Dangerous Damsels Deconstructing the Duke's Dynasty

(OOC: I figured Reana could just ask a servant, but I edited the last sentence of my post a little bit to aknowledge she has no idea where the Duchess might be. Maybe the Duke will kind enough to tell her...or not. Probably could have worded it better, though.)

 

The duke waves a hand dismissively. "Yes, fine, have at it." Before turning back to lady Rousseau.

"Did you hire them?" he asks her.

 

Having been dismissed by the Duke, Reana heads towards one of the ballroom's exits. As she leaves she overhears the Duke ask lady Rousseau if she hired 'them'. I wonder who the Duke might be talking about? Maybe I should have stayed and listened... but I get the feeling this is not something I want to get involved with. At least not yet, when I know so little.

It doesn't take the young noblewoman long to reach the exit through which she believes the Duke and Duchess left earlier. Once there she calls the nearest servant. “Excuse me, do you know there the Duchess might be? Or at least which way she went when she left earlier?”

 

Oho, Havelock thought. The Duke's about to have a private conversation, and he's totally forgotten I'm here. I'll just sit back and listen...
(ooc: no espionage roll, but I'm in the room for this little chat.)

 

Ok, without he espionage roll you will probably not be able to hear them when they get quiet. That ok with you?

 

Allia, now wearing an easy to move in dark green uniform covered by a tabard with her families crest (A long ivy leaf with black veins), walks back to the hall. Still a bit pissed about the loss of her dress and on high alert because of recent developments she picks up the question of a nearby noblewoman. The lady has the same hair colour as herself, black, although maybe a bit darker and wearing a shorter cut. Second thing Allia notices are her large breasts.

Before the servant can answer Allia steps between them. Ever ignorant of court manner she asks, "Why would you want to know that?" as she stares into the eyes of the noble, grey meeting blue.

(OOC: Just in case it's not clear Allia is intercepting Reana (moonblack) here)

 

Reana is a bit surprised by the sudden appearance of a black-haired young woman, slightly older than her. The unknown noblewoman is wearing a dark green uniform covered by a tabard with a crest on it, likely her family's, and is blocking her way.

Who's this rude girl? Reana wonders, a little annoyed, but does not let her thoughts show on her face. “I was hoping I would get to speak with the Duchess, as I did not get the chance to do so earlier because of all the people trying to introduce themselves to the Duke and his wife. I also wish to make sure everything is alright with her, as she left in a hurry earlier, together with her husband, yet only the Duke came back while there's no trace of the lady. Not that any of this is any of your business.” She pauses briefly. “Why do you ask? Do you know where the Duchess is? Or do you know something about the reason she has not come back yet?”

 

"Because i can. Yes. Yes." Allia answers the questions in quick succession. She hushes away the servant with a wave of her hand before continuing to speak. "Something fucked up happened and I don't really know how much I am allowed to tell you. For the moment however I think the duchess would prefer to be left alone."

 

Reana raises an eyebrow when she hears the other woman's words. “Oh? That's certainly an interesting bit of information... if it is true. But it is just a bit hard to believe the words of a woman I just met and who's name I don't even know...” She lowers her tone a little bit. “Just how do you know what happened? Were you involved? Or did you just hear about it?”

(OOC: Second attempt to post this - hopefully this time it works.)

 

Allia presses her lips together until the red becomes white. "As i just said, in the emperors fucking name, I - cannot - tell - you." She states. "I am Allia Antorha of March Antorhall. Now, if you will excuse me the duke has asked for me to appear in the main hall."

(OOC: Last Chance to roll Charisma or something.)

 

Interesting... Normally she would be annoyed by the other woman, but right now she is more interested in what she has just learned. So she decides to change tactics. “Nice to meet you, lady Antorha. I am Reana Taerin, second daughter of lord Taerin. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance - even if we seem to have gotten off on the wrong foot. And thank you – you have told me more than enough.” She smiles warmly at the older woman. “If you are looking for the Duke – I met him before I decided to go look for the Duchess. He was talking to lady Rousseau when I left them, and since it has been only a short time he is likely still with her. Would you like me to bring you to him? It's the least I could do as thanks for your help, and as an apology for taking your time with my questions.” As she says that Reana tries to be as friendly and charming as she can.

(OOC: I didn't even realize I could try rolling to use Charisma, or something else (I probably shouldn't try to do three things at once). Should I post the result here, or via PM?)

 

PM me the results.

 

After being granted the rare gift of honesty from the Jharl earlier Reana's words almost physically hurt Allia with how dripping in sweetness they are. 'So the interrogation has already begun, i better hurry.' she thinks and makes a disgruntled noise. "No, I should be the one apologizing. I know i am a rather blunt person...Argh, screw this, if you want to come with do so. But no more questions!"

 

“You seem to be in a hurry, so let me show you where I last saw them.” Reana turns and leads the other woman towards where she last saw the Duke and lady Rousseau. “And it's quite alright, no need for apologies. Your bluntness can be quite refreshing, if I am honest. A bit rude and annoying, too, but these things often go together.” Reana decided to repay honesty with honesty.

 

You find the duke, alone, in the same place you last saw him.

 

“Duke Norwin. Lady Antorha was looking for you.” Reana greets the Duke and points at her companion, then moves out of the way but remains close enough to listen.

 

"Keep that last part to yourself and I MIGHT one day tolerate you." Allia says as she wanders after Reana. When she finds the duke on his own she salutes. "I see I have arrived too late. My apologies, Duke Norwin." She almost mentions that closer quarters might have helped, but feels that this is really the wrong time to complain over such a trivial thing.

 

The duke nods his thanks to Reana.
"No, in truth I should be the one apologizing. I acted rashly, and I think I may have lost us a valuable ally." He shakes his head.
Then, his shoulders slump and he says "We can do little else tonight. Go, and enjoy your evening. I will call upon you again on the morrow. "

 

"Peachy. Good night then." Allia says and wanders off to her quarters. One the way out she passes Reana, witha a single slightly sorry shrug and the words. "Might as well ask him yourself. If you are that curious." before leaving the hall.

 

Having deposited the ruins of the Marchioness dress in his quarters and shepherded his heirs to the relative safety of his rooms, Jharl Ghembretton joined the Duke in the main hall. He scanned the crowd for anyone trying to eaves's drop on the duke's conversation with lady Rousseau.