AWRR Chapter 8

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Summary

Session date: 2023-05-08

Ardith Aethlin invites Victorina to her office to inform her that they are moving forward with a proposal to create a framework for Ebemar's inclusion into the Confederacy. progress! Victorina gets invited to a meeting about it. Hopefully she understands that this is her life now.

Leonora invites Yadda for breakfast and they talk about what the next season might look like for Yadda. Hopefully fewer demons.

Katherina and Lavinia go dress shopping in advance of the wedding. They talk about Vinnie's plans for the future and how she is living the dream of being her own person and WITH a super hot partner! #Winning!

Leonora gets Thurston to admit he wrote the letter and then instills a self-destructive paranoia that he is about to be caught. Note: This leads to his being caught.

Lamont and Nik turn to Coifárë for help after getting caught up in a protest turned violent (with a little help and some well placed coins from Thurston), disrupting their morning-after canoodling with an opera singer. Nik manages a little divine healing and Coifárë takes care of the rest of Lamont's injuries.

Meanwhile, Rose and Juno enjoy the museum, wondering where the boys are, until they unexpectedly run into Rose's mother. Definitely a coincidence, 100%

Chitara stops by to apologize to Lamont for the assault, and is relieved when he doesn't feel like she or her cause are responsible. Almost like he knows there was something else going on :V

Nik drops in to see Callisto, and learns a few surprising things about the publishing industry that he might have rather not learned! Still he promises to keep her updated about his next book, which he will definitely have time to work on soon 100%. Nothing else on his schedule...

Zanne invites Lamont to an Extremely Formal meeting to tell him that their uncle is under Super Arrest and pretty much everything he has ever dared to want in his life is now on the table. Somehow he manages not to cry.

Lamont tells Nik the extremely good news and again, somehow manages not to cry (but barely). Nik is very excited: it's going to be a summer wedding after all, and they won't be separated by Lamont's military obligations!

Leonora and Magga invite Lamont over to tell him that they would like to offer him the position as babbydaddy, and they discuss the possible terms. Baby swap, anyone? She also lets him know of her role in Thurston's arrest. Good riddance!

Lamont and Nik invite Coifárë to Lamont's place to tell them the good news, invoke their help with the wedding, and invite them to live with them in Ahkas. Awwww :3

Session

Victorina Discusses Politics With Ardith

Josh: (Could have done the setup for this as epistolary, actually, but, ah well, did not think of it)

Ardith Aethelin: will send a letter to Victorina to try to set up a meeting at her office in the Parliament complex.

Victorina: Victorina will arrive at the appointed time in her best suit with a bulging satchel

Josh: A young shifter woman will greet Victorina upon her arrival, and see her into the office, walking with a noticeable limp.

Ardith Aethelin: is waiting in her office, and stands to greet Victorina with a smile.

Ardith Aethelin: Ms. Allement, thank you for coming.

Victorina: "The honor is mine for the invitation."

Ardith Aethelin: Please, have a seat. Would you like something to drink? Coffee, tea?

Victorina: "Some tea will be lovely."

Ardith Aethelin: Saiya?

Saiya Harrowden: On it, back in a bit.

Ardith Aethelin: smiles and shakes her head a little as Saiya exits.

Ardith Aethelin: I hope it wasn't too arduous a trek up here.

Victorina: "Not too difficult, I assure you. I'm use to long walks."

Ardith Aethelin: If nothing else, Highmark is good exercise.

Ardith Aethelin: So, I have to confess I have something of an ulterior motive for asking you here today. I did want to speak with you about some upcoming legislation, but I also very much wanted you to be seen coming to my office to discuss the same.

Victorina: "Oh? What legislation are you referring to?"

Ardith Aethelin: It's a motion to create a framework for an Ebemari application for Confederacy membership.

Victorina: Victorina internally:

https://tenor.com/view/run-through-happy-running-fans-crowd-gif-14962817

Josh: (Heh)

Ardith Aethelin: It's far from a done deal, but I'm hoping our meeting her will signal how seriously this is being taken.

Josh: (here*, not her)

Victorina: "Of course, of course. It's a step in the right direction." She settles the satchel on her lap. "Is there anything in particular you want to discuss?"

Ardith Aethelin: Well, I do want to caution you that this going to be a long, uphill battle, both here and back home for you. There will be benchmarks Ebemar will need to meet, and it will have to demonstrate its internal support for the move.

Victorina: "My presence here should be a good indicator of Ebemar's desire to join the Confederacy. What benchmarks need to be met?"

Ardith Aethelin: Well, as I'm sure you know, the Confederacy takes a dim view of the practice of slavery, for instance.

Victorina: "Right, right." She's taking notes.

Ardith Aethelin: Ebemar would need to take steps to eliminate the practice before membership could be seriously considered. There's also security concerns, parliamentary arrangements to consider...It's a complex issue, and somewhat unique despite several new states having joined recently.

Ardith Aethelin: I did want to ask...

Ardith Aethelin: I love my country, but our history in your homeland is...rocky at best. Are you certain this is in Ebemar's best interest?

Victorina: Victorina sets down her pen and puts all the papers aside. "My belief is that for now, joining the Confederacy is the better option for us in the long run. True, we're incredibly stubborn which can be a boon sometimes. However, we do not have the...mettle to back such pride."

Ardith Aethelin: nods contemplatively.

Victorina: "We need the reputation that being a member of the Confederacy can bring us, and the protection that'll make hostile neighbors think twice or even thrice about taking our territory for themselves."

Victorina: "I understand joining the Confederacy forces Ebemar to restructure a great deal many things. But it's changes that need to happen."

Ardith Aethelin: There are those, myself included, who have reservations about getting involved in any sort of military conflict in Ahkas again, but I recognize those sorts of commitments are part and parcel of this agreement.

Ardith Aethelin: My fervent hope is we can prevent any sort of hostility.

Victorina: "Exactly. Sometimes the threat is enough to keep the peace."

Ardith Aethelin: nods.

Ardith Aethelin: You're confident a referendum in Ebemar would support membership?

Victorina: "Yes."

Ardith Aethelin: Well, I suspect you'll have your work cut out for you regardless, much as we will here.

Ardith Aethelin: Councilor Tiobraide will be introducing the motion in committee in the next few days, and we'll begin this whole process.

Victorina: "All right. Will this meeting be available for public view?"

Ardith Aethelin: I'm sure we can arrange for you to be present, if you like. Committee meetings aren't usually open to the public, but clearly you're not a random lay person.

Victorina: She nods, "I understand. Thank you."

Ardith Aethelin: You're quite welcome. I'm sure we'll be working together more in the coming days.

Saiya Harrowden: will return with tea, and Ardith will happily discuss the political landscape re: the bill.

Leonara and Yadda Discuss Her Future Prospects

Leonora: has invited Yadda over for breakfast at our Inglenook apartments.

Yadda: will arrive promptly at the appointed time.

Leonora: Yadda, dear, how good to see you!

Leonora: embraces you warmly.

Yadda: will hug Leonora gently.

Yadda: Very well, thank you, aunt. Although, I must confess it has been somewhat less exciting since we returned from the spa.

Leonora: Well, I would hope so! Therma Alba is not normally such vigorous exercise.

Yadda: Well, I don't know if | would want to do it again, but it was interesting to actually put some of my training to use for once.

Leonora: I know that the Amathalis family was very grateful for all our help in the defense of the baths.

Yadda: I am sorry that their resort became the place of such an incident. Was anything ever found about the cause of the violence?

Leonora: Well, a little more, yes. It appears that the demons and cultists knew some of the high-value targets who would be there. It was not random, in other words.

Leonora: But more than that ... well, there is an investigation ongoing. I should not say too much more.

Yadda: I understand.

Leonora: So ... the season is almost done. And I would not be doing my duty if I did not guide you along the way from time to time.

Leonora: I'm presuming that you have not secretly been arranging your own marriage behind the scenes?

Leonora: says in what you hope is a joking tone.

Yadda: smiles.

Yadda: No, I can't say that I have, but it has been more interesting of a season than I had thought at first.

Leonora: Well, as you know, bringing you here this year wasn't about making a match. I think it's been a tremendous success, really.

Leonora: Now, I imagine your grandfather would not have been opposed to a union this year. So my first piece of advice to you is that we should come up with something that sounds vaguely promising for next year, without committing ourselves to anything. For the old man, you understand.

Yadda: Hmm, did you have something in mind?

Leonora: Well, I wanted to ask you. It could be as simple as, you met some female friends who have eligible brothers.

Leonora: You don't want to say anything about some man who might actually be betrothed in the next months. That would suggest to Hruggek that we failed.

Yadda: I see... I think.

Yadda: So nothing too specific, then.

Leonora: Right. I can have Nerea make you a list. She's very good at that.

Yadda: nods.

Leonora: Just names of families where you met one member at an event here.

Leonora: She may bombard you with detail, but the family won't care about all that too much.

Leonora: What they want to hear is that goblin races are treated with respect and dignity, and that you personally are as well, at the season.

Leonora: If they hear otherwise... well, I don't need to explain how that would be bad.

Yadda: Well, that shouldn't be too hard. Everyone has been most welcoming.

Yadda: More so than I expected, honestly

Leonora: I don't know for certain whether I'll be here next year. I may, or I may be back in Nachtur.

Yadda: Will I be expected to come back... alone?

Yadda: If you are not here, that is.

Leonora: Most certainly not! You would have an attendant, at least.

Yadda: nods.

Leonora: I have every confidence in you, dear. When your grandfather started out in the streets of Highmark, he faced endless challenges. These are different, but it is what Wengals do.

Leonora: And someday, perhaps you will be helping my son or daughter as they come out for their first season.

Yadda: smiles at that.

Yadda: I still don't know about making this place my home, but I suppose another season wouldn't kill me.

Leonora: The season doesn't kill people. Demons do.

Yadda: sighs.

Yadda: Demons I can handle.

Yadda: Social events are a higher level encounter, so to speak.

Yadda: I assume my friends Grega and Loriel will be pestering me for details on my time here when I get back. At least I have some good stories to tell them.

Leonora: Perhaps one of them will join you next year.

Leonora: That could be wonderful, especially if they're less attractive than you.

Leonora: says, deadpan.

Yadda: laughs.

Yadda: I suppose that depends on one's tastes.

Yadda: But perhaps I can arrange it when I'm home.

Yadda: speaking of which.... I don't suppose you've heard anything about whether Leid Vilyawen has made a match this season?

Leonora: I haven't ... but I would be surprised if they did. Why?

Yadda: shrugs.

Yadda: Just pondering my plan of attack for next season.

Leonora: That's the attitude. It is a military operation, and the stakes are potentially even greater.

Yadda: Well, the best defense is a good offense, I suppose.

Leonora: Speaking of which, it will behoove you to keep abreast of the latest fashions. Were you happy with your dressmaker this year? We can find another.

Yadda: They were serviceable, but I did have to go back a few times to have them let out in the shoulders. And the one I wore to the spa obviously did not survive well at all. Perhaps in the future I should make sure to have them made with room for a weapon of some sort and more room to move. Just in case.

Leonora: laughs.

Leonora: Well, your grandfather and uncle would approve of that, certainly.

Leonora: Although there is some value in ... conformity, I suppose you would say ... it is also important to highlight your own values and personality.

Leonora: After all, a marriage entered into under false pretenses is hardly likely to survive.

Yadda: That's the strange part. It seems like there is so much deception around all of this. All the pageantry and social fascades. It's like everyone has collectively decided to make it as difficult on each other as possible when the goal should be to get to know one another honestly.

Leonora: nods.

Leonora: Honesty is in short supply among the elite of Highmark, I'm afraid.

Leonora: That's unlikely to change.

Yadda: Mmmm...

Yadda: Well, I suppose I'll have to manage. Thank you and uncle Magga for helping me navigate this. I really do appreciate it.

Leonora: Magga's been glad to have you here. If only because it's made me so happy to be here for you as well.

Yadda: smiles

Yadda: gives her aunt another hug

Lavinia and Katherina Go Wedding Shopping

Lavinia: will recruitKatherina for a shopping trip and borrow the carriage from their mother for the purpose.

Katherina: Are we shopping for your engagement party? Annoncement? Portaits? Looking for wedding ideas? What's the goal? :D

Lavinia: Oh, all of them at once, I suppose! We don't have a lot of time honestly. I don't know what we were thinking asking for a midsummer wedding!

Lavinia: It sounded like a good idea at the time!

Katherina: oh no, see, now we can make sue everything is nicely themes running up to your dress reveal ^-^

Lavinia: Well, I need a dress first!

Katherina: yes but that's what i mean! I we find smethign I klike then you can put little hints of whats to come inthe other ensembles, like colours or lace or prints or what have you :D What colour dress do you want for your wedding? have you discussed it with mother?

Lavinia: Well, white is traditional, but... it's so boooring. I think I want something more colorful. Mother has left the details to me for the most part. I think she's just happy to have me engaged again.

Katherina: Well your groom is very red - so something that would look pretty with that?

Katherina: Do you think it could be arranged for him to show some of his tattoos? Hmmmm

Katherina: your guests need to be appropriately jealous ;)

Lavinia: Ooooh... If I know Gueiris, he could probably be persuaded.

Lavinia: He is quite daring

Katherina: oh yes I was thinking more of mother. And you, I'm so glad you woudl even consider it!  :D

Lavinia: Hmmm... I suppose I wouldn't have considered it a few months ago, would I?

Katherina: No! And I'm so happy! Tis has done you so much good - you are thinking about what you want and what makes you happy instead of just accepting whatever mother and everyone else says. Even at the beginning of the season you just just resigned to everything, and now I hardly feel I need to worry about you at all :3

Lavinia: laughs.

Katherina: have you decided where you will live? Wil you be staying in Highmark?

Lavinia: Surely I haven't changed that much have I? I suppose nearly being eaten has a way of focusing ones attention.

Lavinia: We want to travel. Gueiris will be moving around with his position and I will go with him. At least for now. Eventually we will settle down somewhere, but we're not really sure yet. It's really quite freeing.

Lavinia: And don't worry about me, Kitty. I'm more worried about you being left alone with mother!

Katherina: laughs

Katherina: I think you should worry for mother being left alone with me ;)

Lavinia: I can do both.

Katherina: You've always been the well behaved one.

Lavinia: Well, I won't argue with that, although you have always been the more fun one 😉

Lavinia: Have I ever told you how much I admire you Kitty? You've always had a bravery and a lightheartedness that I could never really match.

Lavinia: But then, you've never killed a demon, so I suppose now we're even.

Katherina: well, I never had a chance! And to my credit I also didn't kill an Aethrenari prince, which I think shows quite a bit of uncharacteristic restraint. So perhaps we're falling into balance ^-^

Lavinia: laughs

Lavinia: I think they call that growing up.

Katherina: Yuck! Dull.  ;)

Katherina: I have plans to remain a much more interesting person.

Lavinia: Well, we'll see about that.

Lavinia: 😉

Lavinia: Oh! I believe that's Madam Bellweather's dress shop ahead.

Katherina: Is that where we are headed, then?

Lavinia: For a start. She's one of the few in this part of town who specializes in halfling dresses. We can at least look at some samples.

Lavinia: will signal to the coach driver to let them off and leadKatherina into the shop where they can browse the dresses.

Katherina: Of course!

Leonora Corners Thurston

Leonora: will have written ahead to plan her visit for a day when Thurston is likely to be alone (except for his staff of course)

Thurston Allard: is often alone now that Lamont has moved out, he tends not to Entertain at home, so this is pretty easy

Leonora: will arrive, dressed in a long green dress and her pearls, nothing to suggest that she is here on Business.

Leonora: Mr. Allard, it's a pleasure to see you once again.

Thurston Allard: It is delightful to see you, Lady Wengal. To what do I owe the pleasure?

Leonora: smiles.

Leonora: Well, I wanted to talk about Therma Alba. If you have a few minutes.

Thurston Allard: Seems confused but not worried right now

Of course, yeah, It was a horrific attack, I'm very grateful that my nephew and my soon to be inlaws were not seriously harmed

Leonora: Oh, what wonderful news! Your family and the Amathalis must be overjoyed!

Leonora: Lord Evenor is a fine young man. And his father is very sensible. I had a long discussion with him in the aftermath of the attack.

Thurston Allard: Oh, were you a guest at the time as well? I was unaware you were acquainted with the Amathalises

Leonora: Of course! I grew up in Thantopolis, and much of my family is still there. My family has long been friends with them, although young Nikession, I only met this year.

Leonora: And yes, my husband and I were guests at the time of the attack. We saw much, and learned much.

Thurston Allard: Do you mean to imply you have an idea of how that attack came to be? I would be delighted to hear anything you are at liberty to share.

Leonora: Hmm.

Leonora: Do you know Fyan Sir Akan Sinan Nabari?

Thurston Allard: Passingly? We have met but not much more than that. I had heard that he was there at the time of the incident.

Leonora: Yes. In the aftermath of the event, he has come to believe that he was a target of the cultists. One of several, it seems.

Leonora: But needless to say, Nabari is not a man to be trifled with. He is older, but that has simply given him more fire in his heart to root out the perpetrators and anyone who would interfere with them.

Thurston Allard: I imagine so. I've heard he's a fierce combatant. I would never want to make an enemy of Fyan Nabari, personally. I almost pity anyone who did.

Leonora: Hmm, yes.

Leonora: You see, there's just one thing that is bothering him more than anything else.

Leonora: Amidst the belongings of one of the cultists was found a letter, an encrypted letter in fact, describing the targets of the attack. As he puts it, it was in a cipher that is one of ours. That is, an old Sentinel house cipher.

Thurston Allard: Thurston's eyes go wide in horror

Have you seen it? I'm afraid.. well, I may have spoken more than I should have in a letter. Is that why your here?

Leonora: What do you mean?

Leonora: Are you saying you wrote a letter?

Thurston Allard: nods, clearly ashamed and embarrassed

I did, yes. I had thought that I could trust its recipient, but even so it might have gotten lost or stolen.

Leonora: Who was the recipient?

Thurston Allard: An old friend in Thanatopolis. (insert random NPC name here). We went to school together, and I had intended to be bragging on the company my nephew was keeping.

Leonora: Well I'm sure that Nabari has already talked to them. I know he was talking to everyone.

Leonora: Having fought beside him at Therma Alba, I assure you that he's ferocious.

Leonora: When he comes to talk to you, you'll want to be able to answer two things for him. First, why the letter was written in an old Sentinel cipher, or any cipher at all. If it was just a letter boasting about your nephew.

Leonora: But then, you were always a bit odd. Maybe it was just an overabundance of caution.

Leonora: Or maybe you always write your letters to your friend in cipher, a vestige of your childhood friendship when you would write little nonsenses to one another. I'm sure he'll have confirmed that for you.

Thurston Allard: Well, you know me.

Thurston smiles and shrugs

I have always been an overly cautious man. Were I not... things might have been quite different.

Leonora: Of course.

Leonora: The other thing you'll want to be able to answer is why a man you barely know except 'passingly', and who apparently you only heard - somehow - was there at the incident, featured notably in your letter about your nephew, who doesn't even know Nabari. Because I assure you that Nabari is going to ask.

Chitara: hta frowns

I hope you don't seriously think I had anything to do with this.

Leonora: I think your letter gave the cultists information about a number of high-value targets who would be present at a major social event.

Leonora: I think that fact is going to be revealed, publicly, very soon.

Leonora: I also think that the fact that your dear nephew is engaged to marry the son of the hosts of Therma Alba, themselves of unimpeachable conduct, is going to look very, very odd to many people.

Leonora: So you should start thinking of your story, very fast.

Thurston Allard: raises an eyebrow

Why should my nephew's match raise eyebrows? They are a reasonable match.

Leonora: Because the attack caused irreparable damage to his parents' estate, which will one day be his.

Leonora: Perhaps you were trying to put an end to the union before it began? I don't know what society will say, but I assure you it won't be "oh, that poor Mr. Allard, he has had such coincidental misfortune in his vicinity."

Thurston Allard: Am I to understand an official investigation is underway? Or do I have time to salvage my reputation beforehand?

Leonora: There is an investigation underway, yes. Across the intelligence authorities of Thantopolis, Nachtur, Highmark, and possibly others.

Leonora: As you know, the Sentinels are not going to take such a breach lightly. Even if they believe that it was accidental.

Leonora: Honestly Nabari may not care. He's spent his life killing demons and cultists ... and their allies.

Thurston Allard: pales a bit

Surely he would not be so unreasonable as to attack someone extrajudicially

Leonora: I believe the new six-inch scar on his abdomen has given him a refreshed view of extrajudicial action.

Leonora: How adept are you at crying for mercy upon demand, Mr. Allard? Good? Or ... not so much?

Thurston Allard: If you will excuse me, you've given me much to think about and do, I do not think now is the time to continue entertaining a guest.

Leonora: Of course. Oh, I almost forgot. There is a third question you should be asking.

Leonora: That is: having had a conversation with a woman who is publicly well-known to have a dragonmark that ensures the secrecy of conversations from scrying.

Leonora: Why would she have such a sensitive conversation with you and not invoke her dragonmark? Which I assure you, I have not.

Leonora: Just something to ponder, Mr. Allard.

Leonora: I do hope our conversation has not been overheard.

Thurston Allard: frowns As much as I have enjoyed the chance to see an old... friend, I'm afraid I am unfamiliar with the manners you have picked up in your new home. Good day, Lady Wengal. The servants will see you out

Leonora: Good luck, Thurston.

Leonora: heads out.

Thurston Allard: rushes out, fuming

Nik and Lamont Go to Coifárë For Help After The Riot

Nik: holds onto Lamont in the carriage and tries to see how injured he is, once we are out of immediate danger

Nik: Lamont? can you hear me? stay awake, okay? stay with me...

Lamont: takes a gasping breath

Nik: is trying very hard not to panic, and puts his hands on Lamont's wounds to try and stop the bleeding.

Lamont: winces but doesn't move away

Lamont: N....nik

Nik: please... I can't stop it by myself... gods, please let him be okay, that's all I ask....

Nik: is startled when that actually seems to do something, his touch briefly filling with divine power and Lamont's injuries healing.

Nik: oh!

Nik: Lamont? are you okay?

Lamont: relaxes slightly

Lamont: oooh...

Lamont: tries to sit up, but winces, lyin back down in Nik's lap

Lamont: I'm alright

Nik: just stay still, I'm going to take you to Coifare, they can help you...

Lamont: I'm an idiot - I'm so sorry

Nik: no, no, it's not your fault

Nik: you couldn't have known something like that would happen

Lamont: that's not true

Nik: shh. we're safe now, and it's going to be okay.

Lamont: nods

Nik: will look out for where this place Coifare was going to be staying should be located, hoping the driver has some idea because he's really not that familiar with the city.

Josh: (I'm gonna say it's the same place as the party they took the boys to way back in the second session.)

Lamont: what did you do?  ?

Nik: I don't really know... I just asked for help.

Lamont: nods

Lamont: Thank you

Nik: did it help? 😮

Lamont: smiles up at Nik, still lying in his lap

Lamont: it did

Lamont: and you got me out of there... somehow

Nik: I just grabbed you and pulled you back into the carriage... I don't know how I had the strength, really.

Lamont: My hero

Lamont: smiles, but closes his eyes again

Nik: is flustered but smiles back and strokes Lamont's hair to try to help him relax

Josh: A young half-elven woman with tousled curly hair, perhaps somewhat familiar to you, answers the door.

Silima: Oh my gods! Are you all right?

Nik: Um, somewhat? Is Coifare here?

Lamont: (Am I with you or still in the carriage?)

Nik: (I'd bring you with me, assuming you can walk)

Lamont: (okay)

Lamont: is holding it together but does look a little concerningly bloody and pale and a but beat to shit in general

Silima: Yes, they're...sorry, come in, come in.

Lamont: ...Apologies for the intrusion

Silima: Coifare!

Silima: Do you need to sit, or lay down or...?

Lamont: oh...

Coifárë: comes into the room wearing a robe, then immediately looks horrified.

Coifárë: Lamont!

Coifárë: rushes over to help him.

Lamont: I'm alright

Coifárë: What happened? Nik, are you okay?

Nik: I'm fine, Lamont is hurt... I think...?

Lamont: nods

Coifárë: Come on, sit down. Lamont, what happened to you?

Lamont: There's riots

Coifárë: Riots? Where? Over what?

Coifárë: gets Lamont sitting down and begins looking him over.

Coifárë: Did you already get some healing?

Lamont: Some...

Lamont: looks at Nik

Lamont: touches his shirt where there is a lot of blood but not currently an open wound

Nik: I... I'm not sure what happened. I didn't know what else to do so I put my hands where he was bleeding, thinking maybe I could stop it if I applied pressure, but ... I asked for help from the gods, and maybe it worked?

Nik: is still shaken up

Coifárë: Nik...either your dragonmark is showing new abilities, or someone answered your prayers.

Coifárë: I'll just finish the job.

Nik: please

Lamont: (actually I'm gonna say he lost his coat at some point during all this, heh)

Coifárë: will place their hands on Lamont and there is a soothing release as the wounds knit back together and heal.

Lamont: takes a deep and easy breath

Lamont: Thank you.

Coifárë: Of course.

Coifárë: will touch their forehead to Lamont's for a moment.

Lamont: smiles at that

Coifárë: Well, that was a dramatic way to begin my day.

Lamont: Apologies, truly

Coifárë: (to Nik) I take it he was trying to be heroic?

Lamont: says to them and to our host

Lamont: (WAS THAT IN eLDUAR? :v)

Lamont: (cl but lol)

Silima: Luckily, I can say this is a first, but I'm glad you're all right.

Josh: (Nope, that was in common 😉 )

Nik: I'm not really sure exactly what happened... it seemed very sudden to me.

Nik: I didn't even make it out of the carriage, perhaps Lamont had a better view of the scene?

Lamont: tries to make himself look a little mor presentable, but this is somewhat of a challenge

Coifárë: What was going on?

Silima: Was it...near here?

Lamont: looks to Nik

Silima: says in a worried voice.

Nik: near the city museum...

Lamont: Ostensibly, it was a rally for inclusions of the Akasic states, but there were agitators in the crowd who pushed them towards violence.

Coifárë: frowns.

Coifárë: That's not good...

Coifárë: Above and beyond all this, of course.

Coifárë: You truly have to stop getting into these sorts of situations, at least within friendly cities, at least.

Lamont: glances at Silima

Lamont: I agree

Lamont: I would rather like it to stop.

Lamont: rubs his temples

Silima: gives Lamont an unsure smile.

Silima: Can I get you some water or anything?

Lamont: Thank you, I would be very grateful

Silima: will go do that.

Coifárë: Thank the gods I was here.

Coifárë: I mean, Nik stabilized things, but still.

Coifárë: goes to hug Nik comfortingly.

Lamont: I should have known

Coifárë: Known what?

Lamont: I've had a headache since the... engagement dinner and it' only beet getting worse,

Lamont: Ughhh, I sound like... a mad person

Nik: you think he had something to do with this?

Nik: asks, being a bit cautious with his word choice since he doesn't know Silima well

Coifárë: My first instinct is to say this seems a bit much, but, considering the attack at Therma Alba...

Lamont: (Did we tell coifare about that? I suppose we coudl have done it off screen either way :x)

Josh: (Yeah, we can assume so.)

Lamont: I think so? for it ti happen then, there, with people place to cause serious escalation....

Lamont: I've been in anything like that before, though... most of the crowd didn't know what they meant to do until they were in the midst of it.

Coifárë: frowns.

Silima: You're welcome to wait here for the time being, if you like.

Silima: says, coming back with water for Lamont.

Lamont: oh, thank you.

Lamont: will take that and drink immediately

Silima: I can give you all some privacy if you need it...

Nik: yes, thank you - sorry to put you to this trouble

Coifárë: steps over to kiss Silima on the cheek.

Coifárë: (elduar) You're a sweetheart.

Silima: smiles, gives Lamont a worried look, and begins walking into the next room.

Silima: I should get dressed for real anyway.

Coifárë: What do you want to do?

Lamont: I'm not suree. I expect I should... report something... somewhere...

Coifárë: Your cousin, maybe? Marchioness Lownmont?

Lamont: nods

Lamont: yes, that woudl make sense

Lamont: I'm sure there's been a response mounted already

Coifárë: I would imagine. So your responsibility is to take your suspicions to Lownmont, right?

Nik: do you want me to go with you?

Lamont: looks down at his bloody cloothing

Lamont: Yes. A witness will be useful....

Nik: nods

Coifárë: Would it look untoward if I went with you both?

Lamont: well. Surely you're just another kind of witness, since you healed me...

Coifárë: nods.

Coifárë: I'd just prefer to help make sure you get wherever you're going all right.

Lamont: I'd be grateful for your company, if you don't mind leaving your companion...

Coifárë: steps forward and places a kiss on top of Lamont's head.

Coifárë: Admittedly not how I meant to be spending my day, but this is my top priority.

Lamont: smiles

Coifárë: straightens up and crosses to Nik to squeeze his hand.

Coifárë: I should also get dressed.

Lamont: nods

Nik: we can wait in the carriage for you if you want some privacy

Lamont: yes.... I'd liek to sit without... ruining someone else's furniture -_-

Coifárë: Oh, right. Stand up real quick.

Coifárë: There's no reason not to clean you up, right?

Lamont: I don't think so

Lamont: There's plenty of blood still in the carriage if anyone insists on seeing it -_-

Coifárë: nods, then waves their hand and utters a spell in elduar. The blood disappears from Lamont's clothes.

Lamont: Thank you

Lamont: again

Lamont: smiles

Nik: yes, thank you

Coifárë: I'm sorry for the necessity, but always happy to help. I'm glad you're both safe; let's keep it that way, shall we?

Coifárë: (to Nik, in Elduar, with a concerned look) Are you all right?

Nik: (in elduar) Yes, just shaken. I'll be all right, I just wish such things would stop happening...

Coifárë: (elduar) Gods-willing, it will soon.

Lamont: waits for them to have their lil private side convo -_-

Coifárë: kisses Nik on the cheek and hugs him again, then goes to get dressed.

Lamont: will sit and hold Nik's hand while we wait

Nik: we weren't talking about you or anything... Coifare just wanted to know if I was okay.

Nik: says quietly

Lamont: I know.

Nik: squeezes your hand

Lamont: They want to make sure you feel cared for

Nik: nods

Lamont: I don't really mind.

Nik: I just don't want you to feel left out. I could teach you to speak it if you wanted... but I know there's so many other things going on right now.

Lamont: smiles

Lamont: We'll have time

Lamont: We will.

Lamont: squeezes his hand back

Nik: smiles a little bleakly

Nik: (presumably then once Coifare is ready we can go see Zanne?)

Josh: (nod)

Rosalie and Juno Visit the Museum

Juno Morticia Auspex: will arrive at the museum early to wait for everyone.

Rosalie: will arrive shortly before Lamont is scheduled to arrive and wait with Juno

Rosalie: checks the time

The marquess must be running late.

Juno Morticia Auspex: That's unlike him, isn't it?

Rosalie: nods

I would think so. He must have been delayed by something.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Well, present company is just fine with me.

Josh: (Was there a specific like exhibit or anything we were all coming to see?)

Rosalie: (Just some new exhibit, I can't remember what it was originally.)

Lamont: (I don't think we specified, heh)

Juno Morticia Auspex: Truth be told, I don't know the first thing about...any of this. Art was not much a part of my upbringing.

Rosalie: Oh, I am not so learned in art, either. I am mostly here for the historical bits and bobs they have on display.

Rosalie: But the great thing about art is that you don't need extensive education to admire it. says brightly, then blushes a little and loops her arm through Juno's

Shall we?

Juno Morticia Auspex: smiles.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Absolutely.

Juno Morticia Auspex: is happy to stroll along with Rosalie and admire the exhibits.

Rosalie: Stillmarch said the private tour should begin not too long from now, we just have to meet the curator. I wonder if we'll still be able to see the collection without him here.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Well, even without Stillmarch here, you're still a Doumens. I'm sure plenty of this came from your family as well. 😉

Rosalie: Oh, well, yes, some. When Father passed away, I was appointed executor, which was really quite the to-do since I wasn't of an age yet. Anyway, we had quite an extensive art collection just sitting in a gallery in the house, so I donated the lot.

Rosalie: Seb and I used the gallery for fencing practice after that. grins

Juno Morticia Auspex: laughs.

Juno Morticia Auspex: That's more like my upbringing. The Auspexes are a military family, through and through.

Rosalie: laughs

Well, I wouldn't say we are military, really. We dabble in many things. Were expectations high for you to join as well?

Juno Morticia Auspex: Expectation might be underselling it. It was assumed I'd serve, particularly after it became apparent I had a talent for necromancy.

Rosalie: Did you...ever want to be anything else?

Juno Morticia Auspex: Would you think me unimaginative if I said no?

Rosalie: No, not at all. I would envy you, maybe.

Rosalie: To know your path and walk it so assuredly is a wonderful thing. I sometimes wish I had the same confidence in my path.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Your path isn't set. You can do anything you set your mind to.

Rosalie: This is true. Perhaps I just wish for opportunities that appealed to me more.

Rosalie: In any case, the collection we donated should be in the East wing.

Rosalie: There are some silly things there. Apparently, a relative of mine must have loved boats, they devoted a lot of energy into buying as many pieces with boats in them as possible.

Josh: Rosalie, you have to do a double-take, but you see your mother at the end of the gallery, talking to a shadar-kai man.

Rosalie: Even some pottery with little naval scenes....trails off, staring into the distance

Juno Morticia Auspex: Are you all right?

Juno Morticia Auspex: gives Rose a concerned look.

Rosalie: Uh, yes. My mother is here.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Oh! Were you...expecting her?

Rosalie: looks a little flustered and begins straightening her appearance

Rosalie: I wasn't. We have not seen each other for some time.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Should we go say hello? Or I can wait if you want to speak to her yourself?

Rosalie: Oh, yes. I mean, no. I mean, yes, let's go say hello. Together, that is.

Juno Morticia Auspex: squeezes Rosalie's hand reassuringly.

Rosalie: gives a small, stressed smile and leads the way to her mother

Rosalie: (Name of the shadar-kai?)

Josh: (Emlyn Rhydderch)

Rosalie: reaches her mother and the man

Mother, hello. I did not know you were in town.

Inga Doumens: Rosie, dear, I didn't expect to see you here. I was going to come by the house later today.

Rosalie: Oh, well, what providence then! Mother, may I introduce you to my...to Magus Juno Auspex. Juno, this is my mother, LadyInga Doumens.

Juno Morticia Auspex: It's an honor and a pleasure to meet you, Lady Doumens.

Inga Doumens: Yes, wonderful to meet any friend of my daughter's, magus. I would introduce you to my friend, but he was just taking his leave, and he doesn't speak Nerathi.

Inga Doumens: says something to her companion, who nods and makes an apologetic face, then turns to go.

Rosalie: I did not know you were coming to town soon. Was it an unexpected trip?

Inga Doumens: Well, you know me, dear, I don't tend to plan very far ahead.

Inga Doumens: (to Juno) Luckily, she doesn't take after me.

Rosalie: nods

I am unlike you and Father in this particular way. But I am glad to see you, nonetheless.

Rosalie: Sébastien will be glad, as well. And you must meet his new fiancé while you are in town.

Inga Doumens: Apparently I'm behind on my correspondence. A fiancé, you say? I'm delighted. And yourself?

Inga Doumens: gives Juno a glance, which is answered with a blush.

Rosalie: gives a quick glance to Juno, as well, and blushes

Oh, well, no, I am not engaged, yet. Sébastien only just proposed on Founder's Day.

Inga Doumens: Oh, so I haven't missed too much of it, and I can still play the overbearing mother-in-law-to-be.

Rosalie: laughs lightly

You may certainly give it a shot, but I think you'll find his fiancé up to the task.

Inga Doumens: Challenges can be fun.

Inga Doumens: Speaking of fun, I should leave you to yours, but I'll see you this evening?

Rosalie: nods

Of course. I shall make sure Sébastien stays home from his club, as well.

Inga Doumens: Excellent, there's my good girl. I'll leave you two to your...stroll.

Inga Doumens: gives Rosie a kiss on the cheek, and an encouraging smile to Juno.

Rosalie: will wait until her mother has left, then let out a sigh

Juno Morticia Auspex: Well, she seems...fun?

Rosalie: lets out a startled laugh

Rosalie: Yes, you might say. I think sometimes I am the apple that rolled very far from my family tree.

Juno Morticia Auspex: gives a bemused smile.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Well, I think you're fun. 😉

Rosalie: grins

For you, I can be very fun.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Then I say we make the most of our visit, hmm? Fortify you for dealing with your mother later?

Rosalie: sighs again and leans slightly into Juno's side

I do believe you are a miracle.

Rosalie: Let's go see how many boats we can find.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Aye, captain.

Chitara Apologizes To Lamont

Chitara: Chitara has been kept fairly busy dealing with the fallout of people being attacked in the name of their cause, but a couple days after, Chitara calls at his new place

Lamont: will come down and meet her in the parlor

Lamont: miss Kitus, good afternoon

Lamont: Would you care for some tea or coffee?

Chitara: smiles in obvious relief that he's up and about

I would love some tea, thank you. I'm so glad to see you're well.

Lamont: Oh, I'm quite well, thank you

Lamont: says, sounding slightly puzzeled

Lamont: ...oh, have you been talking to Nik?

Chitara: smiles wryly

Well, yes, but I likely would've heard anyway unless it was a complete secret. We've been doing damage control

Lamont: I didn't realize the news had travelled very far, but in any case, I am fine, and I don't hold your cause accountable in any case.

Chitara: I am glad to hear it but I do still feel somewhat responsible.

Lamont: Please, you're really not.

Lamont: (A servant will come in with a tray of tea and some little nibbles an serve)

Lamont: The matter is under investigation, I'm sure anything relevant will be relayed to you.

Lamont: was it a planned rally?

Chitara: It was not. We had no word anyone was going to be doing anything that morning until there were injuries.

makes a face

Its honestly pretty bizarre

Lamont: nods

Chitara: At least it seems everyone injured has been seen to and no lasting harm was done

Lamont: yes, the response was pretty quick, I understand..

Lamont: I'm lucky Nik got me out of there quickly

Lamont: says with a fond smile

Chitara: Yeah, that was some seriously quick thinking on his part. Honestly, I'm impressed.

Lamont: I regret that he's been exposed to so many crises while in my presence, but I have been grateful to have him nonetheless

Lamont: Did he tell you our news?

Chitara: He did! I'm happy for you both. He's a wonderful guy, he deserves someone who'll make him as happy as you do

Lamont: Thank you. He is wonderful, more than I deserve, but I will do my best for him.

Chitara: shrugs and finally picks up her cup of tea

You'll have to forgive me for trusting his judgement over yours on the matter

Lamont: No, I think that's entirely fair.

Chitara: smiles

He's a good judge of character

Lamont: Well, as I said, I will try to live up to his assessment.

Nik Talks To Callisto About His Future Career

Nik: can go and pay a visit to Callisto (who has probably been sending him periodic reminders to talk to her ;)

Callisto Vallee: : She has a cluttered desk , trying to find something but making more of a mess :

Nik: I hope this is a good time?

Callisto Vallee: She lets out a squeak at the sudden interruption, sending most of the papers to the floor.

Callisto Vallee: "I...yes...I've been trying to get some one-on-one with you. Come in, come in."

Nik: comes in

Nik: I'm sorry, I've just been so busy lately.

Callisto Vallee: "Does that mean you have a new book or books to submit to me?"

Nik: Oh, not a new book yet, no.... I might have a few new ideas, but it will be a little while before I have the leisure to put them to paper. But I wanted to reassure you that I'm definitely thinking about it!

Callisto Vallee: "What...what else has kept you so busy?"

Nik: Oh, the season, you know, social events... also, well... I have become engaged to Lord Stillmarch :3

Callisto Vallee: "You're...you're getting married?! When?"

Callisto Vallee: "Will this effect your literary work?"

Nik: In the fall, I think? The date is still a little uncertain.

Nik: And, well, I don't know! I'll certainly do my best, but there may be extenuating circumstances that need my attention.

Callisto Vallee: "True, true. I just don't want you to give it up completely. Some of our writers only write because they need the money. I know that's not your situation. But if this marriage is giving you the support you need, let me know now if we need to find someone else to take up the pen name."

Nik: Oh, no, certainly I wouldn't think that is necessary 😮

Nik: I feel like people might be able to tell?

Callisto Vallee: She releases a sigh of relief and leans back in her chair. "That's good to hear."

Callisto Vallee: At Nik's remark she snort/snickers. "You'd be surprised."

Nik: I would?

Callisto Vallee: She scratches the side of her nose. "That'd be telling."

Nik: Oh... I see.

Nik: well, I did just want to let you know that I haven't forgotten you. But that it will still be a little while longer before I have a book to show you.

Callisto Vallee: "Are at least a couple of chapters you can let me read? If for nothing else than to give the appearance you still take this seriously."

Nik: ...

Nik: I wrote my first book for fun, I didn't think I was obliged to take it very seriously. I already said I don't have anything to give you right now, but if you aren't willing to wait, perhaps this isn't the right direction for me to go in.

Callisto Vallee: Callisto stays quiet a moment then slowly nods. "I apologize. I shouldn't be pushing you like this. You'd think after all this time I'd have more patience with writers. But publication world can be cut throat sometimes, and it feels like I'm going under any moment."

Callisto Vallee: "But that doesn't excuse me from pressuring you so much."

Nik: Well, I'm sorry about that. I do want to write another book, but I need a few free moments to do that in. I hope maybe soon I'll have that, though.

Callisto Vallee: "Just keep me in the loop, Nik."

Nik: I'll try to!

Zanne Informs Lamont of His Uncle's Arrest

Zanne Machel: will have sent a carriage for Lamont to summon him to the Machel estate on the Crown.

Lamont: will go when summoned

Lamont: will dress appropriately, etc

Josh: Servants will be waiting for Lamont, and will escort him to an office in the central area of the house. It's small, quite full of books and papers, all of it neatly organized.

Zanne Machel: will be waiting, standing when Lamont is ushered inside.

Zanne Machel: Marquess Stillmarch, thank you for coming. Can I offer you something to eat or drink?

Lamont: a drink, please. Thank you, your grace.

Zanne Machel: nods, and will go to fix Lamont a drink.

Zanne Machel: I understand congratulations are in order.

Lamont: Yes, thank you. We will be releasing a formal public announcement soon.

Zanne Machel: I'm happy to hear it, truly.

Zanne Machel: walks over to hand Lamont his drink.

Lamont: will take it

Zanne Machel: I would like to also offer my apologies.

Lamont: oh?

Zanne Machel: House Machel has been delinquent in its duties to you and your family, cousin, and I hope we can, in future, offer some remuneration for that debt.

Zanne Machel: Our attention was directed elsewhere in the Confederacy, and my father's trust in your uncle allowed his corruption to fester. I offer this solely as explanation, not excuse.

Zanne Machel: To think what it has cost us all...

Lamont: nods and takes a sip of his drink

Zanne Machel: I hope it will offer some solace that he will face justice. We apprehended him attempting to flee the city the day of the riot.

Lamont: It.... I see.

Zanne Machel: Given my personal connection to the case, I won't be trying it, but I have the utmost faith in my colleague who will be. It will be a sealed case, out of the public eye, but, I assure you, Thurston will cause no further harm.

Lamont: ...What are the charges?

Zanne Machel: Corruption and conspiracy of multiple kinds, on multiple counts. It may still take some time to ferret out all of his crimes, but we've enough evidence to bring the first charges. My colleague is even considering charging him with apostasy and handing him over to the Asmodeans, but we'd prefer he remain in Machel custody, of course.

Lamont: nods

Lamont: ...I'm sorry, even with some expectations, this is quite a lot

Zanne Machel: nods.

Zanne Machel: It's not my intention to overwhelm you, but I would assume your realize this presents something of a power vacuum that will need addressing quickly.

Josh: (you*)

Lamont: yes, of course

Zanne Machel: First and foremost, there is no public head of the Allard family at the moment.

Lamont: nods slowly, and takes another drink

Zanne Machel: Now, legally, you are still Thurston's ward until you marry, with his consent. Luckily, however, my father may stand in his stead, and I have a signed document offering his enthusiastic consent for your match.

Zanne Machel: And, obviously, upon your marriage, all assets and responsibilities of your station will fully revert to you.

Lamont: Thank you.

Zanne Machel: It is, truly, our duty to you.

Zanne Machel: offers a small fortifying smile at that.

Zanne Machel: If I might ask, have you given much thought to what you'll do after your wedding?

Lamont: ...how do you mean?

Zanne Machel: gestures towards one of a pair of chairs near the window looking out on the lawn.

Zanne Machel: You've heard the rumors about the ongoing conflict in the south?

Lamont: (gestures as in let's sit?)

Josh: (Yeah)

Lamont: I have, yes.

Lamont: will take a seat

Lamont: I have been expecting to hear that my unit is to be depoyed there, and I expected to be sent with them....

Zanne Machel: That is...one possibility.

Zanne Machel: I understand there was some difficulty with your unit during your last deployment? Above and beyond the obvious.

Zanne Machel: likewise takes a seat.

Lamont: looks out the window.

Lamont: ...the difficulty was not with my unit.

Zanne Machel: nods.

Zanne Machel: I spoke with cousin Alcina. She speaks highly of you, but said your dragonmark can be...difficult.

Lamont: nods.

Lamont: I appreciate her assessment.

Zanne Machel: However despicable your uncle is, with him in custody, we've lost an asset. If you're willing, and with further training, we think you'd make a more than equal replacement.

Lamont: ...I see.

Lamont: Of course I am willing to serve in whatever role you think woudl be most suitable

Lamont: says, clearly a little overwhelmed with everything but trying to keep up

Zanne Machel: On a more personal note, I think Thurston's methods were counterproductive to long-term stability. Since your return to the city, you've demonstrated an ability to attract and coordinate disparate allies, under difficult circumstances, towards an outcome beneficial for all parties.

Zanne Machel: Excepting, of course, the obvious.

Zanne Machel: smiles a little grimly at that.

Lamont: nods

Zanne Machel: It is my belief that that sort of inter-House, cross-Confederacy cooperation, rather than rivalry, is the only real path forward.

Lamont: I do agree, especially as we are being drawn into more external matters

Zanne Machel: It's fortunate you bring that up.

Zanne Machel: You know about the Ebemar resolution working through Parliament? I know it was in the papers, but you've also had quite a lot to be dealing with, of course.

Lamont: No, I haven't.

Zanne Machel: A resolution has been introduced that will provide a possible pathway towards Ebemar's application for membership in the Confederacy. Confidentially, I'm not sure its in either our or their interests to see it to successful inclusion, but it will provide momentum for allied reformist groups in our closest ally on Ahkas.

Lamont: I see.

Lamont: considers, then adds,

Lamont: I believe there are at least some in the delegation here who view it similarly

Zanne Machel: nods.

Zanne Machel: What would you think of deployment to Ebemar, rather than Per An?

Lamont: I should take some time to consider it more carefully, but, based on all you've said, I think I would see it favourably

Zanne Machel: I would also add that it is likely a much safer assignment, if, say, a young officer wanted to bring their spouse along.

Lamont: He would certainly appreciate that, and I believe he would appreciate the opportunity

Zanne Machel: nods.

Zanne Machel: There's still some time for you to discuss and decide, but the sooner we know one way or the other, the sooner we can plan accordingly.

Lamont: I understand.

Lamont: I will give it due consideration. And I should have few other concerns to occupy me.

Zanne Machel: nods, and offer her hand.

Zanne Machel: Please let me know if there's any way I can help.

Zanne Machel: Truly.

Lamont: will take it

Lamont: Thank you, for all of this.

Lamont Informs Nik and Coifárë of the Good News

Lamont: will have had his servants prepare a few little things in the expectation of afternoon guests

Coifárë: will arrive at the appointed time.

Lamont: stands when they are shown in, setting side the papers he was looking over

Coifárë: smiles as they enter.

Nik: will also get up and greet them

Josh: (Are there servants present?)

Lamont: Fárë, so wonderful to see you, as always

Lamont: (not for long)

Coifárë: And you as well, of course.

Coifárë: will wait for the servants to leave and then step over to give both boys a kiss.

Coifárë: So, your note said there was good news? Don't keep me in suspense.

Lamont: smiles

Lamont: My uncle's been arrested.

Coifárë: Wow, that's...that's amazing.

Lamont: A sealed trial but... a number of charges

Lamont: I've been assured the case is very strong

Coifárë: I would imagine so.

Coifárë: What does this mean for you?

Lamont: looks to Nik

Lamont: A great many things. I'm still working through it all.

Nik: we can get married sooner!

Nik: blurts out

Lamont: yes. As I am still bound by the terms of my guardianship, and there is no head of the Allard family, and.... Lord Machel has given his endorsement of our match

Lamont: That's the most immediate thing.

Coifárë: What?! Eeeeeeeeee!

Coifárë: moves to pull them both into a big hug.

Lamont: smiles broadly at their excitement and hugs back

Nik: also hugs back

Coifárë: When? Where? Oh, there's so much to plan. I'm so happy for you both!.

Lamont: We wanted to know.... if perhaps you would marry us?

Coifárë: pauses, then hugs them both tighter.

Coifárë: Oh course! That would be so great!

Lamont: It would :3

Lamont: A summer wedding, afterall...

Coifárë: What are you thinking? Here in Highmark, at Therma Alba, Stillmarch...?

Nik: glances at Lamont

Lamont: looks back

Nik: We hadn't really figured that out yet... did you have a preference?

Lamont: Honestly, my mind is still reeling from a great many things

Lamont: I think... they're may be too many disruptions in Stillmarch to organize anything appropriate... and I know your family is still dealign with the aftermath of the attack....

Nik: /me nods

Lamont: Maybe Highmark would be best? Or... somewhere else?

Nik: HIghmark is fine with me.

Coifárë: Highmark is the most convenient for attendees, I would think.

Nik: Anywhere would be wonderful with you 🙂

Lamont: smiles

Coifárë: smiles.

Lamont: Highmark, then.

Lamont: One decision made...

Lamont: many to go.

Coifárë: You'll need new outfits, and you'll need to pick your wedding party, and we'll need to find you a venue, and...oh, this is going to be so great!

Nik: grins excitedly

Lamont: nods, trying not to look overwhelmed

Nik: Like you said, Lamont, I'm sure if we let them, our mothers would do much of the arrangements. For the things we are less concerned about, we can seek their help 🙂

Lamont: We would welcome your assistance. I'll probably enlist my mother as well, I'm sure she'll be keen...

Lamont: nods to Nik

Lamont: yes, just so.

Coifárë: is just grinning so much.

Coifárë: I want to talk about this for days, but I'm assuming that's not all that came out of Thurston being arrest.

Lamont: nods, his expression turning serious again

Lamont: No, there are a number of other things. I'll be expected to take over management of my family's various responsibilities, of course, but that includes so... different career prospects

Lamont: Which is to say - I have been offered a posting to Ebemar, which would allow me to bring Nik.

Coifárë: Oh, wow.

Coifárë: That's incredible, Lamont. And Nik, too, getting to travel to Ahkas, you must be so excited.

Coifárë: You two have so much going on. 😄

Lamont: smiles at Nik, knowing just HOW excited he has been about the idea :3

Nik: Yes, I am!

Lamont: We do.... I know I've said it before but... you are welcome to be part if it, as much as you would like

Lamont: offers them his hand

Coifárë: Count on it. 😉

Coifárë: takes Lamont's hand.

Lamont: Good. We'll hold a space for you, wherever we are.

Nik: Oh good 🙂 He's been worried, I think, that you wouldn't be able to go with us, but he was really hoping you would say yes. As was I, of course!

Lamont: blushes at that

Lamont: I dind't.... don't want to presume... you would do more than visit....

Coifárë: I have duties here, much as I do my best to downplay them, but I have good stewards.

Coifárë: What do you mean?

Lamont: squeezes their hand

Lamont: I mean... whatever you are comfortable with But you are welcome to come with us, if you like.

Lamont: We have time to figure things out

Coifárë: squeezes back, and reaches for Nik's hand.

Coifárë: I'm so happy for that. I know things have been difficult for you for...truly years at this point, but, with Thurston gone...it's like you can actually breathe, and live, and plan, and dream, and...oh it's so wonderful.

Nik: He's been much more relaxed already - despite all the planning we'll have to deal with 🙂

Coifárë: smiles at that.

Nik: glances at Lamont

Lamont: It does feel like a huge burden has been lifted... but it doesn't feel wholly real, either

Nik: Did you want to tell them about... the things with Lord and Lady Wengal?

Nik: asks in what he probably thinks is a discreet way but is actually extremely suspicious ;)

Coifárë: definitely looks curious.

Lamont: oh, hmmm. In confidence, perhaps?

Lamont: It's not solely our affair.

Lamont: nor is anything official

Lamont: glances at Coifare, but also will take Nik's hand to complete the circle :3

Coifárë: Is this about the heir situation?

Lamont: yes.

Lamont: are you familiar?

Coifárë: I've talked with her about it a few times, but I wasn't aware any decisions had been made.

Lamont: Well, they have asked me. Considering our own situation, there is possibility of a more... resiprocal relationship of some sort. But again... it is all under discussion currently

Lamont: I suspect that is proabably what Nik is more excited about :x

Nik: smiles

Nik: In a few years, though. Not right away!

Lamont: yes.

Coifárë: chuckles.

Coifárë: It's nice to be able to plan ahead, though.

Lamont: nods

Lamont: It's... again... its a lot @_@

Lamont: I'm so grateful to have the support I have now.

Coifárë: And will continue to have. 🙂

Lamont: Yes.

Lamont: will pull them both back close into another embrace :3

Rumor and Scandal

(include only every second chapter)

Epistolary

• [Engagement announcement for Nik and Lamont]