Legendary Campaign - The Archduke's Daughter Visits the Legendary

Wednesday, June 15, 1066 SE

When Marigold, Branna and Mon come down to breakfast, they hear loud arguments coming from the cafeteria of the Palace. Tempers seem to be running high, and they soon discover why. Whereas the Opera, the Fantastic and their own Legendary closed in solidarity with the victims of bombing of Khoroshim, the Starlight remained open and put on a performance last night. It is a theatrical tradition that in times of troubles, all four theaters close to show solidarity. This time, though the attendance was sparse, the Legendary's old timers, along with many of its newer staff, are upset that the Starlight profited from a night where all other forms of entertainment were closed. To back up their outrage, Mon is handed a copy of today's Katarina Chronicle, one of the three daily newspaper in the city of Katarina.

Page 1 of the Katarina Chronicle for Wednesday, June 15

 

Mon understands the outrage and the break in protocol, but his interest lands on the dead identified on page five of the Katarina Chronicle.

Page 5 of the Katarina Chronicle for Wednesday, June 15

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Marigold suggests that the three theaters should take out a common advertisement in the Katarina Chronicle to thank the residents of Katarina for their understanding for their closing last night. She also suggests that they should plan some sort of benefit fundraiser. Branna mentions that perhaps they should talk to Lena in marketing and Joseph in accounting to see what can be done.

Glancing up from reading the newspaper, Mon proposes that the Legendary could start a new tradition, to have an empty seat in the theater, and use a permanent ghost light candle in honor of those who could no longer be here. With a permanent light spell, the light would never go out. This could also be mentioned in the advertisement. The Legendary could also hold four moments of silence to acknowledge the victims.

Looking at the newspaper in Mon's hand, Marigold wonders if any of the dead nobles had any financial difficulties. The article does not seem to imply that, but could there be more to this attack than some random blow against the island's nobility? Branna asks her friends if they know who owns Khoroshim? No one seems to know. Branna then asks if the employees at Khoroshim are generally safe. Did they work elsewhere or even here in the Palace? Mon gets up from the table, goes through the line and grabs his food before returning and sitting at the table. 

Pavel enters the cafeteria, and after a quick visit of every table, Pavel also takes food, and then joins Mon, Branna, and Marigold at the table, carrying four full plates filled with hearty breakfast items. Pavel finds it despicable that the Starlight was opened last night, but he's not surprised that the Nazar family, owners of the Starlight, would want to upstage Sir Gregory Tsaplin, as the two theater owners have been estranged for decades. Marigold asks Pavel if he knows who owns the Katarina Chronicle. Pavel replies that the newspaper is owned by the Anton family, and the current publisher is Sir Dmytro Anton. With a a populist and sensationalist bent, Pavel is not surprised that the newspaper seeks to generate controversies, which drive circulation and advertising. The carpenter also points out that the Katarina Chronicle seems to imply that only four people died, but he happens to know for a fact that at least two staff members were also killed during the bombing.

Pavel then asks Mon to describe what happened yesterday at Khoroshim. Mon retells his story, pointing out that he's pretty sure Luba saw the person or people who launched the attack against the restaurant. By this time, Pavel has entirely emptied his plates, and, looking at the clock, announces that it's time for him to leave as they're working on a set today.

Branna then turns her attention to Joseph , who just joined the table with his own food. She asks him how the wine auction is going. Joseph is puzzled. He has not heard of this auction, nor has anyone else in accounting that he is aware of. Arriving later than usual, Lena joins the table just in time for Branna to ask her if marketing is preparing any promotional material for the auction. Lena confesses that marketing does not know anything about it either, but she will ask questions. Both Lena and Joseph are surprised that such a revenue generating event would not be better promoted. Marigold too is surprised that Sir Gregory has not put the resources of the marketing department behind this auction.  

Mon opens up his jacket and hands a bottle of Frostbloom Riesling to Joseph and another one to Lena, telling them this is a sample of the wines that will be sold at Sir Gregory's auction. Both of them are very thankful. 

Frostbloom Riesling

A pair of arms drape themselves around Mon's shoulders, and the sickly sweet voice of Herald reaches his ears when the cad points out that he too would very much enjoy a bottle of wine. Mon refuses to give him one, and Herald, bitterly disappointed, leaves the cafeteria. Joseph mentions his dislike for Herald, a sentiment shared by Mon, Branna and Marigold. Mon shares that Herald was recently sick, so Joseph suggests that perhaps Herald could be relocated to the worst room in the Palace. Mon heartily agrees with this idea, and Joseph states he will mention it to the hotel management. Branna tells Joseph to let the staff know they can use the excuse that the room must now be decontaminated.

While Branna and Marigold return to the Legendary to begin their shift, Mon heads out to Sidorov Manor with four wine bottles to offer to the Marquess of Sidorov. The walk there is uneventful, and Mon soon finds himself ringing the doorbell. Olehiv, the Marquess's butler, answers the door and invites Mon in. He tells the actor that the Marquess is not yet ready for visitors following the events that took place at Khoroshim yesterday, but she might make an exception for Mon. Mon tells Olehiv that unfortunately his time is very limited due to his appointment with Verushka, the Archduke's eldest daughter, and the Marquess should rest. He gives the wine bottles to the butler, and lets him know to tell the Marquess there will be plenty more of these at the auction Friday night.

Noticing that the butler had a tea set out and ready to pour, Mon mixes several blends of herbs into the tea, and asks Olehiv to take a sip. Olehiv looks dubious, but acknowledges after his first sip that this is fine tea indeed, and agrees to deliver it to the Marquess. Mon seems himself out, and on the way back to the Legendary he shadow steps part of the way.

Meanwhile, Branna's work is interrupted when Luba rushes inside the costume workshop in a panic. Mon was supposed to help her get their lunch date with Verushka ready, and he's nowhere to be found. With everything that happened yesterday at Khoroshim, and now this, Luba is freaking out. Verushka is scheduled to arrive in less than half an hour, and nothing is ready! Taking pity on the actress, Branna finds Marigold, and the three of them come up with a plan. Marigold grabs a prop basket, and she heads out to the nearest deli to purchase charcuteries. She also stops at a small corner restaurant and acquires light refreshments. Branna and Luba take a beautiful prop table and matching chairs from the furniture props closet, and take them to the center aisle of the theater. Branna places a pretty table cloth, then sets candles, a vase of flowers, silverware, and dishes.

Having returned from Sidorov Manor, Mon enters the theater and comes inside the performance space. Spotting him, Luba starts complaining to him that he's dropped the ball and left her in a lurch. Mon casts charm person on Luba, and successfully calms her down. He tells her everything looks fantastic, and they are more than ready to welcome Verushka. Luba tells him she's still feeling the stress of yesterday, and this is probably not going to go well. She tells him she saw the man who threw the device in the window of Khoroshim, and she had nightmares about it last night. The man was looking right at her, and seemed to want to hurt her. Mon recommends she talks with the Legendary's artists to get a poster made of the guy's face, so that this could be handed over to the city guard. Luba agrees to do so right after their appointment with Verushka.

A page boy runs inside the performance room to advise Mon and Luba that the Archduke's carriage has arrived. Mon, Luba, Branna and Marigold rush to the lobby just in time to see several city guards enter the lobby while a dozen more stand around the carriage. Following the attack on Khoroshim, it appears that the guards are taking no risk with the safety of the Archduke's daughter. Verushka disembarks from the carriage, followed by a very stern looking Dima, captain of the city guard. Verushka gleefully hugs Luba and gives Mon her hand for him to kiss. She tells them that due to yesterday's events, Dima will shadow her during their luncheon.

Mon tells them that the agenda for today is to see a working theater by taking a tour of the facilities, then eat while they watch the understudy's rehearsal of General Toptigin Cheats Death. As they walk around several of the Legendary workshops, Verushka expresses her admiration at the abilities of their craftspersons to create the illusions that make each play so unique. Mon attempts to mention Matviyko several times, but Verushka steers the conversation in different directions. She is very cognizant of many of the tasks needed to successfully run the Legendary, and she asks several knowledgeable questions of the folks she meets.

In passing, Verushka congratulates Mon and the others on the Legendary's upcoming tour to Sezja to perform Masha and the Bear. This comes as news to everyone, so Branna asks a follow-up question on what Verushka. She tells them she overheard her father talking with Sir Gregory three days ago. Sir Gregory told him that Sir Sergeii had reached out to him last week, indicating there was an opportunity to bring Masha and the Bear to the Grand Royal Opera, the premier theater in the capital in six weeks. Sir Gregory mused this was an excellent opportunity to showcase the strength of the Legendary's cast to the people of Sezja, and would prove to be lucrative as well.

They sit down at the dinner table Branna set for them, and as they dig in the food Marigold purchased, the understudies begin perfoming General Toptigin Cheats Death. The food is delicious, and Verushka is thoroughly entertained. During the meal, Mon doesn't eat much, and Dima notices. As Matviyko comes on stage for the first time, Mon keenly observes Verushka's reaction, but he does not notice anything unusual. 

Admiring the costumes, Verushka suggests that she and her friends would love to wear such extravagant and well crafted outfits. She muses that a masked ball held at the Legendary, where the local youth could rent a costume from the theater's extensive collection, would be an amazing and very well sought after opportunity. Marigold thinks this is an excellent idea, and Luba agrees. Marigold suggest that this could indeed be a very popular opportunity to bring young people back to the theater, and Verushka nods vigorously. All of her friends would enjoy such an event!

As the third act begins, the performance is rudely interrupted by the intrusion of several of the Cardinal's men, who carry a warrant for Matviyko's arrest, signed by the Cardinal himself. Matviyko is suspected of being responsible for the attack against Khoroshim yesterday, and they are under order to arrest him and bring him back to the Cathedral. Despite arguments that Matviyko was here rehearsing yesterday, the Cardinal's men are adamant they must take him in for questioning. If indeed Matviyko is innocent, he surely will be soon released.

Verushka implores Dima to intervene, but the captain acknowledges that the Cardinal's men have a valid warrant, and that Matviyko must go with them. Mon suddenly remembers a statement he made to one of the Cardinal's men yesterday, and assumes that this is the reason Matviyko is being hauled away. As Mon's understudy is being escorted by the guards, Matviyko yells "Verushka, do something!" 

With the mood now broken, Dima announces that it is probably safest for the Archduke's daughter to return home, and he sends for the carriage. Back in the lobby, one of his men informs him that there were twelve of the Cardinal's men here for Matviyko's arrest, which seems to be a wasteful use of resources. Unless, Dima interjects, they were trying to make a point, knowing that Verushka was here. The carriage soon arrives, and Dima and a much distraught Verushka depart.  

As he's standing in the lobby watching the carriage leave, Mon receives a message from Sir Gregory that he would like to meet with the actor at his earliest convenience. Luba decides she will go visit the artists, to see if they can draw the portrait of the man who attacked Khoroshim. Mon heads to the third floor and the corporate suite, where he is greeted by Ony, who ushers him into the office of the Legendary's owner. 

There, Sir Gregory apologizes for the abrupt end to Verushka's visit, but, armed with a warrant as they were, there is nothing he could do to keep them outside. Mon mentions Verushka's idea of a masked ball, and Sir Gregory is immediately intrigued. Perhaps they could do a differently themed ball once a quarter. Verushka could be approached, and she could be asked to serve as the host for the first one, which would guarantee its success. They agree that the name should be Legendary Masquerade, and they come to terms for a split of the profits, with Mon and Marigold each collecting 5%.

Sir Gregory then comes to his reason for meeting with Mon. He would like the actor to head to Verdant Estate, the ancestral home of House Stal, tomorrow morning, and offer its resident, Sir Paul Stal, a few samples to entice him to attend the wine auction that will take place on Friday. The man is a known recluse, but Sir Gregory thinks that Mon is more than able to convince him to attend. And with Sir Paul in attendance, most of the other nobles on Katarina will want to participate. Sir Gregory also suggests Mon should take a few friends with him to carry the wine bottles inside. Mon is to meet Sir Gregory's carriage tomorrow morning at 9 sharp, and Ony will drive him and his friends there.

As he exits Sir Gregory's office, Mon plans on moving the wine bottles he wants to kpee for himself ot a more secure location. Ony remarks that Sir Stal has not left his estate in over 13 years, and that Mon's task will be a hard one indeed.

As Mon descends the stairs to the second floor, he sees Luba sitting in one of the artists' studio, talking animatedly. Passing by, he notices that the portrait looks an awful lot like Captain Lafoy ...

Returning to the costumes workshop, Mon meets with Branna and talks about his task of delivering a personal invitation to Sir Stal, and he requests a costume that would make him look more aristocratic. Branna finds him the perfect costume, and after he gets measured and alterations are planned, he asks her if she would be willing to come with him tomorrow. Branna agrees. Mon then meets with Marigold and asks for a basket to transport his bottles of wine. He also asks her if she would join him tomorrow, and she agrees. Finally, Mon tells Lena about his trip to see Sir Stal, and she wishes him luck, considering the man is literally an hermit.

With his errands done, Mon prepares for tonight's performance, while planning ahead to tomorrow's meeting with Sir Stal...

Legendary Campaign - The King's Cousin comes to Katarina

Wednesday May 24, 1066 SE

Over the last week, Branna finished the costume she designed for Mon, and it looks perfect. Meanwhile, Mon has not seen the green bear, though he has looked for it every day in its assigned corner.

As Mon, Marigold and Branna eat breakfast in the Palace cafeteria, a group of pages run in, and distribute notes to department heads. Several of them immediately stand up and leave the room. Pavel also receives a note, and after reading it he stands up, and hits his glass to get everyone's attention. "Folks," he tells them, "the entire staff of the Legendary has been called for at 8 am this morning. That's in 45 minutes. Finish your breakfast quickly, then meet in the theater lobby."

Mon finishes his breakfast. Marigold does the same, then packs up a second breakfast just in case. She then returns to her room and grabs her most valuable tools and objects before heading out to the Legendary, worried that someone may take the opportunity to raid the hotel.

The entire staff is present in the lobby. The laborers and the office staff are on their regular schedule, but the actors and actresses are much earlier than usual, and as a result most of them are not well put together. At precisely 8, Sir Gregory Tsaplin, accompanied by his manservant Ony and Yurchik the theater director come down the stairs from the second floor and his offices. Sir Gregory Tsaplin announces to the assembled troop that they have just received notification that Sir Sergeii, renowned baritone and first cousin to the King of Sezja, is coming to Katarina to showcase his talent and offer three memorable performances at the Legendary. His performances will be Friday and Saturday night, and a matinee on Sunday before he departs the island to return to the mainland on Monday. Sir Gregory Tsaplin asks that all laborers, carpenters, and skills crew members spruce the theater up, while actors and non-essential staff pitch in to fill up the theater with sold-out performances. The crowd disperses in grumbles, as this postpones their own activities another week.

Meanwhile, tasked with selling tickets, Mon borrows a staff and a box he can stand on from props. Marigold gives him both, but tells him he's responsible for bringing them back. Mon is teamed up with Luba by Yurchik. Luba expresses distastes at being relegated to a salesgirl role, something she thought she had left behind years ago. Luba is also concerned that the Cardinal and his men are still watching her following her recent arrest and release. Mon tells her not to worry. His plan is to travel to the three most important intersections with Luba where he will use his best voice to advertise, creating an illusion of Sir Sergeii's profile above his head. Mon tells Luba to find her prettiest dress and go out there and sell tickets. Mon then asks Branna if the costume department has a town crier's outfit. Branna locates the costume, but realizes the pants are missing. She finds a new pair of pants that will match, and gives him a bell with an amplified spell to make it sound louder.

Branna then meets with Oskana about costumes. Oskana tells her they're flying blind. She saw Sir Sergeii a few years back in Sezja, and though his costumes are bright, they are not ostentatious. She recommends several outfits that could potentially work well for the choir, and asks her assistant to gather them all and have them ready when Sir Sergeii's people come to the Legendary.

Marigold takes apart the props she has been building for the play and hides the pieces to avoid theft or damage. The singer will not need any props, so the department has been tasked to help the laborers with repainting the theater, replacing carpets, and ensuring that every piece of brass shines and every window is cleaned. The Legendary must sparkle!

The ship carrying Sir Sergeii, the Astral Star, arrives in Katarina early in the afternoon. Sir Sergeii's staff make arrangements for his costumes to be delivered to the Legendary, and he requests that his people connect with the Legendary's people to coordinate their efforts to ensure his performances are perfect.  Mon goes to the waterfront and he observes Sir Sergeii, getting off the ship. The man is elegant and distinctive, without looking too arrogant. Sir Sergeii, waves at the adoring crowd, and boards a carriage for his ride uptown. Mon thinks he has enough to create a decent illusion of the baritone. Several servants unload many wooden chests, all clearly marked with Sir Sergeii's crest. These are loaded up in two wagons, which are then carted up to the Legendary.

Sir Sergeii

Sir Sergeii examines the city of Katarina as his carriage takes him uptown. The singer is staying at the Classic, the best hotel in town, and he checks in to the Royal Suite on the fourth floor, the highest floor in the building. Centrally located on the north side of the Svetozar Plaza, the four stories neo-classical building offers an oppulent environment and an incomparable view of the harbor and the fjord leading to the sea. The Classic possesses the island's only Royal Suite, booked by the rich and notables who are concerned about comfort and security. After deeming his surroundings acceptable, Sir Sergeii meets with his staff to plan his stay in Katarina. His meeting is interrupted by the delivery of a large bouquet of flowers from Blossom Boutique. The Marquess of Sidorov has sent Sir Sergeii a large bouquet of flowers and requests a lunch date with him. Sir Sergeii determines to keep his eye on her private loge to see if this is something he wants to do.

Lena and the rest of the marketing department create and distribute flyers and posters to all of the actors by the end of the afternoon, so the actors collect their share and head out. As Mon gathers his flyers, Marigold suggests that they start a rumor that the socialites are purchasing large blocks of tickets. Mon adds that they could start the rumor that members of the Royal family are also here to secretly view the performance. Mon and Luba perform the skit Mon wrote at the three most frequented intersections in uptown Katarina. While performing on the corner of the Classic, Mon accidentally falls from his box, much to the delight of the crowd. Sir Sergeii, who had heard the commotion, watched the performance and appreciated the spell that recreated his likeness, but was shocked to see how scantily clad Luba was, and found himself scandalized by her wooden and unprofessional performance.

Based on reports on the entertainment life in Katarina from his spymaster, Sir Sergeii books the best loge at the Starlight, and he sends his agents to the other theaters so they can report on the Thursday night performances.

Thursday, May 25, 1066 SE

As the folks at the Legendary continue to prepare for Sir Sergeii's performance, the city is abuzz with the presence of the King's cousin, and rumors that other members of the Royal family will secretly be in attendance swirl throughout town. That afternoon, Sir Sergeii, wearing a light disguise, exits the Classic through a secret door, and meanders through Katarina, taking mental notes of what he sees. He eventually heads to the Cathedral, where he is immediately ushered in the Cardinal's office. Sir Sergeii notes that the Cardinal's office is massive and is bigger than the King's throne room. 

The two of them discuss the political situation on the Island of Katarina and the loose morals of its population. The Cardinal is particularly insistent on the presence of a separatist group on the island called the Oaks. This group, he explains to Sir Sergeii, wishes the island to become independent. The church leader points out that the island generates more wealth for the Kingdom of Sezja than all of the other provinces, and that some folks on Katarina do not appreciate the support and protection they receive from the Crown. He reports on some minor sabotage that the agents of Oaks have perpretated, and he mentions that Sir Sergeii might be a target, due to his connection with the Sezjan crown. He further tells Sir Sergeii that the situation is currently under control, and that he plans to execute a raid on the Oaks sympathizers in the next few weeks. The Cardinal would, however, appreciate a sizeable increase in the number of troops under his commands, as he doubts that the soldiers on Katarina would fight on his behalf without specific orders from the Archduke, orders that would never be given in any case due to the Archduke's animosity to the Cardinal's mission of morality and order.

Sir Sergeii comments on the performance he watched outside the hotel, and his description of the actress accurately identifies Mon and Luba. The Cardinal agrees that this lascivious performance violates the moral code, and that both of them should be arrested and brought in for questioning. The Cardinal issues arrest warrants against Luba and Mon, to be executed on Monday after Sir Sergeii departs.

Sir Sergeii  returns to his hotel room, removes his disguise, then heads out through the front door. Welcomed by adoring fans, he signs several autographs, then makes his way to Khoroshim, where he eats a delicious diner. After his meal, he takes a carriage to the Starlight, where he attends the performance. He leaves vaguely confused about the message, but was mildly entertained. He receives reports from the other performances from his spymaster and his other agents, and all of them agree that the plays do not feature high morals, and many of the actors are scantily clad.

Friday, May 26, 1066 SE

Everyone at the Legendary hears the rumor that Sir Sergeii will be having lunch on Saturday with the Marquess of Sidorov. The rumor reaches the singer himself, who, seeing his hand forced, agrees to meet the Marquess for lunch at Khoroshim. Mon, Marigold and Branna receive a notice that following tonight's performance, their presence is requested at the Katarina's Palace, the Archduke's official residence, for a late dinner and a truncated private performance of the third act of Masha and the Bear. Sir Sergeii has also been invited as the guest of honor. The three of them are thrilled and nervous. A private performance in front of the Archduke and his family!

The atmosphere at the Legendary is electric as the last preparations are made for the evening's performance. Sir Sergeii holds a practice performance with the choir and provides extensive notes on what needs to be fixed before tonight's show. The theater's doors open up promptly at six to a sold-out show, and by the time the performance begins, all seats are taken. The Archduke and his family are in attendance in their private loge, while the Cardinal sits across from them in his own space.  

Marigold elects to watch the performance with lighting, keeping an eye on the exit in case of troubles. Mon hides in the secret compartment he discovered underneath the Cardinal's loge. During the performance, Mon overhears the Cardinal discussing his own upcoming arrest, along with Luba, and the measures that the Cardinal plans on implementing to avoid any trouble with the Archduke's soldiers and the local population.

Sir Sergeii's performance is brilliant, and his list of recriminations concerning the choir and the lighting departments are minimal. Even the seasoned singer is mildly impressed by the quality of the local talent.The applause are thunderous, but even over the loudness of the crowd, everyone can clearly hear the Marquess of Sidorov's cheers, leading to much chuckling in the crowd. Even the Cardinal stands and applauds the performance, something rarely seen in the Legendary.

Following the performance, Mon, Marigold, Branna, Luba and several other actors head to the Katarina's Palace. The dinner is tense, with the Archduke mildly rebuking Sir Sergeii for not warning the island of his arrival. Had the Archduke known, Sir Sergeii's welcome would have been grand, and he himself would have met the singer at the docks. Sir Sergeii apologizes, and notes that perhaps the message was lost or delayed in transit. The Archduke's youngest daughter, Yula, fawns over the famous singer and asks for his autograph, but his eldest daughter, Verushka, appears visibly upset at the singer's presence at their table.

After a delicious dinner showcasing foods from Katarina and consisting of roasted mutton with golden potatoes and a mixture of baked garlic and red onions with a glaze, the players set up Masha and the Bear. Mon's performance is excellent, and even Luba shines. Sir Sergeii is taken aback that the pathetic performance he observed the day before came from the same person he sees tonight. However, she is still scantily clad, much to his annoyance.

Saturday, May 27, 1066 SE

After rising up late in the morning, Sir Sergeii prepares himself for lunch with the Marquess of Sidorov at the Khoroshim. He organizes a pre-arranged signal with his spymaster, so that the latter can interrupt any time Sir Sergeii fells like departing. The meal is delicious, but the Marquess's incessant blabber soon forces Sir Sergeii to execute his exit strategy. Heading to the Legendary, he meets with Yurchick, and reviews the notes from the previous night's performance.

Sir Sergeii then meets with Mon and they discuss his marketing strategy. Sir Sergeii mentions Luba being unprepared, and Mon defends the actress, explaining that she doesn't do very well with improvisation, and that she had experienced a fairly bad week in her personal life. Following his meeting with the singer, Mon leaves a note for Sir Gregory about him and Luba being arrested on Monday afternoon.

 Sir Sergeii's performance Saturday night is even better than the previous night, the sold-out crowd delivers a solid stand up ovation. The Cardinal once again attended the performance, and so did the Archduke, but this time only Yula was there with him.

Sunday, May 28, 1066 SE

Sir Sergeii closes out his third and final performance at the sold out Legendary with the Szejan national anthem, which is raucously echoed by the crowd. That evening, he compiles a secret report to be delivered to the King of Sezja about the political and moral situation on Katarina, which he entrusts to his spymaster.

Monday, May 29, 1066 SE

A crowd assembles at the dock to see Sir Sergeii depart Katarina. With his spymaster reporting rumors of a possible attempt on his life by Katarina separatists, Sir Sergeii boards his ship, and, as it pulls away from the dock, makes an announcement that shocks the crowd. The King of Sezja himself and his royal retinue will be visiting the island in a month's time. The crowd is part shocked, part thrilled at this turn of even. As the Astral Star sails away, the Cardinal's men close in on Mon, who uses a smoke bomb Marigold had developed for this occasion, and jumps in the waters off the dock. He walks underwater until he emerges a few hours later wet but no worse for wear. After a short stint at the Anchor's Luck to dry himself, he returns to the Palace and meet with his friends.

Marigold suggest that to avoid the Cardinal's ire, livery for marketing be done that adheres to the Church's strict dress code. All female staff should be told what they need to wear when traveling from their residence to the theater and back, to avoid running into the Cardinal's men.

Wednesday, June 1, 1066 SE

Mon receives an unmarked letter, apologizing for the inconvenience of his presence being an unfortunate casualty of suspicion in regards to the culture and the morality of the island, means no ill will and his performance was exemplary, and should he find his way on the mainland he would be a welcome guest ...