The Harpsichordist

Sitting in a den of intrigue, she concentrated on the music. The young performer was well dressed, though obviously not noble born. The music issuing from the harpsichord was slow, soothing and melodic, softly filling the air and caressing her mind. In her soft, velvet cushioned chair, surrounded by plots, schemes and traps, the music provided an anchor, a sense of calm. Members of other houses, powerful and minor, drifted through the party some stopping briefly to introduce themselves asking after her plans in the capitol. Snakes, all of them, silk wrapped, samite swathed serpents; she was one of them.