5.2 Damasus

Given the limited time remaining, you conclude it would be wiser to go with the nearest leader. While you're not personally familiar with the man, you have seen him in passing during consul meetings. As you recall, his position has risen recently, likely due to his increasing wealth and connections. His popularity and influence would prove a substantial advantage if they were used in your favor. During your inquiry, you learned much of his wealth is due in part to his large vineyards. Deciding to use this to your advantage, you send a request to meet with him under the guise of a business proposal. It's hardly a surprise to you when shortly after you're invited to his estate. However, upon your arrival you are disappointed to find that counter to your requisition, Damasus is not present. When you inquire about rescheduling when he is available, you're somewhat hesitantly informed that will not be possible. Finding yourself at an impasse, you reluctantly conduct your fictitious business with one of his representatives. The situation is less than ideal, however, it would be rather suspicious to recounter your offer at this point. Unfortunately, now you have only succeeded in spending more money and procuring no advantage.

It was a mistake to assume Damasus would be naive to your true intentions. Despite this temporary set back, you are undeterred. It will take more than an ignored meeting to dissuade your efforts. Returning to your estate slightly irked, you resolve to continue your endeavor shortly. With each passing day, you're increasingly aware of your limited time. However, by the week’s end you're still unsuccessful in devising a reasonable justification to order his presence. Eventually, you conclude that if you're to make any progress, you'll have to see to it personally. At the beginning of the following week you have a tentative strategy formed. It takes a considerable amount of patience waiting for your next excursion to the library. Finally, the day arrives and with it a strange sense of calm. Once you've reached your destination you quietly slink off to one of the unguarded areas. After having gained Iason's trust you learned of his method of getting in and out of the building undetected. Using this to your advantage, you are also able to easily steal away. You find it relatively effortless to blend into the rest of the crowd unnoticed. Keeping your hood drawn over your head, you quickly make your way through the large city.

By the time you reach the edge of Damasus' estate, it's midday. The sun hangs in the middle of the sky, making it increasingly uncomfortable to stay veiled. Brushing damp hair from your face, you take a look around before continuing forward. Through additional bribery, you were able to gain some knowledge of the politician's land. While the estate is not heavily guarded, you still find it moderately difficult to make your way further inside. Thankfully, a group of servants returning to work arrive and you're able to move inside with them. While you had intended to try and stay in the house, you're unable to slip away from the group and find yourself outside. The area is larger than you had been led to believe, though the majority is taken up by the massive vineyards. Once the group reaches this area you're finally able to splinter off and eventually are alone again. Unfortunately, you quickly realize that you're much further into the vineyard than anticipated. While the plants are not at full bloom, they're still tall enough to obscure the majority of your vision. Unsure of which way to head, you begin trepidatiously making your way in what you hope is the correct direction. After an undetermined amount of time passes, you stop when voices are heard up ahead.

Though they seem to be coming from a few rows away, you still proceed cautiously. As you make your way closer, you're able to make out the voices more clearly. You had originally hoped it was a group of workers but quickly infer that is not the case. The people seem to be in a slightly hushed conversation about the upcoming election. Unfortunately, you're only able to pick out bits and pieces of the discussion. You're about to begin slinking away when you hear your name brought up in conjunction with Damasus'. Pausing, you slowly realize he is one of the unseen speakers. You had thought one of the voices sounded vaguely familiar but had initally dismissed that as your imagination. Before you can resume listening to the conversation it reaches its end. You hurriedly duck away when you hear the group begin to disperse. Once the coast seems clear, you silently make your way forward a bit. Glancing between a group of vines, you're able to make out the remaining figure. Though you have only seen him on a few occasions, you quickly recognize the man to be Damasus. This is hardly the circumstances in which you wished to confront him, but you chose to put your trust in the Fates. You quietly retreat back a few rows and take a moment to compose yourself and prepare.

When the sound of footsteps begin heading in your direction, you hastily turn to face a cluster of vines. Glancing to your side you see Damasus cut through the gap of vines you had previously been peeking through. He looks entirely distracted as he makes his way through the row of plants. You catch a glimpse of his dark eyes before he turns to walk in the opposite direction of you. They seem contemplative if not somewhat troubled, matching his serious expression. Stepping out into the middle of the row, you pause for a moment before speaking, "You are quite the difficult man to get a hold off." Damasus swiftly turns to face you, looking quite defensive. His posture relaxes marginally after you tilt your head, revealing your face. His expression, however, turns a bit uneasy once you're recognized. "Empress Kora." He greets you, somewhat apprehensively, and straightens his posture. While his height is fairly standard, his physique is well-built. A deep tan covers his already olive skin, one of the distinct features you remember about him. After glancing around, he frowns lightly before asking, "You are here unaccompanied?'' Pulling your hood down, you let out a short, exacerbated exhale then retort, "That is besides the point. I was lead to believe you were unavailable to meet, yet, here you are seemingly unoccupied."

Damasus' uncomfortable expression only increases at your pointed remark. His brown, almost reddish, curls hang over his furrowed brow while he seems to consider his response. A bead of sweat slowly makes its way down the length of your back as rays of sunlight shine down around you. "You must understand, I have-" His reply temporarily tapers off when you begin removing your cloak from your shoulders. He immediately seems to notice his blunder and hurriedly snaps out of it before continuing to say, "I have been unfortunately busy with pressing matters." Tilting your head slightly, you regard the troubled man thoughtfully while innocently inquiring, "Which matters?" He runs a hand through his dark locks and glances away rather anxiously. Scoffing inwardly, you slowly step forward and fold your arms over your chest. "Someone has already purchased your loyalty, have they not?" Damasus' gaze quickly returns to yours after your blunt comment. A conflicted look flashes across his face before he hastily deflects with his own question, "What makes you think I can be bought?" A wry smile tugs at your lips and you step forward closer. "Every man has their price, you are no exception."