He spotted her strained look and inclined his head in apology, continuing to meet her gaze. There was a risk inherent in any personal revelation, and he suspected she had more reason than most to be wary of magic. She handled herself well, though, which was more than could be said for many in the city. Too many wanted to be players and nobody wanted to learn how the game was played. Their bottomless disappointment when they finally realized that the rules were dreamed up as they went along by people who were less than conventionally sane never failed to raise his spirirts. He smiled genuinely as she finally introduced herself and bowed semi-formally.
"Pleasure to finally meet you Miss Idris," he said, solemnly, "truly. You are a bright light in a very dull place."
Straightening, he caught sight of an armoured figure crossing the room and took note of the stance. Captain Smithson did not seem pleased with events. Tius didn't blame him, but thought it silly for the man to balk at the course events took when he ran a mile to avoid dealing with them up front. The Guard was full of such people. They were great after the fact but up until someone gave them an order they were little better than armoured sheep. Entitled armoured sheep. For all the animosity that existed between the families he believed that Oslun ran a tighter ship than that. He only hoped that time would prove this to be the case. Smithson made a beeline for Lady Sekhara and Morilyn. What would that little clique do, he wondered.
"Tius Morr," he said, without missing a beat, "shall we dance?"
He dusted off his gloved hands and smiled, feeling the atmosphere of the room. The tension, slightly abated, was returning in force. People were nervous for new reasons now. They were making plans. Soon lines would be drawn and myriad petty schemes would be put into motion, clouding over the big scheme running beneath. There was power, raw, unbridled power in such times. The vacuum held great promise and many wished to fill it. All he had to do was watch. And, he supposed, be himself. That seemed to do the trick. He held out his hand for Talia to take it.
"I think we both need another laugh after this," he said with a smile, "would you do me the honour?"
Marn Restoration Gala - Ascension
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Talia Idris
- Citizen
- Posts: 404
- Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2013 4:20 am
- Name: Talia Idris
- Race: human
Re: Marn Restoration Gala - Ascension
She blushed slightly at his compliment, before starting to turn red for another reason. "I uh...I don't dance, or rather, I can't." She stuttered before regaining her composure. "This is my first time attending an event even remotely like this. In fact, I almost didn't come."
She let her gaze wander around the room, this time simply taking in the lights, decorations and finely dressed people. Maybe she was a light but she didn't belong here, she could feel that. Although part of her hoped that perhaps some day she would be able to walk into a room an command it with such confidence as she had seen several people do already.
She also tried to follow Tius' gaze. She had noticed that while he was focusing the majority of his attention on her, he observed the rest of the room with careful calulation. Perhaps he was looking for someone, or simply attempting to do the job he had come to do while still trying to have a bit of fun. Not to mention he probably knew, or at least knew of half of the people in this room due to his work.
"I am a baker." she explained shyly, although she couldn't keep a bit a bit of pride out of her voice as she continued. "And since the establishment that I work in specialized in the more practical baked goods, it keeps me busy most mornings and evenings."
She let her gaze wander around the room, this time simply taking in the lights, decorations and finely dressed people. Maybe she was a light but she didn't belong here, she could feel that. Although part of her hoped that perhaps some day she would be able to walk into a room an command it with such confidence as she had seen several people do already.
She also tried to follow Tius' gaze. She had noticed that while he was focusing the majority of his attention on her, he observed the rest of the room with careful calulation. Perhaps he was looking for someone, or simply attempting to do the job he had come to do while still trying to have a bit of fun. Not to mention he probably knew, or at least knew of half of the people in this room due to his work.
"I am a baker." she explained shyly, although she couldn't keep a bit a bit of pride out of her voice as she continued. "And since the establishment that I work in specialized in the more practical baked goods, it keeps me busy most mornings and evenings."
Re: Marn Restoration Gala - Ascension
Now that she finally made her speech, she only had to wait for the government to throw itself behind her cause. Whatever else occurred at her gala would be trivial in comparison. But she nevertheless needed to keep up her appearance and thank her most important followers for their support. Though she was confident the party's turnout would sway Marn's leadership, she still needed influential citizens on her side. To her knowledge Jevan was still waiting for her at her table, but he cold wait a while longer. Guile and Sehkhara were far more important. She knew she could count on Guile for his support, but she still needed to meet with Sehkhara.
Speaking of the good doctor, where was she?
Navarre scanned the auditorium as she walked through the crowd. She had glimpsed Sehkhara before taking the stage, but now she couldn't see her through these useless drones clamoring for her attention. She put on her best smile and weaved through the guests, occasionally shaking a hand and offering a word of gratitude. Once again she was drowning in Marn's filth, surrounded by a sea of generic, interchangeable faces. Even the presence of the nobility did little to quell her disgust. Some like Alexander shone through the filth, but finding even one diamond in an ocean of excrement was a miracle in itself. But what else could she expect from such a backwater city? Hopefully she'd be able to drop the act soon enough, provided the government had the wits to back her.
A voice from behind her broke her concentration: “Lady Navarre! What a beautiful speech! You really have a way with words.”
The Abernathy girl. So the brainless twit finally decided to show herself. Still smiling, Navarre leaned in close to Lorenna. “You were supposed to be at my table before my speech. Where were you?” she whispered.
Lorenna grinned excitedly and grabbed her by the hands. “Never mind that now! I met the most interesting man near the entrance and just had to get to know him. He's an adorable old sailor from a mystical foreign land outside the Empire! I think one of those places to the south with all the brown people and their cute little stick houses. And you won't believe this – he has a massive collection of incredibly rare treasures that he says only a crafty consumer like me can appreciate! You must help me find Father so he can give me bishani for some! He says he wants all of it upfront and it's a limited-time offer!”
“Lorenna - “
“Please! Sea treasure sounds so impressive. Mother and Father won't buy me anything anymore. TheysayIhaveenoughstuffalreadybutitsalloutdatedandtheydontunderstandthatIneedtokeepup -”
Navarre covered Lorenna's mouth with her hand, her eyes narrowing in on Guile in the crowd. “I want you to look for Doctor Sekhara and direct her to my table when you find her. You will then sit at the table, keep your eyes on your plate, and remain silent for the rest of the night.” Pulling her hand away, she made a beeline straight for Guile and his wife. If Lorenna wasn't reliable enough to find Sehkhara – a strong possibility – then she'd have to send Alexander once they returned to the table.
Reaching the Markus couple, she greeted them with a smile. “Minister Markus, I'm honored that you and your wife came to show your support. I apologize for not reaching you sooner – I've been on my feet for most of the evening. Won't you accompany me to my table?”
Speaking of the good doctor, where was she?
Navarre scanned the auditorium as she walked through the crowd. She had glimpsed Sehkhara before taking the stage, but now she couldn't see her through these useless drones clamoring for her attention. She put on her best smile and weaved through the guests, occasionally shaking a hand and offering a word of gratitude. Once again she was drowning in Marn's filth, surrounded by a sea of generic, interchangeable faces. Even the presence of the nobility did little to quell her disgust. Some like Alexander shone through the filth, but finding even one diamond in an ocean of excrement was a miracle in itself. But what else could she expect from such a backwater city? Hopefully she'd be able to drop the act soon enough, provided the government had the wits to back her.
A voice from behind her broke her concentration: “Lady Navarre! What a beautiful speech! You really have a way with words.”
The Abernathy girl. So the brainless twit finally decided to show herself. Still smiling, Navarre leaned in close to Lorenna. “You were supposed to be at my table before my speech. Where were you?” she whispered.
Lorenna grinned excitedly and grabbed her by the hands. “Never mind that now! I met the most interesting man near the entrance and just had to get to know him. He's an adorable old sailor from a mystical foreign land outside the Empire! I think one of those places to the south with all the brown people and their cute little stick houses. And you won't believe this – he has a massive collection of incredibly rare treasures that he says only a crafty consumer like me can appreciate! You must help me find Father so he can give me bishani for some! He says he wants all of it upfront and it's a limited-time offer!”
“Lorenna - “
“Please! Sea treasure sounds so impressive. Mother and Father won't buy me anything anymore. TheysayIhaveenoughstuffalreadybutitsalloutdatedandtheydontunderstandthatIneedtokeepup -”
Navarre covered Lorenna's mouth with her hand, her eyes narrowing in on Guile in the crowd. “I want you to look for Doctor Sekhara and direct her to my table when you find her. You will then sit at the table, keep your eyes on your plate, and remain silent for the rest of the night.” Pulling her hand away, she made a beeline straight for Guile and his wife. If Lorenna wasn't reliable enough to find Sehkhara – a strong possibility – then she'd have to send Alexander once they returned to the table.
Reaching the Markus couple, she greeted them with a smile. “Minister Markus, I'm honored that you and your wife came to show your support. I apologize for not reaching you sooner – I've been on my feet for most of the evening. Won't you accompany me to my table?”
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Vicentius
- Citizen
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Sat Feb 01, 2014 9:47 pm
- Name: Vicentius Morrington
- Race: Human
Re: Marn Restoration Gala - Ascension
“Even better,” he said, with a broad smile, “no preconceptions. It’s not as difficult as they make it look. Mostly.”
He looked her up and down briefly, raising an eyebrow. With her posture and figure she could have been mistaken for a dancer. She had grace. Once again he found himself studying her face. Something spoke to him there; something hidden in plain sight by his mind. He reached out and raised her hands to where he could better see them. Looking her in the eye to see if he was over stepping, he turned them palm up most in the light and lowered his eyes to inspect them closer.
“Yes,” he said, after a moment, “I can see that now. You have very strong hands and arms.”
Kneading bread was not a pastime for the weak or the impatient. His eyes sparkled briefly as he remembered those bakers that had been kind to a poor traveller looking for work. He raised a careful eyebrow and gently ran a gloved finger over the callused skin if her fingers. Carrying hot trays and handling cooked food took a toll and left a mark like anything else. She took good care of herself though, they were all well healed or healing nicely.
“Burns too,” he said, softly, “and some of them fresh. Not many, though. You must be very skilled.”
She was nervous, but still persistent. It wasn’t ambition or even curiosity. It felt more like spite; a very rude gesture to the nobility as a whole for some wrong or other. It wasn’t surprising really; even other nobles avoided the nobility when they could. She was searching for something though. There was a longing in how she held herself. She did not know what she sought, but he suspected she’d know it when she saw it. Wise of her to keep an open mind, he thought, releasing her hands.
“My apologies,” he said, “I see so many hands that need attention, but not so many of such delicacy.”
He smiled his best disarming smile and stepped back, holding his hand out to her.
“You’re not telling me that a woman who can navigate a busy bakery can’t outdo a room full of rakes in silk bedclothes?”
The music was slow and pleasant, albeit surprisingly upbeat given the nature of the speech. He was still dwelling on its meaning but there was little to do until the players picked sides. It was the kind of tune designed to keep conversation flowing. Nothing too aggressive or energetic though lest the nobles get scared and retreat to their dens or, heaven forbid, socialize at a faster pace. Perish the thought indeed. A number of couples had already moved to the dance floor in a flurry of synchronized activity that seamlessly drew the eye.
“If you can’t have fun on a night like this, Miss Idris,” he said, “then when can you? Or do I have to find that dress to coax you out?”
He looked her up and down briefly, raising an eyebrow. With her posture and figure she could have been mistaken for a dancer. She had grace. Once again he found himself studying her face. Something spoke to him there; something hidden in plain sight by his mind. He reached out and raised her hands to where he could better see them. Looking her in the eye to see if he was over stepping, he turned them palm up most in the light and lowered his eyes to inspect them closer.
“Yes,” he said, after a moment, “I can see that now. You have very strong hands and arms.”
Kneading bread was not a pastime for the weak or the impatient. His eyes sparkled briefly as he remembered those bakers that had been kind to a poor traveller looking for work. He raised a careful eyebrow and gently ran a gloved finger over the callused skin if her fingers. Carrying hot trays and handling cooked food took a toll and left a mark like anything else. She took good care of herself though, they were all well healed or healing nicely.
“Burns too,” he said, softly, “and some of them fresh. Not many, though. You must be very skilled.”
She was nervous, but still persistent. It wasn’t ambition or even curiosity. It felt more like spite; a very rude gesture to the nobility as a whole for some wrong or other. It wasn’t surprising really; even other nobles avoided the nobility when they could. She was searching for something though. There was a longing in how she held herself. She did not know what she sought, but he suspected she’d know it when she saw it. Wise of her to keep an open mind, he thought, releasing her hands.
“My apologies,” he said, “I see so many hands that need attention, but not so many of such delicacy.”
He smiled his best disarming smile and stepped back, holding his hand out to her.
“You’re not telling me that a woman who can navigate a busy bakery can’t outdo a room full of rakes in silk bedclothes?”
The music was slow and pleasant, albeit surprisingly upbeat given the nature of the speech. He was still dwelling on its meaning but there was little to do until the players picked sides. It was the kind of tune designed to keep conversation flowing. Nothing too aggressive or energetic though lest the nobles get scared and retreat to their dens or, heaven forbid, socialize at a faster pace. Perish the thought indeed. A number of couples had already moved to the dance floor in a flurry of synchronized activity that seamlessly drew the eye.
“If you can’t have fun on a night like this, Miss Idris,” he said, “then when can you? Or do I have to find that dress to coax you out?”
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Talia Idris
- Citizen
- Posts: 404
- Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2013 4:20 am
- Name: Talia Idris
- Race: human
Re: Marn Restoration Gala - Ascension
"I suppose it does mean if you are a horrible dancer I won't be able to tell." She teased although quickly quieting as he grabbed her hands and inspected them. She stared at the floor as he did so, feeling a bit self concious once again in her homemade dress.
She raised her head at his compliment. She had prepared herself to be laughed at or even mocked if anyone learned of her profession but she certainly hadn't expected to be flattered in such a way. It was true that she had many years of experience not to mention she strove to learn more about various sorts of baking. She didn't want to work at Bepa's Buns for the rest of her life after all.
As he surrendered her hands she looked at them herself, faint burn scars remained from when she had first started and new ones from where she had failed to realize that the pan was still hot. Your nerve endings tended to dull or fade away after severals years working with hot things.
She looked up with a playful smile. "So it is common to examine your dance partner's hands before dancing with them?" She asked as she placed a hand back in his as she allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor.
Talia still felt awkward trying to have fun. Not only did she feel out of place but they had just found a man died and everyone was acting like that was a normal announcement during such a party. The wine calmed her nerves but not her stomach that turned every time she thought of what the Lady Navarre had told them. But for now nothing could be done so perhaps it would be best to put it from her mind for time being.
As she watched his feet carefully and tried to mirror his movements her eyes caught sight of her ruby pendant casually swaying on it's ribbon. She looked up at Mr. Morr an idea forming in her mind.
Looking up proved to be bad idea as she moved a wrong foot and stumbled into him.
"I am so sorry!" She apologized, blushing profusely before managing a laugh. "It is a good think you didn't find me that dress otherwise I am sure this would be a much larger disaster...no matter which one of us wore it."
She raised her head at his compliment. She had prepared herself to be laughed at or even mocked if anyone learned of her profession but she certainly hadn't expected to be flattered in such a way. It was true that she had many years of experience not to mention she strove to learn more about various sorts of baking. She didn't want to work at Bepa's Buns for the rest of her life after all.
As he surrendered her hands she looked at them herself, faint burn scars remained from when she had first started and new ones from where she had failed to realize that the pan was still hot. Your nerve endings tended to dull or fade away after severals years working with hot things.
She looked up with a playful smile. "So it is common to examine your dance partner's hands before dancing with them?" She asked as she placed a hand back in his as she allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor.
Talia still felt awkward trying to have fun. Not only did she feel out of place but they had just found a man died and everyone was acting like that was a normal announcement during such a party. The wine calmed her nerves but not her stomach that turned every time she thought of what the Lady Navarre had told them. But for now nothing could be done so perhaps it would be best to put it from her mind for time being.
As she watched his feet carefully and tried to mirror his movements her eyes caught sight of her ruby pendant casually swaying on it's ribbon. She looked up at Mr. Morr an idea forming in her mind.
Looking up proved to be bad idea as she moved a wrong foot and stumbled into him.
"I am so sorry!" She apologized, blushing profusely before managing a laugh. "It is a good think you didn't find me that dress otherwise I am sure this would be a much larger disaster...no matter which one of us wore it."
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Vicentius
- Citizen
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Sat Feb 01, 2014 9:47 pm
- Name: Vicentius Morrington
- Race: Human
Re: Marn Restoration Gala - Ascension
He laughed as she bumped into him. He'd been right about her skills, she was more than able to keep up. The only problem she seemed to have was thinking too much.
"Careful," he teased, moving in step with her, "don't watch my feet, keep your eyes on my face. It sounds silly but it is easier to feel the motions."
He watched her motions and guided her gently around as they moved. She was hesitant and a little self conscious, but then everyone was at first. He wondered what was on her mind. Then her gaze travelled the room briefly and she seemed to tense. He wasn't certain, but he decided to take a stab at the problem.
"The calm bothers you, doesn't it?"
The music picked up and they twirled briefly before settling down into their previous pace. The plotting was still ongoing in the crowd and so far no one looked like they were going to budge.
"Its decorum. Nobody wants anybody else to know what they're thinking. They'll play it cool here, have some wine and fancy food, and they'll go home. Where all hell will break loose."
They did another circuit of the dance floor and he grinned at her.
"And you said you couldn't dance."
"Careful," he teased, moving in step with her, "don't watch my feet, keep your eyes on my face. It sounds silly but it is easier to feel the motions."
He watched her motions and guided her gently around as they moved. She was hesitant and a little self conscious, but then everyone was at first. He wondered what was on her mind. Then her gaze travelled the room briefly and she seemed to tense. He wasn't certain, but he decided to take a stab at the problem.
"The calm bothers you, doesn't it?"
The music picked up and they twirled briefly before settling down into their previous pace. The plotting was still ongoing in the crowd and so far no one looked like they were going to budge.
"Its decorum. Nobody wants anybody else to know what they're thinking. They'll play it cool here, have some wine and fancy food, and they'll go home. Where all hell will break loose."
They did another circuit of the dance floor and he grinned at her.
"And you said you couldn't dance."
Re: Marn Restoration Gala - Ascension
Even as she spoke to Morylin, Ree scanned the crowd one more time to look for Camulous. When she finally saw him, he was standing amidst several people just looking at her. When their eyes met, she knew he stared because in thirteen years he'd never seen her dressed like this - like a proper Descendant, like a proper Marnian aristocrat. She hoped he thought she looked beautiful, not odd.
What would be obvious to anyone would be the way her whole demeanor lit up. Where before, she was a pretty painting to be observed, now the warmth of her personality showed. Was she suddenly more beautiful?
Seeing Cam, she straightened to her full height (and then some because of the shoes she wore) and smiled. A soft flush lit her cheeks. Her heart did a pitty-pat and butterflies fluttered in her belly. Excitement. Happiness. Relief.
The light caught on the soft opalescent dust on her shoulders and in her eyes. She smiled as she watched him approach. She turned toward him, waiting.
The look and smile had not been given to anyone else. This was one reserved for Cam and Cam alone. This was the one that had spawned the silly "hearts in her eyes" write-up in the Daily Tattler. She was an open book.
Simply put, a woman in love glowed from the inside out. It was not magic or glamour. It was an emotion that made even the plainest woman sparkle and shine.
When he arrived, he nodded and greeted them both. His armor was dirtied from the days' work. He held the helm tucked under one arm. Ree allowed herself to think that he looked handsome. Something she would have kept buried... before. But now, it showed in the way she looked at him, waited for him, smiled at him, and greeted him.
"Cam..." She was on-duty, but in a different capacity.
Just then Lorenna appeared and asked that Metarie join the Lady Navarre at her table. Ree stared down the young woman until she shifted uncomfortably. This was probably something Cam had also not seen Ree do - she used the full weight of her position to make a point.
"Who?"
"Lady Navarre."
"I do not know anyone by that name."
Lorenna blinked, confused. She pointed hesitantly toward Navarre's table.
"L-Lady Navarre."
Ree stared, waiting, until Lorenna caught on.
"I mean.. Isyrion," Lorenna mumbled.
"I will visit her table shortly. Thank you."
Lorenna curtised and left, glad to be away from Metarie and the Captain.
"Cam.. would you accompany me to the table? I have something to say and I would like you as witness as Captain of the Guards." To be fair, the last bit was so he had an excuse to escort her to the table. Now that Cam had arrived, Ree felt she had enough energy to say what she wanted to say directly to Navarre.
What would be obvious to anyone would be the way her whole demeanor lit up. Where before, she was a pretty painting to be observed, now the warmth of her personality showed. Was she suddenly more beautiful?
Seeing Cam, she straightened to her full height (and then some because of the shoes she wore) and smiled. A soft flush lit her cheeks. Her heart did a pitty-pat and butterflies fluttered in her belly. Excitement. Happiness. Relief.
The light caught on the soft opalescent dust on her shoulders and in her eyes. She smiled as she watched him approach. She turned toward him, waiting.
The look and smile had not been given to anyone else. This was one reserved for Cam and Cam alone. This was the one that had spawned the silly "hearts in her eyes" write-up in the Daily Tattler. She was an open book.
Simply put, a woman in love glowed from the inside out. It was not magic or glamour. It was an emotion that made even the plainest woman sparkle and shine.
When he arrived, he nodded and greeted them both. His armor was dirtied from the days' work. He held the helm tucked under one arm. Ree allowed herself to think that he looked handsome. Something she would have kept buried... before. But now, it showed in the way she looked at him, waited for him, smiled at him, and greeted him.
"Cam..." She was on-duty, but in a different capacity.
Just then Lorenna appeared and asked that Metarie join the Lady Navarre at her table. Ree stared down the young woman until she shifted uncomfortably. This was probably something Cam had also not seen Ree do - she used the full weight of her position to make a point.
"Who?"
"Lady Navarre."
"I do not know anyone by that name."
Lorenna blinked, confused. She pointed hesitantly toward Navarre's table.
"L-Lady Navarre."
Ree stared, waiting, until Lorenna caught on.
"I mean.. Isyrion," Lorenna mumbled.
"I will visit her table shortly. Thank you."
Lorenna curtised and left, glad to be away from Metarie and the Captain.
"Cam.. would you accompany me to the table? I have something to say and I would like you as witness as Captain of the Guards." To be fair, the last bit was so he had an excuse to escort her to the table. Now that Cam had arrived, Ree felt she had enough energy to say what she wanted to say directly to Navarre.
A story is like a tapestry; it is never finished until the final thread is sewn.
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Camulous Smithson
- Guardsman
- Posts: 209
- Joined: Fri Jun 24, 2005 12:59 am
- Name: Camulous Smithson
- Race: Human
Re: Marn Restoration Gala - Ascension
Metarie looked almost as enamored with his appearance as he had been with hers. Had it been that long since they last spoke? Was it because she expected him to dress up in a formal suit? Did he have something in his teeth? He stopped smiling so that he could run his tongue across his front teeth, but there was nothing there.
It was worth noting that although Camulous got no enjoyment out of enduring the gala, he cared very little about what the other guests thought about him. Unlike most of them, he had nothing to prove. Ree, however, mattered. Her approval quietly meant something to him.
When Lorenna arrived and instructed Ree about Navarre, Camulous was likewise surprised by the way Ree claimed not to know who Navarre was. He was even slower than Lorenna at picking up on the game. He liked it, and thought it might be fun to do the same.
Lorenna left and he looked at Ree with his eyebrows pushed in to show his amusement.
"It sounds to me like we should make Isyrion wait before we go. The judges have a delegate working at fort Omenbryn I don't like. Whenever he tries to talk to me, I end up busy with someone else admiring the tapestries we have or the architecture. Diplomats use this strategy to put their opponents on off balance."
Camulous intentionally turned away from Navaree to indicate the ceiling and pillars to Metarie. He wasn't big on social sparring, but as a captain he still knew how to keep someone waiting.
"Did you know this university was designed in a pre-war style originating in Athena? The columns are ornamental, but in those days humans hadn't mastered the best way to make a load-bearing arc with stone, so they had to use angular roofs. Fort Omenbryn is much more structurally sound..."
He waited for a sign from Ree that she was ready to go meet with Navarre.
It was worth noting that although Camulous got no enjoyment out of enduring the gala, he cared very little about what the other guests thought about him. Unlike most of them, he had nothing to prove. Ree, however, mattered. Her approval quietly meant something to him.
When Lorenna arrived and instructed Ree about Navarre, Camulous was likewise surprised by the way Ree claimed not to know who Navarre was. He was even slower than Lorenna at picking up on the game. He liked it, and thought it might be fun to do the same.
Lorenna left and he looked at Ree with his eyebrows pushed in to show his amusement.
"It sounds to me like we should make Isyrion wait before we go. The judges have a delegate working at fort Omenbryn I don't like. Whenever he tries to talk to me, I end up busy with someone else admiring the tapestries we have or the architecture. Diplomats use this strategy to put their opponents on off balance."
Camulous intentionally turned away from Navaree to indicate the ceiling and pillars to Metarie. He wasn't big on social sparring, but as a captain he still knew how to keep someone waiting.
"Did you know this university was designed in a pre-war style originating in Athena? The columns are ornamental, but in those days humans hadn't mastered the best way to make a load-bearing arc with stone, so they had to use angular roofs. Fort Omenbryn is much more structurally sound..."
He waited for a sign from Ree that she was ready to go meet with Navarre.
Soldiers live.
And wonder why.
And wonder why.
Re: Marn Restoration Gala - Ascension
Ree looked down and smiled at the floor for a moment as Cam shared his tactics. Then, she moved next to him and looked up at the details he pointed out. She really didn't care about making Navarre wait. It was getting to spend time with him that mattered. Nearly two weeks had passed since the dinner at her house. Since then, duties had kept them apart.
"So, because the columns are ornamental they bear no weight?"
Ree slipped her arm through his and rested her hand lightly upon the gauntlet.
"Now I am afraid the roof is going to fall on my head." She stole a glance at him from the corner of her eye. A mischievous smile curved her lips.
"Come, good Captain. As a Descendant, I insist you escort me to the young Isyrion's table so I might be done with this tedious business before the whole place falls down around my ears."
"So, because the columns are ornamental they bear no weight?"
Ree slipped her arm through his and rested her hand lightly upon the gauntlet.
"Now I am afraid the roof is going to fall on my head." She stole a glance at him from the corner of her eye. A mischievous smile curved her lips.
"Come, good Captain. As a Descendant, I insist you escort me to the young Isyrion's table so I might be done with this tedious business before the whole place falls down around my ears."
A story is like a tapestry; it is never finished until the final thread is sewn.
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Re: Marn Restoration Gala - Ascension
The foppish nature of these events was not really to Guile's tastes. While he appreciated any chance to gain further foothold in Marn's political landscape, he hated parading his aging wife around. Having no children, he was sure that she and her bigot mannerisms generated some gossip. He wondered if he could have a younger wife arranged. Perhaps he would get lucky and Hermipises's hysteria would worsen into some life-threatening disease.
The minister preferred his own private parties to this sort of riff-raff. Though, admittedly, it was always nice to see others decked out in their newest garments. Metarie, in particular, stood out to him but that was probably because having her in the room transformed Guile into a sort of fat and ungainly lion. He always hunted her down merely to spoil her mood, and was about to do so when Lady Navarre started walking toward him.
"Lady Navarre, looking lovely as she ever did," said Guile, raising his arms above him in a gentle gesture as Navarre approached them, as if they were siblings and had not seen each other in years. Hermipises, wearing a thin-lipped smile, gave a small bow of her bunned head at the elf. Guile put his arms down the moment she was in range, as hugging was not a proper thing to do. He also hated the smell of made-up women. Something about their perfumes.
“Minister Markus, I'm honored that you and your wife came to show your support. I apologize for not reaching you sooner – I've been on my feet for most of the evening. Won't you accompany me to my table?”
"Of course! I can only apologize for our late arrival. I really must find time to fire my coachman," he laughed, in that manufactured way he did. They quickly began moving for the table.
"Darling," started Hermipises, "you must tell me who tailored that wonderful dress! It does wonders for your pale complexion!" Guile had seen his wife eyeing the red dress since they had arrived, shooting subtle glances to the good Lady like a hawk circling for the kill. He could see green-eyed snakes in her eyes as obviously as if she had announced her jealousy on the stage.
He doubted a lovely creature like Lady Navarre would even blink at such comment, so he ignored it. Pale complexion his butt.
Hermipises and Guile both seated themselves at the table. Hermipises busied herself with fixing her dress so that the folds accentuated her fat waist. Many people were already seated. All important. Guile reached for a pewter pitcher of what he assumed was ale, only to realize as he poured it that it was only water.
The minister preferred his own private parties to this sort of riff-raff. Though, admittedly, it was always nice to see others decked out in their newest garments. Metarie, in particular, stood out to him but that was probably because having her in the room transformed Guile into a sort of fat and ungainly lion. He always hunted her down merely to spoil her mood, and was about to do so when Lady Navarre started walking toward him.
"Lady Navarre, looking lovely as she ever did," said Guile, raising his arms above him in a gentle gesture as Navarre approached them, as if they were siblings and had not seen each other in years. Hermipises, wearing a thin-lipped smile, gave a small bow of her bunned head at the elf. Guile put his arms down the moment she was in range, as hugging was not a proper thing to do. He also hated the smell of made-up women. Something about their perfumes.
“Minister Markus, I'm honored that you and your wife came to show your support. I apologize for not reaching you sooner – I've been on my feet for most of the evening. Won't you accompany me to my table?”
"Of course! I can only apologize for our late arrival. I really must find time to fire my coachman," he laughed, in that manufactured way he did. They quickly began moving for the table.
"Darling," started Hermipises, "you must tell me who tailored that wonderful dress! It does wonders for your pale complexion!" Guile had seen his wife eyeing the red dress since they had arrived, shooting subtle glances to the good Lady like a hawk circling for the kill. He could see green-eyed snakes in her eyes as obviously as if she had announced her jealousy on the stage.
He doubted a lovely creature like Lady Navarre would even blink at such comment, so he ignored it. Pale complexion his butt.
Hermipises and Guile both seated themselves at the table. Hermipises busied herself with fixing her dress so that the folds accentuated her fat waist. Many people were already seated. All important. Guile reached for a pewter pitcher of what he assumed was ale, only to realize as he poured it that it was only water.
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Camulous Smithson
- Guardsman
- Posts: 209
- Joined: Fri Jun 24, 2005 12:59 am
- Name: Camulous Smithson
- Race: Human
Re: Marn Restoration Gala - Ascension
"No weight at all, useless frivolities. Don't worry about the roof. The real work is done by the walls. They're less interested in looking important and more interested in keeping the place together. You have to look past all the pomp if you want to see the real value."
Camulous looked down at her hand and realized that it was the first time they'd been so open about their relationship in public. Of course everyone knew about it, but in a gathering like this it was a pointed display.
"Of course, lets go talk to another pillar of our community."
Escorting Metarie, he walked to Navarre's table, subtly acknowledging people's glances along the way with a nod and hint of a forced smile. He had nothing to say when they reached Navarres table, and looked reluctant to say much. He let the two of them do the talking.
Camulous looked down at her hand and realized that it was the first time they'd been so open about their relationship in public. Of course everyone knew about it, but in a gathering like this it was a pointed display.
"Of course, lets go talk to another pillar of our community."
Escorting Metarie, he walked to Navarre's table, subtly acknowledging people's glances along the way with a nod and hint of a forced smile. He had nothing to say when they reached Navarres table, and looked reluctant to say much. He let the two of them do the talking.
Soldiers live.
And wonder why.
And wonder why.
Re: Marn Restoration Gala - Ascension
Ree smiled benignly as they moved through the crowd to Navarre's table. She nodded and returned greetings, wondering if the person was there to support the cause or just to be seen. When asked she repeated her statements.
"No, I am not here to support this cause..." and her reasons why.
When they arrived at the table, she greeted those there.
"I understand you wanted to speak with me?" She gave Navarre her attention last, greeting those at the table in order of societal importance. Ree's brows were raised.
"No, I am not here to support this cause..." and her reasons why.
When they arrived at the table, she greeted those there.
"I understand you wanted to speak with me?" She gave Navarre her attention last, greeting those at the table in order of societal importance. Ree's brows were raised.
A story is like a tapestry; it is never finished until the final thread is sewn.
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Luca Abernathy
- Citizen
- Posts: 57
- Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2014 12:38 am
- Name: Luca Abernathy
- Race: Human
Re: Marn Restoration Gala - Ascension
Luca had chuckled at Jacel's comment as he eyed Navarre approaching the stand "So Senaca is now Se-knackered. Poetic, really, what happens to outsiders who have the balls to stand up to the good sir." The dandy had just enough time to add "Oh don't worry about me, old bean, you know my lips are sealed tighter than a judge's arse" before the wretched Vesurian girl began her speech. By the end of it, Luca had entirely lost his appetite for the festivities.
As the applause rained down, Luca made a desultory clap or two while he muttered an aside to Jacel "Well, that was a waste of my bloody time. So much for the tantalising scent of controversy. Just more emotional pap to keep the dullards entranced. Mind you, old bean, your announcers down at the Bite could learn a thing or two from that little snipe. She really knows how to get her hounds baying for blood." Luca cast his gaze over the crowd, disdaining the hubbub of the dreary gentry to see if there were any opportunities for a little fun.
Where had that delicious doctor wandered off to? Oh, had the young Vyaduka bailed her up? The boy looked damn stiff, all in all, until his sister dragged him away. Perhaps there might be an opportunity yet... No, wait. "Well, dash it all, Jacel. It looks like Smithson made it after all. So much for seeing if I could get an impromptu medical check-up, as it were. How disappointing." Luca idly followed the path of Metarie and Camulous, until he saw dear cousin Lorenna "Oh, maybe this has not been in vain after all! I can see my cousin Lorenna! Oh and like a good little puppy she's leading the beauty over to the beast. Jacel, my dear fellow, I'm about to go be an arsehole and crash the Vesurian bitch's party. I hope you don't mind, but this is too good an opportunity to miss." Luca flashed a wicked grin at Jacel as he rose to his feet.
And so as Lorenna took her seat, having led Metarie and Camulous over and preparing to be silent for the rest of the night as ordered, Luca jaunted over to visit his cousin. The dandy, without so much as a by-your-leave, strolled through the crowd and dropped to one knee next to Lorenna and gave her a quick peck on the cheek "My dear Cuz, you have put on the most fantastic party. Goodness knows what Isyrion would do without you." Luca then looked up, as if he hadn't noticed he'd barged into what seemed to be the beginning of an important conversation between significant people. "Oh, I say, good evening Doctor, Captain, and of course our delightful host. I hear the daffodils are lovely this time of year. I just love gardeners, you know, how they are so happy to get their hands all dirty, wot. It must be so hard to get the grime out from underneath the fingernails, though." Luca beamed his favourite blithe upper-class-twit smile at the rest.
As the applause rained down, Luca made a desultory clap or two while he muttered an aside to Jacel "Well, that was a waste of my bloody time. So much for the tantalising scent of controversy. Just more emotional pap to keep the dullards entranced. Mind you, old bean, your announcers down at the Bite could learn a thing or two from that little snipe. She really knows how to get her hounds baying for blood." Luca cast his gaze over the crowd, disdaining the hubbub of the dreary gentry to see if there were any opportunities for a little fun.
Where had that delicious doctor wandered off to? Oh, had the young Vyaduka bailed her up? The boy looked damn stiff, all in all, until his sister dragged him away. Perhaps there might be an opportunity yet... No, wait. "Well, dash it all, Jacel. It looks like Smithson made it after all. So much for seeing if I could get an impromptu medical check-up, as it were. How disappointing." Luca idly followed the path of Metarie and Camulous, until he saw dear cousin Lorenna "Oh, maybe this has not been in vain after all! I can see my cousin Lorenna! Oh and like a good little puppy she's leading the beauty over to the beast. Jacel, my dear fellow, I'm about to go be an arsehole and crash the Vesurian bitch's party. I hope you don't mind, but this is too good an opportunity to miss." Luca flashed a wicked grin at Jacel as he rose to his feet.
And so as Lorenna took her seat, having led Metarie and Camulous over and preparing to be silent for the rest of the night as ordered, Luca jaunted over to visit his cousin. The dandy, without so much as a by-your-leave, strolled through the crowd and dropped to one knee next to Lorenna and gave her a quick peck on the cheek "My dear Cuz, you have put on the most fantastic party. Goodness knows what Isyrion would do without you." Luca then looked up, as if he hadn't noticed he'd barged into what seemed to be the beginning of an important conversation between significant people. "Oh, I say, good evening Doctor, Captain, and of course our delightful host. I hear the daffodils are lovely this time of year. I just love gardeners, you know, how they are so happy to get their hands all dirty, wot. It must be so hard to get the grime out from underneath the fingernails, though." Luca beamed his favourite blithe upper-class-twit smile at the rest.
Re: Marn Restoration Gala - Ascension
Navarre indulged Hermipises as she escorted them toward her table, answering her questions with forced politesse. Like many nobles she'd heard rumors of Guile's disinterest in women, and after meeting his wife she couldn't blame him. Too chatty for her own good, but at least she wasn't nearly as bad as Lorenna. Assuming the rumors were true, she empathized with him over his situation - having to cavort with inferors while hiding one's true self. If she judged him worthy of knowing her little secret, perhaps she'd give him one of her host body candidates as a gift. One less drugged young man in her basement wouldn't make much of a difference.
Reaching the table, she smoothed her dress and resumed her seat, returning her attention to Jevan and his wife. "My deepest apologies for departing so suddenly. I trust you've met Minister Markus? He and his wife Hermipises will be joining us for dinner. Doctor Sehkhara should be joining us shortly, as well."
Glancing up, she saw Sehkhara approaching the table as if on cue. Lorenna had actually managed to follow simple instructions? She could hardly believe it. And it seemed she brought the good Captain Smithson along too. She hadn't expected Sehkhara to bring a guest, but making room for another guest would be simple enough. She remained silent as Metarie greeted everyone at the table, somewhat surprised she didn't address the host first. When Metarie finally spoke to her, her smile faltered at the woman's terseness. Not even a greeting? She seemed far more standoffish than she did at the hospital.
Something was amiss.
"Good evening, Captain Smithson," she said to the unexpected guest, then forced another smile and turned to Metarie. "Indeed, I did. I apologize profusely for not being able to meet with you before my speech, but I had to deal with some unexpected complications. Won't you and the good captain join us for dinner? The waiters should be making their rounds in a moment."
Alexander, sensing the tension, smiled and chimed in: "Please do. It's been ages since I've seen you, Metarie, and I'd love nothing more than to catch up."
Fortunately, neither noticed Ashleigh jokingly mouth "run" to Metarie. Ashleigh had heard good things about Metarie over the years, and he knew she didn't deserve to put up with Navarre for the evening.
Navarre didn't even glance at Luca when he spoke, her eyes glued to Metarie. "Luca Abernathy, always a pleasure. Feel free to join us," she said quickly, not bothering to hide her disinterest. One Abernathy was more than enough, so she wasn't going to waste her time on a second.
Reaching the table, she smoothed her dress and resumed her seat, returning her attention to Jevan and his wife. "My deepest apologies for departing so suddenly. I trust you've met Minister Markus? He and his wife Hermipises will be joining us for dinner. Doctor Sehkhara should be joining us shortly, as well."
Glancing up, she saw Sehkhara approaching the table as if on cue. Lorenna had actually managed to follow simple instructions? She could hardly believe it. And it seemed she brought the good Captain Smithson along too. She hadn't expected Sehkhara to bring a guest, but making room for another guest would be simple enough. She remained silent as Metarie greeted everyone at the table, somewhat surprised she didn't address the host first. When Metarie finally spoke to her, her smile faltered at the woman's terseness. Not even a greeting? She seemed far more standoffish than she did at the hospital.
Something was amiss.
"Good evening, Captain Smithson," she said to the unexpected guest, then forced another smile and turned to Metarie. "Indeed, I did. I apologize profusely for not being able to meet with you before my speech, but I had to deal with some unexpected complications. Won't you and the good captain join us for dinner? The waiters should be making their rounds in a moment."
Alexander, sensing the tension, smiled and chimed in: "Please do. It's been ages since I've seen you, Metarie, and I'd love nothing more than to catch up."
Fortunately, neither noticed Ashleigh jokingly mouth "run" to Metarie. Ashleigh had heard good things about Metarie over the years, and he knew she didn't deserve to put up with Navarre for the evening.
Navarre didn't even glance at Luca when he spoke, her eyes glued to Metarie. "Luca Abernathy, always a pleasure. Feel free to join us," she said quickly, not bothering to hide her disinterest. One Abernathy was more than enough, so she wasn't going to waste her time on a second.
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Talia Idris
- Citizen
- Posts: 404
- Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2013 4:20 am
- Name: Talia Idris
- Race: human
Re: Marn Restoration Gala - Ascension
Even after her embarrassing stumble Talia continued to follow Tius' directions and raised her gaze to look him in the eyes. He was right, it did help. This way she was able to feel the movement of the dance and simply follow his lead instead of trying to mirror his actions and stressing about every step.
"Well as you said, I navigate busy kitchens so I suppose it has helped me learn to be light on my feet." She said with a grin as the dance ended and they stopped near the edge of the dance floor and she took a step back and curtseyed like she had seen the other women do that night.
"Thank you Mr. Morr for the dance." She paused before answering his other question. "I suppose I am simply not used to all this. 'The calm' that is. I am almost always busy, my hands are rarely idle so not doing anything is a bit...unnerving." She confessed, gazing down at her hands.
She noticed some people gradually making their way to various tables although some remained dancing and tittering around the room. She suspected that soon it would be time for more wine and some of that fancy food that Tius had mentioned earlier but she didn't know if she was going to be able to eat anything. Her stomach was still churning although she did to know if it was because of the speech, the wine or how close she was still standing to Tius.
"Well as you said, I navigate busy kitchens so I suppose it has helped me learn to be light on my feet." She said with a grin as the dance ended and they stopped near the edge of the dance floor and she took a step back and curtseyed like she had seen the other women do that night.
"Thank you Mr. Morr for the dance." She paused before answering his other question. "I suppose I am simply not used to all this. 'The calm' that is. I am almost always busy, my hands are rarely idle so not doing anything is a bit...unnerving." She confessed, gazing down at her hands.
She noticed some people gradually making their way to various tables although some remained dancing and tittering around the room. She suspected that soon it would be time for more wine and some of that fancy food that Tius had mentioned earlier but she didn't know if she was going to be able to eat anything. Her stomach was still churning although she did to know if it was because of the speech, the wine or how close she was still standing to Tius.