Upcoming events:

> You are going, tomorrow, to receive the two Eastern ladies - Saragites of Theniron, and Merinites of Subaran - and bring them back, safely, to Raumar for their ceremony. There are rumours that an earl of Theniron, Saragites' brother, will also be joining them.
> Peony reminds you that this means you can take your time if you wish, and bring the ladies (and lord) back to Raumar any time so long as it's before the Third of Fifth. Indeed, you'd have to be very quick (one day there, and one day back) if you want to be back in time for the Chariot Race.
> The Localist merchants of Margade are still being bitches. Nothing new there...
> You are considering setting up a council of thinkers to produce a reform agenda for Margade.

>>19606758
That's about what I expected.

Tell him that we expected as much, however this means we can use a standard psychological trick, asking for a big favor and after being refused asking for a small one leads to a much higher success rate than just asking for the small one.

Now that we have done that inquire into his methods of hiring, finding and ensuring the loyalty of gate guests, as well as finding ones of rare talent and conviction in their ideals. As well as if there is anyone he is keeping an eye on or who is interesting but does not necessarily fit his preferences.

We're not doing bad for ourself, but this guy knows gate-guests like no one else.

>Hey, I wonder what's up with nobleman quest, been a while since I've seen it
>refresh catalog
>Nobleman quest

>>19606858
Yeah, what this guy said.

> Sorry people, I know it's been 9 days. But this week (and the next one) are busy ones - moving house, job searching, etc.
> Or maybe I shouldn't run so fucking many quests, EH, EH?

>>19606866
>>19606858

You smile and bow. 'I understand, sir. I hope you'll forgive my impudence.'

'Not impudent, Adrian. But maybe a little... imprudent?'

The two of you share a rare chuckle at that. You ask Gesadag more about his gate-guests, and he waves his hand dismissively.

'I don't really discriminate when I hire, to be honest. Perhaps that is a mistake. But the people whom I do have, I try to treat well - and I think that makes up for quite a lot, where one's reputation is concerned.' He drinks, then glances at Naseg, who is also drinking as Cloudberry pours. 'But I'm sure you have no problem with that, given your charisma.'

'Oh, you flatter me, sir. I have hardly any knowledge or experience to temper my rashness. I must be far more cautious in future...' you do notice that Cloudberry is quite close to Naseg, sometimes deliberately nudging up against him. He seems not to notice. But you know Cloudberry doesn't do these things accidentally.

'Caution is good, it's always advisable. So. Tell me. You're going east, aren't you? How do you wish to receive those... foreigners?' He was going to say barbarian, you knew it. 'What do you think about their conflict?'

You wonder if you know enough to speak of it... then again, even if you didn't, this might be a chance to know more. You don't know how extensive Gesadag's eyes and ears are, after all...

> What do/say?

>>19606916

Say that it is in our interests to have them not fight each other. The trade must flow along the river, and if Theniron and Subaran fight, then the river is blocked and trade dies.
We must be careful and even-handed.

>>19606916
We want to impress on these foreigners that while they are welcome and valued guests, they are culturally inferior and very much the lesser in this meeting. Without outright offending them of course.

>>19606916
I'm fine with you running so many quests, they're all good.

I am headed East, between myself and my brother I am much more suited for this task than he.

I am planning on receiving them with all due politeness, we have Countesses, if not more, visiting after all.

I believe my hardest task shall be to keep Theniron and Subaran at peace, whether this be on a personal or impersonal level remains to be seen.

They are in a slightly tenuous position, they have power, greater than the small and but are large enough that the greater powers are going to take notice. It seems an odd position to be in.

>>19606982
I'd rather not be impolite to the duchy that has a bloody fortress right along the river that much of our trade goes down. Also these ladies are the best prospects for marriage, at least so far as potential power is considered, there are downsides but I think the risk is worth it.

>>19606984
>>19606982
>>19606958

'Well,' you say. 'Two doctrines seem to be of key importance here. The first is that we must keep the peace between Theniron and Subaran. Too much rides on the Fisewa River and the trade it brings us; war between the two cities is intolerable to us.

'As for the second point, I must strive to impress upon them both our civility, and our power. They must be made to understand that Iru is the superior in this relationship; but that we are benevolent superiors, not violent masters.'

Gesadag nods, then claps, grinning widely. 'Bravo! Bravo. I am relieved to have made my recommendation then.'

That's ni- wait, what? But then he continues. 'If it makes you feel more relieved, the very fact that they wish their daughters to be validated in a court of Iru is a sign of their esteem for us. Though if they *both* send their daughters, then... it becomes a race for favour. Of course, not all favour in Iru comes from His Higness. Or even His Majesty in Shuganak...'

You nod, waiting to hear more. Gesadag tells you that perhaps peace would depend as much on the many tribes and settlements along the two hundred miles of the Fisewa between Iru and Theniron, as on the two city states themselves. 'But they are such a patchwork. Such confusion... it is said that a chief who rules five years is ancient among these fishermen and herders and barbarians. And yet I've always wondered if our future - the future of the Kingdom - does not lie that way. Is it not so that the open sky is better than the tight-packed earth, where expansion is concerned...?'

> What do/say? You can choose to terminate the dinner at your choosing, actually. You're an esteemed guest, you leave when you want.

>>19607012
Acting overly polite can be a problem in its own way. A man of powerful position who acts too polite is often derided for being meek. A weak man who acts tough is mocked for putting on false bravado. We need to present ourselves as both powerful, more powerful than our guests, and courteous. But it must be impressed on them that the courtesy we show is one of a superior to a subordinate.

It will make us more eligible in their eyes if they believe a marriage to us would also be a step up.

>>19607033

This is especially so because we need to show to our own people we're a suitable candidate for leadership. So far we've got a reputation for charm and charisma, and also intelligence from the bandit affair. Now we can prove our inner strength.

>>19607023
For expansion if all you have is the open sky then things would seem to turn into what we see to the East, a patchwork of states and rulers, there is great opportunity there as is shown by the Duchy of Theniron, but it is rare for things to last as is shown by Moradon.

With only the tight-packed earth there are examples of great nations and cities stagnating and collapsing under the weight of their past. You need a stable center, but with room to grow and change.

>>19607023
"Show me the gold in open skies, and it will only be the sun burning your eyes. If our future lies in the barbarians, it is to civilize them, and bring them under our dominion. Not in the name of tyranny, but in the name enlightenment and prosperity. All men should enjoy the benefits of our system."

I like this quest, but I never know what to say to these characters...

>>19606916
> Or maybe I shouldn't run so fucking many quests, EH, EH?

You've got a think called ADD creativity. Can't just work on a single thing at a time, you've got to work on many things at once. Its a dangerous habit if over indulged.

>>19607094
>>19607067
>>19607061

> There's no need to worry about the exact words - exact words are nice, but a gist of what you mean is just as good!

Your poetic reply sounds impressive in itself already; you can see Cloudberry and the other attendant, whose name appears to be Rosemary, look at you admiringly. Gesadag, too, is impressed by your analysis.

'I daresay you have the right idea, then, I daresay you do! Well, if there is anything else I might advise you in, it is that you should be careful of the Earl of Theniron who is accompanying his sister on this trip. He is an ambitious man, apparently excellent in both martial and civil pursuits. If ever there is an external threat to the Appanage, it might be he. Of course, it's not that we lack for external threats...'

Gesadag then tells you some ominous things about the Kingdom of Kaso. Apparently, for the Great Summer Festival, they have sent only a small entourage of dancers and the bare minimum of goods to be given a king, to Shuganak; at the same time they have apparently asked Iru to help relieve their starving peasants, to the tune of 100,000 casks of grain. A hundred thousand! Where on earth does Iru get this much? The Appanage only produces that much, in total, in a good year...

'There will be great pressure on His Majesty,' Gesadag sighs. 'And that, of course, means there will be great pressures on His Highness. Well, we'll see when the chariot races are going on. Will you be in Raumar, or would you rather go swiftly and return slow from the borders?'

> What do/say? Gesadag seems ready to end the feast soon. You should go back soon, anyway...

>>19607122

That is in fact an accurate diagnosis. I enjoy starting things much more than finishing them. But I will keep things under control, yes. Hopefully.

> Cue innuendo.

>>19607139
An enemy can be made a friend with the right motivation. This Earl sounds like an interesting fellow if he causes you worry.

>>19607139
Well, it looks like this gift giving season is going to be an utter fustercluck, don't say this, or at least phrase it in a nice way.

I believe I'll return slowly. There is much to show on the way and I can see little gain, aside from seeing the chariots, from rushing them here.

Forget the chariot race, we are stepping into international politics. Much more important.

>>19607145
Three seems like a good number, making more might be a bit much.

We currently have pretty nice guy in "Not-China" with politicking. Pretty nice guy trying not explode girls' brains with mind powers while getting in their pants. Finally, guy with almost a complete lack of moral compass, save some loyalty to his comrades, going around in space.

>>19607193
>>19607180
>>19607170

You frown and make yourself appropriately distressed at the thought of a clusterfuck-ish tribute-giving session. Come think of it, you'll also be given the opportunity to see the tribute being brought to Iru from Theniron and Subaran, since those are naturally coming in the same entourage.

Well, that's something to look forward to. As for the earl, whose name you don't even know yet, Gesadag nods. 'To be sure, young lord, I have placed a lot of faith in you. I do believe that you are, among your brothers...'

He does not finish the sentence except with a smile. Well, that's still very explicit. You wonder if he is also showing his confidence that the house he runs is airtight and spy-free; this is not a smart thing to announce if it's likely to get back to your dad's ears...

With that, you leave the little drinking party, though before you leave the compound Rosemary comes up to you and hands you a note. 'It's from the Young Master,' she says, in a lovely, smooth voice. You only read it when you get back to your own compound and sit down with a cup of warmed, dilute tea.

'To the Third Lord,

Your understanding of strategy and schemes is indeed superior to many. If you should deign to do so, I will be glad to offer some of my few gate-guests in aid of your cause.'

Ah, now that's interesting...

Also, Lavender comes to tell you that the palace goldsmiths have sent some completed sets of hairpins and jewellery, set with those gemstones you provided. She seems rather fidgety as she says it.

> What do/say?
> Also, confirm the entourage for tomorrow. Tentatively, you are taking Daneg, Sadereg, six guards, and your attendants Orchid and Amaryllis. You may confirm this, or if it's not grand enough, take more people along with you.

Also, Peony passes you another message which came in while you were away.

It's an offer from House Daudu, to host the foreigners and you. They are perfectly sited for this, and their residence is probably better decorated than the usual border guest-house. But then the Daudus used to be merchants until recently, and they are staunch Localists where politics is concerned...

That reminds you, you're not sure how your father might feel about your actions thus far with the Convocation. That, combined with a possible foul mood from any nasty surprises during the Summer Festival...

... oh, why did you choose to walk out on the thin ice? You could just have been banging all the maidens all the time...

> What react?

>>19607265
I think it's enough. I'd prefer to impress them with wit and civility than numbers.

>>19607265
Who's the young master ?

Should we bring more attendants along, or would that affect our reputation negatively? It seems like two to attend to us is a bit few.

Even for the convocation, we came up with all eight of them.

>>19607321

That would be Naseg, presumably. The Old Master is Gesadag himself.

>>19607265
That seems like a good number, we can leave ostentatious displays to other people. Bringing much more would mean that our other projects would suffer while we were gone. Perhaps one more attendant at most.

That's cool on the hairpins and jewelry, we should probably start giving them out to our servants, attendant or not, as gifts, signs of us placing trust in them if it's deserved, that sort of thing.

>>19607286
Resist weeping a single tear at that possible life, try to cheer ourself up with the prospect of seducing a Countess.

The place is rather nice, we should have someone check it out while we're on the way to the border to pick them up and make it a very definite possibility.

>>19607321
Gesadag's son I would guess, Naseg.

>>19607265
We also wanted to take Katesas with us.

>>19607286
>to host the foreigners and you
When we come back or on the way ? If the latter, it sounds okay. There's not many other choices I suppose, and tense situations always offer opportunities. Maybe we could get closer to the foreigner earl, or to these localist guys. Anyway, refusing would be insulting to them and their faction, right ?

>>19607265
What is the social etiquette, especially the Vasawa Easterner etiquette, on what gifts, if any, we should bring with us for our guests? Would this fancy new jewelry be considered appropriate, too fancy, to personal being jewelry, not fancy enough?

>>19607359
>>19607357
>>19607345

So the general consensus is that it's enough? Excellent.

When you ask about Katesas, Peony slaps her forehead. You wonder if she's forgotten to send the invitation, but it turns out she just hasn't passed you the note saying that he would be immensely glad to join you. If it pleases you, he shall be waiting outside the south gate of the city.

'That's fine,' you mutter.

As for the offer from House Daudu, presumably they mean to host you when you get there, and also to receive the foreign guests. Certainly the prestige of such a visit would be a good boost to Daudu, but it's up to you if they shall have that privilege.

Lavender seems somewhat nervous and expectant, meanwhile, as you pore over the message and try to make up your mind...

> What do/say before bed? It might be best not to... overly exert yourself today, Adrian.

>>19607420
Out with it Lavender, or are you just squirming because you need to piss?

>>19607431
No reason to be rude. Ask what's up nicely.

>>19607420
I say we go for it, it'll let us curry some favor with the Localists, something we dearly need and it means we get better lodging for our guests.

Ask Lavender what she seems to be concerned about.

After that we should probably take a quick bath then hit the sack with minimal sexings. We have an early morning and a long day of riding ahead of us.

>>19607408

Well, you have a range of elaborateness in your jewellery collection. It's up to you how much stuff you want to bring as personal gifts for the foreigners...

You've heard before that Merinites likes simple jewellery, while Saragites is more inclined towards excellent craftwork and well-designed pieces. You can easily pick out one set of each from your three golden hairpiece sets; that should fulfill your basic obligation.

But if you want to bring them anything more, as a sign of special liking, go ahead; your items are here:

> http://noblemanquest.wikia.com/wiki/Adrian%27s_Vault

>>19607431
>>19607447

'What is it Lavender?' You glance at her, and see she's holding something behind her back. A sudden tingle runs down your spine, and you sit up straight. 'What's that?'

'Oh... um...' she blushes and takes it out - it's a lovely short flute, made of bamboo, and with a silver foot and mouthpiece. It seems she's probably made it herself. 'Um... sorry, my lord... I used some of the silver trimmings from your previous work that was just stored around. I... it's very rough workmanship, sir...'

Her face looks like smouldering coals now. You've never quite noticed that she's fairer than average until now when she's bright red.

> What do/say?

>>19607420
>when you get there
So in the city ?
I think it would be better to host them ourself if we've got an appropriate place. Was there a Daudu at the convocation ? Can we put a bit of the responsibility for the close meeting affair on them ? We shouldn't act like it never happened.
Is there any other people we can ask to host them for us ?

>>19607473
She should play us the song of her people.

>>19607489

House Daudu are merchants turned nobles, with a fief on the eastern border of the Appanage. You can read about it in the Wiki.

They're volunteering to host you when you get there, and meet up with the Easterners.

> Can I say the consensus is for accepting their offer?

>>19607473
Examine it. Give an honest appreciation.

Do you want to play ? I'd be glad to listen.

>>19607499
Oh. Yes, it sounds okay then.

>>19607473
If we do bring more we'll have to bring it in two roughly equal chunks, I'd rather not start this off by alienating one by bringing them more gifts than the other. If we bring more we could probably bring one set of jade jewelry and one set of opal and silver, we don't want to bring them both the same thing as that seems lazy, showing we took the time to select proper gifts for both will make us look better in both of their eyes, unless there is a serious disparity between jade and opal and silver.

Inspect the workmanship on the flute, compliment her on the work, tell her that it's fine and to not be afraid to ask for materials for projects, ask her to play something on it.

>>19607493
Indeed.

>>19607506
>>19607493

You have to admit, the work is a bit... rough. When you say so, you see her face fall considerably.

Lavender seems eager to play the flute if you don't mind. Which you don't... wait, let's go up to the bedroom first. Okay. Now you can fall asleep as and when you want, so that's fine.

Also, you tell Peony to relay your acceptance. She smiles at that. 'Mollifying the opposition then, my lord?'

'They're not opposition, they're just... stubborn. I don't argue with donkeys,' you smile back. Then you ask Lavender to play the song of her people, and she thinks about it for a while before playing a few short, jaunty pieces - rather like military marches or training songs, it seems to you. Well, given her background, it's not very surprising.

Her flute-playing skills are much better than her flute-making skills, and you praise her for that. She smiles, blushing, and then gasps suddenly. Then you see that a splinter of bamboo's gone into her index finger.

'Ow! Well, guess my flute-making skills really are shit. Oh! I'm sorry for the foul language, sir...'

> Do anything before bed? Or just conk out in 3...

>>19607549
It's fine, now let's see to your finger quickly.

By the way your playing was lovely.

If you think that you're bad at making things you should have seen my first projects, just learn from your mistakes and continue to practice and try and you'll no doubt improve.

Then after the splinter is removed and her finger is wrapped up a bit to prevent bleeding and infection we collapse.

Pull out splinter, suck blood off. Then fall asleep.

>>19607549
Help her with the splinter.

>>19607473
I'm in favor of bringing a little more than the minimum. We don't want to look stingy.

>>19607549
Pull out the splinter, kiss her hand, then kiss her mouth.

>>19607580
>>19607579
>>19607571

'Oh dear, let's look at that...' you take her hand and, gently, pull out the splinter. 'Yep, that's what happens with bamboo. Really have to sand it properly.'

'Yes, sir. I'll keep that in mind, sir.'

You watch the bright red drop of blood slowly filling her finger's tiny grooves, and before she can say anything more, put it into your mouth. Hey, that's got to keep it clean, right? Lavender gasps, but does not resist; you're only cleaning off the blood. It tastes... bloody.

'I... thank you for that, sir...'

'Yeah.' Zzzzzzz.

When you get up again, Lavender is already at work, choosing the clothes. You ask her what's going on, and she bows.

'Sir! Peony just came in and told me to get the robes ready for packing. Also, she asks if you would prefer to move out as early as possible, or wait for a more formal send-off from His Highness?'

You think that over. Your head is throbbing ever so slightly from what you drank last night... but from what your *dad* might have had last night... waiting for him would be the correct thing to do, but goodness knows how long it would take.

> What do/say? Also, if you'd like more attendants, who to bring?

Meanwhile, Ramogis requests an audience to confirm the instructions you have for while you're away.

'Moremegain is to go through the accounts with Peony,' he says, 'and I am to research the legal precedents of the Convocation meetings. Is there anything else that would need doing? These few days could be productive days, sir.'

> What say?

>>19607549
Kneel. Pull out splinter. Look up at her.
Spaghetti everywhere.

>>19607643

.... I, what?

>>19607646
"I ... I'm sorry. I don't know h...how these gotten into my pocket. I swear!"

>>19607642
We'll leave immediately. Father's hangover be damned.

Tell him that we could use a compiled history of the two foreign nations put together, but it isn't urgent.

>>19607642
Any idea of what you guys could produce ?

Let's take Lavender with us as well, why not?

>>19607642
What's the talk among the servants of how late he was up and how much he drank, I'd like to know how long we should expect him to stay asleep before I make this decision.

As for Ramogis, research precedent, keep an eye on political climate, get us information on scholars, especially the ones people and other scholars listen to.

Also key points in the relationship between Theniron, Subaran, the other smaller tribes and settlements between us and Theniron along the river. As well as their relationships with Mar and Iru as a whole.

>>19607679
We'll leave immediately, but we should leave a message to our father about it.

>>19607642
Keep up to date on the gift-giving and tribute problems, get more on it, how much fallout there is likely to be, where the fallout will go, and if there is anything to be done about it.

>>19607679
>>19607680

You give the instruction to gather more info about Theniron and Subaran, and he nods.

Ramogis seems a little surprised by the question, but gives it a bit of thought. 'Well, there's always the matter of researching the city's administration, sir... or of finding out information about a future fief, if you're interested in that. Alternatively, if there's any event you've planned to do when you get back, or if you'd like to recruit more gate-guests...'

Hmm. Those are all possibilities...

> Any more? >>19607700 has been duly noted.

You make the decision to take Lavender along with you - which is greeted with another blush, and a deep bow. And you decide to get out of the Palace now, after hearing from Peony that the lanterns of the side hall - the site of many post-banquet parties - were lit until the third hour of the morning.

'Hmm. Well, leave the Prince a message then.'

And with that, you ride with your gifts, guards and entourage out of the city gate. The air is cool and crisp, though you can see that the threat of rain is already on the horizon - why does it have to rain *now*!? The city is already buzzing with activity, and it takes Sadereg and two guards in front yelling to clear a way for you.

You notice this neighbourhood you are passing through hosts many of the workers and servants of the Localist merchants. The people, while appropriately respectful, don't seem very enthused at your presence. Tsk...

> Do anything before meeting Katesas? What say when you meet up with him?

>>19607737
They'll end up liking us, we're currying some favor with the Daudu family, all the stuff we're planning will improve the city, once they get the stick out of their ass it'll be fine.

I can't think of anything to do before meeting him.

What to say, lightly thank him for joining us, see if he has any advice or words of wisdom for us concerning Theniron and Subaran, and the Countesses.

>>19607737
>Well, there's always the matter of researching the city's administration
We could use a full cloud diagram of all the city's interacting economic activities, centered on the trade sector, and of the variousexterior intervention, be them formal or not, from interested parties. Along with a small indexed boook of notes about every important agent's involvement.
Explain quickly to him what a diagram is if it's not yet a common thing to do in this place and time.

>>19607808
Make it a large board on which a very stylised map of the city is painted (with disputed and undisputed territories, etc), with coloured pins and threads that we can move around and all.

>>19607777

Katesas is standing there, at the south gate, and quickly gets on his knees once you arrive. You hurriedly pull him back on his feet, then notice he's already wearing a rain cape. The sky above you is seriously worrying now.

As you ride eastward towards the border, you ask Katesas about the situation, and he frowns. You notice Daneg and him seem to be getting on reasonably well. 'There is one issue I have been wondering about, sir.'

'Yes?'

'Theniron and Subaran are both powerful duchies among the peoples of the east, though their states are nowhere near as strong as Iru, even in these days.'

He pauses, and as you look around you do see what he means. The road itself is quite badly kept, with potholes and uneven bits and even whole stretches where logs cover where the gravel was washed off. As you skirt the lands of House Tali, you can clearly see the difference between the Tali lands - where land is being worked, and smoke billows from large villages - and the land outside, where scattered hamlets and houses plough the land around their door and little more.

'Given their strength, the two duchies could just as well request an invitation to the King's ceremony at Shuganak, which no doubt confers far more prestige - and, well, other marriage opportunities. Yet it is my understanding that they have not done so at all. They weren't rejected; they simply never asked. I wonder why that would be so...?'

> What think? Also, if you'd like to look out for anything along the road or ask questions, feel free. You haven't been to the eastern bit of the Appanage for some time, and you feel the need to be alert.

>>19607808
>>19607844

> God, have some mercy on me.

Ramogis says he will try. Maps, however, might be difficult - the very art of cartography is a seriously controlled trade, in an era where knowledge of terrain is a crucial military advantage.

'It must be said, sir, such an undertaking could well take years, and necessarily need to change every day,' he says wryly. 'But the general contours, I believe I can deal with, sir.'

>>19607852
Keep an eye out for signs of outlaw activity, and discuss the lay of the land with whoever is most familiar in your party. Ask if there is any decent hunting for a start.

>>19607852
I couldn't be that it never occured to them ? Maybe they have a different perspective on their importance.
Maybe they'd prefer not to be too directly linked to the King, for the sake of their autonomy, and think we're more tractable partners, because of our more limited ressources, or because we already host a significant minority of foreigners.

>>19607852

Hmm. So... are there no settlements of any sort? Military posts, any official presence?
We should maybe take a spot check visit of some local magistrate, and see what they're doing.
Also, look around for noble presence.

>>19607915
Maybe they just understood how awesome we are.

>>19607907
>>19607915
>>19607917

'Decent hunting, definitely!' Katesas says, and points to the south of the road. You can see, past some sparse villages, a great green expanse. 'From there to the hills in the south, it's mainly a large forest with some villages within. They herd hogs and hunt for a living. Then along the lake there is fishing, mostly.'

You turn to see the lake, now a deep blue grey reflecting the colour of the sky, and notice that it's empty of boats. And a few moments after you notice it, the sky lets you know why they ran, by coming down on you in a flurry of drops.

'Damn!' Everyone dons their rain capes, and you hurry onwards. By what you estimate is late morning, with rain so thick you sometimes lose sight of the lake, you finally make your way into a military fort which also serves as a way-post. The place is, strangely enough, empty; but there are a few travellers who huddle away from you when they see you. Haggard faces; painfully thin limbs.

Outside thunder rolls, and after Daneg confirms which military post this is, he says you are about halfway to House Daudu's manor. Katesas sighs. 'I can only imagine how the foreigners are having it...'

> Do/say anything? Rest here, or push on in the rain? You're supposed to meet today, but...

>>19607987
If it doesn't look like it'll stop soon, continue. It's just rain.

>>19607987

Ask about those people, are they beggars or what?

Also, we should wait, but... maybe not past noon or something like that.

>>19607987
Ask the other travellers why the place is empty.

>>19608033
>>19608032
>>19608023

The people turn out not to be beggars, but slaves. You blink; slave-owning is not exactly the prerogative of every person in this society.

'We... we are not really slaves, but we work just like slaves, sir. The commandant of this fort lent money to us, and when we could not return it with produce we were forced to work around here, helping to repair the fort and the nearby walls and towers...'

By now their speech is punctuated with sobs and weeping as people cry and bemoan their fate. 'We... some of us have been here for two or three years now...'

'Where in the world is the commandant, then?'

'He says he is going on an inspection tour right now, going to check on the forts... now, if we may ask, sir, who do you happen to be?'

You blink, and then Daneg comes up to you and whispers. If he remembers correctly, the commandant here is a famous soldier and officer, having helped defend Margade in the past. He is quite well esteemed within Raumar and the military community.

'I wonder if this is an isolated case or a widespread happening, sir...'

> Damn. What do you think?
> Also, the rain is fading out. Roll d100 as you're about to set out.

>>19607863
> God, have some mercy on me.
A GM's work is never done...

And I want to impress our guests.

rolled 52 = 52

>>19608115
Ask them how much hours they work, per day, how long they'll work in all, and how fast their work is progressing.
Forced labour isn't very efficient, we heard...

>>19608153

They say they get one meal a day, and work from sunrise to sunset. As for how fast they are progressing, well... their work certainly never seems to get done...

> Reveal your identity?

Also, given the requirements of that report, the work literally will never be done. He's going to try and draw a diagram of a 26,000 population city, with constant in- and out-flows of population, with links to the entire kingdom and several other states besides each with their own policy.

Nope...

> Do/say anything before setting off again? Also, did everyone just disappear?

rolled 100 = 100

>>19608228

not to mention we don't even know about many of the external actors...

>>19608250
>rolled 100 = 100
Neat.

>>19608250
>>19608263

After conferring for some moments with your people, you decide not to pay too much heed to the slaves. Their pleas for help - or at least, for your identity - fall on deaf ears as you continue riding towards the east.

The rain has by now calmed into a slight drizzle, and thought the road is still rough, the weather is now poised perfectly - cloudy, with occasional bursts of sunlight, while still being comfortably cool for summer. Under this celestial escort, you manage to reach the Daudu residence before very long, where Maguri, the Baron of Daudu, comes out with his entire family to welcome you.

'My lord! You have arrived!' Maguri asks about your trip with all the friendliness of a merchant talking to a client, and you are ushered in to a finely decorated room, with comfortable seats at a long, lacquered table. No sooner are you settled down than the Baron claps his hands, and musicians along with wine pourers - many of the fine looking girls, though very obviously Eastern - emerge to entertain you.

'So, Baron. Any news of the visitors?'

'They say they shall arrive in the late afternoon. Some delays due to the rain, my lord... but meanwhile, please do make yourself at home!'

Well, well! You turn to your left and a girl raises a cup to your lips. Mmm. That's nice. Daudu must have known about your reputation in the city....

> What do/say/ask?

> Also, eating dinner. Be back soon.

>>19608358
>Their pleas for help - or at least, for your identity
I think we should investigate the situation, although as discretely as possible. Those guys are not working on their fields/shops while intentured, so we're essentially losing goods/taxes.

>>19608376

> Duly noted. Do anything now?

>>19608454
I'm lagging 5 threads behind, just saw the quest and posted that. I'm kinda busy with the archives right now. So I'm not up to date with all the plans we have, but:

> What do/say/ask
Thank him for his hospitality and ask him about the area in general and himself.

>>19608493

No worries, mate - yeah it might be a bit densely packed plot-wise. Give me a bit more time to finish me dinner though...

You thank Maguri, but at the same time you are aware that he owes far more to your presence than you do to his welcome. Now that a member of the Royal House - in fact, one royal and two ducal houses - are going to converge on his household, his prestige is going to get a serious boost.

When you ask about the general state of the manor and the family, it quickly becomes clear to you that this man indeed used to be a merchant. He starts talking about the things they produce here - salted fish, kelp, salts and sulphur from the nearby springs - and how they are being traded, eastward and westward. He talks about plans to built a watchpost on the Fisewa, to make it easier to collect tolls - though of course he will keep to the laws and only collect the tolls due to him, which are the tolls due to ships that carry goods above this limit, and of this sort - but not *this* sort, that sort...

You are saved from nodding off by a tour of the manor. They may be boring, but the Daudu appear to be excellent managers. You remember how the Ahun manor is dilapidated, and even that of Tali slightly run down; here, though, things are kept in proper repair, and the servants rush about without idleness. Only Daneg is shaking his head at the extravagance of it all...

> Do/say anything?

OP, what other quests do you run?
I'd love to help out, but I'm no good at politicking.

We might want to get some advice from them on management. Unless asking our inferiors for advice is inappropriate, ofc. In that case, I've got nothing.

>>19608582
>>19608596

> This one, Homeless Psych Quest, and of course Spacefarer, where you're a player. You're always welcome to read and lurk! (Participation would be awesome though!)

You ask Daudu about management, and he smiles.

'Well, sir, there are so many views on how to run a country, but if you ask me... I'd say that rules, regulations, and rewards are the main things one really needs to run an estate. You make sure people want to do what you want them to do, and you make sure they're scared of the things you don't like as well.'

As he speaks you are brought into an orchard, where the summer fruits - citrus, peach and apricot - are just beginning to swell and ripen. Maguri picks a particularly large peach and presents it to you; it's sweet, and juices run all over your mouth as you bite into it. Mmmf mmf vvrrr good.

Just as Orchid is wiping your mouth, a messenger runs over to you. 'Your lordships! We have seen the entourage of the foreign visitors just passing the border!'

'Oh, that must be them, then, sir!' Maguri grins. 'Would you like to go out and meet them, sir, or would it be better for you to receive them here?'

> What do/say? Besides that choice, preparatory actions also welcome.

>>19608651
Might as well go out and meet them. We can give any of the gifts we prepared once we are all inside.

Wait, did we prepare gifts?

>>19608679

No, wait. Ask Daneg if going out to meet them would be a sign of superiority.
We must appear superior from the very start. If that means not going out to meet them, then they come to us.

I believe we brought gifts, but not specifically prepared to be given.

>>19608694
Don't ask him that! Do we want to look stupid?

>>19608679

I concur, ride out.

>>19608694
>>19608679

You did prepare gifts... well, you prepared gifts for the ladies. You weren't really going to give jewellery to the earl... unless you thought to do that?

Daneg says that the host going out to meet the guest can be considered a sign of equality with the guest; if you want superiority, you should probably stay inside. In any case, Maguri has ordered the great hall to be prepared; and you have to say, it's a pretty nice great hall!

... in fact, it's a pretty *large* great hall. It's almost as large as the one in Raumar Palace. That is technically against what barons are allowed...

> What do, then?

>>19608699
The gifts can wait until we return to the manor.

>>19608728
Wait for them, but send our bet men out to escort them in.

>>19608728
Might as well wait for them in the hall, then and prepare gifts for the ladies.

>>19608717

Don't worry about it - there's nothing wrong in consulting a gate-guest about matters of ritual.

That's what gate-guests are there for, after all! They're your consultants.

>>19608738
>>19608741
>>19608730

You take up the place of the privileged guest in the great hall, and send Sadereg and Daneg out with the bodyguards to escort the entourage in. Your attendants stand around, and you listen to the sound of the manor gate's drums, followed by the blasts of horns and cheering of men - basically the same welcome as you got when you rode in.

And then, finally, the herald cries out their names. 'Saragites, Countess of Theniron! Gurunir, Count of Theniron! Merinites, Viscountess of Subaran!'

You sit up in your chair slightly as the three figures step in; sadly, the two behind the leading figure are wearing veils. But even then you can see the difference between the two. One of the ladies, presumably Saragites, is tall, as tall as her brother; the other is a head and a half shorter than either of them, and much more slender and sinewy.

'Gurunir, Count of Theniron, pays his respects.'

You listen to them pay their respects, and glance outside. You can see several cartloads of tribute being wheeled in through the manor. This looks to be a full-scale prestige competition between the two duchies...

> What do/say?

>>19608802
Greet them warmly, but don't approach them. Stand up and put on a bit of swagger. See how they react to you before offering them the gifts.

>>19608802

Greet them, ask how their journey was.

>>19608802
I welcome our esteemed guests from the Duchies of Theniron and Saragites to our lands. I am Adrian the (insert Adrians formal title here) here to escort you to Margade. Our host is the House Dadu run by Sir Maguri

Now that the most formal of greetings and introductions are out of the way, perhaps you would wish to bathe and refresh yourselves from the rain before we continue? I would not wish to force our guests to attend a full ceremony in damp clothing.

>>19608914
I agree with this. Tell them that we wish the evening to be a pleasant one and understand that sitting through formal ceremonies in sodden clothing is quite the opposite.

Before doing so, though, we should give the gifts of jewelery to the ladies. They'll be able to try them on and wear them to dinner.

>>19608886
>>19608907
>>19608914

You introduce yourself formally, followed by the hosts, House Daudu. Gurunir says it would be time to exchange gifts and tributes, but you ask if he would not rather perhaps take a rest, and freshen up a bit.

'If I may intrude, sir,' Maguri says pleasantly, 'I'd just like to ask if you would prefer to dine privately together, or if there should be a banquet. I have had people prepare for both, whichever is your pleasure.'

Gurunir doesn't wait for you. 'It would be best if we dined privately,' he says, and you see Maguri's face fall. That would mean excluding him from the proceedings. 'Also, it is very kind of you, sir, to allow us some rest.'

'As I should... I presume the journey was rather... wet.'

'So it was,' he agrees. And with that, the ceremony is for now adjourned until evening time. You check the time with one of the manor people; there's about three hours to go...

> What do/say? You do see everyone's point about Gurunir. Tall, handsome and intense, he seems to enjoy being the centre of attention.

> The other two ladies are quiet; you notice that Merinites seems a bit uneasy. Well, she's with two of her political enemies, that's a bit understandable...

>>19608944

> Would you like to give now, or perhaps some time before dinner, when you meet them in a more... private setting?

> Of course, whether you may meet them in a more private setting might be up to Gurunir. He can't stop you outright, but he could oppose...

>>19608947
Send Orchid to attend to the Lady Merenites, and Lavender to Lady Sagarites. Instruct them to serve, converse and entertain the women. We want them to feel welcome, but shouldn't overstep by personally intruding.

Wait for everyone to get cleaned up first. For some reason I have a problem with giving them their gifts while not looking... their best

>>19608967
>>19608967
>>19608953
Have the girls take them the gifts. It might be impolite/presumptuous to talk directly to veiled women.

We should have the girls take them the gifts first, then suggest over dinner we would like to take a walk around the grounds with each of the ladies tomorrow after they have rested and before we begin the journey back. See how the Count (and, of course, the Countess and Viscountess too) react to that. It's a clear indication of interest without being extremely brazen and possibly offensive like requesting a personal private meeting the first time we see them would be. And since the social season is beginning soon, it gives us the opportunity to ask to see them again after the fourth of fifth.

>>19608967
>>19608972
>>19608977

It's funny you thought about that, given that the visitors have the same idea too. Orchid and Lavender each take the correct hairpins - you make really sure - and run off.

Just as you're settling down and Amaryllis is checking the tea water, you hear a small shuffling commotion outside, and Amaryllis opens the door to four lovely attendants who quickly kneel and shuffle, on their knees, to you.

... this is especially amusing given that they're following civilised rites which you guys have given up about half a century ago. It turns out two of the attendants are Saragites' and two are from Merinites. 'Your lordship, we are here to present some of the gifts from our mistresses and masters.'

'That can easily be done at the dinner later.'

'They are our orders, your lordship.' Well, if they say so... you sit back, but then have to consciously keep your eyes from opening wider when you see what's in the boxes they have with them. Merinites' box is half filled with silver, while the other half contains several smaller boxes of precious goods - spices, rare berries, forest fragrances, a gorgeous sea shell, etc. Saragites' box has similar precious goods, but under them is a bed of river pearls and gemstones.

'There are other gifts too, your lordship...' you cannot help but notice that the girls are wearing... rather less than you'd expect of a formal occasion. You do know eastern dress and what it's supposed to be like. And then it occurs to you what that other gift might be.

> What do/say? You've already received, previously, a record of some of the tribute items - there's everything from silk to tea to frankincense and gold and silver and gems, and pearls and dye and spices... but this is quite a big thing.

>>19609033
Laugh in a friendly manner, and wonder out loud to a nearby friend if your reputation really was 'that' bad.

Don't thank them for the gifts, just see them packed up and put into storage as your just due. Yes, it is a lot, but we don't want them to think they've wowed us.

>>19609033
>What do/say?
What's the appropriate reaction to receiving tribute?

>>19609033
Well now. Did we bring any other gifts in reserve? We need to be able to reciprocate this somewhat. We don't want to be the guy who gives a five dollar gift card at christmas.

If we didn't... well, how about we impose upon our host for some gifts? He's very wealthy, he could spot us for now. Let him know that we will repay the favor at a later time and I'm sure he would be more than glad to loan us some gifts for the moment.

Afterwards, continue with >>19609028

>>19609061
We shouldn't just treat it like nothing.
Just a bemused "Thank you." like it's not even the norm.

>>19609084
We should just take it as our due. A bit of arrogance can be a good thing.

>>19609061
>Don't thank them for the gifts
Are you insane? Not giving thanks would be like insulting them. We don't have to gush over and fawn on them, but we should without doubt mention their generosity and thank them for such wonderful gifts.

These are possible future heads of state of areas as big as the Appanage itself!

Neither of your gate-guests are here right now, so it's just Amaryllis, who blushes when you ask her.

You then turn to the girls and nod. 'That'll do. Amaryllis, have these taken into the storage. Convey my thanks to your mistresses.'

The four girls look at each other, then at you. It seems they are, indeed, part of the package as well. Dear me. Your eyes can't help but settle on one of the girls, one of Merinites' girls; her bronzed skin is complemented by striking, grey eyes, and very fine features.

> What do about them, send them back first?
> You have received: 800 taels
> Other significant items to be recorded in vault.

>>19609096
A bit of arrogance among merchants and peasants and lower nobility sure.

But these people are nearly of a rank with us, not to mention we have plans of trying to court Saragites. Don't be silly.

>>19609113
They are spies no doubt, or just a test of character. Let's not dick them.

Ask them if they know any forms of entertainment, and invite some of the household to watch them perform if they do.

>>19609103
>>19609118
When someone who is a potential rival is trying to impress you, the worst thing you can do is act impressed.

>>19609033
This is the tribute to the palace, not gifts to Adrian, correct?

If so then "Our guests do us honor with such lavish gifts, hopefully Iru Theniron and Subaran will continue to have a long and fruitful relationship.

>>19609113
>> What do about them, send them back first?
Call Peony and have her make them do something useful. We can't waste our time fucking around, at the moment.

Ask them about their talents, specialities and such stuff.

>>19609113

Also, in the meantime, the four attendants inform you that their mistresses have actually already finished freshening up. That... sounds like an invitation.

This is a bit confusing - you're not sure which rituals are being used here. Of course, according to *your* rules, going to see an unmarried young woman is quite the faux pas. You do know the Vasawas are less hung-up on such things - but they're using your rituals while in here...

Pfffft.

Also, Amaryllis was sent out with a message to Maguri. Did you really want him to help you provide gifts? For whom?

>>19609113
I know we have a policy against taking gifts in the form of female accompaniment, but is there really a graceful way out of this without being offensive or seeming, you know, gay? What is their culture like?

Would praising the beauty and loveliness of the girls but citing weariness from the road be a graceful way out?

>>19609155
Asking our host to provide extra gifts make us look weak and under prepared. It's better to be thought of as cheap rather than incompetent. Cheapness can be seen as being frugal. The other can only be read as incompetent.

>>19609155
No to having him provide gifts, we provided ones of an appropriate level to what was expected, they're overgifting to an extreme extent.

>>19609151
Why? It won't give them any particular advantage... in fact, acting as if we are unimpressed with such a lavish gift is more an indictment of us. It's like someone giving you a present and then sniffing and going "Well, I guess it's adequate."

Would you feel inclined to be friendly toward someone who did that? I know I wouldn't. Don't be stupid.

>>19609153
>>19609172
>>19609144
>>19609152

Ah, you see, that's the weird thing - those *are* gifts to you, yourself. Otherwise they wouldn't be presented to you; the real tribute is all sealed up until it gets to your dad, for obvious reasons.

Which begs the question - the hell are they giving you so much stuff for? Is this like providing the dowry even before anything's been signed?

... actually, why're you complaining about that?

Meanwhile, you smile as they continue to kneel, waiting for orders. 'It is said that in Theniron and Subaran you could throw a pebble in the air, and bruise a stunning beauty half the time. And now I know it to be true. If there is a request I might make, it would be of music and dance...'

The attendants react to this quickly, though without coordination - they are after all rival parties. Merinites' girls include the dancer with the grey eyes, and a girl with a lute; Saragites' girls also include a dancer, with long, red-streaked hair and a svelte build, but the musician has a fiddle instead.

> Who goes first? Please remember that, at this stage, many of your actions are seen in the light of showing favour. You've shown quite equal favour to the gifts just now... though you don't know if you might have overdone the arrogance thing. Oh well.

>>19609155
Are the gifts we saw only for us, or are they meant fro the whole family ? Our father is sure to have prepared greater gifts for their arrival in the city.
If so, we don't need to borrow from our host.

>>19609155
I say we should go visit Saragites for now. Let's meet her and talk.

The way I see it is this:
1) If they are using our rituals then they are trying to hook us and form an alliance, possibly through marriage even. We can play this and try to find out why, I'm sure. Plus, this is something we have been looking for ourselves so it (as far as we know, for now...) is in our interests to play along for now.

2) If they are using their less formal rituals then visiting them will be fine and we'll still be able to talk and find out what's up.

Either way, going and saying hi would benefit us.

>>19609198
Acting like a snob is actually a good tactic in politics, so long as you aren't always a snob. It cuts out any assumed familiarity or what have you they might think they have bought, and keeps them on the back foot in negotiations.

The first one to talk is the one most likely to lose.

>>19609226
Ask if they can play and dance together. Harmony is a pleasure on its own.

>>19609226
Have the Sagarites girls perform.

>>19609246
Maybe, maybe not, but we're not a merchant in negociations here. We're nobles in a courteous meeting.

>>19609246
Also, a lot of people back home don't like how friendly we are with foreigners. Too friendly in negotiations or the like and it could be used as ammunition against us further down the line.

>>19609253
Even better, how about we have the musician from one side and the dancer from the other pair up. Saragites fiddler with the Merinites dancer, and vice versa.

That way no matter who we say is better we are praising both equally. And we get to see exactly how adept these maids they sent to us are... and if they fail and can't adapt it will make their masters scramble to make up the difference to us. Win/Win.

>>19609270

You think there is a real difference? Every time foreign nobles meet in a formal setting, its nothing but politics and negotiations even if the language and rules are some what different.

Courtesy is a weapon to be used with precision. Being overly hospitable is a mistake, especially in circumstances so damned fishy.

>>19609292
That's actually a pretty good idea.

>>19609273
>Too friendly in negotiations or the like and it could be used as ammunition against us further down the line.
We need to have friends in at least one of the sides.
And seriously, the way we treat our guest is not something important to our potential ennemies - except to our guests themselves.

>>19609294
How you can confuse saying "Thank you" for a lavish gift with being OVERLY HOSPITABLE is something that boggles my mind.

>>19609253
>>19609260

> A bit of distance and arrogance is indeed useful in maintaining a superior position. Just be sure not to overdo it. Theniron and Subaran are not stronger than you are, but they are very proud states just like you. There are few accords worse than discord.

You smile, and then address the girls in Imperial. You can speak their language, of course, but you figure it might be better not to let on. When you ask them to perform together, they hesitate and talk among each other to try and find a song they both know...

When they finally agree, with you completely in the know, they begin to play while the two dancers begin their dance. They're clever, these girls - they've chosen a song, the Dance of the Two Plum Trees, with a standard routine, and so there is little chance of the two dancers clashing.

That said, you have to admire all of them as they perform. The dancers have excellent body control, spinning and bending their bodies, the swirling of their sleeves suggesting both violent snow and the delicate plum blossoms that emerge in the depth of winter. Their arms form intricate branches and twigs, and their bodies sway sinuously, like water, like trees in a strong wind...

When they're finished, you remain silent for a moment, and then clap. You praise them, to which the silver-eyed dancer smiles and bows. 'My mistress, sir, can dance this such that I look like a prancing cow next to her.'

Merinites, is it...

> Hmm. What next? Go with >>19609292, or dismiss them or do something else?

>>19609294
Yes, there is a real difference. Being uncourteous is not courteous. We have nothing to negociate here, it's just a matter of establishing a contact and a cordial relation.

>>19609321
Foreign guests, one of whom we might marry, with our reputation of being overly supportive of foreign interests?

The localists gave us a cold shoulder when we left, and we are currently in a localist house. Being too friendly with foreigners here will get back to Margade, and possibly hurt us.

>>19609356
And maybe, if possible, a personal friendship with Gurunir.

>>19609354
Let's do the pairing up thing and then visit Saragites.

>>19609354
Thank them for the lovely performance, equally.

>>19609354

Let's do switcheroo and watch them dance again, why not?
After that... let's talk to mernites.

>>19609367
No it won't. Merchants don't care whether we're polite or not with foreigners, they care whether we advantage them in their dealings or not.

>>19609393
>>19609398
We should talk to Gurunir before the girls. We don't want to show too much favour one way or the other, and he's the odd one out. His presence is considered unusual after all.

>>19609418
1. Not just talking about the merchants who hate us. 2. Personal trends influence professional trends. If we seem to be looking outside Margade for power and friendship at every turn, they may feel doubly slighted. We don't want them or anyone to think we have a natural bias to foreigners over locals.

Our over keenness to associate with foreigners was actually brought up as a reason -not- to take this assignment.

>>19609433
I think he'll have more esteem for us if we visit his sister first. We already refused to use his servant, if we go visit him first he'll start to think we're gay.

>>19609393
>>19609395
>>19609398

You thank them, then propose another challenge. This time round they seem far more eager to do it, as if your playfulness has helped reconcile them a little. They discuss among themselves, and then...

Merinites' lutist plays a slow, dignified song, the famed Night Tolling over the Foggy Fisewa, which plays to the lithe build of the red-haired dancer. She holds her positions with great precision, and flicks her hand with power, twisting and smiling coyly as she faces you.

Saragites' fiddle-girl plays a fast piece, the Skipper's Summons, and the grey-eyed girl really goes for it with the speed. She is frighteningly fast! Yet her movements never lose their grace, even as she jumps and twirls, landing on the stone floor before swirling her sleeves. You do notice a slightly pained expression in her face after that landing, though.

Daaaamn.

> What say? And then who visit? It seems they're really going all out to gain your praise now. This is almost comical, if it didn't have potentially major consequences...
> Or, you know what, maybe you're over-thinking things. It's a bloody dance recital! Things can't be of diplomatic significance all the time... right...?

>>19609465

You do have a point... but then again, since we're on this mission, courtesy won't hurt.

'Thanks very much I love this!' would be pandering, but 'Thanks' probably won't cross the line, i guess?

>>19609465
As you mentionned, we chose a localist for a host. If they really care for little things, that's got to compensate for being polite to our guests.
Besides that, our problem is mostly with merchants. That's the kind of city we live in.

>>19609481
Instead of visiting anyone, invite all three to the gardens for a light tea.

> Please do note that, of the three guests, two are on one side - and one is on another. The three together actually makes things... rather awkward.

>>19609481
Those born to power are also born to politics. Everything we do has political ramifications.

Praise the pair we honestly felt was better, since due to our pairings we will be equally praising both. Then let's go see Saragites.

Then again, if we skip directly to the Count rather than going to either of the ladies it could indicate we're politically savvy enough to see what is going on here. Then again, it's pretty blatant, so I'm not sure how much that would endear us.

I personally favor seeing Saragites but I think we should pay a visit to her brother afterward too.

>>19609481
Praise them appropriately to their performance, then politely take our leave. I think we'd better visit Saragites first.

>>19609481
You girls dance wonderfully, the beauty and grace of your slow dance, the skill and fluidity of you fast one, wonderful. And let's not forget the accompaniment, you played quite well.

So on and so forth.

As for who visit, how about the one who doesn't have an armed brother potentially waiting to rush into the room while we're alone with his sister to shout accusations.

>>19609549
Have the other bring along a favoured attendant to equal out the numbers, a 'guest'.

>>19609536
>>19609465
I think that in all affairs, we must not go out of our way to appear impartial. It's better to take a stance and please one side and slight the other, than slighting them all equally, and appearing indecisive and too worried about their opinions.

>>19609605
In time maybe, but we are still in the middle of first impressions. Let's get a lay of the land before we start favouring one or the other.

> I'm taking it Saragites wins!

>>19609554
>>19609553
>>19609477
>>19609393

You praise them equally, making sure not to lean too far one way or another, and they all are suitably grateful and thankful. But then, come think of it - does not coming down on one side quickly strike anyone as a sign of weakness in itself...?

Bah. You've been here all of two hours...

You ask to see Saragites, and all the attendants swiftly take their leave. You turn to Amaryllis, who looks a little crestfallen.

'What's wrong?'

'They are *really* good dancers, sir,' she says. You smile and pat her shoulder. Just then the sliding door opens gently, and Saragites enters. You now realise the veil and hood she was wearing was really a scarf, which now flows around her neck and shoulders, accentuating them. She is a well-figured girl, and probably almost your height; and her dress is purple with lilies and flames wrapped around the long skirt.

Once you're past the formalities, she sits down and looks directly at you, reminding you sharply that in terms of rank you are absolutely equal. 'It is lovely to make an acquaintance of the man whom they say is the greatest gem of Raumar,' she says, after a pause. Her speech is slow and precisely pronounced; it's charming almost to the point of threat.

> What do/say?

>>19609605
I agree. To a certain extent impartiality is good, but you always have to take sides in the end.

That's why I'm in favor of going and meeting Saragites. She's higher ranking and seems a bit more subtle, what with the pearls under spices and such, whereas Merinites was just straight up with a bunch of silver.

>>19609646
Reply to her that it is an equal pleasure to meet her, something about how her name had stuck in our mind since first hearing of her.

>>19609670
In her native tongue.

>>19609646
And it is wonderful to make the acquaintance of a beauty from Theniron such as yourself. I have heard you are an artist? perhaps during your stay here I can escort you to see some subjects you would not ordinarily find in your own city?

>>19609646
I'd think it'd be good not to accept that praise.
Maybe "that would be my father" or "some people see the gem before it's been cut from the gangue... and I don't have that talent."

>>19609646
I think the fact that we asked to see Saragites after praising the dancers pretty much dashes any "Impartial therefore weak" arguments. We asked to see the mistress of one of the dancer's sides after watching them. That's pretty much as decisive and definitive as you can get.

As for what to say, I suggest we thank her for her words and return them, saying that even in Mar the tales of her beauty and intelligence have been enough to set the dreams of many a young man alight.

Then we say that while we will be seeing Mar soon, we're curious as to her own country. Ask about her father, and note that both her and her brother coming to the city as well promises to draw our states together. See if she has anything to fill in there. If they really are hoping for some sort of alliance she won't be able to let that kind of an opening slide. Then we can look all inquisitive and say, "Oh?", hopefully having her continue.

>>19609670
>>19609694
>>19609707

You smile, and then switch to Vasawa. 'And it is my joy to make the acquaintance of such a beauty from Theniron.'

'I assure you, you will find someone of equal beauty from Subaran here,' she replies, smiling calmly. Well, that's an interesting thing to say.

You ask if she's an artist, and she waves it off. 'A little calligraphy... a little painting...'

'That's not what the Easterners in Margade say.' You nod at your cup. 'They say your brush dances like a swallow, and the swallows you paint dance on the paper itself. Perhaps we could go around this lovely end of the East Lake, and see if there are things worth that brush of yours.'

'Are we staying long in this manor?' She sounds slightly surprised. 'I might have thought you would be going back quickly, to please your father with a task accomplished.'

> What say? Man, it's nice to talk to someone who doesn't 'sir' you every sentence, and who is *also* a beautiful woman. And not your sister, of course, Martha is gorgeous and you love her.

>>19609670
>>19609694
It might be better to not let them know we can speak their language. We might be able to overhear something. People often speak secrets in different languages when in front of others if they think it won't be overheard.

>>19609749

Well, you thought of that too - it might risk burning bridges. But ah, it's early days, and you had to see one or the other - you really don't want to bring the two together in the room for a first impressions meeting.

... Maybe later, maybe later.

> Your question is noted; will answer in the next post.

>>19609762
A man takes his time, there is no rush, and our father is not a mother hen to fuss and cluck.

Why, do you want this all over and done with? My country is not so miserable as this morning rain would have you believe.

>>19609778

Damn, you're right. Shit.
Oh well, if they switch to some other language, chances are we'd still know it.

>>19609762
Pretend mock offense, a bit flirty; "Is my company so terrible that you would be so quickly rid of me? Oh, the shame!" Then go on to mention that, regardless of when we start, the downpour will have made the road even more difficult to traverse than normal and our speed will hardly be astonishing even if we set out tonight.

>>19609822
>>19609810

You shake your head in mock-offence as she says this. 'And here I thought I was providing a reason for you to stay. You do protest too much.'

She chuckles, adjusts her scarf a little. She has a long neck, you notice. Well, not freakishly long, but gracefully so. 'It's not you, if you needed that assurance. And in any case, this manor is well built and well-stocked, it appears. Certainly well-funded.'

You nod, and say that your father can go etc. etc., and that you could stay around a little while. Then you move the subject to her homeland, Theniron. 'You do us quite a lot of honour, I must say, when you and your brother both grace our halls. I'm sure that would give us occasion to draw Iru and Theniron ever closer.'

Then you wait for a moment, having laid the trap, only for her to turn her eyes at you. Blimey. They're dark jade green, and almost scary.

'Surely,' she says, 'surely to draw nearer to the kingdom, we should have drawn nearer to the King of Iru? I have wondered what Margade, and Mar, has to offer us indeed...'

> Eh... what do/say to that?

>>19609812
they would find out anyway if they didnt already know

>>19609893
Friendship, good will, but I warn you now our beer is terrible.

Brush it off with a joke.

>>19609893
Damn, she's more talented than us for these things. How old is she again ?

"Your presence made me believe you had found the answer to to this question..."

>>19609893
"Well, perhaps with your visit here you might find the answer?" Drop the act and seriously meet her eyes in return, "Of course, you should also bear in mind that not all is as it appears. The same could be said of your presence here too, I assume." Then crack a smile again and bring the facade back up. See how she reacts.

>>19609928
>>19609930

'Offer you... I have to say, it's not the gooseberry liquor, that's for sure.'

Given how she's been, you're almost afraid she simply doesn't laugh at the joke; but Saragites does, a quickly stifled giggle. She really doesn't waste movements of her hands.

'Seriously, though, if you are still asking that question now, surely... surely it's a bit too tardy? And you don't look like the tardy sort.'

'Do I not? I'm terribly slow of mind sometimes,' she replies immediately. You're beginning to think of fencing lessons with Kanjen. Cut, thrust, parry; cut, thrust, parry... 'I'm so slow that, sometimes, I still recall - even though it is before my own birth - I recall when the easterners drove deep into Mar, all the way to the walls of the city and palace, and no aid came from the royal court. Sometimes, when we deal with Iru, we are slow too to comprehend who it is we should be asking our dues and permissions from...'

... wait. Wait. Okay, this... this is beginning to move into dangerous sounding territory. Her voice is only getting lower and sexier as she continues, though.

> What do/say? Your tea's gone cold. You've forgot to drink it. STAY ALERT ADRIAN!

rolled 23 = 23

>>19610000
Huh...can I roll to read her mind about her family's plans ?

>>19610027

No, you're not Dylan. Sad but true.

>>19610000
To properly respond I need some history, when she mentions the "royal house" is that of Iru, or of the realm?

and which easterners where the ones who invaded?

>>19610000
Take the time to down slowly our cup of tea, looking in her eyes.

I don't understand what answer she seeks, so I'm gonna disappoint her :
"Feel free to try again to forget and understand."

>>19610000
Drop our mask briefly and give her a measuring stare, and tell her that perhaps it might be wise for her to only voice such thoughts to a select few when she is in Mar. That not all is as it might appear, and that many are not what they appear to be at first glance... especially the royal family. Give her a brief, measured smile, then pop back into masked mode with a joke about how her memory could perhaps be improved by a walk in crisp morning air on the morrow, and that we, foolish and stupid as we are, find it almost impossible to think without doing so at times. Maybe our walks will even coincide.

>>19610094
>especially the royal family
And by that I meant us and our family, of course.

Basically, what I am trying to say is that we should give her the impression there's quite a bit more to us than meets the eye and that our brothers and father, for all their apparent power, might not be the best ones to approach about the future of the Appanage. And that we are.

>>19610000
Okay. This isn't just starting to move into dangerous sounding territory, this is her outright stating that her country is looking at Mar as... what, a potential breakaway state which should be treated independently from Iru? Something of the sort. And we CANNOT officially admit that we are any such thing while in the capacity of Mar's highest-ranking representative on-site, because that's outright treason unless I'm quite mistaken.

So we need to say something like "Your knowledge of history does you credit" that sounds vaguely like we'd be willing to work with her without committing ourselves to anything or being anything that she can claim committed, then say that we look forward to discussing such matters with her during her stay in the city. Make it clear that while we're willing to talk about this, serious commitment will not be happening until we're back home.

>>19610086
>>19610092
>>19610094

Appropriate history chapters are in the Wiki, but to summarise:

> 25 years back, Appanage of Mar launched an (unauthorised) invasion of the east. The army was destroyed and driven back. Theniron and Subaran played critical roles in defeating the Iruvians.

> Easterners (not including Theniron and Subaran) counterattack, and lay siege to Margade for 13 months. The siege, and subsequent chaos, is why Margade has a Convocation, and Cooperatives - those were war vets who had to be accommodated politically post-war by a weakened princely court.

> As Sara mentioned, since the prince then didn't seek approval for his idiotic expedition, the king didn't send any troops to aid Margade.

> Of course, ever since then (and even before then) Mar, being relatively distant from Shugunak, has always been a bit more independent than the other parts of Iru. It's also the most recently conquered portion of Iru.

> Hope this helps. I'll still take suggestions, and note the current ones.

>>19609893
>I have wondered what Margade, and Mar, has to offer us indeed...
And I do wonder what Theniron and Subaran expect to be offered.

>>19610131
Okay, that's pretty much what I thought.

It seems like with the currently weakening throne about to get embroiled in a war the duchies might be looking at Mar to break away, and possibly having a marriage and alliance to draw Thierion and Mar together into one state if that happens.

Which, honestly, sounds like a pretty decent plan... provided we think we can swing it.

It's also possible that with the crown so distracted by the looming war they are afraid Mar, led by the warlike Prince and Second Brother, might try another invasion of the east while the King has his eyes elsewhere. They might be afraid of that and trying to shore up alliances against it.

>>19610094
>>19610119
>>19610130

You nod at this, trying to ignore the implied incitement to - what, rebellion? Treason?

'I must say, you are well versed in history, Saragites.'

'Just Sara would do, your lordship.' She says the last bit with emphasis. 'Well, I learn a little, here and there. Please don't take it too much to mind. After all, we were once enemies on the field, and right now...'

You nod, chuckle, fiddle with your tea. 'I've heard some nice things about the woods and forests to the north of the manor, near the East Lake. Apparently the chilly air there does wonders to awaken the mind, and make it sharper.'

'I'd catch my death of the cold if I walked around in chilly air, though,' she says. She's clearly not going to, as you can tell. Maybe. 'Is this an invitation of some sort then, Adrian?'

> What do/say? There's an hour more to dinner. How many people exactly do you want to dine with?

>>19610228
I wouldn't invite my honored guest to die. It would be improper.

>>19610131
Ahh, ok, so basically she's suggesting that Margade should question its loyalty to the rest of Iru, and that maybe some other country, one strong enough to threaten it would be a better choice to rule the city or that Margade become an independent city.

>>19610223
>Which, honestly, sounds like a pretty decent plan... provided we think we can swing it.
We always have been ambitious. Breaking away and forming a new kingdom out of Mar, Theniron, and Subaran seems like it could be a very strong idea. We would, of course, have to gain control of Mar itself first.

Actually, now that we've heard sagarites, I think we should dine with the other girl. Let's see what she's got.
To be honest this woman gives me the creeps, might be a good political match but do we really want just that?

>>19610265
Somehow I don't think such an adventure would end well. We did fight off the easterners on our own, after they destroyed our army. We can't expect too much help, military wise, from Theniron and Subaran.

>>19610296
Yeah... When we leave her be, don't forget to tell her to thank her brother for his presence, from our part.

>>19610251
Perhaps "an" honored guest, since she's not ours personally. But I do like your wit.

Tell her afterward that it's a statement of our own plan to explore the area tomorrow morning, and if she cares to accompany us, well we would never turn down the company of someone so charming.

>>19610265
Theniron and Subaran aren't going to end up part of the same kingdom unless one conquers the other. And we don't really have a solid idea of if such a state would be militarily or economically viable, given the power of the rest of Iru and the fact that every bordering nation would immediately attempt to test its strength.

>>19610228
Bleh. She's testing us. She damn well knows it's an invitation and is pushing us to see how much we will give and how far she can get.

We should respond with a smile and something like, "Ah, there's our culture getting in the way again. It is considered terrible form to offer something twice in Mar. Perhaps we can speak again on the subject after the Fourth of Fifth, I think that would be proper."

Basically, in plainer language, "You damn well know it was, and playing games just made you miss the chance. I'll give you another one on the Fourth." With a little side of "I'm interested in courting you." from mentioning having a meeting on the Fourth of Fifth.

>>19610324
>>19610296
>>19610329

'Might it be? It might be. Perhaps, without any invitation, we may meet by coincidence on the road in that forest.'

'I will tell my house-slaves and attendants to keep an eye out for the gods of coincidence, then,' Saragites says. You ask her to convey your goodwill and thanks to her brother, and she smiles and walks off.

Then an attendant comes in, and you ask him where Merinites might be, so you may have dinner with her. He replies that she should be glad to do so - she's in fact outside right now, at one of the pavilions.

Well, well. You dismiss him, and then turn to Amaryllis, who looks strangely nervous. 'What's wrong?'

'Hmm... it's just... her ladyship, sir. She's... she's scary. Well, she scares me.'

> What do/say/think?

>>19610378
Soothe her, but also think that we sorta like that element of danger and intelligence in a woman who would be our wife.

>>19610358

What are we inviting her to, though? Not like we're going to bang our brains out tomorrow. Or get married immediately.
I'm far more concerned about her political plan, if that's really her political plan.

>>19610378
She certainly isn't slow to test our viewpoints, whether this is true intelligence, knowing that I wouldn't not do anything about it, or rashness is yet to be seen.

Now take a deep breath and calm yourself, I don't want you looking nervous in front of our guests lest they take it the wrong way.

>>19610378
Well she scares me too.

>>19610378
"A woman like that is dangerous and political- something which frightens anyone wise. I trust that your fear will not be seen by anyone not in my service, however."

Seriously, if Saragites saw our attendant looking nervous, it would reflect very poorly on us- it means that we can't maintain a household of flawless discretion, professionalism, and loyalty. That is an appearance of weakness that we cannot afford.

>>19610378
I get the impression that Adrian likes cunning, competent, loyal women for his real relationships. Just look at Peony, after all. And the Countess is 2/3 of the way there. Now we just have to make her love us.

>>19610378
>you ask him where Merinites might be, so you may have dinner with her
Okay, sanity check here. We have three guests of extreme rank, and we told them earlier that we would delay the presentation of gifts until dinner. Are we making a horrible faux pas? Won't it incredibly piss off the guy that we aren't talking to- a man of significant rank who others have told us is dangerous?

What's "the fourth of fifth" that keeps getting mentioned?
I'm guessing it's a date.

>>19610443
>>19610441
>>19610434
>>19610414

Amaryllis seemed quite all right to you while Sara was around. Well, seemed that way to you anyway. Maybe if Sara caught that, now that would be some perceptiveness.

'Well, I can't say I'm not scared, myself. But intelligence and daring are, in their way, treasured virtues.'

She simply nods and concedes the point, then takes two deep breaths. 'Sorry, sir. I'm good now.'

And so you get out of your spacious guest room - ooh, your legs are slightly numb from all that sitting down - and head out, via well-lit walkways, to where the back garden is. Along the way you walk past your gate-guests' rooms, and hear them having dinner, in the middle of more talking, while someone is sword-dancing.

Even at night, the manor garden - which you've seen is a grand affair, divided into several parts and centred around a large pond and stream - is quite well lit. As you walk into the garden, you suddenly catch sight of movement and freeze, looking at the pavilion about twenty paces away.

It's a dancer, dancing in complete silence. Her silvered sleeves glimmer in the moonlight and torchlight, gold and silver waves as she spins and curves and throws herself this way and that. Yet her footwork is precise and controlled, always remaining within a tight circle, being spun out and returning again. She's actually dancing an imperial-style dance, rather than an eastern one...

'Is that lady Merinites?' Amaryllis whispers.

> What do/say?

>>19610414
Intelligence is fine, but I'm not one for pointless jousting.

>>19610533
Move closer as silently as possible. Let's just try to 'be there' when she finishes without having noticeably entered or anything. That should throw her off balance briefly and allow us to, hopefully, get an advantage in the conversation while she recovers. We need information on what exactly is brewing over there, especially after that last talk.

>>19610533
Watch from the side until she's done, of course. She's doing it for our benefit, interrupting her wouldnt be nice.

>>19610479
>>19610491

The Fourth of Fifth is the day when young girls officially become eligible for marriage. It's in a few days, it's what the ladies are here for, and after that you can officially court them.

As for gifts - you've now given the set of gold hairpins to Sara already. She is appropriately appreciative.

To be honest I still don't know what we've prepared for the brother. Haven't had any particular suggestions I recall...

>>19610546
It was hardly pointless. She has to determine where we stand and vice versa. We're in a grey area; both potential enemies and potential friends at this point, remember? Some jousting at this stage is expected. I would be more worried if there wasn't any.

I imagine that, one way or another, as we get to know her better (be it in the bedroom or across the lines of a battlefield) things will change.

>>19610590
I don't think we can catch that girl in a state she doesn't want us to see. She's doing this for appearances, and maybe to throw US off balance with a piece of endearing ingenuity.

There haven't been ANY gift suggestions for the brother.

>>19610607
Perhaps a fine horse?

If we wanted to be especially devious we could make it a warhorse. Sort of giving both a worthy gift and making a statement of "This is what we have here in Mar, and will use in times of war. Think about that."

>>19610618
>She has to determine where we stand and vice versa
She could have done a better job at that by talking more directly.

>>19610677
Hardly. She needed to find out how intelligent we were too. Hopefully the results came out as, "Excellent to have as an ally, terrible as an enemy."

>>19610590
>>19610592

Quietly, leaving Amaryllis behind, you make your way along the stone-paved path, trying to figure out what dance it is. By the time you manage to get near the pavilion's entrance, concealed behind a column, you think you know what dance it is - it's a famed southern poem, 'The Fox Teasing the Tiger'. And you're quite sure Merinites is dancing the part of the Fox - a fox with a snowy-silver cape.

When she finishes dancing, arms outstretched, and then relaxes, you appear from behind the column, and to your surprise she starts. 'Oh! I... um... good evening then, sir.' She's still panting slightly from her exertion, and you notice her dress is slit to allow free movement of her legs - not to mention a good view.

... Oi, Adrian. Focus.

Amaryllis gets the food brought into the pavilion, and you can smell the moisture in the air as the crickets and cicadas sing. Also, she brings up the hairpins which you pass on to Merinites; she takes them, and smiles, a warm smile.

'Thank you, sir. I have been told a lot about the Handsome Third Lord, and now I know Subaran is a city full of honest merchants, if no one else.'

> What do/say?

>>19610666

> Roll d100 with a bonus to determine if you've got good horses you can spare right now. Well, if not you could give one from Raumar...

>Hopefully the results came out as, "Excellent to have as an ally, terrible as an enemy."
I found us quite awkward. I think her impression would have been "a harem playboy that doesn't have much idea of what to do with his power or his brain, but still not too dumb to use for our benefit".

rolled 91 = 91

>>19610704
"Some of the nobles are honest too."

>>19610751

I don't think we seemed stupid... but maybe a bit hesitant? Too prudent?
I have no problem with being seen that way.

>>19610704
"Be wary of merchants, lady, for their way is to only give you part of the truth. For instance, they spoke of your great beauty but never mentioned your astonishing grace and skill. Rarely have I ever seen 'The Fox Teasing the Tiger' performed so flawlessly and wish such passion."

Then we should go on and slip in that while a Fox might be able to tease a Tiger, one should always be aware that provoking such a creature can end tragically if not careful.

rolled 88 = 88

>>19610697
>She needed to find out how intelligent we were too
Intelligence is not directly related to one's skill with ellipsis and innuendos.
I hope she knows this.

>>19610751
Eh, I seriously doubt that. It's more likely we seemed to be holding off and assessing the situation before making any commitments. Also, a harem playboy? Wut? We just turned down the gift of four nubile young attendants.

I think we seemed intelligent and knowledgeable while playing our cards close to the vest until we got a better lay of the political landscape. A good first impression. You don't want to be seen as reckless, after all. Not if you want to be on equal terms.

>>19610789
>>19610819

'Well. Sometimes the nobles are honest too. But I still wouldn't trust merchants too much.'

'How so?' She's dabbing the sweat off her head. It's a very warm night to be dancing something so vigorous, really, and you swear you can see steam rising off her.

'They only give part of the truth a lot of the time.' Just then, dinner comes, and the two of you sit down at the low table, facing each other. 'The Fox Teasing the Tiger. It's a difficult dance, and you danced it excellently.'

'Thank you.' She's much more eager to smile, and warmer too, it seems. Maybe literally. Then you talk about how things could turn out badly for the fox, and she laughs.

'Well, well. I would say that comes with experience. An experienced fox can tease a tiger to the point of dizziness, no? Or, or, a fox can lure much prey to a tiger's den.'

She begins eating before you, which is a bit surprising. And she eats with gusto, you notice. It's almost... unseemly, if you're a stickler for ritual...

> What do/say?

> Also, you have not one but two excellent horses with you now. Beside the good old chestnut you ride, of course. You could give one to Gurunir, no problem.

>>19610888
>Also, a harem playboy? Wut?
Turning down servant girls doesn't say much about that. Being less than skillful with our attempts at courting when it comes to a beautiful equal does. Plus, we've got a reputation.

>>19610895
Inwardly feel a bit annoyed by the lack of manners, but give no sign.

Ask about her trip so far, and how she has found the company of her companions on the road.

>>19610925
I'm not entirely sure what about that was 'being less than skillful', at least within the boundaries set by the very nature of being a communal quest. Pull the stick out of your ass.

>>19610895
But sometimes a fox has more appetite than the tiger...

Btw, weren't we supposed to eat with the others ?

And regarding the horse... is there one that fits his colours better ?

>>19610975
>Pull the stick out of your ass.
Wat.
>>19610963
>Inwardly feel a bit annoyed by the lack of manners
I thought we were not the kind to worry about small breaches of ceremonial.

>>19611009
>I thought we were not the kind to worry about small breaches of ceremonial.
Well, no. We don't care as long as it's in private and we know them already. But this is the first time the girl has met us.

This is more like letting a loud one rip in the middle of a wedding.

>>19610976
>>19610975
>>19610963

> Sometimes a fox has greater appetite than the tiger

Blimey, I have to say - I didn't understand the implication behind *that*. Okay. Let's all agree to talk a bit straighter, then...

You dig in, and both of you eat heartily. You have to say, watching her eat with such relish makes you feel hungry too.

When you ask about her trip, Meri shakes her head and sighs. 'Well, given who the companions were...'

... yeah, that was a slightly pointless question. It was pretty clear from moment one that they weren't getting on very well - not that they ever intended to, really! 'Still. The sight of the Fisewa alone is a grand thing, and a good comfort. I've always wanted to see more of the East Lake, actually...'

'Hmm. Another one who wants to get out of the manor quickly?'

Meri giggles, but then looks around and leans closer to you. 'To be honest, though, don't you find this manor rather... ghastly? It's a bit... well, it's rather garish, isn't it?'

That's interesting... maybe, being from an older state like Subaran, she is more used to things which have been soaked in time. Incidentally, the smell of sweat coming off her is strangely appealing. You normally don't like sweat, but... it's a clever scent-blender who made her perfume.

> What do/say?

>>19611044

We're in private, though, not at a feast. I'm sure there's more space for maneuver in such occasions. It's the whole reason we're eating with her alone after all...

>>19611045
>political quest with people always implying implications
>players and GM both use so much doublespeak that neither one of them understands what the hell they're actually saying
I laughed.

>>19611045
"The man worked hard to be where he is today, and he likes to show it." shrug "I see no reason he should not be proud of his achievements and his estates are better maintained than some others I've seen, a little gaudiness is a small price to pay for that."

>>19611045
>I didn't understand the implication behind *that*.
Just an allusion to the appetite she shows with her food now, and the difference between what our two families hope to get from this whole affair.

>>19611045
Oh dear, she's going to have quite a time when she gets situated in the Palace then. This place is fairly nice, but the Prince's Palace is, well, the Palace.

Ask her if she has any brothers, and if perhaps it's a tradition for the Countess to be escorted by hers to Mar.

Hopefully she'll be willing to spill something about why the Count is here since she apparently doesn't like the other two that much.

>>19611096
>>19611084
>>19611064
>>19611059

> I laughed too, I did.

You smile as Meri returns to her dinner. 'Well. Maguri has worked hard for his house to attain this station. It might be quite justified for him to flaunt it.'

'I have to disagree, though...' but then Meri stops, and looks around. You figure she's got something to say that the manor shouldn't hear. Then she just shrugs. 'Well. That is still an interesting thing to say, from a royal scion of Iru who surely thinks... very much of restraint.'

You think you know what she's talking about, with the maids. Mind, that silver-eyed girl... you would've, but. Must be said, though, that she's right about her mistress. Meri can definitely dance.

Soon she's finished her rice, and serves herself another bowl from the main container, before turning to you. 'So... were you ordered here to do this job? It must have been tough on you. Or did you perhaps volunteer to do it, to come and receive us?'

> What do/say?

>>19611160
My father offered me a choice of duties, I of course jumped at the chance to meet two Beautiful and interesting ladies, my only chance to sweep them off their feet before they found more interesting partners at the palace.

>>19611160
Let's tell the truth. We volunteered, and it's not particularily though. Actually, despite the rain, we enjoyed the sights.

>>19611160
"Well, there were a few other things that were happening -- it is a busy season after all -- but all of them paled before the legendary beauty of the visiting ladies from the east. I had to ride out and see for myself.

"What of you? Did you volunteer to come have your hair shortened by us western barbarians? Or perhaps were you volunteered by another?"

>>19611126

'Oh, heavens, no! I'm sure Raumar Palace would be lovely. It's the restraint in the architecture that makes for beauty, if you ask me.'

She does have an older brother, who is currently next in line for the Duchy. She seems rather reluctant to say more about the brother, however. When you ask about Saragites and Gurunir, she shrugs.

'Well, it is not technically the way, as you know. But, of course - for Theniron, any chance to send people out and proclaim some sort of prestige or gain...'

Wow, some people really really love each other don't they...

> Ask anything?

With so much... wonderful love shared between these two duchies I have to speculate. Could it be they are sending their daughters to secure military support from Mar, in order to invade the other? They know the Appenage is okay with military ventures to the east, even without the King's approval. And they know that with an alliance it would probably be easy to carve up the other Duchy.

I'd almost say that Theniron might be looking to invade Subaran with our help, and Subaran might be looking to secure an ally against that aggression.

I personally would fall solidly on the side of Theniron in that case. More potential for gain and carving out our own area of land we could be made prince over.