"Yes.  Yesterday was... fulfilling."  Antimony answered softly, when Micar asked after her day.  She kept it short in order to avoid distracting from the Matron, who was the rightful center of attention within the room, however.  The sorceress also kept silent afterwards, throughout Istrath's arrival and the casting of a spell to conjure food for them all.<br/><br/>Ah, Tyrant's Feast.  Known to the weaklings on the surface as Heroes' Feast, the spell conjured up a decadent repast, a truly exceptional meal which was infused with powerful morale-boosting magics.  Those who ate the meal would be able to fight harder, their wills were strengthened, they were rendered utterly immune to poison and fear would also hold no sway over them...  And of course, as a conjured meal, it was impossible to poison.  It seemed like the Matron wished to begin the hunt for his new steed on a high note, and to discuss other matters as well.<br/><br/>"The gifts you gave will allow me to put my own power to even greater use in your service."  She answered, when asked what she thought of the new items she had received.  "They are also items I have had my eye on for some time.  You have my utmost gratitude for them, Matron."<br/><br/>And then on to political matters and breakfast, both of which received a great deal of attention from Antimony.  The Ring of Sustenance provided all the nutrients she required to survive and even thrive and constantly re-energized her body so that she only required two hours of sleep a night, but it did nothing to actually fill her stomach.  Technically-speaking, the sorceress hadn't eaten in weeks, and she had the appetite to prove it.<br/><br/>Similarly, for the political talk, the half-drow was always looking for opportunities to be of service.  And the current deception that was being suggested would be an excellent opportunity for that.  Indeed, she already had an idea...<br/><br/>"We might even make the stratagem seem a little more real, should you wish it."  She suggested, bringing to light the plan she had just thought up.  "For example, while the Matron is away, her daughter might take advantage of her new authority to settle some supposed grudges against other high-ranking members of the house.  Nothing too deadly, of course, since the Matron will be returning before long, but perhaps some form or public humiliation or other degrading punishment.  Such a chastised member of our house might then seem a tempting target to any enemies lurking out beyond our walls.  Should they approach these members in an attempt to foster internal conflict and weaken our house, we would then be able to react accordingly, drawing them further into the web or simply ending them as appropriate."