In reply to DM (msg # 15):

Adoven blushes slightly and slyly says "that doesn't even count fighting pirates for your father, Lady Viktoria. This Ball seems a good opportunity to make friends and suggest future ventures. Perhaps your influence in MiddleMarch might lead to hosting such an event in our own community?"

Cyrus approaches Lady Jamandi and greets her politely.  She smiles vacantly at Cyrus for a moment, before Sir Ferdinand steps in  and completes the introduction.

”Jam, this is the young man I was telling you about.  Cyrus Ondar ..  err sorry, Lebeda-Ondari,” he grins sheepishly as he nearly forgets the new name, ”He is one of Henry leMaistre’s men, and has been given responsibility for a strategically important site that control access from the wilderness into Henry’s new ...  err ... province.”

The First Swordlord nods as Ferdinand provides the information that helps her place Cyrus properly, the responds.  ”Congratulations on your recent marriage, I hope you and your bride are very happy together.   With the strength and wiliness of the Lebeda at your side, I am sure that you will soon have lots of fascinating adventures and stories to tell.”
--
Cass approaches the halflings, guessing from the man’s name that he is a merchant of some sort.  Introductions are exchanged and they introduce themselves as Fosco Marchant, and his wife Xandry.  Fosco responds on their behalf, while Xandy watches Cass carefully.

”Pleased to meet you Cassius.  Xandry and I have a small mule train that works locally, although we would be pleased to explore the possibilities of working in your new land.  Tell me, have you come across many Halflings wandering about down there?”
--
As Andalon approaches Baron Drelev and his delegation, Lady Drelev sniffs and starts walking away stroking and muttering something about ‘nice people’ to her little dog.  Both the Baron and her brother, the mage, follow her as she heads off to talk to someone important.  Lord Numesti grins and shrugs, then follows along behind.  However, his two daughters stay behind to chat for a while.

Kisandra, the younger of the two, is somewhat athletic and is dress in the modern style, while Tamary (the older sibling)  is more attractive and looks less athletic and wears a very becoming ball gown, that is (perhaps) cut just a touch lower that appropriate.  Kisandra is quite matter of fact and dismissive of Drelev’s attempts to build a settlement, while Tamary has a frequent smile and is much more upbeat about everything.  In the end it is Tamary who provides the information Andalon seeks.

”There has been some talk of a church, and I think the baron has been speaking to a Bishop of Erastil.  But they haven’t started building a church yet …” Kisanda doesn’t seem impressed.
--
Marik and Marian, Vik and Adoven continue their conversations.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:29, Sat 28 Oct 2017.

Cyrus bows to Sir Ferdinand as the man swoops in to save and introduce him. "Thank you, we are quite happy and I am only now beginning to realize what the change in my name truly means. As Sir Ferdinand mentioned, we'll be establishing a new stronghold in the Midmarch province. I've recently joined Sir Ferdinand's order and have even taken on a squire. Before too long I expect I'll be sending for a promising dueling instructor to set up a new school, if you'd like to expand the reach of your schools, that is?"

Turning to Sir Ferdinand he said, "Sir Ferdinand, before we return to Midmarch, I might require a lesson or two of my own. I picked up a lance and have gotten Roughheart fitted with the finest leather barding with a protective studded pattern, but I expect I still have much to learn of mounted combat."

"I have not seen it to be so yet." Cass admitted, rising to a normal position. "But I hope that matter will soon change. There will be no less than two settlements expanding in Midmarch to begin. Each requiring resources, labor, and management. Profit could initially be made on foodstuffs, raw materials, and tools alone at the outset."

Cass took a look around as if making sure that no one else was listening before continuing. "For my own part, I hope to become established in the hospitality field and will of course welcome the distinguishing palates and discerning tastes of my Halfling contemporaries. I will also be looking for a suitable business manager to assistant me once things have developed sufficiently to allow me to do so.""
This message was last edited by the player at 15:13, Sat 28 Oct 2017.

Andalon was more than happy to chat with Lord Numesti's daughters for a while and he allowed that pleasure to show in his voice and manners.

"I do hope that there will be good relations between our settlement and that of Lord Drelev. There are so many advantages on both sides if good trade relations can be established, not to mention the benefits of being able to visit and socialise with each other. We already have a priest of Erastil among Henry LeMaistre's people, so perhaps there will be an opportunity there in future. However, I must admit that I am a little confused by Lady Drelev's reaction when I approached. I am not sure whether it is my association with Henry LeMaistre, the temple of Abadar, my Lebeda heritage or something else that made her turn away. I hope that is not an omen of ill feeling between the LeMaistre and Drelev settlements in future. Is there something there that I should know about?" he asked them.

In reply to Marik (msg # 18):

Mariam held to Marik's arm."Thank you, I'm not really used to wearing this though." she sheepishly admitted. Entering the ball room  she looked to the floor, she wasn't used to the stares. Well she was but not like this. Looking down to Marik she swallowed her fear and nodded. Tonight was supposed to be a fun night and she would not let others spoil it. "Lead the way sir."

Pipre had spent the intervening time ingratiating herself in society, finding herself in all sorts of shopping trips, sitting in boudoirs, attending gatherings for tea, and in private carriages calling on back entrances to private establishments. Those who may have spotted her could probably sense a sort of purpose driving her. Seeking out the inner lives of these high society matrons and daughters, sons and patriarchs, looking for the deviant, the decadent, the exploratory urges that ride under the current of genteel sensibility, quickly gaining a reputation as an enabler, especially among the young women her age, her plans clever enough to evade chaperones or other watchful eyes, daring enough to titillate.

She arrives in the company of one or more of these young ladies, her hair sleek and shining against the well tailored, very short coat and a inky black gown that follows her slim-to-curvy figure with a decolletage draped with silver chains and pale, fragrant skin in a window down past her sternum and a back open to the dimples of the sensually curved small of her back. She wears a small, black brimmed fancy hat pinned to her hair with long red feathers curving back and away from her head, highlighting the side of her head that has been trimmed more neatly close to her scalp and an ear pierced with bulky, ornate rings and loops- the side of her head with the cut-short eyebrow.

She seems to have really taken ownership and made a statement over the unusual features-- the small eyebrow and the missing hair on the side of her head, that her first loves, alchemy and explosions, have given her.

As she walks in, long legs sometimes emerging from the waterfall of thin, ink black fabric to show pale skin and silver heeled black leather pumps, she waves ring heavy hands and smiles plum-dark, glossy lips at other members of the Midmarch party.

Jamandi smiles at Cyrus’s attempts to finagle a Sword School out of her, ”I think your cousin might have something to say about that.” she says nodding towards Swordlord Lebeda-Berain, and reminding Cyrus of one of the responsibilities that come with his change of name.  ”It was nice meeting you.” she says after a couple of moment, ”And I hope things go well for you in both your new marriage and you projects in Midmarch -  But, if you will excuse me, I need to have a word with Baron Drelev.”

”Pop out to the stables before you leave town, I’ll ask Velia to give you a few pointers.” Ferdinand responds, but his eyes follow Jamandi, and he quickly excuses himself to stand b her side while she talks to Drelev.

--

Fosco frowns slightly when Cass says he is unaware of any halflings who might have been travelling through their new lands, but quickly returns to his smiling self -  but then it is always difficult to read the moods of a businessman when they are working.  Later, when Cass speaks of looking for a business manager, Fosco’s eyes light up.  Although he glances across and gets a slight nod from Xandry, before he responds ”As it happens I know a youngster, recently come to us from further south, who is looking for just such an opportunity.  While I have taught Elkin the basics of running a business, I understand that he has some experience of the hospitality industry previously.  He can certainly cook a decent meal.”

With another glance across to Xandry, Fosco smiles and rubs his stomach - as if in satisfaction of a meal prepared by Elkin.

--

”You aren’t important enough.” Kisandra responds dryly.  ”Oh, stop it Kissy.  You know father said we should support the Baron … “ Tamary pulls out a fan and starts fanning herself lightly, flirtingly  glancing at Andalon from behind it.  ”And I am sure the Baron has the best interests of all of us in mind as he plans …” Tamary’s  eyelids lower for a moment, showing Andalon thick, lush lashes before she lowers the fan and smiles.

Kisandra just raises her eyebrows. Sisterly love at its best.

--

As Andalon and Vik speak with Gibbs and his students, Mia suddenly excuses herself and  makes her way across towards Bai and Henry.

--

Mariam’s awkwardness lasts but a moment or two, before Pipre makes her grand entrance – then she and Marik are able to move further inside, away from the doorway, without any attention. 

As always, when a new guest is announced, people glance avross to see who has arrived, how they are dressed and who they are with.  In Pipre’s case, many look for a second, or even a third, glance before they turn back to talk to their companions.  Many glance at Pipre and her companion again  as they say something to the people they are with.  A few manage to behave with a bit more decorum.

"Indeed, I will speak with my cousin. It was truly a pleasure to meet you." He said bowing to the First Swordlord.

Cyrus nodded to Sir Ferdinand indicating he understood and would make his way to the stables long before they set out to Midmarch as he knew he had much to learn still about mounted combat. He was curious as to what demanded both of their attentions but left it alone for now.

He returns to Valoria's side and says, "Well that was interesting. I just met the First Swordlord and she implied your cousin would be the person to seek out when, or if, we decide we'll need a proper sword school in Ringbridge. I also have just been informed we'll have a talented young smith joining us when we set out for Midmarch. He'll come in very handy as we establish our home." He squeezed her hand and then said, "In case I didn't mention it enough on the way, you shine as bright as all the stars in the night sky, and never moreso than tonight. Have you had any interesting conversations or is there someone you'd like to speak with?"

Andalon smiles and chuckles aloud at Kisandra's explanation, which would have shattered any illusions about his own importance if he actually had any.

"I think perhaps I am rather fortunate that I am not important enough to say hello to a baron and baroness when the two daughters of Lord Numesti are much more pleasant company! Perhaps it is at our level that we can establish the foundations of good relations between our settlements in future. Would you like to come and meet some of my other friends from Henry LeMaistre's group? Over there are my cousin Valoria and my colleague Cyrus Ondari who were married just this week. Adoven and Viktoria over there are fascinated by Mr Gibbs's sword school, then there is Mariam who is a paladin and, well, quite a few other of my colleagues are here as well. I am sure you would be fascinated by some of the stories they can tell already."

Then he bows gently to Tamary in particular and asks, "Tamary, would you do me the honour of dancing with me later when the musicians begin to play?"

Cass noted that Xandry Marchant seemed a bit wary of him, so he endeavored to keep his body language reassuring and almost servile.

"That is splendid!" Cass responded to Fosco Marchant. "Fine food is definitely welcomed among all, of every diversity. It is also an excellent way to uplift the morale of the workers. Although, to be honest, it is the comfort and pleasure of my own stomach that lingers strongest in my mind."

Cass wet his lips with the wine then lowered the glass. "I do hope you will describe the offer to Elkin once it proves convenient. I further hope that he takes an interest in the offer and decides to make an attempt of it. I will see that he is more than fairly compensated and as well cared for as can be accommodated."

Once they reach the bar, Marik takes two glasses of wine, handing one to Mariam as he looks around the ballroom. He can't help but notice Pipre as she walks in, clearly doing her best to attract as much attention as possible, and succeeding. However his gaze continues to wander until he notices master Harbin, and more importantly, his assistant.

After he takes a sip of his wine, he turns to Mariam, "If you don't mind, I see someone I need to speak with privately. I promise I will not leave you for long," he adds with a soft smile.

He then asks for another glass of wine walks towards Harbin. "Master Harbin, it is good to see you. Thank you for the excellent craftsmanship in this suit. I have received many compliments." His eyes momentarily flicker to the tailor's beautiful assistant before returning back to him. "I wander if I might have a moment of your assistant's time? A trifle question that I would hate to bother you with."

Harbin nods graciously at Marik's complements, then smiles slightly at Marik's request, before reaching up to flick a speck from the collar of the aforementioned suit.  Before he moves away he  turns towards his assistant and comments, "Alanna?  You might want to point out the benefits of  new shoe buckles to complement that suit.  We had some really nice ones arrive the other day ...."

Once Harbin has moved away, Alanna lets a wry smile play along her lips, "You need new shoe buckles to complement that suit.  Master Harbin says so,"

Then she cocks her head slightly to one side, awaiting Marik's response.

Cyrus concludes his conversation  with Sir Ferdinand and the First Sword Lord and makes his way back to Valoria.

--

Andalon engages the young ladies in conversation, offers to introduce them to his friends -  but then suggests Tamary might like to dance.  Tamary almost simpers as she flutters her fan seductively and promptly links her arm through Andalon’s.  Kisandra smiles, as if she has seen it all before. After all Tamary is the pretty one.

”You two go and dance.” she says, smiling.  ”I am going to get a proper drink,.  and you can almost hear the Now father is over there .. in her voice.  With a nod towards the pair of you, she makes her way into the other room.  Just as the musicians start up another tune …

--

Xandry smiles thinly as Cass confirms his offer of employment for Elkin and nods again.  ”I will be pleased to pass your offer on, and to recommend it wholeheartedly.  I am sure he will be ready to leave whenever you are.” Fosco responds enthusiastically – perhaps too enthusiastically.

--

Marik gets Mariam a drink and then makes his way across to Harbin the tailor.  A few moments later he is talking quietly to the tailor’s beautiful half-elven assistant – alone.

Cass raised his glass of perlet* to the Marchants as if in toast, and offered them a formal nod of his head. "Then you have my humble but most enthusiastic thanks. And you have my favor as well. If ever I may do a favor for you, please, do not hesitate to ask."

"As much as I enjoy your company and value your insight, I fear that others would frown upon me monopolizing your time. So I will allow others to enjoy your company and withdraw myself. I will still be in attendance through much of the night. If you find yourself free and wish to speak some more, please, do feel free to engage me."

---

*OOC : I would like to use the term perlet from this point on since champagne is inappropriate for wines of this region and I have never been a fan of the term sparkling wine.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:34, Sun 29 Oct 2017.

Marik laughed at the pretty half-elf, "Hmm, well perhaps you could help me pick some out then?" He then glances around conspiratorially, making sure Harbin is not around. "I was wondering if you might be interested in a potential business venture?"

When he notices he questioning glance, he continues, "I'm sure Master Harbin is a wonderful employer, but I get the feeling that you have much more to offer than simply spending your time as his assistant. When I return to Midmarch, I intend to establish a business venture, a trade network. It is a high risk/high reward venture, and I will need someone to manage it for me while I continue to explore the Midmarch. I was hoping you might be interested in something a bit more exciting than living out your life here in Restov."

In reply to Adoven (msg # 19):

"I think I could arrange something like this in the frontier, yes. Though I'd say the Restov crowd knows a party."

Vik smiled at Adoven, clearly enjoying the honest man's presence.

She looked about

"Perhaps Pipre knows a brewer . . . or perhaps someone else knows how to get some ale shipped."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:22, Mon 30 Oct 2017.

Valoria listened with much interest as Cyrus spoke of their future holdings and smiled even more when he spoke of her beauty. “Everything seems to be lining up very nicely. A smith will be useful. I've just been enjoying the pleasures of civilization. Good tea, good meals, books and the hot bath from time to time.” Valoria then paused for a moment, as if remembering something. “My mother informed me during our wedding that yet another cousin, Wilbur de Lebeda will be paying us a visit.  He has finished an apprenticeship in one of my father’s offices and will be heading down here with a small staff, to employ building gangs to work on our house. He would make a good Exchequer for our stronghold, it's always good to hire family.” Looking over at the tables, Valoria looked for some of her more distant kin. “If Wilbur is already down, he might be sitting with Horatio Lebeda-Berain. Perhaps we should say hello to Senior Sword Lord Horatio Lebeda-Berain? You can talk swords and I finances?"

Alanna nods at Marik's suggestion that she help choose buckles, and smiles gently understanding the implied humorous.  Especially when he speaks of needing a business manager.

Her eyes narrow as Marik continues, but her answer probably isn't as expected.  "You will need to speak to my uncle, he got me the job with Harbin and it is certainly helping me learn the art of buying and selling.  If he says I am ready, and gives his approval, then I will consider it."

Cass strikes his deal with the two Halflings and raises his glass in salute,  Fosco raises his too, sealing the deal, and Cass moves on.  However, a quick glance over his shoulder  shows the two halflings, heads together chatting quietly to each other.

OOC Perlet is fine
--

Marik, Vik and Val continue their various conversations.

"Your uncle," he asks, a bit surprised. "I see. Is he here tonight, or could you set up a meeting for me? That is, if you're interested of course."

With a wry smile she points to a good looking man, in his early forties, dressed in a stylish set of courtiers clothes.  They are cut in the modern style and embellished with shoulder cords.  He has one or two very tasteful pieces of jewelry.  "Uncle Thonat is just over there ..."

Something tells you this isn't as straightforward as it sounds.

Marik glances in Uncle Thonat's direction, and then back at Alanna. "Right, so what can you tell me about Uncle Thonat, and how likely is he agree to allow you to leave Master Harbin's employ?"

"Uncle Thonat?  The Honourable Thonat Letson, who owns half of Riverside and sits on the Restov Council?  What would you like to know about him?" she asks sweetly.