[LPF] Escort Service

[perrinmiller]

Cythera e'Kiernan, Bronze Dragon Disciple

Cythera is nonplussed about Gabbiano's reluctance, "If she wishes to play in the game, she must buy a ticket and therefore accept the results. That is not an assassination, it is her choice. Lord Gabbiano, I believe she is a killer at heart and will do the same."

"But, if she wishes, I will accept a duel that will not be to the death and whack her upside the head with the flat of my sword. I could then put her over my knee and spank her like a child, perhaps?"

"That would be sufficient to embarrass her, I should think. She either refuses my terms and backs down. Or, she faces me and I end up knocking her out."

She inspects the rapier with an appraising eye. During which she continues, "Abbandando's supposed goal to eliminate his rival, will likely be satisfied by just embarrassing Cicci as well. I would doubt that he will want to see her killed in a duel. It is probably best to play them off each other somehow and get them both in the same scheme."

"Shall we go meet the popinjay? I am sure he will find me interesting and possibly a challenge." The bronze dragon disciple doesn't move from the balcony yet, letting Lord Gabbiano decide if they need the privacy yet.

Appraise (1d20+2=15) - for the rapier's value

[sblock=Mini Stats]Initiative: +4
AC: 22 (19 flat-footed, 14 Touch)
HP: 54 Current: 54
CMB: +8 CMD: 22 (23 vs. Sundering) Fort: +5 Reflex: +6 Will: +5 (+1 with Resistance)
Conditions in Effect: Arcane Strike (+1 dmg), Power Attack (-2 Att/+6 dmg), Furious Focus (no penalty for 1st PA), Overhand Chop

Current Weapon in Hand: Wine goblet
Chakram: 8/8 Claws: 4/5 rounds remaining

Battle Dance: 8/8 Rounds Remaining
Spells Remaining: Cantrips: (Read Magic, Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Prestidigitation)
1st Level 3/3 (Cure Light Wounds, Timely Inspiration, Grease(DC13))[/sblock]___________________________

Cythera e'Kiernan

 

[Systole]

"There's no doubt that she's a killer, my lady. But that's the difference between her house and mine. There will be a day when she finally runs out of grace and luck, and on that day, I will shed no tears for her. But for the honor of my house, I would not have her blood on my hands."​

Ben shrugs. "I agree with my guardian, my lord. If Cicci Boraga chooses to wage war, then she should be prepared for the consequences."​

Lord Gabbiano sighs. "Then perhaps it is I who is unprepared for the consequences of war. But my decision stands."​

"Regarding Abbandando, there is little love lost between the Boraga children. You'll likely find him receptive to a scheme that would embarrass Cicci, and vice versa. Assuming, of course, that their sibling's failure will not reflect badly on House Boraga and that their own role will not be made public. I'm afraid I cannot introduce you, however. It would be deeply suspicious, at best. He would be immediately on guard."

Lord Gabbiano motions Cythera into the shadows near a window, where bright lighting inside means that she and Ben can see in, but the partygoers cannot see out. "There, in the white ruffled shirt and dark jacket. If you wish to engage him, I warn you: do not be fooled by his youth."


[sblock=GM]Without actually handling it, it's tough to say exactly. Best guess is in the 1000-1500g range.[/sblock]

.. Benevolent Seeker .. Umberto Gabbiano ... Abbandando Boraga..

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[perrinmiller]

Cythera e'Kiernan, Bronze Dragon Disciple

Cythera takes a peek at the popinjay and comments softly, "I appreciate the advice. Thank you."

"Ben, I think we shall arrange a casual meeting with him to see how he reacts. I am not much of an actor, but playing a woman might be all the skill I need."

She gives the young cleric a wink after stating the obvious about her gender. Instead of heading to see Abbandando straight away, she bids Lord Gabbiano farewell and escorts Ben to drop off her rapier first.

[sblock=Mini Stats]Initiative: +4
AC: 22 (19 flat-footed, 14 Touch)
HP: 54 Current: 54
CMB: +8 CMD: 22 (23 vs. Sundering) Fort: +5 Reflex: +6 Will: +5 (+1 with Resistance)
Conditions in Effect: Arcane Strike (+1 dmg), Power Attack (-2 Att/+6 dmg), Furious Focus (no penalty for 1st PA), Overhand Chop

Current Weapon in Hand: Wine goblet
Chakram: 8/8 Claws: 4/5 rounds remaining

Battle Dance: 8/8 Rounds Remaining
Spells Remaining: Cantrips: (Read Magic, Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Prestidigitation)
1st Level 3/3 (Cure Light Wounds, Timely Inspiration, Grease(DC13))[/sblock]___________________________

Cythera e'Kiernan

 

[Systole]

No one seems to pay much attention as Cythera and Ben slip back into the party. Cicci remains at the center of her knot of male admirers. Abbandando reclines on a couch across the room, a glass of wine in his hand. He watches the party disinterestedly while a thin, attractive young blonde woman sits nearby, occasionally making a brief remark and receiving a one or two word response from the young lord.

Dame Forenicci has linked arms with Enza Furros and is happily chattering at him, to his clear dismay. Signor Franco and several other merchants with similar physiques have clustered by the doorway to the kitchen and are busy emptying the servants platters before they get three steps into the room. When Lord Gabbiano enters a few minutes later, he makes his way over to them, presumably to discuss business. Both Abbandando and Cicci watch the lord with predatory intent.

Ben nods at Cythera. He fails to blush this time, most likely as his attention is clearly taken by Furros. "Yes, of course," he replies distractedly. "Where to?"

.. Benevolent Seeker .
.

 

[perrinmiller]

Cythera e'Kiernan, Bronze Dragon Disciple

Cythera smiles conspiratorially to Ben and comments softly, "First we keep ignoring that Furros guy. Don't give him the time of day."

"Meanwhile, we are going to go fishing for our poop-in the jay."

She uses her minor cantrip to make her breastplate sparkle a bit as it catches the light with some additional colors. And she conjures up a pleasant scent de female for the noble's benefit when she gets near.

Cythera uses some elegant and graceful dance steps, interwoven into her natural stride as she positions herself within Abbandando's line of sight as he follows Lord Gabbiano. While chattering meaninglessly with Ben, she gives her target a lingering glance and a mischievous smirk before whirling away to feign ignoring the man.

OOC: Use Prestidigitation & Take 10 on Perform (+12)

[sblock=Mini Stats]Initiative: +4
AC: 22 (19 flat-footed, 14 Touch)
HP: 54 Current: 54
CMB: +8 CMD: 22 (23 vs. Sundering) Fort: +5 Reflex: +6 Will: +5 (+1 with Resistance)
Conditions in Effect: Arcane Strike (+1 dmg), Power Attack (-2 Att/+6 dmg), Furious Focus (no penalty for 1st PA), Overhand Chop

Current Weapon in Hand: Wine goblet
Chakram: 8/8 Claws: 4/5 rounds remaining

Battle Dance: 8/8 Rounds Remaining
Spells Remaining: Cantrips: (Read Magic, Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Prestidigitation)
1st Level 3/3 (Cure Light Wounds, Timely Inspiration, Grease(DC13))[/sblock]___________________________

Cythera e'Kiernan

 

[Systole]

Abbandando's attention and interest is clearly drawn to the battle dancer. A minute or two later, his companion approaches Cythera and Ben. Her expression is slightly unfocused and her eyes are a bit vacant. It's difficult to tell whether she's under the influence of some sort of narcotic, or whether she's just not that bright. Possibly both.

"Hi, my name is Brynna?" she says, talking slowly. "We've never seen you at one of Emi's parties before? 'Dando wanted to talk to you? Maybe you could come have a drink with us?" She gestures over to the couch where Abbandando is still sitting, his expression somewhere between a smirk and a leer.

.. Benevolent Seeker .. Abbandando Boraga ........... Brynna .........

.

 

[perrinmiller]

Cythera e'Kiernan, Bronze Dragon Disciple

Cythera takes another glass of wine from the tray of a passing waiter and replies, "Good evening. I cannot say that I have been to one of these parties before."

Taking her time before answering she almost pretends that she did not hear the question for a few moments. Judging that the stoned woman was about to ask again, Cythera replies nonchalantly, "I suppose we can spare 'Dando some time. We shall be there shortly."

Not wanting the noble to think she really care about speaking to him, she casually strikes a meaningless conversation with a merchant for a few minutes first.

Then she nods to Ben that they should go talk to the popinjay.

She approaches and greets the man, "Good evening. Your friend said you wished to entertain me and my friend."

[sblock=Mini Stats]Initiative: +4
AC: 22 (19 flat-footed, 14 Touch)
HP: 54 Current: 54
CMB: +8 CMD: 22 (23 vs. Sundering) Fort: +5 Reflex: +6 Will: +5 (+1 with Resistance)
Conditions in Effect: Arcane Strike (+1 dmg), Power Attack (-2 Att/+6 dmg), Furious Focus (no penalty for 1st PA), Overhand Chop

Current Weapon in Hand: Wine goblet
Chakram: 8/8 Claws: 4/5 rounds remaining

Battle Dance: 8/8 Rounds Remaining
Spells Remaining: Cantrips: (Read Magic, Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Prestidigitation)
1st Level 3/3 (Cure Light Wounds, Timely Inspiration, Grease(DC13))[/sblock]___________________________

Cythera e'Kiernan

 

[Systole]

Abbandando doesn't rise from the couch, but he does greet the pair -- or at least Cythera -- with a mostly friendly leer. "I'd be more than happy to entertain you any time, my lady," he says, without bothering to glance at Ben. "You had a bit of an altercation with my sister earlier, I noticed. I'll understand if she wasn't to your liking. She's an ... acquired taste. Care for a seat? Ryssa, go fetch some wine for us. Take the farmer with you."

Brynna blinks slowly. "Brynna? My name's Brynna?" she says.

Abbandando waves the correction off. "Rynna, Ryssa, whatever. I'll have a glass of white."

Brynna stands up and looks uncertainly to Ben, clearly struggling to form a coherent thought.

.. Benevolent Seeker .. Abbandando Boraga ........... Brynna .........

.

 

[perrinmiller]

Cythera e'Kiernan, Bronze Dragon Disciple

Cythera glances at Ben and winks to disarm his potential ire at being sent away and thought a hayseed.

"I will have to pass on sitting on your couch, for obvious reasons." She gestures at the large sword strapped to her back that would get in the way of her lounging on the couch. Instead she sits on a low-backed chaise lounge chair where she can recline on her side against the arm rest.

Casually, Cythera replies about Cicci, "Your sister? Oh, you mean the one who likes to play with her rapier. She was of no concern to me."

"My companion needs to stay with me. I am his escort and cannot stay without him. Ben, go ahead and sit here."

Curling her legs under her, she makes room for the cleric to sit on the foot of the lounger. She gives the noble a mischievous smile, "If I might say, you don't exactly look like you are enjoying yourself. Even with your sibling in attendance, no?"

She doesn't pay much attention to the stoned girl as she goes to fetch more wine.

Diplomacy (1d20+6=20)

[sblock=Mini Stats]Initiative: +4
AC: 22 (19 flat-footed, 14 Touch)
HP: 54 Current: 54
CMB: +8 CMD: 22 (23 vs. Sundering) Fort: +5 Reflex: +6 Will: +5 (+1 with Resistance)
Conditions in Effect: Arcane Strike (+1 dmg), Power Attack (-2 Att/+6 dmg), Furious Focus (no penalty for 1st PA), Overhand Chop

Current Weapon in Hand: Wine goblet
Chakram: 8/8 Claws: 4/5 rounds remaining

Battle Dance: 8/8 Rounds Remaining
Spells Remaining: Cantrips: (Read Magic, Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Prestidigitation)
1st Level 3/3 (Cure Light Wounds, Timely Inspiration, Grease(DC13))[/sblock]___________________________

Cythera e'Kiernan

 

[Systole]

Ben ignores Abbandando and sits on the chaise without saying a word. The priest doesn't seem to be having the same reaction to the young lord as he did to Cicci.

Brynna looks back and forth between Ben and Abbandando several times before finally going off to search for wine. Abbandando smirks at the seating arrangements but continues to ignore Ben. "You could take the sword off, you know. Or are you afraid I'll bite? If you wanted, we could ask Ryssa to watch over your farmboy. I'm sure he'd be fine."

As Cythera mentions enjoying himself, Abbandando's eyes involuntarily flick to Gabbiano. "Not yet, no. The evening's entertainment has not yet begun in earnest, and my sister, as you've obviously noticed, is rather boorish. I get quite enough of her back at the estate. Why, is there an activity you'd like to propose?"

.. Benevolent Seeker .. Abbandando Boraga ..
.