there, likely in the hope of hearing interesting gossip from the capital.
After breakfast, tea is served in the library up on the first floor, which affords a nice view of the grounds. The last servant closes the heavy double doors behind them, affording all of you some privacy for the moment.
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"...and you wouldn't believe the time it takes to dress sweet Lady Lyria in those dresses - I've been her maid since she was a wee babe, you know, and she's always been such a precious child, but these newfangled fashions she insists on wearing will be the death of me. Did you know there are ladies wearing live birds in their hair at court? Imagine! Thank goodness Lady Lyria already has a cat or I'm certain she'd be caught up in that nonsense by now. Oh, my dear, these biscuits are simply heavenly! You must give me the recipe!"
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Lotti wheels the tea cart into the study and waves farewell to the scullion maid as she closes the door behind her. "I thought you all might like a lighter black tea after breakfast," she says loudly as she pushes the cart further in, "and the cook agreed that these citrus pastries would pair excellently with it. Can I get you cream and sugar, madam?" Lotti continues fussing loudly as she passes out cups and saucers, not batting an eye when Wobblekins peeks his head out from behind the cart's curtained lower shelf and saunters haughtily towards Rose's lap.
"That should get them off their guard, but remember to speak as if someone else is listening at the door," she whispers to the group as she hands Marius his cup.
Feeling a bit self-conscious about the charade, Marius accepts a plate and saucer from Lotti.
"I'm not certain what there is to strategize about at the moment; we're a bit light on actionable intelligence, so rather than speculate I think we should head to the museum as soon as is practicle."
"Agreed," says Konstiantina, carefully slathering a slice of toast with cream. "In fact, the sooner the better."