"Nnno, no. That won't be necessary." Akyan says quickly, "I don't dance." He glances at Lyndaran. "Perhaps we could just compare hand writing? Maybe between all three of us? I can't speak for you two, but in all honesty, mine is terrible."

“Ah, but that is the secret,” smiled Tamryn, “if no one else can read it, just tell folks it’s your own personal shorthand, developed to confound spies. Then you can pretend it says anything you’d like it to.”

Quote from kqstark >>

Mina listens to the plan and as Kyrsa asks about her, "Sure, I would be happy to be a tradeswoman.  The sea elves are known for the fishing trade and that will be an easy cover.  As for my name?  Milena?  Doesn't have to be any fancier than that, does it?"

 Kyrsa nods to Mina, "Milena works fine, and a fishing trade would be excellent. Just be prepared to answer questions concerning what city your business is based in, just in case our host starts looking for opportunities of his own." She nods to Jahaartael, "Perhaps you could help out a little in this regard, any ideas of where to place such an establishment--preferably a location near a city or port that would spark interest in our businessman? This can be sorted out on the way there, but I'd rather not have to leave anyone to improvise something like that, it could very well blow our cover if two people give different answers to the same question." 

Tamryn's suggestion of a dance off brings a small smile to her lips, and Akyan's reaction brings a small chuckle. She stays silent on the matter though, curious to see how Lyndaran responds. 

"Delightful. Milena. Yes, that will do nicely. From ... the outpost of Velyraar, east of the mouth of the Vilhon Reach and west of the Alamber Sea. Fishing trade indeed, but also close enough to the Sea of Fallen Stars to also often times come across interesting bits of salvage. However, more importantly, near to the Golden Way, the primary trade route in Thesk to Kara-Tur. This would offer a strategic placement in our trade network. This would provide us access to Litchi fruit, rice, ginger, tea, fireworks and sometimes even exotic flora and fauna such as medicinal herbs, like the marsh mallow plant, allium plant, and the aloe vera plant or healing bugs."

"well I am not in need to write everyday but I do think that mine is legible? " Lyndaran seems confused "We can compare our handwritting yes I do not have problem with it... " he seems cautious, still not really sure if Tamrin's idea would work. 

"And I know a couple of dances yes but there aren't fancy dances... more for the fire in the hunter's camp than for a mansion... "

Tamryn smiles widely. To Lyndaryn he says, "My good friend, I am almost certainly too full of jest. But I wish to serve you. Since Akyan would prefer to not write, let's choose the taster and the clerk between ourselves. Which would you prefer? I'll take the other."

Akyan looks at Tamryn, he is unsure if the wood elf was being serious or not, "I'm not sure that would work..." Then looking at Lyndaran he says, "Well, we'll see whose is more legible. I just thought I'd warn you, since it would be a bit suspicious to have a clerk whose hand writing looks like that of an illiterate child's."

"Well you know a couple more than I do then."

"Excellent," Kyrsa says, nodding appreciatively to Jhaartael. "Once our three 'servants' figure out who gets what role, we should be ready apart from our outfits." 

(I'm still here, just waiting to hear when everyone is ready to "storm the castle" so to speak.)

Mina, aka Milena, looks to Jhaartael with a look of astonishment, "Yes, why yes that would do perfectly.  Thank you for helping me out with this.  Espionage is something I do not have experience with, this entire plan is pretty impressive and I apologize I haven't contributed as much but well, I am pretty inexperienced.  But I am looking forward to joining in!"  She wears a bright smile as she says this, looking to the others as they finalize their plans.

As the stealth team works out who gets to do what, Kyrsa turns to Mina and Jhaartael, "Don't worry Mina, we all have a part to play. I'm looking forward to working with all of you, especially now that we have had the chance to plan out our mission. Hopefully this goes better than the last one." She chuckles a little before turning back to the stealth group, "How about we let Tamryn have the role he wanted, Lyndaran as the scribe, and Akyan as the carriage driver? Lyndaran, if you are not comfortable with that role, I'm sure Tamryn wouldn't mind swapping. Akyan, I can tell that you are not comfortable with either of the other roles, and from what I've heard, you've had some experience with horses--which could make him more believable. Tamryn, how is your handwriting? If yours is better than Lyndaran's, perhaps you could take that role instead? Otherwise, if Lyndaran is alright with being the scribe, I think we are about ready to move forward." She clasps her hands together, "Whatever you decide, just let us know." Smiling, she turns back to Mina and Jhaartael, "How about we three go see what our options are for garb while they sort out their roles?" 

Kyrsa is looking for a nice gambeson with removable lace up sleeves, (padded armor, which in my mind is equivalent to leather or studded leather depending on how many layers it has) that has either a stylish pattern on it, or an obscure emblem she can claim as hers for the day. She would also like some soft boots that look formal but would be comfortable running in should the need arise, and fitted trousers that allow significant movement, yet also fit the formal style she is looking for. She has also returned to her winter season, so would prefer colors that compliment her blue and white tones. Over the gambeson she will wear a thick belt with an ornamental wooden sword hanging from it. She will also pull out her old tabard, and her badges and writ of service to give herself a little more authenticity. 

Mina looks down and her old things that she is wearing and cocks her head.  "Suppose I'd outta get a bit more presentable.." and she follows Kyrsa to get in character as well.  She picks out a traditional garb of the sea elves, specifically to the Fallen Stars if possible.  Nothing flashy, just what one of her elders would wear heading out for trade.  If others have some suggestions, she is all ears as she picks things out.  Once she gets changed, she also brushes her wild mane and tries to present herself as best as possible for one used to living in the wild.  

Jhaartael follows Mina and Krysa. He finds a finer undershirt and doublet. He also replaces his traveling coat with a more structured, suede jerkin over the doublet. He smiles wryly when the three meet together in their new costumes. "We do strike quite a picture. Excellent."

Akyan shifts his weight from foot to foot, then responds to Kyrsa, "I'd be a lot more comfortable with that role. I've never been to a party before, so I don't even know how to act at one... If i do end up having to mingle, I'll just try to copy the rest of you." 

If Tamryn and Lyndaran are fine with the rolls Kyrsa has assigned to them, he will to his best to dress the part. He does not go to Percy's closet, instead he just goes through his own things. He returns wearing cloths that are only a bit nicer than what he previously wore. He's wearing his usual hat, which he dusted off a bit, a loose shirt with a leather over shirt, riding pants and tall riding boots. "Hows this?" He asks the others, "Is it to causal? I'm not sure what a servant would wear to a party..."

In a display of surrender, Tamryn  puts his hand to his forehead and says, "If I must eat good food and flirt with kitchen staff all evening, this is a sacrifice I am willing to make." He looks carefully at the clothes that Jhaartael chooses and then looks for something similar in pattern and color, well-made, but darker and more muted in color, clearly indicating that he is a servant. If possible, he looks for clothing that will let him move quietly and allow him to conceal his thieves' tools, his small, steel mirror, his magnifying glass, and a small vial of oil. 

Happily, your party is able to fully outfit themselves as desired, all the requisite clothing being contained within Percy's wardrobe, which by some sort of wibbly-wobbly magic is much bigger on the inside.

The hour of departure arrives, and you all assemble yourselves together in the courtyard, fully rested, freshly bathed, and dressed as you have chosen.  Aldara notes Kyrsa's wooden sword but does not remark upon it.  She inspects the rest of you and seems satisfied with your presentations.  She reminds you of the no combat rule: "This is supposed to be a test of your wits, not a brawl.  The target is involved in blackmail and petty crimes, nothing meriting violence.  The sheriff can handle punishing his crimes, your mission is simply to free the sheriff to do his job."

You proceed to the teleportation circle, and are transported to an abandoned building on the outskirts of a village, and given a basic description and instructions on how to find your destination.

As you follow these instructions, with the setting sun casting an orange glow over the town, you come to a building which looks less shabby than the rest of the town.  It is two-storied, and stone-walled rather than the weathered wood of its neighbors.  Cheery light pours out of its windows, and a small cluster of people mills outside the main door, slowly entering as the scheduled starting time of the dinner party arrives.  You hear festive voices and the clinking of glass and silverware from within.

"I think I will be more suited for the stable " says Lyndaran " Not a problem to write but I am not used to be around... " he hesitates "... that kind of fancy company... or too much company to be honest " he tries a smile. " But I will follow any part you think it's better. " 

He then follows the others towards the clothes selection and after just a couple of minutes is evident that he needs help for he just grabs one thing and put it down to move to another without really taking anything. When one of the team asks him he just show a piece of pink silk and says " I mean... how do you even wear this? I... Isn't there any dark clothes over there?" he asks uncertain and secretly looking for some gray green or dark, practical clothes.

Akyan listens to Lyndaran. The Wood elf seems to have similar feelings towards nobles, and their ridiculous clothing, as he does. "I have an idea," Akyan says, "Why don't we drop this clerk idea, and Lyndaran can be my assistant." He looks over the rest of the group, "Perhaps I am not a servant. I just be working for Jhaartael. Perhaps I am in charge the transportation of our goods? That would also give us both a reason to attend the party rather than be contained to the stable." He asks Lyndaran, "How does that sound?"

"Yes I think that would solve this problem," Kyrsa says to Akyan glad he managed to sort out the ordeal. "Though I will say, this," she says to both Akyan and Lyndaran. "Both of you are going to need to get comfortable mingling with high society, and society in general." She nods to Lyndaran when she says the last part, "I have a feeling this is the first of many similar missions." She proceeds to help Lyndaran find suitable clothing, doing her best to find something he will be comfortable in, but will still meet expectations. 

___________________________

Noting Aldara's glance to her wooden sword, Kyrsa wonders if perhaps she should have left it behind. However, she views this ornamental, useless, weapon as a symbol to show who she is meant to be in this mission. Her mind goes briefly to the wooden short sword she would have been given, had she left the military on better terms--rather than deserting. She does not think of this in sadness, for surely she would have burned that weapon had she received it. All it would have shown was her loyalty to a corrupt system. Still, she can't help but wonder if Aldara is displeased with her decision, which bothers her even more after their private conversation from earlier. 

Self consciously, she pulls out a leather cord and ties it to the sword frog, then over the cross guard of the wooden sword, creating a sort of peace tie. She never intended to draw the weapon, but this would ensure that she does not. As she does this, she remembers Akyan mentioning how he is always armed, and the two green blades he is able to summon at will. She glances his direction when Aldara restates the no combat rule. 

Nodding she says, "We will not let you down." Before heading into the teleportation Circle. 

Once through, she looks to Jhaarteal to lead the way, staying at his shoulder to keep up appearances. 

As they approach the teleportation circle, Akyan turns to Lyndaran and Tamryn, "Well, It doesn't look like we are going to have an actual carriage anyway. So there wouldn't have been a point for one of us to be a stable hand, but it shouldn't matter with the roles we have now."

Akyan ignores Kyrsa's glance. He can only guess that she was thinking about his psychic blades. He won't summon them unless absolutely necessary, but he doesn't think he needs to try to convince her of that fact.