A Royal Pain!

It is the evening of Willowwalk, the 18th day of Whistlewind in the year 627.

Snowflake Center - Entrance Hall


 * ''The entrance hall of the Snowflake Center is a spacious chamber where many works of art and crafted items are put on display in showroom exhibits around a broad marble floor that provides ample space for reception gatherings and dance training. An archway leads into the main corridor of the facility, known as the Grand Spoke.

-

Taran arrives from Hawk's Aerie Crafter Square Taran has arrived.

Chaori says, "How beautiful. I hope there are still seats."

Taran grins. "If there aren't...give me a few minutes to have a ...quiet word with someone." From his tone, it's fairly clear 'word' might well be a euphemism of some sort. But he's looking for a seat, even so.

Two men stand near the entrance hall, which has been remade with tables, chairs and a large stage erected at one end. Lights from elsewhere brighten the large room. A few patrons mill about, waiting for the show, while a line forms near the entrance as the two men slowly let some through to be seated.

Chaori Balsam chuckles at Taran. "This isn't worth killing for," she teases.

Taran blinks. "Who said anything about killing?" he asks, quite surprised. "No, no. I'd look for a young lady who can quite handle standing, and practice my poetry." Taran sighs, looking at the line. "Well...I suppose now we see if we're too common for fine entertainment," he murmurs. "But we'll have a good time, either way."

Chaori Balsam nods, taking advantage of the wait in line to catch her breath.

Taran offers Chaori his arm. "A little added support?" he suggests, with a smile.

Chaori Balsam takes Taran's arm, with a smile. "Thank you. You're so sweet." They're both standing in line.

A line has formed at the entrance of the hall, which has been remade with tables, chairs, and a large stage at one end. Harp music plays quietly in the background. Two guardsmen control the entrance, admitting or refusing people.

Kael arrives from Hawk's Aerie Crafter Square Kael has arrived.

Kael
 * This fellow is young and thin, but perhaps as not as pinched and drastically thin as he once was; several weeks of good meals and warm beds have certainly begun to have their effect. He's tall, a mere shade under six feet, with warm and usually laughing brown eyes set above a matching lopsided smile. His skin is tanned, having the look of one who is used to spending most of his time outdoors, callused and rough hands showing him no stranger to work, either. He's well proportioned, with a good face and wide shoulders, and would not in the least be unattractive... save for the tattoo that stands out on his right cheek, the half-black, half-white circle that marks him as one of the Shadow Touched.
 * He wears simple but well-made clothing that sits well on him: a handsome green deerskin vest, though scuffed, still seems new and is worn over a blue cotton tunic - both colors setting off a strong chin and his general build. Brown trousers are tucked into high black boots, the trousers mended in the knees and the boots travel-stained, worn, and obviously chosen for comfort over any sense of style. Over it all he wears a black, leather cloak, full-length and lined for warmth. It, too, has been patched, even stitches running up from hem to the back; despite that, he treats it carefully, and obviously considers it something of a treasure. The hood is usually down, unless the weather is truly awful.
 * He wears no weapons, not even a knife - just a simple pouch on the black leather belt at his waist.

A young man enters, whistling cheerfully to himself. He looks around the entrance hall curiously, stalling for a moment near the door while he takes in his surroundings.

Syton Temple


 * A buoyant but diminutive figure, this young man stands at five feet in height with gray-blue eyes and blond hair. He has a slight frame, pale and sparsely muscled, that has an eager bounce to it while moving or at rest. Though his blond hair hangs over the tops of his ears slightly, it is kept short enough to stay out of his eyes, which seem to be perpetually alive and attentive.
 * Currently, this young man is wearing a set of very well-made brown leather armor, complete with jerkin, spaulders, pants, gloves, and boots. The leather pads on the armor are shiny and triple-stitched along all the seams, with no signs of wear or tear. Over his armor, he wears a tawny leather cloak of a more average quality.

A line has formed at the entrance of the hall, which has been remade with tables, chairs, and a large stage at one end. Harp music plays quietly in the background. Two guardsmen control the entrance, admitting or refusing people. Behind that recent arrival comes another, amid a swirl of leather cloak. "'t least th' waitin' wi' be warmer this way, aye?" The Mark is plain in the hall's light, even in the depths of the cloak's hood. "No throwin' things 't anybody, y' hear?" Kael's voice is tinged with amusement.

"That depends entirely on the performance." The recently arrived young man, Syton Temple, smirks at Kael and moves to get into the line. "Did you check on Alainne?" He asks, "She's doing the same?" Taran and Chaori work their way to the front of the line. One of the men leers over Chaori, before giving a hardened glare at Taran. "You're lucky your with her, mate" he says gruffly. "Now get in and be on yer best behavior, eh?"

Chaori Balsam is on Taran's arm, dressed in yellow velvet. She smiles at the ushers. "Thank you," she says calmly, "where may we sit?"

Lucius Nepos arrives from Hawk's Aerie Crafter Square Lucius Nepos has arrived.

Taran nods, though he seems more amused than intimidated. "Of course," he replies, tenor voice rippling with quiet laughter. "My very best."

The guardsman smiles weakly at Chaori. "One of the tables in the back, or any of the chairs in the back. The one's up front is reserved for nobles." he states. Kael nudges Temple with an elbow. "Y' shoul' hae been a lady. Woul' hae made 't easier, aye?"

Lucius Nepos shows up at the snowflake center, grasping the folds of his robe over his left shoulder. His head is held high and he looks clean and proper.

Syton raises an eyebrow at Kael, regarding him curiously for a moment. He creeps forward with the line. Finally, he speaks across to Kael with a grin, "I was about to say the same thing to you."

Chaori Balsam politely asks Taran, "Chairs, or table? I think we can still get two comfortable chairs next to each other."

"Well, y' woul' make th' prettier woman. I woul' be about th' ugliest thing wi' breasts y' e'er saw." Kael shrugs at Syton. "People woul' wonder about ye, then."

"I follow your lead," Taran replies, his voice still rippling with that suppressed laughter. "Remind me that I promised to behave, would you please? I need to get you a fan, to smack me with."

The line moves slowly but surely. Before too long, Syton Temple and Kael Firelight stand in front of the guardsmen. One of them eyes Syton. "You - " he says, pointing at the small man. "Why should I be lettin' the likes of you in?" he asks.

Chaori Balsam slowly leads the way to a pair of comfortable chairs towards the back. "A fan would hurt less than the cane," she agrees. "I truly look forward to this. Do you know, no one ever leers at me. Not that you should start, of course."

Syton looks up at the guard and raises his eyebrows in surprise. He inflates himself and scrunches up his face. "Excuse me, Master," he says to the guard, trying to sound imperial, "but I am the /author/. This is /my/ /creation/."

Lucius Nepos whistles something to himself as he waits in line, one hand resting over his wrist's leather bracer. His green blue eyes peer curiously to the front of the line.

Taran looks positively offended. "I never leer," he says, following Chaori to a seat. "Unless I'm intending to make a point. But I fully intend on *this* center not only knowing my name, but being *very polite* to me in the near future."

Kael, Light bless him, is absolutely no help at that. It's about all he can do to, quite simply, not laugh out loud, a hand coming up to cover his mouth in that hood.

The guard guffaws. "Just 'ow stupid you think I am?" he asks incredulously, glancing at his partner. "If you 'da author, then what's the name of the play?"

Chaori Balsam raises her eyebrows, but is fortunately too busy settling herself, cane, medical kit and all, to comment on Syton's claim.

"I'm sure you're not stupid, Master, just unfamiliar with the intricacies of the playwright's craft. Naming and casting are a matters for the underwriter," Syton says without losing a beat. He waves a dismissive hand. "How should I be expected to write such a splendid, mournful, elevating, almost /Nillutian/ tale, then give it but a single name?" He shakes his head. "Oh no. Not possible, my good sirs."

The guard looks dumbfounded, not really following Temple's logic. "Umm..." he says slowly. "Surely, you're at least knowin what's it about, yeah?"

Lucius Nepos snorts quietly to himself as the guard questions Syton and the man replies. His fingers drum against the hard, engraved leather as he continues to wait. A patient lad he is, indeed.

Lucius Nepos
 * Before you stands good looking young freelander man. His body seems to be that of a professional soldier - lean, strong muscle packed onto his arms, legs, back and chest. He stands 5 foot and 7 inches tall. His skin is what could be called slightly tanned. Below his cropped brown hair, lies two dark green-blue eyes and a prominent Roman nose. His facial bones are somewhat angular. All these feature seem to be further accented by the gray stubble that eternally rests on his face. He seems to have been born of good stock, and he carries an air of joviality with him.
 * This man wears a soft looking short sleeved off white tunic, whose hem ends at his knees. Two dark red lines border the sides of the tunic. He has a thin belt at his waist, from which a scabbard containing a short sword hangs. Over this garment, Lucius wears a simple looking white robe with long sleeves, something not too extravagant but elegant in its own manner. The extra folds of this garment are wrapped and draped over his left shoulder. As with the tunic, the robe also has bordering dark red lines, which would have formerly denoted him to be a freelander Baronet. On his right middle finger is a silver ring of no particular beauty, engraved with 'L. Nepos', while a waterstone pendant hangs from his neck. On his feet he wears a pair of comfortable looking brown leather shoes.

Kael coughs. Really, it's a cough.

"What it's about?" Syton begins to elevate the volume of his voice slowly. "What /isn't/ it about?!" he says incredulously, throwing his hands in the air. "Love, life, yearning, passion! The entire experience of /being/, no less! Taken shape and given /life/ on the stage!"

The string music fades, and some of the torches are snuffed, dimming the room quite a bit.

Chaori Balsam's expression can only be seen by Taran, which is a good thing for all, especially for Syton's hopes of actually being seated.

The guard looks suspiciously at Syton, glancing over to his partner. "Oy, Hedfl, that sound right?" the man asks.

The other man (Hedfl) glances back with an unsure look at his partner, and simply shrugs.

Taran simply raises a finger to Chaori's lips, blue eyes positively sparkling with laughter kept suppressed.

"Er, right then..." says the guard, scratching his head. Tired of thinking, he says to Temple "In with ya - but stay in the back! And no misbehavin'!"

Lucius Nepos can't help but laugh at Syton's words. Laugh heartily, almost reaching to clap his hands together, but refraining at the last minute. In any case he grins at the man.

Syton exhales slowly, then raises a hand to the guards. "Thank you, Masters. Apologies for the outburst. I do get excited about my baby." The freelander smiles politely to the guards and walks past. He looks back to the other members of the line and flashes as subtle a grin as he can manage.

Norran Lomasa arrives from Hawk's Aerie Crafter Square Norran Lomasa has arrived.

The hooded man behind Syton just shakes his head, speaking, with.. well... a remarkable amount of self control. "C'mon then, Master Playwright..." He coughs. Yup. A cough. "Yer lovin' audience waits fer ye." And.. he moves to follow the smaller man.

The line moves along, a little more quickly than before. Lucius, once near the back of the line, is recognized by the guards. "Nepos, is it? You can take a table - near the back - if you like. Better then with some of the riff-raff here," he says, motioning the man in.

Lucius Nepos arches an eyebrow at the guard but obliges him, moving up to the front of the line. He grins, though. "I like to be with the riffraff. They're better than social climbers. Ah, well, life's tough." He nods courteously to the man and then scoots on off towards the table area.

A few more commoner types wait in the line, getting antsy. Upon the arrival of Norran Lomasa, the guardsmen freeze the line. A page rushes to the man, offering to take his jacket and lead him to a seat.

Norran Lomasa


 * Before you stands a young man at an even height of 6 feet tall. He looks young but definitely matured, looking to be edging into his mid-20s. Despite this, he appears to have a very weathered appearance. His skin is very pale and the parts of it that are visible are usually peppered with tiny scars. His short, light brown hair is very neatly trimmed and well-kept. His eyes are a shade of emerald green, usually full of mirth and a clear intelligence. The young man's facial features are strong and well-defined with a neatly squared-jaw and prominent nose. His face is cleanly shaven while he also appears to be in remarkably excellent shape, kept in peak condition. His shoulders are broad along with his build, but not so much to appear oafish, his body more suited to agile movement than brute force. He walks carefully and with a clearly superior grace in his steps.


 * The young man is clothed mostly in exquisitely tailored, loose-fitting brown silks. His tunic is pulled over his broad torso and neatly fastened over his chest, the bottom hanging below his waist. His trousers are pulled over his legs and are worn comfortably, an exquisite belt made of black leather tied around his waist and secured by a shiny steel buckle. On his feet are a pair of finely-crafted but extremely durable scorched-brown leather boots. The strap of an expertly-crafted black leather storage pouch is secured at his belt, the pouch hanging slightly off of his left hip. A finely-crafted black leather baldric is worn diagonally across his torso, additionally secured to his belt with the scabbard hanging off of his right hip. Seen from the top of the scabbard is what looks to be a saber hilt of dulled obsidian, solidly-forged and ornate but not very prominent.


 * Lastly, he wears a large, well-tailored cloak made of black leather over most of his tall frame. The front is usually open, allowing him access to the pouch and blade at his side while the rest of the cloak flows to brush at the top of his boots.

Eseria arrives from Hawk's Aerie Crafter Square Eseria has arrived.

Chaori Balsam unclasps her ashen leather cloak and drapes it so Taran (who is sitting beside her in the back) gets at least a third of it.

Syton moves to one of the tables in the back of the arrangement and settles into it with a heavy sigh. "I can't believe that works," he murmurs to Kael. "Last time I pulled something like that, I was 14, and it took me nearly an hour to talk the barkeep into getting my ale."

Eseria Kahar


 * Petite, standing at four foot eleven and a voluptuous, one hundred and thirty five lbs. Eserias stance seems almost in pose. Shoulders pulled back with a slight arch to her back, breasts full and spilling over a green velvet dress that exposes a peek of the silk white chemise beneath. A gold necklace, resting above the curve of her bosom calls more attention ( if even possible to do so ) to her neckline. An open velvet cape loosely covers her to fight off the chill. A tiny waist cinched with a virginal corset makes her comely hips that much more pronounced. A tender innocent expression beneath large brown colored eyes clash in stark contrast with the seductive curves of her person. A thick long mane of blonde nearly brown with golden highlights, swept up on the sides only loosely held by gold wildstone haircombs. Leaving the rest of her large loose locks to tumble down her shoulders and the length of her back. Her unblemished skin seems neithier pale nor tanned but a touch of pink and honey. Greenvelvet slippers without mark or stain grace her tiny feet. A gold wildstone ring sits on the index finger of her left hand and a simple gold ring is placed on her other hand index finger, only seen when she removes her gloves. Two gold bracelets, shining when Eseria moves about, rests on her left wrist.

Taran accepts the offered cloak portion with a very careful breath. "Singers must have breath control," he murmurs. "Or I'm certain they would have heard my laughter in Sweetwater."

Kael settles down next to his compatriot, a mere accessory in crime, absently removing his cloak, and letting it fall back over the chair - the tattoo on his face clear. "From now on? Yer gettin' us inta everywhere. 'n no arguin' about it. 'm thinkin' I woul' lose." He flashes him a grin. "I cannae wait t' see yer work."

The tall form of Duke Norran Lomasa strides into the Snowflake Center's hall, dressed in his usual amount of fine silk clothing as he looks curiously about. Eseria Kahar walks along at his side, clearly tagging along with him. As he's suddenly bombarded with attention on entering, the Lomasa grins proudly toward the page. "Well! That's a /much/ better reception. Light Keep you, Master," greets Norran, shrugging off his leather cloak and even the baldric carrying the saber at his waist and offering them both to the man with a grin. "If you lose that saber, friend, well...I'd suggest /not/ doing so, hm? Baroness Kahar is with me," informs Norran, gesturing to the woman beside him.

Thayndor Zahir arrives from Hawk's Aerie Crafter Square Thayndor Zahir has arrived.

Like the crass citizen he is, Lucius didn't give up his weapon upon entering. He looks about the table area, seeing a variety of high ranking guilders that he doesn't know.. or care to know, judging by the irritated look on his face. Instead, shrugging, Lucius moves towards the back seats, where the real rabble are. He spots Kael and heads on over to him, grinning now.

Similarly, upon the arrival of one Thayndor Zahir, a young page is quickly dispatched to him. The young man approaches the Zahir count, asking for his jacket.

Norran Lomasa, along with Eseria Kahar, are escorted through the line past the jealous looks of some of those still in it, and finally shown a table front-and-center of the stage.

Eseria smiles at all the strange faces. The young noble woman looks about the room a bit nervous and follows Norran in.

Chaori Balsam bows her head as Norran and Eseria pass by. She's towards the back, in one of the comfier chairs back there.

Thayndor Zahir


 * A little over twenty, this young man's skin is weathered and tanned from exposure to the elements. He has dark green eyes, brooding under expressive eyebrows and long eyelashes; high-set cheekbones and a thin, straight nose add to the angular set of his features. The bullish line of his jaw adds a fierce, aggressive quality to his face, belied by his stature and comportment. Tall with a thin, athletic build, his limbs and fingers are long and slim. He moves fluidly, as if each step was artfully rehearsed.
 * A bold violet tabard of velvet traces the outermost contours of his form, bearing the sigil of Darkwater Keep: the Zahir raven atop crossed rapiers. Underneath a doublet of silk, brass-buttoned, stands out on his slender but muscular torso. The standing collar of a gray silk tunic wraps about his neck from underneath, and the tunic's sleeves shift loosely as he moves. Below the slight flare at his hips, neatly-tailored gray silk trousers drape down long legs. They fall over utilitarian but well-crafted black leather boots.
 * At his hips are a scabbard with the ornate crossguard of a saber, and a sheath with the more functional hilt of a knife. His whole slim silhouette is wrapped in the folds of a long violet cloak with a brooch in the shape of a raven.
 * On his right cheek is a tattoo: a circle outlined in black, one half white, the other as ebony as the outline of the circle.

Syton just grins, just basking in it for a short time. He unclasps his cloak and lets it fall carelessly over his chair. The freelander spots Norran as he enters, watching the man for a moment before giving Kael a knowing look.

Taran is seated next to Chaori, watching with professional interest.

Thayndor Zahir barely has time to slip through the doors before the page is standing in front of him. "My thanks," he mutters austerely, unclasping his cloak, folding it and offering it to the boy. The Zahir straightens to his full height, the Mark on his cheek worn more like one of pride than anything else.

Celeste Mikin arrives from Hawk's Aerie Crafter Square Celeste Mikin has arrived.

Kael rolls his eyes, glancing between the duke and Temple, then waves, friendly-like, at Lucius - and, with a booted foot, eases out a chair for the man. "Evenin', Master Constable - 't least yer stayin' out o' trouble. Y' met th' renowned playwright, Master Temple?" His eyes are wide in mock hero-worship. "'s work is /amazin'/, I hear tell."

The harp music, coming from backstage, comes to a gentle end, as the foremost curtain is raised, revealing a solitary man on-stage. He strides forward into a lighted area and looks around the crowd. "Welcome, all. Tis a nice crowd we have gathered here this eve. I hope you enjoy our presentation of 'A Royal Pain', brought to you tonight by our humble host, Winter Lomasa. Please make sure to let her know you support this type of activity, and we'll be happy to bring you more shows," says the man, pausing. "We should be starting in just a moment!" he adds, quietly moving offstage.

Celeste walks into the entrance hall, almost running into the back of Thayndor, "Sorry Your Grace, she mutters. The sea foam eyes alighting on various known faces as she tries to fade to the corners of the crowd.

The page with Thayndor notes the Lady Mikin. "Madam," he says humbly. "May I take your coat?"

"I'm still getting used to being a Duke," muses the Lomasa to his companion, Eseria, as they are led along through the lines. He remains completely ignorant of any jealous stares, a wide grin across his face as he and the Baroness are led to their table. As their page makes his way off, the young Duke murmurs to him, "If there's a Constable Lucius Nepos about, could you ask him if he'd like to join us, if he's still in line, hm? Besides that, my thanks." he settles down at a chair, resting comfortably back as he watches the stage.

Thayndor Zahir turns at Celeste's mostly-greeting, smiling politely. "Ah, Lady Celeste. Don't worry about it; a pleasure to see you, of course."

Eseria turns looking for anyone she might recognize as she walks alongside Norran. She notices Taran towards the back and whispers to Norran, "Comforting to see I know someone here besides you!" as she takes her seat beside the Duke.

Celeste Mikin says, "If I had one to give you," flashes an a mused smile towards Thayndor. "Though I hope that we may speak business again at some point." Her steps leading her once more towards the wall."

The young page bows respectfully. "The show is about to start - may I show you to your seats?" he asks, attempting to hide the urgency in his voice.

Celeste Mikin

The woman you see is a regal woman of medium stature, with the air of a tightly wound spring. Though with a softness about her hips and bust, tightly wound muscles flex beneath her pale skin. Her head is crowned with a cascade of white blonde hair spilling about in waves about her face and ending shortly below the shoulder blades. With an air of confidence and quiet reserve, her gaze is usually forthright. The color of her eyes that of the sea on a foggy morning, a sea green hue that is usually attentive yet distant.

She is dressed in a red cotton blouse that accentuates the subtle curves of her form, but does not seem to concern her. A simple black skirt draping down from her slender waist. Falling over a set of dusty tan mid-calf boots. Though simple in design it seems well tended as if almost new.

"Didn't even give me credit..." Syton mutters after the introduction from the stage. He shakes his head slowly, then looks to Kael and Lucius and grins. "I'm an artist," he says, laughing.

To say that Lucius laughs his arse off would be an understatement. He howls, almost, but then cuts himself off as the play seems to be starting. Lucius pats Kael and Temple both on the shoulders, grinning like an idiot and takes a seat. "Damn right, he is. Best playwright I've ever encountered. Well, only one." He doesn't seem to have heard Norran's booming call, or is ignoring it.

"Please do," Thayndor replies to the page, gesturing to Celeste. "Shall we?" He asks stepping after the boy, almost as if he and the Mikin had entered together.

A few other patrons look over their shoulders at Lucius and Syton, some giving dour glances or hissing "ssshh's" in their direction.

Taran gives Eseria a friendly nod as she sees him, but doesn't disturb the hall's conversations. As the play starts, he turns his attention entirely toward it.

Chaori Balsam quietly watches the stage.

"Very well," the page stutters. "Follow me," he states, leading the pair past the line and to a table near the front of the stage. Upon arriving, he neatly snags a name card with "T. Zahir" written on it.

Celeste steps behind Thayndor, intent on following him. "Of course, your grace." The infectious atmosphere bringing a smile to her face, as she follows Thayndor at a slight distance.

"Apologies, apologies. Enjoy the show." Syton whispers to those nearby, an apologetic, but still amused, look on his face. He leans back, quiet now, sparkling eyes focused on the stage.

Thayndor Zahir pulls a chair back for Celeste, pushing it in after her should she deign to sit in it, and then seating himself. Hands in his lap, back straight, he smirks at the Mikin and casts a curious glance at the other patrons seated near the front. Norran gets a lopsided grin and a nod.

Nearly all of the torches lighting the seating area are extinguished, the only light source being a faint glow coming from the stage. The curtains begin to rustle.

Kael nudges Syton with an elbow. "Ah. Nice name y' picked out there." He grins - the whisper carrying a bit... before he manages to stifle his snickers and settle in to watch the performance.

"Good that he got in, hm? No need to worry," chides the Lomasa further, resting his arms on the table once Eseria settles down beside him. An amused grin remains on his face as he patiently watches the stage, occasionally glancing over to the noblewoman beside him to gauge her reactions. He gives a wave in greeting over to Thayndor.

'''The curtains ascend to reveal the ornate Great Hall of the ancient Wildcat Keep in its former glory. A young handmaiden and another attendant are busy cleaning, wiping and dusting various furniture pieces.'''

Celeste Mikin allows Thayndor to offer her a chair. The amused smile only tightening slightly as she notices the mark once more. Thank you.' Her eyes turning towards the stage, though they dart back to the man sitting beside every so often.

'''The handmaid turns to the young attendant. "Have you heard the news?" She asks quizzically.'''

Lucius Nepos smirks at the Syton's antics, barely suppressing a chuckle now that the show has actually started out. "This should be good. Ten kahars that the handmaid gets fucked by the end of the play." He whispers to them both.

The Marked Viper from Darkwater makes no attempt to hide his mark, merely smiling back at Celeste politely before shifting to focus his attention on the show.

'''The attendant pauses in her cleaning duties and stands upright. "News? What news?" she responds.'''

'''The handmaid turns away, back towards her duty. "Well, if you don't know, I probably shouldn't tell you!" She exclaims sheepishly.'''

Syton leans over towards Lucius and Kael, grinning. "Twenty," he says to Lucius, "and it's Duke Norran that does it."

'''The attendant gives the handmaid a cross look, placing her hands on her hips. "Well, you did bring it up." She mentions.'''

'''The handmaid pauses momentarily. "Good point. But still...."'''

Kael just replies, with a perfectly straight face, whispering.. "No' enough women in th' play yet fer that."

The attendant scurries up to her coworker, "Oh, come on! You know I won't tell anyone!"

Lucius Nepos glances incredulously at Syton. "What, cha think he'll jump on stage and just avail himself of the lady? Dun think so. He'd try to charm her, right?" That's in his rhetorical whispering voice. "Yet." He grins at Kael.

'''The handmaid attempts to walk away, feigning interest in a new cleaning duty. "Yes, of course! You've got sealed lips! Like that time I told you about the Emperor's wig!" She exclaims sarcastically.'''

'''The attendant looks shocked. "I didn't tell anyone!" she exclaims, throwing her hands in the air.'''

'''The handmaid continues her fastidious dusting. "Yes you did! I heard you telling the Scribe!"'''

'''The attendant rushes and kneels in front of the handmaiden. "He won't tell anyone, he can keep a secret!" she begs.'''

'''The handmaid turns away from the attendant again. "Its his job to tell people, you twit! He even recorded it in the Royal Records!"'''

'''The attendant looks crestfallen. "Well, it'll bring some humor to someone, won't it?" She pleads.'''

"Yeah-whoever finds those records in the future will know that Emperor Talus couldn't put a hairpiece on right! Some encyclopedia entry this Empire's going to have," the handmaid states matter-of-factly.

Celeste leans over to mumble to Thayndor, "Is not your betrothed to be here tonight? Or shall I be meeting her when I marry you two?"

'''The attendant begins to return to her cleaning duties. "I would think they would devote more space to that sordid affair between Gorom and Intira, personally-"'''

'''"Shhhhh! You idiot!" the handmaid interrupts frantically. "You want to spread that around, now, too?"'''

'''The attendant smirks. "Everyone already knows!"'''

Thayndor Zahir shakes his head to Celeste, leaning in to reply back to her in a murmur. "She couldn't make it, but I will arrange for you to meet her soon," he replies, straightening again. He chuckles at a punch line, leaning one elbow on the table and his chin in that hand.

'''The Handmaid scowls at her younger companion. "No thanks to you, motor mouth. You had to tell the Nurse, that windbag!" She exclaims.'''

Chaori Balsam actually smiles, eyes twinkling.

Syton stifles a chuckle and shakes his head to Kael and Lucius before sitting back upright and focusing his attention on the play. He folds his arms across his chest and watches.

'''The attendant's brow furrows. "How would I know she'd spread it around?" She asks.'''

'''The handmaid harruphs. "She's the biggest gossip this side of the Lightholder River!"'''

Lucius Nepos snickers at the play, green blue eyes watching it with interest. "Maybe they do each other, on second thought." He mumbles.

'''The attendant relents. "Isn't she going deaf, anyway?"'''

'''"Oh yes, poor thing." The handmaid answers, again continuing in her cleaning. "Why, one of the knights came to her complaining about his ear, and the Nurse thought he had said rear...oh dear, that knight was walking funny for some time."'''

'''The attendant giggles. "Well, I think that-"'''

Kael grins, and just settles in to enjoy the play. "m' no' sayin' a word."

'''"No one cares what you think." The handmaiden interrupts, moving on to the bookcase, carefully dusting away.'''

'''The attendant is taken aback. "The Scribe seemed very interested!" She mentions, defensively.'''

'''The handmaid looks amused. "That's because most of the people around here are as loose-tongued as you are. That Scribe would leap at the chance to get some good dirt."'''

'''The attendant looks curious. "It's hard to picture him as a gossip... He's always seemed to walk rather stiffly to me."'''

'''The handmaid gives a kind frown to the attendant. "No, the Nurse misheard him too." She jokes.'''

'''The scuffling of shoes can be heard, as a foppish man dressed fully in black enters the Great Hall from an inner chamber. He holds a scroll in one hand and a feather quill in the other.'''

'''The attendant exclaims at the man's sudden appearance. "Lerone!"'''

Thayndor Zahir straightens at the new arrival on-stage, studying him.

'''The scribe straightens his posture. He appears to be in his middle years. "Why, hello, ladies. This afternoon is so dreadfully dull, I wish I had something to occupy the time."'''

'''The handmaiden scoffs. "Try backbreaking labor until the sun sets," she says, continuing her own work.'''

'''Lerone gives the handmaiden a suspicious glare. "Don't complain about your lot in life-there are plenty of commoners out there who would do anything to walk in these hallowed halls," he brags.'''

"Walking down them and scrubbing them with your own toothbrush are entirely different things, Lerone," the Handmaid retorts.

'''The attendant is also busy cleaning, now polishing some brass placards. "Goodness, this Hall takes an eternity to clean!"'''

"And the next time someone eats here it'll be just as dirty again," The handmaid adds, defeatedly.

Lucius Nepos motions at Lerone. "Soon they'll embrace in a passionate kiss or something. Or he'll just take them as they bend over cleaning. He's probably a ravisher like that."

'''The attendant huffs. "This is such a feudal system...."'''

Celeste arches a white blonde brow at the Handmaiden's statement, her hands coming to rest in her lap.

'''Lerone arches an eyebrow. "The word is futile," He says, looking at the attendant.'''

'''The attendant stops, eyeing Lerone. "You sure?" She asks, disbelievingly.'''

'''The scribe strokes his chin. "Very." he states.'''

'''The attendant begins cleaning again. "Whatever," she says, exasperated.'''

Kael leans in to Lucius. "'es all 'n black. e's th' bad one, aye?"

The young Duke Lomasa manages his own soft chuckling at parts during the play, but more or less remains quiet as he watches the stage intently from his seat beside Eseria. "Jesting at Emperor Kahar, hm? There was a time where that would've resulted in a rain of rotten fruit, but I suppose those days are gone," idly comments Norran quietly to the apparently far more enraptured and/or snoozing Eseria, before growing quietly again.

Thayndor Zahir's brow furrows at the entendre, leaning forward again.

'''"Have we even cleaned half of the Hall? Supper convenes in an hour." inquires the handmaid, annoyedly.'''

'''Lerone chuckles to himself. "I wouldn't worry...the pots and pans will need to be cleaned after that." He adds, dryly.'''

'''The handmaid grimaces, nodding ironically at the scribe. "You're so good at putting things into perspective, Lerone."'''

The scribe looks on as the other two continue cleaning and the conversation lulls.

Syton glances over at Lucius and Kael, smiling, and rolls his eyes. He looks back to the play, appearing interested in it.

The attendant is cleaning some glass, before pausing and announcing to no one in particular "Now that I'm thinking about it-"

'''"You're thinking?" both the handmaid and scribe interrupt, in unison.'''

Lucius Nepos just watches the play now, successfully shutting up.

Thayndor Zahir snorts.

'''The attendant is surprised at the reaction. "Yes - is that so hard to believe?" she asks crossly.'''

Lerone and the handmaid merely look at each other.

'''The attendant continues, ignoring the other two for the moment. "Anyway, hasn't it been a while since Master Gorom was around?"'''

Celeste Mikin looks back at Thayndor, a soft laugh escaping her lips before returning her gaze to the stage.

'''The handmaid frowns at her friend. "Silly, he's out questing or whatever."'''

Norran manages a further chortle at the stage, before shaking his head again.

Chaori Balsam murmurs to Taran, "I think the company should take this to Freehold. Everyone would love it."

'''"Where's he going to?" Asks the attendant.'''

'''Lerone wags a finger at the attendant. "Don't end a sentence with a preposition." he states.'''

'''"She speaks good enough!" The handmaid puffs.'''

Eseria sitting what would appear painfully straight in her chair leans in closer to the Duke, smiling she whispers, "I just *love* theater!" Eseria continues to watch intently paying no attention to others in the room or even the Duke himself.

'''The scribe peers back at the handmaid. " "Well" enough," he corrects.'''

Both the handmaid and the attendant glance at each other, joining in a chorus of "Shut Up" directed at the scribe.

'''The scribe grimaces. "Besides, it's a quest. He doesn't have a particular goal. He's just in search of adventure," He notes.'''

'''The handmaid looks bemused. "And maybe a little something else...." She mentions, winking at the attendant.'''

'''Lerone looks unimpressed. "Be civil!" He warns.'''

Celeste Mikin raises a hand to her lips, leaning back in the chair as she lowers the arm to the table so to rest her chin.

'''The attendant stops her cleaning, and addresses the other two. "Oh, come on. We all know the Empress's tightening the royal leash."'''

Norran manages a low groan as things devolve into grammar jokes, reaching a hand to rub at his brow slowly. He flashes a grin toward Eseria, before looking back.

'''The scribe steps away, taking deep breaths. "Meadows...fields...happy thoughts...." he chants to himself quietly.'''

'''The handmaid nods agreeingly. "It's no wonder Gorom left."'''

Thayndor Zahir arches an eyebrow at the mention of the 'royal leash,' focusing on the attendant and ignoring the scribe altogether.

'''Lerone continues. "Dictionaries...thesauruses...." he mutters.'''

Lucius Nepos looks from Kael to Syton, shaking his head. "This play is bollocks, lads. Where's the bloody action? It's all a bunch of lame jokes."

'''The attendant stands at one of the large windows overlooking the downs. "Oh, I'd give anything to go out there...I hear there are some great knights in Leodegrande's land...." she says, wistfully.'''

'''The scribe throws his hands in the air, dropping his scrolls in the process. "The direct object follows the modifier, which follows the indirect object, which follows the verb, which follows the noun.... Aaargh!" He exclaims, his face reddening.'''

'''The handmaid returns to her cleaning. "Too bad us poor servants are locked up in here."'''

Kael watches, leaning in to Lucius. "M' still tryin' t' figure out if th' fellow 'n black 's th' bad 'n."

'''Lerone's face is turning teakettle red. "Honestly, I've no idea how you survive speaking such filth!" he says, speaking between clenched teeth.'''

'''The handmaid looks annoyed. "Don't you have some of the Emperor's singing in the baths to officially record?" She asks rudely.'''

'''The scribe kicks one of his scrolls in anger. "Ahh!" He exclaims. "Split infinitive! You bottom feeder! My ears!" He screams, scrambling around the room, finally passing through a nearby doorway.'''

'''The attendant gives a knowing glance back towards the handmaiden. "That was easy," She says smugly.'''

"I can't believe I wrote this..." Syton murmurs, shaking his head slowly. "I imagined it having more... you know... swashbuckling."

'''The handmaid smiles back. "I should have thought of it years ago," she muses.'''

As the attendants return to their cleaning, the gong of a great bell is heard, signaling dinner hour.

'''"Oh great!" exclaims the attendant, flustered.'''

'''The handmaiden neatly gathers her cleaning equipment. "Supper time" she mentions.'''

Both the handmaiden and the attendant scurry off to another room in the keep as the light dims.

Eseria turns her attention to the Duke with a distasteful expression, "Must you groan m'lord?" The young Kahar reaches over to pat Norran's arm, "It really isn't that* bad!"

Celeste glances about the room, her mind lost to the play once more. Alighting on Syton, she smiles in his direction before looking back once more at an exclamation on the stage.

Lucius Nepos pats Syton on the shoulder, like a father might do to his son after killing the house's prized pet sheep. "Ah, there there. I think the guy in the black is bad.. because ever since he came on this play's gone downhill."

After a few moments, the light returns, revealing Intira - the wife of Emperor Talus, and a nurse in the Empress' well-decorated private chambers.

Kael whispers to Syton, warningly.. "Y' keep yer swashes buckled - we hae enough problems wi' e'm comin' open 'n public." His grin is merry.

Norran stares blankly at the stage at the scribe's antics, muttering more to himself, "Split...infinitive? I hope there's some swordplay sooner or later." He grins toward Eseria, giving her a faint shrug. "Oh, it isn't. Some parts...are," he manages.

Intira sighs loudly and obviously.

'''The nurse, an older woman with gray hair, turns to Intira. "Is there a wind-ablowin' in here?" She asks wryly.'''

'''Intira waves her hand at the nurse. "Just me, nurse," she says.'''

Thayndor Zahir leans back at the scene change, then over, to Celeste. "I know how she feels," he mutters to her as Intira sighs, then straightens as if he hadn't said a word.

'''The nurse returns to gathering various supplies from a leather bag. "I agree, tis blowin' lustily!" she exclaims.'''

"No, I'm sighing," corrects the Empress.

'''"You're what!?" asks the nurse, sounding confused.'''

"I wish you'd start blowing someone, already." Quips Lucius.

Chaori Balsam winces, suspecting a double-entendre in the making.

'''Intira rolls her eyes at the woman. "Sighing," she says, sighing again as she speaks the words.'''

'''The nurse looks confused. "Now, are you ablowin' or asighin' cause I'm getting mighty confused here, lassie!"'''

'''Intira looks upset. "I'm sighing!" she says forcefully.'''

Celeste leans back in an unladylike posture towards Thayndor, "the sighing?" she asks quizzically.

'''A look of compassion comes over the nurse's face. "Oh, lassie, what's the matter?" she asks, voice softening.'''

Kael snickers, doing his best to keep it as quiet as he can manage.

'''Intira turns away, speaking to the wall. "My nurse can't hear what I say," she mentions.'''

'''The nurse leans closer to the empress. "What's that, dear?" She asks, cupping her hand to her ear.'''

Norran's left brow quirks upward at the mention of blowing, but afterward his brow starts to furrow. "Confusing, but it's far better than sitting alone by the hearth all night, hm?" asks the young Duke quietly of the Kahar.

'''Intira looks on wistfully. "I miss someone."'''

'''A light goes off in the nurse's head. "Ahh, is it your love that's missin'?"'''

'''Intira clasps her hands in front of her chest. "Yes, he's so sweet," she says dreamily.'''

'''"So strong, and good-smelling, he is?" says the nurse, agreeably.'''

"The shows at the Crescent Moon are better... I hear..." Syton never takes his attention off the show. He rubs one of his eyes and blinks several times, trying to stay awake.

'''"Oh, yes!" replies Intira passionately.'''

'''The nurse raises an eyebrow. "Hits all the good spots, don' he?" she asks suggestively.'''

'''The empress responds with a devilish grin. "Definitely."'''

Lucius Nepos laughs at that, though quietly. "Yeah, that they are. My wife used to work there, so I'd know. Well, wife to be. Keep meaning to get that over with." He motions to the play. "Ah, here we go."

Taran isn't *quite* able to suppress his laughter. But it looks like he may be crying, as well, one hand firmly clamped over his mouth.

'''The nurse continues. "Talks to ya nice when yer down?"'''

'''Intira's eyes gleam. "Why yes, he does that too."'''

'''The nurse grins wryly. "And when you're in the mood for some of that..." she adds, trailing off.'''

Kael snickers. "'m likin' her."

Norran's hand immediately slaps into his forehead as the play continues, cheeks tinting red. "Well, there it is! It can only get worse from here on," murmurs Norran.

Eseria shifts in her chair, "I quite enjoy a warm hearth, though your company is much better than it alone." she whispers to the Duke.

'''The empress looks somewhat uncomfortable, blinking a few times before answering the question. "Yes, that too." she states, properly.'''

Chaori Balsam gently pats Taran's shoulder. Her giggles into his ear are barely above a whisper.

'''"Oh, how sweet-he even bakes for you!" The nurse adds giddily. She stops to ponder for a moment, placing her head on her hand. "Why, I can solve your troubles! I'll bring that lad right here right swift!" She says, standing up.'''

'''Intira looks interested. "Oh, really? Please do!"'''

Thayndor Zahir blinks, drowsily, and stifles a yawn at the punch line.

'''The nurse nods knowingly. "Course, dear, tis nothing." She says, turning towards the door. "EMMMPERRRRRORRRR! Yer Empress wants ya, quick now!" she yells at the top of her lungs.'''

'''Intira gasps, realizing something, and attempts to interrupt the nurse. "Nurse, it's quite all right." she says worriedly.'''

'''The nurse ignores here. "No, tis nothing!" she says. After a moment of waiting, an angry looks flashes across her face. "Why, he's not coming along now! TAAALLLLLLLUUUSSSSS! Drag your sorry-"'''

'''The empress interrupts. "That's quite enough, nurse!"'''

Celeste notices Thayndor's yawn, and leans back once more. "Shall we sneak out later, and perhaps find something a bit more...livable?"

'''The nurse stops yelling. "Poor you. No wonder ya miss im. He's never around," she says matter-of-factly.'''

'''Intira looks exasperated. "That's fine by me," she says tiredly.'''

'''"Well, I wouldn't go s'far as to call it blasphemy, but still!" she quips.'''

'''A royal aide - a young man dressed in fine linens - enters the room. The aide looks bored. "Did you call His Royal Highness, Your Royal Highness?" he asks boredly.'''

'''"Her Royal Highness called His Royal Highness, and certainly not His Royal Highness's royal toady!" inserts the Nurse, cutting off the Empress.'''

The Baroness frowns a bit and mutters to Norran, "This is certainly not what I was expecting." Eseria shifts uncomfortably in her chair more or less from boredom and or annoyance.

'''The aide grimaces at the nurse. "How dare you, insulting His Royal Highness's royal aide!" he says angrily.'''

'''The nurse sneers. "Her Royal Highness's royal nurse merely spoke the royal truth!"'''

'''The empress steps between the bickering pair. "The both of you are being a royal pain!"'''

'''Both the aide and the nurse look surprised. "Your Royal Highness!" they exclaim in unison.'''

'''Intira holds her head high. "Just leave!" She commands, flicking her wrist to excuse the two.'''

Both the aide and the nurse humbly accept their orders, but are slow to leave the chamber.

Thayndor Zahir furrows his brow as he leans over to murmur to Celeste. "At the intermission, maybe," he replies. "I know the proprietress. Wouldn't want to be rude." Just the same, he doesn't remove his eyes from the play.

'''"Get out!" exclaims Intira, noting their tardiness. The nurse and aide both get the message and leave the room.'''

'''Intira sits down tiredly on a sedan chair. "Finally, some peace," she mutters to herself.'''

From just outside the room, the nurse can be heard to yell "I agree!"

'''Intira, looking agitated, throws a folded fan at the door. "Go away!" She screams.'''

'''The stage lights darken momentarily. When they lighten again, the scene has shifted back to the great hall. Both the aide and the nurse are milling about.'''

"Well, admit it, when she called for the Emperor, that was a /little/ amusing?" asks Norran with a low chuckle, giving Eseria a small nudge. "Seems more like something they'd try at Apple Village, honestly. I know some Kahars that would've jumped on stage and started waving sabers around. They're be /quite/ drunk, but still!" manages the Lomasa in a quiet response.

Lucius Nepos nudges Kael. "I'm thinking we should cause some ruckus."

'''The aide eyes over the nurse. "Touchy, today, isn't she?" he inquires.'''

'''The nurse nods. "She has issues."'''

'''The aide's ears perk up. "Really? Like what?" he asks inquisitively.'''

'''The nurse grimaces, sitting in one of the chairs in the hall. "Oh, the Emperor isn't paying her any attention."'''

'''The royal aide scoffs. "Why should he, she's off with that Gorom all the time."'''

'''"Ha!" the nurse laughs loudly. "She's through with him; I have it on good authority," she adds knowingly.'''

'''The aide looks suspiciously at the nurse. "Whose?"'''

Eseria becomes increasingly agitated replying to the Duke sharply, "Yes indeed, and they'd have no need to be drunk. I try to be good humored but this is just ridiculous."

'''The nurse motions back towards the Empresses' chamber. "Hers."'''

'''The aide is intrigued. "Really? She seemed rather attached to him last he left this place."'''

Kael nudges back. "m' no' gettin' arrested. Alainne woul' kill me." He grins. "B'sides, I figure th' wordy fellow wi' th' quill 's goin' t' show up anytime 'n start stabbin' folks."

'''The nurse nods. "People change, I suppose. She was just telling this to me in her chambers."'''

'''The aide continues looking suspicious. "Are you sure you heard her correctly?" he asks, looking the nurse square in the eye.'''

'''The nurse is taken aback. "Honestly! I don't know how people get the idea I'm going deaf! I can hear perfectly well!" she maintains.'''

'''"I'm sorry, I suppose I may have been a bit quick to let the rumors get to my head." says the aide, correcting himself.'''

'''The nurse smiles. "Poor dear, if your bed is too high, talk to the carpenter, he'll set you straight," she says cheerily.'''

'''The aide chortles. "Never mind," he says, turning to leave.'''

"As you wish, lad," the nurse says.

'''The aide stops, and turns to face the nurse again. "So, the Empress digs the Emperor again?" he asks.'''

'''The nurse's smile grows broader. "Most definitely, oh especially his baking!" she adds boisterously.'''

Celeste Mikin lowers her head to her hand once more. The lashes fluttering over the sea green eyes as she raises a hand to stifle a yawn. Her gaze looking about the room once more. Alighting on Norran, a smile to her face as she shakes her head once more looking about the room.

'''The aide claps his hands together. "Oh, that's splendid! I'll be sure to tell him soon!" he says, running off to the far end of the hall.'''

'''The nurse takes a moment to sit and relax. "Oh, I love it when marriages work out!" she says contentedly as the lights dim again.'''

'''As the lights rise, we find ourselves still within the Great Hall. Lerone, the scribe, is loitering about, talking off and on to the royal attendant.'''

'''The scribe turns to the attendant. "So...how are things?" he asks curiously.'''

'''"Fine...and yourself?" she replies.'''

Kael nudges Luc. "See? There 'e is."

'''The scribe nods in return. "They are well."'''

"Must...not...parody," murmurs Taran, very quietly. "Must...not...satirize. Light preserve me, it's *begging* for it...or at least a little audience participation...."

'''The attendant looks questioningly at Lerone. "Shouldn't that be 'good'?"'''

'''Lerone shakes his head. "No." he says matter-of-factly.'''

The attendant squints at the scribe "Are you-"

Chaori Balsam whispers to Taran, "I know, but you'd break their hearts."

'''"Very." interrupts Lerone confidently.'''

'''The attendant harumphs. "You say very a lot, you know."'''

'''The scribe sneers in return. "You say ignorant things a lot, you know." he says, an uncaring tone in his voice.'''

'''The attendant gasps. "I've never said that in my life!"'''

'''Lerone disagrees. "You say stupid things all the time!"'''

'''The attendant looks confused. "Hey, now, first you say ignorant things and now stupid things. Maybe I've said the phrase stupid things once or twice in my life, but that's no reason for you-"'''

Taran snorts softly. "It's the damage to my reputation I would have to worry about. The satirist is only popular in the homes of his subject's enemies. Good thing, too."

'''Lerone interrupts the attendant in mid-pause. "Oh, just stop talking!" he exclaims.'''

"I understand you, Eseria. The banter is starting to get a little /much/, though," dryly comments Norran with a small shrug, resting his arms on the table as he continues to watch.

'''The attendant pushes the scribe playfully. "No, you!"'''

'''Lerone pushes her back. "No, you!"'''

'''The attendant pushes Lerone again, this time very hard. "You!" she yells, the scribe stumbling backwards.'''

A strong, burly man dressed in full armor - polished and ready for formal occasions, enters the room.

'''"Allo all! I'm back!" the man bellows.'''

Chaori Balsam remarks very quietly to Taran, "It would be an instant hit in most of Fastheld, but how does one satirize a farce?"

"...Such wit," is Taran's quietly dry remark.

Lerone gives a questionable glance.

'''"It's me, the great Master Sirion, of the Round Table, you know, that one?" asks the large man.'''

'''"Ah, I see." says the scribe, tapping his quill to a scroll. "Where, exactly, have you been?"'''

'''Master Sirion smirks. "I've been questing."'''

'''Lerone nods. "Seems to be a popular thing to do these days...."'''

'''"Huh?" asks Sirion.'''

'''The attendant interrupts. "Never mind him."'''

'''Master Sirion's expression is blank. "I seem to be getting my memory back. You're that prickly little fellow who always corrected people's grammar, aren't you?" he asks Lerone.'''

"Is that supposed to be Sirion Starkhorn?" Thayndor mutters to Celeste, gesturing abbreviatedly to the large man.

'''Lerone ignores Sirion's inquisition. "Bad grammar needs the correction, or it will just happen again."'''

'''"Yes, bad grammar has been known to do that." the attendant adds sarcastically.'''

'''Master Sirion puffs his chest, ignoring the other two. "I was wandering the vast plains, in search of adventure...." he boasts, his voice carrying throughout the Great Hall.'''

"Ah, what a beautiful cliché," the scribe intones idly.

'''Sirion breaks from his storytelling to give a harsh look at Lerone. "Don't you go using your fancy words on me, prickly boy. I don't like you, little man. And I can play your little grammar game. Prepositions and whatnot! Get this, a perfect sentence, just for you: You always think you are intellectually superior to the person who you are talking to."'''

'''The scribe looks unimpressed. "'The person to whom you are talking'" he corrects.'''

Celeste Mikin says, "I've no idea, my mind has started to wander." She glance about the room once more, a hand coming to rest over her lips to hide whether she is yawning or laughing. Her eyes drinking in the people along the edges, now.

'''"Stop it!" bellows Sirion.'''

'''The attendant tries to change the subject. "Anyway...what did you see, Master Sirion?" she asks.'''

Eseria leans back in her chair resting her small folded hands in her lap once again. Relinquishing a long arduous sigh she mutters to the dashing young Duke, "I quite agree."

'''Sirion returns to his storytelling stance. "I saw Emperor Talus, and his lovely daughter Celene."'''

'''Lerone gives a forced smile. "Delightful," he says.'''

'''Sirion nods. "Quite. She has a child, though."'''

'''"What's his name?" asks the attendant.'''

"Grailas," responds Sirion.

"Starkhorn? Wasn't he only famous for two days before the wildlings cut him down? And I thought he was an archer?" muses the Lomasa, flashing a smile toward the Kahar noblewoman beside him as he leans back into his chair.

'''Lerone looks bored. "Interesting..." he says, transcribing everything onto a scroll.'''

'''Sirion lowers his voice. "Not nearly as interesting as this. Guess who the boy's father is?" he says in a leading manner.'''

'''The attendant claps. "Ooh, I love games like this! It was the Emperor, wasn't it!" she exclaims.'''

Both Lerone and Sirion give a disgusted look to the young lady.

Chaori Balsam raises her eyebrows at that.

'''"That's her father!" says Lerone, correcting the attendant.'''

'''The attendant (again) looks confused. "Oh, I thought you said Grailas was a boy?" she asks, her brow furrowing.'''

'''"No, the Emperor is Celene's father!" states the scribe in a condescending tone.'''

'''The attendant's eyes cross as she tries to work everything out. "Now, see here, either the poor kid's name is Grailas or Celene, now which is it?" she asks, frustrated.'''

'''Lerone puts his quill down, and speaks slowly to the attendant. "Listen carefully. Emperor Talus had a daughter...."'''

'''"Ooh, ooh! Grailas, right!" inserts the attendant.'''

'''The scribe continues his slow speaking. "Emperor Talus had a daughter named Celene."'''

"I'll bet you a horse this play never runs again," Thayndor mutters to Celeste.

'''The attendant looks relieved. "I see, Emperor Grailas's wife Celene had a baby?"'''

'''Lerone's patience wears thin. "Stop! Listen! Emperor Talus had a daughter named Celene. Celene had a child - a boy - named Grailas! Understand?" he asks her, angrily.'''

'''The attendant nods. "Yes, but that poor Emperor Celene, such an effeminate name!" she says, wistfully.'''

Taran gets a rather wickedly calculating expression. "Audience participation, and this would be a hit," he murmurs.

'''The scribe retrieves his quill. "Just tell us who the father is." he asks Master Sirion.'''

'''Sirion grimaces before delivering the news. "Master Gorom," he states, matter-of-factly.'''

Eseria shakes her head in an attempt to dispel the irritation that is spilling into anger. "Certainly brazen, aren't they Duke?"

Celeste Mikin says, "I'm not a sucker, my lord...just a fool" She cants her head towards Thayndor, winking at him for quickly before her eyes are once more scanning the room.

'''Lerone and the attendant are both in shock "What!" they exclaim together.'''

'''Sirion looks pleased with himself. "No joking!"'''

'''The scribe calms himself, and continues jotting on a scroll. "What horrid news!" he states, with false compassion.'''

Chaori Balsam murmurs, "It would indeed. Why do I think this ends in the Aegis being raised to save the world from Fastheld's quarrels?"

Thayndor Zahir raises both eyebrows, although whether it's at the play or at Celeste is up for interpretation. "Fool for what?" He mutters back, brow lowering.

'''The attendant misses this, however, and looks genuinely distressed. "Awful, indeed!"'''

"We're not going to get arrested." Mutters Lucius in return to Kael and Temple. "Besides, I could probably pull some strings if we do."

'''Lerone smiles wryly, speaking to himself aloud as he writes. "The cheating Empress's being cheated on. Delicious."'''

'''The attendant overhears. "She did sort of have it coming to her, though," she supposes.'''

"C'est la vie," Lerone adds.

'''The attendant grabs Lerone's arm, jarring his writing. "Let's get out of here before this heats up. We must...do something about this baby!" she exclaims, pulling the scribe to another chamber off of the Great Hall.'''

"It only contains them," Taran replies quietly. "Oh *Light*, did he just say 'delicious'? I'm going to hear a lisp the rest of the night now."

Music from an unseen orchestra swells, as the lighting changes.

Chaori Balsam whispers to Taran, "He did and you will."

'''Sirion grins broadly. "I suppose I should have mentioned," he says, turning to the audience. "That Gorom was being shadow-tricked into believing that Celene was Intira, shouldn't I? Well, I'll just tell them next I see them...." he says smugly as he makes his way to the dining hall.'''

The Lomasa reaches over to pat Eseria gently on the shoulder, attempting to calm her down. "They're trying for /amusement/, Eseria. Nothing entertaining about historical accuracy, is there?" queries Norran, a slight grin tugging at his lips. As the music changes, Norran perks up, glancing around.

Celeste laughs softly, her attention fading in the play once more in lieu of the Count. "Is this our escape, my lord...or shall we endure a bit more?"

All the stagelights are shuttered, and the stage goes dark. The curtains are lowered. It is intermission break.

Lucius Nepos gets up from his back benching seats. Luckily for him he's far enough away to safely comment about the production for the entire length of the play and not get caught. He shakes his head at both men. "This is a trite. I think we should stay but.. to do something fun."

Kael pauses, to look confused, and leans back to look between Syton and Luc. "Right. So... uhm. The guy with the quill 's goin' crazy, an' th' emperor 's sleepin' wi' th' chambermaid, 'n th' big knight 's Touched 'n gettin' blowed by th' empress?"

Taran heaves a just-audible sigh of relief. "...I think I may have pulled a muscle *not* laughing..." he speculates.

"I'm not sure I appreciate the playwright," Thayndor replies, rising and stretching his legs. "Stringing me along with all that nonsense and saving the entire actual plot until the end."

Eseria balls her tiny hand in a fist and leaves it in her lap whilst giving Norran a sharp look in response to his comment. "Will we be leaving soon m'lord?"

Celeste Mikin says, "That is the way of Theater, my lord." She steps around the table, her steps matching that of his own. "Shall we seek out more amusement, or was that enough of my company you could bear?" A white blonde brow arching as an amused smile returns to her lips."

"It's almost as confusing as East Leg," Syton says with a groan. He rises to his feet and stretches at length. "I need a drink," he states firmly.

Lucius Nepos shrugs at Kael, before tapping Temple on the shoulder. "I truly hope you pretend you never took responsibility for that bloody play. I'm with you on that one, though. Lead on, Syton."

Kael stands, gathering his cloak, and looking bemused. "Th' quill fellow in black 's th' bad one, aye?"

Chaori Balsam remarks to Taran, "I hope you didn't. I'm glad you suggested this. As bad as this farce is, it made me laugh."

"There was /plot/ in that, Eseria? I wasn't aware," muses Norran, shaking his head as he rises from his seat. "Let us return to Riverhold, then, Eseria," he offers, walking off in the direction of the exit. "Master Page! My cloak and saber, or I start /looking/ for it!" he calls into the clearing room.

Thayndor Zahir chuckles. "No, sadly Winter Lomasa would never forgive me if I left a play she sponsored before the finish. I know she'd find out somehow." Under his breath, he mutters, "But I will -not- be sober for the second act."

Taran stretches, getting to his feet. "Well," he says. "I think if that's noble's fare, I am glad not to be noble."

Several patrons mill about in the reception area, as maidservants wander about with champagne or other treats. The two guards look over the crowd suspiciously, still wary of ne'er-do-wells.

Celeste Mikin says, "Nor shall I." Her steps following slightly behind the Count as the head for the door in the throng of people. Her slighter frame almost lost within the crowd for a bit."

Chaori Balsam stretches in her chair, then uses her cane to get to her feet. "Honestly, I think it would do very well in Freehold."

Eseria stands quickly and follows behind Norran, speaking her thoughts out loud Eseria mutters, "Finally."

Lucius Nepos pushes through the crowd, clasping his robe tightly as he heads towards the door. He stands tall and doesn't wait for a guard to let him out, if that's what the situation may be.

"Haven't been, yet," Taran muses. "You think so? On what basis?"

Norran Lomasa heads into Hawk's Aerie Crafter Square. Norran Lomasa has left. Eseria heads into Hawk's Aerie Crafter Square. Eseria has left.

Syton grabs his cloak and fastens it around his shoulders. He follows in Lucius's wake, yawning into one of his hands. He offers a friendly smile and nod to the guards as he passes.

Thayndor Zahir strikes quickly for a fluted glass, and begins quaffing its contents like he's a man with a job to do. And that job is drink. Kael pulls on his cloak, following bemusedly in Syton and Luc's footsteps. "Really .. 'e /was/ th' bad one, aye?" Chaori Balsam scoops up her cloak and puts it on. "This might not be the best place to discuss that." "Oy!" shouts the guard. "E'ryone, here's the playwright right here!" he shouts, indicating the diminutive Syton

Celeste Mikin shakes her head, as she also moves towards the exit. The amused smile still to her lips.

Celeste Mikin heads into Hawk's Aerie Crafter Square. Celeste Mikin has left.

Taran can't contain it any more. A quiet snort devolves into helpless laughter - and the bard's voice is trained to carry. Even clapping his hand over his mouth isn't helping; he's laughing so hard tears are streaming from his eyes.

Chaori Balsam gets a handkerchief out and dabs at Taran's face. She calls over to Temple, "I salute your courage, Master Playwright." Lucius Nepos pats Temple on the shoulder. "He bollocksed the bloody play up, truth be told. Not enough sex, too much talk, not enough death. S'okay, more swashbuckling in the second act, aye?" He wears a grin on his face. He's obviously trying to embarrass Temple.

Pulling up his hood, the Marked commoner laughs, helplessly... "m'... .goin' tae check on Alainne. Yer 'n enough trouble wi'out me addin'." With that Kael sweeps past the guards, and out into the square.

Kael heads into Hawk's Aerie Crafter Square. Kael has left.

"Thank you, thank you." Syton whirls around and nods to Chaori and Taran. He flashes them both a bright smile. "Mistress. Master Taran, good to see you again." At Lucius's remark, he rolls his eyes. "It's building, Master," he says. "The second act is far more epic."

Chaori Balsam asks Syton, "Am I right? Does it end in the Aegis being raised to contain Fastheld's quarrels?"

Taran - eyes still streaming, but getting it under control somewhat, says, "Indeed, the play is ten times better for your presence, Master," he says - even managing a completely straight face.

Lucius Nepos snorts. "Ah, of course it is. I'm gonna go get bloody trashed." He leaves.

Taran has disconnected.

"I dare not say, Mistress," Syton replies to Chaori with a smile, "for that would spoil the ending completely. However..." He says, raising his tone a bit, "that would be a good ending, from a storytelling perspective." He glances over his shoulder to the door, then back to Chaori. "Perhaps you'd like to come get a drink, and we can discuss some more of your ideas?"

Chaori Balsam replies, "A walk yes, but nothing stronger than tea, thank you. I want to be sober for the second act."

"I think it may actually be better after an ale or two..." Syton says, stepping aside and motioning towards the door. After a moment of thought, he adds, "It lets the emotions soar more freely. After you, Mistress."

Chaori Balsam replies, "Ah no, a healer must always be sober," and steps out into the night.

As intermission comes to a close, a majority of the patrons find their old seats and re-take them. One of the pages approaches the latecomer, Maven.

Chaori Balsam arrives by herself and slowly makes her way to her comfy chair in the back.

Kael waves past the two doormen and pads over to 'his' table, the erstwhile playwright Syton Temple and the constable Nepos notably absent. He grouses a bit, as he sits, remarking to no one in particular - "Still say th' fella in black 's goin' tae snap 'n kill e'erybody."

Celeste moves into the room once more, a leather black cloak pulled tightly about her body as she moves back to the table that Count Zahir had occupied, sliding back into the chair. Her back stiffening to prepare for the second half of tonight's amusement.

Maven walks on in with the tail of his cape tossed over his shoulder. He removes his cap upon entrance out of respect for the place. He steps aside from the doorway then as he surveys the place before locating a seat.

"Sir!... Sir!" exclaims the page, seeming ignored by Maven, as he chases to catch up with the man. "Can I take your cloak?" he asks, somewhat politely, standing at attention near the entrance as the two doormen watch carefully.

Maven An almost skeletal young man is he, with green eyes and black hair. His pale skin only adds to the deathly appearance, but his demeanor belies all this, making perhaps undeathly a better descriptor, if such were truly possible. His height is average for a Fastheldian, and his baby faced features confirm his youth.

The gaunt young man is currently clad in an outfit that does him justice. This outfit consists of a matching set of blue velvet tunic and trousers complemented with a polished black leather belt and boots, all tailored to his specifications. About his shoulders flows a magnificent blue velvet cape, shimmering as it flows from his movements and helping to conceal his frightfully thin frame. Atop his head is a blue felt angled cap, mounted atop long black hair pulled back into a neat pony tail that hangs down loosely over his cape to the middle of his back. Along with all this, he also has one additional feature of interest in his outfit. A silver waterstone pendant engraved with a reversed pentacle of leaves with an eye in the center of the star, the pentacle set in a larger circle with the numeric symbols for one through twelve contained therein spaced by geometric figures. Fixed to his right hip is an obsidian sheath housing a rapier of fine manufacture with a leather wrapped handle and highly polished brass flowing guard. The pommel itself is forged of twisted silver wire around a jade gemstone cap crowned with Turk's heads of reflective brass around a braided knot of metal at top and bottom, enough of a visual to provide his desired effect.

Kael reaches up to unclasp his own cloak and drop it back over the chair he's sitting in - then props up a ... mostly clean .. boot in one of the empty chairs at his table. Absently, he reaches up to scratch at his hair, yawning a bit.

Maven looks to the page, blinking a couple times before removing his cloak then to hand it to the young man. "Thank you."

Chaori Balsam settles herself comfortably in her comfy chair. She places her beige deerskin healer's bag in the comfy chair right next to her and looks around the hall.

Celeste lowers her elbow to the table as she brings her chin to rest in her palm. Looking about the room, her sea green eyes twinkling in amusement at the assembled crowd.

It only takes a moment for the obviously relaxed Kael to spot Chaori amongst the crowd, offering her a bright grin and an offhanded wave. Even Celeste, it seems, can't damage his good humor this evening - she even gets a nod, in passing.

The page scurries off to a side chamber to hang Maven's cloak. The pair of door guards leer at Maven. "No troublin', ya hear?" one exclaims as Maven passes the threshold into the seating area.

Maven glances to the two door guards in turn with raised brow. "Leave me be, and there shan't be any. Perhaps I could inform Lady Nillu, or Lord Zahir that one of their advisors was troubled going about his recreation?" With that he continues on his way in.

Chaori Balsam waves back to Kael. Then she looks around the audience again for someone, or perhaps something.

As Maven passes, the first guard leans to other, muttering "'haps we should be informing Lady Nillu how much she's owe'n us for burial costs!", which generates a hearty laugh from the two men.

After most are seated, the curtains rise, revealing a dark stage.

Taran steps into the hall, looking about with interest - and as the curtains rise, he quickly finds a seat.

Chaori Balsam gets her medical bag out of the seat she saved for Taran. "I began to wonder if you were coming back," she whispers to him.

Maven takes a seat towards the back of the establishment, resting his rapier sheathe against his chair, his palm on the pommel of it as it stands on end.

Taran laughs quietly. "I am very sorry," he whispers to Chaori. "I felt the second act might improve after a glass of wine."

Chaori Balsam whispers back, "The cold air did me good. I think our playwright has decided to hide under a rock, though."

'''The stagelights brighten, and the scene is the Great Hall of Wildcat Keep. The nurse and handmaid are sitting with each other in the Hall, which is now crowded with guests, who go about making quiet small talk amongst themselves.'''

'''The handmaid sighs. "It feels so good to sit in this room without cleaning it."'''

'''"What's that?" the nurse asks loudly, leaning in to hear better.'''

'''The handmaid looks bemused. "Your hearing, dear. It's horrid."'''

Kael mutters softly, grinning, sprawled as he is at his table - "So's yer cleanin'."

'''A moment pauses as the two watch the guests. "I wish something would happen," says the nurse, boredly.'''

'''The handmaiden nods. "Knowing this place, something will."'''

"...Could be arranged, m'dear," drawls Taran quietly.

A man dressed in knight's garb strides into the Great Hall, going largely unnoticed.

Chaori Balsam adds in a whisper, "Real healers know better than to say that."

'''"Ladies!" intones the knight, recognizing the nurse and handmaiden.'''

'''The handmaid gasps, slightly embarrassed at not recognizing the man earlier. "Master Gorom! You have returned!" she exclaims.'''

Kael leans forward then, "Sword. Aye. Somebody's gettin' tupped 'r kilt, one."

'''"Praise the Light!" offers the nurse.'''

'''Gorom smiles confidently. "I have seen and done much."'''

Celeste raises her fingertips to cover her lips as she continues to watch the show. Sea green eyes wandering the room every few moments before returning to the stage.

Maven strokes his chin with his free hand as he sighs through his nose.

'''"How long has it been?" asks the handmaid breathlessly.'''

'''Gorom mulls the question over for a moment before replying. "Years," he says.'''

"It must feel good to be home," says the nurse.

'''Gorom nods. "Oh, indeed it does."'''

"... 'e will if th' maid keeps that up." Kael snickers, softly.

The handmaid guides Gorom gently to a plush chair, "So, where have you been?"

'''Gorom strokes his chin, looking upwards as he thinks. "All over this fair country of Fastheld," he exclaims, making a sweeping motion with his arms to illustrate the story. "I have seen so much. No one was kinder to me, though, than Emperor Talus, and his daughter Celene," he says with a smirk. "I think she had a thing for me." he adds, winking at the handmaiden.'''

'''The nurse, however, is clueless. "A present?" she asks stupidly.'''

'''"Did anything come of it?" replies the handmaid to Gorom, knowingly.'''

Kael snickers, softly.

'''Gorom blanches at the nurse, before returning his attention to the handmaid. "No, I left that place a few days after I came to it. No adventure there," he says, sidestepping the real question.'''

"Oh I'm sure something did, that you won't know about..." Maven chortles to himself.

'''The handmaid grimaces. "I see," she says, thinking to herself.'''

'''The nurse rises to her feet in a fuss. "We must announce the news of your arrival!" she says frantically.'''

Chaori Balsam just shakes her head at the impending disaster.

'''Gorom grins. "I suppose," he says, stroking his chin.'''

'''"You're just in time for a feast!" the nurse adds giddily.'''

'''The handmaid looks crestfallen. "Oh, that will be delightful to clean up."'''

'''"Excellent," says Gorom. "I must clean up," he states, making his way out of the Great Hall. Passing him in the other direction is Lerone, the scribe.'''

'''"Was that Master Gorom I just passed in the hall?" asks Lerone, upon reaching the handmaid.'''

'''"Indeed, it was!" exclaims the handmaid.'''

'''Lerone smiles in a sinister manner. "What a coincidence...."'''

"... y' want 'm out o' 's armor, too?" Kael snorts.

'''The handmaid is curious. "What makes you say that?" she asks of him.'''

"I just received word of some very interesting events in the keep of Emperor Talus," states Lerone, still grinning.

'''"Really?" asks the nurse.'''

Maven says "Oh I dunno about that..I think the armor is an improvement..."

'''The scribe nods slowly. "It seems that Master Gorom fathered a child by the Lady Celene," he says, without pause.'''

'''The handmaid looks shocked. "What! He just told us that nothing had happened!" she exclaims.'''

Maven says "Needs a larger nasal on the helm though..."

Kael flashes a grin over at Maven, still sprawled comfortably, and - raises an eyebrow and nods at an empty seat at his own table, moving enough to nudge it out with a foot.

'''Lerone shrugs. "Master Sirion spoke to Celene, he even saw the child - Grailas."'''

Celeste shifts uncomfortably in the chair, her attention becoming more rapt to the play unfolding.

'''The nurse looks confused. "They had a gala?" she asks loudly.'''

"Oh...what a horrible thing to do to a child," Taran murmurs. "Grailas...you must be joking."

'''The handmaid turns to the nurse, gently pushing her back to her chair. "Stay out of this," she pleads.'''

Chaori Balsam mutters, "I remember that from before the intermission. Get to the point."

'''"Why?" asks the nurse.'''

'''"You'll probably distort it and spread it around," states the handmaid. "We wouldn't want that."'''

Taran chuckles. "Anticipated."

Kael snickers.

'''The scribe continues scribbling in a new scroll. "Lord, no," he says sarcastically.'''

'''The nurse sighs. "I'll just leave then," she says defeatedly, stealing off to meet with some other guests.'''

Maven walks half crouched over to the offered chair, seeing it to be more idiocy, a shit-eating grin on his face as he takes the new seat.

'''Lerone leans toward the handmaid, whispering loudly. "Do you think she heard any of that?" he asks.'''

'''The handmaid looks at the scribe for a moment, considering the question. "Doubtful," she replies.'''

Kael winks at the .. much better dressed.. fellow, offering him a nod.

Maven says "No, but we sure did, spit it out one more time!"

The stage lights dim once again.

'''After a few moments of darkness, the lights come on again, and the scene is the Emperor's Royal Quarter. The nurse is there, setting up a table with many lit candle, as Intira sits on the edge of her bed.'''

Kael leans over to the fellow at his table, the Mark on his cheek still clear in the dim. "Th' fellow 'n black wi' th' quill 's th' bad 'n." He nods, sagely. "Trus' me."

Celeste glances about as the lights dim, as they are brought back up, her attention returns to the stage. A small frown to her lips as she hides it behind her fingers.

'''"What's all this for?" the Empress asks.'''

'''The nurse smiles. "I thought you might enjoy a romantic dinner," she replies.'''

Maven leans back over to him. "Sure had me fooled, I thought he was the hero." He then grins widely, shaking his fist at the knight.

'''Intira frowns. "Nurse, tonight is a bad night," she says, shaking her head.'''

"... wi' me. I cannae hear, but..." Kael grins, impishly, words soft.

'''The nurse ignores Intira's protestations. "I felt so disappointed when Talus couldn't come when you needed him."'''

'''Intira interrupts, pleading. "Nurse-"'''

'''"So I arranged a candlelit dinner!" the nurse finishes, ignoring Intira.'''

'''Intira sighs. "Really, it's unnecessary."'''

'''The nurse grimaces at the Empress. "What better way to celebrate the end of your affair with Gorom than this dinner? It represents your return - to legitimacy!" she says cheerily.'''

'''Intira peers at the nurse. "What in the world are you talking about?" she asks angrily.'''

'''The nurse hushes Intira with a finger to her lips. "Hush, hush! The Emperor will be here any moment now!" she says, finishing her job in setting up a small dinner table. Soon after, a tall, barrel chested man in robes enters.'''

Maven says out loud. "Nurse...but Nurse...I wanted to wash the sheets!" and then proceeds to snort while laughing.

Chaori Balsam whispers, "Healer, heal thyself of third degree burns."

'''Intira sees the man, and applies a false smile. "Talus...what a pleasant surprise," she says.'''

'''Talus applies a false smile of his own. "My lady...the surprises have just begun," he adds smugly.'''

Kael snickers softly. ".. 'm wearin' a fresh codpiece.."

The door guards poke their head into the room, looking for a noisy cricket.

'''Intira looks apprehensive, biting her lower lip. "What do you mean?" she asks tentatively.'''

'''The nurse steps forward, smiling. "D'ya recall when you told me you liked his baking?" she asks expectantly.'''

'''Intira furrows her brow. "Why, I believe I-"'''

'''"Well, I had him prepare this whole meal! Isn't that great!" she says, unveiling a small private meal from under a metal chauffeur.'''

'''Intira nods, seemingly disappointed. "Delightful," she says demurely.'''

Maven just bites his lip, snickering under his breath for a moment. "....sure it is..."

'''The nurse smiles cheerily. "I'll bring out the first course!"'''

'''Talus smiles. "You're going to love this, Intira!"'''

'''Intira smirks. "Oh ho ho, don't you know it!"'''

'''The nurse leaves the room momentarily, and returns with some food on a round serving platter. "Here we have our hors d'oeuvres," she announces.'''

'''Intira looks cautiously at the food. "What is it?" she asks.'''

'''"Crab cakes!" interjects Talus. "Isn't that smashing!" he exclaims.'''

Celeste shakes her head, looking over the room again. Her companion exceptionally quiet as she seems to find not salvation, her sea green gaze returning to the stage reluctantly.

Intira peers doubtfully at Talus "You made this?"

'''Talus laughs heartily. "Of course!"'''

Kael leans over to Maven - "'s that fancy talkin' fer food nobody likes, then?" He whispers, blinking.

'''Intira hesitatingly takes a bite. She instantly starts to go into the gag reflex, spitting it out onto the floor, although neither Talus nor the nurse notice. After she spits, she takes a huge breath, catching the nurse's attention.'''

'''"Whatever was that for?" the nurse inquires.'''

'''"Talus..." the empress gasps, "this food...is simply...breathtaking!"'''

Maven leans over to Kael to whisper, "A few mud cakes would go nicely with that there crab cake..."

'''Talus smiles, raising an eyebrow. "Why, thanks! You're just going to love the main course, then!" he says, a certain polite sarcasm in his voice.'''

'''"Why?" asks Intira quizzically.'''

Chaori Balsam murmurs, "Gorom's head on a platter?"

'''Talus rubs his belly. "It's paté de foie gras," he states flatly.'''

'''Intira takes another bite of the crab cake. "What's that?"'''

"... 't least sh' is nae lyin'." Kael whispers, nodding up at the stage.. "uh.. they 'r goin' tae eat grass?"

'''Talus smirks. "Goose liver paste." he states, accenting each word.'''

Intira frowns, looking very wary of the planned meal, choking at the mere thought.

Celeste Mikin wrinkles her nose as she once more seeks salvation only to be denied.

'''"Oh dear Light! She's choking!" jokes Talus, before noticing that she might not be playing.'''

'''The nurse panics, throwing her hands into the air. "Oh Light! What'll we do? What'll we do?"'''

'''Talus looks crossly at the nurse. "You're a nurse! Do something!" he says incredulously.'''

"...You know, I've always wondered why it is nobles enjoy eating foods that most freelanders would turn their noses up at," muses Taran. "I mean, why eat a goose liver when you've got the rest of the goose?"

'''"What!" exclaims the nurse, still panicking.'''

'''"I don't know-help her!" shouts Talus scornfully.'''

Maven shakes his head to this, "Oh what'll we do? That's the question...Just stick her head in it!"

'''The nurse races around Intira and administers the Heimlich Maneuver. A bit of food is dislodged from the Empress' throat and lands on the floor.'''

Chaori Balsam replies to Taran in a whisper, "I have no idea. I'm just worried they prepared the liver of the Royal Attendant."

'''Intira gasps, catching her breath. "Talus, I don't know what's gotten into me. I think I should spend the night alone," she says smartly, rising and leaving the room.'''

'''Talus looks quizzically at the nurse. "Whatever was that about?"'''

"Oh dear, the Empress seems quite distressed! Excuse me, Your Royal Highness," gasps the nurse, also scurrying out of the room.

'''The lights dim momentarily as the nurse can be scene crossing the stage. The scene lights up again, and we find ourselves back in the Great Hall.'''

Kael looks at Maven, muttering.. "s' 'parently dead geese make 'er jus' go all cold? Wi' hae t' remember that fer later."

Maven quirks a brow at Kael, whispering in reply, "I dunno, didn't seem to quite do the job there..."

Celeste fidgets with her cloak as she waits for the scene to change. Her sea green eyes once more darting over the room. Landing on Kael and Maven, she inclines her head slightly to them both before her gaze is roaming the room again.

'''"Intira, whatever seems to be the matter?" asks the nurse sweetly.'''

'''Intira, standing in the middle of the darkened Great Hall, retreats to a chair on the side. "Nurse, it's all too much," she says, nearly sobbing.'''

'''The nurse approaches her gently. "What do you mean?"'''

'''"You of all people, I'm sure, know about those nasty rumors going around!" exclaims the Empress, eyes reddening.'''

"Yer th' healer.. y' shoul' ken." Kael snickers, softly.

'''The nurse smiles again, placing her hand on the Empress' shoulder. "Oh dear, yes."'''

"They were true, of course," says Intira, composing herself.

"Can I wash the sheets now? I really want to wash the sheets..." chortles Maven mockingly.

"I see," says the nurse reluctantly.

"And this dinner...it was all too much," says Intira, rising and moving again to the center of the Hall, away from the nurse.

'''"Don't worry about Gorom," speaks the nurse. "He's moved on."'''

'''Intira stops in her tracks, turning to the nurse. "What?" she asks.'''

'''"Yep," replies the nurse. "They had a gala at Emperor Talus's keep."'''

"Can I move in now? After all, he's not there anymore and I already washed the sheets..." Maven intones again, this time softer.

'''Intira looks confused. "So?"'''

'''"Gorom was there..." the nurse 'admits' sheepishly. "I think he spent the night with Celene."'''

'''Intira stands unmoving, visibly upset. "What? He's been cheating on me!?" she exclaims.'''

'''The nurse bows her head to avoid eye contact. "Sorry, better you heard it now than later."'''

" Please don't make me wash the sheets..." Maven would just bust up snickering, restraining himself from laughing aloud.

'''A snarl appears on Intira's face. "Why that sorry-"'''

'''"Wait," interrupts the nurse. "he's even back at Keep now!"'''

Intira storms out of the Great Hall as the lights go dim.

Celeste looks about the room, for the hidden commentary. Her eyes unreadable as she turns her attention back to the stage.

Kael murmurs, softly, to Maven.. "'m thinkin th' knight 's part Lomasa."

Chaori Balsam murmurs, "This is going to be a short act. Next scene is likely to be Intira burning down the Keep with all those candles the nurse lit."

Celeste sighs heavily, nodding her blonde capped head.

Maven 's face goes red at Kael's statement about that.

"...If she doesn't, do you think they'd mind terribly if I did instead?" asks Taran, all innocence.

Maven snickers at Taran, a wide grin on his face.

Chaori Balsam replies softly, "Oh, have pity on the set designer."

"...Point," Taran nods. "Tis not the actors' fault...has anyone located the author yet? Or must we hang Temple?"

'''It appears to be the next morning, as reveille plays in the background. The handmaid, attendant and the Empress's aide are going about their duties in the Great Hall.'''

'''The handmaid sighs. "Another day," she says pessimistically.'''

'''The attendant nods in agreement. "More cleaning," she adds drearily.'''

"... another load o' sheets..." Kael snickers, softly.

Chaori Balsam whispers, "We hang Master Syton, if he ever dares show his face again. I could have sworn he was right behind me."

'''The royal nurse enters the Hall, beaming. "It's so beautiful, isn't it?" she asks cheerily.'''

'''The aide looks bored. "I wonder what great works our Emperor shall achieve today?"'''

"Perhaps getting his wife under control," the handmaid interjects.

Maven continues to grin widely as comments softly, "Can I water his plants?"

'''The aide blinks. "What?"'''

'''The Attendant shoots a sly grin to the aide. "Gorom's back."'''

Maven says again, a little louder, "I asked to water his plants."

'''The nurse is eavesdropping, poorly. "Is there something wrong with his back?" she asks.'''

Celeste shakes her head, a soft laugh escaping her lips. Her eyes tearing from her companion so he cannot see the mirth.

'''The handmaid rolls her eyes. "No, Gorom is back."'''

"...Getting his wife under control," Taran muses. "...*So* many ways to take that..."

'''"He's black?" asks the nurse, surprised.'''

'''The handmaid raises her voice. "He's back."'''

'''The nurse frowns back. "Don't repeat what ya say, I heard you the first time!" she exclaims.'''

'''"Oh, Never mind!" the handmaid replies, continuing with some cleaning. Nearing the aide, she leans toward him, saying "Now our Emperordom will have to put up with its dirty laundry again."'''

Celeste shakes her head, disapproving of the bad pun, sighing heavy as she leans back further in the chair.

Maven would now double over, trying not to explode with laughter. "Ooooh... the woes one... gets in the... shadow district.."

'''The aide raises an eyebrow. "Oh, dear me."'''

The attendant adds in, "It gets worse."

'''"Really?" the handmaid asks.'''

'''The aide looks worried. "How could you top that?"'''

"Gorom cheated on Intira, and now she knows," says the attendant, making exaggerated hand motions as she speaks.

"Please...just let me...water his plants..." Maven whispers loudly, in a pleading voice.

Chaori Balsam winces and tries to put her head on Taran's shoulder for a bit.

'''"Holy Light!" the other two exclaim.'''

'''The attendant lowers her voice so just the aide and handmaid can hear. "There's a baby, too!"'''

Taran pats Chaori's back, comforting.

'''The aide looks distressed. "This is getting stickier by the minute," he states.'''

".. aye. "es definitely a Lomasa." Kael grins at Maven.

'''The lights dim, as the stage crew scamper in the darkness to change the set. When the lights rise again, Master Gorom and Emperor Talus are conversing in his chambers.'''

"Please, just let me water his plants, I don't want to wash his sheets anymore..." Maven comments, now aloud as the lights dim.

"If there's a mention of a Scourge," Celeste mutters darkly, "I'm leaving, your lordship." She crosses her hands over her breast, watching the play, her mood darkening slightly.

Raised, muffled voices can be heard back in the receiving lobby.

'''Talus smiles broadly. "Gorom, you're my best knight," he declares.'''

Chaori Balsam decides to save time as the next scene begins and just keeps her head on Taran's shoulder.

'''Gorom bows his head slightly. "Thank you, my lord," he replies.'''

Kael snickers, softly. "s' what yer wife wi' say.."

'''Talus continues, pacing around the room. "I'm afraid that a time comes when every master must have a certain conversation with his protégé, as much as he would like to avoid it."'''

" Can I move in with you? I'll wash your sheets..." Maven whispers in a jovial voice.

"Uhh...I think I know what this is about," says Gorom, his voice wavering.

Taran pats reassuringly. "It's nothing several glasses of something quite strong won't cure," he says, with assurance.

'''Talus stops, eyeing Gorom. "You do? Great, that'll just make it easier for us to confront it!"'''

Chaori Balsam mutters, "I can't drink. I'm a healer."

'''Gorom looks uneasily at Talus. "It will? Are you sure we should discuss this?" he asks.'''

'''Talus returns to his pacing. "It is very important!" he states, with a grand gesture.'''

Maven would snicker at the confronting comment. "Like the manly men in tights we are..."

'''Gorom bows once more. "Of course, my Lord...."'''

'''Talus continues talking, while at the same time studying the many plaques on the wall. "Well, then, I think you simply must put a fix to the problem."'''

"... castration?" Kael sounds innocent.

'''Gorom remains motionless. "I shall try, my Lord," he says, sounding dejected.'''

'''Talus turns to face Gorom again. "Accidents happen when these things break," he says, with a more ominous tone in his voice.'''

'''"What!" stammers Gorom.'''

'''Talus pauses for a moment. "Gorom, I know that you are very attached to that chain mail of yours, but it's simply wearing thin. You should replace it post haste!" he exclaims, moving towards his desk.'''

'''Gorom looks perplexed. "This is about my armor?" he asks, sounding unsure.'''

'''Talus peers at Gorom. "What else would it be about?"'''

'''"I'll fix it right away, Lord!" says Gorom, quickly.'''

'''Talus grins. "Great! Now, that wasn't so hard, was it?" he asks.'''

"Sleeping with the man's wife," Celeste mutters softly, shaking her head.

Maven gasps, cupping his mouth and widening his eyes. "For shame!" he whispers. "Then when you are done...water the plants please."

'''The lights again go dim, and moments later we find ourselves back in the Great Hall, around midday. The handmaid, attendant, and aide are still going about their business as Gorom enters.'''

"... s' what she said.." Kael snorts.

Chaori Balsam murmurs, "But did Talus tell the armorer not to put in a quick-release flap this time?"

Maven leans over to Kael whispering conspiratorially. "Who do you think he fancies more, the wife or the husband?"

Kael whispers back.. "Wife, o' course. Th' husband's jus' fer opportunity's sake."

'''"Ah, Gorom, just the man we wanted to see!" exclaims the aide.'''

'''Gorom looks surprised. "Huh?"'''

'''Both the handmaid and attendant rush giddily to Gorom. "We have some advice for you," they say in unison.'''

'''Gorom steps back. "I've had it up to here with advice," he says flatly.'''

'''"Well, you've certainly done a good job of handling things so far!" exclaims the attendant.'''

Chaori Balsam mutters, "Then double-check your will."

'''The handmaid playfully pushes Gorom. "Letting a terrible situation like this get out of hand. Shame be on you!" she scolds.'''

'''"Well...I'm... I'm..." Gorom stammers sheepishly.'''

'''"Don't apologize now!" The attendant interrupts. "Someone could have been hurt, especially you!" she says.'''

'''Gorom sighs. "I know, I really should have repaired it sooner."'''

'''"Indeed! You'll just break your own heart, and bring others down with you!" says the aide, stomping her foot as she speaks.'''

Maven snickers to himself, tears streaming down his face as he comments softly, choking a little bit. "But...but...I was just watering the plants and...I promise to change the sheets!"

'''"You're right," admits Gorom. "I suppose I am important in many a battle..." he says ruefully.'''

'''The handmaid puffs her chest out, and speaks in her most inspiring, kingly voice. "Yes, the battle of life needs you! You must fix this injustice!"'''

'''Gorom shakes his head. "I can't believe I haven't done anything!"'''

'''"Well, good knight," says the aide haughtily, "Go forth-and fix it!" he commands.'''

'''Gorom stands tall. "I shall!" he exclaims, making his way out of the Great Hall.'''

Maven then comments more softly. "The battles behind closed doors...lo...and this is one problem I am well equipped for..."

'''Handmaid claps excitedly. "How wonderful-everything shall be repaired soon!"'''

'''The royal aide arches an eyebrow. "Indeed," he says, knowingly.'''

The stage lights again go dim as the scene is changed back to Talus' royal chamber, where Talus is dictating to Lerone, the scribe, and the aide is sitting, feigning interest.

Kael murmurs.. "So.. he's tuppin' th' maid, th' princess, 'n th' aide? 'e gets around quick."

Taran sighs. "I'm sure my door will still squeak," he says. "And your love life will still be horrific. But I'm sure the horse will get a workout."

Chaori Balsam agrees in a whisper, "A number of people need to get out of there as fast as possible. Maybe the cast should, too."

"Perhaps, it would have been better if we stayed in the atrium," Celeste mumbles as she looks about the room. Her eyes alighting on no one in particular as she continues to seek out some reprieve.

Maven leans to Kael with a smile rather than a grin, his brow raised as he whispers, "Where do you suppose the writing man fits in?"

'''Talus paces around the room, speaking slowly. "...and so...it is with great pleasure...that I announce to you...the building of the new mill..." he says, as Lerone scribbles furiously on parchment.'''

'''There is a long pause. "Is that all?" asks the scribe.'''

'''"No," responds Talus. "I would like to hereby announce..."'''

'''"yes...?" asks Lerone.'''

"That I have lost my genitals in the privy..." murmurs Taran.

"...that..."

" That I'm pregnant," mumbles Maven mockingly.

Chaori Balsam doubles over and manages to keep her laughter down to giggles.

"...yes..?"

"... No!" Kael snorts.

"..."

The scribe waits impatiently.

'''"...that... Lerone is an idiot!" jokes the Emperor.'''

'''Lerone is utterly surprised. "What?" he exclaims.'''

"Stab him...quick...do it..." mumbles Maven, pretending at impatience.

'''Talus smiles. "Just kidding! Just kidding!" he says, giggling.'''

The aide smirks.

'''"I should hope so!" exclaims Lerone pointedly.'''

"'es goin' t' stab people. Tol' ye." Kael grins, widely.

'''Talus smirks. "I'll bet you wrote it, though!" he says, pointing a telling finger at the scribe.'''

'''"No!" shouts Lerone indignantly.'''

'''"Yeah!" Talus shouts back.'''

'''"No!" shouts Lerone again, this time more forcefully.'''

Maven mutters with annoyance, "Wouldn't make him a bad one, in this case."

'''"Yes!" exclaims Talus one more, matching Lerone. After this exchange goes back and forth, Talus snarkily grabs Lerone's parchment, reading it as he holds it aloft. " 'Lerone is an idiot', Ha! I knew it!" he exclaims, laughing.'''

'''The scribe grumbles. "So?"'''

Kael taps absently on the table.. "... stab 'm!"

'''"We," says Talus, eyes filling with mischief. "Are filing this one," he states.'''

'''"No!" exclaims Lerone a final time, dropping his quill.'''

Celeste Mikin says, "Does someone die now?" She leans closer to the stage, her chin leaving her palm."

'''Talus nods furiously. "Oh yes," he says, bringing the parchment to the aide.'''

'''"Lerone... is... an... idiot?" says the aide, reading from the transcript.'''

'''The scribe looks offended. "Your Royal Highness..." begs Lerone. "Make him stop!"'''

'''Talus waves a dismissive hand at Lerone. "Oh fine, you're no fun."'''

'''The nurse bursts the door unannounced, looking winded. 'Your Majesty!" she exclaims.'''

'''Lerone rolls his eyes. "It's 'Your Royal Highness,' miss nurse."'''

'''"Shut!" pants the nurse. "Up!"'''

Maven whispers with feigned mirth, "They have insulted your honor...kill them all!"

'''Talus turns to face the nurse. "What is it, nurse?" he asks dryly.'''

'''The nurse smile. "Gorom! He's fixed his problem!"'''

".. 'e killed 's horse!" Kael snickers.

'''Talus nods. "Serious?"'''

'''"Yes!" says the nurse, wiping sweat from her brow.'''

'''Talus looks relieved. "Finally! Whew, that takes a load off of my shoulders."'''

"His nether regions are in working order? Took enough practice for him to get it, that one," says Maven with a wide grin.

'''The nurse takes a moment to compose herself and catch her breath. "Let's mention it at the public celebration tonight!" she suggests excitedly.'''

'''Talus grimaces. "No, that's a bit too public, isn't it?"'''

'''The aide, still in the corner chair, pipes up. "Everyone already knows, why not just announce something to let them know it's over?" he asks.'''

".. 's th' point o' a celebration. Celebratin' in private seems t' defeat th' purpose." Kael shrugs at Maven.

Maven comments on Talus "Yes, your right, we shouldn't file that one..."

'''Talus places a hand on his chin, thinking. "I suppose it could help the PR around here a little...." he ponders.'''

'''The nurse smiles. "You'll do it?"'''

'''Talus nods slowly. "I guess...."'''

'''The nurse jumps for joy. "Hooray! You won't regret it!"'''

Chaori Balsam whispers to Taran, "Cheer up, next scene should be a riot and everyone will die."

"Seems a caravan is in order, invite all the nurses to his room. Midnight prompt." Maven whispers a bit conceitedly.

'''The stage lights again dim, as the scene shifts to the Great Hall. Master Gorom is busy repairing his armor when Master Sirion Starkhorn enters.'''

"...If they don't, I am certain the audience can mend that little plot hole," Taran replies. With a little smile, he adds, "Good to see you got your breath back."

Kael shifts to - if possible - get even more comfortable, sprawled as he is. "'m thinkin I like th' whole idea o' gettin' culture." He winks at Maven, whispering.

'''Gorom glances up from his work. "Well, if it isn't my friend, Master Sirion."'''

Maven scratches his head, trying not to ruin his hair in the process as he replies. "I fear I am in danger of too much as is, if this is an example thereof."

'''Sirion smiles back at Gorom. "Hey, Gorom, how are things?" he inquires, standing next to Gorom.'''

Norran Lomasa arrives from Hawk's Aerie Crafter Square Norran Lomasa has arrived. Eseria arrives from Hawk's Aerie Crafter Square Eseria has arrived.

'''"Good...." Gorom replies, concentrating on his own work.'''

'''Sirion smiles. "Well, that's good," he says.'''

'''"Yeah...." Gorom replies.'''

There is an uncomfortable moment of pause between the two.

"... w' are all good here, aye?" Kael snorts.

'''"Say," says Sirion, breaking the silence. "Did you ever talk to that Celene again? You know, Emperor Talus's daughter?"'''

'''Gorom looks over at Sirion. "After I left?" he asks.'''

"Yeah," says Sirion, agreeing.

'''Gorom ponders the question for a moment. "No... why?" he asks.'''

"Oh yes, we got quite well acquainted," chuckles Maven under his breath.

'''Master Sirion looks surprised. "Whoa! You missed a lot! She had a kid!" he exclaims.'''

'''"Seriously?" asks Gorom.'''

"...Because of course, no one could possibly know the names of the Emperor's kin..." Taran murmurs. "That's why emperors wear crowns and things, otherwise we'd mistake them for seed-sellers."

'''Master Sirion walks to Gorom's other side, inspecting his work. "Yeah...name's Grailas."'''

Chaori Balsam snickers.

'''Gorom is given moment to pause. "Oh my...this isn't good," he says forebodingly.'''

'''Sirion shakes his head slowly. "Nope," he says flatly.'''

'''Gorom stops working. "What'll I do?" he asks remorsefully.'''

'''"Nothing!" exclaims Sirion. "They'll adore you across Talus-land."'''

"Especially given the resemblance...a fine Lomasa that one is," Maven mutters.

Celeste shakes her head, sea green eyes looking towards Maven and Kael again. An amused smile coming to her lips as her gaze moves over the room.

'''Gorom blinks. "Talus-land?"'''

Quietly - and quickly - shuffling in from the Hawk's Aerie's Crafters Square are the two noble forms of Duke Norran Lomasa and Baroness Eseria Kahar, the two stepping into the hall quietly while speaking in hushed tones. The Lomasa looks a little disappointed as he peers around the open hall, before a page soon arrives to hurry the two along to a remaining table to see the last remnants of the play. Once seated, the larger of the two nobles breathes a relieved sigh and casts his gaze toward the play to try regaining some semblance of the plot.

"Never mind-" Sirion begins.

'''"No, seriously, is that what they call it?" interrupts Gorom.'''

'''"No?" responds Sirion.'''

'''Gorom stands to face Sirion. "Well, then, why'd you call it that?"'''

'''Sirion turns his head away. "Can we forget about 'Talus-land' please!" he pleads.'''

"Just... don't say it again," says Gorom, sitting back down.

'''"Whatever are you doing, anyway?" inquires Starkhorn.'''

".. everyone I kin do." Kael grins at Maven.

'''Gorom gives Sirion a questioning glance. "Fixing my chain mail. You wouldn't believe how many people have been bothering me about it."'''

'''Sirion steps back, a dark look coming over his face. "Anyway, no one really wants you to come back to Emperor Talus's castle."'''

'''Gorom chortles. "Talus-land, you mean?"'''

"Shut up," replies Sirion coldly.

'''Gorom nods slowly. "That's good, I suppose," he agrees.'''

"You should have at least watered the plants while you were there," Maven mutters.

'''Sirion stands gazing at Gorom for a moment. "Know what? I haven't fixed my chain mail in a long time. I'm gonna do that," he says, retreating from the Hall.'''

'''Gorom stares at Sirion as he walks away. "Good luck."'''

'''The stage lights dim. When they come back up, the scene is unchanged, but the Great Hall is now packed with commoners, as well the Emperor and all his servants. Empress Intira is noticeably absent.'''

Chaori Balsam murmurs to Taran, "Think whatever assassin is in the script will be willing to give a quantity discount?"

Kael murmurs to Maven. "now 's when 'e whips out th' dagger."

Maven grins slightly. "...and now for the writing man to earn his pay..."

'''"We are gathered here today to hold a great celebration-" announces Talus, giving a speech. The crowd cheers at that point. "But First... An announcement! I'm proud to say that my Knight, Master Gorom, had a few things going on that maybe needed some fixing. But, I talked to him, and I'm proud to say everything is taken care of!" he exclaims.'''

"Quantities are easier," Taran nods. "Poison the soup. Or in this palace, put paralytics in the lubricant."

The crowd cheers.

'''The aide leans over to Talus. "Your Highness, some of the staff would like to comment," he whispers loudly.'''

Chaori Balsam doubles over again, trying to keep her laughter down.

'''Talus peers back at his aide. "Rather unusual, isn't it?" he asks.'''

'''The aide nods. "But, for this monumental occasion, they cannot help but contain their effervescent joy," he points out.'''

Maven says, "You can't move in. You won't change the sheets."

'''Lerone overhears this, and feigns wiping away a tear. "So beautiful...such...perfect...grammar!" he gushes.'''

'''Talus thinks about it for a moment. "I suppose...." as the Handmaid, Attendant, and Nurse line up at the podium.'''

'''"I would just like to say," says the handmaid. "This is wonderful...Master Gorom...cleaning up his act...congratulations!"'''

'''Master Gorom is seated front stage. He leans to the audience. "Awful lot of fuss over some chain mail...." he says, pondering the meaning.'''

Maven whispers, "He's going celibate?"

'''The attendant continues to address the crowd. "This is just splendid. We are one hundred percent behind you!" she exclaims, beaming at Gorom.'''

Celeste Mikin says, "Wait," shakes her head confused. "Did no one get stabbed?" She sighs heavily her gaze shooting about the room as if betrayed. They return the actors once more, a soft laugh escaping her lips.

'''The nurse steps to the podium as well. "Yes, now let's all try to forget that he had a heinous affair with the Empress and then with the Lady Celene from Talus's Emperordom who bore a son named Grailas!" she exclaims, loud enough to be heard by all.'''

The cheers from the crowd are instantly muted, as suddenly people are murmuring to themselves about what they just heard.

Chaori Balsam finally manages to stop laughing. "I knew it, a riot."

"What the-" exclaims Talus, as the din of the crowd swells in outrage.

"This should be the stabbing part," hopes the late Lomasa Duke as he begins to feel out the position in the play, watching with a faintly amused grin.

'''The nurse looks surprised. "Uhh...was I not supposed to talk about that?" she asks innocently.'''

Maven chuckles mirthfully as he whispers somewhat loudly, "This is what comes of not changing the sheets when you move in!"

'''"Wait! That is why we're here, isn't it?" asks the Handmaid.'''

'''Talus looks furious. "I thought it was because Gorom repaired his chain mail!" he shouts.'''

Taran just shakes his head. "Grailas. Your people should hang you for such inhumanity to children. Tell me his middle name isn't Bendathorpe or something. Go on, tell me."

'''The attendant crosses her arms defiantly. "That's not what he told us!"'''

'''"Wait just a darn minute!" interjects Gorom. "I never said anything about that to you! I never even knew there was a Grailas until a few hours ago!"'''

A voice from the crowd shouts out "Liar!"

Yet another voice from the crowd yells "Get him!"

The crowd surges toward Gorom, who beats a hasty retreat from the Great Hall, the angry mob following as the lights dim.

Maven jumps up from his seat cheering, "RIOT!! WOO!!" Then quickly sits back down calmly.

Chaori says, "What do you mean, we don't get to watch the carnage?"

'''The lights raise once again revealing Talus and his court in an utterly messy Great Hall. Chairs are broken, papers are littered everywhere, furniture overturned.'''

Celeste Mikin says, "My my," she giggles softly. "Seems someone disagrees with you." A shake of the white blonde hair as she turns towards Kael and Maven, a hand reaching slightly to catch the latter's attention.

'''Talus sits in the ruin with his head in his hands. "I'm sorry about that mix-up yesterday," he says to the handmaid.'''

'''"So, what's going to happen?" asks the Handmaiden, through tears.'''

'''Talus looks around. "Everything already did happen," he notes.'''

"... th' lost th' best part!" Kael whispers, indignant.

Maven is biting his lip to keep from laughing. He raises his hand slightly in acknowledgment to Celeste.

'''Lerone is walking his way through the mess. "Really?" he asks.'''

'''The Aide appears from a shadowy corner of the Great Hall, as ominous music fills the scene. "We like to be efficient around here," he says with a flat, evil-sounding voice.


 * '''"We find trouble, and we get rid of it...."
 * '''"We don't tolerate failure. We clean up our stains."
 * '''"Like that dirty laundry yesterday. Light, wasn't it stinky?
 * I've made sure that Intira won't be playing around anymore."

'''The attendant looks up at the aide, eyes puffy and red. "How?"'''

"The perils of free verse," sighs Taran. "And really. 'stinky'. You could try another word... I can't tolerate bad poetry."

"She's been made a Scourge of the Light," responds the aide.

"Unwashed sheets...so horrible..." Maven whispers to himself.

Kael frowns, and straightens at that, taking a bit more interest.

'''Master Sirion, kneeling in the wreckage, looks up. "What?" he asks forcefully.'''

'''The aide smirks back at Sirion. "That vow of chastity should take care of her good," he says, sounding smug.'''

Chaori Balsam whispers, "Talus should have hired a real assassin. A real assassin would have killed everyone."

'''"Well, well, well..." inserts the scribe.'''

'''Talus stands. "Shut up, Lerone."'''

Celeste slips from the Zahir's table, her head bowed as she moves towards the Freelanders. As to whether she catches any of the comments is lost to the sea green eyes. A slow and steady stride as she comes to rest beside the group, leaning back against the wall, as she crosses her arms.

'''"Well, what about Gorom?" asks Master Starkhorn.'''

'''"I did what any self-respecting Emperor would do when his best friend has an affair with the Empress," retorts Talus. "I kicked his butt out of my castle!"'''

'''The nurse snaps her finders. "You go, Emperor!" she says, bobbing her head to either side.'''

'''The aide steps through the trash. "We need to celebrate," he states.'''

'''Talus nods agreeingly. "Drinks in my chambers," he says, as everyone filters out of the Great Hall save Lerone.'''

'''The scribe writes on a parchment, reading aloud. "And so, let the Royal Records reflect, that the Lady Intira was a stupid ditz and slipped on some butter in the kitchen, falling to her demise on a kettle...and Gorom went questing...never to return. The truth, as it really happened, according to Talus."'''

The lights fade, as the curtain falls on the scene.

Maven whispers. "SSSHHH!! The scribe is about to kill'em! He poured ink in the vodka!"

Chaori Balsam whispers, "Please tell me those drinks are poisoned."

The house lights rise as the curtain is raised once more. The emcee is on-stage. "Thank you! Thank you!" he gushes, waving. "Who want's to might the fine people who brought you this production today?" he asks the audience, to a warm reception.

Maven declares with authority, "I find black rotgut to be most agreeable in these situations..."

Kael actually applauds, with the rest of the crowd - it seems the thing to do. He leans over at Maven, speaking just loud enough to be heard. "That were 'n odd endin'."

Chaori Balsam takes a deep breath, then applauds. "This isn't the cast's fault."

Maven stands and applauds as well, nodding in agreement with Kael.

A short, round woman with graying hair scampers onto the stage. "Welcome our nurse, Jinya Vale!" announces the emcee as the crowd applauds.

Taran nods. "But maybe they'll point out the author?" he asks hopefully. "It's not too late to declare a mob..."

Chaori Balsam barely applauds for the nurse, perhaps out of professional pride.

"Banishment? There should've been a beheading!" declares Norran incredulously, a frown touching his lips as he looks sidelong to Eseria. With a sigh, he begins a moderate applause for the cast.

A young girl, maybe thirteen or fourteen, enters the stage. She's got large brown eyes and keeps her hair in braided pigtails. "The handmaiden, Signe Andromeda!"

Chaori Balsam applauds more for the handmaiden.

Kael doesn't stand, no - but definitely continues his appreciative applause.

Celeste watches the behavior of Maven and Kael and applauds as well, though not as enthusiastically.

"Please welcome our own Sirion Starkhorn, Dalvee Goldenleaves!" shouts the emcee as a sleek looking man in his mid-twenties arrives on-stage.

Chaori Balsam applauds for Master Goldenleaves.

Maven cheers loudly for Dalvee. A larger and older man follows Dalvee on-stage. "Don't forget Shaum Snaps, as Master Gorom!" adds the host.

Chaori Balsam applauds for him, too.

Kael stands, then, using the crowd to hide the fact that he's pulling on his cloak - once that's done, however, he rejoins the applause.

Celeste laughs, leaning back to cross her arms again. Sea green eyes dancing with amusement at the freelanders. "Man of the people indeed," she muses quietly to herself.

Norran keeps a rather constant applause for all the actors, not too loud but certainly not too minor.

The audience continues to clap, as the four on-stage are joined by a tall woman with dark red hair. "Playing Empress Intira Kahar, none other than Esmeralda Raven!"

Chaori Balsam applauds Mistress Raven as well. "I think she got the best part in the play."

Maven applauds half heartedly for the lady.

Taran does likewise, applauding them all as they appear - though it probably falls into the category of 'polite golf clap' more than true applause, and his attitude doing so is almost one of pity.

Joining the cast, a younger woman walks smartly on-stage, waving to the crowd. "And as the royal attendant, miss Gwendolyn Green!" shouts the emcee.

The young Kahar rolls her eyes and looks to the Duke with a sharp disapproving look.

Chaori Balsam applauds loudly for Mistress Green. "It's hard to play *that* dumb."

Maven cheers for the young lady loudly, apparently in agreement with Chaori in opinion.

A thin, middle aged man with sandy blonde hair and a bright smile walks on-stage. "Clap your hands for Kedryck Winefisher - you might recognize him as Emperor Talus Kahar the First!"

Chaori Balsam applauds him too, but not as much.

Kael edges away from the table, still applauding, giving Maven a wink.

A young, clean cut man follows Winefisher to even more applause. "The Royal Aide, young Master Galen True!"

"What!? A Lomasa Duke snuffing final applause at a play? If you ask me to do that, you might as well ask me to change my name to Seamel and start sleeping with livestock!" quietly answers Norran with a sly smirk to Eseria, continuing his polite yet boisterous applause.

Kedryck would only get a golf clap from Maven, not having been that impressed with him. Noticing Kael, he would grin in return to the man escaping.

Chaori Balsam applauds for Master True, just not much.

"And last but not least," announces the host, "Lerone the Scribe - our own Geffyd Firelight!"

The Kahar snorts towards the Lomasa, "If you insist, Seamel it is."

Chaori Balsam applauds heartily for him. "Good acting," she comments, "I truly loathed him."

Kael pauses, glancing up at the stage, looking closely at the once-scribe.

Maven explodes with applause at the one who had been the target of most of his jokes, well, he and Gorom.

Taran tilts his head. "Firelight?" he says. "Interesting..."

The cast lines up, taking a deep bow as the crowd continues to clap.

Chaori says, "Indeed. Time to call for the author."

Celeste Mikin says, "Shall we all adjourn to the tavern," leans over to the group of freelanders. Her eyes darting to Maven before smiling at Kael as she nods her head. "Evening, Master Firelight, I was thinking some ale would be in order to celebrate the night.""

"/Firelight/?" suddenly asks the Lomasa with a small laugh, his applause ending for the while as he grins over at Eseria. "I take it you recognize that name as well? I'd have to ask him about it."

Kael pulls up short as the Mikin catches him, mid sneak... and coughs. "Er. evenin', m'lady." He glances at the stage, and back. "'t finds y' well, I trust?" There's definitely a great deal of.. deference there.

Dalvee - who played Sirion, steps forward. "Of course, we can't forget our wonderful director - Jatyl Dale," he announces, as a tall young man joins the stage sheepishly. He and the cast take a second bow.

Chaori Balsam golf-claps for the director.

Maven grins slightly to Celeste as he replies, "Certainly. Anything that bad is going to take some hard diluting." He would look to Kael then, as if looking to see about his take on this.

Celeste turns fully to Kael, "You're Syton's friend, yes?" She asks quietly, the bustling of people hiding the soft spoken alto. "If so, you can rest assured that I shall not do anything...unless there were a -problem-. Can you accept that, Master Firelight?"

Eseria leans over to the Duke, "Indeed, I recognize the name quite well as he threatened my life."

The cast and director wave, scampering backstage, leaving the emcee all along. "Again, thank you," he says to the audience. "We do it for you! We hope you can join us next time, when we'll be presenting Droennda Seamel's 'A Man of No Equals' next season. Again, thank you!" he gushes.

At this point, many patrons are filtering out of the performance hall and mingling in the lobby.

Kael clears his throat, keeping his voice low. "O' course, m'lady." He ducks his head. "Nae goin' tae be a problem, y' hae m' word."

Chaori Balsam finally rises from her chair and scoops up her bag. "I notice they didn't mention the author of the play," she says to Taran.

Taran nods as he gets to his feet. "Protective coloration, it seems. Nobles are prone to sharp and pointed wrath."

Shaking her head, Eseria gives the Lomasa a smirk, "Could be quite entertaining to see the consequences of threatening a Kahar should I ever deem to make it public."

Celeste nods her head, a sad smile coming to her pale lips. "I didn't think there would be, Master Firelight. Syton speaks highly of you.. and I trust his judgment. Will you be joining me tonight for ale?" She arches a blonde brow to the freelander as she looks back to Maven, perhaps to see that he has not wandered off as well.

Chaori Balsam tells Taran, "I think we should go home. All that laughter has worn me out."

Taran smiles. "Yes," he says. "Or at least, the effort not to. My apologies for that."

Chaori Balsam replies to Taran, "You have nothing to apologize for, unless you wrote this after all."

Taran looks affronted. "Excuse me, I would never use the word 'stinky' in a script, in the mouth of anyone over the age of four."

"People threaten my life /all/ the time, Eseria. That's why you take your saber, and rattle it right back at them. This is why people only insult me to my face when they're surrounded by three or four armed guards," replies the Lomasa with a slight smirk toward Eseria, rising from the chair and offering his arm toward her as he straightens his cloak. Once the Kahar is ready, Norran begins to weave his way slowly through the emptying hall of the Snowflake Center with Eseria.

Chaori says, "I'm sorry. Shall we?"

Maven grins slightly to himself, then looks to Norran as he leaves the place raising a brow and commenting offhand," The Lomasa has left the building..." then looks back to Celeste and Kael with a smile now as he reattaches his rapier to his belt and removes his hat from it in the same deft action now saying, "And I am all for following his example."

Celeste stifles a laugh as she looks back at Maven, "Now now, you should not say such things when a -noble- is near by." Her eyes twinkle with amusement at the freelander.

Kael edges around Celeste, oddly diffident, reaching up to raise his hood. "M' thinkin' I need tae check on m' Alainne, afore I do anythin' resemblin' drinkin'." He coughs. "Light knows m' nae all that good at 't tae begin with."

Maven smirks at that statement. "If I can get away with excusing myself from a table with a Zahir, I feel confident that there is a lot I can get away with." "Light Keep you, Master Firelight," Celeste replies, bowing her head to the freelander.

Maven waves to Kael as he departs. "T'was entertaining. We should do this again some time."

Chaori Balsam slowly makes her way out of the hall.