“Veronan Intervention?
As of the morning of this publication. Sources at the Affair’s offices in the Republic of Verona have told us here at the main branch that the various councils of Verona are now taking up the issue of a potential intervention in the ongoing Abenstadt-Traxian conflict. While no word has yet come from the president’s office or the senatorium of Verona. Due to the heavy disruption of trade and growing threat of the Traxian Empire, we can expect that after discussion, this issue will eventually reach the hallowed halls of Verona’s Lord’s Senate.
Experts speculate that a potential intervention force of… ”
-- Arterian Affairs, Front Page, “Breaking News: Verona Considering Intervention”
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For many, having the Primus of Arteria sit at one’s table might be considered an honor in and of itself. For Elaria, it was the beginning of game, one in which she would try to pry what she could out of him. A struggle to be sure as he had arrived ready for a confrontation given Sophia’s presence. His entourage was much the same as him, wary. Except for the two lower noble scions of House Branius and Kouzal who mostly seemed to be excited to have seen Elaria and Raylani perform again.
Yet she had expected as much. From a few loose lips at a prior performance she had gotten wind of the chance to play at The Gilded Lantern. One she readily accepted at the prospect of having closer access to Arteria’s elite. To help her sisters in uncovering more details behind the affair from a month ago.
“Did you enjoy the performance?” Elaria broke the tense silence at the table.
Given their cue to respond, a round of mumbled ‘yes’ or ‘it was fantastic’ came from the assembled elites. Though amongst their crowd, Elaria noticed that the chief justice and someone else had deliberately elected to remain behind. A disagreement? Simply uninterested? Probably.
“Of course. Let me get this out there, that in my humble opinion, I think it was spectacular.” Sigismund allowed himself a laugh.
“I am pleased you all think so. We look forward to potentially performing back here in the future.”
“That’ll certainly be the day.” Jason whispered to his comrade.
“Aye.” Kristopher agreed.
Broken out of the silence, the Primus seemed to have gathered his thoughts and leaned forward more seriously. His stern demeanor and presence alone stifled the few chuckles of joy from his entourage.
Elaria took the moment to glance at her companions. Raylani had barely shifted in place, the only thing actively moving being her eyes as she continued judging the potential of threats. Sophia was beyond tense. Her sister’s feet were pressed into the floor and the bottom of the couch they sat upon, ready to propel herself forward at a moment’s notice.
“Now, don’t get me wrong, Miss Kastiane. I would be amongst those most delighted to welcome your return here should you choose to do so. But for now, as the honorable Mr. Nolmar informed us, we are allowed to ask you a question or two, do I have that right?” Sigismund queried, although his tone made it clear that this was far from a question, but an order to be followed.
Elaria didn’t flinch, nor did she feel much anxiety being interrogated by the city’s leader. On the contrary, she was very much amused. For the Primus to hold so much power and esteem from the people, her cursory examination of him had yielded an average level of mana, no inherent distinguishing strengths or weaknesses. In short, he was just a normal human. And for such big groups and guilds like the guards, mage’s guild, adventurers guild and others to consider him as the city’s leader was intriguing indeed. It was a very human action, though she supposed noble lineage and other such things also came into play.
“You have it correct, sir. It’s a chance for us to meet our supporters and patrons.” Elaria flashed a sly smile, taking the chance to wave at the two younger members of the entourage.
Seeing her attention fall upon them, Jason and Kristopher enthusiastically waved back.
“You know the young lords?” Sigismund questioned.
“We performed at a banquet held by Lord Kouzal himself. We’re less known to each other and more friendly acquaintances, I would say.”
The Primus furrowed his brow though a false smile took its place on his face. He’s going to get to her eventually, she swiped a glance at Sophia, the girl still ready to attack. Don’t worry, little one, big sis will protect you. You and that adorable idiot Sophie.
“You’ve even performed with the Traxians, so I’ve heard. Quite the feat considering your companion. Who, speaking of which, how did you two get acquainted anyways?” Sigismund carefully chose his words, neither too accusatory nor a pure compliment.
“Indeed!” Elaria chirped excitedly, her act almost unnoticeable save for a small grin Raylani flashed her, heh, she finds this funny.
“During our travels around Traxia’s northern wilderness we ran into numerous detachments. One thing led to another and soon we ended up temporarily in Prince Sinlar Trax’s employ. To which I must say, the young lord certainly found us quite entertaining.” Elaria continued and even let out a soft girlish giggle.
“My word, the northern wilderness? And the second prince himself?” Sigismund let his own surprise slip out.
“It was certainly quite a journey. We, or rather, she, fought off numerous wildlings and beasts during our travels.” Elaria gestured at Raylani, “Though how we met, I’m afraid, is a secret to be kept between her and I.”
“How curious, and to be in the prince’s employ?” He asked, both prodding for information mixed with a look of genuine curiosity.
“While we did admittedly join their march westward that eventually led to the war with Abenstadt, he warmed to us as did his troops. We were paid well, fed, and even given an Imperial Laurel.” Elaria bragged.
“A laurel? By the Goddess.” One of Sigismund’s entourage gasped.
Even the Primus himself looked mildly impressed.
“So did you…” The Divicosian representative with them tried to ask.
“Of course not. We travel and perform, that is all. And for now, we attend the Academy. No need to call in any special favors yet.” Elaria chuckled, shooting Raylani a cheeky wink.
The dark elf rolled her eyes but smiled, appreciative of the acknowledgment.
As Elaria had been informed by Prince Sinlar himself, an Imperial Laurel was more or less a writ of promise that the prince owed her a favor. She could be bailed out of jail, granted riches, or whatever else might be feasible to be provided. For nobles, this was mostly used to sway votes or traded to influence others. For common-folk like herself, it held a slew of yet unexplored possibilities. Though none she particularly had a need for.
“And why’s that? I mean, I don’t mean to be rude, but you could very well achieve nobility or buy your way to a position of comfort easily.” Jason asked, the young lord’s amazement seemingly unfiltered by his compatriots.
Elaria smiled, and with their defences lowered, time to instigate a little.
“Well. To learn, I suppose. And besides, I was… you might say, a little envious of the soldier’s camaraderie and desired to spend time with my sisters.” Elaria pleasantly informed them. And the bait is set.
At the mention of her sisters, the curious mood slowly flitted away from the more senior members of the entourage as they quickly remembered who they were talking to. Whatever joy there was vanished around the table as a heavier, tenser atmosphere lingered over the table.
“That is certainly an admirable goal, miss.” Sigismund regained control of his party, “Though I must pose one question to you, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course.” She nodded expectantly.
“Pardon me asking, but why did you bring… your sister here?” He motioned ever so slightly towards Sophia, the girl practically growling at being mentioned by him.
“Why, she’s my security. Our bodyguard if you will.” Elaria replied without missing a beat.
“Bodyguard? For you?” He questioned, ‘her?’ He almost said the last part out loud, but Elaria still caught the expression.
“Well given last months… tragic events and the… ah, sentiments of unrest on the streets, I figured it’d be a little safer to have a person extra in my entourage who’s a good fighter and trustworthy. And who better to believe in than family?” She cheekily smirked.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
He was annoyed, but a few members of his entourage who likely heralded from noble families themselves muttered their agreement. I’m pretty sure he’s from one too. Likely selected to lead his house.
“I… suppose, that’s true.” He begrudgingly nodded, “But don’t you know that your sister played a part in that?”
And there it is. The net cast, the bait thrown, the fish caught. Trying her best to appear surprised, her eyes widened and she let out a soft ‘ohh’ before mumbling to herself and nodding, as if she had simply struck upon a revelation out of the blue.
“I see. I see.” She hummed to herself, “It makes sense now. Sir, I believe there is a mix up, you see. For the person here, is Sophia, that is to say, my younger sister. Who happens to also have a twin, Sophie. The one who I defended in court and whomst I assume raised a righteous ruckus back then as well.”
She nodded thoughtfully, like a detective having solved a case. She could feel a smattering of reactions from the gathered crowd. A few gazes of skepticism, it was, at least to them, a claim out of the blue. For that, she did not fault their doubt. Others appeared surprised, the glimmer of new gossip and rumors. Of a troublemaker to boot.
Sigismund Oppullus himself, seemed to be of the former. Yet, even with his doubts, he couldn’t hide the new questions that had appeared within him. For he now glanced at Sophia much more actively, as if trying to discreetly study her to discern Elaria’s words for truth or fiction. The older members of his entourage expressed a similar amount of uncertainty.
“A twin? Really?” The Divicosian noble spoke up once more.
“Really.” Elaria feigned shock, “I realize they’re hard to tell apart. But once you know them, there’s no mistaking one for the other.”
This earned her an eye-roll from Sophia, the girl having finally caught on to the grand ruse that Elaria had planned. It might’ve been a little demeaning, but to even her own surprise, it had worked almost too well.
“How so?” The Visprays representative asked, the disbelief evident in his harsher tone than his colleague.
“Well, she’s told me about what happened around a month ago. And it’s… well, it’s very much like here.” Elaria snickered.
The Primus and his entourage were now paying rapt attention to her. More than enough that she could practically see through their thoughts as they tried to sort things out.
“Sophie, that is, the sister who isn’t here. She is very much of noble spirit and uh, shall we say, ‘headstrong recklessness’. In fact, I would dare say that her sense of justice matches that of the templars of the church. If she wasn’t so wild she could’ve even become one of them given the heroics that she’s already been involved in.” Elaria let out a soft whistle, an attempt at a brag.
This made Sophia seem even more displeased though a tad more playful than she had been moments ago. The tension had been dissolved for now. Given that the counterpart was now eager to hear about the almost unbelievable creation spewing from Elaria’s mouth about Sophie.
“You say, Mr. Oppullus, and present company, my sister Sophie is in fact, very dear to me. And I to her. Thus, she had informed me of the horrors she witnessed in the Braveskull Kolonia all those months ago.” She continued, taking a moment to pause and glance at each of them.
Strike. She could see the discomfort on the faces of both the Primus and the more senior members present. How they seemed to writhe at the sudden mention of the Braveskulls and the events that had transpired. Whereas the younger members displayed almost a hint of shame at the event which had so tarnished Arteria’s image.
“I must admit, I too was outraged. Hence when you and yours began persecuting her, I had no choice but to step in. Both as a family member, and as a student of the Academy. It was, as she might say, ‘a righteous cause’.” Elaria smiled darkly.
She had laid the cards out on the table. The claim had been made and presented. History reiterated, and now left waiting on a response of acknowledgement from those who had turned a blind eye.
“I’m sure it affected her greatly.” The Visprays representative spoke first, “As did it to all of us.”
“And you are, sir? I don’t believe we’re quite acquainted yet and I’d rather not call you a name of nothing.” Elaria swapped to her more polite tone.
“Ah, how rude of me. Obadiah Visprays.” The older man introduced himself.
“Elaria Kastiane.” She replied as according to customs, making herself known even clearer to all present, “A pleasure.”
“If only it was over a better topic.”
“On the contrary, my lord. I would say this is the perfect time to discuss such matters. After all, it is the future and the scars that this city bears. And responsibility that falls upon those in charge, such as yourself.” She snuck in a jab.
“Of course. And we will ensure that justice is carried as it should be. But this is an affair of governance, not one that should be left to vigilantes.” The man shot back.
“Ahh, so you say. But what happens when the government doesn’t act? We found adequate evidence. We had to take action ourselves.”
“Did you have to? That is why we came down upon your sister. While the case was being formed, she had already taken it upon herself to assault mine workers.”
Elaria smiled, a trap had been set. And like nature intended, her prey, though a different one than expected, had stepped squarely into the center of it.
“Torturers, kidnappers, bandits, mercenaries, looters, abusers all. Even the Ascarians got involved and slaughtered those they found on their side of the border while rescuing the captives. If they saw it like that, I see no reason why either myself or anyone in this city need to see them as anything but that.” Elaria posed her own question.
The man shifted uncomfortably, clearly having not expected her to be as direct as she was in the moment. Beside her, Sophia tensed back up, the girl returning back to her position of being ready to strike. Her hand having dropped below the table, and her fingers dancing over the knife at her belt.
“That might be the case. But there was no reason to attack without first alerting the appropriate authorities.” Sigismund interrupted, saving Lord Visprays from a potential blunder.
“Perhaps. But if they had been alerted, more people would’ve suffered. For it would’ve taken time to verify the claims. Investigate them. And ultimately form a plan of action.”
“The laws and rules are there for a reason.” He growled.
“Indeed, And beyond that, we’ve followed them to the letter. After all, no law says you couldn’t deal with bandits on your own. And if those at the Kolonia, that even you agree, were potentially such despicable individuals, then the regulations don’t apply. Just as it doesn’t to adventurers cleaning up a bandit camp. This one is much the same, just larger.” Elaria laid out another argument.
“You are touching upon sensitive matters for our people, Miss Kastiane. These events are still fresh in the Arterian consciousness. It needs no agitating,”
Elaria leaned back. She just needed a little more of a prod.
“And who should we trust in these processes, then? I believe that the chief justice can handle his role. I’ve seen as much myself. But what about those with vested interest? Such as your clan member Lord Joselyn, who, as I recall, had yelled countless words of abuse towards Sophie on stand. How is that allowed? Is that all we can really trust? What point is there, then, to respect the rules in that situation?”
“Lord Joselyn is my nephew, are you trying to slander him?” Sigismund glared at her.
“No. I am merely questioning the justice system itself. Who is handling this situation with the Braveskulls? Lord Joselyn? Who appeared to have a vendetta against my dear Sophie?”
“House Visprays and House Mikantos will manage affairs. And while I will not attempt to sway you to our cause. I will say that I have the utmost faith in Lord Falcry and Lady Calistra’s impartialness in matters and their ability to get to the bottom of matters.” The Divicos representative spoke up.
“Well said.” Obadiah agreed.
And I have what I need. She offered the group a wry grin and shook her head.
“I don’t doubt that. I merely ask what I know my sister would question. To present to her reassurances amongst other things. Besides, I am a bard first and foremost. Such matters are beyond me.” She held up her hands in surrender.
“Nonsense, everyone can have their input. But what about your sister? Surely she might have words regarding her twin.” Obadiah motioned at Sophia.
Sophia looked to her, the girl clearly biting her tongue but still willing to defer to her. Thanks.
“Sophia isn’t shy, she just dislikes interacting with people, you see. Unlike Sophie, who took on the role of an adventurer to help bring righteousness to the world. Sophia here is… let’s say less morally conscious.”
“Explain.” Sigismund pressed.
“Sophia is an assassin. Who better than one with eyes for subterfuge to watch for suspicious activity? And who to trust besides family?” Elaria leaned back, now almost completely relaxed.
She gestured at the Primus casually, an act that shocked the younger nobles and disdain from the older ones. Yet, he did not react aggressively, merely giving a grunt in return. She had one more trump card up her sleeve, and she was thankful she didn’t need to use it.
“Worry not, Sir Oppullus. I have no intention to stage anymore… ‘stunts’ shall we say. If your quarrel is with my sister, then it is her that will deal with matters. As long as the situation is resolved peacefully, I see no need to intervene.”
It wasn’t much of a promise or anything. But it was an olive branch that the Primus seemed to consider before accepting.
“I suppose that will have to do, Miss Kastiane.” Sigismund laughed with no joy in his voice, “At least we have your performances to look forward to in the future?”
His diversion was obvious, but she took it as well.
“Of course! We’ll be performing around Arteria, but we’ll make some time to stop by here every once in a while. Pay’s good and food’s even better.” She chuckled.
Hearing the cheery tone in her voice, the other nobles let out their own little noises of relief, the tension dissipating as even the Primus seemed to relax a little. Though she could see how he contemplated the situation, clearly having marked her as a potential enemy.
“I suppose that will have to do for us though, gentlemen. Though I find the opportunity to chat with our city’s leader quite an honor indeed, I see the serving staff eyeing us. I fear dessert calls to me a bit more.” She joked.
Sigismund let out a genuine laugh as he nodded, motioning for the others to return. Unwilling or unable to find an appropriate word, he simply dipped his head slightly at her to signal that the matters have come to an end, and she responded with a polite bow of her own.
Once they were out of earshot, she felt Sophia nudge her leg, a scowl greeting her when she turned to look.
“What was that about?” The girl hissed.
“Gathering information.” She replied matter-of-factly, much to her companion’s annoyance.
“About the Braveskulls?”
“Correct. We now know that Houses Visprays and Mikantos are overseeing their transition.”
“And? That's it?” Sophia sneered.
“They wouldn’t genuinely choose someone unaffiliated to handle such an affair, would they? We can at least assumed that members of those houses are closely linked to the Braveskulls in some way.” She explained before stopping, turning to instead wave at the serving girl.
“Ex-” Sophia began only for Elaria to gently pat her hand.
“When we get back to the others. For now, dessert.” Elaria smiled.
Sophia's mouth moved but Raylani had seen the cue given by Elaria. The dark elf expertly slid the first plate in front of Sophia, the elf narrowing her eyes at the two but then turned her attention to the food almost immediately after. Just like Sophie, back in the Master's abode. Food first, then questions. How delightful.