07 - Hanla's Tea and The Rattle

//--GM
The sedan chair bears you into and through Hanla's reception, through a hidden archway, and down stairs that begin as cold but sparkling stone, but shift into bright brass risers on a slow spiral down from a cloud into a beautiful meadow of purple and lilac grasses dotted with tiny pink clover and the occasional tiger-striped broad leaf plant. The palanquin sets down at the bottom of the stairs, and the lantern bearer helps you each from your seats. A stone talking head beside the punchbowl announces "Lady Alma of Jesby, and Ambassador Helena Jesby n'Amber'a." A dozen conservatively dressed ladies turn your way, mostly welcoming, albeit with the occasional raised eyebrow. You recognize Hanla, of course; the Ki twins, An'Ki and Lin'Ki (a bit younger than you, a little catty, but fun to outmaneuver in conversation); Lady Bonietta Jesby, a Grand Dame of the house whose husband died well in Patternfall - and she lets no one forget it - who had a hand in getting you your first military commission; a few others you don't know well, and several more that you haven't met. You and Alma are the best dressed here, but also clearly those taking the most fashion risk as well. So far, the only men visible at the tea are servants, but these events are not usually gender-segregated by design.

//--Helena
I do the appropriate bows to the company, thank and dismiss the chair to wait among the carriage servants, and let Alma take the lead to Hanla.

//--GM
And lead she does. Hanla seems quite struck by the change in her old friend's demeanor, almost forgetting her other party guests to draw Alma off for a moment to uncover the source of her revitalization. Meanwhile, Lady Bonietta approaches you, with several others trailing behind, bidding you, "Welcome, Ambassador," in Old Formal Thari. The ladies behind her echo her sentiments a beat late, almost like a theater chorus - although you can hope that the effect is unintentional. You can see the fruit trays and succulent cubed beast beyond them, beckoning like green fields behind a defending army.

//--Helena
I bow personally to Lady Bonietta, and slightly but politely to her accompanying friends, whom I regard with a curious smile. "It is good to see you, <honored benefactor>." I lead slightly in the direction of the buffet, but don't push it ;-) As I move I say, "I was pleased to be able to take this time to attend this function. So often my schedule and events in the House do not so happily coincide." I am leaving it completely open for her to ask whatever questions she might have.

//--GM
You are able to make some progress, but then someone fails to move, and you have to pause until the conversation shifts. Another few gambits, and you'll be in range.

//--Helena
sigh. I can wait.

//--GM
At least a servant sprite flutters over with a flute of champagne.

Lady Bonietta asks for your help with an art transaction with a dealer in the Golden Circle - it sounds fiendishly complicated... but somehow intriguing as well. "I wouldn't trouble you with this as you just take your post, but it is something I've wanted to complete my husband's memorial for some time...." She doesn't quite make it sound like blackmail. ;-)

//--Helena
"Of course I can facilitate the acquisition." I make careful mental note of all the names involved. "Though it sounds like you've gone quite some ways yourself. I have just begun dealing with the complexities of Amber and Golden Circle trade, and I can say that what you have accomplished so far is no small feat."

//--Lady Bonieta
"I've had several years to chase rumors of what I seek, so these little things accumulate into something of apparent substance. Unfortunately, I find my patience declining, and I am no closer to finding a courier to put it in my hands." The intended object-of-art is fairly large, and the artist in question is "on several 'unfortunate' political watch lists" in the Circle. However, in addition to suitable payment and her gratitude, she offers her connections to foster future dealings - well beyond what she would offer to any mere functionary of the House. You suspect she might have offered some fraction of them to you anyway, given your past relationship, but this is a potential gold mine of introductions and political experience.

//--Helena
"I feel certain we can arrange for something to come of it. I will keep in touch with you on my progress when I return."

//--GM
With that business concluded, one of the ladies with Bonietta has a chance to ask about your outfit, expressing her... admiration with a raised eyebrow. You see Alma and Harla approaching, perhaps to rescue you.

//--Helena
I am inordinately pleased with the woman's uncertain reaction. "One of Cormun's new designs. A bit early in the day, perhaps, but Mother and I intend to make an evening of it." I motion to Mother as I see her and the hostess approaching.

//--GM
Alma breaks into an even broader smile to overhear your intention to continue into the evening for her surprise.

//--Helena
"Lady... I'm sorry, I missed your introduction?" I pause... "Lady (name) was just asking after Cormun's outfits." And back to the lady as Mother comes up beside me. "These are our second set of designs with him. I think he just keeps getting better."

//--GM
There is a bit of murmuring as the first set of designs gets brought up and discussed. Lady Mira presses gently on the points of etiquette versus style, but your spirited defense - ably aided by Alma and Hanla - makes for a very entertaining discussion, and likely will result in several more commissions for Cormun. Only the twins actually say anything remotely snarky, but you're able to turn that around on them without raising much fuss, to the amusement of all involved - even them, after a quiet beat

//--Helena
I don't particularly want to antagonize the twins, just so you know. I lighten up if things get too close to insulting.

//--GM
The twins enjoy a bit of verbal fencing, but it's usually all in fun. It stays light today, no problem.

At long last, you are able to reach the refreshments properly, and - healthy-sized plate in hand - you and the others take their places for some light entertainment (fire juggling) before breaking into little clutches to play cards. Hanla, Alma, and Bonietta take one table; would Helena ease in as their fourth, or leave the place to one of slightly higher standing and settle into another group? The twins have a table with a young lady you haven't met, and there are others of distant acquaintance that you could make connections with at other tables.

//--Helena
Ah, I'm torn. I really want to spend the time with Mother, but it is nice to go and talk to and meet people I don't know well yet... Hmm, actually, I will start by playing a few hands with Alma and that group, if it isn't too much of a faux pas. If I see someone of higher standing waiting for a hand, I can bow out gracefully, and go to chat with others or eat more ;-)

//--GM
As no one would argue with any of the three ladies you intend to play with, and they certainly welcome you, there is no room for anyone to call foul. You lose badly the first hand, center yourself, and then lose at a more comfortable pace from there (the games they're playing are more Psyche than Warfare). There is a table of younger ladies, one perhaps just past her Confirmation, who are snacking and talking instead of playing, and you have a chance to eat and exchange some pleasantries with them when you bow out of the game, gaining an introduction to Bree, Laila, Kotoko, and young Minimi. It serves to remind you of how much time has passed since your first garden party, but not in any particularly unpleasant way. You have a chance to play a few hands of a more strategy-oriented game with the twins before the afternoon winds down, and it proves to be great sport.

Having eaten again, you are feeling very much recovered. Other than the mild disappointment of the assemblage ending up ladies-only, is Helena enjoying herself? How far from her thoughts are this morning's events?

//--Helena
I dismiss the thoughts of this morning when I realize it is distracting me from my cards. I close the topic internally by reminding myself that I will speak with Mother about it when the party is over. After that I play, talk and answer questions of the seated company, all of whom are people to whom I feel connections and gratitude of one kind or another.

(I think her mother's continued good spirits are making up for any other lack in the party. She is enjoying herself, even the fairly light "social" and fashion talk, because it is something so much of her growing up years, before the commissions and the part of the war in which Helena was involved.)

//--GM
About half of the party has already said their farewells when Alma starts saying goodbye. Does Helena have any parting words for anyone?

//--Helena
If I get a moment with Hanla, I ask her to keep in touch, if she doesn't mind, and let me know if Alma keeps on so well, or if she feels any worries about her. I am sorry I will be so far away much of the time.

//--GM
She promises to keep you informed, making mention that she still has a Trump of you, and compliments you on your dutifulness. Your protest of distance is gently dismissed. "We are all very proud of you... Ambassador," kissing your cheeks in farewell.

//--Helena
When we get back to Alma's Ways, how much time do we have before whatever else it is that she has planned? If it's any time at all, I'm going to talk to her about what happened this morning.

//--GM
Once you're in the palanquin, Alma gives the lantern bearer whispered instructions, and the demons begin bearing you away from the Jesby Ways altogether. She unpins her shawl, knotting it around her waist loosely like a dance sash, and begins reseting the stays of her outfit for her demon-form, playfully nudging you to do the same.

//--Helena
I go along with her, happily, putting aside the time for us to discuss last night's events until afterwards.

//--GM
The demons bear you from Jesby into a broad commons before steering toward the outermost wards of Hendrake. Alma shifts to demon-form and then focuses a moment to comfortably embellish some minor details of her appearance (shape-shifted make-up, sort of). Does Helena make any embellishments?

//--Helena
Complimentary to but not competitive with Alma's, yes -- in a similar way that the outfits themselves are complementary.

//--GM
The palanquin stops in the valet zone of The Rattle, and Alma hops out, looking ready to dance. Both of you are turning heads, and the bouncers out front are already parting the rope for you.

//--Helena
I hop out, but motion for the bearers to stay a moment. Quietly before Mother heads into the crowd, I take her arm, looking serious but not angry or worried. "Mother, have you been here before?"

//--Alma
Beaming, "Your father and I met here."

//--Helena
"Last night you... or the being that had been with you before yesterday... left me this note." I show her the matchbook.

//--Alma
She looks it over, idly at first, and then more intently. A moment later, the matchbook disappears from her palm somehow, a trick she's never demonstrated for you before. She raises a finger to her lips to quiet any further questions, allowing the slightest flash of worry to cross behind her eyes before resuming some fraction of former her bright expression. "There are people we have to meet inside..." and her voice suddenly drops to barely audible above the crowd noise, "with another reason added, now."

//--Helena
I incline my head to her, agreeing, and trusting in her to lead me through whatever she has brought us to. I wave the bearers on.

Bright again, I turn back to her and take her arm to head inside, happy with our audaciousness and the effect we have on the crowd.

//--GM
Within the club, you are greeted with the low thunder of drums from all directions. Low-tech-no music reverberates from barrel-sized drums, channeled from the drummer's stations by carefully shaped architecture. Conjured beams of light sweep through the smoke of cigarettes and stronger recreational burns. A few days ago, this cacophony would have driven your mother to tears, but she's exultant now. Through the shadows and glare, you see your father, looking lean and lethal in a mock turtleneck and demon-form slacks. He and your mother come together... and their union embrace in an inner nave feels like a reenactment of some kind. The spell of their past is broken when Alma stares into Loren's eyes, likely communicating what she just learned from you.
Someone shadowed just behind Loren leans in to ask him a question, and your father points toward you, beckoning you forward at the same time. The three of them disappear inside before you can get a good look at this third person, seeking some private room perhaps, not waiting for you to disentangle yourself from the gaggle of gyrating young male admirers your progress has been lightly impeded by.

//--Helena
I move across the floor by dancing with them, passing from one to the other until I clear the floor. I pass through the room and the door through which Loren and Alma -- and the third person -- exited.

//--GM
You catch your parents exiting the room they just entered, leaving the third person inside. Loren says - just over the noise, "I need to see to your mother for a few minutes. Can you entertain our friend Saras until I have her set to ease?" If you had to guess from his demeanor, you'd think he was just going to take her aside to clear up some misunderstanding. After meeting his gaze long enough, you 'hear' in your mind, "Knight Protector Essen is an experienced Shift-Surgeon and a war veteran like yourself. Making his acquaintance may be of use to you."

//--Helena
I nod to them and say out loud, "Of course," letting them go.

//--GM
The name clicks in Helena's mind: Knight Protector Saras Essen; Bodyguard Emeritus to three generations of the Lords of Hendrake; held the Blights Pass against the superior numbers of Prince General Bleys' forces for thirteen days before being forced to retreat with unbearable losses; 'married' to his post until recently, but contemplating retirement, and thereby suddenly available.

A glance inside reveals the demon-form of a man who certainly doesn't appear to be your father's age, although he may very well be older. His outer layer is a durable crisscross of modified muscle and sinew beneath thick skin, instead of chitin or other armor, giving the sleek impression of a shark or cetacean in humanoid form. Most of him is dark green in this shape, with flashes of warning yellow like some poisonous frog; black hair in a tight, neat braid, and emerald eyes. His one-shoulder gray toga is certainly not the height of fashion, but it does not detract much from an otherwise striking demonic guise. You sense that he is aware of your looking at him, but pretends otherwise for the moment until you announce yourself, as is polite under the circumstances.

Does Helena let Alma draw Loren away, or does she have something one or both of them must hear first? If she lets them go, how does she approach Saras Essen, if at all?

//--Helena
As soon as her parents have left the room, I enter the room and bow to him as appropriate to the man's station. "Knight Protector Essen, I am honored to meet you."

//--Saras
He rises promptly, but not abruptly. "The honor is mine, ma'am."

//--Helena
I step forward to make a personal salute. "Lady Helena of Jesby, Captain, Jesby Expeditionary, Retired. I take it you know my father and mother?"

//--Saras
He smiles, clearly fond of them both. "Yes. I was honored to make your mother's acquaintance while I was undergoing treatment at the Jesby Health Mission some years ago, and then met Loren some time later at an Inter-House Exchange Conference." His face changes colors slightly as he pauses, and then, "You'll forgive me, I hope, if I'm somewhat at a loss as to how to proceed here." Chuckling softly, he thinks aloud, "I suppose I should have anticipated something like this happening eventually, as I've never dealt with them both at once before." Then, addressing you directly once more, "Your father made this sound like an informal interview for an embassy position, while your mother made it sound a more like... a different sort of introduction. I realize that this admission on my part may make things a bit awkward professionally, but I must say that your mother's glowing description of you was decidedly lacking in exaggeration."

//--Helena
I smile at his compliment. "She and I are very close, though between her health and my work, we have not had nearly enough time together." I pause, changing the subject. "My father spoke to you about the embassy, then? We are filling many positions; what roles did he suggest?"

//--Saras
"He was quite sparse with the specifics, but he suggested something of a 'medical consultant' might be an immediate need. My physician's credentials are mostly up to date, and I'm quite willing to contribute my experience to address any security issues you might have as well." In as innuendo-free a tone as he can manage, "Any other positions you might have in mind are negotiable."

//--Helena
"Security at the embassy and at functions will certainly be an issue, though of course we have to cooperate closely with local security and with our legal advisors. The limitations upon our actions are of course both strict and... somewhat convoluted.

//--Saras
"I was... professionally involved with a few meetings during the Treaty Settlement Period. My experience is not extensive, but I believe I have enough familiarity to serve."

//--Helena
I nod, considering positively. "Perhaps we should set up another time to discuss what the position would entail.

"As for medical issues... I'm not certain what Father had in mind. Frankly I have some concerns personally that I am unlikely to be able to resolve without the advice of shift surgeon. On the other hand, my mother's experience with the surgeons overall was not satisfactory -- no disparagement upon your own qualifications intended, of course. Certainly under the proper conditions and obligations, I would be pleased to attempt to work with you on it. Your... understanding of security issues would be a great comfort to me in the matter. The sensitivity of my position, representing both my House and the Empire, makes any compromise to my person a potential incident."

//--Saras
"I have some familiarity with your mother's circumstances. Hers is quite the devilish situation, compounded by the means by which her... troubles arose." Lightly shaking off an inopportune line of recall, he says simply, "Regardless, you may be assured of my discretion, should you find my qualifications satisfactory." He glances toward the exit back to the dance floor. "I'm not certain of how secure a venue this may be for any detailed discussion of your circumstances. Did Loren or Alma say how long they would need?" He doesn't look uncomfortable, exactly, but there is a bit of puzzlement in his expression. Likely each of your parents had a radically different purpose in inviting him, and he's not certain of which set of social conventions to cleave to at this point - fighting the urge to flirt with Helena at this point, it seems.

//--Helena
"They did not. I got the impression they would not be long. You are correct, however; I don't believe this is the most appropriate place for a detailed discussion. A more appropriate place to dance, if it pleases you, at least until Mother and Father return? I am certain they will find us when they are ready." I hold out my hand to him.

//--GM
He visibly relaxes as he takes your hand, wordlessly following you out, smiling at some detail of your form that he's taken a particular liking to once he sees you move. (Helena's best feature, in her opinion? Would her answer be different in human-form?)

//--Simone
(She has a very beautiful profile, in both forms. In her demon form her best feature may be that, or the stunning alabaster quality of her skin: warm marble, that moves. In her human form it might again be her face, but possibly also her bearing and posture which makes her human body as proud and upright as her demon form.)

//--GM
Likely it is the moving warm marble of your flesh that has him momentarily entranced, then, and he takes the opportunity afforded by dancing with you to accustom himself to the feel of it a bit. ;-) His best feature - in demon-form at least - is the depth and clarity of his eyes, drinking you in at the moment.

//--Helena
I am in a mood to be seen; I allow his eyes to somewhat guide my motion.

//--Saras
You sense his interest rise at certain angles, and you can imagine him piecing together a pleasant guess of what your human-form might look like in his mind. He seems to be one of those rare men who can look at you slowly and appreciatively without having you feel dissected.

//--Helena
Not being particularly shy, I return his attention in kind.

//--GM
You can tell by this point that your relationship will likely not remain entirely professional unless something changes.

The local style on the dance floor is as much endurance as grace, but not to the point of slam-dancing. Demon-form appears to be more tradition than survival requirement, although some altercations do occur among the over-excited. The combination of noise and lights seems to encourage shape-shifting - sort of a physical psychedelic effect, if you will - but you have no composure difficulties. Overall, the effect is somewhat intoxicating, encouraging you and your partner to cut loose. Saras seems inclined to do so, stopping just short of 'challenging' the best dancers once he gets up to speed. With no sign of your parents thus far, how into this do you let yourself get?

//--Helena
Not chemically overwhelmed, or lost in it, but she is a very good dancer. She is willing to dance so that Saras can play off of her; she is watching him.

//--GM
Now that he has a sense of your ability, he wordlessly decides to take things to the next logical level, finding more of an open space and allowing your pairing to draw a bit of attention. It doesn't feel like he's trying to impress you so much as he's making use of an opportunity to dust off old skills and have some fun. He is graceful and precise without seeming mechanical, and more than strong enough to command his space. The two of you seem to have a chance to 'win' this song if you try. Is Helena up for it?

//--Helena
Does the dance have somewhat of a "lead - follow" structure, or is it more two individuals dancing separately?

//--GM
Since the 'poor-average' Chaosian has the stamina of a Kenyan marathon runner, most of these songs last 10-12 minutes at a high tempo. The first minute or so is balanced, like the partners are introducing themselves to each other, then the strong partner (usually the man, but Helena could play that role here) leads for a minute or two, then the fast partner (typically the woman, but Saras seems to have the speed edge of your pairing) for a similar period. It goes back and forth like that until the final 2-3 minutes, which typically is balanced, showcasing alternating lifts, partner twirls, gymnastic stunts, etc.

//--Helena
Either way, I am open to going as far as he is able with this - no excessive showiness, just being the cool and perfect match for his styling of the dance.

//--GM
Considering that you've never partnered before, you make quite a good showing, and the consensus of the crowd is that you were 'second' - losing the song to a pair that have likely been partners for a long time. Saras is glowing, flush with your near-victory, apparently not disappointed at all. As he leads you off the floor, "Thank you, Helena. That was superb."

//--Helena
"Yes, thank you," I return.

//--Saras
He glances toward the bar. "Can I get you something?"

//--Helena
"Please. Dry mint wine, iced."

//--Saras
He goes, his eyes trailing over you momentarily as he departs, capturing one more mental image of this moment for himself before he lets you out of his sight. There is a bit of a line at the nearest alcohol station, so he may be a few minutes.

//--GM
You see your parents on the edge of the dance bowl, both alight with pride at your performance. Neither seems consumed with concern over anything that might have come up earlier, and neither moves to motion you over. Alma seems particularly pleased about something; the progress of your blind date, if you had to guess.

//--Helena
Ah, mothers. But in that she is correct, I don't resent it ;-)

I nod to them, questioningly, and if they seem to be inviting it I will walk towards them with Saras when he returns with the drinks.

//--GM
Do you wait until Saras is free, or signal him with where you're going and wait with your parents? Loren and Alma don't seem averse to your company, but they aren't looking like they have news for you either.

//--Helena
I go up to one of the railings where I have a good view of the dance floor and watch until Saras rejoins me.

//--Saras
Saras returns with your drink and some sunset-looking tea-and-milk-liqueur drink for himself. He glances toward your parents, jokingly asking you, "Do they seem to approve?"

//--Helena
I raise my glass to him and drink, then reply, "Mmhmm, yes. Alma is very pleased with herself. Shall we see what they have to say for themselves?"

//--Saras
"I think so. Maybe we can find out if they have any other surprises in store for either of us this evening." Smiling very warmly, "The first one has certainly been pleasant thus far...."

//--Helena
I return his smile and sip my drink.

//--GM
Loren and Alma are arm in arm just off the floor, watching the next dance get started.

//--Helena
I will lead Saras towards them, wending past the edges of the dance floor.

//--GM
Once you're in conversational range, Loren politely praises your (pl) dancing skill. Alma seems to be taking her measure of the music, as if debating whether to persuade your Father to take her out there.

//--Helena
I nod, accepting his compliment, and look out over the dance floor, watching what Mother is watching for a moment. Then I turn back to him. "Father, it seems that Knight Protector Essen and I should discuss further opportunities at the Embassy and about engaging his assistance with... medical issues. I believe both you and Mother have some information of importance on those matters."

//--Loren
Addressing you and Saras, holding Alma's hand, "We have things to add, but their importance is not entirely clear as of yet. Of course, as with all matters of state, some things require... seclusion to discuss properly. Perhaps a walk beyond the Estates may do us some good after all this excitement...."

//--Helena
"Perhaps after this evening's entertainment we should return to the Ways, if the Knight Protector's time allows," I glance at him, "and have at least a preliminary discussion."

//--Saras
A bit formally at first, but with a hint of teasing lightness at the end, "I have nothing but time at the moment, while I await my leave of service. Make use of me as you see fit."

//--Helena
(If my parents and Saras all agree to this, I'll continue the evening drinking a little and dancing perhaps two more numbers with Saras, and then gather everyone together to depart. If it looks like Mother is getting tired at any point, however, I will cut off early. I really do not want to miss speaking with her tonight, before anything else happens outside my control.)

//--GM
Both successive dances are at least as good as the first, and you manage to 'win' the last one, gaining the accolades of the crowd for a shining moment or two. After you win, Alma coaxes Loren onto the floor. They both play it very cool, not making any real attempt to compete, but they move better than Helena might have expected from either of them. They return to the table suitably spent, but not wiped out, and Alma recovers after a tall fruity beverage.

//--Helena
After suitable small talk about the dances, and an admiring comment to Loren and Alma in particular :-), I suggest we all depart for a more private venue - perhaps the walk Father suggested.