Solo Settling Into Shadows

[Zandelia]

Spring 17th , 515AV – Zatoska Bath House


She had been standing outside of the Zatoska Bath House for some times now, leaning against the cool stones in a shaded niche and contemplating what was to come of the path she had placed herself upon. The brief period spent in the Lord of Council's Office had been nothing if not enigmatic, she had expected to be treated much the same as the others and in some ways she had. Yet there had been no forms signed, she had watched as her application had been placed into a drawer in silence, unaccompanied by the ink signature. Instead she had been given a note, one which she was holding in her hand and looking at for the hundredth time as if she expected it to morph into something else, to reveal something that had not been revealed before. Slightly crumpled from her examinations it read in a neat but flowing script:


Speak with Madame Anelda


That was it, the extent of her visit though she was sure there would be more. She had been in the city a handful of days and already something had stoked her ever bubbling paranoia. It could have been nothing she knew, just an instruction to begin her new employment. Then again the Seneschal had been about to decline her request before Anelda had appeared, as if by magic she had noted. Coincidence perhaps but her senses were communicating other prospects to her. She had committed no crime, surely? Had there been news from Sunberth about her? Were there any communications with the city of chaos at all? She folded the parchment neatly and slipped it into the pocket of her trousers sulkily.

She knew what she was going to do, whatever the outcome. If there was one thing that hooked her time and again like a fish with a rod it was curiosity. She had to know what it meant. She would deal with any consequences later and be damned. The look that Tranaris had given her flickering in her mind's eye she heaved a deep sigh and stepped out into the open and began the slow walk to the entrance of the Bath House. She was dressed in the plainer set of her clothes, cotton trousers and blouse. Leather jacket and boots. She didn't stand out today from the general populace, yet neither did she look like one of the attendants either. She had not yet managed to procure new garments though it was high upon her list of activities. As she approached the desks of the attendants on duty she was greeted as she had been previously.

“Nice to see you back so soon Zandelia, would you like some tea?”

“No, thank you,” she responded as her gaze flicked about for anything untoward, “I have come to meet with-”

“So you are the new attendant? We heard there would be another joining us soon. How wonderful that you have chosen to serve others as we do,” came the beaming smile of the young girl, she didn't know her name, “we have been instructed that you be shown into Madame Anelda's office. No doubt she wishes to instruct you of the rules” she continued on smoothly as her arm swept to one side and the other slipped around her back companionably and gave a gentle push.

“No doubt she does,” she returned the smile as broadly as she was able, feeling as if she might be being lead to a slaughter in an alcove, “do you enjoy your work? I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name?”

“Bethany. We all enjoy the work. It is hard at times. Don't even get me started on how quickly you need to learn, not to mention the muscles. Yet it is fulfilling and offers a special perspective to those who take to it”

“Uh...muscles? You mean massaging others?”

“No,” there was a small giggle then, “your own muscles. Arms will ache in the beginning. As I said, it's hard work. Now, here we are. I shall have tea sent, Madame Anelda will be expecting it” Bethany nodded at her before she whisked off, leaving Zandelia standing next to an unobtrusive wooden door in a portion of the Bath House that did not seem to be open to the public.

Not for the first time did she wonder if it would have been better for her to evaporate then and there.

[Zandelia]

Her palms itched as she waited and it took a considerable effort not to scratch at them like an adolescent. Instead she took up a neater position, arms clasped gently behind the small of her back as she listened to the echoed workings of the Bath House filtering down the small side corridor. Time ticked away and she became aware the longer that she was made to wait that it could have been a test of some sort, a way of proving that she was willing to be patient. Or that she was obedient perhaps, it could even have been both and more. Anelda was clearly a busy woman, she had taken one look at Zandelia before and chosen to massage her herself. She took personal responsibility seriously that much was clear.

It would not do to disappoint on the first official meeting, best to just tough it out. Occupy yourself with other things Zandelia. Project an aura of calm, of collectedness. Do not give away concern. Confidence is ninety percent of most meetings. Remember? she told herself as Tanroa continued to unfold herself without incident.

She shifted her mind onto something more analytical, the nature of the Bath House. She had been musing upon it since her visit in her free time and she had much of that at present. She had noted it in passing upon her visit but it was beginning to unfold from her original observations. Yes it was a Bath House, it was a place people came to relax and clean themselves of their everyday worries and trails. That was just the surface she was sure, beneath there had to be more. Business deals made in the waters alone could be manipulated for advantage if correctly assimilated. Anelda clearly knew powerful figures, the Seneschal most definitely, and as such she surmised political figures did visit regularly even if she had not recognized them. That too was something powerful if used correctly. Anelda and the Seneschal, now there was a ripe connection. Friends of course but then was there more to it?

“Zandelia, punctual and quick. Good, such things are valuable. Important part of a work ethic and I set store by such things. Remember that now” Anelda's voice came from mere feet away and Zandelia was started out of her thoughts quite expertly.

“Thank Madame Anelda, I thought it best to be prompt” she responded in a warm, confident tone.

“Keep it up and we will get along famously,” Anelda returned with a commanding tone as she pulled out a key and unlocked the door before them, “follow me please. We have much to discuss. Bethany, bring in the tea then leave us. Our patrons still require caring for in my absence”

“As you wish Madame” came the voice of Bethany, approaching quickly with the try of steaming beverage.

In short order all three of them were in the room, Zandelia waiting for Anelda to sit in a comfortably high-backed chair before she sat in its partner opposite at her bidding. The cups were poured and the tray laid upon an old and simple looking table before them and Bethany exited the room, closing the door gently behind her. After that there was silence in the room as the two women looked at each other, warmth infusing their hands – Zandelia waiting to see what was to come and Anelda simply fixing a firm stare upon her as if weighing her to within an ounce of her bodyweight. Anelda sipped her tea as she looked her up and down, Zandelia followed suit but opted to keep her gaze upon Anelda's eyes and not cause offence.

“We will have to do something about your clothing child, reasonable it might be for walking the city but it's not in keeping with the attendants at the Zatoska. Something more slip like and comfortable shoes perhaps?”

“I was thinking much the same, I hear there is a tailors in Zeltiva?”

“There are two, one on East Street and the other on West Street. Fittingly catering to the different status' of citizens. I suggest that you try Yvette's. They do good work for reasonable prices. Last longer too in my opinion”

“I'll visit them tomorrow then. Can't have me looking out of place can we?”

“No...we can't. Which is why you will go today. Then you will return here for work tomorrow. I might suggest some light cosmetics, tidied hair and...how can I put this...a more tasteful patch for your eye. The current one looks as if its been through worse than you have” there was a small smile then behind the rim of her cup.

That had been a test, it had to have been. Wondering if she were easily provoked? She had been dealing with comments about her disability for a number of years now so she found no difficulty in restraining herself. Yet it was beginning to feel as if she were being read from the inside out, little indicators in her face and body language mapped and noted down within the Madame's mind. She responded the only way she knew how to, to turn it into a game of two sides. She gave her most disarming of smiles and sipped her tea before talking.

“Perhaps it has, I told you that I was driven out. A new one would be quote preferred I must admit. Perhaps something patterned and some matching ribbons for my hair? They would take the attention off of the eye to more desirable territory for this establishment's guests?”

“That it would, that it would. Do you know why you are here, Zandelia?”

“I was asked to come and see you. The Seneschal gave me a note. I merely followed its instructions”

“Admirable but a half answer. It raised no questions for you? Didn't make you wonder about why he changed his mind?”

“You heard that?”

“Heard it? Child I made him change it”

“Something for which I am grateful, I must earn my keep”

“In my Bath House? Why did you choose here?”

“You told me to look in different places”

“Do not play games with me, I don't have time for them at this moment. The truth, if you would?”

And there it was, the true question that she had been afraid would be asked yet knew would come around eventually. She paused in her sipping as her mind worked frantically, seeking a way to circumvent what was being dragged from her whilst at the same time suspecting that if she was found to be a liar she would leave with nothing. Anelda was patient, she actually looked as if she were enjoying it. It was hard to tell behind her mask of sternness of course but she was sure there was a curl at the corner of the woman's lips. She sighed softly and placed her cup back into it saucer upon her lap before looking at Anelda directly.

“I wanted to work somewhere that gave me the opportunity to learn what people didn't want me to know. I want to help people too, Gods know it's better than what I left behind...towards the end. It gave me the opportunity for both” she stated simply, waiting for the inevitable judgement. Time slowed, froze and then crawled painfully slowly forwards once more.

“Interesting. Well perhaps you can do both after all” Anelda paused before pointedly drinking some of tea as an interruption.

[Zandelia]

She took a good long while in consideration as she sipped her own tea, mimicking Anelda in her mannerism until she was sure there was a faint smile behind the lip of the cup opposite. She didn't take the bait straight away, to do so would have been foolish. Whilst she was in experienced enough with Zeltiva she was sure of the fact that she was being tasted once more, a game spun between them like a web that would determine her fate as sure as a blade in the dark. She was upon unsure footing here, in the city of politics and parchment. In Sunberth she was a cougar just waiting for the hunt, here she was nothing and everything she could be lay in the fingers of others. Like Anelda. She set her cup down upon her lap and looked at the woman directly.

“And if I were to accept that I know what you mean by that?”

“Don;t play coy with me Zandelia. You think I chose you for your looks and your adept knowledge of this place?”

“No. I think that you chose me because I am an easy thing to be thrown away. A foreigner to be fodder if required”

“Of course. You expected more?”

“Would I be foolish if I had said yes?”

“Yes. And no. You are a tool. We required many. Some are subtle, others are more like door openers”

“Flattering”

I did not say which you were. Careful. Assumptions can be dangerous”

“Let us say that I am here for your pleasure. To what would my efforts be directed?”

“You work for me. You will hear much. Such things we hear when others are under our hands. Relaxed. Unguarded. Ready to give us anything...if the right motivators are presented”

“You want me to sell myself?”

“I want you to excel Zandelia. You wanted a greater purpose. I give you one chance to grasp it. To help others in ways that others cannot”

“To spy?”

“I tire of your games, employee”

“Fine,” she sipped the tea once more and took a few moments to retreat from the debate, “you want me to gather information. I can do that. I will do that. Bit what information? Are we discussing simple thievery here, for want of a better example? Or more important affairs?”

“Both. Everything. You will bring me reports upon what you have found. What seems proper will be forwarded onwards”

“Onwards?”

“Nominally you work for Seneschal Tranaris. I am to be your supervisor. You think we would give you free reign in this city? A woman who seems quite adept at upsetting...what was it...the apple cart?”

“No...that would have been too easy by far. So I bring you what is required and you decide what is relevant? How can I put this? Are there advancement opportunities?”

“That would depend upon your skills and how useful you are”

“And should I be discovered?”

“ There are no loose ends Zandelia. The game of politics demands its price, one way or another”

“I see” she stated tersely.

She looked away then as she considered her position. In truth she was quite neatly snared, she had no way now of backing out without incurring both wrath and likely death for herself and those she cared for. She had been weighed, measured and trussed up like a pretty little prey. She disliked that, she would have her moment in reverse if she had her way. She was careful to keep her face clean of any emotion, instead merely radiating a sense of calm and cool calculus. This was a game, it always was. She was a pawn now but, in time, perhaps she might control her own pawns. She was being given a gift, beyond what she had hoped for. Yet she was reticent to accept. Zeltiva was a different beast entirely from what she was used to. She cleared her throat and looked back at Anelda.

“May I make a suggestion, supervisor?”

“You may”

“That I would be a better tool if I were taught more of this city's politics and the basic structures. You want me to be of service, I can do that. Likely better than most given my...past. Yet I have never set foot here. Agreed?”

“We would hardly have missed you dear”

“So. A good servant knows when they need direction. A better mistress know when it is required”

There was a thoughtful pause, as if she were being weighed once again and the outcome still anyone's to guess upon. She held the gaze, kept her chin up in the silent challenge. If she were to be a servant then she would be one but she would be damned to sufferance before she was an ignorant one. She was wise enough to know that what she spoke was sensible and she felt that Anelda was wise enough to see her words for what they were – a request for assistance. It passed slowly but as it did she felt she had acquitted herself well enough with her new overseer.

“You are right,” came the slow response, “though I will teach you far from everything I will teach you enough to begin with. From there, Zandelia, you are on your own. I will offer guidance but I have not the time to hold your hand all Bells of the season”

“I think you and you will not be disappointed. I merely need the foundations. I can take the rest from there”

“I truly hope that you can. I didn't lie when I said that I liked you. But you are not my friend, nor my ally. You are my employee. Remember that”

“ I will”

Very well, let us begin then”

[Zandelia]

“As you wish” she responded as she finished the tea and set the cup aside upon the table to better concentrate her focus upon what was to be imparted.

“Zeltiva works upon the basis of governance, individuals are voted into power periodically and to all external parties everything happens above board and for the good of the city. People can be proud of our advances in law and order, at their freedoms and peace. The Lord Councillor, elected every three years, is the leadership figure. You have met his Seneschal”

“Sounds like a recipe for one man rule. What's to stop him from just doing as he wishes like every syndicate leader in Sunberth? How is this system different?”

“Because they are a figure head my dear! You think we are foolish enough to give one man such powers?”

“Our employer seems to have them”

“That is not of your concern. What you needd concern yourself with is the fact that it is not the Lord of Council who wields power but the Council itself”

“The Council? I presume that is a multiple, likely comprised of the wealthy and influential? I mean that they were that before getting any position and have simply inc-”

“Increased their positions. Yes. On both counts, clever girl. There are always five, though truly four of them tend to do a good enough job of running Zeltiva. The Archivist – responsible for the maintenance of our culture and spiritual centre – is so rarely seen they may as well not exist”

“And the other four are given something to watch over, like this Archivist. Different tasks, suited for different individuals? So...realistically speaking...you would need experience in such fields as well as gold and connections. So the rulers are chosen from the select few and these are drawn from?”

“Various families for the most part. Disparate factions within the city, each wanting to have their own candidates in the chairs. Each with their own reasons. There have been some rising stars based upon pure ability over the years but mostly a position on the Council is reserved for candidates that have backing. How they get their backing however-”

“Can be shaded in the mire, murky and possessed of a certain criminal element?”

“It would be scandalous to suggest such a thing without evidence”

“Which is what you want me for...interesting. The other four Council titles?”

“Chief Magistrate, Chief Ambassador, Lord Treasurer and the City Architect. All powerful, all gifted and each one of them with so many secrets and weaknesses to find and exploit”

“And Seneschal Tranaris...is he voted into his position?”

“An astute question Zandelia,” there was a small, thin smile then, “but not one to be reflected upon at this time. You have been given a position of trust but that does not mean that you are trusted. You must earn that and you will have many such opportunities”

“Very well, best not bite the hand that feeds you”

“Exactly so. Is there anything else that you believe that you require to start becoming effective for what you are hired?”

“I think that I can learn the rest by myself, besides I like the puzzles. I suspect that there are more ground rules though?”

“Correct. These ones, however, are to do with your cover and specifics of service. More tea?”

“Please”

“Pour me one as well” it was an imperious instruction and she took Anelda's cup quietly without protest.

Their shared time as tutor and pupil was over now, she was now the employee once more. In truth she was still trying to figure out the woman, to feel her out and find a handle to grasp upon. She was no fool, she didn't seek to cast down the ones that were helping her get a new start but neither was she stupid. She wasn't going to step into political mires and intellectual quicksands without collateral. She supposed that, for now, she'd be required to do so on faith at first. Still, soon enough she hoped to have something that could be used, pushed and twisted towards her own protection and advancement. She doubted Anelda was the only such supervisor around, that perhaps even she might become one with the right implementation. She herself a cup of the tea as Anelda watched and shook her head.

“No child, not like that. You have much to learn indeed”

“About...pouring tea?” she asked with incredulity.

“The tea is but a reflection of the character pouring it. Who they are, the way they think and behave. You'd be surprised what you can learn from watching someone pour tea. It's a simple act, reflective of the self and instinctive”

“I say that about handshakes”

“Same premise, different reflections. AS I said, you have much to learn. You pour like its a chore, haphazard and quick. Where is the delicacy? The exactness and simple pleasure in getting it right? The pleasure of the ceremony?”

“Pleasure?”

“If you wish to work in my Bath House and seem to belong then every act you do, no matter how small, must be done properly. The patrons come here because they wish to be at ease. They wish to be weighted on. The dynamic only works if you seem to enjoy the act with every part of your being. I do hope that you can act better than this. Again”

She raised her eyebrow slightly but bit back the words that were rising in her throat. Instead she cast back her mind to when Bethany had poured their own tea. How had it started now? Not one hand, two hands. The images flashed before her mind and settled into a slow motion repeat of the act. It had been slow, delicate and smooth in execution. A soft smile upon the girl's lips. The way she had moved almost sensual, as if her entire being were there to be suggestive if her service. She picked up the tea pot, handle and spout held just so, as if it were featherweight as she tipped it slowly, delicately and raising up a few finger widths before falling down and tilting back as the cup filled. She did smile a little, mostly out of a sense of strange irony. She picked up the saucer and proffered it to Anelda upon fingertips, it was taken just as delicately.

“Quick study. Good. Now you know how to pour the tea. A small but simply telling task. There will be many more. Now! Onto your conditions”

[Zandelia]

“You must work here every day that you do not possess any information that is of interest or requires further attention. This will provide you with the necessary presence to operate as one of my girls without suspicion.”

“Accepted. I wouldn't want to be caught after all”

“No. You wouldn't. Now, when you believe that you have heard something of note you will come to myself for it to be reviewed. That way we will ensure that it is worth pursuing. Now let me be clear, I do not want to hear about everything. Minor points of interest you have free reign to look into on your time off”

“And if those minor points follow through I also come to you for review?”

“Well done. Yes. This city is a delicate web. We do not want to upset things unless absolutely necessary”

“And if I come to you and you feel that it is worth expanding upon?”

“Then you will be given and adequate period of time off from this Bath House to dig deeper. Each situation will likely be different and will have its own stipulations and requirements. You will not act upon anything unless instructed. Tranaris has the final say on all matters. And I mean all matters. Is that clear?”

“As crystal. I presume that you have a training programme?”

“For what would you need training? You have already stated you have the ability”

“To spy I do, but to maintain cover? I know little enough of massage and the rest. I can act attendant and door greeter well enough but upstairs, where they are at their most relaxed? Not so much. Not every girl here must have come to you with these skills surely?”

“I see. Arrangements can be made until such time as you are capable enough to walk alone in that regard. You will find, however, that most of what you will need is what I have already suggested. Costume”

“I see. Then I thank you Anelda,” she nodded at the woman., “are there any other conditions?”

“Yes. All of this depends upon being a servant of our patrons. You may see a nice mark that you wish to become close to. But what if you were interrupted by someone else of lesser interest?”

“I could find a way to get out of that and to that which is required?”

“No! What did I just say to you? You are there to serve. There will be times that you will need to step outside of what you want or others may become suspicious! You cannot enter Zeltiva with the same mindset that you used in Sunberth Zandelia. It will make you very useless, very quickly”

There was a silence then as Anelda looked at her, eyes hard and flinty in her instruction. She met the gaze for a while in consideration before nodding her head once more. She did not like the idea that she might miss something, anything, but then being undiscovered was more important. She saw that now. She had been careless in Sunberth, by the end everyone had known who she was and what she did. It hadn't mattered professionally as Sunberth had no rules, clearly though that was not they way of Zeltiva. What was more, her overt persona had brought about personal suffering. They had come for her just as much as they had for Fallon. She had to change her ways, in some ways.

“Anything else?” she asked after clearing her throat.

“Just one more thing. I know that you came with others. One in particular is quite close to you”

“Is that a threat?” she asked, her voice was hard now.

“No, it was an observation. And a point of contention. I am hardly averse to you finding your own connections in this world. We may be many things but we are human after all. You cannot tell her what you do here beyond being a Bath House attendant. Secrets are best kept when there are fewer people who know”

“You can trust her”

“No, you can trust her. I have never met her. No revelations. Or this arrangement is nullified. Understood?”

“Yes,” she sighed through her nose, “you are understood.

“Capital. Now, finish your tea. When you are done you may take the next two days to compile the required wardrobe and equipment for both of your new employments. On the third day I expect to see you here and working towards greater things. I will be watching” Anelda placed her empty cup down upon the tray and began walking towards the door.

“Do not take the conditions too hard Zandelia,” she paused at the door, “we all have things we must follow. They will become lesser if you prove to be of use. I have every confidence that you will. It is why I picked you”

“Yet you had hardly met me”

“Perhaps, but I have a good sense for these things. I'd rather use someone who wishes to do good works and has less knowledge than another who knows everything but would use it for worse. Think upon that won't you?”

“I will. Thank you for the tea”

“Third day, Zandelia!” came the brisk reply as Anelda slipped through the door and Bethany entered once more.

“Welcome to Zatoska Bath House sister. If you need anything just ask. I know how hard it can be at first.”

“Thank you...sister. Well,” she finished the tea and pushed herself up, “see you in three days then” was all she said as she made her way out and back into the streets of Zeltiva.

So, first to find a clothing shop I suppose she told herself as she made her way into the shifting masses, mind turning over what might come to be.

[Perplexity]

You have played well, but the game is at an end.

You have been bested. Beaten. Checkmate!

However, here is a consolation prize: a wealth of Experience and Lores! If you have any questions or concerns regarding this grade, please do not hesitate to send me a PM. I'll be more than happy to assist you!

 

Zandelia

XP

• Acting | +3 EXP
  Investigation | +2 EXP
  Interrogation | +1 EXP

LORES

• Tranaris Johnson: Seneschal of Zeltiva
  Acting: Projecting An Air of Confidence
  Acting: The Delicacy of Pouring Tea
  Anelda: Stern. Prompt. Precise.
  Anelda: Supervisor in service to Tranaris
  Bethany: Attendant in Zastoska Bathhouse
  Zeltiva: The City of Politics and Parchment
  Zeltiva: Role of the Lord of Council
  Zeltiva: The Council of Zeltiva
  Zeltivan Archivist: Responsible for the Culture and Spirit of Zeltiva
  Chief Magistrate: Councilor of Zeltivan Law
  Chief Ambassador: Councilor of Zeltivan Foreign Affairs
  Lord Treasurer: Councilor of Zeltivan Wealth
  City Architect: Councilor of Zeltivan Structural Integrity

MISCELLANEOUS

• Ooooh! So the games begin! I look forward to seeing the challenges that Zandelia faces down the road. I may even be tempted to jump into a few of those challenges...mwahahaha!

Until Our Next Match,
-Perplexity, DS of Zeltiva
.