Private Dinner with Mistress Altysa (Nell and Company)

[Sarah]

The room that the small group of Taralon were eventually directed to, was of the large common room of the New Flounders Finn Inn and Tavern, but as the group entered they would not be disappointed; for it seemed the grandeur that the lady Altysa had extended to the rest of the Tavern she had extended to and elaborated on in the small chambers used for private dining.

The room they entered wasn’t large, and two of the walls seemed to have built in wall seats that surrounded two sides of a large mahogany table. The seats, and rugs were all made of a soft burgundy velvet, and with the candle light that lit the room, it gave it a read, hazy and warm feeling to it. In the middle of both the wall seats, and at the head of the table, the tall, and beautiful human woman sat, poised almost like a cat, looking over some figures resting on the table in front of her. But as members of the group entered she pushed the papers aside, and stood, welcoming each with a warm gesture to take a seat around the table.

“Serale, Searle,” she said her lips curling into a pleasant and welcoming smile, as her capturing blue eyes looked over every member of the group. “Please take a seat, I know you must be hungry… I hope your rooms were acceptable…”

OOC: Sprry for the crappy shortness :-/ but I had promised it would be done.. and now it has lol

[Nell du'Galle]

Nell entered the warm, candle-lit room ahead of Kharadmon, although they had arrived together. Whilst in her room, she had considered getting an early night as the bed in her suite had been so inviting, yet now she stood in the small yet tasteful dining room, she felt a wave of contentment sweep over her. This promised to be a relaxing evening of pleasant chatter and good food, and the young woman could not deny the hunger that was prodding her insides.

Feeling far more presentable than before, when she had stood in rain-soaked travelling garb, Nell came forward with an easy and open attitude. Her red, velvet skirts swished about her legs and topped with a cream linen blouse, Nell had no further fears about appearing like a vagabond. Her long, dark hair was twisted up into a loose top-knot and colour had returned to her cheeks after the reviving bath.

Smiling at the friendly greeting from their hostess, Nell moved forward to where she stood. "My room is wonderful, thank you. I am almost tempted to spend my whole stay in Narim there!" she replied, complimenting the owner of the inn on the tasteful arrangements. Taking one of the seats indicated, Nell continued, "However, I must pass on the apologies of Senera and Yuoli, who felt obliged to make contact at the military compound this evening. They will not be coming to pracenda I am afraid." Nell shrugged her shoulders with an apologetic smile. She didn't know military protocol and assumed it was to do with that. "I must say, though, that I am ravenous - the journey has quite built up my appetite! This is very kind of you, to give us the pleasure of your company in this private room." By us she meant, of course, herself and Kharadmon, and smiling at the nimalni elf, Nell hoped that conversation would flow easily between the three of them.

OOC: Hey - I can do short posts too :-P

[Sarah]

Nell and Khardamon

Altysa beemed at the report from the woman, and her bright eyes and soft mouth showed her obvious pleasure at the fact the woman was pleased. "I am so glad you are happy with it," she said re-taking her seat, straightening the material of her long blue dress as she did so, as not to crease the material. "It has taken a lot of hard work to regain this place to the standard it now is, since the attack of the undead... it has not been pleasant cycles, but now it is done, I hope that I, and the people that worked here can get on with our lives," The woman smiled sadly, a small flash or shadow of greif and sadness passing over her face, but it soon dissapered.

"I would have ordered you food and drink," she said finally, looking at the pair. "But I was not sure what either of you prefered... I can bring wine, or ale, or chilled fruit juice if that is what you prefere... and the meals, well there is freshly made vegetable soup I believe, and the fish is quite tantalizing I must admit," the woman chuckled a little at her speak, reminding herslef of when she was just a waitress and not the owner of the fine establishment. "But in truth anything you wish can be made,"

Once finished speaking she watched the two, hoping they wer both comfortable with what she was offering, and as much as home here in Naim as they may have been in Taralon. "Well why you think on your meal, perhas you can tell me your business of being in Taralon Miss Eventide, though if I do pry to much just tell me," the woman laughed a little as if she was jesting. "I do have a habit of sticking my nose a little to far into what is ad what isn't warranted,"

[Kharadmon Darkhand]

"Serale my Mistress Altysa" Kharadmon said as he gave her a small informal bow before taking the proferred seat.

Now this splendor was not what Kharadmon was used to at all.He was still considered a youth in elf terms when he had left his homeland and after months of wandering had ended up in Taralon.So events such as this he had never attended in Nimahl.

His stay in Taralon had still only been a short one as yet and he was only used to his his own company and that of his fellow soldiers and such behaviuor certainly would not be appropriate here,he was glad he had not worn his sword.

"My room is more than adequate thankyou Mistress Altysa.I would prefer an ale if you wouldnt mind and as for the meal the soup followed by the fish would be fine."

When Mistress Altysa asked of Nell's business in Narim he turned to look at her expectantly for he himself still had no idea.He only hoped he had not been too obvious.

[Nell du'Galle]

Just like Kharadmon, who had decided to follow the recommendation of Altysa, so Nell too thought the suggested meal sounded excellent. "And also for me," she added, "the vegetable soup and fish would be lovely, although a glass of white wine, rather than the ale, please." Looking at the company, Nell began to visibly relax, her shoulders unstiffening and a natural smile on her face.

The question about her business in Narim was an expected one and she nodded quietly at the conversation opener. "Well several reasons brought me here. One is a purely practical reason to do with a trade I am hoping to make. I have a necklace, a very pretty thing, a gold chain with diamonds, but unfortunately I have no desire to wear it because of ... certain connotations with the person who gave it to me. I enquired at the Phoenix Trading House in Taralon about possibly selling it and Master Kanar suggested I try Narim." Nell spoke quite swiftly so she could pass over the reasons for selling it without having to delve into too much detail. She kept her expression smooth and her voice light so as to not give away any of the emotional turmoil that had been connected with the necklace.

"However, I also wished to see Narim to widen my knowledge of Sherian. I have travelled little in my life. Taralon is the first place I have visited outside of Alleria Prime, where I was born and raised. So curiosity is my second reason ..." her voice trailed off, as she realised that having a military escort to travel across the Sherian countryside might be unusual. Yet she did not go into that reason, leaving it to the hostess to ask further if that was what she was interested in. Nell still had difficulty coming to terms with the fact that she may be the daughter of nobility and was trying to continue life as usual, as far as possible.

[Kharadmon Darkhand]

Kharadmon listened to what Nell had to say and quickly realised that she was trying to avoid revealing her true story.He himself did not know what her business was in Narim and while here he knew he was also not duty bound to her.
He knew that she was highborn and in line govern over Taralon and decided that maybe he could help out of this tight situation.

"This is an excellent establishment Mistress Altysa,one of the better I have seen," interupted Kharadmon."The city from what I have seen so far also looks fair although very different from my homeland."

Kharadmon shot Nell an apologetic look for interupting her and hope she understood his intention to come to her aid.

"Tell me,a fine city such as this must have a reknowned armourer,I am in need of a new set are there any you could recommend?"

[Sarah]

Altysa looked at the company, her mouth curling into a bright smile at both of her guest’s requests. At her side, resting on the table was a small brass bell, and picking it up in one of her delicate, long fingered hands she rang it twice, and in no more than a few brief seconds a young girl slank into the room, nervousness obviously shwing on her face, as her bottom lip trembled slightly. But the hostess only had bright smile and cherry words to the young girl, who seemed to feel she was very out of her depth serving the mistress of the tavern and Inn, as well as her two favored guests

“Ah my dear,” Altysa said. “Would you be able to bring in three bowls of the soup and the fish that I requested to be cooked earlier,” the woman gave a side ways long look to her guests, flashing a grin, for even though she had asked for what they had wished, it seemed Altysa was always prepared. “And an ale, and two glasses of the bottle of white wine I had put aside earlier,” The girl nooded, and half ran out of the room… and it was only then that the woman returned her full attention to her guests.

“So to sell and trade, as well as curiosity?” The human woman let one of her pale eyebrows rise questioning, but she did not push the Nell further, for Altysa could see that Nell was reluctant to tell the whole truth of her journey, or at least why she had such an escort with her. “Though I must admit the necklace sounds very beautiful and expensive, who ever gave it to you must have certainly gone to a lot of trouble… but to sell it in Narim... to be honest I can think of no one in particular who would buy such a thing, but I’m sure you shall find someone, and I’ll think on it, and may be able to come up with someone eventually,”

Altysa then turned to Khardmon, her shinning eyes looking over the Nimalni with curiosity, as she moved her perfect lips to form words and speak. “As for an aourmary, to be honest sir there is not one in this city that would fit your standards… we have a very accomplished smith, a vysstichi by the name of Forvart, but he has since specialized into doing weapons, and only the armor on occasion for the Honor House or Griffin Riders if they ask very nicely and pay him extortionate amounts of money. He is a shrewd man, but he stays on the right side of the law, so the people here let him stay,” As the woman spoke, two more waitress entered the small room. One carried a platter of drinks, placing the ale in front of the Nimalni elf, and a glass of wine first to Nell and then to Altysa, and then the food followed…

They both bowed, and as they began to leave there was a flurry and a small gasp as it seemed someone was pushing through the two woman to get into the room. Altysa stood up indignantly, ready to barrage anyone that came in for disturbing this dinner and her guests… but when she saw who it was her angry frown turned into a bright smile, followed by a small chuckle. For standing in the doorway, straightening her uniform and apologizing profusely to the two woman waitress was the griffin rider that Nell and Khardamon had seen earlier.

“Jaranda!” Altysa exclaimed. “Back so soon from the gaol? Please, please take a seat and meet my companions, I believe they were checking in when you made you last…er…visit,” the owner chuckled and then realizing her manners introduced the pair to the Lieutenant Griffin Rider. “Nell, Khardamon, this is Lieutenant Jaranda Deveron,”

[Nell du'Galle]

Nell smiled quietly as their fair hostess spoke about the necklace. "Yes, it is rather beautiful and I hope I can succeed in finding a place where someone would be interested in taking it off my hands. I was surprised that there were no gem merchants in Taralon but I am more hopeful here ..." she replied, skilfully ignoring the reference to the person who gave it to her. Nell shrugged her shoulders good-naturedly, "Well, I shall be exploring the streets of Narim over the next few brightenings, so we shall see..."

Nell's attention was then diverted by the arrival of the wine and food as Altysa began to answer Kharadmon's question regarding a new set of armour. She only half listened to the reply, not having much interest in weapons and armour, but kept a pleasant expression on her face as the situation was explained, her eyes flitting between their hostess, the elf and the inviting food on the table, but not resting on any for long. The smells were enticing and it took a fair amount of restraint not to dive into the soup immediately. Her eyes twinkled as she listened to the conversation, rather content and at peace with the world - for who wouldn't be with good company, excellent food, a glass of wine and comfortable surroundings.

Yet there was a small disturbance at the doorway which jolted Nell out of her dreamy state and she looked towards the entrance, her head turning sharply, curious at what was going on. Their hostess had stood up and looked annoyed, yet the person who entered turned out to be a welcomed interruption. It was the tall, impressive woman who had arrested the two men earlier in the evening, and Nell tried to recall the name - Jarrana ... Jardina.. - when Altysa introduced the party.

"Serale, Jaranda, I'm pleased to make your acquaintance," Nell added, as the Griffin Rider was welcomed to the table. Then Nell suddenly remembered where she had heard the name before, and opened her eyes wide. "Deveron? Are you related to Rickard Deveron? I heard him speak recently at a debate at the Grand Council in Taralon - a very impressive figure ..."

[Kharadmon Darkhand]

Kharadmon studied this impressive woman obviously far move skilled then he.Senera should be here to meet this warrior he thought as his own own experience was hardly likely to impress this officer.
All of a sudden it seemed his life had changed,from being a lonely runaway elf looking for a new home and here he was rubbing shoulders with propective governers and grand council members kin.His mind was whirlwind with what was going on.Why pick an inexperienced soldier such as himself for seemed at the moment an important mission.

He could only wonder and let events unfold.

"Serale Mistress Deveron."

[Sarah]

The woman that Altysa had reffered to as Jarranda looked at the company, her hazel eyes blinking once, and twice as if comprhendeing what was being said. She ran her hands through her smooth brown hair, a small, puzzled look crossing her features before she smiled; a tweak of a grin slipping on her commanding lips.

"You must be from Taralon if you heard my Uncle speak," Jaranda said, moving towards the table, and sitting herslef almost eleganlty on the one offered by Altysa, giving the blonde woman a nod of thanks. "Uncle Rickard," the woman chuckled a little again and turned to Nell. "Impossing and impressive are certainly two words that many would use to describe him... also stubborn and old fashioned to a fold... why our thane asked him to be Narim's representitve after the injury that meant he could not fly any more,"

As the woman said then a shadow crossed her eyes, and a look of greif and dispair seemed to flash across her face... for a rider to loose the ability to fly... the prospect of that was not worth thinking about.

Yet as this happened, the unbuilt reflext the woman had to show her calm, and unfeeling exterior took hold, and she retunred to look the ever mor imposing Leuitenent. "Serale to you too sir," she said to the elf remembering her manners.

"But I am sorry to have crashed your little party Altysa, but after that pair came in here... well i wanted to check that everything was allright... but please do not let me interrupt your conversation..."

The blonde owner just chuckled. "You do not interrupt at all... I was just dscovering why the dear Miss Eventide here in in Narim under Taralon gaurd," the woman flashed a cheeky grin in the direction of Nell, wondering if she could decern more information from her in the presence of Jaranda.

[Nell du'Galle]

With the family connection explained, Nell smiled at Jaranda's reference to her uncle as stubborn and old-fashioned. Despite the choice of words, she felt that there was a real affection between niece and uncle. "Well, stubborn and old-fashioned he may be, but what he contributed to the debate made a lot of sense regarding the problem with orcs in the sherian countryside," she replied. "It was a pity that others had opposing views." She watched Jaranda sit with careful observation, again wondering at how women became involved in the military. Yet if it was a family tradition to seek a military living then perhaps it was not so peculiar. Then Altysa referred to Nell's unusual situation in coming to Narim with a military escort and Nell had to laugh at the way she phrased it.

"Under guard!" Nell replied, smiling as she repeated the phrase, "Oh goodness, no! Not under guard, but merely being escorted through the Sherian countryside ..." Smiling warmly, Nell tilted her head and shrugged her shoulders. "It can be a dangerous journey, I hear. Although I didn't request the escort, I think once my plans were known to come here, it was thought best that I had some protection on the way." She paused, wondering how much was know of the affairs of Taralon within Narim. Of course they would know that the governorship was being held temporarily by Lady Sarah du'Galle - but did they know of the search for the children of the late Governor Adam du'Galle. "I spoke to Her Excellency Governess du'Galle about my trip here and within a brightening or so I was informed about the escort," she continued, still deciding whether or not to divulge her current status within Taralon to the small party.

Taking a sip of her wine, Nell turned to Kharadmon, her eyes dancing brightly as she looked to the nimalni elf. "Perhaps you would be able to shed some light on what the orc situation's really like out there from your duties within the Wilderness Watch?" she asked, thinking this would give the soldier an opportunity to speak on a matter where he would have more knowledge than herself. Hopefully it would be of interest to Jaranda too, as her uncle Rickard had pledged the support of the Griffin Riders in patrolling the land close to Narim.

[Sarah]

Jaranda chuckled quietly as Nell spoke, her eyes moving intently to the woman listening to her story, and nodding at intervals, as Altysa handed the griffin rider the glass of wine that had been meant to be hers, but before the woman, Jaranda could speak Altysa stood, and with a gracious bow to all three of her guests she spoke.
"My pardon miladies, and sir, but I'll return in a moment, please eat your food... Jaranda you can have mine if you wish, and I shall be back momentarily..." The woman then exited quietly, leaving the three alone.

"Mistress du'Galle?" Jaranda said with curiosity. "Do you mayhap have some links to the family oh such? Michum du'Galle our thane does not have much contact with others outside of formailty typically, I had always wondered in Taralons Governess had the same policy..."

The woman paused, a small faint blush crossing her usually formal cheeks, hoping she wasn't prying into Nell's personal business, so she quickly moved to change the subject, her face lighting up with curiosity at Nell's words. "You have a member of the wilderness watch with you here? That certainly would be of interest... but you see Narim has not had as bad problems with the orcs... but Michum and the military have always been quick to placate the tribes in our area so close to Ire... being the city so near it, we are of createst danger in the provience does indend to start a war... but tell me what did the council debate suggest, you would know more of it that I would, I am really interested in your thought on it,"

[Nell du'Galle]

Nell followed the graceful exit of Altysa with curious eyes, wondering where she was going during their evening meal. ’Perhaps to order another setting at the table,’ the young woman mused, for Altysa had relinquished her place to the griffin rider. Picking up a spoon, Nell began to enjoy the vegetable soup, her stomach appreciating the hot food for it had been some time since she had last eaten. With amusement, Nell realised it had actually been in the early hours before dawn when she had hurriedly swallowed some bread before heading out to meet her escort to Narim. They had not stopped to eat en route due to the heavy rains that had broken over them soon into their journey. Therefore with each mouthful of the soup, Nell could feel the satisfaction of having an appetite slowly sated. Between a dipping of the spoon into the soup dish, she smiled at Jaranda’s question regarding the Governess of the province.

“Her excellency is not one to shy away from public contact, although she is very busy in her work. She is located at the Grand Council in Taralon which is open to the general populace and an appointment to see her is easily made,” she answered warmly. “Indeed I was able to see Lady Sarah without an appointment by calling early in the morning. But I was initially introduced to the Governess through a friend in common, Amelle du’Rhionne. I gather she is an old acquaintance of the du’Galle house.”

“As for the council debate …” Nell considered the meeting she had been fortunate to witness, “Nothing definite in terms of a course of action was agreed. I believe there will be further discussion of the ideas brought forward. Your uncle pledged support on behalf of Narim regarding patrolling the wilderness close to the city. Other representatives were … more vocal in terms of aggressive action. In particular the representative from Vers, her name escapes me presently, but she was keen to pre-empt further Orc attacks. But it seemed to me that before any action can be taken in that respect, the motive behind the attacks needs to be discovered.”

Taking another spoonful of soup, Nell picked up on the reference to Michum du'Galle, such a man being a natural curiosity for the young woman. "So your Thane has little contact with the people of Narim? Does he rely on advisors to learn what is happening in his city, do you know?"

[Sarah]

Jaranda listened carefully, her eyes cast down as she heard Nell's words in relation to the council, and a small frown tweaked on her lips at the mention of the Vers representitive. "Yes Vers has always been a little to hastey in my eyes... the ideas and principals of Narim and Vers are on differing ends of the scale when it comes to politics and such things like that, where Taralon seems to waver constantly." The woman was of course making reference to the current situation of the so called Emperor Julos and Audrey, though Jaranda gave Nell a side long look, her hazel eyes questioning if she got her real meaning before moving on to talk of Michum.

"The thane learns from what goes on in this city by many a spy and advisor that he has lurking in all the important places of the town, and in some of the not so imporantant. He makes sure that people owe him things..." She lowered her voice then, lkeaning over closer to Nell so she could whisper but still be heard. "Let's just say our Mistress Altysa, while I am one of her dearest friends and the nicest of women, I would not trust saying anything of imporatnce to her, as the Finn got up a lot quickly than anyone expected, and let me just say that Altysa owes him a lot mpore than just the occasional sharing of his bed,"

[Kharadmon Darkhand]

OOC: sorry quick post while at work.

Kharadmon listened intently without any knowledge of what the two women were discussing.He was grateful that there had been no pause for him to talk of the Watch as what did he know?He was new in every sense of the the word to the watch this being only his second mission and Senera would be a far better source of information than he would.
Instead Kharadmon enjoyed the delicious soup and for the time being listened intently still none the wiser as to the real reason Nell was here.