"Only one can stand in the end, but that doesn't mean that a few enterprising individuals can't tip the scales the right way first."

Varen looks at the table with all the paladins, Opal included. "I expect Marshfield and Pedryas to work together, and then Marshfield yield should they be the final pair. The Pedryas whelp is fully in the palm of the Inquisition, and his House already has one win. Another would almost certainly secure the Church's power instead of a benefactor that would be... better... for us."

She then scans the crowd for the other two champions, recalling what they looked like from the victor's circle. (Perception 7) "House Caelano and Vahar's champions, we don't know much about them yet. If you have any clues to how their Houses might swing if they had the win, though, could give us our next plan of action."

Varen returns her gaze to the silver dragonborn, and gives her a sly smile.

"If House Turco, Dhkar, and Firstforge work together to remove Marshfield and Pedryas first, and any of the others that ally with them... then no matter who stands tall at the end of the melee, we all will have won."

Varen glances down at the spell focus around Tamara's neck and gives her own hair a small flip. "And then perhaps we can live in a world where we all can let our hair down a bit, figurative or not. Wouldn't that be lovely?"

Ronegan embraces Lucinda happily. "I bet you did, Lu! They say if you want to know what goes on in any great house, ask the cook! Oh, goodness!" Ronegan gets distracted by the smell of something wonderful, then snaps back into it, grinning at his older sister.. "You've done well for yourself, love! You always did say it was your dream to feed the country's most important houses. How are you faring? Quite well obviously, but I can tell my older sister wants to brag a bit!"

After they catch up a bit, Ronegan clears his throat, trying to stay out of the way of the swarming soldiers. "Listen, Lu, I assume you know your brother got himself into a spot of bother with those Churchy-types. Again." The halfling rolls his eyes. "The thing is, I'm trying to get a sense of how many people err...like me there are in the other great houses. I'd like to bring them all together in sort of a...meeting of the minds, if you will. I wouldn't ask if I didn't think you...or your people had their ears to the ground. And of course, I shall leave you out of it. Except perhaps to refer your services to King Onyx, if you are still considering franchising your particular business."

Petal sees Jasper's steely expression remain so but his wife and daughters seem very amused almost chuckling.

"It seems my sister's house is out of order at every level," Jasper replies still stone-faced as before. "My return to Bhil Durhal can not come soon enough," he adds curtly. "Away with you...," he swats as Petal like a pest but more of a gesture of dismal than harm. "You distract me from my duties and you should better learn your own," he growls eyes leveled on Petal. "Your mistress and master might have seen use for you but I do not. I intend to aid them all in seeing the use of all members of the household," he finishes.

His wife and daughters seem sadden. They look at Petal with affection but do not intervene on her behalf.

......

Tamara looks at Varen, then Kay, then Ran before her eyes settle on Varen again. 

"I can only promise to do my best. I understand your point but I feel anything out of the ordinary will just give those whom oppose us even more of a reason to challenge any of us who win over them," she cautions.

......

"Ronegan I was told of your troubles. I...my staff might have more to say about the other houses but I myself stay in the kitchens and keep out of it all. The high king's illness is my biggest worry although we all know the cause but not the cure. I know your talents aren't...well you've never quiet fit into the ideal follower of the Lightbringer but...these are my kitchens and it comes with little sway over anything but the grocery orders. Although, I serve the high king's house and those who come in and out of court I...I have little contact outside these kitchens," she reiterates frowning. "But if you fear you're in danger of being found out I can spirit you away from here easily enough," she finishes looking concerned hands on her hips. "Trouble...," she says nervously, "always follows you dear brother," she adds frowning as she glances over her people all busy working like a hive of bees with Lucinda at the center.

Varen nods. "Of course. I will be cheering from the side regardless, but even more so if your blade happens to find the Pedryas champion first. He's made such an ass of himself recently, why, it'd be no wonder why he was eliminated for so many slights against the others." Varen raises her wine glass to the Dragonborn champion, and then takes a drink.

If needed: Persusasion 18

Ran might be missing the subtext in some of what is being said between Varen and Tamara, but he's pretty sure he's getting that Tamara may be holding back as much as Varen has been.

"No worries there," Ran begins. "Kay and I are as ordinary as you can get. Him a little more than me, I'd say. And we're not trying to cheat. We're trying to even the odds. If those lot start teaming up against everyone, we want to be able to respond in kind. And, as Varen is saying, one of us winning might be better for everyone than one of them."

He gives a small bow to Tamara and then sets his wine cup down and looks around the feasting area.

"Might be wrong, but I feel like we should leave Vahar out of this. That could get very messy. The king may favour Baelfire, but he also allows the inquisitor and who knows where his house's loyalties lie," Ran says. "One wrong word and we might not even see tomorrow let alone be kicked out of the competition."

He focuses over on the House Caelano area, looking for their champion.

(Perception: 19 )

"I can't say I like the lad but look who he's sought solace and guidance from after the passing of his mother the queen as well as his older brothers all in line for the throne before him. He's been a funny lad meant for the church by all accounts since his birth. Now thrust into the throne...I fear trying to target him specifically would be a mistake," Tamara explains to Varen. "I won't stay my sword and what talents I have from him but I intend to defend against attacks and not attack the church's champion outright," she explains. The dragonborn then looks at Ran. "I never implied either of you would cheat Sir Ran. I simply pointed out an obvious alignment of any house already marked outside the current graces of the church will be heavily scrutinized as we are now simply having this discussion," Tamara replies motioning her head towards the high table. The inquisitor and the others are looking, no staring at your party. Opal's expression dark.  "I say I agree an alliance is needed but such a pointed assault in the melee would be cause for yet another trial against members of our houses we wish to protect," she reasons more clearly. Looking back at Varen. "The Vahar's champion is formidable and Caelano's as well but I think advertising your intentions to all might alert those you wish to conceal your alliance from. The church has eyes and ears everywhere," she says next urging caution again.

Looking over at the Caelano table Ran spots the elven fighter who wielded glaive in the hand to hand. A tall willowly figure with their hair laying about their shoulders and their genderless features wearing a bored expression as those around them look to ge enjoying the feast.

After Elavor sees the tables have nothing of interest, he slowly follows Petal as she serves others, hoping to over hear any conversation that might aid them tomorrow. 

The hustle and bustle of the festivity is disconcerting to him and he starts longing for the open road, the feel of the wind as he and Dust travel... 

These thoughts continue as Petal serves and talks to lords and ladies of the House, as he has seen her many times at Bhil Durhal..

The moment Jasper swats away at her, Elavor snaps from his reverie... hearing the comments and seeing the responses on the females faces, he knows he must say SOMETHING... none of the ruling family would ever act like that towards their servants, or employees... regardless of station. 

Acting like he's had too much drink, Elavor stumbles up to where Petal stands "Petal... my dear Petal... you've always been one to see to the needs of thissh housshhhe... now.. now, lisshten.." he suddenly stands up straight, obviously NOT drunk and looks directly at Jasper as he keeps talking at Petal " Petal, you've done so much for all of us in this House, saving us from certain doom. Saving the royal family, and myself..when other members were NOT EVEN THERE " Elavor then looks at Petal , grabbing her shoulders "You're so very brave, and so very pure... and don't let ANYONE tell you your place in life. Make your own place."  He smiles and then says, "May I please have another cup of that delicious wine??" 

Ronegan pulls his sister into a big hug. "I forgot my big sister always used to protect me -- especially when Reece and his crew of hooligans were bullying me." He pats her on the shoulder, and dips his fingers into what she's baking, taking a quick taste.

"The King -- is it the wasting sickness?" Ronegan sighed. It seemed to be more and more important for him to find his way back down to...whatever that wonderful world was he had the opportunity to explore last night.

"Don't worry about me, love. I'll either be okay or the Grand Inquisitor will turn me into a drooling idiot and I won't care either way." He smiles, a little bit sadly. "Just keep your ears open -- and that escape route you mentioned close at hand." 

Petal bows to Jasper, “of course sir, please do wave to me if you find a use for me. I didn’t mean to offend, just trying to make sure we are doing the best we can for you. I look forward to your return home and hope I will still be around to prove my use to you.”She forces her best smile, but is upset by Jaspers words. 

As she turns to leave, a seemingly drunk Elavor stumbles over and her smile becomes even more forced. “Why, thank you so much! I am afraid we may need to keep you on water for a little while though.” She winks at Elavor as she leads him away towards the drinks counter, sneaking him some more wine while trying to pretend it’s just water. 15 sleight of hand. She quietly confides in Elavor, “I guess Ronnie might not have been overreacting as much as we think. Still.... Ironhelm may just be concerned for the King. We should try to speak with Onyx in private, find out where he stands on his uncle.” 

Lucinda hugs Ronegan back.

"Remember by offer little brother. I can't offer much more but an escape from here is considerable," Lucinda adds then gestures around at the kitchens. "Keep your nose clean and remember the walls have eyes and ears of their own," she adds worrying her apron strings around her waist. "You look...good," she smiles wistfully. "Are you entering the tournament? If so is that altogether wise," she asks concerned.

.......

Jasper doesn't acknowledge Petal again.

Ran bows to Tamara again.

"Good luck tomorrow," he says to her. "I hope not to have to face you."

He turns and leans in closer to Varen and Kay.

"She makes a fair bit of sense. The more people we discuss this with, the more likely the wrong ears will hear. We should probably stop while we're ahead."

Elavor smiles at Petal as she leads him away and fills his cup with the "water"... 

"I'm not sure, Petal. It may be true concern, but... I've seen enough to know that the absence of power leaves an empty space. That space wants filled, and he's the type that likes to fill it, no matter what.   At least, that's how it feels to me. Thanks for the drink, by the way. So, what are we up to after this, then? I'll come with you if you'd like to speak with Onyx. I wonder what the others have learned?"

Varen nods to Ran. "Hopefully we've tipped the scales enough already." She takes another sip of wine, then tips her head towards the feasting table where. "Kay, you were about to tell us more about your homeland, no?"

With a smile, she heads back to enjoy some food and small talk. 

OOC: I've accomplished what I wanted out of the feast so far. 

The feast ends with plenty of spirits, foods, and entertainments. The party returns to the royal apartments while Esrah and Juno are replaced by different knights in the service of Jubel. A human man and a half elven woman. They seem less interested in conversation than the others and keep vigil over the group. The queen mother you find out has been moved to the Ironhelm house in town and it leaves only king Onyx of the royal family to watch over.

King Onyx stays up in the main chamber with a hot drink gazing in the fire his expression unreadable.

Varen knocks quietly on the doorframe to the main chamber. "Your highness, do you have a moment to speak? There is something important Ronegan, Elavor, and I wanted to bring up to you and the rest of our House."

OOC: DM, is the main chamber open/exposed with lots of doors or can it be sealed off for a moment of privacy? I'll assume the latter for now, otherwise I'd want to find a space where we could talk at least semi-freely.

If Onyx is willing, Varen will gather the rest of the party, then ask Elavor to help her make sure no servants, guards, or anyone else are snooping/eavesdropping.

Perception 16 (if Investigation instead, additional +1) (Elavor can roll his own check with a +5 perception)

When she finds Ronegan, she tells him. "It's time we told the others what we found. But guard your words, still."

Ronegan smiles at Luncinda and pats his belly. "Dwarven life has not been bad, sister. The food has not been...nearly as nourishing as life with you was, but I have become rather decent with a light crossbow. I have signed up for the Gauntlet. Assuming they allow me the use of one, I shall be fine. Besides, I can always stand behind one of my companions." He laughs, then turns serious. "It was good to see you, Lu. Keep yourself safe, and...if you do hear anything, you know where to find me."

(Sorry this is a little out of order -- will post for the much anticipated final update for the party pow-wow shortly.)

Once inside the quarters, Ronegan nods gravely to Varen. As Elavor and Varen check the hallways and doors, Ronegan will also cast See Invisibility to make sure there isn't anything else in the room prior to the discussion.

Perception:  11

Varen sees the room has one entry and exit. There are windows but they look out onto the communal courtyard shared by all royal apartments. Varen notices no other servants about but the two guards sent by Jubel. 

Ronegan sees no invisible figure or entity. He however notices little out of order being unfamiliar with the room.

"Yes," Onxy replies as if he's been only half paying attention. "Yes, what have you learned," he adds curiously.

Once everyone has gathered, Varen looks at Jubel's guards. "I'm sorry, Sir and Lady. Can you leave the room and give us a moment of privacy? We need to discuss some personal business." She nods at Ran and pats the hilt of her saber. "The King will be safe in our care, and we will let you know when we are finished."

Assuming the guards take their leave, she will close the door behind them.