Dangerous Damsels Deconstructing the Duke's Dynasty

Irène turns to the young woman who introduced herself to her.
“Indeed, young Miss a , that I am.” she smiles and raises her glass in a salute.
“So, what brings you to my company? I'm sure that there are other people in your age group you could be socializing with – more... lively, then this old lady.”
She quirks her lips in smirk.
 
“If only all 'old ladies' had your looks...” Reana says as she looks the older woman up and down. “I have heard about you, but it is hard to tell how much of what I have heard is true. So I was curious, and decided to take this opportunity to meet you. After all, who knows when I will get another chance...” The young noblewoman pauses and takes a small sip from her wine. “Tell me, have you spoken to the Duke and Duchess yet, or seen their newborn daughter? If not – you definitely should. She's an adorable little girl!” Reana pauses again to take another very brief sip of her wine before continuing. “So, how do you like the party? Have you met any people that caught your attention? Or heard anything of interest? I haven't heard much, but there is one thing...” Reana leans closer to lady Rousseau and whispers something in her ear, then pulls away again. “Interesting, don't you think?” She smiles at the older woman.
 
“Indeed... yet not that unexpected, at the same time.” Irène swirls the liquid in her cup, deep in thought, then sighs and turns her attention back to the young woman and smirks.
“Miss Taerin, I thank you for your compliment, but I must let you know that I have daughters around your age... nevertheless, thank you for your praise. It makes this dull party little more bearable.” She takes another sip of wine as she looks at the duke's newborn. “You are right, she's a cute little thing. I think I will introduce myself... at some point.”
She looks back at Reana with a small smile.
“So, what did you hear about little old me? Some juicy and scandalous gossips I suppose?”
 
At this point the Jharl re-enters the ballroom attended by his servants and heirs, and begins to make his progress in the direction of the Duke and Duchess...

(OCC: There is ample time to intercept him for anyone inclined to do so...)
 
“I have heard plenty of rumors about you, some more outlandish than others: That you are a spy for the elves, or even that you yourself are an elf, that you are the Duke's mistress, or maybe the Duchess', that you are an immortal witch that seeks to destroy the world, that you are a highly skilled assassin for hire, or that you are the leader of a group of assassins, that you are not the real lady Irène Rousseau but a fake that has killed her and taken her place... there were many more rumors, some of them so outlandish I didn't even bother to remember them. Then again, drunk merchants and their equally drunk guards are hardly a reliable source of information.” Reana pauses briefly to take a breath and gather her thoughts. “Tell me, is it true what I heard about your daughters – that they have inherited your looks?”
 
Irène smiles softly.
“My daughters... well, they did inherit after me in looks. I would even say that they are even more beautiful than me... and you, did you inherit your mother looks young lady?”
She smirks as she walks closer to a young woman, into her personal space – so close that their busts are almost touching.
“Elves, assassins, duke's lover, evil witches – sounds like one of this popular romance books. Are you sure that it was merchants and not court ladies whom you heard? Or is it something else?” her voice barely a whisper now
 
At the top of the hall, The Duke speaks quietly with a servant, then he very abruptly stands and storms out of the room, moving at nearly a run. The Duchess follows directly after, matching his pace.
 
“I have indeed inherited my mother's looks, though sadly not as much as my younger sister did.” Reana answers the older woman's question. Before she could say anything more something catches her attention.

“Strange. Did something happen?” She wanders as she watches the Duke leave in a hurry, followed closely by the Duchess. “It's quite... unusual for both the host and hostess to leave so suddenly...”
 
Briefly detained by Rinae Stormwater, a childhood hunting companion with whom the Jharl had not had a chance to re-acquaint himself James did not reach the Duke in time to make presentation of his gifts before the duke stormed away. "Stay here as long as is safe: guard my heirs with your lives!" Jharl Ghembretton hissed to his Personal Guard, then ran after the Duke and Duchess, loosening Лунный клинок in her silver chastened sheath...
 
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It gets more interesting by the minute, Havelock thought. Now the Duke was leaving his own ball early, after a small chat with a small man who was also doing some other things of note. And now the Jarl was chasing after the Duke, loosening a blade of some sort.

It would be best to ensure that he had some sort of counter prepared. He signalled one of his bannermen and gave a whispered command.
 
Irène's eyes widen slightly and then she laughs softly.
“Oh, you cheeky brat.”
“I have indeed inherited my mother's looks, though sadly not as much as my younger sister did.” Reana answers t. “Strange. Did something happen?” She wanders as she watches the Duke leave in a hurry, followed closely by the Duchess. “It's quite... unusual for both the host and hostess to leave so suddenly...”
Irène frowns as she looks after retreating duke and duchess.
“It seems that the party has entered its climax.” Irène answers as she casts a look around the ball-room. Then she starts walking to the sit next to the window. “Come young one, if we take good sits, we might actually witness it... and if not, we might see something interesting.”
 
“I confess I am quite curious what is going on, and what is going to happen.” Reana admits as she follows the older woman towards the window. As she walks she makes sure to pay attention to the other guests around them, just in case she sees someone of interest or hears something of value as she passes the other people.
 
Irène comfortably sits by the window, with a view on both outside and inside (if there is such a sit).
“Now, my dear, we wait.” She looks forwards the ballroom and takes a sip from her glass. “Right about now, a drama takes place... With duke and duchess being main heroes of it. Quite exciting, don't you think?” She smiles humorously. “But while I would love to see the drama, the background is important as well... so tell me young lady, how we will kill our time?”
 
Reana follows the older woman's example and sits next to her before taking another brief sip from her wine. She too looks towards the ballroom.
“Yes, quite exciting, indeed.” She agrees. “Well, for starters, how about you tell me a bit about yourself? As entertaining as the various rumors about you are I'd like to know some actual facts and truths. If that is alright with you, of course.” Reana looks at the older woman and smiles.
 
"Lady Rousseau, " The duke says, "I have an urgent need to speak with you." He pauses, looking around himself, and when he speaks again his voice is filled with steel. "I am in no mood for games. Dismiss your agents before I have them killed."
 
Irène nods.
“Do you wish to speak here or would you prefer some more private setting... also...” she looks meaningfully her Reana.
 
Reana is surprised to see the Duke, but does not show it. She hastily gets up and curtsies as well. “Duke Norwin.” She greets him and waits to hear what the Duke has to say to lady Rousseau. As she stands there she wonders where the Duchess might be.

"I have no business with you, Lady Taerin. You may stay or go as you choose."

“This appears like a private matter. I believe it will be best if I leave you alone with lady Rousseau and instead keep the Duchess company while you are busy, my Duke. If I can find her and if that is alright with you, of course.”

(OOC: I assume only the Duke is there and not the Duchess.)
 
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