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Re: Hear Me Out!
Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2023 1:59 pm
by Hilana Chenzira
Hilana was glad that the Moonborn Senator didn’t seem too put out by the fact that she didn’t go off at length about details like what Æros bought or why, of all the places, the half-Fae had taken a liking to Sweet Remedies. She was glad too that there was some cover in the fact that the Saelyans had invited a number of business connections too, which at least helped lend credence to her cover and hide the reason for the gathering. It helped hide the tether between ghost and herbalist, because Hilana didn’t quite stick out as much as she might have had she been the only human present that was not a slave.
But all of that she couldn’t talk of, couldn’t mention, because doing so would be disastrous and the consequences would be dire for the ghost that so dearly wanted his position back.
She had to consider what might have been the elephant in the room, if it wasn’t the spectral energy. He had already remarked upon the fact that House Saelyan was just throwing a party for the sake of one, but showing off Æros in his cousin’s form. Senator Val’Olean was no fool, and Hilana wouldn’t have ever considered someone who had earned that rank and represented their house to be one. She had no way of knowing what all had been figured out in the meantime. She knew that Æros’ death and return had been announced shortly after she had brought him back to his family. She knew that the official statement was that the Founders had seen fit to return him rather than letting him proceed to the next life. She knew from listening to Æros that Shaeoth, too, had been involved. “Occasionally, Your Grace,” Hilana decided to go with. “Mostly it is about shared topics that interest him, like botany and plants that grow even beyond our home... and some of the ones that come from the far reaches of the Expanse. Or Elementalism, which Dominus Palaemon indulges both of us as paedagogus.”
Or food, which was another constant source of delight... but she was certain that Senator Val’Olean did not want to hear about pastries...
Re: Hear Me Out!
Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2023 2:02 pm
by Talisman
She smiled at his words as he spoke about enjoying herself. “Your family does put such effort into their affairs. I think you’ve outdone even the Solar Sovereign’s efforts with the Aurisian Gala in Ash, hm?” the Sunborn smiled at him, the lights overhead making her jewellery shimmer and dance. The details did flow so nicely, and there was so much going on that formed a feast for the senses that it bordered on gluttony trying to take it all in. Such affairs were an opportunity to display the skills of the members of the house... or just how deep their pockets and connections went to put together such things. That the many members of House Saelyan endeavoured to these lengths was a testament.
As Æros demurred the details, but gave Caellia a few choice details, she raised her eyebrows, the surprise clear on her golden features. “The Founders Themselves, after all these years... How fortunate for you, and for us all.” The Senatrix studied him as he spoke. He was rarely absent, true, and often displayed determination of youth that had resolved to prove themselves. To who, and to what, was of course the question. And now that His Divine Radiance and Her Argent Luminescence had been invoked... “I can imagine that it’s exceedingly difficult to be missing your passion, yes. What are you doing these days to occupy yourself?”
Senatrix Rhoenna, not unlike Evandrys, took gatherings quite seriously. Not just from the perspective of enjoying herself, but what each host did in terms of enhancing the gathering. She planned, arranged, and then circulated with her guests with everything being as it was supposed to be. All the same, Consul Fenryl brought up a good point, as Rhoenna sipped her drink and conceded the point with a nod. “I cannot imagine that it is in any way comfortable, is it? To be possessed by a ghost... for the purposes of a party. Novel, maybe, but perhaps a tetch gauche with a smattering of morbidity. I suppose it could be argued for his dedication to trying to have some level of normalcy, and what better way than revelry? But speaking of your clerks, cousin, I would assume you heard about the vote that has been put on the agenda regarding House Saelyan’s seat?” She looked back at the Consul for confirmation
“As eminently charming as you are, Cousin, that would be a bit of an etiquette faux pas... and it is bold of you to assume Selene’s husband would admit any such things... But you could certainly ask,” the Moonborn smiled into her drink. “Then again, Æros is the prodigal son from her point of view. Speaking of, he is talking with Caellia over there,” her eyes flicked off in the direction wherein Æros, wearing his cousin’s skin and dazzled as he was with Masquerade, was suitably occupied with the Senatrix. All the same, the alluring Moonborn turned her attention to Scipio.
“Dear Scipio, how are you this evening? What a brilliant gathering your family has put on,” she was sincere with her praise for the festivity contained within the estate. “I must say, it’s quite enjoyable. The spirits with the lights above... such a nice touch.”
Re: Hear Me Out!
Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2023 2:50 pm
by Finn
Finn was unfashionably late, but he bypassed the herald with a quick bit of misdirection and traversion. It wasn't often he attended these parties as anything other than Arvælyn's arm candy, but here he was. Æros had requested his music, but there had been a scheduling conflict. Late in the game, that had cleared up. Apparently, the Fae'ethalan was no longer bound to Hilana's semi-precious stone. His invitation had come written by some hand or another under his control. Finn wasn't entirely certain how he felt about a soul clinging so hard to life; perhaps he didn't trust Aværys and Varvara to see that his soul came 'round the wheel once more. But what did Finn know? He couldn't remember past lives, or being dead.
Perhaps Finn would ask his Master how Rælla and Wrædan actually felt about Lyren meddling in their neverending dance...
Though dressed for the festivities, Zalkyriax, Cithæra, and Arvælyn had been adamant that he wear the same protections as he did while in his Sentinel blacks. He knew things now that people would want to pry out of his memory, and that could not be allowed. There was so much power here, and so much fear. He supposed fear was one of the shackles that Domina Varvara used to bind her people to their plan.
While he knew most of the luminaries here present, it was to Hilana's side he went. He wore the amiable party mask he was wont to do in public, though the smile he offered his friend was more genuine. He had picked up a flute of sparkling wine en route, and looked as though he had been there the entire time.
"Senator," he greeted with all due respect. Then, he leaned in to kiss Hilana's cheek. "Hilana. 'Tis the wrong season to welcome the dead into our homes, isn't it?" His smile was light, and he remembered the days back home where the dead were honored, after harvests, before winter's grip closed on the northlands.
Re: Hear Me Out!
Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2023 4:13 am
by Aeros
TIMESTAMP: -
NOTES: -
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- - -
Cællia’s flattery regarding the effort his house had put into the night caused the features of Æros’ sunborn host to light up, though not overly so. “My, that’s high praise,” he began, drawing a hand to his lips as if surprised. “...but glad to hear it, lovers of pageantry as my kin and I are– thank you.”
To what she said next, “...fortunate, indeed. I won’t pretend to know Their motivations– all I can be is grateful to have been given such grace and keep my gaze forward.” Æros’ response was a reverent one, though there were other emotions beneath. His devotion was there, but his within his words there was trepidation, as if he were nervous, perhaps, about what the future held.
“As for how I occupy my time…getting used to incorporeality occupies a lot of it. To keep my mind facing the future while I do so, I’ve been getting used to my new circumstances in tandem with helping friends and kin with their own endeavors.” He was vague, and though his words and voice were smooth, there was some small modicum of detectable discomfort. Of course, this oughtn’t be perceived as odd– he was, after all, speaking on the subject of trying to move on from his own death.
The eyes of Æros’ host flit around the room briefly, surveying the locations of key figures, briefly glimpsing their expressions. He’d do this quickly and periodically, wanting to keep a finger on the party’s pulse, though his focus would remain largely on the person in front of him.
“How have the meetings I’ve missed been going?” He knew the answer to this, in part, because he’d ask Janus with some regularity– but he wanted to hear it from the lips of the others.
- - -
Scipio was, by all accounts, a more subdued, quiet individual– he preferred the role of observer or tactician to being an entertainer or host at the many soirees the house he’d married into put on. And, for the most part, when he attended them, he could easily enough meld into background and take on that observer role…but this was a bit different, given the nature of the event. The impression he was under from speaking to Janus was that he ought to play a more active role that night, if for no other reason than gathering information– and so he would.
With the arrival of Consul Fenryl and crossing the gaze of Senator Evandrys, this was a good an opportunity as any to approach, he thought.
Approaching them, it was Senatrix Rhoenna who spoke first. To her words, Scipio’s first response was a soft smile. “Aren’t they just?” His gaze shifted to the shimmering, nigh hypnotic dance of the spirits above for a brief moment.
“The idea was borne from one of our older practitioners of Summoning– Palæmon. He’s…around, though the man drifts through crowds like a drop in a river.” The Summoner was more concerned about maintaining his magic than socializing, though he certainly would if approached.
“Nevertheless, I’m happy to hear you’re enjoying yourself,” and shifting his gaze from her to the other two, “...how about you two? Enjoying the evening?”
- - -
After Janus had briefly reconnected with his wife, he returned to walking ‘round the main hall himself. Primarily out of concern for Æros’ own well being, he made a point to look for the girl to which the boy was bound– Hilana. Tall and perceptive, it didn’t take him that long to spot her as he moved through the crowd. However, it actually wasn't her he initially noticed, rather, the person who'd caught his eye first was Finn. It would appear the Vastiana was occupied for the nonce by two others– Finn and Senator Lyrios. He knew of Finn, though the two had never properly met. Finn’s presence intrigued him; would the prince himself show or only his beloved? Perhaps he’d ask when he did approach them, or perhaps the answer would simply reveal itself in time. Aside from that, it was somewhat a relief that the other had sought her out. It'd be harder for anyone to directly needle Hilana with questions were she not alone.
- - -
"Vallenor Tongue/Speech"
"Vastien Tongue/Speech"
"Valasren Tongue/Speech"
"Common Tongue/Speech"
Re: Hear Me Out!
Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2023 2:08 pm
by Pharaoh
As Finn exploited his Rune of Traversion on the grounds, the smooth sweeping gazes of the veiled Sentinels briefly sharpened ever so slightly. But within a matter of seconds they would recognise the familiar cipher writ into the wards designed by members of their order. They wouldn’t mark the individual Sentinel until he was in view, and upon realising it was the amatus of the Crown Prince, would nod in acknowledgement if he looked their way. Veiled and warded themselves, it was entirely possible they were Finn’s acquaintances. The human had only been promoted to full Vigil recently, so they’d have been his equals in rank if he donned his blacks. Such as things were, they were faceless agents of the Umbrium.
“I see…” Senator Val’Olean’s attention shifted to the other approaching, this one far paler than his present company. His smile was a faint curl of the lips that didn’t reach his grey eyes, as seemed to be the norm amongst Re’hyæans in public.
“Master Finn.” The Silver Senator did chuckle at Finn’s jest, “As you are doubtless aware, Solunarium has a complicated relationship with those among the dead who linger. Or do they malinger? I suppose we shall have to see which is the case for the late Senator Len’Sælyan. It is, in sooth, the question of the hour…” Icy eyes would meet those of Janus as he cast his gaze their way, there to remain until their host acknowledged his attention or shifted his eyes away.
Evandrys sniggered,
“Revelry was most commonplace for Æros indeed.” He agreed snidely, “I must say after growing so accustomed to seeing him sashay onstage in the Noctis Æternæ over the years, I never quite got used to seeing him in the sober setting of our Sacred curia. Such an interesting choice to succeed Janus’ seat. I commend the commitment to novelty, but I do tend to prefer stark variance more in my revels than in my legislative chambers…”
“These are changing times, Senator…” Fenryl noted pointedly as he marked the arrival of the dragon prince’s ‘betrothed’, “Variance is the order of the day. Which is to say, dear Rhoenna, that those rumours are true…” An auspicious moment, or a calculated one, that Scipio should draw up just as that innocuously vague statement was uttered.
“Your Grace. Senator Evandrys was just remarking upon the Sælyan predilection for vicissitude, which serves your family quite well in events such as these.”
“I think His Grace just said he’s having the time of his life, but I don’t attend enough senate sessions to attain his level of fluency in politicking, so I can’t really be sure.”
Re: Hear Me Out!
Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2023 11:19 pm
by Hilana Chenzira
When there was no follow-up question, Hilana wasn't sure if that was good or bad, coming from such a lofty Re'hyaean. Maybe it was meant to make her talk more to fix... and that was her first inclination, really. To talk and fill the pause, and think of what else he might have found interesting or how this gathering could be talked up, but she had to be careful not to be too eager to volunteer such things. As she was considering a safe topic, salvation came in the form of a pale Foreigner who she'd rescued in the desert last year.
When she saw Finn coming towards her, she was delighted. Not just because this was certainly more his forte than her own, but because she was thrilled to see him. She wasn't sure he would even show up, but when he did, she beamed up at him, her smile as bright as the ornately shimmering outfit that she had on. "Good evening, Magnatus, how are you?" she leaned into the kiss, wrapping her arm around him to give him a bit of a side hug. It might be slightly inappropriate, but seeing as Arvaelyn wasn't there and everyone already knew that Finn was his, Hilana was surely fine.
She smiled at his words, and she knew full well where some of that was coming from. All the same, best to pretend and see that it was mirth and amusement. "Solunarium has never been one to welcome the dead back, though ghosts have always been a special case, as far as I know," she offered. "As Senator Val'Olean says, it is a question. I always understood that the rule was to tolerate until or unless they interfered in something important." She glanced up at the dark-clothed former Sentinel as if for confirmation. And the Senate was certainly one of those cases. Hilana couldn't pretend to guess just how it would go. The odds were stacked against him in this endeavour, but there was much going on that she was not privy to in the ranks of the Populus Ex'Reha when it came to their Senate. While the schism between cities was one thing, ghosts and the undead were something else entirely, and the attitudes towards them was usually largely uniform. She followed Senator Val'Olean's eyes. "That is Æros' Uncle, his mentor, Lord Janus," the Vastiana murmured to Finn, looking on in Janus' direction, and offering the elder Re'hyaean one of her own bright smiles. She didn't know if he was of a mind to come this way, but perhaps...
Re: Hear Me Out!
Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2023 11:23 pm
by Talisman
The elegant Sunborn Senatrix Caellia imagined that he would be nervous. He was dead, the Founders were involved, and these were strange and unusual circumstances. Solunarium was not known for tolerating the undead, ghosts were in a separate category unto themselves. "I imagine that that is very difficult. How is your cousin finding playing host to you tonight?" she sipped her drink, studying her fellow Re'hyaean in question. "I cannot say I've ever been possessed by a ghost, thankfully, but I imagine that it is a peculiar feeling."
She considered his question with regard to how the meetings were going in his absence. "Fairly smoothly, if the truth be told... Time waits for no one, after all. His Exalted Highness has issued his thoughts on some legislation, so it is a matter of finessing the details. But progress is being hammered out in a much easier fashion than it ever was within the old Senate, so one can hardly complain. I trust your Uncle has filled you in?" she raised an eyebrow. "He has been occupying his seat since you met such an untimely demise."
Rhoenna smiled and briefly raised her eyebrows at Evandrys' remarks. "Well, it was a very sudden career change, and I think if anyone ever asked who I thought would secede Janus in his seat, it would not have been the nephew with such wanton disregard for the social covenants of what is expected," she offered a slight shrug of her slender shoulders. "All the same, Deus Avaerys does so favour the ambitious... but it is a strange twist. And the vote on the senate seat, and now... One must wonder. I wonder what dear Caellia is finding out from him, I'm sure that that will be an interesting subject to discuss... but you might do well to be on hand for it," her gaze on Evandrys was pointed. If Æros intended to resume his senate seat, then there was indeed much to be discussed. He was, after all, deceased.
Still, with Scipio having joined them, that was conversation that would have to be resumed later, especially if the elegant Sunborn came their way. "You are correct, Cousin. Our Consul is enjoying himself to the utmost tonight." Her tone suggested a light teasing. "It is almost surprising that Palaemon refuses his father's seat still, isn't it? But that does leave your stepson with the opportunity," she smiled at Selene's husband.
Re: Hear Me Out!
Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2023 12:37 pm
by Finn
Of course, Finn acknowledged his fellow Sentinels with a curt nod. Whether they were fellows he knew or not, he couldn't say from outside their veils and arcane protections. Certainly, they gave no indication that they knew him beyond recognizing him, and that was meet for their organization. He still felt strange at the sense of kinship between him and those faceless folks; sometimes he wondered whether his own symphony hand been tuned and attuned to them. Perhaps it was just how they were required to unquestioningly rely on each other for mission success and survival. Something to ponder.
"Malingering will be punished in due course," he acknowledged. What he knew from reports of the Custodes Deorum, he could not share, even with a senator and a former Sentinel, who would no doubt know the proper channels if he had questions. If he was cool, it was only to match the senator's, and while he reciprocated Hilana's modest affection, he didn't overdo it. This wasn't a casual, marshmallow-making date; they both had to behave themselves before the Re'hyaean elite.
"I am well, thanks," he said, turning his left hand by the wrist and articulating each finger. "And you?" The healing was, he was told, complete. What remained was the rebuilding of muscle memory and dexterity, things that had been lost in the injury and the slow months of recuperation. He could play his lute, but he was yet shy of a public audience.
Finn didn't follow gazes to ward Senator Janus. While parties like this were disconcerting for the distinct absences of symphony except where they affected those around them, he could still get a general sense of the crowd, and could follow the identification without his eyes. It was also rude to stare.
"To be frank, what I have known of the deceased is largely what I learned from bars and cabarets where we discussed art. I was surprised that he was even interested in politics, but I suppose the exigencies of gens are strong tethers to responsibility, even for feckless artists such as we." His smile was self-deprecating. "But even so, 'tis passing strange he clings so to life for the purpose of politicking. At least there is time to groom a successor to the senatorial seat if his bid for posthumous power is denied. If supported, though, I wonder how many families will have necromancers recall great ancestors from the Grimlord to serve the gens anew."
After a sip of his wine, he transferred the flute to his left, and rubbed his wrist. So much for dance instruction: if he knew anything from his physical therapy, it was that the ghost would have to teach whichever body it inhabited how to dance once more. So much was recorded in the body, after all.
Re: Hear Me Out!
Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2023 5:17 pm
by Aeros
TIMESTAMP: -
NOTES: -
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The Senatrix’s question was not something that surprised him to hear– the subject of possession was an unavoidable topic, and peoples’ opinions varied greatly regarding it. Possession was paramount to his continued existence on this plane; of this, Æros knew well. In theory, he could exist as a passenger to Hilana, entwine with her as a tandem entity, but he clung to his independence and was sure that the girl had little desire for him to play omnipresent passenger. And thus, a vessel, or collection of vessels, were necessary.
“Well, I would hope you’ve never been possessed,” the deceased patrician started with a soft laugh. “I imagine the experience would be a rather poor one if it’s..." he paused, "…unwilling.”
“I inquired with many of my kin, and as expected, most weren’t keen on the idea. As for my host– Marinos, well, he acquiesced because of his interest in Necromancy. He said it was both a favor to me and…whatever it is he’s researching; fair enough, no?” Æros offered by way of explanation. “I’m pleased, at least, that there are some willing to host me– I’ve little desire to possess the unwilling.”
And when she answered his query, he nodded. “So I’ve been told; originally, when Janus first approached me about taking the seat, the assumption was that I’d be doing so within the confines of the old system. A lot of the expectations he initially set up for me were from that perspective, and, frankly, the Umbrian senate’s markedly more efficient than what he’d described– I quite like it.
“...but yes, he’s told me much. Thorough as Janus can be regarding detail, his perspective is his and his alone– I ask you as well because I value yours, too.” And he did– there was wisdom, in his opinion, in learning as much as he could about his colleagues and their views.
- - -
Scipio smiled, a warm expression on porcelain features at the Consul and senators’ reception. “Full glad am I to hear it, then– and if any of you need anything, do let a servus– or me– know. We are nothing if not gracious as hosts,” he’d say with a cordial nod.
The man’s gaze shifted from Fenryl to Evandrys, “...remarking on our predilection for vicissitude, hm? Curious…
“What do you make of it, Senator Evandrys? I’ve always seen you and Æros as similar.”
He’d not explain further before shifting his attention to Rhoenna. “Palæmon’s brilliant, but his Ambitions lie with the elements, not people,” Scipio said with a bit of a laugh, gesturing above.
Anyone with Elementalism, Summoning, Semblance or similar could see that the spirits that danced above were all wild ones; embodiments of the elements, old and potent ones at that– Palæmon had befriended many over the long years he’d practiced his Crafts.
“In my eyes, Æros taking the mantle was a relief; Janus had been silent on the subject for a long time and Æros had drifted away from us– I was happy to hear that Janus had not only reigned him back in but that Æros had fully devoted himself to the endeavor. I’d always wanted the best for him and Janus finally-” he cut off, “Janus’ guidance alongside that opportunity was the perfect chance for him to make something of himself.” His smile was easy and even and he moved on from the brief hiccup in the flow of his words with little recognition.
- - -
Janus’ gaze was intended to be brief; the passing glance of an overseer. But in so doing, he’d caught the eye of both Hilana and Lyrios. He’d intended to move past them, but…why not speak to them? He looked over to Thessia who stood not too far away, and the two exchanged knowing glances– perhaps they’d communicated in some way, or perhaps they simply knew each other well enough.
“Do you think so?” Janus inquired to Finn, having walked over when the other was finishing his sentiment about plucking long dead spirits back. “Mind the fact that mortal souls unravel with time; doubtful that those long dead would be of much use to anyone, if they are even intact enough to reach.
“...and mind the fact that the living here are not without their own Ambitions. It’d be passing bizarre for many of my fellows to willingly bring back those long gone to usurp positions they themselves covet so dearly. For why would one bring back the dead only to give up what Power one Hungers for and wrought for themselves?” His words were delivered smooth, cool and subdued in tone. “Absurd,” he offered with a soft smile.
“Æros…he held so much potential in life. Even now, he still does, and his return was not brought about by will of mortals. Passionate, Hungry, Ambitious; his soul remains strong. To rip away his opportunities because he is no longer tethered to his flesh would be such a shame. So long as he is capable, I've a mind to let him make the best of this...second chance.”
Janus would then shift this focus to Lyrios, “Senator Val’Olean– enjoying yourself, I trust?”
And then to Hilana, “...and you, Hilana? I hope business for you and your kin has been well,” he said to her, though the look in his eye conveyed that his well wishes extended beyond that. “My wife sends you her regards.”
While Thessia had access to ample resources for use with her Affliction, she was always enthused to speak with those she believed were fellow experts in related fields– alchemists, herpetologists, botanists, herbalists, so forth, and through the mouths of others, she’d heard that Hilana was many of those things.
- - -
"Vallenor Tongue/Speech"
"Vastien Tongue/Speech"
"Valasren Tongue/Speech"
"Common Tongue/Speech"
Re: Hear Me Out!
Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2023 5:28 pm
by Pharaoh
“Indeed.” Senator Val’Olean promptly conceded Finn’s point as a matter of course. “If I were doomed to such an ambiguous fate, I would certainly not be currying so much attention and scrutiny from the hoi aristoi.” The Silver Senator was difficult to read in a way that made his words feel all the heavier. Everything there was to mine from him lay therein.
By and by, Janus was approaching and Val’Olean would nod in acknowledgment of their host’s presence. He considered Janus’ reply to Finn’s comments, taking note first of the mention of ghosts’ tendency to erode over time.
“This is one of the points that, in my opinion, makes this gambit of yours that much more precarious, Senator. I shall be intrigued to see whether it proves worthwhile.” When questioned as to his state of contentedness, he would nod.
“Aye. As you know I am not one of our libertine brethren who would drop everything to attend the opening of an envelope. The particular, unprecedented circumstances of your house were enough to lure me out of my hermitage. You must be very confident in Æros, indeed, to put the reputation of your entire house on the line in support of his posthumous return bid. Especially in such tumultuous times as these. I would be remiss to miss out on the opening moves of so bold a gamble.”
* * *
Evandrys visibly winced at the comparison Scipio had drawn between himself and Æros, coming dangerously close to a spit-take as he lowered his goblet.
“In decadence, perhaps, but I never sought to make a career of it. Perhaps that is not anathema for one of such… exotic parentage, but for pure-blooded scions of Re’ha like us, Scipio, surely distinctions must be drawn.”
“Fie, Evandrys!” The consul chastised, “His Exalted Highness is of mixed blood…”
“His Exalted Highness is the scion to a hallowed paterfamilias of a draconic dynasty who condescended to couple with a daughter of House Sol’Aværys, not some Fæ’ethalan huckster who-…”
“Enough, Evandrys!” The consul’s voice sharpened, though he did not increase its volume. “Allow me to halt you while you remain teetering on the edge of propriety. I would not wish for you to embarrass yourself by toppling onto the wrong side by maligning Scipio’s wife. I hardly think you’re sober enough to survive a duel.”
Flushed and frowning, Evandrys shut his mouth and clenched his teeth— chiseled jaw shifting visibly under the tension.