Banquet: Part 2

JP with Alexis, Voah, Wim, Hunter, Islana, Gonyaul and Winteroak:

Voah Sahnsuur had no appetite, but she knew that she had to play the game. Maintain the facade, for the others, for the Duke. It would be rude not to partake.

She took tiny portions of buttered greens, potatoes, pies, and salmon, mostly to keep herself busy.

Although her expression remained neutral, Voah stared absently in thought, probably too long, at the dangling heraldry of house Stoneshade, chewing a bite of salmon, which pleased her palate in spite of her mood.

A celebration was inappropriate. The creed was still out there, the whole thing went tits-up, but the it seemed to be adequate enough for the Keep. She wondered if the Friar was satisfied with what she had considered a loss.

She kept mostly to herself for the beginning of the banquet, giving nods and small pleasantries when needed. One had to be careful what they said in the Keep, especially now that it was infiltrated by members of the creed. It was unsettling.

Apparently, this young rose, who Voah had come to know as Islana, was integral in shining a light on the creed in Ostiarium. Accident or no, she should be honored for her part in taking them down. ...not the Arbiter.

From the little information she had gathered from the group, they had all met at one point were subsequently targeted.

Wim and Elizabeth approached the Arbiter. Elizabeth had placed herself on Wim’s right arm and had already given him a squeeze. Voah was a force in the community and she did not want them on her bad side. She did not know that Wim would probably do anything that Voah asked.
Wim approached with a smile on his face and fingernails in his arms.

Wim smiled and patted her hand as he said, “Arbiter Sahnsuur! I would like to present to you Ms. Elizabeth Sadir.”

Elizabeth curtsied as appropriate and extended a hand.

The Arbiter, standing now, turned fully toward the two with a smile, smoothing out her robes. She gave a bow to Wim and his... possibly betrothed?

"Miss Sadir, it is a pleasure to meet you. It seems you've earned the attention and favor of my dear Lord Riese."

“Lord Riese tells me you have been working hard to keep us safe from the cult and those like it,” she said smiling it was clear that she was intended to flatter Voah.
“Maybe you would like to come have tea and cake some time,” she added hoping that Voah might participate in social thing like that.

"It is my duty. Though I am grateful to see that others, including Wim here, have joined in this pursuit." she smile, trying to calm the nervous girl.

"And I would be delighted to join you anytime I am available. I appreciate your invitation."

She meant it.

"And I should hope to see you at Kupen's shrine."

Wim smiled politely to Voah. That was not part of the script or the plan. But he figured that Voah needed a friend too. He just hoped they did not talk about their trip here.

Wim spoke up, "I was most impressed with the Arbiter on our trip to the Plains People. She has a way of seeing more than with her eyes and can read people well."

This was a sincere compliment on his part focusing on something other than the grousome event that brought them here. Wim was impressed with and scared of Voah.

She could read people indeed. Wim was deflecting; rerouting the conversation. He was not lying, instead, perhaps he wanted to keep Elizabeth away from the nasty business. Understandable.

"Thank you." She merely smiled courteously and nodded, holding her eyes on Wim just a moment longer than normal to let him know that she got the hint. It was her turn to deflect.

"You are Master Eren Sadir's daughter, yes? I know the name, but I'm afraid I can't remember where to place it. Forgive me."

Elizabeth talked freely about her father, his work how he is trying to improve the city. Wim knew there were some details that were lost like his negotiation techniques and some other details that Wim was not a part of. Just as Wim had made a few deals apart from Eren. They both wanted the best for Lowood and to make a profit as they achieved it.

The woman sounded like she truly believed her father wanted to improve the town, whether the older man's intentions were pure was another matter. Regardless, it was nice to hear that someone cared about the state of the common folk. From all she had learned since her arrival, the Keep didn't seem to see them as a priority.

After a brief but pleasant conversation,Voah excused herself and sought out something to quench her thirst. As she made her way around the banquet table, she couldn't help looking around at the others, wondering what was in store for all of them today.

Wim was still himself, but again, Voah felt there was something different about him. Perhaps the man was really 'finding himself' here in Arcadia. Alexis had come out of the office looking like some burden had been lifted.

Alexis had found herself a wall to lean on and a glass of water to nurse, just very lightly smiling to herself and waiting for her friends to return from their own audience.