Quinsenterra

[ATTN: Lady Aurella]

Nadia sat in her chair in front of the vanity desk in her Quinsenterra quarters, taking her time as she did up her hair. She set aside her brush and ran her fingers through her thick hair, slowly twisting it and pulling it up into a loose, elegant bun. She reached carefully with one hand for her pins, securing the bun before finally sliding a long, narrow brass needle through the whole arrangement. Perfect.

Well, almost, at least. She stood up, reaching for her favorite green, embroidered dress and sliding it on. It felt nice, to get a full night's sleep for once. Too often her nights were full of work, and she didn't have any time to rest during the day, either. But last night she had no customers - a welcome break. Nadia draped a delicate golden necklace around her neck and finally stepped out of the room, sliding on a pair of embroidered silver slippers before she left and entered the main guild hall.

Lady Aurella was already up and in the main hall, and Nadia allowed a frown to mar her features. Perfect. Exactly the person she wanted to avoid. She hesitated, debating on whether or not to duck back into her room, before she decided to continue, striding forward haughtily.

"Lady Aurella," she said curtly, nodding politely as she moved to walk past her. The Lady was trying to push another job on her, as an escort to a party that evening for a particularly distasteful younger man. Not to mention the dress she had picked out for her was, honestly, disgusting. Nadia frankly suspected the woman was outright trying to humiliate her.

[POV: Lady Aurella]
[Attn: Nadia]

"Thank you Fredrick, that bouquet will do nicely in the red empirical vases in the east wing." she dismisses one of her many servants, caring to add a bit of reinforcement to her tone as she adds "Be a dear an make sure they are kept fresh, Nathan's wife can be rather particular that way."

Fredrick bowed politely then turned and retreated skillfully, his tail tucked between his legs properly cowed that was if he was a dog. One of other servants around her turned and looked up the stairs, it appeared someone was coming down. Signing the paper he was holding out she peers over, 'Ahh our Darling Nadia'

"Lady Aurella" Nadia says politely although slightly curt, possibly condescending as she attempts to head on past.

Without turning from the papers, she reads it over as she cheerfully addresses Nadia. "Ahh Nadia dear. I hope you've reconsidered the party tonight, Harold did express his sincere desire for you to attend." turning towards the servant she pushes the clipboard back into his hands dismissing him and turning her attention to Nadia.

"After all we do know how much you are looking forward to it." she pulls out Harold's invitation and places it into Nadia's hand. Her tone stiffening slightly she puts it more like a command, "Perhaps you would like to attend it, and make sure one of our beneficiaries grandson's is kept entertained?"

Mikko awoke after a full eight hours of sleep. He stayed in the guild quarters most evenings, as his own home was simply a bed in the attic of the house of the old couple who had rescued him years ago. It had taken him an embarrassing amount of time to recover from the trauma of the night his mother was killed and the injuries he'd sustained. It wasn't too long after that he'd joined the guild. He hadn't had much of a chance to establish himself in town in between, nor did he feel a need to. He was content in the guild. It was clean, it was cultured and the people were respectful. He couldn't ask for much more than that.

He got up and made his bed so tightly a coin could be bounced off the top sheet. He then dusted all of the surfaces in his room before dressing himself in a white silk shirt and black pants. He glanced outside. It looked like a chilly day so he added a black jacket to the ensemble. After combing his hair, he completed his outfit with an embellished black hat with a silver feather. He outlined his eyes with his usual thick black eyeliner before finally stepping out of his room. It was almost time for tea, after all.

He saw that Lady Aurella and Nadia were already in the main hall and he greeted them politely as he walked past.

[Attn: Nadia, Mikko]

It was then that Mikko politely greeted them. "Mikko you're so right, it is almost time for tea." she steps aside to let him through. "Lend me your arm if you will, after all we can't be late" she says as she slides her arm around his as they walk towards the ceremony. She made polite conversation, making idle chit chat after all.

((Attn: Aurella, Open))

Mikko couldn't help but tense slightly as the guild master took his arm. He didn't object, as he didn't want to be rude, but his deeply ingrained fear of contagions gave him an aversion to being touched. He kept reminding himself that they would be able to wash their hands before tea and that Lady Aurella was the opposite of someone who would go around spreading germs; she was a classy woman who took pride in herself, which included good hygiene habits.

Bearing that in mind, he engaged in polite conversation with her, annoyed by his own neuroticism.

[ATTN: Aurella, Mikko]

Nadia's mouth twitched into a scowl as Aurella turned to address her again about the party. Nadia came to a halt and turned to listen politely to Aurella. "I've... been considering it," she said, giving her an irritated smile as she accepted the invitation from Aurella.

"Perhaps you would like to attend it, and make sure one of our beneficiaries grandson's is entertained?" Aurella said, or rather ordered, from the look on her face. Nadia looked startled.

"Well, that certainly depends, how old is the poor boy?" she said, raising one eyebrow and letting a suggestive smirk through.

She turned quickly as Mikko suddenly came up to greet them, folding up the invitation neatly and tucking it down the front of her dress. She gave a small smile as Aurella stood. "Tea. Of course," she said, following after the two of them and idly chatting as they walked.

[ATTN: Quinsenterra]

As the group enters the dining hall they will notice the gentle music played by the guilds Orchestra, or rather a small number of them. The music provides a soothing melody to the atmosphere of the room (with alittle magic added in to increase it effect) that seems to lighten and liven up the ceremony despite the rather dark dreary clouds outside the windows.

You will all notice that several well known members of Quinsenterra are in attendance, as well as many more families of wealthy merchants and the younger members of the countless Houses of Nobility.

It is here in this kinds of settings that the true strength of Quinsenterra can be found. After all: Power isn't just the provenience of those with brawn or by those who hold a weapon in there hand. No it is also provided to those that know what the value of words or the meanings behind the actions around them.

[Attn: Mikko}

As you escort Lady Aurella to the Head Seat of the table she leans her head towards you and whispers conspiratorially to you. "Mikko dear, be on your best behavior today, we have a Member of the Gilded Bank of Pantra in attendance. Just there Dear" she says as she dips her head with a smile in greeting to a rather large portly old man. Who taking off his hat and pressing it to his chest dips his head in return in recognition before setting the hat aside and talking to a young girl beside him.

"That is his granddaughter, Annabell. She's twelve, and just flowered if the rumors prove true. Marik is looking for a prospective husband for her." with a reassuring smile she continues, "Worry not, Mikko. His search will continue on the 'morrow." She forgoes the usual arm pat she gives to others, a gentle reminder that she is considerate of your mannerisms.

[ATTN: Nadia]

As you follow the group into the room and take in the music, you feel the gentle tingle of magic accompanying it that relaxes all in attendance. The second thing you will notice is a older man with a thinning comb over that is in a discussion with a group mature male noblemen. You immediately grasp their conversation as you place the man, Jentra's uncle Victor.

As you approach the table you will notice a serving man bearing a similar coat of arms on the lapels of his coat as the one on the invitation you just received, start your way from behind a couple at the table. It seem's Harold's family might be in attendance.

[ATTN: Victor, Serving man]

Nadia followed behind Aurella and Mikko, a pleasant, polite smile on her face as she strode into the dining hall. The music had the usual effect on her, magically managing to calm her down despite her irritation at Aurella that still simmered below her surface mask.

Her irritation genuinely faded as she caught sight of Victor, darling Jentra's uncle. Had it not been for him, she might still be left out in the cold. A smile played across her lips as she started to approach the group.

She saw movement in the corner of her eye, and turned to see a serving man bearing a familiar coat of arms starting her way. One of Harold's men, clearly. Her smile only barely faltered, and she paused before going to join Victor, brushing one lock of hair out of her face as she waited for the serving man to inevitably give her some sort of message from the family.

((Attn: Aurella))

Mikko glanced in the same direction as Lady Aurella and politely acknowledged the man as she did. He knew that having such a prestigious guest was very significant. He listened attentively as Aurella explained the circumstances of his visit and then gazed at the girl. While it was hardly unusual in noble circles, twelve did seem a bit young to him. "Already?" he whispered automatically, immediately realizing it wasn't his place to comment. He dismissed his own comment with a slight wave of his free hand. "I apologize," he said, maintaining that whisper. "I know nothing about the situation and have no right to say anything."

He knew he was biased; his mother's husband, who had been selected for her at a similarly young age, had tricked her into thinking he loved her, but showed his true colours following the death of her child and her failure to conceive another with him. He'd blamed her for it and abandoned her, proving that all he cared about was an heir with her noble blood. Mikko had been told his own father had died while she was pregnant and he hadn't heard much else about him, so his mother's first marriage was all he had to go by. Having heard that story more times than he could recall, he was naturally skeptical about the traditional practices. Regardless, it wasn't his place to say or do anything about it. He shook his head, escorting the guild master to her seat. He blinked in slight confusion at her next comment, curious about what she meant by telling him not to worry. He took his own seat once he was sure Aurella was comfortably seated, glancing subtly at Marik and Annabell for a moment before smoothing a wrinkle in the table cloth.

[Attn: Tea Party]

Striding onto the scene in a flashy harlequin costume, Kallo took out his own personalized tea set. He carried it to the table Lady Aurella and the others were seated at. He literally tossed the previous tea set to the attendants.
"Only the best for our honored guest."
He told Mark and Annabelle.

The tea set was finely crafted and covered in emerald glaze and encrusted with real emeralds. Kallo took a seat as soon as he was done setting the table. His outfit clinked a bit and he had to move the tails of it aside to keep from crumpling it.
"I can't figure why it is so dreary today, but be at ease. The sky does not reflect our hearts after all."
He said with a wide grin and let himself be caught up in the relaxing music.

[ATTN: Nadia]

The serving man reaches you and bows politely in difference then rising begins to address you. "Lady Pardeva, if it should please you mine Master and Mistress would be honored if you would dine with them. I have a chair prepared m'Lady." he bows again and extends his hand out towards the seat.

Should you accept he will pull out your chair for you as you sit, then stand back towards the wall awaiting the pleasures of his masters. A tall not uncomely Lady beside you in a Bronze dress (Simple in manufacture) will ask you if you would like anything as she butters the biscuit in her hands.

"Harold please go see to the servants, I would like to be ready to leave after breakfast, hopefully before the rain comes." she says to whom you are sure is her husband and not her son.

[Attn: Mikko]

Seated as you are, you will be asked by one of the serving men what you would like to drink. He offers both coffee, Tea and juices of several different verities, he only awaits your order and he will gladly go fetch it. He also informs you that should you wish something small to eat before the ceremony begins he can fetch that as well.

[Attn: Kallo]

Lady Aurella politely dabs her lips as you enter, sighing softly at your choice of morning attire... again. The guest Marik thanks you for the tea set, although does attempt to politely decline at such an extravagant party gift, he will however accept should you insist. His daughter will giggles as Lady Aurella addresses you.

"A rather delightful gift Kallo. However did you come by it? I am most interesting actually, I might be inclined to see this China maker myself and purchase a piece or two for the hall."

As you engage in conversation you may also place an order with any of the many serving men who bustle around the table. You might still have time to eat before the play begins.

[ATTN: Harold and Co.]

Nadia suppressed the urge to look back longingly towards Victor. Anything would be nicer than dealing with these ones, but of course one had to be polite. She could feel herself falling further and further into the trap of that party later tonight.

"I would be honored," she said as the serving man spoke, and he led her back to their table and pulled out a chair for her to sit. She sat down slowly, sitting up straight as she politely smiled at her hosts.

"Ah, thank you, ma'am, but tea is all I will need," she said, as the lady asked if she needed anything. As the serving man came forward to pour her tea, she gave him a smile and only the slightest nod of thanks.

"It's an honor to be seated with you, my Lord and Lady," Nadia said politely to her hosts, quietly, so as not to interrupt.

[Attn: Nadia]

Lady Herongart waits till your tea is served and her husband has departed before addressing you. "I do believe my son Harold has shown the signs of infatuation with you my dear, even to go so far as sending you an invitation to the party two days from the morrow." she takes a dainty bite from her biscuit then brushes off her lips gently so as not to ruin her lipstick.

Waving a hand dismissively she continues. "Now I know you are reluctant to attend but don't feel bashful my girl. IT will be a most splendid masquerade after all, the theme for the masks are to be birds I understand. I myself will be dressed in a white Bjork styled swan dress. Have you considered what you'll be wearing?"

[ATTN: Lady Herongart]

Nadia took on a look of polite interest, expertly hiding her dislike. "No, I haven't, yet," she said, leaning forward with interest and setting aside her tea. "But that certainly sounds delightful."

She adopted a worried look as she sipped from her tea. There was a pause. "Infatuated?" she asked her. "Goodness. Is that good for him? I mean, considering my own low birth..." she said, looking away bashfully, as if she had said too much.

[Attn: Lady Aurella, Mikko, Marik, Annabell]

Kallo folded his hands in front of his chest and his smile somehow widened further. He looked like a cat with cream.
"The set was designed by a good friend of mine, Guarin Witterboche. He has made ceramics his life's work. This exotic deep-green glaze was perfect for the emeralds given to me by my benefactor. I set the emeralds myself with these gold leaves here."
He said to all present, but in answer to Lady Aurella. He pointed out the gild-work in gold that was his own handicraft.

"I can give you Guarin's shop address. He would be delighted for more high-class business so he is not limited by the cost of materials. My apologies, Sir Marik, I fear I cannot part with this set. Guarin made it for me personally. I merely thought to share the beauty of it. However, I will also give you the address of Guarin's workplace. He will be overjoyed."

When the servers came by Kallo waved a hand merrily to one.
"Claude! Bring out the fine cheese, my good man, and a tall cup of coffee and ample cream."
He then turned to Mark and Annabell, his face was literally flush with merriment.
"The play will begin shortly! I am so thrilled. It is not my own make, but I have heard astounding reviews!"

((Attn: All at table))

Mikko glanced at Kallo as he made his entrance. The man had certainly had a presence. His outfit made Mikko raise an eyebrow, but he was used to the man's costumey attire by now. He supposed there really was no accounting for taste.

The server asked him what he would like to drink and Mikko ordered pomegranate juice. He politely declined ordering anything to eat; he tended to be wary of eating food that he hadn't prepared unless he had no other choice. As the server walked away, he removed his hat and hooked it on the seat back.

His gaze shifted to Kallo again as the man started to talk about the tea set and the play that was to begin.

[ATTN: Sylmeria]

Suddenly you find yourself in another place. A steadying hand grabs your arm and keeps you from falling into an emasculate vase. Your stomach threatens to expel your organs as its sudden transportation.

(But alas perhaps I should explain: Imagine that everything exists, everywhere simultaneously at the same point in time, but not necessarily in our reality. Now imagine suddenly you existed in two places at once, had always and it was completely natural. You have two sets of similar memories that you both recall together. Now suddenly the you that was where you where, is absorbed by the you that is there, that you force your existence upon the other you and disappear where you were.)

You ask what does this mean to you. Well imagine mentally feeling that destruction. The confusion of a new place, having memories you don't remember having before that feel as real as your old ones, not knowing if your really you anymore, if everything around you isn't the real existence you where in anymore. But don't worry the disorientation will pass, as will the 'other' memories you never really experienced. But for now your organs feel like they want to come vomiting out, that your weak, dizzy, disoriented, and quite unexpectedly in Quinsenterra's Guild Entry Hall, being caught by the person who did this to you, who doesn't appear even phased but it. and you wonder just how anyone could ever become that used to that.

Ohh and I forgot to mention all the stunned faces and people around you, who suddenly had someone appear out of no where.

[ATTN: Nadia]

"Well, yes... About that, I don't really care much myself nor does my husband Harold. After all I used to be a little slip of a girl myself, daughter to a rather modest merchant family before I married. It turned out best I'm afraid." she says with a wicked little smile as she pours a cup of tea from the pot, and sips it.

"But you where saying... something about your low birth?" she turns to look you in the eyes wondering what you may bring up next, after all she already knows you don't wish to attend.

"If I'm not mistaken I believe you have an invitation, but not a proper dress. Arellia's sense of fashion can be so..." she twirls her hand as she thinks of the word.

[ATTN: Kallo]

Lady Aurella smiles as Kollo explains the maker, "Your improvements to the set are most impressive. I find myself curious: If you have free time perhaps you might show me this man's business? Of course I would have to go in person, my servants always prove unable to pick the proper sets. Would you be able to detail mine, similarly?

Marik saddened by the loss of such an fine set of tableware apologizes. "Pardon me for my presumptuous words, Master '?' ?"

One of the servants return with a small plater with your cheese and coffee. He sets your plate before you, it bears both white and yellow cheeses and plenty of crackers. The man stays in place, bowed till you add the desired amount of cream to your coffee, then taking the trencher with him leaves.

[Attn: Mikko]

As everyone else is engaged in conversation you will be approached by the waiter with your Pomegranate juice, he will set down your chilled cup. "Would you like me to leave the pitcher master Mikko?"

The man has a warm towel over his arm, as he is accustomed to your dislike of filth and germs. The man folds the hand towel and sets it down beside your cup, should you need it to clean off any of the tableware. You notice the clouds are darker, and the clouds must be beginning to rain as the raindrops fall lightly against the windows.

[ATTN: Sylmeria]

Gren opens up a pouch on his belt and digging around pulls out what appears maybe tobacco though it doesn't smell like it. He offers a pinch of it to you. "Here. Help simptems pass." If you accept he'll retrieve another pinch from the pouch and chew the bitter and spicy narcotic leaves. Most of the people in the hall begin to scatter, finding somewhere else to be, or finding a safe distance to watch.

Several armed guards... obviously mercenaries or normal soldiers start making there appearances at hallways and doors, seemingly just relaxing. Gren can tell that it isn't the case, after all the Swords aren't supposed to be here. HE wasn't quite sure what the term was when you suddenly appeared in a guild hall. Party.... no, Guild Crashing perhaps, he had just completely made a mockery of their security.

"Believe ya oar t'urn Girl" he says as he turns around and begins to walk towards the exit. A guard stopping him after he has gone a few steps and interrogating him. 'This might take awhile' Gren thinks, he did have problems speaking normally.

[ATTN:Sylmeria]

"Hello Ma'am. Pardon my asking, but what exactly pry tell are you doing here?" he says as he offers you his hand and helps you up. He is rather ordinary for a man, nothing particularly sticking out. "I see, business with the Guild Master." He looks over his shoulder for a second.

"If you'd follow me please." he says as he leads you further inside. A few of the guards flank up beside and behind you, taking something resembling an escort. "You'll have to pardon me if I ask the man to stay here. After all he would cause quite the scene." he looks at you out of the corner of his eye, as if saying 'Not that you haven't caused enough of one.'

You'll walk down the hall turning this way and that as you go up a flight of stairs. However you begin to be led into hallways that no longer present windows, perhaps the interior. The walls are decorated with several lovely tapestries, depicting all kinds of things. The guard pulls up to a stop and opens the door for you, and ushers you in gently with a "After you."

"You look rather pale, let me get you something to settle your stomach" he offers as he goes up to a rather impressively stocked bar. He pours you a glass of weak wine and returns. Setting the drink down in front of you he smiles, "Wait here while I go get Lady Aurella." he says as he turns and departs the room, closing the door behind him.

((Attn: Table))

Mikko thanked the man. "Oh, yes. Please," he said, agreeing to keep the pitcher at the table. The towel the man kindly left him was put to use as he wiped around the rim of the glass before raising it to his lips, taking a sip. He gazed out the window, hoping that he wouldn't have to go outside today. His eye makeup wasn't waterproof.

[ATTN: Sylmeria]

The drink helps come you down and settle your stomach as you finish it. Still Gren's power causes your thoughts to drift towards the strange memories of the other you. As you wrestle with your thoughts you finally notice that quite sometime has passed and no one has come.

As you listen to the clock tick you begin to get the feeling that they are letting you 'cool your heels' so to speak.

[ATTN: Tea Party]

As you all are chatting amicably the main doors opening to admit Captain Adam draw everyone's attention. He strolls through the room and leans down to whisper in Lady Aurella's ear. It appears something is happening. She stands and addresses everyone, calling for quite.

"It appears that something has come up that requires my attention. I apologize but it seems I must miss the play." several people begin to gossip and chat wondering what is going on. "It seems that a few members of our most esteemed friends, the Guild 'Blazing Swords' have arrived in person."

This takes most of the guests by surprise and the hall falls silent. Aurella's eyes take on a questing cast as she her power spreads out unseen among the hall. "Does anyone perchance know what this is about?" she asks, her power forcing everyone to speak no word untrue. As her power filters into you all it compels you to answer. "If any of you have an inkling speak up."

The Guild Master waits a few seconds, for anyone to answer. Most guests remain silent, and should no one speak she will depart with: "Very well, I hope everyone will excuse me and do enjoy the play. It is a rather astonishing performance."

"Ohhhh Mikko, Nadia. If you'd be Dear's and follow me please." Her eyes make it clear it really isn't quite a request, but rather the Guild Mistress speaking.