Photinè Michèle's page

Hey all, I’m sorry for my absence here. The last few weeks have been hard on my wife and I and the holidays are keeping us busy now too. I’m still here though and still invested, gonna really try to find time to catch up in the next few days.

"Holy f#+~, Teeny," she giggles. "You sure keep it all high and tight. Are you really a mother?"

Her face now bare of cosmetics, the fine lines around Photinè’s eyes and mouth are more apparent. They crinkle as she giggles, her laughter sending gentle ripples out through the hot water. "Oui, though in all fairness, it's been twenty-one years since I had my son. Thank you, and consider the compliment returned,” she purrs, giving the barbarian a coy glance.

Holding up the damp cloth she used on her own face, she cleans it with a bit of magic, and offers to help Greenly with the gold eyeshadow and painted whiskers.

The older woman exhales audibly, rolling her neck and shoulders to gently stretch the muscles. Her cheeks are flushed from all the wine and her shadowed lids are beginning to droop, but her dark eyes are still bright with excitement as she smiles at Greenly. ”You are a font of wisdom tonight, chérie. That sounds heavenly. Just let me slip into something more comfortable.”

Minutes later, Photinè arrives across the hall in nothing but a filmy robe, and soon sheds that as well, leaving it in a pile on the floor as she slips into the baths near to Greenly. With a contended sigh, she submerges herself to her chin, closing her eyes and breathing in the steam. She takes a long moment to relax, floating her hands atop the water, before wetting her long hair and beginning to gently scrub the makeup from her face.

Amid this delicate work, she peeks at Greenly from the corner of her eye. ”Your thoughts so far, mon ours?”

Still busy with some things, but I’ll catch up over the next day or two. Thank y’all for your patience. :)

Just checking in to apologize and say I’m still here. Going through some big stuff IRL right now, including helping move my family out of state, so I’ve been very mentally and emotionally drained with little time to catch up here. I’ll check in when I can, but will most likely be absent for another week or two.

Feel free to not me if need be; Photinè will focus most of her attention on influencing Bartelby.

Photinè doesn't ask Bartelby to dance just yet, preferring to remain a bit coy and aloof toward him rather than risk appearing overeager. She sashays up to Greenly and Voinum, armed with a glass of fine wine to appease the Baroness. "May I cut in? I'd like to be the first to dance with the hero of the hour."

She smiles, extending a manicured hand to Greenly.

Diplomacy, Baroness Voinum: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22

Though she privately thinks the game is cruel, it would appear rude and questionable not to play the host's game. Trusting in her inability to actually hit anyone, Photinè tosses her satchets at Baron Okerra's team, and gasps in surprise when one of her satchets actually makes contact.

Ranged, DC 14: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 2 - 4 = -1 Please tell me this accidentally hits Titus or something.
Ranged, DC 14: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 2 - 4 = 18
Ranged, DC 14: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 2 - 4 = 10

Agreeeeeed. Both that Bartelby is a bastard and that I’m loving all these interactions. ;)

Any admiration Photinè may have for Bartleby is muddied after his underhanded jibe about Greenly, a woman she has great respect for, and her distaste for the man only grows the longer he speaks. Even so, she smiles demurely and appears to listen with rapt attention. ”Monsieur, I do try to remain humble. I think highly enough of myself as it is… But you’re quite right, of course. There is, for example, a reason the Betony heirs sought out a magician of my talents. Few others could guide them as I do in matters of the arcane or the mundane.” She smiles with self-satisfaction and looks up at him through her lashes, as if to share a moment of understanding between equals.

Bluff?: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21 Round 2 action

The arcanist goes on to explain a bit of what she does for the Betonys, cleverly introducing her more esoteric abilities into the conversation; her studies into the occult and success at incorporating a deck of the Harrow into arcane magic are some of her favorite and most practiced topics.

K Arcana: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 Round 3

Photinè compliments their host and chats to him politely about the latest discoveries in arcana, ingratiating herself and getting a feel for his personality before delving into any deeper conversations.

K Arcana: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

Photinè scoffs and gives Titus a withering look, speaking pointedly to Greenly in another language as they take their seats. “Ne vous inquiétez pas de cette bite d'huître.”

The parade of servants dressed as food is disturbing and certainly not to her taste, but she watches silently and offers no immediate criticism of the gauche entertainment.

"Oh!" As soon as she realizes what's happening, Photinè hurries forward to support Greenly, curling an arm protectively around her friend's waist. She's seen the barbarian take worse hits, but can't help worrying all the same. "Are you alright, chérie? They'll be just a moment with that anti-toxin," she coos reassuringly.

Photinè enthusiastically agrees to visit Dame Crabbe at her estate, and in return, entreats Parthena to visit Stachys once the Betony Estate is up to scratch. She bids her friend au revoir, until later, and joins the rest of the party as they make their way to the gardens to watch the speech.

"Brava, Sir Greenly!" She leans in to greet the champion of the hour with a kiss on each cheek. "I could hear the clash of the lances all the way in the field. It must have been a thing to behold!" She pulls away with a huge smile, her eyes creasing with delight. "You're going to be very popular these next few days. Be sure to save me a few dances, ma chérie."

At Chana's observations, she nods seriously. "Parthena is a bit of a gossip, certainly, but she obviously thinks the world of her daughter. I find it hard to believe she is oblivious to Sepsinia's unhappiness; more likely she's trying to protect the girl's dignity by keeping the matter quiet. As it happens, I've secured us an invitation to the Crabbe estate. Perhaps the ladies will be more comfortable in their own home."

"Perhaps it's a noble from out of town." Photinè flutters her eyelashes at Parthena and laughs. "I jest, of course. None of us have had the time for such an affair... At least not yet."

She seems quite happy to lose at Trucco and gossip with Dame Crabbe, eager to soak up all the details she can about her new home.

K Local: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

"Count Lotheed is quite the accomplished gentleman. I've yet to meet Merkondus, but Okerra seems a decent, upright sort of man." Leaning closer to Parthena, she giggles. "A bit stiff though, isn't he?"

A swing of the trucco hammer, and a coy smile. "And what of a lovely lady like yourself? Is there a Lord Crabbe?"

Trucco Dex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Trucco Dex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16 1 point
Trucco Dex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17 1 point
Trucco Dex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Trucco Dex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

That's okay, I doubt Photinè is going to fare much better at fantasy croquet.

Photinè joins Chana on the way to the Trucco field, winking at her as she takes up a hammer and swings it gently a few times for practice.

Trucco Dex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 See?

As the ball rolls off in the entirely wrong direction, she sighs dramatically and leans on her hammer. "This doesn't seem to be my game."

Stepping aside politely for the next player, she places herself beside Parthena Crabbe, greeting her new friend with a wide smile. "Have you met my companion, Lady Chiara Betony?" A gesture at Chana, but no move to introduce her quite yet. For now, she indulges the Dame’s natural curiosity, telling her a bit about Stachys and the newly discovered Betony heirs.

She chatters on, broaching Parthena's favored subject. "Charming young ladies, both of them unmarried, you know?" A suggestive look. "Well, it won't be long before all the eligible lords and ladies in the land come asking for their hands. It was the same when my son entered society, he was overladen with proposals. Not that he's accepted any of them, my darling boy. He's waiting for the right person." She presses a hand to her heart. "You understand; I expect your Sepsinia has her fair share of suitors."

K Local: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

Photinè sashays across the ballroom, drinking the wine and sampling the cheese and jellied calves feet, surveying the scene and deciding which of the partygoers are worth knowing. With an extra glass in hand, she approaches the contrasting pair of women she assumes from Martella's description to be the Crabbes.

"Excusez-moi madame, you must share a glass with me and tell me where you got your dress." A titter and a curtsy, before introducing herself with her full title. "I've only just arrived from Oppara and don't yet know my way around. What's your name, madame? You seem like a woman to know." She waits politely for an answer, and then smiles at the fragile girl behind the Dame. "And this must be your equally lovely sister. Bonjour, mademoiselle."

She offers the extra glass of wine to the older Crabbe and begins to settle into the conversation, chatting idly and sprinkling in juicy bits of the latest gossip from Oppara. In turn, she listens with genuine attentiveness to Parthena's own chatter, laughing and/or gasping at all the right times.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23 First social round
K Local: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15 Second social round

In the palace apartments, Photinè changes out of her traveling clothes and into her first party outfit, a shimmering teal silk with a low neckline and an even lower back. She adorns herself further with three silver necklaces of varying lengths, each bearing a different arcane symbol worked in silver and glittering green, that draw attention to her smooth chest and throat. A silver band hugs her upper left arm, and several rings, mirroring the same symbols that are around her neck, adorn her manicured hands. Around her waist, a delicate chain loops around her spellbook, holding it on her hip in plain view.

Sweeping into the party, she takes a glass of white wine off a server's tray and swirls it gently around in the glass as she searches the palace for Bartelby. Upon spotting him, she sashays over, greeting him with another coy smile. "This palace is quite impressive, monseigneur, I'm eager to explore it further. Now that we're neighbors, I may have to impose upon you and visit again in the future."

She turns her face away demurely, hiding a grin. "Though I admit, I have an ulterior motive." Looking at him from beneath her lashes, she lets him make of that what he will before revealing her real meaning. "Your libraries are of particular interest to me. I already find myself missing the resources of a larger city, and your collection of arcane volumes must rival that of Oppara. I would be delighted if you would allow me to use them in my studies. Perhaps we could even collaborate."

K Arcana: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15 I hope that makes it because of his bias.

"How lovely. The Betony estate is ever so quaint, but between you and I, I'm looking forward to taking full advantage of your hospitality," Photinè purrs, leaning in closer and giving him a meaningful look. "Merci, Monseigneur-Comte."

Are we being shown to our rooms right now, before the social rounds start?

Earlier

A feigned gasp turns into a laugh as Photinè presses a hand to her forehead in mock scandal. "My dear Amandine, my virtue was lost long ago and I never could be bothered to find it again."

——

Photinè offers her hand to the Count, smiling brightly as she waits for him to accept it. "Why, the honor is all yours, Count Lotheed. Lady Photinè Michèle-Aurelius, aide to the Betony heirs, and their advisor in all things esoteric and arcane."

Her lips purse slightly, the smile fading into something more coy and mysterious as she makes no attempt to hide the way her eyes roam over him. "Our fates have become intertwined, Count. I sense the friendship between our houses will be long and prosperous. We look forward to seeing much more of each other in the future."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23

Photinè titters and fans herself, flattered by the role Amandine suggests for her. "Such a strategy will certainly allow us to get our footing, to establish ourselves as promising newcomers early on." Ever the neutral mediator, she smiles at the 'ingénue', and then rests a gentle, manicured hand on Greenly's arm. "At the same time, we must remember to remain flexible, not confined to our roles. We should not hesitate to take an opportunity that presents itself."

Photinè graciously thanks Onora for the meal and walks back with the others. The sight of the large cat makes her smile, and she starts to slowly approach, but the animal runs off before she can make any headway. "Oh, well." A shrug. "I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to get to know our new housemate later. Is everyone properly prepared for the gala?"

Puttering excitedly around the manor, Photinè checks in on all the ladies and makes certain everything is ready for tomorrow.

In the morning, she rises bright and early to prepare a light breakfast before loading her luggage and getting ready. Her turquoise traveling dress is buttoned from neck to waist, where it flows into a loose, calf-length skirt. Subtle pink makeup colors her cheeks and lips, giving her a fresh appearance, and a blue-green scarf is wound around her head and shoulders, held in place by a brooch in the shape of a peacock feather. As the other ladies arrive downstairs, she greets them cheerfully with coffee and biscuits.

Thanks, I hope so! Everything is as battened down as it can be. It’s only the fifth year in a row my wife and I have had to evacuate, so I’d like to think we’re getting pretty good at hurricane prep.

Safely evacuated from the hurricane, should have a chance to post tomorrow. :)

Starting hurricane preparations here. It's looking like it will hit Florida this weekend. Depending on how bad it is, we may evacuate on Friday or Saturday, and even if not, internet could be out for a few days. Hopefully I'll get another few posts up before any of that though.

Photinè introduces herself as 'Lady Betony's' aide, and watches amusedly for the most part, happy to let Chana take the lead with Onora. The noblewoman has somehow managed to arrange herself elegantly on the crate, but her genteel bearing makes her look awkward and out-of-place in the ramshackle tavern. The state of the town is quite jarring to see up close, as are Onora's sweeping generalizations about the tendencies of nobles; surely, House Aurelius never neglected the lowborn in such a manner. Lady Michèle-Aurelius took great pride in making sure those who lived on her estate, her servants and attendants, were well cared for, and taught her son to do the same. She feels confident that under the new leadership of the 'Betony' heiresses and their associates, Stachys will similarly come to thrive.

At Onora's offer of drinks, Photinè rises from the makeshift chair and smiles cordially. "May I assist you? It's the least I can do when we have intruded upon your hospitality so suddenly." Her eyes flicker to Amandine, deducing the woman's angle. "Perhaps you will indulge us a little longer, with a tale of Stachys over a glass?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21

I’ll get a post up tomorrow. :)

Photinè, having made herself right at home and already in the middle of getting ready for the masquerade, arrives downstairs in nothing but a silk robe and an alarmingly green face-mask. She waves a hand leisurely when asked about the mystery creature. "Whatever it is, it's done us no harm. We're the ones that have barged so suddenly into its home, after all. No need to go about breaking down its bedroom door before we've even introduced ourselves."

"How quaint," Photinè remarks as they enter the estate, looking all around. "A fresh coat of paint here and there, a new rug, some landscaping... This house could become perfectly lovely."

She does a slow walkthrough of the manor, making mental notes of things that need to be fixed or, in her opinion, updated to reflect the latest fashions. She lays claim to the room across from Greenly, so she can easily use the library as a quiet place to relax and study her spells.

The other room attached to the library. :)

@Chana, no problem. Photinè will already be casting it on herself pretty often.

Photinè declines to buy any of the magic items, but thanks the seller graciously and gives him a wink, promising to keep his secret from Bartleby.

Photinè leans out the other window with a handful of gold coins, and begins passing them out at random to the outstretched hands. "People of Meratt! Your suffering will no longer go unnoticed. In the coming days, we will bring you much more than mere gold."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22 Also handing out 10gp.

Oh, realized I never posted Photinè's final purchases from back in Oppara. Here they are.

"Nothing would delight me more," Photinè answers. She smiles widely at Chana, obviously quite smitten with the idea. "The mysterious Betony heir and her enchanting envoy. We'll be the talk of the party!"

Teaming up here is definitely a good idea. Photinè's socials are good, while her Perception and Sense Motive are a lacking.

K Local? Tanager Jubilee: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
K Nobility, Bartleby Lotheed: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Just trying to get a better feel for the lay of the land and what exactly we're walking into here.

"It's likely we will all need a reason for traveling with the Betony 'heirs'," Photinè agrees, leaning over Chana's shoulder to examine the scroll more closely. "Sirs Baerdóttir and Vernisant can easily be the heiresses' bodyguards. And I..." She leans back and thinks for a long moment, trying to come up with an appropriately exciting role for herself. "...Their occult advisor."

K. Local: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Photinè arrives for tea fashionably dressed, as one must be to turn heads at the Porthmos, in a low-cut seafoam green number and matching shawl. "Ah, Porthmos is more than just a restaurant," she sighs dreamily, confidently following the concierge inside as if she's been a member here forever.

She takes a seat at the table and arranges herself to her greatest benefit, leaning back and lifting her chin slightly as she glances coyly around the room.

I'll also chip in on the Wand of CLW. Also getting a Wand of Mage Armor for Photinè since I'll be using the spell in just about every combat, and looking at a Mulberry (Cracked) Ioun Stone...

Furthermore, she instructs you to pack for an extended trip through the country, advising that you bring at least one fine outfit, a suitable hunting outfit, and at least one respectable mask or costume.

Should we be keeping track of purchases of outfits of this kind, or can it be assumed that most of us already own something appropriate or at the least can borrow something from another party member?

Alright, so Photinè adds all spells collected except for Hypnotism (already known) and the divine spells (Breath of Life, CLWx2), those are up for grabs or can be sold. I'm going to go shopping after these Persona phases, and then Photinè will also be ready for book 2. :)

Genius Rank 2, Drive Legislation, Linguistics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 Failure

Photinè's attempts to garner support for the princess fall short, and she soon realizes why; the city is still reeling from the shock of the attack on the senate.

Sacrifice Rank 2, Organize Protest, Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20 Success

The arcanist spends the morning knocking on doors around Senate’s Hill and Aroden’s View, calling on friends and acquaintances and asking them to join her in front of the senate in the evening. Many of the people here lost family, friends, and loved ones to the slaughter at the gala; before the people of Oppara can look to the future, they must heal from this tragedy. Among those invited are of course her fellow agents of change, as well as the nobles rescued from below the senate, and Malphene.

As the sun is setting behind them, they gather at the bottom of the one-hundred white steps that lead up to the senate. Photinè passes out small candles, lighting each of them in turn with a wave of her hand. As night falls, she takes a few steps up the stairs and turns around to address the gathering, cupping her own candle gently in her hands.

”Bienvenue. Thank you all for coming,” she begins. Her voice is gentle, but loud enough for all to hear. ”Many of us lost family and dear friends here only days ago. We have gathered here tonight to honor their memories, and to be among others who share and understand our grief.”

She inclines her head, asking the small crowd to join her in a moment of silence. When the appropriate amount of time has passed, she addresses the people before her. ”Most of us here belong to noble families, some stretching back hundreds of years. We are Taldor’s leaders, and I fear some of us have forgotten what that means. The people have put their trust in us; they look to us for justice, for truth, for fair and responsible leadership, and too often, they are met with disdain. The attack on the senate is terrible proof of the corruption around us. We will find those responsible, but in the end, it matters little who is behind this; we must not let them divide us, or drive us to fear and isolation. Instead, in honoring those who fell here, we must look to the future and learn how to avoid such a tragedy ever happening again; a great burden, to be sure, but carried more easily if we shoulder it together. None of us are alone in this; you need only look at the faces around you to see that.”

Bending down carefully, she places her candle on the white step below her, and with a gesture, invites everyone else to do the same. ”As we part tonight, let us consider what we can do to strengthen our communities. Let us look at our neighbors, and especially those below us, not with distrust and suspicion, but with love and compassion. The underclasses, the Unbearded as they have been so called, have trusted us for centuries to lead and govern them; we must try to remain worthy of that role as we walk into the future.”

Photinè keeps her word, and as soon as she arrives home sets about writing a letter to her son. She writes in Elven, lowering the chances of any nosy postmen getting a glimpse into her private affairs, and assures him of her safety during the attack on the senate gala and ensuing escape through the forgotten depths of the city. She also details how the senate voted to name Eutropia Stavian the heir to the Primogen Crown and insists that the princess must have the support of House Aurelius, though she does not mention that she is in contact with Eutropia directly; better to have a conversation like that in person, rather than send potentially dangerous information in a letter that could be lost or intercepted.

As always, she sends all her love and asks when he will have time to visit his mother. She brings the letter gently to her lips before sealing it with a bit of wax, pressing her signet ring into it, and sending it off to the north of Taldor.

With that finished, she brews herself a cup of tea and plants herself at the dining room table, spreading the numerous scrolls that were discovered beneath the senate out before her. She remains there for some time, bent forward over the table, squinting at the magical writing while mumbling to herself, tracing a hand over the inscriptions and scribbling notes in her own spellbook with the other.

Cast Read Magic on all unidentified scrolls. If anyone wants to keep any of the scrolls just say so, and Photinè will copy all leftover scrolls to her spellbook. Can I take ten on the Spellcraft rolls to copy spells? I’m unsure even after looking over the rules.

Also, Persona rolls and fluff to follow.

Besides Malphene's rapier, the only thing I'm interested is 2 of the CLW potions, the Wizardess' journal from the gala, and the spell scrolls — hoping to scribe those to my spellbook. I'll cast Read Magic on the 6 unidentified scrolls when we return from the meeting with the princess.

Glad to hear from you Olivia! :) Take your time getting back into PbP, your health is the most important thing.

I’ll look over the loot log tomorrow. I will say tho that I was hoping to keep the +1 rapier for flavor/sentimental reasons because it was Photinè’s gift from Malphene (unless we grabbed another +1 rapier somewhere?) and I need a weapon anyway (not proficient but was planning to spare a feat for it next level). Also after selling everything from the last two dungeons I think we’ll have more than enough gold to get some more magic weapons for the party if we choose.

Definitely interested in using the Persona rules. I’ve just started using them in another (homebrew) game and am definitely enjoying myself, I agree with Greenly that they can add a lot of fun RP opportunities and a mechanical benefit to boot.

Photinè accepts the honorary knighthood that Eutropia offers, lowering herself gracefully before the princess. "I was not born in Taldor, but I have lived here nearly thirty years. It is my home, and I have a vested interest in its future. Perhaps it is destiny that I was sent here, from a country torn by decades and decades of blood and war, to keep this one from falling to a similar fate." She smiles up at the princess, eyes twinkling with delight. "I should like to see you lead Taldor into a better future."

"The first step will be to rally our resources and allies. Pythareus commands the entirety of the Phalanx, and much of the rest of the military is fiercely loyal to him. Thus, this is not a war that can be won by swords.

"If we are to have any hope of success, we must rely on words, guile, and allies. We need the people of Taldor to unite behind a single monarch to dispel the military's desire to settle this by force of arms. I don't want the blood of common Taldans spilled to slake some petty squabble between nobles."

"You can count on House Aurelius for support, of course. Some consider us insignificant, tucked away in the North as we are, but we are proud and in good standing. I shall write to my son today."

She pauses, tapping a manicured finger on her chin as she thinks. "Pythareus is an accomplished general, certainly, but what does he really know about leading a country? The people of Taldor are not soldiers. We must show them that stability lies not with conquest and military power, but with peace and a diplomatic monarch who will make decisions based on their interests. Pythareus will not listen to the people, he will simply lead us into endless war and many will suffer terribly; Eutropia will lead us to prosperity."

Photinè dips into a dramatic curtsy as the Princess rises from her chair. Despite being a noble herself, she has seldom been in the company of royalty before the last few days, and then only for a short while. "It is a privilege to meet you again, Princess Eutropia. I am... Very sorry about your father." The words seem quite insignificant, given the circumstances, but Photinè feels it would be inconsiderate not to extend her sympathy.

She straightens, clasping her hands in front of herself demurely. "There is no one more deserving of the Crown than you, Princess, and I am certain that all of Taldor will come to see that. Many of us see it already," she says, glancing around the room with a coy smile. "I, as well, will be delighted to lend my efforts to the first Grand Princess of Taldor."

When Photine ushers them inside Amandine introduces the boy to her. "Thank you Lady Photine. This is Calix, my brother."

The boy recites to Photine in a rote manner "It is a pleasure to meet you Lady Photine. Thank you for having us as your guests."

"A pleasure to meet you, Monsieur Calix. I'm delighted to host you and your sister." Photinè smiles broadly at the pair as she lets them inside, clearly overjoyed to have a house full of people.

When the summons from Martella arrives, a shiver of both excitement and apprehension runs through her. "Of course you shall be there," she assures Greenly, placing a gentle hand on her back. She looks around earnestly at all the ladies she's come to care for so quickly. "Taldor is changing before our very eyes, and we all have a part to play in its future."

Turning her attention to the second card chosen, Photinè gives Greenly a playful smile. "An appropriate card for a love reading, the Courtesan. She could represent yourself, a powerful woman in your life, or perhaps both. Treat her with the respect she deserves, and she will reward you."

She reshuffles the deck and lays them out once again.

Greenly screws up her face, thinkin real hard, but eventually shrugs her shoulders and sighs. "Let's just do crowns. I wanna know about, like, the fate of Taldor. And about my love life, I guess."

"Interesting," Photinè murmurs as she examines the cards Greenly drew. She holds up the first, the card meant to represent Taldor's political state; it bears the image of a blue dragon digging it's claws into a globe. "The Tyrant," she announces gravely. "This card represents a ruler who has harmed the very people he swore to protect. Quite fitting, I'm afraid."

She shuffles the card back into the deck and places it on the table in front of them, before drawing nine cards from the top and placing them carefully in three rows of three. Finally, she starts to turn them over, beginning with the leftmost column.

I'm going to put this under spoilers due to it's length, but everyone can feel free to read them (as long as it's okay with Greenly).

I'll work on Greenly's love reading in a little while!

"I must retrieve my younger brother. I've been away far longer than I told him to expect, and who knows what's happening in our neighborhood and what he's heard. I told him to stay inside at our flat until I came back, but he's less willing to listen to me as he gets older."

"Would having him here as well be too many guests? If so I certainly understand, we can stay at the Silent Horse as Lady Martella suggested instead."

"Plus on est de fous, plus on rit," Photinè says with a wave of her hand. "Until we start tripping over each other, there is plenty of room, Madame. You may certainly bring him here if you wish." She looks concerned as she notices the tension in Amandine's face. "I hope you find all is well."