Get to know the guests of the castle

There are a lot of people there... All kinds of nobles from the land as all gathered to meet the king, while he grants new titles to the brave heroes of the crusade. A few days will pass until his arrival, so you are free to interact with others until that time. Surely there are some interesting people to meet, but you could stick to the ones you already know. You enter the banquet room. {If elegance = 0}All eyes stick to you as you enter naked, but you try to act confidently as if all was well...{endif}

{if Lord Michael = true}Michael will spend most of his time in his room, resting his leg, you can spend some time with him if you wish. {endif}

Baron George tells you about the people in the banquet room:

George: Many of the guests are still away, but they will arrive over time I hope. First, let me tell you some basic things about the ones worth meeting here:

George (pointing at Dercia): That strange woman in the animal furs is Dercia O'Connelli. She is a druid, a strange cult of nature worshipers, I personally do not like any of their pagan actions, but she has great knowledge about all kinds of potions, she has helped other noble ladies in dire situation such as avoiding pregnancy from cheating on their husbands, to preserve their honour... She is a bit "extraordinary", but a kind soul, her family members have been the physicians of my family for generations, they know their job well!

George (pointing at Julia): That girl in that red dress is Duchess Julia, she is about the same age as you are, she is a bit arrogant mostly, gets angry if she doesn't get what she wants. Her husband{if Lord Michael = false} also{endif} died in the crusade and she inherited all his lands. She is trying to find a new husband and I have no doubt, with her outlook and seduction skills, that will not take long. She has laid with dozens of men, a remarkable feat at her age... You could talk to her, just don't cross her, she is known to be quite "thoughtful", when it comes to cross others. Once she set one of the guest's dress on fire with a candle while feasting, because she said out loud, that Julia's dress was too revealing! The poor girl had to rip her clothes off in the middle of the room, not to get burnt! She was quite humiliated, as she was left naked for all to see! Julia just commented about how revealing HER dress has just became... The poor soul, never accepted an invitation ever again, but no wonder why... If you can get on with her, she could be quite helpful, she has great influence in the land.

George (pointing at Henri): There goes Prince Henri, he is in his 30s, he is the second man of the country after the king himself. He has just as much power as the king does, some fear, he will start a civil war one day... Let's hope it will not come to be... He is otherwise an ambitious and ruthless man, know to **** many of his subjects, sometimes only for his own joy. Hope he will die in a hunting accident soon... He would make a great pair with Duchess Julia, had they not been hating each other ever since, like, their birth! If you befriend him, you could find solution to almost all your problems in the realm.

George (pointing at Marcos): Finally, the man at the window is Marcos, he is a foreign trader, often passes by here. He has a great wealth, he buys and sells all kinds of things and always makes a great profit from them. He is usually not into such social events, but tends them as he is trying to get new trade contracts. Maybe visit him sometime and try to get a profitable deal.

George: So, I have told you all you need to know, should you need me, I will be managing the event from my chambers, knock on my door and I will be at your service! Feel free to eat, drink and do whatever pleases you, you are my guest and I would be a poor host if you had any needs unfulfilled!

Lily: Thank you George, I will take a look around!

As you say this Dercia turn towards you when you show your back to her. She touches an amulet hanging from her neck, with the symbol of a crow.

Dercia (whispering to herself): She is the one...! The goddess has chosen her...! We shall see whether she is worthy!