AWRR Chapter 5

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Summary

Session date: 2023-04-02

DAY ONE

Everyone arrives at the estate, save for Lamont, who has been in attendance for several days. Nik is on hand to greet his gusts as they arrive, and speaks with Leonora, Magga and Yadda as well as with Juno and Rosalie directly. Lavinia observes Gueiris arriving with Juno and Agyness in a Cziernos carriage. Katherina tries to speak with Gueiris to understand the situation and is rebuffed.

Coifárë checks in with Victorina and Chitara, as the first recovers from portal sickness, and the three make plans to visit the bathing pools.

Lamont and Gueiris run into each other out in the gardens, and Gueiris explains about his arrival with Juno. Meanwhile, the Whitbottom-Orsino sisters have an awkward meeting with Juno in the hot springs.

Sebastien meets Chitara and they have a frank discussion about their views on marriage. They are joined by Coifárë for a tryst

Leonora learns that Fyan Akan Nabari is present, and she invites him to bathe in order to get to know him.

Nik and Coifárë meet up and press Lamont on his situation. He tells them about his uncle's conspiracy and breaks down in the face of their care and concern. Afte they settle him in his rooms for a rest, they discuss what they might be able to do to help him.

Later that evening, Leonora catches Lamont. She explains her search for a sire for an heir, and invites him to consider whether he has any interest in becoming involved. Meanwhile, Gueiris runs across Lavinia in the kitchen, and they have a conversation fraught with misunderstandings.

Rosalie tries to help Juno in the library, and the pair wind up in a pile on the floor. They discuss books and what it means to make a difference in the world

Leonora consults with Magga at the end of the day, and tells him of her encounters with two of her potenial selections.

DAY TWO

Nik meets Chitara at breakfast. they catch up, and he floats th idea of her delegation taking Lamont as a guard. Later, she runs into him while painting out in the gardens, and they have a genial discussion about art and politics.

Coifárë comes across Gueiris in the hot springs and talks to him about his love life. He later runs into Rosalie and the two talk about their futures. Afterwards, Rosalie runs into Coifárë at the springs and the two discuss possible Doumens matches and futures. Chitara seeks out Rosalie and speaks frankly about the possibility of courting her brother.

Gueiris and Juno spar with magic at the Therma Alba training grounds, both going all out. They are interrupted by Lamont towards the end of their bout, after which Juno excuses herself and the guys discuss their messy love lives.

Nik runs into Katherina at the pools and they discuss Lavinia and Gueiris's situation, as well as Nik's love life and Kitty's new calling. Nik tells her a secret! Meanwhile, Chitara and Gueiris also have a first encounter in the pools

Lamont finds Coifárë in the estate's small chapel, and the two share their mutual affection in front of the statue of Corellon. Afterwards, he runs into Lavinia in the gardens and the two discuss Gerry, Gueiris, and the possibility of happiness. Coifárë runs into Leonora in the pools and Leonora asks them directly about Lamont's suitability as a potential sire.

Lamont runs in to Rosalie in the Library while returning a rare book, and they make plans for a walk out to the vineyards the next day. After dinner, Rosalie returns to the library, where Nik finds her and helps her find new reading materia.

DAY THREE

Nik brings Lamont breakfast in his room and they have an awkward conversation about where things stand. Nik retires to let him dress and talks to Agatha about it.

Day One

Arrivals

Nik: Therma Alba is the estate of the Amathalis family, located a few hours away from Thantopolis, based around a natural series of hot springs. It has become well-known as a destination for healing and relaxation, and the family have expanded on its natural features to add things like pools, vineyards, gardens, and a series of services such as saunas, massage, exercise and physical training, and other such amenities to entice guests.

Nik: Travel to the location could be done by a few different means, but probably the easiest is to portal from Highmark to Thantopolis and then hire a carriage or ride on horseback. The invitation Lord Evenor has extended is for the duration of a long weekend, effectively - 3 days to enjoy the hospitality of his family, with a grand dinner party planned for the concluding evening.

Nik: On the other days you are free to partake of whatever activities you are most interested in, or simply to relax and take a break from the whirlwind of the social scene. Not only the PCs are invited, I'm sure Nik has invited a ton of people, so if you have specific NPCs you want to have be there, it can probably be the case that they were invited too, or came as a guest of someone who was invited, etc.

Nik: will try to be there to greet people as they arrive, of course!

Leonora: The Wengal clan arrives in a well-equipped airship from Thantopolis, bearing the crest of the Curiate Palatine, Leonora's father. Lady Wengal has of course brought along Lord Wengal, along with young Lady Yadda Wengal their niece, for the event. Nenea Spargo, Lady Wengal's assistant, is near at hand, as are one or two bugbear footmen in the employ of Lord Wengal.

Leonora: is wearing a flowing green dress, rather amply low-cut that shows off her ... fine gold necklace of fine jade in the shape of tree branches. She emerges from the airship and takes in the familiar air of Therma Alba, though she surely hasn't visited since she much younger, growing up in Thantopolis.

Lamont: of course, is already here :x

Victorina: Victorina sits between the kan Vappoheimers as the carriage rolls through the green countryside. Fortunately the portal-sickness wasn't as bad as previous occasions (probably because she ate sparingly beforehand). Eudora goes on and on about the amenities available at this exclusive location, and planning on how she's going to take advantage of them. The Baron and Victorina let her babble on, she's easily doing enough talking for all three of them. Victorina is a little miffed about the trip; she'd planned a march for Ebenmar that now has to be rescheduled because of this. The Baron hopes someone at this long weekend will be willing to take his guest off his hands.

They'll arrive wearing new travel suits, more expensive finery is reserved for later in the day.

Rosalie: and Sébastien will arrive together in their duchal glory in fashionable travel clothing. It's just the two of them, with a small staff for travel

Lavinia: Maria, Katherina, and Lavinia Whittbottom Orsino will arrive in a large carriage, presumably rented in Thantopolis after porting in. A flag of the Orsino crest flutters from the back. Lavinia stares out the window, raptly gazing at the countryside as they approach the springs. Lavinia sports a fluffy, pastel green and white dress, probably more suited for a dinner party than a visit to a hot spring.

Katherina: Is as usual dressed similarly to her sister, in a bit plainer version of her dress, and in yellow rather than green

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: arrives in a Thanatoplian carriage bearing the marks of the local house Czeirnos. He steps out wearing a black vest with bare arms, revealing the many arcane tattoos that cover them, and graciously aids his companion, Magus Juno Morticia Auspex, out of the carriage.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: (who are quickly followed by her cousin Agyness Czeirnos)

Lavinia: From one of the windows of the villa, Lavinia's eyes light up to see Gueiris step down from the carriage, but immediately her features freeze and then fall as Juno steps out beside him.

Lavinia: quickly disappears in a flutter of curtains.

Juno Morticia Auspex: looks more comfortable in Thantopolitan style, a flowing garment that's luckily a bit closer to modern Highmark style. She's sporting a rare smile at seeing Therma Alba again.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: will arrive with the rest of the Brescias, a group of the younger generation with a few older chaperones for (Highmark) propriety. The group will have come in ornate carriages pulled by unicorn servants. (Servants will arrive slightly later with much less pomp.) Coifare themself will be in a flowing silk Thantopolitan traveling gown, likely made special for the occasion, looking thrilled to visit.

Nik Greets Juno

Juno Morticia Auspex: will address Nik in an aside.

Juno Morticia Auspex: You really are looking quite well. I'm glad to see you up and about greeting guests.

Nik: Thank you. I feel so much improved since my mark manifested, it's quite remarkable! How have you been faring?

Juno Morticia Auspex: I get by. It's nice to get home for a little bit. Highmark is so cold, and when I had just come from Morro...

Nik: oh, you were in Morro?

Juno Morticia Auspex: How are you? Big party, lots of guests...it must be exciting.

Juno Morticia Auspex: nods.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Until a few months ago. My unit is still down there, but I got recalled to the War Office.

Juno Morticia Auspex: does not sound happy about that.

Nik: nods but won't press on the subject too much

Nik: Oh, yes, quite exciting! I haven't hosted a party before and perhaps if I'd been more sensible I would have started with a smaller affair, but I couldn't stop thinking of things I wanted to do and people to invite, so here we are!

Juno Morticia Auspex: smiles genuinely.

Juno Morticia Auspex: I'm sure it will be great. I take it you've been making a lot of friends in Highmark, then?

Nik: I've been making the rounds, as they say 😄

Juno Morticia Auspex: laughs.

Juno Morticia Auspex: I've been somewhat avoiding it, but my father has rather pushed me off into the deep end. Which I suppose is a proper analogy for Therma Alba.

Narrator: (analogy while in TA, rather)

Nik: Is your arrival with Lord Kyrnon merely a matter of convenience in travel, or something more to be seen?

Juno Morticia Auspex: 's smile turns a little sad.

Juno Morticia Auspex: My father would like it to be something more, and Kyrnon is both handsome and good company, but he told me himself he's already attached.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Still, we have a good deal in common, so he may prove a good friend to have, regardless.

Nik: Ah, I see. Well... there are surely many bones in the graveyard, I think I heard my grandmother say once. If it doesn't work out with him, there are many others who would be more agreeable.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Sadly, I have much less facility with metaphorical bones than real ones.

Nik: chuckles

Juno Morticia Auspex: pauses a moment, parsing her own statement, then chuckles along.

Nik: But truly... I don't want you to feel unhappy or unwelcome here. If you are not overcommitted, I'll be happy to introduce you around to other people, and of course spend time with you myself 🙂

Juno Morticia Auspex: Oh, that would be great, though please don't occupy yourself overmuch with me. I'll just be happy with time in Thantopolitan lands.

Juno Morticia Auspex: It really is good to see you, though, and I'll be happy to get the chance to pay my respects to your lovely parents.

Nik: Wonderful! I'm sure they will be delighted to see you and your cousin as well.

Nik Greets Rosalie

Rosalie: will make her way to the host to make his acquaintance

Nik: Ah, good afternoon!

Rosalie: Good afternoon! It looks like a very successful gathering is underway.

Nik: I hope so. Are you finding everything to your liking, Miss...?

Rosalie: Oh, beg pardon. I'm Lady Rosalie Doumens, but most people call me Rose. points to Seb That is my brother, over there, Sébastien, Duke of Harcourt.

Nik: Pleased to make your official acquaintance! I did have the good fortune to meet your brother briefly at the foosball match. I am, I suppose you already know, Lord Evenor.

Duke Harcourt | Sebastien: Is being a good boy and chatting with some ladies he's been introduce to, but gives a little nod and wave

Nik: He expressed that we have a similar taste in hats 😉

Rosalie: Pleased to meet you as well! I must admit, I was distracted at the foosball matches.

Nik: It was quite overwhelming, I'm sure easy to become absorbed in the spectacle of it all 🙂

Rosalie: It can be quite fun, for sure, but I do love a good house party.

Nik: Well, I hope there shall be plenty to keep you entertained here, in a somewhat less... raucous atmosphere 🙂 Do you enjoy reading, Lady Rosalie? We have a very good library for instance.

Rosalie: looks delighted

Rosalie: Oh, yes, it's my favorite pastime, next to my garden!

Nik: I grew up with rather restricted options for my amusement, so my parents indulged my love of books. Of course, there was already quite a selection here, but I have been able to increase it considerably.

Nik: Topics ranging from religious and historical tomes to lighter fare, novels and poetry and the like.

Rosalie: How lovely. I am still working on our library. My brother and father were not much for reading, so it is a work in progress. I will have to take notes from your collection.

Nik: I'm happy to make recommendations of some of my favourites, if you wish 🙂

Rosalie: Yes, please. But I fear if I hide in the library, my brother will never let me hear the end of it.

Nik: chuckles at that

Nik: Well, what if an eligible young man shows you the library, would that be acceptable to him? 😉

Rosalie: laughs lightly

Rosalie: He might be more willing to allow it, for certain. But then would come the endless teasing.

Nik: Well, if you should like to see them without incurring your brother's teasing, any of the staff can direct you there. But do let me know what type of books you enjoy and I'll see about making some recommendations.

Rosalie: waves a hand Oh no, I never fear my brother's teasing. I would love to hear your recommendations in person.

Nik: very well, then!

Nik: offers her his arm to show her to the library.

Rosalie: takes his arm But you must promise not to let me monopolize your time. I can get lost in books if I'm allowed.

Nik: It's no trouble, I assure you!

Rosalie: smiles widely I'm glad. Now, tell me about yourself, Lord Evenor. You seem to have good friends and a lovely home. What else do you enjoy beyond reading?

Nik: considers that for a moment as we walk.

Nik: I have found that I enjoy many things that I wasn't previously exposed to, just in the past month or so. Parties, for instance, are quite enjoyable! Foosball matches - delightful! Visiting temples - exciting! To tell you the truth, almost everything at the moment is new and interesting to me.

Nik: Oh, bookstores! they're marvellous! but you said other than reading. Shopping for books is something other than reading, though!

Rosalie: I agree, it's an entirely different experience. I think one must try all sorts of experiences to figure out how they best like to spend their time.

Nik: That seems very wise. I still have a lot to explore, in that regard.

Nik: What about yourself, you mentioned a garden?

Rosalie: nods Yes, I keep an herb garden, to the dismay of our housekeeper and the head gardener. It's a solitary pursuit, to be sure, but very peaceful. I am enjoying the practical applications of it, as well.

Nik: What sort of practical applications?

Rosalie: Oh, herbal teas and little bundles that add a nice scent to a room or laundry and the like. Our family deals with parfums, and I like to know more about the business, really.

Nik: Ah, how interesting! I was uncertain if you meant perhaps medicinal applications, or cooking, or something else.

Rosalie: Oh, sure, the teas can be somewhat medicinal. Digestive and sleeping aids are very common herbal applications.

Nik: nods

Nik: My father is a healer, and there is something of a medicinal garden here on the grounds as well, though he has limited time to tend to it himself these days.

Rosalie: Oh, I should like to chat with him about it one day he is available. It's merely a hobby for me, but I like to learn either way. Do you intend to follow in his footsteps, or are you pursuing your own interests?

Nik: Well... I'm not certain yet. There are many options before me, and at the present I haven't chosen a specific path. I'm sure at some point I shall be expected to undertake more political activity but there is no rush in that direction at present, so I have some freedom to choose my own direction, or not to choose as the case may be, and pursue a number of different options.

Rosalie: nods

Rosalie: I admit, I envy that. With my father gone and my mother traveling, I've had to take a more active role in the family business thanone would assume. I suppose that's why I have so many hobbies. It is good to take the time to figure out what would make you happy.

Nik: Ah, but you shouldn't have to be responsible all the time! It's good to make time for enjoyment as well as duty 🙂

Rosalie: You're quite right. We are still young, after all!

Nik: Surely your brother can shoulder some of the burden too 🙂

Rosalie: laughs a little

Rosalie: You might assume so, but my brother makes quite a bit of time for his enjoyment.

Rosalie: I'm on a mission to find a lovely person who might give him the right amount of serious but will not take away from his happiness.

Nik: Well, that's hardly fair to you! He's older and should be ensuring you get to partake in the pleasures of youth 🙂 But I shouldn't intrude in your family's matters, of course. I hope he will find a satisfactory match.

Rosalie: Oh, he always tells me I'm too serious, but my natural state is to worry for him. We have only had each other for quite some time. And part of my matchmaking is selfish, as well. I hope to steer my brother toward a partner who will not only suit him, but will be a friend to me as well.

Nik: nods

Nik: Do you have any promising prospects in that regard?

Rosalie: smiles Alas, my brother shows equal affection for all of his acquaintances so far. But it is still early.

Nik: True enough. Perhaps this shall be the occasion where someone particular catches his fancy!

Rosalie: May you speak it and it be so!

Rosalie: And who knows, maybe we'll both be lucky

Nik: The baths do allow the opportunity to do away with some of the formality and show of a more public event 🙂

Rosalie: Then I definitely have a reason not to steal away to the library for too long.

Nik: Well, let us help secure you some reading material you can set aside for later, and then we can see what other pastimes we can find 🙂

Rosalie: Indeed, let's!

Lavinia Sees a Problem

Katherina: hurries after her sister

Lavinia: Who in the nine hells is that!?

Katherina: Is who?

Lavinia: On lord Kyrnon's arm!

Lavinia: points to the window.

Katherina: peeks

Katherina: Hmm.... do you want me to find out?

Katherina: maybe she'd a family friend?

Katherina: Or someone form the company?

Lavinia: worries her nails and nods.

Lavinia: You don't think... he wouldn't forget about me so soon...

Katherina: he wouldn't dare. I'll destroy him.

Narrator: (You guys should probably at least recognize the Cziernos crest, which is decidedly not Gueiris's family)

Katherina: that's a big Thantopolitan family though, I know I've seen the crest before....

Katherina: frowns

Lavinia: Oh no...

Lavinia: Cziernos, right? I don't know much about them.

Katherina: That sounds correct - you pay closer attention to those lessons.... But look. I can go and say hello

Lavinia: If you would, I would be grateful.

Katherina: then... please try and relax meanwhile! maybe book yourself for a massage, that sounds divine!

Lavinia: Yes... yes, maybe that will be good. I'm sure it's nothing...

Katherina: whatever happens, we shall have a delightful time

Lavinia: takes a deep breath and forces a smile.

Lavinia: will finish changing into her spa clothes and then make her way down to the massage parlor.

Misunderstandings (Katherina, Gueiris and Juno)

Juno Morticia Auspex: will be grateful for the aid out of the carriage, though she's quick to resort to her own power once on the ground.

Katherina: will head out to the area where folks are arriving, and head towards the Cziernos carriage

Juno Morticia Auspex: will note the oncoming halfling, but refrain from comment as she does not know her directly.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: is standing aside while the carriage is being unloaded, letting the Czeirnos take the lead

Katherina: Oh hello there, Lord Kyrnon and... Lady Cziernos?

Juno Morticia Auspex: will be overseeing skeletal servants in somber finery unloading their belongings.

Juno Morticia Auspex: smiles at Katherina and glances over at Gueiris.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Ah, Lady Whitbottom. I take it you and your sister have already arrived.

Nik: is there to greet the new arrivals as well

Nik: Good afternoon, Lady Cziernos, Lord Kyrnon, I hope you had a pleasant journey?

Katherina: Oh yes, Vinnie is getting ready to indulge in some of the estate's amenities, Ib thought it would be good for her nerves.

Juno Morticia Auspex: smiles and gives a short bow towards Nik.

Katherina: says pointedly

Juno Morticia Auspex: Lord Evenor, so good to see you. Thank you again for the invitation. My cousin so rarely gets to leave Nachtur.

Juno Morticia Auspex: You're looking quite well.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Allow me to introduce you to Lady Juno Morticia Auspex Cziernos... Magus, this is Lady Katherina Whitbottom Orsino

Nik: Oh, I'm glad you could make it! I wasn't sure with your military duties whether you would be able to attend, so it's wonderful to see you both 🙂

Juno Morticia Auspex: turns to smile and bow to Katherina.

Katherina: curtsies

Juno Morticia Auspex: A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Orsino.

Juno Morticia Auspex: spares a questioning glance towards Gueiris.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Is your sister well? was there an issue with your journey? I am aware portal travel can be unnerving.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: gives Juno a similar questioning look

Katherina: yours as well, I'm sure, Lady. And no, my lord, Lavinia was quite excited for the visit, only quite recently have her spirits been somewhat dampened I'm sure she'll soon find there was no cause for it though, and perk right back up.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Therma Alba is the place for it. The Amathalis estate is quite restorative.

Juno Morticia Auspex: can step aside to continue unloading and talk to Nik to give Gueiris and Katherina some privacy.

Katherina: So I am told! smiles at her and Nik as they step away, then steps a little closer to Gueiris

Katherina: (quietly)A family friend?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I've only met her recently. It's complicated.

Katherina: Well that's not an encouraging message to relay I'm afraid....

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: has a confused look

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Was there a message to relay?

Katherina: Well it is an unexpected development to spring on her so, don't you think?

Katherina: sounds a little surprised that you don't seem to see the issue

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I am sorry that you and your sister have not been communicating, and I am not going to make assumptions on the reasons why, but you really need to work things out with her.

Katherina: frowns I assure you our communications are unimpaired, but I certainly can convey your sentiments to her, my Lord.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: She should already be aware of my sentiments.

Katherina: glances towards Juno and Nik and the Czeirnos carriage, then back at Gueiris, then responds frostily Then I will tell her that you consider her a in position to draw the correct conclusions. Good day, My lord.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Good day to you, my Lady.

Katherina: will return to the house, fuming on her sister's behalf

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: has a vaguely confused look, but shrugs it off

Nik Greets Leonara and Yadda

Leonora: is taking Yadda around the grounds, as she hasn't likely been here before, showing her all the interesting water features, etc., while at the same time keeping a keen eye open for a list of folks she wants to see.

Leonora: Now, Yadda, here is where ... well, the less said about that the better, actually. It was a long time ago.

Nik: will be nearby and stroll over to greet you both.

Leonora: gives a knowing smile.

Leonora: Oh, and there is Lord Evenor himself!

Nik: Lady Wengal, a pleasure to see you! How are you finding the grounds?

Yadda: Good day Lord Evenor

Leonora: As lovely as ever. It has been some years, I must confess. Life in Nachtur has kept me away from Thantopolis and its many pleasures.

Leonora: Thankfully my father was able to spare an airship so we were able to travel over with ease.

Nik: Ah, you will find many new offerings that perhaps will be to your liking, my family try to keep the place updated.

Nik: Good day, miss... ? I'm sorry, I don't believe we've met.

Leonora: Oh, my apologies!

Leonora: This is my niece, Lady Yadda Wengal.

Nik: A pleasure to meet you, Lady Yadda.

Nik: bows politely

Lavinia: will curtsy.

Leonora: Yadda, this is Lord Evenor. Therma Alba belongs to his family, the Amathalis. I've known his parents - well, the Palatines have known the Amathalises, for many years.

Nik: We briefly met at the foosball match, did we not? It was so busy, all a bit of a blur.

Leonora: Quite right.

Leonora: Thank you, once again, for the invitation. I find that too many events in Highmark make for a rather insular social season.

Leonora: It is good for people to remember that it is not the center of the world.

Nik: Well, I wanted to ensure that everyone had a chance to relax and unwind - the busy schedule of the social season seems to make people quite tense at times.

Yadda: It's a lovely estate, My Lord.

Nik: Thank you! I hope you'll find many enjoyable ways to pass your time here. Please let me know if there's anything you would like to do, and I'll try to make it happen 🙂

Leonora: Not to mention that its many features provide ample opportunities for people to get to know each other ever so well.

Nik: smiles at that

Yadda: Do you suppose Lord Vilyawen will be here?

Yadda: will try to ask casually.

Nik: Coifare? Yes, they have arrived with some of their family, I believe, although I haven't had the opportunity to speak to them yet.

Leonora: We can make sure to make some time to see them, then, Yadda.

Yadda: will smile.

Leonora: Oh, that reminds me to ask you, though, Evenor. Stillmarch, did he make it here?

Leonora: We had some hopes.

Leonora: He sent me a letter. But ... I wanted to make sure.

Nik: Yes, he's here. He arrived a little early in fact, and has been resting, but he's much improved even in just these past few days.

Leonora: Oh good!

Nik: I'm sure you will be able to see him, he's been up and around.

Leonora: Of course I will make time for that.

Leonora: And your parents, are they here in person? Or have they left you in charge of the place?

Nik: laughs at that.

Nik: Oh, I don't think they would entrust such a responsibility to me on my own. They're here, although they did promise they would not... well, not lean over my shoulder too much.

Leonora: The estate has been marvelous to visit. The new fountain behind the sauna is remarkable.

Leonora: When I was a little girl, which of course is now more than twenty years ago, that sauna wasn't even there. There was an older one, as I recall.

Nik: Thank you, you're most kind! Yes, there have been many new amenities added. I think perhaps since I was not able to venture out too widely, my parents wanted to make sure there were new things for me to enjoy here.

Nik: Have you seen the reflecting pools yet? I can show you around a bit more if you would like, some of the more out of the way sites are quite lovely and get less traffic 🙂

Leonora: No, I haven't, and Yadda would love to see them as well.

Yadda: Oh, yes, that would be lovely.

Nik: Then permit me to take you there 🙂

Nik: offers his arm to Yadda so we can stroll, if she wants

Yadda: will take it somewhat shyly

Coifárë, Chitara, and Victorina Meet Up

Coifárë | Vilyawén: will spot Victorina doing her breathing exercises and approaches.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Miss Allement, are you quite all right?

Chitara/Gale: Sees Coifare and smiles up at them

She's just a bit portal sick, unfortunately

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Oh, poor dear. Would you like some help?

Victorina: "It's...it's all right. I'll be all right. It's mostly faded already."

Coifárë | Vilyawén: It would be a shame if Therma Alba made a less than stellar impression because of the unsteadiness of portal travel, I'm sure.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: It's good to see you as well, Chitara. I was sorry to have missed you at recent events.

Victorina: She smiles wanly and waves a hand, "Oh, I'm one of those unfortunate few who always gets portal sickness. It wouldn't have affected my first impressions of this marvelous place."

Chitara/Gale: It's wonderful to be reunited with the both of you.

Beams at them both

We were called away to some diplomatic engagements in Vanillora, which were... productive, if not as socially fulfilling.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I'm glad to hear that. I think Miss Allement managed a productive time recently as well, corresponding with a god and all.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: smiles.

Chitara/Gale: Corresponding with a god?

raises an eyebrow

Victorina: Victorina smiles back, "I met with some priests who recommended I write a letter explaining our cause."

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I was able to help with some introductions. I'd be happy to put you in touch with them as well, Chitara. They seemed quite sympathetic to your shared cause, in which I find myself in alignment as well, these days.

Chitara/Gale: I would appreciate it, thank you. Those sound like potentially powerful allies. What priesthood, might I ask?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Erathis, Sehanine, and Avandra. I'm passingly familiar with Councilors Rihtbraeden and Laekseid, and the Gaath respectively.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Modern heroes of Nerath, but nicely progressive.

Chitara/Gale: smiles more

Ah, Sehanine and Avandra are near to my heart, I can't say I'm surprised they'd support us. Erathis, however... well, that's going to appeal to exactly the people who are resistant. And of course, any political alliances are very welcome.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: You really should meet Councilor Rihtbraeden. Many of her family have been staunch supporters of Ahkasic rights for some time. Her grandfather was instrumental in negotiating the end of the last of the Ahkasic wars.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: And I didn't realize you were a devotee. Forgive me, I had assumed you followed the Sovereign Host, though I suppose they would claim they're all one and the same, wouldn't they?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Sorry, theological opining is a bit of an occupational hazard.

Victorina: "I try to avoid political discussions involving religion. Too many differing opinions held fervently."

Coifárë | Vilyawén: A bit more difficult for us Nerathi, when two gods ostensibly sit on our governing body.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: But I do take your point.

Chitara/Gale: laughs

I suppose I should say that those aspects of the Sovereign, properly. But honestly, I tend not to pay too much heed to the traditionalist nitpicking. They represent aspects of the divine I particularly heed. But I do take Victorina's point as well

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: How are you feeling, Miss Allement? Shall we take in more of the grounds? Perhaps fresh air will help.

Victorina: She stands and wipes her skirt off. "I think a walk might help. I need to stretch my legs after sitting for so long."

Coifárë | Vilyawén: is happy to offer an arm to either or both.

Chitara/Gale: A walk sounds wonderful

will happily take their arm

Victorina: Victorina will take the other arm.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: You know, Chitara, I envy you your time in Vanilorra. I'm told it's beautiful, especially in spring.

Chitara/Gale: It was very beautiful, yes. But it felt rather like... a grandparent's fine porcelain things. Beautiful, but you hardly dare breathe on anything.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: That jibes with my experience with many of the old elven Houses. Granted, there are other reasons for an icy reception in my regard. Little love lost between Aethrennar and Vanilorra. What's the old saying? . "They chose the wrong dragon," roughly translated.

Chitara/Gale: laughs

Yes, I imagine that would be cause for contention indeed. Though, the oddly stiff 'hospitality' we got was quite funny in its own way, I imagine you could have a very similar experience.

Victorina: "How did they treat you, Chitara? We haven't had much time to talk since your return."

Chitara/Gale: Our host was quite gracious, he was a friend of Lord Callais and very sympathetic. The others we interacted with... well, they were painfully polite and not subtle about their casual disdain.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: That...sounds like eluar nobles. I'm sorry you were treated so regrettably.

Victorina: Victorina bites her lip to keep from saying something she might regret.

Narrator: (Say it! 😉 )

Chitara/Gale: That said, we did win people over. It wasn't as bad as all that.

Victorina: "Good."

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: How do you feel your cause it progressing?

Victorina: "It's hard to tell, honestly. I feel that the normal populace is coming towards our side. But it's convincing the politicians who cast the vote is another matter."

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Perils of a republic, I'm afraid, especially ours. Things can come at a glacial pace, even for my people.

Chitara/Gale: My uncle seems pleased by our progress, which is a great sign. He's not particularly optimistic

Coifárë | Vilyawén: When even the pessimists see the light at the end of the tunnel, we all have something to celebrate.

Chitara/Gale: Definitely, yes. And I admit, I am very much in the mood to celebrate this weekend

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Well, then, I believe you should take every opportunity to do so.

Victorina: "How did you want to do that? Anything here catching your interest?"

Chitara/Gale: Oh, goodness, there's so much to do here, but I will have to check out the baths at some point for certain. Maybe a massage?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Oh, yes! Nik was telling me they have great masseuses here, and I was planning to relish the opportunity.

Victorina: "I'm curious about the hot springs. I might join you for a massage later."

Chitara/Gale: Well, we could head toward the springs and then get a massage afterward?

Victorina: "Oh, that sounds like a wonderful plan!"

Coifárë | Vilyawén: That works for me!

Chitara/Gale: Wonderful! Shall we, then? And does anyone object to the traditional baths?

Victorina: "I've never done a hot spring before, what's the proper dress code for it?"

Coifárë | Vilyawén: A lack thereof. 😉

Chitara/Gale: Well, that's what I was asking about. Traditionally, there would be no dress

Coifárë | Vilyawén: If we hew to Thantopolitan tradition.

Victorina: Victorina turns a deep, deep red. "Oh."

Chitara/Gale: There are others where you wear bathing costumes, we don't have to go nude if you'd prefer to not.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: There are also more modest options if you prefer.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: It's of course a matter of comfort.

Victorina: "I...I...um..." She clearly doesn't know what to say.

Chitara/Gale: Apologies, I didn't mean to fluster you

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Cultural differences can be daunting.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Why don't we adjourn to retrieve our bathing attire, and meet back up at, hmm, the pool by the south garden?

Victorina: "That, that sounds delightful."

Chitara/Gale: smiles

I will see you both there

Lamont and Gueiris Meet in the Gardens

Lamont: has been out for a long walk that morning to try and improve his endurance, and is passing back through the gardens on his return

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: wanders the garden, feeling the air, stretching his senses to the earth beneath his feet and the fire deeper within

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: spots Lamont

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Marquess!

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: calls out

Lamont: spots you at almost the same time and will change course to meet you

Lamont: Kyrnon! Its good to see you.

Lamont: I must have lost track of time, I'd meant to be around when everyone started to arrive

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: You as well! And back on your feet.

Lamont: back on the training grounds soon too, I hope

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Ah, that would be good.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I heard there was an airship that transported some people over from the city, but I think that's about the only excitement you missed.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I may have to split my time... I've offered Magus Juno Morticia Auspex use of the facilities as well.. I believe you know her?

Lamont: Oh...I do yes. She was one of my brother's friends, but she caem to my home recently with some news from the War Office.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: She mentioned you were not doing well at the time... but things have changed.

Lamont: Yes, I am very grateful to Lord Evenor for his invitation, and to the Curiate for his care.

Lamont: It has been very good to get away from the city, and set matters there aside...

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: If you run into Coifare, she's got plans on plans for those set aside affairs... I'm just happy you are doing will.

Lamont: But its only an intermission, I suppose.

Lamont: ...they do?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: and of course will help however I can.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Best you talk with them in that regard.

Lamont: I will....

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Lord Evenor helping you recover as well?

Lamont: frowns slightly

Lamont: He returned to Highmark once I was settled to spread invitations.... I've scarecly seen him since he returned.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: It was just a jab made in fun. I hope I didn't step on something.

Lamont: Not at all.

Lamont: There's nothing to step on.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: shrugs letting the subject drop

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Other arrival news, which I didn't mention is I showed up in a Czeirnos carriage. My Aunt is meddling again.

Lamont: oh, with Magus Auspex?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: nods

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: and her cousin

Lamont: Is she trying to set you up? What about Hersir Feigrsteinn?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: She's trying to negotiate with the Magus' family. Her directing me to Hersir Feigresteinn was to make me "more appealing".

Lamont: ugh. I'm sorry.

Lamont: but wouldn't the Hersir be a better match?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Who knows with the way her mind works... maybe she thinks she's playing some intricate political maneuver.

Lamont: or is it the Cziernos family connection that yyour aunt is after?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: It just frustrates me... I like Lavinia.

Lamont: Yes, I could tell. I half thought you might throw yourself across the table at Evenor when he mentioned that he knew her

Lamont: smirks

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: It would be bad form the hurt the guy. He was your guest and he is our host right now.

Lamont: now, you can't begrudge a lady all her friendships you know, that's ungentlemanly. Besides, I do owe Evenor a great deal but I'm not sure I'm in good enough form quite yet to properly defend his honour.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: chuckles

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Wouldnt be a good garden party without at least one duel

Lamont: well you'll have to go easy on my if it should come to that.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I regret Magus Juno getting caught up in all of this. When Auntie mentions meeting her, I was not exactly excited to do so.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Meeting her, she is great. I wish it had been under other circumstances.

Lamont: I don't know her well, but I am disposed to think well of her.

Lamont: nods

Lamont: She broght me news hat my regiment is being recalled to Highmark.... probably in advance of being dispatched to Morro

Lamont: I know she's just returned from the fighting there herself, and it seemed that was where she'd prefer to be. It is probably good for her to have friendly connections in the city.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Could be that Auntie caught work that Maranue may be called on for support, so she's trying to strengthen the Kyrnon position.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: muses

Lamont: that could be.

Lamont: I suppose you'd look forward to returning to the field?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I wouldn't mind. It really depends on the role.

Lamont: how so?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Working with the Company, we had quite a bit of independence when it came to how we implemented our assigned task. That's one of the reasons they were effective.

Lamont: nods, listening

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I can survive without being in a similar situation, but it would make it better, at least for me.

Lamont: I see. Is that independence as a company or as individuals within it?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: It worked from the top down. Not easy to pull off unless you have a lot of trust and confidence in your fellows.

Lamont: ahh.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I imagine once the force gets too big, that is doesnt really work well.

Lamont: No, but I suppose it sorts itself out if there is some matter of... lack of confidence, at some level :|

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: well if we are off to war before the season is out, we better make sure we enjoy ourselves while we can.

Lamont: nods

Lamont: I suppose that's a reasonable approach.

Lamont: It certaintly provides some perspective

Lavinia and Katherina Share a Bath With Juno

Lavinia: will return to her room after a massage and a shower, seeming a bit more relaxed, or at least, not actively distressed.

Katherina: Oh good, there you are. grab your bathing things, we're going to the springs.

Lavinia: Oh? What about Lord Kyrnon? What did you find out?

Katherina: frowns a bit, looking a bit cross

Lavinia: looks at your face and a shadow falls over her own.

Katherina: Well he was not at all forthcoming with me but seemed to think you should be capable of interpreting the situation, which does not reflect well on his manners as a gentleman at all, if I do say.

Lavinia: puts her hands over her mouth.

Katherina: all he said was that the situation with Lady Auspex is 'complicated'

Lavinia: What... but...

Katherina: I suppose he did ask after you, but declined to take any opportunity I offered to pass you an explanation!

Lavinia: I thought...

Katherina: so we are going to go bathing where the gentlemen cannot trouble us, and we shall do our best to put him out of our mind for the time being.

Lavinia: I can't believe it...

Lavinia: What am I saying... of course I can.

Katherina: well perhaps he will come to his senses but I don't think we ought to wait for that. so, here we are, Vinnie, no fretting now, we have all weekend to enjoy ourselves and will not let some thick-headed boy ruing it. I refuse.

Katherina: Come along.

Lavinia: will allow herself to be lead out and down to the pools.

Katherina: there we are! it is so lovely here with the bright spring air - what do you want to try first? true thantopolitan style?

Katherina: I have heard it is the best way to enjoy the springs, though there are other pools...

Lavinia: Whatever you think best.

Katherina: *frowns, but will take charge of her sister and get her ready for a little pleine air dip ;)

Juno Morticia Auspex: will have made her way down to the hot pools to soak her leg after the journey, completely comfortable in the Thantopolitan style, her bright vrylokan red hair pinned up out of the water.

Katherina: pauses upon seeing her...Oh.

Lavinia: will blush deep red as she enters.

Juno Morticia Auspex: smiles up politely.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Ah, Miss Orsino, lovely to see you again. Is this your sister Lord Kyrnon mentioned?

Katherina: Yes... Lady Juno Auspex, this is my sister Hersir Feigrsteinn.

Juno Morticia Auspex: A pleasure, Hersir Feigrsteinn. I see you also are getting a quick start on the pools. They're quite invigorating.

Lavinia: ...charmed.

Katherina: considers

Lavinia: says, staring directly into Juno's eyes.

Katherina: are you very familiar?

Juno Morticia Auspex: And "lady" truly isn't necessary. We're in Thantopolis, so I rate at best "Magus", and more honestly merely "citizen."

Juno Morticia Auspex: nods.

Juno Morticia Auspex: It's been some time, but I spent a fair bit of time here when I was much younger.

Juno Morticia Auspex: gestures to a cane resting on a towel near to hand.

Katherina: What about with Lord Kyrnon, do you know him well?

Juno Morticia Auspex: shakes her head.

Juno Morticia Auspex: We met only recently, through our families, though he's quite amiable. And a capable soldier, I'm told, which is where our Houses' align.

Katherina: Oh yes very amiable >.>

Lavinia: I see... you're a soldier as well, then?

Juno Morticia Auspex: Perhaps slightly less of one for the past little while; I was reassigned to the War Office from my post in Morro.

Juno Morticia Auspex: And you? Feigrsteinn is a marcher title, if I recall?

Lavinia: Yes, our family are the traditional wardens of the outerlands of Grimfarr., although there is less call for it lately. I suppose you and Lord Kyrnon have your martial backgrounds in common.

Juno Morticia Auspex: chuckles.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Along with a great many others, I'm sure.

Juno Morticia Auspex: He's been kind enough to entertain my cousin and myself when my family foisted us upon him for the nonce.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Hopefully we have not presented too much of an imposition.

Lavinia: Yourself... and your cousin?

Juno Morticia Auspex: Hraal Cziernos? From the Thunderbolts?

Juno Morticia Auspex: She's around somewhere, I'm sure. Probably paying respects to Lord and Lady Amathalis still.

Lavinia: 's eyes will go a bit wide at that.

Juno Morticia Auspex: How are you both finding Therma Alba?

Katherina: Oh goodness I knew I recognized her from somewhere! the book covers hardly do her justice though.

Lavinia: It's been... surprising.

Katherina: (muttering)really I should have put that together.

Juno Morticia Auspex: (to Lavinia) Oh? How so?

Katherina: Oh I just meant, regarding your cousin. She is quite famous.

Lavinia: I suppose there's just something about the water here that makes everything seem clearer.

Katherina: But we have only arrived today, and have never been before. The facilities here seem quite lovely, as you say, but I wonder if they might be better enjoyed with fewer crowds

Juno Morticia Auspex: I assure you, there's plenty of opportunity to find time to oneself. Lord Evenor showed me a lot of the little alcoves and getaways when we were children.

Lavinia: I'm sure you and Lord Kyrnon will have ample opportunity to explore them together.

Lavinia: If you'll both pardon me, I'm feeling a bit faint. I believe I need to go lie down.

Katherina: Oh here, vinnie, I'll get you a towel...

Katherina: will hop up and see to her sister

Lavinia: Thank you, Kitty.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that! The pools can have that effect on people who are unused to them. I do hope you feel better!

Juno Morticia Auspex: watches them go with a concerned look on her face.

Sebastien and Chitara Get Steamy and Are Joined by Coifárë

Duke Harcourt | Sebastien: has decided to take full advantage of the entertainments of the event, and has wound up at the springs in the company of some friends who have just had to leave to see to their own affairs, so is alone for the moment.

Chitara/Gale: will wander in alone, as casually as if she hangs out naked with potential strangers all the time

Oh, hello. I didn't realize anyone was in here. I hope you don't mind a bit of company

Duke Harcourt | Sebastien: Oh not at all! I was just thinking I ought to try and engage some, as my friends have just had to leave to meet a relation. I don't believe we've et?

Lamont: (met)

Chitara/Gale: I don't believe so.

Drops a curtsey

Chitara Kituss, of Ebemar. It is a pleasure to meet you

Duke Harcourt | Sebastien: Grins, and gestures for Chitara to join him. “Sebastien Doumens, Duke Harcourt A pleasure indeed! Ebemar's Akhasic isn't it? What brings you all the way out here?”

Chitara/Gale: *Slides comfortably into the water.* "Oh, I believe I briefly met your sister at Lord Callais' ball. I see the beauty runs in the family.

cheeky wink

My uncle and I have come to petition that we be officially considered a part of Nerath, as we have been linked for some time.

Duke Harcourt | Sebastien: Oh yes I think I heard a little about that

Chitara/Gale: nods

But for the moment, I'm here to enjoy the weekend and relax. There's only so much politics a girl can take before needing a break.

Duke Harcourt | Sebastien: Well that's always my attitude but I admit my tolerance can be quite low and I'd rather focus on the enjoyments ^-^

Duke Harcourt | Sebastien: Have you been here before?

Chitara/Gale: No, but I'll have to make a habit of visiting. Nik- Lord Evenor- and I have been penpals for years, but this is the first time I've been able to visit

Duke Harcourt | Sebastien: I've been a few time, but it seems like there's always something new. You seem like you're adapting to the customs quite easily, or is everyone as open in Ebemar?

Chitara/Gale: It's not uncommon back home to spend time on the beach au naturale. It's considered a bit scandalous for young people of Quality, but most of the best things are

Duke Harcourt | Sebastien: Absolutely!

Chitara/Gale: I understand that in Nerath, outside of this specific area, that is fairly unusual?

Duke Harcourt | Sebastien: Oh, yes, society can be quite stuffy. Somethings the elduar definitely have right, if you ask me.

Chitara/Gale: Grins I have to agree. But it's nice to spend time with more open minded people

Duke Harcourt | Sebastien: Yes, I always try to make myself open to having a good time, though my sister would prefer to settle me down. Ithink - what's the rush to close oneself of from all the joy of life?

Chitara/Gale: sighs in agreement

I'm expected to marry into some kind of noble house as part of our efforts here in town, but honestly I am kind of dreading it. Most noble spouses would expect me to settle down. I've never precisely been the monogamous type.

Duke Harcourt | Sebastien: Oh? Well, let me tell you frankly - I've seen a number of friends married now and you can imagine how it goes with these things when it's all arranged by others. I think it would be better for those invoved to be honest about their intentions, probably many happier people in the world. But then, I've n=managed to avoid it so far ;)

Chitara/Gale: Yes, I agree entirely. I would be so much happier agreeing to marry someone who could have a frank conversation on the matter beforehand. And to a certain degree, such a marriage would provide more freedom than remaining single

Duke Harcourt | Sebastien: Absolutely! I couldn't discuss it with Rosie, of course but it is something I keep in mind with every introduction. It's good to meet someone so likeminded

Chitara/Gale: laughs

Ah, yes, I've heard about your sister desperately trying to find you a match. That must be stressful

Duke Harcourt | Sebastien: I don't know why she's so worried about me! She ought to find someone who will keep her happy. Tough she may have made some progress there, which is cheering.

Duke Harcourt | Sebastien: I can take care of myself, really. here I am making new connections and she's nowhere to be seen ;)

Chitara/Gale: smiles flirtatiously

Well, here's hoping her connection will go far enough to at least help her lighten up. I know I've been having a wonderful time making connections of my own

Duke Harcourt | Sebastien: welll if she's off elsewhere, then I expect it's a pleasant distraction, and I'm quite happy to find my own entertainment. It's nice to have a chance to meet new people and see just how deep those connections can go ;)

Chitara/Gale: I definitely am enjoying finding out how deep my new connections can go

Coifárë | Vilyawén: will have just approached.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Oh, I'm terribly sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: says, practically giggling, having overheard the last line.

Chitara/Gale: grins over at Coifare

Oh, hey there. We're just getting acquainted. As far as I'm concerned, you're welcome anytime

Chitara/Gale: winks

Coifárë | Vilyawén: returns the grin.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Duke Harcourt, a pleasure to see you.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: is conspicuous in their assessing look.

Duke Harcourt | Sebastien: grins widely in delightoh, Vilyawen! how delightful - don't tell me yo two are already... connected, are you?

Chitara/Gale: Oh, we've been building a connection. They're delightful company.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I've done my best to make sure Nerath should Chitara are proper welcome.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: It's good to see you've had a similar idea, Harcourt. Mind if I join you then?

Narrator: (has shown, not 'should')

Narrator: (I'm typing entire words wrong here @.@ )

Lamont: (been there. every day :p)

Duke Harcourt | Sebastien: oh yes - I think we do have the same idea, and would be delighted indeed for the extra company. Perhaps we should retire to somewhere a little more private, for a proper welcome?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I'm sure we could find some place more accommodating a...'proper welcome', of course.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: grins.

Chitara/Gale: That sounds delightful. Would you care to lead the way?

Duke Harcourt | Sebastien: Fantastic. and he will hop up out of the water and prepare to do just that

Chitara/Gale: will very happily follow

Leonara Uses Her Cougar Powers on Fyan Akan Nabari

Nenea Spargo: will have informed Leonora that Fyan Nabari is present at Therma Alba, but his presence is more coincidental than a planned invitation, representing an unusual opportunity to meet the itinerant warrior.

Leonora: will definitely keep an eye out, and whenever she spies him, she will leave Yadda to her own devices for a bit, to make a chance to catch Nabari.

Akan Nabari: can be found alone in quiet contemplation among the gardens near the small chapel on the Therma Alba grounds.

Leonora: Lord Nabari. Such an honour to see you here.

Leonora: I don't believe we have met properly. Lady Leonora Wengal. Your exploits at the first battles in Nachtur are legendary.

Akan Nabari: gives a small, genuinely friednly smile at that as he turns to address you. He is an older human man, dark-skinned, with his long salt-and-pepper braids pulled back. He is dressed in simple clothes of fine material, slightly worn but well cared for.

Akan Nabari: It is kind of you to say so, Lady Wengal, though I was but one of many. Your title suggests you must have a personal connection to the city, so I'm sure you've done just as much as I.

Leonora: You may know my parents, the Curiate and Lady Palatine. We've been in Nachtur since shortly after those early days.

Akan Nabari: And Akan will suffice, if you don't find it too forward. My brother is the lord of Nabari, while I am a humble servant of Nerath and the gods.

Akan Nabari: Ah, yes, I fought alongside them at . They are well, I hope?

Leonora: Yes, quite well, thank you.

Leonora: Nachtur still has its challenges, of course. But my husband and I can take care of ourselves.

Leonora: And thank you, Akan. You may call me Leonora.

Akan Nabari: A pleasure to make your acquaintance, then, Leonora. Would you care to sit?

Leonora: Certainly. Or perhaps even, I know a small pool over by that copse of trees that is very warm, if you would care to?

Akan Nabari: chuckles.

Akan Nabari: I am here for a bit of rest and recuperation, so I would be happy to.

Akan Nabari: stands and will offer an arm to Leonora.

Leonora: takes Akan's arm.

Leonora: takes Akan to the pool she mentioned, which is not exactly secluded, but is at least out of the main area.

Leonora: This will do very nicely, yes.

Akan Nabari: smiles.

Akan Nabari: Therma Alba has proven quite lovely, I must admit.

Akan Nabari: will begin disrobing for entering the pool.

Akan Nabari: Have you and your husband visited before?

Leonora: disrobes casually, but folds her dress carefully, almost military-style, and deposits it on a chair.

Leonora: I have been here many times, having grown up in Thantopolis. Magga has been here once before, I think, with his uncle Hruggek. But you understand that it has not always been welcoming here for the goblin races.

Akan Nabari: I'm sorry to hear that, though not entirely surprised. Old elven enmity, or just the usual northern disdain?

Leonora: A little of both, I suppose.

Leonora: And I should add, it was more that they did not suppose they would be welcome, and so did not come, rather than anything that actually happened.

Akan Nabari: Ah, understandable, if regrettable. I hope he's finding a pleasant welcome this time around.

Leonora: Thankfully I believe firmly that we are moving towards a more enlightened time. In Nachtur, of course, but throughout Nerath as well.

Leonora: I imagine he is getting into all sorts of trouble.

Akan Nabari: smiles at that.

Akan Nabari: There are a lot of ways to indulge in a little trouble here, I think.

Akan Nabari: And I hope you are correct about Nerath. It can be strange, in my travels, to encounter the...stratification of the northern cities.

Akan Nabari: Not that Yondon doesn't have its problems, but we're a bit more egalitarian than, say, Highmark.

Leonora: All these things take time, I suppose.

Leonora: So tell me, Akan, are you here on your own? I don't believe I've seen you around at the other events of the social season, though of course we might just have missed one another.

Akan Nabari: Ah, no, to be honest, I'm not much for society affairs. I was nearby helping with a nest of cultists and their pet demons, so I came here to rest after the work was done. I'm maybe not quite as spry as I used to be.

Akan Nabari: is still clearly in very good shape, well-muscled but not overly bulky. He does sport quite a few scars, however.

Leonora: Well, I should say, sir, that while living among bugbears does give one a different view of what constitutes physical fitness, that many of the youth at the balls in Highmark could use a little exercise.

Akan Nabari: laughs at that.

Leonora: So I would have some confidence in your continued, ahhh, spryness, if I were you.

Leonora: Tell me, Akan, what do you like to drink?

Akan Nabari: Is this a Thantopolitan test? Should I have a specific vintage in mind?

Akan Nabari: says jovially.

Leonora: No greater test than you have faced on a dozen dozen battlefields. And fewer scars to emerge from the testing, as well.

Leonora: smiles.

Akan Nabari: chuckles.

Akan Nabari: I'm a simple man, really. Wine, beer, what have you. Are you familiar with kumis?

Leonora: A man who knows his milk knows his history.

Leonora: I will be right back, then.

Akan Nabari: will watch her go appreciatively.

Leonora: pops out of the pool and strides away confidently, just far enough to wave down a servant to place an order, then returns.

Leonora: She'll be a minute, she says she needs to check if they have any. But I know the Amathalis family, have ever since I was a girl. They'll be able to accommodate us.

Akan Nabari: smiles and nods.

Akan Nabari: Much appreciated. Lord and Lady Amathalis seemed very friendly on short acquaintance, and the Curiate was able to help me with some old wounds. I honestly feel better than I have in years.

Leonora: Your latest conquest, the cultists you were mentioning. Tell me more about that, if you can. I do always love a good battle story.

Akan Nabari: Living in Nachtur, I'm sure you're familiar with Kossuth? Fire primordial, nasty servants on Arth. We'd hoped they'd been largely stamped out, but I guess they flare up occasionally. Banked coals or some other flame metaphor, I'm sure.

Akan Nabari: will regale Leonora with the story of assaulting a remote stronghold of Kossuth's cultist that had been waylaying travelers.

Akan Nabari: Fire's nasty stuff, to be sure, but somehow people like that forget that protection spells are a thing. Or dragonmarks, in my case.

Leonora: listens intently, nodding along.

Leonora: You are a most remarkable man, Akan.

Leonora: Everything they say seems to be quite accurate.

Akan Nabari: Oh? Who is saying what, exactly?

Leonora: Well, I think these were folk who were perhaps a bit unaccustomed to military folk. Coming from a Sentinel house, I of course do not have this difficulty.

Leonora: There are those who are perhaps expecting a stuffy man, someone hard and inflexible, intimidating.

Leonora: That is clearly not you, though, Akan.

Leonora: I am sure you are hard when you need to be.

Leonora: tries not to smirk.

Leonora: But a person of great experience and knowledge of the world must necessarily become more flexible with age, or become useless.

Akan Nabari: I try to maintain a steady balance of flexibility and fortitude, of course.

Akan Nabari: There's an old Yondon saying. 'Sometimes we are the serpent, and sometimes we are the spear.'

Leonora: A wise saying.

Leonora: Well, then, Akan ...

Leonora: comes over and kisses him on the lips.

Leonora: You should make time to visit me and my husband, when next in Highmark. Or send me a letter, when you have a moment.

Leonora: But I am reminded that I should attend to my niece, before she gets into too much trouble.

Akan Nabari: is still somewhat surprised by the kiss, but is happy to return it.

Akan Nabari: I would be happy to pay you a visit when next I return to the capital.

Akan Nabari: I shall be sure that comes before too long.

Leonora: /me shimmies back into her dress, which she has chosen specifically because it slips on well enough even when she's not fully dry.

Leonora: Then I will look forward to that.

Akan Nabari: smiles, appreciating the view, and will remain in the pool for propriety's sake.

Nik And Coifárë Check Up On Lamont at the Pools

Narrator: (How do we want to set this up?)

Lamont: (idk. catch him at the hot springs just to make everything a little more awkward? Nik knows where his rooms are, of course, but it could just be out somewhere on the grounds)

Nik: (hot springs is good with me, I haven't gotten to bathe yet 😉

Lamont: (i'm not sure if they are actively looking for each other :x)

Narrator: (Coifare was going to look for them, but certainly someone could have directed them to...them)

Lamont: (I think Lamont is partly still here for treatment so he probably has things he is supposed to be doing, like spending a certain amount of time in the springs or whatever, so it mght be easier to get directed to him)

Narrator: (We could have Coifare run into Nik while they're both on their way to see Lamont?)

Nik: (sure)

Coifárë | Vilyawén: will be making their way towards where they've been told Lamont is, when they spot Nik and make a beeline for him.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Nik!

Nik: is heading in the direction of the hot springs, wearing a soft robe.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: calls out, grinning and waving.

Nik: Oh, Coifare, hello!

Nik: smiles and waves back

Coifárë | Vilyawén: And hello to you. Somehow I've managed to miss you in all the hubbub. How are you doing?

Nik: Busy, but good. It's wonderful to have so many guests, but I do hope to be able to have some time to devote to relaxation as well.

Nik: How about yourself?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: You know me, I can always find ways to amuse myself, and your family's estate is so beautiful! I'm glad I brought my paints.

Nik: Ah, I'd love to see what you wind up making, if you feel like showing me 🙂

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Of course.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Oh! Nik, you must sit for me!

Coifárë | Vilyawén: In one of the gardens, by some of the pools...it would be so lovely.

Nik: oh, well, of course, if you'd like! I'm happy to oblige you with some visual interest 😉

Nik: I was just on my way to the hot springs, are you headed that way as well?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Yes, I was told Lamont was over in this direction, and I wanted to pay my respects. Imagine my delight in running into you, as well.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: And you always provide visual interest. 😉

Coifárë | Vilyawén: will take Nik's arm and, making sure no one is currently around, give him a quick peck on the cheek.

Nik: smiles at that, blushing a bit

Nik: Yes, I think Lamont is undergoing his regimen of bathing at the moment, we should find him down this way I believe...

Nik: can lead the way to wherever Lamont currently is

Narrator: (Presumably Lamont can hear the two of them talking as they approach.)

Lamont: is leaning back in one of the pools, submerged to his chest with his elbow up on the stone behind him, but will turn to look as the two of you approach

Coifárë | Vilyawén: smiles brightly to see Lamont.

Lamont: oh... hello.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Seldarine be praised.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: says quietly.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I hope we're not intruding?

Lamont: No... of course not.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: May we join you?

Lamont: Of course.

Lamont: 's face is a bit red from the heat already >.>

Coifárë | Vilyawén: will slip out of their dress, fold and set it aside carefully before stepping into the pool.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: How are you feeling?

Nik: disrobes and descends into the pool as well, sighing contentedly.

Lamont: takes a moment to push his hair, made quite unrult by the damp, out of his face as people are entering the pool.

Lamont: Much better since I arrived, though I'm still rebuilding my strength

Coifárë | Vilyawén: will have their hair up to keep out of the water. It is a bright, cheerful pink to match the blossoms in the trees.

Lamont: By the time the event is finished, I am told I should be fully restored

Nik: has his hair in a loose braid to keep it slightly out of the way.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: That's great news. As you know, many of us were quite worried.

Lamont: nods

Lamont: I do appreciate the concern, and the support.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: The very least we could offer a friend.

Nik: nods

Nik: I thought if you couldn't partake in the season for a little while, I could bring the season to you 🙂 At least some of it.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Very considerate of you, Nik.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: smiles.

Nik: Hopefully only the enjoyable parts...

Lamont: Well beyond anything I had expected.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Well, someone needs to be looking out for you.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: And if it won't be family, please allow it to be your friends.

Lamont: considers

Lamont: I appreciate that but... I would not want to see my friends drawn further into my affairs, or to bear the consequences of such.

Nik: You know, you can speak freely here. What, in truth, do you think the consequences could be, that you're so concerned about?

Nik: says gently

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods encouragingly.

Lamont: looks down in the water, where hehas crossed his arms over his chest

Lamont: It's not so simple as that, to put a voice to such thoughts

Nik: Are you concerned at how we might respond?

Lamont: ...no.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Then, please, let us offer support in whatever has clearly been bothering you.

Lamont: it s just... none of it is at all certain, or definitive,

Lamont: if anything you'll probably be overly indulgent

Nik: it doesn't need to be, to weigh on your mind. and maybe in sharing it, there will be things that we can help guide more towards certainty, one way or another.

Lamont: I don't even know where to begin.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: The beginning tends to be the best place...

Lamont: I'm not clear even where that is.

Nik: Or with whatever the biggest concern is?

Lamont: Well. I think my uncle wishes me ill. I think he is willing to harm friends of mine that put themselves in his way and...has before.

Lamont: finally manages to say it out loud (sorta), but probably still just looking down into the water

Nik: slides over closer to put his hand on Lamont's shoulder.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: will scoot closer themself, but doesn't want to overwhelm Lamont.

Lamont: seems very tense for some reason :V

Coifárë | Vilyawén: How do you mean?

Lamont: Gerry...

Nik: oh...

Lamont: Arnaud even...

Nik: That was a skirmish - or was it just made to seem like one? I am not saying this to disprove you, I'm just trying to understand what you think happened.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Wait, you think Thurston is responsible for Algernon and Arnaud's deaths?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: tries to keep their voice low, but definitely upset.

Lamont: ...Yes.

Lamont: With Arnaud.... I was meant to be with him

Coifárë | Vilyawén: looks at Lamont in horror.

Lamont: With Gerry, it was meant to be me, but ... I asked him to take the patrol in my stead...

Lamont: It was right after I'd heard about Fritz

Coifárë | Vilyawén: He's already made an attempt...and you were at Griffin's Crest, sick...

Lamont: looks at Nik

Lamont: It wasn't just a skirmish. It was... an encounter with other Nerathi forces

Lamont: Of course there was an investigation, but they found no one to be at fault. Just a 'miscommunication' somewhere along the line.

Nik: oh...

Lamont: and of course it's standard to target officers...

Nik: and I took you back there when you were ill. I'm so sorry, Lamont. I wish I could have pressed my father to keep you at our house, not put you in such a position.

Lamont: These kinds of expectations and relationships are precisely how he operates. I'm sure he would have pressed for you to return me in any case.

Nik: looks over to Coifare

Nik: We'll find a way to protect you.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods, frowning.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: You can't go back there, for one. We can find you somewhere to stay that he can't second guess, I'm sure.

Lamont: I don't want to put either of you in danger.

Nik: It wouldn't be you putting us anywhere... and we can't just leave you to deal with this alone.

Lamont: I thought when I took my commission that I would have more freedom from him...

Coifárë | Vilyawén: If he has enough reach for an ambush on one of your patrols...

Lamont: Then I though if I could get married and take some control over things... but now, I don't know

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Well...you could.

Nik: nods

Coifárë | Vilyawén: You have...options.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: glances at Nik.

Nik: blushes intensely but nods

Lamont: both I and my fiance would have to make it through the engagement alive, and even then, until there was another heir, there would be a threat

Lamont: any 'option' woudl need to be approved by him.

Nik: If ... if it would be an option, I could marry you.

Nik: manages to say

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Heir to the Curiate Palatine, Thurston can't gainsay that.

Lamont: of course he could.

Lamont: You're unlikely - I should hope- to inherit the title in my lifetime.

Lamont: and if he didn't it would only put you in more danger.

Lamont: No.

Nik: looks crestfallen but tries not to show it too much

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss it, Lamont. Nik is volunteering, and would know what he's getting into.

Nik: what is it he wants? your title? estates? money? Maybe there is another way around this.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I could offer as well, but I'm a much easier match for Thurston to disallow.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Gueiris has his own engagement problems...

Narrator: (And more than any of us know at this point 😉 )

Lamont: looks pained but really is trying not to look at either of you

Lamont: I assume so.

Nik: maybe this is foolish, but have you thought about just giving them to him? Your life and your well-being are worth more than a title or lands.

Lamont: does look at Nik now

Lamont: I.... had not.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: gives Nik a strange look as well.

Nik: like I said, maybe it's not a good idea, I'm sure there are things I haven't thought of... I don't know a lot about the legalities of such a thing, or the politics, or anything...

Nik: I just know I don't want you to die.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: gives Nik a sympathetic look and nods, then turns back to Lamont.

Lamont: I'm... sorry to have given you such a burden :/

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Lamont, this is what friends are for. To help shoulder these burdens.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I'm just sorry you've been doing it alone.

Nik: don't be. now that it's shared, we can help you.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: will finally cross the distance to give Lamont a very awkward side hug.

Narrator: (Awkward in the physical configuration, not emotionally (at least not for Coifare))

Nik: hugs you too, at least with one arm, to the extent that we can physically manage that ;)

Lamont: just gonna have a cry now 😭

Nik: it will be okay... we'll figure out something. you don't have to do this alone anymore.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: will rub Lamont's back reassuringly.

Narrator: (This would look very awkward if someone walked in.)

Lamont: (oh man Lamont would just die)

Lamont: You don't... if anything happened to you,... I.. couldn't bear it

Lamont: manages through his sobbing

Lamont: Nik when you... when you fell.. I... can't do it again....

Nik: oh...

Nik: but we helped each other. we found our way through it, it was all right. we can do that again. and Coifare is there to help too, it isn't just me. I think Gueiris would help too. I know I'm not much just on my own, but there are other friends too.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods.

Lamont: They mean well, but they don't understand. I wish I hadn't said anything. I wish I could break them of any affection for me. But how can I wish that when they are two of the people I care the most for in the world? But I'd rather be alone than them in danger. That I could bear, and if I couldn't... It's so hard to choose to life, and fight for that, every day. But now they won't let me be. What can I do? What if I'm sent to Morro, or anywhere else? How can I protect them then? Nik you sweet fool, how do you think I could do this to you, even if it was ever permitted? But I have no idea what to do now.. Is he right? Can I just give it up, and let my uncle win? Would he let me go? and who or what would I be then? I feel so lost, like I'm drowning and dragging down everyone who comes to my aid...

Lamont: (And then they can let him cry until he is out of cry, then help him back to his room and snuggle him until he falls asleep)

Nik and Coifárë Discuss Lamont

Nik: will wait until Lamont falls asleep and then disentangle himself, gesturing to see if Coifare will go with him to another room.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods and will follow suit.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: looks troubled and thoughtful.

Nik: manages to scrounge up a bottle of wine from somewhere, so we can at least drink about our problems ;)

Nik: That was... a lot.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I don't really know what to say.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: It seems so incredible to believe, but Lamont's family has had such a terrible string of bad luck, so if it's not bad luck, but actual malice...

Nik: nods

Coifárë | Vilyawén: shakes their head.

Nik: It would make a lot of sense, if it is true.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods.

Nik: Not that I doubt him... but I think he's had a lot of stress lately and it's hard to see things clearly in that kind of state of mind. maybe he's right about some but not all of it, I don't know.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Oh, no, I think you're right. I trust Lamont and his discernment, so if he thinks his uncle wishes him ill, I'm sure that's true.

Nik: nods

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I just, I don't know what the hells we can do about it.

Nik: He seems to think now that even marrying wouldn't help :/

Coifárë | Vilyawén: He does seem hopeless, in the very literal sense.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Hopefully some time here to rest will help.

Nik: I hope so. But then at some point he'll have to go back... I'm not sure if we can find reasons for him not to go to Griffon's Crest, at least?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Hmm. We could arrange other visits for him, perhaps? And Gueiris's family has some military contacts. Maybe we could get him assigned to some sort of on-site security or something of the sort.

Nik: Could we.... fake a military assignment?

Nik: thinks out loud

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Possibly, but if he's right about Algernon...

Nik: for him, I mean. Say that he's called away to somewhere on an assignment, but really keep him in Highmark just... hidden. but if his uncle has military connections maybe that wouldn't stand up to scrutiny.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: That's my concern.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Oh! The Ahkasic delegation. Maybe we could get them to ask for Lamont for diplomatic security? It's prestigious, a little unusual but not so far outside the norm. Thurston might have trouble forestalling it.

Nik: maybe... do you think they'd go along with it?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: We could ask, at the least.

Nik: nods

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Best to have multiple ideas for contingencies.

Nik: My friend Juno could maybe be convinced to help if we need a military connection, too...

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I can see if there's anyone in my family I can convince, but they have little enough to do with Highmark's military.

Nik: sighs, taking a drink of the wine.

Nik: I am worried for him... because of this, but also his own state of mind. I guess he's been thinking for a long time that this was happening but either wasn't sure or didn't think he would be believed...

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods.

Nik: but that's what makes it so nefarious! if it was something straightforward, then there would be proof... I don't know what kind of proof there might be here, if we could even find something like that.

Nik: Obviously my first priority is Lamont's safety, but then... if his uncle was actually able to be shown to have conspired to murder at least two of his own relatives... there would have to be consequences for that.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Try as we might nobles aren't actually above the law, thank Erathis.

Nik: nods

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I can see how this would be so isolating, why he's so worried, withdrawn.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Poor Lamont.

Nik: ...Do you know about his mark?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Only very vaguely.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I'm given to understand it's something it behooves him to be less than forthcoming about.

Nik: Well, yes.

Nik: He did tell me a few things ages ago, in letters. I don't pretend to really understand it fully.

Nik: But I think it might be contributing to how he's feeling.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Oh, that's...unfortunate.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I know sometimes they can be as much curse as blessing.

Nik: It gives him an impression of people's intentions. and if his uncle is intending him harm, and he's subjected to that day in and day out...

Nik: and it's not as if he can prove anything with that. or... or even turn it off, I don't think. so he must feel awful whenever he's home.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Oh, gods. We really must keep him out of Griffin's Crest.

Nik: nods

Nik: He really didn't want to go home, but my father insisted, and so I let him go... I feel terrible that I didn't try harder. but like Lamont said, maybe his uncle would have demanded his return anyway.

Nik: I think that's why he often has a hard time with big gatherings too. If there are too many people trying to get his favour or persuade him to do something or manipulate him, it's just too much to deal with.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: That...makes some things make more sense.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: And don't blame yourself. None of us knew the extent of Lamont's predicament.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Now we just have to worry about providing aid going forward.

Nik: nods

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Should I talk to his mother? Or write to her if she's already gone by the time we return?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Margo is lovely, but...flighty.

Nik: maybe we can ask Lamont what he thinks about that, once he's recovered?

Nik: I don't really know her well enough to say whether that would be helpful or not.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Historically, I think it could go either way.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Not that she won't be concerned, but there's no telling what she'll do, or be able to do.

Nik: She is his mother, after all... he could have told her anytime. if he hasn't, maybe there's a reason. but he did ask for her when he was sick, so that must count for something.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Right.

Nik: I'm sorry that you got dragged into all of this... but at the same time, I'm glad at least I'm not trying to figure out what to do about all of this by myself.

Nik: offers you the wine so he isn't just hogging it all to himself ;)

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Hey, I'm here of my own volition. For Lamont, yes, but I'm also here for you, now. This is difficult, and everyone involved deserves to have their burdens shared.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: will take the bottle and take a drink.

Nik: smiles a little at that

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Except for Thurston, obviously. He can go sit on a spike or whatever. If Lamont's right about even half of what he's said...that man needs to pay, and pay dearly.

Nik: nods firmly

Coifárë | Vilyawén: But for now, I'll settle for Lamont feeling better, and everyone managing to get some rest.

Nik: I'll drink to that.

Leonora Propositions Lamont

Leonora: is wandering around the house, a glass of some cocktail in hand, later in the day but before sunset.

Lamont: can be observed in a hallway asking a servant for something

Leonora: tries to catch your eye, heading over in your direction.

Leonora: Stillmarch!

Leonora: smiles warmly upon seeing you.

Lamont: looks over when he hears his name, as the servant slips away

Lamont: Lady Wengal - good evening

Lamont: looks probably better than he did at the masquerade, to be honest

Leonora: I'm so glad to see you looking so well.

Leonora: I know I cannot have been the only one to be saddened to hear of your recent illness.

Lamont: Thank you, I am feeling much improved

Leonora: Therma Alba has that effect. I know young Evenor has benefitted from its properties, of course. And when I was a girl, we would often come here when one relative or another was taken down with something.

Lamont: Is your experience of Therma Alba living up to its memories?

Leonora: I love it here. So welcoming and open, unlike so much of Thantopolitan life.

Leonora: There is a certain closedness about life, especially among the Palatines, who take things so very seriously.

Leonora: It's strange to say but, being in Nachtur, despite all its perils, gives one the opportunity to be more open with oneself, to be more at ease.

Lamont: That sounds familiar - perhaps more a Sentinel trait than Thantopolitan solely

Leonora: Yes, perhaps so. The Allard family, historically, has been a fairly ... what's the word I'm looking for?

Leonora: reflects.

Lamont: will let you fill that pause in yourself

Leonora: I was going to say 'fusty', but that's not quite right, and I certainly hope to cause you no offense.

Lamont: I did not know you were acquainted more broadly with my family, apart my uncle.

Leonora: Personally, I suppose I am not. But for someone in my various roles it is important to know the history and character of all the great military families.

Leonora: Is your uncle here? I haven't seen him.

Lamont: He is not.

Leonora: nods slowly, as if trying to read into your tone, perhaps?

Leonora: Not his scene, I would judge.

Lamont: (guardedly neutral)

Lamont: nods

Lamont: That is so.

Leonora: Might we find a quiet place, Stillmarch, for a drink? The hallway is lovely but offers every opportunity for an unwelcome passer-by.

Lamont: Certainly - I believe there is a sitting room down this hall

Leonora: I think you're right. Come.

Leonora: takes your hand and leads the way.

Lamont: will extract his hand, but follow

Leonora: heads into the room and sits, making sure that Lamont's seat will be close but not too close for his comfort.

Leonora: Grab yourself a drink there on the sidetable, if you care to.

Lamont: I'm fine, thank you.

Lamont: will sit

Lamont: (I feel like she is trying to really keep control f the situation and keep him a little on edge but I don't know if I am reading that correctly, Steve - am I way off base?)

Leonora: (you're right, or at least, she's trying not to freak you out, but to stress that this is not just a Casual Chat)

Lamont: Your letter mentioned some business you wished to discuss?

Leonora: Yes. Well. Quite so.

Leonora: activates her dragonmark.

Lamont: 9Remind me how this works and if there is any visible cue?)

Leonora: We are now in utter secrecy. No sound, no incantation, no witchery of any sort I know of, can penetrate this area.

Leonora: (we basically are in an invisible bubble of silence from outside + nondetection)

Lamont: raises his eyebrows

Lamont: You have my full attention, Lady Wengal

Leonora: Please call me Leonora, as my friends do.

Lamont: nods

Leonora: When I first came to the social season, I was eighteen. Younger than you are now, and surely more naive. I did not yet have any military experience, and this was before the Nachtur campaigns. A girl from Thantopolis, in search of ... a husband, I suppose?

Leonora: I do not say this to make myself sound old. Goodness, I do not feel old! But to say that there are various purposes for which one might come to the season, and marriage, of course, is one of them. For many.

Leonora: But of course, I am married now, and to a man who I love and trust with all my heart. From the outside, it may look like a mismatch, but I assure you that my dear Magga and I have a most loving partnership, no matter how strange it may sit with some, and no matter how ill-fitting it may look from the outside.

Leonora: smiles, as if imagining Magga's kind embrace.

Leonora: And I am a Palatine, and so beneath what some might perceive as a soft exterior there is a hardness to me. We stand in strength, against the darkness in Nachtur, together.

Leonora: Forgive me if I am meandering. Let me be direct.

Leonora: When I married Magga, I gained much. In Nachtur, access to wealth, and to power, even beyond what my family could provide, which was already of great substance.

Leonora: But I also, in that union, inherited a problem, that I am bound by honour and my own signature to remedy.

Lamont: Ah..

Leonora: I am contracted to provide Lord Wengal an heir. Or heirs, if possible.

Lamont: I see.

Leonora: sips her drink.

Lamont: So, you are looking for someone to... help you provide him some.

Leonora: Exactly right. Someone of honour, ideally someone of one of the Sentinel Great Houses, thought that is not a rigid requirement, who might enter into a bond that would be contractual, yes, and mutually beneficial, yes, but also with the full understanding that, in so doing, a social bond is also being created.

Leonora: I am not a whore, Stillmarch. You would never suggest it, nor even think it, but I feel that I must say it, so bluntly, as I know that there are some who would see it as such.

Lamont: seems a bit shocked that you would put it so bluntly in this apparenlty spy proof area you've got going on

Leonora: And Wengal is no cuckold. He is as much a party to this requirement which I have willingly undertaken.

Lamont: Lady, I would not judge you so.

Leonora: And if I thought you would, then we would not be having this conversation.

Lamont: or your lord husband

Leonora: We are pragmatic people. How could it be otherwise, living in Nachtur, which requires not only vigilance but constant pragmatism, just to survive and thrive?

Leonora: I do not know if you are a good choice for this enterprise. But rest assured that I am coming into this conversation with already more than a sense of who you are, and who your family is.

Lamont: take a moment to try and parse what you mean by that

Leonora: This is, naturally, a lot to take in. You may have questions. I encourage you to ask them freely.

Lamont: (so what are her intentions at this point - is she still just trying to get a sense of whether I would be suitable or amenable?)

Leonora: (yes, seems that way)

Lamont: (I mean, this is how his mark works, so its not really about how it seems, but what her intentions actually are. I am willing to spend a resolve token if you think it is necessary!)

Leonora: (she is feeling you out for interest, and wants to answer your questions. She is also trying not to freak you out!)

Lamont: Lady... Leonora, I don't find that your situation is so strange or unimaginable. It seems to me a logical extension of your marriage, though I don't envy your position.

Leonora: It is not simple, that is true. But I am blessed with the wealth and privilege to be able to effect the choice that is right for me.

Lamont: You speak of contracts, so I assume you are looking for a formal arrangement - but you must also know that I'm not in a position to enter into any such arrangements on my own behalf at this juncture.

Leonora: Yes, I understand, of course.

Lamont: So I do wonder - why you have approached me, in particular, and so diretly

Leonora: Well I assure you that you are not the only name on my list.

Leonora: smiles.

Lamont: Of course.

Leonora: But beyond that, because I know that any contract involves a give and take, and that the person involved needs to be in a position to benefit.

Leonora: And so I am looking for those who, I imagine, might have some benefit they desire that I can provide. Other, of course, than the vulgar moment itself.

Lamont: Then.... what benefit is it that you imagine I might desire from you?

Leonora: Well. I am very imaginative, or so my father always has told me.

Leonora: I can imagine that a young man might wish to be liberated from his own constraints. Or who might wish to advance himself militarily. Or might wish to have access to the wealth, power, and contacts of the Grugalen. Or more...

Leonora: You do not need to answer me now. In fact, let me be clearer: Do not answer me now.

Leonora: We are only in the first steps of what might be a very long dance. One th

Leonora: I am offering you my hand in friendship, and in my frankness today, simply saying out loud what I must, to get the band to start playing.

Leonora: But what you want, Stillmarch, is not fully known to me, and in fact, may not be fully known to you.

Lamont: nods

Lamont: I do have more questions

Leonora: Certainly. You're sure you don't want a drink?

Lamont: ...Perhaps I might, after all.

Lamont: will briefly excuse himself to visit that sideboard

Leonora: And ask all you like. We are in absolute privacy still.

Lamont: thank you

Lamont: Are you still well supplied, while I am here?

Leonora: I'd take another. Thank you.

Leonora: downs her glass and hands it to you.

Lamont: can get us each a drink, and will pass yours to you before retaking his seat

Lamont: What happens if we pursue this dance and you settle in the end on another partner?

Leonora: Then, I imagine, we shall have become closer friends, and will remain so into the future.

Leonora: Both of our Houses are sufficiently prominent that neither of us has any interest in causing strife, should I go another direction, or should you choose to decline.

Lamont: nods

Leonora: And, as with any of my good friends, there might still be ways in which I would be able to help you, in the future. Non-contractually, you understand.

Lamont: I see.

Lamont: You said earlier that this arrangement would entail a social bond - you mean something more enduring?

Leonora: I do. The question of paternity will almost surely require it.

Leonora: Imagine, if you will, this child, or children. They will be Lord Wengal's heirs. But clearly not his progeny.

Leonora: And one day, these children will, in likelihood, have dragonmarks of considerable potency.

Leonora: Of the sort that my children's future suitors will want to know whether they are the product of some wayward byblow. Not to mention, the children themselves.

Leonora: So I reckon it is best to have some level of clarity and frankness about the matter, from the beginning.

Lamont: That seems sensible. But these human children... will be heirs of a goblinoid lineage?

Lamont: What would their House be?

Leonora: They would be Magga's heirs. Wengal in all but blood.

Lamont: Forgive me, I admit that my understanding of Goblinoid inheritance is rudimentary, but would that not draw a major title away from his people?

Leonora: nods.

Leonora: I believe it would, yes.

Lamont: ...are you trying to found a new Sentinel house?

Leonora: smiles.

Leonora: There are many unknowns, at this point. You understand the chaos of Nachtur from a military perspective. But you should also think of it from the perspective of society.

Leonora: New ways of being are emerging, to the benefit of the goblinoids, and humans, and anyone else.

Leonora: My grandchildren will inherit titles, yes, but I aim to see that they inherit a world very different from the one you and I were raised in.

Lamont: you are setting them a challenging path - I understand your caution in approaching this.

Leonora: I have set myself a challenging life.

Leonora: And so there are any number of names from the Great Houses who I have already excluded because I cannot see how they will participate or benefit from the kinds of transformations that may emerge.

Leonora: Who may, in time, come to regret their involvement.

Leonora: If you are the candidate, Stillmarch, it is not simply because you are a pretty face with a fine name and mark.

Lamont: I am flattered that you would consider it, but then - how is it that I have made your list?

Leonora: smiles.

Leonora: Of course, I know of your military history. But also, your family history.

Lamont: frowns a little at that

Lamont: do you?

Leonora: Just what is known publicly, and then, beyond that, from my association with your uncle a decade or more ago.

Leonora: I do not suppose to know every intimate detail.

Leonora: Your uncle made a ... distinct impression on me.

Leonora: leaves that just hanging.

Lamont: I am not my uncle.

Leonora: No indeed.

Leonora: Which is why you are still on the list.

Lamont: but that... does not answer my question.

Leonora: The person who I choose will need to gain some very real advantage from this union. But they cannot be so desperate that they are entering into a permanent state of subjection, vis-a-vis the Wengal and Palatine lineages.

Leonora: You are, I understand, for the moment, your uncle's ward. But that is a passing moment, in the span of a lifetime.

Leonora: You are a Marquess, of a house whose character, influence, and history is so well-known that to simply say Machel will be enough to silence many who might be critical.

Leonora: Simply put, you might have some great need for me now, but we are, in every meaningful respect, equals.

Leonora: And I know that you are young, but that span of years will matter less and less, as time goes on.

Lamont: I believe I understand you

Lamont: I will consider what that may be.

Leonora: takes a drink.

Lamont: I feel I should disclose, as it is only somewhat publicly know, that my brother Frederic recently expressed a mark of our mother's house. For your calculations.

Leonora: nods.

Leonora: There is no fine science to any of this. But I appreciate the disclosure.at, if culminated, could last the remainder of our lives.

Leonora: I am offering you my hand in friendship, and in my frankness today, simply saying out loud what I must, to get the band to start playing.

Leonora: But what you want, Stillmarch, is not fully known to me, and in fact, may not be fully known to you.

Lamont: nods

Lamont: I do have more questions

Leonora: Certainly. You're sure you don't want a drink?

Lamont: ...Perhaps I might, after all.

Lamont: will briefly excuse himself to visit that sideboard

Leonora: And ask all you like. We are in absolute privacy still.

Lamont: thank you

Lamont: Are you still well supplied, while I am here?

Leonora: I'd take another. Thank you.

Leonora: downs her glass and hands it to you.

Lamont: can get us each a drink, and will pass yours to you before retaking his seat

Lamont: What happens if we pursue this dance and you settle in the end on another partner?

Leonora: Then, I imagine, we shall have become closer friends, and will remain so into the future.

Leonora: Both of our Houses are sufficiently prominent that neither of us has any interest in causing strife, should I go another direction, or should you choose to decline.

Lamont: nods

Leonora: And, as with any of my good friends, there might still be ways in which I would be able to help you, in the future. Non-contractually, you understand.

Lamont: I see.

Lamont: You said earlier that this arrangement would entail a social bond - you mean something more enduring?

Leonora: I do. The question of paternity will almost surely require it.

Leonora: Imagine, if you will, this child, or children. They will be Lord Wengal's heirs. But clearly not his progeny.

Leonora: And one day, these children will, in likelihood, have dragonmarks of considerable potency.

Leonora: Of the sort that my children's future suitors will want to know whether they are the product of some wayward byblow. Not to mention, the children themselves.

Leonora: So I reckon it is best to have some level of clarity and frankness about the matter, from the beginning.

Lamont: That seems sensible. But these human children... will be heirs of a goblinoid lineage?

Lamont: What would their House be?

Leonora: They would be Magga's heirs. Wengal in all but blood.

Lamont: Forgive me, I admit that my understanding of Goblinoid inheritance is rudimentary, but would that not draw a major title away from his people?

Leonora: nods.

Leonora: I believe it would, yes.

Lamont: ...are you trying to found a new Sentinel house?

Leonora: smiles.

Leonora: There are many unknowns, at this point. You understand the chaos of Nachtur from a military perspective. But you should also think of it from the perspective of society.

Leonora: New ways of being are emerging, to the benefit of the goblinoids, and humans, and anyone else.

Leonora: My grandchildren will inherit titles, yes, but I aim to see that they inherit a world very different from the one you and I were raised in.

Lamont: you are setting them a challenging path - I understand your caution in approaching this.

Leonora: I have set myself a challenging life.

Leonora: And so there are any number of names from the Great Houses who I have already excluded because I cannot see how they will participate or benefit from the kinds of transformations that may emerge.

Leonora: Who may, in time, come to regret their involvement.

Leonora: If you are the candidate, Stillmarch, it is not simply because you are a pretty face with a fine name and mark.

Lamont: I am flattered that you would consider it, but then - how is it that I have made your list?

Leonora: smiles.

Leonora: Of course, I know of your military history. But also, your family history.

Lamont: frowns a little at that

Lamont: do you?

Leonora: Just what is known publicly, and then, beyond that, from my association with your uncle a decade or more ago.

Leonora: I do not suppose to know every intimate detail.

Leonora: Your uncle made a ... distinct impression on me.

Leonora: leaves that just hanging.

Lamont: I am not my uncle.

Leonora: No indeed.

Leonora: Which is why you are still on the list.

Lamont: but that... does not answer my question.

Leonora: The person who I choose will need to gain some very real advantage from this union. But they cannot be so desperate that they are entering into a permanent state of subjection, vis-a-vis the Wengal and Palatine lineages.

Leonora: You are, I understand, for the moment, your uncle's ward. But that is a passing moment, in the span of a lifetime.

Leonora: You are a Marquess, of a house whose character, influence, and history is so well-known that to simply say Machel will be enough to silence many who might be critical.

Leonora: Simply put, you might have some great need for me now, but we are, in every meaningful respect, equals.

Leonora: And I know that you are young, but that span of years will matter less and less, as time goes on.

Lamont: I believe I understand you

Lamont: I will consider what that may be.

Leonora: takes a drink.

Lamont: I feel I should disclose, as it is only somewhat publicly know, that my brother Frederic recently expressed a mark of our mother's house. For your calculations.

Leonora: nods.

Leonora: There is no fine science to any of this. But I appreciate the disclosure.

Leonora: There is no set list of what I can provide to you, as part of this contract. In other words, it has yet to be drawn up in any way. So you should reflect on what it is that you want out of this, before we proceed any further.

Leonora: I also cannot promise you that I will not, at this time, be making similar overtures to others. But I promise you this. Absolute discretion. Outside my own household, your name will not be raised in regard to this matter, until we are at a much later stage.

Leonora: I can only imagine the embarrassment that might entail, to both sides.

Lamont: I can appreciate that. However, within my own household, the boundaries of where I might reasonably turn fur advice are... extremely narrow

Leonora: I understand.

Lamont: It is quite a lot to contemplate alone... and there could, in theiry, at east, be other who would be affected by any such agreements I might enter into

Leonora: Your position is a complex one, I grant. Which did lead my assistant to wonder whether we ought to find something ... simpler. But I have not chosen a simple path to date, and see no reason to start now.

Lamont: I understand why you have a list

Lamont: I will take some time to think this through, but thank you for your candour.

Leonora: You are welcome. And regardless, I am truly glad to have had this time to get to know you better, Stillmarch.

Lamont: Likewise, Leonora.

Misunderstandings Redux (Lavinia and Gueiris)

Lavinia: Later that evening, Lavinia will make her way down to the dining room and gather a plate of the most sugar-filled, unhealthy things she can find.

Lavinia: sits in a corner of the room and sighs as she pokes at a coconut confection.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: by luck Gueiris wanders through the dining room just at that moment

Lavinia: seems lost in her thoughts and does not notice him enter.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: happily spots her and will head over

Lavinia: looks up as he approaches and freezes.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Lavinia, I've been hoping to run into you all day. Where have you been?

Lavinia: Hoping to run into me? Why? You made your intentions quite clear to my sister.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: is a little taken aback

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I talked to your sister when I first arrived, but I don't understand what you mean.

Lavinia: I should have known, I suppose. It was always too good to be true.

Lavinia: stabs at a piece of devil's food cake with her fork.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: If there was some misunderstanding with your sister, it was not my intention. I know she claimed you had talked but it seemed to me that it was not entirely true.

Lavinia: We talked. Well, she did mainly. I was too busy being humiliated.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I understand that the way I arrived isn't ideal, but humiliated? If this is that hard for you... I don't want to keep hurting you.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I just thought we could find a way... that all this could be temporary.

Lavinia: Temporary... I see.

Lavinia: I think I'd like to be alone now, please.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Do you see? If that is what you want.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: steps back

Lavinia: I can't be what you want me to be.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Then I will be the perfect gentelman and let you be.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: turns quickly and walks away

Lavinia: begins crying softly.

Rosalie and Juno Hit It Off

Juno Morticia Auspex: will be trying to retrieve a book on a higher shelf in the library, perched precariously on a ladder.

Rosalie: will enter and find her there

Rosalie: Oh, do be careful!

Juno Morticia Auspex: Hmm? What?

Juno Morticia Auspex: turns a bit to sharply and seems to be losing her balance.

Rosalie: will rush to help her...somehow

Narrator: (What're you thinking, help-wise?)

Rosalie: (Stabilizing the ladder or politely grabbing a leg)

Narrator: (Are you okay with Juno falling on Rosalie, at least in part? It seems funny to me.)

Rosalie: (Go for it)

Juno Morticia Auspex: will try to right herself and manage to fall back towards her savior, who manages to hold the ladder for a moment before they both fall together in a heap.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Ow. Well, now I'm going to have to change my middle name to 'Mortified.'

Rosalie: Oof

Rosalie: giggles

Juno Morticia Auspex: My sincerest apologies, Miss...?

Rosalie: Lady Rosalie Doumens, at your service...although, badly. I shall not try for saviorhood without practicing more, Magus Auspex.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Entirely my fault, Lady Doumens, and please, don't fault your impulse or follow-through. The guilds can attest that, ahem, dexterity is my dump stat.

Juno Morticia Auspex: will struggle to her feet and attempt to help Rosalie do the same.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Thank you again, and I am truly sorry. Have we met?

Rosalie: It's no trouble, accidents happen. And no, I don't believe we have yet.

Juno Morticia Auspex: I'm far from famous, so how did you know my name?

Rosalie: laughs Oh, that, yes. A gift from birth. I forget it can be unsettling if we're not at a dance or party.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Oh! A dragonmark, I should have guessed. That's a handy gift. Much more polite than mine.

Juno Morticia Auspex: smiles.

Rosalie: Well, now you have me curious!

Juno Morticia Auspex: Oh, well, I wasn't meant to be coy or anything. I can spot weaknesses.

Rosalie: Ah, yes, I can see how that would not be labeled as "polite". But I daresay it is useful.

Juno Morticia Auspex: It lends itself to my line of work.

Narrator: (Can we say it's evening for this scene?)

Rosalie: (Works)

Juno Morticia Auspex: What brings you to the library at this hour? Also a light sleeper?

Rosalie: A bit. I generally fall asleep while reading in the early hours.

Juno Morticia Auspex: smiles and nods.

Juno Morticia Auspex: I get like that sometimes when I'm not out in the field.

Juno Morticia Auspex: To many things going on in my head.

Rosalie: nods

Rosalie: Yes. Sleeping in an unfamiliar place adds to it, as well

Juno Morticia Auspex: That, I'm more or less used to.

Juno Morticia Auspex: What were you looking for?

Juno Morticia Auspex: gestures around the library in general.

Rosalie: I'm not sure, honestly. I just finished a history, and now I'm in the mood for something different. What that might be remains to be seen. What were you looking for up so high?

Juno Morticia Auspex: Lord Evenor has a fondness for military histories, particularly the life of Laris Valerius Corvis. The Amathalis's have an original copy of the Ordo Pugnae I was wanting to take a look at.

Juno Morticia Auspex: He also has a surprisingly extensive collection of romance novel, a few shelves over. 😉

Rosalie: laughs Well, it is certainly a well-rounded library.

Rosalie: So what is it you do as your line of work?

Juno Morticia Auspex: Soldiering. A necromancer specifically, hence 'Magus', though Juno is fine. We have different standards of propriety than you Highmarkers.

Juno Morticia Auspex: And you?

Rosalie: Lady Rose, or Rose, whichever is more comfortable. And my family deals in Parfums and a dukedom.

Juno Morticia Auspex: laughs at that phrasing.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Oh, right, I sometimes forget that it's the same Doumens. You have that floral scent I really like that I can't recall the name of...

Juno Morticia Auspex: Which I suppose make's Rose a fitting appellation. 'By any other name' indeed.

Rosalie: laughs

De la vallée. It's one of our more popular scents.

Juno Morticia Auspex: snaps her fingers and nods.

Juno Morticia Auspex: The very one.

Juno Morticia Auspex: So what sort of work do you do in that regard? I know nothing about perfumery.

Rosalie: Well...looks hesitant for a second

Juno Morticia Auspex: I swear, I'm not trying to pry trade secrets from you.

Rosalie: laughs

Juno Morticia Auspex: smiles.

Rosalie: Oh, no, it's not that. It's just...I do my brother's job.

Rosalie: He has no interest, really, so I make the decisions. Advertisements, approval of new scents, artwork for the bottles. Where we spend our money, all of that.

Juno Morticia Auspex: That sounds like productive work, and I'm sorry you're having to do someone else's job for them.

Juno Morticia Auspex: If it helps, they a good scents and effective advertising. Even if I can't remember their names.

Juno Morticia Auspex: smiles reassuringly.

Rosalie: smiles

Thank you. I do love my brother, and enjoy the work, so it's not too much of a hardship. But i sometimes wish I could do something else.

Juno Morticia Auspex: What would you do?

Rosalie: considers

Rosalie: It might sound naive, but I should like to do something with an impact. Make a difference somehow.

Rosalie: Worry about more than just profits.

Juno Morticia Auspex: I know the feeling. I'm assigned to the War Office right now, delivering letters and filing mountains of paperwork, when just a few months ago I was actually helping people on the front lines in Morro.

Juno Morticia Auspex: What's stopping you from doing the sort of work you want to do?

Rosalie: Ah, well, opportunity mostly.

Juno Morticia Auspex: I'm sorry if that was impolite. I'm told I can be a bit blunt. And that's saying something for a Thantopolitan.

Rosalie: smiles

Rosalie: I find it refreshing.

Juno Morticia Auspex: returns the smile.

Juno Morticia Auspex: How fortunate for me.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Why don't we find you a book so you can try to get some rest, and I'll try to stop endangering myself with ladders.

Rosalie: Yes, quite. You might not have a lady to fall on next time!

Leonora and Magga Have a Debriefing On Her Progress

Magga: A good day, my dear?

Leonora: Good enough, I suppose. I always need to take care not to burn.

Leonora: The waters are good for my skin, not as much for my hair, though. I seem to end up all ... frizzy.

Magga: Perhaps a larger hat is required.

Leonora: laughs.

Leonora: Well that's all fine while I'm lounging, but it would be odd in the baths.

Magga: You are worried about your hair in the baths, spare a thought for your poor husband!

Leonora: I am always thinking of you, my love.

Leonora: comes over and wraps her arms around your waist from behind.

Leonora: Did you meet anyone interesting today?

Magga: I had a delightful conversation about aquatic gardens and water features with the lord of the house. I was thinking we could consider installing one, until I remembered where we live.

Leonora: Well ... no, you're right.

Leonora: So that was Lord Amathalis, Nik's father?

Magga: Yes, indeed. We only spoke for a short while, but he seems a decent sort.

Leonora: And a marvelous host. I hope they'll have folks back another season. It is ... liberating, I think, for some of those young ones not accustomed to showing so much skin.

Leonora: Highmark has many fine qualities but it is a bit prudish at times.

Magga: chuckles

Leonora: Well I"m glad you had a good time.

Leonora: I ran into a couple of interesting folks myself.

Leonora: Fyan Nabari was there. I'd never properly met him, I suppose more than anything, because he's of a different generation.

Magga: nods, listening

Leonora: I didn't get all the way to discussing the matter at hand.

Leonora: I did get a chance to know him better, and to invite him to meet with us when we are back in Highmark.

Magga: That seems like a promising opening, then.

Leonora: He was here resting after dealing with a nest of, I believe it was fire primordials, locally. Taking in the baths to recuperate, not that he was injured seriously.

Leonora: He is ... well, he is older. And I don't know what to think of that.

Leonora: Part of me supposes that it would be easier for you.

Magga: How so?

Leonora: Well, you know, less of a ... threat? To put it that way sounds silly.

Magga: smiles

Magga: I don't think of our love as something that can be threatened, no matter the gentleman in question.

Leonora: No, of course not.

Magga: I'll take them all on. ;)

Leonora: Another advantage of Nabari is that he is not actually the Lord Nabari - that is his older brother. So there would be few questions of inheritance, or at least, not ones with grand implications.

Leonora: And of course, he has many qualities that we would hope for in a child.

Magga: nods

Leonora: So I'm keeping him on the list, I suppose you could say. When he comes to visit, play nice, talk about all the demons we've killed in the backyard, that sort of thing.

Magga: I will be on my best demon-killing behaviour.

Leonora: We can raise the issue with him together, if we feel comfortable at that time.

Magga: nods

Leonora: I also had an opportunity to talk with Lamont Machel, the Marquess Stillmarch.

Leonora: That situation is ... promising, but also strange.

Magga: Oh? That sounds intriguing.

Leonora: Well, you know, firstly, that I had written to him before we came here, and also that he has been ill recently.

Leonora: He is not so much here as to enjoy the social season, as he is to recuperate. Which, I suppose, puts him in the same situation as Nabari.

Magga: One of the unintended side-effects of recruiting at a health spa, I suppose.

Leonora: He seems to be dealing with a lot right now. But what, exactly, I cannot say. I think others know him better than I do.

Leonora: Regardless, I chose, discreetly, to raise the matter directly with him. It did not seem that playing games with a young man already troubled by others' games would be fair to him.

Magga: How did he respond?

Leonora: Positively - with understanding, with questions, empathetically.

Leonora: With a mind to hear more.

Leonora: I asked him specifically what he might hope to gain, and that, I think, gave him pause to think.

Magga: Did he have anything in mind? Or more of a matter for future consideration?

Leonora: I think it was a lot to lay on him all at once. I do not think they want for money.

Leonora: The situation, as you remember, is made more complex by his uncle Thurston, who is the boy's guardian at the moment.

Magga: nods

Leonora: He is young, not unhandsome, and has the right sort of dragonmark.

Leonora: But it would really depend on whether we have something to offer him, or his family, and to figure out how it might be possible.

Leonora: I feel, in some ways, that it's hard for me to see what someone like Nabari would get out of this union. He has his own children. He has wealth. He has more than enough fame for five lifetimes. Stillmarch, though, he might have very much to benefit, though exactly how is unclear.

Magga: Is the privilege of knowing you not honour enough? ;)

Leonora: laughs.

Leonora: Well, I have heard that I am quite a catch.

Magga: But I take your point. Someone with more need for assistance in certain ways might be more amenable to a favourable agreement.

Leonora: He did not seem terrified that you were going to eat him, which is a good sign, at least. One would hope such prejudices no longer exist, but you never know.

Magga: Not on a first encounter, at any rate.

Magga: says lightly

Leonora: Oh, my love, such a joker.

Leonora: squeezes you gently.

Magga: smiles

Leonora: I also indicated we would have him over to visit, back in Highmark.

Leonora: He is amenable, and I am sure would have more questions for you.

Leonora: I do wonder what is up with his uncle, though.

Magga: I will be pleased to answer.

Magga: Do you have any personal preference of the two? Matters of the finer details of any agreement aside.

Leonora: I don't think I can say yet.

Leonora: I haven't ruled any of the others out, either. But at some point, blessed with choice, it pays to just make one.

Magga: nods

Leonora: I think we'll know better once we both meet with each of them.

Leonora: And if there is a good solid choice in front of us at that point, we should just move forward.

Leonora: There will always be someone's lesser son to pick from. Don't overthink, I'm trying to tell myself.

Magga: Quite reasonable, as always.

Leonora: pauses.

Leonora: Magga, dear?

Magga: yes?

Leonora: Did you want to be there?

Magga: I would like whatever you would prefer. Would it be awkward if I was there? Then I will stay away.

Leonora: Well, it will be awkward either way, I imagine.

Magga: Then leave the choice up to the gentleman in question? If it will, ah, impede his performance to have a third party present, then I certainly wouldn't wish to cause him discomfort. On the other hand, perhaps it's an incentive for some. I couldn't say.

Leonora: Hmm, I hadn't thought of that. Well, perhaps just another detail to be sorted out.

Leonora: I've always found it easier, having you around.

Leonora: winks at you.

Magga: smiles

Magga: If it was entirely up to me, of course I would prefer to be there. But it isn't, so I will bow to the demands of the situation.

Leonora: Well, then, why don't you come here and bow to my situation, Lord Wengal.

Magga: Anytime, my dear.

Day Two

Nik and Chitara Have Breakfast Together on the Veranda

Nik: is taking morning tea on the veranda overlooking the gardens.

Chitara/Gale: wanders out with a cup of tea and a pastry

Oh, good morning! It's good to see you. I was worried you might be too busy being a good host for me to catch you

Nik: Chitara, hello! I'm so glad to see you, please, come, join me 🙂

Chitara/Gale: will grab a seat next to him

How have you been? Having fun with the Season so far?

Nik: Oh, yes, it's been wonderful so far!

Chitara/Gale: I'm glad to hear it! I've been so busy doing politics things I haven't had a lot of time to really enjoy much. This weekend is exactly what I had been hoping for

Nik: Oh? Well, I'm glad you could get away long enough for this. I hope it will prove to be a much-needed break from more serious affairs 😄

Chitara/Gale: sips her tea with a contented sigh

Oh, I've already had a soak and a massage, and it's been almost impossibly relaxing. Your family really knows how to unwind.

Nik: Wonderful! I think I'm meant to pose for a painting later, but otherwise I don't have too much on my plate today, if you want company at any point 🙂

Nik: How have you been finding the season so far? I mean what you've been able to partake of, around your other obligations 🙂

Chitara/Gale: Oh, you're posing for a painting? That's exciting. Is this a clothes on or a clothes off painting? gentle teasing

Well, I've had fun in Highmark so far. Lots of interesting people. I've run into several here, which has been a definite bonus

Nik: The artist didn't specify! I suppose whatever they prefer 😄

Nik: And good to hear it! I tried to invite as many people as I could think of, even though I'm still new to the social scene myself.

Chitara/Gale: There's a woman I met at that first ball who's been doing a bunch of pro-Akhasic activism, which I really had not expected. And I made friends with someone I think you know, Coifare Vilwayen? They were showing me book stores and art supply shops in Highmark before we had to run off

Nik: oh, yes, I know them!

Nik: They're the artist who wanted to paint me later 😄

Chitara/Gale: Oh, they did mention they like doing portraits. I'm not surprised.

Nik: grins at that

Chitara/Gale: Well, if it's Coifare, they might well be hoping to paint you nude. They seem a bit of a flirt

Nik: It does seem possible... I shall not be disappointed if that's the case 🙂

Nik: I did have a question for you, perhaps a bit of an unusual one, if you'd hear me out.

Chitara/Gale: Oh, of course. What is it?

Sets down her cup in preparation for a slightly more serious conversation

Nik: I have a friend who needs a good reason to not be in his own home for a while. It's complicated. But he is a military sort, and one idea that was suggested was to have him assigned to guard the Ahkasic delegation as, well, sort of diplomatic security.

Nik: Does that seem.... plausible to you?

Chitara/Gale: considers that carefully

Well, I don't entirely know how the Nerathi do these things, so I don't know who would be considered a reasonable person to guard us. But I know my uncle and I have talked about looking into some kind of security. People have very strong opinions and we've already gotten a few threats.

Nik: nods, looking more grave.

Nik: I'm sorry to hear that.

Nik: I had hoped it might be more of a symbolic role than one you actually required. but I suppose if it is necessary, then it's all the more reason to have a few guards.

Chitara/Gale: Truthfully, I don't think anyone would act on those threats, but this far from home it seems better to be careful than to risk it.

Nik: Well... I will bring up that possibility to him. So you may not be too surprised if you are suddenly assigned a guard to accompany you places 🙂

Chitara/Gale: Might I ask who you have in mind? Anyone I might know?

Nik: Do you know Lord Stillmarch?

Chitara/Gale: I, uh...

looks embarrassed

I met him once. I knew his cousin, and I hadn't heard... well, I hope he wasn't too upset about my mentioning him.

Nik: Oh, I see. I'm sure he would forgive the oversight.

Chitara/Gale: I've heard good things about him, though. I imagine he would be an excellent guard.

Nik: nods

Chitara/Gale: My uncle has gone back to Highmark, but when I get back to him, I'll talk to him about it. As long as you're sure it wouldn't be somehow insulting for us to request him?

Nik: I don't think it would be insulting. I am only not sure whether this is the best solution for his predicament currently, but if it is, I'll let you know before you leave, if that would be all right?

Chitara/Gale: Oh, of course. There's no hurry, really.

Nik: smiles with relief

Nik: Thank you, it's much appreciated!

Chitara/Gale: Of course. I'd do a lot more than take on a guard for you. I'd... well, I'd take on a guard for you in the other sense.

Chitara/Gale: beams at her friend

Nik: That's so kind of you. I truly am fortunate!

Lamont Stumbles Upon Chitara Painting

Lamont: is once again out for an early stroll around the estate, getting some of his prescribed exercise and fresh air

Chitara/Gale: is camped out painting the landscape next to a convenient fountain she can keep her extra paints and stuff on

Oh, Lord Stillmarch!

Lamont: turns when he hears his name

Lamont: Miss Kitus? Is that correct?

Chitara/Gale: Yes, hello. It's good to have a chance to meet you under better circumstances

Lamont: nods

Lamont: Are you painting?

Chitara/Gale: I am, yes. Therma Alba is beautiful, it seemed a shame not to paint at least a bit.

Lamont: It is quite lovely, yes

Lamont: how is your piece progressing?

Chitara/Gale: Pretty well so far, would you like to see? It took me half an hour to get the exact right color for the flowers there.

Lamont: If you don't mind - I'm not as familiar with Akhasic styles

Lamont: will come take a look

Chitara/Gale: waves him over

I don't know that my painting is that different from paintings here, but I'm happy to let you have a look.

Lamont: My mother would go on about the different schools one finds in Nerath alone

Lamont: though of course, everything is in conversation

Chitara/Gale: Oh, there are many different schools, but I'm afraid I was taught by a Nerathi, so I likely know the same ones you do.

Lamont: oh?

Chitara/Gale: Nerathi styles are very in vogue in Ebemar right now. Akhasic traditional styles are considered unfortunately lower class.

Said with a sarcastic tone that implies exactly what she thinks of that one

Lamont: That is unfortunate.

Lamont: I do think you are right on with the colours here, though

Chitara/Gale: I did learn colors from a traditional artist, though

winks

No offence to Nerath, but Akhas definitely has the advantage on colorful landscapes

Lamont: They're both large continents

Lamont: I'm not so well travelled at to make a definitive statement.

Chitara/Gale: I'm not either, admittedly. But I can't imagine things get that colorful here with so much of the continent being so cold half the year.

Lamont: The southern regions, closer to Morro, I think are closer to what you might be familiar with. But I wouldn't sell our northern winters short for beauty either, if you've never seen one.

Chitara/Gale: I'll take your word for it. I think I'd freeze solid

Lamont: It's not so bad, you just need to put on more clothes.

Lamont: says with mild amusement

Chitara/Gale: I suppose if my family has their way, I'll find out. But it doesn't sound pleasant

Lamont: And here I was thinking that its a shame there less opportunity for these sorts of social gatherings in the winter, but perhaps winter recreation is better left for smaller groups and closer ties. What are your family's intentions, though - they want you to stay here in some capacity?

Lamont: (And also, what are her intentions :V)

Chitara/Gale: Oh, I'm to marry into a noble house here in Nerath. Isn't that pretty much every unmarried woman's job during a Season?

(her intentions are low key flirty but mostly just interested in getting to know him)

Lamont: Oh, not just the women - we like to put all genders on relatively equal footing, or else we wouldn't have much of a society left after a generation or so.

Chitara/Gale: smiles wryly

So you're trying to get married, then?

Lamont: Mmm. Theoretically.

Lamont: It's not entirely in my hands

Lamont: Are you looking to fulfill your family's expectations?

Chitara/Gale: Provided I find someone to marry that suits me, yes. It's not what I would've picked, but there's a lot more reason for it than most people who're expected to get married.

Lamont: yes, I assume there's a political angle, at the very least

Lamont: which, while not unusual is perhaps more ...acute?

Chitara/Gale: nods

It's significantly more acute. I'm sure everyone's very aware right now of exactly why my family is here, it's not exactly a secret.

Lamont: nods

Lamont: I believe so. But I admit, for someone so quick to express distress at the loss of her culture, I am surprised that you would find inviting more Nerathi influence a palatable path forward

Chitara/Gale: Well... it's an extremely complicated issue. Lets just say that there are some ways in which more Nerathi influence would be an extremely good thing, and a more official government inclusion would force such things.

Lamont: Perhaps, but it surely can't be the only way to achieve such things.

Chitara/Gale: Not the only way, but maybe the most likely to succeed in my lifetime

Lamont: Perhaps. Increase in hostilities with have as much of a chance of forestalling this issue as forcing it, I think.

Chitara/Gale: Well, complex issues like this are never going to have a straightforward fix. But... just between you and me, whichever way our mission goes here, it can be leveraged to improve things in Akhas.

Lamont: I hope that's the case.

Lamont: it was nice to speak with you, but I will let you return to your painting

Gueiris Discusses His Love Life With Coifárë

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Therma Alba being the large expanse it is, Gueiris has taken refuge in the place where he feels those who know him are least likely to be, the mixed hot springs. He has found himself a secluded pool where he soaks alone, sipping a Thanatopolitan wine, the bottle chilling in a bucked beside him.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: will have been wandering the grounds, enjoying the beauty of Therma Alba, when they spot Gueiris sitting alone, and approaches.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Copper for your thoughts? You look lost in them. Or that bottle, if it's stronger than normal.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: sits up. The arcane tattoos on his arms continue over his chest. His dragonmark is there, the clawed image circling over his heart

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: It hasn't been a good day. Grab a glass and have soak if you want.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Drinking alone? Never a good sign. Allow me to alleviate part of that problem.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: will slip out of their dress and into the pool, sitting opposite the bottle from Gueiris.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: What's going on?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I am trying not to be angry... because it wont help or solve anything.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Oh, gods, this isn't something to do with Katherina and the celebration, is it?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: If only...

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Its over with Lavinia... seeing me with Juno... it just hurt her too much... and even though...

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: shakes his head

Coifárë | Vilyawén: What? That's...very sudden.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: All it took was seeing you arrive with someone else?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I understand it even less... but she said she felt humiliated.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I couldnt do that to her.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: But you didn't...do anything.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I mean, putting aside you literally haven't done anything as far as I know, you also didn't have a public attachment with Lavinia, did you? I don't understand what she thinks you did wrong, much less how you "humiliated" her.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: She was quite smitten with me, at least it seemed so in her letters. I wrote her warning what was coming... even with that she still felt hurt. What else could I do? I'm angry at my Aunt for causing this whole mess, I'm angry at Juno even though she has nothing to do with it, I'm angry at Lavinia for not trusting me and believing in me. I'm angry at myself because it feels like I let this happen, that I could have done something to stop and, and I am angry at myself for caring so much.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods and listens, wanting to let Gueiris vent.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: and I'm angry at this stupid hot spring because its not damn hot enough for me

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I can slip back out if you want to heat it up some.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I'm not in the right headspace... I could melt the stones by mistake.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: and I'm also a little scared. Scared that there's going to be war and I'm going to drawn into it and I'm not going to find that someone...

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: takes a sip of the wine

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I hope you are having a better time.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: It seems insensitive to say I am.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Its not insensitive if is the truth, and I am glad you are.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: gives a quiet laugh.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Do you really think Lavinia could be who and what you're looking for?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I need to believe that it is for the best it didn't work out.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Are you so sure it's completely resolved?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: She tried to hide it, but she was in tears after I left. The bridge might not be burned to ash, but its still on fire right now.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Time maybe?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Well, then, it's a good thing you're resistant to fire, hmm?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Look, Gueiris, I love you like a brother, and I don't want to see you hurt. Would you like honesty or consolation?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Honesty, if you don't mind.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I can't pretend I know Hersir Feigrsteinn, at all, really.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: And, on short acquaintance, she seems perfectly lovely.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: But...

Coifárë | Vilyawén: And let me preface this by saying I very clearly know next to nothing about the kind of love you're looking for.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I didn't get the impression that Lavinia would help make you a better person, if that makes sense. You're great, don't get me wrong, but...you strive for things. You push yourself. You need a partner who will do the same, for you and for themself.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: And I could be entirely wrong. Maybe she is the support that would help you achieve great things.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: And if that's the case, you absolutely cannot let things go this easily.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: But I think you should give ample thought to whether that's the case.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Because you deserve the kind of partnership you want.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Thank you. I appreciate the candor. I won't add sly remarks on ~all~ the partnership you want.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: There's no reason quantity and quality can't go hand in hand.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: says with a smirk.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I don't think I can handle quantity the same way you do.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I will endeavor to answer those questions for myself, that you've posed on me.

Coifárë | Vilyawén:

I don't think I can handle quantity the same way you do.

@Gueiris/Xenos/Vess - jump

almost spits up some wine at that.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: laughs

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Well, you have a couple days of semi-isolation.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I've found retreats of that nature to be helpful in the past.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Well I can't hide here the whole time.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: There are other places to hide...

Coifárë | Vilyawén: But, yes, I suppose you do have to be sociable, for Nik's sake if nothing else.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: And family obligations... I do need to be at least talk to Juno once or twice while I'm here.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: You said you were mad at her in all this too?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: It was one of those "if you weren't here" childish angers.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I'm still a little bothered by the whole situation, and I still need to think on things some more, but I'm not feeling the anger anymore, or at least right now.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I guess shouting it out at my big sister, burned it out of me.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: smiles

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: stands looking for the robe he brought with him

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Happy to help douse the flame, I guess.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: smiles, and then looks away conspicuously.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: One drawback of this getaway.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Put some clothes on, you libertine!

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: laughs more

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Words I would never have believed would ever come from your mouth

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: finished dressing

Coifárë | Vilyawén: laughs loudly.

Coifárë and Rosalie Discuss the Future

Coifárë | Vilyawén: will be lounging in one of the larger pools, otherwise unoccupied, enjoying the nice spring day.

Rosalie: will approach the pool

Beg pardon, my leid, this seat isn't taken, is it?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: By all means, my lady. Plenty of pool to go around.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: How are you finding Therma Alba?

Rosalie: Peaceful, and eventful at the same time. And you?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Much the same, I think. What sort of events have occupied you?

Rosalie: Making new friends, making sure my brother makes new friends. They have an excellent library and garden here.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Oh, yes, the gardens are lovely. I was going to work on a painting later. I haven't had the pleasure of visiting the library just yet, though. I'll have to make the effort.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: And I ran into your brother yesterday. We had a wonderful conversation with Miss Kituss from the Ebemari delegation.

Rosalie: Indeed. I had the pleasure of an introduction this morning. She seems to be pleasant company.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: If she's indicative of her people, I think the Confederacy could surely benefit from their inclusion.

Rosalie: One hopes. She seemed interested in Sebastien.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: And he her. They'd make a nice match, I should think, if either is genuinely interested.

Rosalie: nods

I must admit, it's not the type of match I saw for him. But I am perhaps more of a romantic than my brother. What makes him happy may be very different from what would satisfy me.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Oh? What would satisfy you?

Rosalie: smiles wryly

Oh, I have forever dreamed of someone to whom I am wholly devoted and is wholly devoted to me. It is exceedingly rare and difficult to find, I believe.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: has kind of a sad smile at that.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Sadly, I think you may be correct, but I wish you well in finding such. My parents were like that, which is...well, as you say, rare.

Rosalie: nods

My parents were not. I suppose that's why I dream of it. Perhaps I am a bit naive.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I can think of many words to describe you, Lady Rosalie, but I do not think naive would be one of them.

Rosalie: laughs

Well, I thank you for that. I hope they are all good descriptors, at least.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: It would be the height of rudeness were it otherwise.

Rosalie: Indeed, and we shouldn't wish to be rude.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I try my best not to be, particularly to those who don't deserve it.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Out of curiosity, are you looking for such a match this season?

Rosalie: Well, I should like to see my brother settled. There are...considerations that must be taken care of before I can run off to my own life. But I am open to the idea, for certain.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Anyone piquing your interest? I always had the impression you were quite discerning.

Rosalie: I suppose I am. I am still considering what I am looking for in a partner, but the more people I meet the more I narrow that down.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: What have you narrowed it down to?

Rosalie: considers

I should like someone with some ambition or purpose, a will to travel. And a sense of humor. I couldn't go from living with Sebastien to living with someone too serious. It would be too jarring.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: laughs.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I would imagine.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Anywhere in particular you'd care to travel?

Rosalie: Well, my mother is from Issenvik, I should like to visit there. But beyond that, I have no set destination.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Oh, that's a shame. It's beautiful, if...rugged. Not unlike some Issenvikkers I've met...

Narrator: ("a shame you haven't visited" rather)

Rosalie: I had heard, but Mother was always very tight-lipped about her homeland.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Trouble with her family?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: If that's not too forward a question.

Rosalie: Oh, no, I think she just missed it. And she's always kept her opinions to herself, really.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Both my parents are from Aethrennar, but luckily they liked to travel, and encouraged it for me as well.

Rosalie: Now I am very jealous. Sébastien is so satisfied with where he is at any given time, it's difficult to get him anywhere else.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: laughs.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I imagine Highmark is quite comfortable for your brother.

Rosalie: grins

Absolutely. His horse is there, the games are there, and loads of pretty people to play with. What more could he want?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Better scenery? No offense to your homeland, of course.

Rosalie: laughs

I will only take the lightest of offenses, seeing as I have no real basis for defense.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: You should come visit Vilyawén sometime. The temple itself is a masterpiece, but the view in the mountains is...transcendent.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Of course, I may be somewhat biased.

Rosalie: It certainly sounds lovely.

Rosalie: Who knows? Perhaps Sébastien will indulge me and we shall visit one day.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: You would be most welcome, and Vilyawén is somewhat remote, so how much gambling could your brother get up to?

Rosalie: laughs

Well now you've certainly piqued my interest!

Coifárë | Vilyawén: chuckles.

Rosalie: If I can't convince Sébastien, perhaps my destined future partner will accompany me. says in a mock wistful tone

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Surely it can't be as dire as that. You must have plenty of suitors, hmm?

Rosalie: smiles wryly

Oh, I have plenty of male acquaintances, but no official suitors. I had hoped...well, that is, I made the acquaintance of Lord Stillmarch recently and had thought I might get to know him better...but he fell ill, and we haven't been able to see each other socially since.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Ah, yes...Lord Stillmarch is quite the gentleman, and very popular, it seems.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: does their level best to keep a straight face.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Have you had the chance to speak with him here at Therma Alba?

Rosalie: I had...picked up on that, yes. And I haven't run into him here, yet.

Rosalie: I had hoped to, but he seems in high demand.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I'm sure he would be happy to make time for you. It's just a matter of everyone running around so much. I think we were all a little stir crazy from the season.

Rosalie: We shall see, I suppose. I am just thankful for the slight reprieve, even if I did end up bringing estate papers with me to look over. smiles sheepishly

Coifárë | Vilyawén: You brought work with you?

Rosalie: nods

Unfortunately. It is a busy time.

Rosalie: And my age makes people nervous. Lots of older board members love to underestimate me.

grins

But I enjoy setting them right.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: smiles in return.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Being underestimated can be an advantage, on occasion.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Though I hope you take the opportunity for some real rest and relaxation while you're here.

Rosalie: Oh, I have, certainly. Reading in the garden, relaxing in the pools. It has been very enjoyable. I must see if it is possible to go riding one day, though.

Rosalie: But enough about myself. How have you enjoyed the events so far?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: smirks.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: It's been diverting, certainly. The pools are truly a marvel.

Rosalie: Indeed, they are. I'd hoped to have my own house party, but I'm not sure it would be as relaxing as this. Perhaps I should think of a new event.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: What did you have in mind?

Rosalie: shrugs

I should just give in to my brother's wishes for a racing event.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: That...doesn't sound like it would be relaxing for you, either.

Rosalie: sighs

No, but he would be happy.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Hopefully that's not the only, or even main, consideration.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I get the sense that Duke Harcourt can make himself happy most anywhere, so I think it behooves you to look to your own happiness with at least as much effort.

Rosalie: considers this

I shall have to think on that.

Rosalie: I could certainly benefit from being more assertive in finding the things that make me happy, at the very least.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: If you should turn the same eye to it as to your business dealings, I pity any who get in your way. 🙂

Rosalie: laughs

Oh, yes, that shouldn't alarm anyone.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Some people need to be alarmed.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Your brother, from time to time, I'd wager.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: If just to put the fear of gods in him.

Rosalie: taps her chin with a mischievous glint in her eye

Now you have given me ideas, my leid. My brother will not thank you for this.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I'm confident I can withstand his wrath.

Rosalie: I shall have to seek your counsel more often. It seems there is much I can learn from you.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: And I you, I'm sure. Perhaps this can be the beginning of a wonderfully educational friendship.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: says with a smile.

Rosalie: smiles

I am not sure what you can learn from me, but I welcome the opportunity.

Rosalie and Gueiris Discuss Matches

Rosalie: will be in the garden reading a military history tome borrowed from library

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: is wandering idly through the gardens after centering himself with meditation and exercise, dressed in a white loose fitting vest and beige short pants

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Lady Harcourt?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: seems surprised to recognize you

Rosalie: looks up, surprised Lord Kyrnon, hello.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Lady, its good to see you. I am surprised its been so long.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I've been meaning to thank you for introducing me to Adrian Marchant. He was most helpful in resolving the issue I was having.

Rosalie: I am glad to hear it! I certainly has been a while. How have you been?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: tilts his pondering

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: It's been interesting, one could say.

Rosalie: raises a brow Oh? Is that a good or bad thing?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I haven't totally figured that out... I'm being ruthlessly vague.

Rosalie: laughs lightly

Indeed you are. But perhaps the situation simply needs more time to develop for an accurate assessment.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: That could be part of it, or I could be I'm just being polite and not dragging you into my tar pit.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: And yourself... how have you been? Less vague and obtuse?

Rosalie: tilts her head a bit

Less vague, perhaps, but equally obtuse.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: chuckles

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I'm waiting, you said less vague.

Rosalie: sighs and sets her place in her book

I find I prefer blunt conversations over polite conversation because I cannot understand intention without forthrightness.

Rosalie: Thus...I am very bad at flirting. grins

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: We'll if you were to flirt, I would suggest such statements, as what an unusual outfit? What were you up to this morning? I could ask such questions as 'what is that book you are reading?', and statements such as how the morning light makes your hair shine just so... which is true, by the way.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: includes gestures to his attire

Rosalie: blushes lightly and laughs

Well then...Good morning, Lord Kyrnon. That is quite an unusual outfit, I must say. What are you up to this morning?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Thank you for asking.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: smiles

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I had quite the upsetting day yesterday, so this morning I took it upon myself to try to center my myself. The outfit is comfortable for meditation, and loose enough some physical exercises I do to help.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: The gardens are a beautiful location to do such an activity. I do like this place, although there is a restless energy that still leaves me unsettled.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Tell me about the book you are reading.

Rosalie: I am sorry to hear you had an upsetting day yesterday. You must let me know if I can assist in making today better.

picks up her book to show the title

And this is The Ohta Elduar. It's interesting so far, if a dense read.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I appreciate your concern, although I am at a loss for what exactly you could do to help.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Cannot say I've read that particular book, although I have some passing interest in military history.

Rosalie: grimaces

Well, I wouldn't begin with this one. It's somehow both dry and dramatic.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Elduar... have you met many eladrins? I think you've managed to describe a typical one quite accurately.

Rosalie: laughs

I can't say that I have, but now I am forewarned!

Rosalie: pauses

And I may not be able to help too much, but I can be a listening ear if you have need or want of one.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I think you've helped me a little already with good conversation

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: despite your dry choice in reading.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: gives a sly smile

Rosalie: chuckles

Then I am glad, even if I chose the wrong book.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I'm sorry, I can just drop it... why military history? Is it the conflicts? Trying to learn lessons? Can you explain it to me?

Rosalie: I suppose it is a bit of trying to learn lessons. There's always a lesson to be learned in these conflicts about motivations and such. But it is also interesting to read the military histories alongside the more general histories to see the ripples. How our conflicts shape our world.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: nods

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I understand that. Learning lessons from others experience can be less dangerous than learning them from conflict itself.

Rosalie: nods

And helps us avoid future ones, certainly.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Avoiding conflict is commendable. Unfortunately politics doesn't always play out that way, and there are those that have to participate.

Rosalie: Too true. Then, reading about the conflicts can be a sort of roadmap. Lessons in what to do and what not to do.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I was somewhat misleading when I said I had a passing interest in military history.... its more of a practical interest.

Rosalie: Oh?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I was off doing mercenary work with the company founded by my parents, before I was called back to Highmark.

Rosalie: nods

Ah. Is it work you are going to continue some day?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Depends on many things. Would you marry a solder or a mercenary?

Rosalie: is taken off-guard for a moment

Oh, well, I...considers

This might sound naïve, but I imagine if I were in love enough to marry, I would only wish for my partner to be happy and successful in their pursuits. Whatever they might be.

Rosalie: Then again, I am in a singular position in that. My brother is a Duke and practically the only one with any input as to my future match, and all he requires is my happiness. Others may have more constraints.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Would you want to head off with them? See the world? Live some of the conflicts that you are reading about and take some of those lessons and apply them?

Rosalie: sighs and looks wistful

I should dearly love to see more of the world and do something of importance.

Rosalie: My mother travels a fair bit, and as much as I miss her I envy her.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Well then, it is my hope you can find someone who facilitates that and that you can be happy with.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: saddens

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: its not an easy task.

Rosalie: No, it is not. But there is hope for both of us, yet, I think.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I guess we'll find out. I will take my leave of you, my lady.

Rosalie: nods.

Rosalie: Of course. But...you must call me Rose, if you feel. I should think such deep musings might make friends of us.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Very well... Rose. Gueiris is always fine for me.

Rosalie: smiles

Then I wish you good morning, Gueiris.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Enjoy your reading, Rose.

Chitara Proposes a Match With Sebastien to Rosalie

Rosalie: will be reading in the garden

Chitara/Gale: Has made some gentle inquiries with the servants to see where Rose might be found, and wanders into the garden with a sketchpad, thinking she'll at least do some drawing if she can't find her

Oh, hello. Apologies. Might you be the Lady Harcourt?

Rosalie: looks up from her book

I am Lady Rosalie, yes. How do you do?

Chitara/Gale: smiles warmly

My name is Chitara Kituss, it is a delight to meet you. I am sorry to interrupt your book, but this weekend seemed the best time to speak to you privately.

Rosalie: smiles back

Of course. How may I help, Miss Kituss?

Chitara/Gale: Well, to be entirely blunt, I am with the Akhasic delegation, and my main responsibility this Season is to marry into a Nerathi noble family. I... had the pleasure of meeting your brother's acquaintance yesterday evening, and having heard the rumors about your desire for him to marry, I had hoped to speak with you about whether or not your family would be willing to consider me as a prospect for him.

Rosalie: raises her brows in surprise

Oh. Have you made my brother's acquaintance?

Chitara/Gale: Oh, yes, we had a lovely conversation last night at the hot springs

Wildly unsure if she should admit it was more than a conversation

Rosalie: smiles politely

Well, that's a good start, at least. If we're being blunt, I'm looking for my brother a match he'd be happy with, but it is a bit of a struggle. He is not predisposed to the institution of marriage by default. I'm afraid I inherited all of the romantic nature. Will that be an impediment?

Chitara/Gale: shakes her head

That's why he seems an appealing prospect. We spoke at length about our opinions on the subject of marriage, and I think on those terms we are well matched. I've no particular interest in romance, I just want to enjoy my spouse's company.

Rosalie: nods

Well, I am unopposed to any courting attempts, but I hope to be friends with my brother's spouse. Is that amenable?

Chitara/Gale: grins Well, I found you in the garden reading, so you do seem like someone I would like to befriend

Rosalie: laughs A most excellent start. Then I'd love to invite you to our home for tea one day, should you be near Harcourt soon.

Chitara/Gale: My uncle and I are staying in Highmark, so I would be delighted to take you up on that

Rosalie: Excellent! I'm also planning our annual event. Consider this your unofficial invitation.

Chitara/Gale: Oh, wonderful. And we're hosting a ball in a few weeks, to which you are likewise invited.

Rosalie: Which I shall gladly accept. I will do my best to make the windows for the wooing, but the actual wooing is all for you. However, if you need some inside information, do not hesitate to reach out.

Chitara/Gale: I appreciate that. He seems receptive so far, but it never hurts to have an extra advantage tucked away, just in case.

Rosalie: Well, one must have every advantage available in the game of courting.

Chitara/Gale: laughs

I suppose so. I am not particularly used to courting seriously, but I suppose I am finding out

Rosalie: To be honest, neither am I, but I am an observer of human behavior.

Chitara/Gale: Now that is something we have in common

Rosalie: sighs

Oh good. I feel so out of depth, and I should be finding my own match, as well. I have no idea where to start.

Chitara/Gale: I suppose the best place to start is to figure out what you hope to find in a match?

Rosalie: nods

You make a fair point. I shall have to think about it and make some decisions.

Chitara/Gale: It can be a lot to think about, but it's hard to find what you're looking for if you don't know what that is

Rosalie: mutters Story of my life.

Gueiris and Juno Spar

Juno Morticia Auspex: will have made her way to the training yard on the morning of the following day. She's in trousers and a comfortable shirt, hair up like usual, alternating between bow practice and spell target practice.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: will have tracked Juno down after a long walk following his conversation with Rose

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: is still in his white loose vest and beige short pant

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I know why I was considering such practices, but what has drawn you here?

Juno Morticia Auspex: Oh, Lord Kyrnon, good morning. I'm just trying to stay in practice for when I finally get redeployed.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: despite the opportunity for relaxing distraction? Your discipline is impressive.

Juno Morticia Auspex: shrugs.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Long practice, I guess. We Auspex's were not always nobility, so we're more, hmm, dedicated, I suppose. Motivated, maybe?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I suppose it would be good for us to be seen doing some activity together.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Did you have a preference?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: My preferences so far have not worked out well for me. So now I try to rise above. This humble mercenary will allow the Magus to choose. This practice could be one such.

Juno Morticia Auspex: considers.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Care for some target practice? I need to do some work on quantity physical manifestation.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: nods in agreement

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I am afraid you will have to indulge a small impropriety.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: starts to untie the strings on his vest

Juno Morticia Auspex: blushes a little, which is very visible on her pale skin.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Of course. We want this to be fair.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I like this vest... but this place... its power resonates.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: finishes taking off his vest and folds it neatly setting in on a nearby bench

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: breathes deeply feeling the energy around him and the runes tattooed on his skin glow with a burning heat. Flames dance across his bare skin, licking down to his fingers where they swirl

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Lets test the quantity of your manifestations.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: smiles, gathering elemental power around him

Juno Morticia Auspex: smiles at both the display of power, and, honestly, shirtless Gueiris. Her eyes shift from grey to red, and green-black energy swirls around her hands as she settles into a ready stance. Suddenly, one hand rips into violent motion as though pulling something upward, and a multitude of skeletal arms burst out of the ground around Gueiris. A horde of skeletons clambers out of the ground towards the tiefling.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: arcs of flame whirl out from Gueiris, striking down the skeletal forms, followed by the spears of stone that rip out of the ground, smashing others, keeping pace with the horde that the Vyrkola manifests. Its been long since he has let loose like this. When ranged attacks no longer are sufficient to repel the horde, his skin sears hotter, taking the appearance of molten rock. Now a blade of black obsidian forms his hand, which he continue to strike down the undead, and even those that manage to lay a clawed hand on him, find it both turned away by the molten rock and seared to char

Lamont: pfffft, showoff >.>

Juno Morticia Auspex: grins ferally, her canines extending into fangs. Her hands work in elaborate gestures, surrounded by ghostly energy in strange runic configurations, calling more and more bone servants to hedge in the elementalist. She gathers a secondary spell, but falters momentarily upon hearing Lamont's comment, sparing a glance in his direction.

Lamont: will sit at the endge of tr traiing ground, and observe for now

Lamont: ...Sorry - I can go if I am intruding

Juno Morticia Auspex: Not at all, Lord Stillmarch, just didn't know we had an audience.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: takes a glance at Lamont

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Its not my fault you cant keep up

Juno Morticia Auspex: takes the opportunity to conjure a bone construct beneath Gueiris to trip up his feet.

Lamont: Is that a challenge? I'm not sure if Magus Auspex needs the assist but....

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: stumbles under the surprise attack... the blade crumbles to shards of glass as he drops it as jets of flame burst from his hands propelling him away from the construct

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: gives Lamont a glare, while his gathers power out of the reach of the construct, fire and stone swirling around him

Lamont: smirks

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: His palm strikes the ground, the energy channels into it and an eruption of molten stone dozens of feet high explodes out under the bone monstrosity, consuming it

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: stands straight and bows to Juno

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: to Lamont

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: You enjoying yourself?

Lamont: It was a good bout.

Juno Morticia Auspex: bows to Gueiris and smiles, her eyes and teeth returning to normal.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Indeed. Exactly the practice I needed, thank you.

Juno Morticia Auspex: I'm sure I'd need to resort to non-physical measures to overcome that earth magic.

Lamont: I don't think I've seen you go all out like that before

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: lets the flame and stone fade from his skin

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Its this place... the energy here just flows... like its just at my fingertips asking to be used.

Juno Morticia Auspex: nods.

Lamont: Literally in your element

Juno Morticia Auspex: Were we on sacred ground, or a battlefield, I might have had the upper hand.

Juno Morticia Auspex: 😉

Lamont: or several

Juno Morticia Auspex: laughs.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I would have had to use less intense tactics... played the longer game.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: walks over to collect his vest

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I agree that you would likely have the upper hand.

Juno Morticia Auspex: A common element of caster battles, playing the long game. I find it's better to master the fundamentals for their reliability, rather than rely on flashier, bigger workings.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Have you ever sparred guild wizards? It's always fireball and lightning bolt and the like. Lot of waste against a single target.

Lamont: is similarly dressed for exercise, in a loose shirt and breeches - he has his weapons but no armour

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Wizards suffer close... my usual tactic is to burst to them and either grapple or cut them down.

Lamont: nods

Juno Morticia Auspex: nods.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Could one of you toss me my cane? It's just there.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: It can be a slog even doing that if they are warded against fire. Takes a while to burn through them.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: will find it and hand it to her

Lamont: stands, but Gueiris gets to it first

Juno Morticia Auspex: Thank you.

Juno Morticia Auspex: looks a bit tired and leans on her cane a little more than usual, but is otherwise all right.

Lamont: They're less often warded against 'sword'. or just a good shot.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: very true.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: turns and starts channeling trickles of power to smooth over the ground and bury any debris

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: My Mom always complained I made a mess.

Juno Morticia Auspex: turns to make sure all her constructs dissolve back into necromantic energy.

Lamont: I'm sure our hosts appreciate your conscientiousness

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I may wish to visit again sometime in the future

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: rubs his shoulder

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: That's gonna be a bruise

Lamont: well fortunately we are at a healing spring

Lamont: I can attest to their effectiveness

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: A little pain for a day or two will remind me to be a little quicker

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: If you're up for training, then you must be well mended. I'm glad.

Lamont: Well I thought I was, but honestly I don't think I'm equipped for something that intense

Lamont: My armor did not make it onto my packing list for some reason

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I didn't intend for that much intensity, although it did help relieve a bit of recent stress

Juno Morticia Auspex: (to Lamont) I would hope you'll find no need for it.

Lamont: nods to her

Juno Morticia Auspex: (to Gueiris) You should see one of the masseuses. They did wonders for me yesterday.

Lamont: They are very good, if busy

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I'll probably look into it

Juno Morticia Auspex: In any event, thank you for the training, Lord Kyrnon, it was most exhilarating. Lord Stillmarch, I'm glad to see you're feeling better. If you'll both please excuse me, I think I'll go wash off the exercise. And probably some rubble from Kyrnon's earth magic. 🙂

Juno Morticia Auspex: smiles and gives you both a polite nod before making her exit.

Lamont: Good day, Magus.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Thank you for indulging me Magus.

Juno Morticia Auspex: Any time, of course.

Juno Morticia Auspex: responds as she walks away.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: watches her walk away

Narrator: (Probably would have added a "my lord" on the end of that, I think, just to be polite.)

Lamont And Gueiris Discuss Their Love Lives

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Coifare suggested I find someone who challenges me

Lamont: ...they did?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: nods

Lamont: I was going to ask what has you so stressed - its' not something with Hersir Feirgrsteinn, is it?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: It is

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: It's not working out

Lamont: what happened?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: The mess with the Czeirnos... its just too much

Lamont: too much for her?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: nods

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I've already been angry and frustrated by the whole thing, but now I'm just accepting.

Lamont: frowns

Lamont: ....are you?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: If seeing me with someone else hurts her, what else can I do but to accept it. I have no desire to see her hurt.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: And who knows when it was going to end... the whole thing with the Czeirnos could fall apart, then it would be someone else.

Lamont: how longs has it been since this development?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Yesterday

Lamont: Gueiris. Really. slow down.

Lamont: Far be it for me to give anyone romantic advice but - I don't think you should treat this like any of your prior infatuations and just go... careening off after someone else after one day.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I have no intentions of going careening off after anybody

Lamont: Well that's good to hear.... but still.

Lamont: says with a glance in the direction Juno left

Lamont: I understand you want to respect her feelings but - as someone who has been in... something like her position.... give her some time

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Yeah, I understand that.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I want to do that.

Lamont: nods

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Its not like I'm advertising I'm heartbroken, looking for comfort.

Lamont: looks dubious

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I mean as far as Juno knows I'm still supposed to be meeting my paramour.

Lamont: maybe not on purpose >.>

Lamont: nods

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Yeah my love life is shit... how's yours doing?

Lamont: :|

Lamont: Messy.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Toss me a small blade, we can at least do some forms while we chat

Lamont: can do that

Lamont: that would be apreciated

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: So how messy? I mean last time we talked about this we were both looking for possible advantageous matches.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: gives the blade a few quick swishes and gets into stance

Lamont: has just been siting for a bit, so stretches out a bit first before joining you

Lamont: well, what's that got to do with love

Lamont: says bitterly

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: See, even after recent events, I'm still hopeful in that regard.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Although I do concede that could be just wishful thinking

Lamont: I hope it isn't.

Lamont: can start leading us through some sword forms

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Not nearly as cynical as you let on

Lamont: ...I was going to say I'm not a cynic but I suppose that is what a cynic would say. But I meant for you.

Lamont: For myself - I am wondering if marriage is what I should be seeking at all, for the moment.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: You have other egress from your complications I am unaware of?

Lamont: I don't know

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: would military action work? I mean you would be away from Highmark.

Lamont: No.

Lamont: At least - its not a guarantee.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Long hand

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: nods

Lamont: What all do you know?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: About what? I just assumed you meant influence away from Highmark.

Lamont: About my 'complications', as you put it.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: When you were ill, and the way your uncle acted... well, it didn't seem to be in your best interest.

Lamont: I'm sure he had perfectly reasonable explanations for everything.

Lamont: says with a particularly forceful enactment of this part of the form >.>

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: explanations are not intentions, more like excuses

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I guess the real question is what do you want to do about it

Lamont: An excellent question

Lamont: It's been difficult to contemplate beyond.... survival, I suppose

Lamont: And then I thought - if I could take control of my life... my estates, resources, I would be on better grounds

Lamont: Thus, marriage...

Lamont: But for someone I chose, it just draws them into the danger

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Ah, the pesky complication of keeping someone you care about safe

Lamont: That's the one.

Lamont: There is more to it.... I told Coifare, and Nik...

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: nods

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: If you only had a friend or two who were capable of helping you with the whole keeping people safe.

Lamont: I appreciate that.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: what are friend for?

Lamont: but it's still complicated

Lamont: I keep hearing that, lately.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: You're clever. If it was simple you would have solved it by now.

Lamont: Maybe.

Lamont: I feel like I have been....unbalanced for a long time.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Your form is more balanced.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: could be a good sign

Lamont: we

Lamont: will see if it holds

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: It helps sometime to have someone to help keep you motivated.

Lamont: I suppose so. More stressful.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: That ship has sailed my friend. Accept the stress.

Lamont: That ship is.... in a dense fog, trying to navigate through unfamiliar waters

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: dangerous yes, but a certain thrill in the discovery of the unknown.

Lamont: Maybe.... I feel I have about all the thrill I can handle

Nik And Katherina Speak of Many Things

Nik: will go to one of the mixed pools after getting done posing for Coifare, needing a bit of a relaxing warm bath for sore muscles

Katherina: is sitting submerged up to her shoulders in one fo the pools that has a shallow ledge, her haor all piled op top of her head

Nik: oh! hello 🙂

Katherina: oh! Nik! how lovely to see you, finally!

Nik: slips off his robe and will join you, though more in the deeper side of the pool.

Katherina: Well, I suppose I saw you briefly after I arrived but I scarcely had time to say hello

Nik: Yes, it's been so busy! I'm glad to finally have a quiet moment with you 🙂

Katherina: Everything is so lovely, but this whole situation wit my sister has put a bit of a damper on my plans. She' taking another nap, so I figured I would slip away while I had a chance.

Katherina: Ugh.

Nik: Situation with your sister?

Nik: Forgive me, I don't mean to pry, but I have heard nothing about it.

Katherina: Oh! I'm sorry, I thought maybe you would have heard, but its just that it's been absolutely controlling my weekend, but not everyone else's

Nik: Is there anything I can do to help?

Katherina: The gentleman she'd hoped to make a match with arrived in the carriage of another eligible woman, you see. Cad.

Katherina: So, probably not.

Nik: Oh, dear. That's too bad!

Nik: Perhaps she should challenge the other lady to a duel.

Katherina: Ys, and I was starting to have hopes for her, you know? That she would not just settle for someone because my mother picked them but because she ight allow herself to be happy, and then - pfah! Stupid Kyrnon and his undeservedly handsome face :p

Nik: suggests helpfully

Katherina: Oh no that wouldn't help, she's in the military. Unless it was a bake-off I suppose.

Katherina: Anyway she didn't seem to have any idea what the issue is so probably he never even mentioned Lavinia! Utterly calling.

Lamont: (galling)

Katherina: Anyway, I've been trying to get her to enjoy herself despite him. Really there are plenty of nic men around, I think

Nik: A bake-off might be enjoyable, at least... but I'm sorry for your sister's disappointment.

Katherina: It just all goes to pot if you're trying to keep them :V

Nik: I only know Lord Kyrnon slightly, I did not think him such a cad as that. Perhaps it is a misunderstanding of some kind?

Lamont: (Nice. Nice men that should have been, lol)

Katherina: Oh, you know him? Well, I tried to ask him that very thing when he arrived, but he blew me off and assured me that Vinnie would know just how to read things. And then when she ran into him she came back to the room in tears so I can't imagine he had much to say that was kind.

Nik: Well, more of a friend of a friend. I do not pretend to know him very well, by any means.

Katherina: Well, he seemed very gallant, but now we see the truth of it. pouts

Katherina: Anyway, please forgive my rambling, it has just cast rather a dark cloud over the whole visit. It's so unfair, I had been quite looking forward to it

Katherina: I hope you have been having a much better time :)

Nik: Well... despite all that, I trust you have found some ways to enjoy yourself?

Katherina: And yes. I know all your masseurs by name now.

Nik: oh - as for myself, I was just posing for a painting our mutual friend Coifare was doing, which was fun if a little enervating.

Katherina: And, though Vinnine, half your kitchen staff, who are quite lovely and kind

Nik: smiles warmly at that

Katherina: and that sounds like fun! What kind of painting?

Katherina: _Eyes sparkle mischeviously*

Lamont: (pfft)

Nik: A... landscape? With me in it 😄

Nik: I was ... lightly clothed.

Nik: says by way of further explanation

Katherina: How lightly? Is this the sort of portrait one can show one's parents or that one hangs in a private boudoir? ;)

Nik: There may be some shoulder and a bared leg. Nothing terribly scandalous.

Katherina: I suppose there's always nxt time ;)

Nik: grins at that

Nik: Maybe at a time when it's less likely one of my parents might walk by!

Nik: They did promise to try and be somewhat hands off this weekend, but I have not confined them to the dungeons or anything 🙂

Katherina: Must have been tempting though ;)

Katherina: If you have a dungeon about where one could confine an overbearing mother, you simply must let me know. Even if just for a few hours!

Nik: How does your mother feel about massages? That could keep her occupied for a little while, at least.

Katherina: Oh shes had plenty, the problem is with Vinnie so upset she scarcely want to let either of us out of her sight. I'm sure she'll be furious with me later, but I aslo think she won't dare look for me here.

Katherina: Indicates the mixed bathing area with a wave of her hand

Nik: nods

Nik: I am sorry that your visit has been so frustrating. Perhaps next time will be better... 🙂

Katherina: I'm sure I'll pay for it but it is quite worth it. Perhaos I shall put her off regarding my whereabouts and tell her I was busy socializing with our nhost ;)

Nik: I'm glad to be used as an excuse, in such a case

Katherina: Well, everything I have experienced has been lovely, I just haven't been able to give it my full attention. But hat about you? Is hosting all you'd hoped it would be?

Nik: It has been a marvellous experience, all things considered. Somewhat overwhelming, exhausting, but very enjoyable!

Katherina: Oh! Did that foolish boy you were telling me about show up?

Nik: Oh, Stillmarch? Yes, he's here. He has been actually here for a few days prior to everyone else's arrival, to recuperate from an illness.

Katherina: Oh yes, I think you, or Coifare, mentioned that. has it worked? No more excuses? ;)

Nik: He's doing much better, it seems.

Katherina: Well I'm glad you don't have that to worry about. Tell me about him though, I don't think I've met him.

Nik: Well... he is a bit taller than me, curly fair hair, hazel eyes, very handsome... he's a soldier so he's quite well, uh, well-proportioned...

Nik: says, blushing a bit

Katherina: Ohhh? ^-^All over? ^-^

Nik: chuckles at that.

Nik: In every regard 🙂

Katherina: Oh, very good, then. So. handsome, well proportioned.... what else?

Nik: He is a gentleman of serious bearing, not given to easy smiles and laughter, but he is kind and cares deeply for his friends. You know how Sentinel houses can be, I suppose, rather on the stiff side, but he is tender-hearted, he just conceals it well.

Katherina: frowns dubiously what makes you say so, if his bearing is so contrary?

Nik: Well... I have corresponded with him since we were both youths. I feel as though I have seen more of his hidden nature that way, in ways that he would not perhaps otherwise display to the world.

Katherina: I shall try not to project, but you know, I am feeling a little suspicious already on account of kitty

Katherina: So you think his manner in letters is more true? Even if you don't see such mannners in his actions?

Nik: considers that

Nik: I do see signs in his actions, but it takes a greater... hm, something like a shock or an illness to make him reveal such a side of himself. It is not that he is dishonest, by any means, but he is guarded in his sentiments. It may be that he feels nothing more for me than friendship. Even if that were so, though, I would be glad to have him as a friend.

Nik: Though I confess, a little disappointed.

Nik: admits.

Katherina: well he would be a fool if that were the case.

Katherina: did he reveal anythign in his illness though? Have you cause for hope?

Nik: He expressed a great gratitude that he was able to recuperate here. We have had the chance to spend some time together, although I've been conscious of not overtiring him.

Katherina: Considers your answer, then smiles slyly Hopefully he is not worn out so easily as that >:D

Nik: gives a little smile

Nik: Well... I shall say, I would like to compare when he's healthy.

Katherina: I hope you shall have your chance, and that he is everything you hope and you can crack open that stiff exterior.... or you know, whatever pleases you in that respect, and have him sweetly begging for your attention.

Nik: blushes, smiling

Nik: but I mean more that I don't wish to impose myself on him unduly. My family have often told me that I have a tendency to be too overbearing when I get into conversation with someone, and not know when to stop or heed someone else's signals.

Nik: I suppose I did not have much practice at proper conversation when I was younger.

Katherina: pffft. You're a joy to speak with!

Nik: I'm glad you think so 🙂

Katherina: I'm so glad Vinnie introduced us. I quite enjoy your company, of course, but I think its good for her to meet people who challenge ones expectations a little. Well, as long as they don't break her heart.

Nik: Yes, quite! I'm very glad I made your acquaintance as well, of course.

Nik: I hope that you didn't have any trouble after your visit to the temple?

Katherina: Oh no! I was afraid but I told my mother I was off at one of my rallies and she simply rolled her eyes and gave me a bit of a lecture, and Vinnie. Well. She was understanding, if confused.... and - oh! goodness! Ther'es been so much else going on that I nearly forgot to say. I did mean to thank you so much for your encouragement, as well as your company.

Nik: I was very grateful for your company as well! It made it easier, I think, having some people I knew there, than if it had been simply all strangers.

Katherina: Indeed yes - but even more than that. I thought myself very bold after I left you and Coifare, but despite my plans I instead send half the rest of the night talking with one of he priests. I've been back a few times now.

Nik: Oh, wonderful, that's good! I hope it is a fulfilling experience.

Katherina: I am finding it so, in many ways.

Katherina: The people I have found there understand me, and the way I want to live, and the things I want to do with my life, I think.

Nik: That's so good to hear. I wish I knew more of what I wanted to do with my life, apart from writing...

Katherina: so... perhaps the next time you attend, I will be one of the people handing out masks, or stamping hands, or whatever, or cleaning up after everyone's messes I suppose ^-^

Katherina: Oh - you write?

Nik: Oh... yes, well, a little.

Katherina: What sorts of things? I always thought it would be fun, and I can come up with the stories but I can never make them turn out on paper how they are in my head, or else I get distracted with it. I much prefer to read

Nik: Well....

Nik: I did write a romance. I believe you spoke rather highly of it, in fact. But it is not something that is widely known - I've kept it rather secret. You are the only person who knows, actually, aside from my publisher.

Nik: confesses shyly

Katherina: :O

Katherina: NO!

Katherina: *looks aroudn to make sure no one over heard or seems concerned if they did :p

Katherina: are you serioue? you.....  :o

Katherina: are.... whispers Melode Fayre? :o

Nik: I am, in truth.

Katherina: eyes absolutely gleamingYou... sneak :o Goodness! and... gosh it is true that the Lady rewards her followers with confidences!

Nik: Well, you shall have to practice the art of keeping secrets, at least for the time being. I feel as though my family would think it was quite a frivolous pursuit.

Katherina: Well - your secret is safe with me, if only because I have been keeping such close company with my family and none of them have any taste, However you must tell me when you will write another one?

Nik: smiles at that

Nik: I may confess, although I would certainly never borrow from my friends' lives or problems, that some of my recent experiences have been quite... inspirational in other regards. I trust that next volume, I shall have a more, let us say, accurate rendition of the more intimate scenes.

Katherina: Well - I would be happy to help ply you with details on that front ^-^

Nik: Oh, that would be most helpful 😄

Katherina: It shall be an absolute pleasure ^-^

Gueiris Meets Chitara

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: having decided to explore one of the larger pools, which bends around natural features, he returns to where he left his robes after a relaxing and healing massage, to discover he is not alone

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: My pardon, I did not realize I was not alone.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: face would show more of a blush, but his red skin conveniently hides it

Chitara/Gale: smiles at him a bit apologetically

Sorry, I didn't know anyone was in here. I hope my company isn't too offputting.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: stays low in the water

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: You are here already, and it would be rude to ask you to leave... and I am being rude already. I am Lord Gueiris Kyrnon Maranue. Good to meet you. I suspect you are not from Highmark.

Chitara/Gale: politely sinks down in the water so she's reasonably well covered

It's lovely to meet you, Lord Maranue. I'm Chitara Kituss. And you're very perceptive. I'm with the Akhasic delegation.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: It's Lord Kyrnon. Maranue is the larger house. Akhasic you say? What brings you to the Therma Alba?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: will rise more out of the water, exposing his chest covered in arcane tattoos with a dragon mark on the left side encircling his heart

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I've been outside Highmark enough times to know that our interpretation of etiquette is not the same elsewhere, but I would have hated to cause someone shame for making assumptions about their origins.

Chitara/Gale: My apologies. I'm still getting used to the way names and titles work around here.

Smiles wryly

My uncle and I have been staying in Highmark for the Season to advocate for Ebemar in Nerathi politics. And I've been penpals with Lord Evenor since we were children, so I couldn't resist a chance to visit while on the continent.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: finds a place to sit opposite of her

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I'm not that familiar with Akhasic titles, so how would you like me to refer to you? and I don't blame you for your desire to visit this place. It's impressive.

Chitara/Gale: Oh, just Chitara, please. We don't tend to use our titles outside of extremely formal situations.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Well Chitara, I've only had a few occasions to spend time with Lord Evenor, although I do have friends who speak highly of him. What are the two of you like? If I am being too forward, please let me know.

Chitara/Gale: I don't mind forward, but I admit to not being certain as to what you're asking. Do you mean to ask after the nature of my relationship with Lord Evenor? If so, we're not technically related but I do think of him as a little brother or a particularly close cousin.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: That's a fair response. I hadn't meant to imply anything, if that is what you were thinking. Just trying to strike up a conversation and learn about yourself, and Lord Evenor at the same time.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: While enjoying the pools.

Chitara/Gale: nods

It was just a bit of a vague question, I wasn't sure how to respond. We corresponded a lot about our favorite books, and he was always eager to hear stories about Akhas and the gossip. I'm so glad he's recovered more now, he can experience the world instead of just reading about it.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I hadn't realized he had been ill. Seems strange coming from this place, although it does explain some things...

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: ponders

Chitara/Gale: Isn't that the way of the world, though? The eldest son of a renowned healer, growing up in a health spa, ending up ironically ill with something he just had to grow out of?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: He grew out of it, though, and now he's out this Season, experiencing the world he missed.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Any chance you're keeping an eye on him, making sure he doesn't stumble into too much?

Chitara/Gale: Oh, no, I think he's had enough of being coddled and protected. His friends are good folks, and we're all more than willing to help him out if he needs us.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: That's good to hear. And yourself, getting to experience much this Season? You're families efforts working out?

Chitara/Gale: Eh. We made a detour to Vanillor for a while, and that was not my favorite. But we should be in Highmark for the rest of the Season barring any other house parties like this one. But we do seem to be making excellent progress, so if this Season goes well there's nothing keeping me from coming back next year to really enjoy it

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: So very focused on your goals, I take it.

Chitara/Gale: winks and puts a finger to her lips

I am, yes. But don't spread that around, my reputation is very important.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: looks a little confused

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I didn't realize you had a different reputation

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Should you enlighten me on it?

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: So I don't make mistakes, unaware.

Chitara/Gale: laughs

Oh, I'm an empty headed, lascivious socialite, haven't you heard? Definitely not the sort of woman who is politically savvy or any such thing.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: And yet you've revealed your truth to me. I don't take such trust lightly. I will do my best to assuage others to the reality you wish to present.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: Although we may need a sign, for when we are with those in your confidence.

Chitara/Gale: genuinely touched

That's very kind of you. You must be a very honorable man

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: I do what I am able, although it's not a path without crossroads and conflicts.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: perhaps we can share a drink back in Highmark, when we are both better dressed.

Chitara/Gale: I would enjoy that, thank you. Sounds like a great time.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: We will talk again, but I will leave you to enjoy the pool. The Highmark sensibility requires me to ask to you avert your eyes, the rest I leave up to you.

Gueiris/Xenos/Vess: will turn away from her and exit the pool, without looking at what Chitara chooses

Chitara/Gale: Chitara... does not seem to look, but absolutely does because why not?

Coifárë and Lamont Confess Their Feelings For Each Other

Coifárë | Vilyawén: will be in the small but beautiful chapel of Therma Alba, sitting before the statue and altar of Corellon in quiet meditation.

Lamont: steps inside, checking here just in case

Lamont: will hangback and wait when he sees them, maybe finding somewhere to sit

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Hello Lamont.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: says cheerfully, maintaining their meditation pose.

Lamont: I don't mean to disturb your meditation

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Part of the point is to take things as they come, so you're not interrupting.

Lamont: Are you sure? I'd been hoping to speak with you...

Coifárë | Vilyawén: By all means. Come sit with me?

Lamont: hesitates a brief moment, bill will come and accept that invitation

Lamont: will come and sit beside them

Lamont: is that alright?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Of course. Why wouldn't it be?

Lamont: ...I don't know.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: smiles, looking up at the marble statue of Corellon, masterfully carved specifically in their aspect as the god of beauty.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: What's on your mind? Rather a lot, I would imagine.

Lamont: that's putting it mildly, yes

Lamont: But this... I don't know. Maybe this is the right place to say it.

Lamont: I'd been thinking of it even before I... talked with you and Nik, yesterday

Lamont: There are a lot of things I am trying to figure out right now

Lamont: And in the midst of that... I maybe I need to stop denying the things that are more certain

Coifárë | Vilyawén: smiles and gives Lamont a sidelong glance.

Lamont: will (perhaps noticibly, to Eladrin super-perception) resist the urge to look away, though he does flush more deeply

Lamont: ...which is to say, that I want you to know the....unbounded depths of my affection for you.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: is still a moment before answering.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I...find myself humbled before my god that I do not have the words to adequately convey how happy that makes me, and the extent to which my feelings mirror your own.

Lamont: will bite the indise if his lip to give them that moment

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Lamont...

Coifárë | Vilyawén: turns to Lamont and leans towards him.

Lamont: they... they do?

Lamont: is extremely surprised

Coifárë | Vilyawén: pauses.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Is that so surprising?

Lamont: will reaach to take their hand

Lamont: You love so freely. I've been feeling rather like... a single bloom in a glorious garden, and trying to find contentment in the arrangement

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I think you'll find, if you allow your bud to bloom, you are surrounded by a bouquet of admirers, myself not least among them.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: takes Lamont's hand.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I...think I understand some of why it is difficult for you to open yourself up, but I hope you know there are people who genuinely care about you, Lamont. Not just your title or status or any of the rest, but you, the person, the man you are.

Lamont: nods

Lamont: I find that.... difficult to accept. Not just to believe it but... to bear it.

Lamont: But I find I'm not being given any choice in the matter

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Well, you're showing some wisdom at least.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: glances at the statue.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I'm told it's the appropriate attribute for the ambiance.

Lamont: I'm trying.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: will lean over to give Lamont a kiss, not lingering or anything, just reassuring.

Lamont: will accept it without pressing for more

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I do feel there are at least two somewhat related pieces of information I should share with you.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: says after pulling back.

Lamont: nods, not quite trusting himself to speak right at this moment

Coifárë | Vilyawén: You did mention I love freely, so...I think it might behoove me to tell you I brought Nik to the last full moon ceremony at Our Lady of Passion.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: looks at Lamont levelly, but clearly concerned about his reaction.

Lamont: blushes deeply again

Lamont: I'm... sure you took good care of him

Lamont: We.... before I took ill...

Lamont: We spend the night together and I... allowed things to progress in a way I might not have, had I been feeling more myself

Coifárë | Vilyawén: smirks, and squeezes Lamont's hand.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I think it's nice you allowed yourself some comfort.

Lamont: I don't regret it.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I would certainly hope not.

Lamont: I do... did regret that... we didn't have the same understanding, when things began

Coifárë | Vilyawén: How do you mean?

Lamont: oh.... it's all so confusing now.

Lamont: At the time, you know, I was... trying to keep myself closed off from real affection

Lamont: That it would only complicate my situation

Lamont: I though he wanted.... like you said, a moment of comfort. To experience somethin new with someone he could trust. Not something lasting.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Well, that actually brings me to the second piece of information I thought to share with you.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Hopefully Nik will not think ill of me for saying so, or at least will forgive me, but...he is quite enamored of you.

Lamont: I'm not oblivious.

Lamont: I care for him very deeply

Coifárë | Vilyawén: That's good to hear, and it never occurred to me you were oblivious. I just wanted to...make sure you knew the extent of his affection.

Lamont: smiles sligtly

Lamont: he's personally brought me breakfast every day he's been here.

Lamont: He saved my life, bringing me here

Lamont: And I know he would have taken greater risks to do so...

Lamont: I am aware

Coifárë | Vilyawén: smiles.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: That's good.

Lamont: I don't want to put him - or you- in further danger, but I know he is quite sick of being coddled

Coifárë | Vilyawén: He's more resilient than people give him credit for.

Lamont: I know. But my uncle is.. aware of him.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: And you are being the soul of courtesy in not wanting to put others in danger for your sake. Also, quite foolish.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: squeezes Lamont's hand to take the sting from the rebuke.

Lamont: It is selfishness as much as courtesy

Coifárë | Vilyawén: You don't want to see us hurt.

Lamont: I don't but....

Lamont: After Gerry Died.... I fell apart

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I truly can't imagine.

Lamont: knowing that it was because of me...

Coifárë | Vilyawén: No. No it wasn't.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: It was because of Thurston, not you.

Lamont: I can't be.... worth all of you if I can't keep myself alive

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I don't think it's a matter of worth or balanced scales.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Perhaps because I've been talking to Chitara and Victorina recently, but I've been thinking about Nerath a lot lately. And, well, we're stronger together. No one survives by themselves.

Lamont: had been doing pretty good up 'til recently on the 'having his shit together emotionally,' but is clearly struggling with it again now'

Coifárë | Vilyawén: smiles encouragingly at Lamont.

Lamont: huffs at that

Lamont: just shakes his head

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Too much?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: says playfully.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: bumps their shoulder into Lamont's.

Lamont: I will ignore you analogy and just say...I know solitude is not the solution, but I haven't figured out what is

Lamont: I don't want to be my uncle, but I cannot leave those I care for in harms way.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Then I think the best solution is to face the problem head on, don't you? Together?

Lamont: takes a deep breath

Lamont: We'll see.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: That's progress. I'll take it.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: squeezes Lamont's hand, and leans over to lay their head on Lamont's shoulder.

Lamont: will adjust slightly so that he can out an arm around their waist and hold their other hand

Coifárë | Vilyawén: is happy to just sit like that for a while.

Lamont And Lavinia Discuss Love and Marriage

Lamont: is sitting on a bench in an alcove in the garden, lost in thought

Lavinia: is out walking in the garden, looking downcast and trying to keep her mind off of things.

Lavinia: will walk nearby where Lamont is sitting but does not seem to notice him.

Lamont: Oh, Good afternoon Hersir

Lavinia: looks up and seems surprised to see someone else.

Lavinia: Oh! Lord Stillmarch... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you.

Lamont: Not at all. I hadn't realized my thought had carried me so far away. Likewise, I didn't mean to startle you.

Lavinia: No, not at all... I had heard you had taken ill. Are you here to enjoy the healing springs?

Lamont: Yes, though I am well enough now to simply enjoy our host's hospitality

Lavinia: I'm glad to hear that you are recovering. May I sit?

Lamont: yes, please.

Lamont: will move over to make space for her

Lavinia: will take a seat nearby on the bench. From closer you can probably see that her eyes are puffy and somewhat bloodshot.

Lavinia: It's a beautiful garden.

Lamont: it is, especially with all of the spring blossoms. Lord Evenor and his family would be pleased to see you admiring them

Lavinia: I wanted to thank you again for bringing me the correspondences from my late fiance. They were... interesting.

Lamont: I hope there was nothing in them that was too untowards or distressing.

Lamont: says carefully because that was a risk :p

Lavinia: No, nothing like that. It was all very... civil.

Lavinia: You knew Lord Algernon well, correct?

Lavinia: Would you say he was an emotional person?

Lamont: Yes, quite well. And at times.

Lavinia: nods.

Lavinia: Mmm.

Lamont: ...why do you ask?

Lamont: asks wih simewhat wary curiousity

Lavinia: There was no emotion whatsoever in the letters. I suppose I'm not surprised. We didn't even know each other. But even so, it was still strikingly banal.

Lavinia: I don'tt hink he was very much enjoying the prospect of our marriage.

Lamont: ahh. I see - I'm sorry

Lavinia: I'm sorry, I don't know why I'm telling you all this. I suppose you must think me vquite uncouth.

Lamont: No, not at all - as you say I knew him quite well.

Lamont: smiles sympathetically

Lavinia: tries to smile but it falters quickly.

Lamont: I don't think it was personal, I hardly see how it coudl have been

Lavinia: No, it wasn't. I know that.

Lavinia: I suppose that's exactly the problem.

Lamont: I think so.

Lamont: I think he....resisted the idea. It was not his choice to marry.

Lamont: I'm sure you understand

Lavinia: I do. I didn't used to but... I think I do now.

Lamont: nods

Lavinia: It is a hard thing to be forced into something you do not want and cannot control.

Lavinia: But it's not so hard when you don't know that there are other options.

Lavinia: Once you know that...

Lavinia: shrugs.

Lamont: Do you mean... options beyond marriage, or options for marriage?

Lavinia: Both I suppose.

Lavinia: I just mean that sometimes ignorance is bliss.

Lavinia: I'm sorry, I'm rambling.

Lamont: I don't know if I completely agree.

Lavinia: Oh?

Lamont: Gerry chose ignorance - he chose not to engage in the process, and to deny the possibility that his parents would then proceed without his input

Lamont: I think.... we must allow ourselves to truly consider the possibilities in order to make the right choices

Lamont: But it's not easy.

Lavinia: nods.

Lavinia: I suppose so.

Lavinia: Do you think it was the idea of marriage that he was opposed to? Or simply the idea of it being arranged for him?

Lamont: Hmm. I think he didn't let himself see past the latter to truly consider his thoughts on the institution itself

Lavinia: And what are your feelings on the subject?

Lamont: On marriage?

Lavinia: nods.

Lamont: I suppose they are evolving as I allow myself to reflect.

Lavinia: nods again.

Lavinia: Perhaps I should do more of that myself.

Lavinia: I've never been one for much reflection.

Lamont: There is a balance, or course, of duty and responsibility with one's own... happiness I suppose

Lamont: My own situation is quite complex

Lamont: shakes his head dismissively

Lavinia: How so?

Lamont: Oh, because of the wardship... I suppose that's not so different that your situation, but there are other issues.

Lavinia: I'm sorry. It really is a messy business, isn't it?

Lavinia: I used to think it was so simple.

Lamont: quite so.

Lamont: From what I have observed... those who have found happy matches are often those who have taken a more active role in pursuing their interests.

Lamont: You are the one who knows best what will suit you, and you will have to live with the choice

Lavinia: I suppose so.

Lavinia: But I would not be the only one. And I would not want someone to have to live with me when they did not wish to.

Lamont: that's a matter of sorting out suitability I would think? BUt...

Lamont: considers whether he should ssay anything

Lamont: Perhaps it is not my place to speak.

Lavinia: Please do.

Lamont: I will say.... Lord Kyrnon is a friend of mine. I know he is quite miserable to think that he has caused you pain, and that his chances with you may be completely dashed.

Lavinia: pales slightly at that.

Lamont: I do not mean to upset you... I should have held my tongue.

Lavinia: No... No, it's fine.

Lavinia: I... I don't know if I can be what he wants me to be.

Lavinia: Everything seemed to be going so well and then... it wasn't.

Lamont: how do you mean?

Lavinia: I'm sorry, I don't mean to put you in the middle of it.

Lamont: Not at all, I'm the one who raised it.

Lavinia: I do still want to marry, but I want it to be real. I want it to mean something for both of us. I want to be the most important thing in someone's life. I thought he understood that. I thought that was how he felt as well.

Lavinia: Gods I shouldn't be saying all this. Especially to put all this on someone who is convalescing.

Lavinia: Please, forgive me. I am not quite myself right now.

Lamont: You aren't troubling me, and I am past my period of convalescence.... I assure you I have had much more difficult conversations in the past few days

Lavinia: Is that the... issues you spoke of?

Lamont: smiles.

Lamont: Thank you for your concern. But in your case - I understand if you may find my position to be biased, or even suspect, but I am sure Gueiris's intentions towards you are honest. If you fear they are not, then I am certain he would welcome some opportunity to demonstrate to you that it is otherwise.

Lavinia: nods.

Lamont: seems quite sincere, at least

Lavinia: Perhaps. I suppose I have a lot of reflecting to do.

Lamont: I understand it can be difficult but, I hope, valuable.

Lavinia: nods.

Lavinia: I do hope that your complications are resolved to your satisfaction, my lord.

Lamont: Thank you, I appreciate that.

Lavinia: I will leave you to the gardens then.

Lavinia: ...thank you. For listening. And for the advice.

Lamont: you're very welcome

Lavinia: offers a smile, tired, but genuine.

Coifárë Informs Leonora That Lamont's Dick Works

Leonora: is floating around in one of the deeper pools, seemingly occupied in thought.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I suppose this might be a reflecting pool, after all.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: says from the side, having just walked up and spotted Leonora.

Leonora: turns over and sees Coifárë, and smiles.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I hope I'm not interrupting.

Leonora: Not at all! I had seen you around here and there, but hadn't had a chance to talk at all. Until now, I suppose.

Leonora: Would you care to come in?

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I would love to.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: will slip out of their dress, fold and put it aside, and make their way into the pool.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: So, if it's not impolite to ask, what has your lovely brow so furrowed?

Leonora: Ah. Well, it's complicated. Which I had hoped, at my advanced age, to be done with at these sorts of things.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I'm sure any of my people could tell you age compounds complications, rather than removing them. What seems to be the problem?

Leonora: Well, in confidence, I am looking to find someone to be the father of my child, or children.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods.

Leonora: It is part of the terms of my marriage contract.

Leonora: Magga, Lord Wengal, that is, my husband, he is a darling. Very understanding. But this must be difficult for him, even so.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I'm sorry to hear that.

Leonora: I would not want him dallying about with young bugbear ladies.

Leonora: Not that he would, if he knows what is good for him.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: chuckles.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: He doesn't really seem the type.

Leonora: He's worked far too hard to get where he is in the world, to wreck it negligently.

Leonora: People, ignorant people I mean, think of bugbears as reckless. And I can imagine why. But the truth is not so simple at all.

Leonora: Anyway, I am to provide an heir or heirs, and that means I am on the market for a man of suitable pedigree.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: How is the search going?

Leonora: All right, so this is more than you asked, but here it is.

Leonora: A man who is likely to be a good sire for the kind of children I would want to have, and certainly that my father would want me to have, is likely to be a man of many great qualities. Perhaps even a Great Man.

Leonora: But I do not wish to be the sort of person who is attached for life to a Great Man, not like that. To hear the whispers, perhaps 'There goes the Great Man's concubine, and their child.'

Leonora: I realize that is impossible to avoid completely. It's the task I have been assigned.

Leonora: But to choose a lesser man, specifically because he is lesser, that is no credit to my future child.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods.

Leonora: I chose Magga as my husband for many reasons, but one of them is that he is a great man. He will change how people view his race, forever, I know it.

Leonora: But now I am to choose a different man, but if I choose someone too like Magga, it feels ... unfaithful? I'm not even sure that makes sense.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I...can see how it could feel like that, but I'm not sure recognizing one person's "greatness" diminishes another's.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: But it speaks well of your love for your husband you wish to avoid even feeling like you're being unfaithful in thought or deed.

Leonora: I try to remember, as Bahamut teaches us, that acts undertaken with honesty and good intention cannot be evil acts. They can go wrong, of course, but that's different.

Leonora: I don't know how Corellon views such things, though.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: The lord of the Seldarine has...complicated feelings regarding intention and result, but I think a similar principle of consideration applies.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: And, of course, all the Seldarine have multiple paramours, so perhaps their example is not universal.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: says with a bit of a self-deprecating smirk.

Leonora: Yes, well, that's the other thing. I have been accustomed, both in my personal life and my professional life, to being ... well, to being viewed for my attractiveness.

Leonora: And so for this man, no doubt, I am supposed to make myself appealing, for him. But at a transactional level, his job is to provide an heir, not to find me attractive. Again, this is not how Corellon would view any of this, I am confident.

Leonora: I am sorry, you did not come here to act as a priest for someone not even of your flock.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: It's something of a professional hazard, I suppose. I do not mind in the slightest.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: And I am, of course, cognizant that my god is but one of many, even within our own pantheon. I connect with their desire to find and appreciate beauty in all things, but that doesn't mean it's the approach for everyone.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Your problem exists in multiple related parts, which I do have some experience in navigating one thing having multiple aspects.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I am curious. Are you worried your husband will feel you have been unfaithful if you enjoy fulfilling your duties in providing an heir, or are you worried you will feel that way?

Leonora: Oh, solely the latter.

Leonora: I'm sure it has occurred to Magga, but he's not the one who will have to be, uhh, in the moment, as it were.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: refrains from commenting on that specifically, through force of will.

Leonora: This is a new task for me: sizing up a man as a partner, without being too lustful about it.

Leonora: It's not like I don't notice these things, of course.

Leonora: And here at Therma Alba, there is no shortage of flesh for the looking.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: smiles.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: How right you are.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I can sympathize with your concerns, but I think, so long as you are honest and upfront with Magga, you'll be fine.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I'm sure he'd tell you if he had concerns.

Leonora: What do you think of the Marquess of Stillmarch?

Leonora: says out of the blue.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: has to take a moment at that.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I hold him in the highest regard. He is...in a difficult situation at the moment, but I'm sure he will see his way through.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Why do you ask?

Leonora: doesn't answer, but gives Coifárë a certain stare, as if the implication should be self-evident.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: smiles and looks away for a moment.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: He would make a good...father? Sire? I'm not sure what the nomenclature would be.

Leonora: Magga suggested 'stud'. I slapped him.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: laughs.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: And, hmm, in the same vein of the honesty of this conversation, I can say that Stillmarch can, ah, fulfill the duties you would require.

Leonora: I don't know all the intricacies of his situation, but I know enough to worry that I would just be adding to his woes, even if I could help in other ways.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: sighs.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I think it more likely you could help, and the issue would be whether he will accept such.

Leonora: Hmm, that is good information to think on.

Leonora: Do you think he is self-aware enough to know what he needs and advocate for it? Too few men can, at his age.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Hmm. I think he absolutely has the wherewithal to advocate for himself, and is working towards figuring out what he needs and wants.

Leonora: But a soft touch, then, not telling him what he wants or needs, but guiding him thereto.

Leonora: says, more to herself than to you.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: nods.

Leonora: But not, surely, guided mainly by lust? Because I have been told I have that going on as well. But a lusty boy is really of no use to me.

Leonora: smiles, knowing quite well how her assets are appreciated.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Far from it, I should think.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Though I'm sure you could motivate someone of significant asceticism.

Leonora: laughs.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: If I may be so bold.

Leonora: Well, that's not my concern. This is not 'oh, poor Leonora is so ancient that she cannot fulfil her contract'.

Leonora: I am not given to much self-pity.

Leonora: There are those who have thought me cold, in the past.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I would think that could only come from someone who doesn't truly know you.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: But, if it is your concern, I don't think Stillmarch would be primarily motivated by baser thoughts.

Leonora: That's reassuring to hear.

Leonora: Do you think it cold that I am thinking that a young man is better than an old man, because the alliance formed thereby lasts longer?

Leonora: Or that, conversely, I wonder whether an old man is better because he'll die soon and leave me without entanglements.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: chuckles.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: You've just hit upon the crux of a lot of elduar marriage alliances, I'm afraid.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: So, no, I do not think it cold, but rather an important and necessary consideration.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Though I do understand how difficult and complicated it is, at least in theory.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Obviously, I have no experience with navigating this degree of entanglement.

Leonora: I am very fortunate, in that I have the wealth, autonomy, and power to navigate this process. So many here do not, and are bound up in others' desires.

Leonora: I have had a long time to learn my duty to bear children with Sentinel dragonmarks. And more than just learn and accept it, to embrace it.

Leonora: Now I just have to do it.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: gives a sympathetic look.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: I'm sorry I can't help more.

Leonora: Not at all, Coifárë. You have been most helpful!

Coifárë | Vilyawén: smiles.

Coifárë | Vilyawén: Happy to do so, any time.

Lamont And Rosalie Meet in the Library

Rosalie: will be sitting on a sofa in the library with her feet underneath her, reading a book

Lamont: enters with a few books and a wooden box, and looks around

Lamont: (How engrossed is she?)

Rosalie: (Minorly, but still reading a dry history)

Lamont: will give a polite wave, then, so you can decide whetheryou want to be disturbed

Rosalie: Oh, Lord Stillmarch, hello!

Rosalie: (what time of day is this?)

Lamont: (afternoon)

Lamont: (maybe after dinner?)

Lamont: (let's say right before)

Lamont: Good afternoon, Lady Rose.

Lamont: I'm glad to see you

Rosalie: smiles

I am glad to see you, too. You are looking well!

Lamont: thank you, I am feeling completely recovered now, or perhaps even better than I hd been, though I am still being advised to take things more easy for a time.

Lamont: And thank you also for your visit, and kind gifts, which I have had more opportunity to enjoy.

Rosalie: Oh, good.

smiles somewhat mischievously

I test my teas on my brother, but I cannot trust him to give honest feedback. He's biased.

Lamont: I have not had the opportunity to try them all, but your basket did travel here with me, and I have enjoyed what I have sampled

Rosalie: Ah, then I shall hold my joy until I receive your final verdict.

Lamont: I am sure it will not change.

Rosalie: Don't have too much faith in me, your grace. I might begin to think you're biased as well.

Lamont: smiles slightly

Lamont: Perhaps you simply lack confidence. What have you been reading?

Rosalie: looks down at her book

A very dry, yet dramatic military history. I began it with such high hopes.

Rosalie: Now finishing it is a point of stubborn pride.

Lamont: I hope it isn't keeping you from more enjoyable pursuits?

Rosalie: Oh, no, I got up to some fun earlier. Now I crave the taste of victory. says with determination

And how about you, now that you are recovering? Enjoying yourself?

Lamont: I have been, yes, with various pursuits

Lamont: says gesturing to the stack of books (and box) under his arm

Rosalie: Well, now you've piqued my curiosity.

Lamont: will go to a table and set things down, and then gesture at the box

Lamont: This is an original copy of the Ordo Pugnae. Are you familiar with it?

Rosalie: looks interested, and gets up from the couch to approach the table.

I am not, although I've heard it mentioned. Quite recently in fact.

Rosalie: I believe I was almost squished in its pursuit just last night.

Lamont: Someone else was interested? Hmm

Lamont: It's one of Lord Evenor's favourites in the collection, so I wanted to take the opportunity to appreciate it while I was here. He's sent me plenty of passages from it before

Lamont: It's a book on warfare written by a Thantopolitan general some 500 years ago

Rosalie: nods

Magus Auspex was looking for it as well. A valuable find.

Lamont: Oh was she? That would make sense. One of her ancestors worked closely with the author, Laris Valerius Corvis.

Lamont: (The other books nearby are a more recent translation into common and some thantopolitan dictionaries)

Rosalie: Interesting. Are you bringing it back to stay, or should I keep quiet about it's location a little longer?

Lamont: I am returning it, yes

Rosalie: Then for fear of her own safety, and possible bystanders, I beseech you to leave it lower to the ground.

Rosalie: says jokingly

Lamont: oh no - is that what you mean by squished? I hope everyone was alright.

Lamont: I don't want to leave it anywhere too accessible though

Lamont: Part of the reason it was on a higher shelf was for its own protection

Lamont: look thoughful, looking around the room

Rosalie: shrugs (still joking)

Ah, well, we should put it up high. It wouldn't be the first sacrifice made in pursuit of knowledge.

Lamont: smiles. Poor Magus Auspex.

Rosalie: shakes her head in mock sorrow

Indeed. Such tragedy.

Lamont: One more troop lost under General Corvis - not a bad way to go I suppose.

Lamont: I think I will put it up high though - and send a servant to advise her of its return, and recommend that she have someone fetch it for her

Rosalie: smiles

Very prescient thinking.

Lamont: Did you want to see it first?

Rosalie: Well, I'm not going to understand any of it, but I wouldn't mind a look, certainly.

Lamont: will open the box and carefully unwrap the contents, chatting as he does so, and opens the book to show Rosalie Well, honestly, my Thantopolitan is quite up to par either, thus the references. But here. I think you can gain a fair sense of the man just by looking at the writing. Ordered indeed

Rosalie: His penmanship resembles my estate manager's.

Lamont: he's very big on management.

Lamont: people still use his base calculations for troop supply for traveling through the changing lands in some places.

Lamont: though, personally, I think that says as much about lack of advancement it troop provisions as about his genius.

Rosalie: nods

I suppose there are two camps of thought there. "If it isn't broken, it needs no fixing" or "We must always strive to improve".

Lamont: I'm sure there might be a third with opinions on military budget spending

Lamont: will giver her chance to look through it as much as she likes before putting it away

Rosalie: If I've learned anything this year, it's that there is always an opinion on budget spending.

Lamont: no doubt.

Lamont: So - what other pursuits have you enjoyed at Therma Alba?

Rosalie: Well, the gardens here are lovely, as are the pools. I've met a few new people.

Lamont: The vinyards are a beautiful walk as well, though they are further out. Some of the early grapes are in bloom, and they smell lovely.

Rosalie: Oh? I have not yet had a chance to see them.

Lamont: I've been here long enough to explore a little further than most I think. I do wish I had my horse here, though.

Rosalie: sighs

Oh, me too. We ride every morning at home, and I feel quite unsettled in my routine.

Lamont: nods.

Lamont: I didn't realize you were a rider as well

Rosalie: smiles

I grew up with Sebastien. It is impossible not to be in our home.

Rosalie: Ah, well, perhaps we can take a walk to the vineyard. Commiserate on our lack of equine companions.

Lamont: That woudl be lovely, though I'm not sure if we have time before dinner. As I say, it is out past the gardens.

Rosalie: smiles

Luckily, we both know where the other is for some time. I have faith we can make it happen.

Lamont: I was going to suggest perhaps tomorrow afteroon?

Rosalie: I believe I can pry myself away from Ohta Elduar for more pleasant excursions at that time.

Lamont: I shall come and find you here, then

Rosalie: nods

That would be lovely. I look forward to it.

Lamont: As shall I. I will leave you to it, then.

Lamont: will finish putting things away (and go tell a servant to let Juno know the book is back, etc)

Nik and Rosalie Talk in the Library

Nik: will head into the library to pick something to read before bed.

Rosalie: will be scouring the shelves, a book in one hand

Nik: oh, good evening! Did you find something interesting?

Rosalie: Oh, hello! Well, I am...trying. looks sheepish

Rosalie: I have declared surrender to this. holds up Ohta Elduar

Rosalie: I am vanquished.

Nik: Ah, very understandable. I mean... it's NOT very understandable, but your defeat is understandable.... if you see what I mean 🙂

Rosalie: laughs

Rosalie: Oh, indeed.

Rosalie: I did not know something could be dry and dramatic.

Nik: chuckles at that

Nik: So you are looking for something a little more lively?

Rosalie: sigh

Yes please. Although it might be a bad idea. I am likely to read the night away.

Nik: Hm.... what sort of book are you seeking? novel, history, politics, poetry...?

Rosalie: Well, I suppose I should take a break from history and politics and try a novel for a bit.

Nik: Very well, and do you have any particular tastes in that regard? Something romantic, or tragic, or a comedy, say?

Rosalie: I confess for as romantic a person I am, I don't read much romance. Is that odd?

Nik: Perhaps it's something that you are quite particular about, if it's a matter close to your heart?

Nik: I don't think that's odd.

Rosalie: You may be right. I suppose I am quite particular. smiles

Rosalie: Although it does me no favors, it seems.

Nik: Oh?

Nik: I don't wish to pry, my lady, but if something is troubling you, I'm happy to listen.

Rosalie: Oh, not troubling, so much as a reevaluation, I suppose. I wonder if I have the wrong approach to romance, is all.

Nik: How so?

Rosalie: Oh. Well, I am a romantic, as I've said, but I think it has made me guilty of inaction. And impracticality.

Nik: Ah... well, if you'll permit me to give my opinion - and of course I am far from an expert in such matters - impracticality is all but required in matters of love! However, inaction is a far greater problem.

Rosalie: considers and nods

Nik: If you keep your feelings hidden, how can you ascertain whether the impracticalities might be overcome?

Rosalie: You have a point.

Nik: But I am quite imprudent, even my parents say so, so perhaps my advice is not the best!

Rosalie: laughs

Rosalie: You are not the first to give me the advice, so it might be a sign to listen to it.

Rosalie: I just...suffer from a lack of confidence. Give me business matters or household matters, and I excel. Matters of the heart? Pah!

Nik: nods sympathetically even though he has never touched an account book in his life

Rosalie: Perhaps I can learn from the novels. Point me to your favorite romance, if you will!

Nik: Ah, but of course 😄

Nik: will gladly make some suggestions in that realm

Day Three

Nik Brings Lamont Breakfast

Lamont: /me has been waiting in his room, awake for a bit

Nik: will arrive with the breakfast tray (that he stole from some poor staff member).

Nik: Good morning!

Lamont: Good morning

Lamont: smiles a bit relieved

Nik: how are you feeling today?

Nik: brings the tray over and sets it down where Lamont can reach it.

Lamont: please, come in

Lamont: Mostly well. Your father said yesterday that I can consider myself completely recovered.

Lamont: I admit I have a bit of a headache, but that's... probably just the prospect of returning.... home.

Nik: nods

Nik: I'm glad you're doing better, then.

Nik: Sorry about the headache :/

Lamont: it's alright.

Lamont: I'm used to them

Lamont: how are you?

Lamont: will sit at the table by the window and gesture for you to ome join him while he picks at his food

Nik: I'm well, thank you! It's been fun having so many people around, I'm a bit sorry it has to end.

Nik: comes to sit down as bidden.

Lamont: have you made any new connections?

Nik: Well, I've met quite a few people, and had a chance to converse with some I have not seen in some time, or who I did not know as well.

Nik: I was glad that Chitara Kituss could be here, I was uncertain if she would be in attendance.

Lamont: nods

Lamont: I spoke with her briefly - she was painting in the garden

Nik: nods

Lamont: Do you know her well?

Nik: We had corresponded for some years.

Nik: As you can imagine, correspondence can give an opportunity to get to know someone in one sense, but meeting them in person is quite another.

Nik: says with a smile

Lamont: I suppose I can imagine, at that...

Nik: I think the scenery here appeals to a lot of artists. Coifare also did a painting of me :3

Lamont: nods, glancing down at his breakfast briefly

Lamont: oh? Should I ask them to see it?

Nik: If you would like!

Nik: I thought it turned out very well 🙂

Lamont: I'm sure it did, I do appreciate their style...

Lamont: fiddles with the utensils on his tray

Lamont: I spoke with them yesterday...

Nik: oh?

Lamont: Yes. About a number of personal things...

Lamont: ...I'd like to speak frankly, Nik, if you'll let me and... extend me your patience.

Nik: Very well...

Nik: braces himself for whatever bad thing is about to follow

Lamont: considers how he actually wants to proceed

Lamont: I'm sorry, my thoughts seem to scatter the moment I try to give voice to them.

Lamont: For a long time... I tried to hold myself apart from any deep affection

Lamont: In the romantic sense, at least

Lamont: I thought it would be easier, somehow

Nik: listens, with his hands folded.

Lamont: When I thought that the way forward for me was to marry sooner, it seemed all the more important. That it would be cruel for all involved, and best just avoided

Lamont: But I can't control how I feel

Nik: nods slowly

Nik: And... how is that?

Lamont: I care for you. I don't want to hurt you.

Lamont: Even beyond the notion of... placing you in danger

Nik: It sounds like you think you will, though?

Nik: says, a bit cautiously

Lamont: I'm trying to face my feelings, and understand them, but it seems like nothing in my life is destined for simplicity

Lamont: I told Coifare of my feelings for them, because I thought it would not be an unbearable burden for them, and I've had more time to reflect. With you...

Lamont: I don't know how that will sit

Lamont: It's not something I've allowed myself to explore

Lamont: I'm sorry, I don't know if I'm making any sense

Nik: I'm not sure I understand.

Lamont: The other day.... to have you both come together an... ambush me with your care, and tell me it is friendship.... YOu both mean so much more to me

Nik: I thought that all you wanted was friendship. I didn't want to.. impose upon you if you could not accept stronger feelings.

Lamont: I know

Lamont: looks pained

Lamont: But everything else is so uncertain.

Nik: I'm sorry if I have caused you distress by being too... forward in my affections.

Nik: looks like he might be about to cry, but is trying not to.

Lamont: Oh Nik...

Lamont: I shouldn't have said anything

Lamont: sounds frustrated, and will reach across the table for your hand

Lamont: You've done nothing wrong

Nik: will take your hand, but still seems confused/upset

Lamont: I'm sorry, I'm an idiot.

Nik: No, I'm an idiot, for not understanding. Can you just... please tell me what you want? From me, or ... or just in general, if it's not me.... maybe there's some way I can help you anyway?

Nik: I don't want you to leave here and things just all go back to how they were, it is too unbearable to see you so unhappy!

Lamont: I don't think it's a matter of....desire.

Lamont: Being with you can't solve my problems

Nik: It could if we married. Couldn't it?

Lamont: Even if I marry... withut an heir, my uncle would still stand to inheit my estate.

Lamont: Even if you could give me an heir... Would they be safe?

Lamont: Could I risk that?

Nik: what other choice is there?

Nik: I mean... if it is not marriage, then how else would you escape from him?

Nik: I know I said the other day that you could give up your title, but I know you don't want that, I don't even know if that's possible, so maybe it was just a foolish thought...

Lamont: I don't know if we could ever trust each other enough to feel secure.

Lamont: Otherwise.... if he were exposed, or discredited in some way... If he was...no longer capable of acting as my guardian

Nik: nods

Nik: Then we can keep trying to find a way to do that. And in the meanwhile, maybe a way for you to not have to go back to that house.

Lamont: I'll be alright

Lamont: I feel stronger now than I have in a long time

Nik: Yes, but... it could change when you are back there. If you had another task at hand, one that would keep you from home for a while, perhaps it would give you time to consider other options.

Nik: But for now... you should have your breakfast. And I can leave if you would rather have your peace, but if you want me to stay, of course I will...

Lamont: would you?

Nik: I would stay with you forever if you asked me to.

Nik: says simply, with a slight smile

Lamont: I wish I had that to give you

Lamont: But I have this morning

Lamont: if you'd care to walk with me...

Nik: Of course I would. After you eat something, though.

Nik: More than just the fruits 😉

Lamont: I'll do my best.

Nik: will reluctantly let your hand go so you can eat

Nik Gets Advice From a Ghost

Nik: returns to his room to compose himself before his planned walk with Lamont.

Nik: sits down to brush his hair and think

Agatha Grimsby: And where have we been this morning?

Nik: Oh, I was just with Lamont... Lord Stillmarch, I mean. Taking him breakfast.

Nik: He's doing much better, it seems.

Agatha Grimsby: That is good to hear; although, you do not seem to be as overjoyed to deliver the news.

Nik: Well... it's complicated.

Nik: sighs

Agatha Grimsby: raises a brow

Agatha Grimsby: Indeed?

Nik: He expressed that he... cares for me. But also that he doesn't think that our relationship can progress beyond this. But ALSO that he wants to go for a walk in the gardens this morning. It is quite a puzzle.

Agatha Grimsby: furrows her brow

Nik: Is it wrong to go with him and hope that perhaps he'll change his mind? Is that... underhanded of me?

Agatha Grimsby: Hmm... Not underhanded, but I advise caution. I would hate for you to become attached and have your hopes dashed.

Nik: Ah... yes. I think I am already attached.

Nik: So perhaps my hopes are destined to be dashed regardless.

Agatha Grimsby: sighs

Agatha Grimsby: Perhaps. It seems you have two choices. Continue to pin all of your hopes on a change of heart or circumstances, or do your best to keep a practical head, and guard your heart as best you can.

Nik: Oh, but I'm so very bad at being practical.

Nik: I can try, though...

Nik: I offered to marry him. That was probably quite impractical of me. However the circumstances are.... not favourable for him.

Agatha Grimsby: harumphs

Agatha Grimsby: I will not comment on that. Just to say, you would be a lovely partner to anyone.

Nik: Aw, you have to say that! ❤️

Agatha Grimsby: Preposterous. It is the truth.

Agatha Grimsby: waves a hand imperiously

Nik: smiles

Nik: Well, I would

Nik: But it is circumstances outside of his control.

Nik: I take heart that he did not quite say no.

Nik: Only that it would not resolve the problems he is faced with.

Agatha Grimsby: nods

Agatha Grimsby: And there is nothing he can do about these problems?

Nik: welllllll. It's hard to say. It is a family issue, you see.

Agatha Grimsby: Ah. Family entanglements are quite...sticky.

Nik: So it's not something he can solve quite simply, at any rate, or he would surely do so.

Agatha Grimsby: Indeed. And it could be more long-term.

Nik: sighs

Nik: I just wish I could take him away from all of those problems! But alas.

Agatha Grimsby: Ah, but our problems often follow us.

Nik: Yes.... even here, I suppose. This has been a brief respite from his troubles, but once we return to the city, it will all come back.

Agatha Grimsby: At least you have given him this respite, my dear. We must take comfort where we can find it.

Nik: I suppose that's true.

Agatha Grimsby: Then I suggest you enjoy the time you have. I urge caution, but I know your heart is an optimist.

Nik: smiles at that

Nik: I can't give up yet, Grimmy. If in the end it doesn't work out, then at least I shall have had this time with him, and I shall carry on as best as I can, but until that time, I'll continue keeping company with him if that's what he wants. After all, we are still friends regardless of what else might transpire.

Agatha Grimsby: smiles softly

Agatha Grimsby: My dear boy, you are a treasure. He is lucky to have a friend in you.

Nik: I should get ready to go... he'll probably be waiting. Thank you for your advice, you are as ever the soul of good sense and discretion ;3

Agatha Grimsby: blushes, if a ghost can

Agatha Grimsby: Oh, you. Enjoy your walk, my dear.

Nik: I will!

Nik: gives her air kisses and will head off.