Fallen Empire

[yendor]

Malone smiles, both for what's going on under the table, and what's developing above. "A servant? That's not what her gesture says to me. If anything, it shows she's willing to share with her fellow dinner companions. I for one can do without a portion of mine so Pike can have some."

[thorley]

Bellephoebe raises an eyebrow and says "Oh I see." Not much liking that Pike is being messed with, no matter how well intentioned Bellephoebe says "I don't see why anyone should give up their dinner. Why don't we all give a little bit off of our plates and then everyone can have some". Bellephoebe will put some of her food onto Pike's plate (from the previous course).

While she doesn't see the footsies going on under the table (obviously) she can make an educated guess about Lily and Malone, and wonders if Malone has considered that the cantidates are probably expected to save themselves for their husbands. Lily's behavior could just be her trying to get an edge, but could also be seen more suspiciously given the overall scope of this investigation depending how out of place it actually is.

The testing at the table also irks Bellephoebe a bit, not just because she likes Pike, but also because it makes her wonder if everyone has gotten to caught up in trying to seriously play matchmaker that they aren't seriously investigating (she doesn't know about the chemicals yet, and she herself has come up empty poking around). Everything else aside, Belle figures she's never going to have to make an official recommendation since at the end of the day she doesn't even know Talon that well, never mind really being one of his "trusted advisors", heck the guy rubs her the wrong way.

[albatross]

Celeste realizes that both Malone and Bellephoebe feel that sharing is best and she waves her hand and the other candidates each share a piece with Pike, who looks embarassed.

The rest of the meal passes without incident, and towards the end Bellephoebe receives a message delivered from Fakir which merely says, "The roof." Written in elvish and American.

Miriam is delighted with the results, as her plan worked nearly to perfection and she leaves early hoping Malone will find her so they can discuss the results and the next test.

[yendor]

Malone politely corners Pike, takes her hand and gives it a kiss. "Don't feel embarrassed. We saw you were without, and decided we could all part with some so you could have some too." A polite smile and bow, hurries off to find Miriam.

[albatross]

As soon as Tesla is alone, sister Caterina approaches him and tells him that Talon would like to see him.

[albatross]

Pike nods, seeming comforted by Malone's words. "Thank you milord," She says quietly.

When Malone meets with Miriam, she can't resist a little good natured gloating. "Am I not a little like Solomon? Not only did we see Pike's reaction, but Claire and Celeste jumped in as well." She smiles, clearly proud her plan worked so well.

[yendor]

"Doing a fine job so far. The most your test so far will incite is a bit of discomfort, no real harm."

[thorley]

Bellephoebe will smile at Pike as dinner ends and say "I'll catch up with you later" and than discretely head up to the roof to see what Fakir wants.

[albatross]

Miriam smiles at Malone, "Yes, they aren't hurt. If anything they learned something new. And after all, the purpose of this place is education."

"So, are closer to a decision? Shall we devise a test for someone else?"

[albatross]

Pike nods at Bellephoebe's departure, and although she appears thoughtful, she seems to have recovered her good spirits a bit, with a small smile.

Up on the roof, Fakir looks out over the town. Dark rain clouds extend in all directions, but there is no lightning to be heard or seen, so the rooftop vantage does not seem unsafe.

[thorley]

"Hiya Fakir, seems like a properly dramatic meeting place with all the storm clouds brewing, but I'd prefer not to get soaked if you don't mind... what did you want... and where's Beatrix, I haven't seen her around for a while..."

[yendor]

"Who, and what do you have in mind? You know them better than I by far."

[albatross]

Fakir makes a motion with his hand and cloaked woman scales the walls, bounding up the building. Then Beatrix stands before Fakir and Bellephoebe. She looks around and seeing no natives, she steps back and removes her helmet. She is far enough away that Bellephoebe can't feel the effects of her scent unless she steps closer.

Fakir sighs, "It would be best if you did not use your powers to run up the walls dear Beatrix." Getting bunny girls to understand avoiding suspicious behavior was always a challenge.

"So there you have it. Beatrix was wandering around town, and is now here with us on the roof. Are you worried about the rain? A gentle rain can be very refreshing.... ah, anyways. How is everything going?"

[albatross]

Miriam ponders Malone's question a moment. "If we keep testing them one at a time, one of them is bound to realize what we are doing. That could influence the result. I think for the next trial we should pick something that tests all of several people at once."

"But how to do that is the tricky part... Hmmm. I have an idea. Perhaps we should organize a hunt with Sir Talon. There are birds in the prairie which are quick and difficult to hit. Hunting parties split into small groups so they don't hit each other with missed stones. You, Talon and Fakir would be too small a group for proper tactics and you don't know the hunting method. But five people would be too large a group. You can have Tesla, Bellephoebe and Catarina comprise a group as well. Invite all the candidates to the hunt. When they arrive, there will be but two who can truly accompany you, and only one who can spend the day with Talon. Then you can observe their diplomacy and kindness as they sort out who should go."

[kurff]

Oct 3, 2013 6:37:45 GMT -5 albatross said:

As soon as Tesla is alone, sister Caterina approaches him and tells him that Talon would like to see him.

"We need to keep an eye on Celeste as well. Did you see how claire reacted?" he offered quietly, "I'll see Talon and report my findings." He nodded. After some work he did when he was testing it he have a few practice and sample he was toying with to deal with the said chemical. Mostly dealing with blocking or countering the transmission of effects.

"Claire, I have a minor matter to resolve and I'll be back." then nodded to Caterina as he made his way to Talon.