Party like a Dortman (Samheen 30th ET)

[Guest]

Keros looked down at the hand he was dealt. If he had understood the game correctly, the ace of hearts in his hand was a very good card with the jack being on the table. He almost cursed. If I actually win, I don't want to do so too often. I want to make friends, not enemies.

As he pondered how to best play out his hand the 4th guard spoke to him.

"The Sunfire Brigade! There is much honor in that title. I have never seen the Duke in person, but the stories of his accomplishments are grand. Is he truly as great in person as the stories say?" Keros didn't have to pretend interest in this subject. He had heard many tales of the Duke and truly did admire the man who was very much a living legend.

When the guard offered to show him some basics with the sword he was thrilled. It seemed that even if he didn't make it into the party, this night would pay off after all. "I would consider myself honored to receive instruction in the sword from a member of Sunfire Brigade. I will do my best to prove an amiable student."

When it came time for him to lay a card, he would play the Ace of Hearts. He would have preferred to open with a smaller card, but if he understood the game he had no choice as hearts were the first cards in the center and it was the only heart in his hand.

[Guest]

The lovely girl listened to Corbin and then the strange conversation between himself and Talanwei. Demons? She wondered what they were speaking of and her arm tightened slightly at the mention of the Slayer. Is he talking about the Seaside Slayer?

The young lady watched the exchange between Red and Corbin. She always admired Red for her strength and confidence. This was exactly the situation that she had imagined if Red was out enjoying herself. She was not exactly sure if Corbin was for her, but he was handsome and witty. A soft giggle escaped from Tiffany as Red continued to tease her companion.

"Talanwei? I've never been here before, perhaps you can escort me around the place?" A sweet smile was given to the couple. "Don't let her win, Corbin! I believe in you." She spoke with a teasing lightness and grinned. "I'll see you later, Red. It is nice meeting you, Corbin."

[hr][/hr]

"The Oneists?" She frowned darkly. "What are they up to en masse?" None of her conversation with Mairi was considered boring as she looked at the lady with her dark, intense eyes.

Watching Mairi reminisce about her home brought a smile back onto K'mith's lips and then the Duchess asked her next question. "You mentioned your own personal goals? What do you wish to accomplish for yourself? Do you believe they would interfere with what the people of Islay may want?"

[Fialessa Valenstri]

“A pleasure to meet you as well.“ Fialessa gave Duke Erwin a friendly grin and curtsied somewhat, she wasn’t too certain on the protocol. Especially as she’d never really been in such august company. She nodded with a bit of a grimace as he touched on the topic of the temple’s insect troubles.

As the Duke focused on Vanir, Fia turned to Fauna, and smiled “It is indeed an Audrey, isn’t she a marvel…” Then Fauna’s attention being called by Thomas Craine, Fia turned again to hear Vanir’s words to the Duke, recounting the events of the temple. “We are most grateful to Master Motrice and his students for what they did in removing such a blight from out temple. The creatures were rather horrific…”

Demurring again to Vanir’s voice, she merely nodded as he referred to her involvement in temple business. She was considering heavily becoming a priestess of Pan, and was glad that Vanir had offered to teach her.

[Talanwei Fortisse]

Corbin was being run through the paces by this woman Red pretty handily. Talanwei couldn’t help but grin at the enigmatic sorcerer’s plight but knew that this was exactly the sort of plight he thrived upon. The Achadiel had heard of the Slayer of which Corbin spoke of and his subsequent capture. Though the mage seemed to dismiss the fact that he thought that the real killer was still at large as ultimately unimportant, Talanwei made a point to remember this fact.

"Well it is good that you did not come to harm at least," admitted Talanwei. To all that were involved in the hunt, he felt a special kinship that extended to even those he had not spoken directly. This would likely never be voiced but he hoped at least a few felt the same. While he was giving himself a few flickers of thought, Tiffany chose this point to take their leave. At her words he nodded to both Corbin and Red, smiling at both. He could not help but once again notice the woman’s physique that did not look as if it had been crafted in a life of casual service. Though he had no knowledge of the Crane family, its influences or of Red’s place in all of this, he hoped that the woman could somehow see that he would much sooner let harm come to himself before it visited the woman at his side.

"I will ensure no harm comes to Tiffany this eveningtide, Red. You can consider that my word," said Talanwei nodding once before turning with her. It seemed as if however that the Achadiel had a penchant for the unspoken because he could find not words that he felt were better than these. He turned his attentions back to his companion and smiled good naturedly.

"To be honest, Tiffany, I am no more familiar with the surroundings as you are! Yet I am not so much a fool as to deny the request of a lady. Do you have a destination in mind? Or should we simply wander wherever fancy takes us?" said Talanwei as they walked slowly.

[Fauna Winthrope]

"His grace, the Duke of Dort, and I have met before, Lord Vanir. His grace's wisdom and support gave Sir Ulder the courage to lead us all against the Changer." Fauna regally gave Duke Erwin and the Priest of Pan her winmost smile. "But I am not a student of the University no longer, your Grace," the dark enchantress continued. "I have recently passed the Arcanum Gauntlet in the University and I can rightly discard the title of an apprentice sorcerer. Currently, I am an assistant for the Major Domus, Lord Azarin."

"Lord Vanir and I are old friends, Your Grace." Fauna explained to the Duke of Dort and the people around him: Thomas Crane and Fiallesa. "He gave me personal lessons in the Joyful ways of Pan in the University and I wasn't the same since then, well, most of the women he gave intructions to, I must add." The blond amunic slave declaired with a teasing twinkle in her cerulean eyes. "It is a pleasure to see you again, Lord Vanir." She gave the priest a warm smile.

"Audrey is a genius, I should know, Lady Fiallesa," the dark enchantress turned to the handmaiden of Pan. "I was Audrey's assistant and I 've seen how ingenious her work is. I think she's blessed by the gods herself and such a simple fabric could become magic with but her simple hand. I own two of her designs and they are my most prized possession."

"Crane?" Fauna breathed suddenly when she realized whom she was talking to, her blue eyes widening and she almost stepped back a pace and bumped into Vanir, her flawless amunic face as pale as a ghost. She heard the note of warning underlying his amicable voice and the dark enchnatress almost fainted right then and there. "Yes, I have heard heard a lot about you as well, Master Crane." Fauna squeaked, trying to compose herself before the Duke and the crowd around him and when Thomas followed her gaze to Keaira, she did almost faint with fear. Easy, girl, easy.

"She's just a recent acquaintance, Master Crane." She declaired, emboldened by his offer of friendship. "Oh, I do hope we could be friends too, Master Crane, for I could see you as a pleasing person whom I hope has a penchant for flowers. I do love roses, Master Crane, regretfully, someone has already plucked the rose that I adore so much. Perhaps, in time, when we have the liesure, you and I can talk more about gardening and you might need someone like me to water your garden? Alas, Lord Sir, this is not the time for such womanly talk, there are lots of eyes and ears about." Oh, she hoped this old boot could understand her innuendo, if it was Michael, his eyes would have glossed over by now. "There is a flower that is very rare, the Desert Rose, quite poisonous and it only blossoms in Amun Rah. A bouquet of such flowers would be a very wonderful gift someday, Master Crane."

[Guido Cercatoro]

An amused look ran across Thomas Crane’s face at the blond woman’s reaction to learning his name. Here was a man used to making an impression and he was clearly satisfied that he had done so. However, as Fauna tried to gloss over her relationship with Keaira, the businessman stole another quick look at the dark-haired woman. It was almost possible to hear the cogs in his mind whirling rapidly, making connections. This was a sharp man, a man used to seeing things others might miss. A dangerous and a clever man.

“Indeed, Lady Winthrope, I am a lover of roses. I have plucked many in my time. My gardening is of the highest quality, I can assure you.” The man jested but the steely tone was still there, never appearing to vanish entirely. “A poisonous rose, you say? I can well believe that, my dear. But be careful not to prick your finger on one of its thorns. It would be a pity if such a beautiful countenance was disfigured in any way. But be assured that one day, I will send you a bouquet that you will never forget. Let it be my little surprise for you.”

[Grey Wolf]

The Embassy garden was filling out nicely as more and more people arrived, and Thavia crossed them all from her list, only a few remaining. Once they were all there, or in a short while if they did not show up she too would be able to join the party. She knew everything was organized perfectly, but she wanted to check it all once more, to make sure the tables were well stocked at all times, that the dancers were in their places and most of all that people were enjoying themselves. It was almost time for the Duke to announce the reason for the party and greet all the guests, though she noticed that people decided to act formal and approach the host as they came in. Should have told them to simply enjoy it. Can't they just relax and have fun? Business, business, business. It is always business. Can't the Duke rest a bit? She stomped her foot to went a bit of frustration and smiled at the next guessed.

The object of her thoughts was quite relaxed within the garden, Pursing his lips as Vanir spoke, wondering what that man had in mind and how much it would cost him. It had to be money, or otherwise the priest would not have danced about the subject so, and he probably would not be able to pay him back, which was quite fine as long as he did not forget his debt. "Yes, quite. But, why don't you come to my office tomorrow and we can discuss these matters. I foresee this party lasting quite a bit, and it would be rude to leave my guests alone. Don't you agree?"

As Fauna was introduced to him at last, the Duke smiled and waited for his friend Thomas to finish the sentence before smiling. "Yes, while we have not met I have heard of the lady. She was a member of the group that banished the demon lord yesterday. This party is held in their honor." Then the sorceress started talking gibberish, and while he knew there was some hidden meaning to it all, the Duke simply did not care to know just now. He would have someone find out for him what the heck they were all talking about. Instead he turned towards Fialessa using the distraction to address her. "While I admit not being too familiar with the priesthood of Pan, I know I have not met you before. What pray tell is the duty of Pan's handmaiden?"

Red's hand on Corbin forearm tightened a bit at the mention of the Slayer, her grip not uncomfortable, but quite strong, especially for a woman. She smiled as Talanwei departed with Tiffany and moved so she was facing Corbin reaching towards the table for an.... empty mug, dangling it from her index finger and smiling at the young mage. "Now, this should help you with your guessing a bit. And for that I demand you tell me more about this Slayer incident. I have heard he was a killer of some sort. Killing girls and mutilating them terribly. So, either you tell me more of what happened today, or give me your shirt." She chuckled as he finger tugged at the top button, just under his throat.

The guards laughed as Keros buttered his words lavishly with flattery, a hand slapping his back. "Lad, relax. You don't need to suck up to us. It's fine." The man who dealt the cards, winked. "As for the Duke, it depends on which stories you are referring to. The ones that tell of his heroic deeds? Or the ones telling of his sneaky ways? You don't get to be the richest man in the world, by playing by the rules. Though I have to say he is a great man. I would not work for anyone else, even if I had the choice." All the while the card were played, and as it turned out, all Keros won was that single round and that merely meant he got his money back, with the dealer taking the rest.

[Guest]

A sweet but mischievous smile appeared on Tiffany's lips, "Well then I believe wandering might be the thing to do...ooh dancers!" She murmured, her eyes entranced on the colorful outfits as they set up. Her hand tightened around Talanwei's arm, "I think that looks like a marvelous place to start!"

Her eyes twinkled as she seemed to almost bounce with bubbly excitement. "I have always wanted to be a dancer, but I fear I have two left feet. I am not graceful in the least, but I suppose it does spill out when I use my other talents. I cannot even sing very well. Tone deaf." She snickered. Twinkling eyes raised to gaze upon Talanwei, "You have very handsome features."

Then she blushed, "I have a request, but I do not wish to embarrass you..." Her eyes dipped slightly as if she was losing her nerve. They had walked a bit farther than the dancers which was her original intention. The spot that they ended up was a slightly more isolated location in the garden for the couple to sit down but still be able to peek at the crowds of people and performance when it was ready to start.

[Corbin Dillon]

"And you too, Tiffany." He said pleasantly. He considered a jest about taking care of Talanwei but decided to let him off and merely winked at him. "I shall see you later, Talanwei. Try not to get lost. " And then the two were gone, and Corbin was left alone with the lady who he certainly did not know was called Red the Assassin.

"An empty mug, eh? Were I an idiot I would think that you didn't drink at all. Fortunately for the moment I am merely skirting around the edges of buffoonery and thus divine that your favourite drink is... well, is in here." He said as he scooped up a mug that looked similar to the one she was dangling. He cast a quick glance into it before proffering it to Red.

"I will certainly tell you of the slayer, though I should hope that does not preclude the other option." He said with a wink. "The Slayer then. Well, for a start the chap that they have in custody is almost certainly not the Slayer. But, I'll give you a brief explanation of what I know, which is little enough. The Slayer has been abducting, murdering and mutilating young women near the harbour. Last night I showed up at The Burpin' Dragon, only to discover that a friend of mine, the bard Samantha, was late which is unusual for her, and that she took a short cut through an alley near the harbour. Ironically it had been her that first spoke to me about the Slayer." Corbin said dryly. "Concerned for her safety, myself and a friend went to look for her and came upon her down this alley. She was bound and gagged, and had her hair roughly cut off by two people. I had hoped to lie in wait for their return, but we heard the cry of a woman in distress and thus our hand was forced. When we came upon the source of the cry we found a dead woman, her neck broken with a man cradling her. The watch came along and using their remarkable sense of irrefutable logic saw that there was a dead woman in the Outer Ring, knew that the Slayer killed people in the Outer Ring and saw a man by the woman. Therefore in a display of sound and unquestionable logic deduced that this man was the Slayer." He said, his voice thick with sarcasm and latent anger.

"Maybe this man killed her, maybe he didn't. He did run, but then so would I if I was accused of being the Slayer. But there was no indication that he was the Slayer. She was completely intact, and Samantha affirmed that the man was not one of those who had attacked her. Again it can't be certain that those who attacked Samantha were the Slayer, or indeed Slayers, but it seems more probable than some bumbling fool. After all, this Slayer has evaded capture for weeks and skilled many women. The Watch may be incompetent, but surely it isn't so incompetent as all that. But we were not allowed to question him, and he was swiftly taken away." Corbin said, continuing his speech on the matter, before pausing and sighing.

"My thoughts on the Slayer are thus. It is quite possible that it is more than one person - that would explain the volume of deaths in such a short time. If it is more than one person it suggests the mutilations are for a reason, though I am not sure what yet. One man could be psychotic, but with more it seems it is likely to have been done out of reason. The women also tend to be new to the city, which might mean that there is someone at the gates, identifying targets - which could mean that there is even someone in the guards who is identifying them, and then someone else following them. Having someone in the guards might also explain the ease with which they have got away. None of this I can prove, and it is really just supposition. But it angers me that the watch will ignore the harbour area now, leaving all those there at risk of further atrocities so that they can pat each other on the back and congratulate themselves on a job well done." He said, shaking his head.

"Do you have an interest in the Slayer?" He enquired as he finished speaking, then interrupted himself. "Ah but I am not trying to bring the spirit down." He said, perking up. "You must pass your judgment on the drink - yay or nay?" He asked with a smile, forcing the brooding anger over the Slayer situation away from his mind.

[Guest]

Keros brightened up at the mention of the Duke' sneaky side and his eyes glittered with mischief. "I don't suppose you would be willing to share some of those stories now would you? I am inclined to believe they would be much more entertaining than the ones I have previously heard."

The young man was genuinely enjoying himself and began to wonder if perhaps it wasn't for the better that he hadn't made it into the party. Sure he would miss the opportunity of aquainting himself with some of the more influential people of the Citadel and abroad, but a new opportunity had presented itself. He was learning a new game, and would be getting some lessons in sword use so that the rapier back at his place would become more than just a decoration. More importanly to him though, it seemed as if he was making a few new friends and would be learning some new stories as well.

[Talanwei Fortisse]

So wandering it was and Talanwei eagerly followed. The tall Achadiel let her pull him along and he marveled at her bubbling personality. She flitted from one subject to the next with the fleetness of a nymph yet Tiffany’s words were easy enough to follow despite this. When she was about to inquire as to the pretty young woman’s talents, she commented on his features.

Words caught in Talanwei’s throat as his own face colored the same time as hers did. She then spoke of a request and in the manner of most young men faced with the implications of such a vague request, his thoughts shattered and flew in a thousand different directions; none of which would likely be true. The Achadiel turned his eyes to Tiffany’s and smiled, trying to mask his own nervousness. It was nothing, nothing to be worried about he was sure.

"Well you will never know until you ask it of me Tiffany. You have my undivided attention," said Talanwei grinning amiably.

[Guest]

A soft giggle escaped as Tiffany looked at Talanwei. "I'm not going to hurt you." She tried to reassure him. "I would like touch you...I mean--I would like to--oh dear it sounds horrible when I try to say it out loud." The lovely girl attempted to pull the achadhiel towards her to sit down next to her. "I think it is best to show you what I mean. Please sit down. I promise it will not be painful in the slightly." Her grin matched Talanwei as she awaited his decision.

[Talanwei Fortisse]

Talanwei's smile broke if only for an instant as she began to speak. She was right, it sounded horrible but not in a way a man would be disappointed in. The Achadiel nodded and swallowed, not theatrically and it was largely and unconscious reaction. A flicker or so allowed him the time he needed to reapply composure and he allowed himself to be pulled to a seat beside Tiffany. He smiled and he let an arm to one side unfold opening up his stance to allow her to do whatever it was that she was asking of him.

"Very well, do as you will" said Talanwei cheerfully then added solemnly, "I am not afraid."

Would she touch his face, his hands, his chest? What would she do then? What purpose would it serve? Talanwei's mind was going through all kinds of possibilities and surprisingly they were not immoral. Tiffany simply did not seem the sort to arbitrarily violate someone.

[Vanir Alfheim]

Vanir smiled pleasantly at the Duke and nodded his head in agreement. "That sounds like a wonderful idea, Duke Erwin. I would much rather enjoy the party for tonight, before getting into matters that would only dampen our spirits. Tomorrow it shall be." He bowed gracefully and started to move away, before being run down by Fauna.

The priest placed his hand on the small of her back, bracing the enchantress from running over him. He listened carefully to Thomas Crane's little speech, certain that it was about more than roses. Any attempt of subtlty by the older man were lost on Vanir, who was quite used to such attempts and much better at them. He wondered what business the two had together. The curious adhiel decided to learn a little more about his old friend, Fauna, and her new friend, Master Crane.

"Tell me Master Crane, what sort of business are you into? Miss Winthrope and I are old friends, although we have not spoken in a few weeks, so I would interested to learn how you know her." A sly grin crossed the lips of the panling, hoping to learn about one of the two in front of him.

[Guest]

Tiffany chuckled as Talanwei's solemn words at not being afraid. She grinned as he sat next to her and sighed softly. "All right, not relax but don't slouch." When she felt that he was ready, she leaned over and placed her fingers on Talanwei's face. Her eyes closed as she slide her fingers about his features. His skin was smooth and she tried to remember his features through her touch. It would be nice to commit to memory.

"I love memorizing faces. SO much character that you cannot just capture it as easily with a glance sometimes. A smile helps to brighten up a face. A fierce furrow of the brow set in perfect concentration." Her fingers were warm as they slide from his forehead, temples, trailing down his nose and cheekbones to rest on Talanwei's lips. If Talanwei was looking at Tiffany he would notice she was blushing as her fingers lingered there for a moment then glided along his jawline, to chin. Her eyes opened and a grateful smile appeared. "Thank you, Talanwei, I admit it takes a lot of trust in someone to allow such intimacy. I do not get visitors often or meet a lot of people so when I do, I try to get more subject matter for my talents."

[Morg]

Morgan stiffened at Becca's offer of help with his hat. "Thank you, but I'll manage," he replied, a hint of hurt in his voice. Morgan considered himself a man who could keep his headgear under control without external aid. He also considered himself capable of keeping calm while doing so, although the current floppiness of his felt hat was very much testing his patience.

"I mean, you're unfortunate enough to be graced with my company aren't you?"

"Yes, I suppose," he replied without thinking too hard about what he was saying, then regretted it. "I mean, no. It's not unfortunate at all. It's..." He desperately searched for an appropriate adjective. "...Fine. Just fine." The conversation was rapidly escaping Morgan's control. He still wasn't even remotely happy with his response. "Fine"? You idiot. "In fact, your company is better than fine. Much better. I'm really very happy... and honoured... to..." Idiot. Idiot. Idiot. You've really messed this one up, haven't you? He leaned in and kissed her.

It wasn't a good kiss, not by any objective standards for such things. But it was an enthusiastic kiss, his dry lips, tasting slightly malty, pressing softly but insistently against Becca's, the rim of the miscreant black hat cushioned between the two students' foreheads. Morgan held the kiss for a good few flickers, savouring the auburn-haired girl's closeness, before he pulled away, his nose brushing dryly against hers. What now...?

[Fialessa Valenstri]

“I think perhaps it is Mister Threespann’s kindness that he calls me such,” Fialessa noted with a genial grin. “I have up till very recently only ever been one of Pan’s faithful… It has been he who has graced me with his love enough to relaim his temple and its altars from the evil that had tried to hold it hostage. Well and of course that and the abilities of Mister Motrice and a few of his students.” Her eyes swept the area surrounding for Becca and Morgan…

“But for whatever intentions my god has for me I can only serve him in whatever capacity he has need. Whether as handmaiden, priestess or as merely one of his faithful believers. Though saying merely is an injustice, for that is no small task in any order, would you not say?"

[Talanwei Fortisse]

Tiffany gave quick instruction to relax but not to slouch. Talanwei did both as instructed, and he remained pliable under her recommendation. His breath held as the young woman put her fingers on his face. A pinprickling and swiftly moving sensation went up his spine. Tiffany's hands moved and slided across his features with a light grace. Talanwei's heart was pounding in his chest at the intimacy of the moment and he was immediately glad that she was not looking at him. He however had not taken his eyes from Tiffany and when her fingers lingered on his lips he saw the blush enter her cheeks. At her touch, his lips parted if only slightly as he slowly let out the held breath. Tiffany's fingers swept from his jaw to chin in their same lightness and then...it was done.

"You are welcome. I...it..." said Talanwei. Part of him rejoiced for his heart was beating itself out of his chest. Another part of Talanwei wanted to touch the hand before it left his face. Unconsciously, he drew slightly closer to her with his upper body taking her gaze into his own. For a few flickers he held it and looked off into the garde. Focusing on her words, he resolved to ask a question instead of staring like a fool.

"You spoke of your talents...would you tell me more of these?" asked Talanwei.

[Fauna Winthrope]

Oh, Thomas Crane was very good, Fauna could see that and it baffled her whether the old boot was accepting her offer or giving her a veiled threat and it showed upon her flawless face, unsure of how to reply to his comment. “That is very gracious of you, Lord Crane.” She replied confidently though she quaked inside, not knowing if he wanted her dead like Charlotte the Harlot or if he wanted her helping him with his business. “I shall breathlessly wait for the bouquet, Lord Crane and should I presume to say, the offer of your friendship?” Oh, this was getting dangerous, very dangerous. She was out in the open and if his son, Michael Crane, would learn of this, she would be more deader than the Harlot. With a little frown of fear, Fauna looked around her warily, trying to see if any of Michael’s goons would be near. Oh dear Anasis, not here.

She would have run out of the embassy screaming and tearing her glorious, golden hair out if not for Vanir behind her, his merest touch sent shiver down her spine and it soothed her, but it was wrong move for the Priest of Pan, instead of sweeping her away from Thomas Crane, he ended up muddying the already muddied water with his questioning. What the heck are you doing, Vanir? Fauna gave the Panling Priest a small smile that completely showed her irk. Get me out of here, you dim-witted, handsome fool! She screamed at him in the silence of her mind.

With sinking feeling, she mildly looked at Thomas Crane, fearing how he would reply to Vanir’s queries. “Oh, Lord Crane is…” Fauna fumbled and trailed off. What the heck am I gonna say? That I work for his son and that Thomas Crane recently murdered Michael Crane’s Brothel Madame Charlotte and that he may be wanting me dead as well?

“Lord Crane is the wealthiest business man here, Vanir.” She explained to the Panling Priest, glossing over how they knew each other. “And… uh… He recently helped an acquaintance of mine…” Fauna’s blue eyes flickered over Old Crane’s shoulder to Keaira talking confidently with Professor Moore, “…rise to a position she wasn’t supposed to have. That shows how generous and caring Lord Crane is, don’t you think so, Vanir?” She gave the elegant, old boot a phony smile. “Knowing my acquaintance, Lord Crane, I’m pretty sure she would certainly offer her gratitude to you.”

“Oh, but we must be taking a lot of Lord Crane’s time, Vanir.” Fauna turned to the Panling Priest. “I’m pretty sure he has some other important people to talk to.”

[Guido Cercatoro]

Perhaps Thomas Crane caught the slight look of puzzlement that crossed Fauna’s countenance, for the merest trace of a smile of satisfaction appeared on his lined face. He gave a nod of acknowledgement to Vanir and was about to respond to the new arrival's question when the enchantress intervened with a rather blustering answer of her own. The businessman looked momentarily annoyed before laughing out loudly.

“Oh, you do me more credit than I deserve, Lady Winthrope. It is true, I am a wealthy man. But what would wealth be without a family to share it with? I am lucky to have such a close and supportive family. It allows me to be generous when the need arises. And some are kind enough to show gratitude.” For a third time, the grey-haired man stole a glance at the new brothel madam.

“Well, my friends,” Crane continued. “I do indeed have other matters to attend to. So, I will take my leave.” Gazing directly at Fauna, he gave a small bow. “I shall think of you, my lady, whilst I am tending my roses.”

The businessman moved smoothly away and walked directly to where his son, Christopher, was standing quietly. Father and son were soon engaged in a quiet, earnest conversation.

[Vanir Alfheim]

Fauna was quite easy to read in her current state, at least as far as Vanir would be able to read. She seemed quite unnerved by Thomas Crane, yet she tried to put up a very brave front. The priest allowed her the illusion of her act, but made note of the silver-haired businessman. It was always useful to know of those that could be dangerous and could easily strike fear into other without trying.

Vanir kept his fingers on the small of Fauna's back, tracing the tips of his fingers up and down her spine slowly. He smiled at the blonde enchantress and then nodded to Master Crane. "I do apologize for taking too much of your time, please enjoy yourself. I thank you for your generosity and time."

The priest then turned his attention back to Fauna, pausing only to look over his shoulder at Fialessa and the Duke. He gave his old friend a charming smile and spoke in a soft, low voice. "Perhaps one day you will tell me more about what just happened." The handsome adhiel gave Fauna a playful wink. "It has been sometime since we spoke, yet we always seem to run into each other at the palace. How have you been, Lady Winthrope? Been think of our lessons?" The word slipped off his tongue with a seductive ease, while he slipped a slight tingle of passion up her spine through his fingers. A simple trick from his Aether experiences to tease Fauna with illicit ideas.

[Elaine]

Elaine's attention began to waver under the constant hubbub of the people around her. It was hard to focus on the conversation at hand, especially since it was one between Ulder and the professor. There wasn't much to contribute from her side since she'd been on the receiving end of the rescue.

Vanir's voice drifted her way. The blind bard smiled. Despite his somewhat over the top avances when they had met he still was a friend she'd like to keep in touch with. Obviously he was preoccupied with some other lovely lady. She'd best not disturb. There was a strange kind of tension hanging in the air which somehow connected with Fauna's words.

More buzzing around her. Already the young Achadhiel noticed the need to keep herself shielded closely. This would be a night not only of words, but of emotions and possibly magics -since the ice sculptures should have been melting already, to name but one example- and she did not intend on getting lost like had happened at other times.

If need be, she'd simply nudge Ulder to get out of here to the gardens. Undoubtedly he would not mind.

Poor man...part of the centerstage. He was never a performer, simply a man who does his job and does it well. How out of place he must feel. A soft chuckle. I guess it's best for him that he was not elected Caesar. Imagine...all the attention...

It was easy to talk, standing there next to the former Captain. Tonight she'd truly be able to simply walk the sides and observe rather than be the one to be observed. Perhaps it was mean to make use of Ulder's presence like that. Yet it was happening anyway, so why not use it for once to see what the people and the atmosphere were really like?

The girl let her attention wander further, clinging to her shields, yet allowing some of the buzz to be heard. Her hand kept her new staff at her side, trying to let it not get caught up in the loose, green cloth around her arms. It truly was a dress she loved. Once away from home she'd not had the chance to wear it since it was deemed appropriate that she'd start an entire new wardrobe for her supposed function. Now was the chance to enjoy the simple luxuries without pressure or expectations.

[Ulder]

Although very grateful for the gift and humbled that those in the University would think to offer him such a gift, seeing the color shot a stab of hurt and pain through his chest.

Purple. A color I'll never wear again. A very fitting piece to match something that is now dead and buried...

"Thank you Professor. It's very lovely, and even more appreciated. You certainly didn't have to go through any trouble for me... I... I hope that you will pass along my sincere gratitude to your colleagues over at the University for such a fine gift. "

There, you minded your manners and you were polite but there is something else there isn't there? They had time to consider this. This is Citadel after all. Such gifts are rarely given without some sort of hidden meaning attached to them...

"I hope you'll forgive me for asking, but why Purple? Surely you know that the Guard is a thing of the past and that its not likely that the Caesar elect will choose to reinstate them. Or perhaps you meant it in a more sentimental way...?"

Gods! Perhaps you have been among the politicians too long. Now you're thinking like them. You sound like a paranoid fool! Can't anyone just give you something to say thanks without you looking for the hidden dagger?

Ulder chewed the inside of his cheek, and hoped the Professor wouldn't think enough of his question to be insulted by it.

[Tristam]

Keaira

"The ring will keep some of your deepest thoughts hidden if you concentrate upon them." Professor Moore explained. "Essentially they become a part of the ring instead of your mind and are thus hidden from those that might seek to pry into your secrets. As for reporting to me I think it best that you not approach me directly again lest Miss Winthrope has her suspicions confirmed. When you have something to report to me, seek out a man named Jeremy at the Burpin Dragon. He will conduct you to me if it is needed.” Moore took a last sip of his wine.

The professor leaned in close to her ear. Keaira could feel his breath warm on her face. “Now I suggest that you slap me,” he murmured, “and flounce off in a huff. Let Miss Winthrope think I was only after your beautiful body.”

----

Barrett

“For all your talk of spreading knowledge, Aurelians can be the most secretive of people.” Kwyll chortled. “But I don’t have to tell a self taught clergyman that, now do I?” The Bailiff clapped Barrett on the shoulder. “The doorkeeper has instructions to let you in at any time and the librarians know to expect you. Good hunting in finding the parchment’s meaning. If you think I’ll understand the question, do bring back the answer.” Horatio shook Barrett’s hand once more and headed off in search of a drink.

----

Ulder

“Why not purple, Ulder?” Acantha replied. “The color existed long before the guard you know. Since the beginning of things, purple has been symbolic of authority and bravery, sacrifice and loss. If anyone has earned the right to wear it, Ulder, you have.” She stated.

“Did you have this image in your head of the Keepers scouring the Vaults for anything purple?” Acantha smirked. “It wasn’t even a consideration until we came down to the final two items that seemed promising. Many thought to give you a sword of power to replace Tal’Alkeen." She sniffed. "As if any blade could.”

Acantha held the cloak closer for Ulder to examine it. Woven into the silk was an image of Citadel. “I think you and your lady know better than most of the magics laced through the very rocks of Citadel Isle. Powerful protections worked to stave off evil for centuries and now through your efforts the Isle heals and the wards reassert themselves. Many years ago, a mage by the name of Verrain the Dreamer felt that these ancient magics could be tapped and this cloak is the result. He presented it to Lagnora Tal Alkeen and she refused it saying, ‘I have magic enough to protect me. Give it to one that the Isle needs.’”

Acantha held out the cloak for Ulder to take. “This time, the Isle will protect you, Ulder. If you can make peace with the past, it will guard your future.”

[Keaira Morgandy]

Keaira nodded thoughtfully, casting another glance down to the ring. Quite useful, Fauna shan't be able to discover my secrets then. "Very good," she said in an almost business-like manner as she looked back up to the professor. Surprised to find him leaning nearer, Keaira turned her head slightly so that she might hear him better. A soft laugh escaped her lips, both from his suggestion and from his indirect compliment.

"But sir, I deal with men who are only after my body on a daily basis." Her tones were suddenly seductive, purring from her lips. "Until next time." Then she leaned back, her features hardening as her hand came up to slap Moore soundly upon the cheek. Lifting her chin and walking moodily away from him with a severely annoyed expression on her face, Keaira began to make her way back toward the larger gathering of people, though she was quite unsure where she intended to go. The woman was certainly excellent at pretending, that was for sure.

Yet there was a new ring upon her finger and a glass of wine in her hand. She'd just made an arrangement to spy on the woman she was a spy for, and she was the new madam of the Red Banner. How swiftly the tide has changed.