Out of the Nest and into the Snake Pit

[Saguzar]

Catalina had been warned that Marcella was inexperienced, and certainly the young woman bore herself in a fashion which strongly suggested naivety. By the Glittering Tapestry, what did the Guiate Patriarch think he was doing, sending a pampered girl to that city with only a limping accountant and herself?! Guillen should have offered them that ugly cretin Trollbait Thibault. His face might curdle milk, but a better bodyguard could hardly be imagined.

Still, Catalina could only do her job, which right now consisted of smiling in delight and assuring Marcella "Why yes, my dear, I do indeed ride. Though I rarely get the opportunity to do so. Do you ride often?" She let the question drift cheerfully across the table in a way that addressed both Marcella and Bertran. Catalina hoped she could begin to comprehend the nature of the girl she was contracted to accompany as early as possible. She would likely have to work harder to gauge Bertran, though, who seemed a particularly cautious and self-contained man.

It was a farce, the entire affair, a madman's gambit. But if fortune smiled, perhaps the assignment would start to make a bit more sense as the days passed, and Catalina would gain a better understanding of just why Ramiro had decided on someone of her talents instead of a trained bodyguard for this task.

[Bertran]

"A pleasure, senora," Bertran replied dutifully after Marcella, nodding again to his new charge.

After that, he lapsed back into silence. He defaulted to Marcella when it came to answering Catalina's question. It wasn't the sort of question that amused him; horsemanship was one of the spheres in which men were expected to excel within Corezan upper society. Given his leg, it was something he could only ever struggle at. He required specially trained horses, or lazy nags. Even so, he could not be sure it was an insult. Given the leading statement by Marcella, the chances were low. Still present. Barbs such as that were cheap things. He gave the woman the benefit of the doubt; she did not yet seem the sort, and he could see little benefit in antagonizing someone she had just met and was supposed to be working with.

Only after Bertran could be assured that Marcella had spoken her piece on whether or not she rode horses often would he offer up his own, "Sometimes. Not as often as I would like."

He was smiling. He was warm. There was nothing in his manner or his tone to indicate that his lack of engagement in the conversation was anything more than the act of a courteous participant. He was a good listener. He was the perfect representation of a deferential underling.

[Marcella Guiate]

"Quite often." Marcella stated, taking a sip from her water glass before continuing. "Too much if you were to go by my Father's opinion. But I find riding to be quite relaxing or exhilarating as needed. Now," She set her glass down and changed the subject, having finally started to get a grasp of the situation. "I have had some training in business but as previously stated, precious little especially for a job of this magnitude. I am putting myself in your hands, I am willing to learn and as far as I am aware I am a fast learner. I just ask for patience and understanding as I plunge headfirst into this. I do apologize that you have to deal with someone as inexperienced as me. I really only was told about this opportunity yesterday. If I had expected it I would have at least attempted to be better prepared."

While she was sucking up to the both of them in a small way, Marcella really was being sincere. This responsibility was a great opportunity for her and she knew that she would be needing all the help she could get. Perhaps it was a situation that would put her in harms ways but she would finally be out from under the coddling eyes of Isadora and away from the awkward, if not absent relationship with dear old Dad. If she wasn't trying to help her family, she could certainly find a way to help herself. Of course that would be later on once she had herself established and had a firm grasp on the inner working of everything. But there was nothing wrong with looking to the future.

[Ramiro Guiate]

As conversation turned to the mundane, Ramiro signalled Iago, and soon the kitchen maids had laid out for them a large lunch.

Desultory conversation followed, on topics of commerce and equine breeds, until Ramiro excused himself.

Standing, Ramiro nodded to them all "With regrets, I must return to my office. The days refuse to stand still for my leisure, and there is much to do. Iago can be relied upon if a message needs to reach me. Good luck in Qadis, the three of you." So saying, Ramiro allowed them a moment for the usual courtesies, then left them to their own devices.

[Saguzar]

Catalina's smile didn't waver as she learned that Marcella had received but a day's notice of this assignment when even she had been given a month to prepare. By presenting the girl with herself and Don Bertran within a day of presenting her with the task, Ramiro had neatly cut away the likelihood of Marcella developing cold feet before they left. The Guiate patriarch was a shrewd negotiator, undeniably so, but by the Tapestry he was a terrible father.

However, the bulls were out of the gate now, and all they could do was keep moving and hope not to be gored. "I am certain all will go well, Senora. But if I am not mistaken, I do believe lunch is upon us." Catalina provided only token participation during the lunchtime chatter, preferring to listen whilst eating. It was a good chance to slip into the habit of perfect posture and dining table decorum.

When Ramiro took his leave, Catalina paid her respects, then addressed Marcella and Bertran. "I sense that the two of you might appreciate a chance to discuss myself without my presence. I too shall retire to the guestroom provided me. If you need me, do not hesitate to knock upon my door."

Catalina stood and offered a curtsy before taking her leave. With the assistance of a housemaid, she found her room prepared with her luggage neatly laid upon a bench.

[Bertran]

It had become Bertran's job to hold the weight of small conversation. He took it gracefully, telling stories from his time spent in northern Morua along the border there with Hasele. He flattered without becoming obsequious, asked after recent activities and people whose faces he couldn't remember but were tied in with Guiate. He was perfectly pleasant; a man in blue who was yet another faceless nail in the Guiate fortress.

Ramiro's and then Catalina's exits were met with equal courtesy, and as he sat alone with Marcella, the meal finished and taken, he gave her the same attention he would focus upon any established man or woman he worked for. She might be his problem, she might be yet another court fluff: it still was not his place to judge. He had no business looking at her in any way other than someone to whom he owed loyalty and his best attention.

So it was not with condescension or false politeness that he addressed her. "Senora, I too have been in a sudden situation where I was forced to play catch up. I will do my best to assist you where I am able, and I hope in return we might have a pleasant acquaintenceship. Therefore, before we must quit the leisure available this eve, I would answer any questions or concerns you might have regarding the business ahead."

[Marcella Guiate]

Marcella did her best to contribute to the meal time conversation although she found it to be rather trivial, or at least uneventful. She barely ate anything since Isadora had made her eat beforehand so as not to seem like a 'pig', or anything of the like, in front of her future companions. As the rather boring talk wound down Ramiro and Catalina took their leave, which left Bertran.

To be honest he was not her choice of after lunch entertainment, if anything he proved be rather dull by her standards. And now he wanted to talk business after a lovely meal like that? At least let it settle in her stomach first señor! Marcella sighed inwardly and wonder how much he knew about their trip or the third member of their party. Smiling softly she stood up, rang a small bell and addressed Bertran casually.

"My dear cousin, if you don't mind me calling you that, why don't we adjourn to more comfortable quarters? Certainly these chair are comfortable but I would much rather be able to relax a little before what seems will be a rather daunting task for me. Ah Yolanda," Marcella said as she turned towards the younger girl who entered the room. "Our guest and I will take some tea in the sitting room. Thank you." The girl nodded and with a small curtsy to the both of them she left. She didn't need Marcella to specify which sitting room they would be heading to because she had already been told to make sure that the room was ready for any after lunch company there may have been.

Of course Marcella had seen a small hint of surprise when she had indicated that Bertran was to be her guest. It had been assumed that it would be Señorita Catalina who would be attending. Marcella had hoped to pick at the mind of her chaperone and guide but that would have to wait.

Leading the way down the hall Marcella did her best to main a steady pace. She had heard of Bertran's.....problem, and did not wish to embarrass him if she walked too fast as was normal for her but could cause him to fall behind. At the same time she didn't want to draw attention to the issue and think that she pitied him or thought him less of a man, that certainly would not be the way to win him over.

"We have not spent much time together Cousin but your talents must be great if Father wishes to send you along with me to Qadis. I know he would not send anyone to one of our most important holdings especially with someone as inexperienced as I at the helm. I have wondered if he means to test someone else and is merely using me as a cover." She chuckled softly as she ushered Bertran into the room she had prepared, the tea service already there and set up with Yolanda pouring her a cup. She would have to commend the girl later for carrying out her instructions so perfectly.

[Ramiro Guiate]

Once secluded in the privacy of his office, Ramiro poured himself some brandy. His world was awash with worries of every kind, and it was clear that he was making a blind gamble with a significant portion of the Guiate empire. But what choice did he have? None, and that was what grated his nerves the most. He should have had the foresight not to let things develop this poorly on the home front.

Ramiro sighed as he sat down. He'd remonstrated with himself in similar fashion innumerable times these past few years. Well, there was no turning back now. Ramiro wrote several more letters that afternoon, until eventually he called Iago in once more. "These four are to be sent by estate mage, but these three by Rinaldo." As Iago began to protest, Ramiro waved his hand "I know, Iago, spare me the warnings. I am actually counting on his loose tongue and love of drink. Have him deliver the three in this specific order, impress upon him just how critical these messages are, and assure him a bonus when he arrives at the brokerage in Qadis. I must muddy the waters for our enemies as best I can."

Iago gave his assurances, and retreated. Ramiro stared out the window, trying to predict the moves of the poisonous Moruans and all their wretched agents, and mentally ran through preventative and remedial measures for each possibility. If only he could orchestrate some greater and more immediate conflict between Morua and one of the other ducal households. It was like a game of conquista where he had yet to find the right trump. When Ramiro eventually retired to bed, it was still with a head full of worries.

[Saguzar]

Saguzar sat in her guestroom, perched in front of a mirror, once more examining her appearance and internalising every little detail. She had been given much less time than she liked, and so every spare minute was dedicated to ensuring the persona of Catalina was flawless.

It was harder, because Catalina shared Saguzar's hair, without cosmetic alteration. In fact, apart from the details of clothing and demeanour, Catalina was the closest Saguzar had ever let a persona resemble her. It was a necessity, if this charade was to last for more than several months, and Saguzar had been able to gain no headway in her attempts to persuade Guillen to limit the duration of the arrangement.

Saguzar spent the better part of her afternoon becoming Catalina, and Catalina spent her time consolidating the finer nuances of her demeanour, the little quirks of mannerism which would hold her recognisable as an individual, yet separate her from Saguzar. And Catalina, too, worried for the future. Guillen assured her that the Scrutineers Guild membership and references were all in order, but there was always the possibility that someone had slipped up. She had so much work ahead of her, with far too many complexities to ever be comfortable with.

Was she being set up for an 'accidental retirement'? No. Surely not. Her talents were not fading, nor was her usefulness even close to an end for the Society. But still, the assignment was so unusual, there had to be something awry about the entire affair. Catalina and Saguzar both wished they knew exactly what it was which set their teeth on edge.

[Bertran]

"Do you think so?" Bertran spoke slowly and evenly, not wanting to show the effects walking for any real distance had on him. This was certainly not the conversation he'd in mind when he'd offered to speak to Marcella, but if she desired to speculate about her father he would not stop her. It was not his place to be her nursemaid, and he would not try to advise her in any manner that did not have to do with commerce.

He waited for her to speak, focusing instead on settling herself as comfortably as he could on one of the chairs. He recognized the room, had spent time in it before. It was a beautiful set-up, showcasing a taste-level more delicate than Ramiro alone could account for. It was old elegance, all purple and silver with a hint of ivory around the edges. Bertran could guess who had designed its current decor, though he would never ask.

[Marcella Guiate]

Well this was heading no where rather slowly, Marcella thought to herself as she held out her hand for Yolanda to give her a cup of tea. Bertran's remark had been rather abiguous, was he remarking on her comment about his talents or her thought that she was not the real reason they were being sent to such a place as Qadis so last minute. Were all her talks with him to be like this? She was starting to remember why she never seemed to take particual interest in this cousin.

Taking a sip of her tea she smiled, she liked her tea sweet but not extremely so and her girl had done a perfect job. "How is your tea cousin? I hope it is to your liking." Set the cup down on small table beside her she took on a relaxed pose, resting her face against the back of her hand as she focused her attention on Bertran.

"I was hoping we would be able to share information before talking business." She said softly as her dark eyes carefully but casually took him in, searching for signs in his body language tht would give her some clue to this man. "Although I probably couldn't help you as much. I was wondering if you knew anything about our other companion for this trip? I do trust my Father but I still would like to know who this mysterious person is for myself. I know you have not had much warning of this either although you perhaps had a little time to understand who she is and what she is about?" She smiled charmingly at him, wishing in the back of her mind that she had rememered to bring her fan. She hated the thing but it really did give one something to do with their hands.

[Bertran]

"From what I have been able to gather, my own briefing has been equal to your own, or less. I suspect the person with the most information in regards to Senora Catalina would be the senora herself. Second to that, Don Ramiro would no doubt be an adequate source of information. I apologize for my lack of information, but my expertise is strictly limited to matters of finance and commerce."

He gave her eye contact, and level eye contact. He was deliberate and spoke slowly enough for his words to not be mistaken as a glib response. He was not known to be one who shared in gossip, and he felt some small surprise that she had even asked in the first place. It was said quite plainly that the daughter of Ramiro Guiate de Morua had mixed ambitions -- her lack of intended husband was cause for enough speculation that even Bertran had heard it frequently enough to be able to list several variations -- but he found himself doubting his new mistress some small bit. Did she not have her own sources? Was she feeling him out? Were her intentions perhaps split from the coming-of-age task her father had set her? It put him on edge; he had not intended to become embroiled in Don Guiate's family politics. He had chosen his clothing very, very carefully to help accomplish that.

"The tea is lovely, thank you."

As if to demonstrate, he took a sip.

[Marcella Guiate]

Marcella did her best to keep her frustrations to herself. This man had practically 24 hours more notice then her and knew nothing? Perhaps he was choosing to keep her out of the circle or was it possible that Ramiro actually hired a simple tour guide and chaperone for her? Even if that was nonsense it would make sense if Bertran had spent his extra time preparing for the work he would be doing. Marcella calmed herself as she admitted that she spent some of her precious time with her horses instead of preparing. And it was useful to have someone close who was loyal and wasn't quick to talk behind the backs of others.

Alright Marcella thought to herself as she placed her cup aside to show that she meant to get down to business. He may prove to be incredibly dull but if he can help me prove myself and is self controlled as he appears to be, well then I shall have to do my best as well.

"Do not apologize, instead accept my apology. I should have realized that you would have spent your time looking into the details of our task." She smiled again before pulling a dainty but practical notebook and a pencil from one of the hidden pockets she loved to have sewn into her dresses. Settling into a comfortable position she opened the book and with her pencil poised she looked up expectedly at the señor.

"Now as you probably know, I certainly wasn't the first candidate for this position but since my dear brothers are....unable to take up the mantle that leaves my father no choice by me. In addition with such little forewarning I have not had the time to gather the details about my duties in Qadis. We have plenty time to discuss such things on the trip, but perhaps there are some things you would like to alert me too so that I can start to prepare myself as much as I can? I would hate to have to be a burden to you throughout all this."

[Bertran]

Too little, too late. Bertran had the distinct feeling that this girl had not spent much time learning how to properly use people assigned to her, because had she opened this private conversation another way she might have eased more useful information out of him. Now, however, he was on edge and regretting the offer he'd made in the first place. He'd never any intentions to be used as a catspaw to someone he barely knew. He was not -- had never been -- big on political risks. And now, he was not quite feeling up to the task of being blunt or transparent with her. It was obvious Ramiro had not prepped her. Far too obvious. Was that why Bertran had been chosen in the first place over those who might be considered better qualified? Had Ramiro known his daughter would start on the wrong foot, and need to learn how to manage people better? Doubts crept in, and once they settled it was hard to remove them.

"I have familiarized myself in part with your prior education, Senora, though my own knowledge of your schooling may be incomplete due to the limited time I have had to prepare. As such, while I believe you have been thoroughly educated on the basics, I fear there has been some lack in the matter of cultural differences in business, especially when it comes to such a mixed pool as Qadis is. Set within the Quijas duchy, no less, which is considerably. . . different to Moruan -- or even Bellezan -- customs. I have therefore prepared a few lessons to engage you in -- with your permission, of course -- during our trip here. However, if you wish for a truncated version, I would begin with the social cues necessary to tell the various individuals we will meet what you want -- or don't want -- them to know. Take this presentation of tea, for example. . ."

Bertran had never specifically been trained to be a teacher. It had never occurred to him in any immediate sense that he might be called upon to act as a tutor, to share the means in which he had met his small success, or the things he'd noticed in his superiors that had lead to their success. He did not touch on finances in the half hour he lectured without pause. That, he felt, required more time than they had during this after-dinner tea. Instead he touched upon the various people their business would take them to, and highlighted the main differences. He touched upon basic etiquette in Qadis, how to navigate the twisting maze of the societies that had made Qadis what it was, and the influence each had left. He lit upon common things Moruan businessmen did out of ignorance while there that were considered insulting or unforgivably rude. He described the not-so-common things that happened at the worst moments. Fans, for example, had a somewhat common use in Moruan business by women -- they were often considered impolite in Qadis, though it depended on who you were dealing with. There were a few women there, transplants from other societies, who quite liked Corezan fans and the language, and felt put out when they were not used.

"This is, of course, a brief outline of the things I would like to teach you on the road. There are a few monetary matters that we shall also go over, but as I will be by your side and can speak as necessary in most circumstances, I feel etiquette is the better tool for these initial lessons. What is your opinion, Senora?"

[Marcella Guiate]

Marcella spent the next 30 minutes carefully recording Bertran's words of wisdoms, advice and rules of conduct. Her pockets were only so big and thus her notebook was small but this did not prove to be much of a problem, nor did she have an issue with keeping up with Don Bertran. Thankfully years ago Roque, when he was in a much younger and mature state, had insisted they they come up with their own version of shorthand so that their 'secret' letters would go undiscovered. After he fell into his pit of wantonness she taught it to Armando to keep it in practice.

Here and there she would look up and ask a question but for the most part she kept her mouth shut. She sensed that perhaps she took conversing a little too far, and that perhaps in the future it would be best to keep things on a business level until the time arrived when he decided that they were close enough to talk and share things of a more detailed nature.

"My opinion," Marcella said with a final flourish of her pencil before putting it down and looking up at Bertran, "Is that my Father chose well. You are right with the right advisor, finances can be explained, but knowing the correct rules of conduct can make the difference between a deal successfully made or broken. I look forward to learning more from you on our journey and throughout our stay in Qadis." She finished with a smile even though Marcella was a bit disappointed that in making sure that Bertran and she remained on good terms meant that she probably would not be riding her horse for most, if any, of the trip like she had originally planned.

"I hope you do not think me rude if I take my leave now." She said standing up while tucking her note supplies away and made a mental note to make sure to pack at least one of her fans among a couple other items that she most likely would be needing while in Qadis. "I see that there are some packing changes that I will need to make and that there is still much to study up on before I leave. Is there anything I can get the servants to send in before I go or anything I can do for you?"