The servant merely nods as Cythera recites the titles. Ben takes off his weaponry, he quietly whispers,
“Thank you.” During her disarmament, Cythera can hear fragments of several conversations in the main room. While the subjects range the typical gamut to be heard during a party, the names “Gabbiano” and “Boraga” keep being mentioned in tones of mischievous – and perhaps even malicious – glee. Cythera is unfamiliar with Gabbiano, but recognizes Boraga as a di Sanguigno family. House Boraga is the patron of the Miner’s and Quarrier’s Guild, and has a very dark reputation.
The servant ushers Ben and Cythera into the main room.
“Announcing my lord Most Benevolent Seeker of Untold Bounties of Esoteric Knowledge in Service of the Greater Glory of Our Lord Serroth the Wondrous Bearer of the Thirsting Pick Upon the Holy Field of Battle and the Slayer of the Unrighteous and the Cowardly, and his companion my lady Cythera e'Kiernan, descendent of Lord Morrolan and e'Vargach mrith Sveargith.” Despite his condescending attitude, the servant is apparently quite capable when it comes to remembering names – he would have to be, given that his duties include announcing some very elaborately titled nobles on a regular basis.
The guests at the party are all sumptuously dressed and are mingling and conversing as party guests generally do. A string quartet plays unobtrusive chamber music, and servants glide through the crowd bearing trays of expensive hors d’oeuvres and wine.
Near the center of the room, Cythera sees an attractive woman dressed in a tight, elaborate black outfit at the center of a cluster of young men vying for her attention. It’s rather easy to recognize her as Cicci Boraga, one of the heirs of House Boraga. Cicci is well-known as a premier duelist, and the rapier she wears is obviously more functional than decorative. She also has a reputation for excessive viciousness: many supposedly non-lethal duels have ended with her opponents dead.
Enza Furros is also not hard to pick out: he’s clad in a simple red tunic, and has dressed (rather outrageously) in trousers instead of hose. He too is at the center of a cluster of men vying for his attention, although these men appear to be merchants and have business rather than courtship on their minds. Furros wears a sour expression, and is clearly not particularly happy to be here. As Ben is introduced, Furros looks up and grimaces, then shoots a brief glare across the room toward Dame Forenicci.
The dame smiles wickedly at Furros and then sweeps toward the door.
“Benevolent, my dear boy! I’m so overjoyed that you’ve come! And for a country boy, you've certainly mastered 'fashionably late,' you rascal.” She offers her hand to Ben.
“My lady,” he says, bowing and kissing her hand with only a small amount of awkwardness.
“Quite the ladykiller you are, Sir Benevolent,” she chuckles, causing Ben to redden slightly.
“And who is your lovely companion? Cythera, was it? If Benevolent had remembered his manners, he would have introduced me as Dame Emiliana Forenicci of the house Forenicci, but you can call me Emi, dear. Everyone does. An interesting choice of attire, Lady Cythera,” her tone indicating that she’s rather pleased with the ensemble.
“Not that I would have ever been able to fit into anything of that sort, even in my younger days. This bosom and … et cetera …” she says, indicating her waistline,
“has always been, shall we say, rather ample.” She snickers as the discussion causes Ben to redden further.
The dame’s eyes twinkle as she takes Ben’s arm.
“But I’m keeping you from the party, Benevolent! Come, let me introduce you to some of the guests. Is there anyone in particular you’d like to meet?”
..
Emiliana Forenicci ..........
Cicci Boraga ............
Enza Furros .........
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Cythera e'Kiernan
