Louis
Bastien de Lysse
The Kolgrim Estate, Sol

Bastien's mouth curved into a slight smile. If one was not paying close attention, they might have not noticed the change in expression.

*'Intriguing woman,'* Bastien thought as he raised the teacup to his mouth. Mint tea has always been his favorite, and it tasted very high quality. He noticed that when she mentioned her father, a guarded sad look appeared in her eyes. *'Her eyes are most interesting,'* He thought as he took another sip of tea. *'Dark but with a brightness about them.'*

Most men would have probably told her that she wouldn't be interested in hearing such things, or just brush her off. Bastien, however, was mildly curious as to where this interrogation was going. He respected how to the point Lady Kolgrim was, even if she was pushing it so to say.

"How very observant of you," He said as he placed his tea cup down. "There is a group of invaders trying to cause trouble up north. I've come to ask for defensive reinforcements." He sighed, and a tired, resigned look overcame him before he could hide it. The war was coming to Grey Hills, and faster than he would have liked. That combined with his only trusted family members to be taking off in a ship shortly made Bastien feel as though he was facing the world, yet again, alone.

He took another sip of tea, enjoying its scent as well as trying to remask his expression.
Richard
Calypso Kolgrim 
The Kolgrim Estate, Sol

Oh. A smile, his grace was by chance amused by her more direct approach? 
That was unexpected. Though still despite not being how she imagined it to be, Calypso did obtain what she was searching for: Informations. 
Her eyes shoot up "Invaders?" As she posed the question, her voice lost her fragility, just for a moment, but enough for the nature of the daughter of a Knight to emerge behind her eyes.

She quickly lowered her gaze, her mind running through what she knew. This Explained a lot of things. The sudden departure of the queen, the vague feeling of anxiety she had noticed in the general' s eyes lately. 
"I'm inclined to think that these invaders are guided by De Burgh. My father had talked about it with me." Her fingers touching her lips as she started to think.
"For a De Lysse to have to come all the way to Sol. That means that they are close to the borders." Murmured her. She looked up " I know the Council . They will not give up on the troupes easily, knowing that invaders could come knocking at our doors any time."

She took a moment to sip some more of her tea. The taste of mint tickling her tongue as her mind cleared. Once Calypso had put down the cup she clapped her hand and the maid reappeared. "Bring me in and parchment, quickly," Commanded her. The maid rushed upstairs and came back in less than a minute with the required materials. 

Without saying anything Calypso started writing a letter indicated to of some of the members of the council, talking about her knowledge of Their quick fingers and ability in taking a bit more than their salary from people who are thankful for their silence. Calypso didn't put her name on the end of the letter and didn't seal the envelope with her crest, leaving it blank. "Give this To them, don't read what's inside, and don't tell them who gives it to you. " Instructed her.
Then she wrote a couple of names on a smaller piece of parchment and gave that too to Lord De Lysse. "Theses are the name of some of the best mercenaries currently residing at Sol. They might be a bit pricey but it's worth it," Explained her. There was something sharp in her eyes now.
Betty
Magistrate Cassandra Melise
SP House of Worship

The shuffling of shoes and wrustling of robes acoss the marble floor warned the Magistrate of their arrival before a pounding sounded at the door.* 'Ever the patient visionary with that blasted cane.'* The clash of its blunt end against her door agitated the woman and reminded her of how often a similar action had drawn hundreds of people to him like Shitblood beggar children shuffling after the carriages of the nobles. 

"Lord Demetri." Cassandra watched him bow with a dispassionate gaze before nodding her head respectfully in return. "And I yours, though you have had plenty of times to do so before." She smiled. "Is there something I can help you with, my lord? I'm sure your adoring fans would hate for their Visionary," She attempted to control the spitefulness in her voice, though her efforts were not rewarded, "To miss the extravagant celebrations."
Louis
Bastien was no fool. He blinked at the envelope before a small smile split across his face. "Ah," He said as he tapped the envelope with his fingers. "You're... Most generous, Lady Kolgrim, but I don't think this is required," He told her as he gently pushed the letter back. "It is in Sol's best interest to lend me troops. Though the list of mercenaries I would find very useful."

He closed his eyes, taking another sip of tea while not bothering to hide his amused expression any longer. This woman was full of surprises. First tart responses, and now casual offers of blackmail?

"You are correct about De Burgh. He's leading the invaders and trying to gain control of the Grey Hills. Which he will fail to do, with enough reinforcements," He explained as he placed his cup down.
Richard
Calypso Kolgrim 
The Kolgrim Estate, Sol

She had to be honest at least with herself: Lord De Lysse's company was a pleasant change from the older men who had come to visit her after her father's funeral and the dotting widows always followed by their spineless sons , trining to convince her in joining them for a walk, a pick-nick or some other activity *To distract yourself!* When in reality they were playing matchmaker. But despite them being older their manipulation game was lacking.

Calypso made sure to not touch the envelope as Bastien push it back to her. She allowed herself a small smile, not the kind little curve she had shown till then, it had something more resembling a fox, or a cat "Are you so confident in your persuading ability my lord?" Asked her taking another sip of her beverage, here eyes low. " It might be in their best interest... But I know many that would gain sometimes if the Gray Hills were to fall," Suggested her, not looking up. 

"And keeping the forces here ensure to the various big houses in Sol an advantage." Added her without making any names. "Of course, my father might be dead but his loyalty still lives in me, and it lays in the De Lysse house." *Until it turns more useful to not be.* But she didn't say that. "If his grace will consider it necessary, I would be glad to offer my help." And brought a hand up to her cheeks slightly turning her away head in a elegant yet modest manner, " For how little it might be of course." Said her gentle.
Louis
Bastien de Lysse

The Kolgrim Estate, Sol

Bastien raised an eyebrow ever so slightly. "I hope if they are not persuaded by my words," He said with a small frown, "Then they are instead compelled by the thought of De Burgh's forces closing in around them. If his men take over the Grey Hills, it will make the tide turn in De Burgh's favour. And I highly doubt that Her Majesty, or her council, would not want to try to do all in their power to avert the succession crisis."

He gently pushed his tea cup away, then laced his fingers and rested his chin on them, peering over at Lady Kolgrim. *'So proud,'* He thought to himself with a small smile.

He admired that.

"And what," He said slowly, almost teasingly, "Could you do for me, Lady Kolgrim? I'm afraid I am in no need of-" His indigo eyes flicked down to the letter then back up at hers- "Such things at the moment."
Richard
Calypso Kolgrim 
The Kolgrim Estate, Sol

"But her majesty isn't here now isn't she." That's all she said. Pushing further might turn against her. It was clear to her that the young lord had taken her in sympathy and that by itself is already a victory.
"But of course what do I know," Continued her pushing gently away from her cup, imitating Lord De Lysse "I'm just the mourning daughter of a knight, right?" And lifted her eyes meeting his. Black meeting indaco. 

She wanted to get one last view of that enchanting purple before letting the dark veil drape on her face once again. 
At Bastien's insinuation, she let out a small chuckle. "I am but your humble servant my lord," Stated her with a small bow of her head " Whatever his grace might think I can be of help with," And took the envelope between her two manicured fingers " I'll be happy to oblige." And with a swift movement of her wrist, Calypso threw the envelope in the lit chimney, the paper instantly set on fire and the poisonous words disappeared in the smoke.

"Are you ready to take your leave, my lord?" Asked her ever so gently " I would hate to cause you to be late to your business."
Louis
Bastien de Lysse

Kolgrim Estate, Sol

Bastien watched as the letter crackled in the fire. It seemed as though her facade had fell through, though at this point Bastien was not very surprised. She was stronger than she first appeared, and had a fire in her. And she knew more than she wanted to let on.

"I suppose I can think of something you could do for me," He said as he studied her. "But I would not want to be an inconvenience." He smiled at her again. Her features were harder to read with her veil on once again, but he could tell she was listening with rapt interest though she tried to hide it.

It was adorable, in an odd way. *'So proud,'* He thought again.

"I might have need of a lady-in-waiting," He said casually, still studying her.
Richard
Calypso Kolgrim 
The Kolgrim Estate, Sol

Calypso knew what Bastien was trying to do. He saw potential in her and wanted to see how to take advantage of it. Very well, let's let him this he has the power of the situation, meanwhile, Calypso will find a way to turn the situation to her advantage. She knew the steps of this dance, she wondered if he did too.

"You are the most kind you grace to try and find me an occupation." Said her reciprocating his smile "I do require something to keep my mind of..." And bit her lip looking down, again that veil of sadness " ...Of obscure memories." His eyes were roaming all over her, studying each detail. She had to admit, he looked far more pleasant when smiling. 

She raised her brows at his offer"A lady-in-waiting?" She thought about it for a moment. "Sounds appropriate... For whom may I ask?" She knew that the De Lysse house had many unmarried young girls in their ranks. She wondered if Lord Bastien was about to put her at the service of his future wife.
Louis
Bastien de Lysse

Kolgrim Estate, Sol

Bastien noticed the change of her tone, and he casually tilted his head to the side. "For my betrothed? Is that what you think?" He let out a quiet, hollow laugh. "No. Sadly, most of my cousins have already married," He added dryly. "Pity, really." A bite of venom was prevalent in his voice, but it not directed at her.

"No," He continued after he cleared his throat, "Your services would be directed toward my youngest sister, Lady Fleur de Lysse. Though you would be most appreciated if you kept your... *Other* Talents reserved for just my knowledge. My other family members will probably not be too happy with your arrival, anyways. You wouldn't want them knowing about your..." Another smile curled on his lips as he gave her a subtle wink. "...*Letter writing* Expertise. It would give them another reason not to be fond of you."
Richard
Calypso Kolgrim 
The Kolgrim Estate, Sol

*I wouldn't be surprised if you ended up marrying your sister.* Tough her. Inbreeding wasn't uncommon for the de Lysse. She hoped to not have to witness any of that during her stay. 

"A shame indeed." Sighed her a veiled mockery hidden a dry voice.

Calypso squinted slightly at Bastian as the young lord started to get a little too comfortable around her acting like he was in control of the situation.
"I don't think I need you to remind me how to conceal my talents." Spoke her ice dripping from her words, her face finally matching her voice. Her eyes went darker, shadowed by her slightly frowning brows. "Instead I suggest you refrain from such displays of confidence in my regards. " All the soft had left her face all at leaving spaces to her high cheekbones and her jaw looked so sharp to cut a man's heart. And it suited her. " It would be troublesome if your family started to get weird ideas about our relationship." Whoever had met Sir Kolgrim before his death, now would be able to see in her the split image of him. 

Sitting in front of him with her back straightened and chin lifted, pridefully, Calypso looked far older and fare less innocent and docile than she had at the beginning of this interaction "I will gladly accept your offer, my lord." Stated her "Do not worry about your family feelings towards me. I know how to make my presence go almost unnoticed." 
She stood up from her seat, now that she wasn't trying to hide and get on his good side, Calypso finally appeared like the woman she was. " They'll see me enter the castle and forget that I exist."
Louis
Bastien de Lysse
Kolgrim Estate, Sol

It stung a little bit, her additional comment on his snide remark about his cousins. It annoyed him how she felt she could make such remarks about him so soon after they had met. He decided to shut that down before it got out of hand.

"Ah, have no worry about my family's thoughts on our- 'relationship,'" He said. He smiled faintly, without any humor. "My father would have a fit at the very idea of me marrying down to anyone besides a queen. Besides..." He casually eyed her up and down. "You look too dissimilar than the rest of our family. Perhaps if your hair was lighter, or if your eyes were more purple. But with your features, I am not concerned whatsoever. The thought of me complicating a relationship with a lady-in-waiting I hired shouldn't even cross their minds.

"As for going unnoticed, it is sad to say that scenario is extremely unlikely. My aunt has ways about her, and she will be upset with your coming. But I don't particularly care. Despite what she thinks, I am doing her a favour. And as for you concealing your talents..." He trailed off as he looked back at the fire. "I will believe what you say. Though I do hope-" He gave her a faint smile again, a slight teasing manner in his voice. He did not want her to think he was trying to be a thorn in her side. He was actually trying to look out for her best interest, though he would never admit to it aloud "-that you do not give such letters so freely as you did with me."
Thomas
Visionary Demetri Troiarus

Southern Pantheon House of Worship


Demetri flashed a smile at the Magistrate's quip.  Admittedly he didn't expect the verbal fencing to begin until after the introductions.


"You'll have to forgive me for not visiting sooner, as I'm sure the Wisdoms know the tasks that come with serving directly under a God."  He turned to the window, and the view of the plaza, "I will be rejoining the festival soon enough, but first we should have a reason to celebrate."


He stepped in front of a chair, producing his roll of parchment sheets as he sat down, not bothering to wait for an invitation to take the seat.


"My Lord's voice has been heard throughout Akno, Lady Magistrate.  As you can see outside the window his reception is well past the point of speculation."  He laid the bundle on the desk between them.  "Here is our petition.  We ask nothing more than the privilege of opening a House of Worship for the Pilgramage within the city walls.  A safe space where we can practice peacefully, surely you can sympathize with that?  It's such a tragedy how religious figures seem to have a target on their back lately."


He wasn't attempting pity, his voice was still edged as he spoke, fully aware that the target was directed towards the Wisdoms and Visions, than the Visionaries themselves.
Anna
Elsabet 
Outside Monustes, Northern Terresol

The knight watched the rougher man wrestle the boy up. If she had half a mind of what he was saying and could threaten him in a language he could understand she certainly would have. Instead she glared at him and kept her hand firmly on the hilt of her sword, her jaw twitching in annoyance ever so slightly.

As the islander girl collapsed, all Elsabet could muster was a raised brow to Quinn."There's a healer down the street. Big sign above the door - you can't miss it."

"But I'll be taking the young man, if you please. If he is in *My* City he is under *My* Protection, along with the rest of the city guard," She said to Quinn after Cleos' outrage,"The poor boy is confused and upset and, if you could translate to your friend so I can take him home, that would be lovely."