The Banquet is held inside a huge marquee that has been constructed for the occasion, as Sirian does not yet have a hall large enough to host it properly.  Inside is a  U shaped table, well actually a lot of heavy-duty trestle tabled laid out in a large U shaped – a Top Table with two legs for other guests.  The top table is set on a raised platform, so the principals are visible to all the diners, while the two ‘legs’ are lower - with more ‘important’ people seated closer to the top table.  The Countess Jamandi sits in the middle of the top table flanked by Henry, Bai, Swordlord Aldori-Blain and a large, florid woman -  who is reported as his wife.  All five of them look incredible in the formal clothes.  Henry, Bai and Lady Blain are dressed in the classic style, while the two Aldori swordlords are dressed in the military style.

The tables are already laden with breads, cold meats and salad greenery, representing the items that grow well in this environment, there are cups by each plate and jugs of ale scattered around the tables.  However, there is no wine on display.

Cyrus, Marik and Dom are shown to the upper part of one of the table legs where they are seated with Ilyushin Saltikov and Sir Ferdinand Ledkno, marshal and councillor of Sirian.

Rana, Sejana and Tobias are shown to seats lower down the other leg, and are seated with Alex Ledkno and Dragan Aldori.

Domitius took a seat next to Lord Cyrus and nodded to the two local notables "Lord Saltikov, Sir Ferdinand a pleasure to see you both again. Congratulations on your promotions are in honour I believe."

In reply to DM (msg # 1):

Tobias bows to the table occupants. "Good Evening, Mistress Ledkno, Master Aldori. I trust this last year has been prosperous for you both? I am Tobias Lodkova of V&A, a merchant house that has grown with Tusk and has learned how to manage strong growth in the community. As representatives of the next generation, I suspect you have an interest in seeing this city grow and prosper?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:47, Wed 21 Apr 2021.

Rana was happy when the initial meeting with Countess Jamandi was over and she was back at the camp and sitting inside the tent that she was sharing with Marik.  Normally she didn’t spend a huge amount of time getting ready, however, she knew that this banquet was important not only as part of the diplomatic mission, but also to Marik.  It was for this reason that she was taking extra care with her appearance.

She laid out the outfit that had been purchased before their journey, making sure that everything was as it should be before starting to prepare herself.  She brushed her hair until it shone and the natural waves in it were tamed.  To keep it in some semblance of neatness, she secured it loosely at the nape of her neck with a plain silver clip.  Satisfied that her hair would do, Rana turned her attention to her outfit.  Realising she couldn’t put it off any longer, she stripped out of her comfortable clothes, and began donning her evening wear, doing her best to stay out of Marik’s way as she got ready.   Her outfit was in the ‘modern style’, consisting of a plain, deep blue silk skirt with a pale primrose shirt and a dark grey taffeta-damask short-waisted jacket with a simple dove grey lining.  ’Quinn did well, I think,’ Rana thought to herself as everything fit perfectly.

Finally satisfied that everything was as it should be, she smiled at Marik.  ”I suppose I’m ready.  I’m thinking, though, that I might carry my shoes and put them on only once we arrive at the marquee.  I don’t know that they’ll take the walk there.”  She picked up her court shoes in her left hand, then linked her right arm with Marik’s left as they left for the banquet.

Just before they arrived at the marquee, Rana paused to put her court shoes on, murmuring softly so that any dust or dirt on her feet disappeared.  She then straightened up and murmured again under her breath before indicating to Marik that she was ready to enter.  As they entered, she put her right hand lightly on his left forearm and smiled up at him.  Interestingly, Rana’s fingernails seemed to match the colour of her skirt almost perfectly.  As someone approached to show them to their seats, at opposite ends of the tables, she winked at Marik and murmured softly,

Smiling at the person showing her to where she was to sit, she nodded and smiled at the others who were already there.  ”Pleased to meet you, both.” Rana said to Alex and Dragan as she sat in the indicated chair.  ”The food looks very tempting, but I'll refrain until someone else starts.”

Marik did his best not to peak too much as Rana changed into her formal attire, successfully disctracting himself by changing into his clothes as well. As she linked her arm with his, he leaned down and whispered something to her.

He sighed as she said something softly to him and then bent down and kissed her gently before heading to his seat. He looked strikingly handsome as always, dressed in light grey trousers topped with a matching waisted jacket embroidered with gold braiding and pearls. His shirt was the color of the sky on a cloudless day, while his golden yellow jabot evoked at the idea of a stray bolt of lightning cutting across the sky while hinting at the precious mineral mined at New Dawn.

As he took his seat, he nodded to the Marshal and Councilor of Sirian, "It seems that Sirian is prospering quite well, I'm sure in no small measure to the work of both of you."

Up on the top table, Henry, Jamandi and the others appear to be engaged in light conversation, if the quiet chuckling is anything to go by.  Mean while servants keep their plates and mugs full, as the great nobles pick at the food on their plates.

Further down, Cyrus, Dom and Marik engage if polite conversation with their hosts as well.  Saltikov smiles wryly as Dom expresses his pleasure at their meeting and responds with “The pleasure is mutual, Swordlord.” Before turning to Marik, “We have made a start with Sirian although, over the next few years, it  will grow to a size suitable for the capital of a major player in Brevoy’s politics.”  The smirk tells you that there is something he isn’t saying, but the delivery is polite enough.  “Tusk has shown us what can be done, although the circumstances and position are very different.  But tell me, how do your plans fare?  From here, it looks as if Henry’s plans for Midmarch have been neutralized by the decision to make Tusk a free city.  It sucks all the investment out of his lands …”

Sir Ferdinand is  a bit more positive, “As Ilyushin says, we are making progress.  And I believe congratulations are in order from us as well.  While Cyrus was Lord of Ringbridge when I was in Midmarch last, I believe you two have both been ‘promoted’ since then.“

Lower down, Alex and Jamandi do their best to host their visitors from the south, although it is clear that they aren’t practiced in this role.  However, Alex, the older of the two appears to have had more experience.  Dagon, barely more than 18 years old, seems to be a bit out of his depth.

Dagon responds to Tobias’s question enthusiastically.  “Oh, the town is growing real fast.  Last year it was just a farm, now we have all sorts of things.  A new market and chapel, and the tavern has been remodelled.  They are talking about adding some extra rooms and bringing in a decent chef …”  and then responds to Rana.  “Oh tuck in.  Mum doesn’t stand on ceremony too much.  She says the food is there to be eaten.  But leave some space we have more courses to come.”

Alex smiles, and helps herself to a plate of bread and meat, with a garnish of salad.  “Oh Dagon, they must be hungry.  A day in the saddle works up a really good appetite, as well as being good exercise.  I’m one of the lieutenants over at the barracks, and my cavalry patrol the roads, both north and South.  It is our job to make sure the roads are safe for the trade caravans.” Smiling politely, she looks across at the three of you, “So what do you guys do?”

Not long after the second course arrives, accompanied by a fanfare of trumpets.  Four people dressed as chefs march in, carrying a whole roast boar, shoulder-high, on a huge silver platter.  It even has an apple in its mouth!   The boar is carried up to the head table and one of the chef’s carves it as ceremoniously as he can.

However, smaller dishes of already carved meat are distributed along then tables with pork and beef joints set near Dom, Cyrus and Marik -  while Rana, Tobias and Sejana get chicken and some pork chops.  However, there are huge dishes of vegetables -   Potato, beans, cabbage and roast onions laid out along all the tables.  More beer and bread follow soon after.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:30, Sun 25 Apr 2021.

Rana smiled at Alex and Dagon then she reached for a small bit of bread and cold meats.  She took a nibble of the bread, then turned to Alex, "For myself, Alex, I am only recently arrived in Midmarch and, after helping to solve a murder in one of the small villages, Sir Henry offered me the chance to become an Officer of the Southern Chapter of the Order of Brevic Knights." Rana paused for a moment as she considered her words before continuing with a wry smile.  "To be fair, you probably understand that more than I do, but basically it means that I get to explore lands that are within the boundaries of Midmarch that haven't yet been explored."

As the meat and vegetables arrived, Rana helped herself to small portions of everything, leaving hardly any of her plate visible under it all.  She looked to Sejana and winked.  "I'm not about to pass on banquet food after as many days on the road as we've had."

Rana tried some of the chicken, and smiled in appreciation.  "The food is delicious."  She declared, before turning her attention to their two young hosts.  "Where does most of your trade come from?" She asked before taking another small mouthful of the pork and chewing delicately.

She returned Rana's wink with a smile, saying "I'll drink to that."

Sejana's ringleted, raven locks were freshly washed, and arranged over the front of one shoulder.   The gown she was attired in was red-wine color, with a pleated bodice and scooped neckline, leading to long, fitted sleeves.  It had an elegantly low waistline, with the sort of side-lacing that allowed for a clean fit across the torso.  A balance of modesty with a tiny hint of intrigue.   About her throat was a fine silver chain, from which dangled a small, coin like pendant;  the Desnaic buttefly engraved on one of its faces and the crescent-sigil of Acavna adorning the other.

"I'm a retainer of House Solanus," she answered Alex.  "Specifically, I'm employed as an aide by Lady Medvyed-Solanus.   I'm her business manager, which at the moment means mostly overseeing the day-to-day operations of her occult shop, located in the college district."   
This message was last edited by the player at 23:11, Sun 25 Apr 2021.

Marik noted the words left unsaid by Saltikov and made a mental note to follow up on that line of discussion later. For the moment, he reached over and helped himself to a piece of beef, beans, and cabbage.

After taking a small bite of beef and swallowing it, he turned to Saltikov, "Oh, I wouldn't say that Tusk's independence has neutralized Lord LeMaistre's plans at all. Perhaps slowed them a bit if anything, but I think Tusk's independence is actually beneficial for the region as a whole. And I would say Ringbridge is doing quite well despite Tusk's proseperity," he said with a glance in Cyrus' direction.

He then turned to Ferdinand and nodded, "Thank you, yes, I have established the small town of New Dawn which, while still quite new, is growing modestly and I hope will serve as a waypoint in the northwest region of Midmarch."

Dagan nods along at the responses, but scowls slightly as he sees the distribution of food.  "Excuse me a moment ..." he says rising to his feet, I need a quick word with mother." Then he strolls casually towards the head of the table.

Alex grins, "He never did go much on protocol." she says as she watches Dagan take a plate from a server on  his way to the top table.  There is some light laughter from Jamandi andd her guests as Dagan fills the plate with the crispy skin and succulent meats of the roast boar, and then fetches it back down to the table.

"That's better." he says with a grin, as he deposits the plate,"Tuck in ..." he adds with a grin towards Rana, Sejana and Tobias.

Tobias smiles. "Ah. The old 'easier to ask forgiveness than permission' tactic. I do trust that as a head of state, that will not be your diplomatic methodology?" Although he was clearly jesting, his words echoed the memory of how The River Freedoms came about.

Rana shook her head in amusement at Dagan's antics, but nodded in appreciation to the young man upon his return.

"I'm always happy to sample whatever is on offer, as you can never be sure if you're going to like something or not." She did, however, hesitate in taking any of the "top table's" food for herself. She leaned closer to the others as she whispered, "I've heard tales of food being poisoned and rulers getting someone expendable to taste their food first. Do you think that might be the case here?"

Rana's tone was serious, but there was a twinkle in her eyes as she looked from Dagan to Alex.

Sejana nodded sagely, as regards food-testers being only fiction.    "Back home, it was no mere tale.  And not too uncommonly done."  She was rather certain it would not be the case here.  Prayed that it would not be...

Conversation continues  as you continue to eat.

Towards the bottom of the table, Rana, Sejana and Tobias chat with Alex and Dagan.  Alex chuckles and Dagan smiles at Rana’s food taster comment, “Lord Henry and mother have been acting as food tasters for us, along with the rest of the top table.” Then with a nod toward Sejana, he continues, “However, I do know that mother has the food blessed and checked by a priest before it is brought to her table.  While she isn’t overly concerned, some of her advisors are bit less sure of her political position.”  Then he turns to Tobias “Oh, it is all to do with who you know and what you know.  It just so happens that I know the boss, quite well.  But then, isn’t that what both politics and business is all about?  The more influence you have, the better you succeed.  Alex, here, wouldn’t have been able to get away with that, but I could.”   Alex just smiles quietly.

Up the table, Saltikov responds to Marik, “Oh?  I thought Henry was planning on developing south, as well as west.  Had he managed to hold onto Tusk and continue expanding south and eat, he would soon have been a rival for the largest of the great houses.  Now, he will struggle.  Many of your most dynamic business people went to Tusk,” He glances down the tables to where Dagan and Alex sit with representatives of two Tusk based businesses, “and his influence is reduced to a small towns and a rural economy.”

Next, on the menu, is a series of cheeses, breads and sweet dishes. The top table gets a selection of imported cheeses, with a selection of imported fruits, accompanied by a huge cream and pastry dessert - built up in the shape of a castle.  Cyrus, Domitius and Marik get a selection of local cheeses, along with seasonal and preserved fruits accompanied by an impressive looking cake.  Down at the bottom end of the table there is seasonal fruit, cottage cheese and an apple pie.

While it is an impressive meal, except for the very top table, it is very rural and based on local ingredients.  However, it is all properly cooked and presented, even if it isn’t at the highest quality or standards.  Nor is there much in the way of entertainment, and when the meal is complete, many people stay in their seats chatting, other make their apologies and leave.

OOC: *Grin*  I am not making this thread work very well, so Banquet draws to a close, although with an opportunity to chat among your groups.  However, it is also a chance for you to withdraw for private of personal conversations or to try and set up a meeting with someone more  significant.  Please note that you can't just  'Drop in for a word'  with any of the local 'influencers'.

Rana took a small piece of the apple pie as well as one piece of fruit.  She smiled at Dagan and his insightful words of both business and politics.

"Your mother sounds very sensible, Dagan."  She took a bit of the pie then added, "And she knows how to organise a very nice banquet."

As dinner wound down, Rana glanced around at the other tables then to Sejana and Tobias, before turning back to Alex and Dagan.

"This has been a thoroughly enjoyable evening.  Thank you for making it so interesting."

"Likewise," smiled Sejana.  "I feel blessed to have been part of this little trip.   It's been productive, fun, as well as thought provoking."   

Once others had partaken, she served herself a slice of the pie.   Strictly speaking, it wasn't on her diet.   But it wasn't like she was going to pass that up...

Tobias considers the young heir as the meal winds down. He'd been polite and reserved through most of the dinner, chatting about the trivial matters and rumors that gossip mongers found so entertaining. But he'd been sent here for a reason, and it was best he started laying the groundwork. Speaking to Alex and Dagan, Tobias asks "are both of you planning to follow in your parent's footsteps, if I may inquire? Or are you interested in forging a new path? Dagan, I assume that you will inherit ruling here at some point in the far future, but there are things you can do now to strengthen the lifeblood of this city and its community. In Tusk, we found a way to grow exponentially in a short period, turning Midmarch from a hardscrabble frontier to a rather sizable economic and social hub. With the recent conflict that gave rise to this city, I am wondering if you have a need to grow your borders and influence to secure your future? Is this something you are at liberty to discuss?""

Alex smiles at Tobias’s question, and is the first to answer “Oh, my family has been involved with horses for  years, so I guess it runs in the blood, and I have been training horses and riding  almost since I could walk.  I’ve joined the cavalry, been accepted into The Order as an officer, and one day I hope to be made a knight in my own right.  While I aspire to hold the rank of Knight Commander, that won’t be for a long time, even if I am good enough.” 

Dagan chuckles, “She can ride rings around most of the troopers and is a match for some of the knights already.  She’ll do just fine.  As for Rostland, consolidation is more important than expansion, at the moment.  While the lords came together to help stake the Aldori claim, and were prepared to fight for it, they aren’t used to working together yet.  The relationship with Restov has changed, and we have new allies in House Khavortorov.  I am discovering that politics is more difficult than I ever imagined.” The young man shrugs  “I’ll trust mother, and her advisors, to make all the right decisions at the moment.”

Tobias asks Dagan "how wedded to protocol is your mother? Would she take it badly if I approached her directly, or does she prefer I make appointments through intermediaries?"

Dagan grins at the question.  "It depends on what you wanted.  She's out every morning practising drills and sparring with the guys, and  she's happy to spar with anyone who comes along.  She nearly always has good advice, and some of the guys talk about it as a 'Mistress Class', but only when she isn't listening."

Alex grins, and you guess that she is probably there most mornings as well.

"But if you want to talk business," Dagan continues, "She would send you to see Lord Saltikov.  She directs and commands, but she leaves the management to other people."

OOC:  I'm closing this thread off now.  Please use the Diplomatic Trip thread to set up any meetings, visits or local RP.