MaraDarkthar : It was finally the day of the ball had arrived. The planning for the event had been going on for many months. Even since before the new year. Livia had started the process, but due to the events that took place after the start of the year. Mara had taken over. She had gone to extra lengths to make sure everything was perfect. Her mother had told her that the sky was the limit. To buy and get whatever she wanted and or needed for it. This was Dragoons gift to the realm. To help celebrate not just their friendship realm to realm. But to honor all of those that had welcomed them into their lives. So much had been going on in the realm as of late. People leaving, people returning, the waystone quest that had called upon all members of the realm to pitch in, the attacks in old town because of something in the sewers. -c-
MaraDarkthar : Mara found herself wanting this part to do more than just be another social engagement. But wanted it to be something that gave everyone a chance to unwind and take a breath. A break from the everyday grind, a chance to have fun and get to know others. The first thing that they would have done was start the enchantments. Which was no small feat in and of its self. The whole of the estate and its massive grounds had to be taken into consideration. Including the caverns that were below the estate. This is where some of the Erlands larger serpent pets resided. As well as under dark creatures that they protected. Seeing as they would be most likely to either scare people or get scared themselves. Thus, getting hurt in the process, which was something that they would not want to happen to either. They would start there, Erland having to go in and make sure they had everything that they needed to the night. -c-
MaraDarkthar has returned.
MaraDarkthar : " Alright, alright, that’s enough of that." He would tell one of the larger 3 headed snake that was called a Runespoor. The middle head wound butt against Erlands back. " I know you don’t like this. But it is for everyone's own good. It will protect you just as much as it will them." He would turn to face the massive creature that was about 50 feet in total length, just one of its heads was as wide as a king size bed. Not even hesitating he would pat it on its head. Having no fear of the beast having raised it from an egg. " Now be good and go see to your eggs." The Runespoor would sulk back into his cave. Erland would go about the last of his tasks, trying to hurry so that he could go and help with other things. And he still had to get ready. A wraith would seem to appear out of nowhere near the entrance to the cave. " Yeah I know I am done here." Erland would say as he exited the cave, -c-
MaraDarkthar : heading back to the estates more habitable areas. Once he had left the darkness, a barrier would go into place. Ceiling all away from prying eyes. A Wraith would be standing guard on the inside of cave at each entrance and exit. This was to make sure nothing was bothered. The caves that lied beneath were not the only things that were being closed off. But the personal rooms that the family used as well. Such as where they slept and the like. Now this was in no way to say that they did not trust and or respect the guests that they were expecting. But they were a very private bunch. This being their first time having guests welcome into their home. It was just a precaution. They would not open for anyone under any means, unless you were the person that stayed in that area, or room. Or if you were one of the houses bloodlines. But it would only last for as long as the gathering did. The next thing was to enchant the grounds so that they were no longer covered with snow. -c-
MaraDarkthar : Instead it was a warm spring day and night. This was something that Bernadette had said they used in the gardens at the palace. This would have caused Mara to look into doing the same thing for the ball. Magic users were brought in from different family realms to help with the process as well as with the wards. Then they would go to move all of the creatures that lived inside of the estate and on the grounds to safer places. This being T the far end of the estate. Cages and pens were set up for them. Also enchanted to stay warm and warded to stay safe. The last thing they needed were hellhounds, direwolves, Griffins and more to get loose and roam Immortalis. Just like the caves and personal chambers. They were sealed so only one of blood could enter them. Mara would be pacing as the food and other things were being set up. Having spent months and weeks ordering things. But not just things out of realm, but also from different people around Immortalis. -c-
MaraDarkthar : Like she had bought casts of wine from Owen and his vineyards. Daxus Winery it was called, this was to be its debut. She would feel it that it was an Honor to have it at the ball. There would also be local produce brought in for the night. Chefs from the realm and others would prepare meals for the guests. Having table upon table of foods set up. Thinking that she needed to check on that, to make sure it was set up the way she had envisioned. Lorna would have told her other siblings, that Mara had become obsessed with the planning. Which was slightly true. She just wanted it all to be perfect. As a matter of fact, the girls would step in the way of Mara as she went to go and bug the chefs. " Nope don’t even think about it, Time to go and get ready." Brun and Lorna would half drag Mara away to go and get ready. When guests started to arrive that night the gates to the estate would be open wide. Welcoming all to the family's home. -c-
MaraDarkthar : The path way leading up to the estate would be lighted. Tiny little glowing lights would be hanging from the branches from all the trees. They were enchanted little fairy lights. Little balls of concentrated light. Made to hang one from another floating in mind air. Every once in a while, they would seem to move slightly this way or that. Making it seem as if they were moving in a light breeze. They were a light gold in color. Like tiny little stars lighting the way for the guests. At the Door of the estate there was a line of well-dressed gentlemen there to greet the guests. Each bowing in respect to every single person that would grace the threshold. After passing through the main hall, butlers would be there to usher them to the main hall. Through large carved wooden doors, laid the main hall. It was the size of a small throne room. The whole thing had been fitted to suit the occasion. Roses in shades of white, pink, red, and every shade in between were everywhere. -c-
MaraDarkthar : Some even hung down from the ceiling. The walls had been covered with deep red fabric. It was smooth and silky to the touch. The red color was to offset the black and gold accents. On the upper level there were tables for those that would wish to sit and eat before hitting the dance floor. Table cloths of a deep red, almost the same as the walls. Golden plates would be set out for the guests to dine on. Ech table had a golden pillar in the center of the table atop a black square. Red Roses would top it and cascade down and around the sides. Little black beads and crystals would hang this way and that from the roses. Also, there would be black pillar candle holders, with a small candle in a glass resting on top. This giving each table its own little glow. Once they were seated, a waiter would bring them whatever they wished to drink. Alls they had to do is ask and it would be brought to them. -c-
MaraDarkthar : Guests could choose from having their food brought to them, or to help themselves to whatever they wished. Tables were set up with just about every type of food one could imagine. Some carried only charcuterie, laid heavy with sliced meat and cheeses. Others were set up with Cooked meats and sea food. Vegetables would take up another table, as well as one that was all fruits. The one that would get the most attention that night was the one that was set up witch chocolate and other deserts. In the middle of the dining area would be a giant cake. It was 6 layers tall, little spacers here and there to make sure it was sturdy enough to hold up on its own. It was done in white fondant, Detailed icing work on the layers. Decorated in little cherubs and sugar flowers of pale pinks. There were two sets of stairs leading down to the main dance floor. The theme of the dining area would carry down to here.-c-
Iella is away.
MaraDarkthar : The walls draped in the deep red fabric, and large gold candelabras with black candles would light the dance floor. The floor its self was a smooth black marble, with tiny veins of red and gold running through it. Music would fill the space, soft and soothing. It was being played by enchanted instruments. There was an open bar down there also, where bartenders waited to make any drink that a guest would ask for. Women would walk around caring trays of Champaign and candies offering them to everyone. Now on one side of the dance floor there were two open rooms for guests, these were set up as conversation rooms. For guests to go and relax, talk to old and new friends. Where the music was not playing so they could hear one another. They were done out in the same colors as the dining area and dance floor. The first room was set up two flat couches, covered with pillows. A large golden chandelier with the long black taper candles hung from a red ceiling. -c-
MaraDarkthar : There were shelves with books lining the walls. This had been an extra reading room that had been redone for the night. But what stood out about this room was it had its own little pool in the middle. Now no you could not go swimming in it. It was black as night, and it had what seemed to be tiny stars dancing through the void. It was covered with a thick unbreakable glass. The second room was a more open space and could fit more people than the first. Still same color scheme as before. But this had black leather couches on the walls. As well as round sitting areas in the middle of the room. The each had a red flower arrangement above them as well. Deep red pillows setting against the smooth black background. There were also a few tables here and there. This way if you decided you wanted to take a break from the dancing and get a bite to eat. Each room had its own staff so one did not have to go looking for someone to go and help them. -c-
MaraDarkthar : Now back in the dance area, the other side of the room had its own private rooms. These were for some of the smaller guests. The Children of Immortalis. There were many families here in the realm, and the family did not want to leave them out or have them feel that they were over looked. The first room was the play room. Mara and Livia had filled it with all kinds of toys. None of the family had any children of their own, so this gave them a chance to spoil the children of others. Not only were the children allowed to play with anything that they wanted, but they were allowed to and encouraged to take home whatever they wanted out of the toys. Any of the toys and food that was not taken home by the guests. Would be donated to the Temple of Sophia and the families of Immortalis the next day. The family didn’t need all of it. And would not see any of it go to waste when others needed or could use it.-c-
MaraDarkthar : The second room on this wall was the Cake Room as they had coined it. This room was filled wall to wall worth all kinds of cakes and candies. The sugary sweet kinds that kids love and don’t get to have all the time. It would be like a wonderland to the children. One of the cakes went to the ceiling almost. But it was not the only cake in the room. There were about 5 in total. The Cake room had its own staff there to help get the children's cake and juice if they needed it. Children were welcome to go from room to room. Taking the cake and candy to the toy room and vice versa. Or they could take it out side if they wished. Now once the guests would wonder out back, it was a whole different world. The enchantments of warm weather had been continued out there as well. They would have the gardens path ways as well as the trees and shrubs lit with the same little lights. Out here was where the entertainment was. There were all kinds of performers on hand. -c-
MaraDarkthar : Fire eaters, and fire dancers. There were contortionists, acrobats, sword swallowers, and other acts. It was like a little carnival. People were giving out cotton candy and other treats. There were a few ladies that were handing out flowers to random people to make them smile. The sky above the guests was filled with little hearts that were magically hanging in the hair. As if they had a life of their own. There were men and women elaborately dressed caring lanterns on chains leading people to the lake, helping them onto boats that were made for couples. They would paddle them around, letting them take in the enchanted lights that surrounded the back side of it. Making the trees different colors. Back in the garden area, if the carnival was not enough, there would be fire pit areas for guests to sit around and talk at. Waiters would come and offer them things to make smores with. As well as make sure that their drinks were full, and all of their needs were being met.-c-
MaraDarkthar : Out in the open area Mara had made sure to set up a bar just for the wines from Daxus Winery. Specially selected bartenders would have been taught all about each wine, this way they could tell guests that asked about them. There were also bars set up out here so that one could get other drinks as well. Not all of the family would be there to take part in the night. Some of them had to take care of the Dragons and other animals. This was not them trying to slight anyone, but they knew no matter what was going on they had a responsibility to them first and foremost. Dorian had volunteered to go and work at the outpost, seeing as he was not really a people person. CraveWolf was still there, having promised Fort she would keep an eye on the family for a while. She would take the young Brynhildr ( brun) with her. " Come on, you need to learn what it is the family does here if you are going to be part of it." She would say to the youngster as they went with Dorian. -c-
MaraDarkthar : Lorna would be planning on joining them that night. She was just going to stay at the ball long enough to make sure it got going. Not too far behind her out the door that night would be Shadows. He had returned from his so-called adventure to the High Plains. Only to find out that Sig had destroyed his rooms in a fit of anger. He knew that he deserved it. He would stay long enough to make it known that he had returned. Talk to the right people, before heading out to go and find Sig. He wanted to explain to her what had happened and why it had. That would leave to play Host and Hostess, Mara, Erland who had to be there because he had asked Bernadette to be his date, and Maddox. This would be his first public outing since he had gotten promoted to the Captain of the Dragon Riders. But they were not the only 3 there. Livia had returned to her family's home. She would be there, but no one other than family knew that it was her, since she had completely changed in appearance. -c-
MaraDarkthar : But after tonight, it would become clear, that the family was reunited and whole. They would all now wait with baited breath for the ball to begin.-d-
Sir_Thrace_Daighan has returned.
ErlandErikson : wb)
Sir_Thrace_Daighan : Thank you))
Sir_Thrace_Daighan : I suppose I could slip in to the ball))
MaraDarkthar : that was just the description of the ball post. All posts will not be that long. )
MaraDarkthar : Some are still prepping their posts. IF anyone wants to go ahead and post please feel free to do so.)
Sir_Thrace_Daighan : m'dear, you're an artist of the written word))
MaraDarkthar : I dont thinks o but thanks)
Sнαuɢнnєssy : Btw Drenai posted his initial return to the forum: "The Deathstalker: Chronicles of the Abyss" Board index » RP » Forum RP. We're all pretty proud of this   ))
Gᴀʙʙɪє Ɗϵɑτђsταᴌᴋϵᴙ : WAAHHH!!!! -rushes to go read- )
MaraDarkthar : https://i.imgur.com/wmIYbA0.jpg The walk way into the ball)
MaraDarkthar : I write better with pictures lol)
MaraDarkthar : https://i.imgur.com/JNBtEe6.jpg?1 Dinning area)
Sir_Thrace_Daighan : I suppose I'll enter and be the first awkward individual))
Sir_Thrace_Daighan : Mara, can I whisper you in a moment?
MaraDarkthar : Sure)
MaraDarkthar : https://i.imgur.com/zGyHSHC.jpg?1 https://i.imgur.com/7JBz0up.jpg?1 Sitting rooms)
MaraDarkthar : https://i.imgur.com/IxjGUOz.jpg kids cake room)
MaraDarkthar : https://i.imgur.com/uKJqA9N.jpg https://i.imgur.com/bq0XRKB.jpg?1 https://i.imgur.com/buAsLRS.jpg?1 Food)
MaraDarkthar : https://i.imgur.com/GSacGg5.jpg?1 https://i.imgur.com/7rp1U2z.jpg?1 outside.. Okay done now lol)
ŞlèéK : The builder arrived at the estate without ostentation in a plain gig, whose panels were of stained oak, drawn by a single chestnut gelding.  He dismounted unaided and dismissed the driver with a gesture.  A cloak of black velvet swathed his form, its hood drawn forward which did not conceal those features that had been molded in mithril, and darkened chemically to give off no reflection.  For the occasion he had allowed Ginny, a young lady in his employ to embellish those features with a delicate filigree of silver about the eyes.  Beneath the cloak, he wore a knee length coat of black velvet decorated with intricate silver embroidery upon the breast, shoulders, hem, and cuffs.  Beneath he wore a pair of black trousers and slippers of black silk upon his feet.  He bore no arms openly, but he had limited himself to a minimum of arms, this was after all a party, and not an excursion into the sewers.  As he approached the Manse itself and the servants there to greet the guests, he -c-
ŞlèéK : would acknowledge their greetings and bows with an inclination of his head, and once within the grand pile, he would doff his cloak, passing it to a servant, before being ushered into the grand hall by the butler.  In the eyes of society, he was early, but according to his own internal time keeping, he was precisely on time.  His head turned as he moved away from the entrance taking in the rich decorations, which could not hide from his eyes, the architecture beneath, which he found far more interesting.  But, he had never been accused of being a romantic...well, there was that one time, but the woman had been very drunk and quite possibly out of her head on some rather strange mushrooms.  He could however appreciate the effort that had gone into the preparations...he had prepared himself as best he could...he still did not understand the fascination with love and coitus...perhaps it was tied to the rather short lifespans. -d-
Sir_Thrace_Daighan : :: Very seldom these days did Thrace have to even bother with dressing up, the beauty of being retired, which bothered him as he was fast growing bored. Arriving at the path to the ball, Thrace paused to pull his coat firmly to settle around his broad shoulders. Wearing a velvet coat of dark crimson with black pants and a snowy white shirt, his black dressed boots polished to a mirror shine, the aged Bothan looked the part. Graying fur neatly groomed, he'd even pulled >>>
Sir_Thrace_Daighan : >>> out his old ceremonial long sword, crest of his former Knighthood and station upon it, hanging at his waist as the only weapon he carried, a golden chain wrapped around the hilt and attached to the scabbard to keep it where it was in a show of peace. His clothing was of elegantly simple cut, if antiquated, and left nothing of his build to the imagination, though at six feet tall and two hundred ten pounds, the creature was nothing if not average save for his fur and >>>
Sir_Thrace_Daighan : >>> muzzle. As he made his way along the path to the entrance, Thrace paused often to admire the deocrations upon the trees with a smile, "beautiful. Simply breathtaking," he commented to himself. When he arrived, returning the greeting of those posted at the door courteously, he continued inside to the main hall. Taken aback by the red, it was exotic in a jarring way, however, he found it intriguing. Taking up a drink at earliest convenience, Thrace took the very >>>
Sir_Thrace_Daighan : >>> first opportunity to find a place nearest the wall of the grand hall to stand with his back to the wall to simply observe, something he very much enjoyed. Far from the first to arrive, the Bothan took note of the other present, unable to place what the creature was, the best assessment he was able to come up with was that it was male, and beyond that a mystery! Pointedly not leaning against the wall though he wanted to, he shifted his feet to settle more comfortably >>>
MaddoxLeon has joined the conversation.
Sir_Thrace_Daighan : >>> in his boots as they were stiff and not yet fully broken in. "Something tells me," he muttered to himself, "that this will be a long, albeit interesting, night." With that musing, he took a sip of his drink as he awaited the arrival of other guests, idly wondering if anyone he remembered would be present. ::


Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : -] The great new sensation in town, at least in high society circles, was that the Vaskaris Dove, known fashionista with an eye for the cutting edge of trends and couture, was staying at the Lumiere Inn while acquiescing to assist the luxurious business with updating their presentation! To ensure this cover for the real reason Ophelia Vaskaris was living at the Lumiere Inn, she did in fact follow through with this ruse, which kept her busy, too. Despite her broken heart, she told no one the truth behind it, and if ever she felt doleful enough for someone to notice a shift in her mood, she’d cover that, too, with commentary about how she was deeply reflecting upon the influential effects of carmine with auric filigree in a particular lighting. If the public took the tawny witch for little more than a charismatic courtier obsessed with fashion and design; obsessed with parties and gossip – she could operate beneath that surface >>
Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : presentation as an undertow to her more meaningful purposes. Currents unseen churning below the most obvious display. This was the true art of the best sycophants, and why, despite smug disapproval issued toward courtiers so often, the best of them continued to flourish, and gain advantages. Ophelia attended social gatherings each afternoon and evening while she stayed at the upscale Lumiere Inn, and in her ways she truly did relish in the dynamics and distractions. Though, there was the issue of the grand Valentines’ Day Ball swiftly approaching, and … ….. her thoughts whisked back to Carrick, and the tawny witch fell somber and silent. Fortunately, she was in her guestroom at that moment, having final touches made to her attire for the event. She didn’t know how to face it just yet, having so recently walked out from the Vaskaris Villa after Carrick’s candid revelations…. But the socialite nonetheless *was* preparing >>
Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : for the event anyway. She had to. This was a large part of what she did. Fortune would have it that a strum of fate played a tune in a favorable manner to her. Altair had approached her for a favor, no small or light matter at that, and one she was certain he would not speak to others about unless he felt he absolutely had to to fulfill his end goal. The Pathfinder Captain asked her at all because he knew of the prestige of Vaskaris magic, and in particular, that of Ophelia and Carrick’s talents. The summation of their exchange resulted in Ophelia telling him she and Carrick would assist (without giving the Vaskaris Wraith an option, nor intending to tell him; she, for now, would take on the obligation herself, but she’d also lead Altair on to believe Carrick was involved from the start). What she wanted in return was perhaps odd on the surface, but perhaps by now, at least the perspicacious Pathfinder would realize that Ophelia >>
Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : was more than a pair of breasts with a lovely face, but a schemer of a high caliber. Surely he’d know she was up to other plots in all of this, but would he ask? If he tried, she’d feign a coy smile and divert the conversation to something else. So, it played out that Ophelia Vaskaris and Altair Kiasco were attending the Valentines’ Day Ball together. In this, though, Ophelia made private arrangements to contact the woman she, socialite as she was, understood Altair to be particularly fond of: Celest Della Court. Ophelia had made a visit to the Justicars’ office where Garrick LeMorte maintained official contact at least for his Justicar team. She’d written a letter explaining the situation in an intimate honesty for Celest, revealing Ophelia’s true feelings across the board; that she was still hopelessly in love with Carrick, she held zero interest in Altair – relayed in such a manner that perhaps Celest could put honest faith in that declaration, and >>
Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : that it wasn’t merely some cover for ulterior motives – and thanked Celest in advance for the abuse Ophelia would commit against the willingness of the man she seemed fond of to help people. In this case, help was in the form of attending a ball with Ophelia so she wouldn’t be a socialite suddenly attending alone, and unrevealed to Altair, to enact female righteous vengeance against Carrick, Ophelia’s true love interest. Ophelia also requested if perhaps she and Celest could meet at a later date, with open invitation to the Lumiere Inn where Ophelia was staying with her renovation work underway there. It’d be worthwhile to pursue another sincere female friendship. When a woman behaved like Ophelia did, it sometimes was difficult to keep female friends for long, though vain Ophelia put that on their insecurities. Alys and Chloe were among her more long-term female comrades, though; the former a sincerer >>
Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : relationship, and the latter, for social manipulation. Ophelia’s observations, albeit at a distance or by word in social circles, was that Celest was of a strong caliber of personality, graceful, poised, and uncannily sharp. Naturally therefore, Ophelia held an interest in the woman, and getting to know her personally. Strong, confident, and clever women were always going to be appealing. In the Justicars’ office, chance yet again dealt Ophelia a favorable hand to her romantic vengeance against Carrick: Nikolai walked in to meet with Garrick. By the end of the encounter between Ophelia and Niko, he was attending the ball with her, too, aware she was also arriving with Altair and quite fine with the arrangement. Hell hath no fury, after all. And Ophelia was indeed scorned. So it was, the day of the ball, Ophelia adorned herself in risqué, lacy attire, with an accent of black fabric that took after a modernized bustle wrapping sensuously around her waist and descending to give >>
Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : accent and dimension to her outfit that otherwise was….. essentially a black lace bodysuit with fabric conveniently just covering vital anatomy. Her umber hair was heated to a glossy smoothness and set into voluptuous waves. There was no denying the vision that the tawny witch was sybaritic through and through; leastwise, that’s what she presented (and usually, in shades, *was* true). She awaited the arrival of her two dates for the evening in front of the estate, which was decorated in fine flair for the evening. Half-lidded, self-righteous, sensual vengeance was perhaps the best way to describe the socialite’s air while she waited. [d] [-
Iѕĸandaʀ° : ~ The weather was pleasant this morning as a gentle breeze blew in from an open window of the Mithril Magnate and Moon Princess’s suite. Signs of their morning tea together lingered upon the nearest table as the pair made ready for the day. But, where was the light echoing laughter of their starlings? Castien & Callen had been placed into the care of their grandparents the night before not because their own parents did not desire their company but today was a special day for the royal couple. Really, it was a noteworthy holiday for all couples who looked <c>
Jεδïŧε : XD)
MaraDarkthar : okays eve)
°Iѕĸandaʀ° : to each other with love and devotion. This pagan holiday was a yearly festival celebrated by numerous people; while the gods and goddesses at the head of this day were nameless they were honored nonetheless. Although, it wasn’t just a day where Shaughnessy and Iskandar would be in each other’s company. Weeks prior, the royal family had been invited to a grand ball being held by House Dragoon within their large estate, tucked in the noble district within the Valley of Horses. Both the patriarch and matriarch of the Demirel family would be going there as well, caring for the <c>
°Iѕĸandaʀ° : Prince and Princess’s children as the royal couple enjoyed the evening’s festivities. Both the elf and his starlit wife loved their young ones, but it was upon the grandparents’ insistence that the pair treat themselves while they cared for Castien & Callen. At first, there had been reluctance on both parts, but they eventually complied and here they were today – making ready in the unsettling silence of their suite … without the noise of their children bouncing about excitedly to their first ball in a while. These past few months had proven hard for the Deathstalker line. The weight of the <c>
°Iѕĸandaʀ° : realm was currently upon Shaughnessy’s thin shoulders with her husband at her side. And well, upcoming joyous events such as these were a nice distraction for the pair even if they knew what the other was thinking in their wordless glances that morning over breakfast. Still though, quiet as it had been … it reminded the eldest Demirel of how things had been in the earliest stages of his courtship with his moonflower. He smiled lightly at his reflection in the mirror as his servants currently attended to him – his tempest gray eyes settling upon his wife as she also <c>
MaraDarkthar : After Entrances everyone can break off into their own little groups)
°Iѕĸandaʀ° : was primped in the adjacent room to his. He had stood within her doorway earlier, half-dressed himself, as she coiffed her hair and covered her tinged, peach cheeks with sheer. Even without all the extra things she did to make ready that day for the upcoming ball – she was one to be desired always by her elven husband. Though, upon those final adjustments being made to his attire, he excused the ones currently aiding him in his raiment and walked towards his wife’s side of the hallway as she stood in front of her vanity mirror. “Hiril Vuin,” he whispered <c>
°Iѕĸandaʀ° : lowly to her from the doorway, gesturing for the handmaidens attending her to be temporarily dismissed, “I wish to speak with you for a moment.” Once the room was cleared [and door was closed], his booted feet pushed him forward across the carpet and he now stood a few inches behind his beloved. While in most cases his strong arms would come to wreath around her waist … he instead did something else. Lightly, he pressed his lips to the outside of her ear and said, “…I have something for you.” Tanned fingers pushed away the opaline hairs from the nape <c>
°Iѕĸandaʀ° : of her neck whereupon his lips greeted her skin next. Reaching into his elven surcoat, he pulled out a chained necklace of lilac and blue amethysts. Each stone was entwined intricately with wings designed with auerate mithril. Carefully, he placed the necklace around his wife’s swanlike neck and clasped the end. Afterwards, his mouth massaged the back of her neck again with a kiss and he then wilted forward to rest his chiseled chin upon the curve of her pale shoulder. Looking into the mirror with his opalescent princess, he grinned that rare grin of his, eyelids slanting as he gazed <c>
°Iѕĸandaʀ° : upon his paramour with adoration. Shaughnessy had chosen a long elven gown of lavender which glimmered in the nearby sun appearing as stardust in motion when she did move. Complimenting her chosen appearance, the merchant-prince wore fabrics of plum whilst his elven surcoat was stitched with gold. Quite a pair they made as they looked towards the mirror then. // As the day passed in the blink of an eye, the sun had soon set, and the court’s sweethearts were now making their way out from the castle towards the gilded carriage. The opalescent royal was guided in first by her <c>
°Iѕĸandaʀ° : husband and with care he bunched the ends of her skirts into the vehicle as he made his way in. On the way there, both the Prince and Princess revisited word games that they used to play together on trips either to the North or to the West in their earlier years of courting. Although, the presence of their children was still missed as they sat side by side, hand in hand on the way there. When the pair did arrive, they watched the light snow as it fell amidst the decorations set outside. This was a grand event and those <c>
°Iѕĸandaʀ° : of the Crown were happy to attend; such being expressed in their first visit upon this ludic evening with the hosts & hostesses of the Dragoon clan. When Castien & Callen did arrive with their grandparents, the patriarch and matriarch of the Demirel bloodline – they excitedly approached their mother and father where hugs and kisses awaited them. But, their attentions were quickly diverted when their grandfather, Aleskandar, ushered them towards a room of sweets where Yusra was soon to follow smiling to her son and daughter-in-law in passing. As the evening picked up and the throngs of well-dressed individuals filled <c>
°Iѕĸandaʀ° : the halls of the Dragoon estate, the elf and his elfin wife slipped away to the crimson lined dancefloor where they spent the rest of the night, taking breaks now and then to fawn upon their children from a distance. This was going to be a night to remember. ::e::
MaddoxLeon : He had been dressed in what he called a monkey suit by his cousin. He had hoped that he would get to be one of the family members that got to go off to work. But Mara had insisted that he stay and be part of the event. After all he had just been named the new Captain of the Dragon Riders. since Shadows had been promoted to Sky Captain. As the Family had lined up to Greet the guests that would call upon them this evening. To his dismay both Lorna and Shadows would excuse -c-
°Iѕĸandaʀ° : sdflkjwef LOL]
Iella has returned.
ErlandErikson : wh Iella)
Nikolai´ŁęMoŗŧę«Ŗл : ok Going to post ))
MaddoxLeon : themselves. " Blood bastards. Get ye areses back here and suffer like the rest of us. Cowards the both of ye." He would have ranted on, but Erland elbowed him him in the ribs. Maddox would be greeted by the narrowing gaze of Mara. " Dont look her directly in the eye" he would mutter to Erland. The boys would try not to laugh, only because her attention was somewhere else. But it was cut short as the doors would open. Guests starting to file in. The first was Sleek and -c-
Iella : Sits in the kids room eating cake and what not
MaddoxLeon : Thrace. The Celt would take it upon himself to go and speak to them both later in the evening. Then a woman would come in that would catch his eye right off the bat. Stepping forward he would go to take Ophelia's hand. Bending in a bow as he would bring it to his lips for a quick kiss. Rasing back up as he let her hand go. " Welcome ta the Estate Lassy. I look forward to a dance with ye this night. That is if ye gentlemen will let me. "-c-
MaddoxLeon : He was putting on his celtic charm. One that would want to make most women faint. But was not sure if it would do any good here. For it seemed that Ophelia was the one in charge. " Oh ta be one of those men that are on ye arm, that is the place of honor this eve." He would give her a wink as he went to great Nessy and Isk.-d-

Ɇṿⱻ-Bl**d She had slipped into the estate earlier in the day. She had been watching the makings of the ball. Everything looked really nice as she moved off to her room to get ready for the ball herself. When she got to her room a dress lay out on her bed. It was a lovely red and soft to the touch. Her black heels lay next to the dress. She would hurry into the shower so her hair could dry a little before she did it up. Looking around the room she would spot the black box that Rango. {d}

Ɇṿⱻ-Bl**d Walking over and picking it up. A smile would grace her lips as she opened it and stared at the ruby and diamond necklace and earring set. Setting the box down she would move over to the bed and slip the dress on and let it settle down over her body. Doing her hair up before doning her necklace and earrings. Last was slipping into her heels. Looking over her hair dress and face. She was satisfied with what she saw. So slowly she would make her way to the ballroom smiling.{d}
Teysa▪Ward : .:{Returning from placing the waystone in the Hedge had proven an easier task than being in the presence of the tiny necromancer whom she had been appointed to accompany. While Saoirse had been a cheerful, chatty sort, and Teysa hadn’t known exactly how to deal with it, the week-long excursion had left the mage feeling empty as she sat in her room by herself. Ingeras’ tea had done wonders to assist with Teysa’s hallucinations, and when they had been too unbearable, all she had to do >>
Teysa▪Ward : was sip the tea and dissipate into a dream world that silenced the voices that drifted in and out of her consciousness. It was a tool that she had lacked up to now, meaning that Teysa, for the first time in her life after her wrongful imprisonment, was becoming something of herself. She was still a somber sort, with a grey gaze that smoldered away with quiet disapproval, but she had found herself searching out companionship. Saoirse had been a bit… much. But the endured week with >>
Teysa▪Ward : Saoirse encouraged Teysa to take part in the event that was taking place at the Manor. Open to all? Unsure, but curious, the woman had dressed herself in a dark blue satin gown, with cut out portions on the torso that revealed the pale, Northern flesh underneath. She didn’t have a carriage, but the Blizzard Town native found it no trouble to rent a horse for the evening and cloak herself in her polar bear fur as they rode to the location, her black hair, free and flowing in waves, >>
Teysa▪Ward : dampening as it collected snow in the ride. What she arrived to was anything grander than she had expected, and it was with some hesitance that the mage dismounted from her mare. A footman had come to take the beast, and Teysa rubbed the creature’s shoulder before they were separated, a last ditch attempt at trying to reassure herself. She could do this. Taking a deep breath, Teysa’s sword-calloused fingers searched for the tea of Ingeras’ making to ensure if one of her spells did >>
Teysa▪Ward : strike, she would simply need to find hot water to brew tea and leave, before she entered the building. Already, a whole array of people were within, though she recognized none of them. This lack of familiarity was exactly why she was here, she reminded herself, as she slipped through the bodies towards the table of drinks. With a glass of wine in hand, the woman peered once more onto the faces of the crowd, spying a construct who looked more metal than man, and a creature who had >>
Teysa▪Ward : more fur than the bear cloak that rested on her shoulders. A couple slipped away onto the dance floor, a woman with tawny skin was accompanied by two men, while a third approached her. The mage eyed the woman with careful study, before repositioning her own body language to reflect the woman who had men spilling over her; subtle movements were made that brought her chin up higher, half-lidded her gaze, and the drink in her hand was shifted to an almost carefree handle… No, that was >>
Teysa▪Ward : too much. Teysa made a face and drank from the glass of wine as her posture reverted to a more severe military posture – she might have even appeared to be standing at attention if it hadn’t been for the gown hiding her feet and the glass of wine in her left hand. }:.

Nikolai´ŁęMoŗŧę«Ŗл : Nikolai had met with both his brother and Ophelia who had conceived the mountain of a man to join her in some vengeance against her betrothed which had instantly peeked the mans interest in ways most could not. Nikolai held no care for the climbing of social ladders but he did enjoy messing with peoples heads so the man had adorned a set of black slacks and dress shows, it was clear the man would sport no dress shirt or jacket just a red tie.<C>
Nikolai´ŁęMoŗŧę«Ŗл : The man had even went as far to rub oil on his skin to make him look more appealing to the eye since he wore no shirt. Hair pulled up in a pony tail as he looked over his pants"Well this is going to be interesting night"Speaking to himself before leaving the barracks of the Pathfinder's and heading through teh town to teh estate he was instructed to meet Ophelia and Altair at for a rather fun night.<C>

Nikolai´ŁęMoŗŧę«Ŗл : It Was upon seeing Ophelia that he flashed that famous LeMorte smile before extending his hand and bowing at the waist "Ahh My lady you are a stunning vision of perfection. Never have I laid eyes upon a women with your beauty Mortal or Goddess a like." Yes Nikolai had his fair share of run in's with goddess and all paled in comparison to the women in front of him.<C>

Nikolai´ŁęMoŗŧę«Ŗл : Those swirling Sapphire and Icey blue hues focused intently on her face and nothing else, seems Nikolai had taken to their mothers teachings even if the man felt comfortable in hide legging stitched from his kills while hunting. <E>

/me From now, until the day that he was old and grey he’d never truly understand how these events had unfolded. It had all seemed so simple, a matter of equivalent exchange, as it were. He’d approached Ophelia some days ago, a Vaskaris mage, and Immortalis socialite of no small repute. He needed assistance with a particular problem of his and was in firm belief that only the Vaskaris cousins possessed the power, cunning, and questionable moral fibre required to see his wish granted. Of course, he had not come to broker a deal without the assumption that Ophelia would require something from him in exchange. That was the way of life, after all. He may have been a layman, in terms of magical talent, but he had been an avid traveler his entire life. With geographical knowledge far beyond the norm <c>

/me of even seasoned adventurer’s. Locations of mystical sites, knowledge of old legends, a practiced mastery of herbology, to say nothing of his cruder attributes such as physical capabilities. In summary, there was a lot that he brought to the table, that Ophelia could have taken him up on. The only thing he didn’t want to trade in, was tawdry coin. Not only would it offend someone of Ophelia’s stature, but assuming the talks even devolved to such a base point, he would not have the coin to barter for this particular favour if he worked a lifetime. What he wanted from her bordered on the inhumane. Would it be considered illegal? Did Immortalis have practicing laws regarding which magic could, and could not be used? It mattered not. <c>

/me His goal was clear, and beyond all odds Ophelia had agreed to help him. Assuring him the assistance of both herself, and Carrick. The murky part came moments after, when she immediately turned in her chit. That favour she wanted? One that he assumed would tax his abilities to the extreme? Well, he wished it had been something so mundane as that. No, she asked for far worse, something that cut to the core of his being. In short, he was to…escort her, to the Valentine’s ball that was being held in a few days time. The ball that he’d had every intention of escorting Celest to. One in which they would share their first true dance together, since they’d begun courting one another. Their first official outing, since that declaration of love within the gardens those weeks ago. Ophelia’s request snatched that dream away from him <c>


/me and presented him with a far different reality. One in which he was sure Celest would be angry with him, for attending this event with another woman on his arm. Yet he’d agreed to the terms without a moment’s consideration, such was the depth of his need. The request he’d made was only known between himself, and the two Vaskaris cousins (Ophelia would inform Carrick in due course), but it must have been considerable, and his options miniscule if he’d agreed to such a thing. To make matters worse, no more than a day later he’d received notice that Nikolai LeMorte would also be accompanying them. Apparently, the socialite required more than one man to satiate her needs. What were those needs though? <c>


/me That was the question. He was no fool to believe that Ophelia had taken a keen interest in him. No, his memory of the time spent with the cousins was too sharp for him to believe such a thing. In fact, if it had been the case, if there had been even an inkling of interest, then he would have denied her outright. Both parties were far too insightful, far too engaged in their own private lives to allow such drama to flourish. He respected Ophelia for her intelligence, and the cunning guile that could be seen beyond the mask she wore daily, and it was his hope that Ophelia respected him as well, for how could a woman in love trust in a man whom she did not in some way respect? If only to hold to their boundaries, if nothing else. <C>

/me His respect, both for the woman, and their agreement held in such a way that he didn’t even bother asking her the reason for this. He didn’t need to. He was astutely aware of the fact that Carrick was nowhere to be seen when he’d visited the bookstore. Ophelia’s cousin had been her escort to every event held within, and beyond the cities borders since he’d arrived here close to five years ago. It was his private hope, that whatever had occurred between the two would be mended. They seemed such private creatures, clinging to each other, yet always forced to keep their distance. No two people who fought for each other in such a way should ever be parted for long. He quickly put those musing thoughts behind him however. <c>

/me Dedicating himself to the night at hand. He had promised Ophelia his presence, and as a man of honour, she would have him for the evening. In body, and in mind, if not in soul. He’d even dressed appropriately, if plainly for the event. A dark suit, cut neatly for his figure, with a crimson shirt beneath it. By the time he arrived at the front of the Estate, their designated meeting place, Nikolai was already waiting with Ophelia. The Pathfinder Captain offered an apologetic smile, even as he bowed towards Ophelia slightly. Yes, an honest bow, far more than he’d offered anyone else in the kingdom, save for his Celest. “My apologies Ophelia, Nikolai. It appears I have been holding you both up. Shall we go in, and enjoy a fine evening amongst ourselves?” <c>

/me the warmth in his voice was genuine, as he righted himself. Approaching the pair. A friendly pat on the shoulder for Nikolai, a man to whom he was warming as their Pathfinder training continued, before he offered his arm to Ophelia. Of course, he was well versed enough in etiquette to put on a show, if nothing else. “You do look lovely this evening, Ophelia.” It felt so strange to say those words. Indeed, it was strange to look upon such an attractive woman and feel not the slightest shred of longing. Though he was appreciative of her choice in clothing, she had an eye for fashion that would make most other women claw out their eyes in sheer jealousy. “Nikolai, I’m impressed. You’re wearing a tie.” The words were teasing, but the smile he offered the man was genuine friendship. <D>

ĠaȑȑiċkŁęMoŗŧę : Garrick had meet with both Ophelia and his brother when they left it caused a light chuckle to escape his lips before another Knock came to his door with a package from the Countess Eris Dharkhearte. Handing the messenger some coin before ushering him off so he could open and inspect the contains. Looking over the suit with a big smile he would change into it holding the cane with his left hand. Reading the note she sent Garrick made one adjustment to the chosen outfit in teh form of a red tie with a matching ruby Cufflinks to match his Date. After he was dressed in teh finely crafted suit he would of course send word for a carriage so he could go and Pick Eris up in the grand LeMorte Fashion . <C>

ĠaȑȑiċkŁęMoŗŧę : In that grand Fashion of teh LeMorte he was a large All White with Red trim carriage arrived shortly pulled by several White Stallions. Enter it with urgency Closing the door Coin was exchanged before being told where to go, IT was in the anticipation that brought him a slight stirring of undead butterflies in his stomach, It was a feeling he didn't Get often and well it was a good things still showed he had some humanity left beneath all that life of killing. <C>

ĠaȑȑiċkŁęMoŗŧę : Garrick arrived where Eris lived as he exited the Carriage teh driver hopping down to hold the door as Garrick unrolled the red Carpet that lead up to teh steps of the front door. Standing there a few brief moments before Knocking upon it.<E>


Gᴀʙʙɪє Ɗϵɑτђsταᴌᴋϵᴙ : Very rarely did Gabrielle use the services of a horse and carriage. Tonight, was a special event, Gabrielle’s first public appearance since her soul’s return to a fleshy body. Flesh that was covered in a sparkling, beautiful, golden lace dress. Sitting across from her was Sofia. Beside her was Viktor. Gabbie’s hand interlocked with his. Clinging tightly to hide her nervousness. Yes, the great white she-wolf was nervous. So many people, so many noises, smells. What if she wasn’t ready? In typical fashion lately a hand raised to clutch at Patrick’s ring which hung from a piece of leather around her neck. As if the object would somehow strengthen her nerves. “You alright, mom?” Sofia’s voice rang with concern and Gabbie forced her hand back into her lap with a smile. “Of course. It’s just a ball. I’ve been to plenty.” Just not in the last four or five years -c-

Gᴀʙʙɪє Ɗϵɑτђsταᴌᴋϵᴙ : apparently. “How did your trip with Evie go?” Distracting herself by idle chit chat seemed appropriate. There were nods, as Sofia continued on with her story. Sounds of the party started to get closer. “A lot of people.” She muttered under her breath. Sofia smiled, “and I’ve made sure a few pack members would be in attendance. I know how overwhelming it can be.” Gabbie nodded a little unsuredly. The carriage pulled around, the door swung open, Viktor stepped out, then Sofia. Gabbie sat there for a few seconds longer than was necessary. Time to put on the Princess-face. Deep breath in and let it out, no weakness. The smile looked genuine as she stepped from the carriage waving to those who looked in that direction. Arm looped with Viktor’s she started the trek up the walkway. Each step came with a silent, don't trip, don't trip. -d-

LiviaDarkthar : She had been standing near the entrance way of the main hall. Seeing all the all to familiar faces of people that she knew. But they would not know her. The hard part about this whole thing. She was a stranger to the ones that had meant a lot to her. Ones that she had fought along side many times, had drinks with at the purple pig. Even sat up late night by a fire just talking. First that she would have noticed was Sleek. He had once called her the Death Touched Lady. This was most due to her powers. Now it was for another reason all together. She had died in this very house. IT had only been a few months ago to this realm. But do to the time difference in The High Plains, it had been over two years. -c-

LiviaDarkthar : When she had come back to Immortails she had asked her family to not let anyone know whos she was. Wanting to test the waters so to speak. She knew only one person outside of the family that would know it was her. And that was Garrick he was her sire after all. She would have to speak to him privately, asking him to not share that bit of information with others. Livia wore a black dress that was high on the neck. And no sleeves, fitted tight to her body. Made of black lace of a simple black slip. A long train that she would hold up over one arm wen she walked. When trio of Ophelia, Nik and Altair would enter, Livia knew right away what Nik was. She would nod out of respect. Sparing a moments glance at Altair. Then off to find Sleek.-d-

Jεδïŧε : Jedite sighed looking into the mirror that he "borrowed" from another room, he wrinkled his nose and ran his hand through his messy red hair looking at himself. He looked younger than he remembered, but then again he hasn't looked at himself often if at all. He touched the large scar on his chest and growled before turning to grab the suit from the box he recently bought. It was plain and simple, black suit with some soft maybe velvet trim that was a deep red almost purple -c-


Jεδïŧε : in color. He moved to the pants after kicking off his boots and slid them on along with the belt. He glanced back to the mirror, " Why am I doing this? " He half expected the self that was in the mirror to answer back but no. He put on the dress boots and smoothed everything out. He did clean up well when he wanted to, quite well, he leaned into the mirror and changed his eye colors from gold, to blue to purple nothing really fit -c-

Jεδïŧε : He grumbled and looked around the room and then back to the mirror getting inspiration from a small jade statue on the desk. He selected a bright vibrant jade green in color and then wrapped his tail around his waist. He picked up the coat, " Just an appearance then I'm gone, maybe no one recognizes me and I can be done and back here trying to fix my device. He headed out he remembered the way quite well and even if he didn't wouldn't be that hard to find. -c-


Jεδïŧε : He paused and wrinkled his nose a bit looking at the estate and the grounds it sat on, if he was able to get drunk tonight would be the night he'd do it. He put on the jacket and walked on in. -d-

Bєrηα∂єттє∵Pαrkєr : :: Bernadette stood in front of her mirror for longer than she could honestly have recounted. The gardener was staring at herself. Did she recognize the woman in the reflection…? Not in the least, for she’d never been dressed and polished to such a state in her life. Ever. Durango had delivered a custom-made dress for her that really, was beyond words for the beauty and quality ….. though was somewhat more revealing with the front hem cutting short just above her knees, layered volume of white, petticoat lace showing only just beyond that hemline in hints. Fabric cut like flower petals fell about the hemline so naturally, too, while luxurious swaths of the fine fabric descended behind her, framing her legs and the jeweled heels provided to her, too. The bodice was cut with such shapely precision, giving Bernadette a vision of her own body that she just didn’t know was possible under her usual, more casual layers and timid posture. [c]
Bєrηα∂єттє∵Pαrkєr : But the bone work in the bodice even made her stand up straighter, forcing her to a more refined posture….! Caitlyn had cheerily assisted Bernadette with her hair, adding floral accents among her curls – which weren’t frizzy tonight… but heated into smooth, purposeful waves and twists…! She’d even helped with her makeup, showing her a different way to do it to add a bright, natural freshness to the gardener’s complexion. And a necklace sparkled on her neck as the last, vivid accent Durango had given to her for this event, helping his friend to shine more than she ever knew was possible. ……………which was precisely why she’d lingered in front of the mirror for so long, afraid of even herself that night….! She couldn’t go out there. She couldn’t go out like this. She was Bernadette, the reserved, provincial gardener from Luska. She lived to avoid too much attention, ……….. and her friends had seen to it that she simply radiated too [c]


Bєrηα∂єттє∵Pαrkєr : brightly *not* to be noticed that night……….! It might seem a strange thing to lament to those who were less timorous than Bernadette. M-maybe she could… - she looked around, was there some sort of long jacked or shawl she could put on to cover herself up…….? She’d been staying in the estate while Old Town had been unsafe, and while it was reported that the sewers were finally purged of their nightmares, she felt personal pressure to stop being a burden to her hosts here and return to her own home soon as not to overstay her welcome, nice as everyone had been. Oh…! Thank mercy for the shawl Caitlyn had left over a chair….! Bernadette snatched the fabric, and awkwardly wrapped it around herself – it didn’t match her outfit at *all* but it sort of gave her additional coverage…… ….she just needed to muster the power to leave her room. That was another great hurdle to overcome. She could hear muted music rising up, and lights shimmering beyond her window……..she *needed* to [c]

Bєrηα∂єттє∵Pαrkєr : leave her room………but knowing she should and doing so were not yet aligned. She swallowed, and focused on slow, steady breathing. [d] ::


Ѵɪᴋᴛᴏʀ▪Fᴀʟʟᴏɴ : || For Viktor, many of the recent events within the Empire had gone on with him in the shadows. Without his wife, there was no need for him to really attend. They were distractions at best, a way to do something else other than his duty as General, but this one? Gabrielle insisted she go, despite only being newly alive for a few weeks now. It was a fine decision, a good way to test if she still held her self control of before. Dressed rather casually, though still suitable to the event, Vik was not over the top when it came to his attire, nor was he unfitting, but he was armed. Why? He was Viktor Fallon. Simple as that. "Relax, Gabbie. It'll be fine. There's custard." Which she had thoroughly enjoyed earlier this morning. Was there custard? Probably. He didn't know for sure, but it hardly mattered as they finally exited from the carriage. Arm in arm, Vik stood there with her for a long moment while they settled in, staring at those around them before they began to walk. Slow steps, >





Ѵɪᴋᴛᴏʀ▪Fᴀʟʟᴏɴ : though Viktor spotted their daughter slinking off with some younger boy shortly after she slipped out. "Ah yes. You have not heard of Matthias yet, have you?" A slow glance toward his wife, Vik was grinning. "Stallu male. Young though, but well educated. Got into a fight over Sofs a year or two back, beat the opponent down with words and a show of force. She's quite taken with him." Not that Gabbie would be happy about that. Boy fought with books, Gabbie fought with headbutts. "Come, let us go see who's about." Of course, Vik was already moving with her, arm in arm, the General led the way though his steps were measured and calculated to put Gabrielle at a distance from most, especially those she did not know quite well. Or at the very least, to put him in between them, allowing the man to act as a sort of buffer for his wife, or keep her close enough that she'd stay calm in his presence. After all, Vik's reason for being here was to protect everybody else from Gabbie, not Gabbie from >
Ѵɪᴋᴛᴏʀ▪Fᴀʟʟᴏɴ : them. ||


Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : “Wench, could you help me with my tie – I – “ the asperous voice of the archmage sharply cut himself off; right … … she wasn’t here. Spindly, pallid fingers looped into the tie around his neck for the fourth time in a span of a half hour and irritated beyond reason, he ended up throwing the material haphazardly to the floor of their … now his bedroom? There was still refusal in touching the items left behind by his white bird and would remain so until he saw her back at the villa. Her scattered pearls, her silver brushes, her hairpins, her makeup brushes – all inanimate objects would collect dust before the evoker himself ever laid a hand on them [c]
Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : again. That faint scent of HER remained in their room, just as it always had but who knew how long that would even last for? Evenings for grand soirees or balls or even just small get togethers at court had always been a sacred pastime for the Vaskaris cousins. Carrick would often aid Ophelia with zipping up her dress or watching her from afar as she applied her makeups whilst ironing her umber locks afterwards. These little things may have been simple in the eyes of another person but to the blackbird who embraced his dove with black wings, it meant everything to him. Her smirks, her side glances, her heated words. Even the goading they’d exchange between before going [c]
Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : off on an evening venture [moments in time the mage allowed himself to be an accessory she toted around.] But, it wasn’t like that now, he vitiated everything that they had and could ever be. Though, there was one thing he wouldn’t let himself do and that was to succumb to his malediction. There was still great purpose in this world: her … as long as she lived, he lived. While nighttime was the hardest for him to overcome this past month, he slept when he could despite the lack of HER warmth [he even missed it when she’d purposely kick him out of bed during the night.] Fuck. Fuck everything! Leaving his collar open, he fixed up his wrist [c]
Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : cuffs and straightened his jacket. After he took another look in the mirror, Carrick glowered and quickly dismissed himself from that current bedroom of misery. Upon coming to the bottom of the steps, Ada awaited her master and placed his shroud promptly on his broad shoulders after he gave her the go ahead. Though, it was she who spoke first, looking stone-faced at the cantankerous evocationst, speaking in that monotone way of hers, ‘…I have done as you have instructed will have my things packed so that I may look upon Lady Ophelia – ‘ Carrick interjected, “ – you didn’t tell her that I ordered for you to look over her, did you?!” A moment of silence passed, and he STARED [c]
Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : at the maid until she came to speak again, ‘No, sir. Though she did pry into me as you suspected but I was able to smoothly convince her that you’re a piece of shit and that you should dirt for doing what you did to her.’ The male warlock paused and turned to Ada, he opened his mouth to say something but nothing came. Instead, he waved her off, huffing whilst simultaneously adjusting that recently placed shroud upon his shoulders. Rumors indicated that the Ethereal Dove of Vaskaris had temporarily settled in the Lumiere Inn to oversee its décor but, it was of another matter entirely. Her kin couldn’t imagine the heartbreak she felt over his latest odious confession to [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : her. Although, he hadn’t uttered a goddamn word about it to anyone since she left the house that night [or really, hadn’t spoken to numerous people since and only did what was required of him at the castle … it was fucking, horrid … all of it … he missed her so much.] Of course, he wouldn’t be going to this ball alone – he’d be going with a rather respectable woman: Celest DellaCourt, the sweetheart of Altair Kiasco. How did he get her to come along with him? That reason was obscured from prying eyes and ears and when Carrick Vaskaris would appear at the estate, he’d have the pale beauty on his arm as they arrived within the midst [c]



Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : of falling flurries and colorful splashes of nobles and commoners alike about them. She proved to be rather wonderful company, poised and ladylike – she distracted the Wraith from his forlorn grievances [when she could anyway but he was respectable around her aside from his own feelings of heartache.] When he came forth with Celest at his side and stepped out from the chilly … … he paused, becoming statuesque as his celadon eyes beheld the walking vision of Ophelia, his lady love -- -- with. Two. Other. Fucking. Men. TWO MEN! TWO?! WHY WHY?! But, but, but … WHAT THE FUCK WAS THIS?! ALTAIR?! SOME OTHER MAN – who … who hardly had a goddamn shirt on and his muscles were slick [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : and … … FUCK! The arcanist felt the tips of his fingers begin to tingle as a spell was desiring to be launched in PURE dislike and jealously at the men currently accompanying his coffee-and-cream colored cousin. WOE TO THE MEN WHO SHARE HIS LOVE’S GAZE TONIGHT!! Keep calm, keeeep caaaalm. Twitch. Twitch. Focus on anything BUT them. Focus on your current company – - never mind. The resplendent Celest was also now staring daggers at Altair off in the distance. However, she did give a pleasant smile to Ophelia, but it was quick to dissipate when she laid her eyes upon the Pathfinder Captain, her nails digging into Carrick’s arm – ow, ow, OW! Vampire strength – OW! Quietly, the archmage seethed through his teeth, thin lips trying their best to smile. While he [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : inwardly fumed, he kept a composed mien on the outside; just as Celest did, her smiling facet once again resuming. It was now that both Carrick and Celest exchanged wordless glances of understanding … no time for idle side chatter – to the dancefloor they went. Though, as the pair of them passed the mass of people from all corners of Larlandarl; the evoker’s gaze met with his kin’s in the far-off entrance of the Dragoon estate as she sauntered on in with her company for the evening [in that… sultry way of hers… oh my god, her rear looked good tonight – STOP! GODDANIT!!] Holding his head high, celadon locked with raw sienna but there was a clear sign of jealousy at not just her but [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : the two men who accompanied her. Taking Celest’s hand, he ripped his gaze from his cousin’s direction [heart wrenching as it was to do so … he was glad to see his paramour was alright] and gently kissed the top of the vampire’s gloved hand. Soon, the music began, and the orchestra swept in over the pair of them as they slipped to the dancefloor for their first dance of the evening. [e]

ErlandErikson : He would have stood there welcoming all that graced their door that night. Quirking a smile at Altair. " well played old man." Nodding to Ophelia. He was sure she was a beauty to have two men and his cousin falling all over her. But she had no appeal to him. That was because his heart and his soul belonged to another. He had spent time with her and her friends on the road, and it would have allowed him to get to know her all the better. Bernadette was the perfect woman in his eyes. He would love her the way she was Shy and all. Wanting tonight to be perfect for her. He would excuse himself from the welcoming comity as she came down from their rooms. His hand in his pocket fumbling with a small box. He was scared to death, but again all that was gone when he saw her. Taking her in his arms, leaning in he would kiss her on the cheek." You are the most beautyful woman here."-c-

ErlandErikson : She really did take his breath away. It was something that he had never had happen before. " Come on its going to get crowded in here. I want to take you out back and show you what we have done. besides. Mara has a plan and I dont want to be auctioned off like the rest of the men. I have the perfect woman right here." He would pause to move a stray strand of hair out of her face. " My Valkyrie." The pet name that he had given her. She may not be a warrior, but she was the one that would have won his heart. He would lead her through the crowd and out to the back. Here was their place, he knew she was most comfortable in nature, in a garden. He had wanted to wait and do this later. But he couldnt wait any longer. -c-


ErlandErikson : As they had made their way to a half way quiet area. He would once more be fumbling with the box in his pocket. " Bernadette there is something I wanted to ask you."-d-
Alaire : :: Life had been largely uninteresting for Alaire after the final raid on the sewers. Banged up, but no proper worse for wear, the Guard Commander’s drinking had tapered off significantly for any obvious reasons. He still found time to spend at the Painted Robe, but he’d often left after an ale or two as opposed to staying to down an entire bottle of dark liquor. His horse would carry him with purpose to the cobblestone cabin on the edge of the Blackwood forest, made more inhabitable by a woman’s touch. As time had gone on, from casual first conversations to more intimate discussions of their pasts, fears, and baggage, Alaire had become attached to the woman that had come to decorate his otherwise abysmal cabin. What had once been a sparse cabin in the woods was now a home he where he didn’t always eat alone. Renaud had been flighty as things progressed, always cordial and friendly, but reluctant to get too close to the woman who had spent so much time with his father. <c>
Alaire : Still, it hadn’t stopped Alaire from living life the way he often did, which was to say, exactly as he saw it. It meant the Commander had asked Astrid Everhart to the Valentine’s Day ball after stealing a moment of her time in the hall of the castle nearly two weeks ago. It meant that, at present time, Alaire knocked on Astrid’s door in the castle before pacing nervously outside her door. He had hired a white carriage drawn by four silver geldings and footmen in red. White – Astrid liked white, and so, Alaire had perhaps gone overboard on the hue. Still, as he paced in front of her door, he straightened his jacket, black with a honeycomb texture, before smoothing down the deep red vest underneath, the color chosen to coordinate with Astrid’s own attire, though he’d yet failed to see her in the dress she had selected. “Astrid? I know fashionably late is acceptable, but I’m sorely worried all the alcohol will be gone before we get there.” A lame joke, which he laughed stupidly<c>
Alaire : at from the other side of the door, meant to ease his nerves. ::


Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : A slow deep breath.  Eyes closed.  It had been a very long time since Astrid had attended a gala like this, something so filled with people.  She knew there would be new faces and old, new friends to be made and old friends to reconnect with.  It was the shear size of it that concerned her.  Milling about court was one thing.  Being on display for the world in a cramped ball room was another.
Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : Still, she'd gone to a lot of trouble to prepare for this night and was not about to miss an opportunity to see Alaire in a fancy suit.  She'd grown very fond of the man in the time they had known one another.  He was kind and gentle with her, very sweet in his ways.  It amused her how he always seemed to be in awe of her, something she still did not understand.  While it was not obvious to >>
Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : most, she'd caught his gaze more than once, the man simply staring at her.  It was flattering, to say the least.  Sitting in her room at her vanity, running a hand over her silken golden locks, she finds herself apprehensive but most definitely looking forward to the night ahead.  It felt like she'd been somewhere else for a while, her head busy with so many things that she could hardly keep up.  It had been a big job, but she'd finally made the place feel like a home.  His home.  >>

Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : The knock at her door pulls her from her thoughts and brings a smile to her full lips, her faceted diamond eyes shining as she rises to move to the door.  She opens it to reveal to him a sight that might well stop time in his world.  Her tall, lithe frame with curves that were downright dangerous was wrapped in deep crimson silk accented by silver and diamonds.  It is a simple gown, but the way it fit >>
Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : her made it look like a dream.  Her hip long locks are swept up with glistening bejeweled combs to cascade in thick curls to her shoulders.  Above all else, her wings were visible, those impossible appendages resting folded over her shoulders like a shimmering white cape.  Setting her eyes upon him, she smiles softly, a faint flush to her cheeks.  "Well, I should hate to let you be late for the good booze."  >>
Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : He looked incredible, as she imagined he would, and she stares at him for a time waiting for his own reaction.  This was the most nerve racking thing of all.  Trying to figure out how dates were supposed to work.<E>

MaraDarkthar : The estate was filling up. The little girl inside of her was jumping up and down for joy. While the woman on the outside was trying to keep calm and not let it show. That she was freaking out on the inside. Breath she kept telling her self. As Erland and Maddox both had left her to either go take care of their other half, or check on things. She would find herself for a moment alone. Her date was not here. This was because he was still handling things at the palace. It was his job. But she had no fear in the fact that he would be here for her in the end. She had shook so many peoples hands that she was starting to loose track. Now that she had greeted everyone, Mara would make her way to the dinning room. Standing on the balcony edge, looking down at all of those that danced below her. Clearing her throat,s he would talking a loud voice so everyone could hear her.-c-

MaraDarkthar : " Welcome all to the Valentines Day Ball. Me and my family thank each and everyone of you for being here tonight. You honor us all with your presance. We ask that tonight you take a chance to get to know each other, to laugh, to drink and to have fun. Eat and Drink all that you would like. If you do not see something that you want, just ask and we will make sure you have it. There is entertainment outside, as well as rides around the lake perfect for couples. Speaking of that." A smile upon her face. " Tonight we will be auctioning off the MEN OF IMMORTALIS. The winner of each man will get to have 1 date with them. The men we have are as follows." Andrew would come up to her with a list of names. " Ahhh lets see. Altair Kiasco, Alaire, Carrick Vaskaris, Enzo Adolfo, Aki, Erland Erikson, Garrick LeMort, Jedite, Nikolai LeMort, Sleek, Shadowsfall Fortune and Maddox Leon. " Handing off the paper back to Andrew. Women with boxes would start to walk around the ball.-c-


MaraDarkthar : " Please see these laddies, Placing one of our roses our ladies. Each rose counts as a 100 dollar bet. And make sure you say who you are voting for. All of the money collected will go to The Temple of Sophia. " Waving her arms out wide to the guests as a welcome for it all to begin. " Have fun and make some memories." She would depart from the balcony. She would move to check on this or that.-d-


ŞlèéK : He moved about the room with an unhurried pace, watching the guests as they arrived with some curiosity.  The befurred being, he did not know, but it was likely that lack would remedy itself...The arrival of the Demirels, along with the prince and princess brought that enigmatic smile to his features.  He had a fondness for children, though he was not sure why, perhaps it had something to do with their innocence.  The royal couple came shortly after...Shaugnessy radiant, and Iskandar aglow with that radiance.  Then a woman unfamiliar to him, dressed with an elegance that needed no embellishment...his knowledge of women's clothing was not extensive and biased by an appreciation for the elegance of simplicity.  The woman's changeable body language...interesting, he filed it away in his mind.  The entrance of Ophelia, with her dual escort, caused him to pause and study not only her attire but the effect it had upon those around her.  He had been taught how to discern emotions, by a -c-
ŞlèéK : woman whose trade had been in shifting the emotions around her, through her manner of speech, the way she held herself and moved...complete conscious control over her body language.  It was from her he had learned how to nuance his own movements, to show with those movements the subtleties of emotion and intent that beings of flesh were accustomed to find in those around them.  Seeing Altair with Ophelia he was a bit puzzled...but he would make no judgment without further information.  He declined a drink from a passing tray and moved on drawing closer to the trio of Ophelia, Nikolai, and Altair.  He offered Ophelia a courtly bow and said, "You look positively ravishing tonight, Mistress Vaskaris.  How I wish I could properly appreciate it."  To her companions he nodded, "Gentlemen, why, Altair I see the rumors are true, you do clean up rather well..."  He said with a chuckle as he offered his hand to The rather large and half naked man who also accompanied Ophelia, "I don't -c-

ŞlèéK : believe we have met, I am Sleek, Master Builder for..."  His voice stopped as Carrick entered, with a lovely lady on his arm.  Subtleties, more of the lady's reactions more than the thin evoker's spoke of something that he himself had never experienced.  Jealousy was as foreign to him as physical desire...somehow he just wasn't equipped for it.  He was turning back to continue his thought when the Hostess of the ball called for everyone's attention.  One brow rose as he was included among the list of men, but he made no comment...this could prove interesting indeed, though he doubted he would draw much in the bidding, but the funds were destined to a good cause. -d-

Sir_Thrace_Daighan : :: Many faces he did not recognize, some he did. Thrace would make a point of being sociable nonetheless, but at the moment, he was busy fishing his pipe out of his coat pocket, striking a match on the sole of his boot and shielding it with the same hand as he got the pipe he'd packed beforehand as he lit it. As the lady of the house welcomed her guests, he shook the flame from the match, which he deposited discreetly in a fireplace, Thrace chuckled around the pipe stem >>>

Sir_Thrace_Daighan : >>> as he listened to list of gentlemen to be "auctioned" this evening, hanging his head briefly before he pressed the knuckles of his right hand to the small of his back, drink in his left hand. Feet keeping a precise tempo, the Bothan began to walk about the crowd in the hall, taking a moment to note each person whom entered and mentally reminding himself to greet each in turn as he could throughout the evening. The obvious lady officer had not gone unnoticed, her >>>

Sir_Thrace_Daighan : >>> military bearing a beacon for anyone with a sharp eye, and Thrace made a point to raise his glass to the good Madame Ward, nodding as a cloud of the sweet-smelling pipe smoke wreathed his features. He still could not put a name to that seemingly male thing that looked like it was all held together with magic and metal, however he was going to have to make a point to converse with them. Alaire's arrival, however, had made him damned near swallow his tongue, he hadn't >>>
Sir_Thrace_Daighan : >>> seen the man walk through the door, but when he saw him in his wanderings about the room, Thrace choked on his pipe smoke, having to turn his head to splutter and catch his breath. Now that was bloody interesting! However, the first people he wished to speak with in passing were the Generals Fallon. He wasn't lost on Viktor's body language, however, and so when he made his way towards General Fallon and his wife, Thrace left a respectful few meters between the couple >>>


Sir_Thrace_Daighan : >>> and himself before he nodded and took the pipe from his mouth to speak, "good evening Generals Fallon. It's been some time since I've seen you both, I hope you are well." Lest they wanted to speak further, Thrace would continue on with a mind to see Alaire and ask how in the seven blue hells he was still bloody alive! ::
♥Ԑrɩƨ : || Eris had sent ahead the package to Garrick, in hopes that he would like the tux / suit she had picked out. Along with it, there had been a simple invitation. A destination, and the color of her dress. Nothing more. Then she had waited. Sequestered within her room at the newest little no-name Inn she'd chosen. Probably much to her paramours' ire. She would not stay at Iella's with him. And she had yet to really need any sort of house for herself. After all, for just herself, it would be a waste of space. She did not choose the life of those that shared in her 'title.' The 'title' of warrior fit her just fine, thank you. When the time had come, she'd begun the process of changing for the Valentine's Day Ball that she'd invited Garrick to attend with her. The long folds of the red satin dress draped around her legs gracefully. The sweetheart, off the shoulder cut of the bodice hugged her torso flatteringly. Even in her own opinion, the dress was gorgeous. +




♥Ԑrɩƨ : Its color a testament to the day and features of her date that should not be spoken aloud in mixed company. The long tresses of her onyx hair were styled into waves, pinned away from her features with the occasional wisp slipping free, and left to cascade down her back. In the time since she had last seen Garrick, Eris had begun to feel much better. Now, only suffering from the occasional light cough. But that was not the focus of tonight! Just as she was finishing the process of tinting her lips a softer shade of her dress' color, she heard the knock upon her door. A soft smile curled the corners of her lips, and Eris turned to step into her heels before opening the door to join Garrick. Giving the man a moment to gawk, she chuckled softly and then took his arm so that he could lead her to the carriage and they could get to the Ball. Fashionably late, of course. ||

EnzoXavierAdolfo : Enzo had been instructed to attend some party, so the man had taken some coin and bought a suit last minute the suit would match his eyes to a exact color , it seemed over the top for him but what the hell it was a party right so why not show off for the first time since his summons to the city for what ever reason was beyond him. Enzo had always been just loner stuck to himself even disowned his own pack because he felt like they could not help him. He knew only one person and had <C>
EnzoXavierAdolfo : heard rumors of her return through the wolves he ran with, Gabby was one of Few people he trusted in this world. Straitening the jacket before departing, to make his way to the proposed Valentines Ball. (( https://i.pinimg.com/736x/1c/2c/bf/1c2cbfdf8b164b53a40b36833bc65d51--men-and-women-male-fashion.jpg outfit for tonight minus the cane.)) The man arrived just in time for Mara's address to the people it was the shocked look on his face when she mentioned being auctioned off.<C>

EnzoXavierAdolfo : It was in this that he would shake his head and sigh's, and here he was trying to slide under the radar.<E>


LiviaDarkthar : She would have nodded to Sleek as she past. If he was still as powerful as he had been when they first met, then he would be all to well aware of who she was. But there were a few old faces here that she knew and or well her Mother had known for some time. She was surprised to see her mothers Ex Jedite had graced the ball. he looked much younger than he had the last time she had seen him. But then again she was a new person. The one that she went to speak to now was the man named Thrace. He was talking to the Fallons. Another one of the honored older families of the realm. It was wonderful that Gabbie was back and among them. She had been greatly missed. -c-

LiviaDarkthar : Waiting for him to finish his conversation. " Master Thrace I do believe." A woman would walk by just then with drinks. Livia would take one for her self, and hand him one as well. " I welcome you to our home. You know my mother from the old days. The Fortune. I do believe you always called her The Tall woman." Seeing as her mother back then due to other peoples meddling with her form was well over 6 foot tall going on 7. But that had changed now. " So what do you think of our home and the ball?"-d-

Alaire : :: Gods above, was she ever going to open the door? Alaire felt more than once like he might throw up from apprehension. Rarely did the man get nervous, but it had been a long, arduous road for him to get to a point where he was ready to offer himself up to another person entirely. Astrid seemed a good fit, endlessly kind and compassionate, and her beauty was no small matter either. Her eyes, like crystals, captivated his light brown gaze with ease, which was dull in comparison. Her proud carriage and feminine features caught him off guard no matter how much time they spent together, and it meant Alaire frequently stared blatantly in her direction. For all his suave, womanizing ways in the past, Astrid seemed to rob the man of his wiles with such ease that he half expected she had bewitched him at some point. He couldn’t even bring himself to be upset about a supposed bewitching though, for wherever she went, the man gladly followed, his head tilting to the side near to the <c>


Alaire : point of breaking his neck as he surveyed her assets. Tonight though, Alaire had promised himself he’d be on his best behavior, his lecherous side stuffed squarely into a compartment of his brain that he had to actively shut off, especially as Astrid appeared at the doorway. The man’s head turned towards the sound of the knob turning, and his practiced, charming smile paused halfway into fruition. He was struck by her beauty, as he was every time he spied her, but tonight, with the dress and theme of the event heavy on his mind, he couldn’t help but stare, slack-jawed, for the longest moment. “Uh,” Alaire offered dimly at first, before shifting suddenly to offer his arm to her. It had taken a moment, but he remembered his manners. “I’m not eloquent enough to describe exactly how perfect you look,” he finally commented, offering one sidelong glance towards her. His heart might have stopped in that moment as he began to lead her towards the carriage, and assuming she did not <c>
Alaire : protest, he helped her inside. There wasn’t much in the way of gifts awaiting her, save a small, silver bangle with a snowflake impressed upon the metal. It was simple in and of itself, but flowers were largely hard to come by during this season, and something bigger awaited her at the estate as it was. This way, Alaire hoped, she wouldn’t be disappointed until the proper surprise could be sprung. “I hope this suits your liking,” the man offered the piece of jewellery once they were situated. A little more himself now that the carriage lurched forward, he offered a cheeky grin as he held the item between them.  “I know it’s not much, especially in comparison with all you’ve done at the cabin, but I didn’t want you to think you were unappreciated.” It didn’t take long for the carriage to reach the estate, and once the thing rolled to a stop, the man climbed out of the compartment and offered a hand. It was with smooth, fanciful ceremony that Alaire led Astrid in, hearing <c>


Alaire : a plethora of people, most of whom Alaire knew personally thanks large in part to his job. Everyone he met gazes with was given a wide, welcoming grin, though Thrace caused him pause. He knew the man, surely, but why did he look like he had seen a ghost? It took some figuring, but Alaire realized with a belated recollection of the past how he had died at the hands of drow, and Thrace had been a friend of Erzabet. All these years, the man must have figured Alaire dead! How did he explain that he was, in fact, alive? “This might get very strange,” Alaire warned Astrid under his breath. Had he come entirely clean about his fate with her? She had seen the tattoo on his chest, and it had been on no small terms that the Commander shared some piece of his demise with her.  ::


Gᴀʙʙɪє Ɗϵɑτђsταᴌᴋϵᴙ : “Matt-who? What now?” Gabbie’s attention flitted over to the fading form of Sofia laughing, giddy and giggling with her arm ensnared by some foppish string bean of a wolf. “Oh, no! Absolutely not! No daughter of mine will be seen scampering around with -that- lot.” A rumble of growling was released. She was going to march right over there and rip that girl away from that, that, boy! Viktor kept walking though, Gabbie half stumbled her way after him. “Gone for four years, the whole damn world falls apart! How could you let her run around with those war dodgers?! Book reading weaklings is what they are. The whole pack of them!” Ranting felt more natural right now than smiling at these strangers. “I can’t believe you would let Sofia hang out with him. Honestly, Viktor.” She quietly tsk’d at her husband. Snarling still and desperately trying to see where the two younger wolves went. “You’re not letting them be -alone- are you?!” Incredulously, she gasped, “what if they have -c-
Gᴀʙʙɪє Ɗϵɑτђsταᴌᴋϵᴙ : the sex?! She’s not old enough to be left along with some randy, foppish wanker of a boychild, Viktor!” By the time they got the ball itself, Gabbie was all huffy and puffy. Thankfully, the manor wasn’t made of hay or it would have all been blown down. The mention of Enzo’s name had Gabbie making an aha type of moment. “That. That is a wolf. A rogue wolf is better than some bookish wolf. Oh, Lady person! Yooohooo.” Gabbie was already patting at Viktor’s jacket, vest and pants pocket for coins. “You didn’t bring any gold?! Who doesn’t carry gold?! Uch. Forget it, I’ll just use my name. Ten roses please, for Enzo. No wait, make it fifteen. Will fifteen be enough, Viktor?” Yes, in the most embarrassing manner possible Gabbie was going to purchase a wolf for Sofia. “I’m a Deathstalker so I can just have Duncan bring you the gold or something. Yes? Good? Right.” -d-

ĠaȑȑiċkŁęMoŗŧę : When she came out of the inn did he keep teh composure of a true gentleman even if he could forgo the party and just take her here and now and lay claim to what he had set his eyes upon . No instead he took her arm and helped her to teh carriage before taking the short journey to Mara Estate for the Party. IT was in this they arrivaled Fashionably Late of course they had joked about such a thing on the ride. <C>

ĠaȑȑiċkŁęMoŗŧę : Garrick Would Help Eris from teh carriage then take her arm in his before Escorting her through the front door's Of course he watched a people stared at teh two of them after all they seemed to draw a lot of attention tonight, maybe it was their chosen attire for teh night or the fact he was one of the newest General's and been seen escorting a Primus member to such a event. In truth Eris and Garrick had more in common then either cared to admit to each other. "Well Eris shall we dance or eat first?" Asking slowly, yes he would eat tonight even it if meant purging himself later in teh evening, after all one had to keep up Appearances. Nods were given to so many people including Ophelia and her Cousin Carrick, General Fallonand many more. Oh one could cut teh jealousy tension with a axe between Carrick and Altair and his brother who he might have doomed to a series of bad luck from teh Wraith. <C>


ĠaȑȑiċkŁęMoŗŧę : The glaring was somewhat mildly amusing to him as he explained to Eris why Ophelia was here with his brother, After all they were LeMorte's and well pissing people off is what they did best and Nikolai poured on the charm when it was need"Or perhaps you would like a drink?" He would ask slowly as he leaned in and placed a kiss on her cheek Leading her Past Carrick with a smile wondering just how long this man would have to Suffer at watching his love Dance and be feed by his brother.<E>

Jεδïŧε : He kept mostly to himself, he gave pause when he heard his name and auction. He rolled his eyes and looked around, He hardly knew anyone so he wasn't to worried about being bought. He smiled and moved a bout, the woman he's been avoiding clearly wasn't here. He leaned against the wall crossing his arms over his chest as he adjusted his tail around his waist. He was still uncomfortable with all of this, but part of him missed being here, he huffed and took a drink when it got -c-


Jεδïŧε : offered her stopped the lady and took the tray, "Thanks I'll pay, just keep them coming" He knew he couldn't get drunk but he was gonna try. -d-


Ɇṿⱻ-Bl**d Watching the couple's arrive or get together with friends. She hadn't seen her date arrive yet so she would stop a passing lady with a box and place a dozen roses with a a card that said Garrick. She would turn and quickly walk away. She looked around for anyone that she new. But many she knew were pair in couples or groups.She was a little lost as who to approach or even said hi too. She would nod to a few she new like Altair or Erland and his woman Bern. There were more but {c}

Ɇṿⱻ-Bl**d she couldn't remember all the names. She had heard Livia was suppose to be here tonight but hadn't spotted her friend as of yet. She looked up and just nodded toward Mara as a greeting. Before looking back around her hopping to find someone to talk to antil her date arrived{d}


Sir_Thrace_Daighan : :: With the Fallons otherwise engaged, Thrace fell into step with the good Madame Darkthar, though his attentions did linger briefly on Alaire Lisieux, the literal dead man walking amongst them. Turning his full attentions to the lady, he smiled warmly, "ah the tall Lady. I do recall her, and it has been a good many years since I last saw her." Careful not to tread into uncomfortable territory, she'd given him an excellent segue to another more pleasant conversation, >>>

Sir_Thrace_Daighan : >>> one he took gladly. "M'lady I must say this a most exotic and lavish ball, very true to the unique spirit of your family. I remember your mother, though I'm afraid I haven't had the pleasure of meeting her daughter," he said with a smile. "Do forgive me, yes, I am Thrace, Thrace Daighan." He almost launched into explaining that he was a cobbler, but if her mother knew him, he doubted that was how she remembered him. ::


MaraDarkthar : Women wearing dresses that were fitted tight around the waist, that were the same red, gold and black as the decor. Would walk around with Boxes and roses. Each going up to women at the ball. " Would you care to vote for your favorite? " They were smiling all the while. They would ask Ophelia, AStrid, Teysa, Livia, Gabbie, Eve, Eris and others. -d-


Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : She was just as struck as he was when she opened the door.  The man always held a posture that was so strong and so commanding.  Wrapped in such finery, he cut a figure that was absolutely breathtaking.  Her diamond eyes dance to take him in, cheeks flaring with the way he looked at her.  Men often looked at her with gazes of longing or awe, but his eyes always seemed to hold more, a >>
Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : deeper appreciation for the woman beyond the angelic appearance.  It was for this reason, among many others, that she had come to adore him.  His offered arm would be taken and she moves along at his side in a fluid glide, very much the ethereal being she embodied.  The complimentary words offered make her heart skip in her chest and she smiles softly. >>

Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : "I was just thinking much the same about you.  You look positively perfect, Alaire.  I dare say you will be the most handsome man at the ball."  She might have to be careful, lest someone attempt to steal him away.  She'd thought about that quite a bit since they had become close.  She knew, though she could hardly admit it to herself, that she would be completely shattered if he left her for another.  >>

Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : It might well put her off of the whole idea completely.  She knew her duties to castle and king kept her busy and away from him, but she hoped she had enough time left for him that he could be happy with her.  Arriving at the carriage, she feels her heart flutter.  "Oh, Alaire... It's beautiful."  She hadn't expected him to go through so much trouble on her account.  It only made her adore him that much more.  He really did take very good care of her, even though she hardly needed any >>


Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : of it.  She was happy just to be near him.  He captured her in ways she didn't quite understand, but never wanted to be without.  Once inside, her dress and feet properly tucked, she looks to the gift offered and gasps softly.  "Alaire... it's spectacular."  Sure, it was simple, but she liked simple.  More over, she loved that it came from him.  He had put real consideration into the night and she loved him for it.  >>
Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : smoke on the wind.  He had a calming effect on her that she'd never expected from any man.  Another reason she loved him so.  Inside, the arrival of the young prince, a young man she'd watched grow and thrive as the handmaid to his mother, pulls her into a deep, graceful curtsy, showing the young monarch the proper respect.  "Good evening, my Prince."  She was always flattered to see his blush, >>

Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : the way he shied away from her as he took her in.  He was going to be a lady killer when he was older and she hoped he would remember the lessons in manners she and his parents did their best to instill in him.  He would grow to a proper prince, yet.  With a light giggle to their shared moment over her appearance, she slips her arm back into Alaire's when it is time to press on.  The Nephilim was >>

Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : actually looking forward to the event with him at her side.  The call of is name for the auction takes her by surprise and she looks to him with an arch of her brow.  "Looking to spend your evening with another, Commander?"  It was a light hearted jab, of course, and she hoped he would see it for the jest it was.  "I suppose I'll just have to bid the highest."  There were perks to working for the royal family >>

Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : and of being a royal heiress, herself.  Money was very seldom an object, though she hardly let it be known she was so flush.  In fact, most assumed her rather simple of means.  She preferred it that way.  His warning, softly spoken to her as they begin to move through the crowds, brings a light furrowing to her brow and she tries to follow his gaze so she might understand why.  "Is something amiss?"  >>

Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : The night had gone so well, so far.  She hoped it wasn't about to be derailed already.<E>



LiviaDarkthar : Sipping her drink as he would talk. Noting that he was a bit guarded in his responsis. " You can speak freely sir. We are all aware that my mother has a reputation of being a pain in the ass at times. And heartless. But she is my mother and she is alive and kicking so to speak." Turning her head so that she would see Jedite over at the bar. As a woman would come up to her with one of Mara's damn boxes. " Yes I will play. I put 4 roses on Master Thrace here and 4 on Jedite over there." She was betting on Jedite to be nice. After all it was what she was trying to do now that she was back. " Leaning in she would whisper to the girl. " Go over and tell Jedite to come and join us." -c-

LiviaDarkthar : Turning her attention back to Thrace. " Mother is ruling back in our home real. And as to her daughter. I am Livia Darkthrar, the hostess over there is my twin Mara. And lets see." Looking to see no one else in the room. " Two of my other siblings are here in the realm. But they are off taking care of the realms Dragons." She would take in te decorations for once. " Well Mara sorta got free reign with all of this. And she never does anything half assed that much is for sure."-d-

Jεδïŧε : He raised his brow as he downed another drink and looked to the woman who had approached and pointed to a lady and another man and asked for his presence. He took another drink and downed it quietly, "It begins wish me luck" he sat the glass down and ran his hand through his flame red hair and slowly headed over that way moving through the crowd easily taking another glass off a passing waitress. -c-


Jεδïŧε : He walked over to the group and bowed his head," Evening, nice party..." he kind of raised the glass and downed it. Only all the liquor in the empire to go now -d-





Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : -] First, Nikolai LeMorte arrived, shirtless and oiled in a way only a man of his gargantuan brawn could get away with. If anyone had questions, they could take one look at him, and no longer have questions, because who would criticize such a muscled guy who towered over them? They didn’t, that’s who. Nikolai and Ophelia were similar in spirit in the way they understood the arrangement of the evening, enjoyed messing with people, and enjoyed doting on an attractive partner, even if it were only to enjoy an evening event like this ball together. They were far from the prudish types who were afraid to flirt, even while knowing full well it was all for the fun in the moment – and to spite Carrick, of course! So when the hulking vision of apex masculinity approached the racy-garbed tawny witch, her red-painted lips elongated in a gratified smile. She and Niko were definitely going to have fun, and Carrick was definitely going >>

Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : to be miserable the moment he looked their way. Perfect. His compliments only caused Ophelia to preen and savor the appreciation. She analyzed her perfect manicure a moment while he spoke such high praises to the Vaskaris Dove, then she unfurled one finger to curl back toward herself, drawing Niko toward her – he *was* significantly taller than the cinnamon-skinned woman. She murmured a warm breath against his cheek, thanking him for accompanying her and praising his boldness to attend in the manner he did, making the whispered compliments and gratitude look as intimate as possible – Carrick could be arriving at any time, and he had a lot of penance to pay for the hurt he’d caused Ophelia. With the close of her words, red lips pressed through the small space between her mouth and his skin, and she let a kiss linger on his cheek a moment before drawing back. Next, Altair arrived, cleaned up and tailored into attire >>

Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : Ophelia felt she could make an appearance with. Ophelia and Altair had a complicated history, only in the sense that, while Carrick and Ophelia were more secretive about their relationship whilst the old Vaskaris Council still loomed with the threat of torturous death for their attachment, Altair had seen straight through their act and saw what the cousins were to each other. Ophelia had homed in on the recognition in his eyes the day she realized he *knew,* they were in the bookstore, Heresiarch Tomes, and she *saw* it in the way Altair considered Ophelia and Carrick. It’d terrified her on multiple fronts, because if he spoke of it in a way the Vaskaris Council heard of, the Dove and the Wraith could have been severely punished. Another reason? To be a sycophant, one needed to bear layers upon layers of subterfuge and ease in donning it all so it played out naturally and believable; and yet, this Pathfinder had seen to the >>

Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : heart of the complicated love Carrick and Ophelia held for each other in short order. There was a naked discomfort in being near someone who had that sort of keen perception. It was hard lie and enforce the social narrative one desired under such clear eyes. Frankly, Ophelia had avoided Altair for a long time after that encounter, shaken. She knew what she had disrupted for Altair, though she did make her effort to mitigate the damages, privately of course. She would not tell Altair that she’d reached out to Celest, to soften the blow. Ophelia, vain and selfish as she was, did intend to help mend any collateral damage she might cause while on her holy war against Carrick for hurting her so severely. But, with those plans already in motion, other plans deserved focus tonight. “Naturally,” she purred honey over gravel in her sycophantic manner in reply to Altair’s polite compliment. “Shall we then, gentlemen?” And Ophelia had an >>

Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : arm linked with Nikolai, and another with Altair. Let the games begin. Greeted by Maddox, Ophelia’s long, painted lashes cast a slow flutter at feigned coy approval of his flirtatious, hearty salutations. “We’ll certainly dance tonight, how could we not?” She’d offered the host, the shadow of a well-practiced wink batted in promise over an inviting smile. She caught sight of the woman who considered her, too, Teysa, a coworker of Carrick’s in the Aegis Warden. For the mage’s proximity to Carrick in work, that Teysa seemed awestruck gratified Ophelia, hoping the pyromancer would go speak fond words of Ophelia to Carrick at work at a later time, to drag on his woes. As Ophelia, Nikolai, and Altair stepped further into the ambiance of the ball, it was obvious to the vain socialite that the fact they arrived in a trio certainly drew eyes, and Niko’s audacious presentation, Ophelia’s near-nudity, and Altair cleaned up rather smartly – eyes >>

Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : lingered longer. All was going gloriously to plan, that is, until bronzy eyes caught sight of Carrick *with* Celest, arriving together. It seemed turnaround was fair play on many accounts tonight. Her heart quickened, weighed, felt pierced, and strangled all at once. It was one thing to arrive in a way to make *him* jealous, but seeing Carrick with someone else caused her red lips to purse slightly, and she stared for slightly too long. Raw sienna met celadon for the first time in awhile, and even the poised sycophant struggled to break their gaze, painful as it was to maintain it. She felt relief when Sleek approached, introducing himself as Master Builder and showing such polite, smart manners that Ophelia allowed her vanity to take over, while inward Ophelia recovered the blow of seeing Carrick with someone else. HE was supposed to be miserable, not HER! The Vaskaris Dove eased into that smile and appreciation for Sleek’s fine conduct. “Master Builder, thank you, and it is a >>

Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : pleasure to meet you. I have seen some of your works, and heard of others. You do our city a true service to keep it so well.” At this juncture, there was an announcement that cut through any song or conversation held, declaring the men present were to be auctioned off for charity. “Nikolai, Altair. I’ll outbid anyone after either of you. Don’t come between a woman and her jealousy. Especially a rich one.” She spoke plainly of her less than righteous nature, never honestly denying that she wasn’t woven of the best moral fiber, as Altair had already privately considered through previous experience. “And if I have to, I’ll buy off Carrick, too. And then return him to Celest. The Temple of Sophia will do very well after tonight.” She observed aloud, with an almost cheerfully evil wink cast over an equally terrifying smile. [d] [-


Ɇṿⱻ-Bl**d She would finally spot her friend Livia and make her way over to were she was standing and talking to Thrace and Jedit. She would stop next to her friend and smile as she said softly " Thanks for the dress " {d}

Sir_Thrace_Daighan : :: "I will need to make a point of paying your mother a visit, despite her personality, she's a true lady," Thrace replied diplomatically. Politely withholding comment on her bidding on him, Thrace grinned and took a sip of his drink. Pipe having gone out, he grimaced and stuffed the thing back into his coat pocket before he nodded to Jedite, "good evening, lad. How fare you this evening?" Giving Jedite a brief bow, Thrace introduced himself, "I am Thrace Daighan and-">>

Sir_Thrace_Daighan : >>> before he could finish, they were joined by the lady Eve, and so he turned, giving the lady a bow as well. "Let me see, where was I? Ah yes! A good evening to you both, I am Thrace Daighan, and who might I have the pleasure of addressing, hm?" As he spoke, he offered to take Eve's hand with a warm smile, the hand with his glass down by his hip where his sword hung, an old habit. ::



Nikolai´ŁęMoŗŧę«Ŗл : Nikolai only watched on in great amusement the glances people gave him while Escorting Ophelia within on one arm and Altair on her other arm, oh this was great indeed. Both him and Ophelia dressed in such a manner would only give to rumors that Nikolai would hold true to till she forgave her love. As the mechanical man made his approach toward the trio, his body seemed to turn to stone instantly this was not something those hues of his were used to seeing.<C>

Nikolai´ŁęMoŗŧę«Ŗл : Then Sleek extended his hand as Nikolai took it with his own free one" LeMorte, Nikolai LeMorte, its a honor, Please call me Nik or Niko though, less formal " His voice a stark contrast to his brother, Nik's voice was deep held no ill will but it was in that one could tell he truly looked down upon lesser men, not that Sleek was one of those men. It was when Ophelia mentioned outbidding anyone and also bidding on Carrick<C>

Nikolai´ŁęMoŗŧę«Ŗл : That made him turn to look at her" Wouldn't that play against the ruse, Meladeh Vaskaris?"He quipped quickly" After all the intend is to make him suffer so if you bid on him it'll work against you in the long run of thing's , bidding on me and Altair here will work far better for your purpose of us then bidding on him as well" Nikolai grinned slightly grabbing a few drinks from a passing women "So Shall we Dance Ophelia, I feel the urge to enrage someone."<C>

Nikolai´ŁęMoŗŧę«Ŗл : Looking at Altair" and Yes I wore a tie why would I not that would be rude of me not to. I'm just glad you choose something that doesn't own dirt on it"<E>



LiviaDarkthar : she was being nice to the man that had in the past stabbed her mother in the back. This was in regards to Jedite. " Ahh yes Master Jedite. Long time no see. Think the last time I saw you I was a child as it were." Before she could explain, the small female would go to hug Eve. Whispering in her ear. " Its me Livia, I will explain later I promise. But don't let Altair know it is me." giving the woman a wink. Eve had been her friend since the moment that hey had met. She had even let Eve move into the estate. " Yes this is Eve Blood. She works here for the realm. She also stays here at the estate. One of the few we have allowed to dwell here. " Not saying they were snobs by any means. It was just them saying that they trusted her greatly.-c-

LiviaDarkthar : Sipping her drink as Thrace would once more talk to the other two. " Oh eve have you placed bids on anyone yet tonight? You know you can if you wish. We have you covered here. I just personally bet here on Thrace and Jedite. Its for a good cause you know. The Temple of Sophia. That is where all of the left overs from tonight are going as well." A waiter would come up and refreshed everyone's drinks. " Oh have you all seen the gardens out back?"-d-

Oly : :: Teleportation was a hell of a thing. -POOF!- In a puff of purple smoke, the old bird was sent tumbling head over talons onto the ground at the entrance to the path to the ball. Slowly levering himself up and dusting off his robes before getting his cane in hand, the ancient little bird thing began hobbling up to the lit house, he didn't know what was going on, but he recalled a place like this, and somewhere at a place like this he'd sat that bloody elusive teacup down>>>

Oly : >>> and he was bound to find it sooner or later. It took a good fifteen minutes on his tiny legs to totter up the steps, but as he went to enter the ball, he almost didn't notice that there were people inside until he'd nearly run into something that looked very much like curtains. That was until the lady wearing said 'curtains' moved and scared the living daylights out of him, making his feathers ruffle as he stumbled back in surprise, "good lord! What the devil?! The >>>

Oly : >>> curtains are walking about in this house! I think I've seen everything now..." Adjusting his glasses on his beak, he walked over to a handsome young gentleman with flaming red hair(Jedite), and looked up at him, "I say young man! Have you seen my tea?" ::
Alaire : :: “Naturally. We’re arguably the best looking pair in all of Larlandarl,” Alaire responded cheerfully. Age had done the Commander some favors, broadening his shoulders and chest, carving his jaw into a sharp angle, and even his wrinkles – still fine yet, but visible – only added to his charisma, for he had nothing but laugh lines.  Astrid, well, she was next to perfection.  Each remark of approval that Astrid had offered, from his appearance, to the carriage, to the bangle, was a bolster to his resolve for the surprise later tonight. “I’m glad you like it all,” he had told her sincerely as she slid the bangle onto her slim wrist. The compliment paid to him for being the most wonderful man she knew was met with an impish grin, “You inspire me to be the best I can be.” It was an honest statement, for he had cleaned up his drinking and whore-mongering ways, not for her, but in an attempt to be someone suitable for her. While Alaire would likely never stop drinking entirely, or<c>

Alaire : refrain from spending the odd night at The Painted Robe with his friends, he had shunned all other women while laughing as he pressed his comrades on them, plying his charm on their behalf. At the event itself, Alaire was still reeling from the idea of being auctioned off, and he couldn’t help but snort at Astrid’s jest, “Hardly. As if anyone could compare to you, anyways.” There was a woman that had two men dangling off her though, and he could appreciate why. A younger Alaire might have fought and postured for the right to be one of them, but now? He was happy with Astrid at his side. “The up side to courting a rich woman – she can bail me out of trouble when the need arises.” Grinning, Alaire turned his head briefly to review the locale once more. He had heard the hostess mention rides around the lake, and the Commander clasped Astrid’s hand, quickly pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “Let’s assume you win, because you always get your way these days,” as Alaire made an <c>

Alaire : active effort to spoil her even with his stipend from the crown, “and go for a ride on the lake, shall we?” As he began to lead the way towards the rides Mara had mentioned, Astrid inquired if there was to be trouble, and Alaire shrugged. “Nothing, really. An old acquaintance who, I believe, thinks I was dead.” The commander offered the words as cheerfully and carefree as he could, “But it seems he’s been waylaid – let’s make our escape.” Grinning cheekily at Astrid, he gestured to the sleigh rides outside. ::

MaraDarkthar : she would be going from guest to guest checking on them. Going and making sure the bars were going good. Seeing what they needed. She had hired barracks for the night to run kegs and casts of drink. Her mind was still a million miles away as she did this. Thinking of Aki, wondering where he was. It was odd tat she had not heard from him. In fact they had not seen each other in a few weeks. But part of her kept saying breath and not freak out. It would all be okay. She had to keep telling her self that. Aki did not seem the kind that would just toss her away with out a word. Steadying herself Mara would go up to Altair, Ophelia and there little group first. " So are we enjoying ourselves? If there is anything you need just let me know." she would chat with them a little bit before going off to talk to a different group.-d-


Jεδïŧε : Jedite chuckled to himself of course she would be one of her children. He spoke softly, " Jedite would do just fine, and don't have to call me any titles. He watched the group quietly his green eyes softly glowing before he blinked, " When she mentioned the auction. He shifted and adjusted his tail,as he offered to shake the mans hand he then blinked and looked to see who was talking and " Tea? Um.. what no I don't think I have sir" he -c-


Jεδïŧε : he was really out of place here, and he wrinkled his nose again, a chaos dragon out of place in ball that is nothing but chaotic. He ran his hand through his hair out of reflex as he stood there struggling to find words, and it was just making himself more flustered. He grumbled as red crept across his cheeks. -d-

Ɇṿⱻ-Bl**d She would return the hug from her friend. Then she would wink back at her. Letting her friend know she would her secret. Turning she would place her hand in his and smile at him as she said " As she said my nane is Eve Blood I am a Sergant in the Immortils Guard ...." Looking over to Livia and smile as she said to her friend " I have recently been promoted" {d}


Ɇṿⱻ-Bl**d She would return the hug from her friend. Then she would wink back at her. Letting her friend know she would her secret. Turning she would place her hand in his and smile at him as she said " As she said my nane is Eve Blood I am a Sergant in the Immortils Guard ...." Looking over to Livia and smile as she said to her friend " I have recently been promoted" But the hand she laid in his held the promise ring Rango had given her{d}

ŞlèéK : More and more notables arrived, and he returned the nod offered by a dark haired young woman, who at first glance was unknown to him, yet she seemed rather familiar though he did not immediately place her, despite the diaphanous entourage that followed her.  But his mind was quick when presented with such a quandary, and soon drew forth name and face...but the faces did not match...still there were the subtleties of expression and movement that lent support to the hypothesis, adding to that those creatures that followed her, unseen by mortal eyes, and only partially revealed to his sight.  Ophelia's reaction to seeing Carrick in the company of another lady...she hid well enough for most, but there was an ever so subtle flare of the nostrils, and the subtle tightening of muscles along the jaw before both were mastered by a strong will.  The reaction of the half naked man, the manner in which he froze, -c-

ŞlèéK : prompted the upward tick of a brow that was defined by delicate filigree and sculpted metal rather than flesh.  That changed as the man shook his hand and introduced himself.  He knew the name LeMorte, but Nikolai was a new face to him.  Ophelia's announcement that she would bid heavily on her companions sparked an idea..."Perhaps, Mistress Ophelia could do Master Carrick an even deeper nip...by preferring the companionship of a sexless automaton to his company...?"  He was not cruel, at least not intentionally.  -d-

/me There was a glimmer of amusement hiding in those dark eyes as he considered both Ophelia, and Nikolai. This wasn’t the type of situation he had ever found himself in before and would likely never find himself in again. A once in a lifetime event, so to speak. He’d be lying if he said that there wasn’t some small part of him that would enjoy the evenings unique circumstances, even though he truly wished to be spending his evening on the arm of another. It was nothing against Ophelia, of course, she was someone that he could likely learn to appreciate as a friend. Though, there would always be a hint of fear in their meetings. As much as his keen insight terrified the Vaskaris woman, her sharp tongue, and quick wit instilled an order of natural fear in him. He was by no means a man skilled in deception, but parts of his life were a secret that he held deep and close to himself. <c>

/me Ophelia however, had discerned much about him in their short meeting together. In that, she shared a commonality with the bone walker, Alberdine. Still, Ophelia was not the one who had caught his eye, and despite the amusement this evening would bring, some part of him would consider it a wasted opportunity. Yet the realization did nothing to dissuade him from responding politely to Ophelia, and Nikolai both, that warm, friendly smile sliding so easily into place. “As you wish, Ophelia.” A small chuckle of amusement escaping from him as the woman claimed an arm from each gentleman. It was another impressive facet of the woman. He knew that she was no doxie, yet she seemed naturally at ease with the concept of having captured the attention of two attractive, and attentive men. <c>

/me Perhaps he would enjoy the evening more than he thought, if only to see the looks of shock on everyone’s faces as they walked in. Though, that dark eyed gaze did linger on the strange woman who had been watching him momentarily (Livia), he recognized her from the Golden Hound a few nights ago, and she’d been watching him then too. He wondered why, but of course he offered a polite nod on his way by. The greetings and preamble were taken care of by Ophelia, allowing him to fulfill his promised duty as…well, as arm candy, more or less. The thought was enough to bring an amused smirk to his lips, until Obsidian eyes landed on Carrick. The other Vaskaris cousin, who was watching them with a look that bore ill will at the very best. <C>

/me more than that though, it was who Carrick had on -his- arm that caused the wanderer to pale considerably. He wasn’t imagining this, was he? Carrick…that scrawny, bitter, acerbic mage had somehow managed to convince Celest to attend the evening’s events with him? How? More importantly, why? Did Carrick not realize that the Captain was only fulfilling an obligation for the prim socialite? Ophelia had informed him of the deal, right? Which just led him around to his initial question. Why?! No…wait, that was the third question, wasn’t it? It took him a moment to realize that he was standing stiff as a board, staring at the mismatched pair across the room while someone was speaking with Ophelia. In fact, his name had come up, hadn’t it? <c>

/me It was a struggle to pull his attention from Carrick, and more importantly, from Celest. He’d seen the look in those turquoise eyes, it was colder than anything he’d gotten from her before. Their first meeting, as she’d dislocated his arm, had shown him more warmth than that momentary gaze had. She was angry, justifiably so. Worse, she was probably hurt. How couldn’t she be? To say nothing of the fact he was here with another woman, he was here with freaking Ophelia Vaskaris. A woman known far and wide throughout the city. How many simpering lords had fallen over themselves, in an effort to attract this woman’s attention? No! Stop that, he berated himself internally, as he brought his attention back to the present. It was Sleek, who was speaking with them. “Heh, I’m not the only one who cleans up well. You’re looking pretty good tonight Sleek.” <c>

/me It was a struggle, but he did offer his friend a smile, some of that old warmth managing to find its way back. As if Carrick and Celest, [internal thought: MOVING TO THE GOD DAMNED DANCE FLOOR!?] wasn’t bad enough for him, Ophelia and Nikolai began to speak openly of their true reasons for being here. Jealousy? Vengeance? So his assumptions had been correct. They were on the outs, for some unknown reason. Normally, he wasn’t one to assist with vengeance, and yet…once more his eyes drifted towards Celest. His true reason, for being on Ophelia’s arm tonight. What wouldn’t he do, to see his goals achieved? A little blip on the moral compass was nothing, in the grand scheme of things, right? <c>

/me “Actually…If you’re really going to rub it in, it’s not who’s company you keep, but the amount of fun you’re having.” Secretly, he was shocked that Sleek would make such a suggestion. Then again, perhaps this was all to further his study of humanity, and the depth of emotion they could reach? “Really want to rub salt in the wound? Come to the dance floor with me Ophelia. It’ll be my personal mission to ensure your wretch of a cousin doesn’t earn the honour of another moment of your thoughts this evening. What do you say?” He felt sick inside, making the suggestion, but to his credit it didn’t show externally. He’d made Ophelia a promise, and the woman was going to risk incredible danger to help him. <c>

/me So damn right he’d try his best to achieve her goals. She wanted to make Carrick jealous? Then he’d bend every iota of his energy, every ounce of his will towards achieving that goal. He rarely found something in life that he wanted, and Ophelia was going to help him achieve that rarity, so there were no depths he wouldn’t plumb to, to make that happen. Of course, the moment might have been ruined, by Niko’s off handed comment, which earned a chuckle from the Pathfinder Captain. “Thanks, Niko.” He smirked, even as he shook his head. Figures, if he was going to be outdone by anything, it’d be comedic timing. As to the host of the event, it was sad to say he hadn’t really acknowledged her presence. His mind was…scattered, in the moment. <d>



Sir_Thrace_Daighan : :: Giving Eve's hand a gentle squeeze before he bowed his head over the back of her hand, giving it a polite kiss, Thrace straightened, letting her go, "Sergeant, by the ring I daresay some lucky young gentleman here has very fine taste!" Turning from the lady to Jedite, Thrace reached out to shake his hand. Glancing at Oly, Thrace remembered that bloody bird causing more than a few mishaps about the city, and sighed, "Master Wenduin, I don't believe you've left your tea>>
Sir_Thrace_Daighan : >>> here tonight. Though," he had to think for a minute, he'd only ever encountered the bird on several occasions, "I am sure that some here will be wanting of your tales from your travels." Straightening again, he leaned over to whisper to Livia, "careful m'dear, he is senile and a magic user to boot. How he's still breathing is beyond me, but he goes absolutely mad over that teacup!" ::


Teysa▪Ward : .:{So much was happening that Teysa was having problems keeping up from a social point of view. Having been a guard, she kept track of all movements with relative ease, noticing lovebirds and jealousy as easily as she might spy the color of a garment. The furred creature had raised his glass to her, and Teysa had offered the same in a quick, clinical response, recognizing the creature for what he was – a disciplined solider. Through it all, the woman had drained her glass, looking >>

Teysa▪Ward : about awkwardly. Carrick was here, finally, someone she could relate to in some capacity. And wasn’t that his love? Or was it his cousin? Or was it both? Either way, she took note of the exchange of glances, the way daggers were exchanged, how Ophelia casually glanced over with blatant disregard, as if scanning the room. Teysa had caught Ophelia’s gaze and took note of the smile, offering one of her own in return, quick and prompt, but earnest, before Teysa began to filter through >>

Teysa▪Ward : the crowd towards Carrick. “Master Vaskaris!” the mage had called, lifting her voice lightly over the music, before turning her gray gaze onto the redhead on his arm, “Miss. Master Vaskaris, isn’t that your cousin?” She had pointed towards Ophelia with a small gesture, so as not to bring attention outside of their immediate company, “I – Family matters are just that, but… She’s quite… Popular. This evening.” Ophelia -was- gorgeous, “I only worry for her virtue, of course. You don’t >>

Teysa▪Ward : think they all mean to take turns, do you?” Turns in which regard she left pointedly ambiguous.}:.

EnzoXavierAdolfo : Enzo had heard his name being called that it caused his ears to twitch lightly looking around slowly" Wait what, I'm being bought for a night" sliding his hands into his pockets before making his way toward the general direction of the one who said his name. Yes Enzo disowned his pack but they never disowned him for some odd reason he never under stood why, he knew little of his heritage beyond what people told him .<C>

EnzoXavierAdolfo : The man stopped only to See Gabrielle and her family nodding to Viktor out of respect, the man was a fierce warrior." Wait why are you bidding on me when your husband is up for grabs you know what lets make this even, I bid 100 gold coin on Viktor Fallon"<E>


LiviaDarkthar : She would have chuckled at Thraces words. " Oh I know trust me." She would whisper back to him. But with a simple snap of her hands a well dressed man would come out of no where to her side. He would have formed out of the shadows. He was the demon inhuman form known as Andrew. Livia would turn to look at him. " Be a dear and go and get me a tea cup." He would nod out of respect to her and to eve both before fading away again. Taking but a moment, Livia would hold out a hand to Oly, her palm upright and empty at first. Then out of nowhere a Tea Cup would drop into it. " My dear Sir Oly. Is this what you are looking for? For it is hard to find a good cup of Tea is it not? For if it is not this one cup. Please take this one and use it for now. " Her voice would come out soft and soothing. As if it was trying to wrap one up in a blanket.-c-

LiviaDarkthar : it was one of the side the things she had learned to do while she was away. That was before she had been thrown into a cave and chained to the floor. Once Oly had taken the tea cup. Her attentions would be back on the group. " I know eve I heard congratulations." She would act as if nothing had just happened. Jedite would get it right away. She was her mothers daughter after all.-d-


Jεδïŧε : He watched the interaction and tilted his head slightly remembering that trick. He shook his head when she focused back to the group. He looked to the little bird man and then back to her, " Nice trick" he simply said and kind of relaxed for a moment. He was still out of his element and realized her was rude and bowed his head slightly to the other lady, " My apologies, Ma am, It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Jedite -c-

Jεδïŧε : he was still slightly awkward and struggling to find his place, and pace in the conversation, " So much has changed since I've last been here" He glanced to livia, like her and her sister being adults. He remembered that as kids. -d-


Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : Having someone approach her to ask her about her favorite for the evening's events, she simply smiles and looks to Alaire with a dance in her eyes.  "I must say my vote is to go to the dashing Commander.  20 roses for Alaire Lisieaux."  It was a pretty penny, to be sure, but he and the cause was worth it.  She might not be of this realm, not hail from the same celestial pantheon, but she held a deep>>

Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : respect for the Temple and the Goddess.  After all, she served the Goddess' line faithfully.  His cheeky comments on her wealth and standing, along with that downright impish smile, all serve to make her giggle lyrically, the sound as light as angelic chimes.  "I should hope you would keep that to a minimum, my dear Commander."  As playful as he was, she was glad to have seen him make better of his life.  >>


Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : She didn't want it to be for her, but for himself.  She had seen him as an amazing man from the moment they met, yet he had only gotten better as time passed.  True, he still drank and caroused with his friends, but she didn't mind that.  He was happy.  That was what mattered.  The sudden kiss to her hand flares the color in her cheeks once more, the angel looking to her beau with a bright smile to his talk >>

Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : of going to the lake.  "I would love to.  Please, lead the way."  An opportunity to spend a quiet moment with the man who held her so entranced?  How in the world could she ever pass that up?  The explanation given would garner a nod, her gaze moving toward the crowd in search of who it was he was referencing.  Much had changed and she had been absent for a great deal of it.  Her own troubles >>


Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : in her home realm had become something of a mess, but with a bit of work and a lot of help, she'd transferred the whole of her inheritance and the bulk of the castle's treasures to Immortalis to be stored safely in their vaults.  This was her home now and she would never again look back.  As she is whisked away, she smiles softly to herself and lets her wings flutter a bit upon her back, ruffling lightly >>

Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : once they were outside and away from the crowd.  Crowds always got the best of her and made her feel quite trapped.  The fresh air helped calm her nerves.  Their stroll toward the docks is broken up with small talk and upon arrival she turns her gaze to him.  "I am glad you asked me to accompany you tonight.  I can't imagine anyone I would have wished to be here with other than you."<E>


Gᴀʙʙɪє Ɗϵɑτђsταᴌᴋϵᴙ : "Enzo! My dear, dear, Enzo!" Warmth filled her voice as he meandered toward her and Viktor. What? Viktor was up for sale too? There were sputters and scoffs. "You're not for me! Goddess knows if I wanted... never mind, Sofia needs to see what a -real- wolf looks like." Gabrielle glanced around and then leaned in to whisper toward Enzo, "she's running around with a book reader." As if that very fact alone disqualified the male for whatever reason made sense to Gabbie at that moment. Huff. Sniff. "Cake?" And, she was wandering off in the direction of sweets. -d-

♥Ԑrɩƨ : || As they walked into the Dragoon Estate, Eris was still laughing lightly at the banter that she and Garrick had shared on their carriage ride over. It was true, the pair did share a great many things in common. More so than she was willing to admit, simply because there was a sense of loosing herself in the man next to her. Though there was also the notion that they would make an interesting pair whenever their resolve was tested. As they made rounds through the guests, Eris offered her own hellos to those that Garrick chose to stop and speak with. Smiling and being polite whenever she was brought into someone new's presence. The attention that they received was not lost on the woman. Nor was it truly acknowledged. In reality, someone, somewhere always chose to stare. However, when they reached the groupings of Ophelia, Altair, and Niko, followed by Carrick and Celest, even Eris was prone to staring. What.. had she missed?! Garrick's explanation only went so far +

♥Ԑrɩƨ : in explaining to her why their friends were not together. "But, I thought Altair and Celest....?" She trailed off as Garrick asked her what she would like to do first. Dance. Eat. Or find a drink. Wait. Garrick was going to eat something? She looked up at her date and lifted a brow slightly, knowing - thanks to his telling her - what that would mean for him later. "But Garrick.." She let the sentence trail off, knowing that he would catch on to what her protest encompassed. Tilting her head, she let her gaze travel around the room once more, suddenly very interested in two things. The women that were carrying around boxes and roses. And the presence of Viktor Fallon and the newly returned Princess, Gabrielle Deathstalker. The latter she was interested in saying hello to by more than just a simple nod of the head. The former she was curious about. And she had spontaneously - or not so much so - decided that she wanted to dance. It was the option that would save +

♥Ԑrɩƨ : Garrick the most unpleasant of feelings - at least in her opinion - later. "Can we start there?" She motioned lightly with her hand, drawing the attention of one such girl without meaning to. Oops! So much for asking if he was alright to start with that option. As the woman approached them, Eris adjusted the long red skirts of her dress slightly and smiled. "You bid, My Lady?" Bid? Oh my! Eris asked that the woman explain the purpose of the box of roses.. and ended up laughing merrily whenever she was informed that the men present were being auctioned off for a 'date night' with whomever won their bid. Including Garrick. Without realizing she'd done so, her fingers tightened into the man's forearm whenever his name was rattled off. Icy hues glanced up at the General of the North and she made a show of opening the small purse that was fastened to her wrist by a thin strap. "Well then, General Le'Morte." She was laughing, it was apparent in the mock seriousness of +

♥Ԑrɩƨ : her tone. "How many roses are you worth?" Small fingers delved into the confines of her purse. "I'll be making bids for three." She told the woman. "Garrick LeMorte. Altair Kiasco. And the General, Viktor Fallon." The first for obvious reasons. The second for the purpose of chewing him out, should she not get the chance before then, for showing up with someone other than Celest. The woman was someone Eris considered a close friend. Though, truth be told, she may not chew the man out. Just play the nosy
friend and then enjoy some good laughs about the situation. And the last? Well, perhaps that could be turned into an evening out with the General -and- his Wife. If only for the purpose of meeting the woman she'd helped in returning to the land of the living. Counting the coin in her purse, she looked up at Garrick momentarily. Waiting for the Vampire to put a price on his own worth. ||

Ɇṿⱻ-Bl**d She would bow her head slightly toward Sir Thrace before speaking " Thank you Sir Thrace .... The lucky guy isn't here yet " She would nod toward Jedit in greeting before stopping one of the pacing ladies and place one more vote She would wisper to the lady "12 on Sir Thrace here as well" She would turn and smile at the small group she was with {d}


Oly : :: Taking the tea cup gratefully from Livia with a smile, he extended his cane to tap the side of Thrace's thigh, trying poorly to hide what he was saying as he failed to whisper, "lad, you could learn some things from this nice young lady!" Then taking a sip of the tea, he smiled around at everyone as he went to plant his cane on the floor again, though as he was standing next to Jedite and not looking, he went to plant his cane down where Jedite's right foot happened to>>
Oly : >>> be. Rather taken with the atmosphere, the old bird was quite enjoying himself. ::


Sir_Thrace_Daighan : :: With a relieved smile as Livia expertly placated the senile old creature, Thrace smirked at the bird as he announced to half the room that Thrace could learn a few things from her. Being significantly older than the ancient (not by bloody choice!) Thrace found this highly amusing, though he largely ignored it. As long as Oly wasn't conjuring chickens under ladies' skirts the night was successful. When Eve bid a dozen roses on him, Thrace had the good graces to flush>>>


Sir_Thrace_Daighan : >>> in a way that made his facial fur stir as red wouldn't show on his face. "Well my lady, when the lucky gentleman does arrive, please do introduce us all," he said pleasantly. Taking a sip of his drink, the knuckles of his right hand went back to the small of his back as he stood amongst the small circle. At mention of the gardens earlier, he'd forgotten to comment, and so he apologetically turned to Livia, "you did mention the gardens, I'm afraid I allowed myself to>>>
Sir_Thrace_Daighan : >>> be distracted, though I would love to see them!" ::

ĠaȑȑiċkŁęMoŗŧę : The event was a grand thing indeed, seems the House of Dragoon went all out, maybe it was time for Garrick to purchase some land home his family into a more suitable home in honor of teh LeMorte name, Establish themself and throw a grand party, There was one particular scent in the air that had him glancing around the word that flowed from his lips would tug on the person he was speaking it as if pulling her toward him"Livia" The word was whispered faintly he hadn't even wonder over to anyone yet but just then Eris was leading him toward people"Al good to see you in high spirits tonight, sadly not with Celest though, I feel bad for you" Turning to look at Nikolai"Behave younger brother" Looking to Ophelia with a grin"Do enjoy your fun, My brother knows who to enrage many people, just try not to burn teh estate down guys" <C>


ĠaȑȑiċkŁęMoŗŧę : Then Eris pulled him toward Carrick and Celest with a smile on his lips" Well now this a a pleasent surprise , Carrick its good to see you again maybe we'll get a chance to talk one of these days, I've quite enjoyed working with you in the Ice cavern of death" Joking lightly, before looking at Celest oh how his eyes lit up just them(Bing lightbulb) It was when teh lady came around Asking Eris to bid and she heard her question, Well that depends on how you value me , to some I may only be worth 100, to other maybe a 1000, but to teh right person I could be priceless."He was jabbing at her now" Oh and miss, I think Justicar Celest here would like to make a bid of 5,000 on Carrick Vaskaris "<E>


LiviaDarkthar : It was easy to calm Oly. Alls he wanted was his tea. And when you were of a certain age you should be respected. Livia her self would be caught a little off guard by Eve bidding on Thrace. Not in a bad way mind you. But it was good to see her putting her self out there and not being shy. She was also glad that she had someone in her life. " Yes I would love to talk to Rango when he gets here." Have to make sure he is good enough for her friend. She could not help but laugh openly as Oly would have put his cane on Jedites foot. " I am sorry to laugh. " but she would not help it.-c-

LiviaDarkthar : When Thrace had said something about the gardens. " A yes we have massive gardens out side. The front one that is open to guests, we have enchanted lights in them like out front. But these are different colors. There are performers out there for entertainemtn. And we have a lake that people are welcome to go out on paddled boats. We thought it would be cute idea for couples. " She would start to guide the group out that way. " One day when this is all over, you will have to come and check out the other gardens, where we have things from other realms growing." She would stop as they made their way to the door. Getting the attention of one of the voting girls. Whispering in here ear. " Here take this and let that man over there know that A woman bid 3 grand on him. Tell him that and say it was For her Rabbit. But don't tell him which is me." She would point to Altiar. -c-

LiviaDarkthar : Going back to her group she would take Jedites arm as the walked out. " Come on don't be so sulky. You have another foot after all." Trying not to laugh again as the group went outside.-d-

Bєrηα∂єттє∵Pαrkєr : :: She’d turned suddenly when a knock rapped on the door, and barely managed to voice a breathless whisper. “Come in……?” She gulped, feeling her legs lose their strength for nerves, but she nobly remained standing (a heroic effort for the poor, shy thing). She turned, with eyes rounded under the upward slant of worried brows. Erland stepped in, and praised her with the pause in his body language and adoring gaze. She felt nerves rise and comfort at the same time in this, though she kept that shawl not designed for this encounter wrapped firmly around herself, trying to keep as much of her bare skin covered as she could manage, for as long as possible. Erland made no attempt to push aside the orange shawl draped over the pearlescent dress Durango had made, so she kept the garish thing on as they went, struggling enough as it was with his compliments and admiring looks and… was there a faint, fleeting tremble in his arm? [c]

Bєrηα∂єттє∵Pαrkєr : She’d held to his elbow, and there seemed the distinct tremor of—no, she was the only one who quavered at every social outing, so she dismissed it…! “I… - thank you, Erland… you look quite well, too….!” She managed, not quite professing her thoughts as clearly and brazenly as they existed in her mind regarding his clean, appealing appearance. How well his attire held to his muscled frame. No.. er.. ahem. Yes. Vanilla, polite compliment, yes. She was desperately relieved when he’d recommended they go to a less populous area when she saw the sheer number of refined people gathered in the estate. The crowd was dense, and the din of blithe conversations and laughs throughout the great room rose high with the elegant music. ….i-it was all quite a lot to such a provincial gardener, accustomed to much smaller scale occurrences, if not her own company. “…yes, please… let’s,” she murmured nearer to Erland’s ear, gratitude very [c]

Bєrηα∂єттє∵Pαrkєr : evident in her barely audible voice (over the volume of the ball’s ambiance). Erland and Bernadette arrived in the garden, which was beautifully lit, and much quieter – so the woman’s nerves certainly lessened to a degree. “Your family has done a lovely job of this ball, Erland,” she observed aloud to him now that she felt a little more at ease. He knew she was timorous and such grand things might be too much for her, she didn’t need to speak to that. That they were in the garden, separated from the main, overwhelming gathering, was evidence enough he’d noticed and sought to mitigate her struggle, or at least, so it would seem. He spoke of a question, and naively, Bernadette chimed up a blithe “Yes?” Happy to entertain a simple question now that they were enjoying a quieter atmosphere. [d] ::

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : Gentle apologies were murmured toward Carrick from Celest’s end, her bright green eyes expressing sympathy towards the arm she had gripped so tightly prior. Still, the mage could flex his hand … for now [there’d definitely be bruising later.] BUT! There were more pressing issues to attend at hand!! … like the pair of them stalking their paramours’ shadows as they shared the dancefloor together. Ahem. As they turned and swept around together, the eyes of both the vampire and evoker STARED at Altair and Ophelia from a distance. Was this really fucking happening right now?! THE TWO OF THEM TOGETHER FOR THE EVENING?! And who the hell was that second man accompanying his cousin?! Too involved in his thoughts [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : about the soothsayer – the patrician accidentally ended up stepping on one of Celest’s high-heeled feet and it was now HIM who was apologizing. Hahahaha … hah. Fuck. It was out of the norm to dance with someone he wasn’t used to [especially comfortable with] but soon, as the music started up again – pallid hands pressed themselves to the crimson waist of the undead and she was picked from the floor rather effortlessly in a high spin [something he often refused to do with Ophelia.] Thereafter, a trail of crimson fabrics swept in after her movements and upon her being delicately placed to the ground, Carrick brought her in rather close again where the twosome spun around and around once more. Their [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : hands soon clasped over each other again and they separated, weaving seamlessly across the crimson dancefloor decorated for the evening. It was soon, as the pair of dance partners turned that they ended up almost crashing into another couple when the archmage espied his cousin kissing another man’s cheek. Thee. Fucking. Audacity. URRRGH, he was now the one gripping the vampire Celest’s gloved hand too tightly and she gently yelped. Realizing what he’d done, Carrick turned toward the female with a sheepish look of apology … muttering as he looked off with a nonchalant demeanor. How much worse could this evening get for him? It hurt a lot [and it wasn’t just his arm that hurt … he felt his [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : heart squeeze itself so much to a point he felt it’d fucking burst from the spectacle he was witnessing with his kin and her chosen selection of men for the evening.] Clenching his jaw, the magic user instead decided to focus once again on Celest and she, too, divided her daggering glance at Altair [for the moment anyway] and the dance once again resumed – this time; the waltz. One, two, three … one, two, three – turn, spin - -- someone else approached his paramour. OH, COME ON!! Sleek, the Master Builder [a rather respected man, even by the archmage] – spoke something to her but it was not audible to the ears of Carrick and whilst Celest had attuned hearing because [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : of her vampire lineage … even she couldn’t hear what they said due to the volume of the music and the gathering of so many people moving about them. Just … edge … a little … closer. DAMNIT! THREE MEN WERE NOW IN THE FEMALE’S PARTY! THREE. Urrrrrgh, he internally raaaaaaaaaaaaaged. Just when he thought it couldn’t get worse. The current rhythm of the music was slower than prior and required a lot of turns AWAY from each other. Still, while Carrick remained genteel and Celest was the picturesque image of a noblewoman at court – they both held fermented gazes at Altair and Ophelia. Although, poor Altair didn’t know of what had occurred and here the wretch was, guiding HIS sweetheart across the dancefloor when it should have been him instead. But that’s not – oh time to turn, tuuuurn, sweep, sweeep – step! – that’s [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : not what happening, was it? Admittedly, the Vaskaris cousins and Pathfinder Captain had a complicated history together [then again, when it came to any man lingering around Ophelia – there was always going to be difficulties from the Wraith, Carrick.] That fucking leader had seen right through their subterfuge and the reality of that frightened Ophelia so much to a point that she didn’t want to be even SEEN with Carrick until he quelled her perturbations about their layered existence together. SEE, that was another thing that came to the magic user’s mind as he twirled around the redhaired beauty Celest. This snowy evening was already turning into a stirred-up pot of ruin but whatever foundations that had been laid behind [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : the scenes by the sycophant Ophelia went unseen and this disastrous scenario had been lessened … being that Altair AND Carrick were not privy to what the fuck really was going on [but the lovely vampire and Ethereal Dove were of course!] While Celest filled smug with secrets, she had a good relationship with the ingratiating honeysuckle and as ire pierced between all four in the the … er… love… square? – she still was more than amiable towards the Ethereal
Dove in passing as she and Carrick swept across the decorated crimson floors of the ballroom once again to the current orchestration. STOP!! – W - what. The. Fuck. Did. He. Just. Hear? He was to be in some kinda auction? [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : Wh – what? Just novel. Fucking NOVEL. The surly mage ceased his dancing with his current partner for the evening. When the fuck did someone decide to put him up for auction?! Was it Ophelia?! No, wait. She wouldn’t do that. [Hahaha, delusions are funny, aren’t they?] Or perhaps this was just all a mere coincidence? [No, it wasn’t.] That was the only only thing he could surmise right now as Celest and he ambled from the dancefloor to get something to drink … more so for himself as he stepped behind the punchbowl – to hide. That’s right. He was hiding. W… what if Chloe was the one who put him up for an auction? His pallid form made an odd [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : shape with the half empty punchbowl making him look like a ballooned head until a servant came by to fill it up. GOOD! Hide, hide, hide. But then again, he didn’t want to hide – that’d be rude to his chosen partner for the evening … and he stood upright rather quickly at hearing ‘Master Vaskaris!’ off in the distance. Teysa Ward. Goddamn. Fucking. Etiquette. You know, he had an inner Ophelia voice? Yeah, it smacked him over and over again for leaving his date as he did, and he swooped back towards Celest’s side with a vampire elixir whilst he chugged back some white wine – never mind, that was spit out like a spritzer when he heard Teysa’s latest commentary [c]


Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : and that spittle of alcohol turned up on some passing noble’s face. Oops. “Miss Ward, it’s good to see you. Ahem …s – she… she… she has her virtue,” he began to stammer, cheeks racing red with mortification upon the topic of his kin’s ‘virtue.’ Not like he could randomly spout that he and his cousin shared a bed together throughout these past few years. “She knows how to take care of herself and knowing her – she’ll leave all those fuckers in the dust.” R… right…? RIGHT?! He needed another drink. NO, wait! He NEEDED clarity. He hated everyone. He hated this evening. Most of all, he hated himself for doing what he did to his paramour who was now being [c]




Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : approached by all these men who appeared to want to dance with her ... he wanted to cry in anger but ya’know, not REALLY cry. The jealousy was sooo real with the greeneyed monster[s] … don’t forget Celest. The pair of dance partners looked up from their drinks to the scenario playing out. This was HORRID. Being on her third drink for the evening, the vampire narrowed her gaze at Altair but held her chin up in a dignified way to let him know she was not daunted [however, that was a different story for Carrick … for he was nodding at some sharp cutlery and then STARING at Altair in the process before once again glancing off.] But the [c]


Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : brooding duo wouldn’t last for long as it was Garrick and Eris who now approached them arm-in-arm. “Good evening, Lord LeMorte and Lady DharkHearte. Yes, I would like to speak with you as well. … yes, that was a rather … interesting adventure, was it not?” He sucked at conversation. Naturally, he was laconic and just let Ophelia do the talking but she wasn’t around for that anymore, was she? Fuck. Now as the bidding began, the evoker felt it was a nice chance to make off with the Justicar Celest – fat chance. SMILE THROUGH THE ANGER! *SMILE!* Ow, ow… OW VAMPIRE STRENGTH, OW! It was Celest who was now filled with anxiety as she looked towards her superior and then back at Carrick. [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : She couldn’t argue against the True Brujah and she laughed playfully along whilst in reality she was just dying like her chosen partner beside her. ‘Make then ten thousand then!’ She said rather loudly, eyeing Altair from across the room before then glancing off with a gentle smile. This had just turned all sorts of awkward and honestly … Carrick just wanted to be home yelling at his fat ass crow and prop up against his wench whilst reading a book … like the good old days but he’d done this to himself and the situation became all the worse for it. The cunty sisters of fate were laughing at him as they spun his woeful tapestry of fate … especially since he heard from Ophelia that she’d buy him too. WITH WHAT MONEY?! His coin purse was already turning suicidal. [e]



Jεδïŧε : He blinked and growled which almost turned into a snarl as is hand started to quickly come up but blinked when Livia grabbed his arm he turned and looked to her, " No one would miss him I'm sure, just a little barbecue? He was half joking half serious as he made mental not to avoid the bird he followed along and huffed, "Not sulking..." he kind of glared when she laughed, but couldnt help but laugh a little too as he went with. -d-






ErlandErikson : now was the moment that he had been waiting for, everything for weeks had been building up to this. Here they were out in the gardens, people talking and having a good time all around them. He was so scared he could barely breath. But what could make the young viking who had faced down the monsters of the world. Who had fought many battles, killed his fair share of men, be so afraid of. It was a simple enough answer. He was scared of her reaction. Taking both of her hands in his now. " You know Bernadette. I have loved you from the moment I met you. I knew then that I would always love and care for you. We have had our ups and downs. We have had spend time apart because of my work and your work. But having you here these past few weeks, has made me realize something. I never want to be apart from you." His voice was starting to catch in his throat.-c-


ErlandErikson : He knew that if he didnt say it now he would not be able to. Better just to get on with it. So letting her hands go, he would take the small box from his pocket. Getting down on one knee, he would open it while looking up at her. Inside was a ring made of rose gold. With tiny diamonds around a large lavender diamond. He had his dark side and she had visions. She was shy and he was out going. They were the opposite of each other. But in truth they were each others perfect match. Getting his nerves together. Trying to speak in a voice that was not trembling with fear. " Bernadette Parker would you do me the greatest honor by becoming my wife?" there he had done it. The worst that could happen was she said no right?-d-

Ɇṿⱻ-Bl**d She would stop and look at both her friend Livia then at Sir Thrace before speaking softly " Of course as soon as Rango is here i will bring him to meet you both. " She would smile as she listened to Livia talk about the gardens. She would fall into step behind her friend and Jedit as the group made there way out to the gardens. {d}


Alaire : :::: “Twenty roses, Astrid!?” Alaire had asked, surprised. “That’s a sum and a half, are you sure?” He would have agreed it was all to go to a good cause, but he couldn’t imagine spending that much on his sorry skin. He was sure, also, neither could anyone else. Still, she seemed pleased with her wager, and the man couldn’t help but to shake his head at laugh. “Well, lucky for you, they’ve gone and made me Commander of the Guard, so there isn’t too much trouble I can get into anyways.” They were both incredibly busy with their own careers, Alaire keeping Immortalis together between common criminals, complaints, and more worldly threats, while Astrid saw to the needs of the royal family. Both were high standing individuals that couldn’t afford any improper press about them, Astrid especially so. It had been why, as things progressed between them, Alaire had made every effort to clean up his reputation so that he might be a suitable match for her. “Your cheeks match your <c>

Alaire : dress, my lady,” Alaire had teased at Astrid’s blush while he accompanied her outside, “Are you well?” The man was relentless with teasing the poor creature, pure as she was, about any bashful responses she had to his advances, and though he expected she’d never hit him, he knew full well that he’d deserve any smack she deemed fit. Outside, in the cool air, Alaire spired the shimmer of her wings, his lips curling up slightly as she flexed them. Away from the crowd, he marked her as relaxed, undoubtedly why her wings moved now. On the ice of the lake, with the sounds of merriment behind them, their feet crunched as fresh snow pressed under their feet, and though the sky was overcast from the snow, the flakes that fell almost made it seem as if the stars were all about them. “I couldn’t imagine anyone else I’d want to accompany,” Alaire said earnestly, suddenly stopping. He moved to stand in front of her then, taking her other hand in his. “You’re good, Astrid. You’re kind and<c>


Alaire : thoughtful. For so long, I had been on such a strange path that I wouldn’t have recognized myself. But I met you and came to know you. I was reminded that all I wanted in life was a good woman, who was smart and kind, to encourage me as you have.” Without her, Alaire might have died from a drunkard’s liver, or even gutted himself on his sword. She had reached into the darkness and pulled him out, fearless and ethereal. He continued, releasing her left hand to dig into the interior breast pocket of his jacket, “I had always privately I’d be a knight, like in the tales, with a good lady who held my favor, who was as strong as she was benevolent. You, Astrid, are the singular-most positive, beautiful, fierce, and intelligent woman I know.” The commander settled onto one knee, and finally, produced a small box from his breast pocket. Opening it, he revealed a white gold ring with roses crafted in the metal to either side, and a solitaire diamond in the middle of it all. Simple <c>

Alaire : and lovely, just like her. “I’m not a knight, Astrid, but I see the best version of myself when I’m with you. Will you continue to grace me with your radiance for the rest of our lives, and marry me?” ::



Oly : :: Humming and tottering along, tea sloshing a bit as he walked, Oly did his best to keep up with the small group, "gardens! I do love a nice walk through the flowers, always very pleasant!" Looking up at Jedite, the bird, having no idea that he'd slammed his cane down on the young man's foot, smiled, "well then, lass! Why aren't you dressed handsomely? No skirts for you? Are you a knight?! I haven't seen a lady knight in years!" Looking around again, he chuckled, >>>

Oly : >>> "I must say, quite the tea party I've wandered into. Quite quite, yes yes!" ::







Sir_Thrace_Daighan : :: Thrace, offering an arm to Livia as she guided them out to the Gardens, walked in time with everyone, smiling to Eve and Jed, though he tried to not pay attention to the bird. "Paddleboats as well? Sounds quite pleasant indeed! If anything, I dare say the gardens sound like the highlight of the manor," he said sounding impressed. Slipping his drink into his other hand for comfort's sake as he walked along with them, he heard mention of "Rango" and filed the name >>>


Sir_Thrace_Daighan : >>> away into the back of his mind for later reference when he finally met the man. ::

Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : His reaction to the roses causes her to laugh melodically, her gaze adoring as she looks to him.  "You are worth that and so much more, my dear Commander.  In fact..."  She turns back to the girl with a smile.  "Make that 2000 roses, please."  It was a fortune, to be sure, but she had the money, it was a good cause, and she never wanted him to doubt just how valuable he was to her.  As they continue on >>

Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : their way, his jest concerning her blush drawing yet another of those fetching giggles, she finds herself more at ease than she has ever been with anyone in her life.  He calmed her in ways she never dreamed possible, made her feel like she was truly worthy of care.  It was a first when it came to men.  "I am perfectly fine, thank you.  Though, I do seem to be having something of a reaction to the >>

Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : wonderful man at my side."  She'd become a bit flirtatious in the time she'd spent in his company, though only ever with him.  He let her feel safe enough to do such things.  It was... refreshing.  When he stops to take her hands, she looks to him with a dance in her own, heart leaping to hear each and every kind thing he had to say about her.  She never knew he felt so deeply about her.  >>

Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : She'd had her own thoughts on the matter, to be sure, but this was certainly a surprise.  Little did she know it wasn't over.  As he falls to one knee, she gasped, her free hand lifting to her lightly parted lips as tears instantly well.  Was this really happening?  She held his gaze for a time, completely at a loss.  He wanted to... marry her?  The tears fell, rolling down her cheeks in a slow shimmer.  The >>

Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : longer she holds his gaze, the more she realized she wanted this.  No.  She needed this.  Her hand fell away and she nodded, a loving smile on her lips as her wings fluttered happily.  "Yes... By the gods, yes.  I will marry you, Alaire..."  Nothing else mattered.  The whole rest of the world faded to nothing.  All that remained was the two of them and this moment.  She never dreamed the night >>
Λѕ†ʀᶖɖ : would go this way, but she knew this was one night she would never forget.<E>


LiviaDarkthar : She would have taken Thrace's arm also as the group made their way out. " yes Mara thought it would be a good idea. Gives couples a chance to take in the evening, and yet be alone all at the same time. Now mind you they are paddled by someone else. But the guides do not speak and or even listen really. They are living dolls really. Enchanted for the evening. " Letting go of the mens arms as they entered the garden. Out here had like a carnival feel. There were fire dancers, sword swollowers, acrobats and more. " We wanted to make this seem like a more relaxed area. Letting guests see a little more of the realms than they normally do. " It was in fact the truth that many of the performers and staff for the night came from all of the different realms. -c-









LiviaDarkthar : she would pause and wait for Oly to join them. " Yes shall we have a seat over here. " There was a bar set up and empty at the moment. " Eve will you please help oly up to a stool to sit. I would ask Jedite. But after that lady knight joke." just thinking about it made her laugh again. While they were getting set, she would order a bottle of Fire Whiskey for herself.-d-



Jεδïŧε : He moved toward the bird once she let him go, " Come here dinner..." he growled and focused on the senile thing his claws springing from his hands before pausing when she told Eve to help the bird, and then she laughed again he blinked a bit and flicked his tail out stealing her bottle as punishment and moved to sit down away from the bird, "I"m not a lady you daft fool, and it's not funny" he pointed to Livia -d-




Ɇṿⱻ-Bl**d She would bite her lip to keep from laughing about the lady knight joke. She would help Oly on to a bar stool after ordering a rum and coke for herself. She would slide onto a barstool herself and look around at everything going on at the estate this night . {d}



Oly : :: "Dinner! Alright lassie! That does it! I'll turn you into a bloody newt!" Standing up on his barstool, Oly began waving his hands around, working a spell, visual signs starting to show and suddenly -POOF!- There was a newt! Not Jedite, no he was still his same Devilishly handsome self. Rather, as the cloud of green smoke around his stool cleared, there in the same robes with the cane, but far smaller was a newt with glasses. Oly was now a Newt. "Ha! That will >>>
Oly : >>> teach you lass! Now you're a-" pausing he patted himself all over, "GOOD LORD! I'm a NEWT!" ::


Sir_Thrace_Daighan : :: As Livia let the men go, Thrace switched hands again, used to keeping his right hand clear, waited as everyone took their seats, pulling a stool out for Livia before taking a seat himself, though he chose to stick with the drink already in hand. Chuckling as Jedite nearly went to eat the bird, Thrace just reached into his coat, pulling his pipe out again, producing a match, though he pointed the pipe stem at the young man, "easy, lad. You shouldn't eat things that can>>

Sir_Thrace_Daighan : >>> do magic. Will make you sick." All in jest, though he went to ask the old creature how his tea was when suddenly Oly was working magic. Visibly cringing when the spell went off, Thrace sighed and hung his head, shaking it as the smoke cleared. Striking the match, he let their hostess continue to regale them with the workings of the gardens as he lit his pipe. Living dolls? He didn't know whether that aspect of the boats bothered him, or intrigued him. "It shounds>>
Sir_Thrace_Daighan : >>> like a beautiful way to offer shomething to the public. Not many houshes do that," he commented around his pipe stem. ::


Alaire : :: The woman was the most exasperating when she desired to be such, and while it was usually in jest, it didn’t stop him from wanting to cry out with a mix of amusement and frustration. So rarely was he given a taste of his own medicine outside of Astrid that when she supplied it to him, he could barely handle it. “You’ll bankrupt yourself,” he warned jokingly. The two thousand roses had taught him his lesson though, and all he could do was place his hand on his face and laugh as he began to walk away from her, though he led her with his opposite hand. Silently, his shoulders shook with laughter. He would always be wrong, and he knew it, though on the rare occasion he forgot it, like tonight, Astrid was always kind enough to show him the error of his ways by example. Outside, in the snow, she flirted with him, and he cast her a sly smile with a matching wink for her trouble. Still, as he bent knee and tears began to well in her eyes, he was privately horrified – this was how<c>

Alaire : he got rejected, wasn’t it? Thankfully, it had turned out far better than rejection, though he still felt badly that she had begun to cry, even if it was tears of joy. She agreed, and Alaire grinned broadly, clear from ear to ear as he slipped the ring onto her finger, a perfect fit for the fact he had secretly filched one of her private collection in order to get it sized before returning what was hers. With the ring on her finger, he took a moment to admire her, the ring, her hand, and pressed a kiss to her knuckles before he stood. “She said yes!” he shouted, excited beyond all belief. Wrapping his arms around her waist – so long as she did not fight him – he would lift her off the ground, unable to stop the wild look of joy on his face, even as he craned his head upwards to place a fervent, joyful kiss on her lips. He had to make an active effort not to ravish her there and then and had left it all at a longing meeting of their lips, that, along with the excitement of <c>

Alaire : her saying yes, had left him near breathless. Setting her down with care, Alaire offered his elbow to her to continue to the sleighs that Mara had arranged for the night. The rest of their night would be simple and intimate, with eager whispers of their futures between pauses where Alaire was helpless to do anything but stare at her in awe. Despite the chilly air, the commander couldn’t have felt warmer for all the adoration that made his chest swell. “I love you, Astrid Everhart.” ::



LiviaDarkthar : as the smoke cleared there was poor old Oly. No longer and owl but now a newt. " Awww you poor thing. Don't you dare laugh at him Jedite. Mean old dragon." Livia would carefully scoop him up in her hands. " Andrew." Once more the demon in human form would appear out of no where. " Here please take Oly to the Mystics. They will sort him out." Sliding him into Andrews hands. " Oh and don't forget his cane." Sliding it under Andrew arm. He was good about the whole thing. Simply nodding as he went off with Oly. " They will set him right. " She would then take the seat offered her by Thrace. -c-

LiviaDarkthar : " Why thank you sir." Her bottle of fire whiskey was waiting on her when she sat down. She would have thought on what he had said about the boats. " Well we tried to take into consideration everyone and what they were and things like that. Trust me moving the animals off of the estate took a few weeks at most. We had to have pens and cages built way past the lake. Then had them enchanted and warded. Not to mention the caves under ground where the things that go bump in the night live that we take care of." While pouring her and Jedite a shot. " Oh come on I know you like to drink have a seat. I don't bite." Well she did but not right now.-d-


Jεδïŧε : He blinked and growled when he's the one that got yelled at, how does that work. He grumbled a bit and leaned against the bar, " Serves him right... lady... pft" -d-


MaraDarkthar : as the ball was still going in full swing. She would find her self sitting at a table alone. Not because she was sad, or lonely. But because she was going over all the bets that had been made so far that night. It was a bigger hit than had been expected. It had not been her idea to start with mind you. But she would never give away who had said it. " Well now this is a pleasant surprise." The boxes kept coming. Seeming to start to run out of room on the table. " Oh look people have been starting a betting war. Seem the temple will be well taken care of." After the names were given to her. The money was taken and locked away. And there she was making a list of everyone. -c-


MaraDarkthar : A woman would come to her and tell her what was going on with the guests outside. Seemed that Alair had asked Astrid to marry him, and the woman had said yes. " Oh how wonderful. We shall have to send a present for the wedding." She then would tell her that Lord Erland had asked Bernadette the same question. " well then Lets go and see how this turns out." Taking her papers with her. Mara would go out to the garden to see if Bern said yes.-d-



Oly : :: Riding along in the careful hands of Andrew, Oly held onto his fingers, very much enthralled with the view of passing flowers, and began to rattle off facts about the medicinal properties and uses for various nectars and petals from each. Already off on another tangent, the creature was carried off for the evening, and by the time the mystics would get him, he'll have transformed back again, his magical instincts to put a time limit on spells always kicking in whenever>>
Oly : >>> he cast anything like that. Holding spells too, but that was a story for another time. ::




ŞlèéK : He could be most sneaky when he found it necessary, hard to believe that one could miss a being of metal clad so richly. But truly disappearing in a crowd was quite easy to do, a subtle alteration of height and gait, a reversal of the coat to hide the embroidery and the 'borrowing' of a slouchy hat and he moved through the crowd out into the gardens after collecting his cloak...what did he care if the hat had three big ostrich plumes jutting from its band. He just tilted it to a rakish angle and went on, adjusting the cloak to cover his left armmuch in the fashion of the swashbuckler. All he lacked was the rapier and of course the high cuffed boots...and perhaps a bit of lace at neck and cuff... No that would be entirely too much the dandy. -d-


Sir_Thrace_Daighan : :: "Well then, that was entertaining. If I know that one, he'll be right as rain and wandering about by morning," Thrace said as he took a seat at the bar. When he'd been a Sentinel some years ago, he'd seen the little bird wander in and out causing trouble, but also he'd seen the creature do some interesting things as well. "Don't be too quick to judge, lad," Thrace told Jedite. "From what snippets I have heard of conversations with the old bird, it sounds as though >>>


Sir_Thrace_Daighan : >>> he was once a teacher of sorts. I've seen him heal people in his rare moments of clarity. Old age and magical strain do strange things to one's mind." Sevasti immediately came to mind, though her fate had little to do with old age or magical strain. Her curse had only been that she existed, something that had pained him to watch. Soon enough he would see her again. "Caves? Do you keep things below ground? Curious and anxious to put certain thoughts out of his >>>
Sir_Thrace_Daighan : >>> mind, he turned his full attention on Livia. ::



LiviaDarkthar : She would down a few shots before she would answer Thraces question. " That we do. My cousin Erland has a collection if you will. Collection is a harsh word. You see we taken in and raise mystical creatures that are dying out in other realms. It is our other job here. One of main ones is to breed the Dragons for Immortalis. As well as most of us are dragon riders." She would turn her head in Jedites direction. " Do not even finish that thought in your head." Pouring her self another drink before going on. " Below in the caverns there are a few Basilisks. Some giant Runespores. You know 3 headed snakes. Some Swooping deaths, Shrieker, Spitting Crawler, Giant Spiders and other things. Me and Mara's Wraiths are guarding them at the moment." -c-


LiviaDarkthar : Letting Thrace process all of this, she would speak to Jedite. " So where have you been all these years. That was all what... 375 years ago or more?" it was an honest question.-d-



Jεδïŧε : He blinked wen she yelled at him again, he didn't have any thoughts on the dragons here. He already lectured her mother on it, plus saw them as inferior anyways. So he's learned to hold his tongue about it. Unless she meant the dragon rider comment, he did chuckle but also kept that one to himself. He blinked when she said how long its been, has it really been that long. He watched her a little bit then the other man. -c-


Jεδïŧε : He leaned off the bar now and stretched, " Away, left to my own devices, but don't think it matters much." he smiled kind of sadly as he looked around trying to not act like he was-d-



ΞSavalΞ : Revels and feasting, fawning and petting, expressions of love and exhortations of hate, all were common amid the rites that summoned spring and sought to insure the fertility of the land.  For the mistress of nature was neither benevolent or malevolent, and neither were those who served her calling.  Some she marked with a sigil, others with touches of the earth in their countenance.  But one she had marked long ago to carry a form that was tied to the earth itself and the cycles of nature.  That form leapt the wall into the gardens of the estate as easily as leaping a fallen log to land with a stately grace on the other side. [ Revels and feasting, fawning and petting, expressions of love and exhortations of hate, all were common amid the rites that summoned spring and sought to insure the fertility of the land.  For the mistress of nature was neither benevolent or malevolent, and neither were those who served her calling.  Some she marked with a sigil, others with touches -c-


Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : -] How the night of devious plans spun, with jealous evils and obsessive hurts rising and singing in a chorus of grimacing, smiling, insane woes (except for Nikolai, he got to swim through the social pandemonium in liberal glee). First, Sleek offered to join the madness, and Ophelia, unblinking with her bronzy gaze fixed to the automaton in her determination to spite Carrick, declared, “Sold!” While she summoned a bidding girl over and placed a bid for Sleek after inquiring what the highest bid currently was at, giving a coin to the girl for her answer, and promptly surpassed it. “You and I will be great friends, I know it,” she declared to Sleek through her zealous smile. While she had the bidding girl on hand, she did the same for Niko and Altair, but paused before signing away more gold for Carrick’s name, too, as Nikolai spoke with devious, but utterly sound logic. “……” Ophelia had lost a clarity of scheming it seemed >>

Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : while pulled into this game of jealous hearts this night, with Altair, Celest, Carrick, and herself at the core of it all. For the ideal evening would have been Altair and Celest in one another’s arms, and Carrick and Ophelia lovingly nettling one another. These tandems were the most natural in the room, and yet, fate and human sins had all complicated the hell out of what was ideal and what was actually playing out. “You’re quite right, Niko,” she took up the informal name he’d offered Sleek to use. “I like you more and more with each bare-chested moment,” she concluded with a shift in her smile, sincerely appreciating his wily cunning. While Niko was enjoying the chaos and the company of a woman to match his own physical appeal, he proved a sharp, strategic mind throughout his dialogue that she would not forget. She took one of the drinks Niko had collected, laughed heartily as the hulking LeMorte wittily retorted to Altair’s >>

Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : comment on wearing a tie, threw back the drink, and eagerly took to a dance with Nikolai. Who could resist but to watch these two risqué, sensual figures dance (save for the prudish, but even *they* had to take their glimpses before looking away aghast again)? The coquettish, tawny witch ensured Niko’s hands were always in inappropriate places, and that their bodies undulated in horribly suggestive sway; Ophelia gave off too much of a sense of carnal pleasure over it all, just *feeling* Carrick’s jealous hatred boring down upon the Vaskaris Dove and the Pathfinder LeMorte. The pair of tricksters swirled to a conclusion, leaving a few noblewomen breathlessly fanning themselves to cool their flushes at what felt to them, from the perspectives of their prudish existences at least, that they’d just watched fornication in pubic. In a way, the intimate, highly suggestive dance between Nikolai and Ophelia had been. Niko had proven to be a great >>

Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : accomplice in this holy war of feminine wrath upon Carrick, wholly aware of what his part in it all was and seeming thrilled to take part. They returned to Altair, and to maximize on the jealous sufferings Carrick endured, Ophelia rode the passion of the dance, eased beside Altair altogether too close, with lace-swathed hip curving against his side so she could still hold a vantage facing out toward the majority of the gathering; skimmed a hand up along his arm in the process until fingers – one by one – alighted at the back of his neck. She plied a small pressure to encourage her poor companion to wilt her direction somewhat, while she angled upward to press a kiss against his jawline. She was going to murmur something to him, but while her carmine-painted mouth remained obliged to Altair’s cheek, Mara approached them to inquire about their evening. A raw sienna eye slid to its corner to consider the women, not relinquishing >>

Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : the kiss immediately, though the tawny witch did finally ease back, though her toying fingers remained upon the nape of his neck, skating lethargic, light circles while Ophelia faced Mara now. “Oh, it’s been a lovely evening, and we appreciate the opportunity tonight to attend. However, no, Altair, Nikolai, and I are quite content with our evening, thank you,” she purred in sensuous satisfaction – what a sycophant she was. What was said to Carrick by Teysa was beyond Ophelia’s range to hear, but if she had known, she’d have thrilled in her misery over the suffering Carrick would surely endure over such candid thoughts shared by Aegis Warden member to supervisor. Oh, Ophelia felt the moment of realization on Altair’s part when he saw *who* Carrick had attended the ball with that night. So it was, the night of chaotic woes and bad decisions intensified. Naturally, Ophelia had NOT informed Carrick of the deal she’d made with Altair >>

Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : yet, though she’d mislead the Pathfinder Captain into thinking she had already (she *would* in *time,* so it wasn’t an OUTRIGHT lie). Ophelia had been just as utterly stumped on how Carrick had managed to get Celest to attend with him as Altair was, so all parties involved in this dramatic disaster of star-crossed hearts were bewildered and seeking the least reasonable responses to it all. Ophelia couldn’t clear the vision of Carrick’s hands holding to Celest’s sinuous figure when they’d danced – palms pressed in places where they should have been upon Ophelia’s frame, and never anyone else’s! But she was a hypocrite and openly so. Tonight was the night of grand, heartbroken, bewildered hypocrisies, painting the truest picture of imperfect humanity perhaps to date in Immortalis. And true enough, how strange and horrid twists of fate could torque; for the only reason Altair was at all in attendance with Ophelia, was to meet his side >>

Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : of an agreement, to fulfill a truly noble task that he *needed* Vaskaris help with to achieve, for Celest’s sake. He was here with Ophelia, *for* Celest. Fate was a creative bitch, but Carrick could have told anyone that straightaway and gladly. With both couples bewildered and brokenhearted, the mention of salt in a wound as an offering from Altair, having seen Ophelia’s purpose toward Carrick after all, she easily acquiesced. “I love him to a point that it is an agony, Altair.” She confessed initially, knowing he’d caught on now. Though, leave it to Ophelia to not linger in a candid, openhearted moment for long. “So the offer of salt searing wounds is all the more enticing, let’s go,” she purred in what was easily discernable as a falsely saccharine enthusiasm. Though, before Altair and Ophelia amplified the night’s injuries, a servant approached, one of the girls selling the roses, and murmured to Altair that a woman bid an exorbitant >>

Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : amount on him and called him her Rabbit. What she didn’t catch, Altair repeated for her at her pressing expectation for an answer. The Vaskaris Dove called for this servant’s attention and spoke quietly to her, but ensured she was loud enough to keep Altair and Niko filled in on the true master social manipulator’s maneuvers that night on this chessboard of woes. First, she slid gold into the girl’s palm to grease it, as was a standard custom, and this was worth it. “Every time someone outbids me on Altair, you let me know so that I can raise my own to the winning position. Once I *have* won, I will double your earnings with another payment later for your good work. Should you fail to follow through, I will curse you and your entire family. I am the Ethereal Dove of the mage clan, House Vaskaris. So if you don’t believe me, or think you are protected, try me.” All of which was spoken in such a honeyed contralto, and with such an >>

Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : inviting expression, those beyond discernable range of her words might just see a friendly exchange. Ophelia had goals for the evening and her vengeance would expand to anyone who trifled with she or her wrath. So with the information about a bid being at 3000, Ophelia doubled it, and gave the servant girl an extra coin for herself for her troubles, and to better ensure she followed through. Though, Ophelia wasn’t such a successful sycophant if she didn’t have multiple strategies in mind in case the servant ran off and tattled on her or something else similarly foolish. You didn’t become such a renowned courtier and socialite by playing a single, honest plan, and Ophelia was so far from sainthood, she might even feign not to know what the word meant if asked. So, as others came by to greet and chitchat, anything spoken regarding the split-up couples flowed over Ophelia willingly – she might have been preening, >>

Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : examining her manicure, smiling vacuously, or whatever other ploy was necessary to gloss over touching on the topic of why Carrick was here with Celest, and Ophelia was here with Altair and Nikolai. ……..but she was distracted again when she saw Carrick take Celest into another dance, lifting her svelte figure up into the air in a high spin, her gorgeous gown trailing so beautifully in her wake – and Ophelia’s guts turned to lead. …….Carrick, cantankerous, wretched Carrick…. He practically never danced so devotedly with *her* when Ophelia dragged him to social events…. Thus, Ophelia suddenly reached and clasped at one of Altair’s hands. “We’re dancing. *Now.*” Where had the honey gone from her tone? Only buzz and bee stings remained now. Carrick dared look toward Altair and Ophelia then, and he’d find angry, watery eyes glaring misery back at him before she blinked her eyes closed, turning her face disgustedly away from him in a feline manner. >>


Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : Though, whenever Ophelia’s eyes met Celest’s, despite the raw fire in both women’s eyes in general now, there was some tempering at least, as if giving polite bow to one another in some unknown, esoteric communication. They’d still have to diffuse misconceptions of the night anyway, for emotions ran very high for them all now, but Ophelia was determined to minimize collateral damage to Celest as much as possible. Chloe of COURSE was suddenly heard giggling her shrill, ear-piercing laugh when she placed a bid on Carrick Vaskaris. Oh. My. God. What did she pay? Garrick had Celest bid, too?! She’d JUST overheard. Traitor!.......wait, to whom and to what? Ugh, okay, things were getting a bit out of hand. This dance needed to happen and it needed to happen fucking now. She wasn’t spending a dime of Carrick’s money on a bid for him, but she WAS going to run him dry if she had to on ensuring Altair remained with her for the evening. Whoever was calling him her rabbit sure as hell wasn’t >>

Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : Celest, and sure as hell wasn’t herself; she had goals to fulfill tonight, and Celest’s interests to, strangely, despite all the hurt of the night, safeguard. Celest was hurt enough tonight and Ophelia knew it and felt the weight of that guilt, like goddamn hell she was going to let Altair get bought off by yet another woman for Celest to witness. Ophelia might not seem like a great friend after tonight; she definitely showed a range of immortality that night, too. But she wasn’t going to allow Celest to suffer that sight. It almost became a greater determination than Ophelia’s own personal schemes of vengeance against Carrick. Altair and Celest were a story she actually wanted to see play out, once all was mended from tonight. The Vaskaris Dove was not going to watch some other admirer of Alair’s toss in that night to fuck that up. “Lovely to see you all, but we’re so eager to dance,” Ophelia spoke to anyone else who approached she and Altair. They had a fucking dance to get to! [d]



ΞSavalΞ : of the earth in their countenance.  But one she had marked long ago to carry a form that was tied to the earth itself and the cycles of nature.  That form leapt the wall into the gardens of the estate as easily as leaping a fallen log to land with a stately grace on the other side.  [ https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2jKEwZnvMlERzFyR0VUN3JRV1E/view?usp=sharing   ] Tall as a man at the shoulder the stag was white as snow and his antlers were as branches of the birch and his eyes held the light of the sun through new leaves. Where his hooves touched, wildflowers sprouted and grew to blossom in moments. He moved through the garden with a stately presence his path carrying him around the lake and toward the manse. His coat glowed with a silvery sheen in the moonlight, as he paused and dipped his head for a drink. -d-


Sir_Thrace_Daighan : :: Dragons, now that was interesting, and an odd place to keep them. Finishing his drink and replacing the pipe to his mouth, Thrace was starting to just enjoy listening to all of the facts about the grounds. It might not seem interesting to most, but he rather liked these details. Preferring not to have another drink, Thrace just asked for a cup of strong tea instead, something that ought to compliment the tobacco nicely. Taking a look around, enjoying the sights, the>>


Sir_Thrace_Daighan : >>> graying Bothan fished out his old metal tamper and tamped his pipe, letting Livia and Jedite talk. ::



LiviaDarkthar : Both of the men that she had spent most of the evening talking seemed to go quiet. " Oh it looks like that time. You both should go around and see somethings. It would be a shame for you both to just sit here and talk to an elf like me. There are many things to do here. " She would stand and shake off some of the dust as it were. Grabbing her bottle. " Thrace I have enjoyed talking to you. And Jedite." Turning to the man that had once been with her mother. " you sir you owe me a dance. " Doing her best Curtsy. " I will let you two men speaks Since I seem to bore you." -c-


LiviaDarkthar : it was in truth the fact that she needed to go and check on Mara. She had left her twin alone to much tonight. She could feel a little sadness coming from her. -d-


Jεδïŧε : He wrinkled his nose a little bit and did something out that was almost reflex for him, His tail curled around the woman's waist for a moment, " Alright" he actually agreed for once with out being stubborn about it. But he had a feeling she had something to do, " The next dance is ours" he motioned at the music that was still going -d-

Nikolai´ŁęMoŗŧę«Ŗл : The Shared yet risque dance between both Ophelia and Nikolai had been rather revealing to those watching when they finished it was clear some women in the ballroom were quite flustered from their performance as he chuckled to himself Dragging them within ear shot of Carrick was Nikolai's plan. "Well Meladeh Vaskaris that was a wonderful performance I might have to take you up on your offer to escort you home." Then he would bow and kiss her hand <C>

Nikolai´ŁęMoŗŧę«Ŗл : He was well versed at such tactics having toppled kingdom with less words and more sever actions but this night was just a fun time for him and if he could enrage Carrick to such a point that he was either try and kill Nikolai or something else. "Excuse me I'm quite thirsty so I think some punch might do me good" Moving toward teh punch before getting a glass and a plate of Cupcakes so he could feed them to Ophelia to further taunt Carrick.<C>


Nikolai´ŁęMoŗŧę«Ŗл : Yes in truth Nikolai did not know who Carrick was or Ophelia for that matter. All he knew was teh woman had required assistance in a matter his brother had taught him in young life, and thus agree'd to the terms for all fun for him.<E>


MaraDarkthar : She would weave her way thought the people. Trying to get out to where her cousin was. She would have shaken of the feeling of unwanted intrusion she had gotten from Ophelia. But it was no hard feelings. She had heard from some of the girls that were taking the bets, that there was a betting war between he group. Seemed some were lovers trying to get back at the other. And Mara had just come up at the wrong time. Wasnt her business nor did she care who was with who. Alls she cared about at this moment was if everyone was having a good time.There were many couples out on the lake, groups of people at the bars even ones around the fire. She would even see Livia leaving a group. That included Jedite of all people. She would make a mental note to ask what that was about later.-c-


MaraDarkthar : she would have been near one of the garden walls when a great stag would jump over it. Landing on a log. This would cause her to have a great scare. Jumping she would fall back and fall on her but. " Owww... really why am I so jumpy." Slowly getting to her feet, brushing off her pale pink and silver dress. -d-


Sir_Thrace_Daighan : :: Thrace was simply old, and he just wasn't energetic at this hour, so he wouldn't protest the departure of the other two, and it had appeared those he'd wished to speak with had also left, a hint that it was time for him to leave as well before he ended up falling asleep. Standing up and bowing to Livia with an apologetic smile, shaking his head as he straightened, "hardly madame! I am afraid old age and late nights do not mix. It has been an absolute pleasure to spend>>

Sir_Thrace_Daighan : >>> the hours with you this evening, and please do give your mother my regards," reaching out to take her hand if she'd let him, he would give it a gentle polite kiss before straightening and making his exit for the evening. ::

♥Ԑrɩƨ : || Eris had caught the name that fell from Garrick's lips as he'd looked about the room. Who was Livia? Why did it seem as if she should know that name? Of course, not one to start a scene via jealousy - since there was no better word that would describe it should she have said anything - Eris kept her mouth shut. Choosing instead to ask him about this individual later, whenever the air wasn't full of angst. As they'd approached Altair, Ophelia, and Niko, Eris had offered them all a warm smile and bid each a pleasant hello. "Lady Vaskaris. Uhm..." She'd paused to listen to Garrick speak to Niko. "Lord Le'Morte." Her smile turning apologetic as she gaze -way- up at the man she'd never met. Then her gaze had turned to Altair and she'd lifted a brow. "Altair." His name leaving her lips, not disrespectfully, but obviously askance. But they were soon to approach Carrick and Celest, giving Eris no real time to question why Altair was not with their favorite female +

♥Ԑrɩƨ : Vampire. "Lord Vaskaris." She returned to the Arch Mage, smiling her greeting. "It was a pleasure working with you on our recent endeavor out in the forest." She commented, referring to Gabrielle's resurrection. "Perhaps we'll have that chance again soon." While the men spoke with each other, Eris had turned to Celest with an even bigger smile and leaned in to lightly clasp the other woman's shoulders in a brief hug. "It's good to see you!" Moving closer to the woman, she lowered her voice. "We will have to get together again very soon. There is much to talk about!" And really, there was. Like the developing relationship between herself and Garrick. What she thought had been something going on between Altair and Celest. WHY Altair was here with Ophelia and Niko while Celest attended with Carrick. The list went on and on. Though, honestly, Eris was happy to be excused from everyone and bantering teasingly with her Vampire escort. "Priceless you say?" Her grin +

♥Ԑrɩƨ : hinting at some other comment she could make. Leaning a little more into his side, she turned back to counting her coin. "I have to place a number on you tonight, Garrick. Lest I loose a day to some other female." Was that the slight hint of jealousy in Eris' voice? Surely not! There'd been nothing to be jealous over. Yet. To the woman, Eris offered a smile and then plucked numbers out of the sky. "I'd like one hundred [100] roses on Garrick. And fifty [50] each on General Fallon and Altair Kiasco." The Lady with the basket nodded and took her name, placing her flowers as she'd called them. However, so that Eris did not forget by the end of the night, she lingered a little longer to make sure that the payment was dealt with. Once the Lady was gone, she turned to Garrick with a cheeky smile and reached to grip the lapels of his coat. "Now, General." She started to walk backwards, pulling him with her. Stopping at one point to use one hand to collect her skirts +

♥Ԑrɩƨ : so she wouldn't trip and fall like a moron. "You owe me a dance - or ten - to pay for those roses." ||

ΞSavalΞ : The stag turned as she spoke and in the moment between heartbeats its form blurred and shrank into the form of a man dressed in a kilt of deep green wool, and a tunic of white linen and his feet were bare. "Sorry bout that lass, I dinna see ya in the shadows of the wall." He said as he offered her a hand up. His voice carried the music of the Celts in its tones, and sure to be certain, he was a strapping man, perhaps early thirties by the glance at his features, tall and broad of shoulder, but leanly muscled after the manner of a man who had known hard work and been shaped by it. He was in truth far far older than he looked...teach him to snub a goddess over something as earthly as love. -d-

ΞSavalΞ : "I've been kept busy, I'm a member of the healer's guild, and all the ruckus in Old town has kept us rather busy...though I've heard they finally cleared those creatures out of the sewers." He said placing himself between her and the water, as if he sensed her anxiety. "Food and drink, aye that would be a fine thing...I've not eaten since breakfast...and that was a browsing of hemlock...leaves much to be desired for being filling." He said with a chuckle as he gestured toward the manse. "It was the music that caught my attention, and a sense that something beautiful has begun to blossom..." He smiled, the expression gentle and warm, well suited to his features. -d-

MaraDarkthar : taking the hand that was offered to her. " Thanks for that." still brushing her self off. She remembered Saval from when they helped a stranger. " Oh its you. I was wondeirng how you were. Havent seen you since the bar fight at the Hound." That had been many moons ago. A lot had gone on since then. Battles, more bar fights, people coming back to life. Those waystone things that they had gone out and placed. " So how have you been." That was an odd statement. " Oh ummm Valentiens day Ball. There is plenty of food and drink if you would like to come and have some." She would move away from the waters edge. Half afraid that she would slip and fall in. It would not be the first time that it would happen.-d-


ĠaȑȑiċkŁęMoŗŧę : Looking around Seems Livia had not heard him so he just went about his night with Eris on his arm of course she would no doubt have questions about him speaking another womans name in her presence and it would be a straightforward answer given , Then she placed her bid on him and his eyes shot open before being dragged toward the dance floor"Till next time Carrick "He waved before taking her right hand in his left and placing his right hand slightly above her rounded bottom with a smile as he leaned in and nibbled on her neck"I'm thinking of buying some Land and building a large manor, would it be too much to ask that when it is finished if you would come live with me Eris?"He said pulling her close so that only their clothes separated them <C>

ĠaȑȑiċkŁęMoŗŧę : "I would enjoy partaking in your presence more and more my dear Eris, seems you've unwittingly won my heart m'lady" He said as tips raked across her neck slowly while they danced like the ever so elegant couple they made, nothing to risque like teh show Ophelia and Niko had put on, hell if he had been human he probably would have been fanning himself after such a performance .<E>


DuräŋgoBläck : *He prayed that he wasn't too late as he worked on his tie and tried to get it finished. He finished buttoning up his vest as he ran to the Estate. He had promised Eve that he would be there, albeit late, but there none the less. Then again, his chores had gone over time by a long shot and thus the running which was a feet by itself on the snow. Of course he was quick to duck into the Estate as he cleared his throat and looked around curiously. Trying to find Eve as he had even pulled his hair back into a sort of messy ponytail that only accented his suit and made him into a discerning handsome man. Those almond eyes blinked as those silver hues scanned everyone as he whined. Was he too late? He could only grab up a drink and wait for her, to see if she was around. Oh damn.. If she wasn't around, he would have to find a way to make it up to her.. Perhaps he could find a way to use an establishment to provide a dance for her, for just them.* E

Tiberius_Black : :: Tiberius was running very late because it was snowing and he was a klutz and had gone through multiple changes of clothing before he finally made it safely to the ball. Not so unusually large that he could not find clothing, Tiberius had managed to find a midnight blue velvet coat and black breaches and black slippers for his feet. Fur neatly combed, he made it into the ball to find that he was very late indeed, but still picked himself up a glass of wine and stood by the dance >>>

Tiberius_Black : >>> floor to see if he could get a dance or two in before the night wore down. ::

/me These events were never ones he enjoyed. In part because they rarely went well for him, and in part because he had never gown to be a social creature, in regard to the various courts and nobles that flourished within the city. The wedding for Tyr and Amoriel had been perhaps the most enjoyable one to date, a friendly and welcoming event that he and Celest had attended together. They’d shared sweet words with one another, on their long trip to Neith. Enjoyed one another’s company in ways he hadn’t since Malhin, which had him remembering another event. Years, and years ago. A gala held for the heroes of the desert. Someone had managed to get the Bjarni whirlwind fitted in a pink dress. It had been the sight to end all sights. They’d even shared a single dance together, before (and I shit you not) a dragon swooped through a nearby local, and a call to arms had been made. So how was it, that he’d managed a dance <C>


/me With Malhin, a Bjarni of unparalleled viciousness, and brutality, but he was somehow forced to watch that scrawny, pallid mage spend his evening next to Celest? He knew, deep down that Carrick was not to blame for this. Even Ophelia was not to blame for this, despite her apparent desire for revenge. No, for his own particular parcel of misery he knew there was no one to blame but himself. He could have told Celest of his plans, informed her that he would be seeking Ophelia’s assistance, but no…no, he wanted to show-off, keep it a big secret until the reveal. Now he’d hurt someone he’d come to love. He could see it in the way she glared at him, defiant, but hurt in her own way. In the way that she hung close to Carrick, paying him the attention anyone lucky enough to escort her should earn. Celest was much like Ophelia, in this way. A socialite used to moving through circles such as these <c>



/me and used to putting on a front for those around them. The Pathfinder Captain wasn’t like that. The situation made him feel sick to his stomach, if he were being absolutely honest. Even as he’d suggested to Ophelia that she should dance, he knew that it was wrong. He was encouraging her to pursue a dangerous path. Love was such a brittle thing, prone to breaking over the simplest action. What had set the two Vaskaris mages down this self-destructive path? What hurt had been inflicted on Ophelia, that she sought the company of not just himself, but of Nikolai as well. It would be one thing for the Pathfinder Captain to be her only escort, but, he thought as those dark eyes of his watched the Dove, and the Vampire move across the dance floor, Niko was the prize of the evening. An apex specimen, as it were. <c>


/me Not just that, but Ophelia’s gleeful acceptance of Sleek’s idea as well. What act could prompt such a blatant display of revenge? Or was it more than revenge? Was Ophelia truly capable of hating Carrick, to the point of wanting to see him suffer needlessly? Or was she simply trying to return a piece of pain that he’d inflicted upon her? It was all conjecture, wasn’t it? He knew neither one well enough to know for sure. What he did know, was that his thoughts were not where they should be. He should be speaking with those around him, acknowledging those who came to speak with him. And indeed, he did, somewhat. It was all superficial though, a nod of his head there, a kind word here. No, his attention had settled on the two pairs moving across the dance floor. He had to admit, Carrick moved with a grace that belief his form. <c>


/me It was just a shame, that the figure he was dancing so gracefully with, was the one who held the wanderer’s heart so completely. It ached to watch, but turning his attention to Nikolai and Ophelia was of no help. Despite Ophelia’s lie of omission, he was worried for the poor woman. Even more so when she returned from the dance floor, only to fit herself so neatly against him. Say what you would of Ophelia, but even he had to admit that she knew how to act, to alight one’s heart. Yet he wasn’t one of those lucky ones, no, if he could lose himself so easily in another then he doubted Celest would be interested in him in the first place. Each fingertip that brushed along the back of his neck raised his hairs a little more, his body tensing in the slightest of manners. No, he wasn’t as skilled at this game as the Dove, or her Blackbird <c>


/me Or even his vampiric paramour, but he did know enough to keep up appearances. Ophelia wanted him closer, and so he did lean into her, seemingly as if it were her touch that brought him low. Even managing a shred of a smile at the kiss that had been pressed to his jawline. Garrick had chosen the moment to swoop by, offering words regarding the situation between the four, but there was something in the General’s tone of voice that earned him a glare for the wanderer. If he didn’t know any better, his vampiric friend had a hand in all this. Too many people, were playing with the heart’s of others this evening. It could not end well. It was Ophelia’s candidly spoken words that drew his mind to the present once more. An easily admitted love, for Carrick. More had changed than he was led to believe. His assumptions of their feelings years ago had been enough to instill visible panic in the woman. Yet here she was, the Dove confessing <c>

/me her love for that cantankerous mage. A love that ached, a love that wounded. Something as deep, as it was irreplaceable, for only the closest of loves could wound each other so. Which meant, that to precipitate the events of this evening, Carrick had to have done something catastrophically stupid. Still, he would bow his head to Ophelia’s wishes, offering his arm as he began to escort her to the dance floor. A casual glance offered to Eris, who was just departing with Garrick. Oh, it seemed she was less than impressed with him as well. It didn’t matter, not really. The end result would be the same, his will would see his actions through despite what others thought of him. A temporary distraction came in the form of that servant, approaching him with a message. Someone had placed a bid on him? When exactly had he gone up for auction? <c>


/me more to the point, who had done it? Those dark eyes scanned the room, curious as to who might have attempted such a thing. Not Celest of course, she’d sooner tear into him, than purchase his time. No, apparently it had come from…the word rabbit reached his ear, and for a second his blood ran cold. Then, he was angry. “Go away.” Rarely used venom was applied to his voice, seeping through those two words. It was a cruel trick, for someone to use that name. A name he found an annoyance, one that brought up unpleasant memories. He was responsible for that one, in his own way. A woman he’d brought misfortune to, though that was more his twisted sense of honour than anything. For someone to usurp her presence, when she’d so clearly vanished from the empire. Well, if he was of a clearer mind, and more focused then he would be incredibly angry. For now though, he would focus more on the Dove, and on two who lit up the dance floor once more with their moves <c>


/me There was no mistaking the chance in Ophelia’s stance, the loss of honey to her words. She was well and truly hurt in that moment. The wanderer could only sigh, as the Vaskaris mage quickly, and skillfully disengaged them from further conversation. Once they reached the dance floor, he attempted to bring his focus back to Ophelia. One hand grasping hers, while his other hovered lightly above the side of her waist. No, their shared dance would not be one two wild animals on the floor, each move eliciting carnal delight, and a deep sense of shame from their onlookers. Instead, he would guide Ophelia through a much more proper step. Showing off a skill he rarely got to employ, one of dance. Leading her in such a subtle way, that to all onlookers it seemed as if he were constantly chasing her. Their graceful movements alighting the dance floor, the Dove flitting to and fro, seemingly so easily within reach, yet forward one step ahead. <c>


/me the hand he left at her side never made contact. Not even for one second did he capture her motion, no, his hand was meant to frame her figure, not to guide her. To show his desire to capture her, yet his inability to do so. This Dove was far too much the beauty, to be captured by someone as plain as himself. This is what their dance showed, a hapless chase, yet one he felt compelled to engage in. It was only when their dance was over, that he dipped his head down, almost looking as if he were to whisper sweet nothing’s into her ear. Pointedly standing in such a way as to avoid the looks of both Carrick, and Celest. “I don’t know what happened between you two, but…forgive him.” These words were offered in the softest of whispers, his voice strangely breaking in that moment. Love was such a rare thing, such a fickle thing. It was something he thought he’d lost <c>


/me something he was only too happy to find again, even though he was now putting it at risk. He didn’t want to see those two suffer the same fate, love forever lost. He didn’t have the heart to witness that. Nor, did he have the heart to continue in these painful games. “That was a lovely dance Ophelia, you are as graceful as you are beautiful.” He offered her yet another smile as he righted his stance. Her hand, which was still caught in his own was brought to his lips. Mirroring the kiss that Carrick had offered Celest earlier. He then released her from his grip and turned to walk into the crowd. He needed to be alone, for a minute. Regain his composure…and then, well he still had a promise to keep right? Even if it was tearing him apart inside. <d>

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : Beyond the conversation taking place with Teysa, Garrick, and Eris … those studious, celadon eyes of the mage fell upon the mysterious muscled-up stranger who his paramour who was adhering to rather, um, closely? Twitch. Twitch. TWITCH! Jealousy was an ineffable emotion for him right now – he couldn’t exactly phrase as to how he was feeling. Hurt? Yeah, definitely hurt. Torn? Yeah, definitely torn. Did he want to cut someone? Oh yes, yes, he did. Nothing was worse than a woman’s scorn for her former lover and this had Ophelia’s way of doing things all over it. The carnality happening between she and this unknown gentleman instilled an ugly seed of loathing for this particular individual. Mainly because, they were [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : ENJOYING grinding up so sensually against his cousin whilst they remained in close contact with one another. He wouldn’t go to such lengths in touching Celest though. While reprisal was on his mind; the evoker did not let his wound fester anymore than it had been because … well … he’d been the one to create the wound in the first place. The only way he knew the Ethereal Dove had coin was because he and she shared an account. He never revoked her from his earnings as his coin was her coin but now she was using it in his fucking name to bid on these men around her. He felt another stab to his heart. Yeah, he felt [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : the backlash of his former actions in that affair with Adrasteia Nergal all right. She’d only been one soul he entangled with but … here his kin was pulling in as many men as she could… …he knew she wouldn’t sleep with Altair. It just wasn’t in her character to lie with another that was claimed [calling the kettle black, Carrick – you did it, she wouldn’t though.] But the way she and that oiled up gentleman [Niko] nestled up close to one another made him feel sick. If the cinnamon sycophant had been aiming to damage the prideful, chafed specter; she had been successful in her endeavors this evening. He wouldn’t stop the bidding war, but he knew his coin [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : was suffering MAJORLY because of it. This had turned from an evening filled with jealousy with the aberrant mage to a pure feeling of dejection and while he hid it well – Celest could see the hurt in his eyes. Although, she did not comment openly upon it Instead, she looped her arm with the highborn currently escorting her this eve. Looking at the vampire from the corner of his peripheral, the pallid mage’s jaw tightened but there was thankful seen in his vivified optics. That emotion didn’t last for long, especially NOW upon seeing not only this dark stranger clinging to Ophelia’s side … … but Altair also as well. He willingly let himself be drawn in towards the sensuous white dove’s proximity; [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : whereupon she laid a kiss to his wilting frame. That stung Celest but because of Ophelia’s approach to her, she knew that she was only putting on a show. STILL, it hurt. There weren’t enough drinks to drown out the hurt and indignation both Carrick and Celest felt and so, silence was their company now as their gazes cast to the attending partygoers. Thoughts once again circulated in the scholar’s mind. Maybe if he just stuck his head into the punch bowl he’d pass out right then and there? Or… OR… maybe – he could ask the vampire beside him to knock him the fuck out because he just couldn’t take watching this debacle anymore [neither could Celest, honestly.] Urgh, the sisters of fate did not favor him tonight. Still, he remained in his place and did not waver, reaffirming his grasp upon the [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : redhead’s slender arm which had formerly looped with his. “Just fucking kill me.” The Wraith managed to finally murmur behind the goblet he drank from. He wasn’t sure how many cups he was into now … … he had stopped counting, just as Celest had. This was not a night of love – this was a night of broken hearts and revenge … vengeance turning into a repugnant and vapid display more like it [but Carrick nor Celest were helping in the matter either as the pair of them had danced rather closely earlier.] This all had turned into a crappy night thus far and the threads of Altair, Ophelia, Carrick, and Celest had been wound up so much that nothing [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : was discernable between the pairs. They thought they all knew each other and how their paramours worked. Wrong. When hurt and jealousy came together, they were the WORST kind of fiends. And certainly, both hurt and jealousy had done their job to everyone’s hearts that evening to all residing parties. Lines were crossed, promises were broken … the mage would let Ophelia and Altair ponder all they desired about how he and Celest came here but such was to be in secret and would remain so. However, what also disabled the mage’s defenses was how scraped in spirit Celest appeared. He admired her for the show she put on in front of her sweetheart while his attentions were on another and Carrick went off on [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : this example of hers. Though, everyone had their breaking point and as she let out a tremulous breath, he saw her shakily reach for her fan to hide her face. Reaching out, the specter steadied her wrist and he splayed his hands over hers aiding her in spreading out her crimson item for her. A gentle ‘thank you’ was said and she fanned herself whilst sipping at her elixir. What the fuck was Ophelia planning? The Wraith of House Vaskaris had never truly memorized the steps of his kin for she had always been a step ahead of him. How many people had she bid on now? He couldn’t count [let alone even think for that matter … wine was [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : good at least.] Urgh, he felt sick – he felt his stomach churning at the sight of all those men accompanying his dear heart. “I … love… *hiccup*… that woman.” He said aloud with a drunken, slurring voice as he spoke to Celest. “I want to marry her but … we… can’t marry. Because I’m a piece of… shiiiiiit…” The male wasn’t about to go spouting off the reason WHY he was a piece of shit, but he was getting close to it as his inebriation reached its culmination for the evening. And thus, Celest did him a favor this time and asked for a nearby servant not to serve Lord Vaskaris anymore wine. It seemed that dancing was out of [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : the question now as Carrick had waltzed himself into a stupor with wine and Celest [while a vampire and hardly prone to becoming drunk] was just feeling too wrathful to dance as she glanced towards Ophelia and Altair … … who were now … getting ready to dance as the archmage and she had earlier. What pushed the evoker towards a moment of clarity then was seeing the glimmer of tears in those raw sienna eyes of his paramour. “…fuuuck..” He let out an exasperated sigh and came to pinch the bridge of his nose – just then ears harkened to the shrill giggle of Chloe. NOOOOOOOO! Instant dread welled up inside of him. Kill me. Kill me now. Please. He [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : thought this briefly and what broke his current cogitations was when he heard the poised woman’s voice [Celest] overriding her superior’s and claiming that ten thousand upon the Archmage of Winter’s head – Carrick felt like he could just sink right then and there into the dancefloor. Here he thought a bidding war was about to happen with Celest and Ophelia [thank the fates that it didn’t happen] but what instead occurred was a giggling Chloe and vengeful filled Celest whose once diluted spirits were brought back to life to outbid this frilly pink bitch -- -- never mind, they were once again floored when she heard someone bidding upon Altair. She didn’t have enough currency to outbid the current bid, [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : but she would remain rather vehement on seeing that Carrick’s … queer… obsessive … fangirl… er…?? – was indeed outbid this evening. The crotchety aristocrat even encouraged and told her he’d add to the totaling amount because he DIDN’T want to be with the giggling noble whose laughter caused his ears to BLEED and eyes to go blind from the gaudy, frilly pink outfits she wore …. … speaking of bleeding ears … … did he just fucking hear that right? Nikolai was going to take the Ethereal Dove home? This was the LAST stab to his already aching heart and while he concealed such; he spoke with sudden rancor towards Ophelia and Nikolai then, his words hardly coherent due to [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : his swelled-up tongue [but he endeavored … sort of.] “Like… *hiccup*… she’d go home with a punk li… *hiccup*…ke you. Fuck off.” There was bitterness in his tone and his lower lip trembled. Yet, he continued to think better of his wench; he knew she was better than the current display she was stabbing him with … … but then again … when a person was heartbroken and shred to so many tiny pieces – who knew what the fuck they were capable of? Feeling a light tug upon his robes, Carrick snapped out of his ire and looked over his shoulder at Celest. She had placed him on his feet again but the chagrin welling up inside of [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : him was pushing the male to his final limit, as well as the vampire accompanying him. Oh. My. God. That Nikolai Lemorte was feeding her cupcakes now?! He couldn’t, he just couldn’t deal with this anymore. He felt that he might do and or say something again that would trigger a very unpleasant event and he did not want to ruin the host and hostess’s party. Instead, as he was offered some cupcakes, he bellowed outwardly in a drunken voice, “I DON’T WANT YOUR FUCKING CUPCAKES!!” And ended up slapping away the servant’s tray so that multiple cupcakes flew into the air hitting several passing attendants and nobles in passing. Oh shit. Reaching out towards Carrick once again, Celest grabbed [c]

 Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : at his arm – ow, ow, OW! THE BRUISED ARM! MAGE DOWN! MAAAGE. FUCKING. DOWN!! Urrrrgh, she clenched it so tightly, her eyes boring down into the mage. A low growl emitted from the mage but he back away, apologizing then. He was going to go insane. Ophelia was his obsession. His drug. His love. His soulmate. Seeing her receive the attentions of another so intimately and then the dancing, and then the touching … touching places he had touched – it … fucking … HURT. As he took Celest’s pale hand into his own, he gave one last glance towards his paramour with the most injured of countenances and made off into the cold night. The Lady DellaCourt was said to [c]


Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : have parted on good terms with the Lord Vaskaris that night [even outbidding Chloe] but she too, was beyond hurt at the sight of Ophelia and Altair dancing. Though, despite how cross she was with her sweetheart, she chose to stay behind with some old friends while the ghostly apparition himself trudged out into the chilly starlit eve to slap away his sloshed state, the orchestra fading behind him in his retreat. Crystallized breaths drifted past the pale lips of Carrick and slowly, he pressed a gloved hand over his facet; sinking deeper into the shadows of the columns just outside of the estate. The mage was never one to regret what he did but as his hot teared up [c]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : eyes looked to the blurring scintillations above – he did now and he truly felt remorseful for hurting his one and only love in this wretched life of his. Even men like him had their breaking points. Frustration welled up inside the cursed male at his current state and he shakily pushed away his regret. … he’d done all of this … he was responsible for ALL of this and so, responsibility he would take for those culpabilities against his kin. First step … … leave her alone but watch her from a distance; ensure her safety. You live because she lives. You breathe because she breathes. And so, from that detached range in the entrance of the ballroom, he’d observe the Ethereal Dove as he always had; once more becoming that shadow of obscurity as he had done in their youth. [e]

Cαяяιcк·Vαskαяis : Mercurial and erratic, that's how the pair of Vaskaris cousins had always been ...it was their way. But push away the curtain of hurt -- one could see they truly did love one another. [e]**


MaraDarkthar : She would smile back at him. Tucking an errant piece of hair back behind her ear. " Yes we have enchanted instruments for the event. That way more people can enjoy the music longer. Seemed to be fitting. And we have boat rides for couples there. There are performers outside, and food and bars. Inside there is the dance floor. And sitting rooms, a dinning area. Oh an done of my favorites. The Cake room. Is full of cakes and candies for the kids." She was rambling. She had a habit of doing that when she was nervous. But it could not be helped. She had been at this even for weeks. And now that it was here. She would watch all the other happy couples. She her self was alone here this eve. But that didnt bother her.-d-

DuräŋgoBläck : *He wasn't seeing Eve around anywhere as he seemed to whine sadly before he downed that cup of whiskey. He set it off to the side somewhere before he would wander around but there was one being there that stood out amongst the red. A large beast of gray and wolfish features. A beast that reminded him very much of Tempestas as he smiled and walked over to Tiberius. Slowly he reached out and would place his hand upon Tiberius's arm as he would chuckle.* "Pleasure to see you here, Son.. Would you dance with me?.. I seem to be short a date this evening" *He whispered softly before leaning into Tiberius for a moment before stepping back to look back up at Tiberius.* "Dance with me since your father is not here." *He nuzzled up against Tiberius a little more, looking quite saddened.* E


ΞSavalΞ : "Quite the well planned party, to pay homage to rites and deities of very ancient mold." He said as he strode at her side, his hands folded behind his back. As they neared one of the bars that held food and drink he plucked up two glases of punch and passed a hand over them as he murmured in an ancient tongue..."Deoraigh an mháthair, torthaí an fhionna, beannacht." (Tears of the mother, fruit of the vine, be mingled in blessing.) The punch shimmered and darkened in color to a burgundy so dark it looked black. He offered one glass to Mara..."To your health and happiness, may both grow in abundance with the new year." Yes, it did sound like something of a benediction, but considering one could see, through the thin linen the dark markings of woad upon his chest and arms. -d-



Ɇṿⱻ-Bl**d She had been in the garden taking little drinks of her rum and coke. She looked around a moment before looking at the little group she was with and said " parden me i gotta go look and see if Rango is here yet" With that she would slip off the barstool and back into the ball room. Looking around a moment before spotting Rango. She would walk up to him smile " Finally made it Rango" As she walked up he would be able to see the jewels he gave her sparkling around her {c}

Ɇṿⱻ-Bl**d neck and on her ears. As well as the promise ring he gave her. {d}


MaraDarkthar : She would have walked with Saval to one of the bars. The enchantments on the estate were still keeping the cold away. She was glad to see that. It was something new that they were trying out. She would have to remember the spells so that they could be used again. The man would take a glass of punch and had it to. Blessing it in the same old common tongue that was spoken by both their people. "Deoraigh an mháthair, torthaí an fhionna, beannacht." She would repeat. He would toast to her Health and well being. " And to you as well sir." As they would sip on their punch, one of the women that was helping with the betting would come up to Mara. " Yes we have had more bets placed." Giving Mara a new sheet with tally's on them. -d-

DuräŋgoBläck : *He had let Tiberius make his way off into the crowd and where else from that! Of course he grabbed up a glass of wine when it went passed him as he sipped upon it and then Eve was there, In all her red and sparkling diamond, ruby mix. Those pale lips of his smiled as he wrapped an arm around her as he would slowly walk her towards the dance floor.* "Yes.. I made it. I told you that I would and here I am.. Would you have this dance with me, Love?" *He would set that glass down on a passing servant with a tray as he held a hand out to Eve for her to take. He waited for her to take it, he had something to do tonight. A sort of curiousity considering all that he had told her lately and how crazy his family was. But, damned it all.. he was going to question her later.* E


Àĸı : Somehow, it was less painful to watch the Moon Child, and her beloved spend their evening in the quiet bliss that was each other. Unsettling of course when you considered that Aki had known Shaughnessy in all her quirks for long enough to honestly be one of those who had considered her to be a loveless flop like him. Or Like he had been? It was truly hard to come to an actual stable thought when it concerned the changing perceptions he had of the world as of late. In all honesty he considered that Giselle would be his life partner, and that he'd either have to woo the booer, or come to terms with her hatred. Luckily he had to do neither. But despite that the Chevalier was there at the Ball, and had been the entire time. Casting side long glances at Mara whenever the opportunity presented itself. Feeling that unfamiliar ache of wanting to be with someone, and yet not being able to do so. He trusted that she knew his position came first. That his loyalty to the Deathstalker +

Àĸı : family, and Shaughnessy would not change no matter how his heart may have. Tonight, the Royal Sentinel was not dressed in his 'best uniform' nor was he armored. Armed, of course the sword at his hip however was merely a functionale weapon, and adorned him nicely. Beyond this of course he was appearing very much in the winter fashion of fine clothing afforded by those of noble heritage. " And to be frank, it was not something stolen from Iskandar's vestments' It was less stuffy then the suit Shaughnessy had picked for him the last time he was forced to attend one of these stuffed shirt events. Color wise he chose a deep dark purple, near midnight sky, and adorned this with a lavender band about his right arm, and a matching this to a lavender colored gemstone on either cufflink, and of course upon the wrapped ascot about his neck. which was simple and black. He wore one of those fine silk tunics, that had the flaired wrists, pushed beyond the sleeves of his coat, which he +


Àĸı : adjusted several times through the night attempting to appear the role. 'See Aki could dress himself contrary to popular belief.' The Night, had grown quiet, and a soft hand came to his shoulder. " My Lady " he offered in the usual reverence and compassion that could only be brought forth from a select few. The Lady Shaughnessy, with her usual mirth, would release him for the evening, providing encouragement to 'enjoy' himself amid the nights events. No doubt having noticed the way he found himself torn between watching them, and searching the crowd. " Thank you " He bowed his head respectfully and turned himself away from the pair, and made way from the dance floor to seek out his own special someone. Even dead, he could feel anxious, and somewhat nervous. Mara, and Aki had been at best a private pair, Of course he had in his own way felt that privacy was something she deserved. 'despite being informed his neck would be snapped should he hurt +


Àĸı : her.' Thus it was it was with a somewhat apprehensive approach he took these next few moments. A Vampire, could find its prey in a crowded room by the sound of their heart beat, and Cael memorized hers. It was soothing in so many ways that he'd yet to find the right words to describe. which hastened his steps toward her, subtle movements used to avoid shoulders, and bodies until he came toward the bar she was adjacent to, and for a moment he fumbled with his person, as if in this moment he could fix his flawlessness anymore 'and of course this not being said that Aki was in any state of perfection, but the constant worry of being out of sorts, or improper had created quite the monster of a perfectionist' Then a step forward, hands coming behind his form in a proper stance as he stood behind, Mara and most likely before the male currently engaging in oral intercourse with what smelled like a meat pie. " Pardon the interruption " he said softly " Lady Darkthur, I by chance have+


Àĸı : found myself free of my duties for the evening. " He paused and cleared his throat " If it is not an imposition, may I request some of your time this evening? " -end-

ΞSavalΞ : He drank with her and smiled, and listened as the servant brought a new tally sheet for the ongoing bets..."That's an old tradition, to auction off the eligible bachelors, often the money went to charity of some sort." He said with a chuckle, as he plucked up a meat pie and bit into it savoring it..."By gaia's bulbous buttocks...that is good pie..." Never said he had the best etiqette, or table manners. To be honest in many ways, he was rather barbaric...but that was offset by his personality, at least on his good days. -d-


LiviaDarkthar : It was now her turn to wonder about and check on guests. Mara had done it for far to long this night. Livia felt guilty for putting all the burden on her sister. Erland was in the middle of asking the woman he loved to marry him. And the others were either called away, or had something happen. She had made a mental note to talk to all of them about it later. They were a family damnit, and if she had to be nice so did they. Many things had happened that night. As she has said Erland was asking Bern to marry him. Another couple had become engaged. Jedite had asked Livia if he could call upon her again. And that was strange in and of its self. But at this point in time she just went with it.-c-


LiviaDarkthar : She would go over and speak to a few guests. Stopping at Garrick to speak. " Sorry I did not hear you say hello earlier. Yes it is me. And I will explain later." That was going to be an interesting conversation to have with her sire. ' I bit a guy and it made me change forms.' But there was so much more to it than that. After speaking to a few others. Making sure they had all of their drinks and food. " I hope you all are having a lovely time." People that knew her or the old her would even ask. " Are you part of the family?" She would smile and tell them yes. But leave it at that. It was when she saw Altair walk off all upset. She thought it was time. -c-


LiviaDarkthar : setting her self on the path. Livia would grab a bottle of whiskey from the bar and two glasses. She would silently make her way over to the pathfinder. Where he was alone and looked like he was in pain. She would hope it was not because of the bet that she had made on him. Even though they had what was a fucked up past. She did feel sorry when she was at fault. And hated to see her one time friend in pain. " Here you look like you could use a drink." Offering him a glass as she would start open the bottle.-d-


Ɇṿⱻ-Bl**d She would lay her hand in his and allow him to lead her onto the dance floor. " Of course you can have this dance..... I have been waiting on you Rango" She would wait to tell him 2 people were wanting to meet him. One being her very good Livia and the other being Sir Thrace. She was smiling as she reached out to touch his cheek with her fingerstips. {d}


DuräŋgoBläck : *He smiled since Eve took his hand as he led her out onto the dance floor.* "Just follow me love.. Let's waltz" *He whispered to her as he did his best to dance with her.* "Let me ask.. are you scared off by my family?.. the fact that there are two male lovers in my life and children that call me mother" *He inquired curiously as he took in a deep breath and slowly let it out. His ponytail moving around, his suit nearly matching her dress as he smiled happily.* "Eve.. I love you, you know that right?" *E


Ɇṿⱻ-Bl**d She would smile following his lead in the dance. She would stop dancing and look up at him a moment before answering him. " It does not scare me Rango..... Though i haven't meet your male lover as of yet..... As for your children calling you mother is something I don't understand completely. " She would reach up and cup his cheek gently. As she spoke once more in a very soft voice. " Of course I know you love me . As I do you Rango" {d}

♥Ԑrɩƨ : || Being led out onto the dance floor - by a turn of step on Garrick's part - Eris smiled and stepped in close to him. Letting the world around them drop away, she lifted her left hand to slip along his shoulder. Her fingers brushing along the side and back of his neck as they turned about the dance floor. Having, technically, been brought up as a Lady, and with Garrick being a good a leader as he was, the pair floated around the dance floor as if they'd been dancing together for ages. Which was totally not the case. This was perhaps their second or third time to do so. While Garrick hung his head the distance that separated his lips from her neck, Eris tilted her head slightly, savoring the feel of his lips brushing against her skin as he spoke. "A Manor sounds nice," She commented, middle of his sentence. That was before he'd finished speaking, however. Move in with him? Eris miss-stepped slightly. If it weren't for the fact that he'd pulled her in close to him, +

♥Ԑrɩƨ : Eris might have stumbled. How did she answer that? But Garrick was moving on to his next statement, momentarily saving her from having to answer. "So you yield?" She teased him lightly, whispering, feeling the scrape of his fangs against her neck. Another question that she had not answered for him to date. Garrick seemed to have developed a penchant for asking her to take large steps in quick succession. First the request for intimacy. For permission to bite her. And now for her to move in with him? It would appear that Eris needed to consider a lot. And quickly. ||




MaraDarkthar : As she was going through the stack of papers, " Aye it was an idea a friend gave me. An not all of them are single." She would reach out and set her glass on the bars surface. " Eat all you want there is plenty. What ever is left and not taken home with guests. We are donating it along with all the money to the Temple of Sophia." She had always enjoyed the company of Saval. They were from the same type of clans, and the fact that they both had healing arts among other tricks. She knew she could call upon him to help with a problem. But even as she was reading the papers,s he could feel him there. It was like a pull, an electrical charge between them. And no she was not talking about Saval. She knew when Aki was around now for some reason. -c-


MaraDarkthar : When he called her name, she would spin into his direction. The pale pink dress spinning around her. " Aki..." she was a little caught off guard. One of the girls had told her that he was here. But Mara would not go up to speak to him because he was working. She was not one to get in his way. They had kept what they were quiet to most in the realm. Except for her sister Lorna that was a pain in the ass to him that night. She had the feeling that he didnt want others to know yet that he was with someone. But it mattered not to her either way. She would reach out like always, and place her hand on his cheek. Letting the warmth gather there on her palm. Realizing then that they were not alone. She would pull back quickly. " Umm yes I am free. I mean I was just making sure Saval here got food... other than that I am free. Well you know.." She was rambling again. Taking a deep breath before going on. -c-
MaraDarkthar : " Yes I would like that." A faint smile on her face starting to show.-d-



Bєrηα∂єттє∵Pαrkєr : :: Bernadette had turned toward Erland, oblivious of the magnitude of question he actually had for her, and that naivete showed in her easier body language. That is, until he started speaking so seriously and tenderly, reminding them both of their time together, his professed love of her from the first moment he’d seen her, and revisited nuances of their relationship. Spoke of never wishing to be apart from her. Then… a heavy pause, as she saw even in his face a hesitant anxiety, which of course made Bernadette begin to panic. He let go of her hands, …. Retrieved a small box from his pocket…. Got to one knee…. – and Bernadette lost her hold of the shawl she’d kept pinned around herself by her elbows to hide just how revealing the confection of a dress Durango had masterfully designed for her. That hideous, orange shawl slid down her back with a quiet hiss of fabric, and pooled forgotten on the ground. Meanwhile, Bernadette stared >>

Bєrηα∂єттє∵Pαrkєr : as though she’d perhaps lost her mind and was trying to find it again through the question that Erland had posed: would Bernadette do him the honor of being his …. His wife? Erland was always far more sure about what he wanted or wanted to do, while Bernadette was always lost in a mire of questions and uncertainties and insecurities. She didn’t have the decisiveness of a warrior, nor the experience of even common city dwellers who were accustomed to so many variables at any given time. She simply stared, azureous eyes seeming lost, even while fixated to his clear blue gaze. “…Wh-wha…---” she began to stammer, but she knew exactly what he’d asked; it’d just been a reaction of shock to attempt to ask anyway. An audience might have gathered, but she was oblivious to them, she only saw Erland, and … now the beautiful ring he’d chosen, in the hue of her favorite color & flowers no less: lavender. She felt her knees lose >>



Bєrηα∂єттє∵Pαrkєr : steadiness. She felt a rise of unspeakable joy, terror, honor, and unworthiness blend in such a cloying mix that she felt dizzy with its headiness and weight. She didn’t realize when she’d taken a half step forward to brace one hand upon one of Erland’s shoulders where he knelt, proposing to her, so she could steady herself. “………….me…?” She squeaked, hardly audible. Of course he meant her, he’d not have asked if he hadn’t meant her – she just was baffled and overwhelmed. “I—we….—y-you should… find someone b…b-better de……deserving…..of you I-I mean, Erland. …y-you’re…..- and then I-I-I’m…. me….” Meaning, if she were remotely cogent enough to respond properly and clearly, she’d have meant to relay that he was from a loftier world, deserving of some fine, heroic maiden, legendary in skill and beauty to suit him. ….and she was just some nobody gardener from some country province. They’d professed love of one another, but even with that, she felt shamefully selfish to a >>

Bєrηα∂єттє∵Pαrkєr : steadiness. She felt a rise of unspeakable joy, terror, honor, and unworthiness blend in such a cloying mix that she felt dizzy with its headiness and weight. She didn’t realize when she’d taken a half step forward to brace one hand upon one of Erland’s shoulders where he knelt, proposing to her, so she could steady herself. “………….me…?” She squeaked, hardly audible. Of course he meant her, he’d not have asked if he hadn’t meant her – she just was baffled and overwhelmed. “I—we….—y-you should… find someone b…b-better de……deserving…..of you I-I mean, Erland. …y-you’re…..- and then I-I-I’m…. me….” Meaning, if she were remotely cogent enough to respond properly and clearly, she’d have meant to relay that he was from a loftier world, deserving of some fine, heroic maiden, legendary in skill and beauty to suit him. ….and she was just some nobody gardener from some country province. They’d professed love of one another, but even with that, she felt shamefully selfish to a >>


ΞSavalΞ : He smiled, "I can find my way about Mara..." He said gently as he offered Aki a respectful nod..."By all means go." He continued before he took another pie and wandered off into the garden, adjusting the length of tartan from his kilt where it lay over his left shoulder. He carried the short stone blade nestled in a sheath strapped to his leg, and at his side hung the satchel that carried the tools of his trade. That there was something between the pair he could feel, and the tension that circumstance laid upon them. He felt this because he had suffered through such a relationship, desiring a woman who could not be seen with him, due to her duties. Such secrecy could eat at one's soul. -d-


DuräŋgoBläck : *That had against his cheek made him blush a little as he danced with her. Leading her in a waltz as he took in a deep breath.* "You will meet Harland in time.. I keep him for last because he is the man who has capture me after 300 years.. if you see scars on my knees, that is because of him." *He smiled softly before he would stop their dancing and move down on to on knee.* "I love you Eve Blood.. More then any god could imagine.. more then Sophia could manage.." *He took in another breath before letting it out.* "You know of my life.. my crazy life.. Would you grace me with being my wife?.. my female lover that steals my heart from others?" *He inquired curious as he produced a black velvet box that he opened and produced a heart shaped ring.* "You have no idea how much you complete my life.. Will you become Mrs. Black?" *He inquired curiously.* E



ErlandErikson : He knew that she would be shocked by his question. Then she would start to flounder and say that he deserved someone else. " I dont want anyone else. I want you and you alone. And nothing was going to change that." He was a man that knew what he wanted from the start. He never regretted a choice that he made. For it was them that made him who he was. He was viking through and through. He lived by what his heart told him was the right thing to do. And from the moment he had seen her, since he bought her that scarf. He knew it was leading him to her. -c-



ErlandErikson : So when she had said yes he was on his feet in a second. Going to hug her and kiss her and know that all was right with them and the world. But then she said no we cant. And that is the day that the world stopped for him. He had never really thought that she would say no. That she would turn him down. After everything that had gone on between them, after everything that had said to one another, that they had meant to each other. His whole world shattered with a simple word. No. It would be as if all those tiny shards that his world had broken into, were now cutting into his heart. Shredding it from the inside out. -c-


ErlandErikson : As she would through herself around his shoulders. Crying and half out of it. He would stand there holding her frozen. His body sort of locked up. While his mind was going in 15 directions at once. He was now doubting everything that was said, every kiss, ever moment that had been shared between the two of them. Behind her back he would close the ring box. The sound of it snapping closed was like the final word on the subject. " Yes Miss Bernadette. I ..... I Understand...... I think..." He really didnt know what to say. It was so confusing to say the least. After he would place the ring back in his pocket. The man that now had Bern in his arms was different than the man that had asked her to marry him. This one was a little colder. A little more reserved. " Let us get you back to your room shall we." He woulds tart to walk away with her. Looking over his shoulder to shake his head at Mara and Livia. -c-


ErlandErikson : Taking her back into the estate both of them dazed in their own way. " I will make sure you are taken back to your place at old town tomorrow if that is what you wish Miss Bernadette." He didnt want her to go really. He was just hurt and didnt know how to handle it. Letting her be in her own room. He would leave her alone with her thoughts, and he would return to his own quarters for the night. -d-


Ɇṿⱻ-Bl**d She couldn't believe what he was asking her. But she looked down at him on one knee and kneel in front of him. Reaching out she would touch his cheek once more as she whispered in a soft voice " Yes Rango I will marry you and become Mrs. Black." As the words left her lips a trail of red would run down her cheeks. They were happy tears this time. {d}



Àĸı : Was it that he didn't want people to know? No, it had little to do with that, more that Akihiko had no honest clue as to how he was supposed to go about these things! Cael who was never married, never really courted anyone. He wasn't sure if he was to tell the world, or spend time ensuring that she was safe and protected. But at the site of her lovely eyes, the feel of her hand to his cheek, and the fluttering of butterflies in his stomach. He was all the more excited to see her. His hand raised upward, and captured her own, pressing it to his cheek. His eyes closed and his head turned to place a kiss tenderly to her palm " I quite...Like it when you ramble Mara " he said softly " It reminds me I'm not the only one whose a fledgeling on these wings " he turned his eyes upward to Saval and offered a nod of his head " I apologies, for interrupting of course ,and do enjoy your nourishment. " He chuckled some and turned his attentions towards the blonde necromancer with a soft +

Àĸı : smile. " I'm glad however, that you're free now " he let his fingers coil with her own. Before he shifted his glance toward the rest of the Gala. " I'm not good at these things Mara, so umm..." he cleared his throat somewhat and motioned with a casual nod of his head towards the dance floor " So why don't, we start there tonight and then maybe later on you and I could find a more private place to spend some time together?" he offered with a small smile. -end-

DuräŋgoBläck : *He would reach up with both of his hands, thumbs wiping away those bloody tears as he smiled happily.* "You don't know how happy you have made me, Eve Blood" *That tenor voice whispered t her as he would pull her into a deepened kiss of love.* "I love you Eve blood.. You have no idea" *That voice whispered as he closed those almond eyes and leaned against her before he would pull her back up to her feet, placing that heart shaped diamond ring onto her left hand finger and pulling her into another waltz.* "You have no idea how happy you have made me Eve" *E

ΞSavalΞ : He witnessed the downfall of the gardener, and the way the man rose to catch her and shift her into a carry after slipping something into a pocket...There was a great deal of pain and confusion around the young man, and from the gardener, even in her stupor...there was a mix of shock and elation, He followed the young man, not too closely mind you and as he passed through the shadow of a tree he forsook the guise of the clansman, emerging from the shadow clad in robes of green wool, decorated with the great tree of life and the sigils of the earth mother. His left had grasped a staff of living wood, whose roots gripped an orb that glowed with a soft green radiance. Still his feet were bare and the satchel hung at his side. His purpose was benign, for he was drawn to pain...and ever sought to lessen its hold on the world. -d-



Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : -] The night was a haze. A blur at this point, colored in the shades of the liquor she had to her lips; the drinks Carrick downed; the alcohol Altair consumed. Perhaps the most sensible one in this love…..’square’ as Carrick had himself bewilderedly considered it, was Celest. Everyone else in this mess was an idiot in some way. A genius, brilliant, scheming idiot. Whichever dimension suited each angle of the pair of infringed tandems. It wasn’t even an actual tangle of hearts – Carrick should have been there with Ophelia. Ophelia with Carrick. Altair should have been there with Celest. Celest with Altair. Schemes of brokenhearted vengeance, counter-vengeance, naïve goodwill, and perhaps mad curiosity had brought them to this point of despondency. People talked, lovely couples came and went, but it was all becoming a bleed of soured sound and color, even to the socialite’s senses. There’d been a dance, one of honest skill >>

Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : and thoughtfulness that shouldn’t have been wasted on such a night as this. What echoed again in Ophelia’s mind, like the sharp sting of a wound tearing open again, were Altair’s words to forgive – forgive Carrick. She could have sobbed in public – her, Ophelia – at the raw plea in those few, simple, but compelling words. When they had been spoken initially, Ophelia clung to her guise of vacuous, almost crazed smile, but someone like Altair no doubt could see a battered shield when held up right in front of him. Nonetheless, he parted with her on kindly words; and Ophelia never revealed what really did happen; despite the hurt of it, she would shield Carrick of the possible disdain others might give his way for what he’d done. She could personally endeavor to torment him, as she had that night, but should anyone else truly weigh her beloved wretch with woes…? She couldn’t bear it. Ophelia and Carrick were fucked up and complicated like that. >>

Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : What she did give him, though, was release for the rest of the night. “Thank you for attending with me, Captain Kiasco,” she murmured with more melancholy and gravel in her voice than usual. She did offer him a faint smile, though, a flicker of vague sincerity through her solemnity that was settling in, and was next dismissed as fatigue, it was late after all – though she trusted now in his perceptiveness to know it wasn’t physical fatigue, but that of the heart, that wearied her now. Still, for show, they could simply part now on that note, yes? He’d politely kissed her hand, and thus the charade of Ophelia and Altair ended for the evening, and it’d cost them both far more than she’d honestly considered while she’d obsessed over what misery *Carrick* would enjoy that night instead. It’d been a poor and rashly designed scheme. It’d been a fun scheme for a time, but that crashed down like the house of cards that it was. >>

Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : She’d enjoyed those cupcakes in front of Carrick with Nikolai, but the sweetness had gone bitter now in her mouth at how sincerely cut and tortured Carrick was. She got exactly what she wanted that night, it’d all played out perfectly to the design. Normally she’d preen and gloat about her grand successes, but there was neither of those tonight. Just another drink, chased by another. She might have danced again with someone, Sleek, Maddox, perhaps more and others. It all was hazing now. Nikolai was good to keep an eye on her, though – and the hosts were staffed well enough to ensure guests did not come to harm, even if they drank too much – and as time went on in a blur, Ophelia joined those who did imbibe more than their limits. She laughed at jokes she couldn’t remember while she spun with whichever lords now, laughed because the other option was to cry, and the sycophant had somehow managed to avoid that thus far. >>

Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : W…wait, where was Carrick? She’d lost sight of him. N-no, no no, where was he? Where was her horrible, beloved wretch? She couldn’t find his familiar aura amid all of these people and with all of the benign magic applied to make the ball sparkle. She was also inebriated, and took a half-stumbling step as she turned, swiveling to try and find where her blackbird had taken wing to. She grit her teeth and breathed slowly in and out through them, finding it difficult to keep steady. “Fuck you, Altair,” she exhaled, still defiant to his plea that she forgive Carrick, whatever he’d done. She wanted to. She wanted to return home – he *was* her home. But she couldn’t, could she? He’d violated their trust! He couldn’t just be given a pass for that so easily, could he! ……which meant she had to pay the price with him, and it was miserable; and miserable piled on woe, for she didn’t *actually* enjoy Carrick suffering, not like this. She’d just been so vehemently angry and hurt herself, >>

Ophεliα·Vαskαяis : it’d all seemed the right thing to do – until she was intoxicated and alone in a crowd. A white bird without black wings to circle by. "...Carrick...?" She whispered, only to invoke some small shred of him to herself, with her voice doused under music and happy voices. [d] [-