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Perhaps Dame Crabbe just had a gift for catching Rose off-guard, as straight-up being offered adoption was also definitely not something she’d ever expected to hear during this journey. Or ever, for that matter, unless you counted marriage. That was an out of sorts she’d pondered before, but it required the right person and family… and even if happiness and freedom could be found away from the Talbots, it was essentially giving up the fight and letting others who came after her face the same issues. It was the same with running away. Disinheriting herself to accept, if such a thing was even legally possible to her, was just another variation of either but much more dangerous to a smaller noble family like the Crabbes.
”I… thank you for this generous offer,” She says, earnestly. ”It is both touching and flattering to be considered highly enough for such, especially for the short time we’ve known each other. However, I do not wish to bring my family’s problems into yours. Please believe me when I say that for the sake of you and your daughter, I feel I must decline. I would not hold it against anyone here for instead accepting, though.”
She takes a sip from the hastily brewed, still painfully hot tea, and waits to hear what the others would say to this.
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"I also must regretfully decline," says Konstiantina. "But I hear the sincerity and generosity behind your offer, and am touched by your desire to thank us. Please. Bringing peace to your home and helping Sispenia is reward enough." Konstiantina smiles. "It warms my heart to know that we shall be such good neighbors moving forward."
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An unexpected offer. Lotti wishes she could busy her hands with petting Wobblekins to hide how her thoughts race, but instead she can only avoid the gazes of the taller folks by looking down into the broken remains of a broken heart cradled in her skirt. But think of what could be accomplished with a noble title. Who would question what an eccentric old lady does? Veils know only nobles get to be called “eccentric”. So what would be the downsides? Notoriety, temptation, possible guillotine when everyone’s had enough of all this noble nonsense… Those can be avoided with the proper precautions. Or at least the risk minimized.
“You honor us, Lady Crabbe.” She sinks into a deep curtsy, shifting her hands slightly to keep the ichor-soaked fabric from touching the floor. “It would bring me great joy to be a part of your and Sepsinia’s family. Though I do have to wonder what those at court will say when they hear you’ve adopted someone with one foot already in the grave, hmm?” She laughs softly, inviting the others to share the mirth.
“But now I must beg your forgiveness and feed the fireplace in my room that we might all get a good night’s sleep and wake rested and refreshed in the morning.” Lotti lets the hem of her skirt down slightly to show the lovelorn’s corpse cradled in its folds, then curtsies again and waits for the noblewoman to dismiss her.
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Lisa stands stunned for a moment at the sudden offer by the Dame Crabbe to be adopted into her noble lineage. The courtesan's mind races with the possibilities as she considers the woman's offer... There could be power to be gained here... elevation above the station of a mere commoner power to help her move her plans along and yet... The Crabbe family was an excessively mediocre name in the grand scheme of things and ultimately, to accept here may be limiting to her potential future growth.
As the gleaming necklace shines on the bust of a much younger Dame Crabbe Lisa has come to a conclusion. "Your offer is simply too generous Dame Crabbe I could not dare to accept... That necklace though, now that is a thing of true beauty and I would be truly honored to accept such a gift. You yourself commented at the gala that I could do with the addition of some fine jewelry to accompany my outfits. I think this will do nicely indeed." Lisa smirks hungrily eyeing the necklace.
When Lotti appears to accept the noblewoman's offer, Lisa simply nods and makes eye contact with the elderly gnome as if to convey, [i]'That was a wise decision.'
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Politely declining the offer of adoption as well—his parents, the heads of House Erallan, are still alive after all—but reiterates the expressions of friendship and his hopes that Sepsinia’s healing process is as swift and smooth as possible.
The balcony was a bit covered by creeping ivy, and that tree would need to be trimmed back sooner rather than later, but it was still a nice spot. Marius brushes leaves and other minor detritus from the seat of one of the old chairs sinks into it with a contented sigh. Reaching over to the dusty side-table for the bottle of Piscum’s whiskey he’d claimed before, he strips off the wax seal and is just pouring himself two fingers when he spies Konstiantina crossing the hall inside.
”Lady Mokei, good evening! Don’t let me hold you up if you’ve business to attend, but this here is Geillivierre Twenty-Five and it seems churlish to hoard it all. A monster is vanquished and a young woman saved.” He frowns down at the glass in his hand. ”It’s almost enough to make a man forget that his country teeters on the knife’s edge.”
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Parthena beams at Lotti, rushing to take the gnome's hand in hers. "Oh, I am so happy! Welcome to the family, and that grave thing is nonsense, you have many happy years ahead of you!"
She graciously accepts the others' polite declining of her offer, bidding everyone goodnight after thanking them once more for rescuing her daughter.
In the morning, Sepsinia joins everyone for breakfast, looking tired and drawn from lack of sleep, but much more animated than before. Her appetite seems improved as well, and she accepts a few slices of toast with jam and a cup of tea. As everyone finishes eating, she seems to gather her courage, speaking for the first time beyond the polite morning greetings.
"If I could have a moment of everyone's time please, you all deserve to know the truth of what happened between me and, and - " She swallows hard, looking to the side. Parthena reaches over the table to squeeze her hand, and Sepsinia seems to take strength from that gesture as words rush forth. "Everyone thought we were in love, but I couldn't stand him! He was arrogant and spoiled, but everyone kept pushing us together." A look of guilt passes over Dame Crabbe's features at this. "I wanted to break the engagement, and he got so mad, one day we were in the gardens and he -" She swallows hard, chest heaving. "...he attacked me."
Parthena gasps at this, horror and fury mixing in her expression. Sepsinia's hands ball into fists as she forges on with her tale. "After that, he realized that I would not keep quiet about it, and he was so scared about what it would do to his reputation and his future... he took his own life. I never quite figured out how to tell about what happened to his mourning parents... or to my mama." At that, Parthena bursts into tears, rising out of her seat to wrap Sepsinia into a tight embrace as she continues her (slightly muffled) story.
"After that, I was so conflicted - I felt sad, and guilty, and angry, and scared. Then, the nightmares started. Every night, I would dream that I was in the garden maze and that he was there and we were having a picnic together and he kept asking me to be with him... Except now I think they were not nightmares." She looks at every guest in turn. "Thank you for freeing me from that. A little more time and he would have driven me to take my own life as well, I think. I was feeling so hopeless, so lost..."
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Rose's grip tightens around her glass as she hears the cold truth of the Opilio matter was much, much worse than her suspicions. There was no migitating factor, no third party whatsoever. Opilio was just a rapist.
She tries to imagine the horror and shame Sepsinia must have gone through and wonders what she could even possibly do that would be adequate support. The urge to stand and walk over to give her a hug of sorts was overwhelming , protocol be damned!
...But Dame Crabbe herself was already doing so. Besides, the girl had probably had more than enough of people suddenly violating her personal space. Still, she stood up. It felt wrong and disingenuous to just casually sit there after such a revelation.
"You're very brave to share this with us. I... highly suspect such a thing is much more common than we would like to admit. And to not inform his parents about it takes a very forgiving soul and great strength of character," She begins, as kindly and engouragingly as possible. "Please, if there is anything we can do to help you get through this, don't hesitate to ask. I imagine you'd like to remain close to your mother in such trying times, but if you would like to instead get away from here for a while, the offer of visiting us in Stachys still stands. Or the both of you, perhaps? It may not be as grand as this Estate-" She risks a small smile. "-But we're working on it."
"Though we'd be short at least one room, come to think of it. Hm..."
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Konstiantina wishes the world were otherwise. Wishes she could feel the right amount of outrage and horror, the shock and rage that should accompany such a revelation.
But she was raised at court, raised with chaperones and protective guardians, her body and all it promised and portended guarded as the House treasure it was. Raised to know the dangers inherent in the honeyed whispers of the courtiers and old, musty-smelling men who'd love a moment of her time. Raised to suspect every kindness, every crooked finger, every promise.
The more a man told you they were sincere, the more predatory they revealed themselves to be.
So it's with an old and weighty sense of grief that Konstiantina listens to Sespinia's tale. Her expression hardens, her jaw clenches, then she softens and similarly restrains the urge to offer physical comfort, to extend a hand and touch Sespinia's own.
By the time the full extent of the horror is revealed, the paladin, like Rose, can also do nothing but stand, to pay witness to this tragedy, her heart swelling with that old bitter anguish at the world they all live in.
"Sespinia, I can only echo Rose's words, and thank you for your bravery and willingness to share what happened. This nightmare is over. You are free."
She lets the words hang in the air, and then, more tentatively, as if stepping onto thinner ice, continues. "If you find that your pain doesn't abate, however, and are haunted by what happened, then I would be more than glad to speak to you of Iomedae. She is the goddess of justice, and if that is what your soul cries out for, then her teachings, her presence, her strength might bring you solace."
Konstiantina is deep in thought, but at the sound of Marius's call her brow clears and she searches for a moment before espying him in his corner nook, bottle at his elbow.
She moves to stand in the archway that leads out onto the balcony and there leans against the arch with arms crossed over her chest. She's wearing a simple robe of dove gray, that plain, severe cut that offsets her otherworldly beauty and metallic hair so well. Yet even here, in the safety of their home, she wears her sword belt and sacred weapon.
"Well, this is a pleasant spot," she observes wryly. "And most wise of you to take advantage of it. Our duties grow by the day, don't they? If we continue at this rate, we'll be buried in paperwork and only snatching three hours rest each night. I approve."
She pushes off the archway, steps out onto the balcony, and for a moment simply stares out over the grounds, her expression complex, a combination of pensive, concerned, focused, and resolute. Then she dismisses the thoughts the sight of the unkempt manor grounds evokes, pushes down on the hilt of her blade and sits with unnatural grace yet obvious relief beside the lord.
"I haven't had a proper drink in years," she says, taking up the cut crystal bottle and turning it so that a spray of prismatic sunlit gems washes over her gray robe. "But why not? As Imoedae is prone to saying to the irresolute: if not now, then when?"
She pours a couple of fingers into the cup, inhales the scent, then drinks just enough to wet her lips. Her stormy gaze considers her companion for a moment before she smiles anew. "How do you fare, Marius? You are embattled on all sides. Besieged. Do your battlements remain sound?"
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Lisa grips the armrests of her chair tightly as Sepsinia recounts her story. Being raised the daughter of a prostitute and then as one herself this had, sadly, hardly been the first time Lisa had witnessed such things... nor experienced. Yet this hardly took the sting away as she felt the heat growing on the back of her neck and in her ears. A tingling, disquieting, stabbing heat that made the courtesan wish to rush to her feet and do something about all this. Despite this Lisa sat with practiced calm and merely listened to the girl finish her story.
"Somehow killing him twice doesn't seem like enough now." The woman scowls.
She nods in approval as Rose gives her offer of housing. At the Nymph's kiss the girls would often overcome this sort of thing by having sleepovers so the victim would not have to feel alone after such a traumatic event.
"I agree completely our home is always open to you Sepsinia darling. No one will dare mess with you under our protection." Lisa says comfortingly as she snaps her pipe to light and takes a calming drag listening to Konstiantina's offer with discontent written all over her features.
Justice.
Where had justice been when Sepsinia needed it? Where had justice been when the nobleman's son had attacked Lisa? Where had justice been when Lisa's old gang-mate decided to turn on her for a job gone wrong?
Funny how justice never seemed to come into play when the perpetrator was too powerful. Or when the victim was beneath its notice. No, Iomedae was not the goddess to turn to when predators needed dealing with. Any sex worker in the land could tell you the Savored Sting was the lady to turn to in such times. Whether it be through a poisoning, back alley knifing, or the systematic destruction of one's reputation through a few well place rumors and whispers and maybe some planted evidence here and there.
Besides, Calistria was just more honest about such things. For what was justice if not vengeance wrapped up in a pretty bow?
"Yes please do speak with Konstiantina and her goddess but should you feel the desire to get a little bit extra. Just a little more hurt on the bastard come find me. I have associates that can make him suffer even now." She allows a long tendril of smoke to escape her ruby lips before exchanging her fierce expression with on that was far more friendly.
"Or if you're just looking for a good time to keep your mind off things I'm certain Raesilia and I would be able to accommodate darling. Some shopping, a bit of brandy, and I have this wonderful little home chef that you can bully around if you want."
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Although she cannot quite meet anyone's eyes at the moment, Sepsinia smiles a little as she fiddles with her teacup. "I- don't want to think about forgiveness, or justice, or vengeance right now. I feel that he has already taken far too much space in my life and my thoughts... dreams..."
She nods a few times to herself. "I think spending some time away from here would be nice, thank you. I just... I hope it will be just you there, I don't think I could stand other people right now."
Dame Crabbe's expression is a mixture of sadness, relief and concern as she interjects. "Whatever you like, my dear, whatever you like. Let's pack your things and let Miss Gracchus know that you're both going on a little journey." She turns to the rest, putting her hands to her chest and sketching a curtsy. "Thank you, so much, for everything that you have done, and for all the help you are giving my daughter."
=============
A short while later, Sepsinia and her governess are packed up and ready to go, Miss Gracchus carrying a padded box that contains the marble bust that Parthena has gifted. Dame Crabbe waves enthusiastically from the top of the front steps as the carriages pull away, not stopping until they round a bend in the driveway and are out of sight.
For her part, Sepsinia is mostly quiet during the journey, not volunteering conversation of her own, but listening intently to the others and frequently glancing out the window to take in the sights. Her questions are mostly about the Betony estate.
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Marius closes his eyes and sends up a prayer and Sepsinia shares her story. His hands are clenched in his lap and his jaw is tight, but he nods in agreement with the others’ reassurances and gentle offers of help. He maintains what he hopes is a respectful silence—his companions had spoken so well, and he was still a stranger to this young woman who had been harmed by a man.
Swirling his drink before taking a sip, Marius makes a noise that is half appreciation for the whiskey and half agreement with Konstiantina about their growing responsibilities.
”It’s a substantial task to be sure, but I’ve no doubt that we’re up to it. I hope for our countrymens’ sake there are not many more monsters preying upon the county.” He takes another sip and gives the paladin a curious look. ”Besieged and embattled, am I? A mighty fortress I must be, for I’m not certain I take your meaning…”
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Lotti smiles as Wobblekins makes himself at home on Sepsinia’s lap during the bumpy carriage ride back to Marius’s estate. “Yes, there are other cats that make their home in the manor house. They’re rather particular about who is allowed to touch them though - they’ll let you know if they’ve given permission. Don’t worry, His Grace will be more than happy to receive all your affections in their steads.”
She shifts her attention to the woman seated next to her. “Lady Talbot, didn’t you say you were looking for an apprentice seamstress? I can imagine it’s terribly lonely working in the shop by yourself.”
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”True, I have been considering recruiting staff members for the eventual expansion, and I would certainly welcome some company in our impromptu workshop, for lack of a better term,” Rose responds to Lotti, her expression pensive. ”But my offer of teaching Sepsinia was done out for recreative purposes, not commercial ones. Perhaps it would be best to see if she finds enjoyment in such first, before speaking of actual commitments? For such, she is welcome to join any time.” The tailor says, watching the timid girl kindly.
”For actual staff,” she continues, glancing around the packed cabin, ”I am going to take training them seriously, and I will expect an equal amount of commitment and progress. The villagers already made it very clear that they are proud craftsmen at heart and would not accept anything else. If I drop my modesty for a moment, I believe I can claim to be one of the very best tailors in the country, even the surrounding nations. Vaudelaire is yesterday’s news, Rouboit isn’t keen on expanding, Millicose likes her tower too much to treat it as more than a hobby, and Fredo hasn’t been seen since the… well, recent troubles.”
She takes deep breath and nods, and there is a light of excitement shining behind her eyes. ”The point is, I see a real opportunity! Start a chain of truly exceptional quality stores which allow one to purchases the best clothes there are, away from Oppara, starting with Stachys. Not only to further our cause; I… would like it to be part of my legacy. The Thread Rare will be a major reason to visit whichever town it expands to, and my hope is that the staff there will continue its and mine. So that even if we must leave one day, it will be in good hands and continue to stimulate the local economy and wealth.”
The rest of the trip back, should there be interest, she talks about what is obviously one of her dreams, sharing insights into how the practicalities of starting and maintaining such a store, the estimated costs of imported materials and necessary suppliers, and views on future fashion trends. She also shows a reference drawing book to Sepsinia and whoever else wished to watch, pointing out both how such items were made and which cultural significance certain elements of sample dresses portrayed.
"Oh, that reminds me," She says further on the way. "With Sepsinia joining us and the current state of the mansion, we have five major bedrooms across the six of us. That means two of us would have to share. Sepsinia, would you rather have a room to yourself? Or share one with one of us, and who?" she asks the girl.
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Sepsinia smiles at Rose. "That sounds exciting, and a good way to occupy my time... and my thoughts. I used to do a bit of painting, before, so perhaps I could help you with that? I hear that there is a fashion trend in Yanmass where they make dresses, robes and caftans of hand-painted silk."
As room arrangements come up, she runs a hand through Wobblekins's fur slowly, thinking. "I never shared a room before, but I think it would be nice. We could drink hot chocolate in the evening and tell stories." She blushes, suddenly embarrassed. "Oh, I'm sorry, that's such a girlish fantasy. I always wanted to have a sister, and I imagined these would be the kind of things we would do together."
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Konstiantina's smile remains wry, her amusement subtle, her manner relaxed. "Then you are holding up surpassingly well, Lord Erallan." There's just a shade of teasing to her voice. "I had thought the attention you've been receiving from Rose and Lisa might have your head spinning, but you are handling it with aplomb."
She raises her whiskey in a mock toast and inclines her head to one side, a thick platinum braid sliding across one shoulder. "Well done."
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In mid-sip during Konstiantina's clarification, Marius nearly chokes in surprise and coughs. "Li--*cough*"--Lisa?! What in all the bellowing blue Hells gave you that impression? You think she...?" Pounding his chest and clearing his throat, he continues with only a hint of a flush creeping up his neck. "I mean, Rose I know--or rather, I hoped--that is, it is my hope that..." Yes, that was definitely a flush rising towards Marius' cheeks. He narrows his eyes at the woman across from him.
"You're enjoying my discomfort, aren't you? Are paladins even allowed to do that?"
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Konstiantina's smile shades toward a smirk, but more, humor gleams in her eyes, as well as possible affection, and she taps the side of her glass with one long finger. With impressive gravity, she responds: "We paladins are bastions of honor, virtue, and decorum. I object most strenuously to the accusation, Lord Erallan."
She sinks a little deeper into the old chair, its bindings groaning, and crosses one leg over the other, the position making the muscle of her calf swell. Looking back over the balcony, she sips the whiskey and studies the grounds.
"So you harbor hopes for Lady Talbot?" Her tone becomes almost speculative. "Just as well, really."
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"Just 'Marius' is fine--I hope after shedding blood together we can at least be on a first name basis." Raising his glass in salute, Marius downs the rest of his drink.
"So you harbor hopes for Lady Talbot?" Her tone becomes almost speculative. "Just as well, really."
Marius' eyebrows go up a notch. "'Just as well'?" He picks up the bottle and pours another finger for the both of them. "What's on your mind, Konstiantina? I hope it is alright if I call you that, if not merely say the word and I'll cease the familiarity."
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"Oh come, Marius, I was using your title in mock protest." Konstiantina seems to have slipped into a languorous mood; the last rays of the dying sun slant into the balcony through the broad canopy of leaves to dapple them with golden coins, the warmth and whiskey making her feel almost drowsy with indolence. "And of course you can call me Konstiantina. You've yelled it in earnest during how many battles when we move to flank? You've more than earned the right to use it in casual conversation."
She slips into something of a reverie, her lips pursing, one finger tracing the circumference of the glass's lip, and then finally sighs and comes back to the moment. "And why 'just as well'? Lady Talbot - Rose - is remarkably formidable. If she desires you, then I fear your fate is sealed. I've yet to see her fail at anything she sets her mind to."
There's the slightest pause as the paladin considers their mutual acquaintance. "She is remarkably accomplished at all manner of pursuits. One might almost wonder just what she was taught while attending Sinora Academy."
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"Lady Talbot - Rose - is remarkably formidable. If she desires you, then I fear your fate is sealed. I've yet to see her fail at anything she sets her mind to."
"From your lips to Shelyn's ears!" Marius intones, raising his glass again. "Or maybe Calistria's..." He takes another sip from his glass, his grin uncertain. "I think she's interested--I'm usually damnably good at reading people but it seems matters of the heart are a mess even for inquisitors--at least when it's our own involved." The glass clinks as he idly clicks it against the chain, staring without seeing out towards Stachys as his thoughts are far away--or rather, just down the hall.
"That night at the gala, I do think there was a spark, but she's so reserved about everything except her tailoring. I'm quite certain she's got her share of secrets--I just wish her feelings weren't one of them. Hells! She and Lisa seem to get on quite well, Rose might not even care for more than a bit of flirting, or a short dalliance at most. He sighs, looking a tad on the glummer side of ambivalent about the prospect. "I really ought to just come out and say something to her directly, oughtn't I? Just get it out in the open? The worst she can do is say n-- ah, well, I suppose the worst would be if she took offense and teamed up with Miss Lombardi to wreak vengeance upon me."
"She is remarkably accomplished at all manner of pursuits. One might almost wonder just what she was taught while attending Sinora Academy."
That earns a quiet laugh. "She is indeed remarkable. I still suspect Lion Blade training in there somewhere, or something close to it; Sinora teaches political analysis and intrigue with the best of them, but she didn't learn sniping or lockbreaking at any finishing school. Perhaps that mysterious mentor of hers is a retired Lion Blade? Pure speculation."
Over the next day or two, after confirming that all of the projects in motion are still proceeding apace, Marius manages to catch everyone at breakfast.
"I've been thinking about those poor souls camping out in the woods. I think it would be good to reach out to them, brining them in out of the cold as it were. I think it's only a matter of time before Gul catches up to them and turns them out violently. He didn't strike me as overtly cruel, but the Count is the sort to demand results and I suspect his head of security would go to considerable lengths to achieve them."
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"Ought you to come out and say something?" It's a rhetorical question, and the paladin again subsides into a pensive silence, this time pressing the edge of her glass against her lower lip and slowly rolling it from side to side. "I suppose you ought, if you are impatient to remove all doubt. But Rose..."
Again she subsides. Her eyes grow heavy lidded. The warmth, the comfort of the old chair, the rich, mellow burn of the liquor.
All so very relaxing.
But she bestirs herself and looks sidelong at the inquisitor. "I suppose I ought to say that it's risky to the group if you press your suit, in that we have much work that lies before us, and to bring such a question out into the open could make things awkward if Rose proves less than interested. But she is, so that's not a problem. No, instead... I think it more a question of style."
She pauses for a moment, and again that amused gleam enters her golden eyes. "What is your style, Marius, when it comes to courting?"
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Sepsinia smiles at Rose. "That sounds exciting, and a good way to occupy my time... and my thoughts. I used to do a bit of painting, before, so perhaps I could help you with that? I hear that there is a fashion trend in Yanmass where they make dresses, robes and caftans of hand-painted silk."
The Tailor flashes a brilliant smile. "My, how bold! Jumping straight into the the thick of it with a combination of foreign fashion, a semi-difficult, very lightweight material AND have it be hand-painted as well?" She nods approvingly. "You strike me as the type of woman who loves a challenge, Sepsinia. I do believe this is the start of a beautiful friendship!"
"I never shared a room before, but I think it would be nice. We could drink hot chocolate in the evening and tell stories." She blushes, suddenly embarrassed. "Oh, I'm sorry, that's such a girlish fantasy. I always wanted to have a sister, and I imagined these would be the kind of things we would do together."
There was only so much cuteness Rose could handle before resorting to hugging the other girl. "Aw, that's so sweet! I've never really had a sister either, but it sounds wonderful. Though, I'm sure most of us here would be happy to share in such. So... how about you stay with each of us - save Marius - for a few nights in turn? That way, you could have not one but four sisters of sorts." She suggests to her and the group.
"I've been thinking about those poor souls camping out in the woods. I think it would be good to reach out to them, brining them in out of the cold as it were. I think it's only a matter of time before Gul catches up to them and turns them out violently."
"Unless he's too occupied trying to figure out who nearly succeeded assassinating his boss at his own party," Rose comments rather dryly. "Also, did we ever get the full story on these refugees? Their spokesperson, Miss Gutta Tresh -" She inwardly sighs wondering which horrible parent would name her child as such a pun. ""-Only told me they were on the run from 'some trouble' each of them had encountered. Rather vague, though I do have a tentative arrangement of sorts trading food and travel supplies for information from their end. We could contact them easily enough by courier."
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Marius shrugs, "Yes they were vague, but you don't rough it out in the woods for weeks at a time if you have better options. They can't very well stay there forever, and I think we've time enough to sound them out. What if we hold off on inviting them to settle in Stachys until after we've made a few inquiries? If it turns out to be something ghastly leading to their lifestyle we can act with greater knowledge."
He gestures at the reports on the market square work and other projects. "We aren't needed to keep things on track here, and I'm not comfortable leaving refugees--if that is what they are--unheeded and unhelped. Unless something urgent needs our attention now, I think we should act." His gaze sweeps the table, earnest and eager, trying to gauge everyone's response.
"Aha, so you think she's interested too! That's a relief to hear!" Marius brightens at this encouragement, though his expression settles into thoughtful introspection at the mention of courting style. "I confess I hadn't thought of in those terms--as a youth everything was highly regimented with chaperones and organized dances, you know it well I'm sure. At my parents' insistence I was engaged for a time to a slightly older girl I'd met all of twice--and even that quite briefly--and we mutually agreed to break things off amicably during my, hmm, 'fracas' in the Navy. And of course the Navy and Phalanx both frown on fraternization of any sort, though naturally that doesn't stop quite a few, hmm..."
Marius pauses and eyes his empty whiskey glass accusingly. "You've gone and made me chatty, I'm rambling." He pours himself another finger while he gathers his thoughts, offering the bottle's final portion to Konstiantina.
"Circling back to your question...I've always been fond of dancing, which she and I seem to have in common. I like traveling, and reading, and listening to people explain their hobbies and passions even if I don't quite get it myself--but I've never had anyone to share that with even when things were settled, and things are far, far from settled right now." He offers a small, bewildered shrug. "I'm open to suggestions!"
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When finally he does shrug and turn to her, she sighs, shifts in her chair, and considers.
"Paladins are probably not the best source of romantic advice, but - well. I've learned enough to know that you are best off dispensing with all the normal advice offered to young noblemen intent on making a match. I think it best..."
For a moment she considers Marius.
"... to simply allow events to take their course." Her smile grows almost mischievous. "I hope you appreciate the restraint that took. I was about to advise you to do something foolish, but ah, Iomedae has certain expectations of her followers."
Konstiantina swirls the whiskey around within her glass. "No, I think you are doing everything exactly right, in that you are simply being yourself. It is by not attempting to woo her that you have won her heart; why change that formula now? Enjoy this moment, this phase in your courtship, unwitting and natural as it may be. Be attentive, flirt with her, tease her, enjoy yourselves. And one day the right moment shall present itself, and you shall seize it, and her, and this time shall come to a natural end."
"We aren't needed to keep things on track here, and I'm not comfortable leaving refugees--if that is what they are--unheeded and unhelped. Unless something urgent needs our attention now, I think we should act." His gaze sweeps the table, earnest and eager, trying to gauge everyone's response.
Rose sits back in her chair and rests her chin on her hands as she takes a moment to think. "I like the idea and normally I would agree right away. However, I feel we have a greater obligation towards the townsfolk; to keep our charges safe first and foremost. Your idea of looking into the exact background of the refugees before inviting them isn't just good, it feels necessary should we go that route. I'd offer to do it myself, but I'm currently busy investigating rumors regarding this mysterious new ally of Titus Lotheed..." She makes an apologetic gesture towards the others.
"But to add on the topic of these refugees, their numbers might become an issue too. There were about two dozen of them, if I recall correctly, and Stachys only has... seventy people at present, including the children? That's a very substantial amount of new citizens you're thinking of inviting in, given how small it is now. Perhaps we should at least ask around the town to see how the people feel about expansion in general, as well as consult Miss Piscum on the matter. It would help if we could allay some of the fears beforehand, if there are any."
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With regards to Lord Titus Lotheed-Casava, she does not seem interested in the young man, but she hasn't officially rejected his advances yet, so it remains to be seen how things progress there... or not.
Marius sends a couple of agents to find out more about the vagrants and refugees living in the Beggarwood, while Rose goes to talk to Onora Piscum about the possibility of resettling at least some of them in Stachys.
They find the former honourary tribune holding a wet cloth to her face, with a small crowd gathered in front of the pub. Two strong-looking men and a woman are holding another woman, a dark-haired human with a scarred face who is slurring shouted insults at everyone.
onora Piscum looks relieved as she sees Rose. "Oh, my lady, what timing! I was about to send for Lord Erallan or yourself, we've a bit of an issue here." She nods at the drunk, struggling woman, wincing a little. "Lucinia here, Lucinia Mag, is a bit of a local troublemaker. Last night she started a brawl in my pub and ran off with the night's take and a bottle of oldlaw whiskey that was worth quite a bit." Lucinia cackles at that, spitting. "'t tashted like pishh an'waysh." Onora Piscum sighs, then continues. "Jo Sini found her passed out drunk in her barn and brought her here to be judged - sorry, old habits. Lucinia wasn't having none of that though, she punched me before these could restrain her. So, well, now it's up to his lordship to judge her case and decide on a punishment."
"Mari- that is to say, Lord Erallan is currently busy with his duties in the manor, but I'm sure he would make time for this," Rose slips. It was somewhat unexpected to be adressed and referred to as the local authority alongside him, as she thought her persona had taken quite a hit following her earlier screwup with the shoes. To say nothing of that same nervous energy rearing its damnable head again, as it often did when the topic of Marius came up or an exchange between them lasted just slightly too long...
Hopefully no one noticed anything off about her. It was wonderful, frightening and highly distracting all at once, something very contrary to the amount of work still to be done.
Speaking of... what to do here regarding the fate of this unknown woman? That it took three strong locals along with Onora Piscum herself to detain her, while the woman seemed... - what was the term; completely wasted? - was pretty impressive. From the corner of her eye, she saw Maurice raise a full half-eyebrow as well, which was about as lavish of a praise her stoic guard had ever given someone at first sight.
"But before we do, please slow down for a moment, Miss Piscum. Is there a room in the tavern where we could discuss this further? If not, we can probably find one in the manor. I'd like to ask some more questions regarding what happened first. Such as what she has done previously to be known as a troublemaker, and if there was any particular reason or personal circumstance for her to behave as such - or led her to disturb and steal from the tavern yesterday," She says, pointedly looking at the Drunk, and then at the rest of those with her for any advice.
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"Stay the course then," Marius nods sagely. "Of course, now I'm going to be consciously trying to simply be myself, which is different from just ordinarily being oneself. Hopefully it's not a noticeable difference except to someone who's sharp-witted and a keen judge of character--like Rose, for example! I'm sure it will be fine." He waves his hand in a vaguely reassuring way and sets down his glass, glancing over at the paladin with a grin at her languorous posture.
"You're looking very comfortable. Enough about my love life, how are you faring Kostiantina? Are you feeling more content with our work here now that we've laid low every monster in sight?"
Marius finishes sealing the letter and hands it to Recimer. "Ambrusius promised to be making the rounds in Meratt right about now, shouldn't be hard for you to find that gaudy wagon of his. The refugees seemed eager to trade so that should be an easy in for the two of you--take Cassia with you, she's quick with a knife if they're impolite, and if there's banditry or more organized crime afoot she'll know the signs. I've allocated some funds for you and can get more if Ambrusius or you deem it necessary."
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She looks sidelong over at Marius.
"They're the true evil of this world."
Konstiantina takes another sip from her whiskey and then sighs. "How am I faring? Fine. Content. We're doing good work. Bringing some order and progress to a forgotten corner of Taldor so as to give our patron a springboard from which to launch more ambitious initiatives. Well and good." She purses her lips, and does not look content.
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Shaking his head and snorting, Marius leans back in his chair, adjusting to get more comfortable as it creaks and groans. "Ah yes, you're the picture of contentment! Come now, what's on your mind? Yes, there are vile men and women out there who are as cruel as any ghoul or manticore and far more subtle and cunning--such as they are the reason we're all here in the first place. Is there someone in particular who's vexing you?
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Konstiantina looks sidelong at her companion for a moment, and then her lip curls in amusement. "Grand Prince Stavian, possibly? Or High Strategos Pythareus? I can still see Stavian licking his lips before plunging his jeweled dagger into Kalbio. How together they conspired to turn the senate floor into an abattoir, cutting down men and women who had done nothing more than exercise their legal right to vote."
Her smile fades. "I confess I had hoped for more direct retribution. No, that's not accurate; not hoped, but yearned for. Yet life continues as if that horror had not taken place. Nobody has been held to account. And here we sit, enjoying a glass of whiskey in Stachys, while Stavian leers from his throne."
The paladin sighs. "Don't get me wrong, Marius. I understand the necessity of what we do, and how this is a complex game, a game of elevated politics, power brokering, and nationhood. One can't simply stride into Stavian's throne room and demand justice. But I left that world once for a reason. My soul desired the simple satisfaction of direct service. I thought my path would be straight once I had cast off my family's machinations. Yet here I am, walking torturous paths once more, hoping that their arc shall bend sooner than later to justice."
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Marius' mood sobers at Konstiantina's words, even if his brain doesn't. He is quiet for several heartbeats. "I'm hardly telling you anything you don't know, but that is the nature of power--the High Strategos is mighty, both personally and in the wealth and political power he commands. To attempt direct retribution..." Marius shakes his head, his eyes haunted by visions of corpse-strewn battlefields and burning cities. "It would be a catastrophe on a scale we can scarcely imagine. I understand your longing for a clean, direct resolution--I share it!--but this is how the battles go when the foe is strong enough to ruin an empire. Our time will come, but for now we are where we need to be, doing the work necessary to build a better Taldor. The Inheritor placed you here for a reason." He gives Konstiantina a smile tinged with both sadness and hope.
"Trust in your allies, and in yourself, and in the Empyreal powers that guide us both. The monsters--human and otherwise--will be vanquished, today in Meratt but tomorrow in all of Taldor. The days ahead will often be difficult and dark, but I swear to you: whether it be with steel and fire or ink and parchment, with will and courage and kindness, we will bend the arc of justice."
Rising a bit later than is usual for him thanks to his considerable nightcap, Marius is nursing a glass of juice and leaving a few slices of fruit and cheese out for the domovoi when a messenger arrives to inform him that an adjudication is needed. Swallowing back the grumble that was his first instinct, the noble shrugs on his coat, informs the others of the disturbance to request they join him, and descends the hill down to Stachys. Upon entering Piscum's tavern and being apprised of the situation, Marius sighs and assesses the drunkard. "Tribune Piscum, does Stachys have a preferred location for these matters? If not, may we make use of your tavern as our courthouse?"
Taking a seat, Marius stares with a stern but even gaze at the belligerent drunkard. "Lucinia Mag, you stand accused of theft, assaulting a citizen of Stachys, and disturbing the peace. I am Marius of House Erallan, the new lord of Betony Estate and all its holdings--as such, I will your judge in the matter before us today. Before we begin, I would like to offer you a counsellor for your defense--is there anyone in Stachys you trust to represent you? I can name someone from my own entourage as well, or you can represent yourself if you prefer."
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The small community operates a small roadside market near the highway to Oppara, trading in goods they make themselves or scavenge. They rarely resort to open banditry, when times are Their defenders are informally known as the Four Hoods, expats from Andoran who have banded together to live simply in the Taldan wilderness - or so they say. Gurta Thresh is one of them, her adopted halfling sister Ginnit is another, and sibling archers Marlifort and Nani Truebow complete the quad.
In response to one of Rose's questions, Onora gestures at the small tavern. "This is all there is, Lady Talbot. But we're used to doing this sort of thing here, and the people like to watch. We're too small for a courthouse proper, or even a jail." She frowns at Lucinia Mag, lowering her voice. "She's been acting out since she was a child - always getting into fights, thieving, harassing people. We've run her out of town twice now, but she came back after a few months. The people here are sick of her, truth be told."
As Marius addresses Lucinia, the woman spits at her feet, glowering from under her eyebrows at him. "Lord Asss of Butt Estate, pffffffsh. Yerr a bashtard, like everyone elsh." She raises her voice, yelling. "Yerr all bashtards and whoresh! F%~@ alla ya! Think yerr better than me!" She spits again, turning her glare towards Marius again. "R'preshent my ass! Don't trust any bashtard to speak fer me."
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Lisa groans as she pulls herself from her slumber and hastily makes herself ready at Marius' command. Her morning routine was well practiced and she was very well used to dressing herself at a moment's notice, the life of a prostitute taught one that much at least, and thus she's out the door and on Marius' heels before he knows it complaining sharply.
"What no, rise and shine? No good morning Miss Lombardi terribly sorry to have troubled you so early in the morning? Why, the sun is barely out! How do you expect me to get my beauty sleep Lord Erallan? Hm? These looks don't happen on their own you know, there is a lot of hard work and effort that goes into all this." Lisa gestures to herself in a great sweeping motion.
"I had spent all night up with dear Sepsinia reading fortunes, trying on dresses, and telling the most scandalous tales of my storied career... and now this! When is a girl to rest? Hmm? Not that you would know, of course, a man like you rolls out of bed, slaps some spit to pull back his greasy locks, and somehow STILL gets away with it looking like a prized catch of the day!" Lisa huffs, "Unfair, that's what it is. Un-fair."
When they arrive at 'the scene of the crime' Lisa pouts.
This? This is what I got out of bed for?
She glances at Marius with a scowl.
I hope he's not thinking of volunteering me for this service. Lawyers are the worst kind of devils.
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“I’m glad to see you have the opportunity to end this cycle of neglect and punishment, Lord Erallan,” Lotti comments with a very neutral expression. One hand pets Wobblekins while the other rests calmly in her lap.
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"What no, rise and shine? No good morning Miss Lombardi terribly sorry to have troubled you so early in the morning? Why, the sun is barely out! How do you expect me to get my beauty sleep Lord Erallan? Hm? These looks don't happen on their own you know, there is a lot of hard work and effort that goes into all this." Lisa gestures to herself in a great sweeping motion. (...)
Rose smiles at her friend's dramatic entrance, stifling a laugh. She raises her hand at a nearby servant, who then appears with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. "Good morning to you too, Miss Lombardi, and nice of you to help us. Any longer and I was afraid *I* was going to have drink your morning favorite - and what a shame that would be..." She adds, longingly gazing at the drink before something convinces her not to.
"Besides, you are going easy on our dear Sepsinia, are you?" She continues, lowering her voice to a coy whisper. "After all, what would I have left to tease my little sister and apprentice with if all of her innocence were already destroyed?"
At first, considering what had happened with Opilio, Rose had had some doubts on whether being roommates with a courtesan would stir lingering trauma in the girl, but fortunately that turned out to not be the case. If anything it just proved her suspicions that Lisa was a big softy deep down - unless she had good reason to pick a bone with you.
When Marius calls the tavern to order, Rose relagates her attention only to hear Lucinia's highly flattering words.
"Lord Asss of Butt Estate, pffffffsh. Yerr a bashtard, like everyone elsh." She raises her voice, yelling. "Yerr all bashtards and whoresh! F~$% alla ya! Think yerr better than me!" She spits again, turning her glare towards Marius again. "R'preshent my ass! Don't trust any bashtard to speak fer me."
The noblewoman sighs and palms her temple at the disaster taking place before her. She could only imagine what Magistrate Tantriano, the elder Iomedaean judge of Ridonport, would do over such blatant disrespect of her court and authority.
"Your Lordship, if I may," She waits for Marius to grant permission to speak, admiring how easily he seemed to slip into the role of judge - and at the same time dreading the moment she would have to stand before him. "This woman is obviously intoxicated and unable to think or speak straight. It feels beneath us as honorable Taldans to even pass judgment over someone who cannot properly defend themself. Her 'request' to not have a defense should at least be disregarded, I feel, and I for one would still like to know more of her background as well. If she's been like this since a child, what of her family or environment growing up? And was there really nothing else leading up to or influencing the fight or theft yesterday?"
She takes another, pointedly inviting look at Lucina stating that this would be a good time to share more relevant information - if there was any.
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"What, no rise and shine? No good morning Miss Lombardi terribly sorry to have troubled you so early in the morning? Why, the sun is barely out! How do you expect me to get my beauty sleep Lord Erallan? Hm? These looks don't happen on their own you know, there is a lot of hard work and effort that goes into all this." Lisa gestures to herself in a great sweeping motion.
"Rise and shine, Miss Lombardi!" Marius responds with an insouciant cheeriness intended to needle her, just a little. "My sincerest apologies for awakening you at the crack of almost nine thirty but alas duty has called and we must answer." He pauses a moment. You did promise to try and get along... "You do look quite nice, so you needn't be concerned. And thank you for taking the time to help make Sepsinia feel welcome," he adds in a conciliatory tone.
+ + + + +
Showing no particular reaction to Lucinia's disrespect, Marius listens to Lotti and Raesilia's input with a thoughtful nod. "Yes, given Miss Mag's inebriated state she cannot properly defend herself or make appropriate decisions on her own behalf. We will hold her in a safe but secure location until she's had a chance to sober up--that woodshed just down the way will do. Provide her a pitcher of water and some bread to soak up some of the booze and we'll reconvene here just after noon."
He fixes Lucinia with a stern look. "I'm not the type to be goaded, so you needed bother cooking up elaborate and unlikely genealogies for anyone present, but I feel compelled warn you: take this seriously, you are on trial. I will be fair and impartial, but if the law demands your keelhauling hands be taken off for theft then gods help me I will do it myself. Conduct yourself accordingly, and consider carefully whether you don't want any counsel after all. You may find it helpful to have someone on your side."
As the two villagers holding Lucinia frog-march her away he turns to Lotti and Rose. "If she changes her mind regarding counsel, would either of you care to represent her? Even if she chooses to advocate for herself I'd like to know as much context as is reasonable."
Something akin to horror, or at least deep discomfort, flashes in Rose's eyes when Marius announces the threat of cutting off the drunk's hand for stealing a fist full of gold at the very most - but it fades after a good ten seconds of carefully studying him.
"If she changes her mind regarding counsel, would either of you care to represent her? Even if she chooses to advocate for herself I'd like to know as much context as is reasonable."
"Hm... is there anything keeping us from doing it together? Would you be open to such a partnership, Lotti?" She answers him a moment later, then defers to the group's nestor. "You are probably much more versed in matters of law than I am, and a good advisor at the very least. Outside of trade laws, all I can really do is try and persuade the crowd either way. Well, and you of course, 'Your Honor'." There's a hint of amusement at the last bit as she regards the Inquisitor.
She then watches as Lucinia is half-led, half-dragged to the indicated shed to sober up. "It will still be limited by the willingness of her, or anyone who knows her well, to share anything else. As without that, all I have to offer is an alternate proposal for her punishment."
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“ Would you be open to such a partnership, Lotti?”
“If it pleases your Ladyship, then of course.” Lotti curtsies, expression still pleasantly neutral. “I would be most interested to hear your proposal for possible sentencing.”
Fair and impartial, Lord Erallan? Will you dare to not hide yourself behind the letter of the law - letters written to protect those who wrote them and their interests? Will you look at Lucinia as a person, with thoughts and feelings and hopes and hurts like your own? Her life hangs on your whims, but that’s always been the case for those without titles here.
Her gaze shifts from Marius to Rose. And why is Raesilia jumping to her defense? Another addition to her collection of people she finds interesting? A chance to be the savior of the poor folk who don’t appreciate her handouts?
Rose returns a respectful bow to the gnome. "In that case, I would rather talk to her first, as this proposal depends on there actually being something warranting giving her a second chance. Or third one, that is, given that she was run out of town twice before, which doesn't give her the best record, I'll admit," Rose responds, sighing softly as the profanities in the background grow slowly fainter. Just why had she decided to do this again over making a nice dress with Sepsinia?
”However, assuming there is underlying circumstance influencing her behavior – say, a difficult youth or life, unemployment, something that has her cornered – then perhaps there is a solution that works for all involved parties. I would be thinking of a variant of communal service, one that offers a 'respectable' way out of a life of trouble and crime. One of my friends, an investigator, often reminds me that is the most important factor determining success. Everyone wants to be able to claim they are important and respectable to some degree, or they grow discontent.“
She gestures towards the Inn. ”From what we’ve seen and heard, this Lucinia seems to be unusually strong and difficult to take in a fight. Perhaps she could grow to put that skill to better use. Say, like a guard trainee or such? Away from the town is an option too, probably a better one even, as I’m sure many of us have connections that could use a strongarm while the town sentiment towards her isn’t exactly favorable. That way, she could work off the debt sustained to the tavern or any injured folk while building towards a career. Stars, depending on whether these sort of problems at the Inn are a common thing miss Piscum might even be amiable to having her as a bouncer.”
Spreading her hands, she continues. ”Of course, I am not blind to the risks. To some degree, this assumes she can be brought to want to change. If we keep her here while going with this plan, then especially at the start, we would need someone who could take her to constantly keep an eye on her. It would have to be impressed heavily as a last chance and as a form of communcal service to the people. Overall though, I think it is the most productive and humane option at present. Putting her in the pillory will only grow resentment from Lucinia while not compensating Onara, we have no jail at present, and –goddess forbid – mutilation just puts someone in even more of a situation where they have nothing left to lose.”
Despite not naming execution, it was obvious she wouldn’t support such an action over this offense.
Onora Piscum sighs, rubbing her face, then wincing as her hand touches her fresh bruise. "Lady Talbot, your kindness does you credit, but I'm afraid Lucinia is just a bad apple. I remember her as a willful child, always causing trouble for her parents. They passed away some time ago, I don't rightly remember how old Lucinia was when that happened, but she was at least an adult at the time. She didn't want to become a farmer like them, but nobody wanted to apprentice her for a craft, not at her age and with such a... difficult personality. So she took to drinking."
The half-elf fixes Rose with an earnest gaze. "Lady Talbot, I understand that you have a soft heart and want to give her a chance, but people here may be upset if she gets off too easy. After all, they're not getting second chances. Many of them have worked hard all their lives, and seen little enough in the way of thanks."
"*Now* you give me this information, rather than before I agreed to defend her, despite me asking earlier? And you also imply I am spineless, based on something I had no way of knowing!?"
Rose straightens. "Miss Piscum," She begins, expression hardening. "Please do not misunderstand me. I don't have endless patience or kindness, and after last time I understand all too well that a stern but fair approach seems preferred by the citizens. Also, I *am* sorry for the theft and your injury sustained here and surely someone here would be more than willing to relieve you of the latter," She glances at the multple healers surrounding them, wondering why such had not been offered yesterday .
"However I ask that you recognize that I am currently acting in the role of a defense, as is her right by law. As such my viewpoint *should* be lenient. Anything less and I would be betraying a Taldan Citizen's basic civil right that has been in place since the days of Emperor Taldaris." She fixes the older woman with a piercing stare, then looks around at whichever villagers had decided to linger. "Surely you would not expect me to debase myself, and in extension everyone here, to the level of barbarians?"
She embraces the resulting shocked silence, then turns to leave.
"You're pretty good at fighting. A real gift, I've been told, by someone with an eye for such," Rose says, back to her kinder self. [/b]"Have you ever thought of doing something more worthwhile with it, as I can't believe you truly enjoy this cycle of punishment - not to mention that at some point you will have a less leniant judge..."[/b]
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Well it's not like this would be the first time a basic civil right has been betrayed by someone in power. Lotti's face wishes it could break through its pleasant countenance and show how tired she suddenly feels as the old woman bundles up whatever other thoughts she might have on the situation and puts them away in the back of her head for closer inspection later. Softly she clears her throat to break the silence left by Rose's departure. "If your Lordships will excuse me, I believe this would be an excellent time to gather testimony from the good folk of Stachys." With yet another curtsey, she takes her leave.
"...always had an arm like a brawler, you say..."
"...what I'm hearing is that she drinks like a solider - is that correct?"
"It sounds like she's stubborn as a bear..."
With each witness, Lotti carefully picks her questions. The goal of making them each think they'd come up with the idea of Lucinia patrolling the region's borders, rather than it being a foreign idea pushed upon them by air-headed nobility, required just enough of a double-meaning behind her words to put the association in their heads while not so much as to make it obvious that's what was happening.
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Onora Piscum sighs, rubbing her face, then wincing as her hand touches her fresh bruise. "Lady Talbot, your kindness does you credit, but I'm afraid Lucinia is just a bad apple. (...) I understand that you have a soft heart and want to give her a chance, but people here may be upset if she gets off too easy. After all, they're not getting second chances. Many of them have worked hard all their lives, and seen little enough in the way of thanks."
"So essentially, you're berating me for being too soft- empatically, but still -, *in public again*, based on information on Lucinia's background which I asked for in advance, but didn't receive, and thus had no way of knowing. Great."
Rose closed her eyes and bit back the first two responses. It wouldn't do to antagonize Onora when the goal was to appear better than Count Lotheed - and nothing bred grudges like criticism. She tried to see it from her side, coming out of her husband's death, now having to deal with this lowlife for years; someone who was really just a lazy troublemaker who only seemed to harm society, and now she herself had been robbed and attacked. Given all that, she was remarkably restrained.
She latches on to that thought and forces a smile. "Thank you for sharing the whole story. I would be lying if I said being told all this beforehand wouldn't have made me hesitate speaking up for this woman. And I am sorry for injuries and the theft suffered by you during this incident. Surely one of the healers surrounding us is more than happy to relieve you of the prior."
A cursory glance around silently asks those present why that hadn't already been done?
Then she straightens and her expression grows more severe. "However, I ask that you recognize that I am now acting from my position as her legal defense. Thus, my viewpoint and advice to Lord Erallan have to be leniant. To do anything else in such a position would be a gross violation of Lucinia's basic Civil Rights as a citizen of Taldor - something that has been in place since the days of Emperor Taldaris. And I refuse to lower myself, and extension all those here, to that level of barbarism. Public opinion cannot decide who has access to what quality of representation, or our historical values are lost forever."
She glances at whomever had decided to stay for the end of the conversation, impressing the severity of her words one by one. "Now, I'm afraid I must take my leave, and see if I can get through to her before the midday trial..."
Hoping to Desna for guidance in what was hopefully *not* an exersize in futility, she leaves.
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Onora waves away the offer of healing. "It's just a bruise, nothing broken. I've had worse. And... good luck with the case, my lady. If that's how you plan to conduct all trials, I'm sure the people here will appreciate it, even if it doesn't feel like that right now."
Inside the dim-lit holding shack, Lucinia seems to have sobered up a little, sitting with her back to the wall in a corner. Konstiantina is already there, sitting on a stack of firewood, hands folded in her lap.
"...and I understand that it may seem that it's too late for that, but believe me - it's not. And I won't lie to you, it will not be easy, but it will be worth it. Don't you want people to respect you? Not for beating them up, but for being someone worthy of respect? I cannot imagine that you feel good about who you are right now. But you can change. And if you like, we can have a talk about the church of Iomedae." The aasimar briefly pats her breastplate, as if looking for a sheet of paper, before resuming her posture and fixing Lucinia with her clear, serious gaze.
The woman scoffs at the mention of Iomedae, but she is remarkably quiet for the rest of the speech, and raises her head as Rose and Lotti enter. "Erm, hello. Your friend told me you was gonna defend me. Nobody's ever done that b'fore, so I'm sorry I yelled at you earlier." Without the alcohol raging in her veins, she seems more subdued, and almost sad as she reaches a hand out for Wobblekins to sniff it. "What a pretty kitty. Around 'ere it's mostly barn cats, with missing ears an' more scars than you can count."
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The cats aren't the only ones like that. Lotti's heart melts slightly as she watches Lucinia pet Wobblekins. She lets it show on her face - a careful mixture of sorrow, pride, and surprise. "He knows," she says gently. "Knows the good folks from the bad, knows if someone's got darkness in their soul or if they're just scarred from having to fight to stay alive." Slowly she walks forward, channeling the faintest bit of magic to make the air around her familiar glow ever so slightly. "It's not too late for you, my child. He is never wrong about such things." She extends a hand to help Lucinia up, even though the woman would easily pull her over without much effort. It's the appearance of the gesture, after all. "Come - take our hands, rise, and show the world why he believes in you."
A look of guarded hope blossoms on the woman's face as she hesitantly reaches for Lotti's hand. She opens her mouth to speak, but no words come out, although her eyes gain a moist sheen.
She tries again. "I don't know what I did to deserve y'all being so kind to me. I... I know I did bad. Just can't seem to stop m'self. But I wanna change all that." She climbs to her feet, careful not to pull too hard on Lotti's arm. "Hurt a lotta people, I did. Dunno if I can make it right."
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Marius listens intently as Rose and Lotti lay out their proposal regarding Lucinia's fate, and he listens while Lucinia herself haltingly expresses her regret and contrition about what she's done. When everyone has said their piece, he adjourns to a back room for a quarter hour, scribbling some notes and praying to Kelinihat that this goes smoothly.
Retaking his seat, Marius adjusts his notes and regards the accused evenly but not unkindly. "Lucinia Mag, there can be no doubt that you are guilty of the crimes of which you are accused. To your credit, however, you have expressed contrition for your actions, and a desire to make amends. In light of this, and because the money stolen from Onora Piscum has been recovered, I sentence you to a fine and to a probationary period of service." He holds up a hand for silence as uncertain murmuring rises from the observing villagers.
"You will be hired on as a foot patrol, helping to secure the ongoing safety of Stachys. This job will include a regular salary, minus a garnishment applied until the fine is paid. You will report to Lady Mokei and Miss Qeb, who will monitor your performance and report to my staff. If in in one year's time your process is satisfactory, your debt to the community will be considered paid. Furthermore, you will be offered the position permanently, with all attendant duties, authorities, and compensation warranted." He sets down the notes, his expression more sympathetic. "I am pleased that you have chosen this path, and I hope you profit by it. I cannot see the future--doubtless there will be days when the temptations of old habits rear their heads, and some in Stachys may continue to hold a grudge for your past behaviors. It is a difficult and sometimes painful thing to try and make right our own wrongs--but it is a worthy one."
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Lucinia had been rubbing her wrists unconsciously, perhaps remembering the threat to take off a hand, so when the sentence is passed she sighs out in relief.
The villagers of Stachys have plenty of comments on the result, most of them skeptical, but no-one seems to be outright angry about the outcome.
"...and she gets a job? Pssshh, mayhaps I should start trouncin' people an' stealin' stuff."
"Just wait a week, she'll be back to her old ways, see if she don't."
"He spoke prettily, didn't he? Tryin' to right wrongs... it's nice to think that it can be done."
"Never seen ol' Lucinia so meek, but I'll be keeping my eye on her all the same."
Lucinia glowers at the skeptics, clenching her fists, for it seems that old habits die hard; however, she spots Konstiantina out of the corner of her eye and the sight of the paladin standing there and calmly watching her seems to remind her of the new path she's walking now. She makes her way to Onora, not looking the half-elf woman in the eye as she mumbles an apology. With a nod to Marius, the former tribune leads Lucinia to the tavern's back room, pulling an old leather armour from a chest and holding it against the other woman to gauge fit.
Later that week, as the finishing touches are put on the new market, and teams are reporting on their progress with improving the nearby farms, a small convoy rolls into Stachys - wagons loaded with building materials and supplies, and about a dozen labourers, craftsmen and gardeners. A grizzled halfling woman seeks out the party, introducing herself as Prisca Brockhouse, Dame Crabbe's head gardener.
"My lady sends her regards, and has bid me and my team to assist you in your work however we can." She eyes the village critically, then turns to look towards the estate up on the hill. "And I am told that you could use a hand with the estate gardens as well. Just let me know your preferences and I'll take care of it."