I suppose it wasn't my prerogative to be unknowingly included in this conversation. It seemed people picked weird places to hold serious discussions these days though. I had been on my normal walk through the Library gardens, one of my favorite places to go because it seemed so in tune with nature for being in the city, and at the same time, I felt scholarly, when I had overheard this particular group, talking at the fountain area in hushed tones.
I couldn't help but be intrigued, dropping in behind my favorite grove of bushes to listen in.
"... We discussed matters of Secret Keeping, till Avelyn showed up, and Mychel had a vision, and passed out. We put him up in Tinoya's room, with her to keep watch, and we discussed matters of the ring. She wanted to go see her mother for spiritual council, and two days later, she left." It was a man speaking. Rings? Passing out? What exactly did Secret Keeping entail? I had many questions, and continued to listen.
There was another, more charmed voice speaking now, still a man; younger, perhaps? "...While in the woods. I was with Zaish, the one known as the Whisperer, who can only speak through thoughts? We sought shelter at Catryine, the Countess of Fiamari's manor, and she granted it, and as far as I know, she's joining Avelyn in her quest to find out more about how to work the ring."
Names rang bells. Avelyn was Lorelai's daughter, the new Duchess of Irisynne, and Catryine was the Countess of Fiamari. What was this about Avelyn with a ring and a quest? Her mother should know about this, if anything.
Yet, the instinct to tattle on her is not quite as strong as the lust I have for glory.
After all, Baroness de Goi Blanche is fine and all, and so is the probable appointment of Mistress of the Treasury, but you know that isn't the same as eternal glory.
What if I could help these people? They'll need money on their side, by the sound of it, and if my appointment goes through, we'd have plenty of that to go around for whatever they needed.
I took a gamble, hinging on whether this was a fool's pursuit and game, or if this was real. If it was a fool's game, I'd hang my head in shame in the city forever more, bereft of any meaningful reputation other than the crazy Baroness who'd believe anything in the name of greed.
Nonetheless, it sounded like now or never to jump in on whatever they were planning, because now the women were getting up from their places; the meeting was breaking up. Taking a deep breath, I stepped out from behind the bushes, to horrified looks on one of the men's faces.
For a moment, the thought passed through my head that I might be making a terrible mistake; I might be killed. The lust for glory was too great to show weakness though, and I stood firm and tall.
"How... How much... did you hear?" The man didn't seem to be able to formulate any kind of well versed question in his awe and frustration at being overheard.
"Oh," I flipped my hair a bit, flushing slightly from mild embarrassment. "Enough to know who you are talking about, and enough to understand that you might need some financial help in your endeavors."
Gaining confidence when they did not protest, I continued. "I'm Gianna, the Baroness de Goi Blanche, and I'm likely up to be Mistress of the Treasury during the decision meeting."
I smiled demurely, glancing down at my feet before looking up to catch the dark and handsome looking man in the eye. "I'm sure I can be of help or at least persuasion if you'll only let me. Somebody continually in the Doyenne's ear can really push your conquest onward, if you know what I mean." I winked, and he blushed; the tallest woman shot me a look laced with utter malice, and I swallowed.
