[Phase 4] The First Step [Laena & Thaddeus]

Laena flushes lightly and looks down briefly bashfully at the compliment. Even if it was not heartfelt, having a handsome man flatter her looks pleased her. "I understand all too well how the right words reaching the right people can have a grander influence than simply one more sword on the battlefield." She looks back up with an overly-innocent look. "And there are always uses for a man skilled with his hands." She lets the innuendo hang in the air for a moment before continuing. "Have you tried painting, for instance?" Only the hint of humour in her voice confirms the teasing as intentional.


Objective: Charm
ID: 13
DR: 3 (Amiable) - due to Attractive
Composure: 12/12

15 does indeed fail vs my Will

First Step - R1 - Charm - TN14: 6d6k4+3+1 23 Nearly 3 DoS! Strong start. But only 2. 8 Influence - 2 = 6 Composure damage.
+3 from Graceful, +1 from Disposition

A hint of a smile tugs at the edges of Laena's lips. "Ohhh, sadly I've never had much of a talent for art. I do have a few small interests outside of art, though - playing cards, reading, manipulating the fate of kingdoms from behind the scenes." She says all three with the same casual tone. "There's a big contest in that last one coming up. An overly-fancy piece of jewelery and an uncomfortable chair to the winner. Or their champion, at least." Always a risk, but she suspects he might appreciate the irreverent approach.

She pulls a sour face. "Still, I'm sure we both would appreciate a break from that particular subject, for now. It's seemingly all anyone wants to talk about, so let's not be boring and follow the herd. Plenty of time for that later.  Instead... hmm.. tell me who came on your arm?" She leans in slightly, a teasing smile on her face. "And who might you have preferred? The Seastar doesn't count - too obvious a choice."

---

Oof! Barring some incredibly lucky rolls, I think that's me done.

Objective: Charm
ID: 13
DR: 3 (Amiable) - due to Attractive
Composure: 3/12

First Step - R2 - Charm - TN14: 6d6k4+3+1 25 ...Talking of incredibly lucky rolls! 3 DoS. 12 Influence - 2 = 10 composure damage! Still in this!

Thaddeus listens intently before he breaks into a very genuine if short laugh. His face turns more serious for a moment and his voice lowers a half step. "Spoken like a dragon my lady."


A large smile returns to his face and his voice regains its normal volume. "I feel confident my lady neither of us need fear falling prey to the mundane expectations of the Reach. With me you say, oh I am certain she was quite noble and quite charming...who I may have preferred though hmmn" Slight pause, perhaps some internal consideration before he continues. "Well while I'm quite content with present company, it may not surprise you to know I'm to learn more of some of your sisters? I'm to look to my future it seems, and my father has many thoughts on the subject."


Objective Charm
ID: 12(14-2 from Frustration)
DR 2(Amiable with Courteous but Friendly DR now)
Composure: 3/15 (-1 after Rd 2 Charm, +4 from Frustration taken)
(+3 LC to Influence Rolls, Composure, ID)

First Step- Rd2-Charm: 6d6r1k4+3+1 21 2 DoS 8 Influence - 3 = 5 Composure damage.

(Funny how when you take Attractive, 2's become the new 1...ie why couldn't those 2's have been a 1 and rerolled! Also I dodged that a bit in reference to present company as I don't have enough OOC grasp yet on all the currently eligible ladies...its an in progress catchup activity. Let me know if I made any error on the frusteration/composure.)

(Edited/Updated last bit of previous response per discussion-removes some dodge, adds some story relevance but keeps options open as I compile my list of Thaddeus options)

(Conceded! and +2 disposition generously accepted and the primary target for Thaddeus here anyway along with a non intrigue followup at the conclusion of the exchange. May extend another few exchanges  before final closure)

He listens intently at her words, nodding slightly at times as a scholar might follow a Maester's lecture. No change shows in his demeanor as any reference to House Levalle or his father could be noted. Though at times it was tedious, in this case if few others, he did believe it to be a more a factual assessment rather than any slight.

“He does my lady, on some we agree and well we would not be the first son and father to disagree from time to time. However from my vantage, your steps have been well-measured both in stride and pace. I would endeavor to say they even leave a partner in a position to perhaps put their own best foot forward. I appreciate your insights on your sisters and will give them deep consideration. Would you possibly have any other eligible friends or ladies that you might recommend to my attention?”


He gathers his most winning smile before continuing further.

“And please if I can be of use in your own related invested pursuits, do let me know. We may have less friends than some but we do have diverse interests both economic and otherwise. Along with often I find...a more willing and winning disposition.”



(If you have any other initial thoughts on options, he will graciously take them with thanks...as I personally find them helpful to flush out options/notes on the list I'm working on.)

Objective Charm
ID: 6(14-8 from Frustration)
DR 2(Amiable with Courteous but Friendly DR now)
Composure: -3/15 (-1 after Rd 2 Charm, +4 from Frustration taken)
Frustration Taken: 4/4
(+3 LC to Influence Rolls, Composure, ID)
Conceded- +1D to next intrigue for Lady Laena, +2 disposition to both parties

As she drifts into her thoughts, he effortlessly navigates them across the floor awaiting her response.


"That is both remarkable and interesting on Lord Roxton and his daughters. I thank the lady for both her time and thoughts." It was very interesting, uncertain if it would be useful but most definitely interesting.

He nods in return, seemly pleased with both the smile and words. After a brief moment, he puts an exaggerated resigned look on his face.

"My lady I fear it would be ungentlemanly for me to monopolize your time any further, with so many other great noble Sers present and no doubt growing jealous with envy. I would however share a recommendation of a tailor near the harbor here of which I had a most engaging discussion on the virtues of various styles, cuts, fabrics, and ornamentation of Westeros style compared to the Free Cities..." 

He lets out a short laugh as he catches himself blathering on a topic likely to bore his partner than not.

" My Lady I apologize as I certainly digress but in summation I found his goods quite pleasing and a pleasant surprise. Why there was even one pair of gloves, I was certain the Smith had crafted just for me with the Father's blessing. I feel confident you could find something similarly suited should you browse his wares."

As the current melody appears to extend for a few lingering moments before reaching its conclusion, he offer his regards before scanning the room for his next partner.

"I bid you enjoy your evening Lady Pyre. Till next we meet."

(Close from Thaddeus's side on this engagement. If the lady continues to the noted tailor's shop there would be a small post or pm for flavor/fun)

A number of staff, likely other merchants and customers are milling around the shop. Some travel in and out of the backroom to the front displays. One in particular notes her arrival before deftly departing on other business.

First Step-Conclusion Deception(Disguise): 6d6k4 18

Note(It should be noted the penmanship is superb which is at contrast with the messy illegible signature present at the bottom):

Patron-
I appreciate your recent evaluation of my business prospects. Know your words carry value in my establishment and any other recommendations in regards to my current/future business endeavors or trends in the region would be welcomed. There would be value to my shop to ensure we are aware of the latest fashions and could ensure our valued clientele would be properly dressed for each occasion. I hope you will keep my establishment in mind for any future routine or custom orders that you might require. In the event that your order was not as pleasing to you as hoped, please send word and I will gladly ensure a suitable replacement is provided.

Master XXXXXX(illegible signature)

Wrapped Bundle with 3 items:
1) Small bottle of superior scents from Lys(essentially an expensive women's perfume. Primarily would be flavor but perhaps there could be an opportunity for refined/wealthy NPCs to notice if worn and either be impressed or jealous depending on their natures if Father would find it suitable) ~1000 SS
2) Essentially a red dress(nobles garb) for a young girl, estimated in size as much as possible to your daughter's known age. The quality is a about mid tier for nobles but with more add on additional flourishes/accents than typically expected for that level. A small layered touch of myrish lace on the collar adds ornamentation. ~400ss
3) Essentially nobles outfit for a young boy, estimated in size as much as possible to your son's known age. The quality is about mid tier for nobles but with more add on additional flourishes/accents than typically expected for that level. Charcoal grey with noted red flourish/accents of a similar color scheme at least to what Thaddeus wore at the event.~400ss

(The note and scents are the key items and clearly for Laena. The outfits are gifts as well but also a plausible cover for Laena to have visited the tailor shop to begin with).