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“That depends on what you want the people to say about you.” Lotti gives Konstiantina a serious look to let the holy warrior know she does not pick these words flippantly. “Do you want to be thought of as a legend? Untouchable? Able to survive anything? Clean clothes. Do you want your sacrifice to be spoken of instead? Then they need to see the blood spilt so that their own be kept safe. But pick a story and stick with it, lest the rumormongers get confused.”
"I'm not certain how much choice we really have in the matter--I didn't pack a change of attire, and right now all of us look like characters out of an Alison Kindler novel. Let them see the truth--we are bloodied but unbeaten, and we will put our lives on the line for those around us."
"Yes." Konstiantina suddenly sounds tired. "I was thinking more if we should make a public return or seek to confront the count in private, but the very thought of sneaking about wearies my soul. Let us return as we are, and seek a public accounting for what took place."
"I'm not certain how much choice we really have in the matter--I didn't pack a change of attire, and right now all of us look like characters out of an Alison Kindler novel..."
“I’m afraid I’m not familiar with that author,” Lotti comments. Sparkling bubbles appear from her hand, gently floating down to the hem of her dress and disappearing - along with the mud encrusted there - with a silent pop.
"I was thinking more if we should make a public return or seek to confront the count in private…"
“What would you have hoped to gain from confronting the count privately?”
"To be honest? I'm not sure. Perhaps to allow us to straighten this out without dragging everybody else into the process, and force the count to deal with us directly without being able to appeal to others for aid."
"Unless we have a mind to go and seek a stream here to bathe and wash our clothes - or that Trick Lotti just did works on blood as well - I don't think we have much choice but to appear as we are," Rose weighs in, helping with fashioning a stretcher and then pushing the enourmous body on top of it with all her might. It took quite a bit of huffing and puffing to move something at least four times her weight, even with help!
"And on that note, I agree with Lotti there; I would not seek out the Count in private, if we could even manage that covertly. It seems that would just give him an opportunity to spin things in his advantage. Let's appear with the Iron Rug here and boldly claim our stake for all to see first."
Moffis lights up as understanding dawns upon him, and he shoots to his feet to shake everyone's hand enthusiastically. "Oh, bless ye, m'ladies and m'lord! Bless ye! I won't go very far." With that, he takes off into the forest, angling north-west.
A rustle in the undergrowth announces the return of Purple Finch, her bird mask gone and her clothes streaked with mud. At the sight of the group, and the slain manticore, the woman sighs in relief, although as she takes in the bloodied state of most people, her hand flies to her mouth in shock.
"Oh my goodness, my ladies, milord! I'm so sorry, I heard the roaring and I saw the creature, I just ran." She sounds ashamed as she stands next to a pine tree, posture uncertain. "Are you alright, shall I go and fetch help?"
"A monster attacked, and you ran to keep safe from it. It's an extremely sensible thing to do, nothing to be sorry for, Miss--" Marius pauses, frowning and scrutinizing Purple Finch's posture. "I never even thought to ask... Do you prefer 'Miss Finch' or would you prefer that we address you by your real name? I don't wish to see you get in any trouble, but it seems rude not to inquire. Whichever you prefer, we are all well now though it was touch and go for few heartbeats there."
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His lips quirk, but Marius manages to suppress the grin. "Thank you, Miss Lombardi, for tending to the others' injuries."
"Well, you're very welcome Lord Erallan." Lisa huffs and refuses to make eye contact as she composes herself and fixes her hair. "With the way you've been acting here I suspect I'll be doing quite a bit of healing in the not-so-distant future so... you can just add it to my tab."
Lisa's brow does furrow at all the conspiratorial talk surrounding the circumstances of their encounter with the Iron Lash. "No-no-no, the Count simply adores me there's no way he'd send us to our deaths... He probably just forgot or..." The courtesan gasps here as she is hit by a sudden stroke of inspiration. "Orrrr, he could have sent us here hoping we'd eliminate the creature for him! Then he gets all the credit for taking care of a problem that's been plaguing the countryside for gods know how long and he gets it done for free! We are the most combat ready looking group of the bunch! Just playing devil's advocate here." She smirks.
"Unless we have a mind to go and seek a stream here to bathe and wash our clothes - or that Trick Lotti just did works on blood as well - I don't think we have much choice but to appear as we are,"
"Oh gods!" Lisa gasps looking down at her torn and blood soaked outfit with disgust. "We're going to have to be seen like this?! She balks visibly turning white at the idea of the public embarrassment that awaits her to be seen in such a state.
When the time comes to load their trophy up Lisa covers her mouth to laugh as Rose struggles against the weight of the manticore. "Darling, as amusing as this is to watch perhaps you'd appreciate some assistance?" The red-headed woman places her hand on her friend's shoulder while gesturing with the other. "You have my full support~"
"Formica tiro."
Suddenly Rose feels as though budging the manticore's body takes a quarter as much effort as before, almost as though she had grown four times stronger!
The young woman shakes her head at Marius's question. "Alista. Alista Cragus. Please call me Alista. The finch thing... that was the count's idea, and when you're someone like me you do what you're told if you want to get paid." Perhaps sensing some of the suspicion from earlier, she hastily adds, "Not that I knew the monster was here, please believe me! We had heard some rumours, but they died down months ago, we thought it was gone. And I definitely didn't know it would be here!" She glances at the corpse, and shudders.
"Wh-where's Moffis? Is he alright? It was him screaming earlier, wasn't it?"
“It’s quite alright dear,” Lotti reassures the young woman. “Last I saw Moffis, he was running thataway. Such a shame we couldn’t catch him.”
A bit of tension goes out of Marius' shoulders as he decides that Alista had not deliberately lured them into the manticore's reach. "I believe you, Alista, I don't think you lured us here. At the very least, now it is most certainly gone. Shall we all get back to the palace and call it a day?"
"Yes, let's hurry back if we can. The wilderness is clearly not my style." Lisa frowns and proceeds to recast her spell on the rest of the party so they can assist in draggibg the massive corpse back to the palace.
When Lisa completes her enchantment, Marius gives her a nod of thanks and takes up the other handle of their makeshift sledge, so that he and Rose can haul the deceased manticore in tandem.
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Likewise, Rose doesn't press the servant. "I'm more relieved to find you safe than anything as well, Alista. Could you perhaps show us the shortest way back? I assume you are more familiar with these lands than we are."
After failing to move the manticore much even with Lisa's spell and starting to run out of breath, she nods gratefully at the further assistance from her - and Marius. Smiling faintly, her gaze lingers on him a second or two as they grab the impromptu stretcher of sorts that made moving it at all possible. Something had changed following the aftermath of that near-death experience; there was a nervous sort of energy that hadn't been there before. Or at least, not as strongly?
Or had it been there from the start, but just drowned out between all the earlier happenings; the feeling of finally making some sort of real difference followed by the prolonged struggle for survival in the catacombs?
Well... she'd say a prayer to Desna later. Acting on impulse was one of her main teachings. Hopefully, this would be one that worked out for the better, or at least not be a huge mistake.
"Well, let's go and give these people a good show, shall we?" she quips, and begins tugging the gigantic manticore back to the castle.
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It takes several hours of trudging through the forest to get back to a road, and after that the going is a little easier, but it's still late afternoon when the party returns to the palace. Their appearance certainly makes an impression, the huge corpse of the manticore drawing the attention of everyone, nobles, servants and guards, who gasp and stare at the slain creature.
Most of the other "hunting" parties have returned as well, their "prey" captured, and they join the growing crowd gathering around. Count Lotheed immediately makes his way to Marius, surprise evident in his features.
"Lord Erallan, Lady Mokei, Lady Talbot... what happened?"
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Marius' gaze lingers on Lord Titus' disappointed expression for only a moment, but he feels anger tighten in his chest. Resentment over losing a competition he understood--it was petty and childish, but he understood it. But if Lord Titus had some foreknowledge of the Iron Lash's presence and had said nothing, or even steered them towards it...what could possibly motivate such malice? The little sh*t had only met them yesterday! Why would he want them injured, or slain? I believe I owe Rose an apology.
Marius says none of this, instead turning back to Bartleby with a weary but triumphant smile. "Count Lotheed! While I'm afraid I must inform you that the ox eluded us, I think you'll all agree that we claimed a greater prize: the Iron Lash of Meratt is no more! The monster did not go down without a fight," he gestures to his ripped attire with a chagrined expression, though the magic of the sleeve of many garments keeps the damage from being too obvious. "But my companions' courage and skill is greater than I had imagined!"
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Likewise, Rose's eyes narrow at the realisation that Lord Lotheed-Casava had been hoping for the accident she'd been dreading ever since his altercation with Marius the previous day. There's a slight tremble in her hand just before she lets go of their Trophy, a single intake of unsteady breath as she glances in his direction - before her features slide into her usual outward calm as the Count adresses them.
Apparently, Count Lotheed himself was not complicit in any deliberate wrongdoing here (other than being negligent) - or was a good enough liar to mask his true feelings. His cousin, however, had at best conveniently not mentioned the danger of the area they'd been in, and at worst actively plotted for them to die, even if the exact method of which remained a mystery for now.
In the spur of the moment, she contemplates putting either on the spot, and to what degree. Remembering there seemingly was some sort of rift between the two of them already, an idea begins to form...
"But my companions' courage and skill is greater than I had imagined!"
At this, however, she smiled faintly. "Lord Erallan sells himself short. Few men could go head to head with such a beast and emerge breathing, especially unprepared."
She motions over her companions. "And while he speaks the truth, I do believe some form of compensation is due for these efforts. I was informed, after the hunt, that this beast has been terrorizing surrounding lands for a while now, and that aid for its removal was pretitioned often. While it is a stroke of good fortune for the realm that we were here, it is also true that not being told of its proximity, or at least the possibility of encountering such a predator, prior to this put us in much greater and unneccesary danger. Not to mention the sustained damage to our effects."
She leans forward and whispers to Count Lotheed. "And coincidentally, that your Cousin seems mostly disappointed that we made it back seems unusual, the implications troubling. Is he not bound by the same offer of hospitality you, as the true ruler of this land, extended to us on our arrival?"
The paladin follows at the rear, her manner somewhere between stoic and forbidding, and while she watches all and listens intently to those who speak, she otherwise holds her tongue.
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Lord Titus resumes the conversation with his friends, speaking a tad louder than strictly necessary. "...might be impressive for some, but the truth of the matter is that I captured two quarries, so I should be the victor according to the rules. And you can be sure that stupid ox wouldn't have evaded me."
The count motions guards and servants to remove the corpse. "My ladies, my lord, please accept my apologies. I feel that this is my responsibility. I did get reports of the creature, and sent Sir Gul Guisarne to investigate with some soldiers, but they could not find it, and since we stopped getting news of it several months ago I thought it gone. Clearly, I was mistaken, and your lives were endangered as a result." He nods at Rose. "Of course you shall be compensated for that, as well as the damage sustained to your persons and effects, and the great service you have performed for the county. I will put my personal physician at your service to treat your wounds. I also apologize if Lord Titus's behaviour has been offensive to you, I shall have a word with him."
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Lisa is more than a little distracted by the utter humiliation that is being seen in such a state of disarray and, as such, sticks towards the back of the group for the begining of the encounter.
However, as she begins to observe the rather stunned and awed reception that the others recieve a strange feeling begins to build up in her. A sense of pride, which was nothing new for Lisa, but this time it was not about her appearance or any petty victory at court. This time she feels pride in what they had accomplished, bringing down such a beast. She felt pride in herself and in her new companions and thus, in spite of her tattered garments and Lord Titus' obvious dissappiontment, she is able to hold her head high as she struts to the front of the party.
"Thank you my dear Count, I knew it must have been some sort of terrible mistake as I'm sure you'd never wish harm upon your treasured guests, especially yours truly." Lisa preens.
"All blame cast aside for the time being I believe that we can take this near tragedy and turn it into a celebratory moment." She grins to the crowd and opens her arms wide in the direftion if the beast as the corpse is carried away.
"After only a single day amongst your people Lord Erallan has already done a great service for this county. Facing down a beast of a manticore head to head without fear, without hesitation, and winning nearly single handedly! This can only be taken as a sign of great things to come, no? Let the arrival of the House of Erallan be associated with a time of great change for these lands, a time of growth and healing." Lisa stands smug, lapping up the attention cast upon her as she acts as a mouthpiece for her comrades.
"Let us embrace this change! Let us embrace prosperity and usher in a new era of peace and development to these lands!"
She turns to Count Lotheed now looking smug as ever. "All this, of course, with the aid of our most gracious host. I'm sure that we could accomplish great this should we get in bed together... our houses, that is, of course."
"I look forward to working close with you my dear Count." She grins and whispers in his ear, "Very close."
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Lotti keeps an eye out for Moffis on the road behind them as the taller folks make grand speeches and cross verbal blades. Poor fellow’s had quite a day - and in a cow costume to boot. Last thing we need is for him to not make it home after all that.
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Rose nods and allows a polite smile to the Count as he agrees to her demand/suggestion and attempts to save face among the present nobles to the best of his ability. Of course, he didn't have the attention long before Lisa took the spotlight.
"Miss Lombardi really lives up to her reputation. She IS truly relentless - and not afraid of doing so publicly either. I wonder how much more the Count can take before he caves," Rose whispers to Marius next to her, amused.
"And speaking of public actions..." She leans in slightly closer, and there's a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "What do you say we throw the manticore on his Cousin while the Count's back is turned? Do you think we'd have plausible deniability? At worst, it'd be an 'oops, sorry, you didn't specify where we had to put it' kind of thing."
The suggestion is quite obviously made in jest.
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"Miss Lombardi really lives up to her reputation. She IS truly relentless - and not afraid of doing so publicly either. I wonder how much more the Count can take before he caves," Rose whispers to Marius next to her, amused.
Marius, who had raised one eyebrow ever-so-slightly at Miss Lombardi's performance, can only nod in agreement. "I'll make a note of thanking Lady Martella for putting such a relentless ally in our camp. She'd be a difficult opponent."
"What do you say we throw the manticore on his Cousin while the Count's back is turned? Do you think we'd have plausible deniability? At worst, it'd be an 'oops, sorry, you didn't specify where we had to put it' kind of thing."
He turns to look at her, his smile more chagrined now. "You were right," he says, too softly for anyone else to overhear. "For now, let's play nice--until it's time to not be nice." He winks at her, and his smile regains it's jovial veneer as he turns back to Count Bartleby and the assembled nobles.
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With so much attention on them, Count Lotheed can hardly push Lisa away, but she feels that he is still quite stand-offish as she gets close to him. He smiles a little stiffly as the assembled crowd claps politely.
"House Lotheed is most fortunate to have you as our guests and subjects, and I am looking forward to the future great contributions you'll bring to he county."
He bows to Marius, Rose and Konstiantina, turning to peer at the darkening sky, then at a jewelled timepiece he pulls out of his jacket pocket. "It looks like the time is up for the hunt. With two quarries captured, Lord Titus Lotheed-Casava is the victor!"
Lord Titus gets to his feet, grinning and waving as his assigned jester presents him with the prize - a jade bear statuette. After congratulating him for his victory, the guests slowly disperse to refresh themselves before dinner.
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Konstiantina awaits for the furor to die down, and when she finds herself alone with her companions, leaving for their chambers, perhaps, she speaks in a quiet voice so that only they can hear.
"Recall how Lotheed-Casava cheered my suggestion to go without weapons? And then looked conspicuously disappointed that we gained the upper hand against the manticore? Well, I surveyed him for evil with the aid of my goddess, and its taint lay thickly upon him. Furthermore, this is no casual wickedness, but one which he feels a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction for having taken. I'd wager he's been hired by someone back at the capital to ensure we come to a violent end."
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Lisa is somewhat vexed by Count Lotheed's continued cold shoulder towards herself. Yes, she had danced with another family member of his but that was in the job description of being a courtesan. It was particularly confusing that it was he, Count Lotheed of all people, who would be jealous of her attentions. Surely she was just another commoner to him? She had doubt that the man even truly viewed the common folk as people after all.
Still, despite his rigid demeanor, Lisa knows how to put on a good show and thus smiles politely until the crowd disperses and she returns to her allies on their way to refreshing themselves. (Lisa absolutely HAS to change after all).
Though she does shoot a quick glare Titus' way as he receives his prize.
On the way back she purses her lips in response to Konstiantina's theory-crafting about the young noble.
"'Taint' is a very strong word I think. What if we were to refer to it as more of a musk? An aroma of wickedness, if you will? Yes, I rather like that, it sounds mysterious, almost sensual." She muses.
"Regardless, just because he is clearly a bad egg with ill intentions for us doesn't mean he's been necessarily hired to do so... The boy was throughly trounced by you in the lists and then publicly challenged by our dear Lord Erallan... I do believe that may have been more than his fragile little ego could take. Still, you are right to be suspicious but what we need is hard proof. Now, I would go about my usual methods of extracting the truth from this unremittant arse but I do believe that a simple dance with one of our good Count's family has already strained the relationship enough... Some back door snooping might be the way to go then?" The woman suggests twirling an errant hair betwixt her fingers.
"Besides that, we absolutely MUST get our hands on that jade statuette! Did you see that thing?! Must have been worth a small fortune! And to give it to that sniveling little... when we dragged a whole manticore back with us?! Absolutely unbelievable!" Lisa stomps as she makes her way to their quarters.
"That had better be some damn good butter!"
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Lotti continues watching the road for Moffis. Facing away from the crowd of nobles does have some advantages, such as letting her raise an eyebrow at Lisa’s outburst without anyone else seeing her do so. I suppose I shouldn’t be too surprised that wealth is such a powerful motivator for her, she muses, carefully brushing cat hair off a dress that’s worth more than she’d ever made in all her years of servitude combined. I just hope that’s not the only thing keeping her working with us, or we’ll have to worry about her jumping ship the first time someone waves a sparkling trinket at her.
“Thank goodness I know someone who would never do such a thing,” she murmurs to the cat she once had to rescue off a rooftop because he’d seen light reflecting from the Duchess WIlkop’s decorative fish pond onto the belfry and decided to chase it.
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"Recall how Lotheed-Casava cheered my suggestion to go without weapons? And then looked conspicuously disappointed that we gained the upper hand against the manticore? Well, I surveyed him for evil with the aid of my goddess, and its taint lay thickly upon him. Furthermore, this is no casual wickedness, but one which he feels a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction for having taken. I'd wager he's been hired by someone back at the capital to ensure we come to a violent end."
On the way back to their quarters, Rose is pensive. She only speaks when the crowd has thinned behind them and no one is within earshot. "If Konstiantina can sense it that clearly, could Titus be affiliated with the Brotherhood of Silence in some way? The same group of assassins we rescued Martella from earlier," Rose clarifies for Lisa, who hadn't been there. "They knew about us in advance when we got there, and it took us... two days after the Senate attack? One and a half? Regardless, it's likely some word about us would have gotten out to other branches, or their allies. With Titus' seeming foreknowledge on the manticore incident, the theory of someone trying to remove us - all of us and not just Marius - could be true."
Opening her pouch, she produces an unopened and now slightly frayed letter adressed to the parents of Kalbio - the former Exhaltation winner who'd been stabbed by Prince Stavian at the start of the Senate massacre. "And if Titus believes in an evil cause... if Pythareus was indeed behind the Senate massacre, which I believe he is, and Titus chose to support him, would that make him detect as evil? Even if he believes the cause is just. I'd wager it would. I'm no expert on the soul or divine matters, but Kalbio would probably agree - if he was still alive. As would most of the dead there."
She looks ahead ans lets ut a soft sigh before pocketing the envelope. "All speculation at this point, of course. But... well, I've been right before. And you know another interesting tidbit? I remember from Miss Pufferfi- um, I mean, Miss Chialda's lecture from the Academia, that manticores are sentient creatures capable of speaking common. Put against that Titus probably knew about the attack, does that mean they made a deal of sorts beforehand? And if he can bribe a manticore, what's his next move?"
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Moffis does turn up soon after dark, slinking through a side entrance - the only "quarry" to do so, as the others had been captured.
At dinner, the repast is a heartier fare, suitable for mighty hunters - boar stew, a thick root vegetable soup flavoured with garlic and herbs and fiery with black pepper, roasted duck, blood sausages in a sweet, dark sauce, smoked rice pilaf with nuts and raisins, ending with a variety of tarts, puddings and large slices of jubilee pie. As the guests eat their fill, a small orchestra performs a selection of popular symphonies from great Taldan composers like Richilo Sampolo, Gwenavive of Mut, and Nalappho.
After dinner, guests are dismissed for an hour to retire to their rooms and change in their costumes, as the rest of the evening is a masquerade.
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Over the course if the dinner Lisa partakes of some of the lighter meal options. She was certainly hungry after the amount of energy expended in the fight against the Iron Lash earlier that very day but someone in her line of work had to be careful about what they put in their bodies. As such it is roast duck and vegetable soup for her though she does allow herself a little guilty pleasure for desert. Jubilee was her favorite after all.
The courtesan's mind was filled with thoughts, questions about what she had come to learn in the past few hours.
Where their really a secret order of assassins trying to put an end to this party's little schemes? If so, they didn't have a great deal to worry about if the likes of Lord Titus was masterminding ever plot against them. It was almost amusing to imagine him failing over and over again to kill off the merry band and grow increasingly frustrated by his repeated failures.
Could manticores really speak?! The thought sent shivers down Lisa's spine. It was terrible enough as just a ghastly beast but having a near human level of intellect made it a terror in its own right.
Most importantly, 'Miss Pufferfish?!' Lisa absolutely had to know what was up with that moniker.
-------
After dinner Lisa changes into the wonderfully debonair dress/costume Rose had designed for her. As she reflects on how well the devil mask seems to suit her she puts the finishing touches on her jewelry and calls out to Raesilia. "Darling you've struck gold once again with this outfit. The stitch work is magnificent, my range of movement unhindered (very important for a dance you see), and the way you've accentuated my 'assests,' I positively smolder!" She smirks deviously.
"Now hurry along Lady Talbot. Our costumes work best as a pair and I want to make a stunning entrance!" Lisa winks at her 'angelic' friend
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Sure enough, it does take a while to change out of her hunting outfit, wash out the blood in a warm bath, say her prayer to Desna thanking her for the group's survival and then sit through the grooming 'ritual' as both her headservant Deria and her daughter helped Rose prepare - but the result was worth it.
She emerges from her room in a beautiful, almost shining masked ball outfit of blue, gold and silver. It was shoulderless and backless to a degree, hugging her slender curves perfectly and showing exactly the right amount of skin between those to draw further awareness to such. While at the same time not crossing any line of established high-class decency - the way only a true expert could.
From the jeweled bust spiraled a pattern of golden plants and foilage down to and fully around the hem near the bottom, each one reflecting the incoming light in its own unique way, as not a one was completely similar to the others. Filling the voids were silver droplets in manyfold, forming an image of a starlit field set against the night sky.
The accompanying visage was set in similar colours, at first seeming a jewel depicting half a butterfly. However, on closer inspection, it was actually a Faerie Dragon Azata depicted from the side - spreading its wings as if to boldly take flight. The many different facets of gold and small gemstones making up the mask gave it an almost ethereal beauty, complemented subtly with Rose's own blue eyes viewing you from behind the underlying mask.
Gliding over to Lisa, Raesilia smiles at her compliments. "Thank you, Miss Lombardi. And a small apology - I found the Angel theme a bit too... cliche, and settled for an Azata. The true duality of morality, if you will. And... I believe it suits me better, in the end. Though with how you yourself look tonight, I doubt anyone will notice or care for further meaning."
She leans forward conspiritually and grins. "Now what was that thing earlier; something among the lines of stealing the Jade Statue back from Titus, if I recall? Oh, you do know how to be a tease. Please tell me more of this plan of yours..."
She remains there, chatting with Lisa until the group is fully assembled and ready to go.
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"It takes more than mean-spiritedness or agreeing with an evil man to taint one's one soul--wicked actions are necessary," Marius answers softly. "I don't think he's part of the Brotherhood, or sent deliberately to harass us. If he was, wouldn't it be as simple a matter as informing the Count of our loyalties and letting him grind us down? No...no, I'm not certain what's going on with Lord Titus, but I don't he's think opposing us at Pythareus' behest." He glances at Rose and then away again, shaking his head. "I think Lady Talbot was right--I insulted and provoked him, and this was his payback. I'm sorry for dismissing your concerns, Raesilia. I promise to be more careful in the future." When the subject of stealing Lord Titus' statuette prize comes up, the nobleman politely excuses himself and slips away to his chambers.
After cleaning himself up, washing away the blood and the grime, Marius pauses at his reflection in the mirror. Staring into his own eyes, he cannot help but think about how close he came to dying today--and he wonders at how little it bothers him. Noble or not, I'm just one person in an empire that governs millions of lives, on a world of billions--I will do my part as best I can for as long as I can. Pharasma's judgement holds no fear for me. But I am grateful that no one but the Lash had to die today. He touches the black wing tattoo just under his collarbone, inked there by Marshal Vaerli herself when he fully devoted himself to the faith. Thy will be done, he offers to Kelinahat, then turns away to finish getting dressed. At dinner he is polite but quiet, his thoughts turned inward. He catches himself rubbing the spot where the Lash's claws had torn at him--as always when healed magically, the spot didn't hurt, but it sort of itched as though it felt it ought to hurt. He makes a conscious effort to avoid repeating the motion.
For the masquerade, Marius chose a vision of quiet valor--an homage to the Midnight Marshal, favored herald of She of Ebon Wings, and a figure little-known outside the cult of Heaven's spymistress. A full mask, styled like an armored raven-beaked helm covers his face, with a black feathered cloak spreading behind him like dark wings. A blend of leather and faux steel scales armors his torso down to his knees where it meets black leather riding boots. A metallic, midnight blue gleam prevents the black from become too oppressing, and a dark silver-grey mist seeps from beneath the metallic scales of his tunic courtesy of his sleeve of many garments.
Catching Konstiantina on the stairs, he offers the paladin his arm. "Lady Mokei, may I escort you down?" If she accepts his offer, he descends in step with the aasimar. "Today's events have got me thinking. You and I have fought together before today, and yet it didn't occur to me to tell you how much I respect you, and how glad I am of your presence. Thank you for having my back, in this fight and every other, and know that I will have yours." He turns and looks at her searchingly. "I hope I'm not being overly presumptuous, but it seems to me that the...politicking...we're engaged in here has you less than comfortable. Is there anything I can do to help?"
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Lotti finishes adjusting the bow tie and collar around Wobblekin’s neck and surveys her handiwork with her hands on her hips. “Well, Your Grace, you wouldn’t have had to take a bath if you hadn’t been so insistent on investigating that sauce on the sausages. You’re lucky you only got it all over your face and not the rest of you. No, it certainly isn’t someone else’s fault for putting that platter so close to the edge. You’re a grown cat and responsible for your own actions. Now when you’re done sulking, I’ve got some salmon flakes here for you. Much better for your delicate insides, Your Grace.”
Her gaze shifts to the evening gown on the bed. All the dust from the catacombs under the senate complex had been cleaned with a few minute’s work, but the memories of that dark, terrifying place still cling to the fabric like stubborn cobwebs. She permits herself the pleasure of scowling at the garment for a moment before beginning to unfasten the buttons in the back. Time to see if that enchanter’s tricks are all she claimed they are, she muses as she pulls it over her head. Much better to think about those than… There we go. With all her limbs and appendages in the right holes, she reaches behind her back with both hands and closes the lowest button - then the topmost one at the base of her neck.
The remaining fastenings quiver, then delicately twine themselves together. The effect is similar to having a handful of invisible maids all working together in perfect synchronization. Lotti smiles as she watches over her shoulder in the full-length mirror. She pats the gown approvingly, then gives its reflection her full attention. “What lovely work! Now, let’s see the other one.” Carefully she takes two handfuls of the outer layer of fabric and gives the skirt a gentle shake.
Light glimmers on the silver embroidery as the fabric sways back and forth. Slowly the twinkles rise off the gown and into the air, creating a sparkling cloud of stars in the air around the old woman. She claps with delight, then frowns in thought as she watches the lights jerk erratically in response to the sudden movement. So they’re tied directly to their anchors and have a set distance and direction, are they. Well, I can work with that until I have a chance to see Madame Nilbel again. She slowly pushes down as if to smooth out her skirt, and the floating lights fade away in response.
“I do believe that should be enough of an effect to get folks thinking about magic at the very least, she muses to her familiar as she digs through her bag for her hair needle and thread. “And given the dear count’s enthusiasm for the occult, he’s bound to hear about it from at least one of his guests.” If they can get a word in edgewise around Miss Lombardi’s crooning. Like a cat in heat, she is. She glances down at her own cat, and her lips - which had been pressing themselves together more and more firmly with annoyance - loosened into a smile. “I’m afraid Your Grace can’t lick that collar off, so perhaps you should stop before the whole thing gets soggy and smells like fish? Here, why don’t you help me find my mask for tonight instead. It’s the black velvet one with moonstones and opals - I’m sure it’ll take you no time at all to find it.”
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"Cliche?" Miss Lombardi scoffs rising from her seat with a smile. "I prefer to think of it more as a classic. Oh, but you do look absolutely fabulous darling and you're right something about this outfit does seem to suit you hun. Regardless, we shall make quite the pair on the dance floor." Lisa struts around admiring her friend's tailoring skills only stopping to bend down and give His Grace the proper offering of chin scritches.
When Rose inquires into the courtesan's plans for the evening Lisa can only smirk dubiously. Well, well, about that... I was thinking... it doesn't really make sense that the Count would be jealous of my flirtation with another member of his family given our respective stations... something else must be at play... which does open up the possibility of working my magic on Lord Titus." she muses.
"I was thinking I could get him to take me back to his room, put the fear of the gods in him for conspiring to kill us. Then report back to someone more sneakily inclined than myself such as you or dear Lotti. They could then slip away for a bit to the room and swipe the jade bear without too much of an issue, no one being the wiser... Simple but effective. What do you think?"
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Konstiantina takes her time washing the blood away in a clawfooted tub, her expression pensive, her movements slow. The water has grown cold by the time she emerges, towels herself off, and moves to her bed where she's laid out the costume she had brought for such an event as this.
When finally she emerges she is dressed in an elegant, flowing dress with attached cape that falls to her heels, lace across her broad shoulders and chest, the combination at once ethereal yet somehow severe. Her face is hidden by a [url=https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-40v409mhy5/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/1019/23925/MASQUERADE_MASK_FULL_FACE-4__95810.1610401668.jpg?c=2]cunningly wrought metal mask[]url] of intricate swirls and patterns that is somehow as beautiful and severe as her dress, if not more so.
When she meets Marius at the head of the stairs, she allows him to take her arm with the ease of their growing familiarity.
"I would be honored," she says in a low tone as he asks if he may escort her, and begins their descent. When he speaks further she inclines her head, turning to regard him, then smiles.
"I appreciate your kind words, Marius." She places her free hand on his arm, squeezing lightly. "And know that I have a similar high regard for you. It's rare in this world to meet anyone who is simply dedicated to doing their best for others, for honor, and for their society. Far too rare, yet you are a stirling example that helps keep my cynicism at bay."
They reach the bottom of the stairs as Marius asks his question, and she doesn't so much as sigh as take a moment, a moment in which Marius can sense her seeking the right words, gathering herself to address the issue.
"Thank you for your concern. It's not misplaced. I... I grew up at court, was brought to every high society function my parents could inveigle an invitation to, in the hopes of raising our fallen family's reputation once more. When I left House Mokei to follow Iomedae and help those who would never see the inside of a palace, I thought I had put all this behind me."
They drift forward, approaching the fabulously garbed crowd, the scintillating jeweled masks, the wondrously tailored costumes. "None of this has any appeal to me. The beauty, the excess, the cuisine, the music, the endless talents paid and bought for to make this weekend remarkable. It all appears to me but a veneer over greed, arrogance, pettiness, abuse, waste, and veniality."
She stops and turns to smile at Marius. "If those gathered here were as noble as yourself, dear Marius, then perhaps I might feel otherwise. But for each Baron Okerra there are ten Lotheed-Cassava's, and it sometimes makes me feel as if we'll never improve Taldor for all the greed and cruelty that holds the reins of government."/
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"I don't think he's part of the Brotherhood, or sent deliberately to harass us. If he was, wouldn't it be as simple a matter as informing the Count of our loyalties and letting him grind us down? No... no, I'm not certain what's going on with Lord Titus, but I don't he's think opposing us at Pythareus' behest. I think Lady Talbot was right - I insulted and provoked him, and this was his payback. I'm sorry for dismissing your concerns, Raesilia. I promise to be more careful in the future."
When the apology is made, there is a brief, warm smile lighten up Rose's features. "You are forgiven, as much as it was not obvious from earlier. But... on this matter, I would not discard the possibility so readily. One option does not exclude the other, and we've seen two seperate accounts of the Count being publicly displeased with his Cousin. Perhaps whatever is going on with the Lotheeds is stopping Titus from leveraging Pythareus' influence so directly. To say nothing of how a decision to capture his guests, at a hosted event, over just his political preferences would reflect on his guests. It would risk fanning the flames of this conflict further in his own land. And from the sound of it, Count Lotheed already has plenty of his own problems what with this Night Swan, the assassination attempt on him earlier and his seeming impopularity with the common folk."
"Well, well, about that... I was thinking I could get Lord Titys to take me back to his room, put the fear of the gods in him for conspiring to kill us. Then report back to someone more sneakily inclined than myself such as you or dear Lotti. They could then slip away for a bit to the room and swipe the jade bear without too much of an issue, no one being the wiser... Simple but effective. What do you think?"
The grin slowly fades from Rose as she listens, and by the end the master tailor looks at her colleague, perhaps even friend now, with a mixture of surprise and worry - mostly the latter. "You mean to say that you would try to seduce him, and go with him by yourself, after he just quite possibly explicitely tried to kill us?" She lets the question hang for a moment, then slowly nods. "Very bold. And it would get us the information of where his room is and perhaps information on its defenses too. However... doesn't this place you in way too much of a risk? What if you disappear?" There's a humorless chuckle. "Who will be my best customer?"
She looks at the gnome in the amped-up fortune teller custome. "Lotti, first, those are amazing enhancements you made to the garb. If you ever need to stop pretending you have to be a servant, please find me at the Thread Rare for a job? Second... you have much more experience in this than we do. If I really stop to think about it, I'm not sure even going after the statue now is worth the risk. It lends us more funding, supposedly, but at what risk? Should Titus be involved and he becomes more reckless, sooner or later we will come into open conflict and perhaps we could make this trophy just disappear in the chaos. Or, if we should do this now, perhaps there is a less risky way posing as servants to learn the location of and access the room. What do you think?"
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"Oh dear me, no, I don't have the patience to tie charms to fabric like this!" Lotti curtseys slowly, trying to do her best imitation of Konstiantina's graceful movements to keep the lights surrounding her from jerking about. "But if you wanted to add effects like these to your shop's offerings, ask around for Madame Nilbel next time you're in the city. She's a handful, and she's still learning, but I'm sure you'll agree that even apprentices can sew buttons on coats. Oops! Apparently I'm already in the correct mind space to chat with the tribune." She titters at the thought, but the smile slowly fades from her face as she listens to the rest of Rose's questions.
"Well, what do you want to gain from stealing the statue?" she asks bluntly, reaching down to be the cat rubbing against her skirt. "To sell it? You couldn't show the thing anywhere nearby without attracting unwanted attention, so I hope that's not it. To offer proof to a rumor that he's... careless, or something? I would think carefully about the story you're telling then, because he'll be spinning his own tale to cover his tail when he discovers the theft. To upset him?" She pauses and catches the taller woman's gaze with her own. "Who will bear the consequences? Is he the kind of man who would beat a servant for stealing his trinket, or for letting it be stolen? Lock them in the stocks for a week? Send them to the chopping block? Dress them like a cow and send them in a monster-infested swamp? Think very carefully about who will be harmed by your actions, Lady Talbot. Peoples' lives aren't shirts - you can't take a seam ripper and undo your mistakes. Oops, I did it again!" Her serious expression cracks with another giggle.
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Rose cathes Lotti's gaze and returns it, though it softens near the end of her argument. "Lotti... You really do not think highly of any of us, do you? What happened to you to make you lash out like this?"
She looks away and turns towards the door heading out. "...But you're right on that account. I've been so focused thinking of the bigger picture and how to make Titus look worse that I hadn't considered who he would take it out on if we'd be succesful, and for that I'm sorry. Titus does seem the boorish type to act out his failures as such. While I do believe that between all our talents, we could likely acquire it somewhere tonight and do it in an untraceable way, the more I think on this, the less I like it. It still seems too dangerous for whatever extra reputation damage it would deliver, or the funds down the line from having our contacts sell it somewhere far way. And if Titus is enough of a fool to let himself be lured into a trap to regain it for the sake of pride, he's enough of a fool to fall for a different setup as well."
She readjusts her Elysium dress and mask and begins walking towards the exit. "Well then, Miss Lombardi and Qeb, let's get to work. And to quote Marius: 'play nice until we don't have to anymore'. I wonder what surprises the night will bring..."
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Lisa's expression drops into a sad smile as she cups Lady Talbot's hands in her own. "Oh sweetheart... women in my line my work dissappear all the time... something I aim to do something about if this little plot of ours goes to plan... Regardless, I wouldn't still be here today if I didn't know how to handle myself. I've ended the tyranny of far greater men than our spoiled lordling with this very blade." She pats at the holstered dagger on her thigh reassuringly and yet something about the way Rose expressed her concerns was deeply touching the woman.
There was just something so geniune about it, it filled her with a strange soft warmth. "Still, I suppose if you're sooo very concerned about my wellbeing I wouldn't want to make my favorite tailor lose any sleep over little old me. Why, I'd imagine the quality of her dresses might suffer for it and I simply cannot have that now can I?" She teases with a wink before turning her attention to Lotti with a pout.
"Oh Grandma Lotti, always putting a hamper on all the good fun we could be having!" she laughs. "I jest, of course, you make a fair point... I mostly just wanted the statuette because it's pretty and I am a tad vindictive and was looking for some revenge for the attempted manslaughter. But, perhaps it's for the best we have you around to keep us out of trouble."
Lisa turns to head out with Raesilia, the two making a striking pair in their equally wicked and blessed guises. "After you darling... Come along Your Grace I need a handsome date and you, at least, know how to have fun."
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"None of this has any appeal to me. The beauty, the excess, the cuisine, the music, the endless talents paid and bought for to make this weekend remarkable. It all appears to me but a veneer over greed, arrogance, pettiness, abuse, waste, and veniality."
Marius nods. "Agreed--it would be self-indulgent even in the best of times, but to do so now, given the state of Meratt..." He doesn't finish the thought, merely shaking his head. "Thank you for your praise, it means a great deal coming from you."
"...But for each Baron Okerra there are ten Lotheed-Cassava's, and it sometimes makes me feel as if we'll never improve Taldor for all the greed and cruelty that holds the reins of government."
Marius' eyes scan the masked crowd, trying to see if the Baron could be picked out. "He seems a good man, but no one is an island--alone, even a baron may be powerless to stop his county's decline, but he is no longer alone. National decline is a thornier problem than any manticore, but will allies anything is possible." He retrieves two wine flutes from a passing servant and hands one to Konstiantina and clinks her glass with his own. "To conquering venial excess and cynicism alike--may we all find a better way."
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The masquerade takes place in the great ballroom, which has been decorated for the occasion with colourful streamers and Taldan flags. Once everyone has filed into the room, all the lights suddenly dim, then go out entirely, leaving the space in almost-darkness. The gloom is shattered by an explosion of light and colour as a bright firework blooms into existence with s sharp pop. Then another, and another, bathing the upturned faces of the awed crowd in blue, green, red, white, orange, purple. The count himself is giving this show, and a small self-satisfied smile dances on his lips as he sets off one firework after the other.
As the last embers of the fireworks are extinguished and the lights flare to life again, the guests erupt into applause and cheers, while Count Lotheed takes a bow. He then gestures to one end of the ballroom, where a stage has been erected, just as the curtain sweeps aside to reveal the actors and the set. The play is the well-known "Taldor By Right", a dramatic retelling of the founding of the empire by the legendary First Emperor Taldaris, performed entirely by halflings.
Once the play ends and the audience's applause have died down, the count gestures invitingly towards the now-empty stage. "Would anyone like to offer their talents tonight? Singing, dancing, perhaps a bit of recitation?"
A visibly tipsy Dame Crabbe is pushed to the front by encouraging ladies, until she waves them off with an "Alright, alright, I'll do it, stop pecking me you hens!" Parthena is wearing a Qadiran costume of loose, flowing silk with a long belted tunic over puffed pantaloons and a coin-fringed scarf tied over one hip. She takes the stage and nods to the small orchestra, who begin with a slow, syncopated drum beat before an undulating, plaintive flute joins in. Those familiar with Qadiran culture might recognize the graceful moves of the dance as a traditional khaleegi one that was popular three decades ago - and despite her slight inebriation, Dame Crabbe performs it flawlessly.
As the applause die down again, the count thanks her for her performance, turning towards the guests with a raised eyebrow. "That was delightful, who else would like to try?"
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Rose gives Lotti an apologetic wave as Lisa sweeps both her and His Grace away to the performance hall below. Truth be told, despite her innate dislike for the Count and his demeanor towards her thusfar, it had to be said that the fireworks display was quite captivating. But not as surprising as was Dame Crabbe's foreign - and historic - dancing! She claps enthousiastically for the woman, smiling brightly when she finishes her performance.
Of course, that was when the Count made the invitation for anyone else to try and follow up on it.
"So, regarding the 'having fun' thing, is this where we steal everyone's hearts?" She asks Lisa next to her, with a grin. "I never got around to asking if you wanted to go through with the dual act, yet for a singer so talented and famed, I'm sure a classic like 'Starlit Drift' would be easy, no?"
After a minute or two of conversing with the musicians, Deria and her friend Beatrice, the lights dim and Rose takes to the stage. The light is so sparse that the dark of her blue almost completely fades into the black.
She begins in a seated posture facing away from the crowd when the music starts and begins flowing and twirling through the motions of this classic ballet piece . Visually, the silver and gold jeweled facets of her dress and mask drifted through the darkness of night and space, a small Azata dancing trying to find its way. The music had a longing, almost tragic undertone. Was it were searching for something, or someone, yet unable to find it? Was something wrong and was it trying to flee, or change it? It was open to the viewer's interpretation. However, the tone never strayed as far as to become too severe, and was beautiful and captivating in its own way.
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The initial performance from the Count was just as flashy as the courtesan had come to expect from the man. Visually appealing but lacking true substance. Still, it was a sight above the rest of the 'entertainment' Lisa had been forced to endure up until this point. And besides She needed to score more points with the count if possible so at the end of the performance her red lips part in a smile and she politely applauds the man.
Dame Crabbe's Quadiran performance afterwards has far more heart in it, however, and is met with a raised brow by the red-headed woman at first due to the sheer shock of this unexpected development from the bubbly noblewoman. Once the initial shock has worn off, however, Lisa is able to fully appreciate the shockingly graceful movements of the older woman and by the end of it applauds more enthusiastically.
"My my, this evening is just full of surprises now isn't it Your Grace?" Lisa curls her lip in a smug grin at Wobblekins before Raesilia catches her attention.
"Oh darling, I'd say you already stole their hearts the moment they saw you in that dress!" Lisa laughs musically before a devious expression takes it's place and the woman whispers insidiously, "Now what say you we break them?" The courtesan winks and makes her way to the stage.
She has a quick word with the band alongside Raesilia and takes out a custom silver tuning fork to set her tone for the performance to come.
When the lights begin to dim Lisa lets Rose take center stage as the music begins to build and the blonde woman capture's the audience's attention with her graceful moves and lithe physique.
The music mounts and swells chaotically as the butterfly-like azata dances about hectically with a manic energy as though frantically trying to find something or perhaps someone until suddenly the music crashes and a slow sad yet dazzling melody take its place as Lisa begins to sing.
"Another lonely day,"
"All of my clouds were grey,"
"A tragic solo ballet,"
"And what's there more to say?"
"Untied and adriiiiiift~"
Lisa's voice reaches the ears of all throughout the room as Rose continues her graceful flourishes on the floor. Her singing voice carries a little differently than normal, it feels rich, like velvet and resonates throughout the room.
"Although my heart was blue,"
"I remember seeing you."
"A midnight dance debut."
"Could all my dreams come true?"
"A gorgeous god-sent giiiiiiift?"
The woman places her hand over her chest as she looks upon the beauty of the dancer before her. Her lips trembling as she delivers the line.
"Damned if I hadn't tried,"
"I put all my doubts aside,"
"And as our worlds collide,"
"I asked you to be my guide."
"I'm falling all too swiiiiiiift~"
The azata, seemingly noticing the devil for the first time, dances joyously around her as the two women exchange tender and playful smiles.
"They may say we can never be,"
"That's what cruel gods decree."
"But what if our hearts were free?"
"We could live lives of glee."
"The paradigm we could shiiiiiift."
Seeming to remember her station the azata begins to hesitate fluttering further and further away from her devil as the tone grows more somber.
"Oh how I long for you..."
The devil steps forward, her arm extending out towards the dancing Azata.
"A dance that's, made for two."
Her palm upturned, hand outstretched to take the other beautiful woman's own.
"So cast aside taboo,"
She takes a step forward towards the timid azata who flits, unsure, about the stage.
"Such passions we'd pursue..."
Rose spins and glides through the air as the azata seems to cast aside its doubt moving closer the the hopeful devil.
"Star..."
Lisa cocks her head a painful longing in her eyes as Rose pirouettes and reaches back.
"lit..."
Unsure, the Azata pulls back.
"Driiiiiiiift~
The devil curls her extended fingers gracefully closed, heartbreak in her eyes as the flighty butterfly twirls away for a final time, the lights dim and the music fades out beautifully yet tragically.
As the lights come back on Lisa takes a bow for her performance and ushers Rose back for a great big hug, then a simultaneous bow to the audience before them.
"Raesilia darling, you were extraordinary!" The courtesan whispers to her friend beaming as she lavishes in the attention.
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As the last notes of the music fade, there is no applause. The crowd simply stands there, stunned, a few with their mouths hanging open, a few with tears glistening on their cheeks. Even Sepsinia is paying attention, staring intently at Lisa and Rose. Finally, a loud, slow clapping from the count himself breaks the spell, and the rest of the audience erupts into frenzied applause, some of them even whistling and hooting.
"That was absolutely magnificent, and I doubt that after this breathtaking performance anyone would dare to take the stage! Ladies, thank you for a most moving and masterful moment." For the first time since last night, Bartelby looks at Lisa with something other than cold indifference - not exactly warmth, but definitely appreciation.
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Marius joins the crown in astounded silence as the performance ends, before realizing he's staring a bit too hard and averting his gaze when the applause breaks the spell. "Brava, brava! Ye gods," he exclaims to Konstiantina. "When the church of Shelyn gets word of that those two will have to fend off Her servants with a stick!"
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As the lights come back on Lisa takes a bow for her performance and ushers Rose back for a great big hug, then a simultaneous bow to the audience before them.
"Raesilia darling, you were extraordinary!" The courtesan whispers to her friend beaming as she lavishes in the attention.
"And you were just as good as I heard! No, better even! That was some brilliant imagery," Rose responds, smiling as she hugs Lisa back.
She overlooks the crowd after their bow and waves to the applauders, enoying the moment fully while it lasted. "Putting modesty aside, I do pity anyone having to follow up on that."
Then, she catches Marius staring from across the crowd and she grins with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Say, perhaps we should volounteer Lord Erallan, don't you agree? After all, it would be rude of us to hog the stage for the rest of the evening..."
She jokes (?), and begins heading back to the others.
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Konstiantina clinks her flute against Marius's. "A worthy toast. I might stand later and make it to the whole gathering, and see who joins me in drinking."
Marius can sense her smile, and is about to speak further when the talent show begins. The fireworks fail to draw much of a reaction, though she claps enthusiastically at the surprise performance by Dame Crabbe.
Then, of course, the real show begins.
Konstiantina watches, breath bated, as both of her companions transform themselves for a few precious moments into something... otherworldly. In the spotlights on the stage they cease to be Rose and Lisa, and become instead twin spirits of longing and denial, their costumes magical, their every gesture and note causing shivers to run down Konstiantina's spine.
When at last the performance ends, the paladin simply stands there, and finally has enough presence of mind to set aside her flute of champagne to clap enthusiastically along with everyone else.
She leans in close to Marius so that he may hear her over the clamor. "It's as if scales had fallen off my eyes, and I see them both at last as they really are. How is it that we have been traveling with two such virtuoso performers and never realized the talent by our side?"
Taking up another flute of champagne, she laughs with spontaneous delight and shakes her head. "I think it only fair that we demand encores each and every night from hereon out, whether we be in a salon or dungeon. Especially if we're in a dungeon."
When Rose and Lisa approach, the paladin bows deeply with only a trace of good humored irony, and then steps forward to embrace each woman before smiling warmly. "What else are you two capable of? I feel that the more time I pass in your company the more secrets and ineffable talents you reveal. A truly incredible show. My heart is still racing. Bravo."