Romero

🦄 Machiavellian Masquerade - Chapter 1

Justice Cobalt

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Location: Shadowell Manor: Billiards Room
Skills: Charisma
Hit Points: 6
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Cobalt almost sighed with relief. Finally, she at least seemed to warming to him, and he had a name. In truth, she really wasn't much to look at, the cold look in her eyes never fading. Although he could hardly be one to judge, for all she knew, beneath his mask was nothing but the mangled remains of a face, burnt away in some horrific accident. Pushing his advantage while he had it, Cobalt nodded his head slightly.

"A pleasure to meet you, Jane. I'm merely looking for conversation to while away the cold night. If I'm to be a guest here, I thought it best to get a feel for the house. Tell me, is there anything I should look out for during my wanderings?"

Jane looked around a bit before heading to the door and peeking down the hallway. Once she was sure it was clear she closed it slowly and turned back to Justice Cobalt. "Don't be going wanderin' if you value yer life sir. People rounds here don't be takin' kindly to y'all bein' here, ain't be safe."

Cobalt watched Jane as she moved to door, his smile fading slightly at her warning. He took a step closer to the servant, his voice low as he spoke, wary in case anyone was listening.

"You've done me a service I won't soon forget, Jane. Are there others who work here that I can talk to, that you trust?"

Jane spoke quickly again, before opening the door again and looking down the hallway in each direction. Turning she looked at the man before rushing back towards the fire and stoking it some more with the poker.

Cobalt bowed his head slightly, moving to the door himself as he did so, sensing that he had distressed the young woman enough already, and learnt everything he could from her.

"I won't trouble you any further, Jane. Thank you"

Pro Patria Mori - A Tale of Sailships and Muskets (Still Recruiting)

"If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud. Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, my friend, you would not tell with such high zest to children ardent for some desperate glory, the old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est Pro patria mori." -Wilfred Owen

Spring of 1801

2nd of January

The results of the elections that have been sweeping across The Three City's Republic of Ianian are finalized. The two major power blocks of the Republic, the currently in power New Power coalition, and the Old Freedom Coalition, have been locking horns for months. Despite the problems in the colony of Linia, and the increasing tension with the newly formed Continental Alliance, Ianian has enjoyed a period of great power and influence, and the Old Freedom's push for neutrality and non-intervention is struggling to hold strength in the face of the boiling conflicts threatening to erupt across Europe. Of the 118 seats available, New Power wins 77 of them, including most of the newly appointed seats for the colonies.

5th of January

The Three City's Republic of Ianian sends a diplomatic party to The Naziim Caliphate. Although few have high hopes following the reported failure of the similar expedition by The Empire of Attolia, the diplomats of the Republic find a slightly different Caliphate awaiting them. Using their relations with The Akkadian Empire, they can at least make some headway with the language barrier, and are also granted audience with Caliph Aarif al-Naziim. Some uniting force has been bringing the scattered tribes together, the name Majdi al-Selim being whispered. The Caliph reveals that he has felt his power slipping through his fingers, and that he is not the man to talk to about relations with the Caliphate any longer. But he cannot grant audience with al-Selim, and he admits that in truth, he doesn't even know if the man really exists.

9th of January

With one army bloodied by defeat at the Siege of Batko, another force of The Kingdom of Vendsyssel pushes across the border into the province of Animara. With The Kingdom of Claidor having committed a sizable portion of it's forces under the leadership of The Empire of Rubrus, they are poorly equipped to defend against this move. The garrisons of the cities of Animara dig in.

11th of January

The Kingdom of Aontas continues it's dogged recruitment of Marines, swelling their ranks even further. It is clear that whatever war they intend to wage, it will not be one of clashing great armies.

14th of January

No doubt in direct response to the increasingly aggressive actions of The Kingdom of Ubren, The Empire of Attolia begins an extensive recruitment drive, the rhetoric calling upon the people of Attolia to rise up and defend their lands. Despite the formidable strength of Ubren's army, people do sign up, and the Empire's army grows, war quickly becoming almost inevitable.

16th of January

Further re-enforcing it's greatest defence, The Republic of Toubres begins constructing impressive naval defences along it's coastline. It's island nature has long afforded it sanctuary from the wars that spread through Europe in the centuries past, but with these new fortifications, coupled with the Republic's exceedingly powerful navy, and reformed army, any hopes of invading Toubres and not facing obscene bloodshed, is quickly becoming a pipe dream.

17th of January

The Three City's Republic of Ianian passes the 'University Act'. The goal is to create new, public universities across the Three City's. The move is welcomed, and the universities will no doubt be well attended once they are constructed, although it will still only be the rich that can afford to abandon their jobs and walk through the doors.

21st of January

Facing dissension in the face of war, The Empire of Attolia attempts to raise morale through the announcement of a string of festivals and military parades, all across Attolia. The celebrations are intended to focus around the founding of the Empire, and it's prestige, and will be attended by none other than the Emperor himself. The festivities quickly prove to be a popular, if expensive, distraction.

23rd of January

Although few fully grasp how it has happened, The Eternal Hadeen of Dashkatar too has fallen under the influence of Majdi al-Selim, or at least of the promise of the man. Although the rulers of the Eternal Hadeen still hold their power, they are under no illusions that if they go against the wishes of the by now mythical figure, they will be dragged from their beds and slaughtered on the streets by the fanatically devout followers. With reports coming from the west that The Naziim Caliphate is also now effectively under al'Selim's control, it is clear that the man, or at least the idea of him, has managed to unite a single Hijeen state under his control in a matter of months.

24th of January

The fleets of The Kingdom of Aontas maneuver so that they create a stranglehold around the newly conquered coastline of The Kingdom of Ubren. Intended to cut off trade, in truth, Ubren has had a coastline for such a short time that they are yet to develop any significant trade routes, but the fleets do serve to quickly cripple the burgeoning fishing industry. This is a clear sign of intent that Aontas intends to weigh in on the approaching conflict between Ubren and The Empire of Attolia. It appears Aontas has not learnt it's lesson.

26th of January

The northern gunsmith of The Kingdom of Aontas, a man by the name of Georg Aaberg, receives extensive funding from the Kingdom itself, and the new design, nicknamed the 'Aaberg Musket', is quickly mass-produced, and distributed to the waiting hands of the Aontas military. By far the most advanced weapon of it's kind, it may well prove to be a very useful tool in the coming conflicts.

29th of January

The meeting of The European Trading League draws to a close. Faced with troubling times, the nations of The Three City's Republic of Ianian, The Republic of Toubres, The Echyan Empire, and The Republic of Oflua all enter into a Defensive Alliance, vowing to come to each others aid in times of war. The Akkadian Empire, that had quickly been becoming one of Ianian's closest allies, abstains from signing the new treaty, the influence of Majdi al-Selim coming into force for the first time.

🦄 Machiavellian Masquerade - Chapter 1

Justice Cobalt

≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎
Location:Shadowell Manor: Billiards Room
Skills: Charisma
Hit Points: 6
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Turning her head, there seemed to be a cruel expression on the woman's face as she was addressed, her fingers tightening around the fire poker she held. "No," she said simply.

Cobalt's eyes flickered to the make-shift weapon that she clutched, just for a instant, but he didn't let the smile fade from his face, keeping his eyes as friendly as he could manage. Any other night, and he would have read the signs and taken his leave, but danger seemed to be stalking the shadows, and he welcomed any conversation, for not at least.

"Forgive me, I didn't mean to startle you. Allow me to introduce myself. Justice Cobalt, at your service."

"Ya, you want to tend to the fire?" she asked with sarcasm before she turned and started to poke the logs, moving them to get them better in place while they burned. The fire roaring to greater life than before.

With her back turned, Cobalt frowned slightly. Certainly not the most welcoming greeting so far, but if nothing else, he wanted to at least learn the girl's name, before her icy nature fended him off. Resuming his smile again, Cobalt took a few steps closer to the fire, careful not to get too close to the apparent servant, more specifically staying out of range of the fire poker she still held, just in case she was suddenly inclined to use it as a make-shift weapon.

"I've stoked a few fires in my time, and I'm always more than willing to lend a hand. I'm afraid I didn't catch your name."

Turning, the woman smiled slightly but it didn't improve the way she looked by any stretch of the imagination. She was unremarkable to look at and there was a cruelness that did not leave her eyes. "No, I have it," she said but even though she was blunt the voice was more accommodating than it had been. "Me name is Jane," she added as she dusted off her hands on her apron. "What can I do fer ya sir?"

🦄 Machiavellian Masquerade - Chapter 1

Justice Cobalt

≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎
Location:Shadowell Manor: Joyous Corridor -> Billiards Room
Skills: Perception
Hit Points: 6
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Cobalt watched as the doctor stepped through one of the corridor's doors, presumably following after where Amaranthine had stepped through. For a moment, he considered following after him, but he abandoned the idea. His relationship with the doctor so far had been far from friendly, or even conversational, and although he was intrigued by the musician herself, it was clear that the doctor had latched his claws on, and presumably had no intention of letting anyone else get near his intended prize.

Deciding that he would keep his wandering around the Manor, so that he could at least have some sense of his surroundings if the night was to escalate further, he paused as he looked around at the doors surrounding him. Eight doors led off the corridor. One, that he had originally come through, leading back to the Music Room, the disconcerting man and his feathered companion. Another, that led through into the Red Library, and the remarkably unfriendly Librarian. A third, that the doctor and Amaranthine had stepped through, and presumably were continuing their child-like flirting. Reaching a decision, Cobalt pushed open the door opposite the one which the other two guests had already moved through.

The room beyond the door was clearly a Billiards Room. The biggest clue, unsurprisingly, was the Billiards table, that dominated most of the space. Cobalt's eyes scanned the room, but nothing of particular interest sprang out at him. or demanded his attention. A shame. There was only one thing in the room that did warrant Cobalt's attention, and that came in the form of the lanky girl standing in the corner. Thick brown hair, and dull brown eyes, she was hardly a great beauty, but seeing any woman's face after the string of masks, was surprisingly welcome. Putting on his most charming smile, Cobalt nodded in greeting, attempting to catch her eyes as he moved to lean slightly on the table.

"Good evening, ma'am. Do you play?"

🦄 Soulless Regency - Merged With T.S.

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William Fraser

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Location: Leaving Port Annan
Skills: Seduction (Court), Country Knowledge (Scotland), Country Knowledge (England)

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William sat back slightly in his seat, feeling the carriage continue to roll forwards as he listened to the occupant's as they spoke. He gritted his teeth as Egerton, swearing he could feel the sliminess of the man on his skin, but he managed to force the feeling down. Not that he didn't relish the idea of knocking Egerton down on his self-righteous backside, but for now, William would keep himself in check, at least until this tale with Millicent and Rutherford reached a hopefully exciting conclusion.

Turning his attention back to Rutherford as he spoke, raising an eyebrow slightly as a phrase caught his attention. Another remark from Egerton almost took William's hand to the hilt at his hip, but he managed to suppress it behind a smile, distracting himself as he spoke.

"Mutually beneficial? Forgive me, but I'm not sure I follow."

"Simply they are both benefiting from this little arrangement," Egerton stated with a bit of a smirk on his features. Rutherford sighed but nodded in agreement before glancing over towards Millicent as a few words slipped from her lips.

"I suppose."

At least Rutherford seemed to somewhat share in William's dislike for Egerton. Why he had the man accompany him at all was a mystery, and as William glanced over at Egerton as he spoke, he enjoyed a brief fantasy of driving his dirk through where the other man's heart presumably was. Smiling slightly at the thought, William turned back to Rutherford.

"And where is it that we are headed for the wedding? I assume that's where we're heading at least."

Rutherford leaned back and looked over towards Egerton, motioning in the man general direction as Millicent looked back out the window. "We are heading to a friends home first to freshen up. The Kirkpatrick House in Annan," Egerton answered as he scratched his chin.

"After which we will be going to Gretna Green to be wed," Rutherford chimed in and there was a visual grimace that appeared on Millicents features.

William raised an eyebrow. In truth, he was genuinely surprised. The Kirkpatrick clan, more specifically Lady Kirkpatrick, was an impressively powerful connection for the two men to have. He did his best not to react to Millicent's grimace, pretending not to have notice as he smiled.

"Certainly friends in high places!"

🦄 Machiavellian Masquerade - Chapter 1

Justice Cobalt

≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎
Location:Shadowell Manor: Red Library -> Joyous Corridor
Skills: Charisma
Hit Points: 6
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Clearly, his presence in the library was not entirely welcome. The moment in which he may have weaseled past the apparent librarians cold exterior seemed to pass before he could grasp it. Motioning wildly with his yellow-gloved hands, Cobalt was not too proud to be able to read the message loudly and clearly. He glanced around for a moment, but in truth, his appetite for the room had quickly faded. Before he could make any kind of move to leave however, a bell suddenly rang through the room. Cobalt hesitated as it echoed around the library, not once, not twice, but three times.

The librarian glanced towards the bell hanging on the room's wall, but he didn't make a move to go anywhere. If anything, Cobalt thought he could make out the shadow of a scowl at the interruption of the room's relative peace and quiet. The man's eyes moved to the door, and he dismissively waved his hand. His words, and the pointed glance at Cobalt, was all the motivation that he needed. Smiling slightly again, Cobalt nodded in farewell, although he could feel his impatience raising, and he gritted his teeth as he turned back to the door that he had only just came through.

"Forgive me for disturbing you then. Enjoy conversation with your books."

Pushing open the door, Cobalt stepped back through, taking a steadying breath as he let it close behind him. Looking around the corridor, he smirked slightly. The doctor was still there, but Amaranthine seemed to have dissapeared, no doubt stepping into one of the doors leading off the corridor. Hoping that his luck with his exploring would improve, Cobalt began to stride down the passage.

Pro Patria Mori - A Tale of Sailships and Muskets (Still Recruiting)

"If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud. Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, my friend, you would not tell with such high zest to children ardent for some desperate glory, the old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est Pro patria mori." -Wilfred Owen

Winter of 1800

1st of December

Under the pretense of 'supporting the war effort', The Empire of Rubrus raises it's tax rates. This is met with almost immediate outcry. Although the people of the Empire are keen to show their support for defending their allies, The Kingdom of Claidor, they did not envision that this support would extend to their own pockets. The vagueness of the instructions almost lead to total disaster, and it is only the bureaucracy of Rubrus that is able to stave off total chaos, and make their own decision for the increase in tax, doubling the current rate.

5th of December

Calling on their ancient, and ingrained cultural bond, The Kingdom of Ubren and The Redcliff Empire once again re-enforce their close links. Despite Ubren pushing for a full alliance, Redcliff is perhaps a touch tentative, at least for now. Perhaps concerned by Ubren's increasingly war-like behavior, Redcliff instead agrees only to a defensive alliance, both nations swearing to come to each others aid in the case of military actions against them, although there are rumors that there are more aggressive plans coming into play between the two nations.

8th of December

For now at least, the rebels actions against Linia, the colony of The Three City's Republic of Ianian, have slowed. The increased garrison appears to have served it's purpose as a deterrent, but the priests of The Akkadian Empire report that something seems to have shifted in the actions of the tribes of The Shuren Dynasty, and even here, far to the west from Akteme, the name of Majdi al-Selim is whispered in hushed tones.

13th of December

The Kingdom of Aontas calls on The Empire of Attolia, looking to gain entry into the increasingly powerful ranks of The Continental Alliance. Although it forces itself into an alliance with it's historic rivals, The Empire of Rubrus, Aontas clearly recognizes the need for allies, no doubt still reeling from it's heavy defeat at the hands of The Kingdom of Ubren.

15th of December

The fleet of The Echyan Empire continues it's actions against The Eternal Hadeen of Dashkatar. Growing ever more ambitious, Admiral Darko Zauhar leads a string of raids and attacks all along the Dashkatar coastline. Using the marines at their disposal, under the command of General Duje Popović. The expedition is temporarily delayed, as General Popović has to relinquish his command over Echya's colony of New Echya, and make the long journey back to the homeland before they can disembark. The seven hundred Marines that serve on the ships do what they can, but they quickly have to abandon their targets of port cities, as they cannot possibly hope to scale the formidable defences in such small numbers. They do succeed however in attacking villages along the coast, and generally harassing the Eternal Hadeen.

18th of December

Almost overnight, a string of diplomatic masterstrokes all across The Akkadian Empire, Majdi al-Selim, still little more than a name to those observing the situation, becomes the effective ruler of the Empire. His influence is overwhelming, and it is already spilling over into the lands of The Eternal Hadeen of Dashkatar. The man himself is still an enigma, but he clearly possesses a titanic force of will.

19th of December

The Echyan Empire makes full use of the newly arrived advisors from The Empire of Attolia, pouring almost obscene amounts of money into attempting to improve their army. It will be no easy process, and despite the help from Attolia, initial progress is slow. Unsurprisingly, this suddenly increased rigour of training does not go down well with the existing soldiers of Echya, and there is grumbling among the ranks.

23rd of December

Continuing it's attempted reformation of it's army, The Echyan Empire begins a recruitment campaign with the intention of raising seventy thousand men. Considering that this will be effectively doubling the size of the current army, it is a herculean task. Echya has never been a military nation, instead enjoying good trade and a serviceable navy to protect their interests. Even with the highly religiously-charged rhetoric of the recruiters, recruitment is slow. The presence of the forces of The Empire of Attolia does not improve recruitment, instead it serves the opposite purpose. If other soldiers will so readily come to their aid, why do they need their own?

27th of December

The strength of the followers of Majdi al-Selim in The Eternal Hadeen of Dashkatar continues to swell at an unforeseeable rate. The message of unity, and the strength of unity and faith, that the man seems to preach, is a popular one. Dashkatar are all too aware of the danger, having seen the control that the man now wields in The Akkadian Empire, but in truth, the rulers of the Eternal Hadeen are helpless to prevent the wave that is sweeping their nation. This is no enemy that they can send their armies against, it is an idea, a belief, and it is overwhelmingly powerful.

29th of December

The Echyan Empire continues its colonial expansions, sending a colonial expedition south from New Navasy. A formidable fleet accompanies the colonists, and those who join the expedition are given a promise of great opportunities. Many do, no doubt keen to escape the increasingly militaristic homeland of the Empire, and hoping that they will be at least be able to avoid being drafted into the army if they sail to the other side of the world. The colony of Orlovic is founded.

Pro Patria Mori - A Tale of Sailships and Muskets (Still Recruiting)

"If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud. Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, my friend, you would not tell with such high zest to children ardent for some desperate glory, the old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est Pro patria mori." -Wilfred Owen

Winter of 1800

2nd of November

The Eternal Hadeen of Dashkatar continues to fortify it's position in the province of Osnic. Tens of thousands of soldiers, fiercely loyal to the Eternal Hadeen, stand ready to give their lives to hold back the Europeans who have sworn to drive back the 'heathens'. Despite the forces aligning against them, the coming conflict will be far from easy, Dashkatar having dug it's claws deeply into the province.

4th of November

Already making full use of it's new-found influence in the region, The Empire of Attolia opens an extensive market in the colony of Fort Tian. The intention is clear, to make use of their closeness to the mainland of The Shuren Dynasty to make a fortune for the Empire through the selling of various narcotics, chief among them opium. Smugglers from the Dynasty readily take the opportunity, and the sickness begins to spread through the veins of Shuren.

5th of November

The great religious festival of the Hijeen faith occurs, the celebrations centered around the city of Akteme. Hundreds of thousands of worshipers travel to the city, The Republic of Oflua allowing them to flood freely over the border from The Akkadian Empire. From the festival, rumors begin to spread. The name Majdi al-Selim spreads like wildfire, first whispered, then shouted. A new prophet has arrived, or at least so the rumors claim, and he is the promised leaders that will unite the Hijeen nations once more.

8th of November

The "Lady Alexandria's Finishing School For Fine Young Men And Women" opens it's doors in The Empire of Rubrus. The School is intended for the education of young nobles from all across the Empire, and it initially proves popular. The dynastic noble families of Rubrus unsurprisingly take kindly to the idea of their offspring rubbing shoulders with other blue-bloods.

13th of November

Not wasting time, The Kingdom of Ubren replenishes its losses from it's brief war with The Kingdom of Aontas. Following it's resounding victory, the men of Ubren are all too happy to sign up, filling the armies ranks once more. But perhaps more importantly, the main army is redeployed to the province of Obertal. The intent is clear, and as if on cue, murmurs of dissent begin to echo through the province of Belgae. It appears as if war between Ubren and The Empire of Attolia is fast becoming a reality.

17th of November

In The Republic of Toubres, 'The Academy of Naval Firepower' is officially created. The focus is upon the development of new cannons, potentially even further strengthening the already highly formidable navy of the Toubres. With an impressive budget, the Academy quickly begins work, becoming a center of study into improving the weapons available to the Republic's fleets.

19th of November

Still attempting to stem the tide of the rebels raiding their colony of Linia, as well as hopefully staving off similar attacks across their other territories, The Three City's Republic of Ianian orders the raising of garrisons in all of the Republic's provinces and colonies, bankrolled by the powerful economy of Ianian. Intended to remain dormant until called upon, only the colony of Linia is called into action, further bolstering the defence of the colony.

24th of November

The Three City's Republic of Ianian passes another colonial law, selling the unclaimed land of it's colonies to the workers of the land. However, perhaps wary of causing further native dissent, the Republic is careful to protect land religiously or culturally significant to the native population, ensuring they are only sold if it agreed with by the cultural leaders.

27th of November

The influence of Majdi al-Selim grows at an inconceivable rate. Before long, his followers outnumber the loyalists in The Akkadian Empire. Although his teachings all revolve around peace and unity, the leaders of Akkadia become increasingly wary of this new perceived threat. Although they apologize to The Three City's Republic of Ianian, they are forced to withdraw their forces from the colony of Linia. For now, few know how this crisis will resolve itself.

30th of November

A meeting is called for the members of the European Trading League. Representatives from The Three City's Republic of Ianian, The Republic of Toubres, The Echyan Empire, The Akkadian Empire and The Republic of Oflua all attend. Although it still stands to be seen why Ianian has called for the meeting.

🦄 Machiavellian Masquerade - Chapter 1

Justice Cobalt

≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎
Location:Shadowell Manor: Joyous Corridor -> Red Library
Skills: Charisma
Hit Points: 6
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Cobalt pushed open the door, and stepped through, out of the corridor. He could still hear Amaranthine and the doctor talking behind him, but that was a problem, or indeed an entertainment, for another time. He looked around the room he had stepped into, closing the door softly behind him. It was undoubtedly grand, and it was undeniably a library. A statue dominated the center of the room, but the walls were lined with the bookshelves, countless leather-bound spines seeming to watch him as he moved. However, if it was a moment of solitude that he had been crazing, it was clear he would have to wait.

The figure standing by one of the room's two fireplaces was tall and thin, reminding Cobalt almost of some spindly insect that he had once glimpsed. He didn't appear to be a guest, and for that at least, Cobalt was thankful. He smiled as warmly as he could as he crossed the room to face the man. Nodding his head slightly in greeting, he spoke, his voice seeming to break the blanket of silence that the books conjured up.

"Good evening. Any light reading you would reccomend to pass a long, cold night such as this?"

🦄 Soulless Regency - Merged With T.S.

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William Fraser

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Location: Leaving Port Annan
Skills: N/A

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William could feel Millicent's eyes turn to him as he took his seat inside the carriage, but he didn't turn to her, instead busying himself with stowing away his belongings in preparation for the journey ahead. Once everything was in place, he did look up, in time to see Millicent's polite nod towards him, and see her stiffen as Rutherford's voice came through the still open doorway. William did his best to smile reassuringly towards her, but before he could catch her eye, Rutherford had entered the carriage itself, and sat beside Millicent.

It took a lot of self-control for William not to physically groan as Egerton sat in the seat beside him. Something about the man just deeply annoyed him. With Rutherford, there was an undeniable darkness, a cruelness, but that William could at least respect, and confront. But Egerton just seemed to exude a sliminess that made his skin crawl, the man such a spineless worm that it made William's stomach turn. Desperate to drive the unwelcome figure from his mind, William turned to Millicent and Rutherford, smiling again as the carriage started forwards.

"I hope it's not too forward to ask how the happy couple met?"