Rene had protested, but there was little he could do. He was neither her guardian nor held the rank to challenge her authority over her comings and goings. It was adorable how he fretted, the Princess finding some amusement in his overprotectiveness, or fear of her aunt’s wrath should anything happen to her on the outing.
Adaria had no concerns, at least no unusual ones. It would be entirely foolish to make an enemy of another nation with their emergence from the barrier so recent. From what she had so far seen, Tevinter had locked down any form of dissent with their ruthless and prolific Eyes hidden in plain sight. It almost reminded her of home though the eyes of the Crows were far easier to spot than this foreign land. Adaria had experience of other places, but Tevinter had always held close its mysteries.
As she waited for the carriage sent the young woman's mind wandered, reminiscing of her first twilight venture out of the Palace, following after her Father to his favourite haunt. She’d hid in the shadows and avoided trouble until it inevitably found her. Francesco was neither furious nor overly concerned when discovering his tagalong, she had the means to look after herself, but Tevinter was not Antiva, there were no familiar Crows to watch her back.
Fortunately, she had arranged a suitable chaperone, using the time in between their meeting to do some research on her guide for the day ahead. Her Father’s spirit could rest assured she was not taking this outing lightly, preparing herself accordingly. The minds of servants had been easy to infiltrate, gently probed towards what knowledge they had on the once grand Pavus household. The fall from grace was nothing unusual, houses rose and fell with the seasons and whims of their rulers and while other Tevene may now call them pariah’s, the Campana’s always had a soft spot for the underdogs. He’d come to her rescue and offered a day of entertainment before returning to the dull, flaccid excuse for fun Orlais had to offer. Tipping his standing up a degree by accompanying him was an appropriate way to thank him.
A servant fussing at the ties to her outer robe brought her attention quickly back, the wordless command given to Stop. Immediately. rolled out of her mind on instinct. The young girl froze, righted herself almost mechanically, like an automoton and stepped away. Releasing her, Adaria stared coldly. Do not touch me unless I ask it, what is wrong with you? Now, go and see if Lord Pavus has arrived, I’ll be in the parlour shortly. The smile flashed was not sincere, but neither did she care for the temporary maid's feelings, feigning interest in fixing the stray wisps of her hair in the mirror until the maid left.
Taking a breath she studied the reflection, the corners of her mouth curling with impish glee while she stared at herself apologetically. I can’t promise I won’t be reckless, but I promise not to die. Too many things to do, Father, but I know you’re jealous. Chuckling, she’d make her way out towards the parlour, ready for a night of new experiences.
It was a beautiful evening. The heat of the day had burned off as the sun set, leaving the city to cool in gentle breezes. Enzo, garbed in blue waistcoat and jacket over white trousers and black boots, whistled as his carriage rolled through the streets. It had been a leisurely day, with what work he had pleasant and finished quickly before lunch. To end it at one of his favorite establishments only made the day all the finer. To have a foreign royal envoy along with him? Well, that would make the day near perfect, he thought.
The princess was, to be sure, so very young. He would not do her the insult of calling her a child, but he was more than twice her age. Some might talk, and Enzo couldn't quite blame them. He was a famous flirt, a reputation he'd come by honestly and then stoked artificially in recent years. So some of the gossip would be unavoidable. However, Enzo had intentions on putting the worst of such talk to rest by being sure to introduce Adaria to members of Tevene society more appropriate to her age this evening, should she agree. What talk persisted after that... well, he had other means of turning stories if it came to that.
In truth, Enzo saw something of himself in the young princess. Something in her manner recalled to him his younger, more carefree days. It was, to put it simply, a delight to witness the vigor of youth once again. And yes, it helped that such vigor often lent itself well to gambling. And that filled the coffers of The Blind Eye which, in turn, filled his own. It was a symbiotic relationship, of sorts.
The carriage came to a halt outside of the residence he'd been given. Enzo stepped out, tapping his cane a few times as he studied the facade of the building. It was one of the larger townhouse estates in an older corner of the elite Altus quarter. He could not, at the moment, recall which house owned the building however. It mattered little. Hefting the cane, he moved up the steps and rapped on the door.
"Lord Enzo Pavus for Her Royal Highness." he said to the petite servant who answered the door. She backed up and held the door open wider to let him inside. He followed the servant to the parlor where he saw that Adaria was waiting.
"Your Highness." he said, dipping a bow identical to the one he'd given when they first met at the ball. "It is a beautiful evening for an adventure." he added with a smile.
She was forgoing the outer robe entirely when he was shown into the parlour. The night was warm enough to not needlessly burden herself or a servant with it so she passed it off to the girl as Enzo bowed in welcome.
Please, she’d playfully chide. Can we agree here and now that you call me Adaria, or Addy, and I can then address you as Enzo. Then we can be rid of the bothersome titles of Majesty and Lord and just be friends. She stared at him seriously, and then curtly returned to fixing the silk scarf around her neck as if the matter was no longer up for discussion, the decision firmly made all while a sly grin played across her lips.
A chance to sneak behind the veil of Tevinter and see it up close? Oh I’m positively brimming with excitement. she’d heartily admit with a chuckle. Satisfied with her attire and with a final smoothing pass over the skirt the Princess was ready, taking a position next to him. Everyone else is so quick to leave instead of making the most of the trip. I’m curious if Tevene odds are better than Antivan? I bankrupted the last Booking House I went to, well… her Father technically placed the bets, she was only seven, unable to reach the table itself.
Following to the carriage, she’d take his offered hand, keeping up appearances of propriety despite being perfectly able to mount the steps unaided. Comfortably on the road to their destination, she’d turn to the man Ophelia mentioned that more of the Archon’s cats were found caged by a madman? Certainly one way to make the evening memorable to all. Her search party had shadowed Demetrius, eventually coming across a suspicious shapeshifter who’d assumed the form of Saxton. Rene’s had found nothing, but Ophelia… the two had shared a curious look when crossing paths, arm in arm with an agent of the Eyes no less.
Admittedly I mourned some when I saw the state of her dress. A pity, but needs must when in pursuits.
"If it please you." he said, giving a slight nod of his head. Then, shrugging, he added "Old habits." Tevene society might very well fall apart if class and station weren't rigidly maintained and acknowledged. Enzo knew that better than most. Even as a foreigner, her station afforded her the right to decide when formalities might be observed or foregone.
He waited, smiling as she looked over herself one last time and expressed her excitement. As she approached him he held out his arm for her to take and began to steer them toward the door. "Oh, I should hate to wish you bad luck, but I would rather you didn't bankrupt this establishment." he said with a chuckle. "I'm rather fond of it."
They were quickly out the door and into the carriage when Enzo was momentarily surprised at hearing Ophelia's name. Though, the moment passed quickly. They were both at the University of Orlais, after all. That must have been their connection. "And a coward, besides." Enzo nodded, his face darkening somewhat at the memory of the man and the night. "Madam Jolfy was indispensable. We were fortunate to have her help. Did you both meet at the University, then?"
It was not much later when they arrived at the famed Vivazzi Plaza. After they came to a halt, Enzo stepped down, then offered his assistance to Adaria once again. As her feet reached the marbled street, he gestured widely, cane in hand. "Allow me to welcome you to The Blind Eye."
The four story building dominated a respectable portion of the plaza. High at the top, a small dome protected a cracked bell. But the most notable feature of the edifice was the large dragon's head that was carved into the wall above the entrance. As tall as the second floor, the dragon's eyes stood in stark contrast to the stone around them. One was set with black onyx, the other with a gleaming giant pearl. Enzo had never learned how such a large pearl had been acquired. He rather liked not knowing. Such mysteries were part of the charm.
Enzo offered her his arm once again and led her forward. The guards at the door snapped to attention, and an attendant bowed deeply. "Welcome back, Lord Pavus." and without lifting himself back straight, he continued "and Your Highness, it is our greatest honor to welcome Your-" he stopped abruptly as Enzo thumped his cane twice on the ground.
"This fine lady is grateful for The Blind Eye's famed discretion, Almus." He said in a low voice. Almus, bobbed, still bent at the waist and muttered his understanding and apologies as he opened the doors for them. Inside, two more attendants bowed. One offered a tray with two fluted glasses. Enzo handed one to Adaria and then took the other as the second attendant ushered them toward their destination.
"I have a private area reserved. From there, I am happy to show you to whatever form of entertainment might catch your fancy. Anything you wish, you've only to ask."
The private area was walled off on three sides, furnished with plush couches and low tables. The open wall had curtains, currently pulled back, that let through light but obscured forms within. An ornate metal lamp with holes stamped through all around it to allow its light to dapple the space hung above the central table where fruits, cheeses, and other easily picked at foods awaited them. After the attendant bowed again and stepped to a respectful distance, Enzo held his glass out toward Adaria in toast.
Adaria grinned widely, chuckling as she slid an arm into his. Friends don’t bankrupt other friends' business adventures. I promise it won’t come to that given I’m sure there are other things than gambling to grab my attention. It would be poor form to ruin such an acquaintance, especially with Antiva’s reputation already in tatters.
Mmm. Indeed. Anyone who believes that stealing a valued pet, let alone the Archon’s, is a very foolish being. She tried not to grin at his momentary surprise, settling into the carriage easily with his assistance.
Ophelia and Rene are family friends. Rene is one of my Professors though not for Mathematics. In his youth he’d join my father on his tour of Val Royeaux’s taverns, playing the violin and getting up to mischief. Francesco’s reputation for being a wayward Prince was well known in the South, only returning to his duties when Adaria’s grandmother sent people after him. Sometimes he would bend to her will, others he’d give them a good chase, flitting from one city to another, but when the time came to take the throne he rose to the challenge.
She spent the journey towards the Blind Eye at the window of the carriage observing people, the ancient architecture carefully preserved while the carriage rolled through the streets to the Blind Eye. Adaria took his arm again when exiting her grin broadening as she took in the establishment. That reckless Campana streak bubbled under the surface, head tilting from one side to another at the bust above the doorway. Now that is impressive… the comment falling away as the pair came to the door.
A brow rose when the guardsman began greeting them, furrowing into irritation, but it quickly shifted to one of amusement, chuckling under her breath with Enzo’s rebuke. Drink in hand she continued to follow while her head swivelled to take in the coveted establishment.
Anything? Ooh, that is a dangerous thing to say to an Antivan, she’d laugh, a hand running along the furnishings before taking in the space while the attendants laid down the platters of food. You will certainly need to take me on a tour, but I’m convinced tonight is going to be one to remember. Drawing closer, Adaria tipped her glass to toast, Indeed, and to new fri- Her voice cut off and looking past him, Adaria’s head nodded towards a gentleman passing by, the garb adoring him something akin to a bear suit. Is that man pretending to be something or does he normally dress like that?
"Anything? Ooh, that is a dangerous thing to say to an Antivan,"
Enzo chuckled, half at the boldness of youth and half at the possibility that he'd brought trouble right through the front doors of his favorite place in the city. Well... second favorite place. He was not so old yet that he'd forgotten his own youthful romps through the city. The details were fuzzy, sure, but that had nothing to do with his age weakening his memory. Surely this princess would not be quite so reckless. But then... she was her father's daughter. Enzo had never met man, but he was famous throughout Thedas. Indeed, there'd been times in his life when Enzo wished he could follow such an example. But he'd never been musically inclined.
Smiling, Enzo was readying to repeat Adaria's sentiment when she stopped short. Turning to follow her gaze, Enzo chuckled again. "Tomasso? I... well, in truth I couldn't tell you what he wears normally. I don't believe I've ever seen him wear something so conventional as a suit. He is something of a fashion visionary, an artist as well. Perhaps he will grace us with a performance later."
Turning back to Adaria, he gave her a grin before taking a hearty drink from his glass. He then set it down near the food tray and gestured toward the club as a whole as he straightened. "Now, your tour."
Enzo led Adaria Away from their nook, cutting a leisurely path past the expansive bar whose staff wore tight fitting, short sleeved black shirts with pearl buttons and white bow ties, showing off musculature and curves alike. When one moved from behind the bar to run drinks to the various alcoves, his short, black pants revealed bare legs from his impressive thighs down to his polished black shoes.
"My Lord." the man said to Enzo, dipping his head.
"Ah, Simone!" Enzo's smile brightened as he put a hand to Simone's shoulder to pause him on his journey to drop off the drinks. "Adaria, Simone here is a veritable alchemist with spirits. Anything he pours is sure to delight you." he said, gesturing between Adaria and Simone. The tall man gave a modest smile at Enzo's praise and then turned his impossibly green eyes to Adaria. Without the glasses on the tray he carried shifting at all, he bowed at the waist to her.
"It is a pleasure, my lady."
"Say," began Enzo, snapping his fingers, "when you've the time, mix up a couple of glasses of that drink you made for me the other week. With the..." he trailed off.
"The peppercorns, my lord?"
"Just so!" Enzo gave the man a pat on the shoulder as he straightened. "You can deliver them to my booth, yes? Excellent." Simone nodded and then excused himself to complete his task. "Incredibly refreshing." Enzo said as they began to walk again.
They passed around the outer edge of one of the card table areas, then the stage where a sextet was playing a lively jaunt and several patrons danced in couples on the wide floor. "Now, I know this place well, but I should like to introduce you to a good friend of mine who knows it more intimately than any other. I do believe he will be in attendance tonight." Enzo said, his eyes scanning about for Quintilian.
Adaria smiled at Enzo's description of Tomasso, tilting her head thoughtfully. An artist, is he? I can understand that. Rafael once sketched her portrait - granted, he’d insisted it was unfinished, but she could see the care in every line. There’s something fascinating about how artists see the world, how they transform what’s in front of them into something entirely their own. She paused, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her glass. Music, though… music is different. My father is - was - a masterful musician. Some people speak of his playing as if the Maker himself had blessed his hands. But standing out when you’ve inherited the same gift? That’s a different kind of challenge altogether. I wonder if Tomasso knows what that’s like.
Her smile turned playful, and she raised her glass to Enzo in a mock toast before taking a sip. As for recklessness, I wouldn’t worry too much. While I may have inherited my father’s boldness, I’m sure you’ll find I’ve also inherited my grandmother’s temperance. Most of the time, at least.
Setting the glass back on the table with a soft clink, Adaria followed Enzo into the heart of the club, her sharp eyes taking in every detail as they walked. The dim lighting glinted off the polished wood and sparkling glass, the hum of conversation blending with the music to create an intoxicating ambiance. The servers’ attire—provocative but professional—didn’t faze her in the slightest. She’d seen far more daring in her wanderings, though she had no intention of admitting to Enzo just where.
As they paused at the bar and Enzo introduced Simone, Adaria's curiosity was piqued by the alchemist-like bartender. Her gaze lingered on his deft hands as he balanced the glasses on his tray, her lips curling into a small smile when he greeted her. A pleasure, Simone, she replied, her voice warm but measured. As Enzo placed an order for the peppercorn drink, she interjected with a slight grin. Not too strong, mind you. I refuse to be sent home too early and miss out on all the fun.
When they continued their tour, Adaria found her attention drawn to the card tables, where players hunched over their hands with intense focus. She slowed her pace, her gaze narrowing slightly as she observed the dynamics at one in particular. Two players were locked in a silent duel, their movements small but telling. Leaning slightly toward Enzo, she murmured in a hushed tone, Look there. The man on the left - he’s too still, holding his breath. And the one on the right... that’s not the face of someone who’s bluffing. I’d wager he’s about to take the pot.
Her eyes flicked up to Enzo’s with a glimmer of amusement. It seems the game isn’t just at the table, is it? The reading of faces, the weighing of intentions—how very Antivan.
Straightening, Adaria allowed herself another small chuckle before they moved on. The lively music from the sextet drew her gaze toward the dance floor, where couples spun and stepped in intricate patterns. She smiled faintly, as a memory of how her parents used to take every opportunity to waltz across one swept through her mind. Yet, her companion seemed on the search, and nodding, Adaria decided to tease him again, snickering. Ah, so you’ve decided to introduce me to someone who knows this place better than you? Should I be flattered, or should you be concerned I might like him more than my current guide?
