As soon as the food was laid out in front of her Carmella's handmaidens went to work, each reaching for different meats and side dishes as they filled their Mistress's plate for her before one raised her chalice and the other pulled a nearby flagon closer and began to pour.

Skewering the meat carefully on her fork Carmella surreptitiously reached inside her bodice and pulled out a small vial, using the eyedropper contained within to dap a droplet of some unknown liquid onto the foodstuff before watching it with wary suspicion. As the droplet turned a bright blue Carmella smiled with satisfaction and stuffed the meat into her mouth, chewing happily as she savoured the juices running over her tongue.

Raising her chalice high the Laurensi lady looked over at the [b]Lord Chancellor[/b] with a gesture of great respect. [color=fff79a]"A fine meal you serve for us this my, my Lord,"[/color] She called out over the rising murmur of conversation beginning to fill the hall. [color=fff79a]"May I enquire where you obtained such succulent boar flesh? I'm certain the purveyor would benefit greatly from the opportunity to expand their consumer base."[/color] The thought of becoming a leading player in the distribution and sale of such high quality produce made Carmella's heart race for a moment as she awaited a response, her eyes darting over the gathered councillors calculating their worth as she did.