Searing 84, 122 Age of Steel
Beatrice von Osten was rather well known within Gel'Grandal's social scene as a patron of various charities, in addition to throwing some of the best parties in the city. How much that had to do with her skills as a hostess and how much it had to do with the fact that she always made sure the bar was well stocked was up to debate, but one could argue that those were the same thing. Regardless, almost anyone who was anyone had already started checking their calendars for openings as soon as the Every Waking Moment docked. Disaster in a distant city was one thing, but a family connection all but ensured that there would be a gala for the benefit of the poor Zaichaeri.
They were not to be disappointed. It had taken about a month for the party to be arranged, which would normally be scandalously long, but she had made it known that she would be making a painting for auction as centerpiece of the night. Owning a Beatrice original was more about currying favor with her husband and family than truly patronizing the arts, but it helped that she actually had something of a talent.
In addition to the booze and the auction however, the charity gala had something else on offer: testimonials of the horror from Zaichaeri who had witnessed it. The refugees from the Every Waking Moment were carefully screened for those who could give the most effecting stories, with her grandson Anton at the forefront. The young lord was well prepared, and garbed in the finest of Imperial fashion. It also helped that unlike almost anyone else in the city, he had actually seen Zaichaer twice, having returned there mid-season.
Anton stood at the front of the hall, his grandmother's portrait behind him, giving a solemn speech on the horrors wrought by the Dread Mists. He had spent the earlier part of the night discussing his flight and return from the ruins of the High City, and had soon come near the end of his speech. "While it's true that a miracle had protected the city from further harm, great damage has been done. Nearly half the city's populace has fallen, or worse, and it's unclear how much of the government remains. Famine and deprivation are sure to come, with all the horrors that men can do to men sure to follow. I implore you, give what you can to those in need."
With that done, he left the stage to scattered applause, returning to the table of honor with his family and bodyguard. A line of survivors that Anton and Vanessa had rescued were ready to give their own testimonials, but the stage actually was open to any Zaichaeri who wished to speak. They had even gone so far as to permit any citizen of the High City to attend for free, unlike the Imperial grandees who were forced to give a generous donation to simply get through the doors.
He just hoped that none of his countrymen said anything uncouth with the freedom he had argued for them.
