One of the groups, standing at the furthest corner from the kitchen, saw the Game flicker for a moment.

"I almost saw it." Said the senator. Gripping his wine flute tightly, he was very clearly agitated. All the servants had temporarily made themselves scare after the little bit of bantering that happened toward the center back of the room. And now he wanted a drink but didn't have it.

"Perhaps he is moving, and the Game took a moment to adjust? It's not perfect. Remember that time that little game showed Lordling Thomas mid..."

"So the Game is on then?" Said another Lord, who leaned in, and rudely interrupted their conversation. "I didn't perceive it at all."

Forgiveness was a virtue, so the Senator hid the grudge in his heart. "The Game must be searching for him, or something..." And then he fell silent, mouth ajar.

The first Lord continued, though he did not do such a good job at pretending forgiveness, and his tone was much less pleasant as he replied. "The Game must be trying to play, but why can't we see it..."

Whatever else the two Fae were about to utter died away as they realized to whom they were speaking. The broad brimmed hat and the gauzy veil could not hide the intensity of the stranger. The sharpness of the focus.

"I see. Clever." And the broad framed figure looked across the room, to the set of doors that led to the kitchen. "But not clever enough."

And the figure departed.

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Reeling from the encounter with Lordling Marisbane, and the sheer difference in power of the Lords of Fae outside, the Servant Branch slipped into the kitchen.

The kitchen was loud, bright, noisy, and absolutely bustling many chefs, helpers, dishwashers, scrubbers. But after the experience Daniel had just had, it was almost too quiet and peaceful here. The presence of power was so much lesser here, amongst the servants. The heat in the kitchen was hot, as dozens of talented Fae worked together in unison. They were far from relaxed, but it was such as direct contrast to the outside pressure. Daniel was glad he had eaten the very dry and stale teacakes, as the delightful aroma may have been very difficult to resist on a completely empty stomach.

They were using the Law of Fae, to help them cook. Daniel could see vague patterns of order. It was almost completely unseen too. A glow, a wave, connecting one step to others, different colors for different meals, different frequencies for different steps...

What a strange use. Daniel suddenly wondered what other, potentially infinite, uses and applications of the vague power.

He noticed several of Hollis' race working in the kitchen, which only made sense as those with ancestry from the Sea seemed to understand the ratio of spices better than anyone else. Hollis himself was a very good cook.

There was a bitter taste in Daniel's mouth.

The Game was still active. Any hope Daniel had of quietly hiding was clearly not to be. He had known that there would still be challenges. And Marisbane was not the worst thing he had ever encountered. The apparent conflict would be entertaining: Can the former Lordling handle a rude Lordling insulting the host of the event?

But Daniel had a deeper conflict. And a deeper worry. It was no coincidence that the Sea Which was here. The hatred ran deep, and lady Aqutaine had never hidden that. She did not bite the hand that fed her, but she still knew how to bear her teeth.

"First day?" asked a nearby fae scrubbing some copper pans.

He had stood around too long, thinking. But strangely none of the kitchen staff seemed to find him suspicious. Instead, the kitchen hummed with efficiency. Vegetables danced as they shimmering in pots of broth, cuts of meat where sizzling juicily in pans, and trays and trays of rolls were being emptied into large bowls. The kitchen was packed. And yet, everyone worked well together. The question seemed to be honest and friendly.

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"As a servant here, yes." He said, feeling his body relax. The Law of Fae danced that he was being truthful. Not that the lowling even checked.

Someone else approached, with a tray with cheap little mugs. It was clear it was for servants, but Daniel didn't understand. "I can't imagine going out there, with all them Lords and what nots. Do you want a cappa? It's tea made from these ground beans, super good. It's a right jolt to the system."

Daniel blinked as a cup was pressed into his hands.

Daniel held the cup but didn't drink. The drink smelled bitter. Poison? But several other nearby servant, came a took a cup. Some drank it quickly, and then returned to their stations, pausing to wash their hands. Humans did that too. Other fae lingered, their tasks complete or neglected as they hustled around near him and had easy conversation with each other.

Daniel considered the drink again. Was it a gift? Gifts were dangerous to the Fae...especially someone so weak as Servant Branch.

"It's just coffee. Little lamb from the countryside, it's part of being a servant. No debt exchange." Said the cup bearer, a middle aged fae with unremarkable features. At least his nose was an interesting shape, and not as plain as Shelby's.

Daniel realized that these were different servants than those who lived in the Servant's Keep. They served the King almost exclusively, so Daniel abruptly realized that many of the servants here had no idea who he was. Lordling Elswith had had little reason to come to the King's Palace except for official events like now. The Red Sword Faction had often been in direct opposition to the King, so there was no reason to linger. And since these servants just dwelt here, they may even be unaware of much of the Game.

Unlike his time at the Sky Court or the O'Tells, these servants didn't dislike him inherently due to preconceived notions. Perhaps he could even work things out with the annoyed servant who kept trying to take his gathered Thanks. Daniel realized that this may be a good spot to come in the future, if he could keep himself from being exposed.

Daniel still didn't drink. Mostly because the water looked gross, though it did have a nice smell, very rich, a blend of earthy and yet nutty aroma rising from the cup.

"Well, take a breather for minute. It's hard being out there with so many dangerous big fae lords and whatnots." said another fae, this one drying wine glasses and placing them on a cart. "What happened? I found it's best to talk about the scary moments. Like when you ride a horse and you get knocked down, you got to ride it again, fast, or else you might get afraid..."

Daniel didn't want to return to the ball immediately, but not for that reason. He didn't want the Game to find entertaining moments for him. Also, Lordling Marisbane may try to cause trouble again. He also needed to find how to win the little challenge of giving the Lordling exactly what she wanted...If only he had free time to...misinterpret what she had requested. He had served mousebed tea to Lord Fredar that morning to the Game's approval, so that meant he did have options.

And even more than Lord Fredar, he had to fight back his own negative feelings regarding Lordling Marisbane. She hadn't done it personally. But she was part and party of the same group. Lord Fredar was just looking for power. It wasn't personal hatred. He may even kill Daniel, but it would be for revenge of what Daniel had directly done.

It wouldn't be pointlessly cruel for no reason.

He remembered the nights on campaign and listening to Hollis' labored breathing as the air grew too dry or too cold.

The Game had given Daniel a target that Lordling Elswith disliked immensely. But he had to play the Game safe. He couldn't allow his feelings to lead himself astray.

Daniel decided to answer the servants question. He wasn't sure if this was still being shown to those watching the Game or not. The interest of the Game felt hazy, so there was a little more room for privacy. Then again, the Game rarely showed servant spaces. "I was trying to calm a Lordling who was angry about not having Gooseberry wine." he said. "She was not pleased with our answers, and the Surmount Butler had told us to not have an opinion. But the Lordling was saying it directly near the reigning season. It was clearly an insult. And there was a crowd growing." He swallowed. "She pushed me down." he said at last.

He waited, for the looks of shame, or 'you should have known better', or 'what could you expect?'.

Instead, there was a general sense of calm, and someone touched his shoulder. "You didn't deserve that. I am sorry that happened to you."

There was a chorus of regard from across the kitchen.

He had been gathering Thanks.

Now...an apology?

Clearly, they were trying to get him to lower his guard.

"Do you want an opportunity to stay away for a few minutes? I need someone to deliver a tray to the High Fae." Asked the middle aged servant who had brought the servants the drink.

Daniel knew he had to keep the Game's attention, and without drawing Lordling Marisbane's ire.

"Show me." he said.

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The one wearing the hat with the veil took careful, measured steps. Eyes staring unseeingly, that intensity poured out.

The target was moving again.