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”Hold a moment, please. There are a few things we can deduce, and one thing we should discuss before setting out,” Rose replies softly, taking Lotti's advice for the volume to heart, then bends forward from the comfortable sofa and picks up her cat.
She pets him to the best of her ability as she continues. ”To start, these… ‘pirates’ must have been doing this for some time for Count Zespire to suspect count Vernisant of endorsing piracy on his ships. And since ‘our patron’ is better connected than I suspect most of us are, not to mention our briefer, but couldn’t tell anything about the culprits, I think it’s a safe assumption they’ve never been caught. That it falls upon a group of outsiders of have enough room to investigate this over the local authorities also seems to imply that their methods are less violent than might be assumed, and not high on the priorities for local investigators. Perhaps the crews themselves don’t even know how their cargo disappeared?”
She sniffs her tea and takes a sip, then nibbles Lotti’s recommended pastry. ”Hm! Most adequate!” Having learnt from last time, she’s sure not to let the tray near Adriel yet.
Continuing in her lowered voice, she adds: ”Marius is obviously right in that his hometown is a naval one. The security and law-enforcement can be estimated to be high. But at the same time, these longer-acting bandits were never caught. I see two possible explanations for all this as the most likely ones: they are either highly professional robbers, or corrupt members of the local navy operating with inside knowledge. Or some combination of the two.”
She smiles a bit at the purr of Lotti’s cat. ”Either of those options are good for us, since in both cases, their loyalty can probably be bought. And that leads me to the purpose of his ruse so far.”
Nodding to herself, she then looks at everyone in the group in turn. ”Unless we find out something highly repulsive about these pirates, this posturing has added one potential non-violent solution we have to dealing with this situation, and that is recruiting them to our side. Obviously, they would have to believe that we can afford their services, which is where ‘Lady Lyria Stavian’ comes into play. This is not an empty offer to them, however, since I am confident that… ‘my mentor’ can find a good use for them, and can keep them employed in a line of more honest and constructive work. So… how do you all feel about this option?” ”
Marius considers the plan for a moment. "I think...I will decline to speculate at the moment, other than to say that if these bandits are indeed bankrolled by as powerful a personage as we suspect, trying to re-hire the hirelings carries a great deal of risk. I'm also deeply suspect of the notion of asking our patron to accept the risk--why wouldn't their current employer not immediately expose the ruse and heap the embarrassing consequences on us instead of him? Not to mention the dishonor of treating with those who prey on our countrymen."
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"My apologies, Raesilia, but this plan does not sit well with me," says Konstiantina, her voice quiet but firm. "These brigands are criminals. They do not deserve to be paid greater sums to transfer their dubious loyalty to Lady Lotheed, but rather judged for their crimes and then suitably punished."
Adriel sits quietly, not supporting either idea, waiting to see others' opinions first. I can see the merits of both sides here. Is the morally right thing to do always the best?
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Marius considers the plan for a moment. "I think...I will decline to speculate at the moment, other than to say that if these bandits are indeed bankrolled by as powerful a personage as we suspect, trying to re-hire the hirelings carries a great deal of risk. I'm also deeply suspect of the notion of asking our patron to accept the risk--why wouldn't their current employer not immediately expose the ruse and heap the embarrassing consequences on us instead of him? Not to mention the dishonor of treating with those who prey on our countrymen."
"Those are fair questions and points," Rose admits. "I believe there are two reasons for why it will still work. The first of which is that I'm convinced that 'my mentor', who for the sake of clarity is a different person than 'our patron', can offer them a better deal than count Vernisant, assuming he is indeed behind this. The second is that we are acting on behalf of count Zespire in this mission, and have his reputation to back us."
She scratches Lotti's cat behind the ears again. "If you'll remember what he is famous for, it's for his ruthless persuit of Brigands and Pirates all the way up from Taldor to the river kingdoms. Essentially, he is infamous amound criminal circuits for being merciless towards them. This is the same man whose ships they have been robbing all this time. When discovered, would they risk his impending wrath when a convenient and enticing out is presented right in front of them?"
She then listens to lady Konstiantina and nods. "I realize this solution might seem at odds with your moral code. However, try to consider the bigger picture for a moment. In the near future, there is a very large chance of a huge conflict approaching between two 'sides'. You know of which one I speak. Capturing the henchmen of the mastermind here doesn't gain 'our side' anything over just outing Count Vernisant. However, recruiting these people and placing them under the command of someone who knows how to use them can be extremely valuable. Perhaps you consider it unfair... but then neither is the concept of Primogeniture . As it stands, we are the weaker side and need every advantage we can get."
Swayed by Raesilia's passion for the subject, Adriel adds a simple agreement.
"Raesilia, this does sound like an ingenious use of resources that could work out beneficially in the future and in Taldor, we really do need every advantage we can get. I would be interested in this unique plan of action but perhaps we should not be too hasty."
"I suggest that we should find out more about the actual facts before debating over the finer points with educated guesses?" Adriel suggests, attempting to form some harmony among the group.
"More tea?" Lotti asks, already refilling Rose's cup. "But you mustn't dally here too long or you'll miss seeing the museum. Your aunt did recommend it most highly, after all."
Martella's probably got a good reason to suggest we speak with the museum director - otherwise she wouldn't have bothered.
"Thank you, dear servant. I could always rely on you to look after me so," she says, taking the new tea. Lowering her voice again, she then looks between Adriel and Lotti. "While it's true this is based on educated guesses, I felt it was important to establish a consensus on our intent in case we ran into the thieves, based on what we currently do know. I figured this might be the only chance we had to talk somewhat freely before that happened. And yes, of course, if I turned out to be wrong and they were a band of sadistic killers then my opinion would be different."
Rose leans back in the chair and gives the group mascat another rub on the back. "But suppose for a moment that my current assessment is correct, and that they operate as professional thieves who have no murder tally among them. What then, do you suggest we do when we find them? If some of us are hard committed to 'punishing' every one of the purpetrators involved, it will most likely come down to use of brute and lethal force until either side is forced to surrender. Are you all up to this? I will admit freely that I am not particularly strong in a direct confrontation and that my talents lie elsewhere. Or are you suggesting we should then withdraw and come back with the town guards? That seems unreliable in several ways, even putting aside the possibility that they have contacts inside the guard that could warn them."
She looks out the window and over the docks and the sun reflected in the sea. "I'd prefer to have a resolve worked out before visiting this museum, just so that everyone is on the same page."
"I don't know who your mentor is, but if it's someone other than Martella than I cannot promise my assistance--for that matter, I'm skeptical that your mentor can so easily outbid an Earl in the seat of his power. These brigands have crimes enough on their ledger even if murder isn't one of them, I would need a very good reason indeed to overlook that."
Marius sets aside his plate and saucer and rises to his feet. "There's no call to limit our options, as Adriel says we need concrete facts. Come, my lady," he says a bit louder. "Dear Lotti is correct, the museum will not be open forever!"
If/when Raesilia takes his arm, he says softly, "Tell me about this mentor of yours, if you would. My curiosity is piqued."
The singer holds back her own opinions, having difficulty finding her voice in this setting. As they gather to leave, she privately approaches Konstiantina. "Are you," she pauses, anxious, "a noble?"
It is only a short carriage ride to the museum, which stands surrounded by numerous old homes and within view of the 200-foot tall statue of General Arnisant in the city's main square. The museum is a spacious, single-story stone building that has undergone dozens of renovations over the years; even so, some parts look overdue for repairs.
The entrance opens to a large sitting room. The furnishings are aging, albeit clean and free of dust. The walls are crowded with portraits, framed letters, and genealogical charts. Several glass cases protect more fragile items.
On the wall just to the right of the front doors hangs a larger-than-life painting of Earl Calhadion Vernisant looking dramatically into the distance with the crown-and-lion standard of Taldor waving behind him (quite literally waving behind him, as this appears to be an animated painting). The earl in the painting nods stately at Marius as the group enters the museum.
Rose ponders Marius' request for a moment, then speaks in a similar soft tone. "Please understand beforehand that I cannot share everything. If I reveal too many specifics, it would be highly dangerous to their position. Not to mention that I was admonished for not keeping my cards close, and that I've been effectively forbidden for hinting towards certain directions. The only reason I've touched on his or her existence at all is the Taldan power imbalance, and that I trust our Patron's judgment in all of you. If it makes you feel better, I believe our patron knows of who my mentor is."
She looks away and smiles a soft, genuine smile. "That said... to start, they have a strong sense of justice. They don't believe in written rules dictated by whoever managed to grab power for himself ages ago, but in what is actually fair. He or she is more courageous than I can claim myself to be, and has taken more action than most of us ever will. Kind, but at the same time never shirking from duty. Uniquely positioned to possess or amass wealth, rivalled perhaps only by 'the Big Cat' and a few very specific others. They're always on the lookout for... 'promising troublemakers', shall we say, and in offering them a second chance in a more fair and constructive line of work."
From hearing her speak, it's obvious that Rose has genuine affection for her mentor, whoever that may be.
She pauses for a moment, then meets Marius' eyes directly. "And you would know something about second chances yourself, wouldn't you, Marius? I can't imagine being insubordinate in the navy would go over well, but then the army offered you another position, didn't they? And you turned out very satisfactory, with your decorations being all over the mansion and every servant girl everywhere trying to praise you in my prescence. It was quite amusing, I must say!"
When the party reaches the museum, Rose nods and gives a polite bow to the portrait in a return greeting but otherwise does not react. She waits to see what the others do first, perhaps a bit tired from having had one too many long conversations.
"Yes, Mirann, I am. Of House Mokei, a minor Taldan noble house."
She doesn't inquire as to the cause for the question; either Mirann will subside, her curiosity content, or she'll speak further.
The paladin leads the way into the museum, moving with unhurried grace, taking in the patchwork exterior, the small signs of care and upkeep beside those of gradual decay, and steps out of the bright sunlight into the comparative gloom of the large sitting room.
Momentum carries her into the center, where she slows and comes to a stop, turning about slowly as she takes in the environs, finding nothing to surprise her beyond the animated painting, which elicits a raised eyebrow of genteel surprise.
"Good afternoon, my lord," she says, voice husky, low, uncertain as she addresses the painting. Her good manners win through, however, and she drops into a shall curtsey. "How fare you on this fine day?"
The painted earl bows slightly in the direction of Konstiantina. "A pleasure to meet you. I am Earl Calhadion Vernisant, a member of the Taldan Senate, and a direct descendant of the famous General Arnisant, Hero of the Shining Crusade. On behalf of my ancestors, I sincerely hope you enjoy your visit to the General Arnisant museum and historic residence."
"And you would know something about second chances yourself, wouldn't you, Marius? I can't imagine being insubordinate in the navy would go over well, but then the army offered you another position, didn't they? And you turned out very satisfactory, with your decorations being all over the mansion and every servant girl everywhere trying to praise you in my presence. It was quite amusing, I must say!"[b]
Marius blinks a few times and a flush creeps up his neck. [b]"Ah," he manages after a moment. "I...did not put them up to that, I assure you." At least they're loyal? I suppose that's the silver lining.
Stepping into the museum's foyer, he returns the painting's nod, feeling as silly as the first time he did it as a child. "I hate that thing," he mutters under his breath.
"My thanks for your gracious hospitality, Earl Vernisant." She pauses, unsure as to how complex a simulacra of the earl this painting may be, and then turns to consider the further depths of the museum.
"Perhaps we had best summon the curator." And she looks around for some sign of a bell or other means of drawing attention.
Lotti holds firmly onto Wobblekins as she wanders from display to display, trying to find ones that are short enough for her to read. "Oh, how interesting..." she says politely, seeing not only the stained piece of paper, but also the magical aura surrounding it. "But then what about that one..." She turns to look at the painting, brow furrowed in thought.
"I hate that thing," he mutters under his breath.
Rose chuckles. "I can see why. Perhaps best to be gracious visitors on this special occasion, though? Won't cost us much."
She steers Marius to the painting Konstiantina was talking to. "Greetings, Count Vernisant. It is a pleasure to meet you, and what a wonderful museum you have! How has it fared lately? And is there anything you would recommend us viewing?"
The painting nods at Rose and repeats the same sentences it spoke to Konstiantina. I seems that its magical programming is a little limited. Meanwhile, likely drawn by the sound of voices, a slim woman emerges from the next room and walks towards you with purpose, her progress a little slow as she limps along, assisted by an ivory cane. She seems to be in her late twenties, with dark curly hair, dark eyes hidden behind reading glasses, and an olive complexion. The dress she wears strikes those with at least some fashion sense as odd, until you realize that it would be better suited on someone much younger. The turquoise garment has puffy short sleeves and a delicate lace trim around the neckline and sleeve ends.
"Ah, good morning! Is it still morning? Or are we in that awkward time of day where it seems a little late for 'good morning', but a little early for 'good afternoon'? Ah, but pardon my babbling! Welcome to the General Arnisant museum! Would you like to sign the guestbook?"
You infer that this is likely Curator Cincia Reviamo.
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At that point she remembers herself, and addresses the aasimar directly again. "Oh, sorry, uh," she clears her throat and straightens her headscarf, smiling awkwardly. "The Lady Lyria and Miss Adriel both made these points better earlier, but, having known Martella for a few months now, I think you'll quickly have to arrive at a decision point between what is legal and what is moral. As a noble you've probably been sheltered from the worst of it, but the law in Taldor is inherently corrupt and unequal, and I for one certainly don't intend on keeping it as I work to prove myself to our patron."
She smiles nervously and fidgets with a ribbon wrapped around her neck. "What I mean is, despite Lady Lotheed claiming that what we are doing is neither illegal nor secret, the fact remains that if you don't want to be working with criminals, you have been hired by one and are working with several."
SM DC 25
The Vudrani woman curtsies at the curator, blushing slightly. "The day is young, milady, whether it be morning or not, and so I say good day. These are my masters Mokei, Erallan, and Stavian," she gestures to each in turn, "and we would wish a private tour from the curator. I am sure my masters will have questions only she could answer."
Cincia widens her eyes at the mention of the Stavian name and suddenly looks quite nervous, reflexively smoothing the front of her dress and swallowing hard. "Oh my, of course, a private tour, right this way. Er, would you like... refreshments? I have a tea kettle in the office, I could put on some tea! And I think there's half a tin of biscuits left over from Candlemark..."
She clears her throat and starts pointing at the various exhibits in the room, her cane clicking on the polished marble floor as she hobbles from one item to another. "The, erm, the painting of Earl Vernisant you have already discovered, I see. A, um, most generous donation from our, er, most generous sponsor, the Earl himself. As is this, erm, genealogical chart that His Lordship commissioned."
The chart seems to suggest that General Arnisant had a relationship with the mortal Iomedae during the Shining Crusade, and that their children are thus also descended from the Inheritor.
"And here we have full sets of armor representing Taldor's major armies in the Shining Crusade - all original items!" She seems quite proud of them as she gestures towards four mannequins wearing period armor, although you notice that the helmet is missing from one of them. "The Phalanx, the Horse, the Navy, and the Knights of Ozem. Unfortunately, the last one is not complete, as the Earl has taken the helmet into his private collection for, um, for study. Since it's magical. And... yes." She gazes with sadness at the incomplete display before brightening up again and turning back to you. "I would be happy to answer any questions you have! And may I say, what an honour to have such distinguished personages visit our humble museum."
Marius eyebrows raise as he reads the genealogical chart, and he gives Cincia an openly skeptical look. "Truly, wonders never cease. Our august Earl's pedigree is mighty indeed--imagine, to be the scion not only of one of history's most storied heroes, but the descendant of the Inheritor herself! Is this chart a new addition? I don't recall it from before, though it's been some years since I've visited."
The soldier's annoyance melts away as the tour begins in earnest, and he has to restrain himself from peppering Cincia with endless questions. "...and do you have anything from Anagast's Thorns? Most of his veterans were pulled from Northern Tandak, where I was posted, and the local officers loved to share those stories..."
Noticing her nervousness, Rose smiles and makes a calming gesture with her free hand. "Pray calm yourself on my behalf, dear Madam Reviamo. I assure you that my lineage to the crown is more distant than the name suggests. We have heard a lot about your museum and just had to visit while in the area. And what a splendid collection of artefacts this is! Is there some piece you believe especially warrents our time and attention? Anything relating to your own field of expertise, perhaps?"
When the gynealogical chart is presented, she nods along with Marius. "Indeed... very impressive, not to mention somewhat unexpected. I verily cannot recall the last time this lineage was discussed in the Opparan Courts, nor was I taught of the Vernisant lineage as such. Is there some interesting story being this chart, Madam?"
When the pieces of the shining crusade are shown, she attempts to talk along to appear knowledgeable.
"Such great craftmansmanship, for these suits of armor to endure for almost nine hundred years to this day," she says, admiring the ornaments and attempting to touch the plates of one. "Brigandine and plate, lances and halberds. The same gear our soldiers still use - a fitting tribute to the great smiths and warriors of ages past. We owe a lot to the sacrifices of our forebears. And I'm sure they were just as courageous then as they are now."
"You are calling Lady Martella Lotheed a criminal?" Her tone is deceptively bland. "That is a very dangerous accusation to make without evidence."
She stops walking to turn and face Mirann full on. "And I am well aware that the law can be unjust. I do not follow it blindly. In my heart, and in my service to Sarenrae, I follow my moral compass first and foremost. I won't set myself against those who have been trapped by illegitimate laws, which is why I am working to change primogeniture. But nor will I turn a blind eye to men and women who have benefited at the expense of others, who have stolen, coerced, corrupted, or murdered. The ends do not justify the means, and I will not become bedfellows with criminals whose actions and crimes I find repugnant."
Hands on her hips, she stares levely at Mirann. "And are you saying you are a criminal yourself? If so, what crimes have you committed?"
Adriel smiles and bows her head slightly in greeting with the curator and gladly follows for the small tour.
Unfortunately, not paying attention in History class has done her no favors and she is unable to join in with the admiration of the most recent pieces from the crusade. She merely feigns interest through a well placed "How fascinating," and "Now isn't that impressive?" where appropriate.
Cincia seems thrilled by your interest and launches into detailed explanations of various historical events concerning The Shining Crusade. At the questions about the genealogical chart, her expression turns sour. "That is, ah, a recent donation. From Earl Vernisant. You are not wrong to question it." She sighs, looking like she would like to say more, but bites her lip instead and turns to answer Marius. "Oh, we did have something, but Lord Vernisant heard it was also magical, and so he moved it into his private collection for study." Her face falls a little. "It was a beautifully decorated scabbard."
"Please do tell us more Cincia, we are intrigued to find out about this genealogical chart here. We would be interested to learn more about this Earl. And of course the accuracies and inaccuracies of charts such as this is always such a fascinating topic, don't feel as if you need to bite your tongue around us." Adriel says with a smile.
"Ah, Earl Vernisant. I cannot say I've had the pleasure of meeting him yet. However, you say he has taken both a magical helmet and magical scabbard from your collection for his own... 'study'?"
Rose frowns upon the repeat of this event and at how the curator seemed upset about it. "Is that a common occurence? Surely he returns the pieces, right? Otherwise, it would be akin to banditry which would be a huge scandal for his... apparently divine bloodline and house. Perhaps someone should remind him in such an unthinkable case, wouldn't you agree?"
Cincia sighs as her shoulders slump. "This museum is my life's work. There are so many priceless historical records and artifacts, but lately it is turning into Earl Vernisant's personal propaganda display! I cannot stand aside and let it happen, but what can I do? I'm not a noble, nevermind one as powerful and well-connected as the Earl!" She gives Rose a pleading look, as the one she believes has the best chance in handling the matter.
Rose hardens her features, then looks around to see if any other visitors of the museum are within hearing distance. If not, she slightly lowers her voice and continues. If so, she instead motions the curator to follow her and Marcus, and whomever else comes along. "That is a serious problem, indeed. I couldn't rest easy knowing someone, even the Earl, was making a mockery of our country's esteemed history. Come then, madam Cincia. Is there any place we could take more in private to discuss this? I believe we'd have to know more, starting at the beginning. Such as, how this museum came to be, and how much of its existence is owed to the Earl. Which among the items here actually belong to him or were bought with his money?"
She pauses for a moment to think. "And when did he take these magical items, exactly? Is this a recent trend? Has anything odd happened in the town, lately, that you think might be related?"
"...Surely he returns the pieces, right? Otherwise, it would be akin to banditry which would be a huge scandal for his... apparently divine bloodline and house."
You'd think she'd never met a noble before, Lotti thinks to herself. She glances over at the door, then begins slowly moving in that direction. Nobles want something, they take it - simple as that. If they're feeling particularly generous, they might give an excuse in return. Of course, sometimes they realize they didn't actually want it in the first place... She stretches upward to flip a small placard in the window from "Open" to "Closed", then shuts the door with a soft click.
"This museum is my life's work. There are so many priceless historical records and artifacts, but lately it is turning into Earl Vernisant's personal propaganda display!"
"It pains me to hear it," Marius responds earnestly as he continue examining the Phalanx armor. "The desire to bend and twist history for one's own aggrandizement is unfortunately common amongst the gentry--Taldor's no less so than any other nation. I can't say I approve, for someone without a respect for history may have no use for the truth in other matters either. No, I don't approve at all." He gives his head a small shake and turns to Cincia, giving her a small smile of reassurance as he waits for the interrogation to begin.
Seeing Raesilia and Marius get to work on the curator, Konstiantina allows herself to fade into the background, a face in the small crowd, hands linked behind her back, studying the armor and allowing herself to be taken by the tales they could tell.
Tales of outright evil and villainy, of heroism bought and paid for at the highest price, and the forces against which she and Sarenrae will always strive, even if their own battlefield for now was the floor of this rural museum.
If she should catch Cincia's eye, she'll give her a warm, encouraging smile.
After a glance around the otherwise deserted museum, Cincia takes you to her office - a small room that contains only a desk, a chair, several floor-to-ceiling filing cabinets, and a small side table with a samovar and a tea set. There are several stacks of papers and parchment on the desk, some of them in a tidy pile, the others spread all over the available surface. She fusses for a few moments over the lack of seating, then lights the samovar with a spell and starts preparing a pot of tea. From a drawer in the desk she takes out the aforementioned tin of biscuits and puts some on a plate, which she offers around.
"Ah, alright, where to start..." She takes an absent-minded bite from a biscuit and chews for a moment. "The museum itself is quite old, it was founded shortly after the death of General Arnisant in 3827. This used to be his home, you know. Its funding was decreed by the Senate at the time, with the Grand Prince's blessing. We receive a stipend every year to cover expenses." She busies herself making the tea and pouring each of you a cup. "Most of the exhibits are donations - from the General's family, those who had fought alongside him, his officers... The, um, the talking portrait and the genealogical chart were donated by Earl Vernisant, as I mentioned. He commissioned other donations, including a portrait of his Lordship's mother as Iomedae, which, ah... it is not on display at the moment." She pulls a thick ledger from another drawer and opens it carefully at the last few notations. "All the donations and withdrawals from the museum are recorded here. The Earl's donations I would qualify as, um, of "artistic value", and not historical artefacts as such."
She sighs. "As to the items that the Earl took, I certainly hope that he plans on returning them, but I can't very well ask him to. He's borrowed them over the past couple of years, let me see..." She looks up entries in the ledger, then frowns. "Hm, both withdrawals were a year apart, almost on the same date, one on the 17th of Arodus and the other on the 16th of Arodus. 4716 and 4717 were the years."
She closes the ledger and looks at Rose and Marius. "Earl Vernisant is a very powerful man, and very popular in Ridonport. I doubt that you'll get anywhere if you confront him directly, but if several well-known people in the community can be persuaded to support you, then you may get him to listen."
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Rose nods along and finds herself drinking her tea when the rediculous notion of Versinant's mother displayed as Iomedae herself is presented. She can't help laughing and promptly chokes on her beverage. She coughs a few times and tries to maintain her composure. "Ahem! I see. Apologies, I am highly allergic to nonsense and it appears this Earl is quite full of it," she gives the woman an encouraging smile as she makes the admission.
"Two withdrawals almost exactly one year apart. A payment date he had to meet and funds with sold artefacts? It would correlate to the endorsement of Piracy if he was in some kind of financial trouble..."
Figuring the museum curator probably wasn't the person to ask about this, she decides to let the issue rest for the moment. "Forgive me for asking, but why exactly is the Earl such a popular man? Is this purely due to his Heritage from General Arnisant? And when you say that several well-known people would have to back an investigation, who do you mean? Surely you have someone in mind to suggest the option. Except for dear Lord Erallan here, we are mere visitors."
Adriel fades back into the background, leaving Rose to do all the talking, as she likes to do best, but divulges in a couple of biscuits to keep her busy, listening closely to pick up all the useful information.
Lotti effortlessly carries tea to the other guests, each cup perfectly centered on its saucer with a pair of biscuits on the side. The servant doesn’t take a cup for herself, but stands attentively behind the “Lady Stavian”.
Konstiantina sits at the table and takes one of the proffered biscuits. There is a directness to her bearing, a clarity to her expression, that indicates total attention. She nods encouragingly if Cincia glances her way, and takes a good sized bite as she does so.
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Rose gratefully takes one of the biscuits from Lotti for herself. "Delicious. Qadiran cinnamon. Or is it Osirion? I sometimes find it hard to keep track of the two, even though one is supposedly five times as expensive."
She then waits to see what the museum curator says.
"Ah, well, this is, um, the cheap one, I'm afraid." Cincia replies to Rose's question about cinnamon, eagerly seizing a topic that is less fraught than local politics. "Earl Vernisant, well, he is in charge of Ridonport and the people here find him quite charming. He's always throwing public celebrations - why, only a few weeks ago he was talking about establishing a new holiday, called Birthright Day... or something? And there would be speeches and performances and food and drink... people love that kind of stuff." She fiddles with her teacup for a moment as she drops her gaze. "A-and, he is quite good looking and charismatic, what a proper noble should look like. He has, um, this aura about him, like nobody can deny him anything."
The tips of her ears have started turning quite red, and the more observant of you get the feeling that she would be quite taken with the Earl herself if not for his nonsense regarding the museum's collection. "As to whom you could speak with, well. There's our senior magistrate, Joleana Tantriano, at the courthouse. Patrician Neffery Adimare is a minor noble who owns the ship’s chandlery that supplies the navy. He likes to sit in there and listen to the naval officers’ stories. And there’s Rasvelg, the head of the shipwright’s guild. You’ll find him at the wharf most days."
Adriel pipes up, as Cincia describes the Earl. "Now, he does sound like a charming man. I would love to meet him based on your description!" She says with a wink.
Adriel smiles, realising she probably shouldn't have said that out loud, before looking around at the others, hoping anyone would save her from the slight embarrassment.
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""A-and, he is quite good looking and charismatic, what a proper noble should look like. He has, um, this aura about him, like nobody can deny him anything."
"A burden I know well," Marius murmurs solemnly, before helping himself to another biscuit.
"I know of Adimare and Rasvelg by general reputation, but we've never met. Apologies for dragging the subject backwards a bit, but regarding the helm and scabbard that are no longer in your collection--you said they are magical, but what properties were they rumored to possess?"
"Sounds interesting. He must be incredibly wealthy indeed to throw so many public celebrations and even add more holidays. I wonder that his source of this wealth is? Does he tax you for similarly egregious amounts?" Rose ponders, then asks Cincia. "One also wonders why he feels compelled to do such grand acts of charity. Is it related to the events of seven years ago, where the good people of this town stood up against his predecessor? If I remember correctly, that was on similar accounts of frabicating a more heroic past for himself."
Still in the process of thinking aloud, she still nods at Adriel's interruption. "Well, I told you to speak a bit more freely earlier, and it's good to see you very much took that advice to heart, dear servant. Your words touch on a important matter, I believe. He seems VERY charming indeed - even to someone who has ample reason to hate the man. Something feels strange to me about this. I am afraid he appears a bit too perfect to be true, no matter how much chocolate he has, I imagine." She throws a quick and subtle wink at Adriel. "And we already know he isn't above 'indefinitely borrowing' things from the museum, nor altering history to better suit him."
Rose nods along with Marcus' inquiry. "And specifically, would either of these artefacts happen to have some kind of mind-affecting power?"
Noticing most of the party standing by silently among the walls, she sighs slightly theatrically. "Please, all of you. The reason you are in my entourage is because I value your presence. If any of you feel there is something important here we forgot to inquire about, please do so in my stead. Just be dears and do not embarass my faith in you in public, would you?"