"Senator Lepiaciai, much as I understand the concept of invite-only institutions, is this necessary?" I ask one of the most influential men in the Senate as we ride in his personal carriage.
"The Finest Cut is a storied restaurant, one with its origins all the way back in the Second Capital Siege." he answers somewhat as I look this sealed scroll over. A fine gold tube with an ancient tongue carved into it, unfortunately, my knowledge of such things is lacking.
"I do not recall hearing of any restaurant in such an important moment." I remark as I let the novelty fall onto my sash-covered lap. Catching it in my lazy fingers as it begins to roll to the ground.
"I'm not surprised, a lot of the focus in that event goes to the royal counterattack that happened as the walls fell."
"So what exactly did this restaurant do during the siege?" I ask as I glance towards the contents of my hands.
"The building that would become it played a major role in substituting for the loss of other buildings. Most primarily, the distribution of runners and orders."
"Right, of course, the depots were hit by a lucky spell and caused quite the near-loss of the royal garrison." I recall and Senator Lepiaciai nods with a slight smile before he glances out through the window of the carriage.
"Yes, my family played a part in that battle as members of the western artillery battery. Coincidentally, they were also of the Second Grouping. So it's become a little bit of an internal joke for us whenever two things coincide numerically." Senator Lepiaciai explains to me as I decline his offer of a drink from his on-board reserve. We are already going somewhere, seems a bit pointless to go any further with it.
"So these sealed scrolls are a homage to the service the building took up during the battle?"
"Yes, it's become a little fancier and more reserved since then, but, the spirit remains." Senator Lepiaciai clarifies as I hold the item up in front of my face so I can give it another passing look. Shaking it slightly, I hear its contents rattle and move, must be a new member's fee of some kind.
The carriage starts to slow down and I turn to the windows as Senator Lepiaciai does the same. Moving the small curtain aside, I look out towards the well-looked-after restaurant and spot a peculiar display. A section of the wall has been sealed in wood and glass and it contains ruined, brittle stone. Proof of the battle it once saw all that time ago and so that the less easily convinced may see the physical proof.
Not the kind of display I expected at such an opulent and busy place, but, it is almost enamouring to see such aged scorch marks and blade marks. Contrary to how I expected things to go, Senator Lepiaciai steps out first instead and he waits for me without a sliver of tested patience. Making sure I am looking appropriate, I follow after him with his servants closing the carriage door. My grip tightens on the sign of a newcomer and I almost feel like I am shaking with nervousness.
Walking amongst senators I know are wealthier is one thing as we are all dressed as equals for the most part. Despite the requirements of land ownership and income minimums and other forms of contributions we need to make, everything is provided by the Senate. The people dining or relaxing at this establishment however are something else entirely. The finest cloths and jewels, hair and skin afflicted by varying, aureate shine.
The strangest thing about it is how pretentious they all feel to me, even if their importance can be so easily grasped. Lords and ladies, great merchants and non-senatorial politicians of potentially substantial greed. In a rare moment of my life, my senatorial garb seems lacking in the environment I find myself in. If only in how it looks and what constitutes its components.
"This is certainly more than I was expecting, Senator Lepiaciai." I comment to my elder with a hushed tone as we walk through precious stone arches and totems with all their natural colour hidden under paint. Like a noblewoman after she has been primed and prepared for an important junction or event should she feel she needs it.
"The Finest Cut is paradoxical in its existence. For the well-known and those involved with them, but, otherwise, hidden from the minds of most." he explains as we arrive at the doors, either side manned by an armed guard I'd expect more so at a keep or fortress. Almost as if part of a ceremony, the two men march around and reposition themselves behind us, the flags and tassels of their plates fluttering as they do so.
A timid-looking woman steps out from the well-locked entrance and she comes to a well-postured stop. Even though her eyes are looking towards the ground, she seems to be able to differentiate between us. Senator Lepiaciai is allowed in without issue, but, as I try to follow, her palm gently strikes my chest. The other cupping itself in the air before I pass on the amusement.
She heads back inside and I look to the man who took me here as he idles to the best of his ability, "Do I come in now?"
Senator Lepiaciai shakes his head, "No, for the moment you must wait for them to confirm your entry and place in the book of visitors. In the meantime, I will order on your behalf when it comes to drinks and starters."
"Very well." I answer with a nod as I look back to the two guards watching me.
"Do you need anything, Senator?" one asks as they undo the face mask that would otherwise stifle and muffle their ability to speak.
"Am I to wait here or may I observe the premises?" I ask as while I am fine with being forced to wait, I'd rather keep my legs moving until I am actually seated.
"You may look or read up on the history of our establishment in the two front gardens or you may wait here." he answers as I start to enter the one with the on-display old wall.
"Thank you." I tell him as he hooks his face mask back on.
Coming up the fine wood outlining the historic part of the city, I nearly kneel down before I spot an empty chair. Bringing it closer, I inspect the aged damage slightly from afar, a hand and finger near the ends of my nostrils. The grains of exposed, battle-worn brickwork, the scorch marks barely clinging on as time and natural erosion peel it away. I follow a line left by a blade and notice on odd shade on the crumbling wall.
"A grim reminder more potent than everything else here." I remark as I come to the only conclusion that otherwise comes to mind. Someone met their end or nearly saw it at this wall for their centuries-old blood still lingers in faded form. In my lifetime, at the very least, I hope nothing like this ever comes up into Eusorochii ever again. Strange as it is, I am glad the next likely war of kingdom-toppling proportions will happen down below on the waves.
At the very least the blood of the lightning-born will not be spilt in the rumbling crash of thunderclouds. Winds shall be struck still and the waves electrified, light and dark will bend to our glow and fire will burn to that which is whiter. I am no soldier, though, just a senator the desperate and paranoid have put their faith in. Like with The Lady Bosphama, I do this for them, I take Senator Lepiaciai's gifts and in the end, as I am pampered, my heart and mind lays with them.
Those whose homes may end up like this because of something far more insidious to our people than war. The demands we might face as the defeated can be recouped, taxed and traded for back. Our people can breed new sons and daughters to replace what arrow or magic might've taken from us. But, little can be done to stop our lands from falling apart around us, falling down and washing ashore or sinking into the dark.
The capacity has always been with us but the interest of men is limited to where their concerns keep them. I cannot plead the hearts of those who have no fears regarding their homes falling. Their minds dismiss it to the corners whose darkness is only matched below the water top. To forever fear that the very land on which we farm and toil will fall like a rickety bridge is awe-inspiring in how terrible it is.
I sigh quietly as I consider how little I have managed to achieve in regards to my grand and noble goal. The very thing I am wrapped up in is causing me such grief in how its matters control the way of the Senate's debates. The greed of Senator Burspharosa and the reactions of the no less so Senator Lepiaciai. It's tiresome, I wish for it to end so that I might help my people.
All the people of our land, Eusorochii.
Rising to my feet and turning the chair back towards its table, I look at the reminder of our past. A quiet prayer leaves my lips and is motioned by my free hand before I decide to glance inside the restaurant. Though I can and will never forget why I wear the sash and toga of a senator, sometimes, for the good of my will to go on, I need to enjoy life. So I am going to lighten my mind with almost childish curiosities and jealousy.
"Ooo, that looks rich." I remark on the sight of a fruit and sauce-topped roast as it comes rolling out with trails of sweetened steam. I start to smile as I hear the nonexistent voice of my income cry out in pain at how rich one must be to likely afford such opulence. Looking slightly beyond the hopefully well-earned gluttony, I spot the man sponsoring my visit here. Talking away with a refined member of staff, what I was holding in the carriage in his hands.
Who knows what kind of jokes the pair may be sharing, but, first and foremost, I hope it is food. I went quite light on my breakfast considering this offer was something I was able to prepare for. Wandering about slightly, I fail to spot a display menu anywhere and I end up back before the guards. I turn to one and motion for him to unhook his faceplate once again.
"Sorry, as you probably already know, this is my first time here. But, where are your menus? I don't spot any." I ask him, hoping he might have some modest insight as a member of staff here.
"Due to the nature of how food is collected and delivered to The Finest Cut, no menus are provided. A member of our waiting staff will explain what is on offer and what remains so that you may make a considered choice." the guard explains with a casual tone that does not match his dignified, unchanging posture. If the glances of the wealthy around him keep him that way, I will never know.
"I can't imagine methods like that can be very sustainable. Most of the local land around here is for His Imperial Majesty alone. On extreme penalties should it be broken." I comment, adding on the last part for both a chance to smile a little and to emphasise my point.
The guard smiles slightly, "The Finest Cut has its ways and it will continue to do so even into the greatest of all uncertainties."
"That is quite impressive, I want to say I have the full confidence of your cooking staff that they'll work it into something delightfully filling. However, naturally, I cannot trust my eyes alone as a Senator, so please, do not assume insult in my words."
"Many others feel the same, sash or no. They all, however, leave with the fullest of bellies and great burdens off their minds." the guard nods to, leaving me with a slightly raised brow.
"Oh?" I go, quickly pondering if there is anything else this restaurant might have on offer beyond luxury food and drink.