Engagement Dinner: Eveningtide Samheen 16

Elaine · Post by **Elaine** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 4:43 pm

"Vanir's poetry was lovely." Elaine answered in all earnesty. "I agree it might have been a little too romantic for this particular pair, but he did do no less than speak from his heart. And that is something most poets can only aspire to."

The hand on her arm came by surprise, as did the compliment Larbeido payed her. Taken aback for a moment the blind woman blinked her eyes.

Is he just saying that? Oh dear, what if I do win? Do I want that? No, no, just let Adrian win. His was far more skilled in style and metrum!

Trying to keep her blush down Elaine flashed the Guildmaster another smile. "Your words are kind, sir, but I have to state my own preference, which is with Adrian's rendering. He is incredibly skilled and a wonderful speaker. I guess we will soon know the outcome."

She wanted to switch to another subject badly, yet with her true questions impossible at this dinner, the girl was left with only little ideas of what to talk about to this man she only knew by name.

Finally Elaine looked at the man apologetically. "I am sorry, master Larbeido, talking about nothing is not my strong point when there is so much I would want to talk about. I hope you will forgive my lack of tablemanners."

Larbeido Darvino · Post by **Larbeido Darvino** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 5:13 pm

"Forgive?, what is there to forgive. All parties formal or not have conversations that turn to nothing or start from nothing, it is the normal way of things, think nothing of it Elaine. Oh, as for Adrians poem, yes it was excellent, being the first up their he set a high standard for others to follow, it is my personal opinion that you exceeded that standard, however I will agree that should you not win, Adrian would be my other choice".

With that he looked through the crowd, wondering if his message had reached Andolin.

Turning back to Elaine, "I wonder how many are left, if any, to speak, I never counted how many went to the herald".

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 6:28 pm

Andolin could not help but watch Larbeido converse with Elaine for a moment. He could not stare at them for that would display obvious interest. Perhaps he could attribute it to looking after his pages, like Celestine. If Larbeido had given Celestine a message, he hoped that she was not going to approach him immediately thereafter. Subtlety and misdirection were important tools for keeping secrets. He could afford no one to know that he was meeting with Larbeido. Silk's spies were far too good.

Hovering behind the other diners, Andolin watched Celestine. If she approached him, he planned to glare in her direction and cast his eyes back towards her seat. If she kept coming, perhaps a slight shake of his head in the negative. He preferred his signal to be unobserved by anyone other than Celestine. In fact, he tested a subtle signal of a head shake to a random guest at the commoner tables, hoping to misdirect any who might be watching his actions too closely.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 7:24 pm

Aesa sat politely listening to the Priest of Pan's poem. She saw the beauty of the man's creation, but it's subject was lost to her. For Aesa, love was an illusive concept and one that had not yet touched her young heart, as it clearly had Vanir's. Yet she could respect excellent craftsmanship, and she applauded his efforts, despite a slight frown that flickered across her cool features.

Would she one day find love? Could she find it with the Adhiel to whom duty had betrothed her? There was no way to know, and certainly it could not be a consideration for this daughter of Trothgard.[/i]

Lady Helvania Hamilton · Thu Sep 02, 2004 7:54 pm

Andolin

The Lady Hamilton had been quietly conversing with Lord Varesh between presentations, but she now turned to Andolin with a cool smile and a glimmer in her eyes. She regarded the Master of Protocol for a moment, noting the direction of his gaze and his slight nod to one of the guests, before she spoke.

"My Lord, we are graced with much talent this evening," she began pleasantly, "and an... unusual variety of entertainment. But I see that you have all in hand." Her pause and phrasing clearly referred to the disruption earlier.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 8:05 pm

Celestine nodded politely to Larbeido. "Yes sir." She took back the key and smiled to Elaine. "A lovely poem miss. Much better than mine. We both have tough competition from Vanir and Adrian though." With that she headed back to her seat next to Vanir.

When she saw him step off the podium she smiled warmly at him and waved.

Vanir Alfheim · Post by **Vanir Alfheim** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 11:04 pm

Vanir took note of the applause and hoped his poem would open the door for important conversations later on. He had a message to spread and allies to find, if he were to stop the Darkness. Pan's Love would be felt this evening by more than just himself and his own lover. There is a time to be careful and a time to be tactful. Tonight is too important an oppertunity for it to be completely lost. There is something in the air of the city and perhaps all of Tazlure, if I am to understand correctly. I must not fail Pan in this adventure, I must spread his message. Love is the candle which holds the Light, that casts away the Darkness. There are many people here that need to hear my words.

Vanir thought softly to himself as he walked to his seat, smiling warmly. Tonight begins the night of Silk's downfall. He has underestimated the strength of my faith and the power of my words. I have won over tougher audiences in backwater taverns than I face here. You were wrong to provoke me, Silk, for I will not be played so easily. Let the Caesar know your true madness, but let him hear it from other lips than mine. Important lips that hold more weight with his ears. The bard scanned the head table and looked for someone to hear his words. He already knew that Eilish would not have to be told what had happened. If it had happened to panlings, then she would already be aware. It is certain that those at the head table would hold the most weight. I could try to speak with Lady Aesa, but I am not sure she would understand. She is a warrior, like Sosa, yet I was able to reach her. A playful smile crossed his lips as he though of reaching Sosa. I need someone easier to convince, someone easier to speak with, someone like.....like her. He spied to one he would speak with first this evening at the head table. Let it begin tonight with her.

Vanir returned to his seat across from Celestine, who had been speaking with Larbiedo. He nodded to the Guildmaster politely, yet intentional, as he made his way to her. He managed to give a smile and quick wink to Perdita on the way. It was certain that they would be together this night, like any other, yet he still enjoyed flirting with her. She was his love like no other could be. She was his dove.

The adhiel sat down in his seat and grinned at Celestine. The voice he used was quiet and playful, hoping to show he was a friend. "Well I do believe my intial question has been answered. I would stake my reputation that you are indeed a Rose or at least studying to be one. I have known many of your classmates, since my time here in the Citadel. I can appreaciate what the Guild stands for, since its ties are so close to my own. I am a priest myself, one with close ties to the Temple. Have you ever been to the Temple, my dear? Are you a religous person?" He gave the attractive page a teasing wink at the innuendo.

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Fri Sep 03, 2004 4:46 am

Turning to note Lady Hamilton, Andolin gave a polite smile. "I am glad you have found worthy amusement for the evening milady. Rest assured that all is under control." He flashed her a confident smile.

"Yet, there is more entertainment of the arcane to be had. Acrobats are pleasing, but we need more to amuse the trained eye. Just wait until we ready the floor for a dance." He cast his eyes in the direction of Amchi, knowing that he had been promised magical dancing peacocks.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Sep 03, 2004 10:27 pm

Amchi was waiting for a sign of the Master of Protocl, looking at him eagerly to see when it would be appropriate to start the magickal display.

Meanwhile the Ceasar pondered his choice.

The last poem was prettily done, and the adhiel had clapped politely. Yet it was somewhat off the mark. He felt no love for Lady Aesa. This was a marriage of convenience, one he had avoided so far. His loved ones had died upon him so far, and it was somewhat of a sore subject.

Likewise.. the poem of Celestine had been filled with politics and ambition and that did bore Anochrim even though is court was filled with it. But then what did you expect of a page, pretty though she was with her marked short hair cut, of the Office of Protocol. I'm so glad Lord Azarin is taking care of all that for me. He is not short of ambition himself, but at least he's devoted to himself and me and has no entanglements with the rest of them.

He coughed, remembering the courtesy his dear mama had forced upon him as a lad, and leaned to his fiancee "What do you think milady, what poem spoke most to you? I was most taken with that of Sir Adrian and the one of lady Elaine." He turned to Andolin as he spoke "Come, milord Azarin, give us your advice as well. What poem is it that you favored?"

The heralds waited patiently to the side. They knew the program would include a surprise before the eveningtide would see the start of the dancing which signalled the end of the dinner itself. Already the guests were finishing up the last morsels. The dessert was saved for after the surprise event.

OOC: I just wanted to say all contestants did magnificently, but the Ceasar is chosing based on his own preferences, an IC choice

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Sat Sep 04, 2004 4:56 am

It seemed as if Anochrim was as eager as Andolin to get the festivities moving. That was a welcome relief.

Caesar asked him formally for his view of the performances, and it caused him to smile inwardly. Excellent.

Looking at Marius to show a brief flash of deference, he looked at Caesar thoughtfully, allowing the Lady Aesa to express a view if she had one. "Celestine is a page in my office, so it is hard for me to grade her objectively. Her words were more bard-like than poetic, but she meant to please you, so that must be credited. Vanir spoke with rhyme, which has a technical appeal to be sure ..." his intention to doom Vanir with faint praise. "Adrian is quite talented, and his words florid, to be sure. And, he is a Rose, so he must be well trained. I am sure the Guildmaster would be pleased with the choice." Andolin knew that Anochrim was no friend of the Guildmaster. "He is also the companion of the charming Lady Hamilton, so that certainly influences my vote in his direction." Since Lady Hamilton was seated to his left, he had to make an attempt to please her. Pausing a moment, Andolin silently constructed a case for Elaine.

"The last contestant is Elaine. Unlike the others, she has no known powerful patron to champion her cause. She is no Rose, no courtier, no page. Did you know, your Highness, that she is blind? I have not formally met her, but it seems she is not wrapped in courtly intrigue. She is but a seemingly loyal subject who speaks from her heart in an innocent and untainted way ... yet with a poetic talent for rhyme that is not captivated by hyperbole and tired florid metaphors. She would be the surprise and bold pick I am thinking." Knowing Anochrim's tastes, he was certain that his description would appeal to the adhiel. In the end, he had hoped to phrase it in such a way as to challenge Anochrim, and Aesa to choose her. What warrior could resist a challenge? His next step would be seeing to it that she was assigned to his Office. He would await Caesar's decision before suggesting it.

OOC~ Yes, bravo for all the entrants! And Vanir's was *much much* better than Andi is crediting him. It's all politics after all.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Sep 04, 2004 5:22 am

Aesa considered each of the performances, and not only her own reactions to them, but that of her betrothed's as well. To her, there was a clear winner.

"Indeed, my Lord Caesar, I prefer Madam Elaine's offering above the others, I must own," Lady Aesa stated, without dissembling.

She regarded the Master of Protocol with interest as he gave his opinion of each performer. His particular choice, although it matched hers, intrigued her. Aesa could not help but wonder if Anochrim's decision would be swayed by Andolin's assessments.

"And you, my Lord Caesar? Whom do you prefer?"

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Sep 04, 2004 8:37 pm

Vanir's poem was already not Anochrims favorite for the unpleasant memories it had borught, but the link to Larbeido made him frown even more. He keeps trying to influence me. Damn that man. No, he would keep that man far from him, even though Vanir had the more practised voice by far. Anochrim, raised in an adhiel noble house where culture had been cherised, had not failed to notice that.

The connection with Lady Hamilton sealed Adrian's fate. The adhiel considered the woman a terrible hag, having felt the lash of her tongue on more than one occassion.

Poor Celestine, well.. her attempt was fair but the Royal Personage did not care for the ambitions and politics within, and to be honest, it had sounded slightly off to his adhiel ears.

Anochrim beamed at lady Aesa, glad she got on so marvelously with his dear friend lord Azaring, dabbing his forehead for a moment with his lacy handkerchief "My lady, what an excellent choice. It seems my advisors are all of once voice then... first shall be Lady Elaine, with a 2nd place for Sir Adrian, and a third place for Celestine." The herald had been standing close and now in a loud voice announced the winners.

Post by **Maeve** » Sat Sep 04, 2004 8:45 pm

The guests clapped loudly for Elaine. The mage that Andolin had hired stood ready with his birds, watching for any sign that he may move on swiftly to the next spectacle. Of course, there would be the prize giving first.

The Ceasar rose from his chair, waiting for Elaine to retrieve her special signet and little pouch of money.

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Sat Sep 04, 2004 9:06 pm

Frankly, Andolin was surprised that Vanir had not received second or third place. He was certainly better than Celestine, but who was he to undermine his own page. Of course, he would tell her that he had convinced Caesar to make her finish ahead of Vanir. A hint of the smile of a scoundrel appeared to tug at the corners of his mouth. It is partially true.

Looking to Celestine, he nodded to her in recognition, and then signalled her to go and fetch the mastiff that was to be Caesar's gift to the Lady Aesa.

Rising from his seat, the Master of Protocol announced, "Now that you have enjoyed the music, the acrobats and the poetry, we are about to prepare for the presentation of a gift from Caesar to the Lady Aesa and dancing that is to follow. But first, a dance of a more mystical kind. Glowing Peacocks to dance in honor of Caesar and his Lady." He signaled Amchi to begin as he assure that Celestine was on her way to retrieve the mastiff.

Reseating himself, Andolin hoped that Amchi would be able to create wonder and awe in the crowd with his tricks.

Elaine · Post by **Elaine** » Sat Sep 04, 2004 9:53 pm

Celestine's whisper did not go unnoticed. "Thank you kindly." Elaine responded. "I think your story was very fitting for the Citadel. I hope to hear more some day, for you do have a storyteller's knack. As for how many other poets..." She turned back to Larbeido. "I do believe there were only few, which amazes me to no end. Which bard would not want to grab this chance? Which person would not like the opportunity to wish the Caesar and his Lady well?"

From the relative silence that followed the blind girl surmised that Vanir had indeed been the last to perform. She frowned. Where were all the trained bards, all the courtiers? Had she missed something of vital importance, making it less favourable to enter the contest?

Whatever the reason, a change of pace would lighten the mood, no doubt. Elaine was glad to find herself in good company. There was no one she would begrudge the prize, although her heart still favoured Adrian's.

Then her name was announced, as well as Adrian's and Celestine's, but not at all in the order she had expected.

Boom. Did her heart. Did I hear that right? Colour faded from her cheeks, to be quickly replaced by a deep red. Oh Mother, this is not what I aimed for, yet could it mean that it was received by more than the ears?

Fumbling with her dress Elaine got up, realizing she would have to go to the Caesar and hoping that someone would guide her to him. It would not do to stumble into his lap!

Help...now I'll have to think up something else! A little whirlwind was playing through her stomach, making it very hard to think straight.

Larbeido Darvino · Post by **Larbeido Darvino** » Sat Sep 04, 2004 11:48 pm

OOC: I am assuming Elaine will say yes to the escort and we walk up to the head table - seems daft if she didn't

IC:
Larbeido smiled, even though Elaine could not see, "Congratulations Elaine, please allow me to escort you to the main table".
Larbeido stood with Elaine and placed her hand on his arm, "This way if you please my Lady".

Larbeido escorted Elaine through the applauding crowd, gently guiding her around the table and chairs, then up the central area until they were before the top table facing Anochrim and Aesa. He whispered to Elaine, "I will be close by to escort you back".

Larbeido then bowed to Anochrim and Aesa, "Your Majesties, may I present the Lady Elaine".
He then stepped to one side, leaving Elaine to face them on her own, as this was her moment and not one to be intruded upon by himself.

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Sat Sep 04, 2004 11:55 pm

Andolin's eyes narrowed as he saw Larbeido approach with Elaine. That would not sit well with certain parties. He made a mental note to escort her back to her seat. Slowly he rose from his chair to approach Caesar again, standing ready to offer any aid. He purposely showed no interest in Larbeido. After all, the whole court was watching.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Sep 05, 2004 12:01 am

Celestine blushed at Elaine's praise and smiled at Vanir when he came to her and posed his question.

"Is it that obvious?" She laughed lowly, pitching her voice for Vanir's ears. "Yes, I am a student Rose. Though I was not far along when I wound up in the dungeon with my classmates. Master Larbeido placed with me with Lord Andolin, but in truth, I desire to resume my studies."

She winked back at his innuendo. "Well, I haven't quite found religion yet, milord, though I have been a guest of the Temple, and I find their doctrines, especially on the ways to find happiness in life...most appealing. I have friends there who I plan to visit soon as a matter of fact. Perhaps we will meet there sometime? I look forward to discussing the ways of the Temple with you." She smiled and then looked up as the contestant winners were announced.

In truth, she was surprised to be placed third. She clapped warmly for the winners, then sat back down. She had thought for sure Vanir would outdo her efforts. She looked back at him apologetically. "Sorry Vanir. But I thought you did great up there! I was so nervous I thought I'd faint! I was sure you were going to get first or at least second place." She squeezed his hand in commiseration and looked around, just barely catching Andolin's signal.

"Oh! I have to go. Lord Azarin wants me to bring the gift in for the bride. Is there a way to contact you?"

OOC: Finally, I'm back!

Elaine · Post by **Elaine** » Sun Sep 05, 2004 9:03 am

Elaine gratefully accepted the guide to the main table. Despite the lead she could follow the girl still used her staff to make sure she would not encounter anything to trip her. This was all so unreal! A moment before she had been giddy with happiness that Mother's Song had been heard and now the blind girl found herself wishing she was invisible again.

Come on, you wanted to make sure people saw you so you could not disappear again and...you really wanted the Caesar to hear you. Well, he did! Either that or someone whispered in his ear what to do and he does not strike me as the type to do so without thought. I still wonder why Adrian did not win though...he fits in perfectly!

Afraid that it had something to do with recent events surrounding the Rose, Elaine never mentioned this little doubt. Once she was safely in front of the Caesar and his Lady, she curtsied again and swallowed.

Help...

Her confrontation with Elani was forgotten, the fear of encountering Marius alone was gone. All that was left was a strange fixation on the moment at hand, making all other noises fade to the background as the Achadhiel wondered what she was supposed to do next.

"I am honoured, Caesar Anochrim, Lady Aesa." She managed.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Sep 05, 2004 10:02 am

The fact the guildmaster escorted the lady was an unpleasant surprise. After all the reason Vanir had been denied and Adrian and Celestine pushed down had in part to do with their connection to the Rose Guild and thus that damnable man. He though Elaine was free of such associations. Only once had something good come out of the guild, and he was gone now. For a short moment hatred flared up once again in the adhiels blue eyes, before his long lashes covered them. Not all Roses had been under the complete influence of the guildmaster, and some had put in great service to the Empire, yet Anochrim was not fully recovered yet and in his depression was more prone to violent emotions.

"Lady Elaine, I hereby declare you the winner of this contest." He took her hand and slipped on the special signet ring that would henceforth give her access to the palace to attend any official proceedings regarding his wedding. "I hereby command you to write a poem, song or tale to celebrate my marriage to lady Aesa when the time comes. Until such time you are welcome at my court to observe us and let your creativity flow." The Ceasar also handed her a small velvet pouch which contained one crown, a small fortune that would service her well if she was going to be dressed appropriately for court proceedings.

Perdita Faechild · Post by **Perdita Faechild** » Sun Sep 05, 2004 2:17 pm

Perdita felt a pang of disappointment. Vanir's poem had been superb to her ears and she felt he deserved more. Still, her good friend had the first prize and that counteracted her bitterness to some extent. Elaine deserved happiness, and hopefully now she would never want for anything.

She clapped the winners and then turned back to her food, puzzled by the lack of appreciation for her lover's performance but acceptant. Still, given that he had been in the dungeons of the Palace mere tides ago, perhaps he was not the most popular of people. She had not considered that carefully enough before coming to the dinner. Hurry up and let us change back! she thought. I can tell him that I loved it, even if nobody else did..

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Sun Sep 05, 2004 2:45 pm

As smoothly as he could, Andolin moved up to congratulate Elaine, waiting first for Anochrim to speak and then pausing for the Lady Aesa to concur. After a suitable pause, the Master of Protocol uttered privately, "yes, congratulations, milady." Anochrim called her a lady, though she seemed to be a commoner, but who was he to disagree? Realizing that she was blind, and wanting to point out this vulnerability to Caesar, he added, "this is Andolin Azarin addressing you milady." He spoke politely, and with a friendly tinge. Perhaps he might impress her. Yes, appear the benevolent noble.

As matter-of-factly as possible, Andolin added, "as the wedding ceremony will fall within the purview of the Office of Protocol, and the lady will need someone to help her acclimate to the palace, it seems only natural, Your Majesty, to assign the wedding poet to the Office of Protocol, at least temporarily." He had no desire to appear too anxious to have her assigned to him, for that would create suspicion. No, he needed to make it seem that it was a logical assignment. In fact, where else would the wedding poet belong? They could not have a blind girl roaming the palace alone.

Vanir Alfheim · Post by **Vanir Alfheim** » Sun Sep 05, 2004 3:47 pm

Vanir grinned at Celestine with a mischevious eye at the thought of converting another to the flock. "You have taken the first steps, my dear, which are the hardest ones. I could show you the message behind the doctrines, if you are interested in learning more. I try to make routine visits to the Temple, although I have not gone nearly enough in recent days. I am not so sure, if Lord Azarin would wish you to study under me, but simply tell him that you are gathering information. It is what he wants to hear after all." The playful grin slipped into a full, teasing smile. "I know your employer much better than he thinks I do."

Vanir listened to the winners being announced and applauded loudly for Elaine. He had hoped that she would win, even more than his own poem. He had opted to spread His message with an oppertunity, rather than actually trying to win. It was unlikely that the bard could have won, no matter how good his poem had been since there were whispers in the Caesar's ear to speak against him. There was no disappointment or bitterness in his eyes as Elaine had deserved to win more than he had. The sincere apology from Celestine had been unexpected, yet somehow very sweet.

"Celestine, there is no need for such talk. You have placed and you should be happy about it. Truthfully, I am a little thankful not to have won, since my poem was simply a chance to speak of Pan in the palace. A priest's duties are never done after all, so do not fret. Elaine is a good friend of mine and I am excited for her victory. I stay at the Burpin Dragon, so you can send word for me there or you may send a message through the Temple. Perhaps we might speak tomorrow night about more religous matters?" The sly grin of the adhiel hinted at what he referred to, although he did truly hope to convert her fully to Pan. "Go attend to your duties for now and we will speak more later."

Vanir watched Celestine off, before looking across the room for Perdita. He let his eyes look over and find her own blue eyes for comfort. The loving smile and dancing eyes showed that he was not upset about his loss in any form. The poem had only been a window to which he might find an oppertunity to speak with others that evening. There was, also, the thrill of simply performing for such a large audience that appealed to him. He had never cared about winning or losing, but simply about being there. The true victory had already been won, since he truly had Perdita's love and acceptance. She was his prize more than any title could be.

Larbeido Darvino · Post by **Larbeido Darvino** » Sun Sep 05, 2004 6:15 pm

Larbeido knew he would be ruffling a few feathers when he escorted Elaine to the table. It did not bother the guildmaster, he had done it in the past and will no doubt do so in the future.
Contrary to what people, including Anochrim, thought he was genuinely playing the gentleman and was just escorting the lady to the table.

He saw Andolin move in and smiled to himself, being no slouch in courtly affairs knew what Andolin was up to, and had fully expected that someone would move in to escort the lady back.

Although he would step back and not create a scene if Andolin or someone else did escort Elaine, he had offered and was fully prepared to escort her back to her if she wished, and damn the rest of them.

Elaine · Post by **Elaine** » Sun Sep 05, 2004 6:39 pm

Standing in front of the ruler of the Seven Isles Elaine felt the sudden urge to step back. A sharp arrow of raw emotion threatened to pierce the shield Elvin had so kindly provided. The girl frowned for a flicker. Had she done something wrong? Yet the words spoken did not convey any of this. She decided it had to have been her own insecurity and accepted the prizes with a smile on her lips. By now her cheeks were starting to cramp, her lips tremble from the strange personal -and yet impersonal- attention she was receiving.

He commands me...who am I to tell him I'd much rather let Adrian have the honour? No, he has chosen and it would be folly to pretend I did not do my utter best. No false modesty here, even if it did reach another goal next to the one I aimed for. Yes, I tried. I never thought it would appeal in this way, but it did.

"Your invitation is much appreciated and will surely facilitate letting the words fit into the Song." These words did bring a new smile to her lips. The joyful feeling still resided inside of her, making her want to hug these people! Of course she restrained herself.

the Master of Protocol neared. I know that voice. It is him indeed. Elaine realized, little bits of dreamy surreality falling into place. "Lord Azarin, I recognize your voice." She offered politely, wondering if he remembered. She did not dare say anything else since Andolin had clearly phrased a hidden question aimed at the Caesar. It was not her place to comment on any of that.

Instead the blind Achadhiel waited for the sign of dismissal that would let the Guildmaster escort her back to the table.