This is lovely and I am so happy it exists.

 Hi Astaroth! Welcome to the site, I recommend making a wants and limits thread so people playing with you can meet your needs better.

 Oh no I'm so sorry about the poor fluffy darling! I hope everything gets better soon

 "I should certainly benefit from time to properly research and prepare" he admitted. There was no shame in acknowledging his ignorance on the subject. "Arca was never the centre of learning when it comes to foreign customs. The library I visited focused on customs and traditions that would be of use to a trader or a traveler, such as appropriate greetings for a variety of occasions or advice to any red-headed person to keep their head covered at all times..."

 He would have paid special attention to the customs surrounding courting and marriage, but they were absent. Lady Moonglade mentioned that it was the way of Thanatos to have parents arrange their offspring's matches when the prospective bride and groom were still children. That didn't foster a culture of grown adults pursuing one another. And there was also the acute Thanati xenophobia that he found was inevitable no matter where he went. In this situation, it manifested as the complete lack of information, as the idea of a foreigner being invited to witness one of their ceremonies was completely unheard of. And a foreigner actually taking an active part? Coriander would have better luck searching for collectors of Thanati literature and following the example set by the heroes of whatever passed of bodice rippers at the islands. But that would have been very silly.

 "There is also the question of what to do about the traditons that would be... difficult to practice here in Serendipity. I don't think we have access to many Thanati temples in Arca."

 Coriander's gaze wandered over the surface of water, kept transparent and clear to make it easier for the visitors to admire the underwater flora. The siren cradle was particularly gorgeous, its long gleaming strands softly guided by the currents.

 "My part in the plan has been prepared" he concluded. "There is nothing else to do but to play my role."

 The paths of the garden were a labyrinthine tangle that allowed guests to visit separate parts in any order they chose and easily make their way wherever they wanted to. As there was no set route to funnel the guests in one direction, that demanded the central path to lead straight to the exit, to let them leave without forcing anyone to retrace their steps or take the long way around. Coriander and Lady Moonglade could return to the exit quickly and leave the garden.

 He was about to ask if they should make use of this path to leave the garden, but...

 "Is something the matter?"

They were moving closer to the section of the garden dedicated to the the Thanati flora. The heavy scent of exotic flowers permeated the air, buffeted on the wings of a wind spell.

Coriander's free arm rose up from his side to fix the fabric of his collar. His fingers closed around the edge and pulled it back into position. A few instants passed before he gave his answer.

"Because it's an opportunity that is hard to come by, and it would open a whole new world for me. As we were talking, I've gotten a better idea of just how closed to outsiders Thanatos can be. To think even you and your father are not considered a part of this society after having spent such a long time in the role of the ambassador... It made me realize that if I was to interact with the Thanati society, this would be a barrier I could never bypass on my own."

He paused. "Your father has done admirably to work within the limitations of his role. I can't think of any way he could have gotten a society like that to accept him any earlier. I won't try to pull wool over your eyes here, make up some fanciful lie about how visiting Thanatos has always been my dream. Instead, I'll say what you might find more believable: I do not like being denied. I do not like finding doors that are closed, and I feel the need to open them, even if I would not be going through at a time. I do not wish to miss an opportunity to at least get my foot in the gate that would remain closed otherwise."

 Good to know Lady Moonglade found the offer as nonsensical as he did. She didn't seem like the type who would want to marry a man working in Lady Charwright's chancery. "All of the above, really. And I'm pretty sure she only made an offer because she owes my father for something I haven't found out yet." Elethain liked to have several reasons for his decisions. Being able to manoeuvre his way around people who were capable of detecting lies was a point of pride of him, and a skill he was pleased to hone.

 He had several other silly anecdotes ready about what sort of positions he's held in the past (or refused to), but Lady Moonglade's sudden change of subject intrigued him. That was always a fun line to hear from someone. Most of the time it was an attempt to manipulate him, try to create an atmosphere of trust and disclosure, make him feel like he was chosen to hold this secret.

Oh, he hoped this was the case here too.

 "Please speak, and I will do my utmost to listen and understand."

 Hi there! Welcome, looking forward to what you make here! I recommend making a wants and limits page to let others know your preferences.

 Clever. After talking about Kana for so long, it was only reasonable that she'd want some information in return. Turnabout was fair play. And she even reminded him of it right now, so he couldn't pretend to have misunderstood. Elethain carefully reined in his pleasure at being manoeuvred so efficiently. Grinning that widely was not within the bounds of etiquette.

 "At the moment, I enjoy the freedom of the position of a third child" he explained, taking a second to settle on his phrasing. "My father is mostly concerned with my brother and how adequate or inadequate an heir he is. My mother usually manages my house's affairs. That leaves me plenty of freedom, and even some influence to wield. And as for current occupation... Lady Charwright offered me a position in her chancery, but I turned her down."

 What he meant by that was that he was sure to turn her down, and to do it where others could see and draw conclusions. He wasn't really opposed to Lady Charwright, but he wanted to make certain that her enemies would see Elethain reject her offer. There was always a risk of the slighted lady retaliating, but to tell the truth, he was looking forward to seeing what she was capable of.

 Welcome! Looking forward to seeing what you make!

 The man put on quite a show. If his music was as good as his showmanship, he would make a fine addition to the staff of Mosaic Reverie. Azrak would relay his story to the management, along with her observations, for now it was just an extra thing to enjoy or forget. The bard was angling for an audience with the boss, and she could actually see it happening. He certainly had the charisma to get his way, and the boss would probably want to hash out some of the details without entrusting them to the management.

 Azrak let him at the card dealer table and headed off to notify the higher-ups before the next tide of clients rolled in and left her too busy.

 ***

 The master of the palace was approached by the management the moment he returned from his morning affairs. The sun was already high up in the sky, its rays caressing the glazed roof tiles of the massive dome. The desert heat was slowly rising from the sands of Essyrn and it was a pleasant relief to be finally back within the stone walls of his home. The western entrance didn't lead directly to the main hall, it opened onto a greeting chamber that was currently unoccupied. He accepted a glass of sweet water and shrug off the cloak that was already a little dusty after his excursion. That was when a waiting member of staff informed him of Azrak's new idea.

 It was a good idea, and if the bard was employed, Eltanin would instruct the coinkeepers to give Azrak a bonus. He's been considering adding some music to enhance the atmosphere of his palace. It would have to be balanced, he didn't want it to become the main attraction and draw the guests' attention from the games. This was the reasoning that kept him from hiring entertainers of other professions. Music was this fascinating grey area, the art that could demand complete attention or just its sliver. He was looking forward to solving this puzzle.

 "I'll see him in the southern study" he commanded. The room in question was located on the highest floor of the palace, and was best utilized in fair weather. The outer wall was replaced with purest crystal glass, spanning from the ceiling all the way to the floor. On good days, it offered a stunning view of Le'raana's greatest city sprawling below, horizon patterned with spires and walls of Essyrn. The altitude meant that dust storms and powerful winds were still a problem, but Eltanin managed to enlist the service of a talented enchanter. Only the wildest haboob could now scratch this glass.

 The ceiling, floor and the other walls were covered in mosaic depicting various scenes from Essyrni myth and history. Three perfectly carved loungers provided a comfortable seat to admire the view from. There was a small slot in the middle of the floor, where lamps could be set if needed. Eltanin liked to decorate, but adding more would only detract from the true treat of the view and the pleasant visions on the tiles.

 The vista was truly arresting, and it made waiting far more compelling than it had any right to be. Eltanin stood in front of the window, hands clasped behind his back, turned away from the door. He knew the blueprints of the palace by heart, he could describe the route the the staff would take by bringing the bard without as much as a thought. He wouldn't have to wait for a long time.

 I am working on a reply. Say, would you prefer to have a few post with Esteban enjoying the casino, or would you rather skip to the Not Job Interview?

 Oh, she was dealing with a charmer! They were always fun customers to handle, as long as they weren't trying to use their pretty smiles and chivalrous manner to take advantage of the staff. Still, Azrak didn't feel it was the case, he was surrounded by an adoring audience. And she had to admit, it did feel flattering to have his attention turn to her.

 A few other members of the staff have followed her lead and began to approach the stragglers of the small group that has started breaking up now that its focus no longer was present to entertain them. Several were leaving, a few were hanging around in hopes that the bard would come back. Azrak was confident that even if their social butterfly decided not to enjoy the palace, there would be some profit to turn.

 "You're looking to be employed?" she asked, letting him take her arm. A quick glance down at his hands showed the calluses characteristic of a musician, and his voice sounded quite pleasant. "I can arrange for a meeting. Would you like to avail yourself of the palace's pleasures in the meantime?"

 [***]

 This was one of the calmer periods of the day, a time where staff of the palace would have time to deal with individual clients and seek them out, rather than being glued to the game tables they were assigned to. The new influx of guests has caught the attention of a few sub-dealers and greeters who have just arrived for the beginning of their shift. Especially the man who suddenly became an attraction greater than all of their games.

 The one employee who took the first step was an ultramarine-scaled Kulshedra calling herself Azrak. She left the blackjack table in the hands of a shifty-eyed elf and headed off to the lounge currently occupied by the bard and surrounded by his adoring audience. She passed the woman earlier sent to get drinks, pondering the contents of a tray offering a few refreshments. Wine, clear sparkling chalices of desi daru, even some new cactus-based concoctions.

 Azrak followed the wall to approach the gaggle of guests. She didn't have to wait long for a lull in the entertainment, the fulcrum of their attention had to stop and take a breath sooner or later. "We have some slaves serving refreshments. I suppose we could punish them, if they were being lazy and failed to offer you anything to the point that you had to send someone. Or is she your poison tester?"


 [Ms. Azrak is a npc I just made up, feel free to move her or have her say anything if needed for your post.]

 Alright, the thread is ready!

 It was nearing noon, and the Mosaic Reverie was enjoying a steady stream of customers. Evening and nighttime were always the times of most traffic, but there were always some discerning travelers who wanted to experience the games it had to offer without having to deal with the crowds. It was a time for the dealers' next shift, and the transition proceeded smoothly.

 The card games that were the centrepiece of the Palace of Fortune were always popular. Eltanin was proud to see that the newest additions took off well. Human ingenuity had no limit, and he needed to keep a watchful eye out on new games to be added to the repertoire offered by his palace. The alcoves offering darts and other cardless entertainment saw some traffic, but many of them remained empty.

 Eltanin descended the staircase, leisurely taking in the situation. There were a few regular customers; a rare sight, but the Mosaic Reverie was prepared to serve them no matter the hour. Travellers flitted among card tables and rest areas like a school of trouts in a northern river; ever the lasting, although prone to change presence in the palace. Why, there seemed to be someone coming in right at the moment.

 Eggcellent. Do you want to start the thread, or shall I?

 Alright then! I have the Not-Casino described in the owner's page . Do you want to have a thread?

 Hi there Orion! Welcome to the site, I hope you enjoy your time here!

 I see you've already made a wants and limits page, and a character! Hm, what people I have in Essyrn that a traveling bard might be interested in... Does Esteban like to gamble? I have a casino (except not by that name because so far there is no precedent for Italian here) set up there

 Hello Viviane! Nice to have you here, I recommend getting familiarised with the rules and making a wants and limits page.