A quiet area of the hotel's reception area.  The reception staff make sure they keep a discreet distance.

OOC: suitable for quiet conversations.
This message was last updated by the GM at 06:38, Sat 26 Sept 2020.

Cass looked in the background as well, overseeing things quietly. It was time for the bride and groom to shine, so it was one time that Cass was glad not to be anywhere near the center of attention. The conversation among the guests had been flowing even more than the drinks, which was the perfect sign that things were going accordingly.

The big half-orc makes his way out of the main room, when he sees Cass in reception.  Brushing down the yellow frogging on his coat he says, "Nice job your folks have done in getting this set up.  The music is a bit quiet for my taste, but I suppose it suits most of 'em ..."

“Thank you, Big Job.” Cass smiled. “ Your approval is likely worth more than you know. And it is good to hear that the staff is getting things right. Such short notice. I dare say that there wasn’t anyone left unsurprised. As for the music, it is really just there to give one time to think during a lull in the conversation. It will likely pick up once the dancing sets in earnestly.”

Cass noticed two ladies lingering somewhat hesitantly behind Big Job. “Oh, I see that you have someone with you. Hello ladies! May I offer you a drink or something to eat? You are welcome to take a seat as well, if you like.”

Rana wasn't certain what the etiquette was down here when meeting leaders of towns, but she decided to err on the side of caution - or courtesy - so she sketched a small curtsey.

"Pleased to meet you, sir.  Big Job has said that you're the mayor and owner of this hotel."  Rana's gaze takes in their surroundings a bit more closely and smiles in appreciation as she holds up her half-full glass.  "I don't need another drink at the moment, but I'm certain that some food wouldn't go amiss.  Lunch seems like a very long time ago and it's never a good idea to drink without food.  Things always seem to go quickly from good to bad when that happens!"

“Yes, correct on both counts.” Cass grinned. “You are wise beyond your years. We have a small buffet set up. Would you like to help yourself or have someone create a plate for you?”
This message was last edited by the player at 21:54, Sat 03 Oct 2020.

Rana chuckled at Cass' statement.  "I think it has more to do with growing up working in my family's inn and seeing what happens when folk drink without eating, more than anything else."  Her gaze swept from Cass to where he indicated the buffet was located, and back.

"Whilst it would be decadent to have someone else plate a selection for me, I am certain that the staff have many other things that they can be doing that are more useful for the occasion than fetching me food," Rana paused ever so imperceptibly before adding, "and it would deprive me of admiring all the choices as they are displayed."

The young woman actually doubted that she could eat much, her stomach seemingly with a mind of its own tying itself in knots, but she refused to let herself be dazzled by the local hierarchy.  She had, after all, been invited to this party although the why still escaped her!

"I'll go." Big Job says.  "I'm peckish as well, and I never turn down free food.  I'll just pile a big plate up and put it on the table ...."  With a wide grin, he sets off to tell the serving staff that he needs a massive plate of food for the Mayor and his personal guests.

“For Big Job, they will bring out a serving platter.” Cass smirked. “I wouldn’t be surprised if it has at least one full roast chicken on it. We do like to feed people around here.”

“So I take things are going well with you in Midmarch? The creation of these new Marchdom charters have caused a new stir of excitement lately.”

"A healthy appetite is a sign of a healthy person, or so my mam always says," She commented almost reflexively and with a small shrug.

"I feel as if I've only just arrived and, to be honest, I am not sure what the Midmarch Charters are." Rana blushed ever so slightly that it was difficult to tell if she actually blushed or if it was just a normal reaction to the warmth in the room.  "I travelled here with two others who I met at home and we all were looking for somewhere to go and this was where the roads carried us."

Rana lowered her eyes briefly, then caught Cass' gaze yet again.  She looked as if she was going to say something more, but then just smiled instead.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:24, Tue 06 Oct 2020.

“Well, I hope you find the area to your liking.” Cass offered. “Henry has been really amazing in organizing Midmarch into its own region rather than just a wild frontier haven for bandits. Many opportunities have opened up as a result. I, myself was a mere street performer before coming here.”

Rana's eyes widened slightly as Cass professed his seemingly humble beginnings.  "A street performer?  Truly?"  Her eyes scanned their surroundings and she smiled more broadly.  "Obviously a very talented street performed with a knack for business.  You have done well."

Rana's voice was sincere but also held a note of wistfulness in it as she spoke.

“I am not really that good,” Cass laughed. “I just don’t face much competition. As for a head for business, I just picked an area that I was interested in and pursued it, the same with most people, I think”

Big Job returns, grinning from ear to ear, and lays down a platter of food on the table.  There might not be a whole chicken, but there is a selection of cold meats, cheeses, breads and fruit - with a plate loaded with small pastries set in the middle, as a centrepiece.

"Just put the plates and cutlery down there." He instructs the first of the servants who is following him, then indicates a different spot on the table where the second servant deposits a  set of glasses and a couple of bottles of wine.  "Thanks guys", he adds as they leave.

"You should have seen them, all falling over themselves when I said it was for The Mayor and his special guests.  Help yourself ..."  he adds as he reaches for a plate.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 09:23, Sun 11 Oct 2020.

A small laugh escaped Rana's lips as Big Job returned with what looked like half of the buffet table and extra plates.  "Did you leave enough on the buffet for everyone else, Big Job?  She turned to Cass and gestured at the secondary buffet that was now within their reach.  "I suppose it would be rude to ignore the food which Big Job so kindly acquired."  With a small, almost imperceptible shake of her head, Rana moved to pick up a plate and added a small selection of cold meats and cheeses, then set her wine glass down on the table so she could nibble on the food she'd selected.

She returned her attention to Cass.  "I have yet to find exactly what I'm good at, or overly interested in.  Which, I suppose, is one of the reasons I left home."  Rana had a faraway look in her eyes as she paused for a heartbeat before continuing.  "So, out of curiosity, what kind of street performing did you do, Cass?"

“Glad to hear that they are on their toes.” Cass smiled at a Big Job then laughed at Rana’s calling it a second buffet. “It is always good to have a variety. Black olives, green olives, and that special kind that Elkin gets from somewhere.”

Cass waited for the others to start filling their plates before continuing the conversation. “What type of performing? Mostly songs and story telling. My mother was a barmaid so I learned from other performers mostly.”

Tic was looking for the buffet when he spotted a big half orc who looked vaguely familiar carrying a tray of food.  He tapped the side of his nose and followed behind him and the other servants who were following then he spotted the Mayor and his guests.
"Nice one Tic, well in for a penny." he muttered then moved to join the group chatting to the Mayor.

"I don't suppose there is enough for one more Lord Mordane, I'm just a wee fellow after all." Tic stood a little over three feet tall, sun tanned from many ours in the outdoors he wore a patch over his left wye.  Blue jacket over a frilled white shirt and three quarter length red trousers.

Big Job, in his purple and yellow suit that is cut in the traditional fashion, looks approvingly at the halflings choice of clothing.  Then he grins as Tic speaks of only being a Wee Fellow, and the implication that he won't eat much.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:16, Sun 11 Oct 2020.

“If we don’t have enough,” Cass said congenially, “We can always bring forth more. Please, help yourself.”

Cass motioned one of the waitstaff to step over with a tray of drinks for those who were having their repast. He also helped himself to a glass of the bubbly white wine called perlet. “Thank you.”

"Why thank you very much Lord Mordane, I'm quite pleased master Domitius didn't skewer you today." he said with a cheeky grin as he began piling food onto his plate. "I have heard many a good tale about your kitchens here if half of them are true this could be the finest meal I have had for some time."

Rana wasn't sure what to make of the halfling.  He seemed harmless enough and he proved an interesting contrast to Big Job.  Silently she made up several scenarios which might explain his eye patch, however, as her mam always told her it was rude to ask personal questions of people you didn't know, she kept her thoughts and questions to herself.

Rana's hand paused halfway to her mouth with a hunk of cheese at the halfling's comment about the mayor being almost skewered.  Her eyes widened slightly and she could feel her heart began to race.  "Skewered?" She turned her attention to Cass, her eyes taking in his demeanour and wondering whatever the halfling had referred to was general knowledge.

“You are just as welcome as your master Domitius is that I did not have to skewer him today.”  Cass said playfully. “Although in all honesty, I had no intention to skewer him, merely take off a few nice slices.”

Cass turned to Rana to explain. “Dom challenged me to a duel over what he perceived as a slight against his background over words that I spoke in condemning ‘some’ of the Aldori and the preparations for war against Surtova. The duel was to take place today but his fiancé arrived requesting that the duel did not take place, announcing that she was with child. Domitius instead decided that the day would be their wedding, I apologized that he had taken my words for affront, relieving him of any responsibility to his honor to continue with the duel. He graciously asked me to stand up for him at his wedding and I gifted the newly wedded couple with the wedding reception that we are all currently enjoying.”
This message was last edited by the player at 22:07, Thu 15 Oct 2020.

"No offence yer Lordship, but I expect sooner or later you two will have another chance, even if it's just with practice blades.  Should be a fine match I would say, it drew a big enough crowd today.  Bigger than many expected I would have thought." he grins impishly "Master Domitius spends hours each day practicing with and without Blazefury.  He is very good to my eye." then points a stubby finger at the patch he is wearing.

Rana listened to Cass' recitation of the day's events with interest.

"I have never met an Aldori, but it seems an interesting way to try and resolve a disagreement.  That is if the two are evenly matched."  She shrugged before popping the small piece of cheese she still held in her fingers into her mouth and chewing it delicately.  With a swallow and a sip of her drink, she added, "However, if there is a vast different in the skill level of the pair, that would be like a master baker challenging a cobbler to a baking competition."

As her words, spoken without malice, sunk in to her own brain, Rana blushed slightly.  "Please accept my apologies, Cass, if I've offended.  I have no idea how proficient you are with a sword and no offense was intended."

Sometimes, Rana thought to herself, you just need to think before you speak!

Big Job buries his face in his jug of ale, but somehow that  just seems to amplify his chuckling.

The young woman glared briefly at Big Job as if to say 'you're not helping things!' while her brain scrambled around trying to find a way to extricate herself from her latest faux pas.  If she could disappear from sight or could have the ground open up to swallow her, Rana would have been quite happy.  Unfortunately neither of those was a viable option and, as her mam always had told her 'if you make a mistake, own up to it, but don't make excuses.  Mistakes happen to everyone.

Rana could feel that her face was still red with embarrassment as she attempted to make amends as quickly as possible.  There was a slight tremble in her normally calm voice as she spoke and her words seemed to tumble out of her mouth. "I wasn't talking specifics, Cass.  I mean, I've only just met you and I have no idea how skilled you are with a sword. I just meant in general terms a duel seems a fair way to resolve a disagreement if both people are evenly matched and you may well be for all I know.  And I don't know, so really, what I meant was ..."  Her voice trailed off as Rana felt she was losing the plot.

Was it getting warm in the room? It certainly felt like it was getting warm.  She raised her glass to her lips, thinking that perhaps a drink would calm her nerves.  Unfortunately, her nerves were getting the better of her and she managed to miss her mouth completely instead sloshing some of the wine out of the glass and on to her new dress.  Surely, if there were gods, one of them would kindly open up the ground and take her away from what was swiftly turning into a most horrible evening!  Without thinking, Rana murmured under her breath as she waved a hand over the offending stain, then breathed a sigh of relief as it disappeared.  She set the glass down on the table and returned her attention to the mayor, Big Job and the halfling.

"If you'll excuse me, gentlemen, I think I need some air."  Rana scanned the room, looking for the easiest route out.

Robert sees a familiar face and finds the solace of familiarity. "Good day, Lord Mayor" he says to Cass. As he approaches, a woman accidentally spills some wine on herself and catches a bit of it on his new surcoat.Her immediately pulls out a kerchief and offers it to the flustered woman. "Beg pardon, miss, but I think you need this more than I do" he says as he offers the kerchief. In an aside to Cass, he adds "I had a bet with Lord Adoven that I could get through the evening without spilling any wine on myself. I'll lose the bet, but meeting such a charming Lady is well worth it "

“Good day, Sword Master.” Cass said with gusto. In a whisper he added, “Sometimes a loss in one place is a win in another.” Cass was glad to see people socializing and enjoying themselves. Whether on a street corner, a smoky inn, a raucous pub, or a feasting hall, it brought back good memories when people were able to enjoy a bit of comfort and friendship.

“No offense taken,” Cass smiled to Rana and to Tic. “Every duelist thinks that he has the greater skill, else he would shy away from duels. In all fairness, I am probably only middling fair at the art, but even a diplomat may bristle when his toes have been stepped upon.”

Catching the trick with the wine stain, Cass motioned his fingers and a cantrip of his own was unleashed. A cool breeze of air washed in, rather refreshing. “I hope you don’t feel the need to depart on my account. These days I consider myself more of a Magus than a duelist, and hospitality is my specialty regardless of what I may call myself.”
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 22:28, Fri 16 Oct 2020.

With the approach of another new person and one whose clothing suffered from her clumsiness, Rana began to feel an overwhelming urge to run until she remembered something that her father had often told her as she was growing up, 'It don't matter who they are or think they are, they're just people like you and me - they get up in the morning, they get dressed like we do and have the same hopes and fears that we do.  Don't ever think you aren't as good or worthy as they are, 'cause I'll have you know that you are just as good as them, and probably better then most.'

Taking a deep breath, Rana cleared her mind of all the current turmoil and managed to find a place of relative calmness within herself.  The cool breeze washed over her and helped her to focus even more.  She looked at the kerchief in her hand, then to her dress which showed no signs of the spilt wine, and finally to the stranger's surcoat.  "I would hate for you to lose a bet because of my clumsiness," she said softly as she reached tentatively out to dab at the stain on his clothing with the kerchief still in her hand as she, again, muttered under her breath while the stain on his clothing faded, then disappeared.  She proffered the kerchief to its owner.  "I'm Rana, by the way. Very pleased to meet you."  The smile on her lips was echoed in her eyes as she tilted her head in greeting.

Her attention turned back to Cass and her voice seemed more settled and certain, "If you are sure that I haven't offended you, then I would be honoured to stay."  Rana paused as she felt a smile come a bit more naturally to her lips,  "There does seem to be a bit more air flowing through here now, so that helps."  She reached for a couple of the olives that Cass had pointed out earlier and popped one in her mouth.

"I'm not familiar with the term magus, Cass, what does that mean exactly?"  She wasn't going to let herself feel stupid around these strangers - if she wanted to learn, she knew she would have to ask questions, no matter how naive it might make her appear.

Robert accepts the kerchief back, and smiles in return. He answers "I am Robert, milady, and the pleasure is mine." He silently marveled at the magic done so swiftly,  and felt his confidence surge slightly. He hadn't made a fool of himself in his first social encounter, and in so doing had met a nost charming stranger. He says "I run the Sword School that the happy couple were married amidst. May I inquire of your own occupation?" he asks.

Rana turned her attention back to Robert, a smile on her lips.

"You are too kind, Robert.  You must be quite good with a sword if you run the sword school. I am always impressed by people who can use a sword properly, I'm afraid I can just about manage a morningstar and a dagger, but Da never really trusted me sharp, pointy things." She chuckled lightly.  "I don't really have an occupation at the moment.  I am only recently arrived in this area from Stoneclimb in the Icerime Peaks.  My parents own the best tavern in Stoneclimb called the Travellers Rest, if you ever get that far north, and until I left home a few weeks, or months ago, I worked with them."  Rana shrugged minutely before continuing, "There were very few opportunities back home, so I decided I wanted to see a bit of the world and hopefully find a place to make my own way."

"I also hoped to find someone who could help me understand more of this," she added quietly as she gestured to where the stain on his surcoat had been as well as on her dress.  "The rest of my family, for as long as we can trace, are normal," she added almost as an afterthought.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:02, Sat 17 Oct 2020.

Robert chuckles. "I'm a fair hand at the Rondolero style, but oddly enough the man who began the school doesn't ascribe to any established style. He combines a two-blade style with arcane magic that seems to work for him. Heavens help him if he tries teaching it though." He listens to Rana describe her background. He then adds "my own family are farmers, north of Restov. To them, I'm  a bit of an aberration as well. Perhaps your magics are similar to Lord Adoven's, then? He's no wizard, just a scholar that picks up a lot of talents."

Rana listened attentively to Robert's answer, interested in the possibility that she might meet someone with a similar background to her own.  "I wouldn't class myself as a scholar.  I am fair handy with numbers and reading, but I haven't studied to learn magics ... they just sort of are."  She retrieved her not-quite-empty wine glass from the table, took a sip, then turned her gaze briefly towards Cass again.  "It," meaning magics, "isn't something I often talk about ... with anyone.  It is just part of me - something that evolved and is evolving.  I just seem to understand how to do something, or make something happen."

She looked from Robert to Cass, then lowered her eyes and voice as she added, "Sometimes it scares me.  I don't understand why I am like this and, more than ever, I wish to know why."  Her voice trembled for a moment and a note of underlying anguish could be heard, but then she smiled again and sighed, looking back to the men.  "It is what it is and it would be like questioning why the apple tree grows apples and not pears."  Obviously (or maybe not so obviously) this must have been something either her Mam or Da had often told her.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:40, Mon 19 Oct 2020.

Robert smiles. "If some of the coy glances I've seen directed at you are any indication, milady, then one thing you've managed to 'make happen' is set several hearts aflutter. I know little of magics that come naturally, although Lord Adoven seems to have a similar gift. I have been privy to some of his planning sessions for V&A, and I do believe he is planning to create a Bardic College within the next 2 years. Perhaps something taught there can help you understand and expand your own abilities?"

Rana chuckled at Robert's observation, although she doubted its veracity it was pleasant to be complimented.  "You are too kind, Robert.  As for a bardic college, I've not heard of the like before and, to be honest, I would not have considered such for myself as I am most definitely not a bard - I have no talent for song, or music and my Mam always said that I must have too left feet e'en though they don't appear to be."  She went quiet for a moment, then added softly, "But, perhaps it is something for me to think about.  An opportunity that I hadn't considered."

Robert adds "and if Lord Adoven is considering a Bardic College, then likely at least 3 people in Tusk are thinking about a Magic College. I think Tusk has the most innovative dreamers I've ever seen in one place. If you have a need, doubtless someone here has a solution. If you wish, I can find out if anybody is planning a School of Magic where you might learn more about your gifts?"

Rana smiled at Robert.  "You are too kind, Robert.  I would be pleased to learn if there were any such plans.  I'm not certain that I would be a good student, but I suppose I won't know until I try."  She raised her glass in a small toast to the man before turning her attention back to Cass.  "Cass, if all else fails for me, would you be in need of a reasonably good waitress?"

“An honorable occupation, “ Cass laughed. “But I believe that you will be much more fulfilled by continuing with your magical discoveries. You asked earlier about what it entailed to be a magus, let me answer that now. A magus is a mage who has trained in martial weapons and armor much like a warrior. I also have learned how to use a weapon as a magical focus much like a wand, so that I may cast spells while wielding my sword.”

Rana smiled at Cass and listened intently to his explanation of a magus.  "Fascinating! I did not realise that was something that was possible, but it makes sense and I could see it surprising people on occasion, which must be useful as well."

Spotting the mayor, Alisa made her way over.   She nodded politely to the young lady in peach, the half-orc man she knew - though had never met - as 'Bigjob', and the other gentleman she believed she recognized from the dueling salon.

"Apologies if I interrupt - but I wanted to make certain this got delivered, just in case he decides to slip out early."   She addressed Cass - "Lord Mayor - Cass - I just wanted to say thank you for offering to host our reception here.   It was so sweet and generous of you to do that for Domitius and I.  And, we would be poor guests not to bring something for our host."   She held up a rectangular box, wrapped in azure blue, adorned with gold and silver ribbon.

"I don't know you too well.  So, we went with something I know you like, though I do hope it's not redundant.."   She offered him the package.

Which, once its opened contains a bottle of the finest vintage perlet we could get our hands on, as well as a cork-screw; hilt made of silver, artistically fashioned like a sword-lord's dueling sword, with a small fire opal set into the hilt.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:37, Thu 05 Nov 2020.

It isn't just that she's late, it's that she's long past what she could try to pass off as fashionably late - and it's hard to hurry in her nicer clothing.

Still, she's arrived to the reception area - better late than never, after all, right? - and quickly giving herself a once over to not look too frazzled at her being late, carefully checks her gift of wine and looks about to spy any familiar faces.

OOC: Better late than never.

The conversation continues for a while, but eventually the wedding draws to a close.

OOC:  You can post to finish off, if you wish, but no more XP in this thread.

Given the open an celebratory nature of the occasion, Cass felt that it was appropriate to open Alisa’s gift so that the others could share in its unveiling. Once opened, his smile was as genuine and as large as anyone was likely to ever see. “Lady Alisa, you have been too kind. I don’t think that I have ever received a more thoughtful or appropriate gift. Thank you.”

Alisa smiled in return, nodded.

"You are most entirely welcome, sir.  Just don't go stabbing my husband with it," she winked, wagging a finger.