Legend of Ransera

Searing 15th, 121. Hall of Inventors, Zaichaer

The familiar tone of Eitan’s address had at last cleared the ambiguity regarding his memory of her. She flushed slightly in shame, seeing .

“It has--yes. A commander now, I see.” she responded faintly.

The Gelerian Schnapps had made for a difficult toast, but the tears it drew would make for a good excuse for any that remained from her prior shock. She was sure she had hidden her displeasure well, but Eitan seemed to have noticed. His sympathies, at the very least, helped to ease a fraction of the discomfort she felt in his presence.

“Oh yes!”, Jane said with laughing cough, “Thought I’d give it a try, but I think that will be my first and last shot for the evening.” With that she daintily placed the glass back on the bar and dabbed her mouth with the handkerchief she had recently been given.

The smell of rich, smoky cologne had caught Jane’s attention, starting off faint, enjoyable even, but it slowly grew to be so oppressive that it stung her nose and eyes. Blinking, she noticed a man, a soldier from his manner of dress, had covertly joined their group during the toast. He had a rugged, smarmy humor about him—confident, or at least pretending to be. Jane was well familiar with this sort, having had a weakness for one in the past, and coldly tightened her posture. It was then apparent that he was an associate of Eitan’s, who seemed to regard him with some esteem. Myles Arnnett. The family name was familiar but the man was not. She lamely eyed his insignia and recognized his rank, but it was a medal, the Cracked Cog, that caught her attention. It was not a medal lightly earned, lending some credence to his reputation.

Another seemed to have joined their group as well, slinking up to Dreyfus like a viper that was deadly to all but him. Eitan introduced her as Francesca Montilyet, the Reconciliator’s aunt. The Montilyets had a certain way about them, Jane noted. It made her uneasy to say the least.

Jane bit the inside of her lip as Eitan introduced her. It was more than knowledgeable, unnervingly so, including even the surname of her late father. She hesitated to call herself a “student”, having not attended the Institute for the better part of the season, but did not want to correct Eitan in front of the others. She demurely curtsied to Francesca, greeting her in a voice that was barely above a murmur. She was finally able to find her words when addressing Myles, finding him more approachable than woman at Dreyfus’s side.

“A pleasure to meet you, Corporal Arnnett. Might I compliment you on your cologne? It has a lovely profile.”, It was clear he was not one accustomed to wearing fragrances, but an effort had been made. Conspicuous attempts should always be addressed with positivity, even if they are not entirely successful.

As the group conversed, Carmen drew closer, slowed only by the elderly General's pace. Jane wracked her brain for possible distractions. She could fake a fainting spell. It was a dramatic option she wanted to avoid, but she had seen it serve other ladies adequately enough when faced with uncomfortable situations. She did not expect Stefan to approach her, offering his company with a subtle hand. Her heart jumped, but quickly settled. The expression on his face spoke more of pity than desire and she quickly discerned that he had noticed the unpleasant exchange between her and Dreyfus. The thought of a dance was almost dreamy, but she had received enough attention with Brenner. She could not imagine what gossip there would be if she danced with the Dornkirk heir as well. Besides, the opportunity to view the exhibitions with one of the greatest scientific minds of Zaichaer had so much more to offer.

“Yes—it—it can be rather overwhelming.”Jane smiled but did not take his hand. Instead, she stepped closer, hands clasped, “Were it not so I'd be honored to dance with you, Sir Dornkirk, but perhaps—well, I have been curious about the exhibits all evening, if that would be something you'd prefer?”

She cast a furtive glance at Brenner before accompanying Stefan. The exhibitions, for all their grandeur, were under-attended, but not so secluded that the intentions of viewing them with a gentleman might be misconstrued. Jane locked eyes with her mother as they walked opposite of each other. Lady Farraway looked annoyed then somewhat pleased as she observed her daughter's escort. Whatever gossip she had fed the General was now working against her as he seemed intent on speaking with the young men gathered at the bar. Jane breathed a deep sigh of relief, immensely grateful she would not be intercepted, at least for now.