The Freethinkers 26-04-2009 03:00
“It has been, interesting, I feel myself as if a faux pas” Clodius said, sparingly, “was committed by myself as well, though I cannot know what it was. I feel as if the etiquette of these events seems only to exist to catch us out.” He let out a short sigh, his expression dropping to linger on Nathicana. Beautiful, certainly, and the power she radiated was something drakes particularly found themselves attracted to. Perhaps unlike any other mortal being it actually made him feel more at ease. “I trust your, misstep in their eyes didn’t work out too badly for you. I must also compliment you on your sirelings, they have matured majestically from when I last remember seeing them.” He said this slightly odd statement with genuine admiration, and it was perhaps obvious this was something important in his own culture.
Sempero finally espied Alessa walking over, back to them, her eyes settling on him. He bit his lip, words failing for a moment, her smile and his sudden protectiveness leaving him for once tongue tied. She was beautiful, fragile and yet seemingly vitality itself. He felt himself shine in her presence, and her smile back was as dramatic as a sunrise. “Lady D’Aquisto, my Lord, my leave, if you may. Enjoy the evening and I hope to catch up with you later.” He stepped out, strangely confident and yet the gesture seemed hollow. The noise and atmosphere and eyes watching him reminded him suddenly of how alien his surroundings actually were.
And when Alessa strode up to him, taking his hand, all he could manage was a simple “hi.”
Clodius meanwhile watched his subordinate step aside, his eyes following his own compatriot, in almost a paternal manner, but not filled with pride or malice but a slight worry that seemed aimed not at the younger vampire but at something praying more deeply on his mind. A quick shake of his head, and he turned back to the Dread Lady, proffering a black clad arm. “Care to dance, my lady?” He said, trying to smile again, the effect distorted by the scars that adorned him.
********
Sarah on the other hand had watched both Radmiel and Daria during their discussion, stepping back to Henry as the idea of changing partners seemed to lose favour, their rivalry almost amusing had it not reminded her more deeply of events at home.
“I don’t think it matters much. If now is inconvenient….” She muttered the last bit, her words trailing off. “I would like to meet in the most relaxed manner possible, her schedule is busy tonight so I think pressing to meet her now would be unfair upon her. “ The Ghoul said simply, letting the matter slide. She moved closer to Henry, realising he felt so much stronger than she did right now.
At first she didn’t even notice Ranisath’s approach, though this was due to his grace and her diverted attention rather than any intentional sub. Taken aback slightly as for the first time that night she had to look up at somebody (barely, but compared to everyone else…) she stammered for a second, before restoring her confidence in a heartbeat. “Elenaran?” She said, half in rich supplication, half in a tone that stated she was unsure of the pronunciation. She hoped intent mattered more than precision. “A pleasure to see you after all this time.” It had been a long time, far more to her than to him at a guess, and the prior conversation had been all too brief. “An interesting choice of costume, my lord, very nicely completed, though I’m guessing the locals have had mixed feelings.”
She smiled, white teeth framed within a strong but feminine face, the crescent scar almost complimenting the gesture. Giant dark eyes looked over his form, cheeks bordered by blond locks with a darker blend than what seemed to be the preferred platinum shade. Sarah hoped, for selfish reasons perhaps, that she looked at her best. She wasn’t going to win any prizes for softness.
Dread Lady Nathicana 29-04-2009 02:06
Trevor
Naiya smiled wryly, and nodded in agreement with Trevor’s assessment of things in general. “Too good by far,” she murmured. “In a fair world, he’d have been … removed a long time ago. But then, life isn’t always fair.”
She was rather enjoying herself, following his lead with a grace that seemed to surpass that of a standard human, though exactly what made it so was elusive. It was almost as though she could anticipate his intentions to a point, and was able to react quickly to the changes in step and direction. Still, it was a challenge. She was young yet, and while both trained and dexterous, was still learning.
“You’re a very fine dancer, Signore Desorté. I appreciate the invitation to join you tonight – it’s been delightful.”
Freethinkers
Nathicana looked over Clodius with a quiet weighing and measuring sort of thoughtfulness as he spoke, and shrugged casually at the comment concerning the Roanians and missteps.
“Frankly, whether or not it worked out well for me or not, what was done on our parts required doing, and I’ve no regrets – other than being prevented by protocol from solving things more to my, ah, satisfaction.” Her eyes carried a hint of delightful malice at that last word, leaving no doubt of her intentions there.
It was gone in a flash however, as she offered a demure nod and smile at the compliment. “My sincere thanks, Lord Clodius. I’m rather proud of how they’re turning out, if I do say so myself. There was a time in my life I would never have imagined being a parent, but now … I’ve no idea what I’d do without them. I can only hope that we are doing all we can to prepare them for their eventual duties – as you well know, these political arenas are not for the faint of heart or purpose.”
Upon Sempero’s leaving, she tilted her head and offered him a friendly smile as well. “It was a pleasure, Warlord Sempero,” she said simply, noting the direction of his exit, then turning her attention back to Clodius.
“I would love to,” she replied to his query, her smile growing radiant as she looped her slim arm around his. Her tastes had always run along a broad path, and his scars bothered her not at all. In her mind, they added to his character – not that she didn’t care for the usual pretty face.
Marcus
Looking out over the gardens below the balcony he’d found his way onto, Marcus let out a long, slow breath. He ran his fingers through his hair, then rested his hands along the railing, closing his eyes, letting the soft breeze flow over him, and initiated a mental exercise his father had taught him involving the Wind, the Flame, and the Void.
He takes his time, clearing his mind of all other thoughts, letting his body relax, his emotions still. His breathing slows, his brow loses its creases, and gradually he enters a quiet state of zen.
Massetti & Pascalli
Both the bodyguards kept a close watch, taking advantage of the benefits offered by the Sentient People’s technological gadgetry. After a brief exchange, Mas gradually makes his way across the room to where a certain pirate lady was standing, and offered her a little bow and a mischievous sort of smile.
“Begging your pardon again having to run off like that. You know how these shindigs can get – never a dull moment save for when you’d rather there not be, and then it drags like a dead horse. And again, Signora Resnick my thanks for the surveillance assist – even if it was a bit disconcerting there for a moment.”
Roania 29-04-2009 04:10
Freethinkers
Alessa took his hand, looking up at Sempero, her eyes on his. After a moment, she stepped forward and leaned up against his chest, her arms around his neck. She stood on tiptoe and kissed him on the lips, unembarrassed by the presence of Clodius or Nathicana. “May I steal you away, then?” The young empress said, delighted. “It won't be long.”
Her attention drifted to Nathicana, and she now gave the woman the same searching examination she had given Marcus. She wrinkled her lips in confusion once more, but she was far too taken with Sempero at present to consider what she was considering the 'Naiya question' right now. The empress smiled vaguely at Clodius, and then began to draw Sempero after her. Perhaps she would follow through on her intention to get changed behind a curtain this time. Perhaps not. At present, her entire thought process was dedicated to enjoying every moment she had with the Freestian, certain as she was that he would be leaving her soon.
The Garbage Men
Nesar bowed low and led her to a quiet table off slightly to the side, but still offering them a commanding view of the ballroom as a whole. He snapped his fingers, and a servant passed by and filled their glasses. “To our businesses, then.” He raised his glass to Nerrida, his eyes on her, twinkling in a semi-mysterious way. “Long may we be paid, even when we aren't actually needed to do any work.”
New Naggoroth
Casir took Scarlett’s hand, and gently pulled her up, cradling her against his chest gently in a well-practiced manner. “Did you sleep well, Scarlett, Ellenith?” He put the small child down on the ground and held her hand a bit tightly, then looked up at Aeselle, smiling slightly. “Would you and your daughters like to come with me behind the scenes to the ceremony room? I'm sure my niece would appreciate it.”
Oyada
Kyrie nodded. “Yeah!” She said, brightly and with enthusiasm generally unknown in the more sedate Roanians. “It is traditional in 88% of all societies to bring presents when visiting foreign leaders, and traditional in approximately 95% of all societies, religions and cultures to present a present when attending an individual's birthday party.” She beamed at him, proud of her ability to remember this carefully placed factoid. “In many cases, these gifts represent valuable cultural treasures from which a great deal can be learned or inferred from the offering culture! In addition, the Empress and her ancestors have grown to expect that visitors would present them with such gifts, and not doing so would probably be construed as offensive!”
Kyrie blinked up at Naragan, her eyes perfectly innocent. “I mean, if you'd want to keep your gift secret, then I guess I understand... I'll just ask the Empress if I can look at it afterwards!” She beamed at the idea, clearly wanting to be as accommodating as she could be for this man.
The Freethinkers 05-05-2009 01:43
Sempero was still slightly overawed by Alessa’s appearance, her radiant form, tender, fragile, perfection regardless, arose in him several strong feelings, of protectiveness, of chivalry, of honour, every subconscious and indeed conscious drive infatuated with taking care of this extraordinary creature before.
He could muster few words. “Sure, baby.” A soft hand took his. He stepped forward to Alessa’s side, placing one agitated arm around her, the strength inherent in the limb contrasting against the softness of the frame beneath. He gave one last look at Clodius.
The glance they exchanged was cold, a mixture of emotions, pride, envy, and most of all a soft wordless betrayal. Clodius faked a smile for the benefit of his dancing partner (although if she had missed the look itself he would be surprised.) They broke their mutual gaze, Sempero disappearing after Alessa, whose own expression changed to one of genuine delight.
The older vampire led the Dread Lady onto the dance floor, such as it was, grip consciously gentle as his thoughts drifted into distant memories. Only the start of the steps, which he mistimed, brought his concentration back to the present.
“My apologies, my Lady, that was rather rude of me.” He did not elaborate. “So, I trust your offspring have been enjoying themselves? As I was saying earlier, they seemed to have matured into fine young heirs. If I might assume, yours is a hereditary system of government, no?” The question was fractious but said with genuine affection. There was a weight to the words as if the man beneath was asking more how she coped with the system more than anything else. He seemed, for all the strength his body possessed (and which became apparent as he spun her round, his frame now matching the notes with inch perfect steps with both grace and solidity), almost tired, his eyes almost distant. His smile, now perhaps more honest, nonetheless seemed broken, the deep scar cutting up across his cheek dragging it out of place.
He looked old. Older than he should, as if realisation alone overrode his physical age to seemingly add years onto him. He looked deeply, his eyes meeting hers as she answered his question. Nathicana, there was a physical attraction, of course, she was beautiful in the sense vampires were naturally drawn to (strength and command, inherent in her body language, were survival traits in the solitary, nomadic ancestry of his species), but somehow all he seemed to want to see was, he subconsciously guessed, understanding.
“You know”, he said again, at last, after a particularly energetic twirl and looking around the place in a rather obvious fashion, “one of my greatest regrets was not attending enough of these things. I feel I missed out on a lot.”
Dread Lady Nathicana 05-05-2009 02:48
It was obvious more was going on than met the eye, and while curious as always, Nathicana had learned the hard way over the years that sometimes, it was best to keep one’s mouth shut, and one’s opinions or questions to themselves.
That and meddling, however well-intentioned, could be the last thing really needed, especially when done by someone who had barely an inkling of all the intricacies involved.
Maintain awareness, weigh as best as one could how the situation might affect herself and the rest of their party, and try to enjoy the rest of the evening – that was the plan.
She smiled graciously at Clodius, gently waving away the apology.
“It would seem many of us have much on our minds tonight, Lord Clodius. There is no need to apologize for the fact. Thank you again for the compliment – and … yes,” she said pausing to ponder the proper phrasing. “For the Dominion, it has become hereditary, to a point. When I changed things the way I did, bringing back the aristocracy, introducing the concept of heirs, I did provide for some checks and balances. It is my intention that Naiya rule when the time comes, but her choices and actions will dictate much of that. The same applies to Marcus and his father’s nation, Treznor – though there are … other circumstances that apply there as well. Things were not always this way, but we both have had to make changes in order to secure our children’s future as best we can.”
Nathi shrugged slightly, and smiled, perhaps a bit wistfully as they danced, her expression thoughtful as she studied Clodius’ face. She was enjoying the dance – she always had liked dancing, and he was a skilled partner – and the emotions that seemed to play across his scarred visage piqued her interest. For herself, she was relaxed, yet confident. Perhaps a bit cocky in that confidence, feeling she had little to truly fear here. Maybe even a bit superior, at least in relation to some in attendance. Such was her nature, and she was clearly unapologetic about it all.
“There are no perfect systems, and the weight that duty and responsibility pile on us – chosen or not – can be a heavy burden to bear. I can only hope that we have been teaching them all the tools they will need to rule, and rule well. I could offer some tripe about how ‘ours is a high and lonely destiny’, but I believe any one of us in a position of authority or who understands that weight of responsibility knows there can be a bit of truth to it all the same.”
At the comment on missing out, she arched a brow, her smile twisting slightly to one more of mischief.
“My dear, if you’ve not attended more of these, I can say with confidence that the answer is both yes, and yet emphatically no. As you’ve seen, there’s the usual bluster and preening and showing off for one’s peers, the political and social maneuvering that goes on, the drama behind the scenes that undoubtedly has at least a few persons stirred up, and let’s not forget the constant plotting and scheming, all done beneath a veneer of civility, decorations, food, and frolic. It’s a damned dirty game we all play, and anyone saying differently is either lying or unsuited to the task.”
Oyada 05-05-2009 03:47
“Ninety-five per cent of all societies”, Naragan mumbled, feeling a familiar sensation of slight, controllable, but very much present capybara of panic gnawing at the periphery of his consciousness’ cage. Twang! Eighty-eight per cent of all societies. Twing, twang, twong – where’s your present, then?[i] Erm, well, um… [i]oh, this is ridiculous, he grumbled in a silent internal growl. He should have known, naturally (for even he, with his detached and often solitary childhood, had attended birthday parties before); but worse, his own staff should have seen to it that a gift, suitably cleared by all of the dozen ministries, committees and other consulting bodies that would doubtless scrutinise its progress towards the halls of diplomatic gifthood, was ready and waiting for him. Now he had to make a decision on the matter, alone and without the slightest input from anyone else.
Except…
“I don’t exactly want to keep my gift secret, Kyrie” he responded carefully, murmuring the reply in his softest, most burring tones, lest it go too far and be picked up by one of the over-preened puppets who now stood watching Alessa’s stately progress onto the colossal dance floor. “I’d just like to know,” he continued with a bare-toothed abomination of a smile, “what you think it might be.” A glance at the archivist’s unspoilt countenance, however, quickly made him revise his course; already he could see a cloud of suspicion passing over her, and saw no sense in continuing such a pathetic deception when it had already been penetrated. “Well,” he added sheepishly, “if the Ministry had furnished me with one, anyway.” Glancing thoughtfully at Alessa as she began a swift whirl around the dance floor, clasped in the arms of some suitor who was, if not actually smitten, certainly working hard enough at the pretence to have earnt the wealth and power it would bring him, Naragan considered. “In my country – I’m sorry, in Oyada - it’s traditional to give something that matters to you, as a sign of mutual respect and admiration.” He fingered the dead fur of the tiger’s head. “Somehow I doubt that her Majesty would particularly appreciate a head. Besides which, it would merely be seen as a sign of weakness.” He turned sadly to Kyrie’s diminutive form, and added forlornly: “to give up one’s first kill to a fellow man, who treats you as an equal and is treated thus in return, is one thing. To give it up to a foreigner, an alien, a woman, who leads a nation seen as…”
Naragan stopped, remembering his earlier promise to himself. It wouldn’t be kind to tell Kyrie – who he privately thought of as Keiri – that her people were viewed as arrogant, decadent, despotic layabouts by his countrymen. Seemingly unknowing enough to believe anything, she would almost certainly believe that the perception extended, wordlessly and inevitably, to her, and Naragan knew, with more certainty than he’d felt all night, that that would be wrong, and a travesty of the truth. Well, assuming she was on the level, anyway.
“It wouldn’t go down well,” he concluded simply, and went back to staring, and thinking, and pulling half-heartedly at the fur.
The Freethinkers 06-05-2009 01:27
“You see…” He said this slowly, pausing for a rather dramatic dip, leaning in close, his eyes darting around the room as a natural reflex, switching focus and adjusting for the light in the briefest of moments. Clodius’ seemed almost twitchy, as if his very nature wouldn’t allow him to relax fully even in this situation. The move is again perfect, but his partner’s body leans against flesh that is not giving, but rather wiry and hardened in its resistance to the momentum of her reclining form.
“I don’t really get it that well. The polite verbal butchery that goes on in these places.” Clodius finished lamely as he recovered. He said this almost apologetically, as if it was basic knowledge that he was genuinely at fault for not knowing. “My culture at home is…bereft of such distractions. Ours is a bloody, brutal and direct culture, in the past anyway, and such duplicity I could never really fathom.” It would have been easy to make these words sound insulting against humans in general, but as he pulled Nathicana into another twirl the phrase seemed merely a tried observation.
“A drink?” He slowed as they passed a serving girl, his feet swinging in a single half circle to bring Nathicana to a graceful halt as he took a glass with his now freed hand. Wine, he couldn’t tell the origin, dull to his palette no matter how much he had tried to be a fan, but for now adequate. He sipped slowly, letting his dance partner take her own drink, before continuing with a question that had suddenly crossed his mind.
“You seemed concerned about the locals. Beyond usual bluster, I mean.” He took a quick but complete glance around him, as if trying to pick out faces. “Nothing you can’t handle, I hope?” He suddenly looked crossed with himself. “Sorry, I shouldn’t presume. Too much going on tonight.” A quick sip as he tried to find a good word. “It….concerns me, that’s all.” He took a step to the Dread Lady’s side, as if trying to catch the same view she did, feeling oddly alone right now.
Dread Lady Nathicana 06-05-2009 02:34
Nathicana’s still slender form held a firmness of its own, which she used to her advantage as they danced. To be fair, it’s a cheat of sorts. For though she had steadfastly kept in shape over the years, most was attributed to the body augmentations she’d received from her sister-in-mind, S.H.O.D.A.N. Which could also explain her quick reactions now and then, seeming almost at times to anticipate her partner’s moves.
She listens, however, trying to read his mood, the things he seems to be leaving unspoken, his expression, body language, voice inflections.
Rather than answer immediately, she nodded and smiled pleasantly, close-lipped as has become a habit when among the more combative or martial races. “Yes, thank you,” Nathi replied when offered a drink, watching him quietly as she took a careful sip.
“Let us say that some …” She paused again, weighing and measuring. “Some took it upon themselves to become a nuisance, shall we say. Perhaps, even intended more than that.”
Adjusting her position to more comfortably compliment his own shift, she gently looped her arm around his, and looked up at him, her expression smugly satisfied.
“I understand all too well the desire to know your enemy, and deal with them quickly, and efficiently, avoiding all the wit and banter and doubletalk. I was forced to disabuse them of further notions. Or at least helped them understand the tenuousness of their position should they make any unfortunate choices.”
Then she drew herself up, and motioned for him to lean in a bit, whispering fiercely.
“I don’t like it when people insult or threaten. Anyone who looks to harm me or mine will soon learn why it is I earned the title ‘Dread Lady’.”
Nathi then settled back to comfortably accompanying him, arm in arm, sipping her drink politely, her face and voice the very picture of perfect civility again. “It would be easier sometimes to just be able to fight it out. Might makes right and all that. The problem there is there always seems to be someone else with a bigger gun, a harder head, or a stronger punch. The constant war of words can be tiring, and dull – not to mention cowardly,” here she glanced in the direction of where she last saw Calavyr, “all the same.”
The Garbage Men 06-05-2009 04:26
Nesar
There was something about Nesar that bothered her, he was a womanising leech but, the tone of what he said had just recently seemed to change, adding to the fact that he took her away from being near enough from Trevor that she couldn't physically step in... and then there was the offer of a drink.
But there was something curious about Nesar too, she was here as covert security and this, whatever it was could have implications of her boss’s security. She managed to keep an awareness of what was happening below with Trevor, but still looked at Nesar.
It was hard to read him, but there was something she needed, She clinked the glass with a slim smile before putting it back down on the table untouched. “I don't drink on the job.”
Naiya
“You are a fine dancer yourself, the pleasure, as they say, has been all mine. However it's time to rejoin the fray as it were and return to business. I'll make sure I'll speak to Marcus, very soon.” Trevor came to a graceful stop.
“Thank you for accepting the invitation, it has been wonderful.” he added before starting to lead her off the dance floor.