Cassandra excuses herself from her conversation with the Baron and heads towards the Gallery as Martella's voice chimes in her ear. She files through the crowd before she regroups with all her companions.
The psychic listens carefully, fidgeting slightly as everyone gives updates on how things were progressing. It seems that gains were being made and that (by and large) things seemed to be going well - no small achievement considering the party itself.
As Hubert is introduced, Cassandra gives the youth a welcoming smile of her own. She hadn't really heard much background on the man, but it was clear that Edelmira trusted him a great deal.
"If it helps, I could also help keep an eye on Malphene. In my limited experience, bullies usually have one or two enthusiastic allies keen to get in on the fun, such as it is. Even if she doesn't, sometimes extra numbers can sometimes help deter conflict. Thats only if Nicolette feels my help would be necessary though, I can just as easily do something else."
Baron Okerra nods with a rueful twist to his smile and he gives a soft sigh before he speaks. "Yes, I thought you might want to talk about that. Let me be clear, I have some doubts that this is the right time for the repeal. Not because a woman has less value or potential than a man (if anything, she has more!), but because this is a precarious time to be going through a social upheaval. We are one bad decision away from war and if the High Strategos has his way, he'll make it. And men like him will oppose such change which will lead us in any number of perilous directions. You are familiar with the Law of Unintended Circumstances, I hope? We can speculate, but we can never begin to hope we have anticipated all that the ripples of such a disturbance will have on our own little pond." He takes a sip of his wine and clears his throat before going on.
"You mention my daughter. Selli is a force of nature, much like her mother. Too bad she didn't also inherit my late wife's good sense. Instead she got my stubborn bullheadedness. And an obsession with living up to my so-called heroic reputation. But her recklessness is all her own. She lost two fingers from her hand saving a fox from a hunter's trap. And guess what she tells anyone who asks about it? That the fox won them off her in a game of cards! So I ask you, does she sound ready to inherit my title and rule over our county if I must go off to fight in a war?" He shakes his head and rolls his eyes, sighing again in exasperation.
Countess Pace laughs delightedly, fluttering a fan over her mouth coquettishly to hide away the sight, if not the sound. "How amusing, that the repeal might make men wary of their beards everywhere. Thank you for the story, my dear. I daresay it's the most fun I've had all night. But if I'm hearing you correctly, you're off men yourself? Why, you give up half your power like that. I suppose that's why you favor the repeal? For myself, I don't need any laws passed to know how to wield my power. I always work with what I have, a pragmatist if you will." Edelmira gets the distinct impression that while being Pace's friend might bring some benefits, she knows no loyalty beyond serving her own purposes, having married, plotted and schemed to achieve her own status and wealth, she sees no reason to make the avenues to power any easier for anyone else.
Gloriana Morilla and the Princess Eutropia seem to be very genuine friends. They are actively discussing all the benefits that the repeal of Primogeniture would bring the populace of Taldor with the ladies and gentlemen in the surrounding crowd. They seem especially motivated to dissuade any suggestions that they have pushed for this just to see Eutropia named as heir. Though they will remind everyone that having an heir apparent will do much to comfort the nation when the Grand Prince dies, surely many years hence. And more importantly, it will stave off a war of succession.
Kunala interjects some supporting points and some polite applause when someone else brings up a good point and senses a shift in the mood, more positively toward himself.
"There is nothing wrong with that," she comments to Kunala as if almost taking offense. Already, somehow, she is on her third canape with a wine glass in hand and somehow juggling the stem of it with her plate. This way she can have a free hand to eat the additional 3 canapes on her plate. How she remains skinny is anyone's guess.
Cassandra gives the Baron a soft smile at his remarks. She wasn't offended by his hesitation - she had known several people who were likewise uncomfortable with repeal and the stakes involved. So she takes care to keep her tone light and relaxed as she responds.
"This is Taldor, sometimes it feels like we are always one step away from war" she replies in a joking tone, before shrugging and turning more serious.
"There will always be men such as the High Strategos in power willing to hold Taldor back or even plunge it into war. At some point, we will need to take a brave stand and not cower at the consequences. Besides, its worth mentioning that if the Grand Price dies with no heir apparent, we could have a war over succession regardless. The repeal of Primogeniture is the right thing to do - with the advantage of securing peace of mind for the Empire."
Anyway, you cannot tell me that in the history of Taldor, there hasn't been one family who had a daughter better placed or was more suitable to inherit their titles over their son. It seems cruel to deny someone deserving that honor, and the repeal of Primogeniture provides us the opportunity to balance the scales and bring Taldor into the future."
As the Baron mentions his daughter, and sighs in exasperation, Cassandra smiles and takes a step closer, placing a slim hand on his arm. "So in summation, your daughter was brave or fearless enough to roam the grounds on her own, and compassionate enough to free an animal trapped and in pain. When faced with the misfortune of losing two fingers, she still had a strong enough temperament to find humor in the situation and make up an outrageous story. Maybe she is a little reckless, but were we all not a little reckless in our youth?
I think she would surprise you though, if the opportunity presented itself for her to step up in your stead and I'm certain that she would do you proud."
Smiling, Cassandra turns to leave before a thought struck her. "Baron - a thought. When you left to fight, I presume that it was your late wife that managed affairs in your absence, in addition to raising Selli? I'll be honest, I haven't visited your House before, but Selli seems like a kind, brave, and compassionate child. By the sound of it, your late wife did an excellent job on both counts. Isn't it women like this that point to the repeal of Primogeniture being a good thing for Taldor as a whole?"
Hubert's manner is crisp and brisk with the introductions, his demeanor cool as his peridot gaze travels over Edelmira's new friends. "I am never far from Lady Edelmira's side. Even if I must appear to be. Her ends define my means." He states quite simply, relating a fact as he sits and listens politely while Lady Lotheed speaks. He does seem slightly annoyed over having been brought into the open and away from his own clandestine work, however.
He nods his agreement with Edelmira's desire to get to work. "The Imperial Archive, you say? I expect I can make some headway on that front. Those dry, old librarians love to talk a little magical theory." He adds with a smirk.
"The countess, the countess...I'm already tired of hearing her name," she replies to Edelmira with a sigh.
Surely out of many of them there, she's had to sit at more dinner parties and galas with the woman than most.
"I'm sorry you had to endure her. We will bring her around to see the light."
As Hubert heads off, she will give him a wink for a goodbye.
______________________________________________________________
"The hunt? Well...I have some particularly interesting details I'm picking up about Maxillar." She will flash a grin to show that she's serious and not just making up lies.
Malphene Trant, she's been no worse than your typically narcissistic noble. It is interesting to hear Martella's view of her. Frankly, Nicolette would love to punch Malphene in the mouth for a particularly snooty comment made three years ago at a party. They haven't talked since.
"I would prefer to keep an eye on Malphene."
Martella seems intrigued by Nicolette's statement on her progress in spying on Pythareus. "Well that sounds promising, anything actionable, as yet?"
She laughs lightly at the Duchess' zeal for espionage. "Malphene will never recognize you in that disguise. She should definitely be taught a lesson, but ideally that lesson should be to 'use her words'. That message would best be delivered by those who are using theirs. But it is possible it might require more than words to dissuade her. If it does come to violence, it would be best if it were not traced back to you. Combat is loud and messy and would likely draw the Guards down upon you quite quickly." She pauses, and reaches into her bag to draw out the mechanical cricket you saw at the lunch meeting yesterday. "This will help to keep such an encounter private, if need be." She says as she passes the contraption to Cassandra and briefly demonstrates how to wind and activate the device.
"It would probably be best to deal with Lady Trant with as much support as possible since there will be less chance for violence the more she perceives her chances of victory to be low. I will also be keeping watch and will try and alert you through the badges, should she make a move. While I do not approve of her methods, Malphene is ultimately a dutiful and devoted daughter to her father and still quite young. I suppose I have a soft spot for such." Martella shrugged. "She has only recently had her coming out into society. Clearly she has been misled if she believes that she herself would not benefit from the repeal. Maybe she can come to see that, in time."
Turning to Kunala, she hands him a missive sealed with pressed yellow wax. "This needs to find it's way to Count Orlundo Zespire in the Imperial Archives. You might need to wait for a response."
"Well, I suppose I've taken enough of your time. Unless you had some other questions? Do take your moments to enjoy yourselves as well!"
"Oh..humm...actionable? Well I learned his horse's name...He also made a joke, although I don't understand it. I'm wondering if his father was a strong supporter of primogeniture...then it might be a good thing. If not, then I think the joke might mean he's opposed."
When she sounds it out, it sounds so lame. To distract from her failures and her inefficiency at spying, she takes hold of the contraption Martella gives her.
"How does it work? How do I turn it on? Show me." She will hold it out in her hand for the spymaster to display how to activate it. "Do you think they will use their weapons? I'd hate to have it come to that."
After successfully influencing the Baron, and completing her task, Cassandra seeks a brief moment for silent reflection, gliding to the nearby gardens and taking a moment to experience the cool night air, and glance up at the heavens. She takes a moment to identify and outline several of the constellations she is more familiar with, clearing her mind and preparing herself for the next phase of the night. Refocused, she opens up tn any of the nearby guests, pointing out some of the flora in the nearby gardens.
"Just a moment, if you will." Martella calls you back before you've made it ten steps. "It seems our dear Thadeus was called away by family business, bless his heart. Fortunately, I was contacted by a an acquaintance, and it just so happens that he is here tonight. And as these Gala events do stretch on so dreadfully, he's quite bored already and happy to lend us a hand."
She gestured to a young nobleman standing nearby. "Trendon, would you like to introduce yourself?" She prompted gently.
A handsome but pale young man with long raven dark hair pulled back by a silver clasp stepped forward proffering a bow. He wore a bright red shirt, trimmed in a silver thread at the cuffs, off set by the dark color of his pants. His eyes were a deep blue but looked tired and they ran over the lot of you studying, his face unreadable for a moment. . .Then he smiled and it seemed to warm his features.
"You have no idea how right you are about the boredom Lady Martella. I should have brought my lute, at least then i could have made eyes at some of the beauty gracing us this Gala. I see you are going ahead with your plans then? How can I be of service?"
He took her hand and bowed brushing his lips atop it. He started to chuckle as he rose from the bow.
"You did say introduce myself, I forgot that part captivated by your eyes... or all the eyes watching. Trendon Razner Derexhi. Although I've been going by my mother's family name here in Taldor Razner, I was born in the city of Westcrown In Cheliax. 4th son of house Derexhi out there when they claim me. Father thinks the climate here in Oppara is better suited to my charm I suppose. Less revolution here you see."
He reached over and snagged a flute of wine from a passing servants tray and took a long pull making a face. He glanced at the glass and rolled his eyes with great exaggeration. He shot a wink at a passing pretty maid with a suggestive grin. Her harumph made him smile.
"really though, a pleasure to meet you all, how can i serve?"
He adjusted adjusted the fit of his fine silk gloves resting them both atop his walking cane with a smile on his features.
"Greetings. Are you any good in a fight, sir?"
She tilts her head to the newcomer, observing his physical strength and seeing if he has any weapons upon him peacebound other than his cane.
He paused tilting his head just slightly. From the ladies tone it was clear she was used to command and respect.He had introduced himself and she didnt start to immediately fawn over him. Interesting... He thought to himself wishing he had brought along Neville. The old coot would know who she was for sure.
Mind racing, he quickly put two and two together. He was pretty sure she was Duchess Yardley close to the princess, said to enjoy a good fight.He smiled and bowed low.
"Your Grace. I am not a man of war, but i do know which end of the sword goes into my opponent. I have a mean left hook when threatened as well. If you are looking for a sparring opponent I would suggest my brother Wendel. He's still in Westcrown I'm afraid."
He bore no weapon in obvious sight (DC20 perception to recognize the cane as holding a sword within) but from his charming smile it was clear he preferred other weapons. Before he could get the measure of the man with them he flourished his pastry.He was an interesting one to be sure.
Bit of a fop that one is...He thought to himself starting to focus on the others when it hit him. Wait he knew the man, from reputation only and well a bit of an embaressing suggestion by a lady of refinement. A dance instructor in the city, but a very good one. Known to be a bit of a duelist as well. He would watch his tongue for sure. He didnt need someone trying to stab him over something so codified as honor.
He turned his view to the respectful and pretty Edelmira. She called him Lord. She either recognized him somehow or was being polite. From her bearing she didnt seem the sort to enjoy a bawdy tavern. He uniform reminded him of his brother strutting about the place after he took honors at the academ...
She belonged to those under House Stavian he was pretty sure of it. He should have expected Lady Martella to have a lot of important friends. He would definitely have to mind his manners with them. He proffered a bow to the Duchess Yardley first, then the slightly more mysterious Edelmira. Before returning his gaze to Lady Martella wondering what precisely she needed him to do.
'I do hope that Thaddus is ok' Cassandra muses, hoping that the half-orc or his family hadn't run into or experienced any unexpected misfortune. She turns her attention towards the newcomer, observing Trendon for a moment with a thoughtful expression.
'He must be rather capable if Martella enlisted his aid. She's definately someone that thinks ahead and is on the lookout for useful allies which might mean that he have impressed her in the past' she reflects, before smiling slightly and offering the man a slim hand.
"Hes very charming, isn't he Martella? I'm Cassandra, Cassandra Flaminia. Pleased to meet you sir." she responds, introducing herself after everyone else had said their piece.
Was he staring? He smiled and bowed taking the new lovely ladies hand bowing over it. How had he missed her standing with the others. It did become very clear to him why perhaps Lady Martella had not invited him to join in on her plans from the get go. It would have been hard for him to keep focus.He stood there for a moment over her hand trying to think if he knew her from anywhere.
"The pleasure is mine Miss Cassandra."
He had no clue whom she was or if she were high society important. He had a feeling from the way in which she held back until the others had introduced themselves that she was not an unknown member of the Opparan high society. His eyes glanced towards the path the dance instructor had taken. Perhaps she was more in line with him. A useful tradeswoman or a wealthy merchant.
Nicolette calmly smiles as she is interrupted by Kunala. "Here we go..." One could guess that while the action was rude, it is excused mainly because she finds it entertaining. There is the slightest hint of a smug smile on her face as the Fop speaks. An unrestrained giggle escapes her as he threatens her with a canape which is held back by her lips and a duty in front of new company to seem more regal than she is at heart.
"Have fun. Dance well."
She will then wave off his behavior to the newcomer.
"He's worth his weight in gold when it comes to learning how to dance."
With them now properly allowed to greet, she notices he bows low to her and gives her the proper greeting, but she doesn't know him. Perhaps her knowledge of Chelaxian nobility should increase. It seems her cousin does know him though, so she will just ask her later.
"I thank you for the offer of a sparring opponent, but I'm inquiring mainly because where we are heading, you may wish to be prepared for a bit of a tumble."
She flashes a look of excitement and studies the man while he greets Cassandra.
Once finished, she will smile and move to Martella and will give her a kiss on the cheek.
"See you soon, darling! If I come back with a black eye or worse, I'm blaming you. Come along," she will look to Trendon and will move off down the stairs towards their secretive meeting with someone she'd definitely love to punch in the nose.
Cassandra smiles Trendon's greeting before nodding, inclining her head slightly at the informal bow. "It was lovely meeting you" continues, before bowing at Martella. "I'll take my leave if that is fine with you. There is still much to accomplish tonight" she remarks before lightly slipping away, heading in the direction of the Courtyard.
He raised an eyebrow at the lady Martella but merely smiled to others and followed after the Duchess. She did mention she was going to pick a fight. He wasn't sure he had made the right decision to promise to aid Lady Martella this evening should she need him. He didn't let those concerns however reach his eyes.
Staying close to Nicolette he leaned in just close enough to whisper low enough it would be hard to overhear.
"Who precisely are we going to see if I may ask? And more importantly are we talking or starting things off with a blow?"
He inquired far too straightforward for most Talden etiquette. Though he had been here for years, he still was not as well armed in the skill of the double entendre...well at least not as well as he would like to be. At least not in normal conversation.
He realized he was scowling and broke into a smile just in case they were being watched. He was here to have a good time after all not plant seeds for better governance.
"We are meeting with Lady Malphene Trant, daughter of Senator Trant, to encourage her to use her words. First, we will mingle, then when we receive word she is on the move, we will proceed to where she is heading to encourage her to stop intimidating junior senators into backing her father. She's stupid enough to be someone to rough people up to get them to change their vote, so we'll be ready to do the same to her if she doesn't knock it off. We'll start off nice, but if she wants to go there, I'll gladly sock her in the mouth."
She looks over her shoulder to Trendon Razner to see if he understands.
"Cheer up, there are few people in the world who deserve a good swift kick than she."
Trendon will file in, and before he knows it, there would be many people trying to vie for the duchess' attention. To those who seem to have a political agenda, she gives a little time, but to those who are genuinely interested in her, it seems she will speak more to.
"Lady Malphene Trant? That name does ring a bell. I will gladly back whatever your play is then."
He inclined his head only briefly frowning for a moment as a gentleman close to Lady Edelmira glared at him while leaning in to speak with her. Had his mother been speaking for him again? He knew part of her hoped to marry him off somewhere far from Cheliax to keep him from getting into trouble... or worse getting the house into trouble but still. He would have to corner the man and ask. Perhaps hire someone to find out what was being said about him. No matter. He adjusted his gloves gently adjusted his grip on his walking stick and smiled. Tonight had been relatively boring so far. Maybe this was going to be be lively enough.
"He's very charming, isn't he Martella? I'm Cassandra, Cassandra Flaminia. Pleased to meet you sir." she responds, introducing herself after everyone else had said their piece.
Martella laughs lightly at Cassandra's observation as she catches Trendon by the arm and pins on his senate aide badge for him. "Indeed, guard your hearts, my darlings, lest they be lost forever. Perhaps Trendon will even set the young Lady Malphene to swooning." She added, giving the young Chelaxian a wink as the Duchess led him away.
~~~
Edelmira and Hubert join forces in the Imperial Archives and find themselves being led by a guide along with a group as they paused near an old blueprint of the senate building. The guide explains that the current structure was built atop the ruins of several older senate constructions. Sensing the attention of the crowd on the wane, he goes on to describe how some levels of the old senate involved the intentional immurement of it's builders — a grim reward from the ruling nobles of the time. Edie and Hubie discuss one instance whereby a workman's family brought suit against a noble clan for just such a disappearance. Nothing came of it, of course, but it adds extra credence to the guide's story, who seems to appreciate the support as the crowd Ooohs and some of the ladies shudder delicately.
One of the few, overworked Librarians shuffles over to the pair with a tattered tome in his aged hand. "You are students of history, are you not? How splendid, so few young people are interested in these dusty old documents. I am Pabrus Telecoum. I wonder if you might like this." He said as he offered Edelmira the book. "It was donated recently, but I'm afraid it's far too deteriorated to be archived properly. It's a journal, a rather compelling tale of a young wizard’s growth to womanhood and then inheriting her family business in Cassomir 250 years ago. Perhaps you can glean something useful from it's pages." He says with a kindly nod of encouragement.
Though large portions are missing or damaged by water, tucked into the back of the book are several scrolls containing animate rope, blur, flaming sphere, hypnotism, mount, and web.
~~~
Those following Malphene Trant head down stairs just in time to see her pass through the Emperor's Hall and out into the Courtyard. Lady Trant mills about the Courtyard, grabbing drinks from servant's trays and draining them at a rapid rate. She appears to run into a friend and begins to talk with him animatedly, laughing and slugging him in the arm in a rather unladylike manner. Cassandra impresses the guests assembled there with her knowledge of the flora and fauna on display.
~~~
Kunala sets off on his mission, utilizing the servant's passages to try and save time. Unfortunately, the passages can be a bit of a maze for those unfamiliar with them and it takes him nearly fifteen minutes to backtrack and locate the Imperial Archives to deliver the message. Count Orlundo Zespire wears a decorated Naval uniform and is one of the few Senators who wears his own peace-bound sword. The Count breaks the wax seal and reads the message, "Hmm, yes. Give me just a moment, and I will have something else for you to deliver."
On his return, the Count hands Kunala another wax-sealed message and requests, "Please take that to Junior Senator Duo in the gallery with my thanks."
~~~
Hubert spends his remaining social rounds attending to the Theft mission that Thadeus abandoned. He returns to Edelmira with a +1 silver dagger, a spyglass(worth 1200 gold), and a journal that apparently belonged to Earl Vernisant’s great grandfather and details his extensive genealogical work to connect their family line to the heroic Arnisant legacy.