>>5421708>>5421519>>5421337>>5421264>>5421255>>5421229You opt to remain at this (admittedly humble and primitive) palatial estate. It’s not a matter of desiring the luxuries these noble-elves can offer; rather, you have not yet finished your politicking.
You are shown to your quarters, to be shared with your servants as you so choose. Any you do not wish to bed in the same room as you are offered a shared accommodation apart. You are wary of how to respond to the request, uncertain as to whether the implication of a servant remaining in your (spacious) quarters is loaded. Some elven nobles seem to take guards into their quarters, for instance, but some take what appear to be courtiers, or entertainers, of somewhat sensual attire and nature. The issue is muddled by what occurs with Jazkarmel’s personal quarters: the warrior-princess brings guards, male and female… But then, she also sends a messenger to request Oluwadailare’s presence. The half-human shrugs, with a sly grin and an excited gleam in his eye; you allow it, for the sake of goodwill. In the end, you allow all your other two attendants the run of your overlarge room, rather than sending them away, so you may have them close-at-hand if you need them.
You don’t intend to spend much of the night in your quarters, anyway. There are many things one can discuss in mixed company, but some which you cannot; as a leader with secrets worthy of social stigma, you know this well. You have matters to discuss with Queen Myrymma, and they demand discretion.
You send Ivno to serve as messenger. He does not speak the elf-tongue, but he has the kobolds’ gift for service, making him an ideal messenger. You give him the message, and he repeats it back; you correct him, and within three cycles of this, he has your message for the Queen memorized perfectly, even in spite of not knowing the meaning of the words. The kobold departs and, when he returns, it is with a short-but-straight-backed Drow servant in a mix of silks and leathers, who offers to lead you to a meeting-place. He has the Queen's silver eyes, and a hint of her facial features; though they look virtually the same age, you suspect this is one of her sons.
You follow the Drow, but bring Ivno with you; he cannot understand the words you will be exchanging, but has proven skilled with a blade, and so makes a perfect attendant in such matters. His cautious character is appreciated, too; he glances furtively into dark corners, moves with soft steps, and generally behaves as a scout, but without overt twitchiness.