[center] [b] 4 PM, Last Seed 16 Administrator's Office, Evermore Castle [/b] [/center] [hr] "Real smooth, Runner Boy." He could hear Roze's voice as clear as day; she'd no doubt find the Imperial's amateur infiltration amusing. For whatever reason he honestly didn't expect the guards to find the dagger, but then again, he only had experience with robbing small shops. Even at that he was a little rusty, however. Disregarding Sagax's skill, or lack thereof, he was still smart enough to surrender the weapon without protest, verbal and nonverbal. He didn't bother trying to offer excuses to the guards, a waste of breath honestly, but he was offered a convenient out by the aged Breton. Sagax gladly accepted his invitation, giving a courteous bow to the guards before leaving. The man's office was not sizeable, but it was very clean and well organized. Short stacks of papers were placed symmetrically on one end of the desk, with an hourglass and bust of the Duchess on the other, the bust angled perfectly to be facing directly toward whoever may be sitting at the desk. A set of cabinets on the back wall were lined with plates and vases painted with landscapes and historical figures. There were pieces with more abstract artwork, but curiously there seemed to only ever be one at a time, placed between the other articles on the shelves as if to separate them. A few paintings varying in size and content filled the wall next to the door, and a circular window took up the wall at the other end of the room, letting in more than enough light to fill the space. While he was looking around the room, Sagax saw the Breton place his dagger in a small trunk. It was clear he would not be getting that back any time soon, and he hoped Piper and the others would come through and get him his sword back. Until then, he would just need to make do with whatever he could find if something happened. Things seemed calm at this point though, so Sagax didn't worry too much. "Now, son, why don't you tell me a bit about yourself?" Time to see if you can still work your magic, Sagax. The Imperial stood straight, placing himself perfectly in the middle of the room in front of the desk. "As you have already deduced, my lord, I am Shay Cormac." He said with a bow. "I am quite far away from home, you see...I hail from Anvil, in Cyrodiil." The Breton perked up a curious eyebrow. "Anvil? My word, yes are are far from home, boy. Why in the world are you here?" he asked, placing his clasped hands together on the desk. Spin it Sagax, spin it... The Imperial looked to the ground and let out a small sigh. "That, my lord, is a long story...." Sagax cleared his throat and folded his hands behind him, standing "at ease". "You see, my lord, I am a wanderer. I come and go frequently and take jobs wherever I can find them. That is why I have so suddenly appeared on your list of servants." His expression reflecting growing curiosity, the administrator continued his questioning. "I see...yes, I suppose that makes sense. But why? Surely, I would think that if one could find a steady line of work, they would stay put. Unless..." He pondered, leaning forward slightly. "Are you on the run, boy?" "On the run...? Oh, no my lord, not at all!" Sagax responded, with an air of both shock and offense. "No no no, not on the run. In fact, I..." He paused for a mere moment, conjuring up further details of his fable in his head before putting them to word. "...I would actually be the one giving chase." "You see, my lord, the reason why I find myself always on the move is because I am searching for my family." "Your family, hm?" The man's voice maintained its tone of curiosity. It reminded Sagax of how his father would interview citizens. Impartial, but still wishing to get to the bottom of things. "What happened to your family, my boy?" "Truth be told, my lord, I have no idea. That is why I am searching for them." "You...don't know?" "No, my lord. I was very young when they disappeared, my mother, father and young cousin. I woke up one day, and they were simply...gone. That very next day I was in an orphanage, the only thing to my name being that selfsame knife you found on me." Sagax explained, gesturing to the storage trunk. "Oh, and my lord, please accept my apologies for bringing it with me...I knew full well it would not be allowed, but it's all I have. It has always been so hard to leave behind. Truth be told, this has happened before." He added sheepishly. "I see..." he finally said after several moments of pondering. "So you hope to find them by exploring the world? I doubt you have or will have much luck...I have never heard the name 'Cormac' before." "Yes, such has been my dilemma, my lord. Everywhere I go, it is as if the name 'Cormac' does not exist. I searched all over Cyrodiil, across the mountains of Skyrim, and I have even trekked through the grand cities of Morrowind. I have found nothing, however." "My my, you have had quite the journey, my boy." The administrator said as his eyes widened slightly in surprise. "I don't believe I would be able to help you myself, but I wish you luck...and I hope you are not planning on leaving us soon. As I said, we have been in need of extra hands..." Sagax smiled and bowed. "I thank you for you kind words, my lord. And do not worry, I am no lout. When I am privileged enough to find work during my search, I stay and perform my duties faithfully. Some may receive their first lot of pay and leave, but I am not one of them. "Most excellent." the Breton said while glancing at the hourglass next to him. The lower section had accumulated several inches of sand during their conversation. "Mmh, yes, about what I expected...well I believe I've kept you long enough, son. We should be receiving the majority of the guests soon, and I am certain they will be famished." "Aha...aren't they always, my lord?" "Indeed, and the Duchess knows it full well. Hm...there is still a little bit of time before the festivities start proper. The Duchess has ordered a bountiful stock of liqueurs and brews, and I would suggest you familiarize yourself with the catalogue, for I am certain some guests will have special orders." "Of course, my lord, it would not do to disappoint the Duchess' esteemed guests. I will see to it immediately." Sagax said with another bow. "Oh, and my lord...I do know it is a tad improper for a servant to ask a favor of the higher members of the estate, but please, see that my dagger is safe. It truly is all I have left." The administrator waved his hand. "I would not worry too much about it, as it will be perfectly safe here. Thieves do not last long unnoticed in our castle. "Thank you, my lord. My greatest gratitude to you!" He bowed again...Sagax hoped he wasn't overdoing it. "I shall see to my duties; whatever the guests wish for, they shall have it post-haste." "Very good, see that they do. This is quite the important little get-together and the Duchess would hate for anyone to leave dissatisfied." The administrator then took out a small book from his breast pocket and began scribbling on its pages. "Spoke with one Shay Cormac...approximately fiteen minutes...keepsake confiscated and locked in storage..." He muttered to himself before stowing the book away and looking back up to Sagax. "You are dismissed, Cormac. I also must see to my duties. So many lists, so many names, so little time..." Sagax bowed and took his leave while the administrator rejoined the guards. "Master Delacourt." One spoke, handing him a list of servants that had yet to check in. [hr] [center] [b] 5:45 PM, Last Seed 16 Royal Garden, Evermore Castle [/b] [/center] [hr] The amicable Shay Cormac made his way through the crowds, plate of beverages balanced expertly on the flat of his palm. Of all the servants on the grounds, he was confident that he was the swiftest; he even had to refill his tray twice. Shay first delivered drinks to his compatriots, but sadly he had no news other than the Duchess' varied selections of wines in the castle cellar to deliver to Gustav. Of course, he also served the other guests in hopes of overhearing any juicy gossip. He was ever friendly, but he also made sure to not be intrusive; the only thing worse than a thirsty noble was an annoyed one. Shay spoke his niceties and compliments, and then went on his way. Eavesdropping, unfortunately, did not bring light to anything interesting. Mostly comments on the entertainment of the party and politics from their homelands. There was certainly conspiratorial talk, but none that pertained to the threat he and the others were hired to intervene against. Shay could see no omens of an attack, and all seemed to be calm. However, the night was young, and anything could happen. It was hard to speak for Shay, but if any proved foolish enough to assault anyone within the castle, Sagax was going to be ready. They would be eliminated...through deadly force if necessary.