Before Dinner In The Star Chamber Delluth PalomaIndex | Time Under Chaos | Game Logs | Before Dinner In The Star Chamber | BeforeDinnerInTheStarChamberDelluthPaloma Despite his best efforts, Delluth's hired carriage had not gotten him to the Castle on time; he paused in the Star Chamber's entrance at about 7:45. He wore his formal outfit, a very dark purple coat and knee breeches, the coat trimmed in gold, with a cream-colored shirt and stockings, all partly covered by an abbreviated academic's robe in black and dark purple. A cloth cap in dark purple had been left with a servant. As usual he was accompanied by his tall and impossibly elegant dog, who looked around and immediately headed toward Florimel and her customary admiration of him (and generosity with food). Smiling a bit ruefully, Delluth followed Zhenechka to greet the Castle's hostess, and so did not immediately notice Islain's presence. It was likely that Islain did immediately notice Delluth, but for whatever reason, she left him to his introductions for the moment. Paloma, however, did notice her fellow Chaosian, and nodded to him. There was something in her expression that suggested she would welcome the opportunity for a quiet word. Delluth nodded back, and as soon as he had exchanged ritual evening greetings with Flora, he returned to where Paloma waited without appearing to do so. "Good evening, Ambassador," he said, with all courtesy. "How fares the Embassy these days?" Paloma's smile was perfectly pleasant - but perhaps there was an odd tension about her. Still, her presence here at the Castle on a relatively family -oriented occasion might be sufficient to explain that. "Professor," she said. "Things are in good train. And have you heard recently from the Lady of your House?" "Recently? No," he said, puzzled. "Why would *I* hear from her?" "Then you've had no word of the new policy being followed by the Emperor?" she asked. "I have it on the very best authority that there's a new Minister for Ordered Affairs." His unspoken response to her question was plainly something like, 'Why would anybody keep me up to date on policy issues?' When she identified the new Ministry, however, his expression changed to surprise and concern. "Really," he said, refusing to let his gaze leave her face. "And who might that be?" "The Minister himself," said Paloma, and let a significant pause develop. "Duke Helgram." Warned by that pause, Delluth only blinked. "I see," he said. "That's going to be interesting. I suppose he hasn't changed his mind about certain things?" "If anything he seems more unswerving in his purpose than ever," said Paloma blandly. "He appears to be planning various expeditionary missions." "Now there's a vague statement," Delluth said, his expression quite mild except for the sharpness of his gaze. "But then I suppose you're only telling me this, Ambassador, because you know I won't like it. I do think I know someone back home that I could ask for clarification. However ..." He shrugged and glanced around the room, as if he didn't care, and finally spotted Islain. "Speaking of interesting," he said, turning back toward Paloma, "did you know that's the Princess Islain over there? Iss-lane, they pronounce her name here." Paloma looked over towards the raven-haired Rebman Princess and her eyes narrowed slightly - becoming a little too elongated to be wholly human. "Interesting," she said softly. "I wonder what test the Prime Minister has arranged for so many nubile females to gain the King." "And I wonder exactly when our esteemed Prime Minister learned the news you just gave me," Delluth said. "I'd heard she's spent the last several years in Arden, after all." "I believe so," said Paloma. Her eyes were returning to a more conventional shape. "I imagine Lord Mandor will have his own methods of learning the truth of the Duke's arrival. "And where does the Head of your House stand on the matter?" "With the Emperor, I assume," he said. "I'm not in the habit of quizzing her about matters of policy, you know. Or anything else." He glanced again toward Islain and, of all people, Vikund. "I could introduce you to the Princess, if you like; we met when I visited Rebma. That was quite a while ago, but I have some hope that she remembers me," he finished blandly. She looked at him sharply - and then smiled. "That would be most kind," she said warmly. "Her reputation is, after all, most intriguing. And, I believe, deservedly. Would you agree?" "Most definitely," he said, more blandly still. "Shall we?" She lifted her arm slightly - an indication that offered him the opportunity of escorting her as an equal - while at the same time making it clear to him that this was a privilege she had granted. Of such subtle gestures are diplomatic niceties composed. He accepted the offer diplomatically, of course, successfully suppressing the amusement their exchange had inspired. |
