War for the Crown Gameplay Part 2

"Yes, she was engaged to a young man named Opilio Publicus," Dame Crabbe's face darkens momentarily, and she shakes her head. "But that's not a good story to tell over dancing," she adds, returning to her cheerful smile.

Noticing that Sir Gul Guisarne had finished his investigation and was now lingering near the outskirts of the party, Josie takes the opportunity to leave the thick of the crowd and walks over towards him. Smiling softly, she introduces herself, "Hello, I don't think we've been formally introduced yet. Dame Josephine Novius, Steward of Stachys. Though please, just call me Josie. I'm thankful that you were able to see my actions for what they were earlier." She curtsies quickly in appreciation.

"Sir Gul Guisarne," the seneschal introduces himself with a short nod. "And there is no need for thanks, my role in enforcing the law includes ensuring that you are not wrongfully accused when all you did was rectify my own mistake. In any case, I am grateful that you did. The crossbow bolt was tipped with a poison that would have left my liege rather ill."

Josie's eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "Goodness. I had thought the whole thing cowardly, but to use a poison as well..." She shakes her head. "I'm glad to be of service. Especially since Count Lotheed has been such an accommodating host. Is there anything I might be able to do to help with your investigation?"

"Depends. Have you ever heard of the Night Swan?" Gul Guisarne asks. "She left her usual calling card behind, tucked inside the crossbow trap."

Josie shakes her head. "Can't say I have. Is she some famous assassin for hire?"

Gul shakes his head. "Worse. If that was the case, she could be paid off. She's a vigilante who attacks nobility, particularly at events where wealth and some excess is shown like this. No-one knows her true identity."

Josie covers her mouth with the back of her hand as she absorbs this information. "Hmm. That does sound rather troubling. Hopefully she won't have any more surprises since we discovered the crossbow, but I'll keep my eye out for anything suspicious anyway." She smiles at the man as she leans against the wall.

"Please do. She always leaves a swan feather dyed dark blue," Gul nods. "Only a few people have actually seen her, she just wears a hooded cloak with a bird mask."

Josie nods. "Noted. I'll definitely look for those."

Corey joins in the dancing, passing through a few partners (and making a note of it to dance briefly with Onora as well as his other opponents in the joust, if only to exchange pleasantries with friendly faces) before finding himself with Baron Okerra once again. "Well fancy meetin' you here," he grins.

Baron Okerra barks a short laugh. ”Despite my bruises, my old bones still have enough in them to dance,” he jokes.

"Well these young'uns o' mine like ta bust a move," Corey quips back. "Ah gotta say next ta the joust this is the most fun Ah've had all day."

”The dancing each night tends to be the best part of these affairs,” Baron Okerra agrees. ”Did you bring a costume for the masquerade tomorrow night?”

Soon Sarina's turn to dance with Bartelby comes, and she accepts with a smile. "You're quite the renaissance man," she comments. "How does one find the time to practice at so many things? You must have quite the packed schedule, I imagine."

"I would be lying if I said that talent wasn't a factor," Bartelby chuckles. "And I prefer to keep myself busy with such things. Other people can concern themselves with the minutiae of governing while I focus on improving myself."

"Quite true," Sarina agrees. "What's the point of finding oneself in a position of power and luxury if you can't enjoy your interests to the fullest?"

"Precisely. Well, I would posit that power for its own sake is also worth pursuing. It might be the only thing truly worth pursuing, in fact," Bartelby adds after a moment of thought.

"Perhaps, but if one is so restrained as to be unable to explore their own interests, I would not call that position a powerful one, even if others might aspire to claim it," Sarina points out. "And besides, there are many kinds of power as well."

"That is true, status and arcane power are just two examples. Knowledge is also a form of power in itself, as is physical might. Perhaps I am fortunate that many of my own interests themselves lead to greater power," Bartelby muses.

"I'd imagine your talent plays a part too," Sarina says. "Where others might give up because they find things too challenging, you continue onwards to even greater heights."

"Quite possibly, I'm certain that as another student of the arcane you understand what it means to be willing to devote hours of time and effort towards studying and improving your abilities," Bartelby replies, returning the compliment for the first time in the conversation.

"Oh, absolutely," Sarina agrees. "Still, every second of study and practice is worth it for the rewards of magic."

"Agreed. Every new spell is a rush like no other," Bartelby nods with a smile.

Corey nods. "Ah did. Ah'm lookin' forward to it. Ah'll bet no one'll even recognize me," he chuckles jokingly.