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Re: Hear Me Out!
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2023 4:11 pm
by Hilana Chenzira
It was just as well that it wasn't another marshmallow-making date, what with both of them having sustained injuries to their arms. Finn's had been far more grievous than hers had been; she had needed far less recovery time than he did. All the same, she assured him to the affirmative. There was no swelling or discolouration there to see the old injuries with normal eyes: any sort of injury would have stuck out like a sore thumb, especially with her shimmering outfit. There had been no stiffness to the embrace, nor when he had seen her around the Citadel when he was on shift.
She listened as Finn spoke. He had skin in this, what with Khyan having been sworn to him and summarily sacrificed by someone else. Khyan had been her good friend as well, but Hilana did not have the protections Finn did, by virtue of his Emblem, his status as a Sentinel, and his Amatus. There was some pointed truths in his words and what he had to say on the subject. Ghosts were traditionally tolerated in Solunarium, but only until they crossed the line with someone or something deemed important. And a Senator certainl counted. She took a sip of her drink, her eyes going back to her friend.
When Janus joined them, Hilana bowed as was proper, straightening up and letting the bejeweled fabric smooth itself out and reflect the lights overhead as much as anyone's attire, if not more. A "Your Grace," was murmured in greeting to the Patriarch of House Saelyan. But the usually talkative girl otherwise stayed quiet. It would not be smart of her to cut in, and while she listened to Janus, the shadows showed her Æros, possessing his cousin Marinos, across the room with Senatrix Val'Amneris. The counterpoints were made, suggesting to the fact that the living would be less willing to give up power to benefit those that had already shed the mortal coil; but it did pose concerning questions for what could come.
But which way the chips might fall? Short-term gain instead of long-term focus? New stances instead of upholding tradition, bearing in mind His Divine Radiance's stance on all things dead? The unraveling was another thing. Hilana would not be able to be present during the Senate sessions; Æros would need a suitably-blooded host of status... and hope he didn't at any point lose control of the possession. The Vastiana was like as not to be too far away to prevent a severe degradation of his soul, especially if she was out in the sands. She was the anchor, after all, but the Vastiana very much needed to continue her job and her learning. She was not able to take a leave of absence like that, not when she had so much on the go between Sweet Remedies and the new place that she was considering trying to pick up a position at as well. Not for the money, but for the experience. "We are well, gratias, Dominus," she smiled at the mention of his wife. "I am sure she and I have much to talk about some day in different circumstances."
Re: Hear Me Out!
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2023 4:15 pm
by Talisman
Caellia laughed lightly with him when he said he hoped that she hadn't been, and had another sip of her wine while she let him elaborate. "That is indeed fair. I do imagine that those keen towards necromancy... particularly those who have an interest beyond the Way of the Flesh... might have a morbid curiosity for such an experience, especially if it is with a spirit one knows and trusts. But it is goo that some are willing to host you. I imagine that they will have to take turns if your return is accepted by the House?" She did notice the way his eyes went around the room, the Sunborn was an old hand at this sort of game and she knew the signs and tells.
She accepted a canape from a passing serva, inspecting it before taking a bite as he explained why he wanted to hear her thoughts on what had transpired over the last few days. As it was said, flattery would usually get you everywhere... or at least a foot in the door. She could see from her position that the Amatus of the Crown Prince was with Lyrios and a human girl that had been been greeted by Finn with a gesture of affection and had returned it. Hm. "Policy is challenging. It is nature to look out for one's self, and their house, but in this position, we do not have the luxury of shortsightedness when it is our privilege and duty to determine the best way forward for all. We set the course for the time being, and in time the next generation will take their turn in charting their path forward when it is their time and turn to do so. Wouldn't you agree?"
Rhoenna listened to Scipio, as he answered her with and without words. It was always a challenge to know with someone so taciturn, and further shielded as he was from arcane introspection. But what the stepfather of the subject had to say about the deceased half-Fae was enlightening indeed. She nodded with a solemn gaze, and her inquisitive expression turned into the barest hint of a frown as Evandrys caught on to the sunborn's remarks and swallowed the bait himself. Hook, line, and sinker.
"Speaking of His Exalted Highness, Cousins, I do see that his Amatus has arrived. Let's table this talk, shall we? This is a party, and we should enjoy the occasion as guests of gracious hosts, hmm?" She smiled at the youngest of the Senators in their little knot. "Forgive us, Consul, Scipio, but Evandrys is going to escort me over to Master Finn. We really should pay our respects and find out if His Exalted Highness is going to grace us with his presence tonight. But I will have that recipe sent to your cook, Cousin." Rhoenna beamed at him, giving Evandrys her arm.
She wasn't about to take no for an answer, and as a regular hostess herself, managing the guests was part and parcel of a successful event. Even if Evandrys had started it. She murmured something in his ear as they left, making their way towards the Empyreal Lord and those who had already gathered around him.
Re: Hear Me Out!
Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2023 12:13 am
by Finn
One moment, Janus was a ways away speaking to others and the next, he was responding to something Finn had said. Blast those blank spots in the room. He could only hope the protections laid upon him vexed others as much as he was vexed to be deaf to many symphonies around him. Perhaps Janus was a traverser as well. In any case, it seemed Finn's curiosity had offended. He bowed in greeting and consternation.
"Lord Janus," he greeted. "Pardon, Senator Janus." Quite a bit of politicking happened in the senate of which he was not aware. Phocion had pulled him into the Custodes Deorum, which often took him out of Solunarium proper. The politics most often in his periphery were those of the Umbrian throne and those of Red Rock Citadel. Hilana, too, found herself wrapped up in these things, another mere human walking among gods and kings. He presumed Janus would reclaim the seat until Æros was restored.
"I suppose I am absurd: a peregrinus asking questions regarding Solunarian culture and politics. Thankfully your own ambitions have resurfaced so your family doesn't lose its seat. And I certainly hope Æros hasn't unraveled too much while haunting Hilana's jewelry. Hm..." While Janus' attention shifted to Val'Olean and then Hilana, Finn's brow began to shine.
When Rhoenna and Evandrys arrived, he could not force himself to bow as was proper. All the same, his tone was polite.
"Senators, good even."
As his crown shone, he couldn't help but inspire awe.
"Prithee, Senator Janus," requested the Empyreal Lord, "tutor me on the will of the immortals, for it was my understanding that Æros treated with Shæoth, offering up the life of a slave for his own."
Re: Hear Me Out!
Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2023 7:25 am
by Aeros
TIMESTAMP: -
NOTES: -
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Scipio’s expression of cordial stoicism cracked a bit with Evandrys’ remark; his eyes widened and a pale hand rose to his mouth in surprise– but he wasn’t surprised at all. Behind that hand, the faintest hint of a smile danced at the corner of his lips, gone in a moment. His comparison was genuine; he did see the two as similar, especially when they drank; it was far from a thoughtless remark.
“Senator Evandrys!” he’d gasp. “Fellows of our fine breeding ought to know better than to disparage somebody in their own home,” he pointed out, though Scipio would add little else beyond that while the consul spoke.
Rhoenna, for her part, was playing conflict mediator, helpfully evacuating Evandrys from the scene of his social faux pas. A tad unfortunate– Scipio had intended to poke at the boy a bit more about some of his…opinions. The consul’s remark regarding a duel, however, was fair; tempers running hot could be a disaster for all.
Nevertheless, once the two of them departed, the blond-haired Sunborn set his gaze back on Fenrys. “Perhaps I did speak true– in the past, Æros struggled the same with his…decorum,” he said, his expression once again neutral. “...but knowing that, Janus has been helping Æros to curb his tongue, at least."
- - -
“I’ve no expectation that anyone would give themselves unto me indefinitely– so yes, I’ll have to ‘borrow’ different people at different times, odd as that is. Though if another solution is found, I’ll gladly take it,” Æros answered. Granted, short of somebody within his house being at the mercy of Lex Agni and him being able to negotiate with the aggrieved, he wasn’t quite sure how he’d otherwise commandeer a qualifying corpus.
Æros’ line of sight followed Cællia’s when she glanced over to where Finn, Janus, Hilana and Lyrios were, then to the Consul, then back to her when she began to speak again. “Insofar as making decisions that are, ultimately, best for Solunarium now and in the future, I agree– but I do think that when weighing decisions, both short and long term ought to be considered in equal measure. Like all things, it’s a balance; risk versus stability, tradition versus innovation, so on.
“...and maybe it’s selfish of me, but that’s why I want the seat back so badly. The best way forward for all is, in turn, the best for me, and I want to be one of the hands that help guide us as a nation down that path.” His words were woven with a genuine sort of sincerity, but interlaced, albeit delicately, with wistful threads.
In his peripheral vision, Æros noticed Rhoenna and Evandrys depart from Fenrys and Scipio. Visibly glancing over to the consul and his step-father, “why don’t we go join them?”
Assuming Cællia would follow him, he’d greet the other two men with a genial sort of smile. “Enjoying the evening, I trust?” he began. “I couldn’t help but notice the expressions on your faces– is aught amiss?” Æros asked, the flavor of his concern being mild, somewhat curious, as if wanting to make sure everyone was having a good time. No need for arguments during revelry.
He knew that Scipio would relay anything worth knowing later should the subject be brushed off, but it was nonetheless worth asking if only to gauge reactions and mood.
- - -
At first, Janus would nod to Hilana, but as Finn spoke, there was something about the phrasing of his sentences which caused the older moonborn’s eyes to narrow– if only slightly. He knew little about Finn, only things that Æros had told him here and there. Most notably, Æros had said that the man was present when he’d acquired Reaving, so he’d assumed that the two were friends, at least.
“The notion was absurd, not the act of asking. Far be it from me to discourage curiosity– and you’ve traveled far; I wouldn’t expect you to know all the nuances of your new home," he started, “...but it is to both my surprise and relief that Æros’ soul is, ostensibly, intact. Examined by Sembler and Necromancer alike, he’s far from what any would expect of a standard shade. The why of that is unknown, but ever are we grateful for it.”
His wife, Thessia, had once compared ghosts to spools of thread; tightly wound but easy to unravel. Æros, oddly, was both surprisingly dense and uncannily stable. It was these things that had given credence to the boy’s claims of divine intervention, much as he had, previously, refused to elaborate beyond simply stating that.
So when the crown donning Finn’s brow began to glow, the words he next spoke, divinely weighted though they were, only stirred confusion within the senator. He was no fool– Æros had mentioned the divine, and, conspicuously, the deceased’s favorite slave was missing, but the recognition of these things could not make up for his lack of context. His nephew had never told him the finer points of his death, neither the cost nor circumstance of his resurrection. When Janus had inquired as to why, the spirit would always respond the same: ‘I can’t tell you.’ Always, he would emphasize that he couldn’t, not that he was unwilling. And, potent mage as Janus himself was, no amount of magic could find the answers; when he looked, he saw the tree, he saw things begin to unfold– and then, nothing. There was a blank space, resuming only after Æros had been restored as a ghost.
He’d assumed that Æros himself was either unable to recall the memories or whomever it was that brought him back had forbidden it, so he'd left the subject there. There was no sense meddling where somebody of magnificent power had very clearly wanted such information suppressed. Which then begged the question…for what purpose was the prince’s betrothed asking him about such a thing, in so public a setting?
“I might be well versed in Varværyn theology and the tenets thereof, but I am not so arrogant as to believe myself capable of speaking on their actual wills. On the subject, I know nothing. That being said, should the fee for Æros’ return have only been the life of a single slave, that is..." Janus paused, clicking his tongue on an inhale, his face contemplative, "...more than fair.” Slaves had exceptionally little value to the older politician and he’d always found Æros’ attachment to that particular slave to be…tiring.
The moonborn's expression shifted to something inquisitive, “...that being said, why Shæoth of all gods would offer something so generous…I’ve not the faintest idea. The Lord of the Void is ancient; why do you think He’s involved at all? Surely, the death of one Solunarian noble would fly beneath his notice, unless…?” his voice trailed off.
It didn’t make much sense to him. His knowledge on divinity told him that, to a being as ancient and esoteric as Shæoth, mortal lives would be as dust in the wind. No amount of pleading on part of Æros alone would’ve gained the boy an audience with Him…so who did? Were the Founders involved, as Æros had insinuated? His conscience wanted him to be incredulous of Finn’s words, bizarre as they were, but the divine magics he wielded made the man far more convincing.
- - -
"Vallenor Tongue/Speech"
"Vastien Tongue/Speech"
"Valasren Tongue/Speech"
"Common Tongue/Speech"
Re: Hear Me Out!
Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2023 3:07 pm
by Pharaoh
"If you take a simple statement of fact to be disparaging, that speaks volumes in itself." Senator Val'Mordryn replied, through a snarling smirk. He parted his lips to speak on, but Rhoenna's interjection derailed whatever else he'd been intent on saying.
"But of course, Senatrix..." Evandrys conceded through clenched teeth as he took her arm, and started toward the peregrinus. He'd seen this Finn from afar at other social functions, though he'd never met the man. He was pretty for a human in the senator's estimation, but as they drew nearer he became positively Radiant. Golden eyes widened at the sight of Finn, bathed in His glory. Instinctively, he lowered his head and his gaze.
* * *
Consul Val'Faradin pursed his lips, watching the others step away as Scipio drew up to his side.
"Albeit a borrowed tongue..." He would observe as his gaze trailed toward Æros' current form. And then their eyes met, and Æros approached.
"Amiss? Næ, I wouldn't say so. You missed a spot of lively banter, nothing more..." Fenryl trailed off as he, now, noticed the Radiant light emitting from the Crown Prince's favourite and ostensibly Aværys' favoured. "Verily we are blessed, at such a time as this, to be alive..." As the thought escaped his lips he winced slightly.
"...well, more or less." The consul appended, with an almost apologetic grimace.
* * *
Senator Val'Olean needed to focus to draw his attention somewhat away from Finn, to inspect Senator Val'Sælyan's visage during the exchange. There was certainly more than met the eye brimming under the surface of their discourse. The sunborn Senator Val'Mordryn, for his part, was more attentive to the foreigner than their host.
"If I may be so bold," Lyrios began, "This is heady talk for a cocktail hour. Perhaps such lofty suppositions might be better explored in more intimate environs... or on more hallowed ground."
"Tell us, Master Finn..." Evandrys spoke up, seizing upon the opportunity to curry the foreigner's attention. The desire to do so was overweening. Even without the preternatural crown demanding his attention, the young senator was savvy enough to know that it was beneficial to get in with the Crown Prince's lover. In many ways it was safer to seek the favour of a satellite, rather than risk being burned by the sun itself.
"Is His Exalted Highness otherwise engaged this evening? I have never seen you at one of these functions on your own. Are you close with the deceased? A thousand pardons-" He smirked, "With our hosts., I mean?" He would nod politely to Janus.
Re: Hear Me Out!
Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2023 5:21 pm
by Hilana Chenzira
Hilana was quiet while Finn and Janus talked, albeit briefly, about what had occurred and Finn revealed Shaeoth's involvement. There was only so much that they were free to say; and none of it was for her to speak of right then and there. Aeros' aura did not contain the details for a strong Sembler like Thessia to discover. And while the tether was obscured what with the ghost possessing another body, it still existed, thin though it was.
At the arrival of Senators Evandrys and Rhoenna, Hilana bowed respectfully as was appropriate to someone of their stature compared to her own. With Finn's crown shining, it was the most natural thing in the world to admire and desire him, and she was perfectly content right there in his orbit. Even without it shining, she would have been quite happy to be at his side. He was one of her best friends, after all, and she thanked the Founders for that day last year in which she had come across him in the grove and brought him home to Solunarium. A faint flush crossed her dusky cheeks at the mention of the ghost unraveling while haunting her jewelry, if only since others might well pick up on the fact that Hilana was here beyond being a business associate for members of House Saelyan.
She winced internally at Janus' words, professing his belief that the trade of Khyan for Aeros was more than fair. She was glad Raithen was not there to hear it. He had taken the news of Khyan's demise rather poorly. But aside from that... there was likely the fact Aeros' uncle did not know that Khyan had been Sworn to an Empyreal Lord, the exact Empyreal Lord that was standing right there beside her. Thankfully, the Moonborn Senator that she had been talking to at first offered them a way out of the subject, and the newer arrivals were swift to change the topic. That couldn't have gone smoother.
She wasn't sure if Arvaelyn would make an appearance here - judging by his reactions the other day, and knowing how busy the Princeps Draconem was... All the same, she looked up at Finn inquisitively, the gold of his crown reflecting in her brown eyes. Senator Val'Mordryn's words, though, made them just a bit wider.
Re: Hear Me Out!
Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2023 5:31 pm
by Talisman
Senatrix Val'Amneris raised an eyebrow slightly at his words, and sipped her drink. "So you feel that the best way forward for the Kingdom is for you to be involved with its governance," she smiled. That was interesting indeed, considering his history and his very recent push into the seat by his Uncle Janus. "Your Uncle certainly put a lot of faith in you so that he could retire. I would have thought that he would have stayed on a while longer and kept you under his wing for longer than he has. Perhaps it might have steered you clear of this unfortunate accident that befell you. But yes, let us go over there. It would be good to connect with the Consul." Caellia would follow nonetheless. There was much to be said about being seen with the Platinum Consul of the Umbrian Senate, but he was one of the people to know, after all. With Rhoenna and Evandrys going their own way, it gave her an opportunity to move and circulate some more, and she would certainly connect with them later.
Evandrys had had a look on his face, and she was certainly curious to find out what that had been about... and with how taciturn Scipio and Fenryl could be, well... the more effusive younger Senator would certainly be more likely to give out details that she wasn't going to get so easily elsewhere. "Consul, Lord Scipio," Caellia greeted both of them. "That is something, isn't it?" she followed the Consul's gaze across the room, her tone admiring. "The Divine favour us, don't they? Master Finn with the Radiance of Avaerys, and Aeros returned by the grace of the Founders. We are looking at a new epoch, wouldn't you say?"
Senatrix Val'Cyryth smiled at the handsome Sunborn as they made their way across the room. "There are better times than this for dealing with him. Opportunities will present themselves going forward," she murmured. “Pay attention to them, and when they happen, you can seize them as appropriate.” But she was all smiles, the quiet seriousness of her words not showing on her face as they approached the other cluster.
“Master Finn, Senator Janus, Senator Lyrios, how are we this evening?” She beamed at them, looking the girl over who bowed her head again and remained where she was with Finn. “It is good to see you again. Hopefully you will both be at my next soirée; I do love hosting you both. The song you performed last was breathtaking.”
Re: Hear Me Out!
Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2023 2:38 pm
by Finn
"His slave," he acknowledged, "and my thrall."
Perhaps now that he and Khyan hand rendered up to the deceased what had belonged to him in life, Khyan's soul now belonged to him. In any case, he acknowledged the Senator's words, though he agreed with Lyrios, bowing his golden head in acknowledgement. Bard he might be, but politicians created bulwarks of half-truths, suppositions, and fallacies, and he would rather take a blade to the knot than attempt to unravel it with more words. Len' followed Val' when it came to gends Saelyan.
"As you say," he acknowledged, willing to follow the former Sentinel's lead in diplomacy.
As for Evandrys, "When I bade him good night, he did not make to follow, Your Grace, but dragons are jealous lovers and I am never surprised when he changes his mind and seeks me out."
Since performing for Her Serene Highness, Fosca Astraeon-Sol’Avaerys Vespera Princeps, the invitations in the Luxium had come in droves, both to perform and to attend. He accepted some - strategically - and others - just as strategically - were met with polite regrets. In any case, he had charmed some of the light-sided elven court to be more accepting of their draconic crown prince.
"You are too kind, Domina Rhoenna," he proclaimed with a sweeping, Kalzasern bow. His whimsy might have been at odds with the gravitas of his crown, but Avaerys himself had told him that the tenets of the religion that had grown up around him were a product of their time. So too many of the social mores. The Empyreal Lords were bidden to write the future if they had the will and the hunger.
"You do host the most glittering of parties. His Exalted Majesty has seen fit to allow me to take up residence in the Luxian villa where he bode his time incognito. Eventually, I hope to invite you to a party of my own, albeit not so grand, I'm certain."
Finn's smile was radiant. He was performing himself, and yet it was still himself - no lie, but rather curation. That was how he managed to swim the dangerous waters of the political sea.
"Vraedyn Princeps agreed to come, and while Deus Avaerys didn't personally oversee that vow, it would be in terribly poor taste for him to break that trust, wouldn't you say?" Certainly, he would have to start vetting a guest list for the first party he hosted.
Re: Hear Me Out!
Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2023 4:06 am
by Aeros
TIMESTAMP: -
NOTES: -
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Evandrys thought his point poignant, but it fell flat when delivered with such scorn– or it should, to anyone with sense. Scipio would not dignify his remark with any further comment, shifting his attention onto the consul fully as he and Rhoenna took their leave. But before he could say much to the consul alone, Æros– in the company of Cællia– joined them.
The shine of Finn’s crown caught all of their eyes, and while Scipio was certainly no Sanguinist, he was somebody that looked down on humans, as did most of House Sælyan, in truth. To mix blood with dragons or other races with more fortitude or arcane quirks he saw no issue but, humans were…as chattel, almost. So to see that mark upon the head of a human was a tad…internally conflicting for him, beautiful as the man was. Were it not for the crown’s majesty, he might’ve felt disgust.
When Fenrys spoke, Scipio blinked away the distraction and focused once more on the people in front of him. Æros had been briefly distracted, squinting his eyes for a moment ‘cross the room, but then he, too, looked back to the consul when he spoke. Both men noted the consul’s expressions with his words.
And after Cællia added on, “...certainly not untrue! Any signs of His radiant presence are blessings, in whatever form they come, no?” Æros added, his own expressions fairly chipper. He knew not precisely how the consul felt, but what he said was true enough to his own thoughts.
“I wonder if we’ll see more who bear similar marks in the coming days,” Scipio added.
“...and what of the more moonlit sort?” Æros continued. “It makes me wonder of Their plans; They may have helped me, blessed as they are, but I’ve no insight towards the future. I do sense there will be ever the more change for Solunarium as the days roll on., though.” With this, he sounded thoughtful.
- - -
When Lyrios spoke, it was like the briefest of trances broke– Janus had found himself momentarily enchanted by Finn; the effect of his crown having been almost amplified by being directly spoken to. With Janus’ composure regained, the human was still effervescent and luminous, indeed, but no longer did the politician feel that rush of an urge to appease or answer to him. Finn was an oddity to an older Solunarian; yes, he had the crown, but…it was hard not to view human lives as fleeting things after you’ve watched a generation or two wither and die whilst you stayed much the same.
There was something funny to him about the notion of one of Aværys’ Chosen having made a slave their thrall. Something funny, but in a way that was deeply disappointing– why would somebody with such power debase themselves by binding to somebody with such little worth? Still, the Twins had chosen the boy as a sacrifice, so in the end, the distinction mattered little, if at all.
“You chose to make a slave your thrall?” Janus asked, his voice slightly surprised yet still light, merely curious, but he didn’t give Finn the time to respond– the question was rhetorical, and he didn’t care for an answer.
Immediately, he’d pivot his attention to Rhoenna, Lyrios and Evandrys. But to Rhoenna directly, “we are all wonderful, I’d imagine,” he’d say, voice warm.
“But how are you, Rhoenna? For it is as he says– your parties are always exquisite. I do hope ours here is enough to appease your appropriately exceptional tastes,” he smiled at her, appearing genuinely pleased to have her company. “Evandrys, too, I hope you’re having a grand time as well.”
“But you, Lyrios– earlier, you mentioned the gambit I’ve taken. And you’re right, but I’ve ever been the fan of cavalier gambits, no? Or at least, calculated ones that appear cavalier. But nonetheless, I’m glad my gambit gained your presence.” Lyrios was one of the Umbrian senators that intrigued him the most.
Really, a lot of people did take his choices with Æros as quite surprising, and he expected that– which was fine. Their surprise did not detract from the fact that he did see a lot of innate potential in Æros, but that was even his primary motivator. Rather, it was that combined with the boy’s obeisance and the ease with which he was able to influence him.
- - -
"Vallenor Tongue/Speech"
"Vastien Tongue/Speech"
"Valasren Tongue/Speech"
"Common Tongue/Speech"
Re: Hear Me Out!
Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2023 1:38 pm
by Pharaoh
“I certainly would, Senatrix Val’Amneris.” Fenryl conceded, as he bowed to take her hand and press his lips to it. At Æros and Scipio’s musings on the Marks of the Founders, the consul would shrug.
“She of the Scourge is, if not more sparing with her gifts, at least more guarded.”
Evandrys merely snarled at Rhoenna’s counsel. He was certainly no stranger to unsolicited advice, with a celebrated former consul for a mother, but that didn’t make him enjoy brooking it any the more. It was easy to move past it with a distraction as diverting as Finn in his glory. He sidled closer to the man, as he replied to his query, but as Finn said the line about dragons being jealous lovers, whatever notions Evandrys had been entertaining shattered and he took a nervous backward step.
“More’s the pity…” He uttered with an anxious chuckle. “That, um… we aren’t promised a blessed audience with his Exalted Highness this eve…”
Lyrios sat by in quiet observation, taking in the notable news. That Finn was dipping a toe into the political mire of the Luxium by entertaining some of its elite, that the Princeps Pontifex was due to accept an invitation from the bard, that Finn seemed to have had some falling out with Æros over a slave, yet still elected to attend his posthumous party. Though many thoughts swarmed in his head at these revelations, the taciturn silver senator would leave them unuttered. When directly addressed he would cast a mild smile toward Janus.
“Well. I do hope my attendance was worth it.” He offered as he lifted a glass of wine from a passing tray and sipped.