Finesse, who the heck are you?

>>1105102
Damn, this is ballin

Finesse 2025/03/20(Thu)12:32 No. 1105119 ID: 46e818
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"Master Muschio, that's... any other time, I'd have a lot to consider over it. I'm sure in time I'll have to... process this, and figure out what it means for me. But...
I do respect what you've said.

In the circumstances, however, I find my mind keeps returning to another aspect of that glade."

>"Do tell."

"The Seer. He was nothing but cordial to us, and his demeanor was cheerful and bright. But there was something else there, too."

Finesse 2025/03/20(Thu)12:42 No. 1105122 ID: 46e818
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"He said he had once been a more... primal God. Something more dangerous, more ominous.
I don't know the circumstances of his change. Was it a natural progression? I suspected at one point he might only be pretending, fitting some new role, but with the way he treated Tislomer, the way he relented... I'm not sure. If it was an act, it felt like he truly didn't want to give it up.
It may sound strange, but he reminds me of you."

>"Of me?"

"You wanted to be a villain once. When I met you. By and by you had to pretend. To act as a more generous leader, to get the alliances and help you needed. But at some point I think you realized the mask you were putting on was your truer face, after all."

Can't agree there. I think Muschio still wants to be a villain, but being a villain has more to do with his opposition to the status quo and his willingness to do anything for victory.
...I don't remember. Why did Muschio want to be evil in the first place?

>>1105122
>You wanted to be a villain once. When I met you. By and by you had to pretend. To act as a more generous leader, to get the alliances and help you needed.
Extraordinarily true.
When this all started he was a young man angry at the world for all that befell him, his family and their legacy. Ready to burn it all down and even started to with that town.
Taking over this place and gaining allies has slowly changed him.
Maybe it was him just growing up and maturing as a leader... or maybe something else is happening. It may be very apt to compare him to the seer in this regard. I'm still thinking that amulet and maybe this place are causing him to channel a totem god somehow.

That's pretty much what we saw; the complex life of a warlord-turned-celebrity.

There was something we saw that you didn't. Flashes of Ms. Bojack's perspective, behind the curtain. They're old, and cranky, and there's a lot of grimdark horror behind the happy overpositivity. And then there was the full transformation of those slavers into... whatever those were. That was creepy even with the happiness filter. But at the end of the day, Red appears to be actively functioning as a positive god with many negative connotations and inner subconscious workings.

What can I say? Some people are @#$%ing complicated.

It's not too complicated. You lost a lot, in your youth. You could have lost more, there are people worse off than you were, but there are few who dropped so precipitously. Among those who have, it's so often their own actions that caused it - they can at least claim responsibility for their own fall. As a child of wealth and station, you were promised power, allowed to taste it, to appreciate it - but you didn't HAVE power, yourself. You have been powerless your whole life, and worse, given the education to recognize it, to know what power looks like and to know you had none while you lost your home, your family, your place and purpose in the world.

Villains have power. It is the villains who act, and others who respond. Villains who are unrestrained, even by morality. You have done good things, protected people, done what you could to build a better world, and - since you are a villain - you can say you were not compelled to it, held to some rule, some standard. It is your will. Your choice.

Perhaps The Seer values that he has a choice, too. Your nature is something handed to you, and if we believe him, for his kind, something that can be taken away.

well, there is a certain gravity to love, both have a tendancy to drag everything together, to be inescapable once they have a hold of you.
Both are like sight too, dark stars taking in all light, and love desiring to see people as they are, and once either looks, what is seen becomes part of the seer

>>1105127
to add: What Muschio wants has not /changed/ per say, it has only been added to, to want to keep what he has, as well as avenge what was lost

what is the point in vengence if you lose it all?

>>1105122
The wheel turned.
Muschio wanted to incarnate the archetype of the villain. An evil man that antagonize those who would be called heroes.

But the thing is, He is the Hero. He carries inside him the blood of kings. He has no rivals, as no man can be his equal in deeds and mission.

He was born to be king, and a king he will be, a true hero among true heroes, a river to his people. The will and the way.

And overlord may know glory in his lifetime, but that's all the time it will last, maybe 'till the third generation at most. Our prince is building a kingdom for the ages, one built in the foundations of justice and prosperity. No scoundrel will ever achieve that.

Our enemies may know our Prince as evil incarnated, as he will bring doom upon them. But
evil is rooted in selfishness and self-adoration, and Muschio instead has a burning heart, that strives to give it's all for those that placed their trust in him.

>>1105122
I don't think that desire has changed, simply some perspective has been gained.

Recall where it came from, the bossman was subjected to a terrible change of situation. a family slain, a throne usurped, a kingdom turned against him.

And by all accounts we've come to see, this was the result of being a line of good people.
Clearly the only response is to become the kind of villain that would neither allow such a slight to occur, and who's wrath is so devastating as to discourage such an attempt in the first place.

But Muschio has proved to be a noble soul in the ways that count. Genuinely respects and cares for the plight of those under his influence.

Good news for everyone involved, the two are not mutually exclusive!
and a good thing too, since 'Do right by your own, and take no shit from anyone else' will win as many enemies as it will friends.

>>1105122
I think youre right finesse.

Villain was what they would call him so that is what he chose to be.
But that was just another cage of a different kind.
Hes grown beyond that now.
Without you and the others, i dont think he would have.
Not that youre intentionally changing him by any means.
I dont think you could.
He remains definitively and unapologetically Muschio.
Just one that treasures his companions and recognises how much they drive him to better himself in a way vengence alone could not.

>>1105135
>>1105137
>>1105143
Guys he burned down a village

We're not the heroes but we're not irredeemable scum
We're adventurers and we get things done

>>1105144
Wasn't that a freak accident?

Just saying Ridder deserves a little credit for that since self-reflection was a result of that fortuitous meeting. Still, would have meant little if Muschio had no conscience - given the whole Hookdon thing.

>>1105135
>>1105137
>>1105143

These.

>>1105122

We are who we want to be. Because if we weren't, then we wouldn't want to be.

>>1105122

All this time, Muschio has been fighting back against the injustices done to his family and kingdom. That he initially chose to do so from an adversarial position is understandable.

Now, however, he is building up his own base of power and using the very talents he was trained to bear to unite the region and become a contender for the throne. It might still be a long shot, but Muschio is showing himself capable -- more than capable, perhaps, with all his exploits -- of not only fighting back, but besting his predecessors in the process.

Evil, after all, is only what others make of it -- and a term assigned to us by those who overthrew the Malto reign.

Finesse 2025/03/21(Fri)15:04 No. 1105160 ID: 46e818
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>"I've a nolition to admit I've lashed myself to wayward serments in the past, for fear future oaths might not be taken seriously.
>But I think, in some way, my devotion to villainy was a reflexive reaction to the upheaval and revolution that stole my birthright. To seek defense, or to push offense in its place, by taking a position that was active rather than merely reactive. To give to myself, through opposition, the power I was abused of.

>In the end, it was, as you say, a mask. One that only fit halfway.
>So if, in making a better future -- one which can protect those I care for -- I must shame myself in confessing it, I will. Without hesitation."

Finesse 2025/03/21(Fri)15:07 No. 1105161 ID: 46e818
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I see, clear as ever, the man I chose to follow.
The regal air that he emanates in every word and action.

I know he will be king yet.

>"Perhaps we all pretend, as we go. We fake what we intend to make until we know it better. Some pretensions last, some fall away. Like a crab on the sand, trying on new shells and casting old ones away. In a sense, yes, I suppose we are all pretending, until we need to no longer hide, no longer adapt.

>All of us pretend, in some way. To be happier, stronger, less alone. All of us in this life, in this Vault.
>I wonder, idly, who of us is pretending the most."

Finesse 2025/03/21(Fri)15:08 No. 1105162 ID: 46e818
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"Oh, Ashedel!"

>"Apologies for interrupting, Muschio, but our guest has arrived and is cleared to the main entrance now, if you'd like to greet him."

how DID that defrief with Ashedel go?

Drop everything and get with the fancy!

>>1105162
Better get your Dapper on Boss
first impressions are quite important.

>>1105161
I think i see it too finesse.
Yeah.

Crowns rest lightly upon heads bereft of wisdom but not to worry as he is developing that quality nicely.

>>1105162
Oh!
Time to ready yourself finesse.
Duty calls.
We may end up bouncing around.
Good talk!
I mean, for you two.

We should go.

>>1105162

And no once, Butter was mentioned ;)

Muschio 2025/03/22(Sat)13:24 No. 1105220 ID: 46e818
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Very well. I thank Finesse for the conversation and excuse myself, making for the Great Hall.
Something to chew over.

>"By the way, Muschio.
>How shall I introduce you? 'Prince Muschio Malto'? 'Lord'? 'Master'?
>This might be your first formal introduction as leader of these people. Best to set a precedent."

>>1105220
(Honorary) EMPEROR Muschio.
Or just 'Warlord'.

The Malto Formerly Known As Prince

Prince sounds good.

>>1105220
You could probably generously describe yourself as an Overlord or Lord Paramount at this point; Lord sets you amongst any fool with title to a patch of dirt, and Prince ties you to claims on land you clearly have no way of pressing. It's time to be proud of what you do have, right at this moment.

>>1105224
Agreed. Best go with Prince, we are not king until our rightful throne is restored.

I think "Prince Muschio Malto, Protector of the Timore Woodlands" is an appropriate and accurate description of our place in the world.

>>1105220
Grand poobah!
No wait.
Muschio the magnificent!
Breaker of chains, breaker of hearts, breaker of beds.

Changed my mind
>>1105254
This is way better than "Prince" alone.

>>1105220
Burrito Supreme

>>1105254
I also find myself in agreement with this one. A statement of who you are, not too high and not too low; a specification of what you do, and the vibe of who you are.

>>1105254
The second part might be more important than the first, protection of the Woodlands should be emphasized over future aspirations.

>>1105220

Sovereign Muschio of house Malto.

Muschio 2025/03/24(Mon)14:40 No. 1105323 ID: 46e818
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I answer Ashedel as we arrive at the newly finished Great Hall.

>"Prince Muschio Malto, Protector of the Timore Woodlands! May I present Sir Morphyl Rabas, and entourage."

Muschio 2025/03/24(Mon)14:42 No. 1105324 ID: 46e818
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>"Prince Malto! As I breathe!
>What an honor!
>Blessed to see you alive and well! The rumors were all true!
>Saghir to you and your great house!
>You'll excuse me, I should hope, if I do not bow. My poor knees, they're not what they once were."

Oh my god I can't take him seriously

Careful, I can almost feel the grease saturating through his wool. Accept gifts but make sure to place them in a secure warehouse.

Do we know the name of our guest?
We should hope he isn't as off as he immediatly seems to be, but keep things secure as though he is

>>1105324
Greet him? Have you ever heard the term Saghir before? It may give an indication where Rabas is from.

>>1105326
>do we know the name of our guest
he has been mentioned by name a dozen times and ashedel literally just announced him

You must have a baaad memory, for you don't recall ever meeting him before. Forgive yourself for being so sheepish, but you must have forgotten in the stresses of life on the lam.

Flashback time boss!
Do you know any large gregarious sheep and do you have any reason to be embarrassec by meeting one?
Also, does you know what saghir means or should we flit between brains until we find someone who does?

Greet him cordially but internally, what is he? I see he is some sort of caprid but does he have a species name like the kobold or kepling do? Does he represent or lead a race of people? Are people with animal-like figures all one species of are they divided by the animal they take after into different species? I ask because between Wes, Arna, Czar, and now sir Rabas there are a lot of mammal folk and generalizing them all might offend our newly met and potentially powerful guest/ally.

Gotta appreciate a warm welcome

>>1105324
Tell him you will accept a bow that spares his knees.

A rakish tilt of the head and a generous arm sweep is always appreciated.

He must have traveled far. Ask him if he met any obstacles along the way. That's a good conversation starter.

Muschio 2025/03/25(Tue)18:01 No. 1105393 ID: 46e818
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"Greetings to you as well, Sir Rabas. 'Saghir'?"
>"Ah, it means prosperity!
>Not that you need any luck wished upon you! You seem to flourish all on your own.

>I can still scarcely believe my own eyes. The Tragic Prince!
>That's what they're calling you, you know! They speak your name in hush and excitement together.
>There were rumors you survived, though they held a funeral -- not the King, mind! He would have thrown you in a ditch, I'm sure -- but always the speculation you survived. Murmurs from Iniziare.
>God, to see you stand before me now!"

Muschio 2025/03/25(Tue)18:07 No. 1105394 ID: 46e818
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>"And what a place you have made!
>Eht vhahir, a palace!

>Still sparse, yes? But proper decor is less important than good walls, good bones. And this place, such bones! You have come far indeed, Prince! Very far!"

"Thank you. I have prepared a room, if you'd like--"
>"Oh, your Royal Highness! That is so generous, very kind, but I will be gone by nightfall. Many more roads to travel yet."
"Then I will have my men help yours with your possessions. You must be hungry from your long journey. Come in, eat, rest. We have food prepared."
>"You honor me, Ysir! Please, lead the way. My entourage will stay for a moment to sort my belongings."

He's petitioning you, much like Mondegreen. But don't buy any of the praise. You need resources.

If he offers what you'll need in the years to come, you'll give him some political power. But only if he continues to feed your nation; every favor he grants you needs to support the people, anything other than that is to be treated as a gift easily forgotten.

Ask about his servants. I don't believe we've seen their kind much.

Polite fellow...
You know this dance muschio.
You were born to it.
This said, your guest has been doing this a long time.
Remain alert to what catches his interest, whether he speaks of it or not.

>>1105399
>>1105405
Relax, he hasn't asked for anything yet, and he seems knowledgeable. There's no need to be wary. We should introduce him to the gang over a meal.

>>1105412
I mean, it's possible he's a spy of some sort, or he's here to steal the thing all sneaky-like. However, I doubt he's going to do the deed himself. He's the center of attention so he won't be able to do anything. However, he's got tiny servants that could more easily escape notice; we should try to keep track of them. How many does he have?

>>1105412
>>1105413
The real threat here is politics. He just told us straight to our face, we still have enemies, and now he knows that we're alive for himself. Enemy or not, if he leaves the Vault, that secret leaves with him.

He seems well connected, could be opportunity in that.
Knowing there is still public support for you back home is great news.

>>1105424
Yes. Whether on purpose or not, he's given us some valuable info that we are known throughout the land and have been for longer than we've held this dungeon.
>>1105394
Remember Moira's words; guy loves food and company and we should give him Mondegreen's regards as she requested. Would be nice to know how she stands with this guy.
And bring up The Shield of Comose/Odo Rumux during conversation when possible. See if he knows anything about it.

>>1105394
Just stopping by?
Better keep your keen eye on him Boss, also on his minions.
Weird of him not to present you with a gift.
If he is saving it up for the departure, that could mean he doesn't want to be around once is opened/used.

Y'all need to be a bit less suspicious, this is a bon vivant who we want on our side. How we handle this will let us make use of his networks and info.

We still have some wine left, don't we? We can gauge his intentions better if he loosens his tongue (you deserve some recreation too, btw).

If he's not abstaining from alcohol, of course.

Muschio 2025/03/26(Wed)14:20 No. 1105454 ID: 46e818
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>"I can smell the feast already! I am famished from my long travels, and this is the exact thing my soul and body need to recover.
>I should also ask, who will be joining us?"
That's a good point. While Rabas did mostly come to see me, and I should make sure our own connection is kept as the central piece of the event, it may do to bring someone (other than Ashedel, currently acting as overseer and bodyguard) to the meal. An officer or two, if I should so choose.

>"May I also ask, my Tragic Prince -- god save me, the Tragic Prince! -- please lend me a ladder and one of your handier workers. I have a gift I've brought you that may help to bring life to this grand but empty space. An old relic of some history. I know you will appreciate it. But I insist, it must be properly displayed for your Royal Highness."

>>1105454
Babrakus can handle the gift

>who will be joining us?
Guy likes company, so a bunch of people is probably best. But above all, we need Pendle, he can handle the totemic god discussion for us.

Nope nope nope Trojan alert
Accept gift, stuff in basement, sell it to a wealthy collector and then distribute the proceeds to charity

I'm sure this large tapestry will not have any magic circles secretly woven into it or anything.

>>1105454
accept, but see if you can get your people to check it for danger before it is grandly revealed.
subtly if possible, so as not to offend our guest, but if questioned simply explain that you have attention from malefactors of means both magical and mundane.

we wouldn't want to learn down the line the gift was (no doubt completely without Rabas's knowledge, make no mistake) secretly a backdoor for the Pretender or suchlike.

Pendle for sure.
Intelligent and has a topic of interest...

As to who else.
The heart says tislomer because shes a delight in any circumstance but the mind says shes not quite formal dining material.
princess erisol would be a good pick as she is both charming and gregarious.
Finesse too perhaps.
She is sharp minded and measured in her responses. Plus, her varied expertises add another element of interest to carry conversation.

>>1105454
Finie and Pendle would be optimal as dinner companions, Boss. Also ask Ona to check the "gift" with Babrakus, just in case.

“Well let’s take a look at it then so I can find us the best place to display it! Wouldn’t do if it didn’t match the room it was in, after all.”

>>1105455
Agreed. Get Dom and Babs to take care of the gift and let's grab Pendle.

Muschio 2025/03/27(Thu)20:19 No. 1105499 ID: 46e818
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"It sounds lovely. I'll have my men handle take a look, and bring it in when it's ready to be presented."
I send Tislomer to bring Babrakus to help with the gift (and Dompag if further help is needed), as well as Finesse and Pendle to join us for the meal. They might have the most savoir-faire for this.
Other than Dompag himself, I suppose. The man does have a practiced air.
>"Your men did inspect us at the entrance, Highness. But I understand, one must always watch over their shoulder in such a dangerous world.
>Your father felt much the same, from what I understand. Not paranoia, but in a position of power, wariness means survival. We do what we must, after all!"

"Very well, the food will be out shortly. Please, sit."
>"Thank you, Prince.
>This room is so grand! A bit sparse, again, but truly a palace in scope! What a place you have carved out for yourself.
>It feels bigger than the Piacevole Castle!"

"You've been?"
>"Oh, aye Prince. Yes! It was grand, magnificently grand! What a legacy in its walls!"

>>1105499
Hmn.
You are right about dompag boss.
The only thing against him is his usual wardrobe being a loincloth is pushing what the nobility would consider casual wear.
Maybe invest in something formal for him.

Oh.
If you think hes insulted
Tell him you trust him of course, but there are things here which may interact... poorly with a well meant gift given in good faith.
Your experts are ensuring nothing untoward will occur from some unforseen dissonance.

Dompag in a butler suit would look absolutely dandy wouldn't he?

Dompag should get a chance to meet our guest, it's a rare chance for a meeting of such minds and hopefully a reason to return

>>1105499
Hmm, and when WAS the last time he was there? I hope it was during your father's reign. That would make him a good deal more trustworthy.

>>1105499
We should ask about his companion's Boss.
Not just the lovely lady, but also the little guys that look like mannikins.

Muschio 2025/03/28(Fri)13:52 No. 1105521 ID: 46e818
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Very well, I'll send for Dompag as well, once the others have arrived.

"When was this?"
>"Oh, during your father's reign, some years ago. It was a high honor to be invited to the royal court! You know, the castle reminded me a bit of a keep I'd once visited just North of Tela Cruz. Beautiful little hamlet, it was. Ah, me!"

He gets into his seat with a little effort, and his second seats herself beside him.
>"You know, Prince, we've met before."

>>1105517
The little guys are sprites, minions summoned via a monster portal. It was one of them that delivered the message of his arrival.

>>1105521
"Truly? When was this? It had to have been when I was but a child."

Muschio 2025/03/28(Fri)14:00 No. 1105525 ID: 46e818
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"Have we?"
>"Oh yes! Though I don't blame you forgetting me. You were only a babe! Sat upon your dear mother's lap.
>I had brought you a little... well it was hardly a trinket, a mere toy, but it cost quite a coin, and I'd brought it all the way from the North Pass, near the Mesas. Speaking of them, I heard the bugfolk-- oh look at me, I'm all over the place this afternoon. It's that excitement to be here. And in your presence, no less, all these years later!
>As I was saying, you were but a little child. I heard you had quite a temper in your youth, though I mean no disrespect in saying so. It appears you've calmed since, of course! You shine such a true regal demeanor, now.

>Where was I? Ah, the toy, yes. I hoped it would leave a good impression. But you held it only for a moment, and then threw it into the fireplace!
>Oh, you should have seen me! I turned white as a ghost! I thought that reception would mark me by some grave insult to the court, but your mother, bless her kind soul, she laughed with such mirth, and all the tension was broken."
>"Lunch is served!"

>>1105525
While we wait for the others to join us let's segue the conversation to Mondegreen to gauge his reaction of her name. Make no mention that she said they've met.

If he does know her, give him her regards.
If he and his second do not, then we need to assume he's a spy, play it cool and try to pump him for info while giving him none.

>>1105525
"I am pleased to know that my family left such a lasting impression. What was the nature of your visit to my father's old court? Was it mere tribute as king? You are certainly dressed as a foreign dignitary. Or was there something bargain the two of you had conducted? I assure you if it is within my power, I will gladly follow in my father's example."

>>1105525
O-hoh!
Firey tempered lil muschio sounds adorable.
Summon a memory of yourself
lets see how cute you were

>Prince with toys
Why does this sound familiar and why does it feel like you made the right call?

Ask what the toy looked like.

Is there a fireplace nearby to throw into whatever he intends on giving you?

>>1105525
At this point, it would be rude Not to ask for him to introduce us his companion's Boss.

Asking him to introduce his companion is a good idea, yeah.

I’m very wary about the “toy”. Something or other about a witch cursing us as a child with a very fancy-looking ball…

Either way, ask what the toy looked like. Hopefully it was wooden.

It doesn't take much to get him talking, he's clearly an honest and open book.
Suspicion is unwarranted and a drag on the mood, just relax and enjoy the company.

Don't forget to introduce your companions too, might be a good way to prompt him to introduce his.

>>1105525
One of those wind up fairies, right?

Arent all fairys wind up ones if you find a place to put the key?

Cmon visions of youth.
Bubble up from the memory gumbo and let us see what we remember.

Muschio 2025/04/02(Wed)02:56 No. 1105712 ID: 46e818
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"Ah, I'd like to introduce my trusted officer, Marjani Openda. A deeply skilled and knowledgeable woman, who, by our great fortune, is also a world-class chef. As I'm sure you're about to find out."
>"A truly heavenly scent! An honor to meet you, Miss Openda. I must thank you now for what I'm sure will be a great feast. I fear I may be entirely too sated to do so later.
>Ah, and where are my manners? This is my great friend and honored traveling companion, Lily Tee."
>"Pleased to meet you, Lily Tee! You can call me Ona."
>"And you can call me Lily, you little darling. Thank you for making our lunch. I'll be sure to savor it."

Muschio 2025/04/02(Wed)03:17 No. 1105713 ID: 46e818
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"Please, my new acquaintances. Let's not stand on ceremony -- help yourselves. We have an open service practice here, so do just take whatever you see that looks appetizing."
>"I'll raise a toast when I've whetted my appetite, then."
>"Thank you, Highness."

"You know, as luck would have it, I was just speaking with the Lady Mondegreen recently--"
>"Moira? Then you've met the old busybody, have you? Well, I'm sure she wanted something. And I'll bet she got it! Ha! She has a gift, that girl.
>Next time you see her, you tell her old Rabas is still bringing her that gift."

>>1105713
What's that being spooned into his cup? Some part of the food? Not poison, surely. She wouldn't be so brazen as to do that in front of you. Right?

>>1105714
Pretty sure they're drinking from the cordial glasses seen here; >>1105712
So that must just be a serving bowl she's taking food out of.