The late afternoon sunshine creates a long shadow behind the carriage rolling down the cobbled street. It comes to a halt before the embassy's front gate, and a footman steps down to open the door. A well-dressed poodle in traveling garb emerges from within, blinking a little at the glare of the sun.

The poodle woman reaches over to pat the side of the carriage. "This is it," she tells the driver before she takes a step towards the gates. "Well, this certainly is an improvement over my last assignment."

A peacock functionary sits by the fountain, beak tucked against his chest. At the crunch of a foot on cobblestones, he starts, raising his head and looking towards the noise. "Oh!" He leaps to his feet and fans his tail out, rushing to greet the newcomer. "Lady de Bellefeuille?" he inquires anxiously.

The footman, with the assistance of another, unloads a large trunk from the back of the carriage, and the pair hefts it with some difficulty, carrying it between them as they follow the lady poodle.

Elise smiles to the Kujaku as she passes around the gate. "Oh, hello," she greets him as she pushes the gate all the way open. "And yes, I am Lady de Bellefeuille. And you are?"

"Monsieur Justeau, your Ladyship. Secretary to the High Ambassador," the avian answers, bowing to her. "Welcome to the Rephidim Embassy. So glad to have you join us. If you'll follow me, the Lord High Ambassador do Nell is awaiting you inside."

"Lord High Ambassador do Nell, did you say?" asks Elise curiously. She follows behind the colorful Justeau after she is certain her luggage will in fact pass through the gates without getting stuck. After all, that would be terribly embarrassing.

The Kujaku nods to Elise. "Quite so." He pauses in his stride down the path. "Do you have luggage beyond the trunk? Should I send more men out to round it up?"

"Hm." She stops to consider the familiar name – and the matter of her luggage. Unable to quite recall just where she heard the name before, she decides to leave it in favor of answering the question in a somewhat timely manner. "Yes, yes. You may wish to send a few more men. The second carriage will arrive within the hour with my other bags. These," she gestures to the large bag being carried, "are merely essentials for today."

If the peacock is surprised to hear this, he masks it well. "As you say, Madame." He offers a respectful nod, and leads her into the house.

Despite her being nobility, Elise typically does not bring so much for assignments. However, this mission rather requires her to bring the best in comforts from home, a matter of handling first impressions and such, so she spent a few days before her trip to purchase a number of items to fill a few cases. She follows the Kujaku inside now, considering all she purchased.

After designating a butler to show the footmen where to leave the trunk, and to round up a platoon to retrieve the remaining luggage, the peacock guides Elise up a flight of stairs, down a hallway, and into a spacious and well-decorated office. For a moment, the poodle might be led to think that this is the High Ambassador's quarters, but then the Kujaku opens the door on the far side and steps through. "Lord High Ambassador, please allow me to present the new Lady Ambassador Elise Antoine de Bellefeuille," he announces. He stands to one side so that Elise may enter the office as he speaks.

A towering, broad-shouldered Doberman steps forward. His face and hair show signs of age, but they serve only to make him look distinguished. There is not a crease in the front of his military dress uniform, and there are quite a few rows of medals pinned across his left breast. He smiles politely and extends a gloved hand. "Lady Ambassador. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Stepping forward to meet the Lord High Ambassador, the poodle returns a polite smile and places her hand in his. "As it is mine to make yours, m'lord."

Lord High Ambassador do Nell gently brushes her hand with his lips, then bobs back upright. "Please," his cavernous voice rumbles, "have a seat. Make yourself comfortable. Monsieur Justeau! Some refreshment for our guest. What will you take, Lady Ambassador?"

Considering the change of pace from a (by her standards) rough tour of duty on airship to the polite society of Gallis, Elise cannot help but find delight in what appears to be a very easy job. Of course, her real duties would keep it from remaining that way, but for now she can at least enjoy this. "I will have Saskanar fruit wine, if it is available," she replies before she moves towards a seat.

Upon hearing the lady's preferred beverage, the peacock performs a quick bow, murmurs, "At once, m'lord," and exits silently, tailfeathers brushing the door as he departs.

Lord High Ambassador do Nell sits down behind the large oaken desk, and leans back in his chair. "I trust you have had a pleasant trip, Lady de Bellefeuille? It must be a welcome change from commanding a military vessel."

The lady Ambassador settles herself into a chair and folds her hands neatly in her lap. "Why yes, my trip was quite pleasant. I tell you it certainly is a change of pace to wake late upon an airship. Typically, when serving as an officer upon the Tribulation, I was up well before Primus shined upon our planet. The change," she smiles slightly more, "is certainly welcome. It has been some time since I have last returned to Gallis."

"I believe you will find it quite as agreeable as when last you graced this land," Lord do Nell replies smoothly. "Surely a strong wind of good fortune must have filled your sails in order to lift you from a purely military career into a diplomatic post."

Secretary Justeau re-enters the room, bearing a china platter with a glass of fruit wine and a steaming mug on it. One dish on the tray holds an assortment of biscuits and pastries, while a second contains skewers laden with chunks of seared red meat.

"I do believe my record speaks for itself, and of course, as a Gallee, it is only fitting I take this position." She tilts her head slightly as if considering something. "I simply must finish my tour of the Fauxpas Museum of Art this visit."

After a quick glance to his superior to ascertain that nothing further is required of him, Justeau gives a discreet bow and withdraws from the room, to wait at his own desk in the office outside.

Lord do Nell folds his hands. "We are glad you have returned to your ancestral home once again." He clears his throat. "I am afraid we received no word as to your accommodations, however, Lady Ambassador. I hope that you will allow me the pleasure of offering one of the suites here in the Embassy?"

"No word?" repeats Elise. She blinks in surprise at this news before nodding slightly. "I see … well, that is most troublesome. I had expected this would have been taken care of. I am afraid I must accept your hospitality and accept the offered suite. And if I may say so, your generosity is most kind."

Lord do Nell smiles broadly, waving a hand absently. "It is a small matter. Your luggage will be delivered at once." He picks up a card from his desk. "I am sure you are tired from your journey, and I have many vital matters of state to attend, so if you'll pardon my brevity, I would ask you a favor."

Elise leans forward slightly, ears perked. "A favor so soon? Well, I am certainly listening, m'lord. What is it you would have me do?" she asks.

The large Doberman waves the stiff little card before him. "I have received an invitation from the Baron de Lemysteaux to go on a hunting and sight-seeing expedition." The tone of the Ambassador's voice implies he isn't very impressed. "Every now and then, he and a number of our heroic young nobles take an airship over the eastern lands, dipping low to hunt game with crossbow and arbalest." Lord do Nell rolls his eyes… settling them on his various hunting trophies.

The poodle's frowns, mirroring the large Doberman's look of distaste. She follows his eyes to the trophies. "I see. And you would have me go in your place, then? I cannot say I am terribly fond of the idea of killing animals in such a manner, but I will go on your request," she says.

"Oh, I don't necessarily expect you to do any hunting yourself, especially not, as you say, in such a manner," Lord do Nell adds quickly. "I quite agree that it is somewhat less than sporting. Rather, I had hoped you would relish the opportunity to do some sightseeing. Lemysteaux typically covers a lot of ground over the course of a few days. He may even take you into the newly reclaimed territories."

"Oh! Yes, well then, that is certainly more agreeable," says Elise. Her smile returns and she settles back slightly. "Given the recent changes in the Gallis map I would certainly be interested in some sightseeing, especially the new territories. It simply does not do for a Ambassador such as myself to not know the country she resides within."

Lord do Nell smiles. "Well said, my dear Lady. Here," he motions. "Take this invitation card to le maison de Lemysteaux. Please bear my profound regrets that matters of state demand that I remain here."

A delicate hand reaches over to take the card which is soon place in the poodle's lap beneath her hands. "Might I ask what matters you must attend to? It sounds dreadfully important. And, I do mean dreadfully … to think you cannot attend some time away," she chuckles softly.

"Ah! Well," laughs do Nell, "someone must remain hard at work protecting the interests of Rephidim through these tumultuous times, correct? I remain the Temple's servant." His eyes twinkle merrily. "I am sure that Lemysteaux will hardly be disappointed at my absence when he encounters such beauty and charm as yours."

"If the employees of the Marquis are each half the flatterer that you are, then indeed this will certainly be quite the assignment," mentions Elise. She lifts the card up which she studies for a moment before fanning herself with it idly. "I can only hope that I do not disappoint you, Lord High Ambassador, in this favor."

"I am sure you will acquit yourself admirably," Lord do Nell concludes. "And now I must bid you good day. Justeau will show you to your room."

After leading the poodle up two flights of stairs and through some more corridors, Monsieur Justeau swings open a door. "These are your quarters, Lady Ambassador, until the repairs to the Rephidim Embassy are complete. There's an office and a suite of rooms, which we hope will prove adequate to your needs." The door opens onto a foyer containing a small closet, an unimposing desk, a pair of chairs, and a neatly dressed mongrel. Two doors leading into rooms beyond are partially opened, and what's visible suggests a sitting room and an office.

Upon entering, Elise takes a moment to inspect the room. "Thank you, Monsieur Justeau," she says as she looks about for a moment more. Satisfied, she walks into the room more fully and nods. "This will be adequate, yes. See that my bags are moved here at once."

A click of the peacock's beak, and a short bow, followed by, "They are already here, mademoiselle." His beak clicks again as his eyes settle on the mongrel. "Ah. And this is your personal secretary, Cosette."

As if just noticing her, and indeed she is just noticing her, Elise turns her gaze to the mongrel. "Mm." She glances to the Kujaku and in a lowered tone asks, "You … could not find anyone else, I see?"

The mutt smiles timidly at being identified, and executes a deep curtsey. She wears a simple but scrupulously clean and pressed dress of light blue cotton. Her clearly mixed heritage has gifted her with unfortunate fur; coarse and neither curly nor straight, so that it gives her a permanently rumpled look. A brown patch covers much of the right side of her otherwise white face, while brown hair has been braided back into a tidy circle on the back of her head. "Pleased to meet you, my lady," she says in a voice so soft it is nearly a whisper, while her eyes gaze at the floor.

For the first time, Monsieur Justeau looks embarrassed. "She is quite good at her work, I am told," he assures Elise. "A neat hand and a good eye."

"And if she does not suit you," he adds hastily, "We of course will be more than happy to search for another more appropriate to your … position."

Elise keeps her eyes on the Kujaku for a moment more to make certain he squirms before she looks back to the mutt. A flick of her hand indicates for the avian to drop the subject. "Much too late. Do be a bit more careful in the future," she says to him before addressing her secretary. She inclines her head slightly to the mongrel in greeting before speaking. "I trust you are good at what you do. See that you remain that way, and there will be little problem. Perhaps even a reward if I find you accomplished in your duties. Fail, and well … "

Cosette drops another low curtsey, her manners impeccable. "Yes my lady," she murmurs, her head bowed.

The peacock's crest falls and his tail folds behind him. After a moment of long silence, he says, "Unless there is anything else that the Lady Ambassador requires, I shall resume my duties for the High Ambassador."

"I will see this error is not mentioned. It is our first meeting and I do not wish to seem harsh." The poodle smiles again now as if the annoyance were forgotten. "However, now that you know I am not one to suffer problems, I trust we will get along all the more. Do keep it in mind. You are dismissed," she tells the man quite seriously, but without even a dent in her smile.

A short bow, and the Kujaku turns on his heel and vanishes.

The mutt at last straightens from her curtsey. She stands with her back perfectly straight, neck bent slightly, her eyes mostly staring at the floor, occasionally wandering over Elise's feet and skirts. She keeps her hands folded modestly together before her, awaiting instructions or dismissal.

Elise walks over to the Gallah and stops directly in front of her. She reaches over and places a finger under her chin, lifting her head gently so she can look into her eyes before letting her head go. "See that dinner is delivered here; also, order something for yourself. I will be requiring you to remain here with me until the necessary paperwork is completed and filed."

The insides of her ears pinken at the touch on her chin, and Cosette's large brown eyes blink nervously at de Bellefeuille's even gaze. "Yes m'm," she says in her tiny voice, then repeats more audibly, "Yes, my lady." She curtsies and pull on a bell rope near the door. A distant "dong" can be heard faintly in response, from somewhere below.

The secretary turns to her mistress again. "Does m'lady have any preferences for her meal?" she inquires hesitantly.

"Bring me a sampling of preferred local cuisine. Find out what the High Ambassador prefers and bring me some of that as well, but do not be particularly obvious in finding out what he enjoys," replies Elise as she turns off again to examine again her office. "You may choose what it is you wish to eat."

Cosette nods. "The maids offer services to all the suites," she says quietly. "One will be up in a moment to see why the bell rope was pulled, and then she'll return to the kitchen for your food." She pauses for a moment, then continues, "The High Ambassador likes red meat. Very rare. Is there anything else you would like?"

"Your knowledge shows you listen, and that is good. I take it you are well learned in all the various interests of those of importance to be found here?" asks Elise as she wanders over to inspect the other room from the doorway.

The office, connected by one of the doors off the foyer, is large enough for its desk, a long bookshelf against one wall, three chairs, and a closet. A window in the wall behind the desk provides some light, but in the waning afternoon sun, not much. In the morning it would probably be brighter.

While Elise wanders between the room, the mutt is careful to keep herself faced in her direction. "My employment as the Lady Ambassador's personal secretary is the first assignment to bring me into contact with people of importance," she answers quietly, apparently thinking over her words. "I am not as well-versed as it would be appropriate for me to be, I know. The High Ambassador's tastes in food are common knowledge, however."

The Ambassador walks back in from the other room and now over towards the closet "Hm." She opens the door before speaking again. "Then I expect you will make use of your time while not handling more important matters, to find these things out for me. It is important one makes a good impression, and typically that requires the knowledge of what interests the person you are trying to impress. A good lesson for you," rambles Elise in her attempt at sounding respectably concerned with pleasing those above her rather than actually doing anything important. A cover, lest someone think she might be anything else but concerned with her own standing and the politics around her.

The room that lies beyond the other door from the foyer is a sitting room, comfortably furnished with two upholstered chairs, a sofa, a divan, and a low coffee table, as well as a few side tables, and a number of large trunks. Two more doors lead off from the sitting room. The closet is unremarkable save for several more trunks and packages being stacked within it.

"I understand, m'lady." When Elise opens the closet full of trunks, her secretary continues quietly, "I did not know if the Lady Ambassador wished me to unpack all her belongings, since I am given to understand that these lodgings are quite temporary. Would my lady like me to unpack now?"

"See that the green trunk is unpacked and the clothes within are prepared. I will need them ready for tomorrow," answers Elise as she steps out of the closet and walks back to her secretary. "I am going take some time to relax before the maid arrives for dinner. See that I am not disturbed until it arrives."

Another curtsey from the secretary answers Elise's directive. "As you wish, Lady Ambassador."