|
Post by Charlotte on Jan 10, 2016 15:30:30 GMT -6
[OOC: Open to join, but keep in mind that if you’re not a noble or an honored guest, the only ways in would likely be as someone’s +1 or as staff]While the military city that was Laus’ capital was not usually the site of festive gatherings, it was the talk of Lycia when invitations began arriving in the post detailing a yuletide gathering set to last nearly an entire sennight. It was a strange change of events, to be sure, considering Marquess Revelin had been spending most of his time as of late gathering his army of knights to combat the bandit and monster dilemmas. And yet, one could similarly argue that holding a grand celebration would do well to soften the Marquess’ image, as many of the other Marquesses had taken to calling the head of Laus a war-mongerer, preying on Lycia in a time of weakness to further his own cause. Whatever the case, most everyone who had been able to obtain an invitation to the grand event was thrilled beyond reason. By and large the attendees were nobles of some station or another throughout Lycia, though some were able to obtain invitations for various other reasons. The week of the ball, Castle Laus was brimming with a life and entertainment that many hadn’t seen in some time, especially since the fall of Ostia. Colorful banners and evergreen wreaths graced every stone wall, and every hearth was alight with a warm fire. Course after course of delicious food and drink were served in the great hall, and a different band of musicians and entertainers performed every day. It was on the third day of the festivities that Charlotte arrived, donning a rich red velvet cloak over a sultry, similarly-colored burgundy number. Her dress was more appropriate than usual, though she couldn’t help but show a bit of skin - after all, none of her gowns or dresses even covered up to her clavicle. Her arm was wrapped around none other than her ‘good friend’ Lord Balsam, the spindly old nobleman she had done more than a few jobs for. As a thank you for her last string of jobs, the lord had offered to bring Charlotte along with him to the celebration. Of course, the blonde accepted; she would have been a fool to do otherwise, considering the manner of people who would be attending. As they entered the castle, Charlotte and the nobleman handed off their coats and outer layers, which were promptly whisked away as they were led towards the great hall. “Now, dear Myscha, you will behave, no?” The nobleman’s voice was condescending, though there was a hint of teasing to his tone. Charlotte sighed, though she kept her tone soft and kind, with only a hint of disdain. “Come now, my lord, wouldn’t you have brought another one of your playthings if you were so worried about my behavior?”
Balsam chuckled. “None of them are as much of a delight to be around as you, though, my dear.” Smiling with a shake of her head, Charlotte quieted as they entered the great hall, which was alive with hundreds of well-dressed nobles talking and laughing as a group of musicians played in the background. The sides of the room had tables with a wealth of food and drink, and the hall’s multiple chandeliers filled the hall with glittering candlelight. Charlotte smiled as she glanced around, ready for what would prove to be the chance - and dance - of a lifetime.
|
|
Aaron Winsett
Sage
Seeker of Knowledge
Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed.
Posts: 419
Sacae Fame: 1
Lycia Fame: 2
Profession: Student of Magic
OoC Alias: Feldsky
|
Post by Aaron Winsett on Jan 10, 2016 21:47:39 GMT -6
Aaron looked around at the party, duly impressed by all of the work and effort that had been put into the banquet hall. He'd already been impressed by the outside, the work they'd done on the stables, the main entrance, and the entry hall leading to this room. By now he ought to be getting used to it, but it was obvious that whoever lived here had a different idea of what a proper party looked like than he did.
He looked down as he felt a light tap on his chest, and saw a cane handle poking him. He looked over at his grandfather to see the man fixing him with a focused stair.
"Stop Gawking, Aaron. You'll look like a bumpkin" Barek Winsett continued walking around the hall, stepping between the groups of people chatting amiably among themselves. "Or, at least wait until you are somewhere a little more private. Harumph." Barek's gravelly old man voice griped, but it wasn't as stern as it could be. Or perhaps the green haired caster had just grown calluses over his feelings now. Confidence could help with that. Aaron chuckled under his breath and readjusted his collar. It was much tighter than he was used to. Here he was at Laus Castle's Yule Ball. Quite an ostentatious event. And he hadn't the slightest idea what he was doing here, other than keeping his Grandfather company. Aaron supposed that the head of a mage academy and trade school had reason to come and rub shoulders with the nobles and upper strata of the Lycian populace. Aaron had only been trained in ettiquette and manners though. Not in sucking up to the numerous pomp-asses he could see parading about.
Aaron sighed to himself, reassuming the calm visage that he had preferred to maintain most of the time growing up. He was judging them unfairly, but in his travels, Aaron had learned to judge by merit rather than name or wealth. He didn't know much about these people, only having had time to look into memorizing their names recently.He could identify the Marquess of Laus, and he knew the leaders of his own home of Ryerde. There weren't many others. Some of the magic community, perhaps. At least I know most of the Lycian crests.
He tuned back in, hearing his Grandfather saying something as they walked ahead.
"...time you were familiarized with dealing with social the social functions." Barek straightened his robe, a spotlessly pure white ordeal with accents of blue.
"Oh? You're actually going to cut me loose from your teaching staff and have me going to these things?" Aaron grinned, playing fun at Barek's words. "I thought you liked having me around the Arboretum." He knew the old man did. They both did. Aaron had found alot of good that he could do there, either teaching or leading investigations into the wilder regions.
"Heavens no! But we can't ignore your socializing.... And don't call them things. You'll be far more likely to have the right friend at the right time if people actually know who you are. Did you think I became a world class sage simply by reading in my library?"
Aaron laughed again, at Barek's comment. He knew the old man had to have spent less than half his career "reading" in his library, as he put it.
"Ah, Sir Bodwell. It's been far too long" Barek said, seeming to take notice of someone.
"Master Barek! Glad to see you made it out from that little cubby in the hills of yours. How is your facility holding up? Still strong?" The voice belonged to another elderly man, a little portly and dressed in a deep purple suit.
"The Arboretum? We've weathered the times, same as always. And we've actually seen an increase of people on the grounds. More students and workers than ever. I trust everything is well with your family?" Aaron watched the two men as they spoke, remaining in silence. He curious about where his Grandfather had met this one.... As they spoke an reminisced, it came to sound like Barek had trained members of Sir Bodwell's staff in herbalism and medicine. Not as reliable as a healer's staff, but certainly still effective. Especially for some niche cases where magic could not be used.
"I don't believe you've met my Grandson yet, Sir Bodwell. This is Aaron Winsett. Quite an accomplished mage himself."
"Aaron Winsett, is it?" Bodwell seemed to be thinking for a moment, then spoke up again. "I think I've heard of you before. You've been mixed up in some of those doings with the monsters going about, haven't you?"
"You could say that, Milord. I was among the first to bring back news of them from Ostia. To this very castle, in fact."
"Truly? Hmm.... I'm not sure whether to think of this place as a place of war, or as somewhere to celebrate." Sir Bodwel finished his sentence, and Aaron considered. Perhaps both would be appropriate ways to think of this place.
Plenty of other people were around milling about. Maybe the green haired sage could afford to relax into this a little....
|
|
|
Post by The Madness on Jan 11, 2016 5:21:15 GMT -6
Humans celebrated while the world suffered. A selfish line of thought, but fitting for vermin of such stature as them. They reminder her of rats, such creatures that wasted away on the bodies of the dead. Except humans were bigger, and the world was the body they were ravaging and molding for their own purposes. A sad tale, one that caused her to almost fly into some anger or a rant inside of her. But... She felt more calm. Perhaps she had learned to cope with the fact that these humans were nothing more but some rats that needed to be cleaned out of the world. Or maybe something deeper inside of her had been set alight. And something more would be set alight tonight, if her plans would go according to the tune that she wanted to play.
How did she know of this party? Oh, simple, simple. A foolish noble, a fat tub of lard, a corrupt piece of an already corrupt race, had strolled a bit too close to her territory. A bit sad in the end that she had to waste a breath in killing his little entourage and that she had to stain her weapon in such lard filled meat, but the ends justified the means after all. As she and her men went trough the belongings for some materials and valuables, and as she filled those useless humans with some spirit of servitude, she made a rather interesting discovery. A scroll, something written in the human tongue. Thankfully she knew some of it, enough to have a passable understanding of what was written on the paper. An invitation to a human celebration, filled to the brim with foodstuffs and nobles, a celebration of human spirit, of friendship and such useless things.
Perhaps the last parts were an addition of the Madness, but her point was clear. And she took the time to build up a plan. First, they stripped the guardsmen of their armor, turning them into her own men. She dressed them as to hide their undead features. When riding horses they could pass for human men when not looked at closely. The horses might look a bit nervous, but humans wouldn't care for animals anyways. They also secured the carriage of the noble. The madness could hide herself inside the carriage, along with a few of her more well equipped men... And the noble lord Tristan, who was now HER noble servant.
Clothe him well, clothe the fat lard, and hide his facial features behind a well brimmed hat and a mask, cover the damage on his clothes... And he'd serve for a living man. She'd need a full face helmet to hide her darker features, but she'd pass for a bodyguard. And once they were inside, and once the humans drank and made merry and once they were their most weak... Oh, the madness would strike. And then, she would control a good part of the nobility. Oh, her king would be so proud of her.
And so, the carriage, driven by undead but disguised men, followed by about ten undead but disguised guardsmen, set out for Laus. They'd be fashionably late. [TWO POSTS UNTIL THE MADNESS ARRIVES TO THE PARTY]
|
|
|
Post by Charlotte on Jan 13, 2016 21:54:10 GMT -6
Lord Balsam had decided to get mulled wine for himself, leaving Charlotte to look over the great hall on her own - which was wonderful considering she just spotted him chatting with one of the Lausian barons she wasn’t terribly fond of. Slinking over to one of the other refreshment tables, Charlotte took a small glass of an aromatic, spicy cider; raising the glass to her lips, she turned her gaze to the hall.
Of course, as any great hall was, the space was long and tall, the majority of the center of the room empty save for an impressively decorated fir tree that must have been at least forty feet tall, as well as a few long oak tables with puffed looking chairs around them. A balcony went around the entirety of the great hall save for one wall, where the head table was set and a string quintet played just to the left. It was there that a few honored guests and none other than Marquess Revelin and his family congregated, chatting as they enjoyed the inevitable feast they would partake in that evening.
Charlotte wished it could be as easy as walking up to the marquess and introducing herself, but of course she knew that would be foolish. No, as soon as her eyes had picked out the Marquess they left them, instead looking to those around him. There was his wife, Marquise Rebekka Revelin, the picture of grace and poise, even as she and her husband aged. Both she and the Marquess wore clothes of deep forest green accented with onyx, though the lady’s dress was accented with a bit of fur at her collar. While Charlotte was some ways away from the conversation, she could tell the Marquise wasn’t speaking, simply appearing on her husband’s arm as a wonderful picture of solidarity in time of conflict.
Around the Revelins were the courtiers and camarilla, of which Charlotte recognized quite a few - largely because Charlotte had made it her business to know. The major players were easy to spot, as they were all directly surrounding the Revelins: Bishop Leonard Odilon, appointed by the Marquess to serve as the almoner of Laus; Sirs Graeme Bertie and Jemmy Urban, who worked closely with the Marquess to build his ‘army’; Michael Tyrrell, a philosopher and author who, while not of noble birth, had a great deal of sway over the Marquess; and Lord Gabriel Nash, Baron Augustine Nash’s son who served as the Marquess’ personal clerk and attendant. While Bishop Odilon was deep in conversation with the Revelins, Sirs Bertie and Urban seemed to be speaking with Lord Nash, leaving Tyrrell chatting with a few other lesser courtiers near the quintet.
Tapping her forefinger against her drink, Charlotte decided she would take her luck with the group around Tyrrell, as he would be the least likely to scoff her approach. Slowly moving through the crowd, Charlotte nodded and smiled the way of a few men and women she recognized - all no-name nobles or courtiers of Counts or Barons of the area, but they had recognized her nonetheless. She briefly wondered if Count Tristanine - or the very least his son - might be in attendance. If so, it would be an interesting hello to be had.
Lost in her thought for a moment, Charlotte gasped as her shoulder hit a taller, green-haired man’s arm, nearly causing her to drop the glass of cider she held. Catching herself before she stumbled to badly, Charlotte cleared her throat with a smile, looking back at the man briefly. “My apologies,” she said, though her gaze never truly focused on the man; instead it went back ahead, towards the small group that stood around Tyrrell.
“I can’t believe my eyes - Myscha, is that you?”
Charlotte could have screamed with frustration; no more than a dozen steps from Tyrrell and the courtiers, the voice sounded, causing the blonde to sigh, turning to see a face from years past.
“Rob Bontemps,” Charlotte said with a shake of her head, almost laughing as the man bowed and she curtsied politely. Tall, with black curly hair and a crooked, genuine smile, Rob was the son of a wealthy Santaruzi merchant who did business with the Revelins; Charlotte had spent a few nights with the handsome young man back when she first left the Isles. “It’s been ages! Are you here with your father?”
Rob smirked, running his hand through his dashingly messy locks. “Nah, he brought mum. I’ve actually been a clerk for the Marquess for the past year, if you can believe it - manage all of the trade correspondence with Santaruz merchants.”
Charlotte beamed; could she have gotten any luckier today? “Well, your father must be very proud, having his son at court full-time.”
“You’d think,” Rob laughed, crossing his arms over his chest. While the two made small talk, Charlotte did her best to keep an eye on the other courtiers, who seemed content with keeping their current conversation going. While it was dull going through the paces with Rob, refueling the rapport she already had with the man could help her get an introduction, which might help her gain some recognition with Revelin’s main courtiers.
|
|
Aaron Winsett
Sage
Seeker of Knowledge
Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed.
Posts: 419
Sacae Fame: 1
Lycia Fame: 2
Profession: Student of Magic
OoC Alias: Feldsky
|
Post by Aaron Winsett on Jan 14, 2016 21:39:16 GMT -6
"Perhaps the Marquess here wishes it to be both." Barek spoke up nearby, his old worn voice carrying it more as a statement than as an idle wonder. "This is a time for strong leaders and fighting men to stand up for their homes. Yet a man can't put away all thought of his home or the life waiting for him where he left it."
Aaron begged off the company of his Grandfather and Sir Bodwell as the two began discussing more of the motivations of the territory lords, and the actions by various people that Aaron had heard of, but didn't truly know. He wanted to go and see more of the party. At first, he'd come here just to humor his old mentor and teacher, but the green haired sage was beginning to see possibilities rising up before him. These people... They had wealth. They had resources. Over the years, he'd morphed from a wandering traveler, to a scholar a little more rooted around Lycia. He enjoyed his freedom in picking and controlling his own projects and research, but he'd been limited by personnel and resources. Nothing he'd done had been able to get much larger than him and a few interested colleagues. If he could manage to impress someone here enough however, he might be supported and funded by someone with some real means. He only knew a few names and less about the people that he was interacting with, and this was beginning to make him feel woefully inadequate to his new goal. The best he could expect of tonight would be to try and make some new acquaintances.
Well, he could be friendly. At least, he used to be friendly before some of his adventures had visited horrifying and scenes and experiences on him. He was friendly before diving headlong into his projects to the exclusion of nearly everything else.... He could do that again, for this chance.
Reaching up and taking a drink from a tray that one of the Marquess's servants was carrying, he walked carefully over towards the great decorated tree. It was an impressive sight to behold, as he neared it. The size of the tree dwarfed him by comparison. He couldn't even begin to guess how many workers it had taken to get it in here.
He felt someone bump into him as he stood near others talking or idling around the hall, and turned in time to a stunning woman in a deep red dress apologizing to him for the interruption. He let his eyes follow her for a moment, trying to meet her gaze, but she never quite seemed to meet his eyes. He turned his attention back to the others around him after someone apparently recognized her. He hadn't a clue who she was, but he did know that he needed to turn his attention to those around him again.
|
|
|
Post by The Madness on Jan 15, 2016 11:21:19 GMT -6
While in the carriage the madness went about her way to try and disguise the few shadowy pieces of her body that were showing. She swapped out for a more covering helmet, the only thing that one could see were her eyes. She couldn't do anything about that, sadly. But, she'd find an explanation eventually. She could say it was just her costume. She had already a constructed a good cover story for her and the lord already. A good showing. Tristan had found her from some freak show that had been massing by his territory. He had taken a liking to her. She was a strong but mute person of questionable sex. Of course Tristan had never bothered to check, he wouldn't touch a filthy commoner with his hands. And what did it matter, in the end.
She placed a hand onto the sitting corpse's shoulder. It was cold, dead... But, it was still under her. It twitched occasionally. She had taken a great care in making sure the lordling was not at all damaged near the facial region. Other wounds could be covered by his clothes, or they could claim that they had been attacked by highway robbermen. After all, roads were so dangerous around this time of the year. A little wound in the side would be explained and tended to, if they were given the time to do that. How delicious it would be for them to suddenly be murdered from the inside, like a little insect that grows in the rotting body before bursting out to feast.
"Assuming... Direct control."
Her eyes glow as nethery energies begin to leave her shadowy arm, sinking first against the dead lords clothes before then sinking in trough his mouth and eyes. The body twitches and gurgles for a moment, hunching forwards and groaning before soon straightening itself, shadowy rot leaking still from it's mouth.
"Well... Well. This is a surprise. A positive one, none the less. Heheh... Hahahaha! I've missed this feeling of being alive, Madness, my dear.
[MADNESS WILL ARRIVE TO THE PARTY IN 1 POST]
|
|
|
Post by Charlotte on Jan 18, 2016 20:47:33 GMT -6
“So you’re the one who saved old Count Tristanine, hmm? I’m still surprised the old man didn’t simply shatter, what with the explosion I heard about.”
Charlotte smiled meekly, though the blonde couldn’t recall ever feeling timid in her life. After catching up with Rob for a while, the man had been able to introduce her to none other than the group of courtiers standing around Michael Tyrrell. Now a few more names graced her tongue: Ezekiel Ammon, the resident court mage, though he’d been called away just a few moments before at the Marquess’ request; Jaiden Bernt, another of the Marquess’ personal attendants; and Gerulf Dane, who while not a courtier, was a personal friend of Tyrrell’s.
“Well, he certainly didn’t get away scot free,” Charlotte replied, taking a sip from a glass of wine she’d grabbed from one of the waitstaff, “though from what I’ve heard he’s made an excellent recovery.”
Gerulf laughed, his large round belly bouncing up and down as he raised his glass. “Ah, I can drink to that!” Instantly raising his goblet to his lips, the man drained his cup. Charlotte kept from shaking her head; in the hour or so she’d been conversing with the men, it was more than clear that Gerulf and his rosy cheeks had a bit of a drinking problem. But it was a party after all, and god forbid someone point out to the man that he’d had one too many. Charlotte certainly wouldn’t be the one delivering that message.
Tyrrell and the other courtiers laughed as Tyrrell placed his hand on Gerulf’s shoulder. “Come now, Gerulf, that’s your fourth glass in the hour. I beg of you, go to the food table and find something to soak up all the mead in your belly!”
Gerulf waved off Tyrrell. “Alright alright, but just because you asked…” Shaking his head, Gerulf staggered off, leaving Charlotte looking between Jaiden, Tyrrell, and Rob.
“So,” Tyrrell said, breaking the momentary silence, “Rob, how is your father?”
Charlotte listened as Rob rehashed what he’d told her about the busy man that was his father, but she found herself watching Tyrrell and Jaiden more so than her old acquaintance. Jaiden was a short, stout young man with a bowl-cut, though he was not as large as Gerulf. Jaiden seemed to be enamored with Tyrrell, as every time he spoke he hung onto every word that slipped from the philosopher’s mouth. It was more than likely that Jaiden was interested by the man’s profession, but was likely too simple minded himself to actually pursue it. Very typical, but also somewhat unfortunate for Jaiden. He would likely never rise above his current station; if so, more than a few important people would have to die.
Then there was Tyrrell himself. While many nobles came off as characters to Charlotte, Tyrrell seemed to be one of the more stable and, well, normal men in the room. He was tall and his physique managed well, a product of his riding hobby. His eyes were strong and piercing, always focusing on whomever was speaking and watching them with utmost focus and respect. It was likely one of the reasons the Marquess was so fond of the man: even though he was far more intelligent than most of his peers, Tyrrell never acted as if he was owed more respect than was due to him. He always seemed to put others before himself, which won him much favor with the noblemen and women of Lycia.
Taking another sip of her wine, Charlotte smiled as Rob told a very amended version of how the two of them had met - which of course the blonde was appreciative for. Never did she think meeting one of her clients from her escorting days again would prove advantageous, but here she was, closer to important men than she could have ever dreamed of getting on her own. She didn't believe anything could bring her down from this high.
|
|
Aaron Winsett
Sage
Seeker of Knowledge
Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed.
Posts: 419
Sacae Fame: 1
Lycia Fame: 2
Profession: Student of Magic
OoC Alias: Feldsky
|
Post by Aaron Winsett on Jan 22, 2016 21:07:26 GMT -6
"Quite the contrary. There's been a considerable amount of study and magic theory crafting coming out of my Grandfather's academy. There are outliers who have met with success in alternate methods of handling magic. I doubt anything will ever replace the tried and true method of book study though. With how ingrained it is into almost every scholar and mage I know, those who think outside the box are sometimes even discouraged their study." Aaron paused, taking a sip out of his glass of something bubbly off of a servant's tray. It wasn't a bad subject to speak on, he just wished that he felt more comfortable and familiar directing conversations himself. The ones he was speaking to had asked how many students had been trained over the years from the place Aaron had learned. It wasn't an academy proper. The best way to describe it would be a like a trade school, but it was also something of a nexus for people like him. Scholars, thinkers, and people searching for more knowledge. He was one of the outliers of which he'd just spoken of, having found a few alternate methods of casting and working his grasp on anima over his travels. He stayed quiet about that though. No reason to draw attention before he had a good handle on things here.
"And yet, Master Winsett, I still can't claim to have heard of nearly as many mage-trained from your facility, as from the old Laus academy. You make claims that it is just as capable, but wouldn't there be more court wizards from your academy if that were the case?" Sir Camden spoke up from the small cluster Aaron had slipped into. The green haired mage had gathered a little on the young knight. Sir Camden hadn't done much in his career yet, but he seemed favored among the young knights of Laus. Aaron hadn't discovered the why of it yet.
As the man went on, Aaron had to be careful. He'd seemed to lose, and not gain self control over the years. He'd grown prouder and more confident. He was completely aware of it, but that didn't make it any easier to handle. "Perhaps it's because we're too independent. We tend to be an insular group, focusing on our projects instead of looking out to the rest of the world... Maybe I should be looking out a little more though." Aaron watched the eyes of those around him. Not all were interested. Not all were sharp enough. It was a subtle hint, just barely there, but someone clever and looking to climb the ranks would probably view him as a potential resource now. And the more of a resource he was, the more access he would eventually have. It wasn't a masterful move. Just step one. The opening move in a ballroom dance.
|
|
Audric Tania
Soldier
Posts: 57
Profession: Royal Hothead
Affiliation: Lycia
Affinity: Fire
|
Post by Audric Tania on Jan 25, 2016 18:33:52 GMT -6
Ahh Laus. So much more...serious(?) than Tania. Then again, they did have more concerns. Tania had been through an absurd amount of hardship, sure, but Laus felt a different type of suffrage. Rather than besieged by human enemies and threatening to become absorbed into another territory..they fought undead monstrosities bleeding over from Ostia. When Audric, Ulai, and his escort of Tanian guards had first arrived in the city, he was surprised he hadn't been greeted by Ser Bonsington, third lord of the undead citadel formerly known as Laus. Instead, it was simply Laus gate guards who'd welcomed him into the city for the upcoming festivities. Who knew though. Part of him was still banking on that undead lord to show up, tuxedo(or dress, he couldn't judge) and all. Perhaps though that was simply from all the rumors that'd been circulating Tania. When Ostia'd initially gone out, and the threat began to emerge, Tania had their own troubles. Brigands running rampant. Issues with Khathelet and Caelin, combined with bernese bandits and rogue soldiers that were taking advantage of the "rebellion" to try and bully smaller villages. It was a mess. So they'd been fairly excommunicated from Lycia until recent events. When they finally re-connected?
Oh the rumors! Western Lycia aflame. Territories roaming with zombies. Recently deceased rising, and long since passed joining the fray in skeletal form. Hellish hounds and fiends that could kill a horse in one blow. Horse-men roaming the land with ax's and bows wiping out towns. Winged monsters in Bern and Sacae. Huge infestations of massive spiders plaguing woods. The only way to see if any of it was true? First hand. The trip from Tania to Laus had been fairly un-eventful though. Not boring, what with his own propensity to find trouble ,but nothing special.
Here it was, on the festive eve of the Yuletide celebratory ball, that he found himself. The young lordling clad in a fetching regal tunic of crimson almost as fiery as his hair. Golden trimmings and buttons gave it a standing touch, and the blue vest around it was a heavy shade. The cloak that wove over his right shoulder to dangle behind him was crimson within and a similar blue shade as his vest externally. His hair was still partially unkept, and perhaps the only territory he wouldn't budge in. It did add a particularly rugged touch to keep the sophistication from drowning out his appearance. Though he'd entered with Ulai, and part of his escort, he had an agenda to perform. First and foremost, introducing himself to the Marquess of Laus so that he could adequately thank him for the invitation. After that? Well...he'd always found his confidence higher when talking to those of the feminine persuasion.
Though the footsteps of armored guards behind him dwindled as he lifted a hand to signal them to wait, he knew that Ulai's would probably continue. The man was, beyond being a fantastic traveling companion, exceedingly loyal. After a brief introduction to one of the attendants, and explaining his desire to meet the host of the event, Audric found himself being led through countless nobles and others of significance. In the back of his mind, he heard the lecturing tone of a round bellied mustachioed scholar reiterating from his politics lessons. "Memorize their names. Make sure to meet them all. Forge strong ties!" Gods..he could smell the musty tome scent of that dimly lit classroom all over again.
Within moments, he found himself before a gathering of individuals. The foremost of which, and one he could recognize based on prior description, was the Marquess of Laus. In the corner of his eye, he could see a familiar blonde female sporting an outfit that held to her exceptional physique quite well. He'd make the mental note to address that momentarily as well. However first..
Audric immediately tucked his right forearm against his abdominal segment and inclined his head politely as he bowed, left arm extending outwards while he greeted the Marquess. He spoke in his usual somewhat booming tone, knowing that he couldn't appear meek, nor overly assertive. His heart was racing slightly. Only Lycian politics could present the immense weight upon one's shoulders simply for introducing themselves. Audric felt his lips curve into a slight grin as he inclined from his bow. "Marquess Revelin." Here, he also inclined and bowed before his wife. "My lady."
He squared his shoulders as he stood straight and smiled a bit more confidently.
"I am Audric Tania, son of Marquise Luisella Tania. I bring her apologies that she could not attend herself, as she is quite ill currently, and my father finds himself tending to her personally to assure no ill intent. I must say that you've done a splendid job with your preparations, and decorations. "
Here however, Audric caught another flash of blonde in the corner of his eye and couldn't help but notice Charlotte once more. This time, he could recognize her. She was certainly the woman he'd met in Santaruz. Well..she certainly knew how to travel, didn't she? Before turning to address the Marquess once more, he turned partially to politely nod and wave in her direction. Would she even see him? At such events, one could never be certain. So many people, of such varying colored outfits.
|
|
Ulai
Myrmidon
Nothing to be done.
Posts: 37
Affinity: Wind
OoC Alias: Selibas
|
Post by Ulai on Jan 27, 2016 17:32:28 GMT -6
Ahh Laus. The new juggernaut of Lycia, hard times had turned a city that once had been like coal to Ulai not into a diamond but into a less fun piece of coal full of citizens that gave him odd looks and guards that constantly made him turn out his pockets. When the lordling and his shadow had reached the city, Ulai had expected to find it in ruins, ruled over by some short skeleton with a name he didn't quite understand the meaning of, on the watch for humans but not taking it very seriously. Instead, he'd been greeted by city guards. Happy to see humans weren't slaughtered, he still wasn't happy that he was made to deal with the authorities. He'd not committed any crimes in some time, but the watchful eyes of men with the authority to throw him in jail usually stayed trained on him as he walked among Lycians. Not that any of the Lycians he traveled with noticed.
Here they were, the ball, the festival. They were here on invitation to celebrate the Yuletide. Perhaps that was an incorrect way to phrase it, but Ulai hadn't exactly grown up with the same holidays as the people in the room. Still, the event had sounded entertaining when he'd found out about it. Dancing with a bunch of rich people? What's not to love. Perhaps he'd even find some rich old noble women in search of a dashing husband in her twilight years! Surely Audric would understand if Ulai had to go and live out the rest of his days financially secure.
In accordance with the event, Ulai had set about creating an outfit which was sure to make him stand out. Well, his appearance made him stand out, but his clothes would help. He wore a white patterned doublet under a green cloak, with his collar popping over the cloak. It was perhaps a bit more form fitting than appropriate, but he was technically at the event as Audric's escort, and if someone who wanted to cause trouble saw the width of Ulai's shoulders perhaps they'd think twice. His leggings were crimson to mark him for Tania, as he was now a proud unofficial official part of the house as he styled himself. No one else did, but they weren't too important.
With a the gait of a long limbed cat, Ulai followed his lord into the hall as the rest of the guards came to a halt. It had been suggested that he not accompany Audric by a few Tanian officials. Their suggestions had been ignored. Ulai was in perfect step with Audric as the crimson haired youth made his way through the crowded hall. Ulai felt heads turn as he entered, and told himself they stared at his clothes. A few of the younger ladies however, caught his eye, and the occasional stare was returned. Quickly, Audric found the most important man he was supposed to meet, the head of the very city they now stood in. Keeping his mouth shut, Ulai bowed in sync with Audric, but kept his face plain. As Audric started in on his apologies and niceties, the Nabatan continued surveying the room. There were few characters that seemed outright shady which was good.
His eyes caught a young woman then, and did not let go. She was, among the ruddy faces of the assembled nobles, a sight like an oasis. In the brief time that the Nabatan watched her, he thought of a few thousand things he could say to her, but knew it would have to wait. He could not simply leave Audric mid conversation with the most important person at the party. To his shock, Audric motioned her over, and Ulai's jaw dropped. He whispered to Audric, "Audric, you never told me you knew any women."
|
|
|
Post by The Madness on Jan 29, 2016 11:44:44 GMT -6
The moment was at hand. Madness and the "lord" discussed their plan in near silence as the carriage pulled over to the main entrance to Laus. All they had to do to get trough was for "Tristan" to show his face outside the carriage's window and they were let trough, towards where this ball would be held. People did not pay much attention. The commoners had their own worries. Disgusting worries, but worries still. Madness could never understand why these people bothered with their boring routines every day just to live or to gain some sort of pleasure. Humans were disgusting. They all looked so similar. Sure, their color of hair might be different, but otherwise they looked the same. They smelled the same too.
The carriage stops in front of the castle. The two, Madness and "Lord Tristan" leave the carriage. Smooth sailing till now. She gave the mental order for her men to prepare for a surprise attack, but for now, they were ordered by "Tristan" to park the carriage and make sure it'd have no scratches. Say what you want about the wretch that had possessed the late lord's corpse, he had the acting skills and grandeur for this kind of a job. He had the mannerisms of a flamboyant lord. He called people darling when he needed to, yet there was an obvious tone to that speech. The one that hinted at a possible whipping if his merry and narry were not followed to the certain extent that he wanted. And, he seemed to get what he wanted, for soon enough they had made their way to the hall.
A young squire, clearly disgruntled with his lot in life, slammed down what appeared to be a pole. She was confused for a moment, before soon the meaning game clear. Just an announcement. "Lord Tristan and his bodyguard Bleck have arrived!"
They'd be an odd sight. A clearly flamboyant lord who enjoyed the life of the party, fat and round, jolly, but... Also oddly threatening. If anyone very magically inclined was present, they might have even gotten a strange, unexplained sense of dread from him and his companion. A tall warrior, maybe a foot taller than Tristan in total, wearing fully black armor. He/She had no holes. No real points of penetration. Except for the small slit on his/her helm that revealed a faint glimmer of red. Tristan bows, but Madness does not.
[MADNESS HAS ARRIVED]
|
|
|
Post by Charlotte on Jan 31, 2016 14:17:24 GMT -6
Another glass of wine gone, and Charlotte’s mood was more enjoyable than it had been in the past few months. It was refreshing, really, having a simple conversation instead of dodging a knife blow or getting caught up in an explosion. Her laughs were almost genuine, her stories and recollections almost true, and for once, she was almost being herself rather than being Myscha. Maybe there was something to what she’d learned so far, working with Saturos. The man hid in plain sight as opposed to using the usual cloak and dagger that Charlotte took too when she worked. It certainly left her feeling much less on edge, which helped her mind be razor sharp.
The group’s conversation had again shifted, now to Tyrrell’s most recent publication, a narrative based around his political philosophy. While Tyrrell was a known friend of the Marquess of Laus, he was also known to be a peaceful man. He always declined to offer his opinion on Revelin’s gathering of forces, but it was pretty clear he was in opposition of the man’s decision. Still, when one had powerful friends, it meant you had to express your opinions and beliefs in a much more clever and understated way. For Tyrrell, his friendship with Revelin truly was a metaphorical war of attrition, though in Charlotte’s opinion, he would likely not come out as the victor.
Just as Charlotte finished commenting on something she’d read in Tyrrell’s last book - the woman did read, after all - a flash of red to her right caught her eye. Looking past Rob and Tyrrell, the woman saw none other than Audric Tania, Marquise Tania’s son, in the company of Marquess Revelin and a few others. They had met in brief some time ago, but he barely looked any different - well, besides not donning his armor, as he had been the last time she’d seen him. It seemed Audric had caught a glimpse of her too, as threw a polite wave in her direction.
The blonde smiled, looking back to Tyrrell and the group. “If you’ll excuse me,” Charlotte said, garnering a few friendly nods as she turned and walked towards Audric. As she did, she briefly glanced at the entrance to the hall where they were announcing the guests as they entered, stamping some sort of pole and calling their names. She wasn’t sure how much longer people could pour into the hall; it was already fairly crowded, though that was to be expected for the biggest ‘bash’ of the year.
Turning her attention back in front of her, Charlotte smiled as she continued away from her group to Audric’s. The group from earlier seemed to have dissipated, leaving only the Marquess, his wife, as well as Audric and a red-haired man who seemed to be accompanying him. The Marquess looked regal as ever, donning a deep maroon high-collared doublet with ornate gold stitching, matched by gold buttons bringing the sides together in the middle. A collared cape lined with fur hung over his left shoulder, similarly stitched to his doublet, and was tied by a gold and maroon cord tied just under his right arm. His black leather boots were newly polished, clean, and rose to his knees, and a small gold circlet sat on his head: the mark of the ruler of Laus.
As she approached, she heard the Marquess addressing Audric, waving his hand in reference to the ballroom. “Oh, this? This was all my wife’s doing,” he chuckled, looking over to the woman at his side for a moment before returning his gaze to Audric.. “Though it is certainly disappointing to hear of your mother’s illness; rest assured if there was ill-intent, it will not stand. You have my word on that.”
Finally closing the gap, Charlotte respectfully left a pace of distance between herself and the small group, dropping into a deep curtsy. “Many apologies for interrupting, My Lord and My Lady Revelin, but it appears Lord Tania caught sight of me from across the room, and I wished to come bid him hello.” Charlotte looked up only with her eyes to see Marquess Laus, who eyed the curtsying woman curiously, but nodded nonetheless, the unspoken signal that Charlotte could rise. Straightening up, Charlotte smiled with a nod towards Audric and his friend.
“I’m not sure I’ve seen you in court, Miss,” the Marquess said, sipping from a goblet he held in his hand.
Charlotte shook her head. “Miss Charlotte, My Lord. And you are correct; I’ve not been at court before, but I’ve accompanied Lord Balsam today. It has been a most enjoyable experience so far.”
The name struck a familiar chord with the Marquess, who grinned with a shake of his ashen head. “Of course. I’m certain the rest of the day’s entertainment will continue to impress.” Taking a brief pause to sip from his goblet, Marquess Laus looked back to Audric. “So, Lord Tania, have your lands fared well these past few years?”
|
|
Aaron Winsett
Sage
Seeker of Knowledge
Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed.
Posts: 419
Sacae Fame: 1
Lycia Fame: 2
Profession: Student of Magic
OoC Alias: Feldsky
|
Post by Aaron Winsett on Feb 1, 2016 21:39:53 GMT -6
As the green haired sage continued looking on, searching for the right person to approach, he realized that he was well and truly lost. He had little idea of who was doing what, or of how to approach anyone. He felt like he was reading old script again for the first time. The language and patterns of the court was not something he'd studied before leaving the academy, or after returning from his travels. It wasn't really something that he wanted to study in the future either, but it was looking to be the next step to take, whether furthering his own studies and projects or trying to support the Lycian League, still struggling in its decisions.
A musical chuckle from nearby seemed to float through the air towards him. "Careful boy. You look as though you'll pop a vein if you keep staring out at them." Aaron looked over and saw a woman with long brown hair and a confident an knowing smile on her face. Her gown seemed made of elegance, and looked like something that would cost as much as tutoring into an entire branch of magic. "You can't treat this as just another of your experiments, Mage. There are no repeats here without consequences."
Aaron met her gaze, and then relaxed a little.... He could admit to himself that he had no idea what to do here. "Is my ineptitude so obvious, then?"
The woman seemed to glide as she came to join him where he stood, shaking her head as she went. "Is it ineptitude? Perhaps you should simply try something simple. 'Hello. How are you? What do you enjoy?'"
Aaron laughed and pushed his hair back out of his face, a little bewildered at the suggestion. "That's the sort of conversation to open with at a Yuletide Celebration in Castle Laus?"
"Only if you want to be labeled as utterly unimaginative, dull, and boring. It's a great deal better than what you were occupying yourself with though."
"Well." Aaron squared himself up and looked over to this woman that had started speaking to him. "Alright then. Greetings, Milady. How is the Yultide Ball treating you this year?" The personal nature of the conversation he was having was setting him at ease more than he'd been, he realized. It was a blatantly obvious lesson. Relax. He needed to be natural here.
"Boring and unimaginative it is then?"
"Not necessarily. We could always trade stories about what led us here." Aaron kept on speaking with the woman for a time. In the background, Lord Tristan's arrival was announced, and Aaron started to feel something like a chill. It left him uncomfortable, and he turned to look at the pair as they arrived. He would attribute it to nerves, except that it wasn't physical. It was coming from some other sense, like a prickle of cold on his skin. He shook it off as best he could, but couldn't seem to get back into the same relaxed mood he'd hit earlier. Something had set him off.
|
|
Audric Tania
Soldier
Posts: 57
Profession: Royal Hothead
Affiliation: Lycia
Affinity: Fire
|
Post by Audric Tania on Feb 10, 2016 9:08:33 GMT -6
He wasn't sure what had surprised him more. That Ulai, a man he considered so similar to himself in some aspects, had so little faith in him, or that Charlotte had actually seen him. The latter of which was no doubt however, a pleasant surprise. The former? Why, he was offended! In the brief moment that Marquess Revelin turned to gaze at his wife, Audric lightly covered his lips with an upraised hand, knuckles obscuring them as he leaned to return the hushed tone with which Ulai had expressed his disbelief. "My good Ulai, I do indeed know a few women. Keep up, and you might as well. " A devilish grin etched onto his face before he turned to see the Marquess turning back towards him. His posture almost instantly resumed to a more proper one as his hands adjusted to his sides. Bound by the chains of pleasantry within Lycian politics, it was like two sides of a coin in contrast. Audric had grin had entirely faded into a polite smile as he tucked an arm beneath his abdomen and bowed slightly towards the assertion by the Marquess as to a response if his mother's illness was in - fact caused by poison or something so nefarious. His words reflected the serious tone, and though Charlotte was within earshot, his response to the Marquess was finished before he could greet her.
"She would be humbled by your words sir, as I am. My thanks. I shall make sure to keep you informed if her condition takes a turn for the worse. "
As the blonde approached, and Audric got a second look at her, he noticed that she was far more elegant looking than their last encounter. Then again, their last encounter had been in the middle of Santaruz, and he'd ended up scuffling with nefariously minded individuals while fully clad in armor. Hardly an instance where he'd notice that the garb of a refined woman easily suited her. He didn't miss that observation this time. Though trained to resist the gestures of an impolite nature as to stare too long, Audric was a young and healthy growing lad so his eyes did not shy from a brief admiration of her entirely. However he closed them a moment later to bow towards her as well out of politeness after she introduced herself to the host of the night. The faintest of grins crept onto his lips once more, the crimson haired lordling gesturing towards Charlotte herself and now speaking more directly. He greeted her with a bow similar to the one of thanks he'd just given the Marquess.
"Tis' good to see you one more, My lady. Your presence brings an added radiance to such occasions. "
He turned to the Marquess, while also speaking to Ulai though while chuckling a bit, shifting his hands back to his sides slightly.
"Her and I had a very enlightening, if not fascinating discussion as to the political standings of the Lycian League, and the way of things. She's got a very sharp mind."
He moved a gloved hand to his chin however as he crossed his arms, contemplating his response as the Marquess gauged him with the minute question. Though such small talk was harmless, his answer had to be carefully sculpted. The game of Lycian Politics never ended. It was always tugging and pushing, with every word potentially beneficial or disastrous. His gaze averted to the guests of the room as another lord arrived, which meant another name to memorize eventually no doubt. Oh boy...can't wait for that... he internally scoffed despite the friendly visage.
"Ah. Quite well, thank you. Given what little trouble we've had from bandits trying to flee Bern. Seems the civil war has made their business scarce, and they foolishly thought their ventures would go better in Tania. Knight Commander Merio has been seeing to that. Your own lands, My lord? "
In the back of his head he tried to imagine how things were going back at home. He'd enjoyed the freedom these adventures provided, but he did miss Tania.
|
|
Ulai
Myrmidon
Nothing to be done.
Posts: 37
Affinity: Wind
OoC Alias: Selibas
|
Post by Ulai on Feb 14, 2016 12:47:49 GMT -6
Keeping his voice low as his eyes followed the approaching woman, Ulai replied to the lordling in kind, "You forget I've lived outside a palace wall my whole life Audric. Unlike you I've known women in private." The slim Nabatan listened without truly paying attention as everyone around him began to prattle on with niciteis about their various political situations and how nice the festivities were. No one had bothered to ask him if he was enjoying his evening. He'd not been offered a drink, or a bit of nice conversation. He had half a mind to tell them he was the grand sultan of Khan Yunis they'd never heard of, and that he would be planning an attack based on their rudeness to him. But he wouldn't, he was sworn to Audric, and Audric deserved a brother who stood quietly while shouldering the ambivalence of rude Lycians. The night may have been improved if he could just find a Sacaen amongst the crowd, someone he could look to and say, "Lycians, amirite?"
However, slightly put off as he was, Ulai lifted his face a bit. He usually carried a happy expression on his distinct features, but tonight he supposed he may have been set a bit hard in his visage. Yet when the woman Audric had motioned to joined the conversation, Ulai's mouth and eyes drew his features up a bit, lightening the young man's look.
""Tis' good to see you one more, My lady. Your presence brings an added radiance to such occasions." Ulai showed his teeth a bit at that, turning away to look at a corner of the room that was of sudden interest to him so as to hide the flash of a grin from the nobles surrounding him. It wasn't a horrible thing to say to be honest, it just struck Ulai as funny since it was coming from Audric, Ser Blunt and Tumble, Lord of Tania.
After that, Ulai waited for a lull in this Charlotte's role in the conversation, then he lightly extended a hand to her. He smiled wide, though he kept his face far from being silly, and said in a low voice just loud enough for her and perhaps Audric to hear, "Well, My Lady Charlotte, had I known that Audric would have placed me in a situation where I'd speak with anyone as lovely as you, I'd have dressed far nicer. Though looking at you I don't feel only underdressed, but as if I'm underperforming in every visual category."
|
|