Peris lifts an eyebrow. "Vylora, if you know Countess Abrielle, that will assist with the approach. And Sennos, how would your request fit with mine?"
”Peris, I have some rudimentary knowledge of the Duke. Duke Leonard Centimus of the Tandak Prefecture. Quite an interesting fellow. He has some elven blood mixed into his Taldan heritage. Had a terrible accident which took the use of his legs away, but the eccentric Duke tinkered himself a motorized wheelcart to allow some mobility. He’s a little awkward around people, but he loves focusing that wheelchair and the creation process.”
”Aria, I’m surprised you haven’t heard talk of the Arcade of Triumphs. Hats the entryway into the Senate. It is adorned with basically every famous Taldan item of interest, whether artifact or historical significance. It’s said to be magnificent.”
I'm not so sure if it'll help. We barely met. I spent most of that party entertaining the guests, not conversing with them. Though I suppose I would hope myself at least somewhat memorable. We shall see. That's what most artist want right? Fame. Though my work is often aided by anonymity. A pity I tend to stick out like a sore thumb up here.
"Lady Uraisa, I've heard the Arcade of Triumphs is quite spectacular to take in for first time visitors. Would you be willing to escort me around there please? - once I've had an opportunity to don more suitable attire, of course."
After finishing a third chunk of bread, Aria leans back in her chair and stretches comfortably. Sighing in satisfaction, this appears like the first full stomach she's had in a long while.
Sir Peris claps her hands. "Well, in that case, we have a week to prepare, so I believe it's best if we get to know our assigned acquaintances better."
She tugs at her gloves to remove them from her hands. "In addition, we should get to know each other. I was sent to fight for my house, but my main skill was as a field medic. During the engagement, I saved a member of House Lotheen, and this is why I am in my lady's court today."
She pulls back her coat to reveal an amulet, a silver pendant bearing two faces in profile. "I am a cleric of Alseta, dedicated to helping others pass through their challenges, opening the doorways, seen and unseen."
”I’d be most pleased to escort any of you around the Arcade. Better to be over prepared than not, of course. Anything we could glean there to assist in our tasks would be welcome.”
At hearing the others begin to reveal more about themselves, Uraisa joined in. ”Ive told you my basic history already, but I do have a touch of training and capability in the arcane arts. Nothing too exciting, but a charm magick here and a slight hex there. If it works, I can win friends and influence people a little more easily.”
Turning to Sennos Vylora attempts to advise her. As has been mentioned we have a week to prepare and that is likely doubly important for your task. Perhaps start by having a chat with Lady Lotheed, she might be able to give you a short list of likely candidates. Then go find the rumourmongers and see what names they drop. Listen for the he said/she said.
Turning back to the group she continues While a performer at heart, Ha! Yeah right. I've been told I'm rather quick, in both body and mind. That, with my keen eyes and ears, is likely why Lady Lotheed decided to include a musician in this little troupe.
How about we go to this Thread's Rare today? That would give them time to make any adjustments and give us more time to talk. However, we should complete any more sensitive discussions here first. We can go see the Arcade later in the week. That will give us an opportunity to discuss any findings and formulate any plans.
”I could certainly be talked into a shopping excursion. If we are to succeed at our given tasks, knowing more about each other, and our respective strengths would be very helpful. Peris and Vylora have been forthcoming. How about the rest of you?”
"Not much to say here. I grew up in The Arena and trained every day for the gladiatorial battles. All I own I'm either wearing or have stashed in my pack in the front room." Aria glances around the room to gauge reactions, then takes another sip of wine.
"I wouldn't say No to a proper bath and change of clothes at one of these fine shops I hear so much about. Then perhaps a stroll by the Arcade before dinner, to work up an appetite!", she finishes as she firmly sets her glass on the tabletop and stands to stretch out ever so slightly.
Voltario sat back in his chair and listened to the offered details about the other's objectives. Most or all of the names being thrown around were unfamiliar to him and so he had little to offer thus far. As he worked through possible strategies in his mind, Volt quickly did away with most of them; all but one. He would wait for a better opportunity to see what Vylora thought about it. ' In the meantime, I had better come up with a 'Plan B'. Just in case.'
Volt's attention shifted out of his planning and back to the conversation at hand as the ladies spoke of using the credit Lady Martella had secured for them. Not an ideal shopping venture for the swashbuckler but it was appreciated nonetheless. "I would welcome the insight from any one of you when we get to Thread's Rare, although I will manage, I would be much more knowledgeable at a blacksmith's. I can go any time that works for the rest of you and will otherwise need to spend some time gathering information for my assignment. Please let me know if I may be of service to any of you. Perhaps some of your targets are susceptible to a private show of force?"
The jaunt from your patron's apartment to the finest shops of the city is not far. Threads Rare is among those. It may be a little daunting at first, to enter this place, but eventually you do, and the staff is welcoming you, as if you were the Lady herself. You find that arrangements have been made already and a line of credit established. The pre-payment will allow you each to chose a fine outfit and costume jewelry, but not the finest or more rare pieces.
"You Ladies are much more in touch with the current fashions in the city - Any suggestions?", Aria asks as the group strolls towards the Threads Rare.
She takes a keen interest in the common folks going about their business, somewhat amused by the everyday activities and clothing they wear. She's not in a great hurry, and often pauses to peer in windows near conversations, to see what the cityfolk are discussing.
These are fine shops, and there no weapon stores among them. Clothing or other items for sale are high end, not common goods.
Vylora shares what she's noticed of the current fashion trends. But don't forget to match all that with your own body. I for one will never be caught dead in anything blue... well maybe a very dark blue.
”I don’t suppose Baron Okkera has visited recently, doing any shopping? He and the family always love to look nice,” Uraisa asks the assistant assigned to help her in the store.
”And myself, I’m looking for something in an elegant green number,” she offered to the shopper as she looked through the rolls of fabric.
Uraisa brings up Baron Okerra, the shop girl puts her finger to her lips, "Shhhh, we are not supposed to discuss other customers. Discretion is our stock and trade, you know. You don't want to get me into trouble with the management, do you?" She says this last bit playfully enough as to not offend, but it does not seem she is offering up any news, at least so far.
She does help you find just the right shade and style to suit your taste.
'Very dark blue, I like the idea of that...
After much looking around, Aria decides on a functional dark navy blue dress and requests the lower portion be adjusted to accommodate her long stride. It offsets her eyes wonderfully and she is able to glide about the fitting rooms just so.
She asks of the attendants, "And a fashionable demi-cape on the back, that stops just below the waist will be wonderful - perhaps something akin to an attached shawl in case the evening turns chilly."
Sir Peris picks out a demure, dark blue dress, then chooses a series of yellow silk braids to drape across the shoulders. The silk has a soft femininity, but the shoulder placement is reminiscent of a military epaulet.
That evening as the group heads back to our flat, Aria mentions in a hushed voice, "I overheard at the shop that a Lady Morilla is back in town and is expected to perform at the Day of Exaltation festivities. Does that name mean anything to anyone?"
During the week of prep, she will go visit the Arcade of Triumphs, and out on a personal shopping trip for some less conspicuous common clothes and a few other items.
She occasionally gets a few stares and whispers as she goes about the streets, and takes a few moments with those who actually approach her to express some level of fandom over her performances in The Arena.
The items she will pick up are a buckler, dagger, journal, as close to how those on display are.
Uraisa does show the others the Arcade, if there are any who wished to accompany her. She’s happy to point out what she knows about any of the artifacts contained therein.
The attire is all quite tasteful and can be tailored to fit even the most extreme of physique, so eventually you are all able to find gowns or suits that are most appealing to you. Aria's request is received with a discreet nod of understanding. Most of the clothing will be ready the day before the gala, and true to Lady Martella's word, it has all been paid for in advance, and there is no request for additional coin.
After the shopping at Threads Rare, Uraisa offers to take anyone who wants to join to the Arcade of Triumphs, which is basically the entry hall to the Senate chambers.
The senate building is a grandiose T-shaped building constructed from white marble. The structure has stood in this location for millennia, but natural disasters, sabotage, and war have partially leveled it many times, leading to large-scale renovations and repairs. Ostentatious columns carved with glorious scenes of the nation's history surround the building on all sides, while a pronounced flight of precisely 100 stairs ascends to the main entrance.
The front entrance is guarded by a detachment of Taldan Phalanx troops and they stand blocking anyone from entering.
On the trip to Threads Rare, Volt was sure to go with the group. Not only was it a good place to start to get to know the others he would be working with for Lady Martella, but it also kept some space between himself and the high-end clothing store's staff which usually had a tendency to hover. Afterwards, he would have ample time to visit the Arcade and see to his other errands.
Once Voltario was inside the Taylors, he was happy to let the ladies of his group occupy the staff with their questions and decisions. The swashbuckler knew what he liked and, with a little direction, headed to the men's fashions. The options were endless. Volt picked a style he liked from one of the mannequins on display, allowed the quiet boy to take all his measurements, twice, and picked his coloring. Having caught, in conversation, that there were a couple of blues and a green already, he went with a red and black color scheme for his outfit.
He was finished rather quickly, compared to the others, and found an opportunity to speak with Vylora between her fittings. "That one looks ravishing. If I had never met you before, I could believe you were a noble from the region." He smiled warmly and continued. "I'll keep this quick, clearly, you're busy. I believe my assignment requires a distraction to take the eyes away from my target for a few minutes so the deed can be done. I can be either the distraction or the applicator in this case and I feel your skill set makes you ideal for the other. What do you say, interested?" Knowing he had given her very little to go on, Volt was hopeful that she was at least intrigued enough to consider his request.
After setting everything up with the Taylor, and speaking with Vylora briefly, Volt was ready to chase down his contacts. Unfortunately, he didn't think he would need them to help with his own task, rather, he wanted to see if he could come up with anything for some of the others . Throughout the remainder of his time, during their preparation week, Volt makes the rounds of the local alehouses, brothels, taverns and anywhere else people gathered to get a feel for who the major opponents of the primogeniture were and why. With his evenings full, Volt spends his days noting the schedule in and out of the senate kitchen to further his plans for his task.
”Wow, Aria, Lady Morilla herself? She tends to spend the majority of her time in Absalom. Rumor has it she leads a secret society called the Sovreign Court. She’s an ally of the Princess and believes in enlightened monarchy. She doesn’t always dress the part, but she just exudes grace. She puts up with some of the aristocracy, even if she doesn’t agree with them looking down their noses at others.”
———
Uraisa approaches the guards at the Arcade. ”Is there any way I could take my friends on a quick trip around the Arcade? They’d like to see some of the artifacts. We have no need to enter the Senate proper,” she explains.
Diplomacy
After setting everything up with the Taylor, and speaking with Vylora briefly, Volt was ready to chase down his contacts. Unfortunately, he didn't think he would need them to help with his own task, rather, he wanted to see if he could come up with anything for some of the others ...
The guard at the Arcade still blocks the door despite Uraisa's request. "Sorry, mum. Would need the captain's permission to let anyone into the senate bulding, and the captain ain't here, begging your pardon." He seems polite enough, but is determined to follow orders.
Another contact has helped Duke Centimus find hardware for his self-built wheelchair. He has heard the Duke pontificate privately that any person is more than just the sum total of their parts -- someone who might be disadvantaged in one way, like being born a lady in a land where men rule, might actually have advantages others cannot see.
"Oh no, that is so sad," she says with a bit of a pout. "I've come quite the distance to visit with my cousin and we were hoping to visit the most important building in town.", Aria submissively claims whilst thinking, 'It's not technically a lie', from what she's come to know this short time out of the arena. Drawing her common clothes about her, attempting to look like a shy young visitor hoping to see the big city for the first time.
"If we can't go inside for even a quick look good sur, where might we find the captain this time of day?"
The soldier stamps the butt of his spear on the marble floor and grits his teeth. "You are NOT allowed inside. No commoner could get in anyway. No disperse before I run you all in for interfering with official duty. Now!"
You can see he is angry now, where before he was merely bored but polite.
"Thank you for reminding us of the process, sir. Good day to you."
Peris steps in with the simple comment and steps away from the door.
Away from the guard, she discusses, "So now we know that we would need the captain's permission, and that commoners are not normally welcome. As much as I despise having a door slammed in my face, we've figured out where the key lies."
"So, Aria, that's the right next question: where can we meet with the captain? Asking a soldier on duty isn't a good way to get that answer. A better way? Let's find where the soldiers gather when off duty."
It was all Uraisa could do to temper for rage down as being called a “commoner.” She turned three shades of purple, but she didn’t say a word, sharply turning on her heels and walking away. Once she was out of earshot of the guards, she hissed to the others, ”Cant believe he called us commoners. I’d like to show him exactly how common I am and punch him in the face,” losing her temper for the first time in front of the group.
After venting she was a bit more composed. ”Ah it appears that our tour is going to be postponed for a bit,” she grins sheepishly.
Vylora picks out a maroon dress with yellow patterns adorning it's collar, sleeves and hem. Thank you but... hahaha, you'll need your compliments to be more realistic. A noble hehe.
I'd be happy to assist you in your task. And I've been told I'm quite distracting. She smiles seductively and flutters her eyelashes at Volt, putting a hand on his.
Additionally her flirting seems more rehearsed than actually genuine.
---Outside the senate building
Well, that's that. Perhaps if we had our fine clothes on, but they won't be ready till the day before. I'm not going to bother trying to get entry, they're bound to be extra uptight about it this time of year. If any of you need to find me I'm sure Peris will be happy to direct you.
His days are spent tracking the kitchen's traffic. Specifically looking for any patterns in deliveries, chores, shifts, etc.
As soon as he had the chance, Voltario headed straight to the docks. Marcus. As a cargo loader, the man touched dozens of ships a day and spoke to hundreds. If there was information to be had, he knew where to get it. He never once passed the information himself, he just sat you down at the right table with the right person. 'Table' might be a loose term as Volt visited both the workshop of an amateur inventor and the filthy cave of a man known locally as 'Saul the Pig'. Fortunately, both meetings turned out productive and the information was shared with Peris, and the group, shortly after. "... and surely she's not one to be trusted. That's all of it. A few good pieces of information for your targets, not bad for a few days' work. If we had more time I could likely do some digging on a few more for other people, but not with the timeline we have currently."
Volt winces internally as the words of his compliment roll past his lips. That was over the top. However, before he could try and smooth it over, Vylora grabbed his hand and caught him fully unaware. "I, uh..." He stammered for a moment before catching his wits and recognizing her antics for what they were; although he wasn't yet sure why. Still, he was grateful for the help and tried to recover accordingly. "I'm sure you have. This is but one of the reasons I asked for your help first." Volt adjusted his stance slightly, letting their hands separate naturally and he mentally forced himself not to instinctively check his rings or coin.
Gritting his teeth, Volt chaffed at the attitude of the soldier but held his tongue when he saw that Uraisa seemed to be having an even harder time with it. He turned away quickly before his face betrayed his emotion. No need to draw attention to any of us before the event.
Outside, Volt immediately took a liking to Peris' line of thinking as it aligned with where he intended to go. He mentions to the group his plans to spend his evenings in a variety of inns, taverns, brothels and anywhere else that offers gossip and a drink. It is also made quite clear that all of his new acquaintances are more than welcome.
Volt hears several things discussed at bars and hidey-holes during the intervening week. First, he hears someone say with drunken authority. "Wish I was going to the senate gala. I'd love to see the inside. You know that building has been destroyed and rebuilt five times? I bet there are places inside that they don't even know about nowadays!"
Later a few more tidbits, including this about the Lotheed family. "The Lotheed clan has been firm supporters of Stavian for almost 100 years. They have more money than they know what to do with and are wizards or magic-users of some fearsome repute. That's how they earn and keep all their gold."
And one more thing about the royal family. "The Grand Prince has no male heir, and refuses to father any more children since the tragic death of his only son, Carrius, in a riding accident 20 years ago. Without primogeniture's repeal the succession is in question, and that's dangerous..."
Sir Peris gathers Volt and anyone else looking to meet with the off-hours guards to the Bailer's Retreat. The place looks a bit run-down, but steady. Definitely not a noble's gathering place.
"Come on in," she calls to her party, "First round's on me."
The place is definitely blue-collar but there are enough white-cloaked guards here to keep it fairly in order.
Entering and grabbing a libation, you see there are three or four groups of soldier-guards at tables. Based solely on the uniforms, however you would say that the group gathered around the bar were the officers. They have fancier tunics, shoulder epaulets, ribbons and other sigils of station clearly displayed.
Uraisa uncomfortably looked around the bar as she and the group made their way to a table. She tried to not focus on the dust and wet spots on the table left by the prior customers, as she put her hands in her lap. ”So, what are we hoping to achieve in this uh, establishment, Peris?”
The place is lower to middle class, but its not terrible. The drinks are surprisingly full-bodied, and any food ordered is tasty and filling, if not particularly gourmet.
The soldiers here eat, drink, talk, and gamble a little, but they also come and go regularly, changing out who is here, and who is back on duty or otherwise engaged.
Sennos does not see anything unusual in for the setting, it seems like it is what it is.
"We're looking for the captain of the guard, Uraisa," Peris replied. "We can't expect his men to spell out how to speak with him while they're on duty, so, we find them when they're off duty and don't have to watch for threats."
Uraisa takes a deep breath and begins scanning the crowd, hoping her upbringing will teach her how to recognize a more seasoned officer’s uniform. ”Alright, I’m hoping I can recognize the Captain or at least some higher ranking officer,” she says as she looks around.
Sir Peris crowds closer to the where the common soldiers are gaming and tries to listen unobtrusively to their conversation. It is much like soldier conversation everywhere: food, women, mistreatment by superior officers. They are playing a game of cards, that looks much like draw poker, if you are interested in joining in. A seat at the card game opens up, just as you stand nearby.
Sir Peris joins the table, asking what's the buy in.
Uraisa snaps her fingers at recognizing the relative of her friend. She gets up and moves across the room. ”Captain Caporetto, I believe? I’m Lady Uraisa Ellsworth. I was in school with your older brother, Rodolpho. Pleasure to see you here,” she says as she introduces herself.
He smiled to himself as the group seated themselves at the table and their awkwardness became tangible. Some of the ladies, he noted, seemed to be right out of their element but all effort was being made to compensate. 'It'll wear off in a bit, they just gotta loosen up.' Peris sponsoring the first round helped, at least it gave them something in their hand so as not to fidget too badly.
Volt entered the table's conversation by recommending the food here, not high-end but masterfully prepared 'home cooking'. Those who ordered were happy to see he was exactly right. After a bite to eat, the group started to disperse around the establishment a little as Peris saw an invite to a game of cards with one group and Uraisa seemed to find an old acquaintance with another. Knowing how card games in these establishments treated newcomers, he kept a sideways eye on Peris while he set a coin on another table, making a request of the bard seated there. "How's about you liven things up a little with the next few, eh?" Turning from the musician, Volt heads outside to relieve himself and hopefully find a loose tongue or two...
Later in the evening, as group members come and go from the table, Volt catches Vylora there and establishes the beginnings of a plan without discussing the specific details too loud. "So, the goal is to turn the wine and have it be an embarrassment when served. Obviously, we can do this the night of the festivities, but I think we would do much better beforehand, hopefully avoiding the high security and congestion. You still like the idea of being the distraction and I'll manage the delivery?"
Peris loses several hands to the soldiers, but her losing ingratiates her with them more than anything else could. She drops about 9sp total in the gaming, but hears something interesting:
Captain Caporetto's eyes brighten with recognition and he bows slightly. "The Lady Uraisa. I have not seen you for ages. What an unlikely pleasure to run into you, even in this place." He gestures around the seedy tavern a bit surprised that you would be in such a place.
Volt mutters around with the soldiers outside. He does not have a reason or opportunity to use his more rogue-ish skills, but does her more muttering from the guardsmen.