During the week after the wedding, Restov prepares for the Mayor’s Grand Ball.  All of the ‘good’ inns fill up, the shops in Borough Court (where you brought your nice clothes and jewellery) are busy and there seems to be people everywhere. Carriages for the event are difficult to come by as no one wants to walk through the streets in all of their finery – and arriving in a coach looks so much better anyway.  However, Henry has used his contacts I the city and managed to secure a large coach for the day - it means that you can’t all arrive at the same time, but at least you can arrive in the proper style.

The main event is held in the Ball Room, a circular room set on the ground floor of the main tower.    Tapestries adorn the walls below a wooden walkway that runs all the way around the room and serves as a musicians’ gallery.  Small tables, each with a few upright chairs are set around the walls below the gallery, while the middle of the floor is left free for dancing or just mingling.  Next door, the mayor’s Council chamber has been rearranged to make a second, quieter room with buffet tables and a bar.  However, a plethora of waiting staff make the rounds, carrying trays of canapes  and making sure that everyone’s glass stays topped up.

A butler announces everyone as they arrive, reading names and titles from the invitation cards that they present, and while the mayor greets the most important guests personally, most people are ushered inside to find their own way.  As the Governor of Midmarch, Henry is among four Guest of Honour, along with Maegar Varn (who leads a new settlement south of Restov), Baron Drelev (who is founding a settlement to the West of Midmarch) and Sir Reginald Porter (leader of the Iron Wraiths, who have been sent even further west).  Somehow, Brother Bart has found his way into the ball, dressing the black robes of his Pharasmin faith, and is able to help you identify people when you need assistance.

Baron Drelev is with his wife (a short woman who insists of carrying a small dog everywhere) his brother-in-law Imeckus Stroon (who is clearly a mage of some sort) and his guard captain Lord Numesti.  Lord Numesti is accompanied by his two daughters, Tamary and Kisandra.  Maegar Varn is accompanied by his advisor Caspar Morgarion (a priest of Erastil) and a young half-orc woman (who Brother Bart tells you is his adopted daughter), while Sir Reginald is accompanied by a small group of people, who all look somewhat battle hardened, who make up the rest of the leadership of the Iron Wraiths.

All of the council members are there, including the Banker, Lord and lady Lebeda-Berain (whom you have already met) and Darain al Gorka (The older dwarf who has been selling you armour) as well as Sir Ferdinand, Alex and Dame Velia.  Other guests who catch your eye include Fosco Marchant (middle aged Halfling in a very plain Courtier’s outfit) who is accompanied by a female Halfling, dressed in dark red Academic robes that are decorated with white roses.    Even Gibbs, Mia, Robert, Peter & Genie, who Adoven met at Gibb’s Sword School are there as well.

But there are many other guests there as well – young, old, attractive, less so, nicely perfumed or with bad breath – the whole gamut of anyone who is anyone in Restov and the surrounding areas.

---

You can approach any of the NPCs for a conversation -  or look specifically for someone (or some role) you think should be there, but hasn't been mentioned.
Rather than describing all of the City Council again -  you can find their details on this page :-
http://rp.baileymail.net/doku....restov#personalities

For those on you interested in Local Politics -  this is your chance to find things out.
For those of you who want patrons and allies to help you with ‘developments’ in Midmarch  - this is a good place to look.

Andalon arrived in the coach with some of the other guests from the Silver Dagger Inn where he had been staying. He was certainly grateful for the Banker's advice on suitable clothing and jewellery for the ball. He felt that he fitted in quite well in his dark blue academic robe with a pair of broad white stripes decorated with Abadar's golden key all the way down. It did occur to him that the clothes he wore beneath the robe - a white shirt and dark blue trousers in the modern style - might be a lot more comfortable without the robe, despite the buckle shoes that graced his feet. However, he did love the silver and topaz key holy symbol of Abadar and all that it represented.

When he arrived he spent a little while circulating among the guests and saying hello to those he already knew before he sought out Brother Bart for some more information about some of the other guests he did not recognise.

"Brother Bart, it is good to see you here. Perhaps you could tell me a little more about some of the people here from the other three settlements that are being established south and west of Restov? I was thinking this might be an excellent opportunity to make some contacts with suitable people who can help us set up commerce and trade between our settlements in future, unless there is any tension already with the other settlements that I am not aware of? Would you happen to know whether there are any other Abadaran priests in the other settlements yet? If you are not sure I expect I would be able to find out from Banker Russino later but I suspect she is going to be in great demand here and it might be quite some time before I could ask her."

Brother Bart smiles and slides around behind Andalon, so the he can speak quietly over the Abadarian’s shoulder.

"Varn comes from a family up north but has lived in Restov for a while.  He brought the Charter to build a settlement to the east of us, across the Tors of Levenies and almost due south of Restov.  While we had bandits to contend with, he has unruly centaurs.  The girl is his adopted daughter and heir, the child of his wife’s sister apparently.  Although both of the older women are dead now.

The Iron Wraiths have been sent to subdue the Glenebon uplands on the borders of Numeria – a long way to the west of us.  They are a well-established Mercenary Company, although they need to be up there.  I have heard tales of giants riding great shaggy elephants over that way -  but that sounds too fantastic to be true.

Baron Drelev is a Surtova and one of the king’s favourites.   He is building a stronghold on the banks of Lake Hooktongue.  His character talks about securing the lake and keeping it free of pirates, but I suspect it also has something to do with Surtovan control  along the East Sellen.  Lord Numesti, on the other hand, is from Rostland and seen as independent.  Although there are rumours – some say that he is supported by the lesser nobles from New Stetven, other say he is associated with the Lebeda, while others say he is another Surtovan protégé.  Take your pick …."

All the time the Pharasmin Priest’s eyes have been scanning the crowd, making sure that he sees everything that goes on.

Cass didn't have any qualms about being one of those among the first carriage trip. He had no need to be fashionably late, or even fashionably on time. Of course, there was a mindset that stated arriving too early made one seem overly eager and perhaps even desperate.

This mindset was in error, Cass concluded. After all, the only ones who would see him arrive early where already in place themselves. And while one could easily become a pest by overly engaging the hosts, guests of honor, and other attendees of high note, such bad manners were the flaw of those who often arrived late as those who arrived early. One just needed to know how to conduct oneself with the social graces.

Besides, arriving early allowed Cass to take in elements of the ball that he might miss once a crowd had gathered. Like the selection of musicians who had already settled in and began performing the light music in the background.

Cass waved and gave the group a friendly smile. They were each musicians of accomplishment and many had worked well together before. The hosts were sure to get their money's worth from this lot, and each performer was sure to walk away a full purse richer once the night was over.

Cass was on his way to fortify himself with a glass of sparkling wine when he literally bumped into someone else that he knew.

"Gavin, you old jobber. I shouldn't be surprised to see you here. Gavin the Hawk. Loaned out to keep an eye on the serving staff as likely the most capable steward in the city." Cass placed his hands on the older man's shoulders in an attempt to insure that the man kept his balance. It would never do to be knocking people about on the floor.

Cass nearly beamed at the elderly servant as he continued. "Be sure to keep Doric from sampling too much of the brandy. His flushed face gives him away every time. And if Vatryna gets caught flirting with another noble's young son, they will run her out of town in a barrel."

Cass reached into the pocket of his waistcoat and recovered a pair of gold coins that he slipped into Gavin's own pocket before the man could protest. "Here's a little something else for your war chest. No arguing now. It's nothing more than a meal or two or a cup of hot cider on a cold day. Nothing more than you've given me at many a kitchen table in my youth. Run along now before I get misty eyed. The divine drunk's own luck be with you always."

Cass really was in need of that drink by now. So he hurried off to find it before he engaged with anyone else in attendance, no matter in which capacity.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:47, Tue 24 Oct 2017.

Cyrus and Valoria had taken the first carriage as well and were happy to be among the "early arrivals." Cyrus was dressed in the same military style outfit that he'd worn at his wedding, though it seemed to have a bit more adornment and finery. As he was learning, the dignity was in the details.

As Cyrus surveyed the room two faces in particular stuck out to him as surprising, the first because of the context and the second because he hadn't anticipated such an opportunity.

Cyrus parted with Valoria saying, "I would like to go speak with a few people I recognize from town, I do hope you don't mind."

Making his way toward the first face he'd recognized he smiled at the older dwarf who had helped him with the barding and said, "Had I known I was dealing with Darain al Gorka himself, I might have held my tongue a bit more. I must say the work is of the finest quality and both times I've ridden Rough-heart in the barding, he's seemed more than content and not in the least bit inhibited by the weight or fit. Your men and their work are of the highest quality. Gandred, the one who helped me the most, he's top notch."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:24, Wed 25 Oct 2017.

As Cass circulates he sees one of the serving men that he knows and stops to speak with the man.  ”Good to see you are doing well for yourself, young Cass.” the serving man says trough a fixed smile.  Offering his tray he asks, ”Canape, sir?  It is smoked fish from the southlands, encased in a light pastry case …”.  With  a polite nod, Gavin continues on his way offering canapes to those who might be interested.  Cass can’t quite be sure if the older man  is maintaining the servant/noble relationship to protect his own job -  after all it wouldn’t be good for a servant to be caught consorting with a noble guest whilst on duty.  Or perhaps Gavin was worried that he might blow Cass’s cover ...

There are plenty of servants circulating with trays of glasses, probably some sort of wine or another.  However, there is a full buffet table and bar in the council chamber next door.

Further around the ballroom, Cyrus approaches the Dwarf he had been dealing with earlier, finally realising that this was Darain al Gorka council member and renowned smith.  ”I am glad you find the barding acceptable, the lads put a lot of work into it.  I always say that a good armour should fit like a glove.  No chafing.” He pauses for a moment and clears his throat.  He is a bit more formal, next time he speaks.  ”It is fitting that you noticed young Gandred.  Since he met you and Miss Zauria he has been  talking about heading south to seek his fortunes.  Not as a warrior you understand, but as a smith.  I have forbidden it, of course. he pauses for a moment, then adds shrewdly.  However, I am not sure that he will listen to me for long.Therefore, sir, I have a favour to ask of you.  If I release Gandred from his apprenticeship papers and send him south, will you keep an eye on him for me?”

Cyrus was surprised at the request, but gathered his wits about him quickly and said, "Ah, perhaps I raved too much about the grandeur of the land... That said, it would be an honor, sir. I've been entrusted with establishing a new settlement in on the grounds of a former outpost. A quality smith like Gandred would make that work far easier, assuming you release him from his apprenticeship."

He paused and said, "He would be most welcome, especially knowing he was trained by you."

Cyrus was surprised at the request, but gathered his wits about him quickly and said, "Ah, perhaps I raved too much about the grandeur of the land... That said, it would be an honor, sir. I've been entrusted with establishing a new settlement in on the grounds of a former outpost. A quality smith like Gandred would make that work far easier, assuming you release him from his apprenticeship."

He paused and said, "He would be most welcome, especially knowing he was trained by you."

"Oh, he's not fully trained yet.  But he's a good lad at heart." The dwarf says gruffly.  Then he grins and his eyes glint  "He'll be ready to go when you leave, but until then he will work his fingers to the bone for me.  It'll do him good."

With a nod to Cyrus, he prepares to take his leave - allowing the young noble to continue with his tour  of the ball room.

Cyrus nodded and said, "Send him to tell me the news himself, if you don't mind. Tell him I'm looking forward to the meeting."

He bowed in respect to the dwarf and then parted ways with him with a big grin on his face. A grin he pushed down as he approached the second person he'd recognized.

Approaching the First Swordlord,  Jamandi Aldori, Cyrus bowed once again and said, "Your friend, Sir Ferdinand Ledkno, has spoken highly of you in the times we have met. It is truly an honor to make your acquaintance. I do hope my wife and our fellow officers of Midmarch have stories to share like you and Sir Ledkno."

"He'll be with you on the morning that you leave." the Dwarven councilor reminds Cyrus gruffly.

Adoven waves hello to a few musicians as he escorts Lady Vik to a tight group of people. He makes the introductions, saying "Lady Viktoria, may I introduce Master Gibbs, Mia, Robert, Peter & Genie. My instructor and my fellow students at the Gibbs school of fencing. And this lovely lady is Lady Viktoria d'Lodovka. I once worked for her father."

Andalon thanks Brother Bart and heads off to mingle with the other guests again. He heads over toward Banker Russino and when the opportunity arises he bows to her before speaking.

After the appropriate form of greeting given their respective ranks within the church he quietly asks, "Madame Banker, would you be able to tell me whether there are any other Abadaran priests assisting Baron Drelev, Sir Reginald Porter or Maeger Varn with settling their chartered areas in the Stolen Lands? If there are any more of our priests in those areas I expect that make it a lot easier to set up commerce and trade between our settlements in future. Or anyone else with any ties to the Temple of Abadar?"

Marik stepped out of the carriage Henry had provided for their use. He'd waited to take the carriage on it's second trip, allowing those of more stature than him to arrive first. He was wearing the same brightly colored courtier's outfit he'd worn at the wedding a few nights earlier, adorned with the magical bracers he'd acquired in their most recent adventure.

He took a moment to take in the scene before turning back to the carriage and offering his hand to the half-orc woman that was sitting inside. "Well, this should be fun," he said to Mariam as he helped her out of the carriage.

In reply to Marik (msg # 13):

An olive green hand with well trimmed nails took his. Stepping out of the carriage, Mariam made sure to hunch her back so her head didn't hit the door frame. She was wearing a long cotton skirt and a white blouse as was the formal wear of her people. For the first time since she'd arrived in Restov she had her hair down, the long curly chestnut hair had taken hours to tame. "I'm sure it will be quite entertaining. You certainly look dashing as usual" her face turned red realizing what she'd just said.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:28, Sat 28 Oct 2017.

A couple of the musicians nod  back as Adoven waves to them but, very professionally, they don’t break off from their playing.  When Vik and Adoven reach Gibbs and his party, and Adoven makes the introductions, Gibbs reponds on behalf of all of them, ”Pleased to meet you, madam. The fame of the Lodkova reach even this far south.  I trust you are doing well in your venture in our neighbouring lands?  Adoven has certainly turned the heads of some of my other students with his tales of derring-do in the wilderness.”  The students all bow slightly, although somewhat stiffly as if they are still learning the etiquette of great balls like this.


Andalon mingles, smiling and nodding to people as appropriate, until he sees a pair of the other guests move on from chatting with The Banker, and he slides in before anyone else can corner her.  After listening to his question she responds pensively.  ”I don’t believe so.  I know that Maegar  is great friends with Caspar, who is dedicated to Ersatil, and I believe that Sir Reginald has a Gorumite chaplain, but I don’t know all that much about Baron Drelev.  He comes from New Stetven and I haven’t met him before.”

Marik and Mariam arrive together, one or two people turn to see who has been announced with such unusually linked names.  No one says anything although a couple turn to comment quietly to the people they are talking with.

Having acquired a drink, Cass made his way toward Fosco Marchant, and the lady halfling who was in his company.

"Praise be to the lords of drunks and merchants!" Cass exclaimed as soon as he arrived before them. "You may have just saved me from disgrace!"

Before they thought him a lunatic, Cass spindled his legs into a perfect formal bow. "I am Cassius Mordane, newly elevated Officer of the Brevoy Knights by Lord Governor Henry LeMaistre himself and the good order of Abadar. I have been tasked by the governor to make in-roads regarding ventures of commerce in regards to Midmarch and it was my hope to speak to someone of knowledge before consulting with the council."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:45, Fri 27 Oct 2017.

Andalon thanked the Banker for that information and headed over towards Baron Drelev and Lord Numesti. He introduced himself to some of the younger members of the group closer to his own age first and gradually sought to tease out information about the religious representatives in the Baron's team and others most likely to be interested in opportunities for commerce and trade with the surrounding settlements.

Marik smiled broadly as Mariam exited the carriage, noting how her more feminine attire showed off the large woman's generous womanly curves. "You clean up quite nicely yourself, Lady Mariam," he said in response to her.

As he turned to enter the ballroom, he offered his arm to her and made a point to nod at those who chose to stare. "I think perhaps drinks are in order, yes?"