The Patrician Residence of the Master of Protocol

Post by **Shaeliana** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 5:16 am

Compared to other buildings in the Patricians Ring, the house was modest but elegant. It most endearing feature was the small garden with the marble fountain, a statue of a nude elvess holding a large pot sprouting water. Hidden in the roses was a small door with an exit to the Palace gardens just behind there, a discreet way to reach the Palace without going over the public streets.

The small garden ended in a terrace, with doors to the drawing room. A small dining room, and a small hallway completed the ground level, with the kitchen and the servant quarters being in the basement. On the first and second floor there was room to house Lord Andolin and 2 to 3 guests, leaving them each with both a bed and a dressing room, as well as seperate wash facilities.

The materials & furniture used throughout the house were of clear Dortenese make, crafted by their master dwarven stonemasons and other artisans, except for the deep mahogany wood of the stairs that hailed from Muchislie, and had been cut by elven artisans of Kislovan in themes of plants and small animals.

Growing up the bannister, covering the sides of the stairs were beautiful Dragon Eyes, the brilliant red blossoms in abundant clusters hanging from the lush green vines, creating quite a spectacle when the lights went out and the brilliant red blooms glowed like red dragon eyes in the dark, hence their name.

Upstairs in the master bedroom, latticework had been suspended over the bed where more of the rare and exotic blossoms filled the air with a soft sensuous fragrance.

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 6:19 am

Into this dream strode Andolin. It was his house after all. He paused to admire the Dragon Eyes and then thought how empty the place was. Too quiet. So, he dreamed of a party at his house -- a Masque. Suddenly he dreamed himself draped in a long silk tunic half black and half white. The left was black and the right was white. His left leg hose was black and his right leg was adorned with white. He wore a mask of silver and gold. The left was silver with a moon emblem and the right was gold and bore the insignia of the sun. It symbolized the struggle within him perhaps, but it was also a way to symbolize Fate.

Perhaps other guests would come to his Masquerade Ball. The food was divine, the wine quite rare, and he could even hear strains of music coming from an unseen place in his house. yes, everything was just right, but would he be alone in this dream?

Guenhwyfar · Post by **Guenhwyfar** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 6:35 am

Ygraine strode in with her usual hauteur -- but her dress was not quite her usual attire. The body of the gown was full-skirted and tight-waisted, in her traditional forest green -- but the arms were daringly bare, their only cover two large heavy golden bracelets in the shape of serpents encircling her upper arms, with emerald eyes. Her hair was unbound, in loose ringlets down her back, held back only by a golden circlet also in the shape of a snake. Her upper face was obscured by a mask in the form of two elaborately kohled eyes bedecked in more green and gold. Bored already, she looked around for something to catch her interest.

Kitlanya · Post by **Kitlanya** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 6:42 am

Though she'd only been here once before, she knew the place. It had been an evening cut short by the intrusion of Andolin's dark haired servant and she wondered briefly if she would see the strumpet here tonight, but only briefly as held out her hand to the coachman so she could step down. The day had been perfect and the night looked as if it would follow suit.

Her cream colored gown, cut in the latest fashion that emphasized the bustline while narrowing the waist, was liberally adorned with embroidery done with glistening gold threads. On her arm she wore the bracelet Andolin had given her and around her neck were the emeralds, also a gift from him of sorts. The emerald drops from her ears set off her eyes as did her fiery red hair swept up into the latest coiffure. The final touch was the cream and gold mask that covered eyes and flowed down to cover both cheeks while leaving the mouth free and open.

Escorted to the door by her coachman, she waited until she was announced and then entered. Eyes unobtrusively swept the room taking in the details of who was here and landed on the balustrade covered in Dragon's Eyes. It took her breath away. They had done very well here and were absolutely lovely. Moving on into the room, her eyes sought the one she'd come to see searching for the man of her dreams, the one who had awakened something in her she hadn't known before.

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 7:22 am

Not knowing yet that others unknown to him might attend his Masquerade, Andolin tried to guess the identity of each guest as she arrived. The dark hair and haughty attitude was only proof that the lady in green was a noble. Yet the serpents reminded him of either Lucienda or Ygraine and he would guess the latter. Lucienda would not looked bored. She would come straight over to him and torment him, he supposed.

The red head, despite her costume was readily identifiable to Andolin. Not only had he come to know her body well, but the emerald bracelet and other jewelry was a giveaway. Picking up two glasses of his best wine, he moved smoothly to her side. "Milady," he murmured. "You have me quite at a disadvantage. Yet, you are a lady who looks to enjoy Dragon Eyes and good wine. It is delightful that you could attend this evening." He stared into her green eyes with the same intensity he had when they were locked into a more intimate embrace. "Had you not come, I would have scried to find you and had you brought here," he whispered. "Now we practice swordsmanship in a contest of banter tonight I fear." The dream was starting so nicely that he was oblivious at the moment to the types of guests that could turn this into a nightmare.

Kitlanya · Post by **Kitlanya** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 7:47 am

Dashing and debonair as usual, she was almost certain the gentleman approaching with two glasses of wine could be no other than Andolin, but the sound of his voice was the final proof. Green eyes lighted with joy joining the blissful smile that adorned her rosy lips. Still, it was a ball and proper decorum must be observed. Taking the wine from him, she chuckled softly.

â€œDragon Eyes are a most rare treat that any true lady would enjoy, only matched by your own hospitality and generosity good sir,â€ she sipped the wine and then leaned in towards the gentleman.

â€œI would watch the scrying at such a social function however,â€ she whispered a playful warning. â€œThere are those who don't see it as a harmless activity.â€ Pulling away once again, she smiled.

â€œI cannot imagine myself anywhere else except here sparring with you my love,â€ she pursed her lips into a kiss that she blew his way. â€œThe Dragon Eyes have done so well. Your gardener is to be commended. They are breathtaking there,â€ she beamed and drew in a deep breath, closing her eyes in appreciation of their soft subtle scent.

â€œYou are quite the handsome figure tonight m'lord,â€ she purred. â€œAll the females will be fighting over you. What a shame they have already lost,â€ she giggled softly.

Isabella Florentina · Post by **Isabella Florentina** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 6:14 pm

Isabella stepped out of the coach, supported by the coachman. One hand held up the hem of her silver gown as she carefully stepped down in the street and looked up at the familiar Patricians House.

Cut in the latest fashion, with a wide billowing skirt and a tight waist, her dress was the latest contribution from Audrey's Otherwear. It turned out just like she had dreamed of, naturally, and the pale dress brought out her olive skin in the most lovely way. White embroderies creating snowflakes along the hem and daringly cut bust gave this a decidedly winter feel as was proper for a winter dress. White fur instead of lace edged her cuffs and her hem. Little diamonds were strewn delicately over the bodice, echoed in the tiara that perched in her gathered up hairdo of dark curls, and the diamond necklace that adorned her swanlike neck. Isabella's mask was made of silver, adorned with white feathers. It only hid the upper part of her face. In an effort to remain truely masked the Rose had decided on a lavender perfume.

Keeping her white feathered fan firmly in her hand, Isabella approached the house so well known to her, only stopping when she stood in the dooropening, her eyes roaming over the guests present. Her glance rested for a moment on the green snake, before noticing a redhead. How many redheads are there at court? she wondered with a little pang.

AnariÃ³n Herunna · Post by **AnariÃ³n Herunna** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 6:57 pm

OOC: Hope it's okay if a petty soldier joins this fancy ball even though he might feel out of place... Hope this is a masqerade or else I'll have to change my outfit or be the laugh of the night!

IC: The young and handsome Cala'Quessir stumbled into yet another dream. A cold wind touched his bare skin, and he immediately realized he was standing in the cold without his nightgown. The nudity made him run for cover behind an old tree. Hiding from an embarrassing scene AnariÃ³n was safe, at least for the moment.

This was like nothing he had ever dreamt before. Everything around him was so... real. The beautiful dark sky above him, the old tree and even the tiny leaf he was clutching in his hand. AnariÃ³n pinched his right arm, but it only hurt, and it was then he saw he was now wearing a costume, a most ridiculous one.

His black breeches were thight and clung to his body, and his upperbody was covered with a coat made of only grey and black feathers. A raven mask hid his face and a yellow beak made his blush, his long dark hair flowed to his shoulders. By his side he at least carried a short sword.

Peeking from behind the tall, old oak AnariÃ³n could see a large house. It was familiar to him, though he could not remember where he had gazed upon it before. A small path led the way up to the street in front of the mansion, and AnariÃ³n approached the house clutching his sword till his knuckles were white.

AnariÃ³n entered the house and felt immidiately out of place, he was not accustomed to the company of nobles. The room was large and decorated with expensive furniture and materials. The Cala'Quessir slowly strolled among the people staring at them. He knew not one of the other guests.

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 10:44 pm

"Can you be so sure, my dear, that the others have lost? I do so bristle at being taken for granted," he teased. "Perhaps I can make you jealous tonight as we act as if we do not know each other. It is a masquerade after all." He gave her a sly smile.

His eyes roamed the room and he noted the arrival of the lady in silver. Her height and enticing shape reminded him of his Isabella. The olive complexion fit the description as well. He suppressed a smile.

The entry of the man in the raven costume was of interest. He tried to guess the identity of the man. Perhaps it is Agravaine.

Zaure · Post by **Zaure** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 11:05 pm

Zaure was outside of the house that Andolin had managed to swindle from the Caesar on the night of the 5th. Normally that in and of itself would have been seen as a very odd occurance to the elf, but he was so glad to see anything from the Citadel that he immediately felt more at home than he had been. Besides, time was so odd here that for all he knew this was the house, but not during Andolin's time. Realizing that all the people inside of the home were masked and disguised, he clapped his hands together in delight. 'I shall play as well!'

Immediately the elf conjured up garb resembling the ensemble he had worn the night of the Festival of Pan. Part of him was quite glad to leave the white robe he had been wearing constantly behind. The dress was of white velvet, and he had the diamond necklace sitting around his neck and his white pearl earrings dangling from his pointed ears. The shoes were white and would have pinched the elf's feet had it been possible. The elf's long hair was done back in a far more elaborate series of braids than he had formerlly thought possible to do in his hair, and a white lily was tucked into it. The elf looked the perfect picture of an innocent elven maid, and wanted to play the part to perfection. With a grin, Zaure finished out the outfit with a mask that was also white.

The elf walked into the house and very nearly gasped at the inside of it, 'This is so real!' Turning around in amazement for a few moments, the elf eventually calmed himself and looked around to see if perhaps he recognized any of the beautiful dreamers.

Kitlanya · Post by **Kitlanya** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 2:32 am

Almost immediately the redhead regretted her words and worse, regretted coming here. Their previous trysts had been just that. Private and intimate, she hadn't been forced to share him with anyone or put on airs for others. I do so bristle at being taken for granted had been his comment. Uttered in a teasing tone, Kitya recognized undertones that said it wasn't all just a tease. Here, the game was back on and there was much more at risk and at steak and she found herself bristling back in reaction.

Struck dumb for several flickers, she just stared mutely at her love, taking in the message and the under messages. Pretend they didn't know each other so he could try to make her jealous? It seemed incredulous to her that he would not realize how easy that would be or that he would want her to feel that way. Still, until they were ready to reveal their connection to the world at large, perhaps it would be better if they were to remain distant aquaintances. Besides, this was a game she could play and play it well. Beaming her best smile back to Andolin, she nodded.

"Of course you are right m'lord," she inclined her head slightly. "Distance is best lest anyone discover our secrets," she whispered, aware of his eyes taking in the room, the light of recognition showing almost imperceptably. Not at all happy with the turn of things, she curtsied low.

"What a delightful affair," she laughed in a normal voice. "Thank you for you warm welcome," she rose and turned away from Andolin, eyes scanning the room for a target and finding none except the strange bird costume who no doubt did not deserve her ire tonight. Instead, she moved to the stairway to examine the Dragon's Eyes.

Post by **Syrawenn** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 11:17 pm

Syrawenn felt strangely constricted in her clothes. What is wrong with me? Where am I? Is this some trick again? Would this be past-present-future-none of the above? Pulling her arms in front of her was difficult. Putting her hands in her pockets even more so...since she had no pockets. Where did my pockets go? Chirpin canaries, I've heard of thieves, but which idiot goes around stealing pockets? She stopped dead in her tracks.

Waiiiiiiiit a minute...you can't steal a pocket. Fearing the worst Syrawenn looked down at her clothing. It was even worse. The girl let out a loud yelp. "Which moron thought it funny to put me up for display?" She yelled at no one in particular. "Oh, for sunshine's sake, this can't be serious." The dismayed girl found her slender self in a snug fitted yellow bodice with an equally brightly coloured skirt. This was horrible to begin with, but the weight that was pulling her shoulders back proved to be two large cheerful wings! Her long, dark hair was somehow draped on top of her head, sporting two antennae that held the mass of wavy hair in it's place.

"Right! Whose idea of a joke is this?" She tried again, looking around for any of the holy cutepies she had met along the way. "Gimme back my stuff! Where are my trousers? I can't walk in this!" Syrawenn looked around, only to find herself in a completely strange house that looked decorated for a great party. Party...I have no time for parties...something is soooo wrong here. Gotta find out who's responsible.

She started walking in her usual brisque pace, noticing how the skirt hindered her big steps. Every other step was on the skirt instead of on the ground. The girl groaned and lifted the skirt up, revealing her bare legs. At least she could make some speed like this. A butterfly...who the flip made me a butterfly? Someone is gonna pay BIG time!

Zaure · Post by **Zaure** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 11:24 pm

Zaure looked up at the woman who was screaming about her apparel in a loud voice and began to laugh, rather loudly, 'She looks almost like a giant bumblebee!' He walked up to her, more at ease in his dress than the woman appeared to be in hers, "We're all here for display purposes... and it could be worse, you could have gotten here wearing no clothing at all!" He snickered at her walking, "You don't walk that way in a dress."

The elf shrugged at her, keeping up with her strides with ease, "I don't know... I haven't figured out who runs this place yet. But, since we get free run of it, I don't really care. You don't really need any stuff here, that's probably why you don't have it. I don't have my stuff." Zaure laughed again as she picked up her skirt, "It's possible to walk in a dress. Dresses merely take a different stride than trousers. I've danced in both. Trust me, dancing is a lot harder than walking... nice legs, though. Perhaps you should make your skirt a bit shorter if it bugs you so?"

Guenhwyfar · Post by **Guenhwyfar** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 11:24 pm

Raoul was not quite sure how he had ended up here, or where exactly "here" was, but it didn't seem as though there was much he could do about it. He found himself clad in an impressive-looking military uniform of the sort he very much wanted to claim for himself, but which he couldn't until he had met his father's strict criteria for fencing ability and other martial prowess.

He stood near the staircase and took in the party; some of the people looked vaguely familiar, like the snake-woman, though he certainly didn't know anyone who would dress like *that*, and the woman in white, whose olive skin reminded him of someone. Then he saw the giant yellow butterfly, which occupied his attention for a while as he stared at it in bafflement; then, when he looked away, he saw that a striking redhead was standing next to him, looking at the flowers.

"Milady," he said to Kitya with a polite nod and bow.

Post by **Syrawenn** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 11:31 pm

"Friggin' fantasies, no KIDDING that you don't walk in a dress this way. This is no dress to walk in! Who invented this contraption? Hey, wait a flicker, you're a guy." Syrawenn raised her eyebrows. "So, you got your trousers hidden somewhere? Could I borrow? How in blazes do you manage to walk without tripping and will you shut up about my legs!" Her mood was deteriorating with every passing moment. This obviously was someone's idea of a joke and it was costing her time! What did this Elf mean with 'we don't need stuff here'? It did not make sense at all!

"Funnyman, eh?" She grumbled at his bugging remark, then stared back at Raoul. "And what are you looking at?"

Zaure · Post by **Zaure** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 11:36 pm

Zaure raised his eyebrow and laughed again, doubling over, "Of course you walk in dresses. If you don't believe me, watch!" The elf adjusted the dress, then went into a dance: a very quick dance. After a bit of it, he stopped and returned to her side, "I don't know who invented the dress. Yes, I am male. Er, I think?" The elf wasn't sure whether spirits still had gender, but shrugged, "No, I have no trousers... I arrived in a robe, but I changed it into a dress. If you want trousers, get some." The elf sighed, and took slow, long strides to demonstrate how to walk.

"You walk like this. Now either get trousers or learn to walk. Or don't, watching you trip is funny. And if you show your legs to people, they'll comment. Why not just have fun here?"

Post by **Syrawenn** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 11:51 pm

Syrawenn rolled her eyes. "Oh piffle, you may walk in dresses, I ain't used to the stuff hanging around. Who makes up the rules here? You? Anyone else? I don't even know where or when I am. Sucks bigtime. If you want trousers, get some...pffft." The last sentence she mumbled as she tried to follow Zaure's moves with her eyes. "Nice. So this a costume party? Heard about em. Fun is fun, sure. Just gotta find out what I'm doing here first."

Her keen eyes scanned the room. There were several people in exotic costumes walking around and talking. Now all she needed was to find people that looked like they really belonged here. They would be able to tell her what she was doing here, no doubt. Lessee...

Zaure · Post by **Zaure** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 12:28 am

Zaure stopped and studied her walk, "You just need to get used to it, that is all." He smiled at her, "I am sorry for making fun of you, I am merely trying to stay light-hearted... it is rather difficult considering my condition." The elf gave a short laugh again, "I don't really think there are any rules here. And even if there were, who cares? Rules are only suggestions anyway."

The elf twirled for her, then twisted a strand of conviently loosed hair around his finger, "Hmmmm? Oh, yes, it does appear to be a costume party, although I wouldn't put too much stock in appearences. Now, why must you always have a reason to be here? Is it not enough to just do something or be somewhere just in order to enjoy it?"

Post by **Syrawenn** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 12:34 am

"Ri-iight...get used to it...light hearted difficult? Cause of your condition...what, you got a heart condition?" Syrawenn was trying to keep up, but the Elf was possibly even more vague than she was. "Hey, people back home should meet you! That'll teach em for thinking I make no sense. Rules don't exist. Gods break rules, so why would we keep to em, eh?"

Remembering the stranger's comment she lowered the dress somewhat. "Whaddayamean with appearances stuffies? And last time I checked I was kinda nowhen, so I'm just checking my calendar if you don't mind. Enjoying...Argh!" She threw her hands up in dismay. "How do you enjoy a dress?" The girl managed to make the word sound rather dirty.

Zaure · Post by **Zaure** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 12:39 am

Zaure laughed again, rather dryly this time, "You could say I have a heart condition, lady. As in, I don't have one. Because I'm dead." He sighed, "It takes some adjusting to." The elf grinned at her whimsically, "Indeed the gods don't follow rules, but neither do we. I would like to see more people... but I really don't think I can go back."

"I mean that how things appear don't really mean anything. This is not a place as you are used to the term, so... one can't place too much emphasis on appearances. You are, indeed, nowhen. Or, rather, it's nowhen for you... Argh, I still haven't figured out time here yet! It is impossibly infuriating!"

With an impish grin, Zaure leaned in, "Well, lady, if you don't like the dress, just ignore it. Last time I checked, people were more than their clothing. You may not like the dress, but you can enjoy other things. Like, do you dance? What do you do for fun?"

Post by **Syrawenn** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 12:44 am

Syrawenn blinked her eyes. This was unexpected. It had to mean this was a dream. Usually people died in her dreams, not just before. Gosh, talking to a dead person. Would he be dead already in real life then? She stepped in closer and pinched Zaure. "Nope, not disappearing. So, are you really dead? I mean, dead-dead, as in really-dead-not-just-here? If you're dead, what are you doing here? I guess it's a dream, gotta be with all the weirdness and now a dead guy." The girl mused.

The hyperactive young woman listened to Zaure's question about fun. "Well...dreams are no time at all, so it doesn't matter, does it? I just learned that if there is no time, there is no movement either, so in a way dreams are in time, but in a different time cause you can dream for marks in only flickers and probably the other way around although I have not tried that yet. Should be interesting..." She took another breath. "Annnnyways, fun? I play cards..."

Zaure · Post by **Zaure** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 12:51 am

Zaure watched her pinch him with a little bit of interest, "Hmmm... doesn't hurt. I guess I'm not supposed to get hurt anymore. No, I like it here... the place is one from my City. So, no leaving yet." His voice took on a slightly sad tone, "Well, I watched a man slit my throat, and have just been hopping around for who knows how long, so... yes, I'm dead. I'm here because I can be. I'll be damned if I'm spending eternity in Pan's Meadow. He's very nice, but I'm not a Panling..."

"Indeed, well, it doesn't matter to you, anyway. I must say that it's very odd to exist somewhere and not know how time works. It's just something you take for granted alive: there's day and night, and such. There isn't here. There isn't even one setting!" Zaure listened to her rambling and held his head, "Ouch... I can't comprehend that, I'm a singer, not a time figurerer. You play cards? I had this nice set of cards... back when I was alive, that is. What do you play?"

Post by **Syrawenn** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 12:59 am

Syrawenn nodded understandingly, her face concentrated. "Right, okay, so...you're dead dead. I mean, you already know you're dead so I don't have to try and find you. That makes life a whole lot easier, ya know. I mean, bugger that you're dead, but it's happened already. So...hey, that is so weird. Are you sure this is a dream then? It doesn't make sense. Where are the monsters? Oh, I know: those costumes are gonna turn out to be disguises for furry creatures with big teeth and yellow eyes and then when I turn around they will try and come after us and you will turn into some skeleton or another and have red, glaring eyes and you'll stretch your hands like this." The girl stretched her hand and cramped it into a clawlike state. "And then I'll try to run, but the damn dress will stop me so then I try to scream and nothing happens so I'll kick really hard and the floor will give way and I'll fall and fall and then I'll be awake."

She looked around the room again with great interest. "Ah hell, I can live with that. Oh, I usually play bluff."

Kitlanya · Post by **Kitlanya** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 4:02 am

More than a little irritated that Andolin didn't want to be seen with her publically, the redhead studied the blossoms intently, not really seeing anything as she struggled to bring her ire under control. On one hand, she knew it made sense for them not to appear to be too well aquainted and yet on the other, she felt as if perhaps he was not proud of her, ashamed for some reason. Knowing she was not being level headed at all about this, she glared at the blossoms as if transferring her hurt to them would make it go away.

A voice above her on the stairs snared her attention, chin rising upward suddenly as her cheeks blushed hotly wondering if he had heard her grumbling under her breath. But then, she didn't think her grumblings had been anything other than thoughts. Where the gentleman had come from was another mystery for she was certain he hadn't been there only moments ago when she moved to this spot. Lowering her eyes, she curtsied formally.

"M'lord Victoirin," she replied finding her voice a bit husky from now vanishing anger that had sent her pulse racing. Raoul was a familiar face though she'd never actually talked with him.

"I did not see you there," she offered as she raised back up, more in control of herself now. Raising her emerald eyes to meet his, a soft smile turned up the corners of her lips.

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 6:35 am

He did not enjoy disappointing Kitya, He did not need to read her mind to know the effects his words might have. Yet, he needed an excuse to mingle. He supposed that Isa would try to exercise ownership rights over him as well. He could not have two mistresses at this event, so he resolved to have none ... or all. It was a night to hide behind masks. He only hoped that his loves could see that.

As Kitya stepped away, he eyes roamed the room. He was guessing the woman in silver could be Isabella, but he would only know when he spoke to her and stared in her eyes. The feather creature was unknown to him. Two ladies entered. One seemed to be some maiden in white and another was a yellow butterfly of sorts. The way she walked in her yellow dress made him wonder if she was really a man underneath the costume. He thought about not being so obvious as to approach the lady in silver next. It was best to keep Kitya guessing. Yet, as he watched the butterfly and the maid in white jabber ... and jabber ... and jabber, he was beginning to wonder whether he would be able to get a word in edgewise. They seemed to know one another. Perhaps I will approach the viper. It was what he thought of Ygraine, and how his summoned demon had referred to her.

As he started to move her way, a man in military attire entered and went over to speak with Kitya. His grip tightened on his wineglass as he regarded the two. It was his task to make her jealous, not the other way around, so he told himself that he did not care. That did not stop him from quietly plotting the death of whoever the military man was. Perhaps he could rot in the dungeons.

The thought of dungeons made him think of Isabella. Maybe he had dreamed of her in the dungeons. He could not be sure. Everything seemed so ... uncertain anymore. Moving back to the refreshment table, he pretended to be interested in a slice of runny cheese to go with his wine. From this vantage point he hoped to watch a bit more unfold before planning his next move.

Tazlure

The Patrician Residence of the Master of Protocol

The Patrician Residence of the Master of Protocol

And while the alive are dreaming, the dead shall play...