Fishing expedition

Demetrius paced along the length of the terrace, his gaze flickering between the gleaming place settings and the rich gardens unfurling below. He’d insisted on every lavish touch, every dish prepared precisely to his specifications, wanting to create an atmosphere that was both inviting and… disarming. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled patterns over the table, illuminating delicate crystal glasses and gleaming silverware.

The invitation had gone out, the meeting well planned. Ever since Novella had come to him during open office hours to discuss the situation and conditions of the reeducation program, he’d planned to have this meeting, at his earliest convenience, to hear about the conditions first hand from Kaczor herself.

The meal was set to be impeccable—a precise blend of delicacies that would appeal to any palate, all laid out with almost ceremonial care. Yet, for all its extravagance, there was an undeniable eccentricity in the setup. A few brightly colored napkins twisted into peculiar shapes, an array of mismatched floral arrangements, and an assortment of small figurines—odd trinkets Demetrius had added at the last minute, much to the dismay of the servants, but he knew what he was doing. Today, he would strike just the right balance.

Several of his cats, varying in color and demeanor, wove themselves between the chair legs, brushing along the tablecloth, and occasionally batting at a hanging napkin. He took a seat briefly, only to jump back up and readjust his chair, then examined the exact angle of a wine bottle before turning to straighten the forks and knives once again. It would all have to be perfect—or it would have to be mad. He hadn’t yet decided which, but the possibilities seemed to satisfy him equally.

As he glanced toward the doors leading out to the terrace, his eyes gleamed with anticipation, his mouth curling into a smile that hinted at amusement or malice—or perhaps both. He folded his hands behind his back, rocking ever so slightly on his heels, waiting with palpable energy for Kaczor Tilani to be announced.

@Kaczor Tilani

She didn't want to leave the house, not after everything that had happened, but she needed to do something to fill the time in waiting for Ella to come home, and perhaps trying to accomplish something that wasn't subversive in some fashion would help her ... help. After all it wasn't every day that an invite into a floating palace would come, and as she stepped out of the rain into the ferry that would take her to the palace she thought about what all had happened.

Thinking about crawling home to her already, hmm? Where's your sense of self man, she tried to kill herself to get away from you, I'm fairly certain that's a great indication that she's no where good enough for you.

Be quiet, I don't need your input today, thank you very much, she said, quietly, under her breath to herself as she gates opened and she was ushered through the palace -- she hadn't been to the place since she had finished her schooling -- magical law. Her aunt had insisted, so that one day when she found herself in the position of being of an age then maybe she would have taken their seat, but not now, no, Kaczor's future was clouded, and depending on this meeting, she might find herself back in jail before it was all over.

The Lord Kaczor Tilani, Esquire stands with out! Kaczor rolled her eyes at titles, she hated them, and wished more than anything that she could change it to Lady, but there was a power left in a title of Lord, and she was hoping that power would help make some headway in what she had come to do today. She had been summoned, to speak to the Archon, regarding her time in prison, and the unique situation she had found herself in. While it was true there weren't many like her, she and her aunt both were one of the older names. Thankfully Auntie had never had to face a prison sentence, but, Kaczor knew her time in had been less than if someone of a lesser name and house had been caught in the same seditious manner.

She took a deep breath, squaring up her shoulders as she caught sight of her brother in law on the edge of her vision, taking some small comfort that if she was going to be killed today, the Executioner would make it quick. When the door opened, all nervousness, fear, grief -- it all melted away and was replaced with the vibrant personality that was Kaczor Tilani -- the Archon deserved nothing less.

@Demetrius Arvina

The moment Demetrius caught sight of Kaczor entering, he stilled, freezing mid-gesture as he adjusted a cat-shaped napkin holder. For an instant, his expression was unreadable—a mixture of keen appraisal and a flicker of delight that was far too sharp to be entirely friendly. Then, with a dramatic sweep of his arm, he turned to greet her, his movements fluid and theatrical as if he were the conductor of some great performance.

Ah, Lord Kaczor Tilani! he exclaimed, his voice resonating with an odd combination of warmth and mockery. The very person I’ve been eagerly anticipating. Do come in, do come in! Mind the cats; they’re more territorial than I am.

He stepped forward with purpose, his sharp eyes scanning her face, her posture, as though he could divine every thought and motive hidden behind her confident facade. His smile widened, revealing perfect teeth, though the expression carried an edge of unpredictability, like a dagger wrapped in velvet.

It’s a delight to have you here, my dear. Please, make yourself comfortable. He gestured toward the elaborately set table, one hand twirling slightly as though to emphasize the peculiar charm of the mismatched decor. Forgive the… eccentricities of the arrangements. I thought a touch of whimsy might set the mood. After all, we’re here to discuss rather serious matters, are we not? And what better way to discuss them than in the midst of delightful chaos?

Demetrius moved to his seat, gesturing for her to sit across from him. A sleek black cat leapt onto the table, lazily curling up next to a fruit bowl, entirely unfazed by the proceedings. The Archon reached out absently, running a hand over its fur as he continued.

Now, Kaczor—may I call you Kaczor? Oh, I *will*—I’ve heard intriguing things about your tenure in our illustrious reeducation system. Things that have stirred the air in ways most invigorating, if you’ll pardon the metaphor. His tone shifted, becoming quieter, though no less intense. Tell me, in your own words, how you found it. Were the accommodations to your liking? The company? The lessons?

He leaned forward, steepling his fingers, his expression expectant and amused. Do paint me a picture, my dear. I’m most curious to see it through your eyes.

@Kaczor Tilani