Coronation Ceremony (Chyril 25th Early ET)

[Keaira Morgandy]

She'd been trying to leave discreetly but, with most eyes turned toward the Caesar, Keaira found herself confronted with a small wall of people. Her dress was soaked with wine and she didn't exactly want to be rubbing up against other courtiers trying to squeeze past. She was pondering on how to deal with this little snag in her plans when she was approached by an unknown, older man.

Slender brows raised slightly at the offer. For a moment, Keaira found herself wanting to say no. Tigre struggled to get her to say the word, but she was still weakened, and "no" was a word that Keaira was averse to saying -- especially when it came to turning someone down. She must have seemed quite a simple thing, staring at the man for a few long flickers before she finally fumbled out an answer.

"I, erh..it's not..I don't..." Well, it was an immediate solution. Despite her calm countenance, Keaira was a bit embarrassed, and she wanted to escape the eyes of those around her. "Alright," she finally conceded, nibbling her lower lip slightly. "I'd like to leave now, please."

OOC: Continued here.

[Vanir Alfheim]

Vanir loved a challenge of words, especially among society's elite. It was one reason he took on Andolin, instead of avoiding the man who could damage his goals. He often engaged his father's guests and flirted with noble daughters for just such a reason.

"There is no such thing as an easy conquest. If it was easy to attain, then it was already yours to begin with. If you wish to truly conquer, then it must be earned. You may think I am another spoiled panling used to having my whims or simply moving on to another, but I am more than you have ever met before." Vanir looked over Isis without fear or concern. "If I cannot interest you in a dance, how about a drink? Somewhere a little more quiet."

Vanir looked over at Caesar Andolin and the mob of people surrounding him. "I believe our Caesar is trying to satisfy is own whims and will not notice our disappearance." A sly grin across his lips, knowing more than most about the scene in front of the Caesar. He had already noticed his student gathering his rival's attention.

[Fialessa Valenstri]

She'd heard a bit of a growl from near to where she'd drifted. Fia tilted her head in such a way as to glance in the direction from where the sound emanated. Recognizing again, the blond follower of Dominicus from her entrance. He was intimidating to be sure, she considered remembering how she'd felt so long ago when she'd first encountered him. But now he seemed somewhat different to her, not necessarily diminished but held back in some way.

It was not her nature to wantonly seek out trouble, certainly it found her often enough, and Hagen might well be trouble, not to mention a bit scary. But somehow a strange bit of impulsiveness pushed at her to speak rather than to just hang back and watch. Taking a few steps closer to the towering man, the petite adhiel spoke softly enough to not be overheard by too many of those surrounding, “Not entirely meeting your expectations?” The question could be taken in a variety of ways, she'd purposely left it somewhat open.

[Anora Frollie]

Anora turned her head slowly back towards Ygraine, one corner of her mouth turned up into what was either a cocky grin or a sneer, depending on the angle it was viewed from. "Perhaps I'm not the one who should be punished. You publically denouce the Ceasar, not believing that he can carry out his own punishments? My goodness," she said, shaking her head. "To have so little faith in His Highness..."

[Andolin]

Andolin could not remember the last time he had so much fun. There had been the time he had successfully cast his first glamour ... his first command of air, the daemon he had summoned ... they were all special moments. He had other special moments as well, though many were lost in darkness now.

Not only was he now Caesar, as well as Lord Chamberlain, but Silk had all but disappeared. Erwin had other problems to address. Ulder was leaving. Other members of the Council were coming around to him. Within a yahren, he would have much more power than Anochrim ever did. As commander of the Guard and the armies, he could apply pressure wherever he wished.

Top this off with the fact that every pretty girl in the Empire seemed eager to throw herself at him this night, and it made for one powerful high. He felt like a stallion kept in his stall all week while mares in heat pranced about ... lifting their tails in invitation. Now, the stall doors were opened. Yet, rather than charging forth, the game was to seem uninterested in such things ... at least to outward appearance. He was a man who sought control as a alcoholic sought a drink. So, he needed to project control over himself, his environment, and the courtiers who sought to curry his favor.

Ygraine was an instrument to play. He knew her and her perfection. He, too, knew her desire for magic, and her fears. Sadly, he knew nothing of Anora to use as a guide towards manipulation. She was not haughty in the classic sense. She wasn't lovely enough, nor rich enough. Perhaps she was intelligent; but, more interesting, the girl had poise. She had reason to be confident. But why? Was she a mage, scholar, artist? He supposed he needed to find out what made her so confident.

"Perhaps the lady was belittling me. Perhaps the lady merely wanted the satisfaction of observing the whipping." His mind was racing with images of Ygraine and Anora together in various stages of undress. "I think the best thing to do is to have a guard escort you both to a private room upstairs to settle this between the two of you. I shall arrive in a mark and hear your verdict. If you do not both agree, then I shall pass judgment based on the arguments made by each." Signaling the guard, he turned to Ygraine and stated, "if you remove the gown, I'll have it sent to be cleaned in the interim." He gave her a feigned innocent smile.

Giving the guard instructions to escort the ladies upstairs to a spare guest room, he ordered that then not be allowed to leave until he arrived to pass judgment. His mind also wondered how many women he could satisfy sexually in one evening. The way he was feeling at the moment, three would not be a problem; but then, he was an arrogant bastard.

[Rosalie Marcada]

"Oh really," Rosalie murmured, observing the scene before her "How interesting." The Haut Le Docs. The natural enemies of the Cranes. The Redaults featured in there somewhere too, but how she was not yet sure of . Rosalie had met all those families months ago, and judged them powerful, as Merchant Lords in the Mouth were. True power, not some stupid throne that only served to give a puppet show to the populace. Evidently Andolin knew it too, paying the girl due attention. Ah, but I would not be surprised if you are truly from the Mouth milord, for your instincts are honed finely indeed.

"Do you not wonder, Deacon," Rose whispered with some irony "how many girls will end up at the Caesar's bedroom tonight? They are lining up to him, aren't they?" Not Rosalie. Only brute force and perhaps not even that would inspire her to join such a crowd. While she would willing offer the Caesar her body if it gained her an advantage, she could see none this tide. She gave a predatory smile. "Give the lady an invitation to talk to me later this evening, if she is not.. ah.. preoccupied. Also perhaps..." she hesitated for a moment "The Ambassador for Amun Rah.. Isis..seems an interesting lady to talk to. I don't want to be begging on my knees to meet her, but if you could come up with an excuse?"

[Grey Wolf]

The Steward did not seem in any rush, waiting patiently to Keaira's reply, an aged servant appearing at his side, without him giving any outward sign. "Very well, milady. James will take you to your chambers for the night. I apologize for the inconvenience once more." He smiled and bowed, the servant he summoned motioning towards the wall and uttering softly. "This way, milady." He waited for the seemingly lost girl to take the first step before leading her to one of the alcoves, pulling the tapestry aside and disappearing from sight with Keaira the guards guiding the passage not moving an inch.

Deacon was well aware of his master's connections to Thomas Crane, as well as to the rumors of Madam Ambassador's links of the Crane family. He was discreet and did not eavesdrop on private conversations, but it was his job to know details like that and he had other sources that did not require him to break the Baron's trust in him. "I would not know an answer to that, milady. I do know that, and you will excuse my langue, doing a roll with His Majesty is not going to do them much good. From what I have seen, it will take a very special lady to catch his attention and hold it. And I suspect pleasing him sexually is not the proper way. A good start perhaps, but they will need more if they do not wish to be discarded after a single evening." He smiled innocently and then added. "But then, what do I know. I am just a simple servant." He looked up to where Isis and Vanir were conversing and left Rosalie's side with a murmured I'll be right back.

Ygraine smile throughout Andolin speech, not saying a word to interrupt His Majesty, dipping a little curtsey as he finished, murmuring a soft. "As you wish, Your Highness." Inside she was fuming, casting a scathing glance at Anora and then at every other woman in the room, though the smile still lingered on her lips. Bastard. You think yourself that charming? You'll have to do better than that to get me. You'll choose some harlot to dance with you and you are sending me away? me? Ygraine Haut-Ledoc? She said nothing more, obediently waiting for the guards that approached at Steward's signal to escort them. There were three white clad guards, lead by Captain Summer himself, who did his best not to show how he felt about this situation. "If you will follow me, my ladies."

Hagen did not reply right away, his blue eyes focused on His Imperial Majesty and the girls that surrounded him, his gaze flicking to Fialessa and then back to where he was looking. "Was I that obvious?" He smiled without humor and tore his eyes from the arrogant little man who thought throne was the prize rather than burden, turning his body to face the Panling at his side. "I am sorry, but I simply do not think his behavior is befitting a ruler. His Majesty is behaving like an amoral, arrogant ba......boy." Beneath his calm demeanor, Hagen was fuming, but kept his calm, even managing a more convincing smile for Fia. "He does not realize that is supposed to set an example that his people will follow. People often mimic their rulers without even knowing they do, especially so when the ruler has not wronged them greatly before. And His Majesty Caesar Andolin did not yet have a chance to wrong the people as general.. He might have made a few enemies on his way to the top, but he did not have much fame before his ascension to the throne."

"Oh, so you are a mind-reader as well? How did you know what I thought of you?" Isis gave Vanir her best cruel smile, the woman obviously enjoying the game of teases, even though she was hardly gentle with her words. "Now, you are not trying to take advantage of me, are you?" She chuckled and toyed with the half-full glass in her hand, before adding. "Of course you are not. You would not dare trying anything." She looked into his eyes, an arrogant smile curling her lips up, before her face took on a mask of disinterest. Only the eyes still showed that is was just a game, and then a cough at the sigh drew her attention and broke the illusion. "WHAT?"

Deacon did not flinch, bowing politely, managing a fairly acceptable Amunic bow and waited a few flickers before Isis' wrath boiled down a bit. "I am sorry for interrupting, Your Highness, but Lady Marcada would like to have a word with you when you have a bit of time. There are some matters she would like to discuss with you that are of mutual interest. I believe the Imperial Council has not met in quite some time and she wishes to prepare for the next meeting." He paused, Isis' forehead creasing as she gave it a quick thought, a flick of her hand bringing Nu'Phuat over. "Go speak with M...adam Ambassador. Apologize in my name and tell her that I do not think this is the best time for politics, but that I would be glad to see her at a later time. You have my permission to discuss the matters with her if it is urgent." As they departed she turned back to Vanir and smiled. "Now, where were we?"

Vizier nodded and followed Deacon to Rosalie's side, the thin man bowing deeply and smiling. "Good evening, Your Excellence. I fear my mistress thinks this is not a night to conduct business, but I am at your service. She does extend her invitation and would be most honored if you were to pay her a visit some other time." He folded his arms and smiled politely, wondering what all this was about, but too well mannered to ask directly.

Steward came to Andolin's side and whispered in his ear, a note of urgency in his voice. "Your Majesty, have you made your choice yet?"

[Andolin]

Andolin could read minds, but not without his mindcraft ... and he dare not use magic in this chamber. Thus, he was left to his own intuitive devices. Ygraine went silently, seemingly like some deferential debutante. Ygraine was no deferental creature, so he was left to conclude that she was likely annoyed. He did not care. She had come to him once, in disguise, to taste what he had to offer. She was the daughter of an important noble, but he no longer needed to impress her. She had no talent for magic. Her only skill was in belittling and betraying everyone. Andolin was likewise skilled in belittling. What did he need for more of the same? No, he wanted someone to compliment him.

The Steward reminded him that he needed to select a lady for his first dance. With Ygraine, Anora, and Keaira removed, his choices were lessening, but not by much. His eyes swept the throne room and beheld all manner of women. When he saw Isis with Vanir, his thought was to ask her to dance, to pull her away from the Panling. But the Voice of the Rafao would likely think she could make him jealous easily, and would seek to manipulate him thereby. No one manipulates me.

His eyes then moved to Lucinda. He was tempted to select her, just so he could torment her during the dance. Yet, she was a wasp, and when a wasp was quiet, one did not want to rile them up where they might want to sting.

So, Andolin swept for a view of the strangers. In that moment, an ember of statesmanship burned within him. It was then that he knew what to do.

Finding the youngest, plainest, most humbly dressed girl in the throng that begged his attention, he moved forward to select her. Let the storytellers tell of a Caesar who passed the ladies in their silk and jewels. Let them say how he walked past beauty that would humble the poets. Let them say he passed by the mighty to select the least obvious of them all. In that moment, let him fulfill a dream of one who might never again taste such grandeur. Rather than taking, let it be said that Caesar gave a gift instead.

Finding a plain young woman, humbly dressed, who seemed to stare after him with impossible dreams, he held out his hand to her. "Would you dance with me, milady?"

[Anora Frollie]

Anora wanted to chuckle. Andolin was proving to be a true man. Full of himself and blind to the fact that women could easily read him. Sheesh, he'd be easy pickings. She barely managed to keep from rolling her eyes at his decision. Oh sure, that was good. Put two women in a room, alone, together, while he makes off with another woman. They would either kill each other or plot ways to make his life miserable. Yeah, great ruler they had.

Anora caught sight of Varesh out of the corner of her eye. She made eye contact and ever so slightly shook her head. No, she'd get herself out of this situation, one way or another. Tomorrow, she'd search him out and tell him all that had happened. But for now, she allowed the guards to 'escort' her to the waiting bedchamber. She didn't bother to look at the arrogant wench next to her, saving that fun for later.

[Vanir Alfheim]

The sly grin of the panling and glimmer in his eyes gave all the signs Isis needed as to his intents. The husky voice reached out to the desert goddess. "Mind reader? No, my Lady, but you are not the first to think so highly of me. There are some willing to speak it right to me, although most just whisper behind my back. I couldn't care less either way. If I had a single banner for every ill word spoken of me, I could rival even Duke Erwin."

The bard laughed softly and grinned at his companion. "We both know that I could no sooner take advantage of you as I could take on the Emerald Guard. Anything that happened would be because you wanted it....and you will." A soft wink teased Isis, until the presence of another interrupted their verbal dance.

Vanir paid little mind to the rude interruption of Deacon, until he mentioned that he spoke on behalf of Rosalie Marcada. He had some interest in her as well, although for much different reasons. The adhiel simply allowed the messager to be sent away, before addressing the subject to Isis.

"Lady Marcada? There is much that I need to discuss with her about Aveas, but I never been able to make the time for such a meeting. Of course a meeting with her would not be nearly as...fruitful as ours will be." The flirtatious priest let his word linger, hoping to see her reaction to his bold suggestion.

[Rosalie Marcada]

Rosalie arched an eyebrow at the way the Vizier formulated his mistress' words. At my service indeed. It was no big secret what the Voice of Rafao usually did with the men on her staff, though Rose vaguely remembered the man was technically still the Ambassador of Amun Rah, so perhaps he was exempt of such service. At any rate, the newly wed Marcada had no need of such things, or at least that was what she told herself. She pondered the tall, thin man with a sharp, narrow goatee and a moderately tanned complexion before her for a moment, composing her answer. It might be better to wait for news from Aveas before pursuing this. It had to be before the first councilmeeting of the new Caesar though. She prayed she had time yet.

"Ambassador Nu'Phuat," she smiled friendly. They had interacted during the Advisory Councilmeetings, though never in a face to face conversation. She resisted offering her hand to be kissed, having learned by now that such a custom was not always the same in foreign countries.

"I would like to call on her ladyship late on the 26th or perhaps early on the 27th if that is convenient, though sooner if there is a Councilmeeting before that," Rosalie suggested, then added "I shall let my secretary contact your secretary. There is no reason for us to arrange such menial things ourselves after all." Yes, better treat him as an equal. Isis likely did not do the same. It would be interesting if she had another in at that particular Embassy. "There are some business opportunities regarding Aveas that I would bring under her consideration. They are rather.. time sensitive."

Rosalie had not missed the priest of Pan whispering to Isis, though she was not focused enough to attempt a lipreading. The thought of such a heathen religion still gave her cause to shudder, but what was more to the point .. she could not afford the man making headway with Isis. There were very few panlings in favour of the current control of the Mouth over Aveas. Their needs of course had been ignored by the Imperial Government who instead had sought advantage in their peace agreement with the Mouth that had given them access to very powerful technology. Technology of course that was but a fraction of what the Mouth possessed.

[Fialessa Valenstri]

“I am fairly certain others wish they could be as obvious, their risk no doubt would be greater...” she made mention quietly with an emerging wry grin. Though quickly enough she straightened her facial features to a more observant posture. It was perhaps presumption on her part that few would want to stand against the imposing Oneist.

“I couldn't agree with you more...” Fia commented on Hagen's opinion of Andolin's behavior. “Fancy that.” She too cast a glance at the new ruler of the Citadel, and shook her head a little. But only the slightest hint of a shake, then returned her gaze to the giant of a man who'd turned to face her. Musing aloud to him more than actually responding, “He has been given a great chance to improve the quality of life and fulfill the needs those in his care, and yet he seems far more focused on the needs of his ... loins. I wonder if he seeks to have a stable of women to do his bidding, from some of the things I've heard... I truly know very little of the politics of the Citadel.”

Her glance at the Caesar again showed him ushering off several women under guard. Then she watched him finally single out someone for the dance. Hmm... a very strategic choice isn't it... she thought. “Oh don't look now, but I think he's trying to bolster his image. I wonder if she knows he asks her only to appear generous.” Having measured Vanir's opinion of Andolin, it was hard for her to believe any more of the Caesar's choice of a dance partner.

[Grey Wolf]

Caesar found himself in a bit of a pickle, as the perfect girl he sought was not present that evening. Either they were not plain, or they were not humbly dressed, or did not stare at him hopefully, and of a room full of women who had come to see a crown put to his head, he could not find the one he sought. Though they vied for his attention, the girls around him parted as he moved and in that parting they led him to the person who matched the image he had been seeking almost to a point. The only thing she did not do was look up at him with hope in her eyes, and she was still pretty though not strikingly so.

She was nearly as tall as Andolin, with the hair the color of rust, which was held up by an array of silver pins, several of the curls loose and falling to her shoulders. Unlike most of the courtiers she wore a simple dress that was not meant to dazzle nor draw attention to her feminine curves. It was a simple design, with a modest squarely cut neckline that exposed just the beginning of her bosom. The dress was cinched just bellow her breasts, falling down in a cascade of emerald green silk, all the way down to the ground. her hands were clasped before her, eyes held down as she were afraid to look at him, standing right before the freshly made Caesar. The crowd had parted, and she stood there, confused for a moment, glancing to the side, and with a gasp tried to move away as Andolin uttered those words, causing her to at last look at him. "Oh?" Her eyes were the same color as the dress and she kept her gaze on Andolin's, a flicker later dropping into a curtsey and extending her hand. "I would, Your Highness." She smiled then, a slightly shy smile followed by a subtle blush which accentuated the soft freckles that covered her finely shaped nose.

"An interesting philosophy. You almost seem proud that people think ill off you. Perhaps I should do the same?" Isis showed no intention of moving from the spot she occupied, casting a single glance as Andolin finally made his choice and clapped with an amused chuckle. "Oh, isn't he just precious? Why am I not surprised he did the unexpected? He must be so pleased to have outsmarted everyone in the room." Then with a smile she turned back to Vanir and smiled with a slightly puzzled expression. "Oh, I am sorry. Did you say anything?" Her lips curled up in an impish half-smile, the beautiful Amunic envoy staring right into Panling's eyes.

"Loins?" Hagen arched a brow, focusing his attention on Fialessa as Andolin finally made his pick, causing the blond paladin to furrow his brows in slight puzzlement. "Are you implying that he lusts after all three?" He paused, now fully focused on Fia. "Isn't that a bit flattering. Even taking into account that His Majesty could be a man of considerable stamina, three girls is a bit much." He glanced towards the freshly crowned Caesar and his partner as the musicians started to play, the crowd parting and giving them room to move, as pair began to form and join in the dance. "While I do not doubt that His Majesty is quite decadent and probably quite spoiled, I am much more worried about his tendency to flaunt the power he has hardly earned so freely. That is a sure way to disaster."

"I shall need to check, of course, but I think the 26th would work fine. I believe the Voice of Rafao should be free of any duties by the fourth mark of the Eveningtide. And if it is too late I would be happy to arrange for a visit on the next day. Maybe you could be the guest of our Embassy and share a breakfast. It would be a great honor." The man kept his eyes at a neutral point somewhere around Rosalie's chin, only looking up at her eyes when he asked a question and even then only for a flicker. "But as you said, it can all be arranged by our staff. I do believe there is a Council meeting scheduled for the 28th. There are a few empty seats on the Council and they need to be filled. And I do believe we have had reports from trouble in Trothgard that needs to be taken care off."

Safely hidden from casual onlookers, Silk followed Andolin's little game, his gaze following Anora and Ygraine as they left the room, his eyes catching the gaze of a well dressed nobleman and sending the men off to tend to a little bit of business. He wanted to know what the Caesar's plans with the trio he had sent away were, but so far he did not like how things were. I see I shall have to pay His Majesty a visit. To remind him of his duties and promises. Pity I can't explain why his predecessor died. That should be just the thing that could guide him back to the true path. Oh, it seems my days of relaxation are over. Time for the Imperial Secretary to reutn. Moving away as the dance started, he smiled charmingly at a woman whom he knew as a widow and bowed. "Will you honor an old man as myself with a dance?"

[Vanir Alfheim]

Vanir turned his head and chuckled softly at Andolin's choice. He knew it was just a ploy, since the Caesar had already shown his true colors with his student and the other girls. He made a note to quiz Anora fully about this evening at a later date. It would be nice to have more intimate details of Andolin's life, in case he needed something. The adhiel turned his attention back to the lovely Isis.

"Precious? No, but he is crafty. I doubt he will fool most people here, but it should make a good story to spread through the streets. Caesar Andolin is a shrewd, intelligent man, but he is also arrogant, which is his weakness. He has fulfilled his greatest ambitions, but he will not stop there. Men like him cannot simply stop, especially when they are winning. If you wish to control him, you must find something he wants and dangle it in front of him. If he reaches for it, simply pull it away and his desire for it will grow. Do you understand what I mean, Lady Isis?"

Vanir turned to the amunic goddess and looked her over playfully. "However my tastes are quite different than the Caesar's. I don't enjoy the hunt, nearly as much as I enjoy the catch. Of course my tastes are not surprising to you, I am certain. What might surprise you is how useful I can be as your friend, my Lady."

[Andolin]

Andolin would have been disheartened had he known what others were thinking. Though he had the magical skill to read minds, and was a perceptive person by nature, it seemed that, this night, he was the only person incapable of reading minds.

It did not matter that he was in a chamber that did not allow magic use, it did not seem that any magical ability was necessary this night. Persons who had never met him in their lives and might not be able to spell the word magic were able to read correctly his every silent thought and intention.

Rather than judge him as kind for appearing to show concern for a woman whose dress was ruined, every one in the chamber that night knew that it was all a ruse to bed the woman. An attempt to appear to arbitrate between another two women that were shouting at each, and sending them away with a guard, was miraculously interpreted as an attempt to seduce both as well.

His attempt to choose some plain woman to dance apparently fooled no one. Everyone knew it for what is was -- a shameless attempt to make himself look good. Everyone could see through his every move to look good, knowing that he was somehow abusing his power thereby.

Perhaps this news would cheer the Caesar. If every Imperial citizen had the ability to read minds and know every hidden intention, then the Empire would be safe. No assassin or enemy agent could ever be successful, for every observer would know him for what he was, or use their intuition to guess it.

Unfortunately, this complete protection from hidden motives would not be of much help to Andolin, for it seemed that he was the only one in the room to be limited to drawing conclusions only from what he observed with his eyes. Unlike the infallibility of others, he might come to a wrong conclusion or be misled somehow. Poor Andolin. This fact suggested that his reign would be short indeed.

Leading the newly met lady out into the open dance area, the new Caesar asked, "might you grace me with your name?" He did not try to read her mind to find out for himself.

[Fialessa Valenstri]

Fialessa nodded, with a Panling's knowledge of certain... mating practices... "Oh, certain types of men do like to flatter their own vanity into thinking they can satisfy a multitude of women in a single evening. I honestly don't believe it to be so. It's a little delusion that women, of course, allow these types of men to believe. It's so much simpler and seems to make them happy...

"But you see if you watched the way he spoke to those women, how he might smile or the way his eyes might glint like a child with a present. Body language can be very telling, and some things are more obvious than a person realizes about themself. Not to mention the amount of time he'd taken to deal with that issue himself when someone else, someone lesser, could and should have easily taken care of such a trivial matter. Well especially that. I wonder if a pair or three gentlemen produced such a scuffle, would he have acted the same?" Of course Fia made no mention of those things which Vanir had shared with her in private about the newly crowned Caesar that certainly coloured her opinions and had her judge his actions with a bit of cynicism.

The young Panling's amber eyes rested on the paladin's face. "Oh, I worry about that too. For do not we all depend on his decisions? Whether or not we are his true subjects... how he deals with others, from the women he selects to bed to the ambassadors of allies and enemies alike," she paused pointedly, "any and all may have an affect on every single one of us. Like any other Ruler peace and war are in his hands. I only hope he is far more sensible than he has thus far displayed.”

[Rosalie Marcada]

Being perhaps one of the few people present to have actually experienced the Caesar's lust, Rosalie was not at all concerned with who was ending up in the Imperial bedroom or elsewhere. It was no concern of her if he decided to debauch the very lot of them. What interested her was power, and here was her opportunity maintain hers.

"Then send your people to my secretary to arrange for the breakfast meeting, signore Ambassador," Rosalie smiled, while confused about the man's focus point. Was there something particularly interesting about her chin? Usually women looked in her eyes with unconscious challenge, while men ogled her breasts with unveiled lust. I wonder if this is another cultural thing that he so consciously is doing neither. A form of respect perhaps. She reminded herself to ask for a full cultural briefing on Amun Rah before the meeting. She would need to tread carefully. Etiquette was so very important.

More people were now entering the dancefloor. She arched an eyebrow, wondering if the Vizier would dare to... "Well, thank you for your time, Ambassador.. or perhaps you will stay a while and enlighten me on the trouble with Trothgard? I have not danced in ages." Of course in the Mouth Rosalie would never have dared to take the initiative, but this was the barbarious Empire in which women did countless things that made society of the Mouth gasp. Rosalie smiled sweetly while she felt wicked indeed.

[Grey Wolf]

There was something familiar in the girl's features, a hint of face Andolin had seen before, though who precisely was not readily apparent until she uttered her name. "My name is Nashira, Your Highness. Nashira Stacco." The more she spoke, the more her Muchislian accent became evident, only the shape of her lips hinting at something more exotic in her ancestry, probably Amun Rah, judging by her name. Up close she was not quite as plain as she appeared, though no great beauty, her eyes modestly focused upon Caesar's collarbone, a hint of blush turning her cheeks pink.

Isis found it hard to suppress the desire to pinch Vanir's cheek and call the Panling cute and adorable, merely smiling at his words and nodding condescendingly, slowly growing irritated by priest's behavior. "You call a man who ascended to Imperial Throne today arrogant, and yet you asked wife and sister of Rafao, and a demi-goddess for a dance? I believe I heard Duke Erwin say something that would be appropriate for this moment. Do not look for slivers in the eye of another, when there is a log in your own eye." She sighed and turned to observe Caesar's dance, falling silent for a flicker. "I am not so sure you know His Majesty at all. Or men for that matter. To catch such a prey you need to do more than simply tease him. he craves the reward as much as the hunt. What is needed is for him to get but a taste of the prize at first and then you give him more and more as time passes. And when he seems to be losing interest you withdraw the favor. Surely you have at least read about fishing?" She smiled and arched a perfectly sculpted brow, looking into Vanir's eyes. "And now I think it is time you give me at least hint of what you can give me or I shall have to order my Immortals to tie you and carry you to my Embassy."

One obeyed his betters and while Rosalie held no power over the Grand Vizier, pleasing her had potential of benefiting Amun Rah and he was ever one to work to his homeland's betterment. Without a word he offered Baroness his arm, guiding her to the dance floor and bowed before falling into the steps. Despite his age, the man was a fine and graceful dancer, though he kept his eyes focused on either Rosalie's chin or her hands. "We have had reports that there is some serious trouble brewing in the Northern lands. I am not aware how acquainted you are with their customs, but I believe a change in the way society works has happened. A group of men revolted against the female rule and are seeking to overthrow Kona. And as ever, such a radical shift often leads to bloody conflict." Again, his eyes went to Rose's only when he spoke directly to her, Deacon dancing as well, close to his charge, but not crowding the pair, a young lady of perhaps twenty yahren chuckling at something the old bodyguard said.

Hagen merely observed the new Caesar as he began to dance, but did not show any inclination to join in, even though many others did had no reservations. Without looking back at Fialessa he listened to her, adding softly, still following Andolin. "I am not quite sure why, but for some reason I believe you are right about him. Something tells me he is quite an immoral man, though I fear that still does not make him less important." After another flicker of intense focus on Caesar's back, he turned and smiled apologetically at the Panling at his side. "I am sorry, but I think this night holds no more opportunities for me. If you would like I could give you a ride, miss........."

[Andolin]

The woman he had picked out at random seemed familiar somehow. It caused Andolin to search his memory. Something of a paranoid person, he was ever on the watch for an enemy, including a familiar face that he could not place. It might be the one, or a relative to an enemy.

Not knowing that many persons from Muchislian, other than Isabella, Silk and De Bessnie, Andolin was concerned. The hint of darker, more exotic features, made the question of her identity more urgent. Her name did little to jog his memory.

"Nashira. What a lovely name," he replied. The fact that she was not very plain meant that he had not achieved what he had wanted -- namely, a reputation as a man not necessarily captive to beauty. If she was pretty, then she would not serve this purpose. Fortunately, she was dressed more humbly, so perhaps he would get credit for not being so haughty (even though he was).

"Nashira," he whispered as the began their dance. "You look familiar to me. Where have we met before?" he asked simply. Perhaps her words would help him remember. Her gaze at his neck made the paranoid Caesar wonder why she was staring there. Is she planning to slit my throat?

[Rosalie Marcada]

It was perhaps ironic how so many couples on the dancefloor worried about what their dancepartners were looking at. For Rose it was her chin. The Grand Vizier for some reason or other was leaving her frustrated. He was so utterly... sexless. The thought pierced Rosalie for a moment. No, surely not.

The Ambassador swallowed and tried instead to concentrate on what the good man was saying "Are you saying the men are now in control? Or is society in a flux that will render them... helpless? " Rosalie inquired most innocently. How ironic, wasn't it a Trothgardian princess that had nearly married the old Caesar, who all too conveniently died.

Rosalie paused for a moment as she allowed the man to take her into a fancy swirl before inquiring "What is the take of Amun Rah on this, milord?"

[Vanir Alfheim]

Vanir almost laughed at the irony of Isis' statement, the arrogance of her one words shining through. He simply nodded and spoke softly. "I never claimed I wasn't arrogant, but there is a difference in our arrogance. I am quite familiar with our new Caesar, a history that remains better kept quiet. I have spoken directly with Pan, endured visions from both Pan and the Mother, deep friendship with Lady Eilish, and know most of the Imperial Consul on close terms. It might seem arrogant to ask you for a dance, but after all I have done, it seemed only like a dance with a beautiful woman."

The priest waited quietly while she watched the dance. He seemed quite interested in the scene himself, although it was only a feigned interest. The question she posed him was quite a dangerous, since it asked him to show part of his bait. The trick was to tell enough to keep her wanting, but not too much of his usefulness. "There plans in place for several ends, but they shall have to wait until I can truly show you what I can accomplish. However I do have a pair of lips whispering in the Caesar's ear, closer than you might think. She will be happy to whisper anything I tell her and perhaps anything you tell me. I also know of a council position that will be opening soon, a position the Caesar will select. We just have to tell him who to select. Now do you understand part of what I can offer you. We select the new council member and now we have that much more power in the palace. I can assure you that this will be a very enticing deal for you."

Vanir smiled seductively and looked over the toned body of the amunic queen. "Now I have told part of what I can offer, it is your turn to entice me. What can you do for me to place these whispers in our Caesar's ear?"

[Fialessa Valenstri]

Hagen did not strike her as the dancing type. And though the young woman's first and best love had been the dance, she did not show any interest or disappointment when she was not ferried toward the floor. Instead she was a little too surprised the man had agreed with her. But then even Pan had a sense of morality, few knew that as most believed Panlings to be the most immoral. Her amber glance softened at the apology in his smile, it humanized him in some strange fashion as she looked upward toward him. She wondered momentarily if he'd a strain of giant blood in his family...

miss... It occurred she'd not introduced herself at that... all the while wondering where it was opportunity lay for her. Surely Vanir had wished for her to play nice with the new Caesar, but she did not think she'd like to be on his dinner plate. Let alone his dessert plate, full enough as it was. Though certainly his offer to escort her back would raise eyebrows, increasing interest at seeing a Oneist Paladin and Panling Priestess together... An altogether stranger opportunity, Vanir would understand... It decided her... “Valenstri, Fialessa Valenstri. And indeed you offer is much appreciated... and accepted. Thank you.” Fia offered him a smile, one not predatory or salacious, just a smile.

[Grey Wolf]

Isis was a demi-goddess and felt herself quite superior to the majority, if not all the people in the Great Hall at that time, only her brother and husband eclipsing her divinity by his own. As Vanir spoke she kept her eyes on Andolin and his dance partner, wondering if the girl knew how honored she had been with Caesar’s selection, and also how many enemies she had made without doing a thing. Then came the priest’s question and the Voice of Rafao chuckled merrily. “You are asking wife of Rafao Ionis, Amunic representative in the Imperial Council and holder of four votes there what she can do for you? I can do a lot, provided you prove yourself able to deliver on your promise. Just because you have someone who can whisper to Caesar’s ear does not mean he will listen to that whisper.” She turned and smiled, shaking her head slightly. “As for the Council seat…… I hope you can read minds, since we are meeting on the 28th to fill out the vacant Council seats. Which means you need to have already planted ideas to Caesar’s head about whom I would prefer in the Council. Have you?”

Grand Vizier glanced up into Rosalie’s eyes at her questions and kept his gaze there for almost half a burn, pursing his lips, pondering a reply. “The reports are sketchy at best, but I think the order has been restored. Women are still in control, though a different elite has been established. We expect to have a more detailed and accurate report from the Imperial Scouts at the Council. Lady Manyana sent out some agents to discover what is going on there.” Then came the tricky part and it was not after another fancy swirl that he replied to the last question. “Rafao feels that proper order should be maintained and while he understands that a change is necessary at times, he does not approve of such violence. Kona is still the legitimate ruler of Trothgard and we shall offer her assistance in re-establishing that rule if she requests it.” A diplomatic answer, and one that could be interpreted in many way, but still taking a side.

Finding a confident and homely girl in the crowd that surrounded the newly crowned Caesar would have been an exercise in futility, and while Nashira was not homely, she was no great beauty either, merely wearing appropriate makeup and a fitting hair. The girl glanced up at the question, lowering her eyes a flicker later, her body tense under Andolin’s fingers, as if she were ready to bolt at every flicker. “No, Your Highness. You may have met my grandfather with who I am said to bear a resemblance. He was the Muchislie Ambassador to Citadel until a few months ago. I have not been here until a few days ago.”

[Rosalie Marcada]

Rosalie smiled at the Grand Vizier, now certain she had his attention, leaning into the swirl of the dance with relish. "How very interesting," she breathed and it was no lie. The Mouth Ambassador couldn't help but wonder who was supporting the other side, however cautiously. Crystals, Rose remembered, crystals were Trothgards main export. Its supply was vital to many countries, including her own. It was a well guarded secret that they were vital in the operation of airships... a secret that the Empire had learned as part of the price that World's Mouth had paid to gain its freedom.

They twirled again and Rosalie allowed herself a little laugh, leaning into the Grand Vizier with twinkling eyes "Who then, Your Grace, is supporting those rebels, how very naughty of them to upset tradition. I wonder what motivated them, what shifted the balance of power as it were." Kislovan. Kislovan or Muchislie, or both. They were close and they had an advantage to seek. Of course, it could be simply a local affair. However if those two states were not yet involved, they would be soon. Kislovan craved crystals for their supposed magickal value, and Dominicus Feet if Muchislie was not hunting for the imperial secret of airships. If it gained that it would overshadow Dort and the Mouth both.

The swirls, the alcohol, but most of all the politics were making Rosalie dizzy and giddy. She laughed again, as if the Grand Vizier was one of the most charming men ever.

[Andolin]

Where were the homely, unattractive girls when one needed them? Such was court life -- to be tortured with a wealth of beauty and ... wealth.

"Oh, the Ambassador ... yes of course. You are his granddaughter? How wonderful," he declared with comforting humor. "Nashira, why do you seem so nervous? I am not a terrible person. I won't do anything to harm you. It is just a dance," he offered as further comfort.

"So, you are new here to the Citadel then. Tell me, what are your plans here? What do you hope to accomplish with this visit?" It was an attempt to assess whether she might have any redeeming qualities. If not, he would politely disengage and find some other pretty face to dance with.