War for the Crown Gameplay Part 1

Sarina catches Marquess Deschamps when she is between groups of people, wearing a similarly bored expression. As if recognizing a kindred spirit, she smiles at her, and says "So many people at these events can be a bore, hmm? I dare say your wine would be far more interesting."

Josie nods as she listens to the instructions, and smiles. "I'm flattered. I'll do what I can." With that, Josie bids the servants farewell, and looks around for others suitable to spend time with.

"If nothing else, Grand Prince Stavian has someone on staff who knows a good wine," Marquess Deschamps agrees with a low chuckle. "Even still, there are a few worth watching. You might even be one, given that you managed to impress Judge Mercenian. Marquess Charlotte Deschamps," she adds her name almost as an afterthought. "Though I suspect you already knew that."

"Guilty as charged," Sarina says with a wry half smile. "Sarina Karthis, a pleasure to make your aquaintance," she says with a curtsey.

Marquess Deschamps gives a short curtsy back. "Likewise, I hope," she replies, though her eyebrow twitches curiously when she hears Sarina's last name. "What brings you here tonight, Dame Karthis?"

"Oh, this and that," Sarina says with a wave of her hand. "Mostly to meet those worth meeting, such as Judge Mercenian, and to make a name for myself. Too many choose to rely on their family name in a poor attempt to make up for their own personal shortcomings, I find, and besides, myself and my family are on quite a bit less than good terms at the moment."

"That explains why you wear Senator Voritas's badge then," the Marquess notes, her eyes glinting over Sarina's badge. "I do wonder who gave you that. I would ask, but I think I shall make that a puzzle to figure out myself instead. A disgraced Karthis who knows good wine, a long-dead Senator's badge, and coming to a young junior senator's aid. You might just be one of the most interesting people here tonight. Speaking of," she twitches her finger at a servant carrying a tray with glasses of white wine, which she sets her own empty glass upon. "Join me for a glass?"

"It would be my pleasure to," Sarina says, selecting a glass, and swirling it around in the glass, smelling it before she takes a sip. "Mmm, very nice. Dried peaches, but nicely tart, with a delicate, mouthwatering finish. Though, I must confess I cannot place it," Sarina says regretfully.

"I'm not surprised, it's a northern import, from Galt some time ago. It was a good vintage, it's a shame Galt no longer produces as they used to. I'm not surprised they chose to open their bottles of it tonight. It's a subtle political statement by the Grand Prince," the Marquess notes with a wry smile. "Reminding us of Galt's fate before a vote on revolutionary change, clever."

"Mmm... I believe I enjoy the wine more than the message behind it," Sarina notes, with another sip. "Perhaps the rarity makes us appreciate it more, though," Sarina says, swirling her glass around as she reflects. "As with many other things in life, hmm? Your tongue, for instance."

"Careful, some women might take that to mean something else entirely," Marquess Deschamps quips. "Engaging company is certainly an unfortunate rarity though, even more so to also find agreement on the stale nature of Grand Prince Stavian's political views."

"Of course, I meant only to compliment your refined palate, as well as your wit," Sarina says with a wink. "Might I propose a toast, to good company and good wine?" she asks, raising her glass.

Meanwhile, Momo makes her way over to Abrielle Pace, giving the elder lady a polite curtsy as she introduces herself. "Countess Pace, a pleasure to meet you! I'm Lady Myoui Momo."

Countess Pace returns the curtsy with a deep nod, the minimum expected of her as the one in the higher station. "Likewise, Dame Myoui. What can I help you with?"

Marquess Deschamps raises her glass to Sarina's and clinks it in toast before taking a long sip of the wine. "My congratulations, you're new to this scene, but you already play the game better than many." Her eyes flick disdainfully to Earl Vernisant at those words.

"Mmm, too true," Sarina notes, allowing herself a satisfied smile. "So many rumors buzzing around him tonight too. I imagine that won't be doing him any favors."

"Indeed," Marquess Deschamps agrees. "Of course, if the vote tonight goes the right way, that would be a further blow to his credibility, as it would be to that of many. Say, Dame Sarina, how would you feel about me repaying your interesting conversation with an introduction to another interesting individual?"

"Oh? I'd be quite intrigued. Who would this individual be?" Sarina asks.

"Only the most influential person in the nation," the Marquess's smile widens and she gestures with her wine glass in the direction of Princess Eutropia.

"I would certainly be quite interested in that, yes," Sarina says with a smile, managing to keep her composure at being offered to meet with Princess Eutroptia so soon.

"Well, shall we then? I suspect she's growing tired of most of the company here tonight as well, Lady Morilla excluded," Marquess Deschamps laughs and begins to lead the way over to Princess Eutropia.

Sarina suppresses a start of surprise at being lead over so soon, but the mage has no plans on passing up this opportunity, following behind Marquess Deschamps as she heads over to Princess Eutropia.

"Princess Eutropia?" the Marquess draws the Princess's attention and performs a deep curtsy.

"Ah, Marquess Deschamps," Eutropia returns the greeting with a nod and a warm smile. "I hope the evening's been treating you well."

"It has, thank you. I thought I might introduce you to a most interesting young woman, Dame Sarina Karthis," Charlotte steps to the side and sweeps her arm in Sarina's direction for introduction.

Sarina takes a deep curtsy as well at the introduction, saying "It's a honor to meet you, Princess Eutropia. I wish you the best of luck in the vote later tonight,"

"If it goes well, I won't be the only lucky young woman in Taldor," Eutropia replies, nodding. "Would you be a beneficiary of such a change, Dame Sarina?"

Sarina gives a small laugh. "I would not be, and I doubt I would ever be," she explains. "No, even if my family and I were on better terms, there's many in line before me. But, still, if it goes well, I believe it will be a step forwards for all women in Taldor."