[Gameplay] 7. The Search for the Forgotten Pharoah

"Hmm," Tabat intones, "Thank you. We have something to think on, in determining a gift of the proper caliber for Her Excellency."

You leave as does the servant and find yourself in private, or as much as you can be in the city streets. The hustle of the streets, traffic moving visually, hawkers offering wares if you have coin, and beggars leaving the shade only when they see a likely mark.

Jaware says, "I have just enough coin left to purchase the gift. Do you think this royal person will be swayed by your charms, Tabat?"

Tabat sighs, "I can do my best, though I prefer to lead with a rousing call to do the right thing...I get the sense charm may be of more help here. I can chip in for the gift as well. Let's hit the market and see what we can find. I nice ruby may do the trick."

I am sorry I can't help chip in... perhaps if we were to get some money later I can pay you two back...' She gives an apologetic look. I can back you up with the charm though Tabat. Dad used to have me around when he was negotiating with traders for supplies, help with teh sweet talking' She suddenly grins

'Also many may see these as jewels as well.' She taps a bicep. 'Maybe if this is her sort of thing you can flex a bit.' She teases.

As you head toward the market, Jaware asks, "Why does the haty-a refuse us? I don't understand who they would let in to that part of the library if it isn't us. Between us we know a great deal about scholarly subjects."

Iseret pipes up. "I've some money saved up that I can donate to the cause," she offers.

Tabat almost reactively flexes his arm and laughs, "Maybe, maybe. I'll be happy to have some help in swaying Her Excellency to our cause - your way with words has not been lost on me, Kadi."

"I am unsure, Jaware. It worries me that she shut us down so swiftly after I mentioned the reason for our request, and I can't help but wonder if she has some personal knowledge of the subject. Perhaps it is personal in some way to her."

"Iseret, I trust your keen eye and sharp tongue to help us navigate this market and find something befitting a proper gift. Let's see what we can find."

He leads Andromeda shortly behind them as they navigate the crowds.

What sort of gift will you look for? And might Iseret make an Appraise check at her convenience for meet to use later?

Iseret might.

Edit: Holy cow! Does she ever!

In the market you find a local seller, a finely decorated wine goblet of ancient times, gold and bejeweled. Iseret manages to spot it underappreciated by the merchant and you purchase it for 300gp although it is worth twice that.

After they make some distance from the seller, Tabat comes to understand the value of the item. "Iseret, you devil! This will make for a fine gift." He feels a pang of guilt for having taken such advantage of the dealer, but such is the way of the market.

You stare at each other for a moment, then Jaware says, "We have an appointment with the noblewoman. And a gift. A rare and expensive gift."

The guards let you pass, and you enter the boat on a wide and sturdy gangway.

A gangplank leads up from the quay to the deck of the pleasure barge. Brightly painted and trimmed with shining gold, the barge’s polished wooden planks gleam in the sun. Toward the stern of the vessel, painted and gilded columns support a silken canopy, shading a pyramid-shaped dais heaped with cushions that rises from the barge’s deck. Sheer curtains between the pillars stir slightly in the weak breeze along the canal.

The barge is inundated with courtiers, guards, slaves, and servants. Wealthy citizens and members of the local aristocracy sit upon cushions on the deck, beneath huge parasols held up by eunuchs. A lion is tethered to each of the four corner pillars, each watched by a guard holding a huge whip. Scantily clad slaves move silently through the gathering, bearing trays and pitchers of refreshments for the guests.

A heavyset woman dressed in revealing silks and wearing a gold headdress lounges atop the pyramid, almost lost in the vast mountain of cushions. This is Her Excellency Muminofrah of Sothis, Fan-Bearer on the Right Side of the King, Muminofrah’s title is that of a high-ranking courtier in the Ruby Prince’s court—one that implies a close personal relationship with the pharaoh and incidentally, places her above Deka An-Keret, a mere haty-a, in the hierarchy of Osirian nobility. Muminofrah has a rather fierce reputation in Tephu, which she has visited on more than one occasion.

Iseret steps forward and kneels respectfully, offering the gift. "Mighty one, we bring an offering worthy of yourself, and a humble request for your consideration."

"Your Excellency," Tabat says with a step forward and a bow, "We appreciate you hearing us today. Thank you for granting us a moment of your time. I am Tabat Menes. My companions and I are grateful to be in your presence."

Muminofrah looks you up and down as if appraising cuts of meat, languidly cooling herself with a long fan bearing a single ostrich feather—a symbol of her rank and title. Muminofrah is intrigued (and perhaps a little lustful) at her first sight of the Destined Delivers, and she waits to see what they have to say for themselves.

Jaware knows the proper etiquette, and says, "We humbly request an audience with you your excellency. This token was selected for you especially to show our esteem." He gestures to the object that Iseret holds.

She's intrigued by the gift and her eyes keep flicking to Tabat, her fan waving faster. "I am pleased by this showing. Please, make yourselves comfortable and join the party. Today is a lovely day for whim is it not?" She bats her eyelashes at Tabat, implying much.

She gestures with one ring-laden hand and a slave appears to lead you to cushions on the deck in the shade and offer them refreshments. Muminofrah turns her attention to another guest and the party restarts.

Khadi grins as she watches Muminofrah's eyes flicking to Tabat. As she turns to the other guest she shoulder bumps the paladin with a smirk. Looks like you've got her eyes. Its the muscles. You take the lead on this one.'

Tabat's jaw clenches behind his mask, as Khadi points out what he suspected. He looks to her and nods slightly. "Your Excellency honors us...with her presence and beauty." He takes his mask off, revealing handsome, dark features contrasted by amber eyes. He offers Muminofrah a smile and follows the others to the cushions, accepting the offered refreshments.

Tabat gives a quick look at the others, then nods. He sets his mask down on the pillow next to Khadi and approaches Muminofrah, sitting where she asks. "Your hospitality is generous," he says, taking a plate of food for his own and taking a drink of beer. "Your taste in food is exquisite, Your Excellency. Do you find yourself in this city often?"