By popular demand, the band struck up a faster beat. The Duchess started dancing in a most provocative way, in perfect time with the music which further scandalised elements of the crowd. Despite middle age, she had some classy moves and she seemed to be enjoying herself, flirting with various men as she slowly, inexorably made her way towards Valeria, Julia and Lope.
She swept into the tangle of conversation and purred, "So you must be the mysterious Betony heirs! I'm Duchess Veleto, pleased to meet you! Julia I believe and, Oh! You must be Lope. Why did nobody tell me you are so handsome?! Would you care for a dance sir?"
With all that was happening, what with the attempted assassination, the socializing, and everything else had left Valeria feeling a bit off so she was largely silent and attended to Julia as a good lady in waiting would. When the halfling races occurred though she found herself needing to get some air less she do something very stupid at the disgusting event. Valeria murmured to Julia, "If you would excuse me M'lady, I think I need to get some air," before slipping out of the room for a time.
Valeria returned for the dancing, back under control of her temper once more, and began to enjoy herself again. When she heard the gasps and murmurs Valeria looked to see the attractive woman entering the room.
Valeria recognized Duchess Veleto Lotheed and watched as the woman began to dance. She was quite good and Valeria felt herself a little jealous of the woman's skill. She used to enjoy dancing once, she couldn't bring herself to dance again after what happened to her at the Wound and how those succubi twisted her enjoyment of the art into a torment. Intriguingly she noticed as the Duchess danced and flirted and talked her way over to greet them.
When the Lady asked Lope to dance Valeria realized just what she might have in mind and ever so slightly nudged Lope in Veleto's direction.
Julia happily took Lope's hand as they moved to Lotheed Duchess and watched as she saw her brother deftly charmed the women. She also acknowledged Valerie's need for some air as the cleric seemed just as nauseated by the race as she was. Reminded then that both Barons Onara and Voinum also less than enthused about it, she looks across the ballroom for any sign that either had returned.
Cyrene skulks at the back of the room, taking in everything that goes on. The Count's fury at his aunts appearance is interesting and leaves the assassin considering a further nocturnal investigation - although Trip is missing and presumably had a similar idea.
Following up with their exchange of pleasantries, Lope offered his hand for the dance "It would be my pleasure"
The Aldori tries to follow the current dance, keeping it simple. He spins from side to side, doing the steps as they do other dancers in the hall, and does not shy away from being close to the Duchess "If you allow me the indiscretion Duchess Veleto... How is it the Duke missed the chance to attend the ball with a woman like you?"
The Duchess allowed Lope to accept her hand and initially take the lead in a formal dance. Laughing she replied, "Oh my nephew gets some funny ideas, like I might say or do something outrageous!"
With that she reversed the role, brushing right up to Lope and erasing all doubt about what she was thinking about (him!) Laughing she leant into him as she whispered in, "I remember him as a babe, now look at him all grown up. Too bad he inherited his father's financial sense, this place will go to ruin."
The music grew faster and faster, and the Duchess's moved grew more complex and daring (in a raunchy way).
Lope makes his best to keep up with the Duchess "Oh, and that if he does not manage to get himself killed first... is that the first time the Night Swan tries to hunt him?"
Triphylla continues to sneak around in the direction of the tower.
Triphylla leaves the kitchen and heads along a corridor towards the tower. The ground floor of the palaces's west wing is mostly given over to guest rooms. Triphylla also passes a water closet and bathing facilities .
At the end of the corridor is a fancy waiting room, apparently Lord Titus likes to hold court here, presiding over several sycophantic second and third sons of minor local families.
There are double doors leading north towards the royal tower suite, which is apparently guarded. To the south of this is a spiral staircase leading up.
Duchess Veleto leans in as she breathes into Lope's ear, "Oh that nuisance? I believe this is the first time yes. Of course there's a first time for everything..."
Lope had the distinct impression she was going to say more but the music finished and a furious looking Count Bartleby flanked by several guards intervened. Rather coldly to Lope he said, "I would have thought better of you sir. My aunt is aging and easily confused, and shouldn’t be taken advantage of!"
Duchess Veleto sighs theatrically and asks the count, "Must you be such a terrible bore?"
Ignoring her Bartleby snaps to the guards, "Come. We shall escort my aunt to her chambers."
Looking resigned Duchess Veleto winks at Lope before allowing Bartleby and the guards to escort her away.
Lope softly lets the Duchess go, then slightly bows to Count Bartleby and speaks him in a frank, serious tone "Allow me to ask for forgiveness if I have done something wrong, Count. I was under the impression I was the one taken advantage of here though" then smiles slightly adding "Perhaps as a magic scholar you know about the magics to charm and people and protect ourselves from your aunt's charms"
Triphylla can't very well enter the tower with Titus and his ilk boasting about whoring, jousting, and birding in the lobby. She's aware of another set of doors but they are outside. As it is she would need a distraction to clear out these buffoons and she doesn't want to spend an alchemical surprise unless necessary.
She wonders if there may be a second floor entrance to the tower that is less well-attended, and she quickly jaunts up the stairs to find out.
While the others went about their business, Julia once more tried to win the favor of Baroness Voinum. Finding her again in the crowd of local nobility, the bard causally moved beside. "I couldn't help but notice that you disappeared while that... race was happening. Not that I can blame you for that. I can't imagine that spectacle was very traditional or that even if it was its a tradition worth having."
To Lope's dismay Bartleby wasn't having any of it. The count snapped "The only magic charm you need is a cold shower!" before he stormed off to catch up with his aunt.
Baroness Voinum had rejoined your company in time to notice Count Bartleby stomp off. "Winning friends and influencing people I see." she remarked to Lope, but there was no heat in her words.
To Julia she shuddered, "Duke Bartleby's grasp of history is shocking, he thinks he's harking back to a golden age - but even in the heady days of the first empire such excesses was associated with the Nouveau riche and poor taste."
Room assignments had changed a few times as the staff sought to accommodate the unexpected Bentony airs. In the end it had been decided to house them in a position of honour upstairs in the richly decorated Lotheed Family suites (mostly because they where available). This area of the palace was off limits for most, boasting an ornate, furnished hallway and small library which create a simple space for honoured residents of the palace to gather informally. Portraits of the various Lotheeds of the current generation line the walls, including a scowling Duke Panivar Lotheed VI - a man who looks like he'd never once been happy.
Interestingly a number of house guards where posted here but they simply waved Triphylla through when she visited.
Unfortunately there didn't appear to be a way to get into the royal tower from the second level.
Lope shrugs, not sure what went there with the count "Guess, he is having a bad day... or a year..."
The man looks confused at the Baroness words, but opts to try to follow up on Julia and try to impress her with his knowledge of Taldor history "A pity we do not count with the leadership of old Taldor... those men and women really knew the importance of being united and aim for big things, not like these little men of today, struggling just with small personal quarrels..."
---
Lope is happy to make it into his rooms, he is tired from the trip and managing the difficult character of the nobles. Removing his boats, he looks around to check the room he has been allocated. Also, he inspects the walls and the window, for secret doors and for what views the room has to the garden.
With the presence and prevalence of palace guards throughout the guest wing, Triphylla gives up her plan to get to the tower. Perhaps later, when Titus and his ilk retire for the evening she'll have a better chance.
And anyway, it's been a very long day. The remainder of her bottle of "Oppara sherry" still in hand, she retires to her room for the evening and pours herself a drink.
Julia arrives in her rooms she all but collapses to her bed. Her extended "performance" at the Count's party might have been the hardest in her career, having to constantly hold her tongue and lie to ingratiate herself with so many conservative nobles. Still, she supposed it had been worth it. At least the two barons seemed to have been won over and perhaps the others had gained the favor of even more notable locals. Altogether it was a good showing but Julia wondered if she might be able to do a little more before sleep over took over.
Stepping out of chambers she looked around her small area of the palace for anything noteworthy.
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"Sign of the times I'm afraid." replied the Baroness to Lope, "And the prospect of Taldor being united again seems more remote each passing day. Anyway perhaps we should talk about what can be done here in Meratt County. I gather you're going to trying and sort out your family estate, fair warning everything has been left to rot. One small thing you might consider restoring the Betony vineyards that Bartleby so carelessly flooded, they were most excellent and have been greatly missed. If you do decide restore them, I have a mutually beneficial trade deal in mind... No need to decide today, but let me know ok?"
With that she turned in for the night, which seemed to start a general movement where in ones and twos the crowd drifted away.
Julia notices much the same that Triphylla did when she looked around. The area immediately outside your room is an ornate furnished hallway with an attached library (boring stuffy books). Dotted around are numerous portraits of the various Lotheeds, including a scowling Duke Panivar Lotheed VI which sends a shiver down your spine.
You also notice Count Bartleby's suite is next to yours.
Assuming you don't get into trouble you fall asleep easily despite Lope and somebody else snoring softly.
Eventually you fall asleep only to find yourself transported back to the events of the crusade except weirdly there were happening here at the palace. Rushing down a hall you heard the sound of somebody in terrible pain, it was one of the servants who had been savaged by what seemed to be razor sharp claws, little ribbons of their flesh where stuck on the walls and the pool of blood was impressively large, yet they still lived. You reached for your magic to heal them but to your horror it wouldn't come, and the poor man died in your arms.
Just then several demons with grinning skulls thundered down the hallway towards you, gibbering with delight! And you woke up in a cold sweat, your heart pounding! A sense of dread crept up on you and then passed. You look around and it's still dark although there's the faintest shade of light on the distant horizon.
Lope nods to the Baroness "An intriguing offer. Sure, we came here to revitalize the place, we will like to hear your deal"
The man sleeps with his rapier next to the bed, but fortunately he wakes up fully refreshed the next day. After a quick check of his spellbook, he comes to his sister chamber, knocking at the door "Good morning sis. Hope the airs of the countryside did not take your sleep"
Triphylla finishes the bottle of "sherry" and sleeps deeply, unbothered by anyone else's habits in the night. In the morning she cleans up and dresses comfortably in her smart-looking outfit and ventures down ahead of the Betony's to look after breakfast. A strong, human-sized mug of coffee is her first priority.
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Stomachs rumbling you head downstairs, Triphylla and Cyrene are offered a humble breakfast of freshly baked bread, dried fruits, cereals and yoghurt.
Lope, Julia and Valeria as befits their status are directed to the garden where liveried waiters extol the virtues of Spatchcock. When one of the ladies inquires what Spatchcock is, the man replies "A dish fit for king or a queen Ma'am. Tis a great honour to be served Spatchcock, it's the count's favourite!"
You join the other nobles in the delightful garden setting, sitting on whitewashed wrought iron furniture with silken cushions. Placed before you on the wrought iron tables are larges large bowls of water filled with live eels, along with a miniature harpoon for you to spear your choice of fish.
One of the servants explains, "Once you've speared an eel, we'll servants split its belly and grill it just over here beside the table." He pointed to a portable brazier with an integral griddle.
Some of the other guests are already tucking in, you notice the eel heads are left intact their mouths still gaping when the meal is placed, ready to be eaten. Dame Crabbe seems particularly taken with this dish already on her third serving although Sepsina seems to be doing her best to avoid eating anything.
Unpleasant dreams are a fact of life, but not one Cyrene is accustomed to and she wakes up caught somewhere between fear and anger. It takes quite a while to rebalance herself and even come morning she is feeling a lot less than happy.
Having finished a fourth eel and declaring herself to be filled to be brim, Dame Crabbe ambles over and asks Lope, "Are you looking forward to this morning's event? The count's mock hunt! Some of the local rabble have been dressed as animals and released from the estate to hide within nearby territories to which they have been assigned. The assembled hunters (us) are allowed to track their quarries and bring them back to the palace. It's marvellous, all the excitement of a real hunt but with none of the danger of injury that might otherwise mar the grand event!"
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Valeria remained largely withdrawn the rest of the evening as the specter of the past continued to bother her. Having gotten air earlier helped but not enough that she was able to help any further. She knew she should try to talk to someone, or maybe see if Cyrene could help her forget, but she didn't even have enough in her to draw that night, let alone anything else.
Sleep came hard and slow, the soft bed something she once would have enjoyed now reminded her too much of the succubi's harem she was kept in in the abyss. She nearly tried to sleep on the harder floor but didn't as that would not fit the role she was playing.
Valeria did eventually go under but it was not a pleasant sleep. She was back there, in Kenabres, when the Wardstones failed and the Wound overran the city. Except in the strange logic of dreams she wasn't in Kenabres but rather here at the Palace of Birdsong! She quickly got out of her bed and into the hall where she heard the sound of someone in pain, hurting horribly, what she saw was what she expected, a man clawed into tatters of flesh, still alive and gasping for air with no hope of survival. She did as she did in reality, she knelt and tried to heal him but her magic wouldn't come, somehow disrupted by the sudden fall of the Wardstones and the city's greatest protector.
Then she heard the scrabbling of claws and saw the horrific , skull like faces, of the demons coming for her en mass. When this happened in Kenabres she was in her armor and managed to destroy them but this time she was not so lucky, this time she was still in her bed clothes and her glaive would not come when she called it. As they swarmed over her Valeria finally snapped out of her night terror.
Valeria sat upright immediately with a muffled scream of terror due to her lungs having just emptied from a gasp. Her heart was pounding, she was drenched in sweat, and gasping for breath as she tried to calm her panic. She was having troubles realizing she was not in the dream still, but eventually she managed to grasp her holy symbol from the little nightstand by the bed and held onto it as she tried to calm herself down through prayer to her goddess.
Valeria didn't even try to go back to sleep after that but rather sought out a way to clean herself off and decided to get dressed for the day. It was an early start and left her feeling very tired, there were dark circles under her eyes as she joined the Julia and Lope. She didn't eat very much that morning and the hunt that she heard about sounded like it would be as disgusting a farce as the halfling races were yesterday.
While she enjoys her wonderful breakfast, Triphylla gets wind of the hunt and is intrigued.
"I'm going to join the animals for this one." She gets her gear and joins to quarry.
Julia gives her brother a knowing smile as she prepares to face the day. "I must admit that I prefer cities to the countryside but the latter has a rustic charm that I can probably get used. But what of you? Get enough sleep? Or was mind filled with the image of racing halflings? The sight certainly left an impression on me."
---
Later, at breakfast, the bard steels herself as she eyes the live eels being served. Suffice to say, the choice of meal doesn't agree with her and she looks around for important someone to talk to provide an excuse as to why she isn't digging in.
"Meeeh. The Palace is quite impressing, but the atmosphere is a bit charged. I got a full sleep but I can deny I was troubled too" Lope nods agreeing with Julia's reading of the situation.
---
Lope tries to secure his own eel, and praises Dame Crabbe's own skill "Never seen before catching an eel with so much style"
"A mock hunt you say?" Lope inquiries and listens attentively "Well, I only hope we don't have a real hunter today, seems an easy opportunity for someone like the Night Swan to cause havoc and someone to suffer an accident"
Noticing Valeria not eating much, Lope inquiries "Valeria, have you slept well? You look pale and have not touched the food"