Empire - Scene 27

Kostas

(Kostas) Anyone attending might have been at least a little aware of what one of Kostas' gatherings might look like, maybe. Brightly coloured, at the very least: besides Kostas himself, in a shiny shiny golden tunic, with some black trim on it, the estate staff have been ushered into dressing brightly too, even by Dyrian standards -- even the musicians present. The furniture of the room is left in its day-to-day configuration, with various tables and chairs, though with the addition of a lectern set up on a small platform. Kostas is taking up space by the entrance, there to welcome guests.

Arrival

Andreas arrives.

Kimon

(Kimon) Dressed in an ensemble of sky blue embroidered in gold, Kimon sports the house Aestos colors as he arrives to the soiree, all charming smiles and friendly greetings for those he knows. He stops by Kostas first, of course, in the entrance to greet the host. "Thank you for hosting tonight, Lord Kournis. Looking forward to the festivities, as always." It wouldn't be Kimon if he weren't looking forward to any excuse for socializing, after all.

Urumil

(Urumil) A bright spot of white against all this colour, Urumil pauses to offer thanks and greetings to Kostas before properly entering the room. He's curious about the tables and their contents and especially curious about that lectern.

Melissa

(Melissa) When one asks the host what the dress code may be for a particular event, and they say colorful and bright, of course one automatically thinks of feathers. Because why wouldnt they. Instead of having to choose between her usual blues or greens color scheme she has decided to do the best of both worlds and include both in the form of fabric which intimidates the pearlescent hue of a peacock. Upon entering, Melissa offers said colorful host a polite smile and dip of her head in greeting, "Lord Kostas, a pleasure as always."

Kostas

(Kostas) "My lords, my lady!" Kostas exclaims in rather cheerful greeting. "Please, please, come in, make yourselves comfortable. There is a good range of seating available, and I am told the food is excellent, although in the interests of being able to still actually eat anything by the time we got started, I have not yet sampled too much." The lectern doesn't have its purpose explained just yet.

Andreas

Andreas arrives a little after the others in a tunic brightly coloured in some of those of House Karalis - red and while. "Lord Kostas! What an excellent event you've invited us to!" he says, already angling towards both food and drink. It's clear what he thinks is excellent about the event. Consumables.

Orestes

(Orestes) Following other guests, Orestes arrives at the hall from the courtyard entrance, garbed in a light green tunic and lemon-dyed silk breeches. "Thank you, Kostas. I know I can count on you to provide a wonderful evening of entertainment to our guests," he says to his cousin, favoring Kostas with a knowing smile before he slips inside the hall.

Kimon

Kimon makes his way over to the beverages and acquires one as his first priority. Melissa gets a little toast of his glass. "Cousin," he greets her with a smile as he finds himself a seat to sprawl in comfortably. If the lectern intrigues him, it's evident by the way he studies it for a moment or two. But he's patient, and so will wait for its explanation.

Kostas

(Kostas) "You say that now, my lord, but we shall see!" Kostas replies chipperly to Andreas. He flashes Orestes a big, broad smile. "Good to see you!" With some people welcomed in, Kostas slips over towards the tables, and on his way, he collects a glass of wine. "As for the lectern, I thought we might have a small exercise in public speaking, for those interested. Not on any topic that I shall actually provide until the moment you are standing by the lectern, you understand."

Melissa

Melissa has found herself with two glasses, one lifted in response to Kimon's greeting. The spare glass is delivered personally to Orestes, which the Duchess says, "I believe I owe this to you." Wine debt is never something you should hold onto, bad luck! Upon the explination of the lectern, Melissa's eyes shift from Kostas to Kimon with restrained amused expression, "I look forward to hearing what topic you may have. I feel like its less about how much you may know about the topic, but how much you can lie and seem convincing."

Orestes

(Orestes) Orestes bows his head as he receives the glass from Melissa. "Thank you, Your Grace. That's very thoughtful." He takes a sip, listening to Kostas, then looking around the hall to observe the others' reactions. "Would any one like to lead the way? If not, I wouldn't mind taking the plunge myself," he offers, his free hand outstretched in a gesture to invite others to proceed if desired.

Kimon

Kimon smiles amusedly at Melissa and says, "Are you saying that I'm a skilled liar, cousin?" when she mentions what topic he might have to speak on, "Or that I don't know enough about virtually any topic to speak on it with facts?" He's very clearly teasing her, the way his eyes sparkle. He raises his glass to Orestes though when the Prince offers to take the plunge. "Brave soul!"

Andreas

(Andreas) "I'm not sure I've ever been accused of being a good public speaker," Andreas says, picking up his glass and toasting the others present. "A *loud* speaker, perhaps," he chuckles, reaching for some food to munch on. "Oh, I shall be most interested to listen," he says with a gesture to Orestes.

Kostas

(Kostas) Kostas gestures flamboyantly to Orestes after this, then goes to ensconce himself in an armchair, with a big, cheerful smile. "Very good, very good! The topic then is this: the diminishing quality of manuscript illumination in recent years, what might be done to remedy the situation, and what alternative approaches we could possibly even have for the proper presentation of books of a certain importance and weight, and the political outworkings of same." The odds of anyone actually knowing anything about this are slim, though the smile that Kostas directs at Melissa suggests she picked up on the general idea.

Kostas

(Kostas) Kostas adds, "Beware, you may have to defend your presentation in the face of questions from the crowd!"

Melissa

(Melissa) Turning towards Andreas, Melissa wiggles a hand back and forth, "sometimes loud is just as important as informative in different situations. I am sure you'll do wonderfully!" She is clearly being the hype person in this situation to get everyone to go up there at least once before the party ends. Melissa presses her hand against her chest as if she is wounded by Kimon's words, "cousin, I would never in a million years make such as assumption based around your vast array of knowledgeable subject matter, and I look forward to having you back your words up when it is your turn. I shall take notes even," she grins and sips her wine. As Orestes offers to go first, the woman offers him a soft clapping in encouragement, "as you should, home advantage and all."

Orestes

(Orestes) "If you'll excuse me then," Orestes grins. He raises his glass in response to the toast and takes another drink before setting it to one side and stepping onto the platform. Resting his hands on the lectern, he inclines his head toward Kostas to hear his topic, eyes widening as the obscure subject is presented to him. "Ah... " he falters, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. "I'm sure that all assembled here today can agree," he begins, "that books are treasures without compare. The knowledge they contain is arguably more valuable, certainly more practicable, than the finest jewel. To illuminate a manuscript is to exalt the author's wisdom contained therein, adding a visual perspective and elevating the inherent value of the work. "The diminishing quality of manuscript illumination in recent years," he continues, casting a somewhat panicked smile in Kostas' direction, "is a serious problem indeed. I see it as a dangerous portent that our realms are beginning to forget, or underestimate, the importance of our books. We must treasure the gifts left to us from our predecessors. We must reevaluate the timeless worth of our books. I believe that is the crux of the issue. Books are not merely instruments of study or pleasure. We must do all that we can to reverse this dangerous trend and give our books the treatment they deserve. "And finally," he pauses, flushing as he looks up at the ceiling, searching for the right conclusion. "We should think also of our children, and the generations to come. What will they think of us if all they find from our time are ruined books, tattered manuscripts? We must redouble our efforts to preserve and enhance the greatest of our treasures not just for ourselves, but for our posterity. I'm sure that they will thank us for our work, just as we appreciate those who came before. The best time to act was yesterday, but as long as we are still on this earth, we can still seize the opportunity to save our legacy. Thank you."

Andreas

Andreas winks at Melissa, inclining his head to her. "Well, I suppose that may well be true. And sometimes loud is certainly good as well!" Against type, he manages to fall silent to listen to Orestes talk about books. It's clear that he loses the thread quickly, though he smiles for the effort that Orestes is putting in. When he finishes his speech he applauds loudly. He even adds a cheer or two.

Kostas

(Kostas) Kostas, someone rather given to discussing obscure topics, sits forward in his chair in order to listen to Orestes, all serious-faced and sombre, though at the conclusion, he breaks into a broad and cheery smile, and follows up after Andreas with some brisk applause of his own. "Cousin, I half expected this to turn off the path after the first sentence or two into something wholly unrelated! Not due to it being you, specifically, but because the whole topic is so outrageously dull to most. Very good, very good. Thinking of the children while making nice books, indeed! I suppose that is in part the purpose, isn't it, but all the same."

Melissa

Melissa lifts her glass in the air for Orestes after he has finished speaking, the toast "for the children" offered, because wont someone think of the children in this matter! And it might be the only thing she latched onto from his arguement. Also the last thing mentioned, so that is always helpful.

Orestes

(Orestes) "Thank you, thank you." Heartened by the positive reception, Orestes musters a smile and bows before moving away from the lectern and stepping off the platform, making space for the next brave volunteer.

Melissa

(Melissa) "You are clearly a natural public speaker, and might now be forced to do this more often about a number of topics once word gets out how passionate you are about book restoration and preservation. I dare say that they may call you a living book and you'll never have another moment of peace again," Melissa informs Orestes with a grave expression. Her attention shifts towards Andreas afterwards, "what would be your perfect topic, if the topic could be chosen and not given randomly?" Perhaps this is also asked of Kostas as well, should he feel generous enough to provide an answer.

Andreas

Andreas does not immediately volunteer to speak, though Melissa's question gets a grin, his head swinging towards her again. "Fighting, for sure. Though what part of fighting, hmm," he considers, and now he's not immediately sure. "There are *many* options!" He ponders her for a moment. "What about you?"

Kostas

(Kostas) "Chosen and not random?" Kostas asks aloud, with a lift of his eyebrows. "Lately, the importance of applying ever increasingly elaborate monikers to the individuals with whom is one acquainted, and making a point of using those in public settings, and ensuring that all around might also hear them." He smiles afterwards, evidently satisfied with the answer he bestowed.

Orestes

(Orestes) "I should hope not," Orestes chuckles at Melissa's compliments, mopping any residual beads of sweat from his brow. "The only people I know who deserve that title are Kostas and perhaps your cousin Theon. But if you want to set forth on such titles," he remarks to Melissa, glancing at Kostas, "perhaps you'll never have a better opportunity than now."

Melissa

(Melissa) "I do not know how to fight, in any of the options available, so anything you might have to share on the matter would be quite interesting indeed, though I very much doubt I am your target audience. I will certainly do my best to ask as many questions as can be humanly possible to ask though!" Melissa tells Andreas before shifting to look towards Kostas with increasing amusement, "that is absolutely the greatest thing I have heard in the last minute, and I value your contribution to society as a whole in giving people as many titles and honorifics as can be added to a missive or in the space of a single breath during introductions. I have now made it my life's mission to claim one such title from you and live up to it without fail." She pats Orestes's arm in solidarity as they both seem to have the same family member to lovingly listen to, "the thought of both of them being in the same room is terrifying and amazing all at once."

Andreas

(Andreas) "Well, I feel like speaking on a topic one knows well may *not* be Lord Kostas's intent here," Andreas chuckles to Melissa. "Though I would be more than happy to share what I know at a later date," he offers, leaning against a nearby pillar. He hums at the offered topic from Kostas. "I am quite happy with Lord. Or the Bull, of course."

Kostas

(Kostas) Kostas waves a hand vaguely. "I would have to spill altogether more ink upon my person to be a living book." Then he drops it back to his lap and listens. He smiles a cheery smile at Melissa. "My lady, it is not supposed to take too much time to gain such a moniker, and perhaps you have one to propose yourself! I cannot very well greet people appropriately if they have not yet received such a name. Or, rather, I suppose I can, but it is not at all as entertaining." He gestures to Andreas. "You see! That's the spirit. Embrace the name, though I remain less than completely certain of its origins. Fitting, still."

Orestes

(Orestes) Orestes smiles toward Andreas. "I imagine you've been asked many times before to tell the story of how you acquired that name, Lord Andreas, but given that several of us appear to be unfamiliar with it, could we trouble you to regale us with your tale?" He turns to Kostas with a small gesture toward the lectern. "Otherwise, dear cousin, if the stage were to be yours, I'm sure that many, myself included, would enjoy hearing what you would have to say yourself, given any topic of your choice."

Kimon

Kimon listens from where he has sprawled comfortably in his seat, sipping his glass of wine and listening to the speech given by Orestes and the talk afterward. "I am duly impressed," he laughs. "Think of our future generations, indeed." As for a topic that he would talk about if chosen versus assigned, "Perhaps the perils of drink safety." But then he agreed with Orestes, "I'd be interested in hearing how you came by the name myself, Lord Karalis," he says to Andreas.

Andreas

(Andreas) "Well," Andreas says, spreading his hands wide and giving a little shrug. "I don't *think* it would quite require the use of the lectern, the story is certainly not long enough. And I fear, perhaps, not as interesting as you all hope it might be," he says, though he still seems amused by it all. "I simply aided someone with their wagon one day, by pulling the damn thing along the road myself. At perhaps, a speed that no one was expecting." He grins, flexing an arm. "It was not too much trouble, but the name stuck after that."

Melissa

Melissa laughs softly at Kimon's answer, "I fear I may have caused a city wide concern about the safety of drinks without meaning to, and I am not sure exactly how to go about fixing this situation." Her drink is very safe indeed and she hasnt even asked someone else to watch it for her at all. At the mention of the nickname, there is a slight raise of her brows in interest as people attempt to get the story out of Andreas. "Sometimes the best story is allowing the imagination of others to run wild with their own thoughts. If anything ever asks if I know where it came from I shall add to such story that by pulling the wagon you saved an entire village."

Kostas

(Kostas) Kostas glances around the room and then back to Andreas. "I dare say, my lord, that the rest of us here might very well struggle to get a wagon moving at all, never mind at any sort of speed, and so I would say the name is well deserved! And of course more broadly applicable than moving a wagon." He gestures grandly to Melissa. "Indeed. Perhaps they were hungry!" He reverts his attention to Orestes with a smile. "The danger there is giving me any topic on which to speak! You see, I might very well offer information, but asked for an /opinion/, there is ever risk that I might give two opposing sides. Is it just me being innately contrarian? Some quirk of time at the university? Just because I can be? I suppose I am not always as non-committal as all that, but there are some things about which all reasonable people might agree, I think. Though perhaps that is too broad an assumption." "You see now the perils of getting me talking?"

Kimon

(Kimon) "Why would you want to fix the situation? It's far more entertaining to see what measures one might take to combat it," Kimon says to Melissa with a grin. Then he turns his attention back toward Andreas as the story is told. "Yes, embellishment is the key to an excellent story. Never let the facts get in the way of a beautiful fiction. You see, for the wagon was carrying barrels of water that were then used to put out the FIRE that was razing the village."

Andreas

(Andreas) "Mmm, perhaps, perhaps. Or perhaps I was carrying all the man's possessions. But if I were to tell you the contents of the wagon, I suggest that it would not be anywhere as interesting as your own minds could come up with. Or perhaps more interesting! Who am I to say?" Andreas says, deeply amused at all the attention. He might be about to say more, but a messenger hurries in to speak to him in a low whisper. "Ah, yes, I will be there presently. My apologies, I will be back shortly," he tells the others. "A minor matter..."

Melissa

(Melissa) "The starving village," Melissa adds to the now burning situation, "the fire was specifically located in the orphanage and hospital, it was a terrible day that could have been so much worse if not for the Bull of Trapezus." As to fixing the accidental situation she started there is a nod, "valid arguement!"

Depart

Andreas departs.

Orestes

(Orestes) "We all know there are two sides to every opinion," Orestes replies to Kostas, "and I imagine it takes a talented orator to persuasively argue both positions in a single speech. But, yes, I can also see how that proposition would be perilous," he acquiesces with a chuckle. "Nevertheless, perhaps another time, I should very much be delighted to witness your rhetorical skills."

Arrival

Kostas arrives.

Kostas

(Kostas) Kostas smiles broadly over at Melissa. "Marvellously put." When Andreas slips out, the Kournis offers a cheery wave, then turns to the others. "I do believe he is still seeking a challenger for feats of physical or martial prowess, though one has yet to emerge. Perhaps if you know someone who would put themselves forward." "I, meanwhile, could win a competition for talking in circles. The difficulty is not putting two sides forward, but choosing one, and it is best that I am not the one doing so!"

Arrival

Kimon arrives.

Kostas

(Kostas) Kostas smiles broadly over at Melissa. "Marvellously put." When Andreas slips out, the Kournis offers a cheery wave, then turns to the others. "I do believe he is still seeking a challenger for feats of physical or martial prowess, though one has yet to emerge. Perhaps if you know someone who would put themselves forward." "I, meanwhile, could win a competition for talking in circles. The difficulty is not putting two sides forward, but choosing one, and it is best that I am not the one doing so!"

Kimon

Kimon lifts his glass in salute as Andreas heads out and then turns his attention back to the others gathered. "Well, I am certainly not one to put my name forward in the arena of contests of strength. That wouldn't end well for me. Talking in circles, I might be able to at least have a shot at keeping up with." He takes a bite from one of the bits and bobs he's assembled to nibble on and considers thoughtfully.

Arrival

Sophia arrives.

Orestes

(Orestes) Orestes finds a comfortable chair next to Kostas and takes a seat, wineglass in hand. "It seems that finding a suitable opponent for the Bull of Trapezus will be no easy feat in itself. Yet, while contests of strength have their place on the practice field or in the arena, amongst the friends here tonight, we ought to spar only with our tongues and our wit."

Kostas

(Kostas) Kostas flashes Kimon a smile. "A whole group of people talking in circles! Dizzying heights to aspire to." He follows with a couple of nods to Orestes. "Quite right. Still, it would be good to find him someone to face. A good occasion for the Field of Muster, whereas if I went there, it might be to lecture the crowd on whatever fresh information I came across that morning." "Did we ever work out why those spices were so cheap?" he wonders, an instant after.

Kimon

(Kimon) "Which spices would those be?" Kimon asks when Kostas mentions them, clearly not having been a party to whatever prior conversation they might have been brought up in. He takes another sip of his wine and nods toward Orestes. "Yes, I'd much prefer we not devolve into arm wrestling tonight. Though.. I suppose the outcome might be interesting. Now that Andreas has left us."

Orestes

(Orestes) Orestes shakes his head. "I haven't heard much regarding that. It's been a rather lively fortnight with the coronation and the ensuing events, but as things come to settle, it certainly seems worth our time to pay a visit to Elis and make inquiries." "Some time ago," Orestes explains for the benefit of others, "a ship captain named Stelios alit in Elis, bearing an abundance of spices and wares from Cornucopia. That is all I know." He half-shrugs, gently setting his glass down on a nearby table and placing both hands in his lap, palms facing upward.

Depart

Orestes departs.

Sophia

Sophia makes her way into the room, a little more than fashionably late. She strides in and asks politely, "Does anyone mind if I join?" She glances amonst those gathered with a measured smile worn carefully. "I've been so busy lately. I do apologize. I want to catch up with all of you at some point or another, sooner rather than lately."

Kostas

(Kostas) Kostas indicates Orestes with a small gesture at the question about spices. "Those, indeed. Not my forte, beyond eating food with them in it, but the whole matter was a bit of a curiosity! They are hardly goods with flexible prices, one would think." He smiles a greeting to Sophia. "Do, of course. I am sure many would say that busy is good."

Kimon

Kimon lifts his glass to Orestes as the Prince departs and says, "Interesting," on the topic of the spices. Sophia gets a welcoming smile and a respectful bow from Kimon when she enters. "I do prefer to eat spiced food rather than discuss the origin of the spices, themselves. But one does wonder at times when a thing is out of the ordinary."

Sophia

Sophia moves to an open chair and sits with easy grace. She sets her gloves on her lap and gives each person a warm nod. "I have heard of this good fortune with the spices. It makes good tempers when fortune comes to people so freely. I welcome the news. So many have such unfortunate news these days." She looks from person to person and asks, "Has anyone tasted these spices themselves? I have not had the opportunity yet."

Kostas

(Kostas) Kostas offers in reply, "They are much as with any other Cornucopian spice! That is, good for various dishes, I gather. I do wonder at it being good fortune though. But then, it is not as if any of us here are -- I assume -- privy to goings-on in Pearlsedge, and perhaps prices are just lower. Perhaps the merchant ran at a loss?" He doesn't offer a particular answer, though, and instead takes another sip of his wine.

Kimon

Kimon shakes his head when Sophia inquires as to whether anyone's tasted the spices themselves, "I'd only just heard of them at all tonight." He then turns his attention to Kostas as he offers more information. "One can't help, I'd imagine, having some questions when anything that usually costs dearly comes in at a lower price than expected. Even if it is good fortune."

Sophia

(Sophia) Sophia tilts her head and smiles. "Curious prices often point to a story," she says. "A captain with a debt pays fast. A full hold presses him to sell. A storm or cracked mast strains a purse. Any of these can sweeten a bargain." She folds her gloves and leans in a touch. "I am sure that our fortune comes at someone else's expense, of course. Nothing happens without a balance, but I would definitely be interested in the story."

Kostas

(Kostas) "Questions indeed, even if I am the sort to ask those mostly of academics or passers-by! Still, a curiosity. So too, speaking of recent news, is ogres absconding with dwarvish trinkets. The mule, I understand. The search of a cart to take trinkets? Not so much," comments Kostas. "I suppose dwarvish is not quite right. Dwarf-made. Owned and being transported by very much human merchants." He nods to Sophia. "I suppose I shall look forward to the story."

Kimon

(Kimon) "I'm always interested in a good story, factual or otherwise," Kimon says, hearkening back to the embellishment of poor Andreas' story. He lifts his glass and takes another sip from the contents. "Ogres absconding with trinkets?" he asks. "I feel like I've very much fallen behind on the news of the day. I've been involved in the festival that the Duchess is throwing soon, assisting in arrangements for that."

Sophia

(Sophia) Sophia's smile fades and her eyes grow serious. "The ogre rumor is likely true," she says. "It points to the Dominion of Rin, or to someone even worse. They gather fighters and they gather old things of power. And not for a parade." She sets her gloves on the table and looks from face to face. "Stolen trinkets are not all just trinkets. In the right hands they are keys. In the wrong hands they are blades."

Kostas

(Kostas) Kostas nods to Kimon. "Oh, yes. The strangest thing really. Three ogres reportedly came towards a caravan on the road between Wayguard and Voros, and the guards understandably withdrew, and left a mule as a sort of tribute, to make the ogres go away without violence. And the ogres absconded with the mule, for sure, but they also searched the carts and took dwarvish goods too." To Sophia, he hazards, "Likely too far removed from the Dominion to be of interest to it, I suspect! Another, maybe? You're right though that there might be someone behind it. Ogres aren't known for collecting fine homewares and artisans' tools for themselves." "As for the festival, I heard mention of it! I hope it goes just swimmingly," he remarks, more cheerfully.

Arrival

Urumil arrives.

Depart

Urumil departs.

Kimon

Kimon nods as Sophia describes the situation with the Ogres. "Combine that with the panicked interruption at the Coronation and one has to wonder exactly what is going on there." He then nod to Kostas and says, "I'm glad that there was no violence and no one was injured, but it is very curious indeed what exactly they might have wanted those specific goods for." "No, there is most certainly someone else behind it telling them what to look for." When Kostas mentions the festival though, he smiles and says, "I'll expect to see you there, of course. Though we'll likely not force you into any feats of circular logic. Perhaps a circlet of flowers."

Sophia

(Sophia) Sophia shakes her head and looks to Kostas. She speaks in a calm voice. "These threads may connect," she says. "Distance feels large when we think small. On a wider map, the paths meet." She folds her gloves and leans forward. "The ogres headed to Rin come from the Red Waste. They reach Rin by the Sea Between and slip past the Empire. Ogres along the Red Waste move with one plan. That points to a larger hand and a larger threat for us." She lets that sit a beat, then adds, "We should watch the coves and the river mouths, warn Wayguard and Voros, and ask the dwarf guilds for a list of lost goods. If the list grows, we move first."

Arrival

Sophia arrives.

Kostas

(Kostas) Kostas laughs at Kimon's remark on the circlet. "I will look forwards to it! I hope it is as marvellously colourful as a circlet as the duchess' gown was earlier. As for spices and ogres, I shall be reachable if further thoughts are needed." He nods to Sophia's thoughts. "Maybe, maybe! Though the plan would then be another's, not theirs, I should think. Particularly intelligent ogres would be quite a different problem entirely!" He collects himself to his feet as someone comes in to get his attention, then turns to Kimon and Sophia. "The perils of organising a gathering! Do please excuse me."