[That too is strangely moving - words so stripped of their formality despite meeting with heavy Carbauschian robes rather than face to face. She touches her hand absently to the wooden token around her neck, then lifts her chin by some inestimable degree. That small shift seems to solidify her. She takes a short breath - there isn't time to hesitate; the longer she lingers, the more likely someone will realize she's gone - then Casiria speaks:]
Given my niece's candor, if you knew her then you will know her attentions had turned to turning this pilgrimage into a place where peace talks might resume. What you will not know is that I was told by the mistress of intelligence to see to it that Keya be quieted. I believe when news of junior member Shee Naraxa's involvement and the meeting she had arranged for my neice reached her, as all things must, she will have passed word to whoever had demanded my niece's silence.
[Here, the barest flicker of hesitation. Or uneasiness. She sets her hand flat against her middle as if to quell it.]
There was a time when we would have encouraged her idea, but it seems for some that moment has passed. It can be no coincidence that she was killed immediately after her meeting. The orchard is just there beside the manor and Shee Naraxa had only just joined the festivities on the beach. Someone was waiting for her to leave that place and I believe it was the Admiral himself who ordered it.
I've no right to ask this of you, but yours are the only people I know in this place who have taken up swords with so little provocation. [Not even Meradans are so quick to duel.] I thought, given your affection for my niece and your spirit, that I might call on you to help me seek out her killer and see the matter righted.
[A pause. Casiria allows her eye wander the room for a split second before she looks back to Bellamy.]
Forgive my ignorance, but I know you by your shapes and I don't see the largest of you here. Where is your warrior?
[Seviilia and Murphy have apparently made an impression.]
no subject
then Casiria speaks:]
Given my niece's candor, if you knew her then you will know her attentions had turned to turning this pilgrimage into a place where peace talks might resume. What you will not know is that I was told by the mistress of intelligence to see to it that Keya be quieted. I believe when news of junior member Shee Naraxa's involvement and the meeting she had arranged for my neice reached her, as all things must, she will have passed word to whoever had demanded my niece's silence.
[Here, the barest flicker of hesitation. Or uneasiness. She sets her hand flat against her middle as if to quell it.]
There was a time when we would have encouraged her idea, but it seems for some that moment has passed. It can be no coincidence that she was killed immediately after her meeting. The orchard is just there beside the manor and Shee Naraxa had only just joined the festivities on the beach. Someone was waiting for her to leave that place and I believe it was the Admiral himself who ordered it.
I've no right to ask this of you, but yours are the only people I know in this place who have taken up swords with so little provocation. [Not even Meradans are so quick to duel.] I thought, given your affection for my niece and your spirit, that I might call on you to help me seek out her killer and see the matter righted.
[A pause. Casiria allows her eye wander the room for a split second before she looks back to Bellamy.]
Forgive my ignorance, but I know you by your shapes and I don't see the largest of you here. Where is your warrior?
[Seviilia and Murphy have apparently made an impression.]