(1866-02-22) Seafood at the Sokar Manse
Seafood at the Sokar Manse
Summary: A small gathering at the Sokar manse in Firen.
Date: 1866-02-22
Related: None
NPCs: {$npc}
Players:
Aidric  Clara  Corwin  Emilia  Jarret  Raelyn  Stephen  Thaddeus  

The Sokar Manse in Firen
Room description
1866-02-22

Thaddeus Sokar had only recently arrived in Firen, but knew that with the foul news going on that something had to be done to try and calm the mood at court. As such, he let word leak out that he would be welcoming guests to his family's manse in the city and that all reputable individuals at court would be welcome. It was not the most spectacular of feasts, lacking any real reason for one of such caliber, especially with the shortages hitting the city. As such, almost everything available is available from the Great Salt River or from the Sokar lands that were shipped in, such as winter oranges, and a wide variety of seafood purchased from the docks, including clams, crabs, fried squid, and several varieties of fish. Wine is everpresent, of course.

Thaddeus sits in his customary seat at the table, a half-filled cup not too far from his hands. He is wearing a clean set of clothing, and is appearing to be comfortable, his hair tied back for this to avoid getting food or sauce stuck in it. A partially-eaten lobster sits on his plate along with some shrimp and orange rinds as he talks to one courtier about the silk trade. His tone reveals his sincere relaxation, as if he is happy to be at the closest thing he could be at for home.

Sir Corwin Ashedown is grateful to be spared from the rigorous training that has taken up much of his time since his arrival in Firen. The Viscount Cassomir, soon to be king, had sponsored him for the Royal Lancers, and Corwin himself could see no greater calling than to become one. Still, respite is nice, even if it comes to spending time with the Sokar in their manse— whatever barbs of long-held hatred from them for his half-noble side he could and would easily ignore, for the kingdom needed to be less broken, not more.

And so for his part, he had partaken in conversation politely, with a smile and meeting any dark words bandied his way with more politeness and courtesy only, never rising to the bait. After all, he reasons, should he reach his goal, then he would no longer be of House Tarris so much as serving the Romante fully. And that means petty grudges should be put aside.

Lord Stephen Sokar didn't expect to be back in Firen quite so quickly, but as it turned out, he left only a day after Thaddeus, and though he has only arrived this afternoon, it was enough time to wash off the road and change into some finery befitting a Sokar lord, this evening consisting of a dark violet doublet that's slashed with scarlet red. The lawkeeper's medallion remains around his neck, and he's seated at the table just a few chairs down from Thaddeus. He likely could have been closer, but Thaddeus talks to him frequently, better, to Stephen's mind, to leave the seats open for others that might have less frequent cause to speak with the heir to Dalcen.

He looks fairly relaxed despite the journey, idly nursing a goblet of wine and having already finished his plate of food. The road can make you hungry!

The kingdom could always use more cracks in its peaceful façade at least where the Tarris' and their Duke's bastards were concerned. So, a good deal of the dark words bandied Corwin's way had come from Aidric's mouth. Though when the bastard knight did not rise to the bait, Aidric had cut his line and moved onto other matters such as the sumptuous banquet, good wine and plentiful rumours flying about the table. So, pretending to be interested in the talk of the silk trade he fiddles with his wine cup and keeps his ears open for what the other guests might be discussing.

Having only just arrived in Firen with her small company, the Lady Raelyn Cassomir, having been invited to the little get together upon arrival. She is dressed in her own finery, a simple dark red dress for the occassion. As she settles down to the table and procures her own wine and food, she tells Thaddeus, "A welcome invitation, Lord Sokar. Thank you. It may be the last of such fine meals we can partake of for a little while." She looks rueful, but content for the moment.

While Firen was perhaps not exactly where Emilia had expected to end up, going to a Goblin Gobletted dinner party shortly after arriving certainly was not at all what she expected. After having to endure all the guests at Roseguard, now /this/! No doubt Emilia had pulled quite the face when Raelyn had informed her, it was about as much a protest that was made. But here she was, dressed in a turn of finery. A dress of green with a smattering of embroidery and detailing, befitting her station. A few polite words had been offered upon arrival. But the 'touched' Cassomir had generally held her tongue for the duration of the meal and simply tried to be all that picture of a Lady of House Cassomir. Cause it was after all when she spoke that illusion shattered.

Thaddeus nods to courtier and says, "We shall see, summer is far enough away that we will see how the trees do." He then turns his attention to Raelyn and gives a nod and a grin, "It is only fair. Your brother welcomed us at Roseguard, to not do likewise would be most rude!" The Sokar heir smiles and takes a drink. After eating one of the boiled shrimp in front of him he looks to Corwin. With courtesy due the knight, and not wanting to appear to be a poor host, he asks with sincere politness and inquiry, "How goes your preparation for the Selection, Sir Corwin?"

"Lady Raelyn, Lady Emilia." Stephen greets the Cassomir women, a glimmer of humor crossing his face, "A pleasure to see you both again, and after so long a time apart." You know, all of a couple hours! Still, it's merely a light jest, as his winecup is refilled. His attention shifts more towards Raelyn a moment, and he adds, "I see my hunch was correct."

"It has, indeed, been far too long," jests Raelyn back to Stephen. A moment or two after, her cheeks pinken just barely. Then she turns to Corwin, curious as to the young man's answer. She takes a small sip of her wine, and then forks a bit of food onto her plate, focusing on the young Knight instead.

Already journeyed to Firen a scant couple of days ago, the Lady Clara Romante has had a bit of time to get herself situated with court, though with little fanfare. As such, tonight was the first night the lady has been seen in truly public company since her arrival. Clara sports her own dress of green…dark velvet with panelled skirts. She has sat quietly, politely at the table. She nods as appropriate to all the right points of conversation, as well as in greeting to the various guests. While all guests receive a warm smile as well as the nod of acknowledgment, the Lady Emilia receives just a slightly wider smile. The expression of pleasant surprise is there, fleetingly, before obfuscated with the mask of proper etiquette. She also turns towards the young Sir Corwin, curious as to the answer to the Lord Sokar's question.

"It goes well, Lord Thaddeus," Corwin says in reply, politely, glad to have someone to speak to other than Aidric, who had seemed intent on verbal cutting. "I suspect Lord Sir Raymund Langer, having had so many years with Viscount Cassomir but only a couple of months with me prior to the Selection, is attempting to see how much of our future king's training he can push into those few weeks— had Viscount Jaren not been the one to sponser my, perhaps he would not hold me to such a high standard." Corwin shrugs, speaking words as fact, and no hint of bragging. "I only hope the One's grace favors me that I prove both my future king and Old Sir Ray's faith in me not to be misplaced."

There is that light tug to the corners of Emilia's lips after an incline of her head to Stephen at his greeting. Her otherwise solemn expression holding steady. "Of a pleasure to be of seeing of again, Lord Stephen," offers the young Cassomir quietly, but politely enough. Her dark eyes flickering along towards her sister for a brief moment. Though the apperance of Clara does however soon after draw Emilia's attention. Her lips forming what might actually be a true smile in response to the one she is given. "Lady of Clara, it is good to be of seeing you." The greeting offered somewhat quietly, with the focus of many having turned to the answers coming from Sir Corwin.

Aidric tries not to sigh in relief when the talk of silk, trees and worms comes to an end, and he looks to Stephen "What hunch is that?" he asks before Thad asks his question of Corwin. Silence falls when the table waits for the young knight's answer and when it's given Aidric snorts and rolls his eyes only to stop half-way. "Wait, you're being serious aren't you?" he asks as he turns to peer at the bastard son of the Betrayer.

"Of course," Corwin blinks. "Why would I not be?"

"My brother would not have sponsored you," Raelyn says towards Corwin, "If he did not feel you had neither traits, or skills to be a superb Royal Lancer, Sir Corwin. I've no doubt you'll prove his faith in you twice over." She smiles, briefly, then looks to Aidric, the slightest of frowns touching her features.

"I consider myself envious of you and the others participating in the Selection," Thaddeus nods and sips, "Sir Raymund is doing his job, as there can only be three dozen Lancers, they should be the best knights Galenthia can field." Aidric's comment and Corwin's reply are heard and Thad then responds, "I am sure that the Selection will go well. You would not have received your nomination without merit." He keeps his tone polite, "Though it is interesting to see one of your house take part, it is rare for those from the eastern province to participate." Thaddeus is caught off-guard by Stephen's words and actions, but he does give a smile at that.

"One's mercy, never mind," Aidric mutters over his wine cup before taking a healthy drink. "Well you're certainly in the right line of work…"

Stephen smiles a touch more brightly at Raelyn's response, briefly turning that smile towards Emilia, until Aidric's question reaches him, and he glances towards the man, clearing his throat and flicking his eyes back to Raelyn a moment before replying, "Merely the belief that the Lady Raelyn would look quite stunning in an evening gown." He sips from his winecup again, looking a touch embarrassed at the admission himself, the next glance towards Raelyn a mildly apologetic one.

The slightest of smirks curls at Clara's lips, when regarding Aidric and his wholy honest reaction to Corwin's words. However, she has heard Emilia's words of greeting…and it is only after Aidric's response when those words are returned. "It is a pleasure to see you once more as well, Lady Emilia. I was not aware you would be journeying to Firen." The young Romante straightens in her chair….a token effort to present a pleasant appearance, but also to give Emilia her attention. "I myself just returned from Alicante recently. I felt it necessary to stay within Firen, rather than Almeria City, for the foreseeable future."

Raelyn takes another bite of her food, and offers only back to Stephen, "I would not wish to see anyone of your honorable house proven wrong, Lord Stephen," gently. She exchanges a glance with Emilia, briefly, then looks back to Thaddeus, as the older man talks. Briefly, she looks over to Clara, nodding to the younger woman. "May you find it hospitable, and peaceful, Lady. Alas, my sister and I will not be staying long."

Aidric's brow quirks at Stephen's response "I see," he says with a bemused expression on his lips. He scans the table as if to look to see if anyone else had heard the words as he had. Finding no one right away he turns to his one true companion at the table his wine cup while shaking his head.

There is a flicker of Emilia's eyes towards Stephen to hear his words, before going to her sister with that look being exachanged. And some recollection of a conversation with Raelyn not to long ago. Her attentioni is however given on to Clara,"It was not of a thing I was all to aware of tilof recent, an unexpected of turn. " A slight incline of her head towards Raelyn,"But as mine-sister has of noted, it is not a visit that will be of much length. Had I of known you to be here, I would have seen to be of sending word. I hope all has been of well in Alicante?" Her voice kept soft in her exchange with Clara, so not to greatly disturb the others.

"Well, there was small chance of that, in this particular case." Stephen replies right back to Raelyn, falling silent and listening to some of the conversation going on around him, studying the various guests a few moments apiece, but keeping his observations to himself for the time being.

Corwin nods politely to Raelyn. "I thank you for you kind assessment, my lady," he murmurs politely, before sipping from his wineglass— though he had, of course, requested his wine to be well-watered. Even at leisure, vigilance is necessary.

Lately, Jarret's not been much out and about in public, spending the time recovering from the wounds he took during the fighting at Goldhollow. Now is a bit different, as he's making his way out and about, but if that's what he's been meaning to do or not, who knows? He seems to have recovered well, all things considered. There's a stop as he sees the crowds gathered, studying them in quiet for a little while.

"Sir Jarret," greets Raelyn towards the man, her tone warm. "I'm pleased to see you in far better state than when we'd left Goldhollow. Were I a bard, I'd have to create a ballad for your fight, there. Thaddeus has been most kind with his hospitality during our short stay in Firen." She lifts her goblet to Jarret in greeting, before swallowing a little of the stuff.

Aidric looks up from his wine. "Indeed, Sir Jarret, congratulations on sending Anders to the Abyss," he says with a surprising lack of sarcasm or scorn. "So, what other news has come to Firen?" he asks glancing about the table.

"As well with me as without" is the reply given to Emilia's inquiry of Alicante. Clara's own voice dips to an appropriate level. "The Countess Claire and I came together. She knew of my need to be in Firen and asked to accompany. She currently stays at the Palace in my brother's chambers." After that, Clara's voice returns to normal levels of volume, so that she may address Raelyn as well as Emilia. "Though your stay be short, may it also provide what modicum of peace that one can afford during these troublesome times." Yes…the lady has heard certain things about recent events…of that it is certain.

Stephen turns his attention to Clara for a few moments, listening to her conversation with Emilia and nodding, perhaps mostly to himself. After a few moments though, he frowns a bit, and after another swallow of wine, serves himself a bit more food. The particularly perceptive might note that the cup does seem a bit shaky while he's holding it, though…and it doesn't seem to be from the wine itself. Or at least he's not showing any other signs of drunkenness.

A gentle incline of Emilia's head goes to Jarret when the knight makes an apperance. "Sir of Jarret," the polite greeting offered. A small nod of understanding to Clara's words,"Much as of the same with of Ironhold." Emilia toying slightly with her own goblet, which contains not wine but a mild cider. "Please be of giving the Countess of mine-best." A small tug to the corners of her lips at the words of peace, her eyes flickering to the rest of the dinner party before giving Clara a touch of a look. Something that the other might understand well enough. "Of thanking, Lady of Clara, I am sure it shall be of a fine stay."

Stephen's words regarding Raelyn get a chuckle from Thaddeus. He then sees his brother and gestures to the table, "Brother! Come join us, plenty of food remains, and you certainly deserve it, as one of the heroes of Goldhollow!" A smile crosses his face and a sip is taken from his cup. "Indeed, troubling times. One willing we can crush the sons of vitches before they can muck up spring planting like they tried to ruin the harvest."

"That is, sadly, all our times seem to be covered in of late," conceeds Raelyn, though she gives Clara a smile. "But I thank you for your concern. And I will take as much care as I am able. But neither can I sit idlely by while I have the ability to do something about it. So we shall see if we can find an end to the means. We've some clever minds among us. Pray for us, and the One shall see us through. Of that I am certain."

Aidric sets down his good friend the wine cup and notes the shaky grip with which Stephen holds his. He would remark on it under normal circumstances but at this moment he has news of his own to share, "Well we may have more means to crush them soon, Sir Thaddeus, my Aunt and Uncle have finally decided to join the rest of us in opposing the Thorn. They send men to join me here in Firen to aid the war effort, more than the pittance they sent before that is."
Jarret smiles, nodding a bit politely. "Ah, thank you…" he offers to both Raelyn and Aidric, before he nods again at his brother's words. "Ah…" Moving over to join the others, a bit slowly, offering nods and smiles to them all. "My ladies. My lords."

Stephen's glances flicks to Aidric with a bit of a smile crossing his face, "Well…that's good news, at least." He gives a nod to Jarret and a brief smile, and while the movement is casual, perhaps pointedly allows his right hand to retreat under the table for the time being. "If perhaps a bit overdue." Still, Stephen can see the reasoning behind the timing. Hard to dismiss the insurgents as disorganized bandits and common scum when they've sacked one of the Duchy's capital.

Thaddeus snorts, "About time that they actually do /something/." He finishes his cup and pours another, "They are sending men here? That is surprising, you think they would have sent them to join the Lord Marshal in the East. But no matter, they can always be repositioned if needed to." He takes a sip, "This will certainly change things for the better."

Dark eyes flit here and there as the different people talk about the table. Though just what Emilia takes in or does not, is ever hard to be certain with solemn turn to her features that holds most often. A small drink taken from her goblet.

Raelyn, too, nods to Aidric, "Good." She seems pleased to hear of that, glancing some to Stephen, then looking towards Thaddeus. "This time you will not have Huntresses to open the gates for you. I've implored by brother to help as we can. May you all stay safe in that endeavor." These words are spoken quite sincerely.

There is a slight frown as Stephen hides the hand under the table; something for another time. He smiles to Thaddeus, "Agreed well past time they took part, but with the fall of Griffon Pointe they couldn't call this a bandit problem any longer. As for why they are being sent here and not Griffon Pointe, they are to be my men, so they are being sent to me," he reports before settling back in his chair news delivered. Raelyn's remarks, while not entirely directed at him get a nod in response "I hope your inquiries go well, Lady Raelyn."

The Lady Raelyn's words echo within the ears of Clara. And, for a moment, there is touch of sadness upon the young Clara's features. "Yes….I do feel the same. It seems that we all have some part to play, though we know it or not." The brown eyes lift up, from any particular guest to gaze up towards the ceiling. "My duty does seem rather frivilous, at present. In comparison to what others have done here, certainly. Though I will do what all is asked of me…"

The talk of Arkanin forces joining the good fight draws Clara's attention. Though, it is not exactly apparent as to why. Other than the sight of thought spinning within Clara's mind, there is little else to glean from the woman's expression.

"Nice of them to want to take part now, at least," Jarret remarks, as he gets himself some of the food. Looking between the others again, he goes back to listening in quiet for now.

"May you lead them well, Lord Charing. And to victory." Raelyn lifts the remnants of her goblet to Aidric, and then drinks the final draft left in her goblet. But, as there is business to attend to on the morrow, she does not seek to refill her cup. "Show them no mercy. Those that seek to ravage our lands in such a way deserve little enough of it." She exhales, a part of her wishing she could go, but knowing her own task is if not as important, moreso.

Emilia's dark eyes settle on Clara briefly, a look given over the top of her goblet. Content to remain silent now after that brief exchange with Clara. Especially as conversation turns to matters best left to others, or mostly where the thoughts of the 'touched' are best left out of.

"Not insignificant, Lady Clara, if rumors are to be believed." Stephen speaks up when Clara speaks of her duties. "The wedding of the Queen could be a much-needed source of hope and reassurance for the people of this Kingdom. Common and noble alike. Not all who serve do so with blade or bow. Do not think less of yourself for doing yours with a quill and ink."

"It seems that you will be fielding a proper host unto yourself, Lord Aidric," Thaddeus smiles, "And they will of no doubt be useful to our cause, especially with Goldhollow having done some damage to our forces." He relaxes in his seat and looks to Raelyn, "Each part is useful, and you have proven yourself more than useful, having subdued Gareth himself, which is no mean featin itself, though he does owe me the cost of repairing my armor!"

Aidric studies Clara for a moment as the wheels seem to turn in her head. He is unable to divine what causes them to turn so he remarks instead "It will be important," he says of the marriage. "And the task of planning the wedding has doubtless made you popular at court and left you fewer gossips to flay with your tongue," he says speaking of the rumours of Clara's confrontation with her detractors. He reaches forward and takes the wine to re-fill his cup. "I will kill some in your name Lady Raelyn so you do not feel left out," he remarks as he sets down the wine when his cup is full. "And yes, a proper host, and one still in service to you of course," he adds to Thaddeus before taking a sip of his wine.

"We all need a home to come back to, afterall," Raelyn assures Clara, gently. "And we still need some that are skilled with bow and sword to hold fast those places we leave, lest they split their forces as they have in the past. Everyone here serves well, in their own capacity."

The talk of 'the' wedding and Clara's part with it does have a look going her way from Emilia, it solemnlistcally unreadable by alrights. Solemnlistcally certainly being a word! Honest. But she yet continues on in silence as was common place for her by alrights. Just a small nod given to her sisters words, before she took the last few sips of her cider.

Thaddeus nods to Aidric, "They will be put to good use." He then looks to Clara, "Indeed, it is a monumental task. I certainly do not envy you in its execution, but I will offer whatever aid you wish should you wish for it. The Queen deserves to have the finest wedding in the West, and I do believe that you are capable of accomplishing it."

Jarret nods at the words of the others. "We all do what we can," he offers, words kept rather quiet as he offers them all a brief smile.

The goblet is set back along with the last bit of cider drained from it, Emilia's fingers toying with it a moment before her hands with draw to her lap. The conversation followed for now, or perhaps only for awhile. For at some point, with the focus to Clara and the wedding, it seems the younger Cassomir sister just vanishes away from the table. Perhaps there was a soft,'Be of excusing' when she left to see to something, or just as likely not to avoid interupting the flow of conversation.

Clara's attention is pulled towards Stephen first. "Some rumours may be unfounded, with little basis in truth. However, that particular rumour….that one happens to be true." That little admission is all that is given in that line, for it seems everyone was already well-versed in the knowledge of its veracity. "It is still some time before the wedding, though. We shall see if the magpies sing a different song for me." There is a nod towards Aidric with that comment…she knows what incident he is speaking of. "And indeed, Lord Sokar. The Queen does deserve the finest. But…not just her Majesty, but all of Galenthia. If anything, a moment of respite from the evils the Adversary has in store." Just speaking the words gives Clara just a little more confidence. That…and the other words spoken. "Thank you all…"

Aidric smiles Clara's remark about the magpies singing a different tune. "A sweeter one no doubt. And you're welcome," he says before settling back to let others speak while he listens.

Stephen nods to Clara's words, smiling just a touch, and glances to his winecup for a moment. Whatever he's considering, he seems to reconsider, and pushes away from the table, quietly speaking, "If you will all excuse me?" He bows slightly towards those assembled, and adds, "A pleasant evening to you all." A glance towards Raelyn, and he adds, "Lady Raelyn, I will see you tomorrow." And with that, he turns and heads out towards the inner courtyard of the manor, apparently seeking a bit of fresh air.

"A pleasent evening to you," Raelyn says in farewell to Stephen, and a nod. She will see him tomorrow. She watches him depart a moment before turning her attention back to Clara. "I've no doubt that your efforts will give many a relief from their burdens, a time of joy, and a celebration to remember, Lady."

Thaddeus nods in acknowledgement to Clara and looks to Stephen, "And to you as well. Hopefully you can find some rest and well-earned relaxation." He then relaxes a little more in his seat and takes a drink from his cup.

Jarret smiles, "Take care," he offers to Stephen, before taking a sip of drink as well. "Ah, good…" he mutters, mostly to himself.

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