Re: [2.02] The Grand Ceremony
The Inquisitor seems more than lost at the mayor's segue from concern over the possible assassination of his allies to concern over his re-election. Politics is the one aspect of civilization for which Dominique has no love, and as he quietly excuses himself from the topic he offers Kael an empathetic and apologetic pat on the shoulder. He quietly makes his way through the hall, beginning to dwell on his discomfort--he had always been a man of action enforcing laws and contracts and digging out scoundrels and deal-breakers. But now that he's the one making deals he sees that it is no wonder he had no shortage of work throughout his life--half of the people here seemed to already be scoundrels and every deal was an exercise in placating and manipulating grand egos. It would be a wonder if any of these contracts were kept--especially with a civil war looming on the horizon. And how could their young nation survive it? His displeasure is already showing even before he crosses paths with Elena, who seems to be spending her time cavorting with a murderous cultist and scoundrel, and soon it contorts to a scowl wholly unbefitting of a diplomat.
After crossing paths with a servant making the rounds to refill guests' goblets of wine, the sour Inquisitor takes the pitcher from the poor man and begins to wash the taste of this evening from his mouth. Finally with enough, or perhaps too much, wine in his belly, Dominique seeks out and unceremoniously plops down into a seat near Lady Gisvet and begins to speak his mind, "Lady Gisvet, pardon my frankness, but I have a problem I may need your help with. I have no mind for politics or back-room dealing, but what I do know is war. And make no mistake, war is brewing right here in this hall. Already we have nobles and politicians drawing lines in the dirt and refusing to deal with their newest neighbor if that neighbor deals with their cousin. Our nation, our venture, bringing civilization and hope to the wilds, could never survive being caught in the middle of someone else's war. I've tried reasoning with my allies, pleading with them, cautioning them against choosing sides in this ... but I'm afraid their loyalty to the Restov Aldori is too great. And for what? Nearly getting us assassinated in our sleep? Twice!" He shakes his head in disbelief and takes another swig from his pitcher before continuing, "The only hopes I can come up with, conflicting as they may be, is that a strong, reasonable ally, like you and your fellows, could help sway them towards staying out of the conflict, or, if it can be managed, join with us in suing for a peaceful end to this conflict." He sets the pitcher down and sighs, looking off into nothing, as the wine and confession grant him some degree of catharsis.
22:19, Today: Dominique Telvari rolled 20 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 10. Influence Attitude, Lady Gisvet.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:21, Thu 09 Sept 2021.