As everyone has already mentioned, there is no need for any apologies. Please, take care of you and your loved ones first and formost.
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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.
'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.
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.
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?
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?"
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."
"My, I see the stories about your legendary charm are true" Cassandra remarks, smiling at the Barons compliment for a moment as she ponders how best to convince the man to favor primogeniture. The task was not going to be a simple one for a man with such traditionalist leanings but...Cassandra wondered if the mans daughter could be a potential avenue to explore. She just had to be extremely diplomatic about how she brought it up to avoid offending the baron by bringing his daughter into a conversation on politics. "Seeing as you mentioned it, and seeing as its the theme of the party tonight, what is your opinion on primogeniture?" Cassandra asks, giving a theoretical sigh as she does so, certain that the man might have been asked this before. "Personally, I was initially uncertain, but I don't believe it makes much sense to keep such gender roles separate. I'm sure for instance that your daughter is just as talented as other boys her age in the art of swordplay - despite causing her father a headache as she does so. Its situations like that where I grow skeptical about denying inheritance rights or opportunities based off what gender someone was born as. Purely, I'd prefer we use other metrics to determine things such has competency - although I admit, I am extremely biased" she finishes, with a cheeky grin at the Baron.
That is fifteen minutes of my life that I won't get back Cassandra reflects to herself as she finishes the tour, carefully pocketing the gifted items. She figured that at least they could prove useful in the future even if she didn't have any use for them at the moment. Observing the room, Cassandra realizes that some of her friends were starting to make fast progress on some of the personal missions that had been selected for them. She decides that that if she got her own mission out of the way she might enjoy the party with less stress involved. Carefully considering her approach, Cassandra flits through the crowd of people, waiting for a suitable pause before engaging the Baron in conversation, making the approach seem as casual as possible rather than direct. "Ah, if it isn't the famous Baron Nicolaus Okerra! I don't believe that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting you before." Cassandra begins by way of an introduction, placing a light hand just below her collarbone, the extravagant gesture meant to convey excitement and surprise at the meeting. "I'm Cassandra, Cassandra Flaminia. I'm just a humble senate aide trying to do my part in benefiting Taldor's glory - I don't quite have a reputation as illustrious as yours! How are you spending your time these days Baron. Anything scandalous that I should be aware of?" she teases in a lighthearted, playful tone, offering a light giggle to let the man know that she is only joking and attempting to break the ice.
Cassandra swells inwardly with the minor praise she ws able to receive from several of the academics. She was pleased that she had managed to create a new topic of conversation, and show off her knowledge in return. For once, the countless hours she had spent in her sunny library, browsing dusty books had paid off. Spotting Thadeus waiting in the wings, she moves to distract curator, engaging in conversation and asking if she could join the tour.
Cassandra nods to Kunala in gratitude, not quite sure how familiar she should be with him in case any observers were nearby. She watches him move towards the dance floor and hides a smile, figuring that Kunala would be quite at home in his natural habitat. As for herself, Cassandra hesitates as she considers trying to influence the Senate Floor once again. Making a strong impression would certainly help out with influencing the Baron but on the other hand, repeat failures could hurt her chances. Deciding that perhaps her ill fated first attempt was down to nerves, Cassandra heads towards the Imperial Archives, feeling a wave of relaxation flow through her, standing in a library. Feeling at home, she immediately launches into a discussion on the mythology of Taldaris, Taldor's First Emperor
The Apiary: Cassandra gives the man a stern look, frowning as if the matter was the utmost severity. "You can start by telling us why you are carrying what looks to be a fumigation bar towards the apiary with the intent of disturbing the bees and disrupting the party. It strikes me as somewhat odd that a servant would seek to do that sort of thing on his own initiative."
The Apiary / Cassandra / Kunala: Cassandra doubles her speed, trying to intercept the servant from getting closer to the apiary. She doesn't want to shout a warning or cause panic as she hears the Princess continue with her speech - clearly disruption was the goal and she didn't want the situation to turn out equally worse. Spotting Kunala at her side, Cassandra fights to keep her face even and relaxed even as she moves with urgency. "The bar is a fumigation bar. Its probably alchemical in nature and would serve to agitate the bees in the apiary. We should stop the servant before he gets too close. For now, I'd prefer to bar his path, I don't think we need weapons just yet." she finishes, spotting Kunala glance at his peacebound weapons.
Nicolette:
Cassandra hesitates for a moment before nodding. Yes, let us walk and shine together like the Daughter herself". So saying, she follows Nicolette up the stairs, before slipping away to the Senate Floor. *** Cassandra is a little disappointed that she didn't make a splash, but wasn't surprised - she was still learning after all. She does however, welcome the distraction that Princess Eutropia's speech brings. Its a good speech she muses to herself before spotting the man carrying on oddly colored bar, heading in the direction of the apiary. Curious, Cassandra follows, trying to remember why the bar looked familiar..
Cassandra's eyes widen slightly when she spots Nicolette "Ah, I think the compliments and accolades should go to you tonight. Truly, I haven't yet seen anyone better dressed tonight. I particularly enjoy the dress theme - was it planned to reference the constellations of a clear night sky?" she inquiries, feeling a little guilty at wearing a similarly themed dress - without anywhere near the level of extravagance that Nicolette had been able to pull off. Spotting the glint of metal, Cassandra peers a little closer before realizing that the dress was armored. "Oh...an armored dress. That is a devilishly clever idea." she mumers, glancing at it again with an admiring look before indicating Nicolette's hairstyle. "You simply must give me the name of your hair stylist though. Its been a long time since I attempted anything particularly adventurous - worried about it looking tacky. Your style looks...elegant - perhaps I'll broaden my horizons" she smiles, before sweeping out of the line, in the direction of the guard. As she observes, Cassandra relaxes when Kathann Zalar assists her friends in hiding their illicit objects. While she carried nothing suspicious herself, it she felt better that the rest of her allies would be joining her inside the party and not outside in the cold. At Kunala's remarks, Cassandra smiles briefly, and lightly places her hand on the mans chest. "You know, you clean up rather well yourself. Quite the dashing dancer indeed. Perhaps another time" she replies, brushing a wayward strand of hair back into place. Cassandra hesitates briefly when most of her companions visit the Arcade of Triumphs. She wanted to join them, but truthfully, they would need to split up later anyway, moving around as a group would certainly spell suspicion. Instead, she spots her target, Baron Nicolaus Okerra on the Senate Floor. Feeling comfortable within that environment, Cassandra swiftly glides in that direction, stopping to compliment several senators she was familiar with along the way.
Cassandra grants Lady Lotheed a radiant smile at the small compliment. She feels a warm glow of satisfaction at successfully persuading Lady Lotheed to temporarily part with one of her contraptions - or at least provide a compelling argument. It remained to be seen if the clockwork contraption would prove useful but Cassandra felt it best to be prepared more often than not.
Cassandra leaves the shop, mind awhirl with plans and preparations. Like with most things in life, Cassandra believed that first impressions counted. She knew that often people formed initial opinions of someone before they had even heard that person speak and resolved to put significant effort into her apperance and attire for an important event. First up, was calling an acquaintance Cassandra had become friendly with during her time in Oppara. Katherine was an exceptionally talented beauty therapist and Cassandra considered herself fortunate to be her friend. Scheduling an urgent appointment, Cassandra began with a relaxing massage submitting to the delicious sensations as she let her mind and body relax, soothing away any anxiety she might have over the task ahead. While peaceful, she let her mind roll through possible situations or scenarios that might come up, planning her response or how she might portray herself. Cassandra didn't consider herself particularly skillful at manipulation or deceit, and hoped she could persuade anyone she might need to. Once her massage had been completed, Cassandra asked Katherine to turn her ministrations to skincare, particularly her face, before finally finishing with beauty treatments on her eyebrows and eyelashes. With multiple compliments on her eyes that morning, Cassandra wanted to dial up her intoxicating gaze up to eleven. It was late afternoon by the time Cassandra finished, and after paying Katherine her fee (with an added bonus due to the urgent timeframe) she returns home. After carefully washing her hair, and drying it with careful use of a Prestidigitation spell, Cassandra accessorized with the help of her most expensive perfume - Blossom. Finally ready, Cassandra slips into her dress. by far the most expensive thing she owns, its a long, flowing black dress, scattered with small diamonds to mimic a night sky constellation, her slim legs occasionally visible through a side slit as she gracefully navigates the Oppara streets in her black heels. Her long chocolate brown hair ripples down her back, like a waterfall - reflecting Cassandra's stubborn dislike of more exotic hairstyles. With her senate pin fastened just above her bust, and a small prismatic crystal affixed to a chain around her neck, Cassandra is the picture of beauty and elegance. Well used to waiting, Cassandra doesn't pass comment at the size of the line, content to wait patiently. She didn't particularly mind any lingering eyes considering the daring style of her dress as it was exactly the sort of thing she was going for. At the sudden inspection, Cassandra raises a slim eyebrow in curiosity. She didn't feel particularly anxious, having absolutely nothing to hide, but she shares a small amount of concern for those of her allies who might be carrying harder to conceal items. It didn't appear to be random, but she nods at the woman's request and follows her off to the side.
Cassandra's eyes light up as everyone discusses their own personal libraries. A bookworm herself, Cassandra simply adored reading and as thrilled about the possibility of learning more on any given topic. Even books such as autobiographies that some people might find tell, gave Cassandra a picture into how people view the world around them - something Cassandra felt was exceedingly valuable. "I too, have a rather small library that I was able to bring with me to the city. Its not particularly large, as transportation is not easy, but it does contain several encyclopedias, as well as books on topics such as astronomy and a few...ah shall we say esoteric knowledge. My bedtime reading usually involves a cracking thriller or mystery though - something to engage the mind" she finishes with an amused smile as Kunala mentions his 'illustrations'. Letting the conversations wash over her, Cassandra sits back, taking a brief moment to reflect on her task ahead and any plans or preparations that she might need to complete or have ready. She fidget's slightly, reading out to take a sip of wine before catching herself. Cassandra wasn't a lush but what she did tend to do was partake in an unconscious action while deep in thought. It could be pacing, sipping, or fiddling with an object in her hand - something that took no thought to accomplish but felt comforting somehow. Noticing the signs, she pulls a small round crystal from her outfit, places it into her palm, and reflexively clenches and unclenches it while she thinks.
Cassandra yanks herself back to reality as she realizes that absently fiddling with an object lost in thought probably wasn't most lucid of actions to take. I should really develop a less obvious exercise of reflecting, or at least break the habit she reflects, before flashing a guilty expression on her face if anyone was glancing at her. "Apologies, I was a little lost in thought. Lady Martella, would you consider letting us borrow one of your pets for use during the party? I'm just reflecting that some of our tasks involve being quiet or pulling off an elegant attempt at sabotage and borrowing such a pet could be useful...and prevent us needing to call on your aid of course - letting you enjoy the party in peace. Would you consider parting with it temporarily?" Cassandra asks hesitantly, not at all confident with asking such a direct request.
Cassandra nods at Lady Martella's mission, her mind whirling at the challenge and task. "I can handle that task I think...it shouldn't be too difficult. Would you happy to know any arguments or lines of enquiry that the Baron might find...favorable? You have already given me a few avenues I think but it doesn't hurt to have any many as you can for a task such as this one. If not - no matter, I should be able to manage." she finishes, before realizing that Nicolette deliberately hadn't yet been given a mission. Cassandra quickly glances at her ally briefly, trying to see if she was offended by the slight.
Noticing Nicolette's reaction, Cassandra hesitates for a moment, before glancing at Martella. "Not to be rude, but you may have forgotten the Dutchess here, and I'm sure that she is just as capable as I am. Is she perhaps assisting you with a personal mission of your own? Something rather challenging?" she asks carefully, trying to raise Nicolette's mood.
Cassandra eyes Nicolette hesitantly. She wasn't used to such open flirting from someone as fair as Nicolette and initially wasn't sure how to respond. After a moment, she decides it doesn't matter too much and puts on a smooth smile. "Ah Dutchess, from what I have heard I wouldn't sell your own features short. I hear you break hearts all across the city with the slightest glance." she replies, trying to repay the compliment as best as she can, struggling for a moment to find the correct words. "As for what I do, I'm just an astronomer, keeping one hand on the political pulse of Oppara as it were. Well met also, Kunala and Lady Edelmira, I have heard others speak most highly of you. I feel fortunate to be present to be in such company" she finishes, before a rather breathless looking half-orc makes an abrupt entrance. "A half-orc, how interesting" she reflects to herself. Unlike others in the city, Cassandra bore bastard children no real disdain or dislike. She had seen many half-breed children in the orphanage where she had grown up and had seen many as kindred spirits who had shouldered burdens heavier than her own. She had therefore never fully understood why some people treated them differently and quickly rose from her seat, offering the half-orc her hand. "Its lovely meeting you for the first time Thadeus, my name is Cassandra. I wouldn't worry about holding little in the way of influence, I to, do not hold much sway in the city, but I'm sure we will both find ways to contribute too...whatever this is" she trails off uncertainly, realized that while she knew what she was invited to, she didn't know what exactly Lady Lotheed required. "Thats actually a good point actually, what is it do you need for us to do? No doubt you must believe that its within our abilities." she asks carefully, an elegant frown across her brow.
Cassandra arrives at the eatery on foot, as it lay but a short distance from her residence. She knew the place very well, being a popular lunchtime destination. Leaning slightly against the door, Cassandra pushes it open, ignoring a tinkling bell to signal a new arrival, and quietly observes the room, trying to locate her mysterious benefactor. At the sight of Lady Martella Lotheed, a flicker of surprise flies across her face before she smiles. Truthfully, she rather liked Martella. She could appreciate someone who didn't quite fit into a family group, even if she couldn't understand why some people lacked the gift of magic over others. She notices several other people at the nearby table as well, also seated with Martella.
"The Lioness and the Dancer" she muses to herself, reflecting on Martella's choice of guests. It was easy to see a common theme developing, so far everyone present seemed to be in support of primogeniture, as well as improving the rights of those who had none. Cassandra had heard of both guests of course, she kept herself well informed of any gossip - and prospective members of the senate loved to talk - and she felt relaxed to be in the company of those that shared similar opinions and perspectives as she did. Taking a sip from a nearby glass of wine, Cassandra spies a nearby chair and seats herself as elegantly as she could, smoothing out her dark blue dress as she did so. Typically Cassandra hated wearing long, fashionable gowns, scandalously short or stylishly impractical - it made no difference to her - but sometimes conforming to other peoples expectations led them to underestimate others - and Cassandra was a great believer in gaining advantages from where she could. Smiling politely, she nods at everyone present. "I see I'm unfortunately a little late. I apologize for my tardiness. My name is Cassandra Flaminia. Shall we do introductions? I don't think I'm quite familiar with everyone here yet."
Submitting my Cleric for now. Still planning to touch it up and connect it to various childhood companions (which is difficult as we don't yet know what those childhood companions actually are), but for the most part his crunch + planned backstory is largely done. |