Dangerous Damsels Deconstructing the Duke's Dynasty

Well, that's interesting, thought Havelock. What could have rattled the duke like that? And who was that man?
He stood up and took a circuitous route calculated to intercept the man.

 

My roll:
Roll 7
Skill +2

Result 9

Next one will be an eight or a five. Calling it now.

 

Rolling Perception to gauge the room:
Roll: 16
Stat: +1
Total: 17

 

He seems extremely trustworthy, and just like a genuinely likable guy.

 

Havelock, roll your espionage.

 

Wondering if I need a new RNG
22 (Rolled a 20 + skill of 2)

 

That might either be the worst attempt at picking her up, a rather impressive thing after earlier, or a genuine question. Not that these are mutually exclusive. He does look like a trustworthy man however and she can at least sympathize with his attempt. Allia smiles slightly as she chooses her next words with a bit less of the usual bite.

“My chambers are far away. Yours will suffice.” She leans in, her grey eyes staring into James’. “Do not have any funny ideas though. This is not the only knife on my body.” She whispers a very clear warning as she taps her rapier.

Then she straightens up again. “After you, Jharl.” This time she says the title without any ridicule.

 

(From now on, all player-declared rolls will be secret unless the player or I specifies otherwise. If I ask for a roll on this board, the result will still be public.
Additionally, don't forget to include me in any private conversations between characters.)

 

As Reana had expected, most conversations are pretty normal for such an occasion. But one is clearly different – that much is obvious even from the little she is able to overhear. For a few moments she thinks about what to do, her curiosity piqued. In the end she decides to continue observing the Duke and the people around him. Perhaps his actions would give her a clue what is this is all about... Or maybe an opportunity of some sort would present itself...

 

The Jharl smiled at first then almost recoiled when she brought up her other blades. In the North even MENTIONING that you had such a thing in another's hall for a woman was about the ultimate slap in the face to your host; outright saying that you didn't trust the Lord of the hall and his men to prevent you being 'outraged' while he extended guest-right to you!

However, the matter of fact way she said it gave him pause. Perhaps things were different in southern lands, perhaps here it was not expected that any Lord who commits such an atrocity will be castrated and hung as an offering to Freja, in any case she need fear no afrontery from him of that kind. He was and would remain a virgin till the night of his wedding, and the bride would come willing or not at all! Jharl James was not as young as most when they marry, but he was still vigorous and fit, and his sons and daughters would yet be hale and strong.

Pulling back with only a trace of slowness, from his attempt to not appear hasty, he extended his hand and replied, "I am honored you trust me to such a degree my-lady, it must be difficult to see past reputation to the man beneath." He said, and led the way to his family's chambers.

(OCC: We will continue this in a private thread...)

 

Reana watches and sips her wine as sir Vincent steps away from the duke and into the crowd. Interesting. This must be quite important... but I know too little. For now I think it will be best if I don't try to get involved and instead focus on the party.

The young noblewoman decides to get closer and see if she can introduce herself to the Duke and his wife. Or at least to some of the other important nobles near them.

 

Upon your approach, the duke beckons you forward. How do you introduce yourself?

 

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Duke Norwin.” Reana says as she bows slightly before the Duke. “I am Reana Taerin, second daughter of Lord Taerin. I have heard a lot about you and your beautiful wife, but mere rumors do not compare to the real thing, as is often the case.” The young noblewoman introduces herself and manages to resist the temptation to sneak a quick glance at the Duchess. “I am honored to be here tonight.” She considers adding more, but decides that she would just be repeating what others before her have already said.

(OOC: Didn't turn out quite the way I wanted, but I hope it's good enough.)

 

The duke grins warmly at you."Ah yes, the young lady Taerin. I had heard you were ill for quite some time. It is good to see that you have recovered. "
The Duchess chimes in at this point, regarding you with inscrutable eyes.
"My my, she is a cute young thing, isn't she?"

(Please roll your willpower.)

 

Roll: 15
+3 (Reana's Willpower)
Total: 18

(OOC: That is all from me for now. See you in a few hours, everyone!)

 

The duchess is clearly into you, and it's most assuredly purely for your body. Nevertheless, she wants you.

 

Everyone still in the Ballroom now notices that Sir Vincent has left the duke's side, and seems to be heading for the exit.

 

“Yes, that was quite an unpleasant time. I am glad it is behind me – for good, if the healers are to be believed. I pray that your newborn daughter never has to experience anything like it.” Reana tells the Duke before turning her gaze towards the Duchess. “Thank you for the compliment, my Lady.” She then turns her eyes towards sir Vincent, who is headed for the exit, as if to leave the party. “It seems I missed my chance to meet Sir Vincent tonight, but I guess something important must have come up, for him to leave your side so suddenly.” The young noblewoman looks once more at the party's host. “If there's anything I can do for you or your wife, do not hesitate to ask me.” She looks first at the Duke and then at the Duchess as she says that. Seems like the Duchess wants me – or rather my body. It's not much, but it's a start... Her thoughts do not show on her face.

 

"As it happens," The duke begins. "There is something I could use..." He leans closer and speaks in quiet tones.

 

Reana listens to what the Duke has to say. Once he is done talking she smiles at him. “Well, it was a pleasure meeting you, my lord. But I am sure there are plenty of other guests waiting to congratulate you for the birth of your beautiful daughter, so I will not take any more of your time. Perhaps we will have a chance to talk again later. Duke Norwin. Duchess.” She bows slightly at each of them, using the chance to take another look at the Duchess, and them moves away.

Having introduced herself to the Duke and his wife Reana starts looking around at the other guests for anyone that might be of interest to her. Her eyes fall on a big-breasted blonde in a provocative but elegant red dress. The young noblewoman takes a quick sip from her wine and makes her way to the woman.

“Hello. I am Reana Taerin, second daughter of Lord Taerin. You are Miss... Rousseau, if I am not mistaken. Nice to meet you.” She smiles at the older woman.